This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/business/7699892.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Another record profit for Exxon Another record profit for Exxon
(about 5 hours later)
Exxon Mobil made a profit of $14.83bn (£8.97bn) between July and September, smashing its own record for the highest quarterly profit by a US company.Exxon Mobil made a profit of $14.83bn (£8.97bn) between July and September, smashing its own record for the highest quarterly profit by a US company.
In the second quarter this year, when oil prices were still rising, the oil giant made a profit of $11.68bn.In the second quarter this year, when oil prices were still rising, the oil giant made a profit of $11.68bn.
The new record represents a 58% rise on profits compared with the same period last year.The new record represents a 58% rise on profits compared with the same period last year.
Profit for the first nine months of this year was $37.4bn, up 29% on the same period last year.Profit for the first nine months of this year was $37.4bn, up 29% on the same period last year.
The $1.6bn sale of a natural gas transportation business in Germany helped boost profits.The $1.6bn sale of a natural gas transportation business in Germany helped boost profits.
Rex W Tillerson, chief executive of the company, said: "Exxon Mobil's strong results demonstrate the continued success of our disciplined business approach."Rex W Tillerson, chief executive of the company, said: "Exxon Mobil's strong results demonstrate the continued success of our disciplined business approach."
Stormy conditionsStormy conditions
The profits could have been even higher, had it not been for falling oil prices and extreme weather.The profits could have been even higher, had it not been for falling oil prices and extreme weather.
Hurricanes Gustav and Ike affected the company's Gulf Coast operations and resulted in an increase of $50m in pre-tax costs. Exxon estimates that the impact of both hurricanes will reduce fourth-quarter earnings by about $500m. Oil prices fell again on Thursday as the US said its economy slowed in the third quarter. Light, sweet crude for December delivery fell $1.91 to $65.59 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Hurricanes Gustav and Ike earlier this autumn affected Exxon's Gulf Coast operations and resulted in an increase of $50m in pre-tax costs. Exxon estimates that the impact of both hurricanes will reduce fourth-quarter earnings by about $500m.
Massive profits have allowed Exxon to invest heavily in exploration. In the third quarter, capital and exploration project spending increased to $6.9bn, up 26% on the same period last year.Massive profits have allowed Exxon to invest heavily in exploration. In the third quarter, capital and exploration project spending increased to $6.9bn, up 26% on the same period last year.
They have also allowed Exxon to distribute significant cash to shareholders - it paid out $2.1bn in dividends over the quarter.They have also allowed Exxon to distribute significant cash to shareholders - it paid out $2.1bn in dividends over the quarter.