Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Eurozone Currency Weakness is Latest Problem for Trina Solar and Other Chinese Module Makers


China-based Trina Solar (TSL-$15.73) is a module maker whose currency mismatches are overshadowing planned shipments of 750 MW to 800 MW for the whole of 2010 (year-on-year growth of 88 percent to 100 percent). The company has significant exposure to Europe, where it derives more than 80 percent of sales. Unfortunately, even active hedging efforts won’t shield its financials: approximately 60 percent of second-quarter euro exposure is covered at contract rates of $1.30-$1.40, according to chief financial officer Terry Wang.

Total earnings for 2010 could fall more than 84 percent, if the Euro averages less than $1.25, according to Barclays Capital analysts.

The company’s guidance for gross margin in second-quarter 2010 is in the high 20 percentages. With the euro settling below $1.20 in Monday’s trading, could Trina Solar and a host of other China-based solar manufacturers face margin compressions worse than even those forecasted by Barclays Capital? Read More ….

Editor David J Phillips does not hold a financial interest in any stocks mentioned in this article. The 10Q Detective has a Full Disclosure Policy.

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