Stockchase Opinions

The Panic-Proof Portfolio (Stockchase Research)First Solar Inc.FSLRTOP PICKMay 02, 2023

Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

We reiterate this international manufacturer of solar power panels.  Although latest earnings did not meet analyst expectations, things are still solid.  Sales back logs show they are sold out of product until into 2026 -- this will bring steady revenue.  Cash reserves are growing and debt is being reduced.  We recommend keeping the stop-loss at $168, looking to achieve $214 -- upside potential of 21% from here.  Yield 0%

(Analysts’ price target is $214.15)
$179.16

Stock price when the opinion was issued

$281.50

As of Jun 08, 2026. Market Open.

other mines
It's the ideal tool to help you make quicker, more informed decisions for managing and tracking your investments.

You might be interested:

DON'T BUY

Guidance says tariffs will end in July, but there would be tariff retaliation from China. Not excited by this.

DON'T BUY

Stock is -10% since December. They face a tough comp in their coming quarter. At best, they will see single-digit revenue growth and face supply disruption in 2026.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jun 11/24, Down 52%)

The US is pushing away from solar energy. He bought it because they were a US-domestic supplier of panels. There was an oversupply in China which drove prices down. He was counting on the domestic supplier being protected from foreign producers. This didn't happen. Today, there is a Senate proposal to end tax incentives for solar, and those shares are sliding. He sold shares in February--he saw it coming. It's hard to admit defeat, but you have to.

WATCH

Would recommend holding company. Politically - might not be as good with Trump administration. Dependent on subsidies from government (reason for government concern). 

BUY

Is the only solar company based in the US where it has many plants. Didn't deserve to sell 10% today, because Trump won't support green energy. In fact, he would buy.  The US needs a lot more energy, and half of the new power added to the grid is solar. 

BUY

Was a past pick of his. Shares have been bumpy for fears that Trump will impose tariffs on solar panels and he doesn't like green energy, though there's bi-partisan support for solar energy. FSLR is the only real option for the US, so FSLR is a fine position. Shares will be bumpy thought. Buy for the long term.

premiumPremium content

🔒 Premium Content Alert – This buzzing stock opinion is accessible only to Stockchase Premium

Discover an exclusive list and analysis of the stocks that are trending on social medias—accessible only to our Premium subscribers. With a keen focus on the stocks that are setting social media ablaze, this weekly feature offers an invaluable lens through which to evaluate market movers. Say goodbye to the endless scroll through social media timelines; we curate the buzz so you can invest your time as wisely as your money. Unlock Premium Now.

TOP PICK

First solar (nasdaq: fslr) is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (pv) solar systems which use its advanced thin-film modules. the company’s integrated power plant solutions deliver an economically attractive alternative to fossil-fuel electricity generation today. from raw material sourcing through end-of-life module collection and recycling, first solar’s renewable energy systems protect and enhance the environment. Social media mentions are up 300% in the past 24h. 

premiumPremium content

Unlock this Panic-proof Portfolio opinion with Stockchase Premium

Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jul 11/24, Up 10.9%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with FSLR has triggered its stop at $2100.  To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time.  This will result in a net investment gain of 15%, when combined with our previous recommendations.  

HOLD
Trevor Rose’s Insights - Trevor’s most-liked answers from 5i Research

EPS of $3.25 beat estimates of $2.66; revenue of $1.01B beat estimates of $940M. Guidance was for EPS $13.00 to $14.00 (unchanged), vs estimates $13.60. It was a good quarter, and the company remains debt-free with $1.2B cash and strong EPS growth prospects over the next two years. However, election uncertainty does seem to be impacting customer bookings, and this may hurt the next two quarters until solar policies are clarified. But fundamentals ex-this factor are quite good, and it remains the leader in the sector, for sure. 
Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free

premiumPremium content

Unlock this Panic-proof Portfolio opinion with Stockchase Premium

Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

With demand for solar generation continuing to grow we reiterate FLSR as a TOP PICK.  It is uniquely aided by US government protectionist policies against competition from China.  It trades at 24x earnings and 3.5x book while supporting a 16% ROE.  We also like that cash reserves are growing well and that analysts project a growth in EPS over 50% for the year.  We continue to recommend a stop at $210, looking to achieve $290 -- upside potential of 24%.  Yield 0%

(Analysts’ price target is $290.16)
premiumPremium content

Unlock this Panic-proof Portfolio opinion with Stockchase Premium

Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Apr 11/24, Up 69.7%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with FSLR is progressing well.  To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $170) to $210 at this time.  

TOP PICK

He recently bought it. Are a domestic producer of solar panel in the U.S. so tariffs protect it and subsidies help it. They have a two-year backlog of orders.

(Analysts’ price target is $265.98)
BUY

Up 54% in May, the S&P's top performer. His favourite solar play because it's profitable and the largest US manufacturer with lots of exposure in industrial-scale projects. They reported a monster earnings beat, but were greatly help by Biden announcing tariffs of China's solar cells. This stock has more room to run.

premiumPremium content

Unlock this Panic-proof Portfolio opinion with Stockchase Premium

Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Apr 11/24, Up 20.9%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with FSLR has achieved its target at $222.  To remain disciplined we recommend covering half the position at this time and trailing up the stop (from $140) to $170.

premiumPremium content

Unlock this Panic-proof Portfolio opinion with Stockchase Premium

Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

As the western hemisphere's largest solar module manufacturer, we reiterate FSLR as a TOP PICK.  Analysts expect a 400% cash flow expansion over the year, when it reports in May.  It trades at 24x earnings and 3x book value.  We recommend maintaining the stop at $140, looking to achieve $222 -- upside potential of 21%.  Yield 0% 

(Analysts’ price target is $221.96)