SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
For the quarterly period ended
OR
For the transition period from to
Commission file number
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(State or Other Jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
+1
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class |
| Trading Symbol(s) |
| Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered |
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10 shares, no par value per share |
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
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 ☒ NO ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). ☒ NO ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
☒ | Smaller reporting company | ||
Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). YES
As of August 16, 2024,
EMEREN GROUP LTD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
i
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Emeren Group Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Emeren Group Ltd”, “we”, “our”, or the “Company”) are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”). All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Form 10-Q, including statements regarding the Company’s future financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, expectations, future performance, business operations or business prospects, are forward-looking statements. Words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “will,” “could,” “plans, “estimates,” “predicts,” “goals,” “should,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “may,” forecast,” “seeks,” and other similar expressions and variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements and are included, along with this statement, with the intention these forward-looking statements be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the PSLRA. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts, nor assurances of future performance. Instead, such statements are based only on our beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future, which may not prove to be accurate, and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual events or results to differ materially from our historical experience and management’s present expectations or projections. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on August 1, 2024. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made.
You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect any events or circumstances after the date of this Form 10-Q or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Additionally, the following discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
ii
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
EMEREN GROUP LTD
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts expressed in U.S. dollars in thousands, except for number of shares and per share amounts)
As of | ||||||||
Notes |
| March 31, 2024 |
| December 31, 2023 | ||||
ASSETS |
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents | 2 |
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Restricted cash | 2 |
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Accounts receivable trade, net | 3 |
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Accounts receivable unbilled, net | 3 | |
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Advances to suppliers | 2 |
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Value added tax receivable |
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Project assets, current | 5 |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net | 4 |
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Total current assets |
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Property, plant and equipment, net | 6 |
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Project assets, non-current | 5 |
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Operating lease, right-of-use assets | 16 | | | |||||
Finance lease, right-of-use assets | 8 | | | |||||
Other non-current assets | 3 |
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Total assets | $ | |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
1
EMEREN GROUP LTD
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
(Amounts expressed in U.S. dollars in thousands, except for number of shares and per share amounts)
As of | ||||||||
| Notes |
| March 31, 2024 |
| December 31, 2023 | |||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | |
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Advances from customers | 2 |
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Amounts due to related parties | 15 |
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Long-term borrowings, current | 8 |
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Income tax payable | 7 |
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Salaries payable |
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Operating lease liabilities, current | 16 | | | |||||
Failed sales-leaseback and finance lease liabilities, current | 8 | | | |||||
Other current liabilities | 9 | | | |||||
Total current liabilities |
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Long-term borrowings, non-current | 8 |
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Operating lease liabilities, non-current | 16 | | | |||||
Failed sales-leaseback and finance lease liabilities, non-current | 8 |
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Deferred tax liabilities | 7 | | | |||||
Total liabilities | |
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Commitments and contingencies | ||||||||
Shareholders’ equity | ||||||||
Common shares ( | 10 |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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Treasury stock, at cost ( | 10 | ( | ( | |||||
Accumulated deficit |
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
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Emeren Group Ltd shareholders’ equity |
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Noncontrolling interest |
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Total shareholders’ equity |
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Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
EMEREN GROUP LTD
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts expressed in U.S. dollars in thousands, except for number of shares and per share amounts)
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 | |||
Net revenues: | ||||||
Electricity generation |
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EPC services |
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DSA | | | ||||
Others |
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Total net revenues |
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Cost of revenues |
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Gross profit |
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Operating expenses: |
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Sales and marketing |
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General and administrative |
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Other operating expenses, net |
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Total operating expenses | ( | ( | ||||
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Loss from operations | ( | ( | ||||
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Other (expenses) / income: |
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Interest income |
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Interest expense |
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Investment gain | | | ||||
Foreign exchange gains (losses) |
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Total other (expense) income, net |
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Loss before income tax |
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Income tax expense | ( | ( | ||||
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Net loss |
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Less: Net income (loss) attributed to non-controlling interests |
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Net loss attributed to Emeren Group Ltd | $ | ( |
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Loss attributed to Emeren Group Ltd per ADS* |
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Basic | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||
Diluted | $ | ( |
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Weighted average number of ADS* used in computing loss per ADS* |
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Diluted |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
3
EMEREN GROUP LTD
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Amounts expressed in U.S. dollars in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 | |||
Net loss | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||
Other comprehensive (loss) / income, net of tax: |
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Foreign currency translation adjustment |
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Other comprehensive income / (loss) |
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Comprehensive income / (loss) |
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Less: Comprehensive loss attributed to non-controlling interests |
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Comprehensive income / (loss) attributed to Emeren Group Ltd | $ | ( |
| $ | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
4
EMEREN GROUP LTD
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Amount expressed in U.S. dollars in thousands, except for number of shares)
Accumulated |
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Number of | Number of | paid-in | Accumulated | comprehensive | attributable to | Noncontrolling |
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| Shares Issued |
| Amount |
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| capital |
| deficit |
| income/(loss) |
| Emeren Group Ltd |
| interest |
| Total Equity | |||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 |
| | $ | | ( | $ | ( | $ | | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | | $ | |
| $ | | ||||||||
Net loss |
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Stock repurchase | — | | ( | ( | | | | ( | | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | — |
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Initial non-controlling interest of the minority shareholders | — | | — | — | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax | — | | — | — | | | | | ( | | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2023 | | $ | |
| ( | $ | ( | $ | | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | | $ | |
| $ | | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2023 | | $ | | ( | $ | ( | $ | | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
Net income / (loss) | — |
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Stock repurchase | — | | ( | ( | | | | ( | | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | — |
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Other comprehensive loss, net of tax | — | | — | — | | | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock from release of restricted share units | | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2024 | | $ | |
| ( | $ | ( | $ | | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | | $ | |
| $ | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
5
EMEREN GROUP LTD
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts expressed in U.S. dollars in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
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| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
Operating activities: |
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Net loss | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
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Depreciation |
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Allowances for credit losses |
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Share-based compensation |
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Deferred tax provision |
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Loss on cancellation of project assets |
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Investment gains from U.S. treasury note | — | ( | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
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Accounts receivable, trade and unbilled |
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Advances to suppliers |
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Value added tax recoverable |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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Project assets |
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Other non-current assets |
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Accounts payable |
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Advances from customers |
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Amounts due to related parties |
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Other current liabilities |
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Income tax payable |
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Salaries payable |
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Net cash used in operating activities | ( | ( | ||||||
Investing activities: | ||||||||
Purchase of property, plant and equipment | ( | ( | ||||||
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment | | — | ||||||
Interest from U.S. treasury note | — | | ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ( | ||||||
Financing activities: | ||||||||
Proceeds from banks and other third-party borrowings | | — | ||||||
Repayment of banks and other third-party borrowings | ( | ( | ||||||
Repurchase of shares | ( | ( | ||||||
Borrowings from related parties | — | | ||||||
Proceeds from failed sale-lease back | — | | ||||||
Repayment of finance lease obligations | ( | ( | ||||||
Repayment of failed sale-lease back financing | ( | ( | ||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | ( | ( | ||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes | | | ||||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash | ( | ( | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | | | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
EMEREN GROUP LTD
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(Amounts expressed in U.S. dollars in thousands)
Supplemental schedule of non-cash operating activities: |
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Transfer from property, plant and equipment, net to project assets, current | $ | ( | $ | — | ||||
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities: | ||||||||
Payables for purchase of property, plant and equipment | ( | ( | ||||||
Payable for finance leases | ( | ( |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
7
EMEREN GROUP LTD
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Emeren Group Ltd, rebranded from ReneSola Ltd. in January 2023, was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on March 17, 2006. On January 29, 2008, Emeren Group Ltd and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) became listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) in the United States. The Company is a solar project developer and operator, a solar downstream player. The Company develops and sells solar power projects or sells project Special Purpose Vehicles (“SPVs”) (project development business); provides engineering, procurement and construction business (“EPC business”); owns and operates solar power projects and sells the electricity generated by the operated solar power plants (“IPP business”); and provides Development Services Agreement (“DSA”). The Company conducts the IPP business, EPC business and project development business in a number of countries, including United States, Poland, Hungary, Spain, France, United Kingdom (“UK”), Germany, Italy and China.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of presentation
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared and presented in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and, therefore, certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) have been omitted.
