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Ultra Petroleum (UPL) is well-positioned in a preferred energy form

Readers of this space know that one argument forwarded here is that in the era of elevated energy prices, oil and natural gas companies are likely to remain promising plays for the foreseeable future, barring the discovery of a cheap, widely available, alternative energy. And among oil/natural gas companies, Ultra Petroleum is worth an evaluation.

Ultra Petroleum (AMEX: UPL) is in independent oil/natural gas company with core properties in the Green River Basin of southwest Wyoming

Analysts like UPL's proven reserves of 2.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas equivalent, modest cost structure, adequate-to-good pricing power and likely production increases. The latter stems from the start of operations at the Rocky Express Pipeline in 2008, among other efforts. Further, look for UPL to attract increased attention from investors as the value and benefits of natural gas rise amid continued high oil prices. The Reuters F2007/F2008 EPS consensus estimates for UPL are $1.29/$2.37.

Continue reading Ultra Petroleum (UPL) is well-positioned in a preferred energy form

XTO Energy: A solid play in natural gas

The market in late 2007 and early 2008 -- how shall one put it? Well, diplomatically, there are a few uncertainties to keep investors awake at night: subprime mortgage defaults, the extent of the credit crunch, the price of oil, inflation, geopolitical concerns, to name just a few.

In this climate it's best to consider a defensive play or two, and while the oil and gas sector is not defensive, strictly speaking, XTO Energy comes close to fitting the bill. That's because XTO Energy (NYSE: XTO) buys primarily demonstrated oil and gas properties. XTO owns interests in more than 18,800 wells and operates gas gathering systems in Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Analysts expect oil and gas production growth of 17%-20% in 2007, and 14%-17% in 2008. Analysts also like XTO's 6.9 trillion cubic feet of proved natural gas reserves. Look for natural gas to play a larger role in the United States' energy use, amid sustained high oil prices and increasing environmental awareness. The Reuters F2007/F2008 EPS consensus estimates for XTO are $4.40/$4.33.

Continue reading XTO Energy: A solid play in natural gas

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DJIA-93.7910,197.47
NASDAQ-17.882,149.02
S&P 500-11.271,087.24

Last updated: November 12, 2009: 09:46 PM

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