ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) Shares Up 2% on Better-Than-Expected Earnings

ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM)’s stock price was up 2% during mid-day trading on Friday following a stronger than expected earnings report. The company traded as high as $188.50 and last traded at $187.03. Approximately 21,158,291 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 19% from the average session volume of 17,716,568 shares. The stock had previously closed at $183.29.

The oil and gas company reported $4.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.12 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $110.50 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $104.89 billion. ExxonMobil had a return on equity of 13.14% and a net margin of 8.88%. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.88 EPS.

Key Stories Impacting ExxonMobil

Here are the key news stories impacting ExxonMobil this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Quarterly earnings beat expectations. ExxonMobil reported third-quarter adjusted EPS of $4.23, above the $4.12 consensus, while revenue of $110.5 billion also exceeded estimates. Net income reached $15.4 billion, compared with $6.75 billion a year earlier. ExxonMobil Announces Third-Quarter 2026 Results
• Positive Sentiment: Refining was the primary profit driver. Record refining margins and strong North American diesel output more than offset weaker oil prices, with refining earnings surpassing upstream earnings for the first time in six years. Exxon’s Refineries Out-Earned Its Oil Wells
• Positive Sentiment: Shareholder returns were increased. ExxonMobil raised its dividend by approximately 3.9% and announced plans for $20 billion in share repurchases during 2027, strengthening the investment case for income and capital returns. ExxonMobil Raises Dividend and Sets Buyback Plan
• Positive Sentiment: Energy-market conditions remain supportive. Brent crude was approaching $120 per barrel amid escalating Middle East tensions, while conflicts involving Iran and Russia continued to tighten fuel markets and support refining margins. Exxon and Chevron Earnings Propelled by Refining Surge
• Neutral Sentiment: Options activity was unusually bullish, with traders purchasing roughly 79,748 XOM call options, about 28% above average call volume. This signals optimism but is not a fundamental change in the company’s outlook.
• Negative Sentiment: Geopolitical exposure remains a risk. ExxonMobil’s CEO said global refining disruptions may not have a quick fix, and executives canceled planned travel to a Gulf energy conference because of security concerns. Higher prices benefit profits but could also damage demand and create operational risks. ExxonMobil CEO Sees No Quick Fix for Refining Disruptions

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. TD Cowen increased their price target on shares of ExxonMobil from $168.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, September 28th. Weiss Ratings upgraded ExxonMobil from a “buy (b-)” rating to a “buy (b)” rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 29th. DZ Bank lowered ExxonMobil from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $156.00 price objective for the company. in a report on Tuesday, August 4th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a “sector perform” rating and issued a $180.00 price objective (up from $160.00) on shares of ExxonMobil in a research report on Monday, September 21st. Finally, Argus raised their price target on ExxonMobil from $169.00 to $175.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating and fourteen have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $167.70.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On ExxonMobil

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. NBT Bank N.A. purchased a new stake in shares of ExxonMobil during the third quarter worth about $26,000. Aventus Investment Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in ExxonMobil during the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Portus Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in ExxonMobil during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Atlantic Private Wealth LLC raised its position in ExxonMobil by 776.9% during the 1st quarter. Atlantic Private Wealth LLC now owns 228 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 202 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Financial Connections Group Inc. bought a new position in ExxonMobil during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $53,000. 61.80% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

ExxonMobil Trading Up 2.0%

The firm has a market cap of $775.23 billion, a PE ratio of 24.07, a PEG ratio of 0.91 and a beta of 0.21. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $167.35 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $154.04. The company has a current ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12.

About ExxonMobil

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.