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

 

_______________________

 

FORM 6-K
_______________________

 

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

 

For the month of May 2014

 

Commission File Number: 001-33911

 


_______________________

 

RENESOLA LTD
_______________________

 

No. 8 Baoqun Road, YaoZhuang
Jiashan, Zhejiang 314117
People’s Republic of China
(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

 

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

 

Form 20-F þ Form 40-F o  

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): o

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): o

 

 

 

 
 

 

Incorporation by Reference

 

This Form 6-K is being incorporated by reference into the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-3 (No. 333-189650), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2013 and as amended on August 7, 2013 and September 6, 2013, and declared effective on September 9, 2013.

 

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First Quarter 2014 Results

 

ReneSola Ltd (“ReneSola” or the “Company”) reported its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014.

 

Financial and Operational Highlights

 

·In Q1, total solar module shipments were 521.1 megawatts (“MW”), compared to 505.3 MW in Q4 of 2013. Total solar wafer and module shipments in Q1 were 710.1 MW, compared to 784.1 MW in Q4.

 

·Net revenues were US$415.0 million, compared to US$438.8 million in Q4 2013.

 

·Gross profit was US$44.0 million with a gross margin of 10.6%, compared to gross profit of US$49.7 million with a gross margin of 11.3% in Q4 2013.*

 

·Operating loss was US$8.7 million with an operating margin of negative 2.1%, compared to operating income of US$8.8 million with an operating margin of 2.0% in Q4 2013.

 

·Net loss attributable to holders of ordinary shares was US$14.6 million, representing basic and diluted loss per share of US$0.07 and basic and diluted loss per American depositary share (“ADS”) of US$0.14.

 

·Cash and cash equivalents plus restricted cash totaled $214.9 million as of the end of Q1 2014, compared to US$348.9 million as of the end of Q4 2013.

 

·Net cash outflow from operating activities was US$112.3 million compared to net cash outflow from operating activities of US$30.8 million in Q4 2013.

 

* Starting from Q1 2014, the Company has changed its accounting classification of warranty expense, which was previously classified as cost of goods sold, to better reflect its global OEM business operations and align its accounting policy to industry peers. Accordingly, beginning with this quarter, warranty expense has been recognized in the selling expense. The change in classification has been retroactively applied for all periods presented. The impact of change in classification on the consolidated financial statements are: gross profit increased by US$2.55 million, US$2.33 million and US$1.96 million; sales and marketing expense increased by US$2.55 million, US$2.33 million and US$1.96 million for Q1 2014,Q4 2013 and Q1 2013, respectively.

 

First Quarter 2013 Results

 

Solar Wafer and Module Shipments

 

   1Q14  4Q13  1Q13  Q-o-Q%  Y-o-Y%
Module Shipments (MW)    521.1  505.3  326.6  3.1%  59.6%
Wafer Shipments (MW)    189.0  278.8  335.5  (32.3%)  (43.7%)
Total Solar Wafer and Module Shipments (MW)  710.1  784.1   662.1  (9.5%)  7.2%

 

The sequential increase in solar module shipments was mainly the result of the Company’s increased sales in Japan. The sequential decline in solar wafer shipments was consistent with the Company’s ongoing shift toward using its wafers for internal module production rather than external sales.

 

Net Revenues and Gross Profit

 

   1Q14  4Q13  1Q13  Q-o-Q%  Y-o-Y%
Net Revenues (US$mln)  $415.0  $438.8  $284.2  (5.4%)  46.0%
Gross Profit (Loss) (US$mln)  $44.0  $49.7*  ($3.6)*  (11.5%) 
Gross Margin  10.6%  11.3%*  (1.3%)*   

 

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* Adjusted based on the new accounting classification for warranty expense, which is now recognized as a selling expense rather than cost of goods sold, as was done previously. Before the adjustment, the gross profit for Q4 2013 was $47.4 million, and the gross loss for Q1 2013 was $5.6 million; the gross margin was 10.8% and negative 2.0% for Q4 2013 and Q1 2013, respectively.

 

Revenues decreased quarter-over-quarter as a result of decreased wafer shipments. The sequential decrease in the Company’s gross margin was impacted by a temporary suspension of operations for the purposes of maintenance and improvement at the Company’s Sichuan factory in Q1 2014.

  

Operating Income (Loss)

 

   1Q14  4Q13  1Q13  Q-o-Q%  Y-o-Y%
Operating Expenses (US$mln)  $52.8  $40.9*  $29.8*  29.1%  77.2%
Operating Income (Loss) (US$mln)  ($8.7)  $8.8  ($33.4)   
Operating Margin  (2.1%)  2.0%  (11.8%)   

 

* Adjusted based on the new accounting classification for warranty expense, which is now recognized as a selling expense rather than cost of goods sold, as was done previously. Before the adjustment, the operating expense was $38.6 million and $27.8 million for Q4 2013 and Q1 2013, respectively.

 

The sequential increase in operating expenses was primarily due to a reversal of accrued expenses in Q4 2013, as well as higher shipping costs due to increased overseas shipments and a provision of accounts receivable in Q1 2014.

 

Foreign Exchange Gain

 

The Company had a foreign exchange gain of US$1.48 million and recognized a US$1.38 million loss on derivatives in Q1 2014.

 

Change in Fair Value of Warrant Derivative Liabilities

 

The Company recognized a gain from a change in fair value of warrant derivative liabilities of US$1.05 million in Q1 2014, primarily due to the decrease in the Company’s stock price.

 

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Holders of Ordinary Shares

 

   1Q14  4Q13  1Q13
Net Income (Loss) (US$mln)  ($14.6)  $1.41  ($39.0)
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share  ($0.07)  $0.01  ($0.23)
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per ADS  ($0.14)  $0.01  ($0.45)

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Net cash outflow from operating activities was US$112.3 million in Q1 2014, mainly to pay off accounts payable, compared to net cash outflow of US$30.8 million in Q4 2013.

 

Net cash and cash equivalents plus restricted cash were US$214.9 million as of March 31, 2014, compared to US$348.9 million as of December 31, 2013.

 

Total debt was US$723.9 million as of March 31, 2014, compared to US$742.6 million as of December 31, 2013, excluding US$111.6 million of convertible notes due March 15, 2018, unless repurchased or converted at an earlier date. Short-term borrowings were US$653.3 million as of March 31, 2014, compared to US$673.1 million as of December 31, 2013.

 

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Polysilicon Update

 

The total output of polysilicon in Q1 was 175 metric tons, compared to an output of 1,768 metric tons in Q4 2013 and nil in the year-ago period. Operations of the Company’s Sichuan polysilicon plant were temporarily halted in Q1 for maintenance and technical improvements, which negatively impacted the Company’s Q1 net income and gross margin. Full operations of the plant resumed in late March and are currently at 100% capacity. With the recent rise and overall stability in polysilicon prices, and further production cost reduction coming from seasonally lower electricity price, the Company expects to benefit from its in-house polysilicon production capabilities going forward.

   

Business Highlights

 

Geographic Breakdown of Module Shipments

 

   2014 Q1  2013 Q4  2013 Q1
U.S.  13.6%  27.4%  4.4%
Europe  39.2%  26.5%  59.7%
Japan  22.5%  5.2%  3.2%
China  11.4%  21.6%  17.9%
Other  13.3%  19.3%  14.8%

 

The Company’s module shipments to Japan grew substantially in Q1 2014, and are expected to at least maintain the current level through the rest of this year. The Japan market, along with strong sales in the UK market, made up for seasonally low shipments to other markets in Q1 2014.

 

Research and Development

 

During Q1, ReneSola continued to invest in research and development regarding the Company’s new and existing products.

 

Wafers and Modules

The Company expects to start manufacturing its A+++ wafer 100% in June. The A+++ wafer has a conversion efficiency rate of 17.8%.

 

The Company has begun optimizing the module structure, while ensuring its carrying capacity and reliability. Such structural improvement will help reduce packing and transportation costs going forward.

 

The Company’s glass-glass module is now in the certification process. With a differentiated design, the glass-glass module is expected to enjoy a cost advantage and a higher ready-for-sale product rate.

 

Inverter

The Company’s second-generation micro-inverter, Micro-Replus II, has received ETL certification in the United States and is currently undergoing pilot-scale experimentation.

 

The Company has launched its second-generation string inverter in Australia, ranging from 3KW to 5KW in power output, featuring higher efficiency, lighter weight and longer working life. The Company’s 18KW and 20KW string inverters have achieved BDEW certification in Germany. The Company has also launched new string inverter products in India and South Africa.

 

Energy Storage Systems

The Company has launched its off-grid, all-in-one storage system product, which incorporates a controller, MPPT battery charger, inverter and fast power switch in one system, supporting both acid and lithium batteries. It has also introduced lithium battery packs, and will provide customized products ranging from 10AH to 500AH and 12V to 360V power requirements.

 

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Mounting Systems

The Company has completed the research and development phase of its 30-degree tripod system and the product is now in trial production and awaiting patent approval. The Company has also completed research and development regarding AE Clamp Group products, which can hold in position solar panels with a thickness ranging from 35mm to 50mm. The program is also in trial production and awaiting patent approval.

