World’s Most Ethical Companies. And… see six companies that have been honored for 19 years! Plus, terrific alternative energy picks.

Transcript & Links, Episode 150, March 21, 2025

Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 150, published March 21, 2025, titled “World’s Most Ethical Companies. And…” 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 go to this podcast’s webpage for links to the articles and more company and stock information.

————————————————————-

World’s Most Ethical Companies. And…

Now, The 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies^® listing by Ethisphere is where I’m beginning this podcast. It’s always a great listing to review for ethical and sustainable investors. The following information is gleaned from Ethisphere’s website and has been re-ordered for presentation here. Also, note that companies are not ranked. So, some quotes.

“The World’s Most Ethical Companies is an annual recognition… Earning this recognition involves a comprehensive application and evaluation of your Ethics and Compliance program through Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient^® (EQ), which assesses a company’s ethics and compliance program, culture, and governance practices.

The listed 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies Honorees outperformed a comparable index of global companies by 7.8 percent from January 2020 to 2025.

In 2025, 136 organizations are recognized for their unwavering commitment to business integrity.

The honorees span 19 countries and 44 industries, and include 11 first-time honorees and 6 organizations that have been named to the honoree list 19 times, marking every year since its inception.

The six organizations that have been recognized by Ethisphere as honorees for 19 consecutive years, since the inception of the World’s Most Ethical Companies^® list in 2007, are: Aflac (AFL), Ecolab (ECL), International Paper (IP), Kao Corporation (KAOOY), Milliken & Company (private), and PepsiCo (PEP).”

End quotes.

————————————————————-

Alternative Energy Stocks (1)

This next article takes us to our ethical and sustainable investors’ favorite sector. It’s titled 4 Alternative Energy Stocks to Buy Amid Growing Investment Trends. It’s by Aparajita Dutta and seen on finance.yahoo.com, though originally published on zacks.com. Here are some quotes from her article on her picks.

“1. OPAL Fuels Inc. (OPAL)

Based in Boston, MA, the company is a vertically integrated renewable fuels platform involved in the production and distribution of renewable natural gas for the heavy-duty truck market…

The company currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

2. Expand Energy Corporation (EXE)

Based in Oklahoma City, OK, the company is an independent natural gas producer, principally in the United States…

Expand Energy Corporation currently holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). 

3. Bloom Energy Corporation (BE)

Based in San Jose, CA, the company generates and distributes renewable energy…

The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. 

4. Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG)

Based in Baltimore, MD, the company provides electric power, natural gas and energy management services to 2 million customers across the continental United States…

The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.”

End quotes.

————————————————————-

Alternative Energy Stocks (2)

Now another article on our top sector. It’s titled Top 4 Wind Energy Stocks to Consider. It’s by Avisekh Bhattacharjee and seen on finance.yahoo.com though again first published on zacks.com. Here are some quotes from the article by Mr. Bhattacharjee.

“1. OGE Energy (OGE)

is the largest electric utility in Oklahoma. The company has been investing steadily to expand its renewable generation assets. As of Dec. 31, 2024, the company owned the 120 megawatts (MW) Centennial, 101 MW OU Spirit and 228 MW Crossroads wind farms.

This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company offers the Renewable Energy Credit purchase program, the Green Power Wind Rider and the Utility Solar Program, which are rate options that make renewable energy resources available as a voluntary option to all OG&E (wholly-owned subsidiary of OGE Energy) Oklahoma retail customers.

2. NextEra Energy (NEE)

is a public utility holding company engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electric energy. The company’s competitive energy business NextEra Energy Resources LLC (“NEER”) is the world’s leading generator of renewable energy from wind, based on 2024 MWh produced on a net generation basis…

This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company’s major capital projects continue to proceed as per plan and the addition of new renewable projects continues to boost its renewable portfolio.

3. American Electric Power Company (AEP)

has been investing steadily to enhance its renewable generation portfolio. Exiting 2024, wind, hydro and solar energy represented 21% of American Electric’s generating capacity compared with 4% in 2005…

As of Sept. 30, 2024, this Zacks Rank #3 company received regulatory approvals from various state regulatory commissions to acquire approximately 2,505 MWs of owned renewable generation facilities for roughly $6 billion.

4. DTE Energy (DTE)

The company aims to invest more than $11 billion in clean energy transition over the next 10 years. Through this solid investment, DTE Energy aims to add 1,000 megawatts (MW) of new wind and solar energy annually, powering approximately 5.5 million homes with renewable energy by 2042…

This Zacks Rank #3 company plans to reduce carbon emissions of its electric utility operations by 65% in 2028, 85% in 2032 and 90% within 2040 from the 2005 levels.”

End quotes.

————————————————————-

Alternative Energy Stocks (3)

Again on the subject of alternative energy is this article titled 11 Best Alternative Energy Stocks to Buy Now. It’s by Fahim Tahir and can be found on fool.com. Here’s some of what Mr. Tahir says about each of his picks.

“We first picked companies operating in the alternative energy sector with market capitalization surpassing the $5 billion mark…

The shortlisted stocks were then ranked using Insider Monkey’s Hedge Fund Database as of Q4 2024, as per the number of hedge funds invested in them. The companies with the highest hedge fund interest were ranked in ascending order… our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds.

11. Centrais Elétricas Brasileiras S.A. – Eletrobrás (NYSE:EBR)

Number of Hedge Funds Holders: 28

[The company] is a top company in Brazil’s power industry. [It] produces electricity using hydro, thermal, nuclear, wind, and solar energy sources. It holds operations of 44 hydroelectric plants, five thermal plants, and two nuclear plants, as well as an extensive transmission network of over 66,000 kilometers…

[The company] is well-positioned to capitalize on Brazil’s renewable energy expansion.

10. Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ORA)

Hedge Funds Holders: 28

Ormat Technologies, Inc. is one of the top players in the geothermal and renewable energy industry. The company operates assets globally, including the U.S., Indonesia, Kenya, Turkey and other international markets…

Its strategy [is] to capitalize on the increasing clean energy demand, as well as its expertise in geothermal and energy storage.

9. Clearway Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CWEN)

Hedge Funds Holders: 28

Clearway Energy, Inc. is a leader in clean energy with a diversified portfolio including wind, solar, and battery storage assets across the U.S. Its renewable energy capacity of around 9 GW plays an important role in its transition toward sustainable energy solutions…

While investors must be wary of potential market variability, the company’s strong fundamentals and dedication to clean energy expansion make it one of the Best Clean Energy Stocks.

8. Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENPH)

Hedge Funds Holders: 39

Enphase Energy, Inc. is one of the top global companies in microinverter-based solar and battery solutions, catering to residential and commercial demand globally. The company designs and manufactures advanced home energy systems, including IQ Microinverters, IQ Batteries, and energy management software, optimizing solar power usage and storage for homeowners.

With its strong fundamentals and strategic partnerships, Enphase Energy, Inc. has the prospects of further growing its share price.

7. Nextracker Inc. (NASDAQ:NXT)

Hedge Funds Holders: 41

Nextracker Inc. is one of the top providers of solar tracker and software solutions. The company focuses on energy production optimization for utility-scale solar projects globally. Its flagship products include NX Horizon and NX Horizon-XTR, enhancing solar efficiency through the adjustment of panel positioning based on site conditions…

Its stock rose by 21.49% year-to-date, indicating investor confidence in its potential for growth.

6. NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG)

Hedge Funds Holders: 53

NRG Energy, Inc. is a dominant energy supplier in the U.S. and Canada, offering home services, power generation, and retail electricity. With a portfolio covering solar, natural gas, and battery storage solutions, the company runs across multiple segments, including East, West, Texas, and Vivint Smart Home.

Furthermore, NRG Energy reinforced its dedication to shareholder value by increasing its quarterly dividend by 8% to $0.44 per share… NRG continues to remain strongly positioned to implement its prolonged growth strategy.

5. First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR)

Hedge Funds Holders: 65

First Solar, Inc. is a top solar technology company, specializes in photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions. The company provides a lower-carbon alternative to conventional silicon-based modules as it manufactures thin-film cadmium telluride (CadTel) solar modules. First Solar caters to utilities, independent power producers, and commercial system owners, with operations spanning various international markets, including France, Chile, India, and the United States…

First Solar, Inc. remains a key player in the renewable energy transition due to its innovative solar technology, firm market positions, and growing manufacturing footprint.

4. Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN)

Hedge Funds Holders: 77

Talen Energy Corporation a stand-alone power producer and infrastructure company, sells and generates electricity across the United States. Talen Energy has a broad portfolio consisting of solar, fossil, nuclear, and coal power plants and is expanding its battery storage initiatives to solidify its clean energy transition…

[The company] maintains its position as one of the best clean energy stocks and remains a prominent player in the evolving energy landscape with reaffirmed 2025 EBITDA guidance of up to $1.175 billion.

3. Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG)

Hedge Funds Holders: 85

Constellation Energy Corporation a prominent producer of emissions-free energy, provides nuclear, hydro, wind, natural gas, and solar power across the U.S. The company is at the front line of the clean energy transition with a generating capacity of 31,676 megawatts. Its position among the best clean energy stocks is strengthened by its robust financial growth and strategic investments…

The company continues to lead the clean energy sector with major investments in solar, wind, hydroelectric power, and nuclear, and a strategic expansion plan.

2. GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV)

Hedge Funds Holders: 111

GE Vernova Inc. an international energy company, offers a variety of products and services for electricity generation, transmission, and storage. The company functions through three segments: Power, Wind, and Electrification. Wind segments focus on onshore and offshore wind turbines, whereas the Power segment centers around gas, hydro, nuclear, and steam technologies. The Electrification segment, on the other hand, facilitates grid solutions, solar, storage, and electrification software…

GE Vernova remains one of the best clean energy stocks for prolonged growth with its robust financial performance and continued investments in clean energy.

1. Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST)

Hedge Funds Holders: 120

Vistra Corp. a prominent integrated retail electricity and power generation company, continues to diversify its clean energy portfolio while retaining robust financial performance. Vistra Corp. is strategically positioned to meet the increasing demand for sustainable power solutions in the U.S. with a diverse generation capacity of nearly 41,000 megawatts.”

End quotes.

————————————————————-

Additional article links

1. Title: Watch Faith-Based Investing on bloomberg.com.

2. Title: Investing in Nature: How Natural Capital Delivers Strong, Stable Returns on dividend.com. By Aaron Levitt.

3. Title: 7 Green Investments to Transform Your Retirement Funds on moneytalksnews.com. By MTN Staff.

4. Title: Explore These 30 Leading Water Funds and Water Stocks in the US and Europe on morningstar.com. By Boya Wang and Hortense Bioy.

————————————————————-

Ending Comment

These are my top news stories with their stock and fund tips for this podcast, “World’s Most Ethical Companies. And…”

Please click the like and subscribe buttons wherever you download or listen to this podcast. That helps bring these podcasts to others like you.

And please click the share buttons to share this podcast with your friends and family. Let’s promote ethical and sustainable investing as a force for hope and prosperity in these troubled times!

Contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you for listening.

I’ll talk to you next on April 4^th.

Bye for now.

© 2025 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul