First Solar (FSLR)is engaged in the manufacturing and sale of solar modules with an advanced thin film semiconductor technology. The firm also designs, constructs and sells photovoltaic solar power systems to customers around the world. First Solar competes with other solar industry players like SunPower(SPWRA), Suntech Power(STP) and Yingli Green Energy Holding Com.

Continue reading Coverage Launch: $153 Trefis Price Estimate for First Solar

Coverage Launch: $153 Trefis Price Estimate for First Solar originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Alternative energy issue First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) attracted the attention of a skeptical options trader today. Not long after the opening bell, a skeptically skewed short call spread crossed the tape on FSLR, with the speculator betting on lackluster price action during the short term.

Around 10:35 a.m., a block of 236 April 120 calls traded near the ask price, suggesting they were purchased. Simultaneously, a matching block of 236 April 115 calls changed hands near the bid price, indicating they were most likely sold. With FSLR trading around $110 at last check, both of these options are out of the money.

Continue reading Bear Builds a Short Call Spread on First Solar

Bear Builds a Short Call Spread on First Solar originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Closing Bell: When Confusion Is Felt by All (APOL, CPST, DELL, FSLR, SII, SLB)

Closing Bell: When Confusion Is Felt by All (APOL, CPST, DELL, FSLR, SII, SLB) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Closing Bell: Earnings, Dollar and China Make Bearish Trifecta (WFC, BAC, SIRI, FSLR, CREE, COH)

Closing Bell: Earnings, Dollar and China Make Bearish Trifecta (WFC, BAC, SIRI, FSLR, CREE, COH) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

First Solar (FSLR) is attracting some mixed attention from analysts this morning, after the company offered a solid 2010 outlook last night. The alternative energy issue said it expects sales of $2.7 billion to $2.9 billion for the upcoming fiscal year, outpacing analysts' expectations for $2.4 billion.

"2010 is going to be stronger, we think, than 2009," said CEO Robert Gillette. Global demand is expected to reach 7.5 gigawatts, with overall demand projected to rise 35% per year through 2012. However, he added, "We think supply will still exceed demand in 2010."

However, the company's earnings forecast was more modest. FSLR expects 2010 earnings of $6.05 to $6.85 per share, with the low end of this range falling well short of Wall Street's consensus estimate for $6.55 per share.

Continue reading First Solar Predicts Strong Solar Demand in 2010

First Solar Predicts Strong Solar Demand in 2010 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Sunny skies are here for Ausra, the solar thermal company backed by Kleiner Perkins and Khosla Ventures. The company is looking for a buyer, and it's already talking to three, according to a report by Reuters. Everything is up for grabs, from a majority stake in the company to 100% of it, and the back-and-forth going on is at a "very aggressive level."

The businesses looking to pick up Ausra are said to be global power generation conglomerates but haven't been named yet. So, the clean energy company would be a way for one of them to diversify.

Continue reading Three buyers vying for solar thermal company Ausra

Three buyers vying for solar thermal company Ausra originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading First Solar to join the S&P 500 Index

First Solar to join the S&P 500 Index originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Closing Bell: The bull takes a tiny break (KO, FSLR, FDX, BHI, PCS)

Closing Bell: The bull takes a tiny break (KO, FSLR, FDX, BHI, PCS) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Closing Bell: A barely positive day for month-end (FSLR, LVS, LVLT, MOT)

Closing Bell: A barely positive day for month-end (FSLR, LVS, LVLT, MOT) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst upgrades:

• Citigroup upgraded Adtran (NASDAQ: ADTN) to Buy from Hold on expectations the company will benefit from the broadband Stimulus funds.
• Morgan Stanley upgraded Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) to Overweight from Equal Weight based on relative valuation and views the company as a "survivor." Additionally, the analyst lowered 2009 industry estimates but believes it is the last cut for the year and is incrementally more positive on the sector.
• Morgan Stanley also upgraded EXFO Electro-Optical (NASDAQ: EXFO) to Overweight from Market Weight based on valuation.
• Tata Motors (NYSE: TTM) was upgraded to Buy from Hold at Deutsche Bank.
• Ascent Solar (NASDAQ: ASTI) was upgraded to Neutral from Underweight at JP Morgan.
• Mechel Steel (NYSE: MTL) was upgraded to Neutral from Underperform at Credit Suisse.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: ADTN, CAL, EXFO, JCI, LUV, VAR, CSCO, KMT, EZCH

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: ADTN, CAL, EXFO, JCI, LUV, VAR, CSCO, KMT, EZCH originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post was written by Minyanville contributor Smita Sadana.

