Sunrun Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Financial Results

Deployments Grow Almost 2X and Creation Cost is Down 17% Since Q1 2015

Q4 MW Deployed Growth of 83% Year-Over-Year

Quarterly NPV Creation of $50 million, a 115% Increase From Q1 2015

596 MW Cumulatively Deployed

SAN FRANCISCO, March 10, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sunrun (Nasdaq:RUN), the largest dedicated residential solar company in the United States, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2015.

Fourth Quarter 2015 Operating Highlights

  • 80 MW booked, an increase of 117% year-over-year.
  • 68 MW deployed, representing 83% growth year-over-year.
  • Cumulative MW deployed of 596 MW.
  • Quarterly NPV creation was $50 million, an increase of 1% quarter-over-quarter.
  • Pre-tax Project Value per watt was $4.50, compared to $4.70 in the prior quarter. 
  • Creation Cost per watt of $3.64 decreased $0.11, or 3% quarter-over-quarter.

Full Year 2015 Operating Highlights

  • 274 MW booked, an increase of 85% organic growth year-over-year.
  • 203 MW deployed, representing 76% organic growth year-over-year.
  • Creation Cost per watt of $3.89.
  • Aggregate NPV creation of $160 million.

“Our customer-centric solar as a service business model has proven to be highly scalable even beyond our early expectations,” said Lynn Jurich, chief executive officer of Sunrun. “As industry fundamentals continue to improve, we believe that our consistent focus on customer net present value, and careful management of liquidity, positions us well in 2016 towards our goal to deliver the industry’s most valuable and satisfied customer base.”

Key Operating Metrics 

In the fourth quarter of 2015, MW booked increased to 80 MW from 37 MW in the fourth quarter of 2014 and MW deployed increased to 68 MW from 37 MW in the fourth quarter of 2014. This resulted in 117% year-over-year growth in MW booked and 83% year-over-year growth in MW deployed.

In full year 2015, MW booked increased to 274 MW from 148 MW in full year 2014 and MW deployed increased to 203 MW from 115 MW in full year 2014 (excluding 14.7 MW associated with an opportunistic asset purchase), slightly below our guidance of 205 MW for 2015, primarily due to the closure of the Nevada market. This resulted in 85% MW year-over-year organic growth in MW booked and 76% year-over-year organic growth in MW deployed.

NPV created in the fourth quarter of 2015 was $50.0 million, compared to $49.5 million in the third quarter of 2015, with $160 million of NPV created in full year 2015. Pre-tax project value per watt was $4.50, compared to $4.70 in the third quarter of 2015. Creation cost per watt was $3.64 in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to $3.75 in the third quarter of 2015.

Estimated nominal contracted payments remaining as of December 31, 2015 totaled $2.4 billion, compared to $1.6 billion as of December 31, 2014, an increase of 51%. Estimated retained value as of December 31, 2015 was $1.5 billion compared to $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2014, an increase of 52%.

Financing Activities

We have sufficient tax equity committed or subject to executed term sheets to fund our growth plans into November.

In January, we closed a $250 million credit facility at an approximate weighted average cost of 4.5%, which meets our expected volume and liquidity needs for the year.  Between the A and B tranches, the advance rate on this facility is approximately 75% of contracted cash flows available for distribution after tax equity dividends.  The initial draw on this facility is a significant factor in our expectation of being approximately cash flow breakeven in Q1 2016.      

Fourth Quarter 2015 GAAP Results

Total revenue grew to $99.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 from $60.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. In the fourth quarter of 2015, operating leases and incentives revenue grew 41% year-over-year to $29.6 million. Solar energy systems and product sales were $70.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, an increase of 79% year-over-year.

Total cost of revenue was $96.9 million, an increase of 72% year-over-year. Total operating expenses were $164.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, an increase of 61% year-over-year.

Net loss attributable to common stockholders was $15.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared to a net loss of $2.8 million in the third quarter of 2015 and a net loss of $26.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.

GAAP net loss per share available to common shareholders was ($0.15) per share.

Full Year 2015 GAAP Results

Total revenue grew to $304.6 million in full year 2015 from $198.6 million in 2014. Operating leases and incentives revenue grew 40% year-over-year to $118.0 million. Solar energy systems and product sales were $186.6 million in 2015, an increase of 63% year-over-year.

