ExxonMobil posts $23b in 2021 profits

NEW YORK — ExxonMobil reported a profitable fourth-quarter on Tuesday to conclude a strong comeback year in 2021 on higher oil prices amid recovering energy demand.

The oil company reported annual profits of $23 billion last year compared with a loss of $22.4 billion in 2020 when demand was dented by the COVID-19 lockdowns. High oil prices helped boost results again during the quarter, although increased costs cut into gains in some operations.

"Our effective pandemic response, focused investments during the down-cycle, and structural cost savings positioned us to realise the full benefits of the market recovery in 2021," said Chief Executive Darren Woods.

In the fourth quarter, ExxonMobil's upstream business benefitted from higher prices in oil and natural gas, which surged 63 per cent compared with the third quarter.

The company also benefitted from a profitable run in its downstream business in a reversal from last year's fourth quarter, as well as increased earnings in chemicals.

However, ExxonMobil said profits in its European refining operations were limited somewhat by higher energy prices. The company also flagged higher feed and energy costs as a drag in its chemical business.

On Monday, ExxonMobil announced it was combining its chemical and downstream businesses as it enacts $6 billion in cost savings through 2023. The company is also shifting its corporate headquarter to Houston from Irving, Texas near Dallas.

Shares rose 1.5 per cent to $77.07 in pre-market trading.