Number: RL34044
Title: The Use of Profit by the Five Major Oil Companies
Authors: Robert Pirog, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: This report analyzes the uses of accrued profits by the five major integrated oil companies from 2004 through 2007.3 Although the oil industry is composed of thousands of firms involved in many different aspects of the business, these five firms represent the visible face of the oil industry to the American public. These companies also earned 90% of the total earnings of integrated oil companies, and 74% of the earnings of all the integrated oil companies, the independent oil and gas producers, and the independent refiners and marketers in 2007. Because of their size, the decisions they make with respect to utilizing profits will largely determine how the industry's use of profit is viewed by the public.
Pages: 10
Date: April 11, 2008