JIASHAN, China, May 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- ReneSola Ltd. ("ReneSola" or the "Company") (www.renesola.com) (NYSE: SOL), a leading brand and technology provider of solar photovoltaic ("PV") products, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014.
Financial and Operational Highlights
* Starting from Q1 2014, the Company has changed its accounting classification of warranty expense, which was previously classified as cost of goods sold, to better reflect its global OEM business operations and align its accounting policy to industry peers. Accordingly, beginning with this quarter, warranty expense has been recognized in the selling expense. The change in classification has been retroactively applied for all periods presented. The impact of change in classification on the consolidated financial statements are: gross profit increased by US$2.55 million, US$2.33 million and US$1.96 million; sales and marketing expense increased by US$2.55 million, US$2.33 million and US$1.96 million for Q1 2014,Q4 2013 and Q1 2013, respectively. |
"Our OEM strategy continues to be the backbone of our worldwide sales and distribution efforts," said Mr. Xianshou Li, ReneSola's chief executive officer. "ReneSola's overseas OEM module capacity now exceeds 1.1GW, with a total of 11 facilities in Europe, Africa, South Asia, and the Asia-Pacific region, and allows us to grow our business with minimal capital expenditure requirements. While we recognize the regulatory uncertainty regarding trade frictions across a number of major solar markets, including the United States and possibly India and Australia, we continue to be well positioned compared to our peers with our OEM facilities around the world, and will look for opportunities to gain market share from resulting market changes. Potential higher ASPs in those markets served by our OEM capacity will also help our profitability. Our OEM manufacturing network continues to play a key role in our business model in becoming a global brand and technology provider with sales channels spread across multiple continents. Additionally, we continue to grow our sales and distribution network worldwide with 22 offices and 37 warehouses. Furthermore, our ever-growing local sales teams provide us with greater adaptability in dealing with changing market conditions and meeting client needs as they emerge.
"We are gradually switching our focus from big-scale utility projects to small-scale projects, specifically commercial and residential rooftop projects. We are seeing stronger and more sustainable growth in these retail markets across different continents and are able to sell at a higher price to such smaller projects. With our brand recognition, local warehouses and on-site technical support, we are providing retail customers with integrated solar services and solutions, which not only allows us to charge a premium but also puts us on the path to becoming a stronger brand and higher-profile technology provider in the industry. We expect that by the end of this year, retail market sales will account for nearly half of our module shipments.
One of our key Q1 highlights was a tremendous sales pick-up in Japan. We expect sales volume to continue through the rest of this year, providing another example of our strong sales and marketing capabilities across international markets. Also, our polysilicon factory, after a brief period of maintenance, has been back to full production since the end of March, and we expect it will contribute positively to our overall profitability from Q2 onward.
"We have made module production cost reduction one of our priorities for 2014, and we have a detailed plan in place that we will implement gradually throughout the year. We expect the cost reduction to come primarily from our in-house polysilicon supply, increased production efficiency, and more efficient sourcing of other materials. We are aiming to be a cost-leading module supplier in the industry, while maintaining the same high level of product quality that the market has come to expect from ReneSola."
First Quarter 2013 Results
Solar Wafer and Module Shipments
1Q14 | 4Q13 | 1Q13 | Q-o-Q% | Y-o-Y% | |
Module Shipments (MW) | 521.1 | 505.3 | 326.6 | 3.1% | 59.6% |
Wafer Shipments (MW) | 189.0 | 278.8 | 335.5 | (32.3%) | (43.7%) |
Total Solar Wafer and Module Shipments (MW) | 710.1 | 784.1 | 662.1 | (9.5%) | 7.2% |
The sequential increase in solar module shipments was mainly the result of the Company's increased sales in Japan. The sequential decline in solar wafer shipments was consistent with the Company's ongoing shift toward using its wafers for internal module production rather than external sales.
Net Revenues and Gross Profit
1Q14 | 4Q13 | 1Q13 | Q-o-Q% | Y-o-Y% | |
Net Revenues (US$mln) | $415.0 | $438.8 | $284.2 | (5.4%) | 46.0% |
Gross Profit (Loss) (US$mln) | $44.0 | $49.7* | ($3.6)* | (11.5%) | - |
Gross Margin | 10.6% | 11.3%* | (1.3%)* | - | - |
* Adjusted based on the new accounting classification for warranty expense, which is now recognized as a selling expense rather than cost of goods sold, as was done previously. Before the adjustment, the gross profit for Q4 2013 was $47.4 million, and the gross loss for Q1 2013 was $5.6 million; the gross margin was 10.8% and negative 2.0% for Q4 2013 and Q1 2013, respectively. |
Revenues decreased quarter-over-quarter as a result of decreased wafer shipments. The sequential decrease in the Company's gross margin was impacted by a temporary suspension of operations for the purposes of maintenance and improvement at the Company's Sichuan factory in Q1 2014.
