Ecopetrol published its 2024 results on March 14th – almost the Ides of March – showing yet another decline in earnings (nearly 8%). The Colombian press was full of “sturm und drang” about the sorry state of the National Treasure and anticipating a rocky time at the upcoming shareholders’ general assembly over the lowered dividend. Much as we criticize the NOC strategically, we do not find this financial handwringing entirely fair.