Ethical & Sustainable Investing News to Profit By‪!‬ Ron Robins

Sustainable and Infrastructure Stocks Analysts Adore podcast: Covers stocks related to renewable energy, data infrastructure, waste management, retail, and others.
 
By Ron Robins, MBA
Hello, Ron Robins here. So, welcome to this podcast episode 131 titled “Sustainable and Infrastructure Stocks Analysts Adore.” It’s presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources.
Now, remember that you can find a full transcript, and links to content – including stock symbols and bonus material – on this episode’s podcast page located at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts.
Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, nor do I receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal to you any personal investments I have in the investments mentioned herein.
Additionally, quotes about individual companies are brief. Please go to this podcast's webpage for links to the actual articles for more company and stock information. Also, some companies might be covered more than once and there are also 4 article links below that time didn’t allow me to review them here.
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5 sustainable UK stocks that Fools love
The stock picks in my first article, though from the UK, are likely available and applicable to investors globally. It’s titled 5 sustainable UK stocks that Fools love. By Fools it's referring to the famous Fools investors, site, and is written by the The Motley Fool Staff and found at fool.co.uk.
Here are some quotes from the article.
“1. Croda International (LSE:CRDA)
By Oliver Rodzianko.
What it does: Croda International sustainably creates speciality chemicals to enhance products in a wide range of industries.
Croda International has ‘committed to becoming the most sustainable supplier of innovative ingredients on the planet’…
Not only is the company leading in environmental preservation efforts, but it’s also making a handsome profit in the process. Over the past 10 years, the shares have grown 78% in price. It also has a net margin of 10%, which is great for its industry…
Now, I must mention that in the past, it has faced legal action over negative effects on the environment from a plant it operated. There’s some chance that something like this could happen again, which would be bad reputationally.
But overall, this company looks very strong to me. I appreciate its efforts in getting toward a cleaner, safer work culture.
2. Gore Street Energy Storage Fund (LSE:GSF)
By Royston Wild.
What it does: Gore Street Energy Storage Fund invests in power retention assets across Europe and the US.
This small cap invests in utility-scale power storage assets with the aim of providing regular dividend income to its shareholders.
Today its objective is to provide annual dividends equivalent to 7% of net asset value (NAV) per ordinary share, or 7p per share, whichever is higher. It’s a strategy that creates a chunky 5.1% dividend yield for the current financial year…
At current prices I think the trust is worth serious consideration. At 60.3p per share, it trades at a whopping 43% discount to its estimated NAV.
3. Renewi (LSE: RWI)
By Christopher Ruane.
What it does: Renewi is a European waste management company that uses most of the waste collected for recycling or energy production.
The share price has… grown by an impressive 72% over the past five years.
Renewi shares trade on a price-to-earnings ratio of 12, which I think looks cheap. Whether that turns out to be the case depends partly on Renewi maintaining or growing its earnings. The past couple of years have been good, however the track record is inconsistent.
The business is highly cash generative but has a net debt that outstrips

Renewable Energy Stock Picks podcast includes some great renewable energy stock analyses from Zacks, The Motley Fool, InvestorPlace, and others.
 
