Microvast Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Microvast Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MVST) reported impressive Q1 2024 financial results, with record revenue of $81.4 million, a 73.2% increase YoY. The gross margin improved to 21.2%, operating expenses rose to $40.9 million, and a net loss of $24.8 million was recorded. Despite the positive revenue growth, the company experienced a decrease in cash holdings due to significant capital expenditures. Microvast aims for a revenue growth of 20% to 30% in Q2 2024 and continues to focus on operational efficiencies and financing solutions. The company is also exploring new customer projects in different regions and enhancing its R&D efforts for upcoming products.

Positive

• Record revenue of $81.4 million in Q1 2024, a 73.2% increase YoY

• Gross margin improved to 21.2% from 10.3% in Q1 2023

• Aim for revenue growth of 20-30% in Q2 2024

Negative

• Net loss of $24.8 million in Q1 2024

• Decrease in cash holdings to $86.7 million compared to previous periods

Insights

Financial Analyst

Microvast's Q1 revenue surge to $81.4 million is a significant stride, representing a 73.2% year-over-year increase. This type of growth is noteworthy for a lithium-ion battery company, especially when considering the broader context of the electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage markets. The improvement in gross margin to 21.2% from 10.3% suggests operational efficiencies and could reflect a maturing cost structure or improved pricing power. However, the sharp decline in cash and equivalents from $285.8 million to $86.7 million year over year raises a flag about cash burn rates. Although capital expenditures have decreased compared to the previous year, the company's net loss situation remains a concern, with an adjusted net loss of $13.0 million. Moving forward, Microvast's focus on operational efficiencies, new customer projects and R&D may drive growth, but will need to be balanced against cash flow considerations. Investors should monitor how the company manages its working capital and executes its operational plans, keeping an eye on the scalability of their revenue streams and their ability to control costs.

Market Research Analyst

The substantial revenue growth presented by Microvast aligns with industry trends where demand for lithium-ion batteries is on the rise due to the growing adoption of EVs and the need for efficient energy storage solutions. Microvast’s investment in R&D and the anticipation of new product prototypes are strategic moves to capture more market share. However, the challenge remains in converting this growth into profitability. The guidance for Q2 suggests optimism with an expected 20% to 30% year-over-year increase in revenue. While this outlook is promising, it's important for investors to consider the competitive landscape, as well as external factors like material costs and supply chain stability. The company’s plans to expand in differentiated commercial vehicle markets in the Americas, APAC and EMEA could diversify revenue streams and minimize regional risks. Understanding the nuances of these expansions, such as regulatory hurdles and market acceptance, is key to evaluating Microvast's potential.

Technology Expert

The technological advancements in lithium-ion batteries are critical to the future of transportation and energy storage, sectors where Microvast is positioning itself as an innovator. The company's increased R&D spending is a testament to their commitment to maintaining a competitive edge. However, the real test comes in translating R&D efforts into commercially successful products that resonate with customers. The mention of new product prototypes is a positive indicator of ongoing innovation, but it's important to consider the time-to-market and how these products will fit into the competitive landscape. The focus on operational efficiencies indicates Microvast's awareness of the need to streamline production and reduce costs, which is essential in a market driven by rapidly evolving technology and price competitiveness.

• Record company Q1 revenue, increased 73.2% year over year to $81.4 million
• Gross margin increased from 10.3% to 21.2%, a 10.9 percentage point improvement year over year

STAFFORD, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Microvast Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MVST) (“Microvast” or the “Company”), a technology innovator that designs, develops and manufactures lithium-ion battery solutions, today announced unaudited condensed consolidated financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024 (“Q1 2024”).

Results for Q1 2024

• Revenue of $81.4 million, compared to $47.0 million in Q1 2023, an increase of 73.2%
• Gross margin increased to 21.2% from gross margin of 10.3% in Q1 2023; Non-GAAP adjusted gross margin increased to 22.6%, up from 13.5% in Q1 2023
• Operating expenses of $40.9 million, compared to $36.2 million in Q1 2023; Adjusted operating expenses of $30.1 million, compared to $19.8 million in Q1 2023
• Net loss of $24.8 million, compared to net loss of $29.6 million in Q1 2023; Non-GAAP adjusted net loss of $13.0 million, compared to non-GAAP adjusted net loss of $11.7 million in Q1 2023
• Net loss per share of $0.08 compared to net loss per share of $0.10 in Q1 2023; Non-GAAP adjusted net loss per share of $0.04, compared to non-GAAP adjusted net loss per share of $0.04 in Q1 2023
• Adjusted EBITDA of negative $3.7 million in Q1 2024, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of negative $7.5 million in Q1 2023
• Capital expenditures of $10.2 million, compared to $35.9 million in Q1 2023
• Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments of $86.7 million as of March 31, 2024, compared to $93.8 million as of December 31, 2023, and $285.8 million as of March 31, 2023; decrease largely due to significant capital expenditures towards PP&E in the U.S. and Huzhou, China

Please refer to the tables at the end of this press release for reconciliations of gross profit to non-GAAP adjusted gross profit, and net loss to non-GAAP adjusted net loss and non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA.

