DEFA14A

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Filed by the Registrant þ

Filed by a party other than the Registrant ¨

Check the appropriate box:

¨ Preliminary Proxy Statement

¨ Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

¨ Definitive Proxy Statement

þ Definitive Additional Materials

¨ Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

First Solar, Inc.

 

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

þ No fee required

¨ Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11

 

(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

 

 

(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

 

 

(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

 

 

 

(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

 

 

 

(5) Total fee paid:

 

 

¨ Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

¨ Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

(1) Amount Previously Paid:

 

 

 

(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

 

 

 

(3) Filing Party:

 

 

 

(4) Date Filed:

 

 

Persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number.

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0000281603_1 R1.0.1.25
*** Exercise Your Right to Vote ***
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on May 18, 2016
FIRST SOLAR, INC.
BROKER LOGO HERE
Return Address Line 1
Return Address Line 2
Return Address Line 3
51 MERCEDES WAY
EDGEWOOD NY 11717
Investor Address Line 1
Investor Address Line 2 1
Investor Address Line 3
Investor Address Line 4 15 12 OF
Investor Address Line 5
John Sample 2
1234 ANYWHERE STREET
ANY CITY, ON A1A 1A1
Meeting Information
Meeting Type: Annual Meeting
For holders as of: March 29, 2016
Date: May 18, 2016 Time: 9:00 AM PDT
Location: Desert Willow Conference Center
4340 East Cotton Center Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ 85040
You are receiving this communication because you hold shares in the above named company.
This is not a ballot. You cannot use this notice to vote these shares. This communication presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet. You may view the proxy materials online at www.proxyvote.com or easily request a paper copy (see reverse side).
We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting.
See the reverse side of this notice to obtain proxy materials and voting instructions.
B A R C O D E
Broadridge Internal Use Only
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0000281603_2 R1.0.1.25
— Before You Vote —
How to Access the Proxy Materials
Proxy Materials Available to VIEW or RECEIVE:
1. Annual Report 2. Notice & Proxy Statement
How to View Online:
Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx (located on the following page) and visit: www.proxyvote.com.
How to Request and Receive a PAPER or E-MAIL Copy:
If you want to receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents, you must request one. There is NO charge for requesting a copy. Please choose one of the following methods to make your request:
1) BY INTERNET: www.proxyvote.com
2) BY TELEPHONE: 1-800-579-1639
3) BY E-MAIL*: sendmaterial@proxyvote.com
* If requesting materials by e-mail, please send a blank e-mail with the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx (located on the following page) in the subject line.
Requests, instructions and other inquiries sent to this e-mail address will NOT be forwarded to your investment advisor. Please make the request as instructed above on or before May 04, 2016 to facilitate timely delivery.
— How To Vote —
Please Choose One of the Following Voting Methods
Vote In Person: If you choose to vote these shares in person at the meeting, you must request a “legal proxy.” To do so, please follow the instructions at www.proxyvote.com or request a paper copy of the materials, which will contain the appropriate instructions. Many shareholder meetings have attendance requirements including, but not limited to, the possession of an attendance ticket issued by the entity holding the meeting. Please check the meeting materials for any special requirements for meeting attendance.
Vote By Internet: To vote now by Internet, go to www.proxyvote.com. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx available and follow the instructions.
Vote By Mail: You can vote by mail by requesting a paper copy of the materials, which will include a voting instruction form.
Internal Use Only

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0000281603_3 R1.0.1.25
Voting items
The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal(s):
1. Election of Directors
Nominees
1A Michael J. Ahearn
1B Sharon L. Allen
1C Richard D. Chapman
1D George A. Hambro
1E James A. Hughes
1F Craig Kennedy
1G James F. Nolan
1H William J. Post
1I J. Thomas Presby
1J Paul H. Stebbins
1K Michael Sweeney
The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal(s):
2. Ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.
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0000281603_4 R1.0.1.25
Voting items Continued Reserved for Broadridge Internal Control Information
NOTE: Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Voting Instructions
THIS SPACE RESERVED FOR LANGUAGE PERTAINING TO BANKS AND BROKERS
AS REQUIRED BY THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
THIS SPACE RESERVED FOR SIGNATURES IF APPLICABLE
Broadridge Internal Use Only
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IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION 000004

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Vote by Internet

Go to www.envisionreports.com/FSLR

Or scan the QR code with your smartphone

Follow the steps outlined on the secure website

Stockholder Meeting Notice & Admission Ticket 1234 5678 9012 345

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the First Solar, Inc. Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be Held on May 18, 2016

Pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission rules, you are receiving this notice that the proxy materials for the annual stockholders’ meeting are available on the Internet. Follow the instructions below to view the materials and vote online or request a copy. The items to be voted on and location of the annual meeting are on the reverse side. Your vote is important!

This communication is not a form for voting and presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials, which contain important information and are available to you on the Internet or by mail. We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting. The proxy statement and annual report to stockholders are available at:

www.envisionreports.com/FSLR

Easy Online Access — A Convenient Way to View Proxy Materials and Vote

When you go online to view materials, you can also vote your shares. Step 1: Go to www.envisionreports.com/FSLR to view the materials. Step 2: Click on Cast Your Vote or Request Materials.

