8-KFinancial EventsRegulation FDExhibits & Filings

FIRST SOLAR, INC. 8-K Report, Exit or Disposal Costs (Nov 16, 2016)

Filed November 16, 2016For Securities:FSLR

Summary

First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) announced significant restructuring initiatives on November 16, 2016, aimed at accelerating its transition to Series 6 module manufacturing and reducing costs in response to a challenging market environment characterized by decreased demand, increased capacity, and falling module prices. This strategic shift involves upgrading manufacturing equipment to produce larger, more cost-effective Series 6 modules. These initiatives will result in substantial pre-tax charges estimated between $500 million and $700 million, primarily related to asset impairments for older Series 4 and Series 5 equipment, employee severance, and goodwill impairments. The company also plans a significant workforce reduction of approximately 1,600 employees (27% of its global workforce). While these charges will impact earnings, the company anticipates an offsetting tax benefit. The majority of these charges are expected to be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2016, with the remainder in 2017 and 2018. Cash expenditures associated with these restructuring efforts are projected to be between $70 million and $100 million.

Key Highlights

  • 1First Solar is accelerating its transition to next-generation Series 6 module manufacturing.
  • 2Restructuring initiatives include significant asset impairments related to Series 4 and Series 5 equipment, totaling $350M - $450M.
  • 3Total pre-tax charges for restructuring and impairments are estimated to be between $500 million and $700 million.
  • 4The company plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 1,600 employees (27%).
  • 5Restructuring charges are expected to be incurred primarily in Q4 2016, with some impact in 2017 and 2018.
  • 6Cash expenditures related to these actions are estimated between $70 million and $100 million.
  • 7The company is updating its 2016 and providing 2017 guidance alongside these announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions

First Solar is restructuring to accelerate its transition to manufacturing its more competitive Series 6 solar modules. This move is a response to a challenging market characterized by decreased demand, increased industry manufacturing capacity, and declining average selling prices for solar modules.

The company expects to incur pre-tax charges ranging from $500 million to $700 million. This includes significant asset impairments for older manufacturing equipment ($350M-$450M), employee severance, and goodwill impairments. An offsetting tax benefit of $50 million to $100 million is also anticipated.

First Solar plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 1,600 employees, which represents about 27% of its total workforce. This reduction will affect both domestic and international manufacturing facilities, as well as administrative staff.

The majority of the anticipated restructuring and asset impairment charges are expected to be incurred in the fourth quarter of 2016. Remaining charges will be recognized in 2017 and 2018. The workforce reductions will also be implemented as part of these initiatives.