Table of Contents
(Mark One)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
☐ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
☐ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 001-34615
JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
N/A
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
Cayman Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
1 Yingbin Road
Shangrao Economic Development Zone
Jiangxi Province, 334100
People’s Republic of China
(86-793) 858-8188
(Address of principal executive offices)
Mengmeng (Pan) Li, Chief Financial Officer
1 Yingbin Road
Shangrao Economic Development Zone
Jiangxi Province, 334100
People’s Republic of China
Tel: (86-793) 858-8188
Fax: (86-793) 846-1152
E-mail: pan.li@jinkosolar.com
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
American Depositary Shares, each representing four
ordinary shares, par value US$0.00002 per share
Ordinary shares, par value US$0.00002 per share*
Trading Symbol(s)
JKS
Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
* Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing of the American depositary shares on New York Stock Exchange.
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
None
(Title of Class)
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Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual
report.
208,560,477 ordinary shares, excluding 115,502 ADSs representing 462,009 ordinary shares reserved for future grants under our share incentive plans and
conversion of our convertible notes and 1,360,000 ordinary shares as treasury stock, as of December 31, 2023.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes ☒ No ☐
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes ☐ No ☒
Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
from their obligations under those Sections.
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 ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or an emerging growth company. See
definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☒ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not
to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the
Exchange Act. ☐
† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting
Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control
over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued
its audit report. ☒
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the
filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by
any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP ☒
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board ☐
Other ☐
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 ☐ Item 18 ☐
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes ☐ No ☐
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
KEY INFORMATION
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
THE OFFER AND LISTING
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
PART I
Item 1.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 4A.
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
PART II
Item 13.
Item 14.
Item 15.
Item 16.
Item 16A.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Item 16B.
CODE OF ETHICS
Item 16C.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Item 16D.
EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
Item 16E.
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
Item 16F.
CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 16G.
Item 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 16I.
Item 16J.
Item 16K.
PART III
Item 17.
Item 18.
Item 19.
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
INSIDER TRADING POLICIES
CYBERSECURITY
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
EXHIBITS
DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
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CONVENTIONS THAT APPLY TO THIS ANNUAL REPORT
Unless otherwise indicated and except where the context otherwise requires, references in this annual report on Form 20-F to:
● “Company” refers to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., a Cayman Islands holding company;
● “we,” “us,” “our company,” “our” or “JinkoSolar” refers to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. and its consolidated subsidiaries; in
the context of describing activities, “we,” “us,” “our company,” “our” or “JinkoSolar” refers to the consolidated subsidiaries of
JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.;
● “2009 Long Term Incentive Plan” refers to the 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan adopted on July 10, 2009, which was
subsequently amended and restated;
● “2014 Equity Incentive Plan” refers to the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan adopted on August 18, 2014;
● “2021”, “2022” and “2023” refers to our fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively;
● “2021 Equity Incentive Plan” refers to the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan adopted on March 5, 2021;
● “2022 Equity Incentive Plan” refers to the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan adopted on February 14, 2022;
● “2023 Equity Incentive Plan” refers to the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan adopted on January 5, 2023;
● “ADSs” refers to American depositary shares issued by JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., and “ADRs” refers to the American
depositary receipts evidencing the ADSs;
● “CE” refers to CE certification, a verification of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) compliance issued by SGS Taiwan Ltd.
certifying compliance with the principal protection requirement of Directive 2004/108/EC of the European Union and EN
61000-6-3:2001+A11:2004 and EN 61000-6-1:2001 standards;
● “CQC” refers to the certificate issued by China Quality Certification Centre certifying that our solar modules comply with IEC
61215:2005 and IEC 617302:2004 standards;
● “DG projects” refers to distributed generation solar power projects, including ground-mounted distributed generation projects
and rooftop distributed generation projects;
● “EPC” refers to engineering, procurement and construction;
● “Euro,” “EUR” or “€” refers to the legal currency of the European Union;
● “FIT” refers to feed-in tariff(s), the government guaranteed and subsidized electricity sale price at which solar power projects
can sell to the national power grids. FIT in China is set by the central government consisting of the applicable national
government subsidies paid from the Renewable Energy Development Fund, as well as the desulphurized coal benchmark
electricity price paid by State Grid;
● “ground-mounted projects” refers to solar power projects built on the ground, consisting of ground-mounted DG projects and
utility-scale projects;
● “ground-mounted DG projects” refers to small-scale ground-mounted projects with capacity less than or equal to 20 MW and
35 kV or lower grid connection voltage grade (except in the northeastern regions, where connection voltage must be 66 kV or
lower) and with a substantial portion of the electricity generated to be consumed within the substation area of the grid
connection points;
● “Haining Jinko” refers to Jinko Power Technology (Haining) Co., Ltd, one of our majority-owned subsidiaries in the PRC;
● “JET” refers to the certificate issued by Japan Electrical Safety & Environment Technology Laboratories certifying that our
modules comply with IEC 61215:2005, IEC 61730-1:2004 and IEC 61730-2:2004 standards;
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● “Jiangxi Desun” refers to Jiangxi Desun Energy Co., Ltd., an entity in which our founders and substantial shareholders, Xiande
Li, Kangping Chen and Xianhua Li, each holds more than 10%, and collectively hold 73%, of the equity interest;
● “Jiangxi Jinko” refers to Jinko Solar Co., Ltd., our majority-owned principal operating subsidiary incorporated in the PRC, in
which we own approximately 58.59% equity interest;
● “Jiangxi Materials” refers to Jiangxi Photovoltaic Materials Co., Ltd., our majority-owned operating subsidiary incorporated in
the PRC by Jiangxi Jinko on December 1, 2010;
● “JinkoPower” refers to Jinko Power Technology Co., Ltd., formerly known as Jiangxi JinkoSolar Engineering Co., Ltd.,
previously one of our indirect subsidiaries, and its subsidiaries;
● “JinkoSolar Power” refers to JinkoSolar Power Engineering Group Limited;
● “JIS Q 8901” refers to the certificate for the Japanese market from TÜV that demonstrates that a company’s management
system ensures the highest standards of reliability in their products;
● “JPY” refers to Japanese Yen;
● “kV” refers to kilovolts;
● “Leshan Jinko” refers to Jinko Solar (Leshan) Co., Ltd., our majority-owned principal operating subsidiary incorporated in the
PRC;
● “local grid companies” refers to the subsidiaries of the State Grid in China;
● “long-term supply contracts” refers to our polysilicon supply contracts with terms of one year or above;
● “MCS” refers to MCS certificate of factory production control issued by British Approvals Board for Telecommunications
certifying that the production management system of our certain types of solar panels complies with MCS005 Issue 2.3 and
MCS010 Issue 1.5 standards;
● “NYSE” or “New York Stock Exchange” refers to the New York Stock Exchange Inc.;
● “OEM” refers to an original equipment manufacturer who manufactures products or components that are purchased by another
company and retailed under that purchasing company’s brand name;
● “PRC” or “China” refers to the People’s Republic of China, excluding, for purposes of this annual report, Taiwan, Hong Kong
and Macau;
● “PV” refers to photovoltaic;
● “RMB” or “Renminbi” refers to the legal currency of China;
● “shares” or “ordinary shares” refers to our ordinary shares, par value US$0.00002 per share;
● “STAR Market” refer to Shanghai Stock Exchange’s Sci-Tech Innovation Board;
● “State Grid” refers to State Grid Corporation of China and the local grid companies;
● “TÜV” refers to TÜV certificates, issued by TÜV Rheinland Product Safety GmbH certifying that certain types of our solar
modules comply with IEC 61215:2005, EN 61215:2005, IEC 61730-1:2004, IEC 61730-2:2004, EN 61730-1:2007 and EN
61730-2:2007 standards;
● “UL” refers to the certificate issued by Underwriters Laboratories Inc., to certify that certain types of our solar modules comply
with its selected applicable standards;
● “US$,” “dollars” or “U.S. dollars” refers to the legal currency of the United States;
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● “utility-scale projects” refers to ground-mounted projects that are not ground-mounted DG projects;
● “watt” or “W” refers to the measurement of electrical power, where “kilowatt” or “kW” means one thousand watts,
“megawatts” or “MW” means one million watts and “gigawatt” or “GW” means one billion watts;
● “Yuhuan Jinko” refers to Yuhuan Jinko Solar Co., Ltd., one of our majority-owned subsidiaries in the PRC; and
● “Zhejiang Jinko” refers to Zhejiang Jinko Solar Co., Ltd., formerly Zhejiang Sun Valley Energy Application Technology Co.,
Ltd., a solar cell supplier incorporated in the PRC, one of our majority-owned subsidiaries.
Names of certain companies provided in this annual report are translated or transliterated from their original Chinese legal
names.
Discrepancies in any table between the amounts identified as total amounts and the sum of the amounts listed therein are due to
rounding.
This annual report on Form 20-F includes our audited consolidated financial statements for 2021, 2022 and 2023 and as of
December 31, 2022 and 2023.
Exchange Rate Information
We publish our consolidated financial statements in Renminbi. The conversion of Renminbi into U.S. dollars in this annual
report is solely for the convenience of readers. The exchange rate refers to the exchange rate as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of
the Federal Reserve Board. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Renminbi in
this annual report were made at a rate of RMB7.0999 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect as of December 29, 2023. The Renminbi
is not freely convertible into foreign currency. We make no representation that any Renminbi or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or
could be, converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate, the rates stated below, or at all. On April 19,
2024, the exchange rate, as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board, was RMB7.2403 to US$1.00.
Safe Harbor
We make “forward-looking statements” throughout this annual report. Whenever you read a statement that is not simply a
statement of historical fact (such as when we describe what we “believe,” “expect” or “anticipate” will occur, what “will” or “could”
happen, and other similar statements), you must remember that our expectations may not be correct, even though we believe that they are
reasonable. We do not guarantee that the transactions and events described in this annual report will happen as described or that they will
happen at all. You should read this annual report completely and with the understanding that actual future results may be materially
different from what we expect. The forward-looking statements made in this annual report relate only to events as of the date on which
the statements are made. We undertake no obligation, beyond that required by law, to update any forward-looking statement to reflect
events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made, even though our situation will change in the future.
Whether actual results will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many
of which are beyond our control, and reflect future business decisions that are subject to change. Some of the assumptions, future results
and levels of performance expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements we make inevitably will not materialize, and
unanticipated events may occur which will affect our results. “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors” describes the principal
contingencies and uncertainties to which we believe we are subject. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements.
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PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not Applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not Applicable.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
Our Holding Company Structure
The Company is not a Chinese operating company but a Cayman Islands holding company with operations primarily conducted
by its subsidiaries based in China. Investors in the ADSs are purchasing equity interest in the Cayman Islands holding company. See “—
D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We rely principally on dividends and other distributions on equity paid
by our principal operating subsidiary, and limitations on their ability to pay dividends to us could have a material adverse effect on our
business and results of operations.” In addition, we face various legal and operational risks and uncertainties related to doing business in
mainland China. A significant part of our business operations in China are conducted through our subsidiaries in the PRC, and we and
our subsidiaries are subject to complex and evolving PRC laws and regulations. For example, we and our subsidiaries in the PRC face
risks associated with regulatory approvals on offshore offerings, which may impact our ability to conduct certain businesses, accept
foreign investments, or list on a United States or other foreign exchange. These risks could result in a material adverse change in our
operations and the value of the ADSs, significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to
investors, or cause such securities to significantly decline in value. In addition, we are subject to risks arising from China’s regulatory
environment, including the complexity and uncertainty in the interpretation of the PRC laws and regulations. See “—Implications of
Being a Foreign Private Issuer and a China-based Company” and “—The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act.” Recently,
Chinese regulators have announced regulatory actions targeting certain sectors of China’s economy. Although the solar power industry
has not been directly affected, we cannot guarantee that the Chinese government will not in the future take regulatory actions that
materially and adversely affect the business environment and financial markets in China as they relate to us, our ability to operate our
business, our liquidity and our access to capital. For a detailed description of risks related to doing business in China, see “Item 3. Key
Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China.”
The PRC government’s significant authority in regulating our operations and its oversight and control over offerings conducted
overseas by, and foreign investment in, China-based issuers could impact our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors.
Recently, the PRC government has initiated a series of regulatory actions and statements to regulate business operations in China, such as
filing requirements for China-based companies’ overseas securities offerings and listing, new measures to extend the scope of
cybersecurity reviews, new laws and regulations related to data privacy and security, and expanded efforts in anti-monopoly
enforcement, and new rules to request China-based companies to fulfill relevant filing procedure and report relevant information to the
CSRC for overseas offerings. While these regulatory changes have not yet had any material impact on us, we will be required to comply
with the filing requirements for our future securities offerings, which we cannot assure you that we will be able to complete in a timely
manner, or at all. Further, implementation of industry-wide regulations, including data security or anti-monopoly related regulations, in
this nature may cause the value of such securities to significantly decline. For more details, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk
Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China— PRC regulations relating to overseas investment by PRC residents may restrict our
overseas and cross-border investment activities and adversely affect the implementation of our strategy as well as our business and
prospects.” and “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—The approval, filing or other
requirements of the CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities is required under PRC law in connection with our future issuance of
securities overseas, which could impose uncertainty on our capital raising activities.”
Risks and uncertainties arising from the regulatory environment in China, including risks and uncertainties regarding the
interpretation and enforcement of laws and quickly evolving rules and regulations in China, could result in a material adverse change in
our operations and the value of the ADSs. For more details, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing
Business in China— Complexity and uncertainties with respect to the PRC regulatory environment, including the interpretation and
enforcement of PRC laws and regulations, could have a material adverse effect on us.”
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Implications of Being a Foreign Private Issuer and a China-based Company
We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from certain
provisions of the securities rules and regulations in the United States that are applicable to U.S. domestic issuers. Moreover, the
information we are required to file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, will be less extensive and less
timely compared to that required to be filed with the SEC by U.S. domestic issuers. In addition, as a company incorporated in the
Cayman Islands, we are permitted to adopt certain home country practices in relation to corporate governance matters that differ
significantly from the NYSE listing standards. These practices may afford less protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if we
complied fully with the NYSE listing standards.
Our operations in China are governed by PRC laws and regulations. As of the date of this annual report, our PRC subsidiaries
have obtained the requisite licenses and permits from the PRC government authorities that are material for their business operations in
China. We are exposed to legal and operational risks associated with being based in and having the majority of our operations in China.
We are subject to risks arising from China’s regulatory environment, including complexity and uncertainties in the interpretation and the
enforcement of the PRC laws and regulations. In addition, rules and regulations in China can change quickly. Recent regulatory actions
and statements made by Chinese government, such as those related to data security or anti-monopoly concerns, may impact our ability to
conduct business, accept foreign investments, or continue to list on a U.S. or other foreign exchange. Although the solar power industry
does not appear to be the focus of these regulatory actions, we cannot guarantee that the Chinese government will not in the future take
regulatory actions that materially and adversely affect the business environment and financial markets in China as they relate to us, our
ability to operate our business, our liquidity and our access to capital.
The PRC government may also influence our operations at any time, or may exert more control over offerings conducted
overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, including us, at any time, substantial intervention and influence over the
manner of our operations, which could result in a material change in our operations or the value of the ADSs. Any actions by the PRC
government to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas or foreign investment in China-based issuers
could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such
securities to significantly decline or be worthless. In 2022 and 2023, the PRC government initiated a series of regulatory actions and
statements to regulate business operations in China, including cracking down on illegal activities in the securities market, enhancing
supervision over China-based companies listed overseas, adopting new measures to extend the scope of cybersecurity reviews, adopting
new laws and regulations related to data security, expanding the efforts in anti-monopoly enforcement, and adopting new rules to request
China-based companies to fulfill relevant filing procedure and report relevant information to the CSRC for overseas offerings. While we
do not believe that these regulatory changes would have any material impact on us, we cannot assure you that the regulators will agree
with us or will not in the future adopt regulations that restrict our business operations or access to capital.
With the trend of strengthening anti-monopoly supervision around the world, the PRC government issued a series of anti-
monopoly laws and regulations in 2021, paying more attention to corporate compliance. On February 7, 2021, the Anti-monopoly
Commission of the State Council of the PRC promulgated the Guidelines for Anti-monopoly in the field of Platform Economy. On
November 15, 2021, the State Administration for Market Regulation of the PRC promulgated the Guidelines for the Overseas Anti-
monopoly Compliance of Enterprises. We believe that these regulations currently have little impact on us, but we cannot guarantee that
regulators will agree with us or that these regulations will not affect our business operations in the future.
Cybersecurity and data privacy and security issues are subject to increasing legislative and regulatory focus in China. For
example, the State Council of the PRC promulgated the Regulation on the Protection of the Security of Critical Information
Infrastructure on July 30, 2021, which took effect on September 1, 2021. This regulation requires, among others, certain competent
authorities to identify critical information infrastructures. In November 2021, the Cybersecurity Administration of China, or CAC,
promulgated the Draft Administrative Regulations on Cyber Data Security, or the Draft Cyber Data Security Regulations, for public
comment. These draft regulations set forth different scenarios under which data processors would be required to apply for cybersecurity
review. However, there is no definite timetable as to when these draft regulations will be enacted. In addition, the CAC and a number of
other departments under the State Council promulgated the Measures for Cybersecurity Review on December 28, 2021, which became
effective on February 15, 2022. According to this regulation, critical information infrastructure operators purchasing network products
and services and data processors carrying out data processing activities, which affect or may affect national security, are required to
conduct cybersecurity review. On July 7, 2022, the CAC issued the Measures for the Security Assessment of Data Cross-border Transfer,
or the Security Assessment Measures for Data Provision Abroad, which became effective on September 1, 2022. In accordance with the
Security Assessment Measures for Data Provision Abroad, a data processor should apply to the CAC for a security assessment under
certain circumstances. We believe that these regulations have little impact on us, because we are neither a critical information
infrastructure operator nor a data processor within the meanings of these regulations.
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On September 1, 2021, the PRC Data Security Law became effective, which imposes data security and privacy obligations on
entities and individuals conducting data-related activities, and introduces a data classification and hierarchical protection system. In
addition, the Standing Committee of the PRC National People’s Congress promulgated the Personal Information Protection Law (the
“PIPL”) on August 20, 2021, which took effect on November 1, 2021. The PIPL further emphasizes processors’ obligations and
responsibilities for personal information protection and sets out the basic rules for processing personal information and the rules for
cross-border transfer of personal information. We do not expect to have significant data security or privacy issues given that the nature of
our business does not involve collecting and use of vast personal data. Under the current PRC laws, regulations and regulatory rules, as
of the date of this annual report, we and our PRC subsidiaries, (i) are not required to obtain permissions from the China Securities
Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, (ii) are not required to go through cybersecurity review by the CAC, and (iii) have not received or
were denied such permissions by the CSRC or the CAC. While we do not believe that these regulatory changes would have any material
impact on us, we cannot assure you that the regulators will agree with us or will not in the future adopt regulations that restrict our
business operations or access to capital.
On July 6, 2021, the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the
State Council jointly issued Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down Illegal Securities Activities in Accordance with the Law. These
opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision on overseas listings by
China-based companies. These opinions proposed to take effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory
systems, to deal with the risks and incidents facing China-based overseas-listed companies and the demand for cybersecurity and data
privacy protection. These opinions and any related implementation rules to be enacted may subject us to additional compliance
requirement. On February 17, 2023, the CSRC released a set of regulations consisting of six documents, including the Trial
Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies and five supporting guidelines,
collectively, the Overseas Listing Filing Rules, which came into effective on March 31, 2023. According to the Overseas Listing Filing
Rules, China-based companies that have already offered shares or been listed overseas prior to the implementation of such new
regulations qualify as “Stock Enterprises”, and Stock Enterprises are not required to apply for the filing immediately until a subsequent
re-financing event occurs. However, the Overseas Listing Filing Rules, among others, require the issuer or its main operational entity in
the PRC to file with the CSRC for its follow-on securities offerings in the same offshore market within three business days after the
completion of such offerings, and file with the CSRC for its offerings or listing in offshore stock market other than the stock market of its
initial public offering or listing within three business days after the submission of offering application outside mainland China.
We had been listed on the New York Stock Exchange prior to the implementation of the Overseas Listing Filing Rules.
Therefore, we are qualified as a “Stock Enterprise” and are not required to apply for the filing immediately until a subsequent re-
financing event occurs according to the Overseas Listing Filing Rules. However, we are required to file with the CSRC for its follow-on
securities offerings in the same offshore market within three business days after the completion of such offerings, and file with the CSRC
for our offerings or listing in offshore stock market other than the stock market of our initial public offering or listing within three
business days after the submission of offering application outside mainland China. Failure to comply with the filing requirements for any
offering, listing or any other capital raising activities, may result in administrative penalties, such as order to rectify, warnings, fines and
other penalties, on the companies, the controlling shareholders, the actual controllers, the person directly in charge and other directly
liable persons. As of the date of this annual report, we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, sanctions or regulatory objection
from the CSRC. Given the uncertainties surrounding the CSRC filing requirements at this stage, we cannot assure you that we will be
able to complete the filings and fully comply with the relevant new rules on a timely basis, or at all, if we conduct listing in other
offshore stock markets or follow-on offerings, issuance of convertible corporate bonds, exchangeable bonds, and other equivalent
offering activities in the future.
Since these regulations are relatively new, there may be uncertainties in their interpretations, which could impact our daily
business operation and financing plans. The PRC government may also adopt other rules and restrictions that affect our business
operations in the future. Complexity and uncertainty in the PRC regulatory environment could impact the legal protection available to
you and us, hinder our ability to continue to offer the ADSs, result in a material adverse effect on our business operations, and damage
our reputation, which might further cause the ADSs to significantly decline in value or become worthless. See “—D. Risk Factors—
Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Recent regulatory developments in China may subject us to additional regulatory review and
disclosure requirements, expose us to government interference, or otherwise impact or restrict our ability to offer securities and raise
capital outside China, which could adversely affect our business operations and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline
or become worthless.”
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The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act
The United States adopted the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act on December 18, 2020, and it was amended by the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 on December 17, 2022, the amended act (the “HFCAA”). Pursuant to the HFCAA, if the SEC
determines that we have filed audit reports issued by a registered public accounting firm that has not been subject to inspections by the
PCAOB for two consecutive years, the SEC will prohibit our shares or the ADSs from being traded on a national securities exchange or
in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States. On December 16, 2021, the PCAOB issued a report to notify the SEC of its
determination that the PCAOB was unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in
mainland China or Hong Kong, including our auditor. On May 26, 2022, the SEC conclusively listed us as a “Commission-Identified
Issuer” under the HFCAA following the filing of our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. Pursuant
to amendment made to the HFCAA in 2022, the PCAOB may determine that it is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered
public accounting firms in any foreign jurisdictions because of positions taken by any foreign authority, rather than an authority in the
location in which the firms are headquartered or in which they have a branch or office, as was the case under the original version of the
HFCAA. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB announced its determination that it is able to inspect and investigate audit firms in
mainland China and Hong Kong completely for purposes of the HFCAA, and the PCAOB vacated its December 16, 2021
determinations. As a result, the SEC will not provisionally or conclusively identify an issuer as a Commission-Identified Issuer if it files
an annual report with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm headquartered in mainland China or Hong Kong on or
after December 15, 2022, until such time as the PCAOB issues a new determination. However, the PCAOB stated that should PRC
authorities obstruct the PCAOB’s ability to inspect or investigate completely in any way and at any point in the future, the PCAOB
Board will act immediately to consider the need to issue new determinations consistent with the HFCAA.
While we currently do not expect the HFCAA to prevent us from maintaining the trading of the ADSs in the U.S., uncertainties
exist with respect to future determinations of the PCAOB in this respect and any further legislative or regulatory actions to be taken by
the U.S. or Chinese governments that could affect our listing status in the U.S. If the ADSs are prohibited from trading in the United
States, there is no certainty that we will be able to list on a non-U.S. exchange or that a market for our shares will develop outside of the
United States. Such a prohibition would substantially impair your ability to sell or purchase the ADSs when you wish to do so, and the
risk and uncertainty associated with delisting would have a negative impact on the price of the ADSs, and materially and adversely affect
the value of your investment. Also, such a prohibition could significantly affect our ability to raise capital on terms acceptable to us, or at
all, which would have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and prospects. For a detailed description of risks
related to the HFCAA, see “—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Doing Business in China—The ADSs may be prohibited from trading
in the United States under the HFCAA in the future if the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely auditors located in
China. The delisting of the ADSs, or the threat of their being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment.”
Cash Flows through Our Organization
The cash transfers within our organization are generally made in the following manners: (i) the Company transfers cash to its
subsidiaries by way of providing loans, making capital contributions and providing operating cash, and (ii) the Company’s subsidiaries
transfer cash to the Company by way of repayment of loans and repayment of operating cash due to the Company. Other than cash
transfers, no transfer of other assets has occurred between the Company and its subsidiaries. The following table presents cash transfers
between the Company and its subsidiaries for 2021, 2022 and 2023:
Cash transfers from the Company to its subsidiaries
- loans to subsidiaries
- providing operating cash to subsidiaries
Cash transfers from subsidiaries to the Company
- repayment of operating cash due to Company
- repayment of loans due to Company
8
2021
2022
(RMB in thousands)
2023
1,262,124
—
289,620
—
—
180,583
5,971
—
20,595
735,673
—
553,984
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For 2021, 2022 and 2023 and up to the date of this annual report, the Company’s subsidiaries did not make any dividend or
distribution to the Company. Pursuant to the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and Implementation Regulations for the Corporate Income
Tax Law (the “CIT Law”), a withholding tax rate of 10% would apply to any dividends paid by a PRC “resident enterprise” to a foreign
enterprise investor, unless such non-resident enterprise’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with China that provides for a
reduced rate of withholding tax and such non-resident enterprise is the beneficial owner of the dividends. The Cayman Islands, where the
holding company is incorporated, does not have such a tax treaty with China. The CIT Law provides that PRC resident enterprises are
generally subject to the uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate on their worldwide income. Therefore, if we are treated as a PRC
resident enterprise, we will be subject to PRC income tax on our worldwide income at the 25% uniform tax rate, which could have an
impact on our effective tax rate and an adverse effect on our net income and results of operations, although we would be exempted from
enterprise income tax on dividends distributed from our PRC subsidiaries to us, since such income received by PRC resident enterprise is
tax exempted under the CIT Law.
We paid a cash dividend of US$78.7 million to the holders of our ordinary shares or ADSs on December 6, 2023. As an offshore
holding company, we may rely upon dividends paid to us by our subsidiaries in the PRC to pay dividends and to finance any debt we
may incur. If our subsidiaries or any newly formed subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing
their debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends to us. In addition, our subsidiaries are permitted to pay dividends to us only out of
their accumulated profits, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Under PRC laws and
regulations, each of our Chinese subsidiaries are required to set aside a portion of their net profits each year to fund a statutory surplus
reserve which are no less than 10% of their net profits each year until such reserve reaches 50% of its registered capital. This reserve is
not distributable as dividends. As a result, our Chinese subsidiaries are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of its net assets to us
in the form of dividends, loans or advances. As an offshore holding company, we are permitted under PRC laws and regulations to
provide funding from the proceeds of our offshore fund-raising activities to our subsidiaries in China only through loans or capital
contributions, subject to the satisfaction of the applicable government registration and approval requirements. Before providing loans to
our PRC subsidiaries, we will be required to make filings about details of the loans with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of
the PRC (the “SAFE”) in accordance with relevant PRC laws and regulations. Our PRC subsidiaries that receive the loans are only
allowed to use the loans for the purposes set forth in these laws and regulations. Under regulations of the SAFE, Renminbi is not
convertible into foreign currencies for capital account items, such as loans, repatriation of investments and investments outside of China,
unless the prior approval of the SAFE is obtained and prior registration with the SAFE is made. See “Item 4. Information on the
Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation—Taxation” for more details.
A.
B.
[Reserved]
Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not Applicable.
C.
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not Applicable.
D.
Risk Factors
Our business, financial condition and results of operations are subject to various changing business, competitive, economic,
political and social conditions in China and worldwide. In addition to the factors discussed elsewhere in this annual report, the following
are some of the important factors that could adversely affect our operating results, financial condition and business prospects, and cause
our actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements.
Summary of Risk Factors
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Our future growth and profitability depend on the demand for and the prices of solar power products and the development of
photovoltaic technologies.
The reduction, modification, delay or elimination of government subsidies and other economic incentives in solar energy
industry may reduce the profitability of our business and materially adversely affect our business.
We require a significant amount of cash to fund our operations and future business developments. If we cannot obtain additional
funding on terms satisfactory to us when we need it, our growth prospects and future profitability may be materially and
adversely affected.
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The oversupply of solar cells and modules in the solar industry may cause substantial downward pressure on the prices of our
products and reduce our revenue and earnings.
We face risks associated with the manufacturing, marketing, distribution and sale of our products internationally and the
construction and operation of our overseas manufacturing facilities, and if we are unable to effectively manage these risks, our
business and operations abroad may be adversely affected and our ability to maintain, develop and expand our business abroad
may be restricted.
We are subject to anti-dumping and countervailing duties imposed by the U.S. government. We are also subject to safeguard
investigation and other foreign trade investigations initiated by the U.S. government and anti-dumping investigation and
safeguard investigations initiated by governments in our other markets.
Volatility in the prices of silicon raw materials makes our procurement planning challenging and could have a material adverse
effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
We may not be able to obtain sufficient raw materials in a timely manner or on commercially reasonable terms, which could
have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
The loss of, or a significant reduction in orders from, any of our customers could significantly reduce our revenue and harm our
results of operations.
We manufacture a majority of our products in several provinces in China, which exposes us to various risks relating to long-
distance transportation of our silicon wafers and solar cells in the manufacturing process.
Prepayment arrangements to our suppliers for the procurement of silicon raw materials expose us to the credit risks of such
suppliers and may also significantly increase our costs and expenses, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
Decreases in the price of solar power products, including solar modules, may result in additional provisions for inventory losses.
Shortage or disruption of electricity supply may adversely affect our business.
Our long-term investment which accounted for using fair value option is subject to uncertainties in accounting estimates.
Fluctuations in the changes in fair value of these assets would affect our financial results.
Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The PCAOB had historically been unable to inspect our auditor in relation to their audit work performed for our financial
statements and the inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of our auditor in the past has deprived our investors with the
benefits of such inspections.
The ADSs may be prohibited from trading in the United States under the HFCAA in the future if the PCAOB is unable to
inspect or investigate completely auditors located in China. The delisting of the ADSs, or the threat of their being delisted, may
materially and adversely affect the value of your investment.
Changes in political and economic policies of the PRC government could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic
growth of the PRC, which could reduce the demand for our products and materially adversely affect our competitive position.
Recent regulatory developments in China may subject us to additional regulatory review and disclosure requirements, expose us
to government interference, or otherwise impact or restrict our certainty to offer securities and raise capital outside China, which
could adversely affect our business operations and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or become worthless.
The approval, filing or other requirements of the CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities is required under PRC law in
connection with our future issuance of securities overseas, which could impose uncertainty on our capital raising activities.
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Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
Our future growth and profitability depend on the demand for and the prices of solar power products and the development of
photovoltaic technologies.
The rate and extent of market acceptance for solar power depends on the availability of government subsidies and the cost-
effectiveness, performance and reliability of solar power relative to conventional and other renewable energy sources. Changes in
government policies towards solar power and advancements in PV, technologies could significantly affect the demand for solar power
products.
Demand for solar power products is also affected by macroeconomic factors, such as energy supply, demand and prices, as well
as regulations and policies governing renewable energies and related industries. For example, in June 2016, the FIT in China for utility-
scale projects was significantly reduced. As a result, subsequent to a strong demand in the first half of 2016, the domestic market was
almost frozen and the competition in the global market also intensified in the second half of 2016. In 2022, the energy intensity
exacerbates the supply shortage and rising price of silicon materials in the industry, which affected the demand and price of solar
modules. In 2023, the increase in Federal Reserve interest rates caused some volatility in financing cost and investment return rate of PV
projects, which in turn affected the general conditions of the global PV market. The current international political environment, including
existing and potential changes to United States and China trade and tariffs policies, have resulted in uncertainty surrounding the future of
the global economy. Moreover, some countries and regions, such as the United States, EU and India, are proactively developing domestic
solar supply chains, which may lead to, to some extent, reduced demand in solar products imported from China and in turn negatively
affect our business. The average selling price of our solar modules in 2023 decreased as compared to that in 2022.
However, any reduction in the price of solar modules will have a negative impact on our business and results of operations,
including our margins. As a result, we may not continue to be profitable on a quarterly or annual basis. In addition, if demand for solar
power products weakens in the future, our business and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
The reduction, modification, delay or elimination of government subsidies and other economic incentives in solar energy industry
may reduce the profitability of our business and materially adversely affect our business.
We believe that market demand for solar power and solar power products in the near term will continue to substantially depend
on the availability of government incentives because the cost of solar energy currently exceeds, and we believe will continue to exceed in
the near term, the cost of conventional fossil fuel energy and certain non-solar renewable energy, particularly in light of the low level of
oil prices in recent years. Examples of government sponsored financial incentives to promote solar energy include subsidies from the
central and local governments, preferential tax rates and other incentives. The availability and size of such subsidies and incentives
depend, to a large extent, on political and policy developments relating to environmental concerns and other macro-economic factors.
Moreover, government incentive programs are expected to gradually decrease in scope or be discontinued as solar power technology
improves and becomes more affordable relative to other types of energy. Negative public or community response to solar energy projects
could adversely affect the government support and approval of our solar energy business. Adverse changes in government regulations
and policies relating to solar energy industry and their implementation, especially those relating to economic subsidies and incentives,
could significantly reduce the profitability of our business and materially adversely affect the state of the industry.
We received government grants totaling RMB465.7 million, RMB1.09 billion and RMB1.18 billion (US$165.6 million) for
2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively, which included government grants for our production scale expansion, technology upgrades and
export market development. We cannot assure you that we will continue to receive government grants and subsidies in future periods at a
similar level or at all.
As a substantial part of our operations are in the PRC, the policies and regulations adopted by the PRC government towards the
solar energy industry are important to the continuing success of our business. Although there has been regulatory support for solar power
generation such as subsidies, preferential tax treatment and other economic incentives in recent years, future government policies may
not be as supportive. The PRC central government may reduce or eliminate existing incentive programs for economic, political, financial
or other reasons. In addition, the provincial or local governments may delay the implementation or fail to fully implement central
government regulations, policies or initiatives. Until the solar energy industry becomes commercially profitable without subsidies, a
significant reduction in the scope or the discontinuation of government incentive programs in the PRC or other jurisdictions could
materially and adversely affect market demand for our products and negatively impact our revenue and profitability.
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Besides the PRC, various foreign governments have used policy initiatives to encourage or accelerate the development and
adoption of solar power and other renewable energy sources, including certain countries in Europe, notably Italy, Germany, France,
Belgium and Spain; certain countries in Asia, including Japan, India and South Korea; countries in North America, such as the United
States and Canada; as well as Australia. Examples of government-sponsored financial incentives to promote solar power include capital
cost rebates, FIT, tax credits, net metering and other incentives to end-users, distributors, project developers, system integrators and
manufacturers of solar power products.
Governments may reduce or eliminate existing incentive programs for political, financial or other reasons, which will be
difficult for us to predict. Reductions in FIT programs may result in a significant fall in the price of and demand for solar power and solar
power products. For example, subsidies have been reduced or eliminated in some countries such as China, Germany, Italy, Spain and
Canada. In May 2018, the National Development and Reform Commission of China (the “NDRC”), the Ministry of Finance and the
National Energy Administration in China (the “NEA”) issued a joint notice temporarily halting subsidies for utility-scale solar projects,
slashing the quota on distributed solar projects which are eligible for subsidies in 2018 and greatly reducing FIT. The German market
represents a major portion of the European solar market for ground-mounted systems and a stable residential and commercial rooftop
market. The first subsidy-free grid parity projects of the industry were connected to the grid in 2020, which act as a driver for the
additional market growth. Starting from 2011, major export markets for solar power and solar power products such as Japan, Germany,
Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom continued to reduce their FIT as well as other incentive measures. For example, from 2012 to 2023,
the Japanese government cut down its FIT from JPY40 to JPY16 for projects below 10 KW, from JPY42 to JPY10 for certain projects of
10 KW to 50 KW, and to JPY9.5 for projects above 50 KW. In 2024, the Japanese government further cut down its FIT to JPY9.2 for
projects above 50 KW.
In 2023, we generated 61.7 % of our total revenue from overseas markets, and North America, Asia Pacific (except China which
includes Hong Kong and Taiwan) and Europe represented 8.8%, 16.4% and 18.3% of our total revenue, respectively. As a result, any
significant reduction in the scope or discontinuation of government incentive programs in the overseas markets, especially where our
major customers are located, could cause demand for our products and our revenue to decline and have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In addition, the announcement of a significant reduction in incentives in
any major market may have an adverse effect on the trading price of the ADSs.
We require a significant amount of cash to fund our operations and future business developments. If we cannot obtain additional
funding on terms satisfactory to us when we need it, our growth prospects and future profitability may be materially and adversely
affected.
We require a significant amount of cash to fund our operations, including payments to suppliers for our polysilicon feedstock.
We may also require additional cash due to changing business conditions or other future developments, including any investments or
acquisitions we may decide to pursue, as well as our research and development activities in order to remain competitive.
Our working capital was RMB1.88 billion (US$265.4 million) as of December 31, 2023. Our management believes that our
cash position as of December 31, 2023, the cash expected to be generated from operations, and funds available from borrowings under
our credit facilities will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months
from the date of this annual report.
Our ability to obtain external financing is subject to a number of uncertainties, including:
our future financial condition, results of operations and cash flow;
the general condition of the global equity and debt capital markets;
regulatory and government support, such as subsidies, tax credits and other incentives;
the continued confidence of banks and other financial institutions in our company and the solar power industry;
economic, political and other conditions in the PRC and elsewhere; and
our ability to comply with any financial covenants under the debt financing.
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Any additional equity financing may be dilutive to our shareholders and any debt financing may require restrictive covenants.
Additional funds may not be available on terms commercially acceptable to us. Failure to manage discretionary spending and raise
additional capital or debt financing as required may adversely impact our ability to achieve our intended business objectives. See “—Our
substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.”
Uncertainty about the future of LIBOR and certain other interest “benchmarks” may adversely affect our business.
LIBOR, the London Interbank Offered Rate, is widely used as a reference for setting interest rates on loans globally. LIBOR and
certain other interest “benchmarks” may be subject to regulatory guidance and/or reform that could cause interest rates under our current
or future debt agreements to perform differently than in the past or cause other unanticipated consequences.
In 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) and the Financial Policy Committee (“FPC”) of the United Kingdom
expressed concerns about the future sustainability of LIBOR benchmarks due to the lack of active underlying markets and limited
availability of term unsecured deposit transactions. To allow the market sufficient time to transition away from LIBOR, the LIBOR panel
banks agreed to continue submitting to LIBOR until the end of 2021, which has been extended to the end of June 2023 for U.S. dollar
LIBOR only.
In March 2021, the FCA and ICE Benchmark Administration, the administrators of LIBOR, announced that sterling, Euro,
Swiss franc and Japanese yen LIBOR panels, as well as panels for 1-week and 2-month U.S. dollar LIBOR, will cease at the end of 2021,
with the remaining U.S. dollar LIBOR panels to be ceased at the end of June 2023.
Moreover, on July 12, 2019, the Staff of the SEC’s Division of Corporate Finance, Division of Investment Management,
Division of Trading and Markets, and Office of the Chief Accountant issued a statement about the potentially significant effects on
financial markets and market participants when LIBOR was discontinued in 2021 and no longer available as a reference benchmark rate.
The Staff encouraged all market participants to identify contracts that reference LIBOR and begin transitions to alternative rates. On
December 30, 2019, the SEC’s Chairman, Division of Corporate Finance and Office of the Chief Accountant issued a statement to
encourage audit committees in particular to understand management’s plans to identify and address the risks associated with the
elimination of LIBOR, and, specifically, the impact on accounting and financial reporting and any related issues associated with financial
products and contracts that reference LIBOR, as the risks associated with the discontinuation of LIBOR and transition to an alternative
reference rate will be exacerbated if the work is not completed in a timely manner.
Uncertainty as to the nature of alternative reference rates and as to potential changes or other reforms to LIBOR may adversely
affect LIBOR rates and other interest rates. In the event that a published LIBOR rate was unavailable after 2021, the value of such
securities, loans or other financial arrangements may be adversely affected, and, to the extent that we are the issuer of or obligor under
any such instruments or arrangements, our cost thereunder may increase. Currently, the manner and impact of this transition and related
developments, as well as the effect of these developments on our funding costs, investment and trading securities portfolios and business,
is uncertain, which may adversely affect our business, prospects, liquidity, capital resources, financial performance or financial condition.
The oversupply of solar cells and modules in the solar industry may cause substantial downward pressure on the prices of our
products and reduce our revenue and earnings.
If the solar industry experience oversupply across the value chain in the future, and continued increases in solar module
production in excess of market demand may result in further downward pressure on the price of solar cells and modules, including our
products. Increasing competition could also result in us losing sales or market share. If we are unable, on an ongoing basis, to procure
silicon, solar wafers and solar cells at reasonable prices, or mark up the price of our solar modules to cover our manufacturing and
operating costs, our revenue and gross margin will be adversely impacted, either due to higher costs compared to our competitors or due
to inventory write-downs, or both. In addition, our market share may decline if our competitors are able to price their products more
competitively.
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We face risks associated with the manufacturing, marketing, distribution and sales of our products internationally and the
construction and operation of our overseas manufacturing facilities, and if we are unable to effectively manage these risks, our
business and operations abroad may be adversely affected and our ability to maintain, develop and expand our business abroad may
be restricted.
In 2021, 2022 and 2023, we generated 75.2%, 58.1% and 61.7%, respectively, of our total revenue from sales outside China. We
also have manufacturing facilities in the United States, Malaysia and Vietnam. In January 2018, we entered into a master solar module
supply agreement (the “Master Agreement”) with NextEra Energy, Inc., or NextEra. Under the Master Agreement, as amended in March
2018, we will supply NextEra up to 2,750 MW of high-efficiency solar modules over four years. In conjunction with the Master
Agreement, we established our first U.S. factory in Jacksonville, Florida, which commenced production in the third quarter of 2018 and
reached full production capacity of 400 MW in the first half of 2019. Our 7GW monocrystalline silicon wafer plant in Vietnam
commenced production in the first quarter of 2022 and reached full production capacity in the third quarter of 2022. We continued to
invest in increasing N-type production capacity overseas in 2023, and by the end of 2023, we had an aggregate of 12 GW integrated
wafer-cell-module capacity overseas, with the production capacity of N-type accounting for over 75%.
The manufacturing, marketing, distribution and sale of our products internationally, as well as the construction and operation of
our manufacturing facilities outside of China may expose us to a number of risks, including those associated with:
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fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
costs associated with understanding local markets and trends;
costs associated with establishment of overseas manufacturing facilities;
marketing and distribution costs;
customer services and support costs;
risk management and internal control structures for our overseas operations;
compliance with the different commercial, operational, environmental and legal requirements;
obtaining or maintaining certifications for production, marketing, distribution and sales of our products or, if applicable,
services;
maintaining our reputation as an environmentally friendly enterprise for our products or services;
obtaining, maintaining or enforcing intellectual property rights;
changes in prevailing economic conditions and regulatory requirements;
transportation and freight costs;
employing and retaining manufacturing, technology, sales and other personnel who are knowledgeable about, and can function
effectively in, overseas markets;
trade barriers such as trade remedies, which could increase the prices of the raw materials for our solar products, and 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;
challenges due to our unfamiliarity with local laws, regulation and policies, our absence of significant operating experience in
local market, increased cost associated with establishment of overseas operations and maintaining a multinational organizational
structure; and
other various risks that are beyond our control.
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Our manufacturing capacity outside China requires us to comply with different laws and regulations, including national and
local regulations relating to production, environmental protection, employment and the other related matters. Due to our limited
experience in doing business in the overseas markets, we are unfamiliar with local laws, regulation and policies. Our failure to obtain the
required approvals, permits, licenses, filings or to comply with the conditions associated therewith could result in fines, sanctions,
suspension, revocation or non-renewal of approvals, permits or licenses, or even criminal penalties, which could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
For example, the U.S. government has begun enforcing a long-existing ban on U.S. importation of products produced with
forced labor in ways that may adversely affect our business. Section 307 of the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, or Section 307,
prohibits U.S. importation of goods that are produced or manufactured, wholly or in part, in any non-U.S. country by forced or
indentured labor. On June 24, 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a Withhold Release Order against Hoshine
Silicon Industry Co. Ltd. (“Hoshine WRO”). As a result, personnel at all U.S. ports of entry have been instructed to immediately begin
detaining shipments that contain silica-based products made by Hoshine or materials and goods derived from or produced using those
silica-based products.
On December 23, 2021, President Biden signed the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (the “UFLPA”) into law. The UFLPA
aims to strengthen the existing laws on forced labor by prohibiting the importation and entry of any goods made with forced labor in the
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (“XUAR”) of the PRC, and establishes several enforcement mechanisms and procedures to do so.
Since June 21, 2022, CBP has begun applying the “Rebuttal Presumption” established in Section 3 of UFLPA and prohibits any “goods,
wares, articles, or merchandise mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part in the XUAR” or produced by an entity on the list to
be issued pursuant to the UFLPA, unless CBP determines that importer of record has (i) fully complied with the supply chain guidance
described in Section 2 of the UFLPA and any accompanying regulations; and (ii) completely and substantively responded to inquiries for
information by CBP. Pursuant to UFLPA, the U.S. government issued a list of entities involved in and products produced from forced
labor, “guidance to importers” with respect to forced labor due diligence as well as a strategy report to prevent importation of goods
produced with forced labor.
Under the impact of Hoshine WRO and UFLPA, some of our products imported into the United States may be detained by CBP
from time to time. We have been in continuous discussion with CBP and related United States authorities regarding related matters
including but without limitation to CBP’s standards and requested documents regarding detained shipments. We have submitted
documents requested by CBP for the admissibility of the detained shipments. After reviewing our submissions, our detained shipments
were progressively released by CBP. CBP has consistently admitted a large volume of our shipments to the U.S.
We do not tolerate any use of forced labor, whether in our own manufacturing facilities or, to the best of our knowledge,
throughout our supply chain. We monitor our manufacturing facilities to ensure no forced labor is used. Our direct sales to the U.S.
market accounted for 4.5% and 8.8% of our total revenues in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Given the fact that we had a manufacturing
facility in Xinjiang in the past, we cannot assure you that the relevant U.S. authorities will not decide that forced labor exists in the
manufacturing of our products or in our supply chain and, put our facilities or their affiliate companies on the list of entities to be issued
pursuant to UFLPA. We have disposed of 100% equity interest in the manufacturing facilty in Xinjiang. Furthermore, under the impact of
Hoshine WRO and UFLPA, importation of our products to the United States may be partially or entirely suspended or blocked. Either of
these types of regulatory or legislative action would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition to the actions taken or being considered by the U.S. government as discussed above, there is a growing concern
regarding the alleged used of forced labor issue in the XUAR in the European Union, Canada, Australia, Japan and certain other
countries. For example, on Janarary 1, 2024, the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (the “Canada
Supply Chains Act”), Canada’s new supply chain transparency law, came into effect, which amends Canada’s Customs Tariff to allow for
a prohibition on the importation of goods manufactured or produced, in whole or in part, by forced labour or child labour as those terms
are defined in the Canada Supply Chains Act. In addition, in June 2022, the European Parliament passed Resolution on the human rights
situation in the XUAR, including the Xinjaing police files. European Commission issued, on September 14, 2022, a Proposal for a
Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the European Union (the
“Proposal”). Based on the Proposal, on October 26, 2023, the European Parliament issued the Draft European Parliament Legislative
Resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on prohibiting products made with forced
labour on the Union market.If any new legislation or regulatory action with respect to these issues were to be enacted in those regions
that impose additional restrictions or requirements on importation of goods that are produced or manufactured, wholly or in part, in the
XUAR, our business and operation in these regions would be adversely affected.
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As we enter into new markets in different jurisdictions, we will face different business environments and industry conditions,
and we may spend substantial resources familiarizing ourselves with the new environment and conditions. To the extent that our business
operations are affected by unexpected and adverse economic, regulatory, social and political conditions in the jurisdictions in which we
have operations, we may experience project disruptions, loss of assets and personnel, and other indirect losses that could adversely affect
our business, financial condition and results of operations. For instance, our manufacturing facility in the United States may expose us to
various risks, including, among others, failure to obtain the required approvals, permits or licenses, or to comply with the conditions
associated therewith, failure to procure economic incentives or financing on satisfactory terms, and failure to procure construction
materials, production equipment and qualified personnel for the manufacturing facility in a timely and cost-effective manner. Any of
these events may increase the related costs, or impair our ability to run our operations in the future on a cost effective basis, which could
in turn have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
We are subject to anti-dumping and countervailing duties imposed by the U.S. government. We are also subject to safeguard
investigation and other foreign trade investigations initiated by the U.S. government and anti-dumping investigation and safeguard
investigations initiated by governments in our other markets.
Our direct sales to the U.S. market accounted for 15.7%, 4.5% and 8.8% of our total revenues in 2021, 2022 and 2023,
respectively. In 2011, SolarWorld Industries America Inc., a solar panel manufacturing company in the United States, filed anti-dumping
and countervailing duty petitions with the United States Department of Commerce (the “U.S. Department of Commerce”) and United
States International Trade Commission (the “U.S. International Trade Commission”) against the Chinese solar industry, accusing Chinese
producers of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (“CSPV”) cells, whether or not assembled into modules, of selling their products (i.e., CSPV
cells or modules incorporating these cells) in the United States at less than fair value, and of receiving financial assistance from the
Chinese governments that benefited the production, manufacture, or exportation of such products. JinkoSolar was on the list of the solar
companies subject to such investigations by the U.S. Department of Commerce. On November 9, 2011, the U.S. Department of
Commerce announced that it launched the anti-dumping duty and countervailing duty investigation into the accusations. On December 7,
2012, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order. As a result, cash deposits
were required to pay on import into the United States of the CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules from China. The
announced cash deposit rates applicable to us were 13.94% (for anti-dumping) and 15.24% (for countervailing). The actual anti-dumping
duty and countervailing duty rates at which entries of covered merchandise are finally assessed may differ from the announced deposit
rates because they are subject to the subsequent administrative reviews by U.S. Department of Commerce.
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In January 2014, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the first administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing
duty order with respect to CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from China. In July 2015, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the
final results of this first administrative review, according to which the anti-dumping and countervailing rates applicable to us were 9.67% and 20.94%,
respectively. Such rates apply as the final rates on the import into the United States of the CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules from
China, from May 25, 2012 to November 30, 2013 for dumping, and from March 26, 2012 to December 31, 2012 for countervailing, respectively. Such
rates were the cash deposit rates applicable to us from July 14, 2015. In February 2015 and February 2016, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated
the second administrative and the third administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV cells,
whether or not assembled into modules, from China, respectively. The U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final results of the second
administrative review in June and July of 2016 and the final results of the third administrative review in July 2017. As we were not included in the
second and the third administrative review, the rates applicable to us remained at 9.67% (for anti-dumping) and 20.94% (for countervailing) after this
review. In February 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the fourth administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and
countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from China. In July 2018, the U.S. Department of
Commerce published the final results of the fourth administrative review. As we were not included in this anti-dumping administrative review, the anti-
dumping deposit rates applicable to us remained at 9.67%. The countervailing deposit rates applicable to us were 13.20% after this review. On October
30, 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce amended the final results of the fourth countervailing administrative review. As a result, the countervailing
deposit rates applicable to us were 10.64% after this amendment. On October 29, 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce amended the final results of
the fourth countervailing administrative review pursuant to the final judgement of the United States Court of International Trade; the final subsidy rate
applicable to us for the entries made during the period from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 was changed to 4.22%. In November 2017, the
U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission initiated five-year reviews to determine whether revocation of the anti-
dumping and countervailing duty orders with respect to CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules from China, would likely lead to
continuation or recurrence of material injury. In March 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce determined that revocation of the countervailing order
would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of a net countervailable subsidy. In March 2019, the U.S. International Trade Commission determined
that revocation of the countervailing order would likely lead to the continuation or recurrence of countervailable subsidies. In February 2018, the U.S.
Department of Commerce initiated the fifth administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV
cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from China. In July and August 2019, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final results of the
fifth administrative review, according to which the anti-dumping and countervailing deposit rates applicable to us were 4.06% and 12.76%, respectively.
In December 2019, the U.S. Department of Commerce amended the final results of the fifth countervailing administrative review. As a result, the
countervailing deposit rate applicable to us was 12.7% after this amendment. In March 2019, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the sixth
administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules,
from China. In October 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final result of the sixth anti-dumping administrative review, according to
which the anti-dumping deposit rate applicable to us was 68.93%. In December 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce amended the final result of the
sixth anti-dumping administrative review, according to which the anti-dumping deposit rate applicable to us was 95.5% after such amendment. In
December 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final result of the sixth countervailing administrative review, according to which the
countervailing deposit rate applicable to us was 12.67%. In April 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce amended the final result of the sixth
countervailing administrative review, according to which the countervailing deposit rate applicable to us was 11.97% after such amendment. In February
2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the seventh administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with
respect to CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from China. In August and October 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the
final results of the seventh administrative review, according to which the anti-dumping and countervailing deposit rate applicable to us was 0% and
19.28%, respectively. In February 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the eighth administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order
and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from China. In June 2022, the U.S. Department of
Commerce issued the final result of the eighth anti-dumping administrative review, according to which the anti-dumping deposit rate applicable to us
was 15.71%. In August 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce amended the final result of the eighth anti-dumping administrative review, according
to which the anti-dumping deposit rate applicable to us was 20.99% after such amendment. In June 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the
final result of the eighth countervailing administrative review, according to which the countervailing deposit rate applicable to us was 15.75%. In
August 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce amended the final result of the eighth countervailing administrative review, according to which the
countervailing deposit rate applicable to us was 15.87% after such amendment. In February 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the ninth
administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules,
from China. In July 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final result of the ninth anti-dumping administrative review, according to which
the anti-dumping deposit rate applicable to us was 36.5%. In July 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final result of the ninth
countervailing administrative review, which was amended in August 2023. As a result, the countervailing deposit rate applicable to us was 10.34%. In
February 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the tenth administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order
with respect to CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from China. The tenth administrative review is pending as of the date of this annual
report, and therefore, the final anti-dumping and countervailing rates applicable to us are subject to change. In February 2024, the U.S. Department of
Commerce initiated the eleventh administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV cells,
whether or not assembled into modules, from China. The eleventh administrative review is pending as of the date of this annual report, and therefore,
the final anti-dumping and countervailing rates applicable to us are subject to change.
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On February 8, 2022, Auxin Solar Inc. (“Auxin”), a U.S. manufacturer of solar modules, requested that the U.S. Department of Commerce to
open nationwide inquiries as to whether crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells and modules containing such cells (solar cells and modules) that are
produced and/or assembled in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand or Vietnam using parts and components from China and exported to the United States, are
circumventing the anti-dumping and countervailing orders on solar cells and modules from China. On March 25, 2022, the U.S. Department of
Commerce determined to initiate the circumvention inquiries (the “Anti-Circumvention Case”). In August 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce
issued the final determination of the Anti-Circumvention Case, according to which solar cells and solar modules produced in and exported to the United
States from Malaysia by Jinko Solar Technology Sdn. Bhd. or Jinko Solar (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., using wafers produced in China that were exported by
specific affiliated companies, are not circumventing the anti-dumping and countervailing orders on solar cells and modules from China.
In 2013, SolarWorld Industries America Inc. filed a separate petition with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade
Commission resulting in the institution of new anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations against import of certain CSPV products from
China. The petitions accused Chinese producers of such certain CSPV modules of dumping their products in the United States and receiving
countervailable subsidies from the Chinese government. This action excluded from its scope the CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules,
from China. In February 2015, following the affirmative injury determination made by U.S. International Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of
Commerce issued the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order. As a result, the final cash deposits were required to pay on import into the
United States of the CSPV modules assembled in China consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China. The announced cash
deposit rates applicable to us were 65.36% (for anti-dumping) and 38.43% (for countervailing). The actual anti-dumping duty and countervailing duty
rates at which entries of covered merchandise are finally assessed may differ from the announced deposit rates because they are subject to the
administrative reviews by the U.S. Department of Commerce. In April 2016 and April 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the first and
the second administrative reviews of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV modules assembled in China
consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China, respectively. In July and September 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce
issued the final results of this first administrative review. The second administrative reviews of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty
order were rescinded by the U.S. Department of Commerce in August 2017 and November 2017, respectively. In April 2018, the U.S. Department of
Commerce initiated the third administrative reviews of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV modules
assembled in China consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China. The final results of the third administrative reviews were
165.04% (for anti-dumping) and 94.83% (for countervailing). We were not included in this third administrative reviews, therefore, the cash deposit rates
applicable to us remained at 65.36% (for anti-dumping) and 38.43% (for countervailing). In May 2019, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the
fourth administrative reviews of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV modules assembled in China
consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China. The fourth administrative reviews of the anti-dumping duty order and
countervailing duty order were rescinded by the U.S. Department of Commerce in September and October 2019, respectively. In April 2020, the U.S.
Department of Commerce initiated the fifth administrative reviews of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV
modules assembled in China consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China. The fifth administrative reviews of the anti-
dumping duty order and countervailing duty order were rescinded by the U.S. Department of Commerce in August 2020. In January 2020, the U.S.
Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission initiated five-year reviews to determine whether revocation of the anti-dumping
and countervailing duty orders with respect to CSPV modules assembled in China, consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than
China, would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury. In September 2020, the U.S. International Trade Commission determined that
revocation of the countervailing and antidumping duty orders would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury to an industry in the
United States within a reasonably foreseeable time and as a result the U.S. Department of Commerce hereby ordered the continuation of the AD and
CVD orders on crystalline silicon photovoltaic products from China. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection will continue to collect AD and CVD
cash deposits at the rates in effect at the time of entry for all imports of subject merchandise. In February 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce
announced the opportunity for interested parties to request the sixth administrative review and the due date for such request was the last day of February
2021. However, the sixth administrative review was not initiated. In March 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce revoked, in part, the antidumping
duty and countervailing duty orders on CSPV products from China with respect to certain off-grid portable small panels. In April 2022, the U.S.
Department of Commerce initiated the seventh administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to
CSPV modules assembled in China consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China. The seventh administrative review of the
anti-dumping duty order was rescinded, and we were not covered by the seventh administrative review of the countervailing duty order. The eighth
administrative review (review period from February 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023) of the anti-dumping duty order with respect to CSPV modules
assembled in China consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China was rescinded in July 2023 and the eighth administrative
review of countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV modules assembled in China consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other
than China was not initiated. In July 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce revoked, in part, the antidumping duty and countervailing duty orders on
CSPV products from China with respect to certain off-grid portable small panels. In February 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the
opportunity for interested parties to request the ninth administrative review and the due date for such request is the last day of February 2024. In April
2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the ninth administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order with respect to CSPV modules
assembled in China consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China. Such review is pending as of the date of this annual
report, and therefore, the final anti-dumping rate applicable to us is subject to change. The ninth administrative review of countervailing duty orders
with respect to CSPV modules assembled in China consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China has not been initiated as
of the date of this annual report.
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In May 2017, U.S. International Trade Commission initiated global safeguard investigation to determine whether CSPV cells
(whether or not partially or fully assembled into other products) were being imported into the United States in such increased quantities
as to be a substantial cause of serious injury, or the threat thereof, to the domestic industry producing an article like or directly
competitive with the imported articles (“Section 201 Investigation”). The Section 201 Investigation was not country specific. They
involved imports of the products under investigation from all sources, including China. In September 2017, the U.S. International Trade
Commission voted affirmatively in respect of whether imports of CSPV cells (whether or not partially or fully assembled into other
products) were causing serious injury to domestic producers of CSPV products. On January 22, 2018, the U.S. President made the final
decision to provide a remedy to the U.S. industry, and the CSPV cells/modules concerned were subject to the safeguard measures
established in the U.S. President’s final result, which included that the CSPV cells and modules imported would be subject to additional
duties of 30%, 25%, 20% and 15% from the first year to the fourth year, respectively, except for the first 2.5 GW of all imported CSPV
cells concerned in each of those four years, which are excluded from the additional tariff. On October 10, 2020, the U.S. President issued
a proclamation and determined that the section 201 duty of the fourth year beginning in February 2021 would be 18%, instead of 15%. In
August 2021, a joint petition seeking an extension of the safeguard measure was filed. On December 8, 2021, in response to petitions by
representatives of the domestic industry, U.S. International Trade Commission issued its determination and report, finding that safeguard
action on CSPV cells (whether or not partially or fully assembled into other products)continues to be necessary to prevent or remedy the
serious injury to the domestic industry, and that there is evidence that the domestic industry is making a positive adjustment to import
competition (“Section 201 Extension Investigation”). On February 4, 2022, the U.S. President determined an extension of this safeguard
measure for another four year and made the final decision, which included that the CSPV cells and modules imported would be subject to
additional duties of 14.75%, 14.5%, 14.25% and 14% through the first year to the fourth year, respectively, except for bifacial modules
and the first 5 GW of all imported CSPV cells concerned in each of those four years, which are excluded from the additional tariff. It is
believed that the costs of solar power projects in the United States may increase and the demand for solar PV products in the United
States may be adversely impacted due to the decision of the White House under the Section 201 Investigation. Although we opened our
manufacturing facility in the United States, and the products manufactured in such facility will not be subject to tariffs, we will still be
subject to tariffs if we ship our products from our manufacturing facilities overseas into the United States. Our imports of solar cells and
modules into the United States were subject to the duties imposed by Section 201 Investigation starting from February 2018.
Accordingly, our business and profitability of these products may be materially and adversely impacted by the decision of the U.S.
President under the Section 201 Investigation.
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In August 2017, the United States Trade Representative initiated an investigation pursuant to the Trade Act of 1974, as amended
(the “Trade Act”), to determine whether acts, policies, and practices of the Government of China related to technology transfer,
intellectual property, and innovation were actionable under the Trade Act (“Section 301 Investigation”). The findings from the United
States Trade Representative with the assistance of the interagency Section 301 committee showed that the acts, policies, and practices of
the Chinese government related to technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation were unreasonable or discriminatory and
burdened or restricted the U.S. commerce. On March 22, 2018, the U.S. President directed his administration to take a range of actions
responding to China’s acts, policies, and practices involving the unfair and harmful acquisition of U.S. technology. These actions
included imposing an additional duty of 25% on products from China in aerospace, information and communication technology, and
machinery. On April 3, 2018, the United States Trade Representative proposed a list of products from China which would be subject to
the additional duty. In June and July 2018, the United States Trade Representative proposed three lists of products from China which
were worth approximately US$250 billion (US$34 billion for List 1, US$16 billion for List 2 and US$200 billion for List 3), among
which, products on List 1 and List 2 would be imposed a 25% additional duty and products on List 3 would be imposed a 10% additional
duty. Certain of our production equipment and raw materials exported from China to be used in our new manufacturing facility in the
United States and our solar PV products exported from China were covered by these three lists. In July, August and September 2018, the
United States Trade Representative published that the Customs and Border Protection would begin to collect additional duties on the
products exported from China on List 1 on July 6, 2018, those on List 2 on August 23, 2018 and those on List 3 on September 24, 2018,
respectively. On March 5, 2019, the United States Trade Representative determined that the rates of additional duty for the products on
List 3 would remained at 10% until further notice. On May 9, 2019, the United States Trade Representative determined to increase the
rates of additional duty for the products on List 3 from 10% to 25% with an effective date on May 10, 2019. In August 2019, the United
States Trade Representative determined to impose an additional 10% duty on the fourth list of products of Chinese origin with an annual
aggregate trade value of approximately US$300 billion (“List 4”). Certain of our production equipment and raw materials of Chinese
origin to be used in our new manufacturing facility in the United States were covered by List 4. The tariff subheadings under List 4 were
separated into two lists with different effective dates: the list set forth in annex A of the notice issued by the United States Trade
Representative became effective on September 1, 2019; and the list set forth in annex C of the notice became effective on December 15,
2019. On August 30, 2019, the United States Trade Representative determined to increase the rate of additional duty for the products
covered by List 4 from 10% to 15%. On December 18, 2019, the United States Trade Representative determined to suspend indefinitely
the imposition of additional 15% duty on products covered by annex C of List 4. On January 15, 2020, the United States Trade
Representative determined to reduce the rate of the additional duty on products covered by annex A of List 4 from 15% to 7.5%, which
became effective on February 14, 2020. The lists of products, which the United States Trade Representative may further revise, may
affect the solar industry and the operation of our new manufacturing facility in the United States.
In December 2014, Canada initiated the anti-dumping and countervailing investigations on imports of CSPV modules from
China. In June 2015, the Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) found that the CSPV modules under investigation had been dumped
and subsidized. In July 2015, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal found that the dumping and subsidizing of the above-mentioned
goods had not caused injury, but were threatening to cause injury to the domestic industry. As a result, import into Canada of our CSPV
modules under investigation from China was subject to the anti-dumping and countervailing duties. The countervailing duty rate (RMB
per Watt) applicable to Jiangxi Jinko and Zhejiang Jinko are 0.028 and 0.046, respectively. For anti-dumping duties, CBSA had set
normal value for the imported CSPV modules and the anti-dumping duty would be the difference between the export price and normal
value if the export price is lower the normal value. No anti-dumping duties would apply if the export price is equal or more than the
normal value. In May 2020, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (“CITT”) and CBSA initiated an expiry review investigation to
determine whether the expiry of their above findings made in June and July 2015 respectively are likely to result in the continuation or
resumption of dumping and/or subsidizing of the CSPV modules originating in or exported from China. In October 2020, the CBSA has
determined that the expiry of its finding is likely to result in the continuation or resumption of dumping and subsidizing of CSPV
modules originating in or exported from China. In March 2021, CITT had determined to continue its abovementioned finding made in
July 2015 concerning the dumping and subsidizing of CSPV modules originating in or exported from China. The CBSA will therefore
continue to impose anti-dumping and countervailing duties on the CSPV modules originating in or exported from China.
In July 2016, Turkish Ministry of Economy initiated anti-dumping investigation against photovoltaic panels and modules
classified in Turkish Customs Tariff Code 8541.40.90.00.14, from China. In July 2017, Turkish Ministry of Economy made the final
affirmative result of this investigation, pursuant to which import into Turkey of our CSPV panels and modules under investigation from
China would be subject to the anti-dumping duty. The anti-dumping duty applicable to us was US$20 per m2.
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In November 2023, Turkish Ministry of Trade initiated an anti-circumvention investigation on "photovoltaic cells assembled in
modules or made up into panels" under the Harmonized System Codes of 8541.43.00.00.00 imported from Malaysia and certain other
countries to investigate whether such products circumvent the anti-dumping duties currently imposed on similar products from China.
This anti-circumvention investigation is pending as of the date of this annual report.
In July 2017, the Department of Commerce of India initiated anti-dumping investigation concerning imports of solar cells
whether or not assembled partially or fully in modules or panels or on glass or some other suitable substrates originating in or exported
from mainland China, Taiwan and Malaysia. Such investigation was terminated in March 2018 by the Department of Commerce of India
as requested by Indian Solar Manufacturers Association, representing applicants of the domestic industry.
In December 2017, the Directorate General of Safeguards of India initiated a safeguard investigations concerning imports of
“solar cells whether or not assembled in modules or panels” (“PUC”) into India to protect the domestic producers of like and directly
competitive articles (to the solar cells whether or not assembled in modules or panels) from serious injury/threat of serious injury caused
by such increased imports (the “India Safeguard Investigations”). The India Safeguard Investigations were not country specific and
involved imports for the products under investigation from all sources, including China. In January 2018, the Directorate General of
Safeguards Customs and Central Excise recommended a provisional safeguard duty to be imposed at the rate of 70% ad valorem on the
imports of PUC falling under Customs Tariff Item 85414011 of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 from all countries, including PRC and
Malaysia, except some developing countries. In May 2018, Indian central government overruled the Directorate General of Safeguards
Customs and Central Excise’s recommendation of provisional safeguard duty at the rate of 70% ad valorem on the imports of PUC. On
July 16, 2018, Directorate General of Trade Remedies published the final findings of Safeguard Investigations and recommended to
impose the safeguard duty for a period of two years. As of July 30, 2018, Ministry of Finance of India issued a Notification No. 01/2018-
Customs (SG) to impose safeguard duty at the following rate effective from July 30, 2018:
●
●
●
25% ad valorem minus anti-dumping duty payable, if any, when imported during the period from July 30, 2018 to July 29, 2019
(both days inclusive);
20% ad valorem minus anti-dumping duty payable, if any, when imported during the period from July 30, 2019 to January 29,
2020 (both days inclusive); and
15% ad valorem minus anti-dumping duty payable, if any, when imported during the period from January 30, 2020 to July 29,
2020 (both days inclusive).
Nothing contained in this notification shall apply to imports of PUC from countries notified as developing countries vide
notification no.19/2016-custom (NT) dated February 5, 2016 except PRC and Malaysia.
In March 2020, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies of India initiated a review examining the need for continued
imposition of safeguards duty on imports of solar cells whether or not assembled in modules or panels into India. On July 18, 2020, the
Directorate General of Trade Remedies of India issued the final findings of review investigation for continued imposition of safeguards
duty and recommended extension of safeguards duty for a period of another one year. On July 29, 2020, Ministry of Finance of India
issued a Notification No.02/2020-Customs (SG) to impose safeguard duty at the following rate effective from July 30, 2020:
●
●
14.9% ad valorem minus anti-dumping duty payable, if any, when imported during the period from July 30, 2020 to January 29,
2021 (both days inclusive); and
14.5% ad valorem minus anti-dumping duty payable, if any, when imported during the period from January 30, 2021 to July 29,
2021 (both days inclusive).
Nothing contained in this notification shall apply to imports of PUC from countries notified as developing countries vide
notification No. 19/2016-Customs (N.T.) dated the February 5, 2016, except the PRC, Thailand and Vietnam. Such safeguard duty was
terminated on July 29, 2021 by the Department of Commerce of India.
In May 2021, the Department of Commerce of India initiated anti-dumping investigation concerning imports of solar cells
whether or not assembled partially or fully in modules or panels or on glass or some other suitable substrates originating in or exported
from mainland China, Thailand and Vietnam. ln November 2022, the Department of Commerce of India issued the notice to terminate
such anti-dumping investigation without taking any anti-dumping safeguard measures.
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Imposition of anti-dumping and countervailing orders in one or more markets may result in additional costs to us, our customers
or both, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects.
Volatility in the prices of silicon raw materials makes our procurement planning challenging and could have a material adverse effect
on our results of operations and financial condition.
The prices of polysilicon, the essential raw material for solar cell and module products and silicon wafers have been subject to
significant volatility. Historically, increases in the price of polysilicon had increased our production costs. The price of polysilicon
increased significantly in 2020 due to the supply shortage of polysilicon. In the first half of 2020, supply of polysilicon was negatively
affected by the decreasing downstream demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the second half of 2020, the production capacity of
polysilicon of some key manufacturing facilities reduced due to the explosion accidents and maintenance activities, which further
intensified the supply shortage. In 2021 and 2022, the price of polysilicon continued to increase due to power rationing and lockdowns as
a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in certain regions of China. The price of the polysilicon began to decline in the first quarter of 2023,
which stimulated the module demand globally. Due to the substantial release of polysilicon production volumes and excess inventory,
polysilicon price declined sharply in the second quarter of 2023, and continued to decline in the second half of 2023. Module price was,
to some extent, affected by the decline in polysilicon price and dropped significantly in 2023. In January and February 2024, seasonality
combined with intense competition from certain manufacturers undermined the market sentiment, which in turn caused volatility in the
market. In March 2024, as demand picked up and inventory reduced, module prices gradually stabilized and bidding prices for some
projects rebounded slightly.
We expect that the prices of virgin polysilicon feedstock may continue to be subject to volatility, making our procurement
planning challenging. For example, if we refrain from entering into fixed-price, long-term supply contracts, we may miss the
opportunities to secure long-term supplies of virgin polysilicon at favorable prices if the spot market price of virgin polysilicon increases
significantly in the future. On the other hand, if we enter into more fixed-price, long-term supply contracts, we may not be able to
renegotiate or otherwise adjust the purchase prices under such long-term supply contracts if the spot market price declines. As a result,
our cost of silicon raw materials could be higher than that of our competitors who source their supply of silicon raw materials through
floating-price arrangements or spot market purchases. To the extent we may not be able to fully pass on higher costs and expenses to our
customers, our profit margins, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.
We may not be able to obtain sufficient raw materials in a timely manner or on commercially reasonable terms, which could have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
In 2021, 2022 and 2023, our five largest group suppliers accounted for 78.7%, 77.4% and 83.1% respectively, of our total
silicon purchases by value. In 2021, three of our group suppliers individually accounted for more than 10%, and our largest group
supplier accounted for 28.5% of our total silicon purchases by value. In 2022, two of our group suppliers individually accounted for more
than 10%, and our largest group supplier accounted for 34.0% of our total silicon purchases by value. In 2023, four of our group
suppliers individually accounted for more than 10%, and our largest group supplier accounted for 30.6% of our total silicon purchases by
value. A “group supplier” refers to an aggregation of our suppliers that are within the same corporate group.
Although the global supply of polysilicon has increased significantly, we may experience interruption to our supply of silicon or
other raw materials or late delivery in the future for the following reasons, among others:
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suppliers under our raw materials supply contracts may delay deliveries for a significant period of time without incurring
penalties;
our virgin polysilicon suppliers may not be able to meet our production needs consistently or on a timely basis;
compared with us, some of our competitors who also purchase virgin polysilicon from our suppliers have longer and stronger
relationships with and have greater buying power and bargaining leverage over some of our key suppliers; and
our supply of silicon or other raw materials is subject to the business risk of our suppliers, some of whom have limited operating
history and limited financial resources, and one or more of which could go out of business for reasons beyond our control in the
current economic environment.
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Our failure to obtain the required amounts of silicon raw materials and other raw materials, such as glass, in a timely manner
and on commercially reasonable terms could increase our manufacturing costs and substantially limit our ability to meet our contractual
obligations to our customers. Any failure by us to meet such obligations could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, ability to
retain customers, market share, business and results of operations and may subject us to claims from our customers and other disputes.
Furthermore, our failure to obtain sufficient silicon and other raw materials would result in under-utilization of our production facilities
and an increase in our marginal production costs. Any of the above events could have a material adverse effect on our growth,
profitability and results of operations.
The loss of, or a significant reduction in orders from, any of our customers could significantly reduce our revenue and harm our
results of operations.
In 2021, 2022 and 2023, sales to our top five group customers represented 14.9%, 15.3% and 16.8% of our total revenue,
respectively. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, our largest group customer accounted for 4.6%, 5.4% and 5.1% of our total revenue, respectively.
A “group customer” refers to an aggregation of our customers that are within the same corporate group. Our relationships with our key
customers for solar modules have been developed over a relatively short period of time and are generally in nascent stages. Our key
module customers include NextEra, Consolidated Edison Development, Trung Nam Construction Investment, Copenhagen Infrastructure
Partners, Spower, LLC, Enel Group and Swinerton Builders. We cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to generate
significant revenue from these customers or that we will be able to maintain these customer relationships. In addition, we purchase solar
wafers and cells and silicon raw materials through toll manufacturing arrangements that require us to make significant capital
commitments to support our estimated production output. In the event our customers cancel their orders, we may not be able to recoup
prepayments made to suppliers, which could adversely influence our financial condition and results of operations. The loss of sales to
any of these customers could also have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects and results of operations.
We manufacture a majority of our products in several provinces in China, which exposes us to various risks relating to long-distance
transportation of our silicon wafers and solar cells in the manufacturing process.
The geographical separation of our manufacturing facilities in China necessitates constant long-distance transportation of
substantial volumes of our silicon wafers and solar cells between Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Anhui, Gansu, Yunnan and Qinghai
Provinces and the XUAR. We produce silicon wafers in Jiangxi, Sichuan, Gansu and Qinghai Provinces and the XUAR, solar cells in
Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Anhui and Yunnan Provinces, and solar modules in Jiangxi, Zhejiang, and Anhui Provinces. As a result, we transport a
substantial volume of our silicon wafers and solar cells within China.
The constant long-distance transportation of a large volume of our silicon wafers and solar cells may expose us to various risks,
including (i) increases in transportation costs, (ii) loss of our silicon wafers or solar cells as a result of any accidents that may occur in the
transportation process, (iii) delays in the transportation of our silicon wafers or solar cells as a result of any severe weather conditions,
natural disasters or other conditions adversely affecting road traffic, and (iv) disruptions to our production of solar cells and solar
modules as a result of delays in the transportation of our silicon wafers and solar cells. Any of these risks could have a material adverse
effect on our business and results of operations.
Prepayment arrangements to our suppliers for the procurement of silicon raw materials expose us to the credit risks of such suppliers
and may also significantly increase our costs and expenses, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition, results of operations and liquidity.
Our supply contracts generally include prepayment obligations for the procurement of silicon raw materials. As of December
31, 2023, we had RMB5.21 billion (US$734.4 million) of advances to our suppliers. We generally do not receive collateral to secure such
payments for these contracts, and even if we do, the collateral we received is deeply subordinated and shared with all other customers
and other senior lenders of the suppliers.
Our prepayments, secured or unsecured, expose us to the credit risks of our suppliers, and reduce our chances of obtaining the
return of such prepayments in the event that our suppliers become insolvent or bankrupt. Moreover, we may have difficulty recovering
such prepayments if any of our suppliers fails to fulfill its contractual delivery obligations to us. Accordingly, a default by our suppliers
to whom we have made substantial prepayment may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and
liquidity.
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Decreases in the price of solar power products, including solar modules, may result in additional provisions for inventory losses.
We typically plan our production and inventory levels based on our forecasts of customer demand, which may be unpredictable
and can fluctuate materially. Recent market volatility has made it increasingly difficult for us to accurately forecast future product
demand trends and the prices of solar power products. We recorded inventory provisions of RMB701.7 million, RMB1.82 billion and
RMB682.0 million (US$96.1 million) in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. If the prices of solar power products continue to decrease,
the carrying value of our existing inventory may exceed its market price in future periods, thus requiring us to make additional provisions
for inventory valuation, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.
Shortage or disruption of electricity supply may adversely affect our business.
We consume a significant amount of electricity in our operations. With the rapid development of the PRC economy, demand for
electricity has continued to increase. There have been shortages or disruptions in electricity supply in various regions across China,
especially during peak seasons, such as the summer, or when there are severe weather conditions. For example, our manufacturing
facilities in Sichuan Province encountered power shortage in August 2022 as the local government imposed province-wide power
rationing measures to ease the power shortage in the region. As a result of these measures, the production capacity of our manufacturing
facilities in Sichuan Province was temporarily affected in August and September 2022. We cannot assure you that there will not be
disruptions or shortages in our electricity supply or that there will be sufficient electricity available to us to meet our future requirements.
Shortages or disruptions in electricity supply and any increases in electricity costs may significantly disrupt our normal operations, cause
us to incur additional costs and adversely affect our profitability.
Any failure or significant interruption in our IT systems including software and hardware could harm our business.
We implement the information management through almost every aspect of our business operations, covering design,
production scheduling, raw material supply, equipment management, quality control, inventory management, transportation management
and environment monitoring. Our IT systems including software and hardware may experience disruptions, outages, damage and other
large-scale performance problems due to a number of factors, including technology infrastructure changes, human or software errors,
hardware failure, computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins, fraud and security attacks, whether these problems are caused by
ourselves or by third-party service providers. These problems could lead to system interruptions, website slowdown or unavailability,
delays in data processing, leak and loss of data, malfunctions of software or damage to hardware. We cannot assure you that we will not
experience such unexpected interruptions or breakdown in IT systems including software and hardware, or that our current security
mechanisms will be sufficient to protect our IT systems from any third-party intrusions, viruses or hacker attacks, information or data
theft, human damage or other similar activities. Any occurrence of these events could interrupt our business operations and damage our
reputation. In addition, because the vulnerabilities and techniques used by unauthorized individuals or entities to access, disrupt or
sabotage hardware, devices, systems and networks change frequently and may not be recognized until launched against a target, we may
be unable to anticipate these techniques, and we may not become aware in a timely manner of such a security breach, which could
exacerbate any damage we experience.
While we have taken reasonable measures to protect the security of, and prevent the damage to, our IT systems, as well as the
security of confidential or proprietary information, it is possible that our security controls and other security practices we follow may not
be adequate or effective. We also rely on our employees and contractors to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive data, and to
deploy our IT resources in a safe and secure manner that does not expose our IT systems to security breaches or the loss of data. Any
data security incidents, including internal malfeasance by our employees, unauthorized access or usage, virus or similar breach or
disruption of us or our service providers could result in loss of confidential or proprietary information, damage to our reputation,
litigation, regulatory investigations, fines, penalties and other liabilities. Accordingly, if our cybersecurity measures fail to protect against
unauthorized access, attacks (which may include sophisticated cyberattacks), the compromise or mishandling of data, damage to
hardware or other misconduct or malfeasance by computer hackers, employees or other third parties, as well as software bugs, human
error or technical malfunctions, our reputation, business, operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected.
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Cybersecurity threats and attacks that we may be subject to may take a variety of forms ranging from individuals or groups of
hackers to sophisticated organizations, including state-sponsored actors. Cybersecurity risks range from viruses, worms, and other
malicious software programs, including phishing attacks, to “mega breaches” targeted against cloud services and other hosted software,
any of which can result in disclosure of confidential or proprietary information. As the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or
sabotage systems change frequently and generally are not identified until they are launched against a target, we may be unable to
anticipate these attacks or to implement adequate preventative measures. In addition, there has been an increase in the frequency and
sophistication of cyber and other security threats we face, and we may incur additional costs to comply with such demand.
We face intense competition in solar power product markets. If we fail to adapt to changing market conditions and to compete
successfully with existing or new competitors, our business prospects and results of operations would be materially adversely affected.
The markets for solar power products are intensely competitive. We compete with manufacturers of solar power products such
as Longi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Trina Solar Ltd., Canadian Solar Inc. and JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd., in a continuously
evolving market. Certain downstream manufacturers, some of which are also our customers and suppliers, have also built out or
expanded their silicon wafer, solar cell, or solar module production operations.
Some of our current and potential competitors have a longer operating history, stronger brand recognition, more established
relationships with customers, greater financial and other resources, a larger customer base, better access to raw materials and greater
economies of scale than we do. Furthermore, some of our competitors are integrated players in the solar industry that engage in the
production of virgin polysilicon. Their business models may give them competitive advantages as these integrated players place less
reliance on the upstream suppliers, downstream customers or both.
The solar Industry faces competition from other types of renewable and non-renewable power industries.
The solar industry faces competition from other renewable energy companies and non-renewable power industries, including
nuclear energy and fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gas. Technological innovations in these other forms of energy may
reduce their costs or increase their safety. Large-scale new deposits of fossil fuel may be discovered, which could reduce their costs.
Local governments may decide to strengthen their support for other renewable energy sources, such as wind, hydro, biomass, geothermal
and ocean power, and reduce their support for the solar industry. The inability to compete successfully against producers of other forms
of power would reduce our market share and negatively affect our results of operations.
Technological changes in the solar power industry could render our products uncompetitive or obsolete, which could reduce our
market share and cause our revenue and net income to decline.
The solar power industry is characterized by evolving technologies and standards. These technological evolutions and
developments place increasing demands on the improvement of our products, such as solar cells with higher conversion efficiency and
larger and thinner silicon wafers and solar cells. Other companies may develop production technologies that enable them to produce
silicon wafers, solar cells and solar modules with higher conversion efficiencies at a lower cost than our products. Some of our
competitors are developing alternative and competing solar technologies that may require significantly less silicon than crystalline silicon
wafers and solar cells, or no silicon at all. Technologies developed or adopted by others may prove more advantageous than ours for
commercialization of solar power products and may render our products obsolete. As a result, we may need to invest significant
resources in research and development to maintain our market position, keep pace with technological advances in the solar power
industry, and effectively compete in the future. Our failure to further refine and enhance our products and processes or to keep pace with
evolving technologies and industry standards could cause our products to become uncompetitive or obsolete, which could materially
adversely reduce our market share and affect our results of operations.
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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.
The market for electricity generation products is heavily influenced by government regulations and policies concerning the
electric utility industry, as well as by policies adopted by electric utility companies. These regulations and policies often relate to
electricity pricing and technical interconnection requirements for customer-owned electricity generation. In a number of countries, these
regulations and policies are being modified and may continue to be modified. Customer purchases of, or further investment in the
research and development of, alternative energy sources, including solar power technology, could be deterred by these regulations and
policies, which could result in a significant reduction in the demand for our products. For example, without a regulatory mandated
exception for solar power systems, utility customers may be charged interconnection or standby fees for putting distributed power
generation on the electric utility grid. These fees could increase the cost of and reduce the demand for solar power, thereby harming our
business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, we anticipate that solar power products and their installation will be subject to oversight and regulation in
accordance with national and local regulations relating to building codes, safety, environmental protection, utility interconnection, and
metering and related matters. Any new government regulations or utility policies pertaining to solar power products may result in
significant additional expenses to the users of solar power products and, as a result, could eventually cause a significant reduction in
demand for our products.
We may face termination and late charges and risks relating to the termination and amendment of certain equipment purchases
contracts.
We transact with a limited number of equipment suppliers for all our principal manufacturing equipment and spare parts,
including our silicon ingot furnaces, squaring machines, wire saws, diffusion furnaces, firing furnaces and screen print machine. We may
rely on certain major suppliers to provide a substantial portion of the principal manufacturing equipment and spare parts as part of our
expansion plan in the future. If we fail to develop or maintain our relationships with these and other equipment suppliers, or should any
of our major equipment suppliers encounter difficulties in the manufacturing or shipment of its equipment or spare parts to us, including
due to natural disasters or otherwise fail to supply equipment or spare parts according to our requirements, it will be difficult for us to
find alternative providers for such equipment on a timely basis and on commercially reasonable terms. As a result, our production and
result of operation could be adversely affected.
Selling our products on credit terms may increase our working capital requirements and expose us to the credit risk of our customers.
To accommodate and retain customers in the negative market environment, many solar module manufacturers, including us,
make credit sales and extend credit terms to customers, and this trend is expected to continue in the industry. Most of our sales are made
on credit terms and we allow our customers to make payments after a certain period of time subsequent to the delivery of our products.
Our accounts receivable turnover were 69 days, 74 days and 79 days in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. Correspondingly, we recorded
provisions for accounts receivable from third parties of RMB323.1 million, RMB584.1 million and RMB685.2 million (US$96.5
million) as of December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. Based on our ongoing assessment of the recoverability of our
outstanding accounts receivable, and the consideration of the historical credit loss experience, current economic conditions, supportable
forecasts of future economic conditions, and any recoveries in assessing the lifetime expected credit losses, we may need to continue to
provide for credit losses and write off overdue accounts receivable we determine as not collectible.
Selling our products on credit terms has increased, and may continue to increase our working capital requirements, which may
negatively affect our liquidity. We may not be able to maintain adequate working capital primarily through cash generated from our
operating activities and may need to secure additional financing for our working capital requirements, which may not be available to us
on commercially acceptable terms or at all.
In addition, we are exposed to the credit risk of customers to which we have made credit sales in the event that any of such
customers becomes insolvent or bankrupt or otherwise does not make timely payments. For example, we sell our products on credit to
certain customers in emerging or promising markets in order to gain early access to such markets, increase our market share in existing
key markets or enhance the prospects of future sales with rapidly growing customers. There are high credit risks in doing business with
these customers because they are often small, young and high-growth companies with significant unfunded working capital, inadequate
balance sheets and credit metrics and limited operating histories. If these customers are not able to obtain satisfactory working capital,
maintain adequate cash flow, or obtain construction financing for the projects where our solar products are used, they may be unable to
pay for products they have ordered from us or for which they have taken delivery. Our legal recourse under such circumstances may be
limited if the customers’ financial resources are already constrained or if we wish to continue to do business with these customers.
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We are exposed to various risks related to legal or administrative proceedings or claims that could adversely affect our financial
condition, results of operations and reputation, and may cause loss of business.
Litigation in general can be expensive, lengthy and disruptive to normal business operations. Moreover, the results of complex
legal proceedings are difficult to predict. We and/or our directors and officers may be involved in allegations, litigation or legal or
administrative proceedings from time to time.
In November 2018, one of our customers in Singapore (the “Singapore Customer”) filed two Notices of Arbitration (“NoAs”) in
two arbitrations with Arbitration No. ARB374/18/PPD (“ARB 374”) and Arbitration No. ARB375/18/PPD (“ARB 375”), respectively,
against Jinko Solar Import & Export Co., Ltd. (“Jinko IE”) at Singapore International Arbitration Centre. These NoAs were subsequently
amended by the Singapore Customer, and Jinko IE received the amended Notices of Arbitration from the Singapore Customer on
December 20, 2018. The Singapore Customer claimed respectively in ARB 374 and ARB 375 that the photovoltaic solar modules
supplied by Jinko IE to the Singapore Customer under the purchase agreement dated December 25, 2012 (“2012 Contract”) and January
28, 2013 (“2013 Contract”) were defective. The Singapore Customer sought, inter alia, orders that Jinko IE replace the modules and/or
that Jinko IE compensate the Singapore Customer for any and all losses sustained by the Singapore Customer as a result of the supply of
allegedly defective modules. In January 2019, Jinko IE issued its responses to the NoAs in ARB 374 and ARB 375, disputing the
Singapore Customer’s reliance on the arbitration clauses in the 2012 Contract and the 2013 Contract, denying all claims raised by the
Singapore Customer, and disputing that the Singapore Customer was entitled to the reliefs claimed in the arbitrations. Arbitration
tribunals in both ARB 374 and ARB 375 were constituted on September 5, 2019, which directed on January 14, 2020 that (i) the
Singapore Customer shall submit its statement of claim in both ARB 374 and ARB 375 and Jinko IE shall submit its statement of defense
no later than five months after Singapore Customer’s submission of statement of claim; and (ii) the hearing of the arbitrations shall be
bifurcated with the liability issue to be first determined by the tribunals, and then depending on the outcome of the liability issue, the
issue of remedies/damages payable to be determined in the subsequent proceedings in such manner as may be directed by the tribunals.
On August 7, 2020, the Singapore Customer submitted its statement of claim in both ARB 374 and ARB 375. In the statement of claim,
the Singapore Customer maintained its claim that the photovoltaic solar modules supplied by Jinko IE to them under the 2012 Contract
and the 2013 Contract were defective, and that Jinko IE should be liable in respect of all the modules supplied under the 2012 Contract
and the 2013 Contract. On December 16, 2020, following Jinko IE’s request, the tribunals in both ARB 374 and ARB 375 directed that
Jinko IE’s statement of defense should be submitted by February 11, 2021. On February 11, 2021, Jinko IE submitted its statement of
defense and relevant evidence. In the statement of defense, Jinko IE (i) requested the tribunal to declare that it lacks jurisdiction over the
dispute; and (ii) denied all the Singapore Customer claims and requested the same be dismissed by the tribunal. On February 22, 2021,
upon mutual agreement by Jinko IE and the Singapore Customer, the tribunal directed that ARB 374 and ARB 375 should be
consolidated. On August 24, 2021, the tribunal decided Jinko IE and the Singapore Customer’ respective Redfern Schedules. On October
5, 2021, Jinko IE and the Singapore Customer exchanged documents pursuant to the tribunal’s decision on the Redfern Schedules. On
February 19, 2022, the Singapore Customer filed its Reply Memorial accompanied by all evidence, including factual exhibits, written
witness statements, expert reports and legal authorities relied upon. On July 17, 2022, Jinko IE submitted its Rejoinder Memorial with all
evidence correspondingly in reply to Reply Memorial. From October 10 to 21, 2022, the hearing for liability issue was held in Singapore,
during which the tribunal heard the parties’ oral opening statements, evidence from the parties’ factual and expert witnesses, and oral
closing statements. According to the tribunal’s directions, the parties submitted Post-hearing Briefs on January 20, 2023 and the Reply
Post-hearing Briefs on March 3, 2023. On August 17, 2023, the tribunal issued Partial Award on Jurisdiction and Liability (the “Partial
Award”), as corrected on October 2, 2023. Pursuant to the Partial Award, 365,000 solar modules supplied by Jinko IE to Singapore
Customer under the 2012 Contract and 2013 Contract are deemed unsuitable for their intended purpose. The details regarding the
remedies to be granted (if any) and the compensation amount that Jinko IE is required to provide will be determined in the final award.
The final award is expected to be issued within one to two years. In November 2023, Jinko IE initiated procedures with the local court to
set aside the Partial Award (case number “OA 1165”). On April 25, 2024, the court dismissed Jinko IE’s application to set aside the
Partial Award. On February 21, 2024, Singapore Customer filed and served its submissions on remedies quantifying its claim at
US$38,564,987 (equivalent to RMB273 million) plus the costs of disposal of the defective Modules and interest on damages at a rate of
5.33%. Jinko IE will file and serve its Submissions on Remedies by June 4, 2024 according to the current schedule of the case. Based on
the latest submission of the Singapore Customer, our management reassessed the potential exposures with the assistance from the
external legal counsel and believe that Jinko IE has reasonable grounds to challenge the amount claimed by the Singapore Customer for
damages in this consolidated arbitration. Based on the assessment, our management concluded that its best estimate for the potential
liabilities arising from the arbitration would be RMB180.0 million as of December 31, 2023. As a result, we recorded an accrual of
approximately RMB180.0 million for this expense in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. If the
arbitration did not rule in our favor, our results of operations, financial position and reputation could be materially and adversely affected.
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In March 2019, Hanwha Q CELLS (defined below) filed patent infringement lawsuits against our company and a number of our
subsidiaries.
(i) On March 4, 2019, Hanwha Q CELLS USA Inc. and Hanwha Solutions Corporation (The plaintiff has been changed from
Hanwha Q CELLS & Advanced Materials Corporation to Hanwha Solutions Corporation (registration no. 110111-0360935) during the
course of the proceedings because of restructuring undertaken by its affiliate(s) in relation to ownership of the patent in suit)
(collectively, “Plaintiffs A”) filed suit against JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd and several of its subsidiary entities, i.e. JinkoSolar (U.S.) Inc,
Jinko Solar (U.S.) Industries Inc, Jinko Solar Co., Ltd, Zhejiang Jinko Solar Co., Ltd and Jinko Solar Technology Sdn.Bhd (collectively
“Respondents”) at the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”). In the complaint, it was alleged that certain photovoltaic solar cells
and modules containing these solar cells supplied by the Respondents infringed U.S. Patent No. 9,893,215 purportedly owned by
Hanwha Q CELLS & Advanced Materials Corporation and Plaintiffs A requested a permanent limited exclusion order and a cease and
desist order be issued against the Respondents’ allegedly infringing products. On March 5, 2019, Hanwha Q CELLS & Advanced
Materials Corporation filed a suit against the Respondents before the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware (“District Court”)
alleging that certain photovoltaic solar cells and modules containing these solar cells supplied by the Respondents infringed U.S. Patent
No. 9,893,215 allegedly owned by Hanwha Q CELLS & Advanced Materials Corporation and sought reliefs including compensation for
alleged infringement activities, enhanced damages and reasonable attorney fees. On April 9, 2019, the ITC published the Notice of
Institution on Federal Register. On April 15, 2019, the District Court granted our motion to stay the court litigation pending final
resolution of the ITC. On May 3, 2019, the Respondents submitted their response to the complaint of Plaintiffs A to the ITC requesting
ITC among other things to deny all relief requested by Plaintiffs A. On September 13, 2019, the Respondents filed motion for summary
determination of non-infringement with ITC. On April 10, 2020, the administrative law judge issued the initial determination granting
the Respondents’ motion for summary determination of non-infringement. On June 3, 2020, the ITC determined to affirm the initial
determination issued by the administrative law judge granting respondents’ motions for summary determination of non-infringement and
terminate the investigation (the “Final Determination”). On July 31, 2020, Plaintiffs A filed its petition to review with the United States
Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit against the ITC’s Final Determination. On August 27, 2020, the Respondents filed the motion to
intervene of such appeal. Plaintiffs A filed its opening appeal brief in November 2020. The Respondents filed the principal brief in
February 2021. On July 12, 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the ITC’s findings that
Respondents’ products do not infringe U.S. Patent No. 9,893,215. On June 27, 2022, the District Court entered a joint motion to dismiss
the said court litigation.
(ii) On March 4, 2019, Hanwha Q CELLS GmbH (“Plaintiff B”), filed a patent infringement claim against JinkoSolar GmbH
before the Düsseldorf Regional Court in Germany alleging that certain photovoltaic solar cells and modules containing these solar cells
supplied by JinkoSolar GmbH infringed EP2 220 689 purportedly owned by Plaintiff B. On April 10, 2019, JinkoSolar GmbH filed the
first brief with the court stating JinkoSolar GmbH would defend itself against the complaint. On September 9, 2019, JinkoSolar GmbH
filed its statement of defense with the court (the “Statement of Defense”), requesting that the claim be dismissed and that Plaintiff B to
bear the costs of the legal dispute. On March 3, 2020, Plaintiff B filed its reply to the Statement of Defense with the court. On April 20,
2020, JinkoSolar GmbH filed its rejoinder with the court commenting on Plaintiff B’s reply on March 3, 2020. On May 5, 2020, the oral
hearing regarding the validity of the EP2 220 689, Plaintiff B’s entitlement to sue, and the infringement was held before the Düsseldorf
Regional Court. On June 16, 2020, the Düsseldorf Regional Court sided with Plaintiff B and ordered that the third party cell technology
contained in certain modules delivered by JinkoSolar GmbH infringes Plaintiff B’s patent (the “Judgment”). JinkoSolar GmbH filed its
notice of appeal on July 14, 2020. On October 16, 2020, JinkoSolar GmbH submitted grounds of appeal to the Düsseldorf Higher
Regional Court. On March 1, 2021, JinkoSolar GmbH submitted appeal joinder to the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court. On September
28, 2020, Plaintiff B has submitted the request for penalty to Düsseldorf Regional Court, claiming that JinkoSolar GmbH violated the
Judgment by continuing to promote infringing products and requesting imposition of penalty for such violation. Though not specified in
Plaintiff B’s request, in general we do not expect the amount of such penalty to exceed €250,000. On November 30,2020, JinkoSolar
GmbH submitted its response to Plaintiff B’s request for penalty. On April 6, 2021, JinkoSolar GmbH submitted its second response to
Plaintiff B’s request for penalty. On August 23, 2021, Düsseldorf Regional Court dismissed Plaintiff B’s request for penalty. The oral
proceedings at the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court was held on March 30, 2023. Following this hearing, the Düsseldorf Higher
Regional Court decided on April 20, 2023 that evidence should be taken by firstly hearing a witness and subsequently obtaining a written
technical opinion from a court appointed expert. On June 2, 2023, Jiangxi Jinko and Hanwha Solutions Corporation and its affiliates
entered into a patent cross-license and settlement agreement ("Patent Cross-License and Settlement Agreement"), pursuant to which both
parties agree to: (a) grant mutual licenses to each other concerning a number of patents, including but not limited to the patents in
dispute, and payment of license fees, and (b) terminate all worldwide pending patent infringement and invalidation proceedings between
both parties (including each party's affiliates). Consequently, JinkoSolar GmbH withdrew its appeal on June 22, 2023 and Düsseldorf
Higher Regional Court terminated the proceedings by a decision dated June 26, 2023.
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(iii) On March 12, 2019, Hanwha Solutions Corporation (The plaintiff has been changed from Hanwha Q CELLS & Advanced
Materials Corporation to Hanwha Solutions Corporation during the course of the proceedings) and Hanwha Q CELLS Australia Pty Ltd
(“Plaintiffs C”, together with Plaintiffs A and Plaintiff B, “Hanwha Q CELLS Plaintiffs”) filed suit at Federal Court of Australia (“FCA”)
against Jinko Solar Australia Holdings Co. Pty Ltd (“Jinko AUS”). It was alleged that certain photovoltaic solar cells and modules
containing these solar cells supplied by Jinko AUS infringed Australian Patent No. 2008323025 purportedly owned by Plaintiffs C. The
relief sought by Plaintiffs C includes a declaration of infringement, injunctions restraining future acts of commercial exploitation by way
of importing, offering to supply and supplying the relevant products; ancillary relief by way of delivery up for destruction of allegedly
infringing product and pecuniary remedies by way of damages (including additional damages) or, at Hanwha’s election, an account of
profits; and declarations and injunctions based on the misleading or deceptive conduct claim. It is expected that issues relating to
pecuniary relief and their quantum will be separated and deferred for determination after the liability hearing. The FCA served Jinko
AUS as the Respondent and the first case management hearing was held on April 12, 2019. The FCA heard the application, and made
orders for the conduct of the proceeding at the first case management hearing, following which Jinko AUS submitted its defense and
cross-claim to Plaintiffs C’s statement of claim on July 22, 2019. Shortly before the second case management hearing which was held on
October 2, 2019, Plaintiffs C requested an amendment to Australian Patent No. 2008323025 (“Amendment Application”) on the stated
basis of overcoming prior art relevant to validity and it also appeared that one of the amendments sought by Plaintiffs C was with a view
to improving its position in relation to Jinko AUS’s defense to infringement. Plaintiffs C’s Amendment Application was opposed by
Jinko AUS and the other Australian respondents and FCA directed Plaintiffs C to give discovery and produce documents in respect to the
Amendment Application. The third case management hearing was held on December 13, 2019, after which Jinko AUS submitted
particulars of opposition to the Amendment Application and requested for further and better discovery in respect to the Amendment
Application. As a result, Hanwha subsequently dropped the amendment in relation to Jinko AUS’s defense to infringement and
opposition to the remaining Amendment Application continued for some time but was ultimately not pursued by Jinko AUS and the
other Australian respondents. The FCA granted Plaintiffs C’s Amendment Application on August 28, 2020. Following the order directed
by FCA at the case management hearing held on November 16, 2020, Plaintiffs C’s has filed its infringement statement at FCA on
December 17, 2020 and refers to certain testing undertaken in South Korea in 2018 prior to the commencement of the proceeding, and
Jinko AUS has filed a precise non-infringement statement identifying the reasons why certain photovoltaic solar cells and modules
supplied by Jinko AUS do not infringe Australian Patent No. 2008323025 on March 9, 2021. Since then, the parties have taken multiple
procedural steps required by the court’s directions in relation to infringement and validity claims and defences. The final hearing was
held from September 23 to 30 and October 10 to 14, 2022. Pursuant to the Patent Cross-License and Settlement Agreement entered into
between Jiangxi Jinko and Hanwha Solutions Corporation and its affiliates dated June 2, 2023, Jinko AUS and Hanwha Q CELLS
Plaintiffs filed the Notice of Discontinuance dated June 23, 2023, which was acknowledged by the court on June 26, 2023.
