Bloom Energy Corp. (NYSE: BE) reported Q4 EPS of ($0.08), $0.08 worse than the analyst estimate of $0.00. Revenue for the quarter came in at $249.4 million versus the consensus estimate of $235.28 million.

Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights

• Revenue of $249.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, an increase of 16.8% compared to revenue of $213.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, primarily driven by a 16.6% increase in acceptances.
• 450 acceptances, or 45.0 megawatts (MW), a 16.6% increase year-over-year. Recall that an acceptance typically occurs when the system is turned on and producing full power. For orders where one of our partners performs the installation, our acceptance criteria are different. Those acceptances are generally achieved when the systems are shipped or delivered to our partner. Upon acceptance, the customer order is moved from product backlog and is recognized as revenue.
• Gross margin of 25.5% in the fourth quarter of 2020, an increase of 13.8 percentage points compared to gross margin of 11.7% in the fourth quarter of 2019, primarily driven by an improvement in product gross margin from 10.5% to 38.8% over the same period. This improvement in product gross margins was driven by product cost reductions outpacing ASP reductions.
• Excluding stock-based compensation, non-GAAP gross margin was 27.0% in the fourth quarter of 2020, an increase of 11.3 percentage points compared to non-GAAP gross margin of 15.7% in the fourth quarter of 2019, primarily driven by an improvement in product gross margin.
• Operating margin of (1.8%) in the fourth quarter of 2020, an improvement of 20.6 percentage points compared to operating margin of (22.4%) in the fourth quarter of 2019, driven by the improvements in gross margin and a $14.6 million reduction in stock-based compensation expenses burdening operating expenses.
• Excluding stock-based compensation, non-GAAP operating margin was 4.8% in the fourth quarter of 2020, an improvement of 10.3 percentage points compared to non-GAAP operating margin of (5.5%) in the fourth quarter of 2019, driven by an improvement in gross margin.
• GAAP EPS of ($0.16) and Adjusted EPS of ($0.08) in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to GAAP EPS of ($0.58) and Adjusted EPS of ($0.29) in the fourth quarter of 2019.

KR Sridhar, founder, chairman, and chief executive officer, Bloom Energy, commented: “2020 was a year unlike any other in modern history as we dealt with the dual challenges of the COVID-19 global pandemic and an uncertain economy. Yet, Bloom Energy’s management team and employees proved resilient in executing our business plan, delivering strong financial performance, solid operating results and significantly improving our balance sheet. We are well-positioned for growth as we implement our technology road map and build applications for the Bloom Energy Server that solve critical energy problems like resiliency, reducing carbon emissions and costs. As we enter 2021, there are many positive developments. The Biden Administration is embracing proactive climate change policies and continuing a low-interest environment while focusing on critical infrastructure investments that fit well with our strategic approach. And, beyond the United States, there is significant momentum in Asia and opportunities to grow in other markets around the world. We believe our work in 2020 provides a spring board for success in 2021 and beyond.”

Greg Cameron, executive vice president and chief financial officer, Bloom Energy, commented: “We were encouraged by the financial performance during the fourth quarter of 2020 across revenue, gross margin, operating income and cash. Our bookings in the second half of the year gained momentum, and we have a strong backlog for 2021 that provides high project visibility into our 2021 guidance framework and improving cash flow outlook. We continue to make significant progress on reducing our product costs, and our technology investments remain on track.”

GUIDANCE:

Bloom Energy Corp. sees FY2021 revenue of $950-1000 million, versus the consensus of $978.24 million.

Bloom announced the following outlook for the full-year 2021:

• Revenue: $950 million - $1 billion
• Non-GAAP Gross Margin*: ~25%
• Non-GAAP Operating Margin*: ~3%
• Cash Flow from Operations: Approaching Positive

*Non-GAAP gross margin and non-GAAP operating margin only exclude stock-based compensation.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Bloom Energy Corp. (BE) click here.