With many energy stocks struggling following a prolonged slump in oil prices, dividend yields have become more attractive — and more vulnerable. Opportunities no doubt exist in the current environment, alongside potential yield traps that can wreak havoc on a portfolio.
Below are 12 experts bringing unique perspectives on the global energy markets and energy stocks, making them valuable resources for any investor evaluating the energy sector. The list is presented in alphabetical order.
Todd Bush
Todd Bush is principal of Energent Group, a market research firm focusing on collecting and providing oil-related data for clients. Along with analyst Brandon Waiter, Todd offers up his oilfield insights throughout each week. Coverage includes reviews of any major deals in the industry and other noteworthy developments, but the focus of this publication is on rig counts and drilling activity. This data offers insights into the real-time activity at drilling companies, and is often indicative of current sentiment among big oil companies.
In addition to the analysis and commentary, Energent also maintains a very handy tool for analyzing current and historical rig count data.
You can also follow Energent on Twitter.
Laurent Cadotte
Laurent Cadotte only recently started Blog 42, but it already stands out as a source of detailed analysis on a number of energy stocks. Laurent publishes several different types of analysis, ranging from earnings previews and wrap-ups to detailed reviews of various earnings models. The subjects of his analyses range from regional over-the-counter stocks to larger names traded on the major exchanges.
Laurent’s background gives him a unique perspective on the energy sector; he is an engineer by trade, currently working to complete a master’s degree in structural engineering.
You can also follow Laurent on Twitter.
Lior Cohen
Lior Cohen is a graduate student in economics at Tel Aviv University. His site focuses on the energy and metal markets. Previously, Lior had worked as an economic consultant, where he kept close tabs on the crude oil markets. Lior posts regular updates on gold, silver, and oil and also publishes in-depth analysis of noteworthy trends in these markets.
Lior puts out a weekly podcast that maintains a slightly broader focus on the global economy, and he also publishes an extensive preview of the major economic events that are on the calendar for each week.
Energy and Capital
Energy and Capital is a daily newsletter published by a team of experts with years of experience in the energy industry. The authors believe that the energy industry is entering into a unique period of transition, where new technologies are becoming increasingly important, and the “oil age” is drawing to a close.
The site’s contributors cover a wide range of topics, including both high-level analysis of energy legislation and trends, and detailed reviews of individual energy stocks. They’ve also published a number of longer reports covering everything from energy ETFs to investing in lithium batteries.
You can also follow Energy and Capital on Twitter.
Catharina Hillenbrand-Saponar
Image Source: Montpellier Analysis
Catharina Hillenbrand-Saponar has covered the energy sector for a number of major investment banks and also served as a regulator for the gas sector. Now she covers the global energy and capital markets through Montpellier Analysis.
Her site covers global oil stocks and the clean energy industry as well. Most of her analysis focuses on the performance of specific stocks, including reviews of recent earnings results, acquisitions and partnership, and other meaningful developments.
Ron Hiram
Image Source: Wise Analysis
Ron Hiram runs Wise Analysis, a site dedicated to analyzing the cash flows reported by master limited partnerships (MLPs). A typical post from Ron gets deep into the financial statements of a specific MLP, and analyzes noteworthy trends and nuances. He also reports any positions he has in individual partnerships.
Ron also manages portfolios for investors and helps to raise capital for young companies. He was previously the managing partner of an Israeli venture capital fund, and has worked at Lehman Brothers and Soros Fund Management.
Hinds Howard
Image Source: MLPGuy.com
Hinds Howard has been involved with MLPs for more than a decade, and is currently part of the infrastructure investment team with asset management firm CBRE Clarion. He publishes his detailed thoughts on the MLP market throughout the week, including a roundup of the best and worst performers, deep dives into the operations of individual companies, and educational explanations.
Hinds also maintains a thorough MLP glossary and a useful master list of publicly-traded MLPs.
You can also follow Hinds on Twitter.
Daniel Moore
Daniel Moore, known as the Financial Market Vigilante, got his first taste of the investment business by building a Monte Carlo computer model to assist in the valuation of stocks using public data. He now writes regularly with analysis of both the broad U.S. economy and reviews of specific stocks. Although Daniel covers a number of different industries, he often focuses on oil prices and energy stocks.
Daniel is also the author of Theory of Financial Relativity, and he also maintains FinancialRelativity.com.
Power Hedge Global
Power Hedge Global is a registered investment advisor based in Pennsylvania that focuses on dividend-paying, international stocks. The firm regularly publishes research notes on individual stocks, taking a deep dive into recent developments and evaluating any sustainable competitive advantages.
Although Power Hedge Global covers stocks from a number of industries, there has recently been a focus on the energy sector as a potential buying opportunity. (Other natural resource-related industries are also covered regularly.) Pacific Drilling (PACD) and Seadrill (SDRL) are two names that have recently been evaluated as potential buys.
Rockstone Research
Rockstone is a German research firm that specializes in public companies engaged in the exploration, development, and production of resource deposits. While much of the firm’s focus is on mining companies, the analysts regularly write about the state of the energy market and specific opportunities that may exist there.
With a detailed knowledge of geology, exploration, geophysics, geochemistry, and engineering, Rockstone is uniquely positioned to more completely and accurately understand the challenges and opportunities facing natural resource companies.
Rockstone offers a free newsletter available in both English and German. You can also follow Rockstone on Twitter.
Jennifer Warren
Jennifer Warren is an expert on the economic and geopolitical implications of energy trends, providing unique insights into the high-level ramifications of oil price movements. While she will rarely focus on individual stocks, her perspective and analysis help to shed light on the “big picture” for the global oil industry.
Jennifer has published a number of research papers on various energy topics, and has presented to the Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations.
She also posts and comments regularly on Seeking Alpha, and is the author of Chronicles of an Oil Boom.
Steve Zachritz
Steve Zachritz — better known as Zman — is an individual trader who specializes in the energy sector. He’s held various positions in the industry throughout his career, including as an energy banker and a sell side exploration and production analyst.
Most of the content published on Zman’s Energy Brain requires a premium membership, but Steve publishes regularly on Seeking Alpha and also includes some free features as well.
You can also follow Zman on Twitter.
Know of an energy expert we missed? Let us know in the comments below.
This article, 12 Energy Experts Every Dividend Investor Should Follow, first appeared on Dividend Reference.