Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Here's How XOM's Advantaged Upstream Assets Act as Its Growth Engine

Read MoreHide Full Article

Key Takeaways

  • XOM targets 5.5 MMboed output by 2030, with 65% from high-quality upstream assets.
  • ExxonMobil's Permian and Guyana assets offer low breakeven costs and strong production potential.
  • XOM expects upstream earnings to see a 12% CAGR and boost profit by $14B by 2030.

Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM - Free Report) has a diversified asset portfolio spread across multiple regions. The company has a presence in both upstream and downstream operations. The majority of its revenues are generated from its upstream business via its advantaged upstream assets.

This leading global energy company is focusing its upstream portfolio on high-quality advantaged assets, such as the Permian Basin, offshore Guyana and LNG projects. The Permian and Guyana assets offer strong production potential and low breakeven costs, generating profit even when crude prices remain soft. The global shift toward cleaner energy is expected to support higher revenues from its LNG portfolio.

By 2030, XOM expects 65% of its output from high-quality advantaged assets, with total production reaching 5.5 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (MMboed), including 2.5 MMboed from the Permian Basin, up from 4.7 MMboed in 2025. ExxonMobil aims to boost profit by more than $14 billion at constant prices from 2024 to 2030. Leveraging these advantaged assets, upstream earnings are projected to see a 12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).

XOM’s Portfolio Advantage: Can CVX and COP Compete?

Chevron Corporation (CVX - Free Report) and ConocoPhillips’(COP - Free Report) are two other energy firms with low-cost shale portfolios in the United States to drive competitive advantage. CVX maintains a significant position in the Permian Basin as part of its high-quality assets. Similarly, COP holds a strong presence in the Lower 48 region, which includes substantial operations in the Permian Basin. Like XOM, these low-cost assets allow CVX and COP to sustain profitability and generate substantial free cash flow amid fluctuating oil prices.

XOM’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates

ExxonMobil shares have gained 42.6% over the past year compared with the 39.8% return of the composite stocks belonging to the industry.

 

Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

 

From a valuation standpoint, XOM trades at a trailing 12-month enterprise-value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) of 10.9X. This is above the broader industry average of 6.86X.

 

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

 

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

 

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

 

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

Zacks' 7 Best Strong Buy Stocks (New Research Report)

Valued at $99, click below to receive our just-released report predicting the 7 stocks that will soar highest in the coming month.

Click Here, It's Really Free

Published in