UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 6-K

 

Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the month of March, 2024

 

Commission File Number 1-15106

 

 

PETRÓLEO BRASILEIRO S.A. – PETROBRAS

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Brazilian Petroleum Corporation – PETROBRAS

(Translation of Registrant's name into English)

 

Avenida Henrique Valadares, 28 – 19th floor 
20241-030 – Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Federative Republic of Brazil

(Address of principal executive office)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F. 

Form 20-F ___X___ Form 40-F _______

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes _______ No___X____

 

 

 
 

 
 
 

Petrobras financial performance in 4Q23

Rio de Janeiro, March 07, 2024

Dear shareholders and investors,

I am very proud to address you today, not only in light of the excellent economic and financial results we are disclosing, but especially because I am convinced that we are building a Petrobras which is more solid, more resilient and able to generate long-term value to its partners and to society at large, facing the countless challenges imposed by a world in transition.

Since present management took the helm, we have been underscoring the need to adapt Petrobras to a new energy context where the decarbonization of operations and energy sources is a must – and a result of society’s legitimate demands – and requires strategic shifts and novel solutions that take into account the inevitable reduction in fossil fuel demand. Aware of this challenge, we have built a new strategic plan, which, besides consistency, was based on realism, responsibility and transparency. We acknowledge that the energy transition will unfold gradually and, therefore, we will continue to invest in oil and gas exploration, the segment where we generate the highest returns, and in the integration with the downstream. We will also generate value with the just and responsible transition, diversifying our operations into profitable low carbon businesses, always prioritizing partnerships. And we shall accomplish all this maintaining the focus on capital discipline, our solid governance and rationality in all decision-making processes. This rationality, I must insist, was part and parcel of the changes implemented in our commercial strategy – through which we increased our competitiveness, with more flexibility to the decision makers and more stability to consumers – and our dividend policy, enhanced to consider both higher investments and the absolute need to keep our financial health.

In this regard, it is worth highlighting the proposal of dividends relative to 2023 – R$ 72.4 billion, an amount which mainly benefits the Brazilian society, through its 37% ownership of Petrobras, and, who, as a matter of fact, has also received R$ 240 billion in taxes – and the successive records in market capitalization since we took over. Thus, in 2023, our total shareholder return, relative to our preferred shares in NYSE, reached 112%, outpacing the highest return delivered by the majors (20%), an evidence of how correct was the decision to keep dividends at reasonable levels, while increasing investments to deliver profitable growth, which is being reflected in higher market values.

These accomplishments were only possible because we have prioritized our most important asset: people. For them, we have approved our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy and our Racial Equity Program. Because they are the ones who strive to build our future. They were responsible, when we celebrate 15 years of the pre-salt, for the record in oil and gas production: we produced more with less emissions; for the start-up of four new production platforms; for the daily records in refining, with high utilization factors and the best result ever in energy efficiency; for the higher thermoelectric generation, with reliability; for the progress in biorefining, either through capacity expansion, or for the historical landmark of processing 100% of soybean oil in an industrial refining unit; for the records in carbon efficiency, which allowed the reduction of 1.8 million tons of CO2e in absolute emissions; for the main award of the global offshore industry: the OTC Distinguished Achievement Award 2024, in recognition of the contribution of Campos Basin Revitalization Program for the global industry; for the record in patents filings, among other countless accomplishments which would allow me to write a lengthy book instead of a brief letter.

This is why I always say, my dear shareholders and investors, that Petrobras is back. Back to prosperity, to generate long-term value and to help building a better world. We will face the challenges taking advantage the synergies with our businesses and leveraged in our expertises, and never neglecting economic value generation, as must be the case for a company that wishes to remain competitive and perpetuate value for future generations.

 

Jean Paul Prates, CEO

 
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Main highlights for 2023:

Second highest annual EBITDA in history: US$ 52.4 billion
Cash generation: Operating Cash Flow (OCF) of US$ 43.2 billion, the second highest in history
Gross debt under control at US$ 62.6 billion, even after the US$ 10.0 billion increase in debt related to leases, including US$ 8.7 billion related to the leasing of the four new production platforms that started production in 2023
Financial debt reduced by US$ 1.2 billion
Return to society with payment of R$ R$ 240.2 billion in taxes in 2023
Annual production records: Total own production in the pre-salt reaches 2.17 MMboed (10% more than in 2022), representing 78% of the total
Start-up of 4 new production systems: FPSOs Anna Nery and Anita Garibaldi, in Marlim and Voador revitalization projects, FPSO Almirante Barroso, the fifth unit to start up in Búzios field, and FPSO Sepetiba, the second definitive production system in Mero.
A new record in the pre-salt, the Almirante Barroso FPSO's peak production in less than 5 months
OTC Distinguished Achievement Award 2024 for technologies for the renovation of Campos Basin
Sustainable disposal: P-32 and P-33 will go through a recycling process in line with best ESG practices
Equatorial Margin: Drilling of Pitu Oeste well, in Potiguar Basin, marking the resumption of oil and gas exploration in the region
Proved Reserves: Maintenance of the trajectory of reserve replenishment (1.5 billion boe), with a focus on profitable assets
High utilization of the refining facilities with value generation: annual FUT of 92%, 4p.p. higher than 2022, with a strong yield of diesel, gasoline and jetfuel in total production
Lower environmental impact fuels: Expansion of Diesel R sales, new bunker + bio test and launch of Cap Pro W asphalt
Record processing of Pre-Salt oils: Pre-Salt oils accounted for 65% of the feedstock processed in Refining, 3 p.p above the volume in 2022
Record annual production and sales of S-10 diesel: Production of 428 Mbpd and sales of 463 Mbpd

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer

This report may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements only reflect expectations of the Company's managers regarding future economic conditions, as well as the Company's performance, financial performance and results, among others. The terms "anticipates", "believes", "expects", "predicts", "intends", "plans", "projects", "objective", "should", and similar terms, which evidently involve risks and uncertainties that may or may not be anticipated by the Company and therefore are not guarantees of future results of the Company's operations that may differ from current expectations. The readers should not rely exclusively on any forward-looking statement contained herein. The Company does not undertake any responsibility to update the presentations and forecasts in the light of new information or its future developments, and the figures reported for 4Q23 onwards are estimates or targets. These indicators do not have standardized meanings and may not be comparable to indicators with a similar description used by others. We provide these indicators because we use them as measures of company performance; they should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other financial metrics that have been disclosed in accordance with BR GAAP or IFRS. See definitions of Free Cash Flow, Adjusted EBITDA and Net Indebtedness in the Glossary and their reconciliations in the Liquidity and Capital Resources sections, Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA and Net Indebtedness. Consolidated accounting information in accordance with International Accounting Standard IAS 34 - Interim Financial Reporting, issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and revised by independent auditors.

 
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Main items

Table 1 - Main items*

            Variation (%)
 R$ million 4Q23 3Q23 4Q22 2023 2022 4Q23 X 3Q23 4Q23 X 4Q22 2023 X 2022
Sales revenues 134,258 124,828 158,579 511,994 641,256 7.6 (15.3) (20.2)
Gross profit 72,626 66,315 76,637 269,933 334,100 9.5 (5.2) (19.2)
Operating expenses (32,655) (17,557) (18,184) (79,111) (41,136) 86.0 79.6 92.3
Consolidated net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of Petrobras 31,043 26,625 43,341 124,606 188,328 16.6 (28.4) (33.8)
Recurring  consolidated net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of Petrobras * 40,986 27,226 43,746 136,034 179,452 50.5 (6.3) (24.2)
Net cash provided by operating activities 57,658 56,528 67,575 215,696 255,410 2.0 (14.7) (15.5)
Free cash flow 39,854 40,966 48,828 155,261 205,616 (2.7) (18.4) (24.5)
Adjusted EBITDA 66,852 66,188 73,091 262,227 340,482 1.0 (8.5) (23.0)
Recurring adjusted EBITDA* 74,265 66,887 76,771 275,866 348,386 11.0 (3.3) (20.8)
Gross debt (US$ million) 62,600 60,997 53,799 62,600 53,799 2.6 16.4 16.4
Net debt (US$ million) 44,698 43,725 41,516 44,698 41,516 2.2 7.7 7.7
Net debt/LTM Adjusted EBITDA ratio ** 0.85 0.83 0.63 0.85 0.63 2.4 34.9 34.9
Average commercial selling rate for U.S. dollar 4.95 4.88 5.26 4.99 5.16 1.4 (5.9) (3.3)
Brent crude (US$/bbl) 84.05 86.76 88.71 82.62 101.19 (3.1) (5.3) (18.4)
Domestic basic oil by-products price (R$/bbl) 516.70 464.08 621.25 505.20 632.22 11.3 (16.8) (20.1)
TRI (total recordable injuries per million men-hour frequency rate) - - - 0.80 0.68 - - 17.6
ROCE  (Return on Capital Employed) 11.2% 11.5% 15.8% 11.2% 15.8% -0,3 p.p. -4,6 p.p. -4,6 p.p.

 


* See reconciliation of Recurring net income and Adjusted EBITDA in the Special Items section.

* *Ratio calculated in USD.

 
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Consolidated results

Net revenues

Table 2 – Net revenues by products

            Variation (%)
R$ million 4Q23 3Q23 4Q22 2023 2022 4Q23 X 3Q23 4Q23 X 4Q22 2023 X 2022
Diesel 43,042 39,988 54,139 161,279 206,960 7.6 (20.5) (22.1)
Gasoline 16,970 16,660 21,188 71,519 83,354 1.9 (19.9) (14.2)
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) 3,882 4,107 6,008 17,530 26,362 (5.5) (35.4) (33.5)
Jet fuel 6,626 5,706 7,874 25,095 28,007 16.1 (15.8) (10.4)
Naphtha 2,376 2,194 2,270 9,187 12,312 8.3 4.7 (25.4)
Fuel oil (including bunker fuel) 1,607 1,401 1,639 5,788 7,287 14.7 (2.0) (20.6)
Other oil products 5,271 5,621 6,114 22,109 28,493 (6.2) (13.8) (22.4)
Subtotal oil products 79,774 75,677 99,232 312,507 392,775 5.4 (19.6) (20.4)
Natural gas 6,561 6,592 10,418 28,163 39,617 (0.5) (37.0) (28.9)
Crude oil 7,311 6,253 6,836 27,336 39,613 16.9 6.9 (31.0)
Renewables and nitrogen products 159 77 281 467 1,454 106.5 (43.4) (67.9)
Revenues from non-exercised rights 1,066 1,010 1,087 4,290 3,448 5.5 (1.9) 24.4
Electricity 1,157 782 795 3,265 3,622 48.0 45.5 (9.9)
Services, agency and others 1,298 1,330 1,283 5,289 5,363 (2.4) 1.2 (1.4)
Total domestic market 97,326 91,721 119,932 381,317 485,892 6.1 (18.8) (21.5)
Exports 35,952 32,222 36,151 125,138 141,521 11.6 (0.6) (11.6)
Crude oil 25,773 23,478 27,811 92,476 99,474 9.8 (7.3) (7.0)
Fuel oil (including bunker fuel) 6,813 6,687 7,858 25,452 38,129 1.9 (13.3) (33.2)
Other oil products and other products 3,366 2,057 482 7,210 3,918 63.6 598.3 84.0
Sales abroad (*) 980 885 2,496 5,539 13,843 10.7 (60.7) (60.0)
Total foreign market 36,932 33,107 38,647 130,677 155,364 11.6 (4.4) (15.9)
Total 134,258 124,828 158,579 511,994 641,256 7.6 (15.3) (20.2)
(*) Sales revenues from operations outside of Brazil, including trading and excluding exports

The global oil and gas market started 2023 in a downward trend, influenced by concerns about global economic dynamics and the recovery of oil demand in China. During the first half of the year, oil supply disruptions were observed, along with voluntary OPEC+ cuts. As of the 3Q23, despite persistent economic concerns, oil prices have recovered due to supply restrictions and robust demand.

