On April 27, fuel giant Chevron (NYSE:CVX) released first-quarter earnings for the period ended March 31.

  • Favorable foreign exchange rates, a lower tax rate, and a one-time gain from a refinery sale resulted in an 18% surge in earnings.
  • EPS growth outpaced net income growth thanks to share buybacks.
  • While lower oil and gas prices curtailed revenue, strong demand has helped to maintain healthy margins.
  • Escalating capital expenditures are being allocated to the development of new oil and gas fields.
  • Chevron leads its competitors with four stars in the Motley Fool CAPS community. Its energy competitors BP (NYSE:BP) and ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) lag behind with three.

(Figures in millions, except per-share data)

Income Statement Highlights

Q1 2007

Q1 2006

Change

Sales

$48,227.0

$54,624.0

(11.7%)

Net Profit

$4,715.0

$3,996.0

18.0%

EPS

$2.18

$1.80

21.1%

Diluted Shares

2,157.9

2,223.8

(3.0%)

Get back to basics with the income statement.

Margin Checkup

Q1 2007

Q1 2006

Change*

Gross Margin

31.2%

26.3%

4.9

Operating Margin

15.8%

14.2%

1.6

Net Margin

9.8%

7.3%

2.5

*Expressed in percentage points.

Margins are the earnings engine.

Balance Sheet Highlights

Assets

Q1 2007

Q1 2006

Change

Cash + ST Invest.

$12,703

$11,764

8.0%

No data for liabilities.

The balance sheet reflects the company's health.

Cash Flow Highlights

Q1 2007

Q1 2006

Change

Capital Expenditures

$4,055

$3,048

33.0%

Includes capital as well as exploratory expenses.

Free cash flow is a Fool's best friend.

Related Foolishness:

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