In this article, we will discuss the 5 Best Crude Oil Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. For deeper discussion and analysis, read 13 Best Crude Oil Stocks to Buy According to Analysts.
5. Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. – Petrobras (NYSE:PBR)
On April 17, BofA upgraded Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. – Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) to Buy from Neutral and raised its price target to $24.80 from $18.70 after incorporating a higher oil price outlook. Despite strong year-to-date performance, the firm still sees appealing dividend yields for 2026 and 2027, even with increased capital expenditures. That combination of yield and commodity leverage is one reason Petrobras continues to attract global investors.
On April 13, Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. – Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) announced that its board approved the resumption of construction on the long-idled Nitrogen Fertilizer Unit (UFN-III) in Três Lagoas after confirming economic viability under its 2026–2030 business plan. The company expects to invest roughly $1 billion, restart construction in 2026, and begin commercial operations by 2029. Strategically, the project could reduce Brazil’s dependence on imported fertilizers while expanding Petrobras’ natural gas market footprint.
Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. – Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) is Brazil’s state-controlled integrated energy giant, founded in 1953 and headquartered in Rio de Janeiro. It operates across oil, gas, refining, logistics, and energy infrastructure, and is globally renowned for its leadership in deepwater and ultra-deepwater offshore production. Its pre-salt reserves are among the most attractive large-scale oil assets in the world.
The investment case for Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. – Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) is straightforward: high-quality reserves, low lifting costs, strong cash generation, and often exceptionally high dividends. While state ownership introduces political considerations, those risks are frequently reflected in valuation, which can create opportunity. For investors willing to accept some geopolitical complexity in exchange for income and upside, Petrobras looks like one of the best crude oil stocks to buy in global energy today.
4. BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP)
On April 17, BNP Paribas upgraded BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) to Outperform from Neutral with a $57 price target. The upgrade reflects growing optimism that integrated energy companies with significant commodity exposure could outperform in a higher oil price environment. With inventories tightening and geopolitical risks rising, BP may be positioned to generate stronger-than-expected cash flows.
The day before, TD Cowen lowered its price target on BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) to $44 from $46 while maintaining a Hold rating. The firm updated its model after BP guided to exceptional oil trading results, partially offset by lower upstream realizations. It also noted that pricing lags in the upstream segment could support stronger quarter-over-quarter price increases in the second quarter. That suggests BP may still have earnings momentum ahead.
BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP), formerly British Petroleum, is one of the world’s largest integrated energy companies. It was originally incorporated as the Anglo-Persian Oil Company on April 14, 1909, and today operates across oil and gas exploration, production, refining, trading, and marketing. Though historically associated with the UK, the company’s operational footprint is global, and its executive presence includes Houston, Texas.
With a solid dividend, global scale, and leverage to stronger crude markets, BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) offers an interesting value opportunity for investors looking for a discounted major oil stock with turnaround potential.
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.
2. Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX)
On April 17, BNP Paribas upgraded Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) to Outperform from Neutral with a $174 price target. The firm argued that collapsing oil and product inventories amid the Iran war could trigger an extended upside cycle in crude prices. With security concerns rising, OPEC seeking stronger revenues, and limited non-OPEC supply growth, Chevron is expected to benefit from higher realized prices and stronger operating cash flow.
The same day, Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) also scored an important legal victory when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 8-0 in its favor regarding venue in a lawsuit tied to Louisiana coastal erosion claims. The justices found Chevron had plausibly alleged that certain refining activities were carried out on behalf of the federal government during World War II, allowing the case to proceed in federal rather than state court. While litigation is never ideal, favorable rulings can reduce uncertainty and remove potential overhangs for investors.
Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) is one of the world’s largest integrated energy companies and a recognized supermajor. The company traces its roots to Pacific Coast Oil Company in 1879 and is now headquartered in Houston, Texas. Chevron operates across upstream oil and gas, refining, chemicals, LNG, and renewable initiatives. Its global asset base includes high-quality projects in the Permian Basin, Gulf of Mexico, Kazakhstan, and Australia.
Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX)’s investment appeal lies in its combination of financial strength, operational discipline, and shareholder returns. Historically, the company has maintained one of the strongest balance sheets among oil majors and has prioritized dividends and buybacks. It also tends to be more conservative with capital spending than many peers, which can support returns across cycles.
1. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM)
Market Capitalization: $610.18 billion
On April 17, Morgan Stanley lowered its price target on Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) slightly to $171 from $172 while maintaining an Overweight rating. The firm noted that most exploration and production companies are expected to keep activity plans largely unchanged heading into first-quarter earnings, despite stronger oil prices. Morgan Stanley also added that energy prices are unlikely to revert to pre-conflict levels anytime soon, suggesting a supportive backdrop for integrated oil majors with large-scale production and refining operations.
The same day, BNP Paribas upgraded Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) to Neutral from Underperform and sharply raised its price target to $165 from $125. The firm cited collapsing oil and product inventories amid the Iran war, along with expectations for an extended higher oil price cycle. According to the analyst, increased security concerns, OPEC’s need to recoup revenues, and constrained non-OPEC supply growth could keep crude prices elevated for years. Exxon, with its massive upstream portfolio and downstream integration, is viewed as one of the clearest beneficiaries of that environment.
Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is one of the premier oil and gas companies, engaged in exploration, production, refining, chemicals, LNG, and advanced energy technologies. Formed through the 1999 merger of Exxon and Mobil, and tracing its heritage back to Standard Oil in 1870, the company is headquartered in Spring, Texas. Few companies possess Exxon’s combination of global scale, balance-sheet strength, engineering expertise, and diversified cash flow streams.
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