Skip to main content

Equinor launches USD 3 billion action plan to strengthen financial resilience in 2020

Equinor (OSE:EQNR, NYSE:EQNR) presents updated outlook for 2020 and an around USD 3 billion action plan to strengthen the financial resilience in a market impacted by the COVID-19 and low commodity prices. Equinor can be organic cash flow neutral (1) before capital distribution in 2020 with an average oil price around USD 25 per barrel for the remaining part of the year.The main elements of the action plan are:Reducing organic capex for 2020 from USD 10-11 billion to around USD 8.5 billion, a reduction of around 20%.Reducing exploration activity for 2020 from around USD 1.4 billion to around USD 1 billion (2).Reducing operating (3) costs for 2020 by around USD 700 million compared to original estimates.Reductions in organic capex are driven by a strict process of prioritisation where flexibility of cost and schedule for sanctioned and non-sanctioned projects have been reviewed. Within US onshore activities, drilling and completion activities are being halted to produce the volumes at a later period, reducing investments significantly for 2020.These cost reductions come in addition to the already announced suspension of buy-back under the share buy-back programme until further notice. The second tranche of around USD 675 million, including the Norwegian State share, intended to be launched from around 18 May to 28 October 2020, will not be executed as previously planned.“Equinor is in a strong financial position to handle market volatility and uncertainty. Our strategy remains firm, and we are now taking actions to further strengthen our resilience in this situation with the spread of the corona virus and low commodity prices,” says president and CEO of Equinor ASA, Eldar Sætre“We have implemented measures to reduce the risk of spreading the corona virus and have so far been able to maintain production at all our fields. Safe operations remain our first priority in this situation,” says Sætre.Equinor has over the past years realised significant improvements and is today a stronger and more robust company. In 2014 Equinor needed an average oil price of around USD 100 per barrel to be organic cash flow neutral before capital distribution. With the measures now being implemented, Equinor can be organic cash flow neutral before capital distribution in 2020 with an average oil price around USD 25 per barrel for the remaining part of the year.Equinor has assumed an USD/NOK exchange rate of 11 for the remaining part of the year in its updated outlook.* * *(1) Excludes inorganic investments and potential redetermination. Based on taxes payable.(2) Assuming 75% exploration expensed and 25% capitalised.(3) Operating cost (excluding variable cost such as transportation and processing), sales and general administration and field development costs. Expensed exploration costs are not included.***Further information:Investor relations
Peter Hutton, senior vice president Investor Relations,
+44 7881 918 792 (mobile)
Press
Bård Glad Pedersen, vice president Media Relations,
+47 918 01 791 (mobile)
This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

Disclaimer & Cookie Notice

Welcome to GOLDEA services for Professionals

Before you continue, please confirm the following:

Professional advisers only

I am a professional adviser and would like to visit the GOLDEA CAPITAL for Professionals website.

Important Notice for Investors:

The services and products offered by Goldalea Capital Ltd. are intended exclusively for professional market participants as defined by applicable laws and regulations. This typically includes institutional investors, qualified investors, and high-net-worth individuals who have sufficient knowledge, experience, resources, and independence to assess the risks of trading on their own.

No Investment Advice:

The information, analyses, and market data provided are for general information purposes only and do not constitute individual investment advice. They should not be construed as a basis for investment decisions and do not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or individual needs of any recipient.

High Risks:

Trading in financial instruments is associated with significant risks and may result in the complete loss of the invested capital. Goldalea Capital Ltd. accepts no liability for losses incurred as a result of the use of the information provided or the execution of transactions.

Sole Responsibility:

The decision to invest or not to invest is solely the responsibility of the investor. Investors should obtain comprehensive information about the risks involved before making any investment decision and, if necessary, seek independent advice.

No Guarantees:

Goldalea Capital Ltd. makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. Markets are subject to constant change, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Regional Restrictions:

The services offered by Goldalea Capital Ltd. may not be available to all persons or in all countries. It is the responsibility of the investor to ensure that they are authorized to use the services offered.

Please note: This disclaimer is for general information purposes only and does not replace individual legal or tax advice.