F5, Inc. (FFIV) vs First Solar, Inc. (FSLR)

FSLR leads on 14 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of F5, Inc. and First Solar, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 18, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total returnFFIV vs FSLR

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 20y
FFIV +1036.2%FSLR +756.9%FFIV compounded faster
05001kStart $10020102014201820222026$1,136$857
FFIV FSLR

FFIV vs FSLR: by the numbers

  • FFIV is the larger company ($23.08B vs $22.78B market cap).
  • FSLR trades at the lower earnings multiple (13.69 vs 33.56 P/E).
  • FSLR converts more revenue to profit (30.73% vs 21.96% net margin).
  • FSLR grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.69% vs 5.49% CAGR).

Which is better, FFIV or FSLR?

Metric tally: FFIV 2 · FSLR 14

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueFSLR(lower P/E)
GrowthFSLR(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityFSLR(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFFIVFSLR
P/E ratio33.5613.69
Forward P/E24.8111.98
P/S ratio7.274.21
P/B ratio6.422.31
PEG ratio1.131.01
EV / EBITDA24.978.89
FCF yield4.11%7.31%

Profitability

MetricFFIVFSLR
Gross margin81.90%41.73%
Operating margin24.65%33.17%
Net margin21.96%30.73%
ROE19.41%16.86%
ROIC13.85%14.42%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFFIVFSLR
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.49%12.69%
EPS CAGR (5Y)18.82%30.54%
FCF CAGR (5Y)11.35%55.54%
Total return CAGR (5Y)17.11%20.48%

Frequently asked

Which is better, FFIV or FSLR?
It depends on your goal. value: FSLR (lower P/E); growth: FSLR (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: FSLR (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, FSLR leads 14 to 2.
Is FFIV or FSLR cheaper?
On trailing earnings, FSLR is cheaper: FFIV trades at a 33.56 P/E and FSLR at 13.69.
Which has grown faster, FFIV or FSLR?
Over the past five years, FSLR grew revenue faster — FFIV at a 5.49% CAGR versus FSLR at 12.69%.
Is FFIV or FSLR more profitable?
FSLR runs the higher net margin — FFIV at 21.96% versus FSLR at 30.73%.
Which has been the better investment, FFIV or FSLR?
Over the past 10-year, FSLR delivered the higher annualized total return — FFIV at 13.39% versus FSLR at 16.07%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 18, 2026.