We believe that Hanwha Q CELLS Plaintiffs’ claims in all the above-mentioned cases are lacking legal merit, and will
vigorously defend against the claims made by them. We are considering all legal avenues including challenging the validity of U.S.
Patent No. 9,893,215 (“the ‘215 Patent”), EP 2 220 689 and Australian Patent No. 2008323025 (collectively, the “Asserted Patents”), and
demonstrating our non-infringement of the Asserted Patents. On June 3, 2019, we filed a petition for inter partes review (“IPR”) of the
‘215 Patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Appeal Board (“PTAB”). IPR is a trial proceeding conducted at the PTAB to review the
patentability of one or more claims in a patent. On December 10, 2019, the PTAB instituted the IPR proceedings of the patentability of
claims 12-14 of the ‘215 patent claims in view of prior art. On September 9, 2020, we attended the oral hearing of IPR of the ‘215 patent.
On December 9, 2020, the PTAB issued the final decision on our petition for IPR, finding that all challenged claims 12-14 of the ‘215
patent are unpatentable. On February 8, 2021, the patent owner of ‘215 Patent, Hanwha Solutions Corporation, appealed to the United
States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit against such final decision issued by the PTAB (“215 IPR Appeal”). On February 24,
2021, we filed the certificate of interest to participate in 215 IPR Appeal. On May 28, 2021, Hanwha Solutions Corporation filed its
opening appeal brief. On July 19, 2021, Hanwha Solutions Corporation filed a motion to remand the case to the United States Patent and
Trademark Office. On October 4, 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit denied Hanwha Solutions
Corporation’s motion to remand. On June 10, 2022, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the said final
decision issued by PTAB that all challenged claims 12-14 of the ‘215 patent are unpatentable.
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On June 24, 2019, JinkoSolar GmbH filed with the European Patent Office a Notice of Intervention in the opposition
proceeding regarding the validity of the EP 2 220 689. On March 25 and March 26, 2021, the opposition oral hearing regarding the
validity of the EP2 220 689 was held before the European Patent Office. During the hearing, the European Patent Office held that the
EP2 220 689 was maintained in amended form. An additional hearing was held on September 28 and 29, 2022, during which the
opposition division finally decided to uphold the patent with the limited claims and an amended version of the patent description.
Currently, the European Patent Office has not yet issued its decision including the grounds in writing. Following the Patent Cross-
License and Settlement Agreement entered between Jiangxi Jinko and Hanwha Solutions Corporation and its affiliates dated June 2,
2023, JinkoSolar GmbH filed the request for withdrawal of the opposition on June 26, 2023 which the European Patent Office
acknowledged on the same day.
On May 7, 2021, one of our Spanish customers (the “Spanish Customer”) submitted a Request for arbitration at International
Chamber of Commerce (Case No. 26251/JPA) against Jiangxi Jinko in connection with dispute arising out of a PV Module Sales
Contract entered into in August, 2020 (“Contract”). In the Request Spanish Customer’s claims are based on (1) Jiangxi Jinko’s alleged
breaches of the Contract by being unable to deliver the goods at the initially agreed shipping dates and price; (2) the subsequent
termination of the Contract by the Spanish Customer; (3) alleged replacement purchases the Spanish Customer has made to replace the
goods originally ordered from Jiangxi Jinko; and (4) alleged further costs and other indirect damages purportedly incurred by the Spanish
Customer as a consequence of Jiangxi Jinko’s alleged breaches and relating to the PV plant in Australia for which the goods had been
intended. On July 21, 2021, Jiangxi Jinko submitted the Answer to the Request and Counterclaim, denying that the Spanish Customer is
entitled to the relief it requests and raising a counterclaim for damages its loss of profit as well as wasted costs expended in reliance on
the performance of the Contract. On January 28, 2022, the tribunal confirmed the Terms of Reference and Procedural Order No.1 signed
by the Spanish Customer and Jiangxi Jinko, according to which, except any extension granted by the tribunal, (1) the Spanish Customer
will submit Statement of Claim before April 6, 2022 and Jiangxi Jinko will submit Statement of Defense and Counterclaim before June
6, 2022, (2) the Spanish Customer will submit Statement of Reply and Defense to Counterclaim before September 6, 2022, Jiangxi Jinko
will submit Statement of Rejoinder and Reply on Counterclaim before November 4, 2022 and the Spanish Customer will submit
Rejoinder on Counterclaim before December 19 2022, (3) the hearing will be held during the week of April 17, 2023. On April 6, 2022,
the Spanish Customer submitted Statement of Claim, which maintained the claims as the Request and additionally claimed the legal
interest accrued on the amounts requested. On June 6, 2022, Jiangxi Jinko rejected the claims and brought the counterclaim for the
wrongful termination in its submission of Statement of Defense and Counterclaim. On September 6, 2022, the Spanish Customer
submitted Statement of Reply and Defense to Counterclaim to maintain its positions. On November 4, 2022, Jiangxi Jinko repeatedly
denied the claims and claimed for the damgas in its submission of Statement of Rejoinder and Reply on Counterclaim. On December 19,
2022, the Spanish Customer submitted Rejoinder on Counterclaim. The hearing took place from April 18 to 19, 2023 in Madrid. In June
2023, the Spanish Customer and Jiangxi Jinko reached a settlement agreement ("Settlement Agreement"), pursuant to which, both parties
irrevocably waived any claims, demands, liabilities in relation to the Contract and further agreed to enter into a separate PV Module
Sales Contract ("Sales Contract") with the quantity of around 325MW, and both parties mutually agreed that Jiangxi Jinko shall provide a
rebate in the form of a credit note in the amount of US$8.5 million ("Rebate Amount") to the Spanish Customer in relation to the goods
to be purchased under the Sales Contract. The Rebate Amount shall be deducted proportionally from each payment of the purchase price
of the Sales Contract. On September 13, 2023, the tribunal ordered the termination of the proceedings upon both parties' mutual consent.
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On June 17, 2022, one of our Indian customers (the “Indian Customer”) submitted a Request for arbitration at International
Chamber of Commerce (Case No. 27085/OSI) against Jiangxi Jinko in connection with dispute arising out of a project module supply
agreement entered into in May 2017 (“Supply Agreement”). The Indian Customer further submitted Statement of Claim on December 9,
2022, in which the Indian Customer confirmed it does not pursue its claims requiring Jiangxi Jinko to repair or replace relevant modules
under the warranty certificate and amended the amount of damages as follows: (i) delay Liquidated Damages in the amount of US$363.3
million; (ii) costs arising from or in connection with the construction / installation of 32MW of additional capacity for the purpose of
making up alleged shortfall in the performance of the plant due to allegedly deficient and/or defective modules in the amount of US$14.1
million; and (iii) liquidated damages levied against the EPC Contractor by the owner of the plant in the amount of US$14.6 million,
together totalling US$392.0 million. Jiangxi Jinko submitted Statement of Defence and Counterclaim on March 10, 2023, strongly
defending itself and claiming that the Indian Customer failed to pay the invoices amounting to US$5.3 million On May 22, 2023, the
Indian Customer submitted Reply and Defence to Counterclaim. On June 23, 2023, Jiangxi Jinko submitted Rejoinder to Reply to
Defence to Statement of Claim and Reply to Defence to Counterclaim. On June 27, 2023, the Indian Customer submitted Rejoinder to
Reply to Defence to Counterclaim. On September 8, 2023, Jiangxi Jinko submitted Surrejoinder to Rejoinder to Reply to Defence to
Counterclaim. On October 6, 2023, the Indian Customer submitted Rebutter to Surrejoinder to Rejoinder to Reply to Defence to
Counterclaim. On November 9, 2023, Jiangxi Jinko sent a sealed offer to the Indian Customer which was accepted by the Indian
Customer and its related parties of the present arbitration on November 15, 2023. Accordingly, Jiangxi Jinko paid a total of
US$30,540,793.40 by December 13, 2023, and the Sealed Offer was made in full and final settlement of (1) all of the Indian Customer's
claims and Jiangxi Jinko's counterclaims as set out in the present arbitration, and (2) all claims that the Indian Customer (or any of its
related parties of the present arbitration) has against Jiangxi Jinko (or any of its affiliates): (i) under or in connection with the Supply
Agreement and the related warranty certificate; (ii) under or in connection with the module supply agreement relating to the 32MW
additional modules; and (iii) in relation to the power project underlying the Supply Agreement. On December 15, the tribunal issued an
order for Discontinuance of the Arbitration upon both parties' mutual consent. Pursuant to the Order declared by the tribunal, we
recorded settlement expenses of US$30.5 million (equivalent to RMB216 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, which was fully settled
in December 2023.
Information available prior to issuance of the financial statements did not indicate that it is probable that a liability had been
incurred at the date of the financial statements and we are also unable to reasonably estimate the range of any liability or reasonably
possible loss, if any.
In addition, failure to maintain the integrity of internal or customer data could result in harm to our reputation or subject us to
costs, liabilities, fines or lawsuits.
Regardless of the merits, responding to allegations, litigation or legal or administration proceedings and defending against
litigation can be time-consuming and costly, and may result in us incurring substantial legal and administrative expenses, as well as
divert the attention of our management. Any such allegations, lawsuits or proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our
business operations. Further, unfavorable outcomes from these claims or lawsuits could adversely affect our business, financial condition
and results of operations.
We may continue to undertake acquisitions, investments, joint ventures or other strategic alliances, and such undertakings may be
unsuccessful.
We may continue to grow our operations through acquisitions, participation in joint ventures or other strategic alliances with
suppliers or other companies in China and overseas along the solar power industry value chain in the future. Such acquisitions,
participation in joint ventures and strategic alliances may expose us to new operational, regulatory, market and geographical risks as well
as risks associated with additional capital requirements and diversion of management resources. Our acquisitions may expose us to the
following risks:
●
●
There may be unforeseen risks relating to the target’s business and operations or liabilities of the target that were not discovered
by us through our legal and business due diligence prior to such acquisition. Such undetected risks and liabilities could have a
material adverse effect on our business and results of operations in the future.
There is no assurance that we will be able to maintain relationships with previous customers of the target, or develop new
customer relationships in the future. Loss of our existing customers or failure to establish relationships with new customers
could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
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●
●
●
Acquisitions will generally divert a significant portion of our management and financial resources from our existing business
and the integration of the target’s operations with our existing operations has required, and will continue to require, significant
management and financial resources, potentially straining our ability to finance and manage our existing operations.
There is no assurance that the expected synergies or other benefits from any acquisition or joint venture investment will actually
materialize. If we are not successful in the integration of a target’s operations, or are otherwise not successful in the operation of
a target’s business, we may not be able to generate sufficient revenue from its operations to recover costs and expenses of the
acquisition.
Acquisition or participation in new joint venture or strategic alliance may involve us in the management of operation in which
we do not possess extensive expertise.
The materialization of any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Our long-term investment which accounted for using fair value option is subject to uncertainties in accounting estimates.
Fluctuations in the changes in fair value of these assets would affect our financial results.
We have invested in, and intend to continue to selectively invest in, businesses that complement our existing business and may
make other financial investments. We recognized a gain from change in fair value of nil, RMB101.9 million and RMB221.5 million
(US$31.2 million) for 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The long-term investment which accounted for using fair value option
represented our equity investment in two private companies and a Chinese public company. The fair value changes in our long-term
investment which accounted for using fair value option may negatively affect our financial performance. The fair value of financial
instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques. These valuation techniques maximize the
use of observable market data where it is available and rely as little as possible on entity specific estimates. Factors beyond our control
can cause adverse changes to the estimates we use and thus adversely affect the fair value of our unlisted investments. These factors
include changes in general economic conditions, market liquidity, asset values, and performance of the companies we invested in. As a
result, asset valuations in future periods, reflecting then-prevailing market conditions, may result in negative changes in the fair values of
our unlisted investments. Moreover, the value ultimately realized by us on disposal of these investments may be lower than their current
fair value. Any of the foregoing factors could have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
We may be subject to non-competition or other similar restrictions or arrangements relating to our business.
We may from time to time enter into non-competition, exclusivity or other restrictions or arrangements of a similar nature as
part of our sales agreements with our customers. Such restrictions or arrangements may significantly hinder our ability to sell additional
products, or enter into sales agreements with new or existing customers that plan to sell our products, in certain markets. As a result, such
restrictions or arrangements may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In October 2016, we entered into a side agreement with JinkoPower and the investors of JinkoPower, pursuant to the non-
compete provisions of which we undertake not to develop any downstream solar power project with a capacity of over 2 MW in China
after the disposition of our equity interest in JinkoPower in the fourth quarter of 2016. This non-competition covenant may adversely
affect our growth prospects in China.
In September 2017, we provided a non-compete commitment to JinkoPower where we undertake to cease developing new
downstream solar projects. In addition, for our existing offshore downstream solar power projects that we are constructing and will
connect to the grid, we undertake to endeavor to cause those projects to be transferred to JinkoPower, its subsidiaries or other qualified
third parties, to the extent that such transfers will not contravene with applicable laws and regulations and that we are able to obtain
written consent of the relevant contracting parties for those projects. This non-competition undertaking may adversely affect our
operating results.
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The NEA released a “Technology Top Runner” program in 2017, which has more stringent technology standards than other
“Top Runner” programs, to promote solar projects using higher-efficiency modules (requiring a conversion efficiency rate of 18.9% or
above for monocrystalline solar cells and 18.0% or above for multicrystalline solar cells) and most advanced technologies (especially
breakthrough technologies that have not reached the stage of mass production). In order to promote our high-efficiency modules and
cutting-edgy N-type cell technologies, (i) we and JinkoPower jointly established Poyang Luohong Power Co., Ltd. (“Poyang Luohong”),
a PRC company, in the third quarter of 2018, in which we then held 51% equity interest and had made capital contribution of RMB98
million in cash as of December 31, 2018, and (ii) we formed a bidding consortium with JinkoPower to bid for “Technology Top Runner”
solar projects, and had won a 250 MW “Technology Top Runner” solar project in Shangrao, Jiangxi Province (the “Technology Top
Runner Project”). We supplied N-type monocrystalline modules to this project, whose conversion efficiency is even higher than our P-
type monocrystalline passivated emitter rear cell (“PERC”) modules. The Technology Top Runner Project was developed by Poyang
Luohong. We sold all of our equity interest in Poyang Luohong to an independent third party, and filed the change of ownership with
Shangrao Market Supervision Administration on December 17, 2019. We currently do not have plans to develop solar projects in China
or overseas. As of December 31, 2023, we did not own any solar project in China, and we had only one solar power project in operation
and one project under construction outside China.
Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We typically require a significant amount of cash to meet our capital requirements, including the expansion of our production
capacity, as well as to fund our operations. As of December 31, 2023, we had RMB13.58 billion (US$1.91 billion) in outstanding short-
term borrowings (including the current portion of long-term borrowings and failed sale-leaseback financing) and RMB11.24 billion
(US$1.58 billion) in outstanding long-term borrowings (excluding the current portion of long-term borrowings and failed sale-leaseback
financing). For details regarding our borrowings, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital
Resources” in this annual report.
We may not have sufficient funds available to meet our payment obligations in light of the amount of bank borrowings due in
the near term future. This level of debt and the imminent repayment of our notes and other bank borrowings could have significant
consequences on our operations, including:
●
●
●
reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate
purposes as a result of our debt service obligations, and limiting our ability to obtain additional financing;
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
potentially increasing the cost of any additional financing.
Any of these factors and other consequences that may result from our substantial indebtedness could have an adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and results of operations as well as our ability to meet our payment obligations under our debt.
In addition, we are exposed to various types of market risk in the normal course of business, including the impact of interest rate
changes. As of December 31, 2023, RMB1.75 billion (US$246.3 million) of our long-term borrowings bears interest at variable rates,
generally linked to market benchmarks such as the benchmark interest rate issued by local banks. Any increase in interest rates would
increase our finance expenses relating to our variable rate indebtedness and increase the costs of refinancing our existing indebtedness
and issuing new debt. Furthermore, since the majority of our short-term borrowings came from Chinese banks, we are exposed to lending
policy changes by the Chinese banks. If the Chinese government changes its macroeconomic policies and forces Chinese banks to tighten
their lending practices, or if Chinese banks are no longer willing to provide financing to solar power companies, including us, we may
not be able to extend our short-term borrowings or make additional borrowings in the future.
We may incur gain or loss in relation to our change in the fair value of our financial instruments. The change in fair value of
financial instruments may fluctuate significantly from period to period due to factors that are largely beyond our control, and may result
in us recording substantial gains or losses as a result of such changes. As a result of the foregoing, you may not be able to rely on period
to period comparisons of our operating results as an indication of our future performance.
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Our failure to maintain sufficient collateral under certain pledge contracts for our short-term loans may materially adversely affect
our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
As of December 31, 2023, we had short-term borrowings, including the current portion of long-term borrowings and failed sale-
leaseback financing, of RMB1.42 billion (US$200.0 million), secured by certain of our inventory, land use rights, property, plant and
equipment, bank deposit and accounts receivable. We cannot assure you that we will not be requested by the pledgees to provide
additional collateral to bring the value of the collateral to the level required by the pledgees if our inventory depreciates in the future. If
we fail to provide additional collateral upon request, the pledgees will be entitled to require the immediate repayment of the outstanding
bank loans. In addition, the pledgees may auction or sell the inventory. Furthermore, we may be subject to liquidated damages pursuant
to relevant pledge contracts. Although the pledgees have conducted regular site inspections on our inventory since the pledge contracts
were executed, they have not requested us to provide additional collateral or take other remedial actions. However, we cannot assure you
the pledgees will not require us to provide additional collateral in the future or take other remedial actions or otherwise enforce their
rights under the pledge contracts and loan agreements. If any of the foregoing occurs, our financial condition, liquidity and results of
operations may be materially adversely affected.
We rely principally on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our principal operating subsidiary, and limitations on their
ability to pay dividends to us could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
We are a holding company and rely principally on dividends paid by Jiangxi Jinko, our principal operating subsidiary, for cash
requirements. Applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations permit payment of dividends by our PRC subsidiaries only out of their retained
earnings, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards. Our PRC subsidiaries are required to set aside a certain
percentage of their after-tax profit based on PRC accounting standards each year as reserve funds for future development and employee
benefits, in accordance with the requirements of relevant laws and provisions in their respective articles of associations. The percentage
should not be less than 10%, unless the reserve funds reach 50% of our registered capital. In addition, under PRC laws, our PRC
subsidiaries are prohibited from distributing dividends if there is a loss in the current year. As a result, our PRC subsidiaries may be
restricted in their ability to transfer any portion of their net income to us whether in the form of dividends, loans or advances. Any
limitation on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to us could materially adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments
or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our businesses, pay dividends or otherwise fund and conduct our business.
Although we completed the STAR Listing, we may not achieve the results contemplated by our business strategy (including with
respect to use of proceeds from that offering) and therefore the price of the ADSs may not increase, or may even drop.
In January 2022, we completed the initial public offering of Jiangxi Jinko, on the Shanghai Stock Exchange’s Sci-Tech
innovation board (the “STAR Listing”). Jiangxi Jinko is our majority owned principal operating subsidiary. We conduct substantially all
of our business through Jiangxi Jinko and its subsidiaries. Although the STAR Listing has been completed, we cannot assure you that we
will realize any or all of our anticipated benefits of the STAR Listing. Our completion of the STAR Listing may not have the anticipated
effects of strengthening our market position and operations in the PRC. Jiangxi Jinko has broad discretion in the use of the proceeds from
the STAR Listing, and it may not spend or invest those proceeds in a manner that results in our operating success or with which holders
of our shares and ADSs agree. Our failure to successfully leverage the completion of the STAR Listing to expand our production
capacity in the PRC could result in a decrease in the price of the ADSs. In addition, we cannot assure you that the success of Jiangxi
Jinko will have an attendant positive effect on the price of the ADSs.
Jiangxi Jinko’s status as a publicly traded company that is controlled, but less than wholly owned, by our company could have an
adverse effect on us.
As the result of actions that were taken in connection with the STAR Listing, including placement of shares by Jiangxi Jinko,
our principal operating subsidiary, to certain PRC investors and our controlling shareholders, Jiangxi Jinko is no longer a wholly owned
subsidiary of our company. This non-controlling interest in Jiangxi Jinko increased after completion of the STAR Listing, and the
interests in Jiangxi Jinko of these minority shareholders may diverge from the interests of our company and our other subsidiaries in the
future. We may face conflicts of interest in managing, financing or engaging in transactions with Jiangxi Jinko, or allocating business
opportunities between our subsidiaries.
We currently own approximately 58.8% equity interest of Jiangxi Jinko and retain majority ownership of Jiangxi Jinko, but
Jiangxi Jinko is managed by a separate board of directors and officers and those directors and officers owe fiduciary duties to the various
stakeholders of Jiangxi Jinko, including shareholders other than our wholly-owned subsidiary. In the operation of Jiangxi Jinko’s
business, there may be situations that arise whereby the directors and officers of Jiangxi Jinko, in the exercise of their fiduciary duties,
take actions that may be contrary to the best interests of our company.
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After the completion of the STAR Listing, given Jiangxi Jinko and our Company are public reporting companies listed on the
Shanghai Stock Exchange and the NYSE, respectively, each of them are subject to separate and potentially inconsistent accounting
standards (PRC GAAP for Jiangxi Jinko and U.S. GAAP for our Company) as well as disclosure and other regulatory requirements. As a
result, Jiangxi Jinko and our Company will periodically disclose information simultaneously pursuant to different laws and regulations,
and the information disclosed by these two listed companies may differ due to distinct and potentially inconsistent accounting standards
applicable to these two companies and disclosure requirements by different securities regulatory authorities in the composition of
investors in the United States and PRC, and in the capital markets of the United States and the PRC. Different disclosures may lead to
confusion or uncertainty among investors in the publicly traded shares of one or both of these companies. In addition, there might be
future requirements of the PRC law, including demands from the CSRC, the Shanghai Stock Exchange or other relevant authorities, that
might have a bearing on holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs. For example, during the Star Listing process, in order to comply with
the PRC law, some of our senior management resigned from our company, while retaining the same roles at Jiangxi Jinko. In the future,
Jiangxi Jinko may issue options, restricted shares and other forms of share-based compensation to its directors, officers and employees,
which could dilute our company’s ownership in Jiangxi Jinko. In addition, Jiangxi Jinko may engage in capital raising activities in the
future that could further dilute our company’s ownership interest.
Our organizational structure has become and may in the future become more complex. We will need to continue to scale and
adapt our operational, financial and management controls, as well as our reporting systems and procedures, at both our company and
Jiangxi Jinko. The continued expansion of our infrastructure will require us to commit substantial financial, operational and management
resources before our revenue increases and without any assurances that our revenue will increase.
It is difficult to predict the effect of the STAR Listing on the market price of the ADSs.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, initially launched the STAR Market in June 2019 and trading on
the Market began in July 2019. No assurance can be given regarding the effect of the STAR Listing on the market price of the ADSs. The
market price of the ADSs may be volatile or may decline, for reasons other than the risk and uncertainties described above, as the result
of investor negativity or uncertainty with respect to the impact of the STAR Listing.
Investors may elect to invest in our business and operations by purchasing Jiangxi Jinko’s shares in the STAR Listing or on the
STAR Market rather than purchasing the ADSs, and that reduction in demand could lead to a decrease in the market price for the ADSs.
Any failure to maintain effective internal control could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and the
market price of the ADSs.
The SEC, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), adopted rules requiring
most public companies to include a management report on such company’s internal control over financial reporting in its annual report,
which contains management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our company’s internal control over financial reporting. In addition,
when a company meets the SEC’s criteria, an independent registered public accounting firm must report on the effectiveness of our
company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Our management and independent registered public accounting firm have concluded that our internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2023 was effective. However, we cannot assure you that in the future our management or our independent
registered public accounting firm will not identify material weaknesses during the Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act audit process
or for other reasons. In addition, because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility
of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected
on a timely basis. As a result, if we fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or should we be unable to prevent
or detect material misstatements due to error or fraud on a timely basis, investors could lose confidence in the reliability of our financial
statements, which in turn could harm our business, results of operations and negatively impact the market price of the ADSs, and harm
our reputation. Furthermore, we have incurred and expected to continue to incur considerable costs and to use significant management
time and other resources in an effort to comply with Section 404 and other requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
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Failure to achieve satisfactory production volumes of our products could result in higher unit production costs.
The production of silicon wafers, solar cells, solar modules and recovered silicon materials involves complex processes.
Deviations in the manufacturing process can cause a substantial decrease in output and, in some cases, disrupt production significantly or
result in no output. From time to time, we have experienced lower-than-anticipated manufacturing output during the ramp-up of
production lines. This often occurs during the introduction of new products, the installation of new equipment or the implementation of
new process technologies. As we bring additional lines or facilities into production, we may operate at less than intended capacity during
the ramp-up period. In addition, the demand in global solar power product market may decrease, including the demand for solar modules,
which may also cause us to operate at less than intended capacity. This would result in higher marginal production costs and lower
output, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Demand for solar power products may be adversely affected by seasonality.
Demand for solar power products tends to be weaker during the winter months partly due to adverse weather conditions in
certain regions, which complicate the installation of solar power systems, our operating results may fluctuate from period to period based
on the seasonality of industry demand for solar power products. Our sales in the first quarter of any year may also be affected by the
occurrence of the Chinese New Year holiday during which domestic industrial activity is normally lower than that at other times. Such
fluctuations may result in the underutilization of our capacity and increase our average costs per unit. In addition, we may not be able to
capture all of the available demand if our capacity is insufficient during the summer months. As a result, fluctuations in the demand for
our products may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Unsatisfactory performance of or defects in our products may cause us to incur additional expenses and warranty costs, damage our
reputation and cause our sales to decline.
Our products may contain defects that are not detected until after they are shipped or inspected by our customers.
Our silicon wafer sales contracts normally require our customers to conduct inspection before delivery. We may, from time to
time, allow those of our silicon wafer customers with good credit to return our silicon wafers within a stipulated period, which normally
ranges from 7 to 15 working days after delivery, if they find our silicon wafers do not meet the required specifications. Our standard solar
cell sales contract requires our customer to notify us within 7 days of delivery if such customer finds our solar cells do not meet the
specifications stipulated in the sales contract. If our customer notifies us of such defect within the specified time period and provides
relevant proof, we will replace those defective solar cells with qualified ones after our confirmation of such defects.
Our solar modules are typically sold with a 10-year warranty for material and workmanship and a 25-year (30-year for dual
glass module) linear power output warranty against the maximum degradation of the actual power output for each year after the warranty
start date. If a solar module is defective during the relevant warranty period, we will either repair or replace the solar module. As we
continue to increase our sales to the major export markets, we may be exposed to increased warranty claims.
In May 2011, we engaged PowerGuard Specialty Insurance Services (“PowerGuard”), a firm specialized in unique insurance
and risk management solutions for the wind and solar energy industries, to provide insurance coverage for the product warranty services
of our solar modules worldwide effective from May 1, 2011. We renewed the insurance policy provided by PowerGuard upon its
expiration in every May from 2011 to 2019. The policy offered back-to-back coverage through a maximum of ten-year limited product
defects warranty, as well as a 25-year (30-year for dual glass module) linear warranty against degradation of module power output from
the time of delivery. In April 2020, our engagement with PowerGuard expired. In December 2018, we engaged Ariel Syndicate 1910 of
Lloyd’s (“Ariel Re”), a firm specialized in unique insurance and risk management solutions for the wind and solar energy industries, to
provide insurance coverage for the product warranty services of our solar modules worldwide effective from May 2019. We renewed the
insurance policy provided by Ariel Re from 2021 to 2022. The policy offers back-to-back coverage through a maximum of ten-year
limited product defects warranty, as well as a 25-year (30-year for dual glass module) linear warranty against degradation of module
power output from the time of delivery. In January 2023, we engaged Munich Re to provide insurance coverage for the product warranty
services of our solar modules worldwide effective from January 1, 2023. The policy offers back-to-back coverage through a maximum of
15-year limited product defects warranty, as well as a 30-year linear warranty against degradation of module power output from the time
of delivery.
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If we experience a significant increase in warranty claims, we may incur significant repair and replacement costs associated
with such claims. In addition, product defects could cause significant damage to our market reputation and reduce our product sales and
market share, and our failure to maintain the consistency and quality throughout our production process could result in substandard
quality or performance of our products. If we deliver our products with defects, or if there is a perception that our products are of
substandard quality, we may incur substantially increased costs associated with returns or replacements of our products, our credibility
and market reputation could be harmed and our sales and market share may be materially adversely affected.
Fluctuations in exchange rates could adversely affect our results of operations.
We derive a substantial portion of our sales from international customers and a significant portion of our total revenue have been
denominated in foreign currencies, particularly, Euros and U.S. dollars. Our sales outside China represented 75.2%, 58.1% and 61.7% of
our total revenue in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. As a result, we may face significant risks resulting from currency exchange rate
fluctuations, particularly, among Renminbi, Euros and U.S. dollars. For example, we expect our revenue and gross margin to be
adversely affected by the recent appreciation of Renminbi against U.S. dollars, as a substantial portion of our sales are denominated in
U.S. dollars. Furthermore, we have outstanding debt obligations, and may continue to incur debts from time to time, denominated and
repayable in foreign currencies. We incurred a foreign exchange loss of RMB355.5 million in 2021, a foreign exchange gain of RMB1.03
billion in 2022 and a foreign exchange gain of RMB938.1 million(US$132.1 million) in 2023. We cannot predict the impact of future
exchange rate fluctuations on our results of operations and may incur net foreign currency losses in the future.
Our consolidated financial statements are expressed in Renminbi. The functional currency of our principal operating subsidiary,
Jiangxi Jinko, is also Renminbi. To the extent we hold assets denominated in Euros or U.S. dollars, any appreciation of Renminbi against
the Euro or U.S. dollar could reduce the value of our Euro-or U.S. dollar-denominated consolidated assets. On the other hand, if we
decide to convert our Renminbi amounts into Euros or U.S. dollars for business purposes, including foreign debt service, a decline in the
value of Renminbi against the Euro or U.S. dollar would reduce the Euro or U.S. dollar equivalent amounts of the Renminbi we convert.
In addition, a depreciation of Renminbi against the U.S. dollar could reduce the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts of our financial results
and the dividends we may pay in the future, if any, all of which may have a material adverse effect on the price of the ADSs.
Since June 2010, the Renminbi has fluctuated against the U.S. dollar, at times significantly and unpredictably. On November 30,
2015, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund completed the regular five-year review of the basket of currencies that
make up the Special Drawing Right (the “SDR”), and decided that with effect from October 1, 2016, Renminbi will be a freely usable
currency and will be included in the SDR basket as a fifth currency, along with the U.S. dollar, the Euro, the Japanese yen and the British
pound. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the RMB has depreciated significantly in the backdrop of a surging U.S. dollar and persistent capital
outflows of China. With the development of the foreign exchange market and progress towards interest rate liberalization and Renminbi
internationalization, the PRC government may in the future announce further changes to the exchange rate system and we cannot assure
you that the Renminbi will not appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the future. It is difficult to predict
how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar in the
future. Any currency exchange losses we recognize may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to
convert Renminbi into foreign currency.
Limited hedging transactions are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. Although we have
entered into a number of foreign-exchange forward contracts and foreign exchange options with local banks to manage our risks
associated with foreign-exchange rates fluctuations, we cannot assure you that our hedging efforts will be effective. Our currency
exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert Renminbi into foreign
currency. As a result, fluctuations in exchange rates may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our operating history may not be a reliable predictor of our prospects and future results of operations.
We commenced processing recoverable silicon materials in June 2006, and manufacturing silicon wafers in 2008. We
commenced producing solar cells in July 2009 following our acquisition of Zhejiang Jinko, which has manufactured solar cells since
June 2007, and we commenced producing solar modules in August 2009.
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Although our revenue experienced significant growth in the past, we cannot assure you that our revenue will increase at
previous rates or at all, or that we will be able to continue to operate profitably in future periods. We also experienced net losses in each
quarter from the fourth quarter of 2011 to the first quarter of 2013. Our operating history may not be a reliable predictor of our future
results of operations, and past revenue growth experienced by us should not be taken as indicative of the rate of revenue growth, if any,
that can be expected in the future. We believe that period to period comparisons of our operating results and our results for any period
should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance.
Our operations are subject to natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, operating hazards, environmental incidents and labor
disputes.
We may experience force majeure events such as earthquakes, floods, mudslides, snowstorms, typhoon, power outages, labor
disputes or similar events beyond our control that would affect our operations. Our manufacturing processes involve the use of hazardous
equipment, such as furnaces, squaring machines and wire saws. We also use, store and generate volatile and otherwise dangerous
chemicals and waste during our manufacturing processes, which are potentially destructive and dangerous if not properly handled or in
the event of uncontrollable or catastrophic circumstances, including operating hazards, fires and explosions, natural disasters, adverse
weather conditions and major equipment failures, for which we cannot obtain insurance at a reasonable cost or at all.
In addition, our ingot wafer, solar cell and solar module production and their respective storage facilities are located in close
proximity to one another. The occurrence of any force majeure events such as natural disaster, unanticipated catastrophic event or
unexpected accident in these sites could result in production curtailments, shutdowns or periods of reduced production, which could
significantly disrupt our business operations, cause us to incur additional costs and affect our ability to deliver our products to our
customers as scheduled, or prevent us from performing our contractual obligations, which may adversely affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations. Moreover, such events could result in severe damage to property, personal injuries, fatalities,
regulatory enforcement proceedings or our being named as a defendant in lawsuits asserting claims for large amounts of damages, which
in turn could lead to significant liabilities.
Occurrences of natural disasters, pandemic incidents as well as accidents and incidents of adverse weather in or around the
places where we have manufacturing facilities in the future may result in significant property damage, electricity shortages, disruption of
our operations, work stoppages, civil unrest, personal injuries and, in severe cases, fatalities. Such incidents may result in damage to our
reputation or cause us to lose all or a portion of our production capacity, and future revenue anticipated to be derived from the relevant
facilities.
Our founders collectively have significant influence over our management and their interests may not be aligned with our interests or
the interests of our other shareholders.
As of March 31, 2024, our founders, Xiande Li who is our chairman and chief executive officer, Kangping Chen, and Xianhua
Li who is our director, beneficially owned 17.6%, 13.7% and 4.2%, respectively, or 35.5% in the aggregate, of our outstanding ordinary
shares. If the founders act collectively, they will have a substantial influence over our business, including decisions regarding mergers,
consolidations and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, election of directors, dividend policy and other significant corporate
actions. They may take actions that are not in the best interest of our company or our securities holders. For example, this concentration
of ownership may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company, which could deprive our shareholders of the
opportunity to receive a premium for their shares as part of a sale of our company and might reduce the price of the ADSs. On the other
hand, if the founders are in favor of any of these actions, these actions may be taken even if they are opposed by a majority of our other
shareholders, including you and those who invest in ADSs. In addition, under our current articles of association, the quorum required for
the general meeting of our shareholders is two shareholders entitled to vote and present in person or by proxy or, if the shareholder is a
corporation, by its duly authorized representative representing not less than one-third in nominal value of our total issued voting shares.
As such, a shareholders resolution may be passed at our shareholders meetings with the presence of our founders only and without the
presence of any of our other shareholders, which may not represent the interests of our other shareholders, including holders of ADSs.
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We have limited insurance coverage and may incur losses resulting from product liability claims, business interruption or natural
disasters.
We are exposed to risks associated with product liability claims in the event that the use of our products results in property
damage or personal injury. Since our products are ultimately incorporated into electricity generating systems, it is possible that users
could be injured or killed by devices that use our products, whether as a result of product malfunctions, defects, improper installations or
other causes. Due to our limited operating history, we are unable to predict whether product liability claims will be brought against us in
the future or to predict the impact of any resulting adverse publicity on our business. The successful assertion of product liability claims
against us could result in potentially significant monetary damages and require us to make significant payments. Our product liability
insurance coverage is limited and we may not have adequate resources to satisfy a judgment in the event of a successful claim against us.
In addition, we do not carry any business interruption insurance. As the insurance industry in China is still in its relatively early stage of
development, even if we decide to take out business interruption coverage, such insurance available in China offers limited coverage
compared with that offered in many other countries. Any business interruption or natural disaster could result in substantial losses and
diversion of our resources and materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The grant of employee share options and other share-based compensation could adversely affect our net income.
As of the date of this annual report, share options with respect to 11,850,500 ordinary shares have been granted to our directors,
officers and employees pursuant to our 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan, and no share options were outstanding and available for future
grant under such plan; share options with respect to 14,476,580 ordinary shares have been granted to our directors, officers and
employees pursuant to our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan; 2,600,000 restricted shares have been granted to our directors, officers and
employees pursuant to our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan; 12,000,000 restricted shares have been granted to our directors, officers and
employees pursuant to our 2022 Equity Incentive Plan; and 20,800,000 restricted shares have been granted to our directors, officers and
employees pursuant to our 2023 Equity Incentive Plan. As of the date of this annual report, there were an aggregate of 17,485,852
ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding share options granted under our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, and outstanding
restricted shares granted under our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, 2022 Equity Incentive Plan and 2023 Equity Incentive Plan.
U.S. GAAP requires us to recognize share-based compensation as compensation expense in the consolidated statement of
operations based on the fair value of equity awards on the date of the grant, with the compensation expense recognized over the period in
which the recipient is required to provide service in exchange for the equity award. If we grant more share options to attract and retain
key personnel, the expenses associated with share-based compensation may adversely affect our net income. However, if we do not grant
share options or reduce the number of share options that we grant, we may not be able to attract and retain key personnel.
Our lack of sufficient patent protection in and outside of China may undermine our competitive position and subject us to intellectual
property disputes with third parties, both of which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
We have developed various production process related know-how and technologies in the production of our products. Such
know-how and technologies play a critical role in our quality assurance and cost reduction. In addition, we have implemented a number
of research and development programs with a view to developing techniques and processes that will improve production efficiency and
product quality. Our intellectual property and proprietary rights from our research and development programs will be crucial in
maintaining our competitive edge in the solar power industry. As of December 31, 2023, we have 3,541 patents and 904 pending patent
applications. We plan to continue to seek to protect our intellectual property and proprietary knowledge by applying for patents for them.
However, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in obtaining patents in China in a timely manner or at all. Moreover, even if
we are successful, China currently affords less protection to a company’s intellectual property than some other countries, including the
United States. We also use contractual arrangements with employees and trade secret protections to protect our intellectual property and
proprietary rights. Nevertheless, contractual arrangements afford only limited protection and the actions we may take to protect our
intellectual property and proprietary rights may not be adequate.
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In addition, others may obtain knowledge of our know-how and technologies through independent development. Our failure to
protect our production process, related know-how and technologies, our intellectual property and proprietary rights or any combination
of the above may undermine our competitive position. Third parties may infringe or misappropriate our proprietary technologies or other
intellectual property and proprietary rights. Policing unauthorized use of proprietary technology can be difficult and expensive.
Litigation, which can be costly and divert management attention and other resources away from our business, may be necessary to
enforce our intellectual property rights, protect our trade secrets or determine the validity and scope of our proprietary rights. We cannot
assure you that the outcome of such potential litigation will be in our favor. An adverse determination in any such litigation will impair
our intellectual property and proprietary rights and may harm our business, prospects and reputation.
We may be exposed to intellectual property infringement or misappropriation claims by third parties, which, if determined adversely
to us, could cause us to pay significant damage awards and subject us to injunctions prohibiting sale of our products in certain
markets.
Our success depends on our ability to use and develop our technology and know-how, and to manufacture and sell our recovered
silicon materials, silicon wafers, solar cells and solar modules, develop solar power projects or otherwise operate our business in the solar
industry without infringing the intellectual property or other rights of third parties. We may be subject to litigation involving claims of
patent infringement or violation of intellectual property rights of third parties. The validity and scope of claims relating to solar power
technology patents involve complex scientific, legal and factual questions and analyses and, therefore, may be highly uncertain. The
defense and prosecution of intellectual property suits, patent opposition proceedings, trademark disputes and related legal and
administrative proceedings can be both costly and time-consuming and may significantly divert our resources and the attention of our
technical and management personnel. An adverse ruling in any such litigation or proceedings could subject us to significant liability to
third parties, require us to seek licenses from third parties, to pay ongoing royalties, or to redesign our products or subject us to
injunctions prohibiting the manufacture and sale of our products or the use of our technologies. Protracted litigation could also result in
our customers or potential customers deferring or limiting their purchase or use of our products until resolution of such litigation.
Our business depends substantially on the continuing efforts of our founders, executive officers and key technical personnel, as well
as our ability to maintain a skilled labor force. Our business may be materially adversely affected if we lose their services.
Our success depends on the continued services of our founders, Mr. Xiande Li and Mr. Xianhua Li, and other executive officers
and key personnel. We do not maintain key-man life insurance on any of our founders, executive officers and key personnel. If one or
more of our founders, executive officers and key personnel are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, we may not be
able to readily replace them, if at all. As a result, our business may be severely disrupted and we may have to incur additional expenses
in order to recruit and retain new personnel. In addition, if any of our executives joins a competitor or forms a competing company, we
may lose some of our customers. Each of our founders, executive officers and key personnel has entered into an employment agreement
with us that contains confidentiality and non-competition provisions. However, if any dispute arises between our founders, executive
officers or key personnel and us, we cannot assure you, in light of difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign
judgments or bringing actions in China, that these agreements could be enforced in China where most of our founders, executive officers
and key personnel reside and hold most of their assets. See “—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Complexity and uncertainties
with respect to the PRC regulatory environment, including the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations, could have a
material adverse effect on us” in this annual report.
Furthermore, recruiting and retaining capable personnel, particularly experienced engineers and technicians familiar with our
products and manufacturing processes, is vital to maintain the quality of our products and improve our production methods. There is
substantial competition for qualified technical personnel, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to attract or retain qualified
technical personnel. If we are unable to attract and retain qualified employees, key technical personnel and our executive officers, our
business may be materially adversely affected.
Compliance with environmentally safe production and construction and renewable energy development regulations can be costly,
while non-compliance with such regulations may result in adverse publicity and potentially significant monetary damages, fines and
suspension of our business operations.
We are required to comply with all national and local environmental protection regulations for our operations, including in
China, the United States, Vietnam and Malaysia. For example, some of our subsidiaries need to obtain and maintain pollution discharge
permits or registrations, and some of our subsidiaries are in the process of application for such permits and registrations, which are
subject to application, renewal or extension on an annual basis or within a longer period. We cannot assure you that we are or will be able
to successfully obtain, renew or extend these permits in a timely manner or at all.
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We use, store and generate volatile and otherwise dangerous chemicals and wastes during our manufacturing processes, and are
subject to a variety of government regulations related to the use, storage and disposal of such hazardous chemicals and waste. In
accordance with the requirements of the Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals, which became effective on
March 15, 2002 and were amended on December 1, 2011 and December 7, 2013, we are required to engage state-qualified institutions to
conduct the safety evaluation on our storage instruments related to our use of hazardous chemicals and file the safety evaluation report
with the competent safety supervision and administration authorities every three years.
Moreover, we are required to obtain construction permits before commencing constructing production facilities. We are also
required to obtain the approvals from PRC environmental protection authorities before commencing commercial operations of our
manufacturing facilities. We are also required to comply with renewable energy development regulations and directives for our
operations in China. We commenced construction of a portion of our solar cell and solar module production facilities prior to obtaining
the construction permits and commenced operations of certain of our production facilities prior to obtaining the environmental approvals
for commencing commercial operation and completing the required safety evaluation procedure. Although we have subsequently
obtained all required environmental approvals covering all of existing production capacity except a portion of solar cell and solar module
production capacity, we cannot assure you that we will not be penalized by the relevant government authorities for our non-compliance
with the PRC environmental protection, safe production and construction regulations, including renewable energy development
regulations and directives.
Although we did not have any material environmental incidents since 2021, we cannot assure you that our operations will not be
disrupted by any environmental incidents. In addition, the relevant authorities may issue more stringent environmental protection, safe
production and construction regulations in the future that may impact our manufacturing facilities in China or abroad, and the costs of
compliance with new regulations could be substantial. If we fail to comply with the future environmentally safe production and
construction laws and regulations, we may be required to pay fines, suspend construction or production, or cease operations. Moreover,
any failure by us to control the use of, or to adequately restrict the discharge of, dangerous substances could subject us to potentially
significant monetary damages and fines or the suspension of our business operations.
We face risks related to health epidemics and other outbreaks.
Our business could be adversely affected by the effects of novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”), monkey pox (mpox), Ebola virus
disease, influenza A (“H1N1”), avian flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome (“SARS”), or other epidemic outbreak. In particular, the
COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020 and continued for approximately three years. The pandemic significantly affected China and
many other countries, which imposed restrictive measures to prevent its spread, such as quarantines, travel restrictions and home office
policies. These measures interrupted commercial activities throughout the world and adversely affected our business operations. China
lifted most of the pandemic-control measures in December 2022 and downgraded the management of COVID-19 from Class A to Class
B in January 2023. However, if the pandemic resurges, we may be subject to further negative impact by its outbreaks and related
pandemic-control measures.
The outbreaks of contagious diseases and other adverse public health developments in China and around the world would have a
material adverse effect on our business operations. These could include our ability to travel or ship our products outside China as well as
temporary closure of our manufacturing facilities. Such closures or travel or shipment restrictions would severely disrupt our business
operations and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. We have not adopted any written preventive measures or
contingency plans to combat any future outbreak of avian flu, SARS or any other epidemic.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
We may fail to comply with laws and regulations regarding PV production in China.
On February 23, 2021, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China (the “MIIT”) promulgated the Standard
Conditions of Photovoltaic Production Industry, or the Photovoltaic Production Rule, in place of its old version, which took effect as of
March 15, 2021. The Photovoltaic Production Rule was enacted in substantially the form published for public comment, which among
other things, strengthens requirements with regard to the investment standard, product quality and cell efficiency, and sets forth
encouragement in intelligent manufacturing. Such tightened requirements may increase our compliance and production costs. Our failure
to comply with these rules and the laws and regulations related thereto, if and when effective, could result in fines, sanctions, suspension,
revocation or non-renewal of approvals, permits or licenses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
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We cannot assure you that we will be able to promptly and adequately respond to changes of laws and regulations, or that our
employees and contractors will act in accordance with our internal policies and procedures. Failure to comply with such laws and
regulations relating to PV production may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Uncertainties in the global economy and the slowdown of the Chinese economy may adversely affect our business, results of
operations and financial condition.
The global financial markets experienced significant disruptions in 2008 and the United States, Europe and other economies
went into recession. The recovery from the lows of 2008 and 2009 was uneven, including the escalation of the European sovereign debt
crisis since 2011, the impact of COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine crisis since early 2022 and the related sanctions on Russia and other
conflicts between Russia and Western countries, the Israel-Hamas war, tensions in the Red Sea, and the slowdown of the Chinese
economy in the recent years. It is unclear whether the Chinese economy will continue slowing down, and economic conditions in China
are sensitive to global economic conditions. Inflation risks have been heightened following the expansionary monetary and fiscal policies
adopted by the central banks and financial authorities of some of the world’s leading economies. To combat inflation, the U.S. Federal
Reserve has significantly raised the interest rate on reserve balances since 2022. Other major currencies including the Euro and the GBP
have followed suit in interest rate raises. While there are expectations that major economies will cut interest rates soon, they may do so
slowly and cautiously. These circumstances have resulted in significant market volatility globally. The conflict in Ukraine and the
imposition of broad economic sanctions on Russia raises the prices of conventional energy, which may benefit development of the
renewable energy. However, heightened tensions in international economic relations and the economic recession as a result of the conflict
could adversely affect us and/or our supply chain, business partners, or customers. There have also been concerns over unrest in the
Middle East, especially the tensions between the U.S. and Iran, and the Israel-Hamas war. In addition, tensions in the Red Sea escalated
in 2023. These geopolitical tensions caused disruptions in logistics to some extent, which in turn affected shipping costs and resulted in
volatility in energy prices. Furthermore, although the U.S. and China reached a phase-one deal in January 2020, the trade conflicts
between China and the U.S. have, and may continue to, put pressure on China’s economic growth, particularly our export to the U.S.
Economic conditions in China are sensitive to global economic conditions.
Any prolonged slowdown in the global or Chinese economy may have a negative impact on our business, results of operations
and financial condition, and continued turbulence in the international markets may adversely affect our ability to access the capital
markets to meet liquidity needs. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, we generated 24.8%, 41.9% and 38.3% of our net revenues from sales in China,
respectively. China is one of the world’s largest emerging markets, while the economies of emerging markets are typically more
vulnerable to market downturns and economic slowdowns elsewhere in the world. Any prolonged slowdown in the Chinese economy
may have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Changes in United States and China relations and related regulations may adversely impact our business, our operating results, our
ability to raise capital and the price of the ADSs.
Political tensions between the United States and China have escalated. The U.S. government has taken a range of action relating
to U.S.-China relations, including imposing several rounds of tariffs affecting certain products manufactured in China, imposing
sanctions, export controls and investment restrictions against Chinese companies, such as prohibitions on certain investments in China
related to semiconductors and microelectronics, quantum information technologies, and artificial intelligence; imposing sanctions on
certain officials of the PRC and Hong Kong governments, enacting legislation such as the UFLP Act, the HFCAA and the CHIPS and
Science Act, and implementing enhanced reviews of companies with significant China-based operations. Partially in response to these
actions, the PRC government has also taken steps affecting U.S.-China relations, including the issuance of the Unreliable Entity List in
2019 and the enactment of the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law in 2021. Rising political tensions between China and the U.S. could reduce
levels of trade, investment, technological exchanges and other economic activities between the two major economies, which would have
a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets. The measures taken by the U.S. and
Chinese governments may also restrict our ability to do business with entities both within and outside of China and may cause investors
to lose confidence in Chinese companies and counterparties, including us. For example, on May 8, 2023, U.S. government agents
conducted searches pursuant to the search warrants at our production plant in Jacksonville, Florida and our office in San Francisco,
California. Our production plant promptly resumed production following the search and its normal operations and production were not
negatively affected. As of the date of this annual report, we have not received any indictments or other documents presenting criminal
charges against us. In addition, new legislation, executive orders, tariffs, laws or regulations may be adopted that negatively affect
companies with significant connections to the U.S. or to China, our industry or on us. Any unfavorable government policies on cross-
border relations or international trade, including increased scrutiny on companies with significant China-based operations may affect the
competitive position of our products, the hiring of research and development personnel, our ability to sell our polysilicon products in the
U.S. and certain other markets, the demand for our products or the products of companies that use our products as raw materials, our
ability to raise capital, and the market price of the ADSs.
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The SEC has issued statements and several sample comment letters focused on companies with significant China-based
operations. Our periodic reports and other filings with the SEC may be subject to enhanced review by the SEC, and this additional
scrutiny could affect our ability to effectively raise capital in the United States.
If any new legislation, executive orders, tariffs, laws and/or regulations are implemented, if existing trade agreements
are renegotiated or if the U.S. or Chinese governments take retaliatory actions due to the U.S.-China tension, such changes could have an
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to raise capital and the price of the ADSs.
The PCAOB had historically been unable to inspect our auditor in relation to their audit work performed for our financial statements
and the inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of our auditor in the past has deprived our investors with the benefits of such
inspections.
Our auditor, the independent registered public accounting firm that issues the audit report included elsewhere in this annual report, as
an auditor of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the PCAOB, is subject to laws in the United
States pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. The
auditor is located in mainland China, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB was historically unable to conduct inspections and investigations
completely before 2022. As a result, we and investors in the ADSs were deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections. The inability of
the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China in the past has made it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our independent
registered public accounting firm’s audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to
the PCAOB inspections. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB issued a report that vacated its December 16, 2021 determination and removed
mainland China and Hong Kong from the list of jurisdictions where it is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting
firms. However, if the PCAOB determines in the future that it no longer has full access to inspect and investigate completely accounting firms in
mainland China and Hong Kong, and we use an accounting firm headquartered in one of these jurisdictions to issue an audit report on our
financial statements filed with the SEC, we and investors in the ADSs would be deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections again,
which could cause investors and potential investors in the ADSs to lose confidence in our audit procedures and reported financial information
and the quality of our financial statements.
The ADSs may be prohibited from trading in the United States under the HFCAA in the future if the PCAOB is unable to inspect or
investigate completely auditors located in China. The delisting of the ADSs, or the threat of their being delisted, may materially and
adversely affect the value of your investment.
Pursuant to the HFCAA, if the SEC determines that we have filed audit reports issued by a registered public accounting firm
that has not been subject to inspections by the PCAOB for two consecutive years, the SEC will prohibit our shares or ADSs from being
traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States. Pursuant to amendment made to
the HFCAA in 2022, the PCAOB may determine that it is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms
in any foreign jurisdictions because of positions taken by any foreign authority, rather than an authority in the location in which the firms
are headquartered or in which they have a branch or office, as was the case under the original version of the HFCAA.
On December 16, 2021, the PCAOB issued a report to notify the SEC of its determination that the PCAOB was unable to inspect or
investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong and our auditor was subject to that
determination. On May 26, 2022, the SEC conclusively listed us as a “Commission-Identified Issuer” under the HFCAA following the filing of
our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB removed mainland China and
Hong Kong from the list of jurisdictions where it is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms. For this
reason, we were not for the fiscal year of 2022, and do not expect to be for the fiscal year of 2023 or the foreseeable future, identified as a
Commission-Identified Issuer under the HFCAA in respect of our annual report on Form 20-F.
Each year, the PCAOB will determine whether it can inspect and investigate completely audit firms in mainland China and Hong
Kong, among other jurisdictions. If the PCAOB determines in the future that it no longer has full access to inspect and investigate completely
accounting firms in mainland China and Hong Kong and we use an accounting firm headquartered in one of these jurisdictions to issue an audit
report on our financial statements filed with the SEC, we would be identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer following the filing of the
annual report on Form 20-F for the relevant fiscal year. In accordance with the HFCAA, our securities would be prohibited from being traded on
a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States if we are identified as a Commission-Identified
Issuer for two consecutive years in the future. If our shares and ADSs are prohibited from trading in the United States, there is no certainty that
we will be able to list on a non-U.S. exchange or that a market for our shares will develop outside of the United States. A prohibition of being
able to trade in the United States would substantially impair your ability to sell or purchase the ADSs when you wish to do so, and the risk and
uncertainty associated with delisting would have a negative impact on the price of the ADSs. Also, such a prohibition would significantly affect
our ability to raise capital on terms acceptable to us, or at all, which would have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition,
and prospects.
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The approval of the MOFCOM for or in connection with our corporate restructuring in 2007 and 2008 may be subject to revocation,
which will have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and trading price of the ADSs.
On August 8, 2006, six PRC governmental and regulatory agencies, including the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s
Republic of China (the “MOFCOM”), and the CSRC promulgated a rule entitled “Provisions Regarding Mergers and Acquisitions of
Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors”, or Circular 10, which became effective on September 8, 2006 and was amended in June
2009. Article 11 of Circular 10 requires PRC domestic enterprises or domestic natural persons to obtain the prior approval of MOFCOM
when an offshore company established or controlled by them proposes to merge with or acquire a PRC domestic company with which
such enterprises or persons have a connected relationship.
On January 1, 2020, the Foreign Investment Law of the People’s Republic of China (the “Foreign Investment Law”) came into
effect. On February 5, 2020, the MOFCOM stated in a reply to the public that the provisions in Circular 10 do not conflict with the
Foreign Investment Law and its implementing regulations should continue to apply. The MOFCOM will, in conjunction with the
implementation of the Foreign Investment Law and its implementing regulations, study relevant issues related to Circular 10 and start
relevant work at appropriate time to further improve the foreign mergers and acquisitions system under the framework of the Foreign
Investment Law.
We undertook a restructuring in 2007, or the 2007 Restructuring, and our founders and JinkoSolar Investment Limited
(“JinkoSolar Investment”) (previously known as JinkoSolar Technology Limited and Paker Technology Limited), obtained the approval
of Jiangxi MOFCOM, for the acquisition of certain equity interest in Jiangxi Desun and the pledge by our founders of their equity
interest in Jiangxi Desun to JinkoSolar Investment, or the 2007 acquisition and pledge. However, because our founders are PRC natural
persons and they controlled both JinkoSolar Investment and Jiangxi Desun, the 2007 acquisition and pledge would be subject to Article
11 of Circular 10 and therefore subject to approval by MOFCOM at the central government level. To remedy this past non-compliance,
we undertook another corporate restructuring in 2008, or the 2008 Restructuring, under which the share pledge was terminated on July
28, 2008 and JinkoSolar Investment transferred all of its equity interest in Jiangxi Desun to Long Faith Creation Limited (“Long Faith”),
an unrelated Hong Kong company, on July 31, 2008. In addition, on November 11, 2008, we received written confirmation from Jiangxi
MOFCOM in its reply to our inquiry that there had been no modification to the former approvals for the 2007 acquisition and pledge and
JinkoSolar Investment’s transfer of its equity interest in Jiangxi Desun to Long Faith, and we might continue to rely on those approvals
for further transactions. Nevertheless, we cannot assure you that MOFCOM will not revoke such approval and subject us to regulatory
actions, penalties or other sanctions because of such past non-compliance. If the approval of Jiangxi MOFCOM for the 2007 acquisition
and pledge were revoked and we were not able to obtain MOFCOM’s retrospective approval for the 2007 acquisition and pledge, Jiangxi
Desun may be required to return the tax benefits to which only a foreign-invested enterprise was entitled and which were recognized by
us during the period from April 10, 2007 to December 31, 2007, and the profit distribution to JinkoSolar Investment in December 2008
may be required to be unwound. Under an indemnification letter issued by our founders to us, our founders have agreed to indemnify us
for any monetary losses we may incur as a result of any violation of Circular 10 in connection with the restructuring we undertook in
2007. We cannot assure you, however, that this indemnification letter will be enforceable under the PRC law, our founders will have
sufficient resources to fully indemnify us for such losses, or that we will not otherwise suffer damages to our business and reputation as a
result of any sanctions for such non-compliance.
Meanwhile, given the uncertainty with respect to the interpretation of what constitutes a merger with or acquisition of a PRC
domestic enterprise under the Circular 10, we cannot assure you that the 2008 Restructuring is in all respects compliance with Circular
10. If MOFCOM subsequently determines that its approval of the 2008 Restructuring was required, we may face regulatory actions or
other sanctions by MOFCOM or other PRC regulatory agencies. Such actions may include compelling us to terminate the contracts
between Jiangxi Desun and us, the limitation of our operating privileges in China, the imposition of fines and penalties on our operations
in China, restrictions or prohibition on the payment or remittance of dividends by Jiangxi Jinko or others that may have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of the
ADSs.
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Changes in political and economic policies of the PRC government could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic
growth of the PRC, which could reduce the demand for our products and materially adversely affect our competitive position.
Our business is primarily based in the PRC and a portion of our sales are made in the PRC. Accordingly, our business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects are affected significantly by economic, political and legal developments in the PRC. The
PRC economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including:
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the level of government involvement;
the level of development;
the growth rate;
the control of foreign exchange; and
the allocation of resources.
While the PRC economy has grown significantly in the past 30 years, the growth has been uneven, both geographically and
among various sectors of the economy. The PRC government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and
guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures benefit the overall PRC economy, but may have a negative effect on us. For
example, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected by government control over capital
investments or changes in tax regulations that are applicable to us.
The PRC economy has been transitioning from a planned economy to a more market-oriented economy. Although in recent
years the PRC government has implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of
state ownership of productive assets and the establishment of sound corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of
the productive assets in China is still owned by the PRC government. The continued control of these assets and other aspects of the
national economy by the PRC government could materially adversely affect our business. The PRC government also exercises control
over China’s economic growth through allocating resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting
monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. We cannot predict whether changes in
China’s political, economic and social conditions, laws, regulations and policies will have any material adverse effect on our current or
future business, financial condition and results of operations.
Complexity and uncertainties with respect to the PRC regulatory environment, including the interpretation and enforcement of PRC
laws and regulations, could have a material adverse effect on us.
We are incorporated in Cayman Islands and are subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investment in China and, in
particular, laws applicable to wholly foreign owned companies. The PRC legal system is based on written statutes. Prior court decisions
have limited precedential value. Since 1979, PRC legislation and regulations have significantly enhanced the protections afforded to
various forms of foreign investments in China. However, since these laws and regulations are relatively new and the PRC regulatory
environment continues to rapidly evolve, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform and enforcement
of these laws, regulations and rules involve uncertainties and inconsistencies, which may limit legal protections available to us. For
example, we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce the legal protection that we enjoy either by law or
contract. However, since PRC administrative authorities and courts have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory
and contractual terms, it may be difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal
protection we enjoy. These uncertainties may impede our ability to obtain or maintain licenses and permits or enforce the contracts we
have entered into with our business partners, clients and suppliers. In addition, such uncertainties, including the inability to obtain or
maintain licenses and permits and enforce our contracts, could materially adversely affect our business and operations. Rules and
regulations in China may change quickly. In recent years, Chinese regulators have announced regulatory actions aimed at providing the
Chinese government with greater oversight over certain sectors of China’s economy. Although the solar power industry has not been
directly affected, we cannot guarantee that the Chinese government will not in the future take regulatory actions that materially adversely
affect the business environment and financial markets in China as they relate to us, our ability to operate our business, our liquidity and
our access to capital.
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Furthermore, the implementation of intellectual property-related laws varies in different jurisdictions. These intellectual
property laws may still be evolving and may not afford effective protection to us. In addition,, we cannot predict the effect of future
developments in the PRC regulatory environment, including the promulgation of new laws, changes to existing laws or the interpretation
or enforcement thereof, or the preemption of national laws by local regulations. In addition, due to jurisdictional limitations, matters of
comity and various other factors, the SEC, U.S. Department of Justice and other U.S. authorities may be limited in their ability to pursue
bad actors, including in instances of fraud, in the PRC. For example, there are significant legal and other obstacles to obtaining
information needed for investigations or litigation in the PRC. Similar limitations apply to the pursuit of actions against individuals,
including officers, directors and individual gatekeepers, who may have engaged in fraud or other wrongdoing. See “—It may be difficult
to effect service of process on, or to enforce any judgments obtained outside the PRC against, us, our directors, or our senior
management members who live inside the PRC.” Moreover, local authorities in the PRC may be constrained in their ability to assist U.S.
authorities and overseas investors. In addition, according to Article 177 of the PRC Securities Law, which became effective in March
2020, no overseas securities regulator, including the SEC, PCAOB, and the Department of Justice, can directly conduct investigations or
evidence collection activities within the PRC and no entity or individual in China may provide documents and information relating to
securities business activities to overseas regulators without Chinese government approval. Furthermore, shareholder claims that are
common in the U.S., including class action under securities laws and fraud claims, generally are difficult or impossible to pursue as a
matter of law or practicality in the PRC. Investors in the PRC may not have the ability to pursue or seek certain legal claims and
remedies against China-based Issuers, or their officers, directors, and gatekeepers in U.S. courts as private plaintiffs, and may have to
rely on domestic legal claims and remedies that are available in the PRC, which can be significantly different from those available in the
United States and difficult to pursue. These uncertainties and limitations could limit the legal protections available to us and other foreign
investors, including you. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of resources
and management attention.
Recent regulatory developments in China may subject us to additional regulatory review and disclosure requirements, expose us to
government interference, or otherwise impact or restrict our ability to offer securities and raise capital outside China, which could
adversely affect our business operations and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or become worthless.
A significant part of our business operations in China are conducted in China, we are exposed to legal and other risks associated
with our operations in China. The PRC government may influence our operations at any time, which could result in a material change in
our operations or the value of our ADSs.. Any actions by the PRC government to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are
conducted overseas or foreign investment in companies having operations in China, including us, could significantly limit or completely
hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or
become worthless. Recently, the PRC government has initiated a series of regulatory actions and statements to regulate business
operations in China, such as filing requirements for overseas securities offering and listing of China-based companies, adopting new
measures to extend the scope of cybersecurity reviews and new laws and regulations related to data privacy and security, expanded
efforts in anti-monopoly enforcement, and adopting new rules to request China-based companies to fulfill relevant filing procedure and
report relevant information to the CSRC for overseas offerings. While we do not believe that these regulatory changes currently have any
material impact on us, we will be required to comply with the filing requirements for our future securities offerings and listing, which we
cannot guarantee that we will be able to complete in a timely manner, or at all.
With the trend of strengthening anti-monopoly supervision around the world, the PRC government has issued a series of anti-
monopoly laws and regulations in 2021, paying more attention to corporate compliance. On February 7, 2021, the
Antimonopoly Commission of the State Council of the PRC promulgated the Guidelines for Anti-monopoly in the field of
Platform Economy. On November 15, 2021, the State Administration for Market Regulation of the PRC promulgated the Guidelines for
the Overseas Anti-monopoly Compliance of Enterprises. We believe that these regulations have little impact on us, but we
cannot guarantee that regulators will agree with us or that these regulations will not affect our business operations in the future.
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Cybersecurity and data privacy and security issues are subject to increasing legislative and regulatory focus in China. On July
30, 2021, the State Council of the PRC promulgated the Regulation on the Protection of the Security of Critical Information
Infrastructure, which took effect on September 1, 2021. This regulation require, among others, certain competent authorities to identify
critical information infrastructures. If any critical information infrastructure is identified, the relevant authorities shall promptly notify
the relevant operator and the Ministry of Public Security. In November 2021, the CAC promulgated the Draft Administrative Regulations
on Cyber Data Security, or the Draft Cyber Data Security Regulations, for public comment. These draft regulations set forth different
scenarios under which data processors would be required to apply for cybersecurity review. However, there is no definite timetable as to
when these draft regulations will be enacted. In addition, the CAC and a number of other departments under the State Council
promulgated the Measures for Cybersecurity Review on December 28, 2021, which became effective on February 15, 2022. According
to this regulation, critical information infrastructure operators purchasing network products and services and data processors carrying out
data processing activities, which affect or may affect national security, are required to conduct cybersecurity review. On July 7, 2022, the
CAC issued the Security Assessment Measures for Data Provision Abroad, which became effective on September 1, 2022. In accordance
with the Security Assessment Measures for Data Provision Abroad, a data processor should apply to the CAC for a security assessment
under certain circumstances, including (i) where a data processor provides important data abroad; (ii) where a critical information
infrastructure operator or a data processor processing personal information of over one million people provides personal information
abroad; (iii) where a data processor has provided personal information of 100,000 people or sensitive personal information of 10,000
people in total abroad since January 1 of the previous year; and (iv) other circumstances prescribed by the CAC. Moreover, the Security
Assessment Measures for Data Provision Abroad provide that for non-compliant cross-border data transfers that had been carried out
before this regulation came into effect, rectification must be completed within six months from the effective date of the regulation. We
believe that these regulations are not applicable to us, because we are neither a critical information infrastructure operator nor a data
processor within the meanings of these regulation. However, we cannot guarantee that the regulators will agree with us. As of the date
hereof, we have not been involved in any investigations on cybersecurity review made by the CAC, and we have not received any
inquiry, notice, warning, or sanctions in such respect. However, as these are new regulations, there remains uncertainties as to how they
will be interpreted or implemented in the context of an overseas offering.
We may be subject to PRC laws relating to the collection, use, sharing, retention security, and transfer of confidential and
private information, such as personal information and other data. These PRC laws apply not only to third-party transactions, but also
to transfers of information between us and our wholly foreign-owned enterprises in China, and other parties with which we
have commercial relations. For example, on September 1, 2021, the PRC Data Security Law became effective, which imposes
data security and privacy obligations on entities and individuals conducting data-related activities, and introduces a data
classification and hierarchical protection system based on the importance of data in economic and social development, as well as the
degree of harm it will cause to national security, public interests, or legitimate rights and interests of individuals or organizations
when such data is tampered with, destroyed, leaked, or illegally acquired or used. In addition, the Standing Committee of PRC
National People’s Congress promulgated the Personal Information Protection Law (the “PIPL”) on August 20, 2021, which took effect
on November 1, 2021. The PIPL further emphasizes processors’ obligations and responsibilities for personal information protection and
sets out the basic rules for processing personal information and the rules for cross-border transfer of personal information. As of the date
hereof, we have not been involved in any investigations on data security or privacy compliance issues in connection with the PRC Data
Security Law or the PIPL, and we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, or sanctions in such respect. In addition, we do
not expect to have significant data security or privacy issues given that the nature of our business does not involving collecting and use of
vast personal data. However, we cannot guarantee that the regulators will agree with us or will not in the future adopt new regulations
that restrict our business operations.
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On July 6, 2021, the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the
State Council jointly issued Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down Illegal Securities Activities in Accordance with the Law. These
opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision on overseas listings by
China-based companies. These opinions proposed to take effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory
systems, to deal with the risks and incidents facing China-based overseas-listed companies and the demand for cybersecurity and data
privacy protection. These opinions and any related implementation rules to be enacted may subject us to additional compliance
requirement. On February 17, 2023, the CSRC released a set of regulations consisting of six documents, including the Trial
Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies and five supporting guidelines,
collectively, the Overseas Listing Filing Rules, which came into effective on March 31, 2023. According to the Overseas Listing Filing
Rules, China-based companies that have already offered shares or been listed overseas prior to the implementation of such new
regulations qualify as “Stock Enterprises”, and Stock Enterprises are not required to apply for the filing immediately until a subsequent
re-financing event occurs. However, the Overseas Listing Filing Rules, among others, require the issuer or its main operational entity in
the PRC to file with the CSRC for its follow-on securities offerings in the same offshore market within three business days after the
completion of such offerings, and file with the CSRC for its offerings or listing in offshore stock market other than the stock market of its
initial public offering or listing within three business days after the submission of offering application outside mainland China.
We had been listed on the New York Stock Exchange prior to the implementation of the Overseas Listing Filing Rules.
Therefore, we are qualified as a “Stock Enterprise” and are not required to apply for the filing immediately until a subsequent re-
financing event occurs according to the Overseas Listing Filing Rules. However, we are required to file with the CSRC for its follow-on
securities offerings in the same offshore market within three business days after the completion of such offerings, and file with the CSRC
for our offerings or listing in offshore stock market other than the stock market of our initial public offering or listing within three
business days after the submission of offering application outside mainland China. Failure to comply with the filing requirements for any
offering, listing or any other capital raising activities, may result in administrative penalties, such as order to rectify, warnings, fines and
other penalties, on the companies, the controlling shareholders, the actual controllers, the person directly in charge and other directly
liable persons. As of the date of this annual report, we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, sanctions or regulatory objection
from the CSRC. Given the uncertainties surrounding the CSRC filing requirements at this stage, we cannot assure you that we will be
able to complete the filings and fully comply with the relevant new rules on a timely basis, or at all, if we conduct listing in other
offshore stock markets or follow-on offerings, issuance of convertible corporate bonds, exchangeable bonds, and other equivalent
offering activities in the future.
Since these statements and regulatory actions are new, it is highly uncertain how soon legislative or administrative
regulation making bodies will respond and what existing or new laws or regulations or detailed implementations and interpretations
will be modified or promulgated, if any, or the potential impact such modified or new laws and regulations will have on our
daily business operation, our ability to accept foreign investments and listing on a U.S. or other foreign exchanges. PRC laws and their
interpretations and enforcement continue to develop and are subject to change, and the PRC government may adopt other rules and
restrictions in the future.
The approval, filing or other requirements of the CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities is required under PRC law in connection
with our future issuance of securities overseas, which could impose uncertainty on our capital raising activities.
The Provisions Regarding Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Projects by Foreign Investors (the “M&A Rules”) require an
overseas special purpose vehicle that is controlled by PRC companies or individuals formed for the purpose of seeking a public listing on
an overseas stock exchange through acquisitions of PRC domestic companies using shares of such special purpose vehicle or held by its
shareholders as considerations to obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the listing and trading of such special purpose vehicles
securities on an overseas stock exchange. However, the application of the M&A Rules remains unclear. If CSRC approval is required, it
is uncertain whether it would be possible for us to obtain the approval. Any failure to obtain or delay in obtaining CSRC approval would
subject us to sanctions imposed by the CSRC and other PRC regulatory agencies.
On February 17, 2023, the CSRC published the Overseas Listing Filing Rules, which took effect from March 31, 2023 and
regulate both direct and indirect overseas offering and listing of PRC-based companies by adopting a filing-based regulatory regime.
According to the Overseas Listing Filing Rules, if the issuer meets both of the following criteria, the overseas securities offering and
listing conducted by such issuers shall be deemed as indirect overseas offering and listing: (i) 50% or more of the issuer’s operating
revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent
accounting year is accounted for by domestic companies; and (ii) the main parts of the issuer’s business activities are conducted in China,
or its main places of business are located in China, or the senior managers in charge of its business operation and management are mostly
Chinese citizens or domiciled in China.
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The Overseas Listing Filing Rules provide that (i) the filing procedures with the CSRC be completed within three business days
after the issuer submits its application documents relating to the initial public offering and/or listing in overseas; (ii) a timely report be
submitted to the CSRC and update its CSRC filing within three business days after the occurrence of any of the following material
events, if any of the following events occurs before the completion of the overseas offering and/or listing but after the completion of its
CSRC filing: (a) any material change to principal business, licenses or qualifications of the issuer, (b) a change of control of the issuer or
any material change to equity structure of the issuer, and (c) any material change to the offering and listing plan; (iii) after the completion
of the listing, a report relating to the issuance information of such offering and/or listing be submitted to the CSRC and a report be
submitted to the CSRC within three business days upon the occurrence and public announcement of any of the following material events
after the overseas offering and/or listing: (a) a change of control of the issuer, (b) the investigation, sanction or other measures
undertaken by any foreign securities regulatory agencies or relevant competent authorities in respect of the issuer, (c) change of the
listing status or transfer of the listing board, and (d) the voluntary or mandatory delisting of the issuer; and (iv) where there is material
change in the main business of the issuer after overseas offering and listing, which does not apply to the Overseas Listing Filing Rules
therefore, such issuer shall submit to the CSRC a report and a relevant legal opinion issued by a domestic law firm within three business
days after occurrence of such change.
Given the uncertainties surrounding the latest CSRC filing requirements at this stage, we cannot assure you that we will be able
to complete the filings and fully comply with the relevant new rules on a timely basis, if at all. If it is determined that CSRC approval is
required for any of our securities offerings, we may face sanctions by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies for failure to obtain or
for delay in obtaining CSRC approval for our offerings. These sanctions may include fines and penalties on our operations in China,
limitations on our operating privileges in China, delays in or restrictions on the repatriation of the proceeds from our offerings into the
PRC, restrictions on or prohibition of the payments or remittance of dividends by our subsidiaries in China, or other actions that could
have a material and adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition, results of operations, prospects, as well as the trading
price of the ADSs.
In addition, our future financing activities may also need to be filed with and/or reported to the CSRC according to the Overseas
Listing Filing Rules. On February 24, 2023, the CSRC, together with other governmental authorities, released the Provisions on
Strengthening the Confidentiality and Archives Administration Related to the Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic
Enterprises (the “Confidentiality and Archives Administration Provisions”), which became effective on March 31, 2023 and aims to
expand the applicable scope of the regulation to indirect overseas offerings and listings by PRC domestic companies and emphasize the
confidentiality and archive management duties of PRC domestic companies during the process of overseas offerings and listings.
However, as there remain uncertainties with respect to the interpretation and implementation of the Overseas Listing Filing Rules as well
as the Confidentiality and Archives Administration Provisions, which both have just been released recently, we cannot assure you that we
will be able to complete such filings in a timely manner and/or fully comply with such regulations in connection with our continued
listing overseas and our overseas securities offerings in the future. If a domestic company fails to complete the filing procedure or
conceals any material fact or falsifies any major content in its filing documents, such domestic company may be subject to administrative
penalties, such as order to rectify, warnings, fines, and its controlling shareholders, actual controllers, the person directly in charge and
other directly liable persons may also be subject to administrative penalties, such as warnings and fines.
Furthermore, if the CSRC or other regulatory authorities later promulgate new rules or explanations requiring that we obtain
their approvals or accomplish the required filing or other regulatory procedures for any future financing activities, we may be unable to
fulfill such requirements in a timely manner or at all. Any failure to comply with the PRC regulatory requirements in this regard, our
ability to conduct business, our ability to pay dividends outside of China, any future financing activities may be restricted, and our
business, reputation, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected.
PRC regulations may subject our future mergers and acquisitions activity to national security review.
In February 2011, the General Office of the State Council of China (the “State Council”) promulgated Circular 6, a notice on the
establishment of a security review system for mergers and acquisitions of domestic enterprises by foreign investors. Circular 6 became
effective on March 4, 2011. To implement Circular 6, MOFCOM promulgated the MOFCOM Security Review Rules on August 25,
2011, which became effective on September 1, 2011. According to Circular 6 and the MOFCOM Security Review Rules, national
security review is required to be undertaken to complete mergers and acquisitions (i) by foreign investors of enterprises relating to
national defense and (ii) through which foreign investors may acquire de facto control of a domestic enterprise that could raise national
security concerns. When determining whether to subject a specific merger or acquisition to national security review, the MOFCOM will
look at the substance and actual impact of the transaction. Bypassing national security review by structuring transactions through proxies,
trusts, indirect investments, leases, loans, control through contractual arrangements or offshore transactions by foreign investors is
prohibited.
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Under the framework of the Foreign Investment Law that came into effect on January 1, 2020, the scope of national security
review expands from mergers and acquisitions to all foreign investment activities. According to Article 35 of the Foreign Investment
Law, a security review system for foreign investment will be established in the country, under which the security review shall be
conducted for any foreign investment affecting or having the possibility to affect national security. According to Article 40 of the Foreign
Investment Law, where any country or region takes any discriminatory prohibitive or restrictive measures, or other similar measures
against China in terms of investment, China may take corresponding measures against the said country or region in light of the actual
conditions.
In addition, even if a merger or acquisition by foreign investors is not currently subject to national security review, or is
determined to have no impact on national security after such review, it may still be subject to future review. A change in conditions (such
as change of business activities, or amendments to relevant documents or agreements) may trigger the national security review
requirement, then the foreign investor to the merger or acquisition must apply for the relevant approval with the MOFCOM.
Currently, there are no public provisions or official interpretations specifically providing that our current businesses fall within
the scope of national security review and there is no requirement that foreign investors to those merger and acquisition transactions
completed prior to the promulgation of Circular 6 take initiatives to submit such transactions to MOFCOM for national security review.
However, as there is no clear statutory interpretation on the implementation of the security review system, there is no assurance that the
relevant PRC regulatory authorities will have the same view as us when applying them. If our future merger and acquisition transactions
and other indirect investments are subject to the national security review, the application of the national security review may further
complicate our future merger and acquisition and investment activities, and our expansion strategy may be adversely affected as a result.
PRC regulations relating to overseas investment by PRC residents may restrict our overseas and cross-border investment activities
and adversely affect the implementation of our strategy as well as our business and prospects.
On July 4, 2014, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of China (the “SAFE”) issued the Circular on the
Administration of Foreign Exchange Issues Related to Overseas Investment, Financing and Roundtrip Investment by Domestic Residents
through Offshore Special Purpose Vehicles (the “SAFE Circular 37”), which replaced the former circular commonly known as “SAFE
Circular 75” promulgated on October 21, 2005. The SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents to register with the competent local SAFE
branch in connection with their direct establishment or indirect control of an offshore special purpose vehicle, for the purpose of overseas
investment and financing, with such PRC residents’ legally owned assets or equity interests in domestic enterprises or offshore assets or
interests. The SAFE Circular 37 further requires amendment to the registration in the event of any significant changes with respect to the
special purpose vehicle, such as increase or decrease of capital contribution by PRC individuals, share transfer or exchange, merger,
division or other material event. In the event that a PRC shareholder holding interests in a special purpose vehicle fails to fulfill the
required SAFE registration, the PRC subsidiaries of that special purpose vehicle may be prohibited from making profit distributions to
the offshore parent and from carrying out subsequent cross-border foreign exchange activities, and the special purpose vehicle may be
restricted in its ability to contribute additional capital into its PRC subsidiary. Moreover, failure to comply with the various SAFE
registration requirements described above could result in liability under PRC law for evasion of foreign exchange controls.
We believe that all of our beneficial owners who are PRC citizens or residents have completed their registrations with the
competent local SAFE branch in accordance with the SAFE Circular 75 before the promulgation of SAFE Circular 37. However, we may
not at all times be fully aware or informed of the identities of all of our beneficial owners who are PRC citizens or residents, and we may
have little control over either our present or prospective direct or indirect PRC resident beneficial owners or the outcome of such
registration procedures. We cannot assure you that the SAFE registrations of our present beneficial owners or future beneficial owners
who are PRC citizens or residents have been or will be amended to reflect, among others, the shareholding information or equity
investment as required by the SAFE Circular 37 and subsequent implementation rules at all times. The failure of these beneficial owners
to comply with the registration procedures set forth in the SAFE Circular 37 may subject such beneficial owners and our PRC
subsidiaries to fines and legal sanctions. Such failure may also result in restrictions on our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute profits
to us or our ability to inject capital into our PRC subsidiaries or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, financial condition
and results of operations. Furthermore, it is unclear how the SAFE Circular 37 and any future regulation concerning offshore or cross-
border transactions will be interpreted and implemented by the relevant PRC government authorities. We cannot predict how these
regulations will affect our business operations or future strategy.
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On December 25, 2006, the People’s Bank of China promulgated the Measures for Administration of Individual Foreign
Exchange, and on January 5, 2007, the SAFE promulgated relevant Implementation Rules. On February 15, 2012, the SAFE
promulgated the Notice on Various Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Equity
Incentive Plans of Overseas Listed Companies (the “Stock Option Notice”). The Stock Option Notice terminated the Application
Procedures of Foreign Exchange Administration of Domestic Individuals’ Participating in an Employee Stock Holding Plan or Stock
Option Plan of an Overseas Listed Company issued by the SAFE on March 28, 2007. According to the Stock Option Notice, PRC
citizens who are granted shares or share options by a company listed on an overseas stock market according to its employee stock
holding plan or stock incentive plan are required to register with the SAFE or its local counterparts by following certain procedures.
We and our employees who are PRC citizens and individual beneficiary owners, or have been granted restricted shares or share
options, are subject to the Individual Foreign Exchange Rules and its relevant implementation regulations. The failure of our PRC
individual beneficiary owners and the restricted holders to complete their SAFE registrations pursuant to the SAFE’s requirement or the
Individual Foreign Exchange Rules may subject these PRC citizens to fines and legal sanctions. It may also limit our ability to contribute
additional capital into our PRC subsidiaries, and limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends to us, or otherwise materially
adversely affect our business.
On December 26, 2017, the NDRC promulgated the Administrative Measures for the Outbound Investment of Enterprises (the
“ODI Measure”), which took effect from March 1, 2018, and replaced the Administrative Measures for Approval and Record-filing on
Overseas Investment Projects promulgated by the NDRC on April 8, 2014. The ODI Measure further enhances supervision of overseas
investments through reports of seriously unfavorable events, inquiry letters and related supervision systems. Where PRC citizens make
investments abroad through overseas enterprises under their control, the ODI Measure will apply mutatis mutandis.
Besides overseas investments of PRC subsidiaries, all of our overseas investments may subject to supervision and inspection
under the ODI Measure, which may materially increase the complexity of regulatory compliance aspect of our overseas investments.
Our ability to access financing could be adversely affected by PRC regulations.
Laws, regulations and policies issued in the PRC may apply to our company. For example, the NDRC issued the Administrative
Measures for Examination and Registration of Medium and Long-term Foreign Debts of Enterprises, which came into effect on February
10, 2023. Such Administrative Measures require domestic enterprises and/or their overseas controlled enterprises or branches to procure
the registration with the NDRC of such issuance of debt instruments with a maturity of more than 1 year (not inclusive). Registrations for
issuance of foreign debt may not be accepted by the NDRC for either administrative reasons or failure to meet the registration
requirements. There is also no assurance that any registration with the NDRC will not be revoked or amended in the future.
The application of relevant laws, regulations and policies issued in the PRC, such as the Administrative Measures for
Examination and Registration of Medium and Long-term Foreign Debts of Enterprises, could therefore restrict our ability to raise debt
financing and could also impose registration and reporting requirements that could affect our ability to raise debt financing in a timely
manner.
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Our China-sourced income is subject to PRC withholding tax under the CIT Law, and we may be subject to PRC corporate income
tax at the rate of 25%.
We are a Cayman Islands holding company with a substantial part of our operations conducted through our operating
subsidiaries in China. Under the Corporate Income Tax Law of the PRC (the “CIT Law”) which became effective on January 1, 2008 and
was amended on February 24, 2017 and December 29, 2018, and the Regulation on the Implementation of the CIT Law (the
“Implementation Rules of the CIT Law”) which became effective on January 1, 2008 and was amended on April 23, 2019, China-
sourced passive income of non-PRC tax resident enterprises, such as dividends paid by a PRC subsidiary to its overseas parent and gains
on sales of securities, is generally subject to a 10% withholding tax. Under an arrangement between China and Hong Kong, such
dividend withholding tax rate is reduced to 5% if the beneficial owner of the dividends is a Hong Kong tax resident enterprise which
directly owns at least 25% of the PRC company distributing the dividends and has owned such equity for at least 12 consecutive months
before receiving such dividends. For example, as JinkoSolar Investment is a Hong Kong company and has owned 73.3% of the equity
interest in Jiangxi Jinko directly for more than 12 consecutive months to date, any dividends paid by Jiangxi Jinko to JinkoSolar
Investment will be entitled to a withholding tax at the reduced rate of 5% after obtaining approval from the competent PRC tax authority,
provided that JinkoSolar Investment is deemed the beneficial owner of such dividends and that JinkoSolar Investment is not deemed to
be a PRC tax resident enterprise as described below. However, according to the Circular of the State Taxation Administration on How to
Understand and Identify a “Beneficial Owner” under Tax Treaties (“STA Circular 601”), effective on October 27, 2009, and the
Announcement of the State Taxation Administration on the Determination of “Beneficial Owners” in the Tax Treaties (“STA
Announcement 30”), effective on June 29, 2012, an applicant for treaty benefits, including benefits under the arrangement between China
and Hong Kong on dividend withholding tax, that does not carry out substantial business activities or is an agent or a conduit company
may not be deemed a “beneficial owner” of the PRC subsidiary and therefore, may not enjoy such treaty benefits. If JinkoSolar
Investment is determined to be ineligible for such treaty benefits, any dividends paid by Jiangxi Jinko to JinkoSolar Investment will be
subject to the PRC withholding tax at a 10% rate instead of a reduced rate of 5%. On February 3, 2018, the State Taxation Administration
of China (the “STA”) released Announcement of the State Taxation Administration on Issues concerning the “Beneficial Owner” in Tax
Treaties (the “STA Announcement 9”) which replaced STA Circular 601 and STA Announcement 30. The STA Announcement 9
comprehensively updates the assessment principles for the determination of beneficial ownership under agreements between China and
other jurisdictions for the avoidance of double taxation. The STA Announcement 9 has also tightened the first two unfavorable factors of
STA Circular 601. This will be challenging for some non-resident taxpayers as their treaty benefits may be denied for the lack of
beneficial ownership status.
The CIT Law, however, also provides that enterprises established outside China whose “de facto management bodies” are
located in China are considered “PRC tax resident enterprises” and will generally be subject to the uniform 25% PRC corporate income
tax rate as to their global income. Under the Implementation Rules of the CIT Law, “de facto management bodies” is defined as the
bodies that have, in substance, overall management control over such aspects as the production and operation, personnel, accounts and
properties of an enterprise. On April 22, 2009, the STA promulgated the Notice Regarding the Determination of Chinese-Controlled
Offshore Incorporated Enterprises as PRC Tax Resident Enterprises on the Basis of De Facto Management Bodies (“STA Circular 82”).
According to STA Circular 82, an offshore-incorporated enterprise controlled by a PRC enterprise or a PRC enterprise group will be
regarded as a PRC tax resident by virtue of having its “de facto management body” in China only if certain conditions are met. Despite
of those conditions, as STA Circular 82 only applies to enterprises incorporated outside China controlled by PRC enterprises or a PRC
enterprise, it remains unclear how the PRC tax authorities will determine the location of “de facto management bodies” for offshore
enterprises that are controlled by individual PRC tax residents or non-PRC enterprises, as our company and JinkoSolar Investment.
Therefore, it remains unclear whether the PRC tax authorities would regard our company or JinkoSolar Investment as PRC tax resident
enterprises. If our company and JinkoSolar Investment are regarded by PRC tax authorities as PRC tax resident enterprises for PRC
corporate income tax purposes, any dividends distributed from Jiangxi Jinko to JinkoSolar Investment and ultimately to our company
could be exempt from the PRC withholding tax, while our company and JinkoSolar Investment will be subject to the uniform 25%
corporate income tax rate on our global income at the same time.
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Dividends payable by us to our foreign investors and gains on the sale of our shares or ADSs may become subject to PRC corporate
income tax liabilities.
The Implementation Rules of the CIT Law provide that (i) if the enterprise that distributes dividends is domiciled in China, or
(ii) if gains are realized from transferring equity interests of enterprises domiciled in China, then such dividends or capital gains are
treated as China-sourced income. It is not clear how “domicile” will be interpreted under the CIT Law. It may be interpreted as the
jurisdiction where the enterprise is incorporated or where the enterprise is a tax resident. Therefore, if our company and our subsidiaries
in Hong Kong are considered PRC tax resident enterprises for tax purposes, any dividends we pay to our overseas shareholders or ADS
holders, as well as any gains realized by such shareholders or ADSs holders from the transfer of our shares or ADSs, may be viewed as
China-sourced income and, as a consequence, be subject to PRC corporate income tax at 10% or a lower treaty rate. If we are required to
withhold PRC income tax on dividends we pay to our overseas shareholders or ADS holders, or if you are required to pay PRC income
tax on gains from the transfer of our shares or ADSs, the value of your investment in our shares or ADSs may be materially adversely
affected.
Our ability to make distributions and other payments to our shareholders depends to a significant extent upon the distribution of
earnings and other payments made by our subsidiaries in the PRC.
We conduct a substantial part of our operations through our operating subsidiaries in China. Our ability to make distributions or
other payments to our shareholders depends on payments from these operating subsidiaries in China, whose ability to make such
payments is subject to PRC regulations. Regulations in the PRC currently permit payment of dividends only out of accumulated profits
as determined in accordance with accounting standards and regulations in China. According to the relevant PRC laws and regulations
applicable to our operating subsidiaries in China and their respective articles of association, these subsidiaries are each required to set
aside 10% of their after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards each year as statutory common reserves until the accumulative
amount of these reserves reaches 50% of their registered capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. As of December
31, 2023, these general reserves amounted to RMB1.98 billion (US$279.3 million), accounting for 7.1% of the total registered capital of
all of our operating subsidiaries in China. In addition, under the CIT Law and its Implementation Rules, dividends from our operating
subsidiaries in China to us are subject to withholding tax to the extent that we are considered a non-PRC tax resident enterprise under the
CIT Law. See “—Our China-sourced income is subject to PRC withholding tax under the CIT Law, and we may be subject to PRC
corporate income tax at the rate of 25%.” Furthermore, if our operating subsidiaries in China incur debt on their own behalf in the future,
the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us such as requiring prior
approval from relevant banks.
Restrictions on currency exchange may limit our ability to receive and use our revenue effectively.
Certain portions of our revenue and expenses are denominated in Renminbi. If our revenue denominated in Renminbi increases
or expenses denominated in Renminbi decrease in the future, we may need to convert a portion of our revenue into other currencies to
meet our foreign currency obligations, including, among others, payment of dividends declared, if any, in respect of the ADSs. Under
China’s existing foreign exchange regulations, foreign currency under current account transactions, such as dividend payments and trade-
related transactions are generally convertible. Accordingly, our operating subsidiaries in China are able to pay dividends in foreign
currencies without prior approval from the SAFE, by complying with certain procedural requirements. On January 1, 2020, the Foreign
Investment Law and its implementing regulations came into effect. According to the Foreign Investment Law, a foreign investor may, in
accordance with the law, freely transfer into or out of the PRC its contributions, profits, capital earnings, income from asset disposal,
intellectual property rights royalties acquired, compensation or indemnity legally obtained, income from liquidation, etc., made or
derived within the territory of the PRC in RMB or any foreign currency, subject to no illegal restriction by any entity or individual in
terms of the currency, amount, frequency of such transfer into or out of the PRC, etc. The foreign exchange control in the field of foreign
investment has been continuously relaxed. However, in practice, laws and regulations regarding the legality of foreign exchange projects
still need to be followed. The SAFE issued the Circular on Further Promoting the Reform of Foreign Exchange Administration and
Improving Examination of Authenticity and Compliance on January 26, 2017, pursuant to which the SAFE restated the procedures and
reemphasized the bona-fide principle for banks to follow during their review of certain cross-border profit remittance. We cannot assure
you that the PRC government would not take further measures in the future to restrict access to foreign currencies for current account
transactions. Foreign exchange transactions by our operating subsidiaries in China under capital accounts continue to be subject to
significant foreign exchange controls and require the approval of, or registration with, PRC governmental authorities. In particular, if one
of our operating subsidiaries in China borrows foreign currency loans from us or other foreign lenders, these loans must be registered
with the SAFE.
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If we finance our subsidiaries in China by means of additional capital contributions, these capital contributions must be filed or
approved by certain government authorities, including the MOFCOM or its local counterparts. On August 29, 2008, the SAFE
promulgated Circular 142, which used to regulate the conversion by a foreign-invested company of foreign currency into Renminbi by
restricting how the converted Renminbi may be used. On March 30, 2015, the SAFE issued the Circular on Reforming the
Administration Approach Regarding the Foreign Exchange Capital Settlement of Foreign-invested Enterprises (“Circular 19”), which
became effective on June 1, 2015 and replaced Circular 142. Circular 19 provides that the conversion from foreign currency registered
capital of foreign-invested enterprises into the Renminbi capital may be at foreign-invested enterprises’ discretion, which means that the
foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises for which the rights and interests of monetary contribution has been
confirmed by the local foreign exchange bureau (or the book-entry of monetary contribution has been registered) can be settled at the
banks based on the actual operational needs of the enterprises. However, Circular 19 does not materially change the restrictions on the
use of foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises that Circular 142 has set forth. On June 9, 2016, the SAFE
promulgated the Circular on Reforming and Standardizing the Administrative Provisions on Capital Account Foreign Exchange
(“Circular 16”), which applies to all domestic enterprises in China. Circular 19 and Circular 16 continue to prohibit foreign-invested
enterprises from, among other things, spending Renminbi capital converted from its foreign currency registered capital on expenditures
beyond its business scope. Therefore, Circular 19 and Circular 16 may significantly limit the ability of our operating subsidiaries in
China to transfer and use Renminbi funds from its foreign currency denominated capital, which may adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
The expiration or reduction of tax incentives by the PRC government may have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
The CIT Law imposes a uniform tax rate of 25% on all PRC enterprises, including foreign-invested enterprises, and eliminates
or modifies most of the tax exemptions, reductions and preferential treatments available under the previous tax laws and regulations.
Under the CIT Law, enterprises that were established before March 16, 2007 and already enjoyed preferential tax treatments have (i) in
the case of preferential tax rates, continued to enjoy such tax rates that were gradually increased to the new tax rates within five years
from January 1, 2008 or, (ii) in the case of preferential tax exemptions or reductions for a specified term, continued to enjoy the
preferential tax holiday until the expiration of such term.
Jiangxi Jinko, Zhejiang Jinko, Haining Jinko, Yiwu Jinko, Shangrao Jinko, Zhejiang New Materials and Anhui Jinko were
designated by the relevant local authorities as “High and New Technology Enterprises” under the CIT Law. Zhejiang Jinko and Yiwu
Jinko were designated by the relevant local authorities as a “High and New Technology Enterprise” in 2021, and will enjoy the
preferential tax rate of 15% from 2021 to 2023. Jiangxi Jinko, Haining Jinko, Shangrao Jinko and Zhejiang New Materials were
designated by the relevant local authorities as a “High and New Technology Enterprise” in November and December 2022, and will
enjoy the preferential tax rate of 15% from 2022 to 2024. Anhui Jinko was designated by the relevant local authorities as a “High and
New Technology Enterprise” in November 2023, and will enjoy the preferential tax rate of 15% from 2023 to 2025. Jinko Jinchang,
Sichuan Jinko, Leshan Jinko, Qinghai Jinko and Chuxiong Jinko were designated by the relevant local authorities as an “Enterprise in the
Encouraged Industry”. According to the “Announcement on Continuation of CIT Policies for Large-scale Development in the Western
Region” published on April 23, 2020, enterprises in the encouraged industries that are established in the western region of China can
continue to enjoy a preferential tax rate of 15% till December 31, 2030. However, we cannot assure you that the above subsidiaries will
continue to qualify as “High and New Technology Enterprises” or “Enterprise in the Encouraged Industries” as they are subject to
reevaluation in the near future. In addition, there are uncertainties on how the CIT Law and the Implementation Rules of the CIT Law
will be enforced, and whether the future implementation of these rules will be consistent with the current interpretation. If the corporate
income tax rates of some of our PRC subsidiaries increase, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely
affected.
According to the Provisional Regulation of the PRC on Value-Added Tax as amended on November 19, 2017 and its
implementing rules, and the Announcement on Relevant Policies for Deepening Value-Added Tax Reform promulgated on March 20,
2019, effective from the date of April 1, 2019, gross proceeds from sales and importation of goods and provision of services are
generally subject to a value-added tax (“VAT”) at 13%, instead of 16%, with exceptions for certain categories of goods that are taxed at a
rate at 9%, instead of 10%.
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The State Council promulgated the Circular of the State Council on Cleaning up and Standardizing Preferential Policies on Tax
and Other Aspects (“Circular 62”), on November 27, 2014 in an effort to render the preferential policies on tax, non-tax income, fiscal
expenditure, and other aspects of the local government consistent with the PRC central laws and regulations. According to the Circular
62, the local tax authorities shall conduct the special clean-up action, which leads to preferential policies violating PRC central laws and
regulations being declared ineffective and repealed and preferential policies not violating PRC central laws and regulations being
retained. In addition, the special clean-up action requires that all provincial governments and relevant authorities shall, prior to the end of
March 2015, report the outcome of the special clean-up action in respect of preferential policies on tax and other aspects to the Ministry
of Finance, and the Ministry of Finance shall then forward the outcome to the State Council for final determination. On May 10, 2015,
the State Council issued the Circular on Matters Relating to Preferential Policies for Tax and Other Aspects (“Circular 25”), which
suspended the implementation of special clean-up action of Circular 62. Circular 25 provides that in respect of existing local preferential
policies with specified time limit, such time limit shall still apply; if there is no specified time limit, the local governments shall have the
discretion to set up a transitional period to adjust the policies. Furthermore, it provides that preferential tax policies stipulated in the
agreements between local governments and enterprises remain valid and the implemented part of the policies shall not be retrospectively
affected. However, it is not clear whether or not and when the special clean-up action will resume. The repeal of any preferential policy
on tax and other aspects may materially adversely affect our financial condition and business operations.
We face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC tax resident enterprises by non-PRC holding
companies.
Under the current PRC tax regulations, indirect transfers of equity interests and other properties of PRC tax resident enterprises
by non-PRC holding companies may be subject to PRC tax. In accordance with the Announcement of the State Taxation Administration
on Several Issues concerning the Enterprise Income Tax on the Indirect Transfers of Properties by Non-Resident Enterprises (“STA
Announcement 7”), issued by the STA on February 3, 2015, if a non-PRC tax resident enterprise indirectly transfers equities and other
properties of a PRC tax resident enterprise and such indirect transfer will produce a result identical or substantially similar to direct
transfer of equity interests and other properties of the PRC tax resident enterprise, the non-PRC tax resident enterprise may be subject to
PRC withholding tax at a rate up to 10%. The Announcement of the State Taxation Administration on Matters Concerning Withholding
of Income Tax of Non-resident Enterprises at Source (“STA Announcement 37”), which was issued by the STA on October 17, 2017 and
became effective on December 1, 2017, renovates the principles and procedures concerning the indirect equity transfer tax withholding
for a non-PRC tax resident enterprise. Failure to comply with the tax payment obligations by a non-PRC tax resident will result in
penalties, including full payment of tax owed, fines and default interest on those tax.
