Monday, December 25, 2017

The Pros And Cons Of Investing In Oil

By Anthony Parker


While most investments are dangerous, there are some which can often be detrimental to financial well being. One of these is when investing in oil. For, unless an individual has a clear understanding of the industry and how companies operate, it can often be easy to lose everything in a short amount of time.

In some cases, the fossil fuels industry is similar to the stock market. However, it should be noted owners and operators often have to pay high dollar invoices for operating costs. When prices rise and fall in the industry, so to the value of holdings whether a working or royalty interest. As a result, the one that profits most in this type investing is that of the oil company in charge of the lease and operations on a project.

As individuals own either royalty or working interest, most have to pay operating costs, property tax and associated fees. If the dividends an investor receives does not cover these costs, then one can lose a great deal of money rather quickly. As such, before investing in a specific well or operation, it is good to review as much history as possible before making an initial investment.

Investors working with an accounting firm, a big bank or investment firm, need to have a clear understanding with regards to various accounting and service fees. It should be noted that these fees are separate and apart from any operating costs which may be tied to an investment. As such, it is also important to recognize when an operation is costing more than the profits an investor is receiving.

As a result, if one is going to invest in this area, it can often be better to go through a private investment firm rather than a large bank. For, there have been times when trust departments at big bands have sold other holdings in order to pay fess which a client may owe on the account. As with other investments, if the monies are not paid, then the holdings are often acquired by company.

Many individuals think investing in the industry will result in a get rich quick scheme. In fact, the industry is one in which it can be very difficult to see a profit due to all the overhead and operating costs associated with a well. As such, it is important to learn all aspects of the industry before making an initial investment.

It should be noted that when the price per barrel of oil changes so too gas prices. Most people have seen how gas prices can change rapidly over time. These changes in price are often reflected in dividends paid to investors. As such, there is no rhyme or reason as to the amount of dividends an investor in this area is going to receive during each pay-out.

Even though there are risks, it does not mean that this type of investing is necessarily bad, just costly. Whether or not an individual makes money or otherwise, values are going to change over time. For those whom can hang on for the long haul, afford to pay fees and taxes, even in down times, then it is often possible to rebound at some point in the future.




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