What is FSLR's DCF valuation?

First Solar Inc (FSLR) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of December 15, 2025, First Solar Inc has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $306.14 per share. With the current market price at $254.80, this represents a potential upside of 20.2%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $260.51
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $306.14
Potential Upside (5-year) 2.2%
Potential Upside (10-year) 20.2%
Discount Rate (WACC) 8.4% - 11.1%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $4206 million in 12-2024 to $8567 million by 12-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 7.4%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2024 4206 27%
12-2025 4617 10%
12-2026 4942 7%
12-2027 5231 6%
12-2028 5558 6%
12-2029 5876 6%
12-2030 6449 10%
12-2031 6903 7%
12-2032 7529 9%
12-2033 8074 7%
12-2034 8567 6%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 31% in 12-2024 to 39% by 12-2034, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2024 1292 31%
12-2025 1370 30%
12-2026 1574 32%
12-2027 1774 34%
12-2028 1994 36%
12-2029 2217 38%
12-2030 2456 38%
12-2031 2653 38%
12-2032 2920 39%
12-2033 3159 39%
12-2034 3381 39%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $955 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 29% of revenue.

2. Depreciation & Amortization

Depreciation is based on an average useful life of 5 years for capital assets.

Fiscal Year D&A (USD millions)
12-2025 1142
12-2026 1323
12-2027 1449
12-2028 1497
12-2029 1536
12-2030 1643

3. Working Capital Requirements

Net working capital is expected to increase gradually, with projected changes affecting free cash flow.

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 77
Days Inventory 136
Days Payables 54

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
3M/2025 697 76 338 (84) 367
2026 3215 348 1447 296 1124
2027 3583 392 1532 102 1557
2028 3898 440 1628 (14) 1843
2029 4207 490 1721 135 1862

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 8.4% - 11.1%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 3.0% - 5.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 14.6x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 260.51 2.2%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 306.14 20.2%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 418.92 64.4%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 457.18 79.4%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $26,747M
  • 10-Year Model: $31,644M

Investment Conclusion

Is First Solar Inc (FSLR) a buy or a sell? First Solar Inc is definitely a buy. Based on our DCF analysis, First Solar Inc (FSLR) appears to be moderately undervalued with upside potential of 20.2%. The company's strong projected growth in revenue and profitability, coupled with consistent capital expenditure, supports our positive outlook on its intrinsic value.

Key investment drivers include:

  • Expanding profit margins (from 31% to 39%)
  • Steady revenue growth (7.4% CAGR)
  • Strong free cash flow generation

Investors should consider a buy at the current market price of $254.80.