8point3 Enters into a Definitive Agreement to be Acquired by Capital Dynamics

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- 8point3 Energy Partners LP (NASDAQ:CAFD) ("8point3" or the "Partnership") today announced it has entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Purchase Agreement (the "Merger Agreement") with CD Clean Energy and Infrastructure V JV, LLC, an investment fund managed by Capital Dynamics, Inc., and certain other co-investors (collectively, "Capital Dynamics"), pursuant to which Capital Dynamics will acquire 8point3 through an acquisition of 8point3 General Partner, LLC (the "General Partner"), the general partner of the Partnership (such transaction, the "GP Transfer"), all of the outstanding Class A shares in the Partnership and all of the outstanding common and subordinated units and incentive distribution rights in 8point3 Operating Company, LLC ("OpCo"), the Partnership's operating company (the "Proposed Transactions").

Pursuant to the Proposed Transactions, the Partnership's Class A shareholders and First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) ("First Solar") and SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ: SPWR) ("SunPower" and, together with First Solar, the "Sponsors"), as holders of common and subordinated units in OpCo, will receive $12.35 per share or per unit in cash, plus a preset daily amount representing cash expected to be generated from December 1, 2017 through closing less any distributions received after the execution of the Merger Agreement and prior to closing. No consideration will be received by the Sponsors for the incentive distribution rights and the GP Transfer.

    --  Proposed Transactions represent about $977 million in equity value and
        about $1.7 billion in enterprise value
    --  Culmination of an extensive and competitive marketing process with more
        than 130 parties contacted
    --  Committed debt financing secured by Capital Dynamics enhances certainty
        of closing the Proposed Transactions
    --  Proposed Transactions unanimously approved by the Conflicts Committee of
        the Board of Directors of 8point3 (the "Conflicts Committee") and
        approved by the Board of Directors of the General Partner as well as the
        Boards of Directors of First Solar and SunPower
    --  Proposed Transactions expected to close in second fiscal quarter or
        third fiscal quarter of 2018

The completion of the Proposed Transactions is subject to a number of closing conditions, including approval by a majority of the outstanding 8point3 public Class A shareholders, the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Section 203 approval and the approval of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The Sponsors, which are the indirect owners of our General Partner and approximately 64.5 percent of OpCo's outstanding units, have executed an agreement to vote in support of the Proposed Transactions. Additionally, the Proposed Transactions are subject to certain other customary closing conditions.

"The Partnership announced today that the Sponsors' strategic review has concluded with the signing of a definitive agreement for the Partnership to be acquired by Capital Dynamics," said Chuck Boynton, CEO of 8point3. "This transaction is the culmination of a thorough and comprehensive strategic review process that determined that Capital Dynamics's offer was the most compelling proposal for all shareholders relative to other options, including the option to continue as a stand-alone company."

The Partnership was formed to be a growth-oriented limited partnership, owning, operating and acquiring solar energy generation projects, with the primary objective of generating predictable cash distributions that grow at a sustainable rate. The Partnership intended to achieve this objective by acquiring high-quality solar assets primarily developed by its Sponsors.

For the last several quarters, the ability of the Partnership to execute on its growth strategy has been very limited. The evolving nature of the solar industry has enabled the Sponsors' strategies of recycling capital faster and more efficiently by selling projects at a stage of construction and development that is earlier than best suited for the Partnership. In addition, the Partnership's higher cost of capital and difficulty in accessing the capital markets on a consistent basis resulted in several replacements of projects under the Right of First Offer (ROFO) arrangements, as well as the Partnership later waiving its rights to acquire a number of ROFO projects from the Sponsors, with such waived projects subsequently acquired by third party buyers at purchase prices higher than those offered to the Partnership. These challenges, among others, present strategic and financial implications for the Partnership's operations and prospects as a stand-alone public company without the Sponsors, and its resulting competitive position in the market for renewable energy assets.

Goldman Sachs is acting as financial advisor to SunPower, and BofA Merrill Lynch is acting as financial advisor to First Solar, and Evercore is acting as financial advisor to the Conflicts Committee. Baker Botts L.L.P. is acting as legal counsel to SunPower, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP is acting as legal counsel to First Solar and Richards, Layton & Finger P.A. is acting as legal counsel to the Conflicts Committee.

