Globenewswire·2025-06-09 12:18Core Viewpoint - The solar industry, particularly SunPower, is poised for significant change as the federal government considers eliminating the 30% solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which could lead to both challenges and opportunities for the company and the sector as a whole [1][5][18]. Company Overview - SunPower, founded in 1985, has navigated various economic downturns and crises, including a Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024, attributed to management failures and reliance on government subsidies [7][9]. - The company has recently restructured under new ownership, Complete Solar, which acquired key assets and aims to operate more efficiently and profitably [10][12]. Financial Performance - SunPower reported a revenue of $1.4 billion and an operating income of $168 million in 2008, but faced significant losses leading to bankruptcy in 2024 [8][9]. - The new SunPower has achieved a revenue of $320 million with a target of $80 million per quarter, and is on track for its second profitable quarter [10][17]. - Current financial models predict a breakeven revenue of approximately $72 million, which could decrease to $65 million with ongoing cost reductions [19][26]. Market Analysis - The solar market has seen significant growth, with shipments increasing from 2,176 MW to 6,953 MW between 2015 and 2024, while prices remained relatively stable [22]. - A potential price increase from $3.30 to $3.88 per watt (17.6%) could result in a volume loss of 134 MW, impacting SunPower's revenue by approximately 7.2% [25]. - The company’s revenue is projected to drop from $80 million to $74.2 million per quarter if market conditions worsen due to the ITC phase-out [25][27]. Strategic Direction - The company advocates for a free market approach, suggesting that the removal of the ITC could ultimately benefit the solar industry by reducing reliance on government subsidies [2][5]. - SunPower's strategy involves leveraging its existing assets and workforce to create a leaner, more profitable organization, moving away from the inefficiencies associated with previous government support [14][17]. Valuation Concerns - SunPower's stock price remains low, with a price-to-sales ratio of about 0.5x, despite recent operational improvements and profitability [33][34]. - The company aims to eliminate the "going concern" rating by year-end to improve investor confidence and stock valuation [34].