In this context, net revenue in 2023 was lower compared to 2022, mainly due to the 18% drop in Brent prices and crack spreads, especially diesel.

Despite these challenges, it is worth noting that these negative impacts were partially mitigated by the increase in the volume of oil sold over the period, and the highlight was the growth in exports.

The lower natural gas revenue is the result of: (i) lower demand in the non-thermoelectric sector, reflecting the effect of the natural gas market opening and lower consumption in industrial segments; (ii) lower demand in thermoelectric sector, due to lower dispatches, reflecting better hydrological conditions in Brazil; and (iii) lower prices, especially for the non-thermoelectric sector, largely influenced by the depreciation of Brent. The fall in oil revenues on the domestic market was due to lower sales volumes to Acelen, associated with the aforementioned decline in Brent prices.

In 2023, the main products sold continued to be diesel and gasoline, equivalent to approximately 74% of revenue from the sale of oil products in the domestic market.

 
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In 4Q23, despite lower sales volumes in the domestic market, impacted by the seasonality of diesel, whose demand is usually higher in the third quarter, revenues were up compared to 3Q23, which can be explained by the higher average prices of oil products during 4Q23.

The increase in electricity revenues in 4Q23 compared to 3Q23 was due to higher thermoelectric dispatch in the quarter.

In 4Q23, the increase in the volume of exports, mainly oil, also contributed to the growth in revenues between the quarters.

Cost of goods sold *

Table 3 – Cost of goods sold

            Variation (%)
R$ million 4Q23 3Q23 4Q22 2023 2022 4Q23 X 3Q23 4Q23 X 4Q22 2023 X 2022
Acquisitions (20,019) (20,080) (36,216) (87,078) (122,975) (0.3) (44.7) (29.2)
Crude oil imports (11,525) (10,893) (15,723) (46,613) (54,185) 5.8 (26.7) (14.0)
Oil products imports (5,946) (7,646) (15,954) (30,765) (46,639) (22.2) (62.7) (34.0)
Natural gas imports (2,548) (1,541) (4,539) (9,700) (22,151) 65.3 (43.9) (56.2)
Production (39,397) (36,277) (40,973) (144,934) (165,434) 8.6 (3.8) (12.4)
Crude oil (32,504) (29,946) (33,443) (121,726) (136,860) 8.5 (2.8) (11.1)
Production taxes (16,525) (13,365) (16,536) (56,248) (71,198) 23.6 (0.1) (21.0)
Other costs (15,979) (16,581) (16,907) (65,478) (65,662) (3.6) (5.5) (0.3)
Oil products (4,118) (3,583) (3,919) (12,771) (13,778) 14.9 5.1 (7.3)
Natural gas   (2,775) (2,748) (3,611) (10,437) (14,796) 1.0 (23.2) (29.5)
Production taxes (599) (542) (901) (2,073) (4,542) 10.5 (33.5) (54.4)
Other costs (2,176) (2,206) (2,710) (8,364) (10,254) (1.4) (19.7) (18.4)
Services, electricity, operations abroad and others (2,216) (2,156) (4,753) (10,049) (18,747) 2.8 (53.4) (46.4)
Total (61,632) (58,513) (81,942) (242,061) (307,156) 5.3 (24.8) (21.2)

In 2023, cost of goods sold decreased compared to 2022, mainly reflecting the reduction in the cost of importing oil, natural gas and oil products, due to the decrease in both prices and volumes imported. In addition, government take also reduced due to the depreciation of Brent and natural gas prices. Also contributing to this reduction were lower volumes sold on the domestic market, the lower costs of operations overseas and the lower volumes of electricity sales.

In 4Q23, the increase in the cost of goods sold compared to 3Q23 reflects the higher costs of government take, the increase in volumes of oil and oil products exported, the higher volume of oil sold in the domestic market, as well as the higher share of Bolivian gas and LNG in the sales mix. These factors were partially offset by the lower sales volume of oil products in the domestic market, especially diesel.

 


* Managerial information (non-revised).

 
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Operating expenses

Table 4 – Operating expenses

            Variation (%)
R$ million 4Q23 3Q23 4Q22 2023 2022 4Q23 X 3Q23 4Q23 X 4Q22 2023 X 2022
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (8,832) (8,216) (8,772) (33,115) (32,325) 7.5 0.7 2.4
Selling expenses (6,583) (6,289) (6,795) (25,163) (25,448) 4.7 (3.1) (1.1)
Materials, third-party services, freight, rent and other related costs (5,678) (5,382) (5,601) (21,459) (20,592) 5.5 1.4 4.2
Depreciation, depletion and amortization (709) (788) (938) (3,038) (4,062) (10.0) (24.4) (25.2)
Allowance for expected credit losses (38) 14 (127) (110) (304) (70.1) (63.8)
Employee compensation (158) (133) (129) (556) (490) 18.8 22.5 13.5
General and administrative expenses (2,249) (1,927) (1,977) (7,952) (6,877) 16.7 13.8 15.6
Employee compensation (1,431) (1,337) (1,197) (5,166) (4,464) 7.0 19.5 15.7
Materials, third-party services, rent and other related costs (639) (447) (611) (2,170) (1,871) 43.0 4.6 16.0
Depreciation, depletion and amortization (179) (143) (169) (616) (542) 25.2 5.9 13.7
Exploration costs (766) (2,364) (3,447) (4,892) (4,616) (67.6) (77.8) 6.0
Research and Development (1,061) (908) (942) (3,619) (4,087) 16.9 12.6 (11.5)
Other taxes (1,216) (557) (1,017) (4,444) (2,272) 118.3 19.6 95.6
Impairment (losses) reversals, net (10,763) (386) (4,680) (13,111) (6,859) 2688.3 130.0 91.2
Other income and expenses, net (10,017) (5,126) 674 (19,930) 9,023 95.4
Total (32,655) (17,557) (18,184) (79,111) (41,136) 86.0 79.6 92.3

In 2023 there was an increase in operating expenses compared to 2022, mainly due to the increase in tax expenses, impairment and other operating expenses.

The decrease in sales expenses is due to lower logistics costs related to the transportation of natural gas due to the reduction in the volume sold. These effects were partially offset by higher logistics costs associated with the growth in exports of oil and oil products and higher freight rates.

The growth in general and administrative expenses is largely due to higher personnel costs as a result of wage increases and the hiring of new employees and third-party services.

Exploration expenses increased in 2023 due to higher spending on geology and geophysics, mainly in the Equatorial Margin and the Aram Block. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in expenses for projects that are not economically viable.

The increase in tax expenses is explained by the effect of the oil export tax from March to June 2023.

The higher impairment expenses in 2023 reflect the update of the economic assumptions, as well as the portfolio of projects and estimates of reserves. Further details can be found in note 26 of our Financial Statements.

The increase in other operating expenses in 2023 is mainly due to lower capital gains related to the co-participation agreements in Sépia and Atapu fields and an additional 5% stake in Buzios Surplus Transfer of Rights in 2022. In addition there was an increase in expenses with abandonment of areas due to higher provisions in fields relinquished in 2023, mainly in SEAL, Campos and RNCE basins. Lower expenses with legal contingencies partially offset the growth in operating expenses.

 
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In 4Q23, the increase in operating expenses compared to 3Q23 is mainly due to higher impairment expenses, especially losses in oil and gas production fields in Brazil, notably the Roncador field, due to the revision of the production curve. In addition, there was an increase in expenses with the abandonment provision in fields in return, mainly in SEAL, Campos and RNCE basins.

The increase observed in 4Q23 compared to 3Q23 was partly offset by lower exploration costs, gains from earnouts at Sépia and Atapu and gains related to price adjustments provided for in contractual clauses, especially related to the variation in Brent on sales related to E&P assets.

Adjusted EBITDA

In 2023, Adjusted EBITDA reached R$ 262.2 billion, 23% lower compared to 2022, mainly influenced by the depreciation of Brent (-18%) and lower oil products margins, partly offset by the higher volume of oil exported.

In 4Q23, Adjusted EBITDA reached R$ 66.9 billion, higher 1% compared to 3Q23, influenced by higher abandonment expenses, offset by higher oil products margins and higher oil volumes in the result.

Financial results

Table 5 – Financial results

            Variation (%)
R$ million 4Q23 3Q23 4Q22 2023 2022 4Q23 X 3Q23 4Q23 X 4Q22 2023 X 2022
Finance income 2,915 2,934 2,293 10,821 9,420 (0.6) 27.1 14.9
Income from investments and marketable securities (Government Bonds) 2,207 2,218 1,507 8,258 5,955 (0.5) 46.4 38.7
Other finance income 708 716 786 2,563 3,465 (1.1) (9.9) (26.0)
Finance expenses (5,180) (5,680) (5,223) (19,542) (18,040) (8.8) (0.8) 8.3
Interest on finance debt (2,724) (3,236) (3,030) (11,309) (12,173) (15.8) (10.1) (7.1)
Unwinding of discount on lease liability (2,633) (2,418) (1,993) (8,886) (6,936) 8.9 32.1 28.1
Discount and premium on repurchase of debt securities (11) (11) (4) (22) (596) 175.0 (96.3)
Capitalized borrowing costs 1,799 1,651 1,247 6,431 5,319 9.0 44.3 20.9
Unwinding of discount on the provision for decommissioning costs (1,042) (1,056) (655) (4,282) (2,680) (1.3) 59.1 59.8
Other finance expenses (569) (610) (788) (1,474) (974) (6.7) (27.8) 51.3
Foreign exchange gains (losses) and indexation charges 3,633 (7,014) 4,420 (3,140) (10,637) (17.8) (70.5)
Foreign exchange gains (losses) 4,272 (4,632) 5,359 11,212 5,637 (20.3) 98.9
Reclassification of hedge accounting to the Statement of Income (3,826) (3,691) (6,698) (18,846) (25,174) 3.7 (42.9) (25.1)
Inflation indexation of anticipated dividends and dividends payable (*) 639 6 4,602 (1,506) 5,351 10550.0 (86.1)
Legal agreement with Eletrobras - compulsory loans 1,156 1,156
Recoverable taxes inflation indexation income 447 84 61 1,016 443 432.1 632.8 129.3
Other foreign exchange gains (losses) and indexation charges, net 945 1,219 1,096 3,828 3,106 (22.5) (13.8) 23.2
Total 1,368 (9,760) 1,490 (11,861) (19,257) (8.2) (38.4)
(*) In 2023, it refers to the income on the monetary restatement of paid anticipated dividends, in the amount of R$ 1,063 (R$ 6,782 in 2022), and to the expense on the indexation charges on dividends payable, in the amount of R$ 2,569 (R$ 1,431 in 2022).