Q2 2024 Outlook

• For Q2 2024, the Company is targeting a revenue growth of 20% to 30% year over year and revenue guidance of $90 million to $98 million
• Targeting operational efficiencies, providing a Company gross margin target of 20% to 25%
• Continued focus on financing solutions to complete Clarksville Phase 1A and securing working capital
• Exploring new customer projects in the Americas and embarking on additional projects in APAC and EMEA that expand our presence in differentiated commercial vehicle markets
• Ongoing R&D progress towards upcoming new products, anticipate delivering prototypes to new customers

Webcast Information

Company management will host a conference call and webcast on May 9, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time, to discuss the Company's financial results. The live webcast and accompanying slide presentation will be accessible from the Events & Presentations section of Microvast’s investor relations website (https://ir.microvast.com/events-presentations/events). A replay will be available following the conclusion of the event.

About Microvast

Microvast is a global leader in providing battery technologies for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions. With a legacy of over 17 years, Microvast has consistently delivered cutting-edge battery systems that empower a cleaner and more sustainable future. The company's innovative approach and dedication to excellence have positioned it as a trusted partner for customers around the world. Microvast was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Stafford, Texas.

For more information, please visit www.microvast.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results, our objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “outlook” “should,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology intended to identify statements about the future. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our industry and market sizes, and future opportunities for us. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

Many factors could cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements, including, among others: (1) our ability to remain a going concern; (2) risk that we may not be able to execute our growth strategies or achieve profitability; (3) risk that we will be unable to raise additional capital to execute our business plan or pay our debts as they come due, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; (4) restrictions in our existing and any future credit facilities; (5) risks of operations in China; (6) the effects of mechanics liens filed by contractors that we do not have sufficient funds to pay; (7) the effects of existing and future litigation; (8) changes in general economic conditions, including increases in interest rates and associated Federal Reserve policies, a potential economic recession, and the impact of inflation on our business; (9) changes in the highly competitive market in which we compete, including with respect to our competitive landscape, technology evolution or regulatory changes; (10) changes in availability and price of raw materials; (11) labor relations, including the ability to attract, hire and retain key employees and contract personnel; (12) heightened awareness of environmental issues and concern about global warming and climate change; (13) risk that we are unable to secure or protect our intellectual property; (14) risk that our customers or third-party suppliers are unable to meet their obligations fully or in a timely manner; (15) risk that our customers will adjust, cancel or suspend their orders for our products; (16) risk of product liability or regulatory lawsuits or proceedings relating to our products or services; (17) the effectiveness of our information technology and operational technology systems and practices to detect and defend against evolving cyberattacks; (18) changing laws regarding cybersecurity and data privacy, and any cybersecurity threat or event; (19) the effects and associated cost of compliance with existing and future laws and governmental regulations, such as the Inflation Reduction Act; (20) economic, financial and other impacts such as a pandemic, including global supply chain disruptions; and (21) the impacts of geopolitical events, including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas. Microvast’s annual, quarterly and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission identify, address and discuss these and other factors in the sections entitled “Risk Factors.”

Actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially, and potentially adversely, from any forward-looking statements and the assumptions on which those forward-looking statements are based. There can be no assurance that the data contained herein is reflective of future performance to any degree. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a predictor of future performance as forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to various significant risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.

All information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date hereof except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Forecasts and estimates regarding our industry and end markets are based on sources we believe to be reliable, however, there can be no assurance these forecasts and estimates will prove accurate in whole or in part.

All references to the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to Microvast Holdings, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries other than certain historical information which refers to the business of Microvast prior to the consummation of the Business Combination.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, Microvast has disclosed in this earnings release non-GAAP financial measures, including non-GAAP adjusted gross profit (loss), non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP adjusted net loss, which are non-GAAP financial measures as defined under the rules of the SEC. These are intended as supplemental measures of our financial performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

Reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures, gross profit and net income (loss), are contained in tabular form in the unaudited financial statements below. Non-GAAP adjusted gross profit is GAAP gross profit as adjusted for non-cash stock-based compensation expense included in cost of revenues. Non-GAAP adjusted net loss is GAAP net loss as adjusted for non-cash stock-based compensation expense and change in valuation of warrant liabilities. Non-GAAP adjusted net loss per common share is GAAP net loss per common share as adjusted for non-cash stock-based compensation expense and change in valuation of warrant liabilities per common share. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA is defined as net loss excluding depreciation and amortization, non-cash settled share-based compensation expense, interest expense, interest income, changes in fair value of our warrant liability and income tax expense or benefit.

