Ecopetrol S.A.: STRONG OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL GOAL ACHIEVEMENT

Rhea-AI Summary

Ecopetrol (EC) reported strong operational and financial performance for 2024, with revenues of COP 133.3 trillion and net income of COP 14.9 trillion. The company achieved an EBITDA of COP 54.1 trillion with a 41% margin and maintained a gross debt/EBITDA ratio of 2.2x.

Key operational highlights include:

• Record production level of 746 kboed (1.2% YoY increase)
• 104% reserve replacement ratio, adding 260 MBPE
• Investment of USD 6,119 million
• Transported volumes of 1,119 kbd (+5.8%)
• Refining throughput of 414 kbd (-5.8%)

The company completed the acquisition of Repsol's CPO-09 field stake, adding 32 MBPE to reserves. The average reserve life stands at 7.6 years. Efficiency initiatives generated optimizations worth COP 5.3 trillion across EBITDA, capex, and working capital.

Positive

• Record production level of 746 kboed (+1.2% YoY)
• Strong reserve replacement ratio of 104%
• Transported volumes increased 5.8% to 1,119 kbd
• COP 5.3 trillion in cost optimizations achieved
• Successful acquisition of CPO-09 field adding 32 MBPE reserves

Negative

• Refining throughput declined 5.8% to 414 kbd
• Crude oil basket differential decreased to USD 6.5/bl from USD 8.7/bl in 2023

Insights

Financial Analyst

Ecopetrol's 2024 financial results demonstrate robust performance across key metrics despite challenging market conditions. The company reported COP 133.3 trillion in revenues, COP 14.9 trillion in net income, and an impressive COP 54.1 trillion EBITDA with a 41% EBITDA margin – exceptionally strong for the energy sector.

The company's capital discipline is evident in its healthy debt profile with a gross debt/EBITDA ratio of 2.2x, well within manageable levels for an integrated energy company. Their 10.2% return on capital employed (ROACE) indicates efficient use of invested capital, particularly noteworthy in a capital-intensive industry.

Most impressive is Ecopetrol's efficiency program, which delivered a substantial COP 5.3 trillion in optimizations across EBITDA, capex, and working capital – demonstrating management's commitment to operational excellence. The USD 6.1 billion investment program (COP 24.9 trillion) shows continued commitment to growth while maintaining financial discipline.

The improved crude oil basket differential of USD 6.5/bl versus USD 8.7/bl in 2023 reflects successful commercial strategy execution through geographic diversification and enhanced trading capabilities. This optimization directly benefits the bottom line by capturing higher realized prices compared to benchmark crude.

With solid financial metrics, successful efficiency initiatives, and strategic investments across traditional and transitional energy sectors, Ecopetrol is well-positioned to create sustainable shareholder value despite industry headwinds.

Energy Industry Analyst

Ecopetrol's operational achievements in 2024 mark significant milestones for the company's core hydrocarbon business. Their production reached 746 kboed – the highest level in nine years and a 1.2% year-over-year increase. In a mature production region like Colombia, any production growth is noteworthy and demonstrates effective field management and development strategy.

The 104% reserve replacement ratio is particularly critical, as it indicates Ecopetrol is more than replenishing the resources it extracts. The company incorporated 260 MBPE of new reserves, maintaining its average reserve life at 7.6 years. The strategic acquisition of full ownership in the CPO-09 field from Repsol added 32 MBPE, showcasing smart inorganic growth to complement organic reserve additions.

Midstream operations exceeded targets with transported volumes of 1,119 kbd, representing a 5.8% increase. While downstream refining throughput decreased 5.8% to 414 kbd, this was planned and managed through scheduled maintenance activities, with high operational availability of 94.5%.

Beyond traditional energy, Ecopetrol is making strategic moves into energy transition initiatives. The approval of Phase III of the Coral project will enable production of up to 880 tons per day of green hydrogen at the Cartagena Refinery – representing a substantial clean energy capability. Additionally, their energy optimization of 4.17 PJ delivered emissions reductions of 349,735 tons of CO2e while generating cost savings of approximately COP 128 billion.

The extension of their Permian joint venture, combined with ISA's contribution to transmission infrastructure, creates a balanced portfolio that bridges current energy needs while building future capabilities – essential for long-term resilience in a transitioning energy landscape.