In 2023, the improvement in the financial result compared to 2022 is mainly attributable to the gain from the FX variation of the BRL against the USD, driven by the 7.2% appreciation of the BRL in 2023 (from R$5.22/US$ on 12/31/22

 
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to R$4.84/US$ on 12/31/23), compared to 6.5% in 2022. Other factors include lower realization of hedge accounting, higher gains on financial investments and securities due to the increase in the Selic and CDI rates and the higher average volume invested, as well as income from monetary restatement of the legal settlement with Eletrobras. These gains were partially offset by higher interest expenses on financing and leases, and by lower results from monetary restatement by the Selic rate of anticipated dividends.

In 3Q23, the financial result was mainly impacted by the gain from the FX variation of the BRL against the USD, which depreciated 3.9% in 3Q23 (from R$ 4.82/US$ on 06/30/23 to R$ 5.01/US$ on 09/30/23) and appreciated 3.3% in 4Q23 (from R$ 5.01/US$ on 09/30/23 to R$ 4.84/US$ on 12/31/23). In addition, we recorded higher revenues from monetary restatement, both related to the legal agreement with Eletrobras and to the anticipated dividends, while interest expenses on financing decreased.

Net profit (loss) attributable to Petrobras shareholders

In 2023, net profit reached R$ 124.6 billion, compared to R$ 188.3 billion in 2022. This variation is mainly attributed to the depreciation of Brent (-18%) and lower oil products margins, although partially offset by the increase in the volume of oil exported. In addition, the result was impacted by the increase in operating expenses, including lower capital gains from the co-participation agreements in the Sépia and Atapu fields, higher impairment, abandonment and tax expenses. These effects were partially offset by improved financial results and lower income tax.

Net income in 4Q23 was R$ 31,0 billion, compared to R$ 26.6 billion in 3Q23. This result is mainly explained by the increase in oil products margins and oil volumes. On the other hand, operating expenses increased, mainly due to higher impairment and abandonment charges. We also observed a more favorable financial result, mainly due to the appreciation of the BRL against the USD. In addition, income tax was lower.

Recurring net income attributable to Petrobras shareholders and recurring Adjusted EBITDA

In 2023, net income was R$ 124.6 billion, impacted by non-recurring items, mainly impairment expenses, abandonment of areas and legal contingencies. Excluding the non-recurring effects, net income would have been R$ 136,0 billion. Adjusted EBITDA was negatively impacted by R$ 13.6 billion, mainly due to the abandonment of areas, legal contingencies, compensation for the termination of vessel leasing contracts, oil export tax, and would have amounted to R$ 275.9 billion without the effect of non-recurring items in 2022.

In 4Q23, net income was negatively impacted by R$ 9.9 billion, mainly due to impairment expenses and abandonment of areas, although partially offset by the net effect on income tax calculation. Excluding non-recurring items, net income would have been R$ 41,0 billion. Meanwhile, Adjusted EBITDA suffered a negative impact of R$ 7.4 billion, mainly due to area abandonment expenses. Excluding this effect, it would have reached R$ 74.3 billion in 4Q23.

 
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Special items

Table 6 – Special items

            Variation (%)
 R$ million 4Q23 3Q23 4Q22 2023 2022 4Q23 X 3Q23 4Q23 X 4Q22 2023 X 2022
Net income 31,163 26,760 43,502 125,166 189,005 16.5 (28.4) (33.8)
Non-recurring items (15,037) (930) (620) (17,310) 13,465 1516.9 2325.3
Non-recurring items that do not affect Adjusted EBITDA (7,624) (231) 3,060 (3,671) 21,369 3200.4
Impairment of assets and investments (10,817) (349) (4,667) (13,120) (6,891) 2999.4 131.8 90.4
Reclassification of comprehensive income (loss) due to the disposal of equity-accounted investments (1)
Gains and losses on disposal / write-offs of assets 700 (182) 34 6,511 5,884 1958.8 10.7
Results from co-participation agreements in bid areas 1,163 93 7,467 1,399 21,660 1150.5 (84.4) (93.5)
Discount and premium on repurchase of debt securities 174 207 226 383 717 (15.9) (23.0) (46.6)
Legal agreement with Eletrobras - compulsory loans 1,156 1,156
Other non-recurring items (7,413) (699) (3,680) (13,639) (7,904) 960.5 101.4 72.6
Voluntary Separation Plan 12 4 (59) 43 (92) 200.0
Collective bargaining agreement (1,031) (1,061)
Amounts recovered from Lava Jato investigation 50 29 324 562 499 72.4 (84.6) 12.6
Gains / (losses) on decommissioning of returned/abandoned areas (5,776) (13) (1,031) (5,850) (1,178) 44330.8 460.2 396.6
Gains / (losses) related to legal proceedings (613) (689) (2,842) (3,982) (7,011) (11.0) (78.4) (43.2)
Equalization of expenses - Production Individualization Agreements (55) (76) (72) (251) (122) (27.6) (23.6) 105.7
Compensation for the termination of a vessel charter agreement (1,654)
Export tax on crude oil 46 (1,446)
Net effect of non-recurring items on IR / CSLL 5,094 329 215 5,882 (4,589) 1448.3 2269.3
Recurring net income 41,106 27,361 43,907 136,594 180,129 50.2 (6.4) (24.2)
Shareholders of Petrobras 40,986 27,226 43,746 136,034 179,452 50.5 (6.3) (24.2)
Non-controlling interests 120 135 161 560 677 (11.1) (25.5) (17.3)
Adjusted EBITDA 66,852 66,188 73,091 262,227 340,482 1.0 (8.5) (23.0)
Non-recurring items (7,413) (699) (3,680) (13,639) (7,904) 960.5 101.4 72.6
Recurring Adjusted EBITDA 74,265 66,887 76,771 275,866 348,386 11.0 (3.3) (20.8)

In management's opinion, the special items presented above, although related to the Company's business, were highlighted as complementary information for a better understanding and evaluation of the result. Such items do not necessarily occur in all periods and are disclosed when relevant.

 
10 
 
 

Capex

Table 7 - Capex

            Variation (%)
US$ million 4Q23 3Q23 4Q22 2023 2022 4Q23 X 3Q23 4Q23 X 4Q22 2023 X 2022
Exploration and Production 2,752 2,892 2,218 10,283 6,952 (4.8) 24.1 47.9
Refining, Transportation and Marketing 530 322 372 1,559 1,193 64.4 42.3 30.6
Gas and Low Carbon Energies 134 67 99 277 350 99.7 35.7 (20.8)
Others 142 111 187 413 461 27.8 (24.1) (10.4)
Subtotal 3,558 3,392 2,876 12,532 8,956 4.9 23.7 39.9
Signature bonus 141 892 (84.2)
Total 3,558 3,392 2,876 12,673 9,848 4.9 23.7 28.7

In 2023, investments totaled US$12.7 billion, representing an increase of 29% compared to 2022, mainly due to the increase in investments in major pre-salt projects, especially the new production systems at the Búzios field and the revitalization of the Marlim field, as well as higher investments in scheduled refining stoppages.

Capex for 2023 was 21% lower than planned for the year in the 2023-27 Strategic Plan, in line with the guidance revision announced in November 2023, influenced by the following factors: (a) postponement of well activities due to lower availability of rigs and materials, (b) replanning of project milestones for new production units; and (c) postponement of exploratory wells due to environmental licensing.

In 4Q23, capex totaled US$ 3.6 billion, 5% higher than in 3Q23, mainly due to higher investments in scheduled refining stoppages.

In the Exploration and Production segment, capex totaled US$ 2.8 billion in 4Q23, 5% lower than in 3Q23, mainly as a result of postponements of milestones for the new owned production units in Búzios. Investments in 4Q23 remained focused on large pre-salt projects, concentrated mainly in: (a) the development of pre-salt production in the Santos Basin (US$ 1.4 billion); (b) the development of deep-water production in the post-salt (US$ 0.4 billion); and (c) exploratory investments (US$ 0.2 billion).

In the Refining, Transportation and Marketing segment, capex totaled US$ 0.5 billion in 4Q23, an increase of 64% compared to 3Q23. This increase was mainly due to higher investments in scheduled refining stoppages, especially the Lubricants unit at REDUC; Cracking, Distillation and HDTs at REGAP; as well as pre-stoppage expenses at REPAR and REPLAN, scheduled for February and March 2024, respectively.

In the Gas and Low Carbon Energies segment, capex totaled US$ 0.1 billion in 4Q23, a 100% increase compared to 3Q23. The increase was mainly due to higher investments in scheduled stoppages of thermal units and progress on the Route 3 Natural Gas Processing Unit project, in line with the schedule for commercial start-up.

In addition, it is worth highlighting the entry into operation in 4Q23 of the leased FPSO Sepetiba (Mero 2), whose lease contract amount totaled US$ 1.1 billion (Petrobras' stake). In 2023, the start-up of the leased FPSOs Sepetiba (Mero 2), Anna Nery (Marlim 2,) Almirante Barroso (Búzios 5) and Anita Garibaldi (Marlim 1) resulted in total lease amounts of US$ 8.7 billion. Just like owned units, leased FPSOs are recognized in the Company's assets and constitute an investment effort to expand production capacity with new units, but are not considered under Capex.

 
11 
 
 

The following table presents the main information about the new oil and gas production systems, already contracted.

Table 8 – Main projects

Unit Start-up FPSO capacity (bbl/day)

Petrobras Actual Investment

US$ bn

Petrobras Total Investment

US$ bn1

Petrobras Stake Status

Mero 3

FPSO Marechal Duque de Caxias (Chartered unit)

2024 180,000 0.28 0.9 38.6% Project in phase of execution with production system in transit to Brazil.  10 wells drilled and 8 completed.

Integrado Parque das Baleias (IPB)

FPSO Maria Quitéria

(Chartered unit)

2025 100,000 0.55 1.9 100% Project in phase of execution with production system under construction. 3 wells drilled and 2 completed.2

Búzios 7

FPSO Almirante Tamandaré (Chartered unit)

2025 225,000 0.48 2.1 88.99%

Project in phase of execution with production system under construction.

6 wells drilled and 3 completed.

Búzios 6

P-78 (Owned unit)

2025 180,000 1.30 4.8 88.99% Project in phase of execution with production system under construction. 4 wells drilled and 2 completed.

Mero 4

FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão

(Chartered unit)

2025 180,000 0.06 1.3 38.60%

Project in phase of execution with production system under construction.

6 wells drilled and 2 completed.

