BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 4. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) today reported first-quarter 2025 earnings of $7.7 billion, or $1.76 per diluted share, underlining the company's resilience amid ongoing market volatility, Trend reports.
Cash flow from operating activities reached $13.0 billion, while free cash flow totaled $8.8 billion, reflecting disciplined investment and robust operational performance.
Compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, ExxonMobil’s free cash flow increased by 11% to $8.8 billion from $8.0 billion, driven primarily by a $724 million rise in cash flow from operating activities and a significant reduction in capital spending. Additions to property, plant, and equipment dropped by nearly $1 billion quarter-over-quarter, from $6.8 billion in 4Q24 to $5.9 billion in 1Q25. Meanwhile, additional investments and advances were also substantially lower at $153 million, compared to $2.3 billion in the previous quarter.
The first-quarter results, however, reflect a year-over-year decline. In 1Q24, ExxonMobil had reported free cash flow of $10.1 billion, with operating cash flows at a stronger $14.7 billion. Higher capital expenditures this quarter and a reduction in proceeds from asset sales partially contributed to the decline compared to last year.
"Despite an uncertain market, our shareholders can be confident in knowing that we're built for this," said Darren Woods, ExxonMobil chairman and chief executive officer. "The work we've done to transform our company over the past eight years positions us to excel in any environment."
The company’s strategic focus on cost reduction, operational efficiency, and portfolio optimization is showing clear results. According to Woods, ExxonMobil has boosted its quarterly earnings power by about $4 billion since 2019, thanks to its ongoing transformation efforts. In addition, the company is on track to start up 10 advantaged projects this year, which are expected to contribute more than $3 billion in earnings by 2026 at constant prices and margins.
In line with its commitment to shareholder returns, ExxonMobil distributed $9.1 billion in the first quarter through $4.3 billion in dividends and $4.8 billion in share repurchases, consistent with previously announced plans.
