Wednesday, April 30, 2008

First Solar Disappoints on Nine-fold Earnings Growth (FSLR)

I can't believe I just typed that.
Yesterday we posted the analyst estimates: $0.36 low, $0.63 high, $0.47 average, along with our take on Lazard's April 16 call. With the benefit of two weeks hindsight I've got to say "Twas an interesting call". Speaking of calls, the conference call is going on right now. Today's word is:
Guidance

Here's the press release:

First Solar, Inc. Announces 2008 First Quarter Financial Results
First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq:FSLR) today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 29, 2008. Quarterly revenues were $196.9 million, down from $200.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 and up from $66.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2007.

Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2008 was $46.6 million or $0.57 per share on a fully diluted basis, compared to net income of $62.9 million or $0.77 per share on a fully diluted basis for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2007 was $5.0 million or $0.07 per share on a fully diluted basis.

First Solar will discuss these results and expected results for fiscal 2008 in a conference call scheduled for today at 5:00 a.m. PDT (8:00 a.m. EDT). Investors may access a live audio web cast of this conference call in the Investors section of the company's website at http://www.firstsolar.com. An audio replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call. The audio replay will remain available until Monday, May 5, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. PDT (11:59 p.m. EDT) and can be accessed by dialing 888-266-2081 or 703-925-2533 and entering access ID number 1227426.