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TechnoratiSuntech Reports Third Quarter 2009 Financial Results
/PRNewswire-Asia/ --Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer, today announced financial results for its third fiscal quarter...
ended
Third Quarter 2009 Highlights
-- Total net revenues increased 47.4% sequentially to $473.1 million in
the third quarter of 2009
-- Gross profit margin for the core wafer to module business was 20.0% in
the third quarter of 2009, compared with 19.1% in the second quarter of
2009
-- Consolidated gross profit margin was 17.8% in the third quarter of 2009,
compared with 18.6% in the second quarter 2009
-- Net income attributable to holders of ordinary shares was $29.8 million,
or $0.16 per diluted American Depository Share (ADS). Each ADS
represents one ordinary share
-- Suntech's multi-crystalline Pluto-powered module achieved world record
conversion efficiency of 16.53%
-- Full-year 2009 PV shipment target increased from 600MW to a range of
640MW to 660MW
-- Suntech targets to increase total PV cell and module production
capacity to 1.4GW by the middle of 2010, of which 450MW will be
Pluto-enabled
"We are very pleased to announce strong revenue growth and a healthy
bottom line for the third quarter of 2009," said Dr.
Chairman and CEO. "The significant pick up in demand was largely due to a
seasonal rush before end-of-year policy adjustments and improving customer
returns on investments in solar projects. It was also due to customer
recognition of Suntech's attractive value proposition of exceptional product
performance at a reasonable price.
"Complementing strong growth in the German market, we are particularly
pleased to see 100% sequential shipment growth in the U.S. market and the
rapid development of a number of non-traditional PV markets such as the
Republic
solar industry and Suntech's ability to enter emerging markets.
"During the third quarter we continued to develop Suntech's
industry-leading sales and service infrastructure and to differentiate our
products through innovation. In
the addition of four new senior executives; in the U.S. we launched our North
American Partner Program; and in
nation's most capable system installation and project development teams.
"On the technology front, our proprietary Pluto technology set another
world record conversion efficiency of 16.53% for a commercial grade
multi-crystalline silicon module. This record beat all previous records for
multi-crystalline silicon modules made in the lab or on commercial production
lines and reinforces our dedication to providing the most advanced and
cost-effective solar solutions. In addition, we introduced Reliathon(TM), an
industry-first integrated utility-scale solar platform combining product and
business-term innovations to lower costs and accelerate the path to grid
parity.
"Looking forward, we expect the sales momentum to carry into the new year
and see potential for at least 75% shipment growth in 2010. To support the
increased volume we have decided to move forward with expansion plans and
target to reach 1.4GW of PV cell and module production capacity by the middle
of 2010. With our commitment to delivering premium quality products at a
reasonable price, expanding our global service platform and delivering
world-class innovation, we believe we are extremely well positioned to
continue to build market share and serve a growing base of solar customers,"
concluded Dr. Shi.
RECENT BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS
New Manufacturing and Service Initiatives
-- Suntech selected the greater Phoenix, Arizona as the site for its first
U.S. manufacturing plant. The plant will have an initial production
capacity of 30 MW, provide employment for a minimum of 75 people, and
is expected to begin production in the third quarter of 2010.
-- Suntech's new North American Partner Program will offer selected
dealers a co-marketing fund, training and services, financing programs,
and priority access to its innovative product line.
-- Suntech recently broadened its European management team with the
appointment of four new senior executives. The company has quadrupled
employees of Suntech Europe in 2009 in order to enhance Suntech's
world-class customer sales and service platform.
Sales Agreements and Project Announcements
-- Suntech entered into a sales agreement with enXco, an EDF Energies
Nouvelles Company, to supply up to 115MW of photovoltaic modules in
2010.
-- Suntech targets to develop approximately 20% of the 91MW of solar
projects that were approved under China's Solar Rooftop Program.
Suntech has completed 4MW of its approved projects and plans to develop
the remainder by mid-2010.
-- Suntech dedicated the first 10MW utility-scale solar power project in
Shizuishan, Ningxia Autonomous Region, China. Developed in conjunction
with China Energy Conservation Investment Corporation, this project is
the first phase of a 50MW solar plant targeted to be completed by 2011.
-- Suntech started developing a 10MW solar power plant in Dongtai, Jiangsu
Province in conjunction with Huadian New Energy Development Co., Ltd.
Suntech will supply solar modules and design and manage the
installation of the plant.
-- Suntech entered into a memorandum of understanding with Pakistan's
Alternative Energy Development Board to develop solar energy
applications that address the energy shortage in Pakistan.
