Companies will suffer. Russia is to blame.

A side effect of the military conflict in Ukraine is the departure dozens of  companies from Russia under the sanctions imposed by the EU. The "military operation" not only destroys an economically important player - Russia and its economy, but also causes a rapid prices rise of many commodities and goods, not least reducing the economic results of the most successful companies in the world.

Energy segment

Huge oil companies are responding adequately to Russia's aggression. They are withdrawing their operations in Russia, even trying to support the citizens from Ukraine. British Petroleum is withdrawing its nearly 20% stake in Russian oil company Rosnefť, while other oil giants such as Shell and Exxon Mobil are severing ties with the eastern country. Exxon Mobil, known for its long-standing close ties with Russia, even condemned their aggression and also expressed support for the people of besieged Ukraine.

After leaving Russia, many companies are at the phase when they have to deal with the negative effects on their operations and the loss of profit. This phase can be really difficult for some. The divorce between the Russian side and the West will in principle be painful for both parties. English giant BP reported a total loss for the quarter of $ 20.4 billion. This also includes the $ 1.5 billion associated with leaving Russia, the loss of their stake in Rosnefť. The financial consequences of such a quick decisions remain on the shoulders of the company, and the process of leaving Russia is certainly not easy for any business. Of course, other factors also affect the results and growth of shares, but the next period could be expected to decline for this reason and possible complications. However, oil prices are still rising, so the shares of London's BP rose by the last week.[1] The company's share price increased by more than 18% year-on-year.*

*BP PLC ADR's performance over the last 5 years. (source: Investing)

Technology segment

Even for Big Tech companies, the situation that still persists was not simple. The giant Meta /Facebook/ blocked access to the Russian news channels Sputnik and RT, a Russian-backed television network that supported Putin's program throughout the European Union. The company recorded a significant drop in shares this year, almost 50%, however this is also related to other factors such as high costs associated with the overall Metaverse. On the other hand, the parent company Facebook - Meta reported profits that overcome expectations and on April 27 extended the increase in trading shares by 18%.*

*Meta Platforms Inc's performance over the last 5 years. (source: Investing)

Many companies such as Apple or Goldman Sachs are leaving Russia, and they are closing their branches, like Spotify in Moscow. Some are trying ending the deals, but not everyone can leave the unpopular country so easily. For many, Russia is an important market and the departure can have a significant impact on their profits. Google also announced lower earnings and revenue for the first quarter than forecast. This was also due to the huge suspension of ongoing operations in Russia. However, we can also see the decline in shares as an opportunity to buy for cheaper ones.[2]

1,2] Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and current expectations, which may be inaccurate, or based on the current economic environment which is subject to change. Such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance. They involve risks and other uncertainties which are difficult to predict. Results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements.

*Past performance is no guarantee of future results.