Lockheed Martin, Exxon Mobil And More: CNBC's 'Final Trades'
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 01 2025
0mins
Should l Buy XOM?
Source: Benzinga
Lockheed Martin and Alphabet Partnership: Lockheed Martin has partnered with Alphabet Inc. to integrate advanced generative AI into its AI Factory ecosystem, aiming to enhance AI-driven solutions for national security and aerospace.
Market Insights: Analysts discussed various investment opportunities, highlighting Lockheed Martin's stock rise, Exxon Mobil's maintained Overweight rating despite a price target reduction, and the potential for cyclical rebounds in the iShares U.S. Industrials ETF.
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Analyst Views on XOM
Wall Street analysts forecast XOM stock price to fall
19 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 150.440
Low
114.00
Averages
132.17
High
158.00
Current: 150.440
Low
114.00
Averages
132.17
High
158.00
About XOM
Exxon Mobil Corporation is an energy provider and chemical manufacturer. The Company’s principal business involves exploration for, and production of, crude oil and natural gas; the manufacture, trade, transport and sale of crude oil, natural gas, petroleum products, petrochemicals and a wide variety of specialty products; and pursuit of lower-emission and other new business opportunities, including carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, lower-emission fuels, Proxxima systems, carbon materials, and lithium. Its Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas. The Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments manufacture and sell petroleum products and petrochemicals. Energy Products segment includes fuels, aromatics, and catalysts and licensing. Chemical Products segment consists of olefins, polyolefins, and intermediates. Specialty Products segment includes finished lubricants, basestocks and waxes, synthetics, and elastomers and resins.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Unanimous Board Decision: ExxonMobil's Board of Directors unanimously recommends shareholders approve the change of the company's legal domicile from New Jersey to Texas, believing this alignment with leadership and core operations since 1989 will enhance shareholder value.
- Texas Advantages: The Board highlighted Texas's recent efforts to create a favorable policy and regulatory environment for businesses, enabling the company to maximize shareholder value, with Texas's legal framework being stronger in certain aspects compared to New Jersey.
- Shareholder Rights Protection: The proposed redomiciliation will not affect business operations, management, strategy, assets, or employee locations, with the Board confirming that shareholder rights under Texas law are largely comparable to those in New Jersey, and in some areas, stronger.
- Shareholder Voting Arrangement: The proposal will be voted on at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, with detailed information provided in the preliminary proxy statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, ensuring shareholders are well-informed about the voting process.
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- Inflation Data Expectations: Economists forecast a 2.4% year-over-year increase in February's Consumer Price Index (CPI), which will provide crucial insights for the Fed's monetary policy, especially in light of recent oil price surges.
- Middle East Tensions: Investors are closely monitoring the conflict in the Middle East, which caused oil prices to spike to $120 per barrel on Monday; although prices have eased, they remain elevated, potentially exerting pressure on economic recovery.
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- U.S. Military Actions: The U.S. Central Command confirmed the sinking of several Iranian ships, including 16 minelayers, on Tuesday, signaling an increased military presence in the Strait of Hormuz that could escalate regional tensions and impact global oil prices and supply chains.
- Semiconductor Industry Pressure: Analysts warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could hinder access to critical materials for the semiconductor industry, while rising energy costs may suppress chip demand, leading to decreased investor confidence in related stocks.
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- Contrast with Political Climate: The strong performance of these funds contrasts sharply with the prevailing negative political environment, highlighting a disconnect between market trends and political narratives.
- Investor Sentiment: Investors may be increasingly optimistic about the future of renewable energy, leading to significant gains in this sector.
- Market Trends: The success of renewable-energy stocks suggests a growing trend towards sustainable investments, regardless of external political factors.
See More
ExxonMobil Board Proposes Redomiciliation to Texas
- Unanimous Board Decision: ExxonMobil's Board of Directors unanimously recommends shareholders approve the change of the company's legal domicile from New Jersey to Texas, believing this alignment with leadership and core operations since 1989 will enhance shareholder value.
- Texas Advantages: The Board highlighted Texas's recent efforts to create a favorable policy and regulatory environment for businesses, enabling the company to maximize shareholder value, with Texas's legal framework being stronger in certain aspects compared to New Jersey.
- Shareholder Rights Protection: The proposed redomiciliation will not affect business operations, management, strategy, assets, or employee locations, with the Board confirming that shareholder rights under Texas law are largely comparable to those in New Jersey, and in some areas, stronger.
