Shares of ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) this week traded at the lowest level in nearly ten years, continuing to underperform the market. The oil giant is all set to release fourth-quarter 2019 results Friday before the opening bell.
It is believed to have ended the fiscal year on a dismal note. Market watchers predict a 67% decline in earnings to $0.46 per share, while revenues are seen falling around 11% to $64.08 billion.
Weakness Persists
Like in the previous quarters, multiple factors worked against ExxonMobil in the final three months of 2019, including the unfavorable demand-supply environment and low crude prices. Initial estimates show that they affected the company’s top-line performance. The upstream business is typically sensitive to low fuel prices. Technically, that should be good news for the downstream business, for which oil and natural gas are the main inputs.
Faltering Demand
Though market conditions have improved since the last quarter, the underlying macroeconomic weakness might weigh on demand. Of late, the company has been investing in its production facilities to boost volume, a move that might add to the oversupply issue thereby putting pressure on oil prices.
The company is upbeat about its prospects in South America, especially after a series of successful discoveries along the Guyana coast. And, the management is investing heavily in the new assets, despite the unimpressive cash flow trend. Margins will come under pressure from the high costs.
Meanwhile, the company is on track to divest nonperforming assets worth $15 billion in the next two years.
Looking Back
ExxonMobil disappointed the market in the third quarter when earnings and revenues declined in double digits to $0.75 per share and $65 billion, respectively, hurt by the ongoing dip in oil demand. However, the results exceeded the market’s forecast, to the relief of the stakeholders.
The persistent downtrend in ExxonMobil’s stock continued as it entered 2020, and declined around 9% since the beginning of the year. The shares have lost 14% in the past six months.
Listen to publicly listed companies’ earnings conference calls along with the edited closed caption text
Most Popular
Important takeaways from IBM’s first-quarter 2024 earnings report
International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE: IBM) this week reported mixed results for the first three months of fiscal 2024, with earnings beating and revenues missing analysts’ estimates. After spinning off
Snap (SNAP): Four noteworthy points from the Q1 earnings report
Shares of Snap Inc. (NYSE: SNAP) jumped 30% on Friday, a day after the company delivered strong results for the first quarter of 2024. Revenue and earnings increased year-over-year and
CVX Earnings: Chevron reports lower revenue and profit for Q1 2024
Energy exploration company Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) announced first-quarter 2024 financial results, reporting a decline in net profit and revenues. Net income attributable to Chevron Corporation was $5.50 billion or