Unassociated Document
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007
or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ______ to ______
Commission file number: 001-33059 
 
FUEL TECH, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
20-5657551
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation of organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

Fuel Tech, Inc.
512 Kingsland Drive
Batavia, IL 60510-2299
630-845-4500
 
(Address and telephone number of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934)
Large Accelerated Filer o Accelerated Filer x Non-accelerated Filer o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No x

As of October 10, 2007 there were outstanding 22,400,602 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the registrant.
 


FUEL TECH, INC.
Form 10-Q for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007

INDEX

   
Page
     
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006
1
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
2
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
3
     
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
4
     
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
12
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
14
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
14
     
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
15
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
15
Item 3.
Defaults upon Senior Securities
15
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
15
Item 5.
Other Information
15
Item 6.
Exhibits
15
     
16
 



PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements

FUEL TECH, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per-share data)

   
September 30,
2007
 
December 31,
2006
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
(Note B)
 
Assets
         
Current assets:
         
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
33,506
 
$
24,405
 
Short-term investments
   
-
   
8,000
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $150
   
16,330
   
16,724
 
Inventories
   
343
   
203
 
Deferred income taxes
   
4,043
   
4,972
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
1,256
   
1,916
 
Total current assets
   
55,478
   
56,220
 
               
Equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $10,588 and $8,845, respectively
   
4,889
   
4,051
 
Goodwill
   
2,119
   
2,119
 
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $1,289 and $1,205, respectively
   
1,092
   
1,156
 
Deferred income taxes
   
2,261
   
885
 
Other assets
   
2,473
   
1,229
 
Total assets
 
$
68,312
 
$
65,660
 
               
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
             
               
Current liabilities:
             
Short-term debt
 
$
1,330
 
$
-
 
Accounts payable
   
4,921
   
7,632
 
Accrued liabilities
   
4,015
   
9,873
 
Total current liabilities
   
10,266
   
17,505
 
               
Other liabilities
   
1,274
   
500
 
Total liabilities
   
11,540
   
18,005
 
               
Shareholders' equity:
             
Common stock, $.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized, 22,400,602 and 22,086,728 shares issued, respectively
   
223
   
221
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
110,259
   
103,122
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(54,124
)
 
(56,044
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
142
   
79
 
Nil coupon perpetual loan notes
   
272
   
277
 
Total shareholders' equity
   
56,772
   
47,655
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
68,312
 
$
65,660
 
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
1


FUEL TECH, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except share and per-share data)

   
 Three Months Ended
September 30 
 
Nine Months Ended 
September 30 
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
                   
Net sales
 
$
15,246
 
$
20,173
 
$
47,718
 
$
57,053
 
                           
Costs and expenses:
                         
Cost of sales
   
8,018
   
10,042
   
26,058
   
29,210
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
5,656
   
6,106
   
18,125
   
17,569
 
Research and development
   
541
   
617
   
1,652
   
1,467
 
     
14,215
   
16,765
   
45,835
   
48,246
 
                           
Operating income
   
1,031
   
3,408
   
1,883
   
8,807
 
                           
Interest income
   
417
   
268
   
1,253
   
665
 
Other income (expense)
   
50
   
(14
)
 
(21
)
 
(33
)
Income before taxes
   
1,498
   
3,662
   
3,115
   
9,439
 
                           
Income tax expense
   
(571
)
 
(1,602
)
 
(1,114
)
 
(4,071
)
                           
Net income
 
$
927
 
$
2,060
 
$
2,001
 
$
5,368
 
                           
Net income per Common Share:
                         
Basic
 
$
0.04
 
$
0.09
 
$
0.09
 
$
0.25
 
Diluted
 
$
0.04
 
$
0.09
 
$
0.08
 
$
0.22
 
                           
Weighted-average number of Common Shares outstanding:
                         
Basic
   
22,390,000
   
21,721,000
   
22,239,000
   
21,348,000
 
Diluted
   
24,769,000
   
24,123,000
   
24,718,000
   
24,045,000
 
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
2


FUEL TECH, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Operating activities
         
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
 
$
(1,127
)
$
3,426
 
               
Investing activities
             
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments
   
8,000
   
(4,000
)
Purchases of equipment and patents
   
(2,617
)
 
(1,699
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
5,383
   
(5,699
)
               
Financing activities
             
Proceeds from short-term borrowings
   
1,330
   
-
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
870
   
3,058
 
Issuance of deferred shares of stock
   
1,130
   
-
 
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options
   
1,451
   
4,465
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
4,781
   
7,523
 
               
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash
   
64
   
84
 
               
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
9,101
   
5,334
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
24,405
   
10,375
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
33,506
 
$
15,709
 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
3


FUEL TECH, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2007
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except share and per-share data)

Note A:
Nature of Business

Fuel Tech, Inc. (“Fuel Tech”) is a technology company that provides advanced engineering solutions for the optimization of combustion systems in utility and industrial applications. Fuel Tech, Inc., originally incorporated in 1987 under the laws of the Netherlands Antilles as Fuel-Tech N.V., became domesticated in the United States on September 30, 2006, and continues as a Delaware corporation with its corporate headquarters at 512 Kingsland Drive, Batavia, Illinois 60510-2299.

Note B:
Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods covered have been included. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2007.

The balance sheet at December 31, 2006 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.

For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in Fuel Tech, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Effective September 30, 2006, Fuel Tech, Inc. changed its place of incorporation from the Netherlands Antilles to the State of Delaware in a tax-free reorganization. In the reorganization, each outstanding share of Fuel-Tech N.V. Common Stock held by our stockholders was converted into one share of Fuel Tech, Inc. Common Stock. The shares exchanged were all of Fuel Tech, Inc.’s issued and outstanding shares immediately after the reorganization. The number of shares of Fuel Tech, Inc.’s Common Stock outstanding immediately after the reorganization was the same as the number of shares of Fuel-Tech N.V. Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the reorganization. In connection with this reorganization, all option agreements and warrant rights to purchase shares of Fuel-Tech N.V. Common Stock were converted into option agreements and warrant rights to purchase shares of Fuel Tech, Inc. Common Stock.

In addition to the reorganization, Fuel Tech, Inc. adopted a tax-free plan of merger whereby two of Fuel Tech, Inc.’s wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries were merged with and into Fuel Tech, Inc. on December 31, 2006.

4


Note C:
Earnings per Share Data

Basic earnings per share excludes the dilutive effects of stock options and warrants and of the nil coupon non-redeemable convertible unsecured loan notes. Diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of stock options and warrants and of the nil coupon non-redeemable convertible unsecured loan notes. The following table sets forth the weighted-average shares used in calculating the earnings per share for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
   
2007
 
 2006
 
2007
 
 2006
 
Basic weighted-average shares
   
22,390,000
   
21,721,000
   
22,239,000
   
21,348,000
 
Conversion of unsecured loan notes
   
45,000
   
46,000
   
45,000
   
46,000
 
Unexercised options and warrants
   
2,334,000
   
2,356,000
   
2,434,000
   
2,651,000
 
Diluted weighted-average shares
   
24,769,000
   
24,123,000
   
24,718,000
   
24,045,000
 

Note D:
Total Comprehensive Income
 
Total comprehensive income for Fuel Tech is comprised of net income and the impact of foreign currency translation as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
   
2007
 
 2006
 
2007
 
 2006
 
                     
Comprehensive income:
                   
Net income
 
$
927
 
$
2,060
 
$
2,001
 
$
5,368
 
Foreign currency translation
   
48
   
10
   
63
   
84
 
   
$
975
 
$
2,070
 
$
2,064
 
$
5,452
 

5


Note E:
Stock-Based Compensation

Fuel Tech has a stock-based employee compensation plan, referred to as the Fuel Tech, Inc. Incentive Plan (Incentive Plan), under which awards may be granted to participants in the form of Non-Qualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Performance Awards, Bonuses or other forms of share-based or non-share-based awards or combinations thereof. Participants in the Incentive Plan may be Fuel Tech’s directors, officers, employees, consultants or advisors (except consultants or advisors in capital-raising transactions) as the directors determine are key to the success of Fuel Tech’s business. The amount of shares that may be issued or reserved for awards to participants under a 2004 amendment to the Incentive Plan is 12.5% of outstanding shares calculated on a diluted basis. At September 30, 2007, Fuel Tech has 855,000 stock options available for issuance under the Incentive Plan.

