Suncor Energy Achieves 2023 Upstream Production Corporate Guidance
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Insights
The operational update from Suncor reveals a significant uptick in upstream production, aligning with the guidance provided in the previous year. This level of output, especially the record monthly production in December, indicates a robust operational capability that could potentially translate into stronger financial performance. The mention of a 90% utilization rate at the Base Plant upgrader and a 92% annual upgrader utilization at Syncrude are critical, as they reflect efficient asset management and could signal reduced costs per barrel, enhancing profit margins.
From a strategic perspective, maintaining this level of production and efficiency could improve Suncor's market position against competitors, possibly affecting its stock valuation positively. The consistency in meeting production targets suggests a reliable management team, which might attract investor confidence. However, investors should also consider the volatility of oil prices and potential regulatory changes that can impact the sector.
Suncor's announcement of strong Q4 operational performance is likely to have positive implications for its upcoming financial results. Record production levels often lead to increased revenue, assuming stable or favorable oil prices. The reported high refining utilization rate further suggests that Suncor is effectively converting crude into marketable products, which is a bullish indicator for its downstream operations.
While these operational metrics are promising, it is essential to analyze them in the context of the company's cost structure, debt levels and capital expenditure. Investors should await the full financial results to assess the impact on the company's cash flow, profitability and potential for dividends or stock buybacks. Additionally, the operational efficiency may have implications for Suncor's ability to navigate the energy transition, with potential investments in sustainable energy solutions.
The operational update provided by Suncor reflects broader trends in the energy sector, where operational excellence and efficiency are increasingly important in a market characterized by fluctuating demand and a push towards renewable energy sources. Suncor's performance, particularly in oil sands operations and its downstream refining utilization, suggests a competitive edge in operational efficiency that may serve as a benchmark for the industry.
However, it is crucial to monitor the global energy landscape and geopolitical factors that could affect oil supply and demand. The market's reaction to Suncor's operational update may be tempered by these external factors and a holistic view is necessary to understand the potential impact on the company's stock and the energy sector at large.
(All figures are approximate)
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 3, 2024) - Suncor (TSX: SU) (NYSE: SU) today provided an operational update for the fourth quarter of 2023, highlighting upstream production of 808,000 barrels per day (bbls/d), the second highest quarter in the Company's history. The strong fourth quarter performance results in an annual average upstream production of 746,000 bbls/d, in line with Suncor's corporate guidance provided in November 2022.
"I am very proud of the Suncor team for ensuring we delivered on our commitments. Not only did we meet the annual production guidance set a year ago, but December was also Suncor's best month ever with upstream production averaging over 900,000 bbls/d," said Rich Kruger, President and Chief Executive Officer. "This is a tangible example that when we set a commitment, we will be laser focused on meeting it."
Suncor's net synthetic crude oil production was 476,000 bbls/d and net non-upgraded bitumen production was 282,000 bbls/d; resulting in total Oil Sands production of 758,000 bbls/d for the quarter. Total production from Exploration & Production was 50,000 bbls/d during the fourth quarter and includes production from the ongoing ramp up of Terra Nova.
Noteworthy asset performance:
- Oil Sands Operations produced 453,000 bbls/d for the quarter and 431,000 bbls/d for the full year of 2023. The Base Plant upgrader achieved a full year utilization of
90% , including the impact of the major 5-year turnaround at Upgrader 2. - Firebag in situ produced 213,000 bbls/d for the quarter and achieved record annual production of 217,000 bbls/d in 2023.
- Fort Hills produced a record 186,000 bbls/d for the quarter on a gross basis, or 155,000 bbls/d net to Suncor's ownership. Gross annual production for Fort Hills averaged 147,000 bbls/d, in line with the three-year plan presented at the Company's November 2022 Investor Day.
- Syncrude gross production was 348,000 bbls/d for the quarter, or 205,000 bbls/d net to Suncor, resulting in a new annual production record of 323,000 bbls/d gross, or 190,000 bbls/d net to Suncor's ownership, and an annual upgrader utilization of
92% .
Downstream operations also demonstrated strong performance in the fourth quarter with an average refining utilization of
"In 2023, our heightened focus on the fundamentals of safety, operational excellence, and reliability resulted in increasingly strong operational performance throughout the year. This focus and the discipline it requires is exactly what investors can expect from the Suncor team in 2024 and beyond," continued Kruger.
Suncor's full fourth quarter financial and operating results will be issued February 21, 2024.
Legal Advisory - Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements in this news release include references to future operational, safety and reliability performance. Forward-looking statements are based on Suncor's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions that were made by the company in light of its information available at the time the statement was made and consider Suncor's experience and its perception of historical trends.
Forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some that are similar to other oil and gas companies and some that are unique to Suncor. Suncor's actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by its forward-looking statements, so readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them.
Suncor's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the third quarter of 2023 dated November 8, 2023 (the "MD&A"), its Annual Information Form, Annual Report to Shareholders and Form 40-F, each dated March 6, 2023, and other documents it files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities describe the risks, uncertainties, material assumptions and other factors that could influence actual results and such factors are incorporated herein by reference. Copies of these documents are available without charge from Suncor at 150 6th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 3E3; by e-mail request to invest@suncor.com; by calling (800) 558-9071; or by referring to suncor.com/financialreports or to the company's profile on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca or EDGAR at sec.gov. Except as required by applicable securities laws, Suncor disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Suncor Energy is Canada's leading integrated energy company. Suncor's operations include oil sands development, production and upgrading; offshore oil and gas; petroleum refining in Canada and the U.S.; and the company's Petro-Canada™ retail and wholesale distribution networks (including Canada's Electric Highway™, a coast-to-coast network of fast-charging electric vehicle stations). Suncor is developing petroleum resources while advancing the transition to a low-emissions future through investment in power and renewable fuels. Suncor also conducts energy trading activities focused principally on the marketing and trading of crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products and power. Suncor has been recognized for its performance and transparent reporting on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index, FTSE4Good Index and CDP. Suncor's common shares (symbol: SU) are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.
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