Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 6-K

 


 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the month of November 2019

 

Commission File Number: 001-33107

 


 

CANADIAN SOLAR INC.

 


 

545 Speedvale Avenue, West Guelph,

Ontario, Canada N1K 1E6

(Address of principal executive office)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

 

Form 20-F x         Form 40-F o

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): o

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): o

 

 

 


Table of Contents

 

CANADIAN SOLAR INC.

 

Form 6-K

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Signature

3

 

 

Exhibit Index

4

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

2


Table of Contents

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

CANADIAN SOLAR INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Shawn (Xiaohua) Qu

 

Name:

Shawn (Xiaohua) Qu

 

Title:

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date:  November 12, 2019

 

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Table of Contents

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit 99.1 — Press Release

 

4


Exhibit 99.1

 

 

Canadian Solar Reports Third Quarter 2019 Results

 

Guelph, Ontario, November 12, 2019 — Canadian Solar Inc. (“Canadian Solar” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CSIQ), one of the world’s largest solar power companies, today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2019.

 

Third Quarter 2019 Highlights

 

·                  Total solar module shipments were 2,387 MW, compared to 2,143 MW in the second quarter of 2019 and third quarter 2019 guidance of 2.2 GW to 2.3 GW.

·                  Net revenue was $759.9 million, compared to $1.0 billion in the second quarter of 2019 and third quarter 2019 guidance of $780 million to $810 million.

·                  Gross margin was 26.2%, compared to 17.6% in the second quarter of 2019 and third quarter 2019 guidance of 24% to 26%. Gross margin was 23.0% excluding a $24.3 million countervailing duty (“CVD”) true-up benefit.

·                  Net income attributable to Canadian Solar on a GAAP basis was $58.3 million, or $0.96 per diluted share, compared to $62.7 million, or $1.04 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2019.

·                  Net income attributable to Canadian Solar on a non-GAAP basis was $40.1 million, or $0.66 per diluted share. This excludes a $24.3 million CVD true-up benefit, net of income tax effect. For a reconciliation of results under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) to non-GAAP results, see the accompanying table “About Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

·                  Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $22.4 million, compared to $225.8 million in the second quarter of 2019.

·                  As of September 30, 2019, the Company’s portfolio of utility-scale solar power plants in operation was 795.8 MWp with an estimated total resale value of approximately $900 million.

 

Third Quarter 2019 Results

 

Net revenue in the third quarter of 2019 was $759.9 million, compared to $1.0 billion in the second quarter of 2019, and $768.0 million in the third quarter of 2018. The sequential decline primarily reflects the lower revenue from the sale of solar power plants.

 

Total solar module shipments in the third quarter of 2019 were 2,387 MW, compared to 2,143 MW in the second quarter of 2019 and third quarter 2019 guidance of 2.2 GW to 2.3 GW. Total solar module shipments in the third quarter of 2019 included 61 MW shipped to the Company’s utility-scale solar power projects. Solar module shipments recognized in revenue in the third quarter of 2019 totaled 2,156 MW, compared to 2,376 MW in the second quarter of 2019 and 1,521 MW in the third quarter of 2018.

 

Gross profit in the third quarter of 2019 was $198.9 million, compared to $182.6 million in the second quarter of 2019 and $200.4 million in the third quarter of 2018. The benefit for the anti-dumping (“AD”) and CVD true-up was $24.3 million in the third quarter of 2019, $21.6 million in the second quarter of 2019, and $8.3 million, in the third quarter of 2018.Gross margin in the third quarter of 2019 was 26.2%, compared to 17.6% in the second quarter of 2019 and 26.1% in the third quarter of 2018. Non-GAAP gross margin, which excludes the impact of the quarterly AD/CVD true-up, was 23.0% in the third quarter of 2019, compared to 15.5% in the second quarter of 2019 and 25.0% in the third quarter of 2018.

 

The Company’s Module and System Solutions (“MSS”) business comprises primarily the design, development, manufacture and sale of solar modules, other solar power products and solar system kits. The MSS business also provides engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) and operating and maintenance (“O&M”) services. The Company’s Energy business comprises primarily the development and sale of solar projects, operating solar power projects and the sale of electricity. Module sales from the MSS business to the Energy business are on terms and conditions similar to sales to third parties.

