Advanced Energy Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 Results


  • Q4 Revenue increased 32.4% y/y and 1.5% q/q to $179.2 million
  • Q4 GAAP loss per share from continuing operations was $0.73 (due to tax expense related to U.S. tax reform)
  • Q4 Non-GAAP EPS from continuing operations was $1.31

FORT COLLINS, Colo., Jan. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq:AEIS), today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2017. The company reported fourth quarter sales of $179.2 million. Fourth quarter GAAP loss from continuing operations was $29.0 million, or $0.73 per share. Non-GAAP income from continuing operations was $52.4 million, or $1.31 per diluted share.

“Capped off by a strong fourth quarter in our semiconductor business, 2017 was a record-breaking year across the board as revenue and non-GAAP earnings grew to their highest levels in the company’s history,” said Yuval Wasserman, president and CEO of Advanced Energy. “Key to maintaining our market-leading position and continually outpacing the markets we serve is our ongoing innovation and technology leadership. We continued to demonstrate the sustainability of our model, allowing us to achieve our strategic and aspirational goals.”

Fourth Quarter Results

Sales were $179.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared with $176.6 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $135.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

GAAP loss from continuing operations was $29.0 million or $0.73 per share in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared with income from continuing operations of $83.8 million or $2.09 per diluted share in the prior quarter, and income from continuing operations of $40.4 million or $1.01 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2016. The fourth quarter 2017 results were impacted by one-time tax expenses of $6.4 million associated with the write-down of solar inverter business and $72.9 million associated with the recently enacted U.S. tax reform, which the company will continue to evaluate during the measurement period.

Non-GAAP income from continuing operations was $52.4 million or $1.31 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2017, including $0.03 of favorable items. This compares with $48.0 million or $1.19 per diluted share in the prior quarter, and $42.6 million or $1.06 per diluted share in the same period last year. A reconciliation of non-GAAP measures is provided in the tables below.

The company generated $49.6 million of operating cash from continuing operations in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Full Year 2017

Sales were $671.0 million in 2017 compared with $483.7 million in 2016, an increase of 39%.

GAAP income from continuing operations was $136.1 million or $3.39 per diluted share in 2017 compared with $116.9 million or $2.92 per diluted share in 2016. Full year 2017 results were impacted by a one-time tax benefit of $33.8 million associated with the write-down of the solar inverter business and a one-time tax expense of $72.9 million associated with the recently enacted U.S. tax reform, which the company will continue to evaluate during the measurement period.

Non-GAAP income from continuing operations was $191.5 million or $4.77 per diluted share in 2017 compared with $124.6 million or $3.11 per diluted share in 2016. A reconciliation of non-GAAP measures is provided in the tables below.

The company generated $190.0 million in cash from continuing operations and ended the year with $410.4 million in cash and marketable securities.

Discontinued Operations

The company’s financial statements for all periods presented reflect results for the continuing precision power business, with the discontinued inverter business included in discontinued operations for both the balance sheet and income statement. Further financial detail regarding the amounts related to the discontinued inverter business are available in the company’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

First Quarter 2018 Guidance

Based on the company's current view, beliefs and assumptions, guidance for the first quarter of 2018 is within the following ranges and does not incorporate any potential adjustments during the measurement period associated with U.S. tax reform.

   
  Q1 2018
   
Revenues $183M - $193M
GAAP operating margins from continuing operations 30.0% - 32.0%
GAAP EPS from continuing operations $1.19 - $1.29
Non-GAAP operating margins from continuing operations 32.0% - 34.0%
Non-GAAP EPS from continuing operations $1.27 - $1.37
   

Fourth Quarter 2017 Conference Call

Management will host a conference call tomorrow morning, Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at 6:30 a.m. Mountain Time/ 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss Advanced Energy's financial results. Domestic callers may access this conference call by dialing 855-232-8958. International callers may access the call by dialing 315-625-6980. Participants will need to provide the operator with the Conference ID Number 5097049, which has been reserved for this call. For a replay of this teleconference, please call 855-859-2056 or 404-537-3406 and enter Conference ID Number 5097049. The replay will be available for one week following the conference call. A webcast will also be available on the company’s Investor Relations web page at http://ir.advanced-energy.com.

