BP Posts Slump In Russian Income But Raises Dividend

Hess To Form MLP For North Dakota Oil, Gas Transport Assets
BP increases dividends for its third quarter as it sees a jump in operating cash flow.

Reuters

LONDON, Oct 28 (Reuters) - BP's third-quarter results took a hit from declining oil prices and a sharp drop in income from Russia as Western sanctions on Moscow led to a slump in earnings from the oil major's local partner, Kremlin-controlled Rosneft.

BP's overall profits were broadly in line with expectations at $3 billion but down nearly a fifth year-on-year. Its stock posted modest gains as investors welcomed a 5.3 percent year-on-year increase in dividends to 10 cents per share.

"Despite the positive financial results the company still faces two significant headwinds -- in Russia and liabilities over the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill," said Iain Reid, analyst at investment bank BMO.

BP, a major investor in Russia through a 19.75 percent stake in state oil major Rosneft, said the fall of the rouble against the dollar had a significant impact on results.

Underlying net income from Rosneft for the quarter was $110 million compared with $808 million a year earlier.

The rouble has lost more than a fifth of its value since the start of the year as the Kremlin fights capital outflows and lower oil prices, while local businesses have been shut off from Western lending by sanctions.

The United States and the European Union hit Russia with economic sanctions over Moscow's intervention in Ukraine.

The latest sanctions hit long-term financing and joint projects with Western companies in the Arctic, and shale developments.

Rosneft is expected to post a quarterly loss and on Tuesday the company delayed publication of its third-quarter results by a day without explanation.

Unlike its rivals, BP has nearly no production in Russia outside Rosneft. Rival ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell and France's Total have all suspended joint shale oil and Arctic projects in Russia in recent months, jeopardising plans by Moscow to sustain output and exports, key sources of revenue for the state budget.


123

View Full Article

WHAT DO YOU THINK?


Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.


Most Popular Articles