Key Stock Updates for Exxon Mobil, AMD, and Caterpillar
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Sep 17 2025
0mins
Should l Buy XOM?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
Zacks Research Daily Highlights: Today's report features research on 16 major stocks, including Exxon Mobil, AMD, and Caterpillar, along with two micro-cap stocks, Ohio Valley Banc and Where Food Comes From, showcasing unique insights into smaller companies.
Exxon Mobil's Performance: Exxon has seen a 9.9% year-to-date gain, driven by key oil projects and a merger with Pioneer, but faces challenges in its Chemicals Division and commodity price volatility.
AMD's Growth Factors: AMD's shares have risen 33.3% this year, fueled by strong demand for EPYC processors and AI applications, although competition from NVIDIA and Intel poses risks.
Caterpillar and Micro-Cap Stocks: Caterpillar's stock has outperformed its industry, supported by a strong backlog, while Ohio Valley Banc and Where Food Comes From have shown significant gains, driven by strategic growth and market expansion despite facing various operational challenges.
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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: 152.500
Low
114.00
Averages
132.17
High
158.00
Current: 152.500
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.
Geopolitical Crisis in the Middle East Impacts European Stocks
- Market Sentiment Decline: European stocks are expected to open lower due to the ongoing geopolitical crisis in the Middle East, with the UK's FTSE index projected to drop by 0.7%, Germany's DAX down 1%, France's CAC 40 down 0.75%, and Italy's FTSE MIB down 0.6%, reflecting investor concerns about market outlook.
- Oil Price Surge: Global crude oil prices surged on Monday amid fears that the escalating U.S.-Iran conflict could disrupt oil infrastructure and push fuel prices higher, thereby increasing inflationary risks and adding economic pressure.
- Increased Demand for Safe Havens: As uncertainty rises, demand for gold as a safe haven has surged, with global equities under pressure, particularly as U.S. futures and Asian markets fell on Tuesday, indicating a risk-averse sentiment among investors.
- Military Reinforcements and Uncertain Situation: The U.S. military is sending more forces to the region, with President Trump stating that the conflict could last four to five weeks but may extend longer, highlighting the complexity and uncertainty of the situation, while the EU calls for de-escalation and civilian protection.
See More
Closure of Strait of Hormuz Triggers Global Energy Market Shock
- Energy Supply Disruption: The Iranian Revolutionary Guard's announcement of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz sends shockwaves through global energy markets, with approximately 13 million barrels per day of oil transport affected in 2025, potentially pushing oil prices above $100 per barrel and placing immense pressure on import-dependent Asian countries.
- LNG Supply Risks: About 20% of global liquefied natural gas exports are at risk, particularly from Qatar, which halted production following Iranian drone strikes, potentially leading to severe energy shortages for South Asian countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh.
- Vulnerability in Asia: Countries like India and Thailand are highly dependent on rising oil prices, with over half of India's LNG imports linked to the Gulf; thus, a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would simultaneously increase oil and gas import costs, resulting in a dual economic shock.
- China's Resilience: While China is the world's largest crude oil importer and 40% of its oil imports pass through the Strait, its stockpiles and alternative supplies provide some buffer; however, a prolonged closure would intensify price competition across Asia.
See More
Escalating Middle East Tensions Disrupt Global Trade
- Flight Services Limited: The first flights out of Dubai have been cleared to depart since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, but services remain limited, resulting in over 11,000 flight cancellations in the Middle East, posing significant operational challenges for airlines.
- Oil Prices Surge: Crude oil prices jumped more than 8% on Monday after Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as market participants fear that the U.S.-Iran conflict could lead to major supply disruptions, significantly impacting the global energy market.
- Apple Product Launch: Apple launched a lower-cost iPhone 17e and a new iPad Air powered by its M4 chip, marking the beginning of a week-long hardware launch event that could stimulate consumer demand and enhance the company's sales performance.
- Shipping Industry Disruption: Following the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, Danish shipping giant Maersk announced the suspension of all vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that services to Persian Gulf ports may experience delays, further exacerbating uncertainties in global trade.
