2017-05-01 12:15:00
EXXON NET INCOME $4 BLN
EXXON - Exxon Mobil Corporation today announced estimated first quarter 2017 earnings of $4 billion, or $0.95 per diluted share, compared with $1.8 billion a year earlier, resulting from improvements in commodity prices, cost management and refining operations. “Our results reflect an increase in commodity prices and highlight our continued focus on controlling costs and operating efficiently,” said Darren W. Woods, chairman and chief executive officer. “We continue to make strategic acquisitions, advance key initiatives and fund long-term growth projects across the value chain.” Upstream volumes were 4.2 million oil-equivalent barrels per day, a decline of 4 percent compared with the prior year, primarily due to the impact of lower entitlements due to increasing prices, and higher maintenance. Upstream earnings of $2.3 billion improved on higher liquids and gas realizations. Downstream earnings of $1.1 billion benefited from increased refinery throughput. Chemical earnings of $1.2 billion were impacted primarily by lower margins. Capital and exploration expenditures totaled $4.2 billion as the company advanced investments across its integrated businesses. During the quarter, the corporation distributed $3.1 billion in dividends to shareholders.
First Quarter Highlights
• Earnings of $4 billion increased 122 percent from the first quarter of 2016.
• Earnings per share assuming dilution were $0.95.
• Cash flow from operations and asset sales was $8.9 billion, including proceeds associated with asset sales of $687 million.
• Capital and exploration expenditures were $4.2 billion, down 19 percent from the first quarter of 2016.
• Oil-equivalent production was 4.2 million oil-equivalent barrels per day, down 4 percent from the prior year. Excluding entitlement effects and divestments, oil-equivalent production was down 1 percent from the prior year.
• The corporation distributed $3.1 billion in dividends to shareholders.
• Dividends per share of $0.75 increased 2.7 percent compared with the first quarter of 2016.
• During the quarter, ExxonMobil completed the acquisitions of InterOil Corporation and companies with oil and gas properties primarily in the Permian Basin.
• ExxonMobil and Eni S.p.A. signed a sale and purchase agreement to enable ExxonMobil to acquire a 25 percent indirect interest in the natural gas-rich Area 4 block, offshore Mozambique, for approximately $2.8 billion. The acquisition will be completed following satisfaction of a number of conditions precedent, including clearance from regulatory authorities.
• The company secured additional high-potential exploration acreage in Papua New Guinea, Cyprus and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
• ExxonMobil announced positive results from the Snoek well offshore Guyana, confirming a new discovery on the Stabroek Block. The well encountered more than 82 feet (25 meters) of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs.
• The company announced plans to expand the production of high-quality lubricant basestocks at the Singapore refinery. The investment will increase the supply of lubricant basestocks designed to maximize the performance of all major automotive engine oil grades and to enhance the performance of finished lubricants used in multiple industries.
• ExxonMobil launched Mobil 1 Annual Protection, which offers consumers the convenience of driving one full year or up to 20,000 miles between oil changes. Mobil 1 Annual Protection has been specifically formulated to offer maximum wear protection, as well as increase resistance to oil breakdown and protect engine parts from harmful sludge and deposits, resulting in extended engine life.
• Synthetic Genomics, Inc. and ExxonMobil announced they have extended their agreement to conduct joint research into advanced algae biofuels after making significant progress in understanding algae genetics.
First Quarter 2017 vs. First Quarter 2016
Upstream earnings were $2.3 billion, compared to a loss of $76 million in the first quarter of 2016. Higher liquids and gas realizations increased earnings by $2.3 billion. Lower volume and mix effects decreased earnings by $150 million. All other items increased earnings by $170 million primarily as a result of lower expenses.
On an oil-equivalent basis, production decreased 4 percent from the first quarter of 2016. Liquids production of 2.3 million barrels per day decreased 205,000 barrels per day due to lower entitlements and higher maintenance activity mainly in Canada and Nigeria. Natural gas production of 10.9 billion cubic feet per day increased 184 million cubic feet per day from 2016 as project ramp-up was partly offset by field decline.
U.S. Upstream earnings were a loss of $18 million, compared to a loss of $832 million in the first quarter of 2016. Non-U.S. Upstream earnings were $2.3 billion, up $1.5 billion from the prior year.
Downstream earnings were $1.1 billion, up $210 million from the first quarter of 2016. Higher margins increased earnings by $10 million. Volume and mix effects increased earnings by $160 million. All other items increased earnings by $40 million. Petroleum product sales of 5.4 million barrels per day were 61,000 barrels per day higher than last year’s first quarter. Earnings from the U.S. Downstream were $292 million, up $105 million from the first quarter of 2016. Non-U.S. Downstream earnings of $824 million were $105 million higher than last year.
Chemical earnings of $1.2 billion were $184 million lower than the first quarter of 2016. Weaker margins decreased earnings by $70 million. All other items, primarily increased turnaround expenses and unfavorable foreign exchange effects, decreased earnings by $110 million. First quarter prime product sales of 6.1 million metric tons were 101,000 metric tons lower than last year's first quarter.
U.S. Chemical earnings of $529 million were $52 million lower than the first quarter of 2016. Non-U.S. Chemical earnings of $642 million were $132 million lower than last year.
Corporate and financing expenses were $529 million for the first quarter of 2017, up $154 million from the first quarter of 2016 due to the absence of favorable tax items.
During the first quarter of 2017, Exxon Mobil Corporation purchased 6 million shares of its common stock for the treasury at a gross cost of $496 million. These shares were acquired to offset dilution in conjunction with the company’s benefit plans and programs. The corporation will continue to acquire shares to offset dilution in conjunction with its benefit plans and programs, but does not currently plan on making purchases to reduce shares outstanding. During the quarter, the company issued a combined 96 million shares of common stock to complete the acquisition of InterOil Corporation and the acquisition of entities that own oil and gas properties located primarily in the Permian Basin.
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