Safety & growth buy

Article Excerpt

Oil prices fell from their July 2008 peak of $148 U.S. a barrel to just under $40 U.S. in February 2009. Prices then more than doubled, to $90 U.S. in May 2010. They have since fallen to $72 U.S., mostly due to worries about a slower-than-expected economic recovery. It will take years before oil exceeds its 2008 high. But it could rebound to $90 or higher. As well, oil is a good hedge against inflation. We feel the best way to cut your risk in the volatile oil industry is by investing in well-established producers like IMPERIAL OIL $38.99 (Toronto symbol IMO; Shares outstanding: 847.6 million; Market cap: $33.0 billion; SI Rating: Average; Dividend yield: 1.1%). Imperial’s large reserves should last decades. Moreover, the company focuses on politically stable North America. Imperial earned $0.56 a share in the three months ended March 31, 2010. That’s up 69.7% from $0.33 a year earlier. A 56% rise in oil prices helped offset a 16% drop…