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FSLR 
First Solar Inc (FSLR)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
12/29/2025: 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 $274.61
1 Year Target Price $274.61
| 19 | Strong Buy |
| 11 | Buy |
| 6 | Hold |
| 0 | Sell |
| 1 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 19.8% | Avg. Invested days 42 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  2.0 | Stock Returns Performance  2.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 12/29/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Large-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 28.94B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 20.7 | 1Y Target Price 274.61 |
Price to earnings Ratio 20.7 | 1Y Target Price 274.61 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 37 | Beta 1.59 | 52 Weeks Range 116.56 - 285.99 | Updated Date 12/29/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 116.56 - 285.99 | Updated Date 12/29/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) 13.03 |
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 27.73% | Operating Margin (TTM) 29.23% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 7.56% | Return on Equity (TTM) 16.86% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 20.7 | Forward PE 11.83 | Enterprise Value 27791927546 | Price to Sales(TTM) 5.73 |
Enterprise Value 27791927546 | Price to Sales(TTM) 5.73 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 5.5 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 13.67 | Shares Outstanding 107308141 | Shares Floating 101446970 |
Shares Outstanding 107308141 | Shares Floating 101446970 | ||
Percent Insiders 5.49 | Percent Institutions 104.87 |
Upturn AI SWOT
First Solar Inc
Company Overview
History and Background
First Solar Inc. was founded in 1999 by Dr. Harold J. McMaster. It is a leading American company in the solar power industry, specializing in the development and manufacturing of photovoltaic (PV) solar modules and comprehensive solar energy solutions. The company has been a pioneer in thin-film solar technology, focusing on cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells, which offered advantages in terms of cost and manufacturing efficiency compared to traditional silicon-based panels at the time of its inception. Key milestones include its IPO in 2006, significant advancements in module efficiency and manufacturing scale, and its role in developing utility-scale solar projects globally. The company has evolved from a technology innovator to a major project developer and manufacturer, adapting to market shifts and technological progress in the renewable energy sector.
Core Business Areas
- Solar Module Manufacturing: First Solar manufactures advanced thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, primarily using Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) technology. These modules are designed for large-scale utility and commercial solar power plants.
- Project Development and EPC: The company engages in the development of utility-scale solar power projects, often acting as an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) provider. This includes designing, building, and commissioning solar farms.
- Operations and Maintenance (O&M): First Solar provides long-term operations and maintenance services for its installed solar power plants, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Leadership and Structure
First Solar's leadership team is headed by Mark R. Widmar as Chief Executive Officer. The company operates with a divisional structure focused on manufacturing, sales, project development, and operational services. Its corporate headquarters are located in Tempe, Arizona.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- First Solar Series 6 Plus Modules: These are high-efficiency, large-format CdTe solar modules designed for utility-scale projects. They represent the company's flagship product. Competitors include manufacturers of crystalline silicon (c-Si) modules such as JinkoSolar, LONGi, Trina Solar, and Canadian Solar, as well as other thin-film manufacturers.
- First Solar Series 7 Modules: An evolution of Series 6, these modules aim for further improvements in efficiency and energy yield. Competitors are the same as for Series 6 Plus.
- Utility-Scale Solar Project Solutions: This encompasses the entire lifecycle of a solar farm, from design and permitting to construction and commissioning, utilizing First Solar's modules. Key EPC competitors vary by region and project size.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The global solar energy market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand for renewable energy, falling costs of solar technology, supportive government policies, and growing environmental concerns. The industry is characterized by intense competition, technological innovation, and supply chain dynamics.
Positioning
First Solar is positioned as a leading manufacturer of thin-film solar modules, particularly for utility-scale projects. Its competitive advantages include its proprietary CdTe technology, which offers benefits in performance under varying environmental conditions (e.g., high temperatures and low light), a strong focus on sustainability and responsible manufacturing, and a track record in large-scale project development. The company competes with a vast array of silicon-based solar module manufacturers.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The global solar market is projected to grow significantly, with estimates for the total addressable market (TAM) for solar PV installations reaching hundreds of billions of dollars annually in the coming decade. First Solar is a significant player within the utility-scale segment of this TAM, focusing on large-scale deployments. Its position is strong in North America and select international markets where its technology and project development capabilities are well-suited.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Proprietary CdTe thin-film technology offering unique performance characteristics.
- Strong manufacturing scale and cost competitiveness in utility-scale segment.
- Focus on sustainability and responsible manufacturing practices.
- Experienced project development and EPC capabilities.
- Established brand reputation and customer relationships.
Weaknesses
- Lower module efficiency compared to the latest high-end silicon panels.
- Reliance on CdTe technology, which may have a smaller addressable market in some segments compared to silicon.
- Vulnerability to raw material price fluctuations (e.g., cadmium, tellurium).
- Geopolitical risks affecting supply chains and market access.
Opportunities
- Increasing global demand for renewable energy and decarbonization efforts.
- Government incentives and policies supporting solar energy deployment.
- Expansion into new geographic markets and emerging economies.
- Technological advancements and cost reductions in thin-film manufacturing.
- Growth in energy storage solutions integrated with solar projects.
Threats
- Intense price competition from global silicon module manufacturers.
- Changes in government policies or trade tariffs.
- Technological obsolescence if competitors achieve significant breakthroughs.
- Supply chain disruptions and rising input costs.
- Economic downturns impacting project financing and demand.
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (JKS)
- LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (601012.SS)
- Trina Solar Co., Ltd. (688599.SS)
- Canadian Solar Inc. (CSIQ)
- Hanwha Solutions Corporation (009830.KS)
Competitive Landscape
First Solar holds a strong position in the utility-scale solar market, especially in North America, due to its advanced manufacturing capabilities and project development expertise. However, it faces intense competition from silicon-based module manufacturers, which dominate the overall global market share due to lower production costs and wider adoption. First Solar's competitive advantages lie in its technology's performance in specific environments and its commitment to domestic manufacturing and sustainability.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: First Solar has experienced periods of rapid growth, particularly when utility-scale solar projects gained momentum. Its expansion of manufacturing capacity, both in the US and internationally, has been a key driver. Growth has also been influenced by technological advancements and market demand for its CdTe modules.
Future Projections: Analyst projections for First Solar indicate continued revenue growth, driven by increasing demand for solar power and the company's expanded manufacturing capacity. Projections often cite significant increases in shipments and revenue over the next 3-5 years. Profitability is also expected to improve as economies of scale are realized.
Recent Initiatives: Expansion of US manufacturing facilities, including a new plant in Ohio and expansions in Alabama.,Development of next-generation CdTe modules with higher efficiency.,Strategic partnerships to secure raw material supply and expand market reach.,Focus on integrated solar and storage solutions.
Summary
First Solar Inc. is a significant player in the renewable energy sector, specializing in thin-film solar technology for utility-scale projects. The company benefits from growing global demand for solar power, expanding manufacturing capacity, and strong project development expertise. However, it faces intense competition from lower-cost silicon manufacturers and is subject to market volatility and policy changes. Continued investment in R&D and strategic market expansion are crucial for its sustained success.
Similar Stocks
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- First Solar Inc. Investor Relations
- Financial News Outlets (e.g., Bloomberg, Reuters, Wall Street Journal)
- Market Research Reports (e.g., Wood Mackenzie, IHS Markit)
- Company Filings (SEC)
Disclaimers:
This JSON output is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Data is based on publicly available information and estimates, which may be subject to change. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors should conduct their own due diligence before making any investment decisions.
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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