Fourth Quarter 2017 Results
The Partnership also announced its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2017 results. 8point3 reported revenue of $15.8 million and $70.1 million, net income of $8.8 million and $39.2 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $26.2 million and $121.3 million, and cash available for distribution (CAFD) of $37.8 million and $111.9 million, respectively.

The Board of Directors of the General Partner also declared a cash distribution for its Class A shares of $0.2802 per share for the fourth quarter, which was paid January 12, 2018 to shareholders of record on January 2, 2018.

The Partnership did not utilize its $125 million at-the-market (ATM) equity offering program during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017.

Guidance
The Partnership's first quarter 2018 guidance is as follows: revenue of $9.0 million to $10.0 million, net income of $1.5 million to $3.5 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $7.5 million to $9.5 million, CAFD of $14.5 million to $16.5 million and a distribution of $0.2802 per share. The Partnership's first quarter 2018 guidance includes approximately $3.0 million in expenses related to the Proposed Transactions and approximately $12.3 million tax benefit from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law December 22, 2017.

During the pendency of the Proposed Transactions, we intend to make quarterly distributions of $0.2802 per share, which maintains the distribution level at the end of the fiscal year ended November 30, 2017.

8point3 will host a conference call for investors to discuss the Proposed Transactions at 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time, on February 5, 2018. Investors can access the call by either dialing 517.623.4618 with the passcode 8point3 or listening to the webcast through 8point3's website at http://ir.8point3energypartners.com.

About 8point3
8point3 Energy Partners LP (NASDAQ:CAFD) is a limited partnership formed by First Solar, Inc. and SunPower Corporation to own, operate and acquire solar energy generation projects. The Partnership owns interests in projects in the United States that generate long-term contracted cash flows and serve utility, commercial and residential customers. For more information about 8point3, please visit: www.8point3energypartners.com.

About Capital Dynamics
Capital Dynamics, Inc. is an independent, global asset manager, investing in private equity, private credit and clean energy infrastructure. We are client-focused, tailoring solutions to meet investor requirements. The Firm manages investments through a broad range of products and opportunities including separate account solutions, investment funds and structured private equity products. Capital Dynamics currently has $15 billion in assets under management and advisement.

For 8point3 Investors
This press release includes various "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements expressing management's expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. You can identify our forward looking statements by words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "goals", "objectives", "outlook", "intend", "plan", "predict", "project", "risks", "schedule", "seek", "target", "could", "may", "will", "should" or "would" or other similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. In accordance with "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, these statements are accompanied by cautionary language identifying important factors, though not necessarily all such factors, which could cause future outcomes to differ materially from those set forth in forward-looking statements. In particular, expressed or implied statements concerning the Sponsors' ownership interest in the Partnership, expectations of plans, strategies, objectives and growth and anticipated financial and operational performance of the Partnership and its subsidiaries, including guidance regarding the Partnership's revenue, net income, adjusted EBITDA, cash available for distribution and distributions, other future actions, conditions or events such as the commercial operation dates of projects, future operating results or the ability to generate sales, income or cash flow or to make distributions are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Future actions, conditions or events and future results of operations may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, February 5, 2018, and we disclaim any obligation to update such statements for any reason, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this paragraph. Many of the factors that will determine these results are beyond our ability to control or predict. These factors include the risk factors described under "Risk Factors" in our 2017 Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 5, 2018. If any of those risks occur, it could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Because of these risks and uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement.

Furthermore, among other risks and uncertainties, there can be no guarantee that the Proposed Transactions will be completed, or if they are completed, the time frame in which they will be completed. The Proposed Transactions are subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions contained in the Merger Agreement. The failure to complete the Proposed Transactions could disrupt certain of 8point3's plans, operations, business and employee relationships.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT
This press release contains information about the Proposed Transactions involving the Partnership and its subsidiaries and affiliates of Capital Dynamics. In connection with the Proposed Transactions, the Partnership will file with the SEC a proxy statement for the Partnership's shareholders. The Partnership will mail the final proxy statement to its shareholders. INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF THE PARTNERSHIP ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP, CAPITAL DYNAMICS, THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and shareholders of the Partnership will be able to obtain free copies of the proxy statement and other documents filed with the SEC by the Partnership through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and shareholders of the Partnership will be able to obtain free copies of documents filed by the Partnership with the SEC from the Partnership's website, www.8point3energypartners.com, under the heading "SEC Filings" in the "Investor Relations" tab.

PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION
The Partnership and our General Partner's directors and executive officers, and First Solar and SunPower and their respective directors and executive officers, are deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of the Partnership in respect of the Proposed Transactions. Information regarding the directors and executive officers of our General Partner, First Solar and SunPower is contained in our 2017 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 5, 2018, First Solar's 2016 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 22, 2017 and SunPower's 2016 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 17, 2017, respectively. Free copies of these documents may be obtained from the sources described above.

Non-GAAP Financial Information
This earnings release includes certain financial measures that are not defined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including Adjusted EBITDA and CAFD. Such non-GAAP financial measures should be considered only as supplemental to, and not as superior to, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. We reconcile these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measure prepared in accordance with GAAP in the tables that accompany this release. In the introduction to such reconciliation tables that accompany this release, we disclose the reasons why we believe our use of the non-GAAP financial measures in this release provides useful information. Please read "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for further details on our use of non-GAAP financial measures.


                                  8point3 Energy Partners LP

                                 Consolidated Balance Sheets

                              (In thousands, except share data)


                                   November 30, 2017               November 30, 2016
                                   -----------------               -----------------

    Assets

    Current assets:

    Cash and cash equivalents                              $13,528                       $14,261

    Accounts receivable and
     short-term financing
     receivables, net                          5,572                            5,401

    Prepaid and other current
     assets(1)                                16,990                           15,745

    Total current assets                      36,090                           35,407

    Property and equipment,
     net                                     713,284                          720,132

    Long-term financing
     receivables, net                         76,201                           80,014

    Investments in
     unconsolidated
     affiliates                              768,258                          475,078

    Other long-term assets                    15,372                           24,432
                                              ------                           ------

    Total assets                                        $1,609,205                    $1,335,063
                                                        ==========                    ==========

    Liabilities and Equity

    Current liabilities:

    Accounts payable and
     other current
     liabilities(1)                                         $4,394                       $23,771

    Short-term debt and
     financing obligations(1)                  2,229                            1,964

    Deferred revenue, current
     portion                                   1,025                              870
                                               -----                              ---

    Total current liabilities                  7,648                           26,605

    Long-term debt and
     financing obligations(1)                689,847                          384,436

    Deferred revenue, net of
     current portion                             123                              308

    Deferred tax liabilities                  37,318                           30,733

    Asset retirement
     obligations                              14,970                           13,448

    Other long-term
     liabilities                               1,945                                -
                                               -----                              ---

    Total liabilities                        751,851                          455,530
                                             -------                          -------

    Redeemable noncontrolling
     interests                                17,346                           17,624

    Equity:

    Class A shares,
     28,088,673 and
     28,072,680 issued and
     outstanding as of
     November 30, 2017 and
     November 30, 2016,
     respectively                            249,363                          249,138

    Class B shares,
     51,000,000 issued and
     outstanding as of
     November 30, 2017 and
     November 30, 2016                             -                               -

    Accumulated earnings                       4,595                           22,440
                                               -----                           ------

    Total shareholders'
     equity attributable to
     8point3 Energy Partners
     LP                                      253,958                          271,578

    Noncontrolling interests                 586,050                          590,331
                                             -------                          -------

    Total equity                             840,008                          861,909
                                             -------                          -------

    Total liabilities and
     equity                                             $1,609,205                    $1,335,063
                                                        ==========                    ==========


               (1)The Partnership has related-
                party balances for transactions
                made with the Sponsors and tax
                equity investors. Related-party
                balances recorded within "Prepaid
                and other current assets" in the
                consolidated balance sheets were
                $0.7 million and $0.9 million as
                of November 30, 2017 and November
                30, 2016, respectively. Related-
                party balances recorded within
                "Accounts payable and other
                current liabilities" in the
                consolidated balance sheets were
                $0.1 million and $19.7 million due
                to Sponsors as of November 30,
                2017 and November 30, 2016,
                respectively, and $0.9 million and
                $1.0 million due to tax equity
                investors as of November 30, 2017
                and November 30, 2016,
                respectively. Related-party
                balances recorded within "Short-
                term debt and financing
                obligations" and "Long-term debt
                and financing obligations" in the
                consolidated balance sheets were
                $2.2 million and $47.4 million,
                respectively, as of November 30,
                2017, and $2.0 million and zero,
                respectively, as of November 30,
                2016.


