Boston, MA 04/15/2014 (wallstreetpr) – Trina Solar Limited (ADR) (NYSE:TSL) lost tremendously on Monday’s trade after the company issued warning that it might fail to meet its earlier estimated sales forecast by a wide margin. Resultantly, the solar stock shed over 6% value yesterday and closed at $10.85.
Shipments Forecast Slashed Down
Trina is the second Chinese solar manufacturer to lower down its forecast for panel shipments, after Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. (YGE) did so a day earlier. As per the released statement, Trina now expects shipments of solar panels in the range of 540-570 megawatts, which is 23% below its earlier forecast in March. The Chinese company said that the sales in Europe will remain impacted till the time trade dispute on import prices is sorted out and thus see the shipments grow only after finalization of the terms.
Trina Solar Limited (ADR) (NYSE:TSL)’s warnings followed similar downbeat put forth by Yingli Green a day earlier, which said that the delay in panel delivery for its Algeria project is responsible for dragging its first-quarter shipments as against the estimates. Yingli also blamed seasonal factors to drive its sales down for the quarter. Earlier in March, the company had said that the shipments would be down in the 20% range for the first quarter. Like Yingli, Trina also blamed delays in finalizing the minimum import price with the European Union as the biggest cause of slashing down its estimates.
Europe Fears Are Permanent
Till March, most of the solar stocks rallied as the investors hoped that the sectoral downturn is over, and the industry looks over to bright opportunities. However, the recent lowering down of sales have re-instilled fresh concerns that the reversal would be slower than expected. While many believe that the solar panel maker’s threat in Europe will continue to exist even after the fresh agreement, there are increasing fears that the punitive tariffs could make their way in the U.S., as well.
