CHANGZHOU, China, Nov. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Trina Solar Limited (NYSE: TSL) ('Trina Solar' or the 'Company'), a global leader in photovoltaic ('PV') modules, solutions, and services, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2016.

Third Quarter 2016 Financial and Operating Highlights

  • Total module shipments were 1,361.2 MW, compared with 1,658.3 MW in the second quarter of 2016, and 1,703.2 MW in the third quarter of 2015.
  • Net revenues were $741.1 million, compared with $961.6 million in the second quarter of 2016 and $792.6 million in the third quarter of 2015.
  • Gross profit was $125.6 million, compared with $176.3 million in the second quarter of 2016 and $138.2 million in the third quarter of 2015.
  • Gross margin was 16.9%, compared with 18.3% in the second quarter of 2016 and 17.4% in the third quarter of 2015.
  • Operating income was $54.9 million, compared with $83.7 million in the second quarter of 2016 and $5.8 million in the third quarter of 2015.
  • Net income attributable to Trina Solar's ordinary shareholders was $27.1 million, compared with $40.3 million in the second quarter of 2016 and a net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of $20.0 million in the third quarter of 2015.
  • Earnings per fully diluted American Depositary Share ('ADS'; each ADS representing 50 ordinary shares) were $0.29, compared with $0.42 in the second quarter of 2016 and a loss per fully diluted ADS of $0.24 in the third quarter of 2015.

Mr. Jifan Gao, Chairman and CEO of Trina Solar, commented, 'Largely as expected, we had a slowdown in the third quarter as a result of an oversupply and increasing inventory levels of modules in the market, as well as weak demand in China following a strong first half of the year as developers rushed to place orders prior to a subsidy policy adjustment. As a result, our total shipments of 1.36 GW came in lower than the bottom end of our guidance. Despite the headwinds, we were pleased that we were able to maintain our leading position in the U.S. and achieve record shipments to Europe. Moreover, shipments to India grew substantially and accounted for nearly 30% of our total shipments.

'On the downstream business side, we connected 26.0 MW of projects in China, of which 24.6 MW were DG projects. We will continue to execute our strategic initiatives to develop our downstream business in a prudent manner.

'We remain committed to pushing the technological boundary and commercializing high-efficiency cells. Recently, our R&D team set a world record of 19.86% aperture efficiency for our high-efficiency 'Honey Plus' multicrystalline silicon modules. This achievement brought the total number of world records that we have set to 14.'

Third Quarter 2016 Results

Net Revenues

Net revenues were $741.1 million, which includes $60.6 million in revenues from electricity generated by the Company's operational downstream solar power projects recorded as property, plant and equipment (PP&E) on its balance sheet, EPC services and other downstream business activities. Total net revenues declined 22.9% sequentially and 6.5% year-over-year. Total shipments were 1,361.2 MW, consisting of 1,340.6 MW of external shipments which were recognized in revenue and 20.6 MW of shipments to the Company's downstream power projects. This compares with total shipments of 1,658.3 MW in the second quarter of 2016, consisting of 1,619.0 MW of external shipments and 39.3 MW of shipments to the Company's own downstream power projects, and total shipments of 1,703.2 MW in the third quarter of 2015, consisting of 1,353.2 MW of external shipments and 350.0 MW of shipments to the Company's own downstream projects. The sequential decreases in revenues and shipments were primarily attributable to an overall decline in average selling prices (ASP) and a decrease of shipments in China following a rush of orders prior to June 30 in anticipation of a subsidy policy adjustment.

Gross Profit and Margin

Gross profit was $125.6 million, compared with $176.3 million in the second quarter of 2016 and $138.2 million in the third quarter of 2015.

Gross margin was 16.9%, compared with 18.3% in the second quarter of 2016 and 17.4% in the third quarter of 2015. The sequential and year-over-year decreases in gross margin were mainly because ASP declined at a faster rate than the Company's reduction of costs.

Operating Expenses, Income and Margin

Operating expenses were $70.6 million, compared with $92.6 million in the second quarter of 2016 and $132.3 million in the third quarter of 2015. Operating expenses included a reversal of accounts receivable provision of $2.8 million in the third quarter of 2016, compared with an accounts receivable provision of $2.4 million in the second quarter of 2016, and $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2015.

The Company's operating expenses accounted for 9.5% of net revenues during the third quarter of 2016, a decrease from 9.6% in the second quarter of 2016 and from 16.7% in the third quarter of 2015. The year-over-year decrease was primarily attributable to other operating income, which offsets operating expenses. Other operating income, mainly representing income from electricity generated from the Company's downstream solar power projects that are recorded as current assets on the balance sheet prior to the sale of the projects, was $17.2 million in the third quarter of 2016, $7.1 million in the second quarter of 2016 and nil in the third quarter of 2015. In addition, the Company booked a provision of $45.0 million for the settlement of a lawsuit with Solyndra in the third quarter of 2015. Excluding other operating income and the Solyndra settlement provision, the Company's operating expenses accounted for 11.9% of net revenues during the third quarter of 2016, an increase from 10.4% in the second quarter of 2016 and 11.0% in the third quarter of 2015.This sequential and year-over-year increase was mainly due to the decline of revenues in the third quarter of 2016, from the second quarter of 2016 and the third quarter of 2015.

