Flux Power Holdings Inc., a developer of advanced lithium batteries for industrial applications including electric forklifts, has reviewed its recent progress and results for the first quarter (Q1 ‘16) ended September 30, 2015. In lieu of a conference call, the company will host an online Q&A session, details below.
LiFT Pack Sales Highlights:
- In Q1 ’16, the number of large national or regional companies piloting LiFT Packs rose 15% to 30 versus 26 in Q4 ’15
- Q1 ‘16 LiFT Pack battery sales declined to 53 units versus 81 units in Q4 ’15
- Flux’s LiFT Pack unit sales declined versus last quarter reflecting working capital and inventory constraints and infrastructure and production planning to support anticipated growth
- Expected UL Listing will offer higher level of product assurance in terms of electrical quality and safety profile
- Current LiFT Pack model changeover incorporates engineering and other design initiatives to meet anticipated sales growth and expected to temper unit sales in Q2’ 16
- Demand for Flux LiFT Packs featuring lithium advantages continues to increase and support expectations
Flux Power has developed solid, broad-based interest in its LiFT Pack line of batteries for “Walkie” pallet jacks, reflecting the performance, efficiency and cost benefits this new storage solution brings to material handling-intensive businesses. To date, 30 large national or regional companies are piloting Flux LiFT Packs for Walkies and an additional 18 have progressed to initial LiFT Pack purchases. Based on discussions with several companies regarding their battery replenishment schedules and purchasing intentions over the next year, the company believes this pacing could drive fiscal year 2016 LiFT Pack sales of at least $3 million.
Flux’s fiscal year 2016 sales estimate is subject to Flux’s ability to secure sufficient working capital to fund inventories, demo units, industry certifications, receivables and expanded sales, customer support and administration expense. Flux is currently evaluating ways to address its working capital and long term funding needs.
CEO Ron Dutt comments, “The continued demand and interest in lithium solutions for walkie pallet jacks has supported our current buildup in production processes and infrastructure. This buildup has required resources in both the quarter ending September 30, 2015 and the current quarter. The anticipated UL Listing from Underwriters Laboratories will soon provide enhanced sales and marketing opportunities and support our drive for continuous improvement in our packs to meet and exceed customer satisfaction.”
Q1 Operating Results
Q1 ’16 revenue declined to $171,000 compared to Q4 ’15 revenue of $220,000, due to a decline in sales of LiFT Packs. Flux’s Q1 ’16 net loss increased to $1,008,000 from $964,000 in Q4 ’15, and increased over the Q1 ’15 net loss of $197,000. The Net Loss in Q1 ’15 benefited from the change in fair value of warrant liabilities.
Flux’s current gross margin reflects higher costs related to the launch of the LiFT Pack products and the lower volumes and related higher overhead absorption in the most recent quarter. Flux has developed several design and procurement initiatives designed to substantially improve LiFT Pack gross margins as FY 2016 progresses.
Q1 ‘16 sales and administrative expenses increased by approximately 9% to $555,000 versus Q1’ 15 as Flux made necessary investments to expand its sales and marketing reach and engineering capabilities. An increase in Q1 ’16 research and development expenses to approximately $332,000 included significant material and labor costs associated with the project to obtain a UL Listing.
In Q1 ‘16, Flux enhanced its balance sheet by converting $2.0 million of short-term debt plus accrued interest into approximately 51.2 million common shares. As a result of the conversion, Flux had 150,785,137 common shares outstanding as of September 30, 2015. The outstanding balance of debt instruments as of November 11, 2015 with the largest shareholder EsenJay Investments is $975,000. These funds are used to support working capital requirements for growth and operating expenses.
