Daqo New Energy Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2017 Results

Publié le 2 mars 2018
Daqo Group 
Daqo New Energy Corp. announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year of 2017.

Fourth Quarter 2017 Financial and Operating Highlights

- Polysilicon production volume of 5,339 MT in Q4 2017, compared to 4,940 MT in Q3 2017

- Polysilicon external sales volume(1) of 4,730 MT in Q4 2017, compared to 4,500 MT in Q3 2017

- Polysilicon average total production cost(2) of $9.40/kg in Q4 2017, compared to $8.95/kg in Q3 2017

- Polysilicon average cash cost(2) of $7.64/kg in Q4 2017, compared to $7.16/kg in Q3 2017

- Polysilicon average selling price (ASP) was $19.09/kg in Q4 2017, increasing from $16.19/kg in Q3 2017

- Solar wafer sales volume of 22.3 million pieces in Q4 2017, compared to 26.4 million pieces in Q3 2017

- Revenue of $103.7 million in Q4 2017, increasing from $89.4 million in Q3 2017

- Gross profit of $46.9 million in Q4 2017, increasing from $36.4 million in Q3 2017. Gross margin of 45.2% in Q4 2017, increasing from 40.8% in Q3 2017

- Non-GAAP gross margin(3) of 45.6% in Q4 2017, increasing from 41.3% in Q3 2017

- EBITDA (non-GAAP)(3) of $53.6 million in Q4 2017, increasing from $42.3 million in Q3 2017

- EBITDA margin (non-GAAP)(3) of 51.7% in Q4 2017, increasing from 47.4% in Q3 2017

- Net income attributable to Daqo New Energy shareholders of $33.7 million in Q4 2017, increasing from $24.1 million in Q3 2017 and $4.1 million in Q4 2016

- Earnings per basic American Depository Share (ADS) of $3.16 in Q4 2017, increasing from $2.28 in Q3 2017, and $0.39 in Q4 2016

- Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)(3) attributable to Daqo New Energy shareholders of $35.3 million in Q4 2017, increasing from $25.6 million in Q3 2017 and $6.2 million in Q4 2016

- Adjusted earnings per basic ADS (non-GAAP)(3) of $3.31 in Q4 2017, increasing from $2.42 in Q3 2017, and $0.59 in Q4 2016


Full Year 2017 Financial and Operating Highlights

- Polysilicon production volume of 20,200 MT in 2017, an increase of 54.6% from 13,068 MT in 2016

- Polysilicon external sales volume(1) of 17,950 MT in 2017, an increase of 64.9% from 10,883 MT in 2016

- Solar Wafer sales volume of 98.0 million pieces in 2017, an increase of 18.4% from 82.8 million pieces in 2016

- Revenue of $352.9 million in 2017, an increase of 54.0% from $229.1 million in 2016

- Gross profit of $143.5 million in 2017, increasing from $80.4 million in 2016. Gross margin of 40.7% in 2017, increasing from 35.1% in 2016

- Non-GAAP gross margin(3) of 41.4% in 2017, increasing from 38.1% in 2016

- EBITDA (non-GAAP)(3) of $ 167.5 million in 2017, an increase of 68.7% from $99.3 million in 2016

- EBITDA margin (non-GAAP)(3) of 47.5% in 2017, increasing from 43.3% in 2016

- Net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders of $92.8 million in 2017, an increase of 113.5% from $43.5 million in 2016

- Earnings per basic ADS of $8.76 in 2017, an increase of 111.1% from $4.15 in 2016

- Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)(3) attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders of $99.5 million in 2017, an increase of 87.3% from $53.1 million in 2016

- Adjusted earnings per basic ADS (non-GAAP)(3) of $9.38 in 2017, an increase of 85.0% from $5.07 in 2016

Notes:

(1)The Company's polysilicon external sales volume excludes internal sales to Daqo New Energy's 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 attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders and adjusted earnings 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.

Management Remarks

"The fourth quarter of 2017 was an excellent quarter for Daqo New Energy in terms of both operational and financial performance, which concluded our fiscal year of 2017 as the best year in the Company's history. I would like to thank our entire team for their hard work and dedication for delivering such an outstanding financial and operational performance," commented Mr. Longgen Zhang, CEO of Daqo New Energy. 

