What are the best energy stocks to buy?

A few leaders stand out because they’re larger in size and have strong financial profiles. Here are a few of the top energy companies to consider:Brookfield Renewable.ConocoPhillips.Chevron.NextEra Energy.Enbridge.

Are energy stocks risky?

The energy sector is vital to the global economy because it provides the fuel and power needed to drive trade and travel. However, when the economy slows, it can significantly affect energy demand and prices. That can put significant pressure on energy stock prices. Conversely, when the economy hits the accelerator, demand soars and usually takes prices up with it. Investors should focus on companies with strong fundamentals that can easily weather a downturn. In addition, they should focus more on clean energy companies using renewable sources.

What are the best utility stocks?

The best utility investments are companies with a top-notch financial profile and visible growth prospects. Each of the companies below meets those criteria and has the potential to produce above-average total stock returns -- dividend yield plus stock price appreciation. Here is a list of standout companies, followed by our assessment of each investment:American Water Works (NYSE: AWK) is the largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility in the U.S.Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE: BIP) owns a diversified portfolio of infrastructure businesses, including utilities and those with utility-like business models.NextEra Energy operates regulated electric utilities in Florida. It also owns a nonregulated competitive energy business that operates natural gas pipelines and renewable energy projects.

Are energy stocks good to own during periods of inflation?

Energy stocks can be good to own during periods of inflation. Rising energy prices are a key contributor to inflation. Meanwhile, many energy companies sign long-term contracts with built-in inflation-linked rate escalation clauses, enabling them to benefit from inflation.

What energy stocks pay the most dividends?

Master limited partnerships tend to be the highest-yielding enegy dividend stocks. For example, leading MLPs Enterprise Products Partners (NYSE: EPD) and Energy Transfer (NYSE: ET) had yields around 6% and 7%, respectively, in early 2026.

Are renewable energy stocks a good investment?

Renewable energy stocks can be good investments. Demand for renewable energy is on the rise due to falling costs and growing concerns about climate change. That's powering robust growth for the top renewable energy companies. However, the sector has had performance issues in the past due to financial problems. Investors should focus on the top renewable energy companies with strong financial profiles and growth track records.

How can I track energy stock performance?

You can track the performance of energy stocks by following an index such as the S&P 500 Energy Index, which tracks all the energy stocks in the S&P 500. Alternatively, you could follow a leading energy ETF, like the Vanguard Energy ETF (NYSE: VDE), which tracks a benchmark that measures the returns of energy stocks.

How do energy ETFs differ from individual energy stocks?

Energy ETFs invest in many individual energy stocks. As such, they offer broader exposure to the energy sector compared to an individual energy stock.

What are the largest energy stocks by market capitalization?

The largest energy stocks by market capitalization are:Saudi AramcoExxonMobilChevronShellPetro China

Best Energy Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

By Matthew DiLallo – Updated Apr 14, 2026 at 11:43 AM EST | Fact-checked by Frank Bass

Key Points

Brookfield Renewable offers a dividend yield of more than 3.5% backed by long-term power contracts, providing steady investor returns.
ConocoPhillips can double its free cash flow by 2029 at $70 oil, fueled by cost-effective oil and LNG projects.
Chevron supports steady dividend growth and share repurchases with its integrated operations and strategic investments in clean energy.

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Ticker Information Table
Name and ticker	Market cap	Dividend yield	Industry
Brookfield Renewable (NYSE:BEPC)	$7.9 billion	3.46%	Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers
Enbridge (NYSE:ENB)	$114.7 billion	5.21%	Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels
ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP)	$148.6 billion	2.67%	Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels
Chevron (NYSE:CVX)	$375.4 billion	3.67%	Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels
NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE)	$191.5 billion	2.53%	Electric Utilities

Data as of Apr 17, 2026. Showing 5 of 5 tickers.