 

1


 

The Company develops solar power projects worldwide. Where applicable, the Company may apply for and/or be entitled to receive a feed-in tariff (“FIT”) for its projects. Alternatively, the Company may participate in public or private energy auctions and bidding, which result in long-term power purchase agreements (“PPAs”). The Company may also sell all or a portion of the electricity generated from its solar power projects on the merchant power market. Due to the relatively long lead times (usually two to four years) required to develop solar power projects and bring them to a commercial operation date (“COD”), the actual gross margin of a project may deviate from the expected gross margin. The deviation may be caused by, among other things, changes in political and economic conditions in host countries, project specific conditions, fluctuations in the price of solar modules and other components, changes in the cost of EPC services and the capital return requirements of solar asset buyers. In recent years, the Company has sold some solar power projects before COD. We typically refer to these sales as “notice to proceed” or NTP sales. In NTP sales, the revenue is lower while the gross margin percentage is higher than in COD sales, even if the absolute margin is the same. Results from the Energy business may be lumpy from quarter to quarter, depending on whether projects are sold at NTP or COD, project sale transaction dates and the profit level of each project.

 

The following tables provide selected financial data for the Company’s MSS and Energy businesses:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

MSS

 

Energy

 

Elimination

 

Total

 

Net revenue

 

674,921

 

97,550

 

(12,589

)

759,882

 

Cost of revenue

 

493,505

 

77,589

 

(10,126

)

560,968

 

Gross profit

 

181,416

 

19,961

 

(2,463

)

198,914

 

Gross Margin

 

26.9

%

20.5

%

 

26.2

%

Income (loss) from operations

 

86,686

 

(4,116

)

(2,463

)

80,107

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

MSS

 

Energy

 

Elimination

 

Total

 

Net revenue

 

1,816,938

 

504,075

 

(40,137

)

2,280,876

 

Cost of revenue

 

1,382,545

 

453,292

 

(43,956

)

1,791,881

 

Gross profit

 

434,393

 

50,783

 

3,819

 

488,995

 

Gross Margin

 

23.9

%

10.1

%

 

21.4

%

Income (loss) from operations

 

165,864

 

(22,229

)

3,819

 

147,454

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30, 2019

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2019

 

 

 

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

MSS:

 

 

 

 

 

Solar modules and other solar power products

 

539,038

 

1,435,262

 

Solar system kits

 

28,100

 

85,020

 

EPC services

 

69,429

 

193,533

 

O&M services

 

5,535

 

13,442

 

Others (materials and components)

 

20,230

 

49,544

 

Subtotal

 

662,332

 

1,776,801

 

Energy:

 

 

 

 

 

Solar power projects

 

83,973

 

474,506

 

Electricity

 

1,090

 

4,066

 

Others (EPC and development services)

 

12,487

 

25,503

 

Subtotal

 

97,550

 

504,075

 

Total net revenue

 

759,882

 

2,280,876

 

 

Total operating expenses in the third quarter of 2019 were $118.8 million, compared to $121.9 million in the second quarter of 2019 and $104.5 million in the third quarter of 2018.

 

Selling expenses in the third quarter of 2019 were $46.9 million, compared to $45.4 million in the second quarter of 2019 and $38.4 million in the third quarter of 2018. The sequential increase was primarily due to an increase in shipping and handling costs, partially offset by lower project transaction fees.

 

2


 

General and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2019 were $61.5 million, compared to $65.7 million in the second quarter of 2019 and $58.9 million in the third quarter of 2018. The sequential decrease was mainly due to a $7.3 million decrease in impairment in the third quarter of 2019, compared to the second quarter of 2019 and $1.6 million decrease in labor cost, partially offset by a $6.0 million customer settlement.

 

Research and development expenses in the third quarter of 2019 were $11.6 million, compared to $12.1 million in the second quarter of 2019 and $10.1 million in the third quarter of 2018.

 

Other operating income in the third quarter of 2019 was $1.2 million, compared to $1.3 million in the second quarter of 2019 and $2.9 million in the third quarter of 2018.

 

Income from operations in the third quarter of 2019 was $80.1 million, compared to $60.7 million in the second quarter of 2019, and $95.9 million in the third quarter of 2018. Operating margin was 10.5% in the third quarter of 2019, compared to 5.9% in the second quarter of 2019 and 12.5% in the third quarter of 2018.

