Crude oil has been scorching hot this year, rallying more than 30% through mid-December. Fueling that big gain has been the efforts of producers such as OPEC to keep a lid on supply and support pricing.
Usually, higher oil prices drive up energy stocks. However, that hasn't been the case this year, as the average one in the S&P 500 is up only about 8%, while the index itself has surged nearly 30%, leaving oil stocks to trade at much more attractive values. Three of the most compelling names to buy right now are refiner Marathon Petroleum (NYSE: MPC), upstream producer Devon Energy (NYSE: DVN), and master limited partnership (MLP) Plains All American Pipelines (NYSE: PAA). Here's a look at why this trio of oil stocks stands out these days.
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