How to Buy ExxonMobil Stock (XOM) in 2026
NOTE: We are not giving you any financial advice here!
ExxonMobil stands as one of the largest integrated energy companies worldwide, with operations spanning upstream exploration and production, downstream refining and marketing, and chemical manufacturing.
The company produces oil and natural gas across multiple continents and maintains a network of refineries that process crude into fuels and lubricants.
In chemicals, ExxonMobil develops products used in packaging, automotive parts, and consumer goods.
As of early 2026, the stock trades under the ticker XOM on the New York Stock Exchange, with a share price near $122.65 and a market capitalization exceeding $517 billion.
Understanding ExxonMobil Business and Position in 2026
ExxonMobil operates in over 50 countries, focusing on high-margin projects in regions like the Permian Basin in the United States and offshore Guyana.
The company reported revenues of about $334 billion in the prior year, with earnings per share around $6.92.
Dividends play a key role, with a quarterly payout of $1.03 per share in late 2025, yielding approximately 3.3%.
The firm plans to generate $25 billion in earnings growth and $35 billion in cash flow growth by 2030, supported by cost savings of $20 billion since 2019 and investments in low-emission technologies.
Production targets include expanding output to 4.5 million barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2027, driven by acquisitions like Pioneer Natural Resources.
In 2026, ExxonMobil benefits from stable oil prices around $75 per barrel for West Texas Intermediate, amid global demand growth from emerging markets.
The company allocates capital to share repurchases, planning $20 billion annually through the year, which reduces outstanding shares and boosts per-share metrics.
Analysts project earnings per share of $1.63 for the fourth quarter of 2025, with full-year 2026 estimates at around $7.50, reflecting modest growth.
Reasons to Consider Investing in XOM Stock This Year
XOM offers exposure to the energy sector, which remains essential for transportation, manufacturing, and power generation.
The stock has risen about 6.6% year-to-date in 2025, outperforming some peers amid supply constraints.
Long-term drivers include increasing energy needs in Asia and Africa, where oil and gas demand could grow 2% annually through 2030.
ExxonMobil's integrated model allows profits from refining even when crude prices dip, providing a buffer against volatility.
The dividend history spans 43 consecutive years of increases, appealing to income-focused portfolios. Share buybacks have reduced the share count by over 10% in recent years, enhancing shareholder value.
Analysts rate the stock as a hold on average, with price targets averaging $129.45, suggesting potential upside of 5.6% from current levels.
Some view it as undervalued at a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.5, below certain peer averages.
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| Credits: Artificall |
Potential Risks When Investing in ExxonMobil
Oil and gas prices fluctuate based on geopolitical events, OPEC decisions, and economic slowdowns, potentially reducing revenues if prices fall below $70 per barrel.
Regulatory pressures increase costs, including emissions standards and restrictions on new drilling.
Transition to renewables poses challenges if clean energy adoption accelerates faster than expected, diminishing demand for fossil fuels.
The company's heavy reliance on upstream operations exposes it to supply gluts from non-OPEC producers. Chemical segment margins face pressure from oversupply in Asia.
Broader market risks include interest rate hikes affecting borrowing costs and currency fluctuations impacting international earnings.
Net profit margins sit below the three-year average of 11%, signaling possible ongoing compression.
Step-by-Step Process to Purchase XOM Stock
Here are the 7 simple steps to buy ExxonMobil (XOM) stock today:
- Research and Set Goals: Evaluate your investment horizon and risk tolerance. Decide if XOM fits as a long-term hold for dividends or a shorter-term play on energy prices. Use tools like financial statements from the company's investor site to assess metrics.
- Select a Brokerage: Choose a platform that offers commission-free trades on NYSE stocks. Options include eToro for international access, Robinhood for 24-hour trading, or Public for fractional shares.
- Open an Account: Provide personal details such as name, address, Social Security number, and employment information. Verify identity with a driver's license or passport. Most platforms approve accounts within one to three business days.
- Fund the Account: Link a bank account via ACH transfer, which takes one to two days, or use a wire for immediate funding. Deposit enough to cover the share price plus any fees, starting with as little as $100 for fractional purchases.
- Search for XOM: Enter the ticker in the platform's search bar. Review real-time quotes, charts, and analyst ratings. Check the current bid and ask prices.
- Place the Order: Select the number of shares or dollar amount. Use a market order for immediate execution at the current price, or a limit order to specify a maximum price. Confirm details before submitting.
- Monitor and Manage: Track performance through the brokerage app. Set alerts for price changes or earnings releases. Reinvest dividends automatically if available.
That's how you actually buy ExxonMobil stock.
Comparing Top Brokers for Buying XOM
If you want to see which broker would be suitable for your ExxonMobil stock buying, you can compare the top ones here:
| Broker | Commission on Stock Trades | Minimum Deposit | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | $0 | $10 | Social trading, copy portfolios | Beginners and global investors |
| Robinhood | $0 | $0 | 24/5 trading, options access | Active traders |
| Public | $0 | $0 | Fractional shares, community insights | Fractional buyers |
| Fidelity | $0 | $0 | Research tools, retirement accounts | Long-term holders |
| Interactive Brokers | $0 (Lite plan) | $0 | Advanced charting, international markets | Experienced users |
Now you can choose a broker according to your own position.
Account Types for Holding XOM Shares
Individual brokerage accounts suit general investing, with taxes on gains and dividends. Retirement accounts like IRAs defer taxes, ideal for long-term growth.
Taxable accounts allow unlimited contributions but require reporting capital gains.
For dividends, consider a dividend reinvestment plan through Computershare, which allows direct purchases without a broker.
Funding Options and Costs
ACH transfers incur no fees but take time. Debit cards or wires may cost $10 to $30. Brokers like Stash allow small recurring deposits. Avoid margin accounts for beginners to prevent borrowing costs and amplified losses.
Order Types Explained
Market orders execute quickly at prevailing prices. Limit orders buy only below a set price, useful in volatile sessions.
Stop orders trigger sales if prices drop, protecting against downturns. For XOM, market orders work well during regular hours from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.
Handling Dividends and Taxes
ExxonMobil pays dividends quarterly, typically in March, June, September, and December. Enroll in automatic reinvestment to compound shares.
Report dividends on Form 1099-DIV for taxes. Long-term capital gains (held over one year) tax at 0% to 20%, depending on income. Short-term gains tax as ordinary income.
Strategies for Managing Your XOM Investment
Diversify by pairing XOM with renewables or tech stocks. Rebalance annually if energy exceeds 10% of your portfolio. Track quarterly earnings, like the January 30, 2026, report.
Use apps for news alerts on oil prices or company updates. If prices rise to $135, consider selling portions to lock in gains.
Alternatives to Direct Stock Purchases
Exchange-traded funds like Vanguard Energy ETF include XOM for broader exposure. Options trading on XOM, available through brokers like tastytrade, allows hedging but adds complexity.
For direct investment without a broker, use the Computershare plan with initial purchases starting at $250.
Long-Term Outlook for XOM in 2026 and Beyond
Forecasts predict XOM reaching $151 by year-end, with highs up to $225 by 2030 under bullish scenarios.
Growth stems from Permian efficiency and Guyana discoveries.
Challenges include demand shifts, but the company's $35 billion cash flow target supports resilience.
Analysts from UBS and Scotiabank maintain buy ratings with targets of $145 and $128.
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