Energy Conversion Devices Reports Second Fiscal Quarter Financial Results

United Solar Revenue Increases 44% Over Prior Year Returns to Positive Cash Operating Performance (EBITDARS) Achieves World Record 12% Efficiency for Thin-Film Silicon

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 9, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) (Nasdaq:ENER), a leading global provider of thin-film flexible solar laminate products and systems to the building-integrated, commercial and residential rooftop markets, today reported financial results for its second fiscal quarter of 2011 ended December 31, 2010.

Total consolidated revenue for the quarter was $69.5 million, an increase of 31% over the second fiscal quarter of 2010, and an increase of 2% over the previous quarter. Solar product and system sales were $66.5 million, an increase of 44% over the second fiscal quarter of 2010, and an increase of 2% over the previous quarter. Consolidated gross margin was 21% as compared to (15%) in the year-ago quarter, and 18% in the first fiscal quarter of 2011. During the quarter, ECD shipped 28 megawatts of its UNI-SOLAR ^® brand PV products, and produced 33 megawatts.

The company reported a net loss of $7.6 million, or $0.16 per share. This compares to a net loss of $39.3 million, or $0.93 per share, in the second fiscal quarter of 2010, and a net loss of $13.5 million, or $0.29 per share, in the prior quarter. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and excluding restructuring and stock expense (EBITDARS) were $4.4 million in the quarter, compared to about zero in the prior quarter and ($20.4) million in the year-ago quarter.

As of December 31, 2010 the company had $182.6 million of cash, cash-equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments.

"ECD generated meaningfully positive EBITDARS for the first time in four quarters, which is an effective measure of the company's progress on our path to profitability. We demonstrated significant improvement in reducing our cost structure during the second quarter. Gross margin increased to 21% and operating expenses declined significantly," said Mark Morelli, ECD's President and Chief Executive Officer.