 

  

LED

The Company currently has 600 models of LED products and has obtained 125 UL certificates for North America, 118 CUL certificates for Canada, 150 TUV-CE certificates for the EU, 203 TUV-CB certificates for IECEE member countries, and four SAA & RCM certificates for Australia. The Company expects to obtain additional certification for its various LED products across these regions, as well as certification for other markets like Japan, Russia and Mexico. The certification process is expected to be completed by June 2014.

 

Recent Business Developments

 

·In May, ReneSola appointed Jason Wu as the Company’s vice president of marketing to oversee the Company’s global marketing, new product management, and brand enhancement.
·In May, the Company announced a deal to provide 1.6MW in solar modules and 1MW in mounting systems to Consolidated Energy & Economic Engineering Co. to power a series of residential and commercial rooftop projects in the country of Jordan.
·In April, ReneSola announced the appointment of Mr. Daniel Lee as the Company’s new chief financial officer.
·In April, the Company announced it had completed the sale of three utility-scale projects in Western China, with a total capacity of 60MW, to Jiangsu Akcome Solar Science & Technology Co., Ltd.
·In April, the Company announced it had been awarded a “TOP BRAND PV” seal in the union of states of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg (“Benelux”) by EuPD Research, the leading market intelligence company in the sustainable business sector and an independent brand management appraiser of module manufacturers in Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Benelux, and France.
·In March, the Company announced it had been included as a respondent in the United States Department of Commerce’s anti-dumping investigation regarding certain crystalline silicon photovoltaic products from China (DOC Case No. A-570-010). A preliminary ruling is expected in June of this year.
·In March, ReneSola announced it will deliver 66 Replus string inverters, 100 Micro Replus micro inverters, and 2,000 ReneSola 240W and 260W Virtus II modules to Enlightened Solar to be installed at residential housing developments in southeastern England.
·In March, ReneSola announced it had delivered approximately 45,900 of its high-efficiency modules to the Photovoltaic Plant of Ferrara Aranova project, a 11.7MW ground-mounted solar project in Italy developed by Tozzi Sud S.p.A., an Italian designer, manufacturer, and installer of power plants.
·In March, ReneSola announced it will begin manufacturing its Virtus II modules in Japan through a joint venture, Vitec Global Solar, in partnership with Vitec Co., Ltd., a Japanese trading company that specializes in the sale of semiconductor and electrical products.
·In February, ReneSola announced it had opened a new office in Lyon, France. The office will provide regional sales and customer support services.
·In February, ReneSola announced it is supplying 13MW of its high-efficiency Virtus and Virtus II polycrystalline solar modules to Low Carbon, a UK-based investor in renewable energy developers and projects. The modules will power a ground-mounted project on 63.5 acres of land in Wiltshire, England.
·In February, ReneSola announced that it had provided 10,000 of its high efficiency solar PV modules to Chevron Energy Solutions, one of the largest installers of solar power in the United States, for a 3.1MW multi-site project in Lemoore, California. The multi-array project will consist of 2.85MW of ReneSola’s 72-cell 300W polycrystalline modules and 260KW of 260W monocrystalline modules.
·In February, ReneSola announced the formal launch of ReneSola Panama Inc., the Company’s first branch office in Latin America. The office will be responsible for sales and marketing efforts across Latin America and the Caribbean region.
·In January, ReneSola announced an agreement to provide Isolux Corsan, a global benchmark in the areas of concessions, energy, construction and industrial services and a leader in engineering, procurement and construction projects for solar PV plants, with 57 megawatts of Virtus PV modules for installation in three commercial PV projects in the United Kingdom.

·In January, ReneSola announced the formal launch of ReneSola South Africa (Pty) Ltd. in Cape Town. The office will be responsible for sales and marketing efforts across Africa and South Africa.

 

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·In January, ReneSola announced it provided Isolux Corsan Servicios, S.A., a global benchmark in the areas of concessions, energy, construction and industrial services and a leader in engineering, procurement and construction projects for solar PV plants, with 31.7 MW of Virtus PV modules for a commercial PV project in the United Kingdom.
·In January, ReneSola marked a year of projects that cumulatively utilize over 50MW of solar power across several sites in North Carolina and that are powered by ReneSola’s high-efficiency 300W 72-cell polycrystalline solar modules.
·In January, ReneSola announced it had been awarded a contract to supply 420MW of solar panels to a leading solar project developer based in Japan. ReneSola’s Virtus II 300W 72-cell high-efficiency polycrystalline PV panels will be installed in over ten ground-mounted power plants in the mountain regions of Japan, and will provide power to the surrounding residential homes.

