Sotcks investment project - Essay Example

Listed at the NYSE in 1970, the UK firm was selected because of the interest in the energy sector based on the price fluctuations it experiences. The BP stocks were trading well at an average of $41.5. With earnings per share of 4.99 in the current year, investing in the firm would be a noble idea. But with the news of how the company was duped in the compensation of for the 2010 Gulf of Mexico spill because its attorneys failed to include the need for proof of damage by the spill, the BP stock slipped, and particularly by 1.

2% in London on 5th June 2013. The same industry had me trade in ConocoPhillips, a major integrated oil and gas firm that explores, produces and markets crude oil, natural gas and bitumen globally. With its headquarters in Houston, Texas, the firm was founded in 1917 with Conoco and Phillips merging in 2002 to create the firm. The choice of ConocoPhillips’ stock for trading was informed by the need to understand the industry by considering another firm other than the earlier studies BP. ConocoPhillips would be a viable investment because since 2002, the firm has had its gross profit and cost of goods sold remain constant or improve, save for the year 2008 when falling commodity prices and declining market capitalization caused a slight dip.

As such, shareholders are assured of returns on their investments over a long term. Additionally, the firm is the largest independent energy and petroleum firm as measured by production and proved reserves as noted by Market Watch; a sovereignty that secures the interest of shareholders. The stock price of ConocoPhillips exhibit strong correlation with its financial achievement. The $11 billion repurchase of common stock in 2011 aimed at increasing its earnings per share and net income thus increase demand for its stock which would in turn raise its price at the stock exchange.

With a dividend of $2.64 in the pas financial year, the firm has had its stock price averaging at about $60. To further understand the trends in major integrated oil and gas industry, Exxon Mobil, another firm from the industry, was selected for trading practice in this class. Exxon Mobil explores and produces crude oil and natural gases and also manufactures petroleum products. The Irving, Texas firm, founded in 1870 also transports and sells these products. Its operations cut across the globe to cover the US, Canada, Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia.

The merger between Exxon and Mobil in 1999 which made the firm the largest publicly traded company in the energy sector could be a reason to attract investors. Just like other firms in this industry, the stock price of Exxon Mobil would be greatly influenced by the prices of crude oil. The increase in prices of crude oil in the period around 2011 saw the firm raise the price of its products which translated to increased stock price. With forecasted future increase in energy demand globally, it is anticipated that its share price will keep rising.

Fourthly, Hertz was selected for the trading practice to help understand how changes in the oil industries affect consumers of its products. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Park Ridge, NJ, Hertz runs two segments in its business: renting cars and renting equipment in Canada and the US. Investing in Hertz would be viable as