Ethical & Sustainable Investing News to Profit By!

Ron Robins
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Ethical & Sustainable Investing News to Profit By!

These podcasts will help you find stocks, funds, and bonds that reflect YOUR personal values. Each podcast is filled with top analyst investment picks encompassing the best sustainability, ESG, and ethics traits. My name is Ron Robins and I’ve been following this style of investing since the 1970s. Now it’s mainstream because it can be very profitable too! Beginning in 1969, I held investment industry positions in investment analysis, over-the-counter stock trading, and global private equity sales. And for almost two decades I’ve been a leading writer and tutor in ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible investing (SRI). I’ve been interviewed or quoted in The Wall Street Journal, MarketWatch, Forbes, The Financial Post, BNN, The Globe & Mail, and numerous other media. In 2002, I founded the globally popular and highly respected ethical investing website, Investing for the Soul. Now, it’s my pleasure to help you with these podcasts to be successful in profitably applying your personal values to your investments. And, please subscribe to my RSS feed and my blog.

  1. APR 3

    AI Stocks to Buy Now

    AI Stocks to Buy Now - includes analysts' top 15 small and 3 large-cap stocks that may interest ethical investors. By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 151, April 4, 2025 Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 151, published April 4, 2025, titled “AI Stocks to Buy Now.” It’s presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources. Remember that you can find a full transcript and links to content, including stock symbols and bonus material, on this episode’s podcast page at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts. Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, and I don’t receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal any investments I have in the investments mentioned herein. Additionally, quotes about individual companies are brief. Please visit the podcast's webpage for links to the articles and additional company and stock information. ------------------------------------------------------------- AI Stocks to Buy Now (1) Now many ethical and sustainable investors are buying AI stocks. So, I’ve decided to include two recent articles by great analysts who write about these stocks. This first article is titled 15 Best Small Cap AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. It’s by Maxim G and seen on insidermonkey.com. Here is some of what he has to say about how he came to select them as well as a brief quote on each of his picks. “For this article, we used Finviz to screen for technology stocks under a $5 billion market cap… We then manually selected companies that have significant revenue exposure or potential growth opportunities related to AI products & solutions. Finally, we compared the list with our proprietary Q4 2024 database of hedge funds’ ownership and included in the article the top 15 stocks with the largest number of hedge funds that own the stock… Our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. (See more details here). 15. DXC Technology Company (NYSE:DXC) Hedge Fund Holders: 24 ​DXC Technology Company is a global provider of IT services and solutions, specializing in digital transformation, IT modernization, cloud computing, cybersecurity, analytics, and business process outsourcing. The company serves clients across multiple industries, including financial services, healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, public sector, and transportation. Its core offerings include consulting, systems integration, software development, application management, infrastructure services, and data-driven analytics. 14. C3.ai, Inc. (NYSE:AI) Hedge Fund Holders: 25 ​C3.ai, Inc. is an enterprise software company specializing in AI solutions designed to support digital transformation and operational optimization across various industries. Its flagship product, the C3 AI Platform, provides a comprehensive, scalable environment for developing, deploying, and managing enterprise-grade AI applications. The company primarily serves sectors such as energy, manufacturing, finance, defense, healthcare, and telecommunications. Its solutions leverage machine learning, advanced analytics, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven insights to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve decision-making. 13. Insight Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:NSIT) Hedge Fund Holders: 26 ​Insight Enterprises, Inc. is a global technology solutions provider focused on helping businesses manage and transform their IT environments. The company offers a broad range of services including IT procurement, cloud and data center transformation, digital innovation, cybersecurity, and managed services. Insight serves clients in sectors such as healthcare, education, government, and commercial enterprises, primarily across North America, EMEA, and APAC regions. 12. Clear Secure, Inc. (NYSE:YOU) Hedge Fund Holders: 27 ​Clear Secure, Inc. is a technology company that provides identity verification and access control solutions through its secure biometric platform. Its core offering, CLEAR Plus, enables expedited entry at airports by using fingerprint and iris recognition to verify identities. The company also offers digital identity tools for venues, stadiums, and other businesses, expanding its platform into areas such as health pass verification and age validation. Clear Secure, Inc. operates across the travel, sports, entertainment, and healthcare industries, with partnerships spanning major US airports and event venues. 11. Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALGM) Hedge Fund Holders: 27 ​Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. is a global semiconductor company that designs and manufactures sensor and power ICs used in motion control and energy-efficient systems. Its products are critical for applications in automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics, supporting functions such as electric powertrain, ADAS, factory automation, and robotics. The company’s portfolio includes magnetic sensors, current sensors, and motor driver ICs. Allegro MicroSystems, Inc.’s technology enables high-precision sensing and power efficiency in complex electronic systems. 10. IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ) Hedge Fund Holders: 28 ​IonQ, Inc. is a quantum computing company that develops and operates quantum computers based on trapped-ion technology. Its systems are accessible through major cloud platforms and are designed to solve complex problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers. The company offers both hardware and software solutions, including a proprietary operating system and quantum programming tools… The US-based company ranked 6th on our recent list of 11 Best Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy Right Now. 9. Workiva Inc. (NYSE:WK) Hedge Fund Holders: 28 Workiva Inc. is a cloud-based software company that provides a platform for connected reporting, compliance, and data management. Its solutions help businesses streamline complex processes involving financial reporting, regulatory filings, audit management, and ESG disclosures. Workiva Inc. serves a wide range of industries, including finance, energy, government, and healthcare, with a focus on large enterprises and public companies. 8. IPG Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ:IPGP) Hedge Fund Holders: 31 ​IPG Photonics Corporation is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance fiber lasers and amplifiers used in a wide range of industrial, medical, and advanced technology applications. Its products are integral to processes such as cutting, welding, marking, and 3D printing, serving industries including automotive, aerospace, electronics, and materials processing. The company also provides lasers for medical procedures, defense systems, and telecommunications. IPG Photonics Corporation’s vertically integrated business model supports innovation and cost efficiency across its product lines. 7. nCino, Inc. (NASDAQ:NCNO) Hedge Fund Holders: 33 ​nCino, Inc. is a financial technology company that provides a cloud-based operating system for banks and credit unions, aimed at improving efficiency, compliance, and customer experience. Built on the Salesforce platform, nCino, Inc.’s solutions cover loan origination, account opening, deposit operations, credit analysis, and portfolio management. The company supports digital transformation in financial services by automating workflows, integrating data, and enhancing transparency. 6. Asana, Inc. (NYSE:ASAN) Hedge Fund Holders: 33 ​Asana, Inc. is a work management software company that offers a cloud-based platform designed to help teams plan, organize, and track projects and tasks. Its solution supports collaboration, workflow automation, goal tracking, and reporting across departments such as marketing, operations, product development, and IT. The platform integrates with numerous third-party tools and emphasizes scalability and real-time visibility. The company ranked eighth on our recent list of Top 9 AI Stocks to Watch Amid DeepSeek Frenzy. 5. BlackLine, Inc. (NASDAQ:BL) Hedge Fund Holders: 34 ​BlackLine, Inc. is a software company that provides cloud-based solutions for automating and streamlining finance and accounting operations. Its platform focuses on key processes such as financial close, account reconciliation, intercompany accounting, and compliance management. BlackLine, Inc. primarily serves mid-size to large enterprises across various industries, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and financial services. The platform integrates with major ERP systems, enabling real-time data access and improved accuracy in financial reporting. 4. Impinj, Inc. (NASDAQ:PI) Hedge Fund Holders: 37 ​Impinj, Inc. is a technology company specializing in RAIN RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) solutions that connect physical items to digital systems. Its platform includes RFID tags, readers, and software designed to track and manage inventory, assets, and shipments in real-time. The company’s solutions integrate with enterprise systems to support applications like item-level inventory management and asset tracking. 3. AvePoint, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVPT) Hedge Fund Holders: 40 ​AvePoint, Inc. is a software company that provides data management and governance solutions for Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Teams, and other collaboration platforms. Its cloud-based offerings support data protection, compliance, access control, migration, and records management for organizations across sectors including government, education, healthcare, and financial services. 2. ZoomInfo Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:ZI) Hedge Fund Holders: 51 ​ZoomInfo Technologies Inc. is a software company that provides a cloud-based go-to-market intelligence platform for sales, marketing, and recruiting professionals. Its platform offers data-driven tool

