Why Low Oil Prices Have Hurt Solar Stocks
Jan. 5, 2015 12:40 PM ET | by Short/Long Trader | includes: csiq, fsenx, jaso, spwr, tan, tsl, vti Summary
Low oil prices have led to a sell-off across the solar sector. A major reason why this has occurred is because of the historic connection between oil and renewable energy development. Other less quantifiable reasons like large mutual and ETF fund holdings in oil/solar and emotional investing have impacted solar stocks. Going forward, oil prices and solar company valuations should diverge. Now is the time to consider taking long positions in solar companies, with my top three favorites for 2015 being Trina Solar Limited, JA Solar, and Canadian Solar. Introduction
One of the least understood issues in recent months has been the apparent correlation between solar stock valuations and low oil prices. With the dramatic collapse of the price of oil, solar companies have experienced a major sell-off.
But why have solar companies taken such a major hit from the lower cost of oil? A major reason why this has occurred is because of the historic connection between oil and renewable energy. Solar stocks have also been hurt for less quantifiable reasons related to large mutual and ETF fund holdings in the oil/solar sectors and emotional investing. In spite of this sell off, oil prices and solar company valuations should begin to diverge in 2015. The solar sell-off has created a buying opportunity for undervalued solar companies, with my top three favorites being Trina Solar Limited (NYSE: TSL), JA Solar (NASDAQ:JASO), and Canadian Solar (NASDAQ:CSIQ). |