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FTC Solar Announces First Quarter 2023 Financial Results

First Quarter Highlights and Recent Developments

  • Revenue growth of 56% quarter over quarter (q/q)
  • Gross margin of 5.0%, or 7.3% Non-GAAP, up >10 points q/q & 57 points over last 2 quarters
  • New Pioneer 1P tracker shipping ahead of schedule, with first orders in U.S. and Australia
  • Project backlog reaches $1.4B, with $235 million added
  • Solar module constraints appear to be easing, which is an encouraging sign for 2H'23 into 2024

AUSTIN, Texas, May 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FTC Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FTCI), a leading provider of solar tracker systems, software and engineering services, today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023. “Results for the first quarter came in at the high-end of our target ranges on all metrics,” said Sean Hunkler, FTC Solar President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our strategy is working, the multiple initiatives we’ve executed on over the past year are improving our operating performance. For example, our improved cost structure has enabled us to post our first positive gross margin since our IPO, one that is 14-points higher today than it was in the fourth quarter of 2021 when we had two and a half times the revenue, and one that is 57 points higher than just two quarters ago.

“In addition to improving our cost and margin profile by eliminating more than a fifth of the steel from our products and launching a higher-margin Distributed Generation (DG) business, we have taken several other steps to improve our overall competitive positioning. We expanded our product offering and available market opportunity by adding a thin-film solution to our 2P Voyager tracker and introducing a new and differentiated 1P tracker called Pioneer, for which we just won our first project awards in the U.S. and Australia. And we strengthened our geographic positioning – in the U.S. by announcing a joint venture with a leading manufacturer to support customers with domestic content, and internationally by growing project awards outside the U.S., which to date now stands at 10 countries, which further diversifies our revenue base.

“Our enhanced portfolio and positioning, along with our signature strong service, allows us to engage with customers as a truly differentiated and technology-agnostic partner to optimize each individual customer project site, wherever it may be. Customers have taken notice and our overall pipeline1 has reached a new record high at 134 gigawatts and our backlog2 has grown to $1.4 billion, with another $235 million added since March 1.

“On the market front, while our U.S. customers’ ability to obtain solar modules has been a headwind for the past year, the constraints seem to be easing to some degree. We’re seeing increasingly more project opportunities appear in our funnel that have visibility to solar modules. This is a great sign as we look ahead with customers to the back half of 2023 and into 2024.”

Summary Financial Performance: Q1 2023 compared to Q1 2022

  U.S. GAAP  Non-GAAP 
  Three months ended March 31, 
(in thousands, except per share data) 2023  2022  2023  2022 
Revenue $40,894  $49,553  $40,894  $49,553 
Gross margin percentage  5.0%  (18.7%)  7.3%  (17.8%)
Total operating expenses $14,432  $18,491  $10,053  $11,177 
Loss from operations(a) $(12,397) $(27,778) $(7,152) $(19,965)
Net loss $(11,762) $(27,793) $(7,358) $(20,284)
Diluted loss per share $(0.11) $(0.28) $(0.07) $(0.20)
(a) Adjusted EBITDA for Non-GAAP            


Total first quarter revenue was $40.9 million, slightly above our prior guidance range. This revenue level represents an increase of 56.0% compared to the prior quarter, continuing the momentum off the third-quarter 2022 lows as product volume increases. Compared to the year-earlier quarter, revenue decreased 17.5%, driven primarily by lower logistics volume, partially offset by higher product ASP.

GAAP gross profit was $2.0 million, or 5.0% of revenue, compared to a loss of $1.9 million, or 7.3% of revenue in the prior quarter. Non-GAAP gross profit was $3.0 million or 7.3% of revenue. The result for this quarter compares to a non-GAAP gross loss of $8.8 million in the prior-year period, with the difference driven primarily by significantly improved product and logistics direct margins, partially offset by lower volumes.

GAAP operating expenses were $14.4 million. On a non-GAAP basis, excluding stock-based compensation and certain other expenses, operating expenses were $10.1 million, compared to $11.2 million in the year-ago quarter. The year-over-year decrease was driven primarily by lower personnel-related costs and spending on professional services.

GAAP net loss was $11.8 million or $0.11 per share, compared to a loss of $20.5 million or $0.20 per share in the prior quarter and compared to a net loss of $27.8 million or $0.28 per share in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted EBITDA loss, which excludes approximately $4.6 million, including stock-based compensation expense, certain consulting and legal fees, severance and other non-cash items, was $7.2 million. This result compares to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $11.0 million in the prior quarter and $20.0 million in the year-ago quarter.

