Worldwide

All sectors of the energy industry worldwide enjoyed a second consecutive “superb” year in 2004, with larger gains than broad market indices, according to the 2004 Year End Peer Group Stock Market Performance Review by consulting firm John S. Herold Inc.

Two years after it slashed its dividend and began selling off major properties worldwide, Dallas-based TXU Corp. last week hiked its dividend by 350%, raised its earnings forecast for the next two years and increased its share buyback program.

Anadarko Petroleum Corp. on Friday said it will sell about 30% of its worldwide fields — all located onshore in the United States — for $850 million in cash and interests in two oil and natural gas fields in Wyoming to a private Dallas-based producer. Although the sale involves a large amount of acreage, the assets accounted for only 4% of year-end 2003 reserves and 7% of current production.

Anadarko Petroleum Corp. on Friday said it will sell about 30% of its worldwide oil and gas fields — all located onshore in the United States — to a private Dallas-based producer for $850 million in cash plus interests in two oil and natural gas fields in Wyoming. Although the sale involves a large amount of acreage, the assets accounted for only 4% of year-end 2003 reserves and 7% of Anadarko’s current production.

Of the 15,000 offshore wells forecast to be drilled worldwide over the next five years, North American offshore prospects will capture most of the money spent, and more of the wells will be in deep water, according to “The World Offshore Drilling Report,” published Thursday by London-based Douglas-Westwood.

Of the 15,000 offshore wells forecast to be drilled worldwide over the next five years, North American offshore prospects will capture most of the money spent, and more of the wells will be in deepwater, according to “The World Offshore Drilling Report,” published Thursday by London-based Douglas-Westwood.

BP plc’s CEO told shareholders and analysts Thursday that the story of 2003 was about maintaining the strength of the assets, but going forward, the oil and gas giant has set its course toward maintaining its asset and customer advantage in oil and gas markets around the world.

Replacing more than 100% of its production yet again, ExxonMobil Corp. said additions to its worldwide proved oil and gas reserves totaled 1.7 billion boe in 2003, replacing 105% of production, including property sales. Excluding the property sales during the year, reserve replacement totaled 107% of production.

Replacing more than 100% of its production yet again, ExxonMobil Corp. said Wednesday that additions to its worldwide proved oil and gas reserves totaled 1.7 billion boe in 2003, replacing 105% of production, including property sales. Excluding the property sales during the year, reserve replacement totaled 107% of production.