By Danilo Masoni MILAN (Reuters) -A return of fund inflows into renewable energy stocks is helping to breath new life into these companies' shares, powering their strongest quarterly rise since the sustainability boom early this decade. After two years of bearish sentiment and relentless redemptions that made the sector a short-sellers' hotspot, a fundamental shift in the U.S. power demand outlook and greater policy certainty are luring investors back. U.S. President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bi ...

TotalEnergies has agreed with insurance vehicles and accounts managed by global investment firm KKR to sell a 50% interest in a 1.4GW North American solar portfolio. The deal assigns the portfolio an enterprise value of $1.25bn. Due to these transactions and bank refinancing to be finalised shortly, the energy company will receive $950m at closing. The deal comprises six utility-scale solar projects amounting to 1.3GW, and 41 distributed-generation sites totalling 140MW, primarily located in the US. El ...

Core Insights - Global investments in renewable energy are accelerating, with solar power being one of the fastest-growing electricity sources, creating opportunities for companies like First Solar (FSLR) and Emeren Group (SOL) [1] Company Overview - First Solar, based in Arizona, specializes in advanced thin-film photovoltaic solar modules and has manufacturing facilities in the U.S., India, Malaysia, and Vietnam [2] - Emeren, headquartered in Connecticut, operates as a global solar project developer with a growing presence in Europe, North America, and Asia [2] Financial Stability & Growth Prospects - As of June 30, 2025, First Solar had cash and cash equivalents of $1.15 billion, long-term debt of $0.33 billion, and current debt of $0.25 billion, indicating strong solvency and supporting capital spending plans of $1.0-$1.5 billion for expansion [4] - Emeren's cash and cash equivalents were $48 million, with long-term debt of $55 million and current debt of $3 million, reflecting a strong liquidity position to fund ongoing projects [5] Industry Trends - The solar industry is expected to continue expanding due to decreasing technology costs and increasing awareness of clean energy benefits, making it an attractive area for investment [6] Production Capacity & Contracts - First Solar's total installed production capacity was approximately 21 GW as of June 30, 2025, with contracts for future sales of 61.9 GW of solar modules valued at $18.5 billion, expected to generate revenue through 2030 [7] - Emeren owned 295 MW of operating solar projects and had a development pipeline of 6,510 MW, along with a total energy storage pipeline of 4,709 MW, indicating strong growth potential [8] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FSLR's 2025 earnings implies a growth of 26.2%, with sales expected to improve by 27.6% [14] - For SOL, the 2025 earnings estimate indicates a year-over-year improvement, while the 2026 earnings estimate shows a decline [15] Stock Performance - Over the past three months, FSLR's stock has increased by 44.6%, while SOL's stock has only risen by 0.5% [17] Valuation Metrics - FSLR trades at a forward Price/Sales (P/S F12M) multiple of 3.77X, compared to SOL's 0.88X, making SOL relatively more attractive from a valuation perspective [18] Debt Analysis - FSLR's Long-Term Debt to Capital ratio is 3.70, while SOL's ratio is 14.56, indicating that SOL relies more heavily on debt [21] Conclusion - First Solar is characterized by long-term contracts, capacity expansion, and a solid balance sheet, appealing to investors seeking stability and steady returns [22] - Emeren is focused on growing its solar and storage pipelines, but its smaller scale and reliance on global supply chains present risks [23]

Core Viewpoint - Clearway Energy is positioned as a compelling investment opportunity in the renewable energy sector, focusing on wind, solar, and water power, with a strong emphasis on dividend growth supported by free cash flow [1][2][5]. Group 1: Dividend and Financial Metrics - Clearway Energy offers a forward dividend yield of over 6%, appealing to income and dividend growth investors [2]. - The annual dividend is $1.78, with a dividend payout ratio of 273.85%, although the payout ratio based on cash available for distribution (CAFD) is healthier at 70% to 80% [6][7]. - The company has a dividend increase track record of 2 years, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders [6]. Group 2: Growth and Expansion Plans - Clearway has a clear growth strategy supported by strong cash flow, allowing for reinvestment in upgrading existing facilities and acquiring new ones [9]. - Recent acquisitions include facilities in Washington and California, along with new projects in Utah, California, and Texas [10]. - Repowering projects in Texas and West Virginia aim to enhance efficiency and extend the lifespan of existing equipment, which is expected to drive new business and contract extensions [11]. Group 3: Analyst and Institutional Support - The stock has a 12-month price forecast of $36.40, indicating a potential upside of 30.77% from the current price of $27.84 [12]. - Institutional ownership exceeds 85%, with a trend of buying activity outpacing selling [13]. - Analysts rate the stock as a Moderate Buy, with a consensus price target suggesting a 25% upside, reflecting positive sentiment towards the stock [13].

