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Why ExxonMobil's Financial Strength Matters for Investors

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Key Takeaways

  • ExxonMobil's 13.73% debt-to-capitalization ratio helps cushion its exposure to oil and gas price swings.
  • Low debt exposure lets XOM seek favorable financing, pursue acquisitions and keep rewarding shareholders.
  • XOM shares gained 39.6% in a year, while its 8.84X EV/EBITDA is above the industry's 5.59X.

ExxonMobil Holdings Corporation (XOM - Free Report) , an integrated energy giant, 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 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 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 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 & Estimates

Shares of XOM have gained 39.6% over the past year compared with the industry’s 35.8% growth.

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 8.84X. This is above the broader industry average of 5.59X.

Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for XOM’s 2026 earnings has seen upward revisions over the past 30 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.

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