As a result, operating income was $54.9 million, compared with $83.7 million in the second quarter of 2016 and $5.8 million in the third quarter of 2015. Operating margin was 7.4%, compared with 8.7% in the second quarter of 2016 and 0.7% in the third quarter of 2015.

Net Interest Expense

Net interest expense was $28.6 million, compared with $25.5 million in the second quarter of 2016 and $13.1 million in the third quarter of 2015. The sequential increase in net interest expense was mainly due to less interest expense being capitalized in the third quarter of 2016 and the year-over-year increase in net interest expenses was mainly due to the increase in bank borrowings.

Foreign Currency Exchange Gain (Loss)

The Company recorded a net foreign currency exchange gain of $2.3 million, which included a gain on the change in fair value of foreign exchange derivative instruments of $2.4 million. This compares with a net loss of $2.9 million in the second quarter of 2016 and a net loss of $13.1 million in the third quarter of 2015. The foreign currency exchange gain in the third quarter of 2016 was primarily because the appreciation of the Euro and the Japanese Yen against the USD offset the depreciation of the RMB and the British pound against the USD.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense was $5.9 million, compared with $16.5 million in the second quarter of 2016 and an income tax benefit of $3.1 million in the third quarter of 2015. The sequential decrease in income tax expense was mainly due to the decrease in taxable profits in the third quarter of 2016, compared with the second quarter of 2016.

Net Income and Earnings per ADS

Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Trina Solar was $27.1 million, compared with $40.3 million in the second quarter of 2016, and a net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of $20.0 million in the third quarter of 2015. Net margin was 3.7%, compared with 4.2% in the second quarter of 2016 and negative 2.5% in the third quarter of 2015.

Earnings per fully diluted ADS were $0.29, compared with $0.42 in the second quarter of 2016 and a loss per fully diluted ADS of $0.24 in the third quarter of 2015.

Financial Condition

As of September 30, 2016, the Company had $625.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash. Total borrowings were $1,757.4 million, of which $1,108.3 million were short-term borrowings.

In the first quarter of 2016, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest, which requires that debt issuance costs be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability, instead of being reported on the balance sheet as an asset. Accordingly, debt issuance costs with an amortized balance of $9.6 million, which used to be reported as an asset, have been retrospectively reclassified as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability as of September 30, 2015.

Shareholders' equity was $1,140.7 million as of September 30, 2016, an increase from $1,113.8 million as of June 30, 2016 and $1,011.9 million as of September 30, 2015.

Operations and Business Updates

Manufacturing Capacity

As of September 30, 2016, the Company had the following annualized in-­house manufacturing capacities:

  • Ingot production capacity of approximately 2.3 GW;
  • Wafer capacity of approximately 1.8 GW;
  • PV cell capacity of approximately 5.0 GW; and
  • PV module capacity of approximately 6.0 GW.

Project Development

In the third quarter of 2016, the Company connected a total of 26.0 MW of PV projects to the grid in China, including 1.4 MW of utility projects and 24.6 MW of DG projects.

As of September 30, 2016, the Company had a total of 1,302.8 MW downstream solar projects in grid-connected operation, including 1,267.6 MW in China, 4.2 MW in the U.S., and 31.0 MW in Europe. The 1,267.6 MW of projects in China consisted of 1,017.1 MW of utility projects and 250. 5 MW of DG projects.

Going Private Transaction and the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders

On August 1, 2016, the Company entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger, pursuant to which the Company will be acquired by an investor consortium in an all-cash transaction implying an equity value of the Company of approximately $1.1 billion (the 'Merger'). The Company has called an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, to be held at 10:00 a.m. Beijing Time on December 16, 2016, to consider and vote on the Merger.

About Trina Solar Limited

Trina Solar Limited (NYSE:TSL) is a global leader in PV modules, solutions and services. Founded in 1997 as a PV system integrator, Trina Solar today drives smart energy together with installers, distributors, utilities and developers worldwide. The company's industry-leading position is based on innovation excellence, superior product quality, vertically integrated capabilities and environmental stewardship. For more information, please visit www.trinasolar.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as 'will,' 'may,' 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'aim,' 'intend,' 'plan,' 'believe,' 'estimate,' 'potential,' 'continue,' and other similar statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the Company's ability to raise additional capital to finance its activities; the effectiveness, profitability and marketability of its products; our expectations regarding the expansion of the Company's manufacturing capacities; the Company's future business development; the Company's downstream project development and pipeline; the Company's beliefs regarding its production output and production outlook; the future trading of the securities of the Company; the Company's ability to operate as a public company; the period of time for which the Company's current liquidity will enable the Company to fund its operations; general economic and business conditions; demand in various markets for solar products; the volatility of the Company's operating results and financial condition; the Company's ability to attract or retain qualified senior management personnel and research and development staff; and other risks detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

In addition, the commencement of any downstream project is subject to a number of factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control, such as the availability of network transmission and interconnection facilities, as well as obtaining certain government approvals, project rights based on the land location, land use rights as well as the right to construct manufacturing facilities in the relevant locations.

