Stocks That Investors Are Purchasing During the Market Decline
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 12 2026
0mins
Source: Barron's
- Market Performance: Stocks continued to decline on Thursday, marking a poor start to March.
- Retail Trading Insights: J.P. Morgan's weekly report reveals the buying patterns of noninstitutional investors.
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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: 149.010
Low
114.00
Averages
132.17
High
158.00
Current: 149.010
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.
Exxon Mobil to Release Q1 2026 Financial Results
- Earnings Release Schedule: Exxon Mobil is set to announce its Q1 2026 financial results on May 1, 2026, with a press release available at 5:30 a.m. CT via Business Wire, providing investors with the latest financial insights.
- Executive Conference Call: CEO Darren Woods and other executives will review the financial results during a conference call at 8:30 a.m. CT, which is expected to attract significant attention from investors and analysts, thereby enhancing market transparency.
- Call Access Information: Investors can join the call by dialing 800-918-2066 (toll-free) or 646-307-1342 (local), referencing passcode 2207273 to ensure smooth communication and interaction during the session.
- Replay and Supplementary Data: After the call, a replay and supplementary financial data will be made available on Exxon Mobil's investor website, facilitating access to crucial information for investors who could not participate live, thus improving information accessibility.
See More
Exxon Mobil Withdraws LNG Sale Offer from Golden Pass Plant
- Withdrawal of Sale Offer: Exxon Mobil has withdrawn its offer to sell two initial cargoes of LNG from its Golden Pass export plant in Texas, a move that could negatively impact short-term revenue expectations, although no reason was provided for this decision.
- Low Capacity Utilization: Since starting production last month, Golden Pass has been operating at only one-third of its nameplate capacity, liquefying approximately 287M cf of natural gas on Thursday, indicating significant challenges and uncertainties in the project's startup phase.
- Delays and Cost Overruns: The Golden Pass project has faced multiple delays and cost overruns since construction began in 2019, including the bankruptcy of its original lead contractor, which may undermine investor confidence and affect the project's long-term viability.
- Equity Structure Analysis: With a total investment of $10 billion, QatarEnergy holds a 70% stake in the project while Exxon Mobil owns the remaining 30%, which limits Exxon's risk exposure and potential returns from this venture.
See More
Trump Administration Urges Oil Producers to Boost Output Amid Iran Conflict
- Production Urgency: Officials from the Trump administration pressed around a dozen oil executives during a videoconference to increase U.S. oil output, highlighting the urgency amid escalating conflict with Iran, which has led to an estimated 16 million barrels per day removed from the global market due to strait paralysis and Gulf facility damage, causing soaring oil prices.
- Political Risks: The rising oil prices pose acute political risks for Trump's Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections, with the administration's push for increased production aimed at alleviating these pressures and maintaining voter confidence in the economy.
- Meeting Dynamics: During the 40-minute meeting, while many oil executives remained reticent, some indicated they were boosting production; Interior Secretary Burgum described the call as “great,” indicating a positive industry response to investment opportunities.
- Market Signals: Energy Secretary Wright and Burgum expressed gratitude for increased U.S. oil production while stressing the opportunity to ramp up output further, as current price signals encourage companies to invest, reflecting strong market demand for future supply.
See More
Israel and Lebanon Reach Historic Ceasefire Agreement
- Historic Ceasefire Agreement: Israel and Lebanon have reached a 10-day ceasefire agreement in Washington, marking the first meaningful talks between the two nations since 1983, potentially paving the way for a broader peace agreement in the Middle East.
- Positive Market Reaction: Israel's central bank governor noted that markets are responding positively to the latest peace developments, with major markets holding near record highs, reflecting investor optimism for stability in the region despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
- U.S. Diplomatic Efforts: President Trump plans to invite Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Lebanese President Aoun for talks, further advancing the improvement of relations between the two countries and highlighting the U.S.'s active role in the Middle East peace process.