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1. Brookfield Renewable

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NYSE: BEP

Brookfield Renewable Partners

Today's Change

(-0.26%) $-0.09

Current Price

$34.59

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$11B

Day's Range

$34.44 - $35.00

52wk Range

$21.14 - $35.97

Volume

484K

Avg Vol

734K

Gross Margin

18.64%

Dividend Yield

4.36%

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Brookfield Renewable (BEP -0.26%)(BEPC -1.81%)is a leading global renewable energy producer. It operates hydroelectric, solar, and wind energy assets. The company sells the power produced by these assets under long-term fixed-rate power purchase agreements (PPAs) to electric utilities and other large power users. Brookfield has also invested in several sustainable solutions businesses, including carbon capture, biofuels, and nuclear services.

The contracts enable Brookfield to generate relatively steady cash flows. It pays out a large portion of that money to investors via an attractive dividend. The company retains the balance to acquire, develop, and expand its renewable energy operations.

Brookfield Renewable has an enormous backlog of renewable energy development projects. Combined with other growth drivers such as acquisitions and higher power prices, Brookfield expects to increase its funds from operations (FFO) per share by more than 10% annually through 2031. That should support dividend growth of 5% to 9% annually, making Brookfield, with a yield of more than 3.5% in mid-2026, an excellent renewable energy dividend stock.

2. ConocoPhillips

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NYSE: COP

ConocoPhillips

Today's Change

(-4.56%) $-5.54

Current Price

$116.03

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$149B

Day's Range

$112.22 - $116.49

52wk Range

$84.28 - $135.87

Volume

354K

Avg Vol

9.7M

Gross Margin

24.63%

Dividend Yield

2.67%

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ConocoPhillips (COP -4.55%) is a diversified oil and natural gas producer. It operates worldwide and uses several methods to produce oil and natural gas. The oil company's deep, durable, and diverse portfolio boasts decades of supply with costs below $40 a barrel.

It's investing heavily in several long-cycle capital projects, notably liquified natural gas and its Willow oil project in Alaska. These investments, along with its cost-savings initiatives, could add an incremental $7 billion in free cash flow by 2029 at an average oil price of $70 a barrel (nearly double 2025's level) and $6 billion if crude averages $60 a barrel.

ConocoPhillips anticipates returning a significant portion of its growing free cash flow to investors in the coming years. It plans to repurchase shares and rank among the top 25% of S&P 500 companies in dividend growth.

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3. Chevron

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NYSE: CVX

Chevron

Today's Change

(-2.16%) $-4.07

Current Price

$184.08

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$375B

Day's Range

$177.74 - $184.30

52wk Range

$132.33 - $214.71

Volume

607K

Avg Vol

13M

Gross Margin

14.66%

Dividend Yield

3.67%

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Chevron (CVX -2.21%) is a leading global energy company. It boasts a globally integrated oil and gas business that includes exploration and production assets, refining capabilities, and a chemicals business. The company’s large-scale, integrated operations help it weather volatility in the energy sector.

Chevron uses the cash flows generated from its legacy oil and gas operations to pay a growing dividend, repurchase shares, and invest in the future. Chevron increased its dividend for the 39th straight year in 2026. It also plans to buy back between $10 billion and $20 billion of its stock each year.

The company expects to grow its cash flow by an additional $12.5 billion in 2026, assuming oil averages $70 a barrel. Drivers include recently completed expansion projects, its Permian Basin development program, cost-saving initiatives, and the successful closing of its acquisition of Hess. The Hess megadeal enhances and extends Chevron's production and free cash flow growth outlook into the 2030s. It can deliver more than 10% annual free cash flow growth through 2030 at $70 oil.

Chevron is also investing in the lower-carbon fuels the world will require in the future. It's focusing on carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, renewable fuels, and lithium. The balance makes it an ideal choice for investors seeking a way to invest in the energy transition from fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives.

