Top 5 Gas Stocks To Buy Right Now

With shares of National Oilwell Varco�(NYSE:NOV) trading around $82, is NOV an OUTPERFORM, WAIT AND SEE, or STAY AWAY? Let�� analyze the stock with the relevant sections of our CHEAT SHEET investing framework:

T = Trends for a Stock�� Movement

National Oilwell Varco provides equipment and components for oil and gas drilling and production; oilfield services; and supply chain integration services to the upstream oil and gas industry worldwide. Its Rig Technology segment offers offshore and onshore drilling rigs; derricks; pipe lifting, racking, rotating, and assembly systems; rig instrumentation and turret mooring systems; blowout preventers; coiled tubing equipment and pressure pumping units; well workover rigs; wireline winches and trucks; cranes; flexible pipe; and other products for floating production, storage, and offloading vessels, and other offshore vessels and terminals. The companys Petroleum Services and Supplies segment provides consumable goods and services to drill, complete, remediate, and workover oil and gas wells; and service drill pipe, tubing, casing, flowlines; and other oilfield tubular goods.

Best Dividend Stocks To Own Right Now: MPLX LP (MPLX)

MPLX LP, incorporated on March 27, 2012, is a fee-based limited partnership formed by Marathon Petroleum Corporation to own, operate, develop and acquire crude oil, refined product and other hydrocarbon-based product pipelines and other midstream assets. The Company�� assets consist of a 51% indirect interest in a network of common carrier crude oil and product pipeline systems and associated storage assets in the Midwest and Gulf Coast regions of the United States.

The Company generates revenue by charging tariffs for transporting crude oil, refined products and other hydrocarbon-based products through its pipelines and at its barge dock and fees for storing crude oil and products at its storage facilities. The Company is also the operator of additional crude oil and product pipelines owned by Marathon Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries (MPC) and third parties, for which it is paid operating fees.

The Company�� assets consist of a 51% partner interest in Pipe Line Holdings, an entity which owns a 100.0% interest in Marathon Pipe Line LLC (MPL) and Ohio River Pipe Line LLC (ORPL), which in turn own: a network of pipeline systems, which includes approximately 962 miles of common carrier crude oil pipelines and approximately 1,819 miles of common carrier product pipelines extending across nine states. This network includes approximately 153 miles of common carrier crude oil and product pipelines, which it operates under long-term leases with third parties; a barge dock located on the Mississippi River near Wood River, Illinois, and crude oil and product tank farms located in Patoka, Wood River and Martinsville, Illinois and Lebanon, Indiana; and a 100.0% interest in a butane cavern located in Neal, West Virginia, which serves MPC�� Catlettsburg, Kentucky refinery.

Crude Oil Pipeline Systems

The Company�� crude oil pipeline systems and related assets are positioned to support crude oil supply options for MPC�� Midwest refineries, whic! h receive imported and domestic crude oil through a range of sources. Imported and domestic crude oil is transported to supply hubs in Wood River and Patoka, Illinois from a range of regions, including Cushing, Oklahoma on the Ozark pipeline system; Western Canada, Wyoming and North Dakota on the Keystone, Platte, Mustang and Enbridge pipeline systems, and the Gulf Coast on the Capline crude oil pipeline system.

The Company�� Patoka to Lima crude system is comprised of approximately 76 miles of 20-inch pipeline extending from Patoka, Illinois to Martinsville, Illinois, and approximately 226 miles of 22-inch pipeline extending from Martinsville to Lima, Ohio. This system also includes associated breakout tankage. Crude oil delivered on this system to MPC�� tank farm in Lima can then be shipped to MPC�� Canton, Ohio refinery through MPC�� Lima to Canton pipeline, to MPC�� Detroit refinery through MPC�� undivided joint interest portion of the Maumee pipeline, and its Samaria to Detroit pipeline, or to other third-party refineries owned by BP, Husky Energy, and PBF Energy in Lima and Toledo, Ohio.

The Company�� Catlettsburg and Robinson crude system is consisted of the pipelines: Patoka to Robinson and Patoka to Catlettsburg. Its Patoka to Robinson pipeline consists of approximately 78 miles of 20-inch pipeline, which delivers crude oil from Patoka, Illinois to MPC�� Robinson, Illinois refinery. Its Patoka to Catlettsburg pipeline consists of approximately 140 miles of 20-inch pipeline extending from Patoka, Illinois to Owensboro, Kentucky, and approximately 266 miles of 24-inch pipeline extending from Owensboro to MPC�� Catlettsburg, Kentucky refinery. Crude oil can enter this pipeline at Patoka, and into the Owensboro to Catlettsburg portion of the pipelines at Lebanon Junction, Kentucky, from the third-party Mid-Valley system.

