First Solar Stock Price, News & Analysis

First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) reported first-quarter net sales of $803 million, an increase of $194 million from the previous quarter, driven by robust U.S. project sales. The net income per share rose to $1.96 from $1.08 in the prior quarter. Cash and cash equivalents remain steady at $1.8 billion. The company maintains its 2021 EPS guidance at $4.05 to $4.75. Operational metrics include a nameplate manufacturing capacity increase to 7.9 GWDC and a year-to-date net booking of 4.8 GWDC.

First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) will announce its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021, on April 29, 2021, post-market. The company will host a conference call to discuss these results and its 2021 outlook at 4:30 p.m. ET. Investors can participate via a live webcast on the company's investor relations page. An audio replay will be available until May 13, 2021. First Solar is recognized for its eco-efficient solar modules, focusing on sustainability and advanced photovoltaic technologies.

First Solar has unveiled its next-generation Series 6 CuRe photovoltaic technology, featuring a remarkable 0.2% annual degradation rate, the lowest in the industry, significantly outperforming conventional crystalline silicon products by up to 60%. This technology retains at least 92% of its original performance over a 30-year warranty. Developed through extensive research and over $1.4 billion investment, CuRe promises superior performance in hot and humid conditions and is immune to several forms of degradation affecting traditional panels.

First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) has successfully completed the sale of a utility-scale solar project platform totaling 10 gigawatts (GW) to Leeward Renewable Energy. This transaction includes the transfer of over 50 project development team members to Leeward, which is backed by OMERS Infrastructure. This sale aligns with First Solar's strategy to enhance its renewable energy offerings and operational efficiency, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) has successfully completed the sale of its North American Operations and Maintenance (O&M) business to NovaSource Power Services, positioning NovaSource as the world’s largest O&M provider. Approximately 270 employees from First Solar's O&M division have transitioned to NovaSource. This acquisition is backed by Clairvest Group, a Canadian private equity firm, indicating a significant shift in the operational landscape of solar energy services.

First Solar (FSLR) has appointed Katy Hollister to its board of directors, effective March 19, 2021. A prominent figure with nearly four decades at Deloitte, she will serve on the audit and compensation committees. Hollister, previously chief strategy officer of Deloitte's Global Tax and Legal practice, emphasized her commitment to sustainability and transformative business practices. Mark Widmar, CEO of First Solar, highlighted her valuable expertise as the company addresses climate change challenges. Hollister holds a BA from Duke University and a JD from the University of Cincinnati.

First Solar (Nasdaq: FSLR) has secured one of its largest orders, supplying up to 2.4 gigawatts (GW) of its Series 6 solar modules to Intersect Power across seven utility-scale projects. The firm order is for approximately 2 GW of modules with options for an additional 400 megawatts (MW). Deliveries will occur in 2022 and 2023. Intersect Power has significant growth plans with a pipeline of 3.2 GW of solar projects by 2023. First Solar's manufacturing capacity is set to reach 2.6 GW at its Ohio facilities by year-end.

First Solar reported net sales of $2.7 billion for 2020, with a fourth quarter net income per share of $1.08. The cash, restricted cash, and marketable securities at year-end increased to $1.8 billion. For 2021, the company projects net sales between $2.85 billion and $3.0 billion, with earnings per share guidance of $4.05 to $4.75. Despite a quarterly decline in sales, First Solar remains optimistic about future bookings and technological advancement, highlighting a projected operating income of up to $640 million.