Ahead Of The Bell: Jefferies Cuts Solar Ratings

HOUSTON (AP) — Jefferies & Co. lowered its ratings on eight solar companies Friday, citing numerous risks that could play out in the coming months, including a continuation of falling prices.

In reports to clients, Jefferies noted that a continued downward spiral in pricing, while accompanied by lower production costs, may lead to weaker-than-expected estimates for 2010 and concerns about value destruction in the solar sector.

"Liberal Chinese lending practices encourage overproduction and capacity expansions in a market that needs rationalization, in our view," Jefferies analyst Paul Clegg said.

Evergreen Solar Inc. was downgraded to "Underperform" from "Buy." Jefferies also lowered its price target to $1 from $3. Jefferies said Evergreen's low silicon usage advantage has been obscured by high manufacturing costs and pricey silicon contracts.

First Solar Inc. was downgraded to "Hold" from "Buy." Jefferies also lowered its price target to $130 from $200. It noted, however, that it expects First Solar's cost structure to remain the lowest in the industry even if silicon prices continue to decline.

Solarfun Power Holdings Co., was downgraded to "Underperform" from "Hold" and the price target was cut to $4 from $6.