Hess Corp. (HES)

I know, I know. This is a bad pick because there is a lot of bickering going on over the cost of oil exploration and production. Everyone says there's not going to be any left if the world continues to consume oil like there is an endless supply. Well, like many have said in the past you should invest in what you know. So that being my mindset, this is what I know.

I drive a truck with a diesel engine so I watch the diesel fuel prices more than I do regular. Since I've had my truck I have noticed one thing that always comes out the same and that is where I buy my fuel. Anyone that owns a diesel knows not all diesel is the same. You really have to watch the anti-gel additives in the winter and you have to watch for water in the summer and it can be a real pain in the ass to get a bad tank of fuel. That being the case, you'll find that many small stations do not sell diesel because there is too much at risk and extra costs.

So, in my area I can pretty much choose from Royal Farms, Valero and Hess. Of the three, Valero is always the most expensive so I don't go there. Between Royal Farms and Hess I simply choose to use Hess. They are almost always cheaper and the stores are small so there is no waiting in line for people that seem to do their monthly shopping at a convenience store. Another added advantage is I drive a state vehicle to work and the Hess stations accept the Fleet card so I can fuel a state vehicle there and never go inside like I have to do at Valero. That's a big plus for me! And lastly, from what I understand, Hess uses primarily U.S. produced oil. I researched that a while back so I'm not entirely sure if that's still the case today but it was in the past.

I understand this pitch isn't full of impressive numbers and strategic secrets but sometimes thats not always necessary. In this case, I think it's best to invest in what I know, and I know Hess.