Suncor Energy reports third quarter 2020 results
Suncor Energy reported a third-quarter net loss of $12 million ($0.01 per common share) for 2020, a significant decline from net earnings of $1.035 billion in the same quarter of 2019. Funds from operations rose to $1.166 billion ($0.76 per share) compared to $2.675 billion in Q3 2019. The company’s operating loss reached $302 million due to a decrease in crude oil realizations as the pandemic affected demand. Upstream production decreased to 616,200 boe/d, down from 762,300 boe/d year-over-year, while maintaining a focus on operational resilience and cost reductions, targeting $1 billion in operating cost cuts.
- Funds from operations increased to $1.166 billion ($0.76 per common share) in Q3 2020.
- Achieved significant reductions in operating and capital costs, $1 billion operating cost reduction target on track.
- Restart of the second primary extraction train at Fort Hills, aiming for 120,000-130,000 bbls/d in Q4 2020.
- Completion of major maintenance activities, allowing assets to return to normal operating rates by early November.
- Net loss of $12 million ($0.01 per common share) compared to net earnings of $1.035 billion in Q3 2019.
- Operating loss of $302 million ($0.20 per common share) in Q3 2020 compared to operating earnings of $1.114 billion in Q3 2019.
- Upstream production decreased to 616,200 boe/d from 762,300 boe/d year-over-year.
Unless otherwise noted, all financial figures are unaudited, presented in Canadian dollars (Cdn$), and have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, specifically International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Production volumes are presented on a working-interest basis, before royalties, except for production volumes from the company’s Libyan operations, which are presented on an economic basis. Certain financial measures referred to in this news release (funds from operations, operating (loss) earnings and free funds flow) are not prescribed by Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this news release. References to Oil Sands operations exclude Suncor Energy Inc.’s interests in Fort Hills and Syncrude.
CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 28, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- “We remain steadfast in our commitment to the safety and reliability of our operations as we continue to navigate the impact of the COVID19 pandemic,” said Mark Little, president and chief executive officer. “Although the pandemic continues to have adverse impacts on our industry, we remain focused on items within our control, including the safety of our workforce and communities, and structural changes that lower our cost base, preserve the financial resiliency of the company and set the foundation for longterm value creation.”
- Funds from operations increased to
$1.16 6 billion ($0.76 per common share) in the third quarter of 2020, from$488 million ($0.32 per common share) in the second quarter of 2020. Funds from operations were$2.67 5 billion ($1.72 per common share) in the prior year quarter. Cash flow provided by operating activities, which includes changes in non-cash working capital, was$1.24 5 billion ($0.82 per common share) in the third quarter of 2020, compared to$3.13 6 billion ($2.02 per common share) in the prior year quarter. - The company recorded an operating loss of
$302 million ($0.20 per common share) in the third quarter of 2020, compared to$1.48 9 billion ($0.98 per common share) in the second quarter of 2020 and operating earnings of$1.11 4 billion ($0.72 per common share) in the prior year quarter. The company had a net loss of$12 million ($0.01 per common share) in the third quarter of 2020, compared to net earnings of$1.03 5 billion ($0.67 per common share) in the prior year quarter. - The company continued to reduce operating and capital costs in the third quarter of 2020 relative to the prior year quarter and remains on track to achieve its previously announced
$1 billion operating cost reduction target and$1.9 billion capital cost reduction target. - The company undertook significant maintenance activities across its upstream and downstream assets in the third quarter of 2020, which resulted in lower production volumes and refinery utilization. Total upstream production decreased to 616,200 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) during the third quarter of 2020, from 762,300 boe/d in the prior year quarter, and refinery utilization averaged
87% in the third quarter of 2020 compared to100% in the prior year quarter. Substantially all maintenance activities were completed during or subsequent to the third quarter of 2020, including repairs at Oil Sands Base Plant, enabling all assets to return to normal operating rates by early November 2020. - The company’s ability to react rapidly to changing market conditions enabled the company to exit the quarter with refinery utilization of approximately
97% . - During the third quarter of 2020, Suncor began the restart of the second primary extraction train at Fort Hills. In October 2020, the restart was completed with Fort Hills now on track to achieve its updated gross production guidance of between 120,000 and 130,000 barrels per day (bbls/d) in the fourth quarter of 2020.
- The accelerated maintenance at Firebag, which allows the company to integrate and fully utilize the additional steam and water treatment assets has been substantially completed subsequent to the third quarter of 2020. Firebag is in the process of commissioning and ramping up the facility to its new nameplate capacity of 215,000 bbls/d.
