Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas. The Energy Products segment offers fuels, aromatics, and catalysts, as well as licensing services. It sells its products under the Exxon, Esso, and Mobil brands. The Chemical Products segment manufactures and markets petrochemicals including olefins, polyolefins, and intermediates. The Specialty Products segment offers performance products, including lubricants, basestocks, waxes, synthetics, elastomers, and resins. The company also involves in the manufacturing, trade, transport, and sale of crude oil, natural gas, petroleum products, petrochemicals, and other specialty products; and pursuit lower-emission business opportunities, including carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, lower-emission fuels, and lithium. Exxon Mobil Corporation was founded in 1870 and is based in Spring, Texas.

Exxon Mobil Corporation

The NASDAQ 100 After Hours Indicator is up 128.37 to 26,151.16. The total After hours volume is currently 125,620,079 shares traded.
The following are the most active stocks for the after hours session:
Intel Corporation (INTC) is +0.087 at $48.85, with 12,315,136 shares traded. INTC's current last sale is 108.56% of the target price of $45.
Direxion Daily TSLA Bull 2X Shares (TSLL) is +1.21 at $18.45, with 6,955,002 shares traded. This represents a 193.32% increase from its 52 Week Low.
Apple Inc. (AAPL) is -0.058 at $256.38, with 6,197,543 shares traded.AAPL is scheduled to provide an earnings report on 1/29/2026, for the fiscal quarter ending Dec2025. The consensus earnings per share forecast is 2.65 per share, which represents a 240 percent increase over the EPS one Year Ago
AT&T Inc. (T) is +0.05 at $24.12, with 3,767,830 shares traded. Smarter Analyst Reports: AT&T Posts Strong Q3 Results on Customer Growth
Grab Holdings Limited (GRAB) is -0.01 at $4.52, with 3,646,258 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for GRAB is in the "buy range".
NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) is +0.513 at $192.01, with 3,596,718 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for NVDA is in the "buy range".
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) is -25.9061 at $455.72, with 3,103,630 shares traded. Smarter Analyst Reports: Monday’s Pre-Market: Here’s What You Need to Know Before the Market Opens
Kenvue Inc. (KVUE) is +0.02 at $17.36, with 2,386,263 shares traded. KVUE's current last sale is 96.44% of the target price of $18.
Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) is unchanged at $137.58, with 2,145,623 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 3 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Dec 2025. The consensus EPS forecast is $1.68. XOM is scheduled to provide an earnings report on 1/30/2026, for the fiscal quarter ending Dec2025. The consensus earnings per share forecast is 1.68 per share, which represents a 167 percent increase over the EPS one Year Ago
Nu Holdings Ltd. (NU) is -0.06 at $18.70, with 1,530,923 shares traded., following a 52-week high recorded in today's regular session.
The Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW) is +0.08 at $103.55, with 1,418,441 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 7 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Mar 2026. The consensus EPS forecast is $1.33. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for SCHW is in the "buy range".
IonQ, Inc. (IONQ) is +0.01 at $45.81, with 1,316,422 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for IONQ is in the "buy range".
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

After Hours Most Active for Jan 28, 2026 : INTC, TSLL, AAPL, T, GRAB, NVDA, MSFT, KVUE, XOM, NU, SCHW, IONQ

