Top 5 All-Around-Value Stocks for Nov. 25

Management stated that the company was able to deliver strong financial results despite world financial uncertainty in the third quarter. The company plans to continue with plans for disciplined capital investments in the future, staying consistent with previous guidance of about $25 billion for full year capital and exploration expenditures. Fourth quarter earnings are expected to be reduced due to damage repairs and lower volumes across all business lines as a result of Hurricane Gustav and Ike, although the majority of the company's operations are now back on-line or are in the final stages of start-up. It is important to remember that the company's performance largely depends on the movement of crude oil and natural gas prices, and any adverse pricing changes could therefore negatively impact future results.

Praxair(PX Quote) is a global industrial gases company. Our buy rating for Praxair has been in place since December 2002. This rating is supported by the company's strong growth in revenue and EPS, notable ROE, good cash flow from operations and expanding profit margins.

The company reported record net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, earnings $355 million compared with $305 million one year prior. Earnings per share improved 18.1% year over year, rising from 94 cents to $1.11. These results were boosted by Praxair's revenues, which grew 20.2% in the third quarter. ROE can be considered a modest strength for Praxair, having improved slightly from 23.2% to 27.1% over the past year. Net operating cash flow also increased slightly to $603 million. In addition, we consider Praxair's gross profit margin of 39.2% to be strong. Although the profit margin is high, the company has managed to decrease it from the same period last year.