According to STA Announcement 7, where a non-resident enterprise indirectly transfers equity interests or other properties of
PRC tax resident enterprises, (“PRC Taxable Property”) to avoid its tax liabilities by implementing arrangements without reasonable
commercial purpose, such indirect transfer shall be re-characterized and recognized as a direct transfer of PRC Taxable Property. As a
result, gains derived from such indirect transfer and attributable to PRC Taxable Property may be subject to PRC withholding tax at a
rate of up to 10%. In the case of an indirect transfer of property of establishments of a foreign enterprise in the PRC, the applicable tax
rate would be 25%. STA Announcement 7 also illustrates certain circumstances which would indicate a lack of reasonable commercial
purpose. STA Announcement 7 further sets forth certain “safe harbors” which would be deemed to have a reasonable commercial
purpose. As a general principle, the STA also issued the Administration of General Anti-Tax Avoidance (Trial Implementation)
(“GATA”), which became effective on February 1, 2015 and empowers the PRC tax authorities to apply special tax adjustments for “tax
avoidance arrangements.”
There is uncertainty as to the application of STA Announcement 7 as well as the newly issued STA Announcement 37 and
GATA. For example, it may be difficult to evaluate whether or not the transaction has a reasonable commercial purpose, and such
evaluation may be based on ambiguous criteria which have not been formally declared or stated by tax authorities. As a result, any of our
disposals or acquisitions of the equity interests of non-PRC entities which indirectly hold PRC Taxable Property or any offshore
transaction related to PRC Taxable Property, including potential overseas restructuring, might be deemed an indirect transfer under PRC
tax regulations. Therefore, we may be at risk of being taxed under STA Announcement 7 and STA Announcement 37 and we may be
required to expend valuable resources to comply with STA Announcement 7 and STA Announcement 37 or to establish that we should
not be taxed thereunder, which may materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
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As a foreign company, our acquisitions of PRC companies may take longer and be subject to higher level of scrutiny by the PRC
government, which may delay or prevent any intended acquisition.
Circular 10 established additional procedures and requirements including the requirements that in certain instances foreign
investors obtain MOFCOM’s approval when they acquire equity or assets of a PRC domestic enterprise. According to Article 35 of the
Foreign Investment Law, a security review system for foreign investment will be established in the country, under which the security
review shall be conducted for any foreign investment affecting or having the possibility to affect national security. According to Article
40 of the Foreign Investment Law, where any country or region takes any discriminatory prohibitive or restrictive measures, or other
similar measures against the People’s Republic of China in terms of investment, the People’s Republic of China may take corresponding
measures against the said country or region in light of the actual conditions. In the future, we may want to grow our business in part by
acquiring complementary businesses, although we do not have plans to do so at this time. Complying with Circular 10, the Foreign
Investment Law and other relevant regulations to complete these transactions could be time-consuming and costly, and could result in an
extensive review by the PRC government and its increased control over the terms of the transaction, and any required approval processes
may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions, which could affect our ability to expand our business or maintain our
market share.
Our failure to make payments of statutory social welfare and housing funds to our employees could adversely and materially affect
our financial condition and results of operations.
According to the relevant PRC laws and regulations, we are required to pay certain statutory social security benefits, including
medical care, injury insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance and pension benefits, and housing funds, for our
employees. Our failure to comply with these requirements may subject us to monetary penalties imposed by the relevant PRC authorities
and proceedings initiated by our employees, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
In line with local customary practices, we have not made full contribution to the social insurance funds, and the contributions
we made to the social insurance funds met the requirement of the local minimum wage standard, instead of the employees’ actual salaries
as required, and have not made full contribution to the housing funds. We estimate the aggregate amount of unpaid social security
benefits and housing funds in China to be RMB1.60 billion (US$225.0 million) as of December 31, 2023. We may be required by the
relevant PRC authorities to pay these statutory social security benefits and housing funds within a designated time period. In addition, an
employee is entitled to seek compensation by resorting to labor arbitration at the labor arbitration center or filing a labor complaint with
the labor administration bureau within a designated time period. We have made provisions for such unpaid social security benefits and
housing funds of our former and current PRC subsidiaries. All employee participants in our share incentive plans who are domestic
individual participants may be required to register with SAFE. We may also face regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our ability to
adopt additional option plans for our directors and employees under PRC law.
All employees participating in our share incentive plans who are domestic individual participants may be required to register with
SAFE. We may also face regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our ability to adopt additional option plans for our directors and
employees under PRC law.
On February 15, 2012, SAFE released the Stock Option Notice, which superseded the Application Procedures of Foreign
Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in an Employee Stock Holding Plan or Stock Option Plan of an
Overseas-Listed Company, issued by SAFE in 2007. According to the Stock Option Notice, PRC individual participants include
directors, supervisors, senior management personnel and other employees who are PRC citizens (which includes citizens of Hong Kong,
Macau and Taiwan) or foreign individuals who reside in the PRC for 12 months consecutively. Under the Stock Option Notice, PRC and
foreign citizens who receive equity grants from an overseas listed company are required, through a PRC agent or PRC subsidiary of such
listed company, to register with SAFE and complete certain other bank and reporting procedures. In addition, according to the Stock
Option Notice, domestic individual participants must complete the registration with SAFE or its local branch within three days rather
than 10 days from the beginning of each quarter.
Failure to comply with such provisions may subject us and the participants of our share incentive plans who are domestic
individual participants to fines and legal sanctions and prevent us from further granting options under our share incentive plans to our
employees, and we may become subject to more stringent review and approval processes with respect to our foreign-exchange activities,
such as in regards to our PRC subsidiaries’ dividend payment to us or in regards to borrowing foreign currency, which could adversely
affect our business operations.
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It may be difficult to effect service of process on, or to enforce any judgments obtained outside the PRC against, us, our directors, or
our senior management members who live inside the PRC.
A majority of our existing directors and senior management members reside in the PRC and a substantial part of our assets and
the assets of such persons are located in the PRC. Accordingly, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process on any of
these persons or to enforce judgments obtained outside of the PRC against us or any of these persons. The PRC does not have treaties
providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments awarded by courts in many countries, including the Cayman
Islands, the United States and the United Kingdom. Therefore, the recognition and enforcement in the PRC of judgments of a court in
any of these jurisdictions in relation to any matter not subject to a binding arbitration provision may be difficult.
Higher labor costs and inflation in China may adversely affect our business and our profitability.
Labor costs in China have risen in recent years as a result of the enactment of new labor laws and social development. In
addition, inflation in China has increased. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, consumer price inflation in China was
0.9%, 2.0% and 0.2% in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. Because we purchase raw materials from suppliers in China, higher labor
cost and inflation in China increases the costs of labor and raw materials we must purchase for manufacturing. As we expect our
production staff to increase and our manufacturing operations to become more labor intensive when we commence silicon wafer and
solar module production, rising labor costs may increase our operating costs and therefore negatively impact our profitability.
Because we source contractors and purchase raw materials in China, higher labor cost and inflation in China increases the costs
of labor and raw materials we procure for production. In addition, our suppliers may also be affected by higher labor costs and inflation.
Rising labor costs may increase our operating costs and partially erode the cost advantage of our China-based operations and therefore
negatively impact our profitability.
Risks Related to the ADSs
The market price for the ADSs has been volatile, which could result in substantial losses to investors.
The market price for the ADSs has been and may continue to be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations, which could
result in substantial losses to investors. The closing prices of the ADSs ranged from US$25.89 to US$59.86 per ADS in 2023. The price
of the ADSs may continue to fluctuate in response to factors including the following:
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announcements of new products by us or our competitors;
technological breakthroughs in the solar and other renewable power industries;
reduction or elimination of government subsidies and economic incentives for the solar industry;
news regarding any gain or loss of customers by us;
news regarding recruitment or loss of key personnel by us or our competitors;
announcements of competitive developments, acquisitions or strategic alliances in our industry;
changes in the general condition of the global economy and credit markets;
general market conditions or other developments affecting us or our industry;
the operating and stock price performance of other companies, other industries and other events or factors beyond our
control;
regulatory developments in our target markets affecting us, our customers or our competitors;
announcements regarding patent litigation or the issuance of patents to us or our competitors;
announcements of studies and reports relating to the conversion efficiencies of our products or those of our
competitors;
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actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations;
changes in financial projections or estimates about our financial or operational performance by securities research
analysts;
changes in the economic performance or market valuations of other solar power technology companies;
release or expiry of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our outstanding ordinary shares or ADSs;
sales or perceived sales of additional ordinary shares or ADSs; and
commencement of, or our involvement in, litigation.
Any of these factors may result in large and sudden changes in the volume and price at which the ADSs will trade.
We cannot give any assurance that these factors will not occur in the future again. In addition, the securities market has from
time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular
companies. Particularly, concerns over economic slowdown resulting from the COVID-19 pandemics have triggered a U.S. key market-
wide circuit breaker for several times since March 9, 2020, leading to a historic drop for the U.S. capital market. These market
fluctuations may also have a material adverse effect on the market price of the ADSs. In the past, following periods of volatility in the
market price of their stock, many companies have been the subject of securities class action litigation. If we become involved in similar
securities class action litigation in the future, it could result in substantial costs and diversion of our management’s attention and
resources and could harm our stock price, business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Conversion of the convertible notes we offered may dilute the ownership interest of existing shareholders, including holders who had
previously converted their convertible notes.
The conversion of some or all of the convertible notes will dilute the ownership interests of existing shareholders and existing
holders of the ADSs. Any sales in the public market of the ADSs issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market
prices of the ADSs. In addition, the existence of the convertible notes may encourage short selling by market participants because the
conversion of the convertible notes could depress the price of the ADSs.
Provisions of the convertible notes we offered could also discourage an acquisition of us by a third party.
Certain provisions of the convertible notes could make it more difficult or more expensive for a third party to acquire us, or may
even prevent a third party from acquiring us. For example, in terms of the convertible notes we offered in 2019, upon the occurrence of
certain transactions constituting a fundamental change, holders of the convertible notes will have the right, at their option, to require us to
repurchase all of their convertible notes or any portion of the principal amount of the convertible notes in integral multiples of US$1,000.
We may also be required to increase the conversion rate for conversions in connection with certain fundamental changes. By
discouraging an acquisition of us by a third party, these provisions could have the effect of depriving the holders of our ordinary shares
and holders of the ADSs of an opportunity to sell their ordinary shares and ADSs, as applicable, at a premium over prevailing market
prices.
You may not receive dividends or other distributions on our ordinary shares and you may not receive any value for them, if it is illegal
or impractical to make them available to you.
Under Cayman Islands law, we may only pay dividends out of our profits or our share premium account provided always that
we are able to pay our debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of our business. Our ability to pay dividends will therefore depend on
our ability to generate sufficient profits. We cannot give any assurance that we will declare dividends of any amounts, at any rate or at all
in the future. We have not paid any dividends in the past. Future dividends, if any, will be paid at the discretion of our board of directors
and will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital expenditure requirements, general financial conditions, legal and
contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. Our shareholders may, by ordinary resolution,
declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our board of directors. See “—Risks Related to Our
Business and Industry—We rely principally on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our principal operating subsidiary, and
limitations on their ability to pay dividends to us could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations” above
for additional legal restrictions on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us.
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The depositary of the ADSs has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on
ordinary shares or other deposited securities underlying the ADSs, after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these
distributions in proportion to the number of ordinary shares your ADSs represent. However, the depositary is not responsible for making
such distribution if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, it
would be unlawful to make a distribution to a holder of ADSs if it consists of securities that require registration under the Securities Act
but that are not properly registered or distributed under an applicable exemption from registration. The depositary may also determine
that it is not feasible to distribute certain property through the mail. Additionally, the value of certain distributions may be less than the
cost of mailing such distributions. In these cases, the depositary may determine not to distribute such property. We have no obligation to
register under U.S. securities laws any ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or other securities received through such distributions. We also have
no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or anything else to holders of ADSs.
This means that you may not receive distributions we make on our ordinary shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for
us to make them available to you. These restrictions may cause a material decline in the value of the ADSs.
Holders of ADSs have fewer rights than shareholders and must act through the depositary to exercise those rights.
As a holder of ADSs, you will not be treated as one of our shareholders and you will not have shareholder rights. Instead, the
depositary will be treated as the holder of the shares underlying your ADSs. However, you may exercise some of the shareholders’ rights
through the depositary, and you will have the right to withdraw the shares underlying your ADSs from the deposit facility.
Holders of ADSs may only exercise the voting rights with respect to the underlying ordinary shares in accordance with the
provisions of the deposit agreement. Under our current articles of association, the minimum notice period required to convene a general
meeting is ten days. When a general meeting is convened, you may not receive sufficient notice of a shareholders’ meeting to permit you
to withdraw the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs to allow you to cast your vote with respect to any specific matter. In addition, the
depositary and its agents may not be able to send voting instructions to you or carry out your voting instructions in a timely manner. We
plan to make all reasonable efforts to cause the depositary to extend voting rights to you in a timely manner, but we cannot assure you
that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote your ADSs. Furthermore, the
depositary and its agents will not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote, for the manner in which any vote is
cast or for the effect of any such vote. As a result, you may not be able to exercise your right to vote and you may lack recourse if the
shares underlying your ADSs are not voted as you requested. In addition, in your capacity as an ADS holder, you will not be able to call
a shareholder meeting.
You may be subject to limitations on transfers of your ADSs.
Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its transfer books at any time or
from time to time when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. In addition, the depositary may refuse to
deliver, transfer or register transfers of ADSs generally when our books or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or
the depositary deem it advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or of any government or government body, or under any
provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason.
We are a Cayman Islands exempted company and, because judicial precedent regarding the rights of shareholders is more limited
under Cayman Islands law than that under U.S. law, you may have less protection for your shareholder rights than you would under
U.S. law.
Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time,
the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take
action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are
to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from
comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as that from English common law, which has persuasive, but not
binding, authority on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors under
Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the
United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands have a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. In addition, some
U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands.
In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action before federal courts of
the United States.
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As we are a Cayman Islands exempted company and a substantial part of our consolidated assets are located outside of the
United States and a substantial part of our current operations are conducted in China, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the
Cayman Islands or China would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the
securities laws of the United States or any state against us and our officers and directors, most of whom are not residents of the United
States and the substantial majority of whose assets are located outside the United States. In addition, it is uncertain whether the Cayman
Islands or PRC courts would entertain original actions brought in the Cayman Islands or in China against us or our officers and directors
predicated on the federal securities laws of the United States. While there is no statutory recognition in the Cayman Islands of judgments
obtained in the federal or state courts of the United States (and the Cayman Islands are not a party to any treaties for the reciprocal
enforcement or recognition of such judgments), a foreign money judgment obtained in a foreign court of competent jurisdiction will be
recognized and enforced in the courts of the Cayman Islands at common law, without any re-examination of the merits of the underlying
dispute, by an action commenced on the foreign judgment debt in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, provided such judgment (a) is
given by a foreign court of competent jurisdiction, (b) imposes on the judgment debtor a liability to pay a liquidated sum for which the
judgment has been given, (c) is final and conclusive, (d) is not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty, (e) is not inconsistent with a
Cayman Islands judgment in respect of the same matter, and (f) is not impeachable on the grounds of fraud and was not obtained in a
manner and is not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands. However,
the Cayman Islands courts are unlikely to enforce a judgment obtained from the U.S. courts under civil liability provisions of the U.S.
federal securities law if such judgment is determined by the courts of the Cayman Islands to give rise to obligations to make payments
that are penal or punitive in nature. Because such a determination has not yet been made by a court of the Cayman Islands, it is uncertain
whether such civil liability judgments from U.S. courts would be enforceable in the Cayman Islands. A Cayman Islands court may stay
enforcement proceedings if concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere.
As a result of all of the above, shareholders of a Cayman Islands company may have more difficulty in protecting their interests
in the face of actions taken by our management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as
shareholders of a company incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States. For example, contrary to the general practice in most
corporations incorporated in the United States, Cayman Islands incorporated companies may not generally require that shareholders
approve sales of all or substantially all of a company’s assets. The limitations described above will also apply to the depositary who is
treated as the holder of the shares underlying your ADSs.
Our current articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions that could prevent a change in control even if such takeover is
beneficial to our shareholders.
Our current articles of association contain provisions that could delay, defer or prevent a change in control of our company that
could be beneficial to our shareholders. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and
other shareholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions. As a result, these provisions could limit the price that investors are
willing to pay in the future for the ADSs. These provisions might also discourage a potential acquisition proposal or tender offer, even if
the acquisition proposal or tender offer is at a price above the then current market price of the ADSs. These provisions provide that our
board of directors has authority, without further action by our shareholders, to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to fix their
designations, powers, preferences, privileges, and relative participating, optional or special rights and the qualifications, limitations or
restrictions, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of
which may be greater than the rights associated with our ordinary shares, in the form of ADSs or otherwise. Our board of directors may
decide to issue such preferred shares quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of our company or make the
removal of our management more difficult. If our board of directors decides to issue such preferred shares, the price of the ADSs may
fall and the voting and other rights of holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs may be materially adversely affected.
We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from certain
provisions applicable to U.S. domestic public companies.
Because we qualify as a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we are exempt from certain provisions of the securities
rules and regulations in the United States that are applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, including:
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the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, quarterly certifications by
the principal executive and financial officers, or current reports on Form 8-K;
the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents, or authorizations in respect of a security
registered under the Exchange Act;
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the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and
liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time; and
the selective disclosure rules by issuers of material nonpublic information under Regulation FD.
We are required to file an annual report on Form 20-F within four months of the end of each financial year. Press releases
relating to financial results and material events will also be furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K. However, the information we are required
to file with or furnish to the SEC will be less extensive and less timely compared to that required to be filed with the SEC by U.S.
domestic issuers. As a result, you may not be afforded the same protections or information that would be made available to you were you
investing in a U.S. domestic issuer.
As an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we may adopt certain home country practices in relation to corporate
governance matters. These practices may afford less protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with the
NYSE corporate governance listing standards.
As a non-U.S. company with ADSs listed on the NYSE, we are subject to the NYSE corporate governance listing standards.
However, in reliance on Section 303A.11 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, which permits a foreign private issuer to follow the
corporate governance practices of its home country, we have adopted certain corporate governance practices that may differ significantly
from the NYSE corporate governance listing standards. For example, we may include non-independent directors as members of our
compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee, and our independent directors are not required to hold
regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present. Such home country practice differs from the NYSE
corporate governance listing standards, because there are no specific provisions under the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman
Islands imposing such requirements. Accordingly, executive directors, who may also be our major shareholders or representatives of our
major shareholders, may have greater power to make or influence major decisions than they would if we complied with all the NYSE
corporate governance listing standards. While we may adopt certain practices that are in compliance with the laws of the Cayman
Islands, such practices may differ from more stringent requirements imposed by the NYSE rules and as such, our shareholders may be
afforded less protection under Cayman Islands law than they would under the NYSE rules applicable to U.S. domestic issuers. See “Item
16G. Corporate Governance.”
We may be a passive foreign investment company, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S.
Holders of the ADSs or ordinary shares.
A non-U.S. corporation will be considered a passive foreign investment company, which we refer to as a PFIC, for U.S. federal
income tax purposes in any taxable year in which either 75% or more of its gross income is “passive income” or 50% or more of its
assets constitute “passive assets” (generally determined on the basis of a quarterly average). The calculation of the value of our assets
will be based, in part, on the market value of the ADSs, which is subject to change. The determination as to whether a non-U.S.
corporation is a PFIC is based upon the application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules (which are subject to differing
interpretations), the composition of income and assets of the non U.S. corporation from time to time and the nature of the activities
performed by its officers and employees.
Based upon the composition of our current and projected income, assets and activities, we do not expect to be considered a
PFIC for our current taxable year or in the foreseeable future. However, because the determination of whether we are a PFIC will be
based upon the composition of our income, assets and the nature of our business, as well as the income, assets and business of entities in
which we hold at least a 25% interest, from time to time, and because there are uncertainties in the application of the relevant rules, there
can be no assurance that the United States Internal Revenue Service, will not take a contrary position.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder, as defined in “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation
—U.S. Federal Income Taxation”, holds the ADSs or ordinary shares, the U.S. Holder might be subject to increased U.S. federal income
tax liability and to additional reporting obligations. See “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Taxation
—Passive Foreign Investment Company.” U.S. Holders are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the applicability of
the PFIC rules to their purchase, ownership and disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares.
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We may issue additional ordinary shares, other equity or equity-linked or debt securities, which may materially adversely affect the
price of our ordinary shares or ADSs. Hedging activities may depress the trading price of our ordinary shares.
We may issue additional equity, equity-linked or debt securities for a number of reasons, including to finance our operations and
business strategy (including in connection with acquisitions, strategic collaborations or other transactions), to satisfy our obligations for
the repayment of existing indebtedness, to adjust our ratio of debt to equity, to satisfy our obligations upon the exercise of outstanding
warrants or options or for other reasons. Any future issuances of equity securities or equity-linked securities could substantially dilute
your interests and may materially adversely affect the price of our ordinary shares or ADSs. We cannot predict the timing or size of any
future issuances or sales of equity, equity-linked or debt securities, or the effect, if any, that such issuances or sales may have on the
market price of our ordinary shares or ADSs. Market conditions could require us to accept less favorable terms for the issuance of our
securities in the future.
Substantial future sales of our ordinary shares or ADSs in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could
cause the price of our ordinary shares or ADSs to decline.
Sales of our ordinary shares or ADSs in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could cause the market
price of our ordinary shares to decline. As of December 31, 2023, we had 208,560,477 ordinary shares outstanding, excluding 115,502
ADS representing 462,009 ordinary shares reserved for future grants under our share incentive plans and conversion of our convertible
notes, and 1,360,000 ordinary shares as treasury stock. The number of ordinary shares outstanding and available for sale will increase
when our employees and former employees who are holders of restricted share units and options to acquire our ordinary shares become
entitled to the underlying shares under the terms of their units or options. To the extent these shares are sold into the market, or are
converted to ADSs which are sold into the market place, the market price of our ordinary shares or ADSs could decline.
Your right to participate in any future rights offerings may be limited, which may cause dilution to your holdings.
We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. However, we cannot
make these rights available in the United States unless we register the rights and the securities to which the rights relate under the
Securities Act or an exemption from the registration requirements is available. We are under no obligation to file a registration statement
with respect to any such rights or securities or to endeavor to cause a registration statement to be declared effective. Moreover, we may
not be able to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly, you may be unable to participate in our
rights offerings and may experience dilution in your holdings.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A.
History and Development of the Company
Our legal and commercial name is JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. Our principal executive office is located at 1 Yingbin Road,
Shangrao Economic Development Zone, Jiangxi Province, 334100, People’s Republic of China. Our telephone number at this address is
(86-793) 858-8188 and our fax number is (86-793) 846-1152. Our registered office in the Cayman Islands is Cricket Square, Hutchins
Drive, P.O. Box 2681, Grand Cayman, KY1-1111, Cayman Islands.
We commenced our operations in June 2006 through our then consolidated subsidiary Jiangxi Desun Energy Co., Ltd. We were
incorporated as a limited liability company in the Cayman Islands on August 3, 2007. Following a series of equity transactions, we
established a holding company structure with us being the ultimate holding company in 2009. We conduct our business principally
through our majority-owned operating subsidiary in China, Jiangxi Jinko. As of December 31, 2023, we had 14 production facilities
globally and 26 overseas subsidiaries in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, India, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United States,
Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Denmark, Indonesia, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. As of the
same date, we also had a global sales network with sales teams in China, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Italy,
Germany, Turkey, Spain, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Vietnam and India to conduct sales, marketing and brand
development for our products around the world.
On May 19, 2010, we completed our initial public offering, in which we offered and sold 5,835,000 ADSs representing
23,340,000 ordinary shares, raising US$64.2 million in proceeds before expenses to us. The ADSs are listed on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol “JKS.”
On November 10, 2010, we completed a follow-on public offering of 3,500,000 ADSs representing 14,000,000 ordinary shares,
of which 2,000,000 ADSs were sold by us and 1,500,000 ADSs were sold by the selling shareholders.
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On September 25, 2013, we completed a follow-on public offering of 4,370,000 ADSs representing 17,480,000 ordinary shares,
including 570,000 ADSs sold pursuant to the underwriters’ full exercise of their option to purchase additional ADSs.
On January 22, 2014, we completed a follow-on public offering of 3,750,000 ADSs representing 15,000,000 ordinary shares
and a concurrent offering of US$150.0 million in aggregate amount of 4.0% convertible senior notes due 2019.
In November 2016, as a result of the sale of all of the 55% equity interest indirectly held by us in JinkoPower, we disposed of
our downstream solar power project business in China and received US$250 million in cash.
In February 2017, we announced completion of repurchase of 4.00% convertible senior notes due 2019 at the option of holders
of the notes. An aggregate principal amount of US$61,074,000 of the notes was tendered for repurchase, with US$10,000 convertible
senior notes remaining outstanding after such repurchase.
In February 2018, we closed the follow-on public offering of 4,140,000 ADSs, each representing four of our ordinary shares,
par value US$0.00002 per share, at US$18.15 per ADS. The net proceeds of the follow-on offering to us, after deducting underwriting
commissions and fees and estimated offering expenses, was US$71.1 million. Concurrently we completed the private placement with
Tanka International Limited, an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands held by Mr. Xiande Li, our founder, chairman
and chief executive officer, and Mr. Kangping Chen, our founder, of its purchase of US$35 million of our ordinary shares.
In May 2019, we completed a follow-on public offering of 4,671,875 ADSs, each representing four of our ordinary shares, at
US$16.00 per ADS. Concurrently with the offering, we issued convertible senior notes of US$85 million due 2024 to support capital
expenditure and supplement working capital. The notes will mature on June 1, 2024 and the holders will have the right to require us to
repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes on June 1, 2021. The interest rate is 4.5% per annum payable semi-annually, in
arrears. As of the date of this annual report, the convertible notes of US$71.0 million in aggregate have been converted. In connection
with the issuance of the convertible notes, we entered into a zero strike call option transaction with an affiliate of Credit Suisse Securities
(USA) LLC, whom we refer to as the option counterparty. The zero strike call option transaction was completed in July 2021.
In June 2019, we supplied Trung Nam Group with 258MW of monocrystalline PERC double glass modules which were
installed at one of the largest solar-wind hybrid projects in Vietnam.
In June 2019, we supplied Power Construction Corporation of China with 351MW of solar modules, which were installed at the
Hồng Phong solar PV plant in Vietnam, one of the largest PV projects in the Asia Pacific region.
In March 2020, we announced a share repurchase program of up to US$100 million of our ordinary shares represented by ADSs
within twelve months. Purchases may be made from time to time on the open market at prevailing market prices in open-market
transactions, privately negotiated transactions or block trades, and/or through other legally permissible means, depending on market
conditions and in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations. The timing and conditions of the share repurchases will be subject
to various factors including the requirements under Rule 10b-18 and Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, as well as our insider trading
policy. We plan to use our existing funds to fund repurchases made under the share repurchase program. We repurchased an aggregate of
305,660 ADSs under this share repurchase program.
In June 2020, Mr. Shaoguo Ji was appointed as our Chief Human Resources Officer (CHO).
In August 2020, we unveiled our RE100 roadmap by providing detail on our approach to achieve 100% powered by renewables
by 2025.
In August 2020, we signed a contract with Shanghai Electric Hongkong Co., Limited to supply approximately 1 GW of solar
modules for Phase V of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Solar Park. This project is located in Dubai, and is part of the
government’s sustainable development to support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 with the goal of providing 75% of Dubai’s total
power output from clean energy sources by 2050. We would supply its high efficiency Swan series modules, which would meet the high
requirements of Dubai’s scorching temperatures and on the leveled cost of energy.
In September 2020, we supplied Trung Nam Group with 611MW of Tiger bifacial transparent backsheet modules, which were
installed at the Thuan Nam solar power plant project in Vietnam. Located in Thuan Nam, the Thuan Nam solar power plant project was
one of the largest solar power projects by capacity that were using bifacial modules in both Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
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In September 2020, we announced our intention to cooperate with ENEOS Corporation, Japan’s largest oil refiner, on the
provision of solar modules for a Virtual Power Plant project. For this project, our high-efficiency monocrystalline products would be
deployed and installed on the roof of gas stations connected to a cloud-based distributed power plant, and would become our first Virtual
Power Plant project in Japan.
In September 2020, our board of directors approved a strategic plan to access China’s capital markets through our principal
operating subsidiary Jiangxi Jinko. To qualify Jiangxi Jinko for a STAR Market listing and to raise additional capital to support its
continuous expansion, our board of directors also approved an equity financing of Jiangxi Jinko.
In October 2020, the previously announced equity financing of Jiangxi Jinko was completed. Immediately after the closing,
reputable Chinese third-party investors including China Industrial Bank Group, CIIT Asset Management Co., Ltd., YunShang Fund,
Huaho Capital, and China Capital Management Co., Ltd., China Securities Investment Co., Ltd., together with our founders and senior
management personnel, directly or through their investment arms, would collectively own approximately a 26.7% equity interest in
Jiangxi Jinko. Following the closing of this transaction, we would actively prepare for the planned STAR Market listing of Jiangxi Jinko
pursuant to relevant laws and regulations in China. We would remain the majority and controlling shareholder of Jiangxi Jinko after its
STAR Market listing.
In November 2020, we and our subsidiary JinkoSolar (Sichuan) Co., Ltd. (“Sichuan Jinko”) signed a long-term purchase
agreement with certain subsidiaries of Tongwei Co., Ltd. The raw materials procurement would ensure a stable supply of polycrystalline
silicon in line with our strategic and operational plans. Under the agreement, we locked in nearly 100,000 metric tons of polycrystalline
silicon, and both parties could negotiate additional purchases. The price for any additional order would be negotiated and determined
based on market conditions.
In December 2020, Mr. Longgen Zhang resigned as our director and Mr. Haiyuan (Charlie) Cao was appointed as our director.
In connection with its proposed listing on the STAR Market, relevant PRC law requires that the senior management of Jiangxi Jinko be
different from that of its controlling shareholder, our company. Accordingly, in December 2020, our board of directors approved the
following changes to our senior management: (i) Mr. Kangping Chen, Mr. Gener Miao, Dr. Jiun-Hua Allen Guo, Mr. Shaoguo Ji and Dr.
Hao Jin resigned as chief executive officer, chief marketing officer, chief operating officer, chief human resources officer and chief
technology officer of our company, respectively, while retaining the same roles at Jiangxi Jinko (which runs substantially all of our
business); and (ii) Mr. Xiande Li, our founder and the chairman of our board of directors, was additionally appointed as our chief
executive officer. We do not believe these changes will have material impact on our business operations, because the relevant
management members will continue performing their previous responsibilities at Jiangxi Jinko and our chief executive officer and chief
financial officer will continue managing the overall business of our company under the direction of our board of directors.
In December 2020, we filed a prospectus supplement to sell up to an aggregate of US$100 million of the ADSs through an at-
the-market equity offering program (the “2020 ATM Program”). In January 2021, we completed the 2020 ATM Program, under which
we sold 1,494,068 ADSs and received US$98.25 million after deducting commissions and offering expenses.
In January 2021, our Tiger monofacial module won the prestigious PV Magazine Award 2020 in the module category.
In February 2021, we won the Green Builder Media’s 2021 Green Innovation award.
In February 2021, we became the first international solar company to have signed on to the Global Framework Principles for
Decarbonizing Heavy Industry, as part of our efforts to continue supporting the decarbonization of the heavy industry sector in favor of a
transition towards clean energy.
In March 2021, we were recognized as “Overall High Achiever” in the 2020 PV Module Index Report published by the
Renewable Energy Testing Center (RETC).
In March 2021, we launched a new series of ultra-efficient Tiger Pro modules with higher power capacity targeted for
distributed generation market.
In April 2021, we joined the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. Under the
U.N. Global Compact, signatories are encouraged to align their operations and strategies with key principles.
In April 2021, we won the award for “Asia’s Best Employer” for the third consecutive year.
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In April 2021, we won the 7th All Quality Matters Award for Green Module Efficiency at the Solar Congress 2021 held by TÜV
Rheinland.
In May 2021, we officially updated our new value-based strategy to redefine the incorporation of principles, social
responsibility and profitability.
In May 2021, we were awarded Top 1 Prestigious Module PV Brand in Vietnamese Market 2020 voting jointly organized by the
National Steering Committee for electricity Development of Vietnam, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), and Vietnam Energy
Magazine.
In May 2021, we received the award for Best HR Strategy of the Year at the Energy HR Summit India 2021.
In May 2021, Mr. Mengmeng (Pan) Li became our new chief financial officer and Mr. Haiyun (Charlie) Cao resigned as chief
financial officer of our company, in order to comply with certain business operation independence requirements of the STAR Market in
relation to the proposed listing of our principal operating subsidiary, Jiangxi Jinko on the STAR Market.
In May 2021, the maximum solar conversion efficiency of our large-area N-type monocrystalline silicon solar cells reached
25.25%, setting a new world record for large-size contact-passivated solar cells.
In June 2021, our flagship Tiger Pro dual glass module received the world’s first IEC TS 62804-1-1:2020 certificate issued by
DEKRA, one of the world’s largest independent inspection companies.
In June 2021, we were recognized as an “Overall High Achiever” in Renewable Energy Testing Center’s (“RET”) 2021 PV
Module Index Report for the second consecutive year.
In June 2021, our subsidiary, Shangrao JinkoSolar Industry Development Co., Ltd. planned to invest RMB315 million of
monetary capital to increase capital and shares in Inner Mongolia Xinte Silicon Materials Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Xinte
Energy Co., Ltd. (HKEX: 1799).
In June 2021, the application documents regarding a potential initial public offering and listing of the shares of Jiangxi Jinko, a
principal operating subsidiary of our company, was submitted to and received by the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
In July 2021, our principal operating subsidiary Jinko Solar Co., Ltd. signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Maersk for
End-to-end Transportation and Digitalized Logistics Solutions.
In July 2021, the maximum solar conversion efficiency of our advanced high-efficiency solar module reached 23.53% and
outperformed the previous record of 23.01%, also set by us, in January 2021, after recently setting a test record of 25.25% for large-area
N-type monocrystalline silicon solar cells.
In July 2021, we were selected as an “Eco-Leader” by Green Builder® Media for the third time.
In July 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a Rule 36 summary affirmance agreeing with the
International Trade Commission’s conclusion that our products do not infringe a patent asserted by Hanwha Q CELLS.
In August 2021, we obtained the first photovoltaic module LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) certificate in the Greater China region
issued by TÜV Rheinland (China) Ltd., and concurrently passed the Italian EPD certification.
In August 2021, our principal operating subsidiary, Jiangxi Jinko signed a long-term polysilicon supply agreement with Wacker
Chemie AG.
In September 2021, our principal operating subsidiary, Jiangxi Jinko signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd.
In September 2021, we announced that it is investing US$500 million to build a monocrystalline ingot and wafer manufacturing
facility in Quảng Ninh Province, Vietnam.
In September 2021, we were awarded the “Top Brand PV USA” seal by EUPD Research.
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In October 2021, we achieved a major technical breakthrough on our N-type monocrystalline silicon solar cell, setting a new
world record for the fourth time in a year with the maximum solar conversion efficiency of 25.4% for our large-size passivating contact
solar cell.
In October 2021, we won the prestigious Green World Awards for Environmental Best Practice named by the Green
Organization in the global campaign to find the world’s greenest countries, companies, and communities.
In October 2021, our Tiger and Tiger Pro module series met the carbon footprint verification standards of TÜV Rheinland
Group, a leading global services provider in the testing of PV modules and components.
In October 2021, we worked with Catholic Charities Jacksonville to provide refugees living in Jacksonville access to devices
and internet in order to facilitate their English classes and better acclimate to life in America.
In November 2021, we launched a new series of ultra-efficient 2021 Flagship Tiger Neo modules.
In November 2021, Jiangxi Jinko plans to invest RMB450 million for equity in Sichuan Yongxiang Energy Technology Co.,
Ltd., a subsidiary of Tongwei Co., Ltd. (Shanghai Stock Exchange: 600438).
In December 2021, Jiangxi Jinko and Aldo Solar, which stands out as the largest distributor of solar energy solutions in Brazil
with 31% market share, reinforce their partnership for 2022 with the signing of the largest distribution agreement for distributed
generation ever signed by Jiangxi Jinko outside China.
In January 2022, Jiangxi Jinko had completed the STAR Listing. Jiangxi Jinko issued 2,000,000,000 shares representing
approximately 20% of the total 10,000,000,000 shares outstanding after the STAR Listing. The shares were issued at a public offering
price of RMB5.00 per share and the total gross proceeds of the STAR Listing were approximately RMB10.00 billion. After the STAR
Listing, we owned approximately 58.62% equity interest in Jiangxi Jinko.
In February 2022, our Tiger Neo bifacial modules reached competitive carbon footprint value for tenders in France.
In March 2022, Jiangxi Jinko entered into a project investment cooperation framework agreement with Qinghai Provincial
Department of Industry and Information Technology, Xining Municipal Government and Xining Economic and Technological
Development Zone Management Committee for a joint monocrystalline silicon pull rod project.
In March 2022, Jiangxi Jinko entered into an investment framework agreement with the Shangrao Guangxin District
Government for a high-efficiency solar module and PV module aluminum frame project.
By March 2022, we are the first company to deliver solar modules of 100 GW globally.
In April 2022, we delivered our bifacial modules to a 204MW Solar Power Plant in Kozani, Western Macedonia, Greece. The
Kozani project consists of 18 project sites adding up to a total of 204MW capacity. We delivered more than 500,000 bifacial modules to
juwi Hellas Renewable Energy Sources S.A.
In May 2022, we signed our first European Energy Storage Solution (ESS) agreement with Memodo GmbH (“Memodo”). The
Memodo exclusivity agreement for our ESS product portfolio will cover the D-A-CH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) for
2022 and 2023, respectively, which includes an all-in-one system, a stackable low-voltage and high-voltage storage system and a single
or three-phase hybrid inverter. All power storage devices are installed with lithium iron phosphate batteries and are compatible with well-
known inverters.
In May 2022, Jiangxi Jinko signed a new distribution agreement in Latin America with Aldo Solar. Aldo Solar, which stands out
as the largest distributor of solar energy solutions in the country with a market share of approximately 30% in the Distributed Generation
segment, will bring to market the new N-Type ultra-efficiency photovoltaic Tiger Neo modules from us.
In June 2022, our Malaysia factory became our first overseas “RE100 factory” fully powered by renewables. 100% of the
electricity consumed in production and operation activities supporting roughly 7GW vertically integrated solar cell-module capacity is
supplied by green electricity.
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In July 2022, we announced a share repurchase program of up to US$200 million of our ordinary shares represented by ADSs
during an 18-month period. Repurchases may be made from time to time on the open market at prevailing market prices in open-market
transactions, privately negotiated transactions or block trades, and/or through other legally permissible means, depending on market
conditions and in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations. The timing and conditions of the share repurchases will be subject
to various factors including the requirements under Rule 10b-18 and Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, as well as our insider trading
policy. We plan to use our existing funds to fund repurchases made under the share repurchase program. We have not repurchased any
ADSs under this share repurchase program as of the date of this annual report. As of December 19, 2023, we had repurchased
approximately US$9.1 million of the ADSs authorized under this share repurchase program. On December 20, 2023, we extended this
share repurchase program for an additional 18-month period through June 30, 2025. Under the extended share repurchase program, we
may repurchase up to approximately US$190.9 million of our ordinary shares represented by the ADSs through June 30, 2025. As of
April 24, 2024, we had repurchased approximately US$89.0 million of the ADSs authorized under this extended share repurchase
program. As of the same date, approximately US$101.9 million of the ordinary shares represented by the ADSs under the extended share
repurchase program had not been utilized.
In November 2022, we announced that following the record of maximum solar conversion efficiency of 26.1% recently set by
our 182 mm and above large-size monocrystalline silicon TOPCon solar cell, the maximum solar conversion efficiency of our 182 mm
N-type module reached 23.86%, refreshing the record of 23.53% for N-type module, also set by us, in July 2021. The result was
independently tested and confirmed by TÜV Rheinland, one of the world’s leading testing service providers on internationally
recognized safety and quality standards.
In November 2022, we announced that Jiangxi Jinko will supply approximately 522 MW of Tiger Neo 78 Cell modules for
Phase l of the Santa Luzia Complex Project in Paraíba State, Brazil.
In December 2022, our high-efficiency N-Type monocrystalline silicon solar cell set a new record with maximum conversion
efficiency of 26.4%, which has been independently confirmed by the National Institute of Metrology, China.
In January 2023, we revealed our Second Generation Tiger Neo panel family – one of the world’s most efficient and powerful
solar panels. The upgraded Tiger Neo family includes three series with up to 445Wp for 54-cell, 615Wp for 72-cell, and 635Wp for 78-
cell and module efficiency up to 22.27%, 23.23%, and 22.72% respectively.
In April 2023, Jiangxi Jinko completed the issuance of its convertible bonds in the principal amount of RMB10.00 billion on the
STAR Market. The net proceeds from the convertible bond issuance will be used for (i) construction and development of certain solar
cell and module production projects by Jiangxi Jinko, and (ii) working capital for Jiangxi Jinko. We subscribed for the convertible bonds
in an aggregate amount of RMB5.50 billion with our special preemptive rights and is subject to a six-month lock-up period. We have the
right to either sell such convertible bonds after the lock-up period or convert such convertible bonds into Jiangxi Jinko’s ordinary shares.
In April 2023, our EAGLE Encore Residential Solar + Storage platform was recognized by Green Builder® Media as a 2023
Sustainable Product of the Year.
In May 2023, we were recognized as a Top Performer in the 2023 PV Module Reliability Scorecard published by PV Evolution
Labs (PVEL) for the ninth consecutive year.
In May 2023, Jiangxi Jinko entered into an equity transfer agreement with Ziyang Major Industry Equity Investment Fund
Partnership (Limited Partnership) and Mr. Shihong Dong, pursuant to which Jiangxi Jinko agreed to sell its 100% equity interest in
Xinjiang Shibang Solar Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Xinjiang Jinko Solar Co., Ltd.) at a consideration of RMB4.3
billion to Ziyang Major Industry Equity Investment Fund Partnership (Limited Partnership) and Mr. Shihong Dong.
In May 2023, Jiangxi Jinko entered into an investment framework agreement with the Management Committee of
Transformation Comprehensive Reform Demonstration Zone of Shanxi Province for an integrated project manufacturing monocrystalline
silicon pull rod, silicon wafer, high-efficiency solar cells and modules.
In June 2023, we launched the Second Generation of the High Voltage Energy Storage Battery into the European market.
In June 2023, we were awarded the “Top Brand PV Europe Seal 2023” by internationally recognized research institute EUPD
Research.
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In June 2023, Jiangxi Jinko signed a strategic distribution agreement for residential storage solution with V. Kafkas SA., the
leading Greek company in the field of Electrical Equipment, Lighting, Building Automation and Energy Management Solutions. This
agreement covers Greece and Cyprus for the years 2023 and 2024.
In June 2023, we had delivered more than 220,000 Tiger NEO bifacial 72 modules to the 123 MW Verila Solar Power Plant in
Bulgaria.
In July 2023, we officially became a member of the IRENA Coalition for Action, further affirming our dedication to sustainable
energy development.
In July 2023, we achieved the highest “AAA” category ranking in PV Tech’s Q2 ModuleTech bankability report.
In August 2023, we were recognized as a 2023 Overall Highest Achiever for the fourth consecutive year in Renewable Energy
Testing Center’s PV Module Index Report.
In August 2023, Jiangxi Jinko announced that it intends to offer ordinary shares, subject to market conditions and other factors,
in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers in compliance with the requirements of the China Securities Regulatory Commission
(the “Private Offering”). The gross proceeds of the Private Offering are expected to be not more than RMB9.7 billion, which will be used
for (i) construction and development of the integrated project of Jiangxi Jinko in Shanxi, China, manufacturing monocrystalline silicon
pull rod, silicon wafer, high-efficiency solar cells and modules, and (ii) working capital or repayment of loans for Jiangxi Jinko.
In August 2023, we were appointed a co-chair of the Tech, Innovation, and R&D Taskforce of B20 India.
In September 2023, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Failte Energy Solutions limited to supply Tiger Neo
modules for a total capacity of 200MW.
In September 2023, we declared a cash dividend of US$0.375 per ordinary share of US$0.00002 each of the Company, or
US$1.50 per ADS. The dividend was paid on December 6, 2023. The total amount of cash distributed for the dividend was
approximately US$78.7 million.
In October 2023, the module shipments of Jiangxi Jinko exceeded 52GW for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, with
N-type modules accounting for about 57% of these shipments. As of September 30, 2023, Jiangxi Jinko’s all-time cumulative global
solar module shipments exceeded 190GW in total.
In October 2023, our affiliate signed the largest ever supply agreement with ACWA Power, to provide 3.8 GW N-type Tiger
Neo modules for ACWA Power’s two projects, the 1,581MWp Al KAHFAH and the 2,257MWp AR RASS 2, in Saudi Arabia.
In October 2023, we achieved a major technical breakthrough for our 182 mm high-efficiency N-type monocrystalline silicon
solar cell. We again set a new record with the maximum solar conversion efficiency of 26.89% for our 182 mm and above large-size
monocrystalline silicon TOPCon solar cell. This result has been independently confirmed by the National PV industry Measurement and
Testing Center.
In November 2023, our wafer factory in Sichuan Leshan passed the “Zero Carbon Factory Evaluation Code” and was awarded
the “Zero Carbon Factory” certification by TÜV Rheinland for its advanced green business practices.
In December 2023, we were honored with the PV Magazine Publisher’s Pick Award 2023 for our latest commercial and
industrial energy storage system SunGiga.
In December 2023, we were awarded with the ESG Transparency Award from EUPD Research.
In December 2023, we were granted 330 TOPCon patents after almost six years, overtaking most brands on the N-type TOPCon
patent list.
In December 2023, the near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets of Jiangxi Jinko were approved by the
SBTi, making us the first PV company in the world to have our Net-zero targets validated. We are the second company in mainland
China to achieve that status, as well as the third company in the global semi-conductor industry.
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In January 2024, our affiliated company granted rights to certain of its N-type TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact)-
related patents to one of the top ten solar module companies in the world with reasonable license fee arrangement. In February 2024, our
affiliated company granted rights to one of the top five solar cell companies in the world, allowing it to use certain of our patented
TOPCon technologies in their relevant TOPCon products.
In January 2024, we won the Solar Power World 2023 Leadership in Solar Energy Award in the solar panel category.
In February 2024, we unveiled Neo Green panels. These N-type TOPCon Tiger Neo panels are produced in factories that were
awarded the “Zero Carbon Factory” certification by TÜV Rheinland for their compliance with the criteria and requirements of such
certification.
In February 2024, we became the premium sponsor of Gresini Racing S.r.l. for the MotoE World Championship 2024.
In April 2024, we were awarded the “Top Brand PV USA” seal by EUPD Research.
In April 2024, we were recognized as a Tier 1 energy storage provider by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).
B.
Business Overview
We are a global leader in the PV industry based in China. We have built a vertically integrated solar power product value chain,
manufacturing from silicon wafers to solar modules. We sell most of our solar modules under our own “JinkoSolar” brand, with a small
portion of solar modules on an OEM basis. We also sell silicon wafers and solar cells that we do not use in our solar module production.
We sell our products in major export markets and China. As of December 31, 2023, we had 14 production facilities globally and
26 overseas subsidiaries in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, India, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United States, Mexico, Brazil,
Chile, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Denmark, Indonesia, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. As of the same date, we
also had a global sales network with sales teams in China, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Italy, Germany, Turkey,
Spain, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Vietnam and India to conduct sales, marketing and brand development for our
products around the world. In addition, as of December 31, 2023, we had an aggregate of over 3,400 customers in over 190 countries and
regions for our solar modules, including distributors, project developers and EPC.
Our solar cells and modules utilize advanced solar technologies, such as the PERC technology and half cell technology, and
have achieved industry-leading conversion efficiency. By the end of 2021, 2022 and 2023, mass production conversion efficiency rate of
our solar cells using our P-type monocrystalline silicon wafers was 23.3%, 23.6% and 23.8%, respectively. By the end of 2021, 2022 and
2023, mass production conversion efficiency rate of our N-type monocrystalline solar cells was 24.5%, 25.1% and 25.8% respectively.
We believe that both of these mass production conversion efficiency rates were consistently higher than industry average. In October
2021, our N-type monocrystalline solar cells reached the maximum conversion efficiency rate of 25.4%. In December 2022, our 182mm
N-type monocrystalline solar cells reached the maximum conversion efficiency rate of 26.4%. In October 2023, our 182mm N-type
monocrystalline solar cells reached the maximum conversion efficiency rate of 26.89%, and our large size N-type TOPCon module
reached the maximum conversion efficiency rate of 24.76%. Furthermore, we made a significant breakthrough in the development of
perovskite-silicon tandem N-type TOPCon cells, reaching a maximum conversion efficiency rate of 32.33%. In March 2024, mass
production conversion efficiency rate of our N-type monocrystalline solar cells exceeded 26% and power output of our N-type modules
was more than 30wp, higher than that of similar P-type modules.
Our high-quality manufacturing capabilities have enabled us to produce solar cells and modules meeting the industry’s highest
performance standards. All of our solar modules sold in Europe are TÜV, PID, Salt mist, Ammonia, Dust & Sand and CE certified, all of
our solar module sold in India are BIS certified, all of our solar modules sold in North America are UL certified, all of our solar modules
sold in Korea are KS certified and our solar modules sold in China are CQC certified. In 2013, our solar modules passed TÜV Nord’s
Dust & Sand Certification Test, demonstrating their suitability for installation in desert regions, and we also unveiled our “Eagle II” solar
modules, which represent a new standard for performance and reliability. In May 2017, we became one of the first Chinese PV
manufacturers to pass the intensive UV test according to IEC 61345 from TÜV Rheinland. In July 2017, we guaranteed that all our
standard PV modules meet IEC 62804 double anti-PID standards. In May 2018, our entire portfolio of PV modules passed the Potential
Induced Degradation resistance test as required by TÜV Nord’s IEC TS 62804-1 standards. In March 2019, we received the 5th “All
Quality Matters Award” from TÜV Rheinland. In October 2021, our Tiger and Tiger Pro module series met the carbon footprint
verification standards of TÜV Rheinland Group, a leading global services provider in the testing of PV modules and components. In
February 2022, our factory in Shangrao obtained our first SNI certification. In 2023, our facilities in Shangrao, Jiangxi Province,
Haining, Zhejiang Province, Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, Chuzhou, Anhui Province, Leshan, Sichuan Province, as well as Malaysia and
Vietnam received the SGS ISO50001:2018 certification and ISO14064-1:2018 certification. Our facilities in Hefei, Anhui Province and
Chuxiong, Yunan Province also received the ISO14064-1:2018 certification. In addition, our mainstream 182mm N type products
received the ISO14067: 2018 certification.
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We leverage our vertically integrated platform and cost-efficient manufacturing capabilities in China to produce high quality
products at competitive costs. Our solar cell and silicon wafer operations support our solar module production. At the end of May 2023,
we announced the construction of a major production base of 56 GW integrated wafer-cell-module capacity in Shanxi (“Shanxi
Integrated Base”), which will become the largest N-type integrated production facility in the industry. The Shanxi Integrated Base is our
another strategic expansion of the mainstream production model in the PV industry. In September 2023, our integrated project in
Shanxi, China started construction. As of December 31, 2023, we had an integrated annual capacity of approximately 85 GW for mono
wafers, 90 GW for solar cells and 110 GW for solar modules. Our manufacturing facilities are primarily located in eight provinces across
China, Florida of the United States, Penang of Malaysia and Quảng Ninh Province of Vietnam, providing convenient and timely access
to key resources and suppliers. In late March 2024, Phase I of our integrated project in Shanxi, with a production capacity of 14GW,
started production.
We no longer have any downstream solar power projects in China after we disposed of our downstream solar power projects
business in China in the fourth quarter of 2016, but still have two overseas solar power plants which are respectively located in Abu
Dhabi and Mexico. The solar power plant in Mexico is still under construction.
Our Products and Services
Our product mix has evolved rapidly since our inception, as we have incorporated more of the solar power value chain through
the expansion of our production capabilities and acquisitions. We currently manufacture a series of products from silicon wafers to solar
modules. Our principal product is solar modules, but we also sell silicon wafers and solar cells from time to time to meet our customers’
demand. In 2023, sales of solar modules, silicon wafers and solar cells represented 96.5%, 0.2% and 1.3%, respectively, of our total
revenues. In addition, we also sell small volumes of recovered silicon materials to optimize the utilization of our production capacity.
The following table sets forth details of our sales volume by product for the periods indicated:
Products
Silicon wafers
Solar cells
Solar modules
2021
(MW)
2,153.4
856.4
22,232.7
2022
(MW)
1,062.6
997.0
44,333.8
2023
(MW)
1,530.6
3,512.0
78,519.8
Leveraging our expertise in manufacturing high quality solar modules and substantial experience in the solar industry, we
commenced developing solar power projects and providing solar system integration services in late 2011.
Unless otherwise specified, the results presented in this annual report do not include the results of our downstream solar power
project business in China, a discontinued operation.
In 2021, 2022 and 2023, revenues from sales of solar module products to subsidiaries of JinkoPower amounted to RMB27.1
million, RMB325.2 million and RMB353.4 million (US$49.8 million), respectively.
Solar Modules
We commenced producing solar modules in August 2009. In 2023, we sold 78.5 GW of solar modules and generated
RMB114.38 billion (US$16.11 billion) of revenue from sales of solar modules, which accounted for 96.5% of our total revenue. We
expect that sales of solar modules will continue to be our largest revenue source in the future.
In June 2021, our flagship Tiger Pro dual glass module received the world’s first IEC TS 62804-1-1:2020 certificate issued by
DEKRA, one of the world’s largest independent inspection companies.
In July 2021, the maximum solar conversion efficiency of our advanced high-efficiency solar module reached 23.53% and
outperformed the previous record of 23.01%, also set by us, in January 2021, after recently setting a test record of 25.25% for large-area
N-type monocrystalline silicon solar cells.
In August 2021, we obtained the first photovoltaic module LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) certificate in the Greater China region
issued by TÜV Rheinland (China) Ltd., and concurrently passed the Italian EPD certification.
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In October 2021, our Tiger and Tiger Pro module series met the carbon footprint verification standards of TÜV Rheinland
Group, a leading global services provider in the testing of PV modules and components. In November 2021, we launched a new series of
ultra-efficient 2021 Flagship Tiger Neo modules.
In November 2021, we announced that Jiangxi Jinko plans to invest RMB450 million for equity in Sichuan Yongxiang Energy
Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Tongwei Co., Ltd. (Shanghai Stock Exchange: 600438).
In December 2021, we and Aldo Solar, which stands out as the largest distributor of solar energy solutions in Brazil with 31%
market share, reinforce their partnership for 2022 with the signing of the largest distribution agreement for Distributed Generation ever
signed by us outside China.
In January 2022, we had completed the STAR Listing of Jiangxi Jinko and started trading its shares on the Star Market (SSE,
code: 688223). Jiangxi Jinko issued 2,000,000,000 shares representing approximately 20% of the total 10,000,000,000 shares
outstanding after the STAR Listing. The shares were issued at a public offering price of RMB5.00 per share and the total gross proceeds
of the STAR Listing were approximately RMB10.00 billion. After the STAR Listing, we owned approximately 58.62% equity interest in
Jiangxi Jinko.
In February 2022, our Tiger Neo Bifacial BDV 570 (144 cells) and Tiger Neo Bifacial BDV 610 (156 cells) modules were
officially certified by CERTISOLIS for their very competitively low carbon footprint values.
In March 2022, we recently hosted a high-level dialogue with delegates from the UN Global Compact Liaison Office in Beijing,
on the role of solar PV technology development in achieving global Sustainable Development Goals set up by the United Nations.
In March 2022, we entered into a project investment cooperation framework agreement with Qinghai Provincial Department of
Industry and Information Technology, Xining Municipal Government and Xining Economic and Technological Development Zone
Management Committee for a joint monocrystalline silicon pull rod project, and the total estimated investment is approximately
RMB10.00 billion.
In March 2022,we entered into an investment framework agreement with the Shangrao Guangxin District Government for a
high-efficiency solar module and PV module aluminum frame project, with a total estimated investment at approximately RMB10.80
billion.
By March 2022, we had delivered 100GW of solar modules globally, being the first company in history to achieve this
milestone. Approximately one out of every ten solar modules installed in the world was produced by us.
In May 2022, we signed an agreement with Aldo Solar for the distribution of 600 MW N-type Tiger Neo Modules.
In July 2022, we were recognized for “Overall High Achievement in Manufacturing” in the 2022 edition of the Renewable
Energy Testing Center’s PV Module Index Report for three consecutive years.
In November 2022, we announced that our 182 mm TOPCon module reached highest conversion efficiency of 23.86%.
In November 2022, we announced we will supply approximately 522 MW of modules for Phase l of the Santa Luzia Utility PV
Project Complex in Brazil.
In January 2023, we revealed our Second Generation Tiger Neo panel family – one of the world’s most efficient and powerful
solar panels. The upgraded Tiger Neo family includes three series with up to 445Wp for 54-cell, 615Wp for 72-cell, and 635Wp for 78-
cell and module efficiency up to 22.27%, 23.23%, and 22.72% respectively.
In June 2023, we had delivered more than 220,000 Tiger NEO bifacial 72 modules to the 123 MW Verila Solar Power Plant in
Bulgaria.
In September 2023, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Failte Energy Solutions limited to supply Tiger Neo
modules for a total capacity of 200MW.
In October 2023, the module shipments of Jiangxi Jinko exceeded 52GW for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, with
N-type modules accounting for about 57% of these shipments. As of September 30, 2023, Jiangxi Jinko’s all-time cumulative global
solar module shipments exceeded 190GW in total.
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In October 2023, our affiliate signed the largest ever supply agreement with ACWA Power, to provide 3.8 GW N-type Tiger
Neo modules for ACWA Power’s two projects, the 1,581MWp Al KAHFAH and the 2,257MWp AR RASS 2, in Saudi Arabia.
As of December 31, 2023, Jiangxi Jinko’s all-time cumulative global solar module shipments exceeded 210GW in total.
As of December 31, 2023, the average output of our 182mm 72 pieces Tiger Neo modules reached 585-590wp.
In January 2024, our affiliated company granted rights to certain of its N-type TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact)-
related patents to one of the top ten solar module companies in the world with reasonable license fee arrangement, allowing it to use
certain of our patented TOPCon technologies in its relevant TOPCon products.
In April 2024, our subsidiary signed a purchase agreement with Nyox Srl, a leading renewable energy solutions provider based
in Italy, to supply 100MW Tiger Neo modules.
Solar Cells
We commenced production of solar cells in July 2009 following our acquisition of Zhejiang Jinko. The efficiency of a solar cell
converting sunlight into electricity is represented by the ratio of electrical energy produced by the solar cell to the energy from sunlight
that reaches the solar cell. The conversion efficiency of solar cells is determined to a large extent by the quality of silicon wafers used to
produce the solar cells. In 2018, we led the industry in the resizing of the 158 mm x 158 mm solar cell. In 2019, we released solar cells of
larger size and incorporating the tilling ribbon technology, which greatly increased the power of the components and brought more
benefits to customers. In 2020, we developed and mass produced highly efficient P-type monocrystalline solar cells of 163 mm x 163
mm and 182 mm x 182 mm, and constructed an industry-leading production line for N-type monocrystalline solar cells. In December
2020, our maximum mass production efficiency of P-type monocrystalline solar cells and N-type monocrystalline solar cells reached
23.2% and 24.2%, respectively. In October 2021, our high-efficiency N-Type monocrystalline silicon solar cell set new world record with
the highest conversion efficiency of 25.4%. In the fourth quarter of 2021, the mass production efficiency of approximately 900MW N-
type Topcon Cells in our Haining production facility has reached 24.5%, with the yield rate close to that of the PERC. In March 2024, the
mass production efficiency of N-type TOPCon Cells exceeded 26%.
In July 2021, the maximum solar conversion efficiency of our advanced high-efficiency solar module reached 23.53% and
outperformed the previous record of 23.01%, seting a new world record for large-size contract-passivated solar cells.
In October 2021, we achieved a major technical breakthrough on our N-type monocrystalline silicon solar cell, setting a new
world record for the fourth time in a year with the maximum solar conversion efficiency of 25.4% for our large-size passivating contact
solar cell.
In October 2023, we achieved a major technical breakthrough for our 182 mm high-efficiency N-type monocrystalline silicon
solar cell. We again set a new record with the maximum solar conversion efficiency of 26.89% for our 182 mm and above large-size
monocrystalline silicon TOPCon solar cell. This result has been independently confirmed by the National PV industry Measurement and
Testing Center.
In February 2024, our affiliated company granted rights to certain of its N-type TOPCon-related patents to one of the top five
solar cell companies in the world, allowing it to use certain of our patented TOPCon technologies in its relevant TOPCon products.
Silicon Wafers
We commenced production of monocrystalline silicon wafers and multicrystalline silicon wafers in March 2008 and July 2008,
respectively.
In 2018, we developed P-type and N-type monocrystalline silicon wafers with high quality and low oxygen content of 158 mm x 158
mm. In 2019, we developed technologies for silicon wafers of larger size, which resolved technical difficulties such as non-destructive cutting
and concentric circle defects, and combined with N4/N5 technology, greatly improved the quality and efficiency of N-type monocrystalline
silicon wafers while reducing its cost. In 2020, we developed and mass produced high quality silicon wafers of 182 mm x 182 mm, and
conducted research on silicon wafers of 210 mm x 210 mm or larger size. We optimized Outer-furnace Czochralski technology and charging
technology and developed and verified N7/N8 technology, which greatly improved the quality and efficiency of silicon wafers while increasing
manufacturing capacity and reducing costs. In 2021 and 2022, we continued to reduce the thickness of mono wafers to save on polysilicon. In
2023, we continued to optimize and upgrade crystal pulling and slicing technologies to further improve efficiency and reduce cost. By the end of
2023, thickness of the mass production of N-type 182mm silicon wafers and P-type 182mm silicon wafers had reduced to 120 microns and 135
microns, respectively.
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Recovered Silicon Materials
We commenced processing of recoverable silicon materials into recovered silicon materials in June 2006. We are able to process
and recover a broad range of recoverable silicon materials, which enables us to reduce our overall silicon material costs and improve
product quality and yield.
Solar Power Generation and Solar System EPC Services
We commenced developing solar power projects in China in 2011 and generated revenue from sales of electricity generated by
our own solar power projects when they were connected to the grid. In November 2016, we disposed of our downstream solar power
project business in China.
We obtained two small solar power projects as the repayment of our accounts receivable in Italy and commenced developing
solar power projects overseas in 2016, which were disposed of in 2018.
In November 2019, we entered into an agreement to sell two of our solar power plants in Mexico with a combined capacity of
155 MW to an independent third party, which was completed in March 2020. In December 2021, we entered into an agreement to
dispose of one power plant in Argentina with capacity of 93.3MW to JinkoPower, which was completed in June 2022. Currently, we
have two overseas solar power plants located in Abu Dhabi and Mexico, respectively. The solar power plant in Mexico is still under
construction.
In addition, in order to promote our high-efficiency modules and cutting-edge N-type cell technologies, we, through a joint
venture, Poyang Luohong, in which we then held 51% equity interest, had bid and won a 250 MW solar project under NEA’s
“Technology Top Runner” program in Shangrao, Jiangxi Province. The Technology Top Runner Project was connected to grid on
December 8, 2019. We sold all of our equity interest in Poyang Luohong to an independent third party buyer and filed such change of
ownership with Shangrao Market Supervision Administration on December 17, 2019. We considered the Technology Top Runner Project
as a unique business opportunity. Other than the solar power plant under construction in Mexico, currently we do not have plans to
develop any other solar projects in China or overseas.
Energy Storage System
We launched our energy storage system business in 2022. We offer residential energy storage system, commercial and industrial
(C&I) energy storage system, and energy storage system designed for large-scale power plants. We have entered into framework
agreements and distribution agreements regarding the supply of our energy storage systems with various power suppliers and distributors
in China and worldwide including Middle and East Africa, Southeast Asia, North America, Australia and Japan. By the end of first
quarter of 2024, our energy storage system with production capacity of 4GWh has started operation.
In June 2023, we launched our Second Generation of the High Voltage Energy Storage Battery into the European market.
In June 2023, Jiangxi Jinko signed a strategic distribution agreement for residential storage solution with V. Kafkas SA., the
leading Greek company in the field of Electrical Equipment, Lighting, Building Automation and Energy Management Solutions. This
agreement covers Greece and Cyprus for the years 2023 and 2024.
In April, 2024, we were recognized as a Tier 1 energy storage provider by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).
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Manufacturing
We manufacture and sell solar modules, solar cells, silicon wafers and recovered silicon materials.
Manufacturing Capacity and Facilities
Manufacturing Capacity
Our annual production capacity for mono wafers, solar cells and solar modules as of December 31, 2023 was 85 GW, 90 GW
and 110 GW, respectively.
Property and Plant
We both own and lease properties for our operations. When we state that we own certain properties in China, we own the
relevant land use rights because land is owned by the PRC state under the PRC land system. As of the date of this annual report, we had
obtained land use rights to 7.2 million square meters of land. The following table sets forth the size, use and the location of the land, to
which we had obtained the land use rights, as the date of this annual report:
Location
Shangrao, Jiangxi Province
Nanchang, Jiangxi Province
Fengcheng, Jiangxi Province
Haining, Zhejiang Province
Leshan, Sichuan Province
Yuhuan, Zhejiang Province
Yiwu, Zhejiang Province
Chuzhou, Anhui Province
Hefei, Anhui Province
Yushan, Jiangxi Province
Jinchang, Gansu Province
Xining, Qinghai Province
Shanghai
Total
Industrial Use
(square meters)
1,843,848
—
130,109
1,318,920
416,179
628,769
277,816
289,091
1,042,696
189,111
322,525
537,254
—
6,996,318
Residential Use
(square meters)
50,370
7,261
—
18,963
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
93,277
169,871
We lease office space and manufacturing facilities in various locations around the world where we maintain subsidiaries and
offices.
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Except as indicated otherwise, we own the facilities completed and under construction and own the right to use the relevant land
for the durations described below (including capacities and major equipment):
Products
Location
Silicon Ingots and Wafers
Silicon Ingots
Solar Cells
Solar Modules
Photovoltaic materials
Shangrao Economic
Development Zone,
Jiangxi
Yushan,Jiangxi
Jinchang,Gansu
Leshan, Sichuan
Xining, Qinghai
Yuanhua Town, Haining,
Zhejiang
Shangrao Economic
Development Zone,
Jiangxi
Hefei, Anhui
Jianshan, Haining,
Zhejiang
Huangwan Town, Haining
Zhejiang
Shangrao Economic
Development Zone,
Jiangxi
Yuanhua Town, Haining,
Zhejiang
Yuhuan, Zhejiang
Chuzhou, Anhui
Yiwu, Zhejiang
Hefei, Anhui
Jianshan, Haining,
Zhejiang
Fengcheng, Yichun,
Jiangxi
Shangrao Economic
Development Zone,
Jiangxi
Hefei, Anhui
Facility
No.
Plant Size
(square
meters)
1
287,985
Duration of Land Use Right
Major equipment
(i) March 16, 2010 to February 3, 2057; (ii) December 9, 2009 to September
23, 2058; (iii) July 6, 2009 to August 10, 2059; (iv) July 10, 2009 to February
7, 2057; (v) January 6, 2009 to August 10, 2059
2021/1/22 to 2071/1/21
2011/7/31 to 2061/7/31
(i) 2019/5/31 to 2069/5/31
(i) 2022/7/11 to 2072/7/11; (ii) 2024/3/1 to 2074/3/1
(i) as of 2060/8/29; (ii) as of 2065/3/18
Monocrystalline furnaces, multicrystalline
furnaces, wire saws, wire squarers
Diffusion furnaces, sintering furnaces,
PECVD antireflection coatings
manufacturing equipment, automatic
printers
189,111
322,525
416,179
537,254
106,260
178,582
As of 2068/3/7
304,689
203,195
(i) 2022/1/26 to 2072/1/26, (ii) 2023/1/5 to 2073/1/4
As of 2072/5/10
432,053
As of 2071/7/20
724,799
July 6, 2009 to August 10, 2059
291,076
(i) as of 2060/7/25; (ii) as of 2064/11/30; (iii) as of 2068/3/15; (4) 2070/6/11;
(5) 2068/3/15;
April 27, 2023 to April 26, 2073
April 13, 2020 to April 12, 2070
628,769
289,091
277,816 March 13, 2020 to March 12, 2070
606,329
(i) 2022/8/18 to 2072/8/18; (ii) 2022/9/4 to 2072/9/4; (iii) 2023/1/5 to
2073/1/5; (iv) 2023/5/7 to 2073/5/7; (v) 2023/7/10 to 2073/7/10; (vi) 2024/1/6
to 2074/1/15
As of 2073/2/1
179,428
130,109
2022/4/17 to 2072/4/16
179,933
(i) as of 2025/8/20, (ii) 2063/9/6
131,678
2023/6/19 to 2073/6/18
Laminating machine, solar cell module
production line before and after component
lamination, automatic glue spreads’ working
station, solar cell module testing devices
Injection molding machine, fully automatic
connector assembly machine, cutting,
riveting and twisting machine, junction box
assembly machine, aluminum profile
extrusion machine, aging furnace,
sandblasting machine, oxidation line, fully
automatic frame machine
7
10
12
15
3
18
19
2
20
5
6
9
13
14
16
17
4
8
11
As of December 31, 2023, short-term borrowings of RMB987.6 million (US$139.1 million) and long-term borrowings of
RMB2.15 billion (US$303.5 million) were secured by land use rights, plant and equipment. We believe our current land use rights,
existing facilities and equipment are adequate for our current requirements.
Major Plans to Construct, Expand or Improve Facilities
We have entered into purchase and other agreements for purchase of additional manufacturing equipment and expansion of our
production capacities. Our capital commitments under these contracts amounted to RMB20.15 billion (US$2.84 billion) as of December
31, 2023, of which RMB7.34 billion (US$1.03 billion) will be due in 2024 and RMB12.81 billion (US$1.8 billion) will be due after one
year but within five years. We may terminate these agreements or revise their terms in line with our new plan and as a result, may be
subject to cancellation, late charges and forfeiture of prepayments. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to
Our Business and Industry—We may continue to undertake acquisitions, investments, joint ventures or other strategic alliances, and such
undertakings may be unsuccessful.” And “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We
may face termination and late charges and risks relating to the termination and amendment of certain equipment purchases contracts.”
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Manufacturing Process
Silicon Ingot Manufacturing
We produce monocrystalline silicon ingots in electric furnaces. We place silicon materials, consisting of virgin polysilicon
feedstock and recovered silicon materials of various grades according to formulas developed in-house into a quartz crucible in the
furnace, where the silicon materials are melted. While heating the silicon materials, we pump a stream of argon, a chemically inert gas,
into the furnace to remove the impurities vaporized during the heating process and to inhibit oxidation, thus enhancing the purity of the
silicon ingots. A thin crystal “seed” is dipped into the molten silicon to determine the crystal orientation and structure. The seed is rotated
and then slowly extracted from the molten silicon, which adheres to the seed and is pulled vertically upward to form a cylindrical silicon
ingots consisting of a single large silicon crystal as the molten silicon and crucible cool. We have modified some of our monocrystalline
furnaces to allow us to apply our furnace reloading production process, which enables us to increase the size of our silicon ingots while
lowering our unit production costs by enhancing the utilization rate of our furnaces and reducing unit costs of consumables and utilities.
After the silicon ingot is pulled and cooled, we square the silicon ingots in our squaring machines into blocks.
We test monocrystalline silicon ingots as to their minority carrier lifetime, which is an important measurement of impurity
levels of crystalline silicon material, as well as resistivity, electric properties and chemical properties and cut off the unusable parts
before they are cut into silicon wafers.
Silicon Wafer Cutting
We cut silicon ingots into silicon wafers with high-precision diamond wire saws carrying slurry to cut silicon wafers from the
silicon ingot blocks. Using proprietary know-how and our process technology, we have improved these wire saws to enable us to cut
silicon ingot blocks longer than the size that the wire saws were originally designed to cut as well as to increase the number of quality
conforming silicon wafers produced from each silicon ingot block, produce silicon wafers with thickness of a high degree of consistency
and improve the quality of silicon wafers. We mainly manufacture our P-type and N-type monocrystalline silicon wafers in 182mm x
182mm dimensions. The dimensions of the silicon wafers we produce are dictated by current demands for market standard products.
However, our production equipment and processes are also capable of producing silicon wafers in other dimensions if market demand
should so require.
After silicon wafers are cut from silicon ingots, they are cleaned and inserted into frames. The framed silicon wafers are further
cleaned, dried and inspected before packaging.
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Solar Cell Manufacturing
Solar cell manufacturing process starts with an ultrasonic cleaning process to remove grease and particles from the wafer
surface, followed by chemical cleaning and texturing in wet benches to remove organic and metallic contaminate, as well as to create
suede-like or pyramid-like topograph, depending on mono-crystalline wafer used, on the wafer surface. This rough surface could reduce
the optical loss of solar cells due to lowering light reflection and creating longer optical path beneficial for light absorption. The wafer
then receives a high temperature diffusion process to form p-n junction, which is the heart of solar cell to separate light generated
carriers. An edge isolation process is adapted to electrically isolate diffused front and rear surfaces, followed by an anti-reflection coating
process to deposit a thin layer of silicon nitride on the sunward side of the wafer to further enhance the light absorption. Metallization is
then applied by screen printed metal paste on both sides of the wafer, followed by a high temperature co-firing process through a belt
furnace to form ohmic-contact electrodes. The finished solar cells are tested and sorted, and ready for the solar module manufacturing
process.
Solar Module Manufacturing
Solar modules are produced by interconnecting multiple solar cells into desired electrical configurations through welding. The
interconnected solar cells are laid out and laminated in a vacuum with laboratory details involved. Through these processes and designs,
the solar modules are weather-sealed, and thus are able to withstand high levels of ultraviolet radiation, moisture, wind, transportation
damage and sand. Assembled solar modules are packaged in a protective aluminum frame prior to testing.
Raw and Ancillary Materials
The raw materials used in our manufacturing process consist primarily of virgin polysilicon and recoverable silicon materials,
and the ancillary materials used in our manufacturing process consist primarily of metallic pastes, encapsulant, tempered glass,
aluminum frames, back sheets, junction boxes and other related consumables. The prices of polysilicon and silicon wafers have been
subject to significant volatility. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—Volatility
in the prices of silicon raw materials makes our procurement planning challenging and could have a material adverse effect on our results
of operations and financial condition.”
Raw Materials
The principal raw material used in our manufacturing process is virgin polysilicon. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, virgin polysilicon
accounted for over 90% of our total silicon raw material purchases by value. We also use recoverable silicon materials in our production.
We procure our raw materials from diversified sources. In 2023, purchases from foreign suppliers and domestic suppliers accounted for
20.3% and 79.7% of our total silicon raw material purchases, respectively.
In 2021, 2022 and 2023, our five largest group suppliers accounted for 78.7%, 77.4% and 83.1%, respectively, of our total
silicon purchases by value. In 2021, three of our group suppliers individually accounted for more than 10.0%, and our largest group
supplier accounted for 28.5% of our total silicon purchases by value. In 2022, two of our group suppliers individually accounted for more
than 10%, and our largest group supplier accounted for 34.0% of our total silicon purchases by value. In 2023, four of our group
suppliers individually accounted for more than 10.0%, and our largest group supplier accounted for 30.6% of our total silicon purchases
by value. A “group supplier” refers to an aggregation of our suppliers that are within the same corporate group.
Our supply contracts generally include prepayment obligations for the procurement of silicon raw materials. As of
December 31, 2023, we had RMB5.21 billion (US$734.4 million) of advances to suppliers. In September 2021, we signed long-term
purchase agreements with Wacker Chemie AG and Hemlock Semiconductor to procure polycrystalline silicon. In November 2021, we
formed a few strategic co-operations such as a joint investment with Tongwei Co., Ltd. in a high-purity crystalline silicon project with
annual capacity of 45,000 metric tons. In June 2021, we entered into a strategic investment agreement with Inner Mongolia Xinte Silicon
Materials Co. Ltd. (“Xinte”) to secure our polysilicon supply. We subsequently entered into a long-term purchase agreement with Xinte
in 2022 for 336,000 metric tons of polycrystalline silicon. In 2022, we signed a long-term purchase agreement with certain subsidiaries
of Tongwei Co., Ltd. The above cooperation would ensure us to sustain a stable supply of polycrystalline silicon and crystalline silicon.
In July 2023, we signed long-term purchase agreements with OCIM Sdn. Bhd. for one year to secure the monthly supply of 230.4 metric
tons of polycrystalline silicon.
Virgin Polysilicon
We purchase solar grade virgin polysilicon from both domestic and foreign suppliers. We purchase our virgin polysilicon
through spot market purchases to take advantage of decreasing virgin polysilicon prices.
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Recoverable Silicon Materials
We purchase pre-screened recoverable silicon materials from our suppliers which are delivered to our facilities for chemical
treatment, cleaning and sorting into recovered silicon materials. Currently, we purchase most of our recoverable silicon materials on the
spot market.
Ancillary Materials
We use metallic pastes as raw materials in our solar cell production process. Metallic pastes are used to form the grids of metal
contacts that are printed on the front and back surfaces of the solar cells through screen-printing to create negative and positive
electrodes. We procure metallic pastes from third parties under monthly contracts. In addition, we use EVA, tempered glass, aluminum
frames and other raw materials in our solar module production process. We procure these materials from third parties on a monthly basis.
Customers and Markets
We primarily sell solar products in both China and overseas markets, and before the disposition of our downstream solar power
project business in China in November 2016, we sold electricity generated by our solar power projects in China. In 2021, 2022 and 2023,
we generated 24.8%, 41.9% and 38.3% of our revenues from domestic sales and 75.2%, 58.1% and 61.7% of our revenues from sales
outside China, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, we had customers from various countries and regions, including China, the United
States, Mexico, Australia, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Jordan, Vietnam, Egypt, Spain and Germany. The following table sets
forth our net revenues generated from sales of products to customers in respective geographic locations both in absolute amounts and as
percentages of net revenues, for the periods indicated.
2021
2022
2023
RMB
(%)
RMB
(%)
RMB
US$
(%)
Inside China (including Hong Kong
and Taiwan)
North America
Europe
Asia Pacific (except China which
includes Hong Kong and Taiwan)
Rest of the world
Total
10,134,888.5
6,621,798.5
7,481,580.8
24.8 % 34,839,409.8
16.2 %
3,727,493.5
18.3 % 19,637,776.6
41.9 %
4.5 %
23.6 %
45,418,257.0
10,461,589.0
21,731,240.0
6,397,027.7
1,473,484.0
3,060,781.1
38.3 %
8.8 %
18.3 %
10,239,162.2
6,349,091.1
40,826,521.1
25.1 % 11,274,446.6
15.6 % 13,648,169.1
100.0 % 83,127,295.6
19,431,642.0
13.6 %
21,635,863.0
16.4 %
100.0 % 118,678,591.0
2,736,889.5
3,047,347.6
16,715,529.9
16.4 %
18.2 %
100.0 %
Sales of solar modules are our largest revenue contributor, which accounted for 96.5% of our total revenues in 2023. We sell
silicon wafers and solar cells to the extent we do not consume them for our own production. We expect that our sales of solar modules
will continue to be our largest revenue contributor.
None of our customers accounted for more than 10% of our total revenues in 2021, 2022 and 2023. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, our
largest group customer accounted for 4.6%, 5.4% and 5.1% of our total revenue, respectively. A “group customer” refers to an
aggregation of our customers that are within the same corporate group. The following table sets forth the primary products sold to our top
five group customers and the percentage of total revenues generated by sales to our top five group customers for the periods indicated:
Top five group customers
2021
2022
2023
Products
Solar modules
(%)
14.9 Solar modules
Products
(%)
15.3 Solar modules
Products
(%)
16.8
We sell most of our solar modules under our own brand “JinkoSolar”, with a small portion of solar modules on an OEM basis.
Our customers for solar modules include distributors, project developers and system integrators. We have been able to establish strong
relationships with a number of major customers, based on the quality of our products and our market reputation. Our module customers
include leading players in the PV industry, such as, Swinterton Builder, NextEra, Sustainable Power Group, Green Light Contractors Pty
Ltd., Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Vivint Solar Developer, LLC, CED Greentech and ConEdison Development.
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Sales and Marketing
We sell solar modules under short-term contracts and by spot market sales. We negotiate payment terms on a case-by-case basis
and we allow most of our overseas’ customers to make full payment within 90 days and our domestic customers to make 90%-95% of
payment within 180 days after delivery and the balance will be paid when the Retainage Period (as defined below) ends.
We expect to retain a substantial portion of our solar cells for our own solar module production, while maintaining our
flexibility to respond to market changes and price fluctuations by selling a portion of our solar cells in the spot market under favorable
circumstances. We sell our solar cells under short-term contracts and by spot market sales. We negotiate payment terms of our solar cell
sales contracts on a case-by-case basis, and we allow most of our customers to make full payment within 15 to 90 days after delivery. See
“Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—A. Operational Results—Principal Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
—Industry Trend for Credit Sales.”
Historically, we made substantial sales of silicon wafers. Currently, we retain a substantial portion of our silicon wafers for our
own solar cell production, while selling the remaining to our solar cell suppliers to set off a portion of our payment obligations for our
solar cell purchases.
We made substantial sales of recovered silicon materials and silicon ingots before we built out our silicon wafer, solar cell and
solar module production capacity. We currently sell a small volume of recovered silicon materials.
As we continue to diversify our product lines, we have successfully expanded our global marketing footprint. We established a
sales and marketing center in Shanghai in January 2009, which provides us with convenient access to domestic and international sales
channels. In November 2009, we established JinkoSolar International Limited in Hong Kong to get easy access to major export markets.
We began exporting our silicon wafers to Hong Kong in May 2008, and have since expanded our sales to Taiwan, India, the Netherlands,
Singapore and South Korea. With our entry into the downstream solar module markets, we have further successfully marketed our
products to customers in China, United States, India, Brazil, Japan, Germany, Australia, Spain, Poland, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia and
other countries. As of December 31, 2023, we had a global sales network with sales teams in China, the United States, Canada, Brazil,
Chile, Mexico, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Spain, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Vietnam and India and 26 overseas
subsidiaries in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, India, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Chile,
Australia, Canada, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Denmark, Indonesia, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
In addition, we have devoted significant resources to developing solar module customers and a stable end-user customer base
through establishing diversified sales channels comprising project developers, system integrators, distributors and sales agents and
diversified marketing activities, including advertising on major industry publications, attending trade shows and exhibits worldwide as
well as providing high quality services to our customers.
In January 2021, we won the prestigious PV Magazine Award 2020 in the Module category for our Tiger monofacial module.
In February 2021, we won the Green Builder Media’s 2021 Green Innovation award.
In February 2021, we became the first international solar company to have signed on to the Global Framework Principles for
Decarbonizing Heavy Industry, as part of our efforts to continue supporting the decarbonization of the heavy industry sector in favor of a
transition towards clean energy.
In March 2021, we were recognized as “Overall High Achiever” in the 2020 PV Module Index Report published by the
Renewable Energy Testing Center (RETC).
In March 2021, we launched a new series of ultra-efficient Tiger Pro modules with higher power capacity targeted for
distributed generation market.
In April 2021, we joined the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. Under the
U.N. Global Compact, signatories are encouraged to align their operations and strategies with key principles.
In April 2021, we won the award for “Asia’s Best Employer” for the third consecutive year.
In April 2021, we won the 7th All Quality Matters Award for Green Module Efficiency at the Solar Congress 2021 held by TÜV
Rheinland.
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In May 2021, we were awarded Top 1 Prestigious Module PV Brand in Vietnamese Market 2020 voting jointly organized by the
National Steering Committee for electricity Development of Vietnam, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), and Vietnam Energy
Magazine.
In May 2021, we received the award for Best HR Strategy of the Year at the Energy HR Summit India 2021.
In June 2021, we were recognized as an “Overall High Achiever” in Renewable Energy Testing Center’s (“RETC”) 2021 PV
Module Index Report for the second consecutive year.
In July 2021, we were selected as an “Eco-Leader” by Green Builder® Media for the third time.
In September 2021, we were awarded the “Top Brand PV USA” seal by EUPD Research.
In October 2021, we won the prestigious Green World Awards for Environmental Best Practice named by the Green
Organization in the global campaign to find the world’s greenest countries, companies, and communities.
In November 2021, we launched a new series of ultra-efficient 2021 Flagship Tiger Neo modules.
In February 2022, our Tiger Neo bifacial modules reached competitive carbon footprint value for tenders in France.
In March 2022, we hosted a high-level dialogue with delegates from the UN Global Compact Liaison Office in Beijing, on the
role of solar PV technology development in achieving global Sustainable Development Goals set up by the United Nations.
In March 2022, we won the “UGGC Best Practices Sustainability Awards 2021” for the first time, in the category of sustainable
large-scale manufacturing category, as announced by UN Global Compact Network China, for our continuous commitment towards UN
SDGs and the ten principles of the UNGC embedded in the way we conducts business.
In July 2022, we were recognized for “Overall High Achievement in Manufacturing” in the 2022 edition of the Renewable
Energy Testing Center’s PV Module Index Report. This marks the third consecutive year that we had earned recognition as a top
performer in the industry-leading report.
In December 2022, we won the Harvard Business Review Global Chinese Edition “ESG Innovator of 2022”. This recognizes
our innovative best practices in ESG and highlights our contribution to social responsibility and sustainability.
In April 2023, our EAGLE Encore Residential Solar + Storage platform was recognized by Green Builder® Media as a 2023
Sustainable Product of the Year.
In May 2023, we were recognized as a Top Performer in the 2023 PV Module Reliability Scorecard published by PV Evolution
Labs (PVEL) for the ninth consecutive year.
In June 2023, we were awarded the “Top Brand PV Europe Seal 2023” by internationally recognized research institute EUPD
Research.
In July 2023, we achieved the highest “AAA” category ranking in PV Tech’s Q2 ModuleTech bankability report.
In August 2023, we were recognized as a 2023 Overall Highest Achiever for the fourth consecutive year in Renewable Energy
Testing Center’s PV Module Index Report.
In October 2023, our affiliate signed the largest ever supply agreement with ACWA Power, to provide 3.8 GW N-type Tiger
Neo modules for ACWA Power’s two projects, the 1,581MWp Al KAHFAH and the 2,257MWp AR RASS 2, in Saudi Arabia.
In November 2023, our wafer factory in Sichuan Leshan passed the “Zero Carbon Factory Evaluation Code” and was awarded
the “Zero Carbon Factory” certification by TÜV Rheinland for its advanced green business practices.
In December 2023, we were honored with the PV Magazine Publisher’s Pick Award 2023 for our latest commercial and
industrial energy storage system SunGiga.
In December 2023, we were awarded with the ESG Transparency Award from EUPD Research.
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In January 2024, we won the Solar Power World 2023 Leadership in Solar Energy Award in the solar panel category.
In February 2024, we became the premium sponsor of Gresini Racing S.r.l. for the MotoE World Championship 2024.
In April 2024, we were awarded the “Top Brand PV USA” seal by EUPD Research.
In April 2024, we signed a purchase agreement with Nyox Srl, a leading renewable energy solutions provider based in Italy, for
the supply of 100MW Tiger Neo modules.
Quality Control
According to ISO9001 and IEC 62941 quality management standards, we have established a complete quality control system
covering the whole cycle of R&D, procurement and manufacturing, etc., to ensure the consistency of our product quality and compliance
with product standard requirements. Our quality management systems in Shangrao, Jiangxi Province, Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, Haining,
Zhejiang Province, Yuhuan, Zhejiang Province, Chuzhou, Anhui Province, Leshan, Sichuan Province, Feidong, Anhui Province,
Chuxiong, Yunnan Province, Jinchang, Gansu Province, Yili, the XUAR, Penang, Malaysia and Vietnam have all received the TÜV
Rheinland ISO9001:2015 certification. In addition, our module manufacturing factories in Shangrao, Jiangxi Province, Haining, Yiwu,
Zhejiang Province and Chuzhou, Anhui Province, and Feidong, Anhui Province have received the TÜV-NORD IEC 62941 certification.
In addition, we have also received international and domestic certifications for certain models of our solar modules. For
example, we have received TÜV, PID, Salt, Ammonia, Dust & Sand and CE certifications for all of our solar modules sold in Europe,
JPEA certifications for all of our solar module sold in Japan, UL certifications for all solar modules sold in North America BIS and BIS
certifications for all solar modules sold in India, KS certification for all solar modules sold in Korea and CQC certification for all of our
solar modules in China. In May 2013, our modules became the first to pass TÜV NORD’s dynamic mechanical load testing with
maximum 1000 Pascal downward load. In 2013, our solar modules also passed TÜV Nord’s Dust & Sand Certification Test,
demonstrating their suitability for installation in desert regions. In December 2014, our modules became the first to pass TÜV NORD’s
transportation and shipping of PV Module stacks test. Our solar modules received the highest testing result, class 1, in the fire resistance
test conducted by Italy’s Istituto Giordano. We also obtained the JIS Q 8901 Certification from TÜV Rheinland. In May 2016, we
became the first Chinese PV manufacturer that received Qualification Plus certification from TÜV Rheinland for solar modules. In May
2017, we became one of the first Chinese PV manufacturers to pass the intensive UV test according to IEC 61345 from TÜV Rheinland.
In July 2017, we became one of the first PV module providers to guarantee that all our standard PV modules meet IEC 62804 double
anti-PID standards. In August 2021, we obtained the first photovoltaic module LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) certificate in the Greater
China region issued by TÜV Rheinland (China) Ltd., and passed the Italian EPD certification. In February 2022, our factory in Shangrao
obtained our first SNI certification. In 2023, our facilities in Shangrao, Jiangxi Province, Haining, Zhejiang Province, Yiwu, Zhejiang
Province, Chuzhou, Anhui Province, Leshan, Sichuan Province, as well as Malaysia and Vietnam received the SGS ISO50001:2018
certification and ISO14064-1:2018 certification. Our facilities in Hefei, Anhui Province and Chuxiong, Yunan Province also received the
ISO14064-1:2018 certification. In addition, our mainstream 182mm N type products received the ISO14067:2018 certification.
We conduct systematic inspections of incoming raw materials, ranging from silicon raw materials to various ancillary materials.
We have formulated and adopted guidelines and continue to devote efforts to developing and improving our inspection measures and
standards on recycling recoverable silicon materials and production of silicon ingots, silicon wafer, solar cell and solar module. We
conduct a final quality check before packing to ensure that our solar power products meet all our internal standards and customers’
specifications. In addition, we provide periodic training to our employees to ensure the effectiveness of our quality control procedures.
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In February 2012, we opened our PV module testing laboratory in Jiangxi, China, which can conduct over 20 different kinds of
tests, ranging from basic power and temperature tests to challenging hot spot, pre-decay and UV aging tests, all of which conform to UL
and International Electrotechnical Commission regulations. In 2016, we set up two testing laboratories in Haining, Zhejiang province and
Malaysia, and in Yiwu and Chuzhou respectively in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, we established laboratories in Hefei and Vietnam. In
February 2012, the facility was awarded the UL Witness Testing Data Program (“WTDP”) Certificate and, in August 2012, the facility
was certified by China National Accreditation Service (“CNAS”). In September 2014, the facility was certified by Intertek Satellite Lab
and obtained TÜV Nord CB Lab certificate in the same year. In March 2016, the facility also obtained the CGC Certificate and was
certified as TMP laboratory by TÜV Rheinland. The laboratory received the DEKA TMP Laboratory Certificate in July 2020 and
the SGS TMP Laboratory Certificate in May 2021. In 2020, the laboratory passed the proficiency testing verification of National
Institute of Metrology China (“NIM”). In September 2022, it received TüV SUD TMP Laboratory Certificate and passed the
qualification review in 2023. In 2023, it obtained CNAS Laboratory Qualification. In addition, in May 2023, we signed a strategic
cooperation agreement with TüV SUD and NIM for the cooperations regarding various standard technical applications including
but not limited to comprehensive photovoltaic product testing, photovoltaic device, equipment calibration and solar plant
inspection.
We have a dedicated team overseeing our quality control processes. In addition, we have established operation management and
project-based customer service teams, aiming to supervise the whole installation process and service our customers in a timely manner.
They work collaboratively with our sales team to provide customer support and after-sale services. We emphasize gathering customer
feedback for our products and addressing customer concerns in a timely manner.
Competition
We operate in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market. As we build out our solar wafer, cell and solar module
production capacity and increase the output of these products, we mainly compete with integrated as well as specialized manufacturers of
solar power products such as Longi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd., JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd., Trina Solar Ltd., Canadian Solar
Inc. and JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd in a continuously evolving market. Recently, some upstream polysilicon manufacturers as well as
downstream manufacturers have also built out or expanded their silicon ingots, silicon wafer, solar cell and solar module production
operations. We expect to face increased competition as other silicon ingots, silicon wafer, solar cell and solar module manufacturers
continue to expand their operations. Some of our current and potential competitors may have a longer operating history, greater financial
and other resources, stronger brand recognition, better access to raw materials, stronger relationships with customers and greater
economies of scale than we do. Moreover, certain of our competitors are highly-integrated producers whose business models provide
them with competitive advantages as these companies are less dependent on upstream suppliers and/or downstream customers in the
value chain.
We compete primarily in terms of product quality and consistency, pricing, timely delivery, ability to fill large orders and
reputation for reliable customer support services. We believe that our high quality products, our low manufacturing costs and easy access
to key resources from our strategically located production bases in China, the United States and Malaysia, our recoverable silicon
material processing operations and our proprietary process technologies enhance our overall competitiveness.
In addition, some companies are currently developing or manufacturing solar power products based on new technologies,
including thin film materials and CSPV. These new alternative products may cost less than those based on monocrystalline or
multicrystalline technologies while achieving the same or similar levels of conversion efficiency in the future. Furthermore, the solar
industry generally competes with other renewable energy and conventional energy sources.
See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We face intense competition in
solar power product markets. If we fail to adapt to changing market conditions and to compete successfully with existing or new
competitors, our business prospects and results of operations would be materially adversely affected.”
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Production Safety
We are subject to extensive PRC laws and regulations in relation to labor and safety. We have adopted stringent safety
procedures at our facilities to limit potential damage and personal injury in the event of an accident or natural disaster, and have devised
a number of internal guidelines as well as instructions for our manufacturing processes, including the operation of equipment and
handling of chemicals. We distribute safety-related manuals to employees and post bulletins setting forth safety instructions, guidelines
and policies throughout our facilities. Failure by employees to follow these guidelines and instructions result in monetary fines. All of
our new employees undergo extensive safety training and education. We require our technical staff to attend weekly training programs
taught by instructors to enhance their work safety awareness and ensure safe equipment operation. We conduct regular inspections and
our experienced equipment maintenance team oversees the operation of our manufacturing lines to maintain proper and safe working
conditions. As a result, our occupational health and safety management systems are certified to fulfill the OHSAS 18001:2007 standards
starting from March 2012. In 2019, we completed the certification transition from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001. In 2020, we completed
the authentication of the second-level safety standardization. Since our inception, we have not experienced any major work-related
injuries.
We use, store and generate volatile and otherwise dangerous chemicals and wastes during our manufacturing processes, and are
subject to a variety of government regulations related to the use, storage and disposal of such hazardous chemicals and waste. In
accordance with the requirements of the Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals, which became effective on
March 15, 2002 and were amended on December 1, 2011 and December 7, 2013, we are required to engage state-qualified institutions to
conduct the safety evaluation on our storage instruments related to our use of hazardous chemicals and file the safety evaluation report
with the competent safety supervision and administration authorities every three years. Moreover, we filed a report with the competent
safety supervision and administration authorities and public security agencies concerning the actual storage situation of our chemicals
and other hazardous chemicals that constitute major of hazard sources.
Environmental Matters
We generate and discharge waste water, gaseous waste and other industrial waste at various stages of our manufacturing process
as well as during the processing of recovered silicon material. We have installed pollution abatement equipment at our facilities to
process, reduce, treat, and where feasible, recycle the waste materials before disposal or outsource the disposal of waste materials, and
we treat the waste water, gaseous and liquid waste and other industrial waste produced during the manufacturing process before
discharge. We also maintain environmental protection staff at each of our manufacturing facilities to monitor waste treatment and ensure
that our waste emissions comply with PRC environmental standards. We are required to comply with all PRC national and local
environmental protection laws and regulations and our operations are subject to periodic inspection by national and local environmental
protection authorities. PRC national and local environmental laws and regulations prohibit the discharge of waste materials above
prescribed levels, impose penalties for such violations accordingly, and provide that the relevant authorities may at their own discretion
close or suspend the operation of any facility that fails to comply with orders requiring it to cease or remedy operations causing
environmental damage. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—Compliance
with environmentally safe production and construction and renewable energy development regulations can be costly, while non-
compliance with such regulations may result in adverse publicity and potentially significant monetary damages, fines and suspension of
our business operations.” Jiangxi Jinko obtained the certificate issued by the Bureau of Ecology and Environment of Shangrao Economic
Development Zone confirming that we were in compliance with the environmental protection laws from 2018 till 2023.
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Our factories are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that has been designed to not only produce the highest quality
products, but to also minimize the environmental impact. As of December 31, 2023, among our 15 manufacturing facilities, one in
Taiyuan, Shanxi Province was under construction, and the other 14 had commenced operations. 13 of our manufacturing facilities
received the ISO 9001 Quality Management System Certification, 5 of our manufacturing facilities received the IEC 62941 PV Module
Manufacturing Quality System Certification, 12 of our manufacturing facilities received the ISO 14001 Environmental Management
System Certification and ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System Certification, and 9 of our manufacturing
facilities received the ISO 50001 Energy Management System Certification. In addition, 11 of our manufacturing facilities executed ISO
14064 Greenhouse Gas emission inspection. In January 2012, we joined the PV Cycle Association for the collection and recycling of
end-of-life solar modules at European level. In September 2016, we helped create the first PV recycling network in the U.S. In
November 2017, we were awarded the Cradle-to-Cradle certificate by SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection, verification, and
certification organization, which demonstrates our commitment to high environmental, health and safety standards in our products and
manufacturing processes. In December 2017, we were selected as a 2016-17 Leader in Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition’s Solar Scorecard,
a system which ensures that the PV sector is safe for the environment, workers, and communities. In 2019, our manufacturing facility in
Shangrao obtained the discharge permit for cell industry. In 2020, we received the Jinggangshan Quality Award of Jiangxi Province. In
2023, we were selected as the candidate for the 5th China Quality Award Nomination Award and the national Chief Quality Officer
Typical Case of Quality Transformation and Innovation, with the highest rating of our market quality credit (AAA).
We are required to obtain construction permits before commencing constructing production facilities. We are also required to
obtain approvals from PRC environmental protection authorities before commencing commercial operations of our manufacturing
facilities. We have environmental protection facilities in operation during the construction and operation of our production facilities, and
all pollutants are discharged in compliance with the applicable PRC laws and regulations.
On March 22, 2012, our 600 MW solar cell manufacturing line passed the Haining City environmental authority’s
environmental evaluation. In May 2012, pursuant to a request from the Haining City environmental authority as a part of a program
directed to all local manufacturing companies, we took additional steps intended to improve our program for handling hazardous waste,
which was approved in September 2012. In November 2012, we were selected on a random basis for an audit of our energy conservation
and emission-reduction management systems by the Haining City environmental authority, which we completed successfully. In 2023,
eight of our new construction projects passed the environmental assessment and obtained the approvals.
We continued to implement several environmental protection related projects at the Haining facility between 2013 and 2015,
aiming to improve the waste treatment as well as to reduce carbon dioxide emission. We have invested to establish a new water recycle
system, install roof-top solar panels, replace fluorescent tubes with LED light in the production lines, and upgrade waste chemical
discharge sewers. In 2016, we completed the upgrade of the existing wastewater disposal station and improved the wastewater disposal
of the Haining facility to comply with the new PRC environmental standards for the solar industry. In addition, we continued to
strengthen the whole lifecycle management of solid waste. The vehicles used for transferring the hazardous waste are required to be
equipped with GPS. We regularly review the qualification and technical capability of our waste disposal service providers.
Seasonality
Demand for solar power products tends to be weaker during the winter months partly due to adverse weather conditions in
certain regions, which complicate the installation of solar power systems. Our operating results may fluctuate from period to period
based on the seasonality of industry demand for solar power products. Our sales in the first quarter of any year may also be affected by
the occurrence of the Chinese New Year holiday during which domestic industrial activity is normally lower than that at other times.
Insurance
We have insurance policies covering certain machinery such as our monocrystalline and multicrystalline furnaces. These
insurance policies cover damages and losses due to fire, flood, design defects or improper installation of equipment, water stoppages or
power outages and other events stipulated in the relevant policies. Insurance coverage for Jiangxi Jinko’s fixed assets and inventory other
than land amounted to RMB10.33 billion (US$1.45 billion) as of December 31, 2023. Insurance coverage for Zhejiang Jinko’s fixed
assets and inventory amounted to RMB12.74 billion (US$1.79 billion) as of December 31, 2023. Insurance coverage for Jinko
Malaysia’s fixed assets and inventory amounted to RMB6.60 billion (US$929.6 million) as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31,
2023, we had product liability insurance coverage for most of our manufacturing and marketing companies of up to US$4.57 billion,
export credit insurance coverage for most of our manufacturing and marketing companies of up to US$3.80 billion and product
transportation liability insurance coverage for all of our product transportation companies of up to RMB214.7 billion (US$30.24 billion).