In a dramatic reversal of market expectations, U.S. natural gas futures recently soared above $6 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) for the first time since 2022, after a powerful Arctic blast hit major parts of the country. This rally stands in stark contrast to the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) January Short-Term Energy Outlook, which had initially predicted a mild winter and lowered price forecasts to an average of $3.38/MMBtu for the first quarter of 2026.
This unexpected price surge is poised to significantly boost the profitability of exploration and production companies operating in the natural gas industry. Consequently, diversified Energy exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that hold these companies are positioned to capture this windfall, offering investors a strategic avenue to gain exposure to the industry’s rally while managing company-specific risks.
Before suggesting such energy ETFs that will gain from this natural gas price rally and thus warrant a place in your watchlist, let us analyze what led to this surprise price hike and how energy ETFs might be the most strategic choice for your portfolio.
What Led the Natural Gas Price Surge
The recent price surge in U.S. natural gas is primarily a story of intense, weather-driven demand colliding with constrained supply. A powerful Arctic front triggered severe winter weather, drastically increasing the need for residential and commercial heating. This meteorological event is not just a cold snap; nearly half of all U.S. states declared emergencies due to the extreme conditions.
On the supply side, the storm has directly impacted energy infrastructure. Data indicate that U.S. natural gas production fell more than 11 billion cubic feet per day over a five-day period due to disruptions in operations. Furthermore, deliveries to key liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals fell significantly, further tightening the supply. While overall U.S. gas storage was robust before the storm — about 6% above the five-year average — the immediate, intense draw on supplies to meet heating demand created a short-term market squeeze.
U.S. Natural gas futures jumped more than 119% over the five days through Jan. 26, 2026 — the largest increase on record since 1990 (as per a Bloomberg press release).
This dynamic translates directly into stronger revenues and sturdier profits for major natural gas producers and operators. Leading producers like EQT Corporation EQT, Expand Energy EXE and Coterra Energy CTRA are positioned to benefit from the higher realized prices for their output.
The rally is also supportive of larger, diversified energy majors with substantial gas operations, such as ExxonMobil XOM and Chevron CVX. Leading liquified natural gas (LNG) transporters like Kinder Morgan KMI are also positioned to benefit from the higher realized prices.
The Case for Energy ETFs Over Individual Stocks
While the gains from individual natural gas companies can be impressive, investing in a single stock has its unique set of operational risks. For instance, any major producer could face a sudden outage at a key facility or an unexpected regulatory hurdle, which could negatively impact a single stock’s price despite the broader commodity rally.
Against this backdrop, an Energy ETF offers a prudent alternative that mitigates single-stock risk, while diversifying investment across dozens of companies within the broader sector, insulating the portfolio from such idiosyncratic risks. It allows investors to capture the overarching trend of rising commodity prices and sector-wide profitability without betting on the fortunes of a single firm. This approach provides exposure not only to pure-play natural gas producers but also to integrated oil companies, midstream service providers, and equipment firms, creating a more balanced energy investment.
Energy ETFs to Gain
Taking into account the aforementioned developments, one may keep the following energy ETFs in their watchlist and invest if they seem fit, to reap the benefits of the recent price surge:
State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF XLE
This fund, with assets under management (AUM) worth $31.16 billion, provides exposure to 22 companies in the oil, gas and consumable fuel, energy equipment and services industries. Its top three holdings include XOM (24.14%), CVX (17.58%) and ConocoPhillips COP (6.75%). KMI holds the seventh spot in this fund, with 3.72% weightage.
XLE has gone up 10.7% over the past year. The fund charges 8 basis points (bps) as fees. It traded at a volume of 39.83 million shares in the last trading session.
Vanguard Energy ETF VDE
This fund, with net assets worth $7 billion, provides exposure to 107 companies whose businesses are dominated by either of the following activities — the construction or provision of oil rigs, drilling equipment, and other energy-related service and equipment; or the exploration, production, marketing, refining, and/or transportation of oil and gas products. Its top three holdings include XOM (22.87%), CVX (15.02%) and COP (5.88%). KMI holds the sixth spot in this fund, with 2.83% weightage.
VDE has rallied 19.9% over the past year. The fund charges 9 bps as fees. It traded at a volume of 0.51 million shares in the last trading session.
Fidelity MSCI Energy Index ETF FENY
This fund, with net assets worth $1.28 billion, provides exposure to 101 energy companies from the U.S. equity market. Its top three holdings include XOM (22.98%), CVX (15.24%) and COP (6.08%). KMI holds the seventh spot in the fund, with 2.84% weightage.
FENY has gained 10.6% over the past year. The fund charges 8 bps as fees. It traded at a volume of 2.25 million shares in the last trading session.
Global X U.S. Natural Gas ETF LNGX
This fund, with net assets of $10.48 million, provides exposure to 34 companies, including those engaged in the exploration, production, and initial processing of natural gas and NGLs (‘upstream’), as well as transportation, storage, processing, offshore exports, and liquefaction infrastructure for LNG export. Its top three holdings include: CTRA (8.21%), EXE (7.25%) and EQT (7.23%). KMI holds the tenth position in this fund, with 4.26% weightage.
LNGX has gained 10.8% over the past year. The fund charges 45 bps as fees. It traded at a volume of 0.05 million shares in the last trading session.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Energy ETFs to Gain as Arctic Blast Ignites US Natural Gas Price Rally

China’s largest automaker, BYD Company Limited BYDDY and Exxon Mobil Corporation’s XOM entity in China, ExxonMobil China Investment Co., Ltd., have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in new-energy hybrid technology. The two companies signed a new strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Jan. 26, 2026.
The MoU reflects a continuation of a long-term partnership between BYD and ExxonMobil, highlighting joint research and development, technical collaboration and the transformation of research outcomes into real-world applications. Both companies plan to work on industry standards and brand-level cooperation related to hybrid technologies, highlighting a broader strategic alignment beyond individual products.
Previously, BYD and ExxonMobil jointly developed a customized engine oil specifically designed for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). The product was created to meet the unique operating conditions of these vehicles, including frequent engine starts, short driving distances and low-temperature operation. This new agreement builds on that foundation and expands the scope of collaboration.
Supply chain support is another key component of the partnership. ExxonMobil will leverage its global production network, logistics capabilities and supply chain expertise to deliver compliant lubricant products to BYD’s overseas production facilities on time. This support aims to strengthen BYD’s ability to respond more quickly and reliably toglobal markettrends.
In addition to supply chain support, the partnership will also focus on new material innovations, making vehicles more sustainable. This demonstrates the partnership’s shared goal of improving hybrid technology while supporting energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
While financial terms, investment figures and product launch timelines have not been disclosed, the agreement signals BYD and ExxonMobil’s commitment to promoting cleaner and more efficient hybrid vehicles worldwide.
Overall, BYD and ExxonMobil aim to advance PHEV technology, making hybrid vehicles more efficient, reliable and sustainable while reinforcing a shared commitment to cleaner, greener transportation worldwide.
Byd Co., Ltd. Price and Consensus
BYDDY’s Zacks Rank & Key Picks
BYD currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
Some better-ranked stocks in the auto space are Mazda Motor MZDAY and Nissan Motor Co. NSANY, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MZDAY’s fiscal 2026 and 2027 EPS has improved 6 cents and 3 cents, respectively, in the past 60 days.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NSANY’s fiscal 2026 loss per share has widened 62 cents and the same for fiscal 2027 EPS has improved 3 cents in the past 90 days.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

