10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2021

IMPERIAL OIL LTD Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2021

Filed November 3, 2021For Securities:IMO

Summary

Imperial Oil Ltd. reported a significant turnaround in its financial performance for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2021, compared to the same periods in 2020. The company posted substantial net income in Q3 2021, a stark contrast to the minimal profit in Q3 2020, driven by improved operational results across its Upstream, Downstream, and Chemical segments. This recovery is largely attributed to stronger commodity prices and increased demand for petroleum products as the global economy continues to rebound from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key financial metrics show a healthy increase in revenues and income before taxes. The Upstream segment benefited from significantly higher crude oil and bitumen realizations, while the Downstream segment saw improved margins and higher refinery throughput. The Chemical segment also contributed positively with increased polyethylene margins. The company has managed its capital expenditures effectively and maintained a strong liquidity position, with a notable increase in cash on hand. Imperial Oil continues to focus on shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases, while also navigating the long-term considerations of climate change and energy transition.

Key Highlights

  • 1Imperial Oil Ltd. reported a net income of $908 million in Q3 2021, a significant improvement from $3 million in Q3 2020.
  • 2For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net income was $1,666 million, a substantial increase from a net loss of $711 million in the same period of 2020.
  • 3Upstream segment performance improved dramatically, with net income of $524 million in Q3 2021 compared to a net loss of $74 million in Q3 2020, driven by higher crude oil and bitumen realizations.
  • 4Downstream segment net income increased to $293 million in Q3 2021 from $77 million in Q3 2020, due to higher margins and increased refinery throughput.
  • 5Chemical segment net income rose to $121 million in Q3 2021 from $27 million in Q3 2020, primarily due to higher polyethylene margins.
  • 6Cash flow from operating activities saw a significant increase, reaching $1,947 million in Q3 2021 compared to $875 million in Q3 2020.
  • 7The company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.27 per share in Q3 2021, up from $0.22 in Q3 2020, and continued its share purchase program.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers were significantly higher crude oil and bitumen realizations in the Upstream segment, coupled with improved refining margins and higher throughput in the Downstream segment. The Chemical segment also benefited from stronger polyethylene margins. These improvements are a reflection of recovering global demand for petroleum and petrochemical products and higher commodity prices compared to the prior year.

The Upstream segment experienced a strong recovery, turning a net loss of $74 million in Q3 2020 into a net income of $524 million in Q3 2021. This was driven by a substantial increase in realizations for crude oil and bitumen, as well as higher production volumes, largely due to the absence of prior year operational disruptions and improved market demand.

Imperial Oil now expects full-year 2021 capital and exploration expenditures to be around $1.1 billion, a slight decrease from previous guidance. The company continues to prioritize shareholder returns, as evidenced by an increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.27 per share and ongoing share repurchases under its normal course issuer bid program.

Imperial Oil views climate change as a global issue requiring collaboration. The company is evaluating climate change risk within its overall enterprise risk framework and is pursuing a strategy resilient to various energy transition pathways. It is making progress on its greenhouse gas emission reduction plans and aims to provide essential energy while minimizing environmental impacts and supporting society's transition to a lower-carbon future.