In the opinion of management, the information reflects all adjustments necessary to make the results of operations for the interim periods a fair statement of such operations. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all information and footnotes required by US GAAP for complete financial statements. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business are dependent on, among other things, the Company’s ability to generate cash flows from operations, and the Company’s ability to arrange adequate financing arrangements, to support its working capital requirements.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Emeren Group Ltd and its subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions, balances and realized and unrealized profits and losses have been eliminated on consolidation.
A non-controlling interest is recognized to reflect the portion of a subsidiary’s equity which is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the Company. Net income (loss) on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) includes the net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests when applicable. The cumulative results of operations attributable to non-controlling interests are also recorded as non-controlling interests in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. Cash flows related to transactions with non-controlling interests are presented under financing activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, when applicable.
8
Use of estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting periods presented. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates. Significant accounting estimates are susceptible to changes with the acquisition of the information, which include revenue recognition for sales of project asset rights, percentage of completion of EPC services, EPC warranties, allowances for credit losses, valuation of deferred tax assets, and recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets and project assets. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.
Fair value measurement
The Company estimates fair value of financial assets and liabilities as the price that would be received from the sales of an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) on the measurement date in an orderly transaction between market participants. The Company utilizes a hierarchy 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 maximize the use of observable inputs.
When available, the Company measures the fair value of financial instruments based on quoted market prices in active markets (Level 1 inputs), valuation techniques that use observable market-based inputs (Level 2 inputs) or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. Pricing information the Company obtains from third parties is internally validated for reasonableness prior to use in the consolidated financial statements. When observable market prices are not readily available, the Company generally estimates 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 (Level 3 inputs).
In certain cases, fair values are not subject to precise quantification or verification and may fluctuate as economic and market factors vary and as the Company’s evaluation of those factors changes. Although the Company uses its 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 its estimate of fair value, thereby increasing or decreasing the amounts of the Company’s consolidated assets, liabilities, equity and net income or loss.
Financial assets and liabilities held by the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and salaries payable.
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and salaries payable approximate their fair value because of their short-term nature (classified as Level 1).
Significant accounting policies
There have been no material changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies disclosed in our audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Cash and cash equivalents
The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents in bank accounts which, at times, exceed the federally insured limits. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had cash in excess of FDIC insured amount. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.
9
Restricted cash
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 to the total of such amounts as presented in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows:
March 31, | December 31, | |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 | |||
in thousands | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | | $ | | ||
Restricted cash |
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Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | | $ | |
Advances to suppliers
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, advances to suppliers in current assets were $
Leases
Operating lease costs are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. From time to time, the Company’s subsidiaries are asked to prepay the lease costs for over one year. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the prepaid rental fees of $
Revenue recognition
The Company primarily derives its revenues from the following revenue streams:
● | Solar power project development – This comprise of sale of project assets constructed by a third-party EPC contractor, sale of project assets constructed by the Company’s own EPC team, sale of project asset rights. |
● | EPC Services – Certain of the EPC contracts for photovoltaic (“PV”) solar power systems contain retainage provisions. Retainage represents contract costs for the portion of the contract price earned for work performed but held for payment by the customer as a form of security until a certain defined timeframe has been reached. The Company considers whether collectability of such retainage is reasonably assured in connection with our overall assessment of the collectability of amounts due or that will become due under the EPC contracts. After the Company has satisfied the EPC contract requirements and has an unconditional right to consideration, the retainage is billed and reclassified to “Accounts receivable from EPC services (billed)”. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the unbilled balance of accounts receivable from EPC services included in accounts receivable unbilled, net were $ |
● | Electricity generation – See Note 3. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE TRADE, NET for further details. |
● | Development services agreement (“DSA”) and others – DSA revenue is recognized over time based on the percentage of completion by using the cost-based input method upon the performance of relevant project development activities. |
Contract liability
Advances from customers, which represent contract liabilities, are unrecognized revenue received from customers. Advances from customers are recognized as the Company performs under the contract. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized
10
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenues from sales of project right is recognized at a point in time whereas other revenues are recognized over time. The following tables summarizes the Company’s revenues by recognition points:
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 | |||
in thousands | ||||||
EPC services | $ | | $ | | ||
Electricity generation |
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DSA | | — | ||||
Others |
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Revenue recognized over time |
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Total | $ | | $ | |
The following table summarizes the Company’s revenues generated by the geographic location of customers:
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 | |||
in thousands | ||||||
China | $ | | $ | | ||
United States |
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UK |
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France |
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| — | ||
Poland |
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Italy |
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Hungary |
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Total | $ | | $ | |
See Note 17. SEGMENT REPORTING for further details.
Feed-in tariff(s) (FIT) payments
The Company collected FIT payments of $
Foreign currency
The RMB is not a freely convertible currency. The PRC State Administration for Foreign Exchange, under the authority of the People’s Bank of China, controls the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies. The value of the RMB is subject to changes in central government policies and to international economic and political developments affecting supply and demand in the China foreign exchange trading system market. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash denominated in RMB amounted to RMB
Comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-shareholder sources and included net income (loss) and foreign currency translation adjustments. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is mainly composed of foreign currency translation.
11
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023 - 01, Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements, which requires leasehold improvements associated with common control leases to be amortized over the useful life to the common control group. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company’s management does not believe the adoption of ASU No. 2023 - 01 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023 - 07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new guidance on disclosures in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-09”), which requires disclosure of incremental income tax information within the rate reconciliation and expanded disclosures of income taxes paid, among other disclosure requirements. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company’s Management does not believe the adoption of ASU 2023-09 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on our financial statements.
3. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE TRADE, NET
| March 31, | December 31, | ||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
in thousands | ||||||
Accounts receivable trade | ||||||
– from EPC services | $ | |
| $ | | |
– from solar power project assets and DSA |
| |
|
| | |
– from electricity generation (1) |
| |
|
| | |
Total accounts receivable trade |
| |
|
| | |
Less: allowance for credit losses |
| ( |
|
| ( | |
Accounts receivable trade, net | $ | |
| $ | |
(1) | Accounts receivable from electricity generation were mainly due from China’s state grid companies. The amounts included the portion of feed-in tariff(s) (FIT) for the electricity sold to the state grid companies in the PRC in which the relevant on-grid solar power stations are still pending for registration to the Renewable Energy Subsidy Catalog, which the Company has submitted the application for its solar power stations started operation before July 2017 to be registered on the Catalog. The Company expects that a certain part of the FIT receivables will be recovered after |
Accounts receivable trade, net and its allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2022 amounted to $
12
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE UNBILLED, NET
March 31, | December 31, | |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 | |||
in thousands | ||||||
Accounts receivable unbilled |
|
|
|
| ||
–from solar power project assets | $ | | $ | | ||
–from EPC services | | | ||||
Total accounts receivable unbilled | | | ||||
Less: allowance for credit losses | ( | ( | ||||
Accounts receivable unbilled, net | $ | | $ | |
The Company’s contract assets classified as “Accounts receivable unbilled” are primary due to billing of certain project sales and EPC services where the Company has the right to consideration in exchange of the project sales transferred and EPC services performed.