Core Viewpoint - Clearway Energy is positioned for significant growth, offering an attractive dividend yield of 6.4% and potential for cash flow increases through 2027, making it a compelling investment opportunity [2][12]. Growth Potential - Clearway Energy has successfully sold its thermal infrastructure assets for $1.9 billion and is reinvesting that capital into higher-return renewable energy assets [4]. - The company has secured new contracts and identified projects that will generate power and cash flow in the coming years, providing visibility into its growth trajectory [5]. - Clearway expects to generate $2.08 per share in cash available for dividends this year, with projections of $2.50 to $2.70 per share by 2027, indicating over a 20% increase [6]. Dividend Growth - The current annualized dividend rate is over $1.78 per share, with a target to grow it to around $1.98 per share by 2027, representing an increase of more than 11% [7]. - The company anticipates a 5% to 8% annual growth rate in cash available for dividends through 2027 and beyond, supporting its dividend growth strategy [11]. Long-term Strategy - Clearway is pursuing additional wind repowering projects and exploring battery storage options, which will enhance cash flows from its existing portfolio [8]. - The company has a significant opportunity to acquire new renewable energy projects from its parent company, Clearway Energy Group, with a late-stage pipeline representing over $1.5 billion in investment opportunities [9]. Financial Flexibility - Clearway has demonstrated financial flexibility by acquiring renewable energy assets from third parties, including the Catalina Solar project for $127 million and Tuolumne Wind for $61 million [10].

Core Insights - Scatec ASA has signed a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with BTG Pactual Comercializadora de Energía for a 130 MW solar plant in Colombia, covering approximately 85% of the estimated production [1][2] - The project marks Scatec's entry into the Colombian market, which is expected to add over 5 GW of solar capacity in the next five years, supported by high irradiation and strong demand for renewables [2][3] Company Overview - Scatec ASA is a leading renewable energy solutions provider, with 6.2 GW of renewable energy plants in operation and under construction across five continents [6] - The company is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, and is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol 'SCATC' [6] Project Details - The estimated total capital expenditure (capex) for the solar plant is USD 110 million, with Scatec designated as the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) provider, covering approximately 80% of the capex [4] - Scatec will also provide Operations & Maintenance (O&M) and Asset Management (AM) services for the plant [4] Financing Structure - The project will be financed through non-recourse financing and equity, with Scatec retaining majority ownership and Norfund as a minority equity partner [5] - Scatec is in advanced negotiations for non-recourse project financing, targeting a leverage of 65%, with financial close and construction expected to start in 2025 [5]

