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Canadian Solar Inc (CSIQ)
NASDAQ:CSIQ
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Canadian Solar (CSIQ) AI Stock Analysis

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CSIQ

Canadian Solar

(NASDAQ:CSIQ)

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Neutral 54 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:54Neutral
Price Target:
$22.00
▼(-18.79% Downside)
Canadian Solar's overall stock score reflects significant financial challenges, including declining revenue and high leverage, which weigh heavily on the score. While technical indicators show some short-term strength, the high P/E ratio suggests potential overvaluation. The company's strategic initiatives in energy storage and US manufacturing provide some positive outlook, but financial stability remains a critical concern.
Positive Factors
Energy Storage Growth
Strong growth in energy storage shipments indicates a robust demand and market position, supporting long-term revenue diversification and stability.
US Manufacturing Expansion
Expanding US manufacturing capabilities strengthens supply chain resilience and positions Canadian Solar favorably in a key market.
High-Margin Project Sales
High-margin project sales enhance profitability and demonstrate effective project management and strategic market positioning.
Negative Factors
High Leverage
High leverage limits financial flexibility and increases risk, potentially impacting long-term operational and strategic initiatives.
Negative Cash Flows
Negative cash flows indicate operational inefficiencies and reliance on external financing, challenging the company's financial health and growth potential.
Decreased Solar Segment Margins
Decreased margins in the solar segment highlight cost pressures and competitive challenges, affecting profitability and market competitiveness.

Canadian Solar (CSIQ) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Canadian Solar Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCanadian Solar Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells solar ingots, wafers, cells, modules, and other solar power and battery storage products in Asia, the Americas, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Canadian Solar Inc. (CSI) Solar and Global Energy. The CSI Solar segment offers standard solar modules and battery storage solutions, as well as solar system kits that are a ready-to-install packages comprising inverters, racking systems, and other accessories; and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services. The Global Energy segment engages in the development, construction, maintenance, and sale of solar and battery storage projects; operation of solar power plants; and sale of electricity. This segment also provides operation and maintenance (O&M) services, including monitoring, inspections, repair, and replacement of plant equipment; and site management and administrative support services for solar projects, as well as asset management services. As of January 31, 2021, this segment had a fleet of solar power plants in operation with an aggregate capacity of approximately 445 MWp. The company serves distributors, system integrators, project developers, and installers/EPC companies. It sells its products primarily under its Canadian Solar brand name; and on an OEM basis. The company was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in Guelph, Canada.
How the Company Makes MoneyCanadian Solar generates revenue primarily through the sale of solar modules, which are the core components of solar energy systems. The company has a diversified revenue model that includes several key streams: revenue from the manufacturing and sale of solar PV modules, revenue from the development and sale of solar power projects, and revenue from energy storage solutions. Additionally, Canadian Solar engages in long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) and leases for its solar projects, allowing for predictable cash flow. The company also benefits from strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, including utility companies and governments, which can provide incentives and subsidies that enhance profitability. Furthermore, the global push for renewable energy and favorable regulatory environments in several countries contribute positively to Canadian Solar's earnings.

Canadian Solar Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Gross Profit by Segment
Gross Profit by Segment
Reveals the profitability of each business segment, indicating where the company is most efficient and where there may be cost management challenges.
Chart InsightsCanadian Solar's gross profit from CSI Solar shows a volatile trend, with a significant drop in early 2025. This aligns with the earnings call highlighting profitability challenges, market overcapacity, and tariff impacts. Despite strong module shipments and innovative product launches, these factors led to a net loss and reduced guidance for 2025. Recurrent Energy's contribution remains inconsistent, further stressing the need for strategic adjustments. The company's focus on energy storage growth and improved shipping costs could mitigate some risks, but market uncertainties remain a concern.
Data provided by:The Fly

