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ExxonMobil Announces Second-Quarter 2025 Results

ExxonMobil Announces Second-Quarter 2025 Results

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Delivered industry-leading results, earnings of $7.1 billion and cash flow from operations of $11.5 billion1
Returned industry-leading $9.2 billion to shareholders, on pace to purchase $20 billion in shares this year2
Repurchased approximately 40% of shares issued to acquire Pioneer Natural Resources since May 2024
Commenced start-up of Singapore Resid Upgrade, Fawley Hydrofiner and Strathcona Renewable Diesel projects
SPRING, Texas, August 01, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM):
Results Summary
2Q25
1Q25
Changevs1Q25
Dollars in millions (except per share data)
YTD 2025
YTD 2024
Changevs YTD2024
7,082
7,713
-631
Earnings (U.S. GAAP)
14,795
17,460
-2,665
7,082
7,713
-631
Earnings Excluding Identified Items (non-GAAP)
14,795
17,460
-2,665
1.64
1.76
-0.12
Earnings Per Common Share ³
3.40
4.20
-0.80
1.64
1.76
-0.12
Earnings Excluding Identified Items Per Common Share (non-GAAP) ³
3.40
4.20
-0.80
Exxon Mobil Corporation today announced second-quarter 2025 earnings of $7.1 billion, or $1.64 per share assuming dilution. Cash flow from operating activities was $11.5 billion and free cash flow was 5.4 billion. Shareholder distributions totaled $9.2 billion, including $4.3 billion of dividends and $5.0 billion of share repurchases, consistent with the company's announced plans.
"The second quarter, once again, proved the value of our strategy and competitive advantages, which continue to deliver for our shareholders no matter the market conditions or geopolitical developments," said Darren Woods, ExxonMobil chairman and chief executive officer.
"We achieved our highest second-quarter Upstream production since the merger of Exxon and Mobil more than 25 years ago. It was also our best quarter yet for high-value product sales volumes in Product Solutions. Since 2019, we've delivered $13.5 billion in structural cost savings, more than all other IOCs combined.4 And our 2030 structural cost savings plan exceeds their cumulative cost savings targets.4 We began start-up operations for the first six of ten key projects this year and remain on track to start up the remaining four. Collectively, these projects are expected to improve our earnings power by more than $3 billion in 2026 at constant prices and margins.5 These results demonstrate how our competitive advantages are delivering industry-leading value today and providing a long runway of profitable growth far into the future."
1 Earnings and cash flow from operations, adjusted for consistency on items reported under U.S. GAAP for the IOCs with actual reported results on or before July 31, 2025, or using reported FactSet consensus as of July 31, 2025. IOCs includes each of BP, Chevron, Shell and TotalEnergies.
2 Shareholder distributions for the IOCs are actuals for companies that reported results on or before July 31, 2025, or estimated using FactSet consensus as of July 31, 2025. IOCs includes each of BP, Chevron, Shell and TotalEnergies.
3 Assuming dilution.
4 IOC structural cost savings reflect reported cost savings as of July 31, 2025. Sourced from IOC disclosures.
5 Earnings contributions are adjusted to 2024 $65/bbl real Brent (assumes annual inflation of 2.5%) and 10-year average Energy, Chemical, and Specialty Product margins, which refer to the average of annual margins from 2010-2019.
Financial Highlights
Year-to-date earnings were $14.8 billion versus $17.5 billion in the first half of 2024. Advantaged volume growth in the Permian and Guyana, additional structural cost savings and favorable timing effects partially offset lower earnings due to weaker crude prices, a decline in industry refining margins, higher depreciation costs and lower base volumes from strategic divestments.
The company achieved year-to-date Structural Cost Savings of $1.4 billion. Since 2019, the company has delivered $13.5 billion of cumulative Structural Cost Savings, more than all cost savings reported by other IOCs combined. The company expects to deliver $18 billion of cumulative savings through the end of 2030 versus 2019, also exceeding the total targets disclosed by other IOCs.
Generated strong cash flow from operations of $24.5 billion and free cash flow of $14.2 billion in the first half of the year. Industry-leading year-to-date shareholder distributions of $18.4 billion included $8.6 billion of dividends and $9.8 billion of share repurchases, consistent with the company's plan to deliver $20 billion of share repurchases this year. The company has repurchased approximately 40% of shares issued to acquire Pioneer Natural Resources since May of 2024.
The Corporation declared a third-quarter dividend of $0.99 per share, payable on September 10, 2025, to shareholders of record of Common Stock at the close of business on August 15, 2025.
The company's industry-leading debt-to-capital and net-debt-to-capital ratio was 13% and 8%, respectively, reflecting debt repayment of $4.7 billion year-to-date. The period-end cash balance was $15.7 billion.1
Cash capital expenditures were $6.3 billion in the second quarter, bringing year-to-date spending to $12.3 billion. This includes $12.2 billion of additions to property, plant and equipment during the first half of 2025. The company expects full-year cash capital expenditures of $27 billion to $29 billion, consistent with previous guidance.
1 Net debt is total debt of $39.0 billion less $14.4 billion of cash and cash equivalents excluding restricted cash. Net-debt to-capital ratio is net debt divided by the sum of net debt and total equity of $270.0 billion. Period-end cash balance includes cash and cash equivalents including restricted cash. ExxonMobil has lower net debt-to-capital and debt-to-capital than all IOCs. Net debt-to-capital and debt-to-capital are sourced from Bloomberg. Figures are actuals for IOCs that reported results on or before July 31, 2025, or estimated using Bloomberg consensus as of July 31, 2025.
EARNINGS AND VOLUME SUMMARY BY SEGMENT
Upstream
2Q25
1Q25
Dollars in millions (unless otherwise noted)
YTD 2025
YTD 2024
Earnings/(Loss) (U.S. GAAP)
1,212
1,870
United States
3,082
3,484
4,190
4,886
Non-U.S.
9,076
9,250
5,402
6,756
Worldwide
12,158
12,734
Earnings/(Loss) Excluding Identified Items (non-GAAP)
1,212
1,870
United States
3,082
3,484
4,190
4,886
Non-U.S.
9,076
9,250
5,402
6,756
Worldwide
12,158
12,734
4,630
4,551
Production (koebd)
4,591
4,071
Upstream year-to-date earnings were $12.2 billion, a decrease of $576 million compared to the first half of 2024. Advantaged assets volume growth in the Permian and Guyana, structural cost savings, favorable foreign exchange, tax impacts and timing effects contributed to earnings. These gains were more than offset by weaker crude realizations and higher depreciation. Year-to-date net production increased 13%, or 520,000 oil-equivalent barrels per day, to 4.6 million oil-equivalent barrels per day driven by the acquisition of Pioneer, partly offset by non-core asset divestments.
Second-quarter earnings were $5.4 billion, a decrease of $1.4 billion from the first quarter. Lower crude and natural gas realizations were partially offset by volume growth from advantaged assets, which included record Permian production of 1.6 million oil-equivalent barrels per day, along with structural cost savings. Second-quarter net production was 4.6 million oil-equivalent barrels per day, the highest second-quarter output since the Exxon and Mobil merger more than 25 years ago, and an increase of 79,000 oil-equivalent barrels per day compared to the first quarter.
Energy Products
2Q25
1Q25
Dollars in millions (unless otherwise noted)
YTD 2025
YTD 2024
Earnings/(Loss) (U.S. GAAP)
825
297
United States
1,122
1,286
541
530
Non-U.S.
1,071
1,036
1,366
827
Worldwide
2,193
2,322
Earnings/(Loss) Excluding Identified Items (non-GAAP)
825
297
United States
1,122
1,286
541
530
Non-U.S.
1,071
1,036
1,366
827
Worldwide
2,193
2,322
5,588
5,283
Energy Products Sales (kbd)
5,436
5,276
