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Nikola(NKLA) - 2024 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
NKLANikola(NKLA)2024-10-31 17:38

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2024, the company reported gross revenue of 33million,anincreasefrom33 million, an increase from 31 million in the previous quarter, primarily due to higher wholesale deliveries [29] - The company experienced a gross loss of 62millioninQ3,comparedtoagrosslossof62 million in Q3, compared to a gross loss of 55 million in Q2, with the return of BEVs being a significant factor [31] - Unrestricted cash declined by 58millionfromQ2,endingthequarterwith58 million from Q2, ending the quarter with 198 million, with cash burn for the quarter at 162million[31][60]BusinessLineDataandKeyMetricsChangesThecompanywholesaledarecord88hydrogenfuelcellelectrictrucksinQ3,upfrom22162 million [31][60] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company wholesaled a record 88 hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks in Q3, up from 22% last quarter, and continues to dominate the heavy-duty fuel cell electric vehicle market in North America with over 90% market share [8][12] - The average selling price (ASP) for fuel cell vehicles was 361,000, down 7% from Q2, but the average ASP has held at approximately $370,000 over the last four quarters [30] - The BEV 2.0 has returned to the market with positive feedback, and 19 end fleets have accumulated over 715,000 road miles since its return [20][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date, the in-service fleets have grown 78% to 16 distinct end fleets from 9 in Q1, indicating strong market adoption [10] - The company has accumulated over 4 million validation miles with its fuel cell and battery electric trucks, avoiding over 6,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions [7] - The total number of runs exceeding 400 miles before fueling for fuel cell electric vehicles increased to 285, up 48% from the previous quarter [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building momentum in the zero-emission ecosystem and is the only OEM offering two zero-emission powertrains on one commercial Class 8 platform in North America [9] - The company reiterated its year-end guidance for fuel cell electric vehicle deliveries of 300 to 350 trucks, maintaining a flywheel-based business plan to build scale [11][33] - The company is actively seeking partnerships to support its capital needs and is looking to build a coalition of like-minded companies to advance zero-emission initiatives [42][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasized the importance of winning national accounts and noted that customer feedback has been positive, with strong traction in the market [38][67] - The company is optimistic about the future, citing government incentives and the growing interest from automotive OEMs and industrial gas producers in hydrogen as a growth vector [68] - Management acknowledged the challenges of new technology adoption but expressed confidence in the company's unique position in the market [81] Other Important Information - The company has expanded its dealer network, bringing the total to 19 sales and service locations across the U.S. [15] - The company is making incremental improvements to its existing products and is actively working on next-generation products that will be more efficient [57] Q&A Session Summary Question: Long-term profitability outlook - Management stated that they are optimizing operations to ensure readiness for scaling and emphasized the importance of winning national accounts [38] Question: Profitability of FCEB vs. BEV - Management confirmed that both powertrains will be offered in the market, with BEVs expected to contribute positively to cash margins [40] Question: Capital partnerships - Management is actively seeking partners who value the company's initiatives and are interested in supporting the hydrogen economy [42][44] Question: Delivery trends and expectations for 2025 - Management indicated that there is more potential for wholesale deliveries in Q4 than currently guided, with discussions ongoing for 2025 [65][66] Question: Customer purchasing trends - Management noted that repeat customers are emerging, and the connection between Northern and Southern California will enable more sales [79]