Accounts receivable unbilled, net and its allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2022 amounted to $
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
The Company establishes an allowance for expected credit losses based on historically observed default rates over the expected life of the receivable balance and are adjusted for forward-looking information available without undue cost of effort. The Company’s management regularly reviews the allowance for credit losses to ensure relevant information about specific debtors is updated.
The following table shows the movement in lifetime expected credit losses that has been recognized for trade receivables under the simplified approach.
March 31, | December 31, | |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 | |||
in thousands | ||||||
At beginning of the period | $ | | $ | | ||
Allowance for credit losses for the period |
| |
| | ||
Written off | | ( | ||||
At end of the period | $ | | $ | |
During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded credit losses of $
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS
As of March 31, 2024, receivables from a solar power customer amounted to $
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, revenue from this solar power customer accounted for
13
4. PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
March 31, | December 31, | |||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
| in thousands | |||||
Receivables from disposal of property, plant and equipment (1) | $ | | $ | | ||
Deposits (2) | | | ||||
Others (3) |
| |
| | ||
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets |
| |
|
| | |
Allowance for credit losses (4) | ( | ( | ||||
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets | $ | |
| $ | |
(1) | Receivables from disposal of property, plant and equipment mainly represented disposal of Company’s solar power stations assets which were primarily for electricity generation revenue segment. |
(2) | As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, deposits mainly represented deposits made for interconnection, and the bidding of project asset construction rights and rooftop leases. |
(3) | As of December 31, 2023, others mainly included $ |
(4) | Allowance for credit losses mainly represented the portion of compensation receivable from Canadian authorities on closure of a certain project in Canada that the Company believes is not recoverable, unrecoverable collection from sold entities in China, and allowance for the Korea project’s prepayment which the Company deemed not recoverable. |
5. PROJECT ASSETS
Project assets consisted of the following at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively:
| March 31, | December 31, | ||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 | |||
in thousands | ||||||
Project assets - Development and construction cost | $ | | $ | | ||
Project assets - Others |
| |
| | ||
Total project assets | $ | | $ | | ||
Current portion | $ | | $ | | ||
Non-current portion | $ | | $ | |
14
6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property, plant and equipment, net:
| March 31, | December 31, | ||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
in thousands | ||||||
Land | $ | | $ | | ||
Plant and machinery |
| |
| | ||
Motor vehicles |
| |
| | ||
Office equipment |
| |
| | ||
Power stations |
| |
| | ||
Less: Accumulated depreciation |
| ( |
| ( | ||
| | |||||
Construction in progress |
| |
| | ||
Property, plant and equipment, net | $ | | $ | |
Construction in progress mainly represents solar power projects which are under development for self-electricity generation in China.
Depreciation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was $
7. INCOME TAXES
The Company and its subsidiaries file separate income tax returns.
The Company recorded income tax expense of $
The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was (
We determine our income tax provision for interim periods using an estimate of our annual effective tax rate adjusted for discrete items occurring during the periods presented. The Company’s income tax provision in the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was primarily related to the foreign tax provision. The Company’s income tax provision in the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was mainly due to income taxes on earnings from its foreign tax jurisdictions.
The Company conducts its business globally and its operating income is subject to varying rates of tax. Consequently, the Company’s effective tax rate is dependent upon the geographic distribution of its earnings or losses and the tax laws and regulations in each geographical region.
Due to historical losses in the U.S., the Company has a full valuation allowance on its U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets. Management continues to evaluate the realizability of deferred tax assets and the related valuation allowance. If management's assessment of the deferred tax assets or the corresponding valuation allowance were to change, the Company would record the related adjustment to income during the period in which management makes the determination.
As of March 31, 2024, there is no material changes on uncertain tax positions.
15
8. BORROWINGS AND OTHER FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
Borrowings from banks and other third parties
The Company’s borrowings from banks and other third parties consist of the following:
March 31, | December 31, | |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 | |||
in thousands | ||||||
Long-term borrowings, current portion | $ | | $ | | ||
Long-term borrowings |
| |
| | ||
Total borrowings from bank and other third parties | $ | | $ | |
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the long-term borrowings of $
Long-term borrowings
In January 2021, the Company’s UK subsidiary obtained a long-term loan by a lender in the UK totaling £
In January 2022, Project Branston subsidiary entered into a lease loan contract with Aviva Investor Infrastructure Income No.4 Ltd. The loan bears interest at
As of March 31, 2024, future minimum payments required under the lease loan contract are:
| USD | ||
in thousands | |||
2024 (April 1 through December 31) |
| $ | |
2025 | | ||
2026 |
| | |
2027 |
| | |
2028 |
| | |
2029 and later |
| | |
Total minimum lease loan payments |
| | |
Less: Amount representing interest |
| | |
Present value of net minimum lease loan payments | $ | |
In September 2022, the Company’s RPZE 1 subsidiary entered into a shareholder loan contract with a minority shareholder of a subsidiary of the Company, RPZE 1, of $
In February 2023, the Company’s Tensol 3 subsidiary entered into a shareholder loan contract with a minority shareholder of a subsidiary of the Company, Tensol 3, of $
In November 2023, the Company’s China subsidiary obtained a long-term loan by a bank totaling RMB
16
In March 2024, the Company’s China subsidiary obtained a long-term loan by a bank totaling RMB
Financing associated with failed sale-lease back transactions
In 2019, certain subsidiaries of the Company (the “seller-lessee”) sold self-built solar projects (“leased assets”) with a carrying amount of $
As the leased assets are considered integral with real estate under ASC 360, the sale-leaseback rules related to real estate are applied. The lease transactions do not qualify as a sale-leaseback transaction as these solar projects are initially invested and built up by the seller-lessee with expected useful life of
Accordingly, these transactions are accounted for as financing transactions in accordance with ASC 840. Internal rate of return is used in the computation of interest cost. The assets remain in the property, plant and equipment (“PPE”) and continue to be depreciated.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company paid for amount of financing lease associated with failed sales-lease back transactions of $
Finance lease
The Company leased module, inverter and other materials from different financial leasing companies in China. Pursuant to the terms of the contracts, the Company is required to make lease payments to the finance lease companies and is entitled to obtain the ownership of this machinery and equipment at a nominal price upon the expiration of the lease. These arrangements are guaranteed by other subsidiaries of the Company and are also pledged by the shares and rights for the future power generation income of the leased assets. The lease is classified as finance lease. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the carrying amount is included in finance lease right-of-use assets that is being depreciated over lives of
As of March 31, 2024, future minimum payments required under the finance lease are:
| USD | ||
in thousands | |||
2024 (April 1 through December 31) |
| $ | |
2025 |
| | |
2026 |
| | |
2027 |
| | |
Total minimum lease payments | | ||
Less: Amount representing interest |
| ( | |
Present value of net minimum lease payments | $ | | |
Current portion | $ | | |
Non-current portion | $ | |
17
As of March 31, 2024, future minimum payments required under the failed sale-lease back are:
| USD | ||
in thousands | |||
2024 (April 1 through December 31) |
| $ | |
2025 |
| | |
2026 |
| | |
2027 |
| | |
2028 |
| | |
2029 and later |
| | |
Total minimum lease payments |
| | |
Less: Amount representing interest |
| ( | |
Present value of net minimum lease payments | $ | | |
Current portion | $ | | |
Non-current portion | $ | |
March 31, | December 31, | |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 | |||
in thousands | ||||||
Current portion of finance lease | $ | | $ | | ||
Current portion of failed sale and lease back | | | ||||
Total current portion of failed sale-lease back and finance lease | $ | | $ | | ||
Non-current portion for finance lease | $ | | $ | | ||
Non-current portion for failed sale and lease back | | | ||||
Total non-current portion of failed sale-lease back and finance lease | $ | | $ | |
Total finance lease liabilities are net of total deposits of $
Interest expense
Interest expenses incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was $
9. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
The Company’s other current liabilities are summarized below:
March 31, | December 31, | |||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 | |||
in thousands | ||||||
Payables for purchase of property, plant and equipment(1) | $ | | $ | | ||
Other tax payables |
| |
| | ||
Deferred revenue(3) |
| |
| | ||
Other (2) |
| |
| | ||
Total other current liabilities | $ | | $ | |
(1) | Payable for purchase of property, plant and equipment as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 included as payable to ReneSola Singapore Pte Ltd.’s subsidiaries. |
(2) | Other as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 mainly includes the payables for claims, audit fees and other professional service fees. |
(3) | Deferred revenue as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 is mainly related to Hungary project. |
18
10. COMMON SHARES
During 2023, the Company repurchased
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the number of total issued shares of the Company was
On February 12, 2024, the Company announced that it approved an accelerated stock repurchase program (“ASR”) of up to $
11. SHARE BASED COMPENSATION
2007 Share Incentive Plan
On September 27, 2007, the Company adopted the Emeren Group Ltd 2007 Share Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) that provides for grant of share options, restricted shares and restricted share units to employees in the Plan. A maximum of
Except as otherwise noted in the award agreements with the employee or consultant, the options can be exercised within
Options to Employees
During the
Expected volatilities based on the average of the standard deviation of the daily stock prices of the Company and other selected comparable companies in the same industry. The expected term of options represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate of return is based on the US Treasury bond yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected term of the option.
