SHANGRAO, China : JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (“JinkoSolar” or the “Company”) (NYSE: JKS), one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2022.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Business Highlights
- Significant year-over-year growth in module shipments in the fourth quarter and full year 2022 on back of strong global demand.
- At the end of 2022, we became the first module manufacturer in the world to have delivered a total of 130GW solar modules.
- In December 2022, our high-efficiency N-Type monocrystalline silicon solar cell set a new record with maximum conversion efficiency of 26.4%, exceeding the record of 26.1% we set in October 2022.
- At the end of 2022, the mass production efficiency of N-type TOPCon cells reached 25.1%, and the integrated cost of N-type modules was close to that of P-type modules.
- N-type module shipments of approximately 7GW in the fourth quarter helped us achieve the 10GW target we set for the full year 2022.
Fourth Quarter 2022 Operational and Financial Highlights
- Quarterly shipments were 16,802 MW (16,020 MW for solar modules, and 782 MW for cells and wafers), up 54.8% sequentially, and up 73.3% year-over-year.
- Total revenues were RMB30.40 billion (US$4.41 billion), up 55.8% sequentially and up 85.5% year-over-year. The sequential and year-over-year increases were mainly attributable to an increase in the shipment of solar modules.
- Gross profit was RMB4.28 billion (US$620.0 million), up 39.2% sequentially and up 61.7% year-over-year.
- Gross margin was 14.1%, compared with 15.7% in Q3 2022 and 16.1% in Q4 2021. The sequential and year-over-year decreases were mainly due to an increase in the cost of silicon.
- Net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd’s ordinary shareholders was RMB709.7 million (US$102.9 million), compared with RMB549.8 million in Q3 2022 and RMB239.5 million in Q4 2021.
- Adjusted net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd’s ordinary shareholders, which excludes the impact from (i) a change in fair value of the convertible senior notes (the “Notes”), (ii) a change in fair value of long-term investment and (iii) the share based compensation expenses, was RMB312.4 million (US$45.3 million), compared with RMB427.5 million in Q3 2022 and RMB234.6 million in Q4 2021.
- Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were RMB3.53 (US$0.51) and RMB1.46 (US$0.21), respectively. This translates into basic and diluted earnings per ADS of RMB14.11 (US$2.05) and RMB5.83 (US$0.85), respectively.
Full Year 2022 Operational and Financial Highlights
Annual shipments were 46,580 MW (including 44,520 MW for solar modules, and 2,060 MW for cells and wafers), up 84.5% year over year.
Total revenues were RMB83.53 billion (US$12.11 billion), up 104.6% year over year. The year-over-year increases were mainly attributable to an increase in the shipment of solar modules.
Gross profit was RMB12.35 billion (US$1.79 billion), up 85.4% year over year.
Gross margin of 14.8%, compared with 16.3% in full year of 2021. The decrease was mainly due to an increase in the cost of silicon.
Income from operations of RMB461.0 million (US$66.8 million), down 58.2% year over year.
Net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd’s ordinary shareholders was RMB665.2 million (US$96.4 million), down 7.7% year over year.
Adjusted net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd’s ordinary shareholders, which excludes the impact from (i) a change in fair value of the “Notes”, (ii)a change in fair value of long-term investment and (iii)the share based compensation expenses, was RMB1.44 billion (US$208.3 million), up 1.7 times year over year.
Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were RMB3.36 (US$0.49) and RMB3.32 (US$0.48), respectively. This translates into basic and diluted earnings per ADS of RMB13.44 (US$1.95) and RMB13.28 (US$1.93), respectively.
Mr. Xiande Li, JinkoSolar’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We closed a challenging 2022 with satisfactory results as we delivered strong operational and financial performance in the fourth quarter. Leveraging our outstanding global supply chain management and marketing network, our total shipments and total revenue increased significantly year over year. At the end of 2022, we became the first in the industry to reach the milestone of delivering a total of 130GW solar modules. Throughout the year, as raw material costs continued to rise, we continued to optimize our cost structure relentlessly through technical advancement and manufacturing process improvement, which partially relieved the pressure on profitability. Annual shipments of high-efficiency premium N-type products exceeded 10 GW, further optimizing our product mix and gradually improving our profitability. Net income was approximately US$102.9million, up 29.1% sequentially, and nearly tripling year-over-year.
