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Benin Management CORP acquired a new stake in ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM – Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 56,200 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock, valued at approximately $9,147,000. ExxonMobil accounts for 1.7% of Benin Management CORP’s investment portfolio, making the stock its 9th largest holding.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in XOM. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in ExxonMobil by 5.7% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 28,364,314 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock worth $4,812,790,000 after purchasing an additional 1,540,902 shares in the last quarter. Amundi increased its position in shares of ExxonMobil by 5.1% in the first quarter. Amundi now owns 24,511,156 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $4,158,563,000 after buying an additional 1,192,386 shares in the last quarter. GQG Partners LLC increased its position in shares of ExxonMobil by 153.3% in the second quarter. GQG Partners LLC now owns 16,877,523 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $2,307,497,000 after buying an additional 10,214,420 shares in the last quarter. Swiss National Bank raised its stake in shares of ExxonMobil by 5.9% during the 1st quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 12,376,418 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock worth $2,099,783,000 after buying an additional 693,800 shares during the last quarter. Finally, National Pension Service boosted its position in shares of ExxonMobil by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. National Pension Service now owns 9,664,021 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock worth $1,321,265,000 after buying an additional 166,268 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 61.80% of the company’s stock.

ExxonMobil News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting ExxonMobil this week:

Positive Sentiment: Upcoming earnings may provide support: Wall Street expects ExxonMobil to report year-over-year earnings growth next week, and Zacks says the company has factors that could support a potential earnings beat. Exxon Mobil Holdings Reports Next Week Positive Sentiment: Analyst estimates moved higher: Erste Group raised its FY2027 EPS forecast to $11.81 from $11.12, signaling improving expectations for ExxonMobil’s future earnings power. ExxonMobil analyst estimate report Positive Sentiment: Oil prices and upstream assets remain favorable: ExxonMobil’s low-cost Permian and Guyana operations are viewed as supporting production growth toward its 2030 ambitions. Higher crude prices, including Brent above $100 per barrel after Middle East attacks, have helped drive the stock’s recent gains. ExxonMobil long-term upstream production Positive Sentiment: Dividend and balance-sheet appeal: ExxonMobil is highlighted among mega-cap companies with a long record of raising payouts through different economic and interest-rate environments. Analysts also cite its stronger balance sheet relative to BP, while momentum-focused coverage points to continued investor interest. Dividend stocks with long payout records Neutral Sentiment: Valuation and relative-performance debate: ExxonMobil has substantially outperformed this year and compares favorably with BP on gains and financial strength, but analysts give Chevron an edge for further upside based on free cash flow, cost savings and projected 2026 earnings growth. Chevron versus ExxonMobil Negative Sentiment: Illinois refinery disruption: An issue at ExxonMobil’s Joliet refinery is contributing to higher gasoline prices in the Chicago area and could pressure near-term refinery operations, although the wider market impact remains uncertain. Midwest pump prices surge after Illinois refinery disruption Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. BNP Paribas Exane lowered their price objective on shares of ExxonMobil from $165.00 to $155.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, July 17th. Bank of America downgraded shares of ExxonMobil from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating and upped their price target for the company from $154.00 to $158.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 28th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of ExxonMobil from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Saturday. TD Cowen raised their price objective on shares of ExxonMobil from $168.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday, September 28th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded ExxonMobil from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Monday, October 19th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating and thirteen have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $167.70. Read Our Latest Stock Report on ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil Trading Up 2.8% XOM opened at $183.23 on Friday. ExxonMobil Corporation has a 12-month low of $112.51 and a 12-month high of $183.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a current ratio of 1.13 and a quick ratio of 0.85. The stock has a market capitalization of $759.46 billion, a PE ratio of 23.58, a P/E/G ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 0.21. The firm’s fifty day moving average price is $165.80 and its 200 day moving average price is $155.09.

ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM – Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 31st. The oil and gas company reported $3.52 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.56 by ($0.04). The company had revenue of $114.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $109.94 billion. ExxonMobil had a return on equity of 13.14% and a net margin of 8.88%. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.64 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that ExxonMobil Corporation will post 13.63 EPS for the current fiscal year.

ExxonMobil Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 17th were given a dividend of $1.03 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 17th. This represents a $4.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.2%. ExxonMobil’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 53.02%.

About ExxonMobil (Free Report)

Exxon Mobil Corporation, doing business as ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM), is an integrated energy company engaged in the exploration, development, production, and sale of crude oil and natural gas. Its operations span the energy value chain, from resource development and refining to the marketing and distribution of fuels and other energy products.

Through its Energy Products segment, ExxonMobil manufactures and markets transportation fuels, lubricants, and other petroleum-based products. Its Chemical Products business produces petrochemicals, including commodity and performance products used in packaging, automotive components, construction materials, and consumer goods.

Recommended Stories Five stocks we like better than ExxonMobil Spotify Soars After Earnings as the Company Touts AI Benefits and Moderating Costs Lockheed Martin’s Record $292 Billion Backlog Comes With a Delivery Test Palantir’s Next Big Test Isn’t a Partnership—It’s the Numbers Kinder Morgan’s $4.7 Billion Pipeline Bet Could Be Bigger Than Its Earnings Beat Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XOM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM – Free Report).

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Brookstone Capital Management lessened its holdings in shares of ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM – Free Report) by 2.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 124,420 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock after selling 2,878 shares during the period. Brookstone Capital Management’s holdings in ExxonMobil were worth $20,249,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. NBT Bank N.A. bought a new stake in shares of ExxonMobil during the third quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Aventus Investment Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in ExxonMobil in the second quarter worth about $27,000. Portus Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of ExxonMobil in the 1st quarter worth about $36,000. Atlantic Private Wealth LLC grew its holdings in shares of ExxonMobil by 776.9% in the first quarter. Atlantic Private Wealth LLC now owns 228 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 202 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Financial Connections Group Inc. purchased a new position in shares of ExxonMobil during the first quarter valued at $53,000. 61.80% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

More ExxonMobil News Here are the key news stories impacting ExxonMobil this week:

Positive Sentiment: Upcoming earnings may provide support: Wall Street expects ExxonMobil to report year-over-year earnings growth next week, and Zacks says the company has factors that could support a potential earnings beat. Exxon Mobil Holdings Reports Next Week Positive Sentiment: Analyst estimates moved higher: Erste Group raised its FY2027 EPS forecast to $11.81 from $11.12, signaling improving expectations for ExxonMobil’s future earnings power. ExxonMobil analyst estimate report Positive Sentiment: Oil prices and upstream assets remain favorable: ExxonMobil’s low-cost Permian and Guyana operations are viewed as supporting production growth toward its 2030 ambitions. Higher crude prices, including Brent above $100 per barrel after Middle East attacks, have helped drive the stock’s recent gains. ExxonMobil long-term upstream production Positive Sentiment: Dividend and balance-sheet appeal: ExxonMobil is highlighted among mega-cap companies with a long record of raising payouts through different economic and interest-rate environments. Analysts also cite its stronger balance sheet relative to BP, while momentum-focused coverage points to continued investor interest. Dividend stocks with long payout records Neutral Sentiment: Valuation and relative-performance debate: ExxonMobil has substantially outperformed this year and compares favorably with BP on gains and financial strength, but analysts give Chevron an edge for further upside based on free cash flow, cost savings and projected 2026 earnings growth. Chevron versus ExxonMobil Negative Sentiment: Illinois refinery disruption: An issue at ExxonMobil’s Joliet refinery is contributing to higher gasoline prices in the Chicago area and could pressure near-term refinery operations, although the wider market impact remains uncertain. Midwest pump prices surge after Illinois refinery disruption ExxonMobil Price Performance Shares of NYSE:XOM opened at $183.23 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. ExxonMobil Corporation has a 52 week low of $112.51 and a 52 week high of $183.75. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $165.80 and a 200 day moving average price of $155.09. The company has a market cap of $759.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.58, a PEG ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 0.21. ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM – Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 31st. The oil and gas company reported $3.52 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $3.56 by ($0.04). ExxonMobil had a return on equity of 13.14% and a net margin of 8.88%. The company had revenue of $114.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $109.94 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.64 earnings per share. Research analysts predict that ExxonMobil Corporation will post 13.63 earnings per share for the current year.

ExxonMobil Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 17th were given a $1.03 dividend. This represents a $4.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 17th. ExxonMobil’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 53.02%.

Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts recently commented on XOM shares. Piper Sandler boosted their price objective on shares of ExxonMobil from $158.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research note on Thursday, September 3rd. Bank of America downgraded ExxonMobil from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating and increased their price target for the stock from $154.00 to $158.00 in a research report on Tuesday, July 28th. BNP Paribas Exane decreased their target price on ExxonMobil from $165.00 to $155.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, July 17th. Mizuho dropped their target price on ExxonMobil from $175.00 to $170.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Thursday, July 9th. Finally, Citigroup restated a “neutral” rating and issued a $175.00 price objective (up from $150.00) on shares of ExxonMobil in a report on Wednesday, July 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating and thirteen have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $167.70.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil Company Profile (Free Report)

Exxon Mobil Corporation, doing business as ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM), is an integrated energy company engaged in the exploration, development, production, and sale of crude oil and natural gas. Its operations span the energy value chain, from resource development and refining to the marketing and distribution of fuels and other energy products.

