OREANDA-NEWS. Exxon Mobil Corporation today announced estimated third quarter 2015 earnings of $4.2 billion, or $1.01 per diluted share, compared with $8.1 billion a year earlier. Significantly lower Upstream realizations more than offset higher Downstream and Chemical earnings.

“We maintain a relentless focus on business fundamentals, including cost management, regardless of commodity prices,” said Rex W. Tillerson, chairman and chief executive officer. “Quarterly results reflect the continued strength of our Downstream and Chemical businesses and underscore the benefits of our integrated business model.”

Downstream segment earnings nearly doubled from the third quarter of 2014 due to stronger refining margins. Chemical results, comparable with the year-ago quarter, reflect continued strength in product margins and the quality of the company’s product and asset mix.

Upstream production volumes increased 2.3 percent, or 87,000 barrels per day, to 3.9 million oil-equivalent barrels per day. Liquids volumes of 2.3 million barrels per day rose 13 percent driven by new developments in Canada, Indonesia, the United States, Angola and Nigeria.

During the quarter, the corporation distributed $3.6 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends and share purchases to reduce shares outstanding.