Top 5 Oil Stocks to Invest In: Exxon (XOM), Chevron (CVX), Shell (SHEL) Lead as Crude Surges

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On March 6, 2026, Brent crude surged past the $90 mark, driving gains across major oil stocks
Exxon Mobil delivered $28.8 billion in 2025 annual earnings while distributing $37.2 billion back to investors
Chevron achieved a 12% production increase in 2025, reaching 3.7 million barrels of oil equivalent daily
Shell produced $26 billion in free cash flow during 2025 and implemented a 4% dividend increase
Among the five companies, ConocoPhillips holds the strongest Wall Street backing with 20 Buy recommendations

Energy stocks have regained investor attention following Brent crude’s breakthrough above $90 per barrel on March 6, 2026. New disruptions across Middle Eastern supply routes have shaken global energy markets, bringing major petroleum producers back into focus.

Five companies stand out as premier investment opportunities: Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Shell, TotalEnergies, and ConocoPhillips. Each offers distinct advantages in terms of operational scale, shareholder returns, and Wall Street endorsement.

Let’s examine what distinguishes each stock and why they deserve consideration in today’s market environment.

Exxon Mobil

Currently valued at approximately $151.21, Exxon Mobil posted annual 2025 profits of $28.8 billion while distributing $37.2 billion to investors through a combination of $17.2 billion in dividends and $20 billion in share repurchases.

Exxon Mobil Corporation, XOM

During Q4 specifically, Exxon generated $12.7 billion in operating cash flow alongside $5.6 billion in free cash flow. This consistent cash generation capability establishes it as a dependable long-term investment.

Wall Street opinion remains cautiously optimistic. Recent analyst coverage includes 9 Buy ratings, 8 Hold positions, and 1 Sell rating, resulting in an overall Hold consensus. Another analysis shows a Buy rating supported by 18 analysts. The investment community generally views it as a foundational energy sector position.

Chevron

Trading near $189.94, Chevron expanded its global 2025 production by approximately 12%, reaching 3.7 million barrels of oil equivalent daily, primarily driven by robust domestic performance.

Chevron Corporation, CVX

Regarding analyst perspectives, Chevron receives 13 Buy recommendations, 7 Hold ratings, and 4 Sell opinions among 24 MarketBeat-tracked analysts, yielding a Hold consensus. Alternative analyst tracking shows a Buy rating from 18 professionals.

The company maintains its reputation as a premium, stable operator. While the Street acknowledges the business quality, there’s reduced enthusiasm about immediate upside potential following recent price appreciation.

Shell

Priced around $84.70, Shell produced $26 billion in free cash flow throughout 2025, increased its dividend by 4%, and executed $13.9 billion in stock buybacks over the period.

Shell plc, SHEL

Wall Street sentiment toward Shell exceeds that of its American counterparts. Recent aggregated data reveals a Moderate Buy consensus from 18 analysts, comprising 7 Buy ratings, 10 Hold positions, and 1 Strong Buy.

Shell’s blend of robust free cash flow generation and prudent capital management positions it among the most attractive international major oil companies available today.

TotalEnergies

Currently at $78.77, TotalEnergies closed 2025 with gearing ratios around 15% and distributed approximately $15.6 billion to shareholders. The company maintains diversified operations across oil, natural gas, and LNG while pursuing lower-carbon energy initiatives.

Analyst viewpoints vary considerably. MarketBeat data shows 7 Buy ratings, 8 Hold positions, and 2 Sell recommendations, suggesting a Hold consensus. A wider analyst survey indicates a Buy rating based on 14 Buy recommendations, 7 Holds, and 1 Sell.

TotalEnergies presents attractive valuation alongside a robust balance sheet for investors seeking diversified global energy exposure.

ConocoPhillips

Currently valued at $117.07, ConocoPhillips announced 2025 full-year earnings of $8.0 billion and trades at approximately 13.3 times earnings. Among this group, it represents the purest upstream exploration and production play.

Wall Street demonstrates greatest conviction in ConocoPhillips. One analyst compilation reports 19 Buy ratings, while another tracks 20 Buy recommendations, 7 Hold ratings, and 1 Sell opinion—delivering the most robust Buy consensus among all five companies discussed.

For investors seeking concentrated exposure to production expansion without the complexity of fully integrated supermajor operations, ConocoPhillips represents the premier choice.

Investment Conclusion

Each of these five corporations demonstrates substantial cash flow generation, established dividend histories, and the financial resilience to navigate weaker commodity cycles. With Brent crude trading above $90 again, the environment for energy stocks has improved significantly compared to recent months.

For investors deploying capital currently, Exxon Mobil emerges as the most comprehensive choice. Shell and ConocoPhillips represent strong secondary options. Chevron and TotalEnergies complete this list as reliable, stable selections for extended holding periods.

Among the five, ConocoPhillips commands the most bullish Wall Street consensus, supported by 20 Buy ratings from financial analysts.