Through its Energy Products segment, ExxonMobil manufactures and markets transportation fuels, lubricants, and other petroleum-based products. Its Chemical Products business produces petrochemicals, including commodity and performance products used in packaging, automotive components, construction materials, and consumer goods.

Recommended Stories Five stocks we like better than ExxonMobil Spotify Soars After Earnings as the Company Touts AI Benefits and Moderating Costs Lockheed Martin’s Record $292 Billion Backlog Comes With a Delivery Test Palantir’s Next Big Test Isn’t a Partnership—It’s the Numbers Kinder Morgan’s $4.7 Billion Pipeline Bet Could Be Bigger Than Its Earnings Beat

Receive News & Ratings for ExxonMobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ExxonMobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.

The energy sector is in the news today because the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East has pushed oil prices higher. This too shall pass, with oil prices likely to eventually fall, just like they have every other time they have spiked higher. The bigger story in energy is the shifting dynamics of demand taking shape. And that is why you should probably stick with industry-leading energy businesses like ExxonMobil (XOM +2.79%), TotalEnergies (TTE +2.00%), and Enterprise Products Partners (EPD +1.53%). Here's a look at each one.

ExxonMobil is big, strong, and reliable
Exxon is one of the world's largest energy companies, with a portfolio spread across the upstream (production), midstream (pipeline), and downstream (chemicals and refining) sectors. Its 0.16x debt-to-equity ratio is better than any of its closest peers. And it has rewarded investors with 43 consecutive annual dividend increases. Conservatively managed, Exxon is built to survive the entire energy cycle.

Image source: Getty Images.

This is important to keep in mind today because when oil prices are high, investors often forget that they can also go down. If you want to buy and hold an energy stock, Exxon is a solid option. And you get to collect a well-above-market 2.3% dividend yield, as well. However, this is really about owning a company that has the scale to handle whatever gets thrown at it.

$183.21+$4.98 (+2.79%)

NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/23/26

TotalEnergies is adjusting now for a different tomorrow
One of the things happening right now is a shift away from dirtier carbon fuels and toward cleaner power sources, such as electricity and renewable power. Exxon hasn't pivoted yet, but when the time comes, it should be able to do so relatively easily. TotalEnergies isn't waiting; it is starting to build a division around electricity and clean energy right now.

In 2025, the company's integrated power business accounted for nearly 12% of adjusted net operating income. Through the first half of 2026, that was down to around 8%, but only because the company's production and refining operations have benefited from the turmoil in the energy sector.

TTE TotalEnergies Se$92.78+$1.82 (+2.00%)

NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/23/26

If you are worried about the long-term trend toward clean energy and aren't willing to wait for Exxon to pivot, TotalEnergies could be the integrated energy major you want to buy. You get the benefit of oil exposure today, a business diversified across the entire energy value chain, and a head start on the clean energy transition that, basically, no other integrated energy company is currently offering. And all of that comes with a 4.4% dividend yield (U.S. investors have to pay French taxes on the dividend, but some of that can be claimed back come April 15).

Enterprise Products Partners is for income lovers
You can get an even more attractive yield in the energy patch with master limited partnership (MLP) Enterprise Products Partners. This MLP offers a 6.1% yield backed by 28 consecutive annual increases, which is roughly as long as Enterprise has been publicly traded. However, what you don't get with Enterprise is just as interesting as what you do get.

As one of the largest midstream operators in North America, Enterprise owns a portfolio of energy infrastructure assets. It charges customers fees for the use of its pipelines, transportation, and storage assets. The volume moving through its system is more important than the price of the commodities being moved. And since energy is vital to the world's normal functioning, volumes tend to be robust even when energy prices are low. Meanwhile, Enterprise has been increasingly focusing on natural gas, which is seen as a transition fuel in the clean energy shift.

EPD Enterprise Products Partners$37.08+$0.56 (+1.53%)

NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/23/26

If you want energy exposure but don't feel comfortable with taking on the commodity risk that can entail, Enterprise could be the buy-and-hold solution you've been looking for.

Energy isn't going away, but things are changing
Investors don't need to worry about oil becoming an obsolete fuel, since an all-of-the-above strategy is the most likely solution to the world's soaring power demand. Exxon is an industry survivor you can comfortably buy and hold for the long term, whether that's the next decade or the next three. TotalEnergies is for investors who still want a hedge against the changes taking shape in power, given the company's early shift into electricity. And Enterprise is a solid option for income investors who know they should own an energy stock, but can't stomach the inherent volatility of energy prices. Its natural gas focus, meanwhile, should keep it well positioned for at least the next 10 years, if not much longer.

Wall Street expects a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when Exxon Mobil Holdings (XOM - Free Report) reports results for the quarter ended September 2026. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on October 30. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis oil and natural gas company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $3.96 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +110.6%.

Revenues are expected to be $102.74 billion, up 20.5% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 18.67% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) -- has this insight at its core.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Exxon?For Exxon, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +5.37%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #1.

So, this combination indicates that Exxon will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Exxon would post earnings of $3.68 per share when it actually produced earnings of $3.52, delivering a surprise of -4.35%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times.

Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Exxon appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.

Key Takeaways XOM surged 53.6% over the past year, beating BP's 42.5% gain as oil prices support both energy giants.XOM's Permian assets drive production growth, while BP's major projects are advancing as planned.XOM has lower debt exposure at 13.73% versus BP's 43.29%, but BP trades at a cheaper EV/EBITDA multiple.
ExxonMobil Holdings Corporation (XOM - Free Report) and BP plc (BP - Free Report) are two integrated energy giants with promising business prospects, supported by the prevailing strength in crude oil prices. Investors’ strong preferences for both stocks are reflected in the price chart. Over the past year, XOM has jumped 53.6%, outperforming BP’s 42.5% surge.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

However, the stock price performance does not necessarily establish XOM's superiority over BP as an integrated energy company. Before arriving at an investment conclusion, let's examine the broader upstream business environment, which plays a crucial role in determining the cash flow potential of both energy giants.

Strong Oil Prices: A Tailwind for XOM & BP's Upstream Operations?West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) crude is again approaching the $100-per-barrel mark, per Oilprice.com. The high prices are being driven by intensifying conflicts in the Middle East. The U.S. Energy Information Administration, in its latest short-term energy outlook, projected WTI at $88.21 per barrel this year, higher than $65.40 last year. A highly favorable oil pricing environment is likely to continue supporting ExxonMobil’s exploration and production activities, as is likely for BP, a British energy giant.

Importantly, upstream operations generate the majority of earnings for XOM. The company has a massive footprint in the Permian, the most prolific oil and gas play in the United States, and offshore Guyana. In the Permian, the integrated giant has been employing new drilling techniques and artificial intelligence to boost and optimize production volumes at lower cost structures.

In Guyana, XOM has made several oil and gas discoveries, further highlighting its solid production outlook. Robust production from both assets has been aiding its top and bottom lines. Breakeven costs are low in both resources.

Turning to BP, the British energy major’s production outlook looks bright, as its major projects, expected to begin operations between 2028 and 2030, are moving forward as planned. Once operational, these projects could help BP increase production and generate more cash.

XOM vs. BP: Which Energy Giant Has a Stronger Balance Sheet?Although high oil prices are acting as a tailwind for the businesses of XOM and BP, it is also necessary to analyze the companies’ financial strength to judge how well the two energy majors could weather an unfavorable commodity pricing environment.

The debt-to-capitalization of XOM is 13.73%, much lower than BP’s 43.29%. Thus, with significantly lower exposure to debt capital, ExxonMobil Holdings can sail through a tough business environment. BP, although having a relatively higher debt exposure, is also financially sound, as its debt-to-capitalization ratio is not very high.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

BP or XOM: Which is a Better Stock?Coming to the valuation, BP stock is currently relatively cheap, as the integrated energy company is trading at a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA multiple of 3.17x, which is lower than XOM’s 9.91x. In other words, investors are willing to pay a premium price for XOM over BP.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The premium valuations reflect XOM’s strong business fundamentals, sound balance sheet and long-term growth prospects. Nevertheless, BP also presents a compelling investment case, given its relatively attractive valuation and the prevailing strength in crude oil prices, which should support its upstream profitability.

Currently, both stocks are highly investment-worthy and sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Diversify Advisory Services LLC increased its holdings in ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM – Free Report) by 9.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 116,330 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock after purchasing an additional 9,881 shares during the quarter. Diversify Advisory Services LLC’s holdings in ExxonMobil were worth $20,321,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Aventus Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in ExxonMobil in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Portus Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of ExxonMobil in the first quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Atlantic Private Wealth LLC raised its stake in shares of ExxonMobil by 776.9% during the 1st quarter. Atlantic Private Wealth LLC now owns 228 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 202 shares during the period. Financial Connections Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of ExxonMobil during the 1st quarter worth approximately $53,000. Finally, Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd raised its stake in shares of ExxonMobil by 53.1% during the 1st quarter. Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd now owns 326 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock worth $55,000 after buying an additional 113 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 61.80% of the company’s stock.

