Oil prices have been weak of late, leaving energy stocks on the defensive. There are two that deserve a closer look just the same.

Although global oil demand is projected to grow, it’s happening more slowly. In this climate, investing in fundamentally sound companies such as EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG), Energy Transfer LP (ET), and Sabine Royalty Trust (SBR) could be wise.

Integrated energy major Chevron ( CVX -1.68%) as well as exploration and production companies Chord Energy ( CHRD -2.20%) and APA Corp. ( APA -2.81%) are hovering within 7% of their 52-week lows. Here's why the sell-off in each dividend stock could be a buying opportunity.

Despite favorable long-term trends, oil remains volatile and cyclical, currently facing demand headwinds and a pricing war. See here for 3 oil dividend stocks.

Finding a dividend stock you can hold confidently for a decade or more, however, is a different story. Too many of them seem to come with a risky downside, including the prospect of interrupted payouts or dividend cuts. You'll want to exercise above-average caution if you're shopping around for some new income-producing names.

It's been a bad week for oil stocks. Even though OPEC+ nations delayed their production cuts scheduled to begin in October, global demand for oil weakened considerably. China, in particular, which is the world's largest importer,