Spruce Power Reports First Quarter 2024 Results
Spruce Power Holding (NYSE: SPRU) reported its Q1 2024 financial results, revealing $18.3 million in revenue, a net loss of $2.5 million, and an Operating EBITDA of $10.7 million. The company ended the quarter with $120.6 million in unrestricted cash. Newly appointed CEO Chris Hayes aims for growth through the Spruce Pro servicing platform. Core operating expenses were $16.6 million, down from the previous year's $17.6 million. The total cash position decreased to $149.7 million due to legal settlements. Spruce reaffirmed its 2024 guidance with Operating EBITDA expected between $68-$86 million.
- Revenue increased to $18.3 million in Q1 2024 from $18.1 million in Q1 2023.
- Operating EBITDA was $10.7 million for Q1 2024.
- Core operating expenses decreased from $17.6 million in Q1 2023 to $16.6 million in Q1 2024.
- Strong liquidity position with $120.6 million in unrestricted cash.
- New CEO, Chris Hayes, aims to drive growth with the launch of Spruce Pro.
- Spruce Pro servicing platform launched to support distributed energy asset owners.
- Reaffirmed 2024 guidance with Operating EBITDA expected between $68-$86 million.
- Net loss attributable to stockholders was $2.5 million for Q1 2024.
- Total cash position decreased to $149.7 million from $172.9 million at the end of 2023.
- Paid $15 million in legal settlements related to securities class action lawsuit.
- No common stock repurchases made during Q1 2024.
- Outstanding debt totaled $640 million with a 5.8% blended interest rate.
Insights
The first quarter results of Spruce Power Holding Corporation display a moderate increase in revenue to
The significant outstanding debt of
While the legal settlements and reduction in cash from
Ultimately, the reaffirmed 2024 guidance for Operating EBITDA in the range of
Spruce Power's strategy to enhance its servicing technology platform with the launch of Spruce Pro could be a game-changer in the distributed energy market. This platform aims to offer a comprehensive suite of servicing solutions for third-party distributed energy owners, including commercial solar, which could open new revenue streams and market opportunities.
The company's focus on organic growth through capital-light initiatives aligns well with industry trends towards sustainable and scalable business models. The servicing of approximately 4,500 third-party owned home solar systems and loans indicates a substantial market penetration, enhancing their recurring revenue model.
The overall growth strategy, including strategic acquisitions and disciplined capital allocation, aligns well with the industry norms and demonstrates a forward-thinking approach. However, the competitive landscape in the distributed solar energy market is intense and maintaining a differentiated position will be key to sustained success.
The resolution of the Legacy XL Fleet legal matters is a positive development for Spruce Power. The settlement of
Implementing enhancements to corporate governance as part of the settlement terms could bolster investor confidence and improve transparency, potentially leading to better decision-making and risk management within the company.
Given the nature of these legal resolutions, the impact on future financials will likely be minimal, allowing Spruce to potentially allocate more resources towards strategic growth initiatives and operational improvements.
Business Highlights
-
Reported 1Q revenue of
$18.3 million $2.5 million $10.7 million -
Ended quarter with strong liquidity position for future growth, with
$120.6 million - Appointed sustainable technology and infrastructure veteran Chris Hayes as CEO.
- Advancing organic growth of Spruce's servicing technology platform with launch of Spruce Pro.
Management Commentary and Outlook
"Our team remains squarely focused on being the dominant owner and operator of distributed solar assets," said Chris Hayes, Spruce’s Chief Executive Officer.
Hayes continued, "I'm excited to step into a new leadership position with the Company and to create value for Spruce's shareholders. Our Company is well capitalized for continued execution of our differentiated acquisition strategy, as well as to pursue capital light, organic growth opportunities through Spruce Pro, a best in class servicing solutions platform for distributed energy asset owners."
Sarah Wells, Spruce's Chief Financial Officer, added "Spruce delivered strong first quarter results from our core solar operations as portfolio acquisitions closed in 2023 benefited our recurring cash flow base. Spruce continues to move past Legacy XL Fleet legal matters, allowing the Company to focus on growing cash generation of our distributed energy business."
Consolidated Financial Results
Revenues totaled
Core operating expenses (excluding depreciation), including both selling, general & administrative expenses ("SG&A") and operations & maintenance, were
Net loss attributable to stockholders was
Management considers Operating EBITDA as a key measure in evaluating Spruce's operating performance. For the first quarter of 2024, Operating EBITDA was
Balance Sheet and Liquidity
The Company's total principal amount of outstanding debt as of March 31, 2024, was
Total cash as of March 31, 2024, was
2024 Guidance
Spruce Power reaffirms its expectation for 2024 Operating EBITDA in the range of
Growth and Capital Allocation
Spruce is committed to maximizing long-term value for our shareholders through a disciplined approach that includes strategic acquisitions, capital expenditure projects, debt repayment, and shareholder return initiatives.
