GT Solar International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOLR), Pan American Silver Corp (NASDAQ: PAAS), PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE: PEP), Revlon Incorporated (NYSE: REV), Southern Co (NYSE: SO) and Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW) downgraded by analysts.
Pan American Silver (PAAS) was downgraded by Canaccord Genuity from a “Buy” rating to a “Hold” rating.
Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) downgraded Southern Co (SO) from a “Neutral” rating to a “Sell” rating.
GT Solar International, Inc. (SOLR) was downgraded by Credit Agricole from an “Outperform” rating to an “Underperform” rating.
PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) was downgraded by Goldman Sachs from a “Buy” rating to a “Neutral” rating. They have a price target of $74.00 on the company.
Edwards Lifesciences (EW) was downgraded by Rodman & Renshaw from a “Market Perform” rating to an “Underperform” rating. They have a price target of $66.00 on the company.
Revlon Incorporated (REV) was downgraded by BMO Capital Markets from an “Outperform” rating to a “Market Perform” rating.
Showing posts with label GT Solar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GT Solar. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Cliffs (CLF) (GSM) (MRO) (SOLR) (GOOG) Ratings Reiterated
Cliffs Natural Resources Inc (NYSE: CLF), Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. (NYSE: GSM), Marathon Oil Co. (NYSE: MRO), GT Solar International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOLR) and Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) had ratings reiterated on them by analysts.
Dahlman Rose raiterated a "Buy" rating Cliffs Natural Resources (CLF). They have a price target of $120.00 on the company.
Oppenheimer maintains an "Outperform" rating on Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. (GSM).
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) reiterates a "Neutral" rating on Marathon Oil Co. (MRO).
Piper Jaffray (NYSE:PJC) reiterated an "Overweight" on GT Solar International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOLR). They have a price target of $24.00 on the company.
Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) maintains a "Buy" rating on Google Inc. (GOOG). They have a price target of $725.00 on the company.
Cliffs Natural Resources closed Wednesday at $96.95, gaining $2.19, or 2.31 percent. Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. ended the day at $24.90, rising $1.30, or 5.51 percent. Marathon Oil closed at $31.71, jumping $0.19, or 0.60 percent. GT Solar International closed at $15.15, climbing $0.76, or 5.28 percent. Google ended the session at $538.26, rising $4.25, or 0.80 percent.
Dahlman Rose raiterated a "Buy" rating Cliffs Natural Resources (CLF). They have a price target of $120.00 on the company.
Oppenheimer maintains an "Outperform" rating on Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. (GSM).
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) reiterates a "Neutral" rating on Marathon Oil Co. (MRO).
Piper Jaffray (NYSE:PJC) reiterated an "Overweight" on GT Solar International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOLR). They have a price target of $24.00 on the company.
Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) maintains a "Buy" rating on Google Inc. (GOOG). They have a price target of $725.00 on the company.
Cliffs Natural Resources closed Wednesday at $96.95, gaining $2.19, or 2.31 percent. Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. ended the day at $24.90, rising $1.30, or 5.51 percent. Marathon Oil closed at $31.71, jumping $0.19, or 0.60 percent. GT Solar International closed at $15.15, climbing $0.76, or 5.28 percent. Google ended the session at $538.26, rising $4.25, or 0.80 percent.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Freeport (FCX) (NEM) (SOLR) (TCK) Price Targets Changed by Analysts
Analysts adjusted their price targets on shares of Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold Inc (NYSE: FCX), Newmont Mining Co. (NYSE: NEM), GT Solar International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOLR) and Teck Resources Limited (NYSE: TCK).
Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) cut their price target on Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Inc (FCX) from $65.00 to $60.00. They have a “hold” rating on the company.
Deutsche Bank analysts cut their price target on shares of Newmont Mining Co. (NEM) from $85.00 to $75.00. They now have a “buy” rating on the company.
Wunderlich analysts raised their price target on shares of GT Solar International, Inc. (SOLR) from $16.00 to $20.00. They now have a “buy” rating on the company.
Deutsche Bank analysts cut their price target on shares of Teck Resources Limited (TCK) from $77.00 to $70.00. They now have a “buy” rating on the company.
Freeport-McMoRan closed Tuesday at $53.59, up $0.09, or 0.17 percent. Newmont Mining ended the session at $54.37, gaining $0.63, or 1.17 percent. GT Solar International closed at $17.11, jumping $0.93, or 5.75 percent. Teck Resources finished at $52.78, rising $0.53, or 1.01 percent.
Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) cut their price target on Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Inc (FCX) from $65.00 to $60.00. They have a “hold” rating on the company.
Deutsche Bank analysts cut their price target on shares of Newmont Mining Co. (NEM) from $85.00 to $75.00. They now have a “buy” rating on the company.
Wunderlich analysts raised their price target on shares of GT Solar International, Inc. (SOLR) from $16.00 to $20.00. They now have a “buy” rating on the company.
Deutsche Bank analysts cut their price target on shares of Teck Resources Limited (TCK) from $77.00 to $70.00. They now have a “buy” rating on the company.
Freeport-McMoRan closed Tuesday at $53.59, up $0.09, or 0.17 percent. Newmont Mining ended the session at $54.37, gaining $0.63, or 1.17 percent. GT Solar International closed at $17.11, jumping $0.93, or 5.75 percent. Teck Resources finished at $52.78, rising $0.53, or 1.01 percent.
Monday, May 16, 2011
GT Solar (SOLR) Down on Industry Weakness
GT Solar International (NASDAQ:SOLR) has been getting hit hard recently as funding in the industry around the U.S. and the world is starting to fizzle as governments look closely at the industry and question the value of the sector as a viable energy source.
Uncertainty surrounding Italy cutting back on its financial commitment to the solar industry while deciding to focus on rooftop solar has hurt some companies in the sector and possibly could help others. But it shows the reason there is so much volatility in the industry, as it is increasingly being questioned by governments as to the viability of solar and other non-convential energy sources being worth the cost and effort, as they are unreliable, expensive and won't help much over the long term.
