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Management Remarks

Mr. Xiang Xu, CEO of Daqo New Energy, commented, "In the first quarter of 2025, the solar PV industry continued to face significant challenges. Overcapacity persisted, and polysilicon prices stayed below cash cost levels. Although this caused Daqo New Energy to sustain quarterly operating and net losses, our losses narrowed sequentially and we continued to maintain a strong and healthy balance sheet with no financial debt. As of March 31, 2025, the Company had a cash balance of $792 million, short-term investments of $168 million, bank notes receivables of $63 million, and a fixed term bank deposit balance of $1.1 billion. In total, our quick assets, readily convertible into cash if needed, stood at $2.15 billion, providing us with ample liquidity. With no financial debt, our solid financial position gives us the confidence that we will remain strategically resilient and well positioned to overcome the current market downturn."

"On the operational front, the Company operated at a reduced utilization rate of approximately 33% of our nameplate capacity in response to challenging market conditions and weak selling prices. Total production volume at our two polysilicon facilities for the quarter was 24,810 MT, slightly below our guidance range of 25,000 MT to 28,000 MT. However, sales volume reached 28,008 MT, exceeding production and enabling us to reduce inventory to a healthier level. As a result of lower utilization across our factories, idle-facility related cost for the quarter was approximately $1.58/kg, which was primarily related to non-cash depreciation expenses. Overall, polysilicon unit production cost increased by 11% sequentially to an average of $7.57/kg, primarily due to higher unit depreciation costs as a result of lower production. Our cash cost increased by 5% to $5.31/kg quarter-over-quarter, primarily due to maintenance and facilities related costs during the quarter."

"In light of the current market conditions, we expect our total polysilicon production volume in the second quarter of 2025 to be approximately 25,000 MT to 28,000 MT. As a result, we anticipate our full year 2025 production volume to be in the range of 110,000 MT to 140,000 MT."

"During the first quarter, polysilicon producers implemented self-discipline measures to mitigate the impact of irrational competition amid falling prices, resulting in an industry-wide capacity utilization of approximately 50%. According to industry data, domestic polysilicon production volume came in at 105,500 MT in March and below 100,000 MT for both January and February. Consequently, supply in the first quarter fell short of demand, gradually reducing industry inventory levels. On February 9, Chinese authorities introduced a market-based reform policy for new energy on-grid tariffs to promote the high-quality development of the renewable energy sector. All on-grid electricity generated from renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, will be traded through market mechanisms with prices determined by supply and demand. This policy aims to balance grid load more effectively. As mandated in the policy, the cutoff date that distinguishes "new" projects from "existing" projects is May 31, 2025, and new energy projects that commence operations on and after June 1, 2025 will be subject to a provincial-level competitive bidding process. As the fixed-tariff structure for renewable energy electricity transitions to a market-based pricing mechanism, uncertainties around future electricity prices and revenue generation have emerged. In response, project developers and investors are accelerating project completions ahead of the June 1, 2025 deadline in order to secure current policy benefits, which has led to a surge in downstream installations. Fueled by this front-loading, market prices of solar products have trended upward, narrowing losses across the value chain, particularly for end-products. However, given the relatively high level of polysilicon inventory held by wafer manufacturers, price increases have yet to fully materialize in the polysilicon segment. Polysilicon prices remained stable throughout the quarter at approximately RMB 37-42/kg. In the medium to long-term, however, we believe current low prices and market downturn will eventually result in a healthier and more sustainable industry. As ongoing losses, poor profitability, and cash burn force less competitive players to exit the market, we expect overcapacity to be ultimately eliminated, bringing the solar PV industry back to normal improved profitability and healthier margins."

"The solar PV industry continued to show promising prospects. China's new solar PV installations reached 59.71GW in the first quarter, a robust 30.5% year-over-year growth. In the long run, as one of the most cost-effective and sustainable energy sources worldwide, solar power is expected to remain a key driver of the global energy transition and sustainable development. Looking ahead, Daqo New Energy is well positioned to capitalize on the long-term growth in the global solar PV market and strengthen its competitive edge by enhancing its higher-efficiency N-type technology and optimizing its cost structure through digital transformation and AI adoption. As one of the world's lowest-cost producers with the highest-quality N-type product, a strong balance sheet and no financial debt, we are confident in our ability to weather the current market downturn and emerge as a leader in the industry ready to capture future growth."

