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Upturn AI SWOT - About
FSLR 
First Solar Inc (FSLR)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
07/09/2025: FSLR (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Upturn Star Rating
Not Recommended Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.
Number of Analysts
37 Analysts rated it
Highly popular stock, broad analyst coverage, trusted insights, strong investor interest.
1 Year Target Price $201.7
1 Year Target Price $201.7
| 19 | Strong Buy |
| 11 | Buy |
| 6 | Hold |
| 0 | Sell |
| 1 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -17.7% | Avg. Invested days 30 | Today’s Advisory WEAK BUY |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  1.0 | Stock Returns Performance  1.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 07/09/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Large-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 17.75B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 14.06 | 1Y Target Price 201.7 |
Price to earnings Ratio 14.06 | 1Y Target Price 201.7 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 37 | Beta 1.53 | 52 Weeks Range 116.56 - 262.72 | Updated Date 07/9/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 116.56 - 262.72 | Updated Date 07/9/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) 11.77 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Revenue by Geography
Geography revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin 29.72% | Operating Margin (TTM) 26.2% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 7.5% | Return on Equity (TTM) 16.77% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 14.06 | Forward PE 10.92 | Enterprise Value 17486448384 | Price to Sales(TTM) 4.17 |
Enterprise Value 17486448384 | Price to Sales(TTM) 4.17 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 4.11 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 9.37 | Shares Outstanding 107244000 | Shares Floating 101302062 |
Shares Outstanding 107244000 | Shares Floating 101302062 | ||
Percent Insiders 5.56 | Percent Institutions 97.04 |
Upturn AI SWOT
First Solar Inc
Company Overview
History and Background
First Solar was founded in 1999 as First Solar Holdings, LLC. It transitioned from cadmium telluride thin-film solar modules to a vertically integrated solar power provider, achieving significant cost reductions and scale in solar manufacturing.
Core Business Areas
- Module Manufacturing: Production of cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film solar modules, known for their cost-effectiveness and efficiency in certain environmental conditions.
- Project Development: Development and sale of utility-scale solar power plants. This includes site selection, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services.
- O&M Services: Providing operations and maintenance (O&M) services for solar power plants, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Leadership and Structure
Mark R. Widmar is the CEO. The company has a traditional corporate structure with a board of directors and various executive leadership positions overseeing different business functions.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Series 6 and Series 7 Solar Modules: CdTe thin-film solar modules offering high energy yield and reliability. First Solar has a significant market share in the CdTe module space. Competitors include LONGi, Trina Solar, and Jinko Solar (focused on silicon-based panels).
- Utility-Scale Solar Projects: Turnkey solar power plants developed and sold to utilities and independent power producers (IPPs). Competitors include companies like NextEra Energy Resources and Cypress Creek Renewables.
- O&M Services: Operation and maintenance services for utility scale solar plants. Competitors include companies like NovaSource Power Services and SOLV Energy.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The solar energy industry is experiencing rapid growth driven by increasing demand for renewable energy, declining costs of solar technology, and supportive government policies. However, supply chain constraints and trade barriers can impact the industry.
Positioning
First Solar is a leading manufacturer of CdTe thin-film solar modules and a prominent developer of utility-scale solar projects. Its competitive advantage lies in its lower manufacturing costs compared to traditional silicon-based solar panels and focus on long-term system performance.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The global solar PV market is projected to reach hundreds of billions USD by 2030. First Solar is positioned to capture a significant portion of this market, especially in utility-scale projects, driven by the cost-effectiveness of its CdTe technology.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Lower manufacturing costs compared to silicon-based panels
- Strong balance sheet and financial stability
- Vertically integrated business model
- High efficiency CdTe technology in specific environmental conditions
- Established reputation and long track record
Weaknesses
- Technology concentration (reliance on CdTe)
- Geographic concentration of manufacturing
- Dependence on specific environmental conditions for optimal CdTe performance
- Limited market share compared to silicon-based panel manufacturers
Opportunities
- Increasing demand for renewable energy
- Expansion into new geographic markets
- Development of new solar technologies
- Government incentives and subsidies
- Partnerships with utilities and IPPs
Threats
- Competition from silicon-based panel manufacturers
- Changes in government policies and regulations
- Supply chain disruptions
- Fluctuations in commodity prices
- Trade barriers and tariffs
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- LONGi (601012.SS)
- Trina Solar (688599.SH)
- Jinko Solar (JKS)
- Canadian Solar (CSIQ)
Competitive Landscape
First Solar competes with manufacturers of silicon-based solar panels and other thin-film solar technologies. Its advantages include lower manufacturing costs and performance in hot climates. Disadvantages include lower overall efficiency compared to some silicon-based panels.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: First Solar has experienced fluctuating growth, influenced by the cyclical nature of the solar industry and changes in government policies. Expansion of manufacturing capacity and increased module efficiency have contributed to growth.
Future Projections: Analysts project continued growth for First Solar, driven by increasing demand for renewable energy and the company's investments in new manufacturing facilities. Forecasts depend on market conditions and technological advancements.
Recent Initiatives: Expansion of manufacturing capacity in the US and India. Investments in research and development to improve module efficiency. Strategic partnerships with utilities and IPPs.
Summary
First Solar is a key player in the solar industry due to its CdTe technology, but it faces stiff competition from silicon-based manufacturers. The company's cost-effective approach to manufacturing and utility-scale project development is advantageous. However, it must overcome technological competition and adapt to changing market conditions to maintain and improve its position. Continued investments in innovation and strategic partnerships are vital to long term success.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company Filings (SEC), Industry Reports (e.g., IEA, BNEF), Analyst Reports (e.g., Morningstar, Bloomberg)
- Yahoo Finance
Disclaimers:
The data provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Market data is dynamic and may change rapidly. Accuracy of information cannot be guaranteed.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About First Solar Inc
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters Tempe, AZ, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 2006-11-17 | CEO & Director Mr. Mark R. Widmar | ||
Sector Technology | Industry Solar | Full time employees 8100 | Website https://www.firstsolar.com |
Full time employees 8100 | Website https://www.firstsolar.com | ||
First Solar, Inc., a solar technology company, provides photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions in the United States, France, India, Chile, and internationally. The company manufactures and sells PV solar modules with a thin film semiconductor technology that provides a lower-carbon alternative to conventional crystalline silicon PV solar modules. It also designs, manufactures, and sells cadmium telluride solar modules that converts sunlight into electricity. The company's residual business operations include project development activities, operations and maintenance services, and the sale of PV solar power systems to third-party customers. It serves developers and operators of systems, utilities, independent power producers, commercial and industrial companies, and other system owners. The company was formerly known as First Solar Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to First Solar, Inc. in 2006. First Solar, Inc. was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona.
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