Core Viewpoint - First Solar, Inc. is set to report its fourth-quarter 2024 results on February 25, with expectations of revenue growth despite challenges from low-cost competition in the Indian market [1][4]. Group 1: Earnings Expectations - First Solar delivered a negative earnings surprise of 6.13% in the last quarter, but has a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 8.32% [2]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings per share (EPS) is $4.69, indicating a year-over-year growth of 44.3% [6]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter sales is $1.47 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 26.9% [4]. Group 2: Production and Market Factors - The company has been expanding its production capacity, including the opening of a new solar module factory in Alabama, which is expected to boost module shipments and revenues [3]. - However, pricing pressure from Chinese manufacturers selling low-cost solar panels in India may have negatively impacted First Solar's sales in that market [4]. - Solid revenue growth expectations are supported by a higher sales mix of modules qualifying for the advanced manufacturing production credit under Section 45X of the IRC [5]. Group 3: Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for First Solar, as the Earnings ESP is -1.72% and the company holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [7][8].

Group 1: Investment Opportunities - HP Inc. has a P/E ratio of 12.24 and a market capitalization exceeding $32 billion, making it a notable investment opportunity in February 2025 [2] - Onsemi offers a competitive P/E ratio of 15.38 and has a potential upside of 21.79% from its current price, despite being near a 52-week low [4] - First Solar has a P/E ratio of nearly 14 and a potential upside of 72.27%, with a price target of $276.38, indicating strong growth potential [6][7] - i3 Verticals has a low P/E ratio of 6.30 and a projected earnings growth of 14.44%, with a price upside of 5.58% in the next year [8][9] Group 2: Analyst Ratings and Market Sentiment - HP maintains a Hold rating from analysts but has a 6.28% upside, suggesting it could be a valuable long-term hold [3] - Onsemi has a Moderate Buy rating, indicating increasing investor confidence despite a negative share price trend [5] - First Solar received top marks in MarketRank comparisons, outperforming many competitors in analyst opinion and sustainability [7] - i3 Verticals has a Moderate Buy rating, but recent short interest growth of about 20% indicates some negative sentiment [9][11]

Core Viewpoint - First Solar's stock performance has been under scrutiny, with a notable decline over the past month, contrasting with the broader market trends and upcoming earnings expectations indicating significant growth in earnings and revenue [1][2]. Company Performance - First Solar closed at $164.09, reflecting a +0.98% change from the previous day, outperforming the S&P 500's loss of 0.43% [1] - The stock has decreased by 5.47% over the past month, which is worse than the Oils-Energy sector's loss of 3.14% and the S&P 500's gain of 2.6% [1]. Upcoming Earnings - The earnings report for First Solar is scheduled for February 25, 2025, with projected earnings per share (EPS) of $4.69, representing a 44.31% increase year-over-year [2]. - Revenue is expected to reach $1.47 billion, indicating a 26.91% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2]. Analyst Estimates - Recent modifications to analyst estimates for First Solar are being monitored, as positive revisions are seen as a sign of optimism regarding the company's business outlook [3]. - The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has increased by 0.28% in the past month, and First Solar currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [5]. Valuation Metrics - First Solar's Forward P/E ratio stands at 7.98, which is lower than the industry average of 9.77, suggesting a valuation discount [5]. - The company has a PEG ratio of 0.18, significantly below the solar industry's average PEG ratio of 0.57 [6]. Industry Context - The solar industry is part of the Oils-Energy sector and currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 49, placing it in the top 20% of over 250 industries [6]. - The Zacks Industry Rank indicates that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [7].

Tax Credits and Sales - First Solar announced the final sale amount of Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production tax credits generated from solar module production and sales in the U.S. for 2024[5] - The press release regarding the tax credits was initially announced on December 11, 2024[5] Compliance and Reporting - The report was filed on February 20, 2025, indicating ongoing compliance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934[2] - The company is not classified as an emerging growth company under the Securities Act of 1933[4] - The press release is included as Exhibit 99.1 in the Form 8-K filing[7] - The financial statements and exhibits are not deemed "filed" for liability purposes under the Exchange Act[6] - The report was signed by Jason Dymbort, General Counsel & Secretary of First Solar[12] Company Information - The company operates under the trading symbol FSLR on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC[3] - The address of First Solar's principal executive offices is located in Tempe, Arizona[2] - The report includes an Interactive Data File embedded within the Inline XBRL Document[7]