The Company�� Detroit crude system is consisted of Samaria to Detroit and Romulus to Detroit. Its Samaria to Detroit pi! peline co! nsists of approximately 44 miles of 16-inch pipeline that delivers crude oil from Samaria, Michigan to MPC�� Detroit, Michigan refinery. This pipeline includes a tank farm and crude oil truck offloading facility located at Samaria.

The Company�� Romulus to Detroit pipeline consists of approximately 17 miles of 16-inch pipeline extending from Romulus, Michigan to MPC�� Detroit, Michigan refinery. Its Wood River to Patoka crude system is consisted of two pipelines: Wood River to Patoka and Roxanna to Patoka. Its Wood River to Patoka pipeline consists of approximately 57 miles of 22-inch pipeline, which delivers crude oil received in Wood River, Illinois from the third-party Platte and Ozark pipeline systems to Patoka, Illinois.

The Company�� Roxanna to Patoka pipeline consists of approximately 58 miles of 12-inch pipeline, which transports crude oil received in Roxanna, Illinois from the Ozark pipeline system to its tank farm in Patoka, Illinois.

Product Pipeline Systems

The Company�� product pipeline systems are positioned to transport products from five of MPC�� refineries to MPC�� marketing operations, as well as those of third parties. These pipeline systems also supply feedstocks to MPC�� Midwest refineries. These product pipeline systems are integrated with MPC�� expansive network of refined product marketing terminals, which support MPC�� integrated midstream business.

The Company�� Gulf Coast product pipeline systems include Garyville products system and Texas City products system. The Company�� Garyville products system is consisted of approximately 70 miles of 20-inch pipeline, which delivers refined products from MPC�� Garyville, Louisiana refinery to either the Plantation Pipeline in Baton Rouge, Louisiana or the MPC Zachary breakout tank farm in Zachary, Louisiana, and approximately two miles of 36-inch pipeline that delivers refined products from the MPC tank farm to Colonial Pipeline in Zachary.

The Company�� Texas City products system is comprised of approximately 39 miles of 16-inch pipeline that delivers refined products from refineries owned by MPC, BP and Valero in Texas City, Texas to MPC�� Pasadena breakout tank farm and third-party terminals in Pasadena, Texas. The system also includes approximately three miles of 30- and 36-inch pipeline that delivers refined products from MPC�� Pasadena breakout tank farm to the third-party TEPPCO and Centennial pipeline systems.

The Company�� Midwest product pipeline systems include Ohio River Pipe Line (ORPL) products system, Robinson products system and Louisville Airport products system. The Company�� ORPL products system is consisted of Kenova to Columbus, Canton to East Sparta, East Sparta to Heath, East Sparta to Midland, Heath to Dayton, and Heath to Findlay.

The Company�� Kenova to Columbus pipeline consists of approximately 150 miles of 14-inch pipeline that delivers refined products from MPC�� Catlettsburg refinery to MPC�� Columbus, Ohio area terminals. Its Canton to East Sparta pipeline consists of two parallel pipelines, which connect MPC�� Canton, Ohio refinery with its East Sparta, Ohio breakout tankage and station. The first pipeline consists of approximately 8.5 miles of six-inch pipeline that delivers products (distillates) from Canton to East Sparta. The second pipeline consists of approximately 8.5 miles of six-inch bi-directional pipeline, which can deliver products (gasoline) from Canton to East Sparta or light petroleum-based feedstocks from East Sparta to Canton.

The Company�� East Sparta to Heath pipeline consists of approximately 81 miles of eight-inch pipeline that delivers products from its East Sparta, Ohio breakout tankage and station to MPC�� terminal in Heath, Ohio. The Company�� East Sparta to Midland pipeline consists of approximately 62 miles of eight-inch bi-directional pipeline, which can deliver products and light petroleum-based feedstocks betwe! en its br! eak-out tankage and station in East Sparta, Ohio and MPC�� terminal in Midland, Pennsylvania. MPC�� Midland terminal has a marketing load rack and is able to connect to other Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-area terminals through a pipeline owned by Buckeye Pipe Line Company, L.P. and a river loading/unloading dock for products and petroleum feedstocks. This pipeline can also transport products to MPC�� terminals in Steubenville and Youngstown, Ohio through a connection at West Point, Ohio with a pipeline owned by MPC.

