ExxonMobil Corporation today announced estimated third quarter 2016 earnings of $2.7 billion, or $0.63 per diluted share, compared with $4.2 billion a year earlier. Results reflect lower refining margins and commodity prices.
“ExxonMobil’s integrated business continues to deliver solid results,” said Rex W. Tillerson, chairman and chief executive officer in a statement made available to Pageone. “While the operating environment remains challenging, the company continues to focus on capturing efficiencies, advancing strategic investments, and creating long-term shareholder value.”
During the quarter, Upstream earnings were $620 million. Volumes for the quarter declined 3 percent to 3.8 million oil-equivalent barrels per day compared with a year ago, due to unplanned downtime, primarily in Nigeria, and field decline partially offset by increased production from recent project start-ups.
Third quarter Chemical earnings of $1.2 billion, comparable with prior year results, reflect higher maintenance costs, partially offset by increased specialty product sales. Downstream earnings declined to $1.2 billion primarily due to weaker refining margins.
During the quarter, capital and exploration expenses were reduced by 45 percent to $4.2 billion.
The corporation (Exxonmobil )distributed $3.1 billion in dividends to shareholders in the third quarter.
Meanwhile, the United States’ oil giant, ExxonMobil Corporation also announced the discovery of up to one billion barrels of oil reserves in the Owowo field, offshore Nigeria.
