John Reese
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Global Changes & Opportunities Report
Timothy Lutts
Cabot Stock of the Month
John Buckingham
The Prudent Speculator

Energy Select: Upstream ETF


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by Michael Kay, S&P Capital IQ, The Outlook

S&P Capital IQ has a positive 12 month fundamental outlook for the integrated oil and gas group, based mostly on our outlook for strong oil prices as well as better-than-expected profitability for refining operations.

Our positive view also reflects our long-term outlook for strong energy demand as well as what we consider the integrated oil and gas companies’ low debt levels, strong cash positions, attractive valuations, and above average dividend yields. We also expect more share buybacks and dividend hikes in 2012.

Many companies have shed their refining and marketing assets, and we see further down-

sizing there in 2012, as returns are significantly better in the upstream exploration and production areas.

We think that integrated oil companies are also beginning to benefit from new projects to develop deepwater wells, liquefied natural gas operations, and unconventional resources like gas from shale.

For investors seeking exposure to a broad range of upstream companies with global diversification, we believe an efficient way to gain access to the space is through the Energy Select Sector SPDR (XLE), an ETF with assets of about $7.4 billion.

Among its top 10 holdings, Exxon Mobil (XOM), Chevron (CVX), Apache (APA), and Schlumberger (SLB) each earn our highest 5-star buy recommendation.

It also has major stakes in other upstream oil and gas equipment and services, mid-stream storage and transportation, and downstream refining and marketing companies as well.

Learn more about this financial newsletter at Standard & Poor's The Outlook.

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