Energy Products year-to-date 2025 earnings were $2.2 billion, a decrease of $129 million versus the first half of 2024. Weaker industry refining margins were mostly offset by structural cost savings, lower scheduled maintenance, favorable timing effects and the absence of unfavorable inventory impacts.
Second-quarter earnings were $1.4 billion, an increase of $539 million from the first quarter driven by stronger industry refining margins from higher seasonal demand and higher volumes from lower scheduled maintenance, partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange.
The company recently commenced start-up operations at its Fawley Hydrofiner in the United Kingdom. Once fully operational, the facility will upgrade high-sulfur, lower-value distillates to produce an additional 37,000 barrels per day of ultra-low sulfur diesel, growing the company's portfolio of higher value products.
The company's Strathcona Renewable Diesel project, Canada's largest renewable diesel facility, has commenced operations, contributing to the growth of higher value products by adding 20,000 barrels per day of capacity.1
Chemical Products
2Q25
1Q25
Dollars in millions (unless otherwise noted)
YTD 2025
YTD 2024
Earnings/(Loss) (U.S. GAAP)
255
255
United States
510
1,030
38
18
Non-U.S.
56
534
293
273
Worldwide
566
1,564
Earnings/(Loss) Excluding Identified Items (non-GAAP)
255
255
United States
510
1,030
38
18
Non-U.S.
56
534
293
273
Worldwide
566
1,564
5,264
4,776
Chemical Products Sales (kt)
10,040
9,927
Chemical Products year-to-date earnings were $566 million, a decrease of $998 million versus the first half of 2024. Results were affected by weaker margins and higher project-driven expenses related to the China Chemical Complex, partially offset by structural cost savings.
Second-quarter earnings of $293 million were comparable to the first quarter. Higher sales volumes driven by the China Chemical Complex ramp-up offset weaker margins from lower North America feed advantage.
1 Optimizing current production based on product demand, compliance requirements and supplier capabilities for both the renewable feedstock and also the required hydrogen for processing.
Specialty Products
2Q25
1Q25
Dollars in millions (unless otherwise noted)
YTD 2025
YTD 2024
Earnings/(Loss) (U.S. GAAP)
291
322
United States
613
851
489
333
Non-U.S.
822
661
780
655
Worldwide
1,435
1,512
Earnings/(Loss) Excluding Identified Items (non-GAAP)
291
322
United States
613
851
489
333
Non-U.S.
822
661
780
655
Worldwide
1,435
1,512
2,004
1,936
Specialty Products Sales (kt)
3,940
3,893
Specialty Products continued to deliver strong earnings from its portfolio of high-value products. Year-to-date earnings were $1.4 billion, a decrease of $77 million compared to the first half of the prior year. Higher expenses, including spending on ProxximaTM systems and carbon materials market development, and unfavorable foreign exchange were partially offset by stronger margins and structural cost savings.
Earnings increased $125 million versus the first quarter. Stronger basestock margins and record high-value product sales volumes were partially offset by higher new market development costs.
The company began start-up of the Singapore Resid Upgrade project during the quarter. Once fully operational, the facility will convert 80,000 barrels per day of lower value fuel oil to higher value products, including 20,000 barrels per day of performance lubricant basestocks for Specialty Products and 50,000 barrels per day of distillates for Energy Products.
Corporate and Financing
2Q25
1Q25
Dollars in millions (unless otherwise noted)
YTD 2025
YTD 2024
(759)
(798)
Earnings/(Loss) (U.S. GAAP)
(1,557)
(672)
(759)
(798)
Earnings/(Loss) Excluding Identified Items (non-GAAP)
(1,557)
(672)
Corporate and Financing year-to-date net charges of $1.6 billion increased $885 million compared to the first half of 2024 mainly due to lower interest income, unfavorable foreign exchange and increased pension-related expenses.
Second-quarter net charges of $759 million decreased $39 million versus the first quarter.
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS AND ASSET SALES EXCLUDING WORKING CAPITAL
2Q25
1Q25
Dollars in millions (unless otherwise noted)
YTD 2025
YTD 2024
7,354
8,033
Net income/(loss) including noncontrolling interests
15,387
18,137
6,101
5,702
Depreciation and depletion (includes impairments)
11,803
10,599
(3,970)
(878)
Changes in operational working capital, excluding cash and debt
(4,848)
(2,608)
2,065
96
Other
2,161
(904)
11,550
12,953
Cash Flow from Operating Activities (U.S. GAAP)
24,503
25,224
176
1,823
Proceeds from asset sales and returns of investments
1,999
1,629
11,726
14,776
Cash Flow from Operations and Asset Sales (non-GAAP)
26,502
26,853
3,970
878
Less: Changes in operational working capital, excluding cash and debt
4,848
2,608
15,696
15,654
Cash Flow from Operations and Asset Sales excluding Working Capital (non-GAAP)
31,350
29,461
(176)
(1,823)
Less: Proceeds from asset sales and returns of investments
(1,999)
(1,629)
15,520
13,831
Cash Flow from Operations excluding Working Capital (non-GAAP)
29,351
27,832
FREE CASH FLOW
2Q25
1Q25
Dollars in millions (unless otherwise noted)
YTD 2025
YTD 2024
11,550
12,953
Cash Flow from Operating Activities (U.S. GAAP)
24,503
25,224
(6,283)
(5,898)
Additions to property, plant and equipment
(12,181)
(11,309)
(319)
(153)
Additional investments and advances
(472)
(744)
246
93
Other investing activities including collection of advances
339
224
176
1,823
Proceeds from asset sales and returns of investments
1,999
1,629
23
22
Inflows from noncontrolling interest for major projects
45
12
5,393
8,840
Free Cash Flow (non-GAAP)
14,233
15,036
CASH CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
2Q25
1Q25
Dollars in millions (unless otherwise noted)
YTD 2025
YTD 2024
6,283
5,898
Additions to property, plant and equipment
12,181
11,309
319
153
Additional investments and advances
472
744
(246)
(93)
Other investing activities including collection of advances
(339)
(224)
(23)
(22)
Inflows from noncontrolling interests for major projects
(45)
(12)
6,333
5,936
Total Cash Capital Expenditures (non-GAAP)
12,269
11,817
2Q25
1Q25
Dollars in millions (unless otherwise noted)
YTD 2025
YTD 2024
Upstream
3,407
2,983
United States
6,390
5,251
2,262
2,010
Non-U.S.
4,272
4,205
5,669
4,993
Total
10,662
9,456
Energy Products
154
127
United States
281
297
8
251
Non-U.S.
259
687
162
378
Total
540
984
Chemical Products
171
154
United States
325
228
108
137
Non-U.S.
245
579
279
291
Total
570
807
Specialty Products
43
52
United States
95
24
54
58
Non-U.S.
112
139
97
110
Total
207
163
Other
126
164
Other
290
407
6,333
5,936
Worldwide
12,269
11,817
CALCULATION OF STRUCTURAL COST SAVINGS
Dollars in billions (unless otherwise noted)
Twelve Months EndedDecember 31,
Six Months EndedJune 30,
2019
2024
2024
2025
Components of Operating Costs
From ExxonMobil's Consolidated Statement of Income
(U.S. GAAP)
Production and manufacturing expenses
36.8
39.6
18.9
20.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses
11.4
10.0
5.1
5.1
Depreciation and depletion (includes impairments)
19.0
23.4
10.6
11.8
Exploration expenses, including dry holes
1.3
0.8
0.3
0.3
Non-service pension and postretirement benefit expense
1.2
0.1
0.1
0.2
Subtotal
69.7
74.0
34.9
37.6
ExxonMobil's share of equity company expenses (non-GAAP)
9.1
9.6
4.7
5.2
Total Adjusted Operating Costs (non-GAAP)
78.8
83.6
39.6
42.8
Total Adjusted Operating Costs (non-GAAP)
78.8
83.6
39.6
42.8
Less:
Depreciation and depletion (includes impairments)
19.0
23.4
10.6
11.8
Non-service pension and postretirement benefit expense
1.2
0.1
0.1
0.2
Other adjustments (includes equity company depreciation
and depletion)
3.6
3.7
1.7
2.4
Total Cash Operating Expenses (Cash Opex) (non-GAAP)
55.0
56.4
27.2
28.4
Energy and production taxes (non-GAAP)
11.0
13.9
6.8
7.6
Total Cash Operating Expenses (Cash Opex) excluding Energy and Production Taxes (non-GAAP)
44.0
42.5
20.4
20.8
Changevs2019
Changevs2024
EstimatedCumulativevs2019
Total Cash Operating Expenses (Cash Opex) excluding Energy and Production Taxes (non-GAAP)
-1.5
+0.4
Market
+4.0
+0.3
Activity / Other
+6.6
+1.5
Structural Cost Savings