A trade doesn't simply have an initiation and finale - the most important part of a trade is its evolution and constant re-assessment if the original thesis that the trade was initiated with, still holds true.

On that note, let's look at First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR). I started a short position in it on 6/1 when instead of participating in the market advance, it lagged (due to a LA Times story that FSLR's acquisition of "strategic land rights" is under scrutiny). Recall, it came on the heels of a cautious mention in Barron's on May 26th. So, both times, FSLR reacted negatively to negative news and volume picked up on both those instances.

Today, Pacific Crest Securities reiterated its buy rating on FSLR and called the recent weakness a "buying opportunity."

I

Continue reading Evolution of a trade in First Solar

Evolution of a trade in First Solar originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Generally, my bias is toward large-cap companies with a demonstrated business model. In a nutshell, "experimental" business models need not apply. However, every once in a while I make an exception, and First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) is one. Here's why:

In addition to growth potential for its proprietary thin film semiconductor solar module technology, First Solar has a building macroeconomic tailwind in the bottoming U.S./global recession and dawning recovery. The First Call FY2009/FY2010 EPS estimates for FSLR are $7.18 to $8.72.

Continue reading First Solar: Profitable sun worship

First Solar: Profitable sun worship originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The shares of First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) have started the week on a rocky note. Not only did Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co. downgrade the stock from Market Perform to Underperform, the alternative energy issue was also the topic of a skeptical Barron's article over the weekend.

In a note to clients, brokerage firm Friedman cited weak polysilicon prices and the stock's overrich valuation for its downgrade. FSLR closed last Friday at $191.72 per share, compared to Friedman's price target of $110.

Meanwhile, the cautious Barron's write up [subscription required] observes that the Intersolar trade show begins Wednesday in Munich, and pits FSLR against many lower-priced rivals. "One leading customer says it will ditch First Solar's 'thin-film' panels if crystalline silicon alternatives keep getting cheaper.

That seems likely. Silicon prices are expected to drop another 30% by year end. First Solar profits -- and its shares -- could get cut in half," commented the financial paper.

Continue reading First Solar gaps lower on downgrade, bearish Barron's article

First Solar gaps lower on downgrade, bearish Barron's article originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 26 May 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Closing Bell: Maybe Obama's strong language was misunderstood; BAC, CB, C, FSLR, WYNN

Closing Bell: Maybe Obama's strong language was misunderstood; BAC, CB, C, FSLR, WYNN originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading First Solar (FSLR) reports stronger-than-expected earnings; shares tank

First Solar (FSLR) reports stronger-than-expected earnings; shares tank originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"President Obama has stated that he's been studying Roosevelt's first 100 days and the way out of the current economic mess will look a lot like the New Deal," says David Fessler.

The advisory panelist for The Oxford Club explains, "Seventy-five years after Roosevelt's inauguration, I think we will soon see President Obama get the ball rolling on his version of the New Deal, focused on two very specific areas: energy and infrastructure." Here, he looks at stocks poised to benefit.

"Saving energy will be one of his first initiatives. It's what will give us the quickest bang for our buck. Better insulation in homes, programmable thermostats, fluorescent bulbs, more fuel-efficient cars, energy management systems for use in larger-scale commercial buildings and beefed-up public transportation are just a few of the ways to save energy.

"The government will likely offer attractive tax incentives to rally support. So who stands to prosper from such initiatives?

"Big blue-chip companies, like Owens Corning (NYSE: OC), maker of insulated glass and building insulation; General Electric (NYSE: GE), manufacturer of wind turbines, energy control and infrastructure products; and Johnson Controls Inc. (NYSE: JCI), maker of energy management systems (for buildings and vehicles) and hybrid vehicle batteries.

Continue reading Energy savers: Betting on Obama's new New Deal

Energy savers: Betting on Obama's new New Deal originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Shares of First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) have been pummeled this week, as analysts, starting with Citigroup (NYSE: C), downgrade the stock.

Previously, the stock had enjoyed high ratings, generally in the Buy or Accumulate range. With Citi leading the way, other analysts have followed suit with rating reductions.

Citi cited concerns regarding the amount of solar panel inventory waiting to be absorbed, along with worries about future demand.

