Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
What: Shares of ReneSola Ltd. (SOL -2.30%) jumped more than 14% early Thursday, then settled to close up around 9% to extend a broad solar rally. In addition, a Bloomberg report recently stated ReneSola is among several Chinese solar companies seeking talks to resolve a trade dispute with the United States.
So what: Today's jump extends yesterday's 12% climb, which was broad-based in the solar sector and came on the heels of Trina Solar's stellar first-quarter report.
To a lesser extent, ReneSola is also climbing after Bloomberg recently reported it was among Chinese companies seeking talks to end a trade dispute with the United States before the initial June conclusion of an American anti-dumping investigation. The investigation was launched earlier this year, and revolves around whether Chinese solar companies are exploiting loopholes to avoid significant anti-dumping duties imposed by America in 2012.
Now what: First, I feel the need to reiterate my suggestion yesterday that what worked for Trina Solar might not be the case for ReneSola when it reports next week. Specifically, Trina Solar's beat was primarily due to the company chasing profitable growth -- it actually fell short of estimates on the top-line -- and focusing on operational efficiency, so its performance might not carry over to other companies like ReneSola in the solar sector.
Second, while seeking talks to resolve the trade dispute with the U.S. is a great first step, it's hardly a guarantee that everything will work out in ReneSola's favor. Again, however, and even after this week's rally, shares of ReneSola still trade at just 0.17 times sales and around 7 times next year's expected earnings. In the end, with so much pessimism seemingly priced in, I wouldn't blame investors for wanting open a small position.
