Broadwind Energy, Inc. (BWEN 1.93, -0.06, -3.02%) reported revenue of $38.2 million for the third quarter of 2010, up 4% from the second quarter of 2010. Versus the third quarter of 2009, revenues declined 36% from $59.5 million primarily due to lower tower production, reduced deployment of service technicians and lower hauling activity linked to the overall decline in the U.S. wind industry. According to the American Wind Energy Association, capacity additions during the third quarter of 2010 totaled 395 megawatts, 75% below the comparable 2009 period.
The net loss for the third quarter was $8.3 million or $0.08 per share, versus a $4.9 million loss ($0.05 per share) in the third quarter of 2009. The increased loss reflected the impact of lower revenues partially offset by the beneficial impact of an 11% reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses due to cost-containment efforts in the weak environment.
Broadwind CEO J. Cameron Drecoll stated, “During the third quarter, we continued to improve our financial results quarter-over-quarter. With projected Q4 revenues approaching $50 million, we will end the year with strong results and an improved cash position. More importantly, we will enter 2011 with excellent capacity utilization in our operational tower plants, improved gearing operations and a broader service offering.”
Drecoll continued, “We continue to make progress on our strategic and operational initiatives, focused on improving our capacity utilization and transitioning to a leaner cost structure. Our Abilene, Texas-based wind turbine drivetrain service center remains on track to come online at year end. We continue to believe that Broadwind will be well prepared to meet customer demand as the industry regains momentum.”
Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 totaled $97.0 million, down 41% from $164.9 million in the prior year-to-date period, reflecting weak industry demand, which impacted the Company, particularly in the first half of the year. The nine- month 2010 net loss totaled $36.6 million or $0.35 per basic and diluted share, versus a net loss of $17.5 million or $0.18 per share in the first nine months of 2009. Absent the impact of one-time acquisition-related items, including a $5.1 million one-time gain associated with an escrow settlement in 2009 and a $4.6 million charge in 2010 associated with the impairment of goodwill related to a 2008 acquisition, the nine month net loss for 2010 totaled $32.0 million or $0.30 per share, a decrease of $0.07 per share when compared to a net loss of $22.6 million or $0.23 per share in the prior year.
The Company reported Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation) of ($3.4) million during the third quarter of 2010 compared to $3.0 million during the third quarter of 2009, due principally to lower earnings in the current year quarter. (For an explanation and reconciliation of GAAP net loss to Adjusted EBITDA, please see the table below.)
Orders and Backlog
During the third quarter, the Company added $27 million, or approximately 71% of revenue, in new business to its backlog. At September 30, 2010, backlog totaled $210 million, down modestly from $221 million at June 30, 2010.
Segment Results
Towers
Broadwind manufactures wind turbine towers, specializing in the large and heavier towers that are designed for 2 megawatt (“MW”) and larger wind turbines.
Revenue from our Towers segment was $17.3 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $33.6 million in the third quarter of 2009. The reduction in revenues was attributable to a 36% decline in production, and a lower average selling price driven by lower steel prices, which are generally treated as a pass-through cost item in the majority of our customer contracts. Production of wind towers totaled 132 megawatts (MW) in the quarter, and 271 MW year-to-date. Full year production is estimated at approximately 500 MW, unchanged from the 2009 period.
The Towers segment incurred a $0.3 million operating loss in the third quarter of 2010, versus a $2.2 million operating profit in the third quarter of 2009. The current year quarter was adversely impacted by a lower level of tower completions as well as higher labor and training expense as the Manitowoc and Abilene plants have significantly increased their workforce to support increased sales during the next several quarters.
Gearing
Broadwind produces precision gearing for the wind industry and gearboxes for mining, oilfield and other industrial customers.
Revenue from our Gearing segment was $13.1 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $14.3 million in the third quarter of 2009. While wind customer purchases rose, this was more than offset by lower sales to industrial customers.
The Gearing segment incurred a $3.5 million operating loss in the third quarter of 2010, versus a $2.9 million operating loss in the third quarter of 2009. The increase in operating loss was primarily due to the impact of lower sales and higher warranty costs, which were partially offset by a reduced intangible amortization expense.
Technical and Engineering Services
Broadwind is a leading independent provider of installation support and operations and maintenance services for the wind industry. The Company also offers repair and refurbishing of complex wind components, including control systems, gearboxes and blades.
Revenue from our Technical and Engineering Services segment totaled $3.6 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared with $6.8 million in the third quarter of 2009. The decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to sharply lower technical service revenues related to a decline in the number of maintenance and service technicians deployed, as several of our key customers have chosen to reduce outsourcing of their maintenance activities in the weaker environment for commissioning.
