Top Five All-Around Value Stocks

Murphy Oil has been rated a buy since March 2003. The company's strengths include its healthy growth in net income and revenue, solid stock performance and impressive record of earnings-per-share growth. For the fourth quarter, the company reported year-over-year revenue growth of 91%, and net income increased 270%. The growth in net income was driven by higher crude oil prices and sales volume, while higher natural gas prices and an increase in the average daily production of natural gas and crude oil contributed to the improved revenue.

The company reported significant EPS growth to $2.14 from 58 cents a year ago, continuing its pattern of positive EPS growth over the past two years. Additionally, Murphy Oil's stock price has surged 47% over the past year.

It is important to remember that any unexpected sharp downturn in oil and gas prices could negatively affect Murphy Oil's earnings. In addition, oil prices, which are highly volatile and cyclical in nature, are trading at record levels and could be vulnerable to weaker economic conditions. High prices may also create heightened demand for low-cost alternatives, and could thus hurt overall demand for oil and gas products.

Total TOT is a multinational energy company that maintains operations in more than 130 countries. Together with its subsidiaries, the company engages in all aspects of the petroleum industry, including both upstream (oil and gas exploration, development and production, liquefied natural gas) and downstream operations (refining, marketing, trading and shipping crude oil and petroleum products). The company also produces base chemicals such as petrochemicals and fertilizers, cholorochemicals, performance polymers and specialty chemicals for the industrial and consumer markets. Additionally, Total has interests in the coals mining and power generation.