For nearly five years, I wrote the TechNews news briefs for the Association for Computing Machinery, which is comprised of computer science academics and professionals all over the United States. It was a fascinating job because I got to cover the latest and greatest of the wonky side of technology. I also wrote for IBM Business Global Services, which helped me learn how that technology powers the engines of commerce. Today, I get to research and write about a range of business technology.
Anyway, for the above reasons, I feel somewhat qualified to invest in specific technology stocks. Here's the ones that interest me, along with why's and disclaimers:
Harris and Harris (TINY) - These guys are venture capitalists funding startups that specialize in nanotechnology, and are the only nanotechnology-specific public investment vehicle. The stock's been stagnant for while now, especially because nanotechnology isn't the buzzword it once was, but some of the companies in TINY's portfolio are doing really important things and could hit it big if they IPO.
SunPower (SPWR) and SunTech Power Holdings (STP) - These are two of the most interesting and dynamic plays in the solar energy sector. Both are up more than 100 percent over the last year on a lot of hype--but no doubt the opportunity here is tremendous. Peak oil, anyone?
Netflix (NFLX) - For me, this pick is somewhat personal. I fell in love with Netflix's service more than two years ago, then switched to Blockbuster's Total Access. A recent subscription price increase at Blockbuster and dramatic stock drop for NFLX made me switch back and buy a significant amount of NFLX. I think they'll win the online rental/download movie war in the long term because they're still profitable while Blockbuster is only losing money faster and faster. A possible bonus: Netflix gets bought by Amazon!
iRobot (IRBT) - These guys do more than the Roomba robotic vacuum. They also build robots for the military that are currently in service and have MIT robotics and artificial intelligence guru Rodney Brooks as their chief technology officer. If anyone has a chance at creating the ground-level technology that will change our lives in the future, it's these folks.
2 comments:
Have you actually bought the stocks and if so, how long have you had them and how have they been performing? Frankly, I know nothing about the stock market, though both of my brothers invest heavily.
Hi Saur,
I own TINY, SPWR, and NFLX. I haven't made anything on TINY, but I think it's a great risk. I sold half of my SPWR position when it doubled, and I'm honestly not sure if the stock is overvalued right now but it feels nice to own a "green" stock. I really like NFLX for the next few years.
Also in my portfolio right now: INTC, Intel the computer chip maker and NT, Nortel the network gear maker (though the only reason I keep this is because selling it isn't worth the transaction fee ... I lost my pants on it from several years ago).
My portfolio is pretty aggressive, so I wouldn't risk much on it. I have $2,800 currently in stocks.
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