                                                                              8point3 Energy Partners LP

                                                                        Consolidated Statements of Operations

                                                                        (In thousands, except per share data)


                                                                 Year Ended                                 Eleven Months Ended

                                               November 30, 2017                November 30, 2016                November 30, 2015
                                               -----------------                -----------------                -----------------

    Revenues:

    Operating revenues(1)                                             $70,089                                                      $61,198            $10,660
                                                                      -------                                                      -------            -------

    Total revenues                                        70,089                                        61,198                                 10,660

    Operating costs and expenses(1):

    Cost of operations                                     8,450                                         6,959                                  2,624

    Cost of operations-
     SunPower, prior to IPO                                    -                                            -                                   468

    Selling, general and
     administrative                                        9,732                                         7,003                                 10,702

    Depreciation and accretion                            28,070                                        22,792                                  4,291

    Acquisition-related
     transaction costs                                        56                                         2,271                                    212
                                                             ---                                         -----                                    ---

    Total operating costs and
     expenses                                             46,308                                        39,025                                 18,297
                                                          ------                                        ------                                 ------

    Operating income (loss)                               23,781                                        22,173                                (7,637)

    Other expense (income):

    Interest expense                                      23,497                                        12,081                                  1,860

    Interest income                                      (1,198)                                      (1,203)                               (1,470)

    Other expense (income)                                 (971)                                      (1,518)                                12,536
                                                            ----                                        ------                                 ------

    Total other expense, net                              21,328                                         9,360                                 12,926
                                                          ------                                         -----                                 ------

    Income (loss) before
     income taxes and equity
     in earnings of
     unconsolidated investees                              2,453                                        12,813                               (20,563)

    Income tax provision                                 (6,587)                                     (18,244)                              (12,503)

    Equity in earnings of
     unconsolidated investees                             43,379                                        18,341                                  9,055

    Net income (loss)                                     39,245                                        12,910                               (24,011)

    Less: Predecessor loss
     prior to IPO on June 24,
     2015                                                      -                                            -                              (20,095)
                                                             ---                                          ---                               -------

    Net income (loss)
     subsequent to IPO                                    39,245                                        12,910                                (3,916)

    Less: Net income (loss)
     attributable to
     noncontrolling interests
     and redeemable
     noncontrolling interests                             27,838                                      (14,191)                              (22,642)
                                                          ------                                       -------                                -------

    Net income attributable to
     8point3 Energy Partners
     LP Class A shares                                                $11,407                                                      $27,101            $18,726
                                                                      =======                                                      =======            =======

    Net income per Class A share:

    Basic                                                               $0.41                                                        $1.27              $0.94

    Diluted                                                             $0.41                                                        $1.27              $0.94

    Distributions per Class A
     share:                                                             $1.04                                                        $0.91              $0.16

    Weighted average number of Class A shares:

    Basic                                                 28,079                                        21,420                                 20,002

    Diluted                                               43,579                                        36,920                                 35,034


               (1)The Partnership has related-
                party activities for
                transactions made with the
                Sponsors. Related party
                transactions recorded within
                "Operating revenues" in the
                consolidated statement of
                operations were $5.2 million,
                $5.2 million and $2.3 million
                in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015,
                respectively. Related party
                transactions recorded within
                "Operating costs and expenses"
                in the consolidated statement
                of operations were $8.4
                million, $7.0 million and $1.4
                million in fiscal 2017, 2016
                and 2015, respectively. Related
                party transactions recorded
                within "Other expense (income)"
                in the consolidated statement
                of operations were $0.3 million
                in fiscal 2017, and zero in
                both fiscal 2016 and 2015.