We use non-GAAP adjusted gross profit, non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP adjusted net loss for financial and operational decision-making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. We consider them to be important measures because they help illustrate underlying trends in our business and our historical operating performance on a more consistent basis. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures, when taken together with their most directly comparable GAAP measures, gross profit and net income (loss), provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of our recurring core business operating results.

We believe that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting, and analyzing future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management’s internal comparisons to our historical performance. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors both because (1) they allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision-making and (2) they are used by our institutional investors and the analyst community to help them analyze the health of our business. Accordingly, we believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management team and board of directors.

Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. For example, our calculation of non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA may differ from similarly titled non-GAAP measures, if any, reported by our peer companies, or our peer companies may use other measures to calculate their financial performance, and therefore our use of non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. The principal limitation of non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA is that it excludes significant expenses and income that are required by GAAP to be recorded in our financial statements. In addition, it is subject to inherent limitations as it reflects the exercise of judgments by management about which expense and income are excluded or included in determining this non-GAAP financial measure. In order to compensate for these limitations, management presents non-GAAP financial measures in connection with GAAP results. In addition, such financial information is unaudited and does not conform to SEC Regulation S-X and as a result, such information may be presented differently in our future filings with the SEC. For example, with respect to the warrant liability resulting from the merger, we now exclude changes in fair value from net loss in our non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP adjusted net loss calculation, which had not been done in prior periods.

MICROVAST HOLDINGS, INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data, or as otherwise noted)
	December 31, 2023				March 31, 2024
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	44,541			$	39,451
Restricted cash, current		37,477				44,693
Short-term investments		5,634				—
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for credit losses of $4,571 and $5,065 as of December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024, respectively)		138,717				123,543
Notes receivable		23,736				12,162
Inventories, net		149,749				137,330
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		25,752				20,973
Total Current Assets		425,606				378,152
Restricted cash, non-current		6,171				2,560
Property, plant and equipment, net		620,667				616,508
Land use rights, net		11,984				11,712
Acquired intangible assets, net		3,136				2,985
Operating lease right-of-use assets		19,507				18,777
Other non-current assets		9,661				9,954
Total Assets	$	1,096,732			$	1,040,648
Liabilities
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	112,618			$	83,071
Advance from customers		43,087				41,276
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		148,284				137,231
Income tax payables		655				653
Short-term bank borrowings		35,392				41,034
Notes payable		63,374				63,355
Total Current Liabilities		403,410				366,620
Long-term bonds payable		43,157				43,157
Long-term bank borrowings		43,761				43,031
Warrant liability		67				25
Share-based compensation liability		199				197
Operating lease liabilities		17,087				16,234
Other non-current liabilities		24,861				25,238
Total Liabilities	$	532,542			$	494,502
Shareholders’ Equity
Common Stock (par value of US$0.0001 per share, 750,000,000 and 750,000,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024; 316,694,442 and 317,196,095 shares issued, and 315,006,942 and 315,508,595 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024)	$	32			$	32
Additional paid-in capital		1,481,241				1,493,139
Statutory reserves		6,032				6,032
Accumulated deficit		(897,501	)			(922,326	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(25,614	)			(30,731	)
Total Equity	$	564,190			$	546,146
Total Liabilities and Equity	$	1,096,732			$	1,040,648

MICROVAST HOLDINGS, INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data, or as otherwise noted)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2023				2024
Revenues	$	46,973			$	81,351
Cost of revenues		(42,115	)			(64,126	)
Gross profit		4,858				17,225
Operating expenses:
General and administrative expenses		(20,385	)			(23,794	)
Research and development expenses		(10,861	)			(11,492	)
Selling and marketing expenses		(4,988	)			(5,591	)
Total operating expenses		(36,234	)			(40,877	)
Subsidy income		77				534
Loss from operations		(31,299	)			(23,118	)
Other income and expenses:
Interest income		1,381				119
Interest expense		(459	)			(1,732	)
Changes in fair value of warrant liability		17				42
Other income (expense), net		789				(136	)
Loss before provision for income taxes		(29,571	)			(24,825	)
Income tax expense		—				—
Net loss	$	(29,571	)		$	(24,825	)
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		10				—
Net loss attributable to Microvast Holdings, Inc.'s shareholders	$	(29,581	)		$	(24,825	)
Net loss per common share
Basic and diluted	$	(0.10	)		$	(0.08	)
Weighted average shares used in calculating net loss per share of common stock
Basic and diluted		307,714,841				315,367,121

