ONTARIO, March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Canadian Solar Inc. (the "Company", or "Canadian Solar") (NASDAQ: CSIQ), one of the world's largest solar companies, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.
Fourth Quarter 2011 Highlights
Fiscal Year 2011 Highlights
Fourth Quarter 2011 Results
Net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2011 was $474.1 million, down 5.1% from $499.6 million in the third quarter of 2011 and up 4.7% from $452.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. Total solar module shipments for the fourth quarter of 2011 were 436 MW, compared to total module shipments of 355 MW for the third quarter 2011 and 237 MW for the fourth quarter of 2010. Total solar module shipments for the fourth quarter of 2011 included 16.3 MW used in the Company's total solutions business.
By geography, in the fourth quarter of 2011, sales to European markets represented 46.5% of revenue, sales to North America represented 26.9% of revenue, and sales to Asia and all other markets represented 26.6% of revenue, compared to 61.7%, 16.1% and 22.2%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2011 and 70.9%, 10.3% and 18.8%, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2010. Specifically, India, China and the U.S. were markets of notable positive growth for the Company in 2011.
Revenue by Geography | ||||||||||
| Q4 2011 | Q3 2011 | 4Q 2010 | FY 2011 | FY 2010 | |||||
US$M | % | US$M | % | US$M | % | US$M | % | US$M | % | |
Europe | 220.5 | 46.5 | 308.2 | 61.7 | 321.1 | 70.9 | 1,232.9 | 65.0 | 1,193.70 | 79.8 |
America | 127.3 | 26.9 | 80.6 | 16.1 | 46.8 | 10.3 | 327.6 | 17.5 | 115.7 | 7.7 |
Asia and others | 126.3 | 26.6 | 110.8 | 22.2 | 84.8 | 18.8 | 326.7 | 17.5 | 186.2 | 12.5 |
Total | 474.1 | 100.0 | 499.6 | 100.0 | 452.7 | 100.0 | 1,895.4 | 100.0 | 1,495.60 | 100.0 |
Gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2011 was $41.4 million, compared to $11.9 million in the third quarter of 2011 and $77.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. Gross margin was 8.7% in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to 2.4% in the third quarter of 2011 and 17.0% in the fourth quarter of 2010. The sequential increase in gross profit and margin was due to a reversal of previously recorded non-cash losses on firm purchase commitment of $14.0 million resulting from the termination of a long-term supply contract, as well as the fact that in the third quarter the Company incurred a large non-cash inventory charge that was not repeated in the fourth quarter 2011. The year-over-year decline in gross profit and margin was primarily due to the significant decline in average selling prices during 2011.
Total operating expenses were $62.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to $42.6 million in the third quarter of 2011 and $34.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Selling expenses were $21.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, up 12.9% from $18.7 million in the third quarter of 2011 and up 49.0% from $14.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. The sequential and year-over-year increases in selling expenses were primarily due to increases in freight and other export-related expenses associated with higher shipment volumes.
General and administrative expenses were $36.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to $16.0 million in the third quarter of 2011 and $18.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. The sequential and year-over-year increases in general and administrative expenses were primarily due to a bad debt provision totaling $18.5 million, most of which relates to the termination of the aforementioned long-term supply agreement.
Research and development expenses were $5.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to $7.9 million in the third quarter of 2011 and $2.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. The sequential decline reflects a lower level of material consumption for research and development activity as projects related to new product launches and cost reduction were completed. The year-over-year increase in research and development expenses was due to the Company's increased investment in advanced solar technologies to reduce cost, improve cell conversion efficiency and launch innovative new products, compared to the same period of 2010.
Operating margin was negative 4.5% in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to negative 6.1% in the third quarter of 2011 and positive 9.3% in the fourth quarter of 2010. The sequential improvement in operating margin was driven by the increase in gross profit partially offset by higher operating expenses. The year-over-year decrease in operating margin was due to lower gross profit and higher operating expenses.
Interest expense in the fourth quarter of 2011 was $11.7 million, compared to $10.8 million in the third quarter of 2011 and $6.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. The sequential increase in interest expense was primarily due to higher borrowing costs partially offset by a reduction in bank borrowings during the fourth quarter of 2011. The year-over-year increase in interest expense was due to additional bank borrowings and higher borrowing rates. Interest income in the fourth quarter of 2011 was $1.8 million, compared to $3.0 million in the third quarter of 2011 and $1.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. The sequential decline in interest income was driven by the significant reduction in restricted cash balances from $344 million in the third quarter to $178.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2011.
