US oil giants ExxonMobil, Chevron report huge profits in tight energy market
FirstpostThe results show how the surge in crude prices in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has boosted the industry by lifting crude prices, as well as natural gas prices due to Europe’s mobilization to offset lost natural gas imports from Russia New York: A day after blockbuster profits from European oil heavyweights, US oil giants ExxonMobil and Chevron reported another round of bumper earnings, prompting fresh attention from the White House. The results show how the surge in crude prices in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has boosted the industry by lifting crude prices, as well as natural gas prices due to Europe’s mobilization to offset lost natural gas imports from Russia. Chevron Chief Financial Officer Pierre Breber said the company planned for 2023 spending “near the top end of the range consistent with what our plans have been.” Chevron undertook a six percent dividend increase earlier this year and Chevron Chief Executive Mike Wirth said the company was currently at an “all time high rate” in terms of share repurchases. “If you look at some of the windfall taxes that are being talked about within Europe, that’s going to put additional pressure on refining margins,” Woods said, adding that passage of the measures would lead to more underinvestment in refining and “capacity coming out of the market.” Shares of ExxonMobil rose 2.7 percent to $110.48 in afternoon trading, while Chevron gained 0.9 percent to $179.59.