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What Drives First Solar's Long-Term Solar Module Competitiveness?
ZACKS· 2026-02-13 15:16
Core Insights - First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) is a leading manufacturer of thin-film cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic modules, with a strong presence in the U.S. and global markets [1][8] - The company is expanding its manufacturing capacity in the U.S. and investing in next-generation technologies to enhance module efficiency and maintain competitiveness [4][8] Company Overview - First Solar specializes in the design, production, and sale of advanced thin-film CdTe solar modules, operating manufacturing facilities in the U.S., India, Malaysia, and Vietnam [1] - The product portfolio includes Series 6 Plus and Series 7 modules, primarily supplied to utility-scale developers and large commercial customers [2] Manufacturing and Production - The company employs a vertically integrated production process, overseeing semiconductor fabrication, module assembly, and quality assurance, which supports operational consistency and cost control [3][8] - Ongoing investments in research and development focus on next-generation thin-film and tandem technologies to improve module efficiency [4] Market Position and Financials - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FSLR's earnings per share in 2026 indicates a year-over-year increase of 58.82%, with a long-term earnings growth rate projected at 33.5% [7] - First Solar is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 9.22X, significantly lower than the industry average of 17.4X, indicating a potential investment opportunity [10] Stock Performance - Over the past six months, FSLR shares have increased by 22.4%, while the industry has seen a growth of 43.8% [12]