    26 min

  2. MAR 20

    World’s Most Ethical Companies. And…

    World’s Most Ethical Companies. And… see six companies that have been honored for 19 years! Plus, terrific alternative energy picks. By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 150, March 21, 2025 Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 150, published March 21, 2025, titled “World’s Most Ethical Companies. And...” It’s presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources. Remember that you can find a full transcript and links to content – including stock symbols and bonus material – on this episode’s podcast page at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts. Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, and I don’t receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal any investments I have in the investments mentioned herein. Additionally, quotes about individual companies are brief. Please go to this podcast's webpage for links to the articles and more company and stock information. ------------------------------------------------------------- World’s Most Ethical Companies. And... Now, The 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies® listing by Ethisphere is where I’m beginning this podcast. It’s always a great listing to review for ethical and sustainable investors. The following information is gleaned from Ethisphere’s website and has been re-ordered for presentation here. Also, note that companies are not ranked. So, some quotes. “The World's Most Ethical Companies is an annual recognition… Earning this recognition involves a comprehensive application and evaluation of your Ethics and Compliance program through Ethisphere's proprietary Ethics Quotient® (EQ), which assesses a company's ethics and compliance program, culture, and governance practices. The listed 2025 World's Most Ethical Companies Honorees outperformed a comparable index of global companies by 7.8 percent from January 2020 to 2025. In 2025, 136 organizations are recognized for their unwavering commitment to business integrity. The honorees span 19 countries and 44 industries, and include 11 first-time honorees and 6 organizations that have been named to the honoree list 19 times, marking every year since its inception. The six organizations that have been recognized by Ethisphere as honorees for 19 consecutive years, since the inception of the World's Most Ethical Companies® list in 2007, are: Aflac (AFL), Ecolab (ECL), International Paper (IP), Kao Corporation (KAOOY), Milliken & Company (private), and PepsiCo (PEP).” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Alternative Energy Stocks (1) This next article takes us to our ethical and sustainable investors’ favorite sector. It’s titled 4 Alternative Energy Stocks to Buy Amid Growing Investment Trends. It’s by Aparajita Dutta and seen on finance.yahoo.com, though originally published on zacks.com. Here are some quotes from her article on her picks. “1. OPAL Fuels Inc. (OPAL) Based in Boston, MA, the company is a vertically integrated renewable fuels platform involved in the production and distribution of renewable natural gas for the heavy-duty truck market… The company currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). 2. Expand Energy Corporation (EXE) Based in Oklahoma City, OK, the company is an independent natural gas producer, principally in the United States… Expand Energy Corporation currently holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).  3. Bloom Energy Corporation (BE) Based in San Jose, CA, the company generates and distributes renewable energy… The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.  4. Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG) Based in Baltimore, MD, the company provides electric power, natural gas and energy management services to 2 million customers across the continental United States… The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Alternative Energy Stocks (2) Now another article on our top sector. It’s titled Top 4 Wind Energy Stocks to Consider. It’s by Avisekh Bhattacharjee and seen on finance.yahoo.com though again first published on zacks.com. Here are some quotes from the article by Mr. Bhattacharjee. “1. OGE Energy (OGE) is the largest electric utility in Oklahoma. The company has been investing steadily to expand its renewable generation assets. As of Dec. 31, 2024, the company owned the 120 megawatts (MW) Centennial, 101 MW OU Spirit and 228 MW Crossroads wind farms. This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company offers the Renewable Energy Credit purchase program, the Green Power Wind Rider and the Utility Solar Program, which are rate options that make renewable energy resources available as a voluntary option to all OG&E (wholly-owned subsidiary of OGE Energy) Oklahoma retail customers. 2. NextEra Energy (NEE) is a public utility holding company engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electric energy. The company’s competitive energy business NextEra Energy Resources LLC (“NEER”) is the world’s leading generator of renewable energy from wind, based on 2024 MWh produced on a net generation basis… This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company’s major capital projects continue to proceed as per plan and the addition of new renewable projects continues to boost its renewable portfolio. 3. American Electric Power Company (AEP) has been investing steadily to enhance its renewable generation portfolio. Exiting 2024, wind, hydro and solar energy represented 21% of American Electric’s generating capacity compared with 4% in 2005… As of Sept. 30, 2024, this Zacks Rank #3 company received regulatory approvals from various state regulatory commissions to acquire approximately 2,505 MWs of owned renewable generation facilities for roughly $6 billion. 4. DTE Energy (DTE) The company aims to invest more than $11 billion in clean energy transition over the next 10 years. Through this solid investment, DTE Energy aims to add 1,000 megawatts (MW) of new wind and solar energy annually, powering approximately 5.5 million homes with renewable energy by 2042… This Zacks Rank #3 company plans to reduce carbon emissions of its electric utility operations by 65% in 2028, 85% in 2032 and 90% within 2040 from the 2005 levels.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Alternative Energy Stocks (3) Again on the subject of alternative energy is this article titled 11 Best Alternative Energy Stocks to Buy Now. It’s by Fahim Tahir and can be found on fool.com. Here’s some of what Mr. Tahir says about each of his picks. “We first picked companies operating in the alternative energy sector with market capitalization surpassing the $5 billion mark… The shortlisted stocks were then ranked using Insider Monkey’s Hedge Fund Database as of Q4 2024, as per the number of hedge funds invested in them. The companies with the highest hedge fund interest were ranked in ascending order… our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. 11. Centrais Elétricas Brasileiras S.A. – Eletrobrás (NYSE:EBR) Number of Hedge Funds Holders: 28 [The company] is a top company in Brazil’s power industry. [It] produces electricity using hydro, thermal, nuclear, wind, and solar energy sources. It holds operations of 44 hydroelectric plants, five thermal plants, and two nuclear plants, as well as an extensive transmission network of over 66,000 kilometers… [The company] is well-positioned to capitalize on Brazil’s renewable energy expansion. 10. Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ORA) Hedge Funds Holders: 28 Ormat Technologies, Inc. is one of the top players in the geothermal and renewable energy industry. The company operates assets globally, including the U.S., Indonesia, Kenya, Turkey and other international markets… Its strategy [is] to capitalize on the increasing clean energy demand, as well as its expertise in geothermal and energy storage. 9. Clearway Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CWEN) Hedge Funds Holders: 28 Clearway Energy, Inc. is a leader in clean energy with a diversified portfolio including wind, solar, and battery storage assets across the U.S. Its renewable energy capacity of around 9 GW plays an important role in its transition toward sustainable energy solutions… While investors must be wary of potential market variability, the company’s strong fundamentals and dedication to clean energy expansion make it one of the Best Clean Energy Stocks. 8. Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENPH) Hedge Funds Holders: 39 Enphase Energy, Inc. is one of the top global companies in microinverter-based solar and battery solutions, catering to residential and commercial demand globally. The company designs and manufactures advanced home energy systems, including IQ Microinverters, IQ Batteries, and energy management software, optimizing solar power usage and storage for homeowners. With its strong fundamentals and strategic partnerships, Enphase Energy, Inc. has the prospects of further growing its share price. 7. Nextracker Inc. (NASDAQ:NXT) Hedge Funds Holders: 41 Nextracker Inc. is one of the top providers of solar tracker and software solutions. The company focuses on energy production optimization for utility-scale solar projects globally. Its flagship products include NX Horizon and NX Horizon-XTR, enhancing solar efficiency through the adjustment of panel positioning based on site conditions… Its stock rose by 21.49% year-to-date, indicating investor confidence in its potential for growth. 6. NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG) Hedge Funds Holders: 53 NRG Energy, Inc. is a dominant energy supplier in the U.S. and Canada, offering home services, power generation,