Canadian Solar Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 13, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Mar 12, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a balanced view with strong growth in energy storage, high-margin project sales, and strategic progress in US manufacturing. However, challenges such as decreased solar segment margins, net losses due to shareholder impacts, ongoing ADCVD litigation, and increased debt highlight areas of concern.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Energy Storage Shipments
Achieved a record quarterly shipment of 2.7 gigawatt hours in energy storage, indicating strong growth in this segment.
Strong Revenue Performance
Total revenue reached $1.5 billion, landing at the high end of expectations.
Gross Margin Exceeded Expectations
Gross margin was 17.2%, exceeding guidance, primarily due to strong contributions from energy storage shipments.
Significant Progress in US Manufacturing
Phase one of the solar cell factory in Indiana and lithium battery factory in Kentucky are on track to start production by 2026 year-end, strengthening US supply chain.
Growth in Residential Energy Storage
Strong growth in Japan, Italy, and the US; expanding into Germany and Australia, on track to become profitable in 2025.
High-Margin Project Sales
Monetized over 500 megawatts of projects with a gross margin of 46.1%, driven by profitable project sales.
Negative Updates
Decreased Gross Margin in Solar Segment
Gross margin decreased by 730 basis points to 15% in the solar segment due to incremental upstream price increases and underutilization.
Net Loss Due to Preferred Shareholder Impact
Reported a net income attributable to shareholders of $9 million, or a net loss of $0.07 per diluted share due to the impact of paid-in-kind of preferred shareholder.
Challenges with ADCVD Process
Ongoing litigation with potential significant financial liabilities, though no reserve has been booked.
Reduced Cash Flow and Increased Debt
Net cash used in operating activities was $1.112 billion, with total debt increasing incrementally to $6.4 billion.
Company Guidance
During Canadian Solar's Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, the company reported notable financial and operational metrics. Solar module shipments reached 5.01 gigawatts, aligning with guidance, while energy storage shipments hit a record 2.7 gigawatt hours. Total revenue was $1.5 billion, at the high end of expectations, with a gross margin of 17.2% driven by strong energy storage contributions. The company achieved a net income of $9 million, despite a net loss of $0.07 per diluted share due to preferred shareholder impacts. Looking ahead, Canadian Solar expects fourth-quarter revenue between $1.3 and $1.5 billion, with a gross margin of 14 to 16%. For 2026, projected module shipments range from 25 to 30 gigawatts, including one gigawatt for internal projects, and energy storage shipments are expected to be between 14 and 17 gigawatt hours. The company also emphasized its strategic focus on US manufacturing investments and compliance with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to support long-term growth and market positioning.

Canadian Solar Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Canadian Solar faces significant financial challenges, with declining revenue, high leverage, and negative cash flows. The company must focus on improving operational efficiency, reducing debt, and enhancing cash flow generation to strengthen its financial position.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Canadian Solar's income statement reveals a challenging period with declining revenue and profitability. The TTM data shows a significant revenue decrease of 34.2%, and the net profit margin is a low 0.27%. The gross profit margin is 18.97%, indicating some efficiency in cost management. However, the negative EBIT margin suggests operational challenges. The company needs to address its declining revenue and improve operational efficiency to enhance profitability.
Balance Sheet
50
Neutral
The balance sheet indicates a high leverage with a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.58, which poses a financial risk. The return on equity is low at 0.57%, reflecting limited profitability relative to shareholder equity. The equity ratio stands at 18.92%, suggesting a moderate level of equity financing. The company should focus on reducing debt levels to improve financial stability.
Cash Flow
40
Negative
Cash flow analysis shows negative operating and free cash flows, with a significant free cash flow decline of 15.19% in the TTM. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is negative, indicating cash flow issues relative to reported earnings. The free cash flow to net income ratio is high at 14.24, suggesting reliance on non-operational sources for cash. Improving cash flow from operations is crucial for financial health.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue5.90B5.99B7.61B7.47B5.28B3.48B
Gross Profit1.12B999.32M1.28B1.26B909.31M689.91M
EBITDA135.11M556.61M829.66M675.15M479.39M423.51M
Net Income16.11M36.05M274.19M239.97M95.25M146.70M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets15.16B13.51B11.90B9.04B7.39B6.54B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.76B2.25B1.96B981.43M869.83M1.64B
Total Debt7.40B5.91B4.48B4.04B3.26B2.89B
Total Liabilities10.80B9.36B8.19B6.73B5.26B4.64B
Stockholders Equity2.87B2.82B2.56B1.94B1.80B1.57B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-1.51B-2.76B-840.85M288.63M-837.75M-455.48M
Operating Cash Flow102.77M-885.32M684.62M916.63M-408.25M-120.54M
Investing Cash Flow-1.84B-1.96B-1.67B-630.49M-429.57M-319.66M
Financing Cash Flow1.24B2.32B2.05B428.64M614.07M823.50M