The Company recorded a gain on change in fair value of derivatives of $2.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to a gain of $14.5 million in the third quarter of 2011 and a gain of $3.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. Foreign exchange loss in the fourth quarter of 2011 was $14.1 million, compared to a foreign exchange loss of $23.9 million in the third quarter of 2011 and foreign exchange loss of $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Income tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2011 was $16.3 million, compared to income tax benefit of $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2011 and $10.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. The Company's income tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2011 is mainly driven by its tax structure where production is on a cost plus basis, and can result in taxes being owed in some jurisdictions even when the Company incurs an overall loss.
Net loss attributable to Canadian Solar in the fourth quarter of 2011 was $59.9 million, or $1.39 per diluted share, compared to net loss of $43.9 million, or $1.02 per diluted share, in the third quarter 2011, and net income of $25.5 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Financial Condition
As of December 31, 2011, the Company had $522.3 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, compared to $621.1 million as of September 30, 2011 and $476.2 million as of December 31, 2010. The sequential decline in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash was primarily due to a decrease in restricted cash to $178.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2011 from $344.0 million at the end of the third quarter 2011, as the Company reduced short-term borrowing and the corresponding need for cash collateral.
Accounts receivable balance at the end of the fourth quarter of 2011 was $292.2 million, compared to $217.8 million at the end of the third quarter of 2011. The sequential increase reflects a higher concentration of shipments in the last month of the quarter. Accounts receivable turnover days increased to 50 days in the fourth quarter of 2011 from 47 days in the third quarter of 2011.
Inventories at the end of the fourth quarter of 2011 were $296.6 million, compared to $406.0 million at the end of the third quarter of 2011. Inventory turnover days were 80 days in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to 85 days in the third quarter of 2011.
Accounts and notes payable were $306.0 million the end of the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to $407.1 million at the end of the third quarter of 2011. Accounts payable turnover days were 74 days in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to 67 days in the third quarter of 2011. This increase in accounts payable turnover during the quarter reflects the Company's continued efforts to improve its working capital management and more closely align payments with the current industry practice.
Short-term borrowings at the end of the fourth quarter of 2011 totaled $743.7 million compared to $794.8 million at the end of the third quarter of 2011. The Company maintains good relationships with several local and regional PRC banks for nearly all of its short-term borrowing needs. These credit lines can be renewed each year and have no restrictive covenants attached to them. As of the date of this press release, the Company has approximately $975 million in unused credit facilities and historically has had no difficulty renewing its credit lines. Long-term debt at the end of the fourth quarter 2011 was $88.2 million, compared to $153.6 million at the end of the third quarter of 2011.
As of December 31, 2011 the Company had $467.0 million in total stockholders' equity, compared to $517.1 million as of September 30, 2011 and $534.3 million as of December 31, 2010.
Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar, remarked: "Canadian Solar continued to execute and thrive in a highly challenging global market and benefit from customers flight to quality. Our ability to remain focused and to provide customers with innovative, high-quality solar energy solutions, with top notch support, helped us grow our market share. Shipments for the full year 2011 were up 65%, with a 23% increase in the fourth quarter. The strength was widely distributed, as we had a very good trend of wins at major clients. As for specific markets, we had positive growth in the U.S., Europe, China and India in 2011. China has been our fastest growing market given the lower base it started at, with forecasts calling for a potential 3 GW to 5 GW opportunity in 2012. Importantly, we made substantial progress in our strategy of building our downstream total solutions business and currently have more opportunities than we could possibly address, which is allowing us to be selective. We are excited about this area of our business because it clearly differentiates Canadian Solar, it helps increase our visibility, and leverages our expertise and global brand. Further, the specialization of the solutions business makes it a higher margin business. Our success was illustrated in December 2011 when we entered into a purchase and sale agreement with TransCanada, in which they will acquire from us in 2012 and 2013, nine utility-scale power plants in Ontario valued at approximately C$470 million. We see similar opportunities for our solutions business in many other countries including, India, Japan, the U.S. and China."
Michael G. Potter, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Canadian Solar, commented: "During the fourth quarter, we continued our emphasis on working capital management, specifically working to reduce inventory and control receivables levels. We were successful in reducing our inventory balance by $106.3 million or 26% in the fourth quarter. We are currently examining our worldwide cost structure to ensure it is properly aligned with our expected shift towards more project business and changes in our targeted geographies. By closely managing our operating expenses, we are confident we can continue to excel in a challenging global market as the industry continues to mature."