Germany also announced on Friday they're probably going to revisit their commitment to the size of its feed-in-tariff, which is likely to be lowered, based on the comment itself.
Bill Gates also recently said solar and other so-called alternative energy sources have no real chance of dealing with our energy challenges, and rightly called solar and wind energy a "cute" idea but being no solution to our energy needs.
The truth is if an industry can't survive without the government, it's not a real market, but an artificial construct that needs to be abandoned as far as taxpayer subsidies and allowed to compete on its own in the marketplace. That includes all energy sectors.
GT Solar International, Inc. participates in the design and manufacture of manufacturing equipment; and provision of services for the production of photovoltaic (PV), wafer, cell and module, and polysilicon products around the world.
GT Solar International (SOLR) closed Friday at $11.36, dropping $0.08, or 0.70 percent.
Uncertainty surrounding Italy cutting back on its financial commitment to the solar industry while deciding to focus on rooftop solar has hurt some companies in the sector and possibly could help others. But it shows the reason there is so much volatility in the industry, as it is increasingly being questioned by governments as to the viability of solar and other non-convential energy sources being worth the cost and effort, as they are unreliable, expensive and won't help much over the long term.
Germany also announced on Friday they're probably going to revisit their commitment to the size of its feed-in-tariff, which is likely to be lowered, based on the comment itself.
Bill Gates also recently said solar and other so-called alternative energy sources have no real chance of dealing with our energy challenges, and rightly called solar and wind energy a "cute" idea but being no solution to our energy needs.
The truth is if an industry can't survive without the government, it's not a real market, but an artificial construct that needs to be abandoned as far as taxpayer subsidies and allowed to compete on its own in the marketplace. That includes all energy sectors.
GT Solar International, Inc. participates in the design and manufacture of manufacturing equipment; and provision of services for the production of photovoltaic (PV), wafer, cell and module, and polysilicon products around the world.
GT Solar International (SOLR) closed Friday at $11.36, dropping $0.08, or 0.70 percent.
Trina (TSL) (YGE) (SOLR) (STP) Under Pressure on Financing Uncertainty
Shares of Trina Solar (NYSE:TSL), Yingli Green Energy (NYSE:YGE), GT Solar International (SOLR) and Suntech Power Holdings (NYSE:STP) all closed down Friday as the solar sector continues to be under immense pressure in relationship to financing concerns.
With America facing its own sovereign debt crisis, masked by the seemingly endless amount of new money thrown at the economy by the Federal Reserve, the solar industry in the country is facing more uncertainty, as lawmakers look to make budget deals, which could cut financing from the U.S. Department of Energy for the sector.
That was after First Solar (FSLR) alleged they were told by the Department of Energy they were still being considered for financial assistance to construct three major solar plants in the country.
Funding challenges also face the international solar industry as many countries continue to struggle with the lack of capital to artificially prop up the industry.
It's widely known that the Italian has cut back on support for the solar industry, but German Chancellor Angela Merkel suggested on Friday the country needs to take a another look at feed-in tariffs again, saying they may be too high. Germany and Italy have been the two leading markets for solar.
A lot of focus has been on the removing of subsidies from the big oil companies, but in fact we need to have all energy subsidies removed across the board and the let the free market decide how it wants to produce and consume energy and electricity, not politicians.
Trina Solar (TSL) closed Friday at $25.35, dropping $0.89, or 3.39 percent.
With America facing its own sovereign debt crisis, masked by the seemingly endless amount of new money thrown at the economy by the Federal Reserve, the solar industry in the country is facing more uncertainty, as lawmakers look to make budget deals, which could cut financing from the U.S. Department of Energy for the sector.
That was after First Solar (FSLR) alleged they were told by the Department of Energy they were still being considered for financial assistance to construct three major solar plants in the country.
Funding challenges also face the international solar industry as many countries continue to struggle with the lack of capital to artificially prop up the industry.
It's widely known that the Italian has cut back on support for the solar industry, but German Chancellor Angela Merkel suggested on Friday the country needs to take a another look at feed-in tariffs again, saying they may be too high. Germany and Italy have been the two leading markets for solar.
A lot of focus has been on the removing of subsidies from the big oil companies, but in fact we need to have all energy subsidies removed across the board and the let the free market decide how it wants to produce and consume energy and electricity, not politicians.
Trina Solar (TSL) closed Friday at $25.35, dropping $0.89, or 3.39 percent.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Solar Bubble (LDK) (CSUN) (SOLR) (FSLR) (CSIQ) Coming for These Firms?
The solar industry is under duress to say the least, and the very real possibility China may end up creating the first solar bubble is now being bantered about in the media, with solar companies like LDK Solar (NYSE:LDK) China Sunergy (NASDAQ:CSUN) GT Solar International (SOLR), First Solar (Nasdaq:FSLR), Canadian Solar (NASDAQ:CSIQ) sure to come under stress after a seemingly unhindered run for several years before 2009.
Forbes' William Pentland wrote, "The epic expansion planned for the latter part of this decade may create the world’s first solar-energy bubble. The existing solar supply chain is likely too shallow to sustain growth on this scale. Unless the industry develops scalable infrastructure over the next four years, China’s planned installation of 8 GWs of solar capacity annually between 2015 and 2020 is likely to create severe bottlenecks in the solar supply chain. These bottlenecks could radically inflate the price of basic materials like silicon and create labor shortages that would affect the costs of manufacturing solar modules, designing and installing new solar systems and operating and maintaining already installed systems."
Combined with Germany and Italy cutting back on solar subsidies, it would make the China market even more important as far as solar goes, and with little demand from other countries, will disproportionately affect to view of the industry. during the coming years, which appear to be very negative.
First Solar closed Monday at $130.04, gaining $0.08, or 0.06 percent.
Forbes' William Pentland wrote, "The epic expansion planned for the latter part of this decade may create the world’s first solar-energy bubble. The existing solar supply chain is likely too shallow to sustain growth on this scale. Unless the industry develops scalable infrastructure over the next four years, China’s planned installation of 8 GWs of solar capacity annually between 2015 and 2020 is likely to create severe bottlenecks in the solar supply chain. These bottlenecks could radically inflate the price of basic materials like silicon and create labor shortages that would affect the costs of manufacturing solar modules, designing and installing new solar systems and operating and maintaining already installed systems."
