The oil and gas industry remains a powerhouse in the global economy, fueled by steady demand and shifting energy policies. With President Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2025 ushering in a pro-industry administration, the sector is poised for both opportunities and challenges. A relaxed regulatory environment and boosted U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports-reversed from a prior pause under President Joe Biden-are set to drive growth. However, within the sector, the outlook for gas appears more favorable than for oil. While gas demand is expected to rise, driven by LNG exports and power generation needs, oil faces a prolonged stage where its growth may lag behind inflation, though this could be offset by the profitability of producers. Tariff policies could also spark a global trade war, potentially hiking inflation or tipping economies into recession, impacting oil and gas demand. Despite this volatility, the energy sector leads the S&P 500 in year-to-date performance, making it a compelling space for investors. For those looking to gain exposure to the sector without looking into second-tier companies, the following five stocks stand out as leading options.
1. Exxon Mobil Corp. (
XOM )
Dividend Yield: 3.4%
Exxon Mobil, a vertically integrated giant, spans the full oil and gas supply chain-from exploration to refining and retail. Its production has surged, notably doubling in the Permian Basin (the U.S.’s top oil patch) after acquiring Pioneer Natural Resources in 2023. The company also holds a stake in a major U.S. LNG export facility, slated to start operations in 2025. Trading at a discount to the S&P 500 based on enterprise value to EBITDA, Exxon offers a 3.4% dividend yield-well above the index’s average. Beyond fossil fuels, it’s investing in carbon capture, hydrogen, low-emission fuels, and lithium for electric vehicle batteries, positioning it for long-term resilience. However, as a major oil producer, Exxon Mobil may face headwinds if oil prices lag behind inflation, though its diversified operations and cost management could mitigate this risk.
2. Chevron Corp. (
CVX)
Dividend Yield: 4.1%
Another supermajor, Chevron mirrors Exxon’s integrated model but stands out for its disciplined approach to capital. With world-class Permian Basin assets and a robust LNG portfolio, it’s well-equipped for volatile gas prices, which have climbed in 2025 due to cold weather and shrinking U.S. and European inventories. Chevron’s 4.1% dividend yield and aggressive share buybacks enhance its appeal. Its focus on cost efficiency and selective investments in lower-carbon solutions further solidify its position as a reliable pick for stability and growth. Nonetheless, Chevron’s significant oil assets expose it to the risk of oil price growth lagging inflation, though its strong balance sheet and efficiency provide a buffer.
3. Occidental Petroleum Corp. (
OXY)
Dividend Yield: 1.9%
Occidental Petroleum blends traditional oil production with forward-thinking innovation. Berkshire Hathaway, holding a 28.2% stake as of December 31, 2024, underscores its potential, making it the sixth-largest position in the portfolio, just behind Chevron. The company hit record U.S. production in Q4 2024 and is a leader in carbon capture technology. However, risks linger: a federal court ruling (currently under appeal) has raised its environmental liabilities, and its 1.9% dividend yield is modest compared to peers. Additionally, its focus on oil production means it could be affected if oil prices underperform inflation, though its innovative approaches and cost controls may offer some protection.
4. Phillips 66 (
PSX)
Dividend Yield: 3.7%
Spun off from ConocoPhillips in 2012, Phillips 66 thrives in refining, chemicals, and pipelines rather than upstream production. Its infrastructure assets, including a vast pipeline network, promise steady cash flow growth, yet the stock trades at lower multiples typical of refining businesses. With a 3.7% dividend yield and a legacy dating back to 1917, it’s a recognizable name with untapped potential. Some investors see room for value creation if its midstream assets were spun off, though even without that, Phillips 66 remains a strong contender. However, the refining business can be cyclical, and Phillips 66 may face challenges if demand for refined products weakens.
5. EQT Corp. (
EQT)
Dividend Yield: 1.2%
EQT, a leading natural gas producer, operates in the Marcellus and Utica shales of the Appalachian Basin. As the U.S.’s largest LNG exporter, it’s primed to capitalize on rising gas prices-up in 2025 amid cold weather and speculation-and growing demand from AI-driven data centers and exports. Forecasts suggest U.S. natural gas demand could surge by double digits through 2030. While its 1.2% dividend yield is lower, EQT’s exposure to these trends makes it a growth-focused pick, though it’s sensitive to commodity price dips tied to global GDP. As a gas-focused company, EQT is well-positioned to benefit from the sector’s stronger gas outlook.
Why These Stocks Stand Out
Oil prices, slipping in 2025 due to high U.S. production and OPEC’s plans to restore output, face counterforces like China’s stimulus boosting demand and potential Iran sanctions tightening supply. Moreover, OPEC is maintaining record spare capacity, and when combined with non-OPEC producers, estimates indicate that global spare production capacities could reach up to 15 million barrels per day within six months, leveraging existing infrastructure. This substantial spare capacity, equivalent to nearly 25% of daily global oil production, could play a pivotal role in market dynamics, potentially stabilizing prices or responding to geopolitical or economic shifts. Gas prices, meanwhile, are expected to stay above historical averages. Global oil inventories sit at low levels, hinting at a possible undersupplied market if dynamics shift. These five companies-Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Occidental, Phillips 66, and EQT-offer a mix of dividends (ranging from 1.2% to 4.1%), innovation, and exposure to both oil and LNG markets. While a recession could dent energy demand, their strategic positioning makes them worth watching in this volatile yet promising sector. If it is stipulated by the strategy, it is better to pay attention to such companies. Investors should note that while gas offers promising growth, oil may face headwinds with prices potentially lagging inflation, though the profitability of producers can help navigate these challenges.