Outlook
For the second quarter of 2023, we are targeting continued sequential growth in revenue. Importantly, we expect continued improvement in gross margin as our product cost-reduction initiatives continue to positively impact the income statement.

(in millions) 1Q'23 Guidance 1Q'23 Actual 2Q'23 Guidance
Revenue $36 - $40 $40.9 $42.5 - $52.5
Non-GAAP Gross Profit $0.7 - $3.2 $3.0 $4.0 - $6.5
Non-GAAP Gross Margin 2% - 8% 7.3% 9% - 12%
Non-GAAP operating expenses $10 - $11 $10.1 $10 - $11
Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA $(10.3) - $(6.8) $(7.2) $(7.0) - $(3.5)


Looking beyond the second quarter, the increase in project opportunities we are seeing today with visibility to modules gives us increasing confidence in the potential for a strong revenue ramp in the second half of the year and into 2024.

First quarter 2023 Earnings Conference Call
FTC Solar’s senior management will host a conference call for members of the investment community at 8:30 a.m. E.T. today, during which the company will discuss its  first quarter results, its outlook and other business items. This call will be webcast and can be accessed within the Investor Relations section of FTC Solar's website at investor.ftcsolar.com. A replay of the conference call will also be available on the website for 30 days following the webcast.

About FTC Solar Inc.
Founded in 2017 by a group of renewable energy industry veterans, FTC Solar is a leading provider of solar tracker systems, technology, software, and engineering services. Solar trackers significantly increase energy production at solar power installations by dynamically optimizing solar panel orientation to the sun. FTC Solar’s innovative tracker designs provide compelling performance and reliability, with an industry-leading installation cost-per-watt advantage.

Footnotes
1. The term ‘pipeline’ refers to the total amount of uncontracted projects in the solar energy market to which the company has visibility as a potential sale opportunity for its trackers. The size of our pipeline does not guarantee future sales results or revenues, which will depend on our ability to convert pipeline opportunities to binding sales orders.

2. The term ‘backlog’ refers to the combination of our executed contracts and awarded orders, which are orders that have been documented and signed through a contract, where we are in the process of documenting a contract but for which a contract has not yet been signed, or that have been awarded in writing or verbally with a mutual understanding that the order will be contracted in the future. In the case of certain projects, including those that are scheduled for delivery on later dates, we have not locked in binding pricing with customers, and we instead use estimated average selling price to calculate the revenue included in our contracted and awarded orders for such projects. Actual revenue for these projects could differ once contracts with binding pricing are executed, and there is also a risk that a contract may never be executed for an awarded but uncontracted project, or that a contract may be executed for an awarded but uncontracted project at a date that is later than anticipated, thus reducing anticipated revenues. Please refer to our SEC filings, including our Form 10-K, for more information on our contracted and awarded orders, including risk factors.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on our current expectations and projections regarding our business, operations and other factors relating thereto. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and as such are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. You should not rely on our forward-looking statements as predictions of future events, as actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements because of several factors, including those described in more detail above and in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the section entitled “Risk Factors” contained therein. FTC Solar undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations, except as required by law.

FTC Solar Investor Contact:
Bill Michalek
Vice President, Investor Relations
FTC Solar
T: (737) 241-8618
E: IR@FTCSolar.com


FTC Solar, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
(unaudited)
 
  
  Three months ended March 31, 
(in thousands, except shares and per share data) 2023  2022 
Revenue:      
Product $32,579  $30,968 
Service  8,315   18,585 
Total revenue  40,894   49,553 
Cost of revenue:      
Product  31,767   34,963 
Service  7,092   23,877 
Total cost of revenue  38,859   58,840 
Gross profit (loss)  2,035   (9,287)
Operating expenses      
Research and development  1,922   2,701 
Selling and marketing  1,711   1,972 
General and administrative  10,799   13,818 
Total operating expenses  14,432   18,491 
Loss from operations  (12,397)  (27,778)
Interest expense, net  (58)  (295)
Gain from disposal of investment in unconsolidated subsidiary  898   337 
Other income (expense), net  (74)  19 
Loss before income taxes  (11,631)  (27,717)
Provision for income taxes  (131)  (76)
Net loss  (11,762)  (27,793)
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Foreign currency translation adjustments  (5)  57 
Comprehensive loss $(11,767) $(27,736)
Net loss per share:      
Basic $(0.11) $(0.28)
Diluted $(0.11) $(0.28)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:      
Basic  106,791,198   99,211,792 
Diluted  106,791,198   99,211,792 



