Energy giant BP disclosed its financial performance for 2023, revealing the second-highest annual profit in a decade, albeit at half the previous year’s level. Despite a significant decline from the record-setting profits of 2022, which followed the spike in oil prices due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, BP reported profits of $13.8 billion for 2023.
The decrease in profits is attributed to the fall in oil prices throughout the year, impacting all energy firms. However, BP remains optimistic about its financial outlook and is accelerating plans to return cash to shareholders under its new chief executive, Murray Auchincloss.
While BP’s annual profits reflect a decline, excluding the exceptional results of 2022, the company’s figures for 2023 represent its largest profit since 2012. In the final quarter of 2023, BP exceeded expectations with profits of $3 billion, leading to a positive response in the stock market, with shares rising by over 5%.
BP intends to further reward investors with $1.75 billion in share buybacks in the first three months of 2024 and an additional $3.5 billion over the year’s first half. Despite anticipated higher oil production in the coming year, BP acknowledges a potential decrease in output from gas and low-carbon energy operations.
Environmental groups have criticized BP’s decision to scale back its plans for reducing oil and gas production by 2030, emphasizing the importance of a rapid transition to clean energy. However, some investor groups have urged BP to reconsider its targets, citing concerns over their feasibility.
Analysts suggest that BP’s focus on boosting shareholder value could act as a defense against potential takeover bids, highlighting the company’s performance as a key factor. Despite geopolitical tensions and disruptions in energy supplies, BP navigated through challenges, with oil prices stabilizing around $80 per barrel.
While the Energy Profits Levy scheme, introduced in response to the surge in energy prices following the Ukraine conflict, ended in June last year, BP still made significant tax contributions, including $720 million from its North Sea operations in 2023. The company continues to monitor developments, including recent attacks on shipping while adapting its operations accordingly.
BP’s resilience in market volatility underscores its commitment to delivering value to shareholders while navigating complex geopolitical and economic landscapes.
