Daqo New Energy Announces Unaudited Second Quarter 2017 Results

Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE: DQ) (“Daqo New Energy”, the “Company” or “we”), a leading manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon for the global solar PV industry, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter of 2017.

Second Quarter 2017 Financial and Operating Highlights

Record-high polysilicon production volume of 4,993 MT in Q2 2017, increased from 4,927 MT in Q1 2017
Record-high polysilicon external sales volume(1) of 4,497 MT in Q2 2017, increased from 4,223 MT in Q1 2017
Polysilicon average total production cost(2) of $8.53/kg in Q2 2017, compared to $8.41/kg in Q1 2017
Polysilicon average cash cost(2) of $6.77/kg in Q2 2017, compared to $6.68/kg in Q1 2017
Average selling price (ASP) of polysilicon was $13.58/kg in Q2 2017, compared to $16.66/kg in Q1 2017
Solar wafer sales volume of 27.0 million pieces in Q2 2017, increased from 22.4 million pieces in Q1 2017
Revenue of $76.0 million in Q2 2017, compared to $83.8 million in Q1 2017
Gross profit of $24.2 million in Q2 2017, compared to $35.9 million in Q1 2017
Gross margin of 31.9% in Q2 2017, compared to 42.8% in Q1 2017
Non-GAAP gross margin(3) of 32.6% in Q2 2017, compared to 44.0% in Q1 2017
EBITDA (non-GAAP)(3) of $29.8 million in Q2 2017, compared to $41.7 million in Q1 2017
EBITDA margin (non-GAAP)(3) of 39.2% in Q2 2017, compared to 49.8% in Q1 2017
Net income attributable to Daqo New Energy shareholders of $12.1 million in Q2 2017, compared to $22.9 million in Q1 2017 and $19.8 million in Q2 2016
Earnings per basic ADS of $1.15 in Q2 2017, compared to $2.18 in Q1 2017 and $1.90 in Q2 2016
Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)(3) attributable to Daqo New Energy shareholders of $13.8 million in Q2 2017, compared to $24.8 million in Q1 2017 and $22.0 million in Q2 2016
Adjusted earnings per basic ADS (non-GAAP)(3) of $1.31 in Q2 2017, compared to $2.36 in Q1 2017 and $2.10 in Q2 2016

Notes:
(1) Our polysilicon external sales volume excludes internal sales to our Chongqing wafer manufacturing subsidiary, which utilizes polysilicon as raw material for the production of solar wafers. The sales volume is the quantity of goods that have been received by customers, and thus the corresponding revenue has been recognized during the period indicated.

(2) Production cost and cash cost only refer to production in our Xinjiang polysilicon facilities. Production cost is calculated by the inventoriable costs relating to production of polysilicon in Xinjiang divided by the production volume in the period indicted. Cash cost is calculated by the inventoriable costs relating to production of polysilicon excluding depreciation expense in Xinjiang, divided by the production volume in the period indicated.

(3) Daqo New Energy provides non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, EBITDA, EBITDA margin, adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders and adjusted earnings (loss) per ADS on a non-GAAP basis to provide supplemental information regarding its financial performance. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the section captioned “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and the tables captioned “Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to comparable US GAAP measures” set forth at the end of this press release.
Commentary

“We are pleased to report that the second quarter of 2017 was a solid quarter with new records on both polysilicon production volume and external sales volume. During the quarter, we produced 4,993 MT of polysilicon and sold 4,497 MT to external customers. We also conducted various experiments to improve polysilicon quality, particularly for the mono-crystalline grade polysilicon, which had a slight impact to overall production cost and volume. However, we are seeing meaningful quality improvements. Production volume as well as shipment of mono-crystalline quality polysilicon hit a record high in June,” said Dr. Gongda Yao, Chief Executive Officer of Daqo New Energy.

“Due to downstream customer inventory management at the end of the first quarter, ASP fell in April, but ASP started to recover in May. Demand and pricing improved throughout the second quarter, with the ASP in June approximately 15% higher than that in April. So far in the third quarter, customer demand has remained robust with pricing continuing to improve.”

“In terms of the PV end market, China installed 24.4 GW of solar PV in the first half of 2017, representing a new record high and a 9% increase from the first half of 2016. For the full year of 2017, China’s annual PV installation forecast is currently expected to exceed 35GW. Based on discussions with our customers, we believe that China’s PV market demand continues to be strong, driven by top-runner projects as well as distributed generation. Globally, the U.S. and Indian markets are also seeing strong PV product demand. Starting in late July, we have seen a fairly significant shortage of polysilicon in the China market and continued improvements in polysilicon pricing. With a much stronger than expected solar PV installations in China, the annual total global solar installation in 2017 is likely to exceed 80 GW for the first time ever. “

“During the second quarter of 2017, the company generated $12.1 million in net income attributable to Daqo New Energy shareholders and $29.8 million in EBITDA with an EBITDA margin of 39.2%. In particular, our operating cash flow remains strong. In the first half of 2017, we generated $73.6 million in net cash provided by operating activities.”