Canadian Solar Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price27.09
Price Trends
50DMA
18.96
Positive
100DMA
15.37
Positive
200DMA
12.67
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.95
Positive
RSI
57.58
Neutral
STOCH
37.78
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CSIQ, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 27.09 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 25.94, above the 50-day MA of 18.96, and above the 200-day MA of 12.67, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 1.95 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 57.58 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 37.78 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for CSIQ.

Canadian Solar Risk Analysis

Canadian Solar disclosed 63 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Canadian Solar reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Canadian Solar Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
67
Neutral
$1.37B41.225.86%2.68%2.90%
61
Neutral
$37.18B12.37-10.20%1.83%8.50%-7.62%
61
Neutral
$3.64B19.2520.31%20.97%226.98%
61
Neutral
$1.36B-17.96%10.74%-34.29%-732.90%
54
Neutral
$1.81B113.300.56%-4.46%1645.26%
54
Neutral
$1.14B-7.75%35.75%37.97%
49
Neutral
$2.12B-78.09%-0.14%66.71%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CSIQ
Canadian Solar
27.09
14.37
112.97%
ENPH
Enphase Energy
27.82
-47.30
-62.97%
JKS
JinkoSolar
25.71
2.47
10.63%
SEDG
SolarEdge Technologies
35.47
19.58
123.22%
ARRY
Array Technologies
7.49
0.81
12.13%
SHLS
Shoals Technologies Group
8.17
3.01
58.33%

Canadian Solar Corporate Events

Canadian Solar Reports Strong Q3 2025 Results Amid Strategic U.S. Expansion
Nov 13, 2025

On November 13, 2025, Canadian Solar Inc. announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2025, reporting net revenues of $1.5 billion, which was at the high end of their guidance. The company achieved a gross margin of 17.2%, surpassing expectations, driven by strong battery energy storage shipments and a strategic focus on profitable markets. Canadian Solar’s e-STORAGE division recorded a backlog increase to $3.1 billion, indicating robust future growth prospects. The company is also advancing its U.S. manufacturing facilities, with solar cell production in Indiana and lithium battery energy storage production in Kentucky expected to commence in 2026. Despite a decrease in total module shipments, the company maintained profitability through strategic project sales and disciplined financial management.

Canadian Solar’s CSI Solar Reports Q3 2025 Financial Results
Oct 30, 2025

On October 30, 2025, Canadian Solar’s subsidiary, CSI Solar, released its third-quarter financial report for 2025, showing a decrease in operating revenue and profits compared to the previous year. The decline was attributed to lower average selling prices and increased tariffs and freight costs, although there was growth in energy storage revenue and a reduction in manufacturing costs. Despite these challenges, the company reported a significant increase in net cash flow from operating activities due to improved sales receipts and optimized inventory management.

Canadian Solar’s Recurrent Energy Secures $825 Million for Arizona Projects
Oct 21, 2025

On October 21, 2025, Canadian Solar’s subsidiary, Recurrent Energy, announced the closure of $825 million in project financing for its Desert Bloom Storage and Papago Solar facilities in Maricopa County, Arizona. These projects, part of a partnership with Arizona Public Service, include a 600 MWh energy storage facility and a 150 MWac solar power plant, expected to be operational by the first half of 2026. This financing underscores Recurrent Energy’s commitment to enhancing Arizona’s grid reliability and supporting the state’s economic growth through renewable energy infrastructure.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Nov 25, 2025