Top Five All-Around Value Stocks

The prices of oil and natural gas have increased sharply over the past two years and are likely to remain at higher levels for the foreseeable future. There are, however, several potential risks to the buy rating. Oil and gas prices remain volatile and cyclical in nature, and a sharp downturn in prices could hurt Petrobras. Also, the company is somewhat vulnerable to production disruptions, since its production facilities are based in remote and politically sensitive regions.

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Total S.A.(TOT Quote), an integrated oil and gas company, has been rated a buy since July 2005. The company's revenue growth outpaces that of the industry average, driving higher earnings. Total has demonstrated a pattern of positive EPS growth over the past year, a trend that should continue.

This steady revenue and earnings growth has helped the stock appreciate 30.7% in the 12 months prior to July 13. Even though it has already enjoyed a nice gain the past year, Total's stock should continue to move higher. These strengths outweigh the company's low profit margins.

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Deere & Co.(DE Quote) has been rated a buy since June 2005. It recently completed the acquisition of Lesco, a leading supplier of lawn care, landscape, golf course and pest-control products, which doubled the number of wholesale distributor locations for its landscaping equipment. Deere is well-positioned to benefit from the surge in corn production -- driven by increased demand for ethanol -- which could compel farmers to buy more equipment.