NEW YORK , OAKLAND, Calif, and PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 17, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. ("NASDAQ") (Nasdaq:NDAQ) announced today the results of the semi-annual reconstitution of the NASDAQ(r) Clean Edge(r) U.S. Index (Nasdaq:CLEN) and the NASDAQ(r) Clean Edge(r) U.S. Liquid Series Index (Nasdaq:CELS) (the "Indexes"), which will become effective with the market open on Monday, September 24, 2007.
The following twelve securities will be added to the Indexes: China BAK Battery, Inc. (Nasdaq:CBAK), Comverge, Inc. (Nasdaq:COMV), Capstone Turbine Corporation (Nasdaq:CPST), EnerNOC, Inc. (Nasdaq:ENOC), Hoku Scientific, Inc. (Nasdaq:HOKU), LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (NYSE:LDK), Metabolix, Inc. (Nasdaq:MBLX), Nova Biosource Fuels, Inc. (AMEX:NBF), Power Integrations, Inc. (Nasdaq:POWI), Vicor Corporation (Nasdaq:VICR), Verenium Corporation (Nasdaq:VRNM), and Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (NYSE:YGE).
"The semi-annual reconstitution of the NASDAQ Clean Edge indexes ensures true representation of the leading corporate innovators in the clean-energy sector," said NASDAQ Executive Vice President John L. Jacobs. "The reconstitution of these indexes is an objective process that culminates in the formation of a select group of high-technology companies that are among the most forward thinking in the world."
According to Clean Edge, Inc., a leading clean-tech research and publishing firm, the clean energy sector has experienced considerable growth since the launch of the initial NASDAQ Clean Edge U.S. Index. When the first index was introduced in May 2006, there were 47 companies in the index with a combined market capitalization of $55 billion. As a result of this reconstitution, the index will be composed of 53 companies with a combined market capitalization of $78 billion as of August 31, 2007. Recent additions to the Indexes include U.S.-listed companies involved in smart-grid developments, solar PV manufacturing, biofuels and biomaterials production, and advanced batteries -- representing some of the highest growth areas of the overall energy sector.
"Our recent index performance reflects strong market conditions for the domestic clean-energy sector and our unique benchmark approach," explains Ron Pernick, Co-Founder and Principal of Clean Edge and co-author of The Clean-Tech Revolution, published by Collins in June 2007. "Our indexes are based on stringent quantitative and qualitative criteria and supported by the research teams of Clean Edge and NASDAQ."
The NASDAQ Clean Edge U.S. Liquid Series Index and the NASDAQ Clean Edge U.S. Index have returned 27.4% and 21.6%, respectively, year-to-date as of September 14, 2007. During the same period, the Wilderhill Clean Energy Index(r) has returned 21.6%, the Russell 2000(r)Index 0.5%, and the NASDAQ Composite Index 7.7%.
The NASDAQ Clean Edge U.S. Liquid Series Index is the basis for the First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund (Nasdaq:QCLN), which seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the NASDAQ Clean Edge U.S. Liquid Series Index before fees and expenses. For more information about the fund, visit http://www.ftportfolios.com/retail/productsearch.aspx.
The Indexes are designed to track the performance of clean-energy companies that are publicly traded in the U.S. The Indexes include companies engaged in the manufacturing, development, distribution, and installation of emerging clean-energy technologies such as solar photovoltaics, biofuels and advanced batteries. The five major sub-sectors that the indexes cover are Renewable Electricity Generation, Renewable Fuels, Energy Storage & Conversion, Energy Intelligence and Advanced Energy-Related Materials.
The securities must also meet other eligibility criteria which include minimum requirements for market value, average daily share volume, and price. The Indexes are evaluated on a semi-annual basis in March and September. For more information about the NASDAQ Clean Edge U.S. Index and the NASDAQ Clean Edge U.S. Liquid Series Index, including detailed eligibility criteria, visit http://nasdaq.com/indexes.
As a result of the evaluation, Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF) and Valence Technology, Inc. (NYSE:VLNC) will be removed from the Index.
NASDAQ Financial Products (NFP) is engaged in the design, development, calculation, licensing, and marketing of NASDAQ indexes. NFP specializes in the development of indexes focusing on NASDAQ's brand themes of innovation, technology, growth, and globalization. More than 500 financial products sold in 36 countries are based on NASDAQ indexes. NFP also provides custom index services and design solutions as a third-party provider to selected financial organizations.
About NASDAQ
NASDAQ is the largest U.S. equities exchange. With approximately 3,100 companies, it lists more companies and, on average, trades more shares per day than any other U.S. market. It is home to companies that are leaders across all areas of business including technology, retail, communications, financial services, transportation, media and biotechnology. NASDAQ is the primary market for trading NASDAQ-listed stocks as well as a leading liquidity pool for trading NYSE-listed stocks. For more information about NASDAQ, visit the NASDAQ Web site at www.nasdaq.com or the NASDAQ Newsroom at www.nasdaq.com/newsroom/.
About Clean Edge
Clean Edge, Inc., with offices in Oakland, Calif. and Portland, Ore., is a leading research and publishing firm that helps companies, investors, and policymakers understand and profit from clean technologies. Through its research and reports, conferences and events, online publications, and strategic consulting services, Clean Edge tracks and analyzes clean-tech markets, trends, and opportunities. Launched in 2001 by environmental and high-tech business pioneers Ron Pernick and Joel Makower, Clean Edge and its network of partners and affiliates offer unparalleled insight and intelligence. For more information, visit www.cleanedge.com .
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The matters described herein contain forward-looking statements that are made under the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the NASDAQ Clean Edge U.S. Indexes. We caution that these statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond NASDAQ's control. These factors include, but are not limited to factors detailed in NASDAQ's annual report on Form 10-K, and periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release any revisions to any forward-looking statements.
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