The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors

The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors includes Corporate Knights company rankings (by sustainable revenues), top natural food stocks, and more!

By Ron Robins, MBA

Transcript & Links, Episode 149, March 7, 2025

Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 149, published March 7, 2025, titled “The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors.” 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.

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The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors (1)

I’m beginning this podcast with my just-released annual favorite sustainable company ranking: Corporate Knights 2025 Clean200 List. Here are some quotes from an article by CK staff introducing the 2025 ranking.

“California-based shareholder advocates As You Sow and Corporate Knights (Canada) today released the new cohort of the Carbon Clean200, a global list of 200 publicly traded companies leading the sustainable clean energy economy… It shows sustainable companies on path to dominate global economy.

Key findings include:

• The top 10 companies on the list by revenue include Apple (AAPL), Contemporary Amperex Technology (300750.SZ), Microsoft (MSFT), Tesla (TSLA), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSM) and Volkswagen (VOW3.DE).
• Thirty-five countries are represented in the Clean200, including the United States (41), China (21), Japan (18), Germany (14), and France and Canada (11 each).
• Clean200 companies earned more than $2.5 trillion in sustainable revenue in 2023 (the most recent year for which full-year results are available).
• Clean200 companies generated a total return of 190.9% on a sustainable-revenue-weighted basis, outperforming the MSCI ACWI index (162.0%) and the MSCI ACWI/Energy Index of fossil fuel companies (76.7%) on Total Return Gross – USD Basis from the Clean200 inception of July 1, 2016, to January 29, 2025.
• $10,000 invested in the Clean200 on July 1, 2016, would have grown to $29,090 by January 29, 2025, versus $17,670 for the MSCI ACWI/Energy benchmark for fossil fuel.
• The industrial sector accounts for 52 companies on the list, followed by information technology (32), and consumer discretionary and materials (29 each). IT companies had the highest total sustainable revenue, a cumulative total of more than US$687 billion.

Background

‘It is telling that clean energy stocks generated more than double the returns of fossil fuel stocks since 2016, despite political headwinds, underlining that stock markets care more about economic materiality of the parabolic growth in clean energy than the political leanings of the day,’ says Toby Heaps, CEO of Corporate Knights and co-author of the report.

The Clean200 utilizes the Corporate Knights Sustainable Revenue database, which tracks the percentage of revenue companies earn from sustainable economy themes ranging from green power to electric vehicles to plant protein and smart buildings.

The list excludes companies that are flagged on Corporate Knights’ list of ‘red flag’ companies and As You Sow’s Invest Your Values suite of mutual-fund transparency tools that identify companies involved in fossil fuels, deforestation, the prison industrial complex, weapons and tobacco, as well as the exclusionary screens that form part of the Corporate Knights Global 100 methodology.”

End quotes.

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The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors (2)

The next article is about a sector that appeals to many ethical and sustainable investors. However, few invest in it directly. The article is titled 3 Natural Foods Stocks Positioned for Success in 2025. It’s by Sumit Singh and is on zacks.com. Here are some quotes from the article.

“Companies like The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (HAIN) and Vital Farms, Inc. (VITL) are responding to the rising demand for organic, clean-label and ethically sourced foods…

However, this article focuses on these 3 Natural Foods Stocks to Watch. Quote.

1. United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI)

stands as a prominent player in the natural foods sector, serving as one of the largest distributors of organic and natural products in North America. Through its extensive network, United Natural Foods supplies a vast array of products, including fresh produce, pantry staples, dairy alternatives and plant-based foods. With its diverse portfolio, the company caters to both retail giants and independent natural food stores…

This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company is increasingly focusing on innovation and sustainability within the natural foods space. The company has committed to enhancing its supply-chain practices, reducing waste and supporting regenerative agriculture initiatives. United Natural Foods is also working closely with suppliers to accelerate food innovation. Through its supplier go-to-market program, the company has simplified the process of bringing new natural and organic products to store shelves. This initiative has enabled suppliers to reintroduce thousands of SKUs that were previously discontinued, expanding consumer access to diverse and healthier food options.

2. Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM)

has been at the forefront of the natural and organic food movement, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking fresh, high-quality and ethically sourced products. The company’s commitment to fresh, organic and attribute-driven products sets it apart. With nearly 46% of total produce sales now coming from organic products, Sprouts Farmers Market continues to expand its assortment, ensuring accessibility to high-quality, responsibly sourced food…

This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company continues to strengthen its connection with customers through tailored marketing and engagement efforts, such as social media campaigns and in-store discovery events like Sprouts Brand Discovery Days. These initiatives showcase the company’s differentiated offerings while attracting a younger demographic and increasing foot traffic.

3. Beyond Meat, Inc. (BYND)

is transforming plant-based food by using cleaner, healthier ingredients. The company’s latest Beyond 4 products, including the Beyond Burger and Beyond Beef, are made from a blend of yellow peas, brown rice, red lentils and fava beans. These ingredients provide 21 grams of protein per serving while cutting saturated fat by 75% compared to traditional beef burgers, thanks to the use of avocado oil. This commitment to nutrition has earned recognition from the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association, reinforcing Beyond Meat’s focus on making plant-based options both tasty and healthy…

This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company's commitment to food innovation extends beyond retail into food service partnerships. The reintroduction of Beyond The Original Orange Chicken at Panda Express and the expansion of Beyond Nuggets at McDonald's locations in Europe underscore its ability to integrate healthier, plant-based options into mainstream dining. At the same time, Beyond Meat is working to educate consumers on its clean-label approach, challenging misconceptions about plant-based food processing.”

