First Solar (FSLR) vs Tower Semiconductor (TSEM)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Tower Semiconductor (TSEM) has outperformed First Solar (FSLR) over the past year, gaining 244.4% versus a loss of 21.0%. Over five years, TSEM leads with a +721.7% price change compared with +71.4% for FSLR. Tower Semiconductor is the larger company by market cap ($25.86 billion vs $19.22 billion), about 1.3 times the size, while First Solar is growing revenue faster (+24.1% vs +9.1%).
On valuation, First Solar trades at a lower forward P/E (7.7x vs 34.1x for Tower Semiconductor). First Solar converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 29.3% versus 14.1%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | FSLR | TSEM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $178.85 | $228.75 |
| Market cap | $19.22B | $25.86B |
| 1-day change | -0.71% | -7.85% |
| YTD return | -31.05% | +111.42% |
| 1-year return | -20.96% | +244.41% |
| 5-year return | +71.37% | +721.75% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 11.03 | 90.42 |
| Forward P/E | 7.70 | 34.09 |
| EPS (TTM) | $16.22 | $2.53 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $5.22B | $1.57B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +24.09% | +9.05% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.53B | $220.47M |
| Gross margin | 40.62% | 23.23% |
| Operating margin | 30.59% | 12.40% |
| Net margin | 29.28% | 14.08% |
| 52-week high | $320.95 | $319.94 |
| 52-week low | $168.60 | $70.90 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -44.27% | -28.50% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +54.17% | +36.80% |
| Average volume | 2.26M | 1.88M |
| Shares outstanding | 107.47M | 113.03M |
| Employees | 7,900 | — |
| Sector | Technology | Technology |
| Industry | Semiconductors | Semiconductors |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- TSEM has outperformed FSLR by 265.4 percentage points over the past year.
- Tower Semiconductor trades at a higher earnings multiple (90.4x vs 11.0x trailing P/E).
- First Solar is more profitable, keeping 29.3 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 14.1 cents for Tower Semiconductor.
- First Solar grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+24.09% vs +9.05%).
About First Solar
FSLR stock →First Solar, Inc., a solar technology company, provides photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions in the United States, France, India, Chile, and internationally. The company manufactures and sells PV solar modules with thin film semiconductor technology that provides conventional crystalline silicon PV solar modules.
Technology · Semiconductors · 7,900 employees
About Tower Semiconductor
TSEM stock →Tower Semiconductor Ltd., an independent semiconductor foundry, provides technology, development, and process platforms for integrated circuits in the United States, Japan, rest of Asia, and Europe. The company provides customizable process technologies, including SiGe, SiPho, mixed signal CMOS, RF CMOS, CMOS image sensor, non-imaging sensors, wafers, and integrated power management.
Technology · Semiconductors
FSLR vs TSEM FAQ
Which is bigger, First Solar or Tower Semiconductor?
Tower Semiconductor (TSEM) is larger, with a market capitalization of $25.86B compared with $19.22B for First Solar (FSLR).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, FSLR or TSEM?
TSEM returned +244.41% over the past 12 months, compared with -20.96% for FSLR (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, FSLR or TSEM?
FSLR has the lower trailing P/E at 11.0, versus 90.4 for TSEM. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Are First Solar and Tower Semiconductor in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Semiconductors industry within the Technology sector.