BYD & ExxonMobil Boost Cooperation in Hybrid EV Innovation

Key Points
ExxonMobil has increased its dividend annually for more than four decades.
Chevron has increased its dividend annually for more than three decades.
ExxonMobil has a 3% yield that's well above the market, while Chevron's yield is even higher at 4.1%.
It might sound odd to put the words "energy stocks" and "reliable dividends" in the same sentence. After all, the energy sector is known for being highly volatile thanks to the top- and bottom-line impact of highly volatile oil and natural gas prices. However, ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) and Chevron (NYSE: CVX) have both proven that they know how to navigate the energy commodity cycle while still rewarding investors with reliable dividend growth.
If you have $500 available to invest that isn't needed for monthly bills or to pay down short-term debt, these two energy-focused dividend stocks might make great stock buys. Here's what you need to know.
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What do Exxon and Chevron do?
Exxon and Chevron are both integrated energy companies. That means they operate in the upstream (energy production), midstream (pipelines), and downstream (chemicals and refining) segments of the broader energy industry. Each segment of the industry performs differently through the energy cycle, helping soften the impact of swings in oil and natural gas prices.
The big highlight of their ability to handle the ups and downs in commodity prices is their respective dividend streaks. ExxonMobil has increased its dividend annually for more than 40 years. Chevron's streak is well over 30 years. Those are incredible results -- peers Shell, BP, and TotalEnergies don't come close to that level of consistency. In fact, BP and Shell both cut their dividend in 2020.
Now add the fact that ExxonMobil has a 3% dividend yield, while Chevron's is even higher at 4.1%. For reference, the S&P 500 index has a tiny 1.1% yield right now. If you are looking for dividend stocks, putting $500 into either of these energy giants would be an attractive option. That will buy you around three shares of ExxonMobil and two shares of Chevron.
The real secret sauce
What really makes ExxonMobil and Chevron so attractive, however, is their balance sheets. Their debt-to-equity ratios of 0.16 and 0.22, respectively, are the lowest of their peers and by a wide margin. This provides both companies the leeway to take on debt during oil downturns so they can continue to support their businesses and dividends through the weak patch. When oil prices recover, as they always have historically, the companies pay down debt.
This is why ExxonMobil and Chevron are no-brainer buys today, and, frankly, most of the time. That said, Chevron clearly has an income edge over ExxonMobil right now, which may make it the better choice for more conservative dividend lovers.
Should you buy stock in Chevron right now?
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Reuben Gregg Brewer has positions in TotalEnergies Se. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Chevron. The Motley Fool recommends BP. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Got $500? 2 No-Brainer Energy Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now

