Crisis does not affect ExxonMobil bumper profits
The 2008 results for the world's largest oil group, ExxonMobil of the United States, were much better than analysts had predicted. The group increased its net profits last year by 11% to $45 billion, an all-time record high. This performance was achieved despite the fall in oil prices and the worsening world economy towards the end of the year. Turnover increased by 18% to $477 billion. In the fourth quarter, net profits, however, dropped by a third to $7.8 billion and turnover fell by 27% to $85 billion. These figures remain well above analysts' forecasts. Explaining the massive profits, ExxonMobil said that, in 2008, it had increased its investment in exploration by 25% to $26 billion. The group said, too, that it had paid out over $40 billion to its shareholders last year, up 12% on 2007. (I.L./transl.rt)