UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 6-K

 

 

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the month of December 2024

 

Commission File Number: 001-33107

 

 

 

CANADIAN SOLAR INC.

 

 

 

4273 King Street East, Suite 102
Kitchener, Ontario, N2P 2E9
Canada

(Address of principal executive office)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

 

Form 20-F  x Form 40-F ¨

 

 

 

 

 

 

CANADIAN SOLAR INC.

 

Form 6-K

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Signature
 
Exhibit Index
 
Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  CANADIAN SOLAR INC.
   
  By: /s/ Shawn (Xiaohua) Qu
  Name: Shawn (Xiaohua) Qu
  Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: December 5, 2024

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit 99.1 — Canadian Solar Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

Canadian Solar Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

 

Kitchener, Ontario, December 5, 2024Canadian Solar Inc. (“Canadian Solar” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CSIQ) today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

 

Highlights

 

·16.4% gross margin, above guidance of 14% to 16%.

 

·Grew e-STORAGE contracted backlog to record $3.2 billion, as of November 30, 2024.

 

·Achieved final closing of BlackRock’s $500 million investment in Recurrent Energy.

 

Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO, commented, “The solar industry faces significant external and internal challenges. While we have achieved relatively strong results, the outlook remains complex. We are currently operating at an optimal scale with industry-leading technologies, and we remain committed to investing in R&D to ensure that we remain at the forefront of innovation across our portfolio of products and solutions. Our early-mover advantage, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and robust international sales network position us for continued growth in the rapidly expanding energy storage sector. In today’s market, where trust is often in short supply, we are proud to be named the world’s most trustworthy company in the energy and utilities sector on Newsweek’s ‘World’s Most Trustworthy Companies 2024’ list—a testament to our commitment to transparency, sustainability, and high-quality service across our global operations.”

 

Yan Zhuang, President of Canadian Solar’s subsidiary CSI Solar, said, “This quarter, CSI Solar posted stable performance, sustaining profitability while growing shipment volumes. We maintained a disciplined approach to order management, delivering over 30% of module volumes to the North American market. In energy storage, e-STORAGE recorded robust growth, reaching a record 4.4 GWh in shipments over the first three quarters of the year. At the same time, we are solidifying our market presence in established regions such as the U.S., Canada, and the UK, while expanding into emerging markets, exemplified by our inaugural project contract in Chile.”

 

Ismael Guerrero, CEO of Canadian Solar’s subsidiary Recurrent Energy, said, “We closed the $500 million BlackRock investment, which strengthens our balance sheet and supports our strategic transition towards a partial IPP business model. During the third quarter, we signed a record number of long-term PPAs in a single quarter of 540 MWp of solar and 600 MWh of storage. While we have experienced permitting and interconnection delays in certain European and North American markets, we continue to proactively manage these risks and remain focused on laying the foundation for long-term value. Currently, Recurrent Energy has a record number of projects in construction, including 1.6 GWp of solar and 1.8 GWh of battery energy storage capacity.”

 

Xinbo Zhu, Senior VP and CFO, added, “In the third quarter, Canadian Solar generated $1.5 billion in net revenues, with a gross margin of 16.4%, and reported a net loss of $14 million. Recurrent Energy’s relatively reduced project sales and delayed monetization of IPP projects combined with the impact of intra-group transactions will have an ongoing impact on Canadian Solar’s P&L. We ended the quarter with a strong cash position of $2.8 billion, which we will strategically deploy to support our long-term growth plans and strengthen our financial position, as we continue to navigate industry challenges.”

 

Third Quarter 2024 Results

 

Total module shipments recognized as revenues in the third quarter of 2024 were 8.4 GW, up 2% quarter-over-quarter (“qoq”) and 1% year-over-year (“yoy”). Of the total, 31 MW were shipped to the Company’s own utility-scale solar power projects.

 

Net revenues in the third quarter of 2024 decreased 8% qoq and 18% yoy to $1.5 billion. The sequential decrease primarily reflects lower third party battery energy storage solutions sales, a decline in average selling price (“ASP”) and lower project sales, partially offset by higher solar module shipment volume. The yoy decrease primarily reflects a decline in module ASPs and lower project sales, partially offset by higher battery energy storage solutions sales and higher solar module shipment volume.

 

Gross profit in the third quarter of 2024 was $247 million, down 12% qoq and 20% yoy. Gross margin in the third quarter of 2024 was 16.4%, compared to 17.2% in the second quarter of 2024 and 16.7% in the third quarter of 2023. The gross margin sequential decrease was primarily caused by lesser margin contribution from third party battery energy storage solutions sales and lower module ASPs. The yoy decrease in gross margin was primarily driven by lower module ASPs, partially offset by lower manufacturing costs and higher margin contribution from battery energy storage solutions sales.

 

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Total operating expenses in the third quarter of 2024 were $247 million, compared to $234 million in the second quarter of 2024 and $225 million in the third quarter of 2023. The sequential and yoy increases were primarily driven by higher shipping and handling expenses.

