Monday, September 20, 2010

Barron's: Dark Clouds Over First Solar

Barron's Daily Stock Alert Newsletter came out with a bearish piece on First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) today, which suggests that the stock could be setting up for a 30% fall. During today's trading session, FSLR has gained 0.21% to $138.70. Year-to-date, the shares have gained 2.38% and 30% in just the last three months.

First Solar manufactures thin-flim panels, which it sells to solar project developers and system integrators, primarily in Europe. Last year, Germany accounted for 64% of the company's revenue. Much of the demand for the thin-film panels has been driven by government incentives in Europe, which are now being slashed.

Germany has eliminated incentives for ground-based systems; Spain cut incentives by 45%; Italy has proposed cuts of 25%-27%. The ratcheting down of these incentives could hurt revenues going forward.

Source

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