JinkoSolar Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Financial Results

JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.  a global leader in the solar PV industry, recently announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year endedDecember 31, 2015.

Fourth Quarter 2015 Highlights

• Total solar module shipments were 1,709.9 megawatts (“MW”), which includes 92.7 MW to be used in the Company’s downstream projects. Total solar module shipments increased 50.7% from 1,134.9 MW in the third quarter of 2015 and 58.6% from 1,078.3 MW in the fourth quarter of 2014.
• As of December 31, 2015, the Company had connected 1,006.6 MW worth of solar power projects.
• Total revenues were RMB6.07 billion (US$937.7 million), representing an increase of 49.9% from the third quarter of 2015 and an increase of 104.4% from the fourth quarter of 2014.
• Solar power projects generated electricity of 154.4 GWh, a 34.0% decrease from the third quarter of 2015 due to the seasonality and the curtailment of projects in China’s western regions, and an increase of 67.9% from the fourth quarter of 2014 due to the increase in number and capacity of solar power projects. Revenues generated from solar power projects were RMB136.3 million(US$21.0 million), representing a decrease of 33.8% from the third quarter of 2015 and an increase of 69.4% from the fourth quarter of 2014.
• Gross margin was 19.5%, compared with 21.3% in the third quarter of 2015 and 22.8% in the fourth quarter of 2014.
• Income from operations was RMB 482.7 million (US$74.5 million), compared with RMB384.0 million in the third quarter of 2015 and RMB236.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.
• Net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders was RMB 349.4 million (US$ 53.9 million), compared with RMB195.1 million in the third quarter of 2015 and RMB244.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.
• Diluted earnings per American depositary share (“ADS”) were RMB10.92 (US$1.68), compared with RMB3.12 in the third quarter of 2015 and RMB3.12 in the fourth quarter of 2014.
• Non-GAAP net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders in the fourth quarter of 2015 was RMB 503.5 million (US$77.7 million), compared with RMB253.3 million in the third quarter of 2015 and RMB237.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.
• Non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per ADS were RMB16.12 (US$2.48) and RMB15.72 (US$2.44), respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Full Year 2015 Highlights

• Total solar module shipments were 4,511.6 MW, which include 304.0 MW to be used in the Company’s downstream solar power projects, an increase of 53.3% from 2,943.6 MW for the full year 2014.
• As of December 31, 2015, the Company has connected 1,006.6 MW worth of solar power projects.
• Total revenues were RMB16.08 billion (US$2.48 billion) for the full year 2015, an increase of 61.1% from RMB9.98 billion for the full year 2014.
• Revenues generated from solar power projects were RMB622.1 million (US$96.0 million), representing a 161.8% increase fromRMB237.6 million in 2014.
• Gross margin was 20.3% for the full year 2015, compared with 22.4% for the full year 2014.
• Income from operations was RMB1.33 billion (US$205.9 million), compared RMB931.6 in the full year 2014.
• Net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders was RMB683.8 million (US$105.6 million) for the full year 2015, compared with RMB673.0 million for the full year 2014.
• Diluted earnings per ADS for the full year 2015 was RMB21.40 (US$3.32), compared with RMB15.44 for the full year 2014.
• Non-GAAP net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders for the full year 2015 was RMB1.15 billion (US$177.0 million), compared with RMB800.2 million for the full year 2014.
• Non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per ADS for the full year 2015 were RMB36.80 (US$5.68) and RMB35.88 (US$5.52), respectively.

Mr. Kangping Chen, JinkoSolar’s Chief Executive Officer commented, “I am pleased to report a strong finish to the year with record high total module shipments and revenue. Total module shipments reached 1,709.9 MW during the quarter which resulted in total revenues of US$937.7 million, an increase of 104.4% over the same period in 2014. This translates into module shipments for the entire year of 4,511.6 MW, and total revenues of US$2.48 billion. Global demand remains strong, especially in key solar markets, which gives us good visibility for the entire year and leaves us very confident about our future prospects.”

“Our downstream business remains a key focus of ours as we continue to work on building its long-term viability and sustainability. Electricity output during the fourth quarter of 2015 reached 154.4 GWh, down 34.0% sequentially while generating RMB136.3 millionin revenue. We connected 161 MW of solar power projects to the grid during the fourth quarter which brings our total capacity of connected projects to 1,006.6 MW as of December 31, 2015. Aside from the effects of seasonality, power output was impacted by the curtailment of projects in China’s western regions and strong rainfall in eastern regions. A number of events beyond our control such as delays in subsidy catalog update and a prolonged grid-connection process made us fall short of our connection target for the year but we are confident in our ability to rapidly make up for this shortfall this year. We are now accelerating the spin-off process to maximize shareholder value.”

