AMSC Revenue Jumps Past $94 Million, Yet Quarterly Profit Falls On A Bigger Tax Bill
The power-control maker's sales rose more than 40% to $94.0 million while net income fell to $3.0 million, and it guides above $80.0 million next.
AMSC, the Massachusetts maker of power-control systems, grew second-quarter revenue to $94.0 million from $65.9 million a year earlier, yet net income fell to $3.0 million from $4.8 million, according to results it filed Wednesday for the quarter ended September 30. It expects third-quarter revenue to exceed $80.0 million.
Sales up, profit down on taxes
The company attributed the revenue gain to organic growth and its purchase of Comtrafo. Grid revenue was $76.7 million and wind $17.4 million, according to the results release.
Net income came to $0.06 per share, against $0.11 a year earlier. Income tax expense was $3.4 million, compared with $117,000 in the year-earlier quarter.
On an adjusted basis, which strips out stock pay, acquisition-related amortization and changes in contingent consideration, net income edged up to $9.1 million, or $0.20 per share, from $8.9 million, or $0.20 per share.
Operating cash flow more than quadrupled to $33 million, the company said. Cash, including restricted cash, stood at $181.9 million on September 30, up from $147.6 million at March 31.
What management is guiding to
For the third quarter ending December 31, AMSC expects revenue above $80.0 million, net income above breakeven and adjusted net income above $7.0 million, or $0.15 per share. That guidance assumes income tax expense of $0.5 million.
CEO Daniel P. McGahn credited "continued customer-requested accelerations in project deliveries through the first half of our fiscal year." He said orders topped $95 million in the quarter, driven mainly by traditional and renewable energy, along with materials and utility customers.
McGahn also said, "we expect revenue to average approximately $90 million for each of our first three quarters." He added that the company anticipates strong demand to continue through the second half.
The business behind the numbers
AMSC describes itself as a provider of power-control solutions. It sells grid systems and engineering services, ship protection and power management for navy fleets, and electronic controls for wind energy.
For the first six months of the fiscal year, revenue was $188.1 million and net income $12.5 million, with operating cash flow of $48.7 million.
Management hosts a conference call at 10:00 a.m. ET on Thursday to discuss the results and outlook.