Financial Performance - Invalda INVL reported equity of EUR 225.9 million at the end of June 2025, representing a 27.4% increase year-over-year, with an equity per share of EUR 18.73, up 27.5% [1] - The company achieved an unaudited net profit of EUR 18 million in the first half of 2025, a 53.8% increase from EUR 11.7 million in the same period last year [1] Dividends and Shareholder Returns - In 2025, Invalda INVL paid dividends of EUR 1.25 per share, the largest in its history, totaling EUR 87.4 million paid out to shareholders since its listing [2] Asset Management and Investments - The assets under management of Invalda INVL's companies reached EUR 2 billion at the end of June 2025, a 26.9% increase year-over-year and an 18.5% increase since the start of 2025 [4] - Revenue from asset management totaled EUR 8.7 million in the first half of 2025, a 46.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [5] Strategic Initiatives - The company has over EUR 400 million in free cash available for investments across the Baltic countries, Poland, Romania, and other nearby markets, actively seeking acquisition opportunities [6] - The INVL Baltic Sea Growth Fund completed an equity investment in the Pehart Group, finalizing a portfolio of 10 companies in the Baltics, Poland, and Romania [7] Renewable Energy Investments - The INVL Renewable Energy Fund I secured EUR 29.3 million in new financing for solar power plant construction, and REFI Sun raised EUR 15 million through a public bond offering [8] Portfolio Management - Invalda INVL's other equity investments contributed EUR 16.9 million to earnings in the first half of 2025, positively influenced by strong performance from banks in which the company holds stakes [10][11] - The company reported significant contributions from its investments in Artea Bank and maib, with net profits of EUR 31.9 million and EUR 42.5 million respectively, impacting Invalda INVL's results positively [11] Industry Outlook - The CEO of Invalda INVL noted that the business climate remains uncertain and rapidly changing, emphasizing the need for adaptability and the opportunities it presents [3]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview: China Renewable Energy Solar Module Exports - **Export Value Decline**: China's solar module export value decreased by 19.3% year-over-year (yoy) and 0.8% month-over-month (mom) to US$1,906 million in July [1] - **Export Volume Increase**: Estimated export volume rose by 13.3% yoy and 2.3% mom to 22.2GW, driven by demand recovery from Europe (+16.5% yoy to 9.9GW) [1] - **Regional Demand Variations**: Increased demand from the Philippines (+173.7% yoy to 1.2GW) and Africa (+61.0% yoy to 1.8GW) was noted, while demand from Brazil (-38.8% yoy to 0.9GW) and India (-81.8% yoy to 0.2GW) declined [1] - **Total Export Volume**: China's total solar module export volume was down 1.5% yoy to 149.2GW in the first seven months of 2025, likely due to more direct exports of solar cells for assembly outside China [1] Inverter Exports - **Export Value Growth**: China's inverter export value increased by 15.8% yoy but decreased by 0.7% mom to US$911 million in July [1] - **Demand Recovery**: Significant demand recovery was observed from Europe (+28.1% yoy to US$398 million) and Australia (+206.0% yoy to US$54 million) [3] - **Emerging Markets**: Strong growth was also noted in emerging markets such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam [1] - **Regional Performance**: Inverter exports from Anhui province (home to Sungrow) increased by 27.5% yoy to US$117 million, while exports from Zhejiang province (home to Deye and Ginlong) decreased by 3.6% yoy to US$216 million [6] Production and Installation Trends - **Module Production Output**: China's module production volume was up 1.5% yoy to 330.4GW in the first seven months of 2025, but a decline of 4.6% yoy and 0.6% mom to 46.8GW is expected in August due to lower solar installation demand [2] - **Solar Installation Growth**: Solar installations in China increased by 106.5% yoy to 211.6GW in the first half of 2025, although June saw a significant drop of 41.0% yoy to 13.8GW after a rush installation period ended [2] Investment Insights - **Preferred Segments**: The report suggests a preference for upstream polysilicon manufacturers benefiting from higher average selling prices (ASP) and potential capacity consolidation, as well as inverter companies like Sungrow and Deye that are expected to benefit from energy storage system demand growth [1] Additional Considerations - **Market Dynamics**: The report highlights the contrasting trends in demand across different regions and the implications for production and export strategies within the Chinese renewable energy sector [1][2][3] - **Future Outlook**: The ongoing recovery in demand from Europe and emerging markets may provide opportunities for growth, despite the current challenges faced by the solar module segment [1][3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For FY '25, the company achieved an EBITDAF of $786 million, down from the originally guided $820 million, reflecting a 10% reduction in hydro production [4][11][12] - The NPAT was impacted by fair value adjustments on non-hedged accounted derivatives, while dividends increased by 3%, marking the seventeenth consecutive year of dividend growth [12][13][17] - The company provided FY '26 guidance of EBITDAF at $1 billion and a dividend of 25 cents per share, indicating a positive outlook [5][39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The trading margin decreased by 75 basis points due to reduced generation, partially offset by improved sales [11] - The telecommunications segment added over 30,000 connections, contributing positively to margin and reducing customer churn [14] - The company maintained a flat operating expenditure compared to the prior year, with a focus on reducing costs to $370 million in the future [16][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced near-record low hydrology early in FY '25, leading to high electricity spot prices, but managed to stabilize the situation with strong market responses [20][21] - The hydrology in Lake Taupo showed significant fluctuations, with the company managing to improve its net position later in the year [23][24] - Strong inflows in Q4 provided a tailwind heading into FY '26, with hydro generation reaching a record of 566 gigawatt hours in July [23][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a refreshed strategy that emphasizes productivity and execution of its build program, targeting significant growth opportunities in wind and geothermal energy [2][3][6] - The strategy includes a commitment to invest in generation development, with plans to deliver 3.5 terawatt hours of new generation by 2030 [6][31] - The company aims to reduce operating costs per connection by 30% by FY '28, having already achieved 11% of that target [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges faced in FY '25 due to hydrology but expressed confidence in the company's ability to manage volatility and deliver strong shareholder returns [41][42] - The company is optimistic about future growth driven by electrification and demand growth, which will create a robust pipeline for generation development [42][43] - Management emphasized the importance of building a resilient energy system and supporting vulnerable customers through targeted programs [28][29] Other Important Information - The company has a disciplined approach to balance sheet management, with a debt to EBITDA ratio of 2.5, maintaining a strong credit rating [35][36] - The company plans to invest approximately $600 million in growth capital expenditures focused on major projects and network upgrades [39] - The company is actively engaging with government initiatives and industry collaborations to address energy challenges and enhance market mechanisms [49][50] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on geothermal opportunity of five terawatt hours - Management confirmed that updates will be provided as progress is made, emphasizing the priority of this initiative [45][46] Question: Concerns regarding government interventions - Management noted limited information from the government but expressed confidence in collaborative industry efforts to address energy challenges [48][49] Question: Details on the 50 megawatts signed with Genesis - Management clarified that the 50 megawatts is part of a strategic firming option, adding value to the portfolio [51][52] Question: Guidance on yield and portfolio impacts - Management indicated that yield impacts are being monitored, with expectations aligned with CPI [61] Question: Cost details on Taupo Gates upgrade - Management stated that the project is still in the solution phase, with specific costs not yet determined [63][64] Question: Clarification on OpEx targets - Management confirmed that the guidance includes premiums for HFOs and is reflected in the energy margin [66][67]

