First Solar Stock Added to Analyst Focus List at J.P. Morgan Securities

FSLR has had a strong run already in 2019

First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) this morning was added to J.P. Morgan Securities' analyst focus list, and the brokerage firm reiterated its "overweight" rating while lifting its price target to $72 from $70. The analysts predict upcoming earnings releases could be strong thanks to a successful transition to the company's Series 6 solar modules.

This just extends a string of bullish analyst attention on FSLR stock, driving the shares to a 45% year-to-date lead. On Friday they touched their highest levels since June. Today the equity is set to open down 1.2% with the broader market, after closing last week at $61.76. Most analysts are already expecting a move near J.P. Morgan's new target, with the average analyst price target coming in at $69.81.

Data from the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX) shows some traders seem to be speculating on more upside in First Solar stock, since the 10-day call/put volume ratio at these exchanges is 6.27 -- ranking in the 98th annual percentile. Looking closer, the June 62.50, 65, and 70 calls all saw large increases in open interest during that two-week span. As it stands now, near-term options seem attractively priced, based on the Schaeffer's Volatility Index (SVI) of 32%, in the 10th annual percentile.