Release Date: August 14, 2024
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- Westport Fuel Systems Inc (WPRT, Financial) reported improvements in margins, with gross margin increasing from 17% to 21% of revenue compared to the previous year.
- The company successfully closed a joint venture with Volvo Group, acquiring a 45% interest for approximately $28 million, with potential for an additional $45 million based on performance.
- Westport Fuel Systems Inc (WPRT) has restructured its business into five key segments, enhancing transparency and aligning operations with strategic priorities.
- The company is actively pursuing growth in the High-Pressure Controls and Systems segment, which has a pipeline representing approximately $70 million in future revenue.
- Westport Fuel Systems Inc (WPRT) is committed to sustainability, as highlighted in their 2023 ESG report, focusing on reducing carbon emissions in transportation.
Negative Points
- Revenue for Q2 2024 decreased by 2% compared to the prior-year period, primarily due to decreased sales volumes in certain segments.
- The company faced higher general and administrative costs, including $2 million in consulting and legal fees related to the HPDI joint venture.
- Westport Fuel Systems Inc (WPRT) experienced a decrease in Light-Duty segment revenue, driven by lower sales in Delayed OEM and fuel storage businesses.
- The company is still in the early stages of cost reduction initiatives, with only about a third of the way into the process.
- There is uncertainty regarding the timing of inventory sell-through for a key European partner, which has impacted sales volumes.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you rank the priorities for the joint venture with Volvo and provide an update on the potential for a new OEM?
A: The immediate priority is to establish the joint venture as a stand-alone business, including setting up business systems and ERP. Concurrently, bringing on a second OEM is equally important. Discussions with potential OEMs are ongoing, and we hope to announce progress soon. (Daniel Sceli, CEO)
Q: Is there interest in HPDI technology in North America, and how does the joint venture with Volvo impact this?
A: HPDI North America is a priority, and we are working on engineering and development to meet the market's CNG focus. The joint venture with Volvo aids in this endeavor, and we are engaging with OEMs in North America to expand the technology. (Daniel Sceli, CEO)
Q: Can you explain the exit from the JV with Weichai and its implications?
A: The exit from the Weichai JV was due to a small ownership percentage, and it does not affect our ongoing relationship with Weichai. We continue to support their development activities. (William Larkin, CFO)
Q: What is the strategy for the Light-Duty segment, particularly regarding the focus on European markets?
A: The Light-Duty segment faced inventory issues with an OEM, which are being resolved. We expect volumes to recover. The Euro 6 launch in Europe is gaining momentum, and we are optimistic about future growth in this region. (Daniel Sceli, CEO)
Q: How is the off-road hydrogen opportunity developing, particularly in the mining industry?
A: We are exploring off-road opportunities, including in mining, as part of our growth strategy. Discussions with customers are ongoing, and we are developing a commercial plan to address this market. (Daniel Sceli, CEO)
Q: What are the expectations for CapEx in the second half of the year and beyond?
A: CapEx will be slightly lower in the second half compared to the first half, primarily due to investments in Euro 6 components. Next year's CapEx could be less than $10 million, but this will be determined during our annual budget process. (William Larkin, CFO)
Q: How is the demand environment in the European HPDI market, and what are the macro drivers?
A: The European market is adjusting to a delayed hydrogen ecosystem, leading to increased interest in alternative fuels like LNG. We see a strong future for HPDI systems in Europe and are working to expand in North America. (Daniel Sceli, CEO)
Q: What progress has been made in cost reduction efforts, and what remains to be done?
A: We are about a third of the way through our cost reduction initiatives, focusing on corporate and operational efficiencies. The process involves balancing cost-cutting with investments for future growth. (Daniel Sceli, CEO)
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
