ExxonMobil stock has tripled investors' money in five years. Can it do it again?Oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) isn't an easy business. It requires massive amounts of investments, and the earnings and cash flows of E&P producers are directly exposed to the volatility in oil and gas prices.Yet ExxonMobil (XOM -0.23%) -- the largest oil company in the U.S. -- has performed remarkably well over the decades, and its stock has generated rich returns for shareholders. In recent years, ExxonMobil has ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2024, the company increased its adjusted EBITDAX to $300 million, a new record [7] - Record production reached almost 25,000 working interest barrels equivalent per day, with record sales of nearly 20,000 net interest barrels per day [7] - SEC proved reserves grew 57% year over year to 45 million BOE, while 2P CPR reserves increased to 96.1 million BOE [7][22] - The company returned $83 million to shareholders over the past two years through dividends and share buybacks [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Cote D'Ivoire, the company completed the Svenska acquisition in April 2024, achieving a 1.8x payback on the initial investment by year-end [8] - Canadian production was approximately 60% liquid in Q1 and about 75% liquid from Q2 to Q4, indicating a shift towards more profitable liquid production [12] - In Egypt, the company completed 12 workover projects in 2024 to mitigate decline, with plans to drill an additional 8 to 13 wells in 2025 [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported stable pricing in Q4 2024, supported by a hedging program to mitigate risks [29] - Production costs for Q4 2024 were below guidance, with absolute costs at $37.7 million and per barrel costs at $20.16 [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain operational excellence and consistent production to expand adjusted EBITDAX, positioning itself for future growth [6] - Plans include extensive drilling campaigns in Gabon and Cote D'Ivoire, with a focus on maximizing production and reserves [43][44] - The company is also progressing with the FEED study for the Venus Block P in Equatorial Guinea, anticipating an economic final investment decision in 2025 [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's operational and financial momentum entering 2025, highlighting a diversified portfolio of high-quality assets [8][24] - The company noted improvements in collection rates in Egypt, which have outpaced revenues in early 2025 [35][63] - Management emphasized the undervaluation of the stock despite strong operational performance and a top quartile dividend yield [41][46] Other Important Information - The FPSO ceased hydrocarbon operations as scheduled on January 31, 2025, with significant development drilling expected to begin in 2026 [9] - The company secured a new revolving credit facility with an initial commitment of $190 million, expandable to $300 million, to support capital programs [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the cycle times for exploration projects in Gabon and Cote D'Ivoire? - Management indicated that seismic acquisition for Gabon is expected in Q1 2026, with drilling likely starting in late 2026 or early 2027 [48][49] Question: What impact will the capital campaign in 2026 have on cost recovery pools? - Management noted that capital spent in Gabon will start recovering as soon as successful wells are in production, while Cote D'Ivoire offers a 25% uplift for every dollar invested [51][52] Question: How will the Gabon drilling campaign impact production volumes? - Management expressed optimism about achieving significant production increases, similar to past campaigns, with a focus on enhancing the drilling program [55] Question: What are the critical path items for the FPSO refurbishment in Cote D'Ivoire? - Key milestones include the turret bearing, which is already in transit to Dubai, with first oil expected between mid to late May 2026 [71][72] Question: How many H2S wells will be included in the drilling program? - Management confirmed that the Aburi wells will be part of the drilling program, with the first wells being drilled in 2026 [88]