SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ:SPWR), a leading solar technology and energy services provider, today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 3, 2021.

"2020 was a transformational year for SunPower: we successfully completed the spin-off of Maxeon, significantly improved our financial performance and rapidly shifted our sales strategy to meet increasing U.S. demand as consumers and businesses look to generate and store their own energy.  Entering 2021, we are continuing to focus our efforts and investment on those markets that offer us strong growth potential — storage and energy services," said Tom Werner, SunPower CEO and chairman of the board.  "We also finished the year with strong execution as we exceeded our GAAP net income and Adjusted EBITDA guidance, expanded our margins, strengthened our balance sheet and generated positive cash flow.  Looking forward, with favorable industry tailwinds, increasing demand for our innovative solar solutions and further investment to significantly expand our solar and storage addressable market, we believe we are positioned to accelerate our growth through 2022 and beyond." 

Fourth Quarter Company Highlights

• Strong sequential revenue / margin growth – met or exceeded guidance, $412 million net income, $39 million Adjusted EBITDA
• Further delevered balance sheet – successful convert tender, achieved net debt target ahead of plan

Residential and Light Commercial (RLC)

• Residential strength – 24% gross margin, $36 million Adjusted EBITDA
• Added 13,000 customers, achieved record new homes backlog, rapidly ramping SunVault storage deployments
• Expanded sales channels to increase market access and profitability – continued investment in software and energy services platform, digital and direct sales channel

Commercial and Industrial Solutions (C&I Solutions)

• Strong execution - MW recognized up >65% sequentially, 18% gross margin, $8 million Adjusted EBITDA
• Helix storage – >30% sales attach rate in 2020, backlog of >50MWh, pipeline >750MWh
• Community Solar platform pipeline >90MW

RLC
In the fourth quarter, RLC MW recognized increased by 35 percent sequentially due to strong demand across its retrofit, new homes and light commercial businesses.  In residential, the company added more than 13,000 new customers, bringing its total installed base to more than 350,000.  Gross margin for the quarter was 24%, driven by improved pricing, increasingly better financing economics and a continued mix shift to  higher margin loan and lease sales as customers take advantage of SunPower's new, lower cost financing options.  Also, customer demand for resiliency and energy management capabilities continues to drive significant interest in the company's SunVault residential solar plus storage solution as attach rates exceeded 20% in the fourth quarter.  Given this strong demand, the company expects SunVault revenue of $100 million in 2021 and remains very confident in its battery supply chain to meet its forecasts.  Finally, the company expanded its leadership in new homes with record backlog in the quarter as its current backlog now exceeds 180 MW with an additional 10 communities booked in the first month of year.  As a result of these positive trends, continued investment in its digital and product strategy, as well as its initiatives to expand its addressable market through new sales channels, SunPower expects to see more than 40 percent annual revenue growth in its RLC segment through at least 2022.   

C&I Solutions
The company's C&I Solutions business also performed well in the fourth quarter, maintaining its leading market position as installs rose more than 65 percent sequentially.  Solid financial performance was primarily driven by gross margin expansion and strong execution on cost control programs.  Demand for the company's Helix® storage solution also remains high as the company installed 18 MWh during the year as well as signing its first contracts associated with the California ESGIP storage program in the fourth quarter.  Additionally, the company continued to expand its community solar pipeline to more than 90MW during the quarter.  With a combined backlog and pipeline of more than 800 MWh and sales attach rates of 30%, the company believes C&I is well positioned to capitalize on the increased demand for its commercial storage and services solutions.       

Consolidated Financials
"We were pleased with our execution and financial results for the quarter while continuing to aggressively invest in a number of strategic initiatives to rapidly expand our addressable market, including in our storage, digital and services platforms" said Manavendra Sial, SunPower chief financial officer. "We successfully completed our tender offer for our 2021 convertible bonds and our business units generated cash, enabling us to achieve our net debt target ahead of our analyst day forecast.  Finally, we continued to make progress on lowering our cost of capital in both our residential loan and lease offerings, driving margin improvement as well as allowing us to maximize customer value."

Fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 non-GAAP results exclude net adjustments that, in the aggregate, increased GAAP income by $385.9 million, including $416.5 million related to a mark-to-market gain on equity investments. This was partially offset by $18.7 for income taxes, $6.2 million related to stock-based compensation expense, $3.7 million related to litigation expenses and $2.0 million related to business reorganization costs and other non-recurring items.