Throughout 2022, the growth in demand for solar products did not slow down despite the compounded challenges in the industry such as the surge in raw material costs, pandemic disruption and macroeconomic uncertainties. In particular, the energy crisis triggered by the Russia-Ukraine conflict caused prices of traditional energy to rise quickly and PV remained the optimum solution for countries to achieve energy transformation, because of its low-carbon footprint and economic advantages. Global PV demand in 2022 was approximately 320GWdc to 330GWdc, up about 50% year-over-year. Even in the more price-sensitive Chinese market, newly added installations grew by 59.3% year over year to reach 87.4 GWac (approximately 105GWdc), and distributed installations grew by nearly 75% year over year.
At the end of December, because of a seasonal unbalance between polysilicon supply and demand for PV products, combined with inventory adjustments across the supply chain, prices of polysilicon, wafers, cells and modules fluctuated, and this volatility led some downstream customers to pause orders. Since February 2022, polysilicon prices have rebounded and pricing games between the upstream and downstream of the solar industrial chain have to some extent impacted market sentiment. With polysilicon supply sufficient to support module demand throughout 2023, we believe the short-term rise in polysilicon prices will not last and instead a decline in polysilicon prices will drive down module prices and improve the economics of PV projects. We expect the market demand for PV products to continue to increase in 2023.
During the fourth quarter, as the industrial chain remained volatile, we continued to enhance operation management including strictly controlling inventories and flexibly adjusting production scheduling and volumes. The second phase of 8 GW TOPCon cell capacity in Hefei reached full production in the fourth quarter of 2022 and the second phase of 11 GW TOPCon cell capacity in Jianshan is expected to reach full production in March 2023. With our 35 GW of cell capacity gradually reaching full production, our integrated capacity structure continues to optimize, which will lower our blended costs.
In December, our high-efficiency N-Type monocrystalline silicon solar cell set a new record with maximum conversion efficiency of 26.4%. At the end of 2022, the mass-produced efficiency of our TOPCon cell capacity that has reached full production reached 25.1%, bringing the integrated cost of N-type products almost on par with P-type products. We are a preferred supplier of N-type products for global clients thanks to our well-established global marketing footprint and technological advantage. At the end of 2022, we became the first module manufacturer in the world to ship over 10 GW of N-type products. Our strategy to embrace N-type technology early and lead its development is paying off and many industry players are now following in our path. Leveraging our accumulated experience in mass production and marketing, the proportion of our N-type shipments of our total module shipments is expected to further increase in 2023. We are confident that we will maintain our leading position in terms of R&D, mass-produced efficiency and production capacity.
By the end of 2023, mass production efficiency of TOPCon cells is expected to reach 25.8%.We are optimistic about the growth potential for the PV market in the mid- and long-term and will continue to invest in developing N-type capacity which is now competitive in terms of technology and cost. By the end of 2023, we expect our annual production capacity for mono wafers, solar cells and solar modules to reach 75GW, 75GW and 90GW, respectively. We expect our module shipments to be in the range of 11.0 GW to 13.0 GW for the first quarter of 2023 and 60.0 GW to 70.0 GW for the full year 2023.”
Fourth Quarter 2022 Financial Results
Total Revenues
Total revenues in the fourth quarter of 2022 were RMB30.40 billion (US$4.41 billion), an increase of 55.8% from RMB19.52 billion in the third quarter of 2022 and an increase of 85.5% from RMB16.39 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021. The sequential and year-over-year increases were mainly attributable to an increase in the shipment of solar modules due to increasing demand in the global market.
Gross Profit and Gross Margin
Gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2022 was RMB4.28 billion (US$620.0million), compared with RMB3.07 billion in the third quarter of 2022 and RMB2.64 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Gross margin was 14.1% in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared with 15.7% in the third quarter of 2022 and 16.1% in the fourth quarter of 2021. The sequential and year-over-year decreases were mainly due to an increase in the cost of silicon.