ExxonMobil Trading Up 0.2% Shares of ExxonMobil stock opened at $178.14 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. ExxonMobil Corporation has a twelve month low of $112.51 and a twelve month high of $180.26. The firm has a market capitalization of $738.39 billion, a PE ratio of 22.93, a P/E/G ratio of 1.04 and a beta of 0.21. The firm’s 50-day moving average price is $164.95 and its 200 day moving average price is $154.77.

ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 31st. The oil and gas company reported $3.52 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.56 by ($0.04). ExxonMobil had a return on equity of 13.14% and a net margin of 8.88%. The firm had revenue of $114.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $109.94 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.64 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts predict that ExxonMobil Corporation will post 12.46 EPS for the current fiscal year. ExxonMobil Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 17th were given a $1.03 dividend. This represents a $4.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 17th. ExxonMobil’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 53.02%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In XOM has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on ExxonMobil from $158.00 to $166.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Monday, August 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on shares of ExxonMobil from $184.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, August 17th. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued a “sector perform” rating and issued a $180.00 price target (up from $160.00) on shares of ExxonMobil in a report on Monday, September 21st. BNP Paribas Exane reduced their price objective on shares of ExxonMobil from $165.00 to $155.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 17th. Finally, TD Cowen upped their price objective on shares of ExxonMobil from $168.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, September 28th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating and thirteen have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $167.70.

Get Our Latest Research Report on ExxonMobil

Key Headlines Impacting ExxonMobil Here are the key news stories impacting ExxonMobil this week:

Positive Sentiment: Analyst upgrades and target increases: Zacks Research upgraded ExxonMobil from “hold” to “strong buy,” while Barclays raised its price target. These actions reinforce the bullish view and may support continued investor demand. Zacks upgrades ExxonMobil to strong buy Barclays raises ExxonMobil price target Positive Sentiment: Upstream growth potential: ExxonMobil’s low-cost Permian and Guyana assets could expand production through 2030. Higher crude prices and disciplined capital spending are improving project economics, while Guyana’s stronger-than-expected returns have accelerated investment recovery. ExxonMobil long-term upstream production capacity Positive Sentiment: Supportive oil market: Rising crude prices have helped lift ExxonMobil’s earnings outlook and share performance. The stock has substantially outperformed the broader market over the past year, benefiting from its integrated energy model and exposure to higher oil prices. Events that could move ExxonMobil stock Neutral Sentiment: Additional exploration catalyst: ExxonMobil is preparing to drill an exploration well in Trinidad after completing seismic work. A discovery could add future reserves, but the outcome and commercial viability remain uncertain. ExxonMobil Trinidad exploration well Negative Sentiment: Execution and valuation risks: ExxonMobil is trading near its recent high after a major advance, leaving the stock more sensitive to weaker oil prices or disappointing earnings. Its latest quarterly EPS modestly missed consensus, despite revenue exceeding estimates, making the upcoming earnings report an important near-term catalyst. ExxonMobil Company Profile (Free Report)

Exxon Mobil Corporation, doing business as ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM), is an integrated energy company engaged in the exploration, development, production, and sale of crude oil and natural gas. Its operations span the energy value chain, from resource development and refining to the marketing and distribution of fuels and other energy products.

Through its Energy Products segment, ExxonMobil manufactures and markets transportation fuels, lubricants, and other petroleum-based products. Its Chemical Products business produces petrochemicals, including commodity and performance products used in packaging, automotive components, construction materials, and consumer goods.

Further Reading Five stocks we like better than ExxonMobil GM Beat and Added a $20 Billion Buyback—Why Did the Stock Fall? Intercepting Growth: Karman Secures $218M Lockheed Martin Deal Tech Stocks Took a Hit—These 2 Pharma Stocks Are Near New Highs Chip Stocks Have Pulled Back—Here’s How 3 Semiconductor ETFs Stack Up for Investors Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XOM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM – Free Report).

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Carnegie Investment Counsel raised its holdings in ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM – Free Report) by 6.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 85,859 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock after buying an additional 5,413 shares during the quarter. Carnegie Investment Counsel’s holdings in ExxonMobil were worth $13,974,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its position in shares of ExxonMobil by 5.7% during the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 28,364,314 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock worth $4,812,790,000 after buying an additional 1,540,902 shares during the period. Amundi increased its stake in shares of ExxonMobil by 5.1% in the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 24,511,156 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $4,158,563,000 after acquiring an additional 1,192,386 shares in the last quarter. GQG Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of ExxonMobil by 153.3% in the 2nd quarter. GQG Partners LLC now owns 16,877,523 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $2,307,497,000 after acquiring an additional 10,214,420 shares in the last quarter. Swiss National Bank lifted its position in shares of ExxonMobil by 5.9% during the 1st quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 12,376,418 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $2,099,783,000 after acquiring an additional 693,800 shares during the period. Finally, National Pension Service lifted its position in shares of ExxonMobil by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. National Pension Service now owns 9,664,021 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $1,321,265,000 after acquiring an additional 166,268 shares during the period. 61.80% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades XOM has been the topic of several research analyst reports. UBS Group reissued a “buy” rating and set a $199.00 target price on shares of ExxonMobil in a research note on Monday. TD Cowen lifted their price target on shares of ExxonMobil from $168.00 to $180.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday, September 28th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of ExxonMobil from $177.00 to $185.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 15th. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of ExxonMobil from a “buy (b-)” rating to a “buy (b)” rating in a report on Tuesday, September 29th. Finally, Mizuho cut their price objective on shares of ExxonMobil from $175.00 to $170.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating and thirteen have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, ExxonMobil has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $167.70.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on ExxonMobil Key Stories Impacting ExxonMobil Here are the key news stories impacting ExxonMobil this week:

Positive Sentiment: Analyst upgrades and target increases: Zacks Research upgraded ExxonMobil from “hold” to “strong buy,” while Barclays raised its price target. These actions reinforce the bullish view and may support continued investor demand. Zacks upgrades ExxonMobil to strong buy Barclays raises ExxonMobil price target Positive Sentiment: Upstream growth potential: ExxonMobil’s low-cost Permian and Guyana assets could expand production through 2030. Higher crude prices and disciplined capital spending are improving project economics, while Guyana’s stronger-than-expected returns have accelerated investment recovery. ExxonMobil long-term upstream production capacity Positive Sentiment: Supportive oil market: Rising crude prices have helped lift ExxonMobil’s earnings outlook and share performance. The stock has substantially outperformed the broader market over the past year, benefiting from its integrated energy model and exposure to higher oil prices. Events that could move ExxonMobil stock Neutral Sentiment: Additional exploration catalyst: ExxonMobil is preparing to drill an exploration well in Trinidad after completing seismic work. A discovery could add future reserves, but the outcome and commercial viability remain uncertain. ExxonMobil Trinidad exploration well Negative Sentiment: Execution and valuation risks: ExxonMobil is trading near its recent high after a major advance, leaving the stock more sensitive to weaker oil prices or disappointing earnings. Its latest quarterly EPS modestly missed consensus, despite revenue exceeding estimates, making the upcoming earnings report an important near-term catalyst. ExxonMobil Trading Up 0.2% Shares of ExxonMobil stock opened at $178.14 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 1.13. ExxonMobil Corporation has a 52 week low of $112.51 and a 52 week high of $180.26. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $164.95 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $154.77. The stock has a market capitalization of $738.39 billion, a PE ratio of 22.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.04 and a beta of 0.21.

ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM – Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 31st. The oil and gas company reported $3.52 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.56 by ($0.04). ExxonMobil had a net margin of 8.88% and a return on equity of 13.14%. The firm had revenue of $114.53 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $109.94 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.64 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that ExxonMobil Corporation will post 12.46 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

ExxonMobil Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 10th. Investors of record on Monday, August 17th were given a $1.03 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 17th. This represents a $4.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.3%. ExxonMobil’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 53.02%.

ExxonMobil Company Profile (Free Report)

Exxon Mobil Corporation, doing business as ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM), is an integrated energy company engaged in the exploration, development, production, and sale of crude oil and natural gas. Its operations span the energy value chain, from resource development and refining to the marketing and distribution of fuels and other energy products.

Through its Energy Products segment, ExxonMobil manufactures and markets transportation fuels, lubricants, and other petroleum-based products. Its Chemical Products business produces petrochemicals, including commodity and performance products used in packaging, automotive components, construction materials, and consumer goods.

Read More Five stocks we like better than ExxonMobil GM Beat and Added a $20 Billion Buyback—Why Did the Stock Fall? Intercepting Growth: Karman Secures $218M Lockheed Martin Deal Tech Stocks Took a Hit—These 2 Pharma Stocks Are Near New Highs Chip Stocks Have Pulled Back—Here’s How 3 Semiconductor ETFs Stack Up for Investors Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XOM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM – Free Report).

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#StockstoBuy #ValueStocks #TheMorningFilter These value stocks with wide economic moats are good long-term investments when you can buy them at a discount.

