Better Energy Stock: TotalEnergies vs. Chevron

Company Overview - Chevron and TotalEnergies are integrated energy companies involved in upstream (oil and natural gas production), midstream (energy transportation), and downstream (chemicals and refining) operations, providing diversification against volatile commodity prices [1][3] - Chevron is a U.S. company with more exposure to the U.S. market, while TotalEnergies is a French company with greater exposure to Europe [3] Dividend Comparison - Chevron has a dividend yield of 4.8%, while TotalEnergies offers a higher yield of 6.5% [4] - Chevron has increased its dividend annually for 38 consecutive years, showcasing strong dividend reliability, whereas TotalEnergies has shifted from semi-annual to quarterly payments and has a less consistent track record [5][6] Financial Strength - Chevron has a debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 0.2, indicating a stronger balance sheet compared to TotalEnergies, which has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.5 [7] - TotalEnergies holds $29 billion in cash, while Chevron has around $4.6 billion, indicating that TotalEnergies carries more debt but also more cash [7] Strategic Focus - TotalEnergies is actively expanding into renewable energy, with this segment contributing around 10% to its adjusted net operating income in 2024, while Chevron remains focused on its core oil and natural gas operations [8] - TotalEnergies has maintained its dividend during challenging times, unlike some of its peers, which enhances its reputation in the renewable energy transition [9] Current Challenges - Chevron is currently facing specific challenges, including an underperforming acquisition and geopolitical issues in Venezuela, which contribute to its attractive yield compared to ExxonMobil [10] - TotalEnergies' dividend yield may be less favorable for U.S. investors due to French taxes and fees, although some of these can be reclaimed [10] Investment Preference - The preference for TotalEnergies is based on its commitment to clean energy and strong dividend support during the pandemic, while Chevron may appeal to those prioritizing dividend consistency and simpler tax implications [11]