 

Depreciation and amortization charges in the third quarter of 2024 were $134 million, compared to $122 million in the second quarter of 2024 and $76 million in the third quarter of 2023. The sequential and yoy increases were primarily driven by the payment of vertical integration investments made by the Company over the past two years and incremental capacity in key strategic markets.

 

Net interest expense in the third quarter of 2024 was $20 million, compared to $19 million in the second quarter of 2024 and $11 million in the third quarter of 2023.

 

Net foreign exchange and derivative loss in the third quarter of 2024 was $4 million, compared to a net gain of $13 million in the second quarter of 2024 and a net loss of $17 million in the third quarter of 2023.

 

Net loss attributable to Canadian Solar in the third quarter of 2024 was $14 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, compared to a net income of $4 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2024, and net income of $22 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2023. Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) includes Recurrent Energy redeemable preferred shares dividends payable in kind. As a result, an EPS effect of 10 cents was deducted in the third quarter of 2024 on a dilutive basis.

 

Net cash flow used in operating activities in the third quarter of 2024 was $231 million, compared to net cash flow used in operating activities of $429 million in the second quarter of 2024 and net cash flow provided by operating activities of $158 million in the third quarter of 2023. The operating cash outflow primarily resulted from increased project assets and lowered short-term notes payable.

 

Total debt was $5.4 billion as of September 30, 2024, including $2.5 billion, $2.7 billion, and $0.2 billion related to CSI Solar, Recurrent Energy, and convertible notes, respectively. Total debt increased as compared to $4.2 billion as of June 30, 2024, mainly driven by new borrowings for capacity investment, working capital, and development of projects and operational assets.

 

Business Segments

 

The Company has two business segments: Recurrent Energy and CSI Solar. The two businesses operate as follows:

 

·Recurrent Energy is one of the world’s largest clean energy project development platforms with 15 years of experience, having delivered approximately 11 GWp of solar power projects and 3.7 GWh of battery energy storage projects. It is vertically integrated and has strong expertise in greenfield origination, development, financing, execution, operations and maintenance, and asset management.

 

·CSI Solar consists of solar module and battery energy storage manufacturing, and delivery of total system solutions, including inverters, solar system kits, and EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) services. CSI Solar’s e-STORAGE branded battery energy storage business includes its utility-scale turnkey battery energy system solutions, as well as a small but growing residential battery energy storage business. These battery energy storage system solutions are complemented with long-term service agreements, including future battery capacity augmentation services.

 

Recurrent Energy Segment

 

As of September 30, 2024, the Company held a leading position with a total global solar development pipeline of 26 GWp and a battery energy storage development pipeline of 66 GWh.

 

While Recurrent Energy’s business model was historically predominantly develop-to-sell, the Company has been adjusting its strategy to create greater asset value and retain greater ownership of projects in select markets to increase revenues generated through recurring income, such as power sales, operations and maintenance, and asset management income.

 

The business model consists of three key drivers:

 

·Electricity revenue from operating portfolio to drive stable, diversified cash flows in growth markets with stable currencies;

 

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·Asset sales (solar power and battery energy storage) in the rest of the world to drive cash-efficient growth model, as value from project sales will help fund growth in operating assets in stable currency markets; and

 

·Power services (O&M) and asset management through long-term operations and maintenance (“O&M”) contracts, currently with approximately 12 GW of contracted projects, to drive stable and long-term recurring earnings and synergies with the project development platform.

 

In October 2024, the Company announced it had achieved the final closing of a $500 million investment in Recurrent Energy by BlackRock through a fund management by BlackRock’s Climate Infrastructure business. The transaction, announced in January 2024, had been completed following the receipt of the second and final payment. The first payment took place in June 2024. As agreed between the parties, BlackRock's total investment has reached $500 million, representing 20% of the outstanding fully diluted shares of Recurrent Energy on an as-converted basis. Canadian Solar will continue to own the remaining majority shares of Recurrent Energy.

 

This milestone enables Recurrent Energy to advance investment in its high value project development portfolio, supporting its strategic transition from a pure developer to a developer plus long-term owner and operator in select markets including the U.S. and Europe. This transition will allow Recurrent Energy to generate more stable long-term revenue in low-risk currencies and capture greater value from its diversified global project development pipeline.

 

Project Development Pipeline – Solar

 

As of September 30, 2024, Recurrent Energy’s total solar project development pipeline was 26.4 GWp, including 1.7 GWp under construction, 4.8 GWp of backlog, and 19.9 GWp of projects in advanced and early-stage pipelines, defined as follows:

 

·Backlog projects are late-stage projects that have passed their risk cliff date and are expected to start construction in the next 1-4 years. A project’s risk cliff date is the date on which the project passes the last high-risk development stage and varies depending on the country where it is located. This is usually after the projects have received all the required environmental and regulatory approvals, and entered into interconnection agreements, feed-in tariff (“FIT”) arrangements, and power purchase agreements (“PPAs”). A significant majority of backlog projects are contracted (i.e., have secured a PPA or FIT), and the remaining have a reasonable assurance of securing PPAs.