Focused Alpha LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM – Free Report) by 50.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 3,187 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock after selling 3,222 shares during the period. Focused Alpha LLC’s holdings in ExxonMobil were worth $519,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its holdings in shares of ExxonMobil by 5.7% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 28,364,314 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $4,812,790,000 after acquiring an additional 1,540,902 shares in the last quarter. Amundi boosted its stake in ExxonMobil by 5.1% in the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 24,511,156 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock worth $4,158,563,000 after purchasing an additional 1,192,386 shares in the last quarter. GQG Partners LLC boosted its stake in ExxonMobil by 153.3% in the 2nd quarter. GQG Partners LLC now owns 16,877,523 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock worth $2,307,497,000 after purchasing an additional 10,214,420 shares in the last quarter. Swiss National Bank boosted its stake in ExxonMobil by 5.9% in the 1st quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 12,376,418 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock worth $2,099,783,000 after purchasing an additional 693,800 shares in the last quarter. Finally, National Pension Service boosted its stake in ExxonMobil by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. National Pension Service now owns 9,664,021 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock worth $1,321,265,000 after purchasing an additional 166,268 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 61.80% of the company’s stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts recently commented on XOM shares. Bank of America downgraded shares of ExxonMobil from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating and increased their price objective for the company from $154.00 to $158.00 in a research report on Tuesday, July 28th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on shares of ExxonMobil from $160.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock a “market perform” rating in a report on Wednesday, August 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a “neutral” rating and issued a $178.00 target price on shares of ExxonMobil in a report on Tuesday. Barclays upped their target price on shares of ExxonMobil from $177.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on shares of ExxonMobil from $184.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, August 17th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and fourteen have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $167.70.

View Our Latest Research Report on XOM ExxonMobil Price Performance NYSE XOM opened at $177.76 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. ExxonMobil Corporation has a 52 week low of $111.99 and a 52 week high of $180.26. The firm has a market capitalization of $736.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.88, a PEG ratio of 1.04 and a beta of 0.21. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $164.58 and a 200-day moving average price of $154.65.

ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM – Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, July 31st. The oil and gas company reported $3.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.56 by ($0.04). ExxonMobil had a return on equity of 13.14% and a net margin of 8.88%. The firm had revenue of $114.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $109.94 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.64 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that ExxonMobil Corporation will post 12.52 earnings per share for the current year.

ExxonMobil Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 17th were paid a $1.03 dividend. This represents a $4.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 17th. ExxonMobil’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 53.02%.

ExxonMobil News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting ExxonMobil this week:

Positive Sentiment: Barclays raised its price target to $200 and upgraded XOM to “overweight,” implying further upside and reinforcing confidence in ExxonMobil’s integrated business and exposure to higher commodity prices. Barclays raises ExxonMobil price target Positive Sentiment: Rising crude prices remain the primary catalyst. Oil has surged sharply in 2026 amid Middle East tensions, supporting expectations for stronger upstream earnings, while ExxonMobil’s Permian operations are benefiting from production growth, drilling technology and cost discipline. Oil explorers benefiting from higher crude prices Positive Sentiment: Investor articles continue to view ExxonMobil favorably ahead of its earnings update, citing its scale and diversification across exploration, refining, chemicals and specialty products. Its aviation-lubricants distribution agreement in the Americas also modestly expands its aftermarket reach. ExxonMobil outlook ahead of earnings Neutral Sentiment: Shell’s planned expansion of Canadian LNG exports highlights continued industry investment in gas and LNG after major oil companies scaled back clean-energy ambitions. The move supports the long-term appeal of ExxonMobil’s LNG and integrated-energy strategy, but it is not a direct ExxonMobil announcement. Shell expands Canadian LNG operations Negative Sentiment: Crude prices retreated from recent highs after a waiver of Russia-related sanctions and tariffs, reducing near-term support for oil producers. Investors may also be cautious because ExxonMobil’s strong run has lifted valuation, while its latest reported quarter narrowly missed the earnings-per-share consensus despite beating revenue estimates. ExxonMobil shares and crude price pullback ExxonMobil Company Profile (Free Report)

Exxon Mobil Corporation, doing business as ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM), is an integrated energy company engaged in the exploration, development, production, and sale of crude oil and natural gas. Its operations span the energy value chain, from resource development and refining to the marketing and distribution of fuels and other energy products.

Through its Energy Products segment, ExxonMobil manufactures and markets transportation fuels, lubricants, and other petroleum-based products. Its Chemical Products business produces petrochemicals, including commodity and performance products used in packaging, automotive components, construction materials, and consumer goods.

See Also Five stocks we like better than ExxonMobil Aurora Rejects Curaleaf’s Higher Bid, But the Takeover Fight Isn’t Over Centrus Energy Is Building a Nuclear Fuel Powerhouse—Why Is Its Stock Struggling? Halliburton Gains Traction: Multiyear Upcycle Ahead Meta Platforms’ AI Comeback Faces an Earnings Test—And a $10 Billion Charge Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XOM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM – Free Report).

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Commodity prices are high, and so too are the valuations of many top oil and gas stocks. ExxonMobil (XOM -1.48%), which is a leading oil producer, has been a top company to invest in this year, with oil prices rising due to the war in Iran. The top oil and gas stock is now up close to 50% since the start of the year, recently hitting not only a new 52-week high but also a new all-time high.

This stock, which investors have typically loaded up on for its long-term stability and dividend growth, has surged tremendously in value this year. The concern for investors, however, may be twofold. One is that the yield has come down as a result of its higher price tag, and the second is that with a high valuation, future returns may be limited.

Is it too late to buy the stock?

Image source: Getty Images.

Why ExxonMobil stock can still rise higherIf a stock has hit a new high, that's typically a positive sign that its business has been doing well and that investors see plenty of growth ahead. ExxonMobil benefits from rising oil prices, and with the war in Iran not ending and potentially intensifying, upward pressure on oil prices may persist for the foreseeable future.

The price of crude oil is around $100 per barrel today, and while that is significantly higher compared to where it was last year, when it was commonly around $60, it's also not quite at the highs it reached back in 2022, when rising inflation sent it north of $115.

Not only might it get back to those levels, but it may potentially rise higher, depending on how long the war drags on.

$175.64-$2.64 (-1.48%)

NYSE · As of 11:24 AM ET 10/20/26

It's not too late to invest in ExxonMobil, especially for dividend investorsExxonMobil stock hasn't run out of room to rise higher by any means. The business has become larger over the years, and it's in an excellent position to benefit from rising oil prices. Although its dividend yield has come down this year because of its rising share price, at 2.3%, the payout is still more than twice the S&P 500 average of just 1%. The company has also raised its dividend for decades, giving investors ample incentive to remain invested in the stock for the long haul.

The oil and gas stock hitting new heights may send alarm bells to investors that its value has been rising and that it's now more expensive to own, but with a solid business and a leadership position in the sector, it can still be an excellent investment to buy and hold.

Shares of ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM - Get Free Report) have been assigned an average recommendation of "Hold" from the twenty-five ratings firms that are covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Fourteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and eleven have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average twelve-month

When you retire at 55 with no pension, Social Security, or other income for a decade, your brokerage account becomes the only thing standing between you and financial disaster. Getting the fund mix wrong in year one can do more…

This post may contain links from our sponsors and affiliates, and Flywheel Publishing may receive compensation for actions taken through them.

You stopped working at 55. Now there’s a stretch of about a decade before any other income shows up, and every grocery bill, insurance premium, and property tax payment comes out of your brokerage account. The portfolio has two jobs. It has to pay you now, and it has to keep growing for the decades that follow. Three ETFs can split that work: Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF (NYSEARCA:DFAC), Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company ETF (NYSEARCA:FNDX), and Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (NASDAQ:BNDX).

Check Your Workplace Plan Before You Move a Dollar Before you pick funds, know which accounts you can tap. According to the IRS, money taken from a qualified workplace retirement plan avoids the additional tax on early distributions if you left service in or after the year you reach age 55. Three details decide whether that rule helps you:

It covers only the plan of the employer you left. The IRS describes it as an exception for a qualified retirement plan (other than an IRA). IRAs fall under the standard early distribution rules. Timing is strict. In the IRS example, a worker who separated from service with his employer at age 49 waited and took money in the year he turned 55. He didn’t qualify. A rollover can cost you access. Since the exception belongs to the workplace plan, moving that money into an IRA before you need it can give up access you’d otherwise have. Make sure you understand the rule before you move anything. Why Your Portfolio Needs a Cash Reserve and a Growth Engine With no outside help coming for years, a bad market can force you to sell stocks at low prices just to cover rent. A separate cash reserve that covers near-term spending keeps that from happening. Planners call this sequence-of-returns risk, and a drop in year one does far more damage than the same drop in year fifteen (we wrote a free guide on defending the first stretch of retirement here: The First Five Years). Your money also has to last for decades after other income starts, so it still needs real growth. A portfolio carrying this much for this long can’t be built only for safety or only for growth.

Plan for health coverage too. Before Medicare and other programs kick in, health coverage is a real cost that people often underestimate. Once those other income sources begin, the portfolio’s load gets lighter.

DFAC Spreads Your Growth Across Thousands of U.S. Stocks DFAC starts with the broad U.S. market and then leans toward smaller-cap, value, and higher-profitability stocks across thousands of holdings. In practice, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL | AAPL Price Prediction) sits near the top at about 5.12% of assets, alongside small names like AAON and Bank7. The fund held about $47.9 billion as of July 31, 2026. It returned 18.68% over the past year and 72.44% over five years. It pays quarterly, and the amount changes from quarter to quarter.

