NEW YORK, May 24 (Reuters) - Shares of First Solar could take a hit if its customers turn away from the maker of solar panels in favor of lower-priced rivals, according to a report in Barron's.
As the Intersolar trade show starts in Munich, where the world's solar businesses discuss their next contracts, deals will likely adjust for the falling price of refined silicon -- 'half the cost of goods at First Solar's rivals,' the business weekly said in its May 25 edition.
'One leading customer says it will ditch First Solar's 'thin-film' panels if crystalline silicon alternatives keep getting cheaper. That seems likely,' the paper said. 'Silicon prices are expected to drop another 30 percent by year end. First Solar profits -- and its shares -- could get cut in half.'
Shares of First Solar closed at $191.72 on Friday on Nasdaq.
(Reporting by Franklin Paul; Editing by Phil Berlowitz) Keywords: FIRSTSOLAR/ (Email: Franklin.Paul@thomsonreuters.com; +1 646 223 6195; Reuters Messaging: Franklin.Paul.reuters.com@reuters.net) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2009. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.
As the Intersolar trade show starts in Munich, where the world's solar businesses discuss their next contracts, deals will likely adjust for the falling price of refined silicon -- 'half the cost of goods at First Solar's rivals,' the business weekly said in its May 25 edition.
'One leading customer says it will ditch First Solar's 'thin-film' panels if crystalline silicon alternatives keep getting cheaper. That seems likely,' the paper said. 'Silicon prices are expected to drop another 30 percent by year end. First Solar profits -- and its shares -- could get cut in half.'
Shares of First Solar closed at $191.72 on Friday on Nasdaq.
(Reporting by Franklin Paul; Editing by Phil Berlowitz) Keywords: FIRSTSOLAR/ (Email: Franklin.Paul@thomsonreuters.com; +1 646 223 6195; Reuters Messaging: Franklin.Paul.reuters.com@reuters.net) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2009. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.