On Thursday, Piper Sandler adjusted its outlook on shares of SolarEdge Technologies (NASDAQ:SEDG), decreasing the price target to $25.00 from the previous $29.00, while maintaining a Neutral rating on the stock.
The firm noted that SolarEdge's third-quarter revenue fell significantly short of market expectations by 23%, coupled with weak profit margins. The company anticipates a cash burn of $70-$90 million in the third quarter, with a reduction expected in the fourth quarter.
SolarEdge is not projected to clear its European channel inventory until the first half of 2025. In contrast, the company's performance in the United States seems more promising, with expectations to clear the U.S. channel by the end of the third quarter in 2024. SolarEdge is also currently selling products compliant with domestic content requirements.
The company is faced with several challenges, including managing increased manufacturing expenses, launching new products, and reducing distribution and balance sheet inventory, all while aiming to keep corporate sell-through steady.
If SolarEdge manages to clear its channel, thus boosting sales to around $550 million, the current demand could yield gross margins (GMs) of 23-26% including credits, and operating profit margins (OPMs) of 4-7%, which Piper Sandler still finds unappealing.
On a more positive note, Piper Sandler acknowledged that much of the previously disclosed $150 million cash burn was due to discretionary spending, suggesting that SolarEdge might have more financial flexibility than initially anticipated.
In other recent news, SolarEdge Technologies has seen significant shifts in analyst outlooks. Roth/MKM revised the company's price target downward to $27, citing concerns about the European residential solar market and potential inventory challenges.
BofA Securities upgraded SolarEdge's rating from Underperform to Neutral due to a recent decline in stock price, while Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) reduced its price target for SolarEdge shares to $29, maintaining an Equal Weight rating due to an anticipated decrease in demand.
In a move to restore profitability, SolarEdge announced a workforce reduction of 400 employees. The company also secured $37 million in convertible senior notes due in 2029, led by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) & Co. LLC. This is in addition to the $300 million in convertible notes due in September 2025 that is already on the company's balance sheet.
Finally, SolarEdge has been selected by Rutgers University to participate in a research program investigating agrivoltaics, the co-development of agriculture and solar energy on the same land. These recent developments provide insights into the company's current market position and financial health.
InvestingPro Insights
InvestingPro data highlights the financial challenges faced by SolarEdge Technologies (NASDAQ:SEDG), with a significant market cap adjustment to $1.27 billion and a negative P/E ratio of -5.24, reflecting investor concerns over profitability.
The last twelve months as of Q1 2024 saw a sharp revenue decline of over 34%, underscoring the issues mentioned by Piper Sandler regarding the company's third-quarter performance. Moreover, the company's stock has experienced a substantial price drop, trading near its 52-week low and reflecting a price total return of -86.78% over the past year.
Two InvestingPro Tips offer additional context: Management's aggressive share buybacks indicate a confidence in the company's value proposition, despite current financial headwinds. Conversely, the quick cash burn and anticipation of a sales decline in the current year may raise red flags for potential investors. For those considering an investment in SolarEdge, these factors are crucial to consider, and more InvestingPro Tips can be found on the platform, providing deeper insights into the company's financial health and market position.
For readers interested in a more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers 19 additional tips that can help investors gauge SolarEdge's future in a volatile market. With the next earnings date set for November 4, 2024, stakeholders will be keenly awaiting updates on the company's strategies to navigate its current challenges.
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