Keybanc Upgrades First Solar to Sector Weight from Underweight
Fintel reports that on September 28, 2026, Keybanc upgraded their outlook for First Solar (NASDAQGS:FSLR) (BMV:FSLR) from Underweight to Sector Weight.
First Solar, Inc., based in the United States, is a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, specifically focused on manufacturing solar power systems and providing comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solutions. As a global leader in the PV industry, the company is renowned for pioneering thin-film technology, with its advanced Series 6 and Series 7 modules designed for high efficiency and low environmental impact. Key projects include large-scale solar installations worldwide, with significant presence in both established and emerging markets. First Solar is committed to innovative solar energy solutions aimed at reducing the cost of solar electricity and enhancing sustainability, positioning itself strongly within the renewable energy landscape.
Prior to this rating action, the stock closed at $177.71 on September 25, 2026. This latest close represents a one-week price change of -9.31% from a baseline close of $195.96 on September 18, 2026, and a one-month price change of -14.08% from a baseline close of $206.82 on August 25, 2026.
Separately, the current consensus target mean for the stock was $276.35 as of September 15, 2026, with a median target of $274.44. This mean target implies a change of +55.51% from the stock's valuation. The prior consensus target mean was $277.12 on August 28, 2026, representing a consensus target revision percent of -0.28%.
First Solar last reported earnings on July 30, 2026. The company posted an actual EPS of 3.92, compared to the EPS estimate of 2.8925, which represents an EPS surprise of +35.52%. Actual revenue for the quarter was $1,056,193,000.00, compared to the estimated revenue of $1,081,572,422.00.
For the current recommendation period of September 1, 2026, the aggregate recommendation total was 48, consisting of 7 strong buy, 27 buy, 11 hold, 1 sell, and 2 strong sell ratings. This breakdown represents 70.8% positive, 22.9% hold, and 6.3% negative recommendations. In the prior period of August 1, 2026, the total was 49, with 6 strong buy, 26 buy, 14 hold, 1 sell, and 2 strong sell ratings, representing 65.3% positive, 28.6% hold, and 6.1% negative recommendations.
Other recent analyst activities include GLJ Research maintaining its Buy rating on September 22, 2026. Additionally, Piper Sandler initiated coverage on the stock with an Overweight rating on September 9, 2026.
Recent analyst actions
| Date | Analyst | Prior | Latest recommendation | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 28, 2026 | Keybanc | Underweight | Sector Weight | upgrade |
| September 22, 2026 | GLJ Research | Buy | Buy | maintained |
| September 9, 2026 | Piper Sandler | Overweight | initiated coverage |
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This story originally appeared on Fintel.