10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2004

EXXON MOBIL CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2004

Filed November 8, 2004For Securities:XOM

Summary

Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) reported strong financial results for the quarter and first nine months ended September 30, 2004. The company saw significant increases in revenue and net income driven by higher crude oil and natural gas prices. Upstream operations, particularly in non-U.S. regions, showed substantial earnings growth. The downstream and chemical segments also contributed positively, with chemical earnings reaching a record high for the quarter. The company's balance sheet remains strong, with substantial cash reserves and a low debt-to-capital ratio. ExxonMobil also continued its capital investment program, focusing on upstream projects, while managing its financial resources effectively through operating cash flows and share repurchases. Notable items this quarter include a $550 million provision for the Allapattah lawsuit, impacting U.S. downstream earnings. However, the overall financial performance underscores the company's robust operational capabilities and its ability to capitalize on favorable market conditions in the energy sector. Investors should note the ongoing capital expenditures aimed at future growth and the company's continued commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue for the third quarter increased to $74.9 billion from $58.8 billion in the prior year, driven by higher commodity prices.
  • 2Net income for the third quarter rose to $5.7 billion ($0.88 per share) from $3.7 billion ($0.55 per share) in the same period last year.
  • 3Upstream earnings significantly increased, with non-U.S. operations showing a $937 million rise year-over-year in Q3.
  • 4Chemical segment earnings reached a record high in the third quarter, growing to $1.0 billion from $0.2 billion in the prior year.
  • 5Total cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, stood at $20.7 billion at the end of the period.
  • 6The company repurchased approximately 65 million shares of common stock during the third quarter, with year-to-date purchases totaling 157 million shares.
  • 7Capital and exploration expenditures for the first nine months were $10.7 billion, reflecting ongoing investment in the business.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers were significantly higher crude oil and natural gas prices, which boosted revenues and earnings across various segments, especially upstream operations.

The Allapattah lawsuit provision is a $550 million charge taken in the third quarter of 2004 related to a class-action lawsuit by Exxon dealers over alleged gasoline overcharges. This provision negatively impacted the U.S. downstream segment's earnings for the quarter.

ExxonMobil generated strong cash flow from operations, totaling $28.2 billion for the first nine months of 2004. The company maintained a low debt-to-capital ratio of 9.3% and had significant cash and cash equivalents of $20.7 billion, including restricted cash, at the end of the period.

ExxonMobil is continuing its active investment program, with capital and exploration expenditures of $10.7 billion for the first nine months of 2004. The company expects to invest at a similar level in the coming years, focusing on attractive opportunities with a disciplined approach, particularly in upstream projects.