Ethical & Sustainable Investing News to Profit By!

Ron Robins
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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.

  1. OCT 23

    October 2025 Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks

    October 2025 Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks. Top sustainable companies, best renewable energy stocks related to Chinese emission cuts, plus… By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 160, October 24, 2025 Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 160, published on October 24, 2025, titled "October 2025 Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks." This podcast is presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your go-to 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. I have a great crop of 10 articles for you in this podcast! Note: Some companies are covered more than once. ------------------------------------------------------------- Sustainable Companies: 50 Top Investments For Sustainability on investors.com This first article could provide you with several investing ideas. It's titled Sustainable Companies: 50 Top Investments For Sustainability on investors.com. The introduction is by Anne Stanley. Here are some quotes from Ms. Stanley. "The top ranks are filled with financial services, utility and consumer companies… To build IBD's 2025 list of the Most Sustainable Companies, we started with Morningstar's U.S. and global Low Carbon Transition Leaders Indexes… The stocks had to have a price of $10 or more and sufficient data to create an IBD Composite Rating. We further qualified the list by removing stocks that did not meet or beat the S&P 500 in the past five years. We selected the companies with the highest IBD Composite Rating — all with scores of 80 or better. Finally, we ranked the companies by their Morningstar Sustainalytics climate management score, using the IBD Composite Rating to break any ties." End quotes IBD's top 5 companies for 2025 are Eaton (ETN), Bank of Montreal (BMO), Stantec (STN), Loews (L) and TJX Companies (TJX). ------------------------------------------------------------- 10 Stocks and Funds that Benefit from China's Emissions Cuts on morningstar.com This second article might seem a little unusual. To see why, here's the title. 10 Stocks and Funds that Benefit from China's Emissions Cuts on morningstar.com. It's by Leslie P. Norton. Some of the investments are Chinese, which might bother some people; nonetheless, they will appeal to many others who follow this podcast. Here are a few quotes and some picks from the article. "China has announced plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 7%-10% from peak levels by 2035. This is the first time the country has committed to an absolute emissions target. In a video address to the United Nations, President Xi Jinping also said that China would boost wind and solar capacity sixfold from 2020 levels and increase the share of non-fossil fuels to more than 30% of total energy consumption… Who Benefits from China's Emissions Cuts? China will also accelerate its voluntary carbon market and carbon certificates, which companies can trade to offset their own emissions. Kathlyn Collins, head of responsible investing and stewardship at Matthews Asia [says]…'With the increase in terms of focus on emissions reduction from intensity to absolute emission levels, more and more industries will come under the purview of the emissions trading scheme.' According to Collins, the main beneficiaries will be battery storage systems, grid infrastructure upgrading, smart grid metering, energy management systems, environmental consulting, monitoring compliance, and of course the continued buildout of renewables and lean power. Stocks That Could Benefit From China's Emissions Cuts Name Ticker Daily Price Base Currency Sungrow Power Supply Co Ltd Class A 300274 CH 157.50 CNY Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd Class A 300750 CH 380.40 CNY China Yangtze Power Co Ltd Class A 600900 CH 27.47 CNY China Longyuan Power Group Corp Ltd Class A 001289 CH 17.40 CNY JinkoSolar Holding Co Ltd DR JKS $24.10 JA Solar Technology Co Ltd Class A 0024569 CH 12.81 CNY Trina Solar Co Ltd Class A 688599 CH 16.63 CNY Source: Morningstar. Data as of 09/26/2025. For US Investors, Funds That Could Benefit From China's Emissions Cuts Name Ticker Daily Price Base Currency KraneShares MSCI China Clean Tech ETF KGRN $30.89 Invesco Solar ETF TAN $43.37 iShares Global Clean Energy ETF ICLN $15.19 Source: Morningstar. Data as of 09/26/2025." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- 3 AI Infrastructure Stocks Riding the Coming Power Crunch on finance.yahoo.com For many ethical and sustainable investors, this next article adds a few new company names to consider. It's titled 3 AI Infrastructure Stocks Riding the Coming Power Crunch on finance.yahoo.com and is by George Budwell. Here are some quotes from Mr. Budwell. "1. Iren Ltd. (NASDAQ: IREN) has transformed its roots as a Bitcoin miner into a broader play on high-performance computing. The company is redeploying its energy-intensive infrastructure to support artificial intelligence, acquiring massive GPU fleets that include Nvidia's B-series accelerators and AMD's (AMD) new MI350X chips. That pivot is already showing up in the numbers: revenue climbed 226% year over year to $187 million in Q4 fiscal 2025, while gross margins improved as higher-value AI services began to supplement traditional mining… The stock has surged 326% year to date, reflecting investor enthusiasm, but the AI cloud segment is still in its early innings. The main risk is utilization: if customer demand doesn't keep pace, expensive GPUs could sit idle while fixed costs pile up. Still, Iren has so far executed well on its transition, positioning itself as one of the more credible emerging players at the intersection of compute and energy. 2. Applied Digital (NASDAQ: APLD) designs and builds AI-optimized data centers from the ground up. Its flagship Polaris Forge campus is planned to scale to 1 gigawatt of capacity -- enough to power a small city. A marquee lease with CoreWeave (CRWV) validates demand for its high-density facilities, but the stock already trades at roughly 34 times trailing sales, far above peer multiples. That valuation captures both the upside and the risk. If Applied Digital delivers on schedule and secures high utilization at premium rates, early investors could see outsized gains. But construction delays, cost overruns, or permitting issues could quickly erode returns. The stock's sharp swings this year underline just how much speculation is embedded in today's price. 3. Poet Technologies (NASDAQ: POET) is targeting one of AI's hidden bottlenecks: the energy cost of moving data inside data centers. Its optical interposer platform uses light instead of electricity for chip-to-chip and rack-to-rack communication, aiming to cut power consumption while boosting speed… With a sub-$500 million market cap, the stock carries lottery-ticket risk/reward: meaningful upside if design wins materialize, but significant execution risk until revenues reach scale." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Shining a Light on 5 Clean Energy ETFs as We Step Into Q4 on finance.yahoo.com Now some picks from a regular to this podcast, Aparajita Dutta. Her article is titled Shining a Light on 5 Clean Energy ETFs as We Step Into Q4 on finance.yahoo.com. It originally appeared on zacks.com. Here are a few comments by Ms. Dutta on each one of her picks. "1. iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) This fund is the largest clean energy ETF, providing exposure to leading companies in solar, wind, and other renewable sectors worldwide. Sector-wise, renewable electricity constitutes 20.41% of this fund… [It] has surged 35.4% year to date. The fund charges 39 basis points (bps) as fees. iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN): ETF Research Reports. 2. First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy ETF (QCLN) This fund focuses on U.S.-listed companies involved in renewable electricity generation, energy storage, electric vehicles, and those involved in emerging clean energy technologies. Sector-wise, renewable energy equipment constitutes 20.31% and alternative electricity comprises 10.23% of this fund… [It] has soared 24.1% year to date. The fund charges 56 bps as fees. First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy ETF (QCLN): ETF Research Reports. 3. ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES) This fund offers exposure to U.S. and Canadian companies involved in the clean energy sector, including renewables and clean technology. Sector-wise, solar forms 26.81%, electric vehicles constitute 22.45%, energy management and storage comprise 15.86%, wind holds 12.22% and Hydro/Geothermal comprises 9.49% of this fund… [It] has surged 24.2% year to date. The fund charges 55 bps as fees. ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES): ETF Research Reports. 4. Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW) This fund offers exposure to a broad range of U.S.-listed clean energy companies. Sector-wise, energy constitutes 3.78% and utilities comprise 3.78% of this fund… [It] has surged 44.7% year to date. The fund charges 65 bps as fees. Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW): ETF Research Reports. 5. Fidelity Clean Energy ETF (FRNW) This fund offers exposure to companies that distribute, produce or provide technology or equipment to support the production of energy from solar, wind, hydrogen and other renewable sources. Industry-wise, Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers constitutes 22.54% and electric utilities c

