Core Viewpoint - First Solar, Inc. is expected to report second-quarter 2025 results on July 31, 2025, after market close, with a negative earnings surprise of 22.00% in the last quarter and a four-quarter average negative earnings surprise of 6.94% [1] Factors Impacting Results - Global solar energy demand is steadily improving, driven by increasing energy consumption, declining installation costs, and heightened clean energy awareness, which is expected to boost sales volume for First Solar's products [2] - Solid revenue growth expectations are supported by a high mix of modules sold from U.S. factories that qualify for Section 45X tax credits, likely enhancing quarterly earnings growth [3] - However, lower capacity utilization and throughput at Malaysia and Vietnam factories, due to anticipated reduced demand for modules from newly imposed U.S. tariffs, may negatively impact revenues and earnings [4] - A shift in sales mix is anticipated, with more modules directed to the lower-priced Indian market instead of the U.S., which may also hurt top and bottom-line performance [5] - High module production costs in the U.S. and underutilization charges from lower-than-full production capacity in Asia are likely to affect overall bottom-line performance [6] Q2 Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FSLR's second-quarter sales is $1.03 billion, indicating year-over-year growth of 1.9% [7] - The consensus estimate for earnings per share is $2.68, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 17.5% [7] Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for First Solar, with an Earnings ESP of -5.23% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [8][10] Summary of Revenue Influences - Q2 revenues may rise due to strong solar demand and increased sales of U.S.-made modules, while new tariffs likely reduced Southeast Asia output, shifting module sales to lower-priced markets like India [9] - Higher U.S. production costs and factory underuse in Asia may weigh on FSLR's Q2 earnings performance [9]

Core Viewpoint - First Solar (FSLR) is anticipated to report a year-over-year decline in earnings despite an increase in revenues for the quarter ending June 2025, with the consensus outlook indicating a significant impact on the stock price based on actual results compared to estimates [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The consensus estimate for First Solar's quarterly earnings is $2.68 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 17.5%, while revenues are projected to be $1.03 billion, representing a 1.9% increase from the previous year [3]. - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 1.47% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that First Solar has a negative Earnings ESP of -5.23%, suggesting analysts have become bearish on the company's earnings prospects [12]. - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, making it challenging to predict an earnings beat conclusively [12]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, First Solar was expected to post earnings of $2.50 per share but only achieved $1.95, resulting in a surprise of -22.00% [13]. - Over the past four quarters, First Solar has only beaten consensus EPS estimates once [14]. Industry Comparison - Nextracker (NXT), another player in the solar industry, is expected to report earnings of $1.04 per share for the same quarter, indicating a year-over-year increase of 11.8%, with revenues projected at $853.36 million, up 18.5% [18]. - Nextracker's consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 3.7% in the last 30 days, but it has a positive Earnings ESP of +4.56% and a Zacks Rank of 2, suggesting a higher likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [19][20].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the effectiveness of the Zacks Rank system in identifying winning stocks through earnings estimates and revisions [1] - Value investing is highlighted as a popular and successful strategy across various market conditions, focusing on undervalued stocks [2] - Zacks has introduced the Style Scores system to identify stocks with specific traits, particularly those with high grades in the Value category [3] Company Analysis: First Solar (FSLR) - First Solar (FSLR) is currently rated with a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and has an A grade for Value, indicating strong investment potential [4] - FSLR's Forward P/E ratio stands at 9.13, significantly lower than the industry average of 15.56, suggesting it may be undervalued [4] - The stock's Forward P/E has fluctuated between a high of 14.16 and a low of 5.80 over the past year, with a median of 9.30 [4] - FSLR's PEG ratio is 0.27, compared to the industry average of 0.70, indicating favorable growth expectations relative to its valuation [5] - The PEG ratio has ranged from a high of 0.33 to a low of 0.15 in the past 52 weeks, with a median of 0.23 [5] - FSLR's P/CF ratio is 10.96, which is attractive compared to the industry average of 11.48, further supporting its undervaluation [6] - The P/CF ratio has varied between 17.64 and 7.50 over the past year, with a median of 11.62 [6] - Overall, these metrics suggest that FSLR is likely undervalued and presents a strong investment opportunity based on its earnings outlook [7]

In the latest close session, First Solar (FSLR) was up +1.33% at $175.85. The stock exceeded the S&P 500, which registered a loss of 0.01% for the day. At the same time, the Dow lost 0.32%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 0.05%. Heading into today, shares of the largest U.S. solar company had gained 20.79% over the past month, outpacing the Oils-Energy sector's loss of 1.27% and the S&P 500's gain of 5.37%.Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of First Solar in its upcoming earnings disclo ...