Operating Income (Loss)
1Q14 | 4Q13 | 1Q13 | Q-o-Q% | Y-o-Y% | |
Operating Expenses (US$mln) | $52.8 | $40.9* | $29.8* | 29.1% | 77.2% |
Operating Income (Loss) (US$mln) | ($8.7) | $8.8 | ($33.4) | - | - |
Operating Margin | (2.1%) | 2.0% | (11.8%) | - | - |
* Adjusted based on the new accounting classification for warranty expense, which is now recognized as a selling expense rather than cost of goods sold, as was done previously. Before the adjustment, the operating expense was $38.6 million and $27.8 million for Q4 2013 and Q1 2013, respectively. |
The sequential increase in operating expenses was primarily due to a reversal of accrued expenses in Q4 2013, as well as higher shipping costs due to increased overseas shipments and a provision of accounts receivable in Q1 2014.
Foreign Exchange Gain
The Company had a foreign exchange gain of US$1.48 million and recognized a US$1.38 million loss on derivatives in Q1 2014.
Change in Fair Value of Warrant Derivative Liabilities
The Company recognized a gain from a change in fair value of warrant derivative liabilities of US$1.05 million in Q1 2014, primarily due to the decrease in the Company's stock price.
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Holders of Ordinary Shares
1Q14 | 4Q13 | 1Q13 | |
Net Income (Loss) (US$mln) | ($14.6) | $1.41 | ($39.0) |
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share | ($0.07) | $0.01 | ($0.23) |
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per ADS | ($0.14) | $0.01 | ($0.45) |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Net cash outflow from operating activities was US$112.3 million in Q1 2014, mainly to pay off accounts payable, compared to net cash outflow of US$30.8 million in Q4 2013.
Net cash and cash equivalents plus restricted cash were US$214.9 million as of March 31, 2014, compared to US$348.9 million as of December 31, 2013.
Total debt was US$723.9 million as of March 31, 2014, compared to US$742.6 million as of December 31, 2013, excluding US$111.6 million of convertible notes due March 15, 2018, unless repurchased or converted at an earlier date. Short-term borrowings were US$653.3 million as of March 31, 2014, compared to US$673.1 million as of December 31, 2013.
Polysilicon Update
The total output of polysilicon in Q1 was 175 metric tons, compared to an output of 1,768 metric tons in Q4 2013 and nil in the year-ago period. Operations of the Company's Sichuan polysilicon plant were temporarily halted in Q1 for maintenance and technical improvements, which negatively impacted the Company's Q1 net income and gross margin. Full operations of the plant resumed in late March and are currently at 100% capacity. With the recent rise and overall stability in polysilicon prices, and further production cost reduction coming from seasonally lower electricity price, the Company expects to benefit from its in-house polysilicon production capabilities going forward.
Business Highlights
Geographic Breakdown of Module Shipments
2014 Q1 | 2013 Q4 | 2013 Q1 | |
U.S. | 13.6% | 27.4% | 4.4% |
Europe | 39.2% | 26.5% | 59.7% |
Japan | 22.5% | 5.2% | 3.2% |
China | 11.4% | 21.6% | 17.9% |
Other | 13.3% | 19.3% | 14.8% |
The Company's module shipments to Japan grew substantially in Q1 2014, and are expected to at least maintain the current level through the rest of this year. The Japan market, along with strong sales in the UK market, made up for seasonally low shipments to other markets in Q1 2014.
Research and Development
During Q1, ReneSola continued to invest in research and development regarding the Company's new and existing products.
Wafers and Modules
The Company expects to start manufacturing its A+++ wafer 100% in June. The A+++ wafer has a conversion efficiency rate of 17.8%.
The Company has begun optimizing the module structure, while ensuring its carrying capacity and reliability. Such structural improvement will help reduce packing and transportation costs going forward.
The Company's glass-glass module is now in the certification process. With a differentiated design, the glass-glass module is expected to enjoy a cost advantage and a higher ready-for-sale product rate.
Inverter
The Company's second-generation micro-inverter, Micro-Replus II, has received ETL certification in the United States and is currently undergoing pilot-scale experimentation.