By Ron Robins, MBA
Transcript & Links, Episode 130, May 17, 2024
Hello, Ron Robins here. So, welcome to this podcast episode 130 titled “Renewable Energy Stock Picks.” It’s presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources.
Now, remember that you can find a full transcript, and links to content – including stock symbols and bonus material – on this episode’s podcast page located at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts.
Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, nor do I receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal to you any personal investments I have in the investments mentioned herein.
Additionally, quotes about individual companies are brief. Please go to this podcast's webpage for links to the actual articles for more company and stock information. Also, some companies might be covered more than once and there are also 2 article links below that time didn’t allow me to review them here.
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1) Renewable Energy Stock Picks
I’m beginning with this article which is from the famous Zacks research team. It’s titled 4 Stocks to Watch in the Path to Decarbonize the Future and is by Rimmi Singhi and found at sg.news.yahoo.com.
Here are brief quotes by the author on each stock.
“1. Clearway (CWEN)
along with its subsidiaries owns and operates a diverse portfolio of contracted renewable and conventional generation, along with thermal infrastructure assets in the United States. Furthermore, Clearway’s asset portfolio includes more than 9,000 megawatts (MW) of wind, solar, thermal, and natural-gas-fired power generation facilities as well as distract energy systems…
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Clearway’s 2023 sales and earnings implies year-over-year growth of 15% and 149%, respectively… It boasts a long-term earnings growth rate of 10%. Clearway currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
2. NextEra (NEE)
is a leading provider of wind and solar energy in the United States. The company also operates in Canada and has a growing presence in Latin America. NextEra has many renewable projects in its backlog and their completion will ensure reduced emissions. The company expects to be able to add 33-42 gigawatts (GW) of new renewables in the 2023-2026 time frame to the generation portfolio via clean energy investments…
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NextEra’s 2023 and 2024 earnings implies year-over-year growth of 8% and 8.2%, respectively. The same for 2023 and 2024 revenues indicates a year-over-year uptick of 27% and 9%, respectively. The company surpassed earnings estimates in the last four quarters, the average surprise being 6.2%. It boasts a long-term earnings growth rate of 9%. NextEra currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
3. Brookfield (BEP)
is a renewable energy firm that operates hydro, wind, solar, and storage assets in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Hydroelectric power comprised 50% of its portfolio in 2022. The firm remains focused on the expansion of its expertise in wind, solar, and energy storage capabilities through acquisitions and development projects. Over the past decade, Brookfield's earnings have witnessed a CAGR of around 10%. Brookfield is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet to support further expansion.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Brookfield’s 2023 and 2024 earnings implies year-over-year growth of 120% and 275%, respectively… The firm boasts a dividend yield of more than 4% and has increased its payout five times in the last five years. Brookfield currently carries a

Best Ethical, ESG Stocks, for 2024. Covers stocks from AI, to tech, to healthcare, renewable energy, healthcare, and many more.
 
By Ron Robins, MBA
Transcript & Links, Episode 129, May 3, 2024
Hello, Ron Robins here. So, welcome to this podcast episode 129 titled “Best Ethical, ESG Stocks, for 2024.” It’s presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources.
Now, remember that you can find a full transcript, and links to content – including stock symbols and bonus material – on this episode’s podcast page located at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts.
Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, nor do I receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal to you any personal investments I have in the investments mentioned herein.
Additionally, quotes about individual companies are brief. Please go to this podcast's webpage for links to the actual articles for more company and stock information. Also, some companies might be covered more than once and there are also 6 article links below that time didn’t allow me to review them here.
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1) Best Ethical, ESG Stocks, for 2024 I’m starting this episode with this article, 13 Best Ethical Companies to Invest in 2024. It’s by Ramish Cheema at Insider Monkey and appeared on finance.yahoo.com. Here are some quotes from Mr. Cheema from his article.
“We ranked the top 30 most valuable holdings of the Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) by the number of hedge funds that had bought the shares during the fourth quarter of 2023 and picked the top stocks…
Hedge funds’ top 10 consensus stock picks outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here).
13. Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:ADBE) Hedge Fund Shareholders: 105
Its Photoshop software is one of the best known image editing software in the world, and in April 2024, Adobe shared that it will add artificial intelligence features to Photoshop later this year.
12. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) Hedge Fund Shareholders: 111
Thermo Fisher Scientific is one of the biggest medical instruments and devices companies in the world. The shares are rated Buy on average.
11. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) Hedge Fund Shareholders: 113
UnitedHealth Group is the largest healthcare benefits provider and plan manager in the U.S. 2024 has been quite a controversial year for the firm after it was targeted through a cyber attack earlier this year that disrupted healthcare services across America.
10. Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) Hedge Fund Shareholders: 120
Advanced Micro Devices is an American semiconductor designer that makes and sells CPUs, GPUs, and other silicon products… Wall Street appears to be quite optimistic about the firm's future prospects, as it has rated the shares Strong Buy.
9. Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM) Hedge Fund Shareholders: 131
Salesforce is an American enterprise software company that enables firms to manage their customer relationships… the shares are up after reports indicate that Salesforce is no longer pursuing a multi billion dollar acquisition to grow its business operations.
8. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Hedge Fund Shareholders: 131
April 2024 hasn't been a great month for the firm, as not only have its shares proved to be lackluster in gains, but multiple reports share that consumer interest in the Apple Vision Pro headset is declining.
7. Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) Hedge Fund Shareholders: 141
Mastercard is a financial technology firm that acts as a gateway between merchants and consumers. It's… rated (a) Strong Buy on average.
6. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) Hedge Fund Shareholders: 162
Visa Inc. is another payment gatewa

Best ESG ETFs, Carbon Capture Stocks, More… Includes SRI ETFs, sustainable carbon capture stocks, analysis on Enphase or Plug Power?
 
