Sep 30, 2020

First Solar Q3 2020 Earnings Report

Reported strong financial results driven by international project sales and increased module volume.

Key Takeaways

First Solar announced strong financial results for Q3 2020, with net sales of $928 million and net income per share of $1.45. The company's cash, restricted cash, and marketable securities totaled $1.7 billion.

Net sales reached $928 million.

Net income per share was $1.45.

Cash, restricted cash, and marketable securities amounted to $1.7 billion.

1.6 GWDC of bookings since prior earnings call.

Total Revenue
$928M
Previous year: $547M
+69.6%
EPS
$1.45
Previous year: $0.29
+400.0%
Gross Profit
$293M
Previous year: $138M
+111.8%
Cash and Equivalents
$1.28B
Previous year: $879M
+45.3%
Free Cash Flow
$102M
Previous year: -$500M
-120.3%
Total Assets
$6.99B
Previous year: $7.05B
-1.0%

First Solar

First Solar

Forward Guidance

First Solar reinstated financial guidance for the fourth quarter 2020, projecting net sales between $540 million and $790 million and earnings per share between $1.00 and $1.50.

Positive Outlook

  • Net Sales: $540M to $790M
  • Gross Margin %: 26.5% to 27.0%
  • Operating Income: $50M to $120M
  • Earnings per Share: $1.00 to $1.50
  • Net Cash Balance: $1.2B to $1.3B

Challenges Ahead

  • Operating Expenses: $90M to $95M
  • Capital Expenditures: $123M to $223M
  • Shipments: 1.8GW to 2.0GW