Key Points
Oil majors may be given special access to Venezuela's huge oil reserves.
Chevron and Exxon have Gulf Coast refineries that can handle Venezuelan oil.
But rebuilding the Venezuelan oil industry will take time and a lot of money.
The price of oil is way off of recent-year highs. A barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude hit $120 in June 2022. Today, a barrel of WTI costs half that level. The dynamics of Brent crude (the kind that comes from the North Sea and the Middle East) are very similar.
The huge price decline is largely due to a growing global oil glut, with 1.4 billion barrels of oil on the water in late December -- i.e., oil being shipped to a port or stored and waiting for a buyer. That's 24% more than the average for this time of year from 2016 to 2024.
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That would lead one to think that the stocks of the oil majors -- the world's largest and most influential publicly traded oil companies -- would also be in the toilet, as those stocks tend to move in unison with the price of oil.
Such thinking would be wrong. ExxonMobil's (NYSE: XOM) share price has risen nearly 13% this year, and we're not even out of January. Similarly, Chevron (NYSE: CVX) is up almost 10% in 2026. For comparison with the broader market, the S&P 500 index is up about 1% for the year. That's some serious outperformance by the second- and third-largest oil companies in the world by market capitalization (No. 1 is Saudi Aramco).
So where could these stocks go from here? Let's have a closer look.
Maduro's capture sent oil stocks soaring in January
What's sending those oil stocks higher in 2026? In a word, Venezuela.
Since the U.S. military captured and detained Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro on Jan. 3, oil stocks have been rising sharply. It seems that investors believe oil majors like Chevron and Exxon will now have access to Venezuela's oil reserves, which, at 19.4 billion barrels, are considered to be the world's largest. Indeed, Venezuela sits on a fifth of the world's proven oil reserves.
The biggest oil companies could be given special access to Venezuelan oilfields by the Trump administration. Just as important, both companies have large, complex oil refineries on the U.S. Gulf Coast that can handle the heavy sour blend of oil that Venezuela produces. And Chevron already has operations in Venezuela.
Rebuilding Venezuela's oil industry could be time consuming and expensive
So, should that be sufficient reason to invest in Exxon and Chevron despite historically low oil prices? Well, it's not that simple.
Venezuela's oil industry is in terrible shape after years of neglect and poor decisions, first by former president Hugo Chavez and then by Maduro. It will be extremely pricey and time consuming to make it fully -- or even mostly -- operational again, analysts say. One analyst said it will require years of annual investments of $10 billion, plus a stable security environment in the country.
At the moment, none of that looks like a sure thing. Plus, adding barrels of oil to a market already in a glut would eventually push prices even lower. So investing in these major oil producers because of the change in Venezuela doesn't look prudent at the moment. I think a wait-and-see approach is a better bet.
Should you buy stock in ExxonMobil right now?
Before you buy stock in ExxonMobil, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and ExxonMobil wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $461,527!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,155,666!*
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Matthew Benjamin has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Chevron. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

These 2 Oil Behemoths Are Flying High in 2026. Should You Invest $1,000?

The fourth-quarter 2025 earnings season is now underway and investors are closely monitoring the oil and energy sector, which continues to navigate macroeconomic uncertainty and significant volatility in commodity prices. While the sector as a whole faces a range of challenges, a select few energy companies appear well-positioned to exceed earnings expectations. By capitalizing on their strategic strengths, these companies could deliver positive earnings surprises, potentially leading to a near-term boost in their stock prices and offering opportunities for investors despite broader market headwinds.
With insights from our exclusive research and market analysis, we highlight four stocks — Imperial Oil Limited IMO, ExxonMobil Corporation XOM, Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. PTEN and Helmerich & Payne, Inc. HP — to take advantage of the positive post-announcement price reaction.
Oil and Gas Price Movements in Q4
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, oil prices for West Texas Intermediate crude declined sharply in fourth-quarter 2025, averaging $59.64 per barrel compared with $70.69 the prior year, primarily due to a persistent global oversupply that outpaced sluggish demand growth. OPEC+ nations progressively unwound voluntary production cuts starting in September, boosting output alongside steady non-OPEC supply from U.S. shale, Brazil, Guyana and Canada, which led to inventory builds of up to 2 million barrels per day.
Weakening demand stemmed from slower economic activity in China and Europe, accelerated EV adoption, energy efficiency improvements and emerging trade tariff uncertainties under the Trump Administration.
Regarding natural gas prices, the Henry Hub spot price averaged $3.75 per million British thermal units in the fourth quarter of 2025, an increase from the prior year's $2.44. This uptick was fueled by colder-than-average winter weather, which spiked heating demand across North America, robust LNG export volumes to Europe and Asia amid global energy needs, and surging consumption from power-hungry data centers supporting AI growth, despite some mid-year production softness.
Identifying Potential Market Beaters
Given the plenty of energy companies, it can be challenging for investors to identify stocks that are poised to surpass earnings expectations. While it's impossible for common people to predict with 100% certainty, our unique method makes this easier.
Our research shows that for stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold), the chance of an earnings beat is as high as 70%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Earnings ESP is our exclusive proprietary tool designed to identify stocks with the highest potential to outperform. It shows the percentage difference between the Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
Our Choices
Imperial Oil is gearing up to report its earnings on Jan. 30 before the market opens and there’s plenty of reason for optimism surrounding this Canadian energy giant. With a history deeply intertwined with the development of Canada’s vast oil sands, Imperial Oil stands as one of the country’s most respected integrated oil and gas companies. The company’s operations span exploration and production to refining and retailing, positioning it as a key player in the energy sector.
Imperial Oil is expected to deliver earnings of $1.40 per share, indicating a 17.16% decrease from the prior-year figure. However, with an Earnings ESP of +1.79% and a Zacks Rank #3, Imperial Oil has demonstrated a remarkable ability to beat expectations, exceeding estimates in each of the last four quarters with an average surprise of 13.25%. This consistency makes IMO a compelling choice for investors seeking stability and growth in a sometimes-volatile industry.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
This is depicted in the chart below:
Imperial Oil Limited Price and EPS Surprise
Next, we turn to ExxonMobil, which is also set to release its earnings on Jan. 30, before the bell rings. ExxonMobil is arguably the most iconic name in the oil and gas industry, with a global reach that spans continents and operations in nearly every corner of the energy sector. From drilling oil in the deepest waters to creating cutting-edge technologies that support its renewable energy initiatives, ExxonMobil has always been at the forefront of the industry’s evolution.
For the upcoming quarter, analysts are expecting XOM to report earnings of $1.64 per share, implying a modest decline of 1.8% from the prior-year figure. Despite these challenges, ExxonMobil’s ability to outperform is well-established, with an impressive average earnings surprise of 5.71%. Armed with an Earnings ESP of +2.29% and a Zacks Rank #3, we are hopeful ExxonMobil will continue its strong track record of earnings beats.
This is depicted in the chart below:
Exxon Mobil Corporation Price and EPS Surprise
Patterson-UTI Energy, a Houston-based oil and gas drilling services company, will report its earnings on Feb. 4, after the market closes. The company is a key player in the North American energy landscape, providing essential drilling and pressure-pumping services that help energy companies tap into new reserves and optimize existing wells. With an Earnings ESP of +19.15% and a Zacks Rank #3, Patterson-UTI is primed for a potential earnings beat. The consensus estimate for its earnings is 12 cents per share, which is flat compared with the prior-year performance.
Though Patterson-UTI has had a mixed track record, with two earnings beats and two misses over the past four quarters, it has nonetheless managed to deliver a notable average surprise of 17.5%. Given the company’s solid position in the drilling sector and its ability to adapt to market conditions, PTEN remains one to watch.
This is depicted in the chart below:
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise
Finally, Helmerich & Payne, another drilling services titan, is set to release its earnings on Feb. 4, after the market closes. Based in Spring, TX, Helmerich & Payne is renowned for its state-of-the-art drilling rigs and commitment to technological innovation in the oil and gas drilling space. As energy companies increasingly turn to more efficient drilling methods to maximize production, HP’s modern fleet of rigs has made it a crucial player in North America’s oil exploration efforts.
For the upcoming quarter, we expect HP to report earnings of 51 cents per share, indicating a 15% drop from the prior-year figure. However, with an Earnings ESP of +14.85% and a Zacks Rank #3, the company is still expected to beat expectations, continuing its trend of positive earnings surprises. Over the last four quarters, HP’s earnings have surpassed expectations twice and met them twice, delivering an average surprise of 10.95%. For investors keeping a close eye on the oil and gas drilling sector, HP remains an important company to follow.
This is depicted in the chart below:
Helmerich & Payne, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

