What You Need To Know
Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) is advancing its position in the evolving energy landscape by embarking on a significant lithium production project in southwest Arkansas. Known for its rich lithium deposits, this region marks the first phase of ExxonMobil's foray into North American lithium production, under the brand Mobil™ Lithium. The initiative is a strategic move to align with the rising demand for lithium, a crucial component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
The project, set to commence production in 2027, promises to bolster energy security in the United States, supporting local manufacturing and furthering climate policy goals. It utilizes an advanced production approach, leveraging direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, which is touted as more environmentally friendly than traditional mining methods. This technology efficiently separates lithium from saltwater extracted using conventional oil and gas drilling techniques.
ExxonMobil's venture is not just an expansion into a new domain but a reflection of its commitment to the energy transition and reducing environmental impacts. This project is expected to have substantial positive outcomes: enhancing North American energy security, increasing the supply of a critical industrial material, and contributing to the reduction of transportation-related emissions.
The company's ambitious plans don't stop here. By 2030, ExxonMobil aims to produce enough lithium to meet the manufacturing needs of over a million EVs annually. This endeavor is part of ExxonMobil's broader strategy to diversify into low carbon solutions and support a sustainable energy future. The company's long-term goal is achieving net-zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from its operated assets by 2050, underlining its commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation in the energy sector.
Why This Is Important for Retail Investors
Diversification and Growth Potential: ExxonMobil's entry into lithium production represents a strategic diversification into the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market. For retail investors, this move offers exposure to the booming EV sector, traditionally dominated by pure-play tech and automotive companies. Investing in a well-established energy company venturing into lithium production can provide a balanced growth opportunity within their portfolios.
Enhanced Company Resilience: The shift towards lithium production signals ExxonMobil's adaptation to the evolving energy landscape, marked by a global push for cleaner energy sources. This pivot can enhance the company's resilience against the declining demand for fossil fuels, potentially leading to more stable long-term returns for investors.
Alignment with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Trends: As investors increasingly focus on sustainable and responsible investments, ExxonMobil's move into a cleaner, more environmentally friendly lithium extraction method aligns with these values. This alignment could attract a broader base of ESG-conscious investors, potentially increasing demand for ExxonMobil's shares.
Potential for High Demand and Profitability: Lithium is a critical component in EV batteries, and its demand is expected to surge as the global EV market expands. ExxonMobil's entry into this market positions it to capitalize on this growing demand.
Early Mover Advantage in Domestic Market: By establishing itself as a leading producer of lithium in North America, ExxonMobil could secure a significant early mover advantage.
This domestic production not only supports U.S. energy security but also places the company in a competitive position to supply a key raw material in the North American market.
How Can You Use This Information?
The announcement from ExxonMobil about venturing into lithium production for electric vehicles (EVs) opens up a range of investing ideas across different investment strategies such as value, growth, and ESG investing. Here's how this information can be leveraged:
Value Investing
Energy Sector Diversification: ExxonMobil's foray into lithium, a key component for EVs, indicates a diversification strategy that could strengthen the company's long-term value. Investors looking for undervalued stocks might find ExxonMobil increasingly attractive as it expands beyond traditional oil and gas.
Stable Dividend Yields: Traditionally, ExxonMobil has been known for its stable dividends. The new venture could enhance its ability to maintain or increase dividend payouts, making it an appealing option for value investors seeking steady income streams.
Value investors search for undervalued companies that trade for less than their intrinsic values, with the expectation that they will eventually be recognized by the market.
Growth Investing
EV Market Expansion: The rapid growth of the EV market and the corresponding demand for lithium offer significant growth potential. Investing in ExxonMobil, as it taps into this market, aligns with a growth investment strategy, especially considering the projected increase in lithium demand.
Innovative Technology Adoption: The adoption of advanced lithium extraction methods could position ExxonMobil as a leader in innovative energy solutions, potentially driving long-term growth.
Growth investing focuses on stocks of companies expected to grow at an above-average rate compared to other stocks in the market; learn more in our article titled 'What is Growth Investing?'.
ESG Investing
Sustainable Energy Practices: ExxonMobil’s initiative in cleaner lithium extraction aligns with the growing trend of sustainable investing. Investors focused on ESG criteria may find ExxonMobil increasingly attractive as it adopts more environmentally friendly practices.
Thematic Investing
Clean Energy Theme: Investors might explore ExxonMobil as part of a broader clean energy or EV thematic investment strategy. The company’s move into lithium production places it within these emerging and high-potential themes.
Thematic investing selects assets based on projected trends or themes believed to offer growth opportunities.
Diversified Portfolio
Balancing a Portfolio: Investors might consider ExxonMobil as a way to balance their portfolio, combining traditional energy sector exposure with an investment in the burgeoning EV market.
Diversification spreads investments across various assets to reduce risk and volatility in a portfolio.
Read What Others Are Saying
Bloomberg: Exxon Aims to Become a Leading Lithium Supplier for EVs by 2030
Reuters: Exclusive: Exxon aims to begin lithium production by 2026 in Arkansas
CNBC: Exxon aims to become a top lithium producer for electric vehicles with Arkansas drill operation
FT: Exxon to begin producing lithium to feed surging battery demand
What you should read next:
Relevant ETFs
Some investors prefer to invest in stocks via an exchange-traded fund for convenience and reduced risk. Some popular ETFs include the following:
Large-Caps: Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC)
Mid-Caps: Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO)
Small-Caps: Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB)
Growth: iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF (IUSG)
Value: iShares Core S&P US Value ETF (IUSV)
Emerging Markets: Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO)
Developed Markets: Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA)
Commodities: iShares S&P GSCI Commodity Indexed Trust (GSG)
Energy: Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE)
Clean Energy: Invesco Winderhill Clean Energy ETF (PBW)