First Solar has announced significant downgrades to its annual sales and profit forecasts, attributing the revisions to challenging economic conditions created by recent U.S. tariffs and a drop in residential demand. The solar company now projects 2025 net sales to range between $4.5 billion and $5.5 billion, down from a previous estimate of $5.3 billion to $5.8 billion. Similarly, earnings per share are expected to come in between $12.50 and $17.50, revised from an earlier forecast of $17.00 to $20.00, according to Reuters.
The U.S. Commerce Department's decision to impose new tariffs on solar cells imported from Southeast Asia has significantly impacted First Solar. These tariffs, which vary based on the company and country, aim to tackle concerns about unfair trade practices affecting the domestic solar industry. The imposition has added pressure to First Solar, exacerbated by falling demand in the U.S. residential sector due to high interest rates and changes in California's metering policies.
Despite these hurdles, First Solar's CEO Mark Widmar remains hopeful about the broader prospects for solar energy in the U.S., suggesting there may be a recovery as markets stabilize over time. While the immediate outlook has seen adjustments, the long-term demand for solar could still provide opportunities for growth.