First Solar, Inc. (FSLR)

As the lowest-price provider in a struggling market, they will have no difficulty selling all of their expanding output, and pricing the competition out of profitability (and business). Then on any upswings in the solar market, they'll be made of profit.

very strong company and solar is the future

Its cheap after the most recent Q.

This is the low cost producer for thin-film solar. That means they will survive the downturn.

They make solar panels; the value of solar will increase as the price of oil increases during the next global economic recovery.

This is an export company. Their pricing will get even better globally as the greenback takes more hits.

So, if you believe that a global recovery will happen sometime...if you believe that this recovery may not be led by the US...and if you believe that commodity pricing, particularly oil, will take off again during such an upturn, then this stock, at .5 PEG, is a steal right now.

Great patents on their thin, light weight panels. A leader in this area.

Love a winner.

It's the future and this is the strongest company in this sector

Why does everyone hate this stock so much? Seriously, it has low P/E (and thus positive earnings, unlike a lot of companies right now), high ROE, ROA, and ROI, low debt, and great long-term growth prospects. This is a strong growth stock at a great value.

High EPS compared to others in the industry. Good PE. And it's at it's lowest point since April.

Buying on the dip after earnings.

First Solar around $120? That's a steal. Solid fundamentals and I see this snapping back around the $150 range in the coming months. Easy pickup.

FIRST SOLAR AT THESE PRICES: ABSURD

Last time First Solar shares (FSLR) dipped down to $115-$120, I bought ‘em and rode them up for a 25% gain (sold because needed the money, not because I’m a trader).

The Pitch

Clean Energy (whether solar, wind, biofuel, etc) long term is necessary and experiencing exponential growth on the whole. As oil prices rise into the triple digits, more and more this sector will come back into focus. While I’m not a technical trader, I will say that the last time in September when FSLR dipped to 120, it was on low volume followed by a high volume rebound. Today’s volume was roughly 3 million shares, or 3/4 the average volume of the last 10 days. Sure, the stock may lead lower, but technicals tell me that this is far from a panic sell off (Captain Obvious, I know). Also, we have around 21% short interest, which means lots of short sellers and ripe for a short squeeze in the near term. On the negative side, FSLR has been hit by a few downgrades, including my Credit Suisse telling me they have a $115 price target. Wall Street is short sighted though- 32% ROE, 25% ROA, 29% ROIC tell me that this is a QUALITY company. The Company is selling for a trailing twelve month P/E ratio of 16x, while the company is growing and has the potential to grow so much faster than that.

The Bottom Line

At these prices I bought a good sized block, and if it goes down any further, say $100-110, I’ll buy some more. Can’t go wrong with best of breed solar with the numbers to back it up. This is great value in my opinion if you’re looking for quality clean energy at a discount.

Disclosure: I am long FSLR . I am not a financial advisor and the above is solely my opinion, NOT advice. Do your own research and contact a financial professional for help if necessary. My opinions do not take into account your specific situations or needs.

On a technical basis, at $121+ FSLR is way oversold. Since the 3Q earnings report on Oct 28, FSLR has had downgrades, negative press, and reduced revenue and EPS estimates.
Although there is a burgeoning price war among the polysilicon makers and increasing competition, causing polysilicon prices to plunge, First Solar's cost structure is the lowest in the solar industry. This selloff is overdone and the stock is due for a snapback rally to around 140 or so.

from fools
"Suntech Power, Energy Conversion Devices, and First Solar are among the companies whose investors have found that without the helping hand of government, they simply can't compete with other forms of energy. With solar also facing a supply glut of polysilicon, wafers, and PV panels, it may just take industry consolidation to sort out the problems."

The green industry is growing fast, and FSLR is at the top of the "solar shoot". They are the most efficient money wise in producing solar cells compared to anyone else in their industry.

low cost leader in growing industry, should not have fallen this much just because of an earnings miss. The news is not as bad as the market thought.

Mmm...solar energy...

I understand we are in a new era of corporate culture at first solar. Only dedicated (if overworked) people remain. Solar is not just coming, it is here and it is profitable and growing rapidly.

Upthumb. Excellent cash flow. Very high historical sales growth of 200%. However, slowing sales in recession. But company technology is best-in-class. High gross margins. Soaring receivables. Reports of balance sheet and sales games. Need to get through the controversy.