UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
(Mark One)
| ¨ | REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR
| x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.
OR
| ¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR
| ¨ | SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Date of event requiring this shell company report
Commission file number: 001-34615
JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
N/A
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
Cayman Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
1 Jingke Road
Shangrao Economic Development Zone
Jiangxi Province, 334100
People’s Republic of China
(86-793) 846-9699
(Address of principal executive offices)
Haiyun (Charlie) Cao, Chief Financial Officer
1 Jingke Road
Shangrao Economic Development Zone
Jiangxi Province, 334100
People’s Republic of China
Tel: (86-793) 846-9699
Fax: (86-793) 846-1152
E-mail: charlie.cao@jinkosolar.com
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Name of each exchange on which registered | |
| American Depositary Shares, each representing four ordinary shares, par value US$0.00002 per share | New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the Issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
126,733,266 ordinary shares, excluding 277,746 ADSs representing 1,110,984 ordinary shares reserved for future grants under our share incentive plans and 1,723,200 ordinary shares as treasury stock, as of December 31, 2016.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No x
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer x Non-accelerated filer ¨
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
| U.S. GAAP x | International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ¨ | Other ¨ |
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. Item 17 ¨ Item 18 ¨
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes ¨ No ¨
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONVENTIONS THAT APPLY TO THIS ANNUAL REPORT
Unless otherwise indicated and except where the context otherwise requires, references in this annual report on Form 20-F to:
| · | “we,” “us,” “our company,” “our” or “JinkoSolar” refer to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., a Cayman Islands holding company, its current and former subsidiaries for the relevant periods; |
| · | “2009 Long Term Incentive Plan” refers to the 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan adopted on July 10, 2009, which was subsequently amended and restated; |
| · | “2014”, “2015” and “2016” refers to our fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively; |
| · | “2014 Equity Incentive Plan” refers to the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan adopted on August 18, 2014; |
| · | “ADRs” refers to the American depositary receipts evidencing our American depositary shares; |
| · | “ADSs” refers to our American depositary shares, each representing four ordinary shares; |
| · | “CE” refers to CE certification, a verification of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) compliance issued by SGS Taiwan Ltd. certifying compliance with the principal protection requirement of directive 2004/108/EC of the European Union and EN61000-6-3:2001+A11:2004 and EN61000-6-1:2001 standards; |
| · | “CQC” refers to the certificate issued by China Quality Certification Centre certifying that our solar modules comply with IEC61215:2005 and IEC61730-2:2004 standards; |
| · | “CSRC” refers to the China Securities Regulatory Commission; |
| · | “DG projects” refers to distributed generation solar power projects, including ground-mounted distributed generation projects and rooftop distributed generation projects; |
| · | “EPC” refers to engineering, procurement and construction; |
| · | “Euro,” “EUR” or “€” refers to the legal currency of the European Union; |
| · | “FIT” refers to feed-in tariff(s), the government guaranteed and subsidized electricity sale price at which solar power projects can sell to the national power grids. FIT in China is set by the central government consisting of the applicable national government subsidies paid from the Renewable Energy Development Fund, as well as the desulphurized coal benchmark electricity price paid by State Grid; |
| · | “ground-mounted projects” refers to solar power projects built on the ground, consisting of ground-mounted DG projects and utility-scale projects; |
| · | “ground-mounted DG projects” refers to small-scale ground-mounted projects with capacity less than or equal to 20 MW and 35 kV or lower grid connection voltage grade (except in the northeastern regions, where connection voltage must be 66 kV or lower) and with a substantial portion of the electricity generated to be consumed within the substation area of the grid connection points; |
| · | “JET” refers to the certificate issued by Japan Electrical Safety & Environment Technology Laboratories certifying that our modules comply with IEC61215:2005, IEC61730-1:2004 and IEC61730-2:2004 standards; |
| · | “Jiangxi Desun” refers to Jiangxi Desun Energy Co., Ltd., an entity in which our founders and substantial shareholders, Xiande Li, Kangping Chen and Xianhua Li, each holds more than 10%, and collectively hold 73%, of the equity interest; |
| 1 |
| · | “Jiangxi Jinko” refers to Jinko Solar Co., Ltd., our wholly-owned operating subsidiary incorporated in the PRC; |
| · | “Jiangxi Jinko Engineering” refers to Jiangxi JinkoSolar Engineering Co., Ltd., previously one of our indirect subsidiaries, and its subsidiaries; |
| · | “Jiangxi Materials” refers to Jiangxi Photovoltaic Materials Co., Ltd., our wholly-owned operating subsidiary incorporated in the PRC by Jiangxi Jinko on December 1, 2010; |
| · | “JinkoSolar Power” refers to JinkoSolar Power Engineering Group Limited; |
| · | “JIS Q 8901” refers to the certificate for the Japanese market from TÜV that demonstrates that a company’s management system ensures the highest standards of reliability in their products; |
| · | “JPY” refers to Japanese Yen; |
| · | “kV” refers to kilovolts; |
| · | “kWh” refers to kilowatt hour(s), where “MWh” refers to megawatt hour(s); |
| · | “kWp” refers to kilowatt-peak, a measurement of power output, most often used in relation to photovoltaic solar energy devices; |
| · | “local grid companies” refers to the subsidiaries of the State Grid in China; |
| · | “LRQA” refers to the certificate issued by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance to certify that our quality management system of the design, development and production of solar cells and solar modules in Zhejiang Jinko complies with the ISO9001:2008 standard; |
| · | “MCS” refers to MCS certificate of factory production control issued by British Approvals Board for Telecommunications certifying that the production management system of our certain types of solar panels complies with MCS005 Issue 2.3 and MCS010 Issue 1.5 standards; |
| · | “MIIT” refers to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China; |
| · | “MOF” refers to the Ministry of Finance of China; |
| · | “NDRC” refers to the National Development and Reform Commission of China; |
| · | “NEA” refers to the National Energy Administration in China; |
| · | “NYSE” or “New York Stock Exchange” refers to the New York Stock Exchange Inc.; |
| · | “OEM” refers to an original equipment manufacturer who manufactures products or components that are purchased by another company and retailed under that purchasing company’s brand name; |
| · | “PPA” refers to power purchase agreements; |
| · | “PRC” or “China” refers to the People’s Republic of China, excluding, for purposes of this annual report, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau; |
| · | “PV” refers to photovoltaic; |
| · | “RMB” or “Renminbi” refers to the legal currency of China; |
| · | “SAFE” refers to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in China; |
| 2 |
| · | “Shares” or “ordinary shares” refers to our ordinary shares, par value US$0.00002 per share; |
| · | “State Council” refers to the State Council of China; |
| · | “State Grid” refers to State Grid Corporation of China and the local grid companies; |
| · | “Subsidy Catalog” refers to the Renewable Energy Electricity Subsidy Catalog issued by the Ministry of Finance, the NDRC and the NEA from time to time. Solar power projects can only receive central government subsidies after completing certain administrative and perfunctory procedures to be listed in the Subsidy Catalog; |
| · | “TÜV” refers to TÜV certificates, issued by TÜV Rheinland Product Safety GmbH certifying that certain types of our solar modules comply with IEC 61215:2005, EN 61215:2005, IEC 61730-1:2004, IEC 61730-2:2004, EN 61730-1:2007 and EN 61730-2:2007 standards; |
| · | “UL” refers to the certificate issued by Underwriters Laboratories Inc., to certify that certain types of our solar modules comply with its selected applicable standards; |
| · | “US$,” “dollars” or “U.S. dollars” refers to the legal currency of the United States; |
| · | “utility-scale projects” refers to ground-mounted projects that are not ground-mounted DG projects; |
| · | “watt” or “W” refers to the measurement of electrical power, where “kilowatt” or “kW” means one thousand watts, “megawatts” or “MW” means one million watts and “gigawatt” or “GW” means one billion watts; and |
| · | “Zhejiang Jinko” refers to Zhejiang Jinko Solar Co., Ltd., formerly Zhejiang Sun Valley Energy Application Technology Co., Ltd., a solar cell supplier incorporated in the PRC which has been our wholly-owned subsidiary since June 30, 2009. |
Names of certain companies provided in this annual report are translated or transliterated from their original Chinese legal names.
Discrepancies in any table between the amounts identified as total amounts and the sum of the amounts listed therein are due to rounding.
This annual report on Form 20-F includes our audited consolidated financial statements for 2014, 2015 and 2016 and as of December 31, 2015 and 2016.
| 3 |
| ITEM 1. | IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS |
Not Applicable.
| ITEM 2. | OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE |
Not Applicable.
| ITEM 3. | KEY INFORMATION |
| A. | Selected Financial Data |
Our Selected Consolidated Financial Data
The following table presents the selected consolidated financial information of our company. The selected consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) from continuing operations data for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 and the selected consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2015 and 2016 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are included in this annual report beginning on page F-1. The selected consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) from continuing operations data for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013 and the selected consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2013 and 2014 are derived from our unaudited financial statements and reflect the impact of retrospective adjustments for our disposition of Jiangxi Jinko Engineering, which has been classified as discontinued operations. The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” included elsewhere in this annual report. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP. The historical results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in any future periods.
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (RMB) | (RMB) | (RMB) | (RMB) | (RMB) | (US$) | |||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except share, per share and per ADS data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Operations Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Continuing operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | 4,793,161.4 | 6,465,937.9 | 9,740,876.5 | 15,454,374.4 | 21,400,638.1 | 3,082,333.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues | (4,556,937.5 | ) | (5,095,392.3 | ) | (7,643,687.8 | ) | (12,522,913.8 | ) | (17,531,299.2 | ) | (2,525,032.3 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 236,223.9 | 1,370,545.6 | 2,097,188.7 | 2,931,460.6 | 3,869,338.9 | 557,300.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | (1,465,002.3 | ) | (761,124.7 | ) | (1,253,134.5 | ) | (1,809,655.3 | ) | (2,520,235.8 | ) | (362,989.5 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Income/(loss) from operations | (1,228,778.4 | ) | 609,420.9 | 844,054.1 | 1,121,805.2 | 1,349,103.2 | 194,311.3 | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest expenses, net | (221,804.2 | ) | (205,213.0 | ) | (226,342.6 | ) | (311,018.6 | ) | (359,296.3 | ) | (51,749.4 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Convertible senior notes issuance costs | - | - | (26,052.9 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Subsidy income | 44,290.5 | 7,583.1 | 48,829.6 | 101,873.6 | 168,646.6 | 24,290.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Exchange (loss)/ gain | (36,113.2 | ) | (39,585.2 | ) | (139,566.6 | ) | (86,517.7 | ) | 208,811.4 | 30,075.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Other income/(expense), net | 8,279.2 | 6,871.7 | (1,558.6 | ) | 1,036.3 | 8,768.4 | 1,262.9 | |||||||||||||||||
| Investment income | - | - | - | - | 4,902.5 | 706.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on disposal of subsidiaries | 5,017.9 | 722.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of forward contracts | (9,043.1 | ) | 48,390.4 | (714.7 | ) | 56,931.9 | (52,561.8 | ) | (7,570.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of call spread options | - | - | - | (370.4 | ) | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of derivative liability | - | - | - | (2,096.0 | ) | 24,573.3 | 3,539.3 | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of convertible senior notes and capped call options | (97,160.7 | ) | (212,906.6 | ) | 64,101.6 | (14,571.2 | ) | (110,242.5 | ) | (15,878.2 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | (1,540,329.9 | ) | 214,561.3 | 562,750.0 | 867,073.1 | 1,247,722.6 | 179,709.4 | |||||||||||||||||
| Income tax (expense)/benefit | 8,917.6 | (18,532.4 | ) | 135,393.0 | (100,533.8 | ) | (257,487.0 | ) | (37,085.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Income/(loss) from continuing operations, net of tax | (1,531,412.2 | ) | 196,028.9 | 698,142.9 | 766,539.3 | 990,235.6 | 142,623.6 | |||||||||||||||||
| 4 |
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (RMB) | (RMB) | (RMB) | (RMB) | (RMB) | (US$) | |||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except share, per share and per ADS data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discontinued operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on disposal of discontinued operations before income taxes | - | - | - | - | 1,007,884.1 | 145,165.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Income/(loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes | (12,403.8 | ) | (6,537.0 | ) | 29,112.9 | 105,089.6 | 48,146.3 | 6,934.5 | ||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense, net | - | - | (1,058.9 | ) | (11,329.8 | ) | (54,466.1 | ) | (7,844.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | (12,403.8 | ) | (6,537.0 | ) | 28,054.0 | 93,759.8 | 1,001,564.3 | 144,255.3 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net income/(loss) | (1,543,816.1 | ) | 189,491.9 | 726,196.9 | 860,299.1 | 1,991,799.8 | 286, 878.8 | |||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests from continuing operations | - | - | - | (63.3 | ) | (432.5 | ) | (62.3 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests from discontinued operations | (1,394.0 | ) | 1,480.1 | 851.2 | 4,270.5 | 6,044.5 | 870.6 | |||||||||||||||||
| Less: Accretion to redemption value of redeemable non-controlling interests of discontinued operations | - | - | 52,320.7 | 172,340.4 | 159,477.9 | 22,969.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net income/(loss) attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders | (1,542,422.1 | ) | 188,011.8 | 673,025.1 | 683,751.5 | 1,826,710.0 | 263,101.0 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income/(loss) attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders per share from continuing operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | (17.25 | ) | 2.09 | 5.67 | 6.15 | 7.87 | 1.13 | |||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | (17.25 | ) | 2.04 | 4.02 | 6.00 | 7.63 | 1.10 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income/(loss) attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders per ADS from continuing operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | (69.00 | ) | 8.36 | 22.68 | 24.60 | 31.48 | 4.52 | |||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | (69.00 | ) | 8.16 | 16.08 | 24.00 | 30.52 | 4.40 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income/(loss) attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders per share from discontinued operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | (0.13 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.20 | ) | (0.66 | ) | 6.64 | 0.96 | ||||||||||||||
| Diluted | (0.13 | ) | (0.08 | ) | (0.16 | ) | (0.65 | ) | 6.40 | 0.92 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income/(loss) attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders per ADS from discontinued operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | (0.52 | ) | (0.36 | ) | (0.80 | ) | (2.64 | ) | 26.56 | 3.84 | ||||||||||||||
| Diluted | (0.52 | ) | (0.32 | ) | (0.64 | ) | (2.60 | ) | 25.60 | 3.68 | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 88,752,706 | 94,018,394 | 122,980,870 | 124,618,416 | 125,870,272 | 125,870,272 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 88,752,706 | 96,035,985 | 153,786,531 | 127,802,961 | 130,590,441 | 130,590,441 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average ADS outstanding | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 22,188,177 | 23,504,560 | 30,745,218 | 31,154,604 | 31,467,568 | 31,467,568 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 22,188,177 | 24,008,996 | 38,446,633 | 31,950,740 | 32,647,610 | 32,647,610 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Each ADS represents four ordinary shares. |
| 5 |
| As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (RMB) | (RMB) | (RMB) | (RMB) | (RMB) | (US$) | |||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 275,075.7 | 400,583.8 | 1,316,175.7 | 2,392,591.1 | 2,501,417.5 | 360,279.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted cash | 140,760.8 | 398,299.7 | 517,055.4 | 555,723.9 | 318,784.9 | 45,914.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted short-term investments | 722,461.3 | 729,593.3 | 1,134,362.9 | 1,160,518.1 | 3,333,450.4 | 480,116.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments | - | - | 112,000.0 | 29,427.1 | 71,301.1 | 10,269.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Account receivable, net – related parties | 105,531.4 | 284,142.0 | 174,533.98 | 60,973.8 | 1,414,084.1 | 203,670.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net – third parties | 1,712,569.0 | 1,591,022.5 | 2,947,680.1 | 2,690,519.0 | 4,753,715.3 | 684,677.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Notes receivable – related parties | - | 42,900.0 | - | - | 610,200.0 | 87,887.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Notes receivable, net – third parties | 1,423.8 | 233,886.4 | 70,080.6 | 515,441.9 | 915,314.8 | 131,832.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Advances to suppliers, net – related parties | - | - | 1,183.8 | 1,021.1 | 661.8 | 95.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Advances to suppliers, net – third parties | 58,064.1 | 68,986.0 | 80,922.3 | 251,389.9 | 325,766.3 | 46,920.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Inventories, net | 527,962.4 | 708,679.0 | 1,891,148.1 | 3,203,325.0 | 4,473,514.7 | 644,320.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total current assets | 3,985,609.2 | 5,342,722.6 | 10,407,319.6 | 22,494,804.1 | 19,695,296.4 | 2,836,712.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Project assets | - | - | - | - | 55,063.5 | 7,930.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 3,080,421.7 | 3,061,606.8 | 2,968,484.7 | 3,766,435.6 | 4,738,681.4 | 682,512.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Land use rights, net | 365,749.2 | 359,084.9 | 371,932.2 | 349,914.1 | 450,940.6 | 64,949.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | 8,372,320.3 | 10,611,225.1 | 19,087,636.4 | 27,144,548.5 | 26,090,639.8 | 3,757,833.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable – related parties | 30,045.2 | 2,468.4 | 1,478.5 | 1,478.5 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable – third parties | 1,347,467.0 | 1,764,812.9 | 2,402,625.3 | 3,783,304.9 | 4,290,070.5 | 617,898.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Notes payable – third parties | 1,149,136.5 | 1,212,994.1 | 1,653,082.7 | 1,924,495.8 | 4,796,766.3 | 690,878.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued payroll and welfare expenses | 206,425.1 | 237,012.3 | 304,601.8 | 454,210.9 | 582,275.7 | 83,865.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Advance from related parties | - | - | - | - | 60,541.5 | 8,719.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Advance from third parties | 121,031.2 | 147,583.3 | 423,028.7 | 1,299,491.4 | 1,376,919.5 | 198,317.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Bonds payable and accrued interests | 313,689.8 | 66,725.8 | 66,725.8 | 866,725.8 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings (including current portion of long-term borrowings) | 2,245,630.8 | 1,970,593.9 | 2,547,366.5 | 2,589,864.1 | 5,488,629.0 | 790,527.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 6,238,443.5 | 7,237,114.3 | 10,523,364.6 | 18,622,441.9 | 18,362,656.9 | 2,644,772.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term borrowings | 167,000.0 | 8,000.0 | 8,000.0 | 1,308,679.8 | 488,519.6 | 70,361.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Convertible senior notes | 483,581.7 | - | 1,540,398.6 | 856,064.4 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 6,998,508.9 | 8,590,611.5 | 14,119,231.9 | 21,184,825.5 | 19,630,426.8 | 2,827,369.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable non-controlling interests | - | - | 1,435,585.3 | 1,607,925.7 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. shareholders’ equity | 1,365,122.3 | 2,009,742.8 | 3,507,097.3 | 4,321,868.2 | 6,460,708.9 | 930,535.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests | 8,689.1 | 10,870.8 | 25,721.9 | 29,929.0 | (495.9 | ) | (71.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests and shareholders’ equity | 8,372,320.3 | 10,611,225.1 | 19,087,636.4 | 27,144,548.5 | 26,090,639.8 | 3,757,833.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
Exchange Rate Information
We publish our consolidated financial statements in Renminbi. The conversion of Renminbi into U.S. dollars in this annual report is solely for the convenience of readers. The exchange rate refers to the exchange rate as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Renminbi in this annual report were made at a rate of RMB6.9430 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect as of December 30, 2016. The Renminbi is not freely convertible into foreign currency. We make no representation that any Renminbi or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate, the rates stated below, or at all. On March 24, 2017, the exchange rate, as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board, was RMB6.8803 to US$1.00.
| 6 |
The following table sets forth information concerning exchange rates between the RMB and the U.S. dollar for the periods indicated.
| Period | Period End | Average(1) | Low | High | ||||||||||||
| (RMB per US$1.00) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2012 | 6.2301 | 6.3043 | 6.3879 | 6.2221 | ||||||||||||
| 2013 | 6.0537 | 6.1412 | 6.2438 | 6.0537 | ||||||||||||
| 2014 | 6.2046 | 6.1704 | 6.2591 | 6.0402 | ||||||||||||
| 2015 | 6.4778 | 6.2869 | 6.4896 | 6.1870 | ||||||||||||
| 2016 | 6.9430 | 6.6549 | 6.9580 | 6.4480 | ||||||||||||
| September | 6.6685 | 6.6702 | 6.6790 | 6.6600 | ||||||||||||
| October | 6.7735 | 6.7303 | 6.7819 | 6.6685 | ||||||||||||
| November | 6.8837 | 6.8402 | 6.9195 | 6.7534 | ||||||||||||
| December | 6.9430 | 6.9198 | 6.9580 | 6.8771 | ||||||||||||
| 2017 | ||||||||||||||||
| January | 6.8768 | 6.8907 | 6.9575 | 6.8360 | ||||||||||||
| February | 6.8665 | 6.8694 | 6.8821 | 6.8517 | ||||||||||||
| March (through March 24, 2017) | 6.8803 | 6.8976 | 6.9132 | 6.8785 | ||||||||||||
| (1) | Annual averages are calculated by averaging the rates on the last business day of each month during the annual period. Monthly averages are calculated by averaging the rates on each business day during the month. |
| B. | Capitalization and Indebtedness |
Not Applicable.
| C. | Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds |
Not Applicable.
| D. | Risk Factors |
Our business, financial condition and results of operations are subject to various changing business, competitive, economic, political and social conditions in China and worldwide. In addition to the factors discussed elsewhere in this annual report, the following are some of the important factors that could adversely affect our operating results, financial condition and business prospects, and cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
Our future growth and profitability depend on the demand for and the prices of solar power products and the development of photovoltaic technologies.
The rate and extent of market acceptance for solar power depends on the availability of government subsidies and the cost-effectiveness, performance and reliability of solar power relative to conventional and other renewable energy sources. Changes in government policies towards solar power and advancements in photovoltaic, or PV, technologies could significantly affect the demand for solar power products.
Demand for solar power products is also affected by macroeconomic factors, such as energy supply, demand and prices, as well as regulations and policies governing renewable energies and related industries. For example, in June 2016, the FIT in China for utility-scale projects was significantly cut down. As a result, followed by robust demand in the first half of 2016, the domestic market was almost frozen and the competition in the global market was also intensified in the second half of 2016. Meanwhile, in the U.S., another major solar market, the solar PV projects faced great uncertainties after Donald Trump was elected as president whose administration was believed to favor traditional energy. Despite the significant decrease in demand, the global solar module production capacity still increased by over 20%, inevitably resulting in a price war. Consequently, the average selling price of our solar modules, which represented 97.3% of our total revenue in 2016, decreased from RMB3.78 per watt for 2014 to RMB3.57 per watt for 2015, and further decreased to RMB3.33 per watt (US$0.50 per watt) for 2016.
| 7 |
Any reduction in the price of solar modules will have a negative impact on our revenue and results of operations. As a result, we may not continue to be profitable on a quarterly or annual basis. For example, we experienced net losses in each quarter from the fourth quarter of 2011 to the first quarter of 2013. In addition, if demand for solar power products weakens in the future, our business and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
The reduction, modification, delay or elimination of government subsidies and other economic incentives in solar energy industry may reduce the profitability of our business and materially adversely affect our business.
We believe that market demand for solar power and solar power products in the near term will continue to substantially depend on the availability of government incentives because the cost of solar energy currently exceeds, and we believe will continue to exceed in the near term, the cost of conventional fossil fuel energy and certain non-solar renewable energy, particularly in light of the low level of oil prices in recent years. Examples of government sponsored financial incentives to promote solar energy include subsidies from the central and local governments, preferential tax rates and other incentives. The availability and size of such subsidies and incentives depend, to a large extent, on political and policy developments relating to environmental concerns and other macro-economic factors. Moreover, government incentive programs are expected to gradually decrease in scope or be discontinued as solar power technology improves and becomes more affordable relative to other types of energy. Negative public or community response to solar energy projects could adversely affect the government support and approval of our business. Adverse changes in government regulations and policies relating to solar energy industry and their implementation, especially those relating to economic subsidies and incentives, could significantly reduce the profitability of our business and materially adversely affect the state of the industry.
We received government grants totaling RMB142.2 million, RMB103.6 million and RMB168.6 million for 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively, which included government grants for our expansion of production scale, technology upgrades, the development of export markets and the development of solar power projects. We cannot assure you that we will continue to receive a similar amount or any amount of government subsidy in future periods.
As substantially all of our operations are in the PRC, the policies and regulations adopted by the PRC government towards the solar energy industry are important to the continuing success of our business. Although regulatory support for solar power generation such as subsidies, preferential tax treatment and other economic incentives has increased in recent years, future government policies may not be as supportive. The PRC central government may reduce or eliminate existing incentive programs for economic, political, financial or other reasons. In addition, the local or provincial governments may delay the implementation or fail to fully implement central government regulations, policies and initiatives. Although we disposed of our downstream solar power project business in the PRC in November 2016, which relies more heavily on governmental support, a significant reduction in the scope of or the discontinuation of government incentive programs in the PRC or other jurisdictions could, until the solar energy industry becomes commercially profitable without subsidies, materially adversely affect market demand for our solar power products and negatively impact our revenue and profitability.
Besides the PRC, various governments have used policy initiatives to encourage or accelerate the development and adoption of solar power and other renewable energy sources, including certain countries in Europe, notably Italy, Germany, France, Belgium and Spain; certain countries in Asia, including Japan, India and South Korea; countries in North America, such as the United States and Canada; as well as Australia and South Africa. Examples of government-sponsored financial incentives to promote solar power include capital cost rebates, FIT, tax credits, net metering and other incentives to end-users, distributors, project developers, system integrators and manufacturers of solar power products.
| 8 |
Governments may reduce or eliminate existing incentive programs for political, financial or other reasons, which will be difficult for us to predict. Reductions in FIT programs may result in a significant fall in the price of and demand for solar power and solar power products. For example, subsidies have been reduced or eliminated in some countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain and Canada. The German market represents a major portion of the world’s solar market due in large part to government policies that established high FIT rates. However, since 2010, the German government has introduced legislation to reduce the FIT program due to the strong growth of its domestic solar market. In 2009, the Spanish government continued reductions in the FIT as a result of its government’s spending cut backs, which resulted in a weakened solar market. In 2010, Italy also announced annual reductions to FIT beginning in 2011 in an effort to impede overheating of its solar market. Starting from 2011, major export markets for solar power and solar power products such as Japan, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom continued to reduce their FIT as well as other incentive measures. For example, from 2012 to 2016, the Japanese government cut down its FIT from 40 Yen to 24 Yen for projects below 10KW and from 42 Yen to 31 Yen for projects above 10 KW.
In 2016, we generated 61.5% of our total revenue from overseas markets, and the United States, Japan and Chile, our three largest export markets, represented 36.0%, 4.6% and 4.2% of our total revenue, respectively. As a result, any significant reduction in the scope or discontinuation of government incentive programs in the overseas markets, especially where our major customers are located, could cause demand for our products and our revenue to decline and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In addition, the announcement of a significant reduction in incentives in any major market may have an adverse effect on the trading price of our ADSs.
We require a significant amount of cash to fund our operations and future business developments; if we cannot obtain additional funding on terms satisfactory to us when we need it, our growth prospects and future profitability may be materially adversely affected.
We require a significant amount of cash to fund our operations, including payments to suppliers for our polysilicon feedstock. We may also require additional cash due to changing business conditions or other future developments, including any investments or acquisitions we may decide to pursue, as well as our research and development activities in order to remain competitive. In addition, in October 2016, we entered into a side agreement with Jiangxi Jinko Engineering and the investors of Jiangxi Jinko Engineering (the original redeemable preferred shareholders of JinkoSolar Power), pursuant to which the investors of Jiangxi Jinko Engineering will have the right to have the common shares of Jiangxi Jinko Engineering held by them redeemed, and, as a result of a guarantee issued by us, in the event that Jiangxi Jinko Engineering fails to perform its redemption obligations, we will become liable for Jiangxi Jinko Engineering’s obligations under the redemption, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Management believes that our current cash position, the cash expected to be generated from operations, and funds available from borrowings under our bank facilities will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months from March 29, 2017, the date of issuance of our consolidated financial statements for 2016 included in this annual report.
Our ability to obtain external financing is subject to a number of uncertainties, including:
| · | our future financial condition, results of operations and cash flow; |
| · | the general condition of the global equity and debt capital markets; |
| · | regulatory and government support, such as subsidies, tax credits and other incentives; |
| · | the continued confidence of banks and other financial institutions in our company and the solar power industry; |
| · | economic, political and other conditions in the PRC and elsewhere; and |
| · | our ability to comply with any financial covenants under the debt financing. |
Any additional equity financing may be dilutive to our shareholders and any debt financing may require restrictive covenants. Additional funds may not be available on terms commercially acceptable to us. Failure to manage discretionary spending and raise additional capital or debt financing as required may adversely impact our ability to achieve our intended business objectives. See “—Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.”
| 9 |
The oversupply of solar cells and modules in the solar industry may cause substantial downward pressure on the prices of our products and reduce our revenue and earnings.
In 2011, the solar industry experienced oversupply across the value chain, and by the end of the year, solar module, cell and wafer pricing all decreased. Demand for solar products remained soft in 2012 and at the end of 2012, solar module, cell and wafer pricing had all further decreased. Although the global economy has improved since 2013, demand for solar modules in Europe fell significantly in 2013. As a result, many solar power producers that typically purchase solar power products from manufacturers like us were unable or unwilling to expand their operations.
Our average module selling price decreased from RMB3.78 per watt for 2014 to RMB3.57 per watt for 2015, and further decreased to RMB3.33 per watt (US$0.50 per watt) for 2016. Continued increases in solar module production in excess of market demand may result in further downward pressure on the price of solar cells and modules, including our products. Increasing competition could also result in us losing sales or market share. If we are unable, on an ongoing basis, to procure silicon, solar wafers and solar cells at reasonable prices, or mark up the price of our solar modules to cover our manufacturing and operating costs, our revenue and gross margin will be adversely impacted, either due to higher costs compared to our competitors or due to inventory write-downs, or both. In addition, our market share may decline if our competitors are able to price their products more competitively.
Volatility in the prices of silicon raw materials makes our procurement planning challenging and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
The prices of polysilicon, the essential raw material for solar cell and module products and silicon wafers have been subject to significant volatility. Historically, increases in the price of polysilicon had increased our production costs. Since the first half of 2010, as a result of the growth of newly available polysilicon manufacturing capacity worldwide, there has been an increased supply of polysilicon, which has driven down its price and the price of its downstream products. Since the second half of 2011, the prices of polysilicon and silicon wafers further fell significantly. From 2011 to 2012, the prices of solar products declined, and prices began to stabilize in the first half of 2013. From 2013 to 2016, the price of polysilicon slightly fluctuated.
We expect that the prices of virgin polysilicon feedstock may continue to be subject to volatility, making our procurement planning challenging. For example, if we refrain from entering into fixed-price, long-term supply contracts, we may miss the opportunities to secure long-term supplies of virgin polysilicon at favorable prices if the spot market price of virgin polysilicon increases significantly in the future. On the other hand, if we enter into more fixed-price, long-term supply contracts, we may not be able to renegotiate or otherwise adjust the purchase prices under such long-term supply contracts if the spot market price declines. As a result, our cost of silicon raw materials could be higher than that of our competitors who source their supply of silicon raw materials through floating-price arrangements or spot market purchases. To the extent we may not be able to fully pass on higher costs and expenses to our customers, our profit margins, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.
We may not be able to obtain sufficient silicon raw materials in a timely manner or on commercially reasonable terms, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
In 2014, 2015 and 2016, our five largest suppliers accounted for approximately 62.1%, 52.8% and 59.2%, respectively, of our total silicon purchases by value. In 2016, one of our suppliers individually accounted for more than 10% and our largest supplier accounted for 17.7% of our total silicon purchases by value. In 2015, three of our suppliers individually accounted for more than 10% and our largest supplier accounted for 16.9% of our total silicon purchases by value. In 2014, three of our suppliers individually accounted for more than 10% and our largest supplier accounted for 16.0 % of our total silicon purchases by value.
Although the global supply of polysilicon has increased significantly, we may experience interruption to our supply of silicon raw materials or late delivery in the future for the following reasons, among others:
| · | suppliers under our silicon material supply contracts may delay deliveries for a significant period of time without incurring penalties; |
| 10 |
| · | our virgin polysilicon suppliers may not be able to meet our production needs consistently or on a timely basis; |
| · | compared with us, some of our competitors who also purchase virgin polysilicon from our suppliers have longer and stronger relationships with and have greater buying power and bargaining leverage over some of our key suppliers; and |
| · | our supply of silicon raw materials is subject to the business risk of our suppliers, some of whom have limited operating history and limited financial resources, and one or more of which could go out of business for reasons beyond our control in the current economic environment. |
Our failure to obtain the required amounts of silicon raw materials in a timely manner and on commercially reasonable terms could increase our manufacturing costs and substantially limit our ability to meet our contractual obligations to our customers. Any failure by us to meet such obligations could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, ability to retain customers, market share, business and results of operations and may subject us to claims from our customers and other disputes. Furthermore, our failure to obtain sufficient silicon raw materials would result in under-utilization of our production facilities and an increase in our marginal production costs. Any of the above events could have a material adverse effect on our growth, profitability and results of operations.
The loss of, or a significant reduction in orders from, any of our customers could significantly reduce our revenue and harm our results of operations.
In 2014, 2015 and 2016, sales to our top five customers represented 17.2%, 20.0% and 28.5% of our total revenue, respectively. In 2016, our largest customer accounted for 9.7% of our total revenue. In 2015, our largest customer accounted for 7.2% of our total revenue. In 2014, our largest customer accounted for 4.4% of our total revenue. Our relationships with our key customers for solar modules have been developed over a relatively short period of time and are generally in nascent stages. Our key module customers include sPower and ConEdison Development. We cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to generate significant revenue from these customers or that we will be able to maintain these customer relationships. In addition, we purchase solar wafers and cells and silicon raw materials through toll manufacturing arrangements that require us to make significant capital commitments to support our estimated production output. In the event our customers cancel their orders, we may not be able to recoup prepayments made to suppliers, which could adversely influence our financial condition and results of operations. The loss of sales to any of these customers could also have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects and results of operations.
We manufacture a majority of our products in three locations in China, which exposes us to various risks relating to long-distance transportation of our silicon wafers and solar cells in the manufacturing process.
The geographical separation of our manufacturing facilities in China necessitates constant long-distance transportation of substantial volumes of our silicon wafers and solar cells between Jiangxi Province, Zhejiang Province and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. We produce silicon wafers in Jiangxi and Xinjiang, solar cells in Zhejiang, and solar modules in Jiangxi and Zhejiang. As a result, we transport a substantial volume of our silicon wafers and solar cells within China.
The constant long-distance transportation of a large volume of our silicon wafers and solar cells may expose us to various risks, including (i) increases in transportation costs, (ii) loss of our silicon wafers or solar cells as a result of any accidents that may occur in the transportation process; (iii) delays in the transportation of our silicon wafers or solar cells as a result of any severe weather conditions, natural disasters or other conditions adversely affecting road traffic; and (iv) disruptions to our production of solar cells and solar modules as a result of delays in the transportation of our silicon wafers and solar cells. Any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
| 11 |
Prepayment arrangements to our suppliers for the procurement of silicon raw materials expose us to the credit risks of such suppliers and may also significantly increase our costs and expenses, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
Our supply contracts generally include prepayment obligations for the procurement of silicon raw materials. As of December 31, 2016, we had approximately RMB325.8 million (US$46.9 million) of advances to our suppliers. We generally do not receive collateral to secure such payments for these contracts and the collateral we received are deeply subordinated and shared with all other customers and other senior lenders of the supplier.
Our prepayments, secured or unsecured, expose us to the credit risks of our suppliers, and reduce our chances of obtaining the return of such prepayments in the event that our suppliers become insolvent or bankrupt. Moreover, we may have difficulty recovering such prepayments if any of our suppliers fails to fulfill its contractual delivery obligations to us. Accordingly, a default by our suppliers to whom we have made substantial prepayment may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. For example, in January 2013, we notified Wuxi Zhongcai Technological Co. Ltd., or Wuxi Zhongcai, one of our former polysilicon providers, to terminate our long-term supply agreement, in response to adverse developments in Wuxi Zhongcai’s business. In February 2013, we became involved in litigation with Wuxi Zhongcai over the supply agreement. We have fully provided for RMB93.2 million of the outstanding balance of prepayments to Wuxi Zhongcai. See “Item 8. Financial Information—A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal and Administrative Proceedings.”
Decreases in the price of solar power products, including solar modules, may result in additional provisions for inventory losses.
We typically plan our production and inventory levels based on our forecasts of customer demand, which may be unpredictable and can fluctuate materially. Recent market volatility has made it increasingly difficult for us to accurately forecast future product demand trends. Due to the decrease in the prices of solar power products, including solar modules, which have been our principal products since 2010, we recorded inventory provisions of RMB75.9 million, RMB98.8 million and RMB439.0 million (US$63.2 million) in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. If the prices of solar power products continue to decrease, the carrying value of our existing inventory may exceed its market price in future periods, thus requiring us to make additional provisions for inventory valuation, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.
