Xinyi Solar (OTCMKTS:XNYIF) versus First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR) Financial Review

First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR) and Xinyi Solar (OTCMKTS:XNYIF) are both energy companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, earnings, profitability, dividends, analyst recommendations, risk and institutional ownership.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

92.1% of First Solar shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.5% of First Solar shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares First Solar and Xinyi Solar”s top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
First Solar	$4.34 billion	5.07	$1.29 billion	$11.69	17.55
Xinyi Solar	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

First Solar has higher revenue and earnings than Xinyi Solar.

Profitability

This table compares First Solar and Xinyi Solar’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
First Solar	28.95%	15.57%	10.36%
Xinyi Solar	N/A	N/A	N/A

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for First Solar and Xinyi Solar, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
First Solar	1	3	22	2	2.89
Xinyi Solar	1	0	0	0	1.00

First Solar presently has a consensus price target of $225.84, indicating a potential upside of 10.09%. Given First Solar’s stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe First Solar is more favorable than Xinyi Solar.

Summary

First Solar beats Xinyi Solar on 10 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About First Solar

First Solar, Inc., a solar technology company, provides photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions in the United States, France, Japan, Chile, and internationally. The company manufactures and sells PV solar modules with a thin film semiconductor technology that provides a lower-carbon alternative to conventional crystalline silicon PV solar modules. It designs, manufactures, and sells cadmium telluride solar modules that converts sunlight into electricity. The company's residual business operations include project development activities, operations and maintenance services, and the sale of PV solar power systems to third-party customers. It serves developers and operators of systems, utilities, independent power producers, commercial and industrial companies, and other system owners. The company was formerly known as First Solar Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to First Solar, Inc. in 2006. First Solar, Inc. was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona.

About Xinyi Solar

Xinyi Solar Holdings Limited, an investment holding company, produces and sells solar glass products in the People's Republic of China, rest of Asia, North America, Europe, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Sales of Solar Glass and Solar Farm Business. The company offers ultra-clear patterned solar glasses, back glasses, and anti-reflective coating solar glasses to photovoltaic module manufacturers. It also develops, operates, and manages solar farms; and provides engineering, procurement, and construction services. In addition, the company engages in the provision of solar power systems; and trading of solar glass products. Xinyi Solar Holdings Limited was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Wuhu, the People's Republic of China.