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I was tempted to have a title that said something like “Helix Wind…that company really blows”, but I thought better of it. That wouldn’t be too professional. I am serious, however, when I say that my readers should take a look at the company.
Helix Wind Corporation (HLXW) is engaged in the design, manufacturing and sale of “small wind” vertical axis turbines (VAWT) designed to generate clean, renewable electricity from wind. The key for HLXW is the term “small wind”. The company makes its case for the small wind strategy on its site:
“Small (or “residential”) wind energy systems typically generate just enough power to meet the demands of a home, farm or small business. They range from 400 watts to 500 kilowatts or more and typically consist of a single turbine (vertical or horizontal). They can be significant power sources and have proven records of performance, even in locations with modest winds.”
Here is graphic evidence on how they are different:
This is not the typical propeller blade turbine that is used on the wind farm installations that are so popular these days. This is a uniquely designed, niche product that is scalable from a single residence (the S322) to the D15000 which produces enough electricity for 10 homes or a medium size commercial facility. Helix believes that the VAWT configuration is superior due to the fact that functions in wind that comes from all directions and is well suited to gusty wind conditions which typical blade wind turbines are not.
Here is a link to HLXW’s website. It is a very well done site and has a great deal of interesting information on it. They also have a Fact Sheet nested on their site that makes for good reading.
Now, lets talk about the company and the chart. The company is long on promise and good news, but short on cash. While the company is booking revenues, it is losing millions of $ every quarter. The Balance Sheet is no help. The company is essentially insolvent according to their last quarterly statement. I have confirmed that the company is raising capital and is actually in a “quiet period” before the announcement which could happen as early as next month. The key shareholders are subject to a lock-up of their shares in conjunction with the capital raise.
The company has released info on potential orders, but it is sparse. The Argentinian deal sounds good for the company, but near term it doesn’t appear to help too much. I would like to see more press releases about sales and distribution. The company has not issued revenue guidance for 2010 yet, but says they plan to later in the year once the financing is wrapped up and at least one more acquisition is closed.
The chart makes for interesting study:
HLXW is a company worth watching. The stock may have farther to fall based upon momentum and trend lines. In their industry, there is no market leader in the small wind category. HLXW wants to become that market leader and in my conversations with the company, they feel that it can be achieved. Certainly, government and utility subsidies and credits will continue to help drive wind power forward. But, HLXW has to achieve their financing goals first before “world domination” is possible.
Honestly, I have fallen in love with the product and think that, on its face, it makes a great deal of sense for the market. If the company wants to install a Helix wind turbine on my house, I will love them even more.
Good luck and good trading,
Jeffrey Dean
Editor
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