Head to Head Contrast: Stratex Oil & Gas (OTCMKTS:STTX) and Northern Oil and Gas (NYSE:NOG)

Northern Oil and Gas (NYSE:NOG) and Stratex Oil & Gas (OTCMKTS:STTX) are both energy companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, valuation, earnings, profitability, risk, analyst recommendations and dividends.

Profitability

This table compares Northern Oil and Gas and Stratex Oil & Gas’ net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
Northern Oil and Gas	7.61%	20.61%	8.60%
Stratex Oil & Gas	N/A	N/A	N/A

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Northern Oil and Gas and Stratex Oil & Gas”s revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
Northern Oil and Gas	$2.23 billion	1.20	$520.31 million	$1.77	15.50
Stratex Oil & Gas	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Northern Oil and Gas has higher revenue and earnings than Stratex Oil & Gas.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

98.8% of Northern Oil and Gas shares are held by institutional investors. 2.9% of Northern Oil and Gas shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current ratings for Northern Oil and Gas and Stratex Oil & Gas, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
Northern Oil and Gas	1	5	3	1	2.40
Stratex Oil & Gas	0	0	0	0	0.00

Northern Oil and Gas currently has a consensus target price of $29.29, suggesting a potential upside of 6.77%. Given Northern Oil and Gas’ stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts plainly believe Northern Oil and Gas is more favorable than Stratex Oil & Gas.

Risk & Volatility

Northern Oil and Gas has a beta of 1.01, suggesting that its stock price is 1% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Stratex Oil & Gas has a beta of 2.23, suggesting that its stock price is 123% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Northern Oil and Gas beats Stratex Oil & Gas on 10 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Northern Oil and Gas

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc., an independent energy company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, exploitation, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas properties in the United States. It primarily holds interests in the Williston Basin, the Appalachian Basin, and the Permian Basin in the United States. The company is based in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

About Stratex Oil & Gas

Stratex Oil & Gas Holdings, Inc., an independent energy company, focuses on the acquisition, exploitation, and development of crude oil in Kansas and Texas, as well as non-operated working interests in North Dakota, Montana, Utah, Colorado, and Kansas. The company is also involved in the sale of oil and gas. The company was formerly known as Poway Muffler and Brake, Inc. and changed its name to Stratex Oil & Gas Holdings, Inc. in May 2012. Stratex Oil & Gas Holdings, Inc. is based in Salt Lake City, Utah.