 

·Advanced pipeline projects are mid-stage projects that have secured or have more than 90% certainty of securing an interconnection agreement.

 

·Early-stage pipeline projects are early-stage projects controlled by Recurrent Energy that are in the process of securing interconnection.

 

While the magnitude of the Company’s project development pipeline is an important indicator of potential expanded power generation and battery energy storage capacity as well as potential future revenue growth, the development of projects in its pipeline is inherently uncertain. If the Company does not successfully complete the pipeline projects in a timely manner, it may not realize the anticipated benefits of the projects to the extent anticipated, which could adversely affect its business, financial condition, or results of operations. In addition, the Company’s guidance and estimates for its future operating and financial results assume the completion of certain solar projects and battery energy storage projects that are in its pipeline. If the Company is unable to execute on its actionable pipeline, it may miss its guidance, which could adversely affect the market price of its common shares and its business, financial condition, or results of operations.

 

The following table presents Recurrent Energy’s total solar project development pipeline.

 

Solar Project Development Pipeline (as of September 30, 2024) – MWp*

 

Region  In
Construction
   Backlog   Advanced
Pipeline
   Early-Stage
Pipeline
   Total 
North America  127   329   1,139   3,811   5,406 
Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (“EMEA”)  977**  2,248   1,486   5,045   9,756 
Latin America  451**  860   -   4,979   6,290 
Asia Pacific excluding China and Japan  -   173   708   1,257   2,138 
China  100   1,100**  -   1,360   2,560 
Japan  32   81   80   46   239 
Total  1,687   4,791   3,413   16,498   26,389 

 

*All numbers are gross MWp.

**Including 73 MWp in construction and 551 MWp in backlog that are owned by or already sold to third parties.

 

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Project Development Pipeline – Battery Energy Storage

 

As of September 30, 2024, Recurrent Energy’s total battery energy storage project development pipeline was 66.1 GWh, including 9.8 GWh under construction and in backlog, and 56.3 GWh of projects in advanced and early-stage pipelines.

 

The table below sets forth Recurrent Energy’s total battery energy storage project development pipeline.

 

Battery Energy Storage Project Development Pipeline (as of September 30, 2024) – MWh

 

Region  In
Construction
   Backlog   Advanced
Pipeline
   Early-Stage
Pipeline
   Total 
North America  1,400   200   1,580   16,644   19,824 
EMEA  -   3,234   2,975   26,510   32,719 
Latin America  -   1,765   -   -   1,765 
Asia Pacific excluding China and Japan  440   -   780   1,580   2,800 
China  2,000   -   -   4,600   6,600 
Japan  -   727   1,071   600   2,398 
Total  3,840   5,926   6,406   49,934   66,106 

 

Projects in Operation – Solar Power and Battery Energy Storage Power Plants (Including Unconsolidated Projects)

 

As of September 30, 2024, the solar power and battery energy storage plants in operation totaled over 1.7 GWp and 1.0 GWh respectively, with a combined estimated net resale value of over $1.0 billion. The estimated net resale value is based on selling prices that Recurrent Energy is currently negotiating or comparable asset sales.

 

Power Plants in Operation*

 

   North
America
   EMEA   Latin
America
  

Asia Pacific

ex. China
and Japan

   China   Japan   Total 
Solar (MWp)  297   62   970   6   335   62   1,732 
Battery Energy Storage (MWh)  280   -   -   28   700   -   1,008 

 

*All numbers are net MWp or MWh owned by Recurrent Energy; total gross MWp of solar projects is 2,785 MWp and total gross battery energy storage projects is 2,124 MWh, including volume that is already sold to third parties.

 

Operating Results

 

The following table presents select unaudited results of operations data of the Recurrent Energy segment for the periods indicated.

 

Recurrent Energy Segment Financial Results
(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Percentages)

 

   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
  

September 30,

2024

  

June 30,

2024

  

September 30,

2023

  

September 30,

2024

  

September 30,

2023

 
Net revenues   45,056    50,525    63,806    135,014    443,903 
Cost of revenues   30,638    26,564    46,107    83,583    260,931 
Gross profit   14,418    23,961    17,699    51,431    182,972 
Operating expenses   35,522    32,877    26,880    101,972    85,168 
Income (loss) from operations*   (21,104)   (8,916)   (9,181)   (50,541)   97,804 
Gross margin   32.0%   47.4%   27.7%   38.1%   41.2%
Operating margin   -46.8%   -17.6%   -14.4%   -37.4%   22.0%

 

* Income (loss) from operations reflects management’s allocation and estimate as some services are shared by the Company’s two business segments.

 

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CSI Solar Segment

 

Solar Modules and Solar System Kits

 

CSI Solar shipped 8.4 GW of solar modules and solar system kits to more than 70 countries in the third quarter of 2024. For the third quarter of 2024, the top five markets ranked by shipments were the U.S., China, Pakistan, Germany, and Brazil.

 

CSI Solar’s revised manufacturing capacity expansion targets are set forth below.