    24 min

  3. MAR 6

    The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors

    The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors includes Corporate Knights company rankings (by sustainable revenues), top natural food stocks, and more! By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 149, March 7, 2025 Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 149, published March 7, 2025, titled “The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors.” It’s presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources. Remember that you can find a full transcript and links to content – including stock symbols and bonus material – on this episode’s podcast page at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts. Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, and I don’t receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal any investments I have in the investments mentioned herein. Additionally, quotes about individual companies are brief. Please go to this podcast's webpage for links to the articles and more company and stock information. ------------------------------------------------------------- The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors (1) I’m beginning this podcast with my just-released annual favorite sustainable company ranking: Corporate Knights 2025 Clean200 List. Here are some quotes from an article by CK staff introducing the 2025 ranking. “California-based shareholder advocates As You Sow and Corporate Knights (Canada) today released the new cohort of the Carbon Clean200, a global list of 200 publicly traded companies leading the sustainable clean energy economy… It shows sustainable companies on path to dominate global economy. Key findings include: The top 10 companies on the list by revenue include Apple (AAPL), Contemporary Amperex Technology (300750.SZ), Microsoft (MSFT), Tesla (TSLA), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSM) and Volkswagen (VOW3.DE). Thirty-five countries are represented in the Clean200, including the United States (41), China (21), Japan (18), Germany (14), and France and Canada (11 each). Clean200 companies earned more than $2.5 trillion in sustainable revenue in 2023 (the most recent year for which full-year results are available). Clean200 companies generated a total return of 190.9% on a sustainable-revenue-weighted basis, outperforming the MSCI ACWI index (162.0%) and the MSCI ACWI/Energy Index of fossil fuel companies (76.7%) on Total Return Gross – USD Basis from the Clean200 inception of July 1, 2016, to January 29, 2025. $10,000 invested in the Clean200 on July 1, 2016, would have grown to $29,090 by January 29, 2025, versus $17,670 for the MSCI ACWI/Energy benchmark for fossil fuel. The industrial sector accounts for 52 companies on the list, followed by information technology (32), and consumer discretionary and materials (29 each). IT companies had the highest total sustainable revenue, a cumulative total of more than US$687 billion. Background ‘It is telling that clean energy stocks generated more than double the returns of fossil fuel stocks since 2016, despite political headwinds, underlining that stock markets care more about economic materiality of the parabolic growth in clean energy than the political leanings of the day,’ says Toby Heaps, CEO of Corporate Knights and co-author of the report. The Clean200 utilizes the Corporate Knights Sustainable Revenue database, which tracks the percentage of revenue companies earn from sustainable economy themes ranging from green power to electric vehicles to plant protein and smart buildings. The list excludes companies that are flagged on Corporate Knights’ list of ‘red flag’ companies and As You Sow’s Invest Your Values suite of mutual-fund transparency tools that identify companies involved in fossil fuels, deforestation, the prison industrial complex, weapons and tobacco, as well as the exclusionary screens that form part of the Corporate Knights Global 100 methodology.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors (2) The next article is about a sector that appeals to many ethical and sustainable investors. However, few invest in it directly. The article is titled 3 Natural Foods Stocks Positioned for Success in 2025. It’s by Sumit Singh and is on zacks.com. Here are some quotes from the article. “Companies like The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (HAIN) and Vital Farms, Inc. (VITL) are responding to the rising demand for organic, clean-label and ethically sourced foods… However, this article focuses on these 3 Natural Foods Stocks to Watch. Quote. 1. United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) stands as a prominent player in the natural foods sector, serving as one of the largest distributors of organic and natural products in North America. Through its extensive network, United Natural Foods supplies a vast array of products, including fresh produce, pantry staples, dairy alternatives and plant-based foods. With its diverse portfolio, the company caters to both retail giants and independent natural food stores… This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company is increasingly focusing on innovation and sustainability within the natural foods space. The company has committed to enhancing its supply-chain practices, reducing waste and supporting regenerative agriculture initiatives. United Natural Foods is also working closely with suppliers to accelerate food innovation. Through its supplier go-to-market program, the company has simplified the process of bringing new natural and organic products to store shelves. This initiative has enabled suppliers to reintroduce thousands of SKUs that were previously discontinued, expanding consumer access to diverse and healthier food options. 2. Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM) has been at the forefront of the natural and organic food movement, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking fresh, high-quality and ethically sourced products. The company’s commitment to fresh, organic and attribute-driven products sets it apart. With nearly 46% of total produce sales now coming from organic products, Sprouts Farmers Market continues to expand its assortment, ensuring accessibility to high-quality, responsibly sourced food… This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company continues to strengthen its connection with customers through tailored marketing and engagement efforts, such as social media campaigns and in-store discovery events like Sprouts Brand Discovery Days. These initiatives showcase the company’s differentiated offerings while attracting a younger demographic and increasing foot traffic. 3. Beyond Meat, Inc. (BYND) is transforming plant-based food by using cleaner, healthier ingredients. The company’s latest Beyond 4 products, including the Beyond Burger and Beyond Beef, are made from a blend of yellow peas, brown rice, red lentils and fava beans. These ingredients provide 21 grams of protein per serving while cutting saturated fat by 75% compared to traditional beef burgers, thanks to the use of avocado oil. This commitment to nutrition has earned recognition from the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association, reinforcing Beyond Meat’s focus on making plant-based options both tasty and healthy… This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company's commitment to food innovation extends beyond retail into food service partnerships. The reintroduction of Beyond The Original Orange Chicken at Panda Express and the expansion of Beyond Nuggets at McDonald's locations in Europe underscore its ability to integrate healthier, plant-based options into mainstream dining. At the same time, Beyond Meat is working to educate consumers on its clean-label approach, challenging misconceptions about plant-based food processing.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors (3) This next article is by an analyst who frequently appears on this podcast: Matt DiLallo. He is also writing about one of his favourite stock picks. His article is titled This Infrastructure Stock Could Be the Best Investment of the Decade. It can be seen on fool.com. Now, here are some quotes by Mr. DiLallo on his recommendation. “Brookfield Infrastructure (BIPC) (BIP) has an embarrassment of riches. The leading global infrastructure company is capitalizing on not one but three massive global megatrends: decarbonization, deglobalization, and digitalization. Those catalysts help drive the company's view that the world needs to invest an astounding $100 trillion over the next 15 years to maintain, upgrade, and build infrastructure. Given its leadership in the sector, it could be one of the best investments over the next decade as it capitalizes on massive opportunities to invest in infrastructure. Multiple growth drivers Brookfield Infrastructure believes that a trio of organic drivers will grow its funds from operations (FFO) by 6% to 9% per share each year. They are: Inflation indexation: Brookfield's infrastructure businesses produce very stable cash flow backed by long-term contracts and government-regulated rate structures, many of which link rates to inflation. Those escalators should boost its funds from operations per share by 3% to 4% per year. GDP growth Reinvested cash flow: Brookfield pays out 60% to 70% of its stable cash flows via dividends. It retains the rest to fund high-return organic expansion projects, which should drive another 2%-3% (in) annual funds from operations per-share growth… A trio of value enhancers Brookfield Infrastructure's megatrend-powered catalysts position it to grow its earnings at a more than 10% annual rate for many years to come. On top of that, it pays a more than 4%-yielding dividend that should continue growing at a