                                                                          8point3 Energy Partners LP

                                                                    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

                                                                                (In thousands)


                                                                     Year Ended                                               Eleven Months Ended

                                                  November 30, 2017           November 30, 2016              November 30, 2015
                                                  -----------------           -----------------              -----------------

    Cash flows from operating activities:

    Net income (loss)                                               $39,245                                                          $12,910               $(24,011)

    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
     net cash provided by operating activities:

    Depreciation, amortization
     and accretion                                           28,500                                   22,880                                         4,291

    Unrealized loss (gain) on
     interest rate swap                                       (706)                                 (1,508)                                          611

    Interest expense on
     financing obligation                                         -                                       -                                        1,193

    Loss on termination of
     financing obligation                                         -                                       -                                        6,477

    Reserve for rebates
     receivable                                                   -                                       -                                        1,338

    Distributions from
     unconsolidated investees                                43,379                                   18,075                                         6,766

    Equity in earnings of
     unconsolidated investees                              (43,379)                                (18,341)                                      (9,055)

    Deferred income taxes                                     6,585                                   18,242                                        12,491

    Share-based compensation                                    225                                      224                                           112

    Amortization of debt
     issuance costs                                             983                                      626                                             -

    Other, net                                                  131                                      370                                           328

    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    Accounts receivable and
     financing receivable, net                                3,801                                    1,481                                            46

    Cash grants receivable                                        -                                       -                                          146

    Rebates receivable                                            -                                       -                                        (121)

    Solar power systems to be
     leased under sales type
     leases                                                       -                                       -                                          197

    Prepaid and other assets                                  7,827                                  (1,435)                                      (4,258)

    Deferred revenue                                           (21)                                    (59)                                        (118)

    Accounts payable and other
     liabilities                                              2,098                                    1,171                                         5,403
                                                              -----                                    -----                                         -----

    Net cash provided by
     operating activities                                    88,668                                   54,636                                         1,836
                                                             ------                                   ------                                         -----

    Cash flows from investing activities:

    Cash provided by (used in)
     purchases of property and
     equipment, net                                           (346)                                   1,167                                     (223,688)

    Cash paid for acquisitions                            (317,558)                               (284,797)                                             -

    Distributions from
     unconsolidated investees                                36,908                                   11,629                                         4,672

    Net cash used in investing
     activities                                           (280,996)                               (272,001)                                     (219,016)
                                                           --------                                 --------                                      --------

    Cash flows from financing activities:

    Proceeds from issuance of
     Class A shares, net of
     issuance costs                                               -                                 113,325                                       393,750

    Proceeds from issuance of
     bank loans, net of
     issuance costs                                         284,008                                   86,567                                       461,192

    Proceeds from issuance of
     Short-Term Note to First
     Solar                                                        -                                       -                                        1,964

    Repayment of bank loans                                (27,000)                                       -                                    (264,143)

    Repayment of Short-Term
     Note to First Solar                                    (1,964)                                       -                                            -

    Capital contributions from
     SunPower                                                     -                                   9,973                                       341,694

    Capital distributions to
     SunPower                                                     -                                       -                                      (3,163)

    Cash distribution to First
     Solar at IPO                                                 -                                       -                                    (283,697)

    Cash distribution to
     SunPower at IPO                                              -                                       -                                    (371,527)

    Cash distribution to
     SunPower for the remaining
     purchase price payments of
     initial projects                                             -                                       -                                    (202,680)

    Cash distribution to Class
     A shareholders                                        (29,252)                                (20,241)                                      (3,146)

    Cash distributions to
     Sponsors as OpCo
     unitholders                                           (53,132)                                (12,271)                                            -

    Cash contributions from
     noncontrolling interests
     and redeemable
     noncontrolling interests -
     tax equity investors                                    28,388                                    3,671                                       203,717

    Cash distributions to
     noncontrolling interests
     and redeemable
     noncontrolling interests -
     tax equity investors                                   (9,453)                                 (6,179)                                            -
                                                             ------                                   ------                                           ---

    Net cash provided by
     financing activities                                   191,595                                  174,845                                       273,961
                                                            -------                                  -------                                       -------

    Net increase (decrease) in
     cash and cash equivalents                                (733)                                (42,520)                                       56,781

    Cash and cash equivalents,
     beginning of period                                     14,261                                   56,781                                             -
                                                             ------                                   ------                                           ---

    Cash and cash equivalents,
     end of period                                                  $13,528                                                          $14,261                 $56,781
                                                                    =======                                                          =======                 =======

    Non-cash transactions:

    Assignment of financing
     receivables to a third-
     party financial
     institution                                                  $       -                                                  $            -                 $1,279

    Property and equipment
     acquisitions funded by
     liabilities                                                  -                                  19,538                                             -

    Property and equipment
     additions funded by
     SunPower post-IPO                                            -                                       -                                       50,683