Business Outlook
The Company's business outlook is based on management's current views with respect to operating and market conditions, its current order book, and the challenging global financing environment, which continues to result in customer demand uncertainty. Management's views and estimates are subject to change without notice.
For the first quarter of 2012, shipments are expected to be in the range of approximately 340 MW to 350 MW, with gross margin expected to be between 5% and 8%. Despite the challenging global financing environment, which continues to result in customer demand uncertainty for the whole year 2012, the Company expects to ship approximately 1,800 MW to 2,000 MW of solar products. The Company will continue to actively manage manufacturing utilization, inventory and mix levels, and operating expenses as demand levels fluctuate. The Company will also continue to explore ways to increase manufacturing efficiency and yield and to lower processing and consumable costs where opportunities exist.
Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar, remarked: "Canadian Solar is in an excellent position as we pursue future growth. In addition to our global brand, strong track record of innovation, quality and service, we have one of the most efficient manufacturing models in the industry. We expect to further improve our financial ratios moving forward as we gain more flexibility to drive our total solutions business. Our goal remains to expand our engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and solar systems kits business to approximately more than 25% of total revenue in 2012 and greater than 40% of revenue in 2013. We are a leader in most markets we serve. Importantly, our commitment to the Canadian market has given us a significant competitive advantage not only in the attractive Canadian market but also in the U.S. market, as we have a fully operational manufacturing base nearby."
Recent Developments
Conference Call Details
The Company will hold a conference call to discuss its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2011 on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (9:00 p.m. March 7, 2012 in Hong Kong). The dial-in phone number is +1-617-213-8895 or +1-866-272-9941, with passcode 10107363. A live webcast of the conference call will also be available on Canadian Solar's website at www.canadiansolar.com.
A replay of the call will be available approximately one hour after the conclusion of the live call until 10:00 a.m. on March 14, 2012, U.S. Eastern Time (10:00 p.m., March 14, 2012 in Hong Kong) and can be accessed by dialing +1-617-801-6888, passcode 75429946. A webcast replay will also be available at www.canadiansolar.com.
About Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ)
Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ) is one of the world's largest solar companies. As a leading vertically integrated provider of ingots, wafers, solar cells, solar modules and other solar applications, Canadian Solar designs, manufactures and delivers solar products and solar system solutions for on-grid and off-grid use to customers worldwide. With operations in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, Canadian Solar provides premium quality, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solar solutions to support global, sustainable development. For more information, please visit www.canadiansolar.com.
Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this press release including statements regarding our expected future shipment volumes, gross margins, supply cost, manufacturing capacities, and cell conversion efficiencies, are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are made under the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by such terms as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include the risks regarding the previously disclosed SEC investigation as well as general business and economic conditions and the state of the solar industry; governmental support for the deployment of solar power; future available supplies of high-purity silicon; demand for end-use products by consumers and inventory levels of such products in the supply chain; changes in demand from significant customers; changes in demand from major markets such as Germany; changes in customer order patterns; changes in product mix; capacity utilization; level of competition; pricing pressure and declines in average selling prices; delays in new product introduction; delays in utility-scale project approval process; delays in utility-scale project construction; continued success in technological innovations and delivery of products with the features customers demand; shortage in supply of materials or capacity requirements; availability of financing; exchange rate fluctuations; litigation and other risks as described in the Company's SEC filings, including its annual report on Form 20-F filed on May 17, 2011. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All information provided in this press release is as of today's date, unless otherwise stated, and Canadian Solar undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOWCanadian Solar Inc. | |||||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations | |||||
