Why Sunpower Shares Tanked after 4Q Results?
Feb 13, 2020 by InvestorDestination Team
After Sunpower Corporation (NASDAQ: SPWR)announced its Q4 results, its shares plunged almost 18%. Its Q4 GAPP revenue was $603.8M, and EPS was 0.03. It generated profit for the first time since the second quarter of 2015. In the second quarter this year, it generated profit, but that was due to gain on business divestiture.
It turned profitable this quarter, but its turnaround story is not yet complete. Last quarter, the company mentioned challenges in commercial project execution, and it promised to fix those challenges in Q4. However, its challenges are continuing and negatively impacting its results. In 2019, it generated 97.8M in adjusted EBITDA, which is lower than its previous estimate of 100M – 120M.
The company had promised sustained profitability in 2020, but now it is forecasting a loss for the year. Its commercial business challenges will negatively impact its 2020 results.
Its SPT business, which will become Maxeon Solar technology, has turned around and performed well. It is successfully expanding production capacity and improving profitability. In 2019, it successfully quadrupled its P series capacity and generated profit. It is planning to double its capacity by 2021. That turnaround story can be credited to its new president, who will be the CEO of Maxeon technology. Most probably under his leadership, Maxeon will perform well.
Its residential channel business is also performing well and gaining momentum. While it is struggling to execute commercial projects, its volume is increasing. However, its commercial project business success depends on its brand, panel performance, and its ability to complete projects on time. Despite fixed cost structure, project delays will impact its customers and will hurt its brand. The company expects to improve its project execution by the second quarter of 2020. It has strengthened its balance sheet. While its turnaround story continues, it is in better position than a year ago.
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