MICROVAST HOLDINGS, INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data, or as otherwise noted)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2023				2024
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss	$	(29,571	)		$	(24,825	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Loss/ (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment		824				(34	)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		4,892				7,470
Amortization of land use right and intangible assets		205				194
Noncash lease expenses		658				664
Share-based compensation		17,929				11,865
Changes in fair value of warrant liability		(17	)			(42	)
(Reversal)/ allowance of credit losses		(1,094	)			578
Product warranty		2,530				3,269
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Notes receivable		(21,340	)			10,577
Accounts receivable		32,293				12,011
Inventories		(7,039	)			16,341
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(857	)			4,305
Operating lease right-of-use assets		(2,493	)			(323	)
Other non-current assets		288				(275	)
Notes payable		(936	)			1,042
Accounts payable		(3,956	)			(27,843	)
Advance from customers		(1,179	)			(1,694	)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		(3,434	)			(10,623	)
Operating lease liabilities		1,239				(500	)
Other non-current liabilities		(108	)			(126	)
Net cash (used in) generated from operating activities		(11,166	)			2,031
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment		(35,922	)			(10,241	)
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment		340				152
Purchase of short-term investments		(243	)			—
Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments		—				5,564
Net cash used in investing activities		(35,825	)			(4,525	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings		4,384				18,780
Repayment of bank borrowings		—				(12,520	)
Net cash generated from financing activities		4,384				6,260
Effect of exchange rate changes		470				(5,251	)
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		(42,137	)			(1,485	)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the period		302,617				88,189
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the period	$	260,480			$	86,704

MICROVAST HOLDINGS, INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS-Continued (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data, or as otherwise noted)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2023			2024
Reconciliation to amounts on consolidated balance sheets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	200,305		$	39,451
Restricted cash		60,175			47,253
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	260,480		$	86,704

MICROVAST HOLDINGS, INC. RECONCILIATION OF GROSS PROFIT TO ADJUSTED GROSS PROFIT (Unaudited, in thousands of U.S. dollars)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2023				2024
Revenues	$	46,973			$	81,351
Cost of revenues		(42,115	)			(64,126	)
Gross profit (GAAP)	$	4,858			$	17,225
Gross margin		10.3	%			21.2	%
Non-cash settled share-based compensation (included in cost of revenues)		1,504				1,138
Adjusted gross profit (non-GAAP)	$	6,362			$	18,363
Adjusted gross margin (non-GAAP)		13.5	%			22.6	%

MICROVAST HOLDINGS, INC. RECONCILIATION OF NET LOSS TO ADJUSTED NET LOSS (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data, or as otherwise noted)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2023				2024
Net loss (GAAP)	$	(29,571	)		$	(24,825	)
Changes in fair value of warrant liability*		(17	)			(42	)
Non-cash settled share-based compensation*		17,921				11,867
Adjusted Net Loss (non-GAAP)	$	(11,667	)		$	(13,000	)
*The tax effect of the adjustments was nil.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2023				2024
Net loss per common share-Basic and diluted (GAAP)	$	(0.10	)		$	(0.08	)
Changes in fair value of warranty liability per common share		—				—
Non-cash settled share-based compensation per common share		0.06				0.04
Adjusted net loss per common share-Basic and diluted (non-GAAP)	$	(0.04	)		$	(0.04	)

MICROVAST HOLDINGS, INC. RECONCILIATION OF NET LOSS TO EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA (Unaudited, in thousands of U.S. dollars)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2023				2024
Net loss (GAAP)	$	(29,571	)		$	(24,825	)
Interest expense (income), net		(922	)			1,613
Income tax expense		—				—
Depreciation and amortization		5,097				7,664
EBITDA (non-GAAP)	$	(25,396	)		$	(15,548	)
Changes in fair value of warrant liability		(17	)			(42	)
Non-cash settled share-based compensation		17,921				11,867
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)	$	(7,492	)		$	(3,723	)

 

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Investor Relations

ir@microvast.com

Source: Microvast Holdings, Inc.

FAQ

What was Microvast's Q1 2024 revenue?

Microvast reported a record revenue of $81.4 million in Q1 2024, a 73.2% increase year over year.

What was the gross margin in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023?

The gross margin improved to 21.2% in Q1 2024 from 10.3% in Q1 2023.

What is Microvast's stock symbol?

Microvast's stock symbol is MVST.

What is Microvast's revenue guidance for Q2 2024?

Microvast is targeting a revenue growth of 20% to 30% in Q2 2024, with revenue guidance of $90 million to $98 million.

When will Microvast host a conference call to discuss financial results?

Microvast will host a conference call and webcast on May 9, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time to discuss the Company's financial results.