Hess Corporation Latest Update: Arbitration Impact, Guyana Assets & Financial Performance Insights

Introduction#

Hess Corporation's trajectory has recently been shaped by a pivotal arbitration outcome involving ExxonMobil's claim over a right of first refusal (ROFR) on Hess's 30% stake in the Guyana Stabroek Block. This decision holds substantial weight not only for Hess's strategic asset control but also for Chevron's $53 billion acquisition plans. With Hess's stock trading steadily at $153.22, reflecting a +0.78% intraday increase, investors are closely monitoring how this arbitration and underlying financial performance interplay to influence the company's near-term and long-term positioning in the energy sector.

Arbitration Outcome and Its Strategic Significance#

The arbitration centered on whether ExxonMobil and CNOOC can exercise contractual ROFR rights on Hess’s Guyana assets has culminated in a decision currently under review by the International Chamber of Commerce. This ruling is critical as it determines the feasibility of Chevron's acquisition of Hess. Chevron and Hess maintain that the ROFR does not apply to the sale of the company as a whole, whereas ExxonMobil and CNOOC argue it does for the asset stake.

A ruling favoring Chevron would enable a swift closure of the acquisition, consolidating Hess's valuable Guyana assets under Chevron's portfolio without interruption. Conversely, a decision supporting ExxonMobil or CNOOC could delay or derail the deal, forcing a reconsideration of ownership structures in one of the world's most promising offshore oil basins. This arbitration highlights the complex legal and strategic challenges in cross-border energy mergers and acquisitions, emphasizing the necessity for clear contractual frameworks in asset-rich deals (Reuters.

Financial Performance Overview#

Hess Corporation has demonstrated robust financial growth, with its 2024 full-year revenue reaching $12.9 billion, up from $10.51 billion in 2023, marking a +22.69% revenue growth. This revenue acceleration is paired with a remarkable net income growth of +100.36%, rising to $2.77 billion in 2024 from $1.38 billion in 2023. Such performance underscores the company's strong operational leverage and margin expansion.

Operating income also surged to $4.78 billion in 2024, reflecting a significant operating margin of 37.03%, which is a substantial increase from 27.56% in 2023. The gross profit margin remained high at 78.9% in 2024, consistent with prior years, signaling efficient cost management and strong pricing power in a volatile commodity environment.

The company's EBITDA reached $7.25 billion in 2024, reinforcing a healthy EBITDA margin around 56.24%, indicative of solid cash-generating ability. This operational strength supports Hess's ongoing capital expenditures, which escalated to $4.95 billion in 2024, reflecting investments to sustain and grow upstream assets, including those in Guyana.

Key Financial Metrics Table#

Metric	2024	2023	% Change
Revenue (USD Billion)	12.9	10.51	+22.69%
Net Income (USD Billion)	2.77	1.38	+100.36%
Operating Income (USD Billion)	4.78	2.9	+64.83%
Gross Profit Margin	78.9%	78.48%	+0.42 ppt
Operating Margin	37.03%	27.56%	+9.47 ppt
EBITDA (USD Billion)	7.25	5.0	+45.0%
Capital Expenditure (USD B)	4.95	4.11	+20.44%

Balance Sheet and Financial Health#

Hess’s balance sheet as of the end of 2024 reflects a total asset base of $26.55 billion, up from $24.01 billion in 2023, driven largely by increased property, plant, and equipment (PP&E) investments now totaling $20.66 billion. Total liabilities stand at $14.55 billion, with long-term debt increasing slightly to $9.09 billion.

The company’s net debt to EBITDA ratio is a conservative 1.24x, indicating manageable leverage relative to earnings capacity. The debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82x reflects balanced capital structure discipline, supporting both growth investments and shareholder returns.

Liquidity is adequate with a current ratio of 1.08x, ensuring sufficient short-term asset coverage for liabilities. Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $1.17 billion, reflecting substantial capital expenditures and dividend payments.

Balance Sheet Highlights Table#

Metric	2024	2023	% Change
Total Assets (USD Billion)	26.55	24.01	+10.56%
PP&E Net (USD Billion)	20.66	18.26	+13.14%
Total Liabilities (USD B)	14.55	14.4	+1.04%
Long-Term Debt (USD B)	9.09	8.92	+1.91%
Net Debt (USD B)	8.29	7.91	+4.81%
Current Ratio	1.08x	1.08x	0.00%

Market Position and Competitive Landscape#

Hess's strong foothold in the Guyana Stabroek Block positions it among the most valuable upstream players in a basin with estimated recoverable reserves in the billions of barrels. This strategic asset underpins Hess's growth trajectory and is a core element in Chevron’s acquisition strategy.

The arbitration's outcome and subsequent deal progression will significantly influence competitive dynamics, potentially affecting Hess’s ability to execute strategic initiatives independently or under Chevron’s umbrella. The asset's valuation and ownership clarity are critical for market confidence and investment appetite, especially as global energy markets face transition pressures and geopolitical uncertainties.

What Does This Mean For Investors?#

Hess Corporation’s recent financial results underscore robust operational performance and efficient capital allocation, with substantial growth in revenue, net income, and operating margins. The company’s ability to sustain high gross margins and expand profitability amid industry volatility is a positive indicator of management execution and asset quality.

The ongoing arbitration introduces a near-term uncertainty primarily related to ownership and strategic control of the Guyana assets. However, Hess’s strong balance sheet and cash flow generation provide financial flexibility to navigate these challenges. The company's dividend yield at approximately 1.31% with a conservative payout ratio of 26.9% reflects a balanced approach to shareholder returns and reinvestment.

Investors should closely monitor the arbitration outcome expected by Q3 2025, as it will clarify the path forward for the Chevron acquisition and Hess’s asset portfolio structure. This ruling will likely influence Hess's valuation multiples and strategic options in the medium term.

Key Takeaways#

• Arbitration over Guyana asset ROFR is a pivotal event shaping Hess’s strategic future and Chevron acquisition prospects.
• Financial performance in 2024 shows strong growth with +22.69% revenue increase and doubling of net income, indicating operational leverage and market strength.
• Robust balance sheet with manageable leverage and strong asset base supports ongoing capital expenditures and dividend payments.
• Investor focus remains on arbitration outcome due by Q3 2025, which will decisively impact asset ownership and deal closure timing.

Sources#

• Reuters - Chevron Hess arbitration update 2023
• Bloomberg - Hess Guyana assets valuation impact arbitration
• Wall Street Journal - ExxonMobil Hess stake Guyana arbitration 2023
• Energy Intelligence - Arbitration proceedings update
• Oil Price - ExxonMobil Hess Guyana dispute impacts deal