Royal Dutch Petroleum Co. (RD)

Royal Dutch Petroleum Company engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas worldwide. It operates in five segments: Exploration and Production, Gas and Power, Oil Products, Chemicals, and Other Industry & Corporate. The Exploration and Production segment builds and operates the infrastructure needed to deliver hydrocarbons to market. The Gas and Power segment liquefies and transports natural gas; develops gas markets and infrastructure, including gas-fired power plants; and markets and trades natural gas and electricity. This segment also converts natural gas to liquids to provide clean fuels. The Oil Products segment markets transportation fuels; lubricants; and specialty products, such as bitumen and liquefied petroleum gas, as well as refines, supplies, trades, and ships crude oil and petroleum products for the automotive, aviation, and marine sectors worldwide. This segment also provides technical consulting services. The Chemicals segment produces and sells base chemicals, such as lower olefins and aromatics; first-line derivatives, including styrene monomer, propylene oxide, solvents, detergent intermediates, and ethylene oxide; and petrochemicals to industrial customers. This segment’s products are used in fibers and textiles, thermal and electrical insulation, medical equipment and sterile supplies, computers, lighter vehicles, paints, and biodegradable detergents. The Other Industry & Corporate segment manufactures and markets solar energy systems; and develops and operates wind parks. Royal Dutch was founded in 1890 and is based in Hague, the Netherlands. Royal Dutch Petroleum Co. operates as a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell Plc.

For the three months ended 3/31/05, net sales rose 26% to $43.29 billion. Net income from continuing operations rose 47% to $4.13 billion. Results reflect an increase in crude oil and gas prices and higher share of operating profit of associates.