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Posts with tag alternative energy stocks

Claymore/MAC Global Solar Energy: Time for a TAN

"Renewable fuels and clean energy, a sector beaten down hard since last fall, are now primed for a major comeback," says Eric Roseman, editor of The Commodity Trend Alert. Here's his ETF play on the sector.

"With every passing day the price of crude oil rises, the secular trend to alternative energy becomes even more powerful. Consumers, companies and governments are now sick and tired of soaring energy prices.

"The long-term solution is to obviously reduce our dependence on oil and increase our consumption of renewable fuels like wind, solar, and nuclear energy.

"The bull market in alternative energy began in 2005 when a host of companies in this thriving sector went public, supported by government subsidies, especially in Germany and Spain. Interestingly, Germany and Spain have just reduced solar energy subsidies this spring.

"In my view, those subsidy cuts don't matter at this stage. When companies in the solar sector are making money, why should governments continue subsidizing them?

Continue reading Claymore/MAC Global Solar Energy: Time for a TAN

Suntech Power (STP): A 'new technology' for solar

"Suntech Power Holdings (NYSE: STP), one of our long-time favorites, is now back on our buy list after being driven down in price by U.S. market volatility and the fallout from a recent earnings report," notes Jim Trippon.

The editor of The China Stock Digest explains, The company is world leader in the manufacture of photovoltaic solar cells and solar electric systems. And, it is developing a new technology to increase solar efficiency." Here is his review.

"The company's solar cells are used to supply power to the electricity grid within China, and it's the number one company in the Chinese solar energy industry. The company's systems also provide dependable power internationally for mobile phone networks and telecommunications relay stations and even street lamps in case of power outages.

"Certainly China is in desperate need of clean renewable sources of energy. Residents of major cities like Beijing and Shanghai are constantly enveloped in a choking cloud of smog. Beijing has said it wants a tenth of its energy to come from environmentally friendly sources by 2010.

"The problem with solar energy has always been the high cost of manufacturing solar cells relative to the amount of power output per cell. Suntech is attacking that problem with rigorous cost control and the competitive advantages that low cost Chinese manufacturers enjoy in the international arena.

Continue reading Suntech Power (STP): A 'new technology' for solar

American Superconductor (AMSC): Power play on energy efficiency

"With oil over $100, and voters increasingly attuned in this political season to the need for clean and renewable fuels, the alternative energy industry is ripe for investment," says David Sandell.

The contributing editor to Stephen Leeb's The Complete Investor, explains, "We're adding American Superconductor (NASDAQ: AMSC) – an energy tech leader that helps the electric grid to function better – to our 'Fast Track' portfolio."

"American Superconductor designs and sells products geared to utilities, industrial companies, and wind energy developers. Its offers are designed to help these customers to generate and deliver electrical power more efficiently, cleanly, and reliably.

"The company has two chief divisions. Its profitable Power Systems segment sells power converters to utilities and industrial customers, both in the U.S. and internationally. The point of these converters is to regulate voltage, thereby improving the performance of the electric grid – making it more efficient (and energy-conserving) as well as reliable.

"The company is teaming up with the Department of Homeland Security as well as with Con Edison on a grid upgrade for New York City that would increase capacity and suppress power surges.

"In 2007, beefing up this division, American Superconductor made two significant acquisitions. It bought Windtec, a company that specializes in wind energy – licensing proprietary wind turbine designs, training workers to maintain turbines, and supplying converter and control systems to wind farms.

Continue reading American Superconductor (AMSC): Power play on energy efficiency

Global gains: A Canadian 'gem' at Cameco (CCJ)

"I love buying great companies near the bottom of the barrel," says resources expert Eric Roseman, who has added Canadian-based Cameco Corp. (NYSE: CCJ) to his buy list.

The edtior of The Commodity Trend Alert explains, "Cameco, the world's largest uranium concern, is a gem, right in the middle of a long-term earnings boom amid high energy prices and a massive backlog of orders for its raw material used to feed nuclear reactors." Here is his review.

"I'm drawn to quality at a distressed price, for whatever reason, such as earnings-related surprises, management changes, special one-time write-downs, etc. Most of our recommendations are founded on exactly these principles of value-contrarian investing.

"Cameco Corporation was a $60 stock 12 months ago, but because of production bottlenecks caused by a major flood at one of its biggest mines (Cigar Lake) in late 2006, the stock suffered a beating and has bounced all over the map lately. Yet, for years, Cameco was Canada's uranium darling and I always wanted to own this gem. But the problem was, Cameco always fetched a high price, and I hate paying top dollar - even for a great business.

Continue reading Global gains: A Canadian 'gem' at Cameco (CCJ)

Best Stocks for 2008: Block buyer bets on First Solar (FSLR) and VIX Index

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

Because of the unique nature of his trading service, the top picks from Peter Way require some qualification. The editor of The Block Trader ETF Monitor and The Block Trader Oil & Gold Monitor follows the buying and selling patterns of block traders -- the big money buyers on Wall Street.

Based on this data, his recommendations are quantitatively calculated for short-term performance. As such, I have included him in our Best Stocks for 2008 report, with the caveat to readers that his opinion on these specific ideas can and will likely change in coming months. (Note that his cumulative record for the year for all his picks is 59% and 37% for his two services.)

With that aside, he explains, "I don't offer long-term speculations, since my information comes from volume market-makers and prop desks that have a much shorter focus. However, below are two buy recommendations.

"First, buy First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR), because it's a bright idea, at current price of $235.85, sell target is $301.29.

"Also, buy VIX, the S&P500 Volatility Index, because it handles trouble well, at $22.68, sell target is $31.17. The VIX quote is the current index price, which can be closely tracked by a 'synthetic' in options, so it is fair to use it directly as a performance measure. If there are objections to that, the VIX/8 November future on the CFE is being offered for purchase at $23.20."

Best Stocks for 2008: Gas gains for China Natural (CHNG)

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"My favorite speculative idea for 2008 is China Natural Gas (NASDAQ: CHNG)," says Ian Wyatt, editor of Rising Star Stocks. "The Delaware-registered public company owns and operates natural gas-related businesses in China.

"Its core business is the distribution of compressed natural gas as a vehicular fuel to retail end users and as a natural gas utility supplying over 71,000 residential customers in Lantian County, Lintong and Baqiao Districts in the City (jurisdiction) of Xian.

"Natural gas is one of the cleanest energy sources and one of China's most abundant natural resources. For this reason, the Chinese government sees compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered vehicles as part of the solution to its national environmental woes.

"For 2007 analysts estimate earnings of 38 cents per share on revenues of $33.9 million, an increase of 80% from revenues of $18.8 million in 2006. In 2008 analysts see China Natural Gas growing its earnings to 58 cents on revenues of $55.4 million, a 63% increase from the 2007 estimate of $33.9 million.

Continue reading Best Stocks for 2008: Gas gains for China Natural (CHNG)

Best Stocks for 2008: Bright prospects for First Solar

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) is my favorite speculative idea for 2008," says relative strength technician Dan Sullivan, editor of The Chartist.

"First Solar is the fastest growing manufacturer of solar modules in the world. And that's just the beginning. The company manufactures solar modules with an advanced thin film semiconductor process that significantly lowers solar electricity costs.

"Offering clean renewable electricity at affordable prices enables First Solar to provide an economic alternative to peak conventional electricity and fossil fuels.

"The solar module maker recorded a significant increase in revenue, easily beating Wall Street estimates. The company earned $46 million, or 58 cents per share, compared with $4.3 million, or 7 cents per share in the year-ago period.

Continue reading Best Stocks for 2008: Bright prospects for First Solar

Best Stocks for 2008: Schaeffer lights up First Solar (FSLR)

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"Our favorite speculative play for 2008 is First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR)," says Bernie Schaeffer, editor of Schaeffer's Investment Research.

"First Solar is a specialized semiconductor company that is a play on the alternative-energy theme. FSLR designs, manufactures and sells solar electric power modules. With a price-earnings (P/E) ratio of 178 and the stock posting gains of nearly 700% in 2007, investors in FSLR should expect a potentially wild ride.

"Despite the 'internet bubble-like' appreciation in the stock, we think the trend can continue, as this is a company with actual earnings and its share of naysayers. The skepticism is an indication that there is sideline buying power that can drive the equity even higher in the months to come.

"FSLR's third-quarter earnings report was spectacular. Net income of 58 cents per share easily topped Wall Street's estimate of 19 cents per share, sending the stock soaring on the news. The year-over-year earnings growth rate in the third quarter was an outstanding 729%.

Continue reading Best Stocks for 2008: Schaeffer lights up First Solar (FSLR)

MarketWatch technician eyes Uranium Resources (URRE)

"The last technical bastion of bullishness had been the 1490 support level on the Standard & Poor's 500 Index," notes David Nassar. In his Marktwatch Technical Indicator he observes, "That level had held numerous times, despite a deteriorating technical picture from the other indicators."

Now, he notes, "It has now given way. This now leaves a wide area of resistance on the S&P 500 chart, from 1490 up to 1520. It will likely have trouble getting back through that area, because there were so many longs 'trapped" at those prices.'

The technical continues, "Market breadth (advances minus declines) has not been good lately. That's good news and bad news. It's bad news in that breadth continues to remain on a sell signal.

"However, it's potentially good news because -- once the breadth indicators get extremely oversold (and they're well on their way to doing that right now) -- lasting buy signals can eventually spring from deeply oversold readings.