19
A summary of the option activity is as follows:
Weighted | ||||||||||
Average | ||||||||||
Weighted | Remaining | Aggregate | ||||||||
Number of | Average | Contractual | Intrinsic | |||||||
| Options |
| Exercise Prices |
| Term (in years) | Value | ||||
Outstanding on December 31, 2023 |
| |
| $ | |
|
| $ | | |
Granted |
| |
|
| |
|
| — | ||
Exercised |
| |
|
| |
|
| — | ||
Forfeited |
| ( |
|
| |
|
| $ | | |
Outstanding on March 31, 2024 |
| |
|
| | $ | | |||
Expected to vest at March 31, 2024 |
| |
|
| |
|
| — | ||
Exercisable at March 31, 2024 |
| |
|
| |
|
| $ | |
As of March 31, 2024, there was
Share-based compensation costs of $
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the
12. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
North America
Emeren extends a 401(k) plan to eligible employees based in the United States. Through our 401(k) plan, eligible employees have the flexibility to defer up to
Emeren has implemented a voluntary Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) tailored for eligible employees based in Canada. This initiative aims to empower our Canadian workforce in achieving their long-term financial objectives in a tax-efficient manner. Under the RRSP program, eligible employees immediately vest in the plan, ensuring immediate access to the benefits it offers. Moreover, the Company provides a structured Employer Match percentage formula, which depends on the percentage of earnings contributed by the Employee.
In the fiscal year 2023, eligible employees based in the United States and Canada could enroll in the Company’s comprehensive supplemental benefits plans, comprising health insurance, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, and a flexible spending account. Furthermore, the Company ensured full compliance with state, provincial, and federal laws and regulations, guaranteeing that all social benefits pertinent to North American employees were provided in accordance with applicable legal frameworks.
Europe
Emeren Group is committed to providing a comprehensive range of benefits to its employees in Europe, maintaining careful adherence to the framework of local laws and regulations governing social welfare. Across the majority of European countries, the cornerstone elements of the social benefit system encompass pension, healthcare, accident, and unemployment insurances. Eligibility criteria, utilization guidelines, and benefit amounts are dictated by relevant local legislation, ensuring compliance and equitable distribution. In alignment with statutory obligations, our company carefully fulfills the provision of all supplementary social benefits mandated by law in each respective country. Furthermore, beyond the statutory offerings, our company extends additional support through supplementary benefits, including private medical insurance, meal vouchers, and commuting allowances.
20
China
In the fiscal year 2023, our operations in China continued to uphold our commitment to the welfare of our employees through participation in the benefit plans administered by the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). These plans encompass essential aspects such as pension, medical insurance, housing funds, unemployment, and workplace injury insurance, ensuring comprehensive coverage for our workforce.
Both the company and our employees actively contribute to these plans, with the company assuming the responsibility of withholding the employees’ portion from their salaries and remitting the contributions to the local government on a monthly basis.
13. EARNINGS/ (LOSS) PER ADS
Basic and diluted earnings per ADS have been calculated as follows:
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
in thousands, except number of shares and per share amounts | ||||||
Numerator: | ||||||
Net loss | $ | ( |
| $ | ( | |
Less: Net income/(loss) attributed to noncontrolling interests |
| |
| ( | ||
Total net loss attributed to Emeren Group Ltd | $ | ( |
| $ | ( | |
|
|
|
| |||
Numerator for diluted loss per ADS | $ | ( |
| $ | ( | |
| ||||||
Denominator: | ||||||
Denominator for basic loss per ADS - weighted average number of ADS outstanding* |
| |
|
| | |
Dilutive effects of share options* |
| |
|
| | |
Denominator for diluted calculation - weighted average number of ADS outstanding* |
| |
|
| | |
Basic loss per ADS | $ | ( |
| $ | ( | |
Diluted loss per ADS | $ | ( |
| $ | ( |
* | All shares are converted to ADS, each ADS represents |
The Company issues ordinary shares to its share depository bank which will be used to settle stock option awards upon their exercise. Any ordinary shares not used in the settlement of stock option awards will be returned to the Company. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there is
The Company uses the treasury method in determining whether those potential common shares are dilutive or antidilutive. That is, the number of potential common shares, after considering the shares repurchased used in computing the diluted per-share amount for income/(loss). For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company excluded ordinary share equivalents of
14. NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company has comprehensive loss attributed to non-controlling interest for $
21
15. RELATED PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS
(a) Related party balances
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, related party balances with ReneSola Singapore Pte., Ltd and its subsidiaries and with other related parties were as follows:
March 31, | December 31, | |||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
in thousands | ||||||
Due from other related party (1) | $ | | $ | | ||
Due from Related Party balances, net | $ | | $ | | ||
Due to other related party (1) | $ | | $ | | ||
Due to related party balances, net | $ | | $ | |
(b) Related party transactions
During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, related party transactions with ReneSola Singapore Pte., Ltd and its subsidiaries and other related parties were as follows:
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
in thousands | ||||||
Payable to related party services (4) | $ | | $ | | ||
Payment for service (3) | | | ||||
Bond issued to (2) |
| |
| | ||
Interest expense (2) | |
| |
(1) | The balances due to other related party were convertible bond issued to Eiffel Investment Group for solar power development purpose and included the outstanding service cost that minority controllers of Gravel A provided to the Company. |
(2) | Represents the convertible bond issued to Eiffel Investment Group up to EUR |
(3) | Represents the amount that the Company paid in cash to minority shareholders of Gravel A for settling historical payable balance. |
(4) | Transactions during the three months ended March 31, 2024, which represents the payable amount of Gravel A to Enerpoint and Kaizen for project services regarding Italy projects. |
16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Operating lease accounting
The Company leases rooftop, land, other property, and equipment under non-cancellable operating leases whose initial terms are typically
22
As this time, a certain portion of active leases within the Company portfolio are classified as operating leases under the new standard. Operating leases are included in operating lease, Right of Use (“ROU”) assets, operating lease liabilities, current, and operating lease liabilities , non-current in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make minimum lease payment arising from the lease for the duration of the lease term.
Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term from
To determine the present value of future minimum lease payments, the Company use the implicit rate when readily determinable. At this time, many of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate; therefore, to determine the present value of minimum lease payments, the Company use its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at lease commencement date. The ROU assets also include any lease payments made and exclude lease incentives.
The components of lease expenses consisted of the following:
|
| Three months ended March 31, | ||||||
Lease cost |
| Classification |
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
in thousands | ||||||||
Operating lease cost | Operating expenses: General and administrative | $ | |
| $ | | ||
Short-term lease cost | Operating expenses: General and administrative | — | | |||||
Net lease cost |
|
| $ | | $ | |
Lease Term and Discount Rate |
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
| |
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) |
|
| |||
Operating leases |
| years | years | ||
Weighted-average discount rate (%) |
|
| |||
Operating leases |
| % | | % |
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||
Other information | 2024 |
| 2023 | |||
in thousands | ||||||
Cash paid for amount included in the measurement of lease liabilities |
|
| ||||
Operating cash flows from operating leases | $ | | $ | | ||
Cash paid for short-term leases | $ | — | $ | |
As of March 31, 2024, future minimum payments required under the operating lease are:
| USD | ||
in thousands | |||
2024 (April 1 through December 31) | $ | | |
2025 |
| | |
2026 |
| | |
2027 |
| | |
2028 |
| | |
2029 and later |
| | |
Total minimum lease payments |
| | |
Less: Amount representing interest | ( | ||
Present value of net minimum lease payments | $ | |
23
Capital commitments
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had capital commitments of approximately $
The capital commitments as at balance sheet date disclosed above do not include those incomplete purchases or acquisitions as at balance sheet dates as the agreements could either be terminated unconditionally without any penalty or cancelable when the closing conditions as specified in the agreements could not be met.
Legal matters
In the ordinary course of business, the Company may be subject to legal proceedings regarding contractual and employment relationships and a variety of other matters. The Company records contingent liabilities resulting from such claims, when a loss is assessed to be probable and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable.
The Company is a party to legal matters and claims in the normal course of its operations. While the Company believes that the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows, the outcome of these matters is not determinable with certainty and negative outcomes may adversely affect the Company.
17. SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company separated the solar power project segment into
The chief operating decision maker is the chief executive officer of the Company.
The Company only reports the segment information of net revenue and gross profit, to conform to the information the chief operating decision maker receives to assess the financial performance and allocate resources. There are no differences between the measurements of the Company’s reportable segments’ gross profit and the Company’s consolidated gross profit, as the Company uses the same profit measurement for all of the reportable segments and the consolidated entity. Furthermore, the Company’s chief operating decision maker is not provided with asset information by segment. As such, no asset information by segment is presented.
The following table summarizes the Company’s revenues generated from each segment:
| Three months ended March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||
in thousands | |||||||||||||||
Electricity |
| EPC |
|
|
| ||||||||||
| generation | services |
| DSA |
| Others | Total | ||||||||
Net revenue | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||||
Gross profit | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | |
| Three months ended March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
in thousands | |||||||||||||||
Electricity |
| EPC |
|
|
| ||||||||||
| generation | services | DSA | Others | Total | ||||||||||
Net revenue | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||||
Gross profit/(loss) | $ | | $ | ( | $ | | $ | | $ | |
24
The following table summarizes the Company’s revenues generated by the geographic location of customers:
Three months March 31, | ||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 | |||
in thousands | ||||||
China | $ | | $ | | ||
United States |
| |
| | ||
UK |
| |
| | ||
France |
| |
| | ||
Poland |
| |
| | ||
Italy | | | ||||
Hungary |
| |
| | ||
Total | $ | | $ | |
18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In April 2024, the Company repurchased an aggregate of
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date of issuance of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, there were no subsequent events occurred that would require recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.
25
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and with our audited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 1, 2024 (“Annual Report on Form 10-K”), and related management’s discussion and analysis in Item 7 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward- looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed below. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those identified below and those discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Please also see the section herein titled “Forward-Looking Statements.”
Overview
In the first quarter of 2024, we generated $14.6 million in revenue. Gross profit increased to $4.3 million, with gross margin reaching 29.6%. Operating loss was approximately $1.2 million. This growth in revenue was primarily driven by our expanding Development Service Agreement (DSA) business in Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across Europe and the U.S.
We believe that our efforts to improve operating efficiency across all regions is paying off. We maintained our operating discipline by keeping cost control measures in place. However, that progress was offset by a $0.7 million write-off of cancelled U.S. projects in Maine and an unrealized foreign exchange loss of approximately $3.3 million, which constituted the bulk of our net loss.
An overview of each of our business lines is discussed below:
DSA and BESS
Our DSA projects have established a stable and predictable business model, enabling revenue recognition at the earliest stages of project development. This approach is instrumental to managing risks and maximizing cash flow across the project lifecycle. By the first quarter of 2024, DSA revenue accounted for 34.7% of our total revenue, largely driven by DSA contracts in Italy. Looking ahead, we intend to expand our DSA partnerships globally.
Simultaneously, we are making notable progress in our BESS projects, particularly in Italy. We recently finalized a DSA agreement for BESS projects in Southern Italy with Nuveen Infrastructure, formerly known as Glennmont Partners, one of the world’s largest fund managers specializing in clean energy, aiming for a total power capacity of 199 MW (up to 1.59GWh). In April 2024, we secured an additional agreement with Nuveen for 155 MW (up to 1.24GWh) of battery storage projects, bringing the total power capacity to 354 MWp (up to 2.83GWh).
Independent Power Producer (IPP)
In the first quarter of 2024, our IPP assets demonstrated strong growth and profitability, contributing approximately 36.9% of our revenue with a gross margin of 46.5%. IPP continues to be a pivotal component of our business model, providing a dependable source of stable and predictable cash flows. Our IPP revenue is balanced between Europe and China, with a modest presence in the U.S. In Europe, we have 67 MW of IPP assets that generate recurring revenue. We have IPP assets in China, located in the five coastal provinces with favorable power prices, strong economies, and robust regulatory environments. We are now fortifying those assets by adding battery storage to the portfolio. As of the end of the first quarter of 2024, our battery storage portfolio comprised 19 MWh, all integrated into the Virtual Power Plant (“VPP”) platform owned and operated by Huaneng Power International, one of the largest IPP operators in China.
Looking Forward
Looking forward to 2024 and beyond, we believe that we are well positioned in many of the world’s fastest growing solar markets, which are benefiting from increasing demand for clean energy, supportive government policies, and advancing technology trends. We will focus on progressing our early-stage projects to advanced stages, while securing multiple DSA partners in Europe and the U.S. Additionally, we have refined our strategies for monetizing early-stage projects.
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The solar industry continues to experience strong tailwinds, driven by the global commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. Governments and corporations worldwide are setting ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions, which in turn, are boosting demand for solar energy solutions. This global shift towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources firmly positions solar as a key element of the energy mix of tomorrow.
One of the most exciting developments in the renewable energy sector is the booming demand for solar power to support artificial intelligence (AI) operations and blockchain operations. As AI technologies become increasingly integrated into our daily lives and business operations, the energy required to power these advanced systems is substantial. Solar energy, with its scalability and decreasing cost profile, is becoming a preferred source of power for these high-tech applications, further driving demand in the sector.
In conclusion, the future of solar energy is extremely promising, and we believe we are strategically positioned to capitalize on the accelerating adoption of solar technology across the globe. With our exceptional expertise in developing and operating solar projects, an extensive network of industry partnerships, and a strong financial position, we are making great strides towards our goal of becoming a leading global solar company. We are thrilled about the bright future of solar energy and are proud to be at the forefront of this incredible transformation towards a more sustainable world.
