Q2 2026 Repsol SA Earnings Call
Operator: Hello, welcome to Repsol's Second Quarter 2026 Results Conference Call. Today's conference will be conducted by Mr. Josu Jon Imaz, CEO, and a brief introduction will be given by Mr. Pablo Bannatyne, Head of Investor Relations. I would now like to hand the call over to Mr. Bannatyne. Sir, you may begin.
Operator: Hello, welcome to Repsol's Second Quarter 2026 Results Conference Call. Today's conference will be conducted by Mr. Josu Jon Imaz, CEO, and a brief introduction will be given by Mr. Pablo Bannatyne, Head of Investor Relations. I would now like to hand the call over to Mr. Bannatyne. Sir, you may begin.
Speaker #1: Hello, and welcome to the Repsol second quarter 2026 results conference call. Today's conference will be conducted by Mr. Josu Jon Imaz, CEO, and a brief introduction will be given by Mr. Pablo Bonatine, Head of Investor Relations.
Speaker #1: I would now like to hand the call over to Mr. Bonatine. Sir, you may begin.
Speaker #2: Thank you, operator, and good morning to everyone joining us today. Welcome to Repsol's second quarter 2026 results presentation. Today's conference call will be hosted by Josu Jon Imaz, our Chief Executive Officer, with other members of the executive team joining us as well.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, operator, good morning to everyone joining us today. Welcome to Repsol's Q2 2026 results presentation. Today's conference call will be hosted by Josu Jon Imaz, our Chief Executive Officer, with other members of the executive team joining us as well. At the end of the presentation, we will be available for a Q&A session. Before we begin, let me remind you that during this presentation, we may make forward-looking statements based on estimates. Actual results may differ materially depending on a number of factors, as indicated on our disclaimer. With that, I will hand the conference call over to Josu Jon.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, operator, good morning to everyone joining us today. Welcome to Repsol's Q2 2026 results presentation. Today's conference call will be hosted by Josu Jon Imaz, our Chief Executive Officer, with other members of the executive team joining us as well. At the end of the presentation, we will be available for a Q&A session. Before we begin, let me remind you that during this presentation, we may make forward-looking statements based on estimates. Actual results may differ materially depending on a number of factors, as indicated on our disclaimer. With that, I will hand the conference call over to Josu Jon.
Speaker #2: At the end of the presentation, we will be available for a Q&A session. Before we begin, let me remind you that during this presentation, we may make forward-looking statements based on estimates.
Speaker #2: Actual results may differ materially depending on a number of factors, as indicated in our disclaimer. With that, I will hand the conference call over to Joseon.
Speaker #3: Thank you, Pablo. Good morning, and welcome to everyone. Repsol delivered a strong set of results and strategic execution in the second quarter of 2026.
Josu Jon Imaz: Thank you, Pablo. Good morning, welcome to everyone. Repsol delivered a strong set of results and strategic execution in Q2 2026, operating under a highly volatile commodity environment shaped by a complex and evolving geopolitical scenario. Tensions, as you perfectly know, around the Strait of Hormuz disrupted energy trade flows, resulting in an estimated 1.3 billion barrels of oil supply lost due to the crisis and the shutdown of nearly 3 million barrels per day of refining capacity. Despite multiple attempts to deescalate the situation, agreements for the reopening of the strait were repeatedly broken down until a ceasefire was announced in June. The collapse of these peace negotiations in July has generated extreme volatility to this date. The conflict brought into focus the importance of security of supply, diversification of energy sources, production of domestic resources, and protection of European Union refining capacity.
Josu Jon Imaz: Thank you, Pablo. Good morning, welcome to everyone. Repsol delivered a strong set of results and strategic execution in Q2 2026, operating under a highly volatile commodity environment shaped by a complex and evolving geopolitical scenario. Tensions, as you perfectly know, around the Strait of Hormuz disrupted energy trade flows, resulting in an estimated 1.3 billion barrels of oil supply lost due to the crisis and the shutdown of nearly 3 million barrels per day of refining capacity. Despite multiple attempts to deescalate the situation, agreements for the reopening of the strait were repeatedly broken down until a ceasefire was announced in June. The collapse of these peace negotiations in July has generated extreme volatility to this date. The conflict brought into focus the importance of security of supply, diversification of energy sources, production of domestic resources, and protection of European Union refining capacity.
Speaker #3: Operating under a highly volatile commodity environment, shaped by a complex and evolving geopolitical scenario. Tensions are well known around the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting energy trade flows and resulting in an estimated 1.3 billion barrels of oil supply lost due to the crisis and the shutdown of nearly 3 million barrels per day of refining capacity.
Speaker #3: Despite multiple attempts to de-escalate the situation, agreements for the reopening of the strait were repeatedly broken down until a ceasefire was announced in June.
Speaker #3: The collapse of these peace negotiations in July has generated extreme volatility to this date. The conflict brought into focus the importance of security of supply, diversification of energy sources, reduction of domestic resources, and protection of European Union refining capacity.
Speaker #3: In this context, Repsol remains fully committed to ensuring security of supply, while continuing to deliver on its well-established priorities: growing cash flow, enhancing shareholder returns, and allocating capital in a disciplined manner, all while preserving a strong financial position.
Josu Jon Imaz: In this context, Repsol remains fully committed to ensuring security of supply while continuing to deliver on its well-established priorities, growing cash flow, enhancing shareholder returns, and allocating capital in a disciplined manner, all while preserving a strong financial position. Furthermore, our performance demonstrated once again the strength of Repsol's business model. Our advantage, Atlantic Basin positioning, flexible Tier 1 refining, and diversified sourcing capabilities allow us to maintain stable operations, ensuring continuity of supply to our customers while capturing value across the portfolio. In particular, the industrial division benefits from a strong momentum in the refining, chemicals, and trading businesses as market dynamics evolved into a scenario of factual physical supply disruptions. In the upstream, the first oil achieved at Pikka represents a major milestone to consolidate the United States as one of the primary drivers of our growth, incorporating a world-class asset with a long-life plateau.
Josu Jon Imaz: In this context, Repsol remains fully committed to ensuring security of supply while continuing to deliver on its well-established priorities, growing cash flow, enhancing shareholder returns, and allocating capital in a disciplined manner, all while preserving a strong financial position. Furthermore, our performance demonstrated once again the strength of Repsol's business model. Our advantage, Atlantic Basin positioning, flexible Tier 1 refining, and diversified sourcing capabilities allow us to maintain stable operations, ensuring continuity of supply to our customers while capturing value across the portfolio. In particular, the industrial division benefits from a strong momentum in the refining, chemicals, and trading businesses as market dynamics evolved into a scenario of factual physical supply disruptions. In the upstream, the first oil achieved at Pikka represents a major milestone to consolidate the United States as one of the primary drivers of our growth, incorporating a world-class asset with a long-life plateau.
Speaker #3: Furthermore, our performance demonstrated once again the strength of Repsol's business model. Our advantaged Atlantic basin positioning, flexible Tier 1 refining, and diversified sourcing capabilities allow us to maintain stable operations, ensuring continuity of supply to our customers while capturing value across the portfolio.
Speaker #3: In particular, the Industrial division benefits from the strong momentum in the refining, chemicals, and trading businesses, as market dynamics evolve into a scenario of actual physical supply disruptions.
Speaker #3: In the upstream, the first story achieving a peak represents a major milestone to consolidate the United States as one of the primary drivers of our growth, incorporating a world-class asset without a long-lived plateau.
Speaker #3: And in low-carbon generation, we continue to execute our successful asset rotation strategy as we transition the business into a self-financed growth model in renewables.
Josu Jon Imaz: In low carbon generation, we continue to execute our successful asset rotation strategy as we transition the business into a self-finance growth model in renewables. In terms of results, Q2 adjusted net income was EUR 1.8 billion, more than EUR 1 billion higher year on year, largely reflecting the stronger contribution for industrial. H1 adjusted net income was EUR 7.2 billion, 135% higher compared to the same period in 2025. Cash flow from operations stood at EUR 1.9 billion, 24% higher year over year, for an accumulated EUR 3 billion delivered in H1 2026. Cash generation was impacted by a EUR 1.3 billion working capital build-up, mainly related to inventories. This reflects our focus on reinforcing security of supply, increasing storage, and ensuring availability of diesel and jet fuel in Spain and in our lateral hinterland in a highly disrupted market environment.
Josu Jon Imaz: In low carbon generation, we continue to execute our successful asset rotation strategy as we transition the business into a self-finance growth model in renewables. In terms of results, Q2 adjusted net income was EUR 1.8 billion, more than EUR 1 billion higher year on year, largely reflecting the stronger contribution for industrial. H1 adjusted net income was EUR 7.2 billion, 135% higher compared to the same period in 2025. Cash flow from operations stood at EUR 1.9 billion, 24% higher year over year, for an accumulated EUR 3 billion delivered in H1 2026. Cash generation was impacted by a EUR 1.3 billion working capital build-up, mainly related to inventories. This reflects our focus on reinforcing security of supply, increasing storage, and ensuring availability of diesel and jet fuel in Spain and in our lateral hinterland in a highly disrupted market environment.
Speaker #3: In terms of results, second-quarter adjusted net income was €1.8 billion, more than €1 billion higher year-on-year, largely reflecting the stronger contribution from Industrial.
Speaker #3: First half adjusted net income was €7.2 billion, 1,305% higher compared to the same period in 2025. Cash flow from operations stood at €1.9 billion, 24% higher year over year, for an accumulated €3 billion delivered in the first half of 2026.
Speaker #3: Cash generation was impacted by a €1.3 billion working capital buildup, mainly related to inventories. This reflects our focus on reinforcing security of supply, increasing storage, and ensuring availability of diesel and jet fuel in Spain and in our natural hinterland in a highly disrupted market environment.
Josu Jon Imaz: Excluding working capital movements, operating cash flow generation amounted to EUR 3.3 billion in the quarter and EUR 5.7 billion accumulated to June. Net debt stood at EUR 3.7 billion by quarter, a reduction of EUR 1.1 billion compared to March. This included the deconsolidation of approximately EUR 0.6 billion of debt associated with the renewable assets divested in Spain. The gearing ratio stood at 11.3% as of June and at 3.1% if we exclude leases. Shareholder remuneration remained aligned with our cash distribution framework. Following the payment of the second dividend earlier this month in July, the total cash dividend for 2026 reached EUR 1.051 per share, approximately 8% higher than in 2025. With respect to share buybacks, the initial program of EUR 350 million launched in March was complete this week, and the corresponding capital reduction was executed through the redemption of 15.8 million shares.
Josu Jon Imaz: Excluding working capital movements, operating cash flow generation amounted to EUR 3.3 billion in the quarter and EUR 5.7 billion accumulated to June. Net debt stood at EUR 3.7 billion by quarter, a reduction of EUR 1.1 billion compared to March. This included the deconsolidation of approximately EUR 0.6 billion of debt associated with the renewable assets divested in Spain. The gearing ratio stood at 11.3% as of June and at 3.1% if we exclude leases. Shareholder remuneration remained aligned with our cash distribution framework. Following the payment of the second dividend earlier this month in July, the total cash dividend for 2026 reached EUR 1.051 per share, approximately 8% higher than in 2025. With respect to share buybacks, the initial program of EUR 350 million launched in March was complete this week, and the corresponding capital reduction was executed through the redemption of 15.8 million shares.
Speaker #3: Excluding working capital movements, operating cash flow generation amounted to €3.3 billion in the quarter and €5.7 billion accumulated to June. Net debt stood at €3.7 billion by quarter end, a reduction of €1.1 billion compared to March, and this included the deconsolidation of approximately €0.6 billion of debt associated with the renewable assets divested in Spain.
Speaker #3: The yielding ratio stood at 11.3% as of June, and at 3.1% if we exclude leases. Shareholder remuneration remained aligned with our cash distribution framework, following the payment of the second dividend earlier this month, in July.
Speaker #3: The total cash dividend for 2026 reached €1.051 per share, approximately 8% higher than in 2025. With respect to share buybacks, the initial program of €350 million launched in March was completed this week, and the corresponding capital reduction was executed through the redemption of 15.8 million shares.
Speaker #3: Additional share buybacks will be implemented in the second half of the year to deliver as promised on our 30% to 40% cash flow from operations distribution target.
Josu Jon Imaz: Additional share buybacks will be implemented in H2 of the year to deliver, as promised, on our 30% to 40% Cash flow from operations distribution target. I will provide a further update when we touch on the outlook of the remainder of 2026. Turning now to the evolution of the main macroeconomic indicators. Brent crude averaged $104 per barrel, 53% higher year on year, as you could see in the slide, driven by geopolitical tensions and disruptions to oil supply. Henry Hub averaged $2.9 per million BTU, 15% below the same quarter last year, mostly reflecting weaker seasonal demand in North America. European gas prices experienced very different dynamics. Main references rose more than 40% year on year due to geopolitical risk and, of course, the disruptions to critical LNG export infrastructure that increased concerns over security of supply.
Josu Jon Imaz: Additional share buybacks will be implemented in H2 of the year to deliver, as promised, on our 30% to 40% Cash flow from operations distribution target. I will provide a further update when we touch on the outlook of the remainder of 2026. Turning now to the evolution of the main macroeconomic indicators. Brent crude averaged $104 per barrel, 53% higher year on year, as you could see in the slide, driven by geopolitical tensions and disruptions to oil supply. Henry Hub averaged $2.9 per million BTU, 15% below the same quarter last year, mostly reflecting weaker seasonal demand in North America. European gas prices experienced very different dynamics. Main references rose more than 40% year on year due to geopolitical risk and, of course, the disruptions to critical LNG export infrastructure that increased concerns over security of supply.
Speaker #3: I will provide further details when we touch on the outlook for the remainder of 2026. Turning now to the evolution of the main macroeconomic indicators.
Speaker #3: Brent crude averaged $104 per barrel, 53% higher year-on-year as you can see in the slide, driven by geopolitical tensions and disruptions to oil supply.
Speaker #3: Henry Hub averaged $2.90 per million BTU, 15% below the same quarter last year, mostly reflecting weaker seasonal demand in North America. European gas prices experienced very different dynamics—main references rose more than 40% year-on-year due to geopolitical risk and, of course, the disruptions to critical LNG export infrastructure that increased concerns over security of supply.
Speaker #3: REPSOL's refining margin indicator averaged $14 per barrel, supported by stronger diesel, jet fuel, and gasoline spreads, together with wider heavy-to-light crude differentials.
Josu Jon Imaz: Repsol's refining margin indicator averaged $14 per barrel, supported by stronger diesel, jet fuel, and gasoline spreads, together with wider heavy-to-light crude differentials. At the exchange rate, the US dollar averaged 1.16 against the euro, a depreciation of approximately 3% compared with Q2 last year. Jumping into the upstream performance, let me express our deepest condolences and support to Venezuela following the devastating earthquake that struck the country last month. As a long-established partner in this country, Repsol stands in solidarity with its people during this difficult time. Q2 adjusted net income was EUR 371 million, 19% higher year on year, driven by stronger oil and gas price realizations, higher volumes, and an increased contribution from equity affiliates, partially offset by the Indonesia country exit that, remember, was executed in 2025.
Josu Jon Imaz: Repsol's refining margin indicator averaged $14 per barrel, supported by stronger diesel, jet fuel, and gasoline spreads, together with wider heavy-to-light crude differentials. At the exchange rate, the US dollar averaged 1.16 against the euro, a depreciation of approximately 3% compared with Q2 last year. Jumping into the upstream performance, let me express our deepest condolences and support to Venezuela following the devastating earthquake that struck the country last month. As a long-established partner in this country, Repsol stands in solidarity with its people during this difficult time. Q2 adjusted net income was EUR 371 million, 19% higher year on year, driven by stronger oil and gas price realizations, higher volumes, and an increased contribution from equity affiliates, partially offset by the Indonesia country exit that, remember, was executed in 2025.
Speaker #3: At the exchange rate, they used the dollar average of 1.16 against the euro, at a depreciation of approximately 3% compared with the second quarter last year. Jumping into the upstream performance, let me express our deepest condolences and support to Venezuela following the devastating earthquake that struck the country last month.
Speaker #3: As a long-established partner in this country, Repsol stands in solidarity with its people during this difficult time. Second quarter adjusted net income was €371 million, 19% higher year-on-year, driven by stronger oil and gas price realizations, higher volumes, and an increased contribution from equity affiliates, partially offset by the Indonesia country exit that, remember, was executed in 2025.
Speaker #3: Production, on average, was 558,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, the highest level in two years and 4% above the previous quarter. Quarterly volumes were supported by higher contributions from the UK, Brazil, and the US.
Josu Jon Imaz: Production on average, 558,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, is the highest level in two years and 4% above the previous quarter. Quarterly volumes were supported by higher contributions from the UK, Brazil, and the US. The US contributed more than 200,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, representing approximately 37% of total company volumes. Conventional production averaged around 175,000 barrels per day, a 17% increase over Q1, driven by the connection of new wells. In the Gulf of Mexico, production averaged more than 30,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, underpinned by the ramp-up of Leon-Castile. In Alaska, the first phase of Pikka initiated production in May as part of its late-stage commissioning process. Current production stands at around 23,000 gross barrels per day, and the first oil sales are expected in August.
Josu Jon Imaz: Production on average, 558,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, is the highest level in two years and 4% above the previous quarter. Quarterly volumes were supported by higher contributions from the UK, Brazil, and the US. The US contributed more than 200,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, representing approximately 37% of total company volumes. Conventional production averaged around 175,000 barrels per day, a 17% increase over Q1, driven by the connection of new wells. In the Gulf of Mexico, production averaged more than 30,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, underpinned by the ramp-up of Leon-Castile. In Alaska, the first phase of Pikka initiated production in May as part of its late-stage commissioning process. Current production stands at around 23,000 gross barrels per day, and the first oil sales are expected in August.
Speaker #3: The U.S. contributed more than 200,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, representing approximately 37% of total company volumes. Unconventional production averaged around 175,000 barrels per day, a 17% increase over the first quarter, driven by the connection of new wells.
Speaker #3: In the Gulf of Mexico, production averaged more than 30,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, underpinned by the ramp-up of Leon Castile. In Alaska, the first phase of PICA initiated production in May as part of its late-stage commissioning process.
Speaker #3: Current production stands at around 23,000 gross barrels per day, and the first oil sales are expected in August. The project remains on track to reach the plateau of 80,000 gross barrels per day this quarter, in the third quarter.
Josu Jon Imaz: The project remains on track to reach the plateau of 80,000 gross barrels per day in Q3. Production in Venezuela averages 71,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, broadly in line with the same quarter last year. Our activity was not impacted, was not affected by the earthquake. In May, we received the first cargo under the new US export licenses and the framework agreed with the Venezuelan government that was associated to the gas production of Cardón IV. An additional four cargoes are expected in 2026, one to help fund the investment needed to increase gas production by approximately 10%, and three more cargoes to monetize current production. During the quarter, an agreement was reached, was achieved, to evaluate the potential development of the Horcón area.
Josu Jon Imaz: The project remains on track to reach the plateau of 80,000 gross barrels per day in Q3. Production in Venezuela averages 71,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, broadly in line with the same quarter last year. Our activity was not impacted, was not affected by the earthquake. In May, we received the first cargo under the new US export licenses and the framework agreed with the Venezuelan government that was associated to the gas production of Cardón IV. An additional four cargoes are expected in 2026, one to help fund the investment needed to increase gas production by approximately 10%, and three more cargoes to monetize current production. During the quarter, an agreement was reached, was achieved, to evaluate the potential development of the Horcón area.
Speaker #3: Production in Venezuela averages 71,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, broadly in line with the same quarter last year, and our activity was not impacted—was not affected—by the earthquake.
Speaker #3: In May, we received the first cargo under the new US export licenses and the framework agreed with the Venezuelan government that was associated with the gas production of Caton.
Speaker #3: An additional four cargos are expected in 2026: one to help fund the investment needed to increase gas production by approximately 10%, and three more cargos to monetize current production.
Speaker #3: During the quarter, an agreement was reached to evaluate the potential development of the ORCON area. This area of ORCON is in the eastern part of Lake Maracaibo, between the Barua and Motatan fields.
Josu Jon Imaz: This area of Horcón is in the eastern part of the Maracaibo Lake, between Barúa and Motatán fields, both of which are already part of our portfolio. We have, let me say, a lot of expectation regarding Horcón. That is an area that we know in a deep way from the past. Operation in Libya remains stable. Our position was strengthened through the signature of the PSCs that were associated with the blocks that were awarded in the February licensing round. In Brazil, we are currently drilling the second development well in Raya. Remember, Raya is the new name for the former Campo 33. The project, which is expected to contribute a peak production of 40,000 to 50,000 barrels net to Repsol, remains on track to achieve first oil in 2028.
Josu Jon Imaz: This area of Horcón is in the eastern part of the Maracaibo Lake, between Barúa and Motatán fields, both of which are already part of our portfolio. We have, let me say, a lot of expectation regarding Horcón. That is an area that we know in a deep way from the past. Operation in Libya remains stable. Our position was strengthened through the signature of the PSCs that were associated with the blocks that were awarded in the February licensing round. In Brazil, we are currently drilling the second development well in Raya. Remember, Raya is the new name for the former Campo 33. The project, which is expected to contribute a peak production of 40,000 to 50,000 barrels net to Repsol, remains on track to achieve first oil in 2028.
Speaker #3: And both of which are already part of our portfolio. And we have the NISEI; there are a lot of expectations regarding ORCON. That is an area that we know in a deep way from the past.
Speaker #3: Operation in Libya remained stable. Our position was strengthened through the signature of the PSCs that were associated with the blocs that were awarded in the February licensing round.
Speaker #3: In Brazil, we are currently drilling the second development well in Raya. Remember, Raya is the new name for the former Campo 33. The project, which is expected to contribute a peak production of 40,000 to 50,000 barrels net to Repsol, remains on track to achieve first oil in 2028.
Speaker #3: Looking at the third quarter, production has hovered around 580,000 to 585,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. In this first three weeks of July, and for the full year, 2026 expected production remains in the range we announced, from 560,000 to 570,000 average barrels per day, probably in the high part of this range.
Josu Jon Imaz: Looking at Q3, production has hovered around 580,000, 585,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in these first three weeks of July. Full year 2026 expected production remains in the range we announced, from 560,000 to 570,000 average barrels per day, probably in the high part of this range. At this point, allow me to dedicate some minutes to highlight the potential of our North Slope assets in Alaska. Our position includes three fields within the Nanushuk play, with ongoing appraisal activity to unlock future developments with Pikka scale potential. The Pikka Unit is a high-quality oil development with robust economics and significant long-term growth visibility.
Josu Jon Imaz: Looking at Q3, production has hovered around 580,000, 585,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in these first three weeks of July. Full year 2026 expected production remains in the range we announced, from 560,000 to 570,000 average barrels per day, probably in the high part of this range. At this point, allow me to dedicate some minutes to highlight the potential of our North Slope assets in Alaska. Our position includes three fields within the Nanushuk play, with ongoing appraisal activity to unlock future developments with Pikka scale potential. The Pikka Unit is a high-quality oil development with robust economics and significant long-term growth visibility.