Core Insights - First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) stock has experienced a persistent downtrend, with a loss of 22% since the last analysis, primarily due to concerns regarding potential withdrawal of federal tax credit benefits by the Trump administration [1] Company Analysis - The investment analyst, Oliver Rodzianko, specializes in the technology sector, focusing on companies with resilient management and competitive advantages, particularly in AI, semiconductors, software, and renewable energy [1] - Rodzianko employs a value trading strategy at inflection points without leverage or short interest, typically holding investments for one to two years [1] - The analyst's asset management rating system includes various categories such as Strong Buy, Buy, Hold, Sell, and Strong Sell, with expected annual returns ranging from 0% to above 30% depending on the investment strategy [1]

Group 1: Company Performance - First Solar (FSLR) closed at $160.34, with a daily increase of +1.09%, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1.04% [1] - Over the past month, First Solar shares have decreased by 15.1%, while the Oils-Energy sector lost 1.08% and the S&P 500 gained 3.92% [1] Group 2: Upcoming Earnings - First Solar is set to release its earnings on February 25, 2025, with projected earnings per share (EPS) of $4.69, reflecting a 44.31% increase year-over-year [2] - The consensus estimate for revenue is $1.47 billion, indicating a 26.91% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2] Group 3: Analyst Estimates and Valuation - Changes in analyst estimates for First Solar are important as they reflect short-term business trends, with positive revisions indicating a favorable business outlook [3] - The Zacks Rank system, which evaluates estimate changes, currently ranks First Solar at 3 (Hold) [5] - First Solar has a Forward P/E ratio of 7.79, which is below the industry average of 8.97, and a PEG ratio of 0.18 compared to the industry average of 0.52 [6] Group 4: Industry Context - The Solar industry, part of the Oils-Energy sector, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 77, placing it in the top 31% of over 250 industries [7] - The top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [7]

Group 1 - A new partnership called Stargate plans to invest up to $500 billion in building AI infrastructure in the United States, involving OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank [2][3] - The project will focus on creating data centers and generating electricity, with an initial investment of around $100 billion, potentially increasing up to $500 billion [3] - The demand for electricity to power AI applications will lead to a significant reliance on clean, renewable solar energy [4] Group 2 - First Solar is positioned for growth with advanced thin-film photovoltaic technology and U.S.-based manufacturing, making it well-suited to meet rising energy demands [6] - NextEra Energy, a major player in renewable energy, has significant investments in wind and solar power, likely to benefit from the increasing demand for sustainable energy [7] - Enphase Energy, known for its solar microinverters, is integral to the solar power supply chain and could see rising demand as solar adoption grows [8]

Investment Strategy - Focuses on identifying growth investing opportunities with attractive risk/reward upside potential [2] - Combines sharp price action analysis with fundamentals investing [2] - Avoids overhyped and overvalued stocks while capitalizing on battered stocks with significant upside recovery possibilities [2] Performance and Recognition - Recognized by TipRanks as a Top Analyst [1] - Recognized by Seeking Alpha as a "Top Analyst To Follow" for Technology, Software, Internet, Growth, and GARP [1] - Demonstrates outperformance with picks that generate alpha well above the S&P 500 [1] Investment Group - Runs the investing group Ultimate Growth Investing, specializing in high-potential opportunities across various sectors [3] - Focuses on ideas with strong growth potential and well-beaten contrarian plays, with an 18 to 24 month outlook [3] - Targets growth stocks with robust fundamentals, buying momentum, and turnaround plays at highly attractive valuations [3]

The latest trading session saw First Solar (FSLR) ending at $174.11, denoting a +1.29% adjustment from its last day's close. The stock exceeded the S&P 500, which registered a gain of 0.53% for the day. Meanwhile, the Dow gained 0.93%, and the Nasdaq, a tech-heavy index, added 0.22%.Coming into today, shares of the largest U.S. solar company had lost 7.68% in the past month. In that same time, the Oils-Energy sector lost 1.54%, while the S&P 500 gained 2.69%.The upcoming earnings release of First Solar will ...

In the latest market close, First Solar (FSLR) reached $192.64, with a +0.92% movement compared to the previous day. The stock trailed the S&P 500, which registered a daily gain of 1%. Meanwhile, the Dow gained 0.78%, and the Nasdaq, a tech-heavy index, added 1.51%.The largest U.S. solar company's stock has climbed by 8.53% in the past month, exceeding the Oils-Energy sector's loss of 3.79% and the S&P 500's loss of 2.14%.Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of First Solar in its upcoming ...