Core Insights - Carbon TerraVault Holdings, LLC (CTV), a subsidiary of California Resources Corporation (CRC), is advancing California's first carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) project at Elk Hills, with expectations to break ground in summer 2025 and inject CO2 by year-end 2025 [2][7]. Financial Performance - In the first quarter of 2025, CMB expenses were $18 million, down from $20 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. General and administrative expenses decreased to $3 million from $5 million [4]. - Capital investments in Q1 2025 were $2 million, a decline from $6 million in Q4 2024. Adjusted EBITDAX for Q1 2025 was $(21) million, an improvement from $(25) million in Q4 2024 [4]. Guidance - For Q2 2025, CRC expects capital expenditures between $5 million and $10 million, with total year guidance of $20 million to $30 million. CMB expenses are projected to be $10 million to $15 million for Q2 and $60 million to $90 million for the full year [6]. - General and administrative expenses are estimated at $2 million to $4 million for Q2 and $10 million to $15 million for the year. Adjusted EBITDAX is forecasted to be between $(15) million and $(20) million for Q2 and $(80) million to $(85) million for the full year [6]. Project Developments - CTV has received EPA Class VI well permits for CO2 storage and is preparing to commence construction of the CCS project at Elk Hills [7]. - CTV signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with National Cement for the "Lebec Net Zero" initiative, which aims to produce carbon-neutral cement with potential funding of up to $500 million from the Department of Energy [7].

Core Viewpoint - ExxonMobil sees carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) as a significant opportunity for profitability while contributing to environmental sustainability, estimating the CCS market could reach $4 trillion by 2050 [1] Group 1: Business Developments - ExxonMobil is positioning itself as a leader in the CCS market, recently signing a deal with Calpine to transport and store up to 2 million tons of carbon dioxide annually from its Bayton Energy Center [3] - The agreement with Calpine is part of a broader strategy to provide low-carbon electricity and steam to industrial facilities, producing approximately 500 megawatts of electricity, enough for 500,000 homes [3] - Exxon has now signed six contracts for carbon dioxide transportation and sequestration, totaling 16 million tons per year, indicating growing confidence from clients across various sectors [5] Group 2: Revenue Potential - The company aims to secure 30 million tons of transportation and storage contracts by 2030, with current contracts already exceeding halfway to this goal [7] - ExxonMobil anticipates that its CCS business could generate over $10 billion in annual contractual revenue within the next five to ten years, providing stable earnings compared to its traditional oil and gas operations [9] - The company plans to invest $30 billion by 2030 in reducing emissions and providing carbon reduction solutions, estimating these initiatives could yield $2 billion in earnings by 2030 [8] Group 3: Strategic Acquisitions - In 2023, Exxon acquired Denbury Resources for nearly $5 billion, primarily for its extensive carbon dioxide pipeline system, enhancing its CCS capabilities [6] - The integration of Calpine's facility into Exxon's existing carbon dioxide pipeline system, the largest globally, will facilitate the transportation of greenhouse gases to sequestration sites along the U.S. Gulf Coast [4] Group 4: Long-term Investment Appeal - The CCS business is viewed as a long-term growth driver for ExxonMobil, potentially extending the use of fossil fuels while stabilizing earnings volatility [10] - The recent contract with Calpine reinforces the attractiveness of Exxon's CCS business as a lucrative venture, enhancing its long-term investment appeal [10]