Exxon Mobil posted strong fourth quarter profits as the oil and gas company increased production in the Permian basin at home, and in Guyana. The Texas company earned $7.61 billion, or $1.72 per share,

Production in both the US Permian shale basin and Guyana reached a record high, with Guyana volumes recovering after maintenance during last quarter. Overall production was just above 4.6 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in the fourth quarter, and 4.3 million boepd for the full year.

HOUSTON - Exxon Mobil on Friday beat Wall Street's estimate for fourth-quarter profit as higher oil and gas production offset lower oil prices and weaker refining margins. Fourth quarter profit was $7.

Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM) +0.4% pre-market Friday after reporting Q4 adjusted earnings that were roughly flat compared with the year-earlier quarter but ahead of Wall Street estimates, driven by high-margin projects in the Permian Basin and Guyana.