Financial Outlook
The company's first quarter and fiscal year 2021 guidance is as follows:

First quarter GAAP revenue of $270 to $330 million, GAAP net loss of $20 million to $10 million, MW recognized of 115 MW to 145 MW and Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $10 to $20 million.

For fiscal year 2021, given the confidence it has in its business coming into the year, the company expects to meet or exceed its 2021 guidance provided at its Capital Markets Day including revenue growth of approximately 35% and MW recognized growth of approximately 25%. 

Given strong industry tailwinds, continued federal policy support as well increased demand for its residential and commercial storage solutions, the company expects 2022 Adjusted EBITDA growth of more than 40%.

The company will host a conference call for investors this afternoon to discuss its fourth quarter 2020 performance at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time. The call will be webcast and can be accessed from SunPower's website at https://investors.sunpower.com/events.cfm.

This press release contains both GAAP and non-GAAP financial information. Non-GAAP figures are reconciled to the closest GAAP equivalent categories in the financial attachment of this press release. Please note that the company has posted supplemental information and slides related to its fourth quarter 2020 performance on the Events and Presentations section of SunPower's Investor Relations page at https://investors.sunpower.com/events.cfm.

About SunPower 
Headquartered in California's Silicon Valley, SunPower (NASDAQ:SPWR) is a leading Distributed Generation Storage and Energy Services provider in North America. SunPower offers the only solar + storage solution designed by one company that gives customers complete control over energy consumption, delivering grid independence, resiliency during power outages and cost savings to homeowners, businesses, governments, schools and utilities. For more information, visit www.sunpower.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding: (a) our plans and expectations for our products, including anticipated demand and impacts on our market position and our ability to meet our targets and goals; (b) the anticipated financial impacts of our new residential leasing facility and expectations for demand, capacity and timing of full utilization; (c) expectations regarding our future performance based on bookings, backlog, and pipelines in our sales channels; (d) our expectations regarding our industry and market factors, including market and industry trends, and anticipated demand and volume; (e) the expected performance of our business lines, including confidence in 2021 forecasts, areas of focus, and new product cycles, as well as projected growth and attach rates; (f) our first quarter fiscal 2021 guidance, including GAAP revenue, net income, MW recognized, and Adjusted EBITDA, and related assumptions; and (g) our fiscal 2021 guidance, including GAAP revenue, net income, MW recognized, and Adjusted EBITDA and related assumptions; and (h) our expectations for 2022 Adjusted EBITDA growth and related assumptions.

These forward-looking statements are based on our current assumptions, expectations and beliefs and involve substantial risks and uncertainties that may cause results, performance or achievement to materially differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) potential disruptions to our operations and supply chain that may result from epidemics or natural disasters, including impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic; (2) competition in the solar and general energy industry and downward pressure on selling prices and wholesale energy pricing; (3) regulatory changes and the availability of economic incentives promoting use of solar energy; (4) the success of our ongoing research and development efforts and our ability to commercialize new products and services, including products and services developed through strategic partnerships; (5) changes in public policy, including the imposition and applicability of tariffs; (6) our dependence on sole- or limited-source supply relationships, including our exclusive supply relationship with Maxeon Solar Technologies; (7) our liquidity, substantial indebtedness, and ability to obtain additional financing for our projects and customers; (8) challenges managing our acquisitions, joint ventures and partnerships, including our ability to successfully manage acquired assets and supplier relationships; and (9) challenges in executing transactions key to our strategic plans, including regulatory and other challenges that may arise. A detailed discussion of these factors and other risks that affect our business is included in filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from time to time, including our most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, particularly under the heading "Risk Factors." Copies of these filings are available online from the SEC or on the SEC Filings section of our Investor Relations website at investors.sunpower.com. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information currently available to us, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events.

©2020 SunPower Corporation. All rights reserved. SUNPOWER, the SUNPOWER logo, HELIX, SUNVAULT, ONEROOF and THE POWER OF ONE are trademarks or registered trademarks of SunPower Corporation in the U.S. 

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement its consolidated financial results presented in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), the company uses non-GAAP measures that are adjusted for certain items from the most directly comparable GAAP measures. The specific non-GAAP measures listed below are: revenue; gross margin; net loss; net loss per diluted share; and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA"). Management believes that each of these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors, enabling them to better assess changes in each of these key elements of the company's results of operations across different reporting periods on a consistent basis, independent of certain items as described below. Thus, each of these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with another method to assess the company's operating results in a manner that is focused on its ongoing, core operating performance, absent the effects of these items. Management uses these non-GAAP measures internally to assess the business, its financial performance, current and historical results, as well as for strategic decision-making and forecasting future results. Many of the analysts covering the company also use these non-GAAP measures in their analysis. Given management's use of these non-GAAP measures, the company believes these measures are important to investors in understanding the company's operating results as seen through the eyes of management. These non-GAAP measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP or intended to be a replacement for GAAP financial data; and therefore, should be reviewed together with the GAAP measures and are not intended to serve as a substitute for results under GAAP, and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies.

