READING, PA — EnerSys (NYSE: ENS), a global leader in stored energy solutions, recently announced its third-quarter 2024 financial results, continuing to hold firm pricing and increase productivity despite pauses in the telecom and broadband sectors.
According to David M. Shaffer, the President and CEO of EnerSys, the firm’s sales saw a dip due to declining demands in the said sectors. However, these were partially balanced out by strong performances in Specialty, services, and data centers, particularly in the Americas.
The quarter also saw improved order rates with a book-to-bill of 1.0 and strong operating earnings from Motive Power, bolstered by a steady rise in maintenance-free system sales.
EnerSys’ financial muscle shone through this quarter with operating cash flow conversion at a robust 177% and free cash flow conversion at 106%, reducing the leverage to 1.1X EBITDA. The company strategically trimmed down the inventory by targeting specific raw materials and products.
Shaffer also commented on the firm’s breakthrough in delivering the first 15 Fast Charge & Storage (FC&S) systems for a launch customer, signaling the materialization of this new line of business. Notably, this positive trajectory strengthened the sales pipeline further.
An unexpected boon came from amended regulations by the U.S. Department of Treasury concerning Section 45X of the Internal Revenue Code. It revealed that more of EnerSys’s battery sales than previously thought are eligible for related tax credits. This furnished EnerSys with a gross margin of 28.9% and a windfall of $59 million, including $29 million in retroactive credits, supporting their financial performance this quarter. EnerSys now anticipates its annual IRC 45X tax credits to hit between $120 million and $160 million.
EnerSys also presented its financial report for the first three quarters of the fiscal year 2024. Although there was a slight decrease in net sales due to a dip in organic volume, this was balanced by a rise in pricing and an increase in foreign currency translation. Interestingly, net earnings showed a positive trend.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, EnerSys expects adjusted diluted earnings per share to range from $1.98 to $2.08. This includes an estimated $0.80 to $0.90 from IRC 45X tax benefits. The gross margin is also projected to be buoyed by these IRA credits.
Andrea Funk, EnerSys Chief Financial Officer, remains optimistic about the company’s business course. She expressed confidence in their ability to maintain pricing, navigate temporary spending pauses, and seize market opportunities by introducing innovative products in line with secular trends.
EnerSys’s resolute stance in the face of telecom and broadband pauses, backed by robust financial health and tax benefits, paint a promising picture for the upcoming quarters. For shareholders, this could translate into steady earnings and healthy returns. The company’s strong presence in the global market, coupled with its commitment to sustainability and innovation, makes it a promising investment option.
Market watchers also have their eyes on EnerSys’s expansion plans. With the rise of renewable energy and demand for efficient power storage solutions, the company is well-positioned to capture a significant share of these growing markets.
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