New York, Jan 30, 2026, 17:45 ET — After-hours
Exxon Mobil (XOM) shares climbed roughly 0.7% to $141.40 in after-hours on Friday, following a choppy session. During regular trading, the stock fluctuated between $135.49 and $142.17.
Exxon reported adjusted earnings of $1.71 per share in the fourth quarter, excluding items like impairments and asset-sale gains, with total earnings hitting $6.5 billion. The company announced a first-quarter dividend of $1.03 per share, set for payment on March 10 to shareholders of record as of the close on Feb. 12. Exxon also maintained its 2026 cash capital spending forecast between $27 billion and $29 billion. (Exxon Mobil Corporation)
That beat the $1.68 per share estimate from LSEG, buoyed by stronger output in the Permian Basin and Guyana. Exxon reported 2025 upstream production at 4.7 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), a figure that converts natural gas into oil units. The company targets 4.9 million boepd in 2026, including roughly 1.8 million from the Permian, while maintaining its $20 billion share buyback program through 2026. The stock has rallied about 30% over the past year. Refining profits jumped 60% from Q3 to $2.9 billion, but the chemicals unit posted an adjusted $11 million loss. Biraj Borkhataria at RBC Capital Markets noted this “highlights the severity of the chemicals downturn” amid an oversupplied crude market that dragged Brent prices down 19% in 2025. (Reuters)
ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods told analysts the first liquefied natural gas shipment from the delayed Golden Pass LNG export terminal in Texas is expected in “very early March.” The $10 billion project, a joint venture with QatarEnergy, has faced setbacks and rising costs since construction kicked off in 2019, including a contractor bankruptcy. (Reuters)
Oil wrapped the week close to six-month highs despite a slight retreat, setting the tone for daily shifts in integrated oil shares. Brent crude closed at $70.69 a barrel, while U.S. crude stood at $65.21, according to Reuters data. “It’s really all about Iran right now,” said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital. (Reuters)
Traders are eyeing Sunday, Feb. 1, when OPEC+ will meet to decide on March output. According to five delegates speaking to Reuters, the group is expected to maintain its pause on production hikes for March. They had already frozen planned increases from January through March 2026 due to seasonally softer demand. (Reuters)
Chevron, a key competitor, also surpassed fourth-quarter profit expectations on Friday, highlighting how cost reductions and operational adjustments are helping major producers navigate lower crude prices through 2025. The company’s executives noted they are assessing further investment prospects in Venezuela, where Chevron remains the sole U.S. oil producer active. (Reuters)
Exxon’s bullish scenario hinges on volume growth and strong refining performance outweighing weaker crude prices. But if oil prices fall, chemical margins remain low, and big projects like Golden Pass face delays, cash flow could tighten—right when buybacks and dividends keep demand high.
U.S. investors will get their next clear look at XOM once regular trading kicks off Monday, Feb. 2, following a weekend packed with headlines around Iran and the OPEC+ move. After that, the spotlight turns to Exxon’s Feb. 12 dividend record date and the planned early-March launch at Golden Pass.