Speaker #3: At this point, allow me to dedicate some minutes to highlight the potential of our North Slope assets in Alaska. Our position includes three fields within the Nanushuk play, with ongoing appraisal activity to unlock future developments with Pikka scale potential.
Speaker #3: The PICA unit is a high-quality oil development with robust economics and significant long-term growth visibility. Phase one—that is, the phase that is now producing these 23,000 barrels gross a day that I mentioned before—brings around 400 million gross barrels of 2P reserves into production.
Josu Jon Imaz: Phase 1, that is the phase that is now producing these 23,000 barrels gross a day that I mentioned before, brings around 400 million gross barrels of 2P reserves into production, with further 2C resources expected to be developed through a phase plan. In this direction, Phase 2 refer also Pikka expansion, or Pikka II, is expected to add another 40,000 gross barrels per day of production. With all major key permits secure, the project will leverage existing infrastructure to accelerate this development. In the Quokka Unit that is located, as you could see in the map, a bit in the southeast part of the prospect, the recent appraisal confirmed a high-quality light oil reservoir. Just considering the 2C resources estimated for the northern area, I could say that Quokka has the potential to become a major development that could have a similar scale to Pikka.
Josu Jon Imaz: Phase 1, that is the phase that is now producing these 23,000 barrels gross a day that I mentioned before, brings around 400 million gross barrels of 2P reserves into production, with further 2C resources expected to be developed through a phase plan. In this direction, Phase 2 refer also Pikka expansion, or Pikka II, is expected to add another 40,000 gross barrels per day of production. With all major key permits secure, the project will leverage existing infrastructure to accelerate this development. In the Quokka Unit that is located, as you could see in the map, a bit in the southeast part of the prospect, the recent appraisal confirmed a high-quality light oil reservoir. Just considering the 2C resources estimated for the northern area, I could say that Quokka has the potential to become a major development that could have a similar scale to Pikka.
Speaker #3: With further 2C resources expected to be developed through a phased plan. In this direction, I mean, phase two—referring also to PICA expansion or PICA 2—is expected to add another 40,000 gross barrels per day of production.
Speaker #3: With all major key permits secured, the project will leverage existing infrastructure to accelerate this development. In the COCA unit, which is located, as you could see in the map pit in the southeast part of the prospect, the recent appraisal confirmed a high-quality light oil reservoir.
Speaker #3: Just considering the 2C resources estimated for the northern area, I could say that COCA has the potential to become a major development that could have a similar scale to PICA.
Speaker #3: The Horseshoe unit that you can see in the southwest part of this map is located in the west part I mentioned before, and in some way represents another promising opportunity with material upside.
Josu Jon Imaz: The Horseshoe unit, that you could see in the southwest part of this map, is located, this west part I mentioned before, and in some way represents another promising opportunity with material upside. The Stirrup-2 well planned for this winter, in the window we could have to drill in winter, is the next step to appraise the subsurface potential. Lastly, our position in the play was strengthened by the 42 new exploration licenses secured in the latest federal round in partnership with Shell, with Repsol as operator, supporting future development plans. Going on now with the industrial division. Adjusted net income was EUR 1.2 billion. This figure compares with EUR 103 million in the same quarter a year ago. Remember that that period, that year, was affected by the negative consequences of the blackout in the Iberian Peninsula.
Josu Jon Imaz: The Horseshoe unit, that you could see in the southwest part of this map, is located, this west part I mentioned before, and in some way represents another promising opportunity with material upside. The Stirrup-2 well planned for this winter, in the window we could have to drill in winter, is the next step to appraise the subsurface potential. Lastly, our position in the play was strengthened by the 42 new exploration licenses secured in the latest federal round in partnership with Shell, with Repsol as operator, supporting future development plans. Going on now with the industrial division. Adjusted net income was EUR 1.2 billion. This figure compares with EUR 103 million in the same quarter a year ago. Remember that that period, that year, was affected by the negative consequences of the blackout in the Iberian Peninsula.
Speaker #3: The STIRAP 2 well, planned for this winter in the window we could have to drill, is the next step to appraise the subsurface potential.
Speaker #3: Lastly, our position in the play, you know, was strengthened by the 42 new exploration licenses secured in the latest federal round in partnership with Shell, with Repsol as operator supporting future development plans.
Speaker #3: Going on now with the Industrial division, adjusted net income was €1.2 billion. This figure compares with €103 million in the same quarter a year ago, but I mean, remember that the period last year was affected by the negative consequences of the blackout in the Iberian Peninsula.
Josu Jon Imaz: Results benefit from materially stronger contributions from refining, from Peru, from chemicals, and also for the liquid trading business, together with the unwinding of non-transcended sales adjustments that they were registered as negative in Q1. Refining was positively impacted by higher product spreads, wider heavy-to-light crude differentials, and the normalization of the kerosene sales price lag effect that, remember, I also mentioned in the Q1 conference, which have negatively impacted that Q1. The refining margin indicator was 28% higher quarter-on-quarter, and 137% above the Q2 last year. The premium generated in the Q2 averaged around $10 per barrel. Diesel and jet fuel supply remain exceptionally tight. That is curious, because I don't know if the financial markets are really reflecting this tightness we are seeing in the physical market.
Josu Jon Imaz: Results benefit from materially stronger contributions from refining, from Peru, from chemicals, and also for the liquid trading business, together with the unwinding of non-transcended sales adjustments that they were registered as negative in Q1. Refining was positively impacted by higher product spreads, wider heavy-to-light crude differentials, and the normalization of the kerosene sales price lag effect that, remember, I also mentioned in the Q1 conference, which have negatively impacted that Q1. The refining margin indicator was 28% higher quarter-on-quarter, and 137% above the Q2 last year. The premium generated in the Q2 averaged around $10 per barrel. Diesel and jet fuel supply remain exceptionally tight. That is curious, because I don't know if the financial markets are really reflecting this tightness we are seeing in the physical market.
Speaker #3: Results benefit from materially stronger contributions from refining, from Peru, from chemicals, and also from the liquids trading business, together with the unwinding of non-transcendent sales adjustments that were registered as negative in the first quarter.
Speaker #3: Refining was positively impacted by higher product spreads, wider heavy-to-light crude differentials, and the normalization of the kerosene sales price lag effect that, remember, I also mentioned in the first-quarter conference, which had negatively impacted that first quarter.
Speaker #3: The refining margin indicator was 28% higher quarter on quarter, and 137% above the second quarter last year. The premium generated in this second quarter averaged around $10 per barrel.
Speaker #3: Diesel and jet fuel supply remain exceptionally tight. I mean, that is curious because I don't know if the financial markets are really reflecting this tightness we are seeing in the physical market.
Speaker #3: And this situation is driven by the simultaneous disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and it is probably more often forgotten what is happening in Russia, which reduces refinery availability and leads to low global inventories.
Josu Jon Imaz: This situation is driven by the simultaneous disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and is probably more forgotten that what is happening in Russia that reduced refinery availability and low global inventories. Gasoline spreads benefit from the refinery maintenance season in Europe, the maximization of middle distillate yields, and a higher seasonal demand. The utilization of distillation capacity reached 79%, while conversion units operated at 89%. This crude processing was negatively impacted by the reduced availability of the Cartagena Topping 3 unit that is expected to restart by year-end. The HVO minus unconverted oil spread remain, the UCO spread, sorry, remain at healthy levels. That was supported by the correlation with the mineral alternative and also the transposition of RED III directive, the European directive in Germany. In Q2, biofuels generated more than EUR 100 million of EBITDA.
Josu Jon Imaz: This situation is driven by the simultaneous disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and is probably more forgotten that what is happening in Russia that reduced refinery availability and low global inventories. Gasoline spreads benefit from the refinery maintenance season in Europe, the maximization of middle distillate yields, and a higher seasonal demand. The utilization of distillation capacity reached 79%, while conversion units operated at 89%. This crude processing was negatively impacted by the reduced availability of the Cartagena Topping 3 unit that is expected to restart by year-end. The HVO minus unconverted oil spread remain, the UCO spread, sorry, remain at healthy levels. That was supported by the correlation with the mineral alternative and also the transposition of RED III directive, the European directive in Germany. In Q2, biofuels generated more than EUR 100 million of EBITDA.
Speaker #3: Gasoline spreads benefited from the refinery maintenance season in Europe, the maximization of middle distillate yields, and higher seasonal demand. The utilization of distillation capacity reached 79%, while conversion units operated at 89%.
Speaker #3: This crude processing was negatively impacted by the reduced availability of the Cartagena Topping 3 unit, which is expected to restart by year-end. The HVO minus unconverted oil spread—sorry, the UCO spread—remained at healthy levels.
Speaker #3: That was supported by the correlation with the mineral alternative and also the transposition of the RED III directive, the European directive, in Germany. In the second quarter, biofuels generated more than €100 million of EBITDA, and looking forward, we expect that RED III will be transposed also in Spain this year, and that is going to bring greater regulatory certainty about biofuels in the market.
Josu Jon Imaz: Looking forward, we expect that RED III to be transposed also in Spain this year, that is going to bring greater regulatory certainty about biofuels in the market. Looking ahead, we expect the refining margins to remain at healthy levels through year-end and into 2027, that is going to be underpinned by, first, the replenishment of inventories, our resilient demand, that is still very resilient, and the catch-up effect of deferred maintenance. In July, the refining margin indicator has averaged more than EUR 30 per barrel. The premium of this refining margin in July evoked EUR 9 per barrel. In real terms, the refining margin exactly, as of today, the average is EUR 34 per barrel, with a premium of EUR 9 per barrel.
Josu Jon Imaz: Looking forward, we expect that RED III to be transposed also in Spain this year, that is going to bring greater regulatory certainty about biofuels in the market. Looking ahead, we expect the refining margins to remain at healthy levels through year-end and into 2027, that is going to be underpinned by, first, the replenishment of inventories, our resilient demand, that is still very resilient, and the catch-up effect of deferred maintenance. In July, the refining margin indicator has averaged more than EUR 30 per barrel. The premium of this refining margin in July evoked EUR 9 per barrel. In real terms, the refining margin exactly, as of today, the average is EUR 34 per barrel, with a premium of EUR 9 per barrel.
Speaker #3: Looking ahead, we expect the refining margins to remain at healthy levels through year end and into 2027, and that is going to be underpinned by, first, the replenishment of inventories, a resilient demand that is still very resilient, and the catch-up effect of the fur maintenance.
Speaker #3: In July, the refining margin indicator has averaged more than $30 per barrel, and the premium of this refining margin in July was above $9 per barrel.
Speaker #3: So, in real terms, the refining margin as of today is exactly $34 per barrel on average, with a premium of $9 per barrel.
Speaker #3: So, benefiting from lower Brent prices, compared with what we experienced in March and April, a stronger middle distillate, and wider gasoline spreads—in the middle of the driving season, which is where we are now.
Josu Jon Imaz: Benefiting from lower Brent prices, comparing with what we experienced in March, April, a stronger middle distillates and wider gasoline spreads in the middle of the driving season where we are now. Continuing with chemicals, the business registered its first positive operating result in two years, thanks to better international margins and higher operational rates at our plants. Repsol's petrochemical margin indicator averaged EUR 569 per ton, more than three times its value in the Q1, the plant utilization benefit from the restart of the Sines cracker in Portugal, which had been shut down since 2023 because the low margins of the monomers.
Josu Jon Imaz: Benefiting from lower Brent prices, comparing with what we experienced in March, April, a stronger middle distillates and wider gasoline spreads in the middle of the driving season where we are now. Continuing with chemicals, the business registered its first positive operating result in two years, thanks to better international margins and higher operational rates at our plants. Repsol's petrochemical margin indicator averaged EUR 569 per ton, more than three times its value in the Q1, the plant utilization benefit from the restart of the Sines cracker in Portugal, which had been shut down since 2023 because the low margins of the monomers.
Speaker #3: Continuing with Chemicals, the business registered its first positive operating result in two years, thanks to better international margins and higher operational rates at our plants.
Speaker #3: REPSOL's petrochemical margin indicator averaged €569 per ton, more than three times its value in the first quarter. The plant also benefited from the restart of the CNES cracker in Portugal, which had been shut down since 2023 due to the low margins of the monomers.
Speaker #3: Looking ahead, the CNES expansion project that you know includes two new plants of high value, other polymeric materials, is expected to start operating between this quarter and the beginning of— I mean, one of the plants, linear polyethylene, is going to be operative and operational in September, and the polypropylene at the end of September, the beginning of October.
Josu Jon Imaz: Looking ahead, the Sines expansion project that you know includes two new plants of high value added polymeric materials, is expected to start operating between this quarter and the beginning of One of the plants, the linear polyethylene, is going to be operational in September, and the polypropylene at the end of September, the beginning of October. The liquids trading business deliver a very strong performance as well, doubling its contribution compared to Q2 2025. Crude and gas trading activities generated more than EUR 500 million of combined cash flow from operations over the H1 2026. Lastly, the new HVO unit in Puertollano started operations in April, becoming our second facility, on-purpose facility of this kind. Other project that will be the second of retrofitting is currently under evaluation in Spain. Continuing now with customer.
Josu Jon Imaz: Looking ahead, the Sines expansion project that you know includes two new plants of high value added polymeric materials, is expected to start operating between this quarter and the beginning of One of the plants, the linear polyethylene, is going to be operational in September, and the polypropylene at the end of September, the beginning of October. The liquids trading business deliver a very strong performance as well, doubling its contribution compared to Q2 2025. Crude and gas trading activities generated more than EUR 500 million of combined cash flow from operations over the H1 2026. Lastly, the new HVO unit in Puertollano started operations in April, becoming our second facility, on-purpose facility of this kind. Other project that will be the second of retrofitting is currently under evaluation in Spain. Continuing now with customer.
Speaker #3: The liquids trading business delivered a very strong performance as well, doubling its contribution compared to the second quarter of 2025. Crude and gas trading activities generated more than €500 million of combined cash flow from operations over the first half of 2026.
Speaker #3: Lastly, the new HVO unit in Puertollano started operations in April, becoming our second purpose-built facility of this kind. Another project, which would be the second of its kind for retrofitting, is currently under evaluation in Spain.
Speaker #3: Continuing now with Customer, the adjusted net income was very positive at €109 million, a 7% increase over the same quarter in 2025. This increase was driven by a higher contribution from the lubricants, asphalts, aviation and specialties business, and power and gas retail.
Josu Jon Imaz: The adjusted net income was very positive, EUR +209 million, a 7% increase over the same quarter in 2025. This increase was driven by a higher contribution from the lubricants, asphalt, aviation, and specialties business and power and gas retail. Cash flow from operations amounted to EUR 483 million in the quarter. Despite the sharp fuel price increase generated by the instability in the Middle East, we haven't seen no signs of demand destruction in the short-term. That is, from our point of view, supported by resilient economic activity in Spain by the positive measures that were adopted by the Spanish government to mitigate the impact of higher energy prices on consumers. Repsol's sales of road transportation fuels in Spain were 7% higher year on year. Non-oil contribution margin in service station was also higher, 6% higher compared to 2025.
Josu Jon Imaz: The adjusted net income was very positive, EUR +209 million, a 7% increase over the same quarter in 2025. This increase was driven by a higher contribution from the lubricants, asphalt, aviation, and specialties business and power and gas retail. Cash flow from operations amounted to EUR 483 million in the quarter. Despite the sharp fuel price increase generated by the instability in the Middle East, we haven't seen no signs of demand destruction in the short-term. That is, from our point of view, supported by resilient economic activity in Spain by the positive measures that were adopted by the Spanish government to mitigate the impact of higher energy prices on consumers. Repsol's sales of road transportation fuels in Spain were 7% higher year on year. Non-oil contribution margin in service station was also higher, 6% higher compared to 2025.
Speaker #3: Cash flow from operations amounted to €483 million in the quarter, and despite the sharp fuel price increase generated by the instability in the Middle East, we haven't seen any signs of demand destruction in the short term.
Speaker #3: And that is, from our point of view, supported by resilient economic activity in Spain and by the positive measures that were adopted by the Spanish government to mitigate the impact of higher energy prices on consumers.
Speaker #3: REPSOL's sales of road transportation fuels in Spain were 7% higher year on year. The non-oil contribution margin in service stations was also higher, 6% higher compared to 2025.
Speaker #3: The Mobility business was logically impacted by the customer support initiatives that were proactively implemented by Repsol since March onward, on top of having our effort due to the government measures.
Josu Jon Imaz: The mobility business was logically impacted by the customer support initiatives that were proactively implemented by Repsol since March, on top of adding our effort to the government measures. These initiatives, which enhance our customer value proposition, have delivered approximately EUR 50 million in this period, in Q2, in discounts to both professional and retail customers since 21 March. That was the day where we enforced these discounts. This quarter, Repsol has extended these measures to weekends from mid-July till end-August because weekends are the days with a higher driving activity in holidays, in summer, mainly in a country like Spain that, remember, this year, we will receive again more than 100 million tourists, 100 million visitors in our country.
Josu Jon Imaz: The mobility business was logically impacted by the customer support initiatives that were proactively implemented by Repsol since March, on top of adding our effort to the government measures. These initiatives, which enhance our customer value proposition, have delivered approximately EUR 50 million in this period, in Q2, in discounts to both professional and retail customers since 21 March. That was the day where we enforced these discounts. This quarter, Repsol has extended these measures to weekends from mid-July till end-August because weekends are the days with a higher driving activity in holidays, in summer, mainly in a country like Spain that, remember, this year, we will receive again more than 100 million tourists, 100 million visitors in our country.
Speaker #3: And these initiatives, which enhance our customer value proposition, have delivered approximately €50 million in this period, in this second quarter, in discounts to both professional and retail customers since the 21st of March, that was the day when we enforced these discounts.
Speaker #3: This quarter, Repsol has extended these measures to weekends from July till the end of August because, I mean, weekends are the days with higher driving activity during holidays in summer, mainly in a country like Spain. Remember, this year we will once again receive more than 100 million tourists, 100 million visitors, in our country.
Speaker #3: In power and gas retail, we added 116,000 new customers, equivalent to an 18% increase year on year, reaching 3.3 million clients by quarter-end.
Josu Jon Imaz: In Power and Gas Retail, we add 116,000 new customers, equivalent to an 18% increase year-on-year, reaching 3.3 million clients by quarter-end. The number of digital clients reached 11.6 million, a 15% increase over the same period of 2025, again, with Waylet as the main contributor. Turning to low carbon generation, to renewable generation, adjusted net income was EUR 10 million, EUR 2 million higher than the same period in 2025. The average pool price in Spain was EUR 55 per MWh, 43% higher year-on-year, with significant intra-day volatility. Wind and solar production reached 2.5 TWh, 59% higher compared to the same period in 2025. During the quarter, an agreement was reached to incorporate a new partner to an operating renewable portfolio in Spain, valued at EUR 849 million.
Josu Jon Imaz: In Power and Gas Retail, we add 116,000 new customers, equivalent to an 18% increase year-on-year, reaching 3.3 million clients by quarter-end. The number of digital clients reached 11.6 million, a 15% increase over the same period of 2025, again, with Waylet as the main contributor. Turning to low carbon generation, to renewable generation, adjusted net income was EUR 10 million, EUR 2 million higher than the same period in 2025. The average pool price in Spain was EUR 55 per MWh, 43% higher year-on-year, with significant intra-day volatility. Wind and solar production reached 2.5 TWh, 59% higher compared to the same period in 2025. During the quarter, an agreement was reached to incorporate a new partner to an operating renewable portfolio in Spain, valued at EUR 849 million.
Speaker #3: The number of digital clients reached 11.6 million, a 15% increase over the same period in 2025, again with wallet as the main contributor. Turning to low carbon generation and renewable generation, adjusted net income was €10 million to €20 million higher than in the same period in 2025.
Speaker #3: The average pool price in Spain was €55 per megawatt hour, 43% higher year on year, with significant intraday volatility. Wind and solar production reached 2.5 terawatt hours, 59% higher compared to the same period in 2025.
Speaker #3: And during the quarter, an agreement was reached to incorporate a new partner into an operating renewable portfolio in Spain, valued at €849 million.
Speaker #3: The portfolio comprises 402 megawatts of wind generation capacity, 303 megawatts of solar, and more than 0.5 gigawatts of hybridization opportunities. This transaction is expected to reduce Repsol's net debt by €700 million. The assets will be jointly controlled with our industrial partner, Masdar, which resulted in the deconsolidation in the second quarter of the €550 million financing secured in 2025.
Josu Jon Imaz: The portfolio comprises 402 MW of wind generation capacity, 303 MW of solar, and more than 0.5 GW of hybridization opportunities. This transaction is expected to reduce Repsol's net debt by EUR 700 million. The asset will be jointly controlled with our industrial partner, Masdar, which resulted in the deconsolidation in Q2 of EUR 550 million financing secured in 2025. In addition, Repsol will receive cash proceeds of EUR 150 million that are not in our accounts in this quarter because the closing is expected in Q4 2026. Since completing our first asset rotation almost 5 years ago in November 2021, we have successfully rotated roughly two-thirds of our global renewable portfolio, including all our wind and solar assets in Spain.
Josu Jon Imaz: The portfolio comprises 402 MW of wind generation capacity, 303 MW of solar, and more than 0.5 GW of hybridization opportunities. This transaction is expected to reduce Repsol's net debt by EUR 700 million. The asset will be jointly controlled with our industrial partner, Masdar, which resulted in the deconsolidation in Q2 of EUR 550 million financing secured in 2025. In addition, Repsol will receive cash proceeds of EUR 150 million that are not in our accounts in this quarter because the closing is expected in Q4 2026. Since completing our first asset rotation almost 5 years ago in November 2021, we have successfully rotated roughly two-thirds of our global renewable portfolio, including all our wind and solar assets in Spain.
Speaker #3: And, in addition, REPSOL will receive cash proceeds of $150 million that are not in our accounts in this quarter, because the closing is expected in the last quarter of 2026.
Speaker #3: Since completing our first asset rotation almost five years ago, in November 2021, we have successfully rotated roughly two-thirds of our global renewable portfolio, including all our wind and solar assets in Spain.
Speaker #3: This transaction has generated an average equity IRR of 10%, demonstrating above 10%. Better said, it demonstrates our ability to create value while accelerating our transition towards self-funded growth in this business.
Josu Jon Imaz: These transactions have generated an average equity IRR of 10%, above 10%, better said, demonstrating our ability to create value while accelerating our transition towards self-funded growth in this business. Moving now briefly to a summary of the financial results. On this slide, you may find an overview of the figures that we are covering today. For further details about these numbers, of course, I encourage you to refer to the complete set of documents that were released this morning. Let me now update probably to the most difficult part of my speech, that is the outlook for the rest of the year, because believe me, I suppose that we are going to discuss a bit about that later, but in this context, it is really difficult to update an outlook about what is happening in the world.