 

Non-cash depreciation and amortization charges in the third quarter of 2019 were $37.0 million, compared to $39.7 million in the second quarter of 2019 and $32.5 million in the third quarter of 2018. Non-cash equity compensation expense in the third quarter of 2019 was $2.8 million, compared to $3.5 million in the second quarter of 2019 and $2.5 million in the third quarter of 2018.

 

Interest expense in the third quarter of 2019 was $19.2 million, compared to $20.7 million in the second quarter of 2019 and $26.8 million in the third quarter of 2018.

 

Interest income in the third quarter of 2019 was $2.6 million, compared to $4.5 million in the second quarter of 2019 and $2.6 million in the third quarter of 2018.

 

The Company recorded a loss on the change in fair value of derivatives in the third quarter of 2019 of $2.2 million, compared to $12.5 million in the second quarter of 2019 and $8.9 million in the third quarter of 2018. Foreign exchange gain in the third quarter of 2019 was $2.8 million, compared to $16.4 million in the second quarter of 2019, and $10.1 million in the third quarter of 2018.

 

Income tax expense in the third quarter of 2019 was $10.4 million, compared to $14.0 million in the second quarter of 2019 and $13.4 million in the third quarter of 2018.

 

Net income attributable to Canadian Solar in the third quarter of 2019 was $58.3 million or $0.96 per diluted share, compared to net income of $62.7 million or $1.04 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2019 and net income of $66.5 million or $1.09 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2018.

 

Financial Condition

 

The Company had $1,048.9 million of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as of September 30, 2019, compared to $981.0 million as of June 30, 2019.

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, at the end of the third quarter of 2019 were $449.3 million, compared to $454.6 million at the end of the second quarter of 2019. Accounts receivable turnover in the third quarter of 2019 was 64 days, compared to 41 days in the second quarter of 2019.

 

Inventories at the end of the third quarter of 2019 were $413.0 million, compared to $337.8 million at the end of the second quarter of 2019. Inventory turnover in the third quarter of 2019 was 63 days, compared to 40 days in the second quarter of 2019.

 

Accounts and notes payable at the end of the third quarter of 2019 were $1,006.0 million, compared to $926.2 million at the end of the second quarter of 2019.

 

Short-term borrowings and the current portion of long-term borrowings on project assets at the end of the third quarter of 2019 were $1.3 billion, compared to $1.3 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2019. Long-term borrowings at the end of the third quarter of 2019 were $525.9 million, compared to $462.9 million at the end of the second quarter of 2019.

 

Total borrowings directly related to the Company’s utility-scale solar power projects were $670.8 million at the end of the third quarter of 2019, compared to $640.5 million at the end of the second quarter of 2019. Total debt at the end of the third quarter of 2019 was $1.97 billion, compared to $1.86 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2019.

 

Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Q3 was another strong, highly profitable quarter for Canadian Solar. Our results reflect robust global demand for our solar power products, the benefit of stable pricing trends and continued execution by our team. Strategic decisions we made in R&D and manufacturing efforts have positioned Canadian Solar at the forefront of solar cell and module manufacturing technology. For example, we recently set another world record of 22.8% conversion efficiency for P-type large area multi-crystalline silicon solar cells. We remain committed to developing and commercializing the solar technologies and system innovations that drive efficiency levels higher and total cost of ownership lower. This approach brings additional value to our customers and helps ensure the Company’s long-term success. We have significant room for growth ahead of us and remain positive in our outlook given further improvements in our backlog and visibility.”

 

3


 

Yan Zhuang, Acting Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Our solar module shipments and gross margin expansion underscore the solid execution of our strategies in both our MSS and Energy businesses. Higher module shipments were led by the success of Canadian Solar’s premium brand and the strength of the global sales channels we have built over many years. Our solid track record has also allowed us to grow our presence across the solar supply chain. During the third quarter, we signed an O&M agreement for third party projects totaling 300 MWp; and completed the sale of the 266 MWp Rambler project in the U.S. and the sale of an 80% interest in the 171.5 MWp Lavras project in Brazil. In addition, we won a total of 424 MWp of projects with attractive PPAs, energized a 100 MWp project in Argentina and secured additional project development financing at favorable rates. Globally, as of September 30, 2019, we had a 3.4 GWp pipeline of late-stage, utility-scale solar power projects. In addition, our 796 MWp portfolio of solar power plants under operation has an estimated resale value of approximately $900 million.”