4 Energy Stocks Are Poised for a Strong Q4 Earnings Beat

Air quality is deteriorating across many regions due to rising emissions from transportation, heavy industry, and urbanization, posing serious risks to public health and the environment. As a result, improving air quality through cleaner fuels, stricter emission standards, and sustainable technologies has become a global priority. To meet these challenges, Exxon Mobil Corporation XOM is expanding its carbon capture and storage (CCS) operations along the U.S. Gulf Coast—a vital industrial and energy-producing corridor—as part of its Low-Carbon Business.
XOM expects to expand its footprint for capturing carbon emissions at industrial sources by launching multiple CCS projects in Texas and Louisiana in 2026. However, the CCS operations are expected to be carried out in partnership with Linde and Nucor.
Due to increased global demand for data and computing power, ExxonMobil plans to supply electricity using natural gas while capturing and storing the carbon emissions. This enables data centers to meet growing power needs with much lower emissions than traditional fossil-fuel power. By the end of 2026, XOM will decide whether to build its first low-carbon data center.
BP & CVX Are Involved in Reducing Emissions Like XOM
Other leading integrated energy giants Chevron Corporation CVX and BP p.l.c. BP are also investing in their low-carbon businesses to improve air quality. BP has CCS facilities in the U.K., while CVX has major CCS projects in Australia. To lower costs and emissions, BP can produce green hydrogen from low-cost renewable electricity or generate blue hydrogen by combining natural gas with carbon capture. Notably, Chevron surpassed 11 million tons of CO??? injected into underground storage by November 2025.
XOM’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
ExxonMobil’sshares have gained 24.8% over the past year compared with the 17.2% improvement of the composite stocks belonging to the industry.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, XOM trades at a trailing 12-month enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) of 8.71X. This is above the broader industry average of 5.43X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the to-be-reported quarter has been unchanged over the past seven days. Meanwhile, for 2025 and first-quarter 2026, XOM's earnings estimates have seen downward revisions.
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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Here's How XOM Is Using CCS to Cut Emissions & Power Data-Driven World

