News

Maxwell Reports Financial Struggles in Second Quarter 2018

August 07, 2018 by Paul Shepard

Maxwell Technologies, Inc. reported financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2018 including total revenues for the second quarter of 2018 that were $29.5 million, compared with $28.4 million for the first quarter of 2018 and $37.1 million for the prior year quarter. Net loss for the second quarter of 2018 was $11.3 million, compared with a net loss of $9.2 million for the first quarter of 2018 and a net loss of $10.1 million for the prior year quarter.

The Company reported $(4.6) million of adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA) for the second quarter of 2018, compared with $(4.2) million for the first quarter of 2018 and $(1.8) million for the prior year quarter.

"In Q2 we came in about where we expected. The recent U.S. tariffs on China imports, as well as unclear U.S. tax incentive policy, continue to cause uncertainty for some of our customers and, therefore, affect our high voltage capacitor revenue. We now believe that the tariffs implemented on July 6 will slightly affect our energy storage revenue in Q3,” said Dr. Franz Fink, Maxwell's President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Despite this, we believe that the long-term fundamentals of our business have not changed. End demand in the markets we serve is growing, we continue to make excellent progress with our dry battery electrode technology development and strategic partnership discussions, and our overall strategy is playing out as intended.

"We continue to make progress in all our energy storage target markets and are well positioned for long-term growth. Although we are facing short-term headwinds, the core energy storage product line is stable and market indicators bode well for mid- to long-term robust demand for our high voltage capacitor products. In Q3, we anticipate 15% sequential top-line revenue growth at the mid-point of guidance, despite the short-term pressure we are experiencing."

Fink also added, "We believe that strengthening our balance sheet is a priority given the current geopolitical uncertainty and its immediate impact on our business. In order to preserve the long-term growth and value of the company for our shareholders, we intend to pursue additional financing, which may include equity financing, debt financing, strategic partnerships or other financing arrangements.

We anticipate the need for a minimum of $15 million in incremental capital to bridge the company to a recovery to prior revenue levels. We are evaluating our financial alternatives, including the amount we may seek to raise, in order to ensure continuity of investment in future growth programs such as dry battery electrode and energy storage,” Fink concluded.