"However, one must be careful about waiting for confirmed buy signals before making a speculative purchase. 'Oversold' does not mean 'buy.'"

Meanwhile, as for specific buy recommendations, Ashbaugh says, "Uranium Resources (NASDAQ: URRE) is a low-priced, volatile stock that broke out to the upside on Tuesday. Stock volume patterns are very strong, and there is support at 12-1/2.

"This is a 'hot' industry that is undergoing some consolidation. As a result, there are vague takeover rumors for URRE. The stock pulled back today to support near 13, giving us a convenient entry point.

"The options on this stock trade with wide markets, as they are somewhat illiquid, so be sure to stick to the limit. We recommend the URRE Dec 12.5 calls at a price of 2.10 or less. Stop yourself out on any close below 12."

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

Best energy ideas: Cameco (CCJ), the 'Saudi Arabia' of uranium

"Nuclear power is about to enter a new phase of rapid growth," says Tony Sagami. "Plain and simple, the demand for uranium is going to go through the roof."

"What's the best way to profit from this unstoppable trend?" he asks. In his Asia Stock Alert, he answers: Cameco Corp. (NYSE: CCJ). "The biggest producer of uranium in the world should be a cornerstone of your natural resource portfolio.

"According to the World Nuclear Association, there are nuclear power plants 34 under construction, 86 on order or planned, and 223 proposed. By 2013, 48 additional nuclear power plants should go into service, and over the next 10 years, an additional 100 plants will be built, with 40 of them in Asia.

"All those new nuclear power plants, of course, are going to need uranium. Next year, uranium demand is estimated to hit 83,000 tons. But according to the Uranium Information Centre, the world only produced 46,720 tons of uranium last year.

"We're talking about a huge increase in the demand for uranium and a severe production shortage. That is, of course, extremely positive news for uranium prices and uranium producers.

Continue reading Best energy ideas: Cameco (CCJ), the 'Saudi Arabia' of uranium

Cameco (CCJ): A power play in uranium

"I predict that 2007 will end with a bang and not a whimper," says global expert Nick Vardy, who predicts a strong a strong fourth quarter global rally.

Meanwhile, in his industry-leading Global Bull Market Alert, he notes, "Canadian mining giant Cameco Corp. (NYSE: CCJ) combines the global commodity supercycle theme with the recent turnaround in the price of uranium."

Vardy explains, "As the world's largest uranium producer -- accounting for around 20% of global uranium production -- Cameco is the closest thing to a blue chip name in what has been one of the hottest sectors in the past few years."

Why? He states, "Blame the law of supply and demand." In 2006, he observes, the world's nuclear reactors used 173 million pounds of uranium. Yet uranium mines only supplied 103 million pounds. The gap, he contends, was met by dwindling U.S. and Russian government stockpiles of weapons-grade uranium from decommissioned nuclear weapons.

"And the supply and demand imbalance likely will get much worse," says Vardy. In the past 12 months, he notes, the number of proposed nuclear reactors has risen by 67% to 256 as governments across the globe turn to nuclear as a way to cut carbon emissions quickly and painlessly.

Continue reading Cameco (CCJ): A power play in uranium

Global gains: Big potential in U.K. nanotech

I've just returned from the World Money Show in Orlando where more than 10,000 investors gathered to learn about global investing. I had a chance to meet with many of the U.S. and foreign financial experts featured at the show, and over the next week I will share some of their top investment ideas. To view all of the stocks featured in this special global report, click here.

As an advisor, scientist, and venture capitalist, Josh Wolfe is a recognized leader in nanotechnology; in fact, he was among a handful of industry experts invited to join President Bush in the Oval Office when he signed the landmark nanotech funding bill.

The ideas that he recommends are often meant for the more-sophisticated investor, as can be seen from his latest global nanotech idea -- Oxonica (LSE:OXN), a London-listed nanotech firm. Intriguingly, he speculates that the company may soon list its shares in the U.S.

The editor of The Forbes/Wolfe Nanotech Report explains, "Oxonica, which supplies nanomaterials for the energy, security, health care, and materials sectors, appears to be bucking the trend. Spun out of Oxford University in 1999, Oxonica has already established itself as a leading nanotech start-up.

"Recently, it was rated as a top start-up for corporate partnership by nanotech strategic advisory firm Lux Research." For full disclosure, he notes that his venture firm Lux Capital is an equity investor in Lux Research.

Meanwhile, he notes, "The key to Oxonica's success has been its portfolio management approach to commercializing nanomaterials. Oxonica has products in its pipeline for industries as diverse as cosmetics, energy, security, and bio-diagnostics and it has not restricted itself to being a one-trick pony.

Continue reading Global gains: Big potential in U.K. nanotech

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Last updated: July 09, 2008: 10:02 AM

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