- Published: 22 March 2009
- Written by sandihop
POINT ROBERTS, WA and DELTA, BC –March 22, 2009 www.Water-Stocks.com, an investor and industry portal for the water sector within Investorideas.com, presents investing in water, the first in a series of commentary and insight with Neil Berlant, Fund Manager of the PFW Water Fund (PFWAX).
With World Water Day held March 22, 2009 http://www.worldwaterday.org/ , drawing global attention to water issues, Water-stocks.com reminds investors of the needs and opportunities within the sector.
As recently noted in a report from Ceres.Org, “Water Scarcity & Climate Change: Growing Risks for Businesses & Investors”, water is an area that needs more attention. http://www.ceres.org/Document.Doc?id=406
Investorideas.com and Water-stocks.com has turned to well- known industry expert, Neil Berlant of the PFW Water Fund, who has dedicated his life-long career to the sector, to provide insight and ideas on the global theme of investing water.
Q&A: Dawn Van Zant at Water-stocks.com, Neil Berlant of the PFW Water Fund
Q- Dawn Van Zant at Water-stocks.com
Neil, the recent media from Ceres.org warning investors and business they are not paying attention to water would not be news to you, as you have been a long- time believer in the sector. But in that line of thinking, for investors just getting into the water space - what are some of the key trends they should they be looking at?
A- Neil Berlant of the PFW Water Fund
The forces driving growth in the water sector can be narrowed down to three principal areas: Economics, quality, and infrastructure. On the economics side, water has historically been underpriced, that is, not reflecting its real cost. The real cost for water is what it costs to find water, treat water, and then to distribute it. We have never really factored in those costs to arrive at the price that we charge for water. That is in the process of changing, but change is coming on very slowly. As for quality, this is a major issue. Not that water quality for drinking water purposes is inadequate or not being addressed, but rather that the quality of the water we require for most applications is growing more demanding. For most applications today, and in the future, we require very highly purified water. For example, to manufacture semiconductors, we require “ultra-purified” water. The same is true for generating electricity and manufacturing. In addition, health care and food processing require highly purified water. These areas were previously not as demanding. Last, but not least, the issue of the water infrastructure throughout the US is growing in importance. It is well-documented that we are facing what may be as much as a $1 trillion deficit in capital to improve the aging US infrastructure. That means an enormous bounty of business in pipe replacement, filtration, and purification equipment over the next twenty years.
Q- Dawn Van Zant at Water-stocks.com
With your fund, The PFW Water Fund how would you define your short term and long term strategy? And how can investors participate in the fund?
A- Neil Berlant of the PFW Water Fund
The PFW Water Fund (PFWAX) expressly addresses the opportunities outlined above. The Fund broadly focuses on the water industry, and more specifically on the companies that comprise the broad definition of the water industry as all of the things that influence the quality or availability of water. The PFW Water Fund (PFWAX) is invested in companies in purification, infrastructure, desalination, and all things related to water. As the portfolio manager, I have focused exclusively on the water industry since the mid-1980s, with portfolios that have consistently beaten the broad stock market. The PFW Water Fund (PFWAX) is uniquely positioned to participate in the explosion of activity we anticipate over the next couple of decades. The growth we forecast is expected to last for some twenty years and therefore, the PFW Water Fund (PFWAX) is investing in the long-term growth of owning businesses, rather than short-term speculation. We are in front of wave of activity that is somewhat unique to the water industry and thus offers the prospect of wealth-building that is difficult to find elsewhere.
To hear previous audios from Neil Berlant and other water experts: http://www.investorideas.com/ws/
Investing in Water Podcast RSS Feed: http://www.investorideas.com/Podcasts/water.xml
Fund Manager of the PFW Water Fund - PFW Water A (PFWAX)
Since 1968, Neil has been continuously involved in the investment banking industry, either as a principal, officer, or founder of several firms. He has supervised and initiated the publication of numerous investment research reports on the water industry and conducted conferences directed towards top corporate management, the investment community, and venture capitalists. He has been a speaker at conferences on topics ranging from financing, to business and investment opportunities in the water industry. In addition, he has consulted to Fortune 500 companies and participated in negotiations concerning mergers, acquisitions, and venture capital investments. He is quoted frequently in newspapers including the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Investor's Business Daily, and is a frequent water expert on CNBC.
Water Stocks Directory: Research global water stocks:
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In 2009, the focus of World Water Day on March 22 will be on transboundary waters: sharing water, sharing opportunities
http://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday/
About InvestorIdeas.com:
Investorideas.com creates a meeting place for investing ideas to take form and come to life in an entrepreneurial environment, servicing the needs of small investors and start- up companies to large conglomerates! We cover multiple industry sectors but specialize in environmental and water.
Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. Disclosure: Neil Berlant and PFW do not currently compensate Investorideas.com but provides content for the Investorideas.com and Water –stocks.com portals
www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp http://www.investorideas.com/About/News/Clientspecifics.asp
For More Information Contact:
Water-stocks.com
Dawn Van Zant 800-665-0411
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web Site: www.InvestorIdeas.com www.water-stocks.com
PFW Water Fund
Neil Berlant - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Source: Water-Stocks.com, Investorideas.com , PFW Water Fund