    Settlement of related party
     payable by capital
     contribution from tax
     equity investor                                              -                                  46,837                                             -

    Predecessor liabilities
     assumed by SunPower                                          -                                       -                                       48,588

    Accrued distributions to
     noncontrolling interests
     and redeemable
     noncontrolling interests -
     tax equity investors                                       909                                      975                                             -

    Issuance by OpCo of OpCo
     common units, subordinated
     units and IDRs for
     acquisition of interests
     in First Solar Project
     Entities                                                     -                                       -                                      408,820

    Issuance by OpCo of
     promissory note to First
     Solar in connection with
     the Stateline Acquisition                               49,631                                        -                                            -

    Supplemental disclosures:

    Cash paid for interest, net
     of amounts capitalized                                  22,000                                   11,525                                           437

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Our management uses a variety of financial metrics to analyze our performance. The key financial metrics we evaluate are Adjusted EBITDA and CAFD.

Adjusted EBITDA.

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus interest expense, net of interest income, income tax provision, depreciation, amortization and accretion, including our proportionate share of net interest expense, interest income, income taxes and depreciation, amortization and accretion from our unconsolidated affiliates that are accounted for under the equity method, and share-based compensation and transaction costs incurred for our acquisitions of projects; and excluding the effect of certain other non-cash or non-recurring items that we do not consider to be indicative of our ongoing operating performance such as, but not limited to, mark to market adjustments to the fair value of derivatives related to our interest rate hedges. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure. This measurement is not recognized in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should not be viewed as an alternative to U.S. GAAP measures of performance. The U.S. GAAP measure most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA is net income (loss). The presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.

We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance because securities analysts and other interested parties use such calculations as a measure of financial performance and borrowers' ability to service debt. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is used by our management for internal planning purposes including certain aspects of our consolidated operating budget and capital expenditures. It is also used by investors to assess the ability of our assets to generate sufficient cash flows to make distributions to our Class A shareholders.

However, Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool because it does not reflect our cash expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments, does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, working capital, does not reflect significant interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our outstanding debt or cash distributions on tax equity, does not reflect payments made or future requirements for income taxes, and excludes the effect of certain other cash flow items, all of which could have a material effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-U.S. GAAP measure and should not be considered an alternative to net income (loss) or any other performance measure determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, nor is it indicative of funds available to fund our cash needs. In addition, our calculations of Adjusted EBITDA are not necessarily comparable to EBITDA as calculated by other companies. Investors should not rely on these measures as a substitute for any U.S. GAAP measure, including net income (loss).

Cash Available for Distribution.

We use CAFD, which we define as Adjusted EBITDA less equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, cash interest paid, cash income taxes paid, maintenance capital expenditures, cash distributions to noncontrolling interests and principal amortization payments on any project-level indebtedness plus cash distributions from unconsolidated affiliates, indemnity payments and promissory notes from Sponsors, test electricity generation, cash proceeds from sales-type residential leases, state and local rebates and cash proceeds for reimbursable network upgrade costs. Our cash flow is generated from distributions we receive from OpCo each quarter. OpCo's cash flow is generated primarily from distributions from the Project Entities. As a result, our ability to make distributions to our Class A shareholders depends primarily on the ability of the Project Entities to make cash distributions to OpCo and the ability of OpCo to make cash distributions to its unitholders.

We believe CAFD is useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance because securities analysts and other interested parties use such calculations as a measure of our ability to generate sustainable distributions. In addition, when evaluating a potential acquisition, our management team projects expected CAFD to determine whether to make such acquisition. The U.S. GAAP measure most directly comparable to CAFD is net income (loss).

However, CAFD has limitations as an analytical tool because it does not capture the level of capital expenditures necessary to maintain the operating performance of our projects, does not include changes in operating assets and liabilities and excludes the effect of certain other cash flow items, all of which could have a material effect on our financial condition and results from operations. CAFD is a non-U.S. GAAP measure and should not be considered an alternative to net income (loss) or any other performance measure determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, nor is it indicative of funds available to fund our cash needs. In addition, our calculations of CAFD are not necessarily comparable to CAFD as calculated by other companies. Investors should not rely on these measures as a substitute for any U.S. GAAP measure, including net income (loss).

