[mnehring]

Based on post #14, if anyone would complain about 'gouging' it wouldn't be the US. As you'll see, out of the $8 billion in 1Q earnings, only $162 million were US downstream earnings. This is only an increase of $14 million over 1Q 05 earnings, practically pocket change in the numbers we are talking about.

[Pessimist]

Here's something interesting from:

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=115024&p=irol-newsArticle&t=Regular&id=828850&

"When it comes to delivering superior return on investments, Tillerson pointed out that ExxonMobil led the industry in 2005 with return on capital employed (ROCE) of 31 percent. "In our view, ROCE continues to be the best overall measure of financial performance given the long-term and capital-intensive nature of our industry. I would be cautious of anyone who tries to deemphasize it," said Tillerson."

You have to admit, 31% is really something for a mature commodity. No?

Even Microsoft doesn't get that.