10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2007

EXXON MOBIL CORP Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2007

Filed May 8, 2007For Securities:XOM

Summary

Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2007, with net income increasing by 10% to $9,280 million ($1.62 per diluted share) compared to the same period in 2006. This growth was driven by higher refining, marketing, and chemical margins, which more than offset a decline in crude oil and natural gas prices. The company also demonstrated a commitment to returning capital to shareholders, with significant share repurchases during the quarter, reducing the number of outstanding shares by 1.7%. Operational highlights include a 3% decrease in upstream production, primarily due to lower European demand for natural gas and mature field declines, though liquids production saw a slight increase. Downstream and chemical segments performed robustly, with improved margins and throughput. ExxonMobil maintained a strong liquidity position with $34.6 billion in total cash and cash equivalents. The company continued its capital investments, spending $4.2 billion on capital and exploration projects, with expectations of similar spending levels in the coming years.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income for the first quarter of 2007 rose to $9.28 billion, a 10% increase year-over-year, with diluted EPS at $1.62.
  • 2The company repurchased $8.0 billion of its common stock in Q1 2007, with $7.0 billion aimed at reducing outstanding shares, leading to a 1.7% reduction in share count.
  • 3Upstream earnings were $6.04 billion, a decrease from the prior year, mainly due to lower crude oil and natural gas realizations and reduced natural gas volumes.
  • 4Downstream earnings saw a significant increase of $641 million to $1.91 billion, driven by higher refining and marketing margins and improved refinery throughput.
  • 5Chemical earnings also improved, increasing by $287 million to $1.24 billion due to better margins.
  • 6Total cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, stood at $34.6 billion as of March 31, 2007.
  • 7Capital and exploration expenditures for the quarter were $4.2 billion, and the company expects similar levels of investment in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the increase in net income was stronger performance in the downstream (refining and marketing) and chemical segments, which benefited from higher margins and improved operational throughput. These gains more than compensated for a decline in upstream earnings due to lower oil and gas prices and reduced volumes.

ExxonMobil is actively returning capital to shareholders through a significant share repurchase program. In the first quarter of 2007, the company spent $8.0 billion on share repurchases, with $7.0 billion of that amount dedicated to reducing the number of outstanding shares, which in turn increased earnings per share.

ExxonMobil invested $4.2 billion in capital and exploration projects during the first quarter of 2007. The company anticipates continuing to invest at a similar pace, expecting full-year capital and exploration expenditures to remain in the range of approximately $19.9 billion, as they were in 2006, for the next several years, though actual spending may vary.

Yes, the filing mentions several significant legal proceedings, including ongoing appeals related to the Exxon Valdez punitive damages award, a royalty dispute in Alabama with a substantial punitive damages component, and various environmental claims and regulatory actions at refineries. While management believes the ultimate outcome of most pending lawsuits will not materially adversely affect the Corporation's operations or financial condition, the Exxon Valdez and Alabama royalty cases involve potential liabilities that are difficult to estimate.