ConocoPhillips Merger Completed
ConocoPhillips has completed the merger of Conoco Inc. and Phillips Petroleum Company, following clearance by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission earlier today. Shareholders of both companies and all U.S. and foreign regulatory authorities cleared the merger earlier this year. ConocoPhillips is the third-largest integrated U.S. energy company. On a global basis, it is the sixth-largest publicly held energy company based on hydrocarbon reserves and production, and it is the fifth-largest global refiner. ConocoPhillips has net proved reserves of 8.7 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BOE), daily oil and natural gas production of 1.7 million BOE, and a refining capacity of 2.6 million barrels per day, and has assets of $75 billion.
Conoco Expects Higher Earnings in Third Quarter
Conoco said higher crude oil and natural gas prices, as well as continued growth in oil and natural gas production volumes, will result in earnings appreciably higher than current analysts' estimates for the third quarter. Conoco Chairman, President and CEO Archie W. Dunham said earnings would be in a range of about four to seven cents higher than First Call's current consensus estimate of 33 cents of underlying earnings per share for the third quarter. "We're on target to produce production growth of about 10 percent in 1999, in line with earlier estimates," he said. Conoco Executive Vice-President for worldwide upstream Rob McKee said the added production was primarily due to increased volumes from the giant U.K.
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.