The Company�� Heath to Dayton pipeline consists of approximately 108 miles of six-inch pipeline, which delivers products from MPC�� terminals in Heath, Ohio and Columbus, Ohio to terminals owned by CITGO and Sunoco Logistics Partners, L.P. in Dayton, Ohio. This pipeline is bi-directional between Heath and Columbus for product deliveries. Its Heath to Findlay consists of approximately 100 miles of eight- and 10-inch pipeline, which delivers products from MPC�� terminal in Heath, Ohio to MPC�� pipeline break-out tankage and terminal in Findlay, Ohio. Robinson products system is consisted of Robinson to Lima, Robinson to Louisville, Robinson to Mt. Vernon, Wood River to Clermont, Dieterich to Martinsville and Wabash Pipeline System.

The Company�� Robinson to Lima pipeline consists of approximately 250 miles of 10-inch pipeline, which delivers products from MPC�� Robinson, Illinois refinery to MPC terminals in Indianapolis, Indiana, as well as to MPC terminals in Muncie, Indiana and Lima, Ohio. Its Robinson to Louisville pipeline consists of approximately 129 miles of 16-inch pipeline, which delivers products from MPC�� Robinson, Illinois refinery to two MPC and multiple third-party terminals in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition, these products can supply MPC and Valero terminals in Lexington, Kentucky through the Louisville to Lexington pipeline system owned by MPC and Valero.

The Company�� Robinson to Mt. Vernon pipeline consists of ap! proximate! ly 79 miles of 10-inch pipeline that delivers products from MPC�� Robinson, Illinois refinery to a MPC terminal located on the Ohio River in Mt. Vernon, Indiana. It leases this pipeline from a third party under a long-term lease. The Company�� Wood River to Clermont pipeline consists of approximately 153 miles of 10-inch pipeline extending from MPC�� terminal in Wood River, Illinois to Martinsville, Illinois, and approximately 156 miles of 10-inch pipeline extending from Martinsville, Illinois to Clermont, Indiana. This pipeline also includes approximately 9.5 miles of pipelines utilized for the local movement of products in and around Wood River, Illinois, and Clermont, Indiana.

The Company�� Dieterich to Martinsville pipeline consists of approximately 40 miles of 10-inch pipeline, which delivers products from the termination point of Centennial Pipeline to Martinsville, Illinois. From Martinsville, these products (including refinery feedstocks) can be distributed to MPC�� Robinson, Illinois refinery or to other destinations through our other pipeline systems. Its Wabash Pipeline System consists of three interconnected pipeline pipelines: approximately 130 miles of 12-inch pipeline extending from MPC�� terminal in Wood River, Illinois to Champaign, Illinois (the West leg); approximately 86 miles of 12-inch pipeline extending from MPC�� Robinson, Illinois refinery to Champaign (the East leg), and approximately 140 miles of 12- and 16-inch pipeline extending from the junction with the East and West legs in Champaign to MPC�� terminals in Griffith, Indiana and Hammond, Indiana. This pipeline system delivers products to MPC�� tanks at Martinsville, Champaign, Griffith and Hammond. This pipeline system also delivers products to tanks owned by Meier Oil Company at Ashkum, Illinois. The Wabash Pipeline System connects to other pipeline systems in the Chicago area through a portion of the system located beyond MPC�� Griffith terminal. The Company�� Louisville airport product! s system ! consists of approximately 14 miles of eight- and six-inch pipeline, which delivers jet fuel from MPC�� Louisville, Kentucky refined product terminals to customers at the Louisville International Airport.

Other Major Midstream Assets

The Company�� butane cavern is located in Neal, West Virginia, across the Big Sandy River from MPC�� Catlettsburg, Kentucky refinery. This storage cavern has approximately 1.0 million barrels of storage capacity and is connected to MPC�� Catlettsburg refinery. Rail access to the storage cavern is also available through connections with the refinery.

The Company�� barge dock is located on the Mississippi River in Wood River, Illinois and is used both for crude oil barge loading and products barge unloading. The barge dock is connected to its Wood River tank farm by approximately two miles of 14-inch pipeline, which transfers crude oil from the tank farm to the dock, and two 10-inch pipelines, which are each approximately two miles long and transfer products and feedstocks from the dock to the tank farm. This dock generates revenue through a FERC tariff, which is collected for the transfer and loading/unloading of crude oil and products. It also owns tank farms located in Patoka, Martinsville and Wood River, Illinois and Lebanon, Indiana, which it uses for storing both crude oil and products. These storage assets are integral to the operation of its pipeline systems in those areas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Aimee Duffy]

  Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX  ) and its master limited partnership Phillips 66 Partners (NYSE: PSXP  ) have made the headlines recently, because of how high PSXP climbed during its first day of trading. It isn't the first refiner to find success with an MLP spinoff -- Marathon Petroleum's (NYSE: MPC  ) spinoff�MPLX (NYSE: MPLX  ) is up more than 16% year to date -- and it doesn't look as if it will be the last. In this video, Fool.com contributor Aimee Duffy looks at Valero's (NYSE: VLO  ) recent affirmation of its plan to convert its logistics assets into an MLP.

