Dow Drops Over 400 Points; GE Vernova Receives Double Upgrade
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 09 2026
0mins
Should l Buy XOM?
Source: CNBC
- Dow Jones Decline: The Dow Jones fell over 400 points due to rising oil prices, with West Texas Intermediate crude surpassing $119 per barrel, raising concerns about stagflation; analysts predict an accelerated market decline if oil prices return to their overnight highs.
- GE Vernova Upgrade: GE Vernova received a double upgrade from Rothschild, moving from sell to buy, as analysts noted a sharp increase in demand indicators for AI and gas turbines since October, forecasting substantial upside for guidance and consensus for both 2026 and 2027.
- Starbucks Rating Adjustment: Wolfe Research resumed coverage of Starbucks with a hold-equivalent rating, down from buy, stating that while Starbucks is in the early stages of a multi-year turnaround, competition may limit its comparable sales and pricing power.
- Rapid Fire Stock Review: Stocks mentioned in Monday's rapid fire included Netflix, Citizens Financial Group, Truist Financial Corporation, and Zions, with Jim Cramer's charitable trust holding positions in CSCO, GEV, and SBUX.
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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: 169.660
Low
114.00
Averages
132.17
High
158.00
Current: 169.660
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.
ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy Complete First LNG Train at Golden Pass
- Timely Project Completion: ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy have completed the first LNG train at their Golden Pass project in Texas, with a capacity of 6 million metric tons per annum, expected to be fully operational next year, significantly enhancing the company's competitiveness in the global LNG market.
- Market Disruption Impact: The startup of Golden Pass will help fill the 12.8 million metric tons of capacity lost by Qatar due to damage from Iranian attacks, ensuring stability in the LNG supply amid significant disruptions in the global market caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
- 2030 Growth Projections: ExxonMobil anticipates achieving $25 billion in annual earnings growth and $35 billion in additional cash flow by 2030, indicating a strong potential for double-digit compound annual growth over the next five years, further solidifying its market position.
- Investment Strategy: The company is actively investing in high-return projects, with Golden Pass being part of its global energy expansion strategy, expected to drive robust earnings and cash flow growth in the next five years, especially given the current high energy prices.
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US Stocks Rise on Optimism Over Middle East Conflict Resolution
- Market Rally: The S&P 500 Index rose by 0.97%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average by 0.86%, and the Nasdaq 100 by 1.45%, reflecting growing investor confidence amid optimism that the Middle East conflict may soon conclude, which could stabilize global markets.
- Strong Economic Data: The US ADP employment change for March increased by 62,000, surpassing expectations of 40,000, while February retail sales rose by 0.6% month-over-month, indicating robust economic recovery that may influence Federal Reserve policy decisions.
- Interest Rate Outlook: Despite a mere 1% chance of a 25 basis point rate hike at the upcoming FOMC meeting, hawkish comments from St. Louis Fed President raised concerns about inflation and employment risks, potentially affecting investor sentiment and market dynamics.
- Divergent Stock Performances: Target Hospitality surged by over 37% after securing a multi-year contract worth over $550 million, while Nike fell by more than 13% due to revenue forecasts indicating a decline, highlighting varied market reactions to company-specific news.
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Eli Lilly Gains FDA Approval, Shares Rise
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- Cybersecurity Incident Impact: Hasbro's shares fell over 4% due to a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized network access, with the company investigating the full impact and implementing protective measures, potentially increasing operational costs in the short term.
- Tobacco Product Delay: Philip Morris International's shares dropped more than 5% after the FDA delayed authorization for nicotine pouch sales, which may hinder the company's future market expansion plans, particularly among new user demographics.
- Semiconductor Buyback Plan: Intel announced a $14.2 billion buyback of a 49% stake in its Ireland Fab 34 joint venture, resulting in a 9% increase in shares, with funding sourced from cash on hand and approximately $6.5 billion in new debt, expected to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor market.
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U.S. Economy Has Room to Expand Amid Gas Prices
- Gas Prices Impact on Economy: According to Jeremy Siegel, a professor emeritus at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, the U.S. economy can still expand as long as gasoline prices remain below $4 per gallon, despite investor concerns that rising prices could increase household costs and inflation.
