Energy Business
JPMorgan Says 'Rent to Own' 3 High-Yielding Clean Energy Yieldcos
September 18, 2015 11:05 am
Last Updated: September 18, 2015 11:49 am
For many reasons, one asset class that has taken an absolute beating this year has been the alternative energy stocks, and right in line with top solar stocks have been the yieldcos. A new research report from JPMorgan takes an interesting angle on what investors can do with three of the top yieldcos that have been absolutely eviscerated.Source: Thinkstock
The JPMorgan analysts suggest that the sell-off gives investors a unique opportunity for investors to buy the stocks for a year or two and earn between 7% to 14% annual returns. While they note that investors should have more than enough opportunity to exit the trades, there is a chance for some upside if the companies post organic growth, and even bigger upside of the equity capital markets re-pen and offer the capital to finance projects.
All three stocks are currently rated Overweight at JPMorgan.
8point3 Energy Partners
This had a recent initial public offering that sputtered out of the gate and may be offering investors an outstanding opportunity and entry point. 8point3 Energy Partners L.P. (NASDAQ: CAFD) is a limited partnership formed by First Solar and SunPower to own and operate a portfolio of selected solar energy generation assets. While initial Wall Street reaction was less than enthusiastic, some analysts believe that there could be solid upside to the value of First Solar’s stake in 8Point3 Energy. The cost of capital benefits from the launch of the limited partnership is likely to add value to First Solar’s fully developed project backlog, with the monetization of the photovoltaic plants.
Initially analysts liked the deal and they think that the company differentiates itself from other yieldcos with an outstanding portfolio of high-quality operating assets with strong creditworthy off-takers in the U.S. utility scale market. Many also believe that the company has strong growth visibility for more than three years and a solid business model that doesn’t depend on acquisitions. They also cite the strong backing from First Solar and SunPower as another good reason for investors to buy shares.
ALSO READ: After the Sell-Off, 3 Solar Stocks to Buy Now
The company has a very lean balance sheet, with no project level debt, and a very lean operating expense structure that they feel offers investors increased downside protection for the future. Some analysts point to a conservative cash available for distribution (CAFD) calculation approach, and a back-end loaded incentive distribution rights structure that they feel will result in low dilution to current unit holders.
The current 8point3 Energy Partners distribution was calculated by JPMorgan to currently be 6.9%. The JPMorgan price target is $24, and the Thomson/First Call consensus price is $22.63. The shares closed trading most recently at $13.39.
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