Perma-Fix’s third quarter results were well received by the market, with management attributing the positive outcome to strong revenue growth in the Treatment segment and operational improvements across facilities. CEO Mark Duff highlighted that higher waste volumes and a shift to more favorable project mix contributed to gross margin expansion, supported by automation and plant optimization initiatives. The company also benefited from increased throughput at its plants, as well as steady international waste shipments, which together helped more than double gross profit compared to the prior year. Duff noted, “These results demonstrate consistent progress in margin expansion, backlog growth and positioning Perma-Fix for long-term sustainable growth.”

Is now the time to buy PESI? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.

Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From Perma-Fix’s Q3 Earnings Call

• Howard Brous (Wellington Shields) asked how the government shutdown would impact operations. CEO Mark Duff explained the impact was minimal for waste treatment but noted some project delays in Services, expecting pent-up demand to be released once normal funding resumes.
• Howard Brous (Wellington Shields) questioned the anticipated volume and timing of Hanford waste shipments. Duff projected initial shipments by late December or January, with revenue from Hanford expected to ramp through early 2026.
• Aaron Spychalla (Craig-Hallum) requested details on Treatment segment backlog and margin confidence. Duff attributed backlog strength to international shipments and DOE contracts, expressing confidence that momentum would continue at least through the summer.
• Aaron Warwick (Breakout Investors) asked about the timeline and revenue impact of the West Valley project. Duff clarified that while revenue expectations remain the same, project ramp-up has been delayed, with significant activity anticipated in 2027.
• Unknown Analyst (Sofie LLC) inquired about capacity for Hanford’s DFLAW output and secondary waste. Duff confirmed Perma-Fix has sufficient capacity and can scale operations if needed, pending regulatory permits.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In future quarters, the StockStory team will be watching (1) the pace and scale of Hanford DFLAW waste shipments and Perma-Fix’s throughput ramp, (2) successful commissioning and customer adoption of the second-generation PFAS destruction unit, and (3) the timing and size of new government project awards, particularly in the Services segment. Execution on mobile PFAS solutions and international waste contracts will also serve as important markers for sustained growth.

Perma-Fix currently trades at $12.52, down from $12.87 just before the earnings. Is there an opportunity in the stock?Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

The Best Stocks for High-Quality Investors

The market’s up big this year - but there’s a catch. Just 4 stocks account for half the S&P 500’s entire gain. That kind of concentration makes investors nervous, and for good reason. While everyone piles into the same crowded names, smart investors are hunting quality where no one’s looking - and paying a fraction of the price. Check out the high-quality names we’ve flagged in our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 244% over the last five years (as of June 30, 2025).

Stocks that have made our list include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.