Josu Jon Imaz: These transactions have generated an average equity IRR of 10%, above 10%, better said, demonstrating our ability to create value while accelerating our transition towards self-funded growth in this business. Moving now briefly to a summary of the financial results. On this slide, you may find an overview of the figures that we are covering today. For further details about these numbers, of course, I encourage you to refer to the complete set of documents that were released this morning. Let me now update probably to the most difficult part of my speech, that is the outlook for the rest of the year, because believe me, I suppose that we are going to discuss a bit about that later, but in this context, it is really difficult to update an outlook about what is happening in the world.
Speaker #3: Moving now briefly to a summary of the financial results—in this slide, you may find an overview of the figures that we are covering today.
Speaker #3: For further details about these numbers, of course, I encourage you to refer to the complete set of documents that were released this morning.
Speaker #3: Let me now move on, probably, to the most difficult part of my speech—that is, the outlook for the rest of the year. Because, believe me, I suppose that we are going to discuss a bit about that later.
Speaker #3: But in this context, it's really difficult to update and give an outlook about what is happening in the world. Of course, I'm going to try to be very accurate about the outlook of our own internal metrics.
Josu Jon Imaz: Of course, I'm going to try being very accurate about the outlook of our own internal metrics. In H1 2026, we generated EUR 5.7 billion of cash flow from operations, excluding working capital movements, and that was underpinned by a solid operational performance and a supportive macro. This figure is ahead of our estimates at the beginning of the year. The duration and impact of the disruptions in Hormuz and Russia remain really difficult to assess. That said, we remain positive about the business outlook for H2, particularly in refining and trading, but also in the upstream, supported by higher production volumes. Based on this outlook, our second buyback program of the year has been increased from EUR 350 to 500 million.
Josu Jon Imaz: Of course, I'm going to try being very accurate about the outlook of our own internal metrics. In H1 2026, we generated EUR 5.7 billion of cash flow from operations, excluding working capital movements, and that was underpinned by a solid operational performance and a supportive macro. This figure is ahead of our estimates at the beginning of the year. The duration and impact of the disruptions in Hormuz and Russia remain really difficult to assess. That said, we remain positive about the business outlook for H2, particularly in refining and trading, but also in the upstream, supported by higher production volumes. Based on this outlook, our second buyback program of the year has been increased from EUR 350 to 500 million.
Speaker #3: In the first half of 2026, we generated €5.7 billion of cash flow from operations, excluding working capital movements, and that was underpinned by a solid operational performance and a supportive macro.
Speaker #3: This figure is ahead of our estimates at the beginning of the year. The duration and impact of the disruptions in Ormus and Russia remain really difficult to assess.
Speaker #3: That said, we remain positive about the business outlook for the second half, particularly in Refining and Trading, but also in the Upstream, supported by higher production volumes.
Speaker #3: Based on this outlook, our second buyback program of the year has been increased from €350 million to €500 million. Let me underline that this program, which is the second program of the year but not the last one, is going to be executed before the end of October.
Josu Jon Imaz: Let me underline that this program, that is the second program of the year, but not the last one, has to be or is going to be executed before the end of October. It is a program from now on to October. This program already takes us beyond our initial share buyback guidance for 2026. In our Q1 results presentation in October, probably we are going to have a greater visibility on full-year cash flow from operations generation. That day, we will announce the third and final share buyback program for 2026. We are going to launch a third program in October, and we are going to deliver what is written on stone. I mean, the 30% to 40% of operating cash flow to our shareholders.
Josu Jon Imaz: Let me underline that this program, that is the second program of the year, but not the last one, has to be or is going to be executed before the end of October. It is a program from now on to October. This program already takes us beyond our initial share buyback guidance for 2026. In our Q1 results presentation in October, probably we are going to have a greater visibility on full-year cash flow from operations generation. That day, we will announce the third and final share buyback program for 2026. We are going to launch a third program in October, and we are going to deliver what is written on stone. I mean, the 30% to 40% of operating cash flow to our shareholders.
Speaker #3: So, it's a program for now on 2 October. And this program already takes us beyond our initial share buyback guidance for 2026. In our third quarter results presentation in October, we will probably have greater visibility on full-year cash flow from operations generation.
Speaker #3: And that day, we will announce the third and final share buyback program for 2026. So, we are going to launch a third program in October, and we are going to deliver what is written in stone.
Speaker #3: I mean, the 30 to 40% of operating cash flow to our shareholders. And the amount of the program, and this percentage, of course, will be announced that day depending, of course, on the macro conditions and the situation that day.
Josu Jon Imaz: The amount of the program and this percentage, of course, will be announced that day, depending, of course, on the macro conditions and the situation that day. We are going to launch a third program in October. Our disciplined capital approach will remain at the core of our decision-making, and the projected full-year net CapEx is around EUR 2.7 billion, in line with our expectation at the beginning of the year. In conclusion, over H1 2026, Repsol delivered a strong financial performance, and we continue with strategic progress supported by the optimization of the industrial value chain, profitable production growth, the resilience and good performance of our commercial businesses, and the ongoing evolution of our renewable platform to be more competitive, growing in a self-financed strategy. Shareholder remuneration will remain our top priority, as you know.
Josu Jon Imaz: The amount of the program and this percentage, of course, will be announced that day, depending, of course, on the macro conditions and the situation that day. We are going to launch a third program in October. Our disciplined capital approach will remain at the core of our decision-making, and the projected full-year net CapEx is around EUR 2.7 billion, in line with our expectation at the beginning of the year. In conclusion, over H1 2026, Repsol delivered a strong financial performance, and we continue with strategic progress supported by the optimization of the industrial value chain, profitable production growth, the resilience and good performance of our commercial businesses, and the ongoing evolution of our renewable platform to be more competitive, growing in a self-financed strategy. Shareholder remuneration will remain our top priority, as you know.
Speaker #3: However, we are going to launch a third program in October. Our disciplined capital approach will remain at the core of our decision-making.
Speaker #3: And the projected full-year net capex is around €2.7 billion, in line with our expectation at the beginning of the year. In conclusion, over the first half of 2026, Repsol delivered strong financial performance, and we continue with strategic progress supported by the optimization of the industrial value chain, profitable production growth, the resilience and good performance of our commercial businesses, and the ongoing evolution of our renewable platform to be more competitive, growing in a self-financed strategy.
Speaker #3: Shareholder remuneration will remain our top priority. As you know, and in line with this, we have already raised the total expected share buyback for 2026.
Josu Jon Imaz: Aligned with this, we have already raised the total expected share buyback for 2026. Again, that is not the end, and a further upgrade will be announced with the Q3 results to deliver on our cash flow from operations distribution target. With this, I will turn it over to Pablo, and we are going to move Pablo to the Q&A. Thank you so much.
Josu Jon Imaz: Aligned with this, we have already raised the total expected share buyback for 2026. Again, that is not the end, and a further upgrade will be announced with the Q3 results to deliver on our cash flow from operations distribution target. With this, I will turn it over to Pablo, and we are going to move Pablo to the Q&A. Thank you so much.
Speaker #3: But again, that is not the end. A further upgrade will be announced with the third quarter results to deliver on our cash flow from operations distribution target.
Speaker #3: So with this, I will turn it over to Pablo, and we are going to move Pablo to the Q&A. Thank you so much.
Speaker #1: Thank you, Yesion. Before opening the Q&A, I kindly ask participants to limit yourselves to a maximum of two questions. If time permits, we will try to cover more in a second round.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Josu Jon. Before opening the Q&A, I will kindly ask participants to limit yourselves to a maximum of two questions. If time permits, we will try to cover more in a second round. To begin, I would like the operator to remind us of the process to ask a question. Please, operator, go ahead.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Josu Jon. Before opening the Q&A, I will kindly ask participants to limit yourselves to a maximum of two questions. If time permits, we will try to cover more in a second round. To begin, I would like the operator to remind us of the process to ask a question. Please, operator, go ahead.
Speaker #1: To begin, I would like the operator to remind us of the process to ask a question. Please, operator, go ahead.
Speaker #3: Thank you. To ask a question, please press *11 on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, please press *1 and then *1 again.
Operator: Thank you. To ask a question, please press star one one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, please press star one and one again.
Operator: Thank you. To ask a question, please press star one one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, please press star one and one again.
Speaker #1: Thank you, operator. Let's get started. Our first question comes from Viras Borkataria at RBC.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, operator. Let's get started. Our first question comes from Biraj Borkhataria at RBC.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, operator. Let's get started. Our first question comes from Biraj Borkhataria at RBC.
Biraj Borkhataria: Hi. Thanks for taking my question. Firstly, thanks for the spotlight on Alaska. Looks like there's a lot of running room there. The first question is just on the buyback. Obviously, the macro is extremely strong. You've made it clear you want to stick to the 30% to 40% payout ratio. It does suggest a very material increase to the buyback alongside three key results, obviously, if things hold. It looks like you might be reaching the technical limits of the buyback on the liquidity front. Just trying to get a sense of how you're thinking about that as you go into Q3 and whether you're considering some other mechanisms to return cash to shareholders, special dividends, and so on. Then the second question, just again on refining. On the EUR 9 premium, could you just isolate how much biofuels contributed to that?
Biraj Borkhataria: Hi. Thanks for taking my question. Firstly, thanks for the spotlight on Alaska. Looks like there's a lot of running room there. The first question is just on the buyback. Obviously, the macro is extremely strong. You've made it clear you want to stick to the 30% to 40% payout ratio. It does suggest a very material increase to the buyback alongside three key results, obviously, if things hold. It looks like you might be reaching the technical limits of the buyback on the liquidity front.
Speaker #4: Hi, thanks for taking my question. Firstly, thank you for the spotlight on Alaska—it looks like there's a lot of funding room there. My first question is just on the buyback.
Speaker #4: Obviously, the macro is extremely strong, and you've made it clear you want to stick to the 30–40% payout ratio. It does suggest a very material increase to the buyback alongside Q3 results.
Speaker #4: Obviously, if things hold, it looks like you might be reaching the technical limits of the buyback on the liquidity front. So, I'm just trying to get a sense of how you're thinking about that as you go into Q3, and whether you're considering other mechanisms to return cash to shareholders—special dividends, and so on.
Biraj Borkhataria: Just trying to get a sense of how you're thinking about that as you go into Q3 and whether you're considering some other mechanisms to return cash to shareholders, special dividends, and so on. Then the second question, just again on refining. On the EUR 9 premium, could you just isolate how much biofuels contributed to that? Just to recap on any maintenance activities you expect in Q3. Thank you.
Speaker #4: And then the second question is, just again, I'm refining—on the $9 premium, could you just isolate how much biofuels contributed to that? And just to recap, any maintenance activities you expect in Q3.
Biraj Borkhataria: Just to recap on any maintenance activities you expect in Q3. Thank you.
Speaker #4: Thank you.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Viras. I mean, I'm going to be very clear about your first question regarding the outlook for the year, buybacks, and so on.
Josu Jon Imaz: Thank you, Viraj. I'm going to be very clear about your first question about the outlook of the year, buybacks, and so on. First, let me underline that we are entering an unexplored period in the world that is impacting the economy and is impacting our businesses, and it's also impacting, of course, commodities, industrial activity, and so on. I prefer, because today I could anticipate what I'm seeing for the rest of the year. Believe me, I don't have more information than you have, because what is happening is out of my control in some way. Not what is happening within Repsol. I'm talking about what is happening in the North Slope, what is happening in the Persian Gulf, and what is happening in Russia. In this sense, what I'm going to underline is, first, we are going to launch a third share buyback program in October.
Josu Jon Imaz: Thank you, Viraj. I'm going to be very clear about your first question about the outlook of the year, buybacks, and so on. First, let me underline that we are entering an unexplored period in the world that is impacting the economy and is impacting our businesses, and it's also impacting, of course, commodities, industrial activity, and so on. I prefer, because today I could anticipate what I'm seeing for the rest of the year. Believe me, I don't have more information than you have, because what is happening is out of my control in some way. Not what is happening within Repsol. I'm talking about what is happening in the North Slope, what is happening in the Persian Gulf, and what is happening in Russia. In this sense, what I'm going to underline is, first, we are going to launch a third share buyback program in October.
Speaker #2: I mean, first, let me underline that we are entering an unexplored period in the world. That is impacting the economy, and it's impacting our businesses.
Speaker #2: And it's also impacting, of course, commodities, industrial activity, and so on. I prefer— I mean, because today I could anticipate what I'm seeing for the rest of the year.
Speaker #2: But believe me, I don't have more information than you have, because what is happening is out of my control, in some way. Not what is happening with REPSOL.
Speaker #2: I'm talking about what is happening in North Moors, what is happening in the Persian Gulf, and what is happening in Russia. So, in this sense, what I'm going to underline is, first, we are going to launch a third share buyback program in October.
Speaker #2: That is going to happen. Secondly, I'm going to respect the range of 30% to 40% of total distribution by the end of the year.
Josu Jon Imaz: That is going to happen. Secondly, I'm going to respect the range from 30% to 40% of total distribution by the end of the year. What we announced in the Capital Markets Day. We are going to respect, in any case, this percentage. The decision about the amount of this third share buyback in October will be taken in October, knowing first what is the perception we have, because we will be at 29 October, with probably a clarity about the development and the performance of the year. Of course, also taking into account what the situation in macro terms is in our economy. That is, let me say, the certain part of what I'm saying. We are not considering other mechanisms, special dividends and so on.
Josu Jon Imaz: That is going to happen. Secondly, I'm going to respect the range from 30% to 40% of total distribution by the end of the year. What we announced in the Capital Markets Day. We are going to respect, in any case, this percentage. The decision about the amount of this third share buyback in October will be taken in October, knowing first what is the perception we have, because we will be at 29 October, with probably a clarity about the development and the performance of the year. Of course, also taking into account what the situation in macro terms is in our economy. That is, let me say, the certain part of what I'm saying. We are not considering other mechanisms, special dividends and so on.
Speaker #2: What we announced at the Capital Markets Day, we are going to respect in any case this percentage. The decision about the amount of this third share buyback in October will be taken in October, knowing first what the perception will be because we will be at October 29th.
Speaker #2: I mean, with probably more clarity about the development and the performance of the year. And, of course, also taking into account what the situation in macro terms is in our economy.
Speaker #2: So that is, let me say, the certain part of what I'm saying. We have not considered other mechanisms—special dividends, and so on. You have to take into account that, in this sense, the only limit we could have—and take this answer only technically—is that, excluding the €350 million that was the first tranche, we have the limit of 10% of the capital of the company that was approved in our AGM in May.
Josu Jon Imaz: You have to take into account that, in this sense, the only limit we could have, and take this answer only technically, is that excluding the EUR 350 million, that was the first tranche, we have the limit of the 10% of the capital of the company that was approved in our AGM in May. Technically, that is the only limit we could have. This 10% represents more than EUR 2 billion. It's not today our concern. Again, I know that we are reinforcing our balance sheet. Let me say that is positive. It's positive in a time where volatility is there, the geopolitical situation is complex, and we are going to respect all the mechanisms we commit with our shareholders.
Josu Jon Imaz: You have to take into account that, in this sense, the only limit we could have, and take this answer only technically, is that excluding the EUR 350 million, that was the first tranche, we have the limit of the 10% of the capital of the company that was approved in our AGM in May. Technically, that is the only limit we could have. This 10% represents more than EUR 2 billion. It's not today our concern. Again, I know that we are reinforcing our balance sheet. Let me say that is positive. It's positive in a time where volatility is there, the geopolitical situation is complex, and we are going to respect all the mechanisms we commit with our shareholders.
Speaker #2: So technically, that is the only limit we could have. But we don't—this 10%, I mean—represents more than $2 billion. So it's not our concern today.
Speaker #2: But again, I know that we are reinforcing our balance sheet. Let me say that that is positive. It's positive in a time where volatility is present.
Speaker #2: The geopolitical situation is complex, and we are going to respect all the mechanisms we committed to with our shareholders. It's our priority, and we are going to launch this share buyback again in October.
Josu Jon Imaz: It's our priority, and we are going to launch this share buyback again in October, and we will take into consideration the information we will have at that time to take the best decision. But in any case, that is going to be very positive for our shareholders. Going to the premium, to the refining premium. If we take this Q2, the contribution from biofuels could be at around EUR 2.2 a barrel. Remember that the buyers weight now in our portfolio is higher because the operation of Puertollano's on purpose, new plant, the retrofitting. We have also Cartagena. We have the co-process and so on, and we are experiencing pretty good margins for biofuels and HVO in international market. The rest is driven by crude slate, balance optimization.
Josu Jon Imaz: It's our priority, and we are going to launch this share buyback again in October, and we will take into consideration the information we will have at that time to take the best decision. But in any case, that is going to be very positive for our shareholders. Going to the premium, to the refining premium. If we take this Q2, the contribution from biofuels could be at around EUR 2.2 a barrel. Remember that the buyers weight now in our portfolio is higher because the operation of Puertollano's on purpose, new plant, the retrofitting. We have also Cartagena. We have the co-process and so on, and we are experiencing pretty good margins for biofuels and HVO in international market. The rest is driven by crude slate, balance optimization.
Speaker #2: And we'll take into consideration the information we could have at that time to make the best decision. But in any case, that is going to be very positive for shareholders.
Speaker #2: Going to the premium, to the refining premium, if we take this second quarter, the contribution from biofuels could be at around $2 to $2.2 per barrel.
Speaker #2: Remember that the buyers right now in our portfolio is higher because of the operation of Puerto Llanos—on purpose, the new plant, the retrofitting—we also have Cartagena, we have the co-process, and so on.
Speaker #2: And we are experiencing pretty good margins for biofuels and HVO in the international market. The rest is driven by crude slate balance optimization, and when you have such a disruption in the market, you have plenty of room to change your yields, to change the products you produce, to focus more on kerosene with better margins than some other products, and so on.
Josu Jon Imaz: When you have such a disruption in the market, you have plenty of room to change your yields, to change your product you produce. You focus more on kerosene with better margins than some other products and so on. That is the reason behind this high-margin premium. A good integration of our refineries and the capacity to adapt the programming and the planning of the refinery in terms of crude slate and yield of products to the best situation we are seeing in the market day after day. EUR 10.3 a barrel in the quarter as premium and EUR 2.2 coming from biofuels. Going to the maintenance activity in the Q3. First of all, sorry. Let me say that in this July, what we have is, we are optimizing to the maximum of the distillation, distilling the last barrel, giving us a positive margin.
Josu Jon Imaz: When you have such a disruption in the market, you have plenty of room to change your yields, to change your product you produce. You focus more on kerosene with better margins than some other products and so on. That is the reason behind this high-margin premium. A good integration of our refineries and the capacity to adapt the programming and the planning of the refinery in terms of crude slate and yield of products to the best situation we are seeing in the market day after day. EUR 10.3 a barrel in the quarter as premium and EUR 2.2 coming from biofuels. Going to the maintenance activity in the Q3. First of all, sorry. Let me say that in this July, what we have is, we are optimizing to the maximum of the distillation, distilling the last barrel, giving us a positive margin.
Speaker #2: And that is the reason behind this high-margin premium. I mean, a good integration of our refineries, and the capacity to adapt the programming and the planning of the refinery in terms of crude slate.
Speaker #2: And deal of products to the best situation we are seeing in the market day after day. So, $10.3 a barrel in the quarter as premium, and $2.2 coming from biofuels.
Speaker #2: Going to the maintenance activity in the third quarter—first of all, sorry, let me say that in this July, what we have is, I mean, we are optimizing to the maximum of the distillation, till distilling the last barrel that gives us a positive.
Speaker #2: Margin. We could have a savage in July and 85% of distillation utilization rate. And the conversion utilization rate is at 102% in July. You know that, I mean, technically could be above this 100 figure because mainly the cockers that are units that they work in batch.
Josu Jon Imaz: We could have as average in July, an 85% of distillation utilization rate, and the conversion utilization rate is at 102% in July. You know that, technically, it could be above this 100 figure because, mainly the cockers that are units that they work in batch. If you are optimizing the time of the cycle, you could be able to produce above the technical 100% specification. That is what is happening in this July. If we go to the maintenance program, in this context, we are trying to maximize production, of course. That is quite logical. We had, in Bilbao, the cocker shut down in April and May, but that is the past. We do not have any maintenance there. In Puertollano, a partial shutdown of the conversion is going to go to the Q4, so nothing in the Q3.
Josu Jon Imaz: We could have as average in July, an 85% of distillation utilization rate, and the conversion utilization rate is at 102% in July. You know that, technically, it could be above this 100 figure because, mainly the cockers that are units that they work in batch. If you are optimizing the time of the cycle, you could be able to produce above the technical 100% specification. That is what is happening in this July. If we go to the maintenance program, in this context, we are trying to maximize production, of course. That is quite logical. We had, in Bilbao, the cocker shut down in April and May, but that is the past. We do not have any maintenance there. In Puertollano, a partial shutdown of the conversion is going to go to the Q4, so nothing in the Q3.
Speaker #2: I mean, if you are optimizing the time of the cycle, you could be able to produce above the technical 100% specification. So, that is what is happening this July.
Speaker #2: And if we go to the maintenance program, I mean, in this context, we are trying to maximize production, of course. That’s quite logical. We had in Bilbao the coker shut down in April and May, but that is the past.
Speaker #2: We don't have any maintenance there. In Puerto Llanos, I mean, the partial shutdown of a conversion is going to go to the fourth quarter, so nothing in the third quarter.
Josu Jon Imaz: In Cartagena, we have to change at the end of September the catalyst of the hydrocracker. Some days, we are not talking about rocket science in terms of duration of the. We could say that we have, theoretically, a quite clean Q3 in terms of turnaround for our refineries and probably what is happening in our conversion capacity above this 100% is reflecting this situation. Thank you, Biraj.
Speaker #2: And in Cartagena, we have to change, at the end of September, the catalyst of the hydrocracker. I mean, some days we are not talking about rocket science in terms of duration, so we could say that we have, theoretically, a quite clean third quarter in terms of turnaround for our refineries.
Josu Jon Imaz: In Cartagena, we have to change at the end of September the catalyst of the hydrocracker. Some days, we are not talking about rocket science in terms of duration of the. We could say that we have, theoretically, a quite clean Q3 in terms of turnaround for our refineries and probably what is happening in our conversion capacity above this 100% is reflecting this situation. Thank you, Biraj.
Speaker #2: And probably what is happening in our conversion capacity above this 100% is reflecting this situation. Thank you, Bilas.
Speaker #1: Thank you very much.
Biraj Borkhataria: Thank you very much.
Biraj Borkhataria: Thank you very much.
Speaker #3: Thank you, Bilas. Our next question comes from Michele de la Viña at Goldman Sachs.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Biraj. Our next question comes from Michele Della Vigna at Goldman Sachs.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Biraj. Our next question comes from Michele Della Vigna at Goldman Sachs.
Speaker #4: Thank you very much, and congratulations on very, very strong results. I wanted to come back to the return to EMP growth, which is great to see this quarter.