Prior to January 1, 2006, Fuel Tech accounted for the stock options granted under the Incentive Plan under the recognition and measurement provisions of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (Opinion 25) and related Interpretations, as permitted by FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation” (Statement 123). No stock-based employee compensation cost was recognized in Fuel Tech’s historical Statements of Income prior to January 1, 2006 as all options granted under the Incentive Plan had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

Effective January 1, 2006, Fuel Tech adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (Statement 123(R)) using the modified-prospective transition method. Under that transition method, compensation cost recognized in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 includes: (a) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of Statement 123, and (b) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of Statement 123(R). Accordingly, results for prior periods have not been restated.

As a result of adopting Statement 123(R) on January 1, 2006, Fuel Tech recorded stock-based compensation expense of $1,015 ($661 after tax) for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. Fuel Tech recorded $287 ($213 after tax) in stock-based compensation expense for the comparable period in 2006.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, Fuel Tech recorded stock-based compensation expense of $3,685 ($2,378 after tax) while for the comparable period in 2006, Fuel Tech recorded $1,353 ($956 after tax) in stock-based compensation expense.

The awards granted under the Incentive Plan have a 10-year life and they vest as follows: 50% after the second anniversary of the award date, 25% after the third anniversary, and the final 25% after the fourth anniversary of the award date. Fuel Tech calculates stock compensation expense based on the grant date fair value of the award and recognizes expense on a straight-line basis over the four-year service period of the award.
 
Prior to January 1, 2006, Fuel Tech used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of employee stock options for the required pro forma disclosure under Statement 123. This model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. With the adoption of Statement 123(R) as of January 1, 2006, Fuel Tech has continued to use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock option grants.
 
The principal variable assumptions utilized in valuing options and the methodology for estimating such model inputs include: (1) risk-free interest rate – an estimate based on the yield of zero-coupon treasury securities with a maturity equal to the expected life of the option; (2) expected volatility -an estimate based on the historical volatility of Fuel Tech’s Common Stock for a period equal to the expected life of the option; and (3) expected life of the option -an estimate based on historical experience including the effect of employee terminations.

Based on the results of the model, the weighted-average fair value of the stock options granted during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007 was $14.20 per share using the following assumptions:

6


   
2007
 
2006
 
Expected dividend yield
   
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
Risk-free interest rate
   
4.49
%
 
4.84
%
Expected volatility
   
57.2
%
 
63.5
%
Expected life of option
   
5.2 years
   
5.3 years
 

Stock option activity for Fuel Tech’s Incentive Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was as follows:

   
Number
of
Options
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining Contractual
Term
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
Outstanding on January 1, 2007
   
2,414,200
 
$
13.02
             
Granted
   
279,500
   
26.15
             
Exercised
   
(179,875
)
 
4.83
       
$
4,209
 
Expired or forfeited
   
(62,000
)
 
19.81
             
Outstanding on September 30, 2007
   
2,451,825
 
$
14.94
   
7.9 years
 
$
36,634
 
                           
Exercisable on September 30, 2007
   
642,825
 
$
7.36
   
5.8 years
 
$
4,729
 
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2007
       
$
14.20
             

The weighted-average exercise price per nonvested stock award at grant date was $26.12 per share for the nonvested stock awards granted in 2007. Nonvested stock award activity for all plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was as follows:

   
Nonvested Stock Outstanding
 
Outstanding on January 1, 2007
   
1,702,750
 
Granted
   
279,500
 
Released
   
(111,250
)
Expired or forfeited
   
(62,000
)
Outstanding on September 30, 2007
   
1,809,000
 

As of September 30, 2007, there was $11.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock-based compensation arrangements granted under the Incentive Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a period of four years.

In addition to the Incentive Plan, Fuel Tech has a Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (Deferred Plan). This Deferred Plan, as originally approved, provided for deferral of directors’ fees in the form of either cash with interest or as “phantom stock” units, in either case, however, to be paid out only as cash and not as stock at the elected time of payout. In the second quarter of 2007, Fuel Tech obtained stockholder approval for an amendment to the Deferred Plan to provide that instead of phantom stock units paid out only in cash, the deferred stock unit compensation may be paid out in shares of Fuel Tech Common Stock. Under the guidance of Statement 123(R), this plan modification required that Fuel Tech account for awards under the plan for the receipt of Fuel Tech Common Stock, as equity awards as opposed to liability awards. In the third quarter of 2007, Fuel Tech recorded a credit of $20 to additional paid-in capital representing the fair value of the stock awards granted. The stock-based compensation related to the granted awards was not material.