-12.1
-1.4
-13.5
This press release references Structural Cost Savings, which describes decreases in cash opex excluding energy and production taxes as a result of operational efficiencies, workforce reductions, divestment-related reductions, and other cost-saving measures, that are expected to be sustainable compared to 2019 levels. Relative to 2019, estimated cumulative Structural Cost Savings totaled $13.5 billion, which included an additional $1.4 billion in the first six months of 2025. The total change between periods in expenses above will reflect both Structural Cost Savings and other changes in spend, including market drivers, such as inflation and foreign exchange impacts, as well as changes in activity levels and costs associated with new operations, mergers and acquisitions, new business venture development, and early-stage projects. Structural Cost Savings from new operations, mergers and acquisitions, and new business venture developments are included in the cumulative Structural Cost Savings. Estimates of cumulative annual Structural Cost Savings may be revised depending on whether cost reductions realized in prior periods are determined to be sustainable compared to 2019 levels. Structural Cost Savings are stewarded internally to support management's oversight of spending over time. This measure is useful for investors to understand the Corporation's efforts to optimize spending through disciplined expense management.
ExxonMobil will discuss financial and operating results and other matters during a webcast at 8:30 a.m. Central Time on August 1, 2025. To listen to the event or access an archived replay, please visit www.exxonmobil.com.
Selected Earnings Driver Definitions
Advantaged volume growth. Represents earnings impact from change in volume/mix from advantaged assets, advantaged projects, and high-value products. See frequently used terms on page 11 for definitions of advantaged assets, advantaged projects, and high-value products.
Base volume. Represents and includes all volume/mix drivers not included in advantaged volume growth driver defined above.
Structural cost savings. Represents after-tax earnings effect of Structural Cost Savings as defined on page 8, including cash operating expenses related to divestments.
Expenses. Represents and includes all expenses otherwise not included in other earnings drivers.
Timing effects. Represents timing effects that are primarily related to unsettled derivatives (mark-to-market) and other earnings impacts driven by timing differences between the settlement of derivatives and their offsetting physical commodity realizations (due to LIFO inventory accounting).
Cautionary Statement
Statements related to future events; projections; descriptions of strategic, operating, and financial plans and objectives; statements of future ambitions, future earnings power, potential addressable markets, or plans; and other statements of future events or conditions in this release, are forward-looking statements. Similarly, discussion of future carbon capture, transportation and storage, as well as lower-emission fuels, hydrogen, ammonia, lithium, direct air capture, ProxximaTM systems, carbon materials, low-carbon data centers, and other low carbon and new business plans to reduce emissions of ExxonMobil, its affiliates, and third parties, are dependent on future market factors, such as continued technological progress, stable policy support and timely rule-making and permitting, and represent forward-looking statements. Actual future results, including financial and operating performance; potential earnings, cash flow, or rate of return; total capital expenditures and mix, including allocations of capital to low carbon and other new investments; realization and maintenance of structural cost reductions and efficiency gains, including the ability to offset inflationary pressure; plans to reduce future emissions and emissions intensity; ambitions to reach Scope 1 and Scope 2 net zero from operated assets by 2050, to reach Scope 1 and 2 net zero in heritage Permian Basin unconventional operated assets by 2030 and in Pioneer Permian assets by 2035, to eliminate routine flaring in-line with World Bank Zero Routine Flaring, to reach near-zero methane emissions from its operated assets and other methane initiatives, and to meet ExxonMobil's emission reduction goals and plans, divestment and start-up plans, and associated project plans as well as technology advances, including the timing and outcome of projects to capture and store CO2, produce hydrogen and ammonia, produce lower-emission fuels, produce lithium, produce ProxximaTM systems, create new advanced carbon materials, and use plastic waste as feedstock for advanced recycling; cash flow, dividends and shareholder returns, including the timing and amounts of share repurchases; future debt levels and credit ratings; business and project plans, timing, costs, capacities and returns; resource recoveries and production rates; and planned Pioneer and Denbury integrated benefits, could differ materially due to a number of factors. These include global or regional changes or imbalances in the supply and demand for oil, natural gas, petrochemicals, and feedstocks and other market factors, economic conditions and seasonal fluctuations that impact prices, differentials, and volume/mix for our products; changes in any part of the world in laws, taxes, or regulations including environmental and tax regulations, trade sanctions, and timely granting of governmental permits and certifications; developments or changes in government policies supporting lower carbon and new market investment opportunities or policies limiting the attractiveness of future investment such as the additional European taxes on the energy sector and unequal support for different methods of emissions reduction; variable impacts of trading activities on our margins and results each quarter; changes in interest and exchange rates; actions of competitors and commercial counterparties; the outcome of commercial negotiations, including final agreed terms and conditions; the ability to access debt markets; the ultimate impacts of public health crises, including the effects of government responses on people and economies; reservoir performance, including variability and timing factors applicable to unconventional resources, the success of new unconventional technologies, and the ability of new technologies to improve the recovery relative to competitors; the level and outcome of exploration projects and decisions to invest in future reserves; timely completion of development and other construction projects and commencement of start-up operations, including reliance on third-party suppliers and service providers; final management approval of future projects and any changes in the scope, terms, or costs of such projects as approved; government regulation of our growth opportunities; war, civil unrest, attacks against the company or industry and other political or security disturbances; expropriations, seizure, or capacity, insurance, export, import or shipping limitations by foreign governments or laws; changes in market, national or regional tariffs or realignment of global trade and supply chain networks; opportunities for potential acquisitions, investments or divestments and satisfaction of applicable conditions to closing, including timely regulatory approvals; the capture of efficiencies within and between business lines and the ability to maintain near-term cost reductions as ongoing efficiencies without impairing our competitive positioning; unforeseen technical or operating difficulties and unplanned maintenance; the development and competitiveness of alternative energy and emission reduction technologies; the results of research programs and the ability to bring new technologies to commercial scale on a cost-competitive basis; and other factors discussed under Item 1A. Risk Factors of ExxonMobil's 2024 Form 10-K.