Shortage or disruption of electricity supply may adversely affect our business.
We consume a significant amount of electricity in our operations. With the rapid development of the PRC economy, demand for electricity has continued to increase. There have been shortages or disruptions in electricity supply in various regions across China, especially during peak seasons, such as the summer, or when there are severe weather conditions. We cannot assure you that there will not be disruptions or shortages in our electricity supply or that there will be sufficient electricity available to us to meet our future requirements. Shortages or disruptions in electricity supply and any increases in electricity costs may significantly disrupt our normal operations, cause us to incur additional costs and adversely affect our profitability.
We face intense competition in solar power product markets. If we fail to adapt to changing market conditions and to compete successfully with existing or new competitors, our business prospects and results of operations would be materially adversely affected.
The markets for solar power products are intensely competitive. We compete with manufacturers of solar power products such as Trina Solar Ltd., Canadian Solar Inc. and JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd, in a continuously evolving market. Certain downstream manufacturers, some of which are also our customers and suppliers, have also built out or expanded their silicon wafer, solar cell, or solar module production operations.
| 12 |
Some of our current and potential competitors have a longer operating history, stronger brand recognition, more established relationships with customers, greater financial and other resources, a larger customer base, better access to raw materials and greater economies of scale than we do. Furthermore, some of our competitors are integrated players in the solar industry that engage in the production of virgin polysilicon. Their business models may give them competitive advantages as these integrated players place less reliance on the upstream suppliers, downstream customers or both.
The solar industry faces competition from other types of renewable and non-renewable power industries.
The solar industry faces competition from other renewable energy companies and non-renewable power industries, including nuclear energy and fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gas. Technological innovations in these other forms of energy may reduce their costs or increase their safety. Large-scale new deposits of fossil fuel may be discovered, which could reduce their costs. Local governments may decide to strengthen their support for other renewable energy sources, such as wind, hydro, biomass, geothermal and ocean power, and reduce their support for the solar industry. The inability to compete successfully against producers of other forms of power would reduce our market share and negatively affect our results of operations.
Technological changes in the solar power industry could render our products uncompetitive or obsolete, which could reduce our market share and cause our revenue and net income to decline.
The solar power industry is characterized by evolving technologies and standards. These technological evolutions and developments place increasing demands on the improvement of our products, such as solar cells with higher conversion efficiency and larger and thinner silicon wafers and solar cells. Other companies may develop production technologies that enable them to produce silicon wafers, solar cells and solar modules with higher conversion efficiencies at a lower cost than our products. Some of our competitors are developing alternative and competing solar technologies that may require significantly less silicon than crystalline silicon wafers and solar cells, or no silicon at all. Technologies developed or adopted by others may prove more advantageous than ours for commercialization of solar power products and may render our products obsolete. As a result, we may need to invest significant resources in research and development to maintain our market position, keep pace with technological advances in the solar power industry, and effectively compete in the future. Our failure to further refine and enhance our products and processes or to keep pace with evolving technologies and industry standards could cause our products to become uncompetitive or obsolete, which could materially adversely reduce our market share and affect our results of operations.
Existing regulations and policies and changes to these regulations and policies may present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to the purchase and use of solar power products, which may significantly reduce demand for our products.
The market for electricity generation products is heavily influenced by government regulations and policies concerning the electric utility industry, as well as by policies adopted by electric utility companies. These regulations and policies often relate to electricity pricing and technical interconnection requirements for customer-owned electricity generation. In a number of countries, these regulations and policies are being modified and may continue to be modified. Customer purchases of, or further investment in the research and development of, alternative energy sources, including solar power technology, could be deterred by these regulations and policies, which could result in a significant reduction in the demand for our products. For example, without a regulatory mandated exception for solar power systems, utility customers may be charged interconnection or standby fees for putting distributed power generation on the electric utility grid. These fees could increase the cost of and reduce the demand for solar power, thereby harming our business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, we anticipate that solar power products and their installation will be subject to oversight and regulation in accordance with national and local regulations relating to building codes, safety, environmental protection, utility interconnection, and metering and related matters. Any new government regulations or utility policies pertaining to solar power products may result in significant additional expenses to the users of solar power products and, as a result, could eventually cause a significant reduction in demand for our products.
| 13 |
We may face termination and late charges and risks relating to the termination and amendment of certain equipment purchases contracts. Our reliance on equipment and spare parts suppliers may also expose us to potential risks.
We transact with a limited number of equipment suppliers for all our principal manufacturing equipment and spare parts, including our silicon ingot furnaces, squaring machines, wire saws, diffusion furnaces, firing furnaces and screen print machine. We may rely on certain major suppliers to provide a substantial portion of the principal manufacturing equipment and spare parts as part of our expansion plan in the future. If we fail to develop or maintain our relationships with these and other equipment suppliers, or should any of our major equipment suppliers encounter difficulties in the manufacturing or shipment of its equipment or spare parts to us, including due to natural disasters or otherwise fail to supply equipment or spare parts according to our requirements, it will be difficult for us to find alternative providers for such equipment on a timely basis and on commercially reasonable terms. As a result, our production and result of operation could be adversely affected.
Selling our products on credit terms may increase our working capital requirements and expose us to the credit risk of our customers.
To accommodate and retain customers in the negative market environment, many solar module manufacturers, including us, shifted from demanding advance payments towards increasing credit sales and providing longer credit terms to both existing and new customers. Most of our sales are made on credit terms and we allow our customers to make payments after a certain period of time subsequent to the delivery of our products. The increased use of credit sales and the longer credit terms have led to increased accounts receivable turnover and bad debt risks. Our accounts receivable turnover were 102 days, 82 days and 108 days in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. In particular, in 2014, 2015 and 2016, our accounts receivable turnover in the United States were 34 days, 25 days and 19 days, respectively, and our accounts receivable turnover in China were 146 days, 131 days and 144 days, respectively. Correspondingly, we recorded provisions for accounts receivable of RMB428.6 million, RMB335.7 million and RMB376.6 million (US$54.2 million) as of December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. We had reversal of bad debt provisions of RMB161.4 million, RMB206.3 million and RMB191.5 million (US$27.6 million) for 2014, 2015 and 2016 as a result of the subsequent cash collection of long-aged accounts receivable.
We expect the use of credit sales to continue in the industry and this trend will continue to negatively affect our liquidity and our accounts receivable turnover. Selling our products on credit terms has increased, and may continue to increase our working capital requirements, which may negatively impact our short-term liquidity. We may not be able to maintain adequate working capital primarily through cash generated from our operating activities and may need to secure additional financing for our working capital requirements. Based on our ongoing assessment of the recoverability of our outstanding accounts receivable, we may need to continue to provide for doubtful accounts and write off overdue accounts receivable we determine as not collectible. If we fail to secure additional financing on a timely basis on terms acceptable to us or at all, our financial conditions, results of operations and liquidity may be adversely affected. In addition, we are exposed to the credit risk of customers to which we have made credit sales in the event that any of such customers becomes insolvent or bankrupt or otherwise does not make timely payments.
We face risks associated with the manufacturing, marketing, distribution and sale of our products internationally, and if we are unable to effectively manage these risks, our ability to expand our business abroad may be restricted.
We commenced export sales in May 2008 when we exported a small portion of our products to Hong Kong, and have since continued to increase export sales. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, we generated 57.7%, 62.7% and 61.5%, respectively, of our total revenue from export sales. We also have manufacturing facilities in South Africa, Portugal and Malaysia. We plan to continue to increase manufacturing and sales outside China and expand our customer base overseas. However, the manufacturing, marketing, distribution and sale of our products outside of China may expose us to a number of risks, including those associated with:
| · | fluctuations in currency exchange rates; |
| · | costs associated with understanding local markets and trends; |
| 14 |
| · | costs associated with establishment of overseas manufacturing facilities; |
| · | marketing and distribution costs; |
| · | customer services and support costs; |
| · | risk management and internal control structures for our overseas operations; |
| · | compliance with the different commercial, operational, environmental and legal requirements; |
| · | obtaining or maintaining certifications for production, marketing, distribution and sales of our products or, if applicable, services; |
| · | maintaining our reputation as an environmentally friendly enterprise for our products or services; |
| · | obtaining, maintaining or enforcing intellectual property rights; |
| · | changes in prevailing economic conditions and regulatory requirements; |
| · | transportation and freight costs; |
| · | employing and retaining manufacturing, technology, sales and other personnel who are knowledgeable about, and can function effectively in, overseas markets; |
| · | trade barriers such as export requirements, tariffs, taxes and other restrictions and expenses, which could increase the prices of our products and make us less competitive in some countries; |
| · | challenges due to our unfamiliarity with local laws, regulation and policies, our absence of significant operating experience in local market, increased cost associated with establishment of overseas operations and maintaining a multi-national organizational structure; and |
| · | other various risks that are beyond our control. |
Our manufacturing capacity outside China requires us to comply with different laws and regulations, including national and local regulations relating to production, environmental protection, employment and the other related matters. Due to our limited experience in doing business in South Africa, Portugal and Malaysia, we are unfamiliar with local laws, regulation and policies. Our failure to obtain the required approvals, permits, licenses, filings or to comply with the conditions associated therewith could result in fines, sanctions, suspension, revocation or non-renewal of approvals, permits or licenses, or even criminal penalties, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, we are exploring the opportunity for development, construction and operation of solar power projects outside China. In March 2016, we, acting through our wholly-owned subsidiary Jinkosolar Investment Pte. Ltd., were awarded the right to sign power purchase agreements with Comisión Federal de Electricidad, Mexico’s state-owned electric utility, for three PV solar projects with a total capacity of approximately 188 MW under Mexico’s first electricity power auction since the country’s energy reform. However, if we fail in the execution of the project in compliance with the auction instructions and the documents or agreements subsequently entered into by us, our auction bond may be forfeited and we may be subject to further liquidated damages and our potential in participation of auction or bidding process in the future may be limited.
As we enter into new markets in different jurisdictions, we will face different regulatory regimes, business practices, governmental requirements and industry conditions. As a result, our prior experiences and knowledge in other jurisdictions may not be relevant, and we may spend substantial resources familiarizing ourselves with the new environment and conditions. To the extent that our business operations are affected by unexpected and adverse economic, regulatory, social and political conditions in the jurisdictions in which we have operations, we may experience project disruptions, loss of assets and personnel, and other indirect losses that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
| 15 |
We are subject to anti-dumping and countervailing duties imposed by the U.S. government and quotas imposed by the European Union.
Our direct sales to the U.S. market accounted for 18.1%, 26.8% and 36.0% of our total revenue in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively.
In 2011, SolarWorld Industries America Inc., a solar panel manufacturing companies in the United States, filed anti-dumping and countervailing duty petitions with the United States Department of Commerce (the “U.S. Department of Commerce”) and United States International Trade Commission (the “U.S. International Trade Commission”) against the Chinese solar industry, accusing Chinese producers of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (“CSPV”) cells, whether or not assembled into modules, of selling their products (i.e., CSPV cells or modules incorporating these cells) in the United States at less than fair value, and of receiving financial assistance from the Chinese governments that benefited the production, manufacture, or exportation of such products. JinkoSolar is on the list of the solar companies subject to such investigations by the U.S. Department of Commerce. On November 9, 2011, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that it launched the antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigation into the accusations. On December 7, 2012, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the antidumping duty order and countervailing duty order. As a result, the cash deposits are required to pay on import into the U.S. of the CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules from China. The announced cash deposit rates applicable to us are 13.94% (for dumping margin) and 15.24% (for subsidy rate). The actual antidumping duty and countervailing duty rates at which entries of covered merchandise will be finally assessed may differ from the announced deposit rates because they are subject to the following administrative reviews by U.S. Department of Commerce. In January 2014, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the first administrative review of the antidumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from China. In July 2014, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final results of this first administrative review, according to which, our tariff rates for dumping and subsidy are 9.67% and 20.94%, respectively. Such rates apply as the final rates on the import into the U.S. of the CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules from China, from May 25, 2012 to November 30, 2013 for dumping, and from March 26, 2012 to December 31, 2012 for subsidy, respectively. Such rates will be the cash deposit rates applicable to us from July 14, 2015. In February 2015 and February 2016, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the second administrative and the third administrative review of the antidumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from China, respectively. In June 2016, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final results of this second administrative review. As we were not included in this second administrative review, the tariff rates applicable to us remained at 9.67% (for dumping margin) and 20.94% (for subsidy rate) after this review. The third administrative review is pending as of the date of this annual report. In February 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the fourth administrative review of the antidumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from China. The fourth administrative reviews are pending as of the date of this annual report, and therefore, the final tariff rates applicable to us are subject to change.
In 2013, SolarWorld Industries America Inc. filed a separate petition with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission resulting in the institution of new antidumping and countervailing duty investigations against import of certain CSPV products from China. The petitions accused Chinese producers of such certain CSPV modules of dumping their products in the United States and receiving countervailable subsidies from the Chinese government. This action excludes from its scope the CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from China. In February 2015, following the affirmative injury determination made by U.S. International Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the antidumping duty order and countervailing duty order. As a result, the final cash deposits are required to pay on import into the U.S. of the CSPV modules assembled in China consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China. The announced cash deposit rates applicable to us are 65.36% (for dumping margin) and 38.43% (for subsidy rate). The actual antidumping duty and countervailing duty rates at which entries of covered merchandise will be finally assessed may differ from the announced deposit rates because they are subject to the administrative reviews by the U.S. Department of Commerce. In April 2016, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the first administrative review of the antidumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV modules assembled in China consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China. Such first administrative reviews are pending as of the date of this annual report.
| 16 |
Our sales in the United States may be adversely affected by these anti-dumping and countervailing duties, which may in turn materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We made provisions of RMB15.0 million (US$2.2 million) for preliminary U.S. countervailing and anti-dumping duties in 2016. However, as the final tariff rates applicable to us are subject to the outcome of the administrative reviews which may be substantially increased by the U.S. Department of Commerce, we cannot assure you that our provision made is sufficient and our business and results of operations may be materially adversely affected if the outcome of the administrative reviews turn out to be negative.
Our direct sales to the European market accounted for 15.6%, 12.4% and 3.5% of our total revenue in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. On June 6, 2013, the European Union imposed provisional anti-dumping duty on the solar panels originating in or consigned from China, including JinkoSolar’s products, at the starting rate of 11.8% until August 5, 2013, and followed by an increased rate averaging 47.6%.
On July 27, 2013, the European Union and Chinese trade negotiators announced that a price undertaking has been reached pursuant to which Chinese manufacturers, including JinkoSolar, would limit their exports of solar panels to the European Union and for no less than a minimum price, in exchange for the European Union agreeing to forgo the imposition of anti-dumping duties on these solar panels from China. The offer was approved by the European Commission on August 2, 2013. The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products, or CCCME, is responsible for allocating the quota among Chinese export producers, and JinkoSolar has been allocated a portion of the quota. Solar panels imported exceeding the annual quota will be subject to anti-dumping duties. On December 5, 2013, the European Council announced its final decision imposing definitive anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on imports of crystalline silicon PV cells and modules originating in or consigned from China. An average duty of 47.7%, consisting of the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties, will be applied for a period of two years beginning on December 6, 2013 to Chinese solar panel exporters who cooperated with the European Commission’s investigations. On the same day, the European Commission announced its decision to confirm the acceptance of the price undertaking offered by Chinese export producers, including JinkoSolar, with CCCME in connection with the anti-dumping proceeding and to extend the price undertaking to the anti-subsidy proceeding, which will exempt them from both anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties. From November 17, 2016, we have officially withdrawn from the European Union price undertaking agreement.
In May 2015, the European Commission initiated expiry reviews of the existing countervailing measures and antidumping measures applicable to imports of CSPV modules and key components (i.e. cells) originating in or consigned from the People’s Republic of China. Such expiry reviews will determine whether the existing countervailing measures and antidumping measures will expire or continue to apply. In March 2017, the European Commission made final determination to continue the existing countervailing measures and antidumping measures for another 18 months.
In May 2015, the European Commission initiated an investigation concerning the possible circumvention of antidumping measures and countervailing measures imposed on imports of CSPV modules and key components (i.e. cells) originating in or consigned from China by imports of CSPV modules and key components (i.e. cells) consigned from Malaysia and Taiwan, whether declared as originating in Malaysia and Taiwan or not. In February 2016, the European Commission made definitive result of this investigation. According to the definitive results, the 53.4% of the anti-dumping duty and 11.5% of the countervailing duty are applicable to the imports of CSPV modules and key components (i.e. cells) originating in or consigned from the People’s Republic of China, is hereby extended to imports of CSPV modules and key components (i.e. cells) consigned from Malaysia and Taiwan whether declared as originating in Malaysia and in Taiwan or not.
In March 2017, the European Commission initiated a partial interim review of the anti-dumping and countervailing measures applicable to imports of CSPV modules and key components (i.e. cells) originating in or consigned from China. Such partial interim review will examine whether the European Union price undertaking agreement can still be considered as an appropriate form for the measures. Such partial interim review is pending as of the date of this annual report.
The European Union is one of the most important markets for solar products. Anti-dumping, countervailing duties or both imposed on imports of our products into the European Union could materially adversely affect our affiliated European Union import operations, increase our cost of selling into the European Union, and adversely affect our European Union export sales.
| 17 |
In December 2014, Canada initiated the anti-dumping and countervailing investigations on imports of CSPV modules from China. In June 2015, the Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) found that the CSPV modules under investigation have been dumped and subsidized. In July 2015, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal found that the dumping and subsidizing of the above-mentioned goods have not caused injury, but are threatening to cause injury to the domestic industry. As a result, import into Canada of our CSPV modules under investigation from China is subject to the antidumping and countervailing duties. The countervailing duty rate (RMB per Watt) applicable to Jiangxi Jinko and Zhejiang Jinko are 0.028 and 0.046, respectively. For antidumping duties, CBSA set normal value for the imported CSPV modules and the anti-dumping duty will be the difference between the export price and normal value if the export price is lower the normal value. No antidumping duties will apply if the export price is equal or more than the normal value.
In May 2014, Australian Anti-dumping Commission initiated anti-dumping investigation against CSPV modules imported from China. In October 2015, the Australian Anti-dumping Commission decided to terminate this investigation and decided no imposition of any anti-dumping duty on imported CSPV modules from China. However, in January 2016, the Australian Antidumping Commission resumed this investigation. In October 2016, Australian Anti-dumping Commission made final determination to uphold its original results, i.e. to terminate the investigation and decided no imposition of any anti-dumping duty on imported CSPV modules from China.
In July 2016, Turkish Ministry of Economy initiated anti-dumping investigation against photovoltaic cells whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panels, from China. Such anti-dumping investigation is pending as of the date of this annual report.
Imposition of anti-dumping and countervailing orders in one or more markets may result in additional costs to us, our customers or both, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects.
We are exposed to various risks related to legal or administrative proceedings or claims that could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and reputation, and may cause loss of business.
Litigation in general can be expensive, lengthy and disruptive to normal business operations. Moreover, the results of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict. We and/or our directors and officers may be involved in allegations, litigation or legal or administrative proceedings from time to time.
On October 11, 2011, JinkoSolar, along with our directors and officers at the time of our initial public offering, or the Individual Defendants, and the underwriters of our initial public offering were named as defendants in a putative shareholder class action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York captioned Marco Peters v. JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., et al., Case No. 11-CV-7133 (S.D.N.Y.). In an amended complaint filed on June 1, 2012, the plaintiff, representing a class of all purchasers and acquirers of ADSs of JinkoSolar between May 13, 2010 and September 22, 2011, inclusive, alleged that the defendants violated Sections 11 and 12(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, by making material misstatements or failing to disclose material information regarding, among other things, JinkoSolar’s compliance with environmental regulations at its Haining facility. The amended complaint also asserted claims against the Individual Defendants for control person liability under Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. On January 22, 2013, the District Court issued a Memorandum and Order dismissing the amended complaint as against all defendants. The plaintiff appealed the District Court’s Order to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which issued an order on July 31, 2014 vacating the District Court’s Order and remanding the case to the District Court for further proceedings. Defendants filed a further motion to dismiss the amended complaint. On January 22, 2015, JinkoSolar agreed, subject to court approval, to settle the lawsuit. The settlement, if approved, will also resolve all related claims against JinkoSolar’s officers and directors as well as the underwriters involved in JinkoSolar’s public offerings during the relevant period. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, the members of the proposed class will receive a settlement fund of $5.05 million, less any court-approved fees. JinkoSolar will contribute a portion of the settlement fund, and JinkoSolar’s insurers will fund the remaining portion. JinkoSolar will not take any charge in connection with the settlement. JinkoSolar has denied, and continues to deny, the allegations and is entering into this settlement solely to eliminate the uncertainty, burden and expense of further protracted litigation. On March 11, 2016, the District Court entered an Order and Final Judgment approving such settlement, certifying the proposed class for settlement purposes, and dismissing the amended complaint with prejudice.
| 18 |
In July 2008, Jiangxi Jinko entered into a long-term supply agreement with Wuxi Zhongcai, a producer of polysilicon materials. Jiangxi Jinko provided a prepayment of RMB95.6 million pursuant to such contract. Wuxi Zhongcai subsequently halted production as a result of the adverse changes in the polysilicon market. In February 2013, Jiangxi Jinko sued Wuxi Zhongcai in Shangrao City Intermediate People’s Court for the refund of the outstanding balance of our prepayment of RMB93.2 million after deducting delivery made to Jiangxi Jinko by an affiliate of Wuxi Zhongcai. In February 2013, Wuxi Zhongcai sued Jiangxi Jinko in Shanghai Pudong New Area People’s Court for approximately RMB2.7 million for breaching the contract by failing to make allegedly required payments and reject the refund of the prepayment of RMB 95.6 million to Jiangxi Jinko. In December 2015, Jiangxi Jinko made an alternation of the claim under which it requested the refund of the prepayment of RMB93.2 million, the interests accrued from such prepayment, and the liquidated damages in the amount of RMB93.2 million. In January, 2016, Wuxi Zhongcai also changed the plea, in which it claimed for the liquidated damages amounting to approximately RMB102.0 million and the losses suffered from the termination of the agreement in the amount of RMB150.0 million, and rejected the refund of the prepayment of RMB95.6 million to Jiangxi Jinko. The above two lawsuits are pending before the Shanghai High People’s court as of the date of this annual report.
In 2010 and 2011, Jiangxi Jinko and Zhejiang Qin Ye Construction Group Co., Ltd. (“Zhejiang Qin Ye”) entered into several agreements for construction projects. In January 2014, Jiangxi Jinko sued Zhejiang Qin Ye for breach of contract due to the commercial bribery conducted by employees of Zhejiang Qin Ye, the liquidated damages of which amounted to RMB22.3 million. In May 2015, Zhejiang Qin Ye sued Jiangxi Jinko, claiming for the unpaid contract price in the amount of RMB23.1 million. As of the date of this annual report, the above two lawsuits are still pending for judgment.
Regardless of the merits, responding to allegations, litigation or legal or administration proceedings and defending against litigation can be time consuming and costly, and may result in us incurring substantial legal and administrative expenses, as well as divert the attention of our management. Any such allegations, lawsuits or proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our business operations. Further, unfavorable outcomes from these claims or lawsuits could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may continue to undertake acquisitions, investments, joint ventures or other strategic alliances, and such undertakings may be unsuccessful.
We may continue to grow our operations through acquisitions, participation in joint ventures or other strategic alliances with suppliers or other companies in China and overseas along the solar power industry value chain in the future. Such acquisitions, participation in joint ventures and strategic alliances may expose us to new operational, regulatory, market and geographical risks as well as risks associated with additional capital requirements and diversion of management resources. Our acquisitions may expose us to the following risks:
| · | There may be unforeseen risks relating to the target’s business and operations or liabilities of the target that were not discovered by us through our legal and business due diligence prior to such acquisition. Such undetected risks and liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations in the future. |
| · | There is no assurance that we will be able to maintain relationships with previous customers of the target, or develop new customer relationships in the future. Loss of our existing customers or failure to establish relationships with new customers could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. |
| · | Acquisitions will generally divert a significant portion of our management and financial resources from our existing business and the integration of the target’s operations with our existing operations has required, and will continue to require, significant management and financial resources, potentially straining our ability to finance and manage our existing operations. |
| · | There is no assurance that the expected synergies or other benefits from any acquisition or joint venture investment will actually materialize. If we are not successful in the integration of a target’s operations, or are otherwise not successful in the operation of a target’s business, we may not be able to generate sufficient revenue from its operations to recover costs and expenses of the acquisition. |
| 19 |
| · | Acquisition or participation in new joint venture or strategic alliance may involve us in the management of operation in which we do not possess extensive expertise. |
The materialization of any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be subject to non-competition or other similar restrictions or arrangements relating to our business.
We may from time to time enter into non-competition, exclusivity or other restrictions or arrangements of a similar nature as part of our sales agreements with our customers. Such restrictions or arrangements may significantly hinder our ability to sell additional products, or enter into sales agreements with new or existing customers that plan to sell our products, in certain markets. As a result, such restrictions or arrangements may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In October 2016, we entered into a side agreement with Jiangxi Jinko Engineering and the investors of Jiangxi Jinko Engineering, pursuant to the non-compete provisions of which we undertake not to develop any downstream solar power project with a capacity of over 2 MW in China after the disposition of our equity interest in Jiangxi Jinko Engineering in the fourth quarter of 2016. As a result, we only operated several solar power projects outside China as of December 31, 2016. This non-competition covenant may adversely affect our growth prospects in China.
Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We typically require a significant amount of cash to meet our capital requirements, including the expansion of our production capacity, as well as to fund our operations. As of December 31, 2016, we had approximately RMB5.49 billion (US$790.5 million) in outstanding short-term borrowings (including the current portion of long-term bank borrowings) and RMB488.5 million (US$70.4 million) in outstanding long-term bank borrowings (excluding the current portion).
In addition, we have substantial repayment obligations under the debt securities we issued.
On January 22, 2014, we issued convertible senior notes in the principal amount of US$150.0 million due 2019, bearing an annual interest rate of 4.0% and with an option for holders to require us to repurchase their notes in February 2017 for the principal of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and in reliance of Regulation S of the Securities Act. In November 2014, we signed a US$20.0 million two-year credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, or Wells Fargo. The credit limit was raised to US$40.0 million in June 2015 and further to US$60.0 million in July 2016 through amendments to the credit agreement. Borrowings under the new credit agreement will be used to support our working capital and business operations in the United States.
In May 2015, we signed a US$20.0 million bank facility agreement with Barclay Bank, which was subsequently raised to US$40.0 million, to support our working capital and business operations. In August 2015, we signed a RMB700.0 million loan agreement with The Export-Import Bank of China. In September 2015, we signed a line of credit of up to RMB10.0 billion strategic agreement with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Jiangxi Provincial branch.
In July 2016, we signed a one-year JPY2 billion syndicated loan agreement with a bank consortium led by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation to support our working capital and business operations in Japan. In September 2016, we signed a US$25.0 million bank facility agreement with Malayan Banking Berhad to support our working capital and business operations in Malaysia.
We may not have sufficient funds available to meet our payment obligations in light of the amount of bank borrowings due in the near term future. This level of debt and the imminent repayment of our notes and other bank borrowings could have significant consequences on our operations, including:
| · | reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes as a result of our debt service obligations, and limiting our ability to obtain additional financing; |
| · | limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, and increasing our vulnerability to, changes in our business, the industry in which we operate and the general economy; and |
| 20 |
| · | potentially increasing the cost of any additional financing. |
Any of these factors and other consequences that may result from our substantial indebtedness could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations as well as our ability to meet our payment obligations under our debt.
In addition, we are exposed to various types of market risk in the normal course of business, including the impact of interest rate changes. As of December 31, 2016, RMB488.5 million (US$70.4 million) of our long-term borrowings bears interest at variable rates, generally linked to market benchmarks such as the benchmark interest rate issued by People’s Bank of China, or PBOC. Any increase in interest rates would increase our finance expenses relating to our variable rate indebtedness and increase the costs of refinancing our existing indebtedness and issuing new debt.
We may also incur gain or loss in relation to our change in the fair value of our financial instruments. For example, in 2016, we had net loss from a change in fair value of convertible senior notes and capped call options of RMB110.2 million (US$15.9 million). The change in fair value of financial instruments may fluctuate significantly from period to period due to factors that are largely beyond our control, and may result in us recording substantial gains or losses as a result of such changes. As a result of the foregoing, you may not be able to rely on period to period comparisons of our operating results as an indication of our future performance.
Our failure to maintain sufficient collateral under certain pledge contracts for our short-term loans may materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
As of December 31, 2016, we had short-term borrowings of RMB902.9 million (US$130.0 million), including the current portion of long-term bank borrowings, secured by certain of our inventory with net book value of RMB61.0 million (US$8.8 million), land use rights, property, plant and equipment with total net book value of RMB2.02 billion (US$290.9 million). We cannot assure you that we will not be requested by the pledgees to provide additional collateral to bring the value of the collateral to the level required by the pledgees if our inventory depreciates in the future. If we fail to provide additional collateral, the pledgees will be entitled to require the immediate repayment of the outstanding bank loans. In addition, the pledgees may auction or sell the inventory. Furthermore, we may be subject to liquidated damages pursuant to relevant pledge contracts. Although the pledgees have conducted regular site inspections on our inventory since the pledge contracts were executed, they have not requested us to provide additional collateral or take other remedial actions. However, we cannot assure you the pledgees will not require us to provide additional collateral in the future or take other remedial actions or otherwise enforce their rights under the pledge contracts and loan agreements. If any of the foregoing occurs, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
We rely principally on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our principal operating subsidiaries, and limitations on their ability to pay dividends to us could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
We are a holding company and rely principally on dividends paid by our principal operating subsidiaries, including Jiangxi Jinko and Zhejiang Jinko, for cash requirements. Applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations permit payment of dividends by our PRC subsidiaries only out of their retained earnings, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards. Our PRC subsidiaries are required to set aside a certain percentage of their after-tax profit based on PRC accounting standards each year as reserve funds for future development and employee benefits, in accordance with the requirements of relevant laws and provisions in their respective articles of associations. The percentage should not be less than 10%, unless the reserve funds reach 50% of the company’s registered capital. In addition, under PRC laws, our PRC subsidiaries are prohibited from distributing dividends if there is a loss in the current year. As a result, our PRC subsidiaries may be restricted in their ability to transfer any portion of their net income to us whether in the form of dividends, loans or advances. Any limitation on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to us could materially adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our businesses, pay dividends or otherwise fund and conduct our business.
| 21 |
Any failure to maintain effective internal control could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and the market price of the ADSs.
The SEC, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, adopted rules requiring most public companies to include a management report on such company’s internal control over financial reporting in its annual report, which contains management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. In addition, when a company meets the SEC’s criteria, an independent registered public accounting firm must report on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Our management and independent registered public accounting firm have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 was effective. However, we cannot assure you that in the future our management or our independent registered public accounting firm will not identify material weaknesses during the Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act audit process or for other reasons. In addition, because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As a result, if we fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or should we be unable to prevent or detect material misstatements due to error or fraud on a timely basis, investors could lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which in turn could harm our business, results of operations and negatively impact the market price of the ADSs, and harm our reputation. Furthermore, we have incurred and expected to continue to incur considerable costs and to use significant management time and other resources in an effort to comply with Section 404 and other requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Failure to achieve satisfactory production volumes of our products could result in higher unit production costs.
The production of silicon wafers, solar cells, solar modules and recovered silicon materials involves complex processes. Deviations in the manufacturing process can cause a substantial decrease in output and, in some cases, disrupt production significantly or result in no output. From time to time, we have experienced lower-than-anticipated manufacturing output during the ramp-up of production lines. This often occurs during the introduction of new products, the installation of new equipment or the implementation of new process technologies. As we bring additional lines or facilities into production, we may operate at less than intended capacity during the ramp-up period. In addition, the decreased demand in global solar power product market, including the demand for solar modules, may also cause us to operate at less than intended capacity. This would result in higher marginal production costs and lower output, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Demand for solar power products may be adversely affected by seasonality.
Demand for solar power products tends to be weaker during the winter months partly due to adverse weather conditions in certain regions, which complicate the installation of solar power systems, our operating results may fluctuate from period to period based on the seasonality of industry demand for solar power products. Our sales in the first quarter of any year may also be affected by the occurrence of the Chinese New Year holiday during which domestic industrial activity is normally lower than that at other times. Such fluctuations may result in the underutilization of our capacity and increase our average costs per unit. In addition, we may not be able to capture all of the available demand if our capacity is insufficient during the summer months. As a result, fluctuations in the demand for our products may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Unsatisfactory performance of or defects in our products may cause us to incur additional expenses and warranty costs, damage our reputation and cause our sales to decline.
Our products may contain defects that are not detected until after they are shipped or inspected by our customers.
Our silicon wafer sales contracts normally require our customers to conduct inspection before delivery. We may, from time to time, allow those of our silicon wafer customers with good credit to return our silicon wafers within a stipulated period, which normally ranges from 7 to 15 working days after delivery, if they find our silicon wafers do not meet the required specifications. Our standard solar cell sales contract requires our customer to notify us within 7 days of delivery if such customer finds our solar cells do not meet the specifications stipulated in the sales contract. If our customer notifies us of such defect within the specified time period and provides relevant proof, we will replace those defective solar cells with qualified ones after our confirmation of such defects.
| 22 |
Our solar modules are typically sold with a 10-year warranty for material and workmanship and a 25-year linear power output warranty against the maximum degradation of the actual power output for each year after the warranty start date. If a solar module is defective during the relevant warranty period, we will either repair or replace the solar module. As we continue to increase our sales to the major export markets, we may be exposed to increased warranty claims.
In May 2011, we engaged PowerGuard Specialty Insurance Services, or PowerGuard, a firm specialized in unique insurance and risk management solutions for the wind and solar energy industries, to provide insurance coverage for the product warranty services of our solar modules worldwide effective from May 1, 2011. Since May 2011, we have renewed the insurance policy upon its expiration in May for each year for a period of one year. The policy offers back-to-back coverage through a maximum of ten-year limited product defects warranty, as well as a 12-year and 25-year linear warranty against declines of more than 10.0% and 20.0%, respectively, from the initial minimum power generation capacity at the time of delivery.
If we experience a significant increase in warranty claims, we may incur significant repair and replacement costs associated with such claims. In addition, product defects could cause significant damage to our market reputation and reduce our product sales and market share, and our failure to maintain the consistency and quality throughout our production process could result in substandard quality or performance of our products. If we deliver our products with defects, or if there is a perception that our products are of substandard quality, we may incur substantially increased costs associated with returns or replacements of our products, our credibility and market reputation could be harmed and our sales and market share may be materially adversely affected.
Fluctuations in exchange rates could adversely affect our results of operations.
We derive a substantial portion of our sales from international customers and a significant portion of our total revenue have been denominated in foreign currencies, particularly, Euros and U.S. dollars. Our export sales represented 57.7%, 62.7% and 61.5% of our total revenue in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. As a result, we may face significant risks resulting from currency exchange rate fluctuations, particularly, among Renminbi, Euros and U.S. dollars. Furthermore, we have outstanding debt obligations, and may continue to incur debts from time to time, denominated and repayable in foreign currencies. We incurred foreign-exchange losses of approximately RMB139.6 million and RMB86.5 million in 2014 and 2015, respectively and foreign-exchange gain of approximately RMB208.8 million (US$30.1 million) in 2016. We cannot predict the impact of future exchange rate fluctuations on our results of operations and may incur net foreign currency losses in the future.
Our consolidated financial statements are expressed in Renminbi. The functional currency of our principal operating subsidiaries, Jiangxi Jinko and Zhejiang Jinko, is also Renminbi. To the extent we hold assets denominated in Euros or U.S. dollars, any appreciation of Renminbi against the Euro or U.S. dollar could reduce the value of our Euro-or U.S. dollar-denominated consolidated assets. On the other hand, if we decide to convert our Renminbi amounts into Euros or U.S. dollars for business purposes, including foreign debt service, a decline in the value of Renminbi against the Euro or U.S. dollar would reduce the Euro or U.S. dollar equivalent amounts of the Renminbi we convert. In addition, a depreciation of Renminbi against the U.S. dollar could reduce the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts of our financial results and the dividends we may pay in the future, if any, all of which may have a material adverse effect on the price of our ADSs.
Since June 2010, the Renminbi has fluctuated against the U.S. dollar, at times significantly and unpredictably. On November 30, 2015, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund completed the regular five-year review of the basket of currencies that make up the Special Drawing Right, or the SDR, and decided that with effect from October 1, 2016, Renminbi will be a freely usable currency and will be included in the SDR basket as a fifth currency, along with the U.S. dollar, the Euro, the Japanese yen and the British pound. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the RMB has depreciated significantly in the backdrop of a surging U.S. dollar and persistent capital outflows of China. With the development of the foreign exchange market and progress towards interest rate liberalization and Renminbi internationalization, the PRC government may in the future announce further changes to the exchange rate system and we cannot assure you that the Renminbi will not appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the future. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar in the future. Any currency exchange losses we recognize may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert Renminbi into foreign currency.
| 23 |
Limited hedging transactions are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. Although we have entered into a number of foreign-exchange forward contracts and call spread options with local banks to manage our risks associated with foreign-exchange rates fluctuations, we cannot assure you that our hedging efforts will be effective. Our currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert Renminbi into foreign currency. As a result, fluctuations in exchange rates may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our operating history may not be a reliable predictor of our prospects and future results of operations.
