Exxon reports record profit of nearly $16 billion

The number beat out the previous quarterly record of $14.83 billion set in the third quarter of 2008, also by Exxon, Kazinform refers to CCNMoney.

But this quarter's massive number includes $7.5 billion from "divestments and tax-related items," partly from the sale of refining and chemical operations in Japan.

Excluding that special credit, the company made $8.4 billion, down 21% from the $10.7 billion Exxon made in the same period last year as falling oil and natural gas prices  cut into earnings.

Exxon said its combined production of oil and gas decreased 5.6% from year-earlier levels -- also a worrying trend for investors.

Exxon's quarterly profit of $15.9 billion came on revenues of $127.4 billion, giving it a profit margin of just over 12%.

The company said it paid $26.6 billion in taxes and royalties during the quarter -- $8.5 billion in the form of income taxes.

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