8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

January 24, 2021

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

FIRST SOLAR, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	001-33156	20-4623678
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

350 West Washington Street, Suite 600

Tempe, Arizona 85281

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(602) 414-9300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $0.001 par value	FSLR	The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 1.01.    Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement

On January 24, 2021, First Solar, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Agreement”), by and among Leeward Renewable Energy Development, LLC (“Buyer”), a Delaware limited liability company and portfolio company of OMERS Infrastructure Management Inc., First Solar Electric, LLC (“Seller”), a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and, solely as a guarantor of Seller, the Company.

On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Agreement, Seller agreed to sell, assign, transfer, convey and deliver to Buyer, and Buyer agreed to purchase and accept from Seller, all of the right, title and interest in and to the equity interests of FS Saguaro, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Seller (“Saguaro,” and such transaction, the “Acquisition”). Pursuant to the Acquisition, Buyer has agreed to acquire the Company’s business of developing, contracting for the construction of, and selling utility-scale photovoltaic (“PV”) solar power generating facilities in the United States (the “Development Business”), certain solar modules and certain other safe harbor equipment, excluding certain assets and liabilities related thereto to be retained by the Company or its affiliates. As a result of the Acquisition, Buyer has agreed to acquire approximately 10 gigawatts (“GW”)AC of solar projects, which includes the Rabbitbrush, Madison, Oak Trail, Horizon, and Ridgely projects that are expected to commence construction in the next two years, as well as the 30 megawatts (“MW”)AC Barilla Solar project, which is operational. The Company will retain 1.1 GWAC of projects in the United States that are expected to be sold separately. Pursuant to the Agreement, the purchase price is approximately $261 million, subject to certain customary adjustments, which is inclusive of the Development Business, 392 MWDC of solar modules (comprising 242 MWDC of First Solar Series 4 modules safe harbored under the solar Investment Tax Credit (“ITC”) program and 150 MWDC of First Solar Series 6 modules), and certain other safe harbor equipment.

Seller and Buyer each have made customary representations, warranties and covenants in the Agreement. Among other things, Seller has agreed, subject to certain exceptions, to conduct the Development Business in the ordinary course of business in all material respects, from the date of the Agreement until the closing of the Acquisition, and not to take certain actions prior to the closing of the Acquisition without the prior written consent of Buyer (which consent is not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). Seller has made certain additional customary covenants, including, subject to certain exceptions: (1) for a period of two years, not to compete with Buyer with respect to the business of developing, contracting for the construction of, and selling utility-scale PV solar power generating facilities in the United States, and (2) for a period of two years, not to solicit former employees of the Company or its affiliates that become employees of Buyer or its affiliates in connection with the Acquisition. Prior to, and as a condition to, the closing of the Acquisition, the Company has agreed to, and to cause its affiliates to, transfer certain assets and liabilities related to the Development Business to FS Saguaro or its subsidiaries (the “Reorganization”). In addition, subject to the terms of the Agreement, Seller and Buyer have agreed to use reasonable best efforts to obtain all required regulatory approvals, including clearance under federal antitrust laws and certain approvals by federal regulatory bodies, subject to certain exceptions. The Company has agreed to provide an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee to Buyer of Seller’s obligations under the Agreement.

Under the Agreement, Seller has agreed to indemnify Buyer for certain losses, including losses arising out of Seller’s breach of its covenants contained in the Agreement, any indebtedness of Saguaro and its subsidiaries outstanding as of immediately prior to the closing of the Acquisition and liabilities related to the Company or the retained business of the Company. In addition, Buyer has agreed to indemnify Seller for certain losses, including losses arising out of Buyer’s breach of its covenants contained in the Agreement and certain liabilities of Seller and its affiliates related to the Development Business (subject to certain exclusions) or the conduct or operation of the Development Business by Buyer or its affiliates after the closing of the Acquisition.

Subject to closing of the Acquisition, Buyer has agreed to purchase 650 MWDC of the Company’s Series 6 modules for future development opportunities (inclusive of 150 MWDC of Series 6 modules referenced above). Buyer’s acquisition of the Development Business also includes purchase orders for 888 MWDC of Series 6 modules for the five development projects referenced above. In total, upon closing, Buyer’s acquisition of the Development Business

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will comprise the acquisition of projects with module purchase orders, together with the entry into additional purchase orders, of approximately 1.8 GWDC of First Solar PV modules.