Chevron Corporation CVX is slated to release fourth-quarter 2025 results on Jan. 30, before market open.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $52.7 billion, implying only a modest increase of 0.8% from the year-ago quarter. The consensus earnings mark of $1.47 per share has been revised downward by 6.2% over the past seven days, suggesting a nearly 29% decline from the year-ago reported number.
For full-year 2025, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for CVX’s revenues is pegged at $191.8 billion, implying a decrease of 5.5% year over year. The consensus mark for 2025 earnings per share stands at $7.25, indicating a contraction of around 27.9%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
CVX's Earnings Surprise History
In the last reported quarter, the company delivered an earnings surprise of 11.5%. Chevron’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in the other, with the average surprise being 2.8%.
Chevron Corporation Price and EPS Surprise
Q4 Earnings Whispers for Chevron
The proven Zacks model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Chevron for the fourth quarter. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the chances of a beat. But that’s not the case here.
You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Earnings ESP: Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate, is -2.39%.
Zacks Rank: CVX currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Factors Shaping CVX’s Upcoming Q4 Results
Even though Chevron’s upstream production momentum remains strong, the earnings benefit in the fourth quarter could have been muted by weaker realized oil prices and higher depreciation costs. During the third quarter, Chevron delivered record upstream volumes, with worldwide production exceeding 4 million barrels of oil-equivalent per day, helped by growth in the Permian, Gulf of America and TengizChevroil (TCO). However, management clearly highlighted that upstream earnings declined year over year due to lower liquids realizations, even as volumes rose. This pricing pressure is likely to have persisted in the fourth quarter, as WTI prices averaged around $60 per barrel versus roughly $70 a year earlier, and the broader oil market remains oversupplied heading into early 2026.
At the same time, Chevron is absorbing higher depreciation, depletion and amortization tied to increased production from capital-intensive assets such as TCO and newly integrated Hess properties. These costs rise mechanically as volumes grow and can offset the earnings lift from higher output. As a result, even with operational execution improving, fourth-quarter upstream profitability may have remained under pressure. Consequently, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter upstream earnings is pegged at $2.9 billion, indicating a decline of 33% year over year.
Chevron’s ongoing capital commitments might have been another potential drag on fourth-quarter earnings. While the company emphasizes capital discipline, total spending remains substantial, with organic capital expenditures of $4.4 billion in the third quarter and full-year 2025 capex guidance of $17–$17.5 billion, including Hess. Importantly, several high-profile initiatives — such as upstream integration of Hess assets, continued investment in TCO and potential expansion activities in Venezuela — require significant upfront capital before meaningful cash returns are realized.
On a somewhat positive note, Chevron’s downstream business is positioned to have provided a useful earnings cushion in the fourth quarter, supported by better refining economics and structural cost improvements. In third-quarter 2025, adjusted downstream earnings increased both sequentially and year over year, driven by higher refining volumes, improved refining margins and favorable operating expense timing.
In addition, Chevron has already captured approximately $1.5 billion in annual run-rate savings from its new operating model, with management explicitly stating that further benefits are expected in the fourth quarter. These savings help offset volatility in refining markets and improve earnings resilience. When combined with Chevron’s strong West Coast and Gulf Coast refining footprint, this positions the downstream segment to positively contribute to fourth-quarter results. Consequently, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for CVX’s fourth-quarter downstream income is pegged at $760 million, implying a significant turnaround from a loss of $248 million in the year-ago period.
Updates From Chevron’s Global Peers: ExxonMobil and Shell
Rival ExxonMobil XOM also highlighted a similar trend, noting that the decline in liquids prices may have a negative impact of nearly $800 million to $1.2 billion on its upstream earnings compared to the third quarter. ExxonMobil has also mentioned that changes in gas prices, which include the impact of shifts in natural gas realizations, may result in a swing ranging from a negative $300 million to a positive $100 million on a sequential basis. For Energy Products, the company estimates that changes in industry margins are expected to have a positive impact of nearly $300-$700 million, whereas for Specialty Products, ExxonMobil expects to add up to $200 million in incremental earnings compared with the third quarter.
Another of Chevron’s ‘Big Oil’ peers, Shell SHEL, projected an increase in oil and gas production during the fourth quarter of 2025, even as it flagged a significant downturn in the oil trading performance. This mixed forecast follows a turbulent period for Shell, with fluctuating crude prices and shifting market dynamics adversely impacting key aspects of its business operations. Another notable development in Shell’s fourth-quarter performance is the completion of the Canadian oil sands swap. This strategic transaction, which involved a shift in assets between Shell and other industry players, will result in a reduction in oil sands production in the quarter.
CVX Price Performance & Stock Valuation
Shares of Chevron have gone up 7.2% in the past six-month period compared with the broader Zacks Energy sector’s growth of more than 10%. Shares of XOM have gained 21%, while Shell stock has inched up 1.4%.
6-Month Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation perspective — in terms of forward price-to-earnings ratio — Chevron is trading at a premium compared to the industry average. The stock is also trading above its five-year mean of 11.86.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
How Should You Play CVX Pre-Q4 Earnings?
Chevron entered the fourth quarter with solid operations but limited near-term upside. Upstream production continues to improve, supported by the Permian, Gulf of America and the Hess assets. Yet, weaker oil prices and higher depreciation costs are weighing on earnings despite higher volumes. Downstream performance has been a relative bright spot, helped by better refining margins, higher throughput and cost savings that should carry into the fourth quarter. Still, elevated capital spending for integration, maintenance and future growth projects is putting pressure on free cash flow in a softer pricing environment. With oil markets oversupplied, valuation still rich versus peers and earnings momentum constrained in the near term, the risk-reward looks unfavorable. Hence, investors should avoid the stock for now.
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Here's How to Play Chevron Stock Before Q4 Earnings Release