“Going forward, we will continue our efforts to improve quality throughout the year. With our high product quality and stable supply capabilities, we continue to be a supplier of choice with strong demand for our high quality polysilicon from our diverse customer base.”

Outlook and Q3 2017 guidance

The Company’s annual maintenance for the Xinjiang polysilicon facility is scheduled for late September and October. The annual maintenance is anticipated to impact production volume by approximately two weeks. As a result, the Company expects to produce 4,200 MT to 4,500 MT of polysilicon and sell approximately 3,700 MT to 4,000 MT to external customers during the third quarter of 2017. The above external sales guidance excludes shipments of polysilicon to be used internally by our Chongqing solar wafer facility, which utilizes polysilicon for its wafer manufacturing operation. Wafer sales volume is expected to be approximately 25.0 million to 25.5 million pieces in the third quarter of 2017.

This outlook reflects our current and preliminary view as of the date of this press release and may be subject to change. Our ability to achieve these projections is subject to risks and uncertainties. See “Safe Harbor Statement” at the end of this press release.

Second Quarter 2017 Results

Revenues

Revenues were $76.0 million, compared to $83.8 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $71.0 million in the second quarter of 2016.

Revenues from polysilicon sales to external customers were $61.1 million, compared to $70.4 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $50.5 million in the second quarter of 2016. External polysilicon sales volume was 4,497 MT, increased from 4,223 MT in the first quarter of 2017 and 2,931 MT in the second quarter of 2016. The average selling price (ASP) of polysilicon was $13.58/kg in the second quarter of 2017, compared to $16.66/kg in the first quarter of 2017. The decrease in polysilicon revenues as compared to the first quarter of 2017 was primarily due to lower ASPs, partially offset by higher polysilicon sales volume.

Revenues from wafer sales were $14.9 million, compared to $13.4 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $20.5 million in the second quarter of 2016. Wafer sales volume was 27.0 million pieces, compared to 22.4 million pieces in the first quarter of 2017 and 25.0 million pieces in the second quarter of 2016.

Gross profit and margin

Gross profit was approximately $24.2 million, compared to $35.9 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $29.4 million in the second quarter of 2016. Non-GAAP gross profit, which excludes costs related to the non-operational polysilicon assets in Chongqing, was approximately $24.8 million, compared to $36.9 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $31.2 million in the second quarter of 2016.

Gross margin was 31.9%, compared to 42.8% in the first quarter of 2017 and 41.4% in the second quarter of 2016.

In the second quarter of 2017, total costs related to the non-operational Chongqing polysilicon assets including depreciation were $0.5 million, decreased from $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $1.8 million in the second quarter of 2016. Excluding costs related to the non-operational Chongqing polysilicon assets, the non-GAAP gross margin was approximately 32.6%, compared to 44.0% in the first quarter of 2017 and 43.9% in the second quarter of 2016.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $4.5 million, compared to $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $3.7 million in the second quarter of 2016.

Research and development expenses

Research and development expenses were approximately $0.3 million, compared to $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $0.1 million in the second quarter of 2016. The research and development expenses vary from period to period reflecting the R&D activities that occur in such period.

Other operating income

Other operating income was $0.8 million, compared to $0.8 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2016. Other operating income was mainly composed of unrestricted cash incentives that the Company received from local government authorities, the amount of which varies from period to period.

Operating income and margin

As a result of the foregoing, operating income was $20.2 million, compared to $32.2 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $26.1 million in the second quarter of 2016.

Operating margin was 26.6%, compared to 38.4% in the first quarter of 2017 and 36.8% in the second quarter of 2016.

Interest expense

Interest expense was $ 5.3million, compared to $4.3 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $3.5 million in the second quarter of 2016.

EBITDA

EBITDA was $29.8 million, compared to $41.7 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $34.7 million in the second quarter of 2016. EBITDA margin was 39.2%, compared to 49.8% in the first quarter of 2017 and 48.9% in the second quarter of 2016.

Net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders and earnings per ADS

Net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders was $12.1 million in the second quarter of 2017, compared to $22.9 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $19.8 million in the second quarter of 2016.

Earnings per basic ADS were $1.15 in the second quarter of 2017, compared to $2.18 in the first quarter of 2017 and $1.90 in the second quarter of 2016.

