There are no safe havens in the stock market. Every stock carries risk. But some less than others. This column features stocks that have shown one or more of the following characteristics: less volatility, better earnings, larger market caps, safe and increasing dividends. In these times of turmoil, our goal is to show readers better opportunities for investing with fewer risks.

October 21, 2011 - Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM-NYSE) engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas, and manufacture of petroleum products, as well as transportation and sale of crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum products.

Based on Market Cap, XOM is the largest company in the U.S. with a market capitalization of $357.66 billion. Apple is second with $342.84 billion. Numbers are as of October 7, 2011.

Latest News:
Energy firms have been moving back into the country (Iraq) since the Iraqi government took its earliest steps and held auctions for contract to develop the country's massive oil fields. For example, Exxon Mobil Corp. signed an agreement with Iraq in January, 2010, to develop and expand the West Qurna-1 field in southern Iraq. Exxon Mobil is the lead contractor with a 60% interest. The Iraqi government holds a 25% interest and Royal Dutch Shell holds a 15% interest. In March, Exxon said it increased production to 285,000 barrels a day at West Qurna, exceeding the target in its technical services contract.

Expectations:
- Quarterly earnings due October 27: 19 analysts have consensus of $2.13 compared to $1.44 last year in the third period.
- For Fourth Quarter: $2.09 vs $1.85
- For 2011, full year: $8.51 vs $6.22 in 2010
- For 2012: $8.42
- Revenues for 2011: $473.5 billion vs $383.22 billion (up 23.6%)

Important Numbers:
- Traiilng P/E: 10.56; Forward P/E: 9.52
- Price to sales ratio: .97
- Price to book: 2.46
- Operating margin: 12.74%
- Profit margin: 9.66%
- Return on equity: 25.32%
- Return on assets: 10.13%
- Total cash: $10.04 billion
- Total cash per share: $2.07
- Total debt: $16.49 billion
- Total debt to equity: 10.19%
- Current ratio: .97
- Book value per share: $31.99
- Beta: .46
- 52 week change: up 20.79%
- Share Outstanding: 4.86 billion
- Institutions own 49.3% of the stock
- Dividend: $1.88
- Yield: 2.3%

Ted Allrich