Outlook and guidance

The Company expects to produce approximately 25,000 MT to 28,000 MT of polysilicon during the second quarter of 2025. The Company expects to produce approximately 110,000 MT to 140,000 MT of polysilicon for the full year of 2025, inclusive of the impact of the Company's annual facility maintenance.

This outlook reflects Daqo New Energy's current and preliminary view as of the date of this press release and may be subject to changes. The Company's ability to achieve these projections is subject to risks and uncertainties. See "Safe Harbor Statement" at the end of this press release.

First Quarter 2025 Results

Revenues

Revenues were $123.9 million, compared to $195.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 and $415.3 million in the first quarter of 2024. The decrease in revenues compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 was primarily due to a decrease in the sales volume.

Gross (loss)/ profit and margin

Gross loss was $81.5 million, compared to $65.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 and gross profit of $72.1 million in the first quarter of 2024. Gross margin was -65.8%, compared to -33.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024 and 17.4% in the first quarter of 2024. The decrease in gross margin compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 was primarily due to lower ASP and higher production cost.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $35.1 million, compared to $29.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 and $38.4 million in the first quarter of 2024. SG&A expenses during the first quarter included $18.6 million in non-cash share-based compensation cost related to the Company's share incentive plans, compared to $14.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Research and development expenses

Research and development (R&D) expenses were $0.5 million, compared to $0.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 and $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2024. Research and development expenses can vary from period to period and reflect R&D activities that take place during the quarter.

(Loss)/income from operations and operating margin

As a result of the foregoing, loss from operations was $114.1 million, compared to $300.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 and income from operation of $30.5 million in the first quarter of 2024. The decrease of loss from operations in the first quarter 2025 from the fourth quarter of 2024 was also attributable to the long-lived assets impairment of $175.6 million assets and allowance for expected credit loss of $18.1 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Operating margin was -92.0%, compared to -154.0% in the fourth quarter of 2024 and 7.3% in the first quarter of 2024.

Net (loss)/income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders and earnings/(loss) per ADS

As a result of the aforementioned, net loss attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders was $71.8 million, compared to $180.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 and net income of $15.5 million in the first quarter of 2024.

Loss per basic American Depository Share (ADS) was $1.07, compared to $2.71 in the fourth quarter of 2024, and earnings per basic ADS $0.24 in the first quarter of 2024.

Adjusted net (loss)/income (non-GAAP) attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders and adjusted (loss)/earnings per ADS(non-GAAP)

As a result of the aforementioned, adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders, excluding non-cash share-based compensation costs, was $53.2 million, compared to $170.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 and adjusted net income of $36.0 million in the first quarter of 2024.

Adjusted loss per basic American Depository Share (ADS) was $0.80, compared to $2.56 in the fourth quarter of 2024, and adjusted earnings per basic ADS of $0.55 in the first quarter of 2024.

EBITDA

EBITDA (non-GAAP) was -$48.4 million, compared to -$236.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 and $76.9 million in the first quarter of 2024. EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) was -39.1%, compared to -121.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024 and 18.5% in the first quarter of 2024.

Financial Condition

As of March 31, 2025, the Company had $791.9 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, compared to $1,038.3 million as of December 31, 2024 and $2,689.3 million as of March 31, 2024. As of March 31, 2025, the notes receivable balance was $62.7 million, compared to $55.2 million as of December 31, 2024 and $194.1 million as of March 31, 2024. Notes receivable represents bank notes with maturity within six months. As of March 31, 2025, the balance of fixed term deposits within one year was $1,125.3 million, compared to $1,087.2 million as of December 31, 2024 and nil as of March 31, 2024.