    23 min

  2. SEP 25

    Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks September 2025

    Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks September 2025. Includes reviews of solar, wind, green and sustainable stocks, dividend stocks, and ETFs. By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 159, September 26, 2025 Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 159, published on September 26, 2025, titled "Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks September 2025." This podcast is presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your go-to 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. I have a great crop of 15 articles for you in this podcast! Note: Some companies are covered more than once. ------------------------------------------------------------- Can Solar Power the AI Boom? Top Stocks to Watch This podcast edition is going to be heavy on solar stocks. And for good reason! I'm beginning with this article titled Can Solar Power the AI Boom? Top Stocks to Watch on finance.yahoo.com. It's by Ethan Feller and originally published on zacks.com. Here are some quotes. "It's hard to overstate how attractive solar stocks look right now, even without considering the potential AI infrastructure catalyst… the stocks highlighted here have already shown powerful momentum year-to-date. 1. SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG) With shares trading at depressed valuations and demand for utility-scale inverters likely to rebound, SolarEdge Technologies offers contrarian upside if execution improves. Though it isn't yet reflected by the Zacks rank, SolarEdge Technologies currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating, it has experienced some significant revisions higher to its earnings estimates… Sales are also projected to grow by more than 24% both this and next year. 2. Nextracker Inc. (NXT) As the leading provider of solar trackers, Nextracker directly benefits from the shift to utility-scale projects. Its technology boosts panel efficiency and lowers costs, making it a natural winner as large-scale solar buildouts accelerate. The stock has moved significantly higher this year, up 85%, yet the company still trades at just 16.6x forward earnings. 3. Sunrun (RUN) A pure play on residential solar Sunrun has struggled under higher interest rates. But as financing conditions ease and consumer adoption of solar-plus-storage grows, Sunrun could be positioned for a strong recovery. Based on recent revisions, earnings are expected to inflect meaningfully positive over the next year. 4. Array Technologies (ARRY) Like Nextracker, Array builds solar tracking systems that enhance utility-scale efficiency. With a global footprint and strong backlog, Array offers solid exposure to the utility-scale solar buildout at a reasonable valuation. With earnings projected to grow 21.6% annually over the next three to five years and a forward earnings multiple of 14.2x, Array boasts a Price/Earnings to Growth ratio of 0.66. The combination of strong growth and reasonable valuation offers a compelling risk reward opportunity. 5. Shoals Technologies Group (SHLS) Shoals specializes in balance-of-system components — wiring, connectors, and infrastructure that every solar farm needs. Its recurring demand base and high margins make it a steady, less flashy way to play the solar boom. Shoals Technologies Group is in an especially advantaged vertical and is the only name in the group with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating, reflected by upward trending earnings revisions. Solar's Role in Powering the AI Revolution If AI data centers really do scale toward hundreds of gigawatts of demand, solar will almost certainly claim a portion, and potentially large share of that market, making now an opportune time to consider exposure to the sector before the market fully prices in this growth." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- 3 Stocks to Buy as Solar Power Set to Drive 50%+ of New Capacity Continuing on the solar power theme is this article. It's titled 3 Stocks to Buy as Solar Power Set to Drive 50%+ of New Capacity on finance.yahoo.com. I had to include it as the author is a favourite on this site. Her name is Aparajita Dutta. Here are some quotes on her picks. "Positive projections from the Energy Information Administration show solar powering over half of new U.S. electricity generation in 2025, signaling a rebound. While headwinds remain, growing demand and installation trends should sustain U.S. solar industry momentum. 1. Sunrun (RUN) Based in San Francisco, CA, the company develops, owns, manages and sells residential solar energy systems… The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Sunrun's 2025 revenues indicates an improvement of 11.2% from the prior-year reported figure… The company currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Sunrun Inc. (RUN): Free Stock Analysis Report. 2. Shoals Technologies (SHLS) Based in Portland, TN, the company manufactures a diverse portfolio of solar balance of systems products, including combiner/re-combiner boxes, disconnect boxes, custom harnessing solutions, junction boxes, wire, in-line fuses and racking and monitoring solutions… The stock boasts a long-term (three-to-five years) earnings growth rate of 24%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 sales indicates an improvement of 15.3% from the prior-year reported figure. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Shoals Technologies Group, Inc. (SHLS): Free Stock Analysis Report. 3. Tigo Energy Inc.(TYGO) Based in Campbell, CA, the company is a provider of intelligent solar and energy storage solutions. On Sept. 2, 2025, Tigo Energy announced that its three-phase Tigo EI Residential solution has successfully completed mandatory compliance testing with a Slovak distribution system operator. This certification confirms that the solution complies with local grid requirements and Slovak regulatory standards, ensuring safe, efficient, and innovative solar energy management… The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 sales indicates an improvement of 91.9% from the prior-year reported figure… It currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. Tigo Energy, Inc. (TYGO): Free Stock Analysis Report." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Green ETFs 2026, Best Sustainable ETFs USA, Top Environmentally Friendly ETFs This next article is a useful compilation in chart form of the top sustainable ETFs. It's titled Green ETFs 2026, Best Sustainable ETFs USA, Top Environmentally Friendly ETFs on garadesud.md. It's by Barrett Schaefer. "The sustainable investing ETF list below highlights the top funds known for eco-conscious selections and healthy returns. ETF Name Focus Area Expense Ratio 1-Year Return (%) Carbon Footprint Reduction (%) Dividend Yield (%) iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) Renewable Energy 0.42% 18.4 45 1.5 Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) ESG Broad Market 0.12% 15.7 38 1.8 SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF (EFIV) Low Carbon Footprint 0.10% 14.8 50 1.9 Invesco Solar ETF (TAN) Renewable Energy - Solar 0.69% 22.2 48 0.3 iShares MSCI USA ESG Optimized ETF (ESGU) ESG USA Market 0.15% 16.0 40 1.6 First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy ETF (QCLN) Clean Energy Tech 0.60% 19.0 43 0.0 BMO Clean Energy ETF (CLNR) Renewable Energy 0.55% 20.1 46 1.2 Xtrackers MSCI USA ESG Leaders Equity ETF (USSG) ESG USA Market 0.10% 15.2 42 1.7 Global X Renewable Energy Producers ETF (RNRG) Renewable Energy 0.68% 21.5 47 1.0 iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF (ESGU) ESG Broad Market 0.15% 15.9 39 1.6 " End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- A few Top Sustainable Dividend-Paying Stocks for September 2025 1. Why United Parcel Service is a Top Socially Responsible Dividend Stock (UPS) on nasdaq.com. By BNK Invest. Quote. "United Parcel Service Inc (Symbol: UPS) has been named a Top Socially Responsible Dividend Stock by Dividend Channel… [with] a strong 7.4% yield." End quote. 2. PFG Named A Top Socially Responsible Dividend Stock on theonlineinvestor.com. By The Online Investor Staff. Quote. "Principal Financial Group Inc (NASDAQ: PFG) has been named a Top Socially Responsible Dividend Stock by Dividend Channel… [with] a strong 3.9% yield." End quote 3. TXN Named A Top Socially Responsible Dividend Stock on nasdaq.com. By BNK Invest. Quote. "Texas Instruments Inc. (Symbol: TXN) has been named a Top Socially Responsible Dividend Stock by Dividend Channel… including a strong 3.2% yield." End quote. ------------------------------------------------------------- Renewable Energy Dividend Stocks: A Double Win of Green Investment This last article is titled Renewable Energy Dividend Stocks: A Double Win of Green Investment on nai500.com. It's by Sunlight Xiang. Here are a few quotes on the picks. "1. Brookfield Renewable Partners (NYSE: BEP) With a market cap of $7 billion and a dividend yield of 5.89%, it is one of the world's largest renewable energy platforms. It operates over 5,300 power generation facilities across four continents, with a total generation capacity of nearly 40 gigawatts (GW). While it is a leader in hydroelectric power, it is actively expanding into wind, solar, and energy storage. In July 2025, it signed a 3 GW hydroelectric supply agreement with Google's parent company, Alphabet, setting a record for corporate hydroelectric procurement. The company expects continued cash flow growth and has a project pipeline of 24 GW. Its investment-grade balance sheet and conservative dividend payo

