Suncor Energy Q1 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Expenses Down Y/Y

Core Viewpoint - Suncor Energy Inc. reported strong first-quarter 2025 adjusted operating earnings of 91 cents per share, exceeding expectations due to robust upstream production growth, although overall earnings declined from the previous year due to weaker downstream performance [1][6]. Financial Performance - Operating revenues reached $8.7 billion, surpassing estimates by 3.9%, but decreased approximately 6.7% year over year due to lower upstream sales volumes [2][14]. - The company declared a quarterly dividend of 57 Canadian cents per share, consistent with the previous quarter, to be paid on June 25, 2025 [2]. - Total expenses decreased by 1.4% to C$10.2 billion, with operating, selling, and general expenses down to C$3.3 billion from C$3.4 billion in the prior year [14]. Production and Segment Performance - The upstream segment achieved record production of 853,000 barrels per day (bbls/d), a 2.14% increase year over year, and exceeded the consensus estimate [5][4]. - Oil sands bitumen production reached a record 937,300 bbls/d, driven by strong output at Firebag [5]. - The company's exploration and production (E&P) volume increased by 23.9% to 62,300 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), surpassing estimates [6]. Downstream Operations - Adjusted operating earnings for the downstream segment fell to C$667 million from C$1.118 billion in the same quarter last year, primarily due to lower benchmark crack spreads [11]. - Refining throughput was the highest for a first quarter at 482,700 bpd, exceeding the consensus estimate [12][13]. Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures - Cash flow from operating activities was C$2.2 billion, down from C$2.8 billion in the prior year [15]. - Capital expenditures for the first quarter amounted to C$1.1 billion, with total capital expenditures for 2025 expected to be between C$6.1 billion and C$6.3 billion [15][19]. Guidance for 2025 - Suncor Energy anticipates upstream production to range from 810,000 boe/d to 840,000 boe/d for 2025, with cash operating costs for Oil Sands operations expected between C$26 and C$29 per barrel [16][18]. - Refinery throughput is projected to be between 435,000 bpd and 450,000 bpd, with refined product sales expected in the range of 555,000 to 585,000 bpd [18].