FNDX Sizes Big Companies by How Much Business They Do FNDX tracks the Russell RAFI US Large Company Index, which weights companies by adjusted sales, retained operating cash flow, dividends plus buybacks, instead of by market value. That gives it a value tilt compared with an S&P 500 fund. Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM) made up 2.28% of the fund, compared with 4.63% for Apple, as of May 31, 2026. Assets total about $25.5 billion.

Know this going in: FNDX and DFAC hold many of the same large U.S. companies, Apple included. They differ in how they’re built. DFAC leans toward smaller, cheaper stocks across the whole market. FNDX sizes large companies by revenue and cash flow. FNDX returned 26.85% over the past year and 90.67% over five years, with quarterly distributions.

BNDX Is Your Only Bond Fund, So Know What It Can and Can’t Do BNDX tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD Float Adjusted RIC Capped Index (USD Hedged). The fund owns investment-grade government and corporate bonds issued outside the U.S. and hedges the currency exposure back to dollars to limit swings in exchange rates. It pays monthly and has sometimes added a larger December distribution, though the amounts vary.

Bond funds can lose money. BNDX fell 1.14% over the past year, and with the 10-year Treasury yield at 5.10%, bond prices are still sensitive to interest rates. It’s the only bond fund in this lineup, so keep the money you’ll spend soon in a stable cash reserve outside these funds.

Trade-Offs to Weigh Before These Funds Carry the Load A tilt toward small and value stocks can trail for long stretches. Over five years, DFAC’s 72.44% gain fell behind FNDX’s 90.67%. Because the two stock funds overlap, three tickers give you less diversification than the count suggests, and neither holds international stocks. BNDX’s currency hedge reduces volatility, but it also eliminates currency movements as a source of diversification.

For a retiree who has to cover a long gap on their own, the pieces still fit: two stock funds built in different ways for long-term growth, a hedged bond fund for a steadier layer, and a cash reserve so you’re never selling at the bottom.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Prospera Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM – Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund bought 3,158 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock, valued at approximately $514,000.

A number of other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in shares of ExxonMobil by 5.7% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 28,364,314 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock worth $4,812,790,000 after purchasing an additional 1,540,902 shares during the last quarter. Amundi increased its holdings in ExxonMobil by 5.1% in the first quarter. Amundi now owns 24,511,156 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $4,158,563,000 after purchasing an additional 1,192,386 shares during the last quarter. GQG Partners LLC increased its holdings in ExxonMobil by 153.3% in the second quarter. GQG Partners LLC now owns 16,877,523 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $2,307,497,000 after purchasing an additional 10,214,420 shares during the last quarter. Swiss National Bank lifted its stake in ExxonMobil by 5.9% in the first quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 12,376,418 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $2,099,783,000 after buying an additional 693,800 shares during the period. Finally, National Pension Service lifted its stake in ExxonMobil by 1.8% in the second quarter. National Pension Service now owns 9,664,021 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $1,321,265,000 after buying an additional 166,268 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 61.80% of the company’s stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have issued reports on XOM. BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on ExxonMobil from $160.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock a “market perform” rating in a report on Wednesday, August 12th. Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed an “equal weight” rating and issued a $182.00 price target on shares of ExxonMobil in a research note on Thursday, October 1st. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on ExxonMobil from $184.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday, August 17th. HSBC reiterated a “hold” rating and issued a $90.00 price target on shares of ExxonMobil in a research report on Friday, September 25th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of ExxonMobil from $177.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Thursday. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and fourteen have assigned a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $165.13.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on XOM ExxonMobil Trading Up 0.0% NYSE XOM opened at $179.03 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $742.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.04, a P/E/G ratio of 1.04 and a beta of 0.21. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a current ratio of 1.13 and a quick ratio of 0.85. The stock’s 50-day moving average is $163.85 and its 200-day moving average is $154.47. ExxonMobil Corporation has a one year low of $111.18 and a one year high of $179.16.

ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM – Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 31st. The oil and gas company reported $3.52 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.56 by ($0.04). ExxonMobil had a net margin of 8.88% and a return on equity of 13.14%. The business had revenue of $114.53 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $109.94 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.64 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that ExxonMobil Corporation will post 12.52 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

ExxonMobil Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 17th were issued a dividend of $1.03 per share. This represents a $4.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 17th. ExxonMobil’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 53.02%.

Key ExxonMobil News Here are the key news stories impacting ExxonMobil this week:

Positive Sentiment: Refining margins are providing a major earnings boost. ExxonMobil expects higher refining margins to increase third-quarter Energy Products earnings by approximately $4.5 billion compared with the second quarter. Strong refining performance more than offset weakness in other segments, highlighting the benefit of ExxonMobil’s integrated operations. ExxonMobil’s Refining Profits Are Set to Jump $4.5 Billion Positive Sentiment: Growth projects continue to improve ExxonMobil’s long-term outlook. Production milestones in Guyana and the Permian Basin are moving key projects toward free-cash-flow generation. Guyana’s expanding production and additional offshore capacity could support future earnings and capital recovery. Production Milestones Could Be a Key Catalyst Positive Sentiment: Financial flexibility supports investor confidence. ExxonMobil’s low debt load and strong balance sheet provide protection against oil-price volatility and support capital investment, acquisitions and shareholder returns. Morgan Stanley also raised its price target from $177 to $185 and maintained an “overweight” rating. ExxonMobil’s Strong Balance Sheet Offers Cushion Neutral Sentiment: Investors are awaiting confirmed quarterly results. ExxonMobil will release its third-quarter 2026 results on October 30. Management’s report will clarify how much of the preliminary refining gain flowed through to total earnings and cash flow. ExxonMobil to Release Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results Negative Sentiment: Upstream conditions remain a headwind. Changes in oil prices are expected to reduce upstream earnings, with reports indicating a potential roughly $1.3 billion impact. Consequently, the overall third-quarter result may be lower even with the refining improvement. ExxonMobil Signals Lower Third-Quarter Earnings ExxonMobil Profile (Free Report)

Exxon Mobil Corporation, doing business as ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM), is an integrated energy company engaged in the exploration, development, production, and sale of crude oil and natural gas. Its operations span the energy value chain, from resource development and refining to the marketing and distribution of fuels and other energy products.

Through its Energy Products segment, ExxonMobil manufactures and markets transportation fuels, lubricants, and other petroleum-based products. Its Chemical Products business produces petrochemicals, including commodity and performance products used in packaging, automotive components, construction materials, and consumer goods.

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Key Takeaways Permian Basin remains vital to U.S. oil, supported by advanced drilling and extensive infrastructure.Longer laterals, improved well completions and capital discipline are improving productivity and costs.EOG, XOM, FANG and CVX are focusing on production growth, operational efficiency and stronger cash flow. The Permian Basin remains a key driver of U.S. oil production, supported by technological advancements, improving drilling efficiencies and extensive infrastructure. Its proximity to Gulf Coast refining and export facilities further enhances its strategic importance. Leading producers, including EOG Resources (EOG - Free Report) , ExxonMobil Holdings (XOM - Free Report) , Diamondback Energy (FANG - Free Report) and Chevron (CVX - Free Report) , continue to strengthen their operations in the region, focusing on production growth, cost reductions and cash flow generation.

Spanning West Texas and southeastern New Mexico, the Permian Basin continues to benefit from advances in horizontal drilling, longer laterals and improved well-completion techniques. These developments are enabling operators to boost productivity while maintaining capital discipline. The latest quarterly results from major producers highlight the basin's continued importance to U.S. energy production.

4 Energy Companies Leveraging the Permian's PotentialEOG Resources continues to perform well in the Delaware Basin, benefiting from faster drilling and improved infrastructure. During the first half of 2026, the company increased its daily drilling activity by 13%, while the length of horizontal wells completed per day rose 5%. These improvements helped lower drilling and completion costs by $15 per foot to less than $710 per foot. EOG's Janus gas processing plant, which can handle 300 million cubic feet of natural gas daily, operated at more than 99% capacity utilization during the first half of the year. The plant also helped the company earn 65 cents more per thousand cubic feet of gas processed. For 2026, EOG expects oil production to grow 5% and total production to increase 14% across its operations.

ExxonMobil continues to expand its Permian operations following the acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources. The company’s production in the region reached a record of more than 1.8 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in the second quarter of 2026. ExxonMobil is using advanced drilling technologies and longer horizontal wells to extract more oil while reducing costs. During the first half of 2026, the company drilled more than 80 wells, each with a horizontal section extending four miles, using real-time monitoring and remote operations to improve efficiency. ExxonMobil aims to increase its Permian production by 9% annually through 2030.

Diamondback Energy remains a leading oil producer in the Permian Basin, focusing on reducing costs and improving well productivity. The company has kept drilling, well-completion and equipment costs at approximately $550 per foot in the Midland Basin. Its strategy of developing multiple oil-producing layers helps it recover more resources and improve returns while keeping costs competitive. Diamondback expects to generate approximately $7.8 billion in free cash flow in 2026, supported by its efficient operations and disciplined capital spending. The company has also doubled its share buyback authorization to $16 billion, highlighting its commitment to returning cash to shareholders.

