First Solar Reports Earnings Results, Falls Short of Estimates

First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR) announced its earnings results on Tuesday, reporting earnings per share (EPS) of $3.65 for the quarter. This figure was notably below the consensus estimate of $4.81, representing a miss of $1.16, according to reports. Despite this shortfall, First Solar achieved a return on equity of 17.56% and maintained a net margin of 32.41%. The company has also updated its guidance for the fiscal year 2025, projecting EPS in the range of 17.000-20.000.

First Solar Stock Performance

During mid-day trading on Tuesday, First Solar shares decreased by 3.6%, falling to $147.46. Around 4,684,838 shares changed hands, which is significantly higher than the average trading volume of 2,313,416 shares. As for its market capitalization, the company is valued at $15.79 billion, with a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 12.70, a price/earnings to growth (PEG) ratio of 0.19, and a beta of 1.47. Over the past year, First Solar’s stock price has varied from a low of $141.76 to a high of $306.77. Financial metrics show a current ratio of 2.14, a quick ratio of 1.44, and a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05. The stock’s fifty-day moving average is listed at $175.36, while the two-hundred day moving average stands at $199.83.

Analyst Ratings Updates

Several analysts have recently assessed First Solar’s stock. Bank of America revised its price target for First Solar from $246.00 to $236.00, maintaining a “buy” rating in a report issued on January 28. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed an “outperform” rating and set a target price of $260.00, down from $286.00, in their research released on October 30. Additionally, Janney Montgomery Scott elevated First Solar from a “neutral” to a “buy” rating, providing a price objective of $260.00 on October 29. Barclays lowered their target price for First Solar from $275.00 to $273.00, listing it as “overweight” in their assessment from January 27. Seaport Res Ptn upgraded First Solar from a “hold” to a “strong-buy” rating on January 15. Overall, the stock has received two hold ratings, twenty-four buy ratings, and two strong buy ratings, leading to an average rating of “Buy” with an average target price of $276.38, according to MarketBeat.

About First Solar

First Solar, Inc. is a solar technology company that specializes in providing photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions across the United States and international markets, including France, Japan, and Chile. The company manufactures and sells PV solar modules utilizing a thin-film semiconductor technology, designed as a lower-carbon alternative to traditional crystalline silicon PV solar modules.

Final Thoughts

Investors and analysts may consider the recent earnings miss by First Solar as a critical point for evaluating future performance. As the company navigates its fiscal outlook and market conditions, potential investors may want to stay informed about upcoming developments.

Earnings, Stocks, Performance