(In Thousands of US Dollars, Except Share And Per Share Data And Unless Otherwise Stated) | |||||
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| Three Months Ended
| Twelve Months Ended
| |||
Item | 2011-12-31 | 2011-9-30 | 2010-12-31 | 2011-12-31 | 2010-12-31 |
Net revenues | 474,060 | 499,639 | 452,719 | 1,898,923 | 1,495,509 |
Cost of revenues | 432,675 | 487,735 | 375,743 | 1,716,639 | 1,266,737 |
Gross profit | 41,385 | 11,904 | 76,976 | 182,284 | 228,772 |
Selling expenses | 21,094 | 18,685 | 14,161 | 69,341 | 47,109 |
General and administrative expenses | 36,794 | 16,037 | 18,655 | 86,268 | 54,520 |
Research and development expenses | 5,012 | 7,885 | 2,064 | 19,839 | 6,843 |
Total operating expenses | 62,900 | 42,607 | 34,880 | 175,448 | 108,472 |
Income (Loss) from operations | (21,515) | (30,703) | 42,096 | 6,836 | 120,300 |
Interest expenses | (11,737) | (10,795) | (6,476) | (43,844) | (22,164) |
Interest income | 1,763 | 3,040 | 1,397 | 8,446 | 6,936 |
Investment income (loss) | (134) | 309 | (2,912) | (44) | (2,853) |
Gain (Loss) on change in fair value of derivatives | 2,407 | 14,494 | 3,158 | (5,751) | 1,657 |
Exchange loss | (14,097) | (23,949) | (1,192) | (40,008) | (36,294) |
Income (Loss) before taxes | (43,313) | (47,604) | 36,071 | (74,365) | 67,582 |
Income tax expenses(benefit) | 16,269 | (3,379) | 10,286 | 16,540 | 16,754 |
Net income (loss) | (59,582) | (44,225) | 25,785 | (90,905) | 50,828 |
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest | 306 | (348) | 249 | (99) | 259 |
Net income (loss) attributable to CSI | (59,888) | (43,877) | 25,536 | (90,806) | 50,569 |
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Basic earnings (loss) per share | ($1.39) | ($1.02) | $0.60 | ($2.11) | $1.18 |
Basic weighted average outstanding shares | 43,155,767 | 43,154,552 | 42,889,124 | 43,076,489 | 42,839,356 |
Diluted earnings (loss) per share | ($1.39) | ($1.02) | $0.58 | ($2.11) | $1.16 |
Diluted weighted average outstanding shares | 43,155,767 | 43,154,552 | 43,714,853 | 43,076,489 | 43,678,208 |
Canadian Solar Inc. | ||||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet | ||||
(In Thousands of US Dollars) | ||||
| December 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | ||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
| 343,995 |
| 288,652 |
Restricted cash |
| 178,270 |
| 187,595 |
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts |
| 292,176 |
| 169,657 |
Amount due from related parties |
| 19,836 |
| 1,356 |
Inventories |
| 296,568 |
| 272,097 |
Value added tax recoverable |
| 16,974 |
| 42,297 |
Advances to suppliers |
| 11,309 |
| 27,321 |
Foreign currency derivative assets |
| 2,727 |
| 2,183 |
Project assets |
| 88,504 |
| - |
Prepaid and other current assets |
| 45,217 |
| 43,508 |
Total current assets |
| 1,295,576 |
| 1,034,666 |
Property, plant and equipment, net |
| 510,069 |
| 330,460 |
Intangible assets |
| 10,781 |
| 2,695 |
Advances to suppliers |
| 258 |
| 13,946 |
Prepaid land use right |
| 13,805 |
| 13,378 |
Investments |
| 11,008 |
| 5,671 |
Deferred tax assets ———— non current |
| 23,227 |
| 16,725 |
Other non-current assets |
| 15,084 |
| 5,826 |
Total assets |
| 1,879,808 |
| 1,423,367 |
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Short term borrowings |
| 743,687 |
| 540,520 |
Accounts and Notes payable |
| 305,998 |
| 123,373 |
Other payables |
| 84,676 |
| 47,876 |
Advances from customers |
| 65,216 |
| 8,971 |
Amounts due to related parties |
| 3,008 |
| 2,445 |
Foreign currency derivative liabilities |
| - |
| 2,452 |
Provision for firm purchase commitment |
| - |
| 15,889 |
Other current liabilities |
| 33,863 |
| 33,807 |
Total current liabilities |
| 1,236,448 |
| 775,333 |
Accrued warranty costs |
| 47,021 |
| 31,225 |
Contingent contract liability |
| 27,862 |
| - |
Liability for uncertain tax positions |
| 12,301 |
| 11,460 |
Convertible notes |
| 950 |
| 906 |
Long term borrowings |
| 88,249 |
| 69,458 |
Total liabilities |
| 1,412,831 |
| 888,382 |
Common shares |
| 502,403 |
| 501,146 |
Additional paid in capital |
| (53,331) |
| (57,392) |
(Accumulated deficit) Retained earnings |
| (28,695) |
| 62,111 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
| 45,556 |
| 28,462 |
Total Canadian Solar Inc. stockholders' equity |
| 465,933 |
| 534,327 |
Non-controlling interest |
| 1,044 |
| 658 |
Total equity |
| 466,977 |
| 534,985 |
Total liabilities and equity |
| 1,879,808 |
| 1,423,367 |