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Today's Bonus Content 3 Energy Stocks That Could Benefit From Geopolitical TensionsWritten by Chris Markoch. Published 9/19/2025. 
Key Points - Energy stocks have lagged in 2025, but geopolitical tensions could shift supply-demand dynamics quickly.
- ExxonMobil and Chevron provide scale, dividends, and exposure to the Permian Basin for stability and upside.
- Baker Hughes offers leveraged exposure to rising oilfield activity if energy prices climb.
To the surprise of some investors, energy stocks have quietly underperformed in 2025—particularly oil and gas names. Despite steady U.S. production under the current administration, efficiency gains and subdued global demand have kept energy prices in check, tipping the balance in favor of consumers. Lower oil and gas prices have also eased inflationary pressures elsewhere in the economy. Imagine a bull market so powerful, every single investor became a millionaire. Not by finding the next NVIDIA or Bitcoin, but by owning a simple index fund.
It sounds impossible. Yet it happened – just a short time ago. Now a legendary figure says: "Brace yourselves. It's about to happen here, in America. But fair warning – it could be the worst thing that ever happens to you."
This story has received little coverage in the press. But if history repeats, it could bump tens of millions of Americans into a 7-figure net worth practically overnight. Click here for the full story. Yet history shows that supply–demand dynamics can shift abruptly when geopolitical events disrupt markets. Investors need look no further than 2022, when Russia's invasion of Ukraine sent oil prices surging, or to 2025, when U.S. military action against Iran's nuclear infrastructure served as a stark reminder of how quickly energy supply chains can be strained. In such environments, large energy companies with scale, strong balance sheets and diversified operations tend to fare best. These firms can weather volatility and generate the cash flows needed to reward shareholders through dividends and buybacks. Here are three energy blue chips that stand out for their resilience and upside potential if geopolitical tensions rise: Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM), Chevron (NYSE: CVX) and Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR). Exxon Mobil: Dominance in Oil and LNG With Attractive Shareholder Returns With a diversified global footprint and a fortress balance sheet, Exxon Mobil ranks among the energy sector's most reliable names. As the leading producer in the Permian Basin—one of the world's most prolific oil fields—Exxon has a cost advantage that bolsters profitability even when prices wobble. Exxon also continues to invest heavily in liquefied natural gas (LNG). As Europe and parts of Asia diversify away from Russian and Middle Eastern suppliers, Exxon's LNG infrastructure is well positioned to capture shifting trade flows. Beyond its asset base, Exxon delivers value directly to shareholders. In its latest quarter, the company returned $9.2 billion—including $5 billion in share repurchases—and boasts dividend aristocrat status with a yield above 3.4% and 42 consecutive years of dividend hikes. Chevron: Global Diversification and a Steady Income If Exxon Mobil leads the sector, Chevron is a formidable No. 2. The integrated oil giant shares many of the same strengths as its closest peer but adds its own advantages in uncertain times. Chevron's merger with Hess boosted its low-cost footprint in the Permian Basin, helping cushion against price volatility. The company also has a broad slate of international projects—from LNG facilities in Australia to upstream investments in Kazakhstan—providing resilience against localized disruptions. On the financial front, Chevron's conservative balance sheet supports sustainable shareholder returns. Like Exxon, it is a dividend aristocrat, having raised its dividend for 38 straight years. As of this writing, the dividend yields 4.28%, making it one of the sector's most attractive payouts. Baker Hughes: Oilfield Services With Significant Upside Baker Hughes stands out among oilfield services providers. Its technology and equipment underpin exploration and production across the industry, making it an immediate beneficiary when energy prices rise and drilling activity ramps up. The company has also been expanding in digital solutions and emissions-reduction technologies, enhancing its relevance in a transitioning energy mix. Financially, Baker Hughes has been improving margins and reducing debt, strengthening its ability to deliver consistent results. BKR stock is up 13% in 2025, and analysts forecast earnings growth of over 15% in the next 12 months. Though Baker Hughes' dividend yield trails its integrated peers, its payout is well-supported and augmented by buybacks. Should geopolitical tensions push oil and gas prices higher, producers will likely boost capital spending, further benefiting Baker Hughes' order book.
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