Halliburton Company HAL, one of the world's largest oilfield services companies, is poised to swiftly restart its operations in Venezuela, contingent upon receiving approval from the U.S. government and establishing certain safeguards against potential payment risks, according to Bloomberg. The company’s CEO, Jeff Miller, expressed his optimism about the vast opportunities present in Venezuela’s oil sector during a recent investors' call, emphasizing its ability to mobilize operations within weeks. This potential revival could reshape Halliburton’s position in the market of Latin America, especially as global oil dynamics shift.
Halliburton’s Strategic Move in Venezuela's Oil Sector
Venezuela, with its significant oil reserves, has long been a target for global oil companies, and Houston, TX-based oil and gas equipment and services company is keen to re-establish its presence in the country. The energy giant has already laid the groundwork for a rapid return, having retained its local infrastructure, including equipment and facilities, even after withdrawing the workforce in 2020. The reactivation of its operations would not only tap into Venezuela’s prolific oilfields but also help Halliburton offset weakening demand for the services in the U.S. shale market.
The Latin American region, with Venezuela at its core, is projected to be a critical driver of Halliburton's international growth. Miller highlighted that countries like Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador and Guyana are also part of Halliburton's growth strategy in the region. However, Venezuela’s oilfields present an attractive proposition due to the scale of untapped reserves and the potential for high-volume production.
Venezuela’s Role in Halliburton’s Recovery Strategy
Halliburton’s interest in re-engaging with Venezuela aligns with its broader recovery strategy in light of recent challenges in the U.S. shale sector. As North American oil production has slowed, due to declining shale growth, the company has looked beyond domestic borders to reinvigorate its business. The Latin American market offers a unique opportunity to tap into new contracts and projects that could cushion the blow from reduced U.S. demand.
Venezuela’s oilfields, which are among the largest in the world, remain largely underdeveloped due to years of political instability, economic crises and international sanctions. Despite these challenges, the profit potential is substantial, particularly as President Donald Trump's administration had previously pushed for the boost in Venezuelan crude production, viewing it as a key element in diversifying the global oil supply. Halliburton stands to benefit from this renewed focus on Venezuela’s oil sector, provided that the political and regulatory environment remains favorable.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Market of Venezuela
While the opportunities are significant, Halliburton faces several challenges in navigating Venezuela's complex business environment. U.S. sanctions on the country have greatly hindered foreign investment, and any return to Venezuelan operations will require careful negotiation with the U.S. government to secure the necessary approvals. These hurdles are not unfamiliar to Halliburton, which had to wind down its Venezuelan operations in 2020 due to the tightening of U.S. sanctions.
Another challenge lies in ensuring financial transactions are protected. Halliburton’s ability to operate successfully in Venezuela will hinge on implementing payment safeguards to mitigate the risk of non-payment or delayed payments, which have been common in the country’s turbulent economy. These concerns underscore the necessity for Halliburton to establish clear terms and operational frameworks before fully committing to a re-entry into the country’s oil industry.
Despite these risks, Halliburton’s re-entry into Venezuela would provide it with the chance to access one of the world’s richest oil reserves at a time when global energy demand is expected to remain robust. Venezuela, with the immense reserves and strategic location, offers an undeniable opportunity for Halliburton to set its international market share.
Future of Latin America and Halliburton’s Global Outlook
As Halliburton eyes a return to Venezuela, the broader market of Latin America continues to be a focal point for its international growth. While Venezuela presents a significant opportunity, Halliburton is also investing heavily in other Latin American nations like Brazil, Ecuador and Argentina, which are expected to see increased oil and gas exploration activity.
Brazil, in particular, remains a key player in Halliburton’s Latin American strategy. The country’s offshore oil fields, notably in the pre-salt basins, represent an important growth area for Halliburton’s services. Similarly, Guyana has emerged as one of the fastest-growing oil markets in the world, further diversifying Halliburton’s portfolio in the region.
Ultimately, Halliburton’s focus on Latin America is a testament to the region’s importance in its global expansion. By securing lucrative contracts in countries with significant untapped resources, Halliburton is positioning itself for long-term growth in a rapidly evolving oil and gas industry.
Conclusion: A Renewed Focus on Venezuela's Oil Potential
Halliburton’s readiness to return to Venezuela signals a pivotal moment in its strategy to overcome challenges in North American operations. The opportunity to access Venezuela’s vast oil reserves is too significant for Halliburton to ignore and it is eager to capitalize on this potential as soon as the necessary regulatory and payment structures are in place. With the oil markets in Latin America set to drive international growth, Halliburton’s re-entry into Venezuela could pave the way for new opportunities that will shape its future in the global oil sector.
Venezuela's Oil Revival: HAL and Major Players Race for Riches Amid Political Shifts
Venezuela’s huge oil reserves, which were once held back by political and economic problems, are now attracting the attention of big companies in the energy industry. Halliburton is getting ready to return to the country, but it is not the only one. Chevron Corporation CVX, ExxonMobil XOM and ConocoPhillips COP are also looking to cash in as Venezuela’s oil industry starts to recover. What’s driving this renewed interest, and how will these companies handle the risks and rewards of working with Venezuela’s oil? Let’s take a closer look at what’s at stake.
Chevron Corporation stands ready to expand its operations in Venezuela, the only major U.S. oil company currently active there under a special license, amid recent U.S. efforts to boost the country’s oil production following political shifts, according to Reuters. The company, producing around 240,000 barrels per day, could increase output by 50% within two years by upgrading equipment, as shared by Vice Chairman Mark Nelson in talks with President Trump. This positions Chevron to capitalize on Venezuela's vast reserves as sanctions ease and reforms allow greater foreign involvement.
ExxonMobil is evaluating a potential return to Venezuela after its assets were nationalized nearly two decades ago, with CEO Darren Woods stating readiness to send a technical team once security and legal reforms are in place, according to Reuters. The company seeks major changes to make the country investable, emphasizing protections against past expropriations amid President Trump's push for billions in U.S. investments. ExxonMobil's integrated capabilities from production to refining position it to help restore output and get Venezuelan crude to market efficiently.
ConocoPhillips is negotiating a potential return to Venezuela despite $12 billion in claims from past asset nationalizations, amid President Trump's $100 billion investment drive, according to the news. CEO Ryan Lance discussed debt resolution options, including possible write-offs, during White House meetings as reforms unwind PDVSA's monopoly. This could enable ConocoPhillips to re-enter lucrative fields, balancing risks with global supply diversification needs.
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Halliburton Prepares for Quick Comeback in Venezuela With US Approval