- The interconnecting pipelines between Suncor’s Oil Sands Base Plant and Syncrude are nearing completion of construction, and will be commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2020. The bidirectional pipelines are expected to enhance integration between these assets and provide increased operational flexibility.
Financial Results
Operating (Loss) Earnings
Suncor’s third quarter 2020 operating loss was
Net (Loss) Earnings
Suncor’s net loss was
Funds from Operations and Cash Flow Provided By Operating Activities
Funds from operations were
Cash flow provided by operating activities, which includes changes in non-cash working capital, was
Operating Results
Suncor’s total upstream production was 616,200 boe/d during the third quarter of 2020, compared to 762,300 boe/d in the prior year quarter. Synthetic crude oil (SCO) production decreased to 410,800 bbls/d in the third quarter of 2020 from 479,300 bbls/d in the third quarter of 2019, resulting in combined upgrader utilization rates of
Non-upgraded bitumen production decreased to 108,200 bbls/d in the third quarter of 2020 from 190,700 bbls/d in the third quarter of 2019, as bitumen production from Firebag was diverted to the upgrader to maximize value over volume and as Fort Hills continued operating on one primary extraction train throughout the third quarter of 2020. At the end of the third quarter of 2020, the company also accelerated a portion of Firebag maintenance originally scheduled for 2022, to expand the capacity of the facility through the installation of new incremental emulsion handling and steam infrastructure and also address plant restrictions that developed during the quarter. This maintenance was substantially completed subsequent to the third quarter of 2020.
At Fort Hills, the second primary extraction train was restarted in the third quarter of 2020. Subsequent to the third quarter of 2020, the restart was completed with Fort Hills now on track to achieve its updated gross production guidance of between 120,000 and 130,000 bbls/d in the fourth quarter of 2020. This lays the foundation for improved cost effectiveness through optimization of the mine fleet and includes the completion of the full deployment of autonomous haul trucks by the end of 2020. At this initial production level, Suncor expects to retain approximately
“We are disappointed with our recent operational performance so we are strengthening our focus on the company’s commitment to reliability,” said Little. “We remain focused on operational excellence and on continuing to make the right longterm decisions to advance our asset sustainment and strategic initiatives aimed at improving reliability, increasing margins and reducing operating costs across our assets.”
E&P production during the third quarter of 2020 increased to 97,200 boe/d from 92,300 boe/d in the prior year quarter, primarily due to improved reliability at Hibernia, and increased production at Hebron as six new production wells have come online since the third quarter of 2019, partially offset by Terra Nova, which remained offline, and natural declines in the United Kingdom.
Refinery crude throughput was 399,700 bbls/d and refinery utilization was
The company’s total operating, selling and general expenses decreased to
“Suncor continues to reduce operating and capital costs across our business,” said Little. “Building on our commitment to reliability, the work at our Oil Sands Base Plant, Firebag and Fort Hills operations is substantially complete and the facilities are in the process of ramping up to normal operating rates by early November. With our full complement of refinery assets back on stream after planned maintenance, the company is positioned for strong performance exiting 2020.”
Strategy Update
In response to the COVID19 pandemic and global supply imbalances, the company took decisive action to lower production to meet demand, lower operating costs and capital, and preserve its financial strength while laying the foundation to deliver longterm value in support of increasing shareholder returns. This approach is underpinned by Suncor’s commitment to operational excellence, including its unwavering commitment to operate in a safe, reliable, cost-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.
Suncor has made progress in reducing operating costs across the company and remains on track to achieve the previously announced
The company also remains on track to achieve its
In the third quarter of 2020, the company continued to advance the transition to its Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) at Fort Hills, which is expected to result in enhanced safety, environmental and operating performance, and lower operating costs. The company anticipates that the AHS truck fleet at Fort Hills will be fully operational in the fourth quarter of 2020. Starting late in the third quarter of 2020, Firebag In-Situ production rates were reduced to 110,000 bbls/d to enable Suncor to expand the capacity of the facility by fully integrating the new incremental emulsion handling and steam infrastructure. Following completion of this work, Firebag nameplate capacity will increase by 12,000 bbls/d to 215,000 bbls/d. The interconnecting pipelines between Suncor’s Oil Sands Base Plant and Syncrude are nearing completion of construction, and will be commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2020. The bidirectional pipelines are expected to enhance integration between these assets and provide increased operational flexibility.
