SHANGRAO, China, March 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. ("JinkoSolar" or the "Company") (NYSE: JKS), one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fully year ended December 31, 2023.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Business Highlights
Fourth Quarter 2023 Operational and Financial Highlights
Full Year 2023 Operational and Financial Highlights
Mr. Xiande Li, JinkoSolar's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are pleased to have achieved very impressive operational and financial results in a challenging year by leveraging our advantages in N-type TOPCon technology, global operations and integrated capability. Module shipments for the full year increased 76.4% year-over-year to 78.5 GW, back to the top position in the industry. Benefiting from our efforts in cost optimization, our profitability for the full year significantly improved year-over-year, with gross margin at 16.0%, compared to 14.8% in 2022. Net income was US$485.6 million, up 4.56 times year-over-year. Adjusted net income was US$573.6 million, up 1.93 times year-over-year. Module shipment in the fourth quarter was 26.3GW, exceeding our guidance. As module prices fell more than expected in the fourth quarter and nearly 50% of our modules were sold to the Chinese market at lower prices, gross margin for the fourth quarter decreased significantly to 12.5% from 19.3% in the third quarter
3% in the third quarter
Thanks to our integrated manufacturing strategy and early leading position in N-type TOPCon technology, by the end of the fourth quarter, our N-type capacity exceeded 70 GW and our cost structure continues to improve. Currently, our mass-produced N-type cell efficiency exceeds 26%, while the integrated cost of N-type is almost on par with that of P-type. With the continuous introduction of new cell technologies and optimization of production processes, our cost structure is expected to become more competitive
With the continuous introduction of new cell technologies and optimization of production processes, our cost structure is expected to become more competitive
We have the largest overseas integrated capacity of over 12 GW in the industry and an effective supply chain traceability system. This has made us the most reliable module supplier to the U. market and expect to generate significant profit in 2024. Phase I and II of our integrated project in Shanxi, China will start production gradually in the first half of 2024, as planned, and ramp up in the second half of 2024. This innovative production model relying on fully integrated automation will greatly improve efficiency in labor and operational processes and is expected to bring a significant reduction in operating costs once we reach full production
This innovative production model relying on fully integrated automation will greatly improve efficiency in labor and operational processes and is expected to bring a significant reduction in operating costs once we reach full production
Taking into account supply chain and market conditions, we are reducing investments in capacity expansion in 2024. We are focusing on expanding our advanced N-type capacity, including 28 GW of integrated capacity in our Shanxi plant in China and about 4 GW of N-type cell and module capacity in Vietnam.
We expect the decline in module prices to significantly improve the economics of solar energy industry in the short-to-mid-term, and we anticipate demand in the global PV market to continue to increase in 2024. Meanwhile, rapid iterations of new technologies and the elimination of obsolete production capacity will also accelerate the consolidation of the industry. Market share for the top 10 module manufacturers is expected to increase from approximately 70% in 2023 to over 90% in 2024. We are confident to successfully navigate through cyclical fluctuations in the PV industry and we expect our market share to further increase in 2024
We are confident to successfully navigate through cyclical fluctuations in the PV industry and we expect our market share to further increase in 2024
We attach great importance to intellectual property rights and are fully focused on sustaining our technical leadership based on extensive intellectual property rights. As of December 31, 2023, we had been granted 330 TOPCon patents, one of the largest portfolios of granted TOPCon patents in the world.
We expect module shipments to be in the range of 18 GW to 20 GW for the first quarter of 2024, and 100 GW to 110 GW for the full year 2024, with N-type accounting for nearly 90% of total module shipments. We expect our annual production capacity for mono wafers, solar cells and solar modules to reach 120 GW, 110 GW and 130 GW, respectively, by the end of 2024, with N-type capacity accounting for over 90% of total capacity. By then, we believe mass-produced N-type cell efficiency will have reached 26.5%
5%
Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results
Total Revenues
Total revenues in the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB32.83 billion (US$4.62 billion), an increase of 3.1% from RMB31.83 billion in the third quarter of 2023 and an increase of 9.4% from RMB30.00 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022. The sequential and year-over-year increases were mainly attributable to the increases in the shipment of solar modules due to the increasing demand in the global market which were partially offset by the decrease in the average selling price of solar modules.
