More Top Sustainable Stocks To Consider includes several articles featuring terrific renewable energy, healthcare, branded consumer and natural food stocks.

Transcript & Links, Episode 152, April 18, 2025

Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 152, published April 18, 2025, titled “More Top Sustainable Stocks To Consider.” 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.

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, quotes about individual companies are brief. Please visit the podcast’s webpage for links to the articles and additional company and stock information.

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More Top Sustainable Stocks To Consider (1)

Now, the following articles offer some interesting investment ideas. The first article is titled ESG Still Matters. 3 Defensive Stocks That Make the Grade. It’s by Teresa Rivas and seen on barrons.com. Here are a few quotes from her article.

“Portfolio manager Bill Davis is shutting out all the noise and sticking to his guns. The term ESG has been a lightning rod for a long time, but it is—and always has been—simply ‘a proxy for finding a well managed company…’

Davis puts his money where his mouth when it comes to the actively managed Hennessy Stance ESG ETF, which doesn’t invest in tobacco, fossil fuel, weapons, and similar areas. He does make exceptions based on company principles.

The fund uses an algorithm to rank S&P 500 companies by various risk factors and metrics, and identifies those most likely to generate positive alpha and minimize harm. It also helps avoid being reactionary to the zigzags of U.S. policy these days.

That strategy, which also avoids large positions, hasn’t distinguished itself in these past few years when the Magnificent Seven tech stocks and a handful of other megacaps drove index performance—the fund, though, does have positions in Google, Apple, and Netflix.

Still, Davis stands firm. The strategy can show its worth when investors are more concerned with downside risk protection.

There are plenty of companies, though, that Davis feels differently about. He likes drug distributor 

Cardinal Health CAH

—peer to Barron’s pick McKesson—because healthcare remains a safe haven and Cardinal has done particularly well—doubling the S&P 500 in recent years. Its earnings growth profile is good and ‘it’s a solid company with large enough scale to have pricing power.’

Also making the cut is

Atmos Energy AIO

Davis cites the natural-gas utility’s relative momentum—the shares are up nearly 30% in the past year—and its defensive qualities. Although the fund shies away from fossil fuels, distributors like Atmos that are transparent, focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, do fit the bill.

Davis owns staple

General Mills GIS

as well, again for its defensive qualities, including a 4% yield, and its size—big enough to exert pricing power. He does see only modest upside, but also ‘low downside, so it’s a good fit for our portfolio.’”

End quotes.

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More Top Sustainable Stocks To Consider (2)

This second article brings us back to the most likely favourite sector for ethical and sustainable investors. Its title is 5 Renewable Energy Stocks to Buy Amid Growing Market Demand by Nalak Das at Zacks and seen on finance.yahoo.com. Here’s some of what Mr. Das says about his picks.

“These five renewable stocks have strong long-term potential. These stocks have seen positive earnings estimate revisions in the last 60 days. Each of our picks currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). At the same time, these companies pay dividends regularly at an attractive rate.

1. The AES Corp. AES

is one of the forerunners in the utility industry’s transition to clean energy by investing in sustainable growth and innovative solutions while delivering superior results. AES continues to invest in clean energy projects. In 2024, AES completed the construction of 3 gigawatts (GW) of wind, solar, gas and energy storage. [The company] expects to add a total of 3.2 GW of new renewables to its operating portfolio by the end of 2025…

AES has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 3.1% and -1.4%, respectively, for the current year… AES has a current dividend yield of 6.32%. The AES Corporation (AES): Free Stock Analysis Report.

2. OGE Energy Corp. OGE

has been investing steadily to expand its renewable generation assets. The company is focused on reducing its carbon dioxide emissions to 50-52% by 2030. As of Dec. 31, 2024, OGE owned the 120 megawatts (MW) Centennial, 101 MW OU Spirit and 228 MW Crossroads wind farms. It also owns and operates six solar sites across the state of Oklahoma and one in Arkansas, which comes with a cumulative generation capacity of 32.2 MW…

OGE has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 0.8% and 3.7%, respectively, for the current year… [The company] has a current dividend yield of 3.88%. OGE Energy Corporation (OGE): Free Stock Analysis Report.

3. WEC Energy Group Inc. WEC

is investing in cost-effective zero-carbon generation like solar and wind. During 2025-2029, WEC plans to invest $28 billion, out of which $9.1 billion will be invested in regulated renewable projects. The idea is to further strengthen WEC’s renewable portfolio…

WEC Energy Group has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 9.2% and 8.5%, respectively, for the current year…[It] has a current dividend yield of 3.42%. WEC Energy Group, Inc. (WEC): Free Stock Analysis Report.

4. NiSource Inc. NI

expects to invest $19.4 billion during 2025-2029 to modernize infrastructure, which will enhance the reliability of its operations. NISource continues to add clean assets to its portfolio and retire coal-based units. [The company] is set to retire its 100% coal-generating sources between 2026 and 2028 and replace the production volumes with reliable and cleaner options at lower costs.