- Historical Price Comparison: Siegel noted that although U.S. gasoline prices have surged above $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022, spiking over 30% since the U.S. and Israel first attacked Iran in late February, these prices are not considered high when adjusted for inflation historically.
- Market Confidence Restoration: He mentioned encouraging signs that the U.S.-Iran war may soon conclude, including Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's statement that Iran no longer poses an existential threat, which could alleviate market concerns regarding oil prices.
- Economic Growth Outlook: Siegel believes that despite a weakening labor market potentially leading to sluggish economic growth, the economy still has room to expand if oil prices remain at reasonable levels, indicating resilience in the market.
See More
ExxonMobil Completes Golden Pass LNG Project Amid Global Supply Crunch
- Timely Project Completion: ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy have completed the first LNG train at the Golden Pass project in Texas, with an initial capacity of 6 million metric tons per annum, and it is set to reach 18 million metric tons per annum next year, coinciding with a critical global LNG supply crunch due to the Iran conflict.
- Market Impact: The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has disrupted 20% of global oil and LNG supplies, and the startup of Golden Pass will help offset the 12.8 million metric tons of capacity lost from Qatar's LNG facilities due to damage, thereby reinforcing Exxon's position in the global energy market.
- 2030 Growth Plan: ExxonMobil anticipates achieving $25 billion in annual earnings growth and $35 billion in additional cash flow by 2030, based on 2024 commodity prices and margins, positioning the company for double-digit compound annual growth over the next five years, showcasing its robust profitability.
- Investment Outlook: Despite challenges from damaged facilities in Qatar, Exxon's strategic investments are expected to generate $145 billion in surplus cash flow over the next five years, and with energy prices remaining high, the company's stock is still considered a strong buy opportunity.
See More
Five Key Questions Facing Apple as It Enters Its Second Half-Century
- AI Strategy Challenge: While Apple dominates the U.S. smartphone market with over $100 billion in annual services revenue, its lack of significant investment in AI, compared to competitors spending hundreds of billions, could impact its future market share and innovation potential.
- Leadership Succession Issue: With CEO Tim Cook turning 65, potential successors like hardware chief John Ternus are being considered, but the next leadership will need to navigate the challenges posed by rapid technological changes, particularly in generative AI.
- China Market Dilemma: Apple's revenue from Greater China reached $64.4 billion in fiscal 2025, despite an 11% decline, the December quarter saw a 38% surge, indicating market potential, yet geopolitical tensions and trade disputes pose ongoing uncertainties.
- Brand Positioning and Service Expansion: As Apple introduces lower-priced products like the MacBook Neo and increases App Store advertising, the challenge remains to maintain its premium brand image amidst intensifying competition in the lower-end market, which could dilute its established identity.
See More
ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy Complete First LNG Train at Golden Pass
- Timely Project Completion: ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy have completed the first LNG train at their Golden Pass project in Texas, with a capacity of 6 million metric tons per annum, expected to be fully operational next year, significantly enhancing the company's competitiveness in the global LNG market.
- Market Disruption Impact: The startup of Golden Pass will help fill the 12.8 million metric tons of capacity lost by Qatar due to damage from Iranian attacks, ensuring stability in the LNG supply amid significant disruptions in the global market caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
- 2030 Growth Projections: ExxonMobil anticipates achieving $25 billion in annual earnings growth and $35 billion in additional cash flow by 2030, indicating a strong potential for double-digit compound annual growth over the next five years, further solidifying its market position.
- Investment Strategy: The company is actively investing in high-return projects, with Golden Pass being part of its global energy expansion strategy, expected to drive robust earnings and cash flow growth in the next five years, especially given the current high energy prices.
See More
US Stocks Rise on Optimism Over Middle East Conflict Resolution
- Market Rally: The S&P 500 Index rose by 0.97%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average by 0.86%, and the Nasdaq 100 by 1.45%, reflecting growing investor confidence amid optimism that the Middle East conflict may soon conclude, which could stabilize global markets.
- Strong Economic Data: The US ADP employment change for March increased by 62,000, surpassing expectations of 40,000, while February retail sales rose by 0.6% month-over-month, indicating robust economic recovery that may influence Federal Reserve policy decisions.
- Interest Rate Outlook: Despite a mere 1% chance of a 25 basis point rate hike at the upcoming FOMC meeting, hawkish comments from St. Louis Fed President raised concerns about inflation and employment risks, potentially affecting investor sentiment and market dynamics.
