Fluence Energy(FLNC) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's backlog reached a record of $5.5 billion, reflecting a significant increase in U.S. contracting activity driven by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and rising demand forecasts [7][8] - Q1 2026 revenue was $475 million, representing 14% of the full-year guidance and nearly double the 18% of full-year 2025 revenue earned during Q1 2025 [16] - Adjusted gross profit for the quarter was $27 million, with an adjusted gross margin of 5.6%, below the full-year expectation of 11%-13% [16][17] - Total liquidity at the end of the quarter was approximately $1.1 billion, including $477 million in cash and $617 million available through credit facilities [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company signed over $750 million of new orders globally during Q1, with more than $500 million from the U.S., indicating strong growth from prior quarters [8][9] - The pipeline increased by approximately $7 billion, or 30%, with the majority of growth coming from the U.S. market [9][22] - The company is seeing growing demand from new customer segments, particularly data centers, with discussions covering 36 GWh of projects [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market is expected to represent about half of the total order growth for the year, consistent with previous patterns [8][9] - The company is experiencing an evolution in how customers use battery storage, with new applications emerging from large energy users such as data centers [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its domestic content strategy and enhancing its supply chain to support growth [12][14] - The management is optimistic about the future of the battery storage market in the U.S., citing a significant opportunity for growth driven by the conversion of EV battery lines into battery energy storage systems (BESS) [31][71] - The company aims to maintain a competitive edge through disciplined execution and innovation, with a focus on meeting customer needs [22][68] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management reaffirmed the fiscal 2026 guidance, supported by greater revenue visibility and confidence in execution [8][20] - The company expects continued margin improvement driven by strong execution, supply chain advantages, and innovation as energy storage demand grows [18][21] - Management expressed confidence in recovering additional costs incurred during the quarter, primarily related to two specific projects outside the U.S. [17][50] Other Important Information - The company successfully resolved two pending legal matters, including a settlement related to the Moss Landing incident and a court dismissal of a $230 million claim related to the Diablo Canyon project [15] - The domestic supply chain is performing well, with cell and module production ahead of schedule and a diversified supplier base enhancing flexibility and cost competitiveness [12][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on ASC ownership and resolution - Management emphasized that the main objective with ASC is to ensure access to PFE-compliant cells at competitive terms, and they are confident in ASC's ability to resolve ownership issues without company involvement [28][29] Question: Competitive environment and data center opportunities - Management noted that while competition is present, the landscape has diversified, and they remain optimistic about the U.S. market's growth potential [33][35] Question: Data center pipeline conversion and timing - Management indicated that none of the new data center projects have been converted to backlog yet, but they expect some movement in the second half of the year [42][44] Question: Incremental costs and recovery plans - Management explained that the $20 million in additional costs were due to scope changes in two non-U.S. projects, and they plan to recover these costs through contracts with customers [47][50] Question: Margin pressures and competitive landscape - Management confirmed that they do not foresee major changes in competitiveness or tariffs affecting their outlook for 2026 [55][58] Question: Vertical integration and M&A opportunities - Management stated that they do not see a strong need for vertical integration at this time, as they can work effectively with contracted manufacturers [114]