HOUSTON (Reuters) -Chevron ( CVX ) CEO Mike Wirth told employees on Wednesday that he believes the company will outperform publicly-stated financial targets given to investors following the acquisition of smaller oil producer Hess.

Upon closing the $55-billion purchase of Hess in July, Chevron ( CVX ) said it expected $1 billion in synergies and raised free cash flow guidance for 2026 from $10 billion to $12.5 billion.

"I fully expect the (Hess) deal will meet and exceed what we've committed externally," Wirth said during an internal town hall meeting, audio of which was heard by Reuters.

"Our talented workforce is an essential part of the ongoing success of our company, and we engage regularly to align on strategic priorities and our shared purpose to safely provide affordable, reliable, ever-cleaner energy that enables human progress," a Chevron ( CVX ) spokesperson said.