WebFilings | EDGAR view
d
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________________________
FORM 10-K
___________________________________
| |
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
| |
| For the fiscal year ended January 2, 2011 |
| |
| OR |
| |
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from ______________ to ______________
Commission file number 001-34166
SunPower Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
| | |
Delaware | | 94-3008969 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
3939 North First Street, San Jose, California 95134
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (408) 240-5500
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| |
Title of each class | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Class A Common Stock $0.001 par value | Nasdaq Global Select Market |
Class B Common Stock $0.001 par value | Nasdaq Global Select Market |
d
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
_________________________________________
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 of Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x
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. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
| | | |
Large Accelerated Filer x | Accelerated Filer o | Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller reporting company o |
| | (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No x
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on July 4, 2010 was $1.2 billion. Such aggregate market value was computed by reference to the closing price of the common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on July 2, 2010. For purposes of determining this amount only, the registrant has defined affiliates as including the executive officers and directors of registrant on July 2, 2010.
The total number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s class A common stock as of February 18, 2011 was 56,178,140.
The total number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s class B common stock as of February 18, 2011 was 42,033,287.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Parts of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the registrant’s 2011 annual meeting of stockholders are incorporated by reference in Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| | |
| | Page |
PART I | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
PART II | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
PART III | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
PART IV | |
| | |
| | |
Trademarks
The following terms are our trademarks and may be used in this report: SunPower®, PowerGuard®, SunTile®, PowerTracker®, and PowerLight®. All other trademarks appearing in this report are the property of their holders.
Unit of Power
When referring to our facilities’ manufacturing capacity, the unit of electricity in watts for kilowatts (“KW”), megawatts (“MW”) and gigawatts (“GW”) is direct current (“dc”). When referring to our solar power systems, the unit of electricity in watts for KW, MW and GW is alternating current (“ac”).
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that do not represent historical facts and the assumptions underlying such statements. We use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “should,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K include, but are not limited to, our plans and expectations regarding future financial results, expected operating results, business strategies, projected costs, products, ability to monetize utility projects, competitive positions, management’s plans and objectives for future operations, the sufficiency of our cash and our liquidity, our ability to obtain financing, the success of our joint ventures, expected capital expenditures, outcomes of litigation, our exposure to foreign exchange, interest and credit risk, general business and economic conditions, and industry trends. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include a variety of factors, some of which are beyond our control. Please see “Item 1A: Risk Factors” and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for additional information on risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date, and we are under no obligation to, and expressly disclaim any responsibility to, update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The following information should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to the end of the applicable calendar year. All references to fiscal periods apply to our fiscal quarters or year which ends on the Sunday closest to the calendar month end.
PART I
ITEM 1: BUSINESS
We are a vertically integrated solar products and services company that designs, manufactures and delivers high-performance solar electric systems worldwide for residential, commercial and utility-scale power plant customers. Of all the solar cells available for the mass market, we believe our solar cells have the highest conversion efficiency, a measurement of the amount of sunlight converted by the solar cell into electricity.
We believe our solar cells provide the following benefits compared with conventional solar cells:
| |
• | superior performance, including the ability to generate up to 50% more power per unit area than conventional solar cells; |
| |
• | superior aesthetics, with our uniformly black surface design that eliminates highly visible reflective grid lines and metal interconnect ribbons; |
| |
• | more KW per pound can be transported using less packaging, resulting in lower distribution costs; and |
| |
• | more efficient use of silicon, a key raw material used in the manufacture of solar cells. |
The high efficiency and superior aesthetics of our solar power products provide compelling customer benefits. In many situations, we offer a significantly lower area-related cost structure for our customers because our solar panels require a
substantially smaller roof or land area than conventional solar technology and half or less of the roof or land area of many commercial solar thin film technologies.
We believe our solar power systems provide the following benefits compared with various competitors' systems:
| |
• | channel breadth and flexible delivery capability, including turn-key systems; |
| |
• | high performance delivered by enhancing energy delivery and financial return through systems technology design; and |
| |
• | cutting edge systems design to meet customer needs and reduce cost, including non-penetrating, fast roof installation technologies. |
Our solar power systems are designed to generate electricity over a system life typically exceeding 25 years under test conditions and are principally designed to be used in large-scale applications with system ratings of typically more than 500 KW. Worldwide, we have more than 650 MW of SunPower solar power systems operating or under contract. We sell distributed rooftop and ground-mounted solar power systems as well as central-station power plants globally. In the United States, distributed solar power systems are typically either: (i) rated at more than 500 KW of capacity to provide a supplemental, distributed source of electricity for a customer's facility; or (ii) ground mount systems reaching up to hundreds of MWs for regulated utilities. In the United States, commercial and electric utility customers typically choose to purchase solar electricity under a power purchase agreement (“PPA”) with an investor or financing company that buys the system from us. In Europe, our products and systems are typically purchased by an investor or financing company and operated as central-station solar power plants. These power plants are rated with capacities of approximately one to fifty MW, and generate electricity for sale under tariff to private and public utilities.
Business Segments Overview
In the second quarter of fiscal 2010, subsequent to our acquisition of SunRay Malta Holdings Limited ("SunRay"), a leading European solar power plant project developer, we changed our segment reporting from our Components Segment and Systems Segment to our Utility and Power Plants (“UPP”) Segment and Residential and Commercial (“R&C”) Segment to align our internal organization to how we serve our customers. Historically, Components Segment sales were generally solar cells and solar panels sold to a third-party dealer or original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) who would re-sell the product to the eventual customer, while Systems Segment sales were generally complete turn-key offerings sold directly to the end customer.
Under the new segmentation, our UPP Segment refers to our large-scale solar products and systems business, which includes power plant project development and project sales, turn-key engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) services for power plant construction, and power plant operations and maintenance (“O&M”) services. As part of the acquisition of SunRay, we acquired a project pipeline of solar photovoltaic projects in France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom as well as SunRay's power plant development and project finance teams. The UPP Segment sells components, including large volume sales of solar panels and mounting systems to third parties, often on a multi-year, firm commitment basis. Our R&C Segment focuses on solar equipment sales into the residential and small commercial market through our third-party global dealer network, as well as direct sales and EPC and O&M services in the United States for rooftop and ground-mounted solar power systems for the new homes, commercial and public sectors.
Our President and Chief Executive Officer, as the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), has organized SunPower and manages resource allocations and measures performance of our activities between these two segments. Our UPP revenue for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $1,186.1 million, $653.5 million and $742.4 million, respectively, and our R&C revenue for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $1,033.2 million, $870.8 million and $695.2 million, respectively. For more information about the financial condition and results of operations of each segment, please see Part II - “Item 7: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
Our Products and Services
Products
Solar Panels
Solar panels are solar cells electrically connected together and encapsulated in a weatherproof panel. Solar cells are semiconductor devices that directly convert sunlight into direct current electricity. Our A-300 solar cell is a silicon solar cell
with a specified power value of 3.1 watts and a conversion efficiency averaging between 20.0% and 21.5%. Our A-330 solar cell delivers 3.3 watts with a conversion efficiency of up to 22.7%. Our solar cells are designed without highly reflective metal contact grids or current collection ribbons on the front of the solar cells. This feature enables our solar cells to be assembled into solar panels that exhibit a more uniform appearance than conventional solar panels.
We believe solar panels made with our solar cells are the highest efficiency solar panels available for the mass market. Because our solar cells are more efficient relative to conventional solar cells, when our solar cells are assembled into panels, the assembly cost per watt is less because more power can be incorporated into a given size panel. Higher solar panel efficiency allows installers to mount a solar power system with more power within a given roof or site area and can reduce per watt installation costs. We also sell a line of Serengeti™ branded solar panels manufactured by third parties.
Inverters
Every solar power system needs an inverter to transform the direct current electricity collected from the solar panels into utility-grade alternating current power that is ready for household use. We sell a line of SunPower branded inverters manufactured by third parties.
Roof Mounted Products
We offer several types of photovoltaic rooftop products, including non-penetrating mounting systems for solar panels designed to integrate with conventional residential roofing materials primarily sold through our R&C Segment. The mounting systems sit directly on the roof and are engineered to maintain the structural integrity of the rooftops as compared to conventional mounting systems, which attach through the roof and onto a support structure of the building and can reduce the lifespan of the roof. Our suite of rooftop products is designed for a broad range of geographical climates and to accommodate varying visual appeal and space constraints. The following tiles and systems are included within our suite of rooftop products:
•PowerGuard® Roof System ("PowerGuard")
PowerGuard is a non-penetrating roof-mounted solar panel that delivers reliable, clean electricity while insulating and protecting the roof membrane from ultraviolet rays and thermal degradation to save both heating and cooling energy expenses. Designed for quick and easy installation, PowerGuard tiles fit together with interlocking tongue-and-groove side surfaces. PowerGuard is a patented, proprietary, pre-engineered solar power roofing tile system which operates within the existing roof line and electrical system. Each PowerGuard tile consists of a solar laminate, lightweight cement substrate and styrofoam base and typically weighs approximately four pounds per square foot, which is supported by most commercial rooftops. Our technology integrates this lightweight construction with a patented pressure equalizing design that has been tested to withstand winds of up to 140 miles per hour. Moreover, certain other conventional systems add weight for stability against wind and weather, which may exceed weight limits for some commercial buildings’ roofs.
The PowerGuard roof system has been tested and certified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (“UL”) and has received a UL-listed Class B fire rating which we believe facilitates obtaining building permits and inspector approvals. Sold through our R&C Segment, PowerGuard roof systems have been installed in a broad range of climates principally in the United States and Switzerland, and on a wide variety of building types, from rural single story warehouses to urban high rise structures.
| |
• | SunPower® T-5 Solar Roof Tile System ("T-5") |
The development of the T-5 solar roof tile is a direct result of the investment in SunPower by the United States Department of Energy through its Solar America Initiative program. Tilted at a 5-degree angle, the T-5 solar roof tile was the industry's first all-in-one, non-penetrating photovoltaic rooftop product that combines solar panel, frame and mounting system into a single pre-engineered unit. The T-5 solar roof tiles interlock for wind resistance and secure installation. The patented design is adaptable to virtually any flat or low-slope rooftop while providing the roof membrane protection from corrosion. The T-5 solar roof tile all-in-one mounting system and frame is made from an engineered glass-filled polymer that is non-reactive, eliminating the need for electrical grounding of the array.
Since the T-5 solar roof tile typically weighs less than three pounds per square foot and is stacked for shipping, more KW per pound can be transported using less packaging, resulting in lower distribution costs.
These benefits make the T-5 solar roof tile easier and faster to install than other rooftop systems as well as an effective solution for area or weight constrained flat rooftops.
The T-5 solar roof tile systems are primarily sold through our R&C Segment.
| |
• | SunPower® T-10 Commercial Solar Roof Tiles ("T-10") |
T-10 commercial solar roof tiles are pre-engineered solar panels that tilt at a 10-degree angle. Depending on geographical location and local climate conditions, this can allow for the generation of up to 10% more annual energy output than traditional flat roof-mounted systems. These non-penetrating panels interlock for secure, rapid installation on rooftops without compromising the structural integrity of the roof. The patented T-10 commercial solar roof tile is lightweight, weighing less than four pounds per square foot. Sloped side and rear wind deflectors improve wind performance, allowing T-10 solar arrays to withstand winds up to 120 miles per hour.
Sold through our R&C Segment, the T-10 commercial solar roof tile performance is optimized for larger roofs with less space constraints as well as underutilized tracks of land, such as ground reservoirs.
| |
• | SunTile® Roof Integrated System for Residential Market |
Our patented SunTile product is a highly efficient solar power shingle roofing system utilizing our solar cell technology that is designed to integrate with conventional residential roofing materials. SunTile solar shingles are designed to replace multiple types of roof panels, including the most common concrete flat, low and high profile “S” tile and composition shingles. We believe that SunTile systems are less visible on a roof than conventional solar technology because the solar panel is integrated directly into the roofing material instead of mounted onto the roof. SunTile systems have a UL-listed Class A fire rating, which is the highest level of fire rating provided by UL. Sold through our R&C Segment, the SunTile roof system is designed to be incorporated by production home builders into the construction of their new homes.
Ground Mounted SunPower® Tracker Systems
We offer several types of ground-mounted solar power systems, including our fixed tilt and patented SunPower Tracker products. Our SunPower Tracker is a single-axis tracking system that automatically pivots solar panels to track the sun’s movement throughout the day. This tracking feature increases the amount of sunlight that is captured and converted into energy by up to 30% over flat or fixed-tilt systems depending on geographic location and local climate conditions. A single motor and drive mechanism can control 10 to 20 rows, or more than 200 KW of solar panels. The multi-row feature represents a cost advantage for our customers over dual axis tracking systems, as such systems require more motors, drives, land and power to operate per KW of capacity. The SunPower Tracker system can be assembled onsite, and is easily scalable. We have installed ground-mounted systems integrating SunPower Tracker in a wide range of geographical markets principally in the United States, Germany, Italy, Portugal, South Korea and Spain. Although trackers are primarily sold through our UPP Segment, we have constructed several of our smaller ground mounted systems for the commercial and governmental sectors through our R&C Segment.
The SunPower Tracker system also features our TMAC Advanced Tracker Controller ("TMAC") software, which includes real-time tracker status updates, remote monitoring and control, proprietary energy production optimization algorithms, and improved reliability. In addition, the TMAC software enables power plant operators to wirelessly monitor the status of the SunPower Tracker system in real-time through the SunPower power plant supervisory control and data acquisition ("SCADA") control system, giving them the option to control the array from a central operations center.
Fully Integrated System
Sold through our UPP Segment, the SunPower Oasis™ Power Plant (“SunPower Oasis”) is the industry's first modular solar power block that scales from 1 MW distributed installations to large central station power plants. SunPower Oasis provides a fully integrated, cost-effective way to rapidly deploy utility-scale solar power systems, streaming the development and construction process while optimizing the use of available land. Each power block integrates the SunPower T-0 tracker, a 400-watt utility solar panel, pre-manufactured cabling, and the TMAC software. The power block kits are shipped pre-assembled to the job site for rapid field installation, and offer a high capacity factor and reliable long-term performance.
The SunPower Oasis operating system is designed to support future grid interconnection requirements for large-scale
solar power plants, such as voltage ride through and power factor control. It also features utility-standard SCADA operation and analytical tools, which include intelligent sensor and control networks for optimized power plant operation. SunPower Oasis streamlines the entire power plant development process, from permitting through construction and financing.
Fixed Tilt and SunPower Tracker Systems for Parking Structures
We have developed and patented designs for solar power systems for parking structures in multiple configurations. These systems are sold through both the UPP and R&C Segments. These dual-use systems typically incorporate solar panels into the roof of a carport or similar structure to deliver onsite solar power while providing shade and protection. Aesthetically pleasing, standardized and scalable, they are well suited for parking lots adjacent to facilities. In addition, we have incorporated our SunPower Tracker technology into certain of our systems for elevated parking structures to provide a differentiated product offering to our customers.
Other System Offerings
We have other products that leverage our core systems. For example, our metal roof system is designed for sloped-metal roof buildings, which are used in some winery and warehouse applications. This solar power system is designed for rapid installation. We also offer other architectural products such as day lighting with translucent solar panels.
Balance of System Components
“Balance of system components” are components of a solar power system other than the solar panels, and include SunPower branded inverters, mounting structures, charge controllers, grid interconnection equipment and other devices depending on the specific requirements of a particular system and project.
Services
We provide our solar power plant customers end-to-end management of the project lifecycle, from early stage site assessment, financing support, and project development, including full-scale environmental and construction permitting, through engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning. Our projects are built incorporating industry-leading standards for safety, quality, performance and reliability. Once tested, our plant O&M organization provides customers with “utility-quality” data collection, performance monitoring, diagnostic and performance reporting services, as well as lifecycle asset planning and management with industry leading software applications.
Operations and Maintenance
Our solar power systems are designed to generate electricity over a system life typically exceeding 25 years under test conditions. We provide commissioning, warranty, administration, operations, maintenance and performance monitoring services with the objective of optimizing our customers' electrical energy production. Commissioning services include testing to verify that equipment and system performance meet design requirements and specifications. We also pass through to customers long-term warranties from the OEMs of certain system components. We provide warranties of 25 years for our solar panels, which is standard in the solar industry, while our inverters typically carry warranty periods ranging from 5 to 10 years. In addition, we generally warrant our workmanship on installed systems for periods ranging up to 10 years. Systems under warranty and systems under a performance monitoring contract use our proprietary software systems to collect and remotely analyze equipment operating and system performance data from all of our sites in our offices located in the United States and the Philippines. We offer our customers a comprehensive suite of solar power system maintenance services ranging from system monitoring, to preventive maintenance, to rapid-response outage restoration and inverter repair. Our Standard Monitoring Service Agreement includes continuous remote monitoring, system performance reports, and a 24/7 technical support line. Our Basic Service Level Agreement adds preventive maintenance to the Standard Monitoring Services Agreement, and our Plus Level Service Agreement includes all of the Basic Service Level Agreement features plus on-site corrective maintenance using regionally-located field service technicians.
Monitoring
Our O&M personnel have access to a powerful set of tools developed on industry standard information technology platforms that facilitate the management of a global fleet of commercial and utility scale photovoltaic power plants. Real time flow of data from our customers' sites is aggregated centrally where an engine applies advanced solar specific algorithms to detect and report potential performance issues. Our work management system routes any anomalies to the appropriate responders to ensure timely resolution. The enterprise asset management system stores the operational history of thousands of
systems sold and delivered through our UPP and R&C Segments. We have implemented highly automated workflow processes that minimize the time from detection to analysis to dispatch and repair. Our O&M photovoltaic fleet management systems are built on more than a decade of solar services experience, allowing us to provide premier O&M services to our customers worldwide.
We have developed a proprietary set of advanced monitoring applications built upon the leading electric utility real-time monitoring platform (the “SunPower Monitoring System”). The SunPower Monitoring System continuously scans the operational status and performance of the solar power system and automatically identifies system outages and performance deficiencies to our 24/7 monitoring technicians. Customers can access historical or daily system performance data through our customer website (www.sunpowermonitor.com). Some customers choose to install “digital signs” to display system performance information from the lobby of their facility. We believe these displays enhance our brand and educate the public and prospective customers about solar power.
In 2008, we released the SunPower Monitoring System, and in 2009, we released the industry’s first monitoring application for the Apple iPhone®, iPod touch® and iPad® mobile devices. With the addition of this application to the SunPower Monitoring System, residential customers now have three easy ways to access information about the energy generated by their SunPower solar power systems. Along with the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad application, the SunPower Monitoring System offers homeowners the ability to monitor SunPower solar power systems with a wireless, in-home wall-mounted liquid crystal display (“LCD”) that provides power production and cumulative energy information. The monitoring system also provides the convenience of Internet access to a solar power system’s performance from virtually anywhere. Customers can view a system’s energy performance and environmental savings on an hourly, monthly and annual basis.
Solar Park Project Development
As part of the acquisition of SunRay, we acquired a project pipeline of solar photovoltaic projects in Europe and Israel as well as SunRay's power plant development and project finance teams. In addition, we internally grew our Americas-based power plant development and project finance teams. These additions have allowed us to establish a scalable, fully integrated, vertical approach to developing utility-scale photovoltaic power plants in a sustainable way. The power plant development and project finance teams evaluate sites for solar developments; obtain land rights through purchase and lease options; conduct environmental and grid transmission studies; and obtain building, construction and grid-interconnection permits, licenses and regulatory approvals.
The plants and project development rights, initially owned by us, are sold to third parties through our UPP Segment. In the United States, commercial and electric utility customers typically choose to purchase solar electricity under a PPA with an investor or financing company that buys the system from us. In Europe and Israel, the projects are typically purchased by an investor or financing company and operated as central-station solar power plants.
For more information about the costs associated with solar park project development see “Item 1A: Risk Factors” including "We may make significant investments in building solar power plants without first obtaining project financing, and the delayed sale of our projects would adversely affect our business, liquidity and results of operations" and "Due to the general economic environment and other factors, we may be unable to generate sufficient cash flows or obtain access to external financing necessary to fund our operations and make adequate capital investments as planned."
Research and Development
We engage in extensive research and development efforts to improve solar cell efficiency through enhancement of our existing products, development of new techniques such as concentrating photovoltaic power, and reducing manufacturing cost and complexity. Our research and development group works closely with our manufacturing facilities, our equipment suppliers and our customers to improve our solar cell design and to lower solar cell, solar panel and system product manufacturing and assembly costs. In addition, we have dedicated employees who work closely with our current and potential suppliers of crystalline silicon, a key raw material used in the manufacture of our solar cells, to develop specifications that meet our standards and ensure the high quality we require, while at the same time controlling costs.
We have government contracts that enable us to develop new technologies and pursue additional research opportunities while helping to offset our research and development expense. In fiscal 2007, we signed a Solar America Initiative research and development agreement with the United States Department of Energy under which we were awarded $24.1 million. The award was fully funded by the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Payments received under these contracts offset our research and development expense by approximately 10%, 22% and 25% in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Our research and development expenditures, net of payments received under these contracts, were approximately $49.1 million, $31.6 million
and $21.5 million for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
For more information about these contracts, including the government’s rights to use technology developed as a result of such contracts, please see “Item 1A: Risk Factors” including “Our reliance on government programs to partially fund our research and development programs could impair our ability to commercialize our solar power products and services.”
Supplier Relationships, Manufacturing and Module Assembly
We purchase polysilicon, ingots, wafers, solar cells, third-party standard efficiency solar panels and balance of system components from various manufacturers, including joint ventures, on both a contracted and a purchase order basis. We have contracted with some of our suppliers for multi-year supply agreements. Under such agreements, we have annual minimum purchase obligations and in certain cases prepayment obligations. We currently believe our supplier relationships and various short- and long-term contracts will afford us the volume of material and services required to meet our planned output. For more information about risks related to our supply chain, please see “Item 1A: Risk Factors” including “Limited competition among suppliers has required us in some instances to enter into long-term, firm commitment supply agreements that could result in excess or insufficient inventory and place us at a competitive disadvantage.”
We are working with our suppliers and partners along all steps of the value chain to reduce costs by improving manufacturing technologies and expanding economies of scale. Crystalline silicon is the leading commercial material for solar cells and is used in several forms, including single-crystalline, or monocrystalline silicon, multicrystalline, or polycrystalline silicon, ribbon and sheet silicon and thin-layer silicon. Our solar cell value chain starts with high purity silicon called polysilicon. Polysilicon is created by refining quartz or sand. We have negotiated multiple long-term, fixed price contracts with large polysilicon suppliers.
Polysilicon is melted and grown into crystalline ingots by companies specializing in ingot growth, such as our joint venture Woongjin Energy Co., Ltd. (“Woongjin Energy”) located in South Korea. The ingots are sliced into wafers by our joint venture First Philec Solar Corporation (“First Philec Solar”) located in the Philippines, and by other vendors. The wafers are processed into solar cells in our two manufacturing facilities located in the Philippines and by our joint venture AUO SunPower Sdn. Bhd. ("AUOSP") located in Malaysia. Our first facility (“FAB1”) is 215,000 square feet and began operations in the fall of 2004. In August 2006, we purchased a 344,000 square foot building in the Philippines (“FAB2”), which is located approximately 20 miles from FAB1, and began operations in the summer of 2007. We currently operate four solar cell manufacturing lines and twelve solar cell manufacturing lines at FAB1 and FAB2, respectively, with a total rated annual solar cell manufacturing capacity of 590 MW.
In December 2010, we announced the inauguration of AUOSP, SunPower's joint venture solar cell manufacturing facility ("FAB3") in Malaysia with AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO"). The construction and ramp of FAB3, located in Melaka, south of Kuala Lumpur, will continue through 2013 and, when completed, is expected to generate more than 1,400 MW annually of high-efficiency solar cells. The first of two factory buildings will house fourteen solar cell manufacturing lines when fully online. FAB3 began production in October 2010 and as of January 2, 2011 operates two solar cell manufacturing lines with a rated annual solar cell manufacturing capacity of 50 MW each.
Using our solar cells, we manufacture our solar panels at our solar panel assembly facility located in the Philippines where we currently operate six solar panel assembly lines with a rated annual solar panel manufacturing capacity of 220 MW. Our solar panels are also assembled for us by third-party contract manufacturers in China, Mexico and Poland. In addition, we recently partnered with a contract manufacturer to establish a solar panel assembly facility located in Milpitas, California.
We source the solar panels and balance of system components based on quality, performance and cost considerations both internally and from third-party suppliers. We generally assemble proprietary components, such as cementitious coatings and certain adhesive applications, while we purchase generally available components from third-party suppliers. Certain of our products, such as our SunTile products, are assembled at our third-party contractors’ assembly plant prior to shipment to the project location. Other products such as our SunPower Tracker and SunPower T-10 commercial roof tiles are field assembled with components shipped directly from suppliers. We currently have the capacity to produce up to an aggregate of 600 MW of our PowerGuard, SunTile, SunPower Tracker, T-0, T-5 and T-10 products per year, depending on product mix, in our California assembly plant and third-party contractors’ assembly plants. The balance of system components can make up as much as two-thirds of the cost of a solar power system. Therefore, we are focused on standardizing our products with the goal of driving down installation costs, such as with our SunPower Oasis operating system.
Customers
In our UPP Segment, our customers typically include investors, financial institutions, project developers, electric utilities and independent power producers in the United States, Europe and Asia. In our R&C Segment, we primarily sell our products to commercial and governmental entities, production home builders, and our third-party global dealer network serving residential owners and small commercial building owners. In the residential homeowner market, we sell our products to customers primarily in the United States, Australia and Europe while our commercial, governmental and production home builders are typically in the United States.
We work with development, construction, system integration and financing companies to deliver our solar power systems to wholesale sellers, retail sellers, and retail users of electricity. In the United States, we often work with investors and financing companies that purchase solar power systems from us, and they then sell solar electricity generated from these systems under PPAs to utilities or end-use customers. End-use customers typically pay the investors and financing companies over an extended period of time based on energy they consume from the solar power systems, rather than paying for the full capital cost of purchasing the solar power systems. Worldwide, we have more than 650 MW of SunPower solar power systems operating or under contract. In addition, our dealer network and our new homes division have deployed thousands of SunPower rooftop solar power systems to residential customers.
We sell our products in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia, principally in regions where government incentives have accelerated solar power adoption. In fiscal 2010, we opened offices in new markets such as England, Greece, Israel and Malta through our acquisition of SunRay and continued to invest in established markets such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Japan. We anticipate developing additional customer relationships in other markets and geographic regions as we expand our business. We generally do not have long-term agreements with our customers, see “Item 1A: Risk Factors” including “We often do not have long-term agreements with our customers and accordingly could lose customers without warning, which could cause our operating results to decline.”
We have four customers that each accounted for 10 percent or more of our total revenue in one or more of fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
(As a percentage of total revenue) | | January 2, 2011 | | January 3, 2010 | | December 28, 2008 |
Significant Customers: | | Business Segment | | | | | | |
Customer A | | UPP | | 12 | % | | * | | | * | |
Customer B | | UPP | | * | | | 12 | % | | * | |
Customer C | | UPP | | * | | | * | | | 18 | % |
Customer D | | UPP | | * | | | * | | | 11 | % |
* denotes less than 10% during the period
In fiscal 2010, we completed the construction and sale of the 72 MWac Montalto di Castro solar park, the largest solar park in Italy, and a 17 MWac solar power plant in Colorado, to a consortium of international investors which includes one significant customer. In fiscal 2009, we constructed a 25 MWac solar power plant in Desoto County, Florida, and a 10 MWac solar power plant at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for a significant customer. In fiscal 2008, we energized several large-scale solar power plants for significant customers in Spain rated at over 40 MWac in the aggregate.
Geographic Information
Information regarding the physical location of our property, plant and equipment and our foreign and domestic operations is contained in Note 6 and Note 16, respectively, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II - "Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplemental Data," which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Seasonal Trends
Our business is subject to industry-specific seasonal fluctuations. Sales have historically reflected these seasonal trends with the largest percentage of total revenues realized during the last two calendar quarters of a fiscal year. Lower seasonal demand normally results in reduced shipments and revenues in the first two calendar quarters of a fiscal year. There are various reasons for this seasonality, mostly related to economic incentives and weather patterns. For example, in European countries with feed-in tariffs, the construction of solar power systems may be concentrated during the second half of the calendar year,
largely due to the annual reduction of the applicable minimum feed-in tariff and the fact that the coldest winter months are January through March. In the United States, customers will sometimes make purchasing decisions towards the end of the year in order to take advantage of tax credits or for other budgetary reasons. In addition, sales in the new home development market are often tied to construction market demands which tend to follow national trends in construction, including declining sales during cold weather months.
Marketing and Sales
We market and sell solar electric power technologies worldwide through a direct sales force and through our third-party global dealer network. We sell products and services to residential, commercial, utility and power plant customers.
Through both our R&C and UPP Segments, we have direct sales personnel, and within our R&C Segment, we also have dealer representatives. Our direct sales personnel and dealer representatives are located in Australia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Korea, Spain, Switzerland and the United States. During fiscal 2010, we expanded the size of our dealer network to approximately 1,500 dealers worldwide from 1,000 in fiscal 2009. Approximately 63%, 56% and 69% of our total revenue for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, was derived through our direct sales personnel, with the remainder from dealer representatives. We provide warranty coverage on systems we sell through our direct sales personnel and dealers through both the R&C and UPP Segments. To the extent we sell through dealers, we may provide system design and support services while the dealers are responsible for construction, maintenance and service.
