Is the Current Oil Price Favorable for ExxonMobil's Upstream Business?

Core Insights - Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) primarily generates income from its upstream business, which is heavily influenced by oil and gas prices [1] - The current crude pricing environment is favorable for XOM, particularly with WTI crude trading above $63 per barrel [2][6] Upstream Operations - ExxonMobil's core advantageous projects include the Permian Basin and Guyana deepwater projects, characterized by low breakeven costs [2] - The breakeven price in existing wells in the Midland and Delaware sub-basins of the Permian is below $40 per barrel, making upstream operations highly profitable [2] - ExxonMobil aims to reduce its breakeven costs to $30 per barrel by the end of the decade, enhancing operational efficiency and cash flow generation [3][6] Competitive Landscape - Other companies like Chevron Corporation (CVX) and Diamondback Energy Inc (FANG) also maintain low breakeven costs, positioning them to withstand low oil prices [4] - Chevron is a leading player in the Permian Basin, benefiting from low-cost assets, while Diamondback Energy is focused solely on the Permian [4] Stock Performance and Valuation - ExxonMobil shares have increased by 3.5% over the past year, compared to a 9.2% rise in the broader industry [5] - The company's EV/EBITDA valuation stands at 7.11X, which is above the industry average of 4.28X [6][8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for XOM's 2025 earnings has remained unchanged over the past week [10]