Barclays Cuts First Solar (FSLR) Price Target to $259

Barclays has reiterated its Overweight rating on First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) and lowered its price target from $279 to $259. The rating and target change were published on October 15, 2026, a day when shares of First Solar closed at $173.79 on the NasdaqGS. This adjustment indicates that the stock still has room for growth according to Barclays, even with the revised target.

Other Institutional Activity in First Solar

In addition to Barclays, several other funds have been active in First Solar. Blackrock Inc. grew its holdings by 207,326 shares, bringing its total to about 14.0 million shares valued at approximately $2.44 billion. State Street Corporation added 291,194 shares for a total of about 5.6 million shares worth about $970.5 million. On the other hand, Vanguard Portfolio Management LLC trimmed its position, reducing its shares by 58,680 for a total of about 5.6 million shares valued at around $981.4 million.

First Solar, Inc. Stock Down 3.0%

The shares of First Solar are currently trading at $173.79, which is below the 52-week high of $320.95. This price is near the lower end of its recent performance, as the stock has seen a 52-week low of $168.60. The current price is significantly lower than Barclays' new target, suggesting potential upside if the company can meet growth expectations.

Recent Earnings

First Solar reported revenue of about $5.38 billion, but it saw a revenue decline of approximately 3.7% year-over-year. The company delivered an EPS of $16.22, with a net margin of 32.5% and a return on equity (ROE) of 18.5%. Their next earnings report is scheduled for October 29, 2026.

Insider Buying and Selling at First Solar, Inc.

Insiders at First Solar have been selling shares recently. Chief Technology Officer Markus Gloeckler sold 800 shares at $200, totaling $160,000 on September 1, 2026. Officer Samantha L. Sloan sold 127 shares at $222.95, valued at $28,315, on August 17, 2026. Additionally, General Counsel Jason E. Dymbort sold 3,700 shares at $249.38 for a total of about $922,706 on August 11, 2026.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

On October 14, 2026, Morgan Stanley maintained an Overweight rating with a price target of $326, up from $323. On October 12, 2026, Truist Securities upgraded its rating to Buy, raising the price target to $270 from $229. The overall consensus among analysts is currently a Buy rating, with a mean target price of about $274.77, indicating that analysts expect the stock to perform well in the future.

About First Solar

First Solar, Inc. is a solar technology company based in Phoenix, Arizona. It specializes in photovoltaic solar energy solutions and manufactures solar modules using thin film technology. The company operates both in the U.S. and internationally, focusing on advancing the solar energy market.

Bottom Line

Investors should watch for First Solar's upcoming earnings report on October 29, 2026, to see how it performs and whether it can close the gap to Barclays' price target. Remember that 13F filings reflect positions as of the end of a reporting period and may not show current ownership levels. The enthusiasm from analysts suggests a positive outlook, but performance will ultimately depend on the company's execution.