John Wasik of the Boston Globe seems to think so. The financial columnist admits global warming is a problem, but cautions against putting too many eggs in the solar power basket. He uses our experience with ethanol as an example. Remember when corn-based ethanol was supposed to solve all of our energy woes? Many ethanol-producing firms have seen their stocks plummet, especially after ethanol was accused of contributing to the global food crisis. Wasik also … Read the rest
All posts by Tate Dwinnell
Soleil Maintains Sell Rating on Verasun (VSE) But Raises Target
According to StreetInsider.com, Soleil Securities raised its price target on VeraSun (VSE) from 3.75 to 4.15 but maintained its sell rating. Uh OK.. got it. So you think the price will rise from current levels but it should still be sold.
The firm also raised its 08 EPS estimate from .10 to .49 and its 09 estimate from .02 to .41 saying that it now reflects management guidance and the current macro ethanol markets. … Read the rest
Two Waste Management Stocks Reviewed (ECOL and CLHB)
The Emervest blog recently reviewed the stocks of two waste management companies, American Ecology(ECOL) and Clean Harbor (CLHB). American Ecology treats both hazardous and low-level radioactive waste, and has been doing quite well. Last quarter, the company’s net income increased 20%. Their stock has increased by almost 50% this year, as well.
Clean Harbors is another good waste management stock that is also on the rise, having increased approximately 40% since New Year’s 2008. The … Read the rest
AEI Releases List of Top Alternative Energy Stocks-As Well As The Biggest Flops
Alt Energy Investor has compiled a list of the most successful alternative energy stocks over the last few days, as well as the stocks that have fallen the farthest. To create the list, they looked at stock prices from 08/20-08/21.
Here are the winners:
1) Solar2 Ag XE:S2R
Up by 44.00%.
2) Edenenergy Fpo ASX:EDE
Up by 15.15%
3) Timminco Ltd TSE:TIM
Up by 15.11%
4) Cmr Fuel LSE:CMF
Up by 14.29%
Walmart Heir Sells a Significant Portion of Stock in First Solar (FSLR)
According to Clusterstock.com, JCL Holdings sold 1.4 million shares of stock in First Solar during the month of August. JCL Holdings is affiliated with Walmart heir John T. Walton, one of the founding investors in First Solar. Should First Solar stockholders be worried? Probably not. JCL Holdings still has 10.7 million shares, while Walton himself controls 23 million shares.
First Solar’s stock has risen to 14x what is was when the company went public, so … Read the rest
Green Hunter Energy Offers Dividend to Current Stockholders (GHE)
Green Hunter Energy is a Texas-based company that focuses on creating renewable energy from a variety of sources, including wind, solar power, biomass and geothermal. Currently, they operate a cow-fired manure plant in Brawley, California, as well as a biodiesel refinery in Houston, Texas.
If you’re lucky enough to currently own stock in the company, Marketwatch that they are offering a dividend of one common purchase warrant for every 10 common shares you own. According … Read the rest
Turning Garbage to Gold – Covanta (CVA)
Barron’s reports that Covanta Holding (CVA) is at the forefront of the waste to energy industry. "With skyrocketing fuel prices, increasing worldwide concern over climate change and overflowing landfills, Covanta is positioned to see strong growth in both domestic and international markets.
This could be a great time to buy the Fairfield, N.J.-based company, which "owns landfills and energy generation plants, the majority of which are waste-to-energy facilities. Covanta incinerates garbage to produce electricity for … Read the rest
Electric Bikes Are All The Rage in China
While searching for green stocks its important to follow green trends. The Economist reports that "China’s increasingly affluent citizens may not all be able to afford cars just yet. But they clearly yearn for some motive power beyond that provided by their two legs. The standard bicycle, synonymous with mass transport in China, is not enough for everyone. Over the past few years electric bikes, with small motors that give a little help to the … Read the rest
Ernst & Young on Renewable Energy
The credit crunch has so far had little impact on the attractiveness of renewable energy as an investment, according to Ernst & Young.
From March 2007 to June 2008, the Wilderhill Clean Energy Index [NEX] rose by 17%, compared with an 11% decline for the FTSE index. The solar sector has shown a rise of 56% during the period, while wind companies fell 7% and biomass stocks were down by 34% on average. 
E&Y … Read the rest
Solar Calls Heating Up (STP, CSIQ)
Call activity is picking up in the solar names. Suntech Power Holdings (STP) was up over 12% today to $41.75. Almost 5,000 STP Sept 45’s traded today vs and open interest of 5,351. There was also roughly 600 Oct 45’s, 1,000 Oct 50’s, and 500 Oct 55’s vs almost zero open interest before today.
CSIQ saw similar action. The standout strike is the Sept 30 that traded 6,600 contracts today vs an open interest of … Read the rest