Actions needed to advance ExxonMobil's 2030 greenhouse gas emission-reductions plans are incorporated into its medium-term business plans, which are updated annually. The reference case for planning beyond 2030 is based on ExxonMobil's Global Outlook (Outlook) research and publication. The Outlook is reflective of the existing global policy environment and an assumption of increasing policy stringency and technology improvement to 2050. Current trends for policy stringency and deployment of lower-emission solutions are not yet on a pathway to achieve net-zero by 2050. As such, the Outlook does not project the degree of required future policy and technology advancement and deployment for the world, or ExxonMobil, to meet net zero by 2050. As future policies and technology advancements emerge, they will be incorporated into the Outlook, and ExxonMobil's business plans will be updated accordingly. References to projects or opportunities may not reflect investment decisions made by ExxonMobil or its affiliates. Individual projects or opportunities may advance based on a number of factors, including availability of stable and supportive policy, permitting, technological advancement for cost-effective abatement, insights from the company planning process, and alignment with our partners and other stakeholders. Capital investment guidance in lower-emission investments is based on our corporate plan; however, actual investment levels will be subject to the availability of the opportunity set and public policy support, and focused on returns.
Frequently Used Terms and Non-GAAP Measures
This press release includes cash flow from operations and asset sales (non-GAAP). Because of the regular nature of our asset management and divestment program, the company believes it is useful for investors to consider proceeds associated with the sales of subsidiaries, property, plant and equipment, and sales and returns of investments together with cash provided by operating activities when evaluating cash available for investment in the business and financing activities. A reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities for the 2024 and 2025 periods is shown on page 6.
This press release also includes cash flow from operations excluding working capital (non-GAAP), and cash flow from operations and asset sales excluding working capital (non-GAAP). The company believes it is useful for investors to consider these numbers in comparing the underlying performance of the company's business across periods when there are significant period-to-period differences in the amount of changes in working capital. A reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities for the 2024 and 2025 periods is shown on page 6.
This press release also includes Earnings/(Loss) Excluding Identified Items (non-GAAP), which are earnings/(loss) excluding individually significant non-operational events with, typically, an absolute corporate total earnings impact of at least $250 million in a given quarter. The earnings/(loss) impact of an identified item for an individual segment may be less than $250 million when the item impacts several periods or several segments. Earnings/(loss) excluding Identified Items does include non-operational earnings events or impacts that are generally below the $250 million threshold utilized for identified items. When the effect of these events is significant in aggregate, it is indicated in analysis of period results as part of quarterly earnings press release and teleconference materials. Management uses these figures to improve comparability of the underlying business across multiple periods by isolating and removing significant non-operational events from business results. The Corporation believes this view provides investors increased transparency into business results and trends and provides investors with a view of the business as seen through the eyes of management. Earnings excluding Identified Items is not meant to be viewed in isolation or as a substitute for net income/(loss) attributable to ExxonMobil as prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation to each of corporate earnings and segment earnings are shown for 2025 and 2024 periods in Attachments II-a and II-b. Earnings per share amounts are shown on page 1 and in Attachment II-a, including a reconciliation to earnings/(loss) per common share – assuming dilution (U.S. GAAP).
This press release also includes total taxes including sales-based taxes. This is a broader indicator of the total tax burden on the Corporation's products and earnings, including certain sales and value-added taxes imposed on and concurrent with revenue-producing transactions with customers and collected on behalf of governmental authorities ("sales-based taxes"). It combines "Income taxes" and "Total other taxes and duties" with sales-based taxes, which are reported net in the income statement. The company believes it is useful for the Corporation and its investors to understand the total tax burden imposed on the Corporation's products and earnings. A reconciliation to total taxes is shown in Attachment I-a.
This press release also references free cash flow (non-GAAP). Free cash flow is the sum of net cash provided by operating activities, net cash flow used in investing activities excluding cash acquired from mergers and acquisitions, and inflows from noncontrolling interests for major projects from financing activities. This measure is useful when evaluating cash available for financing activities, including shareholder distributions, after investment in the business. Free cash flow is not meant to be viewed in isolation or as a substitute for net cash provided by operating activities. A reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities for the 2024 and 2025 periods is shown on page 6.
This press release also references total cash capital expenditures (non-GAAP). Cash capital expenditures are the sum of additions to property, plant and equipment; additional investments and advances; and other investing activities including collection of advances; reduced by inflows from noncontrolling interests for major projects, each from the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The company believes it is a useful measure for investors to understand the cash impact of investments in the business, which is in line with standard industry practice. A breakdown of cash capex is shown on page 7.
References to resources or resource base may include quantities of oil and natural gas classified as proved reserves, as well as quantities that are not yet classified as proved reserves, but that are expected to be ultimately recoverable. The term "resource base" or similar terms are not intended to correspond to SEC definitions such as "probable" or "possible" reserves. A reconciliation of production excluding divestments, entitlements, and government mandates to actual production is contained in the Supplement to this release included as Exhibit 99.2 to the Form 8-K filed the same day as this news release.
The term "project" as used in this news release can refer to a variety of different activities and does not necessarily have the same meaning as in any government payment transparency reports. Projects or plans may not reflect investment decisions made by the company. Individual opportunities may advance based on a number of factors, including availability of supportive policy, technology for cost-effective abatement, and alignment with our partners and other stakeholders. The company may refer to these opportunities as projects in external disclosures at various stages throughout their progression.
Advantaged assets (Advantaged growth projects) when used in reference to the Upstream business, includes Permian, Guyana, and LNG.
Advantaged projects refers to capital projects and programs of work that contribute to Energy, Chemical, and/or Specialty Products segments that drive integration of segments/businesses, increase yield of higher value products, or deliver higher than average returns.
Base portfolio (Base) in our Upstream segment, refers to assets (or volumes) other than advantaged assets (or volumes from advantaged assets). In our Energy Products segment, refers to assets (or volumes) other than advantaged projects (or volumes from advantaged projects). In our Chemical Products and Specialty Products segments refers to volumes other than high-value products volumes.
Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) represents the consistent rate at which an investment or business result would have grown had the investment or business result compounded at the same rate each year.
Debt-to-capital ratio is total debt divided by the sum of total debt and equity. Total debt is the sum of notes and loans payable and long-term debt, as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Government mandates (curtailments) are changes to ExxonMobil's sustainable production levels as a result of production limits or sanctions imposed by governments.
High-value products includes performance products and lower-emission fuels.
Lower-emission fuels are fuels with lower life cycle emissions than conventional transportation fuels for gasoline, diesel and jet transport.
Net-debt-to-capital ratio is net debt divided by the sum of net debt and total equity, where net debt is total debt net of cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash. Total debt is the sum of notes and loans payable and long-term debt, as reported in the consolidated balance sheet.
Performance products (performance chemicals, performance lubricants) refers to products that provide differentiated performance for multiple applications through enhanced properties versus commodity alternatives and bring significant additional value to customers and end-users.
Total shareholder return (TSR) is defined by FactSet and measures the change in value of an investment in common stock over a specified period of time, assuming dividend reinvestment. FactSet assumes dividends are reinvested in stock at market prices on the ex-dividend date. Unless stated otherwise, total shareholder return is quoted on an annualized basis.
This press release also references Structural Cost Savings, for more details see page 8.
Unless otherwise indicated, year-to-date ("YTD") means as of the last business day of the most recent fiscal quarter.
Reference to Earnings
References to corporate earnings mean net income attributable to ExxonMobil (U.S. GAAP) from the consolidated income statement. Unless otherwise indicated, references to earnings, Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, Specialty Products and Corporate and Financing earnings, and earnings per share are ExxonMobil's share after excluding amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests.
Exxon Mobil Corporation has numerous affiliates, many with names that include ExxonMobil, Exxon, Mobil, Esso, and XTO. For convenience and simplicity, those terms and terms such as Corporation, company, our, we, and its are sometimes used as abbreviated references to specific affiliates or affiliate groups. Similarly, ExxonMobil has business relationships with thousands of customers, suppliers, governments, and others. For convenience and simplicity, words such as venture, joint venture, partnership, co-venturer, and partner are used to indicate business and other relationships involving common activities and interests, and those words may not indicate precise legal relationships. ExxonMobil's ambitions, plans and goals do not guarantee any action or future performance by its affiliates or Exxon Mobil Corporation's responsibility for those affiliates' actions and future performance, each affiliate of which manages its own affairs.
Throughout this press release, both Exhibit 99.1 as well as Exhibit 99.2, due to rounding, numbers presented may not add up precisely to the totals indicated.
ATTACHMENT I-a
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(Preliminary)
Dollars in millions (unless otherwise noted)
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Revenues and other income
Sales and other operating revenue
79,477
89,986
160,535
170,397
Income from equity affiliates
1,462
1,744
2,831
3,586
Other income
567
1,330
1,270
2,160
Total revenues and other income
81,506
93,060
164,636
176,143
Costs and other deductions
Crude oil and product purchases
45,327
54,199
92,115
101,800
Production and manufacturing expenses
10,102
9,804
20,185
18,895
Selling, general and administrative expenses
2,528
2,568
5,068
5,063
Depreciation and depletion (includes impairments)
6,101
5,787
11,803
10,599
Exploration expenses, including dry holes
251
153
315
301
Non-service pension and postretirement benefit expense
90
34
203
57
Interest expense
145
271
350
492
Other taxes and duties
6,257
6,579
12,292
12,902
Total costs and other deductions
70,801
79,395
142,331
150,109
Income/(Loss) before income taxes
10,705
13,665
22,305
26,034
Income tax expense/(benefit)
3,351
4,094
6,918
7,897
Net income/(loss) including noncontrolling interests
7,354
9,571
15,387
18,137
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
272
331
592
677
Net income/(loss) attributable to ExxonMobil
7,082
9,240
14,795
17,460
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA
Dollars in millions (unless otherwise noted)
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Earnings per common share (U.S. dollars)
1.64
2.14
3.40
4.20
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution (U.S. dollars)
1.64
2.14
3.40
4.20
Dividends on common stock
Total
4,288
4,285
8,623
8,093
Per common share (U.S. dollars)
0.99
0.95
1.98
1.90
Millions of common shares outstanding
Average - assuming dilution
4,331
4,317
4,351
4,158
Taxes
Income taxes
3,351
4,094
6,918
7,897
Total other taxes and duties
7,204
7,531
14,270
14,691
Total taxes
10,555
11,625
21,188
22,588
Sales-based taxes
5,289
6,339
10,759
11,888
Total taxes including sales-based taxes
15,844
17,964
31,947
34,476
ExxonMobil share of income taxes of equity companies (non-GAAP)
486
907
1,143
1,905
ATTACHMENT I-b
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Preliminary)
Dollars in millions (unless otherwise noted)
June 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
14,352
23,029
Cash and cash equivalents – restricted
1,359
158
Notes and accounts receivable – net
41,792
43,681
Inventories
Crude oil, products and merchandise
21,364
19,444
Materials and supplies
4,007
4,080
Other current assets
2,234
1,598
Total current assets
85,108
91,990
Investments, advances and long-term receivables
46,092
47,200
Property, plant and equipment – net
295,356
294,318
Other assets, including intangibles – net
21,041
19,967
Total Assets
447,597
453,475
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Notes and loans payable
5,419
4,955
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
59,725
61,297
Income taxes payable
3,017
4,055
Total current liabilities
68,161
70,307
Long-term debt
33,570
36,755
Postretirement benefits reserves
10,352
9,700
Deferred income tax liabilities
39,368
39,042
Long-term obligations to equity companies
1,113
1,346
Other long-term obligations
25,071
25,719
Total Liabilities
177,635
182,869
EQUITY
Common stock without par value
(9,000 million shares authorized, 8,019 million shares issued)
46,629
46,238
Earnings reinvested
477,061
470,903
Accumulated other comprehensive income
(12,436)
(14,619)
Common stock held in treasury
(3,756 million shares at June 30, 2025, and 3,666 million shares at December 31, 2024)
(248,661)
(238,817)
ExxonMobil share of equity
262,593
263,705
Noncontrolling interests
7,369
6,901
Total Equity
269,962
270,606
Total Liabilities and Equity
447,597
453,475
ATTACHMENT I-c
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Preliminary)
Dollars in millions (unless otherwise noted)
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income/(loss) including noncontrolling interests
15,387
18,137
Depreciation and depletion (includes impairments)
11,803
10,599
Changes in operational working capital, excluding cash and debt
(4,848)
(2,608)
All other items – net
2,161
(904)
Net cash provided by operating activities
24,503
25,224
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, plant and equipment
(12,181)
(11,309)
Proceeds from asset sales and returns of investments
1,999
1,629
Additional investments and advances
(472)
(744)
Other investing activities including collection of advances
339
224
Cash acquired from mergers and acquisitions

