Steve Martin
US Geothermal Inc.
GTH-T
DON'T BUY
Apr 18, 2008
Small start-up geothermal company. Once you actually find the thermal resource, what it produces is competitive with grid power prices. However, very capital intensive, which drags down returns. He would rather play the manufacturer side. Biggest one is Ormat Technologies (ORA-N)
Geothermal is an alternative form of energy that is really attractive. Has been around for quite awhile. The issue is finding the resource. This is probably one of the more credible companies. Good management and has executed. With the recent run up, would be a little cautious.
In terms of the Big 3 alternative sources of energy, solar is the most advanced, wind is now getting a lot of attention but geothermal is a little bit behind the curve. The latter is still at the developmental and capital loss level. With a possible change in government in the US, these stocks could skyrocket.
Geothermal space is largely dependent on government subsidies for drilling, exploration and for production. The sector will have some long term growth but until it becomes economical on its own, it is not an investment he would make.