These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company and the industry in which the Company operates. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results.

Trina Solar Limited

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(US dollars in thousands, except ADS and share data)

For the Three Months Ended

Sep. 30,

Jun. 30,

Sep. 30,

2016

2016

2015

Net revenues

$

741,058

$

961,623

$

792,599

Cost of revenues

615,503

785,295

654,449

Gross profit

125,555

176,328

138,150

Operating expenses

Selling expenses

42,991

44,833

45,389

General and administrative expenses

38,977

43,193

34,790

Research and development expenses

5,853

11,691

7,166

Provision for settlement of lawsuit with Solyndra

-

-

45,000

Other operating income

(17,208)

(7,105)

-

Total operating expenses

70,613

92,612

132,345

Operating income

54,942

83,716

5,805

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

(50)

(6,877)

(11,485)

Interest expenses

(29,102)

(25,973)

(13,503)

Interest income

538

461

432

Gain (loss) on change in fair value of derivative

2,387

4,000

(1,586)

Other income, net

2,953

4,601

2,681

Income (loss) before income taxes

31,668

59,928

(17,656)

Income tax benefit (expense)

(5,910)

(16,500)

3,149

Net income (loss)

25,758

43,428

(14,507)

(Income)/Loss attributable to the
noncontrolling interests

1,355

(3,155)

(5,483)

Net income (loss) attributable to Trina Solar Limited

$

27,113

$

40,273

$

(19,990)

Earnings (loss) per ADS*

Basic

$

0.32

$

0.47

$

(0.24)

Diluted

$

0.29

$

0.42

$

(0.24)

Weighted average ADS outstanding*

Basic

85,124,632

84,932,283

84,662,352

Diluted

106,151,888

105,297,396

84,662,352

* 'ADS' refers to any of our American depository shares, each representing 50 ordinary shares.

Trina Solar Limited

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(US dollars in thousands)

For the Three Months Ended

Sep. 30,

Jun. 30,

Sep. 30,

2016

2016

2015

Net income (loss)

$

25,758

$

43,428

$

(14,507)

Other comprehensive income (loss):

Foreign currency translation adjustments

(2,834)

(10,873)

(2,430)

Comprehensive income (loss)

22,924

32,555

(16,937)

Comprehensive (income)/ loss attributable
to non-controlling interests

1,782

(2,284)

(4,030)

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Trina Solar Limited

$

24,706

$

30,271

$

(20,967)

Trina Solar Limited

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(US dollars in thousands)

As of Sep. 30,

As of Jun. 30,

As of Sep. 30,

2016

2016

2015

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

455,964

$

648,113

$

279,112

Restricted cash

169,239

183,428

206,964

Inventories

433,839

509,496

507,018

Downstream solar project assets

709,486

692,248

30,194

Accounts receivable, net

779,040

655,281

687,961

Current portion of advances to suppliers, net

14,128

30,434

48,048

Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net

291,792

280,627

218,590

Total current assets

2,853,488

2,999,627

1,977,887

Property, plant and equipment, net

(including downstream solar project assets

of $788,551, $798,235 and $970,447
as of each period-end, respectively)

1,880,081

1,840,968

1,906,112

Prepaid land use rights, net

66,089

66,249

51,632

Advances to suppliers, net of current portion

18,179

19,746

13,045

Investment in equity affiliates

35,384

32,981

26,177

Deferred income tax assets, net

35,524

35,889

31,942

Other noncurrent assets

85,335

97,751

89,043

TOTAL ASSETS

$

4,974,080

$

5,093,211

$

4,095,838

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term borrowings

$

1,108,301

$

1,157,760

$

1,004,160

Accounts payable

1,073,753

1,227,028

1,130,404

Convertible senior notes

171,192

170,740

-

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

464,926

418,141

292,766

Total current liabilities

2,818,172

2,973,669

2,427,330

Long-term borrowings, excluding current portion

649,137

634,969

167,748

Convertible senior notes

112,522

111,959

279,711

Accrued warranty costs

139,218

141,692

122,066

Other noncurrent liabilities

69,303

73,508

45,319

Total liabilities

3,788,352

3,935,797

3,042,174

Ordinary shares

43

43

43

Additional paid-in capital

765,279

763,090

756,957

Retained earnings

373,226

346,113

237,541

Accumulated other comprehensive income

2,141

4,548

17,381

Total Trina Solar Limited shareholders' equity

1,140,689

1,113,794

1,011,922

Non-controlling interests

45,039

43,620

41,742

Total equity

1,185,728

1,157,414

1,053,664

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$

4,974,080

$

5,093,211

$

4,095,838

Note: In the first quarter of 2016, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest, and retrospectively reclassified the debt issuance costs to reduce the carrying amount of short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term borrowings by $1,100, long-term borrowings (excluding current portion) by $738, and convertible senior notes by $7,789 as of Sep.30, 2015.

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SOURCE Trina Solar Limited

Trina Solar Limited published this content on 23 November 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
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