Combined with Germany and Italy cutting back on solar subsidies, it would make the China market even more important as far as solar goes, and with little demand from other countries, will disproportionately affect to view of the industry. during the coming years, which appear to be very negative.
First Solar closed Monday at $130.04, gaining $0.08, or 0.06 percent.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Solar's (FSLR) (SOLR) (CSUN) (PWER) (SOL) Facing Tough Times
The solar industry and solar companies like GT Solar International (SOLR), China Sunergy (NASDAQ:CSUN), Power-One Inc (NASDAQ:PWER), Renesola (NYSE:SOL) and First Solar (Nasdaq:FSLR) are under increasing pressure as the government-created market, which the vast of majority of consumers really don't care about, is struggling because of the two major markets - Germany and Italy, which have been cutting back on subsidies, leaving a large gap in the demand side of the market, which isn't being taken up by any other country at this time, although there are small increases in various countries, including America.
It is increasingly realized that solar (or wind) isn't or won't be the answer to future energy needs, as they're unreliable and expensive, and can't even come close to meeting existing needs, let alone the growing needs of countries around the world.
The best thing to do in energy across the board is to get rid of all government subsidies in every energy sector and let the market decide what it wants.
Government interference through excessive regulation and taxation also needs to be cut back on, as it's only in place in order to promote the so-called "clean energy" initiative, which isn't as clean and green as being put forth, but is a media darling and is reported as being the future of energy, when if fact anyone that knows the energy sector understands at best it'll be a small supplemental part of the energy future, and one that probably doesn't even need to be pursued.
There will probably be a consolidation in the industry even as solar companies continue to mostly operate under losses, even with the generous subsidies and government pressure on competing energy industries.
First Solar closed Friday at $129.96, gaining $2.05, or 1.60 percent.
It is increasingly realized that solar (or wind) isn't or won't be the answer to future energy needs, as they're unreliable and expensive, and can't even come close to meeting existing needs, let alone the growing needs of countries around the world.
The best thing to do in energy across the board is to get rid of all government subsidies in every energy sector and let the market decide what it wants.
Government interference through excessive regulation and taxation also needs to be cut back on, as it's only in place in order to promote the so-called "clean energy" initiative, which isn't as clean and green as being put forth, but is a media darling and is reported as being the future of energy, when if fact anyone that knows the energy sector understands at best it'll be a small supplemental part of the energy future, and one that probably doesn't even need to be pursued.
There will probably be a consolidation in the industry even as solar companies continue to mostly operate under losses, even with the generous subsidies and government pressure on competing energy industries.
First Solar closed Friday at $129.96, gaining $2.05, or 1.60 percent.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
SunPower (SPWRA) (SOLR) (LDK) (HSOL) Trade Down as Solar on the Defensive
The terrible results of First Solar (Nasdaq:FSLR) in its latest quarter, coupled with declining subsidies from the two largest solar markets in the world - Germany and Italy - dragged down SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:SPWRA), GT Solar International (SOLR), LDK Solar (NYSE:LDK) and Hanwha SolarOne Co., Ltd.(NASDAQ:HSOL) Wednesday, as the all closed in the negative.
Sources say Italy has reached an agreement to cut subsidies from current levels by 22-30 percent in 2011, 23-45 percent in 2012 and by 10-45 percent in 2013.
Australia also announced they are going to cut A$1,000 from solar panel subsidies a it is pushing up the price of electricity in the country.
The country has already cut back on an initial individual household subsidy of A$8,000 in 2007 to A$3,700 today.
The Australian government also said federal subsidies on rooftop solar panels will end a year earlier than originally stated, some time in the middle of 2013.
With very little demand in India and America - considered two potential new markets for solar - it appears the solar industry is in for a long, rough ride.
Government just need to end the subsidies completely (as well as with all other energy subsidies), and let the market sort out what it wants for energy.
LDK Solar (LDK) closed Wednesday at $10.42, down $0.46, or 4.23 percent.
Sources say Italy has reached an agreement to cut subsidies from current levels by 22-30 percent in 2011, 23-45 percent in 2012 and by 10-45 percent in 2013.
Australia also announced they are going to cut A$1,000 from solar panel subsidies a it is pushing up the price of electricity in the country.
The country has already cut back on an initial individual household subsidy of A$8,000 in 2007 to A$3,700 today.
The Australian government also said federal subsidies on rooftop solar panels will end a year earlier than originally stated, some time in the middle of 2013.
With very little demand in India and America - considered two potential new markets for solar - it appears the solar industry is in for a long, rough ride.
Government just need to end the subsidies completely (as well as with all other energy subsidies), and let the market sort out what it wants for energy.
LDK Solar (LDK) closed Wednesday at $10.42, down $0.46, or 4.23 percent.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Hanwha (HSOL) (PWER) (TSL) (LDK) (SOLR) Dragged Down by First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR)
Hanwha SolarOne Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ:HSOL), Power-One Inc (NASDAQ:PWER), LDK Solar (NYSE:LDK), Trina Solar (NYSE:TSL) and GT Solar International (NASDAQ:SOLR) weighed down by First Solar's (NASDAQ:FSLR) dismal performance
Net income for First Solar plunged 33 percent to $116 million over the same quarter last year, as the company earned $1.33 per share. That was actually much better than the $1.16 a share analysts expected, but not able to overcome the weak net income numbers.
Revenue made no headway during the quarter either, reaching $567 million, although beating estimates of $544 million.
The company said in its press release that rising costs, lower net sales and reduced average selling prices had a negative impact on the quarter.
Even so, the company asserts it will be able to meet full year guidance, although the market, at this time, isn't buying into that. Net sales for the full year are expected to reach about $3.7 to $3.8 billion, with EPS coming in at a range of $9.25 to $9.75 a share.
All of this underscores the lack of a real market for solar energy, and is only a primarily a creation of numerous governments around the world, not the result of demand from consumers.