Gross Profit and Gross Margin
Gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB4.09 billion (US$576.2 million), compared with RMB6.13 billion in the third quarter of 2023 and RMB4.21 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022. 
Gross margin was 12.5% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 19.3% in the third quarter of 2023 and 14.0% in the fourth quarter of 2022. The sequential and year-over-year decreases were mainly due to the decrease in the average selling price of solar modules.
Income from Operations and Operating Margin
Income from operations in the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB352.5 million (US$49.6 million), compared with RMB2.99 billion in the third quarter of 2023 and RMB614.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The changes were primarily attributable to the decreases in our gross margin in the fourth quarter of 2023.  
Operating profit margin was 1.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 9.4% in the third quarter of 2023 and 2.0% in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Total operating expenses in the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB3.74 billion (US$526.5 million), an increase of 18.9% from RMB3.14 billion in the third quarter of 2023 and an increase of 4.0% from RMB3.59 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022. The sequential and year-over-year increases were mainly due to (i) loss of disposal on property, plant and equipment and (ii) expenses in relation to settlement of a dispute with one of our customers. 
Total operating expenses accounted for 11.4% of total revenues in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to 9.9% in the third quarter of 2023 and 12.0% in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Interest Expenses, Net
Net interest expenses in the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB205.6 million (US$29.0 million), an increase of 38.8% from RMB148.2 million in the third quarter of 2023 and an increase of 84.0% from RMB111.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The sequential and year-over-year increases were mainly due the increases in interest-bearing debts.
Subsidy Income
Subsidy income in the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB554.6 million (US$78.1 million), compared with RMB64.5 million in the third quarter of 2023 and RMB94.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The sequential and year-over-year increases were mainly attributable to an increase in the cash receipt of incentives to the Company's business operations.
Exchange Gain/Loss and Change in Fair Value of Foreign Exchange Derivatives
The Company recorded a net exchange gain (including change in fair value of foreign exchange derivatives) of RMB76.3 million (US$10.8 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to a net exchange loss of RMB295.8 million in the third quarter of 2023 and a net exchange gain of RMB35.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The sequential and year-over-year changes were mainly attributable to the exchange rate fluctuation of US dollars against RMB in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Change in Fair Value of Convertible Senior Notes
The Company issued US$85.0 million of 4.5% convertible senior notes due 2024 in May 2019 and has elected to measure the Notes at fair value derived by valuation model, i.e. Binomial Model.
The Company recognized a loss from a change in fair value of the Notes of RMB155.1 million (US$21.8 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to a gain of RMB295.6 million in the third quarter of 2023 and a gain of RMB396.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The changes were primarily due to the changes in the Company's stock price in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Change in Fair Value of Long-term Investment
The Company invested in certain equity interests in several solar technology companies engaged in the photovoltaic industry chain. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had RMB1.02 billion (US$143.9 million) in long-term investment, compared with RMB956.2 million as of September 30, 2023.
The Company recognized a loss from change in fair value of RMB90.9 million (US$12.8 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with a loss of RMB130.3 million in the third quarter of 2023 and a gain of RMB101.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Equity in Earnings of Affiliated Companies
The Company indirectly holds a 20% equity interest in Sweihan PV Power Company P.C, a developer and operator of solar power projects in Dubai, and a 9% equity interest in Xinte Ltd, a domestic silicon material supplier, and both are accounted for using the equity method. The Company recorded equity in earnings of affiliated companies of RMB2.4 million (US$0.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with loss of RMB22.9 million in the third quarter of 2023 and gain of RMB148.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The fluctuation of equity in earnings of affiliated companies primarily arose from the net gain or loss incurred by the affiliate companies
The fluctuation of equity in earnings of affiliated companies primarily arose from the net gain or loss incurred by the affiliate companies
Income Tax Expense
The Company recorded an income tax expense of RMB200.8 million (US$28.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with RMB403.3 million in the third quarter of 2023 and RMB265.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Non-Controlling Interests
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests amounted to RMB293.3 million (US$41.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with RMB1.00 billion in the third quarter of 2023 and RMB344.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The sequential and year-over-year changes were mainly attributable to the changes in net income of the Company's majority-owned principal operating subsidiary, Jinko Solar Co., Ltd. ("Jiangxi Jinko").
