First Solar, Inc. (FSLR), SunPower Corporation (SPWR), GT Advanced Technologies Inc (GTAT), Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (ADR) (STP): This Week in Solar

I like the move into higher-efficiency modules by First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR), but a lot of question marks remain, which makes the stock a bit speculative going forward.

I’ve taken a deeper look at First Solar’s industry position and what these latest moves mean for the company. If you’re looking for continuing these updates and guidance on the company whenever news breaks, The Motley Fool has created a brand-new report that details every must know side of this stock. To get started, simply click here now.

Is Suntech still alive?
Rumors swirled this week that Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd (ADR) (NYSE:STP) would be acquired by Warren Buffett’s subsidiary MidAmerican Energy. Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd (ADR) (NYSE:STP) has defaulted on U.S. loans, and its Chinese operations are in insolvency, so it’s unknown exactly what Buffett would be buying. Then there’s the fact that Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd (ADR) (NYSE:STP) doesn’t meet any of Buffett’s normal investing rules, so there are few industry observers who think an acquisition would go through.

I don’t see any way Buffett wants any part of Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd (ADR) (NYSE:STP), and I chalk this up as a crazy rumor. I also wouldn’t expect Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd (ADR) (NYSE:STP)’s suddenly rejuvenated stock to show life much longer. The core of the company is bankrupt, and it has no way to pay back debt, leaving equity holders with nothing once a liquidation or sale is complete.

Foolish bottom line
First Solar’s moves are interesting and make the company worth watching over the next few years. On the other end of the spectrum, Suntech Power is a dying company, and eventually I think equity holders will be wiped out.

The article This Week in Solar originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Travis Hoium manages an account that owns shares of SunPower. He also owns shares of SunPower and has long January 2015 $7 calls, long January 2015 $5 calls, and long January 2015 $15 Calls on SunPower. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

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