Exxon posts surprise profit jump on refining

The Associated Press

IRVING, Texas (AP) — ExxonMobil Corp. profits rose 3 percent in the third quarter as strong refining performance offset lower revenues from falling oil prices and production.

The company said Friday it earned $8.07 billion on revenue of $107.49 billion in the third quarter. Last year during the same period, Exxon earned $7.87 billion on revenue of $112.37 billion.

On a per share basis, the company earned $1.89, up from $1.79 last year and far above the $1.71 per share analysts polled by FactSet had predicted on average.

Oil and gas production fell 4.7 percent compared with the same period a year ago, and lower prices reduced earnings by $670 million.

But profit at the company’s refining operations, which makes chemicals and fuels, rose 38 percent in the quarter and boosted overall profit.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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