Our overall marketing programs include conferences and seminars, website and social media campaigns, sales training, public relations and advertising. Our marketing group is also responsible for driving many qualified leads to support our sales teams lead generation efforts and assessing the productivity of our lead pipeline. For our R&C Segment, we assist our dealer network through a marketing resource center and customer support organization. We have marketing personnel in San Jose and Richmond, California, and Trenton, New Jersey, United States, as well as in Frankfurt, Germany, Madrid, Spain and Geneva, Switzerland.
Backlog
Our solar power system project backlog within our North American commercial business and our systems business within the R&C Segment and UPP Segment, respectively, represents the uncompleted portion of contracted and financed projects. Contingent customer orders, including our 250 MWac California Valley Solar Ranch Project, that are not yet financed are excluded from backlog as of January 2, 2011. Our solar power system projects are often cancelable by our customers under certain conditions. In addition, revenue and related costs are often subject to delays or scope modifications based on change orders agreed to with our customers, or changes in the estimated construction costs to be incurred in completing the project.
Our residential and light commercial business and the components business within the R&C Segment and UPP Segment, respectively, include large volume sales of solar panels, mounting systems and other solar equipment to third parties, which are typically ordered by our third-party global dealer network and customers under standard purchase orders with relatively short delivery lead-times, generally within one to three months. We have entered into multi-year supply agreements with certain customers of our components business that contain minimum firm purchase commitments. However, specific products that are to be delivered and the related delivery schedules under these long-term contracts are often subject to modifications based on change orders and amendments agreed to with our customers. Our backlog represents the uncompleted portion of firm purchase commitments and open purchase orders by our third-party global dealer network.
Management believes that backlog at any particular date is not necessarily a meaningful indicator of future revenue for any particular period of time because our backlog excludes contracts signed and completed in the same quarter and contracts still conditioned upon obtaining financing. Backlog totaled approximately $1,373 million and $773 million as of January 2, 2011 and January 3, 2010, respectively, an increase of $600 million year-over-year primarily related to the growth of our system project backlog in both the R&C Segment and UPP Segment. Approximately $1,266 million of our backlog at January 2, 2011 is currently planned to be recognized as revenue during fiscal 2011.
Competition
The market for solar electric power technologies is competitive and continually evolving. We expect to face increased competition, which may result in price reductions, reduced margins or loss of market share. Our solar power products and systems compete with a large number of competitors in the solar power market, including, but not limited to:
| |
• | R&C Segment: Canadian Solar Inc., JA Solar Holdings Co., Kyocera Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, |
Q-Cells AG, Sanyo Corporation (a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation), Sharp Corporation, SolarWorld AG, Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd., Trina Solar Ltd., and Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. Ltd.
| |
• | UPP Segment: Abengoa Solar S.A., Acconia Energia S.A., AES Solar Energy Ltd., Chevron Energy Solutions (a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation), EDF Energy plc, First Solar Inc., NextEra Energy, Inc., OPDE Group, Sempra Energy, Solar Millennium AG, Solargen Energy, Inc., SunEdison (a subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials Inc.), and Tessera Solar. |
We also face competition from resellers that have developed related offerings that compete with our product and service offerings, or have entered into strategic relationships with other existing solar power system providers. We compete for limited government funding for research and development contracts, customer tax rebates and other programs that promote the use of solar and other renewable forms of energy with other renewable energy providers and customers.
In addition, universities, research institutions and other companies have brought to market alternative technologies such as thin films and concentrators, which compete with our technology in certain applications. Furthermore, the solar power market in general competes with conventional fossil fuels supplied by utilities and other sources of renewable energy such as wind, hydro, biomass, solar thermal and emerging distributed generation technologies such as micro-turbines, sterling engines and fuel cells.
In the large-scale on-grid solar power systems market, we face direct competition from a number of companies, including those that manufacture, distribute, or install solar power systems as well as construction companies that have expanded into the renewable sector. In addition, we will occasionally compete with distributed generation equipment suppliers.
We believe that the key competitive factors in the market for solar panels include:
| |
• | levelized cost of energy (“LCOE”) evaluation of the lifecycle energy costs and lifecycle energy production; |
| |
• | power efficiency and performance; |
| |
• | aesthetic appearance of solar panels; |
| |
• | strength of distribution relationships; |
| |
• | timeliness of new product introductions; and |
| |
• | warranty protection, quality and customer service. |
The principal elements of competition in the solar power systems market include technical expertise, experience, delivery capabilities, diversity of product offerings, financing structures, marketing and sales, price, product performance, quality, efficiency and reliability, and technical service and support. We believe that we can compete favorably with respect to each of these factors, although we may be at a disadvantage in comparison to larger companies with broader product lines, greater technical service and support capabilities, and financial resources. For more information about risks related to our competition, please see “Item 1A: Risk Factors” including “The increase in the global supply of solar cells and panels, and increasing competition, may cause substantial downward pressure on the prices of our products and cause us to lose sales or market share, resulting in lower revenues, earnings, and cash flow" and "If we fail to successfully develop and introduce new and enhanced products and services, while continuing to reduce our costs, we may not be able to compete effectively, and our ability to generate revenues will suffer.”
Intellectual Property
We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trade secret, trademark and contractual protections to establish and protect our proprietary rights. “SunPower” is our registered trademark in countries throughout the world for use with solar cells, solar panels and mounting systems. We also hold registered trademarks for "PowerLight," "PowerGuard," "PowerTracker" and "SunTile" in certain countries. We are seeking and will continue to seek registration of the “SunPower” trademark and other trademarks in additional countries as we believe is appropriate. As of January 2, 2011, we held registrations for 9 trademarks in the United States, and had 8 trademark registration applications pending. We also held 20 trademarks and had over 19 trademark applications pending in foreign jurisdictions. We require our business partners to enter
into confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements before we disclose any sensitive aspects of our solar cells, technology or business plans. We typically enter into proprietary information agreements with employees, consultants, vendors, customers and joint venture partners.
We own multiple patents and patent applications which cover aspects of the technology in the solar cells and mounting systems that we currently manufacture and market. We continue to file for and receive new patent rights on a regular basis. The lifetime of a utility patent typically extends for 20 years from the date of filing with the relevant government authority. We assess appropriate opportunities for patent protection of those aspects of our technology, designs, methodologies and processes that we believe provide significant competitive advantages to us, and for licensing opportunities of new technologies relevant to our business. As of January 2, 2011, we held 78 patents in the United States, which will expire at various times between now and 2029, and had 125 patent applications pending. We also held 63 patents and had 239 patent applications pending in foreign jurisdictions. While patents are an important element of our intellectual property strategy, our business as a whole is not dependent on any one patent or any single pending patent application. Additionally, we rely on trade secret rights to protect our proprietary information and know-how. We employ proprietary processes and customized equipment in our manufacturing facilities. We therefore require employees and consultants to enter into confidentiality agreements to protect them.
We are currently in litigation in California state court against PVT Solar, Inc. ("PVT Solar") and three current PVT Solar employees relating to alleged violations by such employees of our trade secret rights. The current CEO of PVT Solar is a former employee of SunPower.
For more information about risks related to our intellectual property, please see “Item 1A: Risk Factors” including “We are dependent on our intellectual property, and we may face intellectual property infringement claims that could be time-consuming and costly to defend and could result in the loss of significant rights” and “We rely substantially upon trade secret laws and contractual restrictions to protect our proprietary rights, and, if these rights are not sufficiently protected, our ability to compete and generate revenue could suffer” and “We may not obtain sufficient patent protection on the technology embodied in the solar products we currently manufacture and market, which could harm our competitive position and increase our expenses.”
Public Policy Considerations
Different policy mechanisms have been used by governments to accelerate the adoption of solar power. Examples of customer-focused financial mechanisms include capital cost rebates, performance-based incentives, feed-in tariffs, tax credits and net metering. Some of these government mandates and economic incentives are scheduled to be reduced or to expire, or could be eliminated altogether, including the feed-in tariffs in Germany and Italy. Capital cost rebates provide funds to customers based on the cost and size of a customer’s solar power system. Performance-based incentives provide funding to a customer based on the energy produced by their solar power system. Feed-in tariffs pay customers for solar power system generation based on energy produced, at a rate generally guaranteed for a period of time. Tax credits reduce a customer’s taxes at the time the taxes are due. In the United States and other countries, net metering has often been used as a supplemental program in conjunction with other policy mechanisms. Under net metering, a customer can generate more energy than used, during which periods the electricity meter will spin backwards. During these periods, the customer “lends” electricity to the grid, retrieving an equal amount of power at a later time.
In addition to the mechanisms described above, new market development mechanisms to encourage the use of renewable energy sources continue to emerge. For example, many states in the United States have adopted renewable portfolio standards which mandate that a certain portion of electricity delivered to customers come from eligible renewable energy resources. In certain developing countries, governments are establishing initiatives to expand access to electricity, including initiatives to support off-grid rural electrification using solar power. For more information about risks related to public policies, please see “Item 1A: Risk Factors” including "The reduction, modification or elimination of government and economic incentives could cause our revenue to decline and harm our financial results" and “Existing regulations and policies and changes to these regulations and policies may present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to the purchase and use of solar power products, which may significantly reduce demand for our products and services.”
Environmental Regulations
We use, generate and discharge toxic, volatile or otherwise hazardous chemicals and wastes in our research and development, manufacturing and construction activities. We are subject to a variety of foreign, federal, state and local governmental laws and regulations related to the purchase, storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials.
We believe that we have all environmental permits necessary to conduct our business and expect to obtain all necessary
environmental permits for future construction activities. We believe that we have properly handled our hazardous materials and wastes and have appropriately remediated any contamination at any of our premises. We are not aware of any pending or threatened environmental investigation, proceeding or action by foreign, federal, state or local agencies, or third parties involving our current facilities. Any failure by us to control the use of, or to restrict adequately the discharge of, hazardous substances could subject us to substantial financial liabilities, operational interruptions and adverse publicity, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Employees
As of January 2, 2011, we had approximately 5,150 employees worldwide, including approximately 700 employees located in the United States, 4,130 employees located in the Philippines and 320 employees located in other countries. Of these employees, approximately 3,850 were engaged in manufacturing, 190 in construction projects, 210 in research and development, 580 in sales and marketing and 320 in general and administrative services. None of our employees are represented by labor unions. Employees located in France, Italy and Spain are covered by collective bargaining agreements. We have never experienced a work stoppage and we believe relations with our employees are good.
Additional Information
We were originally incorporated in California in April 1985 by Dr. Richard Swanson to develop and commercialize high-efficiency solar cell technologies. Cypress Semiconductor Corporation ("Cypress") made a significant investment in SunPower in 2002 and in November 2004, Cypress acquired 100% ownership of all outstanding shares of our capital stock, excluding unexercised warrants and options. In November 2005, we reincorporated in Delaware, created two classes of common stock and held an initial public offering (“IPO”) of our class A common stock. After completion of our IPO, Cypress held all the outstanding shares of our class B common stock. On September 29, 2008, Cypress distributed to its shareholders all of its shares of our class B common stock, in the form of a pro rata dividend to the holders of record as of September 17, 2008 of Cypress common stock. As a result, our class B common stock trades publicly and is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “SPWRB”, along with our class A common stock under the symbol “SPWRA”, and we discontinued being a subsidiary of Cypress.
Available Information
We make available our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 free of charge on our website at www.sunpowercorp.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed or furnished to the SEC. Additionally, copies of materials filed by us with the SEC may be accessed at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. or at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. For information about the SEC’s Public Reference Room, the public may contact 1-800-SEC-0330. Copies of material filed by us with the SEC may also be obtained by writing to us at our corporate headquarters, SunPower Corporation, Attention: Investor Relations, 3939 North First Street, San Jose, California 95134, or by calling (408) 240-5500. The contents of our website are not incorporated into, or otherwise to be regarded as a part of, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 1A: RISK FACTORS
Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including risks related to our supply chain, sales channels, liquidity, operations, intellectual property, and our debt and equity securities. Although we believe that we have identified and discussed below certain key risk factors affecting our business, there may be additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known or that are not currently believed to be significant that may also adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and trading price of our class A and class B common stock as well as our 4.50% senior convertible debentures, 4.75% senior convertible debentures, 1.25% senior convertible debentures and 0.75% senior convertible debentures.
Risks Related to Our Sales Channels
The increase in the global supply of solar cells and panels, and increasing competition, may cause substantial downward pressure on the prices of such products and cause us to lose sales or market share, resulting in lower revenues, earnings, and cash flow.
Global solar cell and panel production capacity materially increased in 2009 and 2010, and is expected to continue to increase in the future. Many competitors or potential competitors, particularly in China, continue to expand their production,
creating a potential oversupply of solar panels and cells in key markets. Increases in solar panel production and industry competition have resulted, and will continue to result, in substantial downward pressure on the price of solar cells and panels, including SunPower products. Increasing competition could also result in us losing sales or market share. Such price reductions or loss of sales or market share could continue to have a negative impact on our revenue and earnings, and could materially adversely affect our business and financial condition and cash flows. See also "If we fail to successfully develop and introduce new and enhanced products and services, while continuing to reduce our costs, we may not be able to compete effectively, and our ability to generate revenues will suffer."
Our operating results will be subject to fluctuations and are inherently unpredictable and in particular, revenues from our UPP Segment are susceptible to large fluctuations.
We do not know if our revenue will grow, or if it will grow sufficiently to outpace our expenses, which we expect to increase as we expand our manufacturing capacity. For example, in the second fiscal quarter of 2010 we experienced a net loss. We may not be profitable on a quarterly basis. Our quarterly revenue and operating results will be difficult to predict and have in the past fluctuated from quarter to quarter. In particular, revenue in our UPP Segment is difficult to forecast and is susceptible to large fluctuations. The amount, timing and mix of sales in our UPP Segment, often for a single medium or large-scale project, may cause large fluctuations in our revenue and other financial results as, at any given time, our UPP Segment is dependent on large-scale projects and often a single project can account for a material portion of our total revenue in a given quarter. Our inability to monetize our projects as planned, or any delay in obtaining the required initial payments to begin recognizing revenue under the relevant recognition criteria, and the corresponding revenue impact under the percentage-of-completion method of recognizing revenue, may similarly cause large fluctuations in our revenue and other financial results. A delayed disposition of a project could require us to recognize a gain on the sale of assets instead of recognizing revenue. Further, our revenue mix of materials sales versus project sales can fluctuate dramatically from quarter to quarter, which may adversely affect our margins and financial results in any given period. Any decrease in revenue from our large UPP Segment customers, whether due to a loss or delay of projects or an inability to collect, could have a significant negative impact on our business. Our agreements with these customers may be cancelled if we fail to meet certain product specifications or materially breach the agreement. In the event of a customer bankruptcy, our customers may seek to renegotiate the terms of current agreements or renewals. In addition, the failure by any significant customer to pay for orders, whether due to liquidity issues or otherwise, could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. Any of the foregoing may cause us to miss any current and future revenue or earnings guidance and negatively impact liquidity.
We base our planned operating expenses in part on our expectations of future revenue and a significant portion of our expenses is fixed in the short term. If revenue for a particular quarter is lower than we expect, we likely will be unable to proportionately reduce our operating expenses for that quarter, which would harm our operating results for that quarter. This may cause us to miss any revenue or earnings guidance announced by us.
The execution of our growth strategy is dependent upon the continued availability of third-party financing arrangements for our solar power plants and our customers, and is affected by general economic conditions.
The general economy and limited availability of credit and liquidity could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. We often require project financing for development and construction of our solar power plant projects, which require significant investments before the equity is later sold to investors. Many purchasers of our systems projects have entered into third-party arrangements to finance their systems over an extended period of time while many end-customers have chosen to purchase solar electricity under a power purchase agreement (“PPA”) with an investor or financing company that purchases the system from us or our authorized dealers. In addition, under our power purchase business model, we often execute PPAs directly with the end-user customer purchasing solar electricity, with the expectation that we will later assign the PPA to a financier. Under such arrangements, the financier separately contracts with us to build and acquire the solar power system, and then sells the electricity to the end-user customer under the assigned PPA. When executing PPAs with the end-user customers, we seek to mitigate the risk that a financier will not be available for the project by allowing termination of the PPA in such event without penalty. However, we may not always be successful in negotiating for penalty-free termination rights for failure to obtain financing, and certain end-user customers have required substantial financial penalties in exchange for such rights. These structured finance arrangements are complex and may not be feasible in many situations.
Due to the general challenging credit markets worldwide, we may be unable to obtain project financing for our projects, customers may be unable or unwilling to finance the cost of our products, we may have difficulties in reaching agreements with financiers to finance the construction of our solar power systems, or the parties that have historically provided this financing may cease to do so, or only do so on terms that are substantially less favorable for us or our customers, any of which could materially and adversely affect our revenue and growth in all segments of our business. The lack of project financing could delay the development and construction of our solar power plant projects, thus reducing our revenues in the UPP
Segment from the sale of such projects. Many customers, especially in the United States, choose to purchase solar electricity under a PPA with a financing company that buys the system from us and the lack of availability of such financing could lead to reduced revenues. If economic recovery is slow in the United States or elsewhere, we may experience decreases in the demand for our solar power products, which may harm our operating results. We may in some cases seek to pursue partnership arrangements with financing entities to assist residential and other customers to obtain financing for the purchase or lease of our systems, which would expose us to credit or other risks. In addition, a rise in interest rates would likely increase our customers’ cost of financing our products and could reduce their profits and expected returns on investment in our products. The general reduction in available credit to would-be borrowers, the poor state of economies worldwide, and the condition of housing markets worldwide, could delay or reduce our sales of products to new homebuilders and authorized resellers.
The reduction, modification or elimination of government and economic incentives could cause our revenue to decline and harm our financial results.
The market for on-grid applications, where solar power is used to supplement a customer’s electricity purchased from the utility network or sold to a utility under tariff, depends in large part on the availability and size of government mandates and economic incentives because, at present, the cost of solar power generally exceeds retail electric rates in many locations. Such incentives vary by geographic market. Various government bodies in most of the countries where we do business have provided incentives in the form of feed-in tariffs, rebates, and tax credits and other incentives and mandates, such as renewable portfolio standards, to end-users, distributors, system integrators and manufacturers of solar power products to promote the use of solar energy in on-grid applications and to reduce dependency on other forms of energy. Some of these government mandates and economic incentives are scheduled to be reduced or to expire, or could be fundamentally restructured, including the feed-in tariffs in Germany and Italy. Since our acquisition of SunRay Malta Holdings Limited (“SunRay”) in March 2010, project development business in Europe, and particularly Italy in the near term, have expanded significantly, increasing our exposure to regulatory changes in certain European countries. Because our sales are into the on-grid market, the reduction, modification or elimination of government mandates and economic incentives in one or more of our customer markets would materially and adversely affect the growth of such markets or result in increased price competition, either of which could cause our revenue to decline and harm our financial results.
Existing regulations and policies and changes to these regulations and policies may present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to the purchase and use of solar power products, which may significantly reduce demand for our products and services.
The market for electricity generation products is heavily influenced by federal, state and local government regulations and policies concerning the electric utility industry in the United States and abroad, as well as policies promulgated by electric utilities. These regulations and policies often relate to electricity pricing and technical interconnection of customer-owned electricity generation, and could deter further investment in the research and development of alternative energy sources as well as customer purchases of solar power technology, which could result in a significant reduction in the potential demand for our solar power products. We anticipate that our solar power products and their installation will continue to be subject to oversight and regulation in accordance with federal, state, local and foreign regulations relating to construction, safety, environmental protection, utility interconnection and metering, and related matters. It is difficult to track the requirements of individual states or local jurisdictions and design equipment to comply with the varying standards. Any new regulations or policies pertaining to our solar power products may result in significant additional expenses to us, our resellers and our resellers’ customers, which could cause a significant reduction in demand for our solar power products. See also "Risks Related to Our Operations—We sell our solar products to agencies of the U.S. government, and as a result, we are subject to a number of procurement rules and regulations, and our business could be adversely affected by an audit by the U.S. government if it were to identify errors or failure to comply with regulations."
We may incur unexpected warranty and product liability claims that could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our current standard product warranty for our solar panels includes a 10-year warranty period for defects in materials and workmanship and a 25-year warranty period for declines in power performance. We believe our warranty periods are consistent with industry practice. We perform accelerated lifecycle testing that expose our solar panels to extreme stress and climate conditions in both environmental simulation chambers and in actual field deployments in order to highlight potential failures that would occur over the 25-year warranty period. Due to the long warranty period, we bear the risk of extensive warranty claims long after we have shipped product and recognized revenue. Although we conduct accelerated testing of our solar panels and have several years of experience with our all-back-contact solar cell architecture, our solar panels have not and cannot be tested in an environment that exactly simulates the 25-year warranty period and it is difficult to test for all conditions that may occur in the field. We have sold solar panels since the early 2000's and have therefore not tested the full warranty
cycle.
In our project installations, our current standard warranty for our solar power systems differs by geography and end-customer application and usually includes a limited warranty of up to 10 years for defects in work and workmanship, after which the customer may typically extend the period covered by its warranty for an additional fee. Due to the long warranty period, we bear the risk of extensive warranty claims long after we have completed a project and recognized revenues. Warranty and product liability claims may also result from defects or quality issues in certain third party technology and components that our business incorporates into its solar power systems, particularly solar cells and panels, over which we have little or no control. While we generally pass through manufacturer warranties we receive from our suppliers to our customers, in some circumstances, we may be responsible for repairing or replacing defective parts during our warranty period, often including those covered by manufacturers' warranties, or incur other non-warranty costs. If the manufacturer disputes or otherwise fails to honor its warranty obligations, we may be required to incur substantial costs before we are compensated, if at all, by the manufacturer. Furthermore, our warranties may exceed the period of any warranties from our suppliers covering components, such as third party solar cells, third party panels and third party inverters, included in our systems. In addition, manufacturer warranties may not fully compensate us for losses associated with third-party claims caused by defects or quality issues in their products. For example, most manufacturer warranties exclude many losses that may result from a system component's failure or defect, such as the cost of de-installation, re-installation, shipping, lost electricity, lost renewable energy credits or other solar incentives, personal injury, property damage, and other losses. In certain cases our direct warranty coverage provided by SunPower to our customers, and therefore our financial exposure, may exceed our recourse available against cell, panel or other manufacturers for defects in their products. In addition, in the event we seek recourse through warranties, we will also be dependent on the creditworthiness and continued existence of the suppliers to our business.
Increases in the defect rate of SunPower or third party products could cause us to increase the amount of warranty reserves and have a corresponding negative impact on our results of operations. Further, potential future product failures could cause us to incur substantial expense to repair or replace defective products, and we have agreed in some circumstances to indemnify our customers and our distributors against liability from some defects in our solar products. A successful indemnification claim against us could require us to make significant damage payments. Repair and replacement costs, as well as successful indemnification claims, could materially and negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Like other retailers, distributors and manufacturers of products that are used by customers, we face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the use of the solar power products into which solar cells and solar panels are incorporated results in injury, property damage or other damages. We may be subject to warranty and product liability claims in the event that our solar power systems fail to perform as expected or if a failure of our solar power systems results, or is alleged to result, in bodily injury, property damage or other damages. Since our solar power products are electricity producing devices, it is possible that our systems could result in injury, whether by product malfunctions, defects, improper installation or other causes. In addition, since we only began selling our solar cells and solar panels in the early 2000s and the products we are developing incorporate new technologies and use new installation methods, we cannot predict whether or not product liability claims will be brought against us in the future or the effect of any resulting negative publicity on our business. Moreover, we may not have adequate resources in the event of a successful claim against us. We rely on our general liability insurance to cover product liability claims and have not obtained separate product liability insurance. A successful warranty or product liability claim against us that is not covered by insurance or is in excess of our available insurance limits could require us to make significant payments of damages. In addition, quality issues can have various other ramifications, including delays in the recognition of revenue, loss of revenue, loss of future sales opportunities, increased costs associated with repairing or replacing products, and a negative impact on our goodwill and reputation, which could also adversely affect our business and operating results.
If we fail to successfully develop and introduce new and enhanced products and services, while continuing to reduce our costs, we may not be able to compete effectively, and our ability to generate revenues will suffer.
The solar power market is characterized by continually changing technology requiring improved features, such as increased efficiency and higher power output and improved aesthetics. Technologies developed by our direct competitors, including thin film solar panels, concentrating solar cells, solar thermal electric and other solar technologies, may provide power at lower costs than our products. We also face competition in some markets from other power generation sources, including conventional fossil fuels, wind, biomass, and hydro. In addition, other companies could potentially develop a highly reliable renewable energy system that mitigates the intermittent power production drawback of many renewable energy systems. Companies could also offer other value-added improvements from the perspective of utilities and other system owners, in which case such companies could compete with us even if the cost of electricity associated with such new system is higher than that of our systems.
Our solar panels are currently competitive in the market compared with lower cost conventional solar cells, such as thin-film, due to their higher efficiency. If our competitors are able to drive down their manufacturing costs faster than us, our products may become less competitive even when adjusted for efficiency. If we cannot effectively execute our cost reduction roadmap, our competitive position would suffer, and we could lose market share and our margins would be adversely impacted as we face downward pricing pressure.
Our failure to further refine our technology and develop and introduce new solar power products could cause our products or our manufacturing facilities to become uncompetitive or obsolete, which could reduce our market share and cause our sales to decline. This will require us to continuously develop new solar power products and enhancements for existing solar power products to keep pace with evolving industry standards, competitive pricing and changing customer requirements. If we cannot continually improve the efficiency of our solar panels as compared to those of our competitors', our pricing will become less competitive, and we could lose market share and our margins would be adversely impacted. As we introduce new or enhanced products or integrate new technology into our products, we will face risks relating to such transitions including, among other things, technical challenges, acceptance of products by our customers, disruption in customers’ ordering patterns, insufficient supplies of new products to meet customers’ demand, possible product and technology defects arising from the integration of new technology and a potentially different sales and support environment relating to any new technology. Our failure to manage the transition to newer products or the integration of newer technology into our products could adversely affect our business’s operating results and financial condition.
A limited number of customers are expected to continue to comprise a significant portion of our revenues and any decrease in revenue from these customers could have a significant adverse effect on us.
Even though we expect our customer base to expand and our revenue streams to diversify, a substantial portion of our revenues could continue to depend on sales to a limited number of customers and the loss of sales to or inability to collect from these customers would have a significant negative impact on our business. Our agreements with these customers may be cancelled if we fail to meet certain product specifications, materially breach the agreement, or in the event of bankruptcy, and our customers may seek to renegotiate the terms of current agreements or renewals. In addition, the failure by any significant customer to pay for orders, whether due to liquidity issues or otherwise, could materially and negatively affect our results of operations.
We often do not have long-term agreements with our customers and accordingly could lose customers without warning, which could cause our operating results to decline.
Our product sales to residential dealers and components customers are frequently not accomplished under long-term agreements. We also contract to construct or sell large projects with no assurance of repeat business from the same customers in the future. Although we believe that cancellations on our purchase orders to date have been insignificant, our customers may cancel or reschedule purchase orders with us on relatively short notice. Cancellations or rescheduling of customer orders could result in the delay or loss of anticipated sales without allowing us sufficient time to reduce, or delay the incurrence of, our corresponding inventory and operating expenses. In addition, changes in forecasts or the timing of orders from these or other customers expose us to the risks of inventory shortages or excess inventory. These circumstances, in addition to the completion and non-repetition of large projects, variations in average selling prices, changes in the relative mix of sales of solar equipment versus solar project installations, and the fact that our supply agreements are generally long-term in nature and many of our other operating costs are fixed, in turn could cause our operating results to fluctuate and may result in a material adverse effect in our business and financial results.
Almost all of our engineering, procurement and construction ("EPC") contracts are fixed price contracts which may be insufficient to cover unanticipated or dramatic changes in costs over the life of the project.
Almost all of our EPC contracts in both our UPP Segment and R&C Segment are fixed price contracts. All essential costs are estimated at the time of entering into the EPC contract for a particular project, and these are reflected in the overall price that we charge our customers for the project. These cost estimates are preliminary and may or may not be covered by contracts between us or the subcontractors, suppliers and any other parties that may become necessary to complete the project. Thus, if the cost of materials were to rise dramatically as a result of sudden increased demand, these costs may have to be borne by us.
In addition, we require qualified, licensed subcontractors to install most of our systems. Shortages of such skilled labor could significantly delay a project or otherwise increase our costs. In several instances in the past, we have obtained change orders that reimburse us for additional unexpected costs due to various reasons. Should miscalculations in planning a project or delays in execution occur, there can be no guarantee that we would be successful in obtaining reimbursement and we may not
achieve our expected margins or we may be required to record a loss in the relevant fiscal period.
Our business could be adversely affected by seasonal trends and construction cycles.
