IMO Imperial Oil Limited

• Full-year earnings of $2.2 billion, including gains on retail asset sales of $1.7 billion
• Increased annual production at all major upstream assets; record high liquids production
• Best-ever safety, operational integrity and environmental performance

CALGARY, Jan. 31, 2017 /CNW/ -

Estimated full-year 2016 earnings were $2,165 million compared with $1,122 million in 2015, reflecting a $1.7 billion gain from the sale of retail sites and the company's ability to deliver results in the current crude price environment.

"This year's results demonstrate strong operating performance across all business lines and a continued focus on what we can control," said Rich Kruger, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Our capital discipline and efficiency mindset, coupled with strategic sales of assets, led us to achieve sustainable improvements and strengthen the company for the future."

A major accomplishment in 2016 was the successful sale of the 500 remaining company-owned Esso retail sites to five fuel distributors operating under the branded wholesaler model. Imperial will continue to invest in product innovation and leading-edge marketing and loyalty programs, while leveraging the operational expertise of its distributors to grow the Esso brand in the highly competitive fuels marketing business.

Imperial achieved annual production growth at all of its major upstream assets, with total liquids production reaching the highest level in company history. Syncrude's fourth quarter production matched its previous record high, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve asset reliability. While financial performance continued to be impacted by low crude prices, the company's positive fourth quarter upstream earnings are evidence of its ability to adapt to the current business environment. Imperial continued to exercise discipline with cash operating and capital costs, represented by a reduction of $1.3 billion in 2016 relative to earlier plans. Upstream unit cash costs were 10 percent lower year-over-year.

Imperial enhanced its ability to continue to lead the industry in oil sands innovation with the opening of its state-of-the-art Calgary Research Centre. This facility hosts a team of dedicated researchers pursuing technology breakthroughs that will deliver significant environmental benefits and profitability improvements.

"Lastly, 2016 was characterized by our best-ever safety and environmental performance," Kruger added. "We recorded our lowest number of oil spills, compliance incidents and workforce safety injuries in company history. Looking ahead, Imperial will continue its unwavering focus on safety, operational integrity, reliability and profitability."

Fourth quarter highlights

• Net income of $1,444 million or $1.70 per-share on a diluted basis, up from net income of $102 million or $0.12 per-share in the fourth quarter of 2015. Fourth quarter 2016 results include a $988 million ($1.16 per-share) gain from the sale of retail sites.
• Production averaged 399,000 gross oil-equivalent barrels per day, compared to 400,000 barrels per day in the same period of 2015. Syncrude's production of 87,000 barrels per day (Imperial share), matched its best-ever quarterly performance, reflecting continued efforts to improve asset reliability.
• Refinery throughput averaged 401,000 barrels per day, up from 390,000 barrels per day in the fourth quarter of 2015. Increased throughput reflects higher refined product sales in the fourth quarter of 2016. Refinery capacity utilization remained high at 95 percent, an increase of 2 percent from the comparable period in 2015.
• Petroleum product sales were 493,000 barrels per day, up from 467,000 barrels per day from the fourth quarter of 2015. Sales growth was primarily driven by the company's focus on establishing long-term supply agreements with valued partners.
• Sale of the remaining company-owned Esso retail sites was completed as planned, resulting in an earnings gain of nearly $1 billion in the quarter and $1.7 billion for the year. Approximately 500 sites were successfully converted to Esso branded distributors by year-end. Imperial continues to provide marketing programs and top-quality Synergy fuel to Esso sites nationwide.
• Sale of general aviation business was completed as planned, resulting in an earnings gain of $134 million. The sale transferred ownership of assets, including mobile refueling equipment, buildings and fuel storage facilities, while retaining fuels supply agreements at 34 airports across Canada. Imperial continues to operate its commercial aviation business at 11 major airports.
• Cash generated from operating activities was $751 million, an increase of $346 million from the fourth quarter of 2015.
• Proceeds from asset sales were nearly $1.8 billion, before tax, due to the sale of the retail sites and general aviation business.
• Total debt was reduced by $2.1 billion to $5.2 billion, further strengthening Imperial's balance sheet and increasing financial flexibility.
• Capital and exploration expenditures totalled $213 million, a decrease of $371 million from the fourth quarter of 2015. The reduction reflects the completion of major upstream growth projects and Imperial's capital selectivity.
• Best-ever safety and environmental performance achieved in 2016. Driving down the number and severity of incidents reflects Imperial's business priority of operational integrity and its relentless focus on achieving a workplace where Nobody Gets Hurt.
• Employees move to Calgary Research Centre in Quarry Park, a state-of-the-art facility focused on oil sands innovation and technology. The 40,000 square foot building, which hosts a variety of flexible and open plan laboratory spaces, was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, and will continue to support Imperial's leadership in oil sands technology.
• Renewal of premier partnership with Hockey Canada, extending the company's commitment through 2023. For more than 80 years the Esso name has been synonymous with hockey, including more than 30 years as a premier sponsor of Hockey Canada. Imperial's support is focused on growing the game nationwide and facilitating participation at both the community and amateur levels.