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We engaged PowerGuard, a firm specializing in unique insurance and risk management solutions for the wind and solar energy
industries to provide insurance coverage for the product warranty services for our solar modules worldwide. We renewed the insurance
policy provided by PowerGuard upon its expiration in every May from 2011 to 2019. The policy offered back-to-back coverage through
a maximum of 10-year limited product defects warranty, as well as a 25-year (30-year for dual glass module) warranty against
degradation of module power output from the time of delivery. In April 2020, our engagement with PowerGuard expired. In December
2018, we engaged Ariel Syndicate 1910 of Lloyd’s (“Ariel Re”), a firm specialized in unique insurance and risk management solutions
for the wind and solar energy industries, to provide insurance coverage for the product warranty services of our solar modules worldwide
effective from May 2019. We renewed the insurance policy provided by Ariel Re from 2021 to 2022. The policy offers back-to-back
coverage through a maximum of ten-year limited product defects warranty, as well as a 25-year (30-year for dual glass module) linear
warranty against degradation of module power output from the time of delivery. In January 2023, we engaged Munich Re to provide
insurance coverage for the product warranty services of our solar modules worldwide effective from January 1, 2023. The policy offers
back-to-back coverage through a maximum of 15-year limited product defects warranty, as well as a 30-year linear warranty against
degradation of module power output from the time of delivery.
In addition, in November 2012, we also purchased a policy for environmental liabilities insurance covering our operations in
Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, as required by the Environmental Protection Bureau of Jiaxing City. We believe that our overall insurance
coverage is consistent with the market practice in China. However, significant damage to any of our manufacturing facilities and
buildings, whether as a result of fire or other causes, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. In accordance with
customary practice in China, we do not carry any business interruption insurance. Moreover, we may incur losses beyond the limits, or
outside the coverage, of our insurance policies. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and
Industry—We have limited insurance coverage and may incur losses resulting from product liability claims, business interruption or
natural disasters.” We paid an aggregate of RMB30.0 million, RMB41.9 million and RMB59.4 million (US$8.4 million) in insurance
premiums in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Regulation
This section sets forth a summary of the most significant regulations or requirements that affect our business activities in the
PRC or our shareholders’ right to receive dividends and other distributions from us.
Renewable Energy Law and Other Government Directives
The Renewable Energy Law, which originally became effective on January 1, 2006 and was amended on December 26, 2009,
sets forth policies to encourage the development and on-grid application of solar energy and other renewable energy. The law also sets
forth a national policy to encourage the installation and use of solar energy water heating systems, solar energy heating and cooling
systems, PV systems and other systems that use solar energy. It also provides financial incentives, such as national funding, preferential
loans and tax preferential treatment for the development of renewable energy projects.
The PRC Energy Conservation Law, which became effective on April 1, 2008 and was amended on July 2, 2016 and October
26, 2018, encourages the utilization and installation of solar power facilities on buildings for energy-efficiency purposes. The law also
encourages and supports the development of solar energy system in rural areas.
On October 10, 2010, the State Council promulgated a decision to accelerate the development of seven strategic new industries.
Pursuant to this decision, the PRC government will promote the popularization and application of solar thermal technologies by
increasing tax and financial policy support, encouraging investment and providing other forms of beneficial support.
On March 27, 2011, the NDRC promulgated the revised Guideline Catalogue for Industrial Restructuring which categorizes the
solar power industry as an encouraged item. On February 16, 2013, the NDRC promulgated the 2013 revised Guideline Catalogue for
Industrial Restructuring, effective on May 1, 2013, and amended it on October 30, 2019 and December 27, 2023, the solar power
industry is still categorized as an encouraged item.
In response to the increased pace of market development, the State Council, in a statement dated July 4, 2013, announced to
support the development of PV production enterprises with high technology and strong market competitiveness, among other matters.
In March 2016, the National People’s Congress approved the Outline of the Thirteenth Five-Year Plan for National Economic
and Social Development of the PRC, which mentions a national commitment to continuing to support the development of PV generation
industry.
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In March 2021, the National People’s Congress approved the Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National
Economic and Social Development and Long-Range Objectives for 2035, which further expressed determination of national will to
continuing to support the development of PV generation industry.
On March 22, 2016, the NEA promulgated the Guide Opinion on Energy for 2016, as amended by the Guide Opinion on Energy
for 2017, Guide Opinion on Energy for 2018, Guide Opinion on Energy for 2020, Guide Opinion on Energy for 2021, Guide Opinion on
Energy for 2022, Guide Opinion on Energy for 2023, Guide Opinion on Energy for 2024, which encouraged the development of solar
power.
On November 29, 2016, the State Council released the Thirteen Five-Year Development Plan for National Strategic New
Industries, which aims to promote the diversification and large-scale development of solar power industry.
On December 8, 2016, the NEA officially released the Thirteen Five-Year Plan on Solar Power Development, pursuant to
which, the NEA will provide market support to advanced technology and product and lead the PV technical advances and industry
upgrading.
On December 30, 2016, the MIIT, NDRC, the Ministry of Science and Technology and MOF jointly promulgated the
Development Guide Regarding the New Materials Industry to support and provide details for the development of the PRC solar power
industry.
On February 10, 2017, the NEA promulgated the Circular on Printing and Distributing the Guidance on Energy Work in 2017,
which promotes the construction of PV and thermal power projects. According to this circular, the PRC government planned to add the
new construction scale of 20 million kilowatts and the new installed capacity of 18 million kilowatts in 2017.
On July 18, 2017, the NEA, MIIT and the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the PRC jointly promulgated a
notice regarding improving technical standards of major photovoltaic products and strengthening supervision to promote the
technological progress of photovoltaic industry.
On July 19, 2017, the NEA promulgated the Guiding Opinions on the Implementation of the Thirteenth Five-Year Plan for
Renewable Energy Development, which aims to thoroughly implement the energy production and consumption revolutionary strategy,
effectively solve the problems of abandoned water, abandoned wind, abandoned light and insufficient of subsidies in the development of
renewable energy, and achieve sustainable and healthy development of the renewable energy industry.
On February 26, 2018, the NEA promulgated the Guide Opinion on Energy for 2018, which encouraged the development of
solar power.
On April 2, 2018, the NEA promulgated the Circular on Matters Concerning Easing the Burden of Enterprises in Renewable
Energy Sector, which aims to ease the burden of renewable energy enterprises through strengthening the implementation and supervision
of existing policies.
On May 31, 2018, the NDRC, the Ministry of Finance and the NEA issued a joint notice on matters related to photovoltaic
power generation in 2018, which aims to (1) rationally grasp the pace of development and optimize the scale of new construction of
photovoltaic power generation; (2) accelerate the reduction of subsidies for photovoltaic power generation; (3) give play to the decisive
role of market allocation resources, and increase market-oriented projects.
On January 7, 2019, the NDRC and the NEA promulgated a joint notice on actively promoting the work related to wind power
and photovoltaic power generation without subsidy. On February 1, 2019, the General Department of the NEA promulgated a joint notice
on the publication of the environmental monitoring and evaluation results of the photovoltaic power generation market in 2018.
On February 14, 2019, the NDRC issued the Green Industry Guidance Catalogue (2019 Edition), as amended by Green and
Low-carbon Transformation Industry Guidance Catalogue (2024 Edition), to include solar power equipment manufacturing into the
green industry guidance catalogue, to further encourage the development of solar industry. The NDRC organized the revision of the
Green Industry Guidance Catalogue (2019 Edition) and, as a result, issued an announcement on March 16, 2023 to solicit opinions on
Draft of Green Industry Guidance Catalogue (2023 Edition) from the public.
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On October 30, 2019, the NDRC issued the Industrial Structure Adjustment Guidance Catalogue (2019 Edition) which became
effective on January 1, 2020, as amended by the Industrial Structure Adjustment Guidance Catalogue (2024 Edition), to include the
photovoltaic solar equipment manufacturing in the encouraged category, in order to coordinate the transition of the Chinese economy
from a high-speed growth stage to a high-quality development stage.
On January 20, 2020, the NEA, the NDRC, and the Ministry of Finance jointly issued Opinions on Promoting the Healthy
Development of Non-hydroelectric Renewable Energy Power Generation, aiming at (i) improving the current subsidy method, (ii)
improving market allocation of resources and subsidy decline mechanism, and (iii) optimizing subsidy redemption process.
On September 29, 2020, the NDRC, the NEA and the Ministry of Finance jointly issued Supplementary Notice on Matters
Relating to Several Opinions on Promoting the Sound Development of Non-Hydro-Renewable Energy Power Generation to further
clarify relevant policies of additional subsidy funds for renewable energy electricity prices and stabilize industry expectations.
On March 5, 2020, the NEA issued Notice on Matters Related to the Construction of Wind Power and Photovoltaic Power
Generation Projects in 2020, in order to adjust and improve the specific plans for the construction and management of wind power and
photovoltaic power generation projects. On May 11, 2021, the NEA issued Notice on Matters Related to the Development and
Construction of Wind Power and Photovoltaic Power Generation Projects in 2021, further adjusting and improving the specific plans for
matters related to the development and construction of wind power and photovoltaic power generation projects in 2021.
On February 2, 2021, the State Council issued Guiding Opinions on Accelerating the Establishment and Improvement of the
Green and Low-Carbon Circular Development Economic System, in order to accelerate the establishment of a robust economic system of
green and low-carbon circular development.
On February 24, 2021, the NDRC, the MOF, the People’s Bank of China, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory
Commission and the NEA issued Notice on Guiding to Increase Financial Support to Promote the Healthy and Orderly Development of
Wind Power and Photovoltaic Power Generation Industries, in order to help solving the problems of renewable energy companies such
as tight cash flow and difficulties in production and operation.
On April 19, 2021, the NEA issued Notice on Guiding Opinions on Energy Matters, setting forth, among other things, the target
to further increase the percentage of wind power and photovoltaic power to 11%. On March 17, 2022, the NEA issued Notice on Guiding
Opinions on Energy Matters, requiring in-depth implementation of the Fourteenth Five-Year Plan for Renewable Energy Development,
vigorous development of wind power and photovoltaic power, and research on establishment of construction and operation mechanism
for supporting energy storage system of the large-scale wind power and photovoltaic bases.
Environmental Protection
The construction processes of our solar power projects generate material levels of noise, waste water, gaseous emissions and
other industrial wastes. Therefore, we are subject to a variety of government regulations related to the storage, use and disposal of
hazardous materials and to the protection of the environment of the community. The major environmental regulations applicable to our
business activities in the PRC include the Environmental Protection Law of the PRC, the Law on the Prevention and Control of Noise
Pollution, the Law on the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution, the Law on the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution, the Law on
the Prevention and Control of Solid Waste Pollution, the Law on Environmental Impact Evaluation, and the Regulations on the
Administration of Environmental Protection In Construction Projects.
On April 24, 2014, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress promulgated the Environmental Protection Law
of the PRC (Amended in 2014), which became effective on January 1, 2015. This Law is formulated for the purposes of environmental
protection and improvement, prevention and treatment of pollution and other hazards, protection of public health, promoting
development of ecological civilization, promoting sustainable economic and social development.
On December 25, 2016, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress promulgated the Law on Environmental
Protection Tax, which became effective on January 1, 2018 and was amended on October 26, 2018. The Law on Environmental
Protection Tax reformed and replaced the pollutant discharge fee system, which had been implemented over decades in China. The Law
on Environmental Protection Tax provides that, among others, from its effective date, the enterprises, entities and other producers and
operators that directly emit taxable pollutants into the environment within the territory and other sea areas under the jurisdiction of the
PRC shall pay environmental protection tax instead of pollutant discharge fees. Under the Law on Environmental Protection Tax, taxable
pollutants include air and water pollutants, solid waste and noise.
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On December 29, 2018, Environmental Impact Assessment Law of the People’s Republic of China was amended and
implemented. On June 5, 2022, Prevention and Control of Noise Pollution Law of the People’s Republic of China came into effect,
replacing the original Prevention and Control of Environmental Noise Pollution Law of the People’s Republic of China. The forgoing
amendment and the new legislation increased and refined the work of environmental protection departments, increasing the penalties for
violations of environmental protection law.
The operation of our factories in the U.S., Malaysia and Vietnam is required to comply with local laws and regulations on
environmental protection, including but not limited to, those in relation to air emissions, noise exposure, lead regulation, toxics release
and hazardous waste disposal.
See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—Compliance with
environmentally safe production and construction and renewable energy development regulations can be costly, while non-compliance
with such regulations may result in adverse publicity and potentially significant monetary damages, fines and suspension of our business
operations.”
Foreign Investment in Solar Power Business
In the past decade, the principal regulation governing foreign ownership of solar power businesses in the PRC is the Foreign
Investment Industrial Guidance Catalog, which has been amended from time to time. Under the catalog, the solar power industry has
been classified as an “encouraged foreign investment industry.” Foreign-invested enterprises in the encouraged foreign investment
industries are entitled to certain preferential treatment, such as exemption from tariff on equipment imported for their operations, after
obtaining approval from the PRC government authorities.
On March 15, 2019 the National People’s Congress of the PRC issued the Foreign Investment Law of the PRC and on December
26, 2019, the State Council of the PRC issued the Implementing Regulations on the Foreign Investment Law of the PRC, both of which
came into force on January 1, 2020, and replaced certain former laws regulating foreign-invested enterprises.
According to the Foreign Investment Law and its implementing regulations, the PRC applies the administrative system of pre-
establishment national treatment and negative list to foreign investments. “Pre-establishment national treatment” means the treatment
accorded to foreign investors and their investments will be no less favorable to that accorded to domestic investors and their investments
at the stage of investment access. On June 28, 2018, the NDRC and the MOFCOM jointly issued the Special Administrative Measures
for the Access of Foreign Investment (2018 Edition) (the “Negative List”), which came into force on July 28, 2018 and subsequently
amended by the Special Administrative Measures for the Access of Foreign Investment (2019 Edition), the Special Administrative
Measures for the Access of Foreign Investment (2020 Edition) and Special Administrative Measures for the Access of Foreign Investment
(2021 Edition). “Negative list” means a special administrative measure for access of foreign investment in specific fields as imposed by
the PRC. Foreign investors are not allowed to invest in the forbidden investment as specified in the negative list. Foreign investors must
comply with the special equity management requirements, senior management requirements and other restrictive access special
management measures when making investments in the restricted investments as specified in the negative list. The Negative List
provides that sectors that are not specified in the Negative List shall be subject to administration under the principle of treating domestic
investments and foreign investments equally. Simultaneously, the NDRC and the MOFCOM jointly issued the Industrial Catalogue to
Encourage Foreign Investment (2022 Edition) to include photovoltaic power generation equipment manufacturing within the scope of
industries that encourage foreign investment.
Work Safety
We are subject to laws and regulations in relation to work safety and occupational disease prevention, including the Work Safety
Law of the PRC, which became effective on November 1, 2002 and was amended on August 31, 2014 and further amended on June 10,
2021, which took effect on September 1, 2021, the Prevention and Control of Occupational Diseases of the PRC, which was effective on
May 1, 2002, and was amended on December 29, 2018, and other relevant laws and regulations, the Law of the PRC on Special
Equipment Safety, which was effective on January 1, 2014.
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Employment
Pursuant to the Labor Law of the PRC, the Labor Contract Law of the PRC and the Implementing Regulations of the Labor
Contract Law of the PRC, employers must enter into written employment contracts with full-time employees. If an employer fails to do
so within one year from the date on which the employment relationship is established, the employer must rectify the situation by entering
into a written employment contract with the employee and pay the employee twice the amount of the employee’s salary for the period
during which the written contract is not signed. The Labor Contract Law and its implementing rules also require all employers must
comply with local minimum wage standards. If the wage paid to the employee by the employer is lower than the local minimum wage
standard, the competent labor authorities may order the employer to pay the difference; in the event of any failure to pay within the time
limit, the employer may be ordered to pay additional compensation to the employee at the standard of more than 50% but less than 100%
of the payable amount. Violations of the Labor Law, the Labor Contract Law and its implementing rules may result in the imposition of
fines and other administrative liabilities.
Enterprises in the PRC are required by the PRC laws and regulations to participate in certain employee benefit plans covering
pension insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance, work-related injury insurance, medical insurance and housing funds,
and contribute to the plans or funds in amounts equal to certain percentages of salaries, including bonuses and allowances, of the
employees as specified by the local government from time to time at locations where they operate their businesses or where they are
located. According to the Social Insurance Law of the PRC, which came into effect on July 1, 2011 and was amended on December 29,
2018, an employer that fails to make social insurance contributions may be ordered to pay the required contributions within a stipulated
deadline and be subject to a late fee at the rate of 0.05% per day from the date on which the contribution becomes due. If the employer
still fails to rectify the failure to make social insurance contributions within the stipulated deadline, it may be subject to a fine ranging
from one to three times the amount overdue. According to the Regulations on the Administration of Housing Fund, which came into
force on March 24, 2002 and was amended on March 24, 2019, an enterprise that fails to make housing fund contributions may be
ordered to rectify the non-compliance and pay the required contributions within a stipulated deadline; otherwise, an application may be
made to a local court for compulsory enforcement.
Taxation
PRC Corporate Income Tax
Prior to January 1, 2008, under the PRC Income Tax Law on Foreign-invested Enterprise and Foreign Enterprise, or the former
Income Tax Law, and the related implementing rules, foreign-invested enterprises incorporated in the PRC were generally subject to a
corporate income tax rate of 30% on taxable income and a local income tax rate of 3% on taxable income. The former Income Tax Law
and the related implementing rules also provided for certain favorable tax treatments to foreign-invested enterprises.
On March 16, 2007, the CIT Law was passed, which, together with the Implementation Rules of the CIT Law issued on
December 6, 2007, became effective on January 1, 2008. The CIT Law, amended on February 24, 2017 and December 29, 2018, applies
a uniform 25% corporate income tax rate to both foreign invested enterprises and domestic enterprises and eliminates many of the
preferential tax policies afforded to foreign investors. Furthermore, dividends paid by a foreign invested enterprise to a non-resident
shareholder are now subject to a withholding tax rate of 10%, which may be reduced under any applicable bilateral tax treaty between the
PRC and the jurisdiction where the non-resident shareholder resides.
The CIT Law provided a five-year grandfathering period, starting from its effective date, for enterprises established before the
promulgation date of the CIT Law that were entitled to enjoy preferential tax policies under the former Income Tax Law or the related
implementing rules. However, subject to the Circular on Implementing the Grandfathering Preferential Policies of the Enterprise Income
Tax, or the Implementing Circular, promulgated by the State Council on December 26, 2007, only a certain number of the preferential
policies provided under the former Income Tax Law and the related implementing rules were eligible to be grandfathered in accordance
with the Implementing Circular.
With respect to our PRC operations, only the “two-year exemption” and “three-year half deduction” tax preferential policy
enjoyed by Jiangxi Jinko and Zhejiang Jinko was grandfathered by the Implementation Circular. Both Jiangxi Jinko and Zhejiang Jinko
were subject to a preferential tax rate of 12.5% in 2011 and 2012. Jiangxi Jinko, Zhejiang Jinko, Haining Jinko, Yiwu Jinko, Shangrao
Jinko, Zhejiang New Materials and Anhui Jinko were designated by the relevant local authorities as “High and New Technology
Enterprises”, and Sichuan Jinko, Leshan Jinko, Chuxiong Jinko, Qinghai Jinko and Jinko Jinchang were designated by the relevant local
authorities as “Enterprise in the Encouraged Industries” under the CIT Law.
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Jiangxi Jinko, Zhejiang Jinko, Haining Jinko, Yiwu Jinko, Shangrao Jinko, Zhejiang New Materials and Anhui Jinko were
designated by the relevant local authorities as “High and New Technology Enterprises” under the CIT Law. Zhejiang Jinko and Yiwu
Jinko were designated by the relevant local authorities as a “High and New Technology Enterprise” in 2021, and will enjoy the
preferential tax rate of 15% from 2021 to 2023. Jiangxi Jinko, Haining Jinko, Shangrao Jinko and Zhejiang New Materials were
designated by the relevant local authorities as a “High and New Technology Enterprise” in November and December 2022, and will
enjoy the preferential tax rate of 15% from 2022 to 2024. Anhui Jinko was designated by the relevant local authorities as a “High and
New Technology Enterprise” in November 2023, and will enjoy the preferential tax rate of 15% from 2023 to 2025. Sichuan Jinko,
Leshan Jinko, Chuxiong Jinko, Qinghai Jinko and Jinko Jinchang were designated by the relevant local governmental authorities as an
“Enterprise in the Encouraged Industry”. According to the “Announcement on Continuation of CIT Policies for Large-scale
Development in the Western Region” published on April 23, 2020, enterprises in the encouraged industries that are established in the
western region can continue to enjoy a preferential tax rate of 15% till December 31, 2030.
Certain solar power project entities enjoy the preferential tax policies in connection with the development of the western region
of China and are subject to a preferential tax rate of 15%. The enterprises which are eligible for such preferential tax rate must engage in
the business falling in the scope of the Catalogue of Industries Encouraged in the Western Region promulgated by the NDRC.
Enterprises that are eligible for the preferential tax rate of 15% may be able to enjoy such preferential tax rate and tax holiday
simultaneously where certain criteria are met.
According to the Circular of the State Taxation Administration on How to Understand and Identify “Beneficial Owner” under
Tax Treaties, which became effective on October 27, 2009, and the Announcement of the State Taxation Administration on the
Determination of “Beneficial Owners” in the Tax Treaties, effective on June 29, 2012, the PRC tax authorities must evaluate whether an
applicant for treaty benefits in respect of dividends, interest and royalties qualifies as a “beneficial owner” on a case-by-case basis and
following the “substance over form” principle. This circular sets forth the criteria to identify a “beneficial owner” and provides that an
applicant that does not carry out substantial business activities, or is an agent or a conduit company may not be deemed a “beneficial
owner” of the PRC subsidiary and therefore may not enjoy tax treaty benefits. According to Announcement of the State Taxation
Administration on Issues Concerning the Recognition of Beneficial Owners in Entrusted Investments, effective on June 1, 2014,
nonresidents may be recognized as “beneficial owners” and enjoy treaty benefits for the income derived from the PRC from certain
investments. According to the Announcement of the State Taxation Administration on Issues concerning the “Beneficial Owner” in Tax
Treaties, which became effective in April 2018, a resident enterprise is determined as a “beneficial owner” that can apply for a low tax
rate under tax treaties based on an overall assessment of several factors. Furthermore, the Administrative Measures for Non-Resident
Enterprises to Enjoy Treatments under Tax Treaties, which became effective in November 2015 and was amended in June 2018, require
non-resident enterprises to determine whether they are qualified to enjoy the preferential tax treatment under the tax treaties and file
relevant report and materials with the tax authorities.
An enterprise registered under the laws of a jurisdiction outside China may be deemed a PRC tax resident enterprise if its place
of effective management is in China. If an enterprise is deemed to be a PRC tax resident enterprise, its worldwide income will be subject
to the corporate income tax. According to the Implementation Rules of the CIT Law, the term “de facto management bodies” is defined
as bodies that have, in substance, and overall management and control over such aspects as the production and the business, personnel,
accounts and properties of the enterprise. In addition, under the CIT Law and the Implementation Rules of the CIT Law, foreign
shareholders could become subject to a 10% withholding tax on any gains they realize from the transfer of their shares, if such gains are
regarded as income derived from sources within China, which includes gains from transfer of shares in an enterprise considered a “tax
resident enterprise” in China. Once a non-PRC company is deemed to be a PRC tax resident enterprise by following the “de facto
management bodies” concept and any dividend distributions from such company are regarded as income derived from sources within
China, PRC income tax withholding may be imposed and applied to dividend distributions from the deemed PRC tax resident enterprise
to its foreign shareholders.
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VAT
Pursuant to the Interim Regulations on Value-added Tax as amended on February 6, 2016 (the “2016 Interim Regulations on
Value-added Tax”), and the Implementing Rules of the Interim Regulations on Value-added Tax as amended on October 28, 2011, all
entities and individuals that are engaged in the sale of goods, the provision of repairs and replacement services and the importation of
goods in the PRC are required to pay VAT. The 2016 Interim Regulations on Value-added Tax and their Implementing Rules also provide
that gross proceeds from sales and importation of goods and provision of services are generally subject to a VAT rate of 17%, with
exceptions for certain categories of goods that are taxed at a rate of 13%. The 2016 Interim Regulation on Value-added Tax was further
amended on November 19, 2017, in which gross proceeds from sales and importation of goods and provision of services and tangible
personal property leasing services are generally subject to a VAT rate of 17%, with exceptions for certain categories of goods that are
taxed at a VAT rate of 11%. On April 4, 2018, the Circular of the MOF and the STA on Adjusting Value-added Tax Rates was
promulgated, in which gross proceeds from sales and importation of goods and provision of services and tangible personal property
leasing services are generally subject to a VAT rate of 16%, with exceptions for certain categories of goods that are taxed at a VAT rate of
10%. On March 20, 2019, the Announcement on Relevant Policies for Deepening Value-Added Tax Reform was jointly promulgated the
Ministry of Finance, the STA and the General Administration of Customs, which further provides that effective from the date of April 1,
2019, the VAT rate of gross proceeds from sales and importation of goods and provision of services shall be adjusted from 16% to 13%,
with the VAT rate of certain categories of goods shall be adjusted from 10% to 9%.
Foreign Currency Exchange
Foreign currency exchange regulation in the PRC is primarily governed by the Regulations on the Administration of Foreign
Exchange, and the Provisions on the Administration of Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign Exchange. Currently, the Renminbi is
convertible for current account items, including the distribution of dividends, interest payments, trade and service related foreign
exchange transactions. On January 26, 2017, the SAFE issued the Circular on Further Promoting the Reform of Foreign Exchange
Administration and Improving Examination of Authenticity and Compliance, pursuant to which the SAFE restated the procedures and
reemphasized the bona fide principle for banks to follow during their review of certain cross-border profit remittance. Conversion of
Renminbi for most capital account items, such as direct investment, security investment and repatriation of investment, however, is still
subject to registration with the SAFE. Foreign-invested enterprises may buy, sell and remit foreign currencies at financial institutions
engaged in foreign currency settlement and sale after providing valid commercial documents and, in the case of most capital account
item transactions, obtaining approval from the SAFE. Capital investments by foreign enterprises are also subject to limitations, which
include approvals by the NDRC, the MOFCOM, and registration with the SAFE.
In August 2008, the SAFE issued the Circular on the Relevant Operating Issues Concerning the Improvement of the
Administration of Payment and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or the Circular 142, regulating
the conversion by a foreign invested enterprise of foreign currency-registered capital into RMB by restricting how the converted RMB
may be used. Pursuant to the Circular 142, the RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of a foreign-invested
enterprise may only be used for purposes within the business scope approved by the applicable government authority and may not be
used for equity investments within the PRC. In addition, the SAFE strengthened its oversight of the flow and use of the RMB capital
converted from foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises. The use of such RMB capital may not be changed
without the SAFE’s approval, and such RMB capital may not in any case be used to repay RMB-denominated loans if the proceeds of
such loans have not been used. Violations may result in severe monetary or other penalties. Furthermore, on March 30, 2015, the SAFE
issued the Circular on Reforming the Administration Approach Regarding the Foreign Exchange Capital Settlement of Foreign-invested
Enterprises, or Circular 19, which became effective on June 1, 2015 and replaced Circular 142. Circular 19 provides that, the conversion
from foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises into the Renminbi capital may be at foreign-invested enterprises’
discretion, which means that the foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises for which the rights and interests of
monetary contribution has been confirmed by the local foreign exchange bureau (or the book-entry of monetary contribution has been
registered) can be settled at the banks based on the actual operational needs of the enterprises. However, Circular 19 does not materially
change the restrictions on the use of foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises. Circular 19 continues to prohibit
foreign-invested enterprises from, among other things, spending Renminbi capital converted from its foreign currency registered capital
on expenditures beyond its business scope. On June 9, 2016, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming and Regulating the
Administrative Policies of Foreign Exchange Settlement under the Capital Account (“Circular 16”), which applies to all domestic
enterprises in China. Circular 16 expands the application scope from only the capital of the foreign-invested enterprises to the capital,
foreign debt fund and fund from oversea public offering. Also, Circular 16 allows enterprises to use their foreign exchange capitals under
capital accounts allowed by the relevant laws and regulations.
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In February 2012, the SAFE promulgated the Notice on the Administration of Foreign Exchange Matters for Domestic
Individuals Participating in the Stock Incentive Plans of Overseas Listed Companies, or the Stock Option Notice. The Stock Option
Notice replaced a prior rule issued by SAFE in 2007, the Application Procedure of Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic
Individuals Participating in an Employee Stock Holding Plan or Stock Option Plan of an Overseas-Listed Company. Under the Stock
Option Notice, domestic individuals who participate in equity incentive plans of an overseas listed company are required, through a PRC
agent or PRC subsidiary of such listed company, to register with SAFE and complete certain other bank and reporting procedures. The
Stock Option Notice simplifies the requirements and procedures for the registration of stock incentive plan participants, especially in
respect of the required application documents and the absence of strict requirements on offshore and onshore custodian banks, as were
stipulated in the previous rules.
The Circular of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Foreign Direct Investment
issued by the SAFE on November 19, 2012 and amended on May 4, 2015 substantially amends and simplifies the foreign exchange
procedure. Pursuant to this circular, the opening of various special purpose foreign exchange accounts (e.g., pre-establishment expenses
account, foreign exchange capital account, guarantee account), the reinvestment of lawful incomes derived by foreign investors in the
PRC (e.g., profit, proceeds of equity transfer, capital reduction, liquidation and early repatriation of investment), and purchase and
remittance of foreign exchange as a result of capital reduction, liquidation, early repatriation or share transfer in a foreign-invested
enterprise no longer require the SAFE’s approval, and multiple capital accounts for the same entity may be opened in different provinces,
which was not possible before. In addition, the SAFE promulgated the Circular on Printing and Distributing the Provisions on Foreign
Exchange Administration over Domestic Direct Investment by Foreign Investors and the Supporting Documents in May 2013, as
amended in October 2018, which specifies that the administration by the SAFE or its local branches over direct investment by foreign
investors in the PRC must be conducted by way of registration and banks shall process foreign exchange business relating to the direct
investment in the PRC based on the registration information provided by the SAFE and its branches. On February 13, 2015, the SAFE
promulgated the Circular on Further Simplification and Improvement of Foreign Currency Administration Policies on Direct Investment,
effective on June 1, 2015, which further simplifies the approval requirements of SAFE upon the direct investment by foreign investors. In
particular, instead of applying for approvals from SAFE, entities and individuals are required to apply for foreign exchange registrations
of foreign direct investment and overseas direct investment from qualified banks, while the qualified banks, under the supervision of the
SAFE, will directly examine the applications and conduct the registration accordingly.
On July 4, 2014, the SAFE issued the Circular on the Administration of Foreign Exchange Issues Related to Overseas
Investment, Financing and Roundtrip Investment by Domestic Residents through Offshore Special Purpose Vehicles, or the SAFE
Circular 37, which replaced the former circular commonly known as “SAFE Circular 75” promulgated on October 21, 2005. The SAFE
Circular 37 requires PRC residents to register with the competent local SAFE branch in connection with their direct establishment or
indirect control of an offshore special purpose vehicle, for the purpose of overseas investment and financing, with such PRC residents’
legally owned assets or equity interests in domestic enterprises or offshore assets or interests. The SAFE Circular 37 further requires
amendment to the registration in the event of any significant changes with respect to the special purpose vehicle, such as any change of
basic information (including change of the PRC residents, name and operation term), increase or decrease of capital contribution by the
PRC residents, share transfer or exchange, merger, division or other material events. In the event that a PRC resident holding interests in
a special purpose vehicle fails to fulfill the required SAFE registration, the PRC subsidiaries of that special purpose vehicle may be
prohibited from making profit distributions to the offshore parent and from carrying out subsequent cross-border foreign exchange
activities, and the special purpose vehicle may be restricted in its ability to contribute additional capital into its PRC subsidiary.
Moreover, failure to comply with the various SAFE registration requirements described above could result in liability under the PRC law
for evasion of foreign exchange controls.
On January 26, 2017, the SAFE issued the Notice on Improving the Check of Authenticity and Compliance to further Promote
Foreign Exchange Control (the “Circular 3”), which continuously implements and improves the policy for outward remittance of foreign
exchange profit generated from direct investment. In addition, Circular 3 expands the scope of settlement of exchange for domestic loans
in foreign currencies, and it is allowed to transfer inward overseas loans under domestic guarantee. The debtor may, directly or indirectly,
transfer inward the funds under guarantee by domestic lending, equity investment or other measures.
According to the Foreign Investment Law and its implementing regulations, a foreign investor may, in accordance with the law,
freely transfer inward and outward its contributions, profits, capital gains, income from asset disposal, royalties of intellectual property
rights, compensation or indemnity legally obtained, income from liquidation and so on made or derived within the territory of the PRC in
RMB or a foreign currency. No entity or individual may illegally restrict the transfer inward or outward in terms of the currency, amount,
frequency and so on of such transfer.
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Dividend Distribution
The principal laws and regulations governing distribution of dividends paid by wholly foreign owned enterprises include the
Company Law of the PRC as amended on October 26, 2018, the Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise Law of the PRC as amended on
October 1, 2016, and the Implementing Rules of the Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise Law of the PRC as amended on February 19,
2014. On March 15, 2019 the National People’s Congress of the PRC issued the Foreign Investment Law of the PRC and on December
26, 2019, the State Council of the PRC issued the Implementing Regulations on the Foreign Investment Law of the PRC, both of which
have come into force on January 1, 2020, resulting in the expiration of the Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise Law of the PRC and the
Implementing Rules of the Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise Law of the PRC.
Under the new regime of foreign investment, foreign-invested enterprises in the PRC, being treated equally with domestic
companies, may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, as determined in accordance with the PRC accounting
standards and regulations. When distributing its after-tax profit, a company in the PRC is required to set aside as statutory common
reserves of 10% of its after-tax profit, until the accumulative amount of such reserves reaches 50% of its registered capital. These
reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. Where the aggregate balance of the company’s statutory common reserve is insufficient
to cover any loss the company made in the previous financial year, the current financial year’s profits shall first be used to cover the loss
before any statutory common reserve is drawn. In addition to the statutory common reserve, the company may draw a discretionary
common reserve from its after-tax profits. Both the statutory common reserve and the discretionary common reserve may not be
distributed to equity owners in the event of liquidation. A company is not permitted to distribute any profits until any losses from prior
fiscal years have been offset and the common reserve is drawn. Profits retained from prior fiscal years may be distributed together with
distributable profits from the current fiscal year.
Intellectual Property Rights
Patent
The PRC has domestic laws for the protection of rights in copyrights, patents, trademarks and trade secrets. The PRC is also a
signatory to the world’s major intellectual property conventions, including:
●
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Convention establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO Convention) (June 4, 1980);
Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (March 19, 1985);
Patent Cooperation Treaty (January 1, 1994); and
The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) (November 11, 2001).
Patents in the PRC are governed by the China Patent Law (March 12, 1984), as amended and its Implementing Regulations
(January 19, 1985), as amended.
The PRC is a signatory to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, in accordance with which any person
who has duly filed an application for a patent in one signatory country shall enjoy, for the purposes of filing in the other countries, a right
of priority during the period fixed in the convention (12 months for inventions and utility models, and 6 months for industrial designs).
The China Patent Law covers three kinds of patents, namely, patents for inventions, utility models and designs. The Chinese
patent system adopts the principle of first to file, which means where multiple patent applications are filed for the same invention, a
patent will be granted only to the party that filed the application first. Consistent with international practice, the PRC only allows the
patenting of inventions or utility models that possess the characteristics of novelty, inventiveness and practical applicability. For a design
to be patentable, it must not be identical with or similar to any design which has been publicly disclosed in publications in the country or
abroad before the date of filing or has been publicly used in the country before the date of filing, and must not be in conflict with any
prior right of another.
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PRC law provides that anyone wishing to exploit the patent of another must enter into a written licensing contract with the
patent holder and pay the patent holder a fee. One rather broad exception to this, however, is where a party possesses the means to exploit
a patent for inventions or utility models under certain circumstances but cannot obtain a license from the patent holder on reasonable
terms and in a reasonable period of time, the State Intellectual Property Office of the PRC is authorized to grant a compulsory license. A
compulsory license can also be granted where a national emergency or any extraordinary state of affairs occurs or where the public
interest so requires. The patent holder may appeal such a decision within three months from receiving notification by filing a suit in
people’s court in the PRC.
PRC law defines patent infringement as the exploitation of a patent without the authorization of the patent holder. A patent
holder who believes his patent is being infringed may file a civil suit or file a complaint with a local PRC intellectual property
administrative authority, which may order the infringer to stop the infringing acts. A preliminary injunction may be issued by the
people’s court upon the patentee’s or the interested parties’ request before any legal proceedings are instituted or during the proceedings.
Evidence preservation and property preservation measures are also available both before and during the litigation. Damages in the case
of patent infringement are determined as either the loss suffered by the patent holder arising from the infringement or the benefit gained
by the infringer from the infringement. If it is difficult to ascertain damages in this manner, damages may be determined with reference
to the license fee under a contractual license.
Trademark
The PRC Trademark Law, adopted in 1982 and revised in 1993, 2001, 2013 and 2019, with its implementation rules adopted in
2002 and revised in 2014, protects registered trademarks. The Trademark Office of the State Administration of Industry and Commerce
handles trademark registrations and grants trademark registrations for a term of ten years which are renewable upon maturity. Trademark
license agreements must be filed with the Trademark Office for record.
Computer Software Copyright
The Regulations on Computer Software Protection, adopted in 1991 and revised in 2001 and 2013, are enacted in accordance
with the Copyright Law of the PRC, for the purposes of protecting the rights and interest of copyright owners of computer software. The
National Copyright Administration (“NCAC”) is in charge of the administration of the registration of software copyright and the NCAC
accredits the China Copyright Protection Center as the body for software registration. A registration certificate of the computer software
copyright is a preliminary proof of the registered items. The NCAC encourages the registration of software copyright and gives
emphasized protection to the registered software.
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C. Organizational Structure
The following table sets out our significant subsidiaries as of the date of this annual report:
Subsidiaries
Date of Incorporation/Acquisition
Place of Incorporation
Percentage of Ownership
JinkoSolar Investment Limited
Jinko Solar Co., Ltd.
Zhejiang Jinko Solar Co., Ltd.
Jinko Solar Import and Export Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar GmbH
Zhejiang Jinko Trading Co., Ltd.
Yuhuan Jinko Solar Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar (U.S.) Inc.
Jiangxi Photovoltaic Materials Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar (Switzerland) AG
JinkoSolar (US) Holdings Inc.
Jinko Solar Canada Co., Ltd.
Jinko Solar Australia Holdings Co. Pty Ltd.
Jinko Solar Japan K.K.
Jinko Solar Technology Sdn.Bhd.
Jinko Solar (Shanghai) Management Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar Trading Private Limited
JinkoSolar LATAM Holding Limited
JinkoSolar Middle East DMCC
JinkoSolar International Development Limited
Canton Best Limited
Wide Wealth Group Holding Limited
JinkoSolar (U.S.) Industries Inc.
Poyang Ruilixin Information Technology Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar (Haining) Co. Ltd.
Jinko Solar Korea Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar (Sichuan) Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar (Vietnam) Co., Ltd.
Omega Solar Sdn. Bhd
JinkoSolar (Chuzhou) Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar (Yiwu) Co., Ltd
JinkoSolar (Shangrao) Co., Ltd.
Rui Xu Co., Ltd.
Jinko Solar Denmark ApS
JinkoSolar Hong Kong Limited
JinkoSolar (Chuxiong) Co., Ltd.
Jinko Solar (Malaysia) SDN BHD.
Jinko Solar (Leshan) Co., Ltd.
Jinko Solar (Vietnam) Industries Company Limited
Jinko Solar (Anhui) Co., Ltd.
Jinko Solar (Yushan) Co., Ltd.
Zhejiang New Materials Co., Ltd.
Yiwu New Materials Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar Italy S.R.L.
JinkoSolar (Qinghai) Co., Ltd.
Fengcheng Jinko PV Materials Co., Ltd
JinkoSolar (Feidong) Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Feidong”)
JinkoSolar (Jinchang) Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Jinchang”)
JinkoSolar (Poyang) Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Poyang”)
Shangrao Changxin Enterprise Management Center LP. ( “Shangrao Changxin”)
Shangrao Changxin No. 1 Enterprise Management Center LP.
Shangrao Changxin No. 2 Enterprise Management Center LP.
Shangrao Changxin No. 3 Enterprise Management Center LP.
Shangrao Changxin No. 5 Enterprise Management Center LP.
Shangrao Changxin No. 6 Enterprise Management Center LP.
Jiaxing Jinyue Phase I Venture Capital Partnership( “Jiaxing Jinyue”)
Shangrao Jinko PV Manufacturing Co., Ltd
Shangrao Guangxin Jinko PV Manufacturing Co., Ltd
Jiangxi Jinko Energy Storage Co., Ltd
Jinko Energy Storage Technology Co., Ltd
Hong Kong
PRC
PRC
PRC
Germany
PRC
PRC
United States
PRC
Switzerland
United States
Canada
Australia
Japan
Malaysia
PRC
India
Hong Kong
Emirates
Hong Kong
BVI
Hong Kong
United States
PRC
PRC
South Korea
PRC
Vietnam
Malaysia
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
Denmark
Hong Kong
PRC
Malaysia
PRC
Vietnam
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
Italy
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
November 10, 2006
December 13, 2006
June 30, 2009
December 24, 2009
April 1, 2010
June 13, 2010
July 29, 2016
August 19, 2010
December 10, 2010
May 3, 2011
June 7, 2011
November 18, 2011
December 7, 2011
May 21, 2012
January 21, 2015
July 25, 2012
February 6, 2017
August 22, 2017
November 6, 2016
August 28, 2015
September 16, 2013
June 11, 2012
November 16, 2017
December 19, 2017
December 15, 2017
December 3, 2018
February 18, 2019
September 26, 2019
September 23, 2019
December 26, 2019
September 19, 2019
April 17, 2020
July 24, 2019
May 28, 2020
August 17, 2020
September 25, 2020
August 28, 2020
April 25, 2021
March 29, 2021
September 3, 2021
September 26, 2021
March 24, 2020
October 16, 2020
July 8, 2011
April 3, 2019
August 11, 2021
September 23, 2021
September 24, 2021
December 1, 2021
December 16, 2021
February 17, 2022
February 17, 2022
June 15, 2022
June 15, 2022
October 25, 2022
April 26, 2022
March 28, 2022
March 23, 2022
May 26, 2022
December 6, 2022
95
100 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
100 %
58.8 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
46.4 %
58.8 %
38.5 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
44.4 %
35.8 %
37.2 %
35.3 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
41.1 %
58.8 %
32.3 %
47.0 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
32.3 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
78.2 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
Table of Contents
Subsidiaries
Date of Incorporation/Acquisition
Place of Incorporation
Percentage of Ownership
ZheJiang Jinko Energy Storage Co., Ltd
MYTIKAS INVESTMENT LIMITED
Haining JinkoSolar Smart Manufacturing Co., Ltd
D. Property, Plant and Equipment
April 11, 2023
June 1, 2023
August 10, 2023
PRC
Hong Kong
PRC
58.8 %
100 %
58.8 %
For information regarding our material property, plant and equipment, see “—B. Business Overview—Manufacturing—
Manufacturing Capacity and Facilities” in this annual report.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
A.
Operating Results
We are a global leader in the PV industry based in China. We have built a vertically integrated solar power product value chain,
manufacturing from silicon wafers to solar modules. We sell most of our solar modules under our own “JinkoSolar” brand, with a small
portion of solar modules on an OEM basis. We also sell silicon wafers and solar cells not used in our solar module production. As of
December 31, 2023, we had an integrated annual capacity of 85 GW for mono wafers, 90 GW for solar cells and 110 GW for solar
modules.
Our revenues were RMB40.83 billion, RMB83.13 billion and RMB118.68 billion (US$16.72 billion) in 2021, 2022 and 2023,
respectively. We had net income of RMB955.6 million, RMB1.57 billion and RMB6.45 billion (US$908.8 million) in 2021, 2022 and
2023, respectively.
Principal Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
We believe that the following factors have had, and we expect that they will continue to have, a significant effect on the
development of our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Industry Demand
Our business and revenue growth depends on the industry demand for solar power and solar power products. Demand for solar
power and products depends on various factors including the global macroeconomic environment, pricing, cost-effectiveness,
performance and reliability in comparison to alternative forms of energy, and the impact of government regulations and policies. Solar
power is one of the fastest-growing sources of energy and is driven by factors such as cost-competitiveness, reliability as a predictable
energy source, and growing commitments by various governments to combat climate change.
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In the second half of 2009, demand for solar power and solar power products was significantly affected by the global financial
crisis. In early 2010, as the effect of the global financial crisis started to subside, industry demand for solar power and solar power
products started to revive. Access to financing continued to improve from 2010 to the first half of 2011, driven by increasing awareness
of renewable energy, stronger balance sheets for financing providers and sustainable government incentives to develop solar as an
alternative energy solution. However, in 2011, a decrease in payment to solar power producers, in the form of FIT and other
reimbursements, and a reduction in available financing caused a decrease in the demand for solar power products, including solar
modules, in the European markets. Payments to solar power producers decreased as governments in Europe, under pressure to reduce
public debt levels, reduced subsidies such as FIT. Furthermore, many downstream purchasers of solar power products were unable to
secure sufficient financing for the solar power projects due to the global credit crunch. Demand for solar modules in Europe fell
significantly in 2013. As a result, many solar power producers that purchase solar power products from manufacturers like us were
unable or unwilling to expand their operations. Our business and revenue increased in Europe in 2014, partly due to the significant
increase in demand for solar modules in the U.K. Compared with 2014, our revenue increased in North America in 2015 mainly
attributable to the significant increase in demand for solar modules in the U.S. China had become the largest solar market in 2016,
whereas the demand in India continued to grow rapidly, second to only China and the United States. A strong presence in these markets
led to an increase in our revenue despite the decreasing module price as a result of the China FIT cut as well as the uncertainties of the
China-United States relations, and the existing and potential changes to United States and China trade and tariffs policies. Demand for
solar power products is also affected by macroeconomic factors, such as energy supply, demand and prices, as well as regulations and
policies governing renewable energies and related industries. For example, in June 2016, the FIT in China for utility-scale projects was
significantly cut down. As a result, subsequent to a strong demand in the first half of 2016, the domestic market was almost frozen and
the competition in the global market also intensified in the second half of 2016. In 2017, China remained the largest solar market and the
U.S. market showed strong demand for solar modules, which was second to China, while the emerging markets grew rapidly, especially
Mexico and Brazil. In 2018, demand from overseas markets continued to grow and accounted for an increasing proportion of our
shipments despite of the softened domestic demand following the policy change by the Chinese government in May 2018. Subsequent to
this May 2018 policy, demand in the domestic market of China experienced an immediate sharp drop, but now it is stable. The NEA has
laid out their plans for a bidding system and has started to grant subsidy approvals for utility-scale projects. Most importantly, subsidies
are prepaid by the State Grid and as a result there should be no more payment delays for new projects. The May 2018 policy sets a clear
direction for the country’s solar plans and helps to greatly improve sentiment for the solar sector as the country tries to smoothly transit
towards grid parity and encourages a more market-driven environment rather than a policy-driven one. The total subsidy scale for 2020
was RMB1.5 billion, which was decreased from RMB3.0 billion for 2019. The solar industry continues to make tremendous
technological advancements that enhance quality and efficiency while lowering the solar generation costs. On a global scale, it remains
enormous room for development of solar in many regions.
Since 2020, various de-carbonization policies from major economies such as the United States, Europe and China has
underpinned strong future solar demand outlook. In the United States, solar demand is expected to be more than double over the next five
years under the Biden administration, with major commitments to climate change including plans for the United States to rejoin the Paris
Agreement, extension of 30% solar ITC for five years, and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The European Union has officially
announced plans to increase the greenhouse gases reduction target from 40% to at least 60% below 1990 levels by 2030. China outlined
strategic plans to hit peak emissions before 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060, and we are expecting the 14th Five-Year Energy
Plan to focus on non-fossil energy sources with higher proportions of renewable energy, construction plans for large-scale energy storage
and grid transformation. Although the periodic increase in the price of PV products has caused some downward pressure on the project’s
internal rate of return, the year-end additional installation significantly increased to 48.2GW, as announced by NEA. Since 2021, the cost
of PV systems has increased significantly due to the higher price of upstream raw materials, and increased bulk commodities as well as
freight costs, which temporarily affected the downstream demand. However, due to the transition to renewable energy in most regions of
the world, the increase in electricity prices, the availability of financing support and other favorable policies for PV projects, the
resilience of solar demand gradually increased and the overall demand for PV has achieved steady year-over-year growth. Furthermore,
market demand became more diversified in 2021 compared with previous years. For example, distributed generation business
experienced rapid development in 2021 with more flexible business models and lower sensitivity to prices; and the demand to large size
high-efficiency products increased significantly as a result of its lower cost. In China, the year-end additional installation has reached
nearly 55GW in which distributed generation business contributed to more than half of total additional installation. Driven by
accelerating energy transition in many countries and across several industries, as well as the energy supply crisis caused by the Russia-
Ukraine conflict, demand for solar products has exploded globally in 2022. Newly-added installation in China increased 59% year over
year to 87.4GW in 2022, as announced by the NEA. According to Infolink, China exported 154.8 GW of modules 2022, with a 74%
year-over-year increase. In 2023, price declines in the supply chain stimulated the demand for modules in China. As announced by the
National Energy Administration of China, new installations in China increased by 148.12% year-over-year to 216.88GW in 2023. As one
of the “new three” products to boost China’s exports, solar modules have become a new driving force for China’s economy and also
contributes to global energy transition. Meanwhile, intensified competition brought by changes in supply and demand, accelerated
technical iteration, high interest rates, and geopolitical tensions caused some volatility in the global PV market, and posed challenges to
all industry players.
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We believe the steady reduction in the manufacturing cost of solar power products will stimulate demand for solar power and
solar power products in the long term. In particular, decreases in the price of silicon feedstock, improvements in manufacturing
techniques for solar power products and economies of scale have continually reduced the unit production costs of solar power products in
recent years, which in turn have increased the competitiveness of solar power on an unsubsidized basis relative to conventional power
and other renewable energy sources. We expect significant market opportunities to be created as demand continues to grow and the price
of solar power approaches that of conventional energy in a number of markets. In the long term, we believe that solar power will
continue to have significant growth potential and that demand for our products and services will continue to grow.
To proactively adapt to changes in the market, we implemented a number of strategic measures. Prior to the May 2018 policy
announcement, we had already started reducing costs and improving efficiencies across our business. We are also shifting resources
towards our high-efficiency mono-product in line to meet growing market demand. We began producing mono-wafers in 2016. Based on
our continuous leading R&D capabilities and mass production experience started from 2019, we are expanding N-type cell production
capacity. We made further progress in efficiency improvement and cost reduction for N-type products due to the continuous efforts of our
R&D team, leveraging our accumulated industry knowledge and mass production experience. By the end of 2023, we became the first
module manufacturer in the world to have delivered over 210GW solar modules in total, covering over 190 countries and regions. By the
end of 2023, we had over 70GW of N-type cell production capacity and the mass-produced efficiency for TOPCon cells reached 25.8%.
Shipments of high efficiency Tiger Neo modules exceeded 60% of total module shipments in 2023. Meanwhile, we proactively
responded to shifts in the global PV landscape by expanding our overseas industrial chain. By the end of 2023, we have established an
overseas industrial chain network with integrated production capabilities from wafer and cell to module of over 12GW. As our N-type
modules continue to be well recognized in the market, we expect our market penetration increases.
Industry Trend for Credit Sales
Most of our sales are made on credit terms and we allow our customers to make payments after a certain period of time
subsequent to the delivery of our products. We typically offer customers credit terms of 60 to 120 days. Selling products on credit terms
has increased, and may continue to increase our working capital requirements and have a negative impact on our short-term liquidity. See
“Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Selling our products on credit terms may increase our working capital requirements and
expose us to the credit risk of our customers.”
Under our continuous attention to the quality of collection of accounts receivables, our accounts receivable turnover has
remained relatively stable since 2020. Our accounts receivable turnover were 69 days, 74 days and 79 days in 2021, 2022 and 2023,
respectively. Allowances for credit losses receivable were RMB323.1 million, RMB584.1 million and RMB685.2 million (US$96.5
million) as of December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. Provision of allowance for credit losses receivable were RMB91.9
million, RMB394.3 million and RMB181.8 million (US$25.6 million) in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively, and reversal of allowances
for credit losses receivable were RMB24.2 million, RMB114.8 million and RMB77.0 million (US$10.8 million) in 2021, 2022 and 2023,
respectively. We made bad debt provisions for certain long-term receivables in prior years, which was in line with the adverse economic
environment in solar industry. With the recovery of solar industry since 2013, we made efforts to improve the cash collection for the aged
accounts receivable. We reversed allowance for credit losses receivable upon subsequent collections. We will continue to make
assessment and properly provide the provision on credit losses.
Pricing of Solar Power Products
The price of our solar modules is influenced by a variety of factors, including polysilicon prices, supply and demand conditions,
the competitive landscape and processing technologies.
The implementation of the capacity expansion plans by major solar power product manufacturers in 2009 and 2010 resulted in
significant increases in the supply of solar power products in the global market, which contributed to a general decrease in the average
selling prices of solar power products in recent years, including solar modules. The slowdown in the growth of demand for solar power
products in recent years has further reduced the market prices of solar power products. In addition, decreases in the price of silicon
feedstock, improvements in manufacturing techniques for solar power products and economies of scale have continually reduced the unit
production costs of solar power products in recent years, which in turn have increased the competitiveness of solar power on an
unsubsidized basis relative to conventional power and other renewable energy.
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In spite of the price fluctuations caused by the international trade barriers such as EU anti-dumping tariff and Section 201
Investigation, as well as the inconsistent government policies towards PV industry such as the “May 31 policy”—in May 2018, the
NDRC, Ministry of Finance, and NEA jointly announced a new policy to lower the solar feed-in-tariff, halt subsidized utility-scale
development, and implement a quota for distributed projects which are eligible for subsidies in 2018. We expect the market prices of
solar power products to continue to decline in the long term due to continued advancements in processing technologies. See “Item 3. Key
Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—Our future growth and profitability depend on the demand
for and the prices of solar power products and the development of photovoltaic technologies.”
Government Subsidies, Policies and Economic Incentives
With a number of markets such as India, Australia, United Arab Emirates, and Mexico rapidly approaching solar grid parity or
having already achieved it, we expect dependence on government incentives to continue in the near future until solar power becomes
universally affordable when compared to the cost of conventional fossil fuels. Various governments have used policy initiatives to
encourage or accelerate the development and adoption of solar power and other renewable energy sources.
Countries in Europe, notably Italy, Germany, France, Belgium and Spain, certain countries in Asia, including China, Japan and
India, as well as Australia and the United States have adopted renewable energy policies. Examples of government sponsored financial
incentives to promote solar power include capital cost rebates, FIT, tax credits, net metering and other incentives to end users,
distributors, project developers, system integrators and manufacturers of solar power products.
Governments may reduce or eliminate existing incentive programs for political, financial or other reasons, which will be
difficult for us to predict. Reductions in FIT programs may result in a significant fall in the price of and demand for solar power products.
For example, subsidies have been reduced or eliminated in some countries such as China, Germany, Italy, Spain and Canada. In May
2018, the NDRC, the Ministry of Finance and the NEA issued a joint notice temporarily halting subsidies for utility-scale solar projects,
slashing the quota on distributed solar projects which are eligible for subsidies in 2018 and greatly reducing FIT. The German market
represents a major portion of the European solar market for ground-mounted systems and a stable residential and commercial rooftop
market. The first subsidy-free grid parity projects of the industry were connected to the grid in 2020, which act as a driver for the
additional market growth. Starting from 2011, major export markets for solar power and solar power products such as Japan, Germany,
Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom continued to reduce their FIT as well as other incentive measures. For example, from 2012 to 2023,
the Japanese government cut down its FIT from JPY40 to JPY16 for projects below 10 KW, from JPY42 to JPY10 for certain projects of
10 KW to 50 KW, and to JPY9.5 for projects above 50 KW. In 2024, the Japanese government further cut down its FIT to JPY9.2 for
projects above 50 KW.
Our revenue and operating results may be adversely impacted by unfavorable policy revisions if FIT in the United States, our
largest export market, and certain other major markets for solar power and solar power products are further reduced. Electric utility
companies or generators of electricity from fossil fuels or other renewable energy sources could also lobby for a change in the relevant
legislation in their markets to protect their revenue streams. Government economic incentives could be reduced or eliminated altogether.
A significant reduction in the scope or discontinuation of government incentive programs, especially those in our target markets, could
cause demand for our products and solar power to decline and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results
of operations and prospects. We believe that the growth of the solar power industry in the short term will continue to depend largely on
the availability and effectiveness of government incentives for solar power products and the competitiveness of solar power in relation to
conventional and other renewable energy resources in terms of cost.
Our business may also be affected by the trade policies of government or international trade bodies, particularly in our major
export markets, such as the U.S. and Europe. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and
Industry—We are subject to anti-dumping and countervailing duties imposed by the U.S. government. We are also subject to safeguard
investigation and other foreign trade investigations initiated by the U.S. government and anti-dumping investigation and safeguard
investigations initiated by governments in our other markets.” We expect our exports to both the U.S. market and European market to be
adversely affected by these duties or measures. Our direct sales to the North American market and European market accounted for 8.8%
and 18.3% of our total revenue in 2023, respectively.
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Table of Contents
Changing Product and Service Mix
Our product mix has evolved rapidly since our inception, as we expanded our production capabilities to manufacture and sell
downstream solar power products and to capture the efficiencies of our vertically-integrated production process. Before 2009, our sales
consisted of silicon wafers, silicon ingots and recovered silicon materials. We commenced production and sale of solar cells and solar
modules in the second half of 2009. In 2010, we successfully achieved fully vertically-integrated solar module production and made sales
of solar modules our largest source of revenue. As of December 31, 2023, we had an integrated annual capacity of 85 GW for mono
wafers, 90 GW for solar cells and 110 GW for solar modules. By creating a fully vertically-integrated production chain, we have
succeeded in continually driving down average solar modules manufacturing cost per watt.
The following table presents our integrated annual capacity of silicon wafers and solar cells as of December 31, 2021, 2022 and
2023.
Annual Production Capacity as of December 31,
2022
(GW)
2021
2023
Monocrystalline silicon wafers
P-type mono PERC solar cells
Normal monocrystalline solar cells
Multicrystalline solar cells
N-type solar cells
32.5
23.1
—
—
0.9
65.0
20.0
—
—
35.0
85.0
20.0
—
—
70.0
We expect annual mono wafer, solar cell and solar module production capacity to reach 120.0 GW, 110.0 GW and 130.0 GW,
respectively, by the end of 2024.
Manufacturing Technologies
Solar modules are our principal products. As solar modules are priced based on the number of watts of electricity they generate,
the advancement of manufacturing technologies in increasing the conversion efficiency of solar cells and production efficiency will
enable us to improve our gross profit margin. We continually make efforts to develop advanced manufacturing technologies to increase
the conversion efficiency of our solar cells while striving to reduce our average production cost. In addition to our own research and
development team, we collaborate with third-party research institutes to improve our manufacturing technologies and the conversion
efficiency of our solar cells. As a result of these efforts, in 2021, 2022 and 2023, mass production conversion efficiency rate of our solar
cells using our P-type monocrystalline silicon wafers was 23.3%, 23.6% and 23.8% respectively, and in 2021, 2022 and 2023, mass
production conversion efficiency rate of our N-type monocrystalline solar cells was 24.5%, 25.1% and 25.8% respectively. In 2021, our
N-type Tiger Neo series products were officially released with better power generation performance, higher bifacial factor, lower
degradation and enhanced reliability. In the first quarter of 2024, mass production conversion efficiency rate of our N-type
monocrystalline solar cells exceeded 26% and power output of N-type modules is more than 30wp, higher than that of similar P-type
modules.
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Table of Contents
Selected Statement of Operations Items
Revenues
Currently, we derive our revenues primarily from the sales of solar modules and, to a lesser extent, from the sales of silicon
wafers and solar cells. We also derive a small portion of revenues from sales of other solar materials, generated electricity and processing
service fees, as well as sales of two solar power plants in Mexico in 2020 and one solar power plant in Argentina in 2022. Our sales of
other materials primarily consist of sales of raw materials and auxiliary materials. Our processing services primarily represent silicon
material processing services. We expect the sales of solar modules to continue to be our primary source of revenues. The following table
presents our revenues, net of VAT, by products and services, as sales amounts and as percentages of total revenues, for the periods
indicated:
Products
Silicon wafers
Solar cells
Solar modules
Sales of other solar materials
Sales of solar projects
Processing service fees
Revenue from generated electricity
Total
2021
(RMB in
thousands)
1,152,055.5
606,581.8
37,737,382.6
1,043,759.6
—
186,045.2
100,696.4
40,826,521.1
(%)
2.8
1.5
92.4
2.6
—
0.5
0.2
100.0
2022
(RMB in
thousands)
466,553.0
1,024,113.7
80,224,353.8
1,380,875.0
31,400.1
—
—
83,127,295.6
(%)
0.6
1.2
96.5
1.7
0.0
—
—
100.0
(RMB in
thousands)
2023
(US$ in
thousands)
283,561.0
1,597,490.0
114,381,172.0
2,374,386.0
41,982.0
—
—
118,678,591.0
39,938.7
225,001.8
16,110,251.2
334,425.3
5,913.0
—
—
16,715,530.0
(%)
0.2
1.3
96.5
2.0
—
—
—
100.0
Our revenues are affected by sales volumes, product mix and average selling prices. The following table sets forth, by products,
the sales volumes for the periods indicated:
Sales volume:
Silicon wafers (MW)
Solar cells (MW)
Solar modules (MW)
2021
2022
2023
2,153.4
856.4
22,232.7
1,062.6
997.0
44,333.8
1,530.6
3,512.0
78,519.8
The following table presents the sales volumes by solar module types for the periods indicated:
Sales volume:
Solar modules – Poly (MW)
Solar modules – Mono (MW)
Solar modules – N Type
Solar modules – Mono PERC (MW)
Total
2021
2022
2023
40.8
7.3
—
22,184.6
22,232.7
1.3
13.0
10,684.0
33,635.5
44,333.8
0.3
256.6
48,405.1
29,857.8
78,519.8
Pursuant to our order book of 2024, we are well positioned with 70% of expected solar module shipments for full year 2024
secured as of March 31, 2024, compared to 60% of total solar module shipments for full year 2023 secured as of March 31, 2023.
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Table of Contents
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues primarily consists of: (i) raw materials, which primarily consist of both virgin polysilicon and recoverable
silicon materials; (ii) consumables and components, which include crucibles for the production of monocrystalline and multicrystalline
silicon ingots, steel alloy saw wires, slurry, chemicals for raw material cleaning and silicon wafer cleaning, and gases such as argon and
silane, as well as silicon wafers and solar cells we procure from third parties for the production of solar modules; (iii) direct labor costs,
which include salaries and benefits for employees directly involved in manufacturing activities; (iv) overhead costs, which consist of
equipment maintenance costs, cost of utilities including electricity and water; (v) depreciation of property, plant, equipment and project
assets; (vi) processing fees paid to third party factories relating to the outsourced production of solar cells and solar modules; and (vii)
subcontractor cost and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies and tools. In 2021, 2022 and
2023, our cost of revenues was RMB34.17 billion, RMB70.85 billion and RMB99.63 billion (US$14.03 billion), respectively.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses include selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses, research and development
expenses and impairment of long-lived assets.
Selling and Marketing Expenses. Our selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of shipping and handling expenses,
warranty cost, exhibition costs, salaries, bonuses and other benefits for our sales personnel as well as sales-related travel and
entertainment expenses. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, our selling and marketing expenses were RMB2.86 billion, RMB7.24 billion and
RMB6.82 billion (US$0.96 billion), respectively.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits for our
administrative, finance and human resources personnel, amortization of land use rights, office expenses, entertainment expenses,
business travel expenses, professional service fees, disposal and impairment of long-lived assets as well as provision for bad debts. In
2021, 2022 and 2023, our general and administrative expenses were RMB1.96 billion, RMB3.51 billion and RMB4.58 billion (US$645.6
million), respectively.
Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses consist primarily of silicon materials used in our
research and development activities and salaries, bonuses and other benefits for research and development personnel, and depreciation of
equipment for research and development. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, our research and development expenses were RMB461.6 million,
RMB724.8 million, and RMB911.9 million (US$128.4 million), respectively.
Impairment of long-lived assets. Impairment of long-lived assets consist primarily as a result of the obsolescence of certain
equipment for upgrade in our wafer and cell production line and impairment for one of our overseas solar power projects. In 2021, 2022
and 2023, we recognized impairment of long-lived assets of RMB273.7 million, RMB373.7 million and RMB640.0 million (US$90.1
million), respectively.
Interest Expenses, Net
Our interest expenses consist primarily of interest expenses with respect to the issuance of convertible senior notes, long-term
bonds, short-term and long-term borrowings from banks and other lenders. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, we incurred interest expenses of
RMB878.9 million, RMB1.15 billion and RMB1.24 billion (US$174.7 million), net of interest income of RMB214.3 million, RMB588.7
million and RMB0.55 billion (US$77.9 million), respectively. Interest expense capitalized during the construction period of property,
plant and equipment, and project assets in 2021, 2022 and 2023 were RMB40.6 million, RMB70.7 million and RMB71.7 million
(US$10.1 million), respectively.
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Government Grants
From time to time we apply for and receive government incentives in the form of subsidies from local and provincial
governments. Government grants which are not subject to any condition and are not related to assets are recognized as subsidy income
when received. The governments grant subsidies to encourage and support large-scale enterprises and high technology enterprises based
in the relevant locations to upgrade their technology and develop the overseas market. We record such subsidies as subsidy income as
there are no further obligations on us. The amount of government subsidies we receive may vary from period to period and there is no
assurance that we will continue to receive government subsidy in the future. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, our government subsidy income,
which was not assets-related, was RMB465.7 million, RMB1.09 billion and RMB1.18 billion (US$165.6 million), respectively.
Government grants related to assets are initially recorded as other payables and accruals. These grants will be deducted from the
carrying amount when the assets are ready for use and approved by related government. We received government grants related to assets
of RMB290.7 million, RMB1.47 billion and RMB2.83 billion (US$398.2 million) in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Exchange (Loss)/Gain, Net
In 2021, we incurred foreign exchange loss of RMB355.5 million, primarily due to depreciation of the U.S. dollars against the
Renminbi. In 2022, we incurred foreign exchange gain of RMB1.03 billion, primarily due to appreciation of the U.S. dollars against the
Renminbi. In 2023, we incurred foreign exchange gain of RMB938.1 million (US$132.1 million), primarily due to appreciation of the
U.S. dollars against the Renminbi.
Other Income/(Expenses), Net
Other income/(expenses) consists primarily of guarantee income from JinkoPower and expenses related to charitable donations.
In 2023, our other income also included patent licensing income. We had net other income of RMB1.9 million, RMB1.6 million and
RMB26.1 million (US$3.7 million) in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Change in Fair Value of Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
We recognized a gain of RMB288.9 million in 2021. The gain from foreign exchange forward contracts was primary due to
fluctuations in exchange rate of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollars. We recognized a loss of RMB164.4 million in 2022, primarily due
to fluctuations in exchange rate of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollars. We recognized a loss of RMB389.2 million (US$54.8 million)
in 2023, primarily due to fluctuations in exchange rate of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollars.
Change in Fair Value of Foreign Exchange options
In 2021, we recognized a gain arising from change in fair value of foreign exchange options of RMB18.8 million. The gain from
foreign exchange options was primarily due to the depreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi. In 2022, we recognized a loss
arising from change in fair value of foreign exchange options of RMB4.2 million, respectively, primarily due to the appreciation of the
U.S. dollar against the Renminbi. In 2023, we recognized a gain arising from change in fair value of foreign exchange options of
RMB74.3 million (US$10.5 million), respectively, primarily due to the depreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi.
Change in Fair Value of Convertible Senior Notes and Call Option
In 2021, we recognized a gain arising from change in fair value of convertible senior notes and call option of RMB191.6
million. In 2022, we recognized a loss arising from change in fair value of convertible senior notes and call option of RMB12.1 million.
In 2023, we recognized a loss arising from change in fair value of convertible senior notes and call option of RMB31.2 million (US$4.4
million). We issued convertible senior notes and call option in 2019, the loss arising from change in fair value of which was primarily
due to the changes in the Company’s stock price.
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Change in Fair Value of Long-term Investment
We recognized a gain from change in fair value of RMB101.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. In June 2022, we acquired a
2.98% equity interest in a PV material supplier, which is accounted for using the fair value option and recorded as long-term investment.
In 2023, we recognized a gain from change in fair value of RMB221.5 million (US$31.2 million), which was primarily due to the
increased valuation of several solar technology companies that we invested in.
Share-based Compensation
We adopted our 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan in July 2009, as amended, and as of the date of this annual report, share options
with respect to 11,850,500 ordinary shares have been granted to our directors, officers and employees pursuant to our 2009 Long Term
Incentive Plan. As of the date of this annual report, no share options were outstanding and available for future grant under our 2009 Long
Term Incentive Plan. We adopted our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan in August 2014 and as of the date of this annual report, share options
with respect to 14,476,580 ordinary shares have been granted to our directors, officers and employees pursuant to our 2014 Equity
Incentive Plan. We adopted our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan in March 2021 and as of the date of this annual report, 2,600,000 restricted
shares have been granted to our directors, officers and employees pursuant to our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. We adopted our 2022
Equity Incentive Plan in February 2022 and as of the date of this annual report, 12,000,000 restricted shares have been granted to our
directors, officers and employees pursuant to our 2022 Equity Incentive Plan. We adopted our 2023 Equity Incentive Plan in January
2023 and as of the date of this annual report, 20,800,000 restricted shares have been granted to our directors, officers and employees
pursuant to our 2023 Equity Incentive Plan. In October 2022, Jiangxi Jinko adopted its 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Jiangxi Jinko
2022 Plan”), under which Jiangxi Jinko will grant share options to its employees. The total number of Jiangxi Jinko’s ordinary shares
which may be issued under Jiangxi Jinko 2022 Plan is 40,187,375. All share-based payments to employees and directors, including
grants of employee stock options, are measured based on the fair value of the stock options at the grant date. We have categorized these
share-based compensation expenses in our (i) cost of revenues; (ii) selling and marketing expenses; (iii) general and administrative
expenses; and (iv) research and development expenses, depending on the job functions of the grantees of our restricted shares and share
options. The following table sets forth the allocation of our share-based compensation expenses both in terms of the amounts and as a
percentage of total share-based compensation expenses in 2021, 2022 and 2023:
Cost of revenues
Selling and marketing expense
General and administrative expense
Research and development expense
Total share-based compensation expenses
2021
(RMB in
thousands)
131.0
131.0
9,622.2
—
9,884.2
(%)
1.3
1.3
97.4
—
100.0
2022
(RMB in
thousands)
17,676.3
7,101.5
974,563.0
1,527.8
1,000,868.6
(RMB in
2023
(US$ in
(%)
thousands) thousands)
(%)
1.8
0.7
97.4
0.1
100.0
1,733.8
28,439.1
825,687.4
6,781.1
862,641.4
244.2
4,005.6
116,295.6
955.1
121,500.5
0.2
3.3
95.7
0.8
100.0
The increases in our share-based compensation expenses in 2022 and 2023 were primarily due to the grant of certain restricted
shares under our 2022 Equity Incentive Plan.
Taxation
Under the CIT Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008 and was amended on February 24, 2017 and December 29,
2018, domestic and foreign invested companies in China are generally subject to corporate income tax at the rate of 25%. Jiangxi Jinko,
Zhejiang Jinko, Haining Jinko, Yiwu Jinko, Shangrao Jinko, Zhejiang New Materials and Anhui Jinko were designated by the relevant
local authorities as “High and New Technology Enterprises” under the CIT Law. Yiwu Jinko and Zhejiang Jinko were designated by the
relevant local authorities as a “High and New Technology Enterprise” in 2021, and will enjoy the preferential tax rate of 15% from 2021
to 2023. Jiangxi Jinko, Haining Jinko, Shangrao Jinko and Zhejiang New Materials were designated by the relevant local authorities as a
“High and New Technology Enterprise” in November and December 2022, and will enjoy the preferential tax rate of 15% from 2022 to
2024. In addition, in November 2023, Anhui Jinko was designated by the relevant local authorities as a “High and New Technology
Enterprise” and will enjoy the preferential tax rate of 15% from 2023 to 2025. Sichuan Jinko, Leshan Jinko, Chuxiong Jinko, Qinghai
Jinko and Jinko Jinchang were designated by the relevant local authorities as an “Enterprise in the Encouraged Industry.” According to
the “Announcement on Continuation of CIT Policies for Large-scale Development in the Western Region” published on April 23, 2020,
enterprises established in the western region of China in encouraged industries can continue to enjoy the preferential tax rate of 15% till
December 31, 2030.
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Since Jiangxi Jinko’s initial pubic offering in 2022, the Group provided withholding income tax for the earnings of Jiangxi
Jinko, which are expected to be distributed in the future based on its distribution plan. As of December 31, 2023, we recognized deferred
tax liabilities of RMB68.5 million (US$9.6 million), which was related to the cumulative undistributed earnings of Jiangxi Jinko.
In addition, under the CIT Law, an enterprise established outside China with “de facto management bodies” within China may
be considered a PRC tax resident enterprise and will normally be subject to the PRC corporate income tax at the rate of 25% on its global
income. Under the Implementation Rules of the CIT Law, the term “de facto management bodies” refers to management bodies which
have, in substance, overall management and control over such aspects as the production and business, personnel, accounts, and properties
of the enterprise. On April 22, 2009, the STA promulgated a circular that sets out procedures and specific criteria for determining
whether “de facto management bodies” for overseas incorporated, domestically controlled enterprises are located in China. However, as
this circular only applies to enterprises incorporated under laws of foreign jurisdictions that are controlled by PRC enterprises or groups
of PRC enterprises, it remains unclear how the tax authorities will determine the location of “de facto management bodies” for overseas
incorporated enterprises that are controlled by individual PRC tax residents such as our company, JinkoSolar Investment and Wide
Wealth Group Holdings Limited. As such, it is still unclear if the PRC tax authorities would subsequently determine that,
notwithstanding our status as the Cayman Islands holding company of our operating business in China, we should be classified as a PRC
tax resident enterprise, whereby our global income will be subject to PRC income tax at a tax rate of 25%.
Under the CIT Law and the Implementation Rules of the CIT Law, a withholding tax at the rate of 10% will normally be
applicable to dividends payable to investors that are “non-resident enterprises,” to the extent such dividends have their source within
China. Under the tax arrangement between Hong Kong and China, a reduced tax rate of 5% for dividends paid to a Hong Kong company
will be applied provided that the beneficial owner of the dividends is a Hong Kong resident enterprise which directly owns at least a 25%
equity interest in the PRC subsidiary. Both JinkoSolar Investment and Wide Wealth Group Holdings Limited are our Hong Kong
subsidiaries. 100% of the equity interests in Jiangxi Jinko, 25% of the equity interests in Zhejiang Jinko and 100% of the equity interests
in JinkoSolar (Shanghai) Management Co., Ltd. are owned directly by JinkoSolar Investment. If neither JinkoSolar Investment nor Wide
Wealth Group Holdings Limited is deemed a PRC tax resident enterprise and they have obtained the tax resident certificate of Hong
Kong, are treated as the beneficial owner of the dividends paid by Jiangxi Jinko, Zhejiang Jinko and JinkoSolar (Shanghai) Management
Co., Ltd. to JinkoSolar Investment, as the case may be, and own such equity for at least 12 consecutive months before receiving such
dividends, such dividends could be subject to a 5% withholding tax pursuant to the tax arrangement between Hong Kong and China as
discussed above. According to the Notice of the State Taxation Administration on the Issues concerning the Application of the Dividend
Clauses of Tax Agreements issued on February 20, 2009, a non-resident enterprise that intends to enjoy the preferential treatment under
the relevant tax agreement is required to own the requisite amount of equity of a PRC enterprise specified by the relevant tax agreement
for at least 12 consecutive months before obtaining the dividends. According to the Administrative Measures for Non-Residents
Enjoying Tax Treaty Benefits (Trial Implementation) issued by the STA on August 24, 2009 which became effective on October 1, 2009,
the application of the preferential withholding tax rate under a bilateral tax treaty is subject to the approval of competent PRC tax
authorities. According to the Circular of the State Taxation Administration on How to Understand and Identify a “Beneficial Owner”
under Tax Treaties which became effective on October 27, 2009, and the Announcement of the State Taxation Administration on the
Determination of “Beneficial Owners” in the Tax Treaties, effective on June 29, 2012, the PRC tax authorities must evaluate whether an
applicant for treaty benefits in respect of dividends, interest and royalties qualifies as a “beneficial owner” on a case-by-case basis and
following the “substance over form” principle. The circular sets forth the criteria to identify a “beneficial owner” and provides that an
applicant that does not carry out substantial business activities, or is an agent or conduit company may not be deemed a “beneficial
owner” of the PRC subsidiary and therefore may not enjoy tax treaty benefits. According to Announcement of the State Taxation
Administration on Issues Concerning the Recognition of Beneficial Owners in Entrusted Investments, effective on June 1, 2014, non-
residents may be recognized as “beneficial owners” and enjoy the treaty benefits for the income derived from the PRC from certain
investments. According to the Announcement of the State Taxation Administration on Issues concerning the “Beneficial Owner” in Tax
Treaties, which became effective in April 2018, a resident enterprise is determined as a “beneficial owner” that can apply for a low tax
rate under tax treaties based on an overall assessment of several factors. Furthermore, the Administrative Measures for Non-Resident
Enterprises to Enjoy Treatments under Tax Treaties, which became effective in November 2015 and was amended in June 2018, require
non-resident enterprises to determine whether they are qualified to enjoy the preferential tax treatment under the tax treaties and file
relevant report and materials with the tax authorities.
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Pursuant to the Provisional Regulation of the PRC on Value Added Tax issued by the State Council, effective on January 1,
1994 and lately amended and effective on February 6, 2016, or the Provisional Regulation, and its Implementing Rules, all entities and
individuals that are engaged in the sale of goods, the provision of processing, repairs and installation services, the sale of services,
intangible assets and real property in China and the importation of goods in China are required to pay VAT. According to the Provisional
Regulation, gross proceeds from sales and importation of goods and provision of services are generally subject to a VAT rate of 17% with
exceptions for certain categories of goods that are taxed at a VAT rate of 13%.The Provisional Regulation was further amended on
November 19, 2017, in which gross proceeds from sales and importation of goods and provision of services and tangible personal
property leasing services are generally subject to a VAT rate of 17%, with exceptions for certain categories of goods that are taxed at a
VAT rate of 11%. On April 4, 2018, the Circular of the MOF and the STA on Adjusting Value-added Tax Rates was promulgated, in
which gross proceeds from sales and importation of goods and provision of services and tangible personal property leasing services are
generally subject to a VAT rate of 16%, with exceptions for certain categories of goods that are taxed at a VAT rate of 10%. On March 20,
2019, the Announcement on Relevant Policies for Deepening Value-Added Tax Reform was jointly promulgated by the Ministry of
Finance, the STA and the General Administration of Customs, which provides that, effective April 1, 2019, the VAT rate of gross
proceeds from sales and importation of goods and provision of services was adjusted from 16% to 13%, with the VAT rate of certain
categories of goods adjusted from 10% to 9%. In addition, under the Provisional Regulation, the input VAT for the purchase of fixed
assets is deductible from the output VAT, except for goods or services that are used in non-VAT taxable items, VAT exempted items and
welfare activities, or for personal consumption. According to former VAT levy rules, equipment imported for qualified projects is entitled
to import VAT exemption and the domestic equipment purchased for qualified projects is entitled to VAT refund. However, such import
VAT exemption and VAT refund were both eliminated as of January 1, 2009. On the other hand, if a foreign-invested enterprise obtained
the confirmation letter of Domestic or Foreign Invested Project Encouraged by the State before November 10, 2008 and declared
importation of equipment for qualified projects before June 30, 2009, it may still be qualified for the exemption of import VAT. The
importation of equipment declared after July 1, 2009 will be subject to the import VAT.
Effective on January 1, 2012, the MOF and the STA launched the VAT Pilot Program in Shanghai. On April 10, 2013, the State
Council announced the nationwide implementation of the Pilot Program, which took effect from August 1, 2013. VAT payable on taxable
services provided by a general VAT taxpayer for a taxable period is the net balance of the output VAT for the period after crediting the
input VAT for the period. The amount of VAT payable does not result directly from output VAT generated from taxable services provided.
In addition, the MOF and the STA released a notice, which further expanded the scope of taxable services subject to VAT on December
12, 2013, effective from January 1, 2014, replacing the Business Tax to Value Added Tax Circular 37 released by the MOF and the STA
on May 24, 2013. On March 23, 2016, the MOF and the STA issued a notice, pursuant to which, effective from May 1, 2016, pilot
program of replacing the business tax with VAT will be implemented nationwide, and the industry of construction, real estate, finance,
life services will fall within the scope of taxable services subject to VAT instead of the business tax.
Under the current law of the Cayman Islands, we are not subject to any income or capital gains tax. In addition, dividend
payments made by us are not subject to any withholding tax in the Cayman Islands.
Subsequent Events
In February 2024, we consummated the disposition of Xinjiang Shibang Solar Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (formerly known as
Xinjiang Jinko Solar Co., Ltd.), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jiangxi Jinko. We recognized income related to the disposition with the
amount of RMB1.2 billion.
Certain Reclassifications
We made certain reclassifications to correct our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023
contained in our earnings release for the full year 2023 published on March 20, 2024, including (1) RMB480.1 million from restricted
cash to cash, (2) RMB413.7 million from restricted cash to restricted short-term investment, and (3) RMB74.0 million from restricted
cash to restricted long-term investment. In addition, we reclassified long-term borrowings of RMB340.9 million, RMB367.8 million,
RMB1.23 billion and RMB1.50 billion to short-term borrowings from third parties (including current portion of long-term bank
borrowings) contained in our earnings releases for the first, second and third quarters of 2023 published on April 28, August 14 and
October 30, 2023, respectively, and earnings release for the full year 2023 published on March 20, 2024.
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Results of Operations
The following table sets forth a summary, for the periods indicated, of our consolidated results of operations and each item
expressed as a percentage of our total net revenues. Our historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results that
may be expected for any future period.
Consolidated Statement of Operations
Revenues
Sales of solar modules
Sales of silicon wafers
Sales of solar cells
Sales of solar projects
Processing service fees
Revenue from generated electricity
Sales of other solar materials
Cost of revenues
Gross profit
Total operating expenses
Income from operations
Interest expenses
Interest income
Subsidy income
Exchange (loss)/gain
Other income, net
(Loss)/gain on disposal of subsidiaries
Change in fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts
Change in fair value of foreign exchange options
Change in fair value of convertible senior notes and call option
Change in fair value of Long-term Investment
Convertible senior notes issuance costs
Income tax expenses
Equity in income/(loss) of affiliated companies
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
Net income
Less: Net income/(loss) attributable to the non-controlling interests
from continuing operations
Net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary
shareholders
Reportable Segments
2021
(RMB)
(%)
2022
(RMB)
(%)
(RMB)
(in thousands, except percentage)
2023
US$
40,826,521.1
37,737,382.6
1,152,055.5
606,581.8
—
186,045.2
100,696.4
1,043,759.6
(34,168,686.1)
6,657,835.0
(5,555,330.3)
1,102,504.7
(838,320.6)
214,291.2
465,685.2
(355,498.8)
1,911.1
—
288,880.3
18,808.8
191,640.8
—
—
(194,140.1)
59,808.9
955,571.5
955,571.5
100.0
92.4
2.8
1.5
—
0.5
0.2
2.6
(83.7)
16.3
(13.6)
2.7
(2.1)
0.5
1.1
(0.9)
0.0
—
0.7
0.0
0.5
—
—
(0.5)
0.1
2.3
2.3
83,127,295.6
80,224,353.8
466,553.0
1,024,113.7
31,400.1
—
—
1,380,875.0
(70,848,983.0)
12,278,312.6
(11,849,067.0)
429,245.6
(1,079,409.0)
588,706.0
1,089,435.0
1,025,891.0
1,571.0
—
(164,356.0)
(4,163.0)
(12,083.0)
101,871.0
—
(605,278.0)
193,708.0
1,565,138.6
1,565,138.6
100.0
96.5
0.6
1.2
0.0
—
—
1.7
(85.2)
14.8
(14.3)
0.5
(1.3)
0.7
1.3
1.2
0.0
—
(0.2)
0.0
(0.0)
0.1
—
(0.7)
0.2
1.9
1.9
118,678,591.0
114,381,172.0
283,561.0
1,597,490.0
41,982.0
—
—
2,374,386.0
(99,630,956.0)
19,047,635.0
(12,955,015.0)
6,092,620.0
(1,171,136.0)
553,531.0
1,175,498.0
938,092.0
26,134.0
—
(389,166.0)
74,307.0
(31,188.0)
221,473.0
—
(1,260,285.0)
222,674.0
6,452,554.0
6,452,554.0
16,715,530.0
16,110,251.2
39,938.7
225,001.8
5,913.0
—
—
334,425.3
(14,032,727.0)
2,682,803.0
(1,824,676.0)
858,127.0
(164,952.0)
77,962.0
165,565.0
132,127.0
3,681.0
—
(54,813.0)
10,466.0
(4,393.0)
31,194.0
—
(177,507.0)
31,363.0
908,822.0
908,822.0
(%)
100.0
96.5
0.2
1.3
0
—
—
2.0
(84.0)
16.0
(10.9)
5.1
(1.0)
0.5
1.0
0.8
—
—
(0.3)
0.1
0
0.2
—
(1.1)
0.2
5.4
5.4
(234,553.6)
(0.6)
944,633.0
1.1
(3,005,111.0)
(423,261.0)
(2.5)
721,017.9
1.8
620,505.6
0.7
3,447,443.0
485,561.0
2.9
Based on the criteria established by ASC 280 “Segment Reporting”, our chief operating decision maker has been identified as
the Chairman of the Board of Directors as well as the CEO, who only review our consolidated results when making decisions about
allocating resources and assessing performance.
Hence, we have only one operating segment which is vertically integrated solar power products manufacturing business from
silicon ingots, wafers, cells to solar modules.
Before the disposition of downstream solar projects segment in the fourth quarter of 2016, it was also a reportable segment.
2023 compared with 2022
Revenues. Our revenues increased by 42.8% from RMB83.13 billion in 2022 to RMB118.68 billion (US$16.72 billion) in 2023.
The increase in total revenues was mainly attributable to an increase in the shipment of solar modules due to the increasing demand in
the global market, which was partially offset by the decrease in the average selling price of solar modules.
Our revenue from sales of solar modules increased by 42.6% from RMB80.22 billion in 2022 to RMB114.38 billion (US$16.11
billion) in 2023, primarily due to increasing demand in the global market offsetting by decrease in the average selling price of solar
modules. The sales volume of our solar modules increased by 77.2% from 44.3 GW in 2022 to 78.5 GW in 2023.
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Our revenue from sales of silicon wafers decreased by 39.2 % from RMB466.6 million in 2022 to RMB283.6 million (US$39.9
million) in 2023. The sales volume of our silicon wafers increased by 44.0% from 1,062.6 MW in 2022 to 1,530.6 MW in 2023.
Our revenue from sales of solar cells increased by 56.9% from RMB1.02 billion in 2022 to RMB1.60 billion (US$225.0
million) in 2023. The sales volume of our solar cells increased by 252.3% from 997.0 MW in 2022 to 3,512.0 MW in 2023.
We generated revenues from sales of solar projects of RMB42.0 million (US$5.9 million) in 2023.
We did not generate any revenues from processing service fees in 2023 as we did not provide silicon material processing
services in this year.
We did not generate any revenues from electricity generation in 2023, attributable to the disposal of solar power plant in
Argentina in 2022.
Our revenue from sales of other solar materials increased by 71.7% from RMB1.38 billion in 2022 to RMB2.37 billion
(US$334.4 million) in 2023.
Cost of Revenues. Our cost of revenues increased by 40.6% from RMB70.85 billion in 2022 to RMB99.63 billion (US$14.03
billion) in 2023, primarily due to an increase in the shipment of solar modules in 2023.
Gross Profit. Our gross profit increased by 55.1% from RMB12.28 billion in 2022 to RMB19.05 billion (US$2.68 billion) in
2023, mainly attributable to an increase in the shipment of solar modules in 2023.
Our gross margin increased from 14.8% in 2022 to 16.0% in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in the cost of materials of solar
modules.
Operating Expenses. Our operating expenses increased by 9.4% from RMB11.85 billion in 2022 to RMB12.96 billion (US$1.82
billion) in 2023, primarily due to (i) an increase in staff costs, (ii) an increase in impairment loss and (iii) occurrence of expenses in
relation to the settlement of a dispute with one of our customers.
Our selling and marketing expenses decreased by 5.8% from RMB7.24 billion in 2022 to RMB6.82 billion (US$0.96 billion) in
2023, primarily due to a decrease in average shipping cost in Chinese market in 2023.
Our general and administrative expenses increased by 30.5% from RMB3.51 billion in 2022 to RMB4.58 billion (US$645.6
million) in 2023, primarily due to (i) an increase in staff costs; and (ii) expenses in relation to the settlement of a dispute with one of our
customers.
Our impairment of long-lived assets increased by 71.3% from RMB373.7 million in 2022 to RMB640.0 million (US$90.1
million) in 2023, due to an increase in impairment loss on property, plant and equipment as a result of the upgrade of certain cell
production equipment.
Our research and development expenses increased by 25.8% from RMB724.8 million in 2022 to RMB911.9 million (US$128.4
million) in 2023, as we devoted more efforts on our research and development in 2023.
Income from Operations. As a result of the foregoing, our income from operations increased by 1,318.9% from RMB429.2
million in 2022 to RMB6.09 billion (US$858.1 million) in 2023. Our operating profit margin increased from 0.5% in 2022 to 5.1% in
2023.
Interest Expenses, Net. Our net interest expenses consist of interest expenses of RMB1.17 billion (US$165.0 million) and
interest income of RMB553.5 million (US$78.0 million) in 2023. Our net interest expenses increased by 25.9% from RMB490.7 million
in 2022 to RMB617.6 million (US$87.0 million) in 2023 due to an increase in interest-bearing debts.
Subsidy Income. Our subsidy income increased by 8.3% from RMB1.09 billion in 2022 to RMB1.18 billion (US$165.6 million)
in 2023, primarily due to an increase in the cash receipt of incentives to our business operations.
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Exchange gain. We recognized a foreign exchange gain of RMB1.03 billion in 2022 and RMB0.94 billion (US$132.1 million)
in 2023, primary due to the fluctuations in exchange rate of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollars.
Other Income, Net. We had net other income of RMB1.6 million in 2022, compared with net other income of RMB26.1 million
(US$3.7 million) in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to expenses related to charitable donations, partially offset by the patent
licensing income we generated.
Change in Fair Value of Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts. We recognized a loss arising from change in fair value of
foreign currency forward contracts of RMB164.4 million in 2022, compared with a loss of RMB389.2 million (US$54.8 million) in
2023, primarily due to fluctuations in exchange rate of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollars.
Change in Fair Value of Foreign Exchange Options. We recognized a loss arising from change in fair value of foreign exchange
options of RMB4.2 million in 2022, compared with a gain of RMB74.3 million (US$10.5 million) in 2023. The gain from foreign
exchange options was primarily due to the appreciation of the U.S. dollars against the Renminbi.
Change in fair value of convertible senior notes and call option. We recorded a loss arising from change in fair value of
convertible senior notes and call option of RMB12.1 million in 2022, compared to a loss of RMB31.2 million (US$4.4 million) in 2023.
The change was primarily due to the changes in the Company’s stock price in 2023.
Change in fair value of long-term investment. We recognized a gain from change in fair value of RMB101.9 million in the
fourth quarter of 2022. In June 2022, we acquired a 2.98% equity interest in a PV material supplier, which is accounted for using the fair
value option and recorded as long-term investment. In 2023, we recognized a gain from change in fair value of RMB221.5 million
(US$31.2 million), primarily due to the increased valuation of several solar technology companies that we invested in.
Income Tax Expense. We recorded an income tax expense of RMB605.3 million in 2022, compared with an income tax expense
of RMB1.26 billion (US$177.5 million) in 2023. The effective tax rate was 30.6% in 2022 and 16.8% in 2023.
Net Income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. As a result of the foregoing, our net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding
Co., Ltd. increased from RMB620.5 million in 2022 to RMB3.45 billion (US$485.6 million) in 2023. Our net profit margin increased
from 0.7% in 2022 to 2.9% in 2023.
2022 compared with 2021
Revenues. Our revenues increased by 103.6% from RMB40.83 billion in 2021 to RMB83.13 billion in 2022. The increase in
total revenues was mainly attributable to an increase in the shipment of solar modules due to increasing demand in the global market.
Our revenue from sales of solar modules increased by 112.6% from RMB37.74 billion in 2021 to RMB80.22 billion in 2022,
primarily due to a significant increase in the shipment of solar modules. The sales volume of our solar modules increased by 99.4% from
22.2 GW in 2021 to 44.3 GW in 2022.
Our revenue from sales of silicon wafers decreased by 59.5% from RMB1.15 billion in 2021 to RMB466.6 million in 2022. The
sales volume of our silicon wafers decreased by 50.7% from 2,153.4 MW in 2021 to 1,062.6 MW in 2022.
Our revenue from sales of solar cells increased by 68.8% from RMB606.6 million in 2021 to RMB1.02 billion in 2022. The
sales volume of our solar cells increased by 16.4% from 856.4 MW in 2021 to 997.0 MW in 2022.
We generated revenues from sales of solar projects of RMB31.4 million in 2022.
We did not generate any revenues from processing service fees in 2022 as we did not provide silicon material processing
services in this year.
We did not generate any revenues from electricity generation in 2022, attributable to the disposal of solar power plant in
Argentina in 2022.
Our revenue from sales of other solar materials increased by 32.3% from RMB1.04 billion in 2021 to RMB1.38 billion in 2022.
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Cost of Revenues. Our cost of revenues increased by 107.4% from RMB34.17 billion in 2021 to RMB70.85 billion in 2022,
primarily due to an increase in the shipment of solar modules.
Gross Profit. Our gross profit increased by 84.4% from RMB6.66 billion in 2021 to RMB12.28 billion in 2022, mainly
attributable to an increase in the shipment of solar modules in 2022.
Our gross margin decreased from 16.3% in 2021 to 14.8% in 2022, primarily due to an increase in the material cost of solar
modules.
Operating Expenses. Our operating expenses increased by 113.3% from RMB5.56 billion in 2021 to RMB11.85 billion in 2022,
primarily due to (i) an increase in shipping cost, (ii) an increase in impairment loss and the disposal of property, plant and equipment and
(iii) an increase in share-based compensation expenses.
Our selling and marketing expenses increased by 153.5% from RMB2.86 billion in 2021 to RMB7.24 billion in 2022, primarily
due to an increase in shipping cost as a result of an increase in sales volume of solar modules in 2022.
Our general and administrative expenses increased by 78.7% from RMB1.96 billion in 2021 to RMB3.51 billion in 2022,
primarily due to an increase in disposal of property, plant and equipment and an increase in share-based compensation expenses.
Our impairment of long-lived assets increased by 36.5% from RMB273.7 million in 2021 to RMB373.7 million in 2022, due to
an increase in impairment loss on property, plant and equipment as a result of the upgrade of certain equipment used in our wafer
production line.
Our research and development expenses increased by 57.0% from RMB461.6 million in 2021 to RMB724.8 million in 2022, as
we devoted more efforts on our research and development in 2022 .
Income from Operations. As a result of the foregoing, our income from operations decreased by 61.1% from RMB1.10 billion in
2021 to RMB429.2 million in 2022. Our operating profit margin decreased from 2.7% in 2021 to 0.5% in 2022.
Interest Expenses, Net. Our net interest expenses consist of interest expenses of RMB1.08 billion and interest income of
RMB588.7 million in 2022. Our net interest expenses decreased by 21.4% from RMB624.0 million in 2021 to RMB490.7 million in
2022 due to an increase in interest income.
Subsidy Income. Our subsidy income increased by 133.9% from RMB465.7 million in 2021 to RMB1.09 billion in 2022,
primarily due to an increase in the cash receipt of subsidies from local governments in China which are non-recurring, not refundable and
with no conditions.
Exchange Loss. We recognized a foreign exchange loss of RMB355.5 million in 2021 and a foreign exchange gain of RMB1.03
billion in 2022, primary due to the fluctuation in the exchange rate fluctuation of the U.S. dollars against the Renminbi in 2022.
Other Income, Net. We had net other income of RMB1.9 million in 2021, compared with net other income of RMB1.6 million
in 2022.
Change in Fair Value of Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts. We recognized a gain arising from change in fair value of
foreign currency forward contracts of RMB288.9 million in 2021, compared with a loss of RMB164.4 million in 2022, primarily due to
fluctuations in exchange rate of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollars.
Change in Fair Value of Foreign Exchange Options. We recognized a gain arising from change in fair value of foreign exchange
options of RMB18.8 million in 2021, compared with a loss of RMB4.2 million in 2022. The gain from foreign exchange options was
primarily due to the appreciation of the U.S. dollars against the Renminbi.
Change in fair value of convertible senior notes and call option. We recorded a gain arising from change in fair value of
convertible senior notes and call option of RMB191.6 million in 2021, compared to a loss of RMB12.1 million in 2022. The change was
primarily due to changes in our stock price in 2022.
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Change in fair value of long-term investment. We recognized a gain from change in fair value of RMB101.9 million in the
fourth quarter of 2022. In June 2022, we acquired a 2.98% equity interest in a PV material supplier, which is accounted for using the fair
value option and recorded as long-term investment.
Income Tax Expense. We recorded an income tax expense of RMB194.1 million in 2021, compared with an income tax expense
of RMB605.3 million in 2022. The effective tax rate was 17.8% in 2021 and 30.6% in 2022.
Net Income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. As a result of the foregoing, our net income attributable to JinkoSolar
Holding Co., Ltd. increased from RMB721.0 million in 2021 to RMB620.5 million in 2022. Our net profit margin decreased from 1.8%
in 2021 to 0.7% in 2022.
B.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have financed our operations and capital expenditures primarily through equity contributions from our shareholders, the net
proceeds of our equity and debt securities offerings, cash flow generated from operations, as well as short-term and long-term debt
financing.
As of December 31, 2023, we had RMB16.06 billion (US$2.26 billion) in cash and cash equivalents and RMB3.01 billion
(US$423.7 million) in restricted cash. Our cash and cash equivalents represent cash on hand and demand deposits with original
maturities of three months or less that are placed with banks and other financial institutions. Our restricted cash represents deposits
legally held by banks which are not available for general use. These deposits are held as collateral for issuance of letters of credit and
bank acceptable notes to vendors for purchase of machinery and equipment and raw materials.
We have entered into purchase agreements and other agreements for (i) expanding the high-efficiency mono wafer production
capacity of our factories in Leshan, Sichuan Province, Yili, the XUAR, Xining, Qinghai Province, Jinchang, Gansu Province and
Vietnam, (ii) expanding our mono wafer and solar cells production capacity through the construction of production facilities in Shangrao,
Jiangxi Province, Hefei, Anhui Province, Chuxiong, Yunnan Province, and Malaysia, (iii) expanding the solar module production
capacity of our factories in Yiwu, Haining, Zhejiang Province, Shangrao, Jiangxi Province and Malaysia, and (iv) upgrading our
production equipment. Our capital commitments under these agreements amounted to RMB20.15 billion (US$2.84 billion) as of
December 31, 2023, of which RMB7.34 billion (US$1.03 billion) will be due in 2024. We anticipate to use funds from bank borrowings,
finance leasing, and capital contribution from other shareholders of our subsidiaries, as the case may be, to fulfil these capital
commitments. We plan to use the remaining available cash for research and development and for working capital and other day-to-day
operating purposes.
As of December 31, 2023, we had total credit facilities available of RMB73.14 billion (US$10.30 billion) with various banks, of
which RMB38.68 billion (US$5.45 billion) were drawn down and RMB34.46 billion (US$4.85 billion) were available.
As of December 31, 2023, we had short-term borrowings (including the current portion of long-term bank borrowings and failed
sale-leaseback financing) of RMB13.58 billion (US$1.91 billion). As of December 31, 2023, we had short-term borrowings outstanding
of RMB12.03 billion (US$1.70 billion), RMB678.5 million (US$95.6 million), RMB257.1 million (US$36.2 million), RMB0.61 billion
(US$86.4 million),which were denominated in RMB, Euros, JPY and USD, respectively, and bearing a weighted average interest rate of
3.4%, 3.9%, 2.7%, 4.5%, per annum, respectively.
As of December 31, 2023, we pledged property, plant and equipment of a total net book value of RMB1.99 billion (US$280.1
million), land use rights of a total net book value of RMB21.2 million (US$3.0 million), inventories of a total net book value of
RMB619.7 million (US$87.3 million), account receivables of a total net book value of RMB437.4 million (US$61.6 million) and bank
deposits of a total net book value of RMB0.1 million (US$20.2 thousand) to secure repayment of our short-term borrowings of RMB1.42
billion (US$200.0 million). Although we have increased our level of short-term bank borrowings to meet our working capital, capital
expenditures and other needs, we have not experienced any difficulties in repaying our borrowings. Two of our subsidiaries had a
revolving loan facility from Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as of December 31, 2022 and 2023.
Obligations under the loan facility were secured by substantially all of the assets of the two subsidiaries, including account
receivables, bank balances, inventories, property and plants etc. (the “Pledged Assets”) as of December 31, 2022 and 2023, and the
amount of available facilities is generally determined and updated from time to time based on certain percentage of the Pledged Assets
balances. As of December 31, 2023, approximately US$700 were drawn down from such revolving loan facility.
