ExxonMobil has awarded a contract to Shearwater Geoservices to conduct a large-scale 3D seismic survey covering approximately 14,000 square kilometers in deepwater blocks off Trinidad and Tobago. The program is designed to acquire high-resolution subsurface data to de-risk potential plays in the Columbus and Columbus East prospects, where pre‐salt targets could hold upward of 400 million barrels of recoverable oil equivalent. Mobilization of survey vessels is expected in the third quarter, with data processing and interpretation to follow in early 2027, supporting final investment decision planning for exploration wells in late 2027.

ExxonMobil raised its quarterly dividend by 4 percent to an annualized $4.12 per share, marking the 41st consecutive year of dividend increases. The company also authorized an additional $10 billion in share repurchases, bringing total buyback capacity to $25 billion through year-end. Management cited free cash flow generation of $25 billion year-to-date and a debt-to-capital ratio of 5 percent as justification for maintaining a payout ratio near 60 percent. Investors will benefit from a current dividend yield above 3 percent and an accelerated buyback cadence targeting 200 million shares over the next 12 months.

In the third quarter, Campbell & Co. Investment Adviser LLC initiated a new position of 15,166 shares, valued at $1.71 million, according to the latest SEC filing. Meanwhile, Vanguard Group added 1.11 million shares to bring its total holding to 431 million shares, and Geode Capital Management expanded by nearly 343,000 shares, lifting its stake to 96 million shares. Norges Bank entered with a fresh investment estimated at $6.16 billion, underscoring major funds’ bullish stance on ExxonMobil’s diversified portfolio and low operating costs across upstream assets.