Canadian Solar Inc (CSIQ)vsFirst Solar Inc (FSLR)
CSIQ
Canadian Solar Inc
$12.76
-2.07%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $913.89M
FSLR
First Solar Inc
$209.03
+0.90%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $22.92B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
First Solar Inc generates 8% more annual revenue ($5.38B vs $4.99B). FSLR leads profitability with a 32.5% profit margin vs -3.7%. CSIQ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.16. FSLR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
CSIQ
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
FSLR
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+78.0%
Fair Value
$94.70
Current Price
$12.76
$81.94 discount
Margin of Safety
+18.2%
Fair Value
$248.36
Current Price
$209.03
$39.33 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 300.0% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 42.6%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -6.8% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 28.7%
Revenue declined 3.7%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CSIQ
The strongest argument for CSIQ centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 0.16 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : FSLR
The strongest argument for FSLR centers on PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.5% and operating margin at 42.6%. PEG of 0.38 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CSIQ
The primary concerns for CSIQ are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.65 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : FSLR
The primary concerns for FSLR are Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CSIQ profiles as a turnaround stock while FSLR is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
FSLR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.73 — expect wider price swings.
FSLR is growing revenue faster at -3.7% — sustainability is the question.
FSLR generates stronger free cash flow (-306M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FSLR scores higher overall (72/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 32.5% margins. CSIQ offers better value entry with a 78.0% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Canadian Solar Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOLAR · USA
Canadian Solar Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and sells solar ingots, wafers, cells, modules and other solar energy products. The company is headquartered in Guelph, Canada.
First Solar Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOLAR · USA
First Solar, Inc. offers solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions in the United States, Japan, France, Canada, India, Australia, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona.
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