We commenced processing recoverable silicon materials in June 2006, and manufacturing silicon wafers in 2008. We commenced producing solar cells in July 2009 following our acquisition of Zhejiang Jinko, which has manufactured solar cells since June 2007, and we commenced producing solar modules in August 2009. We commenced our solar power generation and solar system integration service business in late 2011 and disposed of our downstream solar power project business in the PRC to a related party in November 2016.
Although our revenue experienced significant growth in the past, we cannot assure you that our revenue will increase at previous rates or at all, or that we will be able to continue to operate profitably in future periods. We also experienced net losses in each quarter from the fourth quarter of 2011 to the first quarter of 2013. Our operating history may not be a reliable predictor of our future results of operations, and past revenue growth experienced by us should not be taken as indicative of the rate of revenue growth, if any, that can be expected in the future. We believe that period to period comparisons of our operating results and our results for any period should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance.
Our operations are subject to natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, operating hazards, environmental incidents and labor disputes.
We may experience earthquakes, floods, mudslides, snowstorms, typhoon, power outages, labor disputes or similar events beyond our control that would affect our operations. Our manufacturing processes involve the use of hazardous equipment, such as furnaces, squaring machines and wire saws. We also use, store and generate volatile and otherwise dangerous chemicals and waste during our manufacturing processes, which are potentially destructive and dangerous if not properly handled or in the event of uncontrollable or catastrophic circumstances, including operating hazards, fires and explosions, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions and major equipment failures, for which we cannot obtain insurance at a reasonable cost or at all.
In addition, our silicon wafer and solar module production and storage facilities are located in close proximity to one another in the Shangrao Economic Development Zone in Jiangxi Province, and our solar cell production and storage facilities are located in close proximity to one another in Haining, Zhejiang Province. The occurrence of any natural disaster, unanticipated catastrophic event or unexpected accident in either of the two locations could result in production curtailments, shutdowns or periods of reduced production, which could significantly disrupt our business operations, cause us to incur additional costs and affect our ability to deliver our products to our customers as scheduled, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, such events could result in severe damage to property, personal injuries, fatalities, regulatory enforcement proceedings or in our being named as a defendant in lawsuits asserting claims for large amounts of damages, which in turn could lead to significant liabilities.
Our Haining facility suspended operation from September 17, 2011 to October 9, 2011 due to an environmental incident. See “—Compliance with environmentally safe production and construction regulations can be costly, while noncompliance with such regulations may result in adverse publicity and potentially significant monetary damages, fines and suspension of our business operations.” Occurrences of natural disasters, as well as accidents and incidents of adverse weather in or around Shangrao, Haining and Penang in the future may result in significant property damage, electricity shortages, disruption of our operations, work stoppages, civil unrest, personal injuries and, in severe cases, fatalities. Such incidents may result in damage to our reputation or cause us to lose all or a portion of our production capacity, and future revenue anticipated to be derived from the relevant facilities.
| 24 |
Our founders collectively have significant influence over our management and their interests may not be aligned with our interests or the interests of our other shareholders.
As of the date of this annual report, our founders, Xiande Li who is our chairman, Kangping Chen who is our chief executive officer, and Xianhua Li who is our vice president, beneficially owned approximately 15.9%, 9.5% and 4.8%, respectively, or approximately 30.2% in the aggregate, of our outstanding ordinary shares. If the founders act collectively, they will have a substantial influence over our business, including decisions regarding mergers, consolidations and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, election of directors, dividend policy and other significant corporate actions. They may take actions that are not in the best interest of our company or our securities holders. For example, this concentration of ownership may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company, which could deprive our shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares as part of a sale of our company and might reduce the price of our ADSs. On the other hand, if the founders are in favor of any of these actions, these actions may be taken even if they are opposed by a majority of our other shareholders, including you and those who invest in ADSs. In addition, under our current articles of association, the quorum required for the general meeting of our shareholders is two shareholders entitled to vote and present in person or by proxy or, if the shareholder is a corporation, by its duly authorized representative representing not less than one-third in nominal value of our total issued voting shares. As such, a shareholders resolution may be passed at our shareholders meetings with the presence of our founders only and without the presence of any of our other shareholders, which may not represent the interests of our other shareholders, including holders of ADSs.
We have limited insurance coverage and may incur losses resulting from product liability claims, business interruption or natural disasters.
We are exposed to risks associated with product liability claims in the event that the use of our products results in property damage or personal injury. Since our products are ultimately incorporated into electricity generating systems, it is possible that users could be injured or killed by devices that use our products, whether as a result of product malfunctions, defects, improper installations or other causes. Due to our limited operating history, we are unable to predict whether product liability claims will be brought against us in the future or to predict the impact of any resulting adverse publicity on our business. The successful assertion of product liability claims against us could result in potentially significant monetary damages and require us to make significant payments. We carry limited product liability insurance and may not have adequate resources to satisfy a judgment in the event of a successful claim against us. In addition, we do not carry any business interruption insurance. As the insurance industry in China is still in its early stage of development, even if we decide to take out business interruption coverage, such insurance available in China offers limited coverage compared with that offered in many other countries. Any business interruption or natural disaster could result in substantial losses and diversion of our resources and materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The grant of employee share options and other share-based compensation could adversely affect our net income.
As of the date of annual report, share options with respect to 9,325,122 ordinary shares have been granted to our directors, officers and employees pursuant to our 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan, and there are 3,578,106 ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options granted under the plan. As of the date of annual report, share options with respect to 11,077,980 ordinary shares have been granted to our directors, officers and employees pursuant to our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, and there are 11,077,980 ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options granted under the plan. U.S. GAAP requires us to recognize share-based compensation as compensation expense in the consolidated statement of operations based on the fair value of equity awards on the date of the grant, with the compensation expense recognized over the period in which the recipient is required to provide service in exchange for the equity award. If we grant more share options to attract and retain key personnel, the expenses associated with share-based compensation may adversely affect our net income. However, if we do not grant share options or reduce the number of share options that we grant, we may not be able to attract and retain key personnel.
| 25 |
Our lack of sufficient patent protection in and outside of China may undermine our competitive position and subject us to intellectual property disputes with third parties, both of which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We have developed various production process related know-how and technologies in the production of our products. Such know-how and technologies play a critical role in our quality assurance and cost reduction. In addition, we have implemented a number of research and development programs with a view to developing techniques and processes that will improve production efficiency and product quality. Our intellectual property and proprietary rights from our research and development programs will be crucial in maintaining our competitive edge in the solar power industry. As of the date of this annual report, we had 253 patents and 203 pending patent applications in China. We plan to continue to seek to protect our intellectual property and proprietary knowledge by applying for patents for them. However, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in obtaining patents in China in a timely manner or at all. Moreover, even if we are successful, China currently affords less protection to a company’s intellectual property than some other countries, including the United States. We also use contractual arrangements with employees and trade secret protections to protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights. Nevertheless, contractual arrangements afford only limited protection and the actions we may take to protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights may not be adequate.
In addition, others may obtain knowledge of our know-how and technologies through independent development. Our failure to protect our production process, related know-how and technologies, our intellectual property and proprietary rights or any combination of the above may undermine our competitive position. Third parties may infringe or misappropriate our proprietary technologies or other intellectual property and proprietary rights. Policing unauthorized use of proprietary technology can be difficult and expensive. Litigation, which can be costly and divert management attention and other resources away from our business, may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights, protect our trade secrets or determine the validity and scope of our proprietary rights. We cannot assure you that the outcome of such potential litigation will be in our favor. An adverse determination in any such litigation will impair our intellectual property and proprietary rights and may harm our business, prospects and reputation.
We may be exposed to intellectual property infringement or misappropriation claims by third parties, which, if determined adversely to us, could cause us to pay significant damage awards and subject us to injunctions prohibiting sale of our products in certain markets.
Our success depends on our ability to use and develop our technology and know-how, and to manufacture and sell our recovered silicon materials, silicon wafers, solar cells and solar modules, develop solar power projects or otherwise operate our business in the solar industry without infringing the intellectual property or other rights of third parties. We may be subject to litigation involving claims of patent infringement or violation of intellectual property rights of third parties. The validity and scope of claims relating to solar power technology patents involve complex scientific, legal and factual questions and analyses and, therefore, may be highly uncertain. The defense and prosecution of intellectual property suits, patent opposition proceedings, trademark disputes and related legal and administrative proceedings can be both costly and time consuming and may significantly divert our resources and the attention of our technical and management personnel. An adverse ruling in any such litigation or proceedings could subject us to significant liability to third parties, require us to seek licenses from third parties, to pay ongoing royalties, or to redesign our products or subject us to injunctions prohibiting the manufacture and sale of our products or the use of our technologies. Protracted litigation could also result in our customers or potential customers deferring or limiting their purchase or use of our products until resolution of such litigation.
Our business depends substantially on the continuing efforts of our executive officers and key technical personnel, as well as our ability to maintain a skilled labor force. Our business may be materially adversely affected if we lose their services.
Our success depends on the continued services of our executive officers and key personnel, in particular our founders, Mr. Xiande Li, Mr. Kangping Chen and Mr. Xianhua Li. We do not maintain key-man life insurance on any of our executive officers and key personnel. If one or more of our executive officers and key personnel are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, we may not be able to readily replace them, if at all. As a result, our business may be severely disrupted and we may have to incur additional expenses in order to recruit and retain new personnel. In addition, if any of our executives joins a competitor or forms a competing company, we may lose some of our customers. Each of our executive officers and key personnel has entered into an employment agreement with us that contains confidentiality and non-competition provisions. However, if any dispute arises between our executive officers or key personnel and us, we cannot assure you, in light of uncertainties associated with the PRC legal system, that these agreements could be enforced in China where most of our executive officers and key personnel reside and hold most of their assets. See “—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could have a material adverse effect on us” in this annual report.
| 26 |
Furthermore, recruiting and retaining capable personnel, particularly experienced engineers and technicians familiar with our products and manufacturing processes, is vital to maintain the quality of our products and improve our production methods. There is substantial competition for qualified technical personnel, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to attract or retain qualified technical personnel. If we are unable to attract and retain qualified employees, key technical personnel and our executive officers, our business may be materially adversely affected.
Compliance with environmentally safe production and construction regulations can be costly, while non-compliance with such regulations may result in adverse publicity and potentially significant monetary damages, fines and suspension of our business operations.
We are required to comply with all national and local environmental protection regulations for our operations in China, Malaysia, South Africa and Portugal. For example, regulations on emission trading and pollution permits in Zhejiang Province allow entities to increase their annual pollution discharge limit by purchasing emissions trading credits. Entities that purchase emission credits can increase their annual discharge limit by registering the credits with the relevant environmental authorities and amending their pollution permits or obtaining new ones. We have entered into several emissions trading contracts to purchase credits to increase our annual discharge limit and registered all credits as required under a local regulation that became effective on October 9, 2010. However, as our business grows, we may increase our discharge level in the future and we cannot guarantee you that we will continue to be below our annual discharge limit. The penalties for exceeding the annual discharge limit may include corrective orders, fines imposed by the local environmental authority of up to RMB50,000 or, in extreme circumstances, revocation of our pollution permit. Some of our subsidiaries need to obtain and maintain pollution discharge permits, which are subject to renewal or extension on an annual basis or within a longer period. We cannot assure you that we are or will be able to renew or extend these permits in a timely manner or at all.
We use, store and generate volatile and otherwise dangerous chemicals and wastes during our manufacturing processes, and are subject to a variety of government regulations related to the use, storage and disposal of such hazardous chemicals and waste. In accordance with the requirements of the Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals, which became effective on December 1, 2011 and were amended on December 7, 2013, we are required to engage state-qualified institutions to conduct the safety evaluation on our storage instruments related to our use of hazardous chemicals and file the safety evaluation report with the competent safety supervision and administration authorities every three years. In compliance with Jiaxing City environmental authority’s requests, we commenced efforts to meet their targets for hazardous chemical and wastes in May 2012. Environmental authorities of Haining City and Jiaxing City evaluated our efforts and confirmed that we satisfied their targets in September 2012. Moreover, we also need to timely file a report with the competent safety supervision and administration authorities and public security agencies concerning the actual storage situation of our hyper-toxic chemicals and other hazardous chemicals that constitute major of hazard sources. We have not conducted the safety evaluation or filed safety evaluation reports with respect to certain of our storage instruments in compliance with the revised Regulation on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals and we cannot assure you that we will be able to file the safety evaluation reports on time. Failure to conduct such safety evaluation or to make such filing on time may subject us to an order to rectify such conduct within a prescribed time period, fines of up to RMB100,000 or a revocation of our qualification certification and business license.
Moreover, we are required to obtain construction permits before commencing constructing production facilities. We are also required to obtain the approvals from PRC environmental protection authorities before commencing commercial operations of our manufacturing facilities. We commenced construction of a portion of our solar cell and solar module production facilities prior to obtaining the construction permits and commenced operations of certain of our production facilities prior to obtaining the environmental approvals for commencing commercial operation and completing the required safety evaluation procedure. Although we have subsequently obtained all required environmental approvals covering all of our existing production capacity except a portion of our solar cell and solar module production capacity, we cannot assure you that we will not be penalized by the relevant government authorities for our non-compliance with the PRC environmental protection, safe production and construction regulations.
| 27 |
In late August 2011, our Haining facility experienced a suspected leakage of fluoride into a nearby small water channel due to extreme and unforeseen weather conditions. On September 15, 2011, residents of Hongxiao Village in proximity to the Haining facility gathered to protest the discharge. The Haining facility suspended production on September 17, 2011. We also took steps recommended by an environmental engineering firm licensed by the PRC government (“Licensed Engineers”). On September 28, 2011, a committee of experts (the “Experts Committee”) established by the Haining government approved a set of recommendations developed by the Licensed Engineers with our assistance and the Haining government to be implemented by us. On October 6, 2011, the Experts Committee, the Environmental Bureau of the Haining government and representatives of Hongxiao Village reviewed the steps taken by us based on the recommendations of the Experts Committee and provided their comments to JinkoSolar’s management. On October 9, 2011, the Experts Committee notified us that the Experts Committee was satisfied with the steps taken by us and we resumed production at the Haining facility. In 2012, we carried out a series of environmental protection efforts intended to ensure our compliance with relevant standards and requirements. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Environmental Matters.” In January 2013, Haining City environmental authority issued the “Environmental Management Compliance Certificate for 2012” to us, confirming our compliance with environmental requirements.
Although we will try to take measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring again in the future, we cannot assure you that our operations will not be disrupted by similar or other environmental incidents. In addition, the relevant authorities may issue more stringent environmental protection, safe production and construction regulations in the future that may impact our manufacturing facilities in China or abroad, and the costs of compliance with new regulations could be substantial. If we fail to comply with the future environmentally safe production and construction laws and regulations, we may be required to pay fines, suspend construction or production, or cease operations. Moreover, any failure by us to control the use of, or to adequately restrict the discharge of, dangerous substances could subject us to potentially significant monetary damages and fines or the suspension of our business operations.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
We may fail to comply with laws and regulations regarding PV production in China.
On March 25, 2015, the MIIT promulgated the Standard Conditions of Photovoltaic Production Industry, or the Photovoltaic Production Rule, in place of its old version, which establishes a basic regulatory framework for PV production industry. The Photovoltaic Production Rule provides, among other matters, requirements in relation to the production layout, project establishment filing and enterprise qualification, requirements with regard to the production scale, product quality, cell efficiency, energy consumption and operational life span of various PV products, and requirements related to quality management and obtaining the pollution discharge permits and other environmental requirements. Our failure to comply with the Photovoltaic Production Rule and the laws and regulations related thereto could result in fines, sanctions, suspension, revocation or non-renewal of approvals, permits or licenses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to promptly and adequately respond to changes of laws and regulations, or that our employees and contractors will act in accordance with our internal policies and procedures. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations relating to PV production may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
| 28 |
PCAOB registered public accounting firms in China, including our independent registered public accounting firm, are not inspected by the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which deprives us and our investors of the benefits of such inspection.
Auditors of companies whose shares are registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and traded publicly in the United States, including our independent registered public accounting firm, must be registered with the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”) and are required by the laws of the United States to undergo regular inspections by the PCAOB to assess their compliance with the laws of the United States and professional standards applicable to auditors. Our independent registered public accounting firm is located in, and organized under the laws of, the PRC, which is a jurisdiction where the PCAOB, notwithstanding the requirements of U.S. law, is currently unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the Chinese authorities. In May 2013, PCAOB announced that it had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Enforcement Cooperation with the CSRC and the MOF, which establishes a cooperative framework between the parties for the production and exchange of audit documents relevant to investigations undertaken by PCAOB, the CSRC or the MOF in the United States and the PRC, respectively. PCAOB continues to be in discussions with the CSRC and the MOF to permit joint inspections in the PRC of audit firms that are registered with PCAOB and audit Chinese companies that trade on U.S. exchanges.
This lack of PCAOB inspections in China prevents the PCAOB from fully evaluating audits and quality control procedures of our independent registered public accounting firm. As a result, we and investors in our common stock are deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our independent registered public accounting firm’s audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to PCAOB inspections, which could cause investors and potential investors in our stock to lose confidence in our audit procedures and reported financial information and the quality of our financial statements.
If additional remedial measures are imposed on the Big Four PRC-based accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, in administrative proceedings brought by the SEC alleging the firms’ failure to meet specific criteria set by the SEC, we may have difficulties complying with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
In December 2012, the SEC instituted administrative proceedings against the Big Four PRC-based accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, alleging that these firms had violated U.S. securities laws and the SEC’s rules and regulations thereunder by failing to provide to the SEC the firms’ audit work papers with respect to certain PRC-based companies that are publicly traded in the United States. On January 22, 2014, the administrative law judge presiding over the matter rendered an initial decision that each of the firms had violated the SEC’s rules of practice by failing to produce audit work papers to the SEC. The initial decision censured each of the firms and barred them from practicing before the SEC for a period of six months. The Big Four PRC-based accounting firms appealed the administrative law judge’s initial decision to the SEC. The administrative law judge’s decision does not take effect unless and until it is endorsed by the SEC.
In February 2015, the four China-based accounting firms each agreed to a censure and to pay a fine to the SEC to settle the dispute and avoid suspension of their ability to practice before the SEC and audit U.S.-listed companies. The settlement required the firms to follow detailed procedures and to seek to provide the SEC with access to PRC firms’ audit documents via the CSRC. If future document productions fail to meet specified criteria, the SEC retains the authority to impose a variety of additional remedial measures on the firms depending on the nature of the failure.
While we cannot predict if the SEC will further review the four China-based accounting firms’ compliance with specified criteria or if the results of such a review would result in the SEC imposing penalties such as suspensions or restarting the administrative proceedings, if the accounting firms are subject to additional remedial measures, our ability to file our financial statements in compliance with SEC requirements could be impacted. A determination that we have not timely filed financial statements in compliance with SEC requirements could ultimately lead to the delisting of our ADSs from NYSE or the termination of the registration of our ADSs under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or both, which would substantially reduce or effectively terminate the trading of our ADSs in the United States.
The approval of the MOFCOM for or in connection with our corporate restructuring in 2007 and 2008 may be subject to revocation, which will have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and trading price of our ADSs.
On August 8, 2006, six PRC governmental and regulatory agencies, including the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, or the MOFCOM, and the CSRC promulgated a rule entitled “Provisions Regarding Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors”, or Circular 10, which became effective on September 8, 2006 and was amended in June 2009. Article 11 of Circular 10 requires PRC domestic enterprises or domestic natural persons to obtain the prior approval of MOFCOM when an offshore company established or controlled by them proposes to merge with or acquire a PRC domestic company with which such enterprises or persons have a connected relationship.
| 29 |
We undertook a restructuring in 2007, or the 2007 Restructuring, and our founders and JinkoSolar Technology Limited, previously Paker Technology Limited, or JinkoSolar Technology, obtained the approval of Jiangxi MOFCOM, for the acquisition of certain equity interest in Jiangxi Desun and the pledge by our founders of their equity interest in Jiangxi Desun to Jinko Solar Technology, or the 2007 acquisition and pledge. However, because our founders are PRC natural persons and they controlled both JinkoSolar Technology and Jiangxi Desun, the 2007 acquisition and pledge would be subject to Article 11 of Circular 10 and therefore subject to approval by MOFCOM at the central government level. To remedy this past non-compliance, we undertook another corporate restructuring in 2008, or the 2008 Restructuring, under which the share pledge was terminated on July 28, 2008 and JinkoSolar Technology transferred all of its equity interest in Jiangxi Desun to Long Faith Creation Limited, or Long Faith, an unrelated Hong Kong company, on July 31, 2008. In addition, on November 11, 2008, we received written confirmation from Jiangxi MOFCOM in its reply to our inquiry that there had been no modification to the former approvals for the 2007 acquisition and pledge and JinkoSolar Technology’s transfer of its equity interest in Jiangxi Desun to Long Faith, and we might continue to rely on those approvals for further transactions. Nevertheless, we cannot assure you that MOFCOM will not revoke such approval and subject us to regulatory actions, penalties or other sanctions because of such past non-compliance. If the approval of Jiangxi MOFCOM for the 2007 acquisition and pledge were revoked and we were not able to obtain MOFCOM’s retrospective approval for the 2007 acquisition and pledge, Jiangxi Desun may be required to return the tax benefits to which only a foreign-invested enterprise was entitled and which were recognized by us during the period from April 10, 2007 to December 31, 2007, and the profit distribution to JinkoSolar Technology in December 2008 may be required to be unwound. Under an indemnification letter issued by our founders to us, our founders have agreed to indemnify us for any monetary losses we may incur as a result of any violation of Circular 10 in connection with the restructuring we undertook in 2007. We cannot assure you, however, that this indemnification letter will be enforceable under the PRC law, our founders will have sufficient resources to fully indemnify us for such losses, or that we will not otherwise suffer damages to our business and reputation as a result of any sanctions for such non-compliance.
Meanwhile, given the uncertainty with respect to what constitutes a merger with or acquisition of a PRC domestic enterprise and what constitutes circumvention of its approval requirements under the Circular 10, we cannot assure you that the 2008 Restructuring is in all respects compliance with Circular 10. If MOFCOM subsequently determines that its approval of the 2008 Restructuring was required, we may face regulatory actions or other sanctions by MOFCOM or other PRC regulatory agencies. Such actions may include compelling us to terminate the contracts between Jiangxi Desun and us, the limitation of our operating privileges in China, the imposition of fines and penalties on our operations in China, restrictions or prohibition on the payment or remittance of dividends by Jiangxi Jinko or others that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our ADSs.
Adverse changes in political and economic policies of the PRC government could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of the PRC, which could reduce the demand for our products and materially adversely affect our competitive position.
Our business is primarily based in the PRC and a portion of our sales are made in the PRC. Accordingly, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects are affected significantly by economic, political and legal developments in the PRC. The PRC economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including:
| · | the level of government involvement; |
| · | the level of development; |
| · | the growth rate; |
| · | the control of foreign exchange; and |
| · | the allocation of resources. |
| 30 |
While the PRC economy has grown significantly in the past 30 years, the growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. The PRC government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures benefit the overall PRC economy, but may have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations that are applicable to us.
The PRC economy has been transitioning from a planned economy to a more market-oriented economy. Although in recent years the PRC government has implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets and the establishment of sound corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of the productive assets in China is still owned by the PRC government. The continued control of these assets and other aspects of the national economy by the PRC government could materially adversely affect our business. The PRC government also exercises significant control over China’s economic growth through allocating resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. We cannot predict whether changes in China’s political, economic and social conditions, laws, regulations and policies will have any material adverse effect on our current or future business, financial condition and results of operations.
Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could have a material adverse effect on us.
We are incorporated in Cayman Islands and are subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investment in China and, in particular, laws applicable to wholly foreign owned companies. The PRC legal system is based on written statutes. Prior court decisions have limited precedential value. Since 1979, PRC legislation and regulations have significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in China. However, since these laws and regulations are relatively new and the PRC legal system continues to rapidly evolve, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform and enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involve uncertainties, which may limit legal protections available to us. For example, we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce the legal protection that we enjoy either by law or contract. However, since PRC administrative authorities and courts have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be more difficult than in more developed legal systems to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy. These uncertainties may impede our ability to enforce the contracts we have entered into with our business partners, clients and suppliers. In addition, such uncertainties, including the inability to enforce our contracts, could materially adversely affect our business and operations. Furthermore, intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections in China may not be as effective as in the United States or other countries. Accordingly, we cannot predict the effect of future developments in the PRC legal system, including the promulgation of new laws, changes to existing laws or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, or the preemption of national laws by local regulations. These uncertainties could limit the legal protections available to us and other foreign investors, including you. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.
PRC regulations may subject our future mergers and acquisitions activity to national security review.
In February 2011, the State Council promulgated Circular 6, a notice on the establishment of a security review system for mergers and acquisitions of domestic enterprises by foreign investors. Circular 6 became effective on March 3, 2011. To implement Circular 6, MOFCOM promulgated the MOFCOM Security Review Rules on August 25, 2011, which became effective on September 1, 2011. According to Circular 6 and the MOFCOM Security Review Rules, national security review is required to be undertaken to complete mergers and acquisitions (i) by foreign investors of enterprises relating to national defense and (ii) through which foreign investors may acquire de facto control of a domestic enterprise that could raise national security concerns. When determining whether to subject a specific merger or acquisition to national security review, the MOFCOM will look at the substance and actual impact of the transaction. Bypassing national security review by structuring transactions through proxies, trusts, indirect investments, leases, loans, control through contractual arrangements or offshore transactions by foreign investors is prohibited.
| 31 |
In addition, even if a merger or acquisition by foreign investors is not currently subject to national security review, or is determined to have no impact on national security after such review, it may still be subject to future review. A change in conditions (such as change of business activities, or amendments to relevant documents or agreements) may trigger the national security review requirement, then the foreign investor to the merger or acquisition must apply for the relevant approval with the MOFCOM.
Currently, there are no public provisions or official interpretations specifically providing that our current businesses fall within the scope of national security review and there is no requirement that foreign investors to those merger and acquisition transactions completed prior to the promulgation of Circular 6 take initiatives to submit such transactions to MOFCOM for national security review. However, as the MOFCOM Security Review Rules and Circular 6 are relatively new and there is no clear statutory interpretation on their implementation, there is no assurance that the relevant PRC regulatory authorities will have the same view as us when applying them. If our future merger and acquisition transactions are subject to the national security review, the application of the MOFCOM Security Review Rules and Circular 6 may further complicate our future merger and acquisition activities, and our expansion strategy may be adversely affected as a result.
PRC regulations relating to overseas investment by PRC residents may restrict our overseas and cross-border investment activities and adversely affect the implementation of our strategy as well as our business and prospects.
On July 4, 2014, the SAFE issued the Circular on the Administration of Foreign Exchange Issues Related to Overseas Investment, Financing and Roundtrip Investment by Domestic Residents through Offshore Special Purpose Vehicles, or the SAFE Circular 37, which replaced the former circular commonly known as “SAFE Circular 75” promulgated on October 21, 2005. The SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents to register with the competent local SAFE branch in connection with their direct establishment or indirect control of an offshore special purpose vehicle, for the purpose of overseas investment and financing, with such PRC residents’ legally owned assets or equity interests in domestic enterprises or offshore assets or interests. The SAFE Circular 37 further requires amendment to the registration in the event of any significant changes with respect to the special purpose vehicle, such as increase or decrease of capital contribution by PRC individuals, share transfer or exchange, merger, division or other material event. In the event that a PRC shareholder holding interests in a special purpose vehicle fails to fulfill the required SAFE registration, the PRC subsidiaries of that special purpose vehicle may be prohibited from making profit distributions to the offshore parent and from carrying out subsequent cross-border foreign exchange activities, and the special purpose vehicle may be restricted in its ability to contribute additional capital into its PRC subsidiary. Moreover, failure to comply with the various SAFE registration requirements described above could result in liability under PRC law for evasion of foreign exchange controls.
We believe that all of our beneficial owners who are PRC citizens or residents have completed their registrations with the competent local SAFE branch in accordance with the SAFE Circular 75 before the promulgation of SAFE Circular 37. However, we may not at all times be fully aware or informed of the identities of all of our beneficial owners who are PRC citizens or residents, and we may have little control over either our present or prospective direct or indirect PRC resident beneficial owners or the outcome of such registration procedures. We cannot assure you that the SAFE registrations of our present beneficial owners or future beneficial owners who are PRC citizens or residents have been or will be amended to reflect, among others, the shareholding information or equity investment as required by the SAFE Circular 37 and subsequent implementation rules at all times. The failure of these beneficial owners to comply with the registration procedures set forth in the SAFE Circular 37 may subject such beneficial owners and our PRC subsidiaries to fines and legal sanctions. Such failure may also result in restrictions on our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute profits to us or our ability to inject capital into our PRC subsidiaries or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, since the SAFE Circular 37 was recently promulgated and it is unclear how this regulation, and any future regulation concerning offshore or cross-border transactions, will be interpreted and implemented by the relevant PRC government authorities. We cannot predict how these regulations will affect our business operations or future strategy.
On December 25, 2006, the People’s Bank of China promulgated the Measures for Administration of Individual Foreign Exchange, and on January 5, 2007, the SAFE promulgated relevant Implementation Rules. On February 15, 2012, the SAFE promulgated the Notice on Various Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Equity Incentive Plans of Overseas Listed Companies, or the Stock Option Notice. The Stock Option Notice terminated the Application Procedures of Foreign Exchange Administration of Domestic Individuals’ Participating in an Employee Stock Holding Plan or Stock Option Plan of an Overseas Listed Company issued by the SAFE on March 28, 2007. According to the Stock Option Notice, PRC citizens who are granted shares or share options by a company listed on an overseas stock market according to its employee stock holding plan or stock incentive plan are required to register with the SAFE or its local counterparts by following certain procedures.
| 32 |
We and our employees who are PRC citizens and individual beneficiary owners, or have been granted restricted shares or share options, are subject to the Individual Foreign Exchange Rules and its relevant implementation regulations. The failure of our PRC individual beneficiary owners and the restricted holders to complete their SAFE registrations pursuant to the SAFE’s requirement or the Individual Foreign Exchange Rules may subject these PRC citizens to fines and legal sanctions. It may also limit our ability to contribute additional capital into our PRC subsidiaries, and limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends to us, or otherwise materially adversely affect our business.
Our China-sourced income is subject to PRC withholding tax under the CIT Law, and we may be subject to PRC corporate income tax at the rate of 25%.
We are a Cayman Islands holding company with substantially all of our operations conducted through our operating subsidiaries in China. Under the Corporate Income Tax Law of the PRC, or the CIT Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008 and was amended on February 24, 2017, and the Regulation on the Implementation of the CIT Law, or the Implementation Rules of the CIT Law, both of which became effective on January 1, 2008, China-sourced passive income of non-PRC tax resident enterprises, such as dividends paid by a PRC subsidiary to its overseas parent, is generally subject to a 10% withholding tax. Under an arrangement between China and Hong Kong, such dividend withholding tax rate is reduced to 5% if the beneficial owner of the dividends is a Hong Kong tax resident enterprise which directly owns at least 25% of the PRC company distributing the dividends and has owned such equity for at least 12 consecutive months before receiving such dividends. For example, as JinkoSolar Technology is a Hong Kong company and has owned 100% of the equity interest in Jiangxi Jinko and 25% of the equity interest in Zhejiang Jinko directly for more than 12 consecutive months to date, any dividends paid by Jiangxi Jinko and Zhejiang Jinko to JinkoSolar Technology will be entitled to a withholding tax at the reduced rate of 5% after obtaining approval from the competent PRC tax authority, provided that JinkoSolar Technology is deemed the beneficial owner of such dividends and that JinkoSolar Technology is not deemed to be a PRC tax resident enterprise as described below. However, according to the Circular of the State Administration of Taxation on How to Understand and Identify a “Beneficial Owner” under Tax Treaties, effective on October 27, 2009, and the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on the Determination of “Beneficial Owners” in the Tax Treaties, effective on June 29, 2012, an applicant for treaty benefits, including benefits under the arrangement between China and Hong Kong on dividend withholding tax, that does not carry out substantial business activities or is an agent or a conduit company may not be deemed a “beneficial owner” of the PRC subsidiary and therefore, may not enjoy such treaty benefits. If JinkoSolar Technology is determined to be ineligible for such treaty benefits, any dividends paid by Jiangxi Jinko and Zhejiang Jinko to JinkoSolar Technology will be subject to the PRC withholding tax at a 10% rate instead of a reduced rate of 5%.
The CIT Law, however, also provides that enterprises established outside China whose “de facto management bodies” are located in China are considered “PRC tax resident enterprises” and will generally be subject to the uniform 25% PRC corporate income tax rate as to their global income. Under the Implementation Rules of the CIT Law, “de facto management bodies” is defined as the bodies that have, in substance, overall management control over such aspects as the production and business, personnel, accounts and properties of an enterprise. On April 22, 2009, the State Administration of Taxation, or the SAT, promulgated the Notice Regarding the Determination of Chinese-Controlled Offshore Incorporated Enterprises as PRC Tax Resident Enterprises on the Basis of De Facto Management Bodies, or SAT Circular 82. According to SAT Circular 82, an offshore-incorporated enterprise controlled by a PRC enterprise or a PRC enterprise group will be regarded as a PRC tax resident by virtue of having its “de facto management body” in China only if certain conditions are met. Despite of those conditions, as SAT Circular 82 only applies to enterprises incorporated outside China controlled by PRC enterprises or a PRC enterprise, it remains unclear how the PRC tax authorities will determine the location of “de facto management bodies” for offshore enterprises that are controlled by individual PRC tax residents or non-PRC enterprises, as our Company and JinkoSolar Technology. Therefore, it remains unclear whether the PRC tax authorities would regard our Company or JinkoSolar Technology as PRC tax resident enterprises. If our Company and JinkoSolar Technology are regarded by PRC tax authorities as PRC tax resident enterprises for PRC corporate income tax purposes, any dividends distributed from Jiangxi Jinko and Zhejiang Jinko to JinkoSolar Technology and ultimately to our company could be exempt from the PRC withholding tax, while our Company and JinkoSolar Technology will be subject to the uniform 25% corporate income tax rate on our global income at the same time.
| 33 |
Dividends payable by us to our foreign investors and gains on the sale of our shares or ADSs may become subject to PRC corporate income tax liabilities.
The Implementation Rules of the CIT Law provide that (i) if the enterprise that distributes dividends is domiciled in China, or (ii) if gains are realized from transferring equity interests of enterprises domiciled in China, then such dividends or capital gains are treated as China-sourced income. It is not clear how “domicile” will be interpreted under the CIT Law. It may be interpreted as the jurisdiction where the enterprise is incorporated or where the enterprise is a tax resident. Therefore, if our company and our subsidiaries in Hong Kong are considered PRC tax resident enterprises for tax purposes, any dividends we pay to our overseas shareholders or ADS holders, as well as any gains realized by such shareholders or ADSs holders from the transfer of our shares or ADSs, may be viewed as China-sourced income and, as a consequence, be subject to PRC corporate income tax at 10% or a lower treaty rate. If we are required to withhold PRC income tax on dividends we pay to our overseas shareholders or ADS holders, or if you are required to pay PRC income tax on gains from the transfer of our shares or ADSs, the value of your investment in our shares or ADSs may be materially adversely affected.
Our ability to make distributions and other payments to our shareholders depends to a significant extent upon the distribution of earnings and other payments made by our subsidiaries in the PRC.
We conduct substantially all of our operations through our operating subsidiaries in China. Our ability to make distributions or other payments to our shareholders depends on payments from these operating subsidiaries in China, whose ability to make such payments is subject to PRC regulations. Regulations in the PRC currently permit payment of dividends only out of accumulated profits as determined in accordance with accounting standards and regulations in China. According to the relevant PRC laws and regulations applicable to our operating subsidiaries in China and their respective articles of association, these subsidiaries are each required to set aside at least 10% of their after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards each year as general reserves until the accumulative amount of these reserves reaches 50% of their registered capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. As of December 31, 2016, these general reserves amounted to RMB466.2 million (US$67.2 million), accounting for 7.6% of the total registered capital of all of our operating subsidiaries in China. In addition, under the CIT Law and its Implementation Rules, which became effective January 1, 2008, dividends from our operating subsidiaries in China to us are subject to withholding tax to the extent that we are considered a non-PRC tax resident enterprise under the CIT Law. See “—Our China-sourced income is subject to PRC withholding tax under the CIT Law, and we may be subject to PRC corporate income tax at the rate of 25%.” Furthermore, if our operating subsidiaries in China incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us.
Restrictions on currency exchange may limit our ability to receive and use our revenue effectively.
