Shell in Early Talks to Acquire Rival BP in Landmark $80 billion deal.

@WSJ reports talks are active, with BP “considering the approach carefully.” The industry has its doubts a deal will be done.  Acquiring BP would put Shell more on par with its larger US competitors Exxon Mobil XOM & Chevron CVX.

Bloomberg & CNBC have reported that a deal for the whole company is unlikely, but the sale in parts could be on the table.

$XOM: #Exxon beats earnings forecasts for 1st time in 3 quarters

Trading & rising production in #Guyana offset falling #Oil prices.

Exxon ended quarter with $31.6 billion of cash, 4% lower than previous period, mainly due to shareholder payouts:

Exxon paid out S&P 500's fourth-largest combination of dividends and buybacks during the past 12 months.