"Despite the annual maintenance of our facilities and its impact on our operations during the quarter, we were able to produce 5,339 MT of polysilicon during the quarter, a new record for the Company. This was a direct result of our continuing focus on improving operational efficiency and maximizing overall output. Demand for our high-quality polysilicon products remained strong, allowing us to sell a record high of 4,730 MT of polysilicon during the quarter to external customers while generating total revenue of $103.7 million, an increase of 16.0% sequentially and 125% year-over-year. During the fourth quarter, the Company generated $33.7 million in net income attributable to Daqo New Energy shareholders and $53.6 million in EBITDA with an EBITDA margin of 51.7%. The fourth quarter earnings per basic ADS were $3.16, an increase of 38.6% from $2.28 in the prior quarter, and up 710.3% from fourth quarter of 2016."

"2017 was the strongest year in the Company's history. We produced 20,200 MT of polysilicon throughout the year, 12.2% more than our nameplate capacity of 18,000 MT. Our financial performance in 2017 was significantly better than in 2016, with revenues of $352.9 million, EBITDA of $167.5 million, net income attributable to Daqo New Energy shareholders of $92.8 million and net cash provided by operating activities of $142.7 million. While we are in a capital-intensive industry, our debt ratio improved to a healthy level of 47.3% by the end of 2017, compared to 58.6% at the end of 2016 which further strengthened our competitive positioning in the market."

"Our focus throughout the quarter and going into 2018 remains on reducing costs. Having successfully completed the annual maintenance of our facilities in October 2017, we resumed production with improved manufacturing efficiency. While average polysilicon production cost increased sequentially during the quarter, primarily due to higher raw material prices and the impact of an appreciation of RMB, our two biggest polysilicon manufacturing cost components, unit electricity consumption and unit silicon metal consumption, hit their lowest levels ever in December 2017. We are already working on several additional technological improvements that we expect will further reduce our costs in 2018."

"We are also devoting increasing resources to R&D and quality improvement. We continue to improve our front-end manufacturing process and post-production handling techniques to reduce impurities. This resulted in record levels of production for both electronic-grade polysilicon and mono-crystalline-grade polysilicon in January 2018. We are pleased with this achievement and believe it demonstrates the strength and effectiveness of our overall strategy and is another step towards becoming the leading supplier of electronic-grade and mono-crystalline-grade polysilicon in China."

"In 2017, approximately 100 GW of solar PV panels were installed globally. China continued to rank as the leading solar PV market in the world with total installations of approximately 53 GW. The United States, India and Japan rank as other top solar markets globally in 2017. According to the latest solar PV market reports, we expect to see low double-digit installation growth globally in 2018, with growth expected to pick up further in 2019. In addition, we are seeing rapid growth in demand for high-efficiency mono crystalline wafers as well as continued growth in demand for ultra-high purity mono-crystalline-grade polysilicon which only very few Chinese producers are able to produce. Demand for high-purity polysilicon products continues to be strong. We will continue to improve the quality of our polysilicon products and expect to increase production levels of polysilicon for mono wafers application."

"We completed the foundation and initial preparation work for our Phase 3B capacity expansion project during the quarter. Facility design and equipment procurement are progressing well and on schedule. With strong customer demand for our high-quality polysilicon products, we are planning to accelerate the construction pace so that we can begin production sooner. We expect to complete the entire Phase 3B project and begin pilot production in the first half of 2019, and reach full capacity of 30,000 MT by mid-2019. With the newly added capacity and our competitive advantages in polysilicon quality and production costs, we are strengthening our polysilicon manufacturing leadership position and are confident in our ability to meet growing demand and create additional value for our shareholders."

Outlook and guidance

The Company expects to produce approximately 5,300 MT to 5,500 MT of polysilicon and sell approximately 4,900 MT to 5,100 MT of polysilicon to external customers during the first quarter of 2018. The above external sales guidance excludes shipments of polysilicon to be used internally by the Company's Chongqing solar wafer facility, which utilizes polysilicon for its wafer manufacturing operation. Wafer sales volume is expected to be approximately 15.0 million to 20.0 million pieces for the first quarter of 2018. For the full year of 2018, the Company expects to produce approximately 22,000 to 23,000 MT of polysilicon, inclusive of the impact of our annual facility maintenance.

This outlook reflects Daqo New Energy's current and preliminary view as of the date of this press release and may be subject to change. The Company's ability to achieve these projections is subject to risks and uncertainties. See "Safe Harbor Statement" at the end of this press release.

Fourth Quarter 2017 Results

Revenues

Revenues were $103.7 million, compared to $89.4 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $46.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Revenues from polysilicon sales to external customers were $89.8 million, compared to $72.9 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $32.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. External polysilicon sales volume was 4,730 MT, compared to 4,500 MT in the third quarter of 2017, and 2,209 MT in the fourth quarter of 2016. The sequential increase in polysilicon revenues was primarily due to higher polysilicon sales volume and higher ASPs.

