SunPower Reports Third Quarter Results

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement its consolidated financial results presented in accordance with GAAP, the company uses non-GAAP measures that are adjusted for certain items from the most directly comparable GAAP measures, as described below. The specific non-GAAP measures listed below are: revenue; gross profit/margin; net income (loss); net income (loss) per diluted share; and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”). Management believes that each of these non-GAAP measures is useful to investors, enabling them to better assess changes in each of these key elements of the company’s results of operations across different reporting periods on a consistent basis, independent of certain items as described below. Thus, each of these non-GAAP financial measures provides investors with another method to assess the company’s operating results in a manner that is focused on its ongoing, core operating performance, absent the effects of these items. Management uses these non-GAAP measures internally to assess the business, its financial performance, current and historical results, as well as for strategic decision-making and forecasting future results. Many of the analysts covering the company also use these non-GAAP measures in their analyses. Given management’s use of these non-GAAP measures, the company believes these measures are important to investors in understanding the company’s operating results as seen through the eyes of management. These non-GAAP measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP or intended to be a replacement for GAAP financial data; the non-GAAP measures should be reviewed together with the GAAP measures and are not intended to serve as a substitute for results under GAAP, and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies.

Non-GAAP revenue includes adjustments relating to 8point3, utility and power plant projects, sale-leaseback transactions and unrealized loss on equity investments, each as described below. In addition to those same adjustments, Non-GAAP gross profit/margin includes adjustments relating to impairment of property, plant and equipment, impairment of residential lease assets, cost of above-market polysilicon, stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of idle equipment, and non-cash interest expense, each as described below. In addition to those same adjustments, non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP net income (loss) per diluted share are adjusted for adjustments relating to gain on business divestiture, acquisition-related and other costs, restructuring expense, IPO-related costs, the tax effect of these non-GAAP adjustments, and other items, each as described below. In addition to the same adjustments as non-GAAP net income (loss), Adjusted EBITDA includes adjustments relating to cash interest expense (net of interest income), provision for (benefit from) income taxes, and depreciation.

Non-GAAP Adjustments Based on International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)
The company’s non-GAAP results include adjustments to recognize revenue and profit under IFRS that are consistent with the adjustments made in connection with the company’s reporting process as part of its status as a consolidated subsidiary of Total S.A., a foreign public registrant which reports under IFRS.  Differences between GAAP and IFRS reflected in the company’s non-GAAP results are further described below. In these situations, management believes that IFRS enables investors to better evaluate the company’s revenue and profit generation performance, and assists in aligning the perspectives of our management and noncontrolling shareholders with those of Total S.A., our controlling shareholder.

• 8point3. In 2015, 8point3 Energy Partners LP (“8point3 Energy Partners”), a joint YieldCo vehicle, was formed by the company and First Solar, Inc. (“First Solar” and, together with the company, the “Sponsors”) to own, operate and acquire solar energy generation assets. Class A shares of 8point3 Energy Partners are now listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol “CAFD.” Immediately after the IPO, the company contributed a portfolio of 170 MW of its solar generation assets (the “SPWR Projects”) to 8point3 Operating Company, LLC (“OpCo”), 8point3 Energy Partners’ primary operating subsidiary. In exchange for the SPWR Projects, the company received cash proceeds as well as equity interests in several 8point3 Energy Partners affiliated entities: primarily common and subordinated units representing a 40.7% (since reduced to 36.5% via a secondary issuance of shares in fiscal 2016) stake in OpCo and a 50.0% economic and management stake in 8point3 Holding Company, LLC (“Holdings”), the parent company of the general partner of 8point3 Energy Partners and the owner of incentive distribution rights in OpCo. Holdings, OpCo, 8point3 Energy Partners and their respective subsidiaries are referred to herein as the “8point3 Group” or “8point3.”The company includes adjustments related to the sales of projects contributed to 8point3 previously based on the difference between the fair market value of the consideration received and the net carrying value of the projects contributed, of which, a portion is deferred in proportion to the company’s retained equity stake in 8point3. Prior to the adoption of ASC 606, these sales are recognized under either real estate, lease, or consolidation accounting guidance depending upon the nature of the individual asset contributed, with outcomes ranging from no, partial, or full profit recognition. The company adopted ASC 606 on January 1, 2018, using the full retrospective method, which required the company to restate each prior period presented. The company recorded a material amount of deferred profit associated with projects sold to 8point3 in 2015, the majority of which had previously been deferred under real estate accounting. Accordingly, the company’s carrying value in the 8point3 materially increased upon adoption which required the company to evaluate its investment in 8point3 for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). In accordance with such evaluation, the company recognized a non-cash impairment charge on the 8point3 investment balance in the prior periods that were affected. On June 19, 2018, the company sold its equity interest in 8point3.
• Utility and power plant projects. The company includes adjustments related to the revenue recognition of certain utility and power plant projects based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligations and, when relevant, the allocation of revenue and margin to the company’s project development efforts at the time of initial project sale. Prior to the adoption of ASC 606, such projects are accounted for under real estate accounting guidance, under which no separate allocation to the company’s project development efforts occurs and the amount of revenue and margin that is recognized may be limited in circumstances where the company has certain forms of continuing involvement in the project. Under ASC 606, such projects are accounted for when the customer obtains control of the promised goods or services which generally results in earlier recognition of revenue and profit than previous GAAP. Over the life of each project, cumulative revenue and gross profit will eventually be equivalent under both ASC 606 and non-GAAP once these projects are completed.
• Sale-leaseback transactions. The company includes adjustments primarily related to the revenue recognition on certain sale-leaseback transactions based on the net proceeds received from the buyer-lessor. Under GAAP, these transactions are accounted for under the financing method in accordance with real estate accounting guidance. Under such guidance, no revenue or profit is recognized at the inception of the transaction, and the net proceeds from the buyer-lessor are recorded as a financing liability. Imputed interest is recorded on the liability equal to the company’s incremental borrowing rate adjusted solely to prevent negative amortization.
• Unrealized loss in equity investments. In connection with the divestment of the Company’s microinverters business in the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company received a portion of the consideration in the form of common stock. The Company recognizes adjustments related to the fair value of equity investments with readily determinable fair value based on the changes in the stock price of these equity investments at every reporting period. Under GAAP, unrealized gains and losses due to changes in stock prices for these securities are recorded in earnings while under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), an election can be made to recognize such gains and losses in other comprehensive income. Such an election was made by Total S.A., a foreign registrant which reports under the IFRS. Management believes that excluding the unrealized gain or loss on the equity investments is consistent with the Company’s reporting process as part of its status as a consolidated subsidiary of Total S.A. and better reflects the Company’s ongoing segment results.