    23 min

  3. AUG 22

    Sustainable Stock Picks for August 2025

    Sustainable Stock Picks for August 2025. Includes 12 articles featuring sustainable stock and green bond picks from mostly North America. By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 158, August 22, 2025 Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 158, published on August 22, 2025, titled "Sustainable Stock Picks for August 2025." Before I begin, I would like to inform you that I'm adjusting the release schedule for these podcasts. So, for the foreseeable future, this podcast will be released on the last Friday of every month. Hence, my next podcast will be on September 26th. This podcast is presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your go-to 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. I have a great crop of 12 articles for you in this podcast! ------------------------------------------------------------- 12 Best Ethical Companies to Invest in 2025 The first article is by someone who has been on this podcast a few times. His name is Faheem Tahir, and his article is titled 12 Best Ethical Companies to Invest in 2025. It's found on fool.com. The methodology underlying his stock selection is fascinating and impressive. Here's some of what he has to say about it and brief quotes on each of his picks. "To curate our list of the 12 Best Ethical Companies to Invest in 2025, we used Ethisphere's list of 'World's Most Ethical Companies'. Ethisphere's list relies on its Ethics Quotient, which evaluates companies based on their ethics, compliance, governance, and corporate responsibility across multiple criteria. We then used Insider Monkey's database to assess hedge fund sentiment on the shortlisted stocks. Finally, we ranked the stocks in ascending order based on the number of hedge funds holding stakes in the respective stocks as of Q1 2025. 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.) 12. Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) Number of Hedge Funds: 82 On July 23, Loop Capital started coverage on Autodesk with a 'Hold' rating, setting a $320 price target… Autodesk is a global 3D design, engineering, construction, and entertainment software company, offers cutting-edge tools for everything from infrastructure to animation. 11. Workday, Inc. (NASDAQ:WDAY) Hedge Funds: 85 On July 14, 2025, Workday was selected by Seattle University as its partner… Serving global corporations, universities, and now, government entities, Workday offers AI-driven enterprise cloud applications, particularly for finance, HR, and student segments. 10. Eaton Corporation plc (NYSE:ETN) Hedge Funds: 85 Investor confidence is growing in Eaton Corporation with KeyBanc increasing its price target on the company from $355 to $410… The company has paid dividends every year since 1923… By designing and delivering electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical solutions, Eaton Corporation has made itself a leader in the intelligent power management solutions market, helping industries improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability. 9. Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX) Hedge Funds: 91 On July 21, 2025, UBS increased its price target on Lam Research Corporation from $95 to $120, maintaining a 'Buy' rating… Lam Research Corporation, serving major foundries and integrated device manufacturers worldwide, manufactures advanced semiconductor processing equipment for chip production. 8. Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) Hedge Funds: 91 On July 24, 2025, Intel Corporation reported its financial performance for Q2, surprising Wall Street with a revenue of $12.86 billion that beat estimates of $11.92 billion. However, the company reported a net loss of $2.9 billion… Intel Corporation designs and manufactures computing products for tech companies worldwide. 7. Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) Hedge Funds: 96 With rapid growth acceleration in the space economy, Micron Technology announced the launch of the industry's highest-density, radiation-tolerant SLC NAND flash memory on July 22, 2025. This memory chip is designed to survive space's harsh environment, marked by radiation, extreme temperatures, and vacuum pressure… Micron Technology is the only major U.S.-based memory maker, delivering advanced DRAM, NAND, and NOR solutions with its Micron and Crucial brands. 6. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) Hedge Funds: 99 On July 24, 2025, Pfizer finalized the global licensing agreement with 3SBio, Inc…. Leveraging 3SBio's proprietary CLF2 platform, this innovative treatment enhances Pfizer's oncology pipeline and solidifies its competitive edge in cancer research… Operating globally, Pfizer discovers, develops, and sells biopharmaceuticals. 5. ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) Hedge Funds: 106 On July 23, 2025, ServiceNow reported financial results for Q2, beating guidance across all areas… On the same day as the earnings release, Jefferies increased its price target on ServiceNow from $1,025 to $1,150, maintaining a 'Buy' rating. Stifel also increased its target to $1,200 on the same day. With its Now platform, ServiceNow offers a cloud-based solution for digital workflows globally. 4. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) Hedge Funds: 119 On July 18, Leerink Partners maintained its 'Buy' rating on the company, citing growth potential through the GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) space… On the same day, Jefferies also maintained a 'Buy' rating, setting its price target at $1,057… Operating globally, Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals. 3. Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM) Hedge Funds: 140 Salesforce is demonstrating a mixed performance as of the time of writing… Previously, on July 16, 2025, Citizens JMP maintained a 'Market Outperform' rating on Salesforce with a price target of $430, citing future growth driven by the company's AI and cloud services. Offering Agentforce, Data Cloud, Salesforce Starter, and Tableau, Salesforce provides customer relationship management (CRM) technology, bridging companies and customers. 2. Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) Hedge Funds: 155 Ahead of its Q2 earnings, Truist decreased its price target on Mastercard Incorporated from $640 to $612, maintaining a 'Buy' rating, reflecting its continued confidence in the stock… Mastercard Incorporated… offers transaction processing and other related products and services. 1. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) Hedge Funds: 165 Truist Securities decreased its price target on Visa from $400 to $397, maintaining a 'Buy' rating. Despite the price target reduction and recent underperformance of the fintech sector, the firm cited optimism regarding the company's strong fundamentals and promising outlook for the fintech sector. Visa is a global payment technology company, offering credit, debit, and prepaid card products, and VisaNet, a transaction processing network." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Best Sustainable Companies to Own: 2025 Edition The second featured article is titled Best Sustainable Companies to Own: 2025 Edition. It's by Emelia Fredlick and Leslie P. Norton and seen on morningstar.com. (Note: follow the article link on this podcast episode's webpage to all 83 companies that Morningstar considers the best 2025 sustainable companies.) The article also highlights the three companies below. Here are some brief quotes from the authors. "Morningstar's research finds that the biggest ESG risk is in energy and utilities, with the smallest in technology and real estate. Morningstar Sustainalytics measures this with the Sustainalytics ESG Risk Rating… We didn't include valuations for these (83) companies. Rather, we focused on the criteria that set a company up for success in the long term. So, while not all these names can be considered a buy today, this can serve as a great watchlist… Data Source: Morningstar Direct as of Jun. 30, 2025. 1) RELX RELX UK-based RELX is a global provider of business information, analytics, and decision-making tools for professionals across industries. The firm generates revenue mainly by creating and selling access to curated information databases, analytics, and journals. Morningstar senior analyst Rob Hales assigns RELX a wide Morningstar Economic Moat Rating… Sustainalytics gives RELX an ESG Risk Management Rating of Strong. 2) Danaher DHR Danaher focuses primarily on manufacturing scientific instruments and consumables in the life science and diagnostic industries. The firm aims to accelerate core growth at acquired companies, including Cytiva (formerly GE Biopharma), by making research and development and marketing-related investments… Sustainalytics gives Danaher an ESG Risk Management Rating of Strong. Morningstar senior analyst Julie Utterback assigns Danaher a wide economic moat. 3) Keysight Technologies KEYS Keysight Technologies is the leader in communications testing and measurement solutions. We think it has the strongest and broadest communications testing capabilities in the market across hardware, software, and services. Its wide moat rating, according to Morningstar senior analyst William Kerwin, owes to 'intangible assets in the design of test and measurement equipment and software and switching costs for its portfolio of solutions.' Because of Keysight's strong ESG reporting and oversight of ESG issues, Sustainalytics gives the company an ESG Risk Management Rating of Strong." En