   

Safe Harbor Statement

 

Certain statement in this Current Report on Form 6-K may contain statements that 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.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Whenever you read a statement that is not simply a statement of historical fact (such as when the Company describes what it “believes,” “expects” or “anticipates” will occur, what “will” or “could” happen, and other similar statements), you must remember that the Company’s expectations may not be correct, even though it believes that they are reasonable. The Company does not guarantee that the forward-looking statements will happen as described or that they will happen at all. Further information regarding risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F. The Company undertakes no obligation, beyond that required by law, to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made, even though the Company’s situation may change in the future.

 

 

7
 

 

  

RENESOLA LTD

 Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet

(US dollars in thousands)

 

 

   Mar 31,   Dec 31,   Mar 31, 
   2014   2013   2013 
ASSETS               
Current assets:               
Cash and cash equivalents   52,660    86,773    142,983 
Restricted cash   162,283    262,127    299,681 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts   206,771    236,576    263,737 
Inventories   375,655    359,577    292,767 
Advances to suppliers-current   8,699    14,210    10,355 
Amounts due from related parties   205    408    9,133 
Value added tax recoverable   29,359    30,113    35,271 
Prepaid income tax   2,307    2,667    3,011 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   61,918    50,031    27,748 
Project assets   33,158    34,173    30,572 
Deferred convertible bond issue costs-current   784    784    784 
Derivative assets   63    1,503    3,417 
Assets held-for-sale       122,638     
Deferred tax assets-current   1,557    5,218    2,856 
Total current assets   935,419    1,206,798    1,122,315 
                
Property, plant and equipment, net   827,460    863,093    1,123,584 
Prepaid land use right   41,312    44,996    47,250 
Deferred tax assets-non-current   19,740    13,659    17,325 
Deferred convertible bond issue costs-non-current   745    941    1,530 
Advances for purchases of property, plant and equipment   2,430    2,214    6,985 
Advances to suppliers-non-current   5,627    5,627    5,928 
Other long-term assets   2,316    2,423    2,365 
Total assets   1,835,049    2,139,751    2,327,282 
                
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY               
                
Current liabilities:               
Short-term borrowings   653,295    673,096    832,766 
Accounts payable   536,067    656,243    569,391 
Advances from customers-current   65,929    99,499    70,067 
Amounts due to related parties   4,558    9,210    24,886 
Other current liabilities   142,642    159,377    199,620 
Income tax payable   2,345    5,306    2,680 
Derivative liabilities   1,026    1,463    131 
Warrant liability   8,295    9,345     
Liability held-for-sale       99,434     
Total current liabilities   1,414,157    1,712,973    1,699,541 

 

 

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Convertible bond payable-non-current   111,616    111,616    111,616 
Long-term borrowings   70,561    69,489    125,883 
Advances from customers-non-current   7,105    8,154    6,168 
Warranty   23,546    20,612    12,317 
Deferred subsidies and other   54,375    46,733    36,527 
Other long-term liabilities   933    1,157    8,042 
Total liabilities   1,682,293    1,970,734    2,000,094 
                
Shareholders’ equity               
   Common shares   475,816    475,816    421,461 
   Additional paid-in capital   6,549    5,950    5,525 
Accumulated losses   (411,159)   (396,572)   (176,660)
   Accumulated other comprehensive income   81,550    83,614    76,376 
Total equity attribute to ReneSola Ltd   152,756    168,808    326,702 
Noncontrolling interest       209    486 
Total shareholders’ equity   152,756    169,017    327,188 
                
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   1,835,049    2,139,751    2,327,282 

 

 

9
 

  

RENESOLA LTD

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income

 

(US dollar in thousands, except ADS and share data)

               

  

 

   Three Months Ended 
   Mar 31, 2014   Dec 31, 2013   Mar 31, 2013 
             
Net revenues   414,966    438,837    284,165 
Cost of revenues   (370,917)   (389,144)   (287,807)
Gross profit (loss)   44,049    49,693    (3,642)
GP%   10.6%   11.3%   (1.3%)
                
Operating (expenses) income:               
Sales and marketing   (23,125)   (19,251)   (14,187)
General and administrative   (20,202)   (13,332)   (15,136)
Research and development   (11,757)   (11,265)   (5,982)
Other operating income, net   2,333    2,960    5,522 
Total operating expenses   (52,751)   (40,888)   (29,783)
                
Income (loss) from operations   (8,702)   8,805    (33,425)
                