    24 min

  4. FEB 21

    More Top Global Sustainable Stocks

    More Top Global Sustainable Stocks includes articles by financial analysts at S&P and Morningstar. Plus, links to two more articles! By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 148, February 21, 2025 Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 148, published February 21, 2025, titled “More Top Global Sustainable Stocks.” It’s presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources. Remember that you can find a full transcript and links to content – including stock symbols and bonus material – on this episode’s podcast page at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts. Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, and I don’t receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal any investments I have in the investments mentioned herein. Additionally, quotes about individual companies are brief. Please go to this podcast's webpage for links to the articles and more company and stock information. ------------------------------------------------------------- More Top Global Sustainable Stocks (1) I’m beginning with this insightful article titled 10 Key Sustainable-Investing Themes and Companies. The referenced overview is by Martin Vezer on morningstar.com. Here are some quotes by Mr. Vezer from his article. “Morningstar Sustainalytics’ analysts recently highlighted 10 environmental, social and governance themes that they believe will affect corporate value chains in 2025. For each theme, we profiled one publicly listed company that is leading its industry on addressing the ESG issues we identified. 10 Stocks From Sustainalytics 1. Power-Hungry Data Centers: A Dilemma for Big Tech We compare the carbon intensity of some of the largest software & services players, helping investors identify AI players in the subindustry that are leading in terms of mitigating carbon risks. Among the seven companies that we sample, IBM (IBM) stands out for having reduced its carbon intensity by 30% from 2020 to 2023. 2. Green Energy Demand: A Boon for Utilities The adoption of generative AI across various sectors introduces a new set of concerns regarding its energy footprint and the rapid growth of power demand for data centers… As a renewable power producer, EDP Renováveis (EDRVY) has maintained its very low carbon intensity from generation activities over the years. Its overall carbon intensity is also in line with that of its subindustry peers. 3. AI Innovation Boosts Gains for Healthcare AI adoption across the healthcare and biopharmaceutical industries has been proliferating in recent years, targeting both cost cuts and innovation gains that are meant to expand and accelerate patient access to quality care, as well as to new therapies and treatment options. Pfizer (PFE) stands out for utilizing AI not only for drug discovery and development but also to monitor medicine and vaccine safety and to improve its supply chain. 4. AI in Oil & Gas Bolsters Efficiency and Innovation AI has been an important tool for the oil and gas industry for years, but recent advancements are transforming decision-making and have the potential to meaningfully reduce environmental impacts and improve safety… Baker Hughes (BKR) is among the oil and gas firms applying AI-driven software to streamline production and reduce emissions. 5. Banks Play a Critical Role in Transition Finance The growth of transition finance represents an opportunity for banks to diversify the risks of their loan books and safeguard the sustainability of their business models. Barclays (BCS) is the only bank out of the 10 large banks we analyzed that has set a credible sustainable and transition financing target of USD 1 trillion by 2030. 6. Resilient Infrastructure Is Climate-Smart Investing Recent weather and climate-related catastrophes, such as the Los Angeles fires, Hurricane Ian in Florida, and flooding in Valencia, Spain, highlight the intensifying risks that extreme weather events have on the construction industry. Aecom (ACM) is an interesting case study because it generates 60% of its revenue from sustainable products and services and has developed many of its initial green infrastructure projects globally, such as the first LEED-certified airport terminal in the US. These projects are backed by a broad offering of climate adaptation services, including natural disaster preparedness reviews. 7. Lithium Boom Brings New Challenges Clean technologies, such as solar panels and electric vehicles, are highly dependent on lithium-ion batteries for energy storage. Investors with carbon-and water-related goals may consider opting for lithium for a lower environmental impact and lower ESG risks. Vulcan Energy Resources (VULNF) is engaged in projects to extract and process battery-grade lithium hydroxide, in addition to producing renewable geothermal energy. 8. Building Responsible Food Supply Chains Human rights violations expose firms to material risks, including fines, reputational harm, and operational disruptions that erode shareholder value. Compared with other subindustries, packaged foods and food retail have been involved in a disproportionately large number of incidents related to human rights abuses in their supply chains. Lindt (CHLSY) demonstrates the relatively strong management of these issues. The firm has a robust human rights policy for suppliers and actionable initiatives to support it. Despite an August 2022 controversy linked to child labor in its Ghana cocoa supply chain—a challenge faced by most cocoa companies—Lindt remains transparent and proactively collaborates with local communities to create tailored mitigation and remediation programs. 9. A Future With Less Plastics Fast-moving consumer goods firms (for example, packaged foods and personal products) that invest in advanced technologies, such as chemical recycling to produce more postconsumer recycled packaging or venturing in biodegradables such as cornstarch or bamboo packaging to replace single-use plastics, are likely to see increased demand and growth. Among our sample of 11 consumer goods companies, L’Oréal (LRLCY) had relatively few plastics incidents in recent years and performs well on our measures of solid waste management. 10. Alcohol-Free Beverages Are Growing The industry is undervalued; the average share price in our sample of 26 beer, wine, and spirits firms is trading 20% below Morningstar’s fair price value as of November 2024. Asahi Group (ASBRF) a leading Japanese brewer, has set several targets to expand its no-and low-alcohol portfolio, and we note that it is one of the few companies in the sample that provides some transparency into its nonalcoholic beer revenue. To learn more about these themes and the companies noted above, download the report here.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- More Top Global Sustainable Stocks (2) This next article titled S&P Global 2025 Sustainability Yearbook is a highly referenced ranking of sustainably oriented companies around the world. It’s by S&P and found on spglobal.com. Here are some quotes by S&P concerning some aspects of its rankings. “The Sustainability Yearbook distinguishes companies within their industries that have each demonstrated strengths in corporate sustainability. Yearbook members and distinction levels are selected based on their 2024 Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) Score, which is the S&P Global ESG Score without the inclusion of any modeling approaches. The selection process also reflects exclusion screening criteria. Distinctions are calculated against the top performing company in each industry, and exclusions applied thereafter. Distinction level and Scores are industry specific. 780 companies made it into the Sustainability Yearbook. As of January 22, 2025, over 7,690 companies assessed for the 2024 Corporate Sustainability Assessment were considered for inclusion in The Sustainability Yearbook 2025. This year, only 780 companies made it into the Sustainability Yearbook.” End quotes. Note: companies are divided into Top 1%, 5%, and 10% of S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment Scores. Among the well-known companies are Coca-Cola HBC AG (CCH.L), Iberdrola, S.A. (IBE.MC), and Ingersoll Rand Inc. (IR) Non-US companies appear to be the majority on the list. Anyone looking for geographical diversification in their sustainable portfolio(s) should find these rankings useful. ------------------------------------------------------------- Additional Article Links Title: 3 Renewable-Energy Stocks That Could Thrive Under Trump on barrons.com. By Avi Salzman. Article from Canada Title: Meet the four most sustainable funds on the market for 2025 on corporateknights.com. By CK Staff. ------------------------------------------------------------- Ending Comment These are my top news stories with their stock and fund tips for this podcast “More Top Global Sustainable Stocks.” Please click the like and subscribe buttons wherever you download or listen to this podcast. That helps bring these podcasts to others like you. And please click the share buttons to share this podcast with your friends and family. Let’s promote ethical and sustainable investing as a force for hope and prosperity in these troubled times! Contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for listening. I’ll talk to you next on March 7th. Bye for now.   © 2025 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul

    16 min

  5. FEB 7

    Global Sustainable Stock Picks

    Global Sustainable Stock Picks includes articles by financial analysts at Morningstar and Insider Monkey. Plus, links to five more articles! By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 147, February 7, 2025 Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 147, published February 7, 2025, titled “Global Sustainable Stock Picks.” It’s presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources. Remember that you can find a full transcript and links to content – including stock symbols and bonus material – on this episode’s podcast page at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts. Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, and I don’t receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal any investments I have in the investments mentioned herein. Additionally, quotes about individual companies are brief. Please go to this podcast's webpage for links to the articles and more company and stock information. ------------------------------------------------------------- Global Sustainable Stock Picks (1) I’m beginning this podcast with this intriguing article titled 10 Best Ethical Companies To Invest In According to Reddit. It’s by Mashaid Ahmed in Hedge Funds, News and seen on insidermonkey.com. Here are some quotes from the article. “We sifted through relevant threads to compile a list of the 25 ethical companies. We then used Insider Monkey’s Hedge Fund database to rank 10 stocks according to the largest number of hedge fund holders, as of Q3 2024. The list is sorted in ascending order of hedge fund sentiment. Our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds… 10. Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENPH) Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 38 Enphase Energy is a leading provider of advanced home energy solutions, including micro inverters, batteries, EV chargers, and energy management software. The company enables homes and businesses to harness clean energy efficiently and helps reduce carbon emissions. 9. United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS) Hedge Fund Investors: 43 United Parcel Service is one of the largest package delivery companies in the world. The company provides logistics, freight, and supply chain solutions to customers across various industries, and is known for its ethical practices including a strong focus on sustainability through its carbon-neutral shipping options, investments in alternative fuel vehicles, and initiatives to reduce emissions across its operations. 8. Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) Hedge Fund Investors: 47 Ecolab is a leader in water, hygiene, and energy technologies and services. The company has a presence in over 170 countries and serves a diverse range of industries, including food service, healthcare, hospitality, industrial, and energy. Ecolab’s innovative solutions not only enhance operational performance but also significantly reduce water and energy usage, making them essential for customers in unpredictable and challenging environments. 7. Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM) Hedge Fund Investors: 54 Waste Management, Inc. is one of the largest providers of waste and recycling services in North America. The company handles everything from residential trash to industrial waste solutions. Waste Management, Inc.’s focus on environmental responsibility is evident in its investments in recycling technologies and renewable energy projects, including landfill gas-to-energy initiatives… Waste Management, Inc. is making substantial investments in sustainability and renewable energy, which are expected to drive significant long-term growth. 6. MSCI Inc. (NYSE:MSCI) Hedge Fund Investors: 55 MSCI is an American finance company that provides investment decision support tools, including indexes, portfolio analysis tools, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) research. The company’s clients include asset managers, hedge funds, and financial institutions. MSCI is a strong advocate of sustainable investing and guides investors toward responsible and impactful investments. 5. The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) Hedge Fund Investors: 69 The Coca-Cola Company is a leader in the beverage industry and offers a wide range of soft drinks, juices, and other refreshments. The company is known for its emphasis on sustainability efforts. 4. American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT) Hedge Fund Investors: 73 American Tower is a REIT that owns and operates telecommunications infrastructure, including wireless and broadcast towers. The company has over 200,000 communication sites across the United States, Europe, and emerging markets and serves telecom operators. American Tower is known for its ethical commitment through its focus on sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient infrastructure, and efforts to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities. 3. Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) Hedge Fund Investors: 75 Costco operates membership-based warehouse clubs and offers a wide range of products from groceries to electronics at competitive prices. The company serves over 138 million cardholders, including 77.4 million paid household members, and continues to expand its footprint through strategic warehouse openings and innovative digital initiatives. Costco is known for its ethical business practices, employee well-being through industry-leading wages, and sustainability efforts in reducing waste, sourcing responsibly, and maintaining transparent supplier practices. 2. Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) Hedge Fund Investors: 76 The company operates more than 32,000 stores worldwide and offers premium coffee, tea, and snack products, along with other consumer-packaged goods such as coffee beans and ready-to-drink beverages. The company’s ethical initiatives include sourcing ethically produced coffee through its Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) practices. 1. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Hedge Fund Investors: 279 Microsoft is known for its innovation, and leadership in corporate responsibility. Microsoft is continuously innovating its Productivity and Business Processes segment, which includes Office 365, LinkedIn, and Dynamics 365. The company recently integrated its 365 Copilot, an AI-powered assistant, into productivity tools such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, which has led to a significant increase in user engagement and business value.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Global Sustainable Stock Picks (2) Many ethical and sustainable investors want to internationalize their portfolios. So, here’s a new article to assist them. It’s titled These 8 Foreign Stocks Are Widely Held by Global Sustainable Funds. It’s by Liz Angeles and found on morningstar.com. Here are some quotes from the article. “To obtain top stocks widely owned by ESG global sustainable funds, we ran two searches on the open-end and exchange-traded funds coverage. We looked for large-cap global funds and selected the oldest share classes. We looked at the funds that are considered sustainable investment and compared them with the traditional funds. (And) pulled the top 500 holdings from the sustainable funds, and likewise for the traditional funds, and analyzed the average weights of each security. Stocks That Are Uniquely Held by Global Sustainable Funds Source: Morningstar Direct as of 1/22/2025. 1. Schneider Electric SE Morningstar Rating: 2 Stars Schneider Electric is a leading global supplier of electrical and industrial automation equipment. The group has four end markets: buildings, data centers, infrastructure, and industry, each of which relies on Schneider’s products and solutions to ensure their operations run safely and efficiently. ‘Two thirds of Schneider’s revenue is generated from electric utilities, buildings, and data centers, which are three end markets enjoying multiyear secular growth themes.’ - Matthew Donen, Director, Morningstar. ‘Schneider has the strongest management of its material ESG issues across the electrical equipment subindustry.’ - Morningstar Sustainalytics. 2. Iberdrola SA Morningstar Rating: 3 Stars ‘Iberdrola is the second-biggest integrated utility in Europe after Enel. Besides its domestic Spanish market, Iberdrola has strong exposure to the United Kingdom since the acquisition of Scottish Power in 2007.’ - Tancrede Fulop, Morningstar senior equity analyst. ‘Carbon pricing and regulation are in place or expected in the main markets in which Iberdrola operates. This will likely benefit the company, as its generation mix is relatively low-carbon: renewables, hydro, and nuclear comprised 61% of generation in 2023, while all remaining coal-fired power plants were closed in 2020.’ - Morningstar Sustainalytics. 3. TE Connectivity PLC Registered Shares Morningstar Rating: 3 Stars ‘TE Connectivity designs and manufactures connectors and sensors, supplying custom and semicustom solutions to a bevy of end markets in the transportation, industrial, and communication industries.’ - William Kerwin, Morningstar equity analyst. In its 2023 Corporate responsibility report, TE Connectivity reported that it reduced its absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 39% in 2023. This included achieving 77% renewable electricity use globally.’ 4. Trane Technologies PLC Class A Morningstar Rating: 1 Star ‘Trane Technologies is a leading supplier of climate control products and services.’ - Brian Bernard, director of industrials equity research for Morningstar. ‘Additionally, the company manufactures specialized equipment where competition is limited. This can lead to monopolization of product lines and create opportunities for the company to become in