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We have long-term borrowings (excluding the current portion of long-term bank borrowings and failed sale-leaseback
financing) of RMB11.24 billion (US$1.58 billion), which bore interest at an average annual rate of 5.8% as of December 31, 2023. In
connection with most of our long-term borrowings, we have granted security interests over significant amounts of our assets. As of
December 31, 2023, we pledged property of a net book value of RMB7.25 billion (US$1.02 billion) to secure repayment of borrowings
of RMB1.56 billion (US$220.4 million). As of December 31, 2023, our long-term loans in the amount of RMB11.24 billion (US$1.58
billion) will be due for repayment after one year, but within five years.
In addition, we have repayment obligations under our convertible notes. As of December 31, 2023, we had outstanding
convertible notes in the principal amount of US$55.2 million.
The relevant PRC laws and regulations permit payments of dividends by our PRC subsidiaries only out of their retained
earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC GAAP. In addition, the statutory general reserve fund requires annual
appropriations of 10% of net after-tax income to be set aside prior to payment of any dividends by our PRC subsidiaries that are
registered as wholly-owned foreign investment enterprises or domestic enterprises. As a result of these and other restrictions under PRC
laws and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to us either in the form of
dividends, loans or advances. Even though we do not currently require any such dividends, loans or advances from our PRC subsidiaries
for working capital or other funding purposes, it may in the future require additional cash resources from the PRC subsidiaries due to
changes in business conditions, to fund future acquisitions and development, or merely declare dividends or make distributions to our
shareholders. Our net assets subject to the above restrictions were RMB26.52 billion (US$3.74 billion), representing 79.1% of our total
consolidated net assets as of December 31, 2023.
Furthermore, cash transfers from our PRC subsidiaries to their parent companies outside of China are subject to PRC
government’s control of currency conversion. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may temporarily delay the ability of our
PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to us, or
otherwise satisfy their foreign currency denominated obligations.
On September 25, 2013, we completed an offering of 4,370,000 ADSs, receiving aggregate net proceeds of US$67.8 million,
after deducting discounts and commissions and offering expenses.
On January 22, 2014, we completed an offering of 3,750,000 ADSs representing 15,000,000 ordinary shares, receiving
aggregate net proceeds of US$126.2 million after deducting discounts and commissions and offering expenses. On the same date, we
issued convertible senior notes in the principal amount of US$150.0 million due 2019, bearing an annual interest rate of 4.0% and with
an option for holders to require us to repurchase their notes in February 2017 for the principal of the notes plus accrued and unpaid
interest, to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and in reliance upon Regulation S of the Securities Act. We had repurchased
all of such notes as of December 31, 2019.
In November 2014, we signed a US$20.0 million two-year credit agreement with Wells Fargo, the term of which was later
extended to November 2024. The credit limit was raised to US$40.0 million in June 2015, to US$60.0 million in July 2016 and further to
US$90.0 million in January 2020 through amendments to the credit agreement. Borrowings under the credit agreement would be used to
support our working capital and business operations in the United States.
In May 2015, we signed a US$20.0 million three-year bank facility agreement with Barclay Bank, which was subsequently
raised to US$40.0 million, to support our working capital and business operations. The term of this bank facility has been extended to
2022.
In September 2016, we signed a US$25.0 million two-year bank facility agreement with Malayan Banking Berhad, the term of
which was extended to September 2022, to support our working capital and business operations in Malaysia.
In July 2017, we entered into a four-year financial lease in the amount of RMB600.0 million to support the improvement of our
production efficiency.
In September 2017, we filed a prospectus supplement to sell up to an aggregate of US$100 million of the ADSs through the
2017 ATM Program. In January 2018, we terminated the 2017 ATM Program and did not sell any ADSs under the 2017 ATM Program.
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In February 2018, we closed an offering of 4,140,000 ADSs, each representing four of our ordinary shares, par value
US$0.00002 per share, at US$18.15 per ADS. The net proceeds of the offering to us, after deducting underwriting commissions and fees
and estimated offering expenses, was US$71.1 million. Concurrently with the offering, we completed the private placement with Tanka
International Limited, an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands held by Mr. Xiande Li, our chairman, and Mr.
Kangping Chen, our former chief executive officer, of its purchase of US$35 million of our ordinary shares.
In July 2018, we signed a JPY5.30 billion syndicated loan agreement with a bank consortium led by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking
Corporation to provide working capital and support for our business operations in Japan. The loan was downsized to JPY3.00 billion
after annual review in December 2021.
In May 2019, we completed a follow-on public offering of 4,671,875 ADSs, each representing four of our ordinary shares, at
US$16.00 per ADS. Concurrently with the offering, we issued convertible senior notes of US$85 million due 2024 to support capital
expenditure and supplement working capital. The notes will mature on June 1, 2024 and the holders will have the right to require us to
repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes on June 1, 2021. The interest rate is 4.5% per annum payable semi-annually, in
arrears. As of the date of this annual report, the convertible notes of US$71.0 million in aggregate have been converted. In connection
with the issuance of the convertible notes, we entered into a zero strike call option transaction with an affiliate of Credit Suisse Securities
(USA) LLC, whom we refer to as the option counterparty. The zero strike call option transaction was completed in July 2021.
In December 2020, we filed a prospectus supplement to sell up to an aggregate of US$100 million of the ADSs through the
2020 ATM Program. In January 2021, we completed the 2020 ATM Program, under which we sold 1,494,068 ADSs and received
US$98.25 million after deducting commissions and offering expenses.
In January 2022, Jiangxi Jinko had completed the STAR Listing and started trading on the Star Market (SSE, code: 988223)
Jiangxi Jinko has issued 2,000,000,000 shares representing approximately 20% of the total 10,000,000,000 shares outstanding after the
STAR Listing. The shares were issued at a public offering price of RMB5.00 per share and the total gross proceeds of the STAR Listing
were approximately RMB10.00 billion. After the STAR Listing, we owned approximately 58.62% equity interest in Jiangxi Jinko.
Our working capital was RMB1.88 billion (US$265.4 million) as of December 31, 2023. Our management believes that our
cash position as of December 31, 2023, the cash expected to be generated from operations, and funds available from borrowings under
our credit facilities will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months
from the date of issuance of our consolidated financial statements for 2023 included in this annual report.
Cash Flows and Working Capital
The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated:
2021
(RMB)
2022
(RMB)
2023
(RMB)
(US$)
(in thousands)
Net cash (used)/ provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, end of the year
430,646.3
(11,309,232.7)
12,017,851.0
1,022,474.7
8,074,771.8
9,097,246.4
(5,800,784.0)
(12,272,387.0)
20,018,922.0
2,173,708.0
9,097,246.0
11,270,954.0
13,826,123.3
(15,159,670.1)
8,640,901.8
8,156,326.7
11,270,953.9
19,427,280.6
1,947,368.7
(2,135,194.9)
1,217,045.6
1,148,794.6
1,587,480.7
2,736,275.2
Our net cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increased by RMB1.02 billion, RMB2.17 billion and RMB8.16 billion
(US$1.15 billion) during 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, we had RMB19.43 billion (US$2.74 billion) in
cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash for continuing operations. As of December 31, 2023, we had a total capital commitment of
RMB20.15 billion (US$2.84 billion). We believe that our cash and cash equivalents, cash flows from operating activities and our
subsidiary Jiangxi Jinko’s equity offerings will be sufficient to meet our working capital, capital expenditure needs that will arise in 2024
and beyond.
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We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. We may rely on dividends from our subsidiaries in China for
our cash needs. Current PRC regulations restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to us. See “Item 3. Key Information—D.
Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We rely principally on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by
our principal operating subsidiary, and limitations on their ability to pay dividends to us could have a material adverse effect on our
business and results of operations.” and “Item 8. Financial Information—Dividend Policy” for more information.
Operating Activities
Net cash used by operating activities in 2023 was RMB13.83 billion, consisting primarily of (i) a decrease in notes receivable
from third parties of RMB2.50 billion due to the change of customers’ payment method, and (ii) an increase in accounts payable of
RMB5.54 billion, which was primarily in relation to our increased production capacity, partially offset by (i) an increase in accounts
receivable from third party of RMB6.81 billion, in line with our increased business scale globally, and (ii) an increase in inventories of
RMB3.84 billion due to the expansion of our production capacity and business scale.
Net cash used by operating activities in 2022 was RMB5.80 billion, consisting primarily of (i) an increase in advances from
third party customers of RMB3.29 billion, which was in line with our increased business scale globally, and (ii) an increase in accounts
payable of RMB3.59 billion, which was primarily in relation to our increased production capacity and the rising price of raw materials,
partially offset by (i) an increase in accounts receivable from third party of RMB8.61 billion, which was in line with our increased
business scale globally, (ii) an increase in inventories of RMB6.05 billion due to our expanding production capacity and business scale,
and (iii) an increase in advances to suppliers of RMB1.71 billion due to our increased procurement of raw materials.
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2021 was RMB430.6 million, consisting primarily of (i) an increase in advances
from third party customers of RMB3.53 billion, which was in line with our increased business scale globally, and (ii) an increase in
accounts payable of RMB2.64 billion, which was primarily in relation to our increased production capacity and the rising price of raw
materials, partially offset by (i) an increase in inventories of RMB5.70 billion due to our expanding production capacity and business
scale, (ii) an increase in accounts receivable from third party of RMB3.67 billion, which was in line with our increased business scale
globally, and (iii) an increase in advances to suppliers of RMB856.6 million due to our increased procurement of raw materials.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities in 2023 was RMB15.16 billion, consisting primarily of (i) the purchase of property, plant
and equipment of RMB15.29 billion, (ii) the purchase of restricted short-term investments of RMB15.24 billion and (iii) purchase of
restricted long term investments of RMB1.54 billion, partially offset by (i) cash collected from restricted short term investments of
RMB16.70 billion, and (ii) cash collected from restricted long-term investments of RMB1.38 billion.
Net cash used in investing activities in 2022 was RMB12.27 billion, consisting primarily of (i) the purchase of property, plant
and equipment of RMB12.25 billion, (ii) the purchase of restricted short-term investments of RMB8.18 billion and (iii) purchase of
restricted long term investments of RMB1.41 billion , partially offset by (i) cash collected from restricted short term investments of
RMB8.49 billion, and (ii) cash collected from restricted long-term investments of RMB1.23 billion.
Net cash used in investing activities in 2021 was RMB11.31 billion, consisting primarily of (i) the purchase of restricted short-
term investments of RMB13.36 billion, (ii) the purchase of property, plant and equipment of RMB8.65 billion, and (iii) purchase of
restricted long term investments of RMB1.46 billion, partially offset by (i) cash collected from restricted short term investments of
RMB10.50 billion, and (ii) cash collected from restricted long-term investments of RMB 1.65 billion.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities in 2023 was RMB8.64 billion, consisting primarily of (i) borrowings of RMB19.75
billion, (ii) proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes of RMB4.73 billion, and (iii) increase in notes payable from third party of
RMB5.21 billion, partially offset by repayment of borrowings of RMB20.82 billion.
Net cash provided by financing activities in 2022 was RMB20.02 billion, consisting primarily of (i) borrowings of RMB29.66
billion and (ii) proceeds from Follow-on offering of RMB9.77 billion, partially offset by repayment of borrowings of RMB27.62 billion.
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Net cash provided by financing activities in 2021 was RMB12.02 billion, consisting primarily of (i) borrowings of RMB30.45
billion, (ii) Proceeds from At-The-Market offering of RMB641.1 million, (iii) Proceeds from exercise of call option of RMB621.1
million, and borrowing from government background funds of RMB2.13 billion, partially offset by (i) repayment of borrowings of
RMB24.28 billion.
Restrictions on Cash Dividends
For a discussion on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to our company and the impact this has on our ability to meet
our cash obligations, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We rely principally
on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our principal operating subsidiary, and limitations on their ability to pay dividends
to us could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations,” and “Item 4. Information on the Company—B.
Business Overview— Regulation—Dividend Distribution.”
Capital Expenditures
We had capital expenditures, representing the payments that we had made, of RMB8.69 billion, RMB12.29 billion and
RMB15.85 billion (US$2.23 billion) in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. Our capital expenditures were used primarily to construct our
manufacturing facilities and purchase equipment for the production of silicon wafers, solar cells and solar modules, acquire land use
rights, and construction of project assets. We have entered into purchase agreements and other agreements for (i) expanding our high-
efficiency mono wafer production capacity of factories in Leshan, Sichuan Province, Yili, the XUAR, and Vietnam, (ii) expanding our
mono wafer and solar cells production capacity through the construction of production facilities in Shangrao, Jiangxi Province, Hefei,
Anhui Province, Chuxiong, Yunnan Province, and Malaysia (iii) expanding our solar module production capacity in factories in Yiwu
Haining, Zhejiang Province, and Malaysia, and (iv) upgrading our production equipment. Our capital commitments under these
agreements amounted to RMB20.15 billion (US$2.84 billion) as of December 31, 2023, of which RMB7.34 billion (US$1.03 billion)
will be due in 2024. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We may face
termination and late charges and risks relating to the termination and amendment of certain equipment purchases contracts.”
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Standards Adopted
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and
Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, which require that an entity (acquirer) recognize and measure contract assets and
contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Topic 606. At the acquisition date, an acquirer should account
for the related revenue contracts in accordance with Topic 606 as if it had originated the contracts. The amendments in this Update also
provide certain practical expedients for acquirers when recognizing and measuring acquired contract assets and contract liabilities from
revenue contracts in a business combination. The amendments should be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or
after the effective date of the amendments, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this update in the first quarter of 2023 and the
adoption did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. This ASU eliminates
the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings by creditors that have adopted ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on
Financial Instruments, which we adopted on January 1, 2020. This ASU also enhances the disclosure requirements for certain loan
refinancing and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. In addition, the ASU amends the
guidance on vintage disclosures to require entities to disclose current period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing
receivables and net investments in leases within the scope of ASC 326-20. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after
December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption of the ASU would be applied prospectively. Early
adoption is also permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We adopted this update in the first quarter of 2023 and the adoption
did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.
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New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity
Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions. The update clarifies that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is
not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The update also
clarifies that an entity cannot, as a separate unit of account, recognize and measure a contractual sale restriction. The update also requires
certain additional disclosures for equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions. The amendments in this update are effective for
us beginning January 1, 2024 on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for both interim and annual financial statements that
have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our
consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (Topic 280). This
ASU updates reportable segment disclosure requirements by requiring disclosures of significant reportable segment expenses that are
regularly provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) and included within each reported measure of a segment's profit or
loss. This ASU also requires disclosure of the title and position of the individual identified as the CODM and an explanation of how the
CODM uses the reported measures of a segment’s profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate
resources. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2024. Adoption of the ASU should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial
statements. Early adoption is also permitted. This ASU will likely result in us including the additional required disclosures when
adopted. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our consolidated financial statement.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic 740). The ASU
requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as additional information on income
taxes paid. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is also permitted, and the
disclosures in this standard are required to be applied on a prospective basis with the option to apply retrospectively. We are in the
process of evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our consolidated financial statement.
C.
Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc.
Research and Development
We focus our research and development efforts on improving our manufacturing efficiency, the quality of our products and next
generation PV technology. In July 2012, we were selected as a finalist for the “Solar power projects in North America” category of the
Intersolar Award 2012, which is presented each year to award innovation in the international solar industry. In January 2013, we were
honored as the most promising enterprise by China Energy News and the China Institute of Energy Economics Research. In 2019, we
were awarded the “best performance” of reliability scorecard for the fifth consecutive time by DNY-GL, and won the 5th All Quality
Matters Award for PV Module Energy Yield Simulation (Mono Group) at the Solar Congress 2019 organized by TÜV Rheinland and
ranked first in testing conducted for the mono group. In 2020, we won the 6th All Quality Matters Award for PV Module Energy Yield
Simulation (Mono Group) at the Solar Congress 2020 organized by TÜV Rheinland. In March 2021, our R&D Center module laboratory
obtained satisfactory results in the latest national assessment of PV Modules Testing Accuracy. In December 2022, we launched our
industry-leading 182 mm N-type TOPCon TigerNeo family, achieving the highest solar conversion efficiency of 23.86% for N-type
TOPCon modules and the highest solar conversion efficiency of 26.4% for N-type TOPCon solar cells in the industry. In October 2023,
our large-size N-type TOPCon solar cells reached the maximum conversion efficiency rate of 26.89%, and our large size N-type TOPCon
module reached the maximum conversion efficiency rate of 24.76%.
In addition to our full-time research and development team, we also involve employees from our manufacturing department to
work on our research and development projects on a part-time basis. We plan to enhance our research and development capability by
recruiting additional experienced engineers specialized in the solar power industry. Certain members of our senior management
spearhead our research and development efforts and set strategic directions for the advancement of our products and manufacturing
processes.
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We have entered into a cooperative agreement with Nanchang University in Jiangxi Province, China and established a joint PV
materials research center on the campus of Nanchang University. Under the terms of the agreement, the research center is staffed with
faculty members and students in doctoral and master programs from the material science and engineering department of Nanchang
University as well as our technical personnel. The research center focuses on the improvement of our manufacturing process, solution of
technical problems in our silicon wafer and solar module production process and the research and development of new materials and
technologies. The research center also provides on-site technical support to us and training for our employees. Under the agreement, any
intellectual property developed by the research center will belong to us. The research center has assisted us in improving the quality of
our silicon wafers, including the conversion efficiency of our silicon wafers, as well as our silicon wafer production process. We also
engage other universities in our research and development efforts. For example, in December 2013, we announced that we would partner
with Beijing University’s Solar Power Engineering Center to construct the university’s first experimental PV power plant on campus,
which would be used for collecting and analyzing data the power generation capabilities of PV modules when exposed to various
conditions. In 2014, we established a long-term cooperative relationship with the State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials of Zhejiang
University and have launched a number of research and development projects since then. In 2015, we started to work with the Australian
National University to explore certain cutting-edge cell technologies. In 2016, we established cooperative relationship with Sun Yat-Sen
University and the National University of Singapore in the research of solar modules and solar cells, respectively. In 2017, we partnered
with TÜV Rheinland, an independent provider of technical services for testing, inspection, certification, consultation and training, to
develop standardized testing methods for bifacial PV technology. In 2018, we participated in three projects cooperating with Institute of
Electrical Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences of Zhejiang University and Nanchang University in module recycling, high-
efficiency P-type poly, and N-type bifacial cell. In 2019, we signed a memorandum of understanding with Shanghai Institute of Space
Power Sources to co-develop high efficiency solar cell technology for space and terrestrial applications. In the same year, we also lead
two national key R&D programs of China relating to the decline of the N-type multicrystalline cell industry and the recycle of end-of-life
solar products. As of the date of this annual report, we have published four article regarding international standard and 59 articles
regarding domestic standard. We have several national R&D platforms, including national enterprise technology centers, national post-
doctoral research stations and national intellectual property demonstration enterprises. In November 2023, the wafer integrated project
led by us was successfully approved as a key research and development plan of the 14th Five-Year Plan of the PRC by the Ministry of
Science and Technology of the PRC.
We believe that the continual improvement of our research and development capability is vital to maintaining our long-term
competitiveness. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, our research and development expenses were RMB461.6 million, RMB724.8 million and
RMB911.9 million (US$128.4 million), respectively. We intend to continue to devote management and financial resources to research
and development as well as to seek cooperative relationships with other academic institutions to further lower our overall production
costs, increase the conversion efficiency rate of our solar power products and improve our product quality.
Intellectual Property
As of December 31, 2023, we have been granted 3,541 patents, including 1,344 utility model patents, 2,143 invention patent
and 54 design patents. We also have 904 pending patent applications. These patents and patent applications relate to the technologies
utilized in our manufacturing processes. We intend to continue to assess appropriate opportunities for patent protection of critical aspects
of our technologies. We also rely on a combination of trade secrets and employee and third-party confidentiality agreements to safeguard
our intellectual property. Our research and development employees are required to enter into agreements that require them to assign to us
all inventions, designs and technologies that they develop during the terms of their employment with us. For information related to
intellectual property claims that we have involved, see “Item 8. Financial Information—A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial
Information—Legal and Administrative Proceedings.”
We filed trademark registration applications with the PRC Trademark Office, World Intellectual Property Organization, or
WIPO and trademark authorities in other countries and regions. As of December 31, 2023, we have been granted 660 trademarks in the
”, “
” and “
PRC, such as “
”.We
also have 129 trademarks registered in WIPO. We have pending trademark applications of 286 trademarks in 112 countries and regions,
such as the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Egypt, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Korea, Canada, Malaysia, the United States, Republic of
Moldova, Mexico, European Union, Turkey, New Zealand, Israel, Italy, India, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Chile. In addition, we
have registered 10 trademarks in the United States, 16 trademarks in Canada and 14 trademarks in Europe.
”, and 29 trademarks in Hong Kong and Taiwan, including “
”, and “
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D.
Trend Information
Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or
events for 2023 that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our net revenues, income, profitability, liquidity or capital
resources, or that would cause reported consolidated financial information not necessarily to be indicative of future operating results or
financial conditions.
E.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated
financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial
statements requires us to make judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and
related disclosures. We evaluate our judgments and estimates on an ongoing basis. Our estimates are based on historical experience and
various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Our actual results could differ from these estimates.
We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if: (i) the accounting estimate requires us to make assumptions about matters
that were highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate was made, and (ii) changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to
occur from period to period or use of different estimates that we reasonably could have used in the current period, would have a material
impact on our financial condition or results of operations. There are other items within our financial statements that require estimation
but are not deemed critical, as defined above. Changes in estimates used in these and other items could have a material impact on our
financial statements. For a detailed discussion of our significant accounting policies and related judgments, see “Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements – Note 2 Principal Accounting Policies.”
Expected Credit Losses
On January 1, 2020, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses
(Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”, which requires us to record the full amount of expected credit
losses for the life of a financial asset at the time it is originated or acquired, and adjusted for changes in expected lifetime credit losses
subsequently, which requires earlier recognition of credit losses.
The allowance for credit losses represents our estimate of the expected lifetime credit losses inherent in finance receivables as of
the balance sheet date. The adequacy of our allowance for credit losses is assessed quarterly, and the assumptions and models used in
establishing the allowance are evaluated regularly. Because credit losses can vary substantially over time, estimating credit losses
requires a number of assumptions about matters that are uncertain. Changes in assumptions affect the allowance for credit losses
contained within finance receivables, net on our consolidated balance sheets.
The provision for credit losses is estimated mainly based on past collection experience as well as consideration of current and
future economic conditions and changes in our collection trends. We estimate the expected credit losses for financial assets with similar
credit risk characteristics on a pool basis taking into consideration the size, type of the services and products the we provided. The key
assumptions used in the process of estimating the provision for credit losses include credit risk characteristics, lifetime for debt recovery,
current and future economic conditions. The estimate of expected credit losses is sensitive to our assumptions in these factors.
As of December 31, 2023, when the forward-looking factors based on the assumption of current and future economic conditions
increased by 5% while holding all other estimates constant, our expected credit losses would increase by RMB2.5 million.
Accrued Warranty Costs for Solar Modules
Our major products Solar modules are typically sold with either a 5-year or 10-year warranty for solar modules product defects,
and a 10-year and 25-year warranty against declines of more than 10% and 20%, respectively, from the initial minimum power
generation capacity at the time of delivery. Therefore, we are exposed to potential liabilities that could arise from these warranties. The
potential liability is generally in the form of solar modules product replacement or repair.
We accrue liabilities for the estimated future costs of meeting our warranty obligations and apply significant judgements in
estimating the expected failure rate of solar module products and the replacement costs associated with fulfilling our warranty
obligations when measuring the warranty costs for solar modules.
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We have established detailed policies and control procedures to monitor the trend of replacement cost, failure rate or any
changes in circumstances that may give rise to revise the existing accounting estimates. We also monitor our expected future module
performance through certain quality and reliability testing and actual performance in certain field installation sites.
Based on the historical actual claims incurred during the past years, we project the expected failure rate as 1% for the whole
warranty period. With respect to the replacement cost, based on our actual claim experiences in the historical periods as well as our
current best estimation, we believe that the average selling price of solar modules over the past two years may appropriately reflect the
cost of product replacement.
As of December 31, 2022, when one of the key assumptions used in estimating the future costs of our warranty obligations,
including the expected failure rate and the replacement cost, increased by 5% while holding the other estimate constant, our accrued
warranty liability would be increased by RMB38.4 million.
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A.
Directors and Senior Management
The following table sets forth information regarding our directors and executive officers:
Name
Xiande Li
Xianhua Li
Wing Keong Siew
Steven Markscheid
Yingqiu Liu
Haiyun (Charlie) Cao
Mengmeng (Pan) Li
Age
Position
49
50
73
70
74
47
43
Chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer
Director
Independent director
Independent director
Independent director
Director
Chief financial officer
Mr. Xiande Li is a founder of our company, the chairman of our board of directors and our chief executive officer. Prior to
founding our company, he served as the marketing manager at Zhejiang Yuhuan Solar Energy Source Co., Ltd. from 2003 to 2004, where
his responsibilities included overseeing and optimizing day-to-day operations. From 2005 to 2006, he was the chief operations supervisor
of ReneSola, a related company listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange in 2006, then dual listed on the NYSE in 2008,
where he was in charge of marketing and operation management. Mr. Li is a brother of Mr. Xianhua Li.
Mr. Xianhua Li is a founder and director of our company. He was our vice president from June 2006 to March 2020. Prior to
founding our company, Mr. Li served as the chief engineer of Yuhuan Automobile Company, where his major responsibilities included
conducting and managing technology research and development activities and supervising production activities, from 1995 to 2000.
From 2000 to 2006, he was the factory director of Zhejiang Yuhuan Solar Energy Source Co., Ltd., where he was responsible for
managing its research and development activities. Mr. Li is a brother of Mr. Xiande Li.
Mr. Wing Keong Siew has been a director of our company since May 2008. Mr. Siew has been in venture capital/private equity
management since 1989 when he was Senior Vice President of H&Q Singapore. In 1995, he formed a joint venture with UBS AG to
raise a China Private Equity Fund. He rejoined as the president of H&Q Asia Pacific China and Hong Kong from 1998 to 2003. Mr. Siew
then founded Hupomone Capital Partners in 2003. Before joining the investment service industry, he was managing three high-
technology multinational companies in Asia between 1978 to 1989, being the General Manager of Fairchild Systems for Asia, the
Managing Director of Mentor Graphics Asia Pacific and the Managing Director of Compaq Computer Asia Corporation. Mr. Siew
received his bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Singapore University in 1975 and his presidential/key
executive MBA from Pepperdine University in 1999.
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Mr. Steven Markscheid has been an independent director of the Company since September 15, 2009. Mr. Markscheid is
chairman-emeritus and senior advisor of KX Power, a UK based battery energy storage project developer. He serves as an independent
non-executive director of Xiaobai Maimai Inc., Fanhua Inc., Kingwisoft Technology, Richtech Robotics, Tristar Acquisition Corporation,
Monterey Acquistion Corporation, Four Leaf Acquisition Corporation and also a trustee-emeritus of Princeton in Asia. From 1998 to
2006, Mr. Markscheid worked for GE Capital. During his time with GE, he led GE Capital’s business development activities in China
and Asia Pacific, primarily acquisitions and direct investments. Prior to GE, he worked with the Boston Consulting Group throughout
Asia. Mr. Markscheid was a commercial banker for ten years in London, Chicago, New York, Hong Kong and Beijing with Chase
Manhattan Bank and First National Bank of Chicago. He began his career with the US China Business Council, in Washington D.C. and
Beijing. He received his bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies from Princeton University in 1976, his master’s degree in international
affairs from Johns Hopkins University in 1980 and an MBA from Columbia University in 1991.
Mr. Yingqiu Liu has been an independent director of our company since April 2015. Mr. Liu is a researcher and doctoral
supervisor of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (“CASS”), a member of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce
Think Tank Committee, a member of expert group of the Fifth the China Economic and Social Development Council of National
Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and the director of Institute of Private economy, China Urban
Development. Mr. Liu was previously the President of the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the Director General of
the Center for Private Economic Studies in CASS, the Director of Socialist economic theory Research Department in Nankai University.
Mr. Liu graduated from Nankai University with a doctor’s degree in economics in April 1991. In 1993, Mr. Liu was recognized as an
expert who enjoys the life-time special allowance by the State Council. In 1996, Mr. Liu was recognized as an expert with outstanding
contributions by CASS.
Mr. Haiyun (Charlie) Cao has been our director since December 2020. He was our chief financial officer from September 2014
to May 2021 and our financial controller from February 2012 to September 2014. Prior to joining us, Mr. Cao served as a senior audit
manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers from 2002 to 2012. Mr. Cao holds professional accounting qualifications, including AICPA and
CICPA. He has a master’s degree in management science and engineering from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics in 2002
and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Jiangxi University in 1999.
Mr. Mengmeng (Pan) Li has been our chief financial officer since May 2021. He was our deputy director of finance since 2021.
Before that, he served as the senior internal audit manager of the Company from July 2017 to 2021. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Li
served as an internal control manager of Hi-P International Limited, an SGX listed company, from 2016 to 2017, and an internal audit
manager of Canadian Solar Inc., a Nasdaq listed company, from 2010 to 2015. Prior to 2010, he served at Ernst & Young and KPMG.
Mr. Li is a Certified Internal Auditor. He received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Shanghai University of Finance and
Economics in 2003.
The business address of our directors and executive officers is c/o JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., 1 Yingbin Road, Shangrao
Economic Development Zone, Jiangxi Province, 334100, People’s Republic of China.
B.
Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers
All directors receive reimbursements from us for expenses necessarily and reasonably incurred by them for providing services
to us or in the performance of their duties. Our directors who are also our employees receive compensation in the form of salaries in their
capacity as our employees.
In 2023, we paid cash compensation in the aggregate amount of RMB8.7 million (US$1.2 million) to our executive officers and
directors. The total amount we set aside for the pension or retirement or other benefits of our executive officers and directors was
RMB622.5 thousand (US$87.7 thousand) in 2023.
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Share Incentive Plans
2009 Long Term Incentive Plan
We adopted our 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan on July 10, 2009, which was subsequently amended and restated. Our 2009
Long Term Incentive Plan provides for the grant of incentive plan options, restricted shares, restricted share units, share appreciation
rights and other share-based awards, referred to as the “Awards.” The purpose of the 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan is to attract, retain
and motivate key directors, officers and employees responsible for the success and growth of our company by providing them with
appropriate incentives and rewards and enabling them to participate in the growth of our company. We have reserved 9,194,356 ordinary
shares for issuance under our 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan.
Plan Administration. Our 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan is administered by a committee appointed by our board of directors or
in the absence of a committee, our board of directors. In each case, our board of directors or the committee will determine the provisions
and terms and conditions of each award grant, including, but not limited to, the exercise price, time at which each of the Awards will be
granted, number of shares subject to each Award, vesting schedule, form of payment of exercise price and other applicable terms. The
plan administrator may also grant Awards in substitution for options or other equity interests held by individuals who become employees
of our company as a result of our acquisition or merger with the individual’s employer. If necessary to conform the Awards to the
interests for which they are substitutes, the plan administrator may grant substitute Awards under terms and conditions that vary from
those that the 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan otherwise requires. Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, any Award
to any participant who is a U.S. taxpayer will be adjusted appropriately to comply with Code Section 409A or 424, if applicable.
Award Agreement. Awards granted under our 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan are evidenced by an Award Agreement that sets
forth the terms, conditions and limitations for each award grant, which includes, among other things, the vesting schedule, exercise price,
type of option and expiration date of each award grant.
Eligibility. We may grant awards to an employee, director or consultant of our company, or any business, corporation,
partnership, limited liability company or other entity in which our company holds a substantial ownership interest, directly or indirectly,
but which is not a subsidiary and which in each case our board of directors designates as a related entity for purposes of the 2009 Long
Term Incentive Plan.
Option Term. The term of each option granted under the 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan may not exceed ten years from the date
of grant. If an incentive stock option is granted to an eligible participant who owns more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of
our share capital, the term of such option shall not exceed five years from the date of grant.
Exercise Price. In the case of non-qualified stock option, the per share exercise price of shares purchasable under an option shall
be determined by our board of directors and specified in the Award Agreement. In the case of incentive stock option, the per share
exercise price of shares purchasable under an option shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value per share at the time of grant.
However, if we grant an incentive stock option to an employee, who at the time of that grant owns shares representing more than 10% of
the total combined voting power of all classes of our share capital, the exercise price is at least 110% of the fair market value of our
ordinary shares on the date of that grant.
Amendment and Termination. Our board of directors may amend, suspend or terminate the 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan at
any time and for any reason, provided that no amendment, suspension, or termination shall be made that would alter or impair any rights
and obligations of a participant under any award theretofore granted without such participant’s consent. Unless terminated earlier, our
2009 Long Term Incentive Plan shall continue in effect for a term of ten years from the effective date of the 2009 Long Term Incentive
Plan, the term of which has been extended to October 1, 2023.
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2014 Equity Incentive Plan
We adopted our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan in August 2014. Our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the grant of options,
share appreciation rights and other share-based awards such as restricted shares, referred to as “Awards,” to our directors, key employees
or consultants up to 12,796,745 of our ordinary shares. The purpose of the plan is to aid us and our affiliates in recruiting and retaining
key employees, directors or consultants of outstanding ability and to motivate such employees, directors or consultants to exert their best
efforts on behalf of us and our affiliates by providing incentives through the granting of awards. Our board of directors expects that it
will benefit from the added interest which such key employees, directors or consultants will have in our welfare as a result of their
proprietary interest in our success. The following paragraphs summarize the terms of the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan.
Types of Awards. The 2014 Equity Incentive Plan permits the awards of options, share appreciation rights or other share-based
awards.
Administration. Our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan is administered by our compensation committee. The compensation committee
is authorized to interpret the plan, to establish, amend and rescind any rules and regulations relating to the plan, and to make any other
determinations that it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the plan. The compensation committee will determine the
provisions, terms and conditions of each award consistent with the provisions of our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, including, but not
limited to, the exercise price for an option, vesting schedule of options and restricted shares, forfeiture provisions, form of payment of
exercise price and other applicable terms.
Option Exercise. The term of options granted under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan may not exceed ten years from the date of
grant. The consideration to be paid for our ordinary shares upon exercise of an option or purchase of shares underlying the option may
include cash, or its equivalent, ordinary shares of our company, or any combination of the foregoing methods of payment, or
consideration received by us in a cashless exercise.
Change in Control. In the case of a change in control event, which is the sale or disposal of all, or substantially all of our assets,
the acquisition by a third party of more than 50% of the voting power in our company by way of a merger, consolidation, tender or
exchange offer or otherwise, the compensation committee may decide that all outstanding awards that are unexercisable or otherwise
unvested or subject to lapse restrictions will automatically be deemed exercisable or otherwise vested or no longer subject to lapse
restrictions, as the case may be, as of immediately prior to such change in control event. The compensation committee may also decide to
cancel such awards for fair value (as determined in its sole discretion), provide for the issuance of substitute awards that will
substantially preserve the otherwise applicable terms of any affected awards previously granted, or provide that affected options will be
exercisable for a period of at least 15 days prior to the change in control event but not thereafter.
Amendment and Termination of Plan. Our board of directors may at any time amend, alter or discontinue our 2014 Equity
Incentive Plan. Amendments or alterations to our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan are subject to shareholder approval if they increase the total
number of shares reserved for the purposes of the plan or change the maximum number of shares for which awards may be granted to
any participant, provided in each case only to the extent such shareholder approval is required by stock exchange rules. Amendment,
alteration or discontinuation of our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan cannot be made without the consent of a recipient of awards if such action
would diminish the rights of that recipient under the awards, provided that the board may amend the plan as it deems necessary to permit
the granting of awards to meet the requirements of applicable laws and stock exchange rules.
Unless terminated earlier, our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan shall continue in effect for a term of ten years from the date of
adoption.
2021 Equity Incentive Plan
We adopted our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan in March 2021. Our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the grant of options,
restricted shares and other share-based awards, referred to as “Awards,” to our directors, key employees or consultants up to 2,600,000 of
our ordinary shares. The purpose of the plan is to aid us in recruiting and retaining key employees, directors or consultants of outstanding
ability and to motivate such employees, directors or consultants to exert their best efforts on behalf of us by providing incentives through
the granting of awards. Our board of directors expects that it will benefit from the added interest which such key employees, directors or
consultants will have in our welfare as a result of their proprietary interest in our success. The following paragraphs summarize the terms
of the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.
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Types of Awards. The 2021 Equity Incentive Plan permits the awards of options, restricted shares or other share-based awards.
Administration. Our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan is administered by our compensation committee. The compensation committee
is authorized to interpret the plan, to establish, amend and rescind any rules and regulations relating to the plan, and to make any other
determinations that it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the plan. The compensation committee will determine the
provisions, terms and conditions of each award consistent with the provisions of our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, including, but not
limited to, the exercise price for an option, vesting schedule of options and restricted shares, forfeiture provisions, form of payment of
exercise price and other applicable terms.
Option Exercise. The term of options granted under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan may not exceed ten years from the date of
grant. The consideration to be paid for our ordinary shares upon exercise of an option or purchase of shares underlying the option may
include cash, or its equivalent, ordinary shares of our company, or any combination of the foregoing methods of payment, or
consideration received by us in a cashless exercise.
Change in Control. In the case of a change in control event, which is the sale or disposal of all, or substantially all of our assets,
the acquisition by a third party of more than 50% of the voting power in our company by way of a merger, consolidation, tender or
exchange offer or otherwise, the compensation committee may decide that all outstanding awards that are unexercisable or otherwise
unvested or subject to lapse restrictions will automatically be deemed exercisable or otherwise vested or no longer subject to lapse
restrictions, as the case may be, as of immediately prior to such change in control event. The compensation committee may also decide to
cancel such awards for fair value (as determined in its sole discretion), provide for the issuance of substitute awards that will
substantially preserve the otherwise applicable terms of any affected awards previously granted, or provide that affected options will be
exercisable for a period of at least 15 days prior to the change in control event but not thereafter.
Amendment and Termination of Plan. Our board of directors may at any time amend, alter or discontinue our 2021 Equity
Incentive Plan. Amendments or alterations to our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan are subject to shareholder approval if they increase the total
number of shares reserved for the purposes of the plan or change the maximum number of shares for which awards may be granted to
any participant, provided in each case only to the extent such shareholder approval is required by stock exchange rules. Amendment,
alteration or discontinuation of our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan cannot be made without the consent of a recipient of awards if such action
would diminish the rights of that recipient under the awards, provided that the board may amend the plan as it deems necessary to permit
the granting of awards to meet the requirements of applicable laws and stock exchange rules.
Unless terminated earlier, our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan shall continue in effect for a term of ten years from the date of
adoption.
2022 Equity Incentive Plan
We adopted our 2022 Equity Incentive Plan in March 2022. Our 2022 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the grant of options,
restricted shares and other share-based awards, referred to as “Awards,” to our directors, key employees or consultants up to 12,000,000
of our ordinary shares. The purpose of this plan is to aid us in recruiting and retaining directors, consultants or key employees of
outstanding ability and to motivate such directors, consultants or key employees to exert their best efforts on our behalf by providing
incentives through the granting of Awards in recognition of their past and future services. We expect that we will benefit from the added
interest which such key employees, directors or consultants will have in our welfare as a result of their proprietary interest in our success.
The following paragraphs summarize the terms of the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan.
Types of Awards. The 2022 Equity Incentive Plan permits the awards of options, restricted shares or other share-based awards.
Administration. Our 2022 Equity Incentive Plan is administered by our compensation committee. The compensation committee
is authorized to interpret the plan, to establish, amend and rescind any rules and regulations relating to the plan, and to make any other
determinations that it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the plan. The compensation committee will determine the
provisions, terms and conditions of each award consistent with the provisions of our 2022 Equity Incentive Plan, including, but not
limited to, the exercise price for an option, vesting schedule of options and restricted shares, forfeiture provisions, form of payment of
exercise price and other applicable terms.
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Option Exercise. The term of options granted under the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan may not exceed ten years from the date of
grant. The consideration to be paid for our ordinary shares upon exercise of an option or purchase of shares underlying the option may
include cash, or its equivalent, ordinary shares of our company, or any combination of the foregoing methods of payment, or
consideration received by us in a cashless exercise.
Change in Control. In the case of a change in control event, which is the sale or disposal of all, or substantially all of our assets,
the acquisition of more than 50% of the voting power in our company by way of a merger, consolidation, tender or exchange offer or
otherwise, the compensation committee may decide that all outstanding awards that are unexercisable or otherwise unvested or subject to
lapse restrictions will automatically be deemed exercisable or otherwise vested or no longer subject to lapse restrictions, as the case may
be, as of immediately prior to such change in control event. The compensation committee may also decide to cancel such awards for fair
value (as determined in its sole discretion), provide for the issuance of substitute awards that will substantially preserve the otherwise
applicable terms of any affected awards previously granted, or provide that affected options will be exercisable for a period of at least 15
days prior to the change in control event but not thereafter.
Amendment and Termination of Plan. Our board of directors may at any time amend, alter or discontinue our 2022 Equity
Incentive Plan. Amendments or alterations to our 2022 Equity Incentive Plan are subject to shareholder approval by an ordinary
resolution if they increase the total number of shares reserved for the purposes of the plan or change the maximum number of shares for
which awards may be granted to any participant, provided in each case only to the extent such shareholder approval is required by stock
exchange rules. Amendment, alteration or discontinuation of our 2022 Equity Incentive Plan cannot be made without the consent of a
recipient of awards if such action would diminish the rights of that recipient under the awards, provided that the board may amend the
plan as it deems necessary to permit the granting of awards to meet the requirements of applicable laws and stock exchange rules.
Unless terminated earlier, our 2022 Equity Incentive Plan shall continue in effect for a term of ten years from the date of
adoption.
2023 Equity Incentive Plan
We adopted our 2023 Equity Incentive Plan in January 2023. Our 2023 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the grant of options,
restricted shares and other share-based awards, referred to as “Awards,” to our directors, key employees or consultants up to 20,800,000
of our ordinary shares. The purpose of this plan is to aid us in recruiting and retaining directors, consultants or key employees of
outstanding ability and to motivate such directors, consultants or key employees to exert their best efforts on our behalf by providing
incentives through the granting of Awards in recognition of their past and future services. We expect that we will benefit from the added
interest which such key employees, directors or consultants will have in our welfare as a result of their proprietary interest in our success.
The following paragraphs summarize the terms of the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan.
Types of Awards. The 2023 Equity Incentive Plan permits the awards of options, restricted shares or other share-based awards.
Administration. Our 2023 Equity Incentive Plan is administered by our compensation committee. The compensation committee
is authorized to interpret the plan, to establish, amend and rescind any rules and regulations relating to the plan, and to make any other
determinations that it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the plan. The compensation committee will determine the
provisions, terms and conditions of each award consistent with the provisions of our 2023 Equity Incentive Plan, including, but not
limited to, the exercise price for an option, vesting schedule of options and restricted shares, forfeiture provisions, form of payment of
exercise price and other applicable terms.
Option Exercise. The term of options granted under the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan may not exceed ten years from the date of
grant. The consideration to be paid for our ordinary shares upon exercise of an option or purchase of shares underlying the option may
include cash, or its equivalent, ordinary shares of our company, or any combination of the foregoing methods of payment, or
consideration received by us in a cashless exercise.
Vesting Condition. The vesting of the Awards is subject to (i) the participants’ continued service with the Company, and (ii) the
Company meeting certain financial performance targets and investment targets.
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Change in Control. In the case of a change in control event, which is (i) the sale or disposal of all, or substantially all of our
assets, or (ii) the acquisition of more than 50% of the voting power in our company by way of a merger, consolidation, tender or
exchange offer or otherwise, and the acquirer has made its the intention to cause the Company to cease to be a public company known to
the public, the compensation committee may decide that all outstanding awards that are unexercisable or otherwise unvested or subject to
lapse restrictions will automatically be deemed exercisable or otherwise vested or no longer subject to lapse restrictions, as the case may
be, as of immediately prior to such change in control event. The compensation committee may also decide to cancel such awards for fair
value (as determined in its sole discretion), provide for the issuance of substitute awards that will substantially preserve the otherwise
applicable terms of any affected awards previously granted, or provide that affected options will be exercisable for a period of at least 15
days prior to the change in control event but not thereafter.
Amendment and Termination of Plan. Our board of directors may at any time amend, alter or discontinue our 2023 Equity
Incentive Plan. Amendments or alterations to our 2023 Equity Incentive Plan are subject to shareholder approval by an ordinary
resolution if they increase the total number of shares reserved for the purposes of the plan or change the maximum number of shares for
which awards may be granted to any participant, provided in each case only to the extent such shareholder approval is required by stock
exchange rules. Amendment, alteration or discontinuation of our 2023 Equity Incentive Plan cannot be made without the consent of a
recipient of awards if such action would diminish the rights of that recipient under the awards, provided that the board may amend the
plan as it deems necessary to permit the granting of awards to meet the requirements of applicable laws and stock exchange rules.
Unless terminated earlier, our 2023 Equity Incentive Plan shall continue in effect for a term of ten years from the date of
adoption.
Share Options
As of the date of this annual report, options to purchase 43,000 ordinary shares are outstanding. The following table summarizes
the outstanding options that we granted to our directors and executive officers and to other individuals as a group under our share
incentive plans as of the date of this annual report. We did not grant our directors and executive officers any outstanding options other
than the individuals named below.
Name
Wing Keong Siew
Other Employees
Number of Shares Exercise Price (US$)
*
*
3.2875
3.2875
Grant Date
October 10, 2014
October 10, 2014
Expiration Date
October 9, 2024
October 9, 2024
* Upon exercise of all share options, would beneficially own less than 1.0% of our then outstanding share capital.
C.
Board Practices
Board of Directors
Our board of directors currently consists of six directors. The law of our home country, which is the Cayman Islands, does not
require a majority of the board of directors of our company to be composed of independent directors, nor does the Cayman Islands law
require that of a compensation committee or a nominating committee. We intend to follow our home country practice with regard to
composition of the board of directors. A director is not required to hold any shares in our company by way of qualification. A director
who is in any way, whether directly or indirectly, interested in a contract or transaction or proposed contract or transaction with our
company must declare the nature of his interest at a meeting of the directors. Subject to the NYSE rules and disqualification by the
chairman of the relevant board meeting, a director may vote in respect of any contract or transaction or proposed contract or transaction
notwithstanding that he may be interested therein and if he does so his vote shall be counted and he may be counted in the quorum at the
relevant board meeting at which such contract or transaction or proposed contract or transaction is considered. Our board of directors
may exercise all of the powers of our company to borrow money, and to mortgage or charge our undertakings, property and uncalled
capital, and to issue debentures or other securities whenever money is borrowed or pledged as security for any debt, liability or obligation
of our company or of any third party.
Committees of the Board of Directors
We have an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating committee under the board of directors. We have
adopted a charter for each of the three committees. Each committee’s members and functions are described below.
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Audit Committee
Our audit committee consists of Steven Markscheid, Yingqiu Liu and Wing Keong Siew, and is chaired by Steven Markscheid.
All of the members of the audit committee satisfy the “independence” requirements of the NYSE Listed Company Manual,
Section 303A, and meet the criteria for “independence” under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. The audit committee oversees our
accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements of our company. The audit committee is
responsible for, among other things:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
selecting the independent auditors and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by the
independent auditors;
reviewing with the independent auditors any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response;
reviewing and approving all proposed related-party transactions, as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities
Act;
discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors;
reviewing major issues as to the adequacy of our internal controls and any special audit steps adopted in light of material control
deficiencies;
meeting separately and periodically with management and the independent auditors; and
reporting regularly to the full board of directors.
Compensation Committee
Our compensation committee consists of Xiande Li and Steven Markscheid, and is chaired by Xiande Li. Steven Markscheid
satisfies the “independence” requirements of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, Section 303A, and meets the criteria for
“independence” under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Our home country practice differs from the NYSE rules that require the
compensation committees of listed companies to be comprised solely of independent directors. There are, however, no specific
requirements under Cayman Islands law on the composition of compensation committees. The compensation committee assists the board
in reviewing and approving the compensation structure, including all forms of compensation, relating to our executives. The
compensation committee is responsible for, among other things:
●
●
●
●
●
●
reviewing and evaluating and if necessary, revising our company’s compensation policy, amending, or recommending that the
board amend, these goals and objectives if the compensation committee deems it appropriate;
evaluating annually the performance of our chief executive officer in light of the goals and objectives of our company’s
executive plans, and either as a committee or together with the other independent directors (as directed by the board),
determining and approving the compensation level of our chief executive officer based on this evaluation;
determining, or recommending to the board for determination, the annual base and incentive compensation of the chief financial
officer;
reviewing and recommending to the board the compensation of our directors;
reviewing periodically and making recommendations to the board regarding any long-term incentive compensation or equity
plans, programs or similar arrangements, annual bonuses, employee pension and welfare benefit plans; and
reporting regularly to the full board of directors.
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Nominating Committee
Our nominating and corporate governance committee consists of Yingqiu Liu, Xiande Li and Steven Markscheid, and is chaired
by Xiande Li., Yingqiu Liu and Steven Markscheid satisfy the “independence” requirements of the NYSE Listed Company Manual,
Section 303A, and meet the criteria for “independence” under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Our home country practice differs
from the NYSE rules that require the nominating committees of listed companies to be comprised solely of independent directors. There
are, however, no specific requirements under Cayman Islands law on the composition of nominating committees. The nominating and
corporate governance committee assists the board of directors in selecting individuals qualified to become our directors and in
determining the composition of the board and its committees. The nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for,
among other things:
●
●
●
●
●
●
identifying and recommending to the board nominees for election by the shareholders or appointment by the board, or for
appointment to fill any vacancy;
reviewing annually with the board the current composition of the board with regard to characteristics such as knowledge, skills,
experience, expertise and diversity required for the board as a whole;
identifying and recommending to the board the directors to serve as members of the board’s committees;
developing and recommending to the board of directors a set of corporate governance guidelines and principles applicable to
our company;
monitoring compliance with our code of business conduct and ethics, including reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our
procedures to ensure proper compliance; and
reporting regularly to the full board of directors.
Duties of Directors
Under Cayman Islands law, our directors owe to us fiduciary duties, including a duty of loyalty, a duty to act honestly and a duty
to act in good faith and in what they consider to be our best interests. Our directors also have a duty to exercise the skill they actually
possess and such care and diligence that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. In fulfilling their duty
of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated from time
to time. Our company has the right to seek damages if a duty owed by our directors is breached.
Terms of Directors and Executive Officers
One-third of our directors for the time being (or, if the number of our directors is not a multiple of three, the number nearest to
but not greater than one-third) will retire from office by rotation at each annual general meeting. However, the chairman of our board of
directors will not be subject to retirement by rotation or be taken into account in determining the number of our directors to retire in each
year. A director will cease to be a director if, among other things, the director (i) becomes bankrupt or has a receiving order made against
him or suspends payment or compounds with his creditors, (ii) dies or is found by our company to be or becomes of unsound mind, (iii)
resigns his office by notice in writing to our company, (iv) without special leave of absence from our board of directors, is absent from
meetings of our board of directors for six consecutive months and the board resolves that his office be vacated, (v) is prohibited by law
from being a director or (vi) ceases to be a director by virtue of any provision of the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands
or is removed from office pursuant to any other provision of our memorandum and articles of association.
Our officers are appointed by and serve at the discretion of the board of directors.
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Employment Agreements
We have entered into employment agreements with each of our executive officers. These employment agreements became
effective on the signing date and will remain effective through 2020. We may terminate an executive officer’s employment for cause, at
any time, without prior notice or remuneration, for certain acts of the officer, including, but not limited to, failure to satisfy our job
requirements during the probation period, a material violation of our regulations, failure to perform agreed duties, embezzlement that
causes material damage to us, or conviction of a crime. An executive officer may terminate his or her employment for cause at any time,
including, but not limited to, our failure to pay remuneration and benefits or to provide a safe working environment pursuant to the
employment agreement, or our engagement in deceptive or coercive conduct that causes him or her to sign the agreement. If an executive
officer breaches any terms of the agreement, which leads to, including, but not limited to, termination of the agreement, resignation
without notice, or failure to complete resignation procedures within the stipulated period, he or she shall be responsible for our economic
losses and shall compensate us for such losses. We may renew the employment agreements with our executive officers.
D.
Employees
As of December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, we had a total of 31,030, 46,511 and 57,397 employees, respectively. The increase in
our number of employees in 2023 was mainly attributable to the expansion of our manufacturing facilities in China. As of December 31,
2023, we had 57,397 full-time employees, including 38,459 in manufacturing, 2,320 in research and development, 1,134 in sales and
marketing and 15,484 in administration. A vast majority of our employees are located in China with a small portion of employees based
in Southeast Asia, the United States, Europe and other countries and regions.
We believe we maintain a good working relationship with our employees, and we have not experienced any labor disputes or
any difficulty in recruiting staff for our operations. We were awarded HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia Awards – China
Edition, in 2019, 2020 and 2021. With the corporate culture of equality, accountability, commitment, and driving excellence, we were
acknowledged for the best practices in human resource management. In April 2021, we won the award for “Asia’s Best Employer” for
the third consecutive year. In November 2022, Jiangxi Jinko won the award for “Best Campus Project” in Employer Branding Festival
2022 organized by Employer Branding Institute, and was awarded as one of the Best Employers of both 2022 and 2023 in China by
Zhaopin.com. Jiangxi Jinko was awarded as one of the winners of LinkedIn MostIn Awards for both 2022 and 2023, and one of the Most
Influential Employers in both 2023 and 2024 by Haitou.cc. In September 2023, Jiangxi Jinko was awarded as Outstanding Influential
Employer in Photovoltaic Intelligent Manufacturing for 2023 by BJX. In November 2023, Jiangxi Jinko was awarded as “BOLE”
Valuable Employer of the Year by Enfovia.com. In December 2023, Jiangxi Jinko was awarded as Top 100 Extraordinary Employer of
2023 by Liepin.com and Best Employer Brand for Global Companies by Moka.
Our employees are not covered by any collective bargaining agreement. In line with the expansion of our operations, we plan to
hire additional employees, including additional accounting, finance and sales, marketing personnel as well as manufacturing and
engineering employees.
In line with local customary practices, we have made contributions to the social insurance funds which met the requirement of
the local minimum wage standard, instead of the employees’ actual salaries as required, and have not made full contribution to the
housing funds. We estimate the aggregate amount of unpaid social security benefits and housing funds to be RMB740.5 million,
RMB1.07 billion and RMB1.60 billion (US$225.0 million), respectively, as of December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023. See “Item 3. Key
Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Our failure to make payments of statutory social welfare
and housing funds to our employees could adversely and materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.”
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E.
Share Ownership
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our shares as of March 31, 2024 by:
●
●
each of our directors and executive officers; and
each person known to us to own beneficially more than 5.0% of our shares.
Ordinary Shares
Number
Beneficially Owned(1)(2)
%
Directors and Executive Officers:
Xiande Li(3)(7)
Xianhua Li(4)(7)
Wing Keong Siew
Steven Markscheid
Yingqiu Liu
Haiyun (Charlie) Cao
Mengmeng (Pan) Li
All Directors and Executive Officers as a group
Principal Shareholders:
Brilliant Win Holdings Limited(3)
Yale Pride Limited(5)
Zhuoling International Limited(6)
*
Less than 1%.
37,388,562
8,976,488
*
*
*
*
*
48,245,731
37,388,562
16,275,365
12,800,000
17.6
4.2
*
*
*
*
*
22.4
17.6
7.7
6.0
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange
Act, and includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities.
The percentage of beneficial ownership is calculated by dividing the number of shares beneficially owned by such person or
group by 212,618,115 ordinary shares, being the number of shares outstanding as of March 31, 2024 (excluding 92,946 ADSs
representing 371,785 ordinary shares reserved for future grants under our share incentive plans, and 7,012,712 ordinary shares
as treasury stock), and the number of ordinary shares that such person or group has the right to require within 60 days as of
March 31, 2024 by option or other agreement (these shares are also included in the computation of the percentage ownership of
any other person or group).
Represents 37,388,562 ordinary shares (including certain ordinary shares in the form of ADSs and restricted ADSs) held by
Brilliant Win Holdings Limited. Brilliant Win Holdings Limited is a British Virgin Islands company wholly owned by Cypress
Hope Limited, a British Virgin Islands company wholly owned by Mr. Li Xiande. Mr. Xiande Li is the sole director of Brilliant
Win Holdings Limited and as such has the power to vote and dispose of the ordinary shares held by Brilliant Win Holdings
Limited. Therefore, Mr. Xiande Li is the beneficial owner of all our ordinary shares held by Brilliant Win Holdings Limited.
The registered address of Brilliant Win Holdings Limited is Commerce House, Wickhams Cay 1, P. O. Box 3140, Road Town,
Tortola, British Virgin Islands VG1110. Mr. Xiande Li is a brother of Mr. Xianhua Li.
Represents 8,976,488 ordinary shares (including certain ordinary shares in the form of ADSs) held by Peaky Investments
Limited. Peaky Investments Limited is a British Virgin Islands company which is wholly owned by Talent Galaxy Limited, a
British Virgin Islands company wholly owned by Mr. Xianhua Li. Mr. Xianhua Li is the sole director of Peaky Investments
Limited and as such has the power to vote and dispose of the ordinary shares held by Peaky Investments Limited. Therefore,
Mr. Xianhua Li is the beneficial owner of all our ordinary shares held by Peaky Investments Limited. The registered address of
Peaky Investments Limited is Commerce House, Wickhams Cay 1, P. O. Box 3140, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
VG1110. Mr. Xianhua Li is a brother of Mr. Xiande Li.
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(5)
(6)
(7)
Represents 16,275,365 ordinary shares (including certain ordinary shares in the form of ADSs and restricted ADSs) held by
Yale Pride Limited. Yale Pride Limited is a British Virgin Islands company wholly owned by Charming Grade Limited, which is
in turn wholly owned by Mr. Kangping Chen. Mr. Kangping Chen is the sole director of Yale Pride Limited and as such has the
power to vote and dispose of the ordinary shares held by Yale Pride Limited. Therefore, Mr. Kangping Chen is the beneficial
owner of all our ordinary shares held by Yale Pride Limited. The registered address of Yale Pride Limited is Commerce House,
Wickhams Cay 1, P. O. Box 3140, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands VG1110. Mr. Chen is the brother-in-law of Mr.
Xiande Li.
Represents 12,800,000 ordinary shares in the form of ADSs held by Zhuoling International Limited. Zhuoling International
Limited is a British Virgin Islands company wholly owned by Shangrao Zhuoling No. 2 Enterprise Development Center
(Limited Partnership), 99.99% and 0.01% equity interest of which is in turn owned by Mr. Kangping Chen and his wife,
respectively. Mr. Kangping Chen is the sole director of Zhuoling International Limited and as such has the power to vote and
dispose of the ordinary shares held by Zhuoling International Limited. Therefore, Mr. Kangping Chen is the beneficial owner of
all our ordinary shares held by Zhuoling International Limited. The registered address of Zhuoling International Limited is
OMC Chambers, Wickhams Cay 1, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
In June 2021, Mr. Xiande Li, Mr. Kangping Chen and Mr. Xianhua Li (each, the “Concert Person;” collectively, the “Concert
Persons”) entered into an acting-in-concert agreement (the “Acting-in-Concert Agreement”), which is filed as an exhibit to this
annual report. According to the Acting-in-Concert Agreement, the Concert Person agree to reach a common decision and act in
concert on each matter with respect to business strategy, appointment/removal of directors and management, organizational
operation and business operation of the Company, JinkoSolar Investment and Jiangxi Jinko. The Acting-in-Concert Agreement
further provides that each of the Concert Persons agrees to vote (or cause to be voted) all of the shares that they have the power
to vote or to direct the vote of in the manner agreed by the Concert Persons, or otherwise in certain circumstances that no prior
agreement could be reached, designated by Mr. Xiande Li at any shareholder meeting. The Concert Persons may be deemed as a
“group” for purposes of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act and Rule 13d-5 thereunder, and as a result such “group” would
beneficially own 74,845,275 ordinary shares, which represent 35.2% of the Company’s ordinary shares outstanding as of March
31, 2024.
The ADSs are traded on the NYSE and brokers or other nominees may hold ADSs in “street name” for customers who are the
beneficial owners of the ADSs. As a result, we may not be aware of each person or group of affiliated persons who beneficially own
more than 5.0% of our ordinary shares.
As of March 31, 2024, we had one record shareholder in the United States, our depositary. We cannot ascertain the exact
number of beneficial shareholders with addresses in the United States.
None of our shareholders has different voting rights from other shareholders as of March 31, 2024. We are currently not aware
of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company.
F.
Disclosure of a Registrant’s Action to Recover Erroneously Awarded Compensation
Not applicable.
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A.
Major Shareholders
Please refer to “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—E. Share Ownership.”
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B.
Related Party Transactions
Related party balances
The following table sets forth the outstanding amounts due from/to related parties as of December 31, 2023.
Accounts receivable from related parties:
Accounts receivable from JinkoPower for sales of solar modules and others
Accounts receivable from Sweihan PV Power Company P.S.J.C (“Sweihan PV”, which develops and
operates solar power projects in Dubai)
Advances to Suppliers from a related party:
Advances to Suppliers from Inner Mongolia Xinte Silicon Materials Co., Ltd for purchase of silicon
Notes receivables from a related party:
Notes receivables from JinkoPower
Prepayment and Other receivables from related parties:
Prepayments to JinkoPower for outsourcing services
Other receivables due from JinkoPower for disposal of solar power projects
Other receivables due from Sweihan PV Power Company P.S.J.C (“Sweihan PV”, which develops and
operates solar power projects in Dubai) for technical services
Other receivables from JinkoPower for miscellaneous transactions
Other assets from related parties:
Guarantee receivables due from JinkoPower
Long-term receivables due from Sweihan PV Power Company P.S.J.C for DSRA deposit
Long-term receivables due from JinkoPower for disposal of solar power projects
Accounts payable due to a related party:
Accounts payable due to Jiangsu Jinko-Tiansheng Co., Ltd.
Accounts payable due to Xinte Silicon for inventory purchase
Advance from customers due to a related party:
Advance from customers due to JinkoPower for sales of solar modules and others
Notes Payable from a related party:
Notes Payable due to Inner Mongolia Xinte Silicon Materials Co., Ltd
Other payables due to a related party:
Other payables due to JinkoPower for payments on behalf of our company
Other payables to Jiangxi Desun for leasing of land and buildings
As of December 31, 2023
RMB
296,512,048.8
—
6,555,231.9
1,182,850.6
12,635,442.4
13,140,523.2
1,223,845.0
412,457.2
—
38,376,461.3
16,859,423.3
—
21,243,894.9
3,411,679.3
277,000,000.0
11,598,914.2
—
(1)
(2)
(3)
Advances of travelling and other business expenses to executive directors who are also shareholders represent the amounts we
advanced to them for expected expenses, charges and incidentals relating to their business development activities.
Balances due to related parties are interest-free, not collateralized, and have no definitive repayment terms.
On March 30, 2021, we signed an agreement to offset the debts and receivables between JinkoPower and us with the aggregate
amount of RMB71.0 million.
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Related party transactions
Related party transactions for the year ended December 31, 2023 were as follows:
Revenue from sales of products and providing services to related parties
Revenue from sales of products to Sweihan PV
Income of financing guarantees
Revenue from sales of products to JinkoPower
Income of project management provided to Sweihan PV
Rental services provided to JinkoPower
Service expenses provided by related parties
Processing fee of OEM service charged by Jiangsu Jinko-Tiansheng
Management service provided by JinkoPower
Rental services provided by Jiangxi Desun
Electricity fee charged by JinkoPower
Other fees charged by JinkoPower
Silicon procurement from Xinte Silicon
Compensation payment to JinkoPower
2023
RMB
—
—
353,419,765.8
3,930,910.0
11,589,850.9
—
16,399,788.0
—
119,352,299.3
—
1,537,073,070.2
5,109,050.3
In connection with our disposal of JinkoSolar Power downstream business in 2016, we entered into a master service agreement
with JinkoPower under which we agreed to provide a guarantee for JinkoPower’s financing obligations under its separate loan
agreements. In the event that JinkoPower fails to perform its obligations under the loan agreements or otherwise defaults thereunder, we
will become liable for JinkoPower’s obligations under the loan agreements. We charge JinkoPower service fees for the debt payment
guarantee service according the master service agreement.
Pursuant to the master service agreement, guarantee service fee is to be settled annually, and the management of us believes the
guarantee fee charges are at market rates. The guarantee receivables were settled upon the receipt of guarantee fees from JinkoPower.
In 2022, we and JinkoPower entered into an agreement to cancel the above guarantee arrangement.
As of December 31, 2023, we recorded the guarantee fee income receivable amounted to nil and did not record any guarantee
liability. Other income from JinkoPower for the guarantee fee amortized in 2023 amounted to nil, respectively.
In 2023, sales of solar module products to subsidiaries of JinkoPower amounted to RMB353.4 million (US$49.8 million). As of
December 31, 2023, outstanding receivables due from JinkoPower were RMB297.7 million (US$41.9 million), none of which was
overdue over one year. We did not charged JinkoPower interest on the overdue receivables.
In 2023, we did not record any sales of solar module products to Sweihan PV.
In 2023, rental services provided to subsidiaries of JinkoPower amounted to RMB11.6 million (US$1.6 million).
In 2023, we did not record any processing service fee due from Jinko-Tiansheng. Jinko-Tiansheng is an OEM service provider
which provided PV module processing and assembling services to us. We disposed all of our equity interest in Jinko-Tiansheng in 2022
and Jinko-Tiansheng is not our related party any more.
In November 2017, we entered into an agreement with JinkoPower, pursuant to which JinkoPower is entrusted to exercise
certain shareholders’ rights (other than profit distribution, residual property distribution and disposition rights) in five operating entities
of overseas power stations which were then wholly-owned by us, enabling JinkoPower to monitor the construction and daily operations
of these power stations. We retain ownership of these power stations and JinkoPower does not possess any call or other rights over them.
We agree to pay service fees calculated based on the actual costs incurred by JinkoPower during the construction period of the power
stations and a fixed fee during the operation period. We recorded service expenses of RMB7.8 million, RMB7.0 million and RMB6.8
million as cost of project assets in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. JinkoPower provided other management services to us of RMB1.0
million, RMB1.9 million and RMB9.6 million in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
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On January 1, 2008, Jiangxi Desun and us entered into an operating lease agreement pursuant to which Jiangxi Desun leased its
buildings and land use rights to us for a ten-year period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2017. In 2018, the agreement was
extended for another 10 years from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2027. Jiangxi Desun did not charged us in rent for 2023.
In 2023, electricity fee charged by subsidiaries of JinkoPower amounted to RMB119.4 million (US$16.8 million).
JinkoSolar jointly invested in Xinte Silicon in 2021 which was accounted for under the equity method. JinkoSolar purchased
polysilicon of RMB824.8 million and RMB1.54 billion (US$216.5 million) from Xinte Silicon during the years ended December 31,
2022 and 2023, respectively.
Employment Agreements
See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices” for details regarding employment agreements
with our senior executive officers.
Share Incentives
See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation” for a description of share options and stock
purchase rights we have granted to our directors, officers and other individuals as a group.
C.
Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A.
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
We have appended consolidated financial statements filed as part of this annual report. See “Item 18 Financial Statements”.
Legal and Administrative Proceedings
In 2011, SolarWorld Industries America Inc., a solar panel manufacturing company in the United States, filed anti-dumping and
countervailing duty petitions with the United States Department of Commerce (the “U.S. Department of Commerce”) and United States
International Trade Commission (the “U.S. International Trade Commission”) against the Chinese solar industry, accusing Chinese
producers of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (“CSPV”) cells, whether or not assembled into modules, of selling their products (i.e., CSPV
cells or modules incorporating these cells) in the United States at less than fair value, and of receiving financial assistance from the
Chinese governments that benefited the production, manufacture, or exportation of such products. JinkoSolar was on the list of the solar
companies subject to such investigations by the U.S. Department of Commerce. On November 9, 2011, the U.S. Department of
Commerce announced that it launched the anti-dumping duty and countervailing duty investigation into the accusations. On December 7,
2012, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order. As a result, cash deposits
were required to pay on import into the United States of the CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules from China. The
announced cash deposit rates applicable to us were 13.94% (for anti-dumping) and 15.24% (for countervailing). The actual anti-dumping
duty and countervailing duty rates at which entries of covered merchandise are finally assessed may differ from the announced deposit
rates because they are subject to the subsequent administrative reviews by U.S. Department of Commerce.
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In January 2014, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the first administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing
duty order with respect to CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from China. In July 2015, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the
final results of this first administrative review, according to which, the anti-dumping and countervailing rates applicable to us were 9.67% and 20.94%,
respectively. Such rates apply as the final rates on the import into the United States of the CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules from
China, from May 25, 2012 to November 30, 2013 for dumping, and from March 26, 2012 to December 31, 2012 for countervailing, respectively. Such
rates were the cash deposit rates applicable to us from July 14, 2015. In February 2015 and February 2016, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated
the second administrative and the third administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV cells,
whether or not assembled into modules, from China, respectively. The U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final results of the second
administrative review in June and July of 2016 and the final results of the third administrative review in July 2017. As we were not included in the
second and the third administrative review, the rates applicable to us remained at 9.67% (for anti-dumping) and 20.94% (for countervailing) after this
review. In February 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the fourth administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and
countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from China. In July 2018, the U.S. Department of
Commerce published the final results of the fourth administrative review. As we were not included in this anti-dumping administrative review, the anti-
dumping deposit rates applicable to us remained at 9.67%. The countervailing deposit rates applicable to us were 13.20% after this review. On October
30, 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce amended the final results of the fourth countervailing administrative review. As a result, the countervailing
deposit rates applicable to us were 10.64% after this amendment. On October 29, 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce amended the final results of
the fourth countervailing administrative review pursuant to the final judgement of the United States Court of International Trade; the final subsidy rate
applicable to us for the entries made during the period from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 was changed to 4.22%. In November 2017, the
U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission initiated five-year reviews to determine whether revocation of the anti-
dumping and countervailing duty orders with respect to CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules from China, would likely lead to
continuation or recurrence of material injury. In March 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce determined that revocation of the countervailing order
would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of a net countervailable subsidy. In March 2019, the U.S. International Trade Commission’s determined
that revocation of the countervailing order would likely lead to the continuation or recurrence of countervailable subsidies. In February 2018, the U.S.
Department of Commerce initiated the fifth administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV
cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from China. In July and August 2019, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final results of the
fifth administrative review, according to which the anti-dumping and countervailing deposit rates applicable to us were 4.06% and 12.76%, respectively.
In December 2019, the U.S. Department of Commerce amended the final results of the fifth countervailing administrative review. As a result, the
countervailing deposit rate applicable to us was 12.7% after this amendment. In March 2019, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the sixth
administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules,
from China. In October 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final result of the sixth anti-dumping administrative review, according to
which the anti-dumping deposit rate applicable to us was 68.93%. In December 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce amended the final result of the
sixth anti-dumping administrative review, according to which the anti-dumping deposit rate applicable to us was 95.5% after such amendment. In
December 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final result of the sixth countervailing administrative review, according to which the
countervailing deposit rate applicable to us was 12.67%. In April 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce amended the final result of the sixth
countervailing administrative review, according to which the countervailing deposit rate applicable to us was 11.97% after such amendment. In February
2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the seventh administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with
respect to CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from China. In August and October 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the
final results of the seventh administrative review, according to which the anti-dumping and countervailing deposit rates applicable to us were 0% and
19.28%, respectively. In February 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the eighth administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order
and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from China. In June 2022, the U.S. Department of
Commerce issued the final result of the eighth anti-dumping administrative review, according to which the anti-dumping deposit rate applicable to us
was 15.71%. In August 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce amended the final result of the eighth anti-dumping administrative review, according
to which the anti-dumping deposit rate applicable to us was 20.99% after such amendment. In June 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the
final result of the eighth countervailing administrative review, according to which the countervailing deposit rate applicable to us was 15.75%. In
August 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce amended the final result of the eighth countervailing administrative review, according to which the
countervailing deposit rate applicable to us was 15.87% after such amendment. In February 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the ninth
administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules,
from China. In July 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final result of the ninth anti-dumping administrative review, according to which
the anti-dumping deposit rate applicable to us was 36.5%. In July 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final result of the ninth
countervailing administrative review which was amended in August 2023. As a result, the countervailing deposit rate applicable to us was 10.34%. In
February 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the tenth administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order
with respect to CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from China. The tenth administrative review is pending as of the date of this annual
report, and therefore, the final anti-dumping and countervailing rates applicable to us are subject to change. In February 2024, the U.S. Department of
Commerce initiated the eleventh administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV cells,
whether or not assembled into modules, from China. The eleventh administrative review is pending as of the date of this annual report, and therefore,
the final anti-dumping and countervailing rates applicable to us are subject to change.
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On February 8, 2022, Auxin Solar Inc. (“Auxin”), a U.S. manufacturer of solar modules, requested that the U.S. Department of Commerce
initiate country-wide inquiries into whether crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, and modules containing such cells (solar cells and modules), that are
produced/assembled in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, or Vietnam using parts and components from China are circumventing the anti-dumping and
countervailing orders on solar cells and modules from China. On March 25, 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce determined to initiate the
circumvention inquiries (the “Anti-Circumvention Case”). In August 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final determination of the
Anti-Circumvention Case, according to which solar cells and solar modules produced in and exported to the United States from Malaysia by Jinko Solar
Technology Sdn. Bhd. or Jinko Solar (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., using wafers produced in China that were exported by specific affiliated companies, are not
circumventing the anti-dumping and countervailing orders on solar cells and modules from China.
In 2013, SolarWorld Industries America Inc. filed a separate petition with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade
Commission resulting in the institution of new anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations against import of certain CSPV products from
China. The petitions accused Chinese producers of such certain CSPV modules of dumping their products in the United States and receiving
countervailable subsidies from the Chinese government. This action excluded from its scope the CSPV cells, whether or not assembled into modules,
from China. In February 2015, following the affirmative injury determination made by U.S. International Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of
Commerce issued the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order. As a result, the final cash deposits were required to pay on import into the
United States of the CSPV modules assembled in China consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China. The announced cash
deposit rates applicable to us were 65.36% (for anti-dumping) and 38.43% (for countervailing). The actual anti-dumping duty and countervailing duty
rates at which entries of covered merchandise are finally assessed may differ from the announced deposit rates because they are subject to the
administrative reviews by the U.S. Department of Commerce. In April 2016 and April 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the first and
the second administrative reviews of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV modules assembled in China
consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China, respectively. In July and September 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce
issued the final results of this first administrative review. The second administrative reviews of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty
order were rescinded by the U.S. Department of Commerce in August 2017 and November 2017, respectively. In April 2018, the U.S. Department of
Commerce initiated the third administrative reviews of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV modules
assembled in China consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China. The final results of the third administrative reviews were
165.04% (for anti-dumping) and 94.83% (for countervailing). We were not included in this third administrative reviews, therefore, the cash deposit rates
applicable to us remained at 65.36% (for anti-dumping) and 38.43% (for countervailing). In May 2019, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the
fourth administrative reviews of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV modules assembled in China
consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China. The fourth administrative reviews of the anti-dumping duty order and
countervailing duty order were rescinded by the U.S. Department of Commerce in September and October 2019, respectively. In April 2020, the U.S.
Department of Commerce initiated the fifth administrative reviews of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV
modules assembled in China consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China. The fifth administrative reviews of the anti-
dumping duty order and countervailing duty order were rescinded by the U.S. Department of Commerce in August 2020. In January 2020, the U.S.
Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission initiated five-year reviews to determine whether revocation of the anti-dumping
and countervailing duty orders with respect to CSPV modules assembled in China, consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than
China, would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury. In September 2020, the U.S. International Trade Commission determined that
revocation of the countervailing and antidumping duty orders would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury to an industry in the
United States within a reasonably foreseeable time and as a result the U.S. Department of Commerce hereby ordered the continuation of the AD and
CVD orders on crystalline silicon photovoltaic products from China. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection will continue to collect AD and CVD
cash deposits at the rates in effect at the time of entry for all imports of subject merchandise. In February 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce
announced the opportunity for interested parties to request the sixth administrative review and the due date for such request was the last day of February
2021. The sixth administrative review was not initiated. In March 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce revoked, in part, the antidumping duty and
countervailing duty orders on CSPV products from China with respect to certain off-grid portable small panels. In April 2022, the U.S. Department of
Commerce initiated the seventh administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order and countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV modules
assembled in China consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China. The seventh administrative review of the anti-dumping
duty order was rescinded, and we were not covered by the seventh administrative review of the countervailing duty order. The eighth administrative
review (review period from February 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023) of the anti-dumping duty order with respect to CSPV modules assembled in China
consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China was rescinded in July 2023 and the eighth administrative review of the
countervailing duty order with respect to CSPV modules assembled in China consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China
was not initiated. In July 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce revoked, in part, the antidumping duty and countervailing duty orders on CSPV
products from China with respect to certain off-grid portable small panels. In February 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the
opportunity for interested parties to request the ninth administrative review and the due date for such request is the last day of February 2024. In April
2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated the ninth administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order with respect to CSPV modules
assembled in China consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China, Such review is pending as of the date of this annual
report, and therefore, the final anti-dumping rate applicable to us is subject to change. The ninth administrative review of countervailing duty orders
with respect to CSPV modules assembled in China consisting of CSPV cells produced in a customs territory other than China has not been initiated as
of the date of this annual report.
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In May 2017, U.S. International Trade Commission initiated global safeguard investigation to determine whether CSPV cells
(whether or not partially or fully assembled into other products) were being imported into the United States in such increased quantities
as to be a substantial cause of serious injury, or the threat thereof, to the domestic industry producing an article like or directly
competitive with the imported articles (“Section 201 Investigation”). The Section 201 Investigation was not country specific. They
involved imports of the products under investigation from all sources, including China. In September 2017, the U.S. International Trade
Commission voted affirmatively in respect of whether imports of CSPV cells (whether or not partially or fully assembled into other
products) were causing serious injury to domestic producers of CSPV products. On January 22, 2018, the U.S. President made the final
decision to provide a remedy to the U.S. industry, and the CSPV cells/modules concerned were subject to the safeguard measures
established in the U.S. President’s final result, which included that the CSPV cells and modules imported would be subject to additional
duties of 30%, 25%, 20% and 15% from the first year to the fourth year, respectively, except for the first 2.5 GW of all imported CSPV
cells concerned in each of those four years, which are excluded from the additional tariff. On October 10, 2020, the U.S. President issued
a proclamation and determined that the section 201 duty of the fourth year beginning in February 2021 will be 18%, instead of 15%. In
August 2021, a joint petition seeking an extension of the safeguard measure was filed. On December 8, 2021, in response to petitions by
representatives of the domestic industry, U.S. International Trade Commission issued its determination and report, finding that safeguard
action on CSPV cells (whether or not partially or fully assembled into other products) continues to be necessary to prevent or remedy the
serious injury to the domestic industry, and that there is evidence that the domestic industry is making a positive adjustment to import
competition . On February 4, 2022, the U.S. President determined to extend the safeguard measure for another four years and made the
final decision, which included that the CSPV cells and modules imported would be subject to additional duties of 14.75%, 14.5%,
14.25% and 14% from through the first year to the fourth year, respectively, except for bifacial modules and the first 5 GW of all
imported CSPV cells concerned in each of those four years, which are excluded from the additional tariff. It is believed that the costs of
solar power projects in the United States may increase and the demand for solar PV products in the United States may be adversely
impacted due to the decision of the White House under the Section 201 Investigation. Although we opened our manufacturing facility in
the United States, and the products manufactured in such facility will not be subject to tariffs, we will still be subject to tariffs if we ship
our products from our manufacturing facilities overseas into the United States. Our imports of solar cells and modules into the United
States were subject to the duties imposed by Section 201 Investigation starting from February 2018. Accordingly, our business and
profitability of these products may be materially and adversely impacted by the decision of the White House under the Section 201
Investigation.
In August 2017, the United States Trade Representative initiated an investigation pursuant to the Trade Act of 1974, as amended
(the “Trade Act”), to determine whether acts, policies, and practices of the Government of China related to technology transfer,
intellectual property, and innovation were actionable under the Trade Act (“Section 301 Investigation”). The findings from the United
States Trade Representative with the assistance of the interagency Section 301 committee showed that the acts, policies, and practices of
the Chinese government related to technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation were unreasonable or discriminatory and
burdened or restricted the U.S. commerce. On March 22, 2018, the U.S. President directed his administration to take a range of actions
responding to China’s acts, policies, and practices involving the unfair and harmful acquisition of U.S. technology. These actions
included imposing an additional duty of 25% on products from China in aerospace, information and communication technology, and
machinery. On April 3, 2018, the United States Trade Representative proposed a list of products from China which would be subject to
the additional duty. In June and July 2018, the United States Trade Representative proposed three lists of products from China which
were worth approximately US$250 billion (US$34 billion for List 1, US$16 billion for List 2 and US$200 billion for List 3), among
which, products on List 1 and List 2 would be imposed a 25% additional duty and products on List 3 would be imposed a 10% additional
duty. Certain of our production equipment and raw materials exported from China to be used in our new manufacturing facility in the
United States and our solar PV products exported from China were covered by these three lists. In July, August and September 2018, the
United States Trade Representative published that the Customs and Border Protection would begin to collect additional duties on the
products exported from China on List 1 on July 6, 2018, those on List 2 on August 23, 2018 and those on List 3 on September 24, 2018,
respectively. On March 5, 2019, the United States Trade Representative determined that the rates of additional duty for the products on
List 3 would remained at 10% until further notice. On May 9, 2019, the United States Trade Representative determined to increase the
rates of additional duty for the products on List 3 from 10% to 25% with an effective date on May 10, 2019. In August 2019, the United
States Trade Representative determined to impose an additional 10% duty on the fourth list of products of Chinese origin with an annual
aggregate trade value of approximately US$300 billion (“List 4”). Certain of our production equipment and raw materials of Chinese
origin to be used in our new manufacturing facility in the United States were covered by List 4. The tariff subheadings under List 4 were
separated into two lists with different effective dates: the list set forth in annex A of the notice issued by the United States Trade
Representative became effective on September 1, 2019; and the list set forth in annex C of the notice became effective on December 15,
2019. On August 30, 2019, the United States Trade Representative determined to increase the rate of additional duty for the products
covered by List 4 from 10% to 15%. On December 18, 2019, the United States Trade Representative determined to suspend indefinitely
the imposition of additional 15% duty on products covered by annex C of List 4. On January 15, 2020, the United States Trade
Representative determined to reduce the rate of the additional duty on products covered by annex A of List 4 from 15% to 7.5%, which
became effective on February 14, 2020. The lists of products, which the United States Trade Representative may further revise, may
affect the solar industry and the operation of our new manufacturing facility in the United States.
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Our sales in the United States may be adversely affected by these anti-dumping and countervailing duties, which may in turn
materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We did not make provisions for preliminary U.S.
countervailing and anti-dumping duties in 2020. However, as the final anti-dumping and countervailing rates applicable to us are subject
to the outcome of the administrative reviews which may be substantially increased by the U.S. Department of Commerce, we cannot
assure you that our provision made is sufficient and our business and results of operations may be materially adversely affected if the
outcome of the administrative reviews turn out to be negative.
In November 2018, one of our customers in Singapore (the “Singapore Customer”) filed two Notices of Arbitration (“NoAs”) in
two arbitrations with Arbitration No. ARB374/18/PPD (“ARB 374”) and Arbitration No. ARB375/18/PPD (“ARB 375”), respectively,
against Jinko Solar Import & Export Co., Ltd. (“Jinko IE”) at Singapore International Arbitration Centre. These NoAs were subsequently
amended by the Singapore Customer, and Jinko IE received the amended Notices of Arbitration from the Singapore Customer on
December 20, 2018. The Singapore Customer claimed respectively in ARB 374 and ARB 375 that the photovoltaic solar modules
supplied by Jinko IE to the Singapore Customer under the purchase agreement dated December 25, 2012 (“2012 Contract”) and January
28, 2013 (“2013 Contract”) were defective. The Singapore Customer sought, inter alia, orders that Jinko IE replace the modules and/or
that Jinko IE compensate the Singapore Customer for any and all losses sustained by the Singapore Customer as a result of the supply of
allegedly defective modules. In January 2019, Jinko IE issued its responses to the NoAs in ARB 374 and ARB 375, disputing the
Singapore Customer’s reliance on the arbitration clauses in the 2012 Contract and the 2013 Contract, denying all claims raised by the
Singapore Customer, and disputing that the Singapore Customer was entitled to the reliefs claimed in the arbitrations. Arbitration
tribunals in both ARB 374 and ARB 375 were constituted on September 5, 2019, which directed on January 14, 2020 that (i) the
Singapore Customer shall submit its statement of claim in both ARB 374 and ARB 375 and Jinko IE shall submit its statement of defense
no later than five months after Singapore Customer’s submission of statement of claim; and (ii) the hearing of the arbitrations shall be
bifurcated with the liability issue to be first determined by the tribunals, and then depending on the outcome of the liability issue, the
issue of remedies/damages payable to be determined in the subsequent proceedings in such manner as may be directed by the tribunals.
On August 7, 2020, the Singapore Customer submitted its statement of claim in both ARB 374 and ARB 375. In the statement of claim,
the Singapore Customer maintained its claim that the photovoltaic solar modules supplied by Jinko IE to them under the 2012 Contract
and the 2013 Contract were defective, and that Jinko IE should be liable in respect of all the modules supplied under the 2012 Contract
and the 2013 Contract. On December 16, 2020, following Jinko IE’s request, the tribunals in both ARB 374 and ARB 375 directed that
Jinko IE’s statement of defense should be submitted by February 11, 2021. On February 11, 2021, Jinko IE submitted its statement of
defense and relevant evidence. In the statement of defense, Jinko IE (i) requested the tribunal to declare that it lacks jurisdiction over the
dispute; and (ii) denied all the Singapore Customer claims and requested the same be dismissed by the tribunal. On February 22, 2021,
upon mutual agreement by Jinko IE and the Singapore Customer, the tribunal directed that ARB 374 and ARB 375 should be
consolidated. On August 24, 2021, the tribunal decided Jinko IE and the Singapore Customer’ respective Redfern Schedules. On October
5, 2021, Jinko IE and the Singapore Customer exchanged documents pursuant to the tribunal’s decision on the Redfern Schedules. On
February 19, the Singapore Customer filed its Reply Memorial accompanied by all evidence, including factual exhibits, written witness
statements, expert reports and legal authorities relied upon. On July 17, 2022, Jinko IE submitted its Rejoinder Memorial with all
evidence correspondingly in reply to Reply Memorial. From October 10 to 21, 2022, the hearing for liability issue was held in Singapore,
during which the tribunal heard the parties’ oral opening statements, evidence from the parties’ factual and expert witnesses, and oral
closing statements. According to the tribunal’s directions, the parties submitted Post-hearing Briefs on January 20, 2023 and the Reply
Post-hearing Briefs on March 3, 2023. On August 17, 2023, the tribunal issued Partial Award on Jurisdiction and Liability (the “Partial
Award”), as corrected on October 2, 2023. Pursuant to the Partial Award, 365,000 solar modules supplied by Jinko IE to Singapore
Customer under the 2012 Contract and 2013 Contract are deemed unsuitable for their intended purpose. The details regarding the
remedies to be granted (if any) and the compensation amount that Jinko IE is required to provide will be determined in the final award.
The final award is expected to be issued within one to two years. In November 2023, Jinko IE initiated procedure with local court to set
aside the Partial Award (case number “OA 1165”). On April 25, 2024, the court dismissed Jinko IE’s application to set aside the Partial
Award. On February 21,2024, Singapore Customer filed and served its submissions on remedies which quantified its claim at
US$38,564,987 (RMB 273 million) plus the costs of disposal of the defective Modules and interest on damages at a rate of 5.33%. Jinko
IE will file and serve its Submissions on Remedies by June 4, 2024 according to the current schedule of the case. Based on the latest
submission of the Singapore Customer, our management reassessed the potential exposures with the assistance from the external legal
counsel and believe that Jinko IE has reasonable grounds to challenge the amount claimed by the Singapore Customer for damages in
this consolidated arbitration. Based on the assessment, our management concluded that its best estimate for the potential liabilities arising
from the arbitration would be RMB180.0 million as of December 31, 2023. As a result, we recorded an accrual of approximately
RMB180.0 million for this expense in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.If the arbitration did
not rule in our favor, our results of operations, financial position and reputation could be materially and adversely affected.
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In March 2019, Hanwha Q CELLS (defined below) filed patent infringement lawsuits against our company and a number of our
subsidiaries.
(i) On March 4, 2019, Hanwha Q CELLS USA Inc. and Hanwha Solutions Corporation (The plaintiff has been changed from
Hanwha Q CELLS & Advanced Materials Corporation to Hanwha Solutions Corporation (registration no. 110111-0360935) during the
course of the proceedings because of restructuring undertaken by its affiliate(s) in relation to ownership of the patent in suit)
(collectively, “Plaintiffs A”) filed suit against JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd and several of its subsidiary entities, i.e. JinkoSolar (U.S.) Inc,
Jinko Solar (U.S.) Industries Inc, Jinko Solar Co., Ltd, Zhejiang Jinko Solar Co., Ltd and Jinko Solar Technology Sdn.Bhd (collectively
“Respondents”) at the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”). In the complaint, it was alleged that certain photovoltaic solar cells
and modules containing these solar cells supplied by the Respondents infringed U.S. Patent No. 9,893,215 purportedly owned by
Hanwha Q CELLS & Advanced Materials Corporation and Plaintiffs A requested a permanent limited exclusion order and a cease and
desist order be issued against the Respondents’ allegedly infringing products. On March 5, 2019, Hanwha Q CELLS & Advanced
Materials Corporation filed a suit against the Respondents before the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware (“District Court”)
alleging that certain photovoltaic solar cells and modules containing these solar cells supplied by the Respondents infringed U.S. Patent
No. 9,893,215 allegedly owned by Hanwha Q CELLS & Advanced Materials Corporation and sought reliefs including compensation for
alleged infringement activities, enhanced damages and reasonable attorney fees. On April 9, 2019, the ITC published the Notice of
Institution on Federal Register. On April 15, 2019, the District Court granted our motion to stay the court litigation pending final
resolution of the ITC. On May 3, 2019, the Respondents submitted their response to the complaint of Plaintiffs A to the ITC requesting
ITC among other things to deny all relief requested by Plaintiffs A. On September 13, 2019, the Respondents filed motion for summary
determination of non-infringement with ITC. On April 10, 2020, the administrative law judge issued the initial determination granting
the Respondents’ motion for summary determination of non-infringement. On June 3, 2020, the ITC determined to affirm the initial
determination issued by the administrative law judge granting respondents’ motions for summary determination of non-infringement and
terminate the investigation (the “Final Determination”). On July 31, 2020, Plaintiffs A filed its petition to review with the United States
Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit against the ITC’s Final Determination. On August 27, 2020, the Respondents filed the motion to
intervene of such appeal. Plaintiffs A filed its opening appeal brief in November 2020. The Respondents filed the principal brief in
February 2021. On July 12, 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the ITC’s findings that
Respondents’ products do not infringe U.S. Patent No. 9,893,215. On June 27, 2022, the District Court entered a joint motion to dismiss
the said court litigation.
(ii) On March 4, 2019, Hanwha Q CELLS GmbH (“Plaintiff B”), filed a patent infringement claim against JinkoSolar GmbH
before the Düsseldorf Regional Court in Germany alleging that certain photovoltaic solar cells and modules containing these solar cells
supplied by JinkoSolar GmbH infringed EP2 220 689 purportedly owned by Plaintiff B. On April 10, 2019, JinkoSolar GmbH filed the
first brief with the court stating JinkoSolar GmbH would defend itself against the complaint. On September 9, 2019, JinkoSolar GmbH
filed its statement of defense with the court (the “Statement of Defense”), requesting that the claim be dismissed and that Plaintiff B to
bear the costs of the legal dispute. On March 3, 2020, Plaintiff B filed its reply to the Statement of Defense with the court. On April 20,
2020, JinkoSolar GmbH filed its rejoinder with the court commenting on Plaintiff B’s reply on March 3, 2020. On May 5, 2020, the oral
hearing regarding the validity of the EP2 220 689, Plaintiff B’s entitlement to sue, and the infringement was held before the Düsseldorf
Regional Court. On June 16, 2020, the Düsseldorf Regional Court sided with Plaintiff B and ordered that the third party cell technology
contained in certain modules delivered by JinkoSolar GmbH infringes Plaintiff B’s patent (the “Judgment”). JinkoSolar GmbH filed its
notice of appeal on July 14, 2020. On October 16, 2020, JinkoSolar GmbH submitted grounds of appeal to the Düsseldorf Higher
Regional Court. On March 1, 2021, JinkoSolar GmbH submitted appeal joinder to the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court. On September
28, 2020, Plaintiff B has submitted the request for penalty to Düsseldorf Regional Court, claiming that JinkoSolar GmbH violated the
Judgment by continuing to promote infringing products and requesting imposition of penalty for such violation. Though not specified in
Plaintiff B’s request, in general we do not expect the amount of such penalty to exceed €250,000. On November 30,2020, JinkoSolar
GmbH submitted its response to Plaintiff B’s request for penalty. On April 6, 2021, JinkoSolar GmbH submitted its second response to
Plaintiff B’s request for penalty. On August 23, 2021, Düsseldorf Regional Court dismissed Plaintiff B’s request for penalty. The oral
proceedings at the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court was held on March 30, 2023. Following this hearing, the Düsseldorf Higher
Regional Court decided on 20 April 2023 that evidence should be taken by firstly hearing a witness and subsequently obtaining a written
technical opinion from a court appointed expert. On June 2, 2023, Jiangxi Jinko and Hanwha Solutions Corporation and its affiliates
entered into a patent cross-license and settlement agreement (“Patent Cross-License and Settlement Agreement”), pursuant to which both
parties agree to: (1) grant mutual licenses to each other concerning a number of patents, including but not limited to the patents in
dispute, and payment of license fees, and (2) terminate all worldwide pending patent infringement and invalidation proceedings between
both parties (including each party’s affiliates). Consequently, JinkoSolar GmbH withdrew its appeal on June 22, 2023 and Düsseldorf
Higher Regional Court terminated the proceedings by a decision dated June 26, 2023.
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(iii) On March 12, 2019, Hanwha Solutions Corporation (The plaintiff has been changed from Hanwha Q CELLS & Advanced
Materials Corporation to Hanwha Solutions Corporation during the course of the proceedings) and Hanwha Q CELLS Australia Pty Ltd
(“Plaintiffs C”, together with Plaintiffs A and Plaintiff B, “Hanwha Q CELLS Plaintiffs”) filed suit at Federal Court of Australia (“FCA”)
against Jinko Solar Australia Holdings Co. Pty Ltd (“Jinko AUS”). It was alleged that certain photovoltaic solar cells and modules
containing these solar cells supplied by Jinko AUS infringed Australian Patent No. 2008323025 purportedly owned by Plaintiffs C. The
relief sought by Plaintiffs C includes a declaration of infringement, injunctions restraining future acts of commercial exploitation by way
of importing, offering to supply and supplying the relevant products; ancillary relief by way of delivery up for destruction of allegedly
infringing product and pecuniary remedies by way of damages (including additional damages) or, at Hanwha’s election, an account of
profits; and declarations and injunctions based on the misleading or deceptive conduct claim. It is expected that issues relating to
pecuniary relief and their quantum will be separated and deferred for determination after the liability hearing. The FCA served Jinko
AUS as the Respondent and the first case management hearing was held on April 12, 2019. The FCA heard the application, and made
orders for the conduct of the proceeding at the first case management hearing, following which Jinko AUS submitted its defense and
cross-claim to Plaintiffs C’s statement of claim on July 22, 2019. Shortly before the second case management hearing which was held on
October 2, 2019, Plaintiffs C requested an amendment to Australian Patent No. 2008323025 (“Amendment Application”) on the stated
basis of overcoming prior art relevant to validity and it also appeared that one of the amendments sought by Plaintiffs C was with a view
to improving its position in relation to Jinko AUS’s defense to infringement. Plaintiffs C’s Amendment Application was opposed by
Jinko AUS and the other Australian respondents and FCA directed Plaintiffs C to give discovery and produce documents in respect to the
Amendment Application. The third case management hearing was held on December 13, 2019, after which Jinko AUS submitted
particulars of opposition to the Amendment Application and requested for further and better discovery in respect to the Amendment
Application. As a result, Hanwha subsequently dropped the amendment in relation to Jinko AUS’s defense to infringement and
opposition to the remaining Amendment Application continued for some time but was ultimately not pursued by Jinko AUS and the
other Australian respondents. The FCA granted Plaintiffs C’s Amendment Application on August 28, 2020. Following the order directed
by FCA at the case management hearing held on November 16, 2020, Plaintiffs C’s has filed its infringement statement at FCA on
December 17, 2020 and refers to certain testing undertaken in South Korea in 2018 prior to the commencement of the proceeding, and
Jinko AUS has filed a precise non-infringement statement identifying the reasons why certain photovoltaic solar cells and modules
supplied by Jinko AUS do not infringe Australian Patent No. 2008323025 on March 9, 2021. Since then, the parties have taken the
various procedural steps required by the court’s directions in relation to infringement and validity claims and defences. The final was
held from September 23 to 30 and October 10 to 14, 2022. Pursuant to the Patent Cross-License and Settlement Agreement entered
between Jiangxi Jinko and Hanwha Solutions Corporation and its affiliates dated June 2, 2023, Jinko AUS and Hanwha Q CELLS
Plaintiffs filed the Notice of Discontinuance dated June 23, 2023 which the court acknowledged on June 26, 2023.
We believe that Hanwha Q CELLS Plaintiffs’ claims in all the above-mentioned cases are lacking legal merit, and will
vigorously defend against the claims made by them. We are considering all legal avenues including challenging the validity of the
Asserted Patents, and demonstrating our non-infringement of the Asserted Patents. On June 3, 2019, we filed a petition for IPR of the
‘215 Patent with the PTAB. IPR is a trial proceeding conducted at the PTAB to review the patentability of one or more claims in a patent.
On December 10, 2019, the PTAB instituted the IPR proceedings of the patentability of claims 12-14 of the ‘215 patent claims in view of
prior art. On September 9, 2020, we attended the oral hearing of IPR of the ‘215 patent. On December 9, 2020, the PTAB issued the final
decision on our petition for IPR, finding that all challenged claims 12-14 of the ‘215 patent are unpatentable. On February 8, 2021, the
patent owner of ‘215 Patent, Hanwha Solutions Corporation, appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
against such final decision issued by the PTAB (“215 IPR Appeal”). On February 24, 2021, we have filed the certificate of interest to
participate in 215 IPR Appeal. On May 28, 2021, Hanwha Solutions Corporation filed its opening appeal brief. On July 19, 2021,
Hanwha Solutions Corporation filed a motion to remand the case to the United States Patent and Trademark Office. On October 4, 2021,
the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit denied Hanwha Solutions Corporation’s motion to remand. On June 10, 2022,
the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the said final decision issued by PTAB that all challenged claims 12-
14 of the ‘215 patent are unpatentable.
On June 24, 2019, JinkoSolar GmbH filed with the European Patent Office a Notice of Intervention in the opposition
proceeding regarding the validity of the EP 2 220 689. On March 25 and March 26, 2021, the opposition oral hearing regarding the
validity of the EP2 220 689 was held before the European Patent Office. During the hearing, the European Patent Office held that the
EP2 220 689 was maintained in amended form. An additional hearing is to be held on September 28 and 29, 2022, during which the
opposition division finally decided to uphold the patent with the limited claims and an amended version of the patent description.
Currently, the European Patent Office has not yet issued its decision including the grounds in writing. Following the Patent Cross-
License and Settlement Agreement entered between Jiangxi Jinko and Hanwha Solutions Corporation and its affiliates dated June 2,
2023, JinkoSolar GmbH filed the request for withdrawal of the opposition on June 26, 2023, which was acknowledged by the European
Patent Office on the same day.
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On May 7, 2021, the Spanish Customer (the “Spanish Customer”) submitted a request for arbitration at International Chamber
of Commerce (Case No. 26251/JPA) (the “Request”) against Jiangxi Jinko in connection with dispute arising out of a PV Module Sales
Contract entered into in August, 2020 (the “Contract”). In the Request, the Spanish Customer’s claims are based on (i) Jiangxi Jinko’s
alleged breaches of the Contract by being unable to deliver the goods at the initially agreed shipping dates and price; (ii) the subsequent
termination of the Contract by the Spanish Customer; (ii) alleged replacement purchases the Spanish Customer has made to replace the
goods originally ordered from Jiangxi Jinko; and (iv) alleged further costs and other indirect damages purportedly incurred by the
Spanish Customer as a consequence of Jiangxi Jinko’s alleged breaches and relating to the PV plant in Australia for which the goods had
been intended. On July 21, 2021, Jiangxi Jinko submitted an answer to the Request denying that the Spanish Customer is entitled to the
relief it requests, and raised a counterclaim for damages for its loss of profit as well as wasted costs expended in reliance on the
performance of the Contract. On January 28, 2022, the tribunal confirmed the Terms of Reference and Procedural Order No.1 signed by
the Spanish Customer and Jiangxi Jinko, according to which, except any extension granted by the tribunal, (i) the Spanish Customer will
submit Statement of Claim before April 6, 2022 and Jiangxi Jinko will submit Statement of Defense and Counterclaim before June 6,
2022, (ii) the Spanish Customer will submit Statement of Reply and Defense to Counterclaim before September 6, 2022, Jiangxi Jinko
will submit Statement of Rejoinder and Reply on Counterclaim before November 4, 2022 and the Spanish Customer will submit
Rejoinder on Counterclaim before December 19 2022, (iii) the hearing will be held during the week of April 17, 2023. On April 6, 2022,
the Spanish Customer submitted Statement of Claim, which maintained the claims as the Request and additionally claimed the legal
interest accrued on the amounts requested. On June 6, 2022, Jiangxi Jinko rejected the claims and brought the counterclaim for the
wrongful termination in its submission of Statement of Defense and Counterclaim. On September 6, 2022, the Spanish Customer
submitted Statement of Reply and Defense to Counterclaim to maintain its positions. On November 4, 2022, Jiangxi Jinko repeatedly
denied the claims and claimed for the damgas in its submission of Statement of Rejoinder and Reply on Counterclaim. On December 19,
2022, the Spanish Customer submitted Rejoinder on Counterclaim. The hearing took place on from April 18 to 19, 2023 in Madrid. In
June 2023, the Spanish Customer and Jiangxi Jinko reached the Settlement Agreement, pursuant to which, both parties irrevocably
waived any claims, demands, liabilities in relation to the Contract and further agreed to enter into a separate Sales Contract with the
quantity of around 325MW, and both parties mutually agreed that Jiangxi Jinko shall provide the Rebate Amount of US$8.5 million in
the form of a credit note to the Spanish Customer in relation to the goods to be purchased under the Sales Contract. The Rebate Amount
shall be deducted proportionally from each payment of the purchase price of the Sales Contract. On September 13, 2023, the tribunal
orders the termination of the proceedings upon both parties’ mutual consent.