- Divergent Stock Performances: Target Hospitality surged by over 37% after securing a multi-year contract worth over $550 million, while Nike fell by more than 13% due to revenue forecasts indicating a decline, highlighting varied market reactions to company-specific news.
See More
Eli Lilly Gains FDA Approval, Shares Rise
- FDA Drug Approval: Eli Lilly's once-daily GLP-1 pill Foundayo received FDA approval, leading to a 4% rise in shares, which will enhance the company's competitive edge in the obesity treatment market and drive future sales growth.
- Cybersecurity Incident Impact: Hasbro's shares fell over 4% due to a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized network access, with the company investigating the full impact and implementing protective measures, potentially increasing operational costs in the short term.
- Tobacco Product Delay: Philip Morris International's shares dropped more than 5% after the FDA delayed authorization for nicotine pouch sales, which may hinder the company's future market expansion plans, particularly among new user demographics.
- Semiconductor Buyback Plan: Intel announced a $14.2 billion buyback of a 49% stake in its Ireland Fab 34 joint venture, resulting in a 9% increase in shares, with funding sourced from cash on hand and approximately $6.5 billion in new debt, expected to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor market.
See More
U.S. Economy Has Room to Expand Amid Gas Prices
- Gas Prices Impact on Economy: According to Jeremy Siegel, a professor emeritus at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, the U.S. economy can still expand as long as gasoline prices remain below $4 per gallon, despite investor concerns that rising prices could increase household costs and inflation.
- Historical Price Comparison: Siegel noted that although U.S. gasoline prices have surged above $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022, spiking over 30% since the U.S. and Israel first attacked Iran in late February, these prices are not considered high when adjusted for inflation historically.
- Market Confidence Restoration: He mentioned encouraging signs that the U.S.-Iran war may soon conclude, including Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's statement that Iran no longer poses an existential threat, which could alleviate market concerns regarding oil prices.
- Economic Growth Outlook: Siegel believes that despite a weakening labor market potentially leading to sluggish economic growth, the economy still has room to expand if oil prices remain at reasonable levels, indicating resilience in the market.
See More
ExxonMobil Completes Golden Pass LNG Project Amid Global Supply Crunch
- Timely Project Completion: ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy have completed the first LNG train at the Golden Pass project in Texas, with an initial capacity of 6 million metric tons per annum, and it is set to reach 18 million metric tons per annum next year, coinciding with a critical global LNG supply crunch due to the Iran conflict.
- Market Impact: The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has disrupted 20% of global oil and LNG supplies, and the startup of Golden Pass will help offset the 12.8 million metric tons of capacity lost from Qatar's LNG facilities due to damage, thereby reinforcing Exxon's position in the global energy market.
- 2030 Growth Plan: ExxonMobil anticipates achieving $25 billion in annual earnings growth and $35 billion in additional cash flow by 2030, based on 2024 commodity prices and margins, positioning the company for double-digit compound annual growth over the next five years, showcasing its robust profitability.
- Investment Outlook: Despite challenges from damaged facilities in Qatar, Exxon's strategic investments are expected to generate $145 billion in surplus cash flow over the next five years, and with energy prices remaining high, the company's stock is still considered a strong buy opportunity.
See More
Five Key Questions Facing Apple as It Enters Its Second Half-Century
- AI Strategy Challenge: While Apple dominates the U.S. smartphone market with over $100 billion in annual services revenue, its lack of significant investment in AI, compared to competitors spending hundreds of billions, could impact its future market share and innovation potential.
- Leadership Succession Issue: With CEO Tim Cook turning 65, potential successors like hardware chief John Ternus are being considered, but the next leadership will need to navigate the challenges posed by rapid technological changes, particularly in generative AI.
- China Market Dilemma: Apple's revenue from Greater China reached $64.4 billion in fiscal 2025, despite an 11% decline, the December quarter saw a 38% surge, indicating market potential, yet geopolitical tensions and trade disputes pose ongoing uncertainties.
- Brand Positioning and Service Expansion: As Apple introduces lower-priced products like the MacBook Neo and increases App Store advertising, the challenge remains to maintain its premium brand image amidst intensifying competition in the lower-end market, which could dilute its established identity.
See More
