Key Points
- Revenue of $265.4 million fell 73% year over year.
- Adjusted gross margin slightly exceeded management’s guidance, but was down significantly year over year.
- Adjusted operating expenses were lower than expected at $114.8 million.
SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG -2.71%), a leading provider of power optimizers, inverters, and monitoring systems for solar photovoltaic arrays, released disappointing Q2 earnings on Wednesday. The company’s results showed alarming declines from the same period last year.
Revenue met management's expectations and showed 30% sequential growth from Q1’s $204.4 million, but it marked a 73% decrease year over year. The quarter showed improvements in some areas and significant year-over-year revenue and margin declines.
| Metric | Q2 2024 | Management's Expectations | Q2 2023 | Change (YOY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $265.4 million | $250-$280 million | $991.3 million | (73%) |
| GAAP Gross Margin | (4.1%) | --- | 32% | (36.1 pps) |
| Adj. gross margin | 0.2% | (4%) - 0% | 32.7% | (32.5 pps) |
| Adj. operating expenses | $114.8 million | $116-$120 million | $133.3 million | (14%) |
| GAAP net income (loss) | ($130.8 million) | --- | $119.5 million | --- |
| Adj. net income (loss) | ($101.2 million) | --- | $157.4 million | --- |
Source: SolarEdge Technologies. Note: Management expectations based on guidance provided on May 8, 2024. YOY = Year over year. GAAP = Generally accepted accounting principles.
Understanding SolarEdge Technologies
specializes in power optimizers, inverters, and monitoring systems for solar photovoltaic arrays. It aims to enhance energy output, reduce costs, and improve reliability in . The company has a strong emphasis on innovation, particularly in next-generation inverters and battery solutions.
Recently, SolarEdge has focused on innovation with new inverters and battery solutions, essential for maintaining a competitive edge in the market. It wants to target viable geographic regions and use a mix of large distributors, wholesalers, and installers to penetrate these markets effectively.
Quarterly Highlights
The second quarter of 2024 saw several significant developments for SolarEdge:
Financial performance: The GAAP gross margin improved from negative 12.8% in Q1 2024 to negative 4.1%, yet remained significantly lower than the 32% gross margin a year earlier. Adjusted gross margin of 0.2% was down more than 32 percentage points year over year.
Expenses and losses: Adjusted operating expenses of $114.8 million came in better than the expected range of $116 million to $120 million. This reflected good control over costs, even as the GAAP net loss was $130.8 million. Though an improvement from a $157.3 million loss last quarter, it was a stark contrast to the $119.5 million net income in the same period last year.
Market and sales: Revenue from the solar segment reached $241.2 million, aligning with management’s midpoint expectation. The Solar Edge achieved an 18% growth in solar product sell-through by distributor customers, signaling successful market penetration efforts.
Cash flow and inventory: Cash and cash equivalents (net of debt) decreased significantly to $165.3 million, down from $316.3 million in Q1, highlighting ongoing cash flow challenges. Inverters shipped increased to 873 Megawatts (AC), and battery shipments for PV applications hit 128 MWh.
Operational adjustments and efficiency: To realign costs, SolarEdge made operational adjustments, including headcount reductions. The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act provided a net IRA benefit of approximately 330 basis points, crucial in supporting the gross margin achieved for the quarter.
Looking Ahead
For Q3 2024, projects revenue between $260 million and $290 million, indicating cautious optimism despite the mixed performance in Q2. Non-GAAP gross margins are expected to be between negative 3% and 1%, suggesting continued slight operational improvements amidst significant year-over-year declines.
Investors should watch for SolarEdge’s ability to maintain and enhance its innovation in product offerings, manage operational efficiency, and successfully capitalize on government incentives like the IRA. Ongoing global market expansion and strategic focus areas such as operational adjustments and efficiency improvements remain critical for future growth. Caution around the company’s inventory levels and cash flow management will also be vital in assessing its path to stronger financial health.