On June 17, 2022, one of our Indian customers (the “Indian Customer”) submitted a Request for arbitration at International
Chamber of Commerce (Case No. 27085/OSI) against Jiangxi Jinko in connection with dispute arising out of a project module supply
agreement entered into in May 2017 (“Supply Agreement”). The Indian Customer further submitted Statement of Claim on December 9,
2022, in which the Indian Customer confirmed it does not pursue its claims requiring Jiangxi Jinko to repair or replace relevant modules
under the warranty certificate and amended the amount of damages as follows: (i) delay Liquidated Damages in the amount of US$363.3
million; (ii) costs arising from or in connection with the construction / installation of 32MW of additional capacity for the purpose of
making up alleged shortfall in the performance of the plant due to allegedly deficient and/or defective modules in the amount of US$14.1
million; and (iii) liquidated damages levied against the EPC Contractor by the owner of the plant in the amount of US$14.6 million,
together totalling US$392.0 million. Jiangxi Jinko submitted Statement of Defence and Counterclaim on March 10, 2023, strongly
defending itself and claiming that the Indian Customer failed to pay the invoices amounting to US$5.3 million. On May 22, 2023, the
Indian Customer submitted Reply and Defence to Counterclaim. On June 23, 2023, Jiangxi Jinko submitted Rejoinder to Reply to
Defence to Statement of Claim and Reply to Defence to Counterclaim. On June 27, 2023, the Indian Customer submitted Rejoinder to
Reply to Defence to Counterclaim. On September 8, 2023, Jiangxi Jinko submitted Surrejoinder to Rejoinder to Reply to Defence to
Counterclaim. On October 6, 2023, the Indian Customer submitted Rebutter to Surrejoinder to Rejoinder to Reply to Defence to
Counterclaim. On November 9, 2023, Jiangxi Jinko sent a sealed offer to the Indian Customer which was accepted by the Indian
Customer and its related parties of the present arbitration on November 15, 2023. Accordingly, Jiangxi Jinko paid a total of US$
30,540,793.40 by December 13, 2023, and the Sealed Offer was made in full and final settlement of (1) all of the Indian Customer’s
claims and Jiangxi Jinko’s counterclaims as set out in the present arbitration, and (2) all claims that the Indian Customer (or any of its
related parties of the present arbitration) has against Jiangxi Jinko (or any of its affiliates): (i) under or in connection with the Supply
Agreement and the related warranty certificate; (ii) under or in connection with the module supply agreement relating to the 32MW
additional modules; and (iii) in relation to the power project underlying the Supply Agreement. On December 15, the tribunal issued an
order for Discontinuance of the Arbitration upon both parties’ mutual consent. Pursuant to the Order declared by the tribunal, we
recorded settlement expenses of US$30.5 million (equivalent to RMB216 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, which was fully settled
in December 2023.
Information available prior to issuance of the financial statements did not indicate that it is probable that a liability had been
incurred at the date of the financial statements and we are also unable to reasonably estimate the range of any liability or reasonably
possible loss, if any.
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Other than as disclosed above, we are currently not a party to any other material legal or administrative proceedings, and we are
not aware of any other material legal or administrative proceedings threatened against us. We may from time to time become a party to
various legal or administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business.
Dividend Policy and Dividend Distribution
We distributed a cash dividend of US$78.7 million to the holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs on December 6, 2023.We do
not have any present plan to pay any cash dividends on our ordinary shares or ADSs in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to
retain our available funds and any future earnings to operate and expand our business.
We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. We rely principally on dividends paid to us by our majority-
owned operating subsidiary in China, Jiangxi Jinko, to fund the payment of dividends, if any, to our shareholders. PRC regulations
currently permit our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends only out of their retained profits, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC
accounting standards and regulations. In addition, our PRC subsidiaries are required to set aside a certain amount of their retained profits
each year, if any, to fund certain statutory reserves. These reserves may not be distributed as cash dividends. Furthermore, when Jiangxi
Jinko incurs debt on its own behalf, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other
distributions to us.
Subject to our memorandum and articles of association and applicable laws, our board of directors has complete discretion on
whether to pay dividends. Even if our board of directors decides to pay dividends, the form, frequency and amount will depend upon our
future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors
that the board of directors may deem relevant. If we pay any dividends, we will pay the ADS holders to the same extent as holders of our
ordinary shares, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, including the fees and expenses payable thereunder. Cash dividends on the
ADSs, if any, will be paid in U.S. dollars.
The principal regulations governing distribution of dividends paid by wholly foreign owned enterprises include:
●
●
●
Company Law of the PRC (1993), as amended;
Foreign Investment Law of the PRC (2020); and
Implementing Regulations on the Foreign Investment Law of the PRC (2020)
Under the new regime of foreign investment, foreign-invested enterprises in the PRC, being treated equally with domestic
companies, may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, as determined in accordance with the PRC accounting
standards and regulations. When distributing its after-tax profit, a company in the PRC is required to set aside as statutory common
reserves 10% of its after-tax profit, until the accumulative amount of such reserves reaches 50% of its registered capital. These reserves
are not distributable as cash dividends. Where the aggregate balance of the company’s statutory common reserve is insufficient to cover
any loss the company made in the previous financial year, the current financial year’s profits shall first be used to cover the loss before
any statutory common reserve is drawn. In addition to the statutory common reserve, the company may draw a discretionary common
reserve from its after-tax profits. Both the statutory common reserve and the discretionary common reserve may not be distributed to
equity owners in the event of liquidation. A company is not permitted to distribute any profits until any losses from prior fiscal years
have been offset and the common reserve is drawn. Profits retained from prior fiscal years may be distributed together with distributable
profits from the current fiscal year.
B. Significant Changes
Except as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we have not experienced any significant changes since the date of our
audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
A. Offering and Listing Details
The ADSs, each representing four ordinary shares, have been listed on the NYSE since May 14, 2010. The ADSs trade under
the symbol “JKS.”
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B. Plan of Distribution
Not Applicable.
C.
Markets
The ADSs, each representing four ordinary shares, have been listed on the NYSE since May 14, 2010 under the symbol “JKS.”
D.
Selling Shareholders
Not Applicable.
E.
Dilution
Not Applicable.
F.
Expenses of the Issue
Not Applicable.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A.
Share Capital
Not Applicable.
B.
Memorandum and Articles of Association
We incorporate by reference into this annual report the description of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of
association contained in our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-164432), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on
February 9, 2010. Our shareholders adopted our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association on January 8, 2010 and
effective upon completion of our initial public offering of common shares represented by the ADSs.
C.
Material Contracts
We have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary course of business and other than those described in
“Item 4. Information on the Company” or elsewhere in this annual report.
D.
Exchange Controls
See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation—Foreign Currency Exchange” and “—
Dividend Distribution.”
E.
Taxation
The following summary of the material Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, the PRC and United States federal income tax
consequences of an investment in the ADSs or ordinary shares is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the
date of this annual report, all of which are subject to change. This summary does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to
an investment in the ADSs or ordinary shares, such as the tax consequences under United States state or local tax laws, or tax laws of
jurisdictions other than the Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, the PRC and the United States.
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Cayman Islands Taxation
The Cayman Islands currently levy no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation
and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. No Cayman Islands stamp duty will be payable unless an
instrument is executed in, or after execution, brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands, or produced before a court of the
Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands is not a party to any double tax treaties that are applicable to any payments made to or by our
company. There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.
Hong Kong Taxation
The following is a summary of the material Hong Kong tax consequences of the ownership of the ADSs by an investor that
either holds the ADSs (or recognizes gains on a mark-to-market basis for accounting purposes) or resells the ADSs. This summary does
not purport to address all possible tax consequences of the ownership of the ADSs, and does not take into account the specific
circumstances of any particular investors (such as tax-exempt entities, certain insurance companies, broker-dealers etc.), some of which
may be subject to special rules. Accordingly, holders or prospective purchasers (particularly those subject to special tax rules, such as
banks, dealers, insurance companies and tax-exempt entities) should consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of
purchasing, holding or selling the ADSs. This summary is based on the tax laws of Hong Kong as in effect on the date of this annual
report and is subject to changes and does not constitute legal or tax advice to you.
Under the current laws of Hong Kong:
No profits tax is imposed in Hong Kong in respect of capital gains from the sale of the ADSs.
Revenue gains from the sale of ADSs by persons carrying on a trade, profession or business in Hong Kong where the gains are
derived from or arise in Hong Kong from the trade, profession or business will be chargeable to Hong Kong profits tax, which is
currently imposed at the maximum rate of 16.5% on corporations and at the maximum rate of 15% on individuals and
unincorporated businesses. From the year of assessment 2018/19, a concessionary tax rate (i.e. half of the current tax rate) can
apply to corporations or unincorporated businesses for the first HK$2 million of assessable profits subject to applicable
conditions.
Gains arising from the sale of ADSs, where the purchases and sales of ADSs are effected outside of Hong Kong (e.g., on the
NYSE), should not be subject to Hong Kong profits tax.
According to the current tax practice of the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department, dividends paid by us on ADSs would not
be subject to any Hong Kong tax, even if received by investors in Hong Kong.
No Hong Kong stamp duty is payable on the transfers of the ADSs outside Hong Kong.
●
●
●
●
●
People’s Republic of China Taxation
See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation—Taxation.”
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U.S. Federal Income Taxation
Introduction
The following discussion describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and
disposition of the ordinary shares or ADSs (evidenced by ADRs) by U.S. Holders (as defined below). This discussion applies only to
U.S. Holders that hold the ordinary shares or ADSs as capital assets. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the “Code”), Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, as well as
the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the
Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Tax Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income (“Tax Treaty”), all as in effect on the
date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, or to different interpretation. This discussion is also
based in part on representations by the depositary and assumes that each obligation under the deposit agreement and any related
agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms. This discussion does not address all of the tax considerations that may be
relevant to specific U.S. Holders in light of their particular circumstances or to U.S. Holders subject to special treatment under U.S.
federal income tax law (such as banks, other financial institutions, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, retirement plans, regulated
investment companies, partnerships, dealers in securities or currencies, brokers, traders in securities electing to mark to market, financial
institutions, U.S. expatriates, persons who have acquired the shares or ADSs as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion transaction or other
integrated investment, persons that have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar or persons that own (or are deemed to own)
10% or more of our stock by vote or value). If a partnership holds ordinary shares or ADSs, the consequences to a partner will generally
depend upon the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. A partner of a partnership holding ordinary shares or
ADSs should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. tax consequences of its investment in the ordinary shares or ADSs through
the partnership. This discussion does not address any U.S. state or local or non-U.S. tax considerations or any U.S. federal estate, gift, the
Medicare contribution tax applicable to net investment income of certain non-corporate U.S. Holders or alternative minimum tax
considerations.
As used in this discussion, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of the ordinary shares or ADSs, for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, that is (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, or other entity classified
as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any state
thereof, or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of the source
thereof, or (iv) a trust with respect to which a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its
administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions, or certain electing trusts that
were in existence on August 19, 1996 and were treated as domestic trusts on that date.
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX
CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO THEM RELATING TO THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE
ORDINARY SHARES OR AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY OF U.S. FEDERAL, STATE
AND LOCAL TAX LAWS OR NON-U.S. TAX LAWS, ANY CHANGES IN APPLICABLE TAX LAWS AND ANY PENDING OR
PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR REGULATIONS.
ADSs
In general, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Holder of an ADS will be treated as the owner of the ordinary shares
represented by the ADSs and exchanges of ordinary shares for ADSs, and ADSs for ordinary shares, will not be subject to U.S. federal
income tax.
Dividends
Subject to the discussion below under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company,” the gross amount of any distribution made by
us on the ordinary shares or ADSs generally will be treated as a dividend includible in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as ordinary
income to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles, when
received by the U.S. Holder, in the case of ordinary shares, or when actually or constructively received by the depositary, in the case of
ADSs. To the extent the amount of such distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits as so computed, it will be
treated first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such ordinary shares or ADSs and,
to the extent the amount of such distribution exceeds such adjusted tax basis, will be treated as gain from the sale of such ordinary shares
or ADSs. We, however, may not calculate earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. tax principles. In this case, all distributions by us
to U.S. Holders will generally be treated as dividends.
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Dividends received by non-corporate U.S. Holders, including individuals, generally will be subject to reduced rates of taxation
if the dividends are “qualified dividends.” Subject to certain exceptions for short-term positions, dividends paid on the shares (the ADSs)
will be treated as qualified dividends if (i) the shares (or the ADSs) are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United
States or we are eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States that the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury has
determined is satisfactory for purposes of this provision and that includes an exchange of information program and (ii) we were not, in
the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and are not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a passive foreign
investment company (a “PFIC”). Based upon the composition of our current and projected assets, income and activities, we believe that
we were not a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to our 2021 2022 or 2022 2023 taxable years, and we do not
currently anticipate becoming a PFIC for our 2023 2024 taxable year or in the foreseeable future. The ADSs are listed on the NYSE and
should be treated as readily tradable as long as they are so listed. Because the ordinary shares are not themselves listed on a U.S.
exchange, dividends received with respect to ordinary shares that are not represented by ADSs may not be treated as qualified dividends.
The Secretary of the U.S. Treasury has determined that the Tax Treaty satisfies the requirements for reduced rates of taxation.
Accordingly, in the event that we are deemed to be a PRC tax resident enterprise under the CIT Law and if we are eligible for the
benefits of the Tax Treaty, dividends we pay on the ordinary shares, regardless of whether such shares are represented by ADSs, would
be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation described above (subject to the general conditions for the reduced tax rate on dividends
described above). Dividends paid by us will not be eligible for the “dividends received” deduction generally allowed to corporate
shareholders with respect to dividends received from U.S. corporations. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the
potential availability of the reduced dividend tax rate in respect of ordinary shares.
In the event that we are deemed to be a PRC tax resident enterprise under the CIT Law, PRC withholding taxes may be imposed
on dividends paid with respect to the ordinary shares or ADSs. Subject to generally applicable limitations and conditions, PRC dividend
withholding tax paid at the appropriate rate applicable to the U.S. Holder may be eligible for a credit against such U.S. Holder’s U.S.
federal income tax liability. These generally applicable limitations and conditions include new requirements recently adopted by the U.S.
Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in regulations promulgated in December 2021 and any PRC tax will need to satisfy these requirements
in order to be eligible to be a creditable tax for a U.S. Holder. In the case of a U.S. Holder that either (i) is eligible for, and properly
elects, the benefits of the Tax Treaty, or (ii) consistently elects to apply a modified version of these rules under recently issued temporary
guidance and complies with specific requirements set forth in such guidance, the PRC tax on dividends will be treated as meeting the
new requirements and therefore as a creditable tax. In the case of all other U.S. Holders, the application of these requirements to the PRC
tax on dividends is uncertain and we have not determined whether these requirements have been met. If the PRC dividend tax is not a
creditable tax for a U.S. Holder or the U.S. Holder does not elect to claim a foreign tax credit for any foreign income taxes paid or
accrued in the same taxable year, the U.S. Holder may be able to deduct the PRC tax in computing such U.S. Holder’s taxable income for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. Dividend distributions will constitute income from sources outside the United States and, for U.S.
Holders that elect to claim foreign tax credits, generally will constitute “passive category income” for foreign tax credit purposes.
The availability and calculation of foreign tax credits and deductions for foreign taxes depend on a U.S. Holder’s particular
circumstances and involve the application of complex rules to those circumstances. The temporary guidance discussed above also
indicates that the Treasury and the IRS are considering proposing amendments to the December 2021 regulations and that the temporary
guidance can be relied upon until additional guidance is issued that withdraws or modifies the temporary guidance. U.S. Holders should
consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of these rules to their particular situations.
A distribution of additional ordinary shares or ADSs or rights to subscribe for ordinary shares or ADSs to U.S. Holders with
respect to their ordinary shares or ADSs that is made as part of a pro rata distribution to all shareholders generally will not be subject to
U.S. federal income tax, unless the U.S. Holder has the right to receive cash or property, in which case the U.S. Holder will be treated as
if it received cash equal to the fair market value of the distribution.
Sale or Other Disposition of Ordinary Shares or ADSs
A U.S. Holder generally will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon a sale or other disposition of the
ordinary shares or ADSs in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized from such sale or disposition and the U.S.
Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such ordinary shares or ADSs. Subject to the discussion below under “—Passive Foreign Investment
Company,” such gain or loss generally will be a capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain (taxable at a reduced rate for non-
corporate U.S. Holders, including individuals) or loss if, on the date of sale or disposition, such ordinary shares or ADSs were held by
such U.S. Holder for more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to significant limitations.
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In the event that we are treated as a PRC resident enterprise under the PRC CIT Law, and gain from the disposition of ADSs or
ordinary shares may be subject to taxation in the PRC (see “People’s Republic of China Taxation,” above). A U.S. Holder generally will
not be entitled to credit any PRC tax imposed on the sale or other disposition of the shares against such U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal
income tax liability, except in the case of either (i) a U.S. Holder that is eligible for, and properly elects to claim, the benefits of the Tax
Treaty, or (ii) a U.S. Holder that consistently elects to apply a modified version of the U.S. foreign tax credit rules that is permitted under
recently issued temporary guidance and complies with the specific requirements set forth in such guidance. Additionally, capital gain or
loss recognized by a U.S. Holder on the sale or other disposition of the shares generally will be U.S. source gain or loss for U.S. foreign
tax credit purposes. Consequently, even if the withholding tax qualifies as a creditable tax, a U.S. Holder may not be able to credit the tax
against its U.S. federal income tax liability unless such credit can be applied (subject to generally applicable conditions and limitations)
against tax due on other income treated as derived from foreign sources. If the PRC tax is not a creditable tax or claimed as a credit by
the U.S. Holder pursuant to the Tax Treaty, the tax would reduce the amount realized on the sale or other disposition of the ADSs or
ordinary shares even if the U.S. Holder has elected to claim a foreign tax credit for other taxes in the same year. The temporary guidance
discussed above also indicates that the Treasury and the IRS are considering proposing amendments to the December 2021 regulations
and that the temporary guidance can be relied upon until additional guidance is issued that withdraws or modifies the temporary
guidance. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the foreign tax credit rules to a sale or other
disposition of the ordinary shares or ADSs and any PRC tax imposed on sale or disposition.
Passive Foreign Investment Company
Based upon the composition of our current and projected assets, income and activities, we believe that we were not a PFIC for
U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to our 2022 or 2023 taxable years, and we do not currently anticipate becoming a PFIC for
our 2024 taxable year or in the foreseeable future. The determination of PFIC status is a factual determination that must be made
annually at the close of each taxable year. Changes in the nature of our income or assets, the manner and rate at which we spend cash that
we hold, or a decrease in the trading price of the ADSs may cause us to be considered a PFIC in the current or any subsequent year.
However, as noted above, there can be no certainty in this regard until the close of each taxable year.
In general, a non-U.S. corporation will be treated as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes in any taxable year in which
either (i) at least 75% of its gross income is “passive income” or (ii) at least 50% of the value of its assets (generally determined on the
basis of a quarterly average) is attributable to assets that produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income.
Passive income for this purpose generally includes, among other things, dividends, interest, royalties, rents and gains from commodities
and securities transactions. Passive income does not include rents and royalties derived from the active conduct of a trade or business. If
we own at least 25% (by value) of the stock of another corporation, we will be treated, for purposes of the PFIC tests, as owning our
proportionate share of the other corporation’s assets and receiving our proportionate share of the other corporation’s income.
If we are a PFIC in any year during which a U.S. Holder owns the ordinary shares or ADSs, such U.S. Holder may experience
certain adverse tax consequences. Such U.S. Holder could be liable for additional taxes and interest charges upon (i) distributions
received by the U.S. Holder on our ordinary shares or ADSs during the year, but only to the extent that the aggregate of the distributions
for the taxable year exceeds 125% of the average amount of distributions received by the U.S. Holder during the shorter of the preceding
three years or the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ordinary shares or ADSs, or (ii) upon a sale or other disposition of the ordinary
shares or ADSs at a gain, whether or not we continue to be a PFIC (each an “excess distribution”). The tax will be determined by
allocating the excess distribution ratably to each day of the U.S. Holder’s holding period. The amount allocated to the current taxable
year and any taxable year with respect to which we were not a PFIC will be taxed as ordinary income (rather than capital gain) earned in
the current taxable year. The amount allocated to other taxable years will be taxed at the highest marginal rates applicable to ordinary
income for such taxable years and, in addition, an interest charge will be imposed on the amount of such taxes.
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The rules described above generally will not apply if the U.S. Holder is eligible to and does elect to annually mark-to-market the
ordinary shares or ADSs. If a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election, such holder will generally include as ordinary income the
excess, if any, of the fair market value of the ordinary shares or ADSs at the end of each taxable year over their adjusted basis, and will
be permitted an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of the ordinary shares or ADSs over their fair market
value at the end of the taxable year (but only to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the mark-to-
market election). Any gain recognized on the sale or other disposition of the ordinary shares or ADSs will be treated as ordinary income.
The mark-to-market election is available only for “marketable stock,” which is stock that is regularly traded in other than de minimis
quantities on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter on a qualified exchange or other market, as defined in the applicable Treasury
regulations. We expect the ADSs to be “marketable stock” because the ADSs are listed on the NYSE, but it is unclear whether our
ordinary shares would be so treated. Because a mark-to-market election cannot be made for equity interests in any lower-tier PFICs that
we own, a U.S. Holder may continue to be subject to the PFIC rules with respect to its indirect interest in any investments or subsidiaries
held by us that are treated as an equity interest in a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes.
A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the ordinary shares or ADSs will be increased by the amount of any income inclusion and
decreased by the amount of any deductions under the mark-to-market rules. If a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election it will be
effective for the taxable year for which the election is made and all subsequent taxable years unless the ordinary shares or ADSs are no
longer regularly traded on a qualified exchange or the IRS consents to the revocation of the election. U.S. Holders are urged to consult
their tax advisors about the availability of the mark-to-market election, and whether making the election would be advisable in their
particular circumstances.
The general PFIC tax treatment described above also would not apply if a U.S. Holder is eligible for and makes a valid qualified
electing fund election, or QEF election. If a QEF election is made, such U.S. Holder generally will be required to include in income on a
current basis its pro rata share of its ordinary income and its net capital gains. We do not intend to prepare or provide the information that
would entitle U.S. Holders to make a QEF election.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our ordinary shares or ADSs, we will continue to be treated as a
PFIC with respect to you for all succeeding years during which you hold the ordinary shares or ADSs, unless we cease to be a PFIC and
you make a “deemed sale” election with respect to the ordinary shares or ADSs, as applicable. If such election is made, you will be
deemed to have sold the ordinary shares or ADSs you hold at their fair market value on the last day of the last taxable year for which we
were a PFIC and any gain from such deemed sale would be subject to the excess distribution rules described above. After the deemed
sale election, your ordinary shares or ADSs with respect to which such election was made will not be treated as shares in a PFIC unless
we subsequently become a PFIC.
If we are regarded as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder of ordinary shares or ADSs must make an annual return containing such
information as the Secretary of the United States Treasury may require. Additionally, the reduced tax rate for dividend income, as
discussed above under “—Dividends” is not applicable to a dividend paid by us if we are a PFIC for either the year the dividend is paid
or the preceding year.
Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an
investment in a PFIC.
Foreign Financial Asset Reporting
Certain U.S. Holders that own “specified foreign financial assets” with an aggregate value in excess of US$50,000 on the last
day of the taxable year or US$75,000 at any time during the taxable year are generally required to file an information statement along
with their tax returns, currently on Form 8938, with respect to such assets. “Specified foreign financial assets” include any financial
accounts held at a non-U.S. financial institution, as well as securities issued by a non-U.S. issuer that are not held in accounts maintained
by financial institutions. The understatement of income attributable to “specified foreign financial assets” in excess of U.S.$5,000
extends the statute of limitations with respect to the tax return to six years after the return was filed. U.S. Holders who fail to report the
required information could be subject to substantial penalties. Prospective investors are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors
regarding the possible application of these rules, including the application of the rules to their particular circumstances.
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Backup Withholding Tax and Information Reporting Requirements
Dividend payments made to U.S. Holders and proceeds paid from the sale or other disposition of their ordinary shares or ADSs
may be subject to information reporting to the IRS and, possibly, to U.S. federal backup withholding. Certain exempt recipients are not
subject to these information reporting requirements. Backup withholding will not apply to a U.S. Holder who furnishes a correct taxpayer
identification number and makes any other required certification, or who is otherwise exempt from backup withholding. U.S. Holders
who are required to establish their exempt status generally must provide IRS Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and
Certification).
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against a U.S. Holder’s
U.S. federal income tax liability. A U.S. Holder may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules
by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the IRS in a timely manner and furnishing any required information.
Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors as to their qualification for an exemption from backup withholding
and the procedure for obtaining this exemption.
F.
Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
G.
Statement by Experts
Not applicable.
H.
Documents on Display
We have filed with the SEC registration statements on Form F-1 (File Number 333-164432 and File Number 333-170146). We
also filed with the SEC a related registration statement on Form F-6 (File Number 333-164523) with respect to the ADSs. We have also
filed with the SEC registration statements on Form F-3 (File Number 333-190273, File Number 333-193379, File Number 333-219925
and File Number 333-251377, and File Number 333-251377). With respect to our securities to be issued under our 2009 Long Term
Incentive Plan, we have filed with the SEC registration statements on Form S-8 (File Number 333-170693 and 333-180787). With
respect to our securities to be issued under our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, we have filed with the SEC registration statement on Form S-
8 (File Number 333-204082). With respect to our securities to be issued under our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan and our 2022 Equity
Incentive Plan, we have filed with the SEC registration statement on Form S-8 (File Number 333-258999) and registration statement on
Form S-8 (File Number 333-263307), respectively. With respect to our securities to be issued under our 2023 Equity Incentive Plan, we
have filed with the SEC registration statement on Form S-8 (File Number 333-272918).
We are subject to the periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act as applicable to foreign
private issuers. Under the Exchange Act, we are required to file reports and other information with the SEC. Specifically, we are required
to file annually a Form 20-F no later than four months after the close of each fiscal year, which is December 31. Copies of reports and
other information, when so filed with the SEC, can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at
100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of these documents, upon payment of a duplicating fee,
by writing to the SEC. The public may obtain information regarding the Washington, D.C. Public Reference Room by calling the
Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a web site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information
statements, and other information regarding registrants that make electronic filings with the SEC using its EDGAR system. As a foreign
private issuer, we are exempt from the rules of the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of quarterly reports and proxy
statements, and our executive officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery
provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports
and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the
Exchange Act.
We will furnish JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., the depositary of the ADSs, with our annual reports, which will include a review
of operations and annual audited consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, and all notices of
shareholders’ meetings and other reports and communications that are made generally available to our shareholders. The depositary will
make such notices, reports and communications available to holders of ADSs and, upon our request, will mail to all record holders of
ADSs the information contained in any notice of a shareholders’ meeting received by the depositary from us.
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I.
J.
Subsidiary Information
Not applicable.
Enforceability of Civil Liabilities
We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands as an exempted company with limited liability to take advantage of certain benefits
associated with being a Cayman Islands exempted company, such as:
●
●
●
●
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political and economic stability;
an effective judicial system;
a favorable tax system;
the absence of exchange control or currency restrictions; and
the availability of professional and support services.
However, certain disadvantages accompany incorporation in the Cayman Islands. These disadvantages include, but are not
limited to:
●
●
the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws as compared to the U.S.; and these securities laws
provide significantly less protection to investors as compared to the U.S.; and
Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to sue before the federal courts of the U.S.
Our constituent documents do not contain provisions requiring that disputes, including those arising under the securities laws of
the U.S., between us, our officers, directors and shareholders, be arbitrated.
A majority of our existing directors and senior management members reside in the PRC and a substantial part of our assets and
the assets of such persons are located in the PRC. As a result, it may be difficult for a shareholder to effect service of process within the
U.S. upon these individuals, or to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the U.S., in the event that you believe that
your rights have been infringed under the securities laws of the U.S. or any state in the U.S. In particular, residence in China may make it
even more difficult to enforce any judgments obtained from foreign courts (including from a U.S. state or federal court) against such
persons compared to the circumstance of residence in another non-U.S. and non-China jurisdiction.
Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP, our counsel as to Cayman Islands law, and King & Wood Mallesons, our counsel as to
PRC law, have advised us, respectively, that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands and China, respectively,
would
●
●
recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the civil
liability provisions of the securities laws of the U.S. or any state in the U.S.; or
entertain original actions brought in each respective jurisdiction against us or our directors or officers predicated upon
the securities laws of the U.S. or any state in the U.S.
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We have been informed by Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP, our counsel as to Cayman Islands law, that there is
uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands would (i) recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us
or our directors or officers that are predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or the
securities laws of any state in the United States, or (ii) entertain original actions brought in the Cayman Islands against us or our directors
or officers that are predicated upon the federal securities laws of the United States or the securities laws of any state in the United States.
We have also been advised by Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP that although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman
Islands of judgments obtained in the federal or state courts of the United States (and the Cayman Islands are not a party to any treaties for
the reciprocal enforcement or recognition of such judgments), the courts of the Cayman Islands will, at common law, recognize and
enforce a foreign monetary judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without any re-examination of the merits of the
underlying dispute based on the principle that a judgment of a competent foreign court imposes upon the judgment debtor an obligation
to pay the liquidated sum for which such judgment has been given, provided such judgment (a) is given by a foreign court of competent
jurisdiction, (b) imposes on the judgment debtor a liability to pay a liquidated sum for which the judgment has been given, (c) is final and
conclusive, (d) is not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty, (e) is not inconsistent with a Cayman Islands judgment in respect of the same
matter, and (f) is not impeachable on the grounds of fraud and was not obtained in a manner and is not of a kind the enforcement of
which is contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands. However, the Cayman Islands courts are unlikely to
enforce a judgment obtained from the U.S. courts under civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities law if such judgment is
determined by the courts of the Cayman Islands to give rise to obligations to make payments that are penal or punitive in nature. A
Cayman Islands court may stay enforcement proceedings if concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere.
The recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under the PRC Civil Procedures Law. PRC courts may
recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedures Law, based either on treaties
between China and the country where the judgment is made or on principles of reciprocity between jurisdictions, as well as public policy
considerations and conditions set forth in applicable provisions of other PRC laws relating to the enforcement of civil liability. In
addition, according to the PRC Civil Procedures Law, the PRC courts will not enforce a foreign judgment against us or our directors and
officers if they decide that the judgment violates the basic principles of PRC laws or national sovereignty, security or public interest. As a
result, it is uncertain whether and on what basis a PRC court would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in the U.S. or the Cayman
Islands.
Judgment of United States courts will not be directly enforced in Hong Kong. There are currently no treaties or other
arrangements providing for reciprocal enforcement of foreign judgments between Hong Kong and the United States. However, the
common law permits an action to be brought upon a foreign judgment. In other words, a foreign judgment itself may form the basis of a
cause of action since the judgment may be regarded as creating a debt between the parties to it. In a common law action for enforcement
of a foreign judgment in Hong Kong, the enforcement is subject to various conditions, including that the foreign judgment is a final
judgment conclusive upon the merits of the claim, the judgment is for a liquidated amount in a civil matter and not in respect of taxes,
fines, penalties, or similar charges, the proceedings in which the judgment was obtained were not contrary to natural justice, and the
enforcement of the judgment is not contrary to public policy of Hong Kong. Such a judgment must be for a fixed sum and must also
come from a “competent” court as determined by the private international law rules applied by the Hong Kong courts. The defenses that
are available to a defendant in a common law action brought on the basis of a foreign judgment include lack of jurisdiction, breach of
natural justice, fraud, and contrary to public policy. However, a separate legal action for debt must be commenced in Hong Kong in order
to recover such debt from the judgment debtor.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Inflation
Since our inception, inflation in China has not materially impacted our results of operations. According to the National Bureau
of Statistics of China, inflation as measured by the consumer price index in China was 0.9%, 2.0% and 0.2% in 2021, 2022 and 2023,
respectively.
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Foreign Exchange Risk
Our sales in China are denominated in Renminbi and our costs and capital expenditures are also largely denominated in
Renminbi. Our sales outside China are generally denominated in U.S. dollars, Euros, AUD, and Japanese Yen and we also incur expenses
in foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, Japanese Yen and Euros, in relation to the procurement of silicon materials, equipment and
consumables such as crucibles. In addition, we have outstanding debt obligations, and may continue to incur debts from time to time,
denominated and repayable in foreign currencies. Accordingly, any significant fluctuations between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar and
other foreign currencies including Japanese Yen and Euro could expose us to foreign-exchange risk. In addition, as we expand our sales
to major export markets, we expect our foreign-exchange exposures will increase.
We have entered into foreign exchange forward contracts with certain local banks to reduce volatility in our economic value
caused by foreign currency fluctuations. These contracts are not designated as hedges and are marked to market at each reporting date,
with changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2023, our foreign exchange
forward contracts denominated in U.S. dollar and Euro had notional values of US$870.0 million and €170.0 million, respectively. These
contracts mature within 12 months. To determine fair value of these contracts, we use a discounted cash-flow methodology to measure
fair value, which requires inputs such as interest yield curves and foreign exchange rates. We had a loss relating to change in fair value of
foreign exchange forward contracts recognized in earnings of RMB0.4 million (US$0.1 million) in 2023. However, we cannot predict the
impact of future exchange rate fluctuations on our results of operations and may incur net foreign currency losses in the future in relation
to unhedged foreign currency exposure or loss on our hedging instruments.
We provide credit to our overseas customers. We recorded a net foreign exchange gain of RMB0.94 billion (US$132.1 million)
in 2023 due to the appreciation of the U.S. dollars against the Renminbi .We recorded a net foreign exchange gain of RMB1.03 billion in
2022 due to the appreciation of the U.S. dollars against the Renminbi. We recorded a net foreign exchange loss of RMB355.5 million in
2021 due to the depreciation of the U.S. dollars against the Renminbi.
The value of your investment in the ADSs will be primarily affected by the foreign-exchange rate between U.S. dollars and
Renminbi. To the extent we hold assets denominated in U.S. dollars any appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar could result
in a change to our statement of operations and a reduction in the value of our U.S. dollar denominated assets. On the other hand, a
decline in the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar could reduce the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts of our financial results, the
value of your investment in our company and the dividends we may pay in the future, if any, all of which may have a material adverse
effect on the prices of ADSs. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—
Fluctuations in exchange rates could adversely affect our results of operations.”
As of December 31, 2023, we held RMB16.06 billion (US$2.26 billion) in cash and cash equivalents, of which RMB4.45
billion (US$626.5 million) were denominated in U.S. dollars, a 5% change in the exchange rates between the Renminbi and the U.S.
dollar would result in an increase or decrease of RMB222.4 million (US$31.3 million) in our cash and cash equivalents.
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to interest rate risks relates to interest expenses incurred in connection with our short-term and long-term
borrowings, and interest income generated by excess cash invested in demand deposits and liquid investments with original maturities of
three months or less.
As of December 31, 2023, we had short-term borrowings (including the current portion of long-term bank borrowings and failed
sale-leaseback financing) of RMB13.58 billion (US$1.91 billion). As of December 31, 2023, we had short-term borrowings outstanding
of RMB0.68 billion (US$95.8 million), RMB0.26 million (US$36.6 million), RMB0.61 billion (US$86.4 million), which were
denominated in Euros, JPY and USD respectively, and bearing a weighted average interest rates of 3.9%, 2.7%, 4.5%, per annum,
respectively. We have long-term borrowings (excluding the current portion of long-term bank borrowings and financing associated with
failed sale-leaseback transactions due within one year) of RMB11.24 billion (US$1.58 billion), which bore interest at an average annual
rate of 5.8% as of December 31, 2023.
In November 2014, we signed a US$20.0 million two-year credit agreement with Wells Fargo, the term of which was later
extended to November 2024. The credit limit was raised to US$40.0 million in June 2015, to US$60.0 million in July 2016 and further to
US$90.0 million in January 2020 through amendments to the credit agreement. Borrowings under the credit agreement would be used to
support our working capital and business operations in the United States.
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In May 2015, we signed a US$20.0 million three-year bank facility agreement with Barclay Bank, which was subsequently
raised to US$40.0 million, to support our working capital and business operations. The term of this bank facility has been extended to
2022.
In September 2016, we signed a US$25.0 million two-year bank facility agreement with Malayan Banking Berhad, the term of
which was extended to September 2022, to support our working capital and business operations in Malaysia.
In July 2017, we entered into a four-year financial lease in the amount of RMB600.0 million to support the improvement of our
production efficiency.
In July 2018, we signed a JPY5.30 billion syndicated loan agreement with a bank consortium led by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking
Corporation to provide working capital and support for our business operations in Japan. The loan was downsized to JPY3.00 billion
after annual review in December 2021.
In May 2019, we issued convertible senior notes of US$85 million in aggregate principal amount due 2024 to support capital
expenditure and supplement working capital. The notes will mature on June 1, 2024 and the holders have the right to require us to
repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes since June 1, 2021. The interest rate is 4.5% per annum payable semi-annually, in
arrears. As of the date of this annual report, the convertible notes of US$71.0 million in aggregate have been converted.
In September 2019, we signed an RMB100 million one-year bank facility agreement with Malayan Banking Berhad, the term of
which is renewable annually, to supplement our working capital.
In light of the amount of bank borrowings and notes due in the near term future, sufficient funds may not be available to meet
our payment obligations.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
A.
Debt Securities
Not applicable.
B.
Warrants and Rights
Not applicable.
C.
Other Securities
Not applicable.
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D.
American Depositary Shares
Fees and Charges the ADS Holders May Have to Pay
The American depositary shares, each of which represents four ordinary shares, are listed on the NYSE. JPMorgan Chase Bank,
N.A. is the depositary of the ADS program and its principal executive office is situated at 383 Madison Avenue, Floor 11, New York,
New York, 10179. The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or
surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making
distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the
fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deductions from cash distributions or by directly billing
investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide
fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.
Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay:
For:
$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)
• Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of
shares or rights or other property
• Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the
deposit agreement terminates
$.05 (or less) per ADS (or portion of each ADS)
• Any cash distribution to ADS registered holders
$1.50 per ADR or ADRs
• Transfer of ADRs
A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to you had
• Distribution or sale of securities to holders of deposited securities that
been shares and the shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs
are distributed by the depositary to ADS registered holders
$.05 per ADSs per calendar year (or portion of each ADS)
• Depositary services
Registration or transfer fees
Expenses of the depositary
• Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the
name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw
shares
• Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions and deliveries (at the request
of persons depositing or ADS registered holders delivering shares,
ADRs and deposited securities)
• Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars
Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian have to pay
on any ADS or share underlying an ADS, for example, stock transfer taxes, stamp
duty or withholding taxes
• As necessary
Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited
• As necessary
securities
Fees and Other Payments Made by the Depositary to Us
The depositary has agreed to reimburse us for expenses we incur that are related to the administration and maintenance of the
ADS facility including, but not limited to, investor relations expenses, the annual NYSE listing fees, ADS offering expenses or any other
program related expenses. There are limits on the amount of expenses for which the depositary will reimburse us, but the amount of
reimbursement available to us is not related to the amounts of fees the depositary collects from investors. The annual reimbursement is
also conditioned on certain requirements and criteria and will be adjusted proportionately to the extent such requirements or criteria are
not met. For 2023, we had an annual reimbursement due from the depositary of US$301.6 thousand for legal and investor relations
expenses.
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PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
None.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
A.-D. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders
None.
E.
Use of Proceeds
2019 ADS Offering
The following “Use of Proceeds” information relates to the registration statement on Form F-3 (File Number 333-219925),
together with the prospectus supplement to register additional securities that became effective on May 15, 2019, for our public offering
of 4,062,500 ADSs, representing 16,250,000 and the underwriters’ full exercise of their over-allotment option to purchase an additional
609,375 ADSs representing 2,437,500 ordinary shares, or the 2019 ADS Offering. The net proceeds we received from the 2019 ADS
Offering totaled US$70.9 million, after deducting underwriting commissions and fees and offering expenses. Credit Suisse Securities
(USA) LLC and Barclays Capital Inc. were the representatives of the underwriters for our 2019 ADS Offering. Concurrent with our 2019
ADS Offering, we offered US$85.0 million aggregate principal amount of our convertible notes in a private placement, or the 2019
Private Placement. The net proceeds we received from the 2019 Private Placement totaled US$82.2 million, after deducting the
placement agent’s fees and other offering expenses.
For the period from May 15, 2019 to December 31, 2019, the total expenses incurred for our company’s account in connection
with our 2019 ADS Offering was approximately US$3.9 million, which included US$3.4 million in underwriting discounts and
commissions and approximately US$0.5 million of other costs and expenses for our 2019 ADS Offering. For the period from May 15,
2019 to December 31, 2019, the total expenses incurred for our company’s account in connection with our 2019 Private Placement was
approximately US$2.8 million including the placement agent’s fees and other offering expenses. None of the transaction expenses
included payments to directors or officers of our company or their associates, persons owning more than 10% or more of our equity
securities or our affiliates. None of the net proceeds from the 2019 ADS Offering or 2019 Private Placement were paid, directly or
indirectly, to any of our directors or officers or their associates, persons owning 10% or more of our equity securities or our affiliates.
For the period from May 15, 2019 to December 31, 2019, we used all of the net proceeds from our 2019 ADS Offering for (i)
capital expenditure on procurement of manufacturing equipment and upgrades and expansion of our manufacturing facilities, and (ii)
other day to day operating purposes. For the period from May 17, 2019 to December 31, 2019, we transferred US$31.5 million of the net
proceeds from our 2019 Private Placement to the option counterparty in connection with the zero strike call option transaction, and the
remainder of the net proceeds from our 2019 Private Placement for (i) capital expenditure on procurement of manufacturing equipment
and upgrades and expansion of our manufacturing facilities, and (ii) other day to day operating purposes.
2020 ATM Program
The following “Use of Proceeds” information relates to the registration statement on Form F-3 (File Number 333-251377),
together with the prospectus supplement to register additional securities dated December 16, 2020, to sell up to an aggregate of US$100
million of the ADSs through the 2020 ATM Program. On January 6, 2021, we completed the 2020 ATM Program, under which we sold
1,494,068 ADSs and received US$98.25 million after deducting commissions and offering expenses. Credit Suisse Securities (USA)
LLC and Barclays Capital Inc. acted as our sales agents for the 2020 ATM Program.
In the first quarter of 2021, we used all of the net proceeds from our 2020 ATM Program, respectively, for our production
capacity expansion and other general corporate purposes. Our production capacity expansion has been conducted mainly through Jiangxi
Jinko, a 73.3% owned subsidiary of ours in China, and therefore certain amount of the net proceeds from the 2020 ATM Program has
been transferred to Jiangxi Jinko in the form of intercompany loans. In January 2021, we offered intercompany loans of US$95.0 million
in aggregate to Jiangxi Jinko through JinkoSolar Investment Limited, our wholly-owned subsidiary, for three years at an annual interest
rate of 3.34%.
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ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and our chief
financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures,
as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on this
evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, our disclosure controls and
procedures were effective.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term
is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for our company. Internal control over financial
reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures
that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of a
company’s assets, (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that a company’s receipts and expenditures are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of a company’s management and directors, and (3) provide reasonable assurance
regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of a company’s assets that could have a material
effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance
with respect to consolidated financial statement preparation and presentation and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of
changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related rules promulgated by the SEC, our management
assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 using the criteria set forth in the report
“Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013)” published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (known as COSO). Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was
effective as of December 31, 2023.
Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, audited the effectiveness of our
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, as stated in its report, which appears on page F-2 of this Form 20-F.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this annual
report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 16.
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Steven Markscheid, an independent director, is our audit committee financial
expert. Mr. Steven Markscheid satisfies the independent requirements of Section 303A of the Corporate Governance Roles of the NYSE
and Rule 60A-3 under the Exchange Act.
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ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
Our board of directors has adopted a code of ethics that applies to our directors, officers, employees and agents, including
certain provisions that specifically apply to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief operating officer, chief technology
officer, vice presidents and any other persons who perform similar functions for us. We have filed our code of business conduct and
ethics as an exhibit to Exhibit 99.1 of our registration statement on Form F-1/A (File No. 333-164432) filed with the SEC on February 4,
2010 and posted the code on our website at the following link: http://ir.jinkosolar.com/static-files/ed0c40da-6be3-42fc-a779-
03b16094c4e1. We hereby undertake to provide to any person without charge, a copy of our code of business conduct and ethics within
ten working days after we receive such person’s written request.
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees by categories specified below in connection with certain professional services
rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, for the periods indicated. We
did not pay any other fees to our independent registered public accounting firm during the periods indicated below.
Audit Fees
Audit-related Fees
Tax Fees(1)
All Other Fees(2)
Total
2022
(RMB)
6,600
—
391
272
7,263
2023
(RMB)
(in thousands)
6,800
—
17,874
1,890
26,565
(US$)
958
—
2,518
266
3,742
(1) “Tax Fees” represent the aggregated fees billed in each of the fiscal year listed for professional services rendered by our independent
registered public accounting firm for tax advice.
(2) “All Other Fees” represent the aggregated fees billed in each of the fiscal year listed for professional services rendered by our
independent registered public accounting firm for ESG advice and other consulting services.
The policy of our audit committee is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by our independent registered
public accounting firm, including audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services as described above, other than
those for de minimis services that are approved by our audit committee prior to the completion of the audit. All fees listed above were
pre-approved by our audit committee.
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
Not applicable.
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ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
Period
January 1, 2021 (through December 19, 2023)(1)
December 20, 2023 (through April 24, 2024)
Total
(c) Total
Number of ADSs
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs(1)
(d) Maximum
Approximate
Dollar Value
of ADSs That
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs (in
millions)(1)
(b) Average
Price Paid per
ADS
32.47
24.28
24.81
280,000 US$
3,666,425 US$
3,946,425
190.9
101.9
—
(a) Total
Number of
ADSs
Purchased
280,000
3,666,425
3,946,425
(1) On July 6, 2022, we announced a share repurchase program of up to US$200 million of our ordinary shares represented by ADSs
within eighteen months following July 6, 2022. On December 20, 2023, we extended this share repurchase program for an additional
18-month period through June 30, 2025. The repurchases since December 20, 2023 were made pursuant to the extended share
repurchase program. Purchases may be made from time to time on the open market at prevailing market prices in open-market
transactions, privately negotiated transactions or block trades, and/or through other legally permissible means, depending on market
conditions and in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations. The timing and conditions of the share repurchases will be
subject to various factors including the requirements under Rule 10b-18 and Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, as well as our insider
trading policy.
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
Not applicable.
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ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
We are incorporated under the laws of Cayman Islands. Many of the corporate governance rules in the New York Stock
Exchange Listed Company Manual, or the NYSE Standards, do not apply to us as a “foreign private issuer” and we are permitted to
follow the corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands in lieu of most corporate governance standards contained in the NYSE
Standards. Section 303A.11 of the NYSE Standards requires foreign private issuers listed on the New York Stock Exchange to describe
the significant differences between their corporate governance practices and the corporate governance standards applicable to U.S.
domestic companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or the U.S. domestic issuers. The following table sets forth a summary of
such significant differences:
Board of Directors
Audit Committee
Our Practice
Our directors may attend all of our board
meetings.
We have not adopted any such method.
Our board of directors has not made any
such determination.
NYSE Listed Company Manual
Requirements on Corporate Governance
NYSE Standards require U.S. domestic issuers to
schedule an executive session at least once a year to be
attended by only independent directors. We are not
subject to such requirement.
NYSE Standards require U.S. domestic issuers to disclose
a method for interested parties to communicate directly
with the presiding director or with non-management
directors as a group. We are not subject to such
requirement.
If an audit committee member simultaneously serves on
the audit committees of more than three public
companies, and the listed company does not limit the
number of audit committees on which its audit committee
members serve to three or less, then in each case, the
boards of directors of U.S. domestic issuers are required
to determine that such simultaneous service would not
impair the ability of such member to effectively serve on
its audit committee and disclose such determination in its
annual proxy statement or annual report. We are not
subject to such requirement.
Compensation Committee
NYSE Standards require U.S. domestic issuers to have a
compensation committee composed entirely of
independent directors. We are not subject to such
requirement.
We have a compensation committee that
consists of one independent director and one
executive director.
NYSE Standards require compensation committees of
U.S. domestic issuers to produce a compensation
committee report annually and include such report in their
annual proxy statements or annual reports on Form 10-K.
We are not subject to such requirement.
Our compensation committee has not
produced any such report.
Nominating Committee
While NYSE Standards require U.S. domestic issuers to
have only independent directors on their nominating
committees, we are not subject to such requirement.
Our corporate governance and nominating
committee consists of two independent
directors and one executive director.
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
Item 16I. DISCLOSURE REGARDING JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
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Item 16J. INSIDER TRADING POLICIES
Not applicable.
Item 16K. CYBERSECURITY
Risk Management and Strategy
We have established comprehensive cybersecurity risk assessment and reporting procedures to ensure effective cybersecurity
management, strategy and governance. We have also integrated cybersecurity risk management into our overall risk management system.
We have established a cybersecurity governance framework and implemented a series of measures to address both internal and
external cybersecurity threats. These measures include rapid defense, monitoring, analysis, deception and countermeasures. We regularly
conduct cybersecurity incident emergency drills and tests. In addition, we have established a data security protection and personal
information protection system to prevent data leakage, monitor abnormal activities and identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities. We also
hold cybersecurity training sessions and integrate the cybersecurity education into our employee training and development program. We
have also implemented a selection and management process for third-party service providers, which helps us oversee and identify
cybersecurity risks during our collaborations with them.
As part of the aforementioned cybersecurity management processes, we have engaged a third-party professional institution to
assess, identify and manage cybersecurity risks, which includes conducting comprehensive security assessments, penetration tests and
vulnerability scans. Additionally, we have engaged third-party cybersecurity consultants to review and optimize our cybersecurity risk
management process. Furthermore, we regularly collaborate with cybersecurity consultants to conduct independent third-party
verification of our cybersecurity measures.
As of the date of this annual report, we have not experienced any material cybersecurity incidents or identified any material
cybersecurity threats that have affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect us, our business strategy, results of operations or
financial condition.
Governance
Our Board is responsible for overseeing our cybersecurity risk management. Our Board shall (i) maintain oversight of the
disclosure related to cybersecurity matters in our current reports or periodic reports (including annual reports on Form 20-F); and (ii)
review updates to the status of any material cybersecurity incidents or material risks from cybersecurity threats, and the disclosure issues,
if any, presented by our information security committee.
Our Board delegates its authorities and powers in managing risks associated with cybersecurity threats to our information
security committee. Our information security committee consists of management members of our operating departments, including our
chief information officer, who has 10 to 15 years of experience in data security and risk management. Our information security
committee is responsible for (i) monitoring and coordinating our cybersecurity risk management processes, including reviewing our
cybersecurity governance processes, incident response systems and other related measures and procedures, and (ii) promptly reporting
any material cybersecurity risk or incidents to our Board.
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To support our Board and information security committee, we have established an information security working group, which
consists of cross-departmental working personnel that are responsible for coordinating our cybersecurity risk management processes in
the daily operations. In particular, our information security working group is responsible for (i) collecting information regarding
cybersecurity, including major risks associated with cybersecurity threats and incidents, and regularly report to our information security
committee; (ii) proposing and formulating cybersecurity risk management measures, and implementing necessary technical measures;
(iii) maintaining risk assessment and emergency responding system; and (iv) supervising the rectification of the cybersecurity incidents.
If a cybersecurity incident occurs, our information security committee will promptly organize relevant personnel for internal
assessment and, depending on the situation, seek the opinions of external experts and legal advisors. If it is determined that the incident
could potentially be a material cybersecurity event, our information security committee will promptly report the investigation and
assessment results to our Board. Our Board will decide on the relevant response measures and whether any disclosure is necessary. If
such disclosure is determined to be necessary, our information security committee shall promptly prepare disclosure material for review
and approval by our Board before it is disseminated to the public.
PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
We have elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 18.
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
See pages beginning on page F-1 in this annual report.
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ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
Description of Document
1.1
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, as currently in effect (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3.2 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-164432) filed with the SEC on February 9, 2010)
Registrant’s Specimen American Depositary Receipt (included in Exhibit 2.3)
Registrant’s Specimen Certificate for Shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of our Registration Statement on
Form F-1 (File No. 333-164432) filed with the SEC on January 20, 2010)
Form of Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement among the Registrant, the depositary and holder of the American
Depositary Receipts (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.(A) of our Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No.
333-164523) filed with the SEC on November 9, 2018)
Description of Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.4 to our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-
34615) filed with the SEC on April 24, 2020).
2009 Long Term Incentive Plan, amended and restated as of September 28, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.1 to our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34615) filed with the SEC on April 18, 2012)
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the directors and the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29
of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-164432) filed with the SEC on January 20, 2010)
Form of Executive Service Agreement of Chief Financial Officer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of our
Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-164432) filed with the SEC on January 20, 2010)
English translation of Form of Employment Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 of our Registration
Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-164432) filed with the SEC on January 20, 2010)
English translation of Plant Lease Agreement between Jinko Solar Co., Ltd. and Jiangxi Desun Energy Co., Ltd. dated
January 1, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-
164432) filed with the SEC on January 20, 2010)
4.6
English translation of Form of Maximum Amount Guarantee Contract between the directors and Bank of China
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-164432) filed with
the SEC on January 20, 2010)
4.7
English translation of Maximum Amount Guarantee Agreement between the directors and Agricultural Bank of China
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-164432) filed with
the SEC on January 20, 2010)
4.8
4.9
4.10
2014 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Form S-8 (File No. 333-204082) filed with
the SEC on May 12, 2015 and Exhibit 4.9 of our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34615) filed with the SEC on
April 16, 2015)
Subscription Agreement Schedule and Amended and Restated Subscription Agreement among the Registrant, JinkoSolar
WWG Investment Co., Ltd., JinkoSolar Power Engineering Group Limited, Jiangxi JinkoSolar Engineering Co., Ltd.,
Jinko Power Co., Ltd. and MEGCIF Investments 6 Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 of our annual
report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34615) filed with the SEC on April 16, 2015)
Master Services Agreement between the Registrant and Jiangxi JinkoSolar Engineering Co., Ltd. dated October 18, 2016
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 of our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34615) filed with the SEC on
March 29, 2017)
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4.11
English translation of Share Purchase Agreement between Wide Wealth Group Holdings Limited and Shangrao
Kangsheng Technology Co., Ltd. dated October 18, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 of our annual report
on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34615) filed with the SEC on March 29, 2017)
4.12
Convertible Senior Notes Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and Credit Suisse AG, Singapore Branch dated
May 15, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.16 of our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34615) filed
with the SEC on April 24, 2020)
4.13
Convertible Senior Notes Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and Credit Suisse (Hong Kong) Limited dated
May 15, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.17 of our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34615) filed
with the SEC on April 24, 2020)
4.14
4.15
4.16
4.17
4.18
4.19
4.20
4.21
4.22
4.23
Convertible Senior Notes Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and BFAM Asian Opportunities Master Fund, LP
acting through its general partner BFAM Asian Opportunities Master GP Limited dated May 15, 2019 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.18 of our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34615) filed with the SEC on April 24, 2020)
Convertible Senior Notes Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and CAI Global Master Fund, L.P. dated May 15,
2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.19 of our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34615) filed with the
SEC on April 24, 2020)
Convertible Senior Notes Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and Myriad Opportunities Master Fund Limited
dated May 15, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.20 of our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34615)
filed with the SEC on April 24, 2020)
Convertible Senior Notes Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and Nine Masts Investment Fund dated May 15,
2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.21 of our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34615) filed with the
SEC on April 24, 2020)
Convertible Senior Notes Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and Huge Star Opportunity II Limited dated May
15, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.22 of our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34615) filed with
the SEC on April 24, 2020)
Placement Agent Agreement between the Registrant and Credit Suisse (Hong Kong) Limited dated May 15, 2019
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.23 of our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34615) filed with the SEC on
April 24, 2020)
Indenture among the Registrant, The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch, as trustee and paying agent, The Bank
of New York Mellon SA/NV, Luxembourg Branch, as registrar and transfer agent, and The Bank of New York Mellon,
London Branch, as conversion agent dated May 17, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.24 of our annual report
on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34615) filed with the SEC on April 24, 2020)
Automatic Shelf Registration Statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-251377) filed with the SEC on December 16, 2020
Form of Distribution Agency Agreement among the Registrant, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Barclays
Capital Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 on Form 6-K (File No. 001-34615) furnished with the SEC on
December 16, 2020)
English translation of Acting-in-Concert Agreement among Xiande Li, Kangping Chen and Xianhua Li (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.23 of our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34615) filed with the SEC on April 28, 2023)
162
Table of Contents
4.24
4.25
4.26
8.1*
11.1
12.1*
12.2*
2021 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Form S-8 (File No. 333-258999) filed with
the SEC on August 23, 2021 and Exhibit 4.23 of our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34615) filed with the
SEC on April 28, 2021)
2022 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Form S-8 (File No. 333-263307) filed with
the SEC on March 4, 2022 and Exhibit 4.25 of our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34615) filed with the SEC
on April 28, 2022)
2023 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Form S-8 (File No. 333-272918) filed with
the SEC on June 26, 2023 and Exhibit 4.26 of our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34615) filed with the SEC
on April 28, 2023)
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of our Registration
Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-164432) filed with the SEC on February 4, 2010)
CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
13.1**
CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
13.2**
CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
15.1*
15.2*
15.3*
97*
Consent of Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP
Consent of King & Wood Mallesons
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP
Policy for the Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation of the Registrant
101.INS*
Inline XBRL Instance Document — the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its
XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
101.SCH*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104*
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
*
Filed with this annual report on Form 20-F
** Furnished with this annual report on Form 20-F
163
Table of Contents
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and
authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on this Form 20-F on its behalf.
SIGNATURES
JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.
/s/ Xiande Li
By:
Name: Xiande Li
Title: Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
Officer
Date: April 25, 2024
164
Table of Contents
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ( PCAOB ID: PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP (1424))
Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023
Page
F-2
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-9
F-10
F-11
F-1
Table of Contents
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as
of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income, of changes in
shareholders’ equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, including the related notes
(collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the
Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our
opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023,
based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over
financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s
Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 15. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the
Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are
a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to
be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations
of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error
or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the
consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures
included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits
also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an
understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating
the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the
company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in
accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding
prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect
on the financial statements.
F-2
Table of Contents
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of
any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in
conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements
that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are
material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The
communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole,
and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the
accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Accrued warranty costs for solar modules
As described in Note 2(z) to the consolidated financial statements, solar modules produced by the Company are typically sold with either
a 5-year or 10-year warranty for product defects, and a 10-year and 25-year warranty against declines of more than 10% and 20%,
respectively, from the initial minimum power generation capacity at the time of delivery. Management applied significant judgment in
estimating the expected failure rate of the Company’s solar module products and the estimated replacement costs associated with
fulfilling its warranty obligations when measuring the warranty costs. The Company’s accrued warranty costs for solar modules were
RMB2,381 million as of December 31, 2023.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the accrued warranty costs for solar modules is
a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment made by management in estimating the warranty costs, including the expected
failure rate and the estimated replacement costs and (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing
procedures and evaluating audit evidence relating to management’s estimation of warranty costs for solar modules.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on
the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of internal controls relating to the estimation of
accrued warranty costs for solar modules. These procedures also included, among others, testing the appropriateness of the methodology
used and the reasonableness of the significant assumptions used by management in developing these estimates, related to the expected
failure rate of the Company’s solar module products and the estimated replacement costs associated with fulfilling its warranty
obligations. Evaluating whether the significant assumptions used by management were reasonable involved (i) testing historical
warranty claims and settlements, (ii) evaluating the reasonableness and appropriateness of factors considered by management in
estimating the expected failure rate, and (iii) testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used to estimate the
replacement cost.
Allowance for credit losses for accounts receivable
As described in Notes 2(i) and 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s gross accounts receivable were RMB23,347
million, for which an allowance for credit losses of RMB685 million was recorded as of December 31, 2023. The allowance is
management’s estimate of expected credit losses on accounts receivable. Management estimated the allowance by segmenting accounts
receivable into groups based on certain credit risk characteristics, including geographic region and industry. Management determined an
expected loss rate for each group based on historical credit loss experience, current and future economic conditions, and lifetime for debt
recovery.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the allowance for credit losses for accounts
receivable is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment made by management in estimating the credit loss provision for
accounts receivable and (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit
evidence relating to management’s judgement about credit risk characteristics, current and future economic conditions, and lifetime for
debt recovery. The audit effort also included the involvement of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
F-3
Table of Contents
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on
the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of internal controls relating to the estimation of
credit loss provision for accounts receivable. These procedures also included, among others, testing management’s process for estimating
the credit loss provision for accounts receivable by (i) testing the completeness and accuracy of the data used; (ii) evaluating the
appropriateness of management’s model and methodology; and (iii) evaluating the reasonableness of significant assumptions used by
management, related to credit risk characteristics, current and future economic conditions, and lifetime for debt recovery. Professionals
with specialized skill and knowledge were also used to assist in evaluating the appropriateness of the model, methodology and
reasonableness of management’s significant assumptions.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP
Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China
April 25, 2024
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2008.
F-4
Table of Contents
JINKOSOLAR HOLDING CO., LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2022 AND 2023
(In thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
Revenues from third parties
Revenues from related parties
Total revenues
Cost of revenues
Gross profit
Selling and marketing
General and administrative
Impairment of long-lived assets
Research and development
Total operating expenses
Income from operations
Interest expenses
Interest income
Subsidy income
Exchange gain/(loss), net
Other income, net
Change in fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts
Change in fair value of foreign exchange options
Change in fair value of long-term investment
Change in fair value of convertible senior notes and call option
Income before income taxes
Income tax expenses
Equity in income of affiliated companies
Net income
Less: Net income attributable to the non-controlling interests
Net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders
Net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders per share-
Basic
Diluted
Net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders per ADS-
Basic
Diluted
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding
Basic
Diluted
Each ADS represents four ordinary shares.
For the year ended December 31,
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
USD
(Note 2 (al))
40,794,758
31,763
40,826,521
(34,168,686)
6,657,835
(2,856,465)
(1,963,562)
(273,713)
(461,590)
(5,555,330)
1,102,505
(838,320)
214,291
465,685
(355,499)
1,911
288,880
18,809
—
191,641
1,089,903
(194,140)
59,809
955,572
(234,554)
721,018
3.78
2.01
15.12
8.02
82,794,101
333,195
83,127,296
(70,848,983)
12,278,313
(7,241,888)
(3,508,678)
(373,732)
(724,769)
(11,849,067)
429,246
(1,079,409)
588,706
1,089,435
1,025,891
1,571
(164,356)
(4,163)
101,871
(12,083)
1,976,709
(605,278)
193,708
1,565,139
(944,633)
620,506
3.13
3.10
12.54
12.38
118,309,650
368,941
118,678,591
(99,630,956)
19,047,635
(6,819,305)
(4,583,837)
(640,004)
(911,869)
(12,955,015)
6,092,620
(1,171,136)
553,531
1,175,498
938,092
26,134
(389,166)
74,307
221,473
(31,188)
7,490,165
(1,260,285)
222,674
6,452,554
(3,005,111)
3,447,443
16.60
15.23
66.39
60.90
16,663,566
51,964
16,715,530
(14,032,727)
2,682,803
(960,479)
(645,620)
(90,143)
(128,434)
(1,824,676)
858,127
(164,952)
77,962
165,565
132,127
3,681
(54,813)
10,466
31,194
(4,393)
1,054,966
(177,507)
31,363
908,822
(423,261)
485,561
2.34
2.15
9.35
8.58
190,672,869
205,719,772
198,004,260
200,408,494
207,705,476
226,113,084
207,705,476
226,113,084
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
Table of Contents
JINKOSOLAR HOLDING CO., LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2022 AND 2023
(In thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
Net income
Other comprehensive income:
-Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities (Note 29)
-Change in fair value of interest rate swap cash flow hedges (Note 29)
-Reclassification of change in instrument-specific credit risk (Note
22)
-Change in instrument-specific credit risk (Note 22)
-Foreign currency translation adjustments
Comprehensive income
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests
Comprehensive income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s
For the year ended December 31,
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
955,572
1,565,139
6,452,554
—
(12,294)
(14,252)
56,224
(55,438)
929,812
(234,554)
973
—
18,161
—
—
100,158
406,149
2,072,419
(1,079,975)
(53,481)
70,732
129,232
6,617,198
(3,027,731)
USD
(Note 2 (al))
908,822
2,558
—
(7,533)
9,962
18,202
932,011
(426,447)
ordinary shareholders
695,258
992,444
3,589,467
505,564
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
Table of Contents
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Restricted short-term investments
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable, net - related parties
Accounts receivable, net - third parties
Notes receivable - a related party
Notes receivable, net - third parties
Advances to suppliers - a related party
Advances to suppliers - third parties
Inventories, net
Foreign exchange forward contract receivables
Other receivables - related parties
Held-for-sale assets
Available-for-sale securities
Prepayments and other current assets
Total current assets
Non-current assets:
Restricted long-term investments
Long-term investments
Property, plant and equipment, net
Land use rights, net
Intangible assets, net
Deferred tax assets
Financing lease right-of-use assets, net
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
Advances to suppliers to be utilized beyond one year
Other assets – related parties
Other assets – third parties
Available-for-sale securities – non-current
Total non-current assets
Total assets
JINKOSOLAR HOLDING CO., LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2022 AND 2023
(In thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
December 31, 2022
RMB
RMB
December 31, 2023
USD
(Note 2 (al))
10,243,500
1,027,454
8,945,271
—
139,713
16,674,876
282,824
6,697,096
56,860
3,271,284
17,450,284
119,625
23,105
—
104,499
3,290,903
68,327,294
1,378,680
1,711,072
32,290,088
1,431,424
79,600
704,244
558,407
396,966
310,375
52,363
1,421,669
—
40,334,888
108,662,182
16,060,679
3,008,428
7,485,562
1,023,695
296,512
22,662,181
1,183
4,088,902
6,555
4,559,224
18,215,537
103,100
27,412
2,003,417
—
3,402,812
82,945,199
1,536,198
2,117,628
41,267,187
1,821,012
569,088
1,290,004
82,293
660,138
648,377
55,236
2,735,331
104,134
52,886,626
135,831,825
2,262,100
423,728
1,054,319
144,184
41,763
3,191,901
167
575,910
923
642,153
2,565,605
14,521
3,861
282,175
—
479,276
11,682,586
216,369
298,262
5,812,362
256,484
80,154
181,693
11,591
92,978
91,322
7,780
385,263
14,667
7,448,925
19,131,511
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
Table of Contents
JINKOSOLAR HOLDING CO., LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2022 AND 2023
(In thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
December 31, 2022
RMB
RMB
December 31, 2023
USD
(Note 2 (al))
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable – a related party
Accounts payable - third parties
Notes payable - a related party
Notes payable - third parties
Accrued payroll and welfare expenses
Advances from a related party
Advances from third parties
Income tax payables
Foreign exchange forward derivatives payables
Convertible senior notes
Financing lease liabilities - current
Operating lease liabilities - current
Short-term borrowings, including current portion of long-term borrowings, and failed sale-leaseback financing
Other payables and accruals - third parties
Other payables and accruals - related parties
Held-for-sale liabilities
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term borrowings
Long-term payables
Accrued warranty costs - non-current
Financing lease liabilities - non-current
Operating lease liabilities - non-current
Convertible notes
Deferred tax liability
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitment and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Ordinary shares (US$0.00002 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 204,135,029 and 209,920,447 shares issued
as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023, respectively)
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Treasury stock, at cost; 2,945,840 and 1,360,000 ordinary shares as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023
Retained earnings
Total JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. Shareholders’ equity
Non-controlling interests
Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities, non-controlling interest and shareholders’ equity
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-8
—
10,378,076
419,500
20,204,323
2,035,931
3,829
9,220,267
737,735
63,137
—
168,381
65,489
12,419,170
9,214,384
5,964
—
64,936,186
13,022,795
601,759
1,422,276
69,881
339,885
1,070,699
194,808
16,722,103
81,658,289
21,244
15,453,922
277,000
25,413,532
2,798,964
3,412
6,961,886
1,016,039
26,466
782,969
36,587
119,344
13,583,774
13,436,902
11,599
1,117,005
81,060,645
11,238,806
2,378,684
2,145,426
—
557,136
4,785,480
131,506
21,237,038
102,297,683
—
—
28
9,912,931
217,563
(43,170)
6,249,883
16,337,235
10,666,658
27,003,893
108,662,182
29
10,738,376
359,584
(79,282)
9,137,727
20,156,434
13,377,708
33,534,142
135,831,825
2,992
2,176,639
39,015
3,579,421
394,226
481
980,561
143,106
3,728
110,279
5,153
16,809
1,913,234
1,892,546
1,634
157,327
11,417,151
1,582,953
335,031
302,177
—
78,471
674,021
18,522
2,991,175
14,408,326
—
4
1,512,469
50,646
(11,167)
1,287,022
2,838,974
1,884,211
4,723,185
19,131,511
Table of Contents
JINKOSOLAR HOLDING CO., LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2022 AND 2023
(In thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
Ordinary shares issued
JinkoSolar Holding Co., shareholders’ equity
Additional
paid-in capital
RMB
5,251,245
9,884
—
—
2,212
354,582
—
—
5,617,923
987,259
—
—
—
3,303,660
3,853
—
—
236
—
9,912,931
804,004
—
—
—
(43,170)
—
(1)
—
—
Number of
shares
Par value
RMB
Balance as of December 31, 2020
Share-based compensation expense (Note 25)
Foreign currency exchange translation adjustment
Change in the instrument-specific credit risk (Note
190,380,309
—
—
22)
Exercise of share options
Conversion of Convertible senior notes (Note 22)
Net income
Change in fair value of interest rate swap cash flow
hedges
Balance as of December 31, 2021
Share-based compensation expense (Note 25)
Foreign currency exchange translation adjustment
Change in the instrument-specific credit risk (Note
22)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities
(Note 12)
Subsidiary’s offering of its equity interests (Note 24)
Exercise of share options
Contribution
non-controlling
interest
from
shareholders
Net income
Settlement of non-controlling interests
Distribution of a subsidary’s dividend to non-
controlling interest holders (Note 24)
Balance as of December 31, 2022
Share-based compensation expense (Note 25)
Foreign currency exchange translation adjustment
Change in the instrument-specific credit risk (Note
22)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities
(Note 12)
Cancellation of treasury stock
Repurchase of ordinary shares (Note 23)
Vesting of restricted share units
Contribution from non-controlling interest
shareholders(i)
Net income
Conversion of convertible senior notes (Note 22)
Share of equity adjustments in an equity method
investee (Note 12)
Dividend distribution (Note 32)
Distribution of Jiangxi Jinko’s dividend to non-
controlling interest shareholders (Note 24)
Vesting and exercise of share options issued by
Jiangxi Jinko (Note 25)
Conversion of convertible notes issued by Jiangxi
Jinko (Note 22)
Repurchase of ordinary shares of Jiangxi Jinko (Note
24)
—
109,200
3,281,244
—
—
193,770,753
—
—
—
—
—
10,364,276
—
—
—
—
204,135,029
—
—
—
—
(2,945,840)
—
5,792,846
—
—
2,938,412
—
—
—
—
—
—
Balance as of December 31, 2023
209,920,447
26
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
26
—
—
—
—
—
2
—
—
—
—
28
—
—
—
—
—
—
1
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
29
Accumulated
other
Number of
comprehensive Treasury
(loss)/income
RMB
(128,615)
—
(55,438)
(2,945,840)
—
—
Stock
56,224
—
(14,252)
—
—
—
—
—
Treasury
Stock
RMB
(43,170)
—
—
—
—
—
—
Retained
earnings
RMB
4,908,359
—
—
—
—
—
721,018
234,554
(12,294)
(154,375)
—
270,807
—
(2,945,840)
—
—
—
(43,170)
—
—
—
5,629,377
—
—
100,158
973
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
217,563
110,428
—
(2,945,840)
—
—
—
(43,170)
—
—
70,732
—
—
14,342
—
— 2,945,840
— (1,360,000)
—
—
—
43,170
(79,282)
—
—
—
—
—
—
620,506
—
—
6,249,883
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Non-
controlling
interests
RMB
3,002,917
—
—
Total
shareholders’
equity
RMB
12,990,762
9,884
(55,438)
—
—
—
—
3,237,471
13,610
135,342
—
—
6,419,192
—
17,000
944,633
(5,418)
56,224
2,212
340,330
955,572
(12,294)
14,287,252
1,000,869
406,149
100,158
973
9,722,852
3,855
17,000
1,565,139
(5,182)
(95,172)
10,666,658
58,638
18,804
(95,172)
27,003,893
862,642
129,232
—
70,732
—
—
300,771
(53,481)
741
—
—
(115,554)
23
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
3,819
—
—
—
18,161
—
(79,282)
—
10,292
6,452,554
247,290
1,261
(559,599)
—
3,447,443
10,292
3,005,111
—
—
(559,599)
—
520
—
—
—
—
(368,275)
(368,275)
160,843
45,289
16
39
(121,369)
10,738,376
—
359,584
—
(1,360,000)
—
(79,282)
—
9,137,727
(178,718)
13,377,708
(300,087)
33,534,142
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-9
Table of Contents
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Share-based compensation charge (Note 25)
Change in fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts (Note 29)
Change in fair value of foreign exchange options (Note 29)
Change in fair value of convertible senior notes (Note 22)
Change in fair value of call option (Note 22)
Change in fair value of short term investments (Note 5)
Change in fair value of financial liability (Note 29)
Deferred income taxes (Note 6)
Change in fair value of long-term investment (Note 12)
Income from licensed patents whose consideration net off licensed patents (Note 5)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (Note 13)
Amortization of right-of-use assets (Note 19)
Depreciation of project assets
Amortization of land use rights (Note 14)
Amortization of intangible assets (Note 15)
Amortization of guarantee liability
Inventory write-down (Note 10)
Provision for expected credit loss (Note 2(i))
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Loss on disposal of intangible assets
Amortization of deferred losses related to sale-leaseback transactions
Impairment of long-lived assets
Equity in loss/(income) of affiliated companies
Gain on disposal of investment in subsidiaries
Exchange (gain)/loss, net
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of impact of disposition):
Increase in accounts receivable – third parties
(Increase)/decrease in accounts receivable - related parties
(Increase)/decrease in notes receivable – third parties
(Increase)/decrease in notes receivable – a related party
Increase in advances to suppliers – third parties
Increase in advances to suppliers - a related party
Increase in inventories
Increase in long term payable
(Increase)/decrease in lease liabilities
(Increase)/decrease in other receivables – related parties
Increase in prepayments and other current assets
Decrease in other assets - related parties
(Increase)/decrease in other assets – third parties
Increase in land use right
Increase in accounts payable – third parties
Increase/(decrease) in accounts payable – related parties
Increase in accrued payroll and welfare expenses
Increase in deferred revenue
Increase/(decrease) in advances from – third parties
Increase/(decrease) in advances from – a related party
Increase in income tax payables
Increase in warranty cost - non current
Increase in other payables and accruals – third parties
Increase/(decrease) in other payables and accruals – a related party
Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Maturity of restricted short-term investments
Maturity of short-term investments
Maturity of restricted long-term investments
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and land use right
Proceeds from pro rata decrease in an equity investment (Note12)
Proceeds from disposal of an equity investment (Note12)
Net of cash disposed of, cash payment from, disposal of subsidiaries
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Cash paid for investment in affiliates (Note12)
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of restricted short-term investments
Purchase of restricted long-term investments
Purchase of short-term investments
Proceeds from dividends from associates
Purchase of land-use right
Acquisition of a subsidiary, net of cash acquired
Cash paid for investment in equity securities (Note12)
Redemption of avaialble-for-sales securities (Note12)
Loan to third party (Note11)
Deposits provided for an equity investment
Purchase of available-for-sale securities (Note12)
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of call option
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares
Subsidiary’s offering of its equity interests (Note 23)
Cash payment for transaction costs of Jiangxi Jinko’s offering (Note 23)
Settlement of non-controlling interests
Cash payment for finance lease as lessee
Proceeds from exercise of share options
Payment of deposit for finance lease as lessee
Capital contributions from non-controlling interest holder
Proceeds from bank borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Increase/(decrease) in notes payable - related party
Increase in notes payable - third party
Payment of Jiangxi Jinko’s dividend to non-controlling interest holders
Proceeds from issuance of Jiangxi Jinko’s convertible notes (Note.22)
Issuance cost paid for issuance of Jiangxi Jinko’s convertible notes (Note.22)
Proceeds from exercise of share options issued by Jiangxi Jinko (Note. 25)
Cash payment for dividend (Note.32)
Proceeds from financial liabilities measured at FVPL (Note.29)
Borrowings from government background funds
Repurchase of shares (Note.23)
Repurchase of ordinary shares of Jiangxi Jinko
Net cash provided by financing activities
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of the year
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of the year (Note 2(d))
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid for income tax
Cash paid for interest expenses (net of amounts capitalized)
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing cash flow information
Purchases of property, plant and equipment included in payables
Proceeds from exercise of share options received in subsequent period
Receivables related to At-The-Market offering
Receivables related to disposal of Property, plant and equipment and land use right
Offset of receivables with payables for mutual patent licensing
Conversion of convertible senior notes to ordinary shares
JINKOSOLAR HOLDING CO., LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2022 AND 2023
(In Thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
RMB
2023
For the year ended December 31,
USD
(Note 2 (al))
1,565,139
—
1,000,869
13,818
4,163
12,083
—
—
—
(320,673)
(101,871)
—
2,585,018
129,869
—
27,353
17,324
—
1,819,166
285,394
248,500
—
—
373,732
(193,708)
(14,232)
(1,025,891)
(8,610,986)
(115,300)
(5,006,954)
(282,824)
(1,706,688)
(56,860)
(6,053,218)
—
(22,365)
(6,248)
(277,283)
3,417
621,880
(473,806)
3,588,939
(15,863)
795,140
—
3,289,191
3,829
522,879
—
1,572,549
3,734
(5,800,784)
8,494,069
150,000
1,232,960
714,176
94,284
15,000
(91,334)
(12,251,348)
(615,100)
(42,415)
(8,177,423)
(1,406,943)
—
—
—
—
(227,000)
—
(23,459)
(37,854)
(100,000)
(12,272,387)
—
—
9,770,000
(47,148)
(5,182)
(216,722)
5,024
—
17,000
29,663,730
(27,624,208)
419,500
8,132,100
(95,172)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
20,018,922
227,957
2,173,708
9,097,246
11,270,954
400,338
1,072,812
5,674,455
—
—
378,900
—
—
6,452,554
—
862,642
(18,079)
(74,307)
31,188
—
1,125
793
(845,403)
(221,473)
(50,581)
7,856,257
172,625
—
38,656
121,742
—
2,859,081
182,779
107,829
13,900
—
640,004
(222,674)
—
(938,092)
(6,809,123)
(164,200)
2,501,251
281,641
(1,771,208)
50,304
(3,835,365)
179,532
21,474
(4,287)
(219,861)
—
62,735
—
5,542,926
21,244
821,986
—
(2,274,683)
(417)
343,849
723,150
1,378,975
5,635
13,826,124
16,699,633
—
1,378,680
471,569
10,048
—
—
(15,289,935)
—
(198,682)
(15,239,924)
(1,536,198)
(1,024,820)
127,363
(361,997)
36,398
(272,305)
105,500
—
—
(65,000)
(15,159,670)
—
—
—
—
—
(280,833)
—
—
10,292
19,754,288
(20,822,295)
(142,500)
5,209,209
(368,275)
4,726,048
(31,891)
45,289
(559,599)
830,540
650,000
(79,282)
(300,087)
8,640,904
848,969
8,156,327
11,270,954
19,427,281
1,783,845
1,117,871
8,404,479
—
—
89,519
50,581
247,290
908,822
—
121,501
(2,546)
(10,466)
4,393
—
158
112
(119,073)
(31,194)
(7,124)
1,106,531
24,314
—
5,445
17,147
—
402,693
25,744
15,187
1,958
—
90,143
(31,363)
—
(132,127)
(959,045)
(23,127)
352,294
39,668
(249,469)
7,085
(540,200)
25,287
3,025
(604)
(30,967)
—
8,836
—
780,705
2,992
115,774
—
(320,382)
(59)
48,430
101,854
194,225
794
1,947,371
2,352,094
—
194,183
66,419
1,415
—
—
(2,153,542)
—
(27,948)
(2,146,498)
(216,369)
(144,343)
17,939
(50,986)
5,126
(38,353)
14,859
—
—
(9,155)
(2,135,195)
—
—
—
—
—
(39,555)
—
—
1,450
2,782,333
(2,932,759)
(20,071)
733,702
(51,870)
665,650
(4,492)
6,379
(78,818)
116,979
91,551
(11,167)
(42,266)
1,217,046
119,573
1,148,795
1,587,481
2,736,275
251,249
147,208
1,183,746
—
—
12,608
7,124
34,830
955,572
—
9,884
104,643
(18,809)
(327,762)
136,121
—
—
(262,370)
—
—
1,603,786
135,791
32,559
18,031
11,904
(6,364)
823,273
82,427
350,336
—
13,424
273,713
(59,809)
—
355,499
(3,666,406)
364,677
(638,398)
33,001
(856,574)
—
(5,698,689)
—
(50,426)
6,408
(208,125)
104,027
(139,877)
(347,126)
2,644,118
1,750
245,737
200,000
3,533,231
—
141,136
—
599,618
(69,285)
430,646
10,501,200
723,000
1,648,698
20,458
—
—
—
(8,653,859)
(315,000)
(32,261)
(13,362,480)
(1,464,202)
(303,000)
23,213
—
—
(95,000)
—
—
—
—
(11,309,233)
621,059
641,065
—
—
—
(286,292)
10,185
(4,257)
—
30,445,781
(24,280,437)
—
2,737,347
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,133,400
—
—
12,017,851
(116,790)
1,022,474
8,074,772
9,097,246
157,366
801,873
2,756,446
1,169
—
111,804
—
340,330
F-10
Table of Contents
JINKOSOLAR HOLDING CO., LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2022 AND 2023
(In Thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (the “Company” or “JinkoSolar Holding”) was incorporated in the Cayman Islands on August 3, 2007. On
May 14, 2010, the Company became listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) in the United States. The Company and its
subsidiaries (collectively the “Group”) are principally engaged in the design, development, production and marketing of photovoltaic
products.
The following table sets forth information concerning the Company’s major subsidiaries as of December 31, 2023:
Date of
Incorporation
/Acquisition
Place of
Incorporation
Percentage
of ownership
November 10, 2006
Hong Kong
Subsidiaries
JinkoSolar Investment Limited. (“Paker”)
Jinko Solar Co., Ltd. (“Jiangxi Jinko”) (Note 24)
Zhejiang Jinko Solar Co., Ltd. (“Zhejiang Jinko”)
Jinko Solar Import and Export Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Import and Export”)
JinkoSolar GmbH (“Jinko GmbH”)
Zhejiang Jinko Trading Co., Ltd. (“Zhejiang Trading”)
Xinjiang Jinko Solar Co., Ltd. (“Xinjiang Jinko”)
Yuhuan Jinko Solar Co., Ltd. (“Yuhuan Jinko”)
JinkoSolar (U.S.) Inc. (“Jinko US”)
Jiangxi Photovoltaic Materials Co., Ltd. (“Jiangxi Materials”)
JinkoSolar (Switzerland) AG (“Jinko Switzerland”)
JinkoSolar (US) Holdings Inc. (“Jinko US Holding”)
JinkoSolar Italy S.R.L. (“Jinko Italy”)
Jinko Solar Canada Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Canada”)
Jinko Solar Australia Holdings Co. Pty Ltd. (“Jinko Australia”)
Jinko Solar Japan K.K. (“JinkoSolar Japan”)
Jinko Solar (Shanghai) Management Co., Ltd.
Wide Wealth Group Holding Limited. (“Wide Wealth Hong Kong”)
Canton Best Limited (“Canton Best BVI”)
Jinko Solar Technology Sdn.Bhd. (“JinkoSolar Technology Malaysia”)
JinkoSolar International Development Limited.
JinkoSolar Middle East DMCC (“DMCC”)
JinkoSolar Trading Privated Limited.
JinkoSolar LATAM Holding Limited.
JinkoSolar (U.S.) Industries Inc.
December 13, 2006
June 30, 2009
December 24, 2009
April 1, 2010
June 13, 2010
May 30, 2016
July 29, 2016
August 19, 2010
December 1, 2010
May 3, 2011
June 7, 2011
July 8, 2011
November 18, 2011
December 7, 2011
May 21, 2012
July 25, 2012
June 11, 2012
September 16, 2013
January 21, 2015
August 28, 2015
November 6, 2016
February 6, 2017
August 22, 2017
November 16, 2017
PRC
PRC
PRC
Germany
PRC
PRC
PRC
USA
PRC
Switzerland
USA
Italy
Canada
Australia
Japan
PRC
Hong Kong
BVI
Malaysia
Hong Kong
Emirates
India
Hong Kong
USA
PRC
PRC
Korea
100 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
100 %
100 %
58.8 %
100 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
100 %
58.8 %
46.5 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
JinkoSolar (Haining) Co., Ltd.(Formerly named as “JinkoSolar Technology (Haining) Co., Ltd.”) (“Haining Jinko”)*
December 15, 2017
Poyang Ruilixin Information Technology Co., Ltd.
Jinko Solar Korea Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Korea”)
December 19, 2017
December 3, 2018
F-11
Table of Contents
Subsidiaries
JinkoSolar (Sichuan) Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Sichuan”)*
JinkoSolar (Qinghai) Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Qinghai”)*
Rui Xu Co., Ltd. (“Rui Xu”)*
JinkoSolar (Yiwu) Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Yiwu”)*
Omega Solar Sdn. Bhd (Formerly named as “Jinko PV Material Supply SDN. BHD”)
JinkoSolar (Vietnam) Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar (Chuzhou) Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Chuzhou”)*
Zhejiang New Materials Co., Ltd. (“Zhejiang New Materials”)
JinkoSolar (Shangrao) Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Shangrao”)*
Jinko Solar Denmark ApS
JinkoSolar Hong Kong Limited
Jinko Solar (Malaysia) SDN BHD (“JinkoSolar Malaysia”)
JinkoSolar (Chuxiong) Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Chuxiong”)
Yiwu New Materials Co., Ltd. (“Yiwu Materials”)
Jinko Solar (Vietnam) Industries Company Limited.
JinkoSolar (Leshan) Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Leshan”)*
JinkoSolar (Anhui) Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Anhui”) *
JinkoSolar (Yushan) Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Yushan”) *
Fengcheng Jinko PV Materials Co., Ltd
JinkoSolar (Feidong) Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Feidong”) *
JinkoSolar (Jinchang) Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Jinchang”)
JinkoSolar (Poyang) Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Poyang”)
Shangrao Changxin Enterprise Management Center LP.
Jiaxing Jinyue Phase I Venture Capital Partnership
Shangrao Jinko PV Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Shangrao Guangxin Jinko PV Manufacturing Co., Ltd
Jinko Energy Storage Technology Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Energy”)
Jiangxi Jinko Energy Storage Co., Ltd
Mytikas Investment Limited
Shangrao Xinyuan YueDong Technology Development Co., Ltd(Formerly named as “Shangrao Jinko Green Energy Technology
Development Co., Ltd”) (“Shangrao Xinyuan”)*
Jiaxing Jinzhen Venture Capital Partnership LP
Haining JinkoSolar Smart Manufacturing Co., Ltd*
Zhejiang Jinko Energy Storage Co., Ltd (“ZJES”)
Shangrao Carbon and Industrial Equity Investment Fund Center LP.**(“Shangrao CEIF”)
Yantai Jinyi Investment Management Partnership LP.** (“Yantai Jinyi”)
Date of
Incorporation
/Acquisition
February 18, 2019
April 3, 2019
July 24, 2019
September 19, 2019
September 23, 2019
September 26, 2019
December 26, 2019
March 24, 2020
April 17, 2020
May 28, 2020
August 17, 2020
August 28, 2020
September 25, 2020
October 14, 2020
March 29, 2021
April 25, 2021
September 3, 2021
September 26, 2021
August 11, 2021
September 23, 2021
September 24, 2021
December 1, 2021
December 16, 2021
April 26, 2022
March 28, 2022
March 23, 2022
December 6, 2022
May 26, 2022
June 1, 2023
Decemeber 1, 2023
Octomber 23, 2023
August 10, 2023
April 23, 2023
November 15, 2023
July 31, 2023
Place of
Incorporation
Percentage
of ownership
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
Malaysia
Vietnam
PRC
PRC
PRC
Denmark
Hong Kong
Malaysia
PRC
PRC
Vietnam
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
Hong Kong
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
38.5 %
58.8 %
35.3 %
35.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
44.4 %
58.8 %
37.2 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
41.2 %
32.3 %
47.0 %
58.8 %
32.3 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
100 %
78.2 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
100.0 %
58.8 %
100.0 %
58.8 %
58.8 %
29.2 %
21.6 %
*
These entities are subsidiaries of Jiangxi Jinko with non-controlling interest. The percentage of ownership is the economic interest
calculated as the multiple of the Company’s ownership in Jiangxi Jinko and Jiangxi Jinko’s ownership in such subsidiary.
** These entities are limited partnerships consolidated by the Group as the general partner, being established in 2023 by the Group and
a group of external limited partners for investments in private companies in solar industry. As of December 31, 2023, these limited
partnerships had cash and cash equivalents amounted to RMB272 million, equity securities without readily determinable amounted
to RMB50 million and long term payables of investments from limited partners amounted to RMB163 million.
As disclosed in Note 22, in April 2023, several trust plans (“Trusts”) were set up by Paker and a group of financial institutions as the
trustors. Theses Trusts are structured vehicles consolidated by the Group, being set up for the issuance of Jiangxi Jinko’s convertible
notes held by Paker. As of December 31, 2023, these Trusts had outstanding balances of financial liabilities amounted to RMB668
million (Note 18) and restricted cash amounted to RMB207 million.
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2. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a. Basis of presentation and use of estimates
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management of the Company to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities
at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Group bases its estimates on historical experience and various other factors believed
to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and
liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Company’s consolidated
financial statements include expected credit loss provision, provision for inventories, impairment of long-lived assets, the economic
useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, certain accrued liabilities including accruals for warranty costs,
guarantees, sale-leaseback, fair value measurements of share-based compensation and financial instruments, legal contingencies, income
taxes and related deferred tax valuation allowance.
b. Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant transactions
and balances among the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated upon consolidation.
The Group consolidates entities in which it has a controlling financial interest based on either the variable interest entity (“VIE”) or
voting interest model. The Group is required to first apply the VIE model to determine whether it holds a variable interest in an entity,
and if so, whether the entity is a VIE. If the Group determines it does not hold a variable interest in a VIE, it then applies the voting
interest model. Under the voting interest model, the Group consolidates an entity when it holds a majority voting interest in an entity.
An entity is considered to be a VIE if any of the following conditions exist: (a) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to
permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, (b) the holders of the equity investment at
risk, as a group, lack either the direct or indirect ability through voting rights or similar rights to make decisions that have a significant
effect on the success of the entity or the obligation to absorb the entity’s expected losses or right to receive the entity’s expected residual
returns, or (c) the voting rights of some equity investors are disproportionate to their obligation to absorb losses of the entity, their rights
to receive returns from an entity, or both and substantially all of the entity’s activities either involve or are conducted on behalf of an
investor with disproportionately few voting rights.
Under the VIE model, limited partnerships are considered VIE unless the limited partners hold substantive kick - out or participating
rights over the general partner. The Group consolidates entities that are VIEs when the Group determines it is the primary beneficiary.
Generally, the primary beneficiary of a VIE is a reporting entity that has (a) the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect
the VIE’s economic performance, and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could
potentially be significant to the VIE.
For the Group’s majority-owned subsidiaries, non-controlling interests is recognized to reflect the portion of their equity interests which
are not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the Group. Consolidated net income on the consolidated statement of operation includes the
net income attributable to non-controlling interests. The cumulative results of operations attributable to non-controlling interests are
recorded as non-controlling interests in the Group’s consolidated balance sheets. Cash flows related to transactions with non-controlling
interests are presented under financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
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c. Foreign currency translation
The Group’s reporting currency is the Renminbi (“RMB”), the official currency in the PRC. The Company and its PRC subsidiaries use
RMB as their functional currency, while local currencies have been determined to be the functional currency of its subsidiaries
incorporated outside of PRC such as USD or EUR etc. Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are
translated into the functional currency of the entity at the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Gains and losses
resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the consolidated statements of operations. Monetary assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency of the entity using the applicable exchange rates at the
applicable balance sheet dates. All such exchange gains or losses are included in exchange loss in the consolidated statements of
operations.
For consolidation purpose, the financial statements of the Company’s subsidiaries whose functional currencies are other than the RMB
are translated into RMB using exchange rates quoted by PBOC. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates at the balance
sheet date, equity accounts are translated at historical exchange rates and revenues, expenses and gains and losses are translated using the
average exchange rates for the year. Translation adjustments are reported as cumulative translation adjustments and are shown as a
separate component of in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
The RMB is not a freely convertible currency. The PRC State Administration for Foreign Exchange, under the authority of PBOC,
controls the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies. The value of the RMB is subject to changes in central government policies and
to international economic and political developments affecting supply and demand in China’s foreign exchange trading system market.
The Company’s aggregate amount of cash and cash equivalents, time deposits at banks recorded as short-term investments, restricted
short-term investments, restricted cash and restricted long-term investments denominated in RMB amounted to RMB14,243 million and
RMB 21,495 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
d. Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash and cash equivalents represent cash on hand and demand deposits placed with banks or other financial institutions, which have
original maturities of three months or less.
Restricted cash represents deposits legally held by banks which are not available for the Group’s general use. These deposits are held as
collateral for issuance of letters of credit or guarantee, bank acceptance notes to vendors for purchase of machinery and inventories and
foreign exchange forward contracts.
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as reported in the consolidated statement of cash flows are presented separately on our
consolidated balance sheet as follows (RMB in thousands):
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Cash and cash equivalents included in held-for-sale assets (Note 2 (n))
Total
F-14
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
10,243,500
1,027,454
—
11,270,954
2023
RMB
16,060,679
3,008,428
358,174
19,427,281
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e. Short term investments
Short term investments represent i)the time deposits at banks with original maturities longer than three months and less than one year and
stated at amortized cost and ii) the equity linked notes issued by financial institutions whose fair value directly linked to the share price
of a designated A share listo.
f. Restricted short-term and long-term investments
Restricted short-term investments represent the time deposits at banks with original maturities longer than three months and less than one
year, and restricted long-term investments represent time deposits as banks with original maturities longer than one year, which are held
as collateral for issuance of letters of credit, guarantee, bank acceptance notes or deposits for borrowings.
g. Notes receivable and payable
Notes receivable represents bank or commercial drafts that have been arranged with third-party financial institutions by certain customers
to settle their purchases from the Group. The carrying amount of notes receivable approximate their fair values due to the short-term
maturity of the notes receivables.
The Group also issues bank acceptance notes to its suppliers in China in the normal course of business. The Group classifies the changes
in notes payable as financing activities.
Notes receivable and payable are typically non-interest bearing and have maturities of less than one year.
h. Derivative Instruments
Derivative instruments are carried at fair value. The fair values of the derivative financial instruments generally represent the estimated
amounts expect to receive or pay upon termination of the contracts as of the reporting date.
The Company’s derivative instruments primarily consisted of foreign currency forward contracts and foreign exchange options which are
used to economically hedge certain foreign denominated assets/liabilities and reduce, to the extent practicable, the potential exposure to
the changes that exchange rates might have on the Company’s earnings, cash flows and financial position. As the derivative instruments
do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, changes in the fair value are reflected in “change in fair value of foreign exchange
forward contracts” and “change in fair value of foreign exchange options” of the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company’s solar project subsidiary located in Argentina entered into an interest rate swap contract to swap floating interest
payments related to certain borrowings for fixed interest payments to hedge the interest rate risk associated with certain forecasted
payments and obligations. As the interest rate derivative is designated as cash flow hedge and the hedge is highly effective, all changes in
the fair value of the derivative hedging instruments are recorded in other comprehensive income. The Company sold its solar power
plants in Argentina in June 2022.
i. Current expected credit losses
The Company’s trade receivable, notes receivable, guarantee receivables, deposits and other receivables are within the scope of ASC
Topic 326. The allowance is management’s estimate of expected credit losses on receivables. The Company estimated the allowance by
segmenting receivables into groups based on certain credit risk characteristics, including geographic region and industry. The Company
determined an expected loss rate for each group based on the historical credit loss experience, current and future economic conditions,
and lifetime for debt recovery.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded RMB82 million expected credit loss expense in general and
administrative expenses. As of December 31, 2021, the expected credit loss provision for the current and non-current assets were
RMB331 million and RMB4 million, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded RMB285 million expected credit loss expense in general and
administrative expenses. As of December 31, 2022, the expected credit loss provision for the current and non - current assets were
RMB600 million and RMB2 million, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded RMB183 million expected credit loss expense in general and
administrative expenses. As of December 31, 2023, the expected credit loss provision for the current and non-current assets were
RMB779 million and RMB2 million, respectively.
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j. Accounts receivable
Specific provisions are made against accounts receivable for estimated losses resulting from the inability of the Group’s customers to
make payments. The Group periodically assesses accounts receivable balances to determine whether an allowance for credit losses
should be made based upon historical bad debts, specific customer creditworthiness and current economic trends. Accounts receivable in
the balance sheets are stated net of such provision, if any. Before approving sales to each customer, the Group conducts a credit
assessment for each customer to evaluate the collectability of such sales. The assessment usually takes into consideration the credit
worthiness of such customer and its guarantor, if any, the Group’s historical payment experience with such customer, industry-wide
trends with respect to credit terms, including the terms offered by competitors, and the macro-economic conditions of the region to which
sales will be made. The Group executes a sales order with a customer and arrange for shipment only if its credit assessment concludes
that the collectability with such customer is probable. The Group may also from time to time require security deposits from certain
customers to minimize its credit risk. After the sales are made, the Group closely monitors the credit situation of each customer on an on-
going basis for any subsequent change in its financial position, business development and credit rating, and evaluates whether any of
such adverse change warrants further action to be taken by the Group, including asserting claims and/or initiating legal proceedings
against the customer and/or its guarantor, as well as making provisions. It is also the Group’s general practice to suspend further sales to
any customer with significant overdue balances. The Group adopted ASC 326 on January 1, 2020 and has also made updates to its
policies and internal controls over financial reporting as a result of adoption. Details please refer to Note 2 (i) above.
k. Advances to suppliers
The Group provides short-term and long-term advances to secure its raw material needs, which are then offset against future purchases.
The Group continually assesses the credit quality of its suppliers and the factors that affect the credit risk. If there is deterioration in the
creditworthiness of its suppliers, the Group will seek to recover its advances to suppliers and provide for losses on advances which are
akin to receivables in operating expenses because of suppliers’ inability to return its advances. Recoveries of the allowance for advances
to supplier are recognized when they are received. The Company classified short-term and long-term advances to suppliers based on
management’s best estimate of the expected purchase in the next twelve-months as of the balance sheet date and the Group’s ability to
make requisite purchases under existing supply contracts. The balances expected to be utilized outside of the 12 months are recorded in
advances to suppliers to be utilized beyond one year. No provision of advance to suppliers was recorded for the years ended December
31, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
l. Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the weighted average method. Provisions are
made for excessive, slow moving and obsolete inventories as well as for inventories with carrying values in excess of market. Certain
factors could impact the realizable value of inventory, so the Group continually evaluates the recoverability based on assumptions about
customer demand and market conditions. The evaluation may take into consideration historical usage, expected demand, anticipated sales
price, new product development schedules, the effect new products might have on the sale of existing products, product obsolescence,
customer concentrations, and other factors. The reserve or write-down is equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the
estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less
favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory reserves or write-downs may be required that could negatively
impact the Group’s gross margin and operating results. If actual market conditions are more favorable, the Group may have higher gross
margin when products that have been previously reserved or written down are eventually sold. The sale of previously reserved inventory
did not have a material impact on the gross margin percentage for any of the years presented.
In addition, the Group analyzes its firm purchase commitments, if any, at each period end. Provision is made in the current period if the
net realizable value after considering estimated costs to convert polysilicon into saleable finished goods is higher than market selling
price of finished goods as of the end of a reporting period. There was no provision recorded related to these long-term contracts for each
of the three years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
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m. Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Cost includes the prices paid to acquire or construct the
assets, interest capitalized during the construction period and any expenditure that substantially extends the useful life of an existing
asset. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives (RMB in thousands):
Buildings
Machinery and equipment
Furniture, fixture and office equipment
Motor vehicles
20 years
5~10 years
3~5 years
4~5 years
Construction in progress primarily represents the construction of new production line and buildings. Costs incurred in the construction
are capitalized and transferred to property, plant and equipment upon completion, at which time depreciation commences.
Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. The gain or loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, if any,
is the difference between the net sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the disposed assets, and is recognized in the consolidated
statement of operations upon disposal.
The Company reviews the estimated useful lives and residential value of its property, plant and equipment on an ongoing basis. Effective
from January 1, 2023, the Company updated its estimates for useful lives of certain machinery and equipments from 10 years to 6 years
and residual value of its property, plant and equipment from 10% to 5%, based on its internal studies and market analysis which supports
6 years useful lives and 5% residual value as more appropriate in view of the recent developments in solar power technology. The change
was accounted for prospectively as a change in accounting estimate. The amount and per share effect of the change in accounting
estimate for the year ended December 31, 2023 are summaried as below:
For the year ended December 31,
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
2021
RMB
Decrease in net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders
(in RMB thousands)
Decrease in basic earnings per share
Decrease in diluted earnings per share
n. Assets and liabilities held for sale
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,242,367
5.98
5.49
Long-lived assets to be sold are classified as held for sale when the following recognition criteria in ASC 360-10-45-9 are met:
☐ Management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the asset.
☐ The asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales
of such assets.
☐ An active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the asset have been initiated.
☐ The sale of the asset is probable, and transfer of the asset is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale, within
one year,
☐ The asset is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value.
☐ Actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the
plan will be withdrawn.
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In 2023, Jiangxi Jinko entered into an equity transfer agreement with third parties (the “Acquirers”) to sell its 100% equity interest in
Xinjiang Jinko (the “Target Company”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jiangxi Jinko, at a consideration of RMB4.3 billion. Payment
arrangements are agreed as follows:
● RMB1.2 billion: Upon sign-off of all related transaction documents etc.
● RMB1.5 billion: Upon completion of business registration with related authorities etc.
● RMB1.6 billion: 25% (RMB 0.4 billion) to be paid in each year upon Xinjiang Jinko achieved agreed performance target from 2024
to 2027.
In addition, pursuant to the agreement, Jiangxi Jinko promised that the cumulative net profit excluding extraordinary gains and losses of
Xingjiang Jinko for the years from 2024 to 2027 shall at least reach RMB 2 billion (the “Commitment”) and i) if the Target Company’s
actual accumulated net profit is greater than or equal to zero, but does not reach the Commitment, Jiangxi Jinko shall compensate the
Acquirers in cash for the difference between the actual accumulated net profit amount and the Commitment; (ii) if the Target Company’s
actual cumulative net profit is less than zero, then Jiangxi Jinko shall compensate the Acquirers in cash according to the absolute value of
the actual cumulative net loss capped at RMB 2.7 billion and (iii) if the cumulative net profits of the Target Company from 2024 to 2027
are greater than RMB 2 billion, additional consideration shall be made by the Acquirers based on 30% of the excess portion of earnings.
As the disposition has not yet been consummated as of December 31, 2023, the assets and liabilities of Xinjiang Jinko were classified as
held for sale with the amount of RMB 1,814 million and RMB 1,117 million, respectivley. No impairment indicator was identified in
relation to the held for sale assets.
In May 2023, the Group entered into an agreement to sell its land use right and buildings located in Yuhuan, Zhejiang province to a third
party with a total amount of RMB 236 million. Related assets were reclassified from land use right and the property, plant and equipment
to assets held for sale amounted to RMB 189 million as of December 31, 2023.
o. Interest Capitalization
Interest expenses during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 were RMB879 million, RMB1,150 million and RMB1,243
million, net of interest income of RMB214 million, RMB589 million and RMB554 million respectively.
The interest cost associated with major development and construction projects is capitalized and included in the cost of the property,
plant and equipment. Interest capitalization ceases once a project is substantially completed or no longer undergoing construction
activities to prepare it for its intended use. When no debt is specifically identified as being incurred in connection with a construction
project, the Group capitalizes interest on amounts expended on the project at the Group’s weighted average cost of borrowings. Interest
expense capitalized associated with the construction projects for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 were RMB41
million, RMB71 million and RMB72 million, respectively.
p. Land use rights
Land use rights represent acquisition costs to purchase land use rights from the PRC government, which are evidenced by property
certificates. The periods of these purchased land use rights are either 50 years or 70 years. The Company classifies land use rights as long
term assets on the balance sheet and cash outflows related to acquisition of land use right as investing activities.
Land use rights are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses, if any. Amortization is computed using the
straight-line method over the term specified in the land use right certificate for 50 years or 70 years, as applicable.
q. Intangible assets
Intangible assets include purchased software, intellectual property and fees paid to register trademarks and are amortized on a straight-
line basis over their estimated useful lives, which are 5 to 10 years, respectively.
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r. Business combination and assets acquisition
U.S. GAAP requires that all business combinations not involving entities or businesses under common control be accounted for under the
purchase method. The Group has adopted ASC 805 “Business Combinations,” and the cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate
of the fair values at the date of exchange of the assets given, liabilities incurred and equity instruments issued. The transaction costs
directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired or
assumed are measured separately at their fair value as of the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any non-controlling interests.
The excess of the (i) the total of cost of acquisition, fair value of the non-controlling interests and acquisition date fair value of any
previously held equity interest in the acquiree over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable net tangible and intangible assets of the acquiree
is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is
recognized directly in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
The determination and allocation of fair values to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based on various assumptions
and valuation methodologies requiring considerable management judgment. The most significant variables in these valuations are
discount rates, terminal values, the number of years on which to base the cash flow projections, as well as the assumptions and estimates
used to determine the future cash inflows and outflows. Management determines discount rates to be used based on the risk inherent in
the related activity’s current business model and industry comparisons. Terminal values are based on the expected life of products and
forecasted life cycle and forecasted cash flows over that period. Although management believes that the assumptions applied in the
determination are reasonable based on information available at the date of acquisition, actual results may differ from the forecasted
amounts and the difference could be material.
A non-controlling interest is recognized to reflect the portion of a subsidiary’s equity which is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to
the Company. Consolidated net income on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income includes the net income
(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests when applicable. The cumulative results of operations attributable to non-controlling
interests are also recorded as non-controlling interests in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Cash flows related to transactions
with non-controlling interests are presented under financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows when applicable.
s. Investments
The Group’s investments include equity method investments, equity securities with readily determinable fair values, equity securities
without readily determinable fair values, equity securities applying fair value option and available-for-sale debt securities.
The Group holds equity investments in affiliates in which it does not have a controlling financial interest, but has the ability to exercise
significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. These investments are accounted for under equity method
of accounting wherein the Group records its proportionate share of the investees’ income or loss in its consolidated financial statements.
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis with changes in fair
value, whether realized or unrealized, recorded through the income statement.
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values are measured and recorded using a measurement alternative that measures the
securities at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from qualifying observable price changes.
Fair value option election is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and equity securities applying fair value option is reported at fair
value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings.
Equity investments are evaluated for impairment when facts or circumstances indicate that the fair value of the investment is less than its
carrying value. The Group reviews several factors to determine whether an impairment is recognized. These factors include, but are not
limited to, the: (1) nature of the investment; (2) cause and duration of the impairment; (3) extent to which fair value is less than cost;
(4) financial conditions and near term prospects of the issuers; and (5) ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow
for any anticipated recovery in fair value.
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Debt securities that the Company has positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity debt securities and
are stated at amortized cost. The Company classified its investments in debt securities, other than the held to maturity debt securities, as
available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale debt securities are reported at estimated fair value with the aggregate unrealized gains and
losses, net of tax, reflected in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the consolidated balance sheets. If the amortized cost basis of
an available-for-sale security exceeds its fair value and if the Company has the intention to sell the security or it is more likely than not
that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis, an impairment is recognized in the
consolidated statements of operations. If the Company does not have the intention to sell the security and it is not more likely than not
that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis and the Company determines that the
decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis of an available-for-sale security is entirely or partially due to credit-related factors,
the credit loss is measured and recognized as an allowance for credit losses in the consolidated statements of operations. The allowance
is measured as the amount by which the debt security’s amortized cost basis exceeds the Company’s best estimate of the present value of
cash flows expected to be collected.
t. Impairment of long-lived assets
The Group’s long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, land use rights and intangible assets with finite lives. The Group’s
business requires heavy investment in manufacturing equipment that is technologically advanced, but can quickly become significantly
under-utilized or rendered obsolete by rapid changes in demand for solar power products produced with those equipment.
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amount of an asset
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. The Group may recognize impairment of long-lived assets in the event the net book
value of such assets exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows attributable to these assets. If the total of the expected undiscounted
future net cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, a loss, if any, is recognized for the difference between the fair value of
the asset and its carrying value. Fair value is generally measured based on either quoted market prices, if available, or discounted cash
flow analyses.
u. Leases
The Company determines if a contract contains a lease at inception of the arrangement based on whether it has the right to obtain
substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of an identified asset and whether it has the right to direct the use of an identified
asset in exchange for consideration, which relates to an asset which the Company does not own. Right of use (“ROU”) assets represent
the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease
payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of
lease payments over the lease term. When determining the lease term, the Company includes options to extend or terminate the lease
when it is reasonably certain that it will exercise that option, if any. As the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the
Company uses its incremental borrowing rate, which it calculates based on the credit quality of the Company and by comparing interest
rates available in the market for similar borrowings, and adjusting this amount based on the impact of collateral over the term of each
lease. The Company does not typically incur variable lease payments related to its leases.
For a sale-leaseback transaction, sale-leaseback accounting shall be used by a seller-lessee only if the transaction meet all of the
following: a) the transfer of the underlying asset meets the definition of a sale under ASC 606; b) the leaseback transaction does not
result in a lease that would be classified as a finance lease; c) the contract does not contain a repurchase option, unless the option is
exercisable at the fair value on the exercise date and there are alternative assets substantially the same as the transferred asset available in
the market place.
If a sale-leaseback transaction does not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting because of the transfer of underlying assets does not meet
the definition of sale, it is accounted for as a financing under ASC 360.
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The Company has elected to adopt the following lease policies in conjunction with the adoption of ASU 2016-02: (i) elect for each lease
not to separate non-lease components from lease components and instead to account for each separate lease component and the non-lease
components associated with that lease component as a single lease component; (ii) for leases that have lease terms of 12 months or less
and does not include a purchase option that is reasonably certain to exercise, the Company elected not to apply ASC Topic 842
recognition requirements; and (iii) the Company elected to apply the package of practical expedients for existing arrangements entered
into prior to January 1, 2019 to not reassess (a) whether an arrangement is or contains a lease, (b) the lease classification applied to
existing leases, and(c) initial direct costs.
v. Guarantees
The Group issues debt payment guarantees in favor of JinkoPower, a related party. The guarantees require the Group to make payments
to reimburse the holders of the debt subject to these guarantees for losses they incur JinkoPower fails to make repayments to the holders,
when its liability to the holders falls due.
A guarantee liability is initially recognized at the estimated fair value in the Group’s consolidated balance sheets unless it becomes
probable that the Group will reimburse the holder of the guarantee for an amount higher than the carrying amount, in which case the
guarantee is carried in the Group’s consolidated balance sheets at the expected amount payable to the holder. The fair value of the
guarantee liability is measured by the total consideration to be received in connection with the provision of guarantee. The guarantee
liability is amortized in straight line during the guarantee period.
Receivables have also been recorded for the guarantee payments to be received (Note 26).
Pursuant to the master service agreement signed with JinkoPower, guarantee service fee is settled on an annual basis.
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w. Revenue recognition
The Company negotiated payment terms on a case by case basis and allows most of its overseas’ customers to make full payment within
90 days and its domestic customers to make 90% to 95% of payment within 180 days after delivery and the rest will be paid when the
Retainage Period (as defined below) ends.
As a result of adopting ASC Topic 606, for the sales contracts with retainage terms, under which customers were allowed to withhold
payment of 5% to 10% of the full contract price as retainage for a specified period from one year to two year since normal operation of
related customer’s solar project (“Retainage Period”), revenue from retainage is recognized upon the Group satisfied its performance
obligation to transfer the goods to its customers instead of deferring recognition until the customers pay it after the Retainage Period
expires. Revenue recognition for the Group’s other sales arrangements, including sales of solar modules, wafers, cells and revenue from
generated electricity, remained materially consistent with historical practice.
For the contracts with retainage terms signed and executed before the adoption date of January 1, 2018, as 90%~95% of the revenue was
recognized before the date of initial application, which is considered to be substantial, management concluded that these contracts have
been completed before the adoption date, and as the company has elected to apply the modified retrospective adoption method only to
contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018, no cumulative effect related to these retainages is recognized as an adjustment to
the opening balance of retained earnings. The revenue recognized upon collection of these retainage amounts is recognized under ASC
605, the prior revenue recognition standard, with the amount of RMB3 million, RMB0.4 million and RMB7 million in 2021, 2022 and
2023.
The total amounts of retainage that were not recognized as revenue were RMB24 million, RMB23 million and RMB16 million as of
December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
The Group was mainly subject to value added taxes (“VAT”) on its sales from products. The Group recognizes revenue net of VAT.
Related surcharges, such as urban maintenance and construction tax as well as surtax for education expenses are recorded in cost of
revenues.
The Company’s accounting practices under ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” are as followings:
(a) Revenue recognition on product sales
For all product sales, the Group requires a contract or purchase order which quantifies pricing, quantity and product specifications. The
Company’s sales arrangements generally do not contain variable considerations and are short-term in nature. The Company recognizes
revenue at a point in time based on management’s evaluation of when the customer obtains control of the products. Revenue is
recognized as performance obligation under the terms of a contract with the customer are satisfied and control of the product has been
transferred to the customer. Sales of goods do not include multiple product and/or service elements.
Practical expedients and exemption
Upon the election of the practical expedient under ASC 340-40-25-4, the incremental costs of obtaining a contract are expensed when
incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the entity otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. For the years ended
December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, no incremental cost was capitalized as assets.
The Group also selected to apply the practical expedients allowed under ASC Topic 606 to omit the disclosure of remaining performance
obligations for contracts with an original expected duration of one year or less and for contracts where the Company has the right to
invoice for performance completed to date.
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Based on the considerations that there is no difference between the amount of promised consideration and the cash selling price of
product sales, in addition the actual length of time between when the Group transfers products to the customer and when the customer
pays for those products has been generally within one year, the Group assessed and concluded that there is no significant financing
component in place within its products sales as a practical expedient in accordance with ASC 606-10-32-18. As the retainage term is
made to secure the future effective operation of solar modules and not to provide customer with significant financing, no significant
financing component is considered to exist in the sales contract with retainage terms.
(b) Sales of solar projects
The Company’s sales arrangements for solar projects do not contain any forms of continuing involvement that may affect the revenue or
profit recognition of the transactions, nor any variable considerations for energy performance guarantees, minimum electricity end
subscription commitments. The Company therefore determined its single performance obligation to the customer is the sale of a
completed solar project. The Group recognizes revenue for sales of solar projects at a point in time after the solar project has been grid
connected and the customer obtains control of the solar project.
(c) Revenue from electricity generation
The Group recognizes electricity generation revenue on project assets constructed with a plan to operate the plant when persuasive
evidence of a power purchase arrangement with the power grid company exists, electricity has been generated and been transmitted to
the grid and the electricity generation records are reconciled with the grid companies, the price of electricity is fixed or determinable and
the collectability of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.
(d) Revenue on processing services
The Group provides solar power product processing services to customers and the revenue of processing services is recognized at a point
in time upon completion which is generally evidenced by delivery of processed products to the customers.
VAT on invoice amount is collected on behalf of tax authorities in respect of the sales of product and is not recorded as revenue. VAT
collected from customers, net of VAT paid for purchases, is recorded as a liability until it is paid to the tax authorities.
x. Segment report
The Group uses the management approach in determining reportable operating segments. The management approach considers the
internal organization and reporting used by the Group’s chief operating decision maker for making operating decisions, allocating
resources and assessing performance as the source for determining the Group’s reportable segments.
Based on the criteria established by ASC 280 “Segment Reporting”, the Group’s chief operating decision maker has been identified as
the Chairman of the Board of Directors as well as the CEO, who only review consolidated results of the Group when making decisions
about allocating resources and assessing performance. Hence, the Group has only one operating segment which is vertically integrated
solar power products manufacturing business from silicon ingots, wafers, cells to solar modules.
y. Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue for sales of photovoltaic products includes production and indirect costs, as well as c for raw materials purchase and
provision for inventories.
Costs of electricity generation revenue include depreciation of solar power project assets and costs associated with operation and
maintenance of the project assets. Cost of electricity sales was RMB31 million, nil and nil for years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and
2023, respectively.
z. Warranty cost
- Warranty for solar modules
Solar modules produced by the Group are typically sold with either a 5-year or 10-year warranty for product defects, and a 10-year and
25-year warranty against declines of more than 10% and 20%, respectively, from the initial minimum power generation capacity at the
time of delivery. Therefore, the Group is exposed to potential liabilities that could arise from these warranties. The potential liability is
generally in the form of product replacement or repair.
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Management applied significant judgements in estimating the expected failure rate of the Company’s solar module products and the
estimated replacement costs associated with fulfilling its warranty obligations when measuring the warranty costs. Based on the actual
claims incurred during the past years which appears to be consistent with the market practice, the Group projected the expected failure
rate as 1% for the whole warranty period, which is consistent with prior assumptions. Based on the Group’s actual claims experience in
the historical periods as well as management’s current best estimation, the Group believes that the average selling price of solar modules
over the past two years more accurately reflects the estimated warranty cost liability in connection with the products sold by the Group,
as opposed to the current and past spot prices.
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2023, due to the decrease in average selling price of solar modules, the Group reversed
previous years’ recorded warranty liability of RMB104 million and RMB387 million, with a corresponding decrease to selling and
marketing expenses, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2022, due to the rising in average selling price of solar modules, the
Group increased previous years’ recorded warranty liability of RMB75 million, with a corresponding increase to selling and marketing
expenses in 2022.
The warranty costs were classified as current liabilities under other payables and accruals, and non-current liabilities under accrued
warranty costs–non-current, respectively, which reflect the Group’s estimation of the timing of when the warranty expenditures will
likely be made. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, warranty costs accrued for the modules and energy storage
system delivered in the periods before the increase/reversal due to updated project replacement cost were RMB390 million, RMB773
million and RMB1,372 million, respectively. The utilization of the warranty accruals for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and
2023 were RMB171 million, RMB212 million and RMB222 million, respectively.
Movement of accrued warranty cost for solar modules
The following table summarizes the movement of accrued warranty cost for solar modules (RMB in thousands):
At beginning of year
Additions
Utilization
Accrue (reversal) to selling and marketing expense
At end of year
For the year ended December 31,
2022
RMB
1,007,805
771,244
(212,130)
74,802
1,641,721
2021
RMB
892,131
390,238
(170,776)
(103,788)
1,007,805
2023
RMB
1,641,721
1,348,516
(222,073)
(386,910)
2,381,254
The Group purchases warranty insurance policy which provides coverage for the product warranty services of solar modules worldwide.
Prepayment for warranty insurance premium is initially recorded as other assets and is amortized over the insurance coverage period.
Prepayment for warranty insurance premium is not recorded as reduction of estimated warranty liabilities. Once the Group receives
insurance recoveries, warranty expenses will be credited.
- Warranty for Energy Storage Solution (“ESS”) products
ESS products of the Group are typically sold with a 5 to 10 years warranty for product defects. Due to limited warranty claim history, the
Group estimates related warranty costs based on an assessment for its competitors’ history while incorporating estimates of failure rates
through its quality review. Consequently, the Group accrues the equivalent of 3% of gross revenues of ESS products sales as a warranty
liability to accrue the estimated cost of related warranty obligations. Actual warranty costs incurred for warranty claims by customers are
recorded in and charged against the accrued warranty liability. To the extent that actual warranty costs differ from the estimates, the
Group will prospectively revise its accrual rate. The Group began the sales of ESS products in the fourth quarter of 2022 and has not
experienced any material warranty claims to-date. The warranty costs were classified as current liabilities under other payables and
accruals, and non-current liabilities under accrued warranty costs – non-current, respectively, which reflect the Company’s estimate of
the timing of when the warranty expenditures will likely be made.
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Movement of accrued warranty cost for ESS products
The following table summarizes the movement of accrued warranty cost for ESS products (RMB in thousands):
For the year ended December 31,
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
2021
RMB
At beginning of year
Additions
Utilization
At end of year
—
—
—
—
—
2,254
—
2,254
2,254
23,186
—
25,440
Saved as accrued warranty cost for solar modules and ESS products, no significant warranty for solar cells, silicon wafers and other solar
materials products defects.
aa. Shipping and handling
Costs to ship products to customers are included in selling and marketing expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Costs to
ship products to customers were RMB2,048 million, RMB5,161 million and RMB4,226 million for the years ended December 31, 2021,
2022 and 2023, respectively.
ab. Research and development
Research and development costs are expensed when incurred.
ac. Start-up costs
The Group expenses all costs incurred in connection with start-up activities, including pre-production costs associated with new
manufacturing facilities (excluding costs that are capitalized as part of property, plant and equipment) and costs incurred with the
formation of new subsidiaries such as organization costs.
ad. Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the
future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and
liabilities and their respective tax bases and any tax loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are
measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to
be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates or tax laws is recognized in the
consolidated statements of operations in the period the change in tax rates or tax laws is enacted. A valuation allowance is provided to
reduce the amount of deferred income tax assets if it is considered more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income
tax assets will not be realized.
The accounting for uncertain tax positions requires that the Company recognizes in the consolidated financial statements the impact of an
uncertain tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the
position. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes
in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Group’s policy is to recognize, if
any, tax related interest as interest expenses and penalties as general and administrative expenses. As of December 31, 2022 and 2023,
there were no uncertain tax positions.
ae. Commitments and Contingencies
Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is
probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
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af. Fair value of financial instruments
The Group does not have any non-financial assets or liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on
a recurring basis. Fair value is defined 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 (also referred to as an exit price). A hierarchy is established for inputs
used in measuring fair value that gives the highest priority to observable inputs and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. Valuation
techniques used to measure fair value shall maximize the use of observable inputs.
When available, the Group measures the fair value of financial instruments based on quoted market prices in active markets, valuation
techniques that use observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. Pricing information the
Group obtains from third parties is internally validated for reasonableness prior to use in the consolidated financial statements. When
observable market prices are not readily available, the Group generally estimates the fair value using valuation techniques that rely on
alternate market data or inputs that are generally less readily observable from objective sources and are estimated based on pertinent
information available at the time of the applicable reporting periods. In certain cases, fair values are not subject to precise quantification
or verification and may fluctuate as economic and market factors vary and the Group’s evaluation of those factors changes. Although the
Group uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of these financial instruments, there are inherent limitations in any estimation
technique. In these cases, a minor change in an assumption could result in a significant change in its estimate of fair value, thereby
increasing or decreasing the amounts of the Group’s consolidated assets, liabilities, equity and net income.
The Group’s financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, restricted short-term and long-term
investments, available-for-sale securities, long-term investments, accounts and notes receivable, foreign exchange forward contract
receivables, other receivables, prepayments and other current assets, call option, foreign exchange option, accounts and notes payable,
other payables and accruals, foreign exchange forward contract payables, guarantee liabilities, lease liabilities, short-term borrowings,
long-term borrowings, long-term payables, convertible senior notes, convertible notes and interest rate swap.
The foreign exchange forward contracts receivable and payable, call option, foreign exchange options, interest rate swap, equity
securities applying fair value option, available-for-sale debt securities and convertible senior notes issued by the Company are measured
at fair value (Note 29). The Group measures the equity method investments at fair value on a non-recurring basis only if an impairment
charge were to be recognized. For those equity investments without readily determinable fair value, the Group measures them at fair
value when observable price changes are identified or impairment charge was recognized. Except for these financial instruments and
long-term borrowing, the carrying values of the Group’s other financial instruments approximated their fair values due to the short-term
maturity of these instruments. The carrying amount of long-term borrowing approximates their fair value due to the fact that the related
interest rates approximate rates currently offered by financial institutions for similar debt instruments of comparable maturities.
When the fair value option is elected for financial liabilities, changes in fair value due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk will
be recognized separately in other comprehensive income. As the Company elected to measure its convertible senior notes issued in 2019
in their entirety at fair value, the portion of the total change in the fair value of the convertible senior notes that results from a change in
the instrument-specific credit risk is presented separately in other comprehensive income. The gains or losses attributable to changes in
instrument-specific credit risk were benchmarked by the portion of the total change in fair value that excluding the amount resulting from
a change in a risk-free rate.
ag. Government grants
Government grants related to technology upgrades and enterprise development are recognized as subsidy income when received. For
the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, the Group received financial subsidies of RMB466 million, RMB1,089 million and
RMB1,175 million from the local PRC government authorities, respectively. These subsidies were non-recurring, not refundable and
with no conditions related to specific use or disposition of the funds, attached. There are no defined rules and regulations to govern the
criteria necessary for companies to enjoy such benefits and the amount of financial subsidy is determined at the discretion of the relevant
government authorities.
Government grants related to assets are initially recorded as deferred revenue which are then deducted from the carrying amount when
the assets are ready for use and approved by related government. The Company received government grant related to assets of RMB291
million, RMB1,469 million and RMB2,827 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
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ah. Repurchase of share
When the Company’s shares are purchased for retirement, the excess of the purchase price over its par value is recorded entirely to
additional paid-in capital subject to the limitation of the additional paid in capital when the shares were originally issued. When the
Company’s shares are acquired for purposes other than retirement, the purchase price is shown separately as treasury stock.
ai. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of
ordinary shares outstanding during the period using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, net income is allocated between
ordinary shares and other participating securities based on their participating rights. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing
net income attributable to ordinary shareholders, as adjusted for the change in income or loss as result from the assumed conversion of
those participating securities, if any, by the weighted average number of ordinary and dilutive ordinary equivalent shares outstanding
during the period. Potential diluted securities consist of the ordinary shares issuable upon the conversion of the convertible senior notes
(using the if-converted method), the potential shares underlying call option arrangement and ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise
of outstanding share options (using the treasury stock method), which are not included in the calculation of dilutive earnings per share if
the effect is anti-dilutive.
Changes in income or loss of potential dilutive securities as result from the assumed conversion of the convertible senior notes and
assumed exercise of call option, if any, are recorded as the adjustment to the consolidated net income from continuing operations to
arrive at the diluted net income available to the Company’s ordinary shareholders.
Securities issued by a subsidiary that enable their holders to obtain the subsidiary’s common stock is included in computing the
subsidiary’s earnings per share data. Those per-share earnings of the subsidiary are then included in the consolidated earnings per share
computations based on the consolidated group’s holding of the subsidiary’s securities.
aj. Share-based compensation
The Company’s share-based payment transactions with employees, including share options, are measured based on the grant-date fair
value of the equity instrument issued. The fair value of the award is recognized as compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures,
over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, which is generally the vesting period.
Employee share option issued by a subsidiary of the Company that qualifies for equity classification is accounted for by the Company as
noncontrolling interest (recorded as the option vests) in its consolidated financials totaling the grant date fair value based measure of the
employee stock option.
ak. Other comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity during a period from non-owner sources. The Company’s other
comprehensive income for each period presented is comprised of foreign currency translation adjustment of the Company’s foreign
subsidiaries, the changes in fair value of interest swap cash flow hedges, fair value changes of the Company’s debt securities and changes
in instrument-specific credit risk of financial liabilities using fair value option.
al. Convenience translation
Translations of balances in the consolidated balance sheet, consolidated statement of operation, consolidated statement of comprehensive
income and statement of cash flows from RMB into United States dollars (“USD” or “US$”) as of and for the year ended December 31,
2023 are solely for the convenience of readers and were calculated at the rate of RMB7.0999 to USD1.00, representing the exchange rate
set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. No representation is intended to imply that the RMB amounts could
have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled into USD at that rate on December 31, 2023, or at any other rate.
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am. Recent accounting pronouncements
New Accounting Standards Adopted
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract
Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, which require that an entity (acquirer) recognize and measure contract assets and contract
liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Topic 606. At the acquisition date, an acquirer should account for the
related revenue contracts in accordance with Topic 606 as if it had originated the contracts. The amendments in this Update also provide
certain practical expedients for acquirers when recognizing and measuring acquired contract assets and contract liabilities from revenue
contracts in a business combination. The amendments should be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the
effective date of the amendments, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this update in the first quarter of 2023 and the
adoption did not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. This ASU eliminates the
accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings by creditors that have adopted ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on
Financial Instruments, which the Company adopted on January 1, 2020. This ASU also enhances the disclosure requirements for certain
loan refinancing and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. In addition, the ASU amends the
guidance on vintage disclosures to require entities to disclose current period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing
receivables and net investments in leases within the scope of ASC 326-20. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after
December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption of the ASU would be applied prospectively. Early
adoption is also permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company adopted this update in the first quarter of 2023 and the
adoption did not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject
to Contractual Sale Restrictions. The update clarifies that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part
of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The update also clarifies that an
entity cannot, as a separate unit of account, recognize and measure a contractual sale restriction. The update also requires certain
additional disclosures for equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions. The amendments in this update are effective for the
Company beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for both interim
and annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The Company is in the process of
evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023 - 07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (Topic 280). This ASU
updates reportable segment disclosure requirements by requiring disclosures of significant reportable segment expenses that are regularly
provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) and included within each reported measure of a segment’s profit or loss.
This ASU also requires disclosure of the title and position of the individual identified as the CODM and an explanation of how the
CODM uses the reported measures of a segment’s profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate
resources. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2024. Adoption of the ASU should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial
statements. Early adoption is also permitted. This ASU will likely result in the Company including the additional required disclosures
when adopted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023 - 09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic 740). The ASU requires
disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as additional information on income taxes
paid. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is also permitted, and the disclosures in
this standard are required to be applied on a prospective basis with the optionto apply retrospectively. The Company is in the process of
evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
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3. REVENUES
The Group’s revenues for the respective periods are detailed as follows (RMB in thousands):
2021
RMB
Sales of solar modules
Sales of solar cells
Sales of silicon wafers
Sales of solar projects
Sales of other solar products
Processing service fees
Revenue from generated electricity
Total
37,737,383
606,582
1,152,055
—
1,043,760
186,045
100,696
40,826,521
80,224,354
1,024,114
466,553
31,400
1,380,875
—
—
83,127,296
2023
RMB
114,381,172
1,597,490
283,561
41,982
2,374,386
—
—
118,678,591
For the years ended December 31,
2022
RMB
In December 2022 and January 2023, the Company received contingent payments in cash related to its sales of solar projects and
recognized revenue of RMB31 million and RMB42 million, respectively.
During the years of 2021, 2022 and 2023, electricity revenue generated from certain overseas project assets constructed for sale upon
completion, with the amount of nil, RMB47 million and nil, was considered as incidental revenue and accounted for as a reduction of the
capitalized project costs for development.
The following table summarizes the Group’s net revenues generated in respective region (RMB in thousands):
Inside China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan)
Europe
Asia Pacific
North America
Rest of the world
Total
4. INTEREST EXPENSES, NET
Components of interest expenses, net are detailed as follows (RMB in thousands):
Interest expenses
Less: Interest capitalization
Less: Interest income
Total
F-29
For the years ended December 31,
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
2021
RMB
10,134,888
7,481,581
10,239,162
6,621,799
6,349,091
40,826,521
34,839,410
19,637,777
11,274,447
3,727,493
13,648,169
83,127,296
45,418,257
21,731,240
19,431,642
10,461,589
21,635,863
118,678,591
For the years ended December 31,
2022
RMB
1,150,128
(70,719)
(588,706)
490,703
2021
RMB
878,908
(40,588)
(214,291)
624,029
2023
RMB
1,242,793
(71,657)
(553,531)
617,605
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5. OTHER INCOME, NET
Components of other income, net are detailed as follows (RMB in thousands):
Income from licensed patents
Guarantee income
Donations
Disposal of Jiangsu Jinko-Tiansheng Co., Ltd.(“Tiansheng”)
Disposal of solar power project in Argentina
Fair value gains from short term investments
Others
Total
6. TAXATION
The Company and its subsidiaries file separate income tax returns.
Cayman Islands
For the years ended December 31,
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
2021
RMB
—
6,365
(4,454)
—
—
—
—
1,911
—
—
(6,824)
12,474
1,758
—
(5,837)
1,571
50,581
—
(25,791)
—
—
1,125
219
26,134
Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, the Company and its subsidiaries in Cayman Islands are not subject to tax on its income or
capital gains. In addition, upon any payment of dividends by the Company, no Cayman Islands withholding tax is imposed. 10%
withholding income tax is levied on the guarantee payment from JinkoPower (Note 26).
British Virgin Islands
Under the current laws of the British Virgin Islands(“BVI”), the Company’s subsidiary in BVI is not subject to tax on its income or
capital gains. In addition, upon any payment of dividends by the Company, no British Virgin Islands withholding tax is imposed.
People’s Republic of China
On March 16, 2007, the National People’s Congress approved the Corporate Income Tax Law of the People’s Republic of China (the
“CIT Law”) with effective on January 1, 2008. The CIT Law enacted a statutory income tax rate of 25%.
Jiangxi Jinko, Zhejiang Jinko, Haining Jinko, Jinko Yiwu, Shangrao Jinko,Zhejiang New Materials and Jinko Anhui were designated by
the relevant local authorities as “High and New Technology Enterprises” under the CIT Law. Zhejiang Jinko and Jinko Yiwu were
designated by the relevant local authorities as a “High and New Technology Enterprise” in 2021, and will enjoy the preferential tax rate
of 15% from 2021 to 2023. Jiangxi Jinko, Haining Jinko, Shangrao Jinko and Zhejiang New Materials were designated by the relevant
local authorities as a “High and New Technology Enterprise” in December 2022, and will enjoy the preferential tax rate of 15% from
2022 to 2024. Jinko Anhui were designated by the relevant local authorities as a “High and New Technology Enterprise” in November
2023, and will enjoy the preferential tax rate of 15% from 2023 and 2025.
Xinjiang Jinko, Jinko Jinchang, Jinko Sichuan, Jinko Leshan, Jinko Qinghai and Jinko Chuxiong was designated by the relevant local
authorities as an “Enterprise in the Encouraged Industry” and were subject to a preferential tax rate of 15% since 2021 till 2030.
Under the CIT Law, 10% withholding income tax (“WHT”) will be levied on foreign investors for dividend distributions from foreign
invested enterprises’ profit earned after January 1, 2008. For certain treaty jurisdictions such as Hong Kong which has signed double tax
arrangement with the PRC, the applicable WHT rate could be reduced to 5% if foreign investors directly hold at least 25% shares of
invested enterprises at any time throughout the 12-month period preceding the entitlement to the dividends and they are also qualified as
beneficial owners to enjoy the treaty benefit. Deferred income taxes are not provided on undistributed earnings of the Company’s
subsidiaries that are intended to be permanently reinvested in China.
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Table of Contents
Since Jiangxi Jinko’s initial pubic offering in 2022 (Note 24), the Group provided withholding income tax for the earnings of Jiangxi
Jinko, which are expected to be distributed in the future based on its distribution plan. As of December 31, 2023, the Group recognised
deferred tax liabilities of RMB68 million, related to the cumulative undistributed earnings of Jiangxi Jinko.
The cumulative undistributed earnings of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries intended to be permanently reinvested totaled RMB4,928
million, RMB6,635 million and RMB11,866million as of December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 respectively, and the amount of the
unrecognized deferred tax liability on the indefinitely reinvested earnings was RMB493 million, RMB663 million and RMB593 million
as of December 31, 2021, 2022, 2023 respectively.
Hong Kong
The Company’s subsidiaries established in Hong Kong are subject to Hong Kong profit tax at a rate of 16.5% on its assessable profit.
Japan
Jinko Japan is incorporated in Japan and is subject to corporate income tax at 37.6%.
Korea
Jinko Korea is incorporated in Korea and is subject to corporate income tax at 22% in 2021, 10% in 2022 and 23.1% in 2023.
European Countries
Jinko Switzerland is incorporated in Switzerland and according to its current business model where it employs limited staff and generates
income exclusively from trading activities conducted outside Switzerland, is subject to a combined federal, cantonal and communal tax
rate of 9.57% in 2021, 10% in 2022 and 10% in 2023.
Jinko GMBH is incorporated in Germany and is subject to Germany profit tax rate of approximately 27.4% on the assessable profit.
Jinko Italy is incorporated in Italy and is subject to corporate income tax at 24%.
Jinko Denmark is incorporated in Denmark and is subject to corporate income tax at 22%.
United States
Jinko US, Jinko US holding, and Jinko Solar (U.S.) Industries are Delaware incorporated corporations that are subject to U.S. federal
corporate income tax on taxable incomes at a rate of 21% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and at differing tax rates
of various states ranged from 1% to 12%.
Malaysia
The Income Tax Act 1967 of Malaysia, revised in 1971, enacted a statutory income tax rate of 24%. Nevertheless, Malaysia offers a wide
range of tax incentives, including tax exemptions, capital allowances, and enhanced tax deductions, to attract foreign direct investment.
JinkoSolar Malaysia Technology, is entitled to a five year 100% tax exemption, approved in February 2017 and retrospectively effective
from August 2015, under the pioneer status (PS) incentive scheme as a company engaged in producing high technology products
identified by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). The tax exemption was expired in August 2020 and Jinko
Malaysia Technology is subject to corporate income tax at 24% from August 2020.
JinkoSolar Malaysia is entitled to a five year 70% tax exemption, approved in October 2022 and effective from January 2023, under the
pioneer status (PS) incentive scheme as a company engaged in producing high technology products identified by the Malaysian
Investment Development Authority (MIDA). The tax exemption will expire in January 2027 and JinkoSolar Malaysia is subject to
corporate income tax at 7% from 2023 to 2027.
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Vietnam
Jinko Vietnam was originally entitled to 100% tax exemption for 4 years from 2020 to 2023 and a preferential corporate income tax rate
of 10% for 9 years from 2024 to 2032 and 15% for 10 years from 2033 to 2042.
On November 23, 2023, the Vietnam National Assembly passed a resolution adopting the Pillar Two global minimum tax rules which is
effective from 1 January 2024. Hence, Jinko Vietnam is required to pay a minimum 15% of coporat income tax since 2024.
Canada
Jinko Canada is incorporated in Canada and is subject to a federal corporate income tax of 15% and provinces and territories income tax
of 12%.
Australia
Jinko Australia is incorporated in Australia and is subject to corporate income tax at 30%.
Brazil
Jinko Brazil is incorporated in Brazil and is subject to corporate income tax at 34%.
Mexico
Jinko Mexico is incorporated in Mexico and is subject to corporate income tax at 30%.
Argentina
Cordillera Solar I, S.A., the wholly owned solar power project subsidiary, is incorporated in Argentina and is subject to corporate income
tax at 35%.
Composition of Income Tax Expense
Income/(loss) before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 were taxed within the following jurisdictions
(RMB in thousands):
Cayman Islands
PRC
Other countries
Income before income taxes
2021
RMB
199,956
1,120,667
(230,720)
1,089,903
For the year ended December 31,
2022
RMB
(639,136)
2,743,467
(127,622)
1,976,709
2023
RMB
(607,235)
9,798,930
(1,701,530)
7,490,165
For the year ended December 31, 2023, loss before income taxes in Cayman Islands subsidiaries was mainly due to the charge of share-
based compensation expenses. Increase in the income before taxes in PRC subsidiaries was mainly attributable to the higher profits
generated by the Group’s subsidiaries in the PRC. Loss before income taxes in other countries subsidiaries was mainly due to the
increased demurrage charges in the United States as well as the increased shipping and handling cost in Malaysia.
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The current and deferred positions of income tax expense included in the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended
December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 are as follows:
Current income tax expenses
PRC
Other countries
Total current income tax expenses
Deferred tax (expenses)/benefits
PRC
Other countries
Total deferred tax benefits
Income tax expenses, net
For the year ended December 31,
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
2021
RMB
(280,877)
(175,633)
(456,510)
77,741
184,629
262,370
(194,140)
(867,937)
(58,014)
(925,951)
457,266
(136,593)
320,673
(605,278)
(2,050,538)
(55,150)
(2,105,688)
615,933
229,470
845,403
(1,260,285)
Reconciliation of the differences between statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate
Reconciliation between the statutory CIT rate of 25% and the Company’s effective tax rate from continuing operations is as follows:
Statutory CIT rate
Effect of permanent differences:
—Share-based compensation expenses
—Change in fair value of convertible senior notes and call options
—Accrued payroll and welfare expenses
—Change of enacted tax rate and preferential tax benefit
—Other permanent differences
Difference in tax rate of subsidiaries outside the PRC
Effect of tax holiday for subsidiaries
Change in valuation allowance
Effective tax rate
For the year ended December 31,
2021
%
2022
%
2023
%
25.0
0.1
(4.4)
0.1
2.1
(1.8)
2.2
(12.9)
7.4
17.8
25.0
3.2
0.2
0.1
1.6
3.4
3.9
(12.1)
5.3
30.6
25.0
0.6
0.1
0.1
(1.4)
(0.8)
2.4
(10.7)
1.5
16.8
Other permanent differences including tax preferences in 2021, 2022 and 2023 was mainly due to the additional income tax deduction
amounting of RMB74 million, RMB107 million and RMB184 million for R&D costs approved by local tax bureau in the second quarter
of 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
The aggregate amount and per share effect of reduction of CIT for certain PRC subsidiaries as a result of tax holidays are as follows
(RMB in thousands, except for per share data):
The aggregate amount of effect*
Per share effect—basic
Per share effect—diluted
For the year ended December 31,
2022
RMB
239,268
1.21
1.19
2021
RMB
140,235
0.74
0.68
2023
RMB
797,930
3.84
3.53
*
Increase of the aggregated amount of effect in 2023 was mainly attributable to more profit generated by the Group’s PRC
subsidiaries with preferential tax rates.
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Significant components of deferred tax assets/liability (RMB in thousands)
Net operating losses
Accrued warranty costs
Provision for inventories, accounts receivable, other receivable
Timing difference for subsidiary income
Timing difference for countervailing duties
Other temporary differences
Impairment for property, plant and equipment and project assets
Total deferred tax assets
Less: Valuation allowance
Less: Deferred tax liabilities in the same tax jurisdiction
Deferred tax assets
Timing difference for property, plant and equipment
Timing difference for refund of countervailing duties
Deferred tax liabilities related to cumulative distributable earnings in Jiangxi Jinko
Other temporary differences
Total deferred tax liabilities
Less: Deferred tax assets in the same tax jurisdiction
Deferred tax liabilities
Movement of valuation allowance (RMB in thousands)
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
529,522
373,064
230,019
166,857
—
69,183
35,491
1,404,136
(243,141)
(456,751)
704,244
(478,515)
(90,864)
(52,173)
(30,007)
(651,559)
456,751
(194,808)
2023
RMB
220,366
546,616
265,131
601,568
18,534
153,981
57,221
1,863,417
(357,198)
(216,215)
1,290,004
(234,786)
—
(68,461)
(44,474)
(347,721)
216,215
(131,506)
At beginning of year
Current year additions
Utilization and reversal of valuation allowances
Decrease of valuation allowances related to the disposal of a subsidiary
At end of year
For the year ended December 31,
2022
RMB
(217,124)
(216,260)
111,296
78,947
(243,141)
2021
RMB
(136,847)
(88,667)
8,390
—
(217,124)
2023
RMB
(243,141)
(222,649)
108,592
—
(357,198)
Valuation allowances were determined by assessing both positive and negative evidence and have been provided on the net deferred tax
asset due to the uncertainty surrounding its realization. As of December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, valuation allowances of RMB217
million, RMB243 million and RMB357 million were provided against deferred tax assets because it was more likely than not that such
portion of deferred tax will not be realized based on the Group’s estimate of future taxable incomes of all its subsidiaries. If events occur
in the future that allow the Group to realize more of its deferred tax assets than the presently recorded amount, an adjustment to the
valuation allowances will result in a non-cash income statement benefit when those events occur. Due to the strong financial performance
and profitable condition of certain subsidiaries, the Company has determined that the future taxable income of those subsidiaries is
sufficient to realize the benefits of such deferred tax assets. As a result, the Company reversed the valuation allowance of RMB8 million,
RMB111 million and RMB109 million in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
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7. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET — THIRD PARTIES
Components of accounts receivables, net-third parties are detailed as follows (RMB in thousands):
Accounts receivables - current
Allowance for credit losses - current
Accounts receivable, net - current
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
17,259,003
(584,127)
16,674,876
2023
RMB
23,347,412
(685,231)
22,662,181
As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, accounts receivable with net book value of RMB1,006 million and RMB474 million were pledged
as collateral for the Group’s borrowings (Note 18).
The following table summarizes the activity in the allowance for credit losses related to accounts receivable – current for the year ended
December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023:
At beginning of year
Addition
Reversal
Write off
At end of year
2021
RMB
293,360
91,948
(24,213)
(38,024)
323,071
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
323,071
394,285
(114,770)
(18,459)
584,127
2023
RMB
584,127
181,771
(76,956)
(3,711)
685,231
The following table summarizes the activity in the allowance for credit losses related to accounts receivable – non-current for the year
ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023:
At beginning of year
Reversal
At end of year
2021
RMB
1,139
(577)
562
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
562
(562)
—
—
—
—
8. NOTES RECEIVABLE, NET – THIRD PARTIES
Components of notes receivables, net-third parties are detailed as follows (RMB in thousands):
Notes receivable
Provision for notes receivable
Notes receivable, net
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
6,697,096
—
6,697,096
2023
RMB
4,088,902
—
4,088,902
As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, notes receivable with net book value of RMB1,481 million and RMB225 million were pledged as
collateral for the issuance of bank acceptance notes.
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The following table summarizes the activity in the allowance for credit losses related to notes receivable for the year ended December
31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 (RMB in thousands):
At beginning of year
Addition
Reversal
At end of year
9. ADVANCES TO SUPPLIERS, NET – THIRD PARTIES
Advance to suppliers, net – third parties were as follows (RMB in thousands):
Advances to suppliers - current
Advances to suppliers – non-current
Advances to suppliers, net
2021
RMB
182
858
—
1,040
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
1,040
—
(1,040)
—
2023
RMB
—
—
—
—
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
3,271,284
310,375
3,581,659
2023
RMB
4,559,224
648,377
5,207,601
As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, advances to suppliers with term of less than 1 year mainly represent payments for procurement of
recoverable silicon materials, virgin polysilicon and solar cells and the Group has delivery plan with the respective suppliers to receive
the materials in the next twelve months.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, non-current advances to suppliers primarily represent upfront payments for procurement of silicon
materials of which related good delivery is scheduled beyond one year.
There were no provisions recorded against advances to suppliers for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The Group
wrote off fully impaired balances of advances to suppliers with the amount of RMB6 million, nil and nil for the years ended December
31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
10. INVENTORIES
The Company’s inventories are consisted of the follows (RMB in thousands):
Raw materials
Work-in-progress
Finished goods
Total
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
5,499,573
3,237,480
8,713,231
17,450,284
2023
RMB
4,543,103
2,103,946
11,568,488
18,215,537
Write-down of the carrying amount of inventory to its estimated net realizable value was RMB823 million, RMB1,819 million and
RMB2,859 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively, and were recorded as cost of revenues in the
consolidated statements of operations. Inventory write downs were mainly related to the inventories whose market value is lower than
their carrying amount.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, inventories with net book value of RMB2,809 million and RMB4,362 million were pledged as
collateral for the Group’s borrowings (Note 18).
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11. PREPAYMENTS AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
Prepayments and other current assets are consisted of the follows (RMB in thousands):
Value-added tax deductible (a)
Prepayment for income tax and deferred charges
Receivables related to discount from a supplier
Deposit for customer duty, bidding and others
Prepayment of electricity and others
Receivables related to disposal of land use rights and property, plant and equipment (b)
Prepaid leasehold improvements and other assets
Loan receivable
Deferred issuance cost for convertible notes (Note 22)
Prepaid insurance premium
Refund receivable of U.S. countervailing duties and anti-dumping duties (Note 16)
Others
Less: Allowance for credit losses
Total
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
1,374,908
233,744
324,002
181,371
198,692
378,900
27,480
23,459
—
7,281
480,535
68,649
(8,118)
3,290,903
2023
RMB
2,035,412
398,359
247,837
231,295
222,115
89,519
81,882
23,459
16,866
14,944
6,668
114,041
(79,585)
3,402,812
(a) Value-added tax deductible represented the balance that the Group can utilize to deduct its value-added tax liability within the next
12 months.
(b) Represented the receivables related to disposition of certain equipment for the purpose of upgrading manufacturing facilities and
receivables related to disposition of certain land use rights.
The following table summarizes the activity in the allowance for credit losses related to prepayments and other current assets for the year
ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 (RMB in thousands):
At beginning of year
Addition
Reversal
At end of year
2021
RMB
9,588
4,068
(8,135)
5,521
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
5,521
2,597
—
8,118
2023
RMB
8,118
71,467
—
79,585
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12. INVESTMENTS AND AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES
The Group’s investments are consisted of the follows (RMB in thousands):
-Debt investments
Available-for-sale securities - current
Available-for-sale securities - non-current
Subtotal
-Equity investments
Investments accounted for under the equity method
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values
Equity securities applying fair value option
Subtotal
Total
-
Debt investments
Available-for-sale securities - current
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
104,499
—
104,499
—
104,134
104,134
1,287,201
245,000
—
178,871
1,711,072
1,199,982
358,526
330,414
228,706
2,117,628
1,815,571
2,221,762
In May 2022, the Group purchased a two-year puttable bond with an aggregated principal of RMB 100 million and annual interest of
5.5% from JinkoPower. The Group has the option to require JinkoPower to repurchase all or part of the bonds at the end of the first year
in the life of the bond, and JinkoPower has the option to adjust the interest rate at the end of the first year in the life of the bond. In May
2023, the Group exercised the option and redeemed all of the puttable bond and received RMB105.5 million in cash, including RMB100
million principle and RMB 5.5 million interests.
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, unrealized loss on the available-for-sale securities amounted to RMB 1million and
RMB 1 million, respectively, which were reported in other comprehensive income (Note 29).
Available-for-sale securities – non-current
The Company classified its investments in debt securities as available-for-sale securities. The Company’s available-for-sale debt
investments mainly include investments with preferential rights including, but not limited to, redemption rights and liuquidation
preference etc. Available-for-sale debt securities are reported at estimated fair value with the aggregate unrealized gains and losses, net of
tax, reflected in other comprehensive income. As at December 31, 2022 and 2023, fair value of investments in debt securities was nil and
RMB104 million, respectively. Unrealised gain of nil and RMB19 million was recognised in other comprehensive income for the year
ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively (Note 29).
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-
Equity investments
Investments accounted for under the equity method.
AxiaPower Holdings B.V. (“Axia”)
On February 26, 2017, JinkoSolar signed a shareholder agreement with Axia, a subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation, to jointly invest in
and establish a company named SweihanSolar Holding Company Limited (“SSHC”) to hold 40% equity interest of Sweihan PV Power
Company P.J.S.C (“the Project Company”), which develops and operates solar power projects in Dubai. In April 2019, JinkoSolar made
pro rata additional capital injection to SSHC with the amount of RMB295 million. JinkoSolar holds 50% equity interest in the SSHC and
accounts for its investment using the equity method. JinkoSolar’s share of SSHC’s results of operations is included in equity
(loss)/income in affiliated companies in the Group’s consolidated statements of operations, with a loss of RMB62 million, an income of
RMB14 million and an loss of RMB2 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The Group received
dividend in cash from SSHC with the amount of RMB23 million, nil and RMB9 million during the year of 2021, 2022 and 2023,
respectively, which were recorded as reductions of the carrying amount of the investment. In January 2022 and September 2023,
JinkoSolar made pro rata decrease of its investment in SSHC with the amount of RMB94 million and RMB10 million, respectively,
which was recorded as a reduction of the carrying amount of the investment. The carrying value of this investment was RMB 144 million
and RMB 123 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2023.
Jinko-Tiansheng
On March 30, 2017, JinkoSolar signed a shareholder agreement with Yangzhou Tiansheng PV-Tech Co., Ltd., a Chinese PV enterprise, to
jointly invest in and establish to process and assemble PV modules as OEM manufacturer in Jiangsu province, China. JinkoSolar holds
30% equity interest in Jinko-Tiansheng and accounts for its investment using the equity method. In November 2021, the Group entered
into a share purchase agreement to dispose all of its equity interest in Jinko-Tiansheng to Jinko-Tiansheng’s other shareholders. The
carrying value of the Group’s investment in Jinko-Tiansheng which met recognition criteria in ASC 360-10-45-9 was reclassified as a
held for sale asset as of December 31, 2021. Disposition of equity interest in Jinko-Tiansheng was closed in January 2022 and the Group
recognized a gain from disposal of the equity interest with the amount of RMB13 million (Note 5). For the years ended December 31,
2021 and 2022, JinkoSolar’s share of Jinko-Tiansheng’s results of operations included in equity (loss)/income in affiliated companies in
the Group’s consolidated statements of operations were a loss of RMB7 million and nil, respectively. Jinko-Tiansheng charged
processing fee amounted to RMB5 million and nil to the Company for its OEM services provided (Note 26) during the years ended
December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively. Loss amounted to RMB4 million, and nil due to the intercompany transactions with Jinko-
Tiansheng was eliminated for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively. The carrying value of this investment was
RMB3 million and nil as of December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Inner Mongolia Xinte Silicon Material Co., Ltd. (“Xinte Silicon”)
On June 18, 2021, JinkoSolar signed a shareholder agreement with Xinte Energy Co., Ltd. and JA Solar Co., Ltd to jointly invest in and
establish a company named Xinte Silicon to produce polysilicon materials. JinkoSolar made capital injection in cash with the total
amount of RMB315 million during the year of 2021. JinkoSolar holds 9% equity interest in Xinte Silicon. JinkoSolar can exercise
significant influence on Xinte Silicon and accounts for its investment using the equity method. JinkoSolar’s share of Xinte Silicon’s
results of operations is included in equity (loss)/income in affiliated companies in the Group’s consolidated statements of operations,
with a loss of RMB 0.003 million, an income of RMB219 million and RMB217 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and
2023, respectively. The Group also recorded its proportionate share of Xinte Silicon’s equity adjustments for other comprehensive
income of nil, nil and RMB1 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. JinkoSolar purchased
polysilicon of nil, RMB825 million and RMB1,537 million from Xinte Silicon during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and
2023, respectively. Profit amounted to nil, RMB37 million and RMB35 million in connection with these transactions with Xinte Silicon
was eliminated for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. In 2023, the Group received dividend in cash from
Xinte Silicon with the amount of RMB118 million which were recorded as reductions of the carrying amount of the investment. The
carrying value of this investment was RMB534 million and RMB634 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2023.
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Sichuan Yongxiang Technology Co., Ltd. (“Sichuan Yongxiang”)
On November 3, 2021, JinkoSolar signed a shareholder agreement with Beijing Jingyuntong Technology Co., Ltd. and Sichuan
Yongxiang Co., Ltd to jointly invest in and establish a company named Sichuan Yongxiang to produce polysilicon materials. JinkoSolar
made capital injection in cash with the total amount RMB 450 million in 2022 and holds 15% equity interest in Sichuan Yongxiang.
JinkoSolar can exercise significant influence on Sichuan Yongxiang and accounts for its investment using the equity method.
JinkoSolar’s share of Sichuan Yongxiang’s results of operations is included in equity (loss)/income in affiliated companies in the Group’s
consolidated statements of operations, with a loss of nil, RMB1 million and RMB6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, 2022
and 2023, respectively. The carrying value of this investment was RMB 449 million and RMB 443 million as of December 31, 2022 and
2023, respectively.
Shangrao Xinyuan YueDong Technology Development Co., Ltd(Formerly named as “Shangrao Jinko Green Energy Technology
Development Co., Ltd”) (“Shangrao Xinyuan”)
Since November 2022, JinkoSolar owns 33.33% equity interests and can exercise significant influence on Shangrao Xinyuan and
accounts for the investment using the equity method. The carrying value of this investment was RMB160 million as of December 31,
2022. In November 2023, Jiangxi Jinko purchased all the equity interests of Shangrao Xinyuan held by other shareholders with the
consideration of RMB248 million. Given Shangrao Xinyuan does not have acutal business operations but to hold the patent rights, the
transaction was recorded as an asset acquisition. After consummation of the acquisition in November 2023, Jiangxi Jinko owns 100%
equity interests in Shangrao Xinyuan, and therefore, consolidated Shangrao Xinyuan as a fully owned subsidiary. Through to the
acquisition in November 2023, JinkoSolar’s share of Shangrao Xinyuan’s results of operations was included in equity (loss)/income in
affiliated companies in the Group’s consolidated statements of operations with a loss of RMB22 million in 2023. As of December 31,
2023, related considerations have not yet been settled and were recorded as liabilities (Note 17).
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values
As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, the Company’s equity investments without readily determinable fair value primarily consist of
small, non-controlling investments in companies for which the Company has equity ownership but cannot exert significant influence.
Such equity securities without readily determinable fair values are measured and recorded using a measurement alternative that measures
the securities at cost as adjusted for observable price changes and impairments.The balance of equity securities without readily
determinable fair values were RMB245 million and RMB359 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively. Re-measurement
gain being recognized in connection with equity investments accounted for using the measurement alternative for the years ended
December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 were nil, nil and RMB21 million, respectively.
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values
In 2023, the Group purchased ordinary shares of an A share listed company, with total consideration of RMB180 million. As of
December 31, 2023, fair value of the equity securities in Lifecome was RMB330 million. Change in fair value income of RMB150
million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Equity securities applying fair value option
In June 2022, the Group made capital injection in cash with the amount of RMB77 million in a private company based in China and
owns 2.98% equity interests. The Group irrevocably elected fair value option to initially and subsequently measure the investment in the
private company in its entirety at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. As at December 31, 2022 and 2023, fair
value of the equity securities was RMB179 million and RMB229 million, respectively. Change in fair value income of RMB102 million
and RMB50 million were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
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13. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property, plant and equipment used in continuing operation and related accumulated depreciation are as follows (RMB in thousands):
Buildings
Machinery and equipment
Motor vehicles
Furniture, fixture and office equipment
Less: Accumulated depreciation
Subtotal
Construction in progress
Property, plant and equipment, net
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
12,655,905
22,435,247
114,936
1,995,407
37,201,495
(6,462,379)
30,739,116
1,550,972
32,290,088
2023
RMB
17,195,868
30,438,878
183,921
1,116,407
48,935,074
(11,557,978)
37,377,096
3,890,092
41,267,187
Depreciation expenses were RMB1,604 million, RMB2,585 million and RMB7,856 million for the years ended December 31, 2021,
2022 and 2023, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, the Group disposed certain equipment with the net book value amounting of
RMB390 million, RMB1,118 million and RMB290 million and recognized related disposal loss amounted to RMB350 million, RMB249
million and RMB108 million, respectively. Increase in disposal loss on property, plant and equipment was mainly due to the automation
upgrade of the Group.
Construction in progress primarily represents the construction of new production line. Costs incurred in the construction are capitalized
and transferred to property and equipment upon completion, at which time depreciation commences.
Significant increase of property, plant and equipment during the year ended December 31, 2023 was attributable to the expansion of
manufacturing capacity and automation upgrade of the Group.
For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, the Group recorded impairments of RMB150 million, RMB374 million and
RMB640 million related to the retirement of certain equipment in production lines that had become obsolete due to automation upgrade
of the Group.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, certain property, plant and equipment with net book value amounting of RMB5,210 million and
RMB5,250 million were pledged as collateral for the Group’s borrowings (Note 18).
14. LAND USE RIGHTS, NET
Land use rights represent fees paid to the government to obtain the rights to use certain lands over periods of 50 to 70 years, as
applicable, in the PRC (RMB in thousands).
Land use rights
Less: accumulated amortization
Land use rights, net
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
1,535,556
(104,132)
1,431,424
2023
RMB
1,947,145
(126,133)
1,821,012
Amortization expense was RMB18 million, RMB27 million and RMB39 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023,
respectively. As of December 31, 2023, estimated amortization expense in each of the next five years is RMB39 million.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, certain land use rights with net book value of RMB169 million and RMB231 million were pledged
as collateral for the Company’s borrowings (Note 18).
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Table of Contents
15. INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
Intangible assets and their related amortization are as follow (RMB in thousands):
Trademark
Computer software
Intellectual properties
Less: accumulated amortization
Intangible assets, net
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
1,230
135,218
—
(56,848)
79,600
2023
RMB
1,823
198,429
544,198
(175,363)
569,088
Amortization expense was RMB12 million, RMB17 million and RMB122 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and
2023, respectively. The estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is RMB89 million.
For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, the Group disposed certain intangible assets with the net book value amounting
of nil, nil and RMB14 million and recognized related disposal loss amounted to nil, nil and RMB14 million, respectively.
16. OTHER ASSETS – THIRD PARTIES
Other assets are consisted of the follows (RMB in thousands):
Prepayments for purchase of property, plant and equipment
Prepayment for warranty insurance premium
Deposit for rent and others
Prepayment of income tax attributable to intercompany transactions
Refund receivable of U.S. countervailing duties and anti-dumping duties
Less: Allowance for credit losses
Total
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
1,162,351
114,088
131,611
15,474
—
(1,855)
1,421,669
2023
RMB
2,541,329
106,652
61,355
14,142
12,767
(914)
2,735,331
During the year of 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce (“DOC”) issued the amended final results of its fourth administrative review
on the counter-veiling duties (“CVD”) imposed on the crystalline silicon photovoltaic, or CSPV, cells, whether or not incorporated into
modules, from China. As a result, the Group’s CVD rate was updated to be 10.64% from 20.94%, covering the period from January 1,
2015 to December 31, 2015, and all future exports to the US starting from July 2018 (“CVD AR4”). Pursuant to the final results of fourth
administrative review, the Group recorded a reversal of costs of revenues and recognized refundable deposits due from the U.S. Customs
with the amount of USD31 million (RMB210 million), representing the difference between the amended rate and the previous rate during
the period from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015. During the year of 2020, CVD rate was further amended to be 4.22%. The Group
recorded a reversal of costs of revenues and refundable deposits with the amount of USD25 million (RMB164 million) based on the
difference between the amended rate and the previous rate. In November 2022, due to the acceleration of cash liquidation procedures in
relation to the CVD AR4, the Group received CVD AR4 refunds with the amount of USD 69 million (RMB 499 million) from the U.S.
Customs, including principal amount of USD 56 million (RMB 400 million) and interests of USD 14 million (RMB 100 million).
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During the year of 2019, the DOC issued its final results of the fifth administrative review, the Group’s CVD and ADD rate was finalized
to be 12.70% from 20.94% and 9.67% to 4.06%, covering the period from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, and all future exports
to the US starting from August 2019 (“CVD AR5” and “ADD AR5”). Pursuant to the final results of fifth administrative review, the
Group recorded a reversal of costs of sales and recognized refundable deposits due from the U.S. Customs with the amount of USD37
million (RMB260 million) on an amortized cost basis based on its best estimation of related liquidation. In May 2022, CVD rate was
further amended to be 5.86%. The Group recorded a reversal of costs of sales and refundable deposits with the amount of USD33 million
(RMB 226 million) based on the difference between the amended rate and the previous rate. Due to the acceleration of cash liquidation
procedures in relation to the CVD AR5, in light of the acceleration of liquidation of the refundable deposits, based on its communication
from the DOC and best estimation, the Group considered the CVD AR5 and ADD AR5 receivables can be collected within the next 12
months and therefore the receivables of USD 87 million (RMB 593 million) from the U.S. Customs, including principal amount of USD
70 million (RMB 477 million) and interests of USD 17 million (RMB 116 million) was reclassified from “Other assets-third parties” to
“Prepayments and other current assets” as of December 31, 2022 (Note 11). In January 2023, the Group received CVD AR5 and ADD
AR5 refunds of USD 87million(RMB 593 million ), including principal amount of USD70 million (RMB 477 million) and interests of
USD17 million (RMB116 million).
During the year of 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued its final results of the sixth administrative review, and the finalized
CVD rate applicable to the Group was 12.67%, which was initially 20.94%, covering the period from January 1, 2017 to December 31,
2017, and all future exports to the United States starting from December 2020 (“CVD AR6”). Pursuant to the final results of sixth
administrative review, the Group recorded a reversal of costs of sales and recognized refundable deposits due from the U.S. Customs
with the amount of USD0.4 million (RMB3 million) under “other assets - third parties” on an amortized cost basis based on its best
estimation of related liquidation. During the year of 2021, CVD rate was further amended to be 11.97%. The Group recorded a reversal
of costs of sales and refundable deposits with the amount of USD0.04 million (RMB0.23 million) based on the difference between the
amended rate and the previous rate. As of December 31, 2022, in light of the acceleration of liquidation of the refundable deposits, based
on its communication from the DOC and best estimation, the Group considered the CVD AR6 receivables can be collected within the
next 12 months and therefore reclassified the receivables from “Other assets-third parties” to “Prepayments and other current assets”
(Note 11).
During the year of 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued its final results of the nineth administrative review, and the finalized
CVD and ADD rate applicable to the Group was 10.34% and 36.5%, which was initially 10.84% and 28.98%, covering the period from
January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 (“CVD AR9”), and December 1, 2020 to November 30, 2021 (“ADD AR9”), and all future
exports to the United States starting from December 2023 (“CVD AR9” & “ADD AR9”). Pursuant to the final results of nineth
administrative review, the Group recorded a reversal of costs of sales and recognized refundable deposits due from the U.S. Customs
with the amount of USD1.8 million (RMB12.8 million) as “other assets – third parties” on an amortized cost basis based on its best
estimation of related liquidation.
The following table summarizes the activity in the allowance for credit losses related to deposits for the year ended December 31, 2021,
2022 and 2023(RMB in thousands):
At beginning of year
Addition
Reversal
At end of year
2021
RMB
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
849
2,215
—
3,064
3,064
—
(1,209)
1,855
1,855
—
(941)
914
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Table of Contents
17. OTHER PAYABLES AND ACCRUALS
Other payables and accruals are consisted of the follows (RMB in thousands):
Payables for purchase of property, plant and equipment
Freight payables
Liabilities in the Trusts (Note 22)
Accrued utilities, rentals and interest
Value-added tax and other tax payables
Payables for investments
Commission payables
Accrued warranty cost
Customs duties
Accrued professional service fees
Contracted labor fees
Insurance premium payables
Others
Total
18. BORROWINGS
(a) Short-term borrowings
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
6,412,134
1,359,813
—
629,977
329,078
—
13,587
221,699
147,759
34,110
20,015
1,853
44,359
9,214,384
2023
RMB
9,497,061
1,110,279
668,083
555,534
513,586
295,647
262,222
261,268
98,363
55,795
28,323
6,780
83,961
13,436,902
Components of short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2022 and 2023 were as follows (RMB in thousands):
Short-term borrowings
Long-term borrowings—current portion
Total short-term borrowings
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
10,316,714
2,102,456
12,419,170
2023
RMB
10,895,733
2,688,041
13,583,774
The short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023 carried a weighted average interest rate of
3.10% and 3.48% per annum, respectively. Included in the balance of short-term bank borrowings as of December 31, 2023 were
borrowings of RMB679 million, RMB257 million, and RMB613 million which are denominated and repayable in EUR, JPY and USD,
respectively.
F-44
a)
a)
a)
b)
b)
b)
b)
b)
Table of Contents
Details of the Group’s short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2023 are (RMB in thousands):
Type of loan
As of December 31, 2023
Guarantee/Collateral
Credit loan
Letter of credit loan
Other borrowings
Guaranteed by subsidiaries
of the Group and third parties
and/or collateralized on the
953,833
1,804,165
1,495,840
4,685,506 Guaranteed by JinkoSolar Holding
1,850,834 Guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko
494,645 Guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko and Sichuan Jinko
597,700 Guaranteed by Zhejiang Jinko
90,000 Guaranteed by Zhejiang Jinko and Chuxiong Jinko
12,114 Guaranteed by Shangrao Innovation Development Industry Investment
Group’s assets
Group Co., Ltd
179,425 Guaranteed by Paker
468,195 Financings associated with failed sale-leaseback transactions
951,517 Guaranteed and collateralized on buildings, equipment and other
assets of the Group and shareholders of the Group
b)
b)
c)
d)
Total
13,583,774
a) As of December 31, 2023, the Group had short-term borrowings of RMB954 million credit loans, RMB1,804 million letter of credit
loans and RMB1,496 million loan from government background companies. The remaining short-term borrowings of RMB9,330
million were either guaranteed by other parties and/or collateralized on the Group’s assets, detailed as following:
b) Borrowings of RMB4,686 million guaranteed by JinkoSolar Holding, RMB1,851 million guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko, RMB495
million guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko and Sichuan Jinko, RMB598 million guaranteed by Zhejiang Jinko, RMB90 million guaranteed
by Zhejiang Jinko and Chuxiong Jinko, RMB12 million guaranteed by Shangrao Innovation Development Industry Investment
Group Co., Ltd, and RMB179 million by Paker, respectively.
c) As of December 31, 2023, the Group recorded financings associated with failed sale-lease back transactions with the amount of
RMB1,222 million under long-term borrowings, and RMB468 million as current portion.
d) RMB175 million collateralized on certain inventories of the Group, RMB257 million collateralized on certain inventiories and
account receivables of the Group, RMB160 million collateralized on the Group’s certain building and land use right, RMB359
million collateralized on the Group’s certain equipment.
In addition, included in these borrowings there were borrowings of RMB432 million guaranteed by Jinkosolar Holding, RMB469
million guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko, and RMB50 million guaranteed by Zhejiang Jinko.
(b) Long-term borrowings
Components of short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2022 and 2023 were as follows (RMB in thousands):
Long-term bank borrowings
Long-term financings associated with failed sale-leaseback transactions
Other long-term borrowings
Less: Current portion of long-term bank borrowings
Less: Current portion of financings associated with failed sale-leaseback transactions
Less: Current portion of other long-term borrowings
Total long-term borrowings
F-45
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
3,329,075
2,595,686
9,200,490
(969,811)
(1,132,645)
—
13,022,795
2023
RMB
4,459,363
1,222,281
8,245,203
(724,006)
(468,195)
(1,495,840)
11,238,806
Table of Contents
Future principal repayments on the long-term borrowings are as follows (RMB in thousands):
Year ending December 31,
Year ended December 31
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
Thereafter
Total
1) Long-term bank borrowings
RMB
2,688,041
2,601,083
4,716,306
1,989,428
1,577,874
354,115
13,926,847
In 2021, the Group entered into a 3-year loan agreement with Deutsche Bank Co.,LTD. for a principle amount of USD12 million
(RMB75 million) with the interest rate of 1.92%, which was repayable from March 2022 to December 2024. As of December 31, 2022,
the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB55 million, which was early repaid in full in 2023.
In 2021, the Group entered into two separate 5-year loan agreements with Industrial Bank Co.,LTD. for a principle amount of RMB100
million and RMB19 million with the interest rate of 5.30% and 5.30%, respectively, which were repayable from December 2021 to
December 2026. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko, and collateralized on the Group’s certain equipment with the net book
value of RMB73 million. As of December 31, 2022, the outstanding balances amounted to RMB90 million, including RMB18 million
due in December 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the outstanding balances amounted to RMB71 million, including RMB24 million due
in December 2024.
In 2022, the Group entered into a 5-year loan agreement with Industrial Bank Co.,LTD. for a principle amount of RMB190 million with
the interest rate of 4.3%, which is repayable from September 2022 to March 2027. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko, and
collateralized on the Group’s certain equipment with the net book value of RMB73 million. As of December 31, 2022, the total
outstanding balances amounted to RMB181 million, including RMB27 million due in December 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the
total outstanding balances amounted to RMB153 million, including RMB41 million due in December 2024.
In 2022, the Group entered into a 2-year loan agreement with Bank of Communications for a principle amount of RMB100 million with
the interest rate of 3.65%, which is due and payable in July 2024. The borrowing was guaranteed by Zhejiang Jinko Sichuan and Jinko
Chuxiong, and collateralized on the Group’s certain equipment with the net book value of RMB110 million. As of December 31, 2022,
the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB100 million. As of December 31, 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to
RMB90 million, which is due and payable in July 2024.
In 2022, the Group entered into a 2-year loan agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China for a principle amount of RMB817
million (EUR110 million) and RMB208 million (EUR28 million) with the interest rate of 2.10% and 2.70%, which is due and payable in
October 2023 and September 2024, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB220 million
(EUR28 million), which is due and payable in September 2024.
In 2022, the Group entered into a 3-year loan agreement with Industrial Bank CO. LTD for a principle amount of RMB150 million with
the interest rate of 4.1%, which is due and payable from September 2022 to March 2025. As of December 31, 2022, the outstanding
balances amounted to RMB149 million. In 2023, all the outstanding balances were early repaid.
In 2022, the Group entered into a 7-year revolving loan facility agreement with a financial consortium constitute by Agricultural Bank of
China, China Construction Bank, China CITIC Bank and China Everbright Bank in an aggregate principle amount not exceeding
RMB2.4 billion. Borrowings drawn down from the loan facility were guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko. As of December 31, 2022, the Group
drew down borrowings from the bank facility with the amount of RMB397 million with the interest rate of 4.1% which were repayable
from November 2022 to December 2029. As of December 31, 2022, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB397 million,
including RMB27 million due in June 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB366 million,
including RMB58 million due in June 2024.
In 2022, the Group entered into a 7-year loan agreement with Industrial Bank Co.,LTD. for a principle amount of RMB31 million with
the interest rate of 3.95%. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko. In 2023, all the outstanding balances were early repaid.
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Table of Contents
In 2022, the Group entered into a 3-year loan agreement with China Everbright Bank for a principle amount of RMB240 million with the
interest rate of 4%. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko. As of December 31, 2022, the outstanding balances amounted to
RMB240 million. In 2023, all the outstanding balances were early repaid.
In 2022, the Group entered into a 3-year loan agreement with Bank of Shanghai Co.,Ltd. for a principle amount of RMB100 million with
the interest rate of 3.65%. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko. As of December 31, 2022, the total outstanding balances
amounted to RMB100 million, including RMB10million due in Sepetmber 2023. In 2023, all the outstanding balances were early repaid.
In 2022, the Group entered into a 3-year loan agreement with China Construction Bank for a principle amount of RMB80 million with
the interest rate of 4.10%, which is due and payable in June 2025. In 2023, all the outstanding balances were early repaid.
In 2022, the Group entered into a 3-year loan agreement with Industrial Bank Co.,Ltd. for a principle amount of RMB100 million,
RMB100 million and RMB200 million with the interest rate of 4.1%. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko and collateralized
on the Group’s certain land use rights and buildings with the net book value of RMB38 million and RMB366 million, respectively.As of
Decemeber 31, 2022, the outstanding balances amounted to RMB400 million, including RMB0.06 million due on December 31, 2023. In
2023, all the outstanding balances were early repaid.
In 2022, the Group entered into a 3-year loan agreement with China Everbright Bank for a principle amount of RMB50 million with the
interest rate of 3.65%, which is due and payable from April 2023 to March 2024. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko. As of
December 31, 2022, the outstanding balances amounted to RMB50 million, including RMB0.5 million due in October 2023. As of
December 31, 2023, the outstanding balances amounted to RMB48 million, which is due and payable in March 2024.
In 2022, the Group entered into a 3-year loan agreement with Hua Xia Bank for a principle amount of RMB70 million with the interest
rate of 3.40%, which is repayable from March 2023 to in October 2025. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko. As of
December 31, 2022, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB70 million, including RMB10 million due in September 2023. As
of December 31, 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB1 million, which is due in October 2025.
In 2022, the Group entered into a 5-year loan agreement with Fudian Bank for a principle amount of RMB17 million with the interest
rate of 5.10%. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko. As of December 31, 2022, the total outstanding balances amounted to
RMB16 million, including RMB3million due in December 2023. In 2023, all the outstanding balances were early repaid.
In 2022, the Group entered into three separate 5-year loan agreements with Industrial Bank Co.,LTD. For a principle amount of RMB25
million,RMB92 million and RMB21 million with the interest rate of 4.80%,4.60% and 4.60%, respectively. The borrowing was
guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko. As of December 31, 2022, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB138 million, including
RMB26million due in December 2023. In 2023, all the outstanding balances were early repaid.
In 2022, the Group entered into a 2-year loan agreement with China Everbright Bank for a principle amount of RMB50 million with the
interest rate of 3.5%. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko. In 2023, all the outstanding balances were early repaid.
In 2022, the Group entered into a 4-year loan agreement with China CITIC Bank for a principle amount of RMB164 million with the
interest rate of 3.65%, which was due and payable from November 2023 to May 2026. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko,
and collateralized on the Group’s certain land use rights with the net book value of RMB159 million. As of December 31, 2022, the total
outstanding balances amounted to RMB160 million, including RMB4 million due in November 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the total
outstanding balances amounted to RMB157 million, including RMB48 million due in November 2024.
In 2023, the Group entered into a 2-year loan agreement with Bank of Communications for a principle amount of RMB50 million with
the interest rate of 3.3%, which is due and payable in February 2025. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko. As of December
31, 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB49.5 million.
In 2023, the Group entered into a 2-year loan agreement with China Contruction Bank for a principle amount of RMB30 million with the
interest rate of 3.1%, which is due and payable in February 2025. The borrowing was collateralized on the Group’s certain land use rights
and buildings with the net book value of RMB8 million and RMB5 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the total outstanding
balances amounted to RMB30 million.
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Table of Contents
In 2023, the Group entered into a 13-month loan agreement with China Contruction Bank for a principle amount of RMB100 million
with the interest rate of 3.25%, which is due and payable in April 2024. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko. As of
December 31, 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB100 million, which is due and payable in April 2024.
In 2023, the Group entered into a 3-year loan agreement with China Development Bank for a principle amount of RMB366 million with
the interest rate of 3.26%, which is due and payable in March 2026. The borrowing was guaranteed by Shangrao Innovation
Development Industry Investment Group Co., Ltd. As of December 31, 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB366
million, including RMB12 million due in December 2024.
In 2023, the Group entered into a 3-year loan agreement with Industrial and Commercial Bank of China for a principle amount of
RMB150 million with the interest rate of 3.2%, which is due and payable in January 2026. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi
Jinko. As of December 31, 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB145 million, including RMB45 million due in
September 2024.
In 2023, the Group entered into a 3-year loan agreement with Industrial Bank of China for a principle amount of RMB80 million with the
interest rate of 3.9%, which is due and payable in December 2026. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko, and collateralized on
the Group’s certain land use rights and buildings with the net book value of RMB15 million and RMB77 million, respectively. As of
December 31, 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB80 million.
In 2023, the Group entered into a 10-year loan agreement with Industrial Bank Co.,LTD for a principle amount of RMB319 million with
the interest rate of 3.8%, which is due and payable in February 2033. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko, and collateralized
on the Group’s certain buildings with the net book value of RMB721 million. As of December 31, 2023, the total outstanding balances
amounted to RMB319 million.
In 2023, the Group entered into a 3-year loan agreement with Minsheng Bank for a principle amount of RMB200 million with the
interest rate of 3.3%, which is due and payable in February 2026. The borrowing was a credit loan. As of December 31, 2023, the total
outstanding balances amounted to RMB200 million.
In 2023, the Group entered into a 5-year loan agreement with Industrial Bank Co.,LTD for a principle amount of RMB500 million with
the interest rate of 3.3%, which is due and payable in December 2028. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko, and
collateralized on the Group’s certain land use rights with the net book value of RMB103 million. As of December 31, 2023, the total
outstanding balances amounted to RMB500 million.
In 2023, the Group entered into a 5-year loan agreement with Minsheng Bank for a principle amount of RMB93 million with the interest
rate of 3.3%, which is due and payable in March 2028. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko. As of December 31, 2023, the
total outstanding balances amounted to RMB89 million, including RMB10 million due and payable in December 2024.
In 2023, the Group entered into a 5-year loan agreement with Minsheng Bank for a principle amount of RMB242 million with the
interest rate of 3.3%, which is due and payable in April 2028. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko. As of December 31,
2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB232 million, including RMB27 million due and payable in December 2024.
In 2023, the Group entered into a 5-year loan agreement with Ping An Bank for a principle amount of RMB157 million with the interest
rate of 3.8%, which is due and payable in December 2028. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko. As of December 31, 2023,
the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB157 million.
In 2023, the Group entered into a 2-year loan agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China for a principle amount of RMB200
million with the interest rate of and 3.10%, which is due and payable in June 2025. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko. As
of December 31, 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB200 million.
In 2023, the Group entered into a 2-year loan agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China for a principle amount of RMB786
million (EUR100 million) with the interest rate of and 4.80%, which is due and payable in December 2025. The borrowing was a credit
loan. As of December 31, 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB786 million (EUR100 million).
In 2023, the Group entered into a 2-year loan agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China for a principle amount of RMB100
million with the interest rate of and 3.30%, which is due and payable in March 2025. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko. As
of December 31, 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB100 million.
F-48
Table of Contents
2) Financings associated with failed sale-leaseback transactions
During the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, the Group sold certain machinery and equipment with total carrying amount of
RMB1,761 million and RMB58 million to certain third parties (the “purchaser-lessors”) for a total consideration of RMB 1,768 million
and RMB75 million and simultaneously entered into contracts to lease back these assets from the purchaser-lessors for periods from one
to six years. Pursuant to the terms of the contracts, the Group is required to pay to the purchaser-lessors quarterly lease payment over the
contract periods and is entitled to obtain the ownership of these equipment at a nominal price upon the expiration of the leases. Through
the leaseback, the Group substantially retains all of the benefits and risks incident to the ownership of the equipment sold and the fair
value of these equipment upon expiration of leasing period is most likely to be much higher than the repurchase price. Therefore, these
lease transactions do not qualify as sale-leaseback transaction. Accordingly, the Group identified the transactions as financing
arrangements and recorded as borrowings. As of December 31, 2023, the Group recorded RMB1,222 million under long-term
borrowings, including RMB468 million as current portion.
3) Other long-term borrowings
a.
In the February 2018, Jiangxi Jinko, together with government background funds, established Jinko Sichuan. Cash capital injections
with an aggregate amount of RMB1.3 billion had been made by the non-controlling shareholders through December 31, 2021. The
Group controls and consolidates such entity in its financial statements. In October 2020, Jiangxi Jinko entered into a supplementary
investment agreement with the government background funds, pursuant to which the government background funds will no longer
participates in any business decision of Jinko Sichuan and enjoys a fixed annual return of 6% on its capital injection. Additionally,
Jiangxi Jinko shall repurchase all the 30% equity interests (the non-controlling interest) held by the government background funds
upon the sixth anniversary of the capital injection date with a repurchase price equivalent to the capital injection made by the
government background funds. Considering the government investment shall be repaid on a fixed date and for fixed amounts,
redemption of the government investment is considered to be mandatory and certain to occur and is not upon the occurrence of a
conditional event nor depends upon the satisfaction of a specified contingency. The Group assessed the impact of the above
amendments and concluded that these amendments represented a settlement of the non-controlling interests given characteristics of
the non-controlling interests has been completely changed to loan liabilities. At the time of the settlement, the carrying amount of the
non-controlling interests with the amount of RMB997 million was derecognized, and the new loan liabilities was recorded at fair
value of RMB1,114 million, with the difference recorded against additional paid-in-capital. In addition, in July, September and
October 2021, the Jinko Sichuan received capital injection with the amount of RMB100 million, RMB150 million and RMB50
million from government background funds which bear a fixed annual return of 5.18%, and shall be repaid upon the fifth
anniversary of the capital injection date. The Group recorded such capital injection as long-term borrowings. As of December 31,
2022, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB1,535 million. In 2023, Jiangxi Jinko entered into agreement to early repay
RMB300 million. As of December 31, 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB1,223 million, including RMB200
million due in December 2024.
b. During the year of 2018 and 2019, government background companies made capital injections with the total amounted of
RMB1,070 million into Haining Jinko. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Group entered into supplementary investments agreement
with government background funds, pursuant to which the government background funds will no longer participate in any business
decision of Haining Jinko and enjoys fixed annual return within the range from 4.75% to 5.23% on their capital injections
respectively. Additionally, the Group shall repurchase all the equity interests (the non-controlling interest) held by the government
background funds upon the fifth or sixth anniversary of the capital injection date with a repurchase price equivalent to the capital
injection made by the government background funds. Considering the government investment shall be repaid on a fixed date and for
fixed amounts, redemption of the government investment is considered to be mandatory and certain to occur and is not upon the
occurrence of a conditional event nor depends upon the satisfaction of a specified contingency. The Group assessed the impact of the
above amendments and concluded that these amendments represented a settlement of the non-controlling interests given
characteristics of the non-controlling interests has been completely changed to loan liabilities. At the time of the settlement, the
carrying amount of the non-controlling interests with the amount of RMB1,164 million was derecognized, and the new loan
liabilities was recorded at fair value of RMB1,193 million with the difference recorded against additional paid-in-capital.
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c.
d.
In July 2021, Haining Jinko entered into a 5-year loan agreement with a government background company with the principle amount
of RMB690 million and interest rate of LPR plus 10%. The loan will be repaid upon the fifth anniversary of the borrowing date. The
borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko and Zhejiang Jinko. In August 2022, Haining Jinko entered into a 5-year loan agreement
with a government background company with the principle amountof RMB1,000 million and interest rate of 5.06%. The loan will be
repaid upon the fifth anniversary of the borrowing date. As of December 31, 2022, the total outstanding balances amounted to
RMB2,695 million. In 2023, Jiangxi Jinko entered into agreement to early repay RMB106 million. As of December 31, 2023, the
total outstanding balances amounted to RMB2,591 million, including RMB994 million due within 2024.
In the September 2019, Jiangxi Jinko, together with government background funds, established Jinko Yiwu. Cash capital injections
with an aggregate amount of RMB765 million had been made by the non-controlling shareholders through December 31, 2020. The
Group controls and consolidates such entity in its financial statements. In August 2020, Jiangxi Jinko entered into a supplementary
investment agreement with the government background funds, pursuant to which the government background funds will no longer
participates in any business decision of Jinko Yiwu and enjoys a fixed annual return of 6% on its capital injection. Additionally,
Jiangxi Jinko shall repurchase all the 45% equity interests (the non-controlling interest) held by the government background funds
upon the fifth anniversary of the capital injection date with a repurchase price equivalent to the capital injection made by the
government background funds. Considering the government investment shall be repaid on a fixed date and for fixed amounts,
redemption of the government investment is considered to be mandatory and certain to occur and is not upon the occurrence of a
conditional event nor depends upon the satisfaction of a specified contingency. The Group assessed the impact of the above
amendments and concluded that these amendments represented a settlement of the non-controlling interests given characteristics of
the non-controlling interests has been completely changed to loan liabilities. At the time of the settlement, the carrying amount of the
non-controlling interests with the amount of RMB779 million was derecognized, and the new loan liabilities was recorded at fair
value of RMB818 million, with the difference recorded against additional paid-in-capital. As of December 31, 2022, the total
outstanding balances amounted to RMB754 million. In 2023, Jiangxi Jinko entered into agreement to early repay RMB100 million.
As of December 31, 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB668 million, including RMB301 million due in
December 2024.
In the December 2019, Jiangxi Jinko, together with a government background fund, established Jinko Chuzhou. Cash capital
injections with an aggregate amount of RMB1.1 billion had been made by the non-controlling shareholder through December 31,
2022. The Group controls and consolidates such entity in its financial statements. In August 2020, Jiangxi Jinko entered into a
supplementary investment agreement with the government background fund, pursuant to which the government background fund
will no longer participates in any business decision of Jinko Chuzhou and enjoys a fixed annual return of 4.35% on its capital
injection. Additionally, Jiangxi Jinko shall repurchase all the 45% equity interests (the non-controlling interest) held by the
government background fund upon the sixth anniversary of the capital injection date with a repurchase price equivalent to the capital
injection made by the government background fund. Considering the government investment shall be repaid on a fixed date and for
fixed amounts, redemption of the government investment is considered to be mandatory and certain to occur and is not upon the
occurrence of a conditional event nor depends upon the satisfaction of a specified contingency. The Group assessed the impact of the
above amendments and concluded that these amendments represented a settlement of the non-controlling interests given
characteristics of the non-controlling interests has been completely changed to loan liabilities. At the time of the settlement, the
carrying amount of the non-controlling interests with the amount of RMB859 million was derecognized, and the new loan liabilities
was recorded at fair value of RMB846 million, with the difference recorded against additional paid-in-capital. In July and September
2021, Jinko Chuzhou received two 5-year loans with the amount of RMB150 million and RMB100 million from the government
background fund which both bear a fixed annual return of 4.35%. As of December 31, 2022, the total outstanding balances
amounted to RMB701 million. In 2023, Jiangxi Jinko entered into agreement to early repay RMB410 million. As of December 31,
2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB288 million.
e.
In September and October 2021, Rui Xu entered into two 5-year loan agreements with a government background company with the
principle amount of RMB20 million and RMB20 million and the interest rate of 5.05% and 5.05%, respectively. As of December 31,
2022 and 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB40 million and RMB42 million, respectively.
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Table of Contents
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
In April 2020, Jiangxi Jinko, together with a government background fund, established Jinko ShangRao. The Group controls and
consolidates such entity in its financial statements. Pursuant to the investment agreement entered by Jiangxi Jinko and the
government background fund, the government background fund will provide its investment into Shangrao Jinko of RMB4.5 billion
with the interest rate stipulated by bank for the corresponding period. Jiangxi Jinko shall repurchase all the 45% equity interests (the
non-controlling interest) held by the government background fund upon the sixth anniversary of the date of the investment
agreement with a repurchase price equivalent to the capital injection made by the government background funds. Considering the
government investment shall be repaid on a fixed date and for fixed amounts, redemption of the government investment is
considered to be mandatory and certain to occur and is not upon the occurrence of a conditional event nor depends upon the
satisfaction of a specified contingency. Therefore, these government investments were accounted as loan liabilities.
In June 2021, to further support the development of Jinko Shangrao, the government background fund entered into agreement with
Jiangxi Jinko to waive interests associated with the government loans during the period from January 1 to December 31, 2021.
Considering the cash flow effect on a present value basis is less than 10 percent, the interest waiving is regarded as a modification of
the government loan, and therefore, established a new effective interest based on the carrying value of the government loan and the
revised cash flows since the modification date on June 25, 2021. No gain or loss was recorded in relation to the modification in
2021. As of December 31, 2022, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB2,059million. In 2023, Jiangxi Jinko entered into
agreement to early repay RMB366 million. As of December 31, 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB1,679million.
In July 2020, the Group entered into a 2-year loan agreement with Ping An International Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. for a principle
amount of RMB49,263 million which was repayable from July 2020 to July 2022. The borrowing was guaranteed by Jiangxi Jinko.
The loan was repaid in July 2022.
In October 2021, Anhui Jinko entered into a 6-year loan agreement with a government background company with the principle
amount of RMB455 million and interest rate of 5.58%. The loan will be repaid upon the sixth anniversary of the borrowing date. In
2022, Anhui Jinko entered into three separate 6-year loan agreements with a government background company with the principle
amount of RMB215 million with the interest rate around 5.58%. These loans will be repaid upon the sixth anniversary of the
borrowing date. As of December 31, 2022, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB680 million. In 2023, Jingxi Jinko
entered into agreement to early repay RMB300 million. As of December 31, 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to
RMB381 million.
In October and December 2021, Yushan Jinko entered into a 6-year loan agreement with a government background company with
the principle amount of RMB200 million and RMB100 million and interest rate of 4.90% and 4.90%, respectively. These loans will
be repaid upon the sixth anniversary of the borrowing date. In January 2022, Yushan Jinko entered into a 6-year loan agreement with
a government background company with the principle amount of RMB100 million interest rate of 4.90%. These loans will be repaid
upon the sixth anniversary of the borrowing date. As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to
RMB378 million and RMB375 million, respectively.
In July 2022, Jinko Feidong entered into a 5-year loan agreement with a government background company with the principle amount
of RMB205 million and interest rate around 5.58%. The loan will be repaid upon the fifth anniversary of the borrowing date. As of
December 31, 2022 and 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB208 million and RMB207 million, respectively.
In July 2022, Jinko Leshan entered into a 4-year loan agreement with a government background company with the principle amount
of RMB150 million and interest rate around 5.18%. The loan will be repaid upon the fifth anniversary of the borrowing date. As of
December 31, 2022 and 2023, the total outstanding balances amounted to RMB148 million and RMB141 million, respectively.
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Table of Contents
l.
In December 2023, Jinko Energy entered into agreements with a government background company, to sell its 49% equity interests in
Shangrao Xinyuan with a total consideration of RMB1.5 billion. Pursuant to the agreements, Jinko Energy committed to repurchase
all the 49% equity interests held by the government background company upon the fifth anniversary of the first investment date with
a repurchase price equivalent to the investment made by the government background company and a fixed annual return based on
1.1 times of corresponding loan prime rate. As of December 31, 2023, the government background company has paid RMB 650
million. Considering the investment from the government background company shall be repaid on a fixed date and for fixed
amounts, redemption of the government background company is considered to be mandatory and certain to occur and is not upon the
occurrence of a conditional event nor depends upon the satisfaction of a specified contingency. Therefore, management concluded
that the investment from the government background company shall be accounted as loan liabilities.
19. LEASES
The Group’s operating lease primarily represent offices and overseas manufacturing facilities and warehouses. Most of the operating
leases are for terms ranging from 2 to 10 years, although terms and conditions can vary from lease to lease. The Group has assessed the
specific terms and conditions of each operating lease to determine the amount of the lease payments and the length of the lease term,
which includes the minimum period over which lease payments are required plus any renewal options that are both within the Group’s
control to exercise and reasonably certain of being exercised upon lease commencement. The Company assesses all relevant factors to
determine if sufficient incentives exist as of lease commencement to conclude whether or not renewal is reasonably certain. There are no
material residual value guarantees provided by the Company nor any restrictions or covenants imposed by the operating leases to which
the Company is a party. In determining the lease liability, the Group utilizes its incremental borrowing rate for debt instruments with
terms approximating the term for its operating leases to discount the future lease payments over the lease term to present value. The
Company does not incur variable lease payments for its operating leases.
The Group’s finance leases primarily represent machinery and equipment utilized in the Group’s production facilities. All of the Group’s
finance leases meet one or more of the criteria as: a) the lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset to the Group by the end of the
lease term; b) the lease grants the Group an option to purchase the underlying asset that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise; c) the
lease term is for the major part of the remaining economic life of the underlying asset; d) the present value of the sum of the lease
payments and any residual value guaranteed by the Group that is not already reflected in the lease payments equals or exceeds
substantially all of the fair value of the underlying asset; e) the underlying asset is of such a specialized nature that it is expected to have
no alternative use to the lessor at the end of the lease term. ROU of capital lease is recorded at the aggregate of future minimum lease
payments and estimated residual value of the leased equipment. In determining the lease liability, the Group utilizes its incremental
borrowing rate for debt instruments with terms approximating the term for its capital leases to discount the future lease payments over
the lease term to present value.
The balances for the operating and finance leases where the Group Is the lessee are presented as follows (RMB in thousands):
Operating leases:
Operating lease liabilities–- current
Operating lease liabilities–- non-current
Total operating lease liabilities
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
Financing leases:
Financing lease liabilities–- current
Financing lease liabilities–- non-current
Total financing lease liabilities
Financing lease right-of-use assets, net
F-52
2022
December 31
RMB
2023
December 31
RMB
65,489
339,885
405,374
396,966
168,381
69,881
238,262
558,407
119,344
557,136
676,480
660,138
36,587
—
36,587
82,293
Table of Contents
(a)
The components of lease expenses were as follows (RMB in thousands):
Lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets
Interest of lease liabilities
Expenses for short-term lease within 12 months
Total lease cost
(b)
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (RMB in thousands):
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash outflows for operating leases
Operating cash outflows for finance leases
Financing cash outflows for finance leases
Total cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Lease obligation accrued in exchange for right-of-use assets:
Operating lease liabilities
Finance lease liabilities
Total lease obligation accrued in exchange for right-of-use assets:
(c)
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows (RMB in thousands):
For the years ended December 31,
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
129,869
36,553
9,154
175,576
172,625
30,856
12,634
216,114
For the years ended December 31,
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
72,906
19,926
216,722
309,554
3,476
—
3,476
101,340
8,910
280,833
391,083
348,901
—
348,901
Operating leases:
Weighted-average remaining lease term
Weighted-average discount rate
Financing leases:
Weighted-average remaining lease term
Weighted-average discount rate
(d)
Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows (RMB in thousands):
Operating leases:
Year ended December 31,
2024
2025
2026
Thereafter
Total undiscounted lease payments
Less: imputed interest
Total lease liabilities
Year ending December 31,
F-53
As of December 31,
2022
2023
6.21 years
6.46 %
5.69 years
6.48 %
As of December 31,
2022
2023
0.94 years
5.55 %
0.56 years
5.00 %
RMB
140,553
140,732
125,444
281,838
688,567
12,087
676,480
Table of Contents
Financing leases:
Year ended December 31,
2024
Total undiscounted lease payments
Less: imputed interest
Total lease liabilities
20. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Year ending December 31,
RMB
38,563
38,563
1,976
36,587
Basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share have been calculated as follows (RMB in thousands, except for share and per
share data):
For the years ended December 31,
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
2021
RMB
Numerator:
Net income
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
Net income attributable to JinkoSolar’s ordinary shareholders
Dilutive effects of convertible senior notes
Numerator for diluted income per share
955,572
234,554
721,018
(308,339)
412,679
1,565,139
944,633
620,506
—
620,506
6,452,554
3,005,111
3,447,443
(5,574)
3,441,869
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average number of ordinary shares
outstanding
Dilutive effects of share options
Dilutive effects of convertible senior notes
190,672,869
540,620
14,506,283
198,004,260
2,404,234
—
207,705,476
6,920,728
11,486,880
Denominator for diluted calculation - weighted average number of ordinary shares
outstanding
Basic earnings per share attributable to JinkoSolar’s ordinary shareholders
Diluted earnings per share attributable to JinkoSolar’s ordinary shareholders
205,719,772
3.78
2.01
200,408,494
3.13
3.10
226,113,084
16.60
15.23
For the years ended December 31, 2022, convertible senior notes convertible into 14,427,088 shares were not included in the
computation of diluted EPS because of their anti-dilutive effect. For the year ended December 31, 2023, convertible notes issued by the
Company’s subsidiary, Jiangxi Jinko, was not included in the computation of diluted EPS because of its anti-dilutive effect.
21. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
According to the guidance promulgated by the central government, companies (and employees) are required to contribute, in specified
portions, to the social insurance funds (including medical care insurance, work injury insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity
insurance and pension benefits) as well as the housing funds (collectively, “employee welfare funds”) on a monthly basis for all of the
employees based on such employees’ actual salaries or the applicable capped salary base, whichever is lower. An employee is entitled to
request its employer to make the required portion of contributions in the statutory amounts to the employee welfare funds.
In line with local customary practices, the Company has made contributions to the social insurance funds which met the requirement of
the local minimum wage standard, instead of its employees’ actual salaries as required by the above described guidance, and has not
made full contribution to the housing funds.
Based on the Company’s observation of local practices and consultation with relevant government authorities, the Company believes its
practice has been consistent with the common practice adopted by businesses in Shangrao and Haining, where the Company’s main
subsidiaries operate.
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However, the Company believes it is probable that it will be required to make additional contributions to the employee welfare funds if
(i) the government authorities were to strictly enforce the statutory contribution requirements, or (ii) the employees were to request the
Company to make full contributions to their employee welfare funds (such request, if made, would most likely be supported by the labor
arbitration center or the labor administrative bureau). Therefore, the Company recognizes the difference between the amount of its actual
contributions and the statutory contribution requirements under the guidance promulgated by the central government as a liability for
employee welfare benefits. The unpaid balance of accrued liability accrued for the welfare benefits were RMB1,071 million and
RMB1,598 million as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
On October 28, 2010, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress issued and adopted the Social Insurance Law (the
“Social Insurance Law”), which became effective on July 1, 2011. The Social Security Law imposes certain fines for the aggregated
amount of any outstanding contributions if such contributions are not made within a prescribed time period. In light of this requirement,
the Company had accrued a penalty on the basis of a daily rate of 0.05% of the outstanding contributions as provided under the Social
Insurance Law prior to 2014. The unpaid balance of penalty accrued for employee welfare benefits were RMB12 million and RMB26
million as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
On September 26, 2013, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the People’s Republic of China announced
“Regulations on the Declaration and Payment of Social Welfare” (“New Social Security Regulation”), which took effect on November 1,
2013. The New Social Security Regulation clarifies that the local social security authority should issue a notification to the employers
who fail to make appropriate contribution of social security and a late-payment penalty charge will only be imposed to employers who
fail to pay the outstanding contribution within five days upon the receipt of the notification. However, there were different interpretations
of the New Social Security Regulation as to applicability of the penalty charge by different local authorities in different cities and
provinces in late 2013, therefore, the Company performed investigation and legal assessment as well as communicating with relevant
local authorities. Legal assessment was completed in late 2014. In the opinion of the management, the probability that the Company
would be required to pay late-payment penalty in connection with the unpaid contribution is remote, given that the Company has
received certificates from local social security authorities which confirmed that the Company was in compliance with the local social
insurance regulations as of December 31, 2014 and that local social security authorities have not issued any notification for payment of
outstanding contribution to the Company. Accordingly, the Company did not accrue for late-payment penalty since then.
