The chart below shows how SU performed 10 days before and after its earnings report, based on data from the past quarters. Typically, SU sees a -0.99% change in stock price 10 days leading up to the earnings, and a +5.17% change 10 days following the report. On the earnings day itself, the stock moves by -0.86%. This data can give you a slight idea of what to expect for the next quarter's release.
Positive
Record Refining Performance: 1. Record Refining Throughput: Suncor achieved a refining throughput of 488,000 barrels per day in Q3 2024, marking a 5% increase from the previous year and the highest quarterly throughput in company history.
Upstream Production Surge: 2. Significant Upstream Production Growth: The company reported upstream production of 829,000 barrels per day, a 20% increase year-over-year, making it the best third quarter in company history.
Maximized Upgrader Efficiency: 3. High Upgrader Utilization: Upgrader utilization reached an unprecedented 99% in Q3 2024, with each additional 1% utilization contributing an estimated $20 million in annual free funds flow.
Shareholder Returns and Operations: 4. Strong Financial Returns: Suncor generated $3.8 billion in adjusted funds from operations, equating to $2.98 per share, and returned $1.5 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
Cost Reduction Success: 5. Successful Cost Management: Year-to-date total operating, selling, and general expenses were $9.65 billion, down $340 million compared to the previous year, while production and refining throughput increased significantly.
Negative
Wildfire Production Disruption: 1. Production Impact from Wildfires: In July, Suncor experienced a material production impact of 60,000 barrels per day due to wildfires affecting the Firebag site, which limited production capacity for the month.
Operating Costs Analysis: 2. Increased Operating Costs: Despite achieving record production levels, total operating costs for the year-to-date 2024 were reported at $9.65 billion, which is down only $340 million compared to the same period in 2023, indicating limited cost reduction relative to increased production.
Refining Margin Decrease: 3. Refining Margin Decline: The refining margins decreased, with the 5-2-2-1 refining index showing a decline of $0.65 per barrel compared to Q2, reflecting lower benchmark cracks and impacting profitability.
Turnaround Spending Analysis: 4. Turnaround Costs: Although turnaround activities were completed on budget, the total turnaround spend for the year is projected to be under $1 billion, which is still 20% lower than the prior five-year average, indicating ongoing high costs associated with maintenance and operational efficiency improvements.
Debt Management Issues: 5. Debt Management Challenges: While Suncor successfully completed a bond repurchase tender, retiring $1.1 billion in principal, the ongoing management of net debt around the $8 billion target remains a challenge, particularly with fluctuations in working capital affecting financial stability.
Suncor Energy Inc. (SU) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Transcript
SU.N
-0.46%