Third Quarter Fiscal 2022 Financial Highlights
(All comparisons are year-over-year unless otherwise noted)
• Revenues of $43.1 million compared to $26.8 million
• Gross loss of $(4.2) million compared to gross profit of $1.1 million
• Loss from operations of $(28.0) million compared to $(10.6) million
• Backlog of $1.284 billion as of July 31, 2022, compared to $1.299 billion as of July 31, 2021
FuelCell Energy, Inc. -- a global leader in decarbonizing power and producing hydrogen through our proprietary, state-of-the-art fuel cell platforms to enable a world empowered by clean energy -- today reported financial results and key business highlights for its third quarter ended July 31, 2022.
“For the third quarter, we achieved our strongest quarterly revenue in five years, reflecting product sales and continued progress on our Powerhouse business strategy,” said Mr. Jason Few, President and CEO. “We delivered Ex Works six modules to Korea Fuel Cell Co., Ltd. during the quarter, and we have completed manufacturing the eight modules needed to fulfill the order placed by Korea Fuel Cell Co., Ltd. in June 2022 and expect to deliver those modules Ex Works and recognize the resulting revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2022. The delivery of the six modules along with a 75% increase in revenues from the Company’s Generation portfolio led to significantly increased total revenues in the third fiscal quarter, compared to the comparable prior-year quarter.”
“We are focused on continuing to improve our execution of our project backlog and growing our generation portfolio,” continued Mr. Few. “This year, we have strengthened our project management team as well as invested in digitization tools to enhance project management effectiveness. We continue to advance our strategic agenda in terms of infrastructure, solutions, and talent to support our medium- and long-term goals. These steps include continued investment in both capability and capacity, which are targeted to enhance our global commercial organization and manufacturing capabilities as well as support our engineering focus on commercializing our carbon capture, carbon separation and solid oxide platforms.”
Mr. Few continued, “FuelCell Energy is in a dynamic period of transition as we work to launch several new solutions to support the accelerating energy transition. Earlier this year, we highlighted the approximately $2 trillion in combined, cumulative total addressable market opportunities through 2030 which we believe may be served by our commercially available solutions and those that are actively under development by the Company. Global policy support for clean energy continues to drive our confidence in our target to deliver revenue of over $300 million by the end of fiscal year 2025 and revenue exceeding $1 billion by the end of fiscal year 2030.”
Mr. Few concluded, “We are excited to see the expansive policy support package for clean energy and storage that was recently enacted in the United States. We believe that the Inflation Reduction Act is supportive of potential customers making investments utilizing our solutions. We expect that the various policy mechanisms within the Inflation Reduction Act will provide businesses with the long-term market and tax certainty needed to make important investment decisions, including in hiring, manufacturing, and partnerships. With this legislation, users and producers of fuel cell technology will be able to take advantage of investment tax credits, production tax credits for clean power and hydrogen, and carbon capture utilization and sequestration credits. Together, we believe these are important incentives for building and deploying more clean energy assets across the country, ensuring the United States leverages its rich natural resources, and decarbonizing our most challenging sectors without deindustrialization. The investments FuelCell Energy is making in our business are well aligned with these policy goals.”
Consolidated Financial Metrics
In this press release, FuelCell Energy refers to various GAAP (U.S. generally accepted accounting principles) and non-GAAP financial measures. The non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures being used and disclosed by other companies. FuelCell Energy believes that this non-GAAP information is useful to gaining an understanding of its operating results and the ongoing performance of its business. A reconciliation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and any other non-GAAP measures is contained in the appendix to this press release.
Third quarter revenues of $43.1 million represents an increase of 61% from the comparable prior-year quarter.
• Product revenues were $18.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2022 (compared to no product revenues in the comparable prior-year period). The increase in product revenues was a result of module sales to Korea Fuel Cell Co. (“KFC”) for which the Company recognized $18.0 million on the delivery Ex Works of six fuel cell modules from the Company’s facility in Torrington, CT in June 2022.
• Service agreements revenues decreased 37% to $9.0 million from $14.3 million. The decrease in revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2022 is primarily due to the fact that there were fewer module exchanges and fewer non-routine maintenance activities during the third quarter of fiscal 2022 than during the third quarter of fiscal 2021.
• Generation revenues increased 75% to $10.9 million from $6.2 million, primarily due to the completion of the Long Island Power Authority (“LIPA”) Yaphank project during the three months ended January 31, 2022, and the higher operating output of the generation fleet portfolio as a result of module exchanges during the last nine months of fiscal year 2021. Generation revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2022 also include sales of renewable energy credits (which resulted in an increase in generation revenues of approximately $1.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2022).
• Advanced Technologies contract revenues decreased 17% to $5.2 million from $6.2 million. Compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2021, Advanced Technologies contract revenues recognized under the Joint Development Agreement with ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company f/k/a ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company (“EMTEC”) were approximately $3.1 million lower during the third quarter of fiscal 2022, offset by an increase in revenue recognized under government contracts and other contracts of $2.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2022.
