First Solar Inc. (FSLR): Today's Featured Technology Laggard

Editor's Note: TheStreet ratings do not represent the views of TheStreet's staff or its contributors. Ratings are established by computer based on metrics for performance (which includes growth, stock performance, efficiency and valuation) and risk (volatility and solvency). Companies with poor cash flow or high debt levels tend to earn lower ratings in our model.

First Solar (FSLR) pushed the Technology sector lower today making it today's featured Technology laggard. The sector as a whole closed the day down 0.2%. By the end of trading, First Solar fell 27 cents (-1.4%) to $18.65 on average volume. Throughout the day, 6.6 million shares of First Solar exchanged hands as compared to its average daily volume of 6.9 million shares. The stock ranged in price between $18.57-$19.45 after having opened the day at $19.26 as compared to the previous trading day's close of $18.92. Other companies within the Technology sector that declined today were: Enova Systems (ENA), down 16.7%, Nokia Oyj (NOK), down 16.4%, Crexendo (EXE), down 12.5%, and Vimicro International Corporation (VIMC), down 10%.

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First Solar, Inc. engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of solar modules using a thin-film semiconductor technology in the United States and internationally. The company is also involved in the design, construction, and sale of photovoltaic solar power systems. First Solar has a market cap of $1.74 billion and is part of the electronics industry. Shares are down 44% year to date as of the close of trading on Tuesday. Currently there are five analysts that rate First Solar a buy, two analysts rate it a sell, and 19 rate it a hold.

TheStreet Ratings rates First Solar as a sell. The company's weaknesses can be seen in multiple areas, such as its disappointing return on equity, poor profit margins and generally disappointing historical performance in the stock itself.

• You can view the full First Solar Ratings Report.

On the positive front, Hauppauge Digital (HAUP), up 16.5%, AudioCodes (AUDC), up 15.2%, TeleCommunication Systems (TSYS), up 14.3%, and OYO Geospace Corporation (OYOG), up 13.7%, were all gainers within the technology sector with Teradata Corporation (TDC) being today's featured technology sector leader.

• Use our technology section to find sector-relevant news.
• Or find some new ideas from our top rated stocks lists.

For investors not wanting singular stock exposure, ETFs may be of interest. Investors who are bullish on the technology sector could consider Technology Select Sector SPDR (XLK) while those bearish on the technology sector could consider ProShares Ultra Short Technology (REW).

• Find other investment ideas from our top rated ETFs lists.

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For more information on First Solar Inc. click any of the following:

• First Solar Inc. Stock Price

• First Solar Inc. Analyst Ratings

• First Solar Inc. Key Stats & Profile

• First Solar Inc. Earnings

• First Solar Inc. Ratio Comparison

• First Solar Inc. Growth Rates

• First Solar Inc. Balance Sheet

• First Solar Inc. Cash Flow

• First Solar Inc. Income Statement