 

Dr. Huifeng Chang, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, added: “We achieved GAAP net income of $58 million, or $0.96 per diluted share, for the third quarter even with lower than expected revenue which was primarily due to the delayed closing of solar power plant sales in Japan. This reflects an underlying improvement in our operating and financial performance as well as benefit from the CVD true-up adjustment of $24 million. Our focus on operating efficiency improvements helped us further reduce our blended module manufacturing costs. In October, we completed the sale of an 80% interest in 353 MWp of projects in Brazil, in addition to the 80% interest in the 171.5 MWp Lavras project which we sold in August. We will continue to monetize the remainder of our 3.4 GWp late-stage utility-scale solar project pipeline through 2020 and to maintain a balance between driving profitable growth and strengthening the Company’s balance sheet.”

 

Utility-Scale Solar Project Pipeline

 

The Company divides its utility-scale solar project pipeline into two categories: an early-to-mid-stage pipeline and a late-stage pipeline. The late-stage pipeline includes primarily those projects that have FITs or PPAs and are expected to be built within the next four years. The Company cautions that some late-stage projects may not reach completion due to such factors as failure to secure permits and grid connection, and changes of political and economic conditions in host countries, among others.

 

Late-Stage Utility-Scale Solar Project Pipeline

 

As of September 30, 2019, the Company’s late-stage, utility-scale solar project pipeline, including those in construction, totaled approximately 3.4 GWp, with 1,285 MWp in the U.S., 832 MWp in Brazil, 370 MWp in Mexico, 343.5 MWp in Japan, 145 MWp in China and an additional 422.1 MWp in Australia, Canada, Israel, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Italy and South Korea.

 

In the United States, as of September 30, 2019, the Company’s late-stage, utility-scale solar project pipeline totaled 1,285 MWp* as detailed in the table below.

 

Project

 

MWp

 

Storage (MWh)

 

Location

 

Status

 

Expected COD

Gaskell West 2

 

147

 

N/A

 

California

 

Development

 

2022

Pflugerville

 

185

 

N/A

 

Texas

 

Development

 

2021

Texas Project

 

280

 

N/A

 

Texas

 

Development

 

2021

Maplewood

 

310

 

N/A

 

Texas

 

Development

 

2021

Maplewood 2

 

40

 

N/A

 

Texas

 

Development

 

2021

Slate

 

235

 

180

 

California

 

Development

 

2021

Stanford Solar Generating Station #2

 

88

 

N/A

 

California

 

Development

 

2021

Total

 

1,285

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


*This table does not include the 100 MWac Sunflower project located in Mississippi. In November 2018, the Company entered into a build-to-transfer agreement with Entergy Mississippi for the Sunflower project. As part of the agreement, Entergy Mississippi will serve as both project owner and electricity off-taker once the project is constructed and transferred to them. This build-to-transfer agreement is pending approval by the Mississippi Public Service Commission.

 

In Japan, as of September 30, 2019, the Company’s late-stage, utility-scale solar project pipeline for which interconnection agreements and FITs have been secured totaled approximately 343.5 MWp, including 104.3 MWp under construction and 239.2 MWp under development.

 

The table below sets forth the expected COD schedule of the Company’s late-stage utility-scale solar power projects in Japan, as of September 30, 2019:

 

4


 

Expected COD Schedule (MWp)

 

2019

 

2020

 

2021 and
Thereafter

 

Total

 

62.5

 

72.5

 

208.5

 

343.5

 

 

In Brazil, as of September 30, 2019, the Company had an 832 MWp late-stage, utility-scale solar project pipeline as detailed in the table below.

