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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 50 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:50Neutral
Price Target:
$12.00
▼(-9.77% Downside)
Canadian Solar's overall stock score reflects significant financial and valuation challenges. High debt levels, negative cash flow trends, and a negative P/E ratio are major concerns. While technical analysis shows some short-term bullish signals, the overall outlook is tempered by operational inefficiencies and profitability pressures.
Positive Factors
Strong Gross Margin Performance
Exceeding gross margin guidance indicates effective cost management and pricing strategy, enhancing profitability and competitive positioning in the solar market.
Sustainability Achievements
Significant sustainability achievements enhance brand reputation and align with global environmental trends, potentially attracting eco-conscious investors and customers.
Project Development Pipeline
A robust project development pipeline supports future revenue growth and market expansion, positioning Canadian Solar as a leader in solar and energy storage solutions.
Negative Factors
High Debt Levels
High debt levels can strain financial flexibility and increase vulnerability to interest rate changes, impacting long-term financial stability.
Negative Cash Flow Trends
Negative cash flow trends highlight operational inefficiencies and liquidity challenges, potentially limiting the company's ability to invest in growth opportunities.
Declining Revenue Growth
Declining revenue growth suggests challenges in market demand or competitive positioning, which could affect long-term profitability and market share.

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 photovoltaic modules, which are sold to distributors, installers, and project developers around the globe. Additionally, the company earns income from its project development segment by constructing and selling solar power plants, as well as through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) that provide stable cash flow from operating solar facilities. Key revenue streams include module sales, project sales, and operations and maintenance services. Canadian Solar has established significant partnerships with various stakeholders in the energy sector, including utility companies and government agencies, to enhance its market presence and secure contracts that contribute to its earnings. The company is also involved in the energy storage market, which is an emerging revenue source as demand for integrated solar and storage solutions increases.

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:Main Street Data

Canadian Solar Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 21, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Nov 19, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
While Canadian Solar reported strong module shipments and exceeded gross margin guidance, the company faced challenges with storage shipment delays, impacted revenue from delayed project sales, and rising supply chain costs. Additionally, profitability was affected by nonrecurring expenses. The commitment to sustainability and strong performance in North America are positive aspects, but the significant challenges balance the overall sentiment.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Module Shipments Near High End of Guidance
In Q2 2025, Canadian Solar delivered 7.9 gigawatts of modules, near the high end of their guidance.
Strong Gross Margin Performance
Gross margin exceeded guidance at 29.8%, driven by a higher mix of North America module shipments and robust storage performance.
Sustainability Achievements
In 2024, Canadian Solar reduced greenhouse gas emissions, energy, water, and waste intensities significantly compared to 2017 levels, and increased the percentage of recycled and reused waste to 94%.
Negative Updates
Storage Shipments Below Guidance
Storage shipments reached 2.2 gigawatt hours, below guidance due to tariff impacts shifting deliveries into the second half of the year.
Project Sales Delays Impact Revenue
Revenue totaled $1.7 billion for Q2, impacted by delayed project sales and resulting in lower-than-expected outcomes.
Profitability Weighed Down by Nonrecurring Expenses
Profitability was impacted by certain nonrecurring operating expenses, including the impairment of legacy manufacturing assets, resulting in a net income attributable to shareholders of $7 million.
Rising Supply Chain Costs
Rising supply chain costs driven by the anti-involution campaign in China, combined with tariffs and duties, are expected to raise unit costs in the second half.
Company Guidance
During the Canadian Solar Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, the company provided several key metrics and insights into their performance and future expectations. Canadian Solar delivered 7.9 gigawatts of modules, which was near the high end of their guidance, while storage shipments reached 2.2 gigawatt hours, falling below guidance due to tariff impacts. The company's revenue totaled $1.7 billion, which was affected by certain project sale delays. Despite this, they exceeded gross margin guidance, achieving 29.8%, driven by a higher mix of North American module shipments and robust storage performance. However, profitability was impacted by nonrecurring operating expenses, leading to a net income attributable to shareholders of $7 million or a net loss of 8¢ per diluted share. For the third quarter of 2025, Canadian Solar forecasts module volumes between 5 to 5.3 gigawatts and energy storage shipments between 2.1 to 2.3 gigawatt hours, with expected revenue ranging from $1.3 to $1.5 billion and gross margins between 14 to 16%. For the full year, they have narrowed their module volume guidance to 25 to 27 gigawatts and revised their revenue guidance to between $5.65 and $6.3 billion.