About Advanced Energy

Advanced Energy (NASDAQ:AEIS) is a global leader in innovative power and control technologies for high-growth, precision power solutions for thin films processes and industrial applications. Advanced Energy is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, with dedicated support and service locations around the world. For more information, go to www.advanced-energy.com.

Advanced Energy and the Advanced Energy logo are trademarks of Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. or one of its Affiliates in the United States and elsewhere.

For more information, contact:

Tom McGimpsey
Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
(970) 407-6326
tom.mcgimpsey@aei.com 
Annie Leschin/Rhonda Bennetto
Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
(970) 407-6555
ir@aei.com 

Non-GAAP Measures

This release includes GAAP and non-GAAP income and per-share earnings data and other GAAP and non-GAAP financial information. Advanced Energy’s non-GAAP measures exclude the impact of non-cash related charges such as stock based compensation and amortization of intangible assets, as well as non-recurring items such as acquisition-related costs. Additionally, the fourth quarter and full year 2017  results exclude estimated income tax expense associated with U.S. tax reform. For the first quarter ending March 31, 2018 guidance, the company expects stock based compensation of $2.7 million and amortization of intangibles of $1.5 million. The non-GAAP measures included in this release are not in accordance with, or an alternative for, similar measures calculated under generally accepted accounting principles and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. In addition, these non-GAAP measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. Advanced Energy believes that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to management and investors to evaluate business performance without the impacts of certain non-cash charges and other charges which are not part of the company’s usual operations. The company uses these non-GAAP measures to assess performance against business objectives, make business decisions, develop budgets, forecast future periods, assess trends and evaluate financial impacts of various scenarios. In addition, management's incentive plans include these non-GAAP measures as criteria for achievements. Additionally, the company believes that these non-GAAP measures, in combination with its financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP, provide investors with additional perspective. While some of the excluded items may be incurred and reflected in the company’s GAAP financial results in the foreseeable future, the company believes that the items excluded from certain non-GAAP measures do not accurately reflect the underlying performance of its continuing operations for the period in which they are incurred. The use of non-GAAP measures has limitations in that such measures do not reflect all of the amounts associated with the company’s results of operations as determined in accordance with GAAP, and these measures should only be used to evaluate the company’s results of operations in conjunction with the corresponding GAAP measures. Please refer to the Form 8-K regarding this release furnished today to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Forward-Looking Statements

The company’s guidance with respect to anticipated financial results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2018, potential future growth and profitability, our future business mix, expectations regarding future market trends and the company’s future performance within specific markets (e.g., statements regarding anticipated semiconductor and industrial market growth) and other statements herein or made on the above-announced conference call that are not historical information are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (a) the effects of global macroeconomic conditions upon demand for our products and services; (b) the volatility and cyclicality of the industries the company serves, particularly the semiconductor industry; (c) delays in capital spending by end-users in our served markets; (d) the accuracy of the company’s estimates related to fulfilling solar inverter product warranty and post-warranty obligations; (e) the company’s ability to realize its plan to avoid additional costs after the solar inverter wind-down; (f) the accuracy of the company's assumptions on which its financial statement projections are based; (g) the impact of product price changes, which may result from a variety of factors; (h) the timing of orders received from customers; (i) the company’s ability to realize benefits from cost improvement efforts including avoided costs, restructuring plans and inorganic growth; (j) the company’s ability to obtain in a timely manner the materials necessary to manufacture its products; (k) unanticipated changes to management's estimates, reserves or allowances; and (l) changes and adjustments to the tax expense and benefits related to the recently enacted U.S. tax reform. These and other risks are described in Advanced Energy's Form 10-K, Forms 10-Q and other reports and statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). These reports and statements are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Copies may also be obtained from Advanced Energy's investor relations page at http://ir.advanced-energy.com or by contacting Advanced Energy's investor relations at 970-407-6555. Forward-looking statements are made and based on information available to the company on the date of this press release. Aspirational goals and targets discussed on the conference call or in the presentation materials should not be interpreted in any respect as guidance. The company assumes no obligation to update the information in this press release.