7


Note F:
Debt

Fuel Tech has a $25.0 million revolving credit facility expiring July 31, 2009. The facility is unsecured and bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 75 basis points. Fuel Tech can use this facility for cash advances and standby letters of credit. As of September 30, 2007, there were no outstanding borrowings on this facility.

Beijing Fuel Tech Environmental Technologies Company, Ltd (Beijing Fuel Tech), a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary of Fuel Tech, entered into a revolving credit facility agreement during the third quarter for RMB 35 million (approximately $4.7 million USD) which expires on July 31, 2009. The facility is unsecured and bears interest at a rate of 90% of the Peoples Bank of China (PBOC) Base Rate. Beijing Fuel Tech can use this facility for cash advances and bank guarantees. As of September 30, 2007, Beijing Fuel Tech has borrowings outstanding in the amount $1,330.

Note G:
Business Segment and Geographic Disclosures

Fuel Tech segregates its financial results into two reportable segments representing two broad technology segments as follows:

- The NOx reduction technology segment, which includes the NOxOUT®, NOxOUT CASCADE®, NOxOUT ULTRA® and NOxOUT-SCR® processes for the reduction of NOx emissions in flue gas from boilers, incinerators, furnaces and other stationary combustion sources, and

- The fuel treatment chemical technology segment, which uses chemical processes for the control of slagging, fouling, and corrosion and for plume abatement in furnaces and boilers through the addition of chemicals into the fuel using TIFI™ Targeted In-Furnace Injection™ technology.

The “Other” classification includes those profit and loss items not allocated by Fuel Tech to each reportable segment. Further, there are no intersegment sales that require elimination.
 
Fuel Tech evaluates performance and allocates resources based on reviewing gross margin by reportable segment. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Fuel Tech does not review assets by reportable segment, but rather, in aggregate for Fuel Tech as a whole.
 
8

 
Reporting segment net sales and gross margin are provided below.
 
Three months ended
September 30, 2007
 
Nitrogen Oxide 
Reduction
 
Fuel Treatment 
Chemical
 
Other
 
Total
 
Net sales from external customers
 
$
6,868
 
$
8,378
 
$
-
 
$
15,246
 
Cost of sales
   
3,906
   
4,105
   
7
   
8,018
 
Gross margin
   
2,962
   
4,273
   
(7
)
 
7,228
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
-
   
-
   
5,656
   
5,656
 
Research and development
   
-
   
-
   
541
   
541
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
2,962
 
$
4,273
 
$
(6,204
)
$
1,031
 

Three months ended
September 30, 2006
 
Nitrogen Oxide 
Reduction
 
Fuel Treatment 
Chemical
 
Other
 
Total
 
Net sales from external customers
 
$
11,197
 
$
8,976
 
$
-
 
$
20,173
 
Cost of sales
   
6,270
   
3,730
   
42
   
10,042
 
Gross margin
   
4,927
   
5,246
   
(42
)
 
10,131
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
-
   
-
   
6,106
   
6,106
 
Research and development
   
-
   
-
   
617
   
617
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
4,927
 
$
5,246
 
$
(6,765
)
$
3,408
 

Nine months ended
September 30, 2007
 
Nitrogen Oxide 
Reduction
 
Fuel Treatment
 Chemical
 
Other
 
Total
 
Net sales from external customers
 
$
23,125
 
$
24,593
 
$
-
 
$
47,718
 
Cost of sales
   
13,678
   
12,304
   
76
   
26,058
 
Gross margin
   
9,447
   
12,289
   
(76
)
 
21,660
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
-
   
-
   
18,125
   
18,125
 
Research and development
   
-
   
-
   
1,652
   
1,652
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
9,447
 
$
12,289
 
$
(19,853
)
$
1,883
 

Nine months ended
September 30, 2006
 
Nitrogen Oxide 
Reduction
 
Fuel Treatment
 Chemical
 
Other
 
Total
 
Net sales from external customers
 
$
36,717
 
$
20,336
 
$
-
 
$
57,053
 
Cost of sales
   
20,418
   
8,658
   
134
   
29,210
 
Gross margin
   
16,299
   
11,678
   
(134
)
 
27,843
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
-
   
-
   
17,569
   
17,569
 
Research and development
   
-
   
-
   
1,467
   
1,467
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
16,299
 
$
11,678
 
$
(19,170
)
$
8,807
 

Information concerning Fuel Tech’s operations by geographic area is provided below. Revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of the customer. Assets are those directly associated with operations of the geographic area.

