Ecopetrol's 2024 Earnings Distribution Proposal

Rhea-AI Summary

Ecopetrol (NYSE: EC) has announced its 2024 earnings distribution proposal, approved by the board of directors for shareholder consideration on March 28, 2025. The proposal includes an ordinary dividend of COP 214 per share, representing a 58.9% payout of the company's 2024 net income.

The dividend payment structure differs between stakeholders: minority shareholders will receive payments in two equal installments on April 4 and June 27, 2025, while the majority shareholder's dividend will be paid by December 31, 2025, aligned with the Fuel Price Stabilization Fund debt schedule.

Additionally, the board proposes allocating COP 16.64 trillion to an occasional reserve to support financial sustainability and strategic flexibility.

Positive

• Dividend payout ratio of 58.9% of net income
• Significant reserve allocation of COP 16.64 trillion for financial sustainability
• Structured dividend payment plan ensuring financial stability

Negative

• Delayed dividend payment to majority shareholder until December 2025
• FEPC debt accumulation affecting payment schedule

Insights

Financial Analyst

Ecopetrol's 2024 earnings distribution proposal reveals a balanced approach between returning capital to shareholders and strengthening the company's financial position. The proposed COP 214 per share ordinary dividend represents a 58.9% payout of 2024 net income, demonstrating commitment to shareholder returns while retaining capital for future opportunities.

The bifurcated payment schedule—with minority shareholders receiving payments in April and June 2025, while the majority shareholder must wait until December 2025—appears strategically aligned with the company's cash flow management related to the Fuel Price Stabilization Fund debt. This structured approach helps Ecopetrol manage its liquidity throughout the year while still fulfilling obligations to all shareholders.

Particularly noteworthy is the substantial COP 16.64 trillion allocation to an occasional reserve, representing a significant financial cushion. This reserve creation suggests management is prioritizing financial flexibility amid potential market volatility or preparing for strategic investments in the energy transition space.

The proposal reflects Ecopetrol's pragmatic financial management by maintaining dividend continuity while simultaneously strengthening its balance sheet. The allocation between dividends and reserves indicates a forward-looking strategy that balances immediate shareholder returns with long-term financial sustainability in a challenging energy market.

BOGOTA, Colombia, March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) ("Ecopetrol" or the "Company") hereby announces the Company's proposal for the distribution of 2024 earnings, which has been approved by its board of directors, and is intended to be submitted for the consideration of the General Shareholders' Meeting that will be held on March 28, 2025:

2024 EARNINGS DISTRIBUTION PROPOSAL (Colombian Pesos- COP)
Net income after provision for income tax	14,934,704,561,251
+ Release of reserves from previous years	12,502,312,256,016
Occasional reserve for sustainability	11,993,230,652,653
Excess fiscal depreciation reserve (Art.130 ET.)	509,081,603,363
- Legal reserves of the current year	2,002,552,059,488
Legal reserve (10%)	1,493,470,456,125
Excess fiscal depreciation reserve (Art. 130 ET.)	509,081,603,363
Available to the Shareholders	25,434,464,757,779
It is proposed to distribute as follows:
Ordinary Dividend According to dividend policy (Payout1 58.9% of Net Income)	8,798,972,663,702
Allocated to occasional reserve for sustainability	16,635,492,094,077
Total:	25,434,464,757,779
Total dividend payable	214

 

1 A 59% dividend payout ratio established within the policy range was applied to the net income, resulting in a dividend per share with decimals, which was rounded to the nearest number in COP/share. The payout percentage shown is rounded to the first decimal place.

The earnings distribution proposal, consistent with the Company's current dividend policy, proposes an ordinary dividend distribution of COP 214 per share, equivalent to a payout of 58.9% of Ecopetrol S.A.'s net income in 2024.

The dividends payment to minority shareholders is proposed to be made in two equal installments on April 4 and June 27 of 2025. On the other hand, the dividend due to our majority shareholder is proposed to be made no later than December 31, 2025, in coordination with the defined payment schedule for the balance of the Fuel Price Stabilization Fund (FEPC) debt, corresponding to its accumulation in 2024.

Moreover, the board of directors proposes the allocation of COP 16,635,492,094,077 to an occasional reserve to support the Company's financial sustainability and flexibility in the execution of its strategy.

Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 19,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector. 

This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases, or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company's prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company's business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company's competitiveness and the performance of Colombia's economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. 

For more information, please contact: 

Head of Capital Markets
Carolina Tovar Aragón
Email: investors@ecopetrol.com.co 

Head of Corporate Communications (Colombia)
Marcela Ulloa
Email: marcela.ulloa@ecopetrol.com.co 

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SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A.

FAQ

What is Ecopetrol's proposed dividend per share for 2024 earnings?

Ecopetrol (EC) proposed an ordinary dividend of COP 214 per share, representing 58.9% of its 2024 net income.

When will Ecopetrol (EC) pay dividends to minority shareholders in 2025?

Minority shareholders will receive dividends in two equal installments on April 4 and June 27, 2025.

How much is Ecopetrol allocating to its occasional reserve from 2024 earnings?

Ecopetrol is allocating COP 16.64 trillion to an occasional reserve for financial sustainability and strategic flexibility.

What is the payment timeline for Ecopetrol's majority shareholder dividends?

The majority shareholder's dividend payment is scheduled for no later than December 31, 2025, coordinated with the FEPC debt payment schedule.