BP(BP) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Underlying pre-tax earnings reached $5.3 billion, with underlying net income at $2.2 billion, indicating strong operational performance [2] - Operating cash flow for the quarter was $7.8 billion, supporting a growth target for adjusted free cash flow of 20% CAGR from 2025 to 2027 [2] - Upstream production increased by approximately 3% quarter on quarter, with upstream plant reliability at around 97% [2][4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Underlying earnings in the first nine months of 2025 were approximately 40% higher than the same period in 2024 [3] - Refining availability was close to 97%, marking the best quarter in 20 years for the current portfolio [2][4] - The company is on track to achieve organic CapEx below $14 billion [3] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has made 12 exploration discoveries in 2025, including significant finds in Brazil and Namibia [3][49] - The refining margin environment improved, contributing to better downstream performance [3][88] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a 12-quarter plan, emphasizing operational performance and strategic progress [2] - A $20 billion divestment proceeds target is being pursued, with $5 billion expected from completed and announced proceeds this year [3] - The ongoing portfolio review aims to allocate capital to the highest quality opportunities, with a focus on reducing costs and strengthening the balance sheet [4][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the momentum built towards achieving cost and net debt targets, despite market volatility [4] - The company is optimistic about future growth opportunities, particularly in oil production, and plans to update the market on production guidance in February [30] Other Important Information - The company has secured a rig to drill the next appraisal well at Boomerang Bay, with expectations for a flow test by the end of next year [9] - The strategic review of Castrol is progressing well, with strong interest noted [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about Boomerang Bay geological map confidence - Management expressed confidence in the geological map based on extensive data evaluation, noting a significant oil and gas column [6][7] Question: Update on Castrol's strategic review - Management confirmed strong performance from Castrol, with ongoing interest in the strategic review process [11][12] Question: Timing for portfolio simplification announcements - Management indicated that updates on portfolio simplification would be provided as decisions are made, highlighting recent divestments and sanctions [15][17] Question: Insights on Boomerangy and AI deployment - Management reassured that Boomerangy holds significant oil and condensate, and discussed advancements in AI improving operational efficiency [20][22] Question: Production guidance and CapEx implications - Management noted that while production guidance is set, there are options to pivot capital towards short-term or long-term growth opportunities [28][30] Question: CapEx profile and pension fund buy-in - Management clarified that BPX's CapEx is expected to remain around $2.5 billion annually, with ongoing discussions about pension fund de-risking [33][37] Question: Economic details on Iraq's Kirkuk contract - Management refrained from discussing specific economic terms but confirmed initial production tests and ongoing work in Kirkuk [63][64] Question: Venture Global LNG arbitration case - Management expressed satisfaction with the arbitration outcome and indicated that updates on damages would follow [69][70] Question: Gearing ratio considerations - Management emphasized a focus on net debt reduction rather than gearing ratios, with a target to reduce net debt significantly by 2027 [72][74] Question: Structural cost improvements and basin-specific plans - Management highlighted ongoing cost improvements and plans for activity pacing in the Haynesville and Eagle Ford basins [78][80]