FSLR faces cooling demand, mixed booking trends, and underutilized capacity in Malaysia/Vietnam, resulting in muted FY2026 volumes/sales guidance and hefty underutilization charges. Their gross margins are heavily reliant on Section 45x tax credits, with the staged phase out after 2029 triggering significant gross margin compression risks. The silver lining to FSLR's investment thesis will be the strong free cash flow generation and the richer balance sheet, despite the ongoing capex investments.
First Solar presents a compelling buy after a technical pullback, with 2026 sales guidance $1B below consensus and sentiment weakened by backlog declines. FSLR's profitability is heavily reliant on 45X tax credits, with core manufacturing margins near 7% absent subsidies; credits phase down after 2030, capping the investment horizon. I am reinitiating a position with a staged entry (up to 4–5% NAV), targeting a 30% return over 12 months as sentiment inflects post-H1 2026.
First Solar, Inc. delivered disappointing Q4 results and issued 2026 guidance well below Street expectations, triggering a sharp selloff. 2026 Adjusted EBITDA guidance of $2.6–$2.8B lags consensus, with revenue projected to decline and headline multiples flattered by Section 45X tax credits. But valuation even at these levels remains at worst reasonable, and the soft outlook is understandable.
FSLR posts 32.6% EPS growth in Q4 but misses estimates, beats on revenues and issues 2026 outlook.
First Solar (FSLR) came out with quarterly earnings of $4.84 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.22 per share. This compares to earnings of $3.65 per share a year ago.
First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
FSLR's global PV recycling program gives it a competitive edge as solar installations and end-of-lifecycle demand grow.
First Solar is a global leader in thin-film solar modules, holding nearly 50% market share and strong positioning in a growing sector. FSLR's EPS has grown at a 44.2% CAGR over five years, with record sales and a robust $16.4 billion contracted backlog through 2030. Margins are sector-leading, net income margin at 27.7%, and free cash flow has surged, supported by vertical integration and manufacturing expansion.
FSLR readies Q4 report as new $1.1B Louisiana plant and tax credit sale lift outlook, though tariffs and Asia output may weigh on results.
In the most recent trading session, First Solar (FSLR) closed at $233.3, indicating a -2.21% shift from the previous trading day.
Recently, Zacks.com users have been paying close attention to First Solar (FSLR). This makes it worthwhile to examine what the stock has in store.
First Solar (FSLR) doesn't possess the right combination of the two key ingredients for a likely earnings beat in its upcoming report. Get prepared with the key expectations.