Company Overview - First Solar (FSLR) is an American manufacturer of solar panels and is the only US-based company in the top 10 list of largest solar panel manufacturers, ranking 10 globally [1] - The company is a leader in cadmium telluride (CdTe) modules, a key technology in the solar panel industry [1] Industry Context - The solar panel manufacturing industry is highly competitive, with First Solar being one of the few US companies to maintain a significant global presence [1] - CdTe technology, in which First Solar specializes, is a notable segment within the broader solar panel market [1] Analyst Background - Building Benjamins is a free investment newsletter published by Tradition Investment Management, LLC, a registered investment adviser [2] - The founder, Benjamin Halliburton, has a distinguished career in investment management, including being named "PSN Manager of the Decade" for All-Cap in the 2000s and Dividend Value in the 2010s [2] - Halliburton's investment strategies, such as the "Disciplined Growth Strategy," have historically outperformed benchmarks like the S&P 500 during the 1990s bull market [2]

The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price. Do they really matter, though?Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about First Solar (FSLR) .First Solar currently has an average brokerag ...

Core Viewpoint - First Solar's stock has shown volatility, currently trading 37% below its 52-week high, but has seen a 9% increase in January, raising questions about a potential rebound [1][3]. Financial Performance - In Q3, First Solar reported sales of $887.67 million, a 10% increase year-over-year, but fell short of the $1.06 billion estimate. The Q3 EPS was $2.91, a 16% year-over-year increase, but also missed the $3.10 expectation [3][4]. - Q4 results are anticipated on February 25, with sales expected to rise 27% to $1.47 billion and EPS projected to increase 47% to $4.77. However, the most accurate estimate for Q4 EPS is $4.57, indicating a potential miss [4][5]. Growth Projections - First Solar's annual earnings are projected to grow by 69% in fiscal 2024 to $13.13 per share, up from $7.74 in 2023. FY25 EPS is expected to climb another 54% to $20.14 [8]. - The company anticipates high double-digit sales growth in FY24 and FY25, with projections exceeding $5 billion [9]. Valuation Metrics - First Solar's stock trades at 9.2X forward earnings, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 22.2X and below the Zacks Solar Industry average of 15.2X, suggesting potential for an extended rebound [10][11]. Investment Outlook - Currently, First Solar holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold). The average Zacks price target is $275.43 per share, indicating a potential upside of 48% from current levels [12].

In my October 7 article , I explained why First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR ) was well positioned to thrive and to reward investors regardless of the 2024 US Election results . I took the perspective ofI look for wonderful businesses at fair prices that pay quality dividends. A quality dividend is one that is safe, expected to grow meaningfully, and part of an attractive total return. My research focuses on SWOT analysis, forward-looking information, and DCF and/or DDM valuation models. I have an MBA in Finance and ...

Renewable Energy Sector Overview - The renewable energy sector is experiencing significant growth and is expected to remain a key area of interest for the coming decades, despite potential policy changes under the incoming Trump Presidency [1] Analyst Background - The author, Gordon, has nearly 10 years of experience in trading and investing, with a focus on technology and energy companies [2] - Gordon holds a Masters Degree in Civil Engineering and works in Asset Management, leveraging his expertise in engineering, strategic consulting, and financial forecasting [2] - He runs a financial education company called Oak Investing, which has a wide following across 40 countries [2] - Gordon specializes in identifying growth opportunities, value plays, and dividend-paying stocks across various geographies and sectors [2] - He is ranked in the Top 10% of Financial Bloggers on TipRanks, with a 75% Success Rate and 19% Average Return [2] Disclosure - The analyst has no stock, option, or derivative positions in any of the companies mentioned and no plans to initiate such positions within the next 72 hours [3] - The article expresses the analyst's own opinions and is not influenced by any business relationships with the companies mentioned [3]

First Solar stock is expensive and the future doesn't look as bright as it might seem.First Solar (FSLR 1.46%) is one of the best companies in the solar industry. But after a strong run the last few years, the company is reporting less backlog and profits may come under fire due to subsidy reductions. In this video, Travis Hoium looks at the company's trends and why now may be a great time to sell the stock.*Stock prices used were end-of-day prices of Dec. 7, 2024. The video was published on Dec. 9, 2024. ...

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Accumulate" [1] Core Views - The report highlights that First Solar benefits from U.S. trade protection policies, particularly following the preliminary ruling on anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Southeast Asian solar components [1] - The company is a leader in cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film solar modules, focusing on the U.S. market and expanding domestic production capacity, with a backlog of orders totaling 72.8 GW [1] - The projected net profits for 2024-2026 are estimated at $1.406 billion, $2.377 billion, and $3.064 billion, respectively, reflecting year-on-year growth rates of 69.3%, 69.0%, and 28.9% [1] Financial Summary - As of the end of 2023, the company reported total assets of $10.365 billion, with total liabilities of $3.678 billion, resulting in total equity of $6.687 billion [3] - Revenue for 2023 is reported at $3.319 billion, with projections of $4.233 billion for 2024, $5.707 billion for 2025, and $6.717 billion for 2026, indicating a compound annual growth rate of 26.7% [3] - The gross profit margin is expected to increase from 39.2% in 2023 to 60.1% by 2026, while the net profit margin is projected to rise from 25.0% to 45.6% over the same period [3] Market Dynamics - The U.S. market is expected to see continued expansion in domestic production capacity, with First Solar's production guidance indicating a total capacity of 25.2 GW by 2026, including new capacity coming online in Ohio [1] - The report notes that the U.S. trade protection measures are likely to impact the import volume and competitiveness of solar components, benefiting domestic producers like First Solar [1]

The election of Donald Trump has reignited speculation about the future of clean energy stocks, particularly in the solar sector. With a Republican-controlled White House and likely GOP majorities in Congress, investors are bracing for potential changes to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which has been pivotal in driving clean energy growth. The Invesco Solar ETF, a key barometer for solar stocks, has dropped over 7% this month and is down 35% year-to-date, reflecting market concerns about the sector's o ...

The solar industry is in a downturn, but this one company is primed to continue its winning ways.In this video, Motley Fool contributors Jason Hall and Tyler Crowe explain why First Solar (FSLR 2.25%) is starting to look like a very good buy.*Stock prices used were from the afternoon of Nov. 21, 2024. The video was published on Nov. 23, 2024. ...

Core Viewpoint - The growth of solar power is unstoppable despite political uncertainties, and First Solar is well-positioned to benefit from this trend [1][2][3] Industry Overview - Solar power production capacity in the U.S. grew a record-breaking 32.4 gigawatts last year, accounting for over half of the country's electricity-generating potential expansion [5] - The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects a 15% increase in electricity demand by 2050, with renewables like solar expected to contribute significantly to capacity growth [16] Company Positioning - First Solar has a backlog of 73.3 gigawatts of solar panels yet to be delivered, indicating strong demand despite recent stock price declines [11][12] - The company primarily serves the North American market and is largely insulated from potential tariffs due to its domestic manufacturing [10] Technological Advantage - First Solar's use of Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic panels offers durability and efficiency, making them attractive investments for utility-scale buyers [13] Market Sentiment - Despite recent stock price volatility, analysts maintain a strong buy rating for First Solar, with a consensus price target of $280.79, nearly 50% above its current price [17]