UPDATE 1-Exxon posts $9.1 billion net, down from year-ago, up 15% from 2Q

Exxon Mobil Corp on Friday posted a $9.1 billion third-quarter profit, about a 54% drop from record earnings a year ago but up from the prior quarter as oil prices recovered. Earnings at the largest U.S. oil producer have benefited from higher crude oil prices compared to the previous quarter and demand for gasoline and diesel. Exxon's buoyant performance has led to two all-stock deals: for shale rival Pioneer Natural Resources and for carbon pipeline operator Denbury, both struck as shares traded near an all-time record.