Exxon stock steadies near 52-week high after results; oil, OPEC+ and LNG start date loom

New York, Feb 1, 2026, 10:32 ET — Market closed.

Exxon shares closed Friday 0.6% higher at $141.40, near their 52-week peak
The company released its 2025 results and set early March as the target for first LNG at Golden Pass
Oil prices and geopolitical tensions remain the key drivers ahead of Monday’s open

Exxon Mobil’s stock finished Friday 0.63% higher, closing at $141.40. The oil giant now sits close to its 52-week peak ahead of Monday’s U.S. trading. (StockAnalysis)

What’s at stake is how investors line up Exxon’s 2025 earnings and capital returns against a crude market that’s suddenly swayed by headlines again. Oil ended the week close to multi-month highs. Then, there’s Sunday’s OPEC+ meeting—a fresh wildcard ahead of Monday’s open. (Reuters)

Exxon dropped a slew of updates on Friday. The energy giant posted Q4 2025 earnings of $6.5 billion, or $1.53 per share, and racked up $28.8 billion for the full year. It also handed out $37.2 billion to shareholders last year and is planning cash capital spending between $27 billion and $29 billion in 2026. On the dividend front, Exxon announced a first-quarter payout of $1.03 per share, set for March 10 to shareholders of record by Feb. 12. (SEC)

During the earnings call, CEO Darren Woods announced the long-delayed Golden Pass LNG export project in Texas is set to hit first production in early March. “My expectation is we will see first LNG produced in very early March,” Woods said. (Reuters)

Crude prices are still the quickest to react. Brent closed Friday at $70.69 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate stood at $65.21. Traders are focused on U.S.-Iran tensions. “It’s really all about Iran right now,” said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital. (Reuters)

OPEC+ is a key factor ahead. Sources say eight OPEC+ nations have tentatively agreed to maintain the planned March pause on boosting oil production, ahead of Sunday’s meeting. (Reuters)

Geopolitics crept into Exxon’s investor Q&A as Woods and Chevron CEO Mike Wirth emphasized the necessity of legal and political stability before making long-term bets on Venezuela. Yet, both outlined potential opportunities if the situation changes. (Reuters)

Friday’s rally wasn’t just Exxon’s story. Chevron jumped 3.34%, ConocoPhillips added 1.39%, pushing higher despite a drop in the broader U.S. market. (MarketWatch)

There’s a downside risk, though. Exxon’s 2025 outlook flagged softer crude prices and chemical margins as potential hits to profits. Plus, LNG projects often face delays, especially when cost overruns and contractor issues are already piling up. (SEC)

Traders head into the week focused on oil, tracking OPEC+ cues and new Iran developments, while gauging if Friday’s post-earnings rally sticks. Exxon’s key upcoming dates include the dividend record on Feb. 12 and the early March goal for first LNG output at Golden Pass.

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