Energy stocks have surged this year, largely due to the conflict in Iran that started in late February. The war has led to Iran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil supply. Concerns over potential attacks have made companies wary of sending tankers through the Strait, and various energy infrastructures in the Middle East have also suffered damage.
Nonetheless, following several years of low oil prices, many energy firms have adapted to operate profitably, even amid challenging situations. A resolution to the Iran conflict might quickly lower oil prices, which could negatively impact these companies. However, they’ve learned how to sustain shareholder payouts irrespective of fluctuating oil prices.
Here are three energy stocks with robust dividends that investors can hold for the long term, regardless of future oil price movements.
Chevron
U.S. oil and gas giant Chevron (CVX +1.75%) has experienced a nearly 24% stock price increase this year (as of April 16), largely driven by the ongoing war. The company’s positive performance predates the conflict as well.
In 2025, Chevron successfully acquired Hess, enhancing its upstream portfolio with top-tier margins. Management anticipates that its upstream assets will yield between 3.98 million and 4.1 million barrels of oil equivalent daily in 2026. Despite a 15% decline in oil prices, overall production rose, and free cash flow surged by 35%.
ExxonMobil
Another strong contender in the U.S. oil sector is ExxonMobil (XOM +1.99%). The stock has appreciated by 26% this year and is up nearly 167% over the past five years. ExxonMobil’s achievements are rooted in its ability to increase free cash flow, with net cash from operating activities rising from almost $30 billion in 2019 to nearly $52 billion by 2025.
This growth has been fueled by cost-cutting measures and significant investments in the Permian Basin and neighboring Guyana. Oil from the Stabroek Block in Guyana remains highly profitable, able to break even at $30 a barrel. In 2025, ExxonMobil reported its highest upstream production in over four decades.
NextEra Energy Resources
The Iran conflict has highlighted the importance of energy security, which could lead to increased interest in renewable energy. NextEra Energy Resources (NEE +0.65%) offers this kind of exposure to investors.
As one of North America’s largest energy firms, NextEra owns Florida Power & Light, the leading power utility in Florida. The company is also a key player in energy infrastructure, focusing on renewable, nuclear, and natural gas generation facilities, along with battery storage solutions.
Recently, NextEra has ventured into the AI sector due to the rising energy demands from data centers powering AI applications. While the company has taken on considerable debt for its capital-intensive projects, it generates substantial EBITDA, allowing it to service its interest obligations. The stock currently yields a trailing dividend of 2.75%.