That's why Italy, when it cut back on subsidies, put the hurt on First Solar, which has huge exposure there.
The highly expensive and low-demand energy source can't compete in the real market, and solar companies will remain extremely volatile because many governments that support it, don't have the capital to back their ambitions in the sector.
First Solar closed Tuesday at $134.66, falling $2.87, or 2.09 percent. After hours they plunged to $123.20, down $11.46, or 8.51 percent.
Net income for First Solar plunged 33 percent to $116 million over the same quarter last year, as the company earned $1.33 per share. That was actually much better than the $1.16 a share analysts expected, but not able to overcome the weak net income numbers.
Revenue made no headway during the quarter either, reaching $567 million, although beating estimates of $544 million.
The company said in its press release that rising costs, lower net sales and reduced average selling prices had a negative impact on the quarter.
Even so, the company asserts it will be able to meet full year guidance, although the market, at this time, isn't buying into that. Net sales for the full year are expected to reach about $3.7 to $3.8 billion, with EPS coming in at a range of $9.25 to $9.75 a share.
All of this underscores the lack of a real market for solar energy, and is only a primarily a creation of numerous governments around the world, not the result of demand from consumers.
That's why Italy, when it cut back on subsidies, put the hurt on First Solar, which has huge exposure there.
The highly expensive and low-demand energy source can't compete in the real market, and solar companies will remain extremely volatile because many governments that support it, don't have the capital to back their ambitions in the sector.
First Solar closed Tuesday at $134.66, falling $2.87, or 2.09 percent. After hours they plunged to $123.20, down $11.46, or 8.51 percent.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Hanwha (HSOL) (LDK) (SOLR) (FSLR) Jump on SunPower (SPWRA) Deal
The announcement Total SA (NYSE:TOT) was going to acquire a 60 percent stake in SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ:SPWRA) gave the solar sector a temporary boost, pushing up the share prices of companies like Hanwha SolarOne Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ:HSOL), LDK Solar (NYSE:LDK), GT Solar International (NASDAQ:SOLR) and First Solar (Nasdaq:FSLR), as expected.
In an extremely volatile sector, solar companies tend to move in unison on news affecting the industry, and that did happen, although investors shouldn't get too excited about it, other than trying to figure out whether or not another solar company will be acquired.
Since that's a guessing game, it's more gambling than it is investing, but that won't stop some from throwing money at the risky sector.
Solar will continue to struggle because there really isn't a market for it, other than governments around the world attempting to spin it as an alternative energy source. At best it'll be a very expensive source of energy that is unpredictable as to supply, and will only add a tiny bit of energy to the grid.
Spin it as they will, the media can't change that fact, and countries that had supported the extremely expensive sector are starting to pull back as they can no longer afford it. Germany and Italy are two examples; especially Italy in the shorter term.
For those guessing correctly, or even if there is a move toward energy companies buying up solar (not a surety by any means), there is money to be made in solar, but it's far too volatile to commit serious capital to.
SunPower closed Friday at $21.69, gaining $5.57, or 34.55 percent. First Solar closed at $139.57, rising $1.18, or 0.85 percent. GT Solar International ended the session at $11.17, up $0.32, or 2.95 percent. LDK Solar closed at $11.55, jumping $0.39, or 3.49 percent. Hanwha SolarOne closed at $6.83, increasing $6.83, or 0.21 percent.
In an extremely volatile sector, solar companies tend to move in unison on news affecting the industry, and that did happen, although investors shouldn't get too excited about it, other than trying to figure out whether or not another solar company will be acquired.
Since that's a guessing game, it's more gambling than it is investing, but that won't stop some from throwing money at the risky sector.
Solar will continue to struggle because there really isn't a market for it, other than governments around the world attempting to spin it as an alternative energy source. At best it'll be a very expensive source of energy that is unpredictable as to supply, and will only add a tiny bit of energy to the grid.
Spin it as they will, the media can't change that fact, and countries that had supported the extremely expensive sector are starting to pull back as they can no longer afford it. Germany and Italy are two examples; especially Italy in the shorter term.
For those guessing correctly, or even if there is a move toward energy companies buying up solar (not a surety by any means), there is money to be made in solar, but it's far too volatile to commit serious capital to.
SunPower closed Friday at $21.69, gaining $5.57, or 34.55 percent. First Solar closed at $139.57, rising $1.18, or 0.85 percent. GT Solar International ended the session at $11.17, up $0.32, or 2.95 percent. LDK Solar closed at $11.55, jumping $0.39, or 3.49 percent. Hanwha SolarOne closed at $6.83, increasing $6.83, or 0.21 percent.
Friday, April 29, 2011
SunPower (SPWRA) (FSLR) (STP) (YGE) (TSL) (SOLR) Should Jump on Total (TOT) Deal
There is no doubt the move by Total SA (NYSE:TOT) to acquire a majority stake in U.S. solar company SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ:SPWRA) will spur the industry, as it will generate the idea of who may be next to be infused with cash, such as First Solar (Nasdaq:FSLR), Suntech Power Holdings (NYSE:STP), Yingli Green Energy (NYSE:YGE), Trina Solar (NYSE:TSL) and GT Solar International (SOLR).
It must be kept in mind that the China-based solar companies already have access to capital, so it probably won't affect them as much, although they'll more than likely be pulled up with the rest of the sector over the short term, based on speculation.
Analysts were surprised by the decision of Total, as the solar industry, if you can call it that, is pressured by slow sales, rising costs of raw materials, financing, no real market for the product, and shrinking government support.
If it wasn't for government subsidies there would be no solar market, and the general population couldn't care less about solar, contrary to media allusions to that effect.
That's not to say you can't make money in the industry, as it's subject to wild swings because of it being a media darling and even when it's debatable as to the validity of the industry as a whole, it won't stop the media from hyping it up and causing the share prices of solar companies to jump, as they will on the news of the deal by Total for SunPower.
It must be kept in mind that the China-based solar companies already have access to capital, so it probably won't affect them as much, although they'll more than likely be pulled up with the rest of the sector over the short term, based on speculation.