Certain portions of our revenue and expenses are denominated in Renminbi. If our revenue denominated in Renminbi increases or expenses denominated in Renminbi decrease in the future, we may need to convert a portion of our revenue into other currencies to meet our foreign currency obligations, including, among others, payment of dividends declared, if any, in respect of our ADSs. Under China’s existing foreign exchange regulations, foreign currency under current account transactions, such as dividend payments and trade-related transactions are generally convertible. Accordingly, our operating subsidiaries in China are able to pay dividends in foreign currencies without prior approval from the SAFE, by complying with certain procedural requirements. However, the SAFE recently started to tighten such foreign exchange transactions. Among other things, the SAFE issued the Circular on Further Promoting the Reform of Foreign Exchange Administration and Improving Examination of Authenticity and Compliance on January 26, 2017, pursuant to which the SAFE restated the procedures and reemphasized the bona-fide principle for banks to follow during their review of certain cross-border profit remittance. We cannot assure you that the PRC government would not take further measures in the future to restrict access to foreign currencies for current account transactions. Foreign exchange transactions by our operating subsidiaries in China under capital accounts continue to be subject to significant foreign exchange controls and require the approval of, or registration with, PRC governmental authorities. In particular, if one of our operating subsidiaries in China borrows foreign currency loans from us or other foreign lenders, these loans must be registered with the SAFE.
| 34 |
If we finance our subsidiaries in China by means of additional capital contributions, these capital contributions must be approved by certain government authorities, including the MOFCOM or its local counterparts. On August 29, 2008, the SAFE promulgated Circular 142, which used to regulate the conversion by a foreign-invested company of foreign currency into Renminbi by restricting how the converted Renminbi may be used. On March 30, 2015, the SAFE issued the Circular on Reforming the Administration Approach Regarding the Foreign Exchange Capital Settlement of Foreign-invested Enterprises, or Circular 19, which became effective on June 1, 2015 and replaced Circular 142. Circular 19 provides that the conversion from foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises into the Renminbi capital may be at foreign-invested enterprises’ discretion, which means that the foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises for which the rights and interests of monetary contribution has been confirmed by the local foreign exchange bureau (or the book-entry of monetary contribution has been registered) can be settled at the banks based on the actual operational needs of the enterprises. However, Circular 19 does not materially change the restrictions on the use of foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises that Circular 142 has set forth. On June 9, 2016, the SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming and Standardizing the Administrative Provisions on Capital Account Foreign Exchange, or Circular 16, which applies to all domestic enterprises in China. Circular 19 and Circular 16 continue to prohibit foreign-invested enterprises from, among other things, spending Renminbi capital converted from its foreign currency registered capital on expenditures beyond its business scope. Therefore, Circular 19 and Circular 16 may significantly limit the ability of our operating subsidiaries in China to transfer and use Renminbi funds from its foreign currency denominated capital, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The expiration or reduction of tax incentives by the PRC government may have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
The CIT Law imposes a uniform tax rate of 25% on all PRC enterprises, including foreign-invested enterprises, and eliminates or modifies most of the tax exemptions, reductions and preferential treatments available under the previous tax laws and regulations. Under the CIT Law, enterprises that were established before March 16, 2007 and already enjoyed preferential tax treatments have (i) in the case of preferential tax rates, continued to enjoy such tax rates that were gradually increased to the new tax rates within five years from January 1, 2008 or, (ii) in the case of preferential tax exemptions or reductions for a specified term, continued to enjoy the preferential tax holiday until the expiration of such term.
Zhejiang Jinko, Jiangxi Jinko and Jiangxi Materials were designated by the relevant local authorities as “High and New Technology Enterprises” under the CIT Law. Jiangxi Jinko, Jiangxi Materials and Zhejiang Jinko were subject to a preferential tax rate of 15% for 2014, 2015 and 2016. In 2015, Zhejiang Jinko successfully renewed this qualification and will continue to enjoy the preferential tax rate of 15% in 2017, if the relevant conditions are met. In 2016, Jiangxi Jinko and Jiangxi Materials successfully renewed this qualification and will continue to enjoy the preferential tax rate of 15% in 2017 and 2018, if the relevant conditions are met. However, we cannot assure you that Zhejiang Jinko, Jiangxi Jinko or Jiangxi Materials will continue to qualify as “High and New Technology Enterprises” when subject to reevaluation in the near future. In addition, there are uncertainties on how the CIT Law and its Implementation Rules will be enforced, and whether its future implementation will be consistent with its current interpretation. If the corporate income tax rates of some of our PRC subsidiaries increase, our financial condition and results of operations would be materially adversely affected. According to the Interim Regulations on Value-added Tax as amended on February 6, 2016, and the Implementing Rules of the Interim Regulations on Value-added Tax as amended on October 28, 2011, gross proceeds from sales and importation of goods and provision of services are generally subject to a value-added tax, or VAT, of 17% with exceptions for certain categories of goods that are taxed at a rate of 13%.
| 35 |
The State Council promulgated the Circular of the State Council on Cleaning up and Standardizing Preferential Policies on Tax and Other Aspects, or Circular 62, on November 27, 2014 in an effort to render the preferential policies on tax, non-tax income, fiscal expenditure, and other aspects of the local government consistent with the PRC central laws and regulations. According to the Circular 62, the local tax authorities shall conduct the special clean-up action, which leads to preferential policies violating PRC central laws and regulations being declared ineffective and repealed and preferential policies not violating PRC central laws and regulations being retained. In addition, the special clean-up action requires that all provincial governments and relevant authorities shall, prior to the end of March 2015, report the outcome of the special clean-up action in respect of preferential policies on tax and other aspects to the MOF, and the MOF shall then forward the outcome to the State Council for final determination. On May 10, 2015, the State Council issued the Circular on Matters Relating to Preferential Policies for Tax and Other Aspects, or Circular 25, which suspended the implementation of special clean-up action of Circular 62. Circular 25 provides that in respect of existing local preferential policies with specified time limit, such time limit shall still apply; if there is no specified time limit, the local governments shall have the discretion to set up a transitional period to adjust the policies. Furthermore, it provides that preferential tax policies stipulated in the agreements between local governments and enterprises remain valid and the implemented part of the policies shall not be retrospectively affected. However, it is not clear whether or not and when the special clean-up action will resume. The repeal of any preferential policy on tax and other aspects may materially adversely affect our financial condition and business operations.
We face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC tax resident enterprises by non-PRC holding companies.
Under the current PRC tax regulations, indirect transfers of equity interests and other properties of PRC tax resident enterprises by non-PRC holding companies may be subject to PRC tax. Pursuant to the Notice on Strengthening Administration of Enterprise Income Tax for Share Transfers by Non-PRC Resident Enterprises, or SAT Circular 698, issued by the SAT on December 10, 2009 with retroactive effect from January 1, 2008, where a non-PRC tax resident enterprise transfers the equity interests of a PRC tax resident enterprise indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company (exclusive of trading the stocks of a PRC tax resident enterprise in a public capital market), gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of up to 10%. On February 3, 2015, the SAT issued the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Several Issues concerning the Enterprise Income Tax on the Indirect Transfers of Properties by Non-Resident Enterprises, or SAT Announcement 7, which expanded and further strengthened certain rules of SAT Circular 698.
According to SAT Announcement 7, where a non-resident enterprise indirectly transfers equity interests or other properties of PRC tax resident enterprises, or PRC Taxable Property to avoid its tax liabilities by implementing arrangements without reasonable commercial purpose, such indirect transfer shall be recharacterized and recognized as a direct transfer of PRC Taxable Property. As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer and attributable to PRC Taxable Property may be subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of up to 10%. In the case of an indirect transfer of property of establishments of a foreign enterprise in the PRC, the applicable tax rate would be 25%. SAT Announcement 7 imposes tax filing obligations of such indirect transfers on both parties to the transfer transaction, compared to merely the transferor as required by Circular 698, as well as the PRC tax resident entity being indirectly transferred. Furthermore, SAT Announcement 7 illustrates certain circumstances which would indicate a lack of reasonable commercial purpose. SAT Announcement 7 also sets forth certain “safe harbors” which would be deemed to have a reasonable commercial purpose. As a general principle, the SAT also issued the Administration of General Anti-Tax Avoidance (Trial Implementation), or GATA, which became effective on February 1, 2015 and empowers the PRC tax authorities to apply special tax adjustments for “tax avoidance arrangements.”
There is uncertainty as to the application of SAT Circular 698 as well as the newly issued SAT Announcement 7 and GATA. For example, it may be difficult to evaluate whether or not the transaction has a reasonable commercial purpose, and such evaluation may be based on ambiguous criteria which have not been formally declared or stated by tax authorities. As a result, any of our disposals or acquisitions of the equity interests of non-PRC entities which indirectly hold PRC Taxable Property or any offshore transaction related to PRC Taxable Property, including potential overseas restructuring, might be deemed an indirect transfer under PRC tax regulations. Therefore, we may be at risk of being taxed under SAT Circular 698 and SAT Announcement 7 and we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with SAT Circular 698 and SAT Announcement 7 or to establish that we should not be taxed thereunder, which may materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
| 36 |
As a foreign company, our acquisitions of PRC companies may take longer and be subject to higher level of scrutiny by the PRC government, which may delay or prevent any intended acquisition.
Circular 10 established additional procedures and requirements including the requirements that in certain instances foreign investors obtain MOFCOM’s approval when they acquire equity or assets of a PRC domestic enterprise. In the future, we may want to grow our business in part by acquiring complementary businesses, although we do not have plans to do so at this time. Complying with Circular 10 to complete these transactions could be time-consuming and costly, and could result in an extensive review by the PRC government and its increased control over the terms of the transaction, and any required approval processes may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions, which could affect our ability to expand our business or maintain our market share.
Our failure to make payments of statutory social welfare and housing funds to our employees could adversely and materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.
According to the relevant PRC laws and regulations, we are required to pay certain statutory social security benefits, including medical care, injury insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance and pension benefits, and housing funds, for our employees. Our failure to comply with these requirements may subject us to monetary penalties imposed by the relevant PRC authorities and proceedings initiated by our employees, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In line with local customary practices, we have made contributions to the social insurance funds which met the requirement of the local minimum wage standard, instead of the employees’ actual salaries as required, and have not made full contribution to the housing funds. We estimate the aggregate amount of unpaid social security benefits and housing funds to be RMB208.7 million, RMB281.0 million and RMB355.8 million (US$51.2 million), respectively, as of December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016. We may be required by the relevant PRC authorities to pay these statutory social security benefits and housing funds within a designated time period. In addition, an employee is entitled to seek compensation by resorting to labor arbitration at the labor arbitration center or filing a labor complaint with the labor administration bureau within a designated time period. We have made provisions for such unpaid social security benefits and housing funds of our former and current PRC subsidiaries. All employee participants in our share incentive plans who are domestic individual participants may be required to register with SAFE. We may also face regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our ability to adopt additional option plans for our directors and employees under PRC law.
All employees participating in our share incentive plans who are domestic individual participants may be required to register with SAFE. We may also face regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our ability to adopt additional option plans for our directors and employees under PRC law.
On February 15, 2012, SAFE released the Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals’ Participating in Equity Incentive Plans of Overseas Listed Companies, or the Stock Option Notice, which superseded the Application Procedures of Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in an Employee Stock Holding Plan or Stock Option Plan of an Overseas-Listed Company, issued by SAFE in 2007. According to the Stock Option Notice, PRC individual participants include directors, supervisors, senior management personnel and other employees who are PRC citizens (which includes citizens of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) or foreign individuals who reside in the PRC for 12 months consecutively. Under the Stock Option Notice, PRC and foreign citizens who receive equity grants from an overseas listed company are required, through a PRC agent or PRC subsidiary of such listed company, to register with SAFE and complete certain other bank and reporting procedures. In addition, according to the Stock Option Notice, domestic individual participants must complete the registration with SAFE or its local branch within three days rather than 10 days from the beginning of each quarter.
Failure to comply with such provisions may subject us and the participants of our share incentive plans who are domestic individual participants to fines and legal sanctions and prevent us from further granting options under our share incentive plans to our employees, and we may become subject to more stringent review and approval processes with respect to our foreign-exchange activities, such as in regards to our PRC subsidiaries’ dividend payment to us or in regards to borrowing foreign currency, which could adversely affect our business operations.
| 37 |
It may be difficult to effect service of process on, or to enforce any judgments obtained outside the PRC against, us, our directors, or our senior management members who live inside the PRC.
Substantially all of our existing directors and senior management members reside in the PRC and substantially all of our assets and the assets of such persons are located in the PRC. Accordingly, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process on any of these persons or to enforce judgments obtained outside of the PRC against us or any of these persons. The PRC does not have treaties providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments awarded by courts in many developed countries, including the Cayman Islands, the United States and the United Kingdom. Therefore, the recognition and enforcement in the PRC of judgments of a court in any of these jurisdictions in relation to any matter not subject to a binding arbitration provision may be difficult or even impossible.
Higher labor costs and inflation in China may adversely affect our business and our profitability.
Labor costs in China have risen in recent years as a result of the enactment of new labor laws and social development. In addition, inflation in China has increased. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, consumer price inflation in China was 2.0%, 1.4% and 2.0% in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. Because we purchase raw materials from suppliers in China, higher labor cost and inflation in China increases the costs of labor and raw materials we must purchase for manufacturing. It is possible that China’s inflation rates may rise further in 2017. As we expect our production staff to increase and our manufacturing operations to become more labor intensive when we commence silicon wafer and solar module production, rising labor costs may increase our operating costs and therefore negatively impact our profitability.
Because we source contractors and purchase raw materials in China, higher labor cost and inflation in China increases the costs of labor and raw materials we procure for production. In addition, our suppliers may also be affected by higher labor costs and inflation. Rising labor costs may increase our operating costs and partially erode the cost advantage of our China-based operations and therefore negatively impact our profitability.
We face risks related to health epidemics and other outbreaks.
Our business could be adversely affected by the effects of Ebola virus disease, influenza A, or H1N1, avian flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, or other epidemic outbreak. In April 2009, an outbreak of influenza A caused by the H1N1 virus occurred in Mexico and the United States, and spread into a number of countries rapidly. There have also been reports of outbreaks of a highly pathogenic avian flu, caused by the H1N1 virus, in certain regions of Asia and Europe. In past few years, there were reports on the occurrences of avian flu in various parts of China, including a few confirmed human cases. In April 2013, there were reports of cases of H7N9 avian flu in southeast China, including deaths in Shanghai and Zhejiang Province. An outbreak of avian flu in the human population could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, particularly in Asia. Additionally, any recurrence of SARS, a highly contagious form of atypical pneumonia, similar to the occurrence in 2003 which affected China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam and certain other countries, would also have similar adverse effects. These outbreaks of contagious diseases and other adverse public health developments in China would have a material adverse effect on our business operations. These could include our ability to travel or ship our products outside China as well as temporary closure of our manufacturing facilities. Such closures or travel or shipment restrictions would severely disrupt our business operations and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. We have not adopted any written preventive measures or contingency plans to combat any future outbreak of avian flu, SARS or any other epidemic.
Risks Related to Our ADSs
The market price for our ADSs has been volatile, which could result in substantial losses to investors.
The market price for our ADSs has been and may continue to be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations, which could result in substantial losses to investors. The closing prices of our ADSs ranged from US$12.87 to US$27.27 per ADS in 2016. The price of our ADSs may continue to fluctuate in response to factors including the following:
| · | announcements of new products by us or our competitors; |
| 38 |
| · | technological breakthroughs in the solar and other renewable power industries; |
| · | reduction or elimination of government subsidies and economic incentives for the solar industry; |
| · | news regarding any gain or loss of customers by us; |
| · | news regarding recruitment or loss of key personnel by us or our competitors; |
| · | announcements of competitive developments, acquisitions or strategic alliances in our industry; |
| · | changes in the general condition of the global economy and credit markets; |
| · | general market conditions or other developments affecting us or our industry; |
| · | the operating and stock price performance of other companies, other industries and other events or factors beyond our control; |
| · | regulatory developments in our target markets affecting us, our customers or our competitors; |
| · | announcements regarding patent litigation or the issuance of patents to us or our competitors; |
| · | announcements of studies and reports relating to the conversion efficiencies of our products or those of our competitors; |
| · | actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations; |
| · | changes in financial projections or estimates about our financial or operational performance by securities research analysts; |
| · | changes in the economic performance or market valuations of other solar power technology companies; |
| · | release or expiry of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our outstanding ordinary shares or ADSs; |
| · | sales or perceived sales of additional ordinary shares or ADSs; and |
| · | commencement of, or our involvement in, litigation. |
Any of these factors may result in large and sudden changes in the volume and price at which our ADSs will trade.
We cannot give any assurance that these factors will not occur in the future again. In addition, the securities market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also have a material adverse effect on the market price of our ADSs. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of their stock, many companies have been the subject of securities class action litigation. See “—We are exposed to various risks related to legal or administrative proceedings or claims that could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and reputation, and may cause loss of business.” If we become involved in similar securities class action litigation in the future, it could result in substantial costs and diversion of our management’s attention and resources and could harm our stock price, business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
| 39 |
You may not receive dividends or other distributions on our ordinary shares and you may not receive any value for them, if it is illegal or impractical to make them available to you.
Under Cayman Islands law, we may only pay dividends out of our profits or our share premium account subject to our ability to service our debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of our business. Our ability to pay dividends will therefore depend on our ability to generate sufficient profits. We cannot give any assurance that we will declare dividends of any amounts, at any rate or at all in the future. We have not paid any dividends in the past. Future dividends, if any, will be paid at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital expenditure requirements, general financial conditions, legal and contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. Our shareholders may, by ordinary resolution, declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our board of directors. See “—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—We rely principally on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our principal operating subsidiaries, and limitations on their ability to pay dividends to us could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations” above for additional legal restrictions on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us.
The depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on ordinary shares or other deposited securities underlying our ADSs, after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of ordinary shares your ADSs represent. However, the depositary is not responsible for making such distribution if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, it would be unlawful to make a distribution to a holder of ADSs if it consists of securities that require registration under the Securities Act but that are not properly registered or distributed under an applicable exemption from registration. The depositary may also determine that it is not feasible to distribute certain property through the mail. Additionally, the value of certain distributions may be less than the cost of mailing such distributions. In these cases, the depositary may determine not to distribute such property. We have no obligation to register under U.S. securities laws any ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or other securities received through such distributions. We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or anything else to holders of ADSs. This means that you may not receive distributions we make on our ordinary shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available to you. These restrictions may cause a material decline in the value of our ADSs.
Holders of ADSs have fewer rights than shareholders and must act through the depositary to exercise those rights.
As a holder of ADSs, you will not be treated as one of our shareholders and you will not have shareholder rights. Instead, the depositary will be treated as the holder of the shares underlying your ADSs. However, you may exercise some of the shareholders’ rights through the depositary, and you will have the right to withdraw the shares underlying your ADSs from the deposit facility.
Holders of ADSs may only exercise the voting rights with respect to the underlying ordinary shares in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. Under our current articles of association, the minimum notice period required to convene a general meeting is ten days. When a general meeting is convened, you may not receive sufficient notice of a shareholders’ meeting to permit you to withdraw the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs to allow you to cast your vote with respect to any specific matter. In addition, the depositary and its agents may not be able to send voting instructions to you or carry out your voting instructions in a timely manner. We plan to make all reasonable efforts to cause the depositary to extend voting rights to you in a timely manner, but we cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote your ADSs. Furthermore, the depositary and its agents will not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote, for the manner in which any vote is cast or for the effect of any such vote. As a result, you may not be able to exercise your right to vote and you may lack recourse if the shares underlying your ADSs are not voted as you requested. In addition, in your capacity as an ADS holder, you will not be able to call a shareholder meeting.
You may be subject to limitations on transfers of your ADSs.
Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its transfer books at any time or from time to time when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. In addition, the depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of ADSs generally when our books or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary deem it advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or of any government or government body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason.
| 40 |
We are a Cayman Islands company and, because judicial precedent regarding the rights of shareholders is more limited under Cayman Islands law than that under U.S. law, you may have less protection for your shareholder rights than you would under U.S. law.
Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time, Companies Law (2016 Revision) of the Cayman Islands and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as that from English common law, which has persuasive, but not binding, authority on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands have a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. In addition, some U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands.
In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action before federal courts of the United States.
As we are a Cayman Islands company and substantially all of our consolidated assets are located outside of the United States and substantially all of our current operations are conducted in China, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands or China would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state against us and our officers and directors, most of whom are not residents of the United States and the substantial majority of whose assets are located outside the United States. In addition, it is uncertain whether the Cayman Islands or PRC courts would entertain original actions brought in the Cayman Islands or in China against us or our officers and directors predicated on the federal securities laws of the United States. There is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the federal or state courts of the United States (and the Cayman Islands are not a party to any treaties for the reciprocal enforcement or recognition of such judgments), a judgment obtained in such jurisdiction will be recognized and enforced in the courts of the Cayman Islands at common law, without any re-examination of the merits of the underlying dispute, by an action commenced on the foreign judgment debt in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, provided such judgment (a) is given by a foreign court of competent jurisdiction, (b) imposes on the judgment debtor a liability to pay a liquidated sum for which the judgment has been given, (c) is final, (d) is not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty, and (e) was not obtained in a manner and is not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands. However, the Cayman Islands courts are unlikely to enforce a judgment obtained from the U.S. courts under civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities law if such judgment is determined by the courts of the Cayman Islands to give rise to obligations to make payments that are penal or punitive in nature. Because such a determination has not yet been made by a court of the Cayman Islands, it is uncertain whether such civil liability judgments from U.S. courts would be enforceable in the Cayman Islands.
As a result of all of the above, shareholders of a Cayman Islands company may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as shareholders of a company incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States. For example, contrary to the general practice in most corporations incorporated in the United States, Cayman Islands incorporated companies may not generally require that shareholders approve sales of all or substantially all of a company’s assets. The limitations described above will also apply to the depositary who is treated as the holder of the shares underlying your ADSs.
| 41 |
Our current articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions that could prevent a change in control even if such takeover is beneficial to our shareholders.
Our current articles of association contain provisions that could delay, defer or prevent a change in control of our company that could be beneficial to our shareholders. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other shareholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions. As a result, these provisions could limit the price that investors are willing to pay in the future for our ADSs. These provisions might also discourage a potential acquisition proposal or tender offer, even if the acquisition proposal or tender offer is at a price above the then current market price of our ADSs. These provisions provide that our board of directors has authority, without further action by our shareholders, to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to fix their designations, powers, preferences, privileges, and relative participating, optional or special rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may be greater than the rights associated with our ordinary shares, in the form of ADSs or otherwise. Our board of directors may decide to issue such preferred shares quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of our company or make the removal of our management more difficult. If our board of directors decides to issue such preferred shares, the price of our ADSs may fall and the voting and other rights of holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs may be materially adversely affected.
As a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we may adopt certain home country practices in relation to corporate governance matters. These practices may afford less protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with the NYSE corporate governance listing standards.
As a non-U.S. company with ADSs listed on the NYSE, we are subject to the NYSE corporate governance listing standards. However, in reliance on Section 303A.11 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, which permits a foreign private issuer to follow the corporate governance practices of its home country, we have adopted certain corporate governance practices that may differ significantly from the NYSE corporate governance listing standards. For example, we may include non-independent directors as members of our compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee, and our independent directors are not required to hold regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present. Such home country practice differs from the NYSE corporate governance listing standards, because there are no specific provisions under the Companies Law (2016 Revision) of the Cayman Islands imposing such requirements. Accordingly, executive directors, who may also be our major shareholders or representatives of our major shareholders, may have greater power to make or influence major decisions than they would if we complied with all the NYSE corporate governance listing standards. While we may adopt certain practices that are in compliance with the laws of the Cayman Islands, such practices may differ from more stringent requirements imposed by the NYSE rules and as such, our shareholders may be afforded less protection under Cayman Islands law than they would under the NYSE rules applicable to U.S. domestic issuers. See “Item 16G. Corporate Governance.”
We may be classified as a passive foreign investment company, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders of our ADSs or ordinary shares.
Based on the composition of our assets and income, we believe that we were not a passive foreign investment company, or a PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to our 2016 taxable year and we do not currently intend or anticipate becoming a PFIC for 2017 or any future taxable year. However, we must make a separate determination each taxable year as to whether we are a PFIC (after the close of each taxable year). Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will not be a PFIC for our next taxable year ending December 31, 2017 or any future taxable year. A non-U.S. corporation will be considered a PFIC for any taxable year if either (1) at least 75% of its gross income is passive income or (2) at least 50% of the value of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets during the taxable year) is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. The value of our assets for purposes of the PFIC asset test will generally be determined based on the market price of our ADSs and ordinary shares, which may fluctuate from time to time. If we are treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder (as defined in “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Taxation—Passive Foreign Investment Company”) holds an ADS or a share, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could apply to such U.S. Holder. See “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Taxation—Passive Foreign Investment Company.”
We may issue additional ordinary shares, other equity or equity-linked or debt securities, which may materially adversely affect the price of our ordinary shares or ADSs. Hedging activities may depress the trading price of our ordinary shares.
We may issue additional equity, equity-linked or debt securities for a number of reasons, including to finance our operations and business strategy (including in connection with acquisitions, strategic collaborations or other transactions), to satisfy our obligations for the repayment of existing indebtedness, to adjust our ratio of debt to equity, to satisfy our obligations upon the exercise of outstanding warrants or options or for other reasons. Any future issuances of equity securities or equity-linked securities could substantially dilute your interests and may materially adversely affect the price of our ordinary shares or ADSs. We cannot predict the timing or size of any future issuances or sales of equity, equity-linked or debt securities, or the effect, if any, that such issuances or sales may have on the market price of our ordinary shares or ADSs. Market conditions could require us to accept less favorable terms for the issuance of our securities in the future.
| 42 |
Substantial future sales of our ordinary shares or ADSs in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could cause the price of our ordinary shares or ADSs to decline.
Sales of our ordinary shares or ADSs in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could cause the market price of our ordinary shares to decline. As of December 31, 2016, we had 126,733,266 ordinary shares outstanding, excluding 277,746 ADSs representing 1,110,984 ordinary shares reserved for future grants under our share incentive plans and 1,723,200 ordinary shares as treasury stock. The number of ordinary shares outstanding and available for sale will increase when our employees and former employees who are holders of restricted share units and options to acquire our ordinary shares become entitled to the underlying shares under the terms of their units or options. To the extent these shares are sold into the market, or are converted to ADSs which are sold into the market place, the market price of our ordinary shares or ADSs could decline.
Your right to participate in any future rights offerings may be limited, which may cause dilution to your holdings.
We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. However, we cannot make these rights available in the United States unless we register the rights and the securities to which the rights relate under the Securities Act or an exemption from the registration requirements is available. We are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or securities or to endeavor to cause a registration statement to be declared effective. Moreover, we may not be able to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly, you may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in your holdings.
| ITEM 4. | INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY |
| A. | History and Development of the Company |
Our legal and commercial name is JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. Our principal executive office is located at 1 Jingke Road, Shangrao Economic Development Zone, Jiangxi Province, 334100, People’s Republic of China. Our telephone number at this address is (86-793) 846-9699 and our fax number is (86-793) 846-1152. Our registered office in the Cayman Islands is Cricket Square, Hutchins Drive, P.O. Box 2681, Grand Cayman, KY1-1111, Cayman Islands.
We commenced our operations in June 2006 through our then consolidated subsidiary Jiangxi Desun Energy Co., Ltd. We were incorporated as a limited liability company in the Cayman Islands on August 3, 2007. Following a series of equity transactions, we established a holding company structure with us being the ultimate holding company in 2009. We conduct our business principally through our wholly-owned operating subsidiaries in China, Jiangxi Jinko and Zhejiang Jinko. We have six production facilities in Jiangxi, Zhejiang and Xinjiang Provinces, China, Malaysia, Portugal and South Africa, 18 global sales offices in China, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Kenya, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil and Mexico and 15 oversea subsidiaries in Japan, Singapore, India, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Australia and South Africa.
On May 19, 2010, we completed our initial public offering, in which we offered and sold 5,835,000 ADSs representing 23,340,000 ordinary shares, raising US$64.2 million in proceeds before expenses to us. Our ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “JKS.”
On November 10, 2010, we completed a follow-on public offering of 3,500,000 ADSs representing 14,000,000 ordinary shares, of which 2,000,000 ADSs were sold by us and 1,500,000 ADSs were sold by the selling shareholders.
On May 17, 2011, we completed an offering of US$125 million of 4.0% convertible senior notes due 2016.
| 43 |
On September 25, 2013, we completed a follow-on public offering of 4,370,000 ADSs representing 17,480,000 ordinary shares, including 570,000 ADSs sold pursuant to the underwriters’ full exercise of their option to purchase additional ADSs.
On January 22, 2014, we completed a follow-on public offering of 3,750,000 ADSs representing 15,000,000 ordinary shares and a concurrent offering of US$150.0 million in aggregate amount of 4.0% convertible senior notes due 2019.
In July 2014, China Development Bank, the Macquarie Greater China Infrastructure Fund and New Horizon Capital agreed to invest a total of US$225.0 million in JinkoSolar Power, our then majority-owned subsidiary conducting our solar power generation business. The three investors together held approximately 45% of JinkoSolar Power’s equity after their investment.
In August 2014, we opened a solar module factory with annual production capacity of 120 MW in Cape Town, South Africa.
In March 2015, we opened a solar cell and module manufacturing facility with the production capacity of 450 MW and 500 MW, respectively, in Penang, Malaysia.
In November 2016, as a result of the sale of all of the 55% equity interest indirectly held by us in Jiangxi Jinko Engineering, we disposed of our downstream solar power project business in China and received US$250 million in cash.
| B. | Business Overview |
We are a global leader in the PV industry based in Jiangxi and Zhejiang Provinces in China. We have built a vertically integrated solar power product value chain, from recovering silicon materials to manufacturing solar modules. We sell most of our solar modules under our own “JinkoSolar” brand, with a small portion of solar modules on an OEM basis. We also sell silicon wafers and solar cells not used in our solar module production.
We sell our products in major export markets and China. We have 18 global sales offices in China, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Kenya, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil and Mexico and 15 oversea subsidiaries in Japan, Singapore, India, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Australia and South Africa to conduct sales, marketing and brand development for our products around the world. As of December 31, 2016, we had an aggregate of more than 1,100 customers for our solar modules globally, including distributors, project developers and system integrators.
Our solar modules utilize advanced solar technologies. All of our solar modules sold in Europe are CE, IEC, MCS and TÜV certified, all of our solar modules sold in Japan are JET certified, all of our solar modules sold in North America are UL certified and our monocrystalline solar modules sold in China are CQC certified. In 2013, our solar modules passed TÜV Nord’s Dust & Sand Certification Test, demonstrating their suitability for installation in desert regions. We also unveiled our “Eagle II” solar modules, which represent a new standard for performance and reliability. The “Eagle II” solar modules can reach peak power output of approximately 260 to 270 watts for a 60-cell module. We have also begun research on our “Eagle+” solar modules, which will be composed of multicrystalline cells that reached conversion efficiencies of approximately 20.4% in lab tests by a third party.
We leverage our vertically integrated platform and cost-efficient manufacturing capabilities in China to produce high quality products at competitive costs. Our solar cell and silicon wafer operations support our solar module production. As of December 31, 2016, we had an integrated annual capacity of 5.0 GW for silicon ingots and wafers, 4.0 GW for solar cells and 6.5 GW for solar modules. Our manufacturing facilities are primarily located in Jiangxi Province, Zhejiang Province and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China and Penang of Malaysia, providing convenient and timely access to key resources and suppliers.
We no longer have any downstream solar power projects in China after we disposed of our downstream solar power projects business in China in the fourth quarter of 2016, but still have a few overseas solar power projects in Italy and Mexico.
| 44 |
Our Products and Services
Our product mix has evolved rapidly since our inception, as we have incorporated more of the solar power value chain through the expansion of our production capabilities and acquisitions. We currently manufacture a series of products from recovered silicon materials to solar modules. Our principal product is solar modules, but we also sell silicon wafers and solar cells from time to time to meet our customers’ demand. In 2016, sales of solar modules, silicon wafers and solar cells represented 97.3%, 0.6% and 0.7%, respectively, of our total revenues. In addition, we also sell small volumes of recovered silicon materials to optimize the utilization of our production capacity.
Leveraging our expertise in manufacturing high quality solar modules and substantial experience in the solar industry, we commenced developing solar power projects and providing solar system integration services in late 2011. In November 2016, we disposed of our downstream solar power project business in China and received US$250 million in cash.
Unless otherwise specified, the results presented in this annual report do not include the results of our downstream solar power project business in China, a discontinued operation.
The following table sets forth details of our revenues for the periods indicated:
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volume | Revenue | Volume | Revenue | Volume | Revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Products | (MW, except recovered silicon materials) | (RMB in thousands) | (MW, except recovered silicon materials) | (RMB in thousands) | (MW, except recovered silicon materials) | (RMB in thousands) | (US$ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Recovered silicon materials (metric tons) | 3.9 | 11,272.6 | 1.8 | 5,201.8 | 0.3 | 860.0 | 123.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Silicon wafers | 229.6 | 286,585.0 | 118.2 | 138,293.4 | 156.3 | 136,079.7 | 19,599.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Solar cells | 134.2 | 200,643.6 | 172.8 | 215,048.3 | 126.9 | 155,016.3 | 22,327.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Solar modules | 2,423.1 | 9,155,396.1 | 4,207.6 | 15,086,256.8 | 6,225.3 | 20,825,750.0 | 2,999,531.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Services | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Solar system EPC | — | 11,209.6 | — | - | — | 269,661.7 | 38,839.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Processing services | — | 69,581.4 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue from generated electricity | — | 6,188.2 | — | 9,574.1 | — | 13,270.4 | 1,911.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Revenue | 9,740,876.5 | 15,454,374.4 | 21,400,638.1 | 3,082,333.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, revenues from sales of products and provision of processing services to subsidiaries of ReneSola Ltd., one of our related parties, amounted to RMB557,097, nil and nil, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, revenues from sales of products to subsidiaries of Gansu Heihe Hydropower Industrial Investment LLC, one of our related parties, amounted to nil, nil and RMB102,998,133, respectively.
Solar Modules
We commenced producing solar modules in August 2009. In 2016, we sold 6,225.3 MW of solar modules and generated RMB20.83 billion (US$3.0 billion) of revenue from sales of solar modules. We expect that sales of solar modules will continue to be our largest revenue source in the future. In 2016, we generated 61.5% of our total revenue from overseas markets, and the United States, Japan and Chile, our three largest export markets, represented 36.0%, 4.6% and 4.2% of our total revenue, respectively. As the domestic market in China grows, we expect to sell increasing volumes of solar modules in the domestic market in China.
In 2013, we unveiled our “Eagle” and “Eagle II” solar modules, which represent new standards for performance and reliability. The “Eagle” solar modules are the world’s first potential induced degradation (“PID”) free modules to be certified under weather conditions of 85 degrees Celsius and 85% relative humidity. They can reach 260 watts peak power output and resist PID under inclement weather conditions. The “Eagle II” solar modules can reach peak power output of approximately 260 to 270 watts for a 60-cell module.
In 2014, the “Eagle II” could reach power output of approximately 305 to 325 watts for a 72-cell module.
| 45 |
In 2015, the “Eagle Max” could reach power output of approximately 325 watts for a 72-cell module.
In 2016, our 1-Volt Eagle Modules became available for delivery in North America following UL 1703 certification.
Solar Cells
We commenced production of solar cells in July 2009 following our acquisition of Zhejiang Jinko. The efficiency of a solar cell converting sunlight into electricity is represented by the ratio of electrical energy produced by the solar cell to the energy from sunlight that reaches the solar cell. The conversion efficiency of solar cells is determined to a large extent by the quality of silicon wafers used to produce the solar cells. All of our monocrystalline solar cells have dimensions of 125 mm x 125 mm and 156 mm x 156 mm. All of our multicrystalline solar cells have dimensions of 156 mm x 156 mm. As of December 31, 2016, our solar cells using monocrystalline silicon wafers had an average conversion efficiency rate of 21.0% and our solar cells using multicrystalline silicon wafers had an average conversion efficiency rate of 18.7%.
Silicon Wafers
We commenced production of monocrystalline silicon wafers and multicrystalline silicon wafers in March 2008 and July 2008, respectively.
Recovered Silicon Materials
We commenced processing of recoverable silicon materials into recovered silicon materials in June 2006. We are able to process and recover a broad range of recoverable silicon materials, which enables us to reduce our overall silicon material costs and improve product quality and yield.
Solar Power Generation and Solar System EPC Services
We commenced developing solar power projects in China in 2011 and generated revenue from sales of electricity generated by our own solar power projects when they were connected to the grid. In November 2016, we disposed of our downstream solar power project business in China.
In addition, we obtained two small solar power projects as the repayment of our accounts receivable in Italy and commenced developing solar power projects overseas in 2016.
Manufacturing
We manufacture and sell solar modules, solar cells, silicon wafers and recovered silicon materials.