Búzios 8

P-79 (Owned unit)

2026 180,000 1.17 5.1 88.99% Project in phase of execution with production system under construction. 7 wells drilled and 2 completed.

Búzios 9

P-80 (Owned unit)

2026 225,000 0.51 5.4 88.99%

Project in phase of execution with production system under construction.

2 wells drilled and 2 completed.

Búzios 10

P-82 (Owned unit)

2027 225,000 0.33 6.1 88.99%

Project in phase of execution with production system under construction

1 well drilled.

Búzios 11

P-83 (Owned unit)

2027 225,000 0.29 5.5 88.99% Project in phase of execution with production system under construction. 2 wells drilled.

Raia Manta e Raia Pintada

BM-C-33

(Non-operated project)

2028 126,000 0.29 2,5 ³ 30% Project in phase of execution.

1 Total investment with the Strategic Plan 2024-28 assumptions and Petrobras work interest (WI). Chartered units leases are not included.

2 Production Unit for revitalization project. Refers only to new wells. The scope of the project also includes the relocation of some wells of the units being decommissioned.

3 It is included investment in the FPSO, contracted on a lump sum turnkey modality, which includes engineering, procurement, construction and installation for the unit. The contractor will also provide FPSO operation and maintenance services during the first year from the start of production.

 
12 
 
 

Liquidity and capital resources[1]

Table 9 - Liquidity and capital resources

R$ million 4Q23 3Q23 4Q22 2023 2022
Adjusted cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period 86,493 76,115 36,688 64,092 62,040
Government bonds, bank deposit certificates and time deposits with maturities of more than 3 months at the beginning of period * (25,851) (26,233) (13,038) (22,369) (3,630)
Cash and cash equivalents in companies classified as held for sale at the beginning of the period 72
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period 60,642 49,882 23,650 41,723 58,482
Net cash provided by operating activities 57,658 56,528 67,575 215,696 255,410
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (15,977) (13,777) (12,298) (39,495) (4,377)
Acquisition of PP&E and intangible assets (17,794) (15,540) (18,710) (60,315) (49,656)
Acquisition of equity interests (10) (22) (37) (120) (138)
Proceeds from disposal of assets - Divestment 207 504 4,888 18,232 24,815
Financial compensation from co-participation agreements 10,288 2,032 35,769
Divestment (investment) in marketable securities 1,556 1,250 (9,017) 237 (17,072)
Dividends received 64 31 290 439 1,905
(=) Net cash provided by operating and investing activities 41,681 42,751 55,277 176,201 251,033
Net cash used in financing activities (38,928) (34,742) (36,983) (153,435) (264,156)
Changes in non-controlling interest 502 (252) 106 (14) 347
Net financings (6,172) (1,738) (8,413) (20,264) (41,845)
     Proceeds from finance debt 4,459 5,942 1,834 10,716 15,156
     Repayments (10,631) (7,680) (10,247) (30,980) (57,001)
Repayment of lease liability (8,861) (7,974) (7,482) (31,335) (28,049)
Dividends paid to shareholders of Petrobras (21,724) (23,803) (21,125) (97,925) (194,200)
Share repurchase program (2,669) (975) (3,644)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests (4) (69) (253) (409)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (1,782) 2,751 (221) (2,876) (3,636)
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period 61,613 60,642 41,723 61,613 41,723
Government bonds, bank deposit certificates and time deposits with maturities of more than 3 months at the end of period * 25,057 25,851 22,369 25,057 22,369
Cash and cash equivalents in companies classified as held for sale at the end of the period
Adjusted cash and cash equivalents at the end of period 86,670 86,493 64,092 86,670 64,092
Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow          
Net cash provided by operating activities 57,658 56,528 67,575 215,696 255,410
Acquisition of PP&E and intangible assets (17,794) (15,540) (18,710) (60,315) (49,656)
Acquisition of equity interests (10) (22) (37) (120) (138)
Free cash flow** 39,854 40,966 48,828 155,261 205,616

As of December 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents totaled R$ 61.6 billion and adjusted cash and cash equivalents totaled R$ 86.7 billion.

In 2023, cash generated from operating activities reached R$ 215.7 billion and positive free cash flow totaled R$ 155.3 billion. This level of cash generation was used to: (a) shareholders remuneration (R$ 101.6 billion), (b) investments (R$ 60.3 billion), (c) lease liabilities amortization (R$ 31.3 billion), and (d) principal and interest due in the period amortization (R$ 31.0 billion).

In 2023, the company raised R$ 10.7 billion, including (i) a R$ 5.9 billion bond offering on the international capital market (Global Notes) maturing in 2033 and (ii) R$ 4.4 billion raised on the domestic banking market.

 


* Includes government bonds, bank deposit certificates and time deposits of companies classified as held for sale.

** Free cash flow (FCF) is in accordance with the new Shareholder Remuneration Policy (“Policy”) approved on 07/28/2023 and corresponds to operating cash flow minus acquisitions of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and equity interests. For comparative purposes, figures prior to 2Q23 have been adjusted in accordance with the new Policy.

 
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Debt indicators

As of 12/31/2023, gross debt reached US$ 62.6 billion, an increase of 16.4% compared to 12/31/2022, mainly due to the increase in leases in the period with the start-up of the chartered FPSOs Anna Nery and Almirante Barroso (2Q23), Anita Garibaldi (3Q23) and Sepetiba (4Q23), which added US$ 8.7 billion to the company's lease liabilities compared to 12/31/2022. On the other hand, financial debt fell by 3.8% compared to 12/31/2022, reaching US$ 28.8 billion on 12/31/2023.

Average maturity went from 12.07 years on 31/12/2022 to 11.38 years on 31/12/2023 and its average cost varied from 6.5% p.a. to 6.4% p.a. over the same period.

The gross debt/adjusted EBITDA ratio reached 1.19x on 12/31/2023 compared to 0.81x on 12/31/2022.

On 12/31/2023, net debt reached US$44.7 billion, an increase of 7.7% compared to 12/31/2022, mainly due to the increase in leases in the period.

Table 10 – Debt indicators

US$ million 12.31.2023 09.30.2023 Δ % 12.31.2022
Financial Debt 28,801 29,462 (2.2) 29,954
Capital Markets 17,514 17,769 (1.4) 16,957
Banking Market 8,565 8,863 (3.4) 9,672
Development banks 698 690 1.2 723
Export Credit Agencies 1,870 1,978 (5.5) 2,443
Others 154 162 (4.9) 159
Finance leases 33,799 31,535 7.2 23,845
Gross debt 62,600 60,997 2.6 53,799
Adjusted cash and cash equivalents 17,902 17,272 3.6 12,283
Net debt 44,698 43,725 2.2 41,516
Net Debt/(Net Debt + Market Cap) - Leverage 30% 32% (6.3) 39%
Average interest rate (% p.a.) 6.4 6.5 (1.5) 6.5
Weighted average maturity of outstanding debt (years) 11.38 11.43 (0.4) 12.07
Net debt/LTM Adjusted EBITDA ratio 0.85 0.83 2.4 0.63
Gross debt/LTM Adjusted EBITDA ratio 1.19 1.15 3.5 0.81
R$ million        
Financial Debt 139,431 147,538 (5.5) 156,286
Finance Lease 163,631 157,913 3.6 124,417
Adjusted cash and cash equivalents 86,670 86,493 0.2 64,092
Net Debt 216,392 218,958 (1.2) 216,611
 
14 
 
 

Results by segment

Exploration and Production

Table 11 – E&P results

      Variation (%)
R$ million 4Q23 3Q23 4Q22 2023 2022 4Q23 X 3Q23 4Q23 X 4Q22 2023 X 2022
Sales revenues 91,760 87,530 89,205 333,934 401,204 4.8 2.9 (16.8)
Gross profit 54,160 52,619 51,448 198,004 244,058 2.9 5.3 (18.9)
Operating expenses (18,550) (5,691) (5,771) (27,586) 3,994 226.0 221.4
Operating income 35,610 46,928 45,677 170,418 248,052 (24.1) (22.0) (31.3)
Net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of Petrobras 23,638 30,644 30,240 112,480 164,600 (22.9) (21.8) (31.7)
Adjusted EBITDA of the segment 57,533 60,351 57,644 223,426 282,087 (4.7) (0.2) (20.8)
EBITDA margin of the segment (%)* 63 69 65 67 70 (6) (2) (3)
ROCE (Return on Capital Employed) (%)* 14.5 14.5 19.8 14.5 19.8 (5.3) (5.3)
Average Brent crude (US$/bbl) 84.05 86.76 88.71 82.62 101.19 (3.1) (5.3) (18.4)
Production taxes Brazil 16,140 16,498 16,220 60,445 76,158 (2.2) (0.5) (20.6)
     Royalties 9,628 9,675 9,207 35,356 42,112 (0.5) 4.6 (16.0)
     Special participation 6,466 6,771 6,951 24,871 33,797 (4.5) (7.0) (26.4)
     Retention of areas 46 52 62 218 249 (11.5) (25.8) (12.4)
 Lifting cost Brazil (US$/boe) 5.52 5.39 6.07 5.59 5.78 2.6 (9.0) (3.3)
        Pre-salt 3.78 3.49 3.89 3.67 3.47 8.4 (2.8) 5.8
       Deep and ultra-deep post-salt 12.12 12.18 11.94 12.52 11.74 (0.5) 1.5 6.7
Onshore and shallow waters 16.15 16.22 18.77 15.67 16.96 (0.4) (14.0) (7.6)
 Lifting cost + Leases 7.79 7.64 7.81 7.66 7.49 2.0 (0.2) 2.2
Pre-salt 6.13 5.61 5.70 5.77 5.35 9.3 7.5 8.0
Deep and ultra-deep post-salt 14.37 15.35 13.72 14.84 13.25 (6.4) 4.7 12.0
Onshore and shallow waters 16.15 16.22 18.77 15.67 16.96 (0.4) (14.0) (7.6)
 Lifting cost + Production taxes 19.78 20.40 21.12 19.69 23.73 (3.0) (6.3) (17.0)
 Lifting cost + Production taxes + Leases 22.05 22.65 22.85 21.76 25.44 (2.6) (3.5) (14.5)
(*) EBITDA margin and ROCE variations in percentage points.

In 2023, E&P gross profit was R$ 198 billion, 19% lower than in 2022. This reduction was mainly due to lower Brent prices, which were partially offset by higher production.

Operating income was R$ 170.4 billion, 31% lower when compared to 2022, due to the receipt, in 2022, of the compensation related to co-participation agreements in Búzios, Sépia and Atapu, and, in 2023, higher impairment losses, abandonment provisions and an increase in tax expenses, due to the export tax on oil operations.

In 4Q23, E&P gross profit was R$ 54.2 billion, slightly higher than the R$ 52.6 billion in 3Q23. This increase was mainly due to higher production in the period.

Operating income in 4Q23 was R$ 35.6 billion, 24% lower than in 3Q23, reflecting higher impairment losses and provisions for abandonment.

Regarding government take, there was a reduction both in the annual comparison (2023 x 2022) and in the quarterly comparison (4Q23 x 3Q23), explained mainly by the lower Brent prices.