Analysts were surprised by the decision of Total, as the solar industry, if you can call it that, is pressured by slow sales, rising costs of raw materials, financing, no real market for the product, and shrinking government support.
If it wasn't for government subsidies there would be no solar market, and the general population couldn't care less about solar, contrary to media allusions to that effect.
That's not to say you can't make money in the industry, as it's subject to wild swings because of it being a media darling and even when it's debatable as to the validity of the industry as a whole, it won't stop the media from hyping it up and causing the share prices of solar companies to jump, as they will on the news of the deal by Total for SunPower.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Hanwha (HSOL) (SOL) (SOLR) (FSLR) Cheap Because of Artificial Markets
Until solar can prove it can stand on its own in the free market, the share prices of the companies will continue to be cheap, as is the case with Hanwha SolarOne (NASDAQ:HSOL), Renesola Ltd. (NYSE:SOL), GT Solar International (NASDAQ:SOLR) and First Solar (Nasdaq:FSLR), which closed mixed Monday.
The major problem with solar is everyone knows it isn't determined by consumer demand, but on government interference and strategies; something that never ends well.
Another major challenge for solar are the assumptions somehow it's going to solve its problems by some type of future invention. People that say this (and they're many) are just true believers and almost religiously want solar to work with a fervor that only the faithful can match.
That's why when you hear those proponents of solar talk about it, it's predicated largely on wishful thinking and faith in some unforeseeable future, rather than the supply and demand of the marketplace.
Solar would become more attractive if it was cut from the governments around the world and allowed to compete against other energy sources. Then they can prove if they are contenders or pretenders. At this time, most investors believe they're pretenders, as evidenced by their weak performances and share prices.
Solar companies will continue to trading at earnings multiples that reflect companies that are in decline until that becomes the reality.
With that unlikely to happen, and some governments like Germany and Italy backing off some of their commitments, it's doubtful the extremely expensive and unreliable energy source, along with solar companies, will be viable any time soon, if ever.
The major problem with solar is everyone knows it isn't determined by consumer demand, but on government interference and strategies; something that never ends well.
Another major challenge for solar are the assumptions somehow it's going to solve its problems by some type of future invention. People that say this (and they're many) are just true believers and almost religiously want solar to work with a fervor that only the faithful can match.
That's why when you hear those proponents of solar talk about it, it's predicated largely on wishful thinking and faith in some unforeseeable future, rather than the supply and demand of the marketplace.
Solar would become more attractive if it was cut from the governments around the world and allowed to compete against other energy sources. Then they can prove if they are contenders or pretenders. At this time, most investors believe they're pretenders, as evidenced by their weak performances and share prices.
Solar companies will continue to trading at earnings multiples that reflect companies that are in decline until that becomes the reality.
With that unlikely to happen, and some governments like Germany and Italy backing off some of their commitments, it's doubtful the extremely expensive and unreliable energy source, along with solar companies, will be viable any time soon, if ever.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Yingli (YGE) (SOLR) (LDK) (JKS) Close Up on Nuclear Perceptions
Solar companies have been jumping on the perception it's going to benefit from the troubled nuclear plant in Japan crippled by the massive earthquake. Companies like Yingli Green Energy (NYSE:YGE), GT Solar International (NASDAQ:SOLR), LDK Solar (NYSE:LDK) and Jinko Solar (NYSE:JKS) closed up Wednesday on those assumptions.
While there will be a temporary boost in the interest in so-called alternative energy, it will never be more than a fad and at the very best, a weak supplement to real energy sources that can handle demand. Natural gas will be one of the legitimate energy sources of the future when prices rebound. That will take time.
Investors will make money in solar in the short-term, as the media will continue to hit the solar thing hard because of its darling status with it.
But anyone who believes nuclear and coal-generated electricity is going away will suffer at best if they made investment decisions based on it.
Could you imagine Japan counting on solar energy and then has some cloudy days. Sorry about the blackouts and parts shortages around the world people. When the fantasy generated by the media ends, the solar stocks will come crashing back down to earth.
GT Solar International closed Wednesday at $9.68, gaining $0.30, or 3.20 percent. Yingli Green Energy closed at $11.87, rising $0.20, or 1.71 percent. LDK Solar ended the session at $10.79, up $0.01, or 0.09. Jinko Solar closed at $24.01, increasing $0.81, or 3.49 percent.
While there will be a temporary boost in the interest in so-called alternative energy, it will never be more than a fad and at the very best, a weak supplement to real energy sources that can handle demand. Natural gas will be one of the legitimate energy sources of the future when prices rebound. That will take time.
Investors will make money in solar in the short-term, as the media will continue to hit the solar thing hard because of its darling status with it.
But anyone who believes nuclear and coal-generated electricity is going away will suffer at best if they made investment decisions based on it.
Could you imagine Japan counting on solar energy and then has some cloudy days. Sorry about the blackouts and parts shortages around the world people. When the fantasy generated by the media ends, the solar stocks will come crashing back down to earth.
GT Solar International closed Wednesday at $9.68, gaining $0.30, or 3.20 percent. Yingli Green Energy closed at $11.87, rising $0.20, or 1.71 percent. LDK Solar ended the session at $10.79, up $0.01, or 0.09. Jinko Solar closed at $24.01, increasing $0.81, or 3.49 percent.
Monday, April 18, 2011
GT Solar (SOLR) Valuation Deservedly Low
A lot is being made of the solar sector recently, including GT Solar (Nasdaq:SOLR), which is trading deservedly under $10 a share.
There is little, if anything, positive coming out of the solar sector, as it's a government-backed market, not one that has emerged from legitimate demand.
That means when countries are strapped for cash, like in Europe, and when they're battling inflation, with the likelihood of cutting back on solar spending, as in China, there's little that is left on the table to give the sector a boost, as they're almost entirely dependent on taxpayer subsidies around the world because of the extreme high costs associated with the solar industry as an energy source.
This of course means a volatile and unpredictable company, and that's the case will the vast majority of solar companies, including GT Solar.
