First Solar Approaches Upper Price Target As Bulls and Bears Battle

On Monday, Goldman Sachs added First Solar (FSLR) to its conviction buy list with a $165 price target. The market’s response was swift with FSLR ending the day up 6% and a closing price of $156.40. I wish I had received the memo because I sold off the last of my FSLR positions on Friday. … Read more

First Solar’s 2011 Guidance Is Strong But Unlikely to Lift Stock Above Trading Range

Another earnings-related presentation, another yawn from the stock market – such is the life of First Solar (FSLR). On December 14, First Solar hosted a conference call to discuss its guidance for 2011. Overall, it was a relatively bullish call. However, the stock had rallied over 10% into the call and, presumably, expectations were high. … Read more

Diversification Pays for GT Solar

GT Solar International Inc (SOLR) jumped 15% on news that it secured two large orders for its sapphire crystallization systems used in the manufacture of LED products. From the press release: GT Solar has “…has received its first two orders totaling more than $84 million for sapphire crystallization systems. The orders come from Jiangsu Jixing … Read more

Solar Swings: Sept Soaring to Oct Peaking to Nov Selling

After the stock market’s sharp rally off the March, 2009 lows, most solar stocks stopped appreciating by that summer. For the remainder of the year, they experienced wild swings up and down in price in quick succession. In the summer of 2010, it appeared prospects had finally turned around for the better for solar stocks … Read more

Fresh Opportunities in Solar Stocks As They Reverse September’s Heady Gains

Rallies in solar stocks would be more exciting if they were not so fleeting. In early September, I noted a “stealth rally” was underway in solar stocks. In early October, I wrote breathlessly about a “soaring September” for solar stocks. Just three weeks later I had to warn that selling volume was picking up in … Read more

Germany and Margin Issues Pressure First Solar, Overall Business Remains Healthy

While many gear up for the elections and the Federal Reserve, I am bracing myself for a barrage of earnings from solar companies. Thursday night, First Solar (FSLR) kicked off the earnings parade in disappointing fashion as the market reacted by taking the stock down 9%. It seems that the market agonized over two main … Read more

Trading Volume Soars for Solar Stocks But Leaves Prices Behind

Prices soared for solar stocks in September. In October, volume has soared…but prices have swung sharply downward after a very strong start to the month. In most cases, solar stocks have lost all their gains for the month and then some. This trading action is creating buying opportunities, especially where uptrends and/or critical technical support … Read more

Escalation of Trade Disputes with China Hits Solar

A fresh buying opportunity may finally be unfolding in the solar sector. In Tech Trader Daily on Friday, Eric Savitz broke news that the U.S. government is launching an official investigation into alleged unfair trade and investment practices by the government of China in green technologies. Across the board, solar stocks were slammed in reaction … Read more

First Solar Raises Hopes for Solar’s Coming Earnings Season

After solar stocks soared in September, expectations are riding high for solar companies to carry their earnings momentum from the second quarter’s reports into the third quarter’s reports. First Solar (FSLR) made a big step in the right direction by announcing that it received an additional 380 Megawatt in orders from existing customers for delivery … Read more