Investment Rating - The report suggests focusing on U.S. solar manufacturers like First Solar, as well as companies in traditional energy and industrial equipment sectors such as Williams, Kinder Morgan, Nvent Electric, and Vistra [5][12]. Core Insights - The U.S. solar industry has reignited the "double anti-dumping" controversy, with a coalition of American solar producers petitioning the government to impose anti-dumping and countervailing duties on solar panels imported from Indonesia, India, and Laos [1][8]. - This move is part of a broader trend of U.S. trade protectionism, which has previously targeted solar supply chains in Southeast Asia, leading to a shift in production to countries like Indonesia and Laos that currently lack tariffs [2][9]. - If the new tariffs are approved, they could significantly reshape the global solar supply chain, disrupt operations linked to Chinese companies in these countries, and introduce uncertainty into the U.S. solar market [3][10]. Summary by Sections Section 1: U.S. Solar Industry Actions - U.S. solar manufacturers are pushing for tariffs on solar panels from Southeast Asia to protect domestic production [1][8]. - The coalition includes major players like First Solar and Qcells, which have previously succeeded in lobbying for tariffs on products from other Southeast Asian countries [1][8]. Section 2: Impact on Southeast Asia - The imposition of tariffs could lead to a new wave of production relocation, as countries like Indonesia and Laos become potential targets for U.S. scrutiny [2][9]. - Indonesia has over 25GW of operational solar module capacity and is a key source for major manufacturers, while India has nearly doubled its production capacity in the past year [2][9]. Section 3: Industry Adjustments - The potential tariffs may force Chinese-affiliated firms in Southeast Asia to reassess their strategies, accelerate technological innovation, and diversify their markets [4][11]. - Long-term, this could shift competition in the solar industry from cost-driven to technology and quality-driven dynamics, fostering a more resilient and diversified supply chain [4][11].

Core Viewpoint - First Solar Inc. (FSLR) has shown strong stock performance, gaining 29.4% over the past three months, outperforming both the solar industry and broader market indices [1][9]. Company Performance - FSLR's stock performance is attributed to aggressive expansion plans, including the start of operations at its fourth U.S. manufacturing facility in Q2 2025 [4]. - The company plans to add approximately four gigawatts (GW) of new capacity, aiming for an annual manufacturing capacity exceeding 25 GW by the end of 2026 [5]. - FSLR has entered contracts for the future sale of 66.1 GW of solar modules, valued at $19.8 billion, expected to contribute to revenue through 2030 [10]. Market Outlook - The growth prospects for FSLR are supported by ongoing capacity expansion and a strong demand outlook for solar energy [7]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FSLR's long-term earnings growth rate is 34.5%, surpassing the industry's growth rate of 23.1% [11]. Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates revenue growth of 18.2% and 18.3% for 2025 and 2026, respectively [15]. - Current estimates for FSLR's 2025 and 2026 revenues are $4.97 billion and $5.88 billion, respectively [16]. Valuation Metrics - FSLR shares are trading at a premium, with a forward Price/Sales (P/S F12M) ratio of 3.16, compared to the industry average of 1.27 [18]. - Competitors Canadian Solar (CSIQ) and SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG) are trading at lower P/S ratios of 0.13 and 1.30, respectively [19].

Company Performance - First Solar's stock closed at $162.44, down 1.61%, which is less than the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.33% [1] - Over the past month, First Solar's stock has decreased by 1.63%, underperforming the Oils-Energy sector's gain of 4.04% and the S&P 500's gain of 4.07% [1] Upcoming Earnings - First Solar is projected to report earnings of $2.65 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 18.46% [2] - The consensus estimate for revenue is $1.02 billion, indicating a 1.18% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2] Fiscal Year Projections - For the entire fiscal year, earnings are projected at $14.73 per share and revenue at $4.97 billion, representing increases of +22.55% and +18.2% from the prior year, respectively [3] - Recent changes to analyst estimates for First Solar indicate a positive outlook, with revisions reflecting optimism about the business and profitability [3] Valuation Metrics - First Solar has a Forward P/E ratio of 11.21, which is a discount compared to the industry average Forward P/E of 16.34 [6] - The company has a PEG ratio of 0.33, while the average PEG ratio for the Solar industry is 0.61 [6] Industry Context - The Solar industry is part of the Oils-Energy sector and currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 67, placing it in the top 28% of over 250 industries [7] - The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the strength of industry groups, with top-rated industries outperforming lower-rated ones by a factor of 2 to 1 [7]

