My Oil Stocks Are Up BIG in 2026 — Selling or Holding for Dividends?

ExxonMobil, another dividend aristocrat, is up 31% year-to-date, with significant overall gains for both owners, contributing substantially to combined dividend income.

Shell has climbed back from its COVID-era dividend reduction, is up 24% year-to-date, and has provided a massive 194% overall return on investment, yielding 3.1%.

TotalEnergies is up 37% this year with a 79% overall gain, producing $160 of income at a 4.4% yield, and is considered one of the first dividend stock positions purchased.

Occidental Petroleum is up nearly 45% this year with a 50%+ unrealized gain, but its low yield and small position size make it a candidate for consideration, despite an 8% dividend increase.

LyondellBasell has surged 72% after cutting its dividend, and the creator believes it's the 'lowest hanging fruit' to sell due to doubts about its current $75 valuation and a 3.7% yield.

Kinder Morgan is up 21.64% year-to-date, considered the worst performer in the group but still showing strong gains, with a 44% overall return and a 3.5% yield.

Chevron, a dividend aristocrat, is up 32.17% this year and 82% overall, producing $105 in income with a 3.53% yield.

BP is up 32% this year, with a 48% total gain on the position, yielding 4.3%, and is considered a long-term holding despite a falling yield.