Hsinchu, Taiwan, December 08, 2022 – Sino-American Silicon Products Inc. (SAS) board has declared the cash dividend payment via earnings and capital reserve for the first half of 2022. SAS’ EPS in the first six months of the year was NT$5.26 and SAS will distribute NT$3.2 cash dividend per share (NT$2.37 per share from earnings and NT$0.83 per share from capital reserve) with a total amount of NT$1.88 billion. SAS has consistently maintained a significantly higher dividend payout ratio than its peers, the average of Taiwan solar peers as well as the overall average of Taipei Exchange-listed companies. By strategically adjusting down its above-industry-average dividend payout, SAS invests in the process improvement and capability enhancement to pursue future growth and sustainable operation. January 18, 2023 is the ex-dividend record date, and February 17, 2023 is the cash dividend payment date.
Numerous nations are accelerating efforts to ensure energy supply for the upcoming winter. The energy shortage this year piles pressure and forces coal-fired plants to restart, deepening the climate crisis. Seeking environmental sustainability and stable energy supply reveal the importance of renewable energy. Energy localization not only builds self-sufficiency, but also mitigates climate change. Because polysilicon supply is unable to catch up with the soaring PV installation, its price has been on the rise during this year. However, as new capacity comes online, supply and demand are gradually balanced. The subsidies and incentives implemented by many countries such as in Europe and the United States will also help stabilize the prices of solar cells and modules and boost installation.
SAS has been endeavoring in the solar energy industry for decades and is well known for its leadership in single crystal high-efficiency cells, whose spec and size are upgraded this year. M6 cell has started mass production and the high-performance M10 cell production line has been constructed. SAS devotes in R&D to enhance the quality-price ratio of its solar products and solidifies its competitive edge, differentiating itself from peers through remarkable technology and product quality.
According to the draft of “R.O.C. 2023 Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) and Calculation Formulas,” the Ministry of Economic Affairs plans to lower the 2023 solar PV FIT rates by 1~3%. SAS thinks the policy will impact the domestic solar industry significantly. Costs have been rising throughout the entire solar supply chain – from the key raw material polysilicon, commodity and construction prices and bank funding costs. Instead of reflecting the impediments, the new FIT rate is adjusted down, posing a major hurdle for PV manufacturers. Taiwan’s pathway to net-zero emissions calls for the decarbonized 2050 grid to be fueled 70% by renewables. The abundant daylight makes solar energy the largest renewable energy source in Taiwan. Stable and sufficient green energy is the foundation of Taiwan’s manufacturing prowess and global competitive edge. SAS hopes that the government could factor in the industry circumstances as well as the national strategy and set appropriate solar PV FIT rates so renewable energy could be the major force to ensure Taiwan’s energy resilience.