Manufacturing Capacity and Facilities
Manufacturing Capacity
The following table sets forth our annual production capacity for silicon wafers, solar cells and solar modules as of December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016:
| Annual Production Capacity as of December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | ||||||||||
| (GW) | ||||||||||||
| Products | ||||||||||||
| Solar modules | 3.2 | 4.3 | 6.5 | |||||||||
| Solar cells | 2.0 | 2.5 | 4.0 | |||||||||
| Silicon wafers | 2.5 | 3.0 | 5.0 | |||||||||
| 46 |
Property and Plant
We both own and lease properties for our operations. When we state that we own certain properties in China, we own the relevant land use rights because land is owned by the PRC state under the PRC land system. As of the date of this annual report, we had obtained land use rights to approximately 1.0 million square meters of land. The following table sets forth the size, use and the location of the land, to which we had obtained the land use rights, as the date of this annual report:
| Location | Industrial Use (square meters) | Residential Use (square meters) | ||||||
| Shangrao, Jiangxi Province | 646,826 | 191,840 | ||||||
| Haining, Zhejiang Province | 187,034 | 5,388 | ||||||
| Yuhuan, Zhejiang Province | 92,540 | - | ||||||
| Total | 926,400 | 197,228 | ||||||
We also lease manufacturing facilities with a total gross floor area of approximately 32,067 square meters in Shangrao from Jiangxi Desun for production use. We also lease office space and manufacturing facilities in various locations around the world where we maintain subsidiaries and offices.
Except as indicated otherwise, we own the facilities completed and under construction and own the right to use the relevant land for the durations described below (including capacities and major equipment):
| Annual Manufacturing Capacities by Product Category as of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Products | Location | Facility No. | Plant Size (square meters) | Duration of Land Use Right | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | Major equipment | ||||||||||||||||||
| (GW) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Silicon Ingots and Wafers | Shangrao Economic Development Zone | 1 | 68,396.80 | (i) March 16, 2010 to February 3, 2057; (ii) December 9, 2009 to September 23, 2058; (iii) July 6, 2009 to August 10, 2059; (iv) July 10, 2009 to February 7, 2057; (v) January 6, 2009 to August 10, 2059 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 5.0 | Monocrystalline furnaces, multicrystalline furnaces, wire saws, wire squarers | ||||||||||||||||||
| Silicon Ingots | Yilin,Xinjiang | 2 | 165,333.00 | (i) May 28,2016 to May 27, 2026;(ii)January 1,2017 to December 31,2029 | Monocrystalline furnaces | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Solar Cells | Yuanhua Town, Haining | 3 | 107,864.90 | (i) November 23, 2009 to June 6, 2057; (ii) October 29, 2009 to May 26, 2058; (iii) August 17, 2010 to July 25, 2060 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 4.0 | Diffusion furnaces, sintering furnaces, PECVD antireflection coatings manufacturing equipment, automatic printers | ||||||||||||||||||
| Penang, Malaysia | 4 | 8,191.00 | January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Solar Modules | Shangrao Economic Development Zone | 5 | 134,950.58 | July 6, 2009 to August 10, 2059 | 3.2 | 4.3 | 6.5 | Laminating machine, solar cell module production line before and after component lamination, automatic glue spreads’ working station, solar cell module testing devices | ||||||||||||||||||
| Yuanhua Town, Haining | 6 | 98,497.00 | September 9, 2016 to September 8, 2066 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Yuanhua Town, Haining | 7 | 89,543.00 | (i) October 29, 2009 to May 26, 2058; (ii) August 17, 2010 to July 25, 2060; (iii) September 15, 2010 to August 29, 2060 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Penang, Malaysia | 8 | 12,679 | January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 47 |
In addition, there is an electric power transformation and distribution substation constructed by the Shangrao Economic Development Zone Management Committee and Shangrao County Power Supply Co., Ltd. with an annual capacity of 619.8 million kWh and a gross floor area of 13,127 square meters at Jiangxi Jinko’s manufacturing site to support its operations and assure it of priority supply of electricity. We had our own electric power transformation and distribution substation with an annual capacity of approximately 23.2 million kWh and a gross floor area of approximately 6,667 square meters in Shangrao as of December 31, 2016.
As of December 31, 2016, short-term borrowings of RMB902.9 million (US$130.0 million) and long-term borrowings of RMB75.1 million (US$10.8 million) were secured by land use rights, plant and equipment. We believe our current land use rights, existing facilities and equipment are adequate for our current requirements.
Major Plans to Construct, Expand or Improve Facilities
As of December 31, 2016, we had an integrated annual capacity of 5.0 GW for silicon ingots and wafers, 4.0 GW for solar cells and 6.5 GW for solar modules.
See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We may continue to undertake acquisitions, investments, joint ventures or other strategic alliances, and such undertakings may be unsuccessful.”
We have entered into purchase agreements for purchasing additional manufacturing equipment. Our purchase capital commitments under these contracts amounted to approximately RMB878.8 million (US$126.6 million) as of December 31, 2016, of which RMB783.5 million (US$112.9 million) will be due in 2017 and RMB95.3 million (US$13.7 million) will be due after one year but within five years. As we have shifted our focus from capacity expansion to improving our efficiency, we may terminate these equipment purchase agreements or revise their terms in line with our new plan and as a result, may be subject to cancellation, late charges and forfeiture of prepayments. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We may face termination and late charges and risks relating to the termination and amendment of certain equipment purchases contracts.”
Manufacturing Process
Silicon Ingot Manufacturing
We produce monocrystalline silicon ingots in electric furnaces. We place silicon materials, consisting of virgin polysilicon feedstock and recovered silicon materials of various grades according to formulas developed in-house into a quartz crucible in the furnace, where the silicon materials are melted. While heating the silicon materials, we pump a stream of argon, a chemically inert gas, into the furnace to remove the impurities vaporized during the heating process and to inhibit oxidation, thus enhancing the purity of the silicon ingots. A thin crystal “seed” is dipped into the molten silicon to determine the crystal orientation and structure. The seed is rotated and then slowly extracted from the molten silicon, which adheres to the seed and is pulled vertically upward to form a cylindrical silicon ingots consisting of a single large silicon crystal as the molten silicon and crucible cool. We have modified some of our monocrystalline furnaces to allow us to apply our furnace reloading production process, which enables us to increase the size of our silicon ingots while lowering our unit production costs by enhancing the utilization rate of our furnaces and reducing unit costs of consumables and utilities. After the silicon ingot is pulled and cooled, we square the silicon ingots in our squaring machines into blocks.
We produce multicrystalline silicon ingots in electric furnaces. We place silicon materials, consisting of virgin polysilicon feedstock and recovered silicon materials of various grades mixed according to our proprietary formula, into a quartz crucible in the furnace, where the silicon materials are melted. While heating the silicon materials, we pump argon into the furnace to remove impurities and inhibit oxidation. The molten silicon is cast into a block and crystallized, forming a multicrystalline structure as the molten silicon and crucible cool. After the multicrystalline silicon block is cast and cooled, we square it in our squaring machine and cut it into individual blocks. We have improved our high-precision wire squarers and squaring techniques, which allows us to reduce the sizes of silicon ingot tops, tails and other off-cuts during the squaring process, thus increasing the sizes of silicon ingot blocks available to be cut into silicon wafers.
| 48 |
We test monocrystalline and multicrystalline silicon ingots as to their minority carrier lifetime, which is an important measurement of impurity levels of crystalline silicon material, as well as resistivity, electric properties and chemical properties and cut off the unusable parts before they are cut into silicon wafers.
Silicon Wafer Cutting
We cut silicon ingots into silicon wafers with high-precision wire saws which use steel wires carrying slurry to cut silicon wafers from the silicon ingot blocks. Using proprietary know-how and our process technology, we have improved these wire saws to enable us to cut silicon ingot blocks longer than the size that the wire saws were originally designed to cut as well as to increase the number of quality conforming silicon wafers produced from each silicon ingot block, produce silicon wafers with thickness of a high degree of consistency and improve the quality of silicon wafers. We currently manufacture our monocrystalline silicon wafers in 125 mm x 125 mm dimensions with an average thickness 180 microns and our multicrystalline silicon wafers in 156 mm x 156 mm dimensions with an average thickness of 180 microns. The dimensions of the silicon wafers we produce are dictated by current demands for market standard products. However, our production equipment and processes are also capable of producing silicon wafers in other dimensions if market demand should so require.
After silicon wafers are cut from silicon ingots, they are cleaned and inserted into frames. The framed silicon wafers are further cleaned, dried and inspected before packaging.
Solar Cell Manufacturing
Solar cell manufacturing process starts with an ultrasonic cleaning process to remove grease and particles from the wafer surface, followed by chemical cleaning and texturing in wet benches to remove organic and metallic contaminate, as well as to create suede-like or pyramid-like topograph, depending on multi- or mono-crystalline wafer used, on the wafer surface. This rough surface could reduce the optical loss of solar cells due to lowering light reflection and creating longer optical path beneficial for light absorption. The wafer then receives a high temperature diffusion process to form p-n junction, which is the heart of solar cell to separate light generated carriers. An edge isolation process is adapted to electrically isolate diffused front and rear surfaces, followed by an anti-reflection coating process to deposit a thin layer of silicon nitride on the sunward side of the wafer to further enhance the light absorption. Metallization is then applied by screen printed metal paste on both sides of the wafer, followed by a high temperature co-firing process through a belt furnace to form ohmic-contact electrodes. The finished solar cells are tested and sorted, and ready for the solar module manufacturing process.
Solar Module Manufacturing
Solar modules are produced by interconnecting multiple solar cells into desired electrical configurations through welding. The interconnected solar cells are laid out and laminated in a vacuum with laboratory details involved. Through these processes and designs, the solar modules are weather-sealed, and thus are able to withstand high levels of ultraviolet radiation, moisture, wind, transportation damage and sand. Assembled solar modules are packaged in a protective aluminum frame prior to testing.
Raw and Ancillary Materials
The raw materials used in our manufacturing process consist primarily of virgin polysilicon and recoverable silicon materials, and the ancillary materials used in our manufacturing process consist primarily of metallic pastes, EVA, tempered glass, aluminum frames, back sheets, junction boxes and other related consumables. The prices of polysilicon and silicon wafers have been subject to significant volatility. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—Volatility in the prices of silicon raw materials makes our procurement planning challenging and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.”
Raw Materials
The principal raw material used in our manufacturing process is virgin polysilicon. We also use recoverable silicon materials in our production. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, virgin polysilicon accounted for approximately 86.4%, 87.3% and 92.3%, respectively, and recoverable silicon materials accounted for approximately 13.6%, 12.7% and 7.7%, respectively, of our total silicon raw material purchases by value. We procure our raw materials from diversified sources. In 2016, purchases from foreign suppliers and domestic suppliers accounted for 87.0% and 13.0% of our total silicon raw material purchases, respectively.
| 49 |
In 2014, 2015 and 2016, our five largest suppliers provided approximately 62.1%, 52.8% and 59.2%, respectively, of our total silicon purchases by value. In 2014, three of our suppliers individually accounted for more than 10% and our largest supplier accounted for 16.0% of our total silicon purchases by value. In 2015, three of our suppliers individually accounted for more than 10% and our largest supplier accounted for 16.9% of our total silicon purchases by value. In 2016, one of our suppliers individually accounted for more than 10%, and our largest supplier accounted for 17.7% of our total silicon purchases by value.
Our supply contracts generally include prepayment obligations for the procurement of silicon raw materials. As of December 31, 2016, we had approximately RMB325.8 million (US$46.9 million) of advances to suppliers.
Virgin Polysilicon
We purchase solar grade virgin polysilicon from both domestic and foreign suppliers. We purchase our virgin polysilicon through spot market purchases to take advantage of decreasing virgin polysilicon prices.
Recoverable Silicon Materials
We purchase pre-screened recoverable silicon materials from our suppliers which are delivered to our facilities for chemical treatment, cleaning and sorting into recovered silicon materials. Currently, we purchase most of our recoverable silicon materials on the spot market.
Ancillary Materials
We use metallic pastes as raw materials in our solar cell production process. Metallic pastes are used to form the grids of metal contacts that are printed on the front and back surfaces of the solar cells through screen-printing to create negative and positive electrodes. We procure metallic pastes from third parties under monthly contracts. In addition, we use EVA, tempered glass, aluminum frames and other raw materials in our solar module production process. We procure these materials from third parties on a monthly basis.
Customers and Markets
We primarily sell solar products in both China and overseas markets, and before the disposition of our downstream solar power project business in China in November 2016, we sold electricity generated by our solar power projects in China. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, we generated 42.3%, 36.3% and 38.5% of our revenues from domestic sales and 57.7%, 62.7% and 61.5% of our revenues from export sales, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, we had more than 600 customers for our solar modules from China and 500 from other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Chile, South Africa, Japan, Holland, India, Australia and France. The following table sets forth our net revenues generated from sales of products and provision of processing services to customers in respective geographic locations, with percentage of net revenues, for the periods indicated.
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RMB | (%) | RMB | (%) | RMB | US$ | (%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inside China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan) | 4,119,710.4 | 42.3 | % | 5,608,964.0 | 36.3 | % | 8,249,043.1 | 1,188,109.3 | 38.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Outside China | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| America | 1,766,283.0 | 18.1 | % | 4,146,330.9 | 26.8 | % | 7,701,560.2 | 1,109,255.4 | 36.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| UK | 1,266,982.3 | 13.0 | % | 839,243.3 | 5.4 | % | 342,655.7 | 49,352.7 | 1.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Chile | 580,383.7 | 6.0 | % | 1,018,522.7 | 6.6 | % | 898,465.1 | 129,405.9 | 4.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Turkey | 50,119.6 | 0.5 | % | 377,663.5 | 2.4 | % | 366,929.8 | 52,848.9 | 1.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Thailand | 65,578.6 | 0.7 | % | 328,505.8 | 2.1 | % | 97,904.5 | 14,101.2 | 0.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| South Africa | 534,571.3 | 5.5 | % | 346,904.3 | 2.2 | % | 37,324.0 | 5,375.8 | 0.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Japan | 486,201.3 | 5.0 | % | 997,526.3 | 6.5 | % | 992,645.5 | 142,970.7 | 4.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| India | 272,142.4 | 2.8 | % | 280,481.8 | 1.8 | % | 775,458.2 | 111,689.2 | 3.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Brazil | 5,033.3 | 0.1 | % | 44,251.7 | 0.3 | % | 479,569.2 | 69,072.3 | 2.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Rest of the world | 593,870.6 | 6.1 | % | 4,146,330.9 | 9.5 | % | 1,459,082.8 | 210,151.6 | 6.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Sub-total | 5,621,166.1 | 57.7 | % | 9,845,410.4 | 62.7 | % | 13,151,595.0 | 1,894,223.7 | 61.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 9,740,876.5 | 100.0 | % | 15,454,374.4 | 100.0 | % | 21,400,638.1 | 3,082,333.0 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| 50 |
Sales of solar modules are our largest revenue contributor, which accounted for 97.3% of our total revenues in 2016. We sell silicon wafers and solar cells to the extent we do not consume them for our own production. We expect that our sales of solar modules will continue to be our largest revenue contributor.
None of our customers accounted for more than 10% of our total revenues in 2014, 2015 and 2016.The following table sets forth the primary products sold to our top five customers and the percentage of total revenues generated by sales to our top five customers for the periods indicated:
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Products | (%) | Products | (%) | Products | (%) | |||||||||||||||||
| Top five customers | Solar modules | 17.2 | Solar modules | 20.0 | Solar modules | 28.5 | ||||||||||||||||
We sell our solar modules under our own brand “JinkoSolar” as well as on an OEM basis. Our customers for solar modules include distributors, project developers and system integrators. We have been able to establish strong relationships with a number of major customers, based on the quality of our products and our market reputation. Our module customers include leading players in the PV industry, such as sPower, ConEdison Development, BayWa r.e. Solarsysteme GmbH, AMEC, the Juwi Group, Energiebau Solarstrom System GmbH, WBHO Build Energy (Pty) Ltd, Solar Century Holding Ltd and Solairedirect S.A.
Sales and Marketing
We sell solar modules under short-term contracts and by spot market sales. We negotiate payment terms on a case by case basis and we allow most of our overseas’ customers to make full payment within 90 days and our domestic customers to make 90%-95% of payment within 180 days after delivery and the rest will be paid when the Retainage Period (as defined below) ends.
We expect to retain a substantial portion of our solar cells for our own solar module production, while maintaining our flexibility to respond to market changes and price fluctuations by selling a portion of our solar cells in the spot market under favorable circumstances. We sell our solar cells under short-term contracts and by spot market sales. We negotiate payment terms of our solar cell sales contracts on a case-by-case basis, and we allow most of our customers to make full payment within 15 to 90 days after delivery. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—A. Operational Results—Principal Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations—Industry Trend for Credit Sales.”
Historically, we made substantial sales of silicon wafers. Currently, we retain a substantial portion of our silicon wafers for our own solar cell production, while selling the remaining to our solar cell suppliers to set off a portion of our payment obligations for our solar cell purchases.
We made substantial sales of recovered silicon materials and silicon ingots before we built out our silicon wafer, solar cell and solar module production capacity. We currently sell a small volume of recovered silicon materials.
As we continue to diversify our product lines, we have successfully expanded our global marketing footprint. We established a sales and marketing center in Shanghai in January 2009, which provides us with convenient access to domestic and international sales channels. In November 2009, we established JinkoSolar International Limited in Hong Kong to get easy access to major export markets. We began exporting our silicon wafers to Hong Kong in May 2008, and have since expanded our sales to Taiwan, India, the Netherlands, Singapore and Korea. With our entry into the downstream solar module markets, we have further successfully marketed our products to customers in Germany, Italy, Belgium, Spain, France, Israel, U.S. Canada, South Africa, Australia, Singapore, and other countries and regions. We have 18 global sales offices in China, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Kenya, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil and Mexico and 15 oversea subsidiaries in Japan, Singapore, India, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Australia and South Africa. We intend to establish additional subsidiaries and sales offices in the major overseas markets to expand our customer base and increase our market penetration.
| 51 |
In addition, we have devoted significant resources to developing solar module customers and a stable end-user customer base through establishing diversified sales channels comprising project developers, system integrators, distributors and sales agents and diversified marketing activities, including advertising on major industry publications, attending trade shows and exhibits worldwide as well as providing high quality services to our customers.
In July 2015, we entered into a new strategic partnership with the Golden State Warriors for a term of two years, which names us as the team’s official solar panel partner. We believe that our global marketing practice and strategy have and will continue to enable us to explore the overseas market, increase our sales, expand our customer base and increase recognition of our brand domestically and internationally.
In 2015, we entered into advertising agreements with several TV stations and several major city airports. Furthermore, we continued to sponsor major PV industry conferences and participated in some industry associations.
In 2014, we were ranked 313th on the List of Top 500 Private Enterprises in China by All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce. We were awarded 2014 China’s Outstanding Corporate Citizen and ranked among the 2014 List of Top 50 Outstanding Corporate Citizens by China Committee of Corporate Citizenship. We were ranked among the List of Top Ten Solar Companies in China by SolarStar, an online media platform covering the solar industry. We were ranked among the List of Top 50 Energy Enterprises with Most Growth Potential in 2014 by Energy, a Chinese magazine covering the energy sector in China. We were the only Chinese solar company that received the 2014 Best Employer in China Award by International Public Management Association for Human Resources Association.
In 2015, we were ranked 437th in the “Fortune 500” Chinese Enterprise List. Furthermore, we have been awarded the “Today’s Transformative Step 2015” at COP21 and the only Chinese PV manufacturer recognized as the “Global Growth Company” at the 2015 World Economic Forum.
In July 2016, we made a big leap forward in the latest China Fortune 500 list from 437th to 330th. Furthermore, we were awarded the 2016 BlueSky Award for Global Top Investment Scenarios to Apply New Technologies for Renewable Energy Utilization.
In October 2016, we were ranked 16th among Fortune magazine’s 100 Fastest-Growing Companies in 2016. We were also appointed as co-chair of the B20 ECRE Taskforce under the 2017 Germany G20 Presidency.
Quality Control
We employ strict quality control procedures at each stage of the manufacturing process in accordance with ISO9001 and IEC TS 62941 quality management standards to ensure the consistency of our product quality and compliance with our internal production benchmarks. Our quality management systems in Shangrao, Jiangxi Province, Haining, Zhejiang Province and Penang, Malaysia have all received the SGS ISO90001:2015 certification. In addition, our manufacturing facilities in Shangrao, Jiangxi Province and Haining, Zhejiang Province have passed the TUV-NORD IEC TS62941 test in November 2016.
In addition, we have also received international and domestic certifications for certain models of our solar modules. For example, we have received CE, IEC, MCS and TÜV certifications for all of our solar modules sold in Europe, UL certifications for all solar modules sold in North America and CQC and CGC certification for all of our solar modules in China. In August 2012, our modules became the first to pass TÜV-SÜD’s stringent potential induced degradation test under 85 degrees Celsius and 85% relative humidity conditions, and our testing facility received certification from China National Accreditation Service for its industry leading quality controls. In May 2013, our modules became the first to pass TÜV NORD’s dynamic mechanical load testing with maximum 1000 Pascal downward load. In 2013, our solar modules also passed TÜV Nord’s Dust & Sand Certification Test, demonstrating their suitability for installation in desert regions. In December 2014, our modules became the first to pass TÜV NORD’s transportation and shipping of PV Module stacks test. Our solar modules received the highest testing result, class 1, in the fire resistance test conducted by Italy’s Istituto Giordano. We also obtained the JIS Q 8901 Certification from TÜV Rheinland. In May 2016, we became the first Chinese PV manufacturer that received Qualification Plus certification from TÜV Rheinland for solar modules.
| 52 |
We conduct systematic inspections of incoming raw materials, ranging from silicon raw materials to various ancillary materials. We have formulated and adopted guidelines and continue to devote efforts to developing and improving our inspection measures and standards on recycling recoverable silicon materials, silicon ingots, silicon wafer, solar cell and solar module production. We conduct a final quality check before packing to ensure that our solar power products meet all our internal standards and customers’ specifications. In addition, we provide periodic training to our employees to ensure the effectiveness of our quality control procedures.
In February 2012, we opened our PV module testing laboratory in Jiangxi, China, which can conduct over 16 different kinds of tests, ranging from basic pressure and impact tests to challenging hot spot, pre-decay and UV aging tests, all of which conform to UL and International Electrotechnical Commission regulations. In February 2012, the facility was awarded the UL Witness Testing Data Program (“WTDP”) Certificate and, in August 2012, the facility was certified by China National Accreditation Service (“CNAS”).
We have a dedicated team overseeing our quality control processes. In addition, we have established operation management and project-based customer service teams, aiming to supervise the whole installation process and service our customers in a timely manner. They work collaboratively with our sales team to provide customer support and after-sale services. We emphasize gathering customer feedback for our products and addressing customer concerns in a timely manner.
Competition
We operate in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market. As we build out our solar cell and solar module production capacity and increase the output of these products, we mainly compete with integrated as well as specialized manufacturers of solar cells and solar modules such as Trina Solar Ltd., Canadian Solar Inc. and JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd in a continuously evolving market. Recently, some upstream polysilicon manufacturers as well as downstream manufacturers have also built out or expanded their silicon ingots, silicon wafer, solar cell and solar module production operations. We expect to face increased competition as other silicon ingots, silicon wafer, solar cell and solar module manufacturers continue to expand their operations. Some of our current and potential competitors may have a longer operating history, greater financial and other resources, stronger brand recognition, better access to raw materials, stronger relationships with customers and greater economies of scale than we do. Moreover, certain of our competitors are highly-integrated producers whose business models provide them with competitive advantages as these companies are less dependent on upstream suppliers and/or downstream customers in the value chain.
We compete primarily in terms of product quality and consistency, pricing, timely delivery, ability to fill large orders and reputation for reliable customer support services. We believe that our high quality products, our low manufacturing costs and easy access to key resources from our strategically located production bases in China, Malaysia and South Africa, our recoverable silicon material processing operations and our proprietary process technologies enhance our overall competitiveness.
In addition, some companies are currently developing or manufacturing solar power products based on new technologies, including thin film materials and CSPV. These new alternative products may cost less than those based on monocrystalline or multicrystalline technologies while achieving the same or similar levels of conversion efficiency in the future. Furthermore, the solar industry generally competes with other renewable energy and conventional energy sources.
See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We face intense competition in solar power product markets. If we fail to adapt to changing market conditions and to compete successfully with existing or new competitors, our business prospects and results of operations would be materially adversely affected.”
| 53 |
Production Safety
We are subject to extensive PRC laws and regulations in relation to labor and safety. We have adopted stringent safety procedures at our facilities to limit potential damage and personal injury in the event of an accident or natural disaster, and have devised a number of internal guidelines as well as instructions for our manufacturing processes, including the operation of equipment and handling of chemicals. We distribute safety-related manuals to employees and post bulletins setting forth safety instructions, guidelines and policies throughout our facilities. Failure by employees to follow these guidelines and instructions result in monetary fines. All of our new employees undergo extensive safety training and education. We require our technical staff to attend weekly training programs taught by instructors to enhance their work safety awareness and ensure safe equipment operation. We conduct regular inspections and our experienced equipment maintenance team oversees the operation of our manufacturing lines to maintain proper and safe working conditions. As a result, our occupational health and safety management systems are certified to fulfill the OHSAS 18001:2007 standards starting from March 2012. Since our inception, we have not experienced any major work-related injuries.
We use, store and generate volatile and otherwise dangerous chemicals and wastes during our manufacturing processes, and are subject to a variety of government regulations related to the use, storage and disposal of such hazardous chemicals and waste. In accordance with the requirements of the Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemical, which became effective on December 1, 2011 and were amended on December 7, 2013, we are required to engage state-qualified institutions to conduct the safety evaluation on our storage instruments related to our use of hazardous chemicals and file the safety evaluation report with the competent safety supervision and administration authorities every three years. Moreover, we also need to timely file a report with the competent safety supervision and administration authorities and public security agencies concerning the actual storage situation of our hyper-toxic chemicals and other hazardous chemicals that constitute major of hazard sources. We have not conducted the safety evaluation or filed safety evaluation reports with respect to certain of our storage instruments in compliance with the revised Regulation on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals and we cannot assure you that we will be able to file the safety evaluation reports on time. Failure to conduct such safety evaluation or to make such filing on time may subject us to an order to rectify such conduct within a prescribed time period, fines of up to RMB100,000 or a revocation of our qualification and business license.
Environmental Matters
We generate and discharge chemical wastes, waste water, gaseous waste and other industrial waste at various stages of our manufacturing process as well as during the processing of recovered silicon material. We have installed pollution abatement equipment at our facilities to process, reduce, treat, and where feasible, recycle the waste materials before disposal, and we treat the waste water, gaseous and liquid waste and other industrial waste produced during the manufacturing process before discharge. We also maintain environmental teams at each of our manufacturing facilities to monitor waste treatment and ensure that our waste emissions comply with PRC environmental standards. Our environmental teams are on duty 24 hours. We are required to comply with all PRC national and local environmental protection laws and regulations and our operations are subject to periodic inspection by national and local environmental protection authorities. PRC national and local environmental laws and regulations impose fees, and from January 1, 2018, taxes for the discharge of waste materials above prescribed levels, require the payment of fines for serious violations and provide that the relevant authorities may at their own discretion close or suspend the operation of any facility that fails to comply with orders requiring it to cease or remedy operations causing environmental damage. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—Compliance with environmentally safe production and construction regulations can be costly, while non-compliance with such regulations may result in adverse publicity and potentially significant monetary damages, fines and suspension of our business.”
Our factories are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that has been designed to not only produce the highest quality products, but to also minimize the environmental impact. Our manufacturing facilities in Shangrao, Jiangxi Province have received the ISO 9001:2015 certification and our manufacturing facilities in Haining, Zhejiang Province have received the ISO 9001 and the ISO14001 certification. In January 2012, we joined the PV Cycle Association for the collection and recycling of end-of-life solar modules at European level. In September 2016, we helped create the first PV recycling network in the U.S.
| 54 |
We are required to obtain construction permits before commencing constructing production facilities. We are also required to obtain approvals from PRC environmental protection authorities before commencing commercial operations of our manufacturing facilities. We commenced construction of a portion of our solar cell and solar module production facilities prior to obtaining the construction permits and commenced operations of certain of our production facilities prior to obtaining the environmental approvals for commencing commercial operation and completing the required safety evaluation procedure. Although we have subsequently obtained all required environmental approvals covering all of our existing production capacity except a portion of our solar cell and solar module production capacity, we cannot assure you that we will not be penalized by the relevant government authorities for any prior non-compliance with the PRC environmental protection, safe production and construction regulations.
In late August 2011, our Haining facility experienced a suspected leakage of fluoride into a nearby small water channel due to extreme and unforeseen weather conditions. On September 15, 2011, residents of Hongxiao Village in proximity to the Haining facility gathered to protest the discharge. The Haining facility suspended production on September 17, 2011. We also took steps recommended by an environmental engineering firms licensed by the PRC government (“Licensed Engineers”). On September 28, 2011, a committee of experts (the “Experts Committee”) established by the Haining government approved a set of recommendations developed by the Licensed Engineers with our assistance and the Haining government to be implemented by us. On October 6, 2011, the Experts Committee, the Environmental Bureau of the Haining government and representatives of Hongxiao Village reviewed the steps taken by us based on the recommendations of the Experts Committee and provided their comments to JinkoSolar’s management. On October 9, 2011, the Experts Committee notified us that the Experts Committee was satisfied with the steps taken by us and we resumed production at the Haining facility.
On March 22, 2012, our 600 MW solar cell manufacturing line passed the Haining City environmental authority’s environmental evaluation. In May 2012, pursuant to a request from the Haining City environmental authority as a part of a program directed to all local manufacturing companies, we took additional steps intended to improve our program for handling hazardous waste, which was approved in September 2012. In November 2012, we were selected on a random basis for an audit of our energy conservation and emission-reduction management systems by the Haining City environmental authority, which we completed successfully.
We continued to implement several environmental protection related projects at the Haining facility between 2013 and 2015, aiming to improve the waste treatment as well as to reduce carbon dioxide emission. We have invested to establish a new water recycle system, install roof-top solar panels, replace fluorescent tubes with LED light in the production lines, and upgrade waste chemical discharge sewers. In 2016, we completed the upgrade of the existing wastewater treatment station and improved the wastewater treatment of the Haining facility to comply with the new PRC environmental standards for the solar industry.
Seasonality
Demand for solar power products tends to be weaker during the winter months partly due to adverse weather conditions in certain regions, which complicate the installation of solar power systems. Our operating results may fluctuate from period to period based on the seasonality of industry demand for solar power products. Our sales in the first quarter of any year may also be affected by the occurrence of the Chinese New Year holiday during which domestic industrial activity is normally lower than that at other times.
Insurance
We have insurance policies covering certain machinery such as our monocrystalline and multicrystalline furnaces. These insurance policies cover damages and losses due to fire, flood, design defects or improper installation of equipment, water stoppages or power outages and other events stipulated in the relevant policies. Insurance coverage for Jiangxi Jinko’s fixed assets other than land amounted to approximately RMB2,567.7 million (US$369.8 million) as of December 31, 2016. Insurance coverage for Zhejiang Jinko’s fixed assets and inventory amounted to approximately RMB4,506.4 million (US$649.1 million) as of December 31, 2016. Insurance coverage for Jinko Malaysia’s fixed assets and inventory amounted to approximately RMB920.1 million (US$132.5 million) as of December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, we had product liability insurance coverage for Jiangxi Jinko, Zhejiang Jinko, Jinko Solar Import and Export Co. Ltd. (“Jinko Import and Export”) and Zhejiang Jinko Trading Co., Ltd. (“Zhejiang Trading”) of up to US$2,000 million, export credit insurance coverage for Jiangxi Jinko, Zhejiang Jinko and Jinko Import and Export of up to US$246.8 million and product transportation liability insurance coverage for Jiangxi Jinko, Zhejiang Jinko, Jinko Import and Export, Zhejiang Trading, JinkoSolar GmbH, JinkoSolar Canada Co., Ltd. and JinkoSolar (U.S.) Inc. of up to RMB25.4 billion (US$3.7 billion).
| 55 |
We engage PowerGuard, a firm specializing in unique insurance and risk management solutions for the wind and solar energy industries to provide insurance coverage for the product warranty services for our solar modules worldwide. The policy offers back-to-back coverage through a maximum of ten-year limited product defects warranty, as well as a 12-year and 25-year warranty against declines of more than 10.0% and 20.0%, respectively, from the initial minimum power generation capacity at the time of delivery.
In addition, in November 2012, we also purchased a policy for environmental liabilities insurance covering our operations in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, as required by the Environmental Protection Bureau of Jiaxing City. We believe that our overall insurance coverage is consistent with the market practice in China. However, significant damage to any of our manufacturing facilities and buildings, whether as a result of fire or other causes, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. In accordance with customary practice in China, we do not carry any business interruption insurance. Moreover, we may incur losses beyond the limits, or outside the coverage, of our insurance policies. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We have limited insurance coverage and may incur losses resulting from product liability claims, business interruption or natural disasters.” We paid an aggregate of approximately RMB27.3 million, RMB34.3 million and RMB25.3 million (US$3.6 million) in insurance premiums in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively.
Regulation
This section sets forth a summary of the most significant regulations or requirements that affect our business activities in the PRC or our shareholders’ right to receive dividends and other distributions from us.
Renewable Energy Law and Other Government Directives
The Renewable Energy Law, which originally became effective on January 1, 2006 and was amended on December 26, 2009, sets forth policies to encourage the development and on-grid application of solar energy and other renewable energy. The law also sets forth a national policy to encourage the installation and use of solar energy water heating systems, solar energy heating and cooling systems, PV systems and other systems that use solar energy. It also provides financial incentives, such as national funding, preferential loans and tax preferential treatment for the development of renewable energy projects.
The PRC Energy Conservation Law, which became effective on April 1, 2008 and was amended on July 2, 2016, encourages the utilization and installation of solar power facilities on buildings for energy-efficiency purposes. The law also encourages and supports the development of solar energy system in rural areas.
On October 10, 2010, the State Council of the PRC promulgated a decision to accelerate the development of seven strategic new industries. Pursuant to this decision, the PRC government will promote the popularization and application of solar thermal technologies by increasing tax and financial policy support, encouraging investment and providing other forms of beneficial support.
On March 27, 2011, the NDRC promulgated the revised Guideline Catalogue for Industrial Restructuring which categorizes the solar power industry as an encouraged item. On February 16, 2013, the NDRC promulgated the 2013 revised Guideline Catalogue for Industrial Restructuring to be effective on May 1, 2013, the solar power industry is still categorized as an encouraged item.
In response to the increased pace of market development, the PRC State Council, in a statement dated July 4, 2013, announced to support the development of PV production enterprises with high technology and strong market competitiveness, among other matters.
In March 2016, the National People’s Congress approved the Outline of the Thirteenth Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the PRC, which mentions a national commitment to continuing to support the development of PV generation industry.
| 56 |
On March 22, 2016, the NEA promulgated the Guide Opinion on Energy for 2016, which encouraged the development of solar power.
On November 29, 2016, the State Council released the Thirteen Five-Year Development Plan for National Strategic New Industries, which aims to promote the diversification and large-scale development of solar power industry.
On December 8, 2016, the NEA officially released the Thirteen Five-Year Plan on Solar Power Development, pursuant to which, the NEA will provide market support to advanced technology and product and lead the PV technical advances and industry upgrading.
On December 30, 2016, the MIIT, NDRC, the Ministry of Science and Technology and MOF jointly promulgated the Development Guide Regarding the New Materials Industry to support and provide details for the development of the PRC solar power industry.
Environmental Protection
The construction processes of our solar power projects generate material levels of noise, waste water, gaseous emissions and other industrial wastes. Therefore, we are subject to a variety of government regulations related to the storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials and to the protection of the environment of the community. The major environmental regulations applicable to our business activities in the PRC include the Environmental Protection Law of the PRC, the Law on the Prevention and Control of Noise Pollution, the Law on the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution, the Law on the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution, the Law on the Prevention and Control of Solid Waste Pollution, the Environmental Impact Evaluation of Law, and the Regulations on the Administration of Environmental Protection In Construction Projects.
On December 25, 2016, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress promulgated the Law on Environmental Protection Tax, which will become effective on January 1, 2018. The Law on Environmental Protection Tax reforms and replaces the pollutant discharge fee system, which had been implemented over decades in China. The Law on Environmental Protection Tax provides that, among others, from the effective date, the enterprises, entities and other producers and operators that directly emit taxable pollutants into the environment within the territory and other sea areas under the jurisdiction of the PRC shall pay environmental protection tax instead of pollutant discharge fees. Under the Law on Environmental Protection Tax, taxable pollutants include air and water pollutants, solid waste and noise.
See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—Compliance with environmentally safe production and construction regulations can be costly, while noncompliance with such regulations may result in adverse publicity and potentially significant monetary damages, fines and suspension of our business operations.”
Foreign Investment in Solar Power Business
The principal regulation governing foreign ownership of solar power businesses in the PRC is the Foreign Investment Industrial Guidance Catalog. Under the current catalog, which was amended in 2015 and became effective on April 10, 2015, the solar power industry is classified as an “encouraged foreign investment industry.” Foreign-invested enterprises in the encouraged foreign investment industry are entitled to certain preferential treatment, such as exemption from tariff on equipment imported for their operations, after obtaining approval from the PRC government authorities.
