In this article, we will discuss the 5 Best Natural Gas Stocks to Buy for Transitional Power. For deeper discussion and analysis, read 9 Best Natural Gas Stocks to Buy for Transitional Power.
5. Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL)
Short % of Shares Outstanding: 0.76%
On May 7, Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) reported first-quarter revenue of $69.69 billion, slightly above $69.23 billion in the same period last year. Management stated that the company delivered strong results despite a quarter marked by significant disruption in global energy markets, driven by continued operational discipline and resilient business performance across its integrated portfolio. Shell also announced the acquisition of ARC Resources, a move management said would accelerate its long-term strategy by adding complementary, high-quality, low-cost liquids and natural gas assets. In addition, the company announced a $3 billion share repurchase program for the next three months and a 5% dividend increase, reflecting management’s continued emphasis on shareholder returns under its capital allocation framework.
The same day, Shell’s board declared an interim first-quarter 2026 dividend of 39.06 cents per ordinary share. Shareholders were also given the option to receive dividends in U.S. dollars, euros, or pounds sterling, underscoring the company’s global shareholder base and ongoing commitment to consistent capital returns.
Founded in 1907 and headquartered in London, England, Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) is one of the world’s largest integrated energy and petrochemical companies. The company operates across oil and gas exploration, refining, chemicals, LNG, trading, fuels marketing, and renewable energy development.
4. Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD)
Short % of Shares Outstanding: 0.76%
On May 20, Morgan Stanley raised its price target on Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) to $43 from $42 while maintaining an Underweight rating on the shares. Although the target increase reflects updated valuation assumptions, Morgan Stanley continues to take a more cautious stance relative to peers as investors assess growth expectations, cash flow sustainability, and valuation levels across the midstream sector.
Earlier, on May 14, Goldman Sachs raised its price target on Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) to $39 from $37 while maintaining a Neutral rating. Goldman Sachs noted that the company delivered a better-than-expected quarter, driven by strength in gas marketing and increasingly constructive long-term commentary regarding U.S. energy export demand and global supply dynamics. The firm also pointed to potential upside from operational optimization and macro-driven pricing improvements, while noting that conservative guidance and valuation expectations remain important considerations.
Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) is a North American midstream energy logistics company focused on gathering, processing, transporting, storing, and exporting natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, and refined petrochemical products.
3. BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP)
Short % of Shares Outstanding: 0.48%
On May 15, BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) announced plans to scale back much of its pipeline gas trading team, eliminating approximately 20 roles while integrating remaining personnel into its expanding liquefied natural gas trading business. The move reflects Europe’s continued transition away from Russian pipeline gas toward LNG imports and highlights BP’s efforts to adapt its energy trading operations to changing regional supply dynamics. Management’s restructuring suggests a strategic reallocation of resources toward growth areas within global gas trading markets.
Earlier, on May 11, Argus Research upgraded BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) to Buy from Hold following stronger-than-expected first-quarter results. According to the analyst, BP’s earnings beat was driven by higher upstream production, materially improved refining margins, and robust oil trading performance. These positives were partially offset by lower commodity price realizations, but the upgrade reflects improving confidence in the company’s operational momentum and diversified energy platform.
Founded in 1909 and headquartered in London, England, BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) is a global integrated energy company engaged in oil and gas exploration, refining, trading, petrochemical production, and energy marketing. Originally founded as the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, BP remains one of the world’s largest multinational energy producers.
2. Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ)
Short % of Shares Outstanding: 0.47%
On May 20, Scotiabank analyst Kevin Fisk raised the firm’s price target on Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ) to C$74 from C$70 while maintaining an Outperform rating on the shares. The revised target reflects confidence in the company’s operational execution, production portfolio, and ability to generate strong cash flow across changing commodity price environments. Canadian Natural continues to benefit from its diversified mix of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids production across North America and international assets.
Previously, on May 7, Raymond James Financial upgraded Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ) to Outperform from Market Perform. The upgrade signaled growing confidence in the company’s operational outlook, balance sheet strength, and capital return profile as analysts evaluate energy sector fundamentals and long-term commodity demand trends.
Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ) is a senior independent energy producer engaged in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. The company maintains a broad asset base spanning oil sands, conventional production, offshore operations, and natural gas development.
1. Ecopetrol S.A. (NYSE:EC)
Short % of Shares Outstanding: 0.47%
On May 5, UBS raised its price target on Ecopetrol S.A. (NYSE:EC) to $13.50 from $10 while maintaining a Neutral rating on the shares. The revised target reflects improved valuation assumptions as analysts continue assessing Ecopetrol’s operational performance and exposure to evolving energy market dynamics. As Colombia’s largest energy producer, Ecopetrol remains highly sensitive to crude oil pricing, refining margins, export demand, and broader macroeconomic conditions across Latin American energy markets.
Earlier, on April 30, JPMorgan Chase & Co. analyst Rodolfo Angele raised the firm’s price target on Ecopetrol S.A. (NYSE:EC) to $11 from $9.50 while maintaining a Neutral rating. JPMorgan stated that the updated price target reflects revisions to the company’s financial model as analysts reassessed commodity assumptions, production trends, and earnings expectations. The firm continues to monitor Ecopetrol’s integrated operations across exploration, transportation, and refining as it navigates fluctuations in global oil markets.
Founded in 1951 and headquartered in Bogotá, Colombia, Ecopetrol S.A. (NYSE:EC) is Colombia’s largest integrated energy and petroleum company. The company operates across the hydrocarbon value chain, including upstream oil and gas exploration and production, pipeline transportation and logistics, refining operations, and downstream energy distribution.
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