TEMPE, Ariz. - First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR), a major American solar technology firm, has received a significant order from MN8 Energy LLC for 457 megawatts (MW) of their advanced thin film solar modules. This order, which includes 170 MW of Series 6 Plus bifacial modules and 287 MW of Series 7 modules, will be utilized for projects across the northeastern and southern United States.
MN8 Energy, formerly known as Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) Renewable Power, boasts a 3.2 gigawatt (GW) portfolio and caters to a diverse clientele including corporates, government entities, and utilities. This new transaction builds upon MN8's previous dealings with First Solar, which included the acquisition of the 123 MW American Kings Solar project in California.
David Fernandez, Chief Operations Officer at MN8, expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership with First Solar, emphasizing the importance of fostering a robust domestic supply chain for the U.S. renewable industry that adheres to stringent environmental and manufacturing standards.
First Solar's Chief Commercial Officer, Georges Antoun, reciprocated the sentiment, acknowledging MN8's choice of First Solar's modules as a testament to the company's commitment to responsible solar practices.
First Solar concluded 2023 with a 6 GW annual nameplate capacity in the U.S., positioning it as the largest solar manufacturer in the western hemisphere. The company's U.S. manufacturing efforts are significant contributors to job creation, with an estimated 16,245 jobs supported in 2023. As the company's capacity is projected to grow to 14 GW by 2026, the number of supported jobs is expected to nearly double.
The company is also set to expand its Ohio manufacturing capacity to over 7 GW this year and plans to invest over $2 billion in new manufacturing facilities in Alabama and Louisiana, expected to be operational in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Additionally, First Solar is slated to commission a $450 million R&D innovation infrastructure in Perrysburg, Ohio, in the latter half of this year.
This partnership between First Solar and MN8 highlights a significant step in the advancement of solar energy infrastructure in the U.S. and underscores both companies' commitment to environmental responsibility and economic growth. The information for this article is based on a press release statement.
InvestingPro Insights
As First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) continues to enhance its operational capacity and secure large orders, such as the recent 457 MW deal with MN8 Energy, the company's financial health and market performance provide additional insights. With a robust market capitalization of 18.87 billion USD, First Solar's financial stability is evident. The company's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 22.77, indicating investor confidence in its earnings potential. Adjusting for the last twelve months as of Q4 2023, the P/E ratio slightly adjusts to 22.03.
Investors may also find First Solar's revenue growth noteworthy. The company has seen a 26.7% increase in revenue over the last twelve months as of Q4 2023, with a quarterly revenue growth of 15.58% in Q4 2023. This growth trajectory aligns with the company's expanding production capacity and the strategic partnerships it is fostering.
Offering a glimpse into First Solar's operational efficiency, the gross profit margin for the last twelve months as of Q4 2023 was 39.19%, reflecting the company's ability to manage its cost of goods sold effectively.
Two key InvestingPro Tips related to First Solar's current standing include the company's solid cash position, holding more cash than debt on its balance sheet, and the prediction by analysts that First Solar will be profitable this year. These factors, combined with the anticipation of sales growth in the current year, paint an optimistic picture for the company's future performance.
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