Sciencast Management LP Invests in Exxon Mobil Co.

Sciencast Management LP made a significant move in the fourth quarter by acquiring a new stake in Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM), according to their recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. They purchased 28,299 shares of the oil and gas giant, with an estimated value of around $3,044,000. This investment represents about 0.8% of Sciencast Management's total portfolio, positioning Exxon Mobil as their 16th largest investment.

Other Institutional Investors' Involvement

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also adjusted their stakes in Exxon Mobil recently. For instance, ZEGA Investments LLC established a new position worth approximately $8,650,000 during the fourth quarter. Summit Global Investments increased their holdings by 50.2%, now owning 8,605 shares valued at $926,000 after an additional purchase of 2,876 shares. Millstone Evans Group LLC also acquired a new stake valued at $695,000, while Washington Trust Bank lifted its stake by 0.4%, now holding 75,860 shares worth $8,160,000. In addition, Mindset Wealth Management LLC significantly boosted their holdings by 213.1%, owning 10,741 shares worth $1,155,000. Overall, institutional investors own 61.80% of Exxon Mobil's stock.

Exxon Mobil Stock Performance

As of Friday, shares of Exxon Mobil opened at $115.30. The company has maintained a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a quick ratio of 0.97, and a current ratio of 1.31. Over the past year, Exxon Mobil's stock has fluctuated between a low of $103.67 and a high of $126.34, boasting a market capitalization of $500.29 billion. Its PE ratio stands at 14.71, with a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.02 and a beta of 0.83. The company's fifty-day moving average is $110.09, with a 200-day moving average at $113.58.

Recent Earnings and Dividend Announcement

On January 31st, Exxon Mobil posted its quarterly earnings, reporting $1.67 earnings per share, which fell short of the consensus estimate of $1.77 by $0.10. The company's return on equity was measured at 12.92%, with a net margin of 9.63%, although earnings per share decreased from $2.48 in the same quarter the previous year. Analysts predict Exxon Mobil will post an EPS of 7.43 for the current fiscal year.

The company recently declared a quarterly dividend of $0.99, which was distributed on March 10th. This dividend represents an annualized dividend of $3.96, yielding a dividend yield of 3.43%, with a dividend payout ratio of 50.51%.

Insider Transactions

In related news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 2,100 shares of Exxon Mobil in a transaction on February 4th, totaling approximately $231,000. Following this transaction, Talley holds 18,087 shares valued at about $1,989,570, which marks a 10.40% decrease in ownership. The transaction has been filed with the SEC, and it is noted that insiders currently own 0.03% of the company's total stock.

Analyst Ratings and Price Targets

Analysts have recently provided mixed ratings for Exxon Mobil. Barclays downgraded their price target from $137.00 to $135.00 while maintaining an "overweight" rating. Argus elevated Exxon Mobil to a "strong-buy" rating. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a "sector perform" rating with a price target of $115.00. Mizuho adjusted their price target down to $134.00, rating it as "neutral." Notably, Truist Financial raised their price target from $117.00 to $119.00 while giving the stock a "hold" rating. The consensus rating across analysts leans towards a "Moderate Buy," with an average target price of $129.15.

About Exxon Mobil

Exxon Mobil Corporation is engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas, operating both in the United States and internationally. The company functions through various segments, including Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products.

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