 

Solar Manufacturing Capacity, GW*

 

  

September 2024

Actual

  

December 2024

Plan

 
Ingot  25.0   25.0 
Wafer  31.0   31.0 
Cell  48.4   48.4 
Module  61.0   61.0 

 

*Nameplate annualized capacities at said point in time. Capacity expansion plans are subject to change without notice based on market conditions and capital allocation plans.

 

e-STORAGE: Battery Energy Storage Solutions

 

e-STORAGE is CSI Solar’s utility-scale battery energy storage platform. e-STORAGE provides customers with competitive turnkey, integrated, utility-scale battery energy storage solutions, including bankable, end-to-end, utility-scale, turnkey battery energy storage system solutions across various applications. System performance is complemented with long-term service agreements, which include future battery capacity augmentation services and bring in long-term, stable income.

 

As of September 30, 2024, e-STORAGE had a total project turnkey pipeline of over 60 GWh, which includes both contracted and in-construction projects, as well as projects at different stages of the negotiation process. In addition, e-STORAGE had over 4.2 GWh of operating battery energy storage projects contracted under long-term service agreements, all of which were battery energy storage projects previously executed by e-STORAGE.

 

As of November 30, 2024, the contracted backlog, including contracted long-term service agreements, was $3.2 billion. These are signed orders with contractual obligations to customers, providing significant earnings visibility over a multi-year period.

 

The table below sets forth e-STORAGE’s manufacturing capacity expansion targets.

 

Battery Energy Storage Manufacturing Capacity, GWh* 

September 2024

Actual

  

December 2024

Plan

  

December 2025

Plan

 
SolBank  20.0   20.0   30.0 

 

*Nameplate annualized capacities at said point in time. Capacity expansion plans are subject to change without notice based on market conditions and capital allocation plans.

 

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Operating Results

 

The following table presents select unaudited results of operations data of the CSI Solar segment for the periods indicated.

 

CSI Solar Segment Financial Results*
(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Percentages)

 

   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
  

September 30,

2024

  

June 30,

2024

  

September 30,

2023

  

September 30,

2024

  

September 30,

2023

 
Net revenues   1,716,330    1,731,470    1,805,507    4,789,953    5,529,230 
Cost of revenues   1,396,246    1,441,897    1,506,334    3,932,711    4,626,609 
Gross profit   320,084    289,573    299,173    857,242    902,621 
Operating expenses   209,257    196,255    172,409    570,625    487,015 
Income from operations   110,827    93,318    126,764    286,617    415,606 
Gross margin   18.6%   16.7%   16.6%   17.9%   16.3%
Operating margin   6.5%   5.4%   7.0%   6.0%   7.5%

 

*Include effects of both sales to third-party customers and to the Company’s Recurrent Energy segment. Please refer to the attached financial tables for intercompany transaction elimination information. Income from operations reflects management’s allocation and estimate as some services are shared by the Company’s two business segments.

 

The table below provides the geographic distribution of the net revenues of CSI Solar:

 

CSI Solar Net Revenues Geographic Distribution* (In Millions of U.S. Dollars, Except Percentages)

 

   Q3 2024   % of Net
Revenues
   Q2 2024   % of Net
Revenues
   Q3 2023   % of Net
Revenues
 
Americas   820    56    892    56    715    40 
Asia   432    30    455    29    630    35 
Europe and others   211    14    238    15    437    25 
Total   1,463    100    1,585    100    1,782    100 

 

*Excludes sales from CSI Solar to Recurrent Energy.

 

Business Outlook

 

The Company’s business outlook is based on management’s current views and estimates given factors such as existing market conditions, order book, production capacity, input material prices, foreign exchange fluctuations, the anticipated timing of project sales, and the global economic environment. This outlook is subject to uncertainty with respect to, among other things, customer demand, project construction and sale schedules, product sales prices and costs, supply chain constraints, and geopolitical conflicts. Management’s views and estimates are subject to change without notice.

 

For the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company expects total revenue to be in the range of $1.5 billion to $1.7 billion. Gross margin is expected to be between 16% and 18%. Total module shipments recognized as revenues by CSI Solar are expected to be in the range of 8.0 GW to 8.5 GW, including approximately 500 MW to the Company’s own projects. Total battery energy storage shipments by CSI Solar in the fourth quarter of 2024 are expected to be between 2.0 GWh to 2.4 GWh, including about 1.2 GWh to the Company’s own projects.

 

For the full year of 2025, the Company expects total module shipments to be in the range of 30 GW to 35 GW and CSI Solar’s total battery energy storage shipments in the range of 11 GWh to 13 GWh, including approximately 1 GW and 1 GWh respectively to the Company’s own projects.

 

Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO, commented, “We continue to adhere to our profitable growth strategy, investing strategically in high-return technologies, solutions, and markets. In the face of ongoing deglobalization trends, we continue to execute a resilient global strategy that emphasizes supply chain stability, customer-focused demand, and strong ESG commitments, all aimed at delivering sustained value across our global markets.”

