Assuming that GDP growth is slightly negative for the next 3 to 4 quarters while the credit markets gradually strengthen, let's consider the outlook and opportunities for the Alternative Energy industry over the next 6 to 12 months. Many companies engaged in the solar power market offer profitability with strong average long-term annual earnings growth expectations of approximately 40%, stock price valuations significantly discounted from their recent historic highs, and a favorable political environment. Industry Outlook for Alternative Energy Stocks: Speculative - Bullish The electric power industry is one of the world's largest industrial segments. With a global market share of approximately 25%, the United States is the leading producer of electricity, followed by China, Japan and Russia. Total global electricity consumption volume grew at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 3.1% from 1980 to 2006,[More...]

Forbes’ 10 Biggest Losers: 4 Wealth Protection Lessons From Bankrupt Billionairesby Louis Basenese, Advisory PanelistSenior Analyst, The Oxford ClubLast week, Forbes magazine released its annual list of billionaires. No surprise, the rolls shrank.“(In 2007), there were 1,125 billionaires. This year, it’s down to 793,” says CEO Steve Forbes.An NPR broadcast tried to put an optimistic spin on the news suggesting, “All those empty spots… mean more room for[More...]

VeraSun Energy (VSUNQ): Ain't No Sunshine When the Money is Gone We remain bearish on VeraSun Energy (VSUNQ), which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October 2008, precipitated by after-shocks of significant hedging losses, weak ethanol prices and higher financing costs. Subsequently, the stock was de-listed from the NYSE. However, the company was able to procure commitments for approximately $197 million in debtor-in-possession financing. With?12 of its?16 plants sitting idle, the company procured court approval for the sale of?7 of its plants as part of a new bankruptcy financing agreement. VeraSun Energy on October 31, 2008 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as a result of significant hedging losses and[More...]

Assuming that GDP growth is slightly negative for the next 3 to 4 quarters while the credit markets gradually strengthen, let's consider the outlook and opportunities for the Alternative Energy industry over the next 6 to 12 months. Many companies engaged in the solar power market offer profitability with strong average long-term annual earnings growth expectations of approximately 40%, stock price valuations significantly discounted from their recent historic highs, and a favorable political environment. Industry Outlook for Alternative Energy Stocks: Speculative - Bullish The electric power industry is one of the world's largest industrial segments. With a global market share of approximately 25%, the United States is the leading producer of electricity, followed by China, Japan and Russia. Total global electricity consumption volume grew at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 3.1% from 1980 to 2006, the most[More...]