4. NextEra Energy

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NYSE: NEE

NextEra Energy

Today's Change

(0.17%) $0.16

Current Price

$91.99

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$191B

Day's Range

$90.46 - $92.00

52wk Range

$63.64 - $96.20

Volume

187K

Avg Vol

9.7M

Gross Margin

36.20%

Dividend Yield

2.53%

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NextEra Energy (NEE +0.17%) is one of the country's largest electric utility companies. It's also a global leader in generating power from wind and solar through its energy resources segment, which sells clean energy to other utilities and large corporations nationwide.

These businesses generate relatively stable cash flow. It sells and distributes power at government-regulated rates and under fixed-price PPAs with customers. The business model is very resilient because businesses and households need a steady supply of power.

NextEra Energy has one of the best financial profiles in the electric utility sector. It features one of the highest credit ratings in its peer group. NextEra also has a conservative dividend payout ratio for a utility, enabling it to pay a stable, growing dividend. The company increased its dividend by 10% in 2026 and expects to grow it at a 6% compound annual rate from that level in 2027 and 2028.

Its strong financial profile also allows it to make significant investments in new renewable energy capacity and related infrastructure. It boasts strong growth prospects, driven by accelerating demand for renewable energy in sectors such as electric vehicles and data centers. These investments help drive the company's expectation of growing adjusted earnings per share by more than 8% annually through 2035.

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5. Enbridge

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NYSE: ENB

Enbridge

Today's Change

(0.19%) $0.10

Current Price

$52.67

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$115B

Day's Range

$51.72 - $52.77

52wk Range

$43.59 - $55.44

Volume

5.5M

Avg Vol

5.3M

Gross Margin

32.74%

Dividend Yield

5.21%

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Energy stock FAQ

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About the Author

Matt DiLallo has been a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst specializing in covering dividend-paying companies, particularly in the energy and REIT sectors, since 2012. He also covers pre-IPO companies, ETFs, and other investing topics. He holds an MBA from Liberty University.

TMFmd19

@MatthewDiLallo

Matt DiLallo has positions in Brookfield Renewable, Brookfield Renewable Partners, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Enbridge, and NextEra Energy. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Chevron, Enbridge, and NextEra Energy. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Renewable, Brookfield Renewable Partners, and ConocoPhillips. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Best Energy Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

Key Points

1. Brookfield Renewable

Key Data Points

2. ConocoPhillips

Key Data Points

3. Chevron

Key Data Points

4. NextEra Energy

Key Data Points

5. Enbridge

Key Data Points

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Energy stock FAQ

What are the best energy stocks to buy?

What are the best energy stocks to buy?

Are energy stocks risky?

Are energy stocks risky?

What are the best utility stocks?

What are the best utility stocks?

Are energy stocks good to own during periods of inflation?

Are energy stocks good to own during periods of inflation?

What energy stocks pay the most dividends?

What energy stocks pay the most dividends?

Are renewable energy stocks a good investment?

Are renewable energy stocks a good investment?

How can I track energy stock performance?

How can I track energy stock performance?

How do energy ETFs differ from individual energy stocks?

How do energy ETFs differ from individual energy stocks?

What are the largest energy stocks by market capitalization?

What are the largest energy stocks by market capitalization?

About the Author

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Energy stock FAQ

What are the best energy stocks to buy?

What are the best energy stocks to buy?

Are energy stocks risky?

Are energy stocks risky?

What are the best utility stocks?

What are the best utility stocks?

Are energy stocks good to own during periods of inflation?

Are energy stocks good to own during periods of inflation?

What energy stocks pay the most dividends?

What energy stocks pay the most dividends?

Are renewable energy stocks a good investment?

Are renewable energy stocks a good investment?

How can I track energy stock performance?

How can I track energy stock performance?

How do energy ETFs differ from individual energy stocks?

How do energy ETFs differ from individual energy stocks?

What are the largest energy stocks by market capitalization?

What are the largest energy stocks by market capitalization?

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1. Brookfield Renewable

3. Chevron

5. Enbridge

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FAQ

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

2. ConocoPhillips

4. NextEra Energy

How to invest in energy stocks