Michele Della Vigna: Thank you very much. Congratulations on very strong results. I wanted to come back to the return to E&P growth, which is great to see this quarter. I was wondering if you could give us an indication of where you think your production could end up at the very end of this year with the full ramp-up of Pikka. Looking longer term to even beyond the end of this decade, it looks like Alaska provides you with great opportunities, so does Venezuela. Any other area that you're looking to continue to add the duration to your oil production growth? Thank you.
Michele Della Vigna: Thank you very much. Congratulations on very strong results. I wanted to come back to the return to E&P growth, which is great to see this quarter. I was wondering if you could give us an indication of where you think your production could end up at the very end of this year with the full ramp-up of Pikka. Looking longer term to even beyond the end of this decade, it looks like Alaska provides you with great opportunities, so does Venezuela. Any other area that you're looking to continue to add the duration to your oil production growth? Thank you.
Speaker #4: And I was wondering if you could give us an indication of where you think your production could end up at the very end of this year with the full ramp-up of PICA.
Speaker #4: And then, looking longer term to even beyond the end of this decade, it looks like Alaska provides you with great opportunities. So does Venezuela.
Speaker #4: Are there any other areas where you're looking to continue to add duration to your oil production growth? Thank you.
Speaker #2: Grazie mille, Michele. I mean, as I said before, well, you know the figures. For the second quarter: 558,000 barrels a day on average. July, as of today: 582,000 barrels a day.
Josu Jon Imaz: Michele. As I said before, the figures of the Q2, 558,000 barrels a day as average. July as of today, 582,000 barrels a day. Main contributions are coming from Alaska. That is starting to grow. We are going to have Alaska at the end of September, with the ramp-up fully operational. That means that we will have 80,000 barrels gross. You have to take the Repsol part of this figure. Venezuela. Let me say that Venezuela is performing in the right way. On top of, however, this state of emergency and this hard humanitarian situation Venezuela suffer, let me say that Repsol demonstrated a strong commitment and solidarity in this process, sending humanitarian aid and fully committed with the actions that Venezuela's government is promoting in this sense.
Josu Jon Imaz: Michele. As I said before, the figures of the Q2, 558,000 barrels a day as average. July as of today, 582,000 barrels a day. Main contributions are coming from Alaska. That is starting to grow. We are going to have Alaska at the end of September, with the ramp-up fully operational. That means that we will have 80,000 barrels gross. You have to take the Repsol part of this figure. Venezuela. Let me say that Venezuela is performing in the right way. On top of, however, this state of emergency and this hard humanitarian situation Venezuela suffer, let me say that Repsol demonstrated a strong commitment and solidarity in this process, sending humanitarian aid and fully committed with the actions that Venezuela's government is promoting in this sense.
Speaker #2: Main contributions are coming from Alaska, which is starting to grow. We are going to have Alaska at the end of September with the ramp-up fully operational.
Speaker #2: So, that means that we will have 80,000 barrels gross. I mean, you have to take the Repsol part out of this figure. Venezuela—I mean, let me say that Venezuela is performing in the right way.
Speaker #2: I mean, on top of however this state of emergency and this hard humanitarian situation that Venezuela suffers, and let me say that Repsol demonstrated a strong commitment and solidarity in this process, sending humanitarian aid and being fully committed to the actions that Venezuela's government is promoting.
Speaker #2: In this sense, but the good news—and not only for Repsol, also for the countries that have hydrocarbon assets, including Repsol's assets—is that they didn't suffer any significant damage.
Josu Jon Imaz: The good news, and not only for Repsol, also for the country, is that the assets, hydrocarbon assets, including Repsol's assets, they didn't suffer any significant damage. That is important because we produce the gas that sustain the power system of Venezuela, and the production remains secure for the supply side. I have to say that the government representatives in Venezuela, they are devoting all the attention also to go on helping companies to increase production. We also have, and I want to underline that, all the support of the American authorities to the improvement of the situation in Venezuela. I think that the American federal government is doing pretty well supporting what is needed to increase production in Venezuela, giving to Venezuelan government and Venezuelan people the capacity to have more revenues, more fiscal revenues, to improve the social and economic situation in the country.
Josu Jon Imaz: The good news, and not only for Repsol, also for the country, is that the assets, hydrocarbon assets, including Repsol's assets, they didn't suffer any significant damage. That is important because we produce the gas that sustain the power system of Venezuela, and the production remains secure for the supply side. I have to say that the government representatives in Venezuela, they are devoting all the attention also to go on helping companies to increase production. We also have, and I want to underline that, all the support of the American authorities to the improvement of the situation in Venezuela. I think that the American federal government is doing pretty well supporting what is needed to increase production in Venezuela, giving to Venezuelan government and Venezuelan people the capacity to have more revenues, more fiscal revenues, to improve the social and economic situation in the country.
Speaker #2: That is important because we produced the gas that sustained the power system of Venezuela, and the production remains secure on the supply side.
Speaker #2: And I have to say that, I mean, the government representatives in Venezuela, they are paying all the attention also to go on helping companies to increase production.
Speaker #2: We also have—and I want to underline this—all the support of the American authorities for the improvement of the situation in Venezuela. I think that the American federal government is doing pretty well supporting what is needed to increase production in Venezuela, giving the Venezuelan government and Venezuelan people the capacity to have more revenues, more fiscal revenues, to improve the social and economic situation in the country.
Speaker #2: So we are starting to see improvements in this production in Venezuela. I had, four weeks ago, the opportunity, some days before the earthquake, to be in the country, to be in Caracas, and to meet President Delcy Rodriguez and the Minister of Oil of Venezuela.
Josu Jon Imaz: We are starting to see an improvement in this production in Venezuela. I had, 4 weeks ago, the opportunity some days before the earthquake to be in the country, to be in Caracas, and to meet President Delcy Rodríguez and the Minister of all of Venezuela. They are fully committed with this target. I maintain what we said that from April on, the time where we receive all the licenses needed and so on, we are going to increase our production in a 50% in 1 year, and we are going to multiply by 3 our production in 3 years. Taking all that into account, I can't forget what is happening also in terms of production growth in the Marcellus, in the unconventional, where we are seeing some increase.
Josu Jon Imaz: We are starting to see an improvement in this production in Venezuela. I had, 4 weeks ago, the opportunity some days before the earthquake to be in the country, to be in Caracas, and to meet President Delcy Rodríguez and the Minister of all of Venezuela. They are fully committed with this target. I maintain what we said that from April on, the time where we receive all the licenses needed and so on, we are going to increase our production in a 50% in 1 year, and we are going to multiply by 3 our production in 3 years. Taking all that into account, I can't forget what is happening also in terms of production growth in the Marcellus, in the unconventional, where we are seeing some increase.
Speaker #2: And I mean, they are fully committed to this target. And I mean, I maintain what we said, that from April on—the time when we receive all the licenses needed and so on—we are going to increase our production by 50% in one year, and we are going to multiply our production by three in three years.
Speaker #2: And taking all that into account, I can't forget what is happening also in terms of production growth in the Marcellus, in the unconventional, where we are seeing some increase.
Speaker #2: In the Leon Castile, today we could be producing 13,000 to 14,000 barrels a day net to Repsol. And next year, we will be producing 19,000 barrels a day.
Josu Jon Imaz: In Leon-Castile today, we could be producing 13,000, 14,000 barrels a day net Repsol, and we will be next year producing 19,000 barrels a day. There is also a ramp-up in Leon-Castile. All in all, we are going to be at around 600,000 barrels a day at the end of this year. I am fully comfortable with the range, 60, 570,000 barrels a day. I have as indication. That is the indication. I have the perception that probably we are going to be in the high part of this range at the end of this year. Michele.
Josu Jon Imaz: In Leon-Castile today, we could be producing 13,000, 14,000 barrels a day net Repsol, and we will be next year producing 19,000 barrels a day. There is also a ramp-up in Leon-Castile. All in all, we are going to be at around 600,000 barrels a day at the end of this year. I am fully comfortable with the range, 60, 570,000 barrels a day. I have as indication. That is the indication. I have the perception that probably we are going to be in the high part of this range at the end of this year. Michele.
Speaker #2: So, there is also a ramp-up in Leon Castile. All in all, we are going to be at around 600,000 barrels a day at the end of the year.
Speaker #2: So I am fully comfortable with the range: 60,500 to 70,000 barrels a day. I had, as indication I mean, and that is the indication—I have the perception that probably we are going to be in the high part of this range at the end of the year.
Speaker #2: Grazie mille. Grazie, Michele.
Speaker #3: Thank you, Michele. Our next question comes from Sasi Kanchilikuru at Jefferies. Sasi, please go ahead with your question.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Michele. Our next questions comes from Sasikant Chilukuri at Jefferies. Sasik, please go ahead with your question.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Michele. Our next questions comes from Sasikant Chilukuri at Jefferies. Sasik, please go ahead with your question.
Sasikant Chilukuri: Hi. Thanks for taking my questions. I had two, please. The first was going back on to distributions. You have, of course, reiterated your policy and of 30% to 40% payout of CFFO. Generated 3 billion CFFO, but that includes a very huge working capital build, the EUR 2.7 billion. My question was, how should we think about this working capital in H2, and how does it impact your decision on the distributions for the full year? Where are we likely to be on that 30% to 40% spectrum? Now, the second question was regarding the upstream. With the balance sheet getting now near single-digit percentages, I just wanted to understand your thoughts on whether you wanted to use some of that balance sheet strength to further high-grade or perhaps accelerate the high-grading of the upstream portfolio.
Sasikant Chilukuri: Hi. Thanks for taking my questions. I had two, please. The first was going back on to distributions. You have, of course, reiterated your policy and of 30% to 40% payout of CFFO. Generated 3 billion CFFO, but that includes a very huge working capital build, the EUR 2.7 billion. My question was, how should we think about this working capital in H2, and how does it impact your decision on the distributions for the full year? Where are we likely to be on that 30% to 40% spectrum? Now, the second question was regarding the upstream. With the balance sheet getting now near single-digit percentages, I just wanted to understand your thoughts on whether you wanted to use some of that balance sheet strength to further high-grade or perhaps accelerate the high-grading of the upstream portfolio.
Speaker #5: Hi. Thanks for taking my questions. I had two, please. The first was going back to distributions. Of course, you reiterated your policy of 30% to 40% payout of CFFO.
Speaker #5: Generated €3 billion CFFO, but that includes a very large working capital build—the €2.7 billion. My question was: how should we think about this working capital in the second half, and how does it impact your decision on the distributions for the full year?
Speaker #5: Where are we likely to be on that 30% to 40% spectrum? Now, the second question was regarding the upstream. With balance sheet gearing now near single-digit percentages, I just wanted to understand your thoughts on whether you wanted to use some of that balance sheet strength to further high-grade, or perhaps accelerate the high-grading, of the upstream portfolio.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Sasi. I mean, first, we have increased our working capital this half in two point seven billion euros. Let me split a bit this figure in two tranches.
Josu Jon Imaz: Thank you, Shashi. First, we have increased our working capital this H1 in EUR 2.7 billion. Let me split a bit this figure in two trenches. The first is price, because what we have in our tanks, in our storage, has a higher price. Probably speaking, it could be EUR 1.4 billion coming from price. Another part is volume, EUR 1.3 billion. Let me say that is the result of the focus we have now. What is behind this decision? You could say, okay, you are not optimizing your storages. There are solid reasons for that. The first, I have to guarantee that when the refining margin is USD 34 a barrel and with a premium of 9, I can't have a problem of oil supply because I have a storm in Bilbao, in Coruña port and so on.
Josu Jon Imaz: Thank you, Shashi. First, we have increased our working capital this H1 in EUR 2.7 billion. Let me split a bit this figure in two trenches. The first is price, because what we have in our tanks, in our storage, has a higher price. Probably speaking, it could be EUR 1.4 billion coming from price. Another part is volume, EUR 1.3 billion. Let me say that is the result of the focus we have now. What is behind this decision? You could say, okay, you are not optimizing your storages. There are solid reasons for that. The first, I have to guarantee that when the refining margin is USD 34 a barrel and with a premium of 9, I can't have a problem of oil supply because I have a storm in Bilbao, in Coruña port and so on.
Speaker #2: The first is price. I mean, because what we have in our tanks, in our storage, has a higher price. So, probably speaking, it could be $1.4 billion coming from price.
Speaker #2: And another part is volume: €1.3 billion. And let me say that that is the result of the focus we have now.
Speaker #2: I mean, what is behind this decision? You could say, okay, you are not optimizing your storages. There are, I mean, solid reasons for that.
Speaker #2: First, I mean, I have to guarantee that when the refining margin is $34 per barrel, and without a premium of $9, I can't have a problem of oil supply just because I have a storm in Bilbao or in Coruña port, and so on.
Speaker #2: So I have to work, let me say, in a less—let me use the term in terms of working capital—optimized way, because I have to guarantee that our refineries, they have a conversion covering 100% of our units, at least happening today.
Josu Jon Imaz: I have to work, let me say, in a less, let me use the term in terms of working capital, optimized way, because I have to guarantee that our refineries, they have a conversion covering 100% our units as is happening today. That is a reason for that. When I say crude oil, I'm talking about intermediate products and so on. We have a priority now. Our refining system is making money, and I have to guarantee that this process is going to go on with no disruptions, because from time to time, we have two refineries in the Atlantic Ocean and storms and so on, even in the Mediterranean appear from time to time. That is the first reason. The second reason is that what we have seen, Shashi, is a very tight market for products.
Josu Jon Imaz: I have to work, let me say, in a less, let me use the term in terms of working capital, optimized way, because I have to guarantee that our refineries, they have a conversion covering 100% our units as is happening today. That is a reason for that. When I say crude oil, I'm talking about intermediate products and so on. We have a priority now. Our refining system is making money, and I have to guarantee that this process is going to go on with no disruptions, because from time to time, we have two refineries in the Atlantic Ocean and storms and so on, even in the Mediterranean appear from time to time. That is the first reason. The second reason is that what we have seen, Shashi, is a very tight market for products.
Speaker #2: So that is a reason for that. And when I say crude oil, I'm talking about intermediate products and so on. So, we have a priority now.
Speaker #2: I mean, our refining system is making money. And I have to guarantee that this process is going to go on with no disruptions, because from time to time, you know, I mean, we have two refineries in the Atlantic Ocean, and storms and so on.
Speaker #2: Even in the Mediterranean, some appear from time to time. That is the first reason. I mean, what we have seen, Sasi, is a very tight market for products.
Speaker #2: I don't know what the market is in, but believe me, diesel and kilo, and so diesel and jet, they could be concerns for Europeans in the coming months.
Josu Jon Imaz: I don't know what the market is saying, but believe me, diesel and jet, they could be concerns for Europeans in coming months. We have to guarantee that we are able, first, to supply our customers in Spain, because we have a strong commitment with them. If this commitment means that we have to increase a bit our storage, we do it. Secondly, because this company has also a full commitment with the countries where we operate, and we have a strong commitment with the Spanish society and the Spanish economy. Tourism is very important for Spain. 15% of the Spanish gross domestic product comes from tourism.
Josu Jon Imaz: I don't know what the market is saying, but believe me, diesel and jet, they could be concerns for Europeans in coming months. We have to guarantee that we are able, first, to supply our customers in Spain, because we have a strong commitment with them. If this commitment means that we have to increase a bit our storage, we do it. Secondly, because this company has also a full commitment with the countries where we operate, and we have a strong commitment with the Spanish society and the Spanish economy. Tourism is very important for Spain. 15% of the Spanish gross domestic product comes from tourism.
Speaker #2: So, we have to guarantee that we are able, first, to supply our customers in Spain because we have a strong commitment to them. So, if this commitment means that we have to increase our beta restorage, we do it.
Speaker #2: And secondly, because this company also has a full commitment to the countries where we operate. And we have a strong commitment to the Spanish society and the Spanish economy.
Speaker #2: And tourism is very important for Spain. Fifteen percent of the Spanish gross domestic product comes from tourism. This year, probably, tourism is going to experience even a better year.
Josu Jon Imaz: This year, probably, this tourism is going to experience even a better year, because, let me say, the uncertainty in some regions in the world, Eastern Europe, Middle East, more difficult to travel to Asia and so on, is going to concentrate an important part of the European tourism in Spain. We are fully committed to guarantee that these people is going to have products yet to come to Spain and to supply the Spanish tourism and the Spanish economy. That is part of our business, because they are our customers. We have increased our jet production by 35% in our refineries. Now we are able to provide not only the kerosene that our customers they need in Spain, but we are also providing jet to our customers in some other European airports.
Josu Jon Imaz: This year, probably, this tourism is going to experience even a better year, because, let me say, the uncertainty in some regions in the world, Eastern Europe, Middle East, more difficult to travel to Asia and so on, is going to concentrate an important part of the European tourism in Spain. We are fully committed to guarantee that these people is going to have products yet to come to Spain and to supply the Spanish tourism and the Spanish economy. That is part of our business, because they are our customers. We have increased our jet production by 35% in our refineries. Now we are able to provide not only the kerosene that our customers they need in Spain, but we are also providing jet to our customers in some other European airports.
Speaker #2: Because, let me say, the uncertainty in some regions in the world—Eastern Europe, the Middle East, more difficult to travel to Asia, and so on—is going to concentrate an important part of the European tourism in Spain.
Speaker #2: And we are fully committed to guarantee that these people are going to have products yet to come to Spain, and to supply the Spanish tourism and the Spanish economy.
Speaker #2: And that is part of our business because they are our customers. And we have increased our jet production by 35% in our refineries.
Speaker #2: And now, we are able to provide not only the kerosene that our customers need in Spain, but we are also providing jet to our customers in some other European airports.
Josu Jon Imaz: We are selling jet in Paris and in some other areas because we are taking also this situation as a commercial opportunity for the future. That is what is behind this working capital. If you ask me what is going to happen at the end of the year, in physical terms, we can't increase this effort because we have a full use of the storage units we have in Spain. You are not going to see an increase coming from the physical side. If we go to the price, that is not in our hands. If price of products and price of oil is higher, you are going to see a higher cash flow from operations coming from the operations, and you are going to see the higher working capital coming from this price.
Speaker #2: So, we are selling jet in Paris and in some other areas because we are also taking this situation as a commercial opportunity for the future.
Josu Jon Imaz: We are selling jet in Paris and in some other areas because we are taking also this situation as a commercial opportunity for the future. That is what is behind this working capital. If you ask me what is going to happen at the end of the year, in physical terms, we can't increase this effort because we have a full use of the storage units we have in Spain. You are not going to see an increase coming from the physical side. If we go to the price, that is not in our hands. If price of products and price of oil is higher, you are going to see a higher cash flow from operations coming from the operations, and you are going to see the higher working capital coming from this price.
Speaker #2: So that is what is behind this working capital. If you ask me what is going to happen at the end of the year, I mean, in physical terms, we can't increase this effort because we have full use of the storage units we have in Spain.
Speaker #2: So you are not going to see an increase coming from the physical side. If we go to the price, that is not in our hands.
Speaker #2: If the price of products and the price of oil are higher, you are going to see a higher cash flow from operations coming from the operations, and you are going to see a higher working capital coming from this price.
Speaker #2: So, when we are talking about distribution, we are talking, of course, about the share buyback and the cash flow from operations. But you are not going to have surprises in this sense at the end of the year.
Josu Jon Imaz: When we are talking about distribution, we are talking, of course, the share buyback of the cash flow from operations. You are not going to have surprises in this sense, at the end of the year, Shashi. The only surprises you could have, they could be positive because we could have, let me say, the capacity to release, in commercial terms, a part of these inventories, a part of this storage. Your second question is very interesting, Shashi, because I think that we have to use the balance strength, first, to weather, and in some way, to resist in a volatile scenario from this autumn on, that I don't know how it's going to be developed. Secondly, because in the future, of course, we could have opportunities in a different scenario. Again, we are going to be very prudent in the use of capital.
Josu Jon Imaz: When we are talking about distribution, we are talking, of course, the share buyback of the cash flow from operations. You are not going to have surprises in this sense, at the end of the year, Shashi. The only surprises you could have, they could be positive because we could have, let me say, the capacity to release, in commercial terms, a part of these inventories, a part of this storage. Your second question is very interesting, Shashi, because I think that we have to use the balance strength, first, to weather, and in some way, to resist in a volatile scenario from this autumn on, that I don't know how it's going to be developed. Secondly, because in the future, of course, we could have opportunities in a different scenario. Again, we are going to be very prudent in the use of capital.
Speaker #2: Sasi, the only surprises you could have—they could be positive, because we could have, let me say, the capacity to release, in commercial terms, a part of these inventories—a part of this storage.
Speaker #2: I mean, your second question is very interesting, Sasi, because I think that we have to use balanced strength, first, to weather and, in some way, to resist in a volatile scenario from this autumn on that I don't know how it's going to develop.
Speaker #2: And secondly, because I am looking to the future, of course, we could have opportunities in a different scenario. But again, we are going to be very prudent in the use of capital.
Speaker #2: I mean, having a strong balance sheet is always an opportunity. But we are going to be very prudent, as we are, in the use of capital and the use of capex.
Josu Jon Imaz: Having a strong balance sheet is always an opportunity, we are going to be very prudent as we are in the use of capital and the use of the CapEx. Again, the distribution for our shareholders is going to be the priority of the use of this capital. Of course, we are seeing a lot of opportunities to grow in the E&P, as you mentioned. These opportunities are mainly organic. We have a strong pipeline to grow. I mentioned before Pikka II, I mentioned Quokka, I mentioned Horseshoe. Venezuela is also there. Libya is there. We have opportunities in our portfolio. We are going to use these opportunities to grow. I don't see, let me say today, opportunities in the M&A, in the E&P, because assets are expensive because the current macro context.
Josu Jon Imaz: Having a strong balance sheet is always an opportunity, we are going to be very prudent as we are in the use of capital and the use of the CapEx. Again, the distribution for our shareholders is going to be the priority of the use of this capital. Of course, we are seeing a lot of opportunities to grow in the E&P, as you mentioned. These opportunities are mainly organic. We have a strong pipeline to grow.
Speaker #2: And again, the distribution is going to be in the distribution for our shareholders is going to be the priority of the use of this capital.
Speaker #2: And of course, we are seeing a lot of opportunities to grow in the EMP, as you mentioned, but these opportunities are mainly organic. We have a strong pipeline to grow.
Speaker #2: I mentioned before Pikachu. I mentioned Coca. I mentioned Horseshoe. Venezuela is also there. Libya is there. We have opportunities in our portfolio. So we are going to use these opportunities to grow.
Josu Jon Imaz: I mentioned before Pikka II, I mentioned Quokka, I mentioned Horseshoe. Venezuela is also there. Libya is there. We have opportunities in our portfolio. We are going to use these opportunities to grow. I don't see, let me say today, opportunities in the M&A, in the E&P, because assets are expensive because the current macro context. That is not a concern for me now, because we have a lot of opportunities to grow in the E&P in an organic way. Thank you, Shashi.
Speaker #2: I don't see, let me say today, opportunities in M&A in the E&P because, I mean, assets are expensive because of the current macro context.