- Impact of Iranian Situation: Trump mentioned that the war in Iran is progressing well and is expected to end soon, a statement that could influence regional security dynamics and market reactions, prompting investors to monitor future military and diplomatic developments.
See More
Energy Stocks Thrive Amid Iran Conflict
- Oil Price Volatility: The Iran conflict has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global oil prices; however, many energy companies have learned to operate profitably in low-price environments, enhancing their shareholder return capabilities.
- Chevron's Performance: Chevron (CVX) has seen its stock rise nearly 24% this year, with expected daily oil equivalent production of 3.98 to 4.1 million barrels in 2026, and a 35% increase in free cash flow, showcasing strong profitability and solid financial health.
- ExxonMobil's Success: ExxonMobil (XOM) stock is up 26% this year and nearly 167% over the past five years, with free cash flow skyrocketing from nearly $30 billion in 2019 to nearly $52 billion in 2025, indicating success in cost control and strategic investments.
- Future of Renewables: NextEra Energy Resources (NEE), one of North America's largest power companies, is actively investing in renewable energy infrastructure to meet rising power demands, particularly from AI applications, although its significant debt is manageable due to strong EBITDA coverage of interest payments.
See More
Energy Stocks Surge Amid Iran War Impact
- Stock Price Surge: Energy stocks have risen this year due to the Iran war, with Chevron's stock up nearly 24% and ExxonMobil up 26%, reflecting market concerns over energy security.
- Chevron's Strong Performance: Following its acquisition of Hess in 2025, Chevron expects its upstream portfolio to produce between 3.98 million and 4.1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2026, achieving a 35% increase in free cash flow despite a 15% drop in oil prices.
- ExxonMobil Cash Flow Growth: ExxonMobil's net cash provided by operating activities skyrocketed from $30 billion in 2019 to $52 billion in 2025, while free cash flow increased from $6.6 billion to $26.1 billion, showcasing its success in cost management and strategic investments.
- NextEra Energy Strategy: NextEra Energy Resources focuses on renewable energy and natural gas infrastructure, and despite significant debt, its EBITDA allows it to cover interest payments comfortably, with a trailing dividend yield of 2.75%.
See More
Exxon Mobil to Release Q1 2026 Financial Results
- Earnings Release Schedule: Exxon Mobil is set to announce its Q1 2026 financial results on May 1, 2026, with a press release available at 5:30 a.m. CT via Business Wire, providing investors with the latest financial insights.
- Executive Conference Call: CEO Darren Woods and other executives will review the financial results during a conference call at 8:30 a.m. CT, which is expected to attract significant attention from investors and analysts, thereby enhancing market transparency.
- Call Access Information: Investors can join the call by dialing 800-918-2066 (toll-free) or 646-307-1342 (local), referencing passcode 2207273 to ensure smooth communication and interaction during the session.
- Replay and Supplementary Data: After the call, a replay and supplementary financial data will be made available on Exxon Mobil's investor website, facilitating access to crucial information for investors who could not participate live, thus improving information accessibility.
See More
Exxon Mobil Withdraws LNG Sale Offer from Golden Pass Plant
- Withdrawal of Sale Offer: Exxon Mobil has withdrawn its offer to sell two initial cargoes of LNG from its Golden Pass export plant in Texas, a move that could negatively impact short-term revenue expectations, although no reason was provided for this decision.
- Low Capacity Utilization: Since starting production last month, Golden Pass has been operating at only one-third of its nameplate capacity, liquefying approximately 287M cf of natural gas on Thursday, indicating significant challenges and uncertainties in the project's startup phase.
- Delays and Cost Overruns: The Golden Pass project has faced multiple delays and cost overruns since construction began in 2019, including the bankruptcy of its original lead contractor, which may undermine investor confidence and affect the project's long-term viability.
- Equity Structure Analysis: With a total investment of $10 billion, QatarEnergy holds a 70% stake in the project while Exxon Mobil owns the remaining 30%, which limits Exxon's risk exposure and potential returns from this venture.
