Q3 net sales were $1.2309B, down 22.8% YoY; gross margin rose to 57.9%, net income to $571.1M and Adjusted EBITDA to $744M, up 11%.
Contracted backlog was 44.0 GW valued at ~$13.5B, with deliveries scheduled through 2030; fully integrated U.S. production was substantially committed into 2028.
Q3 gross profit was $713.1M versus $611M YoY; operating income was $546.1M versus $466.1M.
Diluted EPS was $5.30 versus $4.24 YoY; 9M net income was $1.3403B versus $1.0073B, with diluted EPS of $12.45 versus $9.37.
Q3 operating expenses were $167M, including ~$67M of R&D; Adjusted EBITDA margin was 60%.
Higher 45X-eligible U.S. mix, lower freight and underutilization, and no repeat of the prior-year 45X discount charge supported gross margin; termination-related revenue was lower.
FY26 volume guidance fell to 16.0–17.0 GW from 17.0–18.2 GW; net sales guidance fell to $4.6B–$4.9B from $4.9B–$5.2B.
FY26 Adjusted EBITDA guidance was reduced to $2.55B–$2.75B from $2.6B–$2.8B; gross profit of $2.4B–$2.6B and operating expenses of $610M–$635M remain unchanged.
FY26 capex guidance fell to $0.6B–$0.8B from $0.8B–$1.0B; net cash guidance remains $1.7B–$2.3B.
Q4 volume sold is forecast at 4.3–5.3 GW, including 3.4–4.3 GW in the U.S.; Adjusted EBITDA is forecast at $643M–$843M.
FY26 assumptions include $2.07B–$2.19B of Section 45X credits, $110M–$120M of underutilization costs and $80M–$90M of production start-up expense.
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First Solar, Inc. is an American company that specializes in solar panels photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions. The company offers an integrated set of services, including project development, EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) services, and operations and maintenance support. First Solar caters to a diverse client base, ranging from large utilities to commercial and industrial entities, with a focus on reliability, performance, and cost-effectiveness in their solar energy solutions. The company is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, and its shares are listed on the NASDAQ.
First Solar distinguishes itself in the solar energy market through its unique use of CdTe as a semiconductor in its solar panels. This approach sets it apart from the more commonly used silicon-based solar cells. CdTe solar cells offer several advantages: they have a lower cost for materials and manufacturing, and they perform better in high-temperature environments compared to silicon-based cells, among other benefits. This specialized technology has enabled First Solar to carve out a niche in the competitive solar industry, focusing particularly on utility-scale solar projects where these advantages can be leveraged effectively. Some other companies operating in the same sector are SunPower Corporation, Canadian Solar, and Enphase Energy.
First Solar was founded in 1999 by inventor Harold McMaster as Solar Cells, Inc. and later rebranded as First Solar in 2002. The company's early focus was on manufacturing solar panels with CdTe as a semiconductor, which was a unique approach compared to the more common silicon-based solar cells at the time.
First Solar went public in 2006, being one of the first major solar companies to go public, and the years following the IPO were marked by rapid growth. It expanded its manufacturing capacity and global footprint, establishing itself as a major player in the solar energy sector. During the 2010s, First Solar adapted to changing market conditions by focusing on its strengths in thin-film technology and large-scale solar projects. The company also invested in research and development to improve its module efficiency and reduce costs.
First Solar's products are predominantly used in utility-scale solar power projects, which form the backbone of its business model. These large-scale installations cater to the renewable energy needs of utilities and corporations, contributing significantly to grid-connected solar power generation. Additionally, First Solar modules are employed in commercial and industrial solar projects, though to a lesser extent compared to their utility-scale applications.
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