JinkoSolar (NYSE: JKS) – Bonitas Research
JinkoSolar stock fraud allegations reveal systematic financial manipulation, fabricated sales, hidden liabilities, and insider self-dealing by Chairman Li Xiande, threatening investor confidence in NYSE:JKS solar company
Bonitas Research has published a scathing report on JinkoSolar (NYSE: JKS), alleging systematic fraud orchestrated by Chairman Li Xiande that has potentially defrauded foreign investors of billions through fabricated financial statements, undisclosed related-party transactions, and strategic asset-stripping.
Stock info:
- Ticker: JKS (NYSE)
- Position: Bonitas Research holds a short position in JKS and believes the stock is ultimately worthless
Why it matters:
- Fabricated Financials: Bonitas alleges JKS falsified sales figures, overstating Australian revenues by $209 million (56%) in 2017-2018 compared to official Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) filings
- Hidden Liabilities: The company allegedly omitted $42 million in customs duties from its South African subsidiary from balance sheets while creating a fake "independent buyer" facade
- Insider Self-Dealing: Chairman Li allegedly sold JinkoPower to himself at a 40% discount ($455M vs. $720M independent valuation just one month later), then used JKS resources to grow it to a targeted $3.6B IPO valuation
- Related-Party Supplier Network: Evidence suggests Chairman Li's brother secretly controls key PV glass supplier Xinruixin through subsidiary Xinruixin Wire, creating undisclosed conflicts of interest
- Cash Flow Concerns: Despite reported profitability, JKS has not generated free cash flow since 2013 and has reached record high net debt of $2.3 billion (Q3 2019)
Zoom in:
- Field investigation revealed JKS's supposedly "sold" South African subsidiary operated from a converted minimart rather than legitimate solar operations facility
- JKS guaranteed loans for Xinruixin (the allegedly related supplier) while claiming no material relationship exists
- Chairman Li reportedly provided over $650 million in financial support to JinkoPower after acquiring it from JKS, using company resources to build personal wealth
- Multiple companies connected to JKS directors share addresses with 43 other entities, suggesting a complex network designed to bypass minority shareholder interests
- JKS management provided weak responses to allegations, failing to present substantive evidence refuting the claims
FAQs:
What is the main allegation against JinkoSolar?
Bonitas Research alleges JinkoSolar has engaged in systematic fraud through fabricated sales figures, hidden liabilities, and undisclosed related-party transactions that benefit Chairman Li Xiande at the expense of minority shareholders.
What evidence supports claims of fabricated sales?
The report identifies a $209 million discrepancy between JKS's reported Australian sales in SEC filings versus what the same subsidiary reported to Australian regulators (ASIC) for 2017-2018, suggesting systematic inflation of revenue figures.
How did JKS allegedly hide liabilities?
According to Bonitas, JKS claimed to have sold its South African subsidiary to an independent party, eliminating $42 million in customs duties from its balance sheet. However, investigation revealed the "buyer" appeared to be a facade operating from a converted minimart with the same directors.
What related-party transactions are concerning?
The most significant transaction involved Chairman Li purchasing JinkoPower from JKS for $455 million, approximately 40% below its market value based on an independent appraisal conducted just one month later valuing it at $720 million.
Why is JinkoSolar's cash flow situation concerning?
Despite reporting profits on paper, JKS has not generated positive free cash flow since 2013 and has accumulated record net debt of $2.3 billion as of Q3 2019, raising questions about the sustainability of its business model.
How might these allegations impact investors?
If proven true, these allegations could significantly impact JKS's stock price and potentially lead to regulatory investigations, class action lawsuits, and loss of investor confidence in the company's financial reporting.
Disclaimer
This summary is based on a report by Bonitas Research. For the full, detailed analysis, please refer to the original source material: https://www.bonitasresearch.com/company/jinkosolar-nyse-jks/
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