Dan Moskowitz: Top 10 Energy Stocks for 2015

Atwood Oceanics is an offshore drilling company with a younger rig fleet and lower-cost operations than most of its peers. The stock has underperformed recently, and that’s likely to continue until new contracts for new rigs are announced. In the meantime, Atwood Oceanics currently yields 3.00%. It has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67 (as of Feb. 26, 2015). A strong balance sheet and consistent top-line growth also make Atwood Oceanics a potential acquisition target

Seadrill Partners is another offshore drilling play, Seadrill Partners LLC (SDLP) has an interest in 10 rigs. Though the market is tough, Seadrill Partners doesn’t have any contracts maturing until the Q2 2017 (excluding the West Vencedor). Seadrill Partners currently yields 14.30%. It has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.77

Natural Resource Partners owns, manages, and leases mineral properties in the United States. FY2014 revenue increased 11.6% year over year, but increased operational costs hit the bottom line by 24.5%. The good news is that Total Revenue Other Than Coal has increased to 43% from 23%, which should help fuel top-line growth in the future. Natural Resource Partners currently yields 17.80% and has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.05

Alon USA Partners as a refiner, Alon USA Partners, LP (ALDW) can withstand a drop in oil prices better than some of the other names on this list. The stock has appreciated 33.70% over the past year, which is pretty good comparatively. Alon USA Partners currently yields 16.00%. It has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39. This is likely to be a better long-term play than just a play for 2015

StealthGas is a seaborne provider of liquefied petroleum gas — is trading at just 11 times earnings. Over the past twelve months, it has a profit margin of 15.04%. There is no yield, but a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60 is impressive. And there is only a 1.00% short position on the stock, indicating that big money has no interest in betting against StealthGas. The company’s Q4 revenue increased 9.4% year over year. Additionally, a $10 million share buyback program was expanded to $20 million

Enphase Energy is technically listed as a tech company, but notice the second word in Enphase Energy, Inc. (ENPH). Therefore, it makes the list. Enphase Energy designs, develops, and sells microinverter systems to the solar industry. It recent beat Q4 expectations on both the top and bottom line. There is no yield, but there is no long-term debt, either. There is a 19.30% short position on the stock, which indicates high risk. On the other hand, a short squeeze would send the stock running higher in a short period of time. The stock has appreciated 71% over the past year

Renewable Energy Group converts natural fats, oils, and grease into advanced biofuels. It also converts feedstocks into renewable chemicals. The company has consistently grown its top and bottom line annually. It doesn’t offer any yield, but there is a $30 million share buyback program in place, and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36 is exemplary. There is a 12.90% short position on the stock, which can once again serve as a warning; but it can also lead to short squeeze

Chevron Corp., you might have read some negative news about Chevron Corp. (CVX) recently. In the investing world, it’s out of the loop. However, that’s absurd. Chevron was added to this list because of its phenomenal long-term results, strong balance sheet, and value. Chevron is currently trading at just 11 times earnings, it has generated $31.48 billion in operating cash flow over the past 12 months, it yields 3.80%, and it has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. Chevron might struggle in the near future, but buying shares on any dips would likely prove to be a profitable venture over the long haul

Tallgrass Energy Partners provides oil and natural gas transportation services. It has delivered consistent top-line growth annually, and it expects a compounded annual growth rate of at least 20% through 2017. Tallgrass Energy Partners currently yields 4.00%. It has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. The stock has appreciated 72.38% over the past year

Western Gas Partners owns, operates, and acquires midstream energy assets. It recently reaffirmed its guidance of at least 15% distribution growth in 2015 — impressive given the current commodity climate. Western Gas Partners currently yields 3.90%. It has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60