Chevron continues to prioritize efficiency and cash flow generation in the Permian Basin after achieving its production milestone of 1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2025. The company reported record Permian production in the second quarter of 2026. Chevron expects capital expenditure per barrel of oil equivalent across its U.S. shale and tight operations to decline 25% in 2026 compared with 2025. The company also achieved $3 billion in annualized structural cost reductions across its business, six months ahead of schedule, reinforcing its emphasis on operational efficiency and capital discipline.

The Bottom LineThe Permian Basin remains central to U.S. oil production, with leading operators focusing on higher recoveries, lower development costs and disciplined investments. EOG Resources, ExxonMobil, Diamondback Energy and Chevron are leveraging their extensive asset positions and operating efficiencies to support production and cash flow, making them important energy stocks for investors to monitor.

ExxonMobil (XOM +2.46%) just gave investors an initial glimpse at its upcoming third-quarter earnings report. The oil giant noted that it expects strong refining margins to add $4.5 billion to its earnings in the period. That's more than double the earnings from its energy products segment in the second quarter.

However, there were some offsetting headwinds elsewhere across its portfolio that will mute some of that positive impact. Here's everything ExxonMobil investors need to know about its preliminary third-quarter earnings update.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

Drilling down into ExxonMobil's preliminary reportExxonMobil typically provides investors with an initial glimpse of its upcoming earnings report a couple of weeks before its scheduled release (Oct. 30 for the third quarter of 2026). That gives analysts and investors a heads-up on any potential meaningful impacts during the quarter.

The biggest thing that jumps out in its preliminary third-quarter numbers is the impact that changes in refining margins had on earnings from its energy products segment. Exxon reported a $4.5 billion positive effect in the third quarter. While the company noted that external impacts on its operations will shave $400 million from that total, changes in scheduled maintenance and the benefit of having more days in the third quarter will offset most of that headwind ($300 million positive impact). As a result, Exxon expects its energy products segment's earnings to more than double compared to the second quarter ($4.1 billion).

However, the positive impact of strong refining margins was one of the many moving parts for Exxon in the second quarter. The company battled additional headwinds (lower liquids prices, external impacts, and timing issues) while benefiting from tailwinds (higher natural gas prices and the positive impact of some divestments). The net effect is that Exxon expects to report about $15.1 billion of adjusted earnings in the third quarter, up from $14.7 billion in the second quarter.

The benefits of integrationExxonMobil is one of several large integrated energy companies, which means it has upstream oil and gas exploration and production operations, midstream logistics assets, and a downstream business (refining and chemicals). The company's integration benefited it in the third quarter as robust refining margins offset the impact of lower oil prices.

The strong refining market is currently benefiting energy companies that operate refining assets, including those focused on refining, such as Phillips 66 (PSX +1.37%). Phillips 66 recently increased its dividend for the second time this year (10.8% overall), "reflecting the continued strength and resilience of the business," stated CEO Mark Lashier in a press release announcing the latest increase. If ExxonMobil's second-quarter results are any indication, Phillips 66 and its refining-focused peers will likely post robust third-quarter earnings. Its stock price has already more than doubled this year due to strong refining margins. It's times like these that oil giant ConocoPhillips likely regrets spinning off Phillips 66 more than a decade ago to become a pure-play E&P company.

Exxon's continued integrated approach has paid off for shareholders over the years by enabling it to deliver more resilient earnings compared to pure-play E&P companies. Exxon's dividend reflects its resiliency, as the company has raised it for an industry-leading 43 straight years. Contrast that with ConocoPhillips, which cut its dividend a decade ago amid lower oil prices. Meanwhile, Phillips 66 has increased its dividend every year since the 2012 spinoff, growing it at a 14% compound annual rate.

Exxon's strategy continues to pay dividendsExxonMobil's integrated business model continues to deliver more resilient results for shareholders. The company got a big boost from its refining operations in the third quarter, more than offsetting headwinds from lower oil prices and other factors. It's one of the features that make ExxonMobil among the top oil stocks to buy.

SPRING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ExxonMobil Holdings Corporation (NYSE: XOM) will release its third quarter 2026 financial results on Friday, October 30, 2026. The company will issue a press release via Business Wire that will be available at 5:30 a.m. CT at investor.exxonmobil.com. Darren Woods, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Neil Hansen, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and Jim Chapman, Vice President, Corporate Finance and Treasurer, will review the results during a l.

Key Takeaways ExxonMobil's 13.73% debt-to-capitalization ratio provides financial flexibility amid oil and gas price swings.XOM's low debt exposure supports favorable borrowing, acquisitions and shareholder rewards during downturns.XOM shares gained 55.6% in a year, beating the industry's 54.6%, while its EV/EBITDA of 9.73X tops 6.31X. ExxonMobil Holdings Corporation (XOM - Free Report) , an integrated energy giant, generates the bulk of its earnings from upstream operations. With a strong presence in the prolific Permian Basin and offshore Guyana resources, its top and bottom lines are highly susceptible to fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices.

But investors should not worry much about this vulnerability. With a debt-to-capitalization of 13.73%, the energy giant has significantly lower exposure to debt capital. Thus, the company can rely on its strong balance sheet when oil and natural gas prices fall and the business scenario becomes unfavorable.

Also, with lower exposure to debt capital, XOM can secure additional debt on favorable terms during uncertain situations, allowing it to operate smoothly, pursue lucrative acquisitions and continue rewarding shareholders.

CVX & EOG Also Have Low Debt LoadChevron Corporation (CVX - Free Report) and EOG Resources Inc. (EOG - Free Report) , with robust balance sheets, can also sail through an unfavorable business environment on their strong financials. While CVX has a debt-to-capitalization of 15.94%, EOG’s debt-to-capitalization is 19.92%.

XOM’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesShares of XOM have gained 55.6% over the past year compared with the industry’s 54.6% growth.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, XOM trades at a trailing 12-month enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) of 9.73X. This is above the broader industry average of 6.31X.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for XOM’s 2026 earnings has seen upward revisions over the past seven days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

ExxonMobil currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

ExxonMobil stock rises after the energy giant says higher refining margins added $4.5 billion to its third-quarter earnings even as changes in oil prices take a toll on its upstream segment.

The EIA sees oil sliding toward $79 a barrel by 2027, and income investors need to know whether Exxon's quarterly check survives the drop before crude gets there.

Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM | XOM Price Prediction) shares have risen 50.94% this year to $178.10. Crude helped: WTI trades at $96.24 a barrel, up 54.0% from a year ago. Income investors care more about the quarterly check of $1.03, which comes to $4.12 a year. The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects Brent to slide to $79/b in 2027 as Middle East supply comes back. That makes it worth asking whether the dividend holds up when crude falls.

Dividend Already Survived $64 Oil Recent results show where Exxon’s dividend breakeven is. In Q4 2025, Brent averaged $64 per barrel. That quarter, Exxon brought in $12.68 billion of operating cash flow, spent $7.45 billion on capex and paid $4.37 billion in dividends. Free cash flow covered the payout 1.2 times. In Q2 2025, when U.S. crude prices were $62.58, coverage was 1.23 times. Free cash flow fully paid the dividend with oil in the low $60s.

Coverage Across the Full Cycle For full years, free cash flow covered the dividend 1.84 times in 2024 and 1.37 times in 2025. Single quarters swing a lot more. Q1 2026 covered only 0.52 times, dragged down by $3.88B in mark-to-market timing effects and $706M of Middle East disruption losses. Q2 2026 covered it 3.96 times. On the July call, CEO Darren Woods said:

“That strength allows us to keep investing in advantaged opportunities, return surplus cash to shareholders, and maintain one of the strongest balance sheets in industry.”

Two structural changes raise the buffer. Structural cost savings have reached $16.3 billion since 2019. In Guyana, CFO Neil Hansen said Exxon has “fully recovered the $55 billion of investment along with all the operating costs,” and he called it “very much an inflection into free cash flow.”

Borrowing Room When Cash Falls Short The 2020 crash gives a real stress test. Operating cash flow fell to $14.67 billion against $17.28 billion of capex, so free cash flow came in at negative $2.61 billion. Exxon still paid $14.87 billion in dividends and covered the gap with debt, which rose $20.72 billion to $67.64 billion.

Exxon has more room to do that again. Total debt is $42.37 billion against $259.38 billion of equity. Net debt/EBITDA is 0.548 and interest coverage is 56x. Comparable figures for Chevron (NYSE:CVX) are 0.94 and 13.7x. Exxon also has the planned $20B of 2026 buybacks, which it can cut long before the dividend.

Track Record Versus Chevron and Shell Exxon kept the quarterly payment at $0.87 through 2020 and raised it again in 2021. The company reports 43 consecutive years of dividend growth, the kind of run we screened for in our free Dividend Kings guide. Chevron is close behind with its 39th consecutive annual increase. Shell (NYSE:SHEL) cut its dividend in 2020, and its net debt rose to $52.6 billion in Q1 2026.