Income from Operations and Operating Margin
Income from operations in the fourth quarter of 2022 was RMB646.2 million (US$93.7 million), compared with RMB63.1 million in the third quarter of 2022 and RMB485.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Operating profit margin was 2.1% in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared with 0.3% in the third quarter of 2022 and 3.0% in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Total operating expenses in the fourth quarter of 2022 were RMB3.63 billion (US$526.4 million), an increase of 20.7% from RMB3.01 billion in the third quarter of 2022 and an increase of 68.2% from RMB2.16 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021. The sequential and year-over-year increases were mainly attributable to an increase in shipping costs for solar modules and an increase in impairment loss on property, plant and equipment.
Total operating expenses accounted for 11.9% of total revenues in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared to 15.4% in the third quarter of 2022 and 13.2% in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Interest Expenses, Net
Net interest expenses in the fourth quarter of 2022 were RMB111.7 million (US$16.2 million), a decrease of 13.2% from RMB128.7 million in the third quarter of 2022 and a decrease of 22.6% from RMB144.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. The sequential and the year-over-year decrease were mainly due to an increase in interest income.
Subsidy Income
Subsidy income in the fourth quarter of 2022 was RMB94.0 million (US$13.6 million), compared with RMB225.3 million in the third quarter of 2022 and RMB109.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. The sequential and year-over-year changes were mainly attributable to the changes in the cash receipt of subsidies from local governments in China which are non-recurring, not refundable and with no conditions.
Exchange Gain/Loss and Change in Fair Value of Foreign Exchange Derivatives
The Company recorded a net exchange gain (including change in fair value of foreign exchange derivatives) of RMB35.0 million (US$5.1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared to a net exchange gain of RMB520.3 million in the third quarter of 2022 and a net exchange loss of RMB10.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. The sequential and year-over-year changes were mainly attributable to the exchange rate fluctuation of US dollars against RMB in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Change in Fair Value of Convertible Senior Notes and Call Option
The Company issued US$85.0 million of 4.5% convertible senior notes due 2024 in May 2019 and has elected to measure the Notes at fair value derived by valuation model, i.e. Binomial Model.
The Company recognized a gain from a change in fair value of the Notes of RMB396.8 million (US$57.5 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared to a gain of RMB233.0 million in the third quarter of 2022 and a gain of RMB9.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. The changes were primarily due to a decrease in the Company’s stock price in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Change in Fair Value of Long-term Investment
The Company acquired a 2.56% equity interest in a PV material supplier, which is accounted for using the fair value option and recorded as long-term investment. The Company recognized a gain from change in fair value of RMB101.9 million (US$14.8 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Equity in Earnings of Affiliated Companies
The Company indirectly holds a 20% equity interest in Sweihan PV Power Company P.J.S.C, a developer and operator of solar power projects in Dubai, and a 9% equity interest in Xinte Ltd, a domestic silicon material supplier, and both are accounted for using the equity method. The Company recorded equity in gain of affiliated companies of RMB148.5 million(US$21.5 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared with gain of RMB38.9 million in the third quarter of 2022 and gain of RMB3.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. The fluctuation of equity in gain of affiliated companies primarily arose from the net gain incurred by an affiliate company.
Income Tax Expense
The Company recorded an income tax expense of RMB239.4 million (US$34.7 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared with an income tax expense of RMB150.8 million in the third quarter of 2022 and an income tax expense of RMB126.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Non-Controlling Interests
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests amounted to RMB357.8 million (US$51.9 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared with RMB247.8 million in the third quarter of 2022 and RMB84.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. The sequential increase was mainly attributable to the increase of net income of the Company’s major subsidiary, Jinko Solar Co., Ltd (“Jiangxi Jinko”), and the year-over-year increase was mainly attributable to the increase of non-controlling interests after Jiangxi Jinko completed its initial public offering (“IPO”) and started trading on Shanghai Stock Exchange’s Sci-Tech innovation board on January 26, 2022. After the IPO, the Company holds approximately 58.62% equity interest in Jiangxi Jinko. Ownership of non-controlling interests in Jiangxi Jinko increased from 26.72% to 41.38% due to the IPO.
