Top Five All-Around Value Stocks

Total has been rated a buy since September 2004, showing strengths in increased net income and revenue, solid stock performance, and a remarkable record of earnings per share growth. For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, Total's revenue grew 32% year over year, which in turn helped boost EPS to $2.48 from $1.50 in the fourth quarter of 2006. Additionally, the company has demonstrated positive EPS growth over the past two years. Net income increased 64% from the year-ago quarter.

As part of its policy to combat global climate change, Total launched a pilot program in 2007 to test new technology for the capture and sequestration of carbon dioxide. Also in 2007, the company signed a major agreement with Gazprom, worked to improve its refining and petrochemicals operations, and made further advances in alternative energies.

Total anticipates significant production growth in fiscal 2008 due to the ramp in production from Dolphin in Qatar and the commencement of production from several projects, including one in the U.K. and one in Congo. Bear in mind, however, that a number of risk factors could affect Total's future results, including fluctuations in currency or the price of petroleum products, environmental regulatory considerations, and general economic conditions.

Nucor NUE manufactures steel products and is also one of the nation's largest recyclers of scrap metal. The company has facilities in 13 states and operates in two segments: Steel Mills and Steel Products. The Steel Mills segment produces both hot-rolled steel, manufactured from scrap, and cold-rolled steel made by further processing hot-rolled steel. The steel products segment produces items such as steel joists and joist girders, steel deck, cold-finished steel, steel fasteners, metal building systems and light gauge steel framing.