 

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Recent Developments

 

Canadian Solar

 

On November 15, 2024, the Office of Governor Andy Beshear announced the largest job-creation project in Kentucky since 2022: Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing. A subsidiary of Canadian Solar’s utility-scale battery energy storage platform e-STORAGE, Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing will establish a state-of-the-art 6 GWh battery cell, module, and packaging manufacturing facility. The project will be built in two phases, beginning with an initial investment of over $300 million.

 

On October 10, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had been recognized as the most trustworthy company on Newsweek's World's Most Trustworthy Companies 2024 list in the Energy and Utilities sector. This ranking underscores Canadian Solar's commitment to transparency, reliability, and sustainability, and reflects its commitment to quality and customer service across the globe.

 

CSI Solar

 

On November 28, 2024, CSI Solar convened a board meeting and approved, among other matters, a share repurchase program through centralized bidding. The program aims to enhance investor confidence, optimize capital structure, and align interests of all stakeholders. This decision follows a comprehensive assessment of CSI Solar’s financial position, including cash reserves, future capital requirements, business outlook, and projected profitability. Under the program, CSI Solar will repurchase between 23.3427 million and 46.6853 million shares at a price not exceeding RMB21.42 per share within 12 months following shareholders’ approval at its annual general meeting.

 

On October 1, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had secured a turnkey EPC contract to supply a 98 MW / 312 MWh DC Battery Energy Storage System to the Huatacondo project in Chile. The project, developed by Sojitz Corporation and Shikoku Electric Power Co., Inc. through their subsidiary AustrianSolar Chile Cuatro SpA ("ASC4"), is set to commence construction in the first quarter of 2025. e-STORAGE will provide and integrate its advanced SolBank 3.0 energy storage solution for the project. Under the EPC contract, e-STORAGE will manage all civil, mechanical, and electrical infrastructure for the project.

 

On September 3, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had entered into a cradle-to-cradle U.S. recycling partnership with SOLARCYCLE, America’s most advanced solar recycling company. Under the terms of the agreement, SOLARCYCLE will serve as Canadian Solar’s preferred recycling partner, while Canadian Solar will act as an original equipment manufacturer partner to SOLARCYCLE, offering upfront recycling services. Canadian Solar customers can secure recycling services at the time of purchase, integrating sustainability into the lifecycle of their projects from the outset.

 

Recurrent Energy

 

On October 31, 2024, Canadian Solar announced its 134 MW (100 MWac) Liberty Solar project near Houston, Texas had reached commercial operation. Customers for the project include Autodesk, Inc., Biogen Inc., EMD Electronics (the U.S. and Canada electronics business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), and Wayfair Inc. Recurrent Energy plans to remain the long-term owner and operator of the project.

 

On October 31, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had signed two new tolling agreements with Arizona Public Service Company. The 20-year tolling agreements encompass the 600 MWh standalone Desert Bloom Storage and 150 MWac Papago Solar projects. Both projects, located in Maricopa County, Arizona, are scheduled to start construction in 2025 and reach operation in 2026.

 

On October 3, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had achieved the final closing of a $500 million investment in Recurrent Energy by BlackRock through a fund management by BlackRock’s Climate Infrastructure business. The transaction, announced in January 2024, had been completed following the receipt of the second and final payment. As agreed between the parties, BlackRock's total investment had reached $500 million, representing 20% of the outstanding fully diluted shares of Recurrent Energy on an as-converted basis. Canadian Solar will continue to own the remaining majority shares of Recurrent Energy.

 

Conference Call Information

 

The Company will hold a conference call on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (9:00 p.m., Thursday, December 5, 2024, in Hong Kong) to discuss its third quarter 2024 results and business outlook. The dial-in phone number for the live audio call is +1-877-704-4453 (toll-free from the U.S.), +852 800 965 561 (from Hong Kong), +86 400 120 2840 (local dial-in from Mainland China) or +1-201-389-0920 from international locations. The conference ID is 13750071. A live webcast of the conference call will also be available on the investor relations section of Canadian Solar's website at www.canadiansolar.com.

 

A replay of the call will be available after the conclusion of the call until 11:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Thursday, December 19, 2024 (12:00 p.m. December 20, 2024, in Hong Kong) and can be accessed by dialing +1-844-512-2921 (toll-free from the U.S.) or +1-412-317-6671 from international locations. The replay pin number is 13750071. A webcast replay will also be available on the investor relations section of Canadian Solar's at www.canadiansolar.com.

 

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About Canadian Solar Inc.

 

Canadian Solar is one of the world's largest solar technology and renewable energy companies. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, the Company is a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules; provider of solar energy and battery energy storage solutions; and developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale solar power and battery energy storage projects. Over the past 23 years, Canadian Solar has successfully delivered around 142 GW of premium-quality, solar photovoltaic modules to customers across the world. Through its subsidiary e-STORAGE, Canadian Solar has shipped around 9 GWh of battery energy storage solutions to global markets as of September 30, 2024, boasting a US$3.2 billion contracted backlog as of November 30, 2024. Since entering the project development business in 2010, Canadian Solar has developed, built, and connected approximately 11 GWp of solar power projects and 3.7 GWh of battery energy storage projects globally. Its geographically diversified project development pipeline includes 26 GWp of solar and 66 GWh of battery energy storage capacity in various stages of development. Canadian Solar is one of the most bankable companies in the solar and renewable energy industry, having been publicly listed on the NASDAQ since 2006. For additional information about the Company, follow Canadian Solar on LinkedIn or visit www.canadiansolar.com.