Technology
-- Suntech announced that it has set a new world record conversion
efficiency (aperture area only) of 16.53% for a multi-crystalline
silicon module. The module was tested by the Fraunhofer Institute for
Solar Energy Systems ISE.
-- Suntech launched Reliathon, an industry-first integrated solar platform
for utility-scale solar plants. Reliathon reduces total system costs as
much as 10% and offers increases in revenue potential, with 13.8% more
power warranted over the lifetime of the system.
-- Suntech targets to reach 450MW of Pluto-enabled PV production capacity
by mid-2010. This will include both retrofitted Pluto production lines
and the addition of new Pluto production lines.
Third Quarter 2009 Results
Total net revenues for the third quarter of 2009 were
increase of 47.4% from
Gross margin for the core wafer to module business was 20.0% in the third
quarter of 2009, compared with 19.1% in the second quarter of 2009.
For the third quarter of 2009, consolidated gross profit was
and gross margin was 17.8% compared to consolidated gross profit of
million
gross margins were primarily due to low profitability of the systems
integration business in
utility scale solar projects.
Operating expenses for the third quarter of 2009 were
compared to
the third quarter included a net
Income from operations was
compared to
Net interest expense was
compared to net interest expense of
2009. Net interest expense in the third quarter of 2009 includes
non-cash expenses of which
Codification 470-20-65. This compares to
expense in the second quarter of 2009.
Foreign currency exchange gain was
2009 compared to
currency gain in the third quarter was primarily related to the appreciation
of the Euro versus the USD.
Net other expense was
with
other expense in the third quarter was primarily due to losses from
mark-to-market valuation of foreign exchange forward contracts.
Net income attributable to holders of ordinary shares was
or
of
In the third quarter of 2009, the major non-cash related expenses were
share-based compensation charges of
interest expenses, as mentioned above; and depreciation and amortization
expenses of
In the third quarter of 2009, capital expenditures, which were primarily
for the construction of the thin film production facilities in
other infrastructure projects to support expansion of Pluto capacity, totaled
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term principal guaranteed investment
increased to
Accounts receivable was
with
revenue growth in the third quarter of 2009. Days sales outstanding were 80
days in the third quarter of 2009, compared to 82 days in the second quarter
of 2009.
Accounts receivable due from investee companies of GSF was
as of
The increase was due to the appreciation of the Euro versus the USD during the
third quarter. Suntech expects to collect the outstanding accounts receivable
from GSF investee companies before the end of 2009.
Inventory was
due to the higher production rate and greater goods in transit to customers.
Accounts payable was
with
primarily due to extended credit terms with suppliers.
Business Outlook
Suntech expects fourth quarter 2009 shipments to be at least 10% higher
than the third quarter of 2009. Gross margin in the fourth quarter of 2009 is
expected to be relatively flat compared to the third quarter of 2009.
Suntech has increased full-year 2009 PV shipment target from 600MW to a
range of 640MW to 660MW. Capital expenditures are expected to be
approximately
Looking into next year, Suntech expects at least 75% shipment growth in
2010. The company targets to expand to 1.4GW of PV cell and module production
capacity by the middle of 2010, of which 450MW will be Pluto-enabled.
Accordingly, Suntech expects capital expenditures to be approximately
million
Third Quarter 2009 Conference Call Information
Suntech management will host a conference call today,
19, 2009
to discuss the Company's results.
To access the conference call, please dial +1-617-614-3523 (for U.S.
callers/international callers) or +852-3002-1672 (for HK callers) and ask to
be connected to the Suntech earnings conference call. To enhance the
presentation of information and data during the conference call, Suntech has
provided a set of PowerPoint slides which are posted on the main page of the
Investor Center of Suntech's website at http://www.suntech-power.com . A live
and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on Suntech's
website at http://www.suntech-power.com under Investor Center: Financial
Events.
A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available until
About Suntech
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) is the world's leading solar
energy company as measured by production output of crystalline silicon solar
modules. Suntech designs, develops, manufactures, and markets premium quality,
high-output, cost-effective and environmentally friendly solar products for
electric power applications in the residential, commercial, industrial, and
public utility sectors. Suntech offers an extensive range of customer-centric
innovations, including Suntech's patent-pending Pluto technology for
crystalline silicon solar cells, which improves power output by up to 12%
compared to conventional production methods, the Reliathon(TM), the industry's
first fully integrated utility-scale solar platform, and its broad range of
building-integrated solar products.
