US Oil Bosses Boost Spending Despite Lower Prices, Survey Finds
Thursday, Jan 2, 2025 12:38 pm ET
US oil bosses are bucking the trend of cost-cutting and instead increasing spending, even as oil prices remain relatively low. A recent survey of oil executives found that 65% of respondents plan to increase capital expenditure (CapEx) in 2025, despite the challenging market conditions. This spending increase is driven by a focus on high-return projects and a commitment to maintaining profitability.
Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) and Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) are two prominent examples of this trend. Both companies have announced plans to increase spending on capital projects and share repurchases, demonstrating their confidence in the long-term prospects of the oil and gas industry.
Exxon Mobil plans to invest $20 billion in share repurchases in 2025 and expects to follow this up with a similar pace in 2026. The company is also pursuing lower-emission business opportunities, such as carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, lower-emission fuels, and lithium. These investments align with the company's strategic goal of transitioning to a lower-carbon future while maintaining its core business in oil and gas.
Chevron, on the other hand, plans to invest $10 billion in share repurchases in 2025. The company is also investing in renewable energy and carbon capture technologies, demonstrating a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to a lower-carbon future while continuing to provide reliable energy to its customers.
These spending decisions by US oil bosses are driven by a focus on strategic investments and maintaining a strong financial position. By investing in high-return projects and returning capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends, these companies can maintain or improve their market position in the long term.

In conclusion, US oil bosses are increasing spending despite lower oil prices, driven by a focus on strategic investments and maintaining a strong financial position. This trend is evident in the spending plans of Exxon Mobil and Chevron, which are investing in high-return projects and returning capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. These spending decisions align with the companies' long-term strategic goals and plans for growth and innovation, positioning them to maintain or improve their market position in the long term.