Daqo New Energy(DQ) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, revenues decreased to $123.9 million from$ 195.4 million in Q4 2024 and $415 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to a decrease in sales volume [17][18] - Gross loss was$ 81.5 million, compared to a gross loss of $65.3 million in Q4 2024 and a gross profit of$ 72 million in Q1 2024, resulting in a negative gross margin of 66% [18][21] - Net loss attributable to shareholders was $71.8 million, an improvement from a net loss of$ 180 million in Q4 2024, but down from a net income of $15.5 million in Q1 2024 [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operated at a reduced utilization rate of approximately 33% of nameplate capacity, with total production volume at 24,810 metric tons, slightly below guidance [9][10] - Polysilicon unit production costs increased by 11% sequentially to an average of$ 7.157 per kilogram, while cash costs increased by 5% to $5.31 per kilogram [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - China's new solar PV installations reached 59.71 gigawatts in Q1 2025, reflecting a robust year-over-year growth of 30.5% [15] - Domestic polysilicon production volume was reported at 105,500 metric tons in March, with January and February below 100,000 metric tons [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its competitive edge by improving efficiency and optimizing cost structures through digital transformation and AI adoption [16] - The transition to a market-based pricing mechanism for renewable energy is expected to promote sustainable development in the industry [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the solar PV industry is facing significant challenges due to overcapacity and low polysilicon prices, but believes that ongoing losses will lead to a healthier industry in the long term [9][15] - The company remains confident in its ability to weather the current market downturn and emerge as a leader in the industry [16] Other Important Information - As of March 31, 2025, the company had a cash balance of$ 792 million and no financial debt, providing ample liquidity [9][22] - The company expects total production volume in Q2 2025 to be in the range of 25,000 to 28,000 metric tons [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: When do you think overcapacity will be eliminated and which players might exit the market? - Management indicated that rebalancing of supply and demand will take longer than expected, with no companies completely exiting the market yet, but many are lowering utilization rates or undergoing temporary shutdowns [26][28] Question: What is the expected trend for industry utilization rates throughout the year? - Management expects the industry utilization rate to remain between 40% to 50% in the near term, with potential for slight increases depending on market conditions [30][32] Question: What is the strategy regarding ADR delisting risk? - Management acknowledged the risk of ADR delisting but considers it a low probability, while remaining vigilant and monitoring regulatory developments [40][42] Question: What is the outlook on cash costs for the subsequent quarters? - Management indicated that cash costs may remain similar to slightly lower in Q2 2025, depending on production levels, with current costs impacted by maintenance of facilities [45][50]