8-KShareholder Matters

FIRST SOLAR, INC. 8-K Report, Shareholder Vote Results (May 26, 2011)

Filed May 26, 2011For Securities:FSLR

Summary

This 8-K filing from First Solar, Inc. reports the results of their 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 25, 2011. The primary focus for investors is the outcome of shareholder votes on key corporate governance matters. Notably, all nine director nominees were elected to the board, indicating continued shareholder confidence in the current leadership. The company also received an advisory vote on executive compensation, with a majority of votes cast in favor, though a significant minority expressed dissent. Furthermore, shareholders approved the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2011. A significant outcome was the vote on the frequency of executive compensation advisory votes, with shareholders opting for a triennial vote, meaning it will occur every three years. A shareholder proposal regarding Arizona Immigration Reform was overwhelmingly voted against, signifying a clear stance from the majority of shareholders on this social issue.

Key Highlights

  • 1All nine director nominees were successfully elected to the First Solar board of directors.
  • 2The advisory vote on executive compensation received a majority of shareholder support.
  • 3PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP was ratified as the company's independent auditor for fiscal year 2011.
  • 4Shareholders approved holding an advisory vote on executive compensation every three years.
  • 5A shareholder proposal concerning Arizona Immigration Reform was decisively rejected.
  • 6A substantial number of broker non-votes were recorded across several proposals, indicating a portion of shares were not voted by their beneficial owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all nine director nominees presented at the meeting were elected to serve on the board of directors until the next annual meeting.

The advisory vote on executive compensation received majority support from shareholders, with 58,727,370 votes cast in favor.

Following the shareholder vote, First Solar will hold an advisory vote on executive compensation every three years.

No, the shareholder proposal regarding Arizona Immigration Reform was overwhelmingly voted against by shareholders.