Canadian Hydro Developers a high-powered stock
The company generates about 364 megawatts through run-of-river, wind and biomass plants in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. It also has several hydroelectric and wind projects in the pipeline.
However, permitting holdups have forced delays on some of those projects, introducing cost overruns. But for Mr. Isaacson, the company is worth the risk. “We believe the company is undervalued,” he said.
Mr. Isaacson expects Canadian Hydro Developers to add about 400 MW of capacity in the short to mid-term. The company's proposed Dunvegan hydro project in Alberta, which may be confirmed by the first quarter of 2009, will also be critical, he said.
“If commissioned on-time and within budget, this project could add up to $1.50 per share to (Canadian Hydro's) stock price,” he said.
Other selling points for Scotia Capital include a strong 19-year management track record and plenty of stock catalysts in the next 12 to 18 months as Canadian Hydro Developers continues to bid for new projects in British Columbia and Ontario.
Mr. Isaacson based his valuation on a 75%-weighted discounted cash flow approach using a 9.5% discount rate. He also used a 25% net asset value calculation.
Related News

Two huge wind farms boost investment in America’s heartland
WASHINGTON - Power company MidAmerican Energy recently announced that it has opened two huge wind farms in the US state of Iowa.
The two projects, called Beaver Creek and Prairie, total 169 turbines and have a combined capacity of 338 megawatts (MW), enough to meet the annual electricity needs of 140,000 homes in the state.
“We’re committed to providing reliable service and outstanding value to our customers, and wind energy accomplishes both,” said Mike Fehr, vice president of resource development at MidAmerican. “Wind energy is good for our customers, and it’s an abundant, renewable resource that also energizes the economy.”
The wind farms…