22. CONVERTIBLE SENIOR NOTES , CONVERTIBLE NOTES AND CALL OPTIONS
2024 Convertible Senior Notes issued by the Company
The Company issued USD85 million of Convertible Senior Notes on May 17, 2019, which will mature on June 1, 2024 (the “2024
Notes”). The interest rate is 4.5% per annum payable semi-annually, in arrears.
Holders have the option to convert their 2024 Notes at any time prior to the close of business on the third business day immediately
preceding the maturity date at a conversion rate of 52.0833 ADSs per USD1,000 principal amount of the Notes (equivalent to an initial
conversion price of approximately USD19.20 per ADS).
The conversion rate is subject to change on anti-dilution and upon certain fundamental changes. Fundamental changes are defined as 1)
any “person” or “group” beneficially owns (directly or indirectly) 50% or more of the total voting power of all outstanding classes of
Company’s shares or has the power to elect a majority of the members of the board of directors; 2) Company consolidates with, or merge
with or into, another person or the Company sells, assigns, conveys, transfers, leases or otherwise disposes of all or substantially all of its
assets, or any person consolidates with, or merges with or into, the Company; 3) Termination of trading of Company’s ADSs; and 4)
adoption of a plan relating to the Company’s liquidation or dissolution.
The holders have the option to require the Company to repurchase the 2024 Notes, in whole or in part, in the event of a fundamental
change for an amount equal to the 100% of the principal amount and any accrued and unpaid interest in the event of fundamental
changes. Management assessed that the likelihood of fundamental change is remote.
The holders had the right to require the Company to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes on June 1, 2021 at a repurchase
price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the
repurchase date.
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Table of Contents
While the 2024 Notes remain outstanding, the Company or its subsidiaries should not create or permit to subsist any security upon its
property, assets or revenues (present or future) to secure any international investment securities or to secure any guarantee of or
indemnity of any international investment securities unless the obligations under the Notes and the indenture (a) are secured equally and
ratably therewith, or (b) have the benefit of such other security, guarantee, indemnity or other arrangement as shall be approved by
holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.
During the year of 2021 and 2023, certain 2024 Notes with the principal amount of USD16 million and USD14.1 million were converted
into 3,281,244 and 2,938,412 ordinary shares of the Company, respectively.
Accounting for 2024 Convertible Senior Notes
The Company has RMB as its functional currency, and the 2024 Notes are denominated in USD. As a result, the conversion feature is
dual indexed to the Company’s stock as well as the RMB and USD exchange rate, and is considered an embedded derivative which needs
to be bifurcated from the host instrument in accordance with ASC 815.
ASC 815-15-25 provides that if an entity has a hybrid financial instrument that would require bifurcation of embedded derivatives under
ASC 815, the entity may irrevocably elect to initially and subsequently measure a hybrid financial instrument in its entirety at fair value
with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. The fair value election can be made instrument by instrument and shall be supported
by concurrent documentation or a preexisting documented policy for automatic election.
The Company elected to measure the 2024 Notes in their entirety at fair value. According to ASC 825-10-45-5, the Company measures
the financial liability at fair value with qualifying changes in fair value recognized in net income. The Company also presents separately
in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of the liability that results from a change in the
instrument-specific credit risk.
Further, as the functional currency of the Company is RMB, the fair value of the 2024 Notes is translated into RMB at each balance sheet
date with the difference being reported as exchange gain or loss, except for the exchange rate remeasurement of the component of the
change in fair value of the liability resulting from the cumulative changes in instrument-specific credit risk which is presented in other
comprehensive income. In addition, all issuance costs associated with the 2024 Notes offering has been expensed as incurred in
accordance with ASC 825-10-25-3, which states that upfront costs and fees related to items for which the fair value option is elected
shall be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive as incurred and not deferred.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, the estimated fair value of the 2024 Notes amounted to approximately RMB1,071 million and
RMB783 million, respectively. The Company recorded a gain from foreign exchange remeasurement of RMB9 million, a loss from
foreign exchange remeasurement of RMB60 million and a gain from foreign exchange remeasurement of RMB55 million in net income
for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The Company recorded a gain from change in fair value of 2024
Notes of RMB328 million, a loss from change in fair value of 2024 Notes of RMB12 million and a loss from change in fair value of
2024 Notes of RMB31 million in net income for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The Company
recorded gain from change in fair value of 2024 Notes of RMB56 million, RMB100 million and RMB71 million in other comprehensive
income for the year ended December 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. During the year of 2021 and 2023, certain 2024 Notes with the
principal amount of USD16 million and USD14.1 million were converted into 3,281,244 and 2,938,412 ordinary shares of the Company.
Upon conversion of the 2024 Notes, accumulated gains due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk with amount of RMB14 million
and RMB53 million were reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income (Note 29). As of December 31, 2023, the total
outstanding balances of the 2024 Notes with the amount of RMB783 million were recorded as current liabilities.
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Call Option
Concurrent with the issuance of the 2024 Notes, the Company used approximately USD30 million of the net proceeds from the offering
to enter into zero-strike call option transactions (“Call option”), covering 1,875,000ADSs, with the initial purchasers of the 2024 Notes
(“Dealer”). The Call option is intended to facilitate privately negotiated transactions by which investors in the Notes are able to hedge
their investment. The Call option expires on July 28, 2021 or when the Dealer request early settlement. The Company has the right to
elect settlement method. If cash settlement applies, the Dealer will deliver the amount of cash to the Company calculated based on the
number of shares determined on the commencement date and the volume-weighted average price of the Company shares on the
settlement date. If physical settlement applies, the Company will receive the fixed number of ADSs determined at the commencement
date of the transaction.
The economic substance of the Call option is the same as a traditional forward repurchase contract. Because the Call option permitted net
cash settlement, it was classified as a derivative instrument measured initially and subsequently at fair value with changes in fair value
recorded in earnings. The Company accounted for the Call option as a free-standing derivative asset on its consolidated balance sheet
when the Call option was entered into in May 2019. The derivative asset was initially recorded at its fair value of US$30 million on the
commencement date which represented the amount of cash transferred to the Dealer. The derivative asset was subsequently recorded at
fair value with the change in fair value through May 2019. The Company recorded a gain from change in fair value of the call option
with the amount of RMB476 million and loss of RMB136 million, an exchange loss of the call option with the amount of RMB14
million and an exchange gain of RMB0.3 million for the year ended December 31,2020 and 2021, respectively (Note 30). In 2021, the
Company elected cash settlement method and total cash received from the exercise of call options amounted to RMB621 million.
2029 Convertible Notes issued by Jiangxi Jinko
On April 26, 2023, Jiangxi Jinko issued RMB10 billion of convertible notes, which will mature on April 19, 2029 (the “2029 Notes”).
Among all of the issued convertible notes, RMB5.5 billion was issued to Paker, the holding company of Jiangxi Jinko, and the remaining
RMB4.5 billion was issued to third party investors. The interest rate is 0.20% in the first year, 0.40% in the second year, 0.60% in the
third year, 1.50% in the fourth year, 1.80% in the fifth year and 2.00% in the sixth year. Unless previously redeemed, converted or
purchased and cancelled, Jiangxi Jinko shall redeem 2029 Notes at 108% of its principal amount on the maturity date.
Holders of the 2029 Notes have the option to convert their 2029 Notes at any time from the six months after the date of issuance closing
(October 26, 2023) to the maturity date at a conversion rate of RMB13.79 per share per RMB100 principal amount of the 2029 Notes.
The conversion rate is subject to change on anti-dilution and upon certain share price changes of Jiangxi Jinko.
In addition, since the first trading day on October 26, 2023, where the closing price of the Jiangxi Jinko’s shares is lower than 85% of the
current conversion price in at least 15 of 30 consecutive trading days, the board of directors of Jiangxi Jinko shall have the right to
propose a plan for conversion price reduction and submit for Jiangxi Jinko shareholders’ approval. Such proposal shall be effected only if
it is approved by at least two-thirds of shareholders present at the meeting. The amended conversion price shall be no less than the
average trading price of Jiangxi Jinko’s shares for the 20 trading days prior to the shareholders’ meeting nor the average trading price in
the last trading day before the shareholders’ meeting.
Holders of the 2029 Notes have the option to require Jiangxi Jinko to repurchase the 2029 Notes for an amount equal to 100% of the
principal amount and any accrued and unpaid interests, in whole or in part, if the closing price of the Jiangxi Jinko’s shares is less than
70% of the current conversion price for any 30 consecutive trading days within the fifth or sixth year upon issuance of the Notes or in the
event of material change in use of the proceeds occurs. Material change in use of the proceeds was defined as a material change in the
utilisation of the funds raised from the issuance of the 2029 Notes as compared with the Jiangxi’s commitments in the prospectus, and if
the intended use of the proceeds is deemed to be changed according to the relevant regulations of the China Securities Regulatory
Commission (“CSRC”) or the Shanghai Stock Exchange (“SSE”).
Jiangxi Jinko is also entitled to call all or part of the 2029 Notes for an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount and any accrued
and unpaid interests, if the closing price of the Jiangxi Jinko’s shares is not less than 120% (inclusive) of the current conversion price for
at least 15 out of 30 consecutive trading days or if the principal amount of the unconverted 2029 Notes is less than RMB30 million.
Share issuance costs that are directly attributable to the issue of the 2029 Notes amounting to approximately RMB32million.
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During the year of 2023, certain 2029 Notes with the principal amount of RMB0.039 million were converted into 2,750 ordinary shares
of Jiangxi Jinko, which attributed to Paker and non-controll interests of RMB0.023million and RMB0.016million, respectively.
Accounting for 2029 Notes
The conversion option is considered as indexed to the entity’s own stock and therefore does not need to be bifurcated from the debt host
as a separate derivative. In addition, by considering the put and call option above are clearly and closely related to the debt host, the 2029
Notes was accounted for as a single instrument as a long-term debt at amortized cost. Related debt issuance cost was recorded as
reduction to the long-term debts and are amortized as interest expenses using the effective interest method. Given RMB 5.5 billion of the
2029 Notes were issued to Paker, which were not yet issued out of the Group, related issuance costs amounted to RMB 16.9 million were
recorded as deferred issuance cost as of December 31, 2023 (Note 11).
Trust arrangement for the 2029 Notes
In order to sell the 2029 Notes held by Paker in further, in April 2023, Trusts were set up by Paker and a group of financial institutions
(bankers and brokers, collectively “Financial Institutions”) as the trustors. The Trusts will purchase all the 2029 Notes held by Paker at a
minimum price of RMB105 each and sell to third parties in the market during the period from October 26, 2023 till March 26, 2024. Any
excess earnings over RMB105 shall be shared between Paker and the Financial Institutions based on the ratio of 81% and 19% in the
form of dividends of the Trusts.
The economic substance of the transaction is that Paker engages the Financial Institutions to issue the RMB5.5 billion Notes to third
party investors with a commission of 19% earnings over RMB105 each. Considering the factors that i) these Trusts were established to
facilitate the Notes issuance, ii) Paker has power over when and how many 2029 Notes to be issued to the Trusts, and iii) these Trusts
have been limited and cannot conduct other activity, the Company concluded that Paker is the primary beneficiary of the Trusts and shall
consolidate the Trusts.
As of December 31, 2023, the Financial Institutions have accumulatively subscribed trust units with a total consideration of
consideration of RMB 668 million which was recorded as liabilities in the Group’s consolidated financial statements (Note 17). In 2023,
the Trusts purchased the 2029 Notes from Paker at the value of RMB 105 each with a total consideration of RMB 694 million, among
which, RMB 221 million of the 2029 Notes was sold by the Trusts at the market with the total consideration of RMB 226 million. As a
result, as of December 31, 2023, in the Group’s consolidated financial statement, management recorded long term debt as convertible
notes measured at amortized cost with the amount of RMB 226 million upon market sales of these Notes. Profit distributions due to the
Financial Institutions with the amount of RMB 1 million were recorded as liabilities and debit to “Other income, net” in the Group’s
consolidated financials.
23. ORDINARY SHARES
The Company’s authorized share capital is USD10 comprising 500,000,000 ordinary shares with a par value of USD0.00002 each. As of
December 31, 2020, the Company issued 190,380,309 ordinary shares, among which, 187,434,469 shares were outstanding and
2,945,840 shares were recorded as treasury stock.
During the year of 2021, certain 2024 Notes with the principal amount of USD16 million were converted into 3,281,244 ordinary shares
of the Company (Note 22).
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, total of 736,460 ADSs (2,945,840 shares) were repurchased but have not been retired with a total
consideration of RMB43 million which is shown as treasury stock. These treasury stock was cancelled and retried in 2023.
During the year of 2023, certain 2024 Notes with the the principal amount of USD14.1 million were converted into 2,938,412 ordinary
shares of the Company (Note 22).
During the year of 2023, 5,792,846 restricted shares granted by the Company were vested and registered as ordinary shares of the
Company.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, 340,000 outstanding ADSs (1,360,000 shares) were repurchased with a total consideration of
USD11 million (equivalents to RMB79 million), which is shown as treasury stock.
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As of December 31, 2023, the Company issued 209,920,447 ordinary shares, among which, 208,560,447 shares were outstanding and
1,360,000 shares were recorded as treasury stock.
24. SUBSIDIARY’S OFFERING OF ITS EQUITY INTERESTS
In October 2020, Jiangxi Jinko, principal operating subsidiary of the Group, completed an RMB3.10 billion (approximately USD 461
million) equity financing. Immediately after the closing, third-party investors together with the Company’s principal shareholders and
senior management personnel, directly or through their investment arms, collectively owned approximately a 26.7% equity interest in
Jiangxi Jinko and the Company owned 73.3% equity interest in Jiangxi Jinko.
Pursuant to the equity financing agreements, third-party investors have the option to require the Company’s principal shareholders (Mr.
Xiande Li, Mr. Kangping Chen and Mr. Xianhua Li) to repurchase their equity interests in Jiangxi Jinko upon the occurrence of certain
events. Considering these rights of third-party investors solely against the Company’s principal shareholders and did not change the
Group’s rights attached to the Jiangxi Jinko’s ordinary shares, the equity financing in Jiangxi Jinko is not mandatorily nor contingently
redeemable against Jiangxi Jinko or the Group, and therefore, the equity financing was classified as noncontrolling interest in the
Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Given the Group may not have been able to consummate the equity financing without the rights provided by the Company’s principal
shareholders, values of the rights provided by the Company’s principal shareholders are deemed as shareholder contributions from the
principal shareholders to the Company. Since the contributions from the Company’s principal shareholders incurred directly attributable
to Jiangxi Jinko’s equity financing, the contributions were treated as issuance cost of the equity financing and was recorded as a
reduction of noncontrolling interest with a credit of additional paid-in capital. Fair value of the rights provided by the Company’s
principal shareholders approximated RMB140 million.
On January 26, 2022, Jiangxi Jinko completed its IPO and started trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange’s Sci-Tech innovation board
(“STAR Market”). The IPO raised net proceeds of approximately RMB9,723 million, of which, RMB6,419 million was recorded in the
non-controlling interest and RMB3,304 million was recorded in the additional paid in capital. After the IPO, the Group owned
approximately 58.62% of Jiangxi Jinko. Jiangxi Jinko’s non-controlling interests’ ownership of the subsidiary changed from 26.72% to
41.38% due to the IPO.
In April 2022, upon approval obtained from the board of directors of Jiangxi Jinko, Jiangxi Jinko declared dividends of RMB230 million
for the year ended December 31, 2021, among which RMB95 million was distributed to the Company’s non-controlling interest
shareholders. Jiangxi Jinko paid the dividends in 2022.
In June 2023, upon approval obtained from the board of directors of Jiangxi Jinko, Jiangxi Jinko declared dividends of RMB890 million
for the year ended December 31, 2022, among with RMB368 million was distributed to the Company’s non - controlling interest
shareholders. Jiangxi Jinko paid the dividends in 2023.
In September 2023, Jiangxi Jinko bought back a total of its 29,721,264 ordinary shares in the STAR market with a total consideration
approximated RMB 300 million. The 29,721,264 shares were reserved for Jiangxi Jinko’s future share option grants. Upon
consummation of the buy - back transaction, ownership of Jiangxi Jinko’s non - controlling interests decreased from 41.38% to 41.20%.
The shares buy - back transaction was treated as transaction with non - controlling interests, and therefore, the aggregated net excess of
the consideration over the carrying amounts of acquired non - controlling interests, being approximately RMB 121 million, was recorded
as deduction to additional paid - in capital in the consolidated financials.
During the year of 2023, certain 2029 Notes with the principal amount of RMB0.038 million were converted into 2,750 ordinary shares
of Jiangxi Jinko. In addition, 5,193,983 share option issued by Jiangxi Jinko were exercised (Note 25). Upon consummation of the
conversion of 2029 Notes and exercise of share option, ownership of Jiangxi Jinko’s non - controlling interests increased from 41.20% to
41.24%.
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25. SHARE BASED COMPENSATION
(a) Incentive plan of JinkoSolar Holding
The Company adopted a long-term incentive plan (the “2009 Plan”) in July 2009 which was subsequently amended and restated. The
2009 plan provided for the issuance of options of 10,897,300 ordinary shares. The options have a contractual life of 7 years except for
certain options granted to an employee in August 2009 that can be exercised until October 1, 2013. The share options will vest in 5
successive equal annual installments on the last day of each year from the grant date, provided that the personnel’s service with the
Company has not terminated prior to each such vesting date. For 953,200 options granted to one employee in August 2009, the share
options vested in a series of 36 months, on the last day of each month, commencing from October 1, 2008.
The Company adopted a long-term incentive plan (the “2014 Plan”) in August 2014. The 2014 Plan provides for the issuance of options
of 12,037,980 ordinary shares. The options have a contractual life of 10 year. The share options will vest in 5 successive equal annual
installments on the last day of each year from the grant date, provided that the personnel’s service with the Company has not terminated
prior to each such vesting date.
The Company adopted a long-term incentive plan (the “2021 Plan”) in August 2021. The 2021 Plan provides for the issuance of
restricted shares of 354,000 ordinary shares. The restricted shares have a contractual life of 5 year. The restricted shares will vest in 10
successive equal semi-annual installments on the first day of half-year anniversaries starting from the grant date, provided that the
personnel’s service with the Company has not terminated prior to each such vesting date.
The Company adopted a long-term incentive plan (the “2022 Plan”) in February 2022. The 2022 Plan provides for the issuance of
restricted shares of 16,684,600 ordinary shares. The restricted shares have a contractual life of 3 year. Fifty percent (50%) of the
restricted shares were immediately vested at the grant date and the rest of the restricted shares will vest in 12 successive equal quarter
installments on the first day of quarter anniversaries starting from the grant date, provided that the personnel’s service with the Company
has not terminated prior to each such vesting date.
The Company adopted a long - term incentive plan (the “2023 Plan”) in Janurary 2023. The 2023 Plan provides for the issuance of
restricted shares of 20,800,000 ordinary shares. The restricted shares have a contractual life of 7 year. The vesting of the Awards is
subject to (i) the participants’ continued service with the Company, and (ii) the Company meeting certain financial performance targets
and investment targets. The restricted shares will vest in 14 successive equal semi - annual installments on the first day of half - year
anniversaries starting from the grant date, provided that the personnel’s service with the Company has not terminated prior to each such
vesting date.
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(i) Share options
A summary of the share option activities under the Company’s share-based compensation plan for the years ended December 31, 2021,
2022 and 2023 is as follows (RMB in thousands, except for share, exercise price and contractual term):
Balance as of December 31, 2020
Granted
Exercise
Forfeited
Balance as of December 31, 2021
Granted
Exercise
Forfeited
Balance as of December 31, 2022
Granted
Exercise
Balance as of December 31, 2023
Vested as of December 31, 2023
Vested and exercisable as of December 31, 2023
Number of
option
outstanding
Weighted-average
exercise price
(USD/share)
Weighted-average
remaining
contractual term
(in years)
Aggregate
intrinsic value
(RMB)
716,748
—
(105,200)
(264,012)
347,536
—
(175,536)
—
172,000
—
—
172,000
172,000
172,000
3.46
—
3.29
3.29
3.65
—
3.35
—
3.96
—
—
3.96
3.96
3.96
4.25
—
—
—
3.84
—
—
—
2.69
—
—
1.68
1.68
1.68
58,836
—
—
—
17,373
—
—
—
8,305
—
—
7,157
7,157
7,157
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market price of ordinary shares, USD9.24 (RMB65.41) per share
as of December 31, 2023 and the exercise prices of the options.
Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022 were RMB 6 million and RMB 8 million,
respectively. Nil options was exercised for the years ended December 31, 2023.
Share-based compensation expenses related to the option awards granted to the employees amounted to RMB0.5 million, nil and nil for
the years ended December 31,2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
The total fair value of shares vested for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 were RMB2 million, RMB5 million and
RMB nil million, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, total cash received from the exercise of share options was RMB 10 million,
RMB 5 million and nil, respectively.
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(ii) Restricted shares
The fair value of each restricted share granted with service conditions is estimated based on the fair market value of the underlying
ordinary shares of the Company on the date of grant.
The following table summarizes activities of the Company’s restricted shares under the 2021 Plan, 2022 Plan and 2023 Plan:
Unvested as of December 31, 2021
Granted
Vested
Unvested as of December 31, 2022
Granted
Vested
Unvested as of December 31, 2023
Number of restricted shares
outstanding
Weighted average grant
date fair value
(RMB)
318,600
16,684,600
(10,188,740)
6,814,460
20,800,000
(10,671,778)
16,942,682
86.38
72.10
72.08
72.38
68.87
70.00
69.57
Share-based compensation expenses of RMB9 million, RMB968 million and RMB721 million related to restricted shares were
recognized for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
As of December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, there were RMB20 million, RMB256 million and RMB968 million of unrecognized
compensation expenses related to restricted shares which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 4.58, 2.28 years
and 5.70 years, respectively.
(b) Incentive plan of Jiangxi Jinko
In October 2022, Jiangxi Jinko adopted its 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Jiangxi Jinko 2022 Plan”), which permits the grant of stock
options of Jiangxi Jinko to its employees. The share option have a contractual life of 3 year with thirty percent (30%) vested on each of
the first year and second year, and forty percent (40%) vested on the third year from the date of grant, provided that the personnel’s
service with the Company has not terminated prior to each such vesting date. Under the plan, a total of 40,187,375 ordinary shares of
Jiangxi Jinko were initially reserved for issuance.
A summary of share option activities under the Jiangxi Jinko 2022 Plan for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023 is as follows
(RMB in thousands, except for share, exercise price and contractual term):
Balance as of December 31, 2021
Granted
Vested
Balance as of December 31, 2022
Exercise
Forfeited
Balance as of December 31, 2023
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2023
Vested and exercisable as of December 31, 2023
Weighted-average
exercise price
(RMB/share)
Weighted-average
remaining
contractual term
(in years)
Aggregate
intrinsic value
(RMB)
—
8.81
—
8.81
8.72
8.72
8.72
8.72
8.72
—
2.89
—
2.89
—
—
2.28
2.28
2.28
—
187,755
—
187,755
—
—
2,713
2,713
2,713
Number of
option
outstanding
—
32,149,900
—
32,149,900
(5,193,983)
(7,576,422)
19,379,495
19,379,495
19,379,495
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The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market price of ordinary shares, RMB8.86 per share as of
December 31, 2023 and the exercise prices of the options.
Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2023 were nil and RMB3 million, respectively.
Share-based compensation expenses related to the option awards granted to the employees under Jiangxi Jinko 2022 Plan was amounted
to RMB 33 million and RMB 142 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, total cash received from the exercise of share options under the Jiangxi Jinko 2022
Plan were nil and RMB45 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2023, share options vested under the Jiangxi Jinko 2022 Plan were recorded as noncontrolling interests in the
Company’s consolidated financials with the amount of RMB132 million.
The total share-based compensation expense of continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 was
recorded in the respective items (RMB in thousands):
Costs of revenues
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses
Total
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For the years ended December 31,
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
2021
RMB
131
131
9,622
—
9,884
17,676
7,101
974,564
1,528
1,000,869
1,734
28,439
825,688
6,781
862,642
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26. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES
(a) Related party balances
Outstanding amounts due from/to related parties as of December 31, 2022 and 2023 were as follows (RMB in thousands):
Accounts receivable from related parties:
Accounts receivable from JinkoPower for sales of solar modules and others
Notes receivables from a related party:
Notes receivables from JinkoPower
Advances to a related party:
Advance to Xinte Silicon for inventory purchase
Prepayment and other receivables from related parties:
Prepayments to JinkoPower for outsourcing services
Other receivables due from JinkoPower for disposal of solar power projects
Other receivables due from Sweihan PV Power Company P.S.J.C (“Sweihan PV”, which develops
and operates solar power projects in Dubai) for technical services
Other receivables from JinkoPower for miscellaneous transactions
Subtotal
Other assets from related parties:
Long-term receivables due from JinkoPower for disposal of solar power projects
Long-term receivables due from Sweihan PV
Subtotal
Accounts payable due to a related party:
Accounts payable due to Xinte Silicon for inventory purchase
Advances from a related party
Advances from JinkoPower
Notes payables due to a related party
Notes payables due to Xinte Silicon for inventory purchase
Other payables due to related parties:
Other payables due to JinkoPower for payments on behalf of the Company
2022
December 31
RMB
2023
December 31
RMB
139,713
296,512
282,824
1,183
56,860
6,555
5,664
12,953
1,075
3,413
23,105
14,603
37,760
52,363
12,635
13,141
1,224
412
27,412
16,859
38,376
55,236
—
21,244
3,829
3,412
419,500
277,000
5,964
11,599
(1) Balances due to related parties are interest-free, not collateralized, and have no definitive repayment terms.
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(b) Related party transactions
Transactions related parties for the year ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 were as follows (RMB in thousands):
For the years ended December 31,
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
2021
RMB
Revenue from sales of products and providing services to related parties
Income of financing guarantees
Revenue from sales of products to JinkoPower
Income of project management provided to Sweihan PV
Rental services provided to JinkoPower
Service expenses and silicon procurement provided by related parties
Processing fee of OEM service charged by Jiangsu Jinko-Tiansheng
Management service provided by JinkoPower
Electricity fee charged by JinkoPower
Silicon procurement from Xinte Silicon (Note 12)
Other fees charged by JinkoPower
-
Financing guarantees
6,364
27,099
660
4,004
5,310
8,753
7,725
—
16
—
325,175
2,979
5,041
—
8,863
25,735
824,785
—
—
353,420
3,931
11,590
—
16,400
119,352
1,537,073
5,109
In connection with the Company’s disposal of JinkoSolar Power downstream business in 2016, the Group entered into a master service
agreement with JinkoPower under which the Group agreed to provide a guarantee for JinkoPower’s financing obligations under its
separate loan agreements. In the event that JinkoPower fails to perform its obligations under the loan agreements or otherwise defaults
thereunder, the Company will become liable for JinkoPower’s obligations under the loan agreements. The Company will charge
JinkoPower service fees for the debt payment guarantee service according the master service agreement.
Pursuant to the master service agreement, guarantee service fee is to be settled annually, and the management of the Company believes
the guarantee fee charges are at market rates. The guarantee receivables are settled upon the receipt of guarantee fees from JinkoPower.
The Company received RMB21 million, nil and nil guarantee fees from JinkoPower in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
In the year of 2022, the Group and JinkoPower entered into an agreement to cancel the above guarantee arrangement.
As of December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, the Company recorded the guarantee fee income receivable amounted to RMB3 million,
RMB3 million and nil. The Company recorded a guarantee liability amounted to RMB12 million, nil and nil as of December 31, 2021,
2022 and 2023, respectively. The guarantee liability was amortized over the expected guarantee period from 1 to 16 years which relates
to the life of the outstanding guaranteed bank loans in the subsequent reporting periods. Other income from JinkoPower for the guarantee
fee amortized for the period during the year ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 amounted to RMB 6 million, RMB nil and RMB
nil, respectively.
-
Solar module transactions with JinkoPower
For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, sales of solar module products to subsidiaries of JinkoPower amounted to
RMB27 million, RMB325 million and RMB353 million, respectively. Payment term offered by the Group to JinkoPower is consistent
with the Group’s 3rd party sales arrangement. As of December 31, 2022 and 2023 outstanding receivables due from JinkoPower were
RMB423 million and RMB298 million, respectively.
-
Rental services provided to JinkoPower
For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, rental services provided to subsidiaries of JinkoPower amounted to RMB4
million, RMB5 million and RMB12 million, respectively.
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-
Transactions with Jinko-Tiansheng
Jinko-Tiansheng is an OEM service provider who provided PV module processing and assembling services to the Group. For the years
ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, Jinko-Tiansheng charged the Group processing fee amounted to RMB5 million, nil and nil,
respectively. The Group entered into a share purchase agreement to dispose all of its equity interest in Jinko-Tiansheng to Jinko-
Tiansheng’s other shareholders in November 2021. The carrying value of the Group’s investment in Jinko-Tiansheng which met
recognition criteria in ASC 360-10-45-9 was reclassified as a held for sale asset as of December 31, 2021. The disposition was
consummated in 2022 with a gain of RMB12 million recognized (Note 5).
- Management service provided by JinkoPower
In November 2017, the Company entered into an agreement with JinkoPower, which entrusted JinkoPower to exercise certain
shareholders’ rights (other than right of profit distribution, right of residual property distribution and right of disposition) in five
operating entities of overseas power stations wholly-owned by the Company, enabling JinkoPower to monitor the construction and daily
operations of these power stations. The Company retains ownership of these power stations and there exists no call or other rights of
JinkoPower. The Company agrees to pay service fees calculated based on the actual costs incurred by JinkoPower during the power
stations’ construction period and a fixed amount fee during the operation period. The Company recorded service expenses incurred in the
years of 2021, 2022 and 2023 amounted to RMB8 million, RMB7 million and RMB7 million, respectively. Other than the solar project
management service, JinkoPwoer also provided other management services to the Company amounted to RMB1 million, RMB2 million
and RMB9 million in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
-
Electricity fee charged by JinkoPower
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022 and 2023, electricity fee charged by subsidiaries of JinkoPower amounted to RMB8
million, RMB27 million and RMB119 million, respectively.
-
Silicon procurement from Xinte Silicon
JinkoSolar jointly invest in Xinte Silicon in 2021 which was accounted for under the equity method (Note 12). JinkoSolar purchased
polysilicon of RMB nil, RMB825 million, and RMB1,537 million from Xinte Silicon during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022
and 2023, respectively.
27. CERTAIN RISKS AND CONCENTRATION
(a) Concentrations of credit risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Group to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash
equivalents, restricted cash, restricted short-term investments, restricted long-term investments, accounts receivable, prepayments and
other current assets. As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, substantially all of the Group’s cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash,
restricted short-term investments, and restricted long-term investments were held by major financial institutions located in the PRC. As
of December 31, 2023, the Group has RMB29,115 million in cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments,restricted
short-term and long-term investments, among which 89%, 5%, 4%, 1% and 1% is held by financial institutions in the China, United
States, Malaysia, Vietnam and Australia as of December 31, 2023, respectively.
The Group is also exposed to the credit and financial risks of its suppliers to which the Group made advances. The Group’s financial
condition and results of operations may be materially affected if the suppliers fail to meet their obligations of supplying silicon materials
according to the contractually agreed schedules.
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(b) Foreign currency risk
The Group has contracts for the sales of products, purchases of materials and equipment which are denominated in foreign currencies,
including US Dollars, and Euros. For the year ended December 31, 2023, 61.73% of the Group’s revenues are dominated in foreign
currencies, including US Dollars, Euros, Yen, Australian Dollars, Canadian Dollars, South African Rand and Pounds. Renminbi, the
functional currency of the Company, is not freely convertible into foreign currencies. The group uses a combination of foreign currency
options and foreign currency forwards to hedge its exposure to foreign currency risk.
(c) Major customers
The Group performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition whenever deemed necessary and generally does not
require collateral. The Group maintains an allowance for credit losses based upon the expected collectability of all accounts receivable,
which takes into consideration an analysis of historical bad debts, specific customer creditworthiness and current economic trends.
There was no accounts receivable represented by customers with balances over 10% of accounts receivables as of December 31, 2021,
2022 and 2023, respectively. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, the Group’s largest customer accounted for 4.6%, 4.6% and 5.1% of the Group’
total revenue, respectively.
(d) Major suppliers
In 2021, 2022 and 2023, the Group’s five largest group suppliers accounted for 78.7%, 77.4% and 83.1%, respectively, of its total silicon
purchases by value. In 2021, three of its group suppliers individually accounted for more than 10%, and its largest group supplier
accounted for 28.5% of its total silicon purchases by value. In 2022, two of its group suppliers individually accounted for more than
10%, and its largest group supplier accounted for 34.0% of its total silicon purchases by value. A “group supplier” refers to an
aggregation of the Group’s suppliers that are within the same corporate group. In 2023, four of its group suppliers individually accounted
for more than 10%, and its largest group supplier accounted for 30.6% of its total silicon purchases by value.
(e) Interest rate
The Group’s main interest rate exposure relates to long-term borrowings. Any increase in interest rates would increase the Group’s
finance expenses relating to our variable rate indebtedness and increase the costs of issuing new debt or refinancing its existing
indebtedness.
28. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
(a) Capital commitments
The Group entered into several purchase agreements and supplementary agreements with certain suppliers to establish manufactory
plants and acquire machineries to be used in the manufacturing of its products. The Group’s total future payments under these purchase
agreements amounted to RMB20,153 million as of December 31, 2023.
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total
Year ending December 31,
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RMB
7,339,798
10,250,563
2,562,641
20,153,002
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(b) Contingencies
Arbitration filed by Singapore customer
In November 2018, one of the Group’s customers in Singapore (the “Singapore Customer”) filed two Notices of Arbitration (“NoAs”) in
two arbitrations with Arbitration No. ARB374/18/PPD (“ARB 374”) and Arbitration No. ARB375/18/PPD (“ARB 375”), respectively,
against Jinko Solar Import & Export Co., Ltd. (“Jinko IE”) at Singapore International Arbitration Centre. These NoAs were subsequently
amended by the Singapore Customer, and Jinko IE received the amended Notices of Arbitration from the Singapore Customer on
December 20, 2018. The Singapore Customer claimed respectively in ARB 374 and ARB 375 that the photovoltaic solar modules
supplied by Jinko IE to the Singapore Customer under the purchase agreement dated December 25, 2012 (“2012 Contract”) and January
28, 2013 (“2013 Contract”) were defective. The Singapore Customer sought, inter alia, orders that Jinko IE replace the modules and/or
that Jinko IE compensate the Singapore Customer for any and all losses sustained by the Singapore Customer as a result of the supply of
allegedly defective modules. In January 2019, Jinko IE issued its responses to the NoAs in ARB 374 and ARB 375, disputing the
Singapore Customer’s reliance on the arbitration clauses in the 2012 Contract and the 2013 Contract, denying all claims raised by the
Singapore Customer, and disputing that the Singapore Customer was entitled to the reliefs claimed in the arbitrations. Arbitration
tribunals in both ARB 374 and ARB 375 were constituted on September 5, 2019, which directed on January 14, 2020 that (i) the
Singapore Customer shall submit its statement of claim in both ARB 374 and ARB 375 and Jinko IE shall submit its statement of defense
no later than five months after Singapore Customer’s submission of statement of claim; and (ii) the hearing of the arbitrations shall be
bifurcated with the liability issue to be first determined by the tribunals, and then depending on the outcome of the liability issue, the
issue of remedies/damages payable to be determined in the subsequent proceedings in such manner as may be directed by the tribunals.
On August 7, 2020, the Singapore Customer submitted its statement of claim in both ARB 374 and ARB 375. In the statement of claim,
the Singapore Customer maintained its claim that the photovoltaic solar modules supplied by Jinko IE to them under the 2012 Contract
and the 2013 Contract were defective, and that Jinko IE should be liable in respect of all the modules supplied under the 2012 Contract
and the 2013 Contract. On December 16, 2020, following Jinko IE’s request, the tribunals in both ARB 374 and ARB 375 directed that
Jinko IE’s statement of defense should be submitted by February 11, 2021. On February 11, 2021, Jinko IE submitted its statement of
defense and relevant evidence. In the statement of defense, Jinko IE (i) requested the tribunal to declare that it lacks jurisdiction over the
dispute; and (ii) denied all the Singapore Customer claims and requested the same be dismissed by the tribunal. On February 22, 2021,
upon mutual agreement by Jinko IE and the Singapore Customer, the tribunal directed that ARB 374 and ARB 375 should be
consolidated. On August 24, 2021, the tribunal decided Jinko IE and the Singapore Customer’ respective Redfern Schedules. On October
5, 2021, Jinko IE and the Singapore Customer exchanged documents pursuant to the tribunal’s decision on the Redfern Schedules. On
February 19, 2022, the Singapore Customer filed its Reply Memorial (accompanied by all evidence, including factual exhibits, written
witness statements, expert reports and legal authorities relied upon). On July 17, 2022, Jinko IE submitted its Rejoinder Memorial with
all evidence correspondingly in reply to Reply Memorial. From October 10 to 21, 2022, the hearing for liability issue was held in
Singapore, during which the tribunal heard the parties’ oral opening statements, evidence from the parties’ factual and expert witnesses,
and oral closing statements. According to the tribunal’s directions, the parties submitted Post-hearing Briefs on January 20, 2023 and the
Reply Post-hearing Briefs on March 3, 2023. On August 17, 2023, the tribunal issued Partial Award on Jurisdiction and Liability (the
“Partial Award”), as corrected on October 2, 2023. Pursuant to the Partial Award, 365,000 solar modules supplied by Jinko IE to
Singapore Customer under 2012 and 2013 Contracts are not fit for the purpose for which the solar modules would ordinarily be used for.
The Partial Award also mentioned that the remedies to be awarded (if any) as well as the amount Jinko IE to compensate would be
determined in the final award. The final award is expected to be issued within one to two years.
In November 2023, Jinko IE initiated procedures with the local court to set aside the Partial Award (case number “OA 1165”). On
February 21, 2024, Singapore Customer filed and served its submissions on remedies which quantified its claim at US$38,564,987
(RMB 273 million) plus the costs of disposal of the defective Modules and interest on damages at a rate of 5.33%. On April 25,2024, the
court dismissed Jinko IE’s application to set aside the Partial Award. Jinko IE will file and serve its submissions on remedies by June 4,
2024 according to the current schedule of the case.
In view of the latest submission from Singapore Customer, management reassessed the potential exposures with the assistance from its
external legal counsel, management consider that Jinko has a reasonable basis to challenge the quantum of Singapore Customer’s claims
for damages in this consolidated arbitration. Based on the asssessment, management concluded that its best estimation with respect to the
potential exposures of the arbitration would be RMB 180 million as at December 31, 2023. As a result, the Company recorded accruals
with the amount of RMB 180 million as at December 31, 2023.
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Arbitration filed by Hanwha
In March 2019, Hanwha Q CELLS (defined below) filed patent infringement lawsuits against the company and a number of the
company’s subsidiaries.
(i) Patent infringement lawsuits in the United States:
On March 4, 2019, Hanwha Q CELLS USA Inc. and Hanwha Solutions Corporation (The plaintiff has been changed from Hanwha Q
CELLS & Advanced Materials Corporation to Hanwha Solutions Corporation (registration no. 110111-0360935) during the course of the
proceedings because of restructuring undertaken by its affiliate(s) in relation to ownership of the patent in suit) (collectively, “Plaintiffs
A”) filed suit against JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd and several of its subsidiary entities, i.e. JinkoSolar (U.S.) Inc, Jinko Solar (U.S.)
Industries Inc, Jinko Solar Co., Ltd, Zhejiang Jinko Solar Co., Ltd and Jinko Solar Technology Sdn.Bhd (collectively “Respondents”) at
the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”). In the complaint, it was alleged that certain photovoltaic solar cells and modules
containing these solar cells supplied by the Respondents infringed U.S. Patent No. 9,893,215 purportedly owned by Hanwha Q CELLS
& Advanced Materials Corporation and Plaintiffs A requested a permanent limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order be issued
against the Respondents’ allegedly infringing products. On March 5, 2019, Hanwha Q CELLS & Advanced Materials Corporation filed a
suit against the Respondents before the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware (“District Court”) alleging that certain
photovoltaic solar cells and modules containing these solar cells supplied by the Respondents infringed U.S. Patent No. 9,893,215
allegedly owned by Hanwha Q CELLS & Advanced Materials Corporation and sought reliefs including compensation for alleged
infringement activities, enhanced damages and reasonable attorney fees. On April 9, 2019, the ITC published the Notice of Institution on
Federal Register. On April 15, 2019, the District Court granted our motion to stay the court litigation pending final resolution of the ITC.
On May 3, 2019, the Respondents submitted their response to the complaint of Plaintiffs A to the ITC requesting ITC among other things
to deny all relief requested by Plaintiffs A. On September 13, 2019, the Respondents filed motion for summary determination of non-
infringement with ITC. On April 10, 2020, the administrative law judge issued the initial determination granting the Respondents’
motion for summary determination of non-infringement. On June 3, 2020, the ITC determined to affirm the initial determination issued
by the administrative law judge granting respondents’ motions for summary determination of non-infringement and terminate the
investigation (the “Final Determination”). On July 31, 2020, Plaintiffs A filed its petition to review with the United States Court of
Appeals for the Federal Circuit against the ITC’s Final Determination. On August 27, 2020, the Respondents filed the motion to
intervene of such appeal. Plaintiffs A filed its opening appeal brief in November 2020. The Respondents filed the principal brief in
February 2021. On July 12, 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the ITC’s findings that
Respondents’ products do not infringe U.S. Patent No. 9,893,215. On June 27, 2022, the District Court entered a joint motion to dismiss
the said court litigation.
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(ii) Patent infringement lawsuits in Germany:
On March 4, 2019, Hanwha Q CELLS GmbH (“Plaintiff B”), filed a patent infringement claim against JinkoSolar GmbH before the
Düsseldorf Regional Court in Germany alleging that certain photovoltaic solar cells and modules containing these solar cells supplied by
JinkoSolar GmbH infringed EP2 220 689 purportedly owned by Plaintiff B. On April 10, 2019, JinkoSolar GmbH filed the first brief
with the court stating JinkoSolar GmbH would defend itself against the complaint. On September 9, 2019, JinkoSolar GmbH filed its
statement of defense with the court (the “Statement of Defense”), requesting that the claim be dismissed and that Plaintiff B to bear the
costs of the legal dispute. On March 3, 2020, Plaintiff B filed its reply to the Statement of Defense with the court. On April 20, 2020,
JinkoSolar GmbH filed its rejoinder with the court commenting on Plaintiff B’s reply on March 3, 2020. On May 5, 2020, the oral
hearing regarding the validity of the EP2 220 689, Plaintiff B’s entitlement to sue, and the infringement was held before the Düsseldorf
Regional Court. On June 16, 2020, the Düsseldorf Regional Court sided with Plaintiff B and ordered that the third party cell technology
contained in certain modules delivered by JinkoSolar GmbH infringes Plaintiff B’s patent (the “Judgment”). JinkoSolar GmbH filed its
notice of appeal on July 14, 2020. On October 16, 2020, JinkoSolar GmbH submitted grounds of appeal to the Düsseldorf Higher
Regional Court. On March 1, 2021, JinkoSolar GmbH submitted appeal joinder to the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court. On September
28, 2020, Plaintiff B has submitted the request for penalty to Düsseldorf Regional Court, claiming that JinkoSolar GmbH violated the
Judgment by continuing to promote infringing products and requesting imposition of penalty for such violation. Though not specified in
Plaintiff B’s request, in general we do not expect the amount of such penalty to exceed €250,000. On November 30,2020, JinkoSolar
GmbH submitted its response to Plaintiff B’s request for penalty. On April 6, 2021, JinkoSolar GmbH submitted its second response to
Plaintiff B’s request for penalty. On August 23, 2021, Düsseldorf Regional Court dismissed Plaintiff B’s request for penalty. The oral
proceedings at the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court was held on March 30, 2023.
Following this hearing, the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court decided on April 20, 2023 that evidence should be taken by firstly hearing
a witness and subsequently obtaining a written technical opinion from a court appointed expert. On June 2, 2023, Jiangxi Jinko and
Hanwha Solutions Corporation and its affiliates entered into a patent cross-license and settlement agreement (“Patent Cross-License and
Settlement Agreement”), pursuant to which both parties agreed that: (a) grant mutual licenses to each other concerning a number of
patents, including but not limited to the patents in dispute, and payment of license fees, and (b) terminate all worldwide pending patent
infringement and invalidation proceedings between both parties (including each party’s affiliates). Consequently, JinkoSolar GmbH
withdrew its appeal on June 22, 2023 and Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court terminated the proceedings by a decision dated June 26,
2023. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded the corresponding accounting implication related to the Hanwha
Licensed Patents at its consolidated financial statements.
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(iii) Patent infringement lawsuits in Australia:
On March 12, 2019, Hanwha Solutions Corporation (registration no. 110111-0360935) (The plaintiff has been changed from Hanwha Q
CELLS & Advanced Materials Corporation to Hanwha Solutions Corporation during the course of the proceedings because of
restructuring undertaken by its affiliate(s) in relation to ownership of the patent in suit) and Hanwha Q CELLS Australia Pty Ltd
(“Plaintiffs C”, together with Plaintiffs A and Plaintiff B, “Hanwha Q CELLS Plaintiffs”) filed suit at Federal Court of Australia (“FCA”)
against Jinko Solar Australia Holdings Co. Pty Ltd (“Jinko AUS”). It was alleged that certain photovoltaic solar cells and modules
containing these solar cells supplied by Jinko AUS infringed Australian Patent No. 2008323025 purportedly owned by Plaintiffs C. The
relief sought by Plaintiffs C includes a declaration of infringement, injunctions restraining future acts of commercial exploitation by way
of importing, offering to supply and supplying the relevant products; ancillary relief by way of delivery up for destruction of allegedly
infringing product and pecuniary remedies by way of damages (including additional damages) or, at Hanwha’s election, an account of
profits; and declarations and injunctions based on the misleading or deceptive conduct claim. It is expected that issues relating to
pecuniary relief and their quantum will be separated and deferred for determination after the liability hearing. The FCA served Jinko
AUS as the Respondent and the first case management hearing was held on April 12, 2019. The FCA heard the application, and made
orders for the conduct of the proceeding at the first case management hearing, following which Jinko AUS submitted its defense and
cross-claim to Plaintiffs C’s statement of claim on July 22, 2019. Shortly before the second case management hearing which was held on
October 2, 2019, Plaintiffs C requested an amendment to Australian Patent No. 2008323025 (“Amendment Application”) on the stated
basis of overcoming prior art relevant to validity and it also appeared that one of the amendments sought by Plaintiffs C was with a view
to improving its position in relation to Jinko AUS’s defense to infringement. Plaintiffs C’s Amendment Application was opposed by
Jinko AUS and the other Australian respondents and FCA directed Plaintiffs C to give discovery and produce documents in respect to the
Amendment Application. The third case management hearing was held on December 13, 2019, after which Jinko AUS submitted
particulars of opposition to the Amendment Application and requested for further and better discovery in respect to the Amendment
Application. As a result, Hanwha subsequently dropped the amendment in relation to Jinko AUS’s defense to infringement and
opposition to the remaining Amendment Application continued for some time but was ultimately not pursued by Jinko AUS and the
other Australian respondents. The FCA granted Plaintiffs C’s Amendment Application on August 28, 2020. Following the order directed
by FCA at the case management hearing held on November 16, 2020, Plaintiffs C’s has filed its infringement statement at FCA on
December 17, 2020 and refers to certain testing undertaken in South Korea in 2018 prior to the commencement of the proceeding, and
Jinko AUS has filed a precise non-infringement statement identifying the reasons why certain photovoltaic solar cells and modules
supplied by Jinko AUS do not infringe Australian Patent No. 2008323025 on March 9, 2021. Since then, the parties have taken the
various procedural steps required by the court’s directions in relation to infringement and validity claims and defences. The final was
held from September 23 to 30 and October 10 to 14, 2022. Pursuant to the Patent Cross - License and Settlement Agreement entered into
between Jiangxi Jinko and Hanwha Solutions Corporation and its affiliates dated June 2, 2023, Jinko AUS and Hanwha Q CELLS
Plaintiffs filed the Notice of Discontinuance dated June 23, 2023, which was acknowledged by the court on June 26, 2023.
The Company believes that Hanwha Q CELLS Plaintiffs’ claims in all the above-mentioned cases are lacking legal merit, and will
vigorously defend against the claims made by them. The Group is considering all legal avenues including challenging the validity of U.S.
Patent No. 9,893,215 (“the ‘215 Patent”), EP 2 220 689 and Australian Patent No. 2008323025 (collectively, the “Asserted Patents”), and
demonstrating the Company’s non-infringement of the Asserted Patents. On June 3, 2019, the Company filed a petition for inter partes
review (“IPR”) of the ‘215 Patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Appeal Board (“PTAB”). IPR is a trial proceeding conducted at
the PTAB to review the patentability of one or more claims in a patent. On December 10, 2019, the PTAB instituted the IPR proceedings
of the patentability of claims 12-14 of the ‘215 patent claims in view of prior art. On September 9, 2020, the Company attended the oral
hearing of IPR of the ‘215 patent. On December 9, 2020, the PTAB issued the final decision on the Company’s petition for IPR, finding
that all challenged claims 12-14 of the ‘215 patent are unpatentable. On February 8, 2021, the patent owner of ‘215 Patent, Hanwha
Solutions Corporation, appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit against such final decision issued by the
PTAB (“215 IPR Appeal”). On February 24, 2021, the Company has filed the certificate of interest to participate in 215 IPR Appeal. On
May 28, 2021, Hanwha Solutions Corporation filed its opening appeal brief. On July 19, 2021, Hanwha Solutions Corporation filed a
motion to remand the case to the United States Patent and Trademark Office. On October 4, 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for
the Federal Circuit denied Hanwha Solutions Corporation’s motion to remand. On June 10, 2022, the United States Court of Appeals for
the Federal Circuit affirmed the said final decision issued by PTAB that all challenged claims 12-14 of the ‘215 patent are unpatentable.
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On June 24, 2019, Jinko filed with the European Patent Office a Notice of Intervention in the opposition proceeding regarding the
validity of the EP 2 220 689. On March 25 and March 26, 2021, the opposition oral hearing regarding the validity of the EP2 220 689
was held before the European Patent Office. During the hearing, the European Patent Office held that the EP2 220 689 was maintained in
amended form. An additional hearing was held on September 28 and 29, 2022, during which the opposition division finally decided to
uphold the patent with the limited claims and an amended version of the patent description. Currently, the European Patent Office has not
yet issued its decision including the grounds in writing. Following the Patent Cross - License and Settlement Agreement entered between
Jiangxi Jinko and Hanwha Solutions Corporation and its affiliates dated June 2, 2023, JinkoSolar GmbH filed the request for withdrawal
of the opposition on June 26, 2023 which the European Patent Office acknowledged on the same day.
Arbitration filed by Spanish customers
On May 7, 2021, one of the company’s Spanish customers (the “Spanish Customer”) submitted a Request for arbitration at International
Chamber of Commerce (Case No. 26251/JPA) against Jiangxi Jinko in connection with dispute arising out of a PV Module Sales
Contract entered into in August, 2020 (“Contract”). In the Request, the Spanish Customer’s claims are based on (1) Jiangxi Jinko’s
alleged breaches of the Contract by being unable to deliver the goods at the initially agreed shipping dates and price; (2) the subsequent
termination of the Contract by the Spanish Customer; (3) alleged replacement purchases the Spanish Customer has made to replace the
goods originally ordered from Jiangxi Jinko; and (4) alleged further costs and other indirect damages purportedly incurred by the Spanish
Customer as a consequence of Jiangxi Jinko ‘s alleged breaches and relating to the PV plant in Australia for which the goods had been
intended. On July 21, 2021, Jiangxi Jinko submitted the Answer to the Request and Counterclaim, denying that the Spanish Customer is
entitled to the relief it requests and raising a counterclaim for damages its loss of profit as well as wasted costs expended in reliance on
the performance of the Contract. On January 28, 2022, the tribunal confirmed the Terms of Reference and Procedural Order No.1 signed
by the Spanish Customer and Jiangxi Jinko, according to which, except any extension granted by the tribunal, (1) the Spanish Customer
will submit Statement of Claim before April 6, 2022 and Jiangxi Jinko will submit Statement of Defense and Counterclaim before June
6, 2022, (2) the Spanish Customer will submit Statement of Reply and Defense to Counterclaim before September 6, 2022, Jiangxi Jinko
will submit Statement of Rejoinder and Reply on Counterclaim before November 4, 2022 and the Spanish Customer will submit
Rejoinder on Counterclaim before December 19,2022, (3) the hearing will be held during the week of April 17, 2023. On April 6, 2022,
the Spanish Customer submitted Statement of Claim, which maintained the claims as the Request and additionally claimed the legal
interest accrued on the amounts requested. On June 6, 2022, Jiangxi Jinko rejected the claims and brought the counterclaim for the
wrongful termination in its submission of Statement of Defense and Counterclaim. On September 6, 2022, the Spanish Customer
submitted Statement of Reply and Defense to Counterclaim to maintain its positions. On November 4, 2022, Jiangxi Jinko repeatedly
denied the claims and claimed for the damgas in its submission of Statement of Rejoinder and Reply on Counterclaim. On December 19,
2022, the Spanish Customer submitted Rejoinder on Counterclaim. The hearing took place from April 18 to 19, 2023 in Madrid. In June
2023, the Spanish Customer and Jiangxi Jinko entered into a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”), pursuant to which,
both parties further entered into a PV Module Sales Contract (the “Sales Contract”) regarding approximatly 325MW PV modules, and
mutually agreed that Jiangxi Jinko shall provide a rebate in the form of a credit note in the amount of US$8.5 million (the “Rebate
Amount”) to the Spanish Customer in relation to the goods to be purchased under the Sales Contract. The Rebate Amount shall be
deducted proportionally from each payment of the purchase price of the Sales Contract. On September 13, 2023, the tribunal ordered the
termination of the proceedings upon both parties’ mutual consent.
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Arbitration filed by Indian customers
On June 17, 2022, one of the company’s Indian customers (the “Indian Customer”) submitted a Request for arbitration at International
Chamber of Commerce (Case No. 27085/OSI) against Jiangxi Jinko in connection with dispute arising out of a project module supply
agreement entered into in May 2017 (“Supply Agreement”). The Indian Customer further submitted Statement of Claim on December 9,
2022, in which the Indian Customer confirmed it does not pursue its claims requiring Jiangxi Jinko to repair or replace relevant modules
under the warranty certificate and amended the amount of damages as follows: (i) delay Liquidated Damages in the amount of US$363.3
million; (ii) costs arising from or in connection with the construction / installation of 32MW of additional capacity for the purpose of
making up alleged shortfall in the performance of the plant due to allegedly deficient and/or defective modules in the amount of US$14.1
million; and (iii) liquidated damages levied against the EPC Contractor by the owner of the plant in the amount of US$14.6 million,
together totalling US$392.0 million. Jiangxi Jinko submited Statement of Defence and Counterclaim on March 10, 2023, strongly
defending itself and claiming that the Indian Customer failed to pay the invoices amounting to US$5.3 million. On May 22, 2023, the
Indian Customer submitted Reply and Defence to Counterclaim. On June 23, 2023, Jiangxi Jinko submitted Rejoinder to Reply to
Defence to Statement of Claim and Reply to Defence to Counterclaim. On June 27, 2023, the Indian Customer submitted Rejoinder to
Reply to Defence to Counterclaim. On September 8, 2023, Jiangxi Jinko submitted Surrejoinder to Rejoinder to Reply to Defence to
Counterclaim. On October 6, 2023, the Indian Customer submitted Rebutter to Surrejoinder to Rejoinder to Reply to Defence to
Counterclaim. On November 9, 2023, Jiangxi Jinko sent a sealed offer to the Indian Customer which was accepted by the Indian
Customer and its related parties of the present arbitration on November 15, 2023. Accordingly, Jiangxi Jinko paid a total of
US$30,540,793.40 by December 13, 2023, and the Sealed Offer was made in full and final settlement of (1) all of the Indian Customer’s
claims and Jiangxi Jinko’s counterclaims as set out in the present arbitration, and (2) all claims that the Indian Customer (or any of its
related parties of the present arbitration) has against Jiangxi Jinko (or any of its affiliates): (i) under or in connection with the Supply
Agreement and the related warranty certificate; (ii) under or in connection with the module supply agreement relating to the 32MW
additional modules; and (iii) in relation to the power project underlying the Supply Agreement. On December 15, the tribual issued an
order for Discontinuance of the Arbitration upon both parties’ mutual consent. Pursuant to the Order declared by the tribunal, the
Company fully settled the amount of US$30.5 million (equivalents to RMB 216 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023.
(c) Guarantees
The Company provided the loan guarantee to JinkoPower. In the year of 2022, the Group and JinkoPower entered into an agreement to
cancel the guarantee arrangement. (Note 26).
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29. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
A hierarchy is established 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 the Company.
Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use 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) observable inputs such as
quoted prices in active markets; (Level 2) inputs other than the quoted price in active markets that are observable either directly or
indirectly, or quoted prices in less active markets; and (Level 3) unobservable inputs with respect to which there is little or no market
data, which require the Company to develop its own assumptions. Fair value of cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted short-term
investment are categorized as level 1 under the fair value hierarchy, as they based on quoted prices in active markets. Short-term
borrowings and long-term borrowing are categorized as level 2 under the fair value hierarchy, as they based on quoted prices in less
active markets.
Fair value change in forward contracts and foreign exchange options
The Company has entered into foreign exchange forward contracts with local banks to reduce the exposure of significant changes in
exchange rates between Renminbi and foreign currencies. Authoritative guidance requires companies to recognize all of the derivative
financial instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets based upon quoted market prices for
comparable instruments. The Company’s forward contracts have not met the criteria for hedge accounting within authoritative guidance.
Therefore, the foreign exchange forward contracts have been recorded at fair value, with the gain or loss on these transactions recorded
in the consolidated statements of operations within “Change in fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts” in the period in which
they occur. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The Company held foreign
exchange forward contracts with a total notional value of USD 560 million and USD870 million, EUR250 million and EUR170 million,
JYP2,000 million and nill as of December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively. These foreign exchange forward contracts mature within
12 months. The Company used a discounted cash-flow methodology to measure fair value, which requires inputs such as interest yield
curves and foreign exchange rates. The significant inputs used in the aforementioned model can be corroborated with market observable
data and therefore the fair value measurements are classified as level 2. Typically, any losses or gains on the forward exchange contracts
are offset by re-measurement losses or gains on the underlying balances denominated in non-functional currencies. The Company’s
foreign currency exchange contract is an over-the-counter instrument. The Company recorded a gain of RMB164 million and a loss from
change in fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts of RMB389 million during the year of 2022 and 2023, respectively. The
change was primarily due to the appreciation of the U.S. dollars against the RMB during the year of 2022 and 2023.
The Group classified the cash flows related to realized gain or loss on settlement of foreign exchange forward contracts as operating
activities, which are based on the nature of the cash flows the derivative is economically hedging.
The Company entered into USD foreign exchange option contracts with a total notional value of USD120 million, USD65 million and
USD520 million, and sold USD foreign exchange option contracts with a total notional value of USD90 million, USD50 million and
USD500 million during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The Company entered into EUR foreign
exchange option contracts with a total notional value of nil, EUR50 million and nil, and sold EUR foreign exchange option contracts
with a total notional value of nil, EUR50 million and nil during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. These
foreign exchange options mature within 12 months. The Company adopted the Black-Scholes Option Pricing (“B-S”) Model to value the
foreign exchange options. The significant inputs used in the aforementioned model are unobservable inputs which there are little or no
market data and therefore the fair value measurements are classified as level 3.
The foreign exchange option is asset derivatives which need to be fair valued on day one and marked to market subsequently at each
reporting period end. The fair value gain or loss arising from the re-measurement is recognized in the consolidated statements of
operations and comprehensive income. The fair value change was a gain of RMB19 million, a loss of RMB4 million and a gain of RMB
74.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
F-74
Table of Contents
Short term investments
The Company purchased equity linked notes whose fair value directly linked to the share price of a designated A share listo in China.
Equity securities applying fair value option
The fair value of equity securities applying fair value option is measured using Level 2 inputs within the fair value hierarchy. In
determining the fair value, the Company adopted previous transaction method under market approach, which allows an entity to solve for
its implied aggregate equity value by considering its recent arm’s length equity transactions. The Group irrevocably elected fair value
option to initially and subsequently measure one of its investments in its entirety at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in
earnings, and recorded change in fair value with the amount of RMB102 million and RMB50 million for the year ended December 31,
2022 and 2023, respectively (Note 12).
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis with changes in fair
value, whether realized or unrealized, recorded through the income statement. Equity securities classified within Level 1 are valued using
quoted market prices that are currently available.
Available-for-sale securities
The Group’s available-for-sale securities represents the two-year puttable bond purchased from JinkoPower in 2022 (Note 12) and
investments in debt securities. In determining the fair value of the puttable bond, the Company adopted the discounted cash flow method,
which requires management to use unobservable inputs such as discount rate based on yield-to-maturity of comparable bonds in market
and RMB risk free rate. These unobservable inputs and resulting fair value estimates may be affected by unexpected changes in future
market or economic conditions. In determining the fair value of the investments in private companies, the Company adopted previous
transaction method under market approach, which allows an entity to solve for its implied aggregate equity value by considering its
recent arm’s length equity transactions. For the year ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, unrealized gain on the available-for-sale
securities amounted to nil, RMB10million and RMB19 million which was reported in other comprehensive income, respectively.
Convertible Senior Notes and Call Option
The Company has adopted valuation models to assess the fair value for Call option and the Notes, as the Call option is not publicly
traded and the trading of the Notes is considered inactive. Management is responsible for determining these fair values and assessing a
number of factors. The Notes is valued using the Binominal Tree option pricing model. The valuation involves complex and subjective
judgments as well as the Company’s best estimates on the valuation date. Inputs related to the Binomial models for convertible debt fair
value are: spot price, conversion price, expected dividend yield, expected share volatility, risk free interest rate, and yield-to-maturity, of
which spot price and expected share volatility are most significant to valuation determination of convertible debt. The Call option is
valued using the Black-Scholes Model. The valuation involves complex and subjective judgments as well as the Company’s best
estimates on the valuation date. Inputs related to the Black-Scholes Models for call option fair value are: call option price, spot price,
exercise price, expected dividend yield, risk-free interest rate and time to maturity, of which spot price and exercise price are most
significant to valuation determination of call option. The Company recorded loss from change in fair value of convertible senior notes
and call option of RMB12 million and RMB31million during the year of 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Interest Rate Swap
The Company’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates primarily relates to its bank borrowings. To finance its overseas
power station business operation and expansion, the Company’s operating subsidiaries located in Mexico obtained long-term bank
borrowings from local bank, which carries variable interest rates. With an aim to reduce its interest rate exposure, the Company entered
into one long-term interest rate swap contract in 2016 to fix the interest rate as a fixed rate payer. The interest rate swap is a derivative
which needs to be fair valued at each reporting period end. The fair value gain or loss arising from the measurement is recognized in the
consolidated statements of operations. The fair value change was a loss of RMB79 million for the years ended December 31, 2020. The
Company sold its solar power plants in Mexico in March 2020.
F-75
Table of Contents
The Company solar project subsidiary located in Argentina entered into interest rate swap contracts to swap floating interest payments
related to certain borrowings for fixed interest payments to hedge the interest rate risk associated with certain forecasted payments and
obligations. As the interest rate derivatives were designated as cash flow hedges and the hedge is highly effective, all changes in the fair
value of the derivative hedging instruments amounted to RMB12 million were recorded in other comprehensive income and as a
derivative liability included in the held-for-sale liabilities as of December 31, 2021. The Company sold its solar power plants in
Argentina in June 2022.
Guarantee liability
A guarantee liability is initially recognized at the estimated fair value in the Group’s consolidated balance sheets unless it becomes
probable that the Group will reimburse the holder of the guarantee for an amount higher than the carrying amount, in which case the
guarantee is carried in the Group’s consolidated balance sheets at the expected amount payable to the holder. The fair value of the
guarantee liability is measured by the total consideration to be received in connection with the provision of guarantee. The guarantee
liability would be amortized in straight line during the guarantee period. The guarantee arrangement was canceld in year 2022.
Financial liabilities measured at fair value
As disclosed in Note 22, in 2023, the Group established Trusts with a group of financial institutions for the issuance of Jiangxi Jinko’s
convertible notes held by Paker. As of December 31, 2023, the financial institutions have accumulatively subscribed trust units with a
total consideration of RMB 668 million which was recorded as financial liabilities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in
earnings. No change in fair value was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023.
In addition, as disclosed in Note 2(b), in 2023, the Group established and consolidated limited parternships as the general partner for
investments in private companies in solar industry. Investments made by external limited partners were recorded as financial liabilities at
fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. No change in fair value was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, information about the hierarchy of the fair value measurements for the Company’s assets
and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition is as follows (RMB in
thousands, except for inputs):
Description
Assets:
Foreign exchange forward contracts- receivable
Equity securities applying fair value option
Available-for-sale securities – current
Liabilities:
Convertible senior notes
Foreign exchange forward contracts- payable
Foreign exchange options
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Balance as of
December 31,
2022
Quote prices in
active market
for identical
assets (Level 1)
Significant other
observable
inputs (Level 2)
Significant
unobservable
inputs (Level 3)
—
—
—
—
—
—
119,625
—
—
—
59,911
—
—
178,871
104,499
1,070,699
—
3,226
119,625
178,871
104,499
1,070,699
59,911
3,226
F-76
Table of Contents
Description
Assets:
Short term investments - equity linked notes
Foreign exchange forward contracts- receivable
Equity securities applying fair value option
Available-for-sale securities – non-current
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value
Liabilities:
Convertible senior notes
Foreign exchange forward contracts- payable
Foreign exchange options
Financial liabilities measured at fair value(current and
non-current portion)
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Balance as of
December 31,
2023
Quote prices in
active market
for identical
assets (Level 1)
Significant other
observable
inputs (Level 2)
Significant
unobservable
inputs (Level 3)
48,875
103,100
228,706
104,134
330,414
782,969
25,307
1,159
831,333
48,875
—
—
—
330,114
—
—
—
—
—
103,100
—
—
—
—
25,307
—
—
—
228,706
104,134
—
782,969
—
1,159
—
831,333
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 valuation)
A summary of changes in Level 3 fair value of convertible senior notes for the year ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 were as
follows (RMB in thousands):
Balance on January 1,
Foreign exchange loss/(gain)
Change in fair value of convertible senior notes loss/(gain)
Change in the instrument-specific credit risk gain
Conversion of convertible senior notes
Balance on December 31,
2021
RMB
1,831,612
(8,560)
(327,762)
(56,224)
(340,330)
1,098,736
For the year ended December 31,
2022
RMB
1,098,736
60,038
12,083
(100,158)
—
1,070,699
2023
RMB
1,070,699
(54,377)
84,669
(70,732)
(247,290)
782,969
A summary of changes in Level 3 fair value of available-for-sale securities – current for the year ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and
2023 were as follows (RMB in thousands):
Balance on January 1,
Addition
Interest accrual
Settlement of puttable bond
Change in fair value
Balance on December 31,
For the year ended December 31,
2022
RMB
2021
RMB
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
100,000
3,526
—
973
104,499
2023
RMB
104,499
—
1,974
(105,500)
(973)
—
A summary of changes in Level 3 fair value of available-for-sale securities - non-current for the year ended December 31, 2021, 2022
and 2023 were as follows (RMB in thousands):
Balance on January 1,
Addition
Change in fair value
Balance on December 31,
For the year ended December 31,
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
2021
RMB
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
85,000
19,134
104,134
F-77
Table of Contents
A summary of changes in Level 3 fair value of equity securities applying fair value option for the year ended December 31, 2021, 2022
and 2023 were as follows (RMB in thousands):
Balance on January 1,
Addition
Change in fair value
Balance on December 31,
For the year ended December 31,
2022
RMB
2021
RMB
—
—
—
—
—
77,000
101,871
178,871
2023
RMB
178,871
—
49,835
228,706
A summary of changes in Level 3 fair value of call option for the year ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 were as follows (RMB
in thousands):
Balance on January 1,
Issuance of call options
Foreign exchange gain
Change in fair value of call options gain
Settlement of call options
Balance on December 31,
For the year ended December 31,
2022
RMB
2021
RMB
756,929
—
251
(136,121)
(621,059)
—
2021
RMB
(12,924)
(8,544)
18,809
(2,659)
—
—
—
—
—
—
(2,659)
3,596
(4,163)
(3,226)
2023
RMB
—
—
—
—
—
—
2023
RMB
(3,226)
(72,240)
74,307
(1,159)
For the year ended December 31,
2022
RMB
A summary of changes in Level 3 fair value of foreign exchange options for the year ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 were as
follows (RMB in thousands):
Balance on January 1,
Addition of foreign exchange options
Change in fair value of foreign exchange options gain/(loss)
Balance on December 31,
A summary of changes in Level 3 fair value of rate swap derivative for the year ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 were as
follows (RMB in thousands):
Balance on January 1,
Change in fair value of interest rate swap
Change in fair value of interest rate swap cash flow hedges
Cash settlement
Balance on December 31,
F-78
For the year ended December 31,
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
2021
RMB
—
—
12,294
—
12,294
12,294
—
—
(12,294)
—
—
—
—
—
—
Table of Contents
A summary of changes in Level 3 fair value of guarantee liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 were as
follows (RMB in thousands):
Balance on January 1,
Additions
Amortization
Cancellation
Balance on December 31,
For the year ended December 31,
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
2021
RMB
57,332
—
(6,365)
(38,825)
12,142
12,142
—
—
(12,142)
—
—
—
—
—
—
A summary of changes in Level 3 fair value of financial liabilities measured at fair value for the year ended December 31, 2021, 2022
and 2023 were as follows (RMB in thousands):
Balance on January 1,
Additions
Profit distribution
Balance on December 31,
Change in fair value of derivatives
For the year ended December 31,
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
2021
RMB
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
830,540
793
831,333
The Change in fair value of derivatives recognized in earnings was as follows (RMB in thousands):
For the year
ended
December 31,
2021
2022
2023
Foreign
exchange
forward -
realized
393,523
(150,538)
(407,245)
Foreign
exchange
forward -
Convertible
unrealized senior notes Call Option
327,762
(12,083)
(31,188)
(104,643)
(13,818)
18,079
(136,121)
—
—
Type of derivatives
Foreign
exchange
Options
18,809
(4,163)
74,307
Financial
liabilities
—
—
—
Available-
for-sale
securities
-current
—
973
(973)
Available-
for-sale
securities
non-current
—
—
19,134
Equity
securities
applying
fair value
option
—
101,871
49,835
Total
499,330
(77,758)
(278,051)
Significant unobservable inputs
The significant unobservable inputs adopted in the valuation of Level 3 instruments as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:
Unobservable inputs of convertible senior notes
Expected volatility
Risk free interest rate
Discount rate
Unobservable inputs of available-for-sale securities - non-current
Expected volatility
Risk free interest rate
Unobservable inputs of equity securities applying fair value option
Expected volatility
Risk free interest rate
Unobservable inputs of foreign exchange option
Expected volatility
Risk free interest rate
F-79
61.53 %
5.11 %
24.36 %
50.60 %
2.3 %
33.6 %
2.1 %
5.44% - 6.92 %
2.08 %
Table of Contents
30. RESTRICTED NET ASSETS
Relevant PRC laws and regulations permit payments of dividends by the Company’s PRC subsidiaries only out of their retained earnings,
if any, as determined in accordance with PRC GAAP. In addition, the statutory general reserve fund requires annual appropriations of
10% of net after-tax income to be set aside prior to payment of any dividends by the Company’s PRC subsidiaries that are registered as
wholly owned foreign investment enterprises or domestic enterprises. As a result of these and other restrictions under PRC laws and
regulations, the PRC subsidiaries are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to the Company either in the form of
dividends, loans or advances. Even though the Company does not currently require any such dividends, loans or advances from the
Company’s PRC subsidiaries for working capital or other funding purposes, it may in the future require additional cash resources from
the PRC subsidiaries due to changes in business conditions, to fund future acquisitions and development, or merely declare dividends or
make distributions to the Company’s shareholders.
Restricted net assets were RMB20,652 million representing 62% of the Company’s total consolidated net assets as of December 31,
2023.
31. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequently in February 2024, the Group consummated its disposition of Xinjiang Jinko, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jiangxi Jinko,
and recognized income related to the disposition with the amount of RMB1.2 billion.
F-80
Table of Contents
32. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PARENT COMPANY
The separate condensed financial statements of the Company as presented below have been prepared in accordance with Securities and
Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Rule 5-04 and Rule 12-04 and present the Company’s investments in its subsidiaries under the
equity method of accounting. Such investment is presented on separate condensed balance sheets of the Company as “Investments in
subsidiaries “ and the Company’s shares of the profit or loss of subsidiaries are presented as “Share of (loss) / income from subsidiaries”
in the statements of operations.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been
condensed and omitted. The footnote disclosures contain supplemental information relating to the operations of the Company, as such,
these statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
Net revenue
Cost of revenues
Gross profit
Total operating expenses
Other income, net
Loss from operations
For the year ended December 31
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
(RMB in thousands)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
USD
(note 2 (al))
—
—
—
(6,150)
(593,204)
(590,323)
(83,145)
1,737
—
—
—
(4,413)
(593,204)
(590,323)
(83,145)
Share of income from subsidiaries and affiliates
512,873
1,264,720
4,055,054
571,142
Interest income/(expenses), net
Exchange gain/(loss)
Change in fair value of convertible senior notes and call option
Income before income taxes
Income tax expenses
Net income attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary
shareholders
36,613
(14,085)
191,641
722,629
(1,611)
(19,867)
(18,586)
(12,083)
620,980
(474)
3,414
10,831
(31,188)
3,447,788
(345)
481
1,526
(4,393)
485,611
(49)
721,018
620,506
3,447,443
485,562
F-81
Table of Contents
Condensed balance sheets:
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalent
Due from subsidiaries
Due from related parties
Other current assets
Total current assets
Investments in subsidiaries
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Due to subsidiaries
Short-term borrowings
Convertible senior notes
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities
Convertible senior notes
Total liabilities
December 31, 2022
RMB
December 31, 2023
RMB
USD
(note 2 (al))
(RMB in thousands)
492,440
728,019
3,454
1,671
1,225,584
16,189,323
17,414,907
414,689
380,447
—
1,637
796,773
20,354,397
21,151,170
—
—
—
6,973
6,973
1,070,699
1,077,672
25,829
179,425
782,969
6,513
994,736
—
994,736
58,408
53,585
—
231
112,224
2,866,855
2,979,079
3,638
25,271
110,279
917
140,105
—
140,105
Shareholders’ equity:
Ordinary shares (USD $0.00002 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized,
204,135,029 and 209,920,447 shares issued as of December 31, 2022 and
December 31, 2023, respectively, 201,189,189 and 208,560,447 shares outstanding
as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023, respectively)
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Treasury stock, at cost; 2,945,840 and 1,360,000 ordinary shares as of December 31,
2022 and December 31, 2023
Retained earnings
Total shareholders’ equity
28
9,912,931
217,563
29
10,738,376
359,584
(43,170)
6,249,883
16,337,235
(79,282)
9,137,727
20,156,434
4
1,512,469
50,646
(11,167)
1,287,022
2,838,974
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
17,414,907
21,151,170
2,979,079
The current balances of due from subsidiaries represented loans to its subsidiaries which are expected to be collected within twelve
months.
Other current liabilities represented accrual for unpaid convertible senior notes interest and professional service fees.
F-82
Table of Contents
Condensed cash flow:
Condensed statements of cash flows:
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Sharebase compensation charges
Change in fair value of convertible senior notes
Change in fair value of call option
Share of income from subsidiaries
Exchange gain/(loss)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease in due from subsidiaries
Decrease in due from a related party
(Increase)/decrease in other current assets
Decrease in other non-current assets
Increase/(Decrease) in due to subsidiaries
Decrease in due to a related party
Increase/(decrease) in other current liabilities
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash collection for loans from subsidiaries
Cash paid for loans to subsidiaries
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of share options
Proceeds from exercise of call option
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares
Repurchase of shares
Proceeds from bank borrowings
Dividend distribution
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
For the year ended December 31,
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
2023
RMB
USD
(note 2 (al))
(RMB in thousands)
721,018
620,506
3,447,443
485,562
—
(327,762)
136,121
(512,873)
14,085
6,088
—
165
11,181
(117)
—
1,978
49,884
579,368
12,083
—
(1,264,720)
18,586
1,465,778
3,292
(1,279)
—
(1,445,183)
(12,142)
(6,403)
(30,114)
582,596
31,188
—
(4,055,054)
(10,831)
(206,412)
3,454
34
—
25,829
—
(460)
(182,213)
—
(1,262,124)
(1,262,124)
735,673
(289,620)
446,053
553,984
—
553,984
10,185
621,059
641,065
—
—
—
1,272,309
5,024
—
—
—
—
—
5,024
—
—
—
(79,282)
179,425
(559,599)
(459,456)
82,057
4,393
—
(571,142)
(1,526)
(29,073)
486
5
—
3,638
—
(65)
(25,665)
78,027
—
78,027
—
—
—
(11,167)
25,271
(78,818)
(64,714)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(44,809)
36,710
9,934
1,399
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
15,260
19,507
457,673
34,767
(77,751)
492,440
(10,951)
69,359
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
34,767
492,440
414,689
58,408
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing cash flow
information
Proceeds from exercise of share options received in subsequent period
Conversion of convertible senior notes to ordinary shares
Transfer receivable due from subsidiaries to investments in subsidiaries
1,169
340,330
—
—
—
1,160,000
—
247,290
—
—
34,830
—
For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, no cash dividend was paid to the Company by its consolidated subsidiaries,
unconsolidated subsidiaries, nor 50% or less owned persons accounted for by the equity method.
For the years ended December 31, 2023, the board of directors of the Company declared a cash dividend of US$0.375 per ordinary share,
or US$1.50 per American Depositary Share (the “ADS”). The total amount of cash to be distributed for the dividend was US$79 million
(equivalents to RMB 560 million).
F-83
Subsidiaries
JinkoSolar Investment Limited
Jinko Solar Co., Ltd.
Zhejiang Jinko Solar Co., Ltd.
Jinko Solar Import and Export Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar GmbH
Zhejiang Jinko Trading Co., Ltd.
Yuhuan Jinko Solar Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar (U.S.) Inc.
Jiangxi Photovoltaic Materials Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar (Switzerland) AG
JinkoSolar (US) Holdings Inc.
Jinko Solar Canada Co., Ltd.
Jinko Solar Australia Holdings Co. Pty Ltd.
Jinko Solar Japan K.K.
Jinko Solar Technology Sdn.Bhd.
Jinko Solar (Shanghai) Management Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar Trading Private Limited
JinkoSolar LATAM Holding Limited
JinkoSolar Middle East DMCC
JinkoSolar International Development Limited
Canton Best Limited
Wide Wealth Group Holding Limited
JinkoSolar (U.S.) Industries Inc.
Poyang Ruilixin Information Technology Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar (Haining) Co. Ltd.
Jinko Solar Korea Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar (Sichuan) Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar (Vietnam) Co., Ltd.
Omega Solar Sdn. Bhd
JinkoSolar (Chuzhou) Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar (Yiwu) Co., Ltd
JinkoSolar (Shangrao) Co., Ltd.
Rui Xu Co., Ltd.
Jinko Solar Denmark ApS
JinkoSolar Hong Kong Limited
JinkoSolar (Chuxiong) Co., Ltd.
Jinko Solar (Malaysia) SDN BHD.
Jinko Solar (Leshan) Co., Ltd.
Jinko Solar (Vietmnam) Industries Company Limited
Jinko Solar (Anhui) Co., Ltd.
Jinko Solar (Yushan) Co., Ltd.
Zhejiang New Materials Co., Ltd.
Yiwu New Materials Co., Ltd.
JinkoSolar Italy S.R.L.
JinkoSolar (Qinghai) Co., Ltd.
Fengcheng Jinko PV Materials Co., Ltd
JinkoSolar (Feidong) Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Feidong”)
JinkoSolar (Jinchang) Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Jinchang”)
JinkoSolar (Poyang) Co., Ltd. (“Jinko Poyang”)
Shangrao Changxin Enterprise Management Center LP. ( “Shangrao Changxin”)
Shangrao Changxin No. 1 Enterprise Management Center LP.
Shangrao Changxin No. 2 Enterprise Management Center LP.
Shangrao Changxin No. 3 Enterprise Management Center LP.
Shangrao Changxin No. 5 Enterprise Management Center LP.
Shangrao Changxin No. 6 Enterprise Management Center LP.
Jiaxing Jinyue Phase I Venture Capital Partnership( “Jiaxing Jinyue”)
Shangrao Jinko PV Manufacturing Co., Ltd
Shangrao Guangxin Jinko PV Manufacturing Co., Ltd
Jiangxi Jinko Energy Storage Co., Ltd
Jinko Energy Storage Technology Co., Ltd
ZheJiang Jinko Energy Storage Co., Ltd
MYTIKAS INVESTMENT LIMITED
Haining JinkoSolar Smart Manufacturing Co., Ltd
Date of Incorporation/Acquisition
Place of Incorporation
Percentage of Ownership
Exhibit 8.1
November 10, 2006
December 13, 2006
June 30, 2009
December 24, 2009
April 1, 2010
June 13, 2010
July 29, 2016
August 19, 2010
December 10, 2010
May 3, 2011
June 7, 2011
November 18, 2011
December 7, 2011
May 21, 2012
January 21, 2015
July 25, 2012
February 6, 2017
August 22, 2017
November 6, 2016
August 28, 2015
September 16, 2013
June 11, 2012
November 16, 2017
December 19, 2017
December 15, 2017
December 3, 2018
February 18, 2019
September 26, 2019
September 23, 2019
December 26, 2019
September 19, 2019
April 17, 2020
July 24, 2019
May 28, 2020
August 17, 2020
September 25, 2020
August 28, 2020
April 25, 2021
March 29, 2021
September 3, 2021
September 26, 2021
March 24, 2020
October 16, 2020
July 8, 2011
April 3, 2019
August 11, 2021
September 23, 2021
September 24, 2021
December 1, 2021
December 16, 2021
February 17, 2022
February 17, 2022
June 15, 2022
June 15, 2022
October 25, 2022
April 26, 2022
March 28, 2022
March 23, 2022
May 26, 2022
December 6, 2022
April 11, 2023
June 1, 2023
August 10, 2023
Hong Kong
PRC
PRC
PRC
Germany
PRC
PRC
United States
PRC
Switzerland
United States
Canada
Australia
Japan
Malaysia
PRC
India
Hong Kong
Emirates
Hong Kong
BVI
Hong Kong
United States
PRC
PRC
South Korea
PRC
Vietnam
Malaysia
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
Denmark
Hong Kong
PRC
Malaysia
PRC
Vietnam
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
Italy
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
PRC
Hong Kong
PRC
100%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
100%
58.8%
100%
100%
100%
58.8%
58.8%
46.4%
58.8%
38.5%
58.8%
58.8%
44.4%
35.8%
37.2%
35.3%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
41.1%
58.8%
32.3%
47.0%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
32.3%
58.8%
58.8%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
78.2%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
58.8%
100%
58.8%
Exhibit 12.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Xiande Li, certify that:
1.
2.
3.
4.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.;
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading
with respect to the period covered by this report;
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods
presented in this report;
The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed
under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is
being prepared;
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be
designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by
this report based on such evaluation; and
Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the
period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over
financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
(b)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial information; and
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the
company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: April 25, 2024
/s/ Xiande Li
Xiande Li
Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 12.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Mengmeng (Pan) Li, certify that:
1.
2.
3.
4.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.;
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading
with respect to the period covered by this report;
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods
presented in this report;
The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed
under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is
being prepared;
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be
designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by
this report based on such evaluation; and
Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the
period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over
financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
(b)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial information; and
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the
company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: April 25, 2024
/s/ Mengmeng (Pan) Li
Mengmeng (Pan) Li
Chief Financial Officer
CERTIFICATION BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 13.1
In connection with the Annual Report of JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2023 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Xiande Li, Chief
Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.§ 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:
1.
2.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations
of the Company.
Date: April 25, 2024
/s/ Xiande Li
Xiande Li
Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 13.2
CERTIFICATION BY THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2023 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Mengmeng (Pan) Li,
Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.§ 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:
1.
2.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations
of the Company.
Date: April 25, 2024
/s/ Mengmeng (Pan) Li
Mengmeng (Pan) Li
Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 15.1
Our ref
Direct tel
E-mail
KKZ/660391-000001/29053034v1
+852 3690 7432
karen.zhangpallaras@maples.com
1 Yingbin Road
Shangrao Economic Development Zone
Jiangxi Province, 334100
People’s Republic of China
25 April 2024
Dear Sirs
JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.
We have acted as legal advisors as to the laws of the Cayman Islands to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., an exempted company
incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “Company”), in connection with the filing by the Company
with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) of an annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31
December 2023 (the “Annual Report”), which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the month of April 2024.
We hereby consent to the reference to our firm under the heading “Item 10. Additional Information—J. Enforceability of Civil
Liabilities” in the Annual Report.
We consent to the filing with the SEC of this consent letter as an exhibit to the Annual Report. In giving such consent, we do not thereby
admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, or under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in each case, as amended, or the regulations promulgated thereunder.
Yours faithfully
/s/ Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP
Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP
Exhibit 15.2
April 25, 2024
To: JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.
1 Yingbin Road
Shangrao Economic Development Zone
Jiangxi Province, 334100
People’s Republic of China
Dear Sir/Madam,
We hereby consent to the references to our firm’s name under the headings “Item 10. Additional Information—J. Enforceability of Civil
Liabilities” in JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “Annual Report”),
which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on the date hereof. We also consent to the filing of this
consent letter with the SEC as an exhibit to the Annual Report.
In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7
of the Securities Act of 1933, or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in each case, as amended, or the regulations promulgated
thereunder.
Yours sincerely,
/s/ King & Wood Mallesons
King & Wood Mallesons
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No. 333-170693, No. 333-180787, No.
333-204082, No. 333-258999, No. 333-263307 and No. 333-272918) of JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. of our report dated April 25, 2024
relating to the financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 20-F.
Exhibit 15.3
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP
Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China
April 25, 2024
JINKOSOLAR HOLDING CO., LTD.
POLICY FOR THE
RECOVERY OF ERRONEOUSLY AWARDED COMPENSATION
Exhibit 97
1.
Purpose. The purpose of this Policy is to describe the circumstances in which Executive Officers will be
required to repay or return Erroneously Awarded Compensation to the Company in accordance with the Clawback
Rules. Each Executive Officer shall be required to sign and return to the Company the Acknowledgement and
Acceptance Form attached hereto as Exhibit A pursuant to which such Executive Officer will acknowledge that he
or she is bound by the terms of this Policy; provided, however, that this Policy shall apply to, and be enforceable
against, any Executive Officer and his or her successors (as specified in Section 11 of this Policy) regardless of
whether or not such Executive Officer properly signs and returns to the Company such Acknowledgement and
Acceptance Form and regardless of whether or not such Executive Officer is aware of his or her status as such.
2.
Administration. Except as specifically set forth herein, this Policy shall be administered by the
Administrator. Any determinations made by the Administrator shall be final and binding on all affected
individuals and need not be uniform with respect to each individual covered by this Policy. Subject to any
limitation under applicable law, the Administrator may authorize and empower any officer or employee of the
Company to take any and all actions necessary or appropriate to carry out the purpose and intent of this Policy
(other than with respect to any recovery under this Policy involving such officer or employee).
Definitions. For purposes of this Policy, the following capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth
3.
below.
(a)
“Accounting Restatement” shall mean an accounting restatement: (i) due to the material
noncompliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, including any
required accounting restatement to correct an error in previously issued financial statements that is material to the
previously issued financial statements (a “Big R” restatement); or (ii) that would result in a material misstatement
if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period (a “little r” restatement).
(b)
“Administrator” shall mean the Committee (as defined below) or any other committee designated
by the Board to administer the Policy, and in the absence of such designation, the Board.
(c)
“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d)
“Clawback Eligible Incentive Compensation” shall mean, with respect to each individual who
served as an Executive Officer at any time during the applicable performance period for any Incentive-based
Compensation (whether or not such individual is serving as an Executive Officer at the time the Erroneously
Awarded Compensation is required to be repaid to the Company), all Incentive-based Compensation Received by
such individual: (i) on or after the Effective Date; (ii) after beginning service as an Executive Officer; (iii) while
the Company has a class of securities listed on the Listing Exchange; and (iv) during the applicable Clawback
Period.
(e)
“Clawback Period” shall mean, with respect to any Accounting Restatement, the three completed
fiscal years of the Company immediately preceding the Restatement Date and any transition period (that results
from a change in the Company’s fiscal year) of less than nine months within or immediately following those three
completed fiscal years.
(f)
“Clawback Rules” shall mean Section 10D of the Exchange Act and any applicable rules or
standards adopted by the SEC thereunder (including Rule 10D-1 under the Exchange Act) or the Listing Exchange
pursuant to Rule 10D-1 under the Exchange Act (including Section 303A.14 of the New York Stock Exchange
Listed Company Manual), in each case as may be in effect from time to time.
(g)
(h)
“Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board.
“Company” shall mean JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (and as the Administrator determines is
applicable, together with each of its direct and indirect subsidiaries and other consolidated entities).
(i)
“Effective Date” shall mean October 2, 2023.
(j)
“Erroneously Awarded Compensation” shall mean, with respect to each Executive Officer in
connection with an Accounting Restatement, the amount of Clawback Eligible Incentive Compensation that
exceeds the amount of Clawback Eligible Incentive Compensation that otherwise would have been Received had
it been determined based on the restated amounts, computed without regard to any taxes paid.
(k)
“Executive Officer” shall mean any individual who is or was an executive officer as determined by
the Administrator in accordance with the definition of “executive officer” as set forth in the Clawback Rules and
any other senior executive, employee or other personnel of the Company who may from time to time be deemed
subject to the Policy by the Administrator. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrator shall have full discretion
to determine which individuals in the Company shall be considered an “Executive Officer” for purposes of this
Policy. A list of “Executive Officers” for purposes of this policy is set forth in Exhibit B, which may be revised
from time to time at the sole discretion of the Administrator.
(l)
“Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.
(m)
“Financial Reporting Measures” shall mean measures that are determined and presented in
accordance with the accounting principles used in preparing the Company’s financial statements, and any
measures that are derived wholly or in part from such measures. Stock price and total shareholder return shall for
purposes of this Policy be considered Financial Reporting Measures. For the avoidance of doubt, a Financial
Reporting Measure need not be presented within the Company’s financial statements or included in a filing with
the SEC.
(n)
“Incentive-based Compensation” shall mean any compensation that is granted, earned or vested
based wholly or in part upon the attainment of a Financial Reporting Measure.
(o)
“Impracticable” shall mean, in accordance with the good faith determination of the Committee, or
if the Committee does not consist of independent directors, a majority of the independent directors serving on the
Board, that either: (i) the direct expenses paid to a third party to assist in enforcing the Policy against an Executive
Officer would exceed the amount to be recovered, after the Company has made a reasonable attempt to recover
the applicable Erroneously Awarded Compensation, documented such reasonable attempt(s) and provided such
documentation to the Listing Exchange; (ii) recovery would violate the law of the Cayman Islands where that law
was adopted prior to November 28, 2022, provided that, before concluding that it would be Impracticable to
recover any amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation based on violation of the law of the Cayman Islands,
the Company has obtained an opinion of the Cayman Islands counsel, acceptable to the Listing Exchange, that
recovery would result in such a violation and a copy of the opinion is provided to the Listing Exchange; or (iii)
recovery would likely cause an otherwise tax-qualified retirement plan, under which benefits are broadly available
to employees of the Company, to fail to meet the requirements of 26 U.S.C. 401(a)(13) or 26 U.S.C. 411(a) and
regulations thereunder.
(p)
“Listing Exchange” shall mean the New York Stock Exchange or such other U.S. national
securities exchange or national securities association on which the Company’s securities are listed.
(q)
“Method of Recovery” shall include, but is not limited to: (i) requiring reimbursement of
Erroneously Awarded Compensation; (ii) seeking recovery of any gain realized on the vesting, exercise,
settlement, sale, transfer, or other disposition of any equity-based awards; (iii) offsetting the Erroneously Awarded
Compensation from any compensation otherwise owed by the Company to the Executive Officer; (iv) cancelling
outstanding vested or unvested equity awards; and/or (v) taking any other remedial and recovery action permitted
by applicable law, as determined by the Administrator.
(r)
“Policy” shall mean this Policy for the Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation, as the
same may be amended and/or restated from time to time.
(s)
“Received” shall, with respect to any Incentive-based Compensation, mean deemed receipt and
Incentive-based Compensation shall be deemed received in the Company’s fiscal period during which the
Financial Reporting Measure specified in the Incentive-based Compensation award is attained, even if the
payment or grant of the Incentive-based Compensation occurs after the end of that period. For the avoidance of
doubt, Incentive-Based Compensation that is subject to both a Financial Reporting Measure vesting condition and
a service-based vesting condition shall be considered received when the Financial Reporting Measure is achieved,
even if the Incentive-Based Compensation continues to be subject to the service-based vesting condition.
(t)
“Restatement Date” shall mean the earlier to occur of: (i) the date the Board, a committee of the
Board or the officer or officers of the Company authorized to take such action if Board action is not required,
concludes, or reasonably should have concluded, that the Company is required to prepare an Accounting
Restatement; or (ii) the date a court, regulator or other legally authorized body directs the Company to prepare an
Accounting Restatement.
(u)
“SEC” shall mean the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
4.
Repayment of Erroneously Awarded Compensation.
(a)
In the event the Company is required to prepare an Accounting Restatement, the Administrator
shall reasonably promptly (in accordance with the applicable Clawback Rules) determine the amount of any
Erroneously Awarded Compensation for each Executive Officer in connection with such Accounting Restatement
and shall reasonably promptly thereafter provide each Executive Officer with written notice containing the
amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation and a demand for repayment or return, as applicable. For
Clawback Eligible Incentive Compensation based on stock price or total shareholder return where the amount of
Erroneously Awarded Compensation is not subject to mathematical recalculation directly from the information in
the applicable Accounting Restatement, the amount shall be determined by the Administrator based on a
reasonable estimate of the effect of the Accounting Restatement on the stock price or total shareholder return upon
which the Clawback Eligible Incentive Compensation was Received (in which case, the Company shall maintain
documentation of such determination of that reasonable estimate and provide such documentation to the Listing
Exchange). The Administrator is authorized to engage, on behalf of the Company, any third-party advisors it
deems advisable in order to perform any calculations contemplated by this Policy. For the avoidance of doubt,
recovery under this Policy with respect to an Executive Officer shall not require the finding of any misconduct by
such Executive Officer or such Executive Officer being found responsible for the accounting error leading to an
Accounting Restatement.
(b)
In the event that any repayment of Erroneously Awarded Compensation is owed to the Company,
the Administrator shall recover reasonably promptly the Erroneously Awarded Compensation through any Method
of Recovery it deems reasonable and appropriate in its discretion based on all applicable facts and circumstances
and taking into account the time value of money and the cost to shareholders of delaying recovery. For the
avoidance of doubt, except to the extent permitted pursuant to the Clawback Rules, in no event may the Company
accept an amount that is less than the amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation in satisfaction of an
Executive Officer’s obligations hereunder. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall
not be required to take the actions contemplated in this Section 4(b) if recovery would be Impracticable. In
implementing the actions contemplated in this Section 4(b), the Administrator will act in accordance with the
listing standards and requirements of the Listing Exchange and with the applicable Clawback Rules.
(c)
Subject to the discretion of the Administrator, an applicable Executive Officer may be required to
reimburse the Company for any and all expenses reasonably incurred (including legal fees) by the Company in
recovering Erroneously Awarded Compensation in accordance with Section 4(b).
Reporting and Disclosure. The Company shall file all disclosures with respect to this Policy in accordance
5.
with the requirements of U.S. federal securities laws, including any disclosure required by applicable SEC rules.
6.
Indemnification Prohibition. The Company shall not be permitted to indemnify any Executive Officer
against the loss of any Erroneously Awarded Compensation that is repaid, returned or recovered pursuant to the
terms of this Policy and/or pursuant to the Clawback Rules, including any payment or reimbursement for the cost
of third-party insurance purchased by any
Executive Officer to cover any such loss under this Policy and/or pursuant to the Clawback Rules. Further, the
Company shall not enter into any agreement that exempts any Incentive-based Compensation from the application
of this Policy or that waives the Company’s right to recovery of any Erroneously Awarded Compensation and this
Policy shall supersede any such agreement (whether entered into before, on or after the Effective Date). Any such
purported indemnification (whether oral or in writing) shall be null and void.
Interpretation. The Administrator is authorized to interpret and construe this Policy and to make all
7.
determinations necessary, appropriate, or advisable for the administration of this Policy. It is intended that this
Policy be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of the Clawback Rules. The terms of this
Policy shall also be construed and enforced in such a manner as to comply with applicable law, including the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and any other
law or regulation that the Administrator determines is applicable. In the event any provision of this Policy is
determined to be unenforceable or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be applied to the maximum
extent permitted by applicable law and shall automatically be deemed amended in a manner consistent with its
objectives to the extent necessary to conform to any limitations required by applicable law.
8.
Effective Date. This Policy shall be effective as of the Effective Date.
Amendment; Termination. The Administrator may modify or amend this Policy, in whole or in part, from
9.
time to time in its discretion and shall amend any or all of the provisions of this Policy as it deems necessary,
including as and when it determines that it is legally required by the Clawback Rules, or any federal securities
law, SEC rule or Listing Exchange rule. The Administrator may terminate this Policy at any time, and this Policy
shall remain in effect only so long as the Clawback Rules apply to the Company. Notwithstanding anything in this
Section 9 to the contrary, no amendment or termination of this Policy shall be effective if such amendment or
termination would (after taking into account any actions taken by the Company contemporaneously with such
amendment or termination) cause the Company to violate the Clawback Rules, or any federal securities law, SEC
rule or Listing Exchange rule. Furthermore, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator or as otherwise
amended, this Policy shall automatically be deemed amended in a manner necessary to comply with any change in
the Clawback Rules.
10.
Other Recoupment Rights; No Additional Payments. The Administrator intends that this Policy will be
applied to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. The Administrator may require that any employment
agreement, equity award agreement, or any other agreement entered into on or after the Effective Date shall, as a
condition to the grant of any benefit thereunder, require an Executive Officer to agree to abide by the terms of this
Policy. Executive Officers shall be deemed to have accepted continuing employment on terms that include
compliance with the Policy, to the extent of its otherwise applicable provisions, and to be contractually bound by
its enforcement provisions. Executive Officers who cease employment or service with the Company shall continue
to be bound by the terms of the Policy with respect to Clawback Eligible Incentive Compensation. Any right of
recoupment under this Policy is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other remedies or rights of recoupment that
may be available to the Company under applicable law, regulation or rule or pursuant to the terms of any similar
policy in any employment agreement,
cash-based bonus plan, equity award agreement or similar agreement and any other legal remedies available to the
Company. To the extent that an Executive Officer has already reimbursed the Company for any Erroneously
Awarded Compensation Received under any duplicative recovery obligations established by the Company or
applicable law, it shall be appropriate for any such reimbursed amount to be credited to the amount of Erroneously
Awarded Compensation that is subject to recovery under this Policy, as determined by the Administrator in its sole
discretion. Nothing in this Policy precludes the Company from implementing any additional clawback or
recoupment policies with respect to Executive Officers or any other service provider of the Company. Application
of this Policy does not preclude the Company from taking any other action to enforce any Executive Officer’s
obligations to the Company, including termination of employment or institution of civil or criminal proceedings or
any other remedies that may be available to the Company with respect to any Executive Officer.
11.
Successors. This Policy shall be binding and enforceable against all Executive Officers and their
beneficiaries, estates, heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives to the extent required by the
Clawback Rules or as otherwise determined by the Administrator.
Exhibit A
JINKOSOLAR HOLDING CO., LTD.
POLICY FOR THE
RECOVERY OF ERRONEOUSLY AWARDED COMPENSATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE FORM
Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Acknowledgement and Acceptance Form shall have the
meanings ascribed to such terms in the JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. Policy for the Recovery of Erroneously
Awarded Compensation (the “Policy”). By signing below, the undersigned executive officer (the “Executive
Officer”) acknowledges and confirms that the Executive Officer has received and reviewed a copy of the Policy
and, in addition, the Executive Officer acknowledges and agrees as follows:
(a)
the Executive Officer is and will continue to be subject to the Policy and that the Policy will apply
both during and after the Executive Officer’s employment with the Company;
(b)
to the extent necessary to comply with the Policy, the Policy hereby amends any employment
agreement, equity award agreement or similar agreement that the Executive Officer is a party to with the
Company;
(c)
the Executive Officer shall abide by the terms of the Policy, including, without limitation, by
returning any Erroneously Awarded Compensation to the Company to the extent required by, and in a manner
permitted by, the Policy;
(d)
any amounts payable to the Executive Officer, including any Incentive-based Compensation, shall
be subject to the Policy as may be in effect and modified from time to time in the sole discretion of the
Administrator or as required by applicable law or the requirements of the Listing Exchange, and that such
modification will be deemed to amend this acknowledgment;
(e)
the Company may recover compensation paid to the Executive Officer through any Method of
Recovery the Administrator deems appropriate, and the Executive Officer agrees to comply with any request or
demand for repayment by the Company in order to comply with the Policy; and
(f)
the Company may, to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law, reduce any amount that may
become payable to the Executive Officer by any amount to be recovered by the Company pursuant to the Policy to
the extent such amount has not been returned by the Executive Officer to the Company prior to the date that any
subsequent amount becomes payable to the Executive Officer.
[Signature page follows]
Signature
Print Name
Date
Exhibit B
List of “Executive Officers”