During periods of high oil prices or increased demand for energy, oil stocks can offer the potential for significant returns. These stocks are also often viewed as a hedge against inflation and are known for their dividend-paying potential.
If you're interested in investing in the oil and gas industry, here are 10 top oil stocks to buy.
Compare top oil stocks to buy right now
Stock
YTD Return
Industry
Company Description
Buy Now
Marathon Petroleum (MPC)
143.4%
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing
A downstream oil company involved in refining crude oil into petroleum products and operating retail outlets through Speedway gas stations.
A global technology company that provides energy exploration, drilling, production and digital solutions to help oil and gas operators efficiently find, develop and produce energy resources.
A global integrated oil and gas company with operations in upstream exploration and production, as well as downstream refining, marketing and petrochemicals.
Source: Finviz. Returns accurate as of September 11, 2026.
How we chose these oil stocks
The listed stocks are the best-performing S&P 500 oil and gas companies ordered by year-to-date performance, with an analyst rating of Buy or better, sourced using Finviz.
eToro securities trading offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc. (‘the BD”), member of FINRA and SIPC. Investing involves risk, and content is provided for educational purposes only, does not imply a recommendation, and is not a guarantee of future performance. Finder is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the BD.
The probability of a member receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. If you don’t make a selection in 45 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Members must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify. The probability percentage is subject to decrease. Members are only eligible for the Stock Award promotion upon opening their first brokerage account; subsequent cash brokerage accounts are ineligible for the promo, including for members with multiple accounts.
Terms and conditions apply*. For 401k rollovers, existing SoFi IRA members must complete 401k rollovers via this link See full terms and For SoFi members without a SoFi IRA, a SoFi IRA must first be opened, and 401k rollover must be completed utilizing Capitalize via this link. SoFi and Capitalize will charge no additional fees to process a 401(k) rollover to a SoFi IRA. SoFi is not liable for any costs incurred from the existing 401k provider for rollover. Please check with your 401k provider for any fees or costs associated with the rollover. For IRA contributions, only deposits made via ACH and cash transfer from SoFi Bank accounts are eligible for the match. Click here for the 1% Match terms and conditions.
Must be a SoFi Plus member at the time a recurring deposit is received into your SoFi Active or Automated investing account to qualify. Bonus calculated on net monthly recurring deposits made via ACH and paid out as Rewards Points. See Rewards Terms of Service. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate this promotion at any time without notice. See terms and limitations. https://www.sofi.com/sofiplus/invest/#disclaimers
d19c0be9-29b6-4644-a071-32c476ff5e24-Plus, 12 free shares and 1-month complimentary Webull premium
Plus, 12 free shares and 1-month complimentary Webull premium
Trade stocks, ETFs, options, futures and bonds all in one place
$0 commissions on stocks, ETFs and equity options, with low contract fees
Deposit or transfer $100,000+ to earn a 4% Match Bonus. Plus: Get a $100 transfer fee reimbursement on your first brokerage transfer of $2,000 or more. T&C apply.
Take a deeper dive into oil stocks
If you're interested in investing in the oil and gas industry, take a closer look at what companies in this industry do and how the stocks have historically performed. Keep in mind that positive past performance doesn't guarantee that a stock will continue to rise in the future.
1. Marathon Petroleum (MPC)
Marathon Petroleum Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated downstream energy company in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Refining & Marketing; Midstream; and Renewable Diesel. The Refining & Marketing segment refines crude oil and other feedstocks at its refineries in the Gulf Coast, Mid-Continent, and West Coast regions of the United States; and purchases refined products and ethanol for resale and distributes refined products through transportation, storage, distribution, and marketing services.
Marathon Petroleum stock opened the day at $394.99 after a previous close of $424.89. The latest price was $395.93 (25-minute delay). Marathon Petroleum is listed on the NYSE, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around USD154.1 billion and employs 18,500 staff.
Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, Mexico, Peru, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol. The company produces California Reformulated Gasoline Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending (CARBOB) and Conventional Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending (CBOB) gasolines, CARB diesel, diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, and asphalt; feedstocks; aromatics; sulfur and residual fuel oil; intermediate oils; and sulfur, sweet, and sour crude oils.
Valero Energy Corporation stock opened the day at $388.00 after a previous close of $382.95. The latest price was $390.42 (25-minute delay). Valero Energy Corporation is listed on the NYSE, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around USD$132.4 billion and employs 9,785 staff.
Phillips 66 operates as an integrated downstream energy provider in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and internationally. It operates through five segments: Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties (M&S), and Renewable Fuels. The Midstream segment provides crude oil and refined petroleum product transportation, terminaling, and storage services, as well as natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) gathering, processing, transportation, fractionation, storage and marketing services.
Phillips 66 stock opened the day at $258.12 after a previous close of $259.47. The latest price was $264.93 (25-minute delay). Phillips 66 is listed on the NYSE, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around USD$152.2 billion and employs 12,600 staff.