    24 min

  6. JAN 22

    Best Low-Carbon ETFs and Stocks

    Best Low-Carbon ETFs and Stocks includes reviews of two articles by financial analysts at the highly respected Carbon Credits organization. By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 146, January 24, 2025 Hello, Ron Robins here, welcome to my podcast episode 146 published January 24, 2025, titled “Best Low-Carbon ETFs and Stocks.” It’s presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources. Now I’m having to record this podcast two days earlier than usual. But it is still filled with great, up-to-the-minute, informative articles! Also, remember that you can find a full transcript and links to content – including stock symbols and bonus material – on this episode’s podcast page at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts. Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, and I don’t receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal any investments I have in the investments mentioned herein. Additionally, quotes about individual companies are brief. Please go to this podcast's webpage for links to the articles and more company and stock information. ------------------------------------------------------------- Best Low-Carbon ETFs and Stocks (1) Today, I’m starting with two articles on low-carbon ETFs and stocks from analysts at carboncredits.com. The first article is titled Top 5 Carbon ETFs for Sustainable Investing in 2025. It’s by Saptakee S. Here are the picks and brief quotes from the article. “1. iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) is a part of BlackRock and a top-performing ETF… Essentially, this fund tracks an index of stocks in the global clean energy sector. One important attribute of this ETF is its strict sustainability rules. It excludes companies involved in weapons, tobacco, coal, oil sands, and Arctic drilling. (It) currently manages assets worth $5-6 billion. 2. Invesco Solar ETF (TAN) known as TAN, manages assets valued between $3–4 billion… This fund focuses on solar energy companies, such as manufacturers, installers, and technology providers… TAN is based on the MAC Global Solar Energy Index. It invests 90% of its assets in securities, American depositary receipts (ADRs), and global depositary receipts (GDRs) listed in the index… 3. First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF (FAN) known as FAN, currently manages assets worth $2–3 billion… It’s prospective for those managing wind farms, producing wind power, or making wind energy equipment. However, companies must have a market cap of at least $100 million, a daily trading volume of $500,000, and a free float of 25% to join the index. 4. SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF (CNRG) currently has assets worth $1–2 billion… It is managed by State Street’s Investment Solutions Group and is built for long-term growth. With its focus on innovation and the clean energy sector, this ETF is a great option for those wanting to invest in the future of renewable energy. 5. Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT) gives investors access to the booming electrification, lithium, and battery technology sector. Their assets have a $4–5 billion valuation… The ongoing global demand for lithium and supply constraints make this ETF a promising investment in this sector.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Best Low-Carbon ETFs and Stocks (2) Now this is the second article on Low-Carbon investments titled Top 5 Carbon Stocks to Watch in 2025. It’s by Jennifer L. and also found on carboncredits.com. “1. Brookfield Renewable Partners (BEP) is one of the world’s largest publicly traded renewable energy companies. With a clear focus on clean, renewable energy, Brookfield Renewable Partners distinguishes itself from many of its competitors by operating as a pure-play renewable energy company. This means that its portfolio consists exclusively of renewable sources of power generation, unlike other companies that often combine renewable energy with fossil fuel assets. As of 2024, Brookfield Renewable Partners diversified portfolio encompasses over 35,000 megawatts of operating capacity across various renewable energy sources. This extensive array of assets spans multiple regions, including North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, underscoring Brookfield Renewable Partners commitment to global renewable energy development. For investors seeking exposure to the renewable energy sector with a preference for established companies demonstrating stable growth and reliable returns, Brookfield Renewable Partners represents a compelling option. 2. Aker Carbon Capture ASA (AKCCF) is a Norwegian company specializing in carbon capture technology. Leveraging its expertise from the Aker Group, a global leader in offshore engineering, Aker Carbon Capture has developed modular carbon capture systems that are both cost-effective and scalable… With a solid financial foundation and strategic partnerships, Aker Carbon Capture is well-positioned to expand its carbon capture solutions globally. The aim is to contribute significantly to the reduction of industrial CO₂ emissions and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. 3. LanzaTech Global, Inc. (LNZA) is a pioneering carbon recycling company that transforms waste carbon emissions into sustainable fuels and chemicals through innovative biotechnology using gas fermentation. Through this process, industrial emissions—rich in carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide—are converted into ethanol and other chemicals… The ethanol produced can serve as a building block for various products, including jet fuel, plastics, and synthetic fibers. With a solid financial foundation bolstered by recent capital raises and strategic partnerships, LanzaTech is well-positioned to expand its carbon recycling solutions globally, creating sustainable products from waste carbon. 4. Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) is a major player in the oil and gas industry. However, in recent years, the company has been transforming itself into a leader in carbon management solutions.  Occidental has embraced Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, which removes CO₂ directly from the atmosphere. In partnership with Carbon Engineering, Occidental is constructing the world’s largest DAC facility in Texas, a groundbreaking project that will play a significant role in achieving global emission reduction targets… Occidental’s approach is an example of how traditional energy companies are evolving to embrace sustainability. By combining its existing expertise in oil extraction with innovative carbon capture methods, Occidental is paving the way for a future where fossil fuel extraction can coexist with carbon reduction technologies. 5. Equinor ASA (EQNR) formerly known as Statoil, is a Norwegian energy giant that has diversified its portfolio to include renewable energy sources like wind power. It has also been at the forefront of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies for over 25 years… Equinor is a key player in the Northern Lights project, a pioneering initiative in Norway aimed at developing a large-scale carbon capture and storage infrastructure… Equinor has decades of experience in offshore oil and gas exploration. Its deep-rooted knowledge of energy infrastructure is key to its success in developing large-scale carbon capture and storage solutions. With the potential to store the equivalent of 1,000 years of Norwegian CO₂ emissions beneath the seabed, Equinor’s initiatives are pivotal in supporting global climate goals.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Best Low-Carbon ETFs and Stocks (3) Still, on the theme of energy-related investments is this article titled 3 Renewable Energy Stocks to Buy in 2025 and Hold for Decades. It’s by James Brumley and found on fool.com. Here is some of what Mr. Brumley says about his picks. “1. Cameco (NYSE: CCJ) one of the planet's top suppliers of uranium, with access to plenty of high-grade reserves. Its two chief mining operations in Saskatchewan, Canada, are currently jointly capable of producing a total of 43 million pounds of high-grade uranium per year, but both could support more output at only marginally more cost… Do prepare for continued volatility from Cameco stock that reflects the continued volatility of uranium prices -- although maybe not quite as much as you might expect. Confidence in nuclear power as a clean source of electricity is slowly but surely improving, leveling out these swings. 2. Brookfield Renewable (BEPC -2.65%) (BEP -1.29%). (Yes, a second recommendation in this podcast.) If you feel confident that renewable energy as an industry is investment-worthy but you don't know where to start, consider a stake in Brookfield Renewable Corp. With it, you'll own a little of everything the business encompasses… There is one detail worth pointing out there. That is, this is not Brookfield Asset Management (BAM.TO), Brookfield Corporation (BN), or Brookfield Wealth Solutions (BNT). Although all of these companies are related, Brookfield Renewable is the only one with direct exposure to the alternative energy market. The others are simply involved in the management and marketing of Brookfield Renewable. 3. First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) First Solar stock is down nearly 40% from its June peak largely on concerns that President-elect Donald Trump isn't as supportive of solar power as his predecessor was. And maybe he isn't. The solar tax credits that boosted the business under President Joe Biden's watch are anything but guaranteed to last through Trump's tenure… The irony is that the analyst community is still calling for strong growth from First Solar regard