Consummation of the Acquisition is subject to satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including, among others: (1) expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, (2) a final order from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approving the Acquisition, (3) clearance in respect of the Acquisition from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, (4) the completion of the Reorganization, (5) the accuracy of each party’s representations and warranties, subject to materiality qualifiers, and each party’s compliance in all material respects with its obligations and covenants under the Agreement, and (6) the absence of a material adverse effect with respect to the Development Business and FS Saguaro and its subsidiaries.

The Agreement contains certain termination rights for both Seller and Buyer, including if the Acquisition is not consummated by April 30, 2021 (subject to the possible extension to June 30, 2021 if all of the conditions to closing, other than the conditions related to obtaining regulatory approvals, have been satisfied).

The foregoing summary of the Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the full terms of the Agreement, which will be filed with the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2021.

On January 25, 2021, the Company issued a press release announcing the signing of the Agreement and the solar modules order. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Forward-Looking Statements

This report includes various “forward-looking statements” which are made pursuant to safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning (i) the Company’s entry into a definitive agreement to sell a project development platform of approximately 10 GWAC, as well as a related sale of 650 MWDC of PV modules, which is subject to the closing of the Acquisition, and (ii) the Company’s retention of 1.1 GWAC of projects in the United States that are expected to be sold separately. These forward-looking statements are often characterized by the use of words such as “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “believe,” “forecast,” “foresee,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “goal,” “target,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “predict,” “continue” and the negative or plural of these words and other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are only predictions based on the Company’s current expectations and the Company’s projections about future events and therefore speak only as of the date of this report. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements for any reason, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the transaction, including the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any required governmental approvals related to the transaction that could cause the parties to abandon the transaction; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Agreement; the risk that the parties may not be able to satisfy the conditions to the transaction in a timely manner or at all; and the matters discussed under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations” of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as supplemented by the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Item 9.01.    Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit Number	Description
99.1	Press Release of First Solar, Inc. dated January 25, 2021
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL Document)

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

	FIRST SOLAR, INC.
Date: January 25, 2021	By:	/s/ JASON DYMBORT
	Name:	Jason Dymbort
	Title:	General Counsel & Secretary

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EX-99.1

EXHIBIT 99.1

Media Release

First Solar Signs Definitive Agreement to Sell US Development Platform to Leeward

Acquisition comprises 1.8 GWDC of First Solar modules of which 744 MWDC represent new bookings

DALLAS, Tx./TEMPE, Ariz., January 25, 2021 –First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) today announced that it has entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Leeward Renewable Energy Development, LLC (“Leeward”), pursuant to which Leeward will acquire from First Solar a utility-scale solar project platform of approximately 10 gigawatts (GW)AC. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021, after obtaining regulatory approvals and satisfying customary closing conditions.

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Leeward is a portfolio company of OMERS Infrastructure, an investment arm of OMERS, one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans. Upon closing of the transaction, Leeward will acquire the US project platform, which includes the Rabbitbrush, Madison, Oak Trail, Horizon, and Ridgely projects that are expected to commence construction in the next two years, as well as the 30 MWAC Barilla Solar project, which is operational. First Solar will retain 1.1 GWAC of projects in the US that are expected to be sold separately. Key members of the First Solar project development team are also expected to join Leeward upon closing.

Subject to closing of the acquisition, Leeward will purchase 650 MWDC of First Solar’s high-performance Series 6 photovoltaic (PV) solar modules for its additional development opportunities. Leeward’s acquisition of the project platform also includes purchase orders for 888 MWDC of Series 6 modules for the five development projects referenced above. Additionally, Leeward’s acquisition of the project platform will include 242 MWDC of Series 4 modules safe harbored under the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) program, 148 MWDC of which has been previously booked. In total, upon closing, Leeward’s acquisition of the project platform will comprise the acquisition of projects with module purchase orders, together with the entry into additional purchase orders, of approximately 1.8 GWDC of First Solar PV modules, of which 744 MWDC represent new bookings as of closing.