During January 2024, the Company announced the launch of Spruce Pro, offering a broad suite of servicing capabilities for third-party distributed energy owners, including owners of commercial solar.
There were no common stock repurchases made during the first quarter of 2024. There was
Legal Proceedings
As previously disclosed, the Company made a net payment in the amount of
On May 1, 2024, the United States District Court for the District of
Key Operating Metrics
As of March 31, 2024, Spruce owned cash flows from over 75,000 home solar assets and contracts across 18 U.S. States with an average remaining contract life of approximately 11 years. Combined portfolio generation for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, was approximately 80 thousand MWh of power. In addition, the Company also serviced approximately 4,500 third-party owned home solar systems and third-party loans as of March 31, 2024. Gross Portfolio Value, on a PV6 basis as described below, was
Conference Call Information
The Spruce management team will host a conference call for analysts and investors to discuss its first quarter 2024 financial results and business outlook today at 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time. The conference call can be accessed live over the telephone by dialing (800) 715-9871 and referencing Conference ID 6052195. Alternatively, the call can be accessed via a live webcast accessible on the Events & Presentations page in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.sprucepower.com. An audio replay will be available shortly after the call and can be accessed by dialing (800) 770-2030. The passcode for the replay is 6052195. The replay will be available until May 29, 2024.
About Spruce Power
Spruce Power is a leading owner and operator of distributed solar energy assets across
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “opportunity,” “plans,” “goals,” “target” “predict,” “potential,” “estimate,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “continue,” “likely” or the negative of these terms or other words of similar meaning. These statements are based upon our current plans and strategies and reflect our current assessment of the risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding 2024 guidance, potential future acquisitions and debt reductions, and the Company's prospects for long-term growth in revenues, business cash inflows and earnings. Repurchases under the stock repurchase program will depend upon market prices, trading volume, available cash and other factors, and therefore, there is no guarantee as to the number of shares that may be purchased. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release and on the current expectations of management and are not predictions of actual performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: expectations regarding the growth of the solar industry and home electrification; the ability to identify and complete future acquisitions; the ability to develop and market new products and services; the effects of pending and future legislation; the highly competitive nature of the Company’s business and markets; the ability to execute on and consummate business plans in anticipated time frames; litigation, complaints, product liability claims, government investigations and/or adverse publicity; cost increases or shortages in the components or chassis necessary to support the Company’s products and services; the introduction of new technologies; the impact of natural disasters and other events beyond our control, such as hurricanes, wildfires or pandemics, on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition, regulatory compliance and customer experience; privacy and data protection laws, privacy or data breaches, or the loss of data; general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; risks related to the rollout of the Company’s business and the timing of expected business milestones; the effects of competition on the Company’s future business; the availability of capital; and the other risks discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on April 9, 2024, subsequent Quarterly and Annual Reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K, respectively, and other documents that the Company files with the SEC in the future. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
This press release includes references to certain non-GAAP financial measures. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures, when reviewed in conjunction with GAAP financial measures, can provide meaningful supplemental information for investors regarding the performance of our business and facilitate a meaningful evaluation of current period performance on a comparable basis with prior periods. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in order to have comparable financial results to analyze changes in our underlying business from quarter to quarter. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, the GAAP financial measures presented in this press release, our financial statements, and other publicly filed reports. This prospective financial information was not prepared with a view toward compliance with published guidelines of the SEC or the guidelines established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for preparation and presentation of prospective financial information or
Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Information
Earnings (Loss) Before Interest, Income Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”):
We define EBITDA as our consolidated net income (loss) and adding back interest expense, net, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. We believe EBITDA provides meaningful information to the performance of our business and therefore we use it to supplement our GAAP reporting. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA, which excludes certain identified items that we do not consider to be part of our ongoing business, improves the comparability of year-to-year results, and is representative of our underlying performance. Management uses this information to assess and measure the performance of our operating segment. We have chosen to provide this supplemental information to investors, analysts and other interested parties to enable them to perform additional analyses of operating results, to illustrate the results of operations giving effect to the non-GAAP adjustments shown in the below reconciliations, and to provide an additional measure of performance.
