The fact that Apple Inc. (AAPL) sold 1.7 million iPhones at the same time that the Dow broke under 10,000, signals to me that technology is the best way hedge against this downward market trend. Experts say we’re only on the cusp of what will be a period of exponential technological advancement. This means that that the amazing breakthroughs scientists and engineers have made in the past several decades will look like child’s play when compared with the feats others will achieve in years to come.
To the average consumer, this means that technology will become even more integrated into our daily lives. To an investor, this means that there are great opportunities in tech stocks. Let’s take a look now at three areas most likely to have tech breakthroughs — and some stocks that could see profit windfalls in the year ahead.
Keep in mind with each of these examples how corporate behemoth Apple Inc. grew from a garage-sized start up to the biggest tech stock in the world. AAPL stock got its start with Apple’s first computer, the Apple-1, built by hand by company co-founder, Steve Wozniak. A couple of decades, tens of thousands of employees and billions of dollars later, Apple is one of the most successful tech companies in existence. Many of the technologies we use today started off as nothing more than science projects in labs at small companies – but evolved into true giants of technology.
Here are just a few of the sectors I’m looking at for next-generation technology and superior profits. One of these companies could very well wind up to be the next Apple Inc!
Spreadtrum Communications (SPRD) – Luckily, you don’t have to look very far past Apple to find some of these up-and-coming “Apple’s.” Many of today’s small-cap, high-tech companies play off the success of larger companies. One company that is doing this is my Emerging Growth stock, Spreadtrum Communications (SPRD). The company is making a killing in the mobile communications industry — an industry much helped by the success of the AAPL iPhone and Apple iPad products. China’s Spreadtrum has already gained more than 50% since January 1! As Spreadtrum gains a larger share of the personal electronics marketplace, it could very well give Apple and the AAPL iPad a run for its money in the future.
Trina Solar (TSL) – Alternative energy has come to the fore as concerns about dwindling supplies of fossil fuels and foreign dependencies have reached a fevered pitch. Luckily, new technologies are being developed that are making alternative energy sources more viable. Trina Solar (TSL) is another one of my Emerging Growth stocks, and this Chinese solar company is soaring making products for commercial, residential and industrial use. The company sells its products around the globe, and about 90% of its sales come from Europe. In each of the past four quarters the company has posted a sizeable earnings surprise, with one amounting to 122%! For the second quarter, analysts are expecting 39% year-over-year sales growth. Solar technology could change the way the energy industry operates, and Trina could very well lead the charge – revolutionizing its industry much like Apple did.
Internet Gold-Golden Lines (IGLD) – Another sector worth watching for the next Apple is internet technologies. The internet has made our modern lives possible and it has enabled many of our technological strides. Of course the internet itself isn’t anything new, but the way some of today’s companies are using it is entirely innovative and ground-breaking. Internet Gold-Golden Lines (IGLD) is my favorite pick in this sector, and also a member of my Emerging Growth newsletter Buy List.. This company is the largest telecom business in Israel. Its primary subsidiary, Bezeq, is the largest provider of telecom services in the country. The company has more than 2.6 million cell phone users and 560,000 satellite television subscribers. In a country with a population of only 7.3 million, this represents a significant market share. IGLD has grown rapidly in the past several years and of late has made a number of new acquisitions. Analysts are predicting that at the end of the current quarter the company will post a year-over-year earnings increase of 1,925%! Such an announcement should certainly send shares soaring.
