Aspen Aerogels(US:ASPN)2025-08-07 13:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q2 revenue of $78 million, reflecting a 34% year-over-year decline and a nearly flat trend quarter-over-quarter [14] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $9.7 million, nearly doubling quarter-over-quarter despite a $700,000 decrease in revenues [17] - The net loss for Q2 was $5.2 million, with an adjusted operating expense run rate of $24.6 million [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Energy Industrial segment's revenue decreased significantly to $22.8 million, a 38% year-over-year decline, attributed to inventory rebalancing and a lack of new projects [15] - The EV thermal barrier business generated $55.2 million in revenue, a 32% decrease year-over-year, aligning with lower vehicle production schedules [15] - Gross profit margins for the Energy Industrial business were maintained at 36%, while the EV thermal barrier business had margins of 31%, which is below the target of 35% [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The subsea market has shown a significant slowdown, with historical revenue cycling between $5 million and $15 million per year, but averaging approximately $30 million per year in 2023 and 2024 [10] - The company anticipates revenue growth and high gross profit margins in 2026 and beyond, despite current challenges in the energy sector [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The core objective is to build a strong, profitable, and capital-efficient business, focusing on streamlining operations and optimizing cost structures [8] - The company is well-positioned to serve US-based OEMs, especially in the EV market, despite regulatory headwinds [9] - Future growth is expected to be driven by project work in the Energy Industrial segment and stable demand for EV thermal barrier products [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to adapt and innovate in a turbulent global economy, emphasizing a resilient and growth-oriented business model [26] - The outlook for the second half of the year includes expected revenue of $140 million to $160 million, translating to a total annual revenue of $297 million to $317 million [21] - The company expects to generate approximately double the adjusted EBITDA in the second half compared to the first half [21] Other Important Information - The CFO transition is underway, with Grant Thaley set to take over at the end of Q3 [6] - The company has removed approximately $65 million in costs, bringing operating expenses back to 2022 levels [8] - Cash and equivalents at the end of the quarter stood at $168 million, positioning the company well for future operations without needing additional capital [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Energy Industrial segment and distributor destocking - Management acknowledged ongoing destocking and lower project revenue, but expressed confidence in future growth as distributor inventories are worked through [32][33] Question: Outlook for Pyrothin and impact of tax credit expiration - Management remains optimistic about Q4 sales, citing GM's market share gains and stable demand despite the tax credit expiration [37] Question: Design activity with new OEMs and future revenue - Management noted ongoing quoting activity and expected incremental revenues from key OEMs like Stellantis and Daimler in the coming years [42][44] Question: Revenue buildup potential for Thermal and quoting activity - Management confirmed a path to achieving previously discussed revenue targets, with a focus on prismatic cells and ongoing quoting activity [86][88] Question: Impact of Mercedes' EV plans on revenue - Management indicated potential for incremental volume from the ACC partnership with Mercedes, particularly in the European market [94] Question: Lead times for orders in subsea and LNG - Management clarified that subsea projects typically have a lead time of one to two quarters, while LNG projects may require two to four quarters [107]