Non-operating (expenses) income:               
Interest income   1,271    2,735    1,548 
Interest expense   (13,349)   (13,105)   (13,118)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)   1,481    1,187    (3,011)
(Loss) gain on derivatives, net   (1,376)   (741)   3,865 
Investment gain on disposal of subsidiaries   2,615         
Fair value change of warrant liability   1,050    5,852     
                
Income (loss) before income tax, noncontrolling interests   (17,010)   4,733    (44,141)
                
Income tax (expense) benefit   2,419    (3,321)   5,131 
Net income (loss)   (14,591)   1,412    (39,010)
                
Less: Net income (loss) attributed to noncontrolling interests   (4)   10    (6)
Net income (loss) attributed to holders of ordinary shares   (14,587)   1,402    (39,004)
                
                
Earnings per share               
  Basic   (0.07)   0.01    (0.23)
  Diluted   (0.07)   0.01    (0.23)
                
Earnings per ADS               
  Basic   (0.14)   0.01    (0.45)
  Diluted   (0.14)   0.01    (0.45)
                
Weighted average number of shares used in computing earnings per share           
  Basic   203,367,464    203,341,160    172,773,664 
  Diluted   203,367,464    206,374,834    172,773,664 
                

 

10
 

 

RENESOLA LTD

 Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

(US dollar in thousands)

 

 

 

   Three Months ended 
   Mar 31, 2014   Dec 31, 2013   Mar 31, 2013 
Net income (loss)   (14,591)   1,412    (39,010)
Other comprehensive income (loss)               
Foreign exchange translation adjustment   (2,064)   (2,734)   1,541 
Other comprehensive income (loss)   (2,064)   (2,734)   1,541 
                
Comprehensive loss   (16,655)   (1,322)   (37,469)
Less:comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest   (4)   10    (6)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Renesola   (16,651)   (1,332)   (37,463)
                

 

 

11
 

 

RENESOLA LTD

 Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow

 (US dollar in thousands)

 

 

 

   Three Months ended  
   Mar 31, 2014   Mar 31, 2013 
           
Cash flow from operating activities:          
Net loss   (14,591)   (39,010)
Inventory write-down   816    402 
Depreciation and amortization   28,449    24,882 
Amortization of deferred convertible bond issuances costs and premium   196    196 
Allowance of doubtful receivables and advance to suppliers   3,627    2,613 
Losses (gain) on derivatives   1,376    (3,865)
Fair value change of warranty liability   (1,050)    
Share-based compensation   600    275 
Loss on disposal of long-lived assets   440    31 
Gain on disposal of land use right   (411)   (4,694)
Gain on disposal of  subsidiaries   (2,615)    
           
Changes in assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivables   24,479    (56,437)
Inventories   (21,772)   (38,422)
Project assets   886    (5,681)
Advances to suppliers   5,319    13,307 
Amounts due from related parties   (4,297)   7,679 
Value added tax recoverable   44    (202)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   949    7,165 
Prepaid land use rights   1,324    7,531 
Accounts payable   (106,786)   84,838 
Advances from customers   (32,973)   3,882 
Income tax payable   (2,654)   (7,713)
Other current liabilities   9,902    8,164 
Other long-term liabilities   (3,049)   (3,248)
Accrued warranty cost   2,367    1,964 
Deferred taxes assets   (2,829)   2,502 
Provision for litigation       (1,941)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   (112,253)   4,218 
           

 

 

12
 

 

 

Cash flow from investing activities:          
Purchases of property, plant and equipment   (35,876)   (5,730)
Advances for purchases of property, plant and equipment   (1,188)    
Cash received from government subsidy   12,010    6,741 
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment   27     
Changes in restricted cash   94,775    (124,070)
Net cash received (paid) on settlement of  derivatives   (371)   265 
Proceeds from disposal of subsidiaries   14,765     
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   84,142    (122,794)
           
Cash flow from financing activities:          
Proceeds from bank borrowings   249,143    488,567 
Repayment of bank borrowings   (249,960)   (320,325)
Contribution (repurchace)  from noncontrolling interests       (21)
Net cash provided  by (used in) financing activities   (817)   168,221 
           
Effect of exchange rate changes   (5,185)   55 
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalent   (34,113)   49,700 
Cash and cash equivalent, beginning of year   86,773    93,283 
Cash and cash equivalent, end of year   52,660    142,983 

 

 

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SIGNATURE

 

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

 

 

  RENESOLA LTD
   
   
  By:  /s/ Xianshou Li  
 

Name:        Xianshou Li

Title:          Chief Executive Officer

     

 

 

Date: May 30, 2014

 

 

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