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA and CAFD:


                                  8point3 Energy Partners LP

                Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA and CAFD

                                          (Unaudited)


                                                                                                      Three Months Ended                                                     Year Ended                                  Eleven Months
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Ended

    (in thousands)                                                               November 30,         August 31, 2017              November 30,          November 30, 2017      November 30,
                                                                                      2017                                               2016                                          2016                November 30, 2015
                                                                                -------------          ---------------             -------------           -----------------     -------------             -----------------

    Net income (loss)                                                                          $8,760                                            $28,662                                           $4,250                                             $39,245              $12,910 $(24,011)

    Add (Less):

    Interest expense, net of interest income                                            5,739                                5,756                                     2,664                        22,299                                    10,870                   390

    Income tax provision (benefit)                                                    (1,273)                               5,012                                     2,963                         6,587                                    18,244                12,503

    Depreciation, amortization and accretion                                            7,302                                7,327                                     6,556                        28,500                                    22,880                 4,291

    Share-based compensation                                                               57                                   56                                        56                           225                                       224                   112

    Acquisition-related transaction costs (1)                                               6                                   19                                        10                            56                                     2,271                   212

    Selling, general and administrative (2)                                                 -                                   -                                        -                            -                                        -                6,372

    Loss on cash flow hedges related to Quinto interest rate swaps                          -                                   -                                        -                            -                                        -                5,448

    Loss on termination of residential financing obligations                                -                                   -                                        -                            -                                        -                6,477

    Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives (3)                                           (357)                                 284                                     (972)                        (706)                                  (1,508)                  611

    Add proportionate share from equity method investments (4)

    Interest expense, net of interest income                                            (351)                                 141                                     (375)                           89                                     (524)                (165)

    Depreciation, amortization and accretion                                            6,335                                6,224                                     3,142                        25,007                                    10,825                 5,212
                                                                                        -----                                -----                                     -----                        ------                                    ------                 -----

    Adjusted EBITDA                                                                           $26,218                                            $53,481                                          $18,294                                            $121,302              $76,192   $17,452

    Less:

    Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net with (4) above (5)          (16,076)                            (29,687)                                  (7,604)                     (68,475)                                  (28,642)             (14,102)

    Cash interest paid (6)                                                            (5,838)                             (5,930)                                  (3,000)                     (22,195)                                  (12,176)              (4,502)

    Maintenance capital expenditures                                                     (25)                               (177)                                     (50)                        (202)                                     (50)                    -

    Cash distributions to non-controlling interests                                   (2,693)                             (2,599)                                  (2,412)                      (9,453)                                  (6,142)                    -

    Short-Term Note (9)                                                                     -                                   -                                        -                      (1,964)                                        -                    -

    Add:

    Cash distributions from unconsolidated affiliates (7)                              33,820                               17,169                                    14,054                        80,287                                    30,129                10,902

    Indemnity payment from Sponsors (8)                                                    50                                   41                                       279                           183                                    10,316                 3,900

    Short-Term Note (9)                                                                     -                                   -                                        -                            -                                        -                1,964

    Test electricity generation (10)                                                        -                                   1                                         -                           33                                       421                 5,576

    Cash proceeds from sales-type residential leases, net (11)                            765                                  746                                       647                         2,877                                     2,548                 2,730

    State and local rebates (12)                                                            -                                   -                                        -                            -                                      299                     -

    Cash proceeds for reimbursable network upgrade costs (13)                           1,626                                  125                                       222                         9,504                                       222                     -
                                                                                        -----                                  ---                                       ---                         -----                                       ---                   ---

    CAFD                                                                                      $37,847                                            $33,170                                          $20,430                                            $111,897              $73,117   $23,920
                                                                                              =======                                            =======                                          =======                                            ========              =======   =======


    (1)                Represents acquisition-related financial advisory,
                       legal and accounting fees associated with ROFO
                       Project interests purchased and expected to be
                       purchased by us in the future.


    (2)                Represents the allocation of the Predecessor's
                       corporate overhead in selling, general and
                       administrative expenses. Costs incurred by the
                       Partnership as a result of the strategic evaluation
                       of the Proposed Transactions totaling $2.1 million
                       in fiscal 2017 was not excluded to calculate
                       Adjusted EBITDA and CAFD.


    (3)                Represents the changes in fair value of interest rate
                       swaps that were not designated as cash flow hedges.


