Without higher commodity prices as a general-interest magnet, how should wary investors spot winning E&P stocks in this year? Four analysts weighed in with Oil and Gas Investor about nine upstream small- and mid-cap stocks that will definitely be worth watching. In April, look for my “Stocks to Watch” feature story in Oil and Gas Investor and on OilandGasInvestor.com to find out which E&P company is: --on a path of more than doubling its size on a production and reserves basis over the next three to four years. --a likely takeout candidate for $20-billion-plus companies looking to enter the U.S. shales. --achieving some of the best rates of return in the business for its core development as oil prices continue to stabilize. --setting its sights on the Cana shale, after years of skepticism about unconventional assets. --off to a great start opening a massive trend in the Gulf of Mexico. --using its experience in working high-decline assets in the Rockies to turn solid profits in the Marcellus shale. --based in U.S. but blazing an impressive exploration trail overseas under the guidance of an E&P veteran. --making the most of $70 oil in the Permian Basin. --combining low operating costs and 20% production growth rates that can be repeated for the next three years. As a complement to the story, an exclusive audio interview with Fadel Gheit, managing director of oil and gas research, Oppenheimer & Co., is now posted at OilandGasInvestor.com. Gheit discusses investor sentiment toward energy, favor for oil-weighted E&Ps and top stocks’ characteristics. –Bertie Taylor, Senior Editor, Oil and Gas Investor, btaylor@hartenergy.com, 713-260-6497.