 
ADVANCED ENERGY INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except per share data)
    
 Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
 December 31, September 30, December 31,
 2017 2016 2017 2017 2016
          
Sales:         
Product$154,172  $115,885  $152,363  $578,650  $410,580  
Service25,042  19,458  24,212  92,362  73,124  
Total sales179,214  135,343  176,575  671,012  483,704  
Cost of sales:         
Product68,833  54,710  72,146  267,587  192,694  
Service12,206  9,115  12,195  47,044  37,863  
Total cost of sales81,039  63,825  84,341  314,631  230,557  
Gross profit98,175  71,518  92,234  356,381  253,147  
 54.8% 52.8% 52.2% 53.1% 52.3% 
Operating expenses:         
Research and development16,257  11,121  14,629  57,999  44,445  
Selling, general and administrative22,682  20,864  24,692  93,262  77,678  
Amortization of intangible assets1,174  987  1,240  4,350  4,167  
Total operating expenses40,113  32,972  40,561  155,611  126,290  
Operating income58,062  38,546  51,673  200,770  126,857  
Other (expense) income, net559  81  153  (2,579) 1,219  
Income from continuing operations before income taxes58,621  38,627  51,826  198,191  128,076  
Provision for income taxes87,628  (1,809) (31,968) 62,090  11,128  
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes(29,007) 40,436  83,794  136,101  116,948  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes(583) 3,845  70  1,760  10,506  
Net income (loss)$(29,590) $44,281  $83,864  $137,861  $127,454  
          
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding39,642  39,699  39,786  39,754  39,720  
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding40,051  40,029  40,172  40,176  40,031  
          
Earnings per share:         
          
Continuing operations:         
Basic earnings (loss) per share$(0.73) $1.02  $2.11  $3.42  $2.94  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share$(0.73) $1.01  $2.09  $3.39  $2.92  
          
Discontinued operations:         
Basic earnings (loss) per share$(0.01) $0.10  $0.00  $0.04  $0.26  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share$(0.01) $0.10  $0.00  $0.04  $0.26  
          
Net income:         
Basic earnings (loss) per share$(0.75) $1.12  $2.11  $3.47  $3.21  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share$(0.75) $1.11  $2.09  $3.43  $3.18  
                     


 
ADVANCED ENERGY INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
 
 December 31, December 31,
 2017 2016
ASSETSUnaudited  
    
Current assets:   
  Cash and cash equivalents$407,283  $281,953 
  Marketable securities3,104  4,737 
  Accounts receivable, net87,429  75,667 
  Inventories, net78,450  55,770 
  Income taxes receivable1,295  1,482 
  Other current assets8,129  9,324 
Current assets of discontinued operations9,535  9,401 
Total current assets595,225  438,334 
    
Property and equipment, net17,795  13,337 
    
Deposits and other3,051  1,835 
Goodwill and intangibles, net87,311  70,196 
Deferred income tax assets18,841  32,197 
Non-current assets of discontinued operations11,085  15,630 
Total assets$733,308  $571,529 
    
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   
    
Current liabilities:   
  Accounts payable$48,177  $46,255 
  Other accrued expenses50,092  35,372 
Current liabilities of discontinued operations7,850  13,419 
Total current liabilities106,119  95,046 
    
Non-current liabilities of continuing operations91,271  63,252 
Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations15,277  21,157 
Long-term liabilities106,548  84,409 
    
Total liabilities212,667  179,455 
    
Stockholders' equity520,641  392,074 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$733,308  $571,529 
    

December 31, 2016 amounts are derived from the December 31, 2016 audited Consolidated Financial Statements.


 
ADVANCED ENERGY INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
 
 Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 2017 2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:   
Net income$137,861  $127,454 
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes1,760  10,506 
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes136,101  116,948 
    
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization9,424  7,813 
Stock-based compensation expense12,549  6,332 
Provision for deferred income taxes28,765  3,570 
Loss on foreign exchange hedge3,489   
Net loss on disposal of assets122  319 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of assets acquired(494) (7,838)
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations189,956  127,144 
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations(7,255) (7,857)
Net cash provided by operating activities182,701  119,287 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:   
Purchases of marketable securities(107) (763)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities1,903  7,884 
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(17,347)  
Purchase of foreign exchange hedge(3,489)  
Purchases of property and equipment(9,042) (6,821)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities from continuing operations(28,082) 300 
Net cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations   
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities(28,082) 300 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:   
Purchase and retirement of common stock(29,993)  
Net (payments) proceeds related to stock-based award activities(1,315) 2,175 
Other financing activities1  (4)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities from continuing operations(31,307) 2,171 
Net cash used in financing activities from discontinued operations  (29)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(31,307) 2,142 
EFFECT OF CURRENCY TRANSLATION ON CASH2,208  (1,932)
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS125,520  119,797 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period289,517  169,720 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period415,037  289,517 
Less cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations7,754  7,564 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS, end of period$407,283  $281,953 
        


