The fortune continued in the first quarter, with Exxon doubling its profits from the same period last year. On top of that, offshore developments and new refining facilities drove this prosperity, boosting gas and oil production by nearly 300,000 barrels per day. Its quarterly report highlighted earnings of $11.43 billion and earnings per share at $2.79. Moreover, as our resident InvestorPlace expert, Louis Navellier, remarks, the potential buyout of Pioneer Natural Resources could lead to Exxon's largest deal since the historic Exxon-Mobil merger almost 25 years ago. Despite these positives, XOM stock offers a 22% upside from current price levels, according to Tipranks.