Solar chips manufacturer JinkoSolar (NYSE: JKS ) emerged a shining star in an otherwise gloomy solar industry as it posted a surge in its second-quarter revenues and profits. Its shares rose almost 3% after it posted the estimate-topping numbers.
Let's take a look at what lies in store for JinkoSolar for the rest of the year.
A look at the quarter
Revenue for the quarter jumped a staggering 152% to $350.6 million from $139.3 million in the corresponding quarter last year. The revenue grew on the back of a 154% increase in shipments of solar products from the year-ago quarter, standing at 254.1 megawatts in the second quarter. JinkoSolar has forced its way into the U.S. market, and has accelerated sales in Australia, France, Spain, and Portugal. The company is pushing toward new horizons, and this is expected to reap dividends in the future.
Cashing in
The company has $208.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, which will come in handy as it looks to expand into new markets and ramp up its production capabilities.
The cost advantage
Operating income surged 172% to $63.4 million this quarter. Notwithstanding the subsidy cuts in Europe, the company combated the fall in average selling prices well. JinkoSolar's cost was levered by decreasing polysilicon prices and average production costs in the quarter. With the company striving to improve its cost structure further, this trend is expected to continue into the next quarter as well.
The industry beater
The solar energy industry is witnessing a depressing period this year.Average selling prices for solar products have fallen, following subsidy cuts in key markets like Italy and Germany. JinkoSolar's peers have either just managed to stay above the red line, or have filed for bankruptcy, as is the case with Evergreen Solar. The U.S. company suffered from weakness in the industry, and could not control rising costs. Even a cost-efficient company like ReneSola (NYSE: SOL ) kept its head just above the water by reporting a slender profit.
In comparison, JinkoSolar swam against the current, posting record revenues in the quarter, and it's looking set for a good year ahead.
The Foolish bottom line
JinkoSolar seems to be relatively immune to the industry happenings. It's well-placed to control its costs and expand production. Under these circumstances, the company looks like an intriguing investment proposition for anyone interested in solar stocks.
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