The Company has launched its second-generation string inverter in Australia, ranging from 3KW to 5KW in power output, featuring higher efficiency, lighter weight and longer working life. The Company's 18KW and 20KW string inverters have achieved BDEW certification in Germany. The Company has also launched new string inverter products in India and South Africa.
Energy Storage Systems
The Company has launched its off-grid, all-in-one storage system product, which incorporates a controller, MPPT battery charger, inverter and fast power switch in one system, supporting both acid and lithium batteries. It has also introduced lithium battery packs, and will provide customized products ranging from 10AH to 500AH and 12V to 360V power requirements.
Mounting Systems
The Company has completed the research and development phase of its 30-degree tripod system and the product is now in trial production and awaiting patent approval. The Company has also completed research and development regarding AE Clamp Group products, which can hold in position solar panels with a thickness ranging from 35mm to 50mm. The program is also in trial production and awaiting patent approval.
LED
The Company currently has 600 models of LED products and has obtained 125 UL certificates for North America, 118 CUL certificates for Canada, 150 TUV-CE certificates for the EU, 203 TUV-CB certificates for IECEE member countries, and four SAA & RCM certificates for Australia. The Company expects to obtain additional certification for its various LED products across these regions, as well as certification for other markets like Japan, Russia and Mexico. The certification process is expected to be completed by June 2014.
Recent Business Developments
Outlook
For Q2 2014, the Company expects its total solar module shipments to be in the range of 480 MW to 500 MW, and its gross margin to be in the range of 12% to 14%.
The Company reiterates its total solar module shipments for full year 2014 to be in the range of 2.3 GW to 2.5 GW.
Conference Call Information
ReneSola's management will host an earnings conference call on Thursday, May 29, 2014 at 8am, U.S. Eastern Time (8pm Beijing/Hong Kong time).
Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:
U.S. / International: | +1-845-675-0437 |
Hong Kong: | +852-2475-0994 |
Please dial in 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the passcode to join the call. The passcode is "ReneSola Call".
A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following number until June 6, 2014:
International: | +61-2-8199-0299 |
Passcode: | 48566202 |
Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of ReneSola's website at http://www.renesola.com.
About ReneSola
Founded in 2005, ReneSola (NYSE:SOL) is a leading global manufacturer of high-efficiency solar PV modules and wafers. Leveraging its proprietary technologies, economies of scale and technical expertise, ReneSola uses in-house virgin polysilicon and a vertically integrated business model to provide customers with high-quality, cost-competitive products. ReneSola solar modules have scored top PVUSA Test Conditions (PTC) ratings with high annual kilowatt-hour output, according to the California Energy Commission (CEC). ReneSola solar PV modules can be found in projects ranging in size from a few kilowatts to multi-megawatts in markets around the world, including the United States, Germany, Italy, Belgium, China, Greece, Spain and Australia. For more information, please visit www.ReneSola.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements that constitute ''forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Whenever you read a statement that is not simply a statement of historical fact (such as when the Company describes what it "believes," "expects" or "anticipates" will occur, what "will" or "could" happen, and other similar statements), you must remember that the Company's expectations may not be correct, even though it believes that they are reasonable. The Company does not guarantee that the forward-looking statements will happen as described or that they will happen at all. Further information regarding risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's annual report on Form 20-F. The Company undertakes no obligation, beyond that required by law, to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made, even though the Company's situation may change in the future.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
In China:
Ms. Laura Chen
ReneSola Ltd
Tel: +86-21-62809180-162
Email: ir@renesola.com
Mr. Derek Mitchell
Ogilvy Financial, Beijing
Tel: +86-10-8520-3073
Email: sol@ogilvy.com
In the United States:
Mr. Justin Knapp
Ogilvy Financial, U.S.
