10-KPeriod: FY2009

IMPERIAL OIL LTD Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2009

Filed February 26, 2010For Securities:IMO

Summary

Imperial Oil Ltd.'s 2009 annual report highlights a challenging year marked by a significant decline in net income to $1.579 billion from $3.878 billion in 2008. This downturn was primarily driven by lower crude oil and natural gas prices resulting from the global economic recession, which also impacted downstream margins and product demand. Despite these headwinds, Imperial Oil demonstrated resilience by maintaining disciplined capital investment and focusing on operational excellence to advance key growth projects, notably the Kearl oil sands project. The company's upstream segment experienced a substantial drop in net income, largely due to lower commodity prices, though partially offset by reduced royalties and a weaker Canadian dollar. The downstream segment also saw reduced earnings from lower margins and sales volumes, while the chemical segment reported lower net income due to weaker industry demand and margins. Looking ahead, Imperial Oil remains focused on its long-term strategy of developing Canada's energy resources, emphasizing operational efficiency and cost management to navigate market volatility and ensure sustainable growth.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income decreased significantly by 59% to $1.579 billion in 2009 from $3.878 billion in 2008, primarily due to lower commodity prices and a challenging economic environment.
  • 2Upstream segment net income fell to $1.324 billion from $2.923 billion, impacted by lower oil and gas prices, partially offset by lower royalties and a weaker Canadian dollar.
  • 3Downstream segment net income decreased to $278 million from $796 million, affected by lower margins and sales volumes.
  • 4Total capital and exploration expenditures increased to $2.438 billion in 2009 from $1.363 billion in 2008, with a significant portion directed towards advancing the Kearl oil sands project.
  • 5The company reported total proved reserves of 2,513 million oil-equivalent barrels as of December 31, 2009, with 48% classified as proved undeveloped reserves.
  • 6Refinery utilization dropped to 82% in 2009 from 89% in 2008, reflecting the impact of declining economic conditions on demand.
  • 7Imperial Oil maintained a strong balance sheet with debt representing only 2% of its capital structure at year-end 2009.

Frequently Asked Questions

Imperial Oil's financial performance in 2009 was significantly impacted by the global economic recession. Net income decreased by 59% to $1.579 billion compared to $3.878 billion in 2008. This decline was mainly due to lower crude oil and natural gas prices, which reduced revenues and margins across its upstream, downstream, and chemical segments.

The company's primary growth driver highlighted in the report is the Kearl oil sands project. Significant capital expenditures were directed towards advancing this project in 2009, with plans for substantial investment in 2010. The company also continues to invest in its Cold Lake operations and other upstream development projects to maintain and grow production.

Commodity price volatility, particularly the decline in crude oil and natural gas prices in 2009, had a significant negative impact on Imperial Oil's financial results. Lower prices directly reduced upstream revenues and earnings, and also contributed to lower downstream margins and weakened demand for petroleum products.

Imperial Oil's strategy focuses on disciplined capital investment, operational excellence, and cost management to navigate market volatility. The company emphasizes a long-term view and prudently manages its financial resources, maintaining a strong balance sheet with low debt. It does not use derivative instruments for speculation, relying instead on its business diversification and strong financial position to mitigate risks.