Exxon Mobil seeks new acquisitions: Continuing the Pioneer acquisition case, pursuing "1+1>3" synergy effects

According to the Zhitong Finance APP, Darren W. Woods, CEO of Exxon Mobil (XOM.US), revealed in a press conference that the energy giant is actively seeking to acquire smaller peer companies, continuing its strategy of creating value through strategic integration. A year ago, Exxon Mobil completed its acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources for $60 billion. Woods clearly stated that future mergers and acquisitions will focus more on the synergy of assets and expertise rather than merely pursuing scale expansion. Woods emphasized that true value creation requires achieving "one plus one greater than three," as validated by the Pioneer acquisition. He pointed out that current oil price fluctuations are putting operational pressure on oil producers, with some companies forced to maintain increasing shareholder return measures since the record profits of 2022. In this context, super energy companies like BP (BP.US) have frequently become the focus of market merger speculation due to pressure from activist investors like Elliott Management. According to a statement released on August 1, Exxon Mobil's second-quarter revenue reached $81.5 billion, with an adjusted net profit of $7.1 billion, or $1.64 per share. Meanwhile, Exxon Mobil paid $4.3 billion in dividends and maintained a $20 billion annual stock buyback plan, alleviating investor concerns about the oil giant's ability to sustain shareholder returns during periods of weak commodity prices. Although Woods did not disclose specific acquisition targets or asset types, he clearly defined the red line for transactions: any merger or acquisition must create value for shareholders that exceeds the independent operation of a single company. This stands in stark contrast to the recent trend of "production integration transactions" commonly seen in the industry. He specifically noted that Exxon Mobil did not take the traditional route of layoffs and cost-cutting when acquiring Pioneer, but instead achieved strategic synergy by integrating the strengths of both parties, a model that will become the core principle of future mergers and acquisitions. Analysts point out that under the dual pressures of energy transition and market cyclicality, Exxon Mobil's merger strategy reflects a new trend of traditional energy giants strengthening their competitiveness through refined integration. Woods' statements not only continue the company's past successful experiences but also provide a new dimension for the value assessment standards of industry merger transactions