End quotes.

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The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors (3)

This next article is by an analyst who frequently appears on this podcast: Matt DiLallo. He is also writing about one of his favourite stock picks. His article is titled This Infrastructure Stock Could Be the Best Investment of the Decade. It can be seen on fool.com. Now, here are some quotes by Mr. DiLallo on his recommendation.

“Brookfield Infrastructure (BIPC) (BIP)

has an embarrassment of riches. The leading global infrastructure company is capitalizing on not one but three massive global megatrends: decarbonization, deglobalization, and digitalization. Those catalysts help drive the company's view that the world needs to invest an astounding $100 trillion over the next 15 years to maintain, upgrade, and build infrastructure. Given its leadership in the sector, it could be one of the best investments over the next decade as it capitalizes on massive opportunities to invest in infrastructure.

Multiple growth drivers

Brookfield Infrastructure believes that a trio of organic drivers will grow its funds from operations (FFO) by 6% to 9% per share each year. They are:

1. Inflation indexation: Brookfield's infrastructure businesses produce very stable cash flow backed by long-term contracts and government-regulated rate structures, many of which link rates to inflation. Those escalators should boost its funds from operations per share by 3% to 4% per year.
2. GDP growth
3. Reinvested cash flow: Brookfield pays out 60% to 70% of its stable cash flows via dividends. It retains the rest to fund high-return organic expansion projects, which should drive another 2%-3% (in) annual funds from operations per-share growth…

A trio of value enhancers

Brookfield Infrastructure's megatrend-powered catalysts position it to grow its earnings at a more than 10% annual rate for many years to come. On top of that, it pays a more than 4%-yielding dividend that should continue growing at a healthy rate. Those factors alone position the company to deliver total returns of around 15% per year. Meanwhile, there's additional upside potential from an expansion in its valuation multiple. This high total return potential could make Brookfield one of the best investments over the next decade, especially when factoring in its much lower risk profile.”

End quotes.

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The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors (4)

Now, my final article is by another analyst on fool.com. Her name is Robin Hartill, and the article is titled How to Buy Constellation Energy Stock (CEG). Here’s some of what Ms. Hartill says of her pick.

“Constellation Energy (CEG)

is the largest provider of carbon-free energy in the U.S., supplying about 10% of the nation's zero-carbon electricity. The Baltimore-based company's nuclear, hydro, wind, and solar generation facilities power about 16 million homes in the U.S.

The company was established in 1999 as a part of Constellation Energy Group but later merged with Exelon Group (EXC) in 2012. Constellation Energy then spun off to become its own publicly traded company in 2022, focusing primarily on nuclear and renewable energy.

In January 2025, Constellation Energy announced plans to acquire Calpine, a privately held company that's the leading generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources in the U.S., for a net purchase price of $26.6 billion. The merger will create the largest provider of clean energy in the U.S. Last year, the company also made headlines when it inked a deal with Microsoft (MSFT) to restart a Three Mile Island nuclear power plant and power its artificial intelligence (AI) data center.

If you want to invest in the transition to clean energy, buying Constellation Energy stock could be a smart move…

Is Constellation Energy stock profitable?

Constellation Energy stock is profitable. The company reported generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) net income of $11.89 per share and adjusted operating earnings of $8.67 per share for fiscal 2024, easily beating the top end of its twice-revised guidance range of $8 to $8.40 per share. In the fourth quarter of 2024, it posted adjusted earnings per share of $2.44, well above the analyst consensus of $2.19.

The company's Q4 and full-year earnings report contained several other pieces of good news for investors. Constellation Energy said it completed $1 billion worth of share repurchases in 2024 and grew its dividend by 25%. It also received a credit ratings upgrade from Moody's, which could make it cheaper for the company to borrow money for projects that will power its growth.

Constellation Energy pays annual dividends of $1.41, which works out to a dividend yield of 0.44% based on its share price as of mid-February 2025. That may not be the kind of dividend yield that excites income investors, considering that many utility stocks have yields well north of 3%.

But the stock could be worth snatching up if you're looking for dividend growth. Since becoming its own publicly traded company in 2022, Constellation Energy has increased its dividend every year. The company said in its 2024 annual report that it expects to hike its dividend by another 10% in 2025.”

End quotes.

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Additional article links

1. Title: Lenovo Honored With Prestigious Corporate Governance on 3blmedia.com. By press release.

2. Title: TOV ETF: A Unique Blend Of Financial Growth And Ethical Investing on pradeshtak.com. By Ankit puri.

One article from the UK

Title: Two funds for investing in ‘most attractive’ developed market on .ii.co.uk. By Morningstar.

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Ending Comment

These are my top news stories with their stock and fund tips for this podcast.

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I’ll talk to you next on March 21^st.

Bye for now.

 

© 2025 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul