Imperial reports $101 million loss in first quarter of 2016

• Production up 26 percent, liquids at record 399,000 barrels per day
• Upstream unit cash costs reduced by 25 percent
• Sale of company-owned retail stations proceeding for $2.8 billion

CALGARY, April 29, 2016 /CNW/ -

	First quarter
(millions of dollars, unless noted)		2016				2015	%
Net income (loss) (U.S. GAAP)		(101)				421	(124)
Net income (loss) per common share - assuming dilution (dollars)		(0.12)				0.50	(124)
Capital and exploration expenditures		408				1,050	(61)

In what continues to be a challenging business environment, the company made significant progress on strategic priorities. Specifically, we delivered upstream production growth, achieving a quarterly record for liquids production, and we increased refinery throughput, maximizing the value of existing assets. We also announced the sale of our remaining company-owned retail sites, completing the conversion to a branded wholesaler operating model. The transactions, valued at $2.8 billion, are expected to close throughout the remainder of 2016, subject to regulatory approvals.

The company recorded an estimated loss of $101 million in the first quarter of 2016, or $0.12 per share, as compared with net income of $421 million, or $0.50 per share for the comparable period in 2015. Sharply lower global crude prices, last experienced more than a decade ago, drove the first quarter loss.

"Recognizing the uncertain market conditions, particularly in the upstream, our focus remains on what we can control," said Rich Kruger, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Our integrated business model and strong balance sheet continue to support resiliency throughout the commodity price cycle and ensure the company remains well positioned for the future."

Imperial continues to reduce cash operating costs and increase selectivity of capital expenditures. Upstream unit cash costs were reduced by 25 percent, compared to the first quarter of 2015, reflecting ongoing efforts to lower expenses while growing production and improving reliability. Capital expenditures were also down significantly versus 2015, associated with the successful completion of upstream growth projects and increased scrutiny of all discretionary investments.

Imperial's high-quality asset base, disciplined investment and cost management, and focus on operational excellence enable it to create long-term shareholder value despite near-term market conditions.

First quarter highlights

• Net loss of $101 million or $0.12 per share on a diluted basis, down from net income of $421 million or $0.50 per share in the first quarter of 2015.
• Production averaged 421,000 gross oil-equivalent barrels per day, up 26 percent from 333,000 gross oil-equivalent barrels per day in the same period of 2015. The company achieved its highest-ever liquids production in the quarter.
• Refinery throughput averaged 398,000 barrels per day, up from 393,000 barrels in the first quarter of 2015, due to a continued focus on reliability. Capacity utilization increased to 94 percent.
• Petroleum product sales were 469,000 barrels per day, compared to 474,000 barrels per day in the first quarter of 2015. As we pursue growth in profitable Canadian markets, we continue to hold a leading market share in all product segments nationwide.
• Cash generated from operating activities was $49 million, a decrease of $232 million from the first quarter of 2015, primarily due to lower earnings as a result of lower global crude prices.
• Capital and exploration expenditures totalled $408 million, down $642 million from the first quarter of 2015, reflecting the successful completion of upstream growth projects, focus on capturing market related cost reductions and increased scrutiny of discretionary investments.
• Kearl bitumen production averaged 194,000 barrels per day in the quarter (138,000 barrels Imperial's share), more than double the 95,000 barrels per day in the first quarter of 2015 (67,000 barrels Imperial's share). Total production was down 4 percent from the fourth quarter of 2015 as a result of maintenance activities. Since start-up, Kearl diluted bitumen continues to be broadly marketed and now has been processed at more than 35 refineries.
• Cold Lake bitumen production averaged 165,000 barrels per day in the quarter, up from 152,000 barrels per day in the same quarter of 2015, as increased production from Nabiye was partially offset by cycle timing in the base operation.
• Syncrude production averaged 80,000 barrels per day in the first quarter (Imperial's share), up from 73,000 barrels per day in the same period of 2015. Syncrude's performance was underpinned by continued efforts to improve asset reliability. In early April, Syncrude started a planned six-week maintenance turnaround on one of its three coker facilities.
• Cold Lake expansion project seeks regulatory approval. The proposed 50,000 barrels per day in-situ facility will use proprietary solvent-assisted, steam-assisted gravity drainage (SA-SAGD) technology to develop bitumen resource on the existing Cold Lake lease. The technology, successfully piloted since 2010, is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent compared to existing SAGD methods. A similar reduction in water use is also expected. Subject to timely regulatory approvals and favourable business conditions, construction could start as early as 2019, with production commencing as early as 2022. No final investment decision has been made at this time.
• Esso-branded distributors to purchase remaining company-owned retail sites for $2.8 billion. Five existing distributors signed agreements to assume ownership and operation of the remaining 497 Imperial-owned stations. Imperial will continue to invest in growth of the Esso brand through fuel product innovation, marketing and loyalty programs. Once complete, the entire network of more than 1,700 Esso-branded sites will operate under the branded wholesaler distribution model. The transactions are expected to close throughout 2016, subject to regulatory approvals.
• Esso Medals and Certificates of Achievement program recognizes 300,000 minor hockey players who set an example of sportsmanship on and off the ice. This year, more than 350,000 Esso fuel discount cards were given to families at Hockey Canada events. In January, Imperial sponsored Calgary Hockey and Esso Minor Hockey Week, the largest minor hockey tournament in the world, for the 37th consecutive year.

