First Solar Surges 1.86 on 255th-Ranked Trading Volume Boosted by 5N Plus Deal and Beating Earnings

On August 5, 2025, First Solar (FSLR) closed with a 1.86% increase, trading at $186.84. The stock recorded a daily trading volume of $0.47 billion, ranking 255th in market activity. The move followed a revised full-year sales outlook and a new supply agreement with 5N Plus, a key supplier of specialty semiconductors.

The company’s second-quarter earnings exceeded expectations, reporting $3.18 per share against a consensus of $2.68. Revenue rose 8.6% year-over-year to $1.1 billion, driven by strong U.S. demand and favorable tariff adjustments. CEO Mark Widmar highlighted improved industry positioning amid policy shifts, including the phase-out of renewable energy tax credits and higher import tariffs.

First Solar expanded its supply agreement with 5N Plus, increasing semiconductor compound volumes for the 2025–2028 period. This collaboration aims to enhance solar panel efficiency and secure critical materials. Institutional investors, including Banco Santander S.A., reduced holdings by 20.2% in Q1, while others like Alliancebernstein L.P. and Franklin Resources Inc. increased stakes in recent quarters.

Insider activity saw key executives sell shares, including CTO Markus Gloeckler, who reduced his position by 54.32%. Analysts remain optimistic, with 23 buy ratings and an average price target of $221.90. However, recent insider sales and reduced institutional ownership suggest mixed sentiment about near-term prospects.

The strategy of purchasing the top 500 stocks by daily trading volume and holding for one day generated a 166.71% return from 2022 to the present, outperforming the benchmark by 137.53%. This highlights liquidity concentration’s role in short-term performance, particularly in volatile markets.