10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2020

IMPERIAL OIL LTD Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2020

Filed November 4, 2020For Securities:IMO

Summary

Imperial Oil Ltd. (IMO) reported a significantly challenging third quarter and first nine months of 2020, primarily due to the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on global demand and prices for petroleum products. For the third quarter of 2020, the company reported a net income of $3 million, a sharp decline from $424 million in the prior year. The nine-month period resulted in a net loss of $711 million, a substantial reversal from a net income of $1,929 million in the same period of 2019. These results were driven by lower commodity prices and reduced sales volumes across its Upstream and Downstream segments, although cost-saving measures, including reduced capital expenditures and operating expenses, helped to mitigate some of the impact. Despite the challenging operating environment, Imperial Oil maintained its commitment to shareholder returns, paying consistent dividends per share. The company also continues to manage its liquidity prudently, with significant available credit facilities. While near-term conditions remain uncertain, Imperial Oil's long-term view of supply and demand fundamentals has not significantly changed, though the company is continuously assessing its strategic plans and asset valuations in light of evolving economic conditions.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income for Q3 2020 was $3 million, a significant decrease from $424 million in Q3 2019.
  • 2Net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, was $711 million, compared to a net income of $1,929 million in the same period of 2019.
  • 3Total revenues and other income decreased to $5,955 million in Q3 2020 from $8,736 million in Q3 2019.
  • 4Upstream segment reported a net loss of $74 million in Q3 2020, compared to a net income of $209 million in Q3 2019, impacted by lower realizations and volumes.
  • 5Downstream segment net income declined to $77 million in Q3 2020 from $221 million in Q3 2019, due to lower margins and sales volumes.
  • 6Cash flow from operating activities decreased to $875 million in Q3 2020 from $1,376 million in Q3 2019.
  • 7Capital and exploration expenditures were reduced to $141 million in Q3 2020 from $442 million in Q3 2019.

Frequently Asked Questions

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Imperial Oil's financial performance in Q3 2020, leading to substantial reductions in global demand for crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum products. This resulted in lower realized prices and reduced sales volumes across the Upstream and Downstream segments, contributing to a sharp decline in net income to $3 million compared to $424 million in the prior year's quarter.

Due to significantly lower oil and natural gas prices year-to-date, Imperial Oil anticipates that certain quantities, primarily proved bitumen reserves at Kearl (approximately 60% of net proved reserves), may not qualify as proved reserves under SEC rules by year-end 2020. However, the company does not expect this reclassification to affect the operation of the underlying projects or its future production volume outlook.

Imperial Oil has implemented significant reductions in 2020 capital and operating expense spending plans, with capital and exploration expenditures now expected to be around $900 million for the full year. The company has also reduced production and manufacturing expenses year-to-date, surpassing its full-year target. For liquidity, the company has access to substantial credit facilities, including newly established committed short-term lines of credit, and has not drawn on these facilities.

The company has reviewed its near-term spending reductions, production impacts, and price levels to assess the risk of impairment for its long-lived assets. While its view of long-term supply and demand fundamentals remains unchanged, Imperial Oil continues to assess its strategic plans and longer-term price views. Depending on the outcome of its annual planning process, significant future changes in strategic plans or long-term price views could put a portion of its long-lived assets at risk for impairment.