    25 min

  4. JUL 25

    12 Articles With Great ESG Stock Picks

    12 Articles With Great ESG Stock Picks. Includes the terrific Humankind ranking, top infrastructure, lithium mining, and AI stock picks. By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 157, July 25, 2025 Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 157, published on July 25, 2025, titled "12 Articles With Great ESG Stock Picks." Before I begin, I want to let you know that my next podcast will be on August 22nd as I'm taking some time off. So, this podcast is presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your go-to 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, please visit this podcast's webpage for links to the articles and additional company and stock information. I have a great crop of 12 articles for you in this podcast! Note that some companies are mentioned more than once! ------------------------------------------------------------- Humankind 100 rankings I'm beginning this episode with another of my favourite company rankings whose annual list has just been released. It's the Humankind 100 rankings. Here is an overview of them from their website. "The Humankind 100 celebrates the one hundred U.S. public companies with the highest Humankind Values. We believe these companies consistently work to create large amounts of value, not just for their investors, but for humanity at large. The Humankind 100 companies are ranked based on Humankind Value, a proprietary metric that provides an estimate of the overall dollar amount a company creates for investors, consumers, employees, and society at large, and are therefore among the most ethical companies in the United States, according to our research." End quotes. Their top 5 companies are Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL), Eli Lilly & Company (1LLY.MI), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), AbbVie Inc. (ABBV), and Pfizer Inc. (PFE). ------------------------------------------------------------- Infrastructure Stocks To Consider - July 12th This second article features a sector favoured by many ethical and sustainable investors. The article is titled Infrastructure Stocks To Consider - July 12th. It's by MarketBeat and seen on marketbeat.com. Here are some quotes from the article. "1. NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) provides graphics and compute and networking solutions in the United States, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and internationally. The Graphics segment offers GeForce GPUs for gaming and PCs, the GeForce NOW game streaming service and related infrastructure, and solutions for gaming platforms; Quadro/NVIDIA RTX GPUs for enterprise workstation graphics; virtual GPU or vGPU software for cloud-based visual and virtual computing; automotive platforms for infotainment systems; and Omniverse software for building and operating metaverse and 3D internet applications. 2. Coinbase Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:COIN) provides financial infrastructure and technology for the crypto economy in the United States and internationally. The company offers the primary financial account in the crypto economy for consumers; and a marketplace with a pool of liquidity for transacting in crypto assets for institutions. Read Our Latest Research Report on COIN 3. Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) offers various products and platforms in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia-Pacific, Canada, and Latin America. It operates through Google Services, Google Cloud, and Other Bets segments. The Google Services segment provides products and services, including ads, Android, Chrome, devices, Gmail, Google Drive, Google Maps, Google Photos, Google Play, Search, and YouTube. Read Our Latest Research Report on GOOGL 4. Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO) designs, develops, and supplies various semiconductor devices with a focus on complex digital and mixed signal complementary metal oxide semiconductor based devices and analog III-V based products worldwide. Read Our Latest Research Report on AVGO 5. Oracle (ORCL) offers products and services that address enterprise information technology environments worldwide. Its Oracle cloud software as a service offering include various cloud software applications, including Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP), Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise performance management, Oracle Fusion cloud supply chain and manufacturing management, Oracle Fusion cloud human capital management, Oracle Cerner healthcare, Oracle Advertising, and NetSuite applications suite, as well as Oracle Fusion Sales, Service, and Marketing." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Best Lithium Mining Stocks 2025: Buy Top Mining Stocks Now Every investor knows that lithium is a basic mineral for electric batteries. So, this next article will interest many investors. It's titled Best Lithium Mining Stocks 2025: Buy Top Mining Stocks Now. It's by Farmonaut and found on farmonaut.com. Here are some quotes by Farmonaut on each of their picks. "1. Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) headquartered in the USA, is the world's largest lithium producer… With operations spanning North America, South America, and Australia, Albemarle boasts: Diversified extraction & processing operations, including high-margin lithium brine and hard rock mining projects Ongoing investments to expand production capacity in Nevada (USA), Chile, and Australia A resilient supply chain and ability to scale output to meet global demand Strategic partnerships with leading EV battery makers Strong commitment to sustainable mining and ESG practices Albemarle's scale, geographic diversification, and innovation position it as one of the best performing mining stocks of 2025. 2. Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (or SQM) (NYSE: SQM) is South America's lithium market leader. Based in Santiago, Chile, SQM boasts some of the world's largest and lowest-cost lithium brine operations situated in the renowned Lithium Triangle (Chile, Argentina, Bolivia): Extensive lithium reserves & robust extraction technology, delivering high efficiency Geopolitical stability—Chile enjoys a relatively favorable mining regulatory environment compared to other regions Cost-effective production enables SQM to remain highly profitable even as competition heats up Continuous expansion to satisfy increasing global lithium demand for EV batteries and storage solutions Environmental sustainability programs, making SQM attractive for ESG-focused investors SQM competitive positioning ensures it remains a top choice in the best lithium mining stocks to buy for 2025. 3. Livent Corporation (NYSE: LTHM) distinguishes itself by focusing on high-purity lithium chemicals for next-generation battery technologies. With operations in the United States, Argentina, and China, Livent stands out for: Supplying premium lithium hydroxide and carbonate solutions for advanced battery manufacturers Strong partnerships with key players in the EV battery chain, including Tesla Expansion projects in Argentina and the U.S., boosting 2025 production capacity and flexibility ESG and sustainability initiatives for responsible lithium extraction Livent is uniquely positioned for specialty market growth, making it one of the best lithium mining stocks for investors eyeing niche applications and supply chain integration. 4. Piedmont Lithium (NASDAQ: PLL) though a smaller player, it has become a rising star by focusing on high-quality spodumene reserves in the United States—especially in North Carolina's Carolina Tin-Spodumene Belt. Piedmont brings: Strategic U.S. supply source—critical for domestic battery manufacturers and government-led supply chain diversification Fast-tracked expansion projects supported by U.S. regulatory incentives and EV adoption targets Potential to benefit from blockchain-based traceability in mining—enhancing transparency for institutional investors Growing interest from global automakers and battery companies seeking secure lithium supply Piedmont's agility and domestic positioning could mean outsized growth as U.S. policy emphasizes onshoring critical battery mineral chains." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- 5 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Infrastructure Stocks Powering the Next Wave of Innovations Now, like most investors, you probably are invested in AI stocks, either directly or via funds. Hence, this next article 5 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Infrastructure Stocks Powering the Next Wave of Innovations, should interest you. It's by Justin Pope and found on fool.com. Here is some of what Mr. Pope says about his picks. "1. Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) The company has maintained its winning position as it progressed from its previous Hopper architecture to its current Blackwell chips, and it expects to launch its next-generation architecture, with a CPU called Vera and a GPU called Rubin, next year. Analysts expect Nvidia's revenue to grow to $200 billion this year and $251 billion in 2026.  2. Amazon (AMZN) Web Services (AWS) has long been the world's leading cloud platform, with about 30% of the cloud infrastructure market today. Through the cloud, companies can access and deploy AI agents, models, and other software throughout their businesses. 3. Microsoft (MSFT) Its Azure is the world's second-largest cloud platform, with a market share of approximately 21%. Microsoft stands out from the pack for its deep ties with millions of corporate clients. 4. Arista Networks (ANET)

