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    CVX
    Earnings call· Sep 2025(Q3 FY25)

    CHEVRON CORP CVX

    Oct 31, 2025 Source

    Executive summary

    Chevron Q3 FY25 — Record Production and Strong Cash Generation

    Chevron delivered record production and robust cash generation in Q3 FY25, driven by strong upstream performance, successful Hess integration, and significant cost savings. The company is focused on capital efficiency and disciplined growth, with an eye towards long-term value creation and consistent shareholder returns, despite a dynamic global macro environment. Management also outlined a shift towards more frontier exploration.

    Highlights

    5
    • Worldwide production exceeded 4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, driven by strong growth and high reliability.

    • Adjusted free cash flow was $7 billion, more than covering $6 billion in shareholder distributions.

    • Structural cost savings program achieved approximately $1.5 billion in annual run-rate savings so far.

    • Permian production was 60,000 barrels a day over the 1 million-barrel plateau, driven by efficiency gains.

    • Hess integration is on track, with synergies being realized and asset performance exceeding expectations, contributing $150 million to adjusted earnings.

    Concerns

    3
    • A fire occurred at the El Segundo refinery, though no serious injuries were reported.

    • Other segment earnings decreased due to higher interest expense, corporate charges, and unfavorable tax effects.

    • Adjusted third quarter earnings were down $900 million versus last year.

    Guidance & targets

    8
    CategoryTargetConfidence
    Full year organic CapEx
    $17 billion to $17.5 billion
    high materiality
    High
    Full year average production growth (excluding legacy Hess)
    top end of our 6% to 8% guidance range
    high materiality
    High
    Hess annual run-rate synergies
    $1 billion
    medium materiality
    High
    TCO loan repayments
    2 loan repayments
    medium materiality
    High
    Namibia well drilling
    a well
    low materiality
    Medium
    CPChem project IRR
    20% type IRR expectations
    medium materiality
    High
    Permian production
    probably plateauing
    high materiality
    Medium
    Permian NOJV activity levels
    not seeing a lot of change
    medium materiality
    High

    Segment performance

    3
    SegmentRevenueYoYQoQMargin
    Upstream
    Adjusted Upstream earnings increased sequentially due to higher liftings, partially offset by higher DD&A. Earnings decreased year-over-year due to lower liquids realizations and higher DD&A, including the impacts of the Hess acquisition.
    Legacy Hess assets contributed $150M to adjusted earningsHigher liftings QoQLower liquids realizations YoYHigher DD&A YoY from increased production at TCO, Gulf of America, Permian
    increased (QoQ), decreased (YoY)
    Downstream
    Adjusted Downstream earnings increased sequentially due to higher refining volumes, improved chemical margins, and favorable timing and OpEx results. Earnings were higher year-over-year primarily due to improved refining margins.
    Higher refining volumes QoQImproved chemical margins QoQFavorable timing and OpEx results QoQImproved refining margins YoY
    increased (QoQ), higher (YoY)
    Other segment
    The Other segment earnings decreased both sequentially and year-over-year mainly due to higher interest expense, corporate charges, and unfavorable tax effects.
    Higher interest expenseCorporate chargesUnfavorable tax effects
    decreased (QoQ), down (YoY)

    Operational metrics

    15
    Adjusted earnings
    $3.6 billionup $575 million vs last quarter
    Q3 FY25

    Adjusted earnings for the quarter.

    Adjusted EPS
    $1.85
    Q3 FY25

    Adjusted earnings per share.

    Special items
    $235 million
    Q3 FY25

    Included in the quarter's earnings.

    Foreign currency effects
    $147 million
    Q3 FY25

    Increased earnings by this amount.

    Adjusted earnings (YoY)
    $3.6 billiondown $900 million vs last year
    Q3 FY25

    Adjusted earnings compared to the prior year.

    Structural cost savings
    $1.5 billion
    annual run-rate

    Achieved through the new operating model, with further benefits expected in Q4.

    Cash returned to shareholders
    $6 billion
    Q3 FY25

    Total cash returned to shareholders.

    Oil equivalent production (total)
    4 million boe/dup 690,000 barrels per day from last quarter
    Q3 FY25

    Worldwide production exceeded this level.

    Legacy Hess production contribution
    690,000 barrels per day
    Q3 FY25

    Contribution from legacy Hess assets to sequential production growth.

    TCO loan repayment
    $1 billion
    Q3 FY25

    First loan repayment from TCO.

    Permian production
    60,000 barrels a day over 1 million-barrel plateau
    Q3 FY25

    Permian production exceeded the 1 million-barrel plateau.

    Permian drilling efficiency
    40% more productivevs a few years ago
    current

    Increased productivity in drilling wells in the Permian.

    Argentina expected production
    25,000 barrels a day
    2025

    Modest growth expected in Argentina for 2025.

    Organic Capital Expenditure
    $4.4 billion
    Q3 FY25

    Organic CapEx for the quarter.

    Portfolio weighting
    85% upstream, 15% downstream
    post Hess

    Portfolio mix after the Hess acquisition.