    21 min

  7. JAN 10

    Top 2025 ESG Stock and Fund Picks

    Top 2025 ESG Stock and Fund Picks. Include renewable energy, infrastructure, and small-cap stocks. Plus, climate fund picks and more! By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 145, January 10, 2025 I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays and sincerely wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2025! My name is Ron Robins and I welcome you to my podcast episode 145 published January 10, 2025, titled “Top 2025 ESG Stock and Fund Picks.” It’s presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources. Remember that you can find a full transcript and links to content – including stock symbols and bonus material – on this episode’s podcast page at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts. Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, and I don’t receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal any investments I have in the investments mentioned herein. Additionally, quotes about individual companies are brief. Please go to this podcast's webpage for links to the articles and more company and stock information. ------------------------------------------------------------- Top 2025 ESG Stock and Fund Picks (1) Now most ethical and sustainable investors have socially responsible investment funds. This is a good review article of the best ones for US residents. It’s titled Best ESG ETFs: Top funds for socially responsible investing. It's by Brian Baker and found on msn.com. Here is some of what he has to say. “1. Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) tries to match the performance of the FTSE U.S. All Cap Choice Index and screens for certain ESG criteria. Certain companies in the following industries are excluded from the fund: adult entertainment, alcohol, fossil fuels, gambling, nuclear power, tobacco and weapons. 5-year return (annualized): 15.7 percent Expense ratio: 0.09 percent 2. iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) seeks to track the performance of an index of global stocks from the clean energy sector. 5-year return (annualized): 7.3 percent Expense ratio: 0.41 percent 3. iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF (SUSL) gives investors exposure to large- and mid-cap stocks that score highly on ESG issues relative to their sector peers. 5-year return (annualized): 9.7 percent Expense ratio: 0.49 percent 4. iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF (ESGU) tracks the results of an index of U.S. companies with ESG features that show a similar risk and return profile as the overall MSCI USA Index. 5-year return (annualized): 15.7 percent Expense ratio: 0.15 percent” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Top 2025 ESG Stock and Fund Picks (2) This next article arises from some new original research. It’s titled Top Stocks Widely Owned by Small-Cap ESG Funds by Frances Aufderheide and can be seen on morningstar.com. Now a few quotes from the article. “In the United States, small-cap stocks range from a market cap of $2.9 billion to $11.2 billion, which will be the focus of this exercise. [Learn more about Morningstar Categories by downloading the US Fund Category methodology paper.] We compiled the holdings of the oldest share classes of all US sustainable small-cap funds. Next, we put the top 200 stocks that are commonly owned in a theoretical portfolio. Then, we calculated what the average weight of each security would be if this portfolio held all 200 stocks. We did the same with traditional funds, defining the universe as the oldest share class of small-cap funds, excluding sustainable funds. We found five stocks owned exclusively by small-cap sustainable funds. Source: Morningstar Direct. Weights and Data as of Dec. 3, 2024. 1. Aptar Group (ATR) Morningstar ESG Risk Rating Assessment: Negligible Total Return Year-to-Date (Month-End): 41.30 Price/Fair Value: 1.05 Moat: Narrow ‘The company specializes in various drug dispensing solutions including nasal spray inhalers and elastomer components for injectable drugs, high-end fragrance pumps, and food dispensing closures.’ ‘We think the firm’s outlook is strong from a longer-term perspective…’ —Jay Lee, Morningstar Senior Equity Analyst ‘The company’s carbon footprint is affected by the nature of its operations and the source of energy used to power these operations.’ —Morningstar Sustainalytics 2. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (WH) Morningstar ESG Risk Rating Assessment: Medium Total Return Year-to-Date (Month-End): 23.52 Price/Fair Value: 1.05 Moat: Narrow ‘We believe Wyndham’s moat is illustrated by its enduring unit growth demand from third-party owners, guest satisfaction ranking of its brands, room and loyalty scale, and contract length of franchisee relationships.’ —Dan Wasiolek, Morningstar Senior Equity Analyst ‘To maintain its ongoing operations, the company uses large quantities of water. Increasingly stringent carbon regulations and energy efficiency requirements could lead to higher energy prices, larger associated costs for the company and compliance issues.’ —Morningstar Sustainalytics 3. Clearway Energy (CWEN) Morningstar ESG Risk Rating Assessment: Severe Total Return Year-to-Date (Month-End): 12.00 ‘Clearway Energy Inc is a publicly-traded energy infrastructure investor with a focus on investments in clean energy and owner of modern, sustainable and long-term contracted assets across North America…’ ‘Although the company provides some ESG disclosure, its overall ESG reporting is not in accordance with leading reporting standards’ —Morningstar Sustainalytics 4. Commerce Bancshares (CBSH) Morningstar ESG Risk Rating Assessment: Medium Total Return Year-to-Date (Month-End): 39.60 Moat: Narrow ‘Commerce Bancshares Inc., is a $22 billion regional bank that provides a diversified line of financial services, including business and personal banking, wealth management, financial planning, and investments through its affiliated companies.’ ‘The company’s product and service portfolio, as well as its customer base triggers exposure to quality and safety issues.’ —Morningstar Sustainalytics 5. Darling Ingredients (DAR) Morningstar ESG Risk Rating Assessment: Low Total Return Year-to-Date (Month-End): (18.68) ‘Darling Ingredients Inc develops and manufactures sustainable ingredients for customers in the pharmaceutical, food, pet food, fuel, and fertilizer industries. “Growing consumer demand for healthier and more environmentally friendly foods, including low-fat and plant-based proteins, exposes Darling to potential customer loss should it fail to adapt its portfolio to this trend.’ —Morningstar Sustainalytics.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Top 2025 ESG Stock and Fund Picks (3) This next article is written by an analyst we have repeatedly featured on this podcast. Her name is Aparajita Dutta, and she hails from Zacks. The article is titled 3 Renewable Energy Stocks Poised for Explosive Growth in 2025. Here are some quotes by Ms. Dutta on each of her picks. “These stocks, with a favorable Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), have gained more than 25% so far this year… these can be expected to continue their rally in 2025 as well… 1. Constellation Energy (CEG) this company delivers electric power, natural gas, and energy management services across the United States. It is the lowest carbon emitter among major investor-owned U.S. generators… The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Constellation Energy’s 2025 earnings implies a 10% improvement from the prior year’s estimated earnings. The stock has gained 96.6% in the year-to-date period, while its current average price target has an upside of 23.7% from its last closing price. Free Stock Analysis Report. 2. Excelerate Energy (EE) Excelerate Energy is a provider of floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals… The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Excelerate Energy’s 2025 earnings implies a 19.1% improvement from the prior year’s estimated earnings, while that for its 2025 sales reflects a 25.8% increase. The stock has gained 97.6% in the year-to-date period. Free Stock Analysis Report. 3. Gevo (GEVO) Gevo is a renewable chemicals and advanced biofuels company engaged in the development of biobased alternatives to petroleum-based products… The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GEVO’s 2025 sales implies a 101.5% improvement from the prior year’s estimated earnings. The stock has gained 30.1% in the year-to-date period, while its current average price target has an upside of 296% from its last closing price. Free Stock Analysis Report” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Top 2025 ESG Stock and Fund Picks (4) This next article features some well-known ESG stocks. It’s titled 3 ESG Stocks That Align Profits With Purpose. It was written by Rjkumari Saxena and was seen on stocknews.com. Here is some of what Ms. Saxena has to say in her article. “1. Salesforce, Inc. (CRM - Get Rating) provides Customer Relationship Management technology that brings companies and customers together worldwide. Its service includes sales to store data, monitor leads and progress, forecast opportunities, gain insights through analytics and artificial intelligence, and deliver quotes, contracts, and invoices… Salesforce, Inc.’s robust outlook is reflected in its POWR Ratings. The stock has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. 2. Adobe Inc. (ADBE - Get Rating) operates as a diversified software company globally. It operates in three segments: Digital Media; Digital Experience; and Publishing and Advertising. The company offers products, services, and solutions that enable individuals, teams, and enterprises to cr