Other Non-GAAP Adjustments

• Impairment of property, plant, and equipment. In the second quarter of fiscal 2018, the company announced its proposed plan to change the corporate structure into the Upstream business unit and Downstream business unit, and long-term strategy to replace IBC technology to NGT. Accordingly, the company expects to upgrade the equipment associated with our manufacturing operations for the production of NGT over the next several years. In connection with these events, the company determined indicators of impairment existed and therefore performed an evaluation of the recoverability of the asset group. In accordance with such evaluation, the company recognized a non-cash impairment charge on its property, plant and equipment. Such asset impairment is excluded from the company’s segment results as it is non-cash in nature and not reflective of ongoing segment results.
• Impairment of residential lease assets. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the company made the decision to sell or refinance its interest in the residential lease portfolio and as a result of this triggering event, determined it was necessary to evaluate the potential for impairment in its ability to recover the carrying amount of the residential lease portfolio. In accordance with such evaluation, the company recognized a non-cash impairment charge on its solar power systems leased and to be leased and an allowance for losses related financing receivables. In connection with the impairment loss, the carrying values of the company’s solar power systems leased and to be leased were reduced which resulted in lower depreciation charges. Such asset impairment and its corresponding depreciation savings are excluded from the company’s segment results as they are non-cash in nature and not reflective of ongoing operating results.
• Cost of above-market polysilicon. The company has entered into multiple long-term, fixed-price supply agreements to purchase polysilicon for periods of up to 10 years. The prices in select legacy supply agreements, which incorporate a cash portion and a non-cash portion attributable to the amortization of prepayments made under the agreements, significantly exceed current market prices. Additionally, in order to reduce inventory and improve working capital, the company has periodically elected to sell polysilicon inventory in the marketplace at prices below the company’s purchase price, thereby incurring a loss. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude the impact of its above-market cost of polysilicon, including the effect of above-market polysilicon on product costs, losses incurred on sales of polysilicon to third parties, and inventory reserves and project asset impairments from the company’s non-GAAP financial measures as they are not reflective of ongoing operating results and do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of a company’s past operating performance.
• Stock-based compensation. Stock-based compensation relates primarily to the company’s equity incentive awards. Stock-based compensation is a non-cash expense that is dependent on market forces that are difficult to predict. Management believes that this adjustment for stock-based compensation provides investors with a basis to measure the company’s core performance, including compared with the performance of other companies, without the period-to-period variability created by stock-based compensation.
• Amortization of intangible assets. The company incurs amortization of intangible assets as a result of acquisitions, which includes patents, purchased technology, project pipeline assets, and in-process research and development. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude these amortization charges from the company’s non-GAAP financial measures as they arise from prior acquisitions, are not reflective of ongoing operating results, and do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of a company’s past operating performance.
• Depreciation of idle equipment. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the company changed the deployment plan for its next generation of solar cell technology, and revised its depreciation estimates to reflect the use of certain assets over its shortened useful life. Such asset depreciation is excluded from the company’s non-GAAP financial measures as it is non-cash in nature and not reflective of ongoing operating results. Excluding this data provides investors with a basis to compare the company’s performance against the performance of other companies without such charges.
• Gain on business divestiture. In the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company entered into a transaction pursuant to which the Company sold certain assets and intellectual property related to the production of microinverters for purchase consideration comprised of both cash and stock. In connection with this sale, the Company recognized a gain relating to this business divestiture. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude this gain from the Company’s Non-GAAP financial measures as it is non-cash in nature and not reflective of ongoing operating results.
• Acquisition-related and other costs. In connection with the acquisition of certain assets of SolarWorld Americas, Inc. (“SolarWorld Americas”), which closed on October 1,2018, the Company incurred legal and accounting fees. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude these costs from the Company’s Non-GAAP financial measures as they would not have otherwise been incurred as part of its business operations and are therefore not reflective of ongoing operating results.
• Non-cash interest expense. The company incurs non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of items such as original issuance discounts on its debt. The company excludes non-cash interest expense because the expense does not reflect its financial results in the period incurred. Management believes that this adjustment for non-cash interest expense provides investors with a basis to evaluate the company’s performance, including compared with the performance of other companies, without non-cash interest expense.
• Restructuring expense. The company incurs restructuring expenses related to reorganization plans aimed towards realigning resources consistent with the company’s global strategy and improving its overall operating efficiency and cost structure. Restructuring charges are excluded from non-GAAP financial measures because they are not considered core operating activities and such costs have historically occurred infrequently. Although the company has engaged in restructuring activities in the past, each has been a discrete event based on a unique set of business objectives. As such, management believes that it is appropriate to exclude restructuring charges from the company’s non-GAAP financial measures as they are not reflective of ongoing operating results or contribute to a meaningful evaluation of a company’s past operating performance.
• IPO-related costs. Costs incurred related to the IPO of 8point3 included legal, accounting, advisory, valuation, and other expenses. As these costs are non-recurring in nature, excluding this data provides investors with a basis to evaluate the company’s performance, including compared with the performance of other companies, without similar impacts.
• Tax effect. This amount is used to present each of the adjustments described above on an after-tax basis in connection with the presentation of non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP net income (loss) per diluted share. The company’s non-GAAP tax amount is based on estimated cash tax expense and reserves. The company forecasts its annual cash tax liability and allocates the tax to each quarter in a manner generally consistent with its GAAP methodology. This approach is designed to enhance investors’ ability to understand the impact of the company’s tax expense on its current operations, provide improved modeling accuracy, and substantially reduce fluctuations caused by GAAP to non-GAAP adjustments, which may not reflect actual cash tax expense.
• Adjusted EBITDA adjustments. When calculating Adjusted EBITDA, in addition to adjustments described above, the company excludes the impact during the period of the following items:
  • Cash interest expense, net of interest income
  • Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
  • DepreciationManagement presents this non-GAAP financial measure to enable investors to evaluate the company’s performance, including compared with the performance of other companies.