Tel: +1-616-551-9714
Email: sol@ogilvy.com
RENESOLA LTD Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet (US dollars in thousands) | ||||||
Mar 31, | Dec 31, | Mar 31, | ||||
2014 | 2013 | 2013 | ||||
ASSETS | ||||||
Current assets: | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 52,660 | 86,773 | 142,983 | |||
Restricted cash | 162,283 | 262,127 | 299,681 | |||
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts | 206,771 | 236,576 | 263,737 | |||
Inventories | 375,655 | 359,577 | 292,767 | |||
Advances to suppliers-current | 8,699 | 14,210 | 10,355 | |||
Amounts due from related parties | 205 | 408 | 9,133 | |||
Value added tax recoverable | 29,359 | 30,113 | 35,271 | |||
Prepaid income tax | 2,307 | 2,667 | 3,011 | |||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 61,918 | 50,031 | 27,748 | |||
Project assets | 33,158 | 34,173 | 30,572 | |||
Deferred convertible bond issue costs-current | 784 | 784 | 784 | |||
Derivative assets | 63 | 1,503 | 3,417 | |||
Assets held-for-sale | - | 122,638 | - | |||
Deferred tax assets-current | 1,557 | 5,218 | 2,856 | |||
Total current assets | 935,419 | 1,206,798 | 1,122,315 | |||
Property, plant and equipment, net | 827,460 | 863,093 | 1,123,584 | |||
Prepaid land use right | 41,312 | 44,996 | 47,250 | |||
Deferred tax assets-non-current | 19,740 | 13,659 | 17,325 | |||
Deferred convertible bond issue costs-non-current | 745 | 941 | 1,530 | |||
Advances for purchases of property, plant and equipment | 2,430 | 2,214 | 6,985 | |||
Advances to suppliers-non-current | 5,627 | 5,627 | 5,928 | |||
Other long-term assets | 2,316 | 2,423 | 2,365 | |||
Total assets | 1,835,049 | 2,139,751 | 2,327,282 | |||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||
Short-term borrowings | 653,295 | 673,096 | 832,766 | |||
Accounts payable | 536,067 | 656,243 | 569,391 | |||
Advances from customers-current | 65,929 | 99,499 | 70,067 | |||
Amounts due to related parties | 4,558 | 9,210 | 24,886 | |||
Other current liabilities | 142,642 | 159,377 | 199,620 | |||
Income tax payable | 2,345 | 5,306 | 2,680 | |||
Derivative liabilities | 1,026 | 1,463 | 131 | |||
Warrant liability | 8,295 | 9,345 | - | |||
Liability held-for-sale | - | 99,434 | - | |||
Total current liabilities | 1,414,157 | 1,712,973 | 1,699,541 | |||
Convertible bond payable-non-current | 111,616 | 111,616 | 111,616 | |||
Long-term borrowings | 70,561 | 69,489 | 125,883 | |||
Advances from customers-non-current | 7,105 | 8,154 | 6,168 | |||
Warranty | 23,546 | 20,612 | 12,317 | |||
Deferred subsidies and other | 54,375 | 46,733 | 36,527 | |||
Other long-term liabilities | 933 | 1,157 | 8,042 | |||
Total liabilities | 1,682,293 | 1,970,734 | 2,000,094 | |||
Shareholders' equity | ||||||
Common shares | 475,816 | 475,816 | 421,461 | |||
Additional paid-in capital | 6,549 | 5,950 | 5,525 | |||
Accumulated losses | (411,159) | (396,572) | (176,660) | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 81,550 | 83,614 | 76,376 | |||
Total equity attribute to ReneSola Ltd | 152,756 | 168,808 | 326,702 | |||
Noncontrolling interest | - | 209 | 486 | |||
Total shareholders' equity | 152,756 | 169,017 | 327,188 | |||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | 1,835,049 | 2,139,751 | 2,327,282 |
RENESOLA LTD | |||||||
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income | |||||||
(US dollar in thousands, except ADS and share data) | |||||||
Three Months Ended | |||||||
Mar 31, 2014 | Dec 31, 2013 | Mar 31, 2013 | |||||
Net revenues | 414,966 | 438,837 | 284,165 | ||||
Cost of revenues | (370,917) | (389,144) | (287,807) | ||||
Gross profit (loss) | 44,049 | 49,693 | (3,642) | ||||
GP% | 10.6% | 11.3% | (1.3%) | ||||
Operating (expenses) income: | |||||||
Sales and marketing | (23,125) | (19,251) | (14,187) | ||||
General and administrative | (20,202) | (13,332) | (15,136) | ||||
Research and development | (11,757) | (11,265) | (5,982) | ||||
Other operating income, net | 2,333 | 2,960 | 5,522 | ||||
Total operating expenses | (52,751) | (40,888) | (29,783) | ||||
Income (loss) from operations | (8,702) | 8,805 | (33,425) | ||||
Non-operating (expenses) income: | |||||||
Interest income | 1,271 | 2,735 | 1,548 | ||||
Interest expense | (13,349) | (13,105) | (13,118) | ||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | 1,481 | 1,187 | (3,011) | ||||
(Loss) gain on derivatives, net | (1,376) | (741) | 3,865 | ||||