Net Income and Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to the JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd’s ordinary shareholders was RMB709.7 million (US$102.9 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared with RMB549.8 million in the third quarter of 2022 and RMB239.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. Excluding the impact from (i)a change in fair value of the Notes (ii) a change in fair value of the long-term investment and (iii)the share based compensation expenses, the adjusted net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd’s ordinary shareholders was RMB312.4 million (US$45.3 million), compared with RMB427.5 million in the third quarter of 2022 and RMB234.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were RMB3.53 (US$0.51) and RMB1.46 (US$0.21), respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared to RMB2.74 and RMB1.60, respectively, in the third quarter of 2022, and RMB1.26 and RMB1.04, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2021. As each ADS represents four ordinary shares, this translates into basic and diluted earnings per ADS of RMB14.11 (US$2.05) and RMB5.83 (US$0.85), respectively in the fourth quarter of 2022; RMB10.97 and RMB6.39, respectively, in the third quarter of 2022; and RMB5.02 and RMB4.16, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Financial Position
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had RMB11.32 billion (US$1.64 billion) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, compared with RMB8.92 billion as of December 31, 2021.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s accounts receivables due from third parties were RMB17.09 billion (US$2.48 billion), compared with RMB7.47 billion as of December 31, 2021.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s inventories were RMB17.09 billion (US$2.48 billion), compared with RMB13.25 billion as of December 31, 2021.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s total interest-bearing debts were RMB27.16 billion (US$3.94 billion), compared with RMB25.63 billion as of December 31, 2021.
Full Year 2022 Financial Results
Total Revenues
Total revenues for full year 2022 were RMB83.53 billion (US$12.11 billion), an increase of 104.6% from RMB40.83 billion for full year 2021. The increase in total revenues was mainly attributable to an increase in the shipment of solar modules due to increasing demand in the global market.
Gross Profit and Gross Margin
Gross profit for full year 2022 was RMB12.35 billion (US$1.79 billion), an increase of 85.4% from RMB6.66 billion for full year 2021. The year-over-year increase was mainly attributable to an increase in the shipment of solar modules in 2022.
Gross margin was 14.8% for the full year 2022, compared with 16.3% for the full year 2021. The year-over-year decrease was mainly attributable to an increase in the material cost of solar modules.
Income from Operations and Operating Margin
Income from operations for full year 2022 was RMB461.0 million (US$66.8 million), compared with RMB1.10 billion for full year 2021. Operating margin for full year 2022 was 0.6%, compared with 2.7% for full year 2021.
Total operating expenses for full year 2022 were RMB11.89 billion (US$1.72 billion), an increase of 113.9% from RMB5.56 billion for full year 2021. As a percentage of total revenues, operating expenses accounted for 14.2% for full year 2022, compared with 13.6% for full year 2021. The increase in total operating expenses was primarily due to (i) an increase in shipping cost, (ii) an increase in impairment loss and FA disposal of property, plant and equipment and (iii) an increase in share-based compensation expenses.
Interest Expense, Net
Net interest expense for full year 2022 was RMB490.7 million (US$71.1 million), a decrease of 21.4% from RMB624.0 million for full year 2021. The decrease was mainly due to an increase in interest income.
Subsidy Income
Subsidy income for full year 2022 was RMB1.09 billion (US$158.0 million), compared with RMB465.7 million for full year 2021. The year over year increase was mainly attributable to an increase in the cash receipt of subsidies from local governments in China which are non-recurring, not refundable and with no conditions.
Exchange gain/Loss and Change in Fair Value of Foreign Exchange Derivatives
The Company recorded a net exchange gain (including change in fair value of foreign exchange derivatives) of RMB857.4 million (US$124.3 million) for full year 2022 due primarily to appreciation of US dollars against RMB. The Company recorded a net exchange loss of RMB47.8 million for full year 2021. The year-over-year changes were mainly due to the fluctuation in the Company’s stock price as well as exchange rate fluctuation of US dollars against RMB in 2022.
Change in Fair Value of Convertible Senior Notes and Call Option
The Company issued the Notes in May 2019 and has elected to measure them at fair value derived by valuation model, i.e. Binomial Model. The Company recognized a loss from a change in fair value of the Notes of RMB12.1 million (US$1.8 million) for full year 2022, compared to a gain of RMB191.6 million for full year 2021. The changes in 2022 was primarily due to the change in the Company’s stock price in 2022.
