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On Wednesday, First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR) stock experienced a rating downgrade from Jefferies, a shift from "Buy" to "Hold." Accompanying this change, the firm also reduced the price target significantly, to $127.00 from the previous $202.00. The adjustment comes amidst concerns over a challenging near-term (NT) environment for the company, as stated by Jefferies analysts. According to InvestingPro data, the stock has declined nearly 30% over the past six months, though analysis suggests the company remains undervalued at current levels.
The downgrade was prompted by a revised guidance from First Solar’s management, indicating a range of outcomes that could potentially include the worst-case scenario of heightened reciprocal tariffs, to a best-case scenario where the status quo is maintained. Jefferies highlighted margin compression, excluding the effects of tariff code 45X, as a primary worry and anticipates margins returning to their former levels by 2026. Despite these concerns, InvestingPro data shows the company maintains a robust gross profit margin of 43.6% and trades at an attractive P/E ratio of 10.25.
First Solar’s management has noted the volatile market conditions, which can swiftly alter the company’s prospects. Jefferies’ stance reflects a cautious outlook on the company’s ability to navigate through the current market dynamics, which could impact its financial performance in the near term.
The revised price target of $127.00 marks a notable decrease and reflects the concerns over the potential for margin pressures and the implications of international trade tariffs on the company’s operations. First Solar, a leading provider of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions, is now facing a more conservative valuation from Jefferies as it manages these evolving challenges.
Investors and market watchers will likely continue to monitor First Solar’s performance closely, especially in light of the changing landscape of tariffs and market conditions that can influence the company’s financial health and stock valuation. For deeper insights into First Solar’s financial metrics and growth prospects, including exclusive ProTips and comprehensive valuation analysis, investors can access the detailed Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro.
In other recent news, First Solar has seen several adjustments to its stock price targets by various financial firms. Truist Securities reduced its price target to $200, maintaining a Buy rating, due to challenges in the utility-scale solar industry and uncertainties related to tariffs and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Similarly, TD Cowen also lowered its target to $200 but highlighted stable selling prices and controlled warranty issues, while noting risks from tariffs and policy uncertainties. Mizuho (NYSE:MFG) Securities slightly adjusted its target to $251, citing higher underutilization costs in Southeast Asia but retained an Outperform rating, emphasizing First Solar’s strong contracted position and stable pricing. Oppenheimer downgraded First Solar from Outperform to Perform, driven by concerns over potential tariff and tax policy changes, which have created uncertainty for the company. Additionally, BofA Securities lowered its target to $185, reflecting weaker-than-expected first-quarter performance and tariff-related uncertainties, but maintained a Buy rating due to First Solar’s substantial backlog and liquidity position. These recent developments underscore the complexities First Solar faces in navigating policy and market challenges while maintaining its strategic strengths.
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