Exxon and Chevron Cut Divergent Paths as Global Oil Glut Looms

Core Insights - North America's leading oil companies, Exxon Mobil Corp. and Chevron Corp., are adopting different strategies amid a looming global supply glut in the crude market [1] - Exxon is pursuing expansion projects while Chevron focuses on maximizing cash flow from existing operations to navigate the market downturn [1] Company Performance - Chevron's stock rose by up to 3.5% following the release of third-quarter results that surpassed Wall Street expectations, while Exxon's stock dipped by 1.8% due to acquisitions impacting free cash flow [2] - Exxon's adjusted third-quarter profit per share exceeded analysts' forecasts by 7 cents, marking the sixth consecutive earnings beat, driven by the startup of new developments in Guyana [6][8] Market Context - The global oil supply is expected to continue growing, with OPEC+ planning to increase production by approximately 137,000 barrels per day in December [3] - Brent crude is trading around $65 a barrel, on track for its worst annual decline in five years [4] Strategic Outlook - Exxon's CEO, Darren Woods, emphasizes the company's low debt level, allowing for funding of growth projects while maintaining a $20 billion annual buyback program despite weak oil prices [7] - The startup of the Yellowtail development, capable of producing 250,000 barrels per day, is a significant contributor to Exxon's recent earnings [8]