BOGOTA, Colombia , March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 2024 concluded with a robust operating performance that boosted our results across the company aligned with the goals set out at the beginning of the year. We introduced a solid financial and investment plan for 2025, which is the result of a rigorous planning process of the entire Ecopetrol Group, aiming to create sustainable value for our shareholders. Through our efficiencies program on EBITDA, capex and working capital, we achieved historic optimizations for COP 5.3 trillion.

In 2024, we registered revenues of COP 133.3 trillion, net income of COP 14.9 trillion, an EBITDA of COP 54.1 trillion, and an EBITDA margin of 41%. The gross debt/EBITDA ratio was 2.2 times and the return on capital employed (ROACE) was 10.2%. We invested USD 6,119 million (COP 24.9 trillion), with organic investments of USD 5,880 million (COP 23.9 trillion) and inorganic growth of USD 239 million (~COP 1 trillion). We contribute to the country with total transfers to our shareholders amounting COP 42 trillion.

In the hydrocarbons business line, we highlight a 104% reserve replacement, incorporating 260 MBPE. Our consolidated current assets reached a reserves replacement ratio of 111% and in Colombia 121%, proving their potential. Furthermore, thanks to the closing of the transaction with Repsol, where we became the sole owner of the CPO-09 field, we added 32 MBPE to our reserves. The average reserve life stands at 7.6 years, of which 7.8 years correspond to liquids and 6.7 years to gas. Moreover, we highlight the extension of the Joint Venture in the Permian. Our production's positive performance, stood at 746 kboed, exceeding the year's expectations, representing a 1.2% increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, in the midstream we surpassed our target with transported volumes of 1,119 kbd (+5.8) and in the downstream, we successfully completed the annual plan of plant shutdowns and major maintenances, achieving a refining throughput of 414 kbd (-5.8), highlighting an operational availability of 94.5% 

These results were also supported by an effective commercial strategy, where crude oil inventory realization allowed ending the year without inventories in transit. The accounting differential of the crude oil basket was USD 6.5/bl compared to USD 8.7/bl in 2023. This improvement was achieved through our geographic diversification enhanced by our trading branches in Colombia, United States and Singapore, capturing market opportunities, and maximizing benefits for the Group. In the same vein, in 4Q24, third party crude trading operations were carried out with WTI Midland, Vasconia, and Oriente crude oils, for a total of 1.6 million barrels destined to USA, Africa, and Jamaica, leveraging the business strategic goals, and allowing us to improve Ecopetrol's position as for intermediate and light crude oil.

As regards to Energies for the Transition, we emphasize an energy optimization of 4,17 PJ with an impact on 349,735 tons of CO2e, and savings around COP 128 billion in the operations of the Ecopetrol Group. Further, in 4Q24, we stress the approval of Phase III of the Coral project, with a production capacity up to 880 tons per day of green hydrogen at the Cartagena Refinery. 

Finally, in Transmission and Toll Roads, ISA was awarded the first tender of the Transmission Mission Plan of the Mining-Energy Planning Unit (UPME) to guarantee and secure the reliability of the electrical system of the Colombian Caribbean coast. Likewise, we recognize the ISA's relevant contribution to the Ecopetrol's Group EBITDA.

Looking ahead in 2025, we will continue adding value and profitability to our shareholders based on strict capital discipline, efficiencies and the strengthening of our traditional business to reinforce energies for the transition. All the above, framed in a solid corporate governance and robust institutional framework. I thank all the employees of the Ecopetrol Group for their hard work in 2024 and encourage them to keep moving forward along this new year.

Ricardo Roa Barragán
President of Ecopetrol S.A.

The Ecopetrol Business Group achieved: i) the highest production level in the last 9 years at 746 kboed, ii) a record sales volume of 1,012 kboed, iii) high levels of capital investment amounting to USD 6.1 billion, iv) efficiencies incorporation by COP 5.3 trillion and, v) a reserve replacement ratio of 104%. These achievements enabled the EBITDA generation of COP 54.1 trillion, a net income attributable to shareholders of COP 14.9 trillion and an EBITDA margin of 41%, in an environment of lower prices, inflation and external challenges.

