Investing Topics: Natural Resources

The Long View: Economics Favor Stacked Energy Plays

By Elliott H. Gue on Nov. 20, 2017

Although our outlook for oil prices and the US energy patch favors an overweight position in core midstream holdings, nimble investors can generate alpha in upstream names by buying when oil prices retreat to the low end of their range and taking some profits off the table when they recover.

Natural Gas: More of the Same

By Elliott H. Gue on Sep. 24, 2017

Nevertheless, our outlook has called for natural gas to remain volatile but range-bound, as spikes toward $3 per million British thermal units (mmBtu) will sow the seeds of their destruction by incentivizing production growth and prompt electric utilities to switch from gas to coal. Conversely, moves below $2 per mmBtu will encourage demand and prompt exploration and production companies to slow their drilling and completion activity.

Technology Trends in Midstream Energy Producers

By Roger S. Conrad on Aug. 20, 2017

Every earnings season, companies in the oil-field services industry highlight emerging technologies that can help upstream operators to improve their well productivity, boost operational efficiency and reduce per-barrel production costs. The current trends and new techniques are perhaps more important than ever given current prices.

Catalysts for Growth, Part 2

By Roger S. Conrad on Jun. 29, 2017

Last issue, we looked at catalysts for the 11 current Conservative Portfolio Holdings. This time around, we do the same for the seven Aggressive Holdings.

Mining: Buying the Dip

By Yiannis G. Mostrous on Jun. 19, 2017

The recent weakness in the market, and the mining sector in particular, is an opportunity to re-enter. And two of our favorites are now members of the Wealth Builders Portfolio.

Mining: A Volatile New Cycle

By Yiannis G. Mostrous on May. 29, 2017

For some time, mining companies thought diversifying their portfolios was the best way to improve cash flow stability and protect themselves from natural resources cycles and increased volatility. That hasn’t worked, at least not as expected.

On Track for a Great 2017

By Roger S. Conrad on May. 24, 2017

Each of our Lifelong Income Portfolio recommendations has reported first-quarter earnings and guidance for calendar year 2017. We review the results and identify the top takeaway to guide us forward.

Consolidation in Canada’s Oil Sands

By Roger S. Conrad on May. 24, 2017

Industry consolidation and recent pipeline approvals are encouraging developments for Canada’s oil-sands operators, but investors should continue to focus on quality and only buy when the price is right.

Niche Plays in the US Oil-Field Services Market

By Elliott H. Gue on Apr. 25, 2017

In an environment where oil prices range between $40 and $55 per barrel, North American short-cycle plays will remain the growth engine for the oil-field services industry. Investors might want to consider nibbling on select US-focused service names while keeping some powder dry in case oil prices swoon once again.

Yes, We Shale

By Elliott H. Gue on Nov. 16, 2016

US oil production appears to be bottoming, but investors seeking to profit in an environment where prices will likely range between $40 and $60 per barrel must pay attention to basin-specific trends as well as companies’ balance sheets and acreage quality.