Step 3: Follow the instructions on the screen to log in.

Step 4: Make your selection as instructed on each screen to select delivery preferences and vote.

When you go online, you can also help the environment by consenting to receive electronic delivery of future materials.

Obtaining a Copy of the Proxy Materials – If you want to receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents, you must request one. There is no charge to you for requesting a copy. Please make your request for a copy as instructed on the reverse side on or before May 4, 2016 to facilitate timely delivery; otherwise, you will not receive a paper or email copy.

COY

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Stockholder Meeting Notice & Admission Ticket

First Solar, Inc.’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on May 18, 2016 at the Desert Willow Conference Center, 4340 East Cotton Center Boulevard, Phoenix, Arizona 85040 at 9:00 a.m. Local Time.

Proposals to be voted on at the meeting are listed below along with the Board of Directors’ recommendations.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed, and FOR Proposal 2.

1.    Election of Directors: 01—Michael J. Ahearn02—Sharon L. Allen03—Richard D. Chapman04—George A. Hambro

05—James A. Hughes06—Craig Kennedy07—James F. Nolan08—William J. Post

09—J. Thomas Presby10—Paul H. Stebbins11—Michael Sweeney

2. Ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.

PLEASE NOTE – YOU CANNOT VOTE BY RETURNING THIS NOTICE. To vote your shares you must vote online or request a paper copy of the proxy materials to receive a proxy card. If you wish to attend and vote at the meeting, please bring this notice with you.

Directions to the First Solar 2016 Annual Meeting are available in the proxy statement, which can be viewed at www.envisionreports.com/FSLR.

Here’s how to order a copy of the proxy materials and select a future delivery preference:

Paper copies: Current and future paper delivery requests can be submitted via the telephone, Internet or email options below.

Email copies: Current and future email delivery requests must be submitted via the Internet following the instructions below. If you request an email copy of current materials you will receive an email with a link to the materials.

PLEASE NOTE: You must use the number in the shaded bar on the reverse side when requesting a set of proxy materials. g Internet – Go to www.envisionreports.com/FSLR. Click Cast Your Vote or Request Materials. Follow the instructions to log in and order a paper or email copy of the current meeting materials and submit your preference for email or paper delivery of future meeting materials. g Telephone – Call us free of charge at 1-866-641-4276 using a touch-tone phone and follow the instructions to log in and order a paper copy of the materials by mail for the current meeting. You can also submit a preference to receive a paper copy for future meetings. g Email – Send email to investorvote@computershare.com with “Proxy Materials FSLR” in the subject line. Include in the message your full name and address, plus the number located in the shaded bar on the reverse, and state in the email that you want a paper copy of current meeting materials. You can also state your preference to receive a paper copy for future meetings.

To facilitate timely delivery, all requests for a paper copy of the proxy materials must be received by May 4, 2016.

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IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION 000004

ENDORSEMENT LINE SACKPACK

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DESIGNATION (IF ANY)

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Electronic Voting Instructions

You can vote by Internet or telephone!

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the two voting

methods outlined below to vote your proxy.

VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED BELOW IN THE TITLE BAR.

Proxies submitted by the Internet or telephone must be received by

1:00 a.m., Central Time, on May 18, 2016.

Vote by Internet

Go to www.envisionreports.com/FSLR

Or scan the QR code with your smartphone

Follow the steps outlined on the secure website

Vote by telephone

Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories & Canada on a touch tone telephone

Follow the instructions provided by the recorded message

Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas.

Annual Meeting Proxy Card 1234 5678 9012 345

IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

A Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed and FOR Proposal 2.

1. Election of Directors: For Against Abstain For Against Abstain For Against Abstain +

01—Michael J. Ahearn 02—Sharon L. Allen 03—Richard D. Chapman

04—George A. Hambro 05—James A. Hughes 06—Craig Kennedy

07—James F. Nolan 08—William J. Post 09—J. Thomas Presby

10—Paul H. Stebbins 11—Michael Sweeney

For Against Abstain

2. Ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.

B Non-Voting Items

Change of Address — Please print new address below.

C Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below

Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give full title. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box.

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140 CHARACTERS) MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND

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IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

Proxy — First Solar, Inc.

Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors for the Annual Meeting, May 18, 2016, Phoenix, Arizona

2016 Annual Meeting of First Solar, Inc. Stockholders May 18, 2016, 9:00 a.m. (Local Time)

Desert Willow Conference Center, 4340 East Cotton Center Boulevard, Phoenix, Arizona 85040

The undersigned hereby appoints James A. Hughes, Paul J. Kaleta and Peter C. Bartolino (the “proxies”), or any of them, with full power of substitution, to represent and to vote the Common Stock of the undersigned at the annual meeting of stockholders of First Solar, Inc., to be held at the Desert Willow Conference Center, 4340 East Cotton Center Boulevard, Phoenix, Arizona 85040, on May 18, 2016, at 9:00 a.m., or at any adjournment thereof as stated on the reverse side.

You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes, SEE REVERSE SIDE, but you need not mark any boxes if you wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations. The proxies cannot vote your shares unless you sign and return this card.