ExxonMobil Pursues Expansion in LNG Business with Potential Woodside Acquisition
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 18 2026
0mins
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Clear Acquisition Target: Following its $60 billion acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources, ExxonMobil is reportedly eyeing Woodside Energy, which achieved a record production of 198.8 million barrels of oil equivalent and generated $12.98 billion in revenue in 2025, highlighting its strong growth potential in the LNG market.
- Project Progressing Well: Woodside's Scarborough project is over 96% complete and is on track to deliver its first LNG cargo in Q4 2026, positioning it as a significant new source of LNG supply in Australia and enhancing its competitive edge in the market.
- Optimistic Financial Outlook: Woodside expects its LNG production to reach approximately 40 million tons annually by 2032, with annual operating cash flow projected to increase from about $5 billion today to roughly $9 billion, indicating sustainable growth amid rising global energy demand.
- Acquisition Risk Considerations: Despite Woodside's market value of around $40 billion, a potential acquisition would face political scrutiny and execution risks, particularly given the commercialization challenges facing its Louisiana LNG project, prompting ExxonMobil to carefully evaluate the feasibility of such a deal.
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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: 137.090
Low
114.00
Averages
132.17
High
158.00
Current: 137.090
Low
114.00
Averages
132.17
High
158.00
About XOM
Exxon Mobil Corporation is an integrated fuels, lubricants and chemical company. Its 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. The Energy Products segment includes fuels, aromatics, and catalysts and licensing. The 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.
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See More
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