4. Nordic American Tankers Limited (NYSE:NAT)
Latest 10-Day Percentage Gains: 22%
Nordic American Tankers Limited (NYSE: NAT) ranks fourth among the energy stocks gaining the most this week after its shares climbed 21.14% during the same period. The Bermuda-based shipping company operates a fleet of Suezmax crude oil tankers, vessels specifically designed to transport large quantities of crude oil across major global shipping routes.
For decades, oil tanker companies have served as the often overlooked backbone of the global energy supply chain. Every barrel of crude oil that moves from producing nations to consuming markets must eventually travel by pipeline or ship, and in many cases, oil tankers provide the most efficient method for transporting energy across continents.
Nordic American Tankers released its Q4 2025 results on February 26, offering investors a glimpse into the strengthening shipping environment for crude oil transportation. Although the company fell short of some Wall Street forecasts, the quarter marked its strongest performance of the year.
The improvement was largely driven by a surge in time charter equivalent rates for the company’s fleet. The average TCE rate climbed 25% sequentially to $35,000 per day per ship, reflecting tightening market conditions for Suezmax tankers. Such rate increases are particularly significant because tanker companies typically generate revenue based on daily vessel rates, meaning even modest price changes can have a substantial impact on profitability.
The company reported net profit of $11.7 million during the quarter while EBITDA reached $34.7 million, supported by strong demand for compliant tankers that meet modern environmental and regulatory standards.
Nordic American Tankers also signaled that market conditions remain strong heading into 2026. Nearly two-thirds of its available spot days for the first quarter have already been booked at approximately $55,000 per day, indicating that shipping demand remains elevated.
Income-focused investors also continue to watch NAT closely due to its long-standing dividend policy. On February 25, the company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.17 per share, marking its 114th consecutive quarterly dividend payment. In an industry known for cyclical earnings, such consistency has helped Nordic American Tankers maintain a loyal base of dividend investors.
The stock has also benefited from the geopolitical turmoil currently affecting the global oil market. Tensions in the Middle East and supply disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz have pushed oil tanker rates to record highs, as longer shipping routes and supply uncertainty increase demand for available vessels.
For investors following energy stocks tied to the logistics side of the oil industry, tanker companies like Nordic American Tankers represent a unique way to gain exposure to rising oil transportation demand.
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