Oil Majors Celebrate Higher 1Q Earnings
Not only did most oil producing companies post increased income and revenues in the first quarter 2000, compared to 1999, but in some cases, the increases were record-setting. In fact, Conoco's first quarter was the best quarter in the company's 125-year history. Here is a capsulated report of several companies' earnings. USX-Marathon Group's net income adjusted for special items was $199 million in first quarter 2000, compared with a net loss adjusted for special items of $11 million in first quarter 1999. The Marathon Group recorded first quarter 2000 net income of $254 million, which included a $55 million favorable aftertax gain on the sale of its 33.34 percent interest in the Angus/Stellaria development in the Gulf of Mexico. Net income in first quarter 1999 was $119 million.
Earnings Down for Most Oil Companies
Many oil companies reported a decrease in net income for the second quarter, compared to the previous year's results, although - in most cases - the second quarter still outperformed the first. While the decreases ranged in percentage, only a few companies' results were virtually unchanged from the previous year's performance. However, higher crude oil prices resulted in many companies' exploration and production net income actually increasing over the previous year. "I am encouraged second-quarter operating earnings, although down from year-ago levels, were more than six times higher than in the first quarter, reflecting the impact of higher crude oil and natural gas prices…
Earnings Down for Most Oil Companies
Many oil companies reported a decrease in net income for the second quarter, compared to the previous year's results, although - in most cases - the second quarter still outperformed the first. While the decreases ranged in percentage, only a few companies' results were virtually unchanged from the previous year's performance. However, higher crude oil prices resulted in many companies' exploration and production net income actually increasing over the previous year. "I am encouraged second-quarter operating earnings, although down from year-ago levels, were more than six times higher than in the first quarter, reflecting the impact of higher crude oil and natural gas prices…
Oil Price Rebound Means Big Gains for Oil Producers
The third quarter proved to be a prosperous one for oil companies, as most of our sampling realized substantial gains in net income and net operating income for the period, as compared to 1998's third quarter. A higher average worldwide crude oil price was chiefly responsible for the increases, although in some cases, cost-cutting measures also contributed heavily to the financial results. Exploration and production net operating income was up, nearly across the board. However, for the first nine months of 1999, earnings and net income are still down from the same period in 1998. Phillips Petroleum Company reported third-quarter net income of $221 million up from $46 million for the same period last year. Total revenues were $3.8 billion, versus $2.9 billion a year ago.
E&P Spending 2000: A Disappointing Gain?
While the theoretical jury deciding which direction the offshore drilling market will take is still out, recent data suggests that the level of spending internationally will disappoint. Calling a 10.2% gain in spending a disappointment may seem a bit harsh, particularly given the depths to which the market has fallen in the previous two years. But considering the price per barrel has catapulted from the $10 level early in 1999 to the mid-20's by the beginning of 2000, it is fair to say expectations were set a bit higher. According to a recent Lehman Brothers survey, the following are the spending plans - by world region - for more than 320 oil companies. 2000E 1999E Year % Chg. # Co. U.S. U.S. Total U.S.
Quarter and Year-End Earnings
Once again, quarter and year-end earnings reported in the offshore market reflected a familiar trend: oil majors saw gains - sometimes significant; while oilfield service companies continued to struggle, compared to the year-earlier marks. Unocal Corporation reported fourth quarter 1999 preliminary unaudited net earnings of $97 million and adjusted net earnings (excluding special items) of $77 million. The fourth quarter results compare with a reported loss of $29 million for the same period a year ago. Adjusted net earnings for the fourth quarter 1998 were $28 million. The fourth quarter earnings reflect higher oil and gas prices, offset partially by lower net oil and gas sales volumes and a higher international tax rate.
