First Solar Inc (FSLR)vsSunrun Inc (RUN)
FSLR
First Solar Inc
$314.95
-1.42%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $28.72B
RUN
Sunrun Inc
$13.36
-9.89%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $3.07B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
First Solar Inc generates 71% more annual revenue ($5.42B vs $3.17B). FSLR leads profitability with a 30.7% profit margin vs 17.9%. FSLR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.70. FSLR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).
FSLR
Exceptional Buy82
out of 100
Grade: A-
RUN
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-6.2%
Fair Value
$251.74
Current Price
$314.95
$63.21 premium
Margin of Safety
+51.7%
Fair Value
$39.67
Current Price
$13.36
$26.32 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 33.1%
Earnings expanding 65.1% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 43.2% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 214.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Operating margin of -6.0%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FSLR
The strongest argument for FSLR centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.7% and operating margin at 33.1%. Revenue growth of 23.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : RUN
The strongest argument for RUN centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.9% and operating margin at -6.0%. Revenue growth of 43.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : FSLR
The primary concerns for FSLR are Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : RUN
The primary concerns for RUN are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 4.45 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
RUN carries more volatility with a beta of 2.30 — expect wider price swings.
RUN is growing revenue faster at 43.2% — sustainability is the question.
FSLR generates stronger free cash flow (-333M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SOLAR industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
FSLR scores higher overall (82/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 30.7% margins and 23.6% revenue growth. RUN offers better value entry with a 51.7% margin of safety. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Strong 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.
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.
Sunrun Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOLAR · USA
Sunrun Inc. is dedicated to the design, development, installation, sale, ownership and maintenance of residential solar energy systems in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
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