It's unclear if the share price of GT Solar has lower government spending built into the share price, but it will definitely hang over it as it will with many others in the solar sector.
GT has an estimated $1.41 in net income expected by analysts for the current fiscal year.
In the end GT Solar and other companies don't have low valuations because they're being wrongly perceived or ignored, but because they are exactly what they deserve.
Solar is a media darling with little demand other than from governments trying to force the expensive energy source on its people. Once subsidies are removed, the solar energy will be found naked. Of course the entire industry centers around subsidies and what governments will do in the future.
GT Solar was trading at $9.27, falling $0.42, or 4.33 percent, as of 1:28 PM EDT.
There is little, if anything, positive coming out of the solar sector, as it's a government-backed market, not one that has emerged from legitimate demand.
That means when countries are strapped for cash, like in Europe, and when they're battling inflation, with the likelihood of cutting back on solar spending, as in China, there's little that is left on the table to give the sector a boost, as they're almost entirely dependent on taxpayer subsidies around the world because of the extreme high costs associated with the solar industry as an energy source.
This of course means a volatile and unpredictable company, and that's the case will the vast majority of solar companies, including GT Solar.
It's unclear if the share price of GT Solar has lower government spending built into the share price, but it will definitely hang over it as it will with many others in the solar sector.
GT has an estimated $1.41 in net income expected by analysts for the current fiscal year.
In the end GT Solar and other companies don't have low valuations because they're being wrongly perceived or ignored, but because they are exactly what they deserve.
Solar is a media darling with little demand other than from governments trying to force the expensive energy source on its people. Once subsidies are removed, the solar energy will be found naked. Of course the entire industry centers around subsidies and what governments will do in the future.
GT Solar was trading at $9.27, falling $0.42, or 4.33 percent, as of 1:28 PM EDT.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Solar (SOL) (LDK) (ASTI) (SOLR) Up on Budget Survival, High Oil
The volatile solar sector was up Wednesday at it for some reason survived budget cuts and got a boost from higher oil prices and the commitment of hundreds of millions to the sector by General Electric (NYSE:GE). That pushed the share price of GT Solar International (NASDAQ:SOLR), Ascent Solar Technologies (NASDAQ:ASTI), LDK Solar (NYSE:LDK) and Renesola (NYSE:SOL) up, along with others.
Investors place money in solar when energy prices, especially oil, rise, as it creates the illusion the higher oil prices make solar more attractive, even with its extremely high price tag.
Unfortunately the sector remains underwritten by taxpayers' dollars, as it should be allowed to compete in the energy marketplace to see if it in fact is being generated by demand of government fiat.
It's unlikely solar would survive without being propped up by government subsidies, and is an extremely bad precedent and policy.
Renesola closed Wednesday at $9.46, gaining $0.29, or 3.16 percent. LDK Solar closed at $11.63, up $0.40, or 3.56 percent. Ascent Solar Technologies closed at $1.70, rising $0.07, or 4.29 percent. GT Solar International closed at $10.24, increasing $0.24, or 2.45 percent.
Investors place money in solar when energy prices, especially oil, rise, as it creates the illusion the higher oil prices make solar more attractive, even with its extremely high price tag.
Unfortunately the sector remains underwritten by taxpayers' dollars, as it should be allowed to compete in the energy marketplace to see if it in fact is being generated by demand of government fiat.
It's unlikely solar would survive without being propped up by government subsidies, and is an extremely bad precedent and policy.
Renesola closed Wednesday at $9.46, gaining $0.29, or 3.16 percent. LDK Solar closed at $11.63, up $0.40, or 3.56 percent. Ascent Solar Technologies closed at $1.70, rising $0.07, or 4.29 percent. GT Solar International closed at $10.24, increasing $0.24, or 2.45 percent.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Renesola (SOL) (SOLR) (JASO) (LDK) Fall as Oil Corrects
A correction in commodities as a result of the plunge in oil prices pressured the solar sector, with GT Solar International (NASDAQ:SOLR) JA Solar Holdings (NASDAQ:JASO), LDK Solar (NYSE:LDK) and Renesola Ltd. (NYSE:SOL) all closing down Tuesday.
Crude oil prices for May delivery were down as much as 63 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $105.62 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract was at $106.01 at 10:14 a.m. Sydney time. Yesterday, it fell $3.67 to $106.25. Prices fell 5.9 percent on April 11 and 12.
The U.S. boosted its crude-oil price estimate for 2011 to an average $106.38 a barrel from $101.77 in March, according to the Energy Department’s Short-Term Energy Outlook.
JA Solar Holdings closed Tuesday at $6.48, falling $0.11, or 1.67 percent. LDK Solar closed at $11.23, down $0.31, or 2.69 percent. Renesola Ltd. closed at $9.17, dropping $0.32, or 3.37 percent. GT Solar International ended the session at $9.78, declining $0.17, or 1.71 percent.
Crude oil prices for May delivery were down as much as 63 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $105.62 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract was at $106.01 at 10:14 a.m. Sydney time. Yesterday, it fell $3.67 to $106.25. Prices fell 5.9 percent on April 11 and 12.
The U.S. boosted its crude-oil price estimate for 2011 to an average $106.38 a barrel from $101.77 in March, according to the Energy Department’s Short-Term Energy Outlook.
JA Solar Holdings closed Tuesday at $6.48, falling $0.11, or 1.67 percent. LDK Solar closed at $11.23, down $0.31, or 2.69 percent. Renesola Ltd. closed at $9.17, dropping $0.32, or 3.37 percent. GT Solar International ended the session at $9.78, declining $0.17, or 1.71 percent.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Solar Industry (FSLR)(STP)(YGE)(TSL)(JASO) At Crossroads
There is no doubt we're rapidly approaching a day or reckoning for the solar industry, where solar companies like Trina Solar (NYSE:TSL), GT Solar International (NASDAQ:SOLR), JA Solar (NASDAQ:JASO), LDK Solar (NYSE:LDK), Renesola (NYSE:SOL), SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:SPWRA), Jinko Solar (NYSE:JKS) and Power-One Inc (NASDAQ:PWER), among others, will be battling it out for survival.
