Dec 19 2005
Hydro expects record-high earnings for 2005 due to high oil prices and improved aluminium prices, continued operational improvements and increased production of primary aluminium, the Norwegian energy and aluminium company said at its Capital Markets Day.
For 2006, Hydro will further step up exploration activities and ensure value creation from its strengthened oil and gas resource base. The company will shift its strategy in Aluminium, repositioning and strengthening its upstream business, while implementing urgent measures to turn around downstream activities.
“We have taken important steps to strengthen our oil and gas resources, and 2005 clearly marks a breakthrough for Hydro as an international oil company,” President and CEO Eivind Reiten said. “I’m pleased that Hydro will deliver the best results ever in our Centennial year. However, profitability in Aluminium remains unsatisfactory. Rampant energy costs represent an industry challenge. We will continue to reposition Aluminium with an increased focus on upstream activities, while reducing our exposure downstream.”
Hydro’s Capital Markets Day presentation includes the following information:
- 2006 oil and gas production target: 615,000 boe (barrels of oil equivalents) per day.
- Increased exploration activity: Hydro will participate in about 60 wells in 2006.
- Oil and gas production growth of about 6 percent for the period from 2005 through 2010. Expected 2010 production: 750,000 boe per day.
- Comprehensive information about Hydro’s oil and gas reserves and resources.
- At the end of 2005 Hydro’s expected oil and gas reserves from sanctioned projects are estimated to be about 3 billion boe. In addition, Hydro’s expected resources from non-sanctioned projects are estimated to be in the range of 0.8 billion boe.
- Confirmed production forecast for primary aluminium of about 2 million tonnes in 2010, including the planned new smelter in Qatar.
- Roadmap to increased profitability in Aluminium with a target of a 9 percent Return on average Capital Employed (RoaCE) in 2010.
- 2005 investments and exploration expenditures will amount to NOK 20 billion, excluding acquisitions, NOK 4 billion lower compared to previous estimates due to scaled back investments in Aluminium and lower investments in Oil & Energy.
- Adjustments to Hydro’s long-term prices used for investments.
- 2006 investments and exploration expenditures are expected to be NOK 30 billion, of which NOK 25 billion will be allocated to Oil & Energy, and NOK 4 billion to Aluminium.
- Dividend for 2005 in line with 2004 level, which was NOK 20 per share.
- All major Hydro-operated projects on track.
Hydro’s financial position is solid with the debt-equity ratio, including off balance-sheet pension and leasing obligations, remaining strong throughout 2005, also following the NOK 17 billion acquisition of Spinnaker Exploration in the fourth quarter. The company’s long-term target is a debt-equity ratio of about 0.5.
http://www.hydro.com/