 
ADVANCED ENERGY INDUSTRIES, INC.
SELECTED OTHER DATA (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
 
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP measure - operating expenses and operating income, excluding certain itemsThree Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
 December 31, September 30, December 31,
 2017 2016 2017 2017 2016
          
Gross Profit from continuing operations, as reported$98,175  $71,518  $92,234  $356,381  $253,147 
Operating expenses from continuing operations, as reported40,113  32,972  40,561  155,611  126,290 
Adjustments:         
Stock-based compensation(1,842) (2,033) (3,453) (12,549) (6,332)
Amortization of intangible assets(1,174) (987) (1,240) (4,350) (4,167)
Acquisition-related costs      (150)  
Non-GAAP operating expenses from continuing operations37,097  29,952  35,868  138,562  115,791 
Non-GAAP operating income from continuing operations$61,078  $41,566  $56,366  $217,819  $137,356 


Reconciliation of Non-GAAP measure - operating expenses and operating income, excluding certain itemsThree Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
 December 31, September 30, December 31,
 2017 2016 2017 2017 2016
          
Gross Profit from continuing operations, as reported54.8% 52.8% 52.2% 53.1% 52.3%
Operating expenses from continuing operations, as reported22.4  24.4  23.0  23.2  26.1 
Adjustments:         
Stock-based compensation(1.0) (1.6) (2.0) (2.0) (1.3)
Amortization of intangible assets(0.7) (0.7) (0.7) (0.6) (0.9)
Acquisition-related costs         
Non-GAAP operating expenses from continuing operations20.7  22.1  20.3  20.6  23.9 
Non-GAAP operating income from continuing operations34.1% 30.7% 31.9% 32.5% 28.4%


Reconciliation of Non-GAAP measure - income excluding certain itemsThree Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
 December 31, September 30, December 31,
 2017 2016 2017 2017 2016
          
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes, as reported$(29,007) $40,436  $83,794  $136,101  $116,948 
Adjustments:         
Stock-based compensation1,842  2,033  3,453  12,549  6,332 
Amortization of intangible assets1,174  987  1,240  4,350  4,167 
Loss on foreign exchange hedge      3,489   
Acquisition-related costs      150   
Incremental expense associated with start-up of the Asia regional headquarters    1,133  1,133   
Nonrecurring tax (benefit) expense associated with inverter business6,357    (40,194) (33,837)  
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Impact72,867      72,867   
Tax effect of Non-GAAP adjustments(813) (881) (1,426) (5,264) (2,854)
Non-GAAP income from continuing operations, net of income taxes$52,420  $42,575  $48,000  $191,538  $124,593 


Reconciliation of Non-GAAP measure - per share earnings excluding certain itemsThree Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
 December 31, September 30, December 31,
 2017 2016 2017 2017 2016
          
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations, as reported$(0.73) $1.01  $2.09  $3.39  $2.92 
Add back:         
per share impact of Non-GAAP adjustments, net of tax2.04  0.05  (0.90) 1.38  0.19 
Non-GAAP per share earnings from continuing operations$1.31  $1.06  $1.19  $4.77  $3.11 


Reconciliation of Q1 2018 Guidance    
  Low End High End
     
Revenue $183 million $193 million
     
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP operating margin    
GAAP operating margin 30% 32%
Stock-based compensation 1% 1%
Amortization of intangible assets 1% 1%
Non-GAAP operating margin 32% 34%
     
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP earnings per share    
GAAP earnings per share $1.19  $1.29 
Stock-based compensation 0.07  0.07 
Amortization of intangible assets 0.04  0.04 
Tax effects of excluded items (0.03) (0.03)
Non-GAAP earnings per share $1.27  $1.37