Net Income and Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to the JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.'s ordinary shareholders was RMB29.3 million (US$4.1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with RMB1.32 billion   in the third quarter of 2023 and RMB665.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. Excluding the impact from (i) a change in fair value of the Notes (ii) a change in fair value of the long-term investment and (iii)the share based compensation expenses, the adjusted net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.'s ordinary shareholders was RMB462.7 million (US$65.2 million), compared with RMB1.35 billion in the third quarter of 2023 and RMB267.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2022
8 million in the fourth quarter of 2022
Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were RMB0.14 (US$0.02) and RMB0.14 (US$0.02), respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to RMB6.42 and RMB4.61, respectively, in the third quarter of 2023, and RMB3.31 and RMB1.25, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2022. As each ADS represents four ordinary shares, this translates into basic and diluted earnings per ADS of RMB0.56 (US$0.08) and RMB0.54 (US$0.08), respectively in the fourth quarter of 2023; basic and diluted earnings per ADS of RMB25.66 and RMB18.46, respectively, in the third quarter of 2023; and basic and diluted earnings per ADS of RMB13.22 and RMB5.01, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2022
01, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2022
Financial Position
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had RMB19.56 billion (US$2.75 billion) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, compared with RMB11.27 billion as of December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company's accounts receivables due from third parties were RMB22.66 billion (US$3.19 billion), compared with RMB16.67 billion as of December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company's inventories were RMB18.22 billion (US$2.57 billion), compared with RMB17.45 billion as of December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company's total interest-bearing debts were RMB31.10 billion (US$4.38 billion), compared with RMB27.16 billion as of December 31, 2022.
Full Year 2023 Financial Results
Total Revenues
Total revenues for full year 2023 were RMB118.68 billion (US$16.72 billion), an increase of 42.8% from RMB83.13 billion for full year 2022. The increase in total revenues was mainly attributable to an increase in the shipment of solar modules due to increasing demand in the global market which were partially offset by the decrease in the average selling price of solar modules..
Gross Profit and Gross Margin
Gross profit for full year 2023 was RMB19.05 billion (US$2.68 billion), an increase of 55.1% from RMB12.28 billion for full year 2022. The year-over-year increase was mainly attributable to an increase in the shipment of solar modules in 2023.
Gross margin was 16.0% for full year 2023, compared with 14.8% for full year 2022. The year-over-year increase was mainly attributable to the decrease in the material cost of solar modules.
Income from Operations and Operating Margin
Income from operations for full year 2023 was RMB6.09 billion (US$858.1 million), compared with RMB429.2 million for full year 2022. Operating margin for full year 2023 was 5.1%, compared with 0.5% for full year 2022.
Total operating expenses for full year 2023 were RMB12.96 billion (US$1.82 billion), an increase of 9.3% from RMB11.85 billion for full year 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, operating expenses accounted for 10.9% for full year 2023, compared with 14.3% for full year 2022. The increase in total operating expenses was primarily due to (i) an increase in staff costs, (ii) an increasing impairment loss and (iii) an increasing expense in relation to settlement of a dispute with one of our customers
The increase in total operating expenses was primarily due to (i) an increase in staff costs, (ii) an increasing impairment loss and (iii) an increasing expense in relation to settlement of a dispute with one of our customers
Interest Expense, Net
Net interest expense for full year 2023 was RMB617.6 million (US$87.0 million), an increase of 25.9% from RMB490.7 million for full year 2022. The increase was mainly due to an   increase in interest-bearing debts.
