EX-99.2 3 a2236211zex-99_2.htm EX-99.2
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EXHIBIT 99.2

Management's Discussion and Analysis for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
July 25, 2018

Suncor is an integrated energy company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We are strategically focused on developing one of the world's largest petroleum resource basins – Canada's Athabasca oil sands. In addition, we explore for, acquire, develop, produce and market crude oil and natural gas in Canada and internationally; we transport and refine crude oil, and we market petroleum and petrochemical products primarily in Canada. We also conduct energy trading activities focused principally on the marketing and trading of crude oil, natural gas and byproducts. We also operate a renewable energy business as part of our overall portfolio of assets.

For a description of Suncor's segments, refer to Suncor's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2017, dated March 1, 2018 (the 2017 annual MD&A).

This Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with Suncor's unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements for the six months ended June 30, 2018, Suncor's audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the 2017 annual MD&A.

Additional information about Suncor filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including quarterly and annual reports and Suncor's Annual Information Form dated March 1, 2018 (the 2017 AIF), which is also filed with the SEC under cover of Form 40-F, is available online at www.sedar.com, www.sec.gov and our website www.suncor.com. Information contained in or otherwise accessible through our website does not form part of this MD&A, and is not incorporated into this MD&A by reference.

References to "we", "our", "Suncor", or "the company" mean Suncor Energy Inc., and the company's subsidiaries and interests in associates and jointly controlled entities, unless the context otherwise requires.

Table of Contents

1.   Advisories   5    
2.   Second Quarter Highlights   7    
3.   Consolidated Financial Information   8    
4.   Segment Results and Analysis   13    
5.   Capital Investment Update   26    
6.   Financial Condition and Liquidity   28    
7.   Quarterly Financial Data   31    
8.   Other Items   33    
9.   Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory   34    
10.   Common Abbreviations   39    
11.   Forward-Looking Information   40    

1. ADVISORIES

Basis of Presentation

Unless otherwise noted, all financial information has been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), specifically International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34 Interim Financial Reporting as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, which is within the framework of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Effective January 1, 2018, the company adopted IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (IFRS 15), which sets out new guidelines for the recognition of revenue. As a result, certain comparative figures presented in this MD&A pertaining to Suncor's 2017 results have been restated in accordance with the new standard with no impact to overall net earnings or operating earnings.

All financial information is reported in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted. Production volumes are presented on a working-interest basis, before royalties, except for Libya, which is on an entitlement basis. Certain prior year amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.

References to Oil Sands operations exclude Suncor's interest in Fort Hills and Syncrude operations.

2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.  5

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Certain financial measures in this MD&A – namely operating earnings (loss), funds from (used in) operations, return on capital employed (ROCE), Oil Sands operations cash operating costs, Fort Hills cash operating costs, Syncrude cash operating costs, In Situ cash operating costs, refining margin, refining operating expense, discretionary free funds flow, and last-in, first-out (LIFO) – are not prescribed by GAAP. Operating earnings (loss) is defined in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A and reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measure in the Consolidated Financial Information and Segment Results and Analysis sections of this MD&A. Oil Sands operations cash operating costs, Fort Hills cash operating costs, Syncrude cash operating costs and LIFO are defined in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A and reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in the Segment Results and Analysis section of this MD&A. Funds from (used in) operations, ROCE, discretionary free funds flow, In Situ cash operating costs, refining margin and refining operating expense are defined and reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A.

Risk Factors and Forward-Looking Information

The company's financial and operational performance is potentially affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the factors described within the Forward-Looking Information section of this MD&A. This MD&A contains forward-looking information based on Suncor's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. This information is provided to assist readers in understanding the company's future plans and expectations and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Refer to the Forward-Looking Information section of this MD&A for information on the material risk factors and assumptions underlying our forward-looking information contained in this MD&A.

Measurement Conversions

Certain crude oil and natural gas liquids volumes have been converted to mcfe on the basis of one bbl to six mcf. Also, certain natural gas volumes have been converted to boe or mboe on the same basis. Any figure presented in mcfe, boe or mboe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A conversion ratio of one bbl of crude oil or natural gas liquids to six mcf of natural gas is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value.

Common Abbreviations

For a list of abbreviations that may be used in this MD&A, refer to the Common Abbreviations section of this MD&A.

6  2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.

2. SECOND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

Second quarter financial results  

Net earnings were $972 million in the second quarter of 2018, compared to $435 million in the prior year quarter. Net earnings for the second quarter of 2018 included an unrealized after-tax foreign exchange loss of $218 million on the revaluation of U.S. dollar denominated debt. Net earnings in the prior year quarter included an unrealized after-tax foreign exchange gain of $278 million on the revaluation of U.S. dollar denominated debt, an after-tax charge of $10 million for early debt repayment, net of associated currency hedges, and a non-cash mark to market after-tax loss of $32 million on interest rate swaps and foreign currency derivatives.

Suncor recorded second quarter 2018 operating earnings(1) of $1.190 billion, compared to $199 million in the prior year quarter, as a result of improved crude oil pricing and increased refinery margins, higher In Situ and Syncrude production, and the addition of production from Fort Hills and Hebron. The increase was partially offset by the impact of major planned maintenance at Oil Sands and the company's refineries, the addition of operating costs for Fort Hills, Hebron and the 5% Syncrude ownership increase, and lower capitalized interest. Production was higher at Oil Sands operations compared to the prior year quarter; however, SCO production was impacted by the first major planned turnaround of Upgrader 1 since moving to a five-year cycle. Syncrude production in the second quarter of 2018 was also impacted by the completion of major planned maintenance, as well as a power disruption occurring late in the quarter, but was higher than the second quarter of 2017 due to the facility incident in the previous year quarter and the additional 5% working interest acquired in the first quarter of 2018.

