Why Is ExxonMobil Priced Above Peers With Fatter Margins?

ExxonMobil (XOM) carries the highest earnings multiple in its peer group at 20.5 times, and it is not the best business in that group. Its operating margin ranks fourth of six, and its revenue growth ranks fourth of six as well. The premium is paying for something the standalone refiners don't get credit for; MPC and VLO trade at 13.4x and 15.6x, so it's likely the combination of upstream stability and downstream optionality that's priced in, not refining margins alone.

Raccontata datrefis.com