754
Net cash used in investing activities
(10,315)
(9,446)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Additions to long-term debt
883
217
Reductions in long-term debt
(13)
(1,142)
Additions to short-term debt
172

Reductions in short-term debt
(4,676)
(2,771)
Additions/(Reductions) in debt with three months or less maturity
257
(6)
Contingent consideration payments
(79)
(27)
Cash dividends to ExxonMobil shareholders
(8,623)
(8,093)
Cash dividends to noncontrolling interests
(452)
(397)
Changes in noncontrolling interests
(10)
4
Inflows from noncontrolling interests for major projects
45
12
Common stock acquired
(9,768)
(8,337)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(22,264)
(20,540)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash
600
(318)
Increase/(Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (including restricted)
(7,476)
(5,080)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period (including restricted)
23,187
31,568
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period (including restricted)
15,711
26,488
ATTACHMENT II-a
KEY FIGURES: IDENTIFIED ITEMS
2Q25
1Q25
Dollars in millions (unless otherwise noted)
YTD 2025
YTD 2024
7,082
7,713
Earnings/(Loss) (U.S. GAAP)
14,795
17,460


Total Identified Items


7,082
7,713
Earnings/(Loss) Excluding Identified Items (non-GAAP)
14,795
17,460
2Q25
1Q25
Dollars per common share
YTD 2025
YTD 2024
1.64
1.76
Earnings/(Loss) Per Common Share (U.S. GAAP) ¹
3.40
4.20


Total Identified Items Per Common Share ¹


1.64
1.76
Earnings/(Loss) Excluding Identified Items Per Common Share (non-GAAP) ¹
3.40
4.20
¹ Assuming dilution.
ATTACHMENT II-b
KEY FIGURES: IDENTIFIED ITEMS BY SEGMENT
Second Quarter 2025
Upstream
Energy Products
Chemical Products
Specialty Products
Corporate & Financing
Total
Dollars in millions (unless otherwise noted)
U.S.
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Non-U.S.
Earnings/(Loss) (U.S. GAAP)
1,212
4,190
825
541
255
38
291
489
(759)
7,082
Total Identified Items










Earnings/(Loss) Excl. Identified Items (non-GAAP)
1,212
4,190
825
541
255
38
291
489
(759)
7,082
First Quarter 2025
Upstream
Energy Products
Chemical Products
Specialty Products
Corporate & Financing
Total
Dollars in millions (unless otherwise noted)
U.S.
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Non-U.S.
Earnings/(Loss) (U.S. GAAP)
1,870
4,886
297
530
255
18
322
333
(798)
7,713
Total Identified Items










Earnings/(Loss) Excl. Identified Items (non-GAAP)
1,870
4,886
297
530
255
18
322
333
(798)
7,713
YTD 2025
Upstream
Energy Products
Chemical Products
Specialty Products
Corporate & Financing
Total
Dollars in millions (unless otherwise noted)
U.S.
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Non-U.S.
Earnings/(Loss) (U.S. GAAP)
3,082
9,076
1,122
1,071
510
56
613
822
(1,557)
14,795
Total Identified Items