 

Project

 

MWp

 

Location

 

Status

 

Expected
COD

 

Francisco Sa

 

125.7

*

Minas Gerais

 

Development

 

2021

 

Jaiba

 

112.4

*

Minas Gerais

 

Development

 

2021

 

Jaiba Expansao

 

51.2

 

Minas Gerais

 

Development

 

2021

 

Lavras

 

34.3

*

Ceara

 

Development

 

2021

 

Salgueiro

 

114.7

*

Pernambuco

 

Development

 

2020

 

Ciranda

 

190.5

 

Pernambuco

 

Development

 

2022

 

Lavras Expansion

 

76.2

 

Ceara

 

Development

 

2022

 

Jaiba Expansao II

 

127

 

Minas Gerais

 

Development

 

2023

 

Total

 

832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


*In April 2019, the Company signed an agreement to sell its 80% interest in the 482.6 MWp (has now expanded to 524.3 MWp) of solar power projects to Nebras Power Investment Management B.V., a Dutch affiliate of Nebras Q.P.S.C. Canadian Solar completed the sale of the 80% interest in the 171.5 MWp Lavras project in August 2019 and the sale of the 80% interest in the Francisco Sa, Jaiba and Salgueiro projects in October 2019.

 

In Mexico, as of September 30, 2019, the Company had a 370 MWp late-stage, utility-scale solar project pipeline as detailed in the table below.

 

Project

 

MWp

 

Location

 

Status

 

Expected
COD

 

Horus

 

119

 

Aguascalientes

 

Under construction

 

2020

 

EL Mayo

 

126

 

Sonora

 

Development

 

2021

 

Tastiota

 

125

 

Sonora

 

Development

 

2021

 

Total

 

370

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In China, as of September 30, 2019, the Company’s late-stage, utility-scale solar project pipeline was 145 MWp.

 

Solar Power Plants in Operation

 

In addition to its late-stage, utility-scale solar project pipeline, as of September 30, 2019, the Company had a portfolio of utility-scale, solar power plants in operation totaling 795.8 MWp. The Company records these power plants on the balance sheet as “project assets (build to sell)”, “assets held-for-sale” and “solar power systems, net (build to own)”. The proceeds of project sales recorded as “project assets (build to sell)” on the balance sheet will be recorded as revenue in the income statement once revenue recognition criteria are met. The gain or loss from the sale of projects recorded as “assets held-for-sale” and “solar power systems, net (build to own)” on the balance sheet will be recorded within “other operating income (expenses)” in the income statement.

 

The table below sets forth the Company’s total portfolio of utility-scale, solar power plants in operation, as of September 30, 2019 (MWp):

 

U.S.

 

Japan

 

China

 

India

 

Argentina

 

Others

 

Total

 

205.9

 

89.6

 

350.3

 

35.0

 

100.1

 

14.9

 

795.8

 

 

Manufacturing Capacity

 

The table below sets forth the Company’s manufacturing capacity expansion plan from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2020.

 

5


 

Manufacturing Capacity (MW)

 

 

 

30-Sept-2019
Actual

 

31-Dec-2019
Planned

 

30-Jun-2020
Planned

 

31-Dec-2020
Planned

 

Ingot

 

1,850

 

1,850

 

1,850

 

2,350

 

Wafer

 

5,000

 

5,000

 

5,000

 

5,000

 

Cell

 

8,700

 

9,600

 

9,600

 

9,600

 

Module

 

11,150

 

13,040

 

13,420

 

15,170

 

 

The Company’s manufacturing capacity expansion plan is subject to change based on market conditions.

 

Business Outlook

 

The Company’s business outlook is based on management’s current views and estimates given existing market conditions, the Company’s order book and production capacity, the timing of project sales, and the global economic environment. This outlook is subject to uncertainty with respect to, among other things, final customer demand and solar project construction and sale schedules. Management’s views and estimates are subject to change without notice.

 

For the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company expects total solar module shipments to be in the range of 2.3 GW to 2.4 GW, including approximately 190 MW of shipments to the Company’s utility-scale solar power projects that may not be recognized as revenue in the fourth quarter of 2019. Total revenue for the fourth quarter is expected to be in the range of $850 million to $880 million. Gross margin for the fourth quarter is expected to be between 19% and 21%.

 

For the full year 2019, the Company now expects total module shipments to the range of approximately 8.4 GW to 8.5 GW. Total revenue for the year is expected to be in the range of $3.13 billion to $3.16 billion.

 

Yan Zhuang, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar, commented: “While our near-term revenue is expected to be impacted by the potential shift of certain project sales into 1Q 2020 from 4Q 2019 due to revised sales schedules, we expect sequential growth in solar module shipments based on our backlog and demand forecasts. The broader global market remains healthy as we benefit from robust demand in traditional geographies and the development of new markets where our brand, track record and local presence give us a distinct competitive advantage. We expect to gain additional momentum in 2020 as we monetize our late-stage, utility-scale solar project pipeline as well as solar power plants in operation. We also continue to explore opportunities to create additional synergies across the upstream and downstream businesses by leveraging our global purchasing power and providing total solutions to our customers, thereby building value for our Company’s shareholders.”

