ExxonMobil vs Shell

This page compares ExxonMobil and Shell PLC - ADS, outlining their business models, financial performance, and market context in a clear, neutral manner to help readers understand the landscape. It presents accessible information and context without speculation, letting users form their own view. Educational content, not financial advice.

This page compares ExxonMobil and Shell PLC - ADS, outlining their business models, financial performance, and market context in a clear, neutral manner to help readers understand the landscape. It pr...

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

XOM

Metric

SHEL

$568.64B

Market Cap

$207.54B

-3.12%

Potential Profit

6.50%

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

Shell powers ahead with steady share buybacks, signaling confidence amid energy sector steadiness.

Repurchased 1,321,082 shares on January 19 at prices around £31-32 on LSE and Euronext Amsterdam, following a similar batch of 1,472,298 shares on January 6.
Buybacks reinforce Shell's capital return strategy under the program launched in late October, with millions of shares already retired to enhance per-share metrics.
Stock trades around $71.54 amid flat recent prices, reflecting sector stability as investors eye consistent execution over flashy catalysts.

Sentiment:

⚖️Neutral

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

Shell powers ahead with steady share buybacks, signaling confidence amid energy sector steadiness.

Repurchased 1,321,082 shares on January 19 at prices around £31-32 on LSE and Euronext Amsterdam, following a similar batch of 1,472,298 shares on January 6.
Buybacks reinforce Shell's capital return strategy under the program launched in late October, with millions of shares already retired to enhance per-share metrics.
Stock trades around $71.54 amid flat recent prices, reflecting sector stability as investors eye consistent execution over flashy catalysts.

Sentiment:

⚖️Neutral

Investment Analysis

ExxonMobil

XOM

Pros

Exxon Mobil maintains a strong balance sheet with high interest coverage, indicating robust capacity to service debt obligations.
The company's return on assets and return on equity are above industry averages, reflecting efficient use of capital.
Exxon Mobil's valuation metrics, including P/E and P/B, are in line with major peers, suggesting market confidence in its earnings stability.

Considerations

Exxon Mobil has experienced negative total returns over the past year, underperforming both the sector and some competitors.
Its share price volatility remains elevated, increasing risk for short-term investors.
The company's forward P/E suggests only modest earnings growth expectations, limiting upside potential in the near term.

Shell

SHEL

Pros

Shell has delivered strong year-to-date share price gains, outperforming many integrated oil and gas peers.
The company holds a significant cash reserve, providing flexibility for investments and shareholder returns.
Shell's return on invested capital is competitive, indicating effective deployment of capital in core operations.

Considerations

Shell's share price is more volatile than Exxon Mobil's, increasing risk for conservative investors.
The company carries a higher debt load relative to Exxon Mobil, which could constrain financial flexibility in downturns.
Shell's Sharpe ratio is lower than Exxon Mobil's, suggesting less favourable risk-adjusted returns over the past year.

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