Petron net profit slumps

Petron Corp., the country’s biggest oil refiner and retailer, registered an 88-percent drop in its consolidated net income to P932 million in the first nine months of 2012 from the P7.6 billion it posted in the same period last year.

The oil company explained that it continued to experience depressed margins because of the volatility in global oil markets in the second and third quarters of 2012. The Malaysian operation contributed only P155 million in consolidated net income for the January-to-September period, Petron said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday.

In the third quarter alone, Petron posted a modest net income of P500 million, a turnaround from the P2.1-billion net loss it incurred for its consolidated operations in the second quarter this year.

In terms of revenue, however, Petron managed to post a 52-percent jump to P307.3 billion. Local fuel sales and exports grew by 4 percent to 35.6 million barrels, contributing P212.4 billion to the total revenue. The consolidation of Petron Malaysia beginning the second quarter likewise added 17.6 million barrels in volumes and revenues valued at P94.9 billion.

The increases in the volume of fuel products sold was attributed to Petron’s massive retail expansion program, which marked a milestone during the third quarter this year when the company’s service station network breached the 2,000 mark.

Overall, Petron said it has fortified its leadership position with 39 percent of the total market as of end-July this year.

In the case of its Malaysian operations, the company’s priority continued to be the rebranding of Esso and Mobil service stations into the Petron brand. The company aims to rebrand 550 service stations over the next few years. The new stations feature improved facilities and personalized services.

“Despite the challenging market conditions, we remained focused and followed through with our strategic initiatives that will ensure the long-term growth and profitability of Petron. Soon, we will start to see the benefits of these programs, which will not only be felt by the company but the country as well,” explained Petron chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang.