The shining star of today's article will no doubt be the eponymously named LNG producer Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (ASX: LNG); the pick of fellow Foolish contributor Owen Raskiewicz. Up 500% since he recommended it in March, it's rightfully captured the attention of the market (congratulations Owen).
Each of these other four companies shine brightly in their own way however, and I'll cover them one by one to see if there's still value to be found for the shrewd investor.
Liquefied Natural Gas – Hold
This one is nearly impossible to value thanks to the market attention it's gathered in the past few weeks. I have no doubt there will be some profit taking soon which could see the price pegged back, but even so trying to choose a reasonable price for a long-term buy and hold strategy is a tough gig. Your best place to start is right here, with Owen's original article.
Yellow Brick Road Holdings Ltd (ASX: YBR) – Buy or Hold
Set to announce its maiden profit in 2015, this company has gone from strength to strength in the past year.
Recent announcements include a share buyback scheme, acquisition of a large financial company, and a deal with Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) to access their advertising platforms at a discounted rate. Yellow Brick Road is gearing up for success in a big way and I'm not betting against it.
Macquarie Atlas Roads Limited (ASX: MQA) – Hold
The chief drawcard of Atlas is its almost-guaranteed revenue system from toll roads and the potential for limited growth through toll increases and increased vehicle traffic.
Its revenue is earned solely in foreign currencies (GBP, USD, EUR), which makes it an appealing investment in times of a weaker AU dollar. Investors are well aware of its potential however, and Atlas has risen 80% in the past twelve months alone.
A substantial weakening of the Aussie dollar or its price would edge Macquarie Atlas up into 'Buy' territory for me.
Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) – Buy or Hold
Up 47% in the past year as improved earnings lift the company's fortunes, Macquarie Group is still on my buyer's radar thanks to its strong earnings prospects for 2015. A recent capital reduction program involving the divestment of Sydney Airport Holdings Ltd (ASX: SYD) reduced Macquarie's shares on issue by just over 5%, which should help boost earnings further.
Oil Search Limited (ASX: OSH) – Hold or Sell
I've written on Oil Search before, and I stand by my opinion that the company is grossly overpriced, even with its potential LNG expansion coming online soon. I don't know if I would sell just yet because I think the market is likely to lift Oil Search even higher, but I am doubtful of buyers at today's prices earning a reasonable return on their investment.
It's worth noting that Oil Search's P/E ratio currently floats around 57, and analysts at Morningstar estimates the company to have a fair value of $6.50. For my money, Beach Energy Limited (ASX: BPT) or Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) offer a safer investment.
But maybe investors shouldn't be surprised that so many oil/gas producers are at all-time highs. With production ramping up over the next few years and Australia set to become the second-largest LNG exporter in the world, is it any surprise investors are flocking to these shares?
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