Lifting costs in 2023, without government take and leasing, were US$ 5.59/boe, 3.3% lower when compared to 2022 (US$ 5.78/boe). This reduction was the result of active portfolio management, including divestments and the production start-up of new platforms in 2022 and 2023 (FPSO Guanabara, P-71, FPSO Almirante Barroso, FPSO Anna Nery and FPSO Anita Garibaldi). Also contributed to this reduction the continuity of P-68 ramp-up (Berbigão-Sururu) and the start-up

 
15 
 
 

of new wells in complementary projects in the Campos and Santos Basins, associated with better operational performance and a reduction in the volume of losses due to downtime and maintenance. These effects were partially offset by higher integrity costs, such as platform maintenance and subsea inspections, as well as the appreciation of the BRL against the USD.

In 4Q23, there was a 2.6% increase in lifting costs when compared to 3Q23, mainly due to the intensification of pre-salt well interventions in the Campos Basin.

In the pre-salt lifting costs of 4Q23 there was an increase of 8.4%, impacted mainly by the intensification of interventions in the Campos Basin pre-salt, as previously mentioned.

In the post-salt and onshore and shallow water assets, lifting costs remained stable in relation to 3Q23.

 
16 
 
 

Refining, Transportation and Marketing

Table 12 - RTM results

            Variation (%) (*)
R$ million 4Q23 3Q23 4Q22 2023 2,022 4Q23 X 3Q23 4Q23 X 4Q22 2023 X 2022
Sales revenues 125,208 115,750 144,757 474,338 584,697 8.2 (13.5) (18.9)
Gross profit (loss) 10,777 11,235 17,493 46,080 73,764 (4.1) (38.4) (37.5)
Operating expenses (4,773) (3,850) (4,561) (20,446) (16,030) 24.0 4.6 27.5
Operating Income 6,004 7,385 12,932 25,634 57,734 (18.7) (53.6) (55.6)
Net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of Petrobras 3,531 4,017 7,750 15,356 38,142 (12.1) (54.4) (59.7)
Adjusted EBITDA of the segment 9,730 10,363 14,793 40,384 69,279 (6.1) (34.2) (41.7)
EBITDA margin of the segment (%) 8 9 10 9 12 (1) (2) (3)
ROCE (Return on Capital Employed) (%) 5.6 6.7 12.6 5.6 12.6 (1.1) (7.0) (7.0)
Refining cost (US$/barrel) - Brazil 2.75 2.38 1.98 2.38 1.94 15.5 38.9 22.7
Refining cost (R$/barrel) - Brazil 13.52 11.62 10.55 11.83 10.10 16.4 28.2 17.1
Domestic basic oil by-products price (R$/bbl) 516.70 464.08 621.25 505.20 632.22 11.3 (16.8) (20.1)
(*) EBITDA margin and ROCE variations in percentage points.

In 2023, gross profit was R$ 46.1 billion, R$ 27.7 billion lower than 2022, mainly due to the reduction in international margins, especially diesel, which were atypically high throughout 2022. In 2023 there was a negative inventory turnover effect, as opposed to the positive effect in 2022. Excluding this effect (- R$ 2.5 billion in 2023 and R$ 1.8 billion in 2022), gross profit would have been R$ 48.6 billion in 2023 and R$ 72.0 billion in 2022.

There were lower margins on oil products in the domestic market, mainly diesel, due to the reduction in international margins, which were higher in 2022 because of geopolitical conflicts. These effects also affected fuel oil and oil export margins, which were lower in 2023 when compared to 2022.

Operating income in 2023 was lower than in 2022, as a result of lower gross profit and higher sales and impairment expenses.

In 4Q23, RTM's gross profit was lower than in 3Q23, mainly due to inventory turnover: while in 3Q23 there was a positive variation in Brent (US$ 87/bbl against US$ 78/bbl in 2Q23), in 4Q23 there was a negative variation in Brent (US$ 84/bbl against US$ 87/bbl in 3Q23). This effect in 4Q23 was - R$ 1 billion versus R$ 6.7 billion in 3Q23. Excluding this effect, gross profit would have been US$ 2.24 billion in 4Q23 versus US$ 0.94 billion in 3Q23.

In addition, there were lower sales volumes of oil products on the domestic market, mainly diesel, due to demand seasonality, and gasoline, due to the competition with ethanol in the quarter. There was also a higher volume of oil exports as a result of higher production.

In 4Q23, operating income was lower than in 3Q23, reflecting lower gross profit and higher operating expenses, mainly due to higher impairment expenses.

The refining cost per barrel in USD in 2023 was 22.7% higher than in 2022, mainly due to the increase in scope in maintenance and upkeep of refining utilities, as well as higher personnel costs. The higher FX in 2023 had an additional contribution to the higher cost per barrel. These effects were partially offset by the higher utilization of the refining park in 2023.

In 4Q23, the refining cost per barrel in USD was 15.5% higher than in 3Q23, mainly due to the increase in absolute costs for personnel and materials and services for the upkeep and maintenance of refining utilities. The feedstock was 1.5% lower in 4Q23 when compared to 3Q23, contributing to the increase oh this indicator.

 
17 
 
 

Gas and Low Carbon Energies

Table 13 – G&LCE results

            Variation (%) (*)
R$ million 4Q23 3Q23 4Q22 2023 2,022 4Q23 X 3Q23 4Q23 X 4Q22 2023 X 2022
Sales revenues 14,139 12,813 20,075 55,476 77,867 10.3 (29.6) (28.8)
Gross profit 7,093 7,119 6,303 27,064 23,297 (0.4) 12.5 16.2
Operating expenses (4,623) (4,429) (3,718) (16,898) (15,233) 4.4 24.3 10.9
Operating income 2,470 2,690 2,585 10,166 8,064 (8.2) (4.4) 26.1
Net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of Petrobras 1,523 1,664 1,671 6,409 5,277 (8.5) (8.9) 21.5
Adjusted EBITDA of the segment 3,532 3,591 3,143 13,423 9,489 (1.6) 12.4 41.5
EBITDA margin of the segment (%) 25 28 16 24 12 (3) 9 12
ROCE (Return on Capital Employed) (%) 10.4 9.5 5.6 10.4 5.6 0.9 4.8 4.8
Natural gas sales price - Brazil (US$/bbl) 62.60 66.20 76.83 68.22 69.26 (5.4) (18.5) (1.5)
Natural gas sales price - Brazil (US$/MMBtu) 10.56 11.16 12.95 11.50 11.68 (5.4) (18.5) (1.5)
Fixed revenues from power auctions (**) 441 435 544 1,730 2,091 1.4 (18.9) (17.3)
Average price of electricity (R$/MWh) 328.96 91.24 69.82 171.93 223.77 260.5 371.2 (23.2)
(*) EBITDA margin and ROCE variations in percentage points.
(**) The fixed revenue from auctions takes into account the remuneration for thermal availability and inflexible electricity committed in auctions.

In 2023, gross profit was 16.2% higher than in 2022, mainly due to the reduction in the average cost of natural gas purchases.

Operating income increased 26.1% when compared to 2022 due to the higher gross profit, which was partially offset by higher operating expenses with impairment and contractual charges.

In 4Q23, gross profit was 0.4% lower than in 3Q23, due to the greater regasification of LNG in the period, due to operational issues and the higher energy generation to supply peak demand, complementary to generation from renewable sources.

Operating income was impacted by the lower gross profit and the increase in expenses in 4Q23, due to the accounting of impairment expenses as a result of the termination of operations at the Pecém LNG regasification terminal.

 
18 
 
 

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA

EBITDA is an indicator calculated as the net income for the period plus taxes on profit, net financial result, depreciation and amortization. Petrobras announces EBITDA, as authorized by CVM Resolution 156 of June 2022.

In order to reflect the management view regarding the formation of the company's current business results, EBITDA is also presented adjusted (Adjusted EBITDA) as a result of: results in equity-accounted investments; impairment, reclassification of comprehensive income (loss) due to the disposal of equity-accounted investments, results with co-participation agreement in production fields and gains/losses on disposal/write-offs of assets.

Adjusted EBITDA, reflecting the sum of the last twelve months (Last Twelve Months), also represents an alternative to the company's operating cash generation. This measure is used to calculate the Gross Debt and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA metric, helping to evaluate the company's leverage and liquidity.

EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are not provided for in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and should not serve as a basis for comparison with those disclosed by other companies and should not be considered as a substitute for any other measure calculated in accordance with IFRS. These measures should be considered in conjunction with other measures and indicators for a better understanding of the company's performance and financial condition.

Table 14 - Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA

            Variation (%) (*)
R$ million 4Q23 3Q23 4Q22 2023 2022 4Q23 X 3Q23 4Q23 X 4Q22 2023 X 2022
Net income 31,163 26,760 43,502 125,166 189,005 16.5 (28.4) (33.8)
Net finance (expense) income (1,368) 9,760 (1,490) 11,861 19,257 (8.2) (38.4)
Income taxes 9,833 11,026 15,799 52,315 85,993 (10.8) (37.8) (39.2)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 17,981 16,955 17,459 66,204 68,202 6.1 3.0 (2.9)
EBITDA 57,609 64,501 75,270 255,546 362,457 (10.7) (23.5) (29.5)
Results in equity-accounted investments 343 1,212 642 1,480 (1,291) (71.7) (46.6)
Impairment of assets (reversals) 10,763 386 4,680 13,111 6,859 2688.3 130.0 91.2
Reclassification of comprehensive income (loss) due to the disposal of equity-accounted investments 1
Results from co-participation agreements in bid areas (1,163) (93) (7,467) (1,399) (21,660) 1150.5 (84.4) (93.5)
Results on disposal/write-offs of assets (700) 182 (34) (6,511) (5,884) 1958.8 10.7
Adjusted EBITDA 66,852 66,188 73,091 262,227 340,482 1.0 (8.5) (23.0)
                 
Adjusted EBITDA margin (%) 50 53 46 51 53 (3.0) 3.9 (2.0)
(*) EBITDA Margin variations in percentage points.
 