Non-GAAP gross margin includes adjustments relating to gain/loss on sale and impairment of residential lease assets, impairment of property, plant and equipment, stock-based compensation, and amortization of intangible assets, each of which is described below. In addition to the above adjustments, non-GAAP net loss and non-GAAP net loss per diluted share are adjusted for adjustments relating to mark to market gain on equity investments, litigation, gain on business divestiture, , transaction-related costs, business reorganization costs, restructuring charges (credits), gain on convertible debt repurchased, tax effect of these non-GAAP adjustments, each of which is described below. In addition to the above adjustments, Adjusted EBITDA includes adjustments relating to cash interest expense (net of interest income), provision for income taxes, and depreciation.

Non-GAAP Adjustments Based on International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS")

The company's non-GAAP results include adjustments under IFRS that are consistent with the adjustments made in connection with the company's internal reporting process as part of its status as a consolidated subsidiary of Total SE, our controlling shareholder and a foreign public registrant that reports under IFRS. Differences between GAAP and IFRS reflected in the company's non-GAAP results are further described below. In these situations, management believes that IFRS enables investors to better evaluate the company's performance, and assists in aligning the perspectives of the management with those of Total SE.

• Legacy utility and power plant projects: The company included adjustments related to the revenue recognition of certain utility and power plant projects based on percentage-of-completion accounting and, when relevant, the allocation of revenue and margin to our project development efforts at the time of initial project sale. Under IFRS, such projects were accounted for when the customer obtains control of the promised goods or services which generally results in earlier recognition of revenue and profit than U.S. GAAP. Over the life of each project, cumulative revenue and gross margin are eventually equivalent under both GAAP and IFRS; however, revenue and gross margin is generally recognized earlier under IFRS.
• Legacy sale-leaseback transactions: The company included adjustments related to the revenue recognition on certain legacy sale-leaseback transactions entered into before December 31, 2018, based on the net proceeds received from the buyer-lessor. Under U.S. GAAP, these transactions were accounted for under the financing method in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance. Under such guidance, no revenue or profit is recognized at the inception of the transaction, and the net proceeds from the buyer-lessor are recorded as a financing liability. Imputed interest is recorded on the liability equal to our incremental borrowing rate adjusted solely to prevent negative amortization. Under IFRS, such revenue and profit is recognized at the time of sale to the buyer-lessor if certain criteria are met. Upon adoption of IFRS 16, Leases, on December 31, 2018, IFRS is aligned with GAAP.
• Mark-to-market gain in equity investments: The company recognizes adjustments related to the fair value of equity investments with readily determinable fair value based on the changes in the stock price of these equity investments at every reporting period. Under GAAP, mark-to-market gains and losses due to changes in stock prices for these securities are recorded in earnings while under IFRS, an election can be made to recognize such gains and losses in other comprehensive income. Such an election was made by Total SE. Further, we elected the Fair Value Option ("FVO") for some of our equity method investments, and we adjust the carrying value of those investments based on their fair market value calculated periodically. Such option is not available under IFRS, and equity method accounting is required for such investments. Management believes that excluding these adjustments on equity investments is consistent with our internal reporting process as part of its status as a consolidated subsidiary of Total SE. and better reflects our ongoing results.