Top 5 Gas Stocks To Buy Right Now: Mid-Con Energy Partners LP (MCEP)

Mid-Con Energy Partners, LP, incorporated on July 27,2001, is engaged the acquisition, exploitation and development of producing oil and natural gas properties in North America, with a focus on the Mid-Continent region of the United States. It operates as one business segment engaged in the exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas properties. Its properties are located in the Mid-Continent region of the United States in three core areas: Southern Oklahoma, Northeastern Oklahoma and parts of Oklahoma and Colorado within the Hugoton Basin. Its properties primarily consist of mature, legacy onshore oil reservoirs with long-lived, relatively predictable production profiles and low production decline rates. During June 2012, it acquired properties in the Northeastern Oklahoma area and additional working interests in its existing units in the Southern Oklahoma area in separate transactions, subject to customary purchase price.

As of December 31, 2012, its total estimated proved reserves were approximately 13.1 MMBoe, of which approximately 99% were oil and 67% were proved developed, both on a Boe basis. As of December 31, 2012, it operated 99% of its properties through its affiliate, Mid-Con Energy Operating and 99% of its properties were being produced under waterflood, in each instance on a Boe basis. Its average net production for the month ended December 31, 2012 was approximately 2,376 Boe per day and its total estimated proved reserves had an average reserve-to-production ratio of approximately 15 years. It has developed approximately 53% of total proved reserves through new waterflood projects.

The Company operates approximately 99% of its properties, as calculated on a Boe basis as of December 31, 2012, through its affiliate, Mid-Con Energy Operating. All of its non-operated wells are managed by third-party operators who are typically independent oil and natural gas companies. It designs and manages the development, recompletion or workover for all of! the wells it operates and supervise operation and maintenance activities.

Southern Oklahoma

The Highlands Unit is in the SE Joiner City Field, an oil-weighted field located in Love County, Oklahoma. Production from the Highlands Unit is from the Deese formation at an average depth of approximately 8,000 feet. The Highlands Unit was formed and is operated by its affiliate, Mid-Con Energy Operating, and is being produced under waterflood. It owns 32 gross (23 net) producing, 24 gross injection (17 net) and three gross (two net) recently drilled but not completed wells in this unit with an average working interest of 71%. As of December 31, 2012, its properties in this unit were producing 947barrels of oil (Boe) per day gross, 547 Boe per day net, and contained 3,665 million barrels of oil (MBoe) of estimated net proved reserves.

The Battle Springs Unit is in the SE Joiner City Field, an oil-weighted field located in Love County, Oklahoma. Production from the Battle Springs Unit is from the Deese formation at an average depth of approximately 8,850 feet. The Battle Springs Unit was formed and is operated by its affiliate, Mid-Con Energy Operating, and is being produced under waterflood. It owns 25 gross (13 net) producing, 18 gross injection (nine net), and one gross (one net) recently drilled but not completed wells in this unit with an average working interest of 51%. As of December 31, 2012,, its properties in this unit were producing 609 Boe per day gross, 248 Boe per day net, and contained 964 MBoe of estimated net proved reserves.

The Twin Forks Unit is in the SE Joiner City Field, an oil-weighted field located in Carter County, Oklahoma. Production from the Twin Forks Unit is from the Deese formation at an average depth of approximately 7,000 feet. The Twin Forks Unit was formed and is operated by its affiliate, Mid-Con Energy Operating, and is being produced under waterflood. It owns 10 gross (seven net) producing, four gross (three net) i! njection ! and one gross (one net) recently drilled but not completed wells in this unit with an average working interest of 64%. As of December 31, 2012,its properties in this unit were producing 975 Boe per day gross, 503 Boe per day net, and contained 1,157 MBoe of estimated net proved reserves.

The Ardmore West Unit is in the Ardmore West Field, an oil-weighted field located in Carter County, Oklahoma. Production from the Ardmore West Unit is from the Deese formation at an average depth of approximately 7,200 feet. It owns four gross (four net) producing and four gross (four net) injection and 3 gross (3 net) recently drilled but not completed wells in this unit with an average working interest of 97%. As of December 31, 2012,its properties in this unit were producing 34 Boe per day gross, 26 Boe per day net, and contained 744 MBoe of estimated net proved reserves.

