Canadian Solar Inc (CSIQ)vsFirst Solar Inc (FSLR)
CSIQ
Canadian Solar Inc
$14.26
+5.40%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $1.23B
FSLR
First Solar Inc
$192.82
-3.42%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $21.41B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Canadian Solar Inc generates 13% more annual revenue ($5.90B vs $5.22B). FSLR leads profitability with a 29.3% profit margin vs 27.0%. CSIQ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.16. FSLR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (B+).
CSIQ
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
FSLR
Strong Buy80
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CSIQ.
Margin of Safety
+65.7%
Fair Value
$664.56
Current Price
$192.82
$471.74 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
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 32.6%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 32.3% YoY
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Operating margin of 2.3%
ROE of -4.4% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 130.0%
No major concerns identified
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CSIQ
The strongest argument for CSIQ centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.0% and operating margin at 2.3%. 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, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.3% and operating margin at 32.6%. Revenue growth of 11.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CSIQ
The primary concerns for CSIQ are Market Cap, Operating Margin, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : FSLR
No major red flags identified for FSLR, but monitor valuation.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CSIQ profiles as a declining stock while FSLR is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
FSLR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.65 — expect wider price swings.
FSLR is growing revenue faster at 11.1% — sustainability is the question.
FSLR generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FSLR scores higher overall (80/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 29.3% margins and 11.1% revenue growth. 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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