See More
Mixed Close for US Stocks Amid Iran War Impact
- Mixed Market Performance: On Monday, the S&P 500 closed up 0.04%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.15%, and the Nasdaq 100 rose 0.13%, reflecting a divergence in market sentiment influenced by the ongoing war in Iran, with increased demand for defense and energy stocks.
- Surge in Oil Prices: WTI crude oil prices soared over 6% to an 8.25-month high following Iran's attack on oil tankers, which is expected to elevate inflation expectations and impact the overall economic environment and investor confidence.
- Strong Manufacturing Index: The US February ISM manufacturing index unexpectedly rose to 52.4, surpassing the market expectation of 51.5, indicating economic resilience that could influence the Federal Reserve's monetary policy direction, leading to shifts in future rate hike expectations.
- Optimistic Earnings Outlook: More than 90% of S&P 500 companies have reported earnings, with 73% exceeding expectations, and Q4 earnings growth is projected at 8.4%, providing market support despite geopolitical risks.
See More
Salesforce's Strategic Shift in the Age of AI
- Opportunity in Crisis: Salesforce's inclusion in the Dow Jones Industrial Average on August 31, 2020, symbolizes the rise of technology, with CEO Marc Benioff noting that each crisis accelerates the company's future development.
- AI-Driven Transformation: Salesforce's Agentforce AI agents manage 50% of customer interactions, leading to a 17% reduction in support costs, demonstrating the company's adaptability and competitiveness in the AI economy.
- Share Buyback Plan: The company announced a $50 billion stock buyback to counter current market lows, with Benioff viewing this as a great buying opportunity, reflecting confidence in the company's future.
- Cautious Financial Outlook: While Salesforce exceeded analysts' fourth-quarter earnings expectations, its fiscal 2027 revenue guidance fell short, raising investor concerns about growth and AI adoption, highlighting market uncertainty.
See More
Oil Stocks Surge Following U.S. Attacks on Iran
- Oil Stock Surge: Oil stocks experienced a significant rally on Monday following U.S. attacks on Iran, with several companies hitting new 52-week highs, indicating strong market expectations for rising oil prices and potentially boosting investor confidence.
- Congressional Holdings: Multiple members of Congress own shares in Chevron (CVX), Exxon Mobil (XOM), and ConocoPhillips (COP), highlighting the intertwining of political and business interests that could influence policy decisions.
- Potential Conflicts of Interest: Congressional members holding oil stocks may profit from escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly those serving on defense and homeland security committees, who could face scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest.
- Market Reactions: As military actions against Iran unfold, oil prices are likely to rise, and public comments from Congress members, especially those with defense stock holdings, may attract increased scrutiny regarding their motivations and potential insider information.
See More
Geopolitical Crisis in the Middle East Impacts European Stocks
- Market Sentiment Decline: European stocks are expected to open lower due to the ongoing geopolitical crisis in the Middle East, with the UK's FTSE index projected to drop by 0.7%, Germany's DAX down 1%, France's CAC 40 down 0.75%, and Italy's FTSE MIB down 0.6%, reflecting investor concerns about market outlook.
- Oil Price Surge: Global crude oil prices surged on Monday amid fears that the escalating U.S.-Iran conflict could disrupt oil infrastructure and push fuel prices higher, thereby increasing inflationary risks and adding economic pressure.
- Increased Demand for Safe Havens: As uncertainty rises, demand for gold as a safe haven has surged, with global equities under pressure, particularly as U.S. futures and Asian markets fell on Tuesday, indicating a risk-averse sentiment among investors.
- Military Reinforcements and Uncertain Situation: The U.S. military is sending more forces to the region, with President Trump stating that the conflict could last four to five weeks but may extend longer, highlighting the complexity and uncertainty of the situation, while the EU calls for de-escalation and civilian protection.
See More
Closure of Strait of Hormuz Triggers Global Energy Market Shock
- Energy Supply Disruption: The Iranian Revolutionary Guard's announcement of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz sends shockwaves through global energy markets, with approximately 13 million barrels per day of oil transport affected in 2025, potentially pushing oil prices above $100 per barrel and placing immense pressure on import-dependent Asian countries.