Gross loss for the third quarter of fiscal 2022 totaled $(4.2) million, compared to a gross profit of $1.1 million in the comparable prior-year quarter. The increase in gross loss was driven by higher manufacturing variances, $6.9 million of non-capitalizable costs related to construction of the Toyota project, and lower Advanced Technologies contract margin, partially offset by reduced generation gross loss (excluding the impact of non-capitalizable costs related to construction of the Toyota project) and higher service gross profit.
Operating expenses for the third quarter of fiscal 2022 increased to $23.8 million from $11.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2021.
Administrative and selling expenses increased to $14.2 million from $8.7 million due to higher sales, marketing and consulting costs, as the Company is investing in rebranding and accelerating its sales and commercialization efforts including increasing the size of its sales and marketing teams, which resulted in an increase in compensation expense from an increase in headcount. Research and development expenses of $9.7 million during the quarter, up from $3.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2021, reflect increased spending on the Company’s ongoing commercial development efforts related to our solid oxide platform and carbon capture solutions compared to the comparable prior year period.
Net loss was $(29.0) million in the third quarter of fiscal 2022, compared to net loss of $(12.0) million in the third quarter of fiscal 2021 driven primarily by a gross loss (compared to a gross profit in the third quarter of fiscal 2021) and higher operating expenses. Additionally, the provision for income tax was higher in the third quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2021.
Adjusted EBITDA totaled $(20.8) million in the third quarter of fiscal 2022, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $(5.2) million in the third quarter of fiscal 2021. Please see the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EBITDA, in the appendix at the end of this release.
The net loss per share attributable to common stockholders in the third quarter of fiscal 2022 was $(0.08), compared to $(0.04) in the third quarter of fiscal 2021. The higher net loss per common share is primarily due to the higher net loss attributable to common stockholders, partially offset by the higher number of weighted average shares outstanding due to share issuances since July 31, 2021.
Cash, Restricted Cash and Financing Update
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents totaled $479.6 million as of July 31, 2022 compared to $460.2 million as of October 31, 2021.
• Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents totaled $456.5 million compared to $432.2 million as of October 31, 2021.
• Restricted cash and cash equivalents were $23.2 million, of which $5.6 million was classified as current and $17.5 million was classified as non-current, compared to $28.0 million of restricted cash and cash equivalents as of October 31, 2021, of which $11.3 million was classified as current and $16.7 million was classified as non-current.
On July 12, 2022, the Company entered into an Open Market Sale Agreement with Jefferies LLC, B. Riley Securities, Inc., Barclays Capital Inc., BMO Capital Markets Corp., BofA Securities, Inc., Canaccord Genuity LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Loop Capital Markets LLC (the “Open Market Sale Agreement”) with respect to an at the market offering program under which the Company may, from time to time, offer and sell up to 95.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock. During the quarter, the Company sold approximately 18.5 million shares under the Open Market Sale Agreement at an average sale price of $3.63 per share. Of this 18.5 million shares, approximately 7.8 million shares were issued and settled during the period ended July 31, 2022, resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $27.9 million before deducting sales commissions and fees, and net proceeds to the Company of approximately $27.2 million after deducting commissions and fees totaling approximately $0.7 million. The balance of approximately 10.7 million shares were settled subsequent to July 31, 2022, resulting in gross proceeds (before deducting sales commissions) of approximately $39.2 million, and net proceeds to the Company of approximately $38.4 million after deducting commissions totaling approximately $0.8 million.
Operations and Commercialization Update
During the quarter, the Company continued to make progress on projects for which we have executed power and/or hydrogen purchase agreements, with updates regarding certain current projects provided below.
Groton Sub Base. In July 2021, the Company achieved mechanical completion, executed the interconnect agreement, and commenced the process of commissioning the 7.4 MW platform at the U.S. Navy Submarine Base in Groton, CT (the “Groton Project”). On September 14, 2021, the Company disclosed that the process of commissioning the Groton Project was temporarily suspended due to a needed repair. Following the completion of that repair, the Company resumed commissioning of the Groton Project. During the resumed commissioning process, the Company observed operating parameter data from one of the two fuel cell platforms installed at the project site that indicated a mechanical component was not performing according to engineered specifications. The Company subsequently determined that component should be removed from the project site to facilitate the necessary repair and upgrade. On April 7, 2022, the Company announced that it had completed the necessary repairs and upgrades to the mechanical component, reinstalled the mechanical component at the project site, and restarted the process of commissioning. During the restarted commissioning process, the Company encountered performance anomalies primarily in the mixer eductor oxidizer (“MEO”) which is a sophisticated piece of equipment specific to the Groton Project designed to optimize fuel and air flows. The Company is considering operating the project at a reduced output of 3 MW per platform at the start of commercial operations in order to optimize performance of each of the two MEO units. Over a period of approximately one year, the Company anticipates implementing upgrades to each of the two MEO units in order to bring the platform to its rated capacity of 7.4 MW. Under extensions previously received from the U.S. Navy, the deadline by which commercial operations are to be achieved is September 30, 2022. We expect that the Groton Project could be commercially operational by September 30, 2022 at a reduced power output of approximately 6 MW. However, commencement of operations at a reduced output of approximately 6 MW requires approval by the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (“CMEEC”) and the U.S. Navy. Although the Company is in discussions with CMEEC and the U.S. Navy, no assurance can be given that CMEEC and the U.S. Navy will provide such approval.