Earnings/(Loss) Excl. Identified Items (non-GAAP)
3,082
9,076
1,122
1,071
510
56
613
822
(1,557)
14,795
YTD 2024
Upstream
Energy Products
Chemical Products
Specialty Products
Corporate & Financing
Total
Dollars in millions (unless otherwise noted)
U.S.
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Non-U.S.
U.S.
Non-U.S.
Earnings/(Loss) (U.S. GAAP)
3,484
9,250
1,286
1,036
1,030
534
851
661
(672)
17,460
Total Identified Items










Earnings/(Loss) Excl. Identified Items (non-GAAP)
3,484
9,250
1,286
1,036
1,030
534
851
661
(672)
17,460
ATTACHMENT III
KEY FIGURES: UPSTREAM VOLUMES
2Q25
1Q25
Net production of crude oil, natural gas liquids, bitumen and synthetic oil, thousand barrels per day (kbd)
YTD 2025
YTD 2024
1,494
1,418
United States
1,456
1,038
797
760
Canada/Other Americas
779
767
3
4
Europe
4
4
139
137
Africa
138
220
801
796
Asia
799
712
25
24
Australia/Oceania
25
30
3,259
3,139
Worldwide
3,201
2,771
2Q25
1Q25
Net natural gas production available for sale, million cubic feet per day (mcfd)
YTD 2025
YTD 2024
3,313
3,266
United States
3,290
2,570
24
42
Canada/Other Americas
33
104
312
331
Europe
321
354
106
118
Africa
112
158
3,206
3,457
Asia
3,331
3,380
1,258
1,256
Australia/Oceania
1,257
1,236
8,219
8,470
Worldwide
8,344
7,802
4,630
4,551
Oil-equivalent production (koebd) ¹
4,591
4,071
1 Natural gas is converted to an oil-equivalent basis at six million cubic feet per one thousand barrels.
ATTACHMENT IV
KEY FIGURES: MANUFACTURING THROUGHPUT AND SALES
2Q25
1Q25
Refinery throughput, thousand barrels per day (kbd)
YTD 2025
YTD 2024
1,969
1,789
United States
1,880
1,823
376
397
Canada
387
397
969
986
Europe
977
970
442
447
Asia Pacific
444
424
180
191
Other
185
177
3,936
3,810
Worldwide
3,873
3,791
2Q25
1Q25
Energy Products sales, thousand barrels per day (kbd)
YTD 2025
YTD 2024
2,906
2,728
United States
2,817
2,607
2,682
2,555
Non-U.S.
2,619
2,669
5,588
5,283
Worldwide
5,436
5,276
2,294
2,162
Gasolines, naphthas
2,229
2,210
1,808
1,724
Heating oils, kerosene, diesel
1,766
1,730
387
366
Aviation fuels
376
342
247
158
Heavy fuels
203
197
852
873
Other energy products
862
797
5,588
5,283
Worldwide
5,436
5,276
2Q25
1Q25
Chemical Products sales, thousand metric tons (kt)
YTD 2025
YTD 2024
1,771
1,706
United States
3,477
3,649
3,493
3,070
Non-U.S.
6,563
6,278
5,264
4,776
Worldwide
10,040
9,927
2Q25
1Q25
Specialty Products sales, thousand metric tons (kt)
YTD 2025
YTD 2024
504
473
United States
977
1,001
1,500
1,463
Non-U.S.
2,963
2,892
2,004
1,936
Worldwide
3,940
3,893
ATTACHMENT V
KEY FIGURES: EARNINGS/(LOSS)
Results Summary
2Q25
1Q25
Changevs1Q25
Dollars in millions (except per share data)
YTD 2025
YTD 2024
Changevs YTD2024
7,082
7,713
-631
Earnings (U.S. GAAP)
14,795
17,460
-2,665
7,082
7,713
-631
Earnings Excluding Identified Items (non-GAAP)
14,795
17,460
-2,665
1.64
1.76
-0.12
Earnings Per Common Share ¹
3.40
4.20
-0.80
1.64
1.76
-0.12
Earnings Excluding Identified Items Per Common Share (non-GAAP) ¹
3.40
4.20
-0.80
¹ Assuming dilution.
ATTACHMENT VI
KEY FIGURES: EARNINGS/(LOSS) BY QUARTER
Dollars in millions (unless otherwise noted)
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
First Quarter
7,713
8,220
11,430
5,480
2,730
Second Quarter
7,082
9,240
7,880
17,850
4,690
Third Quarter

8,610
9,070
19,660
6,750
Fourth Quarter

7,610
7,630
12,750
8,870
Full Year

33,680
36,010
55,740
23,040
Dollars per common share¹
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
First Quarter
1.76
2.06
2.79
1.28
0.64
Second Quarter
1.64
2.14
1.94
4.21
1.10
Third Quarter

