ExxonMobil vs BP

ExxonMobil and BP p.l.c. are compared here to illuminate differing business models, financial performance, and market context. This page provides a neutral, accessible overview of strategies, operations, and sector positioning to help readers understand how each company navigates energy markets. Educational content, not financial advice.

ExxonMobil and BP p.l.c. are compared here to illuminate differing business models, financial performance, and market context. This page provides a neutral, accessible overview of strategies, operatio...

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

XOM

Metric

BP

$568.64B

Market Cap

$95.44B

-3.12%

Potential Profit

7.73%

Buy

Analyst Rating

Buy

Why It's Moving

ExxonMobil Hits 12-Month High as Ambitious 2030 Plan Signals Surging Earnings and Cash Flow.

Upgraded 2030 outlook delivers $5B earnings boost at constant prices, driven by advantaged assets like Permian Basin doubling to 2.5M oil-equivalent barrels per day.
Cumulative cost savings expanded to $20B vs. 2019, with all 2030 GHG emissions goals now on track for 2026 ahead of schedule.
Citigroup lifted price target to $118 while maintaining neutral; shares climb on resilient shareholder returns via $20B annual buybacks through 2026.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

BP Launches $750 Million Share Buyback, Boosting Shareholder Value Amid Oil Market Headwinds

BP initiated the buyback on major UK exchanges, repurchasing shares at around 450-470 pence to hold in treasury, enhancing per-share value for investors.
Provisional 2026 dividend dates were published, underscoring BP's commitment to reliable payouts amid forecasts of attractive 5.8% yield.
Berenberg reaffirmed a Buy rating on BP shares as of January 23, with recent trading showing a 1.57% gain to 443.65 pence.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

ExxonMobil Hits 12-Month High as Ambitious 2030 Plan Signals Surging Earnings and Cash Flow.

Upgraded 2030 outlook delivers $5B earnings boost at constant prices, driven by advantaged assets like Permian Basin doubling to 2.5M oil-equivalent barrels per day.
Cumulative cost savings expanded to $20B vs. 2019, with all 2030 GHG emissions goals now on track for 2026 ahead of schedule.
Citigroup lifted price target to $118 while maintaining neutral; shares climb on resilient shareholder returns via $20B annual buybacks through 2026.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

BP Launches $750 Million Share Buyback, Boosting Shareholder Value Amid Oil Market Headwinds

BP initiated the buyback on major UK exchanges, repurchasing shares at around 450-470 pence to hold in treasury, enhancing per-share value for investors.
Provisional 2026 dividend dates were published, underscoring BP's commitment to reliable payouts amid forecasts of attractive 5.8% yield.
Berenberg reaffirmed a Buy rating on BP shares as of January 23, with recent trading showing a 1.57% gain to 443.65 pence.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Investment Analysis

ExxonMobil

XOM

Pros

ExxonMobil has a strong balance sheet with a low debt-to-capitalization ratio of 13.4%, providing resilience in uncertain environments.
The company has a consistent dividend growth history, having increased dividends for over 40 consecutive years.
ExxonMobil shows strong profitability metrics including a normalized return on equity near 13% and a return on invested capital above 11%.

Considerations

ExxonMobil is trading at a premium valuation with a higher EV/EBITDA multiple compared to peers, which could limit upside potential.
Technical indicators offer mixed signals, including recent short-term sell signals on some moving averages.
Energy demand uncertainty and tariff concerns pose risks to ExxonMobil's business outlook.

BP

Pros

BP offers a higher dividend yield of approximately 6.5%, attractive for income-focused investors.
The company benefits from a diversified business model with notable downstream operations that can offset upstream volatility.
BP has shown some bullish technical indicators recently and is supported by a range of carbon-related products and services addressing the energy transition.

Considerations

BP’s balance sheet is weaker, with a significantly higher debt-to-capitalization ratio near 43%, increasing financial risk.
BP's dividend history is less stable, including a cut during the 2020 pandemic, reflecting vulnerability to demand shocks.
BP’s stock shows higher volatility and larger historical drawdowns than ExxonMobil, indicating greater risk.

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