ExxonMobil Shares Hit Record High Amid Venezuela Tensions

ExxonMobil's stock price hit $126.71 on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, a new high not seen since November 2024. This gain of 2.16% came even as President Donald Trump warned of cutting the company out of oil deals in Venezuela.

Background

ExxonMobil has long eyed Venezuela's vast oil reserves. The country holds some of the world's largest proven deposits, mostly heavy crude that needs big refineries to process. ExxonMobil built those refineries years ago and wants back in after years of sanctions and disputes.

Venezuela's oil industry fell apart under sanctions from the U.S. and others. Production dropped from over 3 million barrels a day in 2008 to under 800,000 now. ExxonMobil held licenses there before the government took over assets in 2007. Talks to settle those claims have dragged on.

President Trump, back in office, ramped up pressure on Venezuela this week. He said U.S. firms like ExxonMobil should stay out unless Caracas meets demands on elections and sanctions relief. ExxonMobil's CEO Darren Woods spoke out last month, calling for a fair deal that respects contracts.

The stock rally started in late December 2025. Shares sat at $120.22 then, up from $115.92 in November. By early January, prices pushed past $125. Broader oil prices helped, with Brent crude over $80 a barrel on supply fears from the Middle East.

ExxonMobil posted strong earnings last quarter. Profits beat estimates on high refining margins and steady production from Guyana and Permian Basin fields. The company returned billions to shareholders through buybacks and dividends.

Key Details

On Tuesday, ExxonMobil closed at $126.71, up $2.68 or 2.16% from Monday. That's the highest in 13 months. Over the past month, shares gained 7.55%. In the last year, they rose 15.43%.

Trump's threat came in a speech on Monday. He named ExxonMobil directly, saying, "No more sweetheart deals with Maduro." Markets shrugged it off. Volume was high, but no panic selling.

CEO's Stance on Venezuela

Darren Woods has pushed for access to Venezuelan fields. In a December interview, he said:

"Venezuela's resources can help global supply if politics allow. We have the tech to make it work."

— Darren Woods, ExxonMobil CEO

Woods noted ExxonMobil's $8 billion claim from seized assets. The company wants arbitration or payment to move forward.

Stock Performance Breakdown

Here's how ExxonMobil stacked up recently:

• January 13, 2026: $126.71 (+2.16%)
• January 5, 2026: $125.36
• January 2, 2026: $122.65
• December 31, 2025: $120.34

Peers like Chevron also rose, up 2.13% to $165.79. ConocoPhillips gained 1.63%. The energy sector index climbed 1.8%.

Analysts see more upside. Trading Economics forecasts $120.73 by quarter end, but some Wall Street notes point higher on oil demand. ExxonMobil produces 4 million barrels a day worldwide. Guyana's Stabroek block alone could add 1 million by 2027.

Trump's team met energy execs last week. Sources say ExxonMobil stressed U.S. energy security needs Venezuelan barrels to offset OPEC cuts.

What This Means

The stock high shows investors bet on ExxonMobil's strengths over Venezuela risks. Oil demand grows with global travel rebound and cold weather boosting heating fuel needs. U.S. crude output hits records, but refiners like ExxonMobil profit from turning it into gas and diesel.

If Trump follows through, ExxonMobil loses a potential growth area. Venezuela could produce 2 million barrels a day with investment. Other firms like Chevron and Chevron also claim assets there.

Markets watch for retaliation. Maduro's government called Trump's words "imperialist." Oil flows from Venezuela to Asia continue despite U.S. limits.

ExxonMobil's balance sheet stays strong with $454 billion in assets. Debt is low, cash flow high. Buybacks cut shares outstanding, lifting price per share.

Broader impacts hit consumers. Higher ExxonMobil stock aids retirement funds holding it. But Venezuela snags could push gas prices if supply tightens.

Energy transition plays in. ExxonMobil invests in carbon capture and hydrogen, but oil and gas drive 90% of profits now. Investors like the mix.

Trump may ease some sanctions for allies. Past deals let Chevron sell fuel to Venezuela. ExxonMobil could get similar terms.

The rally tests if politics sway markets. Shares hit new highs four times this month. Trading volume topped 20 million shares Tuesday, above average.

ExxonMobil's board meets soon. They may boost the dividend, now $0.95 quarterly. That draws income buyers.

Venezuela talks could heat up. U.S. envoy visits Caracas next week. ExxonMobil lawyers push in court for asset recovery.

For now, the stock climbs. It gained 4.12% in four weeks. Year-to-date, up over 10%. The Venezuela call from the CEO seems to rally support, not hurt it.

Wall Street tracks oil futures. If they stay above $75, energy stocks keep rising. ExxonMobil leads the pack.