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Best energy ideas: Under the sea and up in the sky

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Leo Fasciocco is a technical specialist who focuses on finding breakout buys -- stocks that have broken out from their trading bases and are poised, in his view, to move higher.

In his Ticker Tape Digest he has isolated two intriguing energy plays: Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc. (NYSE: DO) searches for energy below the sea, while solar firm Suntech Power Holdings Co. (NYSE: STP) looks skyward.

The advisor explains, "Diamond Offshore has 30 semisubmersibles, 13 jack-up rigs (mobile drilling platforms), and one drillship. They operate around the world. The company contracts with major oil and gas companies.

"DO's profit outlook is excellent and should be the driver to send the stock higher. Technically, the stock's long-term chart shows a powerful bull market. It has soared from 20 to 113 the past three years, riding the rising price of crude oil.

"Overall, we are extremely impressed by DO's accumulation-distribution line, which is now pushing to a new high. That is good confirmation that the breakout has good chances to work.

"We expect the company to show an acceleration in quarterly earnings growth. That is often a powerful driver for a stock. We are targeting the stock for a move to 130 within the next few months. We rate DO an excellent intermediate-term play.

"Meanwhile, Suntech, based in China, makes photovoltaic solar cells (PV cells) and solar electric systems. It is the third largest solar cell maker, with annual revenues of $600 million. Technically, the stock has just broken above a 14-week cup and handle base.

"STP is poised to show an annual acceleration in earnings growth. That is very bullish. This year, analysts predict a 49% increase in profits and next year a 60% gain. The stock sells with a price-earnings ratio of 41, which is high, but reasonable given the profit growth.

"Meanwhile, sponsorship is very good. The largest fund holder is the giant Fidelity Magellan Fund, with a big 4.8% stake. It has held its position steady. The largest fund buyer lately was Fidelity Growth & Income Fund, which purchased 2.5 million shares. Also the 5-star rated Fidelity International Discovery Fund bought 809,000 shares."

Each day, Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com features the latest investment commentary and favorite stocks of the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.

Symbol Lookup
IndexesChangePrice
DJIA+32.1210,465.83
NASDAQ+7.802,176.98
S&P 500+4.701,110.35

Last updated: November 25, 2009: 03:36 PM

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