Are you a novice investor wondering which stocks to buy first? Or perhaps you're just looking to put your money to work? Either way, these three stocks are perfect choices for beginners.

Cenovus Energy (CVE) has dipped in recent weeks before bouncing higher alongside the market's surge. Oil prices have firmed up, but even so, CVE isn't a story about near-term earnings. Investing in CVE means investing in long-term growth from Canada's Alberta oil sands as world oil supplies continue to tighten. Production from oil sands increased 14% last quarter and now equals conventional oil production. At a time when many oil companies are expected to have trouble replacing reserves, CVE is set up for double-digit production growth over the next 10 years.

In addition, the stock is attractively valued at just a little over 12 times earnings estimates of $2.35 a share, making it a bargain.

Johnson Controls (JCI) is another quality company with a history of maintaining profitability in tough economic conditions. Longer term, JCI is well-positioned to grow from increased auto usage in emerging markets and the need to conserve energy -- sales in JCI's building-efficiency unit increased 14% last quarter.

The current consensus estimate for fiscal year 2012 earnings of $3 per share may end up too high if the global economy struggles. But with the stock trading below $30, this is largely baked into the share price already. Johnson Controls also raised its quarterly dividend 13% to 18 cents a share. The resulting yield of 2.3% adds to its attraction.

Evercore Partners (EVR)has expanded its role as an emerging leader in merger and acquisitions (M&A) advisory services by participating in many top deals this year, including AT&T's (T) potential acquisition of T-Mobile. I expect to see more of this as Evercore continues to recruit many leading bankers away from bigger firms. Low interest rates should keep M&A attractive because corporations can feel comfortable putting their large cash balances to work and try to gain greater efficiencies in a low-growth environment.

One other interesting note: EVR was in the news recently when it was announced that the U.S. Postal Service had retained it to help with a restructuring. Evercore Co-Chairman Roger Altman is well-connected politically, and federal and state government agencies seeking assistance in streamlining operations could be an additional source of revenues for the company.

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