Operating EBITDA:
We define Operating EBITDA as Adjusted EBITDA plus Proceeds from Investment in Lease Agreement, Net, Proceeds from Buyouts / Prepayments and Interest Earned on Cash Investments. Proceeds from Investment in Lease Agreement, Net, represent cash flows from the Company's Spruce Power 4 Portfolio, which holds the 20-year use rights to customer payment streams of approximately 22,500 solar lease and power purchase agreements, net of servicing costs. Proceeds from Buyouts / Prepayments represent cash inflows from the early buyout of customer solar contracts and cash inflows from the prepayment of customer solar contracts. Interest Earned on Cash Investments represent cash interest received on investments in money market funds /
Adjusted Free Cash Flow:
We define Adjusted Free Cash Flow as Operating EBITDA less Project Finance Debt Service, Platform Capital Expenditures, and Other non-cash items. Project Finance Debt Service represents principal and interest payments, including sweeps where applicable, on Spruce's non-recourse, project finance debt facilities. Other non-cash items represent miscellaneous non-cash income or expense associated with our various operating portfolios of residential solar assets.
Portfolio Value Metrics:
We believe Portfolio Value Metrics are helpful to management, investors, and analysts to understand the value of our business and to evaluate the estimated remaining value of our customer contracts, including present value implied from future, uncontracted sales of solar renewable energy credits generated from assets that the Company owns today.
-
Gross Portfolio Value reflects the remaining projected net cash flows from current customers discounted at
6% (“PV6”) - Projected cash flows include the customer’s initial agreement plus renewal
($ in millions) |
As of March 31, 2024 |
|
Contracted Portfolio Value (1) |
$ |
717 |
Renewal Portfolio Value (2) |
|
61 |
Uncontracted Renewable Energy Credits (3) |
|
16 |
Gross Portfolio Value (4) |
$ |
794 |
(1) Contracted Portfolio Value represents the present value of the remaining net cash flows discounted at
(2) Renewal Portfolio Value is the forecasted net present value the Company would receive upon or following the expiration of the initial customer agreement term, but before the 30th anniversary of the system’s activation in the form of cash payments during any applicable renewal period for customers as of the measurement date. The Company calculates the Renewal Portfolio Value amount at the expiration of the initial contract term assuming that, on average, Spruce's customers choose to renew
(3) Uncontracted sales of SRECs based on forward market REC pricing curves, adjusted for liquidity discounts.
(4) Gross Portfolio Value represents the sum of Contracted Portfolio Value, Renewal Portfolio Value and Uncontracted SRECs.
Spruce Power Holding Corporation Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 |
|||||||
|
Three Months Ended
|
||||||
(In thousands, except per share and share amounts) |
|
2024 |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Revenues |
$ |
18,287 |
|
|
$ |
18,095 |
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
||||
Cost of revenues |
|
8,868 |
|
|
|
7,853 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
13,469 |
|
|
|
15,717 |
|
Gain on asset disposal |
|
(453 |
) |
|
|
(2,658 |
) |
Total operating expenses |
|
21,884 |
|
|
|
20,912 |
|
Loss from operations |
|
(3,597 |
) |
|
|
(2,817 |
) |
Other (income) expense: |
|
|
|
||||
Interest income |
|
(5,386 |
) |
|
|
(2,351 |
) |
Interest expense, net |
|
10,942 |
|
|
|
9,167 |
|
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities |
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
(115 |
) |
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps |
|
(6,409 |
) |
|
|
5,588 |
|
Other income, net |
|
(286 |
) |
|
|
(128 |
) |
Net loss from continuing operations |
|
(2,449 |
) |
|
|
(14,978 |
) |
Net loss from discontinued operations (including loss on disposal of |
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(3,866 |
) |
Net loss |
|
(2,450 |
) |
|
|
(18,844 |
) |
Less: Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests and noncontrolling interests |
|
4 |
|
|
|
551 |
|
Net loss attributable to stockholders |
$ |
(2,454 |
) |
|
$ |
(19,395 |
) |
Net loss from continuing operations per share, basic and diluted |
$ |
(0.13 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.82 |
) |
Net loss from discontinued operations per share, basic and diluted |
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
(0.21 |
) |
Net loss attributable to stockholders per share, basic and diluted |
$ |
(0.13 |
) |
|
$ |
(1.06 |
) |
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic and diluted |
|
19,098,246 |
|
|
|
18,275,958 |
|
Spruce Power Holding Corporation Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 |
|||||||
|
Three Months Ended
|
||||||
(In thousands) |
|
2024 |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
