The Q2 earnings cycle is drawing to a close. As of Jul 29, 73.5% of the market cap of the S&P 500 index have released quarterly numbers. Reported results reveal a 3.3% decline in second-quarter earnings due to a 0.9% dip in revenues.

Over 1000 companies, including 116 S&P 500 members, are lining up to release quarterly numbers this week and by the end of it, nearly 87% of the index members will have declared results. Overall earnings are anticipated to witness a 3.4% decline due to 0.4% lower revenues, with 8 of the 16 Zacks sectors witnessing growth in the negative territory. The picture should become clearer by the end of this week after the majority releases results. For more details, you may go through our Earnings Trends report.

For companies operating in the clean energy space, environmental considerations have been propelling demand for alternative sources of energy to a large extent. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (“EIA”) anticipates total renewables used in the electric power sector to increase 11.2% in 2016. The EIA also projects biodiesel production to average 99,000 b/d in 2016 and 106,000 b/d in 2017. Net imports of biomass-based diesel are expected to climb to 41,000 b/d in 2016 and to 47,000 b/d in 2017. The EIA assumes the utilization of approximately 10,000 b/d of domestic renewable diesel to help meet the biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) targets in both 2016 and 2017.

Let’s take a look at a few biofuel stocks that are scheduled to report second-quarter earnings on Aug 4.

Renewable Energy Group, Inc. is involved in manufacturing and marketing biodiesel. The company focuses on converting natural fats, oils and greases into biodiesel.
 
Renewable Energy is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock with an Earnings ESP of 0.00%. Last quarter, the company posted a negative earnings surprise of 200.00%. The combination of a Zacks Rank #3 and 0.00% ESP makes surprise prediction uncertain this quarter.

During its first-quarter earnings call, Renewable Energy said that its Geismar facility has resumed the production and sale of renewable hydrocarbon diesel and will contribute to revenues and EBITDA in the second quarter.

The company provided its outlook for the quarter, wherein it expects to sell between 130−150 million gallons of biodiesel. EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $10−$25 million.
 

Amyris, Inc. is an integrated renewable products company applying industrial synthetic biology to genetically modify microorganisms to serve as living factories. The company is engaged in the development of farmesene – a molecule that serves as the base chemical building block for a wide range of renewable products to replace existing products.

Last quarter, the company posted a negative earnings surprise of 33.33%. It carries a Zacks Rank #3, which when combined with its 0.00% ESP, makes surprise prediction difficult.

During the first-quarter conference call, Amyris said that it is in progressing toward extending its agreement with TOTAL S.A. , which will help it to improve near-term sales. The company also expects to reduce operating expenses further, which will enable it to enhance its financial structure.

Amyris provided an outlook for 2016, wherein total revenue is anticipated in the range of $90−$105 million. The company projects annual operating expenses of $70−$75 million.
 

Aemetis, Inc. (AMTX Quick QuoteAMTX - Free Report) is an advanced fuels and renewable chemicals company. It produces renewable chemicals and fuels using patented microbes and processes. This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock has an Earnings ESP of 0.00%, making a positive surprise uncertain this quarter.

During the first-quarter earnings call, the company had revealed that it will close the ongoing acquisition of Edeniq during the second quarter, which may be reflected in its financial statements. It believes that amid rising crude oil prices and increasing mandates for cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel and renewable diesel will provide great opportunities for revenue and profit growth.
 

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