Our business is subject to significant industry-specific seasonal fluctuations. Sales have historically reflected these seasonal trends with the largest percentage of total revenues being realized during the last two calendar quarters. Low seasonal demand normally results in reduced shipments and revenues in the first two calendar quarters. There are various reasons for this seasonality, mostly related to economic incentives and weather patterns. For example, in European countries with feed-in tariffs, the construction of solar power systems may be concentrated during the second half of the calendar year, largely due to the annual reduction of the applicable minimum feed-in tariff and the fact that the coldest winter months are January through March. In the United States, customers will sometimes make purchasing decisions towards the end of the year in order to take advantage of tax credits or for other budgetary reasons. In addition, sales in the new home development market are often tied to construction market demands which tend to follow national trends in construction, including declining sales during cold weather months.
The competitive environment in which we operate often requires us to undertake customer obligations that could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations if our customer obligations are more costly than expected.
We are often required as a condition of financing or at the request of our end customer to undertake certain obligations such as:
| |
• | System output performance guarantees; |
| |
• | Penalty payments or customer termination rights if the system we are constructing is not commissioned within specified timeframes or other construction milestones are not achieved; |
| |
• | Guarantees of certain minimum residual value of the system at specified future dates; and |
| |
• | System put-rights whereby we could be required to buy-back a customer’s system at fair value on specified future dates if certain minimum performance thresholds are not met. |
Such financing arrangements and customer obligations involve complex accounting analyses and judgments regarding the timing of revenue and expense recognition, and in certain situations these factors may require us to defer revenue recognition until projects are completed, which could adversely affect revenue and profits in a particular period.
Risks Related to Our Liquidity
Due to the general economic environment and other factors, we may be unable to generate sufficient cash flows or obtain access to external financing necessary to fund our operations and make adequate capital investments as planned.
We anticipate that our operating and capital expenditures will increase substantially in the foreseeable future. To develop new products, support future growth, achieve operating efficiencies and maintain product quality, we must make significant capital investments in manufacturing technology, facilities and capital equipment, research and development, and product and process technology. We also anticipate increased costs as we expand our manufacturing operations, hire additional personnel, make advance payments for raw materials or pay more to procure such materials, especially polysilicon, increase our sales and marketing efforts, invest in joint ventures and acquisitions, and continue our research and development efforts with respect to our products and manufacturing technologies. In addition, we expect to invest a significant amount of capital to develop solar power systems and plants initially owned by us. The development and construction of solar power plants can require long periods of time and substantial initial investments. The delayed disposition of such projects could have a negative impact on our liquidity. See "Risk Related to Our Operations—We may make significant investments in building solar power plants without first obtaining project financing, and the delayed sale of our projects would adversely affect our business, liquidity and results of operations." Certain of our customers also require performance bonds issued by a bonding agency or letters of credit issued by financial institutions. Obtaining letters of credit requires adequate collateral. Our letter of credit facility with Deutsche Bank is at least 50% collateralized by restricted cash, which reduces the amount of cash available for operations.
We expect total capital expenditures in the range of $130.0 million to $150.0 million in 2011 relating to improvements
of our current generation solar cell manufacturing technology and other projects. We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations and funds available under our mortgage loan agreement with IFC and our revolving credit facilities with Union Bank and Société Générale will be sufficient to meet our working capital and fund our committed capital expenditures over the next 12 months, including the development and construction of solar power plants over the next 12 months. Certain of our revolving credit facilities are scheduled to expire and amounts borrowed thereunder are due in 2011 and we plan to negotiate new facilities or renegotiate and/or extend our existing facilities. There can be no assurance that our negotiations will be successful or that liquidity will be adequate over time. Our capital expenditures and use of working capital may be greater than we expect if we decide to make additional investments in the development and construction of solar power plants and sales of power plants and associated cash proceeds are delayed, or we decide to accelerate ramping our manufacturing capacity both internally and through capital contributions to joint ventures. We require project financing in connection with the construction of solar power plants, which financing may not be available on terms acceptable to us. In addition, we could in the future make additional investments in our joint ventures or guarantee certain financial obligations of our joint ventures, which could reduce our cash flows, increase our indebtedness and expose us to the credit risk of our joint ventures.
If our financial results or operating plans change from our current assumptions, or if the holders of our outstanding 4.50% convertible debentures due 2015 or 1.25% convertible debentures due 2027 become entitled, and elect, to convert the debentures into cash or cash and shares of class A common stock, respectively, we may not have sufficient resources to support our business plan or pay cash in connection with the redemption of outstanding 4.50% and 1.25% debentures. Holders of our 1.25% debentures may require us to repurchase all or a portion of their 1.25% debentures on February 15, 2012. Any repurchase of our 1.25% debentures pursuant to these provisions will be for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 1.25% debentures to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, we may redeem some or all of our 1.25% debentures on or after February 15, 2012 for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 1.25% debentures to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. Also, holders of our debentures may also require us to repurchase their debentures for cash equal to 100% of the principal amount of the debentures to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest in the event that our obligations under other indebtedness in excess of $25 million or $50 million, as applicable, are accelerated and we fail to discharge such obligations. If our capital resources are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity securities or debt securities or obtain other debt financings; although the current economic environment could also limit our ability to raise capital by issuing new equity or debt securities on acceptable terms, and lenders may be unwilling to lend funds on acceptable terms that would be required to supplement cash flows to support operations. Additional debt would result in increased expenses and would likely impose new restrictive covenants which may be similar or different than those restrictions contained in the covenants under our current debt agreements and debentures. Financing arrangements, including project financing for our solar power plants and letters of credit facilities, may not be available to us, or may not be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us. We may also seek to sell assets, reduce or delay capital investments, or refinance or restructure our debt. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to generate sufficient cash flows, find other sources of capital or access capital markets to fund our operations and solar power plant projects, make adequate capital investments to remain competitive in terms of technology development and cost efficiency, or provide bonding or letters of credit required by our projects. If adequate funds and alternative resources are not available on acceptable terms, our ability to fund our operations, develop and construct solar power plants, develop and expand our manufacturing operations and distribution network, maintain our research and development efforts, provide collateral for our projects or otherwise respond to competitive pressures would be significantly impaired. Our inability to do the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Our current tax holidays in the Philippines and Switzerland will expire within the next several years.
We currently benefit from income tax holiday incentives in the Philippines in accordance with our subsidiary’s registration with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority ("PEZA"), which provide that we pay no income tax in the Philippines. Our current income tax holidays were granted as manufacturing lines were placed in services and thereafter expire within the next several years beginning in 2011, and we have applied for extensions and renewals upon expiration. However, these tax holidays may or may not be extended and the holiday for two of the sixteen total manufacturing lines expired at the end of 2010 and were extended through November 2011. We believe that as our Philippine tax holidays expire, (a) gross income attributable to activities covered by our PEZA registrations will be taxed at a 5% preferential rate, and (b) our Philippine net income attributable to all other activities will be taxed at the statutory Philippine corporate income tax rate, currently 30%. An increase in our tax liability could materially and negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We have an auxiliary company ruling in Switzerland where we sell our solar power products. The auxiliary company ruling results in a reduced effective Swiss tax rate of approximately 11.5%. The current ruling expires in 2015. If the ruling is not renewed in 2015, Swiss income would be taxable at the full Swiss tax rate of approximately 24.2%.
Our substantial indebtedness and other contractual commitments could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as our ability to meet any of our payment obligations under the 1.25%, 4.50% and 4.75% debentures and our other debt.
We currently have a significant amount of debt and debt service requirements that could have material consequences on our future operations, including:
| |
• | making it more difficult for us to meet our payment and other obligations under the 1.25%, 4.50% and 4.75% debentures and our other outstanding debt; |
| |
• | resulting in an event of default if we fail to comply with the financial and other restrictive covenants contained in our debt agreements (with certain covenants becoming more restrictive over time), which event of default could result in all of our debt becoming immediately due and payable; |
| |
• | reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, project development, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes, and limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for these purposes; |
| |
• | subjecting us to the risk of increased sensitivity to interest rate increases on our indebtedness with variable interest rates; |
| |
• | subjecting us to the risk of currency fluctuations and government-fixed foreign exchange rates and the effects of currency hedging activity or inability to hedge currency fluctuation; |
| |
• | limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, and increasing our vulnerability to, changes in our business, the industry in which we operate and the general economy; and |
| |
• | placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt or are less leveraged. |
Any of the above-listed factors could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to meet our payment obligations under the 1.25%, 4.50% and 4.75% debentures and our other debt. In addition, we also have significant contractual commitments for the purchase of polysilicon, some of which involve prepayments, and we may enter into additional, similar long-term supply agreements in the future. Further, if the holders of our outstanding 1.25% and 4.50% debentures have been entitled to, and do convert their debentures, the principal amount must be settled in cash and to the extent that the conversion obligation exceeds the principal amount of any debentures converted, we must satisfy the remaining conversion obligation of the 1.25% debentures in shares of our class A common stock. Future conversions could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to meet our payment obligations under our debt.
A change in our effective tax rate can have a significant adverse impact on our business.
A number of factors may adversely impact our future effective tax rates, such as the jurisdictions in which our profits are determined to be earned and taxed; changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities; adjustments to estimated taxes upon finalization of various tax returns; adjustments to the our interpretation of transfer pricing standards, changes in available tax credits; changes in stock-based compensation expense; changes in tax laws or the interpretation of such tax laws (for example, proposals for fundamental U.S. international tax reform); changes in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP"); expiration or the inability to renew tax rulings or tax holiday incentives; and the repatriation of non-U.S. earnings for which we have not previously provided for U.S. taxes. A change in our effective tax rate due to any of these factors may adversely impact our future results from operations. See Part II — “Item 7: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations–Results of Operations–Income Taxes.”
Because we self-insure for certain indemnities we have made to our officers and directors, potential claims could materially and negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Our certificate of incorporation, by-laws and indemnification agreements require us to indemnify our officers and directors for certain liabilities that may arise in the course of their service to us. We primarily self-insured with respect to
potential indemnifiable claims historically. Although we have insured our officers and directors against certain potential third-party claims for which we are legally or financially unable to indemnify them, we have historically primarily self-insured with respect to potential third-party claims which give rise to direct liability to such third party or an indemnification duty on our part. If we were required to pay a significant amount on account of these liabilities for which we self-insured, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially harmed. See also “Risks Related to Our Operations -- We and certain of our current and former officers and directors have been named as parties to various lawsuits relating to our past Philippines accounting issues, and may be named in further litigation, including with respect to the restatement of our consolidated financial statements, all of which could require significant management time and attention, result in significant legal expenses or damages, and cause our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows to suffer.”
Our credit agreements contain covenant restrictions that may limit our ability to operate our business.
We may be unable to respond to changes in business and economic conditions, engage in transactions that might otherwise be beneficial to us, or obtain additional financing, because our debt agreements, foreign exchange hedging agreements and equity derivative agreements contain, and any of our other future similar agreements may contain, covenant restrictions that limit our ability to, among other things:
| |
• | incur additional debt, assume obligations in connection with letters of credit, or issue guarantees; |
| |
• | make certain investments or acquisitions; |
| |
• | enter into transactions with our affiliates; |
| |
• | redeem capital stock or make other restricted payments; |
| |
• | declare or pay dividends or make other distributions to stockholders; and |
| |
• | merge or consolidate with any person. |
Our ability to comply with these covenants is dependent on our future performance, which will be subject to many factors, some of which are beyond our control, including prevailing economic conditions. In addition, our failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default under the 1.25%, 4.50% and 4.75% debentures and our other debt, which could permit the holders to accelerate such debt. If any of our debt is accelerated, we may not have sufficient funds available to repay such debt, which could materially and negatively affect our financial condition and results of operation.
Risks Related to Our Supply Chain
We will continue to be dependent on a limited number of third-party suppliers for certain raw materials and components for our products, which could prevent us from delivering our products to our customers within required timeframes, which in turn could result in sales and installation delays, cancellations, penalty payments and loss of market share.
We rely on a limited number of third-party suppliers, including our joint ventures, for certain raw materials and components for our solar cells, panels and power systems such as polysilicon, inverters and third-party solar panels. If we fail to develop or maintain our relationships with our suppliers, we may be unable to manufacture our products or our products may be available only at a higher cost or after a long delay. Such delays could prevent us from delivering our products to our customers within required timeframes and cause order cancellations and loss of market share. To the extent the processes that our suppliers use to manufacture components are proprietary, we may be unable to obtain comparable components from alternative suppliers. In addition, the financial markets could limit our suppliers’ ability to raise capital if required to expand their production or satisfy their operating capital requirements. As a result, they could be unable to supply necessary raw materials, inventory and capital equipment to us which we would require to support our planned sales operations which would in turn negatively impact our sales volumes profitability and cash flows. The failure of a supplier to supply raw materials or components in a timely manner, or to supply raw materials or components that meet our quality, quantity and cost requirements, could impair our ability to manufacture our products or increase the cost of production. If we cannot obtain substitute materials or components on a timely basis or on acceptable terms, we could be prevented from delivering our products to our customers within required timeframes, which could result in sales and installation delays, cancellations, penalty
payments or loss of market share, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and cash flows.
Limited competition among suppliers has required us in some instances to enter into long-term, firm commitment supply agreements that could result in excess or insufficient inventory and place us at a competitive disadvantage.
Due to the industry-wide shortage of polysilicon experienced in previous years, we have purchased polysilicon that we resell to third-party ingot and wafer manufacturers who deliver wafers to us that we then use in the manufacturing of our solar cells. Without sufficient polysilicon, some of those ingot and wafer manufacturers would not be able to produce the wafers on which we rely. To match our estimated customer demand forecasts and growth strategy for the next several years, we have entered into multiple long-term supply agreements, including agreements with our joint ventures, Woongjin Energy and First Philec Solar. Some agreements provide for fixed or inflation-adjusted pricing, substantial prepayment obligations, and firm purchase commitments that require us to pay for the supply whether or not we accept delivery. If such agreements require us to purchase more polysilicon, ingots or wafers than required to meet our actual customer demand over time, the resulting excess inventory could materially and negatively impact our results of operations. In addition, if the prices under our long-term supply agreements result in our paying more for such supplies than the current market prices available to our competitors, we may also be placed at a competitive disadvantage, and our profitability could decline. If our agreements provide insufficient inventory to meet customer demand, or if our suppliers are unable or unwilling to provide us with the contracted quantities, we may purchase additional supply at available market prices which could be greater than expected and could materially and negatively impact our results of operations. Such market prices could also be greater than prices paid by our competitors, placing us at a competitive disadvantage and leading to a decline in our profitability. Further, we face significant specific counterparty risk under long-term supply agreements when dealing with suppliers without a long, stable production and financial history. In the event any such supplier experiences financial difficulties, it may be difficult or impossible, or may require substantial time and expense, for us to recover any or all of our prepayments. Any of the foregoing could materially harm our financial condition and results of operations.
If third-party manufacturers become unable or unwilling to sell their solar cells or panels to us, our business and results of operations may be materially negatively affected.
We purchase a portion of our total product mix from third-party manufacturers of solar cells and panels, often marketing them under our Serengeti brand. Such products increase our inventory available for sale to customers in some markets. However, such manufacturers may not be willing to sell solar cells and panels to us at the quantities and on the terms and conditions we require. Such manufacturers may be our direct competitors. If they are unable or unwilling to sell to us, we may not have sufficient products available to sell to customers and satisfy our sales commitments, thereby materially and negatively affecting our business and results of operations. In addition, warranty and product liability claims may result from defects or quality issues in connection with third party solar cells and panels that we incorporate into our solar power products. See also “Risks Related to Our Sales Channels -- We may incur unexpected warranty and product liability claims that could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.”
Risks Related to Our Operations
We may not be able to increase or sustain our recent growth rate, and we may not be able to manage our future growth effectively.
We may not be able to continue to expand our business or manage future growth. We plan to significantly increase our production capacity in 2011 and 2012, which will require successful execution of:
| |
• | expanding our existing manufacturing facilities and developing new manufacturing facilities, which would increase our fixed costs and, if such facilities are underutilized, would negatively impact our results of operations; |
| |
• | ensuring delivery of adequate polysilicon and ingots; |
| |
• | enhancing our customer resource management and manufacturing management systems; |
| |
• | implementing and improving additional and existing administrative, financial and operations systems, procedures and controls, including the need to centralize, update and integrate our global financial internal control; |
| |
• | hiring additional employees; |
| |
• | expanding and upgrading our technological capabilities; |
| |
• | managing multiple relationships with our customers, suppliers and other third parties; |
| |
• | maintaining adequate liquidity and financial resources; and |
| |
• | continuing to increase our revenues from operations. |
Our recent expansion has placed, and our planned expansion and any other future expansion will continue to place, a significant strain on our management, personnel, systems and resources. Expanding our manufacturing facilities or developing facilities may be delayed by difficulties such as unavailability of equipment or supplies or equipment malfunction. Ensuring delivery of adequate polysilicon and ingots is subject to many market risks including scarcity, significant price fluctuations and competition. Maintaining adequate liquidity is dependent upon a variety of factors including continued revenues from operations and compliance with our indentures and credit agreements. If we are unsuccessful in any of these areas, we may not be able to achieve our growth strategy and increase production capacity as planned during the foreseeable future. If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, we may not be able to take advantage of market opportunities, develop new solar cells and other products, satisfy customer requirements, execute our business plan or respond to competitive pressures. See also “If we are not successful in adding additional production lines through our joint venture in Malaysia, or we experience interruptions in the operation of our solar cell production lines, our revenue and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.”
We may make significant investments in building solar power plants without first obtaining project financing, and the delayed sale of our projects would adversely affect our business, liquidity and results of operations.
The development and construction of solar power plants require long periods of time and substantial initial investments, which we may make without first obtaining project financing or getting final regulatory clearance. Such costs may never be recovered if the necessary permits and government approvals are not obtained, project financing (including any Department of Energy loan guarantee) are not obtained, or if a potential project sale cannot be completed on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Our efforts in this area may consist of all stages of development, including land acquisition, permitting, financing, construction, operation and the eventual sale of the projects. We will often choose to bear the costs of such efforts prior to obtaining project financing, prior to getting final regulatory clearance, and prior to our final sale to a customer, if any. This involves significant upfront investments of resources (including, for example, large transmission deposits or other payments, which may be non-refundable), land acquisition, permitting, legal and other costs, and in some cases the actual costs of constructing a project, in advance of the signing of PPAs and EPC contracts, the sale of equity in the project and the receipt of any cash or revenue, much of which may not be recognized for several additional months or years following contract signing. Our ability to monetize solar power plant projects is dependent on successfully executing and selling large scale projects and often a single project can account for a material portion of our total revenue in a given quarter. Since consummation of the acquisition of SunRay in March 2010, we have deferred revenue recognition on SunRay construction projects until the projects have been financed, constructed, and sold to independent third parties. Alternatively, we may choose to build, own and operate certain solar power plants for a period of time, after which the project assets may be sold to third parties. In such cases, the delayed disposition of projects could require us to recognize a gain on the sale of assets instead of recognizing revenue. Our potential inability to obtain regulatory clearance, project financing, or enter into sales contracts with customers could adversely affect our business, liquidity and results of operations. Our inability to monetize our projects as planned, or any delay in obtaining the required initial payments to begin recognizing revenue under the relevant recognition criteria, and the corresponding revenue impact under the percentage-of-completion method of recognizing revenue, may cause large fluctuations in our revenue and other financial results. In the event the project is subsequently canceled, abandoned, or is deemed likely to occur, we will charge all prior capital costs as an operating expense in the quarter in which such determination is made, which could materially adversely affect operating results. Our liquidity could also be adversely impacted if we cannot obtain timely project financing or if project sales are delayed.
We have significant international activities and customers, and plan to continue these efforts, which subject us to additional business risks, including logistical complexity and political instability.
A substantial portion of our sales are made to customers outside of the United States, and a substantial portion of our supply agreements are with supply and equipment vendors located outside of the United States. Currently our solar cell production lines are located at our manufacturing facilities in the Philippines, and our joint venture is ramping up its manufacturing facility in Malaysia. The majority of our solar panel assembly functions has historically been conducted by third-party contract manufacturers in China, Poland and Mexico. In addition, in March 2010, we completed the acquisition of SunRay, a European-based project developer with significant international operations.
Risks we face in conducting business internationally include:
| |
• | multiple, conflicting and changing laws and regulations, export and import restrictions, employment laws, environmental protection, regulatory requirements and other government approvals, permits and licenses; |
| |
• | difficulties and costs in staffing and managing foreign operations as well as cultural differences; |
| |
• | potentially adverse tax consequences associated with our permanent establishment of operations in more countries; |
| |
• | relatively uncertain legal systems, including potentially limited protection for intellectual property rights, and laws, changes in the governmental incentives we rely on, regulations and policies which impose additional restrictions on the ability of foreign companies to conduct business in certain countries or otherwise place them at a competitive disadvantage in relation to domestic companies; |
| |
• | repatriation of non-U.S. earnings taxed at rates lower than the U.S. statutory effective tax rate; |
| |
• | inadequate local infrastructure and developing telecommunications infrastructures; |
| |
• | financial risks, such as longer sales and payment cycles and greater difficulty collecting accounts receivable; |
| |
• | currency fluctuations and government-fixed foreign exchange rates and the effects of currency hedging activity or inability to hedge currency fluctuations; |
| |
• | political and economic instability, including wars, acts of terrorism, political unrest, boycotts, curtailments of trade and other business restrictions; |
| |
• | trade barriers such as export requirements, tariffs, taxes and other restrictions and expenses, which could increase the prices of our products and make us less competitive in some countries; and |
| |
• | liabilities associated with compliance with laws (for example, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar laws outside of the United States). |
If we are unable to successfully manage any such risks, any one or more could materially and negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Recent protests, violence and political instability in Egypt and certain Middle East countries has increased the risk of political turmoil spreading around the world. Such events may disrupt our operations or those of our customers and suppliers and may affect the availability of materials needed to manufacture our products or the means to transport those materials to manufacturing facilities and finished products to customers. Such events could also increase volatility in the U.S. and world financial markets, which could harm our stock price and may limit the capital resources available to us and our customers or suppliers, or adversely affect consumer confidence. Turmoil and unrest in the Middle East or other regions of the world could harm our business and results of operations.
If we are not successful in adding additional production lines through our joint venture in Malaysia, or we experience interruptions in the operation of our solar cell production lines, our revenue and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
If our current or future solar cell production lines were to experience any problems or downtime, we would be unable to meet our production targets and our business would suffer. Our manufacturing activities have required and will continue to require significant management attention, a significant investment of capital and substantial engineering expenditures.
Under a joint venture agreement, we and AU Optronics Corporation ("AUO") jointly own and manage a joint venture that is constructing a manufacturing facility in Malaysia. We expect the joint venture to provide a substantial portion of our solar cell supply beginning in 2011. The success of our joint venture is subject to significant risks including:
| |
• | cost overruns, delays, supply shortages, equipment problems and other operating difficulties; |
| |
• | difficulties expanding our processes to larger production capacity; |
| |
• | custom-built equipment may take longer and cost more to engineer than planned and may never operate as designed; |
| |
• | incorporating first-time equipment designs and technology improvements, which we expect to lower unit capital and operating costs, but this new technology may not be successful; |
| |
• | problems managing the joint venture with AUO, whom we do not control and whose business objectives are different from ours and may be inconsistent with our best interests; |
| |
• | AUO's ability to obtain interim financing to fund the joint venture's business plan until such time as third party financing is obtained; |
| |
• | the joint venture's ability to obtain third party financing to fund its capital requirements; |
| |
• | difficulties in maintaining or improving our historical yields and manufacturing efficiencies; |
| |
• | difficulties in protecting our intellectual property and obtaining rights to intellectual property developed by the joint venture; |
| |
• | difficulties in hiring key technical, management, and other personnel; |
| |
• | difficulties in integration, implementing IT infrastructure and an effective control environment; and |
| |
• | potential inability to obtain, or obtain in a timely manner, financing, or approvals from governmental authorities for operations. |
If we experience any of these or similar difficulties, we may be unable to complete the addition of new production lines on schedule at our joint venture, and our supply from the joint venture may be delayed or be more costly than expected, substantially constraining our supply of solar cells. If we are unable to ramp up our manufacturing capacity at the joint venture as planned, or we experience interruptions in the operation of our existing production lines, our per-unit manufacturing costs would increase, we would be unable to increase sales or gross margins as planned, we would need to increase our supply of third party solar cells, and our results of operations would likely be materially and adversely affected.
If we do not achieve satisfactory yields or quality in manufacturing our solar cells, our sales could decrease and our relationships with our customers and our reputation may be harmed.
The manufacture of solar cells is a highly complex process. Minor deviations in the manufacturing process can cause substantial decreases in yield and in some cases, cause production to be suspended or yield no output. We have from time to time experienced lower than anticipated manufacturing yields. As we expand our manufacturing capacity and bring additional lines or facilities into production, we may initially experience lower yields. If we do not achieve planned yields, our product costs could increase, and product availability would decrease resulting in lower revenues than expected.
Additionally, products as complex as ours may contain undetected errors or defects, especially when first introduced. For example, our solar cells or solar panels may contain defects that are not detected until after they are shipped or are installed because we cannot test for all possible scenarios. These defects could cause us to incur significant warranty, non-warranty and re-engineering costs, divert the attention of our engineering personnel from product development efforts and significantly affect our customer relations and business reputation. If we deliver solar cells or solar panels with errors or defects, including cells or panels of third-party manufacturers, or if there is a perception that such solar cells or solar panels contain errors or defects, our credibility and the market acceptance and sales of our products could be harmed. In addition, some of our arrangements with customers include termination or put rights for non-performance. In certain limited cases, we could incur liquidated damages or even be required to buy-back a customer's system at fair value on specified future dates if certain minimum performance thresholds are not met for periods up to two years.
We obtain certain of our capital equipment used in our manufacturing process from sole suppliers and if this equipment is damaged or otherwise unavailable, our ability to deliver products on time will suffer, which in turn could result in order cancellations and loss of revenue.
Some of the capital equipment used in the manufacture of our solar power products has been developed and made specifically for us, is not readily available from multiple vendors and would be difficult to repair or replace if it were to
become damaged or stop working. If any of these suppliers were to experience financial difficulties or go out of business, or if there were any damage to or a breakdown of our manufacturing equipment, our business would suffer. In addition, a supplier’s failure to supply this equipment in a timely manner, with adequate quality and on terms acceptable to us, could delay our capacity expansion of our manufacturing facility and our joint venture and otherwise disrupt our production schedule or increase our costs of production.
Project development or construction activities may not be successful, which could increase our costs and impair our ability to recover our investments.
The development and construction of solar power electric generation facilities and other energy infrastructure projects involve numerous risks. We may be required to spend significant sums for preliminary engineering, permitting, legal, and other expenses before we can determine whether a project is feasible, economically attractive or capable of being built. Successful completion of a particular project may be adversely affected by numerous factors, including:
| |
• | failures or delays in obtaining desired or necessary land rights, including ownership, leases and/or easements; |
| |
• | failures or delays in obtaining necessary permits, licenses or other governmental approvals, or in overcoming objections from members of the public or adjoining land owners; |
| |
• | uncertainties relating to land costs for projects; |
| |
• | unforeseen engineering problems; |
| |
• | access to available transmission for electricity generated by our solar power plants; |
| |
• | construction delays and contractor performance shortfalls; |
| |
• | work stoppages or labor disruptions; |
| |
• | availability of products and components from suppliers; |
| |
• | adverse weather conditions; |
| |
• | environmental, archaeological and geological conditions; and |
| |
• | availability of construction and permanent financing. |
If we are unable to complete the development of a solar power plant, or fail to meet one or more agreed target construction milestone dates, we may be subject to liquidated damages and/or penalties under the EPC agreement or other agreements relating to the power plant, and we typically will not be able to recover our investment in the project. We expect to invest a significant amount of capital to develop projects initially owned by us or ultimately owned by third parties. If we are unable to complete the development of a solar power project, we may write-down or write-off some or all of these capitalized investments, which would have an adverse impact on our net income in the period in which the loss is recognized.
We depend on third-party contract manufacturers to assemble a significant portion of our solar cells into solar panels and any failure to obtain sufficient assembly and test capacity could significantly delay our ability to ship our solar panels and damage our customer relationships.
The majority of our solar panel assembly functions have historically been conducted by third-party contract manufacturers in China, Poland and Mexico. We plan to add additional manufacturing capacity for our solar panels in the United States, whether produced internally or by third-party contract manufacturers located in states near attractive solar markets. As a result of outsourcing a significant portion of this final step in our production, we face several significant risks, including limited control over assembly and testing capacity, delivery schedules, quality assurance, manufacturing yields and production costs. If the operations of our third-party contract manufacturers were disrupted or their financial stability impaired, or if they were unable or unwilling to devote capacity to our solar panels in a timely manner, our business could suffer as we might be unable to produce finished solar panels on a timely basis. We also risk customer delays resulting from an inability to move module production to an alternate provider or to complete production internationally, and it may not be possible to obtain
sufficient capacity or comparable production costs at another facility in a timely manner. In addition, migrating our design methodology to a new third-party contract manufacturer or to a captive panel assembly facility could involve increased costs, resources and development time, and utilizing additional third-party contract manufacturers could expose us to further risk of losing control over our intellectual property and the quality of our solar panels. Any reduction in the supply of solar panels could impair our revenue by significantly delaying our ability to ship products and potentially damage our relationships with new and existing customers, any of which could have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation.
We act as the general contractor for many of our customers in connection with the installations of our solar power systems and are subject to risks associated with construction, cost overruns, delays and other contingencies tied to performance bonds and letters of credit, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
We act as the general contractor for many of our customers in connection with the installation of our solar power systems. All essential costs are estimated at the time of entering into the sales contract for a particular project, and these are reflected in the overall price that we charge our customers for the project. These cost estimates are preliminary and may or may not be covered by contracts between us or the other project developers, subcontractors, suppliers and other parties to the project. In addition, we require qualified, licensed subcontractors to install most of our systems. Shortages of such skilled labor could significantly delay a project or otherwise increase our costs. Should miscalculations in planning a project or defective or late execution occur, we may not achieve our expected margins or cover our costs. Also, some customers require performance bonds issued by a bonding agency or letters of credit issued by financial institutions. Due to the general performance risk inherent in construction activities, it has become increasingly difficult recently to attain suitable bonding agencies willing to provide performance bonding. Obtaining letters of credit requires adequate collateral. In the event we are unable to obtain bonding or sufficient letters of credit, we will be unable to bid on, or enter into, sales contracts requiring such bonding.
In addition, the contracts with some of our larger customers require that we would be obligated to pay substantial penalty payments for each day or other period a solar installation for any such customer is not completed beyond an agreed target date, up to and including the return of the entire project sale price. This is particularly true in Europe, where long-term, fixed feed-in tariffs available to investors are typically set during a prescribed period of project completion, but the fixed amount declines over time for projects completed in subsequent periods. We face material financial penalties in the event we fail to meet the completion deadlines, including but not limited a full refund of the contract price paid by the customers. In certain cases we do not control all of the events which could give rise to these penalties, such as reliance on the local utility to timely complete electrical substation construction.
Furthermore, investors often require that the solar power system generate specified levels of electricity in order to maintain their investment returns, allocating substantial risk and financial penalties to us if those levels are not achieved, up to and including the return of the entire project sale price. Also, our customers often require protections in the form of conditional payments, payment retentions or holdbacks, and similar arrangements that condition its future payments on performance. Delays in solar panel or other supply shipments, other construction delays, unexpected performance problems in electricity generation or other events could cause us to fail to meet these performance criteria, resulting in unanticipated and severe revenue and earnings losses and financial penalties. Construction delays are often caused by inclement weather, failure to timely receive necessary approvals and permits, or delays in obtaining necessary solar panels, inverters or other materials. Additionally, we sometimes purchase land in connection with project development and assume the risk of project completion. All such risks could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Acquisitions of other companies or investments in joint ventures with other companies could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, and dilute our stockholders' equity.
To increase our business and maintain our competitive position, we may acquire other companies or engage in joint ventures in the future. For example, in March 2010, we completed our acquisition of SunRay and in July 2010, we formed a joint venture with AUO to jointly own and operate our third solar cell manufacturing factory located in Malaysia. See also “If we are not successful in adding additional production lines through our joint venture in Malaysia, or we experience interruptions in the operation of our solar cell production lines, our revenue and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.”
Acquisitions and joint ventures involve a number of risks that could harm our business and result in the acquired business or joint venture not performing as expected, including:
| |
• | insufficient experience with technologies and markets in which the acquired business or joint venture is involved, which may be necessary to successfully operate and/or integrate the business or the joint venture; |
| |
• | problems integrating the acquired operations, personnel, IT infrastructure, technologies or products with the existing business and products; |
| |
• | diversion of management time and attention from the core business to the acquired business or joint venture; |
| |
• | potential failure to retain or hire key technical, management, sales and other personnel of the acquired business or joint venture; |
| |
• | difficulties in retaining or building relationships with suppliers and customers of the acquired business or joint venture, particularly where such customers or suppliers compete with us; |
| |
• | potential failure of the due diligence processes to identify significant issues with product quality and development or legal and financial liabilities, among other things; |
| |
• | potential inability to obtain, or obtain in a timely manner, approvals from governmental authorities, which could delay or prevent acquisitions or the successful operation of joint ventures; |
| |
• | potential necessity to re-apply for permits of acquired projects; |
| |
• | problems managing joint ventures with our partners, and reliance upon joint ventures which we do not control; for example, our ability to effectively manage our joint venture with AUO for the expansion of our manufacturing capacity; |
| |
• | subsequent impairment of the acquired assets, including intangible assets; and |
| |
• | assumption of liabilities including, but not limited to, lawsuits, tax examinations, warranty issues, and liabilities associated with compliance with laws (for example, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act). |
Additionally, we may decide that it is in our best interests to enter into acquisitions or joint ventures that are dilutive to earnings per share or that negatively impact margins as a whole. In an effort to reduce our cost of goods sold, we have and may continue to enter into acquisitions or joint ventures involving suppliers or manufacturing partners, which would expose us to additional supply chain risks. Acquisitions or joint ventures could also require investment of significant financial resources and require us to obtain additional equity financing, which may dilute our stockholders' equity, or require us to incur additional indebtedness. Such equity or debt financing may not be available on terms acceptable to us. For example, we, along with AUO, have committed to funding the AUO SunPower Sdn. Bhd. joint venture $335 million from 2011 to 2014, and an additional $50 million if requested. In addition, we could in the future make additional investments in our joint ventures or guarantee certain financial obligations of our joint ventures, which could reduce our cash flows, increase our indebtedness and expose us to the credit risk of our joint ventures.
To the extent that we invest in upstream suppliers or downstream channel capabilities, we may experience competition or channel conflict with certain of our existing and potential suppliers and customers. Specifically, existing and potential suppliers and customers may perceive that we are competing directly with them by virtue of such investments and may decide to reduce or eliminate their supply volume to us or order volume from us. In particular, any supply reductions from our polysilicon, ingot or wafer suppliers could materially reduce manufacturing volume.
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
We have significant sales globally, and we are exposed to movements in foreign exchange rates, primarily related to sales to European customers that are denominated in Euros. A depreciation of the Euro would adversely impact our margins on sales to European customers. When foreign currencies appreciate against the U.S. dollar, inventories and expenses denominated in foreign currencies become more expensive. An increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies could make our solar power products more expensive for international customers, thus potentially leading to a reduction in demand, our sales and profitability. As a result, substantial unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates could have a substantial adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Although we seek to reduce our currency exposure by engaging in hedging transactions where we deem it appropriate, we do not know whether our efforts will be successful. Because we hedge some of our expected future foreign exchange exposure, if associated revenues do not materialize, we could experience losses. In the past, we have experienced an adverse impact on our revenue, gross margin, cash
position and profitability as a result of foreign currency fluctuations.
We are exposed to interest rate risk because many of our customers depend on debt financing to purchase our solar power systems. An increase in interest rates could make it difficult for our customers to obtain the financing necessary to purchase our solar power systems on favorable terms, or at all, and thus lower demand for our solar power products, reduce revenue and adversely impact our operating results. An increase in interest rates could lower a customer's return on investment in a system or make alternative investments more attractive relative to solar power systems, which, in each case, could cause our customers to seek alternative investments that promise higher returns or demand higher returns from our solar power systems, which could reduce our revenue and gross margin and adversely impact our operating results. Our interest expense would increase to the extent interest rates rise in connection with our variable interest rate borrowings. In addition, lower interest rates has an adverse impact on our interest income. See also Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and “Risks Related to Our Sales Channels-The execution of our growth strategy is dependent upon the continued availability of third-party financing arrangements for our solar power plants and our customers, and is affected by general economic conditions.”
We are exposed to the credit risk of our financial counterparties, customers and suppliers.
We have certain financial and derivative instruments that subject us to credit risk. These consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, investments, accounts receivable, note receivable, advances to suppliers, foreign currency option contracts, foreign currency forward contracts, bond hedge and warrant transactions, purchased options and share lending arrangements for our class A common stock. We are exposed to losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to our financial and derivative instruments. For example, in connection with the bankruptcy of Lehman, the fair value of the 2.9 million shares of our class A common stock loaned and unreturned by an affiliate of Lehman at the time of the bankruptcy was $213.4 million, which was reflected in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 as a loss on our statement of operations.
We enter into agreements with suppliers that specify future quantities and pricing of polysilicon to be supplied for periods up to 10 years. Under certain agreements, we are required to make significant prepayments to the vendors over the terms of the arrangements. We may be unable to recover such prepayments if the credit conditions of these suppliers materially deteriorate. In addition, we may not be able to collect from our customers in the event of the deterioration of their credit or if they enter into bankruptcy. Any of the preceding could materially and adversely impact our financial conditions, results of operations and liquidity. See also Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”
A material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting could result in a material misstatement of our financial statements.
Our management is responsible for maintaining internal control over financial reporting designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As previously disclosed under Item 9A, “Controls and Procedures” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2010, we concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective based on certain material weaknesses identified in our Philippine operations. Management has actively engaged in efforts to remediate these material weaknesses, and concluded that as of January 2, 2011, our internal control over financial reporting and our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. See Part II - “Item 9A: Controls and Procedures.”
A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The effectiveness of any controls and procedures is subject to certain limitations, and, as a result, there can be no assurance that our controls and procedures will detect all errors or fraud. A control, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system will be attained. We also cannot assure you that new material weaknesses will not arise as a result of our past failure to maintain adequate internal controls and procedures or that circumvention of those controls and procedures will not occur. Additionally, even our improved controls and procedures may not be adequate to prevent or identify errors or irregularities or ensure that our financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A material weakness could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, and the expenses incurred in remediation could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We and certain of our current and former officers and directors have been named as parties to various lawsuits relating to our past Philippines accounting issues, and may be named in further litigation, including with respect to the restatement of our consolidated financial statements, all of which could require significant management time and attention, result in significant legal expenses or damages, and cause our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows to
suffer.
Three securities class action lawsuits were filed against our Company and certain of our current and former officers in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on behalf of a class consisting of those who acquired our securities from April 17, 2008, through November 16, 2009. The actions arise from our announcement on November 16, 2009, that our Audit Committee commenced an internal investigation regarding certain unsubstantiated accounting entries. The complaints allege that the defendants made material misstatements and omissions concerning our financial results for 2008 and 2009, seek an unspecified amount of damages, and allege violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933. These cases were consolidated under Case No. CV-09-5473-RS (N.D. Cal.). In addition, derivative actions purporting to be brought on our behalf have also been filed in state and federal courts against several of our current and former officers and directors based on the same events alleged in the securities class action lawsuits described above. The California state derivative complaints assert state-law claims for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, unjust enrichment, gross mismanagement, and waste of corporate assets. The federal derivative complaints assert state-law claims for breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment. The complaints seek an unspecified amount of damages.
We cannot predict the outcome of these lawsuits. The matters which led to our Audit Committee's investigation and the restatement of our consolidated financial statements have exposed us to greater risks associated with litigation, regulatory proceedings and government enforcement actions. We and our current and former officers and directors may, in the future, be subject to additional private and governmental actions relating to such matters. Subject to certain limitations, we are obligated to indemnify our current and former officers and directors in connection with such lawsuits and governmental investigations and any related litigation or settlements amounts. Regardless of the outcome, these lawsuits, and any other litigation that may be brought against us or our current or former officers and directors, could be time-consuming, result in significant expense and divert the attention and resources of our management and other key employees. An unfavorable outcome in any of these matters could exceed coverage provided under potentially applicable insurance policies, which is limited. Any such unfavorable outcome could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Further, we could be required to pay damages or additional penalties or have other remedies imposed against us, or our current or former directors or officers, which could harm our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, our Company is largely self insured so that expenses, settlements or damages in excess of $5 million in these actions will not be recoverable under the primary coverage insurance policies. Moreover, such policies are subject to several terms, conditions and exclusions. See also “Risks Related to Our Liquidity - Because we self-insure for certain indemnities we have made to our officers and directors, potential claims could materially and negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.”
Our agreements with Cypress Semiconductor Corporation ("Cypress") require us to indemnify Cypress for certain tax liabilities. These indemnification obligations and related contractual restrictions may limit our ability to pursue certain business initiatives.
On October 6, 2005, while a subsidiary of Cypress, we entered into a tax sharing agreement with Cypress providing for each party's obligations concerning various tax liabilities. The tax sharing agreement is structured such that Cypress would pay all federal, state, local and foreign taxes that are calculated on a consolidated or combined basis while we were a member of Cypress’s consolidated or combined group for federal, state, local and foreign tax purposes. Our portion of tax liabilities or benefits was determined based upon our separate return tax liability as defined under the tax sharing agreement. These tax liabilities or benefits were based on a pro forma calculation as if we were filing a separate income tax return in each jurisdiction, rather than on a combined or consolidated basis, subject to adjustments as set forth in the tax sharing agreement.
On June 6, 2006, we ceased to be a member of Cypress’s consolidated group for federal income tax purposes and certain state income tax purposes. On September 29, 2008, we ceased to be a member of Cypress’s combined group for all state income tax purposes. To the extent that we become entitled to utilize our separate portion of any tax credit or loss carryforwards existing as of such date, we will distribute to Cypress the tax effect, estimated to be 40% for federal and state income tax purposes, of the amount of such tax loss carryforwards so utilized, and the amount of any credit carryforwards so utilized. We will distribute these amounts to Cypress in cash or in our shares, at Cypress’s option. As of January 2, 2011, we have a potential liability of approximately $2.2 million that may be due under this arrangement. In fiscal 2010 and 2009, we paid $0.7 million and $16.5 million, respectively, in cash to Cypress, of which zero and $15.1 million, respectively, represents the federal component and $0.7 million and $1.4 million, respectively, represents the state component.
We will continue to be jointly and severally liable for any tax liability during all periods in which we are deemed to be a member of the Cypress consolidated or combined group. Accordingly, although the tax sharing agreement allocates tax liabilities between Cypress and all its consolidated subsidiaries, for any period in which we were included in Cypress’s
consolidated or combined group, we could be liable in the event that any federal or state tax liability was incurred, but not discharged, by any other member of the group.
We will continue to be jointly and severally liable to Cypress until the statute of limitations runs or all appeal options are exercised for all years in which we joined in the filing of tax returns with Cypress. If Cypress experiences adjustments to their tax liability pursuant to tax examinations, we may incur an incremental liability.
In January 2010, Cypress was notified by the IRS that it intends to examine Cypress's corporate income tax filings for the tax years ended in 2006, 2007 and 2008. SunPower was included as part of Cypress's federal consolidated group in 2006 and part of 2007.
As of January 2, 2011, Cypress has not notified us of any adjustments to the tax liabilities that have been proposed by the IRS. However, the IRS has not completed its examination and there can be no assurance that there will be no material adjustments upon completion of their review. Additionally, while years prior to fiscal 2006 for Cypress's U.S. corporate tax return are not open for assessment, the IRS can adjust net operating loss and research and development carryovers that were generated in prior years and carried forward to fiscal 2006 and subsequent years. If the IRS sustains tax assessments against Cypress, we may be obligated to indemnify Cypress under the terms of the tax sharing agreement.
We would also be liable to Cypress for taxes that might arise from the distribution by Cypress of our class B common stock to Cypress's stockholders on September 29, 2008, or "spin-off". In connection with Cypress’s spin-off of our class B common stock, we and Cypress, on August 12, 2008, entered into an amendment to our tax sharing agreement (“Amended Tax Sharing Agreement”) to address certain transactions that may affect the tax treatment of the spin-off and certain other matters.
Subject to certain caveats, Cypress obtained a ruling from the IRS to the effect that the distribution by Cypress of our class B common stock to Cypress's stockholders qualified as a tax-free distribution under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”). Despite such ruling, the distribution may nonetheless be taxable to Cypress under Section 355(e) of the Code if 50% or more of the voting power or value of our stock was or is later acquired as part of a plan or series of related transactions that included the distribution of our stock. The Amended Tax Sharing Agreement requires us to indemnify Cypress for any liability incurred as a result of issuances or dispositions of our stock after the distribution, other than liability attributable to certain dispositions of our stock by Cypress, that cause Cypress’s distribution of shares of our stock to its stockholders to be taxable to Cypress under Section 355(e) of the Code.
In addition, under the Amended Tax Sharing Agreement, we are required to provide notice to Cypress of certain transactions that could give rise to our indemnification obligation relating to taxes resulting from the application of Section 355(e) of the Code or similar provisions of other applicable law to the spin-off as a result of one or more acquisitions, as described in the agreement. We are not required to indemnify Cypress for any taxes which would result solely from issuances and dispositions of our stock prior to the spin-off and any acquisition of our stock by Cypress after the spin-off.
Under the Amended Tax Sharing Agreement, we also agreed that, until October 29, 2010, we would not effect a conversion of any or all of our class B common stock to class A common stock or any similar recapitalization transaction or series of related transactions (a “Recapitalization”). In addition, we agreed that until October 29, 2010, we would not enter into or facilitate any other transaction resulting in an acquisition, as described in the agreement, of our stock without first obtaining the written consent of Cypress. As further detailed in the agreement, we are not required to obtain Cypress's consent unless such transactions would involve the acquisition for purposes of Section 355(e) of the Code after August 4, 2008 of more than 25% of our outstanding shares of common stock. In addition, the requirement to obtain Cypress's consent does not apply to certain qualifying acquisitions of our stock, as defined in the agreement.
Under the Amended Tax Sharing Agreement, we agreed that we would not (i) effect a Recapitalization during the 36 month period following the spin-off without first obtaining a tax opinion from a nationally recognized tax counsel, in form and in substance reasonably satisfactory to Cypress, to the effect that such Recapitalization (either alone or when taken together with any other transaction or transactions) will not cause the spin-off to become taxable under Section 355(e), or (ii) seek any private ruling, including any supplemental private ruling, from the IRS with regard to the spin-off, or any transaction having any bearing on the tax treatment of the spin-off, without the prior written consent of Cypress.
Our headquarters and manufacturing facilities, as well as the facilities of certain subcontractors, are located in regions that are subject to earthquakes and other natural disasters, and climate change and climate change regulation could have an adverse effect on our operations.
Our headquarters and research and development operations are located in California, and our manufacturing facilities
are located in the Philippines. The facilities of our joint venture for manufacturing and subcontractors for assembly and test of solar panels are located globally, including in Malaysia, China, Poland and Mexico. Any significant earthquake, tsunami or other natural disaster in these countries could materially disrupt our management operations and/or our production capabilities, and could result in our experiencing a significant delay in delivery, or substantial shortage, of our products and services.
In addition, legislators, regulators, and non-governmental organizations, as well as companies in many business sectors, are considering ways to reduce green-house gas emissions. Regulation could be forthcoming at the federal or state level with respect to green-house gas emissions. Such regulation or similar regulations in other countries could result in regulatory or product standard requirements for our global business, including our manufacturing operations. Furthermore, the potential physical impacts of climate change on our operations may include changes in weather patterns (including floods, tsunamis, drought and rainfall levels), water availability, storm patterns and intensities, and temperature levels. These potential physical effects may adversely impact the cost, production, sales and financial performance of our operations.
We could be adversely affected by any violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and foreign anti-bribery laws.
The U.S. FCPA generally prohibits companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to non-U.S. government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Other countries in which we operate also have anti-bribery laws, some of which prohibit improper payments to government and non-government persons and entities. Our policies mandate compliance with these anti-bribery laws. We operate in many parts of the world that have experienced governmental corruption to some degree and, in certain circumstances, strict compliance with anti-bribery laws may conflict with local customs and practices. In addition, due to the level of regulation in our industry, our entry into new jurisdictions through internal growth or acquisitions requires substantial government contact where norms can differ from U.S. standards. Although we implement policies and procedures designed to facilitate compliance with these anti-bribery laws, our employees, subcontractors and agents may take actions in violation of our policies and anti-bribery laws. Any such violation, even if prohibited by our policies, could subject us to criminal or civil penalties or other sanctions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and reputation.
We sell our solar products to agencies of the U.S. government, and as a result, we are subject to a number of procurement rules and regulations, and our business could be adversely affected by an audit by the U.S. government if it were to identify errors or a failure to comply with regulations.
We have sold and continue to sell our solar power systems to various U.S. government agencies. In connection with these contracts, we must comply with and are affected by laws and regulations relating to the award, administration, and performance of U.S. government contracts, which may impose added costs on our business. We are expected to perform in compliance with a vast array of federal laws and regulations, including, without limitation, the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the Truth in Negotiations Act, the Federal False Claims Act, the Anti-Kickback Act of 1986, the Buy American Act and the Davis Bacon Act. A violation of specific laws and regulations could result in the imposition of fines and penalties, reductions of the value of our contracts, contract modifications or termination, or suspension or debarment from government contracting for a period of time.
In some instances, these laws and regulations impose terms or rights that are more favorable to the government than those typically available to commercial parties in negotiated transactions. For example, the U.S. government may terminate any of our government contracts either at its convenience or for default based on performance. A termination arising out of our default may expose us to liability and have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete for future contracts.
U.S. government agencies may audit and investigate government contractors. These agencies review a contractor's performance under its contracts, cost structure, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards. If an audit or investigation uncovers improper or illegal activities, we may be subject to civil or criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, including termination of contracts, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines, and suspension or prohibition from doing business with the U.S. government. In addition, we could suffer serious reputational harm if allegations of impropriety were made against us.
Compliance with environmental regulations can be expensive, and noncompliance with these regulations may result in adverse publicity and potentially significant monetary damages and fines.
We are required to comply with all foreign, U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding pollution control and protection of the environment. In addition, under some statutes and regulations, a government agency, or other parties, may seek recovery and response costs from operators of property where releases of hazardous substances have occurred or are
ongoing, even if the operator was not responsible for such release or otherwise at fault. We use, generate and discharge toxic, volatile and otherwise hazardous chemicals and wastes in our research and development and manufacturing activities. Any failure by us to control the use of, or to restrict adequately the discharge of, hazardous substances could subject us to potentially significant monetary damages and fines or suspensions in our business operations. In addition, if more stringent laws and regulations are adopted in the future, the costs of compliance with these new laws and regulations could be substantial. To date such laws and regulations have not had a significant impact on our operations, and we believe that we have all necessary permits to conduct operations as they are presently conducted. If we fail to comply with present or future environmental laws and regulations, however, we may be required to pay substantial fines, suspend production or cease operations.
In addition, new U.S. legislation includes disclosure requirements regarding the use of “conflict” minerals mined from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries and procedures regarding a manufacturer's efforts to prevent the sourcing of such “conflict” minerals. The implementation of these requirements could affect the sourcing and availability of minerals used in the manufacture of solar products. As a result, there may only be a limited pool of suppliers who provide conflict free metals, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain products in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. Also, since our supply chain is complex, we may face reputational challenges with our customers and other stakeholders if we are unable to sufficiently verify the origins for all minerals used in our products.
Our success depends on the continuing contributions of our key personnel.
We rely heavily on the services of our key executive officers and the loss of services of any principal member of our management team could adversely impact our operations. In addition, we anticipate that we will need to hire a significant number of highly skilled technical, manufacturing, sales, marketing, administrative and accounting personnel. The competition for qualified personnel is intense in our industry. We may not be successful in attracting and retaining sufficient numbers of qualified personnel to support our anticipated growth. We cannot guarantee that any employee will remain employed with us for any definite period of time since all of our employees, including our key executive officers, serve at-will and may terminate their employment at any time for any reason.
We may in the future be required to consolidate the assets, liabilities and financial results of certain of our existing or future joint ventures, which could have an adverse impact on our financial position, gross margin and operating results.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued accounting guidance regarding variable interest entities (“VIEs”) that affects our accounting treatment of our existing and future joint ventures. We have variable interests in Woongjin Energy Co., Ltd., First Philec Solar Corporation and our joint venture with AUO. To ascertain if we are required to consolidate these entities, we determine whether these entities are VIEs and if we are the primary beneficiary in accordance with the accounting guidance. Factors we consider in determining whether we are the VIE's primary beneficiary include the decision making authority of each partner, which partner manages the day-to-day operations of the joint venture and each partner's obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the joint venture in relation to that of the other partner. Changes in the financial accounting guidance, or changes in circumstances at each of these joint ventures, could lead us to determine that we have to consolidate the assets, liabilities and financial results of such joint ventures. This could have a material adverse impact on our financial position, gross margin and operating results. In addition, we may enter into future joint ventures or make other equity investments, which could have an adverse impact on us because of the financial accounting guidance regarding VIEs.
We carry significant goodwill on our balance sheet, which is subject to impairment testing and could subject us to significant non-cash charges to earnings in the future if impairment occurs.
We have completed strategic acquisitions which have increased our balance of goodwill on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and the balance of goodwill may increase in the future if we complete acquisitions as part of our overall business strategy. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment annually. We conduct our annual review of the valuation of goodwill as of the Sunday closest to the end of the third fiscal quarter of each year, or more often if indicators of impairment exist. Triggering events for additional impairment review may include indicators such as adverse industry or economic trends, lower than projected operating results or cash flows, or a sustained decline in our stock price or market capitalization. Our stock price has declined significantly since mid-2008, which increases the risk of goodwill impairment if the price of our stock declines further. The evaluation of the fair value of goodwill involves valuation techniques which require significant management judgment. Should conditions be different from management's last impairment assessment, significant write-downs of goodwill may be required, which would result in a significant non-cash charge to earnings and lower stockholders' equity. From our prior annual goodwill impairment tests we concluded there was no impairment to goodwill; however, the triggering events described above associated with an event of impairment may require us to evaluate the fair value of goodwill prior to the next annual review.
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property
Loss of government programs that partially fund our research and development programs would increase our research and development expenses.
We selectively pursue contract research, product development and market development programs funded by various agencies of the federal and state governments to complement and enhance our own resources. Funding from government contracts is generally recorded as an offset to our research and development expense. These government agencies may not continue their commitment to programs relevant to our development projects. Moreover, we may not be able to compete successfully to obtain funding through these or other programs, and generally government agencies may unilaterally terminate or modify such agreements. A reduction or discontinuance of these programs, or of our participation in these programs, would increase our research and development expenses, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and could impair our ability to develop competitive solar power products and services.
Our reliance on government programs to partially fund our research and development programs could impair our ability to commercialize our solar power products and services.
Government funding of some of our research and development efforts imposes certain restrictions on our ability to commercialize results and may grant commercialization rights to the government. In some funding awards, the government is entitled to intellectual property rights arising from the related research. Such rights could include a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to practice or have practiced each subject invention developed under an award throughout the world by or on behalf of the government, or the right to require us to grant a license to the developed technology or products to a third party or, if we refuse, the government may grant the license itself, if the government determines that action is necessary because we fail to achieve practical application of the technology, or because action is necessary to alleviate health or safety needs, to meet requirements of federal regulations, or to give the United States industry preference. Accepting government funding can also require that manufacturing of products developed with federal funding be conducted in the United States.
We are dependent on our intellectual property, and we may face intellectual property infringement claims that could be time-consuming and costly to defend and could result in the loss of significant rights.
From time to time, we, our respective customers or third parties with whom we work may receive letters, including letters from various industry participants, alleging infringement of their patents. Although we are not currently aware of any parties pursuing or intending to pursue infringement claims against us, we cannot assure investors that we will not be subject to such claims in the future. Additionally, we are required by contract to indemnify some of our customers and our third-party intellectual property providers for certain costs and damages of patent infringement in circumstances where our products are a factor creating the customer’s or these third-party providers’ infringement liability. This practice may subject us to significant indemnification claims by our customers and our third-party providers. We cannot assure investors that indemnification claims will not be made or that these claims will not harm our business, operating results or financial condition. Intellectual property litigation is very expensive and time-consuming and could divert management’s attention from our business and could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition. If there is a successful claim of infringement against us, our customers or our third-party intellectual property providers, we may be required to pay substantial damages to the party claiming infringement, stop selling products or using technology that contains the allegedly infringing intellectual property, or enter into royalty or license agreements that may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. Parties making infringement claims may also be able to bring an action before the International Trade Commission that could result in an order stopping the importation into the United States of our solar products. Any of these judgments could materially damage our business. We may have to develop non-infringing technology, and our failure in doing so or in obtaining licenses to the proprietary rights on a timely basis could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We have filed, and may continue to file, claims against other parties for infringing our intellectual property that may be very costly and may not be resolved in our favor.
To protect our intellectual property rights and to maintain our competitive advantage, we have, and may continue to, file suits against parties who we believe infringe our intellectual property. Intellectual property litigation is expensive and time consuming and could divert management’s attention from our business and could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition, and our enforcement efforts may not be successful. In addition, the validity of our patents may be challenged in such litigation. Our participation in intellectual property enforcement actions may negatively impact our financial results.
We may not be able to prevent others from using the term SunPower or similar terms in connection with their solar power products which could adversely affect the market recognition of our name and our revenue.
“SunPower” is our registered trademark in certain countries, including the United States, for use with solar cells and solar panels. We are seeking similar registration of the “SunPower” trademark in other countries but we may not be successful in some of these jurisdictions. We hold registered trademarks for SunPower®, PowerLight®, PowerGuard®, PowerTracker® and SunTile®, in certain countries, including the United States. We have not registered, and may not be able to register, these trademarks in other key countries. In the foreign jurisdictions where we are unable to obtain or have not tried to obtain registrations, others may be able to sell their products using trademarks compromising or incorporating “SunPower,” or our other chosen brands, which could lead to customer confusion. In addition, if there are jurisdictions where another proprietor has already established trademark rights in marks containing “SunPower,” or our other chosen brands, we may face trademark disputes and may have to market our products with other trademarks, which may undermine our marketing efforts. We may encounter trademark disputes with companies using marks which are confusingly similar to the SunPower mark, or our other marks, which if not resolved favorably could cause our branding efforts to suffer. In addition, we may have difficulty in establishing strong brand recognition with consumers if others use similar marks for similar products.
