8-KMaterial AgreementsExhibits & Filings

FIRST SOLAR, INC. 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Dec 27, 2023)

Filed December 27, 2023For Securities:FSLR

Summary

First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) has entered into two significant Tax Credit Transfer Agreements with Fiserv, Inc., effective December 22, 2023. These agreements allow First Solar to monetize a substantial portion of the advanced manufacturing production tax credits generated under Section 45X of the Internal Revenue Code from its U.S. operations. The company will sell a fixed amount of $500 million in tax credits for $480 million, with payments scheduled in January and March 2024. Additionally, First Solar has the option to sell up to $200 million more in tax credits at a price of $0.96 per dollar, with the final amount to be determined later and payment due in April 2024. These transactions provide First Solar with immediate cash inflows and certainty regarding the value of its tax credits, which is a positive development for its financial position and liquidity.

Key Highlights

  • 1First Solar entered into two Tax Credit Transfer Agreements with Fiserv, Inc. on December 22, 2023.
  • 2The agreements monetize federal advanced manufacturing production tax credits (Section 45X) generated in the U.S.
  • 3A fixed $500 million in tax credits will be sold for $480 million, with payments due in January and March 2024.
  • 4First Solar has the option to sell up to an additional $200 million in tax credits at a rate of $0.96 per dollar.
  • 5These transactions provide significant cash proceeds and enhance First Solar's liquidity.
  • 6The sale of tax credits is subject to customary conditions precedent and accuracy of representations.

Frequently Asked Questions

First Solar has signed agreements to sell its U.S.-generated advanced manufacturing production tax credits (under Section 45X of the Internal Revenue Code) to Fiserv, Inc. This allows First Solar to convert future tax benefits into immediate cash.

The company will receive $480 million for a fixed $500 million in tax credits. There is also an option to sell up to an additional $200 million in tax credits for approximately $192 million (at $0.96 per dollar), bringing the potential total cash proceeds to around $672 million.

The payments for the fixed tax credits are scheduled for January 10, 2024 ($336 million) and by March 15, 2024 ($144 million). The payment for the variable tax credits, if exercised, is due by April 15, 2024.

The agreements are subject to customary conditions precedent, meaning certain requirements must be met, and are contingent on the accuracy of First Solar's representations and warranties. There's also a degree of variability in the amount of tax credits covered by the second agreement.