 

Recent Developments

 

On November 11, 2019, Canadian Solar announced that it had been awarded two solar PV projects totaling 190.5 MWp in the 7th Brazilian Federal Auction held in October 2019.

 

On October 22, 2019, Canadian Solar announced that it had been awarded a 30 MWp project in Japan’s 4th solar energy auction. Once constructed, the project will enter into a 20-year power purchase agreement with Chugoku Power Electric Company at a rate of ¥13.47 ($0.12) per kWh.

 

On October 10, 2019, Canadian Solar announced that it had been awarded three solar PV projects totaling 393.7 MWp in two recent Private Corporate Auctions held in Brazil during the third quarter of 2019.

 

On September 17, 2019, Canadian Solar announced that its technology team set a world record of 22.80% conversion efficiency for P-type large area multi-crystalline silicon solar cells.

 

On September 12, 2019, Canadian Solar announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Recurrent Energy, LLC, sold the 200 MWac/266 MWp Rambler solar project to Duke Energy Renewables, a subsidiary of Duke Energy.

 

On August 28, 2019, Canadian Solar announced that it secured 487.0 million Brazilian reals (US$120 million) in non-recourse project financing from Banco do Nordeste do Brasil S.A. (BNB) for its Francisco Sa and Jaiba solar power projects.

 

On August 21, 2019, Canadian Solar announced that it signed O&M agreements with Gannawarra Solar Farm Pty Ltd, Hayman Solar Farm Pty Ltd and Daydream Solar Farm Pty Ltd for three solar PV plants totaling 300 MWp in Australia.

 

On August 5, 2019, Canadian Solar announced that it energized its 100.1 MWp Cafayate solar power project in Argentina on July 19, 2019, the largest operational solar power plant in the country.

 

6


 

Conference Call Information

 

The Company will hold a conference call at 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time on November 12, 2019 (6:00 a.m., November 13, 2019 in Hong Kong) to discuss the Company’s third quarter 2019 results and business outlook. The dial-in phone number for the live audio call is +1 866-519-4004 (toll-free from the U.S.), +852-3018-6771 (local dial-in from HK) or +1 845-675-0437 (from international locations). The passcode for the call is 3366785.  A live webcast of the conference call will also be available on the Investor Relations section of Canadian Solar’s website at www.canadiansolar.com.

 

A replay of the call will be available two hours after the conclusion of the call until 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 (9:00 p.m., November 20, 2019 in Hong Kong) and can be accessed by dialing +1-855-452-5696 (toll-free from the U.S.), +852-3051-2780 (local dial-in from HK) or +1-646-254-3697 (from international locations), with passcode 3366785.  A webcast replay will also be available on the investor relations section of Canadian Solar’s at www.canadiansolar.com.

 

About Canadian Solar Inc.

 

Canadian Solar was founded in 2001 in Canada and is one of the world’s largest and foremost solar power companies. It is a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules and provider of solar energy solutions and has a geographically diversified pipeline of utility-scale solar power projects in various stages of development. Over the past 18 years, Canadian Solar has successfully delivered over 38 GW of premium-quality, solar photovoltaic modules to customers in over 150 countries. Canadian Solar is one of the most bankable companies in the solar industry, having been publicly listed on NASDAQ since 2006. For additional information about the Company, follow Canadian Solar on LinkedIn or visit www.canadiansolar.com.

 

Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements

 

Certain statements in this press release regarding the Company’s expected future shipment volumes, gross margins 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 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 Japan, the U.S., India and China; 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; delays in the completion of project sales; 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 April 25, 2019. 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. Investors 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.

 

Investor Relations Contacts:

 

Ed Job

David Pasquale

Managing Director, Investor Relations

Global IR Partners

Canadian Solar Inc.