First quarter 2016 vs. first quarter 2015

The company's net loss for the first quarter of 2016 was $101 million or $0.12 per share on a diluted basis, compared to net income of $421 million or $0.50 per share for the same period last year.

Upstream recorded a net loss in the first quarter of $448 million, compared to a net loss of $189 million in the same period of 2015. Results in the first quarter of 2016 reflected lower realizations of about $355 million, partially offset by the impact of a weaker Canadian dollar of about $70 million.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) averaged US$33.63 per barrel in the first quarter of 2016, down from US$48.57 per barrel in the same quarter of 2015. Western Canada Select (WCS) averaged US$19.30 per barrel and US$33.88 per barrel respectively for the same periods. The WTI / WCS differential widened to 43 percent in the first quarter of 2016 as global surplus crude barrels cleared in the U.S. Gulf Coast.

During the first quarter of 2016, the Canadian dollar weakened relative to the U.S. dollar largely reflecting lower crude oil prices. The Canadian dollar averaged US$0.73 in the first quarter of 2016, a decrease of US$0.08 from the first quarter of 2015.

The company'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 $11.92 per barrel for the first quarter of 2016, a decrease of $15.48 per barrel versus the first quarter of 2015. Synthetic crude realizations averaged $46.32 per barrel, a decrease of $9.49 per barrel for the same period of 2015.

Gross production of Kearl bitumen averaged 194,000 barrels per day in the first quarter (138,000 barrels Imperial's share) up from 95,000 barrels per day (67,000 barrels Imperial's share) during the first quarter of 2015, reflecting the start-up of the Kearl expansion project and continued improvement in reliability of the initial development.

Gross production of Cold Lake bitumen averaged 165,000 barrels per day in the first quarter, up from 152,000 barrels in the same period last year. Incremental volumes from Nabiye offset cycle timing in the base operation.

The company's share of gross production from Syncrude averaged 80,000 barrels per day, up from 73,000 barrels in the first quarter of 2015, reflecting improved reliability of the operations.

Downstream net income was $320 million in the first quarter, compared to $565 million in the same period of 2015. Earnings decreased mainly due to lower refinery margins of about $395 million, partially offset by the favourable impact of a weaker Canadian dollar of about $120 million.

Refinery throughput averaged 398,000 barrels per day, up from 393,000 barrels in the first quarter of 2015, due to a continued focus on reliability. Capacity utilization increased to 94 percent.

Petroleum product sales were 469,000 barrels per day, compared to 474,000 barrels per day in the first quarter of 2015.

Chemical net income was $49 million in the first quarter, compared to $66 million in the same quarter of 2015. The decrease was due to lower margins.

Net income effects from Corporate and Other were negative $22 million in the first quarter, compared to negative $21 million in the same period of 2015.

Cash flow generated from operating activities was $49 million in the first quarter, compared with $281 million in the corresponding period in 2015, reflecting lower earnings as a result of a decrease in global crude prices.

Investing activities used net cash of $358 million in the first quarter, compared with $1,002 million in the same period of 2015, reflecting the decline in additions to property, plant and equipment.

Cash from financing activities was $261 million in the first quarter, compared with cash from financing activities of $566 million in the first quarter of 2015. Dividends paid in the first quarter of 2016 were $119 million. The per-share dividend paid in the first quarter was $0.14, up from $0.13 in the same period of 2015.

The company's cash balance was $155 million at March 31, 2016, versus $60 million at the end of the first quarter of 2015.

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 impacts; availability and allocation of capital; currency exchange rates; political or regulatory events; project schedules; commercial negotiations; the receipt, in a timely manner, of regulatory and third-party approvals; unanticipated operational disruptions; unexpected technological developments; 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.

														Attachment I
IMPERIAL OIL LIMITED
FIRST QUARTER 2016
												Three Months
millions of Canadian dollars, unless noted												2016		2015
Net Income (loss) (U.S. GAAP)
			Total revenues and other income									5,222		6,203
			Total expenses									5,371		5,642
			Income (loss) before income taxes									(149)		561
			Income taxes									(48)		140
			Net income (loss)									(101)		421
			Net income (loss) per common share (dollars)									(0.12)		0.50
			Net income (loss) per common share - assuming dilution (dollars)									(0.12)		0.50
Other Financial Data
			Federal excise tax included in operating revenues									388		377
			Gain (loss) on asset sales, after tax									24		23
			Total assets at March 31									43,185		41,608
			Total debt at March 31									8,895		7,548
			Interest coverage ratio - earnings basis
					(times covered)							12.0		51.7
			Other long-term obligations at March 31									3,475		3,784
			Shareholders' equity at March 31									23,346		22,707
			Capital employed at March 31									32,259		30,276
			Return on average capital employed (a)
					(percent)							2.0		11.3
			Dividends declared on common stock
					Total							119		110
					Per common share (dollars)							0.14		0.13
			Millions of common shares outstanding
					At March 31							847.6		847.6
					Average - assuming dilution							850.4		850.5

(a)	Return on capital employed is net income excluding after-tax cost of financing divided by the average rolling four quarters' capital employed.

