Chevron will write down assets by at least $10 billion
Chevron Corp said Tuesday it will book a charge of at least $10 billion because lower longterm prices for oil and natural gas will reduce the value of its assets.
More than half the writedown is related to gas drilling operations in Appalachia.
The huge fourth-quarter write-down – between $10 billion and $11 billion – underscores the challenge posed by rising production that has prevented energy prices from increasing sharply during a time of increasing global demand.
Chevron said it will reduce spending on some investments including Appalachian shale, a liquefied gas terminal in British Columbia, and other international projects. The company said it is evaluating options including selling those assets.
The San Ramon, Californiabased company disclosed the estimated charge as it announced that capital and exploration spending next year will be held flat at $20 billion. Chevron will focus on operations in the Permian Basin of west Texas and New Mexico, a big project in Kazakhstan, and deepwater drilling opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico.
Chairman and CEO Michael Wirth said the company must invest in its best assets.
“With capital discipline and a conservative outlook comes the responsibility to make the tough choices necessary to deliver higher cash returns to our shareholders over the long term,” he said in a statement.
In trading before the announcement, Chevron shares rose 59 cents to close at $117.89. (AP)