Advanced-Stage and Early-Stage Solar Development Project Pipeline (in Megawatts)
Project pipeline by region (as of March 31, 2024):
| Advanced |
| Early |
| Total | |
Region | Stage | Stage | (MW) | |||
Europe |
| 1,495 |
| 5,454 |
| 6,949 |
U.S. |
| 1,032 |
| 920 |
| 1,952 |
China |
| 85 |
| — |
| 85 |
Total |
| 2,612 |
| 6,374 |
| 8,986 |
Project pipeline by country (as of March 31, 2024):
| Advanced |
| Early |
| Total | |
Country | Stage | Stage | (MW) | |||
Poland |
| 440 |
| 65 |
| 505 |
Hungary |
| 35 |
| — |
| 35 |
U.K. |
| 110 |
| — |
| 110 |
Spain |
| 215 |
| 4,415 |
| 4,630 |
Germany |
| 125 |
| 360 |
| 485 |
France |
| 99 |
| 90 |
| 189 |
Italy |
| 471 |
| 524 |
| 995 |
U.S. |
| 1,032 |
| 920 |
| 1,952 |
China |
| 85 |
| — |
| 85 |
Total |
| 2,612 |
| 6,374 |
| 8,986 |
Advanced-Stage and Early-Stage Solar Storage Project Pipeline
Project pipeline by region (as of March 31, 2024):
| Advanced |
| Early |
| Total | |
Region | Stage | Stage | (MW) (1) | |||
Europe |
| 2,460 |
| 4,913 |
| 7,373 |
U.S. |
| 596 |
| — |
| 596 |
China |
| 50 |
| — |
| 50 |
Total |
| 3,106 |
| 4,913 |
| 8,019 |
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Project pipeline by country (as of March 31, 2024):
| Advanced |
| Early |
| Total | |
Country | Stage | Stage | (MW) (1) | |||
Poland |
| 912 |
| 630 |
| 1,542 |
U.K. |
| 170 |
| 175 |
| 345 |
Spain |
| 36 |
| 2,381 |
| 2,417 |
France |
| 14 |
| — |
| 14 |
Italy |
| 1,328 |
| 1,727 |
| 3,055 |
U.S. |
| 596 |
| — |
| 596 |
China |
| 50 |
| — |
| 50 |
Total |
| 3,106 |
| 4,913 |
| 8,019 |
1. | The average hours per MW vary across regions. For example, in the U.S. and Europe, it ranged from 4 - 8 hours per MW of storage, while in China, it was ~2 hours. |
Growing IPP Asset Portfolio in Attractive PPA Regions
As of March 31,2024, we owned and operated IPP assets comprising 255 MW of solar PV projects and 19 MWh of storage.
| PV Capacity |
| Storage | |
Operating Assets* | (MW) | (MWh) | ||
China DG |
| 164 |
| 19 |
Europe |
| 67 |
| — |
U.S. |
| 24 |
| — |
Total |
| 255 |
| 19 |
*Some of these assets could be sold as project assets in the next 6 to 12 months.
Our battery storage IPP portfolio of 19 MWh are all integrated into the Virtual Power Plant (“VPP”) platform owned and operated by Huaneng Power International in Zhejiang Province, China.
Net Revenue
We are a solar/storage project developer and operator, with our revenues mainly generated from our solar/storage power projects. Set forth below is the breakdown of our net revenue by segment in absolute amount.
The Company has the following reportable segments, including solar/storage power project development, EPC services, electricity generation and DSA. Ancillary revenues and expenses and other unallocated costs and expenses are recorded in other.
Three months ended March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||
in thousands | ||||||||||||||||||
Solar power project | Electricity | EPC | ||||||||||||||||
| development |
| generation (a) |
| services |
| DSA |
| Other |
| Total | |||||||
Net revenue | $ | — | $ | 5,384 | $ | 4,137 | $ | 5,062 | $ | 17 | $ | 14,600 | ||||||
Gross profit | $ | — | $ | 2,501 | $ | 409 | $ | 1,395 | $ | 17 | $ | 4,322 |
Three months ended March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
in thousands | |||||||||||||||||
Solar power project | Electricity | EPC | |||||||||||||||
| development |
| generation (a) |
| services |
| DSA |
| Other |
| Total | ||||||
Net revenue | $ | — | $ | 4,882 | $ | 7,895 | $ | — | $ | 99 | 12,876 | ||||||
Gross profit/(loss) | $ | — | $ | 1,550 | $ | (6) | $ | — | $ | 49 | 1,593 |
(a)The weighted-average capacity factors can vary based on seasonality and weather.
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Geographical Distribution
We are a solar project developer and operator and function as a pure downstream player with a pipeline of projects around the world.
The following table summarizes the Company’s revenues generated by the geographic location of customers:
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 | |||
in thousands | ||||||
China | $ | 2,881 | $ | 3,230 | ||
United States |
| 407 |
| 203 | ||
UK |
| 2,097 |
| 1,286 | ||
France |
| 1 |
| — | ||
Poland | 2,460 | 7,908 | ||||
Italy | 5,062 | — | ||||
Hungary |
| 1,692 |
| 249 | ||
Total | $ | 14,600 | $ | 12,876 |
We expect the revenue from solar/storage power project continue to increase generally in parallel with our business growth.
Cost of Revenue
Our cost of revenue for continuing operations consists of costs for:
A. | development costs (including interconnection fees and permitting costs) of solar/storage power projects; |
B. | acquisition costs of solar/storage power projects, if applicable; |
C. | project management costs; |
D. | EPC costs (consisting of costs of the components of solar/storage power projects other than solar modules, such as inverters, electrical and mounting hardware, trackers, grid interconnection equipment, wiring and other devices); |
E. | interest costs capitalized for solar/storage power projects during construction period; and |
F. | site-specific costs |
Gross Margin
Our gross margin is affected by changes in our net revenue and cost of revenue. Gross margin is affected by 1) the gross margin of each individual solar/storage power project we sell, which is determined by our ability to negotiate the sales price and our ability to effectively control the project acquisition and development costs, 2) the gross margin of each individual solar/storage power project we operate, which is determined by revenues from the sale of electricity generated from our operated solar/storage power projects and our ability to effectively control the operation costs, and 3) the gross margin of each individual EPC services we provide, which is determined by our ability to negotiate the sales price and our ability to effectively control the engineering, procurement and construction costs.
Our gross margin increased to 29.6% in the three months ended March 31, 2024 from 12.4% in the three months ended March 31, 2023 primarily due to the decrease in unfavorable margin within EPC services that we provided and increase in favorable revenue within DSA.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses primarily include sales and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses and other operating income and expenses and impairment loss of assets.
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries, bonuses and pensions for our sales personnel, commission paid to our sales agents, outbound freight, share-based compensation expenses and benefits, travel and other sales and marketing expenses.
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General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries, bonuses and benefits for our administrative and management personnel, consulting and professional service fees, bad debt provision, and travel and related costs incurred by our administrative and management personnel.
Other Operating Income and Expenses
Other operating income (expenses) primarily consist of cancellation loss of project assets, disposal gain (loss) of property, plant and equipment and non-FIT payments.
Other Income and Expenses
Our other income and expenses consist primarily of interest income, interest expenses, foreign currency exchange gains or losses and investment gain.
Our interest income represents interest on our cash balances and the recognition of the discounted interest income on the feed-in tariff(s) (FIT) for the electricity sold. Our interest expenses relate primarily to our short-term and long-term borrowings from banks and other financing parties.
