Ballard Reports Q2 2024 Results

Quarter highlights include new product launch, progress on next-gen plate manufacturing, and data center market development

VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 12, 2024 /CNW/ - Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) (TSX: BLDP) today announced consolidated financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024. All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted and have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Ballard Power Systems Inc. logo (CNW Group/Ballard Power Systems Inc.)
Ballard Power Systems Inc. logo (CNW Group/Ballard Power Systems Inc.)

"During Q2, we made measured progress on key 2024 deliverables relating to products, advanced manufacturing, and markets, all in support of our long-term strategy," stated Randy MacEwen, Ballard's President & CEO. "On products, we launched our 9th generation PEM fuel cell engine, re-setting the industry standard for PEM fuel cell engine performance for heavy-duty mobility. Our innovative FCmove?-XD delivers significant improvements in reliability, durability, efficiency, power density, scalability, serviceability, and total cost of ownership. On advanced manufacturing, we are tracking to plan against Project Forge, which is our program to scale bipolar plate production by 10x and reduce costs of next-generation bipolar plates by 70%. And on markets, we announced a strategic technology partnership with Vertiv to demonstrate the technical feasibility and customer benefits of hydrogen-powered fuel cell backup power solutions for the fast-growing data center market."

"Q2 revenue of $16.0 million was 4% and 11% higher than Q2 2023 and Q1 2024 revenue, respectively, driven primarily by higher fuel cell product sales revenue, which was up 48% year-over-year and made up 84% of the total revenue versus 59% in Q2 2023. We continue to expect 2024 revenue to be heavily second-half weighted, with corresponding gross margin improvements in H2," added Mr. MacEwen. "We continue to carefully track market adoption indicators and scrutinize all spending and investments, with cash operating costs1 remaining flat compared to Q2 2023, our balance sheet remaining strong at $678 million of cash at the end of the quarter, and lowering guidance on 2024 Capital Expenditure2 to $25 - $40 million."

"While we remain confident in the long-term value proposition of hydrogen fuel cells, we continue to see near-term quarterly order lumpiness and experienced a softer quarter for order intake. Following almost $130 million in total new orders in the previous two quarters, Q2 net order intake was muted at $5.0 million, as certain customers deferred new orders into the second half of the year," continued Mr. MacEwen.