China Integrated Energy, Inc. (CBEH) - Smallcap Chinese Oil Play

I think it's fair to say that Chinese oil consumption is only going to continue it's upward trend in the coming few years. China has already surpassed the United States in car sales as more people relocate from rural farming communities into the cities. Many industries are expanding, bringing in more workers willing to commute longer distances. All of which points to increasing oil consumption in China. The question is, what is the best way to play this ongoing trend? Many Chinese energy plays remain undervalued at this time despite recent gains, giving many options to play the trend. While not to everyone's taste, I personally like to focus on smallcap stocks that I believe are undervalued.

One company that has caught my eye in recent months is China Integrated Energy, Inc. (CBEH), formerly known as China Bio-Energy Holding Group. The company is engaged in three business segments, the development, production, and distribution of bio-diesel, the wholesale distribution and processing of heavy oil and finished oil products, and the sale of gasoline and diesel at retail gas stations. Actually, the bio-diesel segment really doesn't excite me especially. The main reason I like this company as an investment is the growing network of retail gas stations.

The company recently announced the purchase of 2 additional gas stations in Shaanxi province, bringing the total to twelve at this time. CBEH also plans to acquire a further 5-7 gas stations in the coming 12 months. The company has the ability to provide stable supply to all of the gas stations in its network. Being a vertically integrated energy company allows the company to achieve higher profit margins, and the simplicity of the company business model is something I find attractive as an investment. As of September 2009, the company reported average gross margins of 13.3% for its retail gas stations, a figure which I would anticipate growing significantly in 2010 with increased sales.

So how do the fundamentals stack up? The company has a market cap of $276M, with very little debt and a current ratio of almost 9. CBEH boasts a return on equity of almost 25% and a price to sales ratio of just 1.08. The company has demonstrated a trend of increasing sales and revenues over several years and has established a strong cash position in order to undertake further acquisitions. The shares currently trade at $8.49 and I would anticipate a 12-month target of $11-13.

Disclosure: At the time of writing the author held shares in China Integrated Energy, Inc. (CBEH).

Quicksilver Gas Services - KGS

Quicksilver Gas Services (KGS) is in the business of gathering and transporting natural gas and liquid natural gas through its pipeline assets and processing facilities in Texas. These services are provided under fee-based contracts, whereby the Company receives fixed fees for performing the gathering and processing services. Quicksilver Gas Services (KGS) does not take title to the natural gas or associated natural gas liquids that it gathers and processes and thus avoids direct commodity price exposure. This is what sets Quicksilver Gas Services (KGS) apart from similar pipeline companies.

Quicksilver Gas Services (KGS) currently trades at a trailing P/E of 13.81, and pays a dividend of 11%. The company has demonstrated good levels of earnings and revenue growth, depsite the economic slowdown, and I anticipate a 12-month price target of $18-20 as the economic outlook improves in the second half of the year. My major concern about the company is the increasing level of debt that the company is taking on.

Disclosure: At the time of writing the author did not hold shares in Quicksilver Gas Services (KGS).

Dorchester Minerals LP - DMLP

Dorchester Minerals LP (DMLP) is the owner of natural gas and oil royalty properties. The company has practically no debt, high insider ownership, proven reserves and additional mineral interests.

The price of DMLP stock is mostly influenced by long-term oil and natural gas prices, and as such has suffered in recent months falling to a 52 week low of $14.80. DMLP currently trades at $17.74, well below the 52 week high of $36.49, which I believe presents real value as energy prices will resume their upward trend over the long term. While you are waiting for the stock price to recover, Dorchester Minerals LP (DMLP) boasts a generous 12.2% dividend yield.

While I fully expect renewable and green technologies to play an increasing role in energy production in the future, oil and natural gas will remain a major source of energy in the intermediate term. Dorchester Minerals LP (DMLP) currently trades at a trailing P/E of 7.4 and I anticipate a 12-month price target of $25 as the economic outlook improves in the second half of the year.

Disclosure: At the time of writing the author did not hold shares in Dorchester Minerals LP (DMLP). As a Limited Partnership, capital gains are factored differently, so please consult with a tax adviser prior to investing.

Hugoton Royalty Trust - HGT

With an 80% net profit interest in XTO Energy (XTO) projects that span three states, including the prolific Anadarko basin, Hugoton Royalty Trust (HGT) provides good exposure to the natural gas sector, while at the same time giving the investor significant royalty income.

The price of HGT stock is mostly influenced by the long-term natural gas price, and as such has suffered in recent months falling to a 52 week low of $14. HGT currently trades at $16.98, a far cry from the 52 week high of $37.86, which I believe presents real value once natural gas prices resume an upward trend.

While I fully expect renewable and green technologies to play an increasing role in energy production in the future, natural gas will remain a major source of energy in the intermediate term. Hugoton Royalty Trust (HGT) currently trades at a trailing P/E of 5.98 and I anticipate a 12-month price target of $20 as the economic outlook improves in the second half of the year.

Disclosure: At the time of writing the author held shares in Hugoton Royalty Trust (HGT).