We recently published a list of 7 Best Natural Resources Stocks to Invest in According to Hedge Funds. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) stands against other best natural resources stocks to invest in according to hedge funds.

Natural resource stocks are an important part of the global economy, representing mining, energy, and agricultural companies. These industries are the foundation of numerous sectors, providing necessary materials for infrastructure, technology, and transportation. Despite the growing emphasis on renewable energy, fossil fuels, metals, and agricultural resources remain essential for modern economies. According to The Business Research Company, the global mineral market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. This growth emphasizes the long-term importance of natural resources.

The top 40 global mining companies generated a record $943 billion in revenue in 2022, but this figure declined to approximately $792 billion in 2024, owing primarily to fluctuating commodity prices. Despite this, Deloitte reported that between January and mid-November 2024, the oil and gas industry paid out $213 billion in dividends and $136 billion in buybacks, demonstrating the sector’s strong cash returns.

However, the natural resource sector has been experiencing a surge in market activity, driven mainly by commodity price movements and global demand. Precious metals, in particular, have proven to be strong assets. Over the past year, the market’s Gold Index returned 44.59%, while the Silver Index returned 42.01%. These gains have resulted from rising investor interest in safe-haven assets due to inflationary pressures and escalating global trade tensions. As inflation erodes the value of fiat currencies, investors are increasingly turning to gold and silver as safe-haven assets during times of uncertainty.

Moreover, technological advancements such as Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) platforms are increasing the efficiency of offshore gas production while reducing reliance on onshore infrastructure. According to Business Wire, global liquefied natural gas (LNG) liquefaction capacity is expected to double by 2028 from 473 million tons per annum (MTPA) in 2023 to 968 MTPA as expansion projects continue. This projected increase indicates that even as the world strives for cleaner energy sources, natural gas will continue to play an important role in the global energy mix.

While efforts to reduce global carbon emissions continue, natural resource companies are adjusting by balancing traditional operations with sustainability initiatives. For example, the UAE has pledged $30 billion to a global finance fund while its banking sector aims to invest $270 billion in green finance by 2030 to support renewable energy growth. Simultaneously, Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds, which manage $3.8 trillion in assets, are increasingly allocating capital to green investments. This shift has not only reduced fiscal breakeven burdens for energy companies but has also increased regional economic stability.

The chemicals industry is also shifting to sustainability, with renewable production of key chemicals such as ammonia, methanol, and olefins expected to cost between $440 billion and $1 trillion by 2040. According to PwC, this figure could rise to between $1.5 trillion and $3.3 trillion by 2050.

Similarly, innovative zinc recycling techniques have produced a 95% recovery rate from steel mill waste, converting industrial waste into useful recyclable components. Nanotechnology breakthroughs are increasing recovery efficiency in gold mining while reducing environmental impact. These technological advancements demonstrate the growing significance of technology in maximizing resource use and cutting waste, which propels the natural resource industry forward.

Methodology

To compile our list of the 7 Best Natural Resources Stocks to Invest in According to Hedge Funds, we first conducted extensive research to identify companies with significant exposure to the natural resource sector. We defined exposure in terms of mining, energy production, agriculture, or the extraction and processing of key commodities. We then analyzed these companies based on their hedge fund holdings and ranked them based on the number of hedge fund investors who held stakes in these companies, as per the Q4 2024 data from Insider Monkey’s database.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).

Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 104

As a prominent player in the global energy sector, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is extensively involved in the exploration, production, refining, and distribution of gas, oil, and petrochemical products. With operations spanning several continents, the company continuously strives to advance its low-carbon initiatives while optimizing production efficiency.

Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) reported earnings of $34 billion in the year ended 31 December 2024, which was the third-highest amount in the previous ten years. This success was supported by an outstanding Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) of 13%, which rose to 17% when cash balances and projects under construction were excluded, along with $55 billion in operating cash flow. Exxon has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to providing value to its shareholders, maintaining its $20 billion annual buyback program and increasing dividends for 42 consecutive years.

Moreover, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM)’s expansion in the Permian Basin and Guyana is expected to improve its production prospects. With a projected Q3 2025 launch date, the Yellowtail project is expected to significantly increase the company’s global output. Permian volumes are expected to reach all-time highs as a result of the Pioneer acquisition, which is expected to generate over $3 billion in annual synergies. In addition, Exxon Mobil is moving forward with important downstream projects like the Singapore Resid Upgrade and the China Chemical Complex, which are expected to generate over $3 billion in additional revenue by 2026.

Despite short-term challenges in softening chemical markets, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) maintains strong growth momentum due to its record-high liquids production and strategic investments. Together with its ongoing production growth and expansion plans, the emphasis on sustainable energy solidifies Exxon Mobil’s standing as one of the top natural resource stocks for investment.

Overall, XOM ranks 1st on our list of best natural resources stocks to invest in according to hedge funds. While we acknowledge the potential of XOM, our conviction lies in the belief that certain AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than XOM but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.