Core Viewpoint - FuelCell Energy, Inc. is set to release its first quarter 2025 results on March 11, 2025, before the stock market opens, followed by a conference call for investors to discuss the results and provide a business update [1]. Group 1: Upcoming Financial Results - The company will announce its first quarter 2025 results prior to the stock market opening on March 11, 2025 [1]. - A conference call with investors will take place at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day to discuss the results [1]. Group 2: Accessing the Conference Call - Participants can access the live call via webcast on the company website or by telephone [2]. - A replay of the conference call will be available on the company's Investors' page approximately two hours after the call concludes [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - FuelCell Energy is a pioneer in clean energy technology, providing efficient and sustainable power, carbon capture, and hydrogen solutions globally [3]. - The company has over 20 years of commercial operation with fuel cells that can run on various fuels, including natural gas, hydrogen, and biofuel [3]. - Founded in 1969, FuelCell Energy holds more than 530 patents related to energy solutions [3].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bloom Energy achieved record revenue of $1.47 billion for the full year 2024, an increase of 10.5% from 2023 [32] - Q4 revenue reached $572 million, a 60% increase compared to Q4 2023 and a 73% increase from Q3 2024 [29] - Non-GAAP gross margin for Q4 was 39.3%, up from 27.4% in Q4 2023 [30] - Full year non-GAAP gross margin was 28.7%, an increase from 25.8% in 2023 [32] - Positive cash flow from operations was $92 million for the full year, marking the first time since 2019 [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The service business achieved positive non-GAAP gross margin in all four quarters of 2024, with a full year non-GAAP gross profit of $4 million, a significant improvement from a $33 million loss in 2023 [28][33] - The company reported double-digit product cost reductions for the year, continuing a long-standing trend [34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The data center segment is identified as a strong growth engine, with a robust sales funnel driven by AI applications [18] - The commercial and industrial (C&I) market segments are also strong, with increased demand due to domestic power shortages and the needs of AI data centers [19][20] - South Korea remains a steady market, with ongoing orders through partnerships [22][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Bloom Energy is focused on providing timely, reliable, and clean power solutions, emphasizing the importance of distributed power systems [10][11] - The company is expanding its capabilities in heat capture and carbon capture solutions as valuable add-ons to its core offerings [16] - The management anticipates continued growth driven by urgency in power needs from customers, particularly in the data center sector [17] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting 2025 revenue guidance of $1.65 billion to $1.85 billion, with expectations for continued profitable growth [42][44] - The company highlighted the importance of capital efficiency and managing working capital effectively to support growth [55][56] - Management noted that the demand for power solutions is increasing, driven by the urgent needs of customers [102] Other Important Information - The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) provides customers with 40% credits for systems placed in operation in the U.S. by 2028, with potential gross product revenue of $12 billion to $15 billion for Bloom [24][72] - The company has a product backlog of $2.5 billion and a service backlog of $9 billion, indicating strong future revenue potential [36][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for more agreements with large utilities in 2025 - Management confirmed ongoing discussions with several utilities for similar arrangements as the AEP deal, emphasizing the advantages of their technology for timely power delivery [51][52] Question: Thoughts on funding growth and capital efficiency - Management expressed confidence in their capital efficiency and ability to grow without needing to raise additional capital in the near term [55][56] Question: Breakdown of backlog components - Management refrained from providing specific details on backlog components but noted strong growth in both data center and C&I sectors [66][68] Question: Clarification on ITC and its impact - Management clarified that the ITC is still available for projects under the Safe Harbor provision, allowing customers to benefit from tax credits through 2028 [72][74] Question: Revenue recognition policies - Management confirmed that revenue is recognized on shipment, not delivery, and has not changed their revenue recognition policies [80][81] Question: Competitive landscape and market dynamics - Management acknowledged competition from gas turbines but emphasized the significant demand for their solutions and the urgency from customers [131][132]

2024 Financial Highlights - Record annual revenue reached $1.47 billion[7] - Record annual non-GAAP gross margin was 28.7%[7] - Full-year positive cash flow from operating activities was generated at $92 million[7] - The service business achieved non-GAAP profitability every quarter[7] 2024 Commercial Performance - Healthy product backlog of $2.5 billion[7] - Significant new agreements were made with SVP and AEP[7] - The largest islanded microgrid in CA was established[7] - The world's largest single site fuel cell project, 80MW with SK Eternix, was announced[7] 2024 Financial Results (YoY Comparison) - Q4 2024 revenue increased by 60.4% to $572 million, compared to $357 million in Q4 2023[9] - Full year 2024 revenue increased by 10.5% to $1.474 billion, compared to $1.333 billion in 2023[9] - Q4 2024 non-GAAP gross margin was 39.3%, a 11.9 percentage point increase from 27.4% in Q4 2023[9] - Full year 2024 non-GAAP gross margin was 28.7%, a 2.9 percentage point increase from 25.8% in 2023[9] - Full year 2024 non-GAAP operating income was $108 million, compared to $19 million in 2023[9] Backlog - Product backlog remained at $2.5 billion[12] - Service backlog increased by 6% to $9.6 billion[12] 2025 Guidance - Total revenue is projected to be between $1.65 billion and $1.85 billion[15] - Non-GAAP gross margin is expected to be approximately 29%[15] - Non-GAAP operating income is projected to be between $135 million and $165 million[15]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, the company reported revenues of $4.3 billion, a 5% improvement over the prior year, significantly outpacing global GDP growth [23] - Adjusted operating profit for 2024 was $267 million, an increase of nearly $60 million from the previous year, with an adjusted operating profit margin of 6%, the strongest in the company's history [24] - Fourth quarter revenues reached $1.1 billion, growing by 4% year-over-year and by 5% sequentially, while adjusted operating profits were $54 million, increasing by 10% year-over-year [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The lift truck business saw a 4% increase in sales year-over-year, driven by a favorable sales mix, particularly in the Americas [26] - Adjusted operating profit for the lift truck business in Q4 was $62 million, a 15% increase compared to the prior year and a 55% increase sequentially [27] - Bolzoni reported Q4 revenue of $84 million, which was $4 million lower than the prior year, with an adjusted breakeven operating loss [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global lift truck bookings market continued to decline in Q4 compared to the prior year, influenced by lower demand and order cancellations [10] - The company adjusted its production cadence to align better with market demand, resulting in a backlog that reached near normal levels by year-end [11] - Early 2025 bookings showed encouraging signs, particularly in the EMEA and JEPIC regions, indicating potential market improvement [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on footprint optimization programs to streamline manufacturing and reduce costs, with expected annual savings of $30 million to $40 million starting in 2027 [8][9] - New product introductions, including modular and scalable models, are aimed at enhancing efficiency and meeting customer demand while reducing operational costs [16][18] - The company plans to leverage advancements in electric truck technology to expand its market share in areas traditionally dominated by combustion trucks [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged ongoing uncertainty due to potential tariffs and trade wars, which could impact market outlook [13] - Despite a competitive market and expected margin declines in 2025, management remains optimistic about gradual market improvement and increased production rates as demand recovers [12][35] - The company anticipates a significant year-over-year revenue decrease in 2025 due to lower lift truck production levels and increased operating expenses [35] Other Important Information - The company generated $81 million in cash from operations in Q4, contributing to a total of $170 million for the full year [33] - Total inventory decreased by $60 million from prior year levels, reflecting better alignment between production needs and on-hand materials [34] - The effective income tax rate for 2024 was 34%, higher than the previous year's rate of 29%, primarily due to the capitalization of R&D costs [31][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Market outlook for 2025 - Management expects the first half of 2025 to be lower, with an anticipated increase in the second half as prior orders are consumed [51][52] - There was a noted increase in cancellations towards the end of 2024, but recent months have shown a return to normal cancellation levels [52]

The oxygen ions combine with the reformed fuel to produce electricity, water, and small amounts of carbon dioxide. The water gets recycled to produce the steam needed to reform the fuel. The process also generates the heat required to keep the fuel cell warm and drive the reforming reaction process. So long as fuel and air are added, the process continues producing clean, reliable, affordable energy. As the demand for reliable clean electricity grows, we're faced with challenges such as an aging grid infras ...