Investing in Oil - What Now? #investing #oil #exxonmobil #nyse

Livewire Markets
Livewire MarketsMar 16, 2026

Why It Matters

Selling Exxon now avoids exposure to a depleting, low‑margin commodity cycle and aligns portfolios with the accelerating shift toward cleaner energy sources.

Key Takeaways

  • Exxon fails quality criteria despite being top oil performer.
  • Ten‑year ROE around 11% amid volatile oil price swings.
  • Current oil cycle shows oversupply and slowing demand growth.
  • Electrification trends threaten long‑term demand for fossil fuels.
  • Investing now may lock capital in depleting, low‑margin assets.

Summary

The video argues for selling Exxon Mobil, emphasizing that the firm does not meet the analyst’s strict quality standards despite being one of the better‑run oil companies. The presenter stresses that their investment philosophy targets firms with consistent earnings compounding, a benchmark Exxon struggles to satisfy.

Key data points include a roughly 11% return on equity over the past decade, achieved during periods of dramatic price volatility—from the Ukraine‑driven price surge to moments when oil futures turned negative. While Exxon’s low‑cost assets, such as those in the Permian basin, appear attractive, they are finite and will eventually deplete, leaving the company exposed to a market characterized by abundant spare capacity and a slowdown in demand growth.

The analyst quotes, “We only invest in the highest quality companies,” and notes that “oil spiked during the Iranian invasion” yet “long‑term it is oversupplied.” He also highlights the accelerating impact of electrification, which is curbing the pace of fossil‑fuel consumption.

For investors, the implication is clear: allocating capital to oil now risks locking into diminishing, low‑margin returns. The broader energy transition suggests a pivot toward higher‑quality, growth‑oriented sectors may better preserve long‑term wealth.

Original Description

With oil probably being the biggest story in markets over the last few weeks, Casey McLean of Magellan discusses Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM) and investing in oil.
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