Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) today reported in its interim update that earnings for the fourth quarter 2012 are expected to be notably higher than third quarter 2012. Upstream results are projected to be higher between sequential quarters, reflecting increased gains on asset transactions and higher liftings. Downstream earnings in the fourth quarter are also expected to be higher, largely reflecting a positive swing in timing effects, despite a sharp decline in industry refining margins.
Basis for Comparison in Interim Update
This interim update contains certain industry and company operating data for the fourth quarter 2012. The production volumes, realizations, margins and certain other items in the report are based on a portion of the quarter and are not necessarily indicative of Chevron’s full quarterly results to be reported on February 1, 2013. The reader should not place undue reliance on this data.
Readers are advised that portions of the commentary below compare results for the first two months of the fourth quarter 2012 to full third quarter 2012 results, as indicated.
UPSTREAM
The table that follows includes information on production and price indicators for crude oil and natural gas for specific markets. Actual realizations may vary from indicative pricing due to quality and location differentials and the effect of pricing lags. International earnings reflect actual liftings, which may differ from production due to the timing of cargoes and other factors. 2011 2012 4Q 4Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q thru thru Nov Dec U.S. Upstream Net Production: Liquids MBD 447 456 461 440 467 n/a Natural Gas MMCFD 1,290 1,170 1,186 1,184 1,261 n/a Total MBOED 661 651 659 637 676 n/a Oil-Equivalent Pricing: Avg. WTI Spot $/Bbl 93.98 103.00 93.34 92.25 88.21 88.22 Price Avg. Midway Sunset Posted $/Bbl 107.83 112.01 102.72 100.71 98.32 98.59 Price^1 Nat. Gas-Henry Hub “Bid Week” $/MCF 3.55 2.73 2.21 2.81 3.25 3.40 Avg. Nat. Gas-CA Border “Bid $/MCF 3.74 2.96 2.40 2.46 2.96 3.37 Week” Avg. Nat. Gas-Rocky Mountain “Bid $/MCF 3.35 2.56 1.88 2.91 3.15 3.56 Week” Avg. Average Realizations: Crude $/Bbl 105.37 108.37 103.91 97.34 97.61 n/a Liquids $/Bbl 100.65 101.93 97.46 90.77 91.11 n/a Natural Gas $/MCF 3.62 2.48 2.17 2.63 3.14 n/a International Upstream Net Production: Liquids MBD 1,369 1,338 1,317 1,249 1,335 n/a Natural Gas MMCFD 3,658 3,849 3,894 3,778 3,900 n/a Total Oil MBOED 1,980 1,980 1,965 1,879 1,986 n/a Equivalent Pricing: Avg. Brent Spot $/Bbl 109.35 118.60 108.29 109.50 110.38 110.08 Price ^2 Average Realizations: Liquids $/Bbl 101.33 110.03 99.21 98.20 100.06 n/a Natural Gas $/MCF 5.55 5.88 6.10 6.03 5.94 n/a ^1 As of second quarter 2012, Avg. Midway Sunset Posted Price is based on the average of four companies’ posted prices to better reflect realizations. Prior to second quarter 2012, the price is based only on the Chevron average posting.
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