    23 min

  5. JUL 11

    Two Eminent ESG Stock Reviews, Plus…

    Two Eminent ESG Stock Reviews, Plus… Includes insightful reviews of Apple and Temenos, two outstanding environmental and high-performing stocks. By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 156, July 11, 2025 Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 156, published on July 11, 2025, titled "Two Eminent ESG Stock Reviews, Plus…" So, this podcast is presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your go-to 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, please visit this podcast's webpage for links to the articles and additional company and stock information. I have a great crop of 9 articles for you in this podcast! ------------------------------------------------------------- Two Eminent ESG Stock Reviews, Plus… Article 1. My first article in this podcast is about a favourite stock for ethical and sustainable investors. It's titled Is Apple Stock a Green Investment? Net-Zero Goals and Sustainable Supply Chain. By Saptakee S. Seen on carboncredits.com. Here are some quotes from the article. "Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) is a key player in the fight against climate change. The tech giant runs one of the largest carbon reduction programs worldwide. And over 320 suppliers have committed to using 100% clean energy by 2030. This makes Apple an appealing investment for those who care about the environment and want solid returns. Apple's strong finances enable meaningful change. The company achieved record revenue of $124.3 billion in early 2025, a 4% increase from the year before. In the next quarter, Apple earned $95.4 billion, with an 8% rise in earnings per share. Services revenue also hit $26.6 billion, a significant milestone. This success is crucial for investors focused on carbon reduction… The company has cut global greenhouse gas emissions by over 60% since 2015… MUST READ: Apple's Best Quarter Ever: Q1 FY 2025 Revenue Hits $124.3 Billion, Carbon Emissions Drop  Manufacturing emissions account for about 55% of Apple's total carbon footprint. The company nearly halved product manufacturing emissions, dropping from 16.1 million tons in 2020 to 8.2 million tons in 2024. Apple's progress toward carbon neutrality: Goal Carbon Neutral by 2030 Apple produced the world's first carbon-neutral consumer electronics. The Apple Watch lineup and Mac mini achieved this through emissions reductions of over 75%. Remaining emissions were balanced by high-quality carbon credits from nature projects… These carbon-neutral products have key features: Over 30% recycled content by weight 100% recycled aluminum in cases Manufacturing with 100% renewable electricity Recycled Materials Drive Sustainability Apple has made progress in using recycled materials. In 2024, 24% of product materials came from recycled or renewable sources. The company now uses 99% recycled rare earth elements in magnets and 99% recycled cobalt in batteries… Apple's recycling innovations include the Daisy robot, which disassembles used devices to recover rare materials… Additionally, the company plans to use only recycled and renewable materials in its products by 2030… Carbon Market Investment Opportunities Apple invests in high-quality, nature-based carbon credits instead of cheap offsets. It spends up to $400 million through its Restore Fund programs, aiming for 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide removal each year… Strategic Advantages Through Environmental Leadership Apple's environmental leadership provides many competitive advantages. Its detailed carbon accounting prepares it well for global carbon pricing. Early use of renewable energy and efficient manufacturing gives it cost benefits as energy prices change… Investment Considerations and Risks The company trades at a premium price with a P/E ratio of around 28, which may lead to volatility risks… The stock has seen volatility in 2025, declining about 19% year-to-date. This may present opportunities for long-term investors focused on Apple's sustainability leadership and financial strength… From the above analysis, we can see that Apple Stock is a solid choice for carbon-conscious investors… As global carbon markets expand and ESG investing increases, Apple shines in environmental leadership. Its solid financial resources and focus on transparency make it a top pick for portfolios aimed at climate solutions and sustainable tech." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Two Eminent ESG Stock Reviews, Plus… Article 2. Unlike the first article featuring a company which is in nearly everyone's portfolio, this second article features a company that is perhaps new to many of you. It's titled Why Temenos Is the Gold Standard in Sustainable Banking Tech—and a Top ESG Investment. It's by Eli Grant and found on ainvest.com. Here are some quotes from the article. Temenos (TEMN.SW) Temenos' ESG credentials are unmatched in its sector. In 2022, it became one of only 13 companies globally to achieve an AAA rating from MSCI's ESG rating system, placing it in the top 8% of all firms assessed. By 2024, Sustainalytics named it a 'Low Risk' company with an ESG Risk Rating of 11.9—ranking first in its industry and sub-industry, securing the top 2% globally. This stellar performance isn't just about accolades; it reflects tangible actions. The company's carbon emissions calculator, developed with Microsoft and launched at COP27, allows clients to measure their environmental impact from using Temenos Banking Cloud. This tool isn't just a marketing gimmick: banks using its cloud platform reduce their carbon footprints by up to 95% compared to on-premise systems. Such measurable outcomes are critical as regulators globally push for transparency and accountability. Cloud Innovation as a Climate Solution Temenos' cloud-based solutions—like its flagship Banking Cloud and AI-driven Leap platform—aren't just about efficiency. They're a direct response to the existential threat of climate change. By centralizing banking operations in the cloud, Temenos helps institutions slash energy consumption and emissions. For example, a 2024 study by GoCodeGreen validated that Temenos' code optimizations reduced software carbon impact by 32% compared to 2021 levels. This environmental edge is a competitive moat… Governance and Strategy: A Boardroom Priority Temenos' leadership has embedded ESG into its DNA. Its board oversees ESG initiatives directly, and the company has committed to science-based emissions targets aligned with the 1.5°C warming limit… The results speak for themselves: Temenos retains EcoVadis Platinum status (top 1% globally) and was the sole software company to rank in the top 1% of S&P's 2024 Sustainability Yearbook. The Investment Case: Why Temenos Belongs in Every ESG Portfolio For investors, Temenos offers a rare combination of growth and values. Its cloud revenue grew 22% in 2023, and with over 700 clients migrated to its platform, demand is accelerating. Meanwhile, regulatory tailwinds—like the EU's Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and global carbon pricing mechanisms—are creating urgency for banks to modernize their tech stacks. Critically, Temenos' ESG leadership attracts capital from ESG-focused funds. Companies with top quartile ESG ratings historically outperform peers during market downturns, a trend that could amplify as climate risks materialize. Temenos isn't just a tech vendor—it's a sustainability pioneer. Its unrivaled ESG ratings, climate-conscious products, and strategic foresight position it to capitalize on two megatrends: the digitization of finance and the global push for net-zero. For investors, this is a stock that checks all boxes: ethical alignment, growth potential, and resilience in a volatile world… For ESG-focused investors, this is a must-hold." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Two Eminent ESG Stock Reviews, Plus… Article 3. This next article is the first of 2 articles on dividend stocks that might interest ethical and sustainable investors. Its title is VZ Named A Top Socially Responsible Dividend Stock by BNK Invest and found on nasdaq.com. Here are some quotes from the article. "Verizon Communications Inc. (Symbol: VZ) has been named a Top Socially Responsible Dividend Stock by Dividend Channel, signifying a stock with above-average 'DividendRank' statistics including a strong 6.4% yield, as well as being recognized by prominent asset managers as being a socially responsible investment, through analysis of social and environmental criteria… According to the ETF Finder at ETF Channel, Verizon Communications Inc. is a member of both the iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF (SUSA), making up 0.43% of the underlying holdings of the fund, as well as the iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social Index Fund ETF (DSI), where Verizon Communications Inc. makes up 0.63% of the underlying holdings of the fund. The annualized dividend paid by Verizon Communications Inc. is $2.71/share, currently paid in quarterly installments." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Two Eminent ESG Stock Reviews, Plus… Article 4. The second dividend-paying stock article is titled AvalonBay Communities a Top Socially Responsible Dividend Stock With 3.4% Yield (AVB). It's by BNK Invest and is seen on nasdaq.com. Here's some of what BNK In