Fourth quarter 2016 vs. fourth quarter 2015

The company's net income for the fourth quarter of 2016 was $1,444 million or $1.70 per-share on a diluted basis, compared to net income of $102 million or $0.12 per-share for the same period last year. Fourth quarter 2016 results included a gain of $988 million ($1.16 per-share) from the sale of retail sites.

Upstream recorded net income in the fourth quarter of $103 million, compared to a net loss of $289 million in the same period of 2015. Earnings in the fourth quarter of 2016 reflect the impact of higher Canadian crude oil realizations of about $280 million and higher volumes from Syncrude of about $110 million.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) averaged US$49.34 per barrel in the fourth quarter of 2016, up from US$42.08 per barrel in the same quarter of 2015. Western Canada Select (WCS) averaged US$34.87 per barrel and US$27.69 per barrel respectively for the same periods. The WTI / WCS differential narrowed to 29 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016, from 34 percent in the same period of 2015.

The Canadian dollar averaged US$0.75 in the fourth quarter of 2016 and was essentially unchanged versus the same period of 2015.

Imperial's average Canadian dollar realizations for bitumen and synthetic crudes increased essentially in line with the North American benchmarks, adjusted for transportation costs. Bitumen realizations averaged $34.66 per barrel for the fourth quarter of 2016, an increase of $11.84 per barrel versus the fourth quarter of 2015. Synthetic crude realizations averaged $64.85 per barrel, an increase of $8.29 per barrel for the same period of 2015. 

Gross production of Cold Lake bitumen averaged 159,000 barrels per day in the fourth quarter, up from 155,000 barrels per day in the same period last year, mainly due to the timing of steam cycles.

Gross production of Kearl bitumen averaged 169,000 barrels per day in the fourth quarter (120,000 barrels Imperial's share) compared to 203,000 barrels per day (144,000 barrels Imperial's share) during the fourth quarter of 2015. Lower production was the result of planned and unplanned maintenance activities.

The company's share of gross production from Syncrude averaged 87,000 barrels per day, matching its previous record high, up from 64,000 barrels per day in the fourth quarter of 2015. Increased production reflects continued efforts to improve the reliability of operations.

Downstream net income was $1,361 million in the fourth quarter, compared to $352 million in the same period of 2015. Earnings increased mainly due to a gain of $1,122 million from the sale of retail sites and the general aviation business, improved refinery operations of about $50 million, partially offset by lower downstream margins of approximately $120 million.

Refinery throughput averaged 401,000 barrels per day, up from 390,000 barrels per day in the fourth quarter of 2015. Increased throughput reflects higher refined product sales in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Petroleum product sales were 493,000 barrels per day, up from 467,000 barrels per day in the fourth quarter of 2015. Sales growth was primarily driven by the company's focus on establishing long-term supply agreements.

Chemical net income was $27 million in the fourth quarter, compared to $74 million in the same quarter of 2015, mainly due to weaker margins across all major product lines and lower volumes.

Net income effects from Corporate and Other were negative $47 million in the fourth quarter, compared to negative $35 million in the same period of 2015.

Cash flow generated from operating activities was $751 million in the fourth quarter, compared with $405 million in the corresponding period in 2015, reflecting higher earnings, excluding the gains on the sale of retail sites and the general aviation business.

