Thanks to new drilling techniques, the United States is sitting atop a gas bonanza. Just how much natural gas? That depends whom you ask. But whatever the current estimates are, they are likely to rise in the near future thanks to a new shale play called the Utica Shale, which some believe is destined to become the premiere gas field in the world.
Meet the drillers
Intrigued by the prospects of the Utica, Consol Energy
Chevron
Range you can believe in
Range Resources
The reason is because the Utica Shale is partially located beneath the Marcellus Shale. This allows companies like Range Resources to tap another shale from the same well and substantially drive down costs in the process (a double dip, so to speak). Pinkerton predicts shareholders stand to make a "whole bunch of dough" from the deal.
The bottom line
It should be noted shareholders of these companies won't make jack unless demand for natural gas surges, which I believe it will. So don't drag your feet on this investment opportunity. In 2004, few had heard of the Marcellus Shale; currently, it's one of the largest gas fields in the world. It is likely the potential of the Utica will soon be realized. Do your due diligence and act accordingly.