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Inside ExxonMobil's Balance Sheet: Key Takeaways for Investors

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Key Takeaways

  • XOM's earnings rely heavily on upstream operations, leaving results sensitive to oil and gas price swings.
  • XOM's 13.6% debt-to-capitalization provides flexibility to withstand downturns and pursue acquisitions.
  • XOM trades at a 7.65X EV/EBITDA, above the industry average, with 2025 earnings estimates trending higher.

Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM - Free Report) is an integrated energy giant, but generates the bulk of its earnings from its upstream operations. With a strong presence in the prolific Permian Basin and offshore Guyana resources, its top and bottom lines are highly vulnerable to fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices.

But investors should not worry much about this vulnerability since ExxonMobil has a strong balance sheet. With a debt-to-capitalization of 13.6%, the integrated 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 turn low 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 Load

Chevron Corporation (CVX - Free Report) and EOG Resources Inc. (EOG - Free Report) , both having robust balance sheets, can also sail through an unfavorable business environment due to their strong financials. While CVX has a debt-to-capitalization of 17.5%, EOG’s debt-to-capitalization stands at 20.3%.

XOM’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates

Shares of XOM have gained 6.9% over the past year compared with the 8.7% improvement of the industry.

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From a valuation standpoint, XOM trades at a trailing 12-month enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) of 7.65X. This is above the broader industry average of 4.81X.

Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for XOM’s 2025 earnings has seen upward revisions over the past 30 days.

Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

ExxonMobil stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.


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