Other Non-GAAP Adjustments

• Gain/loss on sale and impairment of residential lease assets: In fiscal 2018 and 2019, in an effort to deconsolidate all the residential lease assets owned by us, the company sold membership units representing a 49% membership interest in its residential lease business and retained a 51% membership interest. The loss on divestment, including adjustments to contingent consideration shortly after the closure of the transaction, and the remaining unsold residential lease assets impairment with its corresponding depreciation savings are excluded from the company's non-GAAP results as they are non-recurring in nature and not reflective of ongoing operating results.
• Construction revenue on solar services contracts: Upon adoption of the new lease accounting guidance ("ASC 842") in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, revenue and cost of revenue on solar services contracts with residential customers are recognized ratably over the term of those contracts, once the projects are placed in service. For non-GAAP results, the company recognizes revenue and cost of revenue upfront based on the expected cash proceeds to align with the legacy lease accounting guidance. Management believes it is appropriate to recognize revenue and cost of revenue upfront based on total expected cash proceeds, as it better reflects the company's ongoing results as such method aligns revenue and costs incurred most accurately in the same period. Starting in second quarter of fiscal 2020, we no longer have this non-GAAP measure.
• Stock-based compensation: Stock-based compensation relates primarily to the company's equity incentive awards. Stock-based compensation is a non-cash expense that is dependent on market forces that are difficult to predict. Management believes that this adjustment for stock-based compensation provides investors with a basis to measure the company's core performance, including compared with the performance of other companies, without the period-to-period variability created by stock-based compensation.
• Amortization of intangible assets: The company incurs amortization of intangible assets as a result of acquisitions, which includes patents, purchased technology, project pipeline assets, and in-process research and development. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude these amortization charges from the company's non-GAAP financial measures as they arise from prior acquisitions, which are not reflective of ongoing operating results.
• Gain on business divestiture: In second quarter of fiscal 2020, the company sold its Operations and Maintenance ("O&M") contracts business to a third-party buyer. Similarly, in fiscal 2019, the company sold all of its membership interests in certain subsidiaries that own leasehold interests in projects subject to sale-leaseback financing arrangements. In connection with these divestitures, the company recognized gain within its income statement in the period in which the sale was completed. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude such gain from the company's non-GAAP financial measures as it is not reflective of ongoing operating results.
• Litigation: We may be involved in various instances of litigation, claims and proceedings that result in payments or recoveries. We exclude gains or losses associated with such events because the gains or losses do not reflect our underlying financial results in the period incurred. We also exclude all expenses pertaining to litigation relating to businesses that discontinued as a result of spin-off of Maxeon Solar, for which we are indemnifying them. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude such charges from our non-GAAP results as they are not reflective of ongoing operating results.
• Transaction-related costs: In connection with material non-recurring transactions such as acquisition or divestiture of a business, the company incurred transaction costs including legal and accounting fees. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude these costs from the company's non-GAAP results as it is not reflective of ongoing operating results.
• Business reorganization costs: In connection with the reorganization of our business into an upstream and downstream, and subsequent announcement of the separation transaction to separate the Company into two independent, and publicly traded companies, we incurred and expect to continue to incur in upcoming quarters, non-recurring charges on third-party legal and consulting expenses to close the separation transaction. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude these from company's non-GAAP results as it is not reflective of ongoing operating results.
• Non-cash interest expense: The company incurs non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of items such as original issuance discounts on its debt. The company excludes non-cash interest expense because the expense does not reflect its financial results in the period incurred. Management believes that this adjustment for non-cash interest expense provides investors with a basis to evaluate the company's performance, including compared with the performance of other companies, without non-cash interest expense.
• Restructuring charges (credits): The company incurs restructuring expenses related to reorganization plans aimed towards realigning resources consistent with the company's global strategy and improving its overall operating efficiency and cost structure. Although the company has engaged in restructuring activities in the past, each has been a discrete event based on a unique set of business objectives. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude these from company's non-GAAP results as it is not reflective of ongoing operating results.
• Gain on convertible debt repurchased: In connection with the early repurchase of a portion of our 0.875% Convertible debentures due June 1, 2021, we recognized a gain, represented by the difference between the book value of the convertible debentures, net of the remaining unamortized discount prior to repurchase and the reacquisition price of the convertible notes upon repurchase. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude these from our non-GAAP results as it is not reflective of ongoing operating results.
• Tax effect: This amount is used to present each of the adjustments described above on an after-tax basis in connection with the presentation of non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP net income (loss) per diluted share. The company's non-GAAP tax amount is based on estimated cash tax expense and reserves. The company forecasts its annual cash tax liability and allocates the tax to each quarter in a manner generally consistent with its GAAP methodology. This approach is designed to enhance investors' ability to understand the impact of the company's tax expense on its current operations, provide improved modeling accuracy, and substantially reduce fluctuations caused by GAAP to non-GAAP adjustments, which may not reflect actual cash tax expense, or tax impact of non-recurring items.
• Adjusted EBITDA adjustments: When calculating Adjusted EBITDA, in addition to adjustments described above, the company excludes the impact of the following items during the period:
• Cash interest expense, net of interest income
• Provision for income taxes
• Depreciation

For more information about these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the tables captioned "Reconciliations of GAAP Measures to Non-GAAP Measures" set forth at the end of this release, which should be read together with the preceding financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.