June 2009 -- ExxonMobil posted earnings of $4.6 billion in the first quarter of 2009, a decline of 58% from the first quarter of 2008. Earnings per share were 92 cents, a decrease of 54% from first-quarter 2008.
In light of "the slowdown in the global marketplace and sharply lower commodity prices," ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Rex Tillerson called the company's first-quarter results "solid."
"In spite of the dramatic changes to the global economic environment, ExxonMobil is maintaining its long-term focus and disciplined approach to capital investment," Tillerson said. "In the first quarter, capital and exploration project spending increased to $5.8 billion, up 5% from last year. We are committed to investing in our world-class inventory of projects to develop new energy supplies that are vital to economic growth.
"The corporation returned significant cash to shareholders in the first quarter, distributing a total of $9 billion through dividends and share purchases to reduce shares outstanding."
