Q3 profit down on lower prices, volumes, but beats estimates
Paid out 9.6 bln less in royalties, taxes
Declared base dividend of 19.5 bln for Q3
Approves plan for second 9.9 bln performancelinked dividend

DUBAI, Nov 7 Reuters Saudi Aramco on Tuesday reported a 23 fall in thirdquarter net profit on the back of lower oil prices and volumes sold, marginally beating analyst estimates and helping prop up its shares in early trade.

Net profit fell to 32.6 billion for the quarter to Sept. 30, above the 31.8 billion expected by 12 analysts in a companyprovided forecast.

The Saudi oil producer said lower oil prices and volumes were partially offset by a reduction in production royalties.

The group39;s shares, up about 15 this year, pared earlier gains to inch up 0.3 to 33.55 riyals by 1000 GMT.

Chevron and Exxon Mobil last month reported sharp yearonyear falls in thirdquarter profit as energy prices cooled.

Saudi Arabia, the world39;s top oil exporer and de facto leader of the OPEC group of oilproducing nations, said on Sunday it would continue with its voluntary oil output cut of 1 million barrels per day bpd until the end of the year. It said it would review the decision again next month.

Aramco said total hydrocarbon production in the quarter was 12.8 million barrels of oil equivalent a day.

Aramco39;s reported its revenue fell to 113.09 billion in the quarter from 144.99 billion a year earlier, while royalty and other tax payments fell to 14.7 billion from 24.3…