Chevron’s second-quarter net income came to $4.4 billion, compared with $6 billion a year earlier.
This 26% drop is mainly attributed to lower refining margins, a problem also encountered by other major oil companies.
Earnings per share, excluding exceptional items, fell by 17.2% to $2.55, below analysts’ forecasts.
Sales growth despite challenges
Despite this drop in earnings, Chevron’s sales rose by 4.7% to $51.18 billion, exceeding market expectations.
Chevron CEO Mike Wirth expresses confidence in the company’s ability to generate sustainable earnings and cash flow growth, despite recent operational challenges.
Chevron’s production is up 11% thanks to the integration of PDC Energy and increased productivity at its sites in the Permian Basin and Denver-Julesburg Basin.
This increase contributed to earnings of $2.2 billion for the U.S. oil and gas exploration and production business, an increase of 32% over the previous year.
Contrasting results internationally and in refining
Outside France, earnings from exploration and production fell by 30% to $2.3 billion, due to a reduction in natural gas projects and unfavorable currency effects.
Refining and distribution also suffered, with earnings down 74% in the United States, to $280 million, and a 26% decrease internationally, to $317 million.
Chevron announces plans to relocate its headquarters from San Ramon, California, to Houston, Texas, over the next five years.
This relocation is intended to optimize the company’s operations and reduce costs.
Awaiting decision on Hess acquisition
Chevron’s proposed$53 billion acquisition of Hess is still awaiting finalization.
An arbitration decision is scheduled for May 2025, with a final decision expected within three months.
This acquisition could play a crucial role in Chevron’s future growth strategies.
At the opening of the New York Stock Exchange, Chevron shares were down 0.77%, reflecting investors’ cautious reaction to the company’s mixed results.
Industry professionals are keeping a close eye on Chevron’s strategic decisions, particularly against a backdrop of fluctuating refining margins and uncertainty in the global energy market.