   
Three months ended September 30
 
Nine months ended September 30
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
Net sales:
                 
United States
 
$
11,907
 
$
15,396
 
$
37,498
 
$
41,595
 
Foreign
   
3,339
   
4,777
   
10,220
   
15,458
 
   
$
15,246
 
$
20,173
 
$
47,718
 
$
57,053
 
                           
 
   
September 30,
2007 
   
December 31,
2006
             
Assets:
                         
United States
 
$
61,474
 
$
62,190
             
Foreign
   
6,838
   
3,470
             
   
$
68,312
 
$
65,660
             
 
9


Note H:
Contingencies
 
Fuel Tech issues a standard product warranty with the sale of its products to customers. Fuel Tech’s recognition of warranty liability is based, generally, on analyses of warranty claims experience in the preceding years. Changes in the warranty liability in 2007 are summarized below:
 
(in thousands)
 
2007
 
Aggregate product warranty liability at beginning of year
 
$
472
 
Aggregate accruals related to product warranties
   
120
 
Aggregate reductions for payments
   
(90
)
Aggregate product warranty liability at September 30, 2007
 
$
502
 
 
10


Note I:
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” (FIN 48). FIN 48 prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that it has taken or expects to take on a tax return. On January 17, 2007, the FASB affirmed its previous decision to make FIN 48 effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Accordingly, Fuel Tech adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007.

Previously, Fuel Tech had accounted for tax contingencies in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 5, Accounting for Contingencies. As required by FIN 48, which clarifies Statement 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, Fuel Tech recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 % likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. At the adoption date, Fuel Tech applied FIN 48 to all tax positions for which the statute of limitations remained open. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, Fuel Tech recognized an increase of approximately $86,000 in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, of which $81,000 was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings.

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1, 2007 was $783,000. This amount includes $741,000 of unrecognized tax benefits which, if ultimately recognized, will reduce Fuel Tech’s annual effective tax rate. There have been no material changes in unrecognized tax benefits since January 1, 2007.

Fuel Tech is subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply. With few exceptions, Fuel Tech is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years before 2003.
 
Fuel Tech recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense for all periods presented. Fuel Tech had accrued approximately $39,000 for the payment of interest and penalties at January 1, 2007. Subsequent changes to accrued interest and penalties have not been significant.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Financial Accounting Standard No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (FAS No. 157). FAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, and accordingly, does not require any new fair value measurements. FAS No. 157 is effective for Fuel Tech beginning January 1, 2008. Fuel Tech is currently reviewing the provisions of FAS No. 157, but does not expect the provisions to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued Financial Accounting Standard No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (FAS No. 159). FAS No. 159 provides the option to report certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value, with the intent to mitigate volatility in financial reporting that can occur when related assets and liabilities are recorded on different bases. This statement is effective for Fuel Tech beginning January 1, 2008. Fuel Tech does not expect FAS No. 159 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FIN 48-1 (FSP FIN 48-1), which amends FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” FSP FIN 48-1 provides guidance on how an enterprise should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits. Fuel Tech is currently reviewing the provisions of FSP FIN 48-1 and has not reached a conclusion as to whether the provisions of this FSP will have a material impact on Fuel Tech’s financial statements.

11


FUEL TECH, INC.

Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Results of Operations

Net sales for the third quarter ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $15,246,000 and $20,173,000, respectively, while net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $47,718,000 and $57,053,000, respectively. The 16% nine- month decline versus the prior year is due to a $13,592,000 reduction in revenues derived from the nitrogen oxide (NOx) reduction technology segment, which was partially offset by a $4,257,000 increase in revenues derived from the fuel treatment chemical technology segment.