Our foreign currency exchange gain or loss results from our net exchange gains and losses on our monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies during the relevant period. Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency for our subsidiaries in the PRC is Reminbi (“CNY”). The functional currency of our overseas subsidiaries normally is the local currency of the country where the subsidiary is domiciled. Foreign currency transactions have been translated into the functional currency at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of the transaction. Foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities are translated into our functional currency at exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Assets and liabilities have been translated using exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Income statement items have been translated using the weighted average exchange rate and equity is translated at historical exchange rates, except for the change in retained earnings during the period which is the result of the income or loss.
Taxation
Under the current laws of the British Virgin Islands, we are not subject to any income or capital gains tax. Additionally, dividend payments made by us are not subject to any withholding tax in the British Virgin Islands.
In 2023, we had overseas operations in the jurisdiction of the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, Hungary, Spain, France, Germany, Italy and China. The corporate income tax rates in these jurisdictions range from 0% to 25%.
Segment Operations
We currently separate our business into four reportable segments, including solar/storage power project development, electricity generation, EPC services and DSA. Ancillary revenues and expenses and other unallocated costs and expenses are recorded in other.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and related disclosures. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. In many instances, we could have reasonably used different accounting estimates, and in other instances, changes in the accounting estimates are reasonably likely to occur from period-to-period. Actual results could differ significantly from our estimates. Our future financial statements will be affected to the extent that our actual results materially differ from these estimates.
There were no significant changes in the Company’s significant accounting policies during the first three months of 2024 from those disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on August 1, 2024.
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
A discussion of recently issued accounting standards applicable to the Company is described in Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our unaudited statements of operations data for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. We have derived this data from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. This information should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The results of historical periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for any future period.
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 | |||
Net revenues: | ||||||
Electricity generation | $ | 5,384 | $ | 4,882 | ||
EPC services |
| 4,137 |
| 7,895 | ||
DSA | 5,062 | — | ||||
Others |
| 17 |
| 99 | ||
Total net revenues |
| 14,600 |
| 12,876 | ||
Cost of revenues |
| (10,278) |
| (11,283) | ||
Gross profit |
| 4,322 |
| 1,593 | ||
Operating expenses: |
|
| ||||
Sales and marketing |
| (61) |
| (92) | ||
General and administrative |
| (4,622) |
| (4,396) | ||
Other operating expenses, net |
| (852) |
| (108) | ||
Total operating expenses |
| (5,535) |
| (4,596) | ||
Loss from operations |
| (1,213) |
| (3,003) | ||
Other (expenses) / income: |
|
| ||||
Interest income |
| 520 |
| 588 | ||
Interest expense |
| (385) |
| (721) | ||
Investment gain | — | 77 | ||||
Foreign exchange gains (losses) |
| (3,253) |
| 2,708 | ||
Total other (expense) income, net |
| (3,118) |
| 2,652 | ||
Loss before income tax |
| (4,331) |
| (351) | ||
Income tax expense |
| (1,157) |
| (264) | ||
Net loss |
| (5,488) |
| (615) | ||
Less: Net income (loss) attributed to non-controlling interests |
| 437 |
| (421) | ||
Net loss attributed to Emeren Group Ltd | $ | (5,925) | $ | (194) | ||
Loss attributed to Emeren Group Ltd per ADS* |
|
|
|
| ||
Basic | $ | (0.11) | $ | (0.00) | ||
Diluted | $ | (0.11) | $ | (0.00) | ||
Weighted average number of ADS* used in computing loss per ADS* |
|
| ||||
Basic |
| 53,553,650 |
| 57,409,673 | ||
Diluted |
| 53,553,650 |
| 57,409,673 |
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Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
Net Revenue. Our net revenue increased from $12.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2023 to $14.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024 primarily due to (i) revenue from electricity generation increasing by $0.5 million; (ii) revenue from EPC services decreasing by $3.8 million and (iii) revenue from DSA increasing by $5.1 million, due to the timing of project completion.
Cost of Revenue. Our cost of revenue decreased from $11.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2023 to $10.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024. Our cost of revenue associated with solar power project primarily consists of project development cost and acquisition cost; cost on electricity generation primarily consists of depreciation expenses arising from our solar power fixed assets and EPC cost associated with direct materials, solar modules, labor, subcontractor costs, and others indirect cost related to contract performance, such as indirect labor and supplies. The decrease of our cost of revenue is primarily due to the decrease in EPC services we provided in the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Gross Profit. Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $4.3 million, compared to a gross profit of $1.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase percentage in gross margin was caused by the favorable margin within the DSA revenue partially offset by decrease in unfavorable margin from EPC services we provided during the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Sales and Marketing Expenses. Sales and marketing expenses was $0.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2023 and $0.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased from $4.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2023 to $4.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase was mainly from payroll, credit loss and consulting expenses offset by decrease in stock base compensation and other management expense and overall decrease in all other expense accounts.
Other Operating Expenses. Other operating expense increased from $0.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2023 to $0.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024. Our other operating income/expenses consisted primarily of cancellation loss of project assets, loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment and non-FIT payments.
Interest Income and Expenses. Our interest income decreased from $0.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2023 to $0.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to the decrease in interest income received from cash deposits. Our interest expenses decreased from $0.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2023 to $0.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to the decrease in average outstanding principal of finance lease and failed sales leaseback in the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Foreign Exchange (Losses)/Gains. Foreign exchange gain was $2.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2023 and foreign exchange loss was $3.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to the strengthening of USD against EUR in the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense increased from $0.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2023 to $1.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024. The income tax expense in the three months ended March 31, 2024 mainly resulted from the taxable income from UK, Italy and Hungary.
Net loss. We had a net loss of $5.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to net loss of $0.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2023, primarily as a result of the foreign exchange loss during the first quarter of 2024.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, we had negative operating cash flow of $6.8 million, and loss from operations of $1.2 million and we repaid borrowings, finance lease and failed sales leaseback financing totaling of $2.8 million. As of March 31, 2024, we have positive working capital of $161 million. We believe that our cash and cash equivalents, project assets, and continued support from financial institutions, fund investors and financing lease companies, in the form of renewed and additional short-term or long-term financings (including development loans, construction loans and project financings) and equity contribution, will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure needs that will arise in 2024 and will be sufficient for the next 12 months from the issuance
32
date of this quarterly report. We intend to continue to carefully execute our operating plans and manage credit and market risk. However, if our financial results or operating plans change from our current assumptions, our liquidity could be negatively impacted.
As part of our financing policy, we expect to continue to finance our liquidity needs mainly with cash flows from our operating activities. We continuously evaluate opportunities to pursue acquisitions or engage in strategic transactions. We expect to finance any significant future transaction with a combination of cash, long-term indebtedness and the issuance of shares of our company.
As of March 31, 2024, significant components of our working capital were as follows:
● | Our total current assets were $218.9 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $55.1 million. |
● | We had current project assets of $53.9 million in our late stage projects under development. Although we believe we will be able to sell such project assets at a profit, if we are unable to sell these project assets at reasonable prices in the near term, our liquidity may be negatively affected. |
Cash generated from operations, external financing, and related party credit are our primary sources of operating liquidity, and we believe that cash flows from operations combined with our existing cash and cash equivalents, and facilities currently available, and those expected to be renewed will be sufficient to satisfy our obligations when they become due.
Borrowings
Short-term borrowings
As of March 31, 2024, all the short-term borrowings have been fully repaid and there were no new short-term borrowings.
Long-term Borrowings and Other Liabilities
In January 2021, our UK subsidiary obtained a long-term loan by a lender in the UK totaling $0.06 million. The long-term loan has a maturity date of July 2026 with an interest rate of 2.5%. The proceeds from this loan were used for general working capital purposes. The long-term borrowing was interest free for twelve months. As of March 31, 2024, the balance of this long-term borrowing was $0.03 million.