 

Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements

 

Certain statements in this press release, including those regarding the Company’s expected future shipment volumes, revenues, gross margins, and project sales are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are made under the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by such terms as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include general business, regulatory and economic conditions and the state of the solar power and battery energy storage market and industry; geopolitical tensions and conflicts, including impasses, sanctions and export controls; volatility, uncertainty, delays and disruptions related to global pandemics; supply chain disruptions; governmental support for the deployment of solar power and battery energy storage; future available supplies of silicon, solar wafers and lithium cells; demand for end-use products by consumers and inventory levels of such products in the supply chain; changes in demand from significant customers; changes in demand from major markets such as China, the U.S., Europe, Brazil and Japan; changes in effective tax rates; changes in customer order patterns; changes in product mix; changes in corporate responsibility, especially environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) requirements; capacity utilization; level of competition; pricing pressure and declines in or failure to timely adjust average selling prices; delays in new product introduction; delays in utility-scale project approval process; delays in utility-scale project construction; delays in the completion of project sales; the pipeline of projects and timelines related to them; the ability of the parties to optimize value of that pipeline; continued success in technological innovations and delivery of products with the features that customers demand; shortage in supply of materials or capacity requirements; availability of financing; exchange and inflation rate fluctuations; litigation and other risks as described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F filed on April 26, 2024. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All information provided in this press release is as of today’s date, unless otherwise stated, and Canadian Solar undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

 

Investor Relations Contact:

 

Wina Huang

Investor Relations

Canadian Solar Inc.

investor@canadiansolar.com

 

Page 8

 

 

FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW

 

The following tables provide unaudited select financial data for the Company’s CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy businesses.

 

   Select Financial Data – CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy 
  

Three Months Ended and As of September 30, 2024
(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Percentages)

 
   CSI Solar   Recurrent
Energy
   Elimination
and
unallocated
items (1)
   Total 
Net revenues  $1,716,330   $45,056   $(253,762)  $1,507,624 
Cost of revenues   1,396,246    30,638    (166,696)   1,260,188 
Gross profit   320,084    14,418    (87,066)   247,436 
Gross margin   18.6%   32.0%       16.4%
Income (loss) from operations (2)  $110,827   $(21,104)  $(89,429)  $294 
                     
Supplementary Information:                    
Interest expense (3)  $(16,003)  $(16,369)  $(1,812)  $(34,184)
Interest income (3)   11,100    2,644    1    13,745 
                     
Cash and cash equivalents  $1,614,146   $529,440   $25,191   $2,168,777 
Restricted cash – current and noncurrent   657,707    1,310        659,017 
Non-recourse borrowings       1,105,132        1,105,132 
Other short-term and long-term borrowings   2,359,838    1,281,289        3,641,127 
Green bonds and convertible notes       160,846    228,540    389,386 

 

   Select Financial Data – CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy 
   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Percentages)
 
   CSI Solar   Recurrent
Energy
   Elimination
and
unallocated
items (1)
   Total 
Net revenues  $4,789,953   $135,014   $(452,799)  $4,472,168 
Cost of revenues   3,932,711    83,583    (326,409)   3,689,885 
Gross profit   857,242    51,431    (126,390)   782,283 
Gross margin   17.9%   38.1%       17.5%
Income (loss) from operations (2)  $286,617   $(50,541)  $(139,060)  $97,016 
                     
Supplementary Information:                    
Interest expense (3)  $(47,636)  $(45,947)  $(8,490)  $(102,073)
Interest income (3)   54,006    8,123    40    62,169 

 

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   Select Financial Data – CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy 
   Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Percentages)
 
   CSI Solar  

Recurrent
Energy

   Elimination
and
unallocated
items (1)
   Total 
Net revenues  $1,805,507   $63,806   $(23,028)  $1,846,285 
Cost of revenues   1,506,334    46,107    (14,160)   1,538,281 
Gross profit   299,173    17,699    (8,868)   308,004 
Gross margin   16.6%   27.7%       16.7%
Income from operations (2)  $126,764   $(9,181)  $(34,567)  $83,016 
                     
Supplementary Information:                    
Interest expense (3)  $(15,139)  $(13,009)  $(1,801)  $(29,949)
Interest income (3)   15,601    2,972    4    18,577 

 

   Select Financial Data – CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy 
   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Percentages)
 
   CSI Solar  

Recurrent
Energy

   Elimination
and
unallocated
items (1)
   Total 
Net revenues  $5,529,230   $443,903   $(61,544)  $5,911,589 
Cost of revenues   4,626,609    260,931    (42,530)   4,845,010 
Gross profit   902,621    182,972    (19,014)   1,066,579 
Gross margin   16.3%   41.2%       18.0%
Income from operations (2)   415,606    97,804    (60,667)   452,743 
                     
Supplementary Information:                    
Interest expense (3)  $(44,560)  $(30,899)  $(5,393)  $(80,852)
Interest income (3)   29,628    6,329    32    35,989 

 

(1) Includes inter-segment elimination, and unallocated corporate items not considered part of management’s evaluation of business segment operating performance.

