Investing Topics: Shale Revolution

Recent Upstream Energy IPOs

By Elliott H. Gue on Jul. 16, 2017

Despite the underperformance of SPDR Oil & Gas Exploration & Production (NYSE: XOP) this year because of concerns about the outlook for energy prices and surging US production, several upstream operators have completed initial public offerings and more remain on the docket. Here are our takes.

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.

A Niche Energy Opportunity

By Elliott H. Gue on Feb. 12, 2017

US petrochemical capacity will expand significantly over the next few years, creating a massive growth opportunity for one of our favorite master limited partnerships.

US Oil Production Shifting Into Growth Mode

By Elliott H. Gue on Feb. 12, 2017

US natural-gas exports to Mexico will continue to grow over the next five years, creating opportunities for investors north and south of the border.

New Energy

By Elliott H. Gue on Jan. 19, 2017

The big story for energy markets in the first half of 2017 will be a stronger-than-expected surge in US shale oil production that keeps the lid on global oil prices. To take advantage, we’re adding a midstream processing and pipeline company to the portfolio.

Water Technologies and Sustainable Fracking

By Roger S. Conrad on Nov. 7, 2016

The energy industry’s growing consumption of fresh water for hydraulic fracturing and approaches to disposing the resulting wastewater have created significant challenges. We highlight some of the solutions.

US Shale Plays: Separate and Unequal

By Elliott H. Gue on Oct. 13, 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.

North American Oil-Field Services: This May Not Be the Rebound You’re Looking For

By Elliott H. Gue on May. 3, 2016

Activity levels and pricing for oil-field services and equipment will likely remain under pressure in the US onshore market this year, with early 2017 bringing a bit of a recovery on both scores. But a return to the levels witnessed during the boom years appears unlikely, especially if Saudi Arabia opts to tap some of its spare capacity to take market share and keep oil prices in check.

What We Have Here is a Failure to Differentiate

By Roger S. Conrad on Oct. 3, 2015

A few bad apples don’t spoil the bunch. Some midstream names will find themselves under pressure from declining oil output in the US onshore market, as the effects of energy producers’ reduced drilling activity start to manifest themselves. But indiscriminate selling creates opportunities for discriminating buyers.

A Bull Market for Brazen Forecasts

By Elliott H. Gue on Sep. 29, 2015

Sensationalist predictions about oil prices have become all the rage over the past two months, but they won't necessarily help investors make money. We explain our outlook for crude-oil prices and why a buying opportunity may be around the corner. However, the universe of energy stocks that meet our buying criteria is relatively small; don’t misconstrue this call as open season to buy energy stocks. Not every company has the potential to outperform, let alone survive.