Tel: +1-914-337-8801

investor@canadiansolar.com

csiq@globalirpartners.com

 

FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW

 

7


 

Canadian Solar Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Share and Per Share Data and Unless Otherwise Stated)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

June 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2019

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues

 

$

759,882

 

$

1,036,275

 

$

767,970

 

$

2,280,876

 

$

2,843,471

 

Cost of revenues

 

560,968

 

853,633

 

567,579

 

1,791,881

 

2,339,698

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

198,914

 

182,642

 

200,391

 

488,995

 

503,773

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling expenses

 

46,935

 

45,361

 

38,423

 

130,227

 

121,030

 

General and administrative expenses

 

61,491

 

65,735

 

58,862

 

178,650

 

164,067

 

Research and development expenses

 

11,567

 

12,133

 

10,143

 

36,865

 

28,776

 

Other operating income

 

(1,186

)

(1,329

)

(2,941

)

(4,201

)

(38,192

)

Total operating expenses

 

118,807

 

121,900

 

104,487

 

341,541

 

275,681

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

80,107

 

60,742

 

95,904

 

147,454

 

228,092

 

Other income (expenses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(19,240

)

(20,654

)

(26,839

)

(61,591

)

(83,028

)

Interest income

 

2,579

 

4,452

 

2,567

 

9,060

 

9,026

 

Loss on change in fair value of derivatives

 

(2,176

)

(12,489

)

(8,881

)

(15,924

)

(11,974

)

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

 

2,825

 

16,415

 

10,112

 

6,653

 

(799

)

Investment income (loss)

 

(738

)

2,002

 

6,528

 

1,809

 

5,944

 

Other expenses, net

 

(16,750

)

(10,274

)

(16,513

)

(59,993

)

(80,831

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees

 

63,357

 

50,468

 

79,391

 

87,461

 

147,261

 

Income tax expense

 

(10,434

)

(13,951

)

(13,423

)

(16,858

)

(25,280

)

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees

 

2,303

 

23,740

 

2,504

 

28,025

 

6,353

 

Net income

 

55,226

 

60,257

 

68,472

 

98,628

 

128,334

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests

 

(3,105

)

(2,425

)

1,932

 

(5,221

)

2,846

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Canadian Solar Inc.

 

$

58,331

 

$

62,682

 

$

66,540

 

$

103,849

 

$

125,488

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share - basic

 

$

0.97

 

$

1.05

 

$

1.14

 

$

1.74

 

$

2.13

 

Shares used in computation - basic

 

59,900,740

 

59,547,209

 

58,526,275

 

59,562,101

 

58,826,117

 

Earnings per share - diluted

 

$

0.96

 

$

1.04

 

$

1.09

 

$

1.71

 

$

2.08

 

Shares used in computation - diluted

 

60,846,753

 

60,260,410

 

61,937,187

 

61,040,675

 

62,103,349

 

 

8


 

Canadian Solar Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

June 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2019

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

 

Net Income

 

55,226

 

60,257

 

68,472

 

98,628

 

128,334

 

Other comprehensive income (net of tax of nil):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

(13,419

)

(11,170

)

26,709

 

(8,604

)

(12,179

)

Gain (loss) on changes in fair value of derivatives

 

(1,314

)

(3,310

)

2,464

 

(6,994

)

9,510

 

Comprehensive income

 

40,493

 

45,777

 

97,645

 

83,030

 

125,665

 

Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests

 

(3,529

)

(1,028

)

4,844

 

(8,884

)

7,052

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Canadian Solar Inc.

 

44,022

 

46,805

 

92,801

 

91,914

 

118,613

 

 

9


 

Canadian Solar Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

526,175

 

$

444,298

 

Restricted cash

 

515,260

 

480,976

 

Accounts receivable trade, net

 

449,347

 

498,231

 

Accounts receivable, unbilled

 

38,996

 

38

 

Amounts due from related parties

 

44,307

 

16,740

 

Inventories

 

413,036

 

262,022

 

Value added tax recoverable

 

100,088

 

107,222

 

Advances to suppliers

 

80,875

 

37,011

 

Derivative assets

 

5,131

 

4,761

 

Project assets

 

910,101

 

933,563

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

261,458

 

289,459

 

Total current assets

 

3,344,774

 

3,074,321

 

Restricted cash

 

7,417

 

15,716

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

995,932

 

884,986

 

Solar power systems, net

 

53,460

 

54,898

 

Deferred tax assets, net

 

184,680

 

121,087

 

Advances to suppliers

 

64,901

 

48,908

 

