The Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) is the second largest energy company in the U.S. (behind Exxon Mobil) and is one of the six supermajor oil companies. With operations in 180 countries,^[1] it has a strong network of retail gas stations including Chevron, Texaco, and Caltex.^[2] As a vertically integrated oil company, Chevron's operations span from oil production to mining and petrochemical manufacturing.

Chevron is subject to strict environmental restrictions and has faced costly litigation for contamination of the environment. For example, it is involved in an ongoing class action lawsuit for contamination of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, and the plaintiffs have claimed damages exceeding $27 billion.^[3] Chevron has also faced major challenges due to political instability in Nigeria, the largest oil exporter in Africa.

(Read more at Wikinvest )