FTC Solar, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
 
(in thousands, except shares and per share data) March 31, 2023  December 31, 2022 
ASSETS      
Current assets      
Cash and cash equivalents $41,493  $44,385 
Accounts receivable, net  61,306   49,052 
Inventories  8,610   14,949 
Prepaid and other current assets  9,487   10,304 
Total current assets  120,896   118,690 
Operating lease right-of-use assets  2,401   1,154 
Property and equipment, net  1,557   1,702 
Intangible assets, net  977   1,113 
Goodwill  7,562   7,538 
Equity method investment  900    
Other assets  4,744   4,201 
Total assets $139,037  $134,398 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY      
Current liabilities      
Accounts payable $23,704  $15,801 
Accrued expenses  20,523   23,896 
Income taxes payable  565   443 
Deferred revenue  8,639   11,316 
Other current liabilities  9,612   8,884 
Total current liabilities  63,043   60,340 
Operating lease liability, net of current portion  1,681   786 
Other non-current liabilities  6,072   6,822 
Total liabilities  70,796   67,948 
Commitments and contingencies      
Stockholders’ equity      
Preferred stock par value of $0.0001 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022      
Common stock par value of $0.0001 per share, 850,000,000 shares authorized; 110,277,096 and 105,032,588 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022  11   11 
Treasury stock, at cost; 10,762,566 shares as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022      
Additional paid-in capital  328,903   315,345 
Accumulated other comprehensive income loss  (66)  (61)
Accumulated deficit  (260,607)  (248,845)
Total stockholders’ equity  68,241   66,450 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $139,037  $134,398 


FTC Solar, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
 
  Three months ended March 31, 
(in thousands) 2023  2022 
Cash flows from operating activities      
Net loss $(11,762) $(27,793)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities:      
Stock-based compensation  4,890   4,610 
Depreciation and amortization  334   121 
Amortization of debt issue costs  177   173 
Provision for obsolete and slow-moving inventory  1,261    
Gain from disposal of investment in unconsolidated subsidiary  (898)  (337)
Warranty provision  1,543   516 
Warranty recoverable from manufacturer  (54)  (205)
Bad debt credit     (30)
Deferred income taxes  216    
Lease expense and other  229   198 
Impact on cash from changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable, net  (11,412)  (24,652)
Inventories  5,078   (58)
Prepaid and other current assets  817   3,440 
Other assets  (882)  (40)
Accounts payable  7,882   7,258 
Accruals and other current liabilities  (616)  (17,044)
Deferred revenue  (2,677)  1,679 
Other non-current liabilities  (2,212)  (752)
Lease payments and other, net  (230)  (190)
Net cash used in operating activities  (8,316)  (53,106)
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Purchases of property and equipment  (28)  (523)
Investment in Alpha Steel  (900)   
Proceeds from disposal of investment in unconsolidated subsidiary  898   337 
Net cash used in investing activities  (30)  (186)
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Sale of common stock  5,450    
Stock offering costs paid  (32)   
Proceeds from stock option exercises  51   428 
Net cash provided by financing activities  5,469   428 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  (15)  62 
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  (2,892)  (52,802)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period  44,385   102,185 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $41,493  $49,383 


Notes to Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Nearest Comparable GAAP Measures

We present Non-GAAP gross profit (loss), Non-GAAP operating expense, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted EPS as supplemental measures of our performance. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net loss plus (i) provision (benefit) for income taxes, (ii) interest expense, net (iii) depreciation expense, (iv) amortization of intangibles, (v) stock-based compensation, and (vi) non-routine legal fees, certain severance and other costs (credits). We also deduct the contingent gains from the disposal of our investment in unconsolidated subsidiary from net loss in arriving at Adjusted EBITDA. We define Adjusted Net Loss as net loss plus (i) amortization of debt issue costs and intangibles, (ii) stock-based compensation, (iii) non-routine legal fees, severance and certain other costs (credits), and (iv) the income tax expense (benefit) of those adjustments, if any. We also deduct the contingent gains from the disposal of our investment in unconsolidated subsidiary from net loss in arriving at Adjusted Net Loss. Adjusted EPS is defined as Adjusted Net Loss on a per share basis using our weighted average diluted shares outstanding.

