SCHEDULE: Carlyle Group Discloses 5.4% Stake in SunPower Inc.

Carlyle Group Inc. and its affiliates have reported a 5.4% beneficial ownership stake in SunPower Inc., totaling 6,385,539 shares, as of December 31, 2025.

Summary

• Carlyle Group Inc. and its affiliated entities collectively beneficially own 6,385,539 shares of SunPower Inc. common stock.
• This ownership represents 5.4% of SunPower Inc.'s total outstanding common stock.
• The percentage is calculated based on 118,728,409 shares of common stock outstanding as of the filing date, which includes 112,776,028 shares outstanding as of January 29, 2026, and 5,952,381 shares issuable upon conversion of a convertible note.
• The beneficial ownership comprises 433,158 shares of common stock held of record by CRSEF Solis Holdings, L.L.C., and 5,952,381 shares issuable upon conversion of a convertible note also held by CRSEF Solis Holdings, L.L.C.
• The reporting persons certify that the securities were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of SunPower Inc., other than activities solely in connection with a nomination under Rule 14a-11.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive development. A significant 5.4% stake by a reputable private equity firm like Carlyle Group, including a convertible note, suggests a strategic interest and potential long-term commitment to SunPower, which can be reassuring to investors.

Positives

• A significant 5.4% beneficial ownership stake by a major private equity firm like Carlyle Group can be interpreted as a vote of confidence in SunPower Inc.'s long-term prospects and market position.
• The presence of a convertible note held by Carlyle affiliates suggests a prior strategic investment, potentially indicating a deeper commitment to the company's future.

Future Outlook

NA

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that the solar energy sector continues to attract significant institutional investment, driven by global decarbonization efforts and supportive policy environments. Carlyle Group's substantial stake in SunPower, a prominent residential solar provider, underscores the perceived long-term value and growth potential within this industry segment. Such investments by major private equity firms often signal confidence in the underlying business model and market trajectory, potentially influencing broader investor sentiment towards the sector.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The disclosure of a significant institutional investor like Carlyle Group holding a 5.4% stake, including a convertible note, could be viewed positively, potentially signaling confidence and stability.
• Management: Carlyle's stake, while passively certified, could lead to increased scrutiny or influence over strategic decisions, especially given the convertible note.
• Creditors: The presence of a convertible note held by a major investor might be seen as a positive signal regarding the company's financial backing.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The filing primarily discloses a significant ownership stake by Carlyle Group, which is generally a positive signal of institutional confidence. However, it does not provide new operational or financial performance data to warrant a 'buy' or 'sell' recommendation. The existing convertible note suggests a prior investment, and the current filing is an update to beneficial ownership, not a new investment announcement. Therefore, a 'hold' recommendation is appropriate as investors should await further operational updates from SunPower Inc. to assess its performance and future prospects.

Keywords

SunPower Inc., Carlyle Group, Schedule 13G, Beneficial Ownership, Solar Energy, Renewable Energy, Institutional Investor, Convertible Note, Equity Stake