Change in Fair Value of Long-term Investment
The Company acquired a 2.56% equity interest in a PV material supplier, which is accounted for using the fair value option and recorded as long-term investment. The Company recognized a gain from change in fair value of RMB101.9 million (US$14.8 million) in 2022.
Equity in Income of Affiliated Companies
The Company indirectly holds a 20% equity interest of Sweihan PV Power Company P.J.S.C, a developer and operator of solar power projects in Dubai, and a 9% equity interest in Xinte Ltd, a domestic silicon material supplier, and both are accounted using the equity method. The Company recorded equity in income of affiliated companies of RMB193.7 million (US$28.1 million) in 2022, compared with a gain of RMB59.8 million in 2021. The gain primarily arose from the net gain incurred by an affiliate company.
Income Tax Expense, Net
The Company recognized an income tax expense of RMB579.2 million (US$84.0 million) in 2022, compared with an income tax expense of RMB194.1 million in 2021.
Net Income and Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd’s ordinary shareholders in 2022 was RMB665.2 million (US$96.4million), compared with a net income of RMB721.0 million in 2021. Excluding the impact from (i)a change in fair value of the Notes (ii) a change in fair value of the long-term investment and (iii)the share based compensation expenses, the adjusted net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd’s ordinary shareholders was RMB1.44 billion (US$208.3 million), compared with RMB538.7 million in 2021.
Basic and diluted earnings per share for full year 2022 were RMB3.36 (US$0.49) and RMB3.32 (US$0.48), respectively, compared to RMB3.78 and RMB2.01 for full year 2021. This translates into basic and diluted earnings per ADS of RMB13.44 (US$1.95) and RMB13.28 (US$1.93), respectively for full year 2022, compared to RMB15.12 and RMB8.02 for full year 2021.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Operational Highlights
Solar Module, Cell and Wafer Shipments
Total shipments were 16,802 MW in the fourth quarter of 2022, including 16,020 MW for solar module shipments and 782 MW for cell and wafer shipments.
Total shipments in the full year 2022 were 46,580 MW, including 44,520 MW for solar module shipments and 2,060 MW for cell and wafer shipments.
Operations and Business Outlook Highlights
35GW N-type TOPCon cells capacity started production in 2022. With this 35GW capacity ramping up and releasing in the coming quarters, we expect our integrated capacity structure to constantly improve and our cost structure to further optimize. N-type Tiger Neo modules continue to demonstrate a competitive premium and cost advantages over P-type modules. The proportion of N-type modules shipments of our total module shipments is expected to reach 60% in 2023, as we see very strong demand for high-efficiency products from a growing number of markets and customers. We will continue to maintain our leading position in N-type modules through technology iteration, improvement in mass production capability, and cost optimization.
First Quarter and Full Year 2023 Guidance
The Company’s business outlook is based on management’s current views and estimates with respect to market conditions, production capacity, the Company’s order book and the global economic environment. This outlook is subject to uncertainty on final customer demand and sale schedules. Management’s views and estimates are subject to change without notice.
For the first quarter of 2023, the Company expects its module shipments to be in the range of 11.0 GW to 13.0 GW.
For full year 2023, the Company estimates its module shipments to be in the range of 60.0 GW to 70.0 GW.
Solar Products Production Capacity
JinkoSolar expects its annual production capacity for mono wafer, solar cell and solar module to reach 75.0 GW, 75.0 GW and 90.0 GW, respectively, by the end of 2023.
Recent Business Developments
In November 2022, the maximum solar conversion efficiency of JinkoSolar’s 182 mm N-type module reached a new record of 23.86%.
In November 2022, Jiangxi Jinko announced that it will supply approximately 522 MW of Tiger Neo 78 Cell modules for Phase l of the Santa Luzia Complex Project in Paraíba State, Brazil.
In December 2022, JinkoSolar’s 182 mm high-efficiency N-type monocrystalline silicon solar cell set a new record, achieving a maximum solar conversion efficiency of 26.4% for its 182 mm and above large-size monocrystalline silicon TOPCon solar cell.
In December 2022, JinkoSolar won the Harvard Business Review Global Chinese Edition “ESG Innovator of 2022.”
In January 2023, JinkoSolar revealed its Second Generation Tiger Neo panel family.
In February 2023, Jiangxi Jinko published certain preliminary unaudited financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2022.
