Energy has experienced a 0.85% loss, making it the second-worst performer among the 11 sectors of the S&P 500 this year. Much of that is attributable to the oil majors’ lackluster performances in 2025. ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) is down 6.17% and ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) is down 0.48%, while Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) and Chevron (NYSE: CVX) have uninspiring gains of 4.13% and 5.66%, respectively.
That soured the highly cyclical sector for many investors. But for those who understand the three stages of the petroleum value chain, the midstream segment still offers hope. Specifically, Houston-based Plains All American Pipeline (NYSE: PAA), a master limited partnership (MLP) founded in 1981, should be on income investors’ radar.