    27 min

  8. 12/13/2024

    Top Sustainable REITS, EV Companies, and More

    Next podcast January 10, 2025. Also in this podcast see Newsweek’s ‘America’s Most Responsible Companies’ and review these often-overlooked great sustainable real estate investment trusts. By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 144, December 13, 2024 Hello, Ron Robins here. Before I begin, I want to mention that my next podcast after this one will be on January 10th and I want to sincerely wish everyone who has holidays in this period a most joyous and healthy time. Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to this podcast episode 144 published December 13, 2024, titled “Top Sustainable REITS, EV Companies, and More.” It’s presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources. Remember that you can find a full transcript and links to content – including stock symbols and bonus material – on this episode’s podcast page at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts. Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, and I don’t receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal any investments I have in the investments mentioned herein. Additionally, quotes about individual companies are brief. Please go to this podcast's webpage for links to the articles and more company and stock information. ------------------------------------------------------------- Top Sustainable REITS, EV Companies, and More (1) I’m beginning this podcast with an article on an investment class I’ve rarely covered: real estate investment trusts, or REITS. The article is titled 7 Green REITs for Sustainable Investing. It’s by Glenn Fydenkevez, edited by Jordan Schultz, and found on money.usnews.com. Here are some quotes from Mr. Schultz on each of his picks. “If you're a REIT investor who is concerned about the environmental impact of the stocks you own, here's a list of seven real estate companies that have demonstrated real leadership in adopting sustainable business practices that align with ESG goals: 1. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc. (ARE) is a REIT with a market cap of about $18 billion. The company specializes in life science properties… This environmentally responsible REIT is constantly striving to lower its carbon footprint. [The company] is known for using renewable energy sources such as solar panels and geothermal heating and cooling systems in all of the properties it develops. It also created a unique wastewater heat recovery process. Forward dividend yield: 4.9% 2. BXP Inc. (BXP) In 2021, BXP demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by developing one of Massachusetts' first net-zero, carbon-neutral building repositioning projects… BXP – formally known as Boston Properties – has a market-cap of about $14 billion. It is the largest publicly traded office REIT in the U.S. The firm focuses its investment activities on large cities on the east and west coasts, mostly in Boston, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Forward dividend yield: 4.9% 3. Digital Realty Trust Inc. (DLR) is a $64 billion REIT in the fast-growing digital infrastructure industry. The company owns and operates more than 300 data centers around the world, and its portfolio of properties is growing… Apollo AI makes running a data center as efficient as possible. That's what makes Digital Realty Trust a leader in sustainability. Forward dividend yield: 2.5% 4. HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital Inc. (HASI) is a $3.7 billion REIT that invests only in securities related to renewable energy, sustainability infrastructure and energy efficiency… This Annapolis, Maryland-based company focuses on solar projects, wind farms, clean-burning natural gas facilities, fuel cell development, smart grid technology and other green real estate initiatives. Forward dividend yield: 5.3% 5. Prologis Inc. (PLD) has a massive presence in the transportation and logistics real estate industry. The company boasts a market cap of about $103 billion… This company's warehouses and transportation terminals are modern, high-tech facilities. It uses high-speed computers, digital communications, AI and cloud computing technology to help its customers efficiently fulfill orders and deliver products across the U.S. and in Canada, Mexico, the U.K., Germany, Japan and China. Forward dividend yield: 3.3% 6. Host Hotels & Resorts Inc. (HST) has committed to implementing sustainable practices in every one of its 77 hospitality properties in the U.S., Canada and Brazil. The company controls about 42,000 hotel rooms… With a market capitalization of over $13 billion, [it] is the largest lodging REIT in the U.S… Wells Fargo Securities has an ‘overweight’ rating on the stock. Stifel gives the company a ‘buy’ rating. Forward dividend yield: 4.2% 7. JBG Smith Properties (JBGS) This $1.4 billion REIT controls over 14 million rentable square feet of mixed-use space in the expensive and highly competitive capital district around Washington, D.C… Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) expects that its new campus in Northern Virginia will add 25,000 workers by 2038… Host Hotels & Resorts plans to benefit… and appeal to Amazon's environmentally conscious employees by promoting sustainability and green development practices in every building it buys or builds. Forward dividend yield: 4.3%” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- America's Most Responsible Companies This next article refers to one of America’s foremost corporate sustainability rankings, America's Most Responsible Companies. The editorial is by Nancy Cooper, and the full company rankings can be seen at newsweek.com. Here are a few quotes from Ms. Cooper’s introduction to the rankings. “Selected from the 2,000 largest publicly traded companies headquartered in the U.S., each winner received scores based on the three pillars of ESG… The analysis is based on data from 30 key performance indicators, such as energy usage and charitable donations, as well as a reputation survey of more than 26,000 U.S. consumers. For the second year in a row, the top spot was awarded to Merck (MRK) with an impressive overall score of 97.83, up from 91.98 last year. Other notable names on this year's list include Adobe (ADBE), PayPal (PYPL) and HP (HPE) .” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Why Sunrun (RUN) Is Among the Best Wind Power and Solar Stocks to Invest in Now Now since this article was featured on Yahoo! Finance, I thought to include it. It’s titled Why Sunrun (RUN) Is Among the Best Wind Power and Solar Stocks to Invest in Now. The article is by Mashaid Ahmed. Here are some quotes from it. “While the outcome of the US election and the anticipated policies of the new administration pose short-term challenges to renewable energy, the long-term outlook remains cautiously optimistic. Sunrun Inc. (NASDAQ:RUN) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 43   Sunrun is a leading provider of residential solar energy solutions, offering solar installations, battery storage, and energy services. The company specializes in customized solar systems for homeowners and has over 1 million customers. Sunrun also offers products on leasing and financing options… The company has signed a multi-year exclusive agreement with Toll Brothers in California and expects its new home business to grow at least 50% over the next year… The company has 16 grid service programs active across the country, with over 20,000 storage systems participating, and is working with utilities and other partners to develop new programs and services… Overall, Sunrun ranks 5th on our list of best wind power and stocks to invest in now.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Top Sustainable REITS, EV Companies, and More (2) And now to this article titled 7 Best EV Stocks to Buy for 2025. It’s by Jeff Reeves, reviewed by John Divine, and found at money.usnews.com. Now some quotes from the article. “An analysis by Gartner estimates that the number of EV Companies in use will grow 33% in 2025 to bring the total number of electric cars and trucks to 85 million in total. That figure will be primarily thanks to brisk adoption rates in China (58% growth) and Europe (24% growth), which together are projected to represent 82% of the total EV market next year, according to Gartner. For investors who want to cash in on EV stocks and the rise of electric vehicles, it's critical to look beyond the usual suspects in the U.S. and take a truly global approach to the industry. With that in mind, some of the hottest EV stocks to buy for 2025 include: 1. Tesla Inc. (TSLA) Market value: $1.2 trillion Tesla has a huge chunk of the marketplace, with predictions of nearly 1.8 million vehicle deliveries across all of 2024. What's more, strong momentum after Election Day, thanks to Musk's close associations with President-elect Donald Trump, has pushed Tesla stock up about 50% on the year even as other electric vehicle stocks have struggled… Tesla remains the go-to EV stock for many investors as we enter 2025. 2. BYD Co. Ltd. (BYDDY) Market value: $106 billion Chinese firm BYD is… the top electric vehicle manufacturer in the world… currently selling more than 500,000 ‘new energy vehicles’ per month – a potential pace of 6 million annually going forward… the local appeal of this Chinese company amid the uncertainty around tariffs and trade policies all but ensures this home-grown EV stock will thrive in China across 2025 as regional demand remains strong. 3. Volkswagen AG (VWAGY) Market value: $43 billion Volkswagen remains the largest vehicle manufacturer on the planet and has the same local appeal in Europe that BYD might have in China amid the current talk of trade w

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    These podcasts will help you find stocks, funds, and bonds that reflect YOUR personal values. Each podcast is filled with top analyst investment picks encompassing the best sustainability, ESG, and ethics traits. My name is Ron Robins and I’ve been following this style of investing since the 1970s. Now it’s mainstream because it can be very profitable too! Beginning in 1969, I held investment industry positions in investment analysis, over-the-counter stock trading, and global private equity sales. And for almost two decades I’ve been a leading writer and tutor in ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible investing (SRI). I’ve been interviewed or quoted in The Wall Street Journal, MarketWatch, Forbes, The Financial Post, BNN, The Globe & Mail, and numerous other media. In 2002, I founded the globally popular and highly respected ethical investing website, Investing for the Soul. Now, it’s my pleasure to help you with these podcasts to be successful in profitably applying your personal values to your investments. And, please subscribe to my RSS feed and my blog.

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