3 No-Brainer Energy Stocks to Buy Right Now

What's the best-performing sector so far in 2026? The answer probably won't be a shocker: It's the energy sector. Skyrocketing oil prices have propelled many energy stocks into the stratosphere.

You could throw a dart at a board full of energy stock names and likely land on a good stock to scoop up. However, I think three energy stocks stand out as especially no-brainer picks to buy right now.

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1. ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) truly is a no-brainer to top our list. It's the world's second-largest energy company by market cap (trailing behind only Saudi Aramco) and the largest U.S. energy company.

But ExxonMobil isn't a great stock to buy solely because of its size. The company is arguably the world's most efficient cash flow machine. ExxonMobil generates roughly $1 billion in free cash flow every two weeks when oil is priced at $100 or more per barrel.

This energy giant is also remarkably efficient at oil production. Its proprietary proppant (a material used in fracking) enables ExxonMobil to recover around 20% more oil per acre than rivals. The company is developing new technologies that it expects to double its recovery levels in the next decade.

ExxonMobil's dividends also offer attractive returns for shareholders. The forward dividend yield is roughly 2.6%. The company has increased its dividend for an impressive 43 consecutive years by a compound annual growth rate of around 6%. ExxonMobil distributed $150 billion of cash to shareholders between 2021 and 2025. In 2025, it distributed more cash than all but five members of the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC).

2. Chevron

Chevron (NYSE: CVX) ranks as the world's third-largest energy company by market cap. Its acquisition of Hess last year has strengthened the company's position for delivering growth for years to come.

Oil production at Chevron reached a record high last year, even after the company sold assets in Canada and Congo. It exceeded production growth targets in the Gulf of Mexico, Permian Basin, and the Tengiz oil field in western Kazakhstan. The acquisition of Hess also boosted production considerably, thanks to its Guyana and Bakken assets.

Chevron was the only major U.S. oil company that never fully shut down operations in Venezuela. As a result, it's well-positioned to profit as the country makes it easier for U.S. companies to conduct business and form joint ventures with domestic oil producers.

Income investors continue to like Chevron for its dividend. The company's forward dividend yield is 36%. Chevron has increased its dividend payout for 39 consecutive years. Management expects to extend that streak even if oil prices fall below $50 per barrel, which doesn't seem like much of a threat right now.

3. Energy Transfer LP

Integrated oil giants aren't the only attractive choices for investors. Energy Transfer LP (NYSE: ET) is one of the best pipeline stocks on the market.

The company operates more than 140,000 miles of pipeline that transport crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and refined products throughout the U.S. Its assets also include processing plants, storage facilities, and terminals.

Although oil is currently making headlines because Iran is blockading the Strait of Hormuz, natural gas has become increasingly important to the global economy. Energy Transfer has significant growth opportunities driven by demand from data centers powered by natural gas, including three data centers operated by Oracle (NYSE: ORCL) and CloudBurst's Central Texas data center.

This limited partnership offers one of the juiciest distributions available, with a yield topping 7.1%. Energy Transfer's management targets average annual distribution growth of 3% to 5% and is committed to maintaining a strong distribution coverage.

Keith Speights has positions in Chevron, Energy Transfer, and ExxonMobil. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Chevron and Oracle. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.