NISource aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2030 from the 2005 levels. This initiative can help NISource lower the cost of operations by focusing on new and advanced assets. New products and services can lead to added revenue streams…

NiSource has expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 11.1% and 6.9%, respectively, for the current year… [it] has a current dividend yield of 2.94%. NiSource, Inc (NI): Free Stock Analysis Report.

5. CMS Energy Corp. CMS

remains one of the primary utility providers in Michigan. CMS plans to invest $20 billion in infrastructure upgrades, repair and clean energy generation during 2025-2029. In November 2024, CMS filed its 20-year renewable energy plan, which includes the addition of nine GW of solar and four GW of wind to its generation portfolio during 2025-2045…

CMS Energy has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 7.4% and 7.8%, respectively, for the current year… [it] has a current dividend yield of 3.05%. CMS Energy Corporation (CMS): Free Stock Analysis Report.”

End quotes.

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More Top Sustainable Stocks To Consider (3)

This third article is an updated version of a February 20, 2025, story. It was featured in my Podcast: The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors. Its new title is Best Natural and Organic Food Stocks to Buy Now in 2025 by Sumit Singh. Again, it’s from the great Zacks research group and found on finance.yahoo.com. Here are some quotes from the new article.

“Companies like The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. HAIN, General Mills, Inc. GIS and Vital Farms, Inc. VITL are responding to the rising demand for organic, clean-label and ethically sourced foods. With consumers prioritizing transparency, sustainability and minimal processing, the market for natural foods continues to grow. Expanding farm networks, plant-based innovations and a focus on humane, eco-friendly production are shaping the industry’s future…

The global healthy foods market is expected to reach $2.26 trillion by 2035.

3 Natural Food Stocks to Watch

1. United Natural Foods, Inc. UNFI

stands as a prominent player in the natural food sector, serving as one of the largest distributors of organic and natural products in North America. Through its extensive network, United Natural Foods supplies a vast array of products, including fresh produce, pantry staples, dairy alternatives and plant-based foods. With its diverse portfolio, the company caters to both retail giants and independent natural food stores, meeting the growing demand for cleaner, healthier eating options. United Natural Foods has made a strategic shift by realigning its wholesale business into two product-centric divisions — one of which is solely dedicated to natural, organic, specialty and fresh products…

This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company is increasingly focusing on innovation and sustainability within the natural foods space. The company has committed to enhancing its supply-chain practices, reducing waste and supporting regenerative agriculture initiatives. United Natural Foods is also working closely with suppliers to accelerate food innovation. Upgrades in automation and warehouse processes are leading to better order accuracy, less product waste and faster deliveries. United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI): Free Stock Analysis Report.

2. Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. SFM

has been at the forefront of the natural and organic food movement, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking fresh, high-quality and ethically sourced products. The company’s commitment to fresh, organic and attribute-driven products sets it apart. This strategic positioning not only resonates with a growing base of wellness-focused consumers but also aligns with broader food industry trends favoring transparency, sustainability and nutritional value…

In addition to product innovation, this Zacks Rank #2 company excelled at enhancing customer engagement through strategic merchandising events and effective marketing campaigns. Seasonal events like the Summer Cherry Festival shine a spotlight on fresh, specialty items and educate consumers on better-for-you choices. This approach not only drove strong traffic across its channels but also contributed to its robust e-commerce growth, surpassing $1 billion in sales in 2024. Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM): Free Stock Analysis Report.

3. Beyond Meat, Inc. BYND

has strategically realigned its product innovation to strengthen its appeal among health-conscious and natural-food-seeking consumers. A standout development in this direction is the launch of Beyond IV and the extended Beyond Steak line. These new offerings have been designed not only to deliver flavor and texture improvements but also to meet heightened consumer expectations around nutrition and ingredient transparency. These products have earned accreditations from respected health organizations, including the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association and Clean Label Project.

This Zacks Rank #2 company has taken a proactive stance, using nutritional credentials and transparent messaging to reposition its products as a better-for-you choice. By doubling down on natural and functional food innovation, the brand is not only aiming to win over skeptical customers but also elevate its products to a new standard that aligns more closely with organic and wellness-oriented trends in the food industry. Beyond Meat, Inc. (BYND): Free Stock Analysis Report.

End quotes.

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Additional article links

1. Title: Analog Devices a Top Socially Responsible Dividend Stock With 2.2% Yield (ADI) on nasdaq.com. By BNK Invest.

2. Title: How to Invest in IonQ (IONQ) on fool.com. By Rachel Warren.

3. Title: 11 Climate-Tech Companies to Watch in 2025 on inc.com. By Chloe Aiello.

UK article link

Title: Triodos Bank Recognised as Top-Scoring Best Buy by Ethical Consumer on ffnews.com. By Ethical Consumer.

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Ending Comment

These are my top news stories with their stock and fund tips for this podcast, “More Top Sustainable Stocks To Consider.”

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© 2025 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul