ExxonMobil reported Friday the largest US corporate annual profit in history at 40.6 billion dollars, benefiting from surging crude oil prices on strong demand, particularly in China and India.

The net profit was three percent higher than a year ago when the biggest US oil and gas firm reported a 2006 annual profit of 39.5 billion dollars, which had prompted ire over US policies said to favor big oil firms.

The company's fourth-quarter and full-year earnings included a special tax-related benefit of 410 million dollars. They did not include exceptional elements, unlike the 2006 results.