5 Best Crude Oil Stocks to Buy According to Analysts

3. Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL)

On April 17, BNP Paribas downgraded Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) to Neutral from Outperform with a $101 price target. While the downgrade may reflect relative valuation or shifting sector preferences, it does not erase Shell’s strong earnings power or diversified business model. In many cases, analyst downgrades after rallies simply indicate more balanced near-term upside rather than deteriorating fundamentals.

Earlier, on April 10, TD Cowen lowered its price target on Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) slightly to $110 from $112 while maintaining a Buy rating. The firm updated its estimates after Shell’s quarterly update showed earnings above consensus, helped by stronger chemicals, oil trading, marketing, and renewables guidance. That result underscores one of Shell’s biggest strengths: unlike pure upstream producers, Shell can generate profits from multiple segments even when one area weakens.

Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) is one of the world’s most diversified energy and petrochemical companies. Founded on April 23, 1907, through the merger of Dutch and British interests, Shell is now headquartered in London. The company operates across oil and gas production, LNG, refining, chemicals, marketing, power, and renewables. It is also one of the largest global traders of LNG and energy products, giving it unique leverage to market volatility and supply disruptions.

For investors seeking a globally diversified energy leader with strong cash generation, exposure to LNG growth, and meaningful shareholder returns, Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) looks like one of the best crude oil stocks to buy, especially during temporary pullbacks.