We rely substantially upon trade secret laws and contractual restrictions to protect our proprietary rights, and, if these rights are not sufficiently protected, our ability to compete and generate revenue could suffer.
We seek to protect our proprietary manufacturing processes, documentation and other written materials primarily under trade secret and copyright laws. We also typically require employees, consultants, and third parties such as our vendors and customers, with access to our proprietary information to execute confidentiality agreements. The steps taken by us to protect our proprietary information may not be adequate to prevent misappropriation of our technology. In addition, our proprietary rights may not be adequately protected because:
| |
• | people may not be deterred from misappropriating our technologies despite the existence of laws or contracts prohibiting it; |
| |
• | policing unauthorized use of our intellectual property may be difficult, expensive and time-consuming, and we may be unable to determine the extent of any unauthorized use; |
| |
• | the laws of other countries in which we market our solar products, such as some countries in the Asia/Pacific region, may offer little or no protection for our proprietary technologies; and |
| |
• | reports we file in connection with government-sponsored research contracts are generally available to the public and third parties may obtain some aspects of our sensitive confidential information. |
Reverse engineering, unauthorized copying or other misappropriation of our proprietary technologies could enable third parties to benefit from our technologies without compensating us for doing so. Any inability to adequately protect our proprietary rights could harm our ability to compete, to generate revenue and to grow our business.
We may not obtain sufficient patent protection on the technology embodied in the solar products we currently manufacture and market, which could harm our competitive position and increase our expenses.
Although we substantially rely on trade secret laws and contractual restrictions to protect the technology in the solar products we currently manufacture and market, our success and ability to compete in the future may also depend to a significant degree upon obtaining patent protection for our proprietary technology. We currently own multiple patents and patent applications which cover aspects of the technology in the solar cells and mounting systems that we currently manufacture and market. Material patents that relate to our systems products and services primarily relate to our rooftop mounting products and ground-mounted tracking products. We intend to continue to seek patent protection for those aspects of our technology, designs, and methodologies and processes that we believe provide significant competitive advantages.
Our patent applications may not result in issued patents, and even if they result in issued patents, the patents may not have claims of the scope we seek or we may have to refile patent applications due to newly discovered prior art. In addition, any issued patents may be challenged, invalidated or declared unenforceable, or even if we obtain an award of damages for infringement by a third party, such award could prove insufficient to compensate for all damages incurred as a result of such infringement. The term of any issued patents would be 20 years from their filing date and if our applications are pending for a long time period, we may have a correspondingly shorter term for any patent that may issue. Our present and future patents
may provide only limited protection for our technology and may not be sufficient to provide competitive advantages to us. For example, competitors could develop similar or more advantageous technologies on their own or design around our patents. Also, patent protection in certain foreign countries may not be available or may be limited in scope and any patents obtained may not be as readily enforceable as in the United States, making it difficult for us to effectively protect our intellectual property from misuse or infringement by other companies in these countries. Our inability to obtain and enforce our intellectual property rights in some countries may harm our business. In addition, given the costs of obtaining patent protection, we may choose not to protect certain innovations that later turn out to be important.
Risks Related to Our Debt and Equity Securities
Conversion of our outstanding 1.25% and 4.75% debentures, our warrants related to our outstanding 4.50% and 4.75% debentures, and future substantial issuances or dispositions of our class A or class B common stock or other securities, could dilute ownership and earnings per share or cause the market price of our stock to decrease.
To the extent we issue class A common stock upon conversion of our outstanding 1.25% and 4.75% debentures, the conversion of some or all of such debentures will dilute the ownership interests of existing stockholders, including holders who had previously converted their debentures. Any sales in the public market of the class A and class B common stock issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our class A and class B common stock. Sales of our class A or class B common stock in the public market or sales of any of our other securities could dilute ownership and earnings per share, and even the perception that such sales could occur could cause the market prices of our class A and class B common stock to decline. In addition, the existence of our outstanding debentures may encourage short selling of our common stock by market participants who expect that the conversion of the debentures could depress the prices of our class A and class B common stock.
We issued warrants to affiliates of the underwriters of our 4.50% and 4.75% debentures, which are exercisable for a total of approximately 11.1 million shares and 8.7 million shares of our class A common stock, respectively. The warrants, together with certain convertible hedge transactions, are meant to reduce our exposure upon potential conversion of our 4.50% and 4.75% debentures. If the market price of our class A common stock exceeds the respective exercise prices of the warrants, such warrants will have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share, and could dilute the ownership interests for existing stockholders if exercised.
Approximately 4.7 million shares of class A common stock were lent to underwriters of our 1.25% and 0.75% debenture offerings, including approximately 2.9 million shares lent to Lehman Brothers International (Europe) Limited (“LBIE”) and approximately 1.8 million shares lent to Credit Suisse International (“CSI”). Such shares were lent to facilitate later hedging arrangements of future purchases for debentures in the after-market. Shares still held by CSI may be freely sold into the market at any time, and such sales could depress our stock price. In addition, any hedging activity facilitated by our debenture underwriters would involve short sales or privately negotiated derivatives transactions. Due to the September 15, 2008 bankruptcy filing of Lehman Brothers Holding Inc. (“Lehman”) and commencement of administrative proceedings for LBIE in the U.K., we recorded the shares lent to LBIE as issued and outstanding as of September 15, 2008, for the purpose of computing and reporting basic and diluted earnings per share. If Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC or its affiliates, including CSI, were to file bankruptcy or commence similar administrative, liquidating, restructuring or other proceedings, we may have to consider approximately 1.8 million shares lent to CSI as issued and outstanding for purposes of calculating earnings per share which would further dilute our earnings per share. These or other similar transactions could further negatively affect our stock price.
The price of our class A common stock, and therefore of our outstanding 0.75%, 1.25%, 4.50% and 4.75% debentures, as well as our class B common stock, may fluctuate significantly.
Our class A and class B common stock have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. The trading price of our class A and class B common stock could be subject to further wide fluctuations due to many factors, including the factors discussed in this risk factors section. In addition, the stock market in general, and the Nasdaq Global Select Market and the securities of technology companies and solar companies in particular, have experienced severe price and volume fluctuations. These trading prices and valuations, including our own market valuation and those of companies in our industry generally, may not be sustainable. These broad market and industry factors may decrease the market price of our class A and class B common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. Because the 0.75%, 1.25%, 4.50% and 4.75% debentures are convertible into our class A common stock (and/or cash equivalent to the value of our class A common stock), volatility or depressed prices of our class A common stock could have a similar effect on the trading price of these debentures.
Differences in trading history, liquidity, voting rights and other factors may continue to result in different market prices for
shares of our class A and our class B common stock.
The class A and class B common stocks continue to maintain different trading histories, liquidity, and voting rights. Our class B common stock has consistently maintained lower trading prices and liquidity compared to the class A common stock following our spin-off from Cypress on September 28, 2008. This may be caused by the lack of a long trading history and lower trading volume of the class B common stock, compared to the class A common stock, as well as other factors. In addition, the class B common stock is entitled to eight votes per share and the class A common stock is entitled to one vote per share. Additionally, our restated certificate of incorporation imposes certain limitations on the rights of holders of class B common stock to vote the full number of their shares. The difference in the voting rights of our class A and class B common stock could reduce the value of our class A common stock to the extent that any investor or potential future purchaser of our common stock ascribes value to the right of our class B common stock to eight votes per share. These and other factors could lead to ongoing differences in market values between our class A and our class B common stock.
Delaware law and our certificate of incorporation and by-laws contain anti-takeover provisions, our outstanding 0.75%, 1.25%, 4.50% and 4.75% debentures provide for a right to convert upon certain events, and our Board of Directors entered into a rights agreement and declared a rights dividend, any of which could delay or discourage takeover attempts that stockholders may consider favorable.
Provisions in our restated certificate of incorporation and by-laws may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control or changes in our management. These provisions include the following:
| |
• | the right of the Board of Directors to elect a director to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of the Board of Directors; |
| |
• | the prohibition of cumulative voting in the election of directors, which would otherwise allow less than a majority of stockholders to elect director candidates; |
| |
• | the requirement for advance notice for nominations for election to the Board of Directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon at a stockholders’ meeting; |
| |
• | the ability of the Board of Directors to issue, without stockholder approval, up to approximately 10.0 million shares of preferred stock with terms set by the Board of Directors, which rights could be senior to those of common stock; |
| |
• | our Board of Directors is divided into three classes of directors, with the classes to be as nearly equal in number as possible; |
| |
• | no action can be taken by stockholders except at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders called in accordance with our bylaws, and stockholders may not act by written consent; |
| |
• | stockholders may not call special meetings of the stockholders; |
| |
• | limitations on the voting rights of our stockholders with more than 15% of our class B common stock; and |
| |
• | our Board of Directors is able to alter our by-laws without obtaining stockholder approval. |
Certain provisions of our outstanding debentures could make it more difficult or more expensive for a third party to acquire us. Upon the occurrence of certain transactions constituting a fundamental change, holders of our outstanding debentures will have the right, at their option, to require us to repurchase, at a cash repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest on the debentures, all or a portion of their debentures. We may also be required to issue additional shares of our class A common stock upon conversion of such debentures in the event of certain fundamental changes. In addition, on August 12, 2008, we entered into a Rights Agreement with Computershare Trust Company, N.A. and our Board of Directors declared an accompanying rights dividend. The Rights Agreement became effective upon completion of Cypress’ spin-off of our shares of class B common stock to the holders of Cypress common stock. The Rights Agreement contains specific features designed to address the potential for an acquirer or significant investor to take advantage of our capital structure and unfairly discriminate between classes of our common stock. Specifically, the Rights Agreement is designed to address the inequities that could result if an investor, by acquiring 20% or more of the outstanding shares of class B common stock, were able to gain significant voting influence over our Company without making a correspondingly significant economic investment. The rights dividend and Rights Agreement, commonly referred to as a “poison pill,” could delay or discourage takeover attempts that stockholders may consider favorable.
ITEM 1B: UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2: PROPERTIES
Our corporate headquarters is located in San Jose, California, where we occupy approximately 60,000 square feet under a lease from Cypress that expires in April 2011. We do not plan to renew our lease with Cypress and plan to move to new offices leased from an unaffiliated third party in May 2011. In Richmond, California, we occupy approximately 207,000 square feet for office, light industrial and research and development use under a lease from an unaffiliated third party that expires in December 2018. In addition to these facilities, we also have our European headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland where we occupy approximately 4,000 square feet under a lease that expires in September 2012, as well as sales and support offices in Southern California, New Jersey, Oregon, Australia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Malta, Spain and South Korea, all of which are leased from unaffiliated third parties.
We leased from Cypress an approximately 215,000 square foot building in the Philippines from fiscal 2003 through April 2008, which serves as FAB1 with four solar cell manufacturing lines in operation. In May 2008, we purchased FAB1 from Cypress and assumed the lease for the land from an unaffiliated third party for a total purchase price of $9.5 million. The lease for the land expires in May 2048 and is renewable for an additional 25 years. In August 2006, we purchased a 344,000 square foot building in the Philippines which serves as FAB2 with twelve solar cell manufacturing lines in operation. Our four solar cell manufacturing lines and twelve solar cell manufacturing lines operating at FAB1 and FAB2, respectively, have a total rated annual solar cell manufacturing capacity of 590 MW. In January 2008, we completed the construction of an approximately 175,000 square foot building in the Philippines which serves as our solar panel assembly facility that currently operates six solar panel assembly lines with a rated annual solar panel manufacturing capacity of 220 MW. We may require additional space in the future, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms or in the location we desire.
Because of the interrelation of our business segments, both the UPP Segment and R&C Segment use substantially all of the properties at least in part, and we retain the flexibility to use each of the properties in whole or in part for each of the segments. Therefore, we do not identify or allocate assets by business segment. For more information on property, plant and equipment by country, see Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II — "Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplemental Data."
ITEM 3: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Three securities class action lawsuits were filed against our Company and certain of our current and former officers and directors in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on behalf of a class consisting of those who acquired our securities from April 17, 2008 through November 16, 2009. The cases were consolidated as Plichta v. SunPower Corp. et al., Case No. CV-09-5473-RS (N.D. Cal.), and lead plaintiffs and lead counsel were appointed on March 5, 2010. Lead plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint on May 28, 2010. The actions arise from the Audit Committee's investigation announcement on November 16, 2009 regarding certain unsubstantiated accounting entries. The consolidated complaint alleges that the defendants made material misstatements and omissions concerning our financial results for 2008 and 2009, seeks an unspecified amount of damages, and alleges violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933. We believe we have meritorious defenses to these allegations and will vigorously defend ourselves in these matters. The court held a hearing on the defendants' motions to dismiss the consolidated complaint on November 4, 2010, and took the motions under submission. We are currently unable to determine if the resolution of these matters will have an adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity or results of operations.
Derivative actions purporting to be brought on our behalf have also been filed in state and federal courts against several of our current and former officers and directors based on the same events alleged in the securities class action lawsuits described above. The California state derivative cases were consolidated as In re SunPower Corp. S'holder Derivative Litig., Lead Case No. 1-09-CV-158522 (Santa Clara Sup. Ct.), and co-lead counsel for plaintiffs have been appointed. The complaints assert state-law claims for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, unjust enrichment, gross mismanagement, and waste of corporate assets. The federal derivative complaints were consolidated as In re SunPower Corp. S'holder Derivative Litig., Master File No. CV-09-05731-RS (N.D. Cal.), and lead plaintiffs and co-lead counsel were appointed on January 4, 2010. The complaints assert state-law claims for breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment, and seek an unspecified amount of damages. We intend to oppose the derivative plaintiffs' efforts to pursue this litigation on our behalf. We are currently unable to determine if the resolution of these matters will have an adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity or results of operations.
We are also a party to various other litigation matters and claims that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of our business. While we believe that the ultimate outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our Company, their outcomes are not determinable and negative outcomes may adversely affect our financial position, liquidity or results of operations.
ITEM 4: REMOVED AND RESERVED
PART II
ITEM 5: MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our class A and class B common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbols “SPWRA” and “SPWRB,” respectively. The high and low trading prices of our class A and class B common stock during fiscal 2010 and 2009 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | SPWRA | | SPWRB |
| | High | | Low | | High | | Low |
For the year end January 2, 2011 | | | | | | | | |
Fourth quarter | | $ | 14.52 | | | $ | 11.65 | | | $ | 14.00 | | | $ | 11.48 | |
Third quarter | | 14.49 | | | 10.03 | | | 13.86 | | | 9.66 | |
Second quarter | | 19.29 | | | 10.73 | | | 17.11 | | | 9.41 | |
First quarter | | 25.85 | | | 18.02 | | | 23.04 | | | 15.89 | |
For the year end January 3, 2010 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fourth quarter | | $ | 33.70 | | | $ | 20.05 | | | $ | 29.19 | | | $ | 17.60 | |
Third quarter | | 33.45 | | | 22.35 | | | 28.63 | | | 19.90 | |
Second quarter | | 32.34 | | | 22.61 | | | 28.97 | | | 19.71 | |
First quarter | | 45.15 | | | 20.91 | | | 38.16 | | | 19.27 | |
As of February 18, 2011, there were approximately 56 and 1,003 record holders of our class A and class B common stock, respectively. A substantially greater number of holders of our class A and class B common stock are in “street name” or beneficial holders, whose shares are held of record by banks, brokers and other financial institutions.
Dividends
We have never declared or paid any cash dividend on our common stock, and we do not currently intend to pay any cash dividend on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the operation and expansion of our business.
Our credit facilities place restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends. Additionally, our 1.25% and 0.75% convertible debentures allow the holders to convert their bonds into our class A common stock if we declare a dividend that on a per share basis exceeds 10% of our class A common stock’s market price.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
On December 23, 2010, we entered into four amended and restated warrants (collectively, the “Warrants”), originally issued on March 25, 2010 and April 5, 2010, to each of Deutsche Bank AG, Bank of America, N.A., Barclays Bank PLC and Credit Suisse International (collectively, the “Warrantholders”). The original Warrants, together with convertible hedge transactions entered into on March 25, 2010 and April 5, 2010, are meant to reduce our exposure to potential cash payments upon conversion of our 4.50% convertible debentures due 2015. The exercise price of the Warrants is $27.03 per share of our class A common stock, subject to adjustment for customary anti-dilution and other events. Under the amended Warrants, the Warrantholders would, upon exercise of the Warrants, no longer receive cash but instead would acquire up to 11.1 million shares of our class A common stock.
The original Warrants were sold for aggregate cash consideration of $54.1 million and $7.4 million on March 25, 2010 and April 5, 2010, respectively, simultaneously with our purchase of the convertible debenture hedge transactions (collectively, the "Bond Hedge") for aggregate cash consideration of approximately $66.2 million and $9.0 million, respectively. We received no additional consideration for the amendment of the Warrants. We believe that the issuance and sale of the Warrants was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(2) thereunder.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table sets forth all purchases made by or on behalf of us or any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, of shares of our class A common stock during each of the indicated
periods.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Period | | Total Number of Shares Purchased (in thousands)(1) | | Average Price Paid Per Share | | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | | Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs |
October 4, 2010 through October 31, 2010 | | 8 | | | $ | 13.65 | | | — | | | — | |
November 1, 2010 through November 28, 2010 | | 66 | | | $ | 14.11 | | | — | | | — | |
November 29, 2010 through January 2, 2011 | | 9 | | | $ | 12.84 | | | — | | | — | |
| | 83 | | | | | — | | | — | |
| |
(1) | The total number of shares purchased includes only shares surrendered to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock issued to employees. |
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides certain information as of January 2, 2011 with respect to our equity compensation plans under which shares of our class A common stock are authorized for issuance:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Plan Category | | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (in thousands) | | | | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in the first column) (in thousands) |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | | 1,304 | | | | | $ | 11.60 | | | 504 | |
Equity compensation shares not approved by security holders | | — | | | | | $ | — | | | — | |
| | 1,304 | | | (1 | ) | | $ | 11.60 | | | 504 | |
| |
(1) | This table excludes options to purchase an aggregate of approximately 191,000 shares of class A common stock, at a weighted average exercise price of $12.40 per share, that we assumed in connection with the acquisition of PowerLight Corporation, now known as SunPower Corporation, Systems, in January 2007. |
ITEM 6: SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected consolidated financial data should be read together with “Item 7: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We report our results of operations on the basis of 52- or 53-week periods, ending on the Sunday closest to December 31. Fiscal 2006 ended on December 31, 2006, fiscal 2007 ended on December 30, 2007, fiscal 2008 ended on December 28, 2008 and each fiscal year included 52 weeks. Fiscal 2009 ended on January 3, 2010 and included 53 weeks. Fiscal 2010 ended on January 2, 2011 and included 52 weeks. Our fiscal quarters end on the Sunday closest to the end of the applicable calendar quarter, except in a 53-week fiscal year in which the additional week falls into the fourth quarter of that fiscal year.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
(In thousands, except per share data) | | January 2, 2011 (1) | | January 3, 2010 (2) | | December 28,2008 (2) | | December 30, 2007 (2) (3) | | December 31, 2006 |
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenue | | $ | 2,219,230 | | | $ | 1,524,283 | | | $ | 1,437,594 | | | $ | 774,790 | | | $ | 236,510 | |
Cost of revenue | | 1,709,337 | | | 1,240,563 | | | 1,087,973 | | | 627,039 | | | 186,042 | |
Gross margin | | 509,893 | | | 283,720 | | | 349,621 | | | 147,751 | | | 50,468 | |
Operating income | | 138,867 | | | 61,834 | | | 154,407 | | | 2,289 | | | 19,107 | |
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees | | 183,413 | | | 43,620 | | | (97,904 | ) | | 6,095 | | | 28,461 | |
Net income (loss) | | $ | 178,724 | | | $ | 32,521 | | | $ | (124,445 | ) | | $ | 27,901 | | | $ | 26,516 | |
Net income (loss) per share of class A and class B common stock: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | $ | 1.87 | | | $ | 0.36 | | | $ | (1.55 | ) | | $ | 0.36 | | | $ | 0.40 | |
Diluted | | $ | 1.75 | | | $ | 0.35 | | | $ | (1.55 | ) | | $ | 0.34 | | | $ | 0.37 | |
Weighted-average shares: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | 95,660 | | | 91,050 | | | 80,522 | | | 75,413 | | | 65,864 | |
Diluted | | 105,698 | | | 92,746 | | | 80,522 | | | 80,439 | | | 71,011 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(In thousands) | | January 2, 2011 (1) | | January 3, 2010 (2) | | December 28, 2008 (2) | | December 30, 2007 (2) (3) | | December 31, 2006 |
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, current portion and short-term investments | | $ | 761,602 | | | $ | 677,919 | | | $ | 232,750 | | | $ | 390,667 | | | $ | 182,092 | |
Working capital | | 1,005,492 | | | 747,335 | | | 420,067 | | | 206,167 | | | 228,269 | |
Total assets | | 3,379,331 | | | 2,696,895 | | | 2,084,257 | | | 1,673,305 | | | 576,836 | |
Long-term debt | | 50,000 | | | 237,703 | | | 54,598 | | | — | | | — | |
Convertible debt, net of current portion | | 591,923 | | | 398,606 | | | 357,173 | | | 333,210 | | | — | |
Long-term deferred tax liabilities | | — | | | 6,777 | | | 6,493 | | | 45,512 | | | 46 | |
Customer advances, net of current portion | | 160,485 | | | 72,288 | | | 91,359 | | | 60,153 | | | 27,687 | |
Other long-term liabilities | | 131,132 | | | 70,045 | | | 44,222 | | | 14,975 | | | — | |
Total stockholders' equity | | 1,657,434 | | | 1,376,380 | | | 1,100,198 | | | 947,296 | | | 488,771 | |
| |
(1) | On March 26, 2010, we completed the acquisition of SunRay, a European solar power plant developer company. As part of the acquisition, we acquired SunRay's project pipeline of solar photovoltaic projects in Europe and Israel. The results of SunRay have been included in our selected consolidated financial information since March 26, 2010 (see Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). |
| |
(2) | As adjusted to reflect the adoption of new accounting guidance for share lending arrangements that were executed in connection with our convertible debt offerings in fiscal 2007 (see Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). |
| |
(3) | On January 10, 2007, we completed the acquisition of PowerLight Corporation, a global provider of large-scale solar power systems, which we renamed SunPower Corporation, Systems ("SP Systems") in June 2007. SP Systems designs, manufactures, markets and sells solar electric power system technology that integrates solar panels manufactured by us and other suppliers to convert sunlight to electricity compatible with the utility network. The results of SP Systems have been included in our selected consolidated financial information since January 10, 2007. |
ITEM 7: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General Overview
We are a vertically integrated solar products and services company that designs, manufactures and delivers high-performance solar electric systems worldwide for residential, commercial and utility-scale power plant customers. Of all the solar cells available for the mass market, we believe our solar cells have the highest conversion efficiency, a measurement of the amount of sunlight converted by the solar cell into electricity. Our solar power products and systems are sold through our Utility and Power Plants (“UPP”) and Residential and Commercial (“R&C”) Segments.
We were originally incorporated in California in April 1985 by Dr. Richard Swanson to develop and commercialize high-efficiency solar cell technologies. Cypress Semiconductor Corporation (“Cypress”) made a significant investment in SunPower in 2002 and in November 2004, Cypress acquired 100% ownership of all outstanding shares of our capital stock, excluding unexercised warrants and options. In November 2005, we reincorporated in Delaware, created two classes of common stock and held an initial public offering (“IPO”) of our class A common stock. After completion of our IPO, Cypress held all the outstanding shares of our class B common stock. On September 29, 2008, Cypress distributed to its shareholders all of its shares of our class B common stock, in the form of a pro rata dividend to the holders of record as of September 17, 2008 of Cypress common stock. As a result, our class B common stock now trades publicly and is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, along with our class A common stock, and we discontinued being a subsidiary of Cypress.
Unit of Power
When referring to our facilities' manufacturing capacity, the unit of electricity in watts for kilowatts (“KW”), megawatts (“MW”) and gigawatts (“GW”) is direct current (“dc”). When referring to our solar power systems, the unit of electricity in watts for KW, MW and GW is alternating current (“ac”).
Financial Operations Overview
The following describes certain line items in our Consolidated Statements of Operations:
Revenue
UPP Segment Revenue: Our UPP Segment refers to our large-scale solar products and systems business, which includes power plant project development and project sales, turn-key engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) services for power plant construction, and power plant operations and maintenance (“O&M”) services. The UPP Segment sells components, including large volume sales of solar panels and mounting systems to third parties, often on a multi-year, firm commitment basis, in the United States, Europe and Asia.
R&C Segment Revenue: Our R&C Segment focuses on solar equipment sales into the residential and small commercial market through our third-party global dealer network, as well as direct sales and EPC and O&M services in the United States for rooftop and ground-mounted solar power systems for the new homes, commercial and public sectors.
Other Revenue Factors: Sales of EPC projects and other services relate to solar electric power systems that integrate our solar panels and balance of systems components. In the United States, where customers often utilize rebate and tax credit programs in connection with projects rated one MW or less of capacity, we typically sell solar power systems rated up to one MW of capacity to provide a supplemental, distributed source of electricity for a customer’s facility as well as ground mount systems reaching up to hundreds of MWs for regulated utilities. In the United States, many customers choose to purchase solar electricity under a power purchase agreement (“PPA”) with an investor or financing company which buys the system from us. In Europe and South Korea, our systems are often purchased by third-party investors as central-station solar power plants, typically rated from one to fifty MW, which generate electricity for sale under tariff to regional and public utilities. We also sell our solar panels and balance of systems components under materials-only sales contracts in the United States, Europe and Asia. Our revenue recognition policy is described in more detail under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”
Cost of Revenue
Our cost of revenue will fluctuate from period to period due to the mix of projects completed and recognized as revenue, in particular between large utility projects and large commercial installation projects. The cost of solar panels is the single largest cost element in our cost of revenue. Our cost of solar panels consists primarily of: (i) polysilicon, silicon ingots and wafers used in the production of solar cells, along with other materials such as chemicals and gas that are needed to transform silicon wafers into solar cells; (ii) raw materials such as glass, frame, backing and other materials; (iii) solar cells from our AUO SunPower Sdn. Bhd. ("AUOSP") joint venture; as well as (iv) direct labor costs and assembly costs we pay to our third-party contract manufacturers in China, Mexico and Poland. Other cost of revenue associated with the construction of solar
power systems includes real estate, mounting systems, inverters and third-party contract manufacturer costs. In addition, other factors contributing to cost of revenue include amortization of other intangible assets, stock-based compensation, depreciation, provisions for estimated warranty claims, salaries, personnel-related costs, freight, royalties, facilities expenses and manufacturing supplies associated with contracting revenue and solar cell fabrication as well as factory pre-operating costs associated with our manufacturing facilities. Such pre-operating costs included compensation and training costs for factory workers as well as utilities and consumable materials associated with preproduction activities.
We are seeking to improve cost of revenue over time as we implement cost reduction efforts, improve our manufacturing processes, and grow our business to attain economies of scale on fixed costs. An expected reduction in cost of revenue based on manufacturing efficiencies, however, could be partially or completely offset by increased raw material costs.
Gross Margin
Our gross margin each quarter is affected by a number of factors, including average selling prices for our solar power products, the types of projects in progress, the gross margins estimated for those projects in progress, our product mix, our actual manufacturing costs, the utilization rate of our solar cell manufacturing facilities, and actual overhead costs. Historically, revenue from materials-only sales contracts generate a higher gross margin percentage than revenue generated from turn-key solar power system contracts. Turn-key contracts generate higher revenue per watt as a result of the included EPC services, O&M services as well as power plant project development. In addition, we generally experience higher gross margin on construction projects that utilize SunPower solar panels compared to construction projects that utilize solar panels purchased from third parties.
From time to time, we enter into agreements whereby the selling price for certain of our solar power products is fixed over a defined period. In addition, almost all of our construction contracts are fixed price contracts. However, we have in several instances obtained change orders that reimburse us for additional unexpected costs due to various reasons. We also have long-term agreements for polysilicon, ingots, wafers, solar cells and solar panels with suppliers, some with take-or-pay arrangements. An increase in our manufacturing costs and other project costs over such a defined period could have a negative impact on our overall gross margin. Our gross margin may also be impacted by fluctuations in manufacturing yield rates and certain adjustments for inventory reserves. Our inventory policy is described in more detail under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses include research and development ("R&D") expense and sales, general and administrative ("SG&A") expense. R&D expense consists primarily of salaries and related personnel costs, depreciation of equipment and the cost of solar cells, solar panel materials, various prototyping materials, and services used for the development and testing of products. We expect our R&D expense to continually increase in absolute dollars as we continue to develop new processes to further improve the conversion efficiency of our solar cells and reduce their manufacturing cost, and as we develop new products to diversify our product offerings.