By some estimates, only 10% of the solar panels in inventory at the end of the year will be taken up by the anticipated increased demand generated from the adoption of the Obama energy proposals. An additional 20% reduction of inventories is projected to result in 2010.

The market is not distinguishing among the companies in the solar panel manufacturing business. Regardless of the strength of an individual manufacturer, all are being treated with the same lack of enthusiasm by analysts and investors. A closer look at First Solar suggests that this should not be the case.

First Solar is a leading designer and manufacturer of solar modules using thin-film semiconductor technology, which converts sunlight to electricity. Based in Phoenix, Ariz., First Solar has long-term supply contracts with 12 European project developers and systems integrators.

The solar module industry has come into recent criticism for its impact on the environment. Concerns are being raised that the eventual disposal of solar panels will result in the emission of large amounts of greenhouse gasses as the semiconductors disintegrate.

First Solar, however, has established a model for extended producer responsibility, which creates an obligation of the producer to have policies and practice to ensure that the company takes responsibility for environmental consequences from cradle to grave. The company provides the purchaser of its products with a guarantee to take back all its panels at the end of their useful life.

First Solar has received acclaim for building concern for environmental impact into all phases of the manufacturing and recycling of its products.

FSLR stock is trading around $142 per share. Shares had rallied last week to $165 per share on the heels of President-elect Obama's energy proposals. The stock had increased in price by 76% from its 52-week low, and was approaching its 12-month target price of $167.70.

The sell-off of FSLR has been greatly overdone. The company's balance sheet is strong, with a long-term debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10 and a current ratio of 3.23. The 21.84% on equity should also be of comfort to investors.

An additional plus for FSLR is the likelihood of a push to solar energy as part of the job stimulus program of the new administration.

Louis Navellier's PortfolioGrader Pro, which rates Wall Street stocks, rates FSLR a B or Buy.

Jamie Dlugosch is a contributor to NavellierGrowth.com.

First Solar: Should we really be listening to anyone at Citi? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

International Speedway (NASDAQ: ISCA), a promoter of motor sports entertainment, closed at $25.23 Tuesday. ISCA December option implied volatility of 58 is above its 26-week average of 34 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

PetsMart (NYSE: PETM), the operator of more than 1,075 pet stores, is scheduled to report Q3 EPS today. PETM closed at $15.06 Tuesday. PETM November 15 straddle is priced at $1.65, PETM December 15 straddle is priced at $3.40. PETM December option implied volatility is at 97: January is at 75; above its 26-week average of 56 according to Track Data, indicating larger near term movement.

First Solar (NYSE-FSLR) is recently down $6.56 to $104 in pre-open trading. Friedman Billings says: "Recent checks suggest that FSLR's new strategy in the U.S. market (entering the distributed, rooftop segment) is already facing headwinds." FSLR overall option implied volatility of 121 is above its 26-week average of 82 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

Option Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com

Options Update: ISCA volatility elevated; shares near ten-year low; FSLR, PETM originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Solar stocks feeling the pain (LDK, FSLR, JASO, STP) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a series in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked financial experts to name their top stock pick if McCain or if Obama wins the election.

"It looks very much to me like there will be a rough few years ahead in the United States, whichever candidate wins; however, if Obama wins, we see opportunity in select stocks such as Microsoft, Time Warner and First Solar," says Martin Hutchinson in The Money Map Reporter.

"If Obama takes the White House, interest rates will surely rise. And the major beneficiaries of a policy of higher interest rates will be companies with large piles of cash, who will earn better returns on that money even as they discover cheaper opportunities to deploy it as prices of highly leveraged competitors crash.

"Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT), for example, with $23 billion of cash and negligible debt, should find many ways to deploy that capital and convert it into profitable business opportunities.

"Another sector that might benefit is media, which always finds it easier to sell products internationally when the United States has a popular "rock-star" president than it does when an unpopular president occupies the White House.

"You might look at Time Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX), which is largely concentrated in visual and Internet media, without investments in the rapidly declining newspaper sector.

"Finally, you might look for a new energy company that could benefit from Obama's proposed $150 billion alternative energy fund.

"One possibility would be First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR), though -- at 39 times earnings and with a market capitalization of greater than $20 billion -- the stock certainly isn't cheap, despite the company's global reach."

Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers a daily look at the latest market commentary and favorite stock picks and investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.

Obama stock: Portfolio plays from media to solar originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.