“This acquisition will support our aggressive growth strategy as a leading independent power producer and elevate Leeward’s prominent position in today’s energy market,” said Jason Allen, chief executive officer, Leeward Renewable Energy. “The public recognizes that renewable energy is a key driver in combating the global issue of climate change. Solar and renewable technologies continue to advance and now provide economically viable solutions in virtually every market in the US. We will continue to grow our wind, solar, and storage presence so we can continue to provide clean energy to our existing and future customers as they pursue their net-zero emission goals.”

“The sale of the platform is a result of the strategic review we announced in 2020 and we’re pleased that it will be acquired by Leeward, a company that shares our values and vision for a sustainable energy future,” said Mark Widmar, chief executive officer, First Solar. “Enabled by our Series 6 module’s seamless compatibility with industry systems and processes, the sale is part of a transition that allows us to focus on doing what we do best, which is scaling, developing, and selling our world-class module technology.”

The completion of the transaction is subject to a number of closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approval from the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, and review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

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www.firstsolar.com

First Solar is the only US-headquartered company among the world’s largest solar manufacturers. With 1.9 GWDC of annualized manufacturing capacity in Ohio, First Solar is the Western Hemisphere’s largest solar manufacturer. The Company also operates manufacturing facilities in Vietnam and Malaysia, and produced 5.9 GWDC of Series 6 globally in 2020.

About First Solar, Inc.

First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar solutions, which use its advanced module and system technology. The company's integrated power plant solutions deliver an economically attractive alternative to fossil-fuel electricity generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life module recycling, First Solar’s renewable energy solutions protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit www.firstsolar.com.

About Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC

Leeward Renewable Energy is a growth-oriented renewable energy company that owns and operates a portfolio of 21 wind farms across nine states totaling approximately 2,000 megawatts of generating capacity. Leeward is actively developing new wind, solar, and energy storage projects in energy markets across the U.S. Leeward is a portfolio company of OMERS Infrastructure, an investment arm of OMERS, one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans with C$109 billion in net assets (as at December 31, 2019). For more information, visit www.leewardenergy.com.

For First Solar Investors

This press release includes various “forward-looking statements” which are made pursuant to safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning (i) First Solar’s entry into a definitive agreement to sell a project development platform of approximately 10 GWAC, as well as the related sale of 650 MWDC of PV modules, which is subject to the closing of the platform’s acquisition and (ii) First Solar’s retention of 1.1 GWAC of projects in the US that are expected to be sold separately. These forward-looking statements are often characterized by the use of words such as “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “believe,” “forecast,” “foresee,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “goal,” “target,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “predict,” “continue” and the negative or plural of these words and other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are only predictions based on First Solar's current expectations and First Solar's projections about future events and therefore speak only as of the date of this release. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. First Solar undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements for any reason, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause First Solar's actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the transaction, including the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any required governmental approvals related to the transaction that could cause the parties to abandon the transaction; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Agreement; the risk that the parties may not be able to satisfy the conditions to the transaction in a timely manner or at all; and the matters discussed under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations” of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as supplemented by our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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www.firstsolar.com

Media	Investors
Reuven Proença	Mitchell Ennis
First Solar Media	First Solar Investor Relations
reuven.proenca@firstsolar.com	mitchell.ennis@firstsolar.com
Kelly Kimberly
Sard Verbinnen & Co. for Leeward Renewable Energy
KKimberly@sardverb.com

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www.firstsolar.com

XML

Document and Entity Information Document	Jan. 24, 2021
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	8-K
Document Period End Date	Jan. 24, 2021
Entity Registrant Name	FIRST SOLAR, INC.
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Entity File Number	001-33156
Entity Tax Identification Number	20-4623678
Entity Address, Address Line One	350 West Washington Street, Suite 600
Entity Address, City or Town	Tempe
Entity Address, State or Province	AZ
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	85281
City Area Code	602
Local Phone Number	414-9300
Written Communications	false
Soliciting Material	false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer	false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, $0.001 par value
Trading Symbol	FSLR
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001274494
Amendment Flag	false