Higher Spending and Reduced Payouts Are Concerning, but Petrobras Remains on Right Course for Now

With its latest five-year plan, Petrobras meaningfully increased spending levels as it incorporates investments for the energy transition. While the latest plan is by no means a return to the profligate spending of a decade ago that first placed Petrobras in jeopardy, it is—along with a reduction in the payout ratio—a departure from the capital discipline of the last few years that resulted in a healthier balance sheet and large shareholder payouts.