ExxonMobil ($XOM) stock took yet another hit Friday morning January 31, when a top- and bottom-line earnings miss sent shares down another 3%. That's not all that's down.
Shares have fallen 31% from highs more than four years ago. And, as for job postings, they've plunged 42% from a more recent peak, in late 2018.
If that doesn't seem like a reason to be bullish, you'll have some company. Morgan Stanley analysts cut their rating on ExxonMobil shares in advance of the earnings announcement - following Goldman Sachs' analysts' decision to do the same.
Perhaps worse, job postings could continue to fall, should a perfect storm hit ExxonMobil. CEO Darren Woods' plan to bring the multinational oil and gas company fully into the 21st century has been dependent on higher capex. Other analysts believe further declines in oil commodity prices could force ExxonMobil and Woods to rethink spending plans, which may in turn hamper hiring.
About the Data:
Thinknum tracks companies using the information they post online - jobs, social and web traffic, product sales, and app ratings - and creates data sets that measure factors like hiring, revenue, and foot traffic. Data sets may not be fully comprehensive (they only account for what is available on the web), but they can be used to gauge performance factors like staffing and sales.
Further Reading:
- Facebook's own data explains why investors are disappointed with its earnings
- Starbucks shutdown - mapping the Coronavirus impact in China
- Goldman Sachs alternative data suggests a big push toward its digital future
