Shares of First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR – Get Free Report) have earned a consensus recommendation of “Moderate Buy” from the thirty-five brokerages that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, thirteen have given a hold recommendation and twenty have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $247.1662.
A number of research analysts have weighed in on FSLR shares. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of First Solar from $285.00 to $255.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a report on Thursday, February 26th. Royal Bank Of Canada cut their price objective on shares of First Solar from $258.00 to $236.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, February 25th. Susquehanna cut their price objective on shares of First Solar from $292.00 to $280.00 and set a “positive” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, February 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on shares of First Solar from $303.00 to $256.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, February 25th. Finally, Barclays cut their price objective on shares of First Solar from $279.00 to $228.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a report on Monday, March 2nd.
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First Solar Stock Down 1.7%
First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR – Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 24th. The solar cell manufacturer reported $4.84 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $5.22 by ($0.38). First Solar had a net margin of 29.28% and a return on equity of 17.32%. The firm had revenue of $1.68 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $1.59 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $3.65 EPS. The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 11.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that First Solar will post 13.05 earnings per share for the current year.
Insider Buying and Selling
In other news, General Counsel Jason E. Dymbort sold 9,022 shares of First Solar stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, March 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $199.62, for a total value of $1,800,971.64. Following the sale, the general counsel owned 9,850 shares in the company, valued at $1,966,257. This trade represents a 47.81% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CFO Alexander R. Bradley sold 14,106 shares of First Solar stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, March 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $199.97, for a total transaction of $2,820,776.82. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 30,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,999,100. This trade represents a 31.98% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 75,989 shares of company stock valued at $14,921,902 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.48% of the company’s stock.
Institutional Trading of First Solar
Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Joule Financial LLC acquired a new position in First Solar during the third quarter worth about $950,000. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. boosted its position in First Solar by 22.0% during the third quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 77,155 shares of the solar cell manufacturer’s stock worth $17,015,000 after acquiring an additional 13,904 shares during the last quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in First Solar during the third quarter worth about $1,193,000. State Street Corp boosted its position in First Solar by 2.1% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 5,326,082 shares of the solar cell manufacturer’s stock worth $881,680,000 after acquiring an additional 111,927 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Greenup Street Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in First Solar during the third quarter worth about $2,147,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.08% of the company’s stock.
Key Headlines Impacting First Solar
Here are the key news stories impacting First Solar this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Company fundamentals: First Solar reported solid revenue growth and strong margins in its last quarterly report (year‑over‑year revenue up, net margin ~29%) — a reminder that the business still generates attractive cashflow and profitability despite recent headwinds.
- Neutral Sentiment: Project and market tailwinds: New utility-scale solar projects (e.g., Geronimo Power’s 117MW Dodson Creek project in PJM) support long‑term demand for solar modules and grid buildout, which is structurally positive for module manufacturers like First Solar. Geronimo Power begins operations at 117MW solar project in Ohio
- Neutral Sentiment: Investor research and screeners publishing mixed takes on FSLR’s valuation and outlook — some outlets ask whether FSLR is a buy now and summarize bearish theses; these pieces can keep volatility elevated but don’t alter fundamentals immediately. Is First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) A Good Stock To Buy Now? Is First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) A Good Stock To Buy Now?
- Negative Sentiment: Analyst price‑target cut: Jefferies lowered its FSLR price target to $187 (from $205) and kept a Hold rating, citing logistics/inflationary pressure that could compress near‑term margins — this is the most direct catalyst behind today’s selling pressure. First Solar Price Target Cut by Jefferies as Logistics Inflation Threatens Near-Term Margins
- Negative Sentiment: Market reaction coverage: Reports highlighting the stock’s decline and restating analyst concerns (logistics inflation, margin risk, and cautious ratings) amplify downside momentum as momentum and sentiment drive near‑term flows. First Solar (FSLR) Stock Sinks As Market Gains: Here’s Why
First Solar Company Profile
First Solar, Inc (NASDAQ: FSLR) is a United States–based solar technology company best known for designing and manufacturing thin‑film photovoltaic (PV) modules that use cadmium telluride (CdTe) semiconductor technology. The company supplies PV modules and delivers integrated solar power solutions for utility‑scale projects, positioning itself as a provider of both components and complete solar energy systems rather than solely a parts supplier. First Solar was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona.
Beyond module manufacturing, First Solar offers a range of project services including development support, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services, and operations and maintenance (O&M) for large-scale solar installations.
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