Energy stocks delivered mixed results in 2025. As 2026 begins, several names stand out for their analyst upside targets, operational momentum, and improving fundamentals. The following five stocks offer compelling cases for significant appreciation based on current valuations, growth trajectories, and sector positioning.
5. Weatherford International Leads With Momentum and Margin Expansion
Weatherford International (NASDAQ:WFRD) enters 2026 up 14% year-to-date. The oilfield services provider trades at $89.24 with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 15x and a 1.4% dividend yield.
Third-quarter 2025 results demonstrated resilience despite industry headwinds. CEO Girish Saligram noted Weatherford “delivered across the board” while strengthening its financial foundation through credit facility expansion and debt refinancing at improved terms. The company has achieved a 1,490% gain over five years, recovering from $5.61 to current levels.
Recent momentum remains strong, with the stock up 10% over the past week and 11% over the past month. While analyst targets of $81.90 sit below the current price, operational improvements and balance sheet strength position Weatherford for continued growth as offshore drilling activity recovers.
4. Diamondback Energy Delivers Massive Free Cash Flow
Diamondback Energy (NASDAQ:FANG) generated $1.76 billion in free cash flow during Q3 2025, returning $892 million to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. The Permian Basin producer trades at $147.95 with a price-to-earnings ratio of 10x and a 2.71% dividend yield.
Third-quarter revenue reached $3.92 billion, beating estimates by 9%, while earnings per share of $3.51 exceeded expectations by 18%. The company maintains a 28.7% profit margin and increased its share repurchase authorization by $2 billion to $8 billion total. Diamondback repurchased 4.29 million shares for $603 million in Q3.
Analyst targets of $179.13 represent 22% upside, supported by 8 Strong Buy and 21 Buy ratings. The company raised full-year oil production guidance to 495,000 to 498,000 barrels per day while narrowing capital expenditure forecasts. Despite a 15% decline over the past year, the stock has more than doubled over five years.
3. EQT Corporation Offers Growth at a Discount
EQT Corporation (NYSE:EQT) stands out with a price-to-earnings-to-growth ratio of 0.46, indicating significant value relative to its growth rate. The leading natural gas producer in the Marcellus and Utica shales trades at $51.37 with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 12x.
Third-quarter revenue jumped 51% year-over-year to $1.82 billion, reflecting strong natural gas demand and improved pricing. The company has tripled over five years, rising from $15.22 to current levels. Analyst targets of $64.57 represent 27% upside, with 3 Strong Buy and 17 Buy ratings.
The stock faces near-term pressure, down 8% over the past month and 4% year-to-date. However, this weakness creates an entry point for investors seeking natural gas exposure as LNG export capacity expands and domestic demand grows. The combination of low valuation multiples and strong revenue growth positions EQT for significant appreciation if natural gas prices stabilize.
2. Devon Energy Beats Earnings While Cutting Costs
Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN) delivered third-quarter earnings per share of $1.04, beating estimates by 11%, while generating $1.7 billion in operating cash flow. The company trades at $35.82 with a price-to-earnings ratio of 8x and a 2.6% dividend yield.
CEO Clay Gaspar stated Devon “delivered another outstanding performance, achieving our best results of the year across all major value drivers.” The company exceeded production guidance at 853,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day while spending $859 million in capital, 5% below the midpoint of guidance.
Devon’s business optimization program has achieved more than 60% of targeted improvements within seven months, aiming for $1 billion in total efficiencies. The company plans to maintain 2026 production at 835,000 to 855,000 barrels per day while reducing capital requirements by $100 million from 2025 levels.
Analyst targets of $44.93 represent 25% upside, supported by 7 Strong Buy and 17 Buy ratings. The stock has nearly doubled over five years despite recent weakness.
1. Cheniere Energy Dominates U.S. LNG Exports
Cheniere Energy (NYSE:LNG) operates as the largest U.S. liquefied natural gas exporter, with third-quarter revenue reaching $4.44 billion, up 19% year-over-year. The company trades at $194.30 with a price-to-earnings ratio of 11x and a 21.1% profit margin.
Net income for the quarter totaled $1.05 billion. Cheniere has nearly tripled over five years and increased 475% over the past decade, reflecting its strategic position in global energy markets.
Analyst targets of $270.77 represent 40% upside, the highest among energy stocks covered, with 7 Strong Buy and 14 Buy ratings. As European and Asian demand for U.S. LNG continues growing, Cheniere benefits from long-term contracts and expanding export capacity.
The stock trades down 14% over the past year despite strong fundamentals, creating an attractive entry point. With global energy security concerns driving LNG demand and U.S. production advantages supporting exports, Cheniere offers the most compelling risk-reward profile in the energy sector.
The Path to Doubling
These five stocks combine operational excellence, strong cash generation, and significant analyst upside targets. Cheniere Energy leads with 40% upside potential and dominant market position in LNG exports. Devon Energy and Diamondback Energy offer value through cost discipline and massive shareholder returns. EQT Corporation provides natural gas growth exposure at a discount, while Weatherford International demonstrates momentum in oilfield services recovery.