Speaker #2: But that is not a concern for me now, because we have a lot of opportunities to grow in the EMP in an organic way.
Josu Jon Imaz: That is not a concern for me now, because we have a lot of opportunities to grow in the E&P in an organic way. Thank you, Shashi.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Sasi.
Speaker #1: Thank you.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Shashi. Our next question comes from Alastair Syme at Citi.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Shashi. Our next question comes from Alastair Syme at Citi.
Speaker #3: Thank you, Shazir. Our next question comes from Alister Saim at Citi.
Alastair Syme: Thanks, Pablo. Firstly, congratulations to Spain on the Men's World Cup success. I had two questions: one on biofuels, where the rates of return have been absolutely fantastic. You are talking about another retrofit, but across the industry, I do not see too many other announcements of capacity expansion. I would be interested in your thoughts about what do you think is holding the industry back, despite the record profitability. Secondly, on Alaska. Quokka, I think you said you would try and utilize the processing facilities at Pikka, but it does look like from the map that it is on the other side of the Kuparuk River Complex. I just wondered about the logistical challenges there. I just wanted to clarify from that slide if the 1 billion barrels of 2C resources includes the possible field extensions shown at Quokka and Horseshoe. Thank you.
Alastair Syme: Thanks, Pablo. Firstly, congratulations to Spain on the Men's World Cup success. I had two questions: one on biofuels, where the rates of return have been absolutely fantastic. You are talking about another retrofit, but across the industry, I do not see too many other announcements of capacity expansion. I would be interested in your thoughts about what do you think is holding the industry back, despite the record profitability. Secondly, on Alaska. Quokka, I think you said you would try and utilize the processing facilities at Pikka, but it does look like from the map that it is on the other side of the Kuparuk River Complex. I just wondered about the logistical challenges there. I just wanted to clarify from that slide if the 1 billion barrels of 2C resources includes the possible field extensions shown at Quokka and Horseshoe. Thank you.
Speaker #4: Thanks, Pablo. Firstly, congratulations to Spain on the Men's World Cup success. I have two questions. One, on biofuels, where the rates of return have been absolutely fantastic.
Speaker #4: You're talking about another retrofit that, across the industry, I don't see too many other announcements of capacity expansion. So I'd be interested in your thoughts about what you think is holding the industry back, despite the record profitability?
Speaker #4: And then secondly, on Alaska, Quaker, I think you said you'd try and utilize the processing facilities at Piker, but it does look like from the map that it's on the other side of the comparative river complex.
Speaker #4: So, I just wondered about the logistical challenges there. And I just wanted to clarify from that slide if the one billion barrels of 2C resources includes the possible field extensions shown at Quaker and Horseshoe.
Speaker #4: Thank you.
Speaker #3: So thank you very much for your first comment, Alister, because at Repsol we are really happy about the victory of the Spanish football team last Sunday.
Josu Jon Imaz: Thank you. Thank you mainly for your first comment, Alistair, because in Repsol, we are really happy because the victory of the Spanish football team last Sunday. Thank you so much for your comment about that. Going to your questions. Biofuels. Yeah. The returns have been fantastic, but what is behind that? First, we are producing, mainly focused on our market. With the production we have today, probably we could be producing 70%, something like that, of the needs of our clients in Spain. If we take the average for this year, what we forecast, taking into account the current HVO margins we are experiencing, probably the EBITDA of this business is going to be at around EUR 300 to 325 million this year.
Josu Jon Imaz: Thank you. Thank you mainly for your first comment, Alistair, because in Repsol, we are really happy because the victory of the Spanish football team last Sunday. Thank you so much for your comment about that. Going to your questions. Biofuels. Yeah. The returns have been fantastic, but what is behind that? First, we are producing, mainly focused on our market. With the production we have today, probably we could be producing 70%, something like that, of the needs of our clients in Spain. If we take the average for this year, what we forecast, taking into account the current HVO margins we are experiencing, probably the EBITDA of this business is going to be at around EUR 300 to 325 million this year.
Speaker #3: So thank you so much for your comment about that. I mean, going to your questions, biofuels, yeah, I mean, the returns have been fantastic, but I mean, what is behind that?
Speaker #3: First, we are mainly focusing on our market. So with the production we have today, probably we could be producing 70%, something like that, of the needs of our clients in Spain.
Speaker #3: If we take the average for this year, what we forecast taking into account the current HBO margins, we are experiencing, probably the EBITDA of this business is going to be at around €300 to €325 million this year.
Speaker #3: If we add what we are getting on the commercial side in renewables, plus trading, the figure could probably be close to €380 million of EBITDA this year.
Josu Jon Imaz: If we add what we are getting in the commercial side in renewables, plus the trading, probably the figure could be close to EUR 380 million of EBITDA this year. I'm reminding you that the capital employed in this business could be at around EUR 500 million, so returns are okay. Probably what is behind is that these units are fully integrated in a refining system. We have an experience industrially to manage these kind of units. Secondly, we have worked hard over the last years building the supply chain to have the raw materials to make all that profitable. Third, that of course, we have the impact of international focus and international market, but we have an internal market that is in some way, the focus of the production we have. You know that we are deploying also in a commercial way, these renewable fuels.
Josu Jon Imaz: If we add what we are getting in the commercial side in renewables, plus the trading, probably the figure could be close to EUR 380 million of EBITDA this year. I'm reminding you that the capital employed in this business could be at around EUR 500 million, so returns are okay. Probably what is behind is that these units are fully integrated in a refining system. We have an experience industrially to manage these kind of units. Secondly, we have worked hard over the last years building the supply chain to have the raw materials to make all that profitable. Third, that of course, we have the impact of international focus and international market, but we have an internal market that is in some way, the focus of the production we have. You know that we are deploying also in a commercial way, these renewable fuels.
Speaker #3: I'm reminding you that the capital employed in this business could be at around €500 million, so the returns are okay. And probably what is behind is that these units are fully integrated in a refining system.
Speaker #3: We have experience, industrially, to manage this kind of units. Secondly, we have worked hard over the last years building the supply chain to have the raw materials to make all that profitable.
Speaker #3: And third, of course, we have the impact of international focus and the international market, but we also have an internal market that is, in some way, the focus of the production we have.
Speaker #3: You know that we have been deploying, also in a commercial way, these renewable fuels. We have already almost 1,700 service stations in Spain that are providing a diesel that is 100% renewable.
Josu Jon Imaz: We have already almost 1,700 refineries or service stations in Spain that are providing a diesel 100% renewable. That is an offer for our customers. We are seeing this offer as a part of our business. I think that all that is behind the profitability we are making in this business. It's true that sometimes the international margins could be lower, and probably the returns are going to be lower in this moment. Now, we are quite happy. As I mentioned before, probably we are going to enter in a third on-purpose plant that is going to be probably a retrofitting in one of our refineries, to cover a bit the gap between what we need in our markets and the current production we have. Alaska.
Josu Jon Imaz: We have already almost 1,700 refineries or service stations in Spain that are providing a diesel 100% renewable. That is an offer for our customers. We are seeing this offer as a part of our business. I think that all that is behind the profitability we are making in this business. It's true that sometimes the international margins could be lower, and probably the returns are going to be lower in this moment. Now, we are quite happy. As I mentioned before, probably we are going to enter in a third on-purpose plant that is going to be probably a retrofitting in one of our refineries, to cover a bit the gap between what we need in our markets and the current production we have. Alaska.
Speaker #3: And that is an offer for our customers, and we are seeing this offer as a part of our business. So I think that all of that is behind the profitability we are making in this business.
Speaker #3: It's true that sometimes the international margins could be lower, and probably the returns are going to be lower at this moment. But, I mean, now we are quite happy.
Speaker #3: And as I mentioned before, we are probably going to enter into a third on-purpose plant, which will likely be a retrofit at one of our refineries.
Speaker #3: Two, cover a bit the gap between what we need in our markets and the current production we have. Alaska, going to this development, I mean, Pikachu is going to be very integrated with Pika.
Josu Jon Imaz: Going to this development, Pikka II is going to be very integrated with Pikka and with Pikka I. Pikka I, the current production is on track now. Pikka II is going to be fully connected to that. If we go to Quokka probably is going to have its own development plant, its own processing facility, and of course, all that is under review. What we know today about Quokka is that the performance of the wells could be highly positive. Remember that the drill, the production test we developed this February, March, I can't remember the exact date, but was at around 3,900 barrels a day, a single well. We are very positive about the prospect, about the potential development, and we think for that reason, we say that that could be a new Pikka.
Josu Jon Imaz: Going to this development, Pikka II is going to be very integrated with Pikka and with Pikka I. Pikka I, the current production is on track now. Pikka II is going to be fully connected to that. If we go to Quokka probably is going to have its own development plant, its own processing facility, and of course, all that is under review. What we know today about Quokka is that the performance of the wells could be highly positive. Remember that the drill, the production test we developed this February, March, I can't remember the exact date, but was at around 3,900 barrels a day, a single well. We are very positive about the prospect, about the potential development, and we think for that reason, we say that that could be a new Pikka.
Speaker #3: And with Pikka 1, Pikka 1, I mean the current production is on track now. Pikka 2 is going to be fully connected to that.
Speaker #3: And if we go to Quoka, I mean, Quoka probably is going to have its own development plant, its own processing facility. And, of course, all that is under review.
Speaker #3: What we know today about Quoka is that the performance of the wells could be highly positive. Remember that the drill, the production test we developed this February, March—I can’t remember the exact date.
Speaker #3: But it was at around 3,900 barrels a day—I mean, from a single well. So we are very positive about the prospects for potential development.
Speaker #3: And we think for that reason, we say that that could be a new Pika A. But our focus in terms of development in the short term is going to be fully focused in the next weeks and months on the analysis of the FID of Pika 2, which probably is going to be taken, with a high probability, in 2027.
Josu Jon Imaz: Our focus in terms of development in the short term are going to be fully focused in next weeks and months in the analysis of the FID of Pikka II, that probably is going to be taken with a high probability in 2027. We prefer to know, of course, all the information coming from the wells, from the production of Pikka I and so on before having the whole engineering project. When you ask about the resources, the answer is yes. The 2C figure includes Pikka, includes Quokka, and includes Horcón. Thank you, Alastair.
Josu Jon Imaz: Our focus in terms of development in the short term are going to be fully focused in next weeks and months in the analysis of the FID of Pikka II, that probably is going to be taken with a high probability in 2027. We prefer to know, of course, all the information coming from the wells, from the production of Pikka I and so on before having the whole engineering project. When you ask about the resources, the answer is yes. The 2C figure includes Pikka, includes Quokka, and includes Horcón. Thank you, Alastair.
Speaker #3: Because we prefer to know, of course, all the information coming from the wells, from the production of Pikka 1, and so on, before having the whole engineering project.
Speaker #3: And when you ask about the resources, the answer is yes. I mean, the 2C figure includes Pikka, includes Quokka, and includes Horseshoe. Thank you, Alister.
Speaker #4: Thank you.
Alastair Syme: Thank you.
Alastair Syme: Thank you.
Speaker #1: Thank you, Alister. Our next questions come from Alejandro Virgil at Santander.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Alastair. Our next questions come from Alejandro Vigil at Santander.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Alastair. Our next questions come from Alejandro Vigil at Santander.
Speaker #5: Yes, thank you, Joseph John, for taking my questions. The first one is: we have just a few months since our Capital Markets Day, and in that one, you announced this growth profile in the upstream business with a target or a guidance of 560, sorry, 600,000 barrels per day.
Alejandro Vigil: Yes, thank you, Josu Jon, for taking my questions. The first one is, we have just a few months since your Capital Markets Day, and in that one you announced this growth profile in the upstream business with a target or a guidance of 580,000, 600,000 barrels per day. Looking at this growth profile that you discussed this morning with Alaska, Venezuela, Libya, et cetera, looks like the potential is much bigger. You can quantify the 2028 guidance or 2030 if possible, with all these projects coming on stream? The second question is about the RED III implementation in Spain. You mentioned that there is a proposal now and could justify additional investments. You can also quantify the size of this opportunity for the Spanish market? Thank you.
Alejandro Vigil: Yes, thank you, Josu Jon, for taking my questions. The first one is, we have just a few months since your Capital Markets Day, and in that one you announced this growth profile in the upstream business with a target or a guidance of 580,000, 600,000 barrels per day. Looking at this growth profile that you discussed this morning with Alaska, Venezuela, Libya, et cetera, looks like the potential is much bigger. You can quantify the 2028 guidance or 2030 if possible, with all these projects coming on stream? The second question is about the RED III implementation in Spain. You mentioned that there is a proposal now and could justify additional investments. You can also quantify the size of this opportunity for the Spanish market? Thank you.
Speaker #5: But looking at this growth profile that you discussed this morning with Alaska, Venezuela, Libya, etc., it looks like the potential is much bigger. Can you quantify the 2028 guidance, or 2030s if possible, with all these projects coming on stream?
Speaker #5: And the second question is about the Red Tree implementation in Spain. You mentioned that there is a proposal now, and it could justify additional investments.
Speaker #5: You can also quantify the size of these opportunities for the Spanish market. Thank you.
Speaker #3: Thank you, Alejandro. Thank you so much. I mean, you are right about the growth profile in the upstream. I just want to remind you that when we take 580 to 600, we are taking into account 2026, where the average will be something in between 560 and 570.
Josu Jon Imaz: Gracias, Alejandro. Thank you so much. You are right about the growth profile in the upstream. Only I want to remind you that when we take 580,000 to 600,000, we are taking into account 2026, where the average will be something in between 560,000, 570,000. That means that we are seeing growth in 2027 and 2028. Remember also that we exclude, and I underlined that in the Capital Markets Day, the Venezuela increase from this figure. If Venezuela works in the right direction, and we hope, we expect, and we are fully committed with the development of Venezuela, this figure from 580,000 to 600,000 barrels a day for the period 2026, 2028, it will be higher, because we have to add the improvement we are going to get in Venezuela.
Josu Jon Imaz: Gracias, Alejandro. Thank you so much. You are right about the growth profile in the upstream. Only I want to remind you that when we take 580,000 to 600,000, we are taking into account 2026, where the average will be something in between 560,000, 570,000. That means that we are seeing growth in 2027 and 2028. Remember also that we exclude, and I underlined that in the Capital Markets Day, the Venezuela increase from this figure. If Venezuela works in the right direction, and we hope, we expect, and we are fully committed with the development of Venezuela, this figure from 580,000 to 600,000 barrels a day for the period 2026, 2028, it will be higher, because we have to add the improvement we are going to get in Venezuela.
Speaker #3: So, I mean, that means that we are seeing growth in 2027 and 2028. And remember also that we exclude—and I underline that in the Capital Markets Day—the Venezuela increase from this figure.
Speaker #3: I mean, if Venezuela works in the right direction—and we expect, we hope, we expect, and we are fully committed to the development of Venezuela—this figure, from 580 to 600 thousand barrels a day for the period '26-'28, will be higher because we have to add the improvement we are going to get in Venezuela.
Speaker #3: And again, what we are seeing in Venezuela is a full commitment from the Venezuelan government and PDVSA to make things go in the right direction: increasing production, increasing the revenues of the country, and improving the social and economic situation of the country.
Josu Jon Imaz: What we are seeing in Venezuela is a full commitment of Venezuelan Government and PDVSA to make things go in the right direction, increasing production, increasing the revenues of the country, and improving the social and economic situation of the country. We are seeing also a full commitment of the American federal government to make all that possible. The quantifying the guidance for 2028, 2030 is not an easy game now, but we are seeing the company producing above 600,000 barrels a day. Going to the RED III, let me say that this implementation is positive. Is positive because what we are seeing is that there is a certainty. Certainty means that we have more security to take investment decisions.
Josu Jon Imaz: What we are seeing in Venezuela is a full commitment of Venezuelan Government and PDVSA to make things go in the right direction, increasing production, increasing the revenues of the country, and improving the social and economic situation of the country. We are seeing also a full commitment of the American federal government to make all that possible. The quantifying the guidance for 2028, 2030 is not an easy game now, but we are seeing the company producing above 600,000 barrels a day. Going to the RED III, let me say that this implementation is positive. Is positive because what we are seeing is that there is a certainty. Certainty means that we have more security to take investment decisions.
Speaker #3: And we are also seeing a full commitment from the American federal government to make all that possible. So, quantifying the guidance for 2028 and 2030 is not an easy game right now.
Speaker #3: But we are seeing the company producing above 600,000 barrels a day. Going to the read-through, I mean, let me say that I think this implementation is positive.
Speaker #3: It's positive because what we are seeing is that there is a certainty. Uncertainty means that we have more security to take investment decisions.
Speaker #3: So, I'm sure that this red three is going to support the investment decision we are going to take related to this third plant in Spain to produce biofuels.
Josu Jon Imaz: I'm sure that this RED III is going to support the investment decision we are going to take related to this third plant in Spain to produce biofuels. Going to the hydrogen, I think that is also fully justifying the current FID we took in the last months. Petronor and Cartagena, and I think that is opening the door, of course, to the Tarragona's FID, and probably, a fourth one in the Spanish geography of our refinery. Positive implementation and certainty that are going to favor investment decisions in Spain. Gracias, Alejandro. Thank you, Alejandro. Our next question comes from Naisheng at Barclays.
Josu Jon Imaz: I'm sure that this RED III is going to support the investment decision we are going to take related to this third plant in Spain to produce biofuels. Going to the hydrogen, I think that is also fully justifying the current FID we took in the last months. Petronor and Cartagena, and I think that is opening the door, of course, to the Tarragona's FID, and probably, a fourth one in the Spanish geography of our refinery. Positive implementation and certainty that are going to favor investment decisions in Spain. Gracias, Alejandro.
Speaker #3: And going to the hydrogen, I think that is also fully justifying the current FID we took in the last months. I mean, Petronor and Cartagena, and I think that is opening the door, of course, to the Tarragona FID and probably, I mean, a fourth one in the Spanish geography of our refinery.
Speaker #3: So positive implementation and certainty are going to favor investment decisions in Spain. Gracias, Alejandro.
Speaker #1: Thank you, Alejandro. Our next question comes from Nasqui at Barclays.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Alejandro. Our next question comes from Naisheng at Barclays.
Speaker #4: Good afternoon, Seth Pablo. Hi, Joseph John. I have two questions, please. The first one is Venezuela. It's really nice to hear that Repsol has received your first oil cargo payment.
[Analyst] (Barclays): Good afternoon. Thanks, Pablo. Hi, Josu Jon. I have two questions, please. The first one is on Venezuela. It is really nice to hear that Repsol has received your first oil cargo payment. I wonder if you could quantify the monetary impact, and how should we think about more cargoes to be received for the H2 of the year? Is this included in your new CFFO guidance, I wonder? My second question is on refining margin outlook. I understand, Josu Jon, you talk a lot about the tailwind supporting the refining margin. China has started to lift some of its oil product export quotas. Do you see that as a downside risk to the refining margin outlook? I'm just interested to hear your view on this. Thank you.
Naisheng Cui: Good afternoon. Thanks, Pablo. Hi, Josu Jon. I have two questions, please. The first one is on Venezuela. It is really nice to hear that Repsol has received your first oil cargo payment. I wonder if you could quantify the monetary impact, and how should we think about more cargoes to be received for the H2 of the year? Is this included in your new CFFO guidance, I wonder? My second question is on refining margin outlook. I understand, Josu Jon, you talk a lot about the tailwind supporting the refining margin. China has started to lift some of its oil product export quotas. Do you see that as a downside risk to the refining margin outlook? I'm just interested to hear your view on this. Thank you.
Speaker #4: I wonder if you could quantify the monetary impact, and how should we think about receiving more cargoes in the second half of the year?
Speaker #4: And is this included in your new CFFO guidance? I wonder. And then my second question is on the refining margin outlook. I understand, Joseph John, you talk a lot about the tailwind supporting the refining margin.
Speaker #4: China has started to release some of its oil product export quotas. Do you see that as a downside risk to the refining margin outlook?
Speaker #4: I'm just interested to hear your view on this. Thank you.
Speaker #3: Thank you. Thank you, Nash. I mean, so yes, I could quantify Venezuela. We are receiving, and we are to go on receiving, the cargoes that are going to pay all the gas production and the bills of our gas production in the year in Cardón.
Josu Jon Imaz: Thank you. Thank you, Naisheng. Yes, I could quantify. Venezuela, we are receiving, and we are to go on receiving the cargoes that are going to pay all the gas production and the bills of our gas production in the year in Cardón. We had one in April, one in July, and we are going to receive four more cargoes for Cardón IV this year. Going to Petroquiriquire, we have started to receive cargoes in a regular way, and these cargoes are going to cover what we need to pay the OpEx and CapEx to grow the production in Petroquiriquire. We are going to finance with these cargoes the investment required to fulfill the commitment of all increased production I mentioned before.
Josu Jon Imaz: Thank you. Thank you, Naisheng. Yes, I could quantify. Venezuela, we are receiving, and we are to go on receiving the cargoes that are going to pay all the gas production and the bills of our gas production in the year in Cardón. We had one in April, one in July, and we are going to receive four more cargoes for Cardón IV this year. Going to Petroquiriquire, we have started to receive cargoes in a regular way, and these cargoes are going to cover what we need to pay the OpEx and CapEx to grow the production in Petroquiriquire. We are going to finance with these cargoes the investment required to fulfill the commitment of all increased production I mentioned before.
Speaker #3: So we had one in April, one in July. And we are going to receive four more cargoes for Cardon quarterly this year. And going to Petro Kirikiri, we have started to receive cargoes on a regular basis.
Speaker #3: And these cargoes are going to cover, of course, what we need to pay for the OPEX and the CAPEX to grow the production in Petro Kirikiri.
Speaker #3: So, we are going to finance, with these cargoes, the investment required to fulfill the commitment of all increased production I mentioned before. So, when you talk about the guidance of the year, when I'm talking now about production, the year is included because, of course, we start in April—this game, April, May.
Josu Jon Imaz: When you talk about the guidance of the year, I'm talking now about production in the year is included, of course, because we start in April this game, April, May, that means that the impact this year is going to be lower. For that reason, I'm quite comfortable saying that we are going to be in the high range of the 560,000, 570,000 barrels a day. When we go to the metrics, because, of course, Venezuela, Shaibah, is going to be included in the dividend side, in the cash flow from operations. All that is included in our figures. Going to the refining margin outlook. What is behind that? First, probably the main factor, because everybody's talking about Hormuz, probably Hormuz is not the main factor behind the refining margins.
Josu Jon Imaz: When you talk about the guidance of the year, I'm talking now about production in the year is included, of course, because we start in April this game, April, May, that means that the impact this year is going to be lower. For that reason, I'm quite comfortable saying that we are going to be in the high range of the 560,000, 570,000 barrels a day. When we go to the metrics, because, of course, Venezuela, Shaibah, is going to be included in the dividend side, in the cash flow from operations. All that is included in our figures. Going to the refining margin outlook. What is behind that? First, probably the main factor, because everybody's talking about Hormuz, probably Hormuz is not the main factor behind the refining margins.
Speaker #3: So that means that the impact this year is going to be lower, and for that reason, I'm quite comfortable saying that we are going to be in the high range of the 560,000 to 570,000 barrels a day.
Speaker #3: When we go to the metrics—because this, of course, we are—Venezuela's IJB is going to be included in the dividend side, in the cash flow from operations.
Speaker #3: So, but all that is included in our figures. Going to the refining margin outlook—so, what is behind that? First, probably the main factor—because everybody is talking about hormones, and probably hormones are not the main factor behind the refining margins.
Speaker #3: I think that Russia could be even more important than almost today for the European market because probably 45, 50 percent of Russian refineries are out of production.
Josu Jon Imaz: I think that Russia could be even more important than Hormuz today for the European market, because probably 45% to 50% of Russian refineries are out of production now. That means that these 900 to 1 million barrels a day of middle distillates that Russia was exporting to Europe, they fully disappear. The impact is equivalent to even higher than the impact coming from the Persian Gulf. First driver, from my opinion. The second one, the Strait of Hormuz. Of course, the figure I mentioned for Russia, probably we could quantify in something similar to eight to 900,000 barrels a day of middle distillates that they disappear from the European market coming from Hormuz. Third factor, demand is very solid.
Josu Jon Imaz: I think that Russia could be even more important than Hormuz today for the European market, because probably 45% to 50% of Russian refineries are out of production now. That means that these 900 to 1 million barrels a day of middle distillates that Russia was exporting to Europe, they fully disappear. The impact is equivalent to even higher than the impact coming from the Persian Gulf. First driver, from my opinion. The second one, the Strait of Hormuz. Of course, the figure I mentioned for Russia, probably we could quantify in something similar to eight to 900,000 barrels a day of middle distillates that they disappear from the European market coming from Hormuz. Third factor, demand is very solid.
Speaker #3: Now, that means that this 900,000 to 1 million barrels a day of middle distillates that Russia was exporting to Europe will fully disappear. So the impact is equivalent to, or even higher than, the impact coming from the Persian Gulf.
Speaker #3: So first, driver from my opinion. The second one, hormones—the state of hormones. Of course, the figure I mentioned for Russia, probably we could quantify as something similar to 800,000 to 900,000 barrels a day of middle distillates.
Speaker #3: That day disappeared from the European market, coming from hormones. A third factor, I mean, demand is very solid. I mean, even when the International Energy Agency changed the demand outlook for the year, they were forecasting the figure in half in mind, which was a reduction of oil demand in the world at around 100,000 barrels a day.
Josu Jon Imaz: Even the International Energy Agency that changed the demand outlook for the year, was forecasting, the figure I have in mind, was a reduction of full demand in the world at around 100,000 barrels a day, but probably almost replicating the consumption figures of 2025 with, at these prices, where you could think that there is some kind of elasticity in parts of the demand. Demand is very solid in the world for hydrocarbons and for products. When we look at our markets, I'm mainly talking about Spain and Portugal, because the Spanish economy is growing in a good and healthy way. We also have this, let me say, addition of a tourism side with more than 100 million visitors in the country. All that is also pushing the demand up.
Josu Jon Imaz: Even the International Energy Agency that changed the demand outlook for the year, was forecasting, the figure I have in mind, was a reduction of full demand in the world at around 100,000 barrels a day, but probably almost replicating the consumption figures of 2025 with, at these prices, where you could think that there is some kind of elasticity in parts of the demand. Demand is very solid in the world for hydrocarbons and for products. When we look at our markets, I'm mainly talking about Spain and Portugal, because the Spanish economy is growing in a good and healthy way. We also have this, let me say, addition of a tourism side with more than 100 million visitors in the country. All that is also pushing the demand up.
Speaker #3: But probably almost replicating the consumption figures of 2025, with—at these prices—where you could think that there is some kind of elasticity in parts of the demand.
Speaker #3: So demand is very solid in the world for hydrocarbons and for products. And when we look at our markets, we are mainly talking about Spain and Portugal, because the Spanish economy is growing in a good and healthy way.
Speaker #3: And we also have, let me say, the addition of the tourism side with more than 100 million visitors in the country. All that is also pushing the demand up.
Speaker #3: So, on top of this factor, I'm going to add two more. I am very comfortable, and probably even positive, about refining margins, not only for 2026, but also for 2027.
Josu Jon Imaz: On top of this factor, I'm going to add two more, to be very comfortable and probably positive about refining margins, not only for 2026, also for 2027. First, when you analyze the inventories, the reserves in Europe, in US, and in the main markets, they are significantly lower than the average of the last years. We need to fulfill these reserves, and we are going to need time for that. The fourth factor. The fifth, believe me that every refinery is trying to do its best to produce as much as possible, as Repsol is doing, of course. If you look at the United States, that is happening.
Josu Jon Imaz: On top of this factor, I'm going to add two more, to be very comfortable and probably positive about refining margins, not only for 2026, also for 2027. First, when you analyze the inventories, the reserves in Europe, in US, and in the main markets, they are significantly lower than the average of the last years. We need to fulfill these reserves, and we are going to need time for that. The fourth factor. The fifth, believe me that every refinery is trying to do its best to produce as much as possible, as Repsol is doing, of course. If you look at the United States, that is happening.
Speaker #3: First, when you analyze the inventories and the reserves in Europe, in the US, and in the main markets, they are significantly lower than the average of the last years.
Speaker #3: So, we need to fulfill these reserves, and we are going to need time for that. So, the fourth factor—the fifth, I mean—believe me, every refinery is trying to do its best to produce as much as possible, as Repsol is doing.
Speaker #3: Of course, and if you look at the United States, that is happening. I mean, the US is exporting a lot of products, and again, thanks to our American friends and brothers, we in Europe are securing the energy needs we have, not only in gas terms but also in product terms, because the US is offsetting—covering—the lack of product coming from Hormuz and from Russia.
Josu Jon Imaz: I mean, the US is exporting a lot of products, and again, thanks to our American friends and brothers, we are in Europe securing the energy needs we have, not only in gas terms, but also in product terms, because the US is offsetting, is covering the lack of product coming from Hormuz and from Russia. Refineries from time to time, they need maintenance, they need turnarounds. Sometimes you have operational penalties and so on, and all that is going to happen in coming months. For that reason, I am convinced that there are solid reasons to support pretty good refining margins, not only in 2026, also in 2027. Thank you, Naisheng.
Josu Jon Imaz: I mean, the US is exporting a lot of products, and again, thanks to our American friends and brothers, we are in Europe securing the energy needs we have, not only in gas terms, but also in product terms, because the US is offsetting, is covering the lack of product coming from Hormuz and from Russia. Refineries from time to time, they need maintenance, they need turnarounds. Sometimes you have operational penalties and so on, and all that is going to happen in coming months. For that reason, I am convinced that there are solid reasons to support pretty good refining margins, not only in 2026, also in 2027. Thank you, Naisheng.
Speaker #3: Refineries, from time to time, need maintenance; they need turnarounds. Sometimes you have operational penalties, and so on. All of that is going to happen in the coming months.
Speaker #3: So, for that reason, I'm convinced that there are solid reasons to support pretty good refining margins, not only in 2026, but also in 2027. Thank you, Nash.
Speaker #1: Thank you very much.
[Analyst] (Barclays): Thank you very much.
Naisheng Cui: Thank you very much.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Nash. Our next question comes from James Carmichael at Berenberg.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Naisheng. Our next question comes from James Carmichael at Berenberg.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Naisheng. Our next question comes from James Carmichael at Berenberg.
Speaker #4: Hi, good morning, guys. Thanks for taking my questions. You spoke a couple of times about the cargo in Venezuela, I think, and those cargos are going to be used to fund the growth there.
James Carmichael: Hi. Morning, guys. Thanks for taking my questions. You've spoken a couple of times about the cargo in Venezuela, I think, and those cargoes are going to be used to fund the growth there. Just wondering if that sort of constitutes the firm agreement and payment guarantees that you need to look at a longer-term build-out in that country. Then secondly, just looking at the renewable portfolio, I guess the trend amongst most of your peers is sort of reducing exposure there. Just think, it's still a relatively small contributor to the overall business, how you think about the part that renewables plays in your portfolio over the long term. Obviously, a lot of the focus there has been on growth in E&P, yeah, just wondering how you think about that renewables piece. Thanks.
James Carmichael: Hi. Morning, guys. Thanks for taking my questions. You've spoken a couple of times about the cargo in Venezuela, I think, and those cargoes are going to be used to fund the growth there. Just wondering if that sort of constitutes the firm agreement and payment guarantees that you need to look at a longer-term build-out in that country. Then secondly, just looking at the renewable portfolio, I guess the trend amongst most of your peers is sort of reducing exposure there. Just think, it's still a relatively small contributor to the overall business, how you think about the part that renewables plays in your portfolio over the long term. Obviously, a lot of the focus there has been on growth in E&P, yeah, just wondering how you think about that renewables piece. Thanks.
Speaker #4: I'm just wondering if that, sort of, constitutes the firm agreement and payment guarantees that you need to look at a longer-term build-out in that country.
Speaker #4: And then secondly, just looking at the renewable portfolio, I guess the trend amongst most of your peers is sort of reducing exposure there. So, I just think it's still a relatively small contributor to the overall business.
Speaker #4: How do you think about the part that renewables play in your portfolio over the long term? Obviously, a lot of the focus there has been on growth in E&P.
Speaker #4: So yeah, just wondering how you think about that renewables piece. Thanks.
Josu Jon Imaz: Thank you, James. Venezuela, crystal clear. Cardón IV is paying the gas bills, that is a game. Petroquiriquire, the cargoes, they are paying the OpEx and the CapEx we need to grow in oil assets. I am confident about Venezuela. I think that there is a strong commitment from Venezuela government and PDVSA to make possible this production growth, what we need to grow and to invest in this growth is, of course, a recurrent cargoes payment. All that is, let me say, a positive look because investment means more production, means more tax collection for the country, and means more barrels for Repsol. In this sense, we are fully comfortable with the country and with the prudent financial approach we are applying in the country to grow. When we go to low carbon or renewable business, renewable is a part, is a pillar of our strategy.
Josu Jon Imaz: Thank you, James. Venezuela, crystal clear. Cardón IV is paying the gas bills, that is a game. Petroquiriquire, the cargoes, they are paying the OpEx and the CapEx we need to grow in oil assets. I am confident about Venezuela. I think that there is a strong commitment from Venezuela government and PDVSA to make possible this production growth, what we need to grow and to invest in this growth is, of course, a recurrent cargoes payment. All that is, let me say, a positive look because investment means more production, means more tax collection for the country, and means more barrels for Repsol. In this sense, we are fully comfortable with the country and with the prudent financial approach we are applying in the country to grow. When we go to low carbon or renewable business, renewable is a part, is a pillar of our strategy.
Speaker #3: Thank you, James. I mean, Venezuela—crystal clear. Cardón is paying the gas bills, so that's a gain. And petrochemical, the cargos—they are paying the OPEX and the CAPEX we need to grow in oil assets.
Speaker #3: So I'm confident about Venezuela. I think that there is a strong commitment from the Venezuelan government and PDVSA to make this production growth possible. But what we need to grow, and to invest in this growth, is, of course, a recurrent cargo payment.
Speaker #3: So all that is, let me say, a positive loop because investment means more production, means more tax collection for the country, and means more barrels for Repsol.
Speaker #3: In this sense, I mean, we are fully comfortable with the country and with the present financial approach we are applying in the country to grow.
Speaker #3: When we go to low-carbon renewable business, I mean, renewable is a part—it's a pillar of our strategy. I want to underline that we have 24 million customers in Spain and Portugal.
Josu Jon Imaz: I want to underline that we have 24 million customers in Spain and Portugal, that we have a multi-energy approach to this market. Today, at 25% of the total cash flow from operations of this company comes from our customer, our commercial business, and is growing. That is crucial for the company. Probably this year, the EBITDA, the cash flow from operation of this business is going to be at around EUR 1.4, 1.5 billion. That is important. Probably this year it is going to be a bit lower than the 25% of the cash flow from operation, it is not because this business is performing in a bad way because they are going to beat last year figures.
Josu Jon Imaz: I want to underline that we have 24 million customers in Spain and Portugal, that we have a multi-energy approach to this market. Today, at 25% of the total cash flow from operations of this company comes from our customer, our commercial business, and is growing. That is crucial for the company. Probably this year, the EBITDA, the cash flow from operation of this business is going to be at around EUR 1.4, 1.5 billion. That is important. Probably this year it is going to be a bit lower than the 25% of the cash flow from operation, it is not because this business is performing in a bad way because they are going to beat last year figures.
Speaker #3: We have a multi-energy approach to this market. By that, I mean today, 25% of the total cash flow from operations of this company comes from our customer or commercial business.
Speaker #3: And it's growing, and that is crucial for the company. And probably this year, the EBITDA or the cash flow from operations of this business is going to be at around €1.4 to €1.5 billion.
Speaker #3: So that is important. Probably this year, it's going to be a bit lower than 25% of the cash flow from operations, but it's not because this business is performing in a bad way, because they are going to beat last year's figures.
Speaker #3: It's because the situation that some other businesses are experiencing, that is going to grow, is going to push the cash flow from operations of the company above these figures.
Josu Jon Imaz: It is because the situation that some other businesses are experiencing that is going to grow, is going to push the cash flow from operations of the company above these figures. Our customers, they also need power. We are growing our retail power business, where we are producing, or we have already 3.3 million customers, we are growing. If we compare the figures with last year figures, we add a half million new customers over the last year. We produce power. We produce renewable power to feed the needs of our customers, either at home or either in their vehicles, because I want to remind you also that we have 10,000 recharging points accessible in our Waylet tool. In this sense, renewable is for that reason important. It is not only because a transition ambition, it is because it is business.
Josu Jon Imaz: It is because the situation that some other businesses are experiencing that is going to grow, is going to push the cash flow from operations of the company above these figures. Our customers, they also need power. We are growing our retail power business, where we are producing, or we have already 3.3 million customers, we are growing. If we compare the figures with last year figures, we add a half million new customers over the last year. We produce power. We produce renewable power to feed the needs of our customers, either at home or either in their vehicles, because I want to remind you also that we have 10,000 recharging points accessible in our Waylet tool. In this sense, renewable is for that reason important. It is not only because a transition ambition, it is because it is business.
Speaker #3: And our customers, they also need power. We are growing our retail power business, where we are producing, or we already have, 3.3 million customers.
Speaker #3: And we are growing. If we compare the figures with last year's figures, we have half a million new customers over the last year. So, and we produce power.
Speaker #3: We produce renewable power to feed the needs of our customers, either at home or in their vehicles. I want to remind you also that we have 10,000 recharging points accessible through our wallet tool.
Speaker #3: So, in this sense, renewables are, for that reason, important. It's not only because of a transition ambition; it's because it's business. And this business is also performing in the right way.
Josu Jon Imaz: This business is also performing in the right way. It is growing now in a self-finance way as we commit in our Capital Markets Day. We have an Iberian integration multi-energy strategy. We are applying this experience in renewable production to the US, where we have significant projects that are competitive. In this sense, we are comfortable with this business and we see the renewable business as a pillar in the long term of our portfolio. As I said before, growing in a self-financed way and guaranteeing this 10% of return thanks to this rotation system that is working, as we proved also this quarter with the transaction with a strategic partner as Masdar is. Thank you, James.
Josu Jon Imaz: This business is also performing in the right way. It is growing now in a self-finance way as we commit in our Capital Markets Day. We have an Iberian integration multi-energy strategy. We are applying this experience in renewable production to the US, where we have significant projects that are competitive. In this sense, we are comfortable with this business and we see the renewable business as a pillar in the long term of our portfolio. As I said before, growing in a self-financed way and guaranteeing this 10% of return thanks to this rotation system that is working, as we proved also this quarter with the transaction with a strategic partner as Masdar is. Thank you, James.
Speaker #3: It's growing now in a self-financed way, as we committed in our Capital Markets Day. We have an Iberian integration multi-energy strategy, and we are applying this experience in renewable production to the US, where we have significant projects that are competitive.
Speaker #3: So, in this sense, we are comfortable with this business, and we see the renewables business as a pillar in the long term of our portfolio.
Speaker #3: As I said before, growing in a self-financed way and guaranteeing this 10% return thanks to this rotation system that is working, as we proved also this quarter with the transaction with a strategic partner, as Mazda is.
Speaker #3: Thank you, James.
Speaker #4: Thank you.
James Carmichael: Thank you.
James Carmichael: Thank you.
Speaker #2: Thank you, James. Our next question comes from Fernando Abril Atalantra at Fabric. Please go ahead with your question.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, James. Our next question comes from Fernando Abril-Martorell at Alantra. Fabri, please go ahead with your question.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, James. Our next question comes from Fernando Abril-Martorell at Alantra. Fabri, please go ahead with your question.
Speaker #5: Hola, yo soy Jon. Pablo, and team, I have two questions, please, if I may. First, on the renewable disposal: so basically, it has been the first transaction where you also deconsolidated the associated project debt.
Fernando Abril-Martorell: Hola, Josu Jon, Pablo. Thank you.
Fernando Abril-Martorell: Hola, Josu Jon, Pablo. Thank you.
Josu Jon Imaz: Gracias, Fernando. Going to your first question. In this case, first, we had, and we have, and we are happy having an industrial partner as Masdar commitment in the renewable business. That is not the kind of different partners we had before, that they were more financial. This is an industrial partner in renewable, with some kind of appetite to have also a cooperation in what is the operation of this business. We were happy giving them the co-control of the operation. That was the reason behind. Of course, Fernando, we are also respecting and delivering what we said in our Capital Markets Day about the self-finance method for this business. We don't have any kind of preference for this method. That could be an option.
Josu Jon Imaz: Gracias, Fernando. Going to your first question. In this case, first, we had, and we have, and we are happy having an industrial partner as Masdar commitment in the renewable business. That is not the kind of different partners we had before, that they were more financial. This is an industrial partner in renewable, with some kind of appetite to have also a cooperation in what is the operation of this business. We were happy giving them the co-control of the operation. That was the reason behind. Of course, Fernando, we are also respecting and delivering what we said in our Capital Markets Day about the self-finance method for this business. We don't have any kind of preference for this method. That could be an option.
Speaker #5: So, should we expect this to become the preferred structure for future asset disposals? And related to this, could you update us on what assets or renewable portfolios remain available for disposal in the second half of the year?
Speaker #5: And then, second, on refining. Again, you mentioned that biofuels contributed around $2.2 to the premium margin in Q2. I was wondering if you can give us more detail about the remaining $8 of the quarter—what were the main drivers behind this?
Speaker #5: Thank you.
Speaker #3: Thank you, Fernando. I mean, going to your first question—in this case, first, we had, and we have, and we are happy having, an industrial partner such as Mazda's commitment in the renewables business.
Speaker #3: I mean, that is not the kind of different partners we had before—they were more financial. This is an industrial partner in the renewables, I mean, with some kind of appetite to also have cooperation in what is the operation of this business.
Speaker #3: So we were happy giving them the co-control of the operation; that was the reason behind it. And of course, Fernando, we are also respecting and delivering what we said in our Capital Markets Day about the self-financed method for this business.
Speaker #3: So, we don't have any kind of preference for this method. That could be an option. I also want to remind you that now we have rotated all the assets, wind and solar.
Josu Jon Imaz: I have also to remind that now we have rotated all the assets, wind and solar, we have now in operations in Spain. We are going to develop new assets in the future, but we are open to go back to the former or the previous 51% with consolidation we had before. If we go in the renewable portfolio available to disposal, you mentioned, I have here my notes, in the H2, Pinnington. Pinnington, you know that 800 MW are fully operational in the US, and we are working in the transaction that could rotate this asset. Of course, all that is going to be very positive in terms of cash and debt for the company. The remaining EUR 8. Again, let me say, Fernando, that the premium is a theoretical construction.
Josu Jon Imaz: I have also to remind that now we have rotated all the assets, wind and solar, we have now in operations in Spain. We are going to develop new assets in the future, but we are open to go back to the former or the previous 51% with consolidation we had before. If we go in the renewable portfolio available to disposal, you mentioned, I have here my notes, in the H2, Pinnington. Pinnington, you know that 800 MW are fully operational in the US, and we are working in the transaction that could rotate this asset. Of course, all that is going to be very positive in terms of cash and debt for the company. The remaining EUR 8. Again, let me say, Fernando, that the premium is a theoretical construction.
Speaker #3: We now have operations in Spain. Of course, we are going to develop new assets in the future, but we are open to going back to the former, or the previous, 51% with consolidation we had before.
Speaker #3: If we look at the renewable portfolio available for disposal, as you mentioned, I have here my notes on the second half—Pennington. Pennington, you know, has 800 megawatts fully operational in the US, and we are working on a transaction that could rotate this asset. Of course, that is going to be very positive in terms of cash and debt for the company.
Speaker #3: The remaining $8—again, let me say, Fernando, that the premium is a theoretical construction. I mean, the premium is what results from comparing the refining margin with the construction of the yield slate of crude oil, and so on.
Josu Jon Imaz: The premium is the result of comparing the refining margin with the construction of yield, slate of crude oil, and so on we have, and the real results we are getting in refining. I know that there is an appetite to know exactly what is behind, but it's quite theoretical because this number is also a difference between two figures. Trying to approach what is behind to the other remaining EUR 8 a barrel of premium, mainly the capacity. It could be EUR 2, EUR 3 maximum of what is happening in our mix. I said if we have a Basra, for instance, a crude oil in our budget, in our theoretical budget, because Basra now is out of the market with prices that are very high because it's not a reality in operational terms in the market.
Josu Jon Imaz: The premium is the result of comparing the refining margin with the construction of yield, slate of crude oil, and so on we have, and the real results we are getting in refining. I know that there is an appetite to know exactly what is behind, but it's quite theoretical because this number is also a difference between two figures. Trying to approach what is behind to the other remaining EUR 8 a barrel of premium, mainly the capacity. It could be EUR 2, EUR 3 maximum of what is happening in our mix. I said if we have a Basra, for instance, a crude oil in our budget, in our theoretical budget, because Basra now is out of the market with prices that are very high because it's not a reality in operational terms in the market.
Speaker #3: We have, and the real results we are getting, in refining. So I know that there is the appetite to know exactly what is behind, but it's quite theoretical because this number is also a difference between two figures.
Speaker #3: So, trying to approach what is behind the other remaining $8 a barrel of premium, mainly the capacity. I mean, it could be $2, $2, $3 maximum of what is happening in our moves.
Speaker #3: I said, if we have a Basra, for instance—crude oil—in our budget, in our theoretical budget, because Basra now is out of the market with prices that are very high, because it's not a reality in operational terms in the market, we substitute this crude oil with another one.
Josu Jon Imaz: We substitute this crude oil by another one, we are capturing an additional margin above the theoretical margin we have in the IMC. That could be EUR 2 a barrel. On top of that, we have the optimization of crude oil. When you have a lot of volatility and you have different prices in different parts of the world, the capacity you have to optimize the slate is high, and probably the higher impact comes from the yield from the product side. If you are, because that is a real case, if you are shifting your production from diesel in some months towards jet, because jet spreads are significantly higher for some weeks, you are optimizing your refining theoretical margin. You are capturing an additional premium. These reasons are mainly behind all that. Gracias, Fernando. Gracias, Josu Jon.
Josu Jon Imaz: We substitute this crude oil by another one, we are capturing an additional margin above the theoretical margin we have in the IMC. That could be EUR 2 a barrel. On top of that, we have the optimization of crude oil. When you have a lot of volatility and you have different prices in different parts of the world, the capacity you have to optimize the slate is high, and probably the higher impact comes from the yield from the product side. If you are, because that is a real case, if you are shifting your production from diesel in some months towards jet, because jet spreads are significantly higher for some weeks, you are optimizing your refining theoretical margin. You are capturing an additional premium. These reasons are mainly behind all that. Gracias, Fernando.
Speaker #3: And we are capturing an additional margin above the theoretical margin we had in the IMC, so that could be $2 a barrel. On top of that, we have the optimization of crude oil. When you have a lot of volatility, and you have different prices in different parts of the world, the capacity you have to optimize the slate is high.
Speaker #3: And probably the higher impact comes from the yield from the product side. I mean, if you are—because, and that is a real case—if you are shifting your production from diesel in some months towards jet because jet spreads are significantly higher for some weeks, you are optimizing your refining theoretical margin.
Speaker #3: So you are capturing an additional premium. These reasons are mainly behind all that. Gracias, Fernando.
Speaker #4: Gracias.
Fernando Abril-Martorell: Gracias, Josu Jon.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Fernando. Our next question comes from Ahmed Ben Salem at Odo. Please, Ahmed, go ahead with your question.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Fernando. Our next question comes from Ahmed Ben Salem at Oddo. Please, Ahmed, go ahead with the question.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Fernando. Our next question comes from Ahmed Ben Salem at Oddo. Please, Ahmed, go ahead with the question.
Ahmed Ben Salem: Yeah. Hi, thank you for taking my question. It's on the US E&P listing. Last quarter you reiterated that an E&P listing remained an option, and following the startup of Pikka and the increased weight of the US portfolio, has your thinking evolved regarding the timing or the strategic rationale of this listing? Thank you.
Ahmed Ben Salem: Yeah. Hi, thank you for taking my question. It's on the US E&P listing. Last quarter you reiterated that an E&P listing remained an option, and following the startup of Pikka and the increased weight of the US portfolio, has your thinking evolved regarding the timing or the strategic rationale of this listing? Thank you.
Speaker #5: Yeah, hi. Thank you for taking my question. It's on the US EMP listing. So, last quarter, you reiterated that an EMP listing remained an option, and following the startup of Pikka and the increased weight of the US portfolio, has your thinking evolved regarding the timing or the strategic rationale of this listing?
Speaker #5: Thank you.
Speaker #3: Thank you, Ahmed. So it was an option, and it's an option, but that is not now our priority. We are fully prepared to list the company, theoretically.
Josu Jon Imaz: Thank you, Ahmed. It was an option, and is an option, but that is not now our priority. We are fully prepared to list the company, theoretically, all the reports, all the control mechanisms and so on we need, but now it's not our priority. We are convinced that our upstream is becoming a better upstream day after day, with more production, putting Alaska in production, working in Pikka II, improving our position in Venezuela. Because we are convinced that we have a better business day after day, we are not in a hurry to jump into the market. The two partners, Repsol and EIG, we are fully aligned in now, focusing the full 2026 year and months to come in improving the quality of the business.
Josu Jon Imaz: Thank you, Ahmed. It was an option, and is an option, but that is not now our priority. We are fully prepared to list the company, theoretically, all the reports, all the control mechanisms and so on we need, but now it's not our priority. We are convinced that our upstream is becoming a better upstream day after day, with more production, putting Alaska in production, working in Pikka II, improving our position in Venezuela.
Speaker #3: I mean, all the reports on the control mechanisms and so on we need. But now it's not our priority. We are convinced that our upstream is becoming a better upstream day after day with more production—putting Alaska in production, working in Pikka 2, improving our position in Venezuela.
Speaker #3: So, because we are convinced that we have a better business day after day, we are not in a hurry to jump into the market.
Josu Jon Imaz: Because we are convinced that we have a better business day after day, we are not in a hurry to jump into the market. The two partners, Repsol and EIG, we are fully aligned in now, focusing the full 2026 year and months to come in improving the quality of the business. It's an option, we are prepared, but we are not going to execute this option in coming months, and in any case, in 2026. Thank you.
Speaker #3: So the two partners, Repsol and EIG, we are fully aligned now—I mean, focusing on the full 2026 year and the months to come—in improving the quality of the business.
Speaker #3: So it's an option. We are prepared that we are not going to execute this option in the coming months and, in any case, not in 2026.
Josu Jon Imaz: It's an option, we are prepared, but we are not going to execute this option in coming months, and in any case, in 2026. Thank you.
Speaker #3: Thank you.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Ahmed. Our next question comes from Guillaume Levy at Morgan Stanley. Please, Guillaume, go ahead with your question.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Ahmed. Our next question comes from Guilhem Levi at Morgan Stanley. Please, Gui, go ahead with your question.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Ahmed. Our next question comes from Guilhem Levi at Morgan Stanley. Please, Gui, go ahead with your question.
Guilhem Levi: Hi. Hi, Josu Jon. Hi, Pablo. Hello, rest of the team. Thanks for taking my questions. First one, just a follow-up from a previous question on storage. You mentioned that you were running at full storage capacity. I was wondering if there is interest from the company to increase capacity further from here. Are you happy with what you currently have in this regard that we know that the markets can be closed, reopened? Second one, going back to Venezuela, how do you feel about the probability of ever recovering the EUR 5 billion of receivables that you have accumulated over time?
Guilhem Levy: Hi. Hi, Josu Jon. Hi, Pablo. Hello, rest of the team. Thanks for taking my questions. First one, just a follow-up from a previous question on storage. You mentioned that you were running at full storage capacity. I was wondering if there is interest from the company to increase capacity further from here. Are you happy with what you currently have in this regard that we know that the markets can be closed, reopened?
Speaker #6: Hi, hi. Hi, Pablo. Hello, rest of the team. Thanks for taking my questions. The first one is just a follow-up from a previous question on storage.
Speaker #6: You mentioned that you were running at full storage capacity, so I was wondering if there is interest from the company to increase capacity further from here.
Speaker #6: Are you happy with what you currently have in this world, knowing that the Strait can be closed and reopened? And then the second one, going back to Venezuela, how do you feel about the probability of ever recovering the $5 billion of receivables that you have accumulated over time?
Guilhem Levy: Second one, going back to Venezuela, how do you feel about the probability of ever recovering the EUR 5 billion of receivables that you have accumulated over time? I know that, of course, cash is not an option, perhaps, any conversations on getting part or the total balance back, with some sort of payment in kind, or any sort of alternative deal that could lead to a compensation to Repsol over the coming years. Thank you.
Speaker #6: I know that, of course, cash is not an option, but perhaps any conversations on getting part or the total balance back with some sort of payment in kind, or any sort of alternative deal that could lead to compensation to Repsol over the coming years?
Guilhem Levi: I know that, of course, cash is not an option, perhaps, any conversations on getting part or the total balance back, with some sort of payment in kind, or any sort of alternative deal that could lead to a compensation to Repsol over the coming years. Thank you.
Speaker #6: Thank you.
Josu Jon Imaz: Guillem. We go to your first question, you are right. I said that we are running at full storage capacity. Saying that we don't have any appetite to increase, in physical terms, the current capacity we have. Because with the capacity we have, it's not only our own physical limit that we could overcome, as you mentioned, looking for another potential storages in the country. We think that we have enough product to fulfill the running process in the right way of our refineries and to cover the needs of our customers and to guarantee the security of supply of jet and diesel and gasoline in the Spanish market. We are comfortable, and we are not looking for new storage capacity.
Josu Jon Imaz: Guillem. We go to your first question, you are right. I said that we are running at full storage capacity. Saying that we don't have any appetite to increase, in physical terms, the current capacity we have. Because with the capacity we have, it's not only our own physical limit that we could overcome, as you mentioned, looking for another potential storages in the country. We think that we have enough product to fulfill the running process in the right way of our refineries and to cover the needs of our customers and to guarantee the security of supply of jet and diesel and gasoline in the Spanish market. We are comfortable, and we are not looking for new storage capacity.
Speaker #3: If we go to your first question, I mean, you are right. I said that we don't have—that we are running at full straight capacity, and so on.
Speaker #3: I said that, saying that we don't have any appetite to increase, in physical terms, the current capacity we have. Because with the capacity we have—I mean, it's not only our own physical limit that we could overcome, as you mentioned.
Speaker #3: I mean, looking for another potential storage in the country, but we think that we have enough product to fulfill the running process in the right way at our refineries, and to cover the needs of our customers and to guarantee the security of supply of jet, diesel, and gasoline in the Spanish market.
Speaker #3: So, we are comfortable, and we are not looking for new storage capacity. I mean, we have invested $2.7 billion to guarantee the security of supply over the last six months, and we are comfortable with this figure.
Josu Jon Imaz: We have invested EUR 2.7 billion to guarantee the security of supply over the last six months, we are comfortable with this figure. Venezuela, going to be very clear, Guillem. From point of view of Repsol, it's not time to talk about the debt of the past. The debt is there, we are fully aligned with the Venezuelan government commitment, we are fully aligned with the message from the American government that now is time to increase the production in Venezuela to improve the social and the economic situation of the country, to increase production, to get new revenues for the country through this increase of the production in a win-win game. I'm sure that this time, these conversations will arrive in the future.
Josu Jon Imaz: We have invested EUR 2.7 billion to guarantee the security of supply over the last six months, we are comfortable with this figure. Venezuela, going to be very clear, Guillem. From point of view of Repsol, it's not time to talk about the debt of the past. The debt is there, we are fully aligned with the Venezuelan government commitment, we are fully aligned with the message from the American government that now is time to increase the production in Venezuela to improve the social and the economic situation of the country, to increase production, to get new revenues for the country through this increase of the production in a win-win game. I'm sure that this time, these conversations will arrive in the future.
Speaker #3: Venezuela, we're going to be very clear, Guillerme. Now, from the point of view of Repsol, it's not time to talk about the debt of the past.
Speaker #3: The debt is there, but we are fully aligned with the Venezuelan government commitment, and we are fully aligned with the message from the American government that now it's time to increase production in Venezuela to improve the social and economic situation of the country, to increase production to get new revenues for the country through this increase of the production in a win-win game.
Speaker #3: And I'm sure that, this time, these conversations will arrive in the future. But now it's not on the table. And now we are fully committed to this message of increasing the production in Venezuela.
Josu Jon Imaz: Now it's not on the table, now we are fully committed in this message of increasing the production in Venezuela, of course, as I said before, in a financial prudent way, and guaranteeing that Repsol is not exposing more money in Venezuela. We are financing this growth with the money we are getting through the cargoes we receive. This time will arrive, I think that will arrive. Now it's not on the table. Guillem.
Josu Jon Imaz: Now it's not on the table, now we are fully committed in this message of increasing the production in Venezuela, of course, as I said before, in a financial prudent way, and guaranteeing that Repsol is not exposing more money in Venezuela. We are financing this growth with the money we are getting through the cargoes we receive. This time will arrive, I think that will arrive. Now it's not on the table. Guillem.
Speaker #3: Of course, as I said before, enough financial problem way and guaranteeing that Repsol is not exposing more money in Venezuela. That we are financing this growth with the money we are getting through the cargos we will receive.
Speaker #3: This time, we'll arrive—I think that we'll arrive—but now, it's not on the table.
Speaker #4: Perfect. Gracias.
Guilhem Levi: Perfect. Gracias.
Guilhem Levy: Perfect. Gracias.
Speaker #2: Thank you very much, Guy. Our next question comes from Ripatricot at UBS. Please, Enrico, go ahead with your question.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you very much, Gui. Our next question comes from Henri Patricot at UBS. Please, Henry, go ahead with your question.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you very much, Gui. Our next question comes from Henri Patricot at UBS. Please, Henry, go ahead with your question.
Speaker #5: Yes, thank you. Two questions, please, from my side—two quick thoughts, hopefully. Just on the customer side of the business: very strong. My second question—second quarter.
Henri Patricot: Yes, thank you, Pablo. Hello, everyone. Two questions, please, from my side, two quick follow-ups hopefully. Just on the customer side of the business, very strong Q2, it sounds like you're talking about a very strong tourism season for Spain in Q3. Should we expect as well a very strong performance in Q3 from the customer business were you seeing so far in July? Second is to come back on Alaska. I think you mentioned that Quokka could have a potential similar to Pikka. When we look on the slide, the shaded area for production for Quokka seems to be lower than for Pikka. Is that just a conservative assumption at this stage and there is upside potential to get to something similar to Pikka, is that how we should read the slide? Thank you.
Henri Patricot: Yes, thank you, Pablo. Hello, everyone. Two questions, please, from my side, two quick follow-ups hopefully. Just on the customer side of the business, very strong Q2, it sounds like you're talking about a very strong tourism season for Spain in Q3. Should we expect as well a very strong performance in Q3 from the customer business were you seeing so far in July? Second is to come back on Alaska. I think you mentioned that Quokka could have a potential similar to Pikka. When we look on the slide, the shaded area for production for Quokka seems to be lower than for Pikka. Is that just a conservative assumption at this stage and there is upside potential to get to something similar to Pikka, is that how we should read the slide? Thank you.
Speaker #5: And it sounds like you're talking about the very strong tourism season for Spain in the third quarter. So, should we expect as well a very strong performance in the third quarter from the customer business?
Speaker #5: Were you seeing so far in July? And then secondly, just to come back on Alaska, I think you mentioned that Cokuk have a potential similar to Pikka.
Speaker #5: And when we look at the slide, the shaded area for production for Coca seems to be lower than for Pika. Is that just a conservative assumption at this stage?
Speaker #5: And there is upside potential to get to something similar to Pika. Is that how we should read the slide? Thank you.
Josu Jon Imaz: Merci, Henri. Yes. We expect a strong Q3 in the customer business, July is going in a very positive way. Let me simplify, of course, take it as a simplification. This summer, on top of Q2, we have part of this 100 million visitors coming to Spain, flying, renting cars, and driving in our road. That is a part of this strong Q3. You have to take into account that Canary Island and Balearic Island, they are also important destination, and you have to fly there. Secondly, you have millions of people from France, from Switzerland, from Germany, from Belgium, going to Algeria and Morocco, driving through the Strait of Gibraltar, of course, using the ferry, in Algeciras. Crossing and traversing the Iberian Peninsula, driving a car. That is also part of the increase in summer.
Josu Jon Imaz: Merci, Henri. Yes. We expect a strong Q3 in the customer business, July is going in a very positive way. Let me simplify, of course, take it as a simplification. This summer, on top of Q2, we have part of this 100 million visitors coming to Spain, flying, renting cars, and driving in our road. That is a part of this strong Q3. You have to take into account that Canary Island and Balearic Island, they are also important destination, and you have to fly there. Secondly, you have millions of people from France, from Switzerland, from Germany, from Belgium, going to Algeria and Morocco, driving through the Strait of Gibraltar, of course, using the ferry, in Algeciras. Crossing and traversing the Iberian Peninsula, driving a car. That is also part of the increase in summer.
Speaker #3: Yes. I mean, we expect a strong third quarter in the customer business because there are two—I mean, July is going in a very positive way.
Speaker #3: And let me, I mean, simplify—of course, take it as a simplification—but this summer, on top of the second quarter, we have, I mean, as part of this, 100 million visitors coming to Spain, flying, renting cars, and driving on our roads.
Speaker #3: So that is a part of this strong third quarter. And you have to take into account that the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands are also important destinations, and you have to fly there.
Speaker #3: Secondly, you have, I mean, millions of people from France, from Switzerland, from Germany, from Belgium going to Algeria and Morocco, driving through the Strait of Gibraltar.
Speaker #3: I mean, of course, using the ferry in Algeciras, but also crossing and traversing the Iberian Peninsula by driving a car. So that is also part of the increase in summer.
Speaker #3: And of course, Spanish citizens, we are also going to use the car this summer. So yes, we could expect a strong third quarter in our customer business.
Josu Jon Imaz: Of course, Spanish citizens, that we are also to use the car this summer. Yes, we could expect a strong Q3 in our customer business. If we go to Alaska, I have to say that the initial phase of crude appraisal is similar, or it could be similar, to Pikka, with a potential extension towards the south that is also there. This south potentiality, with the knowledge we have today, we think that it has a very good property. We are comfortable now with the assumption that could be similar to Pikka. Again, we have to derisk what I'm saying now, but that is our approach today. Merci, Henri.
Josu Jon Imaz: Of course, Spanish citizens, that we are also to use the car this summer. Yes, we could expect a strong Q3 in our customer business. If we go to Alaska, I have to say that the initial phase of crude appraisal is similar, or it could be similar, to Pikka, with a potential extension towards the south that is also there. This south potentiality, with the knowledge we have today, we think that it has a very good property. We are comfortable now with the assumption that could be similar to Pikka. Again, we have to derisk what I'm saying now, but that is our approach today. Merci, Henri.
Speaker #3: If we go to Alaska, I mean, I have to say that the initial phase of Coca price is similar, or it could be similar, to Pika.
Speaker #3: With that potential extension towards the south that is also there. So, I mean, this south potentiality, with the knowledge we have today within that, has a very good property.
Speaker #3: So, I mean, we are comfortable now with the assumption that it could be similar to Pika. But again, we have to risk what I'm saying now, but that is our approach today.
Speaker #5: Thank you.
Henri Patricot: Thank you.
Henri Patricot: Thank you.
Speaker #2: Thank you very much, Henry. Our next question comes from Matt Loftin at JP Morgan. Please, Matt, go ahead with your question.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you very much, Henri. Our next question comes from Matt Lofting at J.P. Morgan. Please, Matt, go ahead with your question.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you very much, Henri. Our next question comes from Matt Lofting at J.P. Morgan. Please, Matt, go ahead with your question.
Speaker #4: Thank you, everybody, for taking the questions, and congratulations on the results. I wanted to come back first to inventory management and security of supply for the refineries.
Matt Lofting: Thank you everybody for taking the questions, and congratulations on the results. I wanted to come back first to inventory management and security of supply for the refineries. I think, Josu Jon, you said earlier that you're approaching crude storage limits in Spain and don't think that further measures are required at this point. I just wondered, given the variability in the market outlook, whether anything could change that, for example, if Middle East conflict was to persist, and if so, are there alternative solutions that you have in your back pocket to further secure supply of the refineries, for example, accessing international or offshore storage options? Second, given the market backdrop, price levels, volatility, I wondered if you could also just update us on anything you're seeing around market intervention and windfall scenarios in Europe and in Spain in the context of pricing. Thank you.
Matt Lofting: Thank you everybody for taking the questions, and congratulations on the results. I wanted to come back first to inventory management and security of supply for the refineries. I think, Josu Jon, you said earlier that you're approaching crude storage limits in Spain and don't think that further measures are required at this point. I just wondered, given the variability in the market outlook, whether anything could change that, for example, if Middle East conflict was to persist, and if so, are there alternative solutions that you have in your back pocket to further secure supply of the refineries, for example, accessing international or offshore storage options? Second, given the market backdrop, price levels, volatility, I wondered if you could also just update us on anything you're seeing around market intervention and windfall scenarios in Europe and in Spain in the context of pricing. Thank you.
Speaker #4: I think, Jesse John, you said earlier that you're approaching crude storage limits in Spain and don't think that further measures are required at this point.
Speaker #4: I just wondered, given the variability in the market outlook, whether anything could change that. For example, if Middle East conflict was to persist, and if so, are there alternative solutions that you have in your back pocket to further secure the supply of the refineries? For example, accessing international or offshore storage options?
Speaker #4: And then, second, given the market backdrop, price levels, and volatility, I wondered if you could also just update us on anything you're seeing around the market in Europe and in Spain in the context of pricing.
Speaker #4: Thank you.
Speaker #3: Thank you so much for your question, Matt. I mean, I want to be very clear about that. We are prepared for the world. If the worst happens, Repsol is prepared to supply the Spanish economy with the products we produce.
Josu Jon Imaz: Thank you so much for your question, Matt. I'm going to be very clear about that. We are prepared for the worst. If the worst happen, Repsol is prepared to supply the Spanish economy with the products we produce. When I say the worst, I'm saying a worsening of the situation in Hormuz. I'm not saying that that is going to happen. It will be great to see a solution in the short term. In case, as a hypothesis of seeing a worsening situation in Hormuz, we are prepared with the worst. We are prepared in terms of crude oil slate coming in 100% from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean side.
Josu Jon Imaz: Thank you so much for your question, Matt. I'm going to be very clear about that. We are prepared for the worst. If the worst happen, Repsol is prepared to supply the Spanish economy with the products we produce. When I say the worst, I'm saying a worsening of the situation in Hormuz. I'm not saying that that is going to happen. It will be great to see a solution in the short term. In case, as a hypothesis of seeing a worsening situation in Hormuz, we are prepared with the worst. We are prepared in terms of crude oil slate coming in 100% from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean side.
Speaker #3: And when I say "the worst," I'm referring to a worsening of the situation in our moods. I'm not saying that is going to happen.
Speaker #3: It would be great to see a solution in the short term. But, in the event that—hypothetically—we see a worsening situation in our moods, we are prepared for the worst.
Speaker #3: We are prepared in terms of crude oil slate coming in 100% from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean side. We have enough storage and production capacity to guarantee that all the kerosene that is going to be used in Spain in the year could be provided in the quota we have, of course, by Repsol.
Josu Jon Imaz: We have enough storage production capacity to guarantee that all the kerosene that is going to use in Spain in the year could be provided, in the quota we have, of course, by Repsol, and we could have even an excess of 30% of our production that could be used to provide the kerosene to potential customers with providers that could have run out of the product. We are prepared for the worst. We have developed a logistic storage and production effort for that. I hope that what I'm saying is not going to apply. Seeing what is happening in terms of the tightness of jet and diesel and so in European market, I'm not going to hide that I have a strong concern about the capacity we are going to have in Europe to secure this product in some countries.
Josu Jon Imaz: We have enough storage production capacity to guarantee that all the kerosene that is going to use in Spain in the year could be provided, in the quota we have, of course, by Repsol, and we could have even an excess of 30% of our production that could be used to provide the kerosene to potential customers with providers that could have run out of the product. We are prepared for the worst. We have developed a logistic storage and production effort for that. I hope that what I'm saying is not going to apply. Seeing what is happening in terms of the tightness of jet and diesel and so in European market, I'm not going to hide that I have a strong concern about the capacity we are going to have in Europe to secure this product in some countries.