Revenues from wafer sales were $13.9 million, compared to $16.5 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $13.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Wafer sales volume was 22.3 million pieces, compared to 26.4 million pieces in the third quarter of 2017 and 21.3 million pieces in the fourth quarter of 2016. The sequential decrease in wafer revenues was primarily due to lower sales volume and lower wafer ASPs.

Gross profit and margin

Gross profit was approximately $46.9 million, compared to $36.4 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $14.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Non-GAAP gross profit, which excludes costs related to the non-operational polysilicon assets in Chongqing, was approximately $47.3 million, compared to $36.9 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $15.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Gross margin was 45.2%, compared to 40.8% in the third quarter of 2017 and 30.7% in the fourth quarter of 2016. The sequential increase in gross margin was primarily due to higher quarterly polysilicon ASPs offset by slightly higher polysilicon production cost affected by cost increase in raw materials and RMB's appreciation, as well as lower quarterly wafer gross margin.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, total costs related to the non-operational Chongqing polysilicon assets including depreciation were $0.4 million, compared to $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $1.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. The decrease in such costs was due to relocation of the idle equipment from the Company's Chongqing polysilicon plant to Xinjiang polysilicon plant. Excluding such costs, the non-GAAP gross margin was approximately 45.6%, compared to 41.3% in the third quarter of 2017 and 34.1% in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $4.7 million, compared to $4.4 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $3.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Research and development expenses

Research and development (R&D) expenses were approximately $0.1 million, compared to $0.1 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $2.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Research and development expenses could vary from period to period and reflected R&D activities that took place during the quarter.

Other operating income

Other operating income was $4.4 million, compared to $0.8 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $1.9 million in the fourth 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.

Impairment of long-lived assets

The Company recognized $3.0 million and $0.2 million fixed assets impairment loss for its Chongqing polysilicon facilities in the fourth quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company has relocated and will continue to relocate some of the Company's temporarily idle polysilicon machinery and equipment in Chongqing to the Company's Xinjiang polysilicon manufacturing facility. However, after further evaluations, some assets were identified as non-transferrable and/or not able to be reutilized by its Xinjiang polysilicon manufacturing or expansion projects. Thus, such assets were recorded as an impairment loss of long-lived assets.

Operating income and margin

As a result of the foregoing, operating income was $43.6 million, compared to $32.8 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $9.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Operating margin was 42.0%, compared to 36.7% in the third quarter of 2017 and 20.7% in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Interest expense

Interest expense was $4.1 million, compared to $4.3 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $4.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

EBITDA

EBITDA was $53.6 million, compared to $42.3 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $17.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. EBITDA margin was 51.7%, compared to 47.4% in the third quarter of 2017 and 38.3% in the fourth quarter of 2016.

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

As a result of the aforementioned, net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders was $33.7 million, compared to $24.1 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $4.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Earnings per basic ADS were $3.16, compared to $2.28 in the third quarter of 2017 and $0.39 in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Financial Condition

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had $72.7 million in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, compared to $61.6 million as of September 30, 2017 and $31.9 million as of December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2017, the accounts receivable balance was $3.0 million, compared to $4.6 million as of September 30, 2017 and $4.8 million as of December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2017, the notes receivable balance was $27.3 million, compared to $25.3 million as of September 30, 2017 and $13.0 million as of December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2017, total borrowings were $212.9 million, of which $113.6 million were long-term borrowings, compared to total borrowings of $216.8 million, including $119.3 million long-term borrowings, as of September 30, 2017 and total borrowings of $217.9 million, including $111.9 million long-term borrowings, as of December 31, 2016.

Cash Flows

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, net cash provided by operating activities was $142.7 million, an increase of 44.6% from $98.7 million in the same period of 2016. The increase was primarily due to improved profitability in our polysilicon segment.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, net cash used in investing activities was $63.1 million, compared to $66.1 million in the same period of 2016. The net cash used in investing activities in 2017 and 2016 was primarily related to the capital expenditure on the Xinjiang Phase 3A polysilicon projects.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, net cash used in financing activities was $37.4 million, compared to $30.3 million in the same period of 2016. Net cash used in financing activities in 2017 and 2016 primarily consists of repayment of related party loans and bank borrowings.

Full Year 2017 Results

Revenues

Revenues were $352.9 million in 2017, an increase of 54.0% from $229.1 million in 2016.

Revenues from polysilicon sales to external customers were $294.1 million in 2017, an increase of 75.5% from $167.5 million in 2016. During the first quarter of 2017, we fully ramped up our Xinjiang polysilicon facility to 18,000 MT annual capacity and achieved full production. Our annual polysilicon production volume increased by 54.6% from 13,068 MT in 2016 to 20,200 MT in 2017. Our external polysilicon sales volume increased by 64.9% from 10,883 MT in 2016 to 17,950 MT in 2017. In addition, our polysilicon ASPs also improved from $15.42/kg in 2016 to $16.41/kg in 2017.