									Attachment II
IMPERIAL OIL LIMITED
FIRST QUARTER 2016
							Three Months
millions of Canadian dollars							2016		2015
Total cash and cash equivalents at period end							155		60
Net income (loss)							(101)		421
Adjustments for non-cash items:
	Depreciation and depletion						424		317
	(Gain) loss on asset sales						(30)		(26)
	Deferred income taxes and other						(82)		18
Changes in operating assets and liabilities							(162)		(449)
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities							49		281
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities							(358)		(1,002)
	Proceeds associated with asset sales						33		25
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities							261		566

									Attachment III
IMPERIAL OIL LIMITED
FIRST QUARTER 2016
							Three Months
millions of Canadian dollars							2016		2015
Net income (loss) (U.S. GAAP)
	Upstream						(448)		(189)
	Downstream						320		565
	Chemical						49		66
	Corporate and other						(22)		(21)
	Net income (loss)						(101)		421
Revenues and other income
	Upstream						1,478		1,812
	Downstream						4,194		4,955
	Chemical						298		349
	Eliminations / Other						(748)		(913)
	Total						5,222		6,203
Purchases of crude oil and products
	Upstream						818		838
	Downstream						2,757		3,195
	Chemical						159		182
	Eliminations						(748)		(910)
	Purchases of crude oil and products						2,986		3,305
Production and manufacturing expenses
	Upstream						909		950
	Downstream						315		356
	Chemical						47		53
	Eliminations						-		-
	Production and manufacturing expenses						1,271		1,359
Capital and exploration expenditures
	Upstream						346		890
	Downstream						43		125
	Chemical						6		12
	Corporate and other						13		23
	Capital and exploration expenditures						408		1,050
	Exploration expenses charged to income included above						17		17

												Attachment IV
IMPERIAL OIL LIMITED
FIRST QUARTER 2016
Operating statistics										Three Months
										2016		2015
Gross crude oil and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) production
(thousands of barrels per day)
					Cold Lake					165		152
					Kearl					138		67
					Syncrude					80		73
					Conventional					14		15
					Total crude oil production					397		307
					NGLs available for sale					2		2
Total crude oil and NGL production										399		309
Gross natural gas production (millions of cubic feet per day)										129		146
Gross oil-equivalent production (a)
(thousands of oil-equivalent barrels per day)										421		333
Net crude oil and NGL production (thousands of barrels per day)
					Cold Lake					145		139
					Kearl					136		66
					Syncrude					80		69
					Conventional					13		15
					Total crude oil production					374		289
					NGLs available for sale					1		1
					Total crude oil and NGL production					375		290
Net natural gas production (millions of cubic feet per day)										126		143
Net oil-equivalent production (a)
(thousands of oil-equivalent barrels per day)										396		314
Cold Lake blend sales (thousands of barrels per day)										221		207
Kearl blend sales (thousands of barrels per day)										179		82
NGL sales (thousands of barrels per day)										5		6
Average realizations (Canadian dollars)
					Bitumen realizations (per barrel)					11.92		27.40
					Synthetic oil realizations (per barrel)					46.32		55.81
					Conventional crude oil realizations (per barrel)					24.47		27.21
					NGL realizations (per barrel)					14.49		25.12
					Natural gas realizations (per thousand cubic feet)					2.39		3.15
Refinery throughput (thousands of barrels per day)										398		393
Refinery capacity utilization (percent)										94		93
Petroleum product sales (thousands of barrels per day)
					Gasolines (Mogas)					246		234
					Heating, diesel and jet fuels (Distillates)					171		187
					Heavy fuel oils (HFO)					17		19
					Lube oils and other products (Other)					35		34
					Net petroleum products sales					469		474
Petrochemical sales (thousands of tonnes)										230		225

(a)	Gas converted to oil-equivalent at 6 million cubic feet = 1 thousand barrels.

									Attachment V
IMPERIAL OIL LIMITED
FIRST QUARTER 2016
							Net income (loss) per
			Net income (loss) (U.S. GAAP)				common share - diluted
			(millions of Canadian dollars)				(dollars)
2012
First Quarter			1,015						1.19
Second Quarter			635						0.75
Third Quarter			1,040						1.22
Fourth Quarter			1,076						1.26
Year			3,766						4.42
2013
First Quarter			798						0.94
Second Quarter			327						0.38
Third Quarter			647						0.76
Fourth Quarter			1,056						1.24
Year			2,828						3.32
2014
First Quarter			946						1.11
Second Quarter			1,232						1.45
Third Quarter			936						1.10
Fourth Quarter			671						0.79
Year			3,785						4.45
2015
First Quarter			421						0.50
Second Quarter			120						0.14
Third Quarter			479						0.56
Fourth Quarter			102						0.12
Year			1,122						1.32
2016
First Quarter			(101)						(0.12)

 

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

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