LDK Solar 2012 losses top US$1 billion

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Struggling LDK Solar has reported a net loss of US$1.05 billion in 2012, the starkest figure in an annual report containing volumes of negative financial figures.

The technically bankrupt PV manufacturer made a loss from operations of US$807.7 million and a gross loss of US$352.5. Gross margin was negative 40.86% in 2012.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The company exited 2012 with only US$98.28 million in cash and cash equivalents but did have pledged bank deposits of US$167.1 million.

Total liabilities amounted to US$5.2 billion with outstanding short-term borrowings of US$2,391.3 million. To feed the interest rates, LDK Solar generated a positive operating cash flow of only $39.9 million in 2012.

Key customers in 2012 were said in the report to be Sumitomo Corporation, Photovoltech NV-SA, (bankrupt in mid-2012), Hyundai Heavy Industry, Solartech Energy Corporation and Gintech Energy Corporation.

Not surprisingly, the company has seen a massive headcount reduction. Total employees in 2012 were 8,979, down from 24,449 in 2011.

The company spent US$17.7 million on R&D in 2012, down from US$43.1 million in 2011. LDK Solar had 275 employees in R&D activities last year.  
 
Noted in the report was LDK Solar’s attempt to gain more funding from banks in China to stay afloat. The company is seeking additional funds of US$318 million to support operations and capital expenditure plans, which were said to be in the range of US$80 million to US$150 million in 2013. CapEx in 2012 was US$79.5 million. 

Read Next

Premium
May 29, 2026
PV Talk: India’s renewable market is shifting toward dispatchability as standalone solar faces mounting intermittency pressure and storage moves to the centre of new procurement models.
May 29, 2026
Solar PV solutions provider Nextpower has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire BESS system integrator Prevalon Energy for up to US$365 million.
Premium
May 29, 2026
PV Talk: Kiwa PVEL's Tristan Erion-Lorico discusses highlights in the 2026 Module Reliability Scorecard, including UVID and delamination.
May 29, 2026
The Iran war energy shock will “reshape” global energy investment strategies, according to the executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA).
May 29, 2026
Zelestra has completed the sale of its Latin America platform to Promigas in a deal valued at approximately US$1.1 billion.
Premium
May 29, 2026
Trina's THBC - which combines TOPCon, HJT and BC - aims to leverage existing TOPCon capacity and increase the efficiency of C-Si single-junction cells.

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 2, 2026
Johannesburg, South Africa
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 3, 2026
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 30, 2026
Sacramento, California
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
August 25, 2026
São Paulo, Brazil