Canadian Solar Inc logo

Canadian Solar Inc(CSIQ)

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EXPLORE ADVISORIES AND THEIR HISTORY
QUALITY SIGNAL
1-STAR RATING
PASS
LAST CLOSE
$10.31
11/05/2026
(24-hour delay)

Advisory History & Simulated Performance *

*as per simulation (see disclosures)
  • ALL
  • 1Y
  • 1M
  • 1W
  • BUY Advisory
  • SELL Advisory (Profit)
  • SELL Advisory (Loss)
  • Profit
  • Loss
  • PASS (Skip)
Upturn Stock price based on last close iconStock price based on last close
Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Advisory Performance History (Simulated)Advisory Performance History info

Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Upturn Advisory & Investor View for CSIQ

11/05/2026: CSIQ (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.

Canadian Solar Inc. is a major vertically integrated player in the global renewable energy market, operating both as a high-volume manufacturer of solar modules and a developer of utility-scale solar and battery storage projects. The company’s primary strength lies in its diversified business model, which allows it to capture value across the entire solar value chain. Its main growth story involves the rapid scaling of its energy storage segment, SolBank, and an expanded project development pipeline. Investors should monitor risks related to intense commodity-like pricing competition, debt-fueled capital structures, and international trade policy exposure. It is a stock that may suit investors interested in renewable energy growth, though its lack of dividends and inherent industry cyclicality require careful monitoring.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorMixed fitThe company offers exposure to the secular growth of renewables but faces significant cyclical and execution risks.
Momentum investorStrong fit while signal remains positiveThe stock can exhibit high beta and strong performance during renewable energy sector bull runs.
Value investorStrong fitThe stock frequently trades at low P/E multiples, often appearing undervalued relative to its book value and assets.
Dividend investorWeak fitThe company does not pay a dividend, making it unsuitable for income-focused portfolios.
Low-risk investorWeak fitHigh volatility and sensitivity to commodity prices and geopolitical risk make this a poor fit for risk-averse investors.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityHighThe stock price is highly sensitive to solar module commodity pricing and cyclical industry downturns.
Valuation riskMediumWhile often trading at a low multiple, the earnings quality is variable, which can distort valuation assessments.
Competition risk (Module & Storage pricing)HighIntense competition from low-cost Chinese manufacturers continuously pressures profit margins.
Business qualityMediumThe business relies on capital-intensive manufacturing and project development, which are susceptible to economic cycles.
Dividend incomeLow / noneThe company does not provide income to shareholders, limiting its utility for income strategies.
Execution riskMedium / highSuccessfully scaling the battery storage business and managing project pipelines globally requires flawless execution.

Price Behavior

Steep Decline
PRICE PATH

Steep Decline

The stock price has dropped sharply with strong downward pressure.

Highly Choppy
PRICE STABILITY

Highly Choppy

The stock has experienced frequent, large price swings that make its near-term movement less predictable.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit -11.29%
Avg. Invested days 27
Today’s Advisory PASS
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 2.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 1.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 11/05/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
CSIQ receives a 2-star rating, supported by solid analyst coverage. The rating is constrained by weak unit economics, soft quantitative characteristics, and weak price momentum.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
CSIQ has moderate overall fundamentals (3 stars), with moderate financial health, soft growth momentum, and solid ownership. In FY2025 versus FY2024, growth and ownership metrics are mixed: negative earnings growth (-388.8%), weak cash generation (FCF margin -29.4%), negative revenue growth (-6.6%).

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
CSIQ's financial health is supported by moderate efficiency, including operating-expense and cost-of-revenue discipline (opex 17.6% of revenue). Profitability is soft (2 stars), which helps explain the 3-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Free-cash-flow growth is CSIQ's strongest growth driver at +40.3% FY2025 versus FY2024 (strong, 5 stars). By comparison, while revenue growth (-6.6%, negative) and earnings growth (-388.8%, negative) hold the profile back, so recent growth is not broad-based across the business.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 64.8% and approximately 64.4% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership of 29.79% supports management-shareholder alignment.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

BlackRock Inc 7.83%
Mackenzie Investments 6.81%
D. E. Shaw & Co LP 5.64%
Amvescap Plc. 4.07%
Legal & General Group PLC 3.92%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
CSIQ generates approximately $183 of gross profit, $8 of operating income, and $-294 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2025 results. Negative free cash flow explains the 1-star rating, with weak cash conversion and weak capital efficiency.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 38.61%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
CSIQ has a liquid profile. Weak momentum is the primary drawback, while valuation that is moderately attractive rather than deeply discounted.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

High VolatilitySmall / Mid Cap RiskShort Squeeze RiskHighly Liquid / Institution-Friendly

Key Highlights

Company Size Small-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 731.93M USD
Price to earnings Ratio -
1Y Target Price 16.93
Price to earnings Ratio -
1Y Target Price 16.93
Volume (30-day avg) 1.9M shares
Beta 1.49
52 Weeks Range 8.79 - 34.59
Updated Date 11/04/2026
52 Weeks Range 8.79 - 34.59
Updated Date 11/04/2026
Dividends yield (FY) -
Basic EPS (TTM) -4.1

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
CSI Solar (Manufacturing)Sale of solar modules, kits, and battery storage products.This is the core product business, sensitive to raw material costs and global module demand.
Recurrent Energy (Project Development)Development, construction, and sale of solar and battery storage projects.This segment provides lumpy but potentially high-margin revenue from large infrastructure projects.
GeographyGlobal sales with significant exposure to North America, Europe, and Asia.Global diversification helps mitigate local policy risk, though it exposes the company to varying regional regulatory environments.

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

Revenue by Geography

Geography revenue - Year on Year

Valuation

Trailing PE -
Forward PE 11.16
Enterprise Value 7.20B
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.15
Enterprise Value 7.20B
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.15
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.44
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 298.98
Shares Outstanding 67.90M
Shares Floating 43.73M
Shares Outstanding 67.90M
Shares Floating 43.73M
Percent Insiders 29.79
Percent Institutions 64.8

Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

Form CRS provides a relationship summary of our automated advisory services, flat subscription fees, and conflicts of interest. Form ADV Part 2A brochure contains complete details on services, billing, and disclosures. If any summary differs from our current regulatory filings, the filed Form ADV controls.