OXY(OXY) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated $2.6 billion in operating cash flow in Q2 2025, which is higher than the same period in 2024 despite lower oil prices, with WTI averaging $11 per barrel lower [4][6] - Adjusted profit was reported at $0.39 per diluted share, while reported profit was $0.26 per share [21] - Free cash flow before working capital was approximately $700 million, driven by strong operational performance [21][22] - The effective tax rate increased due to a shift in the jurisdictional mix of income, with an adjusted effective tax rate expected to be around 32% for Q3 [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Oil and gas production reached 1.4 million BOE per day, exceeding guidance, with notable performance in The Rockies and an uplift from the Mukhaizna contract extension [6][22] - The Midstream and Marketing segment generated positive earnings, outperforming guidance due to improved crude marketing margins and gas marketing optimization [11][26] - OxyChem's pretax income fell below guidance due to weaker pricing for caustic and PVC, leading to a lowered full-year guidance range of $800 million to $900 million [27][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 13% reduction in year-to-date Permian unconventional well costs compared to 2024, driven by enhanced efficiencies [10] - The Gulf of America production was impacted by curtailments and maintenance, but new projects are expected to improve production capacity in the future [54][63] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing its portfolio and has achieved $950 million in additional divestitures since Q1 2025, totaling nearly $4 billion since January 2024 [19][30] - The company is committed to reducing debt, having repaid approximately $7.5 billion in the last 13 months, significantly ahead of its targets [5][31] - The company sees significant potential in carbon capture and enhanced oil recovery (EOR), with a belief that CO2 EOR could recover an additional 50 to 70 billion barrels of oil in the U.S. [16][71] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the sustainability of cost reductions achieved through operational efficiencies and structural changes [9][22] - The outlook for the second half of the year remains strong, with expectations for increased production across all main operating areas [24][26] - The company anticipates that the recent legislative changes will provide significant cash tax benefits, estimated at $700 million to $800 million [29][36] Other Important Information - The Stratos project is on track to start capturing CO2 this year, with significant milestones achieved in its development [12][14] - The company has signed additional commercial agreements for carbon dioxide removal sales, indicating a strong market for carbon removal technologies [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Follow-up on cash tax rate and benefits from the One Big Beautiful Bill - Management confirmed that 35% of the estimated $700 million to $800 million cash tax benefit will be realized in 2025, with the remainder in 2026 [35][36] Question: Free cash implications of the Oman contract - Management highlighted the competitive nature of the Oman contract and its potential for future production increases [38][40] Question: Strategic focus on carbon business and point source opportunities - Management reiterated ongoing interest in point source capture and the potential for industrial sources of CO2 to collaborate [46][47] Question: Production capacity in the Gulf of America - Management discussed the expected ramp-up in production due to water floods and ongoing optimization efforts [54][55] Question: Trajectory of OxyChem income and PVC oversupply - Management indicated that the PVC oversupply is influenced by global market conditions, particularly from China, and does not expect a significant recovery in 2026 [84][85] Question: EOR opportunities and shale EOR viability - Management acknowledged the economic viability of shale EOR with current crude prices and emphasized the need to address CO2 availability constraints [97]