First Solar Inc (FSLR)

Operating profit margin

		Dec 31, 2023	Sep 30, 2023	Jun 30, 2023	Mar 31, 2023	Dec 31, 2022	Sep 30, 2022	Jun 30, 2022	Mar 31, 2022	Dec 31, 2021	Sep 30, 2021	Jun 30, 2021	Mar 31, 2021	Dec 31, 2020	Sep 30, 2020	Jun 30, 2020	Mar 31, 2020	Dec 31, 2019	Sep 30, 2019	Jun 30, 2019	Mar 31, 2019
Operating income (ttm)	US$ in thousands	857,266	413,576	72,258	48,570	-27,236	191,829	311,049	276,599	586,751	471,366	627,662	568,181	317,489	141,849	-24,010	-83,490	-161,785	-32,911	-15,740	-110,790
Revenue (ttm)	US$ in thousands	3,318,599	3,162,439	2,990,282	2,800,564	2,619,318	2,524,247	2,478,818	2,487,043	2,923,377	2,625,290	2,969,351	2,982,582	2,711,332	3,501,480	3,120,721	3,063,266	3,063,120	2,354,981	2,484,395	2,208,757
Operating profit margin		25.83%	13.08%	2.42%	1.73%	-1.04%	7.60%	12.55%	11.12%	20.07%	17.95%	21.14%	19.05%	11.71%	4.05%	-0.77%	-2.73%	-5.28%	-1.40%	-0.63%	-5.02%

December 31, 2023 calculation

Operating profit margin = Operating income (ttm) ÷ Revenue (ttm)
= $857,266K ÷ $3,318,599K
= 25.83%

The operating profit margin trend for First Solar Inc has shown volatility over the past eight quarters. The company experienced a significant improvement in Q4 2023, with an operating profit margin of 26.70%, indicating a strong performance in converting sales into profits.

However, prior to that, the operating profit margin was relatively lower, fluctuating between 3.39% and -10.72% in the preceding quarters. This suggests varying levels of efficiency in managing operating costs and generating profits during those periods.

The positive trend in Q4 2023 could be attributed to improved cost management, stronger sales performance, or a combination of both factors. It would be important for stakeholders to monitor future quarters to assess whether this improved performance is sustainable and part of a broader positive trend for the company.