Top Five Large-Cap Stocks: July 16

Looking ahead to the rest of fiscal 2008, Questar increased its EPS forecast to a range of $3.25 to $3.40 a share from previous guidance of $3.05 to $3.20 a share. The company also raised its production forecasts for the full year. However, any significant decline in natural gas and oil prices could affect the company's business severely, as could any unfavorable regulatory actions.

Murphy Oil(MUR Quote) is a worldwide oil and gas exploration and production company. The company is headquartered in El Dorado, Ark. Murphy explores for and produces crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids worldwide, with refining and marketing businesses in North Africa and the U.K. In the U.S., Murphy produces oil and natural gas from six fields operated by the company and three operated by others. Murphy also conducts exploration and production operations in Canada, Malaysia, Ecuador and the U.K.

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 90.6%, and net income increased by 269.7%.

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 earnings per share (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 47.46% over the past year.