Subsidy Income
Subsidy income for full year 2023 was RMB1.18 billion (US$165.6 million), compared with RMB1.09 billion for full year 2022. The year-over-year increase was mainly attributable to an increase in the cash receipt of incentives to the Company's business operations.
Exchange gain/Loss and Change in Fair Value of Foreign Exchange Derivatives
The Company recorded a net exchange gain (including change in fair value of foreign exchange derivatives) of RMB623.2 million (US$87.8 million) for full year 2023 due primarily to appreciation of US dollars against RMB. The Company recorded a net exchange gain of RMB857.4 million for full year 2022. The year-over-year changes were mainly due to the  exchange rate fluctuation of US dollars against RMB in 2023.
Change in Fair Value of Convertible Senior Notes
The Company issued the Notes in May 2019 and has elected to measure them at fair value derived by valuation model, i.e. Binomial Model. The Company recognized a loss from a change in fair value of the Notes of RMB31.2 million (US$4.4 million) for full year 2023, compared to a loss of RMB12.1 million for full year 2022. The changes in 2023 was primarily due to the changes in the Company's stock price in 2023.
Change in Fair Value of Long-term Investment
The Company invested in certain equity interests in several solar technology companies engaged in the photovoltaic industry chain. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had RMB1.02 billion (US$143.9 million) in long-term investment, compared with RMB 423.8 million as of December 31, 2022. The Company recognized a gain from change in fair value of RMB221.5 million (US$31.2 million) in 2023, compared to a gain of RMB101.9 million for full year 2022.
Equity in Income of Affiliated Companies
The Company indirectly holds a 20% equity interest of Sweihan PV Power Company P.C, a developer and operator of solar power projects in Dubai, and a 9% equity interest in Xinte Ltd, a domestic silicon material supplier, and both are accounted using the equity method. The Company recorded equity in earnings of affiliated companies of RMB222.7 million (US$31.4 million) in 2023, compared with a gain of RMB193.7 million in 2022. The gain primarily arose from the net gain incurred by affiliate companies
The gain primarily arose from the net gain incurred by affiliate companies
Income Tax Expense, Net
The Company recognized an income tax expense of RMB1.26 billion (US$177.5 million) in 2023, compared with an income tax expense of RMB605.3 million in 2022.
Net Income and Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd's ordinary shareholders in 2023 was RMB3.45 billion (US$485.6 million), compared with a net income of RMB620.5 million in 2022. Excluding the impact from (i)a change in fair value of the Notes (ii) a change in fair value of the long-term investment and (iii)the share based compensation expenses, the adjusted net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd's ordinary shareholders was RMB4.07 billion (US$573.6 million), compared with RMB1.39 billion in 2022
39 billion in 2022
Basic and diluted earnings per share for full year 2023 were RMB16.60 (US$2.34) and RMB15.23 (US$2.15), respectively, compared to RMB3.13 and RMB3.10 for full year 2022. This translates into basic and diluted earnings per ADS of RMB66.39 (US$9.35) and RMB60.90 (US$8.58), respectively for full year 2023, compared to RMB12.54 and RMB12.38 for full year 2022.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year  2023 Operational Highlights
Solar Module, Cell and Wafer Shipments
Total shipments were 27,862 MW in the fourth quarter of 2023, including 26,335 MW for solar module shipments and 1,528 MW for cell and wafer shipments.
Total shipments in the full year 2023 were 83,562 MW, including 78,520 MW for solar module shipments and 5,043 MW for cell and wafer shipments.
Operations and Business Outlook Highlights
We are optimistic about global market demand and the opportunities brought by the increasing penetration of N-type technology. We will continue to maintain our leading position in N-type modules through technology iteration, improvement in mass production capability, and cost optimization. By the end of 2024, we expect mass-produced N-type cell efficiency to reach 26.5%, The proportion of N-type modules shipments in our total module shipments is expected to reach nearly 90% in 2024, as we anticipate strong demand for high-efficiency products from a growing number of markets and customers
5%, The proportion of N-type modules shipments in our total module shipments is expected to reach nearly 90% in 2024, as we anticipate strong demand for high-efficiency products from a growing number of markets and customers
Taking into account supply chain and market conditions, we are reducing investments in capacity expansion in 2024. We are focusing on expanding our advanced N-type capacity, including 28 GW of integrated capacity in our Shanxi plant in China and about 4 GW of N-type cell and module capacity in Vietnam. We continue to focus on improving working capital efficiency and achieving sustainable growth in operating cash flow.