By Ron Robins, MBA
Transcript & Links, Episode 128, April 19, 2024
Hello, Ron Robins here. So, welcome to this podcast episode 128 titled “Best ESG ETFs, Carbon Capture Stocks, More…” It’s presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources.
Now, remember that you can find a full transcript, and links to content – including stock symbols and bonus material – on this episode’s podcast page located at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts.
Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, nor do I receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal to you any personal investments I have in the investments mentioned herein.
Additionally, quotes about individual companies are brief. Please go to this podcast's webpage for links to the actual articles for more company and stock information. Also, some companies might be covered more than once and there are also 4 article links below that time didn’t allow me to review them here.
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1. Best ESG ETFs, Carbon Capture Stocks, More…
It’s been a while since I included an article focusing on ESG ETFs, so here’s one from a good publication that just appeared on aol.com. It’s titled Best ESG ETFs: Top funds for socially responsible investing. It’s by Brian Baker at The Banker. Here are some quotes from the article.
“1) Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV)
The Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF tries to match the performance of the FTSE U.S. All Cap Choice Index and screens for certain ESG criteria. Certain companies in the following industries are excluded from the fund: adult entertainment, alcohol, fossil fuels, gambling, nuclear power, tobacco and weapons.
5-year return (annualized): 14.6 percent Expense ratio: 0.09 percent 2) iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN)
The iShares Global Clean Energy ETF seeks to track the performance of an index of global stocks from the clean energy sector. These companies produce energy from renewable sources such as solar and wind.
5-year return (annualized): 8.0 percent Expense ratio: 0.41 percent 3) iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF (SUSL)
The iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF gives investors exposure to large- and mid-cap stocks that score highly on ESG issues relative to their sector peers. The fund avoids holding companies with low ESG ratings or severe controversies.
3-year return (annualized): 11.5 percent Expense ratio: 0.10 percent 4) Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF (NULV)
The Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF uses a passive approach to invest in large-cap companies with value characteristics that also meet certain ESG criteria.
5-year return (annualized): 7.9 percent Expense ratio: 0.26 percent 5) SPDR S&P 500 Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF (SPYX)
The SPDR S&P 500 Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF gives investors focused on climate change exposure to the S&P 500 while eliminating companies that own fossil fuel reserves. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for fairly traditional investment exposure with a slight focus on climate change.
5-year return (annualized): 14.4 percent Expense ratio: 0.20 percent 6) iShares MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF (SDG)
The iShares MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF seeks to track the performance of an index made up of companies that derive the majority of their revenue from products and services that address at least one of the world’s major social and environmental challenges as defined by the United Nations.
5-year return (annualized): 7.1 percent Expense ratio: 0.49 percent 7)

Top Climate-Smart Stocks includes one article with 26 global picks. Another article refers to ESG companies in ‘unassailable’ market positions.
 
By Ron Robins, MBA
Transcript & Links, Episode 127, April 5, 2024
Hello, Ron Robins here. So, welcome to this podcast episode 127 titled “Top Climate-Smart Stocks.” It’s presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources.
Now, remember that you can find a full transcript, and links to content – including stock symbols and bonus material – on this episode’s podcast page located at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts.
Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, nor do I receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal to you any personal investments I have in the investments mentioned herein.
Additionally, quotes about individual companies are brief. Please go to this podcast's webpage for links to the actual articles for more company and stock information. Also, some companies might be covered more than once and there are also 2 article links below that time didn’t allow me to review here.
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26 climate-smart stocks shine in new BMO screen
I’m beginning with this article from Canada, but its recommended stocks are pertinent to investors globally. It’s titled 26 climate-smart stocks shine in new BMO screen. It’s by Freschia Gonzales and found on wealthprofessional.ca. Here are some quotes from the article.
“BMO Nesbitt Burns analyst Doug Morrow has launched a new ‘climate opportunities screen’ targeting stocks positioned to thrive in the fight against climate change, as reported by The Globe and Mail…
The selection process started with 432 stocks rated as outperform at BMO, evaluating them against criteria such as net-zero emissions policies, transparency in carbon emissions, and board oversight of climate targets…”
Here are the first 5 of the final 26 stocks on the list.
Adobe Systems (ADBE) AstraZeneca (AZN) Avery Dennison (AVY) Baker Hughes Co. (BKR) BHP (BHP).” End quotes. For the rest of the companies go to this podcast edition’s web page at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts and click the link to this article.
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5 Cheap Sustainable Stocks With Moats
The next article appeared on the renowned morningstar.com site. It’s titled 5 Cheap Sustainable Stocks With Moats and it’s by Muskaan Hemrajani and Leslie P. Norton. Now some quotes from the authors.
“These companies not only have low ESG risk scores, indicating that the companies are exposed to fewer environmental, social, and governance risks, but they are also trading at a price 50% lower than their fair values, according to Morningstar.
In addition, all five have been assigned a Morningstar Economic Moat Rating of wide or narrow by the analyst covering the stock…
Note: quoted stock prices are as of March 22, 2024.
1) Etsy ETSY
Fair Value: $140
Morningstar Rating: 4 stars
Price: $67.82
Etsy is trading at a 51% discount.
Etsy is a top-10 e-commerce marketplace operator in the US and the UK, with sizable operations in Germany, France, Australia, and Canada. The firm dominates an interesting niche, connecting buyers and sellers through its online market to exchange vintage and craft goods.
2) BorgWarner BWA
Fair Value: $72
Morningstar Rating: 5 stars
Price: $33.20
BorgWarner is trading at a 54% discount.
BorgWarner is a Tier I auto-parts supplier with three operating segments: An air management group, a drivetrain and battery systems group, and an e-propulsion segment.
3) Sirius XM Holdings SIRI
Fair Value: $7.50
Morningstar Rating: 5 stars
Price: $3.88
This sto

