3 Exciting Energy Growth Plays: Kodiak Oil & Gas Corp (USA) (KOG), Rex Energy Corporation (REXX), Magnum Hunter Resources Corp (MHR)

We are in the midst of an energy revolution like we never dreamed possible. Trapped beneath our great country are vast oil and gas resources that we’re still learning how to access. Our oil and gas production is expected to grow rapidly over the coming decade; as it does, three tiny energy companies have the potential for very big futures.

Just the Bakken, please
Weighing in at an enterprise value just shy of $4 billion, Oil & Gas Corp (USA) (NYSE:KOG) is the largest company on this list but a real runt when compared to more well-known energy companies. The company is almost solely focused on oil and gas production in the Bakken, which has helped it to grow its production at an unbelievable rate. In fact, from 2011 to 2012 it grew  production by a staggering 270% and it’s projected to double production again this year. To get there, the company is planning to spend nearly $750 million to drill 75 new wells.

With an inventory of more than 950 future wells, Kodiak Oil & Gas Corp (USA) (NYSE:KOG) still has a huge growth runway ahead. This is especially true when you consider the company currently has just 125 wells. With its shares up more than 300% over the past five years, its returns over the next five could be even better. If you want to invest in the growth of the Bakken, Kodiak is certainly worth a deeper look.

I’ll take the Marcellus, with a side of Utica
If you thought Kodiak Oil & Gas Corp (USA) (NYSE:KOG) was small, tiny Rex Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:REXX) weighs in at an enterprise value of just over a billion dollars. Don’t let its small size fool you: This energy underdog could grow up to be a top dog someday. Its operations are mainly focused on the Marcellus Shale, with emerging growth coming from the Utica Shale. Since 2009 the company has grown its production by a compound annual rate of 50%.

Rex Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:REXX) is planning to spend about $250 million to grow production over the next year and expects to see those funds to yield a 30%-40% boost in production. The big story here is that the growth will be in the all-important liquids department — overall liquids growth will come in at 70%, with oil and condensate growth coming in at 55% of that. If you want to stake your claim to the potential growth in the Marcellus and Utica, then Rex Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:REXX) is a name you want to get to know.