“The depreciation of the RMB over the past half year has caused considerable turmoil in the global markets. We have been increasing our hedge ratio to ensure that its impact on our business remains limited. Despite recent economic volatility, we remain positive onChina’s long-term development given that we just entered the first year of the new national five-year plan which is expected to further deepen structural supply-side reforms.”

“Global demand for solar energy continues to grow steadily. We remain the market leader in China where growth and demand is expected to be strong and more balanced this year. With the extension of ITC, the biggest market uncertainty has been removed in the US which provides us with good visibility on market stability well into 2018. ASPs in major markets are expected to further stabilize during the first quarter of 2016 as demand grows. We remain cautious about the expansion of production capacity, but with demand growing sharply, we have plans in place to expand our manufacturing capacity to meet our minimum market demand expectations.”

“In conclusion, we finished off the year on a very strong footing with record shipments and revenues that demonstrate the efficiency of our operations and value that our customers all over the world place on our brand and products. Our focus on maintaining the highest quality standard in the industry allows us to provide our customers with reliable, high-efficiency PV products regardless of where they are based. I am confident about our growth prospects as we continue to deliver long-term value to our shareholders.”

Fourth Quarter 2015 Financial Results

Total Revenues

Total revenues in the fourth quarter of 2015 were RMB6.07 billion (US$937.7 million), representing an increase of 49.9% fromRMB4.1 billion in the third quarter of 2015 and an increase of 104.4% from RMB2.97 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014, respectively. The sequential increase in total revenues was mainly attributable to the increase in shipments of solar modules. The year-over-year increase was mainly due to the increase in shipments as well as electricity revenues.

During the fourth quarter of 2015, revenues from downstream solar power projects were RMB136.3 million (US$21.0 million), representing a decrease of 33.8% from RMB205.8 million in the third quarter of 2015 and an increase of 69.4% from RMB80.4 millionin the fourth quarter of 2014. The sequential decrease was primarily due to seasonality and the curtailment of projects in China’swestern regions. The year-over-year increase in solar power project revenues was primarily due to the increase in number and capacity of the Company’s solar projects. Gross profit for solar power project revenues was RMB46.3 million (US$7.2 million) during the fourth quarter of 2015, representing a gross margin of 34.0%.

The Company has entered into certain sales contracts with retainage terms (the “Retainage Contracts”) since the second half of 2012, under which customers were allowed to withhold payment of 5% to 10% of the full contract price as retainage for the specified period which generally ranges from one year to two years (the “Retainage Period”). Given the limited experience the Company has with respect to the collectability of the retainage under the Retainage Contracts, the Company does not recognize such retainage until the customers pay it after the Retainage Period expires. The total amount of retainage under the Retainage Contracts that was not recognized as revenues was RMB11.7 million (US$1.8 million) and nil for the fourth and the third quarter of 2015, respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recognized retainage payments of RMB35.3 million (US$5.4 million) as revenues. As ofDecember 31, 2015, the cumulative amount of retainage that had not yet been recognized as revenue was RMB156.2 million(US$24.1 million).

Gross Profit and Gross Margin

Gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2015 was RMB1.18 billion (US$182.6 million), compared with RMB864.6 million in the third quarter of 2015 and RMB678.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Gross margin was 19.5% in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared with 21.3% in the third quarter of 2015 and 22.8% in the fourth quarter of 2014. The sequential decrease was from the lower gross margins of electricity revenues due to seasonality and the curtailment of projects in China’s western regions.

Income from Operations and Operating Margin

Income from operations in the fourth quarter of 2015 was RMB482.7 million (US$74.5 million), compared RMB384.0 million in the third quarter of 2015 and RMB236.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Operating margin in the fourth quarter of 2015 was 7.9%, compared with 9.5% in the third quarter of 2015 and 8.0% in the fourth quarter of 2014, respectively.

Total operating expenses in the fourth quarter of 2015 were RMB700.3 million (US$108.1 million), an increase of 45.7% fromRMB480.6 million in the third quarter of 2015 and an increase of 58.6% from RMB441.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The sequential increase in operating expenses was mainly due to increases in shipping and warranty costs and provisions of accounts receivable.