Reconciliation of Net Loss to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Operating EBITDA |
|
|
|
||||
Net loss attributable to stockholders |
$ |
(2,454 |
) |
|
$ |
(19,395 |
) |
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests and noncontrolling interests |
|
4 |
|
|
|
551 |
|
Interest income |
|
(5,386 |
) |
|
|
(2,351 |
) |
Interest expense, net |
|
10,942 |
|
|
|
9,167 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
4,988 |
|
|
|
5,507 |
|
EBITDA |
|
8,094 |
|
|
|
(6,521 |
) |
Net loss from discontinued operations |
|
1 |
|
|
|
3,866 |
|
Restructuring charges |
|
— |
|
|
|
672 |
|
Legal charges related to SEC investigation and shareholder lawsuits |
|
720 |
|
|
|
2,153 |
|
Gain on asset disposal |
|
(453 |
) |
|
|
(2,658 |
) |
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps |
|
(6,409 |
) |
|
|
5,588 |
|
Meter upgrade campaign |
|
258 |
|
|
|
554 |
|
Other one-time costs |
|
163 |
|
|
|
720 |
|
Change in fair value warrant liabilities |
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
(115 |
) |
Stock based compensation |
|
830 |
|
|
|
796 |
|
Bad debt expense |
|
517 |
|
|
|
174 |
|
Accretion expense |
|
59 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Non-recurring acquisition/divestment expenses |
|
— |
|
|
|
409 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
3,771 |
|
|
|
5,638 |
|
Proceeds from investment in lease agreement, net |
|
3,863 |
|
|
|
809 |
|
Proceeds from buyouts / prepayments |
|
1,431 |
|
|
|
2,033 |
|
Interest earned on cash investments |
|
1,638 |
|
|
|
2,131 |
|
Operating EBITDA |
$ |
10,703 |
|
|
$ |
10,611 |
|
Spruce Power Holding Corporation Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 |
||||||||
|
|
As of |
||||||
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts) |
|
March 31,
|
|
December 31,
|
||||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
||||
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
120,581 |
|
|
$ |
141,354 |
|
Restricted cash |
|
|
29,087 |
|
|
|
31,587 |
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of |
|
|
10,961 |
|
|
|
9,188 |
|
Interest rate swap assets, current |
|
|
12,232 |
|
|
|
11,333 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
5,377 |
|
|
|
9,879 |
|
Total current assets |
|
|
178,238 |
|
|
|
203,341 |
|
Investment related to SEMTH master lease agreement |
|
|
142,993 |
|
|
|
143,095 |
|
Property and equipment, net |
|
|
477,834 |
|
|
|
484,406 |
|
Interest rate swap assets, non-current |
|
|
21,489 |
|
|
|
16,550 |
|
Intangible assets, net |
|
|
9,886 |
|
|
|
10,196 |
|
Deferred rent assets |
|
|
2,809 |
|
|
|
2,454 |
|
Right-of-use assets, net |
|
|
5,626 |
|
|
|
5,933 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
28,757 |
|
|
|
28,757 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
255 |
|
|
|
257 |
|
Long-term assets of discontinued operations |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
867,888 |
|
|
$ |
895,021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity |
|
|
|
|
||||
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
||||
Accounts payable |
|
$ |
769 |
|
|
$ |
1,120 |
|
Non-recourse debt, current, net |
|
|
28,181 |
|
|
|
27,914 |
|
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
|
22,006 |
|
|
|
40,634 |
|
Deferred revenue, current |
|
|
1,149 |
|
|
|
878 |
|
Lease liability, current |
|
|
1,140 |
|
|
|
1,166 |
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
53,245 |
|
|
|
71,712 |
|
Non-recourse debt, non-current, net |
|
|
585,355 |
|
|
|
590,866 |
|
Deferred revenue, non-current |
|
|
2,038 |
|
|
|
1,858 |
|
Lease liability, non-current |
|
|
5,472 |
|
|
|
5,731 |
|
Warrant liabilities |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
Unfavorable solar renewable energy agreements, net |
|
|
5,242 |
|
|
|
6,108 |
|
Interest rate swap liabilities, non-current |
|
|
270 |
|
|
|
843 |
|
Other long-term liabilities |
|
|
3,107 |
|
|
|
3,047 |
|
Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations |
|
|
187 |
|
|
|
170 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
654,924 |
|
|
|
680,352 |
|
Commitments and contingencies |
|
|
|
|
||||
Stockholders’ equity: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Common stock, |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
476,475 |
|
|
|
475,654 |
|
Accumulated deficit |
|
|
(260,342 |
) |
|
|
(257,888 |
) |
Treasury stock at cost, 800,650 shares at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively |
|
|
(5,424 |
) |
|
|
(5,424 |
) |
Noncontrolling interests |
|
|
2,253 |
|
|
|
2,325 |
|
Total stockholders’ equity |
|
|
212,964 |
|
|
|
214,669 |
|
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity |
|
$ |
867,888 |
|
|
$ |
895,021 |
|
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240515294505/en/
For More Information
Investor Contact: investors@sprucepower.com
Head of Investor Relations: Bronson Fleig
Media Contact: publicrelations@sprucepower.com
Source: Spruce Power Holding Corporation
FAQ
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