Operating income fell from a breakeven level in the prior year to a $2.1 million loss during the three months ended September 30, 2010. The operating loss incurred during the third quarter was primarily attributable to a reduction in maintenance and service technicians deployed and expenses associated with the establishment of our new drivetrain service activities.
Logistics
Broadwind offers specialized transportation and logistics services to the wind industry.
Logistics segment revenue was $4.2 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared with $5.0 million in the third quarter of 2009. The decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to a reduction of approximately 34% in transportation hauls due to fewer large wind farm transportation contracts as compared to the prior year.
The Logistics segment reported a $1.0 million operating loss in the third quarter of 2010, versus breakeven results in the third quarter of 2009. The increase in operating loss was largely attributable to deterioration in margins due to competitive pricing pressure associated with low wind farm construction activity.
Corporate and Other
Third quarter corporate and other expenses were $1.9 million, compared to $3.9 million in the third quarter of 2009. The $2.0 million reduction in expense was attributable to the absence of a $1.2 million expense incurred in 2009 related to the settlement of a customer dispute and due to reductions in share-based compensation and other expenses in the current year.
Debt and Liquidity
At quarter-end, as projected, the Company had cash and short-term investments of $10.3 million and an undrawn credit line of $10 million, which was completed during the third quarter.
Quarter-end operational working capital (trade receivables plus inventories net of customer deposits and trade payables) declined to $14.8 million, or 10% of annualized third-quarter revenues. The improvement reflects the receipt of significant customer deposits during the quarter.
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA
The Company has provided the following table, which reconciles net loss, as reported, to Adjusted EBITDA. The Company utilizes Adjusted EBITDA as a key financial metric and believes it represents the Company’s operational cash generation, which it can use to make acquisitions, invest in operations and facilities, return to shareholders, and for other uses. Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income prepared on a GAAP basis. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA as computed by the Company may not be comparable to similar metrics used by others in the industry.
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30 September 30
———————– ————————
2010 2009 2010 2009
———– ———- ———– ———–
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Net loss $ (8,299) $ (4,944) $ (36,604) $ (17,520)
Benefit for income taxes (513) (116) (464) (389)
Interest expense, net 345 732 1,068 1,831
Goodwill impairment – – 4,561 –
Depreciation and amortization 4,868 6,698 14,550 20,131
Share-based compensation 178 677 1,247 2,042
———– ———- ———– ———–
Adjusted EBITDA $ (3,421) $ 3,047 $ (15,642) $ 6,095
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About Broadwind Energy, Inc.
Broadwind Energy, Inc., based in Naperville, Illinois, provides technologically advanced high-value products and services to the U.S. wind energy industry. Broadwind’s product and service portfolio provides customers, including wind turbine manufacturers, wind farm developers and wind farm operators, with access to a broad array of wind component and service offerings. These product and service offerings include wind turbine gearing systems, wind turbine structural towers, industrial products, technical services, Precision Repair and Engineering services, and logistics. For more information on Broadwind Energy, please visit http://www.bwen.com.
The Broadwind Energy, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7803
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 — that is, statements related to future, not past, events. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and include any statement that does not directly relate to a current or historical fact. In this context, forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “expect,” “plan,” “will” or other similar words. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that ultimately may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company’s forward looking statements may include or relate to the Company’s plans to grow its business and its expectations regarding its operations and the business of its customers; the sufficiency of the Company’s working capital; and the Company’s expectations regarding the state of the wind energy market generally, as well as the Company’s expectations relating to the economic downturn and the potential impact on its business and the business of its customers. For further discussion of risks and uncertainties, individuals should refer to the Company’s SEC filings. The Company undertakes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after this news release. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
BROADWIND ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
September December
30, 31,
2010 2009
———– ———-
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 9,425 $ 4,829
Restricted cash – 2,010
Short-term investments 922 –
Accounts receivable, net 23,938 21,920
Inventories, net 16,260 9,039
Prepaid expenses and other
