5 Renewable Energy Stocks That Stumbled Badly in June – Are They Still Worth Buying?

Stocks

Stock	Price	52 Week Range	Marketcap	EPS	Dividend Yield	Chart (24H)	Sector	Employees	Last Updated
Blink Charging Co. BLNK	$0.8277		83.74M	1.96	0.00%		Industrials	684	16 hours ago
Bloom Energy Corporation BE	$16.60		3.83B	0.13	0.00%		Industrials	2,377	16 hours ago

In June 2024, renewable energy stocks took a severe beating, sending ripples of uncertainty and increased risk perception throughout the investment community. This profound drop, notably affecting companies like **SunPower**, **Blink Charging**, and **Bloom Energy**, underscores the precarious position many renewable firms find themselves in today. The financial struggles and operational hurdles faced by these key players contribute significantly to the broader market’s apprehension towards the renewable sector. Our discussion will delve into why this trend is crucial for investors, particularly those cautious about high-risk ventures yet enticed by the transformative potential of renewable energy.

Here’s why this investment opportunity is both exciting and relevant:

• Transformative Potential: The renewable energy sector is continuously touted as the “next big thing” — driven by a heightened demand for sustainable solutions, progressive government policies, and rapid technological advancements.
• Volatility and Opportunity: While the sector’s volatility presents risks, it also offers the potential for outsized returns, capturing the interest of investors seeking high-reward opportunities.
• Informed Decision-Making: Understanding the current downturn provides vital insights, enabling investors to navigate the market with a sharper perspective and make more judicious investment decisions, aligning with our readers’ desire for empowerment through knowledge.

Editor's Note: Analysis and insight for this article were originally sourced sourced from our friends at The Motley Fool

SunPower (SPWR)

• Current Situation: **SunPower**’s shares plummeted by 11.4% in June, continuing a downward trend into July with a staggering 29.7% drop in the first week alone.
• Key Issues: Severe financial instability has necessitated a bailout from its majority owner, TotalEnergies. Additionally, the resignation of their auditor, Ernst & Young, over alleged managerial misconduct, has exacerbated governance concerns.
• Investment Perspective: **SunPower**’s precarious position exemplifies the high-risk nature of renewable energy investments. However, for contrarian investors, the turbulence might present a discounted entry point, provided **SunPower** can stabilize and harness the growing demand for renewable energy.

2024 has been particularly challenging for **SunPower**, with the company drawing $50 million from a second-lien term loan as part of its bailout, accompanied by highly dilutive warrants for 33.4 million shares at a strike price of $0.01. These financial maneuvers underscore the dire circumstances the company faces, making it a high-stakes venture for potential investors.

Analyst Ratings for SunPower (SPWR)

Summary of Analyst Outlook:

• Consensus Rating: The consensus rating for **SunPower Corporation** is Moderate Sell, based on a combination of buy, hold, and sell ratings from various analysts.
• Average Price Target: The average analyst price target for the next 12 months is $3.01, representing a potential gain of 1.69% compared to the current stock price.
• Current Price: The current stock price is $2.96.

Sources:

• TradingView (SunPower Corporation stock price and chart).
• Tipranks (SunPower stock forecast and analyst price target predictions).
• Nasdaq Analyst Research (ratings consensus and summary of stock price targets).
• WSJ (SunPower Corp. analyst ratings, historical stock prices, earnings estimates, and actuals).

Blink Charging Co.

BLNK

$0.8277

6%

Blink Charging (BLNK)

• Current Situation: **Blink Charging** saw its shares decline by 11.9% in June. Although not embroiled in scandals like **SunPower**, the company’s continual net losses and significant cash burn rates remain a pressing concern.
• Key Issues: **Blink Charging**’s ongoing need for financing and its failure to achieve profitability put it in a vulnerable position similar to many in the renewable sector.
• Investment Perspective: Investors must balance the potential growth in the EV charging sector with the company’s financial instability. **Blink Charging** reflects broader market concerns about profitability timelines within the industry.

The reality for **Blink Charging** is one of unsustainable net losses and cash burn, raising investor apprehension about its ability to sustain itself without constant infusions of capital. Such a scenario paints a cautionary tale about the risks associated with the EV charging industry.

