Maxwell Technologies Reports Q3 Financials and CEO Announces Retirement
Maxwell Technologies, Inc. today reported revenue of $51.2 million for its third quarter ended September 30, 2013, up 20 percent over the $42.7 million recorded in the same period in 2012. Third quarter ultracapacitor revenue was $37.0 million, up 30 percent from the $28.3 million recorded in Q312. Sales of high voltage capacitor and microelectronics products totaled $14.2 million in Q313, down 1 percent from the $14.4 million recorded in Q312.
"Although the expiration of a Chinese government subsidy for diesel electric hybrid buses resulted in lower ultracapacitor shipments volume in the third quarter, revenue recognition of $11.3 million, net, of ultracapacitor product that was shipped but not recognized as revenue in previous periods partially offset that softness," said David Schramm, Maxwell's president and CEO.
On a U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) basis, operating income for the third quarter 2013 was $6.2 million, compared with $5.7 million in Q312. GAAP net income for Q313 was $6.0 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, compared with $5.2 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, in Q312. On a non-GAAP basis, the company reported operating income of $6.9 million in Q313 compared with $6.2 million in Q312. Non-GAAP net income for Q313 was $6.7 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, compared with $5.7 million, or $0.20 per diluted share in Q312.
GAAP gross margin was 41 percent in Q313, compared with 42 percent in Q312 and 39 percent in Q213. GAAP operating expenses totaled $14.9 million, or 29 percent of revenue, in Q313 compared with $12.4 million, or 29 percent of revenue in Q312. Non-GAAP operating expenses totaled $14.4 million, or 28 percent of revenue, in Q313 compared with $12.1 million, or 28 percent of revenue, in Q312. Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash totaled $41.1 million as of September 30, 2013, compared with $38.6 million as of June 30, 2013. Complete financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations will be available in the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which we anticipate filing next week with the Securities & Exchange Commission.
"Historically, Maxwell has sold ultracapacitor modules to customers who build diesel-electric hybrid buses. The subsidy policy which addresses diesel-electric hybrid buses has expired and has not yet been renewed. Recently, the Chinese government released a subsidy policy which addresses all electric buses and plug-in hybrid buses. As a result of the electric bus and plug-in hybrid bus policy, our Chinese bus customers have started receiving orders for battery-powered plug-in hybrid buses that qualify for these announced government subsidies, and incorporate ultracapacitor modules," Schramm said. "We are currently focused on supporting ramping plug-in hybrid demand, which we expect to drive sales of several thousand ultracapacitor modules in the current quarter. Ultracapacitor sales for wind energy applications are up, auto-related sales remain steady, and we are encouraged by successful field trials for our engine starting module for heavy trucks, which have begun to drive demand from major fleets and truck OEMs in North America. We expect fourth quarter sales of microelectronic and high-voltage capacitor products to be similar to or slightly higher than third quarter levels. However, given the uncertainty around current diesel-electric hybrid bus-related demand, we are managing expenses carefully to deal with the possibility that total company sales could be lower by 30 percent or more sequentially in the fourth quarter."
Concurrent with the announcement of the current financial report, Mr. Schramm announcedg that he will retire from his position as President, CEO and Director effective as of December 31, 2013. Mr. Schramm and Maxwell have entered into a consulting services agreement whereby he will provide transitional guidance and advice to the company for a two-year period following his retirement. We have begun the search for a qualified individual to succeed Mr. Schramm as President and CEO. Effective January 1, 2014, John Warwick, the company's current Chief Operating Officer, will serve as the interim CEO until such time as a permanent successor is appointed to this role.