For more information about these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the tables captioned “Reconciliations of GAAP Measures to Non-GAAP Measures” set forth at the end of this release, which should be read together with the preceding financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Q4 2018 and FY 2018 GUIDANCE

1. Estimated non-GAAP amounts above for Q4 2018 include net adjustments that increase revenue by approximately $75 million related to sale-leaseback transactions. Estimated non-GAAP amounts above for fiscal 2018 include net adjustments that increase (decrease) revenue by approximately $112 million related to sale-leaseback transactions, $(8) million related to 8point3 tax indemnifications and $(4) million related to utility and power plant projects.
2. Estimated non-GAAP amounts above for Q4 2018 include net adjustments that increase (decrease) gross margin by approximately $10 million related to sale-leaseback transactions, $13 million related to cost of above-market polysilicon, $1 million related to stock-based compensation expense, and $1 million related to amortization of intangible assets.
3. Estimated Adjusted EBITDA amounts above for Q4 2018 include net adjustments that decrease net loss by approximately $13 million related to sale-leaseback transactions, $13 million related to cost of above-market polysilicon, $66 million related to impairment of lease assets, $7 million related to stock-based compensation expense, $24 million related to depreciation, $1 million related to amortization of intangible assets, $5 millionrelated to restructuring, $27 million related to interest expense, and $4 million related to income taxes. Estimated non-GAAP amounts above for fiscal 2018 include net adjustments that decrease (increase) net loss by approximately $21 million related to sale-leaseback transactions, $(9) million related to 8point3 tax indemnifications, $(1) million related to utility and power plant projects, $369 million related to impairment of property, plant and equipment, $63 million related to cost of above-market polysilicon, $212 million related to impairment of lease assets, $(59) million related to gain on business divestiture, $21 million related to acquisition-related and other costs, $6 million related to unrealized loss on equity investments, $29 million related to stock-based compensation expense, $123 million related to depreciation, $9 million related to amortization of intangible assets, $23 million related to restructuring, $105 million related to interest expense, and $13 million related to income taxes.