R&D expense is reported net of any funding received under contracts with governmental agencies because such contracts are considered collaborative arrangements. These awards are typically structured such that only direct costs, R&D overhead, procurement overhead and general and administrative expenses that satisfy government accounting regulations are reimbursed. In addition, our government awards from state agencies will usually require us to pay to the granting governmental agency certain royalties based on sales of products developed with government funding or economic benefit derived from incremental improvements funded. Royalties paid to governmental agencies are charged to the cost of goods sold. Our funding from government contracts offset our research and development expense by approximately 10%, 22% and 25% in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
SG&A expense for our business consists primarily of salaries and related personnel costs, professional fees, insurance and other selling and marketing expenses. We expect our SG&A expense to increase in absolute dollars as we expand our sales and marketing efforts, hire additional personnel and improve our infrastructure to support our growth.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Interest income represents interest income earned on our cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, restricted cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities. Interest expense primarily relates to: (i) debt under our senior convertible debentures; (ii) fees for our outstanding letters of credit; (iii) SunPower Malaysia Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd.'s ("SPMY") facility with the Malaysian government prior to the deconsolidation of this entity; (iv) our term loan; (v) our revolving credit facilities;
(vi) our mortgage loan; and (vii) customer advance payments. For additional details see Notes 7, 8 and 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Gain on deconsolidation of consolidated subsidiary is the result of the deconsolidation of SPMY, subsequently renamed AUOSP, in the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Net gain on change in equity interest in unconsolidated investee refers to the value of our equity interests in Woongjin Energy Co., Ltd. (“Woongjin Energy”) and First Philec Solar Corporation (“First Philec Solar”) being adjusted upon dilutive events. For additional details see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Gain on mark-to-market derivatives during fiscal 2010 relates to derivative instruments associated with our 4.50% senior cash convertible debentures (“4.50% debentures”): (i) the embedded cash conversion option; (ii) the over-allotment option; (iii) the bond hedge transaction; and (iv) the warrant transactions. The changes in fair value of these derivatives are reported in our Consolidated Statement of Operations until such transactions settle or expire. The bond hedge and warrant transactions are meant to reduce our exposure to potential cash payments associated with the embedded cash conversion option. Gain on mark-to-market derivatives during fiscal 2009 relates to the change in fair value of certain convertible debenture hedge transactions (the “purchased options”) associated with the issuance of our 4.75% senior convertible debentures (“4.75% debentures”) intended to reduce the potential dilution that would occur upon conversion of the debentures. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Gain (loss) on share lending arrangement relates to our historical share lending arrangement with Lehman Brothers International (Europe) Limited ("LBIE"). Under new accounting guidance adopted in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, in the event that counterparty default under the share lending arrangement becomes probable, we are required to recognize an expense in our Consolidated Statement of Operations equal to the then fair value of the unreturned loaned shares, net of any probable recoveries.
Other, net consists primarily of gains or losses on foreign exchange and derivatives as well as gain on sale and impairment charges for certain available-for-sale securities.
Income Taxes
For financial reporting purposes, during periods when we were a subsidiary of Cypress, income tax expense and deferred income tax balances were calculated as if we were a separate entity and had prepared our own separate tax return. Effective with the closing of our public offering of common stock in June 2006, we were no longer eligible to file federal and most state consolidated tax returns with Cypress. As of September 29, 2008, Cypress completed a spin-off of all of its shares of our class B common stock to its shareholders, so we are no longer eligible to file any remaining state consolidated tax returns with Cypress. Under our tax sharing agreement with Cypress, we agreed to pay Cypress for any federal and state income tax credit or net operating loss carryforwards utilized in our federal and state tax returns in subsequent periods that originated while our results were included in Cypress’s federal tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when management cannot conclude that it is more likely than not that some portion or all deferred tax assets will be realized. For additional details see Notes 1, 2 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
We currently benefit from income tax holiday incentives in the Philippines in accordance with our subsidiary’s registration with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority ("PEZA"), which provide that we pay no income tax in the Philippines. Our current income tax holidays were granted as manufacturing lines were placed in services and thereafter expire within the next several years beginning in 2011, and we have applied for extensions and renewals upon expiration. However, these tax holidays may or may not be extended. The holiday for two of the sixteen total manufacturing lines expired at the end of 2010 and were extended through November 2011. We believe that as our Philippine tax holidays expire, (a) gross income attributable to activities covered by our PEZA registrations will be taxed at a 5% preferential rate, and (b) our Philippine net income attributable to all other activities will be taxed at the statutory Philippine corporate income tax rate, currently 30%. An increase in our tax liability could materially and negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We have an auxiliary company ruling in Switzerland where we sell our solar power products. The auxiliary company ruling results in a reduced effective Swiss tax rate of approximately 11.5%. The current ruling expires at the end of 2015. If the ruling is not renewed in 2015, Swiss income would be taxable at the full Swiss tax rate of approximately 24.2%.
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Investees
In the third quarter of fiscal 2006, we entered into an agreement to form Woongjin Energy, a joint venture to manufacture monocrystalline silicon ingots. This joint venture is located in South Korea and began manufacturing in the third
quarter of fiscal 2007. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, we entered into an agreement to form First Philec Solar, a joint venture to provide wafer slicing services of silicon ingots. This joint venture is located in the Philippines and became operational in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. On May 27, 2010, we, through our subsidiaries SunPower Technology, Ltd. (“SPTL") and AUOSP, entered into a joint venture agreement with AU Optronics Singapore Pte. Ltd. ("AUO"), and AU Optronics Corporation, the ultimate parent company of AUO (“AUO Taiwan”). The joint venture transaction closed on July 5, 2010 and we, through SPTL, and AUO each own 50% of the joint venture AUOSP. AUOSP owns a solar cell manufacturing facility ("FAB3") in Malaysia and will manufacture and sell solar cells on a “cost-plus” basis to us and AUO. AUOSP became operational in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 with construction to continue through fiscal 2013. We account for these investments using the equity method, in which the equity investments are classified as “Other long-term assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and our share of the investees’ earnings (loss) is included in “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For additional details see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes
In connection with our acquisition of SunRay Malta Holdings Limited (“SunRay”) on March 26, 2010, we acquired a SunRay project company, Cassiopea PV S.r.l (“Cassiopea”), operating a previously completed 20 MWac solar power plant in Montalto di Castro, Italy. In the period in which our asset is classified as held-for-sale, we are required to segregate for all periods presented the related assets, liabilities and results of operations associated with that asset as discontinued operations. On August 5, 2010, we sold Cassiopea, including all related assets and liabilities. Cassiopea's results of operations for fiscal 2010 are classified as “Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes” in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. Unless otherwise stated, the discussion below pertains to our continuing operations. For additional details see Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe 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. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Our most critical policies include: (a) revenue recognition, which impacts the recording of revenue; (b) allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns, which impact revenue and SG&A expense; (c) warranty reserves, which impact cost of revenue and gross margin; (d) valuation of inventories, which impacts cost of revenue and gross margin; (e) valuation of stock-based compensation expense, which impacts cost of revenue, R&D and SG&A expense; (f) equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees, which impacts net income (loss); (g) accounting for business combinations, which impacts fair value of goodwill and other intangible assets; (h) valuation of long-lived assets, which impacts impairments of property, plant and equipment, project assets and other intangible assets; (i) goodwill impairment testing, which impacts our measurement of potential impairment of our goodwill; (j) fair value of financial instruments, valuation of debt without the conversion feature and valuation of share lending arrangements, which impacts net income (loss); and (k) accounting for income taxes, which impacts our tax provision. We also have other key accounting policies that are less subjective and, therefore, judgments in their application would not have a material impact on our reported results of operations. The following is a discussion of our most critical policies as of and for the year ended January 2, 2011, as well as the estimates and judgments involved.
Revenue Recognition
Solar Power Products
We sell our solar panels and balance of system components primarily to dealers, system integrators and distributors, and recognize revenue, net of accruals for estimated sales returns, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the product has occurred, title and risk of loss has passed to the customer, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collectability of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured and the rights and risks of ownership have passed to the customer. Other than standard warranty obligations, there are no rights of return and there are no significant post-shipment obligations, including installation, training or customer acceptance clauses with any of our customers that could have an impact on revenue recognition. Our revenue recognition policy is consistent across all geographic areas.
Construction Contracts
Revenue is also comprised of EPC projects which are governed by customer contracts that require us to deliver functioning solar power systems and are generally completed within three to twelve months from commencement of construction. We recognize revenue from fixed price construction contracts using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. Under this method, revenue arising from fixed price construction contracts is recognized as work is performed based on the percentage of incurred costs to estimated total forecasted costs.
Incurred costs used in our percentage-of-completion calculation include all direct material, labor, subcontract costs, and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies and tools. Project material costs are included in incurred costs when the project materials have been installed by being permanently attached or fitted to the solar power system as required by the project’s engineering design.
In addition to an EPC deliverable, a limited number of arrangements also include multiple deliverables such as post-installation systems monitoring and maintenance. For contracts with separately priced monitoring and maintenance, we recognize revenue related to such separately priced elements over the contract period. For contracts including monitoring and maintenance not separately priced, we determined that post-installation systems monitoring and maintenance qualify as separate units of accounting. Such post-installation monitoring and maintenance are deferred at the time the contract is executed and are recognized to revenue over the contractual term. The remaining EPC revenue is recognized on a percentage-of-completion basis.
In addition, when arrangements include contingent revenue clauses such as penalty payments or customer termination or put rights for non-performance, we defer the contingent revenue until such time as the contingencies expire. In certain limited cases, we could be required to buy-back a customer’s system at fair value on specified future dates if certain minimum performance thresholds are not met for periods of up to two years. To date, no such repurchase obligations have been triggered.
Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts, if any, are recognized in the period in which the loss first becomes probable and reasonably estimable. Contracts may include profit incentives such as milestone bonuses. These profit incentives are included in the contract value when their realization is reasonably assured.
Development Projects
We develop and sell solar power plants which generally include the sale or lease of related real estate. Revenue recognition for these solar power plants require adherence to specific guidance for real estate sales, which provides that if we hold control over land or land rights prior to the execution of an EPC contract, we recognize revenue and the corresponding costs when all of the following requirements are met: the sale is consummated, the buyer's initial and any continuing investments are adequate, the resulting receivables are not subject to subordination and we have transferred the customary risk and rewards of ownership to the buyer. In general, a sale is consummated upon the execution of an agreement documenting the terms of the sale and a minimum initial payment by the buyer to substantiate the transfer of risk to the buyer. This may require us to defer revenue during construction, even if a sale was consummated, until we receive the buyer's initial investment payment, at which time revenue would be recognized on a percentage-of-completion basis as work is completed. Our revenue recognition methods for solar power plants not involving real estate remain subject to our historical practice using the percentage-of-completion method.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Sales Returns
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. A considerable amount of judgment is required to assess the likelihood of the ultimate realization of accounts receivables. We make our estimates of the collectability of our accounts receivable by analyzing historical bad debts, specific customer creditworthiness and current economic trends.
In addition, at the time revenue is recognized from the sale of solar panels and balance of system components, we record estimates for sales returns which reduce revenue. These estimates are based on historical sales returns, analysis of credit memo data and other known factors. Actual returns could differ from these estimates.
Warranty Reserves
We generally warrant or guarantee the performance of our solar panels that we manufacture at certain levels of power output for 25 years. In addition, we pass through to customers long-term warranties from the original equipment manufacturers
("OEMs") of certain system components, such as inverters. Warranties of 25 years from solar panel suppliers are standard in the solar industry, while inverters typically carry warranty periods ranging from 5 to 10 years. In addition, we generally warrant our workmanship on installed systems for periods ranging up to 10 years. We maintain reserves to cover the expected costs that could result from these warranties. Our expected costs are generally in the form of product replacement or repair. Warranty reserves are based on our best estimate of such costs and are recognized as a cost of revenue. We continuously monitor product returns for warranty failures and maintain a reserve for the related warranty expenses based on various factors including historical warranty claims, results of accelerated lab testing, field monitoring, vendor reliability estimates, and data on industry averages for similar products. Historically, warranty costs have been within management’s expectations. For additional details see Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Valuation of Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market value. We evaluate the recoverability of our inventories based on assumptions about expected demand and market conditions. Our assumption of expected demand is developed based on our analysis of bookings, sales backlog, sales pipeline, market forecast and competitive intelligence. Our assumption of expected demand is compared to available inventory, production capacity, available third-party inventory and growth plans. Our factory production plans, which drive materials requirement planning, are established based on our assumptions of expected demand. Historically, expected demand has been within our assumptions with the exception of the first quarter in fiscal 2009 when revenue was lower than our internal forecast due to a long winter season in Europe, primarily in Germany, and challenging business conditions due to the uncertain economic environment and tight credit conditions which negatively influenced overall demand and timing of customers’ buying decisions. We respond to reductions in expected demand by temporarily reducing manufacturing output and adjusting expected valuation assumptions as necessary. In addition, expected demand by geography has changed historically due to changes in the availability and size of government mandates and economic incentives.
We evaluate the terms of our long-term agreements with suppliers, including joint ventures, for the procurement of polysilicon, ingots, wafers, solar cells and solar panels and establish accruals for estimated losses on adverse purchase commitments as necessary, such as lower of cost of market value adjustments, forfeiture of advanced deposits and liquidated damages.
Other market conditions that could impact the realizable value of our inventories and are periodically evaluated by management include the aging of inventories on hand, historical inventory turnover ratio, anticipated sales price, new product development schedules, the effect new products might have on the sale of existing products, product obsolescence, customer concentrations, product merchantability and other factors. If we determine that the cost of inventories exceeds its estimated market value based on assumptions about expected demand and market conditions, including the replacement costs of raw materials, we record a write-down equal to the difference between the cost of inventories and the estimated market value. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required that could negatively impact our gross margin and operating results. If actual market conditions are more favorable, we may have higher gross margin when products that have been previously written down are sold in the normal course of business. For additional details see Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Stock-Based Compensation
We provide share-based awards to our employees, executive officers and directors through various equity compensation plans including our employee stock option and restricted stock plans. We measure and record compensation expense for all share-based payment awards based on estimated fair values. The fair value of stock option awards is measured at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, and the fair value of restricted stock awards and units is based on the market price of our class A common stock on the date of grant. We have not granted stock options in fiscal 2009 or 2010.
In determining fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, management is required to make certain estimates of the key assumptions such as expected life, expected volatility, dividend yields and risk free interest rates. The estimates of these key assumptions involve judgment regarding subjective future expectations of market price and trends. The assumptions used in determining expected life and expected volatility have the most significant effect on calculating the fair value of share-based awards. We utilized the simplified method for estimating expected term, instead of our historical exercise data. Starting in fiscal 2008, we compute the expected volatility for our equity awards based on our historical volatility from traded options with a term of 6.5 years. If we were to determine that another method to estimate these assumptions was more reasonable than our current method, or if another method for calculating these assumptions were to be prescribed by authoritative guidance, the fair value for our share-based awards could change significantly. If the expected volatility and/or expected life were increased under our assumptions, then the Black-Scholes computations of fair value would also increase, thereby resulting in higher compensation costs being recorded.
We are required under current accounting guidance to estimate forfeitures at the date of grant. Our estimate of forfeitures is based on our historical activity, which we believe is indicative of expected forfeitures. In subsequent periods if the actual rate of forfeitures differs from our estimate, the forfeiture rates may be revised, as necessary. Changes in the estimated forfeiture rates can have a significant effect on share-based compensation expense since the effect of adjusting the rate is recognized in the period the forfeiture estimate is changed.
We also grant performance share units to executive officers and certain employees that require us to estimate expected achievement of performance targets over the performance period. This estimate involves judgment regarding future expectations of various financial performance measures. If there are changes in our estimate of the level of financial performance measures expected to be achieved, the related share-based compensation expense may be significantly increased or reduced in the period that our estimate changes.
Investments in Equity Interests
Investments in entities in which we can exercise significant influence, but do not own a majority equity interest or otherwise control, are accounted for under the equity method. We record our share of the results of these entities as “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We record our share of the results of Woongjin Energy and First Philec Solar in the same quarter and the results of AUOSP with a one quarter lag. To calculate our share of the investees’ income or loss, we adjust the net income (loss) of each joint venture to conform to U.S. GAAP and multiply that by our equity investment ownership percentage.
Variable Interest Entities ("VIE")
We regularly evaluate our relationships with Woongjin Energy, First Philec Solar and AUOSP to determine if we have a controlling financial interest in the VIEs and therefore become the primary beneficiary of the joint ventures requiring us to consolidate their financial results into our financial statements. We do not consolidate the financial results of Woongjin Energy, First Philec Solar and AUOSP as we have concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of these joint ventures. Although we are obligated to absorb losses or have the right to receive benefits from the joint ventures that are significant to the entities, such variable interests held by us do not empower us to direct the activities that most significantly impact the joint ventures' economic performance. For additional details see Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussions of our joint ventures.
In connection with the sale of the equity interests in the entities that hold solar power plants, we also consider if we retain a variable interest in the entity sold, either through retaining a financial interest or by contractual means. If we determine that the entity sold is a VIE and that we hold a variable interest, we then evaluate whether we are the primary beneficiary. The entity that is the primary beneficiary consolidates the VIE. The determination of whether we are the primary beneficiary is based upon whether we have the power to direct the activities that most directly impact the economic performance of the VIE and whether we absorb any losses or benefits that would be potentially significant to the VIE. To date, there have been no sales of entities holding solar power plants in which we have concluded that we are the primary beneficiary after the sale.
Accounting for Business Combinations
We record all acquired assets and liabilities, including goodwill, other intangible assets and in-process research and development, at fair value. The initial recording of goodwill, other intangible assets and in-process research and development requires certain estimates and assumptions concerning the determination of the fair values and useful lives. The judgments made in the context of the purchase price allocation can materially impact our future results of operations. Accordingly, for significant acquisitions, we obtain assistance from third-party valuation specialists. The valuations calculated from estimates are based on information available at the acquisition date. Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to annual tests for impairment or more often if events or circumstances indicate it may be impaired. Other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are subject to impairment if events or circumstances indicate a possible inability to realize the carrying amount. For additional details see Notes 3 and 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
Our long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, project assets and other intangible assets with finite lives. Our business requires heavy investment in manufacturing facilities that are technologically advanced but can quickly become significantly under-utilized or rendered obsolete by rapid changes in demand for solar power products produced in those facilities.
We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Factors considered important that could result in an impairment review include significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of acquired assets and significant negative industry or economic trends. Our impairment evaluation of long-lived assets includes an analysis of estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets over their remaining estimated useful lives. If our estimate of future undiscounted net cash flows is insufficient to recover the carrying value of the assets over the remaining estimated useful lives, we record an impairment loss in the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds the fair value. Fair value is generally measured based on either quoted market prices, if available, or discounted cash flow analyses.
Goodwill Impairment Testing
Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if certain indicators are present. A two-step process is used to test for goodwill impairment. The first step is to determine if there is an indication of impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including existing goodwill. Goodwill is considered impaired if the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the estimated fair value. Upon an indication of impairment, a second step is performed to determine the amount of the impairment by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with its carrying value.
We conduct our annual impairment test of goodwill as of the Sunday closest to the end of the third fiscal quarter of each year. Impairment of goodwill is tested at our reporting unit level. Management determined that the UPP Segment and R&C Segment each have two reporting units. The two reporting units of the UPP Segment are the systems business and the components business. The two reporting units of the R&C Segment are the North American commercial business and the residential and light commercial business. The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill is highly subjective and requires significant judgment at many points during the analysis. In estimating the fair value of the reporting units, we make estimates and judgments about our future cash flows using an income approach defined as Level 3 inputs under fair value measurement standards. The income approach, specifically a discounted cash flow analysis, included assumptions for, among others, forecasted free cash flow, perpetual growth rates and long-term discount rates, all of which require significant judgment by management. The sum of the fair values of our reporting units are also compared to our external market capitalization to determine the appropriateness of our assumptions (i.e. the discounted cash flow analysis) and to reduce the fair values of our reporting units, if appropriate. These assumptions took into account the current economic environment and its impact on our business. Based on the impairment test as of the third fiscal quarter ended October 3, 2010 for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2011, the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded the carrying value under the first step of the goodwill impairment test. Therefore, we determined that goodwill is not impaired. In the event that management determines that the value of goodwill has become impaired, we will incur an accounting charge for the amount of the impairment during the fiscal quarter in which the determination is made. For additional details see Notes 3 and 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Certain of our financial assets and financial liabilities, specifically our cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, restricted cash equivalents, available-for-sale securities, foreign currency derivatives, interest rate swaps derivatives and convertible debenture derivatives are carried at fair value in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Accounting guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We enter into over-the-counter (“OTC”) foreign currency derivatives and use various valuation techniques to derive the value of option and forward contracts. In determining fair value, we use the market and income approaches. Current accounting guidance provides a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of us. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our assumptions about market participants assumptions used in pricing the asset or liability, developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. As such, fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the asset or owes the liability rather than an entity specific measure. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:
• Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment. Financial assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include most money market funds.
• Level 2—Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, directly or indirectly. Financial assets utilizing Level 2 inputs include bank notes, debt securities, foreign currency option contracts, forward exchange contracts, interest rate swaps derivatives and convertible debenture derivatives. The selection of a particular technique to value a derivative depends upon the contractual term of, and specific risks inherent with, the instrument as well as the availability of pricing information in the market. We generally use similar techniques to value similar instruments. Valuation techniques utilize a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, credit curves and measures of volatility. For derivatives that trade in liquid markets, such as generic forward, option and swap contracts, inputs can generally be verified and selections do not involve significant management judgment.
• Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Financial assets utilizing Level 3 inputs include certain money market funds. We use the market approach to estimate the price that would be received to sell certain money market funds in an orderly transaction between market participants ("exit price"). We reviewed the underlying holdings and estimated the price of underlying fund holdings to estimate the fair value of these funds.
Availability of observable inputs can vary from instrument to instrument and to the extent that valuation is based on inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by our management in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
Unrealized gains and losses of our available-for-sale securities and the effective portion of foreign currency derivatives are excluded from earnings and reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. To the extent our foreign currency derivatives are not effective hedges, unrealized gains or losses are included in earnings. Similarly, the change in fair value of our interest rate swaps derivatives and convertible debenture derivatives are included in earnings. Additionally, we assess whether an other-than-temporary impairment loss on our available-for-sale securities has occurred due to declines in fair value or other market conditions. Declines in fair value that are considered other-than temporary are recorded in “Other, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
In general, investments with original maturities of greater than ninety days and remaining maturities of one year or less are classified as short-term investments. Investments with maturities beyond one year may also be classified as short-term based on their highly liquid nature and because such investments represent the investment of cash that is available for current operations. For additional details see Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Valuation of Certain Convertible Debt
Convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion require recognition of both the liability and equity components in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The debt component is required to be recognized at the fair value of a similar debt instrument that does not have an associated equity component. The equity component is recognized as the difference between the proceeds from the issuance of the convertible debt and the fair value of the liability, after adjusting for the deferred tax impact. The accounting guidance also requires an accretion of the resulting debt discount over the expected life of the convertible debt.
In February 2007, we issued $200.0 million in principal amount of our 1.25% senior convertible debentures (“1.25% debentures”) to Lehman Brothers Inc. (“Lehman Brothers”). In July 2007, we issued $225.0 million in principal amount of our 0.75% senior convertible debentures (“0.75% debentures”) to Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (“Credit Suisse”). The 1.25% debentures and the 0.75% debentures contain partial cash settlement features and are therefore subject to the aforementioned accounting guidance. We estimated that the effective interest rate for similar debt without the conversion feature was 9.25% and 8.125% on the 1.25% debentures and 0.75% debentures, respectively. The resulting debt discount is amortized to non-cash interest expense under the interest method through the first date the debt holders can require us to repurchase their debentures. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Valuation of Share Lending Arrangements
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued accounting guidance that changed how companies account for share lending arrangements that were executed in connection with convertible debt offerings or other
financings. The new accounting guidance requires all such share lending arrangements to be valued and amortized as interest expense in the same manner as debt issuance costs. As a result of the new accounting guidance, existing share lending arrangements relating to our class A common stock are required to be measured at fair value and amortized as interest expense in our Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, in the event that counterparty default under the share lending arrangement becomes probable, we are required to recognize an expense in our Consolidated Statement of Operations equal to the then fair value of the unreturned loaned shares, net of any probable recoveries. We adopted the new accounting guidance effective January 4, 2010, the start of our fiscal year, and applied it retrospectively to all prior periods as required by the guidance.
We have two historical share lending arrangements subject to the new guidance. In connection with the issuance of our 1.25% debentures and 0.75% debentures, we loaned 2.9 million shares of our class A common stock to LBIE and 1.8 million shares of our class A common stock to Credit Suisse International ("CSI") under share lending arrangements. Application of the new accounting guidance resulted in higher non-cash amortization of imputed share lending costs in the current and prior periods, as well as a significant non-cash loss resulting from Lehman Brothers Holding Inc. ("Lehman") filing a petition for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. bankruptcy code on September 15, 2008, and LBIE commencing administration proceedings (analogous to bankruptcy) in the United Kingdom. On December 16, 2010, we entered into an assignment agreement with Deutsche Bank AG - London Branch ("Deutsche Bank") under which we assigned to Deutsche Bank our claims against LBIE and Lehman in connection with the share lending arrangement. Under the assignment agreement, Deutsche Bank paid us $24.0 million for the claims on December 16, 2010, and we may receive, upon the final allowance or admittance of the claims in the U.K. and U.S. proceedings, an additional payment for the claims. We cannot predict the amount of any such payment for the claims and cannot guarantee that we will receive any additional payment for the claims. The fair value of the 2.9 million shares of our class A common stock loaned and unreturned by LBIE at the time of the bankruptcy was $213.4 million, and the amount recovered under the assignment agreement on December 16, 2010 was $24.0 million, which was reflected in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 and fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, respectively, as "Gain (loss) on share lending arrangement" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. For additional details see Notes 1 and 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Accounting for Income Taxes
Our global operations involve manufacturing, R&D, selling and project development activities. Profit from non-U.S. activities is subject to local country taxation but not subject to United States tax until repatriated to the United States. It is our intention to indefinitely reinvest these earnings outside the United States. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider historical levels of income, expectations and risks associated with the estimates of future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. In the event we determine that we would be able to realize additional deferred tax assets in the future in excess of the net recorded amount, or if we subsequently determine that realization of an amount previously recorded is unlikely, we would record an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would change income tax in the period of adjustment. As of January 2, 2011, we believe there is insufficient evidence to realize additional deferred tax assets, although it is reasonably possible that a reversal of the valuation allowance, which could be material, could occur in fiscal 2011.
The calculation of tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex global tax regulations. We recognize potential liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues in the United States and other tax jurisdictions based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. If payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period in which we determine the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate tax assessment, a further charge to expense would result. We accrue interest and penalties on tax contingencies which are classified as “Provision for income taxes” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and are not considered material. For additional details see Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Pursuant to the Tax Sharing Agreement with Cypress, we are obligated to indemnify Cypress upon current utilization of carryforward tax attributes generated while we were part of the Cypress consolidated or combined group. Further, to the extent Cypress experiences any tax examination assessments attributable to our operations while part of the Cypress consolidated or combined group, Cypress will require an indemnification from us for those aspects of the assessment that relate to our operations. See also "Item 1A: Risk Factors" including “Our agreements with Cypress require us to indemnify Cypress for certain tax liabilities. These indemnification obligations and related contractual restrictions may limit our ability to pursue certain business initiatives.”
In addition, foreign exchange gains (losses) may result from estimated tax liabilities, which are expected to be realized in
currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
Results of Operations
Fiscal Years
We report results of operations on the basis of 52- or 53-week periods, ending on the Sunday closest to December 31. Fiscal 2010 ended on January 2, 2011, fiscal 2009 ended on January 3, 2010 and fiscal 2008 ended on December 28, 2008. Each of fiscal 2010 and 2008 consisted of 52 weeks while fiscal 2009 consisted of 53 weeks.
Seasonal Trends
Our business is subject to industry-specific seasonal fluctuations. Sales have historically reflected these seasonal trends with the largest percentage of total revenues realized during the last two calendar quarters of a fiscal year. Lower seasonal demand normally results in reduced shipments and revenues in the first two calendar quarters of a fiscal year. There are various reasons for this seasonality, mostly related to economic incentives and weather patterns. For example, in European countries with feed-in tariffs, the construction of solar power systems may be concentrated during the second half of the calendar year, largely due to the annual reduction of the applicable minimum feed-in tariff and the fact that the coldest winter months are January through March. In the United States, customers will sometimes make purchasing decisions towards the end of the year in order to take advantage of tax credits or for other budgetary reasons. In addition, sales in the new home development market are often tied to construction market demands which tend to follow national trends in construction, including declining sales during cold weather months.
Revenue
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
(Dollars in thousands) | | January 2, 2011 | | January 3, 2010 | | December 28, 2008 |
Utility and power plants | | $ | 1,186,054 | | | $ | 653,531 | | | $ | 742,432 | |
Residential and commercial | | 1,033,176 | | | 870,752 | | | 695,162 | |
Total revenue | | $ | 2,219,230 | | | $ | 1,524,283 | | | $ | 1,437,594 | |
Total Revenue: During fiscal 2010 and 2009, our total revenue was $2,219.2 million and $1,524.3 million, respectively, an increase of 46% year-over-year, and we expect our total revenue to increase in 2011 as compared to 2010 as we continue to expand our sales across our UPP and R&C Segments. Our fiscal 2009 total revenue increased 6% compared to our total revenue in fiscal 2008. The increase in our total revenue in fiscal 2010 as compared to 2009 is primarily attributable to revenue related to the sale of several large scale projects, including projects acquired through our acquisition of SunRay, that were completed and monetized, as well as growing demand for our solar power products in the residential and commercial markets in the United States and Europe as a result of favorable renewable energy policies. The increase in our total revenue in fiscal 2009 as compared to 2008 resulted from strong demand in multiple geographies and market segments despite the difficult economic and credit environment.
