Energy: BP Profit Soars to Record $28B

Facts

• On Tuesday, British Petroleum (BP) reported a record profit of $28B for 2022. The company increased its dividend to 10% in a sign of confidence in the market’s continued strength.
• Underlying replacement cost profit — BP's definition of net income — reached $4.8B in the fourth quarter compared with analysts' forecasts of a $5B profit.
• The company's results were harmed by weaker gas trading following a strong third quarter, increased refinery maintenance, and lower oil and gas prices.
• Energy companies are reporting record profits after the price of oil surged in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. These new earnings have prompted calls for further taxation on the industry as consumers continue to struggle with energy costs.
• BP also announced plans to repurchase $2.75B worth of stock over the next three months and has already bought back $11.7B worth of shares in 2022.

Sources: Reuters, MSN, MSN, US News & World Report, and The Irish Times.

Narratives

• Left narrative, as provided by Fairness Foundation. Oil giants have gained excess profits due to the war in Ukraine and the rapid rise of energy prices. A more serious and fair windfall tax on energy companies' profits would redress the imbalance between companies' contributions to the state and their earnings and help struggling families pay their rapidly increasing utility bills. Individuals are obligated to contribute to society through taxes and other forms of support, and companies must do so too.
• Right narrative, as provided by Spectator. Windfall taxes weren't a good idea in the first place, and increasing them will have serious repercussions. While they may seem like an obvious solution to the UK's growing hole in public finances, in reality, it's a short-term crutch that will lead to a new set of problems down the road. They discourage domestic investment and send the dangerous message to businesses that success must be accompanied by a heavy price.