Non-GAAP gross profit (loss), Non-GAAP operating expense, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted EPS are intended as supplemental measures of performance that are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). We present these non-GAAP measures, many of which are commonly used by investors and analysts, because we believe they assist those investors and analysts in comparing our performance across reporting periods on an ongoing basis by excluding items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance. In addition, we use Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted EPS to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies.

Non-GAAP gross profit (loss), Non-GAAP operating expense, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted EPS should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, and you should not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business. These Non-GAAP financial measures, when presented, are reconciled to the most closely applicable GAAP measure as disclosed below.

The following table reconciles Non-GAAP gross profit (loss) to the most closely related GAAP measure for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively:

  Three months ended March 31, 
(in thousands, except percentages) 2023  2022 
U.S. GAAP revenue $40,894  $49,553 
U.S. GAAP gross profit (loss) $2,035  $(9,287)
Depreciation expense  124   69 
Stock-based compensation  816   309 
Other costs     102 
Non-GAAP gross profit (loss) $2,975  $(8,807)
Non-GAAP gross margin percentage  7.3%  (17.8%)


The following table reconciles Non-GAAP operating expenses to the most closely related GAAP measure for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively:

  Three months ended March 31, 
(in thousands) 2023  2022 
U.S. GAAP operating expenses $14,432  $18,491 
Depreciation expense  (70)  (52)
Amortization expense  (140)   
Stock-based compensation  (4,074)  (4,301)
Non-routine legal fees  (108)  (1,078)
Severance  13   (615)
Other (costs) credits     (1,268)
Non-GAAP operating expenses $10,053  $11,177 


The following table reconciles Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA to the related GAAP measure of loss from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively:

  Three months ended March 31, 
(in thousands) 2023  2022 
U.S. GAAP loss from operations $(12,397) $(27,778)
Depreciation expense  194   121 
Amortization expense  140    
Stock-based compensation  4,890   4,610 
Non-routine legal fees  108   1,078 
Severance  (13)  615 
Other costs     1,370 
Other income (expense)  (74)  19 
Adjusted EBITDA $(7,152) $(19,965)


The following table reconciles Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net loss and Adjusted EPS to the related GAAP measure of net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively:

  Three months ended March 31, 
  2023  2022 
(in thousands, except shares and per share data) Adjusted EBITDA  Adjusted Net Loss  Adjusted EBITDA  Adjusted Net Loss 
Net loss per U.S. GAAP $(11,762) $(11,762) $(27,793) $(27,793)
Reconciling items -            
Provision for income taxes  131      76    
Interest expense, net  58      295    
Amortization of debt issue costs in interest expense     177      173 
Depreciation expense  194      121    
Amortization of intangibles  140   140       
Stock-based compensation  4,890   4,890   4,610   4,610 
Gain from disposal of investment in unconsolidated subsidiary(a)  (898)  (898)  (337)  (337)
Non-routine legal fees(b)  108   108   1,078   1,078 
Severance(c)  (13)  (13)  615   615 
Other costs(d)        1,370   1,370 
Adjusted Non-GAAP amounts $(7,152) $(7,358) $(19,965) $(20,284)
             
Adjusted Non-GAAP net loss per share (Adjusted EPS):            
Basic N/A  $(0.07) N/A  $(0.20)
Diluted N/A  $(0.07) N/A  $(0.20)
             
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:            
Basic N/A   106,791,198  N/A   99,211,792 
Diluted N/A   106,791,198  N/A   99,211,792 

(a) Our management excludes the gain from collections of contingent contractual amounts arising from the sale in 2021 of our investment in our unconsolidated subsidiary when evaluating our operating performance.
(b) Non-routine legal fees represent legal fees and other costs incurred for matters that were not ordinary or routine to the operations of the business.
(c) Severance costs were incurred in 2022 related to agreements with certain executives due to restructuring changes. Amounts for 2023 represent adjustments to preexisting accruals associated with our December 2022 reduction in workforce.
(d) Other costs in 2022 include certain costs attributable to accelerated vesting of stock-based compensation awards resulting from our IPO and shareholder follow on registration costs pursuant to our IPO.


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