FuelCell, First Solar advance after upbeat notes from analyst Shares of FuelCell (FCEL) and First Solar (FSLR) are climbing after research firm Stifel resumed coverage of both stocks with Buy ratings in notes to investors earlier today. First Solar develops solar energy plants, while Fuel Cell develops fuel cell power systems. WHAT'S NEW: FuelCell has made progress in reducing its technology and manufacturing costs, Stifel analyst Sven Eenmaa wrote. Additionally, the company's fuel cell power plant solution is becoming increasingly attractive in several states following a decline in the cost of electricity generated by the product, the analyst believes. Following the price drop, the price of FuelCell's solution is competitive with other renewable energy sources, the analyst wrote. Although FuelCell's U.S. bookings are likely to remain uneven as Americans get used to the technology, these challenges should fade over time, he forecast. The analyst placed a $2.90 price target on the name. First Solar is still strongly positioned to exploit the growth of solar energy around the world, Eenmaa believes. The company should benefit from the proliferation of solar energy projects in the U.S. ahead of the expiration of a tax credit in 2016, the analyst added. Also likely to boost First Solar are the declining cost of financing for solar projects, reductions in the cost of First Solar's cost per watt, and capital raises by yieldcos, the analyst forecast. Yieldcos are subsidiaries of energy companies that own power plants and projects and typically trade on stock exchanges. Eenmaa set a $75 price target on First Solar. PRICE ACTION: In mid-morning trading, FuelCell climbed more than 6% to $2.37 and First Solar gained 1.3% to $62.06. Other fuel cell stocks also rose significantly, with Plug Power (PLUG) rising 4.5% to $4.18 and Ballard Power (BLDP) advancing 7.5% to $3.50. |