OXY(OXY) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
OXYOXY(US:OXY)2026-02-19 19:00

Financial Performance and Key Metrics - In 2025, the company generated $4.3 billion in free cash flow before working capital, despite a 14% decline in oil prices from 2024 [4][20] - Cash flow from operations increased by 27% year-over-year on a normalized basis, excluding OxyChem [4][20] - The company repaid $4 billion in debt, reducing principal debt to $15 billion, with a target to further reduce it to $14.3 billion [5][23] Operational Achievements - The company set a new annual production record of 1.4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, exceeding guidance while spending $300 million less in oil and gas capital than planned [6][12] - Achieved a 107% organic reserves replacement ratio and a 98% all-in reserves replacement ratio at a finding and development cost below the DD&A rate [7] - Total resource base now stands at 16.5 billion barrels of oil equivalent, with 84% of this resource base breaking even below $50 per barrel [8][9] Business Line Performance - The midstream segment delivered strong results, with adjusted pretax income surpassing guidance by over $500 million, driven by gas marketing optimization and higher sulfur prices [8][22] - The company achieved record safety performance across global operations in 2025, launching a remote operations command center to enhance safety and operational efficiency [8][9] Strategic Direction and Industry Competition - The company plans to maintain production through safe operations and aims to deliver a sustainable and growing dividend, with an 8% increase announced [10][11] - Focus on investing in high-return oil and gas projects while advancing mid-cycle projects to reduce sustaining capital requirements over time [11][12] - The company is positioned to drive sustainable free cash flow growth and deliver long-term value to shareholders [4][10] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to unlock further value through disciplined capital allocation and strong operational performance [20][24] - The company expects to improve free cash flow by more than $1.2 billion in 2026, driven by operational savings and interest savings [24] - The company anticipates production to average approximately 1.45 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2026, despite lower capital spending [12][27] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale of OxyChem, which strengthened the balance sheet and accelerated deleveraging [20][23] - The capital spending plan for 2026 is expected to range from $5.5 billion to $5.9 billion, reflecting a reduction from 2025 [11][26] - The company is focused on maintaining flexibility in capital allocation to adapt to oil price uncertainty [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk through the lower CapEx guidance relative to the previous guidance? - Management noted that the reduction was due to improved project optimization and cost efficiencies achieved by the teams [32][33] Question: What is the expected impact of the Horn Mountain waterflood project on sustaining production? - Management indicated that the project is expected to lower decline rates and improve reliability, contributing to sustaining production levels [41][42] Question: How sustainable are the cost savings achieved in 2025 for 2027? - Management suggested that the structural savings are expected to continue into 2027, with ongoing optimization efforts [53][57]