The NOx reduction technology segment generated revenues of $23,125,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, a reduction of $13,592,000 from the prior year due to timing on the receipt of new NOx reduction orders domestically and to the winding down of two NOx reduction projects in the People’s Republic of China, which were signed in 2005 and contributed significantly to revenues in 2006. While revenues are down from the prior year for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2007, this segment is positioned well to capitalize on the next phase of increasingly stringent U.S. air quality standards. With the compliance for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) State Implementation Plan (SIP) Call regulation beginning to wind down, utilities and industrial facilities across the country are planning for compliance with the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) and the Clean Air Visibility Rule (CAVR), which take effect in 2009 and 2013, respectively. Thousands of utility and industrial boilers will be impacted by these regulations and Fuel Tech’s technologies will serve as an important element in enabling utility and industrial boiler unit owners to attain compliance. Since July 1, 2007, Fuel Tech has announced new domestic contracts valued at $40 million.

The fuel treatment chemical technology segment generated revenues of $24,593,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, an increase of $4,257,000, or 21%, over the prior year. This segment’s growth during the first nine months of 2007 is indicative of the continued market acceptance of Fuel Tech’s patented TIFI™ Targeted In-Furnace Injection™ technology, particularly on coal-fired units, which represent the largest market opportunity for the technology, both domestically and abroad. Thus far in 2007, Fuel Tech has added nine new coal-fired units to its customer base.

The fuel treatment chemical technology segment revolves around the unique application of specialty chemicals to improve the efficiency, reliability and environmental status of plants operating in the electric utility, industrial, pulp and paper, and waste-to-energy markets. FUEL CHEM programs are currently in place on over 85 combustion units, treating a wide variety of solid and liquid fuels, including coal, heavy oil, biomass and municipal waste.

Central to the FUEL CHEM approach is the introduction of chemical reagents, such as magnesium hydroxide, to combustion units via in-body fuel application (pre-combustion) or via direct injection (post-combustion) utilizing Fuel Tech’s proprietary TIFI technology. By attacking performance-hindering problems, such as slagging, fouling, corrosion, opacity, acid plume and loss on ignition (LOI), as well as the formation of sulfur trioxide (SO3), ammonium bisulfate (ABS), particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon dioxide (CO2) and NOx, Fuel Tech’s programs offer numerous operational, financial and environmental benefits to owners of boilers, furnaces and other combustion units.

A principal market for this product line is the electric utility industry, in particular, power plants that burn coal with any variety of slag-forming constituents such as sodium and iron. Sodium is typically found in the Powder River Basin coals of Wyoming and Montana, while iron is typically found in coals produced in the Illinois Basin (IB) region. In addition, higher sulfur content is typical of IB coals and certain Appalachian coals and these can give rise to unacceptable levels of SO3 formation in plants with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems and flue gas desulfurization units (scrubbers).

The combination of slagging coals and SO3-related issues, such as “blue plume” formation, air pre-heater fouling and corrosion, SCR fouling and the proclivity to suppress certain mercury removal processes, represents attractive market potential for Fuel Tech. In addition, the documented efficiency gains, and thus CO2 reductions, from our FUEL CHEM programs on client power plants, are likely to expand our market potential domestically and internationally as CO2 emission constraints are implemented.

Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales for Fuel Tech for the third quarter ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was 53% and 50%, respectively. The cost of sales percentage for the third quarter for the NOx reduction business increased slightly to 57% from 56% in the comparable prior-year period, resulting from the mix of project business. For the fuel treatment chemical business, the cost of sales percentage increased to 49% in the third quarter of 2007 from 42% in 2006. The increase is due to startup costs related to the incremental units noted above, without the realization of related revenues as only two of the nine new units contributed significant revenues during the first nine months of the year.