Revenues from wafer sales were $58.8 million in 2017, compared to $61.6 million in 2016. Wafer sales volume was 98.0 million pieces, an increase of 18.4% from 82.8 million pieces in 2016. The decrease in wafer revenues as compared to 2016 was primarily due to lower ASPs.

Gross profit and margin

Gross profit was $143.5 million in 2017, an increase of 78.4% from $80.4 million in 2016. Gross margin was 40.7% in 2017, increased from 35.1% in 2016. The improvement in gross profit and gross margin was primarily attributable to our polysilicon segment.

Gross profit of the Company's polysilicon segment excluding costs related to the Chongqing idle polysilicon facilities, was $143.1 million in 2017, an increase of 83.1% from $78.2 million in 2016. Gross margin of the Company's polysilicon segment was 48.7%, increased from 46.7% in 2016. The increase in polysilicon gross profit and gross margin excluding costs related to the Chongqing idle polysilicon facilities was primarily due to higher sales volume, higher ASPs and improvement in polysilicon cost structure. The Company sold 17,950 MT of polysilicon in 2017, an increase of 64.9% from 10,883 MT in 2016. The Company's annual polysilicon ASP increased 6.4% from $15.42/kg in 2016 to $16.41/kg in 2017. The Company's annual average polysilicon production cost (including depreciation) decreased by 4.2% from $9.23/kg in 2016 to $8.84/kg in 2017.

Gross profit of our wafer segment was $2.8 million in 2017, a decrease from $9.2 million in 2016. Gross margin of our wafer segment was 4.7% in 2017, as compared to 14.9% in 2016. The decrease in wafer gross profit and gross margin was primarily due to lower ASPs, despite lower average manufacturing costs when compared to 2016.

Total costs related to the non-operational Chongqing polysilicon plant including depreciation were $2.4 million in 2017, a decrease from $6.9 million in 2016. The decrease was due to relocation of the idle equipment from the Company's Chongqing polysilicon plant to Xinjiang polysilicon plant. Excluding such costs, the non-GAAP gross margin was approximately 41.4% in 2017, an increase from 38.1% in 2016.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $17.7 million in 2017, compared to $16.1 million in 2016. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased shipping cost, as a result of higher polysilicon shipping volume.

Research and development expenses

Research and development (R&D) expenses were $0.9 million in 2017, compared to $4.0 million in 2016. Research and development expenses could vary from period to period and reflected R&D activities that took place during the period.

Other operating income

Other operating income was $6.8 million in 2017, compared to $5.3 million in 2016, which mainly consisted of unrestricted cash incentives that we received from local government authorities, which varies from period to period at the discretion of the government.

Impairment of long-lived assets

The Company recognized a $3.0 million and $0.2 million in impairment loss related to the long-lived assets of its Chongqing polysilicon facilities in 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company has relocated and will continue to relocate some of the Company's temporarily idle polysilicon machinery and equipment in Chongqing to the Company's Xinjiang polysilicon manufacturing facility. However, after further evaluations, some assets were identified as non-transferrable and/or not able to be reutilized by its Xinjiang polysilicon manufacturing or expansion projects. Thus, such assets were recorded as the impairment loss of long-lived assets.

Operating income and margin

As a result of the foregoing, operating income was $128.7 million in 2017, an increase of 96.7% from $65.4 million in 2016. Operating margin was 36.5% in 2017, increasing from 28.6% in 2016.

Interest expense

Interest expense was $18.0 million in 2017, compared to $14.6 million in 2016.

Income tax expense

Income tax expenses were $17.3 million in 2017, compared to $7.4 million in 2016. The increase was primarily due to the strong growth in income before income taxes as of a result of the foregoing discussion.

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

Net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders of $92.8 million in 2017, an increase of 113.5% from $43.5 million in 2016. Earnings per basic ADS were $8.76 in 2017, an increase of 111.1% from $4.15 in 2016.

Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders was $99.5 million in 2017, an increase of 87.3% from $53.1 million in 2016. Adjusted earnings per basic ADS (non-GAAP) were of $9.38 in 2017, an increase of 85.0% from $5.07 in 2016.


Profil ENF des Entreprises Mentionnées dans l’Article

Daqo Group (Composants): https://fr.enfsolar.com/daqo-group
Daqo Group (Matériaux Solaires): https://fr.enfsolar.com/daqo-group
Daqo Group (Panneaux Solaires): https://fr.enfsolar.com/daqo-group
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