3 Top Oil Stocks for Long-Term Investors

Due to events in Iran, the release of crude reserves, and other developments, the oil and energy markets are dealing with quite a bit right now (to put it mildly). And there certainly are some investors who are making the right moves, seeing excellent gains, and timing the market.

However, that’s a risky proposition, and that’s not what we’re going to focus on today. Instead, we’re focusing on the long game and long-term portfolio planning. The oil market and oil industry stocks will normalize again, as they have in the past. The current conflict will end. Markets will eventually stop fluctuating so wildly.

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Yet what oil stocks are the solid choices in today’s climate? The Zen Ratings system is here to help with that. It looks not only at current value and momentum but also at things such as financial stability, growth potential, operational efficiency, and longer-term price trends. 

Here are 3 A-Rated oil or oil-related stocks that should still be on your radar in the middle of the current news cycle:

1. Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE: VLO)

A manufacturer of fuels and petrochemical products in the U.S. and internationally, VLO is a petroleum and ethanol refinery company that is, of course, affected by current events, but the price chart for the last 12 months paints a different picture of relatively strong and steady growth (+71.15% over a year). And it still has a Component Grade of B for Momentum, Growth, and Sentiment, indicating that the market and key investors remain confident in it.

Many consider it a strong dividend stock. It has also increased its dividend multiple times over the past five years, and it still has potential for growth, nonetheless. These are factors that existed before this month and will likely exist after it.

2. Par Pacific Holdings Inc (NYSE: PARR)

Another company that has shown significant growth over the past year is PARR, which produces refined oil products, notably low-sulfur fuels. And yet, despite the +267.2% share price increase over the last year, it still has a Component Grade of A for Value, suggesting there may be more to be found here. 

Investors will want to note that it is in a more stable position than most small-cap refiners, look more into how growth prospects for the company look after current events settle, and check market sentiment on whether the stock is overvalued.

3. Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX)

Another refiner (perhaps you’re seeing a trend here) that processes fuel, lubricants, and natural gas liquids among other products, PSX may be a relatively overlooked stock that had a strong 2025. It stands to gain not only from the current environment but also from the longer-term geopolitical trends and modernization efforts within the company.

Reviewing the Component Grades, it is above average for most of them, placing the stock as a whole at the top level among the stocks we cover. It is also an investment to consider a dividend stock (even if it doesn’t have the largest dividend yield in the industry, it has regularly raised that dividend).

While the above stocks were considered outside the whims of the news cycle and world events, you may still need to stay on top of broader market trends and events. To keep track of any individual stock you want, WallStreetZen Premium has all you need. You’ll have an unlimited watchlist, all the fundamental information you need, and more.

Though with a busy life, checking all your stocks can be involved, and perhaps you’re looking for a more guided approach. If this sounds like what you need, try Zen Investor. With it, you’ll receive regular market commentary (including that on current events affecting the market) and a model portfolio hand-picked by our own Steve Reitmeister, who has more than 40 years of investment experience, with the Zen Ratings system in mind.

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