Analysts’ Sustainable Stock Picks. Infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable stocks with high dividend yields, that analysts say to buy now.



By Ron Robins
Transcript & Links, Episode 126, March 22, 2024
Hello, Ron Robins here. So, welcome to this podcast episode 126 titled “Analysts’ Sustainable Stock Picks.” It’s presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources.
Now, remember that you can find a full transcript, and links to content – including stock symbols and bonus material – on this episode’s podcast page located at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts.
Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, nor do I receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal to you any personal investments I have in the investments mentioned herein.
Additionally, quotes about individual companies are brief. Please go to this podcast's webpage for links to the actual articles for more company and stock information. Also, some companies might be covered more than once and there is also 1 article link below that time didn’t allow me to review here.
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Infrastructure Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist in March by Lee Samaha
Infrastructure is an investment that most ethical and sustainable investors like to invest in. So I want to begin with this article. It’s titled 3 Infrastructure Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist in March and by Lee Samaha. It’s found on fool.com. Here are some brief quotes from the article.
“1. Trimble (TRMB)
With Trimble… infrastructure projects can be precisely managed with a significant reduction in waste and the kind of cost overruns the industry is famous for. It's a key player in digitally transforming how infrastructure is built and maintained…
Based on Wall Street analyst estimates, Trimble will trade at slightly less than 20 times the estimated free cash flow in 2025, a highly attractive multiple…
2. Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) 
The (copper) miner has the resources and the financial flexibility to invest in increasing supply, and to benefit from increased prices for copper. That's why it's the best mining stock to buy in 2024.
3. Atkore (ATKR) 
Atkore [is] a leading manufacturer of products used in electrical power systems in its electrical segment. It also manufactures metal frames and pipes -- among other things -- in its safety and infrastructure segment.
Atkore's earnings could significantly improve in the coming years, and so the stock looks like a good value trading on 10 times its estimated 2024 earnings.” End quotes
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5 Sustainable Stocks With a High Yield by Muskaan Hemrajani
Sustainable stocks with high yields are also in demand by investors. Hence, I thought this article would be of interest. It’s titled 5 Sustainable Stocks With a High Yield by Muskaan Hemrajani on morningstar.com. Now some of what Mr. Hemrajani has to say about his picks.
“1. Best Buy (BBY)
January 2024 Dividend Yield 5.08%
Price: $78.21 as of March 6, 2024
Fair Value Estimate: $90
Morningstar Rating: 3 stars
Morningstar ESG Risk Rating Assessment: Low
According to Morningstar senior equity analyst Sean Dunlop, ‘Best Buy’s dividend should be safe, with its 5%-plus yield looking quite attractive to income investors.’
2. Prudential Financial (PRU)
January 2024 Dividend Yield 4.77%
Price: $109.61 as of March 6, 2024
Fair Value Estimate: $108
Morningstar Rating: 3 stars
Morningstar ESG Risk Rating Assessment: Low
‘Overall, the company has returned approximately $26 billion to shareholders in the past eight years through dividends and share repurchases,’ Morningstar equity analyst