Work Safety
We are subject to laws and regulations in relation to work safety and occupational disease prevention, including the Work Safety Law of the PRC, which became effective on November 1, 2002 and was amended on August 31, 2014, the Prevention and Control of Occupational Diseases of the PRC, which was effective on May 1, 2002, and was amended on July 2, 2016, and the Photovoltaic Production Rule and other relevant laws and regulations.
| 57 |
Employment
Pursuant to the Labor Law of the PRC, the Labor Contract Law of the PRC and the Implementing Regulations of the Labor Contract Law of the PRC, employers must enter into written employment contracts with full-time employees. If an employer fails to do so within one year from the date on which the employment relationship is established, the employer must rectify the situation by entering into a written employment contract with the employee and pay the employee twice the employee’s salary for the period during which the written contract is not signed. The Labor Contract Law and its implementing rules also require all employers must comply with local minimum wage standards. If the wage paid to the employee by the employer is lower than the local minimum wage standard, the competent labor authorities may order the employer to pay the difference; in the event of any failure to pay within the time limit, the employer may be ordered to pay additional compensation to the employee at the standard of more than 50% but less than 100% of the payable amount. Violations of the Labor Law, the Labor Contract Law and its implementing rules may result in the imposition of fines and other administrative liabilities.
Enterprises in the PRC are required by the PRC laws and regulations to participate in certain employee benefit plans covering pension insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance, work-related injury insurance, medical insurance and housing funds, and contribute to the plans or funds in amounts equal to certain percentages of salaries, including bonuses and allowances, of the employees as specified by the local government from time to time at locations where they operate their businesses or where they are located. According to the Social Insurance Law of the PRC, which came into effect on July 1, 2011, an employer that fails to make social insurance contributions may be ordered to pay the required contributions within a stipulated deadline and be subject to a late fee at the rate of 0.05% per day from the date on which the contribution becomes due. If the employer still fails to rectify the failure to make social insurance contributions within the stipulated deadline, it may be subject to a fine ranging from one to three times the amount overdue. According to the Regulations on the Administration of Housing Fund, which came into force on March 24, 2002, an enterprise that fails to make housing fund contributions may be ordered to rectify the noncompliance and pay the required contributions within a stipulated deadline; otherwise, an application may be made to a local court for compulsory enforcement.
Taxation
PRC Corporate Income Tax
Prior to January 1, 2008, under the PRC Income Tax Law on Foreign-invested Enterprise and Foreign Enterprise, or the former Income Tax Law, and the related implementing rules, foreign-invested enterprises incorporated in the PRC were generally subject to a corporate income tax rate of 30% on taxable income and a local income tax rate of 3% on taxable income. The former Income Tax Law and the related implementing rules also provided certain favorable tax treatments to foreign-invested enterprises.
On March 16, 2007, the CIT Law was passed, which, together with the Implementation Rules of the CIT Law issued on December 6, 2007, became effective on January 1, 2008. The CIT Law applies a uniform 25% corporate income tax rate to both foreign invested enterprises and domestic enterprises and eliminates many of the preferential tax policies afforded to foreign investors. Furthermore, dividends paid by a foreign invested enterprise to a non-resident shareholder are now subject to a withholding tax rate of 10%, which may be reduced under any applicable bilateral tax treaty between the PRC and the jurisdiction where the non-resident shareholder resides.
The CIT Law provided a five-year grandfathering period, starting from its effective date, for enterprises established before the promulgation date of the CIT Law that were entitled to enjoy preferential tax policies under the former Income Tax Law or the related implementing rules. However, subject to the Circular on Implementing the Grandfathering Preferential Policies of the Enterprise Income Tax, or the Implementing Circular, promulgated by the State Council on December 26, 2007, only a certain number of the preferential policies provided under the former Income Tax Law and the related implementing rules were eligible to be grandfathered in accordance with the Implementing Circular.
| 58 |
With respect to our PRC operations, only the “two-year exemption” and “three-year half deduction” tax preferential policy enjoyed by Jiangxi Jinko and Zhejiang Jinko was grandfathered by the Implementation Circular. Both Jiangxi Jinko and Zhejiang Jinko were subject to a preferential tax rate of 12.5% in 2011 and 2012. Zhejiang Jinko, Jiangxi Jinko and Jiangxi Materials were designated by the relevant local authorities as “High and New Technology Enterprises” under the CIT Law. Jiangxi Jinko, Jiangxi Materials and Zhejiang Jinko were subject to a preferential tax rate of 15% for 2014, 2015 and 2016. In 2015, Zhejiang Jinko successfully renewed this qualification and will continue to enjoy the preferential tax rate of 15% in 2017, if the relevant conditions are met. In 2016, Jiangxi Jinko and Jiangxi Materials successfully renewed this qualification and will continue to enjoy the preferential tax rate of 15% in 2017 and 2018, if the relevant conditions are met.
Certain solar power project entities enjoy the preferential tax policies in connection with the development of the western region of China and are subject to a preferential tax rate of 15%. The enterprises which are eligible for such preferential tax policy must engage in the business falling in the scope of the Western Catalogue promulgated by the NDRC. Enterprises that are eligible for the preferential tax rate of 15% may be able to enjoy such preferential tax rate and tax holiday simultaneously where certain criteria are met.
According to the Circular of the State Administration of Taxation on How to Understand and Identify “Beneficial Owner” under Tax Treaties, which became effective on October 27, 2009, and the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on the Determination of “Beneficial Owners” in the Tax Treaties, effective on June 29, 2012, the PRC tax authorities must evaluate whether an applicant for treaty benefits in respect of dividends, interest and royalties qualifies as a “beneficial owner” on a case-by-case basis and following the “substance over form” principle. This circular sets forth the criteria to identify a “beneficial owner” and provides that an applicant that does not carry out substantial business activities, or is an agent or a conduit company may not be deemed a “beneficial owner” of the PRC subsidiary and therefore may not enjoy tax treaty benefits. According to Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Issues Concerning the Recognition of Beneficial Owners in Entrusted Investments, effective on June 1, 2014, nonresidents may be recognized as “beneficial owners” and enjoy treaty benefits for the income derived from the PRC from certain investments.
An enterprise registered under the laws of a jurisdiction outside China may be deemed a PRC tax resident enterprise if its place of effective management is in China. If an enterprise is deemed to be a PRC tax resident enterprise, its worldwide income will be subject to the corporate income tax. According to the Implementation Rules of the CIT Law, the term “de facto management bodies” is defined as bodies that have, in substance, and overall management and control over such aspects as the production and the business, personnel, accounts and properties of the enterprise. In addition, under the CIT Law and the Implementation Rules of the CIT Law, foreign shareholders could become subject to a 10% withholding tax on any gains they realize from the transfer of their shares, if such gains are regarded as income derived from sources within China, which includes gains from transfer of shares in an enterprise considered a “tax resident enterprise” in China. Once a non-PRC company is deemed to be a PRC tax resident enterprise by following the “de facto management bodies” concept and any dividend distributions from such company are regarded as income derived from sources within China, PRC income tax withholding may be imposed and applied to dividend distributions from the deemed PRC tax resident enterprise to its foreign shareholders.
VAT
Pursuant to the Interim Regulations on Value-added Tax as amended on February 6, 2016, and the Implementing Rules of the Interim Regulations on Value-added Tax as amended on October 28, 2011, all entities and individuals that are engaged in the sale of goods, the provision of repairs and replacement services and the importation of goods in the PRC are required to pay VAT. The Interim Regulations on Value-added Tax and their Implementing Rules also provide that gross proceeds from sales and importation of goods and provision of services are generally subject to a VAT rate of 17% with exceptions for certain categories of goods that are taxed at a rate of 13%.
| 59 |
Foreign Currency Exchange
Foreign currency exchange regulation in the PRC is primarily governed by the Regulations on the Administration of Foreign Exchange, and the Provisions on the Administration of Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign Exchange. Currently, the Renminbi is convertible for current account items, including the distribution of dividends, interest payments, trade and service related foreign exchange transactions. On January 26, 2017, the SAFE issued the Circular on Further Promoting the Reform of Foreign Exchange Administration and Improving Examination of Authenticity and Compliance, pursuant to which the SAFE restated the procedures and reemphasized the bona-fide principle for banks to follow during their review of certain cross-border profit remittance. Conversion of Renminbi for most capital account items, such as direct investment, security investment and repatriation of investment, however, is still subject to registration with the SAFE. Foreign-invested enterprises may buy, sell and remit foreign currencies at financial institutions engaged in foreign currency settlement and sale after providing valid commercial documents and, in the case of most capital account item transactions, obtaining approval from the SAFE. Capital investments by foreign enterprises are also subject to limitations, which include approvals by the NDRC, the MOC, and registration with the SAFE.
In August 2008, the SAFE issued the Circular on the Relevant Operating Issues Concerning the Improvement of the Administration of Payment and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or the Circular 142, regulating the conversion by a foreign invested enterprise of foreign currency-registered capital into RMB by restricting how the converted RMB may be used. Pursuant to the Circular 142, the RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise may only be used for purposes within the business scope approved by the applicable government authority and may not be used for equity investments within the PRC. In addition, the SAFE strengthened its oversight of the flow and use of the RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises. The use of such RMB capital may not be changed without the SAFE’s approval, and such RMB capital may not in any case be used to repay RMB-denominated loans if the proceeds of such loans have not been used. Violations may result in severe monetary or other penalties. Furthermore, on March 30, 2015, the SAFE issued the Circular on Reforming the Administration Approach Regarding the Foreign Exchange Capital Settlement of Foreign-invested Enterprises, or Circular 19, which became effective on June 1, 2015 and replaced Circular 142. Circular 19 provides that, the conversion from foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises into the Renminbi capital may be at foreign-invested enterprises’ discretion, which means that the foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises for which the rights and interests of monetary contribution has been confirmed by the local foreign exchange bureau (or the book-entry of monetary contribution has been registered) can be settled at the banks based on the actual operational needs of the enterprises. However, Circular 19 does not materially change the restrictions on the use of foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises. On June 9, 2016, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming and Standardizing the Administrative Provisions on Capital Account Foreign Exchange, or Circular 16, which applies to all domestic enterprises in China. Circular 19 and Circular 16 continue to prohibit foreign-invested enterprises from, among other things, spending Renminbi capital converted from its foreign currency registered capital on expenditures beyond its business scope.
In February 2012, the SAFE promulgated the Notice on the Administration of Foreign Exchange Matters for Domestic Individuals Participating in the Stock Incentive Plans of Overseas Listed Companies, or the Stock Option Notice. The Stock Option Notice replaced a prior rule issued by SAFE in 2007, the Application Procedure of Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in an Employee Stock Holding Plan or Stock Option Plan of an Overseas-Listed Company. Under the Stock Option Notice, domestic individuals who participate in equity incentive plans of an overseas listed company are required, through a PRC agent or PRC subsidiary of such listed company, to register with SAFE and complete certain other bank and reporting procedures. The Stock Option Notice simplifies the requirements and procedures for the registration of stock incentive plan participants, especially in respect of the required application documents and the absence of strict requirements on offshore and onshore custodian banks, as were stipulated in the previous rules.
The Circular of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Foreign Direct Investment issued by the SAFE on November 19, 2012 and amended on May 4, 2015 substantially amends and simplifies the foreign exchange procedure. Pursuant to this circular, the opening of various special purpose foreign exchange accounts (e.g. pre-establishment expenses account, foreign exchange capital account, guarantee account), the reinvestment of lawful incomes derived by foreign investors in the PRC (e.g. profit, proceeds of equity transfer, capital reduction, liquidation and early repatriation of investment), and purchase and remittance of foreign exchange as a result of capital reduction, liquidation, early repatriation or share transfer in a foreign-invested enterprise no longer require the SAFE’s approval, and multiple capital accounts for the same entity may be opened in different provinces, which was not possible before. In addition, the SAFE promulgated the Circular on Printing and Distributing the Provisions on Foreign Exchange Administration over Domestic Direct Investment by Foreign Investors and the Supporting Documents in May 2013, which specifies that the administration by the SAFE or its local branches over direct investment by foreign investors in the PRC must be conducted by way of registration and banks shall process foreign exchange business relating to the direct investment in the PRC based on the registration information provided by the SAFE and its branches. On February 13, 2015, the SAFE promulgated the Circular on Further Simplification and Improvement of Foreign Currency Administration Policies on Direct Investment, effective on June 1, 2015, which further simplifies the approval requirements of SAFE upon the direct investment by foreign investors. In particular, instead of applying for approvals from SAFE, entities and individuals are required to apply for foreign exchange registrations of foreign direct investment and overseas direct investment from qualified banks, while the qualified banks, under the supervision of the SAFE, will directly examine the applications and conduct the registration accordingly.
| 60 |
On July 4, 2014, the SAFE issued the Circular on the Administration of Foreign Exchange Issues Related to Overseas Investment, Financing and Roundtrip Investment by Domestic Residents through Offshore Special Purpose Vehicles, or the SAFE Circular 37, which replaced the former circular commonly known as “SAFE Circular 75” promulgated on October 21, 2005. The SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents to register with the competent local SAFE branch in connection with their direct establishment or indirect control of an offshore special purpose vehicle, for the purpose of overseas investment and financing, with such PRC residents’ legally owned assets or equity interests in domestic enterprises or offshore assets or interests. The SAFE Circular 37 further requires amendment to the registration in the event of any significant changes with respect to the special purpose vehicle, such as any change of basic information (including change of the PRC residents, name and operation term), increase or decrease of capital contribution by the PRC residents, share transfer or exchange, merger, division or other material events. In the event that a PRC resident holding interests in a special purpose vehicle fails to fulfill the required SAFE registration, the PRC subsidiaries of that special purpose vehicle may be prohibited from making profit distributions to the offshore parent and from carrying out subsequent cross-border foreign exchange activities, and the special purpose vehicle may be restricted in its ability to contribute additional capital into its PRC subsidiary. Moreover, failure to comply with the various SAFE registration requirements described above could result in liability under the PRC law for evasion of foreign exchange controls.
Dividend Distribution
The principal laws and regulations governing distribution of dividends paid by wholly foreign owned enterprises include the Company Law of the PRC as amended on December 28, 2013, the Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise Law of the PRC as amended on October 31, 2000, and the Implementing Rules of the Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise Law of the PRC as amended on February 19, 2014.
Under these laws and regulations, foreign-invested enterprises in the PRC may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, as determined in accordance with the PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, a wholly foreign owned enterprise in the PRC is required to set aside as general reserves at least 10% of its after-tax profit, until the accumulative amount of such reserves reaches 50% of its registered capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. A wholly foreign owned enterprise is not permitted to distribute any profits until any losses from prior fiscal years have been offset. Profits retained from prior fiscal years may be distributed together with distributable profits from the current fiscal year. A wholly foreign owned enterprise has the discretion to allocate a portion of its after-tax profits to staff welfare and bonus funds and expansion funds, which may not be distributed to equity owners except in the event of liquidation.
Intellectual Property Rights
Patent
The PRC has domestic laws for the protection of rights in copyrights, patents, trademarks and trade secrets. The PRC is also a signatory to the world’s major intellectual property conventions, including:
| · | Convention establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO Convention) (June 4, 1980); |
| · | Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (March 19, 1985); |
| · | Patent Cooperation Treaty (January 1, 1994); and |
| · | The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) (November 11, 2001). |
| 61 |
Patents in the PRC are governed by the China Patent Law (March 12, 1984), as amended and its Implementing Regulations (January 19, 1985), as amended.
The PRC is a signatory to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, in accordance with which any person who has duly filed an application for a patent in one signatory country shall enjoy, for the purposes of filing in the other countries, a right of priority during the period fixed in the convention (12 months for inventions and utility models, and 6 months for industrial designs).
The China Patent Law covers three kinds of patents, namely, patents for inventions, utility models and designs. The Chinese patent system adopts the principle of first to file, which means where multiple patent applications are filed for the same invention, a patent will be granted only to the party that filed the application first. Consistent with international practice, the PRC only allows the patenting of inventions or utility models that possess the characteristics of novelty, inventiveness and practical applicability. For a design to be patentable, it must not be identical with or similar to any design which has been publicly disclosed in publications in the country or abroad before the date of filing or has been publicly used in the country before the date of filing, and must not be in conflict with any prior right of another.
PRC law provides that anyone wishing to exploit the patent of another must enter into a written licensing contract with the patent holder and pay the patent holder a fee. One rather broad exception to this, however, is where a party possesses the means to exploit a patent for inventions or utility models under certain circumstances but cannot obtain a license from the patent holder on reasonable terms and in a reasonable period of time, the State Intellectual Property Office of the PRC is authorized to grant a compulsory license. A compulsory license can also be granted where a national emergency or any extraordinary state of affairs occurs or where the public interest so requires. The patent holder may appeal such a decision within three months from receiving notification by filing a suit in people’s court in the PRC.
PRC law defines patent infringement as the exploitation of a patent without the authorization of the patent holder. A patent holder who believes his patent is being infringed may file a civil suit or file a complaint with a local PRC intellectual property administrative authority, which may order the infringer to stop the infringing acts. A preliminary injunction may be issued by the people’s court upon the patentee’s or the interested parties’ request before any legal proceedings are instituted or during the proceedings. Evidence preservation and property preservation measures are also available both before and during the litigation. Damages in the case of patent infringement are determined as either the loss suffered by the patent holder arising from the infringement or the benefit gained by the infringer from the infringement. If it is difficult to ascertain damages in this manner, damages may be determined with reference to the license fee under a contractual license.
Trademark
The PRC Trademark Law, adopted in 1982 and revised in 1993, 2001 and 2013, with its implementation rules adopted in 2002 and revised in 2014, protects registered trademarks. The Trademark Office of the State Administration of Industry and Commerce handles trademark registrations and grants trademark registrations for a term of ten years which are renewable upon maturity. Trademark license agreements must be filed with the Trademark Office for record.
| 62 |
| C. | Organizational Structure |
The following table sets out our significant subsidiaries as of the date of this annual report:
| Subsidiaries | Date of Incorporation /Acquisition | Place of Incorporation | Percentage of Ownership | |||||
| JinkoSolar Technology Limited (“Paker”)* | November 10, 2006 | Hong Kong | 100 | % | ||||
| Jinko Solar Co., Ltd. (“Jiangxi Jinko”) | December 13, 2006 | PRC | 100 | % | ||||
| Zhejiang Jinko Solar Co., Ltd.(“Zhejiang Jinko”) | June 30, 2009 | PRC | 100 | % | ||||
| Jinko Solar Import and Export Co., Ltd. | December 24, 2009 | PRC | 100 | % | ||||
| JinkoSolar GmbH | April 1, 2010 | Germany | 100 | % | ||||
| Zhejiang Jinko Trading Co., Ltd. | June 13, 2010 | PRC | 100 | % | ||||
| Xinjiang Jinko Solar Co., Ltd. | May 30, 2016 | PRC | 100 | % | ||||
| Yuhuan Jinko Solar Co., Ltd. | July 29, 2016 | PRC | 100 | % | ||||
| JinkoSolar (U.S.) Inc. | August 19, 2010 | USA | 100 | % | ||||
| Jiangxi Photovoltaic Materials Co., Ltd (“Jiangxi Materials”) | December 1, 2010 | PRC | 100 | % | ||||
| JinkoSolar (Switzerland) AG | May 3, 2011 | Switzerland | 100 | % | ||||
| JinkoSolar (US) Holdings Inc. | June 7, 2011 | USA | 100 | % | ||||
| JinkoSolar Italy S.R.L. | July 8, 2011 | Italy | 100 | % | ||||
| JinkoSolar SAS | September 12, 2011 | France | 100 | % | ||||
| Jinko Solar Canada Co., Ltd | November 18, 2011 | Canada | 100 | % | ||||
| Jinko Solar Australia Holdings Co. Pty Ltd | December 7, 2011 | Australia | 100 | % | ||||
| Jinko Solar Pty Ltd. | April 13, 2012 | South Africa | 100 | % | ||||
| Jinko Solar Japan K.K. | May 21, 2012 | Japan | 100 | % | ||||
| JinkoSolar Power Engineering Group Limited (“JinkoSolar Power”) | November 12, 2013 | Cayman | 100 | % | ||||
| JinkoSolar WWG Investment Co., Ltd. | April 8, 2014 | Cayman | 100 | % | ||||
| JinkoSolar Comércio do Brazil Ltda | January 14, 2014 | Brazil | 100 | % | ||||
| Projinko Solar Portugal Unipessoal LDA. | February 20, 2014 | Portugal | 100 | % | ||||
| JinkoSolar Mexico S.DE R.L. DE C.V. | February 25, 2014 | Mexico | 100 | % | ||||
| Shanghai Jinko Financial Information Service Co., Ltd | November 7, 2014 | PRC | 100 | % | ||||
| Jinko Solar Technology SDN.BHD. | January 21, 2015 | Malaysia | 100 | % | ||||
| Jinko Power International (Hongkong) Limited | July 10, 2015 | Hong Kong | 100 | % | ||||
| JinkoSolar International Development Limited** | August 28, 2015 | Hong Kong | 100 | % | ||||
| Jinkosolar Household PV System Ltd.*** | January 12, 2015 | BVI | 100 | % | ||||
| Canton Best Limited | September 16, 2013 | BVI | 100 | % | ||||
| Wide Wealth Group Holding Limited (“Wide Wealth Hong Kong”) **** | June 11, 2012 | Hong Kong | 100 | % | ||||
| 63 |
*In the fourth quarter of 2016, Paker disposed of Zhejiang Jinko Financial Leasing Co., Ltd with the consideration of RMB183 million (US$26.4 million). Loss of disposal amounted to RMB15.2 million (US$2.2 million) was recognized. Considerations associated with the transaction had not been collected as of December 31, 2016.
In the fourth quarter of 2016, Paker closed down JinkoSolar International Limited. Accumulated translation differences associated with the entity in the amount of RMB4.7 million (US$0.7 million) was recognized in net income upon the liquidation of the entity.
**In the fourth quarter of 2016, JinkoSolar International Development Limited disposed of Jinko Solar (Thailand) Co. Ltd with the consideration of RMB2.4 million (US$0.4 million). Loss of disposal amounted to RMB0.1 million (US$0.02 million) was recognized. Considerations associated with the transaction had not been collected as of December 31, 2016.
***In the fourth quarter of 2016, Jinkosolar Household PV System Ltd. disposed of its household solar project business with the consideration of RMB27 million (US$3.9 million). Gain on disposal amounted to RMB15.4 million (US$2.2 million) was recognized. Considerations associated with the transaction had been collected as of December 31, 2016.
****In the fourth quarter of 2016, Wide Wealth Hong Kong disposed all of the 55% equity interest indirectly held by the Company in Jiangxi Jinko Engineering to Shangrao Kangsheng Technology Co., Ltd., a company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the People’s Republic of China, formed by a buyer consortium led by Mr. Xiande Li, chairman of our board of directors for a total consideration of US$250 million.
In conjunction, JinkoSolar Power repurchased all of its Series A, Series A-1 and Series A-2 redeemable convertible preferred shares with considerations of US$225 million from the preferred shareholders, while Wide Wealth Hong Kong agreed to transfer the 45% equity interest of Jiangxi Jinko Engineering to related entities of the preferred shareholders with a total consideration of US$225 million. These two transactions were net-settled as agreed among JinkoSolar Power, Wide Wealth Hong Kong and the preferred shareholders.
| D. | Property, Plant and Equipment |
For information regarding our material property, plant and equipment, see “—B. Business Overview—Manufacturing—Manufacturing Capacity and Facilities” in this annual report.
| ITEM 4A. | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
None.
| ITEM 5. | OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS |
| A. | Operating Results |
We are a global leader in the PV industry based in China. We have built a vertically integrated solar power product value chain, from recovering silicon materials to manufacturing solar modules. We sell most of our solar modules under our own “JinkoSolar” brand, with a small portion of solar modules on an OEM basis. We also sell silicon wafers and solar cells not used in our solar module production. As of December 31, 2016, we had an integrated annual capacity of 5.0 GW for silicon ingots and wafers, 4.0 GW for solar cells and 6.5 GW for solar modules.
| 64 |
Our revenues were RMB9.74 billion, RMB15.45 billion and RMB21.40 billion (US$3.08 billion) in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. We had net income of RMB698.1 million, RMB766.5 million and RMB990.2 million (US$142.6 million) in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively.
Principal Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
We believe that the following factors have had, and we expect that they will continue to have, a significant effect on the development of our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Industry Demand
Our business and revenue growth depends on the industry demand for solar power and solar power products. In the second half of 2009, demand for solar power and solar power products was significantly affected by the global financial crisis. In early 2010, as the effect of the global financial crisis started to subside, industry demand for solar power and solar power products started to revive. Access to financing continued to improve from 2010 to the first half of 2011, driven by increasing awareness of renewable energy, stronger balance sheets for financing providers and sustainable government incentives to develop solar as an alternative energy solution. However, in 2011, a decrease in payment to solar power producers, in the form of FIT and other reimbursements, and a reduction in available financing caused a decrease in the demand for solar power products, including solar modules, in the European markets. Payments to solar power producers decreased as governments in Europe, under pressure to reduce public debt levels, reduced subsidies such as FIT. Furthermore, many downstream purchasers of solar power products were unable to secure sufficient financing for the solar power projects due to the global credit crunch. Demand for solar modules in Europe fell significantly in 2013. As a result, many solar power producers that purchase solar power products from manufacturers like us were unable or unwilling to expand their operations. Our business and revenue increased in Europe in 2014, partly due to the significant increase in demand for solar modules in the U.K. Compared with 2014, our revenue increased in North America in 2015 mainly attributable to the significant increase in demand for solar modules in the U.S. China had become the largest solar market in 2016, whereas the demand in India continued to grow rapidly, second to only China and the United States. A strong presence in these markets led to an increase in our revenue despite the decreasing module price as a result of the China FIT cut as well as the uncertainties brought by the new president of the United States.
We believe the steady reduction in the manufacturing cost of solar power products will stimulate demand for solar power and solar power products in the long term. In particular, decreases in the price of silicon feedstock, improvements in manufacturing techniques for solar power products and economies of scale have continually reduced the unit production costs of solar power products in recent years, which in turn have increased the competitiveness of solar power on an unsubsidized basis relative to conventional power and other renewable energy sources. We expect significant market opportunities to be created as demand continues to grow and the price of solar power approaches that of conventional energy in a number of markets. In the long term, we believe that solar power will continue to have significant growth potential and that demand for our products and services will continue to grow.
Industry Trend for Credit Sales
Most of our sales are made on credit terms and we allow our customers to make payments after a certain period of time subsequent to the delivery of our products. Selling products on credit terms has increased, and may continue to increase our working capital requirements and have a negative impact on our short-term liquidity. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Selling our products on credit terms may increase our working capital requirements and expose us to the credit risk of our customers.”
In 2011, the PV industry experienced a series of adverse developments. For more detailed discussions of such adverse developments, see “—Industry Demand” and “—Government Subsidies, Policies and Economic Incentives.” The softened demand for PV products, coupled with the over-supply caused by significantly increased manufacturing capacity in the industry, led to intensified competition among PV module manufacturers.
| 65 |
To accommodate and retain customers, many PV module manufacturers, including us, shifted from demanding advance payments towards increased use of credit sales and the provision of longer credit terms to both existing and new customers. Starting from the third quarter of 2011, we began to offer new customers credit terms of 60 to 120 days as well as extend similar credit terms to certain existing customers under new contracts.
Due to the increase of credit sales, especially in China and other emerging markets, our accounts receivable turnover increased in 2016. Our accounts receivable turnover were 102 days, 82 days and 108 days in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. In particular, in 2014, 2015 and 2016, our accounts receivable turnover in the U.S. were 34 days, 25 days and 19 days, respectively; our accounts receivable turnover in China were 146 days, 131 days and 144 days, respectively. Correspondingly, our provisions for accounts receivables increased. We recorded provisions for accounts receivable of RMB428.6 million, RMB335.7 million and RMB376.6 million (US$54.2 million) as of December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. Considering the increase in credit sales, we will continue to make assessment and properly provide the provision on doubtful accounts.
Pricing of Solar Power Products
The price of our solar modules is influenced by a variety of factors, including polysilicon prices, supply and demand conditions, the competitive landscape and processing technologies.
The implementation of the capacity expansion plans by major solar power product manufacturers in 2009 and 2010 resulted in significant increases in the supply of solar power products in the global market, which contributed to a general decrease in the average selling prices of solar power products in recent years, including solar modules. The slowdown in the growth of demand for solar power products in recent years has further reduced the market prices of solar power products. In addition, decreases in the price of silicon feedstock, improvements in manufacturing techniques for solar power products and economies of scale have continually reduced the unit production costs of solar power products in recent years, which in turn have increased the competitiveness of solar power on an unsubsidized basis relative to conventional power and other renewable energy.
The pricing of solar power products began to stabilize in 2013, as weaker players exited the market. Nonetheless, we expect the market prices of solar power products to continue to decline in the long term due to continued advancements in processing technologies. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—Our future growth and profitability depend on the demand for and the prices of solar power products and the development of photovoltaic technologies.”
Government Subsidies, Policies and Economic Incentives
We believe that market demand for solar power and solar power products in the near term will continue to substantially depend on the availability of government incentives, because the cost of solar power currently exceeds, and we believe will continue to exceed in the near term, the cost of conventional fossil fuel energy and certain non-solar renewable energy. Various governments have used policy initiatives to encourage or accelerate the development and adoption of solar power and other renewable energy sources.
Countries in Europe, notably Italy, Germany, France, Belgium and Spain, certain countries in Asia, including China, Japan and India, as well as Australia and the United States have adopted renewable energy policies. Examples of government sponsored financial incentives to promote solar power include capital cost rebates, FIT, tax credits, net metering and other incentives to end users, distributors, project developers, system integrators and manufacturers of solar power products.
Governments may reduce or eliminate existing incentive programs for political, financial or other reasons, which will be difficult for us to predict. Reductions in FIT programs may result in a significant fall in the price of and demand for solar power products. For example, the German government has introduced legislation to reduce the FIT program since 2010 due to the strong growth of its domestic solar market. From 2012 to 2016, the Japanese government cut down its FIT from 40 Yen to 24 Yen for projects below 10KW and from 42 Yen to 31 Yen for projects above 10 KW.
| 66 |
Our revenue and operating results may be adversely impacted by unfavorable policy revisions if FIT in the United States and Japan, our two largest export markets, and certain other major markets for solar power and solar power products are further reduced. Electric utility companies or generators of electricity from fossil fuels or other renewable energy sources could also lobby for a change in the relevant legislation in their markets to protect their revenue streams. Government economic incentives could be reduced or eliminated altogether. A significant reduction in the scope or discontinuation of government incentive programs, especially those in our target markets, could cause demand for our products and solar power to decline and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. We believe that the growth of the solar power industry in the short term will continue to depend largely on the availability and effectiveness of government incentives for solar power products and the competitiveness of solar power in relation to conventional and other renewable energy resources in terms of cost.
Our business may also be affected by the trade policies of government or international trade bodies, particularly in our major export markets, such as the U.S. and Europe. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business and Industry — We are subject to anti-dumping and countervailing duties or import quotas imposed by certain overseas markets, including the U.S., European Union and Canada.” We expect our exports to both the U.S. market and European market to be adversely affected by these duties or measures. Our direct sales to the U.S. market and European market accounted for 36.0% and 3.5% of our total revenue in 2016, respectively.
Changing Product and Service Mix
Our product mix has evolved rapidly since our inception, as we expanded our production capabilities to manufacture and sell downstream solar power products and to capture the efficiencies of our vertically-integrated production process. Before 2009, our sales consisted of silicon wafers, silicon ingots and recovered silicon materials. We commenced production and sale of solar cells and solar modules in the second half of 2009. In 2010, we successfully achieved fully vertically-integrated solar module production and made sales of solar modules our largest source of revenue. As of December 31, 2016, we had an integrated annual capacity of 5.0 GW for silicon ingots and wafers, 4.0 GW for solar cells and 6.5 GW for solar modules. By creating a fully vertically-integrated production chain, we have succeeded in continually driving down average solar modules manufacturing cost per watt.
Manufacturing Technologies
Solar modules are our principal products. As solar modules are priced based on the number of watts of electricity they generate, the advancement of manufacturing technologies in increasing the conversion efficiency of solar cells and production efficiency will enable us to improve our gross profit margin. We continually make efforts to develop advanced manufacturing technologies to increase the conversion efficiency of our solar cells while striving to reduce our average production cost. In addition to our own research and development team, we collaborate with third-party research institutes to improve our manufacturing technologies and the conversion efficiency of our solar cells. As a result of these efforts, in 2014, 2015 and 2016, the average conversion efficiency rate of our solar cells using our monocrystalline silicon wafers was 19.6%, 19.6% and 21.0%, respectively, and the conversion efficiency rate of our solar cells using our multicrystalline silicon wafers was 18.2%, 18.3% and 18.7%, respectively.
Selected Statement of Operations Items
Revenues
Currently, we derive our revenues primarily from the sale of solar modules and to a lesser extent from the sales of silicon wafers and solar cells. We also derive a small portion of revenues from the sale of electricity generated by our projects and solar system integration services. We expect the sale of solar modules to continue to be our primary revenue source. The following table presents our revenues, net of VAT, by products and services, as sales amounts and as percentages of total revenues, for the periods indicated:
| 67 |
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (RMB in thousands) | (%) | (RMB in thousands) | (%) | (RMB in thousands) | (US$ in thousands) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Continuing operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Products | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recovered silicon materials | 11,272.6 | 0.1 | 5,201.8 | 0.0 | 860.0 | 123.9 | 0.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Silicon wafers | 286,585.0 | 2.9 | 138,293.4 | 0.9 | 136,079.7 | 19,599.6 | 0.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Solar cells | 200,643.6 | 2.0 | 215,048.3 | 1.3 | 155,016.3 | 22,327.0 | 0.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Solar modules | 9,155,396.0 | 91.8 | 15,086,256.8 | 93.8 | 20,825,750.0 | 2,999,531.9 | 97.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Services | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Solar system EPC | 11,209.6 | 0.1 | — | 0.0 | 269,661.7 | 38,839.4 | 1.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Processing services | 69,581.4 | 0.7 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue from generated electricity | 6,188.2 | 2.4 | 9,574.1 | 4.0 | 13,270.4 | 1,911.3 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 9,740,876.5 | 100.0 | 15,454,374.4 | 100.0 | 21,400,638.1 | 3,082,333.0 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Our revenues are affected by sales volumes, product mix and average selling prices. The following table sets forth, by products, the sales volumes and approximate average selling prices for the periods indicated:
| Continuing operations | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | |||||||||
| Sales volume: | ||||||||||||
| Recovered silicon materials (metric tons) | 3.9 | 1.8 | 0.3 | |||||||||
| Silicon wafers (MW) | 229.6 | 118.2 | 156.3 | |||||||||
| Solar cells (MW) | 134.2 | 172.8 | 126.9 | |||||||||
| Solar modules (MW) | 2,423.1 | 4,207.6 | 6,225.3 | |||||||||
| Average selling price (RMB): | ||||||||||||
| Recovered silicon materials (per kilogram) | 2.9 | 2.9 | 2.9 | |||||||||
| Silicon wafers (per watt) | 1.2 | 0.7 | 0.9 | |||||||||
| Solar cells (per watt) | 1.5 | 1.2 | 1.2 | |||||||||
| Solar modules (per watt) | 3.8 | 3.6 | 3.3 | |||||||||
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues primarily consists of: (i) raw materials, which primarily consist of both virgin polysilicon and recoverable silicon materials; (ii) consumables and components, which include crucibles for the production of monocrystalline and multicrystalline silicon ingots, steel alloy saw wires, slurry, chemicals for raw material cleaning and silicon wafer cleaning, and gases such as argon and silane, as well as silicon wafers and solar cells we procure from third parties for the production of solar modules; (iii) direct labor costs, which include salaries and benefits for employees directly involved in manufacturing activities; (iv) overhead costs, which consist of equipment maintenance costs, cost of utilities including electricity and water; (v) depreciation of property, plant, equipment and project assets; (vi) processing fees paid to third party factories relating to the outsourced production of solar cells and solar modules; and (vii) subcontractor cost and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies and tools. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, our cost of revenues was RMB7.64 billion, RMB12.52 billion and RMB17.53 billion (US$2.53 billion), respectively.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses include selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses, research and development expenses, impairment of long-lived assets and provision for advance to suppliers.
Selling and Marketing Expenses. Our selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of shipping and handling expenses, warranty cost, exhibition costs, salaries, bonuses and other benefits for our sales personnel as well as sales-related travel and entertainment expenses. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, our selling and marketing expenses were RMB768.3 million, RMB1,144.6 million and RMB1,434.0 million (US$206.5 million), respectively.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits for our administrative, finance and human resources personnel, amortization of land use rights, office expenses, entertainment expenses, business travel expenses, professional service fees, impairment of long-lived assets as well as provision for bad debts. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, our general and administrative expenses were RMB369.3 million, RMB521.4 million and RMB778.8 million (US$112.2 million), respectively.
Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses consist primarily of silicon materials used in our research and development activities and salaries, bonuses and other benefits for research and development personnel, and depreciation of equipment for research and development In 2014, 2015 and 2016, our research and development expenses were RMB106.6 million, RMB143.7 million and RMB181.1 million (US$26.1 million), respectively.
| 68 |
Provision for advance to suppliers. We did not make a provision for the outstanding balances of inventory purchase prepayments in 2015. We made RMB2.7 million and RMB0.8 million provision for the outstanding balances of inventory purchase prepayments in 2014 and 2016, respectively.
Impairment of long-lived assets. Impairment of long-lived assets consist primarily as a result of the obsolescence of certain equipment in our wafer and cell production line. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, we recognized impairment of long-lived assets of RMB6.2 million, nil and RMB125.5 million (US$18.1 million), respectively.
Interest Expenses, Net
Our interest expenses consist primarily of interest expenses with respect to the issuance of convertible senior notes, long-term bonds, short-term and long-term borrowings from banks and other lenders. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, we incurred net interest expenses of RMB226.3 million, RMB311.0 million and RMB359.3 million (US$51.7 million), respectively.
Convertible Senior Notes Issuance Costs
We incurred costs in association with the issuance of convertible senior notes in the principal amount of US$150 million in January 2014. Our convertible senior notes issuance costs consist primarily of legal fees, initial purchasers’ discount and printing fees. Since we elected to measure the convertible senior notes in their entirety, at fair value, issuance costs of RMB26.1 million associated with the offering were expensed upon issuance of the notes.
Government Grants
From time to time we apply for and receive government incentives in the form of subsidies from local and provincial governments. Government grants which are not subject to any condition and are not related to assets are recognized as subsidy income when received. The governments grant subsidies to encourage and support large-scale enterprises and high technology enterprises based in the relevant locations to upgrade their technology and develop the overseas market. We record such subsidies as subsidy income as there are no further obligations for us. The amount of government subsidies we receive may vary from period to period and there is no assurance that we will continue to receive government subsidy in the future periods. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, our government subsidy income, which was not assets related, was RMB49.8 million, RMB103.6 million and RMB168.6 million (US$24.3 million), respectively.
Government grants related to assets are initially recorded as other payables and accruals. These grants will be deducted from the carrying amount when the assets are ready for use and approved by related government. We received government grants related to assets of RMB92.4 million, nil and nil in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively.
Exchange Gain / (Loss)
In 2014, we incurred foreign exchange loss of RMB139.6 million, primarily due to the depreciation of the Euro and Japanese Yen against the Renminbi. In 2015, we incurred foreign exchange loss of RMB86.5 million, primarily due to the net impact of depreciation of the Euro and appreciation of the U.S. dollars against the Renminbi in 2015. In 2016, we incurred foreign exchange gain of RMB208.8 million (US$30.1 million) due to the appreciation of the U.S. dollars against the Renminbi.
Other Income/(Expenses), Net
Other income/(expenses) consists primarily of guarantee income from Jiangxi Jinko Engineering in 2016 and expenses related to charitable donations. We had net expense of RMB1.6 million in 2014, net income of RMB1.0 million in 2015, and net income of RMB8.8 million (US$1.3 million) in 2016.
| 69 |
Change in Fair Value of Forward Contracts
We recognized losses of RMB0.7 million and RMB52.6 million (US$7.6 million) in 2014 and 2016, respectively. In 2015, we recognized a gain of RMB56.9 million.
Change in Fair Value of Convertible Senior Notes and Capped Call Options
In 2014, we recognized gain from a change in fair value of convertible senior notes and capped call option of RMB64.1 million. We recognized loss from a fair value of convertible senior notes and capped call option of RMB14.6 million and RMB110.2 million (US$15.9 million) in 2015 and 2016, respectively. We completed the repurchase of almost all of the convertible senior notes in February 2017.
Change in Fair Value of Derivative Liability
In 2016, we recognized a gain in fair value of warrant liability of RMB24.6 million (US$3.5 million), compared with a loss in fair value of warrant liability of RMB2.1 million in 2015.
To finance our overseas power station business operations and expansion, our operating subsidiaries located in Mexico will obtain long-term bank borrowings from local banks, which will carry variable interest rates. With an aim to reduce our interest rate exposure, we entered into a long-term interest rate cap contract in 2016 to fix the interest rate as a fixed rate payer. The rate cap is a derivative which needs to be fair valued at each reporting period end. In 2016, we recognized loss from the fair value change of the rate cap derivative of RMB10.4 million (US$1.5 million).
Share-based Compensation
Our Company
We adopted our 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan on July 10, 2009, as amended, and options for a total of 3,578,106 ordinary shares were outstanding as of December 31, 2016. We adopted our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan on August 18, 2014 and options for a total of 11,077,980 ordinary shares were outstanding as of December 31, 2016. All share-based payments to employees and directors, including grants of employee stock options, are measured based on the fair value of the stock options at the grant date. We have categorized these share-based compensation expenses in our (i) cost of revenues; (ii) selling and marketing expenses; (iii) general and administrative expenses; and (iv) research and development expenses, depending on the job functions of the grantees of our restricted shares and share options. The following table sets forth the allocation of our share-based compensation expenses both in terms of the amounts and as a percentage of total share-based compensation expenses in 2014, 2015 and 2016:
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Continuing operations | (RMB in thousands) | (%) | (RMB in thousands) | (%) | (RMB in thousands) | (US$ in thousands) | (%) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues | 203.1 | 0.5 | % | 118.3 | 0.1 | % | 333.3 | 48.0 | 0.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Selling and marketing expense | 6,397.9 | 15.0 | % | 23,625.8 | 21.0 | % | 15,908.5 | 2,301.7 | 17.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expense | 34,164.5 | 80.0 | % | 81,024.7 | 71.9 | % | 67,152.5 | 9,672.0 | 75.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Research and development expense | 1,924.4 | 4.5 | % | 7,945.6 | 7.0 | % | 6,101.4 | 878.8 | 6.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total share-based compensation expenses | 42,689.9 | 100.0 | % | 112,714.4 | 100.0 | % | 89,567.7 | 12,900.4 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
The increase in share-based compensation expenses in 2015 was mainly due to the new grants under our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan. As the share options granted under our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan are graded vested in five successive equal annual installments, the share-based compensation expenses decreased in 2016.
| 70 |
JinkoSolar Power
In October 2014, JinkoSolar Power adopted its 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “JinkoSolar Power 2014 Plan”), which permits the grant of stock options, restricted shares and restricted share units of JinkoSolar Power to its employees, directors and consultants of JinkoSolar Power. Under the plan, a total of 12,766 ordinary shares (12,766,000 shares post the thousand-for-one share split by JinkoSolar Power in April 2015) of JinkoSolar Power were initially reserved for issuance.
On May 4, 2015, JinkoSolar Power granted 8,680,880 share options to its directors, officers and employees, under JinkoSolar Power 2014 Plan to purchase ordinary shares of JinkoSolar Power. The exercise price of the share option is US$3.9166 per share and the term is 10 years from the date of grant. Subject to the individuals’ continued employment with JinkoSolar Power, and only upon the completion of an IPO of JinkoSolar Power, the option shall vest and become exercisable with respect to the vesting schedule as following.
| · | 7,021,300 share options granted to directors and employees will vest and exercisable in 5 successive equal annual installments on the last day of each year from grant date. |
| · | 1,659,580 share options granted to an officer will vest by 40% on the grant date, and 30% on each of the second and third anniversaries of the grant date. In addition, if the officer’s employment with JinkoSolar Power is terminated as a result of certain defined events or situations, any then unvested share options for this officer will immediately become fully vested. |
The disposition of our downstream solar power projects business in China triggered immediate vesting of the share options pursuant to the terms of the share option agreements. We fully recognized share-based compensation expenses amounted to RMB113.7 million in the discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2016. At the same time, JinkoSolar Power signed agreements with the relevant employees to cancel and terminate the share options granted irrevocably and unconditionally with no consideration.
Taxation
We derive net income primarily from Jiangxi Jinko and Zhejiang Jinko, our operating subsidiaries in China. Under the CIT Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008, domestic and foreign invested companies in China are generally subject to corporate income tax at the rate of 25%. However, according to the CIT Law and the Implementation Rules of the CIT Law, the “two-year exemption” and “three-year half deduction” tax preferential policy was grandfathered, under which a foreign invested enterprise of a production nature scheduled to operate for no less than ten years would be eligible for a corporate income tax exemption of two years followed by a three-year 50% reduction on its applicable corporate income tax rate, in each case beginning with its first year of profitability. As a result, Jiangxi Jinko and Zhejiang Jinko were exempted from corporate income tax in 2009 and subject to corporate income tax at the reduced rate of 12.5% from 2010 to 2012. Zhejiang Jinko, Jiangxi Jinko and Jiangxi Materials were designated by the relevant local authorities as “High and New Technology Enterprises” under the CIT Law. Jiangxi Jinko, Jiangxi Materials and Zhejiang Jinko were subject to a preferential tax rate of 15% for 2014, 2015 and 2016. In 2015, Zhejiang Jinko successfully renewed this qualification and will continue to enjoy the preferential tax rate of 15% in 2017, if the relevant conditions are met. In 2016, Jiangxi Jinko and Jiangxi Materials successfully renewed this qualification and will continue to enjoy the preferential tax rate of 15% in 2017 and 2018, if the relevant conditions are met.
In addition, under the CIT Law, an enterprise established outside China with “de facto management bodies” within China may be considered a PRC tax resident enterprise and will normally be subject to the PRC corporate income tax at the rate of 25% on its global income. Under the Implementation Rules of the CIT Law, the term “de facto management bodies” refers to management bodies which have, in substance, overall management and control over such aspects as the production and business, personnel, accounts, and properties of the enterprise. On April 22, 2009, the SAT promulgated a circular that sets out procedures and specific criteria for determining whether “de facto management bodies” for overseas incorporated, domestically controlled enterprises are located in China. However, as this circular only applies to enterprises incorporated under laws of foreign jurisdictions that are controlled by PRC enterprises or groups of PRC enterprises, it remains unclear how the tax authorities will determine the location of “de facto management bodies” for overseas incorporated enterprises that are controlled by individual PRC tax residents such as our Company, JinkoSolar Technology and Wide Wealth Group Holdings Limited. As such, it is still unclear if the PRC tax authorities would subsequently determine that, notwithstanding our status as the Cayman Islands holding company of our operating business in China, we should be classified as a PRC tax resident enterprise, whereby our global income will be subject to PRC income tax at a tax rate of 25%. In any event, our Company, JinkoSolar Technology and Wide Wealth Group Holdings Limited do not have substantial income from operations outside of China, and we do not expect to derive substantial earnings from operations outside of China in the foreseeable future.
| 71 |
Under the CIT Law and the Implementation Rules of the CIT Law, a withholding tax at the rate of 10% will normally be applicable to dividends payable to investors that are “non-resident enterprises,” to the extent such dividends have their source within China. Under the tax arrangement between Hong Kong and China, a reduced tax rate of 5% for dividends paid to a Hong Kong company will be applied provided that the beneficial owner of the dividends is a Hong Kong resident enterprise which directly owns at least a 25% equity interest in the PRC subsidiary. Both JinkoSolar Technology and Wide Wealth Group Holdings Limited are our Hong Kong subsidiaries. 100% of the equity interests in Jiangxi Jinko, 25% of the equity interests in Zhejiang Jinko and 100% of the equity interests in JinkoSolar (Shanghai) Management Co., Ltd. are owned directly by JinkoSolar Technology. 100% of the equity interests in Jiangxi Jinko Engineering are owned directly by Wide Wealth Group Holdings Limited. If neither JinkoSolar Technology nor Wide Wealth Group Holdings Limited is deemed a PRC tax resident enterprise and is treated as the beneficial owner of the dividends paid by Jiangxi Jinko, Zhejiang Jinko and JinkoSolar (Shanghai) Management Co., Ltd. to JinkoSolar Technology, or the dividends paid by Jiangxi Jinko Engineering to Wide Wealth Group Holdings Limited, as the case may be, and owns such equity for at least 12 consecutive months before receiving such dividends, such dividends could be subject to a 5% withholding tax pursuant to the tax arrangement between Hong Kong and China as discussed above. According to the Notice of the State Administration of Taxation on the Issues concerning the Application of the Dividend Clauses of Tax Agreements issued on February 20, 2009, a non-resident enterprise that intends to enjoy the preferential treatment under the relevant tax agreement is required to own the requisite amount of equity of a PRC enterprise specified by the relevant tax agreement for at least 12 consecutive months before obtaining the dividends. According to the Administrative Measures for Non-Residents Enjoying Tax Treaty Benefits (Trial Implementation) issued by the SAT on August 24, 2009 which became effective on October 1, 2009, the application of the preferential withholding tax rate under a bi-lateral tax treaty is subject to the approval of competent PRC tax authorities. According to the Circular of the State Administration of Taxation on How to Understand and Identify a “Beneficial Owner” under Tax Treaties which became effective on October 27, 2009, and the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on the Determination of “Beneficial Owners” in the Tax Treaties, effective on June 29, 2012, the PRC tax authorities must evaluate whether an applicant for treaty benefits in respect of dividends, interest and royalties qualifies as a “beneficial owner” on a case-by-case basis and following the “substance over form” principle. The circular sets forth the criteria to identify a “beneficial owner” and provides that an applicant that does not carry out substantial business activities, or is an agent or conduit company may not be deemed a “beneficial owner” of the PRC subsidiary and therefore may not enjoy tax treaty benefits. According to Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Issues Concerning the Recognition of Beneficial Owners in Entrusted Investments, effective on June 1, 2014, non-residents may be recognized as “beneficial owners” and enjoy the treaty benefits for the income derived from the PRC from certain investments.
Pursuant to the Provisional Regulation of the PRC on Value Added Tax issued by the State Council of China, effective on January 1, 1994 and lately amended and effective on February 6, 2016, or the Provisional Regulation, and its Implementing Rules, all entities and individuals that are engaged in the sale of goods, the provision of processing, repairs and installation services and the importation of goods in China are required to pay VAT. According to the Provisional Regulation, gross proceeds from sales and importation of goods and provision of services are generally subject to a VAT rate of 17% with exceptions for certain categories of goods that are taxed at a VAT rate of 13%. In addition, under the current Provisional Regulation, the input VAT for the purchase of fixed assets is deductible from the output VAT, except for goods or services that are used in non-VAT taxable items, VAT exempted items and welfare activities, or for personal consumption. According to former VAT levy rules, equipment imported for qualified projects is entitled to import VAT exemption and the domestic equipment purchased for qualified projects is entitled to VAT refund. However, such import VAT exemption and VAT refund were both eliminated as of January 1, 2009. On the other hand, if a foreign-invested enterprise obtained the confirmation letter of Domestic or Foreign Invested Project Encouraged by the State before November 10, 2008 and declared importation of equipment for qualified projects before June 30, 2009, it may still be qualified for the exemption of import VAT. The importation of equipment declared after July 1, 2009 will be subject to the import VAT.
| 72 |
Effective on January 1, 2012, the MOF and the SAT launched the Pilot Program in Shanghai. On April 10, 2013, the State Council announced the nationwide implementation of the Pilot Program, which took effect from August 1, 2013. VAT payable on taxable services provided by a general VAT taxpayer for a taxable period is the net balance of the output VAT for the period after crediting the input VAT for the period. The amount of VAT payable does not result directly from output VAT generated from taxable services provided. In addition, the MOF and the SAT released a notice, which further expanded the scope of taxable services subject to VAT on December 12, 2013, effective from January 1, 2014, replacing the Business Tax to Value Added Tax Circular 37 released by the MOF and the SAT on May 24, 2013. On March 23, 2016, the MOF and the SAT issued a notice, pursuant to which, effective from May 1, 2016, pilot program of replacing the business tax with VAT will be implemented nationwide, and the industry of construction, real estate, finance, life services will fall within the scope of taxable services subject to VAT instead of the business tax.
Under the current law of the Cayman Islands, we are not subject to any income or capital gains tax. In addition, dividend payments made by us are not subject to any withholding tax in the Cayman Islands.
Critical Accounting Policies
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, (ii) disclosure of our contingent assets and liabilities at the end of each reporting period, and (iii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during each reporting period. We continually evaluate these estimates and assumptions based on historical experience and various other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting process, our actual results could differ from those estimates. Some of our accounting policies require a higher degree of judgment than others in their application.
When reviewing the consolidated financial statements, you should consider (i) our selection of critical accounting policies, (ii) the judgments and other uncertainties affecting the application of such policies, and (iii) the sensitivity of reported results to changes in conditions and assumptions. We believe the following accounting policies involve the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of consolidated our financial statements.
Revenue recognition
We recognize revenue for product sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the product has occurred and title and risk of loss has passed to the customer, the sales price is fixed or determinable and the collectability of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. For all sales, we require a contract or purchase order which quantifies pricing, quantity and product specifications.
For sales of PV products from the PRC to foreign customers, delivery of the products generally occurs at the point in time the product is delivered to the named port of shipment, which is when the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the customer. For sales of PV products to domestic customers in the PRC or by foreign subsidiaries, delivery of the product generally occurs at the point in time the product is received by the customer, which is when the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred. In the case of sales that are contingent upon customer acceptance, revenue is not recognized until the deliveries are formally accepted by the customers.
We entered into certain sales contracts with retainage terms since 2012, under which customers were allowed to withhold payment of 5% to 10% of the full contract price as retainage for a specified period which generally range from one year to two years (the “Retainage Period”). Given our limited experience with respect to the collectability of the retainage, we defer recognition of the retainage as revenue until the customers pay us after the Retainage Period expires. As of December 31, 2015 and 2016, the total amounts of retainage that were not recognized as revenue were RMB156.2 million and RMB144.9 million (US$20.9 million), respectively. Additions of retainages in 2014, 2015 and 2016 were RMB 69.6 million, RMB 35.7 million and RMB 19.8 million, respectively. Revenue recognized upon the cash collection of the retainages in 2014, 2015 and 2016 was RMB45.0 million, RMB73.8 million and RMB31.1 million, respectively. All of the retainages are within the Retainage Period.
| 73 |
Advance payments received from customers for the future sale of inventory are recognized as advances from third party customers in the consolidated balance sheets. Advances from third party customers are recognized as revenues when the conditions for revenue recognition described above have been satisfied. Advances from third party customers have been recognized as a current liability because the amount at each balance sheet date is expected to be recognized as revenue within 12 months.
We recognize electricity generation revenue when persuasive evidence of a power purchase arrangement with the power grid company exists, electricity has been generated and be transmitted to the grid and the electricity generation records are reconciled with the grid companies, the price of electricity is fixed or determinable and the collectability of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.
We recognize revenue related to solar system integration projects on the percentage-of-completion basis. We estimate our revenues using the cost-to-cost method, whereby it derives a ratio by comparing the costs incurred to date to the total costs expected to be incurred on the project. We apply the ratio computed in the cost-to-cost analysis to the contract price to determine the estimated revenues earned in each period. When we determine that total estimated costs will exceed total revenues under a contract, we record a loss accordingly. No loss provision was recorded in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
In the PRC, VAT at a general rate of 17% on the invoiced amount is collected by us on behalf of tax authorities in respect of sales of product and is not recorded as revenue. VAT collected from customers, net of VAT paid for purchases is recorded as a liability until it is paid to the tax authorities.
Segment report
We use the management approach in determining reportable operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by our chief operating decision maker for making operating decisions, allocating resources and assessing performance as the source for determining our reportable segments. Management has determined that we currently operate our business in one segment, as that term is defined by FASB ASC Topic 280, Segment reporting.
Our only segment is the vertically integrated solar power products manufacturing business (“manufacturing segment”), under which we manufacture and sell silicon wafers, cells and solar modules.
Our downstream solar power projects business, under which we developed, constructed and operated solar power projects in China, including (i) power generation, (ii) engineering, procurement, and construction (“EPC”), and (iii) connecting solar power projects to the grid and operation and maintenance of the solar power projects, was reported in prior years as the solar power projects segment. We disposed of this segment in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Accounts receivable
Specific provisions are made against accounts receivable for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make payments. We periodically assess accounts receivable balances to determine whether an allowance for doubtful accounts should be made based upon historical bad debts, specific customer creditworthiness and current economic trends. Accounts receivable in the balance sheets are stated net of such provision, if any. Before approving sales to each customer, we conduct a credit assessment for each customer to evaluate the collectability of such sales. The assessment usually takes into consideration the credit worthiness of such customer and its guarantor, if any, our historical payment experience with such customer, industry-wide trends with respect to credit terms, including the terms offered by competitors, and the macro-economic conditions of the region to which sales will be made. We will execute a sales order with a customer and arrange for shipment only if its credit assessment concludes that the collectability with such customer is reasonably assured. We may also from time to time require security deposits from certain customers to minimize its credit risk. After the sales are made, we closely monitor the credit situation of each customer on an on-going basis for any subsequent change in its financial position, business development and credit rating, and evaluate whether any of such adverse change warrants further action to be taken us, including asserting claims and/or initiating legal proceedings against the customer and/or its guarantor, as well as making provisions. The receivable from insurance is only recorded when insurance claim has been submitted to the insurance company and been accepted and acknowledged by the carrier and recovery is considered reasonably assured. Upon recording the recovery, the bad debt expense is reduced.
| 74 |
Allowances for doubtful accounts receivable were RMB428.6 million, RMB335.7 million and RMB376.6 million (US$54.2 million) for 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the weighted average method. Provisions are made for excessive, slow moving and obsolete inventories as well as for inventories with carrying values in excess of market value. Certain factors could impact the realizable value of inventory. Therefore, we continually evaluate the recoverability based on assumptions about customer demand and market conditions. The evaluation may take into consideration historical usage, expected demand, anticipated sales price, new product development schedules, the effect new products might have on the sale of existing products, product obsolescence, customer concentrations, and other factors. The reserve or write-down is equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory reserves or write-downs may be required, which could negatively impact our gross profit margin and operating results. If actual market conditions are more favorable, we may have higher gross profit margin when products that have been previously reserved or written down are eventually sold. The sale of previously reserved inventory did not have a material impact on our gross margin percentage for any of the years presented. Provisions for inventories valuation were RMB75.9 million, RMB98.8 million and RMB439.0 million (US$63.2 million) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. The increase of inventory provisions in 2016 was mainly attributable to a sharp decline in the average selling prices of solar modules since the third quarter of 2016.
In addition, we analyze our firm purchase commitments, if any, at each period end. Provision is made in the current period if the net realizable value after considering estimated costs to convert polysilicon into saleable finished goods is higher than market selling price of finished goods as of the end of a reporting period. There was no loss provision recorded related to these long-term contracts for each of the three years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Cost includes the prices paid to acquire or construct the assets, interest capitalized during the construction period and any expenditure that substantially extends the useful life of an existing asset. We compute depreciation using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
| Buildings | 20 years | |
| Machinery and equipment | 10 years | |
| Furniture, fixture and office equipment | 3~5 years | |
| Motor vehicles | 4~5 years |
Construction in progress primarily represents the construction of new production lines. Costs incurred in the construction are capitalized and transferred to property, plant, and equipment upon completion, at which time depreciation commences.
We record expenditures for repairs and maintenance as expenses as incurred. The gain or loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment, if any, is the difference between the net sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the disposed assets, and is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations upon disposal.
Interest Capitalization
The interest cost associated with major development and construction projects is capitalized and included in the cost of the property, plant and equipment or project assets. Interest capitalization ceases once a project is substantially complete or no longer undergoing construction activities to prepare it for its intended use. When no debt is specifically identified as being incurred in connection with a construction project, we capitalize interest on amounts expended on the project at our weighted average cost of borrowing money. Interest expense capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 were RMB4.1 million, RMB74.3 million and RMB67.5 million (US$9.7 million), respectively.
| 75 |
Project assets
Project assets represented the costs of solar power plants held for generation of electricity revenue and solar power plants under construction. Project assets are stated in the consolidated balance sheets at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment provision, if any.
Costs of project assets consist primarily of costs relating to construction of solar power plants at various stages of development. These costs include costs for procurement of solar module and other equipment (including intercompany purchases), cost of land on which solar power plants are developed and other direct costs for developing and constructing solar power plants, such as costs for obtaining permits required for solar power plants and costs for designing, engineering, interest costs capitalized and installation in the course of construction. Such costs are capitalized starting from the point when it is determined that development of the solar power plant is probable. For a solar power project asset acquired from third parties, the initial cost is the acquisition cost which includes the consideration transferred and certain direct acquisition costs.
Costs capitalized in the construction of solar power plants under development will be transferred to solar power plants upon completion and when they are ready for intended use, which is at the point of time when the solar power plants are connected to the grids and begin to generate electricity. Depreciation of the completed solar power plant commences once the solar power plant is ready for the intended use. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the expected life of 20 years.
As of December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, the balances of project assets were nil, nil and RMB55.1 million (US$7.9 million), respectively.
Land use rights
Land use rights represent acquisition costs to purchase land use rights from the PRC government, which are evidenced by property certificates. The periods of these purchased land use rights are either 50 years or 70 years. We classify land use rights as long-term assets on the balance sheet and cash outflows related to acquisition of land use right as investing activities.
Land use rights are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses, if any. Amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the term specified in the land use right certificate for 50 years or 70 years, as applicable.
Investments in affiliates
We hold equity investments in affiliates for which we do not have a controlling financial interest, but have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. These investments are accounted for under equity method of accounting wherein we record our proportionate share of the investees’ income or loss in our consolidated financial statements. Cost method is used for investments over which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence.
Investments are evaluated for impairment when facts or circumstances indicate that the fair value of the investment is less than its carrying value. An impairment is recognized when a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary. We review several factors to determine whether a loss is other-than-temporary. These factors include, but are not limited to, (1) nature of the investment; (2) cause and duration of the impairment; (3) extent to which fair value is less than cost; (4) financial conditions and near term prospects of the issuers; and (5) ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.
Our equity investments in affiliates were disposed as part of our disposition of downstream solar power project segment, and investment income of affiliated companies was recorded in discontinued operations.
| 76 |
Leases
Our leases are classified as capital or operating leases. A lease that transfers to the lessee substantially all the benefits and risks incidental to ownership is classified as a capital lease. At inception, a capital lease is recorded at the present value of minimum lease payments or the fair value of the asset, whichever is less. Assets under capital leases are amortized on a basis consistent with that of similar fixed assets or the lease term, whichever is less. Operating lease costs are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
For a sale-leaseback transaction, when the transaction involves real estate or integral equipment, sale-leaseback accounting shall be used by a seller-lessee only if the transaction includes all of the following a) A normal leaseback; b) Payment terms and provisions that adequately demonstrate the buyer-lessor’s initial and continuing investment in the property; c) Payment terms and provisions that transfer all of the other risks and rewards of ownership as demonstrated by the absence of any other continuing involvement by the seller-lessee.
Equipment is determined to be integral when the cost to remove the equipment from its existing location, ship and reinstall at a new site, including any diminution in fair value, exceeds 10% of the fair value of the equipment at the time of original installation.
If a sale-leaseback of real estate qualifies for sale-leaseback accounting, an analysis is performed to determine if the Company can record a sale and remove the assets from the balance sheet and recognize the lease; and if so, to determine whether to record the lease as either an operating or capital lease.
If a sale-leaseback transaction does not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting because of any form of continuing involvement by the seller-lessee other than a normal leaseback, it is accounted for as a financing, whichever is appropriate under ASC 360.
Impairment of long-lived assets
Our long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, solar power project assets and other intangible assets with finite lives. Our business requires heavy investment in manufacturing equipment that is technologically advanced, but can quickly become significantly under-utilized or rendered obsolete by rapid changes in demand for solar power products produced with those equipment.
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Factors considered important that could result in an impairment review include significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of acquired assets and significant negative industry or economic trends. We may recognize impairment of long-lived assets in the event the net book value of such assets exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows attributable to these assets. If the total of the expected undiscounted future net cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, a loss, if any, is recognized for the difference between the fair value of the asset and its carrying value. The impairment of long-lived assets related to the retirement of certain equipment in the wafer and cell production line that had become obsolete were RMB6.2 million, nil and RMB125.5 million (US$18.1 million) in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. The provision for impairment of long-lived assets in 2016 was attributable to the replacement of certain equipment for the upgrade of production automation.
Warranty cost
We typically sell our solar modules with either a 2-year or 5-year warranty for product defects and a 10-year and 25-year warranty against declines of more than 10.0% and 20.0%, respectively, from the initial minimum power generation capacity at the time of delivery. Therefore, we are exposed to potential liabilities that could arise from these warranties. The potential liability is generally in the form of product replacement or repair.
| 77 |
Consistent with the practice of the solar industry, we have adopted the equivalent of 1% of product revenues to estimate the cost of our warranty obligation and recorded a warranty liability on that basis. In light of the historical sharp decline and the anticipated long-term decreasing trend of module prices, which we estimate to reflect replacement cost, as well as based on the accumulation of longer operating experience, we reassessed and updated the estimation of future warranty costs with effect from December 31, 2016. The updated accrual basis consists two major inputs, which are the 1% expected failure rate and the product replacement cost. Based on our actual claims incurred during the past years as well as the market practice, we projected the expected failure rate as 1% for the whole warranty period, which is consistent with prior assumptions. Based on our actual claims experience in the historical periods as well as management’s current best estimation, we believe that the average selling price of solar modules over the past two years more accurately reflects the estimated warranty cost liability in connection with the products sold by us, as opposed to the current and past spot prices. According to the updated product replacement cost included in the warranty liability estimation, we reversed previous years’ recorded warranty liability of RMB92.1 million in 2016.
The warranty costs were classified as current liabilities under a balance sheet item named other payables and accruals and non-current liabilities under a balance sheet item named accrued warranty costs – non-current, respectively, which reflect our estimate of the timing of when the warranty expenditures will likely be made. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, warranty cost expenses were RMB92.3 million, RMB149.3 million and RMB257.5 million (US$37.1 million), respectively. The utilization of the warranty accruals for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 were RMB0.4 million, RMB18.2 million and RMB12.0 million (US$1.7 million), respectively.
We purchase warranty insurance policy which provides coverage for the product warranty services of our solar modules worldwide. Prepayment for warranty insurance premium is initially recorded as other assets and is amortized over the insurance coverage period. Prepayment for warranty insurance premium is not recorded as a reduction of estimated warranty liabilities. Once we receive insurance recoveries, warranty expenses will be credited.
Government grants
Government grants related to technology upgrades and development of export markets are recognized as subsidy income when received. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, we received financial subsidies of RMB49.8 million, RMB103.6 million and RMB168.6 million (US$24.3 million) from the local PRC government authorities, respectively. These subsidies were non-recurring, not refundable and with no conditions, including none related to specific use or disposition of the funds, attached. There are no defined rules and regulations to govern the criteria necessary for companies to enjoy such benefits and the amount of financial subsidy is determined at the discretion of the relevant government authority.
Government grants related to assets are initially recorded as other payables and accruals which are deducted to the carrying amount when the assets are ready for use. We received government grant for assets of RMB92.4 million, nil and nil in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively.
Repurchase of share
When our shares are retired, or purchased for constructive retirement (with or without an intention to retire the stock formally in accordance with applicable laws), the excess of the purchase prices over their par value is recorded entirely to additional paid-in capital subject to the limitation of the additional paid in capital when the shares were originally issued. When our shares are acquired for purposes other than retirement, the purchase prices over their par value is shown separately as treasury stock.
Share-based compensation
Our share-based payment transactions with employees, including share options, are measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instrument issued. The fair value of the award is recognized as compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, which is generally the vesting period.
| 78 |
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and any tax loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates or tax laws is recognized in the period the change in tax rates or tax laws is enacted. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce the amount of deferred income tax assets if it is considered more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Deferred income taxes are not provided on undistributed earnings of the Company’s subsidiaries that are intended to be permanently reinvested in China. Cumulative undistributed earnings of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries intended to be permanently reinvested total RMB2,869.5 million (US$413.3 million) and the amount of the unrecognized deferred taxes liabilities on the permanently reinvested earnings was RMB143.5 million (US$20.7 million) as of December 31, 2016.
Valuation allowances are determined by assessing both positive and negative evidence and have been provided against the net deferred tax asset due to the uncertainty surrounding their realization. As of December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, valuation allowances of RMB67.3 million, RMB54.8 million and RMB66.2 million (US$9.5 million) were provided against deferred tax assets because it was more likely than not that such portion of deferred tax would not be realized based on our estimate of the future taxable income of all our subsidiaries. If events occur in the future that allow us to realize more of our deferred tax assets than the presently recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowances will result in a non-cash income statement benefit when those events occur. Certain valuation allowances were reversed in 2014, 2015 and 2016, when certain subsidiaries generated sufficient taxable income to utilize the deferred tax assets. Due to the strong financial performance and the cumulative income position of certain subsidiaries, we have determined that the future taxable income of those subsidiaries is sufficient to realize the benefits of such deferred tax assets. As a result, we reversed the valuation allowance of RMB26.9 million in 2016.
The accounting for uncertain tax positions requires that we recognize in the consolidated financial statements the impact of an uncertain tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the position. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. Our policy is to recognize, if any, tax related interest as interest expenses and penalties as general and administrative expenses. For periods presented, we did not have any interest and penalties associated with tax positions. As of December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, we did not record any liability for any uncertain tax positions.
Fair value of financial instruments
We do not have any non-financial assets or liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (also referred to as an exit price). A hierarchy is established for inputs used in measuring fair value that gives the highest priority to observable inputs and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value shall maximize the use of observable inputs.
When available, we measure the fair value of financial instruments based on quoted market prices in active markets, which is a valuation technique that uses observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. We internally validate pricing information obtained from third parties for reasonableness prior to use in the consolidated financial statements. When observable market prices are not readily available, we generally estimate the fair value using valuation techniques that rely on alternate market data or inputs that are generally less readily observable from objective sources and are estimated based on pertinent information available at the time of the applicable reporting periods. In certain cases, fair values are not subject to precise quantification or verification and may fluctuate as economic and market factors vary and our evaluation of those factors changes. Although we use our best judgment in estimating the fair value of these financial instruments, there are inherent limitations in any estimation technique. In these cases, a minor change in an assumption could result in a significant change in our estimate of fair value, thereby increasing or decreasing the amounts of our consolidated assets, liabilities, equity and net income.
| 79 |
Our financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, restricted short-term investments, accounts and notes receivable, forward contract receivable, call spread options, other receivables, prepayments and other current assets, capped call options, accounts and notes payable, other payables and accruals, forward contracts payable, short-term borrowings, long-term borrowings, convertible senior notes, rate cap derivative and warrants.
The forward contracts receivable and payable, call spread options, capped call options, rate cap derivative, convertible senior notes and warrants are measured at fair value. Except for these financial instruments and long-term borrowing, the carrying values of our other financial instruments approximated their fair values due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The carrying amount of long-term borrowing approximates their fair value due to the fact that the related interest rates approximate rates currently offered by financial institutions for similar debt instruments of comparable maturities.
We classify the cash flows related to realized gain or loss on settlement of foreign exchange forward contracts as operating activities, which are based on the nature of the cash flows the derivative is economically hedging.
Call spread combined option contract
We held foreign exchange call spread combined option contracts with a total notional value of US$70 million and nil as of December 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively. These foreign exchange call spread matures within 12 months. We adopted the Black-Scholes Option Pricing(“B-S”) Model to value the currency option contracts. The B-S Model is widely used and accepted as a common valuation practice in valuing such currency option. The significant inputs used in the aforementioned model are unobservable inputs which there are little or no market data and therefore the fair value measurements are classified as level 3. Our foreign currency call spread is an over-the-counter instrument.
Warrants
We adopted Binominal Tree option pricing model to assess the warrants’ fair value. Management is responsible for determining the fair value and assessing a number of factors. The valuation involves complex and subjective judgments as well as our best estimates on the valuation date. Key inputs related to the Binomial Tree option pricing model for the valuation of the fair value of warrants are: probabilities assigned among IPO and non-IPO scenarios, time to maturity, volatility, dividend yield, as well as risk-free rate, of which probabilities assigned among IPO and non-IPO scenarios, volatility, and risk-free rate are most significant to valuation determination of the warrants.
Available-for-sale investment
On a recurring basis, we measure available-for-sale investment at fair value. Since the available-for-sale investment does not have quoted price in active markets, we have adopted Binomial Tree option pricing model to assess their fair value. Management is responsible for determining the fair value and assessing a number of factors. The valuation involves complex and subjective judgments as well as our best estimates on the valuation date.
Inputs related to the Binomial Tree option pricing model for the valuation of the fair value of available-for-sale investment are: spot price, conversion price, time to maturity, expected dividend yield, expected share volatility, risk free interest rate, and yield-to-maturity. The following methods were adopted for each input:
| a. | Spot price: quoted closing price of listed shares of Kinexia SpA(KNX IM) as of each re-measurement date; |
| b. | Conversion price: according to the indenture of the subject available-for-sale investment; |
| c. | Time to maturity: time period from the respective re-measurement date to maturity date. Maturity date was referred from the indenture of the subject available-for-sale investment; |
| d. | Expected dividend yield: based on indicative dividend yield of the underlying company (i.e. KNX.IM) as of each re-measurement date; |
| e. | Expected share volatility: based on the implied volatility of the listed shares of Kinexia (i.e. KNX.IM) with a time period equal to the time to maturity as of each re-measurement date; |
| f. | Risk free interest rate: based on the yield of Italy Treasury Bonds with a maturity equal to the time to maturity as of each re-measurement date; and |
| 80 |
| g. | Yield-to-maturity: based on the average yield-to-maturity of comparable corporate bullet bonds with similar remaining maturity period and credit risk as of each re-measurement date. |
In 2013, we recognized gain from a change in fair value of available-for-sales investment of RMB6.0 million. In 2014, we recognized loss from a change in fair value of available-for-sales of RMB5.8 million. In December 2015, upon the maturity of such available-for-sales investment, we decided to waive the conversion right and chose to collect the total outstanding balance in cash. Considering the uncertainties of the cash collection, we provided full provision for the outstanding receivable of RMB10,287,626 in 2016.
