ETF Analysis: Is The Energy Sector (XLE) Still A Long-Term Buying Opportunity?

Following a record-breaking 2022, investors are wondering whether energy stocks still have untapped potential for long-term returns.

Oil prices have risen sharply in the last week, with WTI crude recording a 6% weekly gain and rising far above $70 per barrel on the back of lower-than-expected U.S. inventories and remarks from OPEC+ to maintain a tight supply throughout the year.

Commodities gains sent energy stocks higher, with the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF XLE outperforming other equity sectors.

Occidental Petroleum OXY, up 4% on the week, and Valero Energy Corp. VLO, up 3% on the week, are two of the top performers in the energy sector during the past week.

The sector's giants, including Exxon Mobil Corp XOM and Chevron Corp CVX, have gained 10% and 6%, respectively, since the March lows.

The Reasons Why The Energy Sector Is a Good Pick for the Long Run

The energy sector (XLE) continues to screen the best sectoral performance in a one-year span, with a 7% gain.

However, looking back at the past decade, the energy sector stands out as the poorest performer, trailing the technology sector by a staggering 353%.

Despite recent gains, the sector's considerable long-term underperformance makes it particularly attractive to long-term value investors.

Currently, the majority of XLE holdings are exhibiting cheap valuations, based on the forward ratio and solid balance sheet fundamentals, as measured by the net debt/EBITDA ratio.