ExxonMobil Holdings Corporation (NYSE:XOM) increased chemical earnings from $110 million in the first quarter to $1.13 billion in the second, even as sales volumes fell. Stronger North American feedstock economics helped, but industry chemical margins remained below the company's historical benchmark. The investment question is whether integration can protect returns when that regional advantage narrows.
ExxonMobil is also expanding its presence in battery materials, giving investors another potential growth driver beyond its traditional energy businesses. Still, three stocks rank higher than XOM on our list of battery-related investment opportunities. Check here.
ExxonMobil Holdings Corporation (NYSE:XOM) trades at 15x forward earnings versus 21x trailing earnings. The valuation looks demanding if stronger commodity earnings prove temporary. Analysts expect approximately 77% adjusted EPS growth in fiscal 2026. Higher refining profitability and chemical earnings support that recovery, while reported profits also reflect derivative and inventory-accounting timing effects.
Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) is the closer integrated-energy comparator because both report under U.S. GAAP. I...