BP PLC’s (BP) shares took a dip in pre-market trading on Tuesday after the company released its third-quarter earnings report. While the results showcased growth in the renewable energy sector, the overall performance was marked by a decline in hydrocarbon production and anticipated weak refining margins. Despite the mixed bag, BP reiterated its commitment to share buybacks and its strategic focus on long-term growth.
Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways:
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Mixed Earnings:
BP’s revenue for the quarter came in at $47.254 billion, falling short of analysts’ expectations of $52.557 billion. Hydrocarbon production witnessed a year-over-year decline of 6.0%, with underlying production dipping by 4.0% due to natural field depletion. Despite the challenges, the company’s renewables pipeline demonstrated strength, reaching 46.8GW (bp net), including a 20.5GW bp net share from Lightsource bp’s (LSbp’s) pipeline.*
Financial Highlights:
Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter contracted to $9.65 billion compared to $10.31 billion in the same period last year. Underlying RC profit per American Depositary Share (ADS) reached $0.83, exceeding the consensus estimate of $0.76. Operating cash flow amounted to $6.76 billion, down from $8.75 billion in the prior-year quarter. Capital expenditure climbed to $4.54 billion against $3.60 billion a year ago. Net debt also saw an increase, rising to $24.27 billion from $22.32 billion in the preceding year.*
Dividend and Share Buybacks:
BP declared an interim dividend of 8.000 cents per ordinary share, payable on December 20, 2024. Holders of ADSs are expected to receive $0.48 per ADS. The company completed its previously announced $1.75 billion in share buybacks during the quarter. Furthermore, BP plans to execute an additional $1.75 billion share buyback before its fourth-quarter earnings release and has committed to another $1.75 billion buyback for the fourth quarter of 2024.*
Outlook:
BP anticipates upstream production to be lower than the third quarter of 2024. In its customer business, the company projects seasonally lower volumes sequentially in the fourth quarter, with fuel margins likely to remain sensitive to supply cost fluctuations. The products segment is expected to see low refining margins in the fourth quarter, although these margins may fluctuate based on changes in product crack spreads.*
Strategic Focus:
BP’s CEO, Murray Auchincloss, highlighted the company’s progress in streamlining operations, emphasizing its commitment to value creation. He stated, “We have made significant progress since we laid out our six priorities earlier this year to make bp simpler, more focused and higher value. In oil and gas, we see the potential to grow through the decade with a focus on value over volume.” He also underscored BP’s dedication to the energy transition, stating, “We also have a deep belief in the opportunity afforded by the energy transition – we have established a number of leading positions and will continue high-grading our investments to ensure they compete with the rest of our business.”*
Investment Opportunities:
Investors interested in gaining exposure to BP can explore the Donoghue Forlines Yield Enhanced Real Asset ETF (DFRA) and the First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund IV FT Energy Income Partners Strategy ETF (ARCA: EIPX).BP’s mixed earnings report reflects the complex environment facing the oil and gas industry as it navigates the energy transition. While the company’s commitment to renewables is evident, the near-term challenges in its traditional business remain. The market reaction to the results suggests investors are closely watching BP’s ability to balance its traditional business with its growth ambitions in renewables.