Core Insights - First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) has experienced significant stock volatility due to changing policy decisions regarding IRA tax credits, with an initial rally of over 50% from April lows followed by a subsequent drop of 25% [1] Company Summary - The stock of First Solar saw a dramatic increase of more than 50% from its lows in April, indicating strong market interest or positive sentiment [1] - Following the initial rally, the stock faced a decline of 25%, suggesting potential market corrections or reactions to policy changes [1] Industry Context - The fluctuations in First Solar's stock price are closely tied to the evolving landscape of tax credits under the IRA, highlighting the impact of government policy on renewable energy companies [1]

Core Insights - The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act has been enacted, introducing new rules that may weaken the U.S. clean energy sector, particularly solar power, by eliminating several incentives [1][2] - Despite the negative impact on solar companies, the Senate version of the bill has softened some provisions, suggesting that the industry may not face as dire a situation as previously feared [2][3] Summary of Key Provisions - The OBBB Act cancels the 30% tax credit for residential solar systems, which will expire on December 31 of this year, significantly ahead of schedule [4] - Utility and commercial projects will see a phase-out of the 30% tax credit after 2027, with projects started after 2029 losing the credit entirely, although projects initiated within 12 months of the bill's passage are exempt [4] - The act has removed an excise tax on imported solar modules and eased timelines for commercial projects, which may provide some relief to the solar sector [3] Company-Specific Insights - **NextEra Energy**: - One of the largest diversified clean energy companies in the U.S., with 33,000 megawatts of operating energy in 2023 [5] - The stock trades at a P/E ratio of 27.5, slightly below its 10-year average, with projected EPS growth of 26% in 2024 and 7.2% in 2025 [6][7] - **First Solar**: - Focuses on domestic manufacturing of solar modules, which may provide a competitive edge under the new regulations [9] - The Royal Bank of Canada has increased its price target for First Solar from $188 to $200, with an average analyst price target of $228.69, indicating significant upside potential [10] - **Nextracker**: - Sold nearly $3 billion worth of solar trackers in the last year, primarily used in large utility-scale projects, which may shield it from the impacts of tax credit phase-outs [11] - The stock trades at a P/E ratio of 19, with a net profit margin of 17.21% and a quarterly revenue increase of 15% year-over-year [12]

Core Insights - Perovskite solar cells are emerging as a viable alternative to traditional silicon panels, offering higher efficiency and lower production costs [1] - First Solar Inc. (FSLR) is actively investing in perovskite technology to enhance its thin-film solar panel offerings [1][10] Company Developments - In 2023, FSLR acquired Swedish perovskite specialist Evolar AB to advance the development and commercialization of high-efficiency thin-film PV technology [2] - FSLR is establishing a perovskite development line at its Perrysburg, OH campus as part of a $370 million R&D initiative focused on next-generation solar technologies [3][10] - As of March 2025, FSLR is continuing its research into perovskite crystals to improve efficiency and stability for commercially scalable products [4] Industry Trends - Perovskite solar cells have seen efficiency improvements from 3% in 2009 to over 26% in 2024 for small-area devices, indicating significant advancements in the technology [5] - JinkoSolar (JKS) is also investing in perovskite technology, achieving a conversion efficiency of 33.84% in its N-type TOPCon-based perovskite tandem solar cell [7] - Canadian Solar (CSIQ) is enhancing its module efficiency through TOPCon technology and may explore perovskite solutions in the future [8] Market Performance - FSLR shares have increased by 36.6% over the past three months, outperforming the industry growth of 35.5% [9] - FSLR's shares are trading at a forward 12-month Price/Earnings ratio of 9.57X, below the industry average of 17.02X, indicating a relative discount [11]