Top Clean Energy Stocks To Invest In 2014

With traditional energy production rising from fracking and horizontal drilling, the renewable energy sector hasn�� been a great investment since the financial crisis. Broad-based clean energy funds- like the iShares S&P Global Clean Energy Index (NASDAQ:ICLN) ��till sit far below their all-time highs. Those lousy returns have been even worse for the solar sector. As prices for panels have crashed due to a glut on the market, many solar stocks have suffered.

Yet, solar bulls may finally be getting some good news.

For the first time, new solar power installations overtook wind energy capacity across the globe. That�� a huge win for the energy form and could finally signal solar�� return as a valid portfolio choice.

Policy Shifts In Key Markets

According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, photovoltaic capacity installed around the world this year will beat wind for the first time ever. The news agency predicts that a total of 35.5 gigawatts (GW) worth of wind energy- both onshore and off- will be installed this year. That compares to its median forecast of 36.7 GW of new photovoltaic capacity.

Top Clean Energy Stocks To Invest In 2014: Prima Industrie(PRII.MI)

PRIMA INDUSTRIE SpA, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and marketing of laser systems for industrial applications, sheet metal processing machinery, and industrial electronics and laser sources. It operates in two divisions, PRIMA POWER and PRIMA ELECTRO. The PRIMA POWER division engages in the design, production, and sale of laser machines for cutting, welding, and drilling of three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) metallic components. Its 3D laser machines are used in the automotive, aerospace, energy, and white and yellow goods fields; and 2D laser machines are used in various industrial applications. This division also offers machines for processing sheet metal using mechanical tools, such as punches, integrated punching and shearing systems, integrated punching and laser cutting systems, panel shapers, bending machines, and automation systems. The PRIMA ELECTRO division engages in the development, production, and sale of elec tronic power and control components, as well as high power laser sources for industrial applications. The company sells its products primarily in Italy, Europe, North America, and Asia. PRIMA INDUSTRIE SpA was founded in 1977 and is based in Collegno, Italy.

Top Clean Energy Stocks To Invest In 2014: United Overseas Australia Ltd (EH5.SI)

United Overseas Australia Limited engages in the construction, development, and resale of residential and commercial land and buildings primarily in Australia and Malaysia. It is also involved in the investment of rental properties; and investment of UOA real estate investment trust. The company, formerly known as United Overseas Securities Limited, was founded in 1987 and is based in Osborne Park, Australia.

10 Best Financial Stocks For 2014: Ishares Nasdaq Biotechnology (IBB.W)

iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund (the Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (the Index). The Index consists of securities of NASDAQ-listed companies that are classified according to the Industry Classification Benchmark as either biotechnology or pharmaceuticals, and which also meet other eligibility criteria. The Index is one of the eight sub-indices of the NASDAQ Composite, which measures all common stocks listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc.

The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. The Fund�� investment advisor is Barclays Global Fund Advisors.

Top Clean Energy Stocks To Invest In 2014: BG Group(BG.L)

BG Group plc operates as an integrated natural gas company worldwide. It operates in three segments: Exploration and Production, Liquefied Natural Gas, and Transmission and Distribution The Exploration and Production segment engages in the exploration, development, production, and marketing of natural gas and oil. This segment has proved reserves of 3,247 million barrels of oil equivalent. The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) segment is involved in the development and use of LNG import and export facilities; and purchase, shipping, and sale of LNG and regasified natural gas. The Transmission and Distribution segment develops, owns, and operates pipelines and distribution networks to supply natural gas to co-generation plants, natural gas vehicle filling stations, and gas-fired power stations, as well as industrial, commercial, and residential customers. The company was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Reading, the United Kingdom.

Top Clean Energy Stocks To Invest In 2014: Unilever Nigeria PLC (UNILEVER)

Unilever Nigeria Plc is engaged in manufacturing and marketing of foods and food ingredients, and home and personal care products. The Company has manufacturing plants in Lagos and Agbara, Ogun State. The Company operates in two segments: Home and Personal Care, and Foods. Home and Personal Care includes sales of skin and hair care products, and oral products. Food segment includes sale of tea, sauces, margarines and spreads, and cooking products, such as liquid margarines. The Company�� brands include Close up, Lipton, Blue Band, Knorr, Lux, Royco, Vaseline, Lifebuoy, OMO, Sunlight, Pepsodent and Pears.

Top Clean Energy Stocks To Invest In 2014: Patterson-UTI Energy Inc.(PTEN)

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides onshore contract drilling services to oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in the United States and Canada. The company offers pressure pumping services that consist of well stimulation and cementing for completion of new wells and remedial work on existing wells, as well as hydraulic fracturing, nitrogen, cementing, and acid pumping services in Texas and the Appalachian Basin; and contract drilling services primarily in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and western Canada. It also owns and invests in oil and natural gas assets located primarily in Texas and New Mexico. As of December 31, 2011, it had a drilling fleet of 330 marketable land-based drilling rigs. Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  Patterson-UTI Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: PTEN) was reinstated as Buy with a $27 price target at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

  Pharmacyclics Inc. (NASDAQ: PCYC) was started as Overweight with a $142 price target at J.P. Morgan. Deutsche Bank also started it with a Buy rating and a $170 price target.