According to The Motley Fool, a modest $3,000 investment in ExxonMobil (XOM) could yield hundreds in annual passive income. The oil giant currently offers a nearly 3% dividend yield, nearly three times the S&P 500 average. Last year, ExxonMobil paid out $17.2 billion in dividends, the second-highest among S&P 500 companies.

With ExxonMobil's stock price around $139 per share, an investor could purchase approximately 21 shares for $3,000. At its current quarterly dividend of $1.03 per share, an investor would receive $86.52 in the first year. The company has a history of increasing dividends, with a 4% rise last year, marking 43 consecutive years of growth.

ExxonMobil's robust financial performance, including $28.8 billion in earnings and $52 billion in cash flow from operations, supports its dividend payments. The company's future looks bright, projecting $25 billion in earnings growth and $35 billion in cash flow growth by 2030, potentially leading to faster dividend growth.

This makes ExxonMobil an attractive option for income-focused investors. However, the article suggests considering other investment opportunities. The Motley Fool's Stock Advisor service has historically outperformed the market, offering potential for higher returns. Investors should always consider their risk tolerance and investment goals.