(2) Income (loss) from operations reflects management’s allocation and estimate as some services are shared by the Company’s two business segments.

(3) Represents interest expenses payable to and interest income earned from third parties.

 

   Select Financial Data - CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy 
  

Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2024

  

Three Months
Ended
June 30,
2024

  

Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2023

 
   (In Thousands of U.S. Dollars) 
CSI Solar Revenues:               
Solar modules  $1,217,157   $1,207,816   $1,520,716 
Solar system kits   106,438    114,869    184,404 
Battery energy storage solutions   95,384    225,805    19,575 
EPC and others   43,589    36,418    57,784 
Subtotal   1,462,568    1,584,908    1,782,479 
Recurrent Energy Revenues:               
Solar power and battery energy storage asset sales   -    12,752    34,541 
Power services (O&M) and asset management   20,698    18,644    14,374 
Electricity revenue from operating portfolio and others   24,358    19,129    14,891 
Subtotal   45,056    50,525    63,806 
Total net revenues  $1,507,624   $1,635,433   $1,846,285 

 

Page 10

 

 

   Select Financial Data - CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy 
  

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024

  

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2023

 
   (In Thousands of U.S. Dollars) 
CSI Solar Revenues:          
Solar modules  $3,337,123   $4,698,279 
Solar system kits   320,554    534,858 
Battery energy storage solutions   572,662    49,274 
EPC and others   106,815    185,275 
Subtotal   4,337,154    5,467,686 
Recurrent Energy Revenues:          
Solar PV and battery energy storage asset sales   18,796    377,649 
Power services (O&M) and asset management   55,210    36,469 
Electricity revenue from operating portfolio and others   61,008    29,785 
Subtotal   135,014    443,903 
Total net revenues  $4,472,168   $5,911,589 

 

Page 11

 

 

Canadian Solar Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Share and Per Share Data)

 

   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   June 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30, 
   2024   2024   2023   2024   2023 
Net revenues  $1,507,624   $1,635,433   $1,846,285   $4,472,168   $5,911,589 
Cost of revenues   1,260,188    1,353,339    1,538,281    3,689,885    4,845,010 
Gross profit   247,436    282,094    308,004    782,283    1,066,579 
                          
Operating expenses:                         
Selling and distribution expenses   136,172    131,692    99,766    356,276    275,823 
General and administrative expenses   99,989    100,911    114,033    295,593    332,252 
Research and development expenses   30,459    25,578    28,897    90,316    69,341 
Other operating income, net   (19,478)   (23,737)   (17,708)   (56,918)   (63,580)
Total operating expenses   247,142    234,444    224,988    685,267    613,836 
                          
Income from operations   294    47,650    83,016    97,016    452,743 
Other income (expenses):                         
Interest expense   (34,184)   (33,022)   (29,949)   (102,073)   (80,852)
Interest income   13,745    14,122    18,577    62,169    35,989 
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of derivatives, net   14,932    81    (4,291)   (1,681)   (20,465)
Foreign exchange gain, net   (18,662)   12,486    (13,175)   6,737    23,497 
Investment income (loss), net   3,427    (835)   2,332    2,761    12,667 
Total other expenses   (20,742)   (7,168)   (26,506)   (32,087)   (29,164)
                          
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates   (20,448)   40,482    56,510    64,929    423,579 
Income tax (expense) benefit   19,829    (5,283)   10,583    4,869    (64,151)
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates   (5,451)   (7,775)   (4,624)   (12,221)   7,406 
Net income (loss)   (6,070)   27,424    62,469    57,577    366,834 
                          
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests and redeemable non-controlling interest   7,956    23,602    40,578    55,429    91,261 
                          
Net income (loss) attributable to Canadian Solar Inc.  $(14,026)  $3,822   $21,891   $2,148   $275,573 
                          
Earnings (loss) per share - basic  $(0.31)  $0.02   $0.33   $(0.10)  $4.23 
Shares used in computation - basic   66,933,121    66,413,750    66,010,484    66,505,377    65,152,583 
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted  $(0.31)  $0.02   $0.32   $(0.10)  $3.88 
Shares used in computation - diluted   66,933,121    66,984,783    72,934,082    66,505,377    72,073,501 

 

Page 12 

 

 

