Equinor(EQNR) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted operating income of $6.5 billion before tax and an IFRS net income of $300 million, impacted by an impairment on U.S. offshore wind projects [5][6] - Adjusted earnings per share was NOK 0.64, with cash flow from operations after tax being strong at $9.2 billion [6][20] - The net debt to capital employed ratio increased to 15.2%, reflecting the state's share of the buyback from last year booked as finance debt [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company produced 2.096 million barrels per day, up more than 2% from last year, with a target of 4% production growth for the year [15] - Liquids production increased by 4%, driven by the ramp-up of Johan Castberg and high regularity on Johan Sverdrup [16] - Renewable production increased by 26%, mainly due to the ramp-up of Dogger Bank A in the UK [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The European gas market is impacted by lower storage levels, with inventories almost 20 percentage points lower than last year [7] - Gas prices in Europe and the U.S. were higher, while liquids prices were lower compared to the same quarter last year [17] - The company captured almost 80% higher gas prices in the U.S. onshore market [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to cost and capital discipline, reporting flat cost development in the quarter [8] - Strategic progress includes the ramp-up of Johan Castberg and final investment decisions on Johan Sverdrup Phase III [9] - The company announced two long-term contracts for gas supply to the UK and Germany, indicating strong demand for Norwegian gas [9][61] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that energy markets are affected by geopolitical unrest and trade wars, leading to significant volatility in oil markets [7] - The company remains focused on operations and resilience amid uncertainty, with a robust balance sheet [8] - Management expressed confidence in the long-term role of natural gas in energy transition and electrification [46] Other Important Information - The company expects to deliver around $9 billion in capital distribution for the year, including a cash dividend of $0.37 per share and a share buyback of up to $1.265 billion [14] - An impairment of $955 million was recorded due to changes in regulations for future offshore wind projects in the U.S. [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the Empire Wind impairment and discount rate - Management clarified that the 3% discount rate used for impairment testing is an unlevered real discount rate after tax, justified by the fixed revenue profile for 25 years [26][27] Question: On working capital and trading volatility - Working capital is currently $5 billion, a reduction of $550 million, driven by upstream segment movements rather than trading activities [28][29] Question: On the new tax system in Norway - Tax payments will be evenly distributed over the year, with five installments in the second half of 2025 and five in the first half of 2026 [34][35] Question: On the Peregrino divestment and Bacalau project - The divestment of Peregrino is expected to close towards the end of the year, with Bacalau progressing well and expected to contribute significantly to international production [44][45] Question: On CapEx and competitive cash returns - Management emphasized that CapEx is a pretax number, while cash flow from operations is after tax, affecting comparisons with peers [87][88] Question: On Johan Sverdrup production and cost inflation - Johan Sverdrup is expected to maintain high production levels, with ongoing efforts to manage water and improve recovery rates [94][96] - Cost inflation pressures are expected to ease in Norway, while the market remains tight overall [98][99]