Investing.com -- Shares of OMV AG (ETR:OMVV) (VIE:OMV) fell by 1.2% as the market reacted to the company’s fourth-quarter earnings report.
Despite a 14% beat on Clean CCS Net Income, which came in at €555 million compared to the consensus of €487 million, the company’s cash flow from operations before working capital changes lagged behind expectations, contributing to the downward pressure on the stock.
The energy company’s Clean CCS Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) for the quarter were €1,375 million, aligning with the consensus of €1,381 million. OMV’s Energy EBIT outperformed expectations by 8%, reaching €1,241 million against a consensus of €1,150 million, attributed to lower production costs and exploration expenses.
However, the Fuels & Feedstock segment underperformed, with an EBIT of €112 million falling short of the consensus estimate of €204 million. The company’s Chemicals & Materials (C&M) EBIT was also slightly below consensus at €81 million versus €83 million.
The shortfall in cash flow from operations before working capital changes, which was 10% below consensus, was likely due to higher cash taxes and changes in provisions and emission certificates. Nevertheless, OMV managed to reduce its net debt by €0.3 billion to €1.5 billion.
Looking ahead, OMV provided guidance for FY25, outlining capital expenditures and production targets that were generally in line with expectations. The company anticipates refining margins of $6 per barrel, with a utilization rate of 85-90%, and expects improved margins and utilization in the Chemicals & Materials sector.
Jefferies analysts commented on the results, stating, "A positive update overall, mainly driven by a higher-than-expected DPS (set at €4.75 is ahead of Cons €4.68, regular dividend increases to €3.05/sh from €3.00/sh). 4Q results look relatively inline with better-than-expected Energy results, offset by lower-than-expected results in Fuels & Feedstock."
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