November 6, 2008
Nasdaq: SATC
Satcon Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2008 Financial Results
Sales of Company's Photovoltaic and Fuel Cell Inverters Increase 120% Year-Over-Year Fueled by Strong Demand In Large Commercial and Utility Scale Renewable Energy Market
SATC 1.79, +0.09, +5.3%) , a leading provider of utility scale distributed power solutions for the renewable energy market, today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 27, 2008. These results reflect the sale of the company's Electronics and Motors businesses during the quarter, which have been classified as discontinued operations.
Satcon reported revenue for the third quarter of $18.5 million, up from $17.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2007, and up from $13.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. For the nine months ended September 27, 2008, revenue grew 45% to $43.2 million from $29.8 million in the first nine months of 2007. Gross margin for the quarter was 18.9% compared with 12.4% in the third quarter of 2007, and 11.7% in the second quarter of 2008. For the nine months ended September 27, 2008, gross margin more than doubled to 13.6%, compared with 5.5% in the same period last year.
Net loss from continuing operations for the third quarter was approximately $1.3 million, compared with a net loss of $2.4 million for the third quarter of 2007. Third-quarter 2008 net loss included a non-cash gain related to the valuation of warrant liability of $2.0 million, a loss from discontinued operations of $1.0 million, restructuring costs of $0.5 million, and stock-based compensation of $0.7 million. Third-quarter 2008 net loss was offset by a gain on the sale of the company's non-strategic businesses of $0.3 million. For the nine month period of 2008, net loss was $13.3 million, compared with a net loss of $9.8 million for the same period in 2007.
Net loss attributable to common shareholders was $3.0 million, or ($0.06) per share, and $16.5 million, or ($0.33) per share, for the three- and nine-month periods ending September 27, 2008, respectively.
Cash and cash equivalents at September 27, 2008 were $10.5 million, compared with $9.8 million at June 28, 2008.
The company reported an ending backlog on September 27, 2008 of $39 million, compared with backlog of $30 million at June 28, 2008.
Comments on the Third Quarter
"We are very pleased with our third quarter results, which reflect the continued growth of our solar PV and fuel cell inverter business," said Steve Rhoades, President and Chief Executive Officer of Satcon. "Sales of our power conditioning systems increased 120% over the same period in 2007 highlighting the increasing global demand for our utility ready solutions. In addition, we achieved gross margin of 18.9% demonstrating the success of our strategy to improve our operational and manufacturing efficiencies."
Business Outlook
"With the sale of our Electronics and Motors divisions, we have focused the company on a core business model that will accelerate Satcon's ability to meet our financial objectives," said Rhoades. "Looking ahead, we continue to expect strong sales of our photovoltaic and fuel cell solutions. We also expect to continue to improve our margins as we remain focused on managing the overall costs of our business. Based on our current financial momentum, we believe Satcon will achieve operating profitability in the second half of 2009."
Conference Call Reminder
The company will hold a conference call to review its financial results and business highlights today, November 6, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. ET. During the conference call, the company may answer questions concerning business and financial developments and trends, and other business and financial matters. The company's responses to these questions, as well as other matters discussed during the conference call, may contain or constitute information that has not been previously disclosed.
The conference call will be webcast live over the Internet and can be accessed on the Investor Relations section of the company's website at www.Satcon.com. The conference call also can be accessed by dialing (800) 967-7134 (U.S. and Canada) or (719) 325-2445 (International). Interested parties that are unable to listen to the live call may access an archived version of the webcast on Satcon's website.
About Satcon
Satcon Technology Corporation is a leading provider of utility scale distributed power solutions for the renewable energy market, enabling the industry's most advanced, reliable, and proven clean energy alternatives. For over 22 years, Satcon has designed and delivered the next generation of efficient energy systems for solar photovoltaic, stationary fuel cells, wind-turbines, and energy storage systems. To learn more about Satcon, please visit www.Satcon.com.
Safe Harbor
Statements made in this document that are not historical facts or which apply prospectively are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "will," "intends," "believes," "expects," "plans," "anticipates" and similar expressions. Investors should not rely on forward looking statements because they are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the company's expectation. Additional information concerning risk factors is contained from time to time in the company's SEC filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and other periodic reports filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date of this release. Subsequent events or circumstances occurring after such date may render these statements incomplete or out of date. The company expressly disclaims any obligation to update the information contained in this release.
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