    20 min

  6. JUN 27

    Exciting Investment Ideas in New Company Rankings

    Exciting Investment Ideas in New Company Rankings. They include many great sustainable stock investment opportunities in companies outside the USA. By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 155, June 27, 2025 Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 155, published June 27, 2025, titled "Exciting Investment Ideas in New Company Rankings." So, this podcast is 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, please visit this podcast's webpage for links to the articles and additional company and stock information. I have a great crop of 13 articles for you in this podcast! ------------------------------------------------------------- Article 1: Best Renewable Energy Stocks to Buy Before They Soar The first article I'm covering is titled Best Renewable Energy Stocks to Buy Before They Soar. It was found on industryleadersmagazine.com and is by Christy Gren. Here is some of what she says about her stock picks. "1. NextEra Energy (NEE): The Titan of Clean Utility NextEra Energy is the largest producer of wind and solar energy in the world. With its regulated utility, Florida Power & Light, and a massive renewable portfolio, it's often viewed as the safest bet in clean energy. Its long track record of dividend growth and strong balance sheet make it ideal for long-term investors… A mix of regulated revenue and renewable expansion gives NextEra Energy both stability and upside—a rare combination in energy. 2. Brookfield Renewable Partners (BEP): Global Diversification at Scale With operations spanning North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, Brookfield provides broad access to hydro, wind, solar, and energy storage. As one of the largest pure-play renewable stocks to invest in, its long-term contracts and conservative financials make it a wealth-building machine… Geographic and technological diversification cushions against regulatory and market risk, offering solid growth and income. 3. Enphase Energy (ENPH): Dominating Solar Tech Enphase isn't building solar panels, it's redefining how they work. Known for its cutting-edge microinverters and energy management systems, Enphase benefits directly from residential solar growth and rising energy storage adoption… Technology leaders in fast-growing niches often outperform. Enphase is a pure play on smarter, more efficient solar power. 4. First Solar (FSLR): America's Solar Manufacturer While many solar companies outsource manufacturing, First Solar produces its panels in the U.S., making it a key beneficiary of domestic subsidies and reshoring trends. Its cadmium telluride technology offers cost and performance advantages over traditional silicon-based panels… Vertical integration and domestic production give First Solar a geopolitical edge in a competitive global market. 5. Plug Power (PLUG): Hydrogen's Bold Bet Plug Power is a leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology for vehicles, industry, and power generation. Though not yet profitable, its partnerships with Amazon, Walmart, and global logistics players show real market traction… High-risk, high-reward plays like Plug Power can deliver outsized returns if you're patient and can handle volatility. 6. Tesla (TSLA): More Than Just EVs While known for electric cars, Tesla's energy division is growing fast. Its solar roofs, Powerwall batteries, and massive grid-scale storage projects position it as a holistic clean energy provider, not just a car company… Disruption comes from companies that integrate hardware, software, and infrastructure. Tesla's renewable arm could be its next trillion-dollar story. 7. Clearway Energy (CWEN): Clean Power, Reliable Dividends Clearway owns a mix of solar and wind farms across the U.S., with long-term contracts that ensure predictable income. Its focus on dividend-paying renewable assets makes it ideal for conservative investors looking for income and impact… Not every green investment has to be high-growth. Clearway offers stability and passive income in a volatile market. 8. Albemarle Corporation (ALB): Powering the Battery Boom Albemarle is a leading lithium producer, supplying the battery materials that power electric vehicles and grid storage. As the backbone of clean tech, lithium demand is projected to surge in the coming decades." Sometimes the best renewable energy stocks for growth aren't utility companies, they're the suppliers fueling the ecosystem." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Article 2: Looking to Gamble on Hard-Hit Solar Stocks? This Is the Top-Rated Ticker Now My second article continues the renewable energy theme. It's titled Looking to Gamble on Hard-Hit Solar Stocks? This Is the Top-Rated Ticker Now. The story was found on finance.yahoo.com and is by Pathikrit Bose. Here are some of his thoughts about his stock pick. "If President Donald Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' passes, it would not be so beautiful for companies in the solar industry. This reality was evident in the meltdown that solar stocks witnessed on news that the Senate version of the bill looks to fully phase out both solar and wind power tax incentives by 2028. So, where does that leave First Solar, whose shares have corrected by nearly 18% already this year? In a pretty good place, if analysts are to be believed. First Solar (FSLR) First Solar specializes in large-scale utility solar projects and integrated photovoltaic (PV) systems. The company designs, manufactures, and sells CdTe thin-film photovoltaic modules and is the only major solar manufacturer headquartered and producing in the U.S. Its market cap currently stands at $15.4 billion, making it one of the largest companies in the industry. Now, there are some valid reasons for First Solar stock's decline with the 'Big Beautiful Bill'… With such legislation pending, investors fear that developers may cancel or delay new solar installations, shrinking First Solar's total addressable market. Consequently, this may hurt project bookings and revenue visibility for First Solar. However, I reckon First Solar's correction has been overdone, and projections about its downturn extending further are misplaced. Why? Let's have a closer look. First Solar's Financials Are Not That Worrisome First Solar has had a tough time in recent quarters as its earnings have missed estimates, with the latest quarter even seeing the company's earnings witness a yearly decline. However, its net sales did surpass the Street estimates and rose on an annual basis, accompanied by a decrease in short-term debt… Management remains confident about the company's long-term prospects based on its 'Made in USA' strategy with CEO Mark Widmar commenting, 'Despite the near-term challenges presented by the new tariff regime, we believe that the long-term outlook for solar demand, particularly in our core U.S. market, remains strong, and that First Solar remains well-positioned to serve this demand. This belief is based on the unique profile of First Solar compared to its peers, as America's largest, and most established solar module manufacturer, and the country's only fully vertically integrated producer, our significant network of domestic supply chain vendors, and our proprietary CadTel-based semiconductor.' Shining Light in a Growing Industry First Solar appears poised to win the battle for solar industry dominance for a few reasons. First is its unique CdTe thin-film solar technology, which gives the company a distinct advantage by insulating its supply chain from the risks associated with China-dependent crystalline silicon. With roughly 95% of solar modules globally based on crystalline silicon, First Solar stands out as the only large-scale solar manufacturer with international reach using cadmium telluride technology… Another key strength is its strong domestic manufacturing base… The surge in artificial intelligence-driven infrastructure further plays to First Solar's strengths… First Solar's product line, especially its utility-scale thin-film modules, is particularly suited to meet the reliability and performance requirements of this growing segment… Analyst Opinions on First Solar Stock Analysts remain bullish on First Solar stock, assigning it a rating of 'Strong Buy' with a mean target price of $211.81. This denotes upside potential of about 45.5% from current levels. Out of 31 analysts covering the stock, 25 have a 'Strong Buy' rating, two have a 'Moderate Buy' rating, three have a 'Hold' rating, and one has a 'Strong Sell' rating." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Article 3: World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2025 Now, this next article is a great ranking of companies. It's titled World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2025 and found on time.com. The introduction is by TIME Staff. Here are some brief quotes from the article. "Statista and TIME have joined forces to identify the World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2025, aiming to highlight corporate responsibility and promote sustainable practices… The ranking process began with a comprehensive selection from over 5,000 of the world's largest and most influential companies, considering factors such as revenue, market capitalization, and public prominence… The first step excluded companies involved in non-sustainable industries like fossil fuels or deforest

