All posts by Tate Dwinnell

Schnitzer Steel (SCHN) Expands Used Auto Parts Business

Schnitzer Steel (SCHN) announced yesterday that they have purchased 3 self service used auto parts businesses in Texas and Arkansas, bringing the total number to 38 for the company. 

“These three facilities complement our self-service franchise and are another important step in the growth of the Company’s Auto Parts Business,” stated Tom Klauer, President of the Auto Parts Business.

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of recycled ferrous metal … Read the rest

Canaccord Starts JA Solar (JASO) and Canadian Solar (CSIQ) At BUYS

According to the StreetInsider.com Canaccord Adams initiated both JA Solar (JASO) and Canadian Solar (CSIQ) with buy ratings this morning.

On JASO:

“We are initiating coverage on JA Solar with a BUY rating and $19 price target as we believe that it will continue to benefit from its leading position in the silicon solar cell market and from its low-cost strategy.”

On CSIQ:

“Given the likelihood for raised expectations, the near-term benefit of UMG access, … Read the rest

American Superconductor (AMSC) Misses, Stock Plunges

American Superconductor (AMSC) reported results this morning that didn’t meet analyst expectations.  While revenues doubled over the year ago quarter, gross margins increased and the company continues to narrow its losses, the company reported a loss of .15/share, missing estimates by .09 on revenues of 39.8 million (missed by one million).  However, it should be noted that the losses this quarter included a one time non cash chart of .06 share, so excluding that … Read the rest

Honda Sales Slipping Right Along With Its Stock

Honda Motor (HMC) saw sales slip 2% in July, blaming profound uncertainties in the auto market.  Apparently, brisk sales of hybrid cars aren’t helping to ease tough economic conditions.  Fuel efficient auto sales increases 14%, while pickup truck, minivan and SUV sales tumbled 23%. 

“The uncertainties in the market have been quite profound in the past few weeks,” Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales for American Honda, said in a release. “We are adjusting … Read the rest

TheStreet.com: 6 Green Stocks That Could Go to Zero

James Altucher of TheStreet.com posted an article this morning highlighting 6 alternative energy stocks that could go to zero.  He likens the green stock mania to the dot com bubble and to some degree he’s right.  There is one important lesson in all of this: stick to companies growing rapidly and decreasing debt with strong technical indicators and you won’t get burned.  Simple as that. 

The six he highlighted are :

Verasun (VSE), Capstone … Read the rest

Energy Focus (EFOI) Reorganizes

Today, Energy Focus (EFOI) announced a corporate reorganization to reposition the company as a “turnkey lighting energy solutions provider” and hopes to capitalize on the growing demand for lighting and energy services in the commercial buildings marketplace.

Said the CEO, .. “as a result, Energy Focus will be more nimble and responsive to the full range of market opportunities, more aggressive in sales and marketing, and more proactive in addressing varying customer needs. … Read the rest

Pacific Ethanol (PEIX) 5th Plant Going Online Soon

Pacific Ethanol (PEIX) is about to go online with its 5th ethanol plant in the next two weeks in Stockton California.  The plant is on a 30 acre site within the Port of Stockton and has transportation infrastructure that includes barges, rail and highway access.  They are expected to begin taking in corn in the next week and begin the grinding process during the week of the 18th of August.  … Read the rest

Merriman Starts Led Maker Cree (CREE) At Neutral

This morning Merriman initiated CREE with a neutral rating indicating expansion remains a challenge.  The firm believes the unusual tie between the COTCO earnout and a related party supply agreement raises questions about the quality of revenue. The firm says LED Lighting Fixtures was founded by Cree’s former CEO and Chairman and bought for approx 50x sales, and the earnout is partially based on product development milestones. Both acquisitions compete with existing customers, and organic … Read the rest

The Recycling Boom – Casella Waste (CWST) Highlighted by Businessweek

There’s a good article from Businessweek, highlighting Casella Waste (CWST) and the recycling boom that’s fueled by environmental concerns and the commodity boom.  A bale of aluminum is currently fetching $900/bale so an increasing number of companies are looking to cash in.

“The possibilities have venture capitalists and buyout firms scrambling to invest in a melange of quirky startups that might have provoked belly laughs from these same financiers five years ago. The broad category … Read the rest