Financial Performance & Guidance - Second quarter 2025 CAFD reached $152 million, impacted by lower renewable resource[13] - The company is updating its 2025 CAFD guidance range to $405-440 million, raising the bottom end due to closed 3rd party M&A[13,40] - The company is targeting CAFD per share to $2.50-2.70 in 2027, increased from $2.40-2.60 previously[13] - The company expects to generate over $270 million of retained CAFD cumulatively between 2025-2027 and to have over $600 million of debt capacity to fund growth[44] Growth Initiatives - The company announced a dividend increase of 1.6% to $0.4456/share in 3Q25, or $1.7824/share annualized[13] - Mt Storm repowering is set to begin in 2H25, completed in two phases in 2026 and 2027, with estimated corporate capital of ~$220-230 million and a target 5-year average incremental annual asset CAFD yield of ~11-13%[13,19] - The company signed a 15-year PPA for Goat Mountain repowering with a hyperscaler customer, targeting a 2027 COD, with estimated corporate capital of ~$200 million and a target 5-year average incremental annual asset CAFD yield of +10%[13,19] - The company received an offer to invest in a 291 MW battery storage portfolio, requiring ~$65 million of estimated corporate capital[13] - The company closed a 3rd party M&A agreement for the operational Catalina Solar project, requiring ~$122 million of estimated corporate capital[13] Pipeline & Future Growth - The late-stage pipeline through 2029 vintages has over $1.5 billion of potential corporate capital investments beyond already offered/committed projects/advanced repowerings[32] - Clearway Group has 9.4 GW of late-stage projects through the end of the decade[13,60]