Verdict: Exxon Can Keep Paying Yes, Exxon can keep paying its dividend through the next downturn. The payout is covered with oil in the low $60s, and the company has cut costs and turned Guyana into a cash generator since 2020. It also carries less debt than it did going into that crash. If crude drops below $60 for a long stretch, expect buybacks to shrink first and Exxon to borrow before it cuts the dividend, as it did in 2020. Income investors should watch two signals: free cash flow coverage over a full year and the size of the buyback.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

ExxonMobil (XOM +1.68%) is looking for its next major offshore oil discovery, and Trinidad and Tobago could be where it finds one. The company has secured exploration rights to a massive deepwater block near Guyana, where Exxon and its partners have already discovered roughly 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil resources.

Exxon's head of global exploration, John Ardill, recently told the Financial Times that the company sees Trinidad as a geological extension of its successful Guyana operations. But there's a difference between identifying promising geology and discovering billions of barrels of oil. So the question is: Should you buy Exxon now or wait until the company drills its first exploration well?

Why Trinidad could become another Guyana
Exxon's Trinidad exploration block, known as TTUD-1, covers approximately 7,165 square kilometers, an area larger than Trinidad and Tobago's entire landmass. The block lies in waters roughly 2,000 to 3,000 meters deep, making exploration technically challenging and expensive. But Exxon has a lot of experience operating in similar conditions.

Image source: Getty Images.

In 2015, the company made its landmark Liza discovery offshore Guyana. Since then, Exxon and its partners have made more than 30 discoveries, transforming Guyana into one of the world's fastest-growing oil-producing countries. By late 2025, production had reached approximately 900,000 barrels per day.

Exxon and its partners have committed more than $60 billion to developing Guyana's offshore resources, with plans that could eventually lift production capacity to approximately 1.7 million barrels per day by 2030. Now the company wants to apply that same development strategy to Trinidad.

Exxon actually negotiated its Trinidad production-sharing agreement in just seven months, which is significantly faster than the usual process. It now expects to select its first drilling location by mid-2027, with an initial exploration well potentially following in late 2027 or early 2028.

If the well produces encouraging results, the company could move toward additional exploration and eventual development. Of course, there's no guarantee Trinidad contains anything close to Guyana's enormous resources. But that wouldn't be the end of the world.

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Exxon doesn't need Trinidad to succeed
If you're considering buying shares of Exxon today, you're not buying a company dependent on one speculative exploration project. In the second quarter of 2026, Exxon reported $14.5 billion in earnings, or $3.48 per share. Operating cash flow reached $23.6 billion, while free cash flow totaled $17.2 billion. The company also returned $9.4 billion to shareholders during the quarter, including $4.3 billion in dividends and $5.1 billion in share repurchases.

Meanwhile, its existing operations continue expanding. In fact, Exxon is increasing production in the Permian Basin where output reached a record 1.8 million oil-equivalent barrels per day in Q2 2026, and its fifth offshore production vessel in Guyana is expected to begin operations in Q4, adding another 250,000 barrels per day of production capacity.

So Trinidad really just represents another potential source of long-term growth, not the foundation of Exxon's current profitability. And that gives you some flexibility. In other words, a disappointing Trinidad exploration result wouldn't erase Exxon's established production, refining operations, or cash-generating assets.

I'd lean toward buying Exxon before the first Trinidad well, particularly if you're planning to hold the stock for several years. Waiting for a successful discovery could provide greater confidence in Trinidad's resource potential. But it could also mean buying after some of that optimism has already been priced in.

That said, I wouldn't buy the stock solely because management hopes to repeat Guyana's success. Exploration wells can disappoint, and commercial production would likely remain years away even after a discovery. But if you want exposure to a financially established energy company with additional growth potential, I see little reason to make a Trinidad drilling result the deciding factor. Exxon's existing business supports the investment case. A major Trinidad discovery would just be an added benefit.

On October 13, 2026, ExxonMobil Holdings Corp XOM shares rose 1.1% to a current price of $174.08. The stock has performed well recently, with a 52-week range of $110.39 to $176.41, highlighting significant volatility and potential for growth.

GF Value™ verdict: Current price is $174.08 vs GF Value™ of $132.62, indicating the stock is 31.3% overvalued.GF Score™ of 68/100 suggests the stock is above average, reflecting decent overall quality.Notable signal: Insider activity shows $2.4M in sales over the past 12 months with no buying, indicating a cautious outlook from insiders.Is XOM Overvalued or Undervalued?ExxonMobil's current stock price of $174.08 significantly exceeds the GF Value™ estimate of $132.62, marking it as 31.3% overvalued according to GuruFocus's proprietary intrinsic value assessment. The GF Value™ is derived from a comprehensive analysis of historical trading multiples, business growth trajectories, and future performance expectations. This substantial gap raises concerns about the stock's margin of safety, suggesting that investors might be taking on excessive risk at current levels.

Given the GF Valuation label of "Significantly Overvalued," the potential for price correction looms, particularly if earnings growth does not meet optimistic market expectations. Investors may want to consider this overvaluation in their assessments, as it could pose risks should market sentiment shift or if operational challenges arise.

How Does XOM's Valuation Compare to Its History?MetricCurrentHistoricalP/E (TTM)22.4x14.0xForward P/E15.0xN/AExxonMobil's current P/E ratio of 22.4x stands significantly above its 5-year median P/E of 14.0x, indicating that the stock is trading at a premium relative to its historical valuation. The forward P/E of 15.0x suggests expectations of a slight decline in valuations moving forward, but the current P/E analysis aligns with the GF Value™ verdict of being overvalued. This discrepancy highlights potential concerns about the stock's future performance and the sustainability of its high valuation levels.

What Does XOM's GF Score™ Tell Us?The GF Score™ evaluates a stock's overall quality based on several factors, including financial strength, profitability, growth potential, valuation, and momentum. ExxonMobil's GF Score™ of 68 out of 100 indicates it is above average in quality, but there are notable strengths and weaknesses to consider.

MetricRatingGF Score™68Financial Strength8/10Profitability7/10Growth4/10Valuation5/10Momentum2/10In summary, ExxonMobil exhibits strong financial strength with a rating of 8/10, indicating solid fundamentals. The profitability score of 7/10 further supports this positive outlook. However, the growth rank of 4/10 and a low momentum rank of 2/10 highlight areas of concern, suggesting that growth prospects may be limited and that the stock's recent upward trend may not be sustainable.

What Are Gurus and Insiders Doing with XOM?Currently, 22 gurus hold shares of ExxonMobil, with 5 increasing their positions while 15 have trimmed their holdings in recent quarters. This mixed signal from institutional investors reflects a cautious sentiment within the investment community, particularly in the context of the stock's valuation.

Additionally, insider activity shows that insiders sold $2.4 million worth of shares over the past 12 months without any buying. This lack of buying from insiders, coupled with significant selling, suggests that those who know the company best may be wary of its current valuation and future prospects. This pattern of insider activity can serve as a cautionary signal for potential investors.

What This Means for InvestorsConsidering the current GF Value™ assessment, ExxonMobil appears to be overvalued at its current price of $174.08, which is substantially higher than the GF Value™ estimate of $132.62. The combination of a significant overvaluation, mixed signals from institutional ownership, and cautious insider selling suggests that potential investors may want to approach the stock with caution. Therefore, a thorough analysis of both market conditions and company performance is advisable before making investment decisions.

For more detailed insights, please visit the ExxonMobil Holdings Corp XOM stock page, and explore further data available on the GF Value™ page or utilize the GuruFocus Stock Screener.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is XOM's GF Score™?

ExxonMobil has a GF Score™ of 68/100, indicating that it is above average in terms of overall quality and investment potential.

Is XOM overvalued or undervalued?

ExxonMobil is currently overvalued, with a GF Value™ of $132.62 compared to its current price of $174.08, suggesting a significant risk for potential investors.

What is XOM's P/E ratio?

XOM's P/E ratio (TTM) is 22.4x, which is 60% above its 5-year median of 14.0x, indicating a premium valuation compared to its historical performance.

This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].

Disclosures
I/We may personally own shares in some of the companies mentioned above. However, those positions are not material to either the company or to my/our portfolios.

ExxonMobil (XOM.N) has told Guyana it will need more offshore gas to ​maximize oil production than the government had expected, potentially leaving less for liquefied natural gas production and exports, two people close ‌to the talks said.

Guyanese officials are now weighing whether to shrink a planned LNG project or skip exports altogether and use the gas for domestic power and petrochemical facilities only. It would deal a blow to the South American nation's ambitions to become a regional energy powerhouse as it continues to grow oil and gas output.

Guyana has been pushing ​a consortium led by Exxon, which controls all of the country's crude and gas production, to deliver as much gas as possible ​so that the nation can monetize its reserves, which rank among the largest in the region.

But the Exxon group, ⁠which also includes Chevron (CVX.N) and China's CNOOC (600938.SS), is forecasting it will need about 2 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) of gas for reinjection into oilfields ​so it can meet crude output targets at its government-approved projects, the people said.

That required volume would constrain supplies for any gas export projects, including ​a floating LNG facility proposed by Fulcrum LNG, the US developer the government chose in 2024 to build and operate gas infrastructure in the country.

Instead of the 6 million metric tons per annum (mtpa) of capacity initially planned, the project may now have to start with up to 3 mtpa and expand later, the people said.