These initiatives are anticipated to deliver structural, sustained free funds flow growth through margin improvements, operating and sustaining capital cost reductions, and production growth from existing assets, which will contribute to Suncor’s
“Through our integrated model and the value-driven projects we’ve advanced, including the AHS at Fort Hills and the Syncrude interconnecting pipelines, we believe Suncor is well positioned to add incremental and sustainable free funds flow in 2021,” said Little. “We are confident that the steps we have taken this year will contribute to creating longterm value for our shareholders.”
While the focus in 2020 has been on maintaining the financial strength and resiliency of the balance sheet through this period of volatile market conditions, the company remains committed to returning value to our shareholders and, in the third quarter of 2020, the company paid
Operating (Loss) Earnings Reconciliation(1)
Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | ||||||||
($ millions) | 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||
Net (loss) earnings | (12 | ) | 1 035 | (4 151 | ) | 5 234 | |||
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss on U.S. dollar denominated debt | (290 | ) | 127 | 253 | (355 | ) | |||
Asset impairment(2) | — | — | 1 798 | — | |||||
Impact of income tax rate adjustment on deferred taxes(3) | — | — | — | (1 116 | ) | ||||
Gain on significant disposal(4) | — | (48 | ) | — | (187 | ) | |||
Operating (loss) earnings(1) | (302 | ) | 1 114 | (2 100 | ) | 3 576 |
(1) | Operating (loss) earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure. All reconciling items are presented on an after-tax basis. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this news release. |
(2) | During the first quarter of 2020, the company recorded non-cash after-tax impairment charges of |
(3) | In the second quarter of 2019, the company recorded a |
(4) | The third quarter of 2019 included an after-tax gain of |
Corporate Guidance
Suncor has updated its Corporate Guidance for the full year business environment outlook assumptions previously updated on September 7, 2020 for Brent Sullom Voe from US
For further details and advisories regarding Suncor’s 2020 annual guidance, see suncor.com/guidance.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Operating (loss) earnings is defined in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of Suncor’s management’s discussion and analysis dated October 28, 2020 (the MD&A) and reconciled to the GAAP measure above and in the Consolidated Financial Information section of the MD&A. Funds from operations and free funds flow are defined and reconciled, as applicable, to the GAAP measure in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of the MD&A. These non-GAAP financial measures are included because management uses this information to analyze business performance, leverage and liquidity and it may be useful to investors on the same basis. These non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning and therefore are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
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: Suncor’s expectation that its focus on items within its control and structural changes will lower its cost base, preserve the financial resiliency of the company and set the foundation for long-term value creation; that the company remains on track to achieve its
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, including expectations and assumptions concerning: the accuracy of reserves estimates; the current and potential adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the status of the pandemic and future waves and any associated policies around current business restrictions, shelter-in-place orders or gatherings of individuals; commodity prices and interest and foreign exchange rates; the performance of assets and equipment; capital efficiencies and cost savings; applicable laws and government policies; future production rates; the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the availability and cost of labour, services and infrastructure; the satisfaction by third parties of their obligations to Suncor; the development and execution of projects; and the receipt, in a timely manner, of regulatory and third-party approvals.
Forward-looking statements 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 Annual Information Form and Annual Report to Shareholders, each dated February 26, 2020, Form 40-F dated February 27, 2020, the MD&A, and other documents Suncor 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 calling 1-800-558-9071, or by email request to invest@suncor.com or by referring to the company’s profile on SEDAR at sedar.com 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.
Legal Advisory – BOEs
Certain natural gas volumes have been converted to barrels of oil equivalent (boe) on the basis of one barrel to six thousand cubic feet. Any figure presented in boe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A conversion ratio of one bbl of crude oil or natural gas liquids to six thousand cubic feet of natural gas is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value.
Suncor Energy is Canada's leading integrated energy company. Suncor's operations include oil sands development and upgrading, offshore oil and gas production, petroleum refining, and product marketing under the Petro-Canada brand. A member of Dow Jones Sustainability indexes, FTSE4Good and CDP, Suncor is working to responsibly develop petroleum resources while also growing a renewable energy portfolio. Suncor is listed on the UN Global Compact 100 stock index. Suncor's common shares (symbol: SU) are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges.
For more information about Suncor, visit our website at suncor.com or follow us on Twitter @Suncor.
A full copy of Suncor's third quarter 2020 Report to Shareholders and the financial statements and notes (unaudited) can be downloaded at suncor.com/investor-centre/financial-reports.
Suncor’s updated Investor Relations presentation is available online, visit suncor.com/investor-centre.
To listen to the webcast discussing Suncor's third quarter results, visit suncor.com/webcasts.
Media inquiries:
1-833-296-4570
media@suncor.com
Investor inquiries:
1-800-558-9071
invest@suncor.com
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