Oil giants Chevron (CVX -0.46%) and ExxonMobil (XOM -0.71%) can read the writing on the wall: They can see that fossil fuels will eventually go extinct. That's leading these energy giants to invest in expanding into lower-carbon energy. One area both oil stocks are expanding into is lithium, a key ingredient for making batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). Exxon entered the sector in 2023 by acquiring land in Arkansas' Smackover Formation, which is rich in lithium brine. Chevron is now following in Exxon's ...

Core Viewpoint - The competitive energy landscape is characterized by Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) and BP plc (BP) as they navigate traditional oil and gas operations alongside emerging low-carbon activities, raising the question of which company is better positioned for future success [1] Group 1: Upstream Operations - ExxonMobil's acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources on May 3, 2024, significantly enhances its upstream portfolio, with 1.4 million net acres and an estimated 16 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources [2] - The average annual synergy from the Pioneer acquisition has been revised upward to more than $3 billion, indicating strong operational efficiency [3] - ExxonMobil expects to generate over 60% of its production from advantaged assets by the end of the decade, with projected per-barrel profit increasing from $10 in 2024 to $13 by 2030 [4] Group 2: Comparison of Upstream Strategies - BP appears to be in a more conservative stage of upstream expansion compared to ExxonMobil, which has set breakeven targets of $35 per barrel by 2027 and $30 by 2030, while BP has not disclosed similar targets [5] Group 3: Low-Carbon Initiatives - ExxonMobil anticipates generating $1 billion in earnings from its low-carbon businesses by the end of the decade, benefiting from stability against oil and gas price fluctuations [6] - BP reported weak results in its gas and low-carbon segment, lacking clear long-term prospects and return expectations for its clean energy initiatives [7] Group 4: Dividend Performance - ExxonMobil has a strong track record of over 40 consecutive years of dividend increases, while BP cut its dividend in 2020 due to the pandemic, reflecting a less stable dividend history [8] Group 5: Financial Health and Valuation - ExxonMobil has a stronger balance sheet with a total debt-to-capitalization ratio of 13.4%, significantly lower than BP's 42.9%, allowing it to navigate uncertain business environments more effectively [10] - Investors are willing to pay a premium for ExxonMobil, as indicated by its trailing 12-month enterprise value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratio of 6.61 compared to BP's 2.91 [12] Group 6: Overall Investment Outlook - Both companies face tariff concerns and uncertain long-term energy demand, suggesting that shareholders should retain their stocks, with ExxonMobil likely offering more benefits than BP [14] - ExxonMobil's clear numerical targets and established clean energy plan contrast with BP's ongoing efforts to make its green projects profitable [15]