See More
Trump Administration Urges Oil Producers to Boost Output Amid Iran Conflict
- Production Urgency: Officials from the Trump administration pressed around a dozen oil executives during a videoconference to increase U.S. oil output, highlighting the urgency amid escalating conflict with Iran, which has led to an estimated 16 million barrels per day removed from the global market due to strait paralysis and Gulf facility damage, causing soaring oil prices.
- Political Risks: The rising oil prices pose acute political risks for Trump's Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections, with the administration's push for increased production aimed at alleviating these pressures and maintaining voter confidence in the economy.
- Meeting Dynamics: During the 40-minute meeting, while many oil executives remained reticent, some indicated they were boosting production; Interior Secretary Burgum described the call as “great,” indicating a positive industry response to investment opportunities.
- Market Signals: Energy Secretary Wright and Burgum expressed gratitude for increased U.S. oil production while stressing the opportunity to ramp up output further, as current price signals encourage companies to invest, reflecting strong market demand for future supply.
See More
Israel and Lebanon Reach Historic Ceasefire Agreement
- Historic Ceasefire Agreement: Israel and Lebanon have reached a 10-day ceasefire agreement in Washington, marking the first meaningful talks between the two nations since 1983, potentially paving the way for a broader peace agreement in the Middle East.
- Positive Market Reaction: Israel's central bank governor noted that markets are responding positively to the latest peace developments, with major markets holding near record highs, reflecting investor optimism for stability in the region despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
- U.S. Diplomatic Efforts: President Trump plans to invite Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Lebanese President Aoun for talks, further advancing the improvement of relations between the two countries and highlighting the U.S.'s active role in the Middle East peace process.
- Impact of Iranian Situation: Trump mentioned that the war in Iran is progressing well and is expected to end soon, a statement that could influence regional security dynamics and market reactions, prompting investors to monitor future military and diplomatic developments.
See More
Energy Stocks Thrive Amid Iran Conflict
- Oil Price Volatility: The Iran conflict has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global oil prices; however, many energy companies have learned to operate profitably in low-price environments, enhancing their shareholder return capabilities.
- Chevron's Performance: Chevron (CVX) has seen its stock rise nearly 24% this year, with expected daily oil equivalent production of 3.98 to 4.1 million barrels in 2026, and a 35% increase in free cash flow, showcasing strong profitability and solid financial health.
- ExxonMobil's Success: ExxonMobil (XOM) stock is up 26% this year and nearly 167% over the past five years, with free cash flow skyrocketing from nearly $30 billion in 2019 to nearly $52 billion in 2025, indicating success in cost control and strategic investments.
- Future of Renewables: NextEra Energy Resources (NEE), one of North America's largest power companies, is actively investing in renewable energy infrastructure to meet rising power demands, particularly from AI applications, although its significant debt is manageable due to strong EBITDA coverage of interest payments.
See More
Energy Stocks Surge Amid Iran War Impact
- Stock Price Surge: Energy stocks have risen this year due to the Iran war, with Chevron's stock up nearly 24% and ExxonMobil up 26%, reflecting market concerns over energy security.
- Chevron's Strong Performance: Following its acquisition of Hess in 2025, Chevron expects its upstream portfolio to produce between 3.98 million and 4.1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2026, achieving a 35% increase in free cash flow despite a 15% drop in oil prices.
- ExxonMobil Cash Flow Growth: ExxonMobil's net cash provided by operating activities skyrocketed from $30 billion in 2019 to $52 billion in 2025, while free cash flow increased from $6.6 billion to $26.1 billion, showcasing its success in cost management and strategic investments.
- NextEra Energy Strategy: NextEra Energy Resources focuses on renewable energy and natural gas infrastructure, and despite significant debt, its EBITDA allows it to cover interest payments comfortably, with a trailing dividend yield of 2.75%.
See More