Several things guarantee this, including the inability of government to continue to afford to subsidize the dubious industry, which only exists because of government elites and the wealthy, and not because of general consumer demand.
Even with the enormous amount of capital subsidizing the industry, it still remains extremely expensive after a number of years of attempting to lower the costs.
With the low market demand for solar, companies are still fighting to gain share in the sector and are set to boost production capacity at the time subsidies are being trimmed.
That means a large number of solar panels will hit the market, which will mean pressure on margins and earnings for the majority of solar companies around the world.
There can be no doubt this will end up with some solar companies not able to compete or survive.
That's good, as the industry needs to be completely untethered from governments in order to see if they can survive, and if there in fact is legitimate demand for solar.
Until that happens (which is coming), we won't know the real health of the sector because of government interference which is propping up an industry without knowing if it is in fact viable or not.
Either way, solar companies are going to come under increasing pressure as the European market dries up from the out-of-control debt which is threatening to bring down the European Union and the euro.
Solar is quickly losing its priority status and being dropped quickly from the things that are deemed necessary by governments, which are essentially bankrupt.
That will result in solar companies competing in more of a market atmosphere than they have in the past, which is probably not good for most companies that almost completely relied on taxpayers to survive.
Several things guarantee this, including the inability of government to continue to afford to subsidize the dubious industry, which only exists because of government elites and the wealthy, and not because of general consumer demand.
Even with the enormous amount of capital subsidizing the industry, it still remains extremely expensive after a number of years of attempting to lower the costs.
With the low market demand for solar, companies are still fighting to gain share in the sector and are set to boost production capacity at the time subsidies are being trimmed.
That means a large number of solar panels will hit the market, which will mean pressure on margins and earnings for the majority of solar companies around the world.
There can be no doubt this will end up with some solar companies not able to compete or survive.
That's good, as the industry needs to be completely untethered from governments in order to see if they can survive, and if there in fact is legitimate demand for solar.
Until that happens (which is coming), we won't know the real health of the sector because of government interference which is propping up an industry without knowing if it is in fact viable or not.
Either way, solar companies are going to come under increasing pressure as the European market dries up from the out-of-control debt which is threatening to bring down the European Union and the euro.
Solar is quickly losing its priority status and being dropped quickly from the things that are deemed necessary by governments, which are essentially bankrupt.
That will result in solar companies competing in more of a market atmosphere than they have in the past, which is probably not good for most companies that almost completely relied on taxpayers to survive.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Nuclear Fears Push Up LDK Solar (LDK) (FSLR) (JASO) (JKS) (STP)
Shares of First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR), Suntech Power Holdings (NYSE:STP), Yingli Green Energy (NYSE:YGE), Trina Solar (NYSE:TSL), GT Solar International (NASDAQ:SOLR), Ascent Solar Technologies (NASDAQ:ASTI), JA Solar (NASDAQ:JASO), LDK Solar (LDK) and Jinko Solar (NYSE:JKS), along with the majority of solar company stocks, skyrocketed Monday on uncertainties surrounding the nuclear industry, as fears of a nuclear meltdown in Japan clouded the future of nuclear in the minds of some people.
While it's unlikely to go nowhere, it does give some ammunition for options traders for calls and puts as solar stocks do an ebb and flow during the week, depending on what news is currently coming out of Japan.
Solar itself is an unsustainable industry, and is questionable because of costs and inability to operate at a profit outside of government subsidies.
JinkoSolar closed Monday at $24.82, up $2.21, or 9.77 percent. First Solar soared to $146.91, jumping $7.17, or 5.13 percent. Suntech closed at $8.28, up $0.24, or 2.99 percent. Yingli closed at $11.26, rising $0.76, or 7.24 percent. Trina Solar closed at $26.00, up $1.77, or 7.30 percent. LDK closed at $11.58, up $0.94, or 8.83 percent. JA Solar closed the session at $6.69, gaining $0.38, or 6.02 percent.
While it's unlikely to go nowhere, it does give some ammunition for options traders for calls and puts as solar stocks do an ebb and flow during the week, depending on what news is currently coming out of Japan.
Solar itself is an unsustainable industry, and is questionable because of costs and inability to operate at a profit outside of government subsidies.
JinkoSolar closed Monday at $24.82, up $2.21, or 9.77 percent. First Solar soared to $146.91, jumping $7.17, or 5.13 percent. Suntech closed at $8.28, up $0.24, or 2.99 percent. Yingli closed at $11.26, rising $0.76, or 7.24 percent. Trina Solar closed at $26.00, up $1.77, or 7.30 percent. LDK closed at $11.58, up $0.94, or 8.83 percent. JA Solar closed the session at $6.69, gaining $0.38, or 6.02 percent.
Monday, January 3, 2011
First Solar (Nasdaq:FSLR), Suntech Power Holdings (NYSE:STP), Yingli Green Energy (NYSE:YGE), Trina Solar (NYSE:TSL), GT Solar International (Nasdaq:SOLR) in 2010
Not long after the new year in 2010, the solar sector in general took a big hit, and it hasn't recovered yet, although some of the companies listed here, like First Solar (Nasdaq:FSLR), Suntech Power Holdings (NYSE:STP), Yingli Green Energy (NYSE:YGE), Trina Solar (NYSE:TSL) and GT Solar International (Nasdaq:SOLR), did have a good and consistent year, while others faltered.
Much of that was based on declining solar demand in Germany and fiscal tightness of countries which were in economic crisis.
First Solar ended the year at $130.14, losing $0.95 on December 31, down 0.72 percent. The company had a 52-week trading range of $98.71 to $152.53. They ended the year with a market cap of $11.16 billion. They started to rebound incrementally in the latter half of the year.
Suntech Power Holdings closed the year out at $8.01, rising $0.17 on the last trading day, up 2.17 percent. The trading range for 2010 was from $7.05 to $18.78. They ended the year with a market cap of $1.44 billion.