Speaker #3: And we could have even an excess of 30% of our production that could be used to provide the kerosene to potential customers with providers that could have run out of the product.
Speaker #3: So, we are prepared for the worst. We have developed a logistics, storage, and production effort for that. But, I mean, I hope that what I'm saying is not going to apply.
Speaker #3: But seeing what is happening in terms of the tightness of jet and diesel and so on, you can market. I mean, I'm not going to hide that I have a strong concern about the capacity we are going to have in Europe to secure this product in some countries.
Speaker #3: So, I'm going to say more. We are prepared, in our small dimension of course, to cover the Spanish needs and to modestly also help some other European countries in our hinterland by supplying them with the products they could need to secure, of course partially, the needs they may have in terms of, or in case of, a worsening of this situation.
Josu Jon Imaz: I'm going to say more. We are prepared, in our small dimension, of course, to cover the Spanish needs and to modestly also help to some other European countries in our hinterland to supply them the products they could need to secure, of course, partially, the needs they could have in terms or in case of worsening this situation. Of course. Let me elaborate a bit more your question about market intervention and so on. I think that now the priority of authorities in Europe and in Spain is to guarantee the security of supply. When you are talking, and we are talking about the risk of not having the product that our societies could need in coming months, I want to remind that in Spain, we are better than in some other European countries.
Josu Jon Imaz: I'm going to say more. We are prepared, in our small dimension, of course, to cover the Spanish needs and to modestly also help to some other European countries in our hinterland to supply them the products they could need to secure, of course, partially, the needs they could have in terms or in case of worsening this situation. Of course. Let me elaborate a bit more your question about market intervention and so on. I think that now the priority of authorities in Europe and in Spain is to guarantee the security of supply. When you are talking, and we are talking about the risk of not having the product that our societies could need in coming months, I want to remind that in Spain, we are better than in some other European countries.
Speaker #3: I mean, of course, let me elaborate a bit more on your question about market intervention and so on. I think that now the priority of authorities in Europe, and in Spain, is to guarantee the security of supply.
Speaker #3: When you are talking, and we are talking about the risk of not having the product that our societies could need in the coming months, I want to remind you that in Spain, we are better than in some other European countries.
Speaker #3: We have a reinforced supply system, and that is thanks to companies like Repsol, like Moebe, like BP, that invested heavily in the refining system in Spain.
Josu Jon Imaz: We have a reinforced supply system, that is thanks to companies like Repsol, like Moeve, like BP, that invested hard in the refining system in Spain. In the case of Repsol, we have invested EUR 15 billion in our refining system in Spain over the last 14 years. On top of that, as I mentioned before, we have invested more than EUR 2.7 billion in the last month to guarantee the supply of kerosene and diesel. I think it's now time to guarantee the supply. To guarantee the supply, you have to have, of course, the right incentive of profits, the legitimate incentive of making money. Today, I think that is not going to happen.
Josu Jon Imaz: We have a reinforced supply system, that is thanks to companies like Repsol, like Moeve, like BP, that invested hard in the refining system in Spain. In the case of Repsol, we have invested EUR 15 billion in our refining system in Spain over the last 14 years. On top of that, as I mentioned before, we have invested more than EUR 2.7 billion in the last month to guarantee the supply of kerosene and diesel. I think it's now time to guarantee the supply. To guarantee the supply, you have to have, of course, the right incentive of profits, the legitimate incentive of making money. Today, I think that is not going to happen.
Speaker #3: In the case of Repsol, we have invested €15 billion in our refining system in Spain over the last 14 years. And on top of that, as I mentioned before, we have invested more than €2.7 billion in the last few months to guarantee the supply of kerosene and diesel.
Speaker #3: I mean, I think that it is now time to guarantee the supply. To guarantee the supply, you have to have, of course, the right incentive of profits—the legitimate incentive of making money.
Speaker #3: Because, I mean, today, I think that that is not going to happen. But if someone wants to introduce an unjustified and counterproductive extraordinary levy, or something like that, in the energy business, in the energy sector, this measure will undermine security of supply.
Josu Jon Imaz: If someone want to introduce an unjustified and counterproductive extraordinary levy or something like that in the energy business, in the energy sector, this measure, it will undermine security of supply and will erode the competitiveness of European industry. I want to think in some way that we are the guarantee of the security of supply, that it's time to guarantee the security of supply in Spain and in Europe to support the Spanish tourism system. It's not the time to attack the refining and industrial activity. If you analyze the accounting of Repsol of this quarter, money is not coming from the price of oil or the price of gas. It's coming from the industrial activity.
Josu Jon Imaz: If someone want to introduce an unjustified and counterproductive extraordinary levy or something like that in the energy business, in the energy sector, this measure, it will undermine security of supply and will erode the competitiveness of European industry. I want to think in some way that we are the guarantee of the security of supply, that it's time to guarantee the security of supply in Spain and in Europe to support the Spanish tourism system. It's not the time to attack the refining and industrial activity. If you analyze the accounting of Repsol of this quarter, money is not coming from the price of oil or the price of gas. It's coming from the industrial activity.
Speaker #3: And will erode the competitiveness of European industry. So I think that I want to think in some way that we are the guarantee of the security of supply.
Speaker #3: This is the time to guarantee the security of supply in Spain and in Europe, to support the Spanish tourism season. It is not the time to attack the refining and industrial activity.
Speaker #3: Because, I mean, if you analyze the accounting of Repsol for this quarter, the money is not coming from the price of oil or the price of gas.
Speaker #3: It's coming from industrial activity. So, if you attack the refining and the industrial activity that makes possible the security of supply, you are in some way paving the way to have supply problems in the short term.
Josu Jon Imaz: If you attack the refining and the industrial activity that makes possible the security of supply, you are, in some way, paving the way to have supply problems in the short term. Let me elaborate a bit more this concept that some people talk about extraordinary profits and so on. If you take the net result of Repsol of H1 2025, EUR 400 million, you add something that is only an accounting effect because the oil price and the impact on your storage, that is the inventory effect, EUR 600 million, plus EUR 200 million that we missed last year because the blackout, we will have last year a profit in the half of EUR 1.2 billion.
Josu Jon Imaz: If you attack the refining and the industrial activity that makes possible the security of supply, you are, in some way, paving the way to have supply problems in the short term. Let me elaborate a bit more this concept that some people talk about extraordinary profits and so on. If you take the net result of Repsol of H1 2025, EUR 400 million, you add something that is only an accounting effect because the oil price and the impact on your storage, that is the inventory effect, EUR 600 million, plus EUR 200 million that we missed last year because the blackout, we will have last year a profit in the half of EUR 1.2 billion.
Speaker #3: And let me, I mean, elaborate a bit more this concept of that some people talks about extraordinary profits and so on. I mean, if you take the net result of Repsol of the first half of 2025, I mean, this 200, I mean, this 200, sorry, 400 million euros, and you add something that is only an accounting effect, because the oil price and the impact on your storage that is the inventory effect, 600 million euros, plus the 200 million euros that we missed last year because the blackout, we will have last year a profit in the half of 1.2 billion euros.
Speaker #3: If you take the 2.2 billion euros of this year and we reduce this figure in the 800 million euros coming from the inventory effect that again, is an accounting effect coming from the price of the storage, you have, we are talking about 1.4 billion euros.
Josu Jon Imaz: If you take EUR 2.2 billion of the year, we reduce this figure in EUR 800 million coming from the inventory effect, that, again, is an accounting effect coming from the price of the storage you have, we are talking about EUR 1.4 billion. From EUR 1.2 to 1.4 billion, the net result of Repsol, if you decouple what is happening behind from year to year, improved in a 15%. Is that okay? Yes. It's positive? Yes, of course. It's not extraordinary at all. Thank you, Matt.
Josu Jon Imaz: If you take EUR 2.2 billion of the year, we reduce this figure in EUR 800 million coming from the inventory effect, that, again, is an accounting effect coming from the price of the storage you have, we are talking about EUR 1.4 billion. From EUR 1.2 to 1.4 billion, the net result of Repsol, if you decouple what is happening behind from year to year, improved in a 15%. Is that okay? Yes. It's positive? Yes, of course. It's not extraordinary at all. Thank you, Matt.
Speaker #3: So, from 1.2 to 1.4, the net result of Repsol, if you decouple what is happening behind from year to year, improved by 15%.
Speaker #3: Is that okay? Yes, it's positive. Yes, of course. That is not extraordinary at all. Thank you. Matt.
Speaker #1: Thank you very much. I appreciate it.
Matt Lofting: Thank you very much. Appreciate it.
Matt Lofting: Thank you very much. Appreciate it.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Matt. Our next question comes from Ignacio Benet at JB Capital. Please, Ignacio, go ahead with your question.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Matt. Our next question comes from Ignacio Benet at JB Capital. Please, Ignacio, go ahead with your question.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Matt. Our next question comes from Ignacio Benet at JB Capital. Please, Ignacio, go ahead with your question.
Ignacio Benet: Hi, Josu and team. Thank you for the presentation and taking my questions. Just a quick one on chemicals. You mentioned it is the Q1, no, in a while that this segment is contributing to operating income. Just wanted to understand if we are long past the inflection point and we should expect this trend to continue over the coming quarters, or if it's simply put in the context of what we are seeing now in the market and this unit should still remain weak. Maybe if you could provide some sort of guidance for the remainder of the year, that would be helpful as well. Thank you very much.
Ignacio Doménech: Hi, Josu and team. Thank you for the presentation and taking my questions. Just a quick one on chemicals. You mentioned it is the Q1, no, in a while that this segment is contributing to operating income. Just wanted to understand if we are long past the inflection point and we should expect this trend to continue over the coming quarters, or if it's simply put in the context of what we are seeing now in the market and this unit should still remain weak. Maybe if you could provide some sort of guidance for the remainder of the year, that would be helpful as well. Thank you very much.
Speaker #4: Hi, just one thing. Thank you for the presentation and for taking my questions. Just a quick one on chemicals. You mentioned it is the first quarter, no?
Speaker #4: It's been a while that this segment is contributing to operating income, so I just wanted to understand if we are long past the inflection point, and whether we should expect this trend to continue over the coming quarters.
Speaker #4: Or if it's simply putting the context of what we are seeing now in the market, this unit should still remain weak.
Speaker #4: Maybe if you could provide some sort of guidance for the remainder of the year, that would be helpful as well. Thank you very much.
Speaker #3: Thank you, Ignacio. So, remember that some months ago I said that we are fully committed to having a positive EBITDA in the chemical business this year.
Josu Jon Imaz: Gracias, Ignacio. Thank you. Remember that some months ago, I said that we are fully committed to have a positive EBITDA in the chemical business this year and a positive result in 2027. When I said that, of course, nothing was happening in Hormuz and so on. Of course, Hormuz has anticipated what I said. You have two different trends here. You have something that is one-shot, short-term, is the restriction of supply of products coming from Hormuz that increase in an important way the margins of the chemical business this quarter, that is behind what is happening now. It's going to stay forever? No. It's going to stay as long as the restriction of products in Hormuz is there. At the same time, we have a more important trend that is improving the quality of the business day after day.
Josu Jon Imaz: Gracias, Ignacio. Thank you. Remember that some months ago, I said that we are fully committed to have a positive EBITDA in the chemical business this year and a positive result in 2027. When I said that, of course, nothing was happening in Hormuz and so on. Of course, Hormuz has anticipated what I said. You have two different trends here. You have something that is one-shot, short-term, is the restriction of supply of products coming from Hormuz that increase in an important way the margins of the chemical business this quarter, that is behind what is happening now. It's going to stay forever? No. It's going to stay as long as the restriction of products in Hormuz is there. At the same time, we have a more important trend that is improving the quality of the business day after day.
Speaker #3: And a positive EBIT, a positive result in 2027. And when I said that, of course, nothing was happening in hormones and so on. So, of course, almost has anticipated what I said.
Speaker #3: So you have two different trends here. You have something that is one-shot, is short term, it's the restriction of supply of products coming from almost—that increased in an important way the margins of the chemical business this quarter.
Speaker #3: And that is behind what is happening now. It's not going to stay forever. No, it's going to stay as long as the restriction of products, in almost all cases, is there.
Speaker #3: But at the same time, we have a more important trend that is improving the quality of the business day after day. Of course, the efficiency we are applying in logistics, in operational terms, and so on, is reducing costs.
Josu Jon Imaz: Of course, the efficiency we are applying, logistics in operational terms and so on, that is reducing cost. What is even more important, the new EBITDA that this business is going to have, first, because the new projects. Now, these days, the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene plant in Puertollano is starting to produce this technical polymer that is going to add at around EUR 20 to 25 million of EBITDA year after year. When we go to Sines, the linear polyethylene plant is going to start production in September, polypropylene at the beginning of October. In a normal margin scenario, Sines is going to add EUR 130 to 135 million of new EBITDA at, let me say, low international margins, a figure close to EUR 80 to 85, something like that. On top of that, we are electrifying the crackers. Sines is going to be on track already.
Josu Jon Imaz: Of course, the efficiency we are applying, logistics in operational terms and so on, that is reducing cost. What is even more important, the new EBITDA that this business is going to have, first, because the new projects. Now, these days, the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene plant in Puertollano is starting to produce this technical polymer that is going to add at around EUR 20 to 25 million of EBITDA year after year. When we go to Sines, the linear polyethylene plant is going to start production in September, polypropylene at the beginning of October. In a normal margin scenario, Sines is going to add EUR 130 to 135 million of new EBITDA at, let me say, low international margins, a figure close to EUR 80 to 85, something like that. On top of that, we are electrifying the crackers. Sines is going to be on track already.
Speaker #3: And what is even more important, the new EBITDA that this business is going to have—first, because of the new projects. Now, these days, the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene plant in Portogano is starting to produce this technical polymer that is going to add around €20 to €25 million of EBITDA year after year.
Speaker #3: When we go to Sines, the linear polyethylene plant is going to start production in September. Polypropylene at the beginning of October. In a normal margin scenario, Sines is going to add €130–135 million of new EBITDA; at, let me say, low international margins, a figure close to €80–85 million, something like that.
Speaker #3: On top of that, we are electrifying the crackers. SINES is going to be on track already. Tarragona, the first quarter of 2027, we are going to see the effect of the new propylene oxide plant in Tarragona.
Josu Jon Imaz: Tarragona, Q1 2027, we are going to see the effect of the new propylene oxide plant in Tarragona. Things are changing for the better. That is a clear effect. What we saw this quarter, let me say that probably was a 90% coming from the international arena and a 10% coming from the changes we are doing in our business. Guidance for the remainder of the year, because I could say that we will own improving the fundamentals of the business. Of course, I don't know what is going to be the effect of Hormuz. I think that from my point of view is crystal clear.
Josu Jon Imaz: Tarragona, Q1 2027, we are going to see the effect of the new propylene oxide plant in Tarragona. Things are changing for the better. That is a clear effect. What we saw this quarter, let me say that probably was a 90% coming from the international arena and a 10% coming from the changes we are doing in our business. Guidance for the remainder of the year, because I could say that we will own improving the fundamentals of the business. Of course, I don't know what is going to be the effect of Hormuz. I think that from my point of view is crystal clear.
Speaker #3: So, things are changing for the better. That is a clear effect. And what we saw this quarter—let me say that—probably was 90% coming from the international arena, and not 10% coming from the changes we are doing in our business.
Speaker #3: Guidance for the remainder of the year—because, I mean, I could say that we will go on improving the fundamentals of the business. But of course, I don't know what is going to be the effect of almost—
Speaker #3: I have a— I mean, a thing that, from my point of view, is crystal clear. I mean, even if tomorrow we have— and that would be great.
Josu Jon Imaz: Even if tomorrow we have, and that would be great, a full solution in Hormuz, and Hormuz were fully open tomorrow, I find that it's hard to see the refining margin for the full year below EUR 15 a barrel, given the logistics delay, the war in Russia and so on. Looking at the biofuel situation, I think that it's also hard to see that the premium for the full year could be below EUR 6 to 7 a barrel. Even if Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb were normalized 100% tomorrow, and that would be great, I think that the total margin for the full year would still be above EUR 20 to 21 a barrel in the case of the refining, and probably in the case of the chemical, things are not exactly the same, but we could be, in any case, in EUR +EBITDA this year.
Josu Jon Imaz: Even if tomorrow we have, and that would be great, a full solution in Hormuz, and Hormuz were fully open tomorrow, I find that it's hard to see the refining margin for the full year below EUR 15 a barrel, given the logistics delay, the war in Russia and so on. Looking at the biofuel situation, I think that it's also hard to see that the premium for the full year could be below EUR 6 to 7 a barrel.
Speaker #3: If hormones and hormones were fully open tomorrow, I find that it's hard to see the refining margin for the full year below $15 a barrel.
Speaker #3: Given the logistic delays, the war in Russia, and so on, and looking at the biofuel situation, I think it is also hard to see that the premium for the full year could be below $6 or $7 a barrel.
Speaker #3: So even if hormones and bubble mandel were normalized, 100% tomorrow—and that would be great—I think that the total margin for the full year will still be above $20–$21 a barrel.
Josu Jon Imaz: Even if Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb were normalized 100% tomorrow, and that would be great, I think that the total margin for the full year would still be above EUR 20 to 21 a barrel in the case of the refining, and probably in the case of the chemical, things are not exactly the same, but we could be, in any case, in EUR +EBITDA this year. Working in this direction of having a EUR +EBIT in the business next year, even in the case of seeing Hormuz 100% open, that would be great. Thank you.
Speaker #3: In the case of refining, and probably in the case of chemical, things are not exactly the same, but we could be, I mean, in any case, in a positive EBITDA this year.
Speaker #3: And I mean, working in this direction of having a positive EBIT in the business next year, even in the case of seeing Hormones 100% open, that would be great.
Josu Jon Imaz: Working in this direction of having a EUR +EBIT in the business next year, even in the case of seeing Hormuz 100% open, that would be great. Thank you. Very useful, Ignacio. Thank you, Ignacio.
Speaker #3: Thank you.
Speaker #4: Very useful. Muchas gracias.
Ignacio Doménech: Very useful, Ignacio.
Speaker #3: Thank you, Ignacio.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Ignacio. Our next question comes from Paul Redman at BNP Paribas. Please, Paul, go ahead with your question.
Josu Jon Imaz: Thank you, Ignacio.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Ignacio. Our next question comes from Paul Redman at BNP Paribas. Please, Paul, go ahead with your question.
Pablo Bannatyne: Thank you, Ignacio. Our next question comes from Paul Redman at BNP Paribas. Please, Paul, go ahead with your question.
Speaker #5: Hi, guys, and thank you very much for your time. I just wanted to come back to one of the questions from earlier, just to be really clear.
Paul Redman: Hi, guys. Thank you very much for your time. I just wanted to come back to one of the questions from earlier, just to be really clear. I think Sasi raised a question. It is what takes you to the bottom or the top end of your 30% to 40% buyback and dividend range this year? Then just following on from that, debt, where do you see an optimal balance sheet? Your balance sheet is looking at a net debt over gear, over capital employed of about 3.1% at the moment. Where do you see, Josu Jon, an optimum balance sheet? Thank you.
Paul Redman: Hi, guys. Thank you very much for your time. I just wanted to come back to one of the questions from earlier, just to be really clear. I think Sasi raised a question. It is what takes you to the bottom or the top end of your 30% to 40% buyback and dividend range this year? Then just following on from that, debt, where do you see an optimal balance sheet? Your balance sheet is looking at a net debt over gear, over capital employed of about 3.1% at the moment. Where do you see, Josu Jon, an optimum balance sheet? Thank you.
Speaker #5: And I think Sassy answered the question. Sassy raised a question: What takes you to the bottom or the top end of your 30% to 40% buyback and dividend range this year?
Speaker #5: And then just following on from that, debt. Where do you see an optimal balance sheet? Your balance sheet's looking at a net debt over gear, over capital employed, of about 3.1% at the moment.
Speaker #5: Where do you see, Josie John, an optimum balance sheet? Thank you.
Josu Jon Imaz: Paul, I take that decision in October, of course. Better said, I propose this decision to my board. The board will take this decision in October. Another time, I will decide in which point of the range from 30% to 40% we are going to be. We are going to be in this range. No doubt about that. I am comfortable with the balance sheet. When you have a volatile and uncertain scenario, you need a strong balance sheet. You need a low leverage. Because first, because this sector is volatile. We have ups and downs. We have to be prepared for any situation. Again, because you have to take opportunities.
Josu Jon Imaz: Paul, I take that decision in October, of course. Better said, I propose this decision to my board. The board will take this decision in October. Another time, I will decide in which point of the range from 30% to 40% we are going to be. We are going to be in this range. No doubt about that. I am comfortable with the balance sheet. When you have a volatile and uncertain scenario, you need a strong balance sheet. You need a low leverage. Because first, because this sector is volatile. We have ups and downs. We have to be prepared for any situation. Again, because you have to take opportunities.
Speaker #3: Paul, I'll take that decision in October. Or better said, I'll propose this decision to my board, and the board will make the decision in October.
Speaker #3: And I'm going to take into account what is the macro scenario and what is the volatility of our market in October. At that time, I will decide at which point of the range, from 30% to 40%, we are going to be.
Speaker #3: But we are going to be in this range, no doubt about that. I mean, I'm comfortable with the balance sheet. When you have a volatile and uncertain scenario, you need a strong balance sheet.
Speaker #3: You need a low leverage because, first, this sector is volatile. We have ups and downs, and we have to be prepared for any situation.
Speaker #3: And again, because you have to take opportunities. And as I said before, we have a lot of opportunities in our portfolio today that, in a prudent way, could be developed and give us the opportunity to grow in a scenario and in conditions that could be favorable for the company.
Josu Jon Imaz: As I said before, we have a lot of opportunities in our portfolio today that, in a prudent way, could be developed and giving us the opportunity to grow in a scenario and in conditions that could be favorable for the company. Seeing the lack of certitudes we have, I am comfortable today with the balance sheet and the low leverage level we have today. Thank you, Matt.
Josu Jon Imaz: As I said before, we have a lot of opportunities in our portfolio today that, in a prudent way, could be developed and giving us the opportunity to grow in a scenario and in conditions that could be favorable for the company. Seeing the lack of certitudes we have, I am comfortable today with the balance sheet and the low leverage level we have today. Thank you, Matt.
Speaker #3: But seeing the lack of certainties we have, I'm comfortable today with the balance sheet and the low leverage level we have today. Thank you, Matt.
Paul Redman: Thank you very much.
Paul Redman: Thank you very much.
Josu Jon Imaz: Sorry, Paul. Excuse me.
Josu Jon Imaz: Sorry, Paul. Excuse me.
Speaker #3: Sorry, Paul. Excuse me.
Speaker #2: That was our last question today. With this, we will bring our second quarter conference call to an end. Thank you very much for your attendance.
Pablo Bannatyne: That was our last question today. With this, we will bring our Q2 conference call to an end. Thank you very much for your attendance.
Pablo Bannatyne: That was our last question today. With this, we will bring our Q2 conference call to an end. Thank you very much for your attendance.