Hi Kurt,
Nice to have someone with your industry experience join the thread. Welcome.
I was just reading the Times online (via Google News) and was about to post that article here, when I saw that you had already done so. Thanks.
It is indeed interesting that the gas exporters have their own little OPEC in the making -- just for exchanging information, of course. <g>
I fell asleep watching Thomas Friedman describe Dubai as a "Singapore" last night on Charlie Rose and wake up to find this interesting piece on Qatar. Next time I visit India, which I hope will be soon, I'll certainly try to stop in the Gulf.
As far as investment prospects, the article briefly mentions the infrastructure boom in the Gulf. Bechtel is mentioned, as is AES's operation of a desalination plant there (actually a combined electric power generation / desal facility aes.com. I like energy/water combination but just can't cozy up to companies with debt/equity ratios > 10.
All the big energy and infrastructure companies are active in Qatar, so what's the investment angle there for a small investor? Not sure. I notice that GE is contributing more than just turbines and compressors for LNG supertrains. It's about to become active in training avaition, energy and other workers at Qatar's new tech park. qf.edu.qa
I think GE is really entering a sweet spot with all its businesses set for double digit growth and Immelt's green initiatives taking off. Everyone always says, "Yeah, but how do you move the needle on a $140 billion company?" Maybe interest rates finally ignite large caps next year and that will be the catalyst? I don't know. If you know of a better way to play the Qatar boom, let me know.
Sam
[FD: long GE] |