19 
 
 

Financial statements

Table 15 - Income statement - Consolidated

R$ million 4Q23 3Q23 4Q22 2023 2022
Sales revenues 134,258 124,828 158,579 511,994 641,256
Cost of sales (61,632) (58,513) (81,942) (242,061) (307,156)
Gross profit 72,626 66,315 76,637 269,933 334,100
Selling expenses (6,583) (6,289) (6,795) (25,163) (25,448)
General and administrative expenses (2,249) (1,927) (1,977) (7,952) (6,877)
Exploration costs (766) (2,364) (3,447) (4,892) (4,616)
Research and development expenses (1,061) (908) (942) (3,619) (4,087)
Other taxes (1,216) (557) (1,017) (4,444) (2,272)
Impairment (losses) reversals, net (10,763) (386) (4,680) (13,111) (6,859)
Other income and expenses, net (10,017) (5,126) 674 (19,930) 9,023
  (32,655) (17,557) (18,184) (79,111) (41,136)
Operating income 39,971 48,758 58,453 190,822 292,964
Finance income 2,915 2,934 2,293 10,821 9,420
Finance expenses (5,180) (5,680) (5,223) (19,542) (18,040)
Foreign exchange gains (losses) and inflation indexation charges 3,633 (7,014) 4,420 (3,140) (10,637)
Net finance income (expense) 1,368 (9,760) 1,490 (11,861) (19,257)
Results of equity-accounted investments (343) (1,212) (642) (1,480) 1,291
Income before income taxes 40,996 37,786 59,301 177,481 274,998
Income taxes (9,833) (11,026) (15,799) (52,315) (85,993)
Net Income 31,163 26,760 43,502 125,166 189,005
Net income attributable to:          
Shareholders of Petrobras 31,043 26,625 43,341 124,606 188,328
Non-controlling interests 120 135 161 560 677
           
 
20 
 
 

Table 16 - Statement of financial position – Consolidated

ASSETS - R$ million 12.31.2023 12.31.2022
Current assets 157,079 163,052
Cash and cash equivalents 61,613 41,723
Marketable securities 13,650 14,470
Trade and other receivables, net 29,702 26,142
Inventories 37,184 45,804
Recoverable taxes 5,703 6,819
Assets classified as held for sale 1,624 18,823
Other current assets 7,603 9,271
Non-current assets 893,809 813,657
Long-term receivables 129,735 110,722
Trade and other receivables, net 8,942 12,729
Marketable securities 11,661 8,159
Judicial deposits 71,390 57,671
Deferred taxes 4,672 4,342
Other tax assets 21,861 19,715
Other non-current assets 11,209 8,106
Investments 6,574 8,172
Property, plant and equipment 742,774 679,182
Intangible assets 14,726 15,581
Total assets 1,050,888 976,709
     
     
LIABILITIES - R$ million 12.31.2023 12.31.2022
Current liabilities 163,928 163,731
Trade payables 23,302 28,507
Finance debt 20,923 18,656
Lease liability 34,858 28,994
Taxes payable 26,463 30,951
Dividends payable 17,134 21,762
Provision for decommissioning costs 9,837
Short-term employee benefits 14,194 11,555
Liabilities related to assets classified as held for sale 2,621 7,646
Other current liabilities 14,596 15,660
Non-current liabilities 504,620 448,593
Finance debt 118,508 137,630
Lease liability 128,773 95,423
Income taxes payable 1,446 1,578
Deferred taxes 52,820 35,220
Employee benefits 75,421 55,701
Provision for legal and administrative proceedings 16,000 15,703
Provision for decommissioning costs 102,493 97,048
Other non-current liabilities 9,159 10,290
Shareholders' equity 382,340 364,385
Share capital (net of share issuance costs) 205,432 205,432
Capital reserve and capital transactions (538) 3,102
Profit reserves 159,171 128,562
Accumulated other comprehensive deficit 16,376 25,498
Non-controlling interests 1,899 1,791
Total liabilities and shareholders´ equity 1,050,888 976,709
 
21 
 
 

Table 17 - Statement of cash flow – Consolidated

R$ million 4Q23 3Q23 4Q22 2023 2022
Cash flows from operating activities          
Net income for the period 31,163 26,760 43,502 125,166 189,005
Adjustments for:          
Pension and medical benefits - actuarial losses 1,925 1,922 1,518 7,695 6,333
Results of equity-accounted investments 343 1,212 642 1,480 (1,291)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 17,981 16,955 17,459 66,204 68,202
Impairment of assets (reversals) 10,763 386 4,680 13,111 6,859
Inventory write down (write-back) to net realizable value (14) (48) 23 (40) 57
Allowance for credit loss on trade and other receivables (42) 73 118 205 331
Exploratory expenditure write-offs 56 1,834 2,952 2,087 3,584
Gain on disposal/write-offs of assets (700) 182 (33) (6,511) (5,883)
Foreign exchange, indexation and finance charges   (1,450) 9,674 (920) 12,707 22,956
Income taxes 9,833 11,026 15,799 52,315 85,993
Revision and unwinding of discount on the provision for decommissioning costs 6,818 1,069 1,686 10,132 3,858
Results from co-participation agreements in bid areas (1,163) (93) (7,467) (1,399) (21,660)
Early termination and cash outflows revision of lease agreements (264) (509) (369) (2,086) (3,217)
Losses with legal, administrative and arbitration proceedings, net 613 689 2,842 3,982 7,011
Decrease (Increase) in assets          
Trade and other receivables (2,366) (2,902) (1,932) 672 1,891
Inventories 2,060 237 7,230 7,926 (6,029)
Judicial deposits (3,138) (1,544) (2,084) (8,663) (8,844)
Other assets 754 (506) 1,808 1,619 (1,675)
Increase (Decrease) in liabilities          
Trade payables 309 (3,509) (83) (4,741) (2,223)
Other taxes payable (229) 2,724 (224) (2,363) (12,903)
Pension and medical benefits (1,212) (1,132) (1,369) (4,617) (11,035)
Provisions for legal proceedings (1,105) (711) (664) (2,927) (1,956)
Other employee benefits 959 1,859 (624) 1,726 (808)
Provision for decommissioning costs (1,511) (1,266) (838) (4,491) (3,123)
Other liabilities (968) (1,176) (1,791) (2,781) (876)
Income taxes paid (11,757) (6,678) (14,286) (50,712) (59,147)
Net cash provided by operating activities 57,658 56,528 67,575 215,696 255,410
Cash flows from investing activities          
Acquisition of PP&E and intangible assets (17,794) (15,540) (18,710) (60,315) (49,656)
Acquisition of equity interests (10) (22) (37) (120) (138)
Proceeds from disposal of assets - Divestment 207 504 4,888 18,232 24,815
Financial compensation from co-participation agreements 10,288 2,032 35,769
Investment in marketable securities 1,556 1,250 (9,017) 237 (17,072)
Dividends received 64 31 290 439 1,905
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (15,977) (13,777) (12,298) (39,495) (4,377)
Cash flows from financing activities          
Changes in non-controlling interest 502 (252) 106 (14) 347
Financing and loans, net:          
Proceeds from finance debt 4,459 5,942 1,834 10,716 15,156
Repayment of principal - finance debt (8,613) (4,913) (8,082) (21,080) (47,337)
Repayment of interest - finance debt (2,018) (2,767) (2,165) (9,900) (9,664)
Repayment of lease liability (8,861) (7,974) (7,482) (31,335) (28,049)
Dividends paid to Shareholders of Petrobras (21,724) (23,803) (21,125) (97,925) (194,200)
Share repurchase program (2,669) (975) (3,644)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests (4) (69) (253) (409)
Net cash used in financing activities (38,928) (34,742) (36,983) (153,435) (264,156)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (1,782) 2,751 (221) (2,876) (3,636)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 971 10,760 18,073 19,890 (16,759)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 60,642 49,882 23,650 41,723 58,482
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 61,613 60,642 41,723 61,613 41,723
 
 
22 
 
 

Financial information by business areas

Table 18 - Consolidated income by segment – 2023

R$ million E&P RTM Gas & Low Carbon Energies (G&LCE) CORP. ELIMIN. TOTAL
Sales revenues 333,934 474,338 55,476 1,819 (353,573) 511,994
Intersegments 330,075 7,065 16,388 45 (353,573)
Third parties 3,859 467,273 39,088 1,774 511,994
Cost of sales (135,930) (428,258) (28,412) (1,842) 352,381 (242,061)
Gross profit 198,004 46,080 27,064 (23) (1,192) 269,933
Expenses (27,586) (20,446) (16,898) (14,181) (79,111)
Selling expenses (58) (10,763) (14,168) (174) (25,163)
General and administrative expenses (364) (1,639) (403) (5,546) (7,952)
Exploration costs (4,892) (4,892)
Research and development expenses (2,829) (82) (28) (680) (3,619)
Other taxes (2,218) (202) (233) (1,791) (4,444)
Impairment (losses) reversals, net (10,301) (2,559) (397) 146 (13,111)
Other income and expenses, net (6,924) (5,201) (1,669) (6,136) (19,930)
Operating income (loss) 170,418 25,634 10,166 (14,204) (1,192) 190,822
Net finance income (expense) (11,861) (11,861)
Results of equity-accounted investments (18) (1,562) 52 48 (1,480)
Income (loss) before income taxes 170,400 24,072 10,218 (26,017) (1,192) 177,481
Income taxes (57,942) (8,716) (3,456) 17,394 405 (52,315)
Net income (loss) 112,458 15,356 6,762 (8,623) (787) 125,166
Net income (loss) attributable to:            
Shareholders of Petrobras 112,480 15,356 6,409 (8,852) (787) 124,606
Non-controlling interests (22) 353 229 560

 

Table 19 - Consolidated income by segment – 2022

R$ million E&P RTM Gas & Low Carbon Energies (G&LCE) CORP. ELIMIN. TOTAL
Sales revenues 401,204 584,697 77,867 2,636 (425,148) 641,256
Intersegments 394,457 10,050 20,600 41 (425,148)
Third parties 6,747 574,647 57,267 2,595 641,256
Cost of sales (157,146) (510,933) (54,570) (2,689) 418,182 (307,156)
Gross profit 244,058 73,764 23,297 (53) (6,966) 334,100
Expenses 3,994 (16,030) (15,233) (13,787) (80) (41,136)
Selling expenses (111) (9,503) (15,369) (385) (80) (25,448)
General and administrative expenses (248) (1,425) (317) (4,887) (6,877)
Exploration costs (4,616) (4,616)
Research and development expenses (3,483) (26) (30) (548) (4,087)
Other taxes (410) (160) (223) (1,479) (2,272)
Impairment (losses) reversals, net (6,361) (495) 4 (7) (6,859)
Other income and expenses, net 19,223 (4,421) 702 (6,481) 9,023
Operating income (loss) 248,052 57,734 8,064 (13,840) (7,046) 292,964
Net finance income (expense) (19,257) (19,257)
Results of equity-accounted investments 863 38 417 (27) 1,291
Income (loss) before income taxes 248,915 57,772 8,481 (33,124) (7,046) 274,998
Income taxes (84,338) (19,630) (2,742) 18,321 2,396 (85,993)
Net income (loss) 164,577 38,142 5,739 (14,803) (4,650) 189,005
Net income (loss) attributable to:            
Shareholders of Petrobras 164,600 38,142 5,277 (15,041) (4,650) 188,328
Non-controlling interests (23) 462 238 677
 
23 
 
 