Convertible senior notes and capped call options
We have adopted valuation models to assess the fair value for capped call options and convertible senior notes as the capped call options are not publicly traded and the trading of the convertible senior notes is considered inactive. Management is responsible for determining these fair values and assessing a number of factors. Both capped call options and the convertible senior notes are valued using the Binominal Tree option pricing model. The valuation involves complex and subjective judgments as well as our best estimates on the valuation date. Inputs related to the Binomial models for convertible debt fair value are: spot price, conversion price, time to maturity, expected dividend yield, expected share volatility, risk free interest rate, yield-to-maturity and put option exercisable period.
A summary of changes in fair value of capped call options for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 were as follows:
| For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, | 107,223,601 | 21,098,263 | 17,490,323 | |||||||||
| Foreign exchange gain | 563,725 | 2,562,342 | 736,212 | |||||||||
| Change in fair value of capped call options | (86,689,063 | ) | (6,170,282 | ) | (18,226,535 | ) | ||||||
| Balance at December 31, | 21,098,263 | 17,490,323 | - | |||||||||
A summary of the assumptions used in the valuation of convertible senior notes and Capped call options due 2016 was as follows:
| As of December 31, | Before repurchase in | |||||||||||
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | ||||||||||
| Fair value of ADS | US$ | 19.71 | US$ | 27.67 | US$ | 20.91 | ||||||
| Strike price | US$ | 33.75 | US$ | 33.75 | US$ | 33.75 | ||||||
| Risk free interest rate | 0.44 | % | 0.52 | % | 0.39 | % | ||||||
| Dividend yield | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Standard Volatility | 64.31 | % | 46.14 | % | 64.13 | % | ||||||
A summary of the assumptions used in the valuation of convertible senior notes due 2019 was as follows:
| As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | ||||||||||
| Fair value of ADS | US$ | 19.71 | US$ | 27.67 | US$ | 15.80 | ||||||
| Strike price | US$ | 45.83 | US$ | 45.83 | US$ | 45.83 | ||||||
| Risk free interest rate | 1.51 | % | 1.47 | % | 0.87 | % | ||||||
| Dividend yield | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Standard Volatility | 66.31 | % | 40.44 | % | 76.09 | % | ||||||
| 81 |
Guarantees
We issue debt payment guarantees in favor of Jiangxi Jinko Engineering, a related party. The guarantees require us to make payments to reimburse the holders of these guarantees for losses they incur when Jiangxi Jinko Engineering fails to make repayments to the holders when its liability to the holders falls due.
In addition, we also issue redemption guarantees in favor of Jiangxi Jinko Engineering, a related party. According to the side agreement among us, Jiangxi Jinko Engineering and investors of Jiangxi Jinko Engineering (the original redeemable preferred shareholders of JinkoSolar Power), the investors of Jiangxi Jinko Engineering will have the right to have the common shares of Jiangxi Jinko Engineering held by them redeemed, and, as a result of a guarantee issued by us, in the event that Jiangxi Jinko Engineering fails to perform its redemption obligations, we will become liable for Jiangxi Jinko Engineering’s obligations under the redemption.
A guarantee liability is initially recognized at the estimated fair value in our consolidated balance sheets unless it becomes probable that we will reimburse the holder of the guarantee for an amount higher than the carrying amount, in which case the guarantee is carried in our consolidated balance sheets at the expected amount payable to the holder. The fair value of the guarantee liability is measured by the total consideration to be received in connection with the provision of guarantee. The guarantee liability would be amortized in straight line during the guarantee period.
Results of Operations
Unless otherwise specified, the results presented in this annual report do not include the results of our downstream solar power project business in China, a discontinued operation.
The following table sets forth a summary, for the periods indicated, of our consolidated results of operations and each item expressed as a percentage of our total net revenues. Our historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period.
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (RMB) | (%) | (RMB) | (%) | (RMB) | (US$) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except percentage) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Statement of Operations Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Continuing operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | 9,740,876.5 | 100.0 | 15,454,374.4 | 100.0 | 21,400,638.1 | 3,082,333.0 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales of solar modules | 9,155,396.0 | 94.0 | 15,086,256.8 | 97.6 | 20,825,750.1 | 2,999,531.9 | 97.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales of silicon wafers | 286,585.0 | 2.9 | 138,293.4 | 0.9 | 136,079.7 | 19,599.6 | 0.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales of solar cells | 200,643.6 | 2.1 | 215,048.3 | 1.4 | 155,016.3 | 22,327.0 | 0.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales of recovered silicon materials | 11,272.6 | 0.1 | 5,201.8 | 0.0 | 860.0 | 123.9 | 0.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Processing service fees | 69,581.4 | 0.7 | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Solar system integration projects | 11,209.6 | 0.1 | - | - | 269,661.7 | 38,839.4 | 1.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue from generated electricity | 6,188.2 | 0.1 | 9,574.1 | 0.1 | 13,270.4 | 1,911.3 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues | (7,643,687.8 | ) | (78.5 | ) | (12,522,913.8 | ) | (81.0 | ) | (17,531,299.2 | ) | (2,525,032.3 | ) | (81.9 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 2,097,188.7 | 21.5 | 2,931,460.6 | 19.0 | 3,869,338.9 | 557,300.7 | 18.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | (1,253,134.5 | ) | (12.9 | ) | (1,809,655.3 | ) | (11.7 | ) | (2,520,235.8 | ) | (362,989.5 | ) | (11.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Income from operations | 844,054.1 | 8.7 | 1,121,805.2 | 7.3 | 1,349,103.2 | 194,311.3 | 6.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expenses, net | (226,342.6 | ) | (2.3 | ) | (311,018.6 | ) | (2.0 | ) | (359,296.3 | ) | (51,749.4 | ) | (1.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Convertible senior notes issuance costs | (26,052.9 | ) | (0.3 | ) | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidy income | 48,829.6 | 0.5 | 101,873.6 | 0.7 | 168,646.6 | 24,290.2 | 0.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Exchange gain/(loss) | (139,566.6 | ) | (1.4 | ) | (86,517.7 | ) | (0.6 | ) | 208,811.4 | 30,075.1 | 1.0 | |||||||||||||||||
| 82 |
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (RMB) | (%) | (RMB) | (%) | (RMB) | (US$) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except percentage) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (expenses)/income, net | (1,558.6 | ) | (0.0 | ) | 1,036.3 | 0.0 | 8,768.4 | 1,262.9 | 0.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Investment income | - | - | - | - | 4,902.5 | 706.1 | 0.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on disposal of subsidiaries | - | - | - | - | 5,017.9 | 722.7 | 0.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of forward contracts | (714.7 | ) | (0.0 | ) | 56,931.9 | 0.4 | (52,561.8 | ) | (7,570.5 | ) | (0.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of call spread options | - | - | (370.4 | ) | (0.0 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of convertible senior notes and capped call options | 64,101.6 | 0.7 | (2,096.0 | ) | (0.0 | ) | 24,573.3 | 3,539.3 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liability | - | - | (14,571.2 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (110,242.5 | ) | (15,878.2 | ) | (0.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Income tax (expenses)/benefit | 135,393.0 | 1.4 | (100,533.8 | ) | (0.7 | ) | (257,487.0 | ) | (37,085.8 | ) | (1.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations, net of tax | 698,142.9 | 7.2 | 766,539.3 | 5.0 | 990,235.6 | 142,623.6 | 4.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Discontinued operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on disposal of discontinued operations before income taxes | - | - | - | - | 1,007,884.1 | 145,165.5 | 4.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from discontinued operations before income taxes | 29,112.9 | 0.3 | 105,089.6 | 0.7 | 48,146.3 | 6,934.5 | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense, net | (1,058.9 | ) | (0.0 | ) | (11,329.8 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (54,466.1 | ) | (7,844.7 | ) | (0.3 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Income from discontinued operations, net of tax | 28,054.0 | 0.3 | 93,759.8 | 0.6 | 1,001,564.3 | 144,255.3 | 4.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | 726,196.9 | 7.5 | 860,299.1 | 5.6 | 1,991,799.8 | 286,878.8 | 9.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net loss attributable to the non-controlling interests from continuing operations | - | - | (63.3 | ) | (0.0 | ) | (432.5 | ) | (62.3 | ) | (0.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to the non-controlling interests from discontinued operations | 851.2 | 0.0 | 4,270.5 | 0.0 | 6,044.5 | 870.6 | 0.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Accretion to redemption value of redeemable non-controlling interests of discontinued operations | 52,320.7 | 0.5 | 172,340.4 | 1.1 | 159,477.9 | 22,969.6 | 0.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders | 673,025.1 | 6.9 | 683,751.5 | 4.4 | 1,826,710.0 | 263,101.0 | 8.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Reportable Segments
We use the management approach in determining reportable operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by our chief operating decision maker for making operating decisions, allocating resources and assessing performance as the source for determining our reportable segments. In prior years, management determined that we operated our business in two segments, as that term is defined by FASB ASC Topic 280, Segment reporting: (i) the manufacturing segment and (ii) the solar power projects segment.
Our manufacturing segment comprises our vertically integrated solar power product manufacturing business, under which we manufacture and sell silicon wafers, cells and solar modules.
Our solar power projects business, which comprised the downstream solar power generation, construction and operation business in China, including (i) power generation, (ii) engineering, procurement, and construction, or EPC, and (iii) connecting solar power projects to the grid and operation and maintenance, or O&M, of the solar power projects, was reported in prior years as the solar power projects segment. We disposed of our solar power projects segment in the fourth quarter of 2016, and classified it as a discontinued operation in all periods.
2016 compared with 2015
Revenues. Our revenues increased by 38.5% from RMB15.45 billion in 2015 to RMB21.40 billion (US$3.08 billion) in 2016, primarily due to the increase in shipments of solar modules, which was partially offset by the decline in average selling prices.
| 83 |
Our sales of solar modules increased by 38.0% from RMB15.09 billion in 2015 to RMB20.83 billion (US$3.0 billion) in 2016, primarily due to the significant increase in sales volume, partially offset by a decrease in average selling prices. The sales volume of our solar modules increased by 47.5% from 4,207.6 MW in 2015 to 6,225.3 MW in 2016. The average selling price of our solar modules decreased by 3.5% from RMB3.59 per watt in 2015 to RMB3.33 per watt (US$0.50 per watt) in 2016, primarily due to over-supply of solar power products in the market which led to a decrease in the market value of solar modules.
Our sales of silicon wafers decreased by 1.6% from RMB138.3 million in 2015 to RMB136.1 million (US$19.6 million) in 2016. The sales volume of our silicon wafers increased by 32.2% from 118.2 MW in 2015 to 156.3 MW in 2016. The average selling price of our silicon wafers decreased by 25.0% from RMB1.2 per watt in 2015 to RMB0.9 per watt in 2016.
Our sales of solar cells decreased by 27.9% from RMB215.0 million in 2015 to RMB155.0 million (US$22.3 million) in 2016. The sales volume of our solar cells decreased by 26.6% from 172.8 MW in 2015 to 126.9 MW in 2016. The average selling price of our solar cells remained stable from 2015 to 2016.
Our revenue generated from providing solar system integration services increased from nil in 2015 to RMB269.6 million (US$38.8 million) in 2016, primarily due to the continued growth of our household solar project business. We disposed of our household solar project business in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Our revenue from the sale of electricity generated by our solar power projects in continuing operations increased from RMB9.6 million in 2015 to RMB13.3 million (US$1.9 million) in 2016, primarily due to our acquisition of two solar power projects in Italy in 2016.
Cost of Revenues. Our cost of revenues increased by 40.0% from RMB12.52 billion in 2015 to RMB17.53 billion (US$2.52 billion) in 2016, primarily due to the increase in shipments of solar modules.
Gross Profit. Our gross profit increased by 32.0% from RMB2,931.5 million in 2015 to RMB3,869.3 million (US$557.3 million) in 2016. Our gross margin decreased from 19.0% in 2015 to 18.1% in 2016, primarily due to the sharp decline in the average selling prices of solar modules since the third quarter of 2016.
Operating Expenses. Our operating expenses increased by 39.3% from RMB1,809.7 million in 2015 to RMB2,520.2 million (US$363.0 million) in 2016, primarily as a result of the increase of shipping cost, impairment of property, plant and equipment, partially offset by the impact of warranty expense reversals. Based on the updated warranty estimation, we reversed the warranty expense related to prior years by RMB92.1 million (US$13.3 million) in 2016.
Our selling and marketing expenses increased by 25.3% from RMB1,144.6 million in 2015 to RMB1,434.0 million (US$206.5 million) in 2016, primarily due to the increase in transportation expenses and warranty costs, which were in line with the increase in our sales.
Our general and administrative expenses increased by 73.6% from RMB521.4 million in 2015 to RMB905.1 million (US$130.3 million) in 2016, primarily due to the provision for disposal and impairment of property, plant and equipment, and the provision for allowance of doubtful accounts.
Our research and development expenses increased by 26.1% from RMB143.7 million in 2015 to RMB181.1 million (US$26.1 million) in 2016.
Income from Operations. As a result of the foregoing, our income from operations increased by 20.3% from RMB1,121.8 million in 2015 to RMB1,349.1 million (US$194.3 million) in 2016. Our operating profit margin was 7.3% in 2015 and 6.3% in 2016.
Interest Expenses. Our interest expenses increased by 15.5% from RMB311.0 million in 2015 to RMB359.3 million (US$51.7 million) in 2016.
Subsidy Income. Our subsidy income increased significantly from RMB101.9 million in 2015 to RMB168.6 million (US$24.3 million) in 2016, primarily due to more one-time nature of government subsidies.
| 84 |
Exchange Gain / (Loss). We recognized foreign exchange loss of RMB86.5 million in 2015 and a foreign exchange gain of RMB208.8 million (US$30.1 million) in 2016, primary due to the exchange fluctuations of the U.S. dollars against the Renminbi.
Other Income/(Expense). We had other income of RMB8.8 million (US$1.3 million) in 2016, compared with other income of RMB1.0 million in 2015.
Change in Fair Value of Forward Contracts. We recognized a loss in fair value of foreign currency forward contracts of RMB52.6 million (US$7.6 million) in 2016, compared with a gain of RMB56.9 million in 2015, primarily due to the fluctuation of Renminbi against the U.S. dollars in 2016.
Change in Fair Value of Convertible Senior Notes and Capped Call Options. We recorded a loss of RMB24.6 million (US$3.5 million) in 2016, compared with a gain of RMB2.1 million in 2015, primary due to the volatility of our stock prices.
Income Tax Expense. We recorded an income tax expense of RMB257.5 million (US$37.1 million) in 2016, compared with an income tax expense of RMB100.5 million in 2015. The effective tax rate was negative 20.6% in 2016, compared with 11.6% in 2015. We determined that the future taxable income of certain of our subsidiaries with strong financial performance would be sufficient to realize the benefits of such tax assets and reversed the valuation allowance of RMB26.9million (US$3.9 million) in 2016, resulting in a 8.9% increase in effective tax rate in 2016.
Net Income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. As a result of the foregoing, our net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. increased from RMB683.8 million in 2015 to RMB1,826.7 million (US$263.1 million) in 2016. Our net profit margin increased from 4.4% in 2015 to 8.5% in 2016.
2015 compared with 2014
Revenues. Our revenues increased by 58.7% from RMB9.74 billion in 2014 to RMB15.45 billion in 2015, primarily due to the increase in shipments of solar modules which was partially offset by the decline in average selling prices. The increase in electricity revenues generated from solar power projects was primarily due to the increase in the number and capacity of projects in 2015.
Our sales of solar modules increased by 64.8% from RMB9.16 billion in 2014 to RMB15.09 billion in 2015, primarily due to the significant increase in sales volume, partially offset by a decrease in average selling prices. The sales volume of our solar modules increased by 73.6% from 2,423.1 MW in 2014 to 4,207.6 MW in 2015. The average selling price of our solar modules decreased by 5.6% from RMB3.78 per watt in 2014 to RMB3.59 per watt in 2015, primarily due to over-supply of solar power products in the market which makes the market value of solar modules decrease.
Our sales of silicon wafers decreased by 51.7% from RMB286.6 million in 2014 to RMB138.3 million in 2015 due to the increase of internal use and, accordingly, decreased sales to third parties. The sales volume of our silicon wafers decreased by 48.5% from 229.6 MW in 2014 to 118.2 MW in 2015. The average selling price of our silicon wafers decreased by 45.4% from 2014 to 2015.
Our sales of solar cells increased by 7.2% from RMB200.6 million in 2014 to RMB215.0 million in 2015. The sales volume of our solar cells increased by 28.8% from 134.2 MW in 2014 to 172.8 MW in 2015. The average selling price of our solar cells decreased by 16.8% from 2014 to 2015.
Our revenue generated from providing solar system integration services decreased from RMB11.2 million in 2014 to nil in 2015.
Our processing service fee decreased from RMB69.6 million in 2014 to nil in 2015 due to the full utilization of production capacity.
Cost of Revenues. Our cost of revenues increased by 63.8% from RMB7,643.7 million in 2014 to RMB12.52 billion in 2015, primarily due to the significant increase in sales volume of our solar modules, and to a lesser extent, our silicon wafers, and solar cells.
| 85 |
Gross Profit. Our gross profit increased by 39.8% from RMB2,097.2 million in 2014 to RMB2,931.5 million in 2015. Our gross margin decreased from 22.4% in 2014 to 20.3% in 2015, primarily due to the slight decline in average selling prices of solar modules.
Operating Expenses. Our operating expenses increased by 44.4% from RMB1,253.1 million in 2014 to RMB1,809.7 million in 2015, primarily as a result of a significant increase in our selling and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses.
Our selling and marketing expenses increased by 48.8% from RMB768.3 million in 2014 to RMB1,144.6 million in 2015, primarily due to the increase in transportation expenses, commission expenses and warranty costs, which were in line with the increase in our sales.
Our general and administrative expenses increased by 38.8% from RMB375.6 million in 2014 to RMB521.4 million in 2015, primarily due to increased salary and welfare expenses and stock-based compensation expenses.
Our research and development expenses increased by 34.7% from RMB106.6 million in 2014 to RMB143.7million in 2015, primarily due to the investment in improving the conversion rate of solar modules.
Income from Operations. As a result of the foregoing, our income from operations increased by 32.9% from RMB844.1 million in 2014 to RMB1,121.8 million in 2015. Our operating profit margin was 9.3% in 2014 and 8.2% in 2015.
Interest Expenses. Our interest expenses increased by 37.4% from RMB226.3 million in 2014 to RMB311.0 million in 2015, primarily due to the increase in bank borrowings used for the construction of downstream solar power projects in 2015.
Subsidy Income. Our subsidy income increased from RMB48.8 million in 2014 to RMB101.9 million in 2015, primarily due to more one-time nature of government subsidies that we received in 2015.
Exchange Loss. Our exchange loss decreased from RMB139.57 million in 2014 to RMB86.52 million in 2015.
Other Income/(Expense). We had other income of RMB1.04 thousand in 2015, compared with other expense of RMB1.56 million in 2014.
Change in Fair Value of Forward Contracts. We recognized a gain in fair value of foreign currency forward contracts of RMB56.9 million in 2015 due to the fluctuation of the Euro against the U.S. dollars in 2015, compared with a loss of RMB0.7 million in 2014 due to the fluctuation of the Euro against the Renminbi in 2014.
Change in Fair Value of Convertible Senior Notes and Capped Call Options. We recorded a loss of RM14.6 million in 2015 in relation to a change in fair value of our convertible senior notes and capped call options, primarily due to changes in our stock price, compared with a gain of RMB64.1 million in 2014, in relation to a change in fair value of our convertible senior notes and capped call options.
Change in Fair Value of Call Spread Options. We recognized a loss in fair value of call spread options of RMB370.4 thousand in 2015, compared with nil in 2014.
Change in Fair Value of Warrant Liability. We recognized a loss in fair value of warrant liability of RMB2.1 million in 2015, compared with nil in 2014.
Income Tax (Expense)/Benefit. We recorded an income tax expense of RMB100.5 million in 2015, compared with an income tax benefit of RMB135.4 million in 2014. The effective tax rate was 11.6% in 2015, compared with negative 23.1% in 2014. Based on the strong financial performance of certain subsidiaries, we 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 RMB222.2 million in 2014 resulting in a negative effective tax rate in 2014.
| 86 |
Net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. As a result of the foregoing, our net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. increased from RMB673.0 million in 2014 to RMB683.8 million in 2015. Our net profit margin decreased from 6.74% in 2014 to 4.25% in 2015.
Disposition of Downstream Solar Power Project Business
In the fourth quarter of 2016, we completed the sale of all 55% equity interest we indirectly held in Jiangxi Jinko Engineering through JinkoSolar Power, our then indirect subsidiary, to Shangrao Kangsheng Technology Co., Ltd. (the “Buyer”), a company formed by a buyer consortium led by Mr. Xiande Li, our chairman of the board of directors, pursuant to the a share purchase agreement between Wide Wealth Group Holding Limited, our indirect subsidiary, and the Buyer. As a result of the sale, we disposed of our downstream solar power project business in China and received US$250 million in cash.
Assets and liabilities related to Jiangxi Jinko Engineering were reclassified as assets/liabilities held for sale as of December 31, 2015, while results of operations related to JinkoSolar Power, including comparatives, were reported as loss from discontinued operations.
We recognized a gain of RMB1.01 billion (US$145.2 million) because of the disposition.
| B. | Liquidity and Capital Resources |
We have financed our operations and capital expenditures primarily through equity contributions from our shareholders, the net proceeds of our equity and debt securities offerings, cash flow generated from operations, as well as short-term and long-term debt financing.
As of December 31, 2016, we had RMB2.5 billion (US$360.3 million) in cash and cash equivalents and RMB318.8 million (US$45.9 million) in restricted cash. Our cash and cash equivalents represent cash on hand and demand deposits with original maturities of three months or less that are placed with banks and other financial institutions. Our restricted cash represents deposits legally held by banks which are not available for general use. These deposits are held as collateral for issuance of letters of credit and bank acceptable notes to vendors for purchase of machinery and equipment and raw materials.
We have entered into purchase agreements for purchasing additional manufacturing equipment. Our purchase capital commitments under these contracts amounted to approximately RMB878.8 million (US$126.6 million) as of December 31, 2016, of which RMB783.5 million (US$112.9 million) will be due in 2017. We plan to use the remaining available cash for research and development and for working capital and other day-to-day operating purposes.
As of December 31, 2016, we had total bank credit facilities available of RMB9.85 billion (US$1.42 billion) with various banks, of which RMB6.75 billion (US$0.97 billion) were drawn down and RMB3.10 billion (US$0.45 billion) were available.
As of December 31, 2016, we had short-term borrowings (including the portion of long-term borrowings due within one year) of RMB5.49 billion (US$790.53 million). As of December 31, 2016, we had short-term borrowings outstanding of RMB3.17 billion (US$456.48 million), RMB1.49 million (US$0.21 million), RMB2.21 billion (US$318.2 million) and RMB108.53 million (US$15.63 million), which were denominated in RMB, EUR, U.S. dollars and JPY, respectively, and bearing a weighted average interest rates of 4.48%, 3.06%, 3.07% and 0.51% per annum, respectively.
As of December 31, 2016, we had short-term borrowings (including the portion of long-term borrowings due within one year) of RMB5.49 billion (US$790.53 million). As of December 31, 2016, we had short-term borrowings outstanding of RMB3.17 billion (US$456.48 million), RMB1.49 million (US$0.21 million), RMB2.21 billion (US$318.2 million) and RMB108.53 million (US$15.63 million), which were denominated in RMB, EUR, U.S. dollars and JPY, respectively, and bearing a weighted average interest rates of 4.48%, 3.06%, 2.79% and 0.51% per annum, respectively.
| 87 |
We have long-term borrowings (excluding the portion of long-term borrowings due within one year) of RMB488.5 million (US$70.4 million), which bore interest at an average annual rate of 3.58% as of December 31, 2016. In connection with most of our long-term borrowings, we have granted security interests over significant amounts of our assets. As of December 31, 2016, we pledged property of a net book value of RMB194.5 million (US$28.0 million) to secure repayment of borrowings of RMB75.1 million (US$10.8 million). As of December 31, 2016, long-term loans in the amount of RMB413.4 million (US$59.6 million) will be due for repayment after one year, but within five years.
In addition, we have repayment obligations under our convertible senior notes. On January 22, 2014, we issued convertible senior notes in the principal amount of US$150.0 million due 2019, bearing an annual interest rate of 4.0% and with an option for holders to require us to repurchase their notes in February 2017 for the principal of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and in reliance upon Regulation S of the Securities Act. We repurchased an aggregate principal amount of US$88.9 million of such notes for a total consideration of RMB85.6 million in 2016. As of December 31, 2016, we had in the principal amount of US$61.1 million of the convertible senior notes due 2019 outstanding. We completed the repurchase of substantially all of the notes in February 2017.
The relevant PRC laws and regulations permit payments of dividends by our PRC subsidiaries only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC GAAP. In addition, the statutory general reserve fund requires annual appropriations of 10% of net after-tax income to be set aside prior to payment of any dividends by our PRC subsidiaries that are registered as wholly owned foreign investment enterprises or domestic enterprises. As a result of these and other restrictions under PRC laws and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to us either in the form of dividends, loans or advances. Even though we do not currently require any such dividends, loans or advances from the our PRC subsidiaries for working capital or other funding purposes, it may in the future require additional cash resources from the PRC subsidiaries due to changes in business conditions, to fund future acquisitions and development, or merely declare dividends or make distributions to the our shareholders. Our net assets subject to the above restrictions were RMB4,188,460,756, representing 65% of our total consolidated net assets as of December 31, 2016.
On January 29, 2013, Jiangxi Jinko, our wholly owned operating subsidiary incorporated in the PRC, issued six-year bonds with a principal amount of RMB800.0 million, bearing a fixed annual interest rate of 8.99%. At the end of the third year in the life of the bonds, Jiangxi Jinko has the option to raise the interest rate by up to 100 basis points, and the bondholders will have the right to require Jiangxi Jinko to repurchase all or part of their bonds upon Jiangxi Jinko’s announcement of whether or not we decide to raise the interest rate, and by how much, at such time. We repurchased all of the bonds in 2016.
On September 25, 2013, we completed a follow-on public offering of 4,370,000 ADSs, receiving aggregate net proceeds of approximately US$67.8 million, after deducting discounts and commissions and offering expenses. On January 22, 2014, we completed a follow-on public offering of 3,750,000 ADSs representing 15,000,000 ordinary shares, receiving aggregate net proceeds of approximately US$126.2 million after deducting discounts and commissions and offering expenses.
In July 2014, we entered into a five-year RMB1.0 billion strategic financing agreement with China Minsheng Banking Corp., Ltd. In November 2014, we signed a US$20.0 million two-year credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, or Wells Fargo. The credit limit was raised to US$40.0 million in June 2015 and further to US$60.0 million in July 2016 through amendments to the credit agreement. Borrowings under the new credit agreement will be used to support JinkoSolar US’s working capital needs and business operations.
In May 2015, we signed a US$20.0 million bank facility agreement with Barclay Bank, which was subsequently raised to US$40.0 million, to support our working capital and business operations. In August 2015, we signed a RMB700.0 million loan agreement with The Export-Import Bank of China. In September 2015, we signed a line of credit of up to RMB10.0 billion strategic agreement with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Jiangxi Provincial branch.
In July 2016, we signed a one-year JPY2 billion syndicated loan agreement with a bank consortium led by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation to support our working capital and business operations in Japan. In September 2016, we signed a US$25.0 million bank facility agreement with Malayan Banking Berhad to support our working capital and business operations in Malaysia.
Our management believes that our current cash position as of December 31, 2016, the cash expected to be generated from operations and funds available from borrowings under the bank credit facilities will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months from March 29, 2017, the date of issuance of our consolidated financial statements for 2016 included in this annual report.
| 88 |
Cash Flows and Working Capital
The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated:
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||
| (RMB) | (RMB) | (RMB) | (US$) | |||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by/ (used in) operating activities | 187,067.6 | 1,339,049.5 | (1,802,967.7 | ) | (259,681.4 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net cash (used in) investing activities | (4,158,754.5 | ) | (3,314,637.7 | ) | (6,908,979.8 | ) | (995,100.1 | ) | ||||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 5,303,692.9 | 3,850,632.5 | 7,455,061.2 | 1,073,752.2 | ||||||||||||
| Net increase/ (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 1,320,944.5 | 1,906,643.4 | (1,182,246.6 | ) | (170,278.9 | ) | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year | 456,076.2 | 1,777,020.7 | 2,392,591.1 | 344,604.8 | ||||||||||||
| Cash balance recorded in the held-for-sale assets | - | - | 1,291,072.9 | 185,953.2 | ||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year | 1,777,020.7 | 3,683,664.1 | 2,501,417.5 | 360,279.1 | ||||||||||||
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities in 2016 was RMB1,803.0 million, consisting primarily of (i) an increase in accounts receivables of RMB3,040.0 million due to the increase in sales; (ii) an increase in inventory of RMB2,001.0 million due to the increase of purchase; (iii) an increase in notes receivable – third parties of RMB426.1 million due to the increased sales; and (iv) an increase in other assets of RMB355.8 million, partially offset by (i) increase in accounts payables – third parties of RMB885.1 million due to an increase in purchase and longer credit terms; (ii) depreciation of property, plant and equipment of RMB449.1 million; (iii) provision of inventory of RMB439.0 million; (iv) depreciation of project assets of RMB328.2 million; and (v) share-based compensation charges of RMB203.3 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2015 was RMB1,339.0 million, consisting primarily of (i) an increase in advance from customers of RMB873.4 million due to an increase in sales; (ii) an increase in accounts payable of RMB591.2 million due to an increase in purchase and longer credit terms; (iii) depreciation of property, plant and equipment of RMB393.2 million; and (iv) exchange loss of RMB117.7 million due to the appreciation of U.S. dollars against Renminbi, partially offset by (i) an increase in inventory of RMB1,411.0 million due to the increase of purchase; and (ii) an increase in accounts receivable and notes receivable of RMB390.1 million attributable to the increased sales.
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2014 was RMB187.1 million, consisting primarily of (i) an increase in accounts payable of RMB1,380.0 million due to an increase in purchase and longer credit terms; (ii) depreciation of property, plant and equipment of RMB348.0 million; (iii) exchange loss of RMB147.1 million due to the depreciation of Euro and Japanese Yen against RMB, partially offset by (i) an increase in accounts receivable and notes receivable of RMB1,293.4 million due to the increase of sales; (ii) an increase in inventory of RMB1,255.1 million due to an increase in purchase to meet the production demand and increase in stock for sales; (iii) deferred income tax of RMB170.8 million, which was recognized since 2014; and (iv) a change in fair value of convertible senior notes of RMB150.8 million.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities in 2016 was RMB6,909.0 million, consisting primarily of (i) cash paid for short-term investments and restricted short-term investment of RMB4,628.7 million, (ii) the purchase of property, plant and equipment of RMB1,975.4 million; (iii) cash paid for construction of project assets of RMB1,956.5 million related to our disposed downstream solar power project business in China before its disposition, which we subsequently disposed of in 2016, partially offset by cash collected from short-term investments of RMB2,289.2 million.
| 89 |
Net cash used in investing activities in 2015 was RMB3,314.6 million, consisting primarily of (i) cash paid for short-term investments and restricted short-term investment of RMB2,672.4 million, (ii) cash paid for construction of project assets of RMB2,129.3 million related to the disposed downstream solar power project business in China, (iii) the purchase of property, plant and equipment of RMB860.6 million, and (iv) cash paid for acquisition of subsidiaries of RMB75.2 million, partially offset by cash collected from short-term investments of RMB2,594.7 million.
Net cash used in investing activities in 2014 was RMB4,158.8 million, consisting primarily of (i) cash paid for short-term investments and restricted short-term of RMB2,398.4 million, (ii) cash paid for construction of project assets of RMB2,511.7 million related to the disposed downstream solar power project business in China, (iii) the purchase of property, plant and equipment of RMB490.0 million, and (iv) cash paid for acquisition of subsidiaries of RMB129.0 million, partially offset by cash collected from short-term investments of RMB1,421.2 million.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities in 2016 was RMB7,455.1 million, consisting primarily of (i) borrowings of RMB21.18 billion, and (ii) increase in notes payable of RMB2,477.8 million, partially offset by (i) repayment of borrowings to third parties of RMB13.35 billion, and (ii) repurchase of embedded warrants of RMB938.6 million; (iii) repayment of convertible senior notes of RMB1,218.7 million; and (iv) repayment of bond payable of RMB800.0 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities in 2015 was RMB3,850.6 million, consisting primarily of (i) borrowings of RMB10.14 billion, and (ii) proceeds from warrants of RMB862.1 million, partially offset by (i) repayment of borrowings to third parties of RMB7,030.6 million, and (ii) repurchase of convertible bonds of RMB113.0 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities in 2014 was RMB5,303.7 million, consisting primarily of (i) borrowings of RMB5,220.6 million, (ii) proceeds from issuance of convertible senior bonds of RMB914.9 million (iii) proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares in follow-on offerings of RMB770.2 million, and (iv) proceeds from preferred shares of RMB1,383.3 million, partially offset by repayment of borrowings to third parties of RMB3,984.4 million.
Restrictions on Cash Dividends
For a discussion on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to our company and the impact this has on our ability to meet our cash obligations, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—We rely principally on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our principal operating subsidiaries, and limitations on their ability to pay dividends to us could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations,” and “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation—Dividend Distribution.”
Capital Expenditures
We had capital expenditures, representing the payments that we had made, of RMB3,011.0 million, RMB3,034.0 million and RMB4,038.8 million (US$581.7 million) in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. Our capital expenditures were used primarily to construct our manufacturing facilities and purchase equipment for the production of silicon wafers, solar cells and solar modules, acquire land use rights, and construction of project assets. We have been focusing on improving our efficiency to reduce our unit cost and have entered into purchase agreements for purchasing additional manufacturing equipment. Our purchase capital commitments under these contracts amounted to approximately RMB878.8 million (US$126.6 million) as of December 31, 2016, of which RMB783.5 million (US$f112.9 million) will be due in 2017 and RMB95.3 million (US$13.7 million) will be due after one year but within five years. We may terminate these equipment purchase agreements or revise their terms in line with our new plan and as a result, may be subject to cancellation and late charges. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We rely on a limited number of third-party suppliers for supplying key manufacturing equipment and we may face termination and late charges and risks relating to the termination and amendment of certain equipment purchases contracts.”
| 90 |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern”. This standard requires management to evaluate for each annual and interim reporting period whether it is probable that the reporting entity will not be able to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. If the entity is in such a position, the standard provides for certain disclosures depending on whether or not the entity will be able to successfully mitigate its going concern status. This guidance is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We have adopted ASU 2014-15 in 2016.
We had positive working capital as of December 31, 2016. Our management believes that the current cash position as of December 31, 2016, the cash expected to be generated from operations and funds available from borrowings under the bank credit facilities will be sufficient to meet the our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months from March 29, 2017, the date of issuance of our consolidated financial statements for 2016 included in this annual report.
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. This guidance was issued to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and developing a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). In addition, in August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-14 (ASU 2015-14): “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” This update was issued to defer the effective date of ASU No, 2014-09 by one year. Therefore, the effective date of ASU No, 2014-09 for public business entities is for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period.
In March, 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-08 (ASU 2016-08), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”, which amends the principal-versus-agent implementation guidance and illustrations in the Board’s new revenue standard (ASU 2014-09). The FASB issued the ASU 2016-08 in response to concerns identified by stakeholders, including those related to (1) determining the appropriate unit of account under the revenue standard’s principal-versus-agent guidance and (2) applying the indicators of whether an entity is a principal or an agent in accordance with the revenue standard’s control principle.
In April, 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-10 (ASU 2016-10), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”, which amends certain aspects of the guidance in ASU 2014-09 (the Board’s new revenue standard) on (1) identifying performance obligations and (2) licensing.
In May 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-12 (ASU2016-12), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients” (“ASU 2016-12”). The amendments in this ASU do not change the core principle of the guidance in Topic 606. Rather, the amendments in this ASU affect only the narrow aspects of Topic 606. The areas improved include: (1) Assessing the Collectability Criterion in Paragraph 606-10-25-1(e) and Accounting for Contracts That Do Not Meet the Criteria for Step 1; (2) Presentation of Sales Taxes and Other Similar Taxes Collected from Customers; (3) Noncash Consideration; (4) Contract Modifications at Transition; (5) Completed Contracts at Transition; and (6) Technical Correction. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments