Xos(XOS) - 2024 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated $15.8 million in revenue for Q3 2024, an increase from$ 15.5 million in Q2 2024, with a gross margin of 18.1% compared to 13.1% in the previous quarter [5][25][26] - Operating expenses decreased to $12.6 million from$ 13.4 million in the prior quarter, leading to a non-GAAP operating loss of $6.6 million, improved from a loss of$ 9.7 million [27][28] - Cash and cash equivalents totaled $9.2 million, with negative free cash flow of$ 11.7 million, significantly improved from negative $26.1 million in Q2 2024 [28][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company delivered 94 units in Q3 2024, a 4.4% increase from the previous quarter, with a notable ramp-up in hub product deliveries, shipping nearly 12 units [5][9][10] - The StepVan business saw a positive shift with increased strip chassis deliveries, enhancing working capital turnover [9][10] - The powertrain business delivered its first product for a Blue Bird school bus, indicating growth in the electric school bus market [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing growing momentum in customer and product diversity, with significant deliveries to major clients like Waymo and Xcel Energy [10][11][12] - The hub product is gaining traction, with increasing interest from various industries, reflecting strong demand for mobile charging solutions [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reducing operational expenses and improving cash flow, with measures including workforce reduction and temporary salary cuts for executives [16][29] - There is a strategic emphasis on enhancing production efficiency and cost reductions, particularly in the Tennessee facility, which is central to operations [19][20][23] - The company is adapting to potential federal changes, including tariffs on imported components, by reshoring production and diversifying supplier sources [21][22][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in the industry, including delays in charging infrastructure and customer pressures for competitively priced vehicles, but remains optimistic about long-term potential [33] - The company updated its revenue guidance for 2024, expecting a range of$ 54.1 million to $67.6 million, with a narrower non-GAAP operating loss forecast [31] Other Important Information - The backlog of delivered incentives exceeds$ 25 million, with efforts underway to streamline the collection process [14][30] - The company has implemented over $10,000 in cost reductions over the past year, with additional reductions planned [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Opportunity on the drivetrain side - Management highlighted the immense opportunity in the powertrain business, leveraging intellectual property for other OEMs, with markets like mobile command centers and school buses showing strong growth potential [36][37][39] Question: Inventory clarification - The company builds products to order, with raw materials accounting for about 70% of total inventory, and aims to optimize inventory flows [43][45] Question: Working capital improvements - Management acknowledged the need to reduce inventory turns and improve accounts receivable collection, anticipating significant progress in Q4 [56][60] Question: Convertible note and balance sheet - The convertible note has moved to current liabilities, with ongoing discussions about future plans as it matures in Q3 2025 [63][64] Question: Sale of energy credits - The company does not anticipate regular transactions of energy credits but expects periodic opportunities that could enhance margins [66][67]