12


Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales for Fuel Tech for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was 55% and 51%, respectively. The cost of sales percentage for the NOx reduction business increased to 59% from 56% in the comparable prior-year period, again resulting from the mix of project business. For the fuel treatment chemical business, the cost of sales percentage increased to 50% for this period from 43% in 2006. The increase is due to the startup costs noted previously and to employee-related expenditures made in anticipation of the growth of the fuel treatment chemical business.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (S,G&A) for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $5,656,000 and $6,106,000, respectively, while these expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $18,125,000 and $17,569,000, respectively. The $556,000 increase in S,G&A for the nine months was in part due to the recording of $3,685,000 in stock compensation expense in accordance with Statement 123(R), as discussed in Note E above, which was an increase of $2,332,000 over the prior year. This increase in stock compensation expense is attributable to the awarding of stock options to all Fuel Tech employees in December 2006 and to an increase in the fair value of the options granted, which is being driven by an increase in the price of Fuel Tech’s Common Stock. Partially offsetting the increase in stock compensation expense is a favorable variance of $1,776,000, which is predominantly attributable to timing on revenue-related expenses.

Research and development expenses for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $541,000 and $617,000, respectively, while these expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $1,652,000 and $1,467,000, respectively. Fuel Tech has established a more focused approach in the pursuit of commercial applications for its technologies outside of its traditional markets, and in the development and analysis of new technologies that could represent incremental market opportunities.

The $588,000 increase in interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is driven by higher average cash and short-term investment balances versus those experienced in the prior year. 

For the quarter ended ended September 30, 2007, Fuel Tech recorded tax expense of $571,000. This amount predominantly represents deferred tax expense related to taxable income recognized in the third quarter of 2007. For the three months ended September 30, 2006, Fuel Tech recorded tax expense of $1,602,000.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, Fuel Tech recorded tax expense of $1,114,000. This amount predominantly represents deferred tax expense related to taxable income recognized in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, Fuel Tech recorded tax expense of $4,071,000.

Liquidity and Sources of Capital

At September 30, 2007, Fuel Tech had cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $33,506,000 and working capital of $45,212,000 versus $32,405,000 and $38,715,000 at the end of 2006, respectively. Operating activities used $1,127,000 of cash during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007, primarily due to the change in working capital from year end. Investing activities generated cash of $5,383,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as the decrease in short-term investments provided cash of $8,000,000. This amount was offset by $2,617,000 in capital expenditures required to support and enhance the operations of the business, principally for equipment related to the fuel treatment chemical technology segment. Fuel Tech generated cash related to the exercise of stock options in the amount of $2,321,000. Of this amount, $870,000 represents proceeds derived from the exercise price of options exercised in the first nine months of 2007, while $1,451,000 represents the excess tax benefits realized from the exercise of stock options in the first nine months of 2007. Fuel Tech generated cash in an amount of $1,130,000 resulting from the issuance of directors’ deferred shares of stock. Finally, Beijing Fuel Tech borrowed $1,330,000 in funds to meet the short-term working capital needs of this new legal entity.

Contingencies and Contractual Obligations
 
Fuel Tech issues a standard product warranty with the sale of its products to customers as discussed in Note H. The change in the warranty liability balance for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is not material.

13


Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this Form 10-Q that are not historical facts, so-called “forward-looking statements,” are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in Fuel Tech’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. See “Risk Factors of the Business” in Item 1A, and also Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Fuel Tech’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Foreign Currency Risk Management

Fuel Tech’s earnings and cash flow are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Fuel Tech does not enter into foreign currency forward contracts or into foreign currency option contracts to manage this risk due to the immaterial nature of the transactions involved.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

Fuel Tech maintains disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Fuel Tech’s filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. Fuel Tech’s management, with the participation of its principal executive and financial officers, has evaluated the effectiveness of Fuel Tech’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Fuel Tech’s principal executive and financial officers have concluded, based on such evaluation, that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of such period.

There was no change in Fuel Tech’s internal control over financial reporting that was identified in connection with such evaluation that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Fuel Tech’s internal control over financial reporting.

14


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

None

Item 1A.
Risk Factors

None

Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
None

Item 3.
Defaults upon Senior Securities
 
None
 
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None

Item 5.
Other Information

None

Item 6.
Exhibits

a.
Exhibits
Exhibit 31.1 and 31.2 are filed herewith
Exhibit 32 is furnished herewith

15


FUEL TECH, INC.
Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: November 6, 2007
By:
/s/ John F. Norris Jr.
   
John F. Norris Jr.
   
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: November 6, 2007
By:
/s/ Vincent J. Arnone
   
Vincent J. Arnone Chief Financial Officer,
   
Sr. Vice President and Treasurer

16