Total cost of revenue was $280.5 million, an increase of 62% year-over-year. Total operating expenses were $523.8 million in 2015, an increase of 58% year-over-year.

Net loss attributable to common stockholders was $28.2 million in 2015, compared to a net loss of $70.9 million in 2014.

GAAP net loss per share available to common shareholders was ($0.96) per share.

Guidance for Q1 and Full Year 2016

The following statements are based on current expectations. These statements are forward-looking and actual results may differ materially.

For 2016, we expect to deploy approximately 285 MW. We expect our Sunrun built business to grow at a nearly 100% growth rate.

We will continue to target a $1 per watt of NPV across the full year despite compression due to our exit from Nevada and capacity investments to support the doubling of the direct business.

In Q1, we expect to deploy 56 MW. We have removed approximately 12 MW of backlog from Nevada that would have been deployed in the quarter. 

Conference Call Information

Sunrun is hosting a conference call for analysts and investors to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2015 results and outlook for its full year of 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time today, March 10, 2016. A live audio webcast of the conference call along with supplemental financial information will also be accessible from the “Investors” section of the Company’s website at http://investors.sunrun.com. The conference call can be accessed live via the Sunrun Investor Relations website at http://investors.sunrun.com or over the phone by dialing (866) 430-5027 (domestic) or (704) 908-0432 (international) using ID# 44492210. A replay will be available following the call via the Sunrun Investor Relations website or for one week at the following numbers (855) 859-2056 (domestic) or (404) 537-3406 (international) using ID# 44492210.

About Sunrun

Sunrun (NASDAQ:RUN) is the largest dedicated residential solar company in the United States with a mission to create a planet run by the sun. Since establishing the solar as a service model in 2007, Sunrun continues to lead the industry in providing clean energy to homeowners with little to no upfront cost and at a savings to traditional electricity. The company designs, installs, finances, insures, monitors and maintains the solar panels on a homeowner's roof, while families receive predictable pricing for 20 years or more. For more information please visit: www.sunrun.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our future financial and operating guidance, operational and financial results such as growth, value creation, MW bookings and deployments, estimates of nominal contracted payments remaining, estimated retained value, project value, estimated creation costs and NPV, and the assumptions related to the calculation of the foregoing metrics, as well as our expectations regarding our growth and our focus on managing our liquidity and capital structure.

The risks and uncertainties that could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include: the availability of additional financing on acceptable terms; changes in the retail prices of traditional utility generated electricity; changes in policies and regulations including net metering and interconnection limits or caps; the availability of rebates, tax credits and other incentives; the availability of solar panels and other raw materials; our limited operating history, particularly as a new public company; our ability to attract and retain our relationships with third parties, including our solar partners; our ability to meet the covenants in our investment funds and debt facilities; and such other risks identified in the registration statements and reports that we have file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, from time to time. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share values)

    December 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 
Assets                
Current assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 203,864     $ 152,154  
Restricted cash     9,203       2,534  
Accounts receivable (net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $1,641 and $703 as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively)     60,275       43,189  
State tax credits receivable     9,198       5,183  
Inventories     71,258       23,914  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     6,696       9,560  
Total current assets     360,494       236,534  
Restricted cash     8,094       6,012  
Solar energy systems, net     1,992,021       1,484,251  
Property and equipment, net     44,866       22,195  
Intangible assets, net     22,705       13,111  
Goodwill     87,543       51,786  
Prepaid tax asset     190,146       109,381  
Other assets     32,277       9,314  
Total assets   $ 2,738,146     $ 1,932,584  
Liabilities and total equity                
Current liabilities:                
Accounts payable   $ 104,133     $ 51,166  
Distributions payable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests     8,144       6,764  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities     49,146       25,445  
Deferred revenue, current portion     59,726       44,398  
Deferred grants, current portion     13,949       13,754  
Capital lease obligation, current portion     8,951       1,593  
Long-term debt, current portion     2,085       2,602  
Solar asset-backed notes, current portion     3,323        
Lease pass-through financing obligation, current portion     3,710       5,161  
Total current liabilities     253,167       150,883  
Deferred revenue, net of current portion     559,066       467,726  
Deferred grants, net of current portion     220,784       226,801  
Capital lease obligation, net of current portion     15,042       5,761  
Line of credit     194,975       48,597  
Long-term debt, net of current portion     232,378       188,052  
Solar asset-backed notes, net of current portion     105,557        
Lease pass-through financing obligation, net of current portion     153,188       180,224  
Other liabilities     7,144       2,424  
Deferred tax liabilities     190,146       109,549  
Total liabilities     1,931,447       1,380,017  
Redeemable noncontrolling interests     147,139       135,948  
Stockholders’ equity     554,069       324,864  
Noncontrolling interests     105,491       91,755  
Total equity     659,560       416,619  
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and total equity   $ 2,738,146     $ 1,932,584  
                 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share values)