    23 min

  7. JUN 13

    More Top ESG ETFs and Companies

    More Top ESG ETFs and Companies. Includes reviews and links to 16 articles with great ETF and stock recommendations globally. By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 154, June 13, 2025 Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 154, published June 13, 2025, titled "More Top ESG ETFs and Companies." So, this podcast is 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, please visit this podcast's webpage for links to the articles and additional company and stock information. I have a great crop of 16 articles for you in this podcast! ------------------------------------------------------------- More Top ESG ETFs and Companies (1) My first review article appeared on a favourite investor website, morningstar.com. It's titled Five Top ESG ETFs for US Investors and is written by Hannah Hummel. Here are some brief comments on each ETF from Ms. Hummel. "To find these 174 sustainable ETFs, we applied multiple screens across all exchange-traded funds in Morningstar's database, selecting only equity investments that are both domiciled in the United States and traded on a United States Exchange. Next, we filtered the remaining ETFs down to only those Morningstar designates as an 'ESG Intentional Investment – Overall.' (Read here.)… All fund sizes are as of June 2, 2025. 1. iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF ESGU Morningstar Category: Large Blend Morningstar Medalist Rating: Silver Morningstar ESG Risk Rating: Above Average Analyst: Lan Anh Tran IShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF tops our screen with $13.37 billion in assets under management. Incepted in December 2016, the fund has returned 0.48% year to date, trailing a 1.06% return for the S&P 500 and a 0.86% return for the Morningstar US Market Index in 2025. Over the past three years, the fund has posted a 13.59% annualized return, underperforming the S&P 500 at 14.41% and the Morningstar US Market Index at 14.05%. This passively managed fund tracks the MSCI USA Extended ESG Focus Index. 2. Vanguard ESG US Stock ETF ESGV Morningstar Category: Large Blend Morningstar Medalist Rating: Silver Morningstar ESG Risk Rating: Above Average Analyst: Lan Anh Tran The only ETF offered by a provider other than iShares that places among our screen's five largest vehicles is the $10.16 billion Vanguard ESG US Stock ETF. The Silver Morningstar Medalist was launched… in September 2018. Year to date, investors have seen a negative 0.21% return, leaving the fund trailing the S&P 500 and the Morningstar US Market Index by 1.27 percentage points and 1.07 percentage points, respectively. In the past three years, however, the fund has delivered a 14.45% annualized return, slightly overperforming the S&P 500 at 14.41%. Like the other four largest funds in our screen, Vanguard ESG US Stock ETF is passively managed, designed to replicate the performance of the FTSE USA All Cap Choice Index. 3. iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF ESGD Morningstar Category: Foreign Large Blend Morningstar Medalist Rating: Silver Morningstar ESG Risk Rating: Above Average Analyst: Zachary Evens The largest ETF falling under the foreign large-blend Morningstar Category and the third largest across our screen overall is the $9.73 billion iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF. Opened to investors in June 2016, this Silver medalist has returned an impressive 16.7% year to date against a 5.22% return for the Morningstar Global Markets Index. The fund's three-year annualized return is 11.3%, trailing the Morningstar Global Markets Index by 0.42 percentage points. In keeping with the remainder of the five largest funds in our screen, iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF is passively managed, tracking the MSCI EAFE Extended ESG Focus Index. 4. iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF ESGE Morningstar Category: Diversified Emerging Markets Morningstar Medalist Rating: Bronze Morningstar ESG Risk Rating: Above Average Analyst: Lan Anh Tran IShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF ranks fourth in our screen with $4.73 billion in assets under management. Launched in June 2018, the IShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF has returned 9.74% in 2025, beating a 7.54% return for the Morningstar Emerging Markets Index. Looking over a longer horizon, the fund's three-year annualized return is 4.62%, trailing a 5.46% return for the Morningstar Emerging Markets Index. This Bronze Morningstar Medalist is passively managed, seeking to replicate the performance of the MSCI Emerging Markets Extended ESG Focus Index. 5. iShares ESG MSCI KLD 400 ETF DSI Morningstar Category: Large Blend Morningstar Medalist Rating: Bronze Morningstar ESG Risk Rating: High Analyst: Ryan Jackson Rounding out our list of the top five largest US-domiciled ESG Equity ETFs is iShares ESG MSCI KLD 400 ETF with $4.5 billion in assets under management. Incepted in November 2006, it is the oldest fund among the five largest in our screen by nearly a decade. Year to date, DSI has returned negative 0.88%, trailing the S&P 500 by 0.18 percentage points, but outperforming the Morningstar US Market Index by 0.02 percentage points. This Bronze Morningstar Medalist passive fund seeks to replicate the performance of the MSCI KLD 400 Social Index." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- More Top ESG ETFs and Companies (2) Now, another article by Hannah Hummel on morningstar.com. This one is titled 2 Top Undervalued EV Stocks to Watch Now. Again, some brief quotes on each stock by her. Morningstar Data as of May 13, 2025. "1. Analog Devices ADI Morningstar Economic Moat Rating: Wide Price/Fair Value: 0.93 Morningstar Rating: 4 stars Sector: Technology Analog Devices is a leading global manufacturer of mixed-signal and analog chips. [Its] chips function by translating environmental conditions like temperature and sound into viable digital signals. The company supplies chips to a diverse range of end markets, including automotive companies, as well as manufacturers of medical devices, robots, and industrial machinery. In both fiscal 2022 and 2023, the adjusted operating margin for the firm hit 49%, though it has since declined to 41% in fiscal 2024. Morningstar anticipates, however, that the adjusted operating margin for Analog Devices could reach 50% by fiscal 2028, bolstered by a projected 9% average annual growth in sales. Considering Morningstar's current fair value estimate of $245 per share, projections for fiscal 2025 are in line with a 3% free cash flow yield. At a recent $226.68 per share, Analog Devices was trading at a 7% discount to Morningstar's fair value estimate. 2. NXP Semiconductors NXPI Morningstar Economic Moat Rating: Wide Price/Fair Value: 0.76 Morningstar Rating: 4 stars Sector: Technology NXP Semiconductors is a prominent player among automotive semiconductor manufacturers. Like Analog Devices, the firm's expertise is not limited solely to automotive chipmaking, as it also sells to the mobile, communications infrastructure, and industrial markets. Moreover, through enabling near-field communication, or NFC, NXP Semiconductors powers the mobile wallet offerings of multiple high-profile clients, the likes of which include Google GOOGL and Apple AAPL. Although the firm lost 5.0% in revenue in 2024 and Morningstar models an 8.5% decrease in revenue this year amid tariff-related market challenges, Morningstar anticipates a recovery by 2026. Indeed, Morningstar models indicate that NXP Semiconductors' revenue could increase 6% in 2026 as EV designs call for an increasing proportion of chips embedded into their systems. Morningstar's fair value estimate for NXP Semiconductors currently sits at $280 per share, indicating a 6% free cash flow yield for 2025. At a recent $212.40 per share, NXP Semiconductors was trading at a 24% discount to Morningstar's fair value estimate." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- More Top ESG ETFs and Companies (3) My third article brings us back to a favourite sector for ethical and sustainable investors. The article is titled 3 Alternative Energy Stocks to Watch Amid Escalated Tariff Uncertainty and was found on zacks.com and is by analyst Aparajita Dutta. Her article is a comprehensive review and analysis of the industry and a few of its leading companies. Here are some quotes by Ms. Dutta from her article. "The Alternative Energy Industry has outperformed its sector as well as the Zacks S&P 500 composite over the past year. The stocks in this industry have collectively surged 41.9% in the past year against the Oils-Energy sector's 9.8% decline. The Zacks S&P 500 composite has gained 11.7% in the same time frame… 1. Ormat Technologies ORA Based in Reno, NV, the company is primarily engaged in the geothermal energy power business. On May 27, 2025, Ormat Technologies announced a $62 million Hybrid Tax Equity partnership with Morgan Stanley Renewables to support its Lower Rio and Arrowleaf energy storage and solar projects, expected to be operational by the end of 2025. This innovative financing will help Ormat monetize $160 million in tax benefits in 2025, boosting profitability and supporting its long-term energy storage growth strategy. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company's 2025 sales implies an improvement of 8.4% from the previous year's estimated figure. The stock boasts a long-term (three-to-five years) earnings growth rate of 10%. The

    28 min

  8. MAY 15

    Great Stock Picks in 18 New Articles!

