Energy

It's time to get an energy stock. Here's a problem I haven't encountered yet, too many good companies. So I'm going to start the energy play in Natural Gas. Why? Because I don't think these will get annihilated if the Democrats control both the Executive and Legislative branches of government this winter. I have no hard evidence that either will occur, I'm simply taking one of Descartes reasons to believe in God (If He does not exist, then death is like a long nights sleep, no big deal. If He does exist, then you don't want to be on the opposite side. But I digress.) So here goes...

Apache (APA): Stock Price = $139; P/E = 16.6; Dividend = $0.15/share; Sales Growth = 20%; Insider Activity = massive selling in the past 6 months.
Verdict: pass on it

Anadarko (APC): SP = $67; P/E = 8.4; Div = $0.09; SG = 55%; IA = very little activity in either direction. Random note: Saw an interview with the CEO and he seems like a straight shooter who gets things done.
Verdict: in the running

Atlas (ATN): SP = $41; P/E = 18; Div = $0.57; SG = 80%; IA = none
Verdict: pass on it. Is the dividend too good?

Chesapeake (CHK): SP = $50; P/E = 19; Div = $0.0675; SG = %6.5; IA = massive buying
Verdict: in the running

Marathon Oil (MRO): SP = $49; P/E = 8.6; Div = $0.24; SG = -0.4%; IA = lots of "awards" very little buy and sell
Verdict: pass on it

XTO Energy (XTO): SP = $67; P/E = 19; Div = $0.12; SG = 20%; IA = some selling, mostly exercise options.
Verdict: in the running

Finalists: APC, CHK, XTO

The winner(s) will be announced when (1) money is transfered (2) on a pull back.

--Brad