Financial Condition

As of June 30, 2017, the Company had $49.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, compared to $61.2 million as of March 31, 2017 and $42.9 million as of June 30, 2016. As of June 30, 2017, the accounts receivable balance was $3.8 million, compared to $13.1 million as of March 31, 2017. As of June 30, 2017, the notes receivable balance was $10.5 million, compared to $11.7 million as of March 31, 2017. As of June 30, 2017, total borrowings were $219.3 million, of which $123.1 million were long-term borrowings, compared to total borrowings of $236.0 million, including $129.2 million long-term borrowings, as of March 31, 2017.

Cash Flows

For the six months ended June 30, 2017, net cash provided by operating activities was $73.6 million, increased from $66.6 million in the same period of 2016.

For the six months ended June 30, 2017, net cash used in investing activities was $36.0 million, compared to $37.6 million in the same period of 2016. The net cash used in investing activities in 2017 was primarily related to the capital expenditure of Xinjiang Phase 3A polysilicon projects.

For the six months ended June 30, 2017, net cash used in financing activities was $23.4 million, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $13.5 million in the same period of 2016. The increase was primarily due to repayment of related parties loans.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement Daqo New Energy’s consolidated financial results presented in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“US GAAP”), the Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures that are adjusted for certain items from the most directly comparable GAAP measures including non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP gross margin; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) and EBITDA margin; adjusted net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders and adjusted earnings per basic ADS. Management believes that each of these non-GAAP measures is useful to investors, enabling them to better assess changes in 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, management believes that, used in conjunction with US GAAP financial measures, these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with meaningful supplemental information to assess the Company’s operating results in a manner that is focused on its ongoing, core operating performance. 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. 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 US GAAP or intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with US GAAP; the non-GAAP measures should be reviewed together with the US GAAP measures and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies.

Non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP gross margin includes adjustments for costs related to the non-operational polysilicon assets in Chongqing. Such costs mainly consist of non-cash depreciation costs, as well as utilities and maintenance costs associated with the temporarily idle polysilicon machinery and equipment, which will be or are in the process of being relocated to the Company’s Xinjiang polysilicon manufacturing facility. The Company expects a majority of these costs, such as depreciation, will continue to occur as part of the production cost at the Xinjiang facilities subsequent to the completion of the relocation plan. Once these assets are placed back in service, the Company will remove this adjustment from the non-GAAP reconciling item. The Company also uses EBITDA, which represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and EBITDA margin, which represents the proportion of EBITDA in revenues. Adjusted net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders and adjusted earnings per basic ADS exclude costs related to the non-operational polysilicon assets in Chongqing as described above. Adjusted net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders and adjusted earnings per basic ADS also exclude costs related to share-based compensation. Share-based compensation is a non-cash expense that varies from period to period. As a result, management excludes this item from its internal operating forecasts and models. Management believes that this adjustment for share-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 share-based compensation.

A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to comparable US GAAP measures is presented later in this document.

Conference Call

The Company has scheduled a conference call to discuss the results at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on August 8, 2017 (8:00 PM Beijing / Hong Kong time on the same day).

The dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

Participant dial in (U.S. toll free):

+1-888-346-8982
Participant international dial in:

+1-412-902-4272
China mainland toll free:

4001-201203
Hong Kong toll free:

800-905945
Hong Kong local dial in:

+852-301-84992
Participants please ask to be joined into the Daqo New Energy Corp. call. Please dial in 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin.

You can also listen to the conference call via Webcast through the URL:

http://mms.prnasia.com/DQ/20170808/default.aspx

A replay of the call will be available 1 hour after the conclusion of the conference call through August 15, 2017.

The dial in details for the conference call replay are as follows:

U.S. toll free:
+1-877-344-7529
International dial in:
+1-412-317-0088
Canada toll free:
855-669-9658
Replay access code:
1011073
To access the replay using an international dial-in number, please select the link below.
https://services.choruscall.com/ccforms/replay.html
Participants will be asked to provide their name and company name upon entering the call.

About Daqo New Energy Corp.

Founded in 2008, Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE: DQ) is a leading manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon for the global solar PV industry. As one of the world’s lowest cost producers of high-purity polysilicon and solar wafers, the Company primarily sells its products to solar cell and solar module manufacturers. The Company has built a manufacturing facility that is technically advanced and highly efficient with a nameplate capacity of 18,000 metric tons in Xinjiang, China. The Company also operates a solar wafer manufacturing facility in Chongqing, China.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the outlook for the third quarter of 2017 and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Daqo New Energy’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the demand for photovoltaic products and the development of photovoltaic technologies; global supply and demand for polysilicon; alternative technologies in cell manufacturing; our ability to significantly expand our polysilicon production capacity and output; the reduction in or elimination of government subsidies and economic incentives for solar energy applications; and our ability to lower our production costs. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the reports or documents we have filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Daqo New Energy does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Daqo New Energy undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Source: Daqo.com