Ecopetrol(US:EC)2025-11-14 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an EBITDA of COP 12.3 trillion for the third quarter of 2025, with an EBITDA margin of 41% and a net income of COP 2.6 trillion, reflecting a recovery from the previous quarter [26] - Year-to-date investment reached nearly $4.2 billion, representing 72% of the annual target, fully aligned with the strategic roadmap [6][34] - Cumulative EBITDA for the year reached COP 36.7 trillion, demonstrating strong adaptability through a commercial strategy [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The exploration and production segment achieved a total accumulated production of 751,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, in line with the target range of 740,000-750,000 [11] - The midstream segment transported an average of 1,118,000 barrels per day, reflecting a 1% increase compared to the third quarter of 2024 [13] - Refining operations reached approximately 429,000 barrels per day, marking the second highest quarterly level in the segment's history [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a competitive crude differential enabled by a proactive marketing strategy, capturing value in a low-price environment [5] - The average production for the last nine months was 751,000 barrels per day, placing the company near the top of its annual guidance range [3] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reinforcing core business operations, maintaining strict financial discipline, and advancing profitable projects driven by energy transition [3] - A multimodal logistics initiative was launched to export solid asphalt monthly, with projected annual benefits ranging from $1 million to $2 million [5] - The company is committed to sustainability, having reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 379,000 tons of CO2 equivalent as of September [6][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the resilience and discipline in a challenging environment marked by a nearly 15% decline in Brent prices year to date [25] - The company anticipates a more challenging price environment in 2026, focusing on strengthening resilience and competitiveness [35] - Management emphasized the importance of cost optimization, efficiency enhancement, and operational agility to meet financial objectives for 2025 [36] Other Important Information - The company achieved a significant reduction in lifting costs, with total unit costs in the hydrocarbons business line standing at $45.5 per barrel, reflecting a reduction of $1.8 compared to the same period last year [17] - The company has made significant progress in its sustainability agenda, being recognized by the Global Compact Network Colombia for best practices in sustainable development [8] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Clarification on the potential sale of the Permian asset - Management clarified that there is no interest in divesting the Permian asset, and any decision regarding the portfolio will be rigorously analyzed by the board of directors [37] Question: Risk of a senior management member being on the OFAC list - The company has a robust corporate governance and compliance system in place, continuously monitoring risks and ensuring operational compliance [38][39] Question: Impact of exchange rate fluctuations - Management indicated that a COP 100 variation in the exchange rate could impact net profit by COP 700 billion, with current rates contributing positively to net profit [42][43] Question: Assistance from the national government for the Sirius project - The company is working closely with the government and has established a timetable for consultations to facilitate the Sirius project [45] Question: Potential bond issuance plans - The company is currently working on its financial plan for 2026, which will determine the cash flow available for investments and financing needs [62]