ExxonMobil vs. Phillips 66: Which Energy Stock Should You Pick?

ExxonMobil (XOM) gained 29.3% over the past year versus Phillips 66's (PSX) 62.9% surge, with XOM trading at a discount EV/EBITDA of 9.61X compared to PSX's 14.01X. XOM benefits from strong Permian Basin production with shut-in prices of $34–$42/barrel well below WTI's ~$80 level, supporting robust cash flow growth.

Why it matters: PSX faces headwinds from high crude input costs in its refining segment but is cushioned by diversified midstream and chemicals operations; both stocks carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) amid U.S.-Iran tensions complicating oil price outlook.