Canadian Solar Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Canadian Solar faces significant financial challenges, with declining revenue growth, high debt levels, and negative cash flow trends. The income statement shows reduced profitability, and the balance sheet indicates high financial leverage. Cash flow issues further highlight operational inefficiencies and liquidity concerns.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Canadian Solar's income statement reveals challenges with profitability and growth. The gross profit margin for 2024 is approximately 16.67%, indicating a decline from previous years, reflecting increased cost pressures. The company reported a negative EBIT margin of -2.08%, showing operating challenges. The revenue growth rate from 2023 to 2024 was negative at -21.28%, indicating a significant decline in sales. Net profit margin shrank to 0.60%, highlighting reduced profitability despite positive net income.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
The balance sheet of Canadian Solar showcases a mixed financial position. The debt-to-equity ratio stands at 2.10, indicating high financial leverage and potential risk from over-reliance on debt financing. However, the equity ratio is 20.84%, reflecting moderate equity support. Return on equity (ROE) for 2024 is a modest 1.28%, suggesting limited returns for shareholders. Overall, the company maintains a balance between assets and liabilities, but high debt levels remain a concern.
Cash Flow
40
Negative
Canadian Solar's cash flow statement highlights significant cash flow challenges. The company experienced a negative free cash flow growth rate of -227.06% from 2023 to 2024, indicating declining free cash availability. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is negative, suggesting operational inefficiencies, while the free cash flow to net income ratio is also unfavorable. This highlights the company's difficulty in generating cash from operations, which may affect liquidity.
BreakdownDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue5.99B7.61B7.47B5.28B3.48B
Gross Profit999.32M1.28B1.26B909.31M689.91M
EBITDA556.61M829.66M675.15M494.31M423.51M
Net Income36.05M274.19M239.97M95.25M146.70M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets13.51B11.90B9.04B7.39B6.54B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments2.25B1.96B981.43M869.83M1.18B
Total Debt5.91B4.48B4.01B3.26B2.81B
Total Liabilities9.36B8.19B6.73B5.26B4.64B
Stockholders Equity2.82B2.56B1.94B1.80B1.57B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-2.75B-840.85M288.63M-837.75M-455.48M
Operating Cash Flow-885.32M684.62M916.63M-408.25M-120.54M
Investing Cash Flow-1.96B-1.67B-630.49M-429.57M-319.66M
Financing Cash Flow2.32B2.05B428.64M614.07M823.50M

Canadian Solar Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price13.30
Price Trends
50DMA
11.70
Positive
100DMA
11.35
Positive
200DMA
10.79
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.40
Negative
RSI
64.07
Neutral
STOCH
80.87
Negative
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 13.3 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 11.29, above the 50-day MA of 11.70, and above the 200-day MA of 10.79, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.40 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 64.07 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 80.87 is Negative, 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
75
Outperform
4.97B29.2119.84%4.39%37.70%
67
Neutral
1.29B60.024.26%-11.95%-7.87%
64
Neutral
1.22B-4.66-57.01%6.36%-1683.09%
61
Neutral
1.28B-5.070.27%10.87%-30.26%-156.69%
51
Neutral
2.22B-1.27-334.37%-36.07%-233.14%
50
Neutral
$867.29M20.05-0.25%-9.11%-118.62%
61
Neutral
$37.18B12.37-10.20%1.83%8.50%-7.62%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CSIQ
Canadian Solar
13.30
-2.87
-17.75%
ENPH
Enphase Energy
37.08
-77.92
-67.76%
JKS
JinkoSolar
25.39
3.56
16.31%
SEDG
SolarEdge Technologies
37.90
14.78
63.93%
ARRY
Array Technologies
8.17
1.44
21.40%
SHLS
Shoals Technologies Group
7.58
1.75
30.02%

Canadian Solar Corporate Events

Canadian Solar Reports Strong Q2 2025 Results Amid Market Challenges
Aug 21, 2025

On August 21, 2025, Canadian Solar reported its financial results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2025. The company experienced a 14% increase in solar module shipments and exceeded its gross margin guidance with a 29.8% margin. Despite revenue coming in below expectations due to delays in storage shipments and project sales, the company managed to achieve a net income of $7 million. Canadian Solar continues to navigate market challenges, focusing on risk management and sustainable profitability, while expanding its project development pipeline, which includes 27.3 GWp of solar projects and 80 GWh of battery energy storage projects.

Canadian Solar Inc. Concludes Successful 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting
Jun 20, 2025

On June 20, 2025, Canadian Solar Inc. held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders, where all proposals submitted for approval were passed. The shareholders elected the board of directors and re-appointed Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu as auditors, authorizing the directors to fix their remuneration. This meeting reinforces Canadian Solar’s stable governance and operational continuity, potentially strengthening its position in the renewable energy sector.

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: Sep 16, 2025