News

Canadian Solar Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2009 Results

March 08, 2010 by Jeff Shepard

Canadian Solar Inc. announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and the year ended December 31, 2009. For the fourth quarter of 2009, net revenues were $287.0 million, compared to net revenues of $68.8 for the fourth quarter of 2008 and $213.1 million for the third quarter of 2009. Net income for the fourth quarter was $14.9 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $49.2 million, or $1.38 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2008.

4Q09 shipment is 155.5 MW including 146.5 MW of module sales, approximately 6.5 MW of off-spec solar cells, and 2.5 MW of modules shipped to a solar power plant project, which the company built and sold during the quarter. The net proceeds of these project sales are classified as investment income in the profit and loss statement.

For the full year 2009, net revenues were $663.8 million, compared to $705.0 million for full year 2008. Net income for the full year 2009 was $53.1 million, or $1.41 per diluted share, compared to a net loss for the full year 2008 of $7.5 million, or $0.24 per diluted share.

Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO, commented, "In 2009 we rebounded from net revenues of $49.5 million in the first quarter to over $287.0 million in the fourth quarter; a record for both our quarterly revenue and shipments. The rapid quarterly shipment and revenue increase we achieved is due to our world-wide market share growth and improving cost structure. We delivered products to more than 300 customers in seven core country markets and 18 secondary markets. In 2010 we expect shipments growth in ten core countries: Germany, Italy, Spain, the Czech Republic, France, the U.S., Canada, Japan, Korea and China. We are excited about our growth potential in these markets with the increasing brand recognition."

Arthur Chien, CFO of CSI, noted: "Gross profit increased significantly to more than $40 million in 4Q09, compared to a loss of nearly $30 million in 4Q08. We achieved this increase by investing in our business to support revenue growth opportunities. Accordingly there were increased sales, general and administrative expenses during the quarter, both to support increased year end shipments and to prepare ourselves for ongoing growth in sales in 2010. 4Q09 results also reflect the impact of a $5.1 million foreign exchange loss. Overall, we achieved an increase in net income for 2009 of $53.1 million compared to a loss in 2008 of $7.5 million. Both inventory days and accounts receivable days declined quarter over quarter, while our cash position, leverage ratios and balance sheet improved considerably year over year. We expect these improvements to continue into 2010."