Key Points
SPTM offers broader market exposure and holds nearly five times as many stocks as VTV.
VTV pays a higher dividend yield and has shown less volatility and drawdown over the past five years.
SPTM tilts heavily toward technology, while VTV emphasizes value-oriented sectors.
The Vanguard Value ETF (NYSEMKT:VTV) is designed for investors seeking to track the performance of large-cap U.S. value stocks, concentrating on established companies with lower price-to-book ratios.
The State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF (NYSEMKT:SPTM) aims to mirror the broader U.S. equity market, spanning large-, mid-, and small-cap stocks. This comparison unpacks how these differences play out in cost, performance, risk, and portfolio makeup.
Snapshot (cost & size)
Issuer
Vanguard
SPDR
Expense ratio
0.04%
0.03%
1-yr return (as of Jan. 25, 2026)
11.48%
12.91%
Dividend yield
2.05%
1.13%
AUM
$218 billion
$12 billion
Beta (5Y monthly)
0.78
1.02
Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months.
SPTM is slightly more affordable than VTV with a lower expense ratio, while VTV delivers a much higher dividend yield that may appeal to income-focused investors.
Performance & risk comparison
Max drawdown (5 y)
-17.03%
-24.15%
Growth of $1,000 over 5 years
$1,622
$1,765
What's inside
SPTM tracks a broad U.S. equity index and holds 1,510 stocks, providing exposure across all market caps and sectors.
Its portfolio is heavily weighted toward technology, making up 34% of assets, followed by financial services at 13% and consumer cyclical at 11%. The top holdings are Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft. The fund has been operating for more than 25 years, offering a long track record for evaluation.
VTV, in contrast, concentrates on 312 large-cap value stocks, with sector exposure led by financial services at 25%, healthcare at 16%, and industrials at 13%. Its largest positions are JPMorgan Chase, Berkshire Hathaway, and Exxon Mobil.
For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.
What this means for investors
SPTM and VTV can both be fantastic investments, and determining the right choice for your portfolio will depend on what you’re looking to achieve with an ETF.
SPTM provides broad exposure to the overall market. While it is tech-heavy, reflecting the market’s tilt toward tech giants, it includes stocks from companies of all sizes across all sectors.
VTV, on the other hand, focuses exclusively on large-cap value stocks. Value stocks are those from established companies that are generally seen as being overlooked by investors. These stocks may experience slower growth, but they also tend to be more stable with greater dividend income potential.
Between these two ETFs, VTV offers a lower beta and a milder max drawdown, suggesting smaller price fluctuations and less volatility overall. But SPTM is the higher performer, delivering higher one- and five-year total returns.
Investors seeking stability and consistent dividend income may prefer VTV’s large-cap value approach. If you’re looking for increased diversification with access to stocks from all corners of the market, however, SPTM might better fit the bill.
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JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Katie Brockman has positions in Vanguard Index Funds - Vanguard Value ETF. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Vanguard Index Funds - Vanguard Value ETF. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.