Executive Summary
First Solar Inc reported a robust Q1 2024 performance, generating revenues of $794 million, reflecting a 44.83% year-on-year increase despite a seasonal decline of 31.46% compared to Q4 2023. The company demonstrated effective management in a volatile solar market, with operating income reaching $256 million and net income of $237 million, translating to an EPS of $2.20. Management emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships, sustained investment in research and development (R&D), and a commitment to maintaining a competitive edge through proprietary technology amid challenges posed by Chinese market practices. Overall, First Solar is positioned to benefit from its disciplined growth strategy and a solid backlog of 78.3 gigawatts, while navigating industry headwinds effectively.
Key Performance Indicators
QoQ: -31.46% | YoY:44.83%
QoQ: -31.31% | YoY:207.77%
QoQ: -35.57% | YoY:504.66%
QoQ: -32.25% | YoY:455.95%
QoQ: -32.42% | YoY:452.50%
Key Insights
**Revenue and Profitability**: Q1 2024 revenue of $794 million, down from $1.16 billion in Q4 2023, but significantly up from $548 million YoY. Gross profit margins improved to 44% from 43% in Q4 2023, driven by U.S.-made modules benefiting from Section 45X tax credits. Operating income amounted to $256 million, translating to a 32.27% operating margin. Net income was $237 million with a net profit margin of 29.80%. EPS was reported at $2.20.
**Cash Flow and Balance Sheet**: The company ended Q...
Financial Highlights
Revenue and Profitability: Q1 2024 revenue of $794 million, down from $1.16 billion in Q4 2023, but significantly up from $548 million YoY. Gross profit margins improved to 44% from 43% in Q4 2023, driven by U.S.-made modules benefiting from Section 45X tax credits. Operating income amounted to $256 million, translating to a 32.27% operating margin. Net income was $237 million with a net profit margin of 29.80%. EPS was reported at $2.20.
Cash Flow and Balance Sheet: The company ended Q1 2024 with cash and cash equivalents of $1.69 billion, down from $1.96 billion due to capital expenditures of $413 million for new factories. Operating cash flow stood at $267 million, showcasing healthy operational efficiency despite a higher capital expenditure commitment. Total debt increased to $620 million, maintaining a conservative leverage ratio.
Income Statement
| Metric |
Value |
YoY Change |
QoQ Change |
| Revenue |
794.11M |
44.83% |
-31.46% |
| Gross Profit |
344.85M |
207.77% |
-31.31% |
| Operating Income |
256.29M |
504.66% |
-35.57% |
| Net Income |
236.62M |
455.95% |
-32.25% |
| EPS |
2.21 |
452.50% |
-32.42% |
Key Financial Ratios
operatingProfitMargin
32.3%
operatingCashFlowPerShare
$2.5
freeCashFlowPerShare
$-1.36
Management Commentary
Strategic Growth and Resilience: Mark Widmar noted, "We are pleased with our start to 2024... We continue to differentiate through our technology and business model amid challenges from the Chinese solar market."
Manufacturing Excellence: Widmar emphasized, "Our facilities were operating near nameplate capacity in Q1 2024, which is a testament to our operational excellence."
Market Dynamics: He further commented, "The Chinese market is in a race to the bottom with irrationally low pricing, yet we maintain a selective approach to contracting that provides stability and healthy ASPs."
Innovation and Investment: "We are on track to commission our R&D innovation center and perovskite development line, representing a combined investment of nearly $0.5 billion, reinforcing our commitment to technology leadership in solar energy," said Widmar.
"We invite competition and free trade. All we continue to seek is that the competition and trade are practiced on a fair and level playing field," - Mark Widmar, CEO.
β Mark Widmar
"Our growth plans remain on track. We expect to exit 2024 with over 21 gigawatts of global nameplate capacity... all of this capacity is available to serve the U.S. market." - Mark Widmar, CEO.
β Mark Widmar
Forward Guidance
Management maintained full-year 2024 guidance for revenue from volumes sold and P&L, with an EPS expectation of $13 to $14. Alongside growing ASP trends following recent policy announcements regarding solar tariffs, First Solar anticipates Q2 2024 will see segment growth with shipments from its backlog concentrated towards the latter half of the year. Investors should monitor delivery timelines and market pricing as key indicators of performance.