Table 1: Financial Summary Income Statement - Ecopetrol Group

Billion (COP)		4Q 2024	4Q 2023	∆ ($)	∆ (%)		12M 2024	12M 2023	∆ ($)	∆ (%)
Total revenue		34,792	34,794	(2)	(0.0 %)		133,328	143,079	(9,751)	(6.8 %)
Depreciation, amortization and depletion		3,789	3,540	249	7.0 %		14,646	13,205	1,441	10.9 %
Variable costs		14,092	14,224	(132)	(0.9 %)		50,545	55,906	(5,361)	(9.6 %)
Fixed costs		6,313	5,543	770	13.9 %		21,290	19,067	2,223	11.7 %
Total cost of sales		24,194	23,307	887	3.8 %		86,481	88,178	(1,697)	(1.9 %)
Gross income		10,598	11,487	(889)	(7.7 %)		46,847	54,901	(8,054)	(14.7 %)
Operating and exploratory expenses		1,657	3,787	(2,130)	(56.2 %)		9,254	11,155	(1,901)	(17.0 %)
Operating income		8,941	7,700	1,241	16.1 %		37,593	43,746	(6,153)	(14.1 %)
Financial result, net		(2,376)	(1,486)	(890)	59.9 %		(8,519)	(5,665)	(2,854)	50.4 %
Share of profit of companies		262	199	63	31.7 %		764	805	(41)	(5.1 %)
Income before income tax		6,827	6,413	414	6.5 %		29,838	38,886	(9,048)	(23.3 %)
Provision for income tax		(2,502)	(454)	(2,048)	451.1 %		(10,921)	(14,692)	3,771	(25.7 %)
Consolidated net income		4,325	5,959	(1,634)	(27.4 %)		18,917	24,194	(5,277)	(21.8 %)
Non-controlling interest		(1,132)	(851)	(281)	33.0 %		(4,680)	(4,243)	(437)	10.3 %
Net income attributable to owners of Ecopetrol before impairment		3,193	5,108	(1,915)	(37.5 %)		14,237	19,951	(5,714)	(28.6 %)
(Expense) income from impairment of long-term assets		876	(2,087)	2,963	(142.0 %)		867	(2,098)	2,965	(141.3 %)
Deferred tax on impairment		(171)	1,207	(1,378)	(114.2 %)		(169)	1,209	(1,378)	(114.0 %)
Net income attributable to owners of Ecopetrol		3,898	4,228	(330)	(7.8 %)		14,935	19,062	(4,127)	(21.7 %)
EBITDA		11,877	12,251	(374)	(3.1 %)		54,143	60,718	(6,575)	(10.8 %)
EBITDA Margin		34.1 %	35.2 %	-	(1.1 %)		40.6 %	42.4 %	-	(1.8 %)

The figures included in this report are audited and are expressed in billions of Colombian pesos (COP), or United States dollars (USD), or thousands of barrels of oil equivalent per day (kboed) or tons and are indicated as such when applicable. For the purposes of presentation, certain figures in this report were rounded to the nearest decimal place.

Forward-looking Statements: This release may contain forward-looking statements related to business prospects, estimates for operating and financial results, and growth of Ecopetrol. These are projections and, as such, are based solely on management's expectations regarding the future of the Company and its permanent access to capital to fund its business plan. Such forward-looking statements depend, basically, on changes in market conditions, government regulations, competitive pressures, the performance of the Colombian economy and the industry, without limitation thereto; therefore, they are subject to change without prior notice.

Contact:  investors@ecopetrol.com.co 

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SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A.

FAQ

What was Ecopetrol's (EC) production level and growth in 2024?

Ecopetrol achieved 746 kboed production in 2024, the highest in 9 years, representing a 1.2% increase from 2023.

How much did Ecopetrol (EC) invest in 2024?

Ecopetrol invested USD 6,119 million, with USD 5,880 million in organic investments and USD 239 million in inorganic growth.

What was Ecopetrol's (EC) reserve replacement ratio in 2024?

Ecopetrol achieved a 104% reserve replacement ratio, incorporating 260 MBPE, with 121% in Colombia.

What financial efficiencies did Ecopetrol (EC) achieve in 2024?

Ecopetrol achieved historic optimizations of COP 5.3 trillion through efficiencies in EBITDA, capex, and working capital.

What was Ecopetrol's (EC) EBITDA and margin in 2024?

Ecopetrol generated an EBITDA of COP 54.1 trillion with a 41% margin.