Investing activities generated net cash of $1,597 million in the fourth quarter, compared with cash used in investing activities of $539 million in the same period of 2015, reflecting proceeds from asset sales in 2016 and the completion of major upstream growth projects.

Cash used in financing activities was $2,205 million in the fourth quarter, compared with $29 million in the fourth quarter of 2015. Cash from operating activities and proceeds from asset sales were mainly used in the fourth quarter of 2016 to reduce outstanding debt. Dividends paid in the fourth quarter of 2016 were $128 million. The per-share dividend paid in the fourth quarter was $0.15, up from $0.14 in the same period of 2015.

The company's cash balance was $391 million at December 31, 2016, versus $203 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2015.

Full year highlights

• Net income of $2,165 million, up from net income of $1,122 million in the prior year.
• Net income per-share on a diluted basis was $2.55, up from net income per-share of $1.32 in 2015.
• Cash flow generated from operating activities was $2,015 million, versus $2,167 million in 2015.
• Capital and exploration expenditures totalled $1,161 million. In 2017, capital expenditures of about $1 billion are anticipated.
• Gross oil-equivalent production averaged 386,000 barrels per day, up 5 percent from 366,000 barrels per day in 2015.
• Refinery throughput averaged 362,000 barrels per day, compared to 386,000 barrels per day in 2015.
• Per-share dividends declared during the year totalled $0.59, up $0.05 per-share from 2015.

Full year 2016 vs. full year 2015

Net income in 2016 was $2,165 million, or $2.55 per-share on a diluted basis, including a gain of $1.7 billion ($2.01 per-share) from the sale of retail sites, versus net income of $1,122 million or $1.32 per-share in 2015.

Upstream recorded a net loss of $661 million in 2016, compared to a net loss of $704 million in 2015. The loss in 2016 reflected lower realizations of about $700 million, the impact of the northern Alberta wildfires of about $155 million and higher depreciation expense of about $120 million. These factors were partially offset by higher volumes of about $320 million, the impact of a weaker Canadian dollar of about $130 million, the favorable impact of lower royalties of about $80 million, lower field operating costs of about $80 million and lower energy cost of about $50 million. The loss in 2015 reflected the impact associated with the Alberta corporate income tax rate increase of $327 million.

West Texas Intermediate averaged US$43.44 per barrel in 2016, down from US$48.83 per barrel in 2015. Western Canada Select averaged US$29.49 per barrel and US$35.34 per barrel respectively for the same periods. The WTI / WCS differential widened to 32 percent in 2016, up from 28 percent in 2015.

The Canadian dollar averaged US$0.75 in 2016, a decrease of US$0.03 from 2015.

Imperial's average Canadian dollar realizations for bitumen and synthetic crudes declined essentially in line with the North American benchmarks, adjusted for changes in the exchange rate and transportation costs. Bitumen realizations averaged $26.52 for 2016, a decrease of $5.96 per barrel from 2015. Synthetic crude realizations averaged $57.12 per barrel, a decrease of $4.21 per barrel from 2015.

Gross production of Cold Lake bitumen averaged 161,000 barrels per day in 2016, up from 158,000 barrels per day in 2015.

Gross production of Kearl bitumen averaged 169,000 barrels per day in 2016 (120,000 barrels Imperial's share) compared to 152,000 barrels per day (108,000 barrels Imperial's share) in 2015. The increase was the result of start-up of the expansion project.

During 2016, the company's share of gross production from Syncrude averaged 68,000 barrels per day, up from 62,000 barrels per day in 2015. Increased production reflects continued efforts to improve the reliability of operations, which more than offset the impact of the Alberta wildfires.

Downstream net income was $2,754 million, up from $1,586 million in 2015. Earnings increased mainly due to a gain of $1,841 million from the sale of retail sites and the general aviation business, the impact of a weaker Canadian dollar of about $130 million, higher marketing sales volumes of $50 million, partially offset by lower downstream margins of about $910 million.

Refinery throughput averaged 362,000 barrels per day in 2016, compared to 386,000 barrels per day in 2015. Capacity utilization decreased to 86 percent from 92 percent in 2015, reflecting the more significant scope of turnaround maintenance activity in the current year.

Petroleum product sales were 484,000 barrels per day in 2016, up from 478,000 barrels per day in 2015. Sales growth was driven by the company's focus on establishing long-term supply agreements.

