On Oct. 24, BP (NYSE:BP) released Q3 earnings for the period ended Sept. 30.

  • Revenues rose by 4.1% thanks to higher oil prices. The increase was partially offset by a drop in refining margins.
  • Net profit fell by 12.5% following a rise in operating and tax expenses.
  • EPS fell by only 8.8%, helped by a reduced share count. During the quarter, $3.5 billion worth of shares were repurchased.
  • Free cash flow was substantially lower because of higher capital expenditures.

(Figures in millions, except per-share data)

Income Statement Highlights

Q3 2006

Q3 2005

Change

Sales

$70,726

$67,961

4.1%

Net Profit*

$6,294

$7,197

(12.5%)

EPS

$0.31

$0.34

(8.8%)

Diluted Shares

19,816

20,985

(5.6%)

* Net profit does not include income from discontinued operations.

Get back to basics with a look at the income statement.

Margin Checkup

Q3 2006

Q3 2005

Change*

Operating Margin

15.59%

14.79%

0.80

Net Margin

8.90%

10.59%

(1.69)

*Expressed in percentage points.

Margins are the earnings engine. See how they work.

Balance Sheet Highlights

Assets

Q3 2006

Q3 2005

Change

Cash + ST Invest.

$3,199

$2,182

46.6%

Accounts Rec.

$38,570

$51,921

(25.7%)

Inventory

$19,362

$19,507

(0.7%)


Liabilities

Q3 2006

Q3 2005

Change

Accounts Payable

$40,589

$58,414

(30.5%)

Long-Term Debt

$10,412

$11,697

(11%)



Learn the ways of the balance sheet.

Cash Flow Highlights

Q3 2006

Q3 2005

Change

Cash From Ops.

$5,130

$6,166

(16.8%)

Capital Expenditures

$3,945

$3,069

28.5%

Free Cash Flow

$1,185

$3,097

(61.7%)



Find out why Fools always follow the money.

Related companies:

  • Chevron (NYSE:CVX)
  • ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM)
  • Petro China (NYSE:PTR)
  • Total SA (NYSE:TOT)
  • ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP)

Related Foolishness:

Total SA is a Motley Fool Income Investor pick.

Fool by Numbers is designed to give you the raw earnings information in a timely fashion, putting all the numbers you need in one easy-to-read place. But at The Motley Fool, we believe numbers tell only part of the story, so check Fool.com for more of our in-depth discussion of what the numbers mean. This data has been provided by Netscribes. To provide feedback on this article, please click on the "feedback" button below.