- Shareholder Voting Arrangement: The proposal will be voted on at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, with detailed information provided in the preliminary proxy statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, ensuring shareholders are well-informed about the voting process.
See More
Analysis of Investment Opportunities in Energy Stock ETFs
- Strong ETF Performance: The State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) has surged over 20% year-to-date, driven by the geopolitical tensions following the U.S. and Israel's attack on Iran, presenting lucrative investment opportunities for investors.
- Concentration in Major Holdings: The ETF's assets are heavily concentrated, with 48% held in three energy giants—ExxonMobil (XOM), Chevron (CVX), and ConocoPhillips (COP)—which are pivotal players in the global energy market, ensuring stability and growth potential for the ETF.
- Market Risks and Defensive Strategy: Given the potential for significant oil price fluctuations due to the Middle East crisis, the diversified business models of the State Street Energy Select SPDR ETF provide a relatively safe investment option, particularly in the event of declining oil prices.
- Attractive Valuation and Yield: With a price-to-earnings ratio of 20x, below the S&P 500's 29x, and a distribution yield of 2.6%, the ETF demonstrates strong appeal in the current market environment, offering solid income regardless of oil price volatility.
See More
Analysis of Investment Opportunities in Energy ETFs
- Strong ETF Performance: The State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF has surged over 20% year-to-date, reflecting strong investor interest in energy stocks following the Middle East crisis, indicating a growing confidence in the energy sector.
- Key Holdings Analysis: The ETF's top three holdings, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips, account for 48% of total assets, positioning these major players to provide stability in earnings during potential oil price declines.
- Attractive Valuation: Despite the recent rise in oil prices, the ETF's price-to-earnings ratio stands at only 20x, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 29x, highlighting its relative undervaluation and appealing to value-seeking investors.
- Stable Income: With a distribution yield of 2.6%, the ETF offers investors a reliable income source amidst fluctuations in oil and gas prices, enhancing its appeal as a defensive investment option.
See More
U.S. Treasury Yields Rise as Investors Await Inflation Data
- Yield Increase: As of 3:54 a.m. ET, the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield rose over 2 basis points to 4.159%, indicating market anticipation for upcoming inflation data that could influence future rate decisions.
- Inflation Data Expectations: Economists forecast a 2.4% year-over-year increase in February's Consumer Price Index (CPI), which will provide crucial insights for the Fed's monetary policy, especially in light of recent oil price surges.
- Middle East Tensions: Investors are closely monitoring the conflict in the Middle East, which caused oil prices to spike to $120 per barrel on Monday; although prices have eased, they remain elevated, potentially exerting pressure on economic recovery.
- Upcoming Economic Releases: In addition to the CPI, housing starts and weekly initial jobless claims will be released on Thursday, followed by the personal consumption expenditures index on Friday, all of which will further shape market assessments of economic health.
See More
Oil Price Fluctuations and Semiconductor Demand Impact
- Oil Price Volatility: Oil prices plummeted over 11% on Tuesday due to supply concerns stemming from the Middle East conflict, although aggressive rhetoric from U.S. officials failed to stabilize the market, with West Texas Intermediate crude rebounding to $83.76 per barrel, indicating high uncertainty about future supplies.
- U.S. Military Actions: The U.S. Central Command confirmed the sinking of several Iranian ships, including 16 minelayers, on Tuesday, signaling an increased military presence in the Strait of Hormuz that could escalate regional tensions and impact global oil prices and supply chains.
- Semiconductor Industry Pressure: Analysts warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could hinder access to critical materials for the semiconductor industry, while rising energy costs may suppress chip demand, leading to decreased investor confidence in related stocks.
- Oracle Earnings Boost: Oracle reported an earnings beat and issued strong guidance, with its stock rising nearly 10% in after-hours trading, alleviating investor concerns over its substantial debt load and showcasing its ongoing investment potential in the artificial intelligence sector.
See More
Alternative Energy Investments Surge Due to Rising Energy Demand
- Positive Performance of Renewable-Energy Stocks: Despite negative political headlines, the past year has been highly favorable for renewable-energy stock funds.
- Contrast with Political Climate: The strong performance of these funds contrasts sharply with the prevailing negative political environment, highlighting a disconnect between market trends and political narratives.
- Investor Sentiment: Investors may be increasingly optimistic about the future of renewable energy, leading to significant gains in this sector.
- Market Trends: The success of renewable-energy stocks suggests a growing trend towards sustainable investments, regardless of external political factors.
See More
