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Dec 31, 2019
ExxonMobil Q4 2019 Earnings Report
ExxonMobil's earnings increased due to favorable identified items, including a gain from the Norway upstream divestment, partially offset by weaker downstream and chemical margins.
Key Takeaways
ExxonMobil reported Q4 2019 earnings of $5.7 billion, or $1.33 per share, which included a $3.7 billion gain from the Norway upstream divestment. Liquids production increased, driven by the Permian Basin, while downstream and chemical businesses were impacted by short-term supply length.
Achieved first oil in Guyana, ahead of schedule, with resource estimate increasing to over 8 billion barrels.
Grew fourth quarter liquids production by 4 percent over the prior year, driven by Permian Basin.
Generated $6.4 billion of cash flow from operating activities in the fourth quarter.
Earnings included favorable identified items of about $3.9 billion, or $0.92 per share assuming dilution, mainly a $3.7 billion gain from the Norway upstream divestment.
ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil
Forward Guidance
ExxonMobil is focused on improving its base businesses, driving efficiencies, and optimizing the value of its investment portfolio, while growth in demand for the products that underpin its businesses remains strong.
Positive Outlook
- Continued Permian unconventional development with production up 54 percent from the fourth quarter of last year.
- Oil production started from the Liza field offshore Guyana, ahead of industry average.
- Estimated recoverable resource offshore Guyana now exceeds 8 billion gross oil-equivalent barrels.
- Secured more than 1.7 million acres for exploration offshore Egypt.
- Joint venture to establish an integrated car care network in China.
Challenges Ahead
- Industry fuels margins were significantly lower than third quarter, reflecting seasonally lower demand and increased supply from reduced industry maintenance.
- Scheduled refinery maintenance was higher in the fourth quarter.
- Margins weakened further during the quarter from already depressed levels in the chemical business.
- Unfavorable tax impacts.
- Lower margins including unfavorable mark-to-market derivatives in downstream business.