Sales outside the United States represented approximately 71%, 57% and 64% of our total revenue for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The shift in revenue by geography in fiscal 2010 as compared to revenue reported in 2009 is due to the sale of several large scale projects completed or under construction in Italy during 2010. The change in geography mix in fiscal 2009 as compared to 2008 is primarily due to: (i) the expiration of an attractive governmental feed-in tariff in Spain in September 2008; (ii) the construction of a 25 MWac solar power plant in Desoto County, Florida in 2009; (iii) revenue growth in the United States, particularly in California, due to federal, state and local government incentives; and (iv) the growth of our third-party global dealer network.
Concentrations: We have three customers that each accounted for 10 percent or more of our total revenue in one or more of fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
(As a percentage of total revenue) | | January 2, 2011 | | January 3, 2010 | | December 28, 2008 |
Significant Customers: | | Business Segment | | | | | | |
Customer A | | UPP | | 12 | % | | * | | | * | |
Customer B | | UPP | | * | | | 12 | % | | * | |
Customer C | | UPP | | * | | | * | | | 18 | % |
Customer D | | UPP | | * | | | * | | | 11 | % |
* denotes less than 10% during the period
UPP Segment Revenue: Our UPP revenue for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $1,186.1 million, $653.5 million and $742.4 million, respectively, which accounted for 53%, 43% and 52%, respectively, of our total revenue. UPP revenue increased 81% as compared to revenue reported in fiscal 2009 primarily due to revenue related to the sale of several large scale development projects acquired from SunRay primarily in Italy as well as an increase in the number of EPC contracts. In the second half of fiscal 2010 our UPP Segment completed the sale of 44 MWac and 8 MWac solar power plants in Montalto di Castro, Italy to a consortium of international investors, and a 13 MWac solar power plant in Anguillara, Italy to another customer. The UPP Segment further recognized revenue under the percentage-of-completion method for several solar power plants totaling 27.6 MWac in the Sicily region and Piedmont region of Italy, a 20 MWac solar power plant in Toronto, Canada and a 17 MWac solar power plant in Colorado. In addition, in fiscal 2010 our UPP Segment began providing solar panels and balance of system components to a utility customer in the United States under a large five-year supply contract.
In fiscal 2009, our UPP Segment recognized revenue from the construction of a 20 MWac solar power plant for SunRay (in its capacity as our third-party customer) in Montalto di Castro, Italy prior to our acquisition of that company. In addition, our UPP Segment completed the construction of a 25 MWac solar power plant in Desoto County, Florida and began the construction of a 10 MWac solar power plant at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
In fiscal 2008, our UPP Segment benefited from strong solar power plant demand in Europe, primarily in Spain, and reflected the installation of more than 40 MWac of Spanish based projects before the expiration of a governmental feed-in tariff in September 2008.
R&C Segment Revenue: Our R&C revenue for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $1,033.2 million, $870.8 million and $695.2 million, respectively, or 47%, 57% and 48%, respectively, of our total revenue. During fiscal 2010, R&C revenue increased 19% as compared to revenue reported in 2009 primarily due to growing demand for our solar power products in the residential and commercial markets in both the United States and Europe, and in part to our introduction of an additional product series in fiscal 2010 with increased solar panel efficiency and module configuration. The R&C revenue increase in fiscal 2010 was primary driven by demand in Germany, Italy and the United States, particularly in California and New Jersey, due to federal, state and local government incentives and strong demand in the residential and small commercial roof-top markets through our third-party global dealer network in both Europe and the United States. In addition, the R&C Segment began construction on several large commercial projects in New Jersey. Our third-party global dealer network was composed of approximately 1,500 dealers worldwide at the end of fiscal 2010.
In fiscal 2009, R&C revenue was primary driven by demand in Germany, Italy and the United States, particularly in California, due to federal, state and local government incentives and strong demand in the residential and small commercial roof-top markets through our third-party global dealer network in both Europe and the United States. In addition, the R&C Segment completed the construction of an 8 MWac solar power plant in Chicago, Illinois.
In fiscal 2008, R&C revenue was primarily due to strong demand in the residential and small commercial roof-top markets through our third-party global dealer network in both Europe and the United States. We added approximately 500 dealers, 500 dealers and 350 dealers during each of fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Cost of Revenue
Details of cost of UPP revenue are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
(Dollars in thousands) | | January 2, 2011 | | January 3, 2010 | | December 28, 2008 |
Amortization of other intangible assets | | $ | 2,762 | | | $ | 2,732 | | | $ | 2,728 | |
Stock-based compensation | | 7,608 | | | 5,808 | | | 8,690 | |
Non-cash interest expense | | 5,412 | | | 1,231 | | | 329 | |
Impairment of long-lived assets | | — | | | — | | | 2,203 | |
Materials and other cost of revenue | | 892,544 | | | 517,079 | | | 520,424 | |
Total cost of UPP revenue | | $ | 908,326 | | | $ | 526,850 | | | $ | 534,374 | |
Total cost of UPP revenue as a percentage of UPP revenue | | 77 | % | | 81 | % | | 72 | % |
Total UPP gross margin percentage | | 23 | % | | 19 | % | | 28 | % |
Details of cost of R&C revenue are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
(Dollars in thousands) | | January 2, 2011 | | January 3, 2010 | | December 28, 2008 |
Amortization of other intangible assets | | $ | 7,644 | | | $ | 8,465 | | | $ | 9,268 | |
Stock-based compensation | | 8,121 | | | 8,190 | | | 10,199 | |
Non-cash interest expense | | 1,495 | | | 1,508 | | | 465 | |
Materials and other cost of revenue | | 783,751 | | | 695,550 | | | 533,667 | |
Total cost of R&C revenue | | $ | 801,011 | | | $ | 713,713 | | | $ | 553,599 | |
Total cost of R&C revenue as a percentage of R&C revenue | | 78 | % | | 82 | % | | 80 | % |
Total R&C gross margin percentage | | 22 | % | | 18 | % | | 20 | % |
Total Cost of Revenue: During fiscal 2010, our two solar cell manufacturing facilities produced 577.7 MWdc as compared to fiscal 2009 and 2008 when we produced 397.4 MWdc and 236.9 MWdc, respectively. Our manufacturing cost per watt decreased in fiscal 2010 as compared to 2009 due to lower material cost and better material utilization as well as higher volume, resulting in increased economies of scale in production. We are working with our suppliers and partners along all steps of the value chain to reduce costs by improving manufacturing technologies and expanding economies of scale.
During fiscal 2010, our total cost of revenue was $1,709.3 million, which represented an increase of 38% as compared to the total cost of revenue reported in fiscal 2009. The increase in total cost of revenue corresponds to the increase of 46% in total revenue during fiscal 2010. As a percentage of total revenue, total cost of revenue decreased to 77% in fiscal 2010 as compared to 81% in fiscal 2009. The decrease in total cost of revenue as a percentage of total revenue reflects: (i) reduced charges for inventory write-downs related to declining average selling prices of third-party solar panels of $1.4 million in fiscal 2010 as compared to $15.3 million in 2009; (ii) reduced large commercial balance of systems costs; and (iii) improvements attributable to continued manufacturing scale and reductions in our manufacturing cost per watt described above. Inventory written-down in fiscal 2009 that was sold in 2010 improved our gross margin by an immaterial amount in fiscal 2010.
During fiscal 2009, our total cost of revenue was $1,240.6 million, which represented an increase of 14% as compared to the total cost of revenue reported in fiscal 2008. As a percentage of total revenue, our total cost of revenue increased to 81% in fiscal 2009 as compared to 76% in fiscal 2008. This increase in total cost of revenue as a percentage of total revenue reflects: (i) lower factory utilization during the first half of fiscal 2009 due to our planned transition to a demand driven manufacturing strategy to reduce inventory levels; and (ii) the write-down and subsequent sale of inventory to its estimated market value in fiscal 2009 based on our assumptions about future demand and market conditions. This increase in total cost of revenue as a percentage of total revenue was partially offset by: (i) decreased costs of polysilicon; (ii) reduced expenses associated with the amortization of other intangible assets and stock-based compensation; and (iii) an asset impairment charge of $2.2 million in fiscal 2008 relating to the wind down of our imaging detector product line.
UPP Segment Gross Margin: Gross margin was $277.7 million, $126.7 million and $208.1 million for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, or 23%, 19% and 28%, respectively, of UPP revenue. UPP gross margin increased in fiscal 2010 as compared to 2009 due to a greater proportion of sales from development projects in Italy which have higher gross margins due to customers paying a premium for turn-key fully developed power plants. Additionally, gross margin increased due to reduced charges for inventory write-downs and subsequent sales of aged third-party solar panels in fiscal 2010 as compared to 2009.
Gross margin decreased in fiscal 2009 as compared to 2008 due to: (i) lower average selling prices for our solar power products; (ii) the write-down and subsequent sale of aged third-party solar panels to its estimated market value in 2009 based on our assumptions about future demand and market conditions; and (iii) our inability to reduce overhead costs incurred that are fixed in nature. This decrease in gross margin was partially offset by continued reduction in silicon costs.
R&C Segment Gross Margin: Gross margin was $232.2 million, $157.0 million and $141.6 million for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, or 22%, 18% and 20%, respectively, of R&C revenue. Gross margin increased in fiscal 2010 as compared to 2009 due to: (i) the reduction in large commercial balance of systems costs; and (ii) improvements attributable to continued manufacturing scale and reductions in our manufacturing cost per watt described above, partially offset by reduced average selling prices of our solar power products. Gross margin decreased in fiscal 2009 as compared to 2008 due to: (i) lower average selling prices for our solar power products; (ii) the write-down and subsequent sale of aged third-party solar panels to its estimated market value in 2009 based on our assumptions about future demand and market conditions; and (iii) our inability to reduce overhead costs incurred that are fixed in nature. This decrease in gross margin was partially offset by continued reduction in silicon costs.
R&D Expense
Details of R&D expense are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
(Dollars in thousands) | | January 2, 2011 | | January 3, 2010 | | December 28, 2008 |
Stock-based compensation | | $ | 7,555 | | | $ | 6,296 | | | $ | 3,988 | |
Other R&D | | 41,535 | | | 25,346 | | | 17,486 | |
Total R&D | | $ | 49,090 | | | $ | 31,642 | | | $ | 21,474 | |
Total R&D as a percentage of revenue | | 2 | % | | 2 | % | | 1 | % |
During fiscal 2010 and 2009 our R&D expense was $49.1 million and $31.6 million, respectively, which represents an increase of 55% from fiscal 2009. Our fiscal 2009 R&D expense increased 47% compared to $21.5 million in fiscal 2008. The general increase in spending year-over-year resulted primarily from costs related to the improvement of our current generation solar cell manufacturing technology, development of our third generation of solar cells, development of next generation solar panels, development of next generation trackers and rooftop systems, and development of systems performance monitoring products. We expect our R&D expense to increase in fiscal 2011 as compared to 2010 as we continue in efforts to improve solar cell efficiency through enhancement of our existing products, development of new techniques such as concentrating photovoltaic power, and reducing manufacturing cost and complexity.
The increase in our R&D expense from fiscal 2009 to 2010 further pertains to (i) personnel related expense (including salary, stock-based compensation costs and bonus) as a result of increased headcount from approximately 180 on January 3, 2010 to 210 as of January 2, 2011; (ii) increased equipment expense and depreciation due to general growth and development; and (iii) decrease in cost reimbursements received from government agencies in the United States due to phase out of related programs during fiscal 2010. The increase in our R&D expense from fiscal 2008 to 2009 further resulted from increases in salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation costs as a result of increased headcount from approximately 150 on December 28, 2008 to 180 on January 3, 2010. These increases were partially offset by cost reimbursements received from various government entities in the United States.
In fiscal 2007 through 2010 we benefited from a Solar America Initiative R&D agreement with the United States Department of Energy in which we have been awarded $24.1 million through January 2, 2011. Payments received under this contract offset our research and development expense by $5.2 million in fiscal 2010 as compared to $8.9 million, $7.0 million and $3.0 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The award was fully funded by the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2010.
SG&A Expense
Details of SG&A expense are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
(Dollars in thousands) | | January 2, 2011 | | January 3, 2010 | | December 28, 2008 |
Amortization of other intangible assets | | $ | 28,071 | | | $ | 5,277 | | | $ | 4,766 | |
Stock-based compensation | | 31,088 | | | 26,700 | | | 47,343 | |
Amortization of promissory notes | | 11,054 | | | — | | | — | |
Other SG&A | | 251,723 | | | 158,267 | | | 121,631 | |
Total SG&A | | $ | 321,936 | | | $ | 190,244 | | | $ | 173,740 | |
Total SG&A as a percentage of revenue | | 15 | % | | 12 | % | | 12 | % |
During fiscal 2010 and 2009, our SG&A expense was $321.9 million and $190.2 million, respectively, which represents an increase of 69%. Our fiscal 2009 SG&A expense increased 9% compared to $173.7 million in fiscal 2008. The increase in SG&A expense year-over-year resulted primarily from higher spending in all of the functional areas to support the growth of our business, including through acquisitions. Headcount related to SG&A expense increased from approximately 640 on December 28, 2008 to 675 on January 3, 2010 to 900 on January 2, 2011. We expect our SG&A expense to increase in fiscal 2011 as compared to 2010 as we continue to invest in expanding our sales operations and continue to grow our business globally.
The increase in SG&A expense in fiscal 2010 as compared to 2009 primarily related to: (i) SunRay's operating and development expenses being consolidated into our financial results from March 26, 2010 through January 2, 2011; (ii) higher amortization of other intangible assets related to project assets acquired from SunRay; (iii) amortization of the $14.0 million in promissory notes issued to SunRay's management shareholders in connection with the acquisition; (iv) SunRay acquisition-related costs and integration-related costs such as legal, accounting, valuation and other professional services; (v) costs associated with the formation of the AUOSP joint venture; (vi) personnel related expense (including salary, stock-based compensation costs, bonus and commission) as a result of increased headcount; (vii) additional bad debt expense due to the overall increase in revenue and the collectability of outstanding accounts receivable related to several customers impacted by the difficult economic conditions experienced in the last two years; and (viii) $4.4 million of expenses incurred in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 associated with our Audit Committee independent investigation of certain accounting entries primarily related to cost of goods sold by our Philippines operations.
The increase in SG&A expense in fiscal 2009 as compared to 2008 primarily related to: (i) sales and marketing spending to expand our third-party global dealer network and global branding initiatives; (ii) the launch of our new marketing campaign; and (iii) $3.6 million of expenses incurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 associated with our Audit Committee independent investigation of certain accounting entries primarily related to cost of goods sold by our Philippines operations. The increase was partially offset by reduced stock-based compensation associated with shares and options released from re-vesting restrictions.
Other Income (Expense), Net
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
(Dollars in thousands) | | January 2, 2011 | | January 3, 2010 | | December 28, 2008 |
Interest income | | $ | 1,541 | | | $ | 2,109 | | | $ | 10,789 | |
Non-cash interest expense | | $ | (23,709 | ) | | $ | (19,843 | ) | | $ | (16,716 | ) |
Other interest expense | | (31,567 | ) | | (16,444 | ) | | (6,699 | ) |
Total interest expense | | $ | (55,276 | ) | | $ | (36,287 | ) | | $ | (23,415 | ) |
Gain on deconsolidation of consolidated subsidiary | | $ | 36,849 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Gain on change in equity interest in unconsolidated investee | | $ | 28,078 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Gain on mark-to-market derivatives | | $ | 35,764 | | | $ | 21,193 | | | $ | — | |
Gain (loss) on share lending arrangement | | $ | 24,000 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (213,372 | ) |
Other, net | | $ | (26,410 | ) | | $ | (5,229 | ) | | $ | (26,313 | ) |
Interest income during fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 primarily represents interest income earned on our cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, restricted cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities during these periods. The decrease in interest income of 27% in fiscal 2010 as compared to 2009 and 80% in 2009 as compared to 2008 both resulted from lower
interest rates earned on cash holdings.
Interest expense during fiscal 2010 primarily relates to debt under our senior convertible debentures, fees for our outstanding letters of credit with Deutsche Bank, the revolving credit facility with Union Bank, N.A. ("Union Bank") and Société Générale, Milan Branch ("Société Générale"), and the mortgage loan with International Finance Corporation ("IFC"). Interest expense during fiscal 2009 primarily relates to borrowings under our senior convertible debentures, fees for our outstanding letters of credit with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. ("Wells Fargo"), the SPMY facility with the Malaysian government, the term loan with Union Bank and customer advance payments. Interest expense during fiscal 2008 relates to interest due on our senior convertible debentures, fees for our outstanding letters of credit with Wells Fargo and customer advance payments. The increase in interest expense of 52% in fiscal 2010 as compared to 2009 is due to: (i) additional indebtedness related to our $250.0 million in principal amount of 4.50% debentures issued in April 2010, $70.0 million borrowed from Union Bank in October 2010, approximately $98.0 million borrowed from Société Générale in November 2010 and $50.0 million borrowed from IFC in November 2010; and (ii) fees for our outstanding letters of credit with Deutsche Bank. The increase in interest expense of 55% in fiscal 2009 as compared to 2008 is primarily due to additional indebtedness related to our $230.0 million in principal amount of 4.75% debentures, approximately $219.0 million outstanding under the facility with the Malaysian government and $30.0 million under the term loan with Union Bank. These increases were partially offset by the deconsolidation of the outstanding balance under the facility with the Malaysian government in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 as a result of the AUOSP joint venture transaction and the repurchase of a portion of our 0.75% debentures during fiscal 2010 and 2009 with a principal amount of $143.8 million and $81.1 million, respectively. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
On July 5, 2010, we closed our joint venture transaction with AUO. Under the joint venture agreement our equity interest in SPMY, formerly our subsidiary, was reduced to 50% and the entity was renamed AUOSP. As a result of the shared power arrangement with AUO, we deconsolidated AUOSP and account for our direct investment under the equity method in the third quarter of fiscal 2010. We recognized a non-cash gain of $36.8 million as a result of the deconsolidation of AUOSP in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. For additional details see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
On June 30, 2010, Woongjin Energy completed its IPO and the sale of 15.9 million new shares of common stock. We did not participate in this common stock issuance by Woongjin Energy. As a result of the new common stock issuance by Woongjin Energy in its IPO, our percentage equity interest in Woongjin Energy decreased from 42.1% to 31.3% of its issued and outstanding shares of common stock. In connection with the IPO, we recognized a non-cash gain of $28.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 in our Consolidated Statement of Operations as a result of our equity interest in Woongjin Energy being revalued upon a dilutive event. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, First Philec Solar issued an additional 0.5 million shares of common and preferred stock to investors which resulted in the reduction of our percent equity interest in First Philec Solar from 20% to 15% of its issued and outstanding shares of preferred and common stock. In connection with the additional funding, we recognized a non-cash loss of $0.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 as a result of our equity interest in First Philec Solar being diluted. For additional details see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The $35.8 million net gain on mark-to-market derivatives during fiscal 2010 relates to the change in fair value of the following derivative instruments associated with the 4.50% debentures: (i) the embedded cash conversion option; (ii) over-allotment option; (iii) bond hedge transaction; and (iv) warrant transaction. The changes in fair value of these derivatives are reported in our Consolidated Statement of Operations until such transactions settle or expire. The over-allotment option derivative settled on April 5, 2010 when the initial purchasers of the 4.50% debentures exercised the $30.0 million over-allotment option in full. As a result of the terms of the warrants being amended and restated so that they are settled in shares of our class A common stock rather than in cash, the warrants will not require mark-to-market accounting treatment subsequent to December 23, 2010. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The $21.2 million non-cash gain on mark-to-market derivatives during fiscal 2009 relates to the change in fair value of the purchased options associated with the issuance of our 4.75% debentures. The purchased options, which are indexed to our class A common stock, were deemed to be mark-to-market derivatives during the one-day period in which the over-allotment option in favor of the 4.75% debenture underwriters was unexercised. We entered into the debenture underwriting agreement on April 28, 2009 and the 4.75% debenture underwriters exercised the over-allotment option in full on April 29, 2009. During the one-day period that the underwriters’ over-allotment option was outstanding, our class A common stock price increased substantially, resulting in a non-cash gain on purchased options of $21.2 million in fiscal 2009 in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
In connection with the issuance of our 1.25% debentures, we loaned 2.9 million shares of our class A common stock to LBIE under a share lending arrangement. On September 15, 2008, Lehman filed a petition for protection under Chapter 11 of
the U.S. bankruptcy code and LBIE commenced administration proceedings (analogous to bankruptcy) in the United Kingdom. As a result, we recognized a $213.4 million non-cash loss in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 which was the then fair value of the 2.9 million shares of our class A common stock loaned and unreturned by LBIE. On December 16, 2010, we entered into an assignment agreement with Deutsche Bank under which we assigned to Deutsche Bank our claims against LBIE and Lehman in connection with the share lending arrangement. We recovered $24.0 million under the assignment agreement with Deutsche Bank which was reflected in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 as "Gain (loss) on share lending arrangement" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. For additional details see Notes 1 and 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The following table summarizes the components of other, net:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
(Dollars in thousands) | | January 2, 2011 | | January 3, 2010 | | December 28, 2008 |
Gain (loss) on derivatives and foreign exchange | | $ | (27,701 | ) | | $ | (3,902 | ) | | $ | (20,602 | ) |
Gain on sale (impairment) of investments | | 770 | | | (1,443 | ) | | (5,408 | ) |
Other income (expense), net | | 521 | | | 116 | | | (303 | ) |
Total other, net | | $ | (26,410 | ) | | $ | (5,229 | ) | | $ | (26,313 | ) |
Other, net expenses during fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 consists primarily of losses totaling $23.1 million, $0.9 million and $6.5 million, respectively, from expensing the time value of option contracts and forward points on forward exchange contracts, losses totaling $4.6 million, $3.0 million and $14.1 million, respectively, on foreign currency derivatives and foreign exchange largely due to the volatility in the currency markets, impairment charges totaling $0.8 million, $2.0 million and $5.4 million, respectively, for debt securities, auction rate securities, certain money market funds and non-publicly traded investments, partially offset by gains totaling $1.6 million, $0.6 million and zero, respectively, for the sale of auction rate securities and distributions received from certain money market funds. For additional details see Notes 7 and 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Taxes
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
(Dollars in thousands) | | January 2, 2011 | | January 3, 2010 | | December 28, 2008 |
Provision for income taxes | | $ | (23,375 | ) | | $ | (21,028 | ) | | $ | (40,618 | ) |
As a percentage of revenue | | 1 | % | | 1 | % | | 3 | % |
In fiscal 2010, our income tax provision of $23.4 million on income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees of $183.4 million was primarily due to the mix of income earned in domestic and foreign jurisdictions, nondeductible amortization of purchased other intangible assets, non deductible equity compensation, amortization of debt discount from convertible debentures, gain on change in equity interest in Woongjin Energy, mark-to-market fair value adjustments, changes in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, and discrete stock option deductions. In fiscal 2009, our income tax provision of $21.0 million on income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees of $43.6 million was primarily due to domestic and foreign income taxes in certain jurisdictions where our operations were profitable, net of nondeductible amortization of purchased other intangible assets, discrete stock option deductions and the discrete non-cash non-taxable gain on purchased options. In fiscal 2008, our income tax provision of $40.6 million on loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees of $97.9 million was primarily attributable to the consumption of non-stock net operating loss carryforwards, net of foreign income taxes in profitable jurisdictions where the tax rates are less than the U.S. statutory rate.
We are subject to tax holidays in the Philippines where we manufacture our solar power products. The tax holidays are scheduled to expire within the next several years beginning in 2010, and we have applied for tax extensions. Tax holidays in the Philippines reduce our tax rate to 0% from 30%. Tax savings associated with the Philippine tax holidays were approximately $11.8 million, $11.1 million and $10.2 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, which provided a diluted net income (loss) per share benefit of $0.11, $0.12 and $0.13, respectively.
We have a tax ruling in Switzerland where we sell our solar power products. The ruling in Switzerland reduces our tax rate to 11.5% from approximately 24.2%. Tax savings associated with this ruling was approximately $1.6 million, $0.4 million and zero in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, which provided a diluted net income (loss) per share benefit of $0.02 in fiscal 2010 and zero in both fiscal 2009 and 2008. This current tax ruling expires at the end of 2015.
A significant amount of our total revenue is generated from customers located outside of the United States, and a substantial portion of our assets and employees are located outside of the United States. United States income taxes and foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on the undistributed earnings of our non United States subsidiaries as such earnings are intended to be indefinitely reinvested in operations outside the United States to extent that such earnings have not been currently or previously subjected to taxation of the United States.
We have California state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $27.6 million as of January 2, 2011, which expire at various dates from 2011 to 2017. We also had R&D credit carryforwards of approximately $4.0 million for federal tax purposes and $4.3 million for state tax purposes. We have provided a valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets in the United States because of the uncertainty of their realizability. We expect it is more likely than not that we will not realize our net deferred tax assets as of January 2, 2011. The majority of the net operating loss carryforwards were created by employee stock transactions. Because there is uncertainty as to the realizability of the loss carryforwards, the portion created by employee stock transactions are not reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
(Dollars in thousands) | | January 2, 2011 | | January 3, 2010 | | December 28, 2008 |
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees | | $ | 6,845 | | | $ | 9,929 | | | $ | 14,077 | |
As a percentage of revenue | | — | % | | 1 | % | | 1 | % |
Our equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees were gains of $6.8 million, $9.9 million and $14.1 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Our share of Woongjin Energy’s income totaled $14.4 million, $9.8 million and $14.2 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The change in our equity share of Woongjin Energy’s earnings year-over-year represents the growth of the joint venture's operations, foreign currency translation, and changes in our equity ownership. Our share of First Philec Solar’s income totaled $0.4 million and $0.1 million in fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively, and our share of First Philec Solar’s losses totaled $0.1 million in fiscal 2008. Our equity share of First Philec Solar's earnings increased year-over-year due to increases in production since First Philec Solar became operational in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Our share of AUOSP’s loss totaled $8.0 million in fiscal 2010. AUOSP became operational in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 with construction to continue through fiscal 2013. For additional details see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
(Dollars in thousands) | | January 2, 2011 | | January 3, 2010 | | December 28, 2008 |
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes | | $ | 11,841 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
As a percentage of revenue | | 1 | % | | — | % | | — | % |
In connection with our acquisition of SunRay on March 26, 2010, we acquired a SunRay project company, Cassiopea, operating a previously completed 20 MWac solar power plant in Montalto di Castro, Italy. In the period in which our asset is classified as held-for-sale, we are required to segregate for all periods presented the related assets, liabilities and results of operations associated with that asset as discontinued operations. In fiscal 2010, we recognized a gain of $11.4 million for the sale of Cassiopea on August 5, 2010. Cassiopea's results of operations for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2011 were classified as “Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes” in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. For additional details see Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
A summary of the sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
(Dollars in thousands) | | January 2, 2011 | | January 3, 2010 | | December 28, 2008 |
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations | | $ | 168,165 | | | $ | 121,325 | | | $ | 154,831 | |
Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations | | (461,360 | ) | | (256,559 | ) | | (326,146 | ) |
Net cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations | | 244,282 | | | 552,350 | | | 92,553 | |
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations of $168.2 million in fiscal 2010 was primarily the result of: (i) income from continuing operations of $166.9 million plus non-cash charges totaling $255.1 million for depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, debt issuance costs and non-cash interest expense, partially offset by a $0.8 million net gain on investments, a $24.0 million recovery on a previously recorded loss on a share lending arrangement to LBIE, a $35.8 million net gain on mark-to-market derivatives related to the change in fair value of the derivative instruments associated with the 4.50% debentures, and other non-cash income of $72.0 million primarily related to our equity share in earnings of joint ventures, gain on deconsolidation of AUOSP, net gain on change in our equity interest in joint ventures and a net gain on mark-to-market derivatives; and (ii) increases in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities of $158.0 million as well as an increase in customer advances of $90.6 million primarily from AUOSP. The increase was partially offset by increases in accounts receivable of $132.2 million related to the increase in revenue, inventories of $114.5 million as we continue to grow our business, and advances to polysilicon suppliers of $96.1 million primarily to one supplier, as well as other changes in operating assets and liabilities of $27.4 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations of $121.3 million in fiscal 2009 was primarily the result of: (i) income from continuing operations of $32.5 million, plus non-cash charges totaling $175.3 million for depreciation, amortization, impairment of investments, stock-based compensation and non-cash interest expense, less non-cash income of $31.1 million related to a gain on purchased options and our equity share in earnings of joint ventures; as well as (ii) decreases in inventories of $53.7 million due to improved inventory turns as a result of management’s demand-driven manufacturing model. The increase was partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $50.5 million due to the increase in total revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008 and in advances to polysilicon suppliers of $27.9 million and decreases in customer advances of $18.4 million, as well as other changes in operating assets and liabilities of $12.3 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations of $154.8 million in fiscal 2008 was primarily the result of: (i) a loss from continuing operations of $124.4 million, plus non-cash charges totaling $382.1 million for depreciation, amortization, impairment of investments and long-lived assets, stock-based compensation, non-cash interest expense and the fair value of a share lending arrangement with LBIE, less non-cash income of $14.1 million for our equity share in earnings of joint ventures; as well as (ii) increases in customer advances of $40.1 million, primarily for future polysilicon purchases by a third party that manufactures ingots which are sold back to us under an ingot supply agreement, and in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities of $150.1 million. These items were partially offset by decreases in billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings of $53.6 million related to contractual timing of system project billings, as well as increases in inventories of $95.7 million, mainly due to our agreement to design and build two solar photovoltaic power plants for a significant customer, accounts receivable of $57.6 million and other changes in operating assets and liabilities totaling $72.1 million.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations in fiscal 2010 was $461.4 million, of which: (i) $119.2 million relates to capital expenditures primarily associated with the continued construction of FAB3 in Malaysia prior to deconsolidation on July 5, 2010; (ii) $272.7 million in cash was paid for the acquisition of SunRay, net of cash acquired; (iii) $40.1 million for the purchase of debt securities; (iv) $5.6 million of increases in restricted cash and cash equivalents; (v) $17.8 million in cash paid for investments in AUOSP and non-public companies; and (vi) $12.9 million relates to cash of AUOSP that was deconsolidated on July 5, 2010. Cash used in investing activities was partially offset by $5.3 million in proceeds received from the sale of equipment to a third-party contract manufacturer and $1.6 million on money market fund distributions.
Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations during fiscal 2009 was $256.6 million, of which: (i) $167.8 million relates to capital expenditures primarily associated with the completion of our second solar cell manufacturing facility (“FAB2”) in the Philippines and the continued construction of FAB3 in Malaysia; (ii) $135.5 million relates to increases in
restricted cash and cash equivalents for the drawdown under the facility agreement with the Malaysian government; and (iii) $2.4 million relates to cash paid for investments in First Philec Solar and a non-public company. Cash used in investing activities was partially offset by $39.1 million in proceeds received from the sales or maturities of available-for-sale securities and $10.0 million in proceeds received from the sale of equipment to a third-party contract manufacturer.
Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations during fiscal 2008 was $326.1 million, of which: (i) $265.9 million relates to capital expenditures primarily associated with the continued construction of FAB2 in the Philippines; (ii) $107.4 million relates to increases in restricted cash and cash equivalents for advanced payments received from customers for which we provided cash collateralized bank standby letters of credit and for the first drawdown under the facility agreement with the Malaysian government; (iii) $18.3 million in cash which was paid for the acquisitions of Solar Solutions in Italy, and Solar Sales Pty. Ltd. in Australia, net of cash acquired; and (iv) $24.6 million in cash which was paid for investments in joint ventures and other non-public companies. Cash used in investing activities was partially offset by $90.1 million in proceeds received from the sales of available-for-sale securities, net of available-for-sale securities purchased during the period, and investment in certain money market funds re-designated from cash and cash equivalents to short-term investments.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations in fiscal 2010 was $244.3 million and reflects cash received from the following sources: (i) $230.5 million in net proceeds from the issuance of $250.0 million in principal amount of our 4.50% debentures, after reflecting the payment of the net cost of the call spread overlay; (ii) $214.7 million and $318.6 million in net proceeds from various bank and project loans, respectively; (iii) $24.0 million received under the LBIE claim assignment agreement with Deutsche Bank; (iv) $0.2 million in excess tax benefits from stock-based award activity; and (v) $0.9 million from stock option exercises. Cash received was partially offset by: (i) $333.5 million principal amount of project loans assumed by customers with the sale of 44 MWac and 8 MWac solar power plants in Montalto di Castro, Italy to a consortium of international investors; (ii) cash paid of $30.0 million to Union Bank to terminate our $30.0 million term loan; (iii) repayment of $33.6 million to Piraeus Bank to terminate our current account overdraft agreement in Greece; (iv) repurchase of $143.8 million in principal amount of our 0.75% debentures; and (v) $3.7 million for treasury stock purchases that were used to pay withholding taxes on vested restricted stock.
Net cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations during fiscal 2009 was $552.4 million and reflects cash received from the following sources: (i) $218.8 million in net proceeds from our public offering of 10.35 million shares of our class A common stock; (ii) $198.7 million in net proceeds from the issuance of $230.0 million in principal amount of our 4.75% debentures, after reflecting the payment of the net cost of the call spread overlay; (iii) Malaysian Ringgit 560.0 million (approximately $163.4 million based on the exchange rate as of January 3, 2010) from the Malaysian government under AUOSP's facility agreement; (iv) $29.8 million in net proceeds from Union Bank under our $30.0 million term loan; (v) $20.1 million in excess tax benefits from stock-based award activity; and (vi) $1.5 million from stock option exercises. Cash received during fiscal 2009 was partially offset by cash paid of $75.6 million to repurchase approximately $81.1 million in principal amount of our 0.75% debentures and $4.3 million for treasury stock purchases that were used to pay withholding taxes on vested restricted stock.
Net cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations during fiscal 2008 was $92.6 million and reflects proceeds received of Malaysian Ringgit 190.0 million (approximately $54.6 million based on the exchange rate as of December 28, 2008) from the Malaysian government under AUOSP's facility agreement, $5.1 million from stock option exercises and $40.7 million in excess tax benefits from stock-based award activity, partially offset by cash paid of $6.7 million for treasury stock purchases that were used to pay withholding taxes on vested restricted stock and $1.2 million for conversion of 1.25% debentures.
Debt and Credit Sources
Convertible Debentures
On April 1, 2010, we issued $220.0 million in principal amount of our 4.50% debentures and received net proceeds of $214.9 million, before payment of the net cost of the bond hedge and warrant transactions of $12.1 million. On April 5, 2010, the initial purchasers of the 4.50% debentures exercised the $30.0 million over-allotment option in full and we received net proceeds of $29.3 million, before payment of the net cost of the bond hedge and warrant transactions of $1.6 million. Interest on the 4.50% debentures is payable on March 15 and September 15 of each year, which commenced September 15, 2010. The 4.50% debentures mature on March 15, 2015. The 4.50% debentures are convertible only into cash, and not into shares of our class A common stock (or any other securities). Prior to December 15, 2014, the 4.50% debentures are convertible only upon specified events and, thereafter, they will be convertible at any time, based on an initial conversion price of $22.53 per share of
our class A common stock. The conversion price will be subject to adjustment in certain events, such as distributions of dividends or stock splits. Upon conversion, we will deliver an amount of cash calculated by reference to the price of our class A common stock over the applicable observation period. The 4.50% debentures will not be convertible until the first quarter of fiscal 2011. We may not redeem the 4.50% debentures prior to maturity. Holders may also require us to repurchase all or a portion of their 4.50% debentures upon a fundamental change, as defined in the debenture agreement, at a cash repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. In the event of certain events of default, such as our failure to make certain payments or perform or observe certain obligations thereunder, Wells Fargo, the trustee, or holders of a specified amount of then-outstanding 4.50% debentures will have the right to declare all amounts then outstanding due and payable. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
In May 2009, we issued $230.0 million in principal amount of our 4.75% debentures and received net proceeds of $225.0 million, before payment of the net cost of the call spread overlay of $26.3 million. Interest on the 4.75% debentures is payable on April 15 and October 15 of each year, which commenced October 15, 2009. Holders of the 4.75% debentures are able to exercise their right to convert the debentures at any time into shares of our class A common stock at a conversion price equal to $26.40 per share. The applicable conversion rate may adjust in certain circumstances, including upon a fundamental change, as defined in the indenture governing the 4.75% debentures. If not earlier converted, the 4.75% debentures mature on April 15, 2014. Holders may also require us to repurchase all or a portion of their 4.75% debentures upon a fundamental change at a cash repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. In the event of certain events of default, such as our failure to make certain payments or perform or observe certain obligations thereunder, Wells Fargo, the trustee, or holders of a specified amount of then-outstanding 4.75% debentures will have the right to declare all amounts then outstanding due and payable. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
In February 2007, we issued $200.0 million in principal amount of our 1.25% debentures and received net proceeds of $194.0 million. In fiscal 2008, we received notices for the conversion of $1.4 million in principal amount of the 1.25% debentures which we settled for $1.2 million in cash and 1,000 shares of class A common stock. As of January 2, 2011, an aggregate principal amount of $198.6 million of the 1.25% debentures remain issued and outstanding. Interest on the 1.25% debentures is payable on February 15 and August 15 of each year, which commenced August 15, 2007. The 1.25% debentures mature on February 15, 2027. Holders may require us to repurchase all or a portion of their 1.25% debentures on each of February 15, 2012, February 15, 2017 and February 15, 2022, or if we experience certain types of corporate transactions constituting a fundamental change, as defined in the indenture governing the 1.25% debentures. Any repurchase of the 1.25% debentures under these provisions will be for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 1.25% debentures to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, we may redeem some or all of the 1.25% debentures on or after February 15, 2012 for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 1.25% debentures to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
In July 2007, we issued $225.0 million in principal amount of our 0.75% debentures and received net proceeds of $220.1 million. In fiscal 2009, we repurchased $81.1 million in principal amount of the 0.75% debentures for $75.6 million in cash. In fiscal 2010, we repurchased $143.8 million in principal amount of the 0.75% debentures for $143.8 million in cash, of which $143.3 million was pursuant to the contracted debenture holder put on August 2, 2010. As of January 2, 2011, an aggregate principal amount of $0.1 million of the 0.75% debentures remain issued and outstanding. Interest on the 0.75% debentures is payable on February 1 and August 1 of each year, which commenced February 1, 2008. The 0.75% debentures mature on August 1, 2027. Holders of the remaining 0.75% debentures could require us to repurchase all or a portion of their debentures on each of August 1, 2015, August 1, 2020 and August 1, 2025, or if we experienced certain types of corporate transactions constituting a fundamental change, as defined in the indenture governing the 0.75% debentures. The 0.75% debentures were classified as long-term liabilities and short-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 2, 2011 and January 3, 2010, respectively, due to the ability of the holders to require us to repurchase their 0.75% debentures commencing on August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2010, respectively. Any repurchase of the 0.75% debentures under these provisions will be for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 0.75% debentures to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, we could redeem the remaining 0.75% debentures on or after August 2, 2010 for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 0.75% debentures to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Debt Facility Agreement with the Malaysian Government
On December 18, 2008, AUOSP, then our subsidiary, entered into a facility agreement with the Malaysian government. As of January 3, 2010, AUOSP had outstanding Malaysian Ringgit 750.0 million ($219.0 million based on the exchange rates as of January 3, 2010) under the facility agreement to finance the construction of FAB3 in Malaysia. On July 5, 2010, the joint venture closed between our subsidiary SPTL, AUOSP, AUO, and AUO Taiwan. Under the terms of the joint venture agreement,
our subsidiary SPTL and AUO each own 50% of the AUOSP joint venture. AUOSP retains the existing debt facility and we deconsolidated the outstanding balance on July 5, 2010 due to the shared power arrangement with AUO. We do not guarantee or collateralize the debt facility held by AUOSP. For additional details see Notes 9 and 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Mortgage Loan Agreement with IFC
On May 6, 2010, our subsidiaries SPML and SPML Land, Inc. (“SPML Land”) entered into a mortgage loan agreement with IFC. Under the loan agreement, SPML may borrow up to $75.0 million during the first two years, and SPML shall repay the amount borrowed, starting 2 years after the date of borrowing, in 10 equal semiannual installments over the following 5 years. SPML shall pay interest of LIBOR plus 3% per annum on outstanding borrowings, and a front-end fee of 1% on the principal amount of borrowings at the time of borrowing, and a commitment fee of 0.5% per annum on funds available for borrowing and not borrowed. SPML may prepay all or a part of the outstanding principal, subject to a 1% prepayment premium. On November 12, 2010, SPML borrowed $50.0 million under the mortgage loan agreement. A total of $25.0 million remains available for borrowing under the mortgage loan agreement. SPML and SPML Land pledged certain assets as collateral supporting SPML's repayment obligation. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Loan Agreement with California Enterprise Development Authority ("CEDA")
On December 29, 2010, we borrowed from CEDA the proceeds of the $30.0 million aggregate principal amount of CEDA's tax-exempt Recovery Zone Facility Revenue Bonds (SunPower Corporation - Headquarters Project) Series 2010 (the "Bonds") maturing April 1, 2031 under a loan agreement with CEDA. Our obligations under the loan agreement were contained in a promissory note dated December 29, 2010 issued by us to CEDA, which assigned the promissory note, along with all right, title and interest in the loan agreement, to Wells Fargo, as trustee, with respect to the Bonds for the benefit of the holders of the Bonds. The Bonds will initially bear interest at a variable interest rate (determined weekly), but at our option may be converted into fixed-rate bonds (which include covenants of, and other restrictions on, us to be determined at the time of conversion). As of January 2, 2011 the $30.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Bonds is classified as "Short-term debt" in our Consolidated Balance Sheet due to the potential for the Bonds to be redeemed or tendered for purchase on June 22, 2011 under the reimbursement agreement. If the Bonds are converted into fixed-rate bonds prior to June 22, 2011, they will be reclassified to "Long-term debt" in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Term Loan with Union Bank
On April 17, 2009, we entered into a loan agreement with Union Bank under which we borrowed $30.0 million for a three year term at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2%. As of January 3, 2010, the outstanding loan balance was $30.0 million of which $11.3 million and $18.7 million had been classified as “current portion of long-term debt” and “Long-term debt,” respectively, in our Consolidated Balance Sheet, based on projected quarterly installments commencing June 30, 2010. On April 9, 2010 we repaid all principal and interest outstanding under the term loan with Union Bank. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Revolving Credit Facility with Union Bank
On October 29, 2010, we entered into a revolving credit facility with Union Bank. Until the maturity date of October 28, 2011, we may borrow up to $70.0 million under the revolving credit facility. Amounts borrowed may be repaid and reborrowed until October 28, 2011. As collateral under the revolving credit facility, we pledged our holding of 19.4 million shares of common stock of Woongjin Energy to Union Bank. The revolving credit facility may be increased up to $100.0 million at our option and upon receipt of additional commitments from lenders. On October 29, 2010, we drew down $70.0 million under the revolving credit facility which amount, as of January 2, 2011, was classified as "Short-term debt" in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The amount available for borrowing under the revolving credit facility is further capped at 30% of the market value of our shares in Woongjin Energy ("Borrowing Base"). If at any time the amount outstanding under the revolving credit facility is greater than the Borrowing Base, we must repay the difference within two business days. In addition, upon a material adverse change which, in the sole judgment of Union Bank, would adversely affect the ability of Union Bank to promptly sell the Woongjin Energy shares, including but not limited to any unplanned closure of the Korean Stock Exchange that lasts for more than one trading session, we must repay all outstanding amounts under the revolving credit facility within five business days, and the revolving credit facility will be terminated.
We are required to pay interest on outstanding borrowings of, at our option, (1) LIBOR plus 2.75% or (2) 1.75% plus a base rate equal to the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus 1.5%, (b) Union Bank's prime rate as announced from time to time, or (c) LIBOR plus 1.0%, per annum; a front-end fee of 0.40% on the available borrowing; and a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum on funds available for borrowing and not borrowed. On January 11, 2011, we repaid $65.0 million plus interest to date under the revolving credit facility with Union Bank. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Revolving Credit Facility with Société Générale
On November 23, 2010, we entered into a revolving credit facility with Société Générale under which we may borrow up to Euro 75.0 million from Société Générale. Amounts borrowed may be repaid and reborrowed until April 23, 2011. Interest periods are monthly. All amounts borrowed are due on May 23, 2011. On November 26, 2010 we drew down Euro 75.0 million ($98.0 million based on the exchange rates as of January 2, 2011) under the revolving credit facility which amount, as of January 2, 2011, was classified as "Short-term debt" in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility are not collateralized. We are required to pay interest on outstanding borrowings of (1) EURIBOR plus 2.20% per annum until and including February 23, 2011, and (2) EURIBOR plus 3.25% per annum after February 23, 2011; a front-end fee of 0.50% on the available borrowing; and a commitment fee of 1% per annum on funds available for borrowing and not borrowed. On January 25, 2011 we repaid Euro 70.0 million ($91.5 million based on the exchange rates as of January 2, 2011) on borrowings plus interest to date under the revolving credit facility with Société Générale. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Letter of Credit Facility with Deutsche Bank
On April 12, 2010, subsequently amended on December 22, 2010, we entered into a letter of credit facility with Deutsche Bank, as issuing bank and as administrative agent, and certain financial institutions. The letter of credit facility provides for the issuance, upon our request, of letters of credit by the issuing bank in order to support our obligations, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $375.0 million (or up to $400.0 million upon the agreement of the parties). Each letter of credit issued under the letter of credit facility must have an expiration date no later than the earlier of the second anniversary of the issuance of that letter of credit and April 12, 2013, except that: (i) a letter of credit may provide for automatic renewal in one-year periods, not to extend later than April 12, 2013; and (ii) up to $100.0 million in aggregate amount of letters of credit, if cash-collateralized, may have expiration dates no later than the fifth anniversary of the closing of the letter of credit facility. For outstanding letters of credit under the letter of credit facility we pay a fee of 0.50% plus any applicable issuances fees charged by its issuing and correspondent banks. We also pay a commitment fee of 0.20% on the unused portion of the facility. As of January 2, 2011, letters of credit issued under the letter of credit facility totaled $326.9 million and we are required to collateralize at least 50% of the dollar-denominated obligations under the issued letters of credit, and 55% of the non-dollar-denominated obligations under the issued letters of credit, with restricted cash on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Our obligations are also guaranteed by our subsidiaries SunPower North America, LLC and SunPower Corporation, Systems, who, together with us, have granted a security interest in certain of their accounts receivable and inventory to Deutsche Bank to collateralize our obligations. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Amended Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo
On April 12, 2010, we entered into an amendment of our credit agreement with Wells Fargo. On April 26, 2010 and November 29, 2010, letters of credit under the uncollateralized letter of credit subfeature and collateralized letter of credit facility, respectively, expired and as of January 2, 2011 all outstanding letters of credit had been moved to the Deutsche Bank letter of credit facility. Letters of credit totaling $150.7 million were issued by Wells Fargo under the collateralized letter of credit facility as of January 3, 2010 and were fully collateralized with restricted cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company paid a fee of 0.2% to 0.4% depending on maturity for outstanding letters of credit under the collateralized letter of credit facility. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Commercial Project Financing Agreement with Wells Fargo
On June 29, 2009, we signed a commercial project financing agreement with Wells Fargo to fund up to $100 million of commercial-scale solar power system projects through May 31, 2010. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, we sold two solar power system projects to Wells Fargo, and in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 we sold an additional two projects to Wells Fargo, under the terms and conditions of the initial agreement.
Under the financing agreement, we designed and built the systems, and upon completion of each system, sold the systems to Wells Fargo, who in turn, leased back the systems to us over minimum lease terms of up to 20 years. Separately, we
entered into PPAs with end customers, who host the systems and buy the electricity directly from us under PPAs of up to 20 years. At the end of the lease term, we have the option to purchase the systems at fair value or remove the systems. The deferred profit on the sale of the systems to Wells Fargo is being recognized over the minimum term of the lease. For additional details see Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Liquidity
As of January 2, 2011, we had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $605.4 million as compared to $615.9 million as of January 3, 2010. Our cash balances are held in numerous locations throughout the world, including substantial amounts held outside of the United States. The amounts held outside of the United States representing the earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, if repatriated to the United States under current law, would be subject to United States federal and state tax less applicable foreign tax credits. Repatriation of earnings that have not been subjected to U.S. tax and which have been indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. could result in additional United States federal income tax payments in future years. As of January 2, 2011, our foreign subsidiaries have accumulated undistributed earnings of approximately $445.5 million that are intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside the United States and, accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal and state tax has been made for the distribution of these earnings. As of January 2, 2011, the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability on the indefinitely reinvested earnings was $84.6 million.
On July 5, 2010, we formed a joint venture among our subsidiary SPTL, AUOSP, AUO and AUO Taiwan. Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, our subsidiary SPTL and AUO each own 50% of AUOSP. Both SPTL and AUO are obligated to provide additional funding to AUOSP in the future. On July 5, 2010 and December 23, 2010, SPTL and AUO each contributed initial funding of Malaysian Ringgit 45.0 million and Malaysian Ringgit 43.6 million, respectively, and will contribute additional amounts from fiscal 2011 to 2014 amounting to $335 million by each shareholder, or such lesser amount as the parties may mutually agree (see the Contractual Obligations table below). In addition, if AUOSP, SPTL or AUO requests additional equity financing to AUOSP, then SPTL and AUO will each be required to make additional cash contributions of up to $50 million in the aggregate. In addition, we could in the future guarantee certain financial obligations of AUOSP. On November 5, 2010, our Company and AUOSP entered into an agreement under which we will resell to AUOSP polysilicon purchased from a third-party supplier and AUOSP will provide prepayments to us related to such polysilicon, which we will use to satisfy prepayments owed to the third-party supplier. Prepayments paid by AUOSP to us in fiscal 2010 was $100 million and prepayments to be paid by AUOSP to us in fiscal 2011 and 2012 total $60 million and $40 million, respectively. For additional details see Notes 8 and 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Amounts borrowed under the revolving credit facility with Société Générale are due on May 23, 2011. On January 25, 2011 we repaid Euro 70.0 million ($91.5 million based on the exchange rates as of January 2, 2011) on borrowings plus interest to date under the revolving credit facility with Société Générale, leaving Euro 5.0 million ($6.5 million based on the exchange rates as of January 2, 2011) outstanding on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The $70.0 million borrowed under the revolving credit facility with Union Bank matures on October 28, 2011. The amount available for borrowing under the Union Bank revolving credit facility is further capped at 30% of the market value of our shares in Woongjin Energy ("Borrowing Base"). As collateral under the revolving credit facility, we pledged our holding of 19.4 million shares of common stock of Woongjin Energy. If at any time the amount outstanding under the revolving credit facility is greater than the Borrowing Base, we must repay the difference within two business days. In addition, upon a material adverse change which, in the sole judgment of Union Bank, would adversely affect the ability of Union Bank to promptly sell the Woongjin Energy shares, including but not limited to any unplanned closure of the Korean Stock Exchange that lasts for more than one trading session, we must repay all outstanding amounts under the revolving credit facility within five business days, and the revolving credit facility will be terminated. On January 11, 2011, we repaid $65.0 million plus interest to date under the revolving credit facility with Union Bank, leaving $5.0 million outstanding on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The $30.0 million borrowed under the Bonds from CEDA mature on April 1, 2031; however, the Bonds are classified as "Short-term debt" in our Consolidated Balance Sheet due to the potential for the Bonds to be redeemed or tendered for purchase on June 22, 2011 under the reimbursement agreement. If the Bonds are converted into fixed-rate bonds prior to June 22, 2011, they will be reclassified to "Long-term debt" in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Holders of our 1.25% debentures may require us to repurchase all or a portion of their 1.25% debentures on February 15, 2012. Any repurchase of our 1.25% debentures pursuant to these provisions will be for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 1.25% debentures to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, we may redeem
some or all of our 1.25% debentures on or after February 15, 2012 for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 1.25% debentures to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
If the closing price of our class A common stock equaled or exceeded 125% of the initial effective conversion price governing the 1.25% debentures for 20 out of 30 consecutive trading days in the last month of any fiscal quarter, then holders of the 1.25% debentures would have the right to convert the debentures into cash and shares of class A common stock any day in the following fiscal quarter. Because the closing price of our class A common stock on at least 20 of the last 30 trading days during the fiscal quarter ending January 2, 2011 and January 3, 2010 did not equal or exceed $70.94, or 125% of the applicable conversion price for our 1.25% debentures, holders of the 1.25% debentures are and were unable to exercise their right to convert the debentures, based on the market price conversion trigger, on any day in the first quarters of fiscal 2011 and 2010. Accordingly, we classified our 1.25% debentures as long-term in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of both January 2, 2011 and January 3, 2010. This test is repeated each fiscal quarter, therefore, if the market price conversion trigger is satisfied in a subsequent quarter, the 1.25% debentures may be reclassified as short-term. For additional details see Note 10 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In addition, the holders of our 1.25% debentures would be able to exercise their right to convert the debentures during the five consecutive business days immediately following any five consecutive trading days in which the trading price of our 1.25% debentures is less than 98% of the average closing sale price of a share of class A common stock during the five consecutive trading days, multiplied by the applicable conversion rate.
Under the terms of the original warrants, we sold to affiliates of certain of the initial purchasers of the 4.50% cash convertible debentures warrants to acquire, at an exercise price of $27.03 per share, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, cash in an amount equal to the market value of up to 11.1 million shares of our class A common stock. On December 23, 2010, we amended and restated the original warrants so that the holders would, upon exercise of the warrants, no longer receive cash but instead would acquire up to 11.1 million shares of our class A common stock. The bond hedge and warrants described above represent a call spread overlay with respect to the 4.50% debentures. Assuming full performance by the counterparties, the transactions effectively reduce our potential payout over the principal amount on the 4.50% debentures upon conversion of the 4.50% debentures.
We expect total capital expenditures related to purchases of property, plant and equipment in the range of $130.0 million to $150.0 million in fiscal 2011. Total capital expenditures in fiscal 2010 of $113.2 million primarily relates to the continued construction of FAB3 in Malaysia prior to deconsolidation on July 5, 2010. Capital expenditures anticipated to occur in fiscal 2011 relate to improvements of our current generation solar cell manufacturing technology and other projects. In addition, we expect to invest a significant amount of capital to develop solar power systems and plants. The development of solar power plants can require long periods of time and substantial initial investments. Our efforts in this area may consist of all stages of development, including land acquisition, permitting, financing, construction, operation and the eventual sale of the projects. We will often choose to bear the costs of such efforts prior to the final sale to a customer. This involves significant upfront investments of resources (including, for example, large transmission deposits or other payments, which may be non-refundable), land acquisition, permitting, legal and other costs, and in some cases the actual costs of constructing a project, in advance of the signing of PPAs and EPC contracts and the receipt of any revenue, much of which is not recognized for several additional months or years following contract signing. The delayed disposition of such projects could have a negative impact on our liquidity.
Certain of our customers also require performance bonds issued by a bonding agency or letters of credit issued by financial institutions. Obtaining letters of credit requires adequate collateral. Our letter of credit facility with Deutsche Bank is at least 50% collateralized by restricted cash, which reduces the amount of cash available for operations.
We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations and funds available under our mortgage loan agreement with IFC and our revolving credit facilities with Union Bank and Société Générale will be sufficient to meet our working capital and fund our committed capital expenditures over the next 12 months, including the development and construction of solar power systems and plants over the next 12 months. Certain of our revolving credit facilities are scheduled to expire and amounts borrowed thereunder are due in 2011 and we plan to negotiate new facilities or renegotiate and/or extend our existing facilities. However, there can be no assurance that our liquidity will be adequate over time. Our capital expenditures and use of working capital may be greater than we expect if we decide to make additional investments in the development and construction of solar power plants and sales of power plants and associated cash proceeds are delayed, or we decide to accelerate ramping our manufacturing capacity both internally and through capital contributions to joint ventures. We require project financing in connection with the construction of solar power plants, which financing may not be available on terms acceptable to us. In addition, we could in the future make additional investments in our joint ventures or guarantee
certain financial obligations of our joint ventures, which could reduce our cash flows, increase our indebtedness and expose us to the credit risk of our joint ventures.
If our capital resources are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity securities or debt securities or obtain other debt financing; although the current economic environment could also limit our ability to raise capital by issuing new equity or debt securities on acceptable terms, and lenders may be unwilling to lend funds on acceptable terms that would be required to supplement cash flows to support operations. Effective October 29, 2010, certain limitations regarding our ability to sell additional equity securities pursuant to our tax sharing agreement with Cypress have expired. However, the sale of additional equity securities or convertible debt securities would result in additional dilution to our stockholders and may not be available on favorable terms or at all, particularly in light of the current conditions in the financial and credit markets. Additional debt would result in increased expenses and would likely impose new restrictive covenants which may be similar or different than those restrictions contained in the covenants under the letter of credit facility with Deutsche Bank, the mortgage loan agreement with IFC, the loan agreement with CEDA, the revolving credit facility with Union Bank, the revolving credit facility with Société Générale, the 4.50% debentures, 4.75% debentures and 1.25% debentures. Financing arrangements, including project financing for our solar power plants and letters of credit facilities, may not be available to us, or may not be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us.
Contractual Obligations
The following summarizes our contractual obligations as of January 2, 2011:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Payments Due by Period |
(In thousands) | | Total | | 2011 | | 2012-2013 | | 2014-2015 | | Beyond 2015 |
Convertible debt, including interest (1) | | $ | 764,788 | | | $ | 24,658 | | | $ | 243,270 | | | $ | 496,860 | | | $ | — | |
IFC mortgage loan, including interest (2) | | 56,955 | | | 1,645 | | | 12,986 | | | 21,770 | | | 20,554 | |
CEDA loan, including interest (3) | | 30,045 | | | 30,045 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Union Bank revolving credit facility, including interest (4) | | 71,622 | | | 71,622 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |