First Solar Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Lower EPS, Revenue

First Solar FSLR unveils its next round of earnings this Thursday, August 4, 2011. Get the latest predictions in Benzinga's essential guide to the company's second quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of 93 cents/share and revenues of $583.9 million. Investors will be keen to see how this quarter's numbers stack up against the year-ago quarter's positive EPS of $1.84/share on revenues of $587.9 million. Investors are bracing themselves for Thursday when we'll learn if First Solar reports lower EPS and slightly reduced revenue from the year-ago quarter, as analysts are predicting.

Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:

Stock Performance:

As of July 29, 2011, First Solar's current share price was $118.23. Since January 1st, shares of First Solar have declined 9.2%.

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for First Solar is a Hold. The strength of this rating has declined slightly over the past three months.

Competitors:

Looking for a sympathy stock to trade or interested in the performance of other companies in the same sector? Take a look at some of First Solar's peers.

• Ascent Solar Technologies (ASTI): Hold with a -$0.30 recent quarter EPS
• Energy Conversion Devices (ENER): Moderate Sell with a -$0.41 recent quarter EPS
• Evergreen Solar (ESLR): Moderate Sell with a -$1.21 recent quarter EPS

First Solar is in the solar industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 0.6%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: First Solar designs and manufactures solar electric power modules using a proprietary thin film semiconductor technology. .

Take Action:

Now that you have reviewed all the numbers, be ready to move if the upcoming First Solar earnings report has any surprises. Also, come back to Benzinga after the announcement for a full recap and a guide to your next steps.

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