HSBC Global Res Upgrades First Solar to Strong-Buy Rating, Boosting Confidence in Solar Energy Giant
October 15, 2024

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First Solar ($NASDAQ:FSLR) is a leading provider of solar energy solutions, offering a wide range of products and services for residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects. The company has been at the forefront of the solar industry for decades, constantly pushing for innovation and sustainability in the renewable energy sector. On Wednesday, HSBC Global Res, one of the world’s largest investment banks, issued a research note upgrading First Solar shares to a strong-buy rating. This decision is significant not only for First Solar but for the entire solar energy industry as it boosts investor confidence and validates the company’s position as a market leader. The upgrade comes at a time when solar energy is gaining traction globally, with governments and businesses alike recognizing the importance of transitioning to clean and renewable sources of energy. This trend has been accelerated by the growing concerns over climate change and the need for a more sustainable future. According to HSBC Global Res, the upgrade was based on First Solar’s strong financial performance and its ability to execute projects efficiently. This growth is expected to continue as the demand for solar energy continues to rise.
Moreover, First Solar’s expertise in developing large-scale solar projects has made it a go-to partner for major energy companies and governments looking to invest in renewable energy infrastructure. This has not only solidified the company’s position in the market but also provided a stable source of revenue for future growth. The strong-buy rating from HSBC Global Res also speaks to the company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. First Solar has consistently prioritized eco-friendly practices in its operations, using sustainable materials and reducing carbon emissions throughout its supply chain. It highlights the company’s strong financial performance and its potential for future growth, further solidifying its position as a leader in the renewable energy sector. With the global push towards clean energy, First Solar is well-positioned to continue its success and drive a more sustainable future.
Market Price
This news caused a surge in the company’s stock, with shares opening at $207.21 and closing at $211.49. This marks an impressive 3.15% increase from the previous day’s closing price of $205.04. This upgrade is based on their analysis of First Solar‘s financial performance, market position, and potential for future growth. It also takes into account the increasing demand for clean energy solutions and the favorable regulatory environment for solar energy. This upgrade is expected to have a positive impact on First Solar’s stock and overall market perception, as the strong-buy rating carries a lot of weight in the investment community. It indicates that HSBC Global Research has a high level of confidence in First Solar’s ability to deliver strong returns for investors and outperform its competitors within the solar industry. Furthermore, this news is a testament to First Solar’s solid financial standing and its strong position in the market.
The company has consistently shown strong performance and has been able to weather challenges and changes within the industry. This upgrade serves as validation for the company’s strategic direction and its efforts to establish itself as a leader in the solar energy market. Overall, HSBC Global Research’s decision to upgrade First Solar to a strong-buy rating is a significant development for both the company and the solar energy industry as a whole. It not only boosts investor confidence but also shines a positive light on the potential of clean energy solutions. With this upgrade, First Solar is poised for continued success and growth in the future. Live Quote…
About the Company
Income Snapshot
Below shows the total revenue, net income and net margin for First Solar. More…
| Total Revenues | Net Income | Net Margin |
| 3.32k | 830.78 | 26.4% |
Cash Flow Snapshot
Below shows the cash from operations, investing and financing for First Solar. More…
| Operations | Investing | Financing |
| 602.26 | -472.79 | 336.85 |
Balance Sheet Snapshot
Below shows the total assets, liabilities and book value per share for First Solar. More…
| Total Assets | Total Liabilities | Book Value Per Share |
| 10.37k | 3.68k | 62.59 |
Key Ratios Snapshot
Some of the financial key ratios for First Solar are shown below. More…
| 3Y Rev Growth | 3Y Operating Profit Growth | Operating Margin |
| 7.0% | 39.9% | 27.2% |
| FCF Margin | ROE | ROA |
| -23.6% | 8.7% | 5.5% |
Analysis
After analyzing FIRST SOLAR‘s financials, I can confidently say that the company is in a strong position when it comes to its assets. Their Star Chart rating reveals that they have high levels of assets, which is a positive sign for any company. This indicates that FIRST SOLAR has the necessary resources to support its operations and growth. The Star Chart ranks them highly in this aspect, which means that they have been able to increase their revenue and earnings consistently. This is a promising sign for investors as it shows that the company has potential for future growth and success. However, FIRST SOLAR’s profitability may be seen as only medium according to the Star Chart. This could be a concern for some investors as it suggests that the company may not be generating high profits. This could potentially impact their ability to provide returns to shareholders in the form of dividends. Based on this information, FIRST SOLAR falls into the category of a ‘cheetah’ company. This means that they have achieved high revenue or earnings growth, but their lower profitability makes them less stable compared to other companies. As an investor, I would need to carefully consider this risk before making any investment decisions. Investors who are interested in FIRST SOLAR may be those who are looking for potential growth opportunities. As the company has shown strong performance in terms of assets and growth, it could be an attractive option for those seeking high returns. However, it may not be suitable for those looking for stable and consistent dividends. In terms of health score, FIRST SOLAR has an intermediate rating of 6/10. This takes into account their cash flows and debt, suggesting that they may be able to sustain their operations even during times of crisis. This is a reassuring factor for investors as it shows that the company has some level of financial stability. Overall, my analysis of FIRST SOLAR’s financials has revealed a company with strong assets and growth potential, but with lower profitability. While they may be considered a ‘cheetah’ in the market, their intermediate health score suggests that they could still be a viable investment option for those seeking high returns. More…

Peers
First Solar Inc is one of the world’s leading solar panel manufacturers. The company has a strong market presence in Asia, Europe, and the United States. First Solar’s main competitors are JA Solar Technology Co Ltd, Solar Philippines Nueva Ecija Corp, and Folkup Development Inc.
– JA Solar Technology Co Ltd ($SZSE:002459)
JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. engages in the business of solar power products, services, and system solutions. It operates through the following segments: Module Products, Generating Systems, and Others. The Module Products segment designs, develops, manufactures, and sells solar modules. The Generating Systems segment provides solar generating systems that are connected to the power grid and generate electricity. The Others segment comprises of silicon wafers, solar cells, and other products. JinkoSolar was founded on September 28, 2006 and is headquartered in Shanghai, China.
– Solar Philippines Nueva Ecija Corp ($PSE:SPNEC)
Solar Philippines Nueva Ecija Corp is a solar power company that develops, builds, owns, and operates solar power plants in the Philippines. The company has a market capitalization of 11.9 billion as of 2022 and a return on equity of -3.62%. Solar Philippines Nueva Ecija Corp is engaged in the business of developing, constructing, owning, and operating solar power plants.
– Folkup Development Inc ($OTCPK:FLDI)
Folkup Development Inc has a market cap of 49M as of 2022, a Return on Equity of 40.0%. The company is engaged in the business of developing software applications. It has a strong focus on delivering high quality products and services to its clients. The company’s products are used by major corporations around the world. Folkup Development Inc has a strong reputation for delivering innovative and reliable software solutions.
Summary
The stock of First Solar received a strong-buy rating from Hsbc Global Res, leading to an increase in stock price on the same day. This indicates that Hsbc Global Res has a positive outlook on the company and believes it is a good investment opportunity. Investors may want to take note of this upgrade and consider adding First Solar to their portfolio.
However, it is important to conduct further research and analysis on the company before making any investment decisions. This upgrade may also signal potential growth for First Solar in the future, making it a stock to watch in the renewable energy sector.
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