First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR) Should Beat EPS, Revenue Estimates

Even though EPS estimates are high for First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR), Barclays (NYSE:BCS) believes First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR) will be able to exceed them going forward.

Barclays said, "FSLR will host a 2011 guidance call with investors post market close on 12/14: We expect 2011 revenue/EPS guidance above Street consensus and are raising estimates from $8.55 to $8.80, price target to $144. Although we believe share price upside to the - $150 levels is likely in the near term, we note that Street expectations are high. Visibility with respect to 2011 demand outlook along with above consensus operating margin guidance would be required for share price outperformance from current levels.

"2011 Guidance Preview: We expect revenues to be in the range of $3.6 and $4 billion (consensus $3.63 billion), gross margins in the range of 37-40% (consensus 39%), operating margins in the range of 23-25% (consensus 24%), tax rate in the range of 12-15% (consensus 15%) and EPS range of $8.80-$9.40."

Barclays maintains an "Equalweight" on First Solar, which closed Monday at $136.80, down $1.40, or 1.01 percent. They raised their price target on them from $140 to $144.