Trina Solar Shares Plunged: What You Need to Know

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of Trina Solar (NYS: TSL) fell more than 13% in early trading after American solar-panel manufacturers complained to the Commerce Department about cheap Chinese imports from the likes of Trina and Suntech Power (NYS: STP) . The stock closed down 11%.

So what: Trina has had both ups and downs over the past several months, with more ups recently as Germany -- a major consumer of solar imports -- prepares to reduce tariffs. Of course, Trina won't be the only supplier to benefit from the changes or from a more stable European economy.

Now what: Yet it's Trina that trades for just 0.16 times sales, a multiple that effectively says each dollar of revenue is worth just $0.16 -- even when you factor in expected growth. I can't see how that's fair under any circumstances. Do you agree? Would you buy shares of Trina Solar at current prices? Please weigh in using the comments box below.

Interested in more information about Trina Solar? Add it to yourwatchlist.

At the time thisarticle was published Fool contributorTim Beyersis a member of theMotley Fool Rule Breakersstock-picking team. He didn't own shares in any of the companies mentioned at the time of publication. Check out Tim'sportfolio holdingsandFoolish writings, or connect with him onGoogle+or Twitter, where he goes by@milehighfool. You can also get his insightsdelivered directly to your RSS reader.Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2011 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.