Total operating expenses excluding non-cash expenses, including stock-based compensation, the provisions for doubtful accounts, and disposal and impairment of fixed assets were RMB587.1 million (US$90.6 million), compared to RMB493.1 million in the third quarter of 2015 and RMB388.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Total operating expenses excluding non-cash charges as a percentage of total net revenues was 9.7% in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared to 12.2% in the third quarter of 2015 and 13.1% in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Interest Expense, Net

Net interest expense in the fourth quarter of 2015 was RMB97.3 million (US$15.0 million), a decrease of 33.5% from RMB146.2 million in the third quarter of 2015 and an increase of 18.5% from RMB82.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The sequential decrease was mainly due to lower interest expenses associated with the discounted notes receivable and the capitalization of interests expensed in the prior year. The year-over-year increase was mainly due to an increase in loans used for solar power projects.

Exchange Gain / (Loss), Net

The Company recorded an exchange gain of RMB72.1 million (US$11.1 million) including change in fair value of forward contracts in the fourth quarter of 2015. The Company had net exchange loss of RMB121.6 million in the third quarter of 2015 and net exchange loss of RMB6.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The sequential and year-over-year changes were mainly due to the Company’s proactive hedging strategy to minimize foreign exchange impact.

Change in Fair Value of Convertible Senior Notes and Capped Call Options

The Company recognized a loss from a change in fair value of convertible senior notes of RMB48.7 million (US$7.5 million), and a gain from a change in fair value of capped call options of RMB4.0 million (US$0.6 million). The loss from change in fair value of convertible senior notes was primarily due to the increase in the price of the Company’s stock during the fourth quarter of 2015. The Company repurchased convertible senior notes for an aggregate amount of US$22.5 million during the fourth quarter.

Equity in Income of Affiliated Companies

The Company recognized equity income from affiliated companies of RMB1.7 million (US$0.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2015 as a result of its share of profits for solar power projects held by affiliated companies.

Income Tax Expense / (Benefit), Net

The Company recorded an income tax expense of RMB59.6 million (US$9.2 million) in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared with an income tax expense of RMB34.2 million in the third quarter of 2015 and an income tax benefit of RMB9.4 million during the fourth quarter of 2014.

Net Income and Earnings per Share

Net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders in the fourth quarter of 2015 was RMB349.4 million(US$53.9 million), compared with RMB195.1 million in the third quarter of 2015 and RMB244.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Basic and diluted earnings per share were RMB2.80 (US$0.43) and RMB2.73 (US$0.42), respectively, during the fourth quarter of 2015. This translates into basic and diluted earnings per ADS of RMB11.20 (US$1.72) and RMB10.92 (US$1.68), respectively.

Non-GAAP net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders in the fourth quarter of 2015 wasRMB503.5 million (US$77.7 million), compared with RMB253.3 million in the third quarter of 2015 and RMB237.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per share were RMB4.03 (US$0.62) and RMB3.93 (US$0.61), respectively, during the fourth quarter for 2015. This translates into non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per ADS of RMB16.12 (US$2.48) and RMB15.72(US$2.44), respectively.

Financial Position

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had RMB4.24 billion (US$654.4 million) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, compared with RMB3.7 billion of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash as of September 30, 2015.

As of December 31, 2015, the total interest-bearing debts were RMB10.29 billion (US$1.59 billion), compared with RMB10.60 billionas of September 30, 2015, of which interest-bearing debts from downstream solar power projects accounted for RMB4.93 billion(US$760.3 million), compared with RMB 4.07 billion as of September 30, 2015.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company’s working capital was negative RMB640.3 million (US$98.8 million), compared with negativeRMB734.3 billion as of September 30, 2015.

Full Year 2015 Financial Results

Total Revenues

Total revenues for the full year 2015 were RMB16.08 billion (US$2.48 billion), an increase of 61.1% from RMB9.98 billion for the full year 2014. The increase in total revenues was mainly attributable to the increase in shipments of solar modules and electricity revenues from solar projects.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin

Gross profit for the full year 2015 was RMB3.3 billion (US$504.8 million), an increase of 46.0% from RMB2.2 billion for the full year 2014. Gross margin was 20.3% for the full year 2015, compared with 22.4% for the full year 2014. The decrease in gross margin was primarily due to a slight decline in solar module ASPs.

Income from Operations and Operating Margin

Income from operations for the full year 2015 was RMB1.33 billion (US$205.9 million), compared with RMB931.6 million for the full year 2014. Operating margin for the full year 2015 was 8.3%, compared with 9.3% for the full year 2014.

Total operating expenses for the full year 2015 were RMB1.94 billion (US$298.9 million), an increase of 48.0% from RMB1.3 billion for the full year 2014. Operating expenses represented 12.0% of total revenues for the full year 2015, compared with 13.1% for the full year 2014. The increase in total operating expense is primarily due to the increase of shipping and warranty, and stock-based compensation expenses.