Analyst Ratings for Blink Charging (BLNK)

Analyst Outlook Summary:

• Consensus Rating: The existing analyst ratings for **Blink Charging Co (BLNK)** suggest a moderate buy with an average price target of $6.25.
• Current Price: The current stock price stands at $2.79, with an estimated potential gain of 128.10%.
• Projections: Analysts’ revenue and earnings projections also show a mixed outlook, including expected sales of $39.15 million for the current quarter and earnings per share (EPS) of -$0.18 with a range of -$0.32 to -$0.13.

Sources:

• Nasdaq Analyst Research
• Yahoo Finance
• Tipranks
• AverageAnnualReturn

Bloom Energy Corporation

BE

$16.60

14%

Bloom Energy (BE)

• Current Situation: **Bloom Energy** experienced a substantial 25% drop in its stock price in June. While it avoided the headline-grabbing issues of its peers, questions about its financial health persist.
• Key Issues: The company’s net losses and cash burn rate continue to cast doubt on its viability and long-term sustainability.
• Investment Perspective: **Bloom Energy**’s significant decline mirrors a broader industry skepticism over the profitability of renewable firms. Yet, for those willing to undertake higher risk, the current low stock price could be an attractive opportunity, assuming the company can course-correct and capitalize on the rising demand for renewable energy solutions.

Like many in the renewable sector, **Bloom Energy**’s challenge is converting growing market demand into sustainable profitability. Despite its technological advancements, the financial strain mirrors a broader narrative of apprehension about the industry’s long-term prospects.

Analyst Ratings for Bloom Energy (BE)

Summary of Analyst Outlook:

• Consensus Rating: The analysts’ consensus rating for **Bloom Energy** is “Moderate Buy.” This rating is based on a mix of buy, hold, and sell recommendations, with the majority leaning towards a buy.
• Average Price Target: The average price target for **Bloom Energy** is $15.13, indicating an upside potential of 23.61% from the current price of $12.24.
• Projections: The forecasts range from a high of $22.00 to a low of $8.00, with 6 buy ratings, 8 hold ratings, and 1 sell rating.

Sources:

• MarketWatch (Bloom Energy Corp. Analyst Estimates)
• Investopedia (Stock Analysts Buy, Sell, and Hold Ratings Explained)
• Tipranks (Bloom Energy Stock Forecast & Price Target)

Detailed Analysis and Insights

Market Sentiment and Investor Behavior

Bankruptcy Fears: The collapse of companies like Fisker in the EV industry has triggered fears that similar fates may await other renewable energy firms. This widespread concern has spurred a sectoral sell-off, as investors reassess their risk tolerance.

Fisker’s bankruptcy acts as a stark reminder of the fragility within the renewable sector. Investors, wary of the potential domino effect, have started pulling out, exacerbating the already volatile market conditions for companies like **SunPower**, **Blink Charging**, and **Bloom Energy**.

Skepticism in Profitability: A substantial source of investor anxiety lies in the renewable sector’s ongoing requirement for financing and delayed profitability. High operational costs coupled with low cash flow rates create a precarious financial situation for many companies.

The market’s jitteriness is not without cause. Renewable companies often operate with high capital requirements and delayed return on investments, creating a climate where sustained losses become intolerable over time. This sentiment is vividly reflected in the financial troubles experienced by the aforementioned companies, indicating a broader sectoral issue of maintaining investor confidence amidst fiscal instability.

Long-term Outlook

• Demand Growth: Despite the current downturn, demand for renewable energy remains robust, driven by global shifts towards sustainable practices. Companies that manage to stabilize and optimize costs could witness significant growth.
• Strategic Investments: Savvy investors should focus on identifying firms likely to overcome their financial challenges and achieve profitability. This requires a thorough analysis of each company’s financial health, management practices, and market positioning.

The underlying demand for renewable energy solutions continues to grow, spurred by governmental policies and increased societal awareness about sustainability. However, the pressing challenge for companies lies in aligning their cost structures with this demand, ensuring long-term viability and growth.

The volatility observed in renewable energy stocks highlights the essential need for diligent research and cautious optimism. Investors are advised to closely monitor these companies, seeking signs of financial stabilization and robust management practices. While the risks involved are substantial, the potential rewards are equally significant for those poised to navigate the complexities of the renewable energy market.

Take this in-depth analysis as a roadmap to better understand the current state of the renewable energy sector, empowering you to make informed and strategic investment decisions in an ever-evolving and potentially lucrative market.