In January 2022, our Project Branston subsidiary entered into a lease loan contract with Aviva Investor Infrastructure Income No. 4 Ltd. The loan bears interest at 4% above the base rate time to time from Lloyds Bank Plc on the bank and will mature in April 2060. As a result of the acquisition of Branston, we took over the loan. As of March 31, 2024, the long-term borrowings were $23 million including current of $1 million and non-current of $22 million.
In September 2022, our RPZE 1 subsidiary entered into a shareholder loan contract with a minority shareholder of a subsidiary of the Company, RPZE 1, of $0.6 million. The loan bears interest at 2% per annum and will mature on December 2025. As of March 31, 2024, the shareholder loan balance was $0.1 million.
In February 2023, our Tensol 3 subsidiary entered into a shareholder loan contract with a minority shareholder of a subsidiary of the Company, Tensol 3, of $0.7 million. The loan bears interest at 2% per annum and will mature on December 2025. As of March 31, 2024, the balance of the shareholder loan was $0.03 million.
In November 2023, China subsidiary obtained a long-term loan by a bank in the RMB totally RMB 1.3 million ($0.2 million). The long-term loan bears interest at 5.2% above the base rate time to time from Loan Prime Rate on the bank and will mature in November 2033. As of March 31, 2024, the long-term borrowings were $0.2 million, including current of $0.02 million and non-current of $0.2 million.
In March 2024, the Company’s China subsidiary obtained a long-term loan by a bank totaling RMB 5.6 million ($0.8 million). The long-term loan bears interest at 5.2% above the base rate time to time from Loan Prime Rate on the bank and will mature on March 2034. As of March 31, 2024, the long - term borrowings were $0.8 million, including current of $0.08 million and non – current of $0.7 million.
33
Contractual Obligations
For more information on our contractual obligations, commitments and contingencies, see Notes 8 and 16 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report Form 10-Q.
Cash Flows For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
The following table summarizes the Company’s cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 | |||
Net cash used in operating activities |
| $ | (6,788) | $ | (23,728) | |
Net cash used in investing activities |
| (2,607) |
| (1,866) | ||
Net cash used in financing activities |
| (8,187) |
| (16,150) | ||
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
| (15,101) |
| (40,551) |
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Decrease in net cash used in operating activities by $16.9 million was mainly attributable to the favorable turnover of trade and unbilled receivables during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to three months ended March 31, 2023, contributing an increase by $15.8 million.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Increase in net cash used in investing activities by $0.7 million was mainly attributable to the increase in the purchases of property, plant and equipment by $0.9 million.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Decrease in net cash used in financing activities by $8.0 million was mainly attributable to the decrease in repurchase of shares by $7.0 million and repayment of finance lease obligations by $1.4 million.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources that are material to investors. The term “off-balance sheet arrangement” generally means any transaction, agreement, or other contractual arrangement to which an entity unconsolidated with the Company is a party, under which it has any obligation arising under a guaranteed contract, derivative instrument, or variable interest or a retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to such entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity, or market risk support for such assets.
Currently, the Company does not engage in off-balance sheet financing arrangements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
No applicable to smaller reporting companies.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (Disclosure Controls) within the meaning of Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”). Our Disclosure Controls are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act, such as this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, is
34
recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Our Disclosure Controls are also designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our Disclosure Controls, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily applied its judgment in evaluating and implementing possible controls and procedures.
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our Disclosure Controls, which was done under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer. Based on the evaluation of our Disclosure Controls, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of March 31, 2024, our Disclosure Controls were not effective due to a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as disclosed below.
Material Weaknesses in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the preparation of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have identified three material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 relating to (i) the ineffective review and approval procedures over preparation of financial reporting at certain of our subsidiary locations; (ii) certain instances where some historical accounting supporting documents were not readily available and (iii) that the Company improperly offset refundable deposits on leases against lease liabilities in the consolidated financial statements presentation related to Accounting Standards Codification 842, Leases (“ASC 842”), in which refundable deposits on leases should be reflected as an asset on the consolidated balance sheet. We concluded that the failure to timely identify such accounting errors constituted material weaknesses as defined in the SEC regulations. As of March 31, 2024, we have addressed and remediated items (ii) and (iii) above; however, we have not remediated item (i) above as of March 31, 2024. In light of the continued material weakness related to the ineffective review and approval procedures over preparation of financial reporting at certain of our subsidiary locations, management determined that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15 (e) and 15d-15 (e) under the Exchange Act) were not effective as of March 31, 2024.
Plan to Remediate Material Weaknesses in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
To respond to the material weakness, we have devoted, and plan to continue to devote, significant effort and resources to the remediation and improvement of our internal control over financial reporting. While we have processes to identify and appropriately apply applicable accounting requirements, we plan to enhance our system of evaluating and implementing the complex accounting standards that apply to our financial statements. Our plans at this time include providing enhanced access to accounting literature, research materials and documents and increased communication among our personnel and third-party professionals with whom we consult regarding complex accounting applications. The process of designing and implementing an effective financial reporting system is a continuous effort that requires us to anticipate and react to changes in our business and the economic and regulatory environments and to expend significant resources to maintain a financial reporting system that satisfies our reporting obligations.
Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to consolidated financial statement preparation and presentation and may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we have implemented controls whereby proper historical accounting supporting documents were ensured to be readily available and whereby refundable deposits on leases are reviewed quarterly to reflect proper classification in the consolidated financial statements.
Other than the remediation efforts and changes in internal control over financial reporting described above, there were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2024, to which this report relates, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The information with respect to legal proceedings is set forth under Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies, in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our risk factors have not changed materially from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Issuer Purchases of Registered Equity Securities
The following table sets forth purchases of our ordinary shares by us during the three months ended March 31, 2024:
|
|
|
| (d) Maximum Number (or | ||||||
(b) Average | (c) Total Number of Shares | Approximate Dollar Value) of | ||||||||
(a) Total Number of | Price Paid per | (or Units) Purchased as Part | Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be | |||||||
Shares (or Units) | Share (or | of Publicly Announced | Purchased Under the Plans or | |||||||
Period | Purchased | Units) | Plans or Programs (1) | Programs (in thousands) | ||||||
January 1 - January 31, 2024 |
| 2,811,830 | $ | 0.23 |
| 93,527,600 | $ | 7,425 | ||
February 1- February 29, 2024 |
| 10,095,050 |
| 0.21 |
| 103,622,650 | 5,334 | |||
March 1 - March 31, 2024 |
| 16,351,400 |
| 0.21 |
| 119,974,050 | 1,884 | |||
Total |
| 29,258,280 |
|
|
(1) | As of December 2021, the Board authorized the Company to repurchase up to $50 million of shares, which authorization does not expire. In February, 2024, we announced that our Board of Directors approved an accelerated stock repurchase (ASR) program of up to $10 million, which does not expire. This accelerated stock repurchase program underscores the Board’s commitment to our shareholders and confidence in the company’s future growth. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we repurchased 29,258,280 no par value shares at the cost of $6.2 million. As of March 31, 2024, we have $1.9 million left under our repurchase plans. |
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, there were no modifications,
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit |
| Exhibit Description |
31.1* | ||
31.2* | ||
32.1** | ||
101.** | Interactive Data Files | |
101.INS+ | XBRL Instance Document | |
101.SCH+ | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |
101.CAL+ | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |
101.DEF+ | XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document | |
101.LAB+ | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |
101.PRE+ | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |
104. | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) |
*Filed herewith
**Furnished herewith
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Signatures
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.
Emeren Group Ltd | ||
Date: August 19, 2024 | By: | /s/ Yumin Liu |
Yumin Liu | ||
Chief Executive Officer | ||
Date: August 19, 2024 | By: | /s/ Ke Chen |
Ke Chen | ||
Chief Financial Officer |
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