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

Californians Learning That Solar Panels Don't Work in Blackouts
SAN FRANCISCO - Californians have embraced rooftop solar panels more than anyone in the U.S., but many are learning the hard way the systems won’t keep the lights on during blackouts.
That’s because most panels are designed to supply power to the grid -- not directly to houses. During the heat of the day, solar systems can crank out more juice than a home can handle. Conversely, they don’t produce power at all at night. So systems are tied into the grid, and the vast majority aren’t working this week as PG&E Corp. cuts power to much of Northern California to…