The Southeast Hewitt Unit is in the SE Wilson Field, an oil-weighted field located in Carter County, Oklahoma. Production from the Southeast Hewitt Unit is from the Deese formation at an average depth of approximately 6,000 feet. The Southeast Hewitt Unit is operated by its affiliate, Mid-Con Energy Operating, and is being produced under waterflood. As of December 31, 2012, its properties in this unit were producing 192 Boe per day gross, 36 Boe per day net, and contained 111 MBoe of estimated net proved reserves for this unit.

Northeastern Oklahoma

The Cleveland Field is an oil-weighted field located in Pawnee County, Oklahoma. Production from the Cleveland Field is primarily from the multiple Pennsylvanian age sands at depths from 1,000 to 2,400 feet. Approximately 1,800 gross acres in the Cleveland Field is being operated by its affiliate, Mid-Con Energy Operating. Approximately 1,000 of the total 1,800 gross acres have been acquired in the last four years. It has been actively developing its Cleveland Field leases through drilling, recompletions and workovers, resulting in increase of net prod! uction wi! thin the last two years. The majority of Mid-Con Energy Operating operated leases are produced under waterflood. It operates 118 gross (114 net) producing wells and 29 gross (27 net) injection wells in this field with an average working interest of 97%. As of December 31, 2012,, its properties in this field were producing 320 Boe per day gross, 269 Boe per day net, and contained 2,127 MBoe of estimated net proved reserves. The Cleveland Field is flooded on a lease basis and not as a unit, with the date of production response to injection varying from lease to lease.

The Cushing Field, one of the oil fields (by total historical production volume) in the United States is an oil-weighted field located in Creek County, Oklahoma. Production from the Cushing Field is primarily from multiple Pennsylvanian age sands at depths from 1,200 to 2,500 feet. Its affiliate, Mid-Con Energy Operating, operates approximately 3,360 acres in the Cushing Field, the majority of which are being produced under waterflood. It operates 79 gross (30 net) producing wells and 39 gross (14 net) injection wells in this field with an average working interest of 37%. As of December 31, 2012,its properties in this field were producing 346 Boe per day gross, 108 Boe per day net, and contained 689 MBoe of estimated net proved reserves. The Cushing field is flooded on a lease basis and not as units, with waterflood responses varying from lease to lease.

The Skiatook Waterflood Project is in the Skiatook Field, an oil-weighted field located in Osage County, Oklahoma. Production from the Skiatook Project is primarily from the Bartlesville and Burgess formations at an average depth of approximately 1,600 feet. The Skiatook Project was developed by and is operated by its affiliate, Mid-Con Energy Operating, and is being produced under waterflood. It owns 13 gross (13 net) producing and 3 gross (3 net) injection wells in this field with a working interest of 100%. As of December 31, 2012,its properties in this fi! eld were ! producing 38 Boe per day gross, 31 Boe per day net, and contained 218 MBoe of estimated net proved reserves.

Hugoton Basin

The War Party I and II Units are in the SE Guymon Field, an oil-weighted field located in Texas County, Oklahoma. Production from the War Party I and II Units is from the Cherokee formation at an average depth of approximately 5,800 feet. As of December 31, 2012, its properties in these units contained 1,275 MBoe of estimated net proved reserves. Production As of December 31, 2012, was 254 Boe per day gross, 220 Boe per day net. These are mature waterflood properties which have already reached peak production rates and where injection commenced several years prior to its acquisition.

The Harker Ranch Unit is in the Harker Ranch Field, an oil-weighted field located in Cheyenne County, Colorado. Production from the Harker Ranch Field is from the Morrow formation at an average depth of approximately 5,200 feet. The Harker Ranch Unit was formed and is operated by its affiliate, Mid-Con Energy Operating, and is being produced under waterflood. As of December 31, 2012,its properties in this unit were producing 148 Boe per day gross, 122 Boe per day net, and contained 208 MBoe of estimated net proved reserves.

The Clawson Ranch Waterflood Unit is in the North Hitchland Field, an oil-weighted field located in Texas County, Oklahoma. Production from the Clawson Ranch Waterflood Unit is from the Cherokee formation at an average depth of approximately 5,700 feet. The Clawson Ranch Waterflood Unit is operated by its affiliate, Mid-Con Energy Operating, and is being produced under waterflood. As of December 31, 2012, its properties in this unit were producing 256 Boe per day gross, 214 Boe per day net. As of December 31, 2012, the Clawson Ranch Waterflood Unit contained 1,654 MBoe of estimated net proved reserves. Proved producing and proved developed reserves represent 57% and 86%, respectively, of the total proved reserves for this unit as ! of Decemb! er 31, 2012.

Other Properties

Decker Unit is in the NW Little Field, an oil-weighted field located in Seminole County, Oklahoma. Production from the Decker Unit is from the Earlsboro formation at an average depth of approximately 3,600 feet. The Decker Unit was formed and is operated by itsaffiliate, Mid-Con Energy Operating, and is being produced under waterflood. As of December 31, 2012, its properties in this unit were producing 24 Boe per day gross, 19 Boe per day net, and contained 210 MBoe of estimated net proved reserves. As a result of ongoing response to waterflooding, proved producing and proved developed reserves represent 30% and 100%, respectively, of the total proved reserves as of December 31, 2012.

The balance of the Company�� properties, located throughout the State of Oklahoma, consist of a mix of operated and non-operated properties, none of which are under waterflood. As of December 31, 2012, its other properties contained approximately 124 MBoe of estimated net proved reserves and generated average net production of approximately 33 Boe per day for the month ended December 31, 2012.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Elliott Gue, Editor and Publisher, The Capitalist Times]

  Elliott Gue: Yeah, Mid-Con Energy, symbol (MCEP)—they produce oil. This is actually a master limited partnership, or MLP, so it's one of these kind of securities that tend to carry high yield. Currently the yield on that is around 9%, so it's well above the average for an MLP.

Top 5 Gas Stocks To Buy Right Now: Valero Energy Corporation(VLO)

Valero Energy Corporation operates as an independent petroleum refining and marketing company. The company operates through three segments: Refining, Ethanol, and Retail. The Refining segment engages in refining, wholesale marketing, product supply and distribution, and transportation operations. It produces conventional gasoline, distillates, jet fuel, asphalt, petrochemicals, lubricants, and other refined products. This segment also offers conventional blendstock for oxygenate blending, reformulated gasoline blendstock for oxygenate blending, gasoline meeting the specifications of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), CARB diesel fuel, low-sulfur and ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel. The Ethanol segment produces ethanol and distillers grains. The Retail segment sells transportation fuels at retail stores and unattended self-service cardlocks; convenience store merchandise and services in retail stores; and home heating oil to residential customers. Valero Energy Corpora tion markets its refined products through bulk and rack marketing network; and sells refined products through a network of approximately 6,800 retail and wholesale branded outlets under the Valero, Diamond Shamrock, Shamrock, Ultramar, Beacon, and Texaco names in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Aruba, and Ireland. As of December 31, 2011, it owned 16 petroleum refineries with a combined throughput capacity of approximately 3.0 million barrels per day; and operated 10 ethanol plants with a combined nameplate production capacity of approximately 1.1 billion gallons per year. The company was formerly known as Valero Refining and Marketing Company and changed its name to Valero Energy Corporation in August 1997. Valero Energy Corporation was founded in 1955 and is based in San Antonio, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dan Caplinger]

  Lately, though, domestic crude has seen its cost advantage almost disappear, creating a potential reversal of the profit bonanza. Valero (NYSE: VLO  ) said last week that it expects discounts for domestic crude to return, restoring its long-term benefits, but in the meantime, its profits dropped 44% in its second-quarter report compared to year-ago levels.

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  Valero Energy Corp. (NYSE: VLO) was downgraded to Perform from Outperform at Oppenheimer.

  Wynn Resorts Ltd. (NASDAQ: WYNN) was downgraded to Neutral from Outperform, but the price target was raised to $160 from $149, at Credit Suisse.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Shares of Tesoro have gained 1.9% to $56.42, besting Phillips 66′s (PSX) 1.5% rise to $68.22, Hollyfrontier’s (HFC) 0.1% drop to $46.19 and Valero Energy’s (VLO) 0.,1% dip to $42.86. Tesoro Logistics has dropped 6% to $49.82.

• [By Arjun Sreekumar]

  And Valero (NYSE: VLO  ) revealed earlier this year its intentions to purchase 2,000 railcars to boost rail shipments to its refineries and also said it plans to construct a new crude oil "topper" unit at its Houston refinery in order to process more light crude oil. The main reason these companies have been expanding their crude-by-rail capabilities is that the price gap between North American crudes and Brent, the international crude oil benchmark, has more than compensated for the additional expenses involved with rail.

Top 5 Gas Stocks To Buy Right Now: Baytex Energy Corp (BTE)

Baytex Energy Corp. (Baytex), incorporated on October 22, 2010, through its subsidiaries, are engaged in the business of acquiring, developing, exploiting and holding interests in petroleum and natural gas properties and related assets in Canada (in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan) and in the United States (in the states of North Dakota and Wyoming). The Company acts as the financing vehicle for its subsidiaries by providing access to debt and equity capital markets. As of December 31, 2011, its primary assets are Baytex Energy Ltd. (Baytex Energy), which it owns. On February 3, 2011, the Company acquired heavy oil assets located in the Reno area of northern Alberta and the Lloydminster area of western Saskatchewan. On August 9, 2011, the Company acquired natural gas assets located in the Brewster area of west central Alberta. During the year ended December 31, 2011, it completed two dispositions of undeveloped lands; in the Kaybob South area of west central Alberta, it sold six sections of leasehold, including five sections with Duvernay rights, and in the Dodsland area in southwest Saskatchewan, it sold 32,600 net acres of leasehold in the halo of the field.