Table 20 - Quarterly consolidated income by segment – 4Q23

R$ million E&P RTM Gas & Low Carbon Energies (G&LCE) CORP. ELIMIN. TOTAL
Sales revenues 91,760 125,208 14,139 549 (97,398) 134,258
Intersegments 91,140 1,682 4,561 15 (97,398)
Third parties 620 123,526 9,578 534 134,258
Cost of sales (37,600) (114,431) (7,046) (568) 98,013 (61,632)
Gross profit 54,160 10,777 7,093 (19) 615 72,626
Expenses (18,550) (4,773) (4,623) (4,709) (32,655)
Selling expenses (2) (2,857) (3,663) (61) (6,583)
General and administrative expenses (169) (424) (140) (1,516) (2,249)
Exploration costs (766) (766)
Research and development expenses (830) (4) (9) (218) (1,061)
Other taxes (413) (75) (92) (636) (1,216)
Impairment (losses) reversals, net (9,839) (528) (397) 1 (10,763)
Other income and expenses, net (6,531) (885) (322) (2,279) (10,017)
Operating income (loss) 35,610 6,004 2,470 (4,728) 615 39,971
Net finance income (expense) 1,368 1,368
Results of equity-accounted investments 130 (431) (34) (8) (343)
Income (loss) before income taxes 35,740 5,573 2,436 (3,368) 615 40,996
Income taxes (12,107) (2,042) (839) 5,364 (209) (9,833)
Net income (loss) 23,633 3,531 1,597 1,996 406 31,163
Net income (loss) attributable to:            
Shareholders of Petrobras 23,638 3,531 1,523 1,945 406 31,043
Non-controlling interests (5) 74 51 120

 

Table 21 - Quarterly consolidated income by segment – 3Q23

R$ million E&P RTM Gas & Low Carbon Energies (G&LCE) CORP. ELIMIN. TOTAL
Sales revenues 87,530 115,750 12,813 452 (91,717) 124,828
Intersegments 86,898 1,098 3,708 13 (91,717)
Third parties 632 114,652 9,105 439 124,828
Cost of sales (34,911) (104,515) (5,694) (445) 87,052 (58,513)
Gross profit 52,619 11,235 7,119 7 (4,665) 66,315
Expenses (5,691) (3,850) (4,429) (3,631) 44 (17,557)
Selling expenses (1) (2,606) (3,727) 1 44 (6,289)
General and administrative expenses (23) (393) (99) (1,412) (1,927)
Exploration costs (2,364) (2,364)
Research and development expenses (729) (9) (9) (161) (908)
Other taxes (81) (51) (51) (374) (557)
Impairment (losses) reversals, net (384) (2) (386)
Other income and expenses, net (2,109) (789) (543) (1,685) (5,126)
Operating income (loss) 46,928 7,385 2,690 (3,624) (4,621) 48,758
Net finance income (expense) (9,760) (9,760)
Results of equity-accounted investments (334) (857) (20) (1) (1,212)
Income (loss) before income taxes 46,594 6,528 2,670 (13,385) (4,621) 37,786
Income taxes (15,956) (2,511) (915) 6,785 1,571 (11,026)
Net income (loss) 30,638 4,017 1,755 (6,600) (3,050) 26,760
Net income (loss) attributable to:            
Shareholders of Petrobras 30,644 4,017 1,664 (6,650) (3,050) 26,625
Non-controlling interests (6) 91 50 135
 
24 
 
 

Table 22 - Other income and expenses by segment – 2023

R$ million E&P RTM Gas & Low Carbon Energies (G&LCE) CORP. ELIMIN. TOTAL
Unscheduled stoppages and pre-operating expenses (10,489) (107) (259) (144) (10,999)
Losses on decommissioning of returned/abandoned areas (5,850) (5,850)
Pension and medical benefits - retirees (5,848) (5,848)
Losses with legal, administrative and arbitration proceedings (1,496) (1,970) (43) (473) (3,982)
Profit sharing (1,322) (635) (162) (805) (2,924)
Variable compensation programs (744) (698) (98) (556) (2,096)
Compensation for the termination of vessel charter agreements (*) (1,705) (19) (1,724)
Collective bargaining agreement (460) (206) (39) (356) (1,061)
Expenses with contractual fines received (91) (5) (900) (4) (1,000)
Operating expenses with thermoelectric power plants (944) (944)
Institutional relations and cultural projects (17) (758) (775)
Gains/(losses) with Commodities Derivatives 88 (1) (3) 84
Amounts recovered from Lava Jato investigation 49 513 562
(Losses)/gains of non-core activities 745 (465) 420 145 845
Ship/take or pay agreements and fines imposed to suppliers 14 200 957 10 1,181
Fines imposed on suppliers 909 142 29 112 1,192
Results from co-participation agreements in bid areas 1,399 1,399
Government grants 70 2 1,507 1,579
Early termination and changes to cash flow estimates of leases 1,595 503 4 (16) 2,086
Reimbursements from E&P partnership operations 2,858 2,858
Results on disposal/write-offs of assets 6,876 (169) (243) 47 6,511
Others (987) (159) (371) 493 (1,024)
  (6,924) (5,201) (1,669) (6,136) (19,930)
(*) It includes, in 2023, expenses with compensation for the termination of a vessel charter agreement in the amount of R$ 1,654.
 

 

Table 23 - Other income and expenses by segment – 2022

R$ million E&P RTM Gas & Low Carbon Energies (G&LCE) CORP. ELIMIN. TOTAL
Unscheduled stoppages and pre-operating expenses (8,970) (116) (160) (194) (9,440)
Losses on decommissioning of returned/abandoned areas (1,178) (1,178)
Pension and medical benefits - retirees (*) (5,240) (5,240)
Losses with legal, administrative and arbitration proceedings (2,385) (2,189) (364) (2,073) (7,011)
Profit sharing (293) (145) (34) (206) (678)
Variable compensation programs (1,154) (597) (142) (943) (2,836)
Compensation for the termination of vessel charter agreements (43) (15) (58)
Collective bargaining agreement
Expenses with contractual fines received (120) (22) (332) (474)
Operating expenses with thermoelectric power plants (774) (774)
Institutional relations and cultural projects (10) (525) (535)
Gains/(losses) with Commodities Derivatives (1,236) (25) (1,261)
Amounts recovered from Lava Jato investigation 90 409 499
(Losses)/gains of non-core activities 604 (310) 475 113 882
Ship/take or pay agreements and fines imposed to suppliers 9 165 369 4 547
Fines imposed on suppliers 915 109 105 55 1,184
Results from co-participation agreements in bid areas (**) 21,660 21,660
Government grants 23 2,404 2,427
Early termination and changes to cash flow estimates of leases 2,944 323 39 (89) 3,217
Reimbursements from E&P partnership operations 3,545 3,545
Results on disposal/write-offs of assets 4,391 554 881 58 5,884
Others (858) (904) 654 (229) (1,337)
  19,223 (4,421) 702 (6,481) 9,023
(*) In 2022, it includes R$ 352 referring to the payment of a contribution as provided for in the Pre-70 Term of Financial Commitment (TFC) for the administrative funding of the PPSP-R pre-70 and PPSP-NR pre-70 plans.
(**)  In 2022, it mainly refers to capital gains with the results of the co-participation agreements related to the transfer of rights surplus of Sépia and Atapu.
 

 

 
25 
 
 

Table 24 - Other income and expenses by segment – 4Q23

R$ million E&P RTM Gas & Low Carbon Energies (G&LCE) CORP. ELIMIN. TOTAL
Unscheduled stoppages and pre-operating expenses (2,559) (28) (75) (27) (2,689)
Losses on decommissioning of returned/abandoned areas (5,776) (5,776)
Pension and medical benefits - retirees (1,460) (1,460)
Losses with legal, administrative and arbitration proceedings (201) (304) (42) (66) (613)
Profit sharing (1,082) (506) (134) (666) (2,388)
Variable compensation programs 161 (7) 25 80 259
Compensation for the termination of vessel charter agreements (14) (5) (19)
Collective bargaining agreement (460) (176) (39) (356) (1,031)
Expenses with contractual fines received (19) (8) (173) (200)
Operating expenses with thermoelectric power plants (273) (273)
Institutional relations and cultural projects (6) (330) (336)
Gains/(losses) with Commodities Derivatives 155 (2) 153
Amounts recovered from Lava Jato investigation 49 1 50
(Losses)/gains of non-core activities 242 (75) 47 23 237
Ship/take or pay agreements and fines imposed to suppliers 4 48 435 3 490
Fines imposed on suppliers 216 36 15 36 303
Results from co-participation agreements in bid areas 1,163 1,163
Government grants 4 1 282 287
Early termination and changes to cash flow estimates of leases 226 34 5 (1) 264
Reimbursements from E&P partnership operations 705 705
Results on disposal/write-offs 803 (116) 22 (9) 700
Others (7) 81 (130) 213 157
  (6,531) (885) (322) (2,279) (10,017)
 
 

Table 25 - Other income and expenses by segment – 3Q23

R$ million E&P RTM Gas & Low Carbon Energies (G&LCE) CORP. ELIMIN. TOTAL
Unscheduled stoppages and pre-operating expenses (2,610) (25) (71) (39) (2,745)
Losses on decommissioning of returned/abandoned areas (13) (13)
Pension and medical benefits - retirees (1,463) (1,463)
Losses with legal, administrative and arbitration proceedings (460) (33) (18) (178) (689)
Profit sharing (87) (64) (10) (37) (198)
Variable compensation programs (357) (371) (54) (199) (981)
Compensation for the termination of vessel charter agreements (13) (5) (18)
Collective bargaining agreement (3) 3
Expenses with contractual fines received (36) (1) (153) 1 (189)
Operating expenses with thermoelectric power plants (239) (239)
Institutional relations and cultural projects (4) (196) (200)
Gains/(losses) with Commodities Derivatives (430) (2) (432)
Amounts recovered from Lava Jato investigation 29 29
(Losses)/gains of non-core activities 243 (142) 51 52 204
Ship/take or pay agreements and fines imposed to suppliers 4 45 282 1 332
Fines imposed on suppliers 256 43 4 35 338
Results from co-participation agreements in bid areas 93 93
Government grants 3 1 392 396
Early termination and changes to cash flow estimates of leases 435 76 1 (3) 509
Reimbursements from E&P partnership operations 730 730
Results on disposal/write-offs (21) 93 (259) 5 (182)
Others (289) 39 (72) (86) (408)
  (2,109) (789) (543) (1,685) (5,126)
 
 
 
26 
 
 

Table 26 - Consolidated assets by segment – 12.31.2023

R$ million E&P RTM Gas & Low Carbon Energies (G&LCE) CORP. AND OTHERS ELIMIN. TOTAL
Total assets 672,303 168,489 32,806 202,840 (25,550) 1,050,888
             
Current assets 13,574 53,265 1,793 113,997 (25,550) 157,079
Non-current assets 658,729 115,224 31,013 88,843 893,809
Long-term receivables 43,705 10,014 400 75,616 129,735
Investments 1,667 3,926 703 278 6,574
Property, plant and equipment 601,553 100,629 29,539 11,053 742,774
Operating assets 524,822 87,762 17,454 8,570 638,608
Assets under construction 76,731 12,867 12,085 2,483 104,166
Intangible assets 11,804 655 371 1,896 14,726

 

Table 27 - Consolidated assets by segment – 12.31.2022

R$ million E&P RTM Gas & Low Carbon Energies (G&LCE) CORP. AND OTHERS ELIMIN. TOTAL
Total assets 606,994 179,652 39,574 177,953 (27,464) 976,709
             
