Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
COP vs XOM
Conoco Phillips versus ExxonMobil Holdings Corporation — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
XOM wins 2–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but COP can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
COP or XOM — which is better?
XOM wins this comparison 2–1 across 6 dimensions. XOM yields 2.65% — lower than COP's 2.88% — and carries a 8.0/10 dividend safety score (Strong) vs 7.8/10 for COP (Solid). XOM wins 2–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but COP can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
On yield alone, COP generates 2.88% vs 2.65% — a 0.23% difference that translates to $230 more per year on a $100,000 investment.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | COP | XOM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 2.88% | 2.65% | COP wins |
| Dividend safety | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | Tie |
| Growth trend | +0.41% vs 5y | -1.05% vs 5y | XOM wins |
| Volatility (beta) | 0.15 | 0.16 | Tie |
| Scale | $142.0B | $644.3B | XOM wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 1 wins | 2 wins | XOM wins |
Dimension by dimension
COP wins on yield (2.88% vs 2.65%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $23 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
COP's higher yield (2.88%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus XOM's 2.65% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
Safety scores are too close to call (7.8/10 vs 8.0/10)
Both score within 0.3 points on our 0-10 dividend safety scale — comparable risk profiles on the signals we measure.
XOM shows healthier dividend-vs-price trend
XOM's yield is 1.05% below its 5y average, versus 0.41% for COP. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
Volatility (beta) is similar
Both tickers move with comparable sensitivity to the broader market.
XOM is 4.5× larger by market cap
Larger companies tend to have tighter spreads, deeper liquidity, and lower closure risk.
Both pay qualified-dividend-eligible distributions
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
Full breakdown per ticker: are COP dividends qualified and are XOM dividends qualified — each with the after-tax income at every federal bracket.
How we compare these
Every comparison on this page is computed from current public data, not written by hand. Yield comes from the most recent dividend distribution annualized over current price. Safety scores combine yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size — see our methodology for the exact formula. Tax-efficiency flags identify covered-call ETFs, REITs, and mREITs which distribute primarily as ordinary income.
This is educational, not investment advice. Scores reflect a snapshot of public data on the "as of" dates shown on each ticker's safety page. Verify on the issuer's investor relations page or your brokerage before making decisions.
Frequently asked
COP or XOM — which is better?
XOM is better on our scoring, winning 2–1 across six dimensions: yield, dividend safety, growth, cost, scale, and tax treatment. XOM wins 2–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but COP can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Which is better for income, COP or XOM?
XOM wins 2–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but COP can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
COP vs XOM: which has a higher dividend yield?
COP yields 2.88% and XOM yields 2.65%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $23 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is COP or XOM a safer dividend in 2026?
COP scores 7.8/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. XOM scores 8.0/10 (Strong). XOM is the safer pick on our scoring model.
Which has better dividend growth, COP or XOM?
XOM's yield is 1.05% below its 5y average, versus 0.41% for COP. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
COP vs XOM: which is more tax-efficient?
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
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Compare both against your actual holdings
Put COP and XOM into the free analyzer with the rest of your portfolio. You'll see what each one contributes to your annual income, your weighted safety score, and whether adding XOM diversifies you or just duplicates what you hold. No account, no download.