Core Insights - Clean energy investments are rising globally, with solar power being the fastest-growing energy source, benefiting companies like First Solar (FSLR) and Canadian Solar (CSIQ) [1][2] Group 1: First Solar (FSLR) - Recent Achievements: First Solar achieved a record annual sales growth of 26.7% in 2024, driven by increased module shipments and started production of Series 7 modules in Alabama, with a total production capacity of approximately 21 GW [3][4] - Future Outlook: The company plans to expand its manufacturing capacity to over 25 GW by the end of 2026 and has contracts for the future sale of 68.5 GW of solar modules worth $20.5 billion, expected to be recognized as revenue through 2030 [4][5] - Financial Stability: As of December 31, 2024, First Solar had cash and cash equivalents of $1.79 billion, significantly higher than its long-term debt of $0.37 billion and current debt of $0.24 billion, indicating a strong solvency position [5] - Challenges: First Solar faces competition from Chinese manufacturers who added an estimated 270 GW of production capacity in 2024, which could lead to pricing volatility and affect profitability [6] - Manufacturing Issues: The company identified potential premature power loss in certain Series 7 modules, estimating aggregate losses between $56 million and $100 million, which could impact near-term results [7] Group 2: Canadian Solar (CSIQ) - Recent Achievements: Canadian Solar brought 1.3 GWp of solar projects to commercial operation by December 31, 2024, and has a project pipeline of 24.9 GWp [8][9] - Financial Stability: As of December 31, 2024, Canadian Solar's cash and cash equivalents totaled $2.25 billion, while its current debt was $2.76 billion and long-term debt was $2.49 billion, indicating a weak solvency position [11] - Challenges: The company experienced an 11% year-over-year decline in revenues in Q4 2024 due to declining average selling prices of solar modules, primarily affected by increased competition from Chinese manufacturers [12] Group 3: Comparative Analysis - Sales and Earnings Estimates: The Zacks Consensus Estimate for First Solar's 2025 sales and EPS implies improvements of 31.1% and 55.6%, respectively, while Canadian Solar's sales estimate implies a 24.7% improvement, with a projected loss per share of 6 cents [13][14] - Stock Performance: Over the past three months, FSLR has outperformed CSIQ, with FSLR down 19.5% compared to CSIQ's 28% decline [16] - Valuation: First Solar is trading at a forward earnings multiple of 6.49X, significantly lower than Canadian Solar's 26.64X, making FSLR a more attractive investment option [17][21]