http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/30/exxon-mobil-reports-recor_n_162468.html

In the fourth quarter alone crude tumbled 60 percent, prompting spending and job cuts in an industry that was reporting robust, often record, profits as recently as last summer.

With piles of cash and diversified operations, the majors like Exxon Mobil have fared better than many smaller oil and gas companies, but Friday's results show no one is completely insulated from the ongoing malaise.

Exxon Mobil said it bought 119 million shares of its common stock in the quarter at a cost of $8.8 billion. Roughly $8 billion of that amount was dedicated to reducing the number of shares outstanding; the balance was used to offset shares issued as part of the company's benefit plans.

prompt 〈人・行動を〉刺激する

robust 〈経済など〉健全な

insulate 〔…から〕隔離する

malaise 沈滞

dedicate　ささげる