Core Viewpoint - Shoals Technologies Group is committed to domestic manufacturing in Alabama through a partnership with First Solar, aimed at reshoring the U.S. solar supply chain [1][2]. Group 1: Partnership and Economic Impact - The partnership with First Solar is highlighted as a source of pride for Shoals, emphasizing the importance of quality products in supporting the reshoring of the solar supply chain [2]. - First Solar's $1.1 billion facility in Alabama has created over 800 direct manufacturing jobs, showcasing the economic benefits of American solar manufacturing [2]. - The collaboration allows Shoals to invest in American jobs while expanding into attractive market segments [3]. Group 2: Industry Growth and Future Outlook - The partnership is positioned as a critical step in reshoring America's solar supply chain, with local products like junction boxes playing a significant role in the domestic energy technology manufacturing sector [3]. - Representatives express optimism about the economic growth potential tied to homegrown power generation technologies, reinforcing the importance of the Shoals and First Solar collaboration [4]. - The ongoing commitment to domestic manufacturing is expected to support the growth in domestic electricity demand [2].

Group 1 - First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) has benefited from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) under the Biden administration, gaining from strong government incentives and a push toward renewable energy [1] - The company has demonstrated strong revenue growth momentum, although its earnings remain under pressure [1]

Core Insights - First Solar has been identified as a standout performer in the solar stock market, with expectations for continued success in the future [1] Financial Performance - The company maintains a strong balance sheet, which is a critical factor in its ongoing success [1] Future Outlook - First Solar has a strategic plan in place that positions it well for future growth and profitability in the solar industry [1]

Group 1: Company Overview - First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) recently released its Q4 results, indicating ongoing challenges in the solar industry due to policy uncertainty [1] - The company is positioned within a sector that is experiencing significant volatility, which has been previously analyzed in detail [1] Group 2: Analyst Insights - Oliver Rodzianko, an investment analyst, specializes in the technology sector, focusing on companies with resilient management and competitive advantages [1] - Rodzianko's investment strategy includes value trading at inflection points, typically holding investments for one to two years [1] - The analyst employs advanced risk-mitigation strategies to protect against market downturns while aiming for substantial annual returns [1]

Core Viewpoint - First Solar's profits are significantly driven by subsidies, which raises concerns about the sustainability of its growth in the future [1] Group 1: Company Performance - First Solar anticipates growth in 2025 due to increased production at its solar plants [1] Group 2: Financial Insights - The reliance on subsidies for profit generation is highlighted as a potential risk for the company's financial health [1]

I am a full-time analyst interested in a wide range of stocks. With my unique insights and knowledge, I hope to provide other investors with a contrasting view of my portfolio, given my particular background.If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me via a direct message on Seeking Alpha or leave a comment on one of my articles.Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the ...

Core Viewpoint - First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) is currently considered one of the cheapest stocks in the market, with a forward price-to-earnings multiple that reflects its valuation based on projected earnings per share of $18.50 [1] Financial Metrics - The after-hours closing price of First Solar is $150.40, which contributes to its valuation as a low-cost stock in the market [1]

First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) reported fourth-quarter 2024 earnings of $3.65 per share, which were up 12.3% from the prior-year quarter’s figure of $3.25. However, the bottom line missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.64 per share by 21.3%.Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.The year-over-year improvement in the bottom line can be attributed to solid sales and gross profit growth from the prior-year quarter.The company reported 2024 earnings of $12.02 per share, which were ...

Unlike many other solar companies, First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR ) actually hasn't been in a terminal decline since 2022. When mentioning other solar companies, the reference is to SolarEdge Technologies ( SEDG ) and Sunrun ( RUN ) among severalI work as an investment analyst for a mutual fund. I share the same thoroughness and precision in my daytime work as with my private work found primarily here on Seeking Alpha. My areas of expertise include the tech sector as well as the energy sector. I am not landlocke ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, First Solar reported net sales of $4.2 billion, a 27% increase year-on-year, with a diluted EPS of $12.02, up from $7.74 in 2023 [7][31][88] - Gross margin for the full year was 44%, an increase of 5 percentage points from 2023, but Q4 gross margin dropped to 37% from 50% in the prior quarter [21][22] - The company ended 2024 with a cash balance of $1.8 billion, an increase of $0.5 billion from the prior quarter [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - First Solar sold a record 14.1 gigawatts of modules in 2024, with a year-end contracted backlog of 68.5 gigawatts valued at $20.5 billion [6][12] - Manufacturing output included 15.5 gigawatts, comprising 9.6 gigawatts of Series 6 modules and 5.9 gigawatts of Series 7 modules [8][10] - The company began producing CuRe modules in Q4 2024 and is on track to ramp up production capacity to over 25 gigawatts by 2026 [10][72] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The contracted backlog included 37.1 gigawatts with potential adjusters that could generate an additional $0.7 billion in revenue [15] - The total pipeline of potential bookings decreased to 80.3 gigawatts, with mid to late-stage opportunities at 21 gigawatts [15][16] - The company faced challenges in international markets due to policy uncertainties and competition, particularly in Europe and India [67][68] Company Strategy and Development Direction - First Solar's strategy focuses on technology differentiation, emphasizing thin-film technologies and a three-pillar approach to innovation [36][41] - The company aims to leverage its strong balance sheet to support growth and navigate macroeconomic uncertainties [85] - The management plans to continue a selective approach to contracting, prioritizing long-term relationships with customers [17][56] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the need for decisive actions to address China's dominance in the solar supply chain and the importance of US manufacturing [51][52] - The uncertain policy environment post-US elections is causing caution among customers, impacting procurement and project timelines [60][62] - Despite near-term challenges, management remains optimistic about long-term growth in solar demand due to its low-cost profile and speed to deployment [60][61] Other Important Information - The company is constructing a $1.1 billion manufacturing facility in Louisiana, expected to begin operations in the second half of 2025 [11] - Warranty charges related to Series 7 manufacturing issues are estimated to range from $56 million to $100 million [23][84] - The company has filed a lawsuit against JinkoSolar for patent infringement, reinforcing its commitment to protecting its intellectual property [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for module sales in 2025? - First Solar expects module sales of 18 to 20 gigawatts in 2025, with a significant portion produced in the US [75][90] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in international markets? - The company is reducing output from its Southeast Asian factories due to policy uncertainties and is focusing on optimizing its domestic production capabilities [72][67] Question: What is the outlook for gross margin in 2025? - Gross margin is expected to be between 47% for the full year 2025, factoring in ramp costs and the impact of Section 45X tax credits [88][90]