Targa Resources Corp. , together with its subsidiaries, owns, operates, acquires, and develops a portfolio of complementary domestic infrastructure assets in North America. It operates in two segments, Gathering and Processing, and Logistics and Transportation.
Targa Resources stock opened the day at $285.55 after a previous close of $292.19. The latest price was $292.19 (25-minute delay). Targa Resources is listed on the NYSE, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around USD$16.7 billion and employs 3,570 staff.
Occidental Petroleum Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and gas properties in the United States and internationally. It operates through Oil and Gas and Midstream and Marketing. The Oil and Gas segment explores for, develops, and produces oil and condensate, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas.
Occidental Petroleum Corporation stock opened the day at $61.04 after a previous close of $58.84. The latest price was $61.46 (25-minute delay). Occidental Petroleum Corporation is listed on the NYSE, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around USD$23.9 billion and employs 10,412 staff.
ConocoPhillips explores for, produces, transports, and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and natural gas liquids. It operates in five segments: Alaska; Lower 48; Canada; Europe, Middle East and North Africa; and Asia Pacific. The company's portfolio includes unconventional plays in North America; conventional assets in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia; global LNG developments; oil sands assets in Canada; and an inventory of global exploration prospects.
ConocoPhillips stock opened the day at $137.57 after a previous close of $137.35. The latest price was $141.22 (25-minute delay). ConocoPhillips is listed on the NYSE, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around USD$64.5 billion and employs 9,600 staff.
SLB N. V. engages in the provision of technology for the energy industry worldwide. The company operates through four divisions: Digital & Integration, Reservoir Performance, Well Construction, and Production Systems.
Schlumberger stock opened the day at $56.57 after a previous close of $56.06. The latest price was $56.06 (25-minute delay). Schlumberger is listed on the NYSE, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around USD$36.4 billion and employs 109,000 staff.
Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the integrated energy and chemicals operations. It operates through Upstream and Downstream segments. The Upstream segment engages in the exploration for, development, production, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas; processing, liquefaction, transportation, and regasification of liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas; carbon capture and storage; and operation of a gas-to-liquids plant.
Chevron stock opened the day at $217.00 after a previous close of $214.06. The latest price was $212.17 (25-minute delay). Chevron is listed on the NYSE, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around USD$209.4 billion and employs 43,039 staff.
EOG Resources, Inc. , together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas in producing basins in the United States, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and internationally. The company also offers crude oil and condensate, and gathering, processing and marketing.
EOG Resources stock opened the day at $146.83 after a previous close of $147.36. The latest price was $147.36 (25-minute delay). EOG Resources is listed on the NYSE, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around USD$26.7 billion and employs 3,400 staff.
ExxonMobil Holdings Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The company operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. Its Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas.
Exxon Mobil stock opened the day at $165.36 after a previous close of $165.99. The latest price was $169.32 (25-minute delay). Exxon Mobil is listed on the NYSE, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around USD$361.1 billion and employs 57,900 staff.
While it’s possible to turn a profit investing in oil stocks, keep in mind that — like any investment — oil stocks are not immune to risk. These stocks are subject to fluctuating conditions — both in the market and in the oil and gas industry, so carefully vet your picks before you invest. And if you’re new to investing, or if it’s been awhile since you’ve taken a critical look at your investing accounts, compare brokers to make sure you’re getting the best features in your trading account.
Frequently asked questions
Oil stocks are shares of companies involved in the oil and gas industry. That can include companies that explore for oil, produce it, refine it, transport it or provide equipment and services to energy businesses.
Oil stocks can be attractive when energy demand is strong or oil prices are rising. Some also pay dividends, which can make them appealing for income-focused investors. But they can also be volatile, so whether they're a good fit depends on your risk tolerance, goals and how much exposure you want to the energy sector.
Many oil stocks do pay dividends, especially larger and more established energy companies. That said, dividend yields and payout stability can vary a lot from one company to another, so it's worth checking a stock's dividend history before investing.
Paid non-client promotion. Finder does not invest money with providers on this page. If a brand is a referral partner, we're paid when you click or tap through to, open an account with or provide your contact information to the provider. Partnerships are not a recommendation for you to invest with any one company. Learn more about how we make money.
Finder is not an advisor or brokerage service. Information on this page is for educational purposes only and not a recommendation to invest with any one company, trade specific stocks or fund specific investments. All editorial opinions are our own.
Moomoo pays up to $600 to switch, but Fidelity charges nothing to leave. See how these two very different brokers compare on fees, IRAs, crypto access and safety in 2026.
Discover the best robo-advisors of 2026. Compare fees, account minimums and features from top platforms that automate investing for beginners and pros.
We’ve rounded up stats on some of the most popular graphene stocks, along with information on how they compare and how to invest.
Advertiser disclosure
Finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Finder receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. Finder compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