Interest Expense, Net

Net interest expense for the full year 2015 was RMB385.9 million (US$59.6 million), an increase of 34.2% from RMB287.7 million in 2014. The increase was primarily due to the increase in bank borrowings used for the construction of downstream solar power projects in 2015.

Exchange Loss

The Company recorded an exchange loss of RMB61.2 million (US$9.4 million) in the full year 2015. The Company had net exchange loss of RMB147.8 million in 2014.

Change in Fair Value of Convertible Senior Notes and Capped Call Options

The Company recognized a loss from a change in fair value of convertible senior notes and capped call options of RMB14.6 million(US$2.2 million) for the full year 2015, compared with a gain of RMB64.1 million in 2014, primarily due to changes in the Company’s stock price.

Equity in Gain of Affiliated Companies

The Company recognized equity gain of affiliated companies of RMB13.7 million (US$2.1 million) for the full year 2015 as a result of its share of profits for solar power projects held by affiliated companies.

Income Tax Expense/(Benefit), Net

The Company recognized an income tax expense of RMB111.9 million (US$17.3 million) for the full year 2015, compared with a tax benefit of RMB134.3 million in 2014. The Company’s evaluation of its deferred tax assets was based on both positive and negative indications of the ability to realize the benefits of such tax assets. Based on the strong financial performance of certain subsidiaries, the Company determined that the future taxable income of certain subsidiaries would be sufficient to realize the benefits of such tax assets and reversed the valuation allowance of RMB203.6 million in 2014.

Net Income and Earnings per Share

Net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders for the full year 2015 was RMB683.8 million (US$105.6 million), compared with a net income of RMB673.0 million in 2014.

Basic and diluted income per share for the full year 2015 was RMB5.49 (US$0.85) and RMB5.35 (US$0.83), respectively. This translates into basic and diluted earnings per ADS of RMB21.96 (US$3.40) and RMB21.40 (US$3.32), respectively.

Non-GAAP net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders for the full year 2015 was RMB1.15 billion(US$177.0 million), compared with non-GAAP net income of RMB800.2 million in 2014.

Non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per share for the full year 2015 were RMB9.20 (US$1.42) and RMB8.97 (US$1.38), respectively, which translates into non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per ADS of RMB36.80 (US$5.68) and RMB35.88 (US$5.52), respectively.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Operational Highlights

Solar Module Shipments

Total solar module shipments in the fourth quarter of 2015 amounted to 1,709.9 MW, including 92.7 MW to be used in the Company’s downstream projects. In comparison, total solar module shipments for the third quarter of 2015 amounted to 1,134.9 MW, including 71.0 MW to be used in the Company’s downstream projects.

Total solar module shipments in 2015 amounted to 4,511.6 MW, including 304.0 MW to be used in the Company’s downstream projects. In comparison, total solar module shipments in 2014 amounted to 2,943.4 MW, including 520 MW to be used in the Company’s downstream projects.

Solar Power Project Capacity

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had connected 1,006.6 MW of solar power projects to the grid.

Solar Products Production Capacity

As of December 31, 2015, the Company’s in-house annual silicon wafer, solar cell and solar module production capacity was 3 GW, 2.5 GW and 4.3 GW, respectively.

Recent Business Developments

• In November 2015, JinkoSolar was invited to the COP21 climate change conference held in Paris.
• In January 2016, JinkoSolar announced that its multi-crystalline PV modules were the first to receive the China Quality Certification Center’s Top Runner Program level-one energy efficiency certification in China.
• In January 2016, JinkoSolar announced that it had entered into an agreement to supply up to one gigawatt (GW) of solar PV modules to sPower, a leading US independent power producer (IPP) company.
• In January 2016, JinkoSolar announced that it had formed a consortium with RWE AG through its subsidiary RWE Innogy to jointly participate in the 800 MW Solar Photovoltaic Independent Power Project – Phase III tendered by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Operations and Business Outlook

First Quarter and Full Year 2016 Guidance

For the first quarter of 2016, the Company estimates total solar module shipments to be in the range of 1.3 GW to 1.4 GW, which includes 1.2 GW to 1.3 GW module shipments to third parties. Revenues will not be recognized for the modules shipped to its own downstream projects as required by U.S. GAAP.

For the full year 2016, the Company estimates total solar module shipments to be in the range of 6 GW and 6.5 GW which includes 5.4 GW to 5.7 GW module shipments to third parties. Full year newly-added solar power project development scale is expected to be in the range of 600 MW to 800 MW.