current assets 4,714 5,688
———– ———-
Total current assets 55,259 43,486
———– ———-
Property and equipment, net 129,396 136,249
Goodwill 5,154 9,715
Intangible assets, net 34,024 37,248
Deferred income tax assets 6 –
Other assets 2,126 3,338
———– ———-
TOTAL ASSETS $ 225,965 $ 230,036
=========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Lines of credit and notes
payable $ – $ 10,717
Current maturities of
long-term debt 2,649 9,021
Current portions of capital
lease obligations 1,172 1,130
Accounts payable 18,652 14,710
Accrued liabilities 6,987 6,965
Deferred revenue 7,399 10,199
———– ———-
Total current liabilities 36,859 52,742
———– ———-
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt, net of
current maturities 11,044 15,778
Long-term capital lease
obligations, net of current
portions 2,453 3,286
Interest rate swap agreements – 253
Deferred income tax
liabilities – 403
Other 1,524 1,979
———– ———-
Total long-term liabilities 15,021 21,699
———– ———-
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Preferred stock – –
Common stock 107 97
Additional paid-in capital 355,861 300,779
Accumulated other
comprehensive income 2 –
Accumulated deficit (181,885) (145,281)
———– ———-
Total stockholders’ equity 174,085 155,595
———– ———-
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 225,965 $ 230,036
=========== ==========
BROADWIND ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
———————– ————————
2010 2009 2010 2009
———– ———- ———– ———–
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Revenues $ 38,197 $ 59,507 $ 96,996 $ 164,882
Cost of sales 38,655 52,925 102,334 150,464
———– ———- ———– ———–
Gross (loss) profit (458) 6,582 (5,338) 14,418
———– ———- ———– ———–
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling, general and
administrative 7,314 8,247 22,995 27,688
Goodwill impairment – – 4,561 –
Intangible amortization 1,075 2,906 3,224 8,718
———– ———- ———– ———–
Total operating expenses 8,389 11,153 30,780 36,406
———– ———- ———– ———–
Operating loss (8,847) (4,571) (36,118) (21,988)
———– ———- ———– ———–
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME, net:
Interest expense, net (345) (732) (1,068) (1,831)
Other, net 380 243 118 5,910
———– ———- ———– ———–
Total other income
(expense), net 35 (489) (950) 4,079
———– ———- ———– ———–
Net loss before benefit for
income taxes (8,812) (5,060) (37,068) (17,909)
BENEFIT FOR INCOME TAXES (513) (116) (464) (389)
———– ———- ———– ———–
NET LOSS $ (8,299) $ (4,944) $ (36,604) $ (17,520)
=========== ========== =========== ===========
NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE –
Basic and diluted $ (0.08) $ (0.05) $ (0.35) $ (0.18)
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON
SHARES OUTSTANDING –
Basic and diluted 106,900 96,609 106,019 96,550
BROADWIND ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
————————
2010 2009
———– ———–
(unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss $ (36,604) $ (17,520)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
cash (used in) provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense 14,550 20,131
Goodwill impairment 4,561 –
Change in fair value of interest rate swap
agreements (253) (262)
Deferred income taxes (409) 83
Stock-based compensation 636 1,491
Allowance for doubtful accounts (1,023) (1,032)
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets 61 (78)
Changes in operating assets and
liabilities (4,491) 40
———– ———–
Net cash (used in) provided by operating
activities (22,972) 2,853
———– ———–
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment (5,490) (9,761)
Purchases of available-for-sale
investments (922) –
Proceeds from disposals of property and
equipment 9 54
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash 2,010 (2,003)
———– ———–
Net cash used in investing activities (4,393) (11,710)
———– ———–
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of stock 53,347 547
Common stock issued under defined
contribution 401(k) plan 499 —
Payments on lines of credit and notes
payable (21,707) (8,312)
Proceeds from lines of credit and notes
payable – 5,033
Proceeds from sales-leaseback transactions – 3,686
Proceeds from deposits on equipment – 665
Principal payments on capital leases (791) (906)
Issuance of restricted stock grants 611 551
———– ———–
Net cash provided by financing activities 31,959 1,264
———– ———–
Effect of foreign exchange rates 2 –
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS 4,596 (7,593)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of the
period 4,829 15,253
———– ———–
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of the
period $ 9,425 $ 7,660
=========== ===========
BROADWIND ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
———————– ————————
2010 2009 2010 2009
———– ———- ———– ———–
REVENUES: (unaudited) (unaudited)
Towers $ 17,294 $ 33,630 $ 45,854 $ 76,098
Gearing 13,140 14,260 35,133 54,818
Technical and
Engineering Services 3,631 6,829 8,546 22,140
Logistics 4,175 4,959 7,694 12,362
Corporate and Other (43) (171) (231) (536)
———– ———- ———– ———–
Total revenues $ 38,197 $ 59,507 $ 96,996 $ 164,882
=========== ========== =========== ===========
OPERATING (LOSS) PROFIT:
Towers $ (284) $ 2,181 $ (2,157) $ 1,424
Gearing (3,511) (2,859) (11,461) (11,762)
Technical and
Engineering Services (2,128) 8 (11,053) 606
Logistics (1,049) 20 (4,057) (1,362)
Corporate and Other (1,875) (3,921) (7,390) (10,894)
———– ———- ———– ———–
Total operating loss $ (8,847) $ (4,571) $ (36,118) $ (21,988)
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