ConocoPhillips 1Q Earnings Drop (USA)

ConocoPhillips today reported first-quarter 2013 earnings of $2.1 billion, or $1.73 per share, compared with first-quarter 2012 earnings of $2.9 billion, or $2.27 per share.

First-quarter 2012 reported earnings included $0.7 billion from downstream operations prior to the separation of Phillips 66 on April 30, 2012.

Excluding special items, first-quarter 2013 adjusted earnings were $1.8 billion, or $1.42 per share, compared with first-quarter 2012 adjusted earnings of $1.8 billion, or $1.38 per share. Special items for the current quarter primarily related to asset sales and discontinued operations.

Following previous announcements to dispose of the company’s interests in Kashagan and the Algeria and Nigeria businesses, the associated earnings and production impacts for these assets have been reported as discontinued operations. This decreased adjusted earnings for first-quarter 2013 by $62 million, or $0.05 per share.

“We are off to a strong start to the year, highlighted by the announcement of two significant oil discoveries in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico,” said Ryan Lance, chairman and chief executive officer. “Our base business is operating to plan, our development programs and major projects are performing as expected and we are on track to deliver production and margin improvements this year. We remain committed to our goal of 3 to 5 percent volume and margin growth, with a compelling dividend.”

Outlook

Consistent with prior guidance, second-quarter 2013 production from continuing operations is expected to be 1,440 to 1,470 MBOED, reflecting previously announced planned downtime and turnaround activity. Production from discontinued operations is expected to be approximately 40 MBOED for the second quarter of 2013. Full-year 2013 production from continuing operations is expected to be 1,485 to 1,520 MBOED.

The company has announced plans to dispose of its interests in Kashagan and its Algeria and Nigeria businesses. These transactions are expected to close in 2013, generating expected proceeds of approximately $8.5 billion.