Energy

Short Interest in Solar and Alt Energy Stocks Drops as Crude Prices Rise

Alternative Energy sources
thinkstock
Among the solar and alternative energy stocks we cover, every one experienced a decline in short interest during the two-week reporting period that ended on January 30. This could have been due to a rise in crude oil prices during the period and traders treating the alt energy stocks as leveraged plays on crude prices. That has been the case for a while now, especially among the solar stocks.

First Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) saw short interest drop by about 7% to 8.16 million shares, which represents 11% of the company’s float. Days to cover rose to four. In the two-week short interest period to January 30, shares rose fractionally. The stock’s 52-week range is $39.18 to $74.84, and it closed at $46.33 on Tuesday.

SunEdison Inc. (NYSE: SUNE) showed a decrease of 1.8% in short interest to 79.5 million shares. About 29.5% of the company’s stock is now short and days to cover remained unchanged at seven. In the latest two-week short interest reporting period, shares fell about 10%. The stock closed at $20.36 Tuesday night, in a 52-week range of $13.09 to $24.35.

ALSO READ: Short Sellers Keep Exiting Semiconductors

SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR) short interest fell by 4.5% to 9.96 million shares, or 19% of the company’s float. In the two-week period, shares fell by about 10.3%. The stock’s 52-week range is $22.75 to $42.07, and it closed at $26.95 on Tuesday. Days to cover rose to nearly five.

SolarCity Corp. (NASDAQ: SCTY) saw a short interest fall by 4.1% to 18.84 million shares, or 35.7% of the company’s total float. Days to cover rose to 10. In the two-week short interest period, shares fell 6%. The stock’s 52-week range is $45.79 to $88.35, and shares closed at $56.52.

Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ) saw a drop of 28.7% in short interest in the two-week period to January 30. Some 10.3% of the stock, or 3.9 million shares, are short, and days to cover fell to two. The company’s shares fell about 8% over the two weeks. Shares closed Tuesday night at $26.67, in a 52-week range of $18.68 to $44.50.

FuelCell Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: FCEL) had a decline of 0.4% in short interest during the two-week period. About 12.7% of the company’s stock, 30.88 million shares, is short, and days to cover fell to seven. In the two-week short interest period, the shares dropped about 4.4%. The stock closed at $1.24 on Tuesday, in a 52-week range of $1.05 to $4.74.

Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG) saw short interest fall by 1.6% to 30.96 million shares. Days to cover fell to six and about 19.7% of the company’s shares are short. In the two weeks to January 30, the stock’s share price fell about 2.9%. The stock’s 52-week range is $2.48 to $11.72, and shares closed Tuesday at $2.91.

ALSO READ: The 5 Nasdaq Stocks With the Most Shares Short

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ: CLNE) saw a drop of 5.4% in short interest to 15.75 million shares. About 22.5% of the company’s shares are short, and days to cover slipped to just under 12. Shares fell about 10% in the two-week period to January 30. The stock closed at $5.08 on Tuesday in a 52-week range of $3.99 to $11.79.

Pacific Ethanol Inc. (NASDAQ: PEIX) saw short interest fall by 8.3% in the two-week period to 3.64 million shares, about 16.1% of the company’s float. Days to cover rose slightly to more than three. The stock price rose nearly 9% in the two weeks to January 30. The stock closed at $9.83 on Tuesday, in a 52-week range of $7.30 to $23.97.

Sponsored: Attention Savvy Investors: Speak to 3 Financial Experts – FREE

Ever wanted an extra set of eyes on an investment you’re considering? Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help guide you through the financial decisions you’re making. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.