During 2011, the Company�� production averaged 50,132 barrel of oil equivalent per day, from its properties in Canada. During 2011, production averaged 50,132 barrel of oil equivalent per day. During 2011, light oil and natural gas liquid (NGL) production was 6,769 barrels per day. During 2011, heavy oil production was 35,252 barrels per day. During 2011, natural gas production was 48.7 million cubic feet per day. Its crude oil and natural gas operations are organized into three business units: Alberta/B.C., Saskatchewan and United States. Each business unit has a portfolio of mineral leases, operated and non-operated properties and development prospects. These plays include the Bakken/Three Forks in the Williston Basin of North Dakota and southeast Saskatchewan and the Viking in southwestern Saskatche! wan and eastern Alberta.

Saskatchewan Business Unit

As of December 31, 2011, the Saskatchewan Business Unit accounted for more than 38% of production. The Saskatchewan Business Unit's heavy oil operations include cold primary and thermal (steam-assisted gravity drainage) production. Production is generated from vertical, slant and horizontal wells using progressive cavity pumps capable of handling heavy oil combined with gas, water and sand. Once produced, the oil is delivered to markets in both Canada and the United States on pipelines, tanker trucks or railways. Heavy crude is blended with light-hydrocarbon diluents (such as condensate) prior to being introduced into a sales pipeline. The blended crude oil is then sold by Baytex. During 2011, production in the Saskatchewan Business Unit averaged approximately 20,958 barrels of oil equivalent per day, which was comprised of 19,828 barrels per day of heavy oil, 154 barrels per day of light oil and 5,860 thousand cubic feet per day of natural gas. During 2011, Baytex drilled 93 (87.9 net) wells in the Saskatchewan Business Unit resulting in 84 (78.9 net) oil wells, four stratigraphic test wells, four service wells, and one dry and abandoned well.

The Company�� Ardmore, Alberta is developed in the Sparky, McLaren and Colony formations. During 2011, average production was approximately 652 barrels per day of heavy oil and 158 thousand cubic feet per day of natural gas. During 2011, one well was drilled. As of December 31, 2011, Baytex had 34,000 net undeveloped acres in this area. Its Carruthers property consists of separate North and South oil pools in the Cummings formation. During 2011, 13 wells were drilled. During 2011, average production was approximately 2,444 barrels per day of heavy oil and 489 thousand cubic feet per day of natural gas. As of December 31, 2011, Baytex had 10,600 net undeveloped acres in this area. During 2011, the Company�� Celtic, Saskatchewan producing property produced averaged 3,013 ! barrels p! er day of heavy oil and 538 thousand cubic feet per day of natural gas. During 2011, Baytex drilled seven oil wells in the area. The Company�� Cold Lake, Alberta is a heavy oil property. Production is from the Colony, Upper McLaren, Rex and Sparky formations. During 2011, average oil production was approximately 270 barrels per day. During 2011, Baytex had 11,300 net undeveloped acres in this area.

During 2011, in Kerrobert SAGD project, the Company placed two new well pairs on production. During 2011, average production from the Kerrobert area was approximately 3,350 barrels per day of heavy oil, 154 barrels per day of light oil, and 1,999 thousand cubic feet per day of natural gas. During 2011, Baytex drilled five oil wells and eight service wells in this area. As of December 31, 2011, Baytex had 38,600 net undeveloped acres in this area. Lindbergh is a non-operated heavy oil property. Baytex has a 21.25% working interest in this property. During 2011, average production in this area was approximately 673 barrels per day of heavy oil and 71 thousand cubic feet per day of natural gas. During 2011, four wells were drilled in this area. As of December 31, 2011, Baytex had 800 net undeveloped acres in this area. During 2011, its Marsden/Epping/Macklin/Silverdale, Saskatchewan produced approximately 2,102 barrels per day of oil and 290 thousand cubic feet per day of natural gas. During 2011, nine oil wells were drilled in this area. Its Tangleflags is characterized by multiple-zone reservoirs with production from the Colony, McLaren, Waseca, Sparky, General Petroleum and Lloydminster formations. During 2011, Baytex drilled 11 horizontal oil wells in the Lloydminster formation. During 2011, average production was approximately 1,763 barrels per day of heavy oil and 543 thousand cubic feet per day of natural gas.

Alberta/B.C. Business Unit

The Alberta/B.C. Business Unit possesses a range of light oil, heavy oil and natural gas properties. During 2011, the Alberta/B.C.! Business! Unit produced light and heavy gravity crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids from fields in Alberta and British Columbia and accounted for approximately 58% of production. During 2011, production from this business unit averaged 27,833 barrel of oil equivalent per day, which was comprised of 15,425 barrels per day of heavy oil, 5,282 barrels per day of light oil and NGL and 42.8 million cubic feet per day of natural gas. During 2011, the Alberta/B.C. Business Unit participated in the drilling of 71 wells resulting in 61 oil wells, one natural gas well, seven stratigraphic test wells, one service well and one dry and abandoned well. As of December 31, 2011, its net undeveloped lands in this business unit totaled approximately 474,000 acres. During 2011, production from Bon Accord area was averaged approximately 905 barrels per day of light oil and 1,742 million cubic feet per day of natural gas. Natural gas is processed at two Baytex-operated plants and oil is treated at three Baytex-operated batteries. During 2011, in this area, Baytex drilled 11 horizontal Viking oil wells. As of December 31, 2011, Baytex had 18,300 net undeveloped acres in this area.

The Company�� Darwin/Nina/Goodfish/Lafond, Alberta produces natural gas from the Bluesky formation. During 2011, production averaged approximately 3,746 million cubic feet per day of natural gas. As of December 31, 2011, Baytex had 27,300 net undeveloped acres in this area. During 2011, the Company�� Leahurst, Alberta produced averaged approximately 2,633 million cubic feet per day of natural gas and 13 barrels per day of NGL from this multi-zone, year-round access area. Natural gas production from the Edmonton, Belly River, Viking and Mannville formations is processed. Baytex holds a total of 263 net sections of oil sands leases in the Peace River oil sands area, which includes the legacy Seal area and the Reno area. During 2011, production from the Peace River area was 15,425 barrels per day, which was comprised of 13,746 barr! els per d! ay from Seal and 1,679 barrels per day from Reno. During 2011, Baytex drilled 25 cold horizontal production wells and seven stratigraphic test wells at Seal and two cold horizontal production wells at Reno. The Peace River area includes 152,500 net undeveloped acres, including 57,000 net undeveloped acres at Seal and 95,500 net undeveloped acres at Reno.

During 2011, the Company�� Pembina production averaged 2,633 barrels per day of light oil and NGL and 22,428 million cubic feet per day of natural gas. During 2011, Baytex participated in drilling 19 wells in this area, resulting in 17 oil wells, one natural gas well, and one dry and abandoned well. During 2011, Pembina area drilling included five operated and 12 non-operated Cardium horizontal wells and completed with multi-stage fracture stimulations. During 2011, the Company�� production from Red Earth area averaged approximately 42 million cubic feet per day of natural gas and 522 barrels per day of light oil and NGL. During 2011, the Company�� Richdale/Sedalia property�� production averaged approximately 3,845 million cubic feet per day of natural gas and eight barrels per day of NGL. During 2011, the Company�� production from Stoddart area averaged approximately 4,498 million cubic feet per day of natural gas and 713 barrels per day of oil and NGL. During 2011, production from Turin was averaged approximately 345 barrels per day of oil and NGL and 856 million cubic feet per day of natural gas. Production is from the Second White Specks, Milk River, Bow Island, Mannville, Sawtooth and Livingstone formations.

United States Business Unit

During 2011, the Company focused its activities on the light oil resource play located in the Divide and Williams Counties of North Dakota. Production is from horizontal wells using multi-stage hydraulic fracturing in the Bakken and Three Forks formations. As of December 31, 2011, Baytex owned approximately 61,000 (24,800 net) developed acres. During 2011, Baytex parti! cipated i! n the drilling of 34 Bakken/Three Forks oil wells. During 2011, net production from the United States properties averaged 1,341 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Stephan Dube]

  Peace River's most notable producers:

  PennWest Exploration (PWE), see article here.Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A), see article here.Baytex (BTE), see article here.Strata Oil and Gas (SOIGF.PK), see article here.Petrobank Energy & Resources (PBEGF.PK), see article here.

  Cold Lake's most notable producers:

• [By GURUFOCUS]

  Canadian Trusts- Baytex Energy Trust (BTE) | Yield: 6.1%
  - Enerplus Resources Fund (ERF) | Yield: 5.6%
  - Pengrowth Energy Trust (PGH) | Yield: 7.1%