- LNG Supply Risks: About 20% of global liquefied natural gas exports are at risk, particularly from Qatar, which halted production following Iranian drone strikes, potentially leading to severe energy shortages for South Asian countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh.
- Vulnerability in Asia: Countries like India and Thailand are highly dependent on rising oil prices, with over half of India's LNG imports linked to the Gulf; thus, a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would simultaneously increase oil and gas import costs, resulting in a dual economic shock.
- China's Resilience: While China is the world's largest crude oil importer and 40% of its oil imports pass through the Strait, its stockpiles and alternative supplies provide some buffer; however, a prolonged closure would intensify price competition across Asia.
See More
Escalating Middle East Tensions Disrupt Global Trade
- Flight Services Limited: The first flights out of Dubai have been cleared to depart since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, but services remain limited, resulting in over 11,000 flight cancellations in the Middle East, posing significant operational challenges for airlines.
- Oil Prices Surge: Crude oil prices jumped more than 8% on Monday after Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as market participants fear that the U.S.-Iran conflict could lead to major supply disruptions, significantly impacting the global energy market.
- Apple Product Launch: Apple launched a lower-cost iPhone 17e and a new iPad Air powered by its M4 chip, marking the beginning of a week-long hardware launch event that could stimulate consumer demand and enhance the company's sales performance.
- Shipping Industry Disruption: Following the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, Danish shipping giant Maersk announced the suspension of all vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that services to Persian Gulf ports may experience delays, further exacerbating uncertainties in global trade.
See More
Mixed Close for US Stocks Amid Iran War Impact
- Mixed Market Performance: On Monday, the S&P 500 closed up 0.04%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.15%, and the Nasdaq 100 rose 0.13%, reflecting a divergence in market sentiment influenced by the ongoing war in Iran, with increased demand for defense and energy stocks.
- Surge in Oil Prices: WTI crude oil prices soared over 6% to an 8.25-month high following Iran's attack on oil tankers, which is expected to elevate inflation expectations and impact the overall economic environment and investor confidence.
- Strong Manufacturing Index: The US February ISM manufacturing index unexpectedly rose to 52.4, surpassing the market expectation of 51.5, indicating economic resilience that could influence the Federal Reserve's monetary policy direction, leading to shifts in future rate hike expectations.
- Optimistic Earnings Outlook: More than 90% of S&P 500 companies have reported earnings, with 73% exceeding expectations, and Q4 earnings growth is projected at 8.4%, providing market support despite geopolitical risks.
See More
Salesforce's Strategic Shift in the Age of AI
- Opportunity in Crisis: Salesforce's inclusion in the Dow Jones Industrial Average on August 31, 2020, symbolizes the rise of technology, with CEO Marc Benioff noting that each crisis accelerates the company's future development.
- AI-Driven Transformation: Salesforce's Agentforce AI agents manage 50% of customer interactions, leading to a 17% reduction in support costs, demonstrating the company's adaptability and competitiveness in the AI economy.
- Share Buyback Plan: The company announced a $50 billion stock buyback to counter current market lows, with Benioff viewing this as a great buying opportunity, reflecting confidence in the company's future.
- Cautious Financial Outlook: While Salesforce exceeded analysts' fourth-quarter earnings expectations, its fiscal 2027 revenue guidance fell short, raising investor concerns about growth and AI adoption, highlighting market uncertainty.
See More
Oil Stocks Surge Following U.S. Attacks on Iran
- Oil Stock Surge: Oil stocks experienced a significant rally on Monday following U.S. attacks on Iran, with several companies hitting new 52-week highs, indicating strong market expectations for rising oil prices and potentially boosting investor confidence.
- Congressional Holdings: Multiple members of Congress own shares in Chevron (CVX), Exxon Mobil (XOM), and ConocoPhillips (COP), highlighting the intertwining of political and business interests that could influence policy decisions.
- Potential Conflicts of Interest: Congressional members holding oil stocks may profit from escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly those serving on defense and homeland security committees, who could face scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest.
- Market Reactions: As military actions against Iran unfold, oil prices are likely to rise, and public comments from Congress members, especially those with defense stock holdings, may attract increased scrutiny regarding their motivations and potential insider information.
See More
