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A shift in hydrogen could push those 3 stocks higher

In a report on the alternative fuels market, National Bank of Canada’s analyst Rupert Merer examines the possibilities and possibilities of hydrogen as both an energy resource and a raw material. At the heart of the matter, he writes: “Energy market stakeholders agree that climate change is a problem and that decarbonizing our energy mix requires a diverse approach that includes H2. It is estimated that H2 could meet 15% to 25% of the world’s energy needs… ”Merer adds that H2 can reduce emissions in sectors where decarbonization is otherwise a challenge, such as the automotive industry. B. Freight logistics, collective transport and industrial heating. “What is hydrogen and why is it important? Hydrogen is the abundant element in the observable universe and a common building block in complex organic molecules. It’s found in both wood and petroleum derivatives – there’s a reason these are commonly referred to as hydrocarbons – and, along with oxygen, is part of the common water molecule. Life as we know it would not be possible without hydrogen. With that in mind, we used the TipRanks database to identify three stocks that some of Wall Street’s top analysts have used to make profits in the growing hydrogen environment. Ballard Power Systems (BLDP) First on the list is Ballard Power Systems, a hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer based in British Columbia, Canada. The company is focused on proton exchange membrane technology, one of several competing technologies in the hydrogen fuel cell market. Ballard’s PEM fuel cells are sold worldwide. To date, the company has manufactured and shipped fuel cell products valued at over 400 MW. Ballard’s fuel cells are used in traffic engineering to enable fully electric buses, commercial vehicles, trains and forklifts. Like many manufacturers who are dependent on the transportation sector, this has been a tough year for Ballard. The disruptions caused by the coronavirus hit the company in two directions: Firstly, the usual pollution in the supply and distribution chain – but Ballard also markets its products to commercial users who have been blocked due to the corona itself. In short, Ballard saw a drop in sales in the first half of 2020 that has not yet recovered. Third quarter revenue was $ 25.6 million, consistent with the first and second quarters of the year. However, Ballard’s stock price has risen and grown throughout the year despite some short-term periods of volatility. Overall, stocks have grown 170% since the start of the year. The profits show the seal of approval for hydrogen in a market that is actively looking for renewable, greener and zero-emission energy sources. Hydrogen checks all three boxes. Five-star analyst Craig Irwin, who covers Ballard for Roth Capital, sees the company in a solid position for rapid future growth. “BLDP exited third quarter 20 with $ 361 million in cash and no debt and with only $ 100 million to $ 120 million of capital needed to generate positive profits. It was clear to Mgmt that it intended to more actively evaluate M&A targets across the H2 and FC value chain […] We remain optimistic about the LT revenue growth supported by China FC’s new subsidy program and would be buyers whatever the weakness, “said Irwin. To this end, Irwin rates BLDP with a buy and its target price of 25 USD implies room for 29% growth in 2021. (To see Irwin’s track record, click here) Wall Street broadly agrees with this analysis. Over the past few months, BLDP has received 3 buy ratings and 1 hold from street analysts, with an average price target from $ 24 per share, the potential upside is ~ 24%. (See BLDP stock analysis on TipRanks) Air Products and Chemicals (APD) Air products and chemicals are primarily known as suppliers of industrial gases – making it a natural for hydrogen Product makes In its pure form, hydrogen is gaseous under “normal” conditions and APD took advantage of this natural fit earlier this year and contracted the acquisition of 5 hydrogen production facilities valued at $ 530 million. In addition to the new facilities, APD has also sealed its position as The acquisitions of PBF Energy.APD show that it is serious about becoming a long-term supplier to the hydrogen industry. APD is already a major supplier to hydrogen refineries, supplying a pure gas that can be used as in transportation fuel technology. In the final quarter of the fourth quarter of 20, APD missed profit targets but exceeded sales forecasts. Fourth quarter revenue was $ 2.32 billion, up 2% year over year and 2% over estimates. Argus analyst Bill Selesky valued APD’s overall position in the marketplace, noting, “Despite the poor results in the fourth quarter of FY20 due to the pandemic, we believe that performance will gradually improve. We also believe APD is very well positioned to handle this period given its stable cash flow, below average debt and investment grade credit rating. “Selesky gives APD shares a price target of $ 360, indicating 33% growth, and maintains a buy rating on the stock. (To see Selesky’s track record, click here.) Air Products has 11 recent ratings that break 10 to 1 into buys and holds, giving the stock a consensus rating for analysts with strong buys. The average target price is $ 311.10, which is a potential 15% increase over current levels. (See APD stock analysis on TipRanks) BP PLC (BP) Last but not least, BP is the petroleum giant. This company has a reputation in the industry for leading the move to non-petroleum renewable energy sources and has a history of initiatives in wind, solar and hydrogen energy. Last year the company joined the Global Hydrogen Council. As a major player in the natural gas market, BP is well positioned to also become a supplier of “blue” hydrogen or H2 from natural gas sources. BP is also running a project in its refinery in Lingen in northwest Germany, converting the plant to produce hydrogen from water. The project works with Orsted and when it goes fully online in 2024 it will be able to produce up to a ton of clean hydrogen per hour. Taking leadership in the renewable energy market is one way BP can support its future position. The hydrocarbon industry won’t last forever, and 2020 was a particularly difficult year. Stocks are down 36% year-to-date, and quarterly sales are down from $ 74 billion in the first quarter to $ 44 billion in the third quarter. In the third quarter, however, the company posted net income of $ 100 million after heavy losses in the second quarter. Sam Margolin, 5-star analyst at Wolfe Research, wrote after the quarterly report on BP: “Our instinct is that the underlying O&G story has an impact on short-term stock performance, although Lingen’s announcement is positive for BP. as it reflects the company’s ability to work with industry leaders to advance its net-zero plan. “Margolin is bullish on BP and his stance shows an outperformance (ie buy) valuation. His target price of USD 31 implies an upward movement of 41% in the coming year. (To view Margolin’s track record, click here.) Overall, BP has a moderate buy rating from analyst consensus based on 6 ratings that include 4 buys and 2 holds. The shares sell for $ 21.94 and the average target price of $ 29.80 suggests upside potential of 36% over the next 12 months. (See BP’s stock analysis on TipRanks.) To find great ideas for trading hydrogen stocks at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that brings together all of the insights into TipRanks stocks. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the analysts presented. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important that you do your own analysis before making any investment.

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