Canadian Solar Inc (CSIQ)vsFirst Solar Inc (FSLR)
CSIQ
Canadian Solar Inc
$17.16
-11.86%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $1.29B
FSLR
First Solar Inc
$314.95
-1.42%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $28.72B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Canadian Solar Inc generates 3% more annual revenue ($5.60B vs $5.42B). FSLR leads profitability with a 30.7% profit margin vs -1.9%. CSIQ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.16. FSLR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).
CSIQ
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
FSLR
Exceptional Buy82
out of 100
Grade: A-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+80.8%
Fair Value
$108.76
Current Price
$17.16
$91.60 discount
Margin of Safety
-6.2%
Fair Value
$251.74
Current Price
$314.95
$63.21 premium
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 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
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -4.4% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 20.0%
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 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.
Bear Case : CSIQ
The primary concerns for CSIQ are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.76 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : FSLR
The primary concerns for FSLR are Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CSIQ profiles as a turnaround stock while FSLR is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
FSLR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.69 — expect wider price swings.
FSLR is growing revenue faster at 23.6% — sustainability is the question.
FSLR generates stronger free cash flow (-333M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FSLR scores higher overall (82/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 30.7% margins and 23.6% revenue growth. CSIQ offers better value entry with a 80.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Exceptional 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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