Form 4: ExxonMobil CEO Woods Receives 225,000 Restricted Stock Units

ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Darren W. Woods was granted 225,000 restricted stock units and had 40,334 shares withheld for tax obligations.

Summary

• Darren W. Woods, Chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corporation, acquired 225,000 shares of common stock on November 25, 2025, through a grant of restricted stock units.
• These restricted stock units were granted at a price of $0 and are to be settled in shares.
• On the same date, 40,334 shares of common stock were disposed of (withheld by the issuer) to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock units.
• The shares withheld for tax purposes were valued at $115.95 per share.
• Following these transactions, Woods directly beneficially owns 1,955,449 shares of common stock.
• Woods also holds additional shares indirectly through various family trusts, IRAs, and a savings plan, totaling 23,070.1597 shares indirectly.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The grant of a significant number of restricted stock units to the CEO is a positive signal of long-term commitment and alignment with shareholder interests. The tax withholding is a standard, neutral event.

Positives

• Grant of 225,000 restricted stock units to the CEO, indicating continued long-term incentive alignment with shareholder interests.
• The acquisition of shares at a $0 price reflects a compensation component, increasing the CEO's direct stake in the company.

Negatives

• 40,334 shares were withheld by the issuer to cover tax obligations, reducing the number of shares directly held by the CEO post-vesting. This is a standard practice and not inherently negative, but it is a reduction in direct holdings.

Future Outlook

NA

Industry Context

This Form 4 details routine executive compensation activities for Exxon Mobil's CEO, Darren W. Woods. Such grants of restricted stock units are a common practice in the energy industry and across large corporations to align executive incentives with long-term shareholder value creation. The withholding of shares for tax purposes is also a standard procedure upon the vesting of equity awards.

Related Party Transactions

• The grant of restricted stock units and the withholding of shares for tax obligations are transactions between the company (Exxon Mobil Corporation) and its CEO (Darren W. Woods), which are considered related party transactions in the context of executive compensation.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The grant of restricted stock units aligns the CEO's interests with long-term shareholder value. The increase in direct ownership by the CEO could be viewed positively.
• Employees: No direct impact on general employees is indicated.
• Customers/Suppliers/Creditors: No direct impact on these stakeholders is indicated.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 details a routine executive compensation event involving a significant grant of restricted stock units and subsequent tax withholding. While the grant increases the CEO's stake and aligns interests, it does not fundamentally alter the company's operational or financial outlook. Therefore, it reinforces a 'hold' position for investors who are already invested in Exxon Mobil, as it's a standard, expected event rather than a new catalyst for significant price movement.

Keywords

Exxon Mobil, XOM, Darren W. Woods, SEC Form 4, Insider Transaction, Restricted Stock Units, CEO Compensation, Stock Grant, Tax Withholding