Chemical net income was $187 million, compared to $287 million in 2015, mainly due to weaker margins across all major product lines and lower volumes.

In 2016, net income effects from Corporate and Other were negative $115 million, versus negative $47 million in 2015, primarily due to higher share-based compensation charges, the absence of the impact from the Alberta tax rate increase in 2015 and lower capitalized interest.

Cash flow generated from operating activities was $2,015 million in 2016, compared with $2,167 million in 2015, reflecting lower earnings, excluding the gain on retail sites and the general aviation business.

Investing activities generated net cash of $1,947 million in 2016, compared with cash used in investing activities of $2,884 million in 2015, reflecting proceeds from asset sales and the completion of major upstream growth projects.

Cash used in financing activities was $3,774 million in 2016, compared with cash provided by financing activities of $705 million in 2015. Cash from operating activities and proceeds from the asset sales were used to reduce outstanding debt. Dividends paid in 2016 were $492 million. The per-share dividend paid was $0.58, up from $0.53 in 2015.

Oil and gas reserves

As disclosed in the 2015 Form 10-K and subsequently updated in Imperial's 2016 third quarter 10-Q, low crude and natural gas prices can impact Imperial's reserves as reported under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules. 2016 average crude prices were significantly affected by the low prices experienced during the first quarter of 2016, but have recovered considerably since that time. Under the SEC definition of proved reserves, certain quantities of oil, associated with oil sands operations at Kearl and Cold Lake will not qualify as proved reserves at year-end 2016. Estimated quantities that will be required to be de-booked as proved reserves on an SEC basis amount to approximately 2.6 billion barrels of bitumen at Kearl and approximately 0.2 billion barrels at Cold Lake. Final amounts are still subject to management review and will be disclosed in the 2016 Form 10-K. Among the factors that would result in these reserves being re-booked as proved reserves at some point in the future are a recovery in average price levels, a further decline in costs, and / or operating efficiencies. Under the terms of government royalty regimes, lower prices can also increase proved reserves attributable to Imperial. The company does not expect the de-booking of reported proved reserves under the SEC definitions to affect the operation of the underlying projects or to alter our outlook for future production volumes.

Imperial's disclosures under the National Instrument 51-101F1 Statement of Reserves Data and Other Oil and Gas Information are conducted under a separate process as prescribed by the Canadian Securities Administrators. The company will not de-book Kearl and Cold Lake reserves under these Canadian rules.

Key financial and operating data follow.

Forward-looking statements

Statements of future events or conditions in this report, including projections, targets, expectations, estimates, and business plans are forward-looking statements. Actual future financial and operating results, including demand growth and energy source mix; production growth and mix; project plans, dates, costs and capacities; production rates; production life and resource recoveries; cost savings; product sales; financing sources; and capital and environmental expenditures could differ materially depending on a number of factors, such as changes in the supply of and demand for crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum and petrochemical products and resulting price and margin impacts; limitations on transportation for accessing markets; political or regulatory events, including changes in law or government policy; applicable royalty rates and tax laws; the receipt, in a timely manner, of regulatory and third-party approvals; third party opposition to operations and projects; environmental risks inherent in oil and gas exploration and production activities; environmental regulation, including climate change and greenhouse gas restrictions; current exchange rates; availability and allocation of capital; performance of third party service providers; unanticipated operational disruptions; management effectiveness; commercial negotiations; project management and schedules; response to unexpected technological developments; operational hazards and risks; disaster response preparedness; the ability to develop or acquire additional reserves; and other factors discussed in this report and Item 1A of Imperial's most recent Form 10-K. 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 Imperial. Imperial's actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by its forward-looking statements and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. Imperial undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein, except as required by applicable law.

The term "project" as used in this release can refer to a variety of different activities and does not necessarily have the same meaning as in any government payment transparency reports.

After more than a century, Imperial continues to be an industry leader in applying technology and innovation to responsibly develop Canada's energy resources. As Canada's largest petroleum refiner, a major producer of crude oil and natural gas, a key petrochemical producer and a leading fuels marketer from coast to coast, our company remains committed to high standards across all areas of our business.

SOURCE Imperial Oil Limited