Cash Flows

For the three months ended March 31, 2025, net cash used in operating activities was $38.9 million, compared to $115.9 million in the same period of 2024.

For the three months ended March 31, 2025, net cash used in investing activities was $211.0 million, compared to $190.5 million in the same period of 2024. The net cash used in investing activities in the first quarter of 2025 was primarily related to purchase of short-term investments and fixed term deposits.

For the three months ended March 31, 2025, net cash used in financing activities was nil, compared to $6.0 million in the same period of 2024.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement Daqo New Energy's consolidated financial results presented in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("US GAAP"), the Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures that are adjusted for certain items from the most directly comparable GAAP measures including earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") and EBITDA margin; adjusted net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders and adjusted earnings per basic and diluted ADS. Our management believes that each of these non-GAAP measures is useful to investors, enabling them to better assess changes in key element of the Company's results of operations across different reporting periods on a consistent basis, independent of certain items as described below. Thus, our management believes that, used in conjunction with US GAAP financial measures, these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with meaningful supplemental information to assess the Company's operating results in a manner that is focused on its ongoing, core operating performance. Our management uses these non-GAAP measures internally to assess the business, its financial performance, current and historical results, as well as for strategic decision-making and forecasting future results. Given our management's use of these non-GAAP measures, the Company believes these measures are important to investors in understanding the Company's operating results as seen through the eyes of our management. These non-GAAP measures are not prepared in accordance with US GAAP or intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with US GAAP; the non-GAAP measures should be reviewed together with the US GAAP measures, and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies.

The Company uses EBITDA, which represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and EBITDA margin, which represents the proportion of EBITDA in revenues. Adjusted net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders and adjusted earnings per basic and diluted ADS exclude costs related to share-based compensation. Share-based compensation is a non-cash expense that varies from period to period. As a result, our management excludes this item from our internal operating forecasts and models. Our management believes that this adjustment for share-based compensation provides investors with a basis to measure the Company's core performance, including compared with the performance of other companies, without the period-to-period variability created by share-based compensation.

A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to comparable US GAAP measures is presented later in this document.

Conference Call

The Company has scheduled a conference call to discuss the results at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 (8:00 PM Beijing / Hong Kong time on the same day).

The dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

Participant dial in (U.S. toll free): +1-888-346-8982
Participant international dial in: +1-412-902-4272
China mainland toll free: 4001-201203
Hong Kong toll free: 800-905945
Hong Kong local toll: +852-301-84992

Please dial in 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and ask to join the Daqo New Energy Corp. call.

Webcast link:
https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=TJ7Upakg

A replay of the call will be available 1 hour after the conclusion of the conference call through May 6, 2025. The dial in details for the conference call replay are as follows:

U.S. toll free: +1-877-344-7529
International toll: +1-412-317-0088
Canada toll free: 855-669-9658
Replay access code: 9537649

To access the replay through an international dial-in number, please select the link below.
https://services.choruscall.com/ccforms/replay.html

Participants will be asked to provide their name and company name upon entering the call.

About Daqo New Energy Corp.

Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE: DQ) ("Daqo" or the "Company") is a leading manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon for the global solar PV industry. Founded in 2007, the Company manufactures and sells high-purity polysilicon to photovoltaic product manufacturers, who further process the polysilicon into ingots, wafers, cells and modules for solar power solutions. The Company has a total polysilicon nameplate capacity of 305,000 metric tons and is one of the world's lowest cost producers of high-purity polysilicon.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "guidance" and similar statements. Among other things, the outlook for the second quarter and the full year of 2025 and quotations from management in these announcements, as well as Daqo New Energy's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond the Company's control. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the demand for photovoltaic products and the development of photovoltaic technologies; global supply and demand for polysilicon; alternative technologies in cell manufacturing; the Company's ability to significantly expand its polysilicon production capacity and output; the reduction in or elimination of government subsidies and economic incentives for solar energy applications; the Company's ability to lower its production costs; and changes in political and regulatory environment. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the reports or documents the Company has filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information or any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SOURCE Daqo New Energy Corp.