First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) Gains Analyst Support as Strong Demand Boosts Solar Growth Outlook

Core Insights - First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) is recognized as one of the best affordable growth stocks to buy now [1] - Barclays has reiterated an Overweight rating on First Solar, despite lowering the price target from $279 to $228, citing strong demand for domestically sourced modules [2] - The company reported solid fourth-quarter and full-year results, with net sales for the fourth quarter reaching $1.7 billion, a $0.1 billion increase, and full-year net sales totaling $5.2 billion, reflecting a 24% year-over-year growth [3] Company Overview - First Solar is the largest U.S.-based manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, specializing in eco-efficient thin-film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) technology [4] - The company produces high-performance, sustainable solar panels aimed at large-scale utility projects, positioning itself as a key alternative to China-based crystalline silicon manufacturers [4] Financial Performance - Fourth-quarter net income per diluted share was $4.84, while full-year net income per diluted share reached $14.21 [3] - The growth in net sales is attributed to increased third-party module volume, indicating a robust demand environment [3]