Current assets 27,259 62,794 2,041 98,422 (27,464) 163,052
Non-current assets 579,735 116,858 37,533 79,531 813,657
Long-term receivables 33,140 9,450 492 67,640 110,722
Investments 1,976 5,098 905 193 8,172
Property, plant and equipment 531,550 101,728 35,747 10,157 679,182
Operating assets 480,481 87,925 25,085 8,267 601,758
Assets under construction 51,069 13,803 10,662 1,890 77,424
Intangible assets 13,069 582 389 1,541 15,581
 
27 
 
 

Table 28 - Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA by segment – 2023

R$ million E&P RTM Gas & Low Carbon Energies (G&LCE) CORP. AND OTHERS ELIMIN. TOTAL
Net income (loss) 112,458 15,356 6,762 (8,623) (787) 125,166
Net finance income (expense) 11,861 11,861
Income taxes 57,942 8,716 3,456 (17,394) (405) 52,315
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 50,982 12,022 2,617 583 66,204
EBITDA 221,382 36,094 12,835 (13,573) (1,192) 255,546
Results in equity-accounted investments 18 1,562 (52) (48) 1,480
Impairment of assets (reversals), net 10,301 2,559 397 (146) 13,111
Reclassification of comprehensive income (loss) due to the disposal of equity-accounted investments
Results from co-participation agreements in bid areas (1,399) (1,399)
Results on disposal/write-offs of assets (6,876) 169 243 (47) (6,511)
Adjusted EBITDA 223,426 40,384 13,423 (13,814) (1,192) 262,227

 

 

Table 29 - Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA by segment – 2022

R$ million E&P RTM Gas & Low Carbon Energies (G&LCE) CORP. AND OTHERS ELIMIN. TOTAL
Net income (loss) 164,577 38,142 5,739 (14,803) (4,650) 189,005
Net finance income (expense) 19,257 19,257
Income taxes 84,338 19,630 2,742 (18,321) (2,396) 85,993
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 53,725 11,603 2,310 564 68,202
EBITDA 302,640 69,375 10,791 (13,303) (7,046) 362,457
Results in equity-accounted investments (863) (38) (417) 27 (1,291)
Impairment of assets (reversals), net 6,361 495 (4) 7 6,859
Reclassification of comprehensive income (loss) due to the disposal of equity-accounted investments 1 1
Results from co-participation agreements in bid areas (21,660) (21,660)
Results on disposal/write-offs of assets (4,391) (554) (881) (58) (5,884)
Adjusted EBITDA 282,087 69,279 9,489 (13,327) (7,046) 340,482

 

 
28 
 
 

 

Table 30 - Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA by segment – 4Q23

R$ million E&P RTM Gas & Low Carbon Energies (G&LCE) CORP. AND OTHERS ELIMIN. TOTAL
Net income (loss) 23,633 3,531 1,597 1,996 406 31,163
Net finance income (expense) (1,368) (1,368)
Income taxes 12,107 2,042 839 (5,364) 209 9,833
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 14,050 3,082 687 162 17,981
EBITDA 49,790 8,655 3,123 (4,574) 615 57,609
Results in equity-accounted investments (130) 431 34 8 343
Impairment of assets (reversals), net 9,839 528 397 (1) 10,763
Reclassification of comprehensive income (loss) due to the disposal of equity-accounted investments
Results from co-participation agreements in bid areas (1,163) (1,163)
Results on disposal/write-offs of assets (803) 116 (22) 9 (700)
Adjusted EBITDA 57,533 9,730 3,532 (4,558) 615 66,852

 

 

Table 31 - Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA by segment – 3Q23

R$ million E&P RTM Gas & Low Carbon Energies (G&LCE) CORP. AND OTHERS ELIMIN. TOTAL
Net income (loss) 30,638 4,017 1,755 (6,600) (3,050) 26,760
Net finance income (expense) 9,760 9,760
Income taxes 15,956 2,511 915 (6,785) (1,571) 11,026
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 13,111 3,069 642 133 16,955
EBITDA 59,705 9,597 3,312 (3,492) (4,621) 64,501
Results in equity-accounted investments 334 857 20 1 1,212
Impairment of assets (reversals), net 384 2 386
Reclassification of comprehensive income (loss) due to the disposal of equity-accounted investments
Results from co-participation agreements in bid areas (93) (93)
Results on disposal/write-offs of assets 21 (93) 259 (5) 182
Adjusted EBITDA 60,351 10,363 3,591 (3,496) (4,621) 66,188
 
29 
 
 

Glossary

ACL - Ambiente de Contratação Livre (Free contracting market) in the electricity system.

ACR - Ambiente de Contratação Regulada (Regulated contracting market) in the electricity system.

Adjusted cash and cash equivalents - Sum of cash and cash equivalents and investments in securities in domestic and international markets that have high liquidity, i.e., convertible into cash within 3 months, even if maturity is longer than 12 months, held for the purpose of complying with cash commitments. This measure is not defined under the International Financial Reporting Standards – IFRS and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for cash and cash equivalents computed in accordance with IFRS. It may not be comparable to adjusted cash and cash equivalents of other companies, however management believes that it is an appropriate supplemental measure to assess our liquidity and supports leverage management.

Adjusted EBITDA - Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure defined as net income plus net finance income (expense); income taxes; depreciation, depletion and amortization; results in equity-accounted investments; impairment of assets (reversals); results on disposal/write-offs of assets, remeasurement of investment retained with loss of control and reclassification of CTA; and results from co-participation agreements in bid areas).

Adjusted EBITDA margin - Adjusted EBITDA divided by sales revenues.

Basic and diluted earnings (losses) per share - Calculated based on the weighted average number of shares.

CAPEX – Capital Expenditure – investments that encompasses acquisition of property, plant, and equipment, including costs with leasing, intangible assets, investments in subsidiaries and affiliates, costs with geology and geophysics and pre-operating costs.

Consolidated Structured Entities – Entities that have been designated so that voting rights or the like are not the determining factor in deciding who controls the entity. Petrobras has no equity interest in certain structured entities that are consolidated in the Company's financial statements, but control is determined by the power it has over its relevant operating activities. As there is no equity interest, the income from certain consolidated structured entities is attributable to non-controlling shareholders in the income statement, and disregarding the profit or loss attributable to Petrobras shareholders.

CTA – Cumulative translation adjustment – The cumulative amount of exchange variation arising on translation of foreign operations that is recognized in Shareholders’ Equity and will be transferred to profit or loss on the disposal of the investment.

Effect of average cost in the Cost of Sales – In view of the average inventory term of 60 days, the crude oil and oil products international prices movement, as well as foreign exchange effect over imports, production taxes and other factors that impact costs, do not entirely influence the cost of sales in the current period, having their total effects only in the following period.

Free cash flow – Corresponds to operating cash flow minus acquisitions of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and equity interests. Free cash flow is not defined under the IFRS and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for cash and cash equivalents calculated in accordance with IFRS. It may not be comparable to free cash flow of other companies, however management believes that it is an appropriate supplemental measure to assess our liquidity and supports leverage management.

Investments – Capital expenditures based on the cost assumptions and financial methodology adopted in our Business and Management Plan, which include acquisition of PP&E, including expenses with leasing, intangibles assets, investment in investees and other items that do not necessarily qualify as cash flows used in investing activities, primarily geological and geophysical expenses, pre-operating charges, purchase of property, plant and equipment on credit and borrowing costs directly attributable to works in progress.

Leverage – Ratio between the Net Debt and the sum of Net Debt and Shareholders’ Equity. Leverage is not a measure defined in the IFRS and it is possible that it may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other companies, however management believes that it is an appropriate supplemental measure to assess our liquidity.

Lifting Cost - An indicator that represents the lifting cost per barrel of oil equivalent, considering the ratio between production and costs. It includes expenses for the execution and maintenance of production. Costs related to the leasing of third-party platforms, production taxes, and depreciation, depletion, and amortization are not considered in this indicator.

Lifting Cost + Leases - An indicator that includes costs related to the leasing of third-party platforms in the calculation of Lifting Cost. Costs related to production taxes and depreciation, depletion, and amortization are not considered.

Lifting Cost + Production Taxes - An indicator that includes costs related to production taxes in the calculation of Lifting Cost. Costs related to the leasing of third-party platforms and depreciation, depletion, and amortization are not considered.

 

Lifting Cost + Production Taxes + Leases - An indicator that includes costs related to the leasing of third-party platforms and production taxes in the calculation of Lifting Cost. Costs related to depreciation, depletion, and amortization are not considered.

LTM Adjusted EBITDA - Sum of the last 12 months (Last Twelve Months) of Adjusted EBITDA. This metric is not foreseen in the international accounting standards - IFRS and it is possible that it is not comparable with similar indexes reported by other companies, however Management believes that it is supplementary information to assess liquidity and helps manage leverage. Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in conjunction with other metrics to better understand the Company's liquidity.

OCF - Net Cash provided by (used in) operating activities (operating cash flow), presented in the consolidated cash flow statement.

Net Debt – Gross debt less adjusted cash and cash equivalents. Net debt is not a measure defined in the IFRS and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for total long-term debt calculated in accordance with IFRS. Our calculation of net debt may not be comparable to the calculation of net debt by other companies, however our management believes that net debt is an appropriate supplemental measure that helps investors assess our liquidity and supports leverage management.

Net Income by Business Segment - The information by the company's business segment is prepared based on available financial information that is directly attributable to the segment or that can be allocated on a reasonable basis, being presented by business activities used by the Executive Board to make resource allocation decisions. and performance evaluation. When calculating segmented results, transactions with third parties, including jointly controlled and associated companies, and transfers between business segments are considered. Transactions between business segments are valued at internal transfer prices calculated based on methodologies that take into account market parameters, and these transactions are eliminated, outside the business segments, for the purpose of reconciling the segmented information with the consolidated financial statements of the company. company.

PLD (differences settlement price) - Electricity price in the spot market. Weekly weighed prices per output level (light, medium and heavy), number of hours and related market capacity.

Refining - includes crude oil refining, logistics, transportation, acquisition and export activities, as well as the purchase and sale of petroleum and ethanol products in Brazil and abroad. Additionally, this segment includes the petrochemical area, which includes investments in companies in the petrochemical sector, shale exploration and processing.

ROCE - operating profit after taxes / average capital employed, both measured in US$ on a LTM basis

Operating profit after taxes: Adjusted EBITDA, minus DD&A of assets booked at historical exchange rates and 34% income tax rate.

Average capital employed: quarterly average considering inventories, intangibles and fixed assets at historical exchange rates.

Sales Price of Petroleum in Brazil - Average internal transfer prices from the E&P segment to the Refining segment.

Total net liabilities - Total liability less adjusted cash and cash equivalents.

 

 
30 
 
 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: March 7, 2024

 

PETRÓLEO BRASILEIRO S.A–PETROBRAS

By: /s/ Sergio Caetano Leite

______________________________

Sergio Caetano Leite

Chief Financial Officer and Investor Relations Officer

 

 


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