First Quarter and Full Year 2024 Guidance
The Company's business outlook is based on management's current views and estimates with respect to market conditions, production capacity, the Company's order book and the global economic environment. This outlook is subject to uncertainty on final customer demand and sale schedules. Management's views and estimates are subject to change without notice.
For the first quarter of 2024, the Company expects its module shipments to be in the range of 18.0 GW to 20.0 GW.
For full year 2024, the Company estimates its module shipments to be in the range of 100.0 GW to 110.0 GW.
Solar Products Production Capacity
JinkoSolar expects its annual production capacity for mono wafer, solar cell and solar module to reach 120.0 GW, 110.0 GW and 130.0 GW, respectively, by the end of 2024.
Recent Business Developments
Conference Call Information
JinkoSolar's management will host an earnings conference call on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (8:00 p.m. Beijing / Hong Kong the same day).
Please register in advance of the conference using the link provided below. Upon registering, you will be provided with participant dial-in numbers, passcode and unique access PIN by a calendar invite.
Participant Online Registration: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10037759-7atgdd.html
It will automatically direct you to the registration page of "JinkoSolar Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Earnings Conference Call", where you may fill in your details for RSVP.
In the 10 minutes prior to the call start time, you may use the conference access information (including dial-in number(s), passcode and unique access PIN) provided in the calendar invite that you have received following your pre-registration.
A telephone replay of the call will be available 2 hours after the conclusion of the conference call through 23:59 U.S. Eastern Time, March 27, 2024. The dial-in details for the replay are as follows:
International:  +61 7 3107 6325   U.S.:       +1 855 883 1031   Passcode:      10037759
Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of JinkoSolar's website at http://www.jinkosolar.com.
About JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar (NYSE: JKS) is one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world. JinkoSolar distributes its solar products and sells its solutions and services to a diversified international utility, commercial and residential customer base in China, the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Chile, South Africa, India, Mexico, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Greece and other countries and regions
JinkoSolar distributes its solar products and sells its solutions and services to a diversified international utility, commercial and residential customer base in China, the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Chile, South Africa, India, Mexico, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Greece and other countries and regions
JinkoSolar had 14 productions facilities globally, 26 overseas subsidiaries in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, India, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Denmark, Indonesia, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, and global sales teams in China, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Spain, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Vietnam and India, as of December 31, 2023.
To find out more, please see: www.jinkosolar.com
Currency Convenience Translation
The conversion of Renminbi into U. dollars in this release, made solely for the convenience of the readers, is based on the noon buying rate in the city of New York for cable transfers of Renminbi as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as of December 29, 2023, which was RMB7.0999 to US$1.00. No representation is intended to imply that the Renminbi amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized, or settled into U. dollars at that rate or any other rate. The percentages stated in this press release are calculated based on Renminbi
The percentages stated in this press release are calculated based on Renminbi
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "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. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the quotations from management in this press release and the Company's operations and business outlook, contain forward-looking statements. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in JinkoSolar's filings with the U. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise
Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
In China:Ms. Stella WangJinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.Tel: +86 21-5180-8777 ext.7806Email: [email protected]
Mr. Rene VanguestaineChristensenTel: +86 178 1749 0483Email: [email protected]
In the U.S.:Ms. Linda BergkampChristensen, Scottsdale, ArizonaTel: +1-480-614-3004Email: [email protected]
SOURCE JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. ("JinkoSolar" or the "Company") (NYSE: JKS), one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the...
JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. ("JinkoSolar" or the "Company") (NYSE: JKS), one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the...

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