1. Exxon Mobil Corp. (
XOM )Dividend Yield: 3.4%
Exxon Mobil, a vertically integrated giant, spans the full oil and gas supply chain-from exploration to refining and retail. Its production has surged, notably doubling in the Permian Basin (the U.S.’s top oil patch) after acquiring Pioneer Natural Resources in 2023. The company also holds a stake in a major U.S. LNG export facility, slated to start operations in 2025. Trading at a discount to the S&P 500 based on enterprise value to EBITDA, Exxon offers a 3.4% dividend yield-well above the index’s average. Beyond fossil fuels, it’s investing in carbon capture, hydrogen, low-emission fuels, and lithium for electric vehicle batteries, positioning it for long-term resilience. However, as a major oil producer, Exxon Mobil may face headwinds if oil prices lag behind inflation, though its diversified operations and cost management could mitigate this risk.
2. Chevron Corp. (
CVX)Dividend Yield: 4.1%
Another supermajor, Chevron mirrors Exxon’s integrated model but stands out for its disciplined approach to capital. With world-class Permian Basin assets and a robust LNG portfolio, it’s well-equipped for volatile gas prices, which have climbed in 2025 due to cold weather and shrinking U.S. and European inventories. Chevron’s 4.1% dividend yield and aggressive share buybacks enhance its appeal. Its focus on cost efficiency and selective investments in lower-carbon solutions further solidify its position as a reliable pick for stability and growth. Nonetheless, Chevron’s significant oil assets expose it to the risk of oil price growth lagging inflation, though its strong balance sheet and efficiency provide a buffer.
3. Occidental Petroleum Corp. (
OXY)Dividend Yield: 1.9%
Occidental Petroleum blends traditional oil production with forward-thinking innovation. Berkshire Hathaway, holding a 28.2% stake as of December 31, 2024, underscores its potential, making it the sixth-largest position in the portfolio, just behind Chevron. The company hit record U.S. production in Q4 2024 and is a leader in carbon capture technology. However, risks linger: a federal court ruling (currently under appeal) has raised its environmental liabilities, and its 1.9% dividend yield is modest compared to peers. Additionally, its focus on oil production means it could be affected if oil prices underperform inflation, though its innovative approaches and cost controls may offer some protection.
4. Phillips 66 (
PSX)Dividend Yield: 3.7%
Spun off from ConocoPhillips in 2012, Phillips 66 thrives in refining, chemicals, and pipelines rather than upstream production. Its infrastructure assets, including a vast pipeline network, promise steady cash flow growth, yet the stock trades at lower multiples typical of refining businesses. With a 3.7% dividend yield and a legacy dating back to 1917, it’s a recognizable name with untapped potential. Some investors see room for value creation if its midstream assets were spun off, though even without that, Phillips 66 remains a strong contender. However, the refining business can be cyclical, and Phillips 66 may face challenges if demand for refined products weakens.
5. EQT Corp. (
EQT)Dividend Yield: 1.2%
EQT, a leading natural gas producer, operates in the Marcellus and Utica shales of the Appalachian Basin. As the U.S.’s largest LNG exporter, it’s primed to capitalize on rising gas prices-up in 2025 amid cold weather and speculation-and growing demand from AI-driven data centers and exports. Forecasts suggest U.S. natural gas demand could surge by double digits through 2030. While its 1.2% dividend yield is lower, EQT’s exposure to these trends makes it a growth-focused pick, though it’s sensitive to commodity price dips tied to global GDP. As a gas-focused company, EQT is well-positioned to benefit from the sector’s stronger gas outlook.
Why These Stocks Stand Out
Oil prices, slipping in 2025 due to high U.S. production and OPEC’s plans to restore output, face counterforces like China’s stimulus boosting demand and potential Iran sanctions tightening supply. Moreover, OPEC is maintaining record spare capacity, and when combined with non-OPEC producers, estimates indicate that global spare production capacities could reach up to 15 million barrels per day within six months, leveraging existing infrastructure. This substantial spare capacity, equivalent to nearly 25% of daily global oil production, could play a pivotal role in market dynamics, potentially stabilizing prices or responding to geopolitical or economic shifts. Gas prices, meanwhile, are expected to stay above historical averages. Global oil inventories sit at low levels, hinting at a possible undersupplied market if dynamics shift. These five companies-Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Occidental, Phillips 66, and EQT-offer a mix of dividends (ranging from 1.2% to 4.1%), innovation, and exposure to both oil and LNG markets. While a recession could dent energy demand, their strategic positioning makes them worth watching in this volatile yet promising sector. If it is stipulated by the strategy, it is better to pay attention to such companies. Investors should note that while gas offers promising growth, oil may face headwinds with prices potentially lagging inflation, though the profitability of producers can help navigate these challenges.
Head of Analytics Center at the European broker Mind-Money.eu
👉 mind-money.eu
Website
👉 igorisaev.com/
👉 mind-money.eu
Website
👉 igorisaev.com/
Disclaimer
The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.
Head of Analytics Center at the European broker Mind-Money.eu
👉 mind-money.eu
Website
👉 igorisaev.com/
👉 mind-money.eu
Website
👉 igorisaev.com/
Disclaimer
The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.