Petroleum production gives Hess Oil a boost.
Despite being down right now on the stock market, Hess Oil (HES) is likely to see some growth in the coming months, along with its Big Oil peers. MarketWatch reports on the latest report from Hess:
Hess Oil said Wednesday its fourth-quarter net income climbed 42% as it boosted petroleum production during a period of record oil prices, even as refining profits fell.
Hess isn't among the well-known Big Oil companies. And its income pales in comparison to Exxon (XOM — up today). However, the company does look interestingly poised for growth. And its focus on petroleum production will help, since rising oil prices (assuming the "economic stimulus" package works) will help in that area.
But caution is necessary. Amongst oil and energy stocks, Hess is considered something of a growth stock. Here is what Morningstar points out about Hess:
This stock has done even better than most of its peers as far as top-line growth is concerned–its revenues have grown very rapidly over the past three years. …
Note that this stock's sustainable growth rate is quite a bit less than the rate at which its earnings per share have grown.
This means that while Hess has the potential to grow rapidly, its revenue growth may be unsustainable. And oil and other energy stocks have been rather vulnerable lately. If you feel that Hess has continued to potential, now may be the time to buy while the stock is down most days.
From an environmentally friendly standpoint, Hess is fairly good about taking responsibility and cleaning up spills. Additionally, it is among the better-rated oil companies internationally, although pollution is part of the business.
Disclosure: I do not invest in Hess or Exxon.