Suntech designs and delivers commercial and utility scale solar power
systems in
passionate about improving the environment we live in and dedicated to
developing advanced solar solutions that enable sustainable development. For
more information, please visit http://www.suntech-power.com .
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements
constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in 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,
and includes annual shipment guidance for 2009, the ability to increase PV
cell production capacity to 1.4GW by mid-2010, Pluto capacity in 2010, Q4 2009
sales, the ability of Suntech to enter emerging markets, the ability of
Reliathon to lower costs and accelerate the path to grid parity, the ability
to expand our global service platform and deliver world-class innovation, the
production capacity, employment and production commencement of the U.S.
manufacturing plant, the number of megawatts to be supplied to enXco in 2010,
the completion date of a 50MW plant in Ningxia; expected Q4 2009 shipments and
gross margin; full year 2009 shipment expectations; and 2009 and 2010 capital
expenditures. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-
looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is
included in Suntech's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission,
including its annual report on Form 20-F. Suntech does not undertake any
obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable
law.
For further information, please contact:
In China:
Rory Macpherson
Investor Relations Director
Tel: +86-21-6288-5574
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
In the United States:
Kristen McNally
Executive Vice President
The Piacente Group, Inc. (Investor Relations Counsel, Suntech)
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Note: The quarterly consolidated income statements are unaudited. The
condensed consolidated balance sheets are derived from Suntech's
unaudited consolidated financial statements.
SUNTECH POWER HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In $'000)
As of As of
Sept 30, June 30,
2009 2009
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents 655,743 760,544
Restricted cash 158,414 180,369
Inventories 284,548 269,705
Accounts receivable 420,385 292,145
-----from GSF Investee Companies 112,114 108,410
-----from others 308,271 183,735
Value-added tax recoverable 52,532 78,433
Advances to suppliers 43,431 53,824
Short-term investments 200,000 --
Other current assets 280,869 200,790
Total current assets 2,095,922 1,835,810
Property, plant and equipment, net 766,512 733,684
Intangible assets, net 172,376 165,221
Goodwill 87,994 83,566
Investments in affiliates 240,366 229,080
Long-term prepayments 174,494 181,992
Long-term loan to suppliers 54,999 55,882
Amount due from related parties 187,906 203,636
Other non-current assets 118,759 102,642
TOTAL ASSETS 3,899,328 3,591,513
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings, including
current portion of long-term bank
borrowings 847,596 806,833
Accounts payable 196,782 120,130
Convertible notes-current 219,562 214,781
Other current liabilities 216,443 178,607
Total current liabilities 1,480,383 1,320,351
Long-term bank borrowings 136,281 136,174
Convertible notes-non-current 509,759 453,746
Accrued warranty costs 50,140 45,630
Other long-term liabilities 156,557 115,435
Total liabilities 2,333,120 2,071,336
Total equity 1,566,208 1,520,177
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
EQUITY 3,899,328 3,591,513
SUNTECH POWER HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
(In $'000, except share, per share, and per ADS data)
Three months Three months Three months
ended ended ended
Sept 30, June 30, Sept 30,
2008 2009 2009
As adjusted
Total net revenues 594,403 320,959 473,113
Total cost of revenues 466,065 261,263 389,036
Gross profit 128,338 59,696 84,077
Selling expenses 14,774 11,501 15,477
General and administrative expenses 21,808 22,808 17,096
Research and development expenses 4,682 4,322 6,753
Total operating expenses 41,264 38,631 39,326
Income from operations 87,074 21,065 44,751
Interest expense -29,944 -25,884 -24,963
Interest income 8,805 1,577 1,430
Foreign exchange (loss)/gain -16,612 17,530 10,498
Other expense -3,171 -2,546 -3,800
Income before income taxes 46,152 11,742 27,916
Tax (provision)/benefit -3,651 168 -122
Net income after taxes before
minority interest and equity in
earnings of affiliates 42,501 11,910 27,794
Added Equity in (loss) earnings of
affiliates -- -2,293 2,377
Net income 42,501 9,617 30,171
Earnings attributable to non-
controlling interest 141 357 -379
Net income attributable to holders
of ordinary shares 42,642 9,974 29,792
Net income per share and per ADS:
- Basic 0.27 0.06 0.17
- Diluted 0.25 0.06 0.16
Shares and ADSs used in
computation:
- Basic 155,835,915 164,483,191 178,916,675
- Diluted 185,490,716 172,611,156 182,138,633
Each ADS represents one ordinary share
SOURCE Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.