Exxon has been working to ​determine how much gas its fields can produce and supply, at what cost and on what timeline, one of the people said.

Guyana has been ​seeking greater clarity from Exxon on available gas supplies, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat told Reuters in an interview earlier this year. He declined to comment this week on ‌the status ⁠of talks.

The government has yet to make a final decision on what it will do with the reduced amount of available gas, frustrating potential investors, the people said. Scaling back the LNG project is the most likely plan, they added.

President Irfaan Ali's administration is focused on getting a much-needed gas-fired power plant running soon, one of the people said. Other industrial projects are likely on the back burner for now, including a proposed bauxite-to-alumina refinery, fertilizer production ​and large data centers.

"We're working with ​the government of Guyana on development ⁠plans that maximize resource recovery and value to the country," an ExxonMobil spokesperson told Reuters on Monday.

Gas development in Guyana requires supply and demand to be developed at the same time, the spokesperson added.

Fulcrum did not respond ​to a request for comment.

With a base of almost 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent in recoverable resources ​and plans for up ⁠to eight offshore developments by 2030, Exxon's Stabroek block in Guyana is the crown jewel of its portfolio and a major engine of growth for the economy of Guyana, among Latin America's least developed countries.

The country has emerged as a notable oil and gas producer in recent years following the discovery of large offshore fields ⁠in the ​last decade.

Exxon's fifth floating output facility arrived in Guyana in August, which is expected to ​begin operations before year-end. In May, the group applied for government approval for Haimara, its ninth project in the country, which along with the eighth project, Longtail, is expected to develop non-associated ​gas and condensate.

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Stock to Watch: Exxon Mobil Holdings (XOM - Free Report) Over the past decade, ExxonMobil Holdings Corporation has undergone a significant transformation, reshaping its business to adapt to evolving energy demands, financial discipline and environmental considerations. Traditionally reliant on oil and gas, the company has streamlined operations and focused capital on high-return, low-cost projects. ExxonMobil has achieved nearly $16.3 billion in structural cost savings since 2019, strategically enhancing its earnings power and improving cost efficiency.

XOM is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.

Momentum investors should take note of this Oils-Energy stock. XOM has a Momentum Style Score of B, and shares are up 1.8% over the past four weeks.

Four analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.69 to $12.40 per share. XOM also boasts an average earnings surprise of +2.4%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, XOM should be on investors' short list.

Ideally, the instances are limited, but people do occasionally say things they don't mean. It's one of the flaws of being, well, human.

Perhaps it was a case of voicing something into the universe that wasn't meant when, at the White House earlier this year, ExxonMobil (XOM +0.26%) CEO Darren Woods labeled Venezuela "uninvestable." Not surprisingly, that remark invited a rebuke from President Donald Trump, who threatened to block ExxonMobil from participating in any potential opportunities in Venezuela if it didn't soften its stance.

ExxonMobil's plans in Venezuela are unlikely to mean much for the energy patch in the near term. Image source: Getty Images.

It appears cooler heads are prevailing. ExxonMobil, one of the largest energy companies by market cap, is reportedly in talks to invest in several oilfields in Venezuela nearly two decades after the oil giant departed the country amid then-President Hugo Chavez's nationalization of the petroleum industry. Still, the company's previous warning about Venezuela is on some investors' minds.

Why ExxonMobil's Venezuela stance matters to energy investors Due in part to the war in Iran and the lingering conflict in Ukraine, oil prices are elevated, helping energy rank 2026's best-performing sector. Said another way, constrained supply is fostering an environment in which oil prices and the related equities, including ExxonMobil, are soaring.

The other side of that coin is that if the oil market suddenly becomes awash in fresh supply, prices could slump. That'd be a relief to consumers, but it's not a desirable situation for energy investors. Don't bank on Venezuela imminently being a source of new supply to force oil prices lower while weighing on stocks such as ExxonMobil.

Daily output in the South American nation reached 1.2 million barrels in August, well ahead of the levels seen prior to U.S. forces capturing former President Nicolas Maduro, but that's barely more than a third of the all-time high of 3.5 million barrels per day seen in December 1997.

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Following years of Venezuela allowing energy infrastructure to languish, it will take years and sizable investments by Western oil majors before the country's production levels get anywhere close to their lost glory. In simple terms, Exxon and its peers could invest billions of dollars in Venezuela right now, and they still wouldn't be able to lift the country's output to the point where global oil prices materially slide in the near term.

Exxon doesn't need Venezuela As is the case in life, there's a difference between "need" and "want" for companies, and that's true of ExxonMobil in relation to Venezuela. Take the comparison of ExxonMobil and its most direct rival, Chevron (CVX +0.20%). Chevron remained operational in Venezuela for years after competitors left, but these two energy stocks are moving in lockstep this year.

Data by YCharts.

One takeaway from that scenario is that markets are willing to reward ExxonMobil on par with Chevron even without the former possessing a tangible "Venezuela premium." It doesn't need one to generate compelling long-term returns.

ExxonMobil's enviable perches in Guyana and the Permian Basin are the bedrocks of long-term production growth, and the company previously forecast $25 billion in annual earnings growth by 2030, excluding Venezuela. So think of Venezuela as a potential cherry atop the ExxonMobil sundae, not the sundae itself.

Investors choosing between the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM +0.24%) and the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG +0.55%) are essentially weighing a higher current income stream against the potential for companies to consistently raise their payouts.

Both funds provide income and stability, but they target different corporate behaviors: VYM seeks currently high yields, while VIG focuses on dividend growth over at least 10 consecutive years. This leads to distinct sector weights and risk profiles despite their shared low-cost pedigree within the Vanguard family.

Snapshot (cost & size)MetricVYMVIGIssuerVanguardVanguardShare price$157.03 (as of 2026-10-05)$236.15 (as of 2026-10-05)Expense ratio0.04%0.04%1-yr return (as of Oct. 5, 2026)13.7%10.2%Dividend yield2.3%1.5%Beta0.730.81AUM$100.8B$132.4BBeta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from monthly returns over the available fund history (up to five years). The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. Dividend yield is the trailing-12-month distribution yield.

Both Vanguard funds are highly efficient, sharing an identical 0.04% expense ratio. While costs are neutral, the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF offers a notably higher payout, at 2.3% versus 1.5% for the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF.

Performance & risk comparisonMetricVYMVIGMax drawdown (5 yr)(15.8%)(20.4%)Growth of $1,000 over 5 years (total return)$1,724$1,659What's insideVanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF targets companies that have raised dividends for at least 10 consecutive years. Its technology-heavy portfolio, which allocates 26% to the sector, includes its largest positions, such as Microsoft Corp (MSFT +2.33%) at 4.69%, Apple Inc (AAPL -1.75%) at 4.52%, and Broadcom Inc (AVGO +0.80%) at 4.36%. It holds 338 stocks. It was launched in 2006. Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF has paid $3.65 per share over the trailing 12 months, which, on its recent ~$236.15 share price, works out to a 1.5% yield.

Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index and holds 589 stocks, prioritizing companies with higher-than-average current payouts. Its sector allocation is led by financial services at 22%, technology at 17%, and healthcare at 14%. Its largest positions include Broadcom Inc at 6.94%, JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM +0.49%) at 3.83%, and ExxonMobil Holdings Corp (XOM +0.66%) at 2.70%. It was also launched in 2006. Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF has paid $3.68 per share over the trailing 12 months, which, on its recent ~$157.03 share price, works out to a 2.3% yield.

For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.

Which looks like the better buyWhen comparing the Vanguard High Dividend ETF (VYM) and the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG), investors should consider several key factors. Let's see what they tell us about each fund.

First, we should discuss the differing strategies of each fund. VYM's primary goal is to deliver high income and yield to investors through owning dividend-paying stocks within the value category. Therefore, it holds dividend-paying stocks with relatively low price-to-earnings multiples, such as ExxonMobil and JPMorgan Chase. VIG, on the other hand, targets stocks with long-term potential. While tech stocks like Apple, Broadcom, and Microsoft don't pay the biggest dividends, they have excellent growth rates and high free cash flow that can support rising dividends or significant buyback programs.

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Two other important factors are historical performance and income potential. While both funds have delivered similar returns, VYM has proved the winner over the last five years. VYM has generated a total return of 72%, equating to a compound annual growth rate of 11.5%. VIG, by contrast, has delivered a total return of 65%, with a 10.6% CAGR. Both funds have slightly underperformed the S&P 500, which generated a total return of 89% with a CAGR of 13.6% over the last five years. Turning to income, VYM has the edge. It offers a dividend yield of 2.3%, while VIG's is 1.5%.

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One final factor to weigh is cost. But here, again, both funds have very similar profiles. In fact, both funds offer identical 0.04% expense ratios. This results in very low fees for both funds. For example, someone who invests $10,000 in either fund should expect to pay only $4 in fees per year.

In summary, although VYM and VIG are both dividend-focused ETFs, they are unique. VYM offers a higher yield and better historical returns over the last five years. Nevertheless, VIG may appeal to growth-oriented investors seeking to add a splash of income to their portfolio. Both funds' low expense ratios make them appealing to cost-conscious investors.

JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Jake Lerch has positions in ExxonMobil. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple, Broadcom, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF, and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.