One thing is clear from second quarter earnings season: Energy companies of all stripes are swimming in cash. With oil and natural gas prices on the rise, the sector is seeing the greatest profitability upswing since the 1970s. But these same companies have a problem. Demand for oil is surging and prices are high, but they’re not finding enough oil to make up for and replace their production. Reserve replacement ratios industry-wide are very low right now. Read More

Oil and natural gas hog the limelight when it comes to the energy markets, for good reason: oil remains the world’s primary transportation fuel and gas is the fastest-growing fuel for power plants. But nuclear energy is gaining ground as it is recognized as a cheap environmentally friendly alternative. This is turn increases the world's demand for uranium. Read More

Natural gas will be the world's fastest growing fuels for at least the next 20 years. Meanwhile, once-abundant reserves of natural gas near key markets such as the US and Europe are depleting. The likely consequence: A massive increase in the global natural gas trade. Fortunately, a technology exists to facilitate the movement--and the trade--of natural gas over great distances. Read More

The price of crude oil has crossed the psychologically important $60 per barrel (bbl) level; the global energy market is far tighter than it has been since the 1970s. Rapid economic growth in Asia has powered a quantum leap in demand for oil and gas. Meanwhile, supplies remain tight as energy companies are finding it difficult and expensive to locate new reserves to meet demand despite all their drilling activity. Read More

Natural gas is the fastest growing major source of energy in the world, with the US leading in demand. However, many of the most productive gas wells are located deep underwater or in remote land sites, making transportation of the gas difficult. However, this booming demand for gas transportation is great news for investors. Third-party companies, other than those companies that explore for and produce gas, often own pipeline networks. Pipeline assets are extremely profitable and throw off tremendous amounts of free cash flow offering investors an opportunity to earn relatively safe, stable yields. Read More

With rising natural gas prices and the pollution generated by burning coal, nuclear energy is a cheap and environmentally friendly way of producing energy. With much of Europe already dependent on nuclear energy and fast-growing nations like China and India planning to make nuclear power a centerpiece of their respective national electricity policies, there will be increased demand for uranium. With this demand comes the excellent profit potential in the form of uranium mining companies. Read More

Energy markets today are experiencing an up cycle similar to that of the 1970's, which should last at least as long and offer well-placed investors the strongest long-term opportunities of any major industry group. Oil demand has continued to increase at a rapid pace, especially in Asia and the emerging markets, despite that fact that big oils are having trouble replacing their reserves. Though there will be occasional pullbacks, several carefully selected companies have a shot at growing faster than the industry at large.. Read More

The global rig count, which includes both offshore and land-based rigs, is at an all time high as all the regions of the world participate in the drilling boom. Contrary to popular belief, most rigs are owned by contract drillers rather than the large consolidated oil companies, which opens other investment opportunities. While the big oils are still a good bet, smaller contract firms can be an excellent value. Read More