1.92
2.25
4.68
1.57
Fourth Quarter

1.72
1.91
3.09
2.08
Full Year

7.84
8.89
13.26
5.39
1 Computed using the average number of shares outstanding during each period; assuming dilution.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250731770601/en/
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And on Friday, the autonomous Chinese city of Hong Kong—which is betting on cryptocurrencies to bolster its status as a financial center—will start accepting applications for a Hong Kong-dollar backed stablecoin, potentially opening the door for a renminbi-backed token too. With the U.S. going all-in on crypto, Beijing now faces a difficult decision: Does it match the U.S.'s risky bet on a stablecoin-centric future? Or does it play it safe, and risk missing out on cutting-edge financial technology? A crypto-happy U.S. Stablecoins, unlike their more volatile counterparts in the cryptocurrency space, are meant to be a bit boring. These virtual assets are pegged to the value of a reference asset, such as a fiat currency. Almost all stablecoins are pegged to the U.S. dollar, the world's reserve currency. Users can tap stablecoins to easily transfer funds between different cryptocurrencies without needing to resort to real-world money. Users trust stablecoin issuers to have enough liquid reserves to redeem coins for fiat currency at any time. But unlike banks, stablecoin issuers don't have a lender of last resort to fall back on. The 2022 collapse of TerraUSD, a so-called algorithmic stablecoin, spread concerns about other cryptocurrencies, including more well-established tokens. The potential for stablecoins to spark the cryptocurrency version of a financial panic has led governments to be wary of stablecoins. But now U.S. president Donald Trump, in his second term, wants to make the U.S. the 'crypto capital of the planet.' 'Trump has done a 180 for the United States and just said, 'deregulate, deregulate, deregulate,'' says Harvard professor and former IMF chief economist Kenneth Rogoff. The U.S. Congress passed the GENIUS Act on July 17th, establishing the first regulatory framework for dollar-pegged stablecoins. The Act requires issuers to maintain reserves, such as in cash or U.S. Treasury bills, to back their stablecoins on at least a 1:1 basis. China considers crypto The U.S.'s sudden crypto-happy stance could worry other nations. Dollar-backed stablecoins will be appealing in 'really poor countries where people don't trust the currency and central bank,' says Paul Blustein, journalist and author of King Dollar: The Past and Future of the World's Dominant Currency. But even countries with strong local currencies could face a future where 'citizens prefer to transact with this type of instrument.' The People's Bank of China (PBOC) is now in a frustrating position. China has banned all cryptocurrency transactions since 2021, citing the risks they could post to the country's financial system. But China doesn't want to find itself behind the curve—or behind the U.S.—if stablecoins and blockchain technology really are the future of finance. Wang Yongli, former vice president of Bank of China, wrote to WeChat in June that it 'would be a strategic risk if cross-border yuan payment is not as efficient as dollar stablecoins.' Yongli recommended a 'proactive response from other countries, particularly China' to U.S. legislation, according to the Pekinology newsletter. PBOC governor Pan Gongsheng similarly noted the rising use of stablecoins for cross-border payments at the 2025 Lujiazui Forum in Shanghai on June 18. Days later, the Securities Times, a newspaper owned by state media outlet People's Daily, wrote that industry insiders 'generally believe that, as an emerging payment tool, the unique advantages and potential risks of stablecoins cannot be ignored, and that the development of [renminbi-pegged] stablecoins should be sooner rather than later.' The South China Morning Post reported on July 14 that China was exploring the feasibility of allowing the launch of stablecoins. Two local officials told the newspaper that state-owned entities including the securities firm Guotai Haitong and data infrastructure firm Shanghai Data Group were looking into a trial run of renminbi-pegged tokens. 'It's not the fact that the U.S. is going into crypto, per se, that matters,' Evan Auyang, group president of Hong Kong-based blockchain technology company Animoca Brands, says. 'It's really what started as a result of this change…Stablecoins became institutional' after gaining legitimacy from the U.S. (Animoca Brands, as part of a consortium with Standard Chartered and HKT, intends to apply for a license to issue stablecoins in Hong Kong.) De-dollarization There's a geopolitical element to the stablecoin conversation. If adoption of U.S. dollar stablecoins grows, issuers will need to hold more dollars and dollar-based assets to back the peg. Tether, which issues the world's largest stablecoin, was already the world's seventh largest purchaser of U.S. debt in 2024. After chipping away at the dollar's global dominance for decades, China does not want to give the U.S. an opportunity to regain ground. 'They're very concerned about the U.S. exercising power, expanding the use of the dollar,' says Rogoff. China has tried to promote greater use of the renminbi for cross-border trade, with limited success. Trade with isolated countries like Russia and Iran may be conducted in the renminbi, but most countries in the world still prefer using the U.S. dollar. The popularity of dollar stablecoins could 'smother' Beijing's efforts to develop its own financial networks, Rogoff says. Trump's trade war has spurred talks of 'de-dollarization,' or reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar, due to concerns about the future of the U.S. economy and fears of dollar weaponization. Even Trump himself is worried about challengers to the dollar, threatening massive tariffs against the BRICS bloc if it considered creating an alternative currency. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said that stablecoins can help keep the U.S. dollar as the dominant reserve currency. Some Chinese officials agree with Bessent: former vice minister of finance Zhu Guangyao argued in June that 'the strategic purpose behind the United States' promotion of stablecoins—closely tied to U.S. dollar liquidity—is to preserve dollar supremacy,' as translated by the East is Read newsletter, Can China launch a stablecoin? But even if Beijing is open to launching a stablecoin, it must overcome another hurdle: its closed capital account, which means officials can't authorize a Chinese yuan renminbi (CNY)-pegged stablecoin. There are 'still a lot of concerns over capital flight issues' that make the liberalization of China's capital account unlikely, Auyang says. China could authorize a stablecoin pegged to the offshore renminbi (CNH). And since over 70% of offshore renminbi payments are processed in Hong Kong, Huang Yiping, an advisor for the PBOC, suggested using the city as a testing ground for China's stablecoin launch. Chinese tech giant reportedly proposed a similar scheme in its discussions with the PBOC. Hong Kong's Stablecoin Ordinance, due to go into effect on August 1st, already establishes a legal framework for leveraging the city's offshore renminbi pool, if the PBOC chooses to go in that direction and provide sufficient liquidity for offshore renminbi-pegged stablecoin issuers. Although the law requires issuers to hold reserves in their stablecoin's reference currency, since the Hong Kong dollar itself is pegged to the U.S. dollar, HKD-pegged stablecoin issuers can hold U.S. dollar reserves. 'Hong Kong is pegging to the USD. So, in some sense, they are basically helping the U.S.,' He, from Stanford, explained. 'This is perhaps why Beijing [could say], when you do the HKD [stablecoin], I want you to do the CNH as well.' 'Rein in the euphoria' Currency experts are worried about how stablecoins could end up posing a threat to the economy—whether in the U.S. or in China. Blustein points to the risk of 'currency substitution.' If the appeal of stablecoins outweighs the appeal of the local currency, it 'screws up the central bank's ability to control the economy,' he argues, as everyone is engaging in transactions in an instrument outside the bank's control. And without a central bank or lender of last resort, stablecoins are vulnerable to runs—users rushing to redeem their tokens for fiat currency all at once. The possibility of a stablecoin crisis is 'very parallel to the U.S.'s free banking era in the 1800s,' says Rogoff. 'The risk of a financial crisis is high,' he says. Blustein, for his part, is less worried about stablecoins messing things up—in part because they make up 'a tiny part of international payments.' 'Stablecoins cannot possibly buy that many short-term treasuries' to compete with central banks and multinational companies, he suggests. Another person expressing some skepticism about stablecoins? Eddie Yue, the head of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the city's de facto central banker. In a press conference last week, Yue told the public to 'rein in the euphoria' over stablecoins, pointing to 'overly idealistic' discussions on how they might 'disrupt the mainstream financial system.' Clarification, July 31, 2025: This article has been updated to clarify that Animoca Brands is applying for a Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin as part of a consortium. 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