    (4)                Represents our proportionate share of net interest
                       expense, depreciation, amortization and accretion
                       from our unconsolidated affiliates that are
                       accounted for under the equity method.


    (5)                Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
                       represents the earnings from the Solar Gen 2
                       Project, the North Star Project, the Lost Hills
                       Blackwell Project, the Henrietta Project, and the
                       Stateline Project and is included on our
                       consolidated statements of operations.


    (6)                Represents cash interest payments related to OpCo's
                       senior secured credit facility and the Stateline
                       Promissory Note. The interest payments for the
                       Quinto Credit Facility on the Predecessor's combined
                       carve-out financial statements were excluded as
                       they were funded by one of our Sponsors.


    (7)                Cash distributions from unconsolidated affiliates
                       represent the cash received by OpCo with respect to
                       its 49% interest in the Solar Gen 2 Project, the
                       North Star Project, the Lost Hills Blackwell
                       Project, and the Henrietta Project and its 34%
                       interest in the Stateline Project.


    (8)                Represents indemnity payments from the Sponsors owed
                       to OpCo in accordance with the Omnibus Agreement.


    (9)                Represents the Short-Term Note, a promissory note
                       from First Solar.


    (10)               For fiscal 2017, test electricity generation
                       represents the sale of electricity that was
                       generated prior to COD by the Macy's Maryland
                       Project. For fiscal 2016, test electricity
                       generation represents the sale of electricity that
                       was generated prior to COD by the Kingbird Project.
                       For fiscal 2015, test electricity generation
                       represents the sale of electricity that was
                       generated prior to COD by the Quinto Project, the
                       RPU Project, the UC Davis Project and the Macy's
                       California Project. Solar power systems may begin
                       generating electricity prior to COD as a result of
                       the installation and interconnection of individual
                       solar modules, which occurs over time during the
                       construction and commission period. The sale of test
                       electricity generation is accounted for as a
                       reduction in the asset carrying value rather than
                       operating revenue prior to COD, even though it
                       generates cash for the related Project Entity.


    (11)               Cash proceeds from sales-type residential leases,
                       net, represent gross rental cash receipts for sales-
                       type leases, less sales-type revenue and lease
                       interest income that is already reflected in net
                       income (loss) during the period. The corresponding
                       revenue for such leases was recognized in the period
                       in which such lease was placed in service, rather
                       than in the period in which the rental payment was
                       received, due to the characterization of these
                       leases under U.S. GAAP.


    (12)               State and local rebates represent cash received from
                       state or local governments for owning certain solar
                       power systems. The receipt of state and local
                       rebates is accounted for as a reduction in the asset
                       carrying value rather than operating revenue.


    (13)               Cash proceeds from a utility company related to
                       reimbursable network upgrade costs associated with
                       the Quinto Project and the Kingbird Project.


                                        8point3 Energy Partners LP

                                           FY 2018 Q1 Guidance

                         Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and CAFD


    (in millions)                                     Low                  High
                                                      ---                  ----

    Net income                                                   $1.5                      $3.5

    Add (Less):

    Interest expense,
     net of interest
     income                                              6.1                          6.1

    Income tax benefit                                (13.7)                      (13.7)

    Depreciation,
     amortization and
     accretion                                           7.2                          7.2

    Share-based
     compensation                                        0.1                          0.1

    Add proportionate
     share from equity
     method investments
     (1):

    Depreciation,
     amortization and
     accretion                                           6.3                          6.3

    Adjusted EBITDA                                              $7.5                      $9.5

    Less:

    Equity in earnings
     of unconsolidated
     affiliates, net
     with (1)                                          (6.2)                       (6.2)

    Cash interest paid                                 (6.1)                       (6.1)

    Cash distributions
     to non-controlling
     interests                                         (2.1)                       (2.1)

    Add:

    Cash distributions
     from unconsolidated
     affiliates                                         17.6                         17.6

    Cash proceeds for
     reimbursable
     network upgrade
     costs                                               3.1                          3.1

    Cash proceeds from
     sales-type
     residential leases                                  0.7                          0.7

    CAFD                                                        $14.5                     $16.5
                                                                =====                     =====


    (1)              Represents our proportionate share of
                     net interest expense, depreciation,
                     amortization and accretion from our
                     unconsolidated affiliates that are
                     accounted for under the equity
                     method.

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SOURCE 8point3 Energy Partners LP