ABJ - July 29 - ExxonMobil recorded strong results during the second quarter of 2011, while investing at a record level of over $10 billion to develop new supplies of energy to meet growing world demand.

Second quarter earnings of $10.7 billion were up 41 per cent from the second quarter of 2010, reflecting higher crude oil and natural gas realizations, improved Downstream results and continued strength in Chemicals. First half 2011 earnings of $21.3 billion increased 54 per cent over the first half of 2010.

In the second quarter, capital and exploration expenditures were a record $10.3 billion, up 58 per cent from the second quarter of 2010.

Oil-equivalent production increased by 10 per cent over the second quarter of 2010, driven by our world-class assets in Qatar and our growing unconventional gas portfolio.

The corporation returned over $7 billion to shareholders in the second quarter through dividends and share purchases to reduce shares outstanding.”

Higher liquids and natural gas realizations increased earnings by $3.6 billion. Production mix and volume effects decreased earnings by $480 million.

On an oil-equivalent basis, production increased 10 per cent from the second quarter of 2010. Excluding the impacts of entitlement volumes, OPEC quota effects and divestments, production was up over 12 per cent.

Liquids production totaled 2,351 kbd (thousands of barrels per day), up 26 kbd from the second quarter of 2010. Excluding the impacts of entitlement volumes, OPEC quota effects and divestments, liquids production was up four per cent, as increased production in Qatar, the U.S. and Iraq more than offset field decline.