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014  
Revenue:                
Operating leases and incentives   $ 118,004     $ 84,006  
Solar energy systems and product sales     186,602       114,551  
Total revenue     304,606       198,557  
Operating expenses:                
Cost of operating leases and incentives     111,784       72,898  
Cost of solar energy systems and product sales     168,751       100,802  
Sales and marketing     145,477       78,723  
Research and development     9,657       8,386  
General and administrative     84,442       68,098  
Amortization of intangible assets     3,695       2,269  
Total operating expenses     523,806       331,176  
Loss from operations     (219,200 )     (132,619
Interest expense, net     33,236       27,521  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt     431       4,350  
Other expenses     1,338       3,043  
Loss before income taxes     (254,205 )     (167,533
Income tax benefit     (5,299 )     (10,043
Net loss     (248,906 )     (157,490
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests     (220,660 )     (86,638
Net loss attributable to common stockholders   $ (28,246 )   $ (70,852
Deemed dividend to convertible preferred stockholders     (24,890 )      
Net loss available to common stockholders   $ (53,136 )   $ (70,852
                 
Net loss per share available to common shareholders— basic and diluted   $ (0.96 )   $ (3.11
Weighted average shares used to compute net loss per share available to common stockholders— basic and diluted     55,091       22,795  
                 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014  
Operating activities:                
Net loss   $ (594,887 )   $ (157,490 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:     (13,027        
Noncash losses     (19,575     4,350  
Depreciation and amortization, net of amortization of deferred grants     (627,489     49,541  
Bad debt expense     (594,887     546  
Interest on lease pass-through financing     (13,027     10,204  
Noncash tax benefit     (19,575 )     (10,043 )
Noncash interest expense     (627,489     2,384  
Stock-based compensation expense     (594,887     9,218  
Reduction in lease pass—through financing obligations     (13,027 )     (12,323 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:     (19,575        
Accounts receivable     (627,489 )     (14,075 )
Inventories     (594,887 )     (3,788 )
Prepaid and other assets     (13,027 )     (1,920 )
Accounts payable     (19,575     11,063  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities     (627,489     7,010  
Deferred revenue     (594,887     97,395  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     (13,027 )     (7,928 )
                 
Investing activities:                
Payments for the costs of solar energy systems, leased and to be leased     (594,887 )     (412,267 )
Purchases of property and equipment     (13,027 )     (15,317 )
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired     (19,575 )     (36,384 )
Net cash used in investing activities     (627,489 )     (463,968 )
                 
Financing activities:                
Proceeds from grants and state tax credits, net of recapture     4,685       1,579  
Proceeds from issuance of debt     544,385       192,750  
Repayment of debt     (357,878 )     (120,054 )
Payment of debt fees     (14,798 )     (7,939 )
Proceeds from solar asset-backed notes     111,000        
Repayment of solar asset-backed notes     (2,120 )      
Proceeds from issuance of convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs           143,393  
Proceeds from lease pass-through financing obligations     129,121       174,159  
Repayment of lease pass-through financing obligations     (88,918 )      
Contributions received from noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests     275,704       169,490  
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests     (28,737 )     (31,967 )
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests           (21 )
Proceeds from exercises of stock options     3,548       2,707  
Proceeds from initial public offering     222,078        
Payment of capital lease obligation     (4,854 )     (1,181 )
Change in restricted cash     (8,751 )     1,435  
Net cash provided by financing activities     784,465       524,351  
                 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents     51,710       52,455  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     152,154       99,699  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 203,864     $ 152,154  
                 

We use non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision-making purposes and as a means to evaluate period-to period comparisons. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information about our operating results, enhance the overall understanding of past financial performance and allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision making.

