Xos(XOS) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year of 2024, revenue increased to $56 million from$ 44.5 million in 2023, while cost of goods sold rose to $52 million from$ 45.8 million [40] - GAAP gross margin for 2024 was a profit of $4 million or 7.1%, compared to a loss of$ 1.3 million or negative 2.9% in 2023 [40] - Non-GAAP gross margin for 2024 was a profit of $10 million or 18%, compared to a loss of$ 2.3 million or negative 5.2% in 2023 [40] - In Q4, revenue was $11.5 million, down from$ 15.8 million in Q3, with cost of goods sold increasing to $15.2 million from$ 12.9 million in Q3 [41][42] - Q4 GAAP gross margin was a loss of $3.7 million or negative 32.4%, significantly impacted by inventory reserves and write-offs [42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4, the company delivered 51 units, reflecting a 27.3% decline in top-line revenue compared to Q3 due to seasonal delays in the parcel delivery segment [11][16] - The step-van business is expected to shift positively towards strip chassis deliveries, which can reduce inventory turnover by two to three months [17] - The powertrain business made significant progress, with the first powertrain product delivered for a Bluebird electric school bus [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has secured major commercial orders, including nearly 200 strip chassis for UPS and 20 hub units for Caltrans, indicating strong demand across various sectors [14] - The hub product has seen increased demand, with customers including Waymo and Duke Energy, and production rates reached approximately two hub units per week [20][32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue growing revenue, improving liquidity, and expanding margins while adapting to regulatory changes and infrastructure challenges in the EV market [50] - There is a focus on American manufacturing, with significant investments in the Tennessee facility to support operations [38] - The company is exploring alternative sourcing strategies to mitigate potential tariff impacts and enhance its supply chain [37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the demand pipeline despite challenges from seasonal delays and potential tariff impacts [11][10] - The outlook for 2025 anticipates revenue between$ 50.2 million and $65.8 million, with unit deliveries expected to range from 320 to 420 units [48] - Management remains focused on achieving positive gross margins and improving working capital efficiency [72] Other Important Information - The company closed a significant transaction that added over$ 40 million in liquidity to its balance sheet [15] - Inventory decreased to $36.6 million from$ 42.6 million last quarter, reflecting improved inventory management practices [47] Q&A Session Summary Question: Gross margin performance despite lower volume - Management attributed strong margins to a shifting product mix, particularly with specialty products like the XS Hub [56] Question: Hub business outlook and production capacity - Management indicated plans to increase hub capabilities and production capacity based on customer demand [60][62] Question: FMVSS certification for powertrain business - The powertrain business requires deep partnerships for engineering validation and testing, with production units expected to be shipped to end-user customers [68] Question: Balance sheet and working capital improvements - Management emphasized the goal of improving working capital usage and reducing inventory levels through strategic partnerships and delivery shifts [72][75] Question: Margin growth expectations for 2025 - Management anticipates continued positive gross margins and year-over-year growth on an adjusted basis [80] Question: Environmental credit revenue in Q4 - No environmental credit revenue was reported in Q4, contrasting with the previous quarter [89] Question: Unit mix and guidance for 2025 - An increased mix of hubs, which have higher average selling prices, was noted, with expectations for continued demand in 2025 [92] Question: CapEx expectations for 2025 - Management does not anticipate significant CapEx beyond maintenance and minor investments, given the current capacity of the Tennessee plant [94]