    Industry KPIs

    3
    MetricValueDetails
    D c efficiency rig activity40% more productive%
    Basin level production volume60,000 barrels a day over the 1 million-barrel plateauboe/d
    FCF shareholder distributions$7 billion FCF, $6 billion distributionsUSD

    Deals & partnerships

    3
    HessIntegration of Hess assets, including Bakken and Guyana operations.

    Integration is on track, synergies being realized, and asset performance exceeded expectations. Yellowtail start-up and Hammerhead FID in Guyana noted.

    YPFPartnership in the Vaca Muerta at Loma Campana.

    Partnered with YPF in the South at Loma Campana in the Vaca Muerta.

    Qatar EnergyPartnership in CPChem for world-scale petrochemical facilities.

    Two very large facilities coming on stream in partnership with Qatar Energy next year, through a joint venture in CPChem and a further venture with QE.

    Risks & headwinds

    5
    El Segundo refinery fireQ3 FY25

    no serious injuries

    Mitigation: Cooperating with regulatory agencies, internal investigation underway, top priority is safety, continue to meet supply commitments.

    Higher interest expense, corporate charges, and unfavorable tax effectsQ3 FY25

    Other segment earnings decreased

    Mitigation: Implied by structural cost savings program, but not directly linked to these specific items.

    California policy backdrop impacting refining marketongoing

    supply has tightened

    Mitigation: Looking for ways to meet demand (marine imports, pipelines), continue to compete and deliver acceptable returns.

    Macro market oversupply in 2026 for oil2026

    Permian rig count at multiyear lows

    Mitigation: Most companies guiding to flattish/slightly reduced CapEx, Permian production likely plateauing.

    TCO planned pit stopQ4 FY25

    production come off in the fourth quarter

    Mitigation: Planned maintenance, part of normal operations.

    What to watch in Q4 FY25

    5

    TCO Production Impact from Pit Stop

    Q4 FY25
    Currentvery reliable production, running at planned nameplate
    Targetproduction come off in the fourth quarter

    Why it matters

    TCO is a significant contributor to earnings and affiliate dividends, and its performance post-pit stop will impact Q4 results and future guidance.

    Given that in fourth quarter, we've got a pit stop plan for TCO. So you'll see production come off in the fourth quarter due to that pit stop.

    Q&A highlights

    8

    What drove the strong Permian production results, and is it due to better field results or broader industry efficiency trends?

    Mike Wirth attributed strong Permian performance (60,000 bbl/d over 1 million-barrel plateau) to efficiency gains, fewer rigs/completion spreads, and technology. He emphasized the focus on cash generation and efficient execution, noting production will fluctuate.

    We've been able to continue to deliver strong performance with fewer rigs, fewer completion spreads, a lot of progress on little things including technology.

    asked by Sam Margolin · answered by Michael Wirth

    2 min read7 chapters

    Detailed Narrative

    01

    Hess Integration and Performance

    The integration of Hess assets is progressing well, with synergies being realized and asset performance exceeding expectations. Legacy Hess assets contributed $150 million to adjusted earnings in the quarter, and the company confirmed it will deliver $1 billion in annual run-rate synergies this year. Management also highlighted the quality of Hess employees and their contribution to Chevron.

    02

    Upstream Production Milestones

    Chevron achieved record worldwide production exceeding 4 million boe/d, driven by strong growth and high reliability across its upstream portfolio. Key drivers included robust performance in the Permian, the Gulf of America (where the Ballymore tieback project reached design capacity ahead of schedule), and TCO, which operated safely and reliably at planned nameplate capacity.

    03

    Capital Efficiency and Cost Discipline

    The company continues to emphasize capital efficiency, particularly in the Permian, where strong production is maintained with fewer rigs and completion spreads due to efficiency gains. Furthermore, the new operating model has successfully generated approximately $1.5 billion in annual run-rate structural cost savings, with further benefits expected in the fourth quarter.

    04

    Exploration Strategy Shift

    Chevron is evolving its exploration strategy to adopt a more balanced approach. This involves expanding beyond near-infrastructure opportunities to include early entry into high-impact frontier areas such as the South Atlantic margin (Suriname, Brazil, Namibia), the Middle East, and the West Coast of South America. This shift will be supported by increased resource commitment and the application of new technologies.

    05

    California Refining Market Dynamics

    The California refining market is experiencing significant changes, primarily driven by policy decisions that have led to supply tightening through shutdowns and conversions. While marine imports and ambitious pipeline projects are being explored to address demand, the company acknowledges the complex permitting and construction challenges involved. Chevron continues to evaluate its strong refining and marketing presence in the state amidst these evolving dynamics.

    06

    Argentina's Potential

    Chevron sees significant long-term potential in Argentina's Vaca Muerta, citing the high quality of the subsurface and encouraging macroeconomic improvements under the current administration. While near-term plans remain cautious, with modest growth expected in 2025 (25,000 bbl/d), continued progress in policy reforms could position Argentina as a highly competitive destination for future capital investment.

    07

    Portfolio Mix and Downstream Strategy

    Post-Hess acquisition, Chevron's portfolio maintains an approximate 85% upstream to 15% downstream weighting, a mix the company is comfortable with. While not seeking to significantly increase downstream exposure, Chevron identifies long-term demand growth and economic opportunities in petrochemicals, with new world-scale facilities in partnership with Qatar Energy expected to come online next year.

    AI-generated summary of the company’s earnings call. Not investment advice.