Key Operating Metrics

  As of
     
  December 31, 2015
  December 31, 2014  
MW Booked    274     163 (1)  
MW Deployed   203     130 (1)  
Cumulative MW Deployed   596       393  
Estimated Nominal Contracted Payments Remaining (in millions) $ 2,404     $ 1,597  
Estimated Retained Value (in millions) $ 1,517     $ 1,000  
Estimated retained value under energy contract (in millions) $ 1,029     $ 643  
Estimated retained value of purchase (in millions) $ 487     $ 357  
Estimated retained value per watt $ 2.33     $ 2.40  

(1) Includes 14.7 MWs associated with purchase of an asset portfolio in 2014.

  For the Three Months Ended
  December 31, 2015
  September 30, 2015
Project Value (per watt) $ 4.50    $ 4.70 
Creation Costs (1) (per watt) $ 3.64    $ 3.75 
Unlevered NPV (per watt) $ 0.86    $ 0.95 
NPV (in millions) $ 50.0    $ 49.5 

(1) Excludes IDC costs paid prior to deployments and excludes non-cash items such as amortization of intangible assets and stock-based compensation.

    For the Year Ended
    December 31, 2015
Project Value (per watt)   $ 4.76  
Creation Costs (1) (per watt)   $ 3.89  
Unlevered NPV (per watt)   $ 0.87  
NPV (in millions)   $ 160  

(1) Excludes IDC costs paid prior to deployments and excludes non-cash items such as amortization of intangible assets and stock-based compensation.

Definitions

MW Booked represents the aggregate megawatt production capacity of our solar energy systems sold to customers or subject to an executed customer agreement, net of cancellations.

MW Deployed represents the aggregate megawatt production capacity of our solar energy systems, whether sold directly to customers or subject to customer agreements, for which we have (i) confirmation that the systems are installed on the roof, subject to final inspection or (ii) in the case of certain system installations by our partners, accrued at least 80% of the expected project cost.

Customers refers to residential customers with solar energy systems that are installed or under contract to install, net of cancellations.

Estimated Nominal Contracted Payments Remaining equals the sum of the remaining cash payments that customers are expected to pay over the initial terms of their agreements (not including the value of any renewal or system purchase at the end of the initial agreement term), including estimated uncollected prepayments, for systems contracted as of the measurement date.

Estimated Retained Value represents the cash flows (discounted at 6%) we expect to receive pursuant to customer agreements during the initial agreement term, excluding substantially all value from solar renewable energy credits (“SRECs”) prior to July 1, 2015. It also includes a discounted estimate of the value of the purchase or renewal of the agreement at the end of the initial term. Estimated retained value excludes estimated distributions to investors in consolidated joint ventures and estimated operating, maintenance and administrative expenses for systems contracted as of the measurement date. We do not deduct amounts we are obligated to pass through to investors in lease pass-throughs. Estimated retained value under energy contract represents the net cash flows during the initial 20-year term of our customer agreements. Estimated retained value of purchase or renewal is the forecasted net present value we would receive upon or following the expiration of the initial contract term.

Project Value represents the value of upfront and future payments by customers, the benefits received from utility and state incentives, as well as the present value of net proceeds derived through investment funds. Project value is calculated as the sum of the following items (all measured on a per-watt basis with respect to megawatts deployed under customer agreements during the period): (i) estimated retained value, (ii) utility or upfront state incentives, (iii) upfront payments from customers for deposits and partial or full prepayments of amounts otherwise due under customer agreements and which are not already included in estimated retained value and (iv) finance proceeds from tax equity investors. Project value includes contracted SRECs. Project value does not include cash true-up payments or the value of asset contributions in lieu of cash true-up payments made to investment fund investors, the cumulative impact of which is expected to be immaterial in 2015.

Creation Costs includes (i) certain installation and general and administrative costs after subtracting the gross margin on solar energy systems and product sales divided by watts deployed and (ii) certain sales and marketing expenses under new customer agreements, net of cancellations during the period divided by the related watts booked.

Unlevered NPV equals the difference between project value and estimated creation costs on a per watt basis.

NPV equals unlevered NPV multiplied by leased megawatts booked in period. 

Investor Relations Contact:

Charlotte Coultrap-Bagg
Investors@sunrun.com
(415) 510-4833

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Source: Sunrun Inc.