Canadian Solar Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   June 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30, 
   2024   2024   2023   2024   2023 
Net income (loss)  $(6,070)  $27,424   $62,469   $57,577   $366,834 
Other comprehensive income (loss):                         
Foreign currency translation adjustment   130,342    (59,897)   (29,294)   16,632    (74,551)
Gain (loss) on changes in fair value of available-for-sale debt securities, net of tax   (105)   769    121    1,544    (590)
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap, net of tax   (8,874)   (481)   1,869    (8,390)   1,697 
Share of gain (loss) on changes in fair value of derivatives of affiliate, net of tax   (1,908)   (159)   8,297    (933)   8,190 
Comprehensive income (loss)   113,385    (32,344)   43,462    66,430    301,580 
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests and redeemable non-controlling interest   12,969    15,637    44,653    48,943    73,505 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Canadian Solar Inc.  $100,416   $(47,981)  $(1,191)  $17,487   $228,075 

 

Page 13 

 

 

Canadian Solar Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2024   2023 
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $2,168,777   $1,938,689 
Restricted cash   648,362    999,933 
Accounts receivable trade, net   988,610    904,943 
Accounts receivable, unbilled   127,454    101,435 
Amounts due from related parties   21,884    40,582 
Inventories   1,263,919    1,179,641 
Value added tax recoverable   209,236    162,737 
Advances to suppliers, net   152,003    193,818 
Derivative assets   15,145    9,282 
Project assets   437,568    280,793 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   354,254    283,600 
Total current assets   6,387,212    6,095,453 
Restricted cash   10,655    7,810 
Property, plant and equipment, net   3,333,543    3,088,442 
Solar power systems, net   1,722,149    951,513 
Deferred tax assets, net   425,890    263,458 
Advances to suppliers, net   97,910    132,218 
Investments in affiliates   242,372    236,928 
Intangible assets, net   33,286    19,727 
Project assets   917,554    576,793 
Right-of-use assets   325,129    237,007 
Amounts due from related parties   54,135    32,313 
Other non-current assets   230,153    254,098 
TOTAL ASSETS  $13,779,988   $11,895,760 

 

Page 14 

 

 

Canadian Solar Inc.  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars)  

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2024   2023 
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST AND EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Short-term borrowings  $2,502,586   $1,805,198 
Accounts payable   957,636    813,677 
Short-term notes payable   607,923    878,285 
Amounts due to related parties   12,044    511 
Other payables   1,084,022    1,359,679 
Advances from customers   251,932    392,308 
Derivative liabilities   4,248    6,702 
Operating lease liabilities   23,376    20,204 
Other current liabilities   574,383    587,827 
Total current liabilities   6,018,150    5,864,391 
Long-term borrowings   2,243,673    1,265,965 
Green bonds and convertible notes   389,386    389,033 
Liability for uncertain tax positions   5,847    5,701 
Deferred tax liabilities   90,373    82,828 
Operating lease liabilities   205,685    116,846 
Other non-current liabilities   609,882    465,752 
TOTAL LIABILITIES   9,562,996    8,190,516 
           
Redeemable non-controlling interest  $184,530   $ 
           
Equity:          
Common shares   835,543    835,543 
Additional paid-in capital   587,052    292,737 
Retained earnings   1,551,855    1,549,707 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (101,489)   (118,744)
Total Canadian Solar Inc. shareholders’ equity   2,872,961    2,559,243 
Non-controlling interests   1,159,501    1,146,001 
TOTAL EQUITY   4,032,462    3,705,244 
TOTAL LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST AND EQUITY  $13,779,988   $11,895,760 

 

Page 15 

 

 

Canadian Solar Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   June 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30, 
   2024   2024   2023   2024   2023 
Operating Activities:                         
Net income (loss)  $(6,070)  $27,424   $62,469   $57,577   $366,834 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   57,395    174,201    81,295    389,946    339,667 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities   (282,290)   (630,963)   14,123    (1,399,313)   (211,883)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   (230,965)   (429,338)   157,887    (951,790)   494,618 
                          
Investing Activities:                         
Purchase of property, plant and equipment   (237,365)   (390,248)   (305,278)   (894,075)   (821,375)
Purchase of solar power systems   (247,219)   (10,936)   (79,527)   (431,496)   (225,722)
Other investing activities   (12,124)   2,515    (99,935)   (2,777)   (128,945)
Net cash used in investing activities   (496,708)   (398,669)   (484,740)   (1,328,348)   (1,176,042)
                          
Financing Activities:                         
Net proceeds from sale of subsidiary’s redeemable preferred shares   200,000    297,000        497,000     
Payments for repurchase of subsidiary’s ordinary shares   (7,064)   (70,624)       (77,688)    
Net proceeds from subsidiary’s public offering of ordinary shares           124,252        927,897 
Other financing activities   1,078,357    (38,778)   (24,526)   1,762,991    902,715 
Net cash provided by financing activities   1,271,293    187,598    99,726    2,182,303    1,830,612 
Effect of exchange rate changes   91,933    (61,483)   (29,980)   (20,803)   (125,659)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   635,553    (701,892)   (257,107)   (118,638)   1,023,529 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period  $2,192,241   $2,894,133   $3,250,139   $2,946,432   $1,969,503 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period  $2,827,794   $2,192,241   $2,993,032   $2,827,794   $2,993,032 

 

Page 16