Merrill grows defensive on most oil stocks, recommends four nat gas names

• BofA Merrill recommends that clients stay defensive on oil stocks and become more positive on natural gas names, highlighting four natural gas stocks and two oil stocks to consider.
• Range Resources (NYSE:RRC) is called a top stock to buy for possible gains in natural gas after shares have slumped 40% since July, especially with the possibility of continued harsh winter weather; the firm also likes Southwestern Energy (NYSE:SWN), Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN) and Memorial Resource Development (NASDAQ:MRD).
• Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY) and Hess (NYSE:HES) are BofA's top oil stocks to buy, and are on the firm's US1 list.