This platform is expected to highlight the ability of FuelCell Energy’s platforms to perform at high efficiencies and provide low CO2 to MWh output. Incorporation of the platform into a microgrid is expected to demonstrate the capacity of FuelCell Energy’s platforms to increase grid stability and resilience while supporting the U.S. military’s efforts to fortify base energy supply and demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s commitment to clean, reliable power with microgrid capabilities.
Toyota – Port of Long Beach, CA. This 2.3 MW trigeneration platform will produce electricity, hydrogen and water. Fuel cell platform equipment has been built and delivered to the site, civil construction work has significantly advanced, and certain portions of the platform have advanced to the conditioning phase of project deployment. We continue to anticipate that the remaining construction and commissioning activity will be completed in late calendar year 2022 or early calendar year 2023.
Derby, CT. On-site civil construction of this 14.0 MW project continues to advance, the Company has largely completed the foundational construction, and balance of plant components have been delivered and installed on site. This utility scale fuel cell platform will contain five SureSource 3000 fuel cell systems that will be installed on engineered platforms alongside the Housatonic River. To date, the Company has invested approximately $26.2 million into the project, with the majority of site work complete and the electrical and mechanical balance of plant installed. The Company continues work with the utility customer, United Illuminating, on the interconnection process, the timing of which will drive the continued development of the site, including the delivery of the ten fuel cell modules required to complete the project.
Manufacturing Output, Capacity and Expansion. For the three months ended July 31, 2022, we operated at an annualized production rate of approximately 36.5 MW, which is an increase from the annualized production rate of 35 MW for the three months ended July 31, 2021. We are working to increase our production rate during the remainder of fiscal year 2022 and are targeting achieving a rate capable of producing 40 to 45 MW on an annualized basis by the end of fiscal year 2022.
At this time, the maximum annualized capacity (module manufacturing, final assembly, testing and conditioning) is 100 MW per year under the Torrington facility’s current configuration when being fully utilized. The Torrington facility is sized to accommodate the eventual annualized production capacity of up to 200 MW per year with additional capital investment in machinery, equipment, tooling, and inventory. We expect to continue to make investments in the remainder of fiscal year 2022 in our factories for molten carbonate and solid oxide production capacity expansion; the addition of test facilities for new products and components; the expansion of our laboratories; and upgrades to and expansion of our business systems.
Commercialization Update. The Company continues to advance its solid oxide platform research, including increasing production of solid oxide fuel cell modules and expanding manufacturing capacity. The Company continues to work with Idaho National Laboratories on a demonstration high-efficiency electrolysis platform. This project, done in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy, is intended to demonstrate that the Company’s platform can operate at higher electrical efficiency than currently available electrolysis technologies through the inclusion of an external heat source. To further accelerate the commercialization activity for the solid oxide platform, the Company recently commenced the design and construction of two advanced prototypes targeted for fiscal year 2023 completion: (i) a 250 kW power generation platform, and (ii) a 1 MW high-efficiency electrolysis platform.
Backlog
Backlog decreased by approximately 1.1% to $1.28 billion as of July 31, 2022, compared to $1.30 billion as of July 31, 2021, primarily as a result of a reduction in Service and Advanced Technologies contract backlog, offset by the addition of product sales backlog (specifically, the addition of product sales backlog from the module order received from KFC). Advanced Technologies contract backlog primarily represents remaining revenue under our Joint Development Agreement with EMTEC and government projects. Note that in the first quarter of fiscal 2022, approximately $22.2 million of backlog, which was previously classified as “Service and license” backlog, was reclassified to “Product” backlog as a result of the settlement agreement with POSCO Energy and KFC.
Only projects for which we have an executed power purchase agreement (“PPA”) or an executed Hydrogen Power Purchase Agreement are included in generation backlog, which represents future revenue under long-term agreements. Together, the service and generation portion of backlog had a weighted average term of approximately 18 years, with weighting based on the dollar amount of backlog and utility service contracts of up to 20 years in duration at inception.
Backlog represents definitive agreements executed by the Company and our customers. Projects sold to customers (and not retained by the Company) are included in product sales and service backlog and the related generation backlog is removed upon the sale.