Investment gain on disposal of subsidiaries | 2,615 | - | - | ||||
Fair value change of warrant liability | 1,050 | 5,852 | - | ||||
Income (loss) before income tax, | (17,010) | 4,733 | (44,141) | ||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | 2,419 | (3,321) | 5,131 | ||||
Net income (loss) | (14,591) | 1,412 | (39,010) | ||||
Less: Net income (loss) attributed to | (4) | 10 | (6) | ||||
Net income (loss) attributed to | (14,587) | 1,402 | (39,004) | ||||
Earnings per share | |||||||
Basic | (0.07) | 0.01 | (0.23) | ||||
Diluted | (0.07) | 0.01 | (0.23) | ||||
Earnings per ADS | |||||||
Basic | (0.14) | 0.01 | (0.45) | ||||
Diluted | (0.14) | 0.01 | (0.45) | ||||
Weighted average number of shares used in computing earnings per share | |||||||
Basic | 203,367,464 | 203,341,160 | 172,773,664 | ||||
Diluted | 203,367,464 | 206,374,834 | 172,773,664 | ||||
RENESOLA LTD Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (US dollar in thousands) | |||||||
Three Months ended | |||||||
Mar 31, 2014 | Dec 31, 2013 | Mar 31, 2013 | |||||
Net income (loss) | (14,591) | 1,412 | (39,010) | ||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | |||||||
Foreign exchange translation adjustment | (2,064) | (2,734) | 1,541 | ||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (2,064) | (2,734) | 1,541 | ||||
Comprehensive loss | (16,655) | (1,322) | (37,469) | ||||
Less:comprehensive income (loss) | (4) | 10 | (6) | ||||
Comprehensive loss attributable to Renesola | (16,651) | (1,332) | (37,463) |
RENESOLA LTD | |||||
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow | |||||
(US dollar in thousands) | |||||
Three Months Ended | |||||
Mar 31, 2014 | Mar 31, 2013 | ||||
Cash flow from operating activities: | |||||
Net loss | (14,591) | (39,010) | |||
Inventory write-down | 816 | 402 | |||
Depreciation and amortization | 28,449 | 24,882 | |||
Amortization of deferred convertible bond | 196 | 196 | |||
Allowance of doubtful receivables and | 3,627 | 2,613 | |||
Losses (gain) on derivatives | 1,376 | (3,865) | |||
Fair value change of warranty liability | (1,050) | - | |||
Share-based compensation | 600 | 275 | |||
Loss on disposal of long-lived assets | 440 | 31 | |||
Gain on disposal of land use right | (411) | (4,694) | |||
Gain on disposal of subsidiaries | (2,615) | - | |||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | |||||
Accounts receivables | 24,479 | (56,437) | |||
Inventories | (21,772) | (38,422) | |||
Project assets | 886 | (5,681) | |||
Advances to suppliers | 5,319 | 13,307 | |||
Amounts due from related parties | (4,297) | 7,679 | |||
Value added tax recoverable | 44 | (202) | |||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 949 | 7,165 | |||
Prepaid land use rights | 1,324 | 7,531 | |||
Accounts payable | (106,786) | 84,838 | |||
Advances from customers | (32,973) | 3,882 | |||
Income tax payable | (2,654) | (7,713) | |||
Other current liabilities | 9,902 | 8,164 | |||
Other long-term liabilities | (3,049) | (3,248) | |||
Accrued warranty cost | 2,367 | 1,964 | |||
Deferred taxes assets | (2,829) | 2,502 | |||
Provision for litigation | - | (1,941) | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating | (112,253) | 4,218 | |||
Cash flow from investing activities: | |||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment | (35,876) | (5,730) | |||
Advances for purchases of property, plant and equipment | (1,188) | - | |||
Cash received from government subsidy | 12,010 | 6,741 | |||
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment | 27 | - | |||
Changes in restricted cash | 94,775 | (124,070) | |||
Net cash received (paid) on settlement of derivatives | (371) | 265 | |||
Proceeds from disposal of subsidiaries | 14,765 | - | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 84,142 | (122,794) | |||
Cash flow from financing activities: | |||||
Proceeds from bank borrowings | 249,143 | 488,567 | |||
Repayment of bank borrowings | (249,960) | (320,325) | |||
Contribution (repurchace) from noncontrolling interests | - | (21) | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (817) | 168,221 | |||
Effect of exchange rate changes | (5,185) | 55 | |||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalent | (34,113) | 49,700 | |||
Cash and cash equivalent, beginning of year | 86,773 | 93,283 | |||
Cash and cash equivalent, end of year | 52,660 | 142,983 |