Yingli Green Energy finished off the year at $9.88, rising $0.10 on Friday, a gain of 1.00 percent. The 2010 trading range for them was $8.31 to $19.11. They closed off the year with a market cap of $1.50 billion. Yingli was among those not able to recover after the plunge in January 2010, and continued to drop as the year went on.
Trina Solar ended 2010 at $23.42, up $0.25 on the final trading day of the year, increasing 1.08 percent. Their trading range for the year was $14.85 to $31.19. Their market cap heading into 2011 is $1.64 billion. Trina began to rebound in June, but still hasn't been able to reach the levels it started 2010 off with.
GT Solar International finished 2010 at $9.12, gaining $0.11, or 1.22 percent on the last day of the year. Their 52-week trading range was $4.90 to $9.25. Their market cap at the end of the year was $1.38 billion. They were one of the few solar companies that had a good advance throughout the entirety of 2010.
Much of that was based on declining solar demand in Germany and fiscal tightness of countries which were in economic crisis.
First Solar ended the year at $130.14, losing $0.95 on December 31, down 0.72 percent. The company had a 52-week trading range of $98.71 to $152.53. They ended the year with a market cap of $11.16 billion. They started to rebound incrementally in the latter half of the year.
Suntech Power Holdings closed the year out at $8.01, rising $0.17 on the last trading day, up 2.17 percent. The trading range for 2010 was from $7.05 to $18.78. They ended the year with a market cap of $1.44 billion.
Yingli Green Energy finished off the year at $9.88, rising $0.10 on Friday, a gain of 1.00 percent. The 2010 trading range for them was $8.31 to $19.11. They closed off the year with a market cap of $1.50 billion. Yingli was among those not able to recover after the plunge in January 2010, and continued to drop as the year went on.
Trina Solar ended 2010 at $23.42, up $0.25 on the final trading day of the year, increasing 1.08 percent. Their trading range for the year was $14.85 to $31.19. Their market cap heading into 2011 is $1.64 billion. Trina began to rebound in June, but still hasn't been able to reach the levels it started 2010 off with.
GT Solar International finished 2010 at $9.12, gaining $0.11, or 1.22 percent on the last day of the year. Their 52-week trading range was $4.90 to $9.25. Their market cap at the end of the year was $1.38 billion. They were one of the few solar companies that had a good advance throughout the entirety of 2010.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
First Solar (Nasdaq:FSLR), ReneSola (NYSE:SOL), Trina Solar (NYSE:TSL), GT Solar (Nasdaq:SOLR), Suntech (NYSE:STP), JA Solar (Nasdaq:JASO) Downgraded
Credit Suisse downgraded a number of stocks in Solar Sector, along with the sector itself, including First Solar (Nasdaq:FSLR), ReneSola (NYSE:SOL), Trina Solar (NYSE:TSL), GT Solar (Nasdaq:SOLR), Suntech (NYSE:STP) and JA Solar (Nasdaq:JASO).
The overall solar sector was downgraded from "Overweight" to "Market Weight" by Credit Suisse, which said supply and demand in 2011 is causing them to be concerned over the performance of the sector.
Most of the concern centers around the fact the industry is subsidized so heavily, and because of that supply is rising at a pace where the industry will be hit with lower prices, margins and earnings.
Pricing has been expected to fall because of the rising supply, but it seems it will be accelerated faster than believed.
The price targets on the companies were all significantly lowered as well.
JA Solar was downgraded from "Neutral" to "Underperform." They were trading at $7.48, dropping $0.37, or 4.71 percent at 11:58 AM EST. Credit Suisse lowered the price target on them from $11.50 to $6.
ReneSola was downgraded from "Outperform" to "Neutral." They were trading at $9.01, falling $0.76, or 8.45 percent at. Credit Suisse lowered the price target on them from $16 to $9.50.
Trina Solar was downgraded from "Outperform" to "Neutral." They were trading at $22.62, losing $1.07, or 4.47 percent. Credit Suisse lowered the price target on them from $36 to $21.
GT Solar was downgraded from "Neutral" to "Underperform." They were trading at $7.60, dropping $0.79, or 9.42 percent. Credit Suisse lowered the price target on them from $11 to $9.
Suntech was downgraded from "Neutral" to "Underperform." They were trading at $7.53, dropping $0.81, or 9.71 percent. Credit Suisse lowered the price target on them from $11.50 to $6.
First Solar was downgraded from "Neutral" to "Underperform." They were trading at $124.35, falling $6.34, or 4.85 percent at. Credit Suisse lowered the price target on them from $155 to $127.50.
The overall solar sector was downgraded from "Overweight" to "Market Weight" by Credit Suisse, which said supply and demand in 2011 is causing them to be concerned over the performance of the sector.
Most of the concern centers around the fact the industry is subsidized so heavily, and because of that supply is rising at a pace where the industry will be hit with lower prices, margins and earnings.
Pricing has been expected to fall because of the rising supply, but it seems it will be accelerated faster than believed.
The price targets on the companies were all significantly lowered as well.
JA Solar was downgraded from "Neutral" to "Underperform." They were trading at $7.48, dropping $0.37, or 4.71 percent at 11:58 AM EST. Credit Suisse lowered the price target on them from $11.50 to $6.
ReneSola was downgraded from "Outperform" to "Neutral." They were trading at $9.01, falling $0.76, or 8.45 percent at. Credit Suisse lowered the price target on them from $16 to $9.50.
Trina Solar was downgraded from "Outperform" to "Neutral." They were trading at $22.62, losing $1.07, or 4.47 percent. Credit Suisse lowered the price target on them from $36 to $21.
GT Solar was downgraded from "Neutral" to "Underperform." They were trading at $7.60, dropping $0.79, or 9.42 percent. Credit Suisse lowered the price target on them from $11 to $9.
Suntech was downgraded from "Neutral" to "Underperform." They were trading at $7.53, dropping $0.81, or 9.71 percent. Credit Suisse lowered the price target on them from $11.50 to $6.
First Solar was downgraded from "Neutral" to "Underperform." They were trading at $124.35, falling $6.34, or 4.85 percent at. Credit Suisse lowered the price target on them from $155 to $127.50.
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