Prepaid land use right

 

62,839

 

65,718

 

Investments in affiliates

 

149,813

 

126,095

 

Intangible assets, net

 

24,019

 

14,903

 

Goodwill

 

 

1,005

 

Derivatives assets

 

 

3,216

 

Project assets

 

237,585

 

352,200

 

Right-of-use assets*

 

37,141

 

 

Other non-current assets

 

145,079

 

129,605

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

5,307,640

 

$

4,892,658

 

 

10


 

Canadian Solar Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term borrowings

 

$

1,055,762

 

$

1,027,927

 

Long-term borrowings on project assets - current

 

261,868

 

265,770

 

Accounts payable

 

529,416

 

379,462

 

Notes payable

 

476,611

 

369,722

 

Amounts due to related parties

 

13,949

 

16,847

 

Other payables

 

453,118

 

408,013

 

Convertible notes

 

 

127,428

 

Advance from customers

 

65,210

 

39,024

 

Derivative liabilities

 

13,539

 

13,698

 

Lease Liabilities*

 

17,352

 

 

Tax equity liabilities

 

53,175

 

158,496

 

Other current liabilities

 

139,791

 

141,970

 

Total current liabilities

 

3,079,791

 

2,948,357

 

Accrued warranty costs

 

52,992

 

50,605

 

Long-term borrowings

 

525,935

 

393,614

 

Amounts due to related parties

 

338

 

568

 

Derivatives liabilities

 

3,008

 

 

Liability for uncertain tax positions

 

26,486

 

20,128

 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

66,028

 

35,698

 

Loss contingency accruals

 

27,646

 

24,608

 

Lease Liabilities*

 

21,066

 

 

Financing liabilities

 

75,528

 

77,835

 

Other non-current liabilities

 

63,371

 

68,400

 

Total LIABILITIES

 

3,942,189

 

3,619,813

 

Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares

 

703,806

 

702,931

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

19,378

 

10,675

 

Retained earnings

 

725,864

 

622,016

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(122,084

)

(110,149

)

Total Canadian Solar Inc. shareholders’ equity

 

1,326,964

 

1,225,473

 

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries

 

38,487

 

47,372

 

TOTAL EQUITY

 

1,365,451

 

1,272,845

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

$

5,307,640

 

$

4,892,658

 

 

Note: * The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 — Leases (Topic ASC842) in the first quarter of 2019 using the optional transition method and elected certain practical expedients, which were permitted under the guidance ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842) — Targeted Improvements. The transition guidance allowed the Company not to reassess prior conclusions related to contracts containing leases or lease classification. The adoption primarily affected the condensed consolidated balance sheet through the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities as of January 1, 2019. The adoption did not have a significant impact on the results of operations or cash flows.

 

11


 

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

To supplement its financial disclosures presented in accordance with GAAP, the Company uses non-GAAP measures which are adjusted from the most comparable GAAP measures for certain items as described below. The Company presents non-GAAP net income and diluted earnings per share so that readers can better understand the underlying operating performance of the business before the impact of AD/CVD true-up provisions. The non-GAAP numbers are not measures of financial performance under U.S. GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to other measures determined in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures may differ from non-GAAP measures used by other companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited.

 

Statement of Operations Data:

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Share and Per Share Data)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,
2019

 

June 30,
2019

 

September 30,
2018

 

September 30,
2019

 

September 30,
2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP net income attributable to Canadian Solar Inc.

 

58,331

 

62,682

 

66,540

 

103,849

 

125,488

 

Non-GAAP income adjustment items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AD/CVD provision true-up

 

(24,291

)

(21,617

)

(8,271

)

(45,908

)

(34,074

)

Tax impact

 

6,029

 

5,365

 

2,053

 

11,394

 

8,457

 

Non-GAAP net income attributable to Canadian Solar Inc.

 

40,069

 

46,430

 

60,322

 

69,335

 

99,871

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP income per share - diluted

 

$

0.96

 

$

1.04

 

$

1.09

 

$

1.71

 

$

2.08

 

Non-GAAP income per share - diluted

 

$

0.66

 

$

0.77

 

$

0.99

 

$

1.14

 

$

1.66

 

Shares used in computation - diluted

 

60,846,753

 

60,260,410

 

61,937,187

 

61,040,675

 

62,103,349

 

 

12