First Solar (FSLR) Stock Performance

First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) is a leading American manufacturer of solar panels and a provider of utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) power plants. The company’s stock is publicly traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange.

Key Metrics and Performance

To understand FSLR’s stock performance on Google Finance, several key metrics should be considered:

• Current Price: The real-time price per share. Google Finance provides up-to-the-minute price quotes, subject to potential delays.
• Price Change: The difference between the current price and the previous day’s closing price. This can be shown in both dollar value and percentage change.
• Day’s Range: The highest and lowest price at which the stock has traded during the current trading day.
• 52-Week Range: The highest and lowest price at which the stock has traded over the past 52 weeks (one year). This provides a broader perspective on the stock’s price volatility.
• Market Capitalization: A measure of the company’s overall value, calculated by multiplying the current stock price by the number of outstanding shares.
• Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio: Compares a company’s stock price to its earnings per share. It can indicate whether a stock is overvalued or undervalued relative to its earnings. (Note: Sometimes, P/E ratios may be unavailable or irrelevant for companies with fluctuating earnings or losses.)
• Earnings Per Share (EPS): The portion of a company’s profit allocated to each outstanding share of common stock. A higher EPS generally indicates greater profitability.
• Dividend Yield: The percentage return on a stock based on its annual dividend payments relative to its price. (Note: First Solar does not currently pay a dividend.)
• Volume: The number of shares traded during the current trading day. Higher volume can indicate increased investor interest or activity.

Factors Influencing FSLR Stock

Several factors can influence FSLR’s stock price:

• Government Policies: Subsidies, tax incentives, and regulations related to renewable energy can significantly impact the demand for solar panels and, consequently, First Solar’s profitability.
• Energy Prices: Fluctuations in the price of fossil fuels can affect the competitiveness of solar energy and the demand for First Solar’s products.
• Technological Advancements: Innovations in solar panel technology can lead to increased efficiency and lower production costs, potentially benefiting First Solar.
• Competition: The solar panel manufacturing industry is highly competitive. The performance and pricing strategies of competing companies can impact First Solar’s market share and profitability.
• Economic Conditions: Overall economic growth and investment in infrastructure projects can influence the demand for solar energy.
• Company-Specific News: Earnings reports, contract wins, product launches, and management changes can all affect investor sentiment and the stock price.

Using Google Finance for Analysis

Google Finance provides historical stock price data, news articles, and financial reports related to First Solar. Investors can use these resources to track the stock’s performance over time, identify trends, and make informed investment decisions. It’s important to consider multiple sources of information and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.