Canadian Solar announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023.
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Total module shipments recognized as revenues in the third quarter of 2023 were 8.3 GW, up 39% yoy and 1% qoq. Of the total, 82 MW were shipped to the Company's own utility-scale solar power projects.
Net revenues in the third quarter of 2023 decreased 22% qoq and 4% yoy to $1.8 billion. The sequential decrease reflects lower project sales during the quarter and a decline in module average selling price ("ASP"), partially offset by higher solar module shipment volumes.
Gross profit in the third quarter of 2023 was $308 million, down 30% qoq and 15% yoy. Gross margin in the third quarter of 2023 was 16.7%, compared to 18.6% in the second quarter of 2023. The gross margin decline was primarily driven by lower margin contribution from project sales and lower module ASPs, partially offset by lower manufacturing costs.
Total operating expenses in the third quarter of 2023 were $225 million, compared to $216 million in the second quarter of 2023 and $274 million in the third quarter of 2022. The sequential increase was driven by higher transportation, TOPCon production ramp up and R&D costs, which were partially offset by a sequential reduction in share-based compensation following the successful CSI Solar IPO in the second quarter of 2023.
Depreciation and amortization charges in the third quarter of 2023 were $76 million, compared to $73 million in the second quarter of 2023 and $56 million in the third quarter of 2022. The sequential increase was primarily driven by the Company's continued capacity expansion.
Net interest expense in the third quarter of 2023 was $11 million, compared to net interest expense of $21 million in the second quarter of 2023 and net interest income of $4 million in the third quarter of 2022. The sequential decrease in net interest expense was due to higher interest income on the Company's cash balance.
Net foreign exchange and derivative loss in the third quarter of 2023 was $17 million, compared to a net gain of $34 million in the second quarter of 2023 and a net gain of $39 million in the third quarter of 2022. The net foreign exchange and derivative loss was mainly due to weaker Euro relative to the U.S. Dollar and hedging losses on Renminbi.
Net income attributable to Canadian Solar in the third quarter of 2023 was $22 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, compared to net income of $170 million, or $2.39 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2023, and net income of $78 million, or $1.12 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2022.
Net cash flow provided by operating activities in the third quarter of 2023 was $158 million, compared to $290 million in the second quarter of 2023. The sequential decrease in operating cash flow primarily resulted from lower net profit.
Total debt was $3.3 billion as of September 30, 2023, including $1,720 million, $1,381 million, and $227 million related to CSI Solar, Recurrent Energy and convertible bonds respectively. Total debt remained unchanged compared to $3.3 billion as of June 30, 2023. ■