What Investors Need to Watch With Kodiak Oil & Gas

In the following video, the Fool's Joel South reviews the important performance metrics for Kodiak Oil & Gas as it heads into 2013.

First, Joel looks at production. Is Kodiak consistently reaching management's outlines for production guidance? How does the company compare with other companies working in the same North Dakota counties?

Second, Joel examines cost-cutting. Producing oil in the Williston Basin is an expensive proposition, and Kodiak needs to keep its expenses to a minimum. Q4 2012 saw Kodiak reducing its lease operating expenses, for example. Investors should be sure to look for additional cost-cutting efforts.

Joel then looks at hedging. Oil prices fluctuate, and Joel believes Kodiak needs to have itself at least 85% hedged to protect itself from an unexpected decline in oil revenues.

Kodiak Oil & Gas is a dynamic growth story, but with great opportunities come great risks. Before you hitch your horse to this carriage, let us help you with your due diligence. To see whether Kodiak is currently a buy or a sell, check out our new premium report, which comes with a year of timely updates and analysis.

The article What Investors Need to Watch With Kodiak Oil & Gas originally appeared on Fool.com.

Joel South owns shares of SandRidge Energy. The Motley Fool has no positions in the stocks mentioned above. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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