    Great Stock Picks in 18 New Articles! Features analyst stock picks in sustainable technology, healthcare, fashion, jewelry, manufacturing, and more. By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 153, May 16, 2025 Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 153, published May 16, 2025, titled "Great Stock Picks in 18 New Articles!" So, this podcast is 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, please visit the podcast's webpage for links to the articles and additional company and stock information. I have a great crop of 19 articles for you in this podcast! ------------------------------------------------------------- Great Stock Picks in 18 New Articles! (1) The first article I'm reviewing appeared on insidermonkey.com. It's titled 11 Cheap ESG Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds by Rameen Kasana. Ms. Kasana employs fascinating methodology to arrive at her stock selection. Here are some quotes on her process and, importantly, her stock picks. "We have compiled a list of 11 companies ranked by Sustainalytics (by Morningstar) in its recent ESG Top-Rated Companies report. From the report, we identified companies with a forward P/E less than 15, extracted from FINVIZ. From there, we picked companies with the highest number of hedge fund investors, as per Insider Monkey's database of Q4 2024. 11. Flex Ltd. (NASDAQ:FLEX) Number of Hedge funds holding: 52 Flex Ltd. operates as a contract manufacturing company that offers design, manufacturing, and product management solutions to electronic and technology companies. While the Flex Agility Solutions (FAS) segment is centered on communications, consumer devices, and lifestyle, the Flex Reliability Solutions (FRS) segment encompasses markets like Automotive, Health Solutions, and Industrial. 10. Seagate Technology Holdings plc (NASDAQ:STX) Hedge funds holding: 52 Seagate Technology Holdings plc is a leading provider of hard disk drives for data storage for both enterprise and consumer markets. With a presence in Singapore, the United States, the Netherlands, and internationally, the core offerings of the company include mass capacity storage products, legacy applications, and the Lyve edge-to-cloud mass capacity platform. 9. Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CCK) Hedge funds holding: 53 Crown Holdings is a global packaging powerhouse operating through the Americas Beverage, European Beverage, Asia Pacific, and Transit Packaging segments. Founded in 1892, the company manufactures and markets recyclable aluminum beverage and non-beverage cans, steel crowns, glass bottles, ends, and closures. From food to household and industrial industries, the company serves a wide clientele. 8. Tapestry, Inc. (NYSE:TPR) Hedge funds holding: 57 Tapestry, Inc. is a global house of leading fashion brands, particularly Coach, Kate Spade New York, and Stuart Weitzman. Headquartered in New York, the company offers its products directly and indirectly via wholesale and licensing businesses. The enterprise claims to use its strengths to empower communities and make the fashion industry more sustainable, equitable, inclusive, and diverse. 7. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE) Hedge funds holding: 66 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company is a U.S.-based leading information technology company that provides smart solutions and cloud-based services. The core offerings of the company include servers, storage devices, networking products, software, IT support, and customized financial solutions. From retailers and distribution partners to direct sales management, independent software vendors, and equipment manufacturers, the tech giant markets through a range of experts. 6. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:REGN) Hedge funds holding: 68 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is a leading biotechnology company serving people living with eye disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammation. Headquartered in New York, the company develops and markets life-changing medicines for people with severe illnesses. Driven by its 'Doing Well by Doing Good' philosophy, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals facilitates a culture that promotes integrity and builds sustainable communities. 5. The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) Hedge funds holding: 72 The Cigna Group is a global health company providing insurance and related products. With two main segments: Evernorth Health Services and Cigna Healthcare, it has a vast offering including coordinated and point solution health services, and pharma-related care. Based in Connecticut. 4. Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV) Hedge funds holding: 73 Elevance Health is a U.S.-based health insurer that operates through four segments, including Health Benefits, CarelonRx, Carelon Services, and Corporate & Other. Incepted in 2001, the company also provides pharmaceutical services, managed care services, health products, and behavioral health management, among others. 3. QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) Hedge funds holding: 79 QUALCOMM Incorporated headquartered in California, is a digital telecommunications provider, operating through three segments, namely Qualcomm CDMA Technologies (QCT), Qualcomm Technology Licensing (QTL), and Qualcomm Strategic Initiatives (QSI). With a market capitalization of $162.449 billion, the company is recognized as the 158th most trusted company in America by Forbes. The core values of the company include empowering people, transforming communities, and protecting the planet. 2. Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) Hedge funds holding: 84 Cisco Systems is a U.S.-based firm that offers information technology and networking services. Incepted in 1984, the company also offers network security and access management services. Cisco delivers its products and services directly and indirectly through system integrators, service providers, and other distributors. 1. Western Digital Corporation (NYSE:WDC) Hedge funds holding: 85 Western Digital Corporation is a California-based global leader in the hard disk drive market. While providing data storage solutions, the giant is fully dedicated to preserving and protecting the planet. The company's initiatives revolve around reducing, recycling, reusing, and saving for the generations to come." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Great Stock Picks in 18 New Articles! (2) The second article comes to us from the renowned Morningstar site. It's titled 2 Undervalued Automation Companies for Sustainable Investors. It's by Liz Angeles. Now, some quotes from her article. "The Morningstar Rating compares a stock's current price with Morningstar's estimate of its fair value, which is based on the present value of the company's future cash flow. A 4-star stock is undervalued, and a 5-star stock is significantly undervalued. 1) Sika Group (SKFOF) Established in 1910, Switzerland-based Sika produces specialty chemicals primarily used by the construction sector (85% of sales). Its products are mainly used for bonding, sealing, reinforcing, and protecting in the construction and automotive industries. Approximately 70% of its products have a positive impact on sustainability for customers. Sika has a global manufacturing footprint of more than 400 factories spread across over 100 countries. Price/Quantitative Fair Value: 0.89 Quantitative Morningstar Rating: ★★★★★ ESG Risk Rating Assessment: Medium Sector: Basic Materials 2) Zebra Technologies (ZBRA) Zebra Technologies is a leading provider of automatic identification and data capture technology to enterprises. Its solutions include barcode printers and scanners, mobile computers, and workflow optimization software. The firm primarily serves the retail, transportation logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare markets, designing custom solutions to improve efficiency for its customers. Analyst: William Kerwin, CFA Price/Fair Value: 0.75 Morningstar Rating: ★★★★ ESG Risk Rating Assessment: Negligible Sector: Technology" End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Great Stock Picks in 18 New Articles! (3) This third article has a perspective that many investors concur with and posits it regarding Netflix. The title of the article is Possible Stock Split? This Stock Has Surged 284% Since 2023 -- Here's Why You Shouldn't Wait to Buy It. It's by Adam Levy of The Motley Fool and found on finance.yahoo.com. Here are a few brief quotes from Mr. Levy's article. "But enacting a stock split can be a very strong signal from management to investors. Management will usually initiate a stock split after a run-up in the price of the stock. When it announces a split, it's suggesting the current run-up in price is justified and that it expects the price to continue climbing. On the other hand, the confidence boost provided by a stock split will only go as far as the company's next earnings report or news item. If the fundamentals of the business are no good, or the stock has gotten ahead of itself, it doesn't make sense to buy it just because of a stock-split announcement. One stock I've had my eye on looks poised for a stock split this year. It's up 284% since the start of 2023, and investors have an opportunity to get in now, whether management announces a split in the near future or not. [That stock is] Netflix (Nasdaq: NFLX)." End quotes. --------------------------------

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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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