Funds from operations(1) were $2.862 billion in the second quarter of 2018, compared to $1.627 billion in the second quarter of 2017, and were primarily impacted by the same factors as operating earnings described above, in addition to an increase in non-cash share-based compensation. Cash flow provided by operating activities, which includes changes in non-cash working capital, was $2.446 billion for the second quarter of 2018, compared to $1.671 billion for the second quarter of 2017.

At Fort Hills, the third and final extraction train was successfully brought online.  Production in the quarter averaged 70,900 bbls/d, net to Suncor, and continues to ramp up ahead of schedule.

Continued strong ramp up of Hebron production.  Production in the quarter averaged 13,500 bbls/d with a third production well being drilled ahead of schedule early in the second quarter.

In Situ cash operating costs(1) averaged $7.90/bbl for the quarter.  This represents the fourth consecutive quarter where In Situ cash operating costs have been below $10 per barrel.

Strong Refining and Marketing (R&M) results, despite extensive planned maintenance.  Improved benchmark crack margins and the sale of strategically built product inventories enabled the R&M business to contribute $884 million in funds from operations, despite completing one of the most significant maintenance schedules in the company's history.

Suncor continued to return value to shareholders.  The company returned $587 million to shareholders through dividends and repurchased $849 million of shares since the end of the first quarter of 2018, including committed repurchases subsequent to the end of the second quarter of 2018.

Subsequent to the end of the quarter, Suncor's Board of Directors approved an increase to the share repurchase program.  The approval permits the company to increase the program from $2.15 billion to $3.0 billion, demonstrating confidence in the company's ability to generate cash flow and commitment to return cash to shareholders.

   

(1)
Operating earnings, funds from operations, and In Situ cash operating costs are non-GAAP financial measures. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A.
2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.  7

3. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Financial Highlights

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

($ millions)

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Net earnings (loss)

                   

Oil Sands

  368   (277 ) 450   25    

Exploration and Production

  311   182   706   354    

Refining and Marketing

  685   346   1 491   1 175    

Corporate, Energy Trading and Eliminations

  (392 ) 184   (886 ) 233    

Total

  972   435   1 761   1 787    

Operating earnings (loss)(1)

                   

Oil Sands

  368   (277 ) 450   25    

Exploration and Production

  311   182   573   354    

Refining and Marketing

  685   346   1 491   821    

Corporate, Energy Trading and Eliminations

  (174 ) (52 ) (339 ) (189 )  

Total

  1 190   199   2 175   1 011    

Funds from (used in) operations(1)

                   

Oil Sands

  1 446   573   2 425   1 682    

Exploration and Production

  545   438   1 047   919    

Refining and Marketing

  884   504   1 849   1 079    

Corporate, Energy Trading and Eliminations

  (13 ) 112   (295 ) (29 )  

Total

  2 862   1 627   5 026   3 651    

Capital and exploration expenditures(2)

                   

Sustaining

  1 387   894   2 194   1 293    

Growth

  350   765   757   1 572    

Total

  1 737   1 659   2 951   2 865    


  Three months ended
June 30
  Twelve months ended
June 30
   

($ millions)

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Discretionary free funds flow(1)

  874   186   4 417   3 621    
(1)
Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A.

(2)
Excludes capitalized interest.
8  2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.

Operating Highlights

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Production volumes by segment

                   

Oil Sands (mbbls/d)

  547.6   413.6   559.7   501.6    

Exploration and Production (mboe/d)

  114.1   125.5   115.9   130.0    

Total (mboe/d)

  661.7   539.1   675.6   631.6    

Production mix

                   

Crude oil and liquids / natural gas (%)

  100/0   99/1   100/0   99/1    

Refinery utilization (%)

  74   94   86   94    

Refinery crude oil processed (mbbls/d)

  344.1   435.5   398.5   432.7    

Net Earnings

Suncor's consolidated net earnings for the second quarter of 2018 were $972 million, compared to net earnings of $435 million for the prior year quarter. Net earnings were primarily affected by the same factors that influenced operating earnings described subsequently in this section of this MD&A.

Other items affecting net earnings over these periods included:

The after-tax unrealized foreign exchange impact on the revaluation of U.S. dollar denominated debt was a loss of $218 million for the second quarter of 2018, compared to a gain of $278 million for the second quarter of 2017.

The second quarter of 2017 included a $32 million non-cash mark to market after-tax loss on interest rate swaps and foreign currency derivatives.

The second quarter of 2017 included an after-tax charge of $10 million related to the early repayment of long-term debt, net of associated realized foreign currency hedge gains.

Operating Earnings Reconciliation(1)

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

($ millions)

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Net earnings

  972   435   1 761   1 787    

Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) on U.S. dollar denominated debt

  218   (278 ) 547   (381 )  

Non-cash mark to market loss on interest rate swaps and foreign currency derivatives(2)

    32     32    

Loss on early payment of long-term debt(3)

    10     10    

Gain on disposal(4)

      (133 ) (437 )  

Operating earnings(1)

  1 190   199   2 175   1 011    
(1)
Operating earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure. All reconciling items are presented on an after-tax basis. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A.

(2)
Non-cash mark to market loss on interest rate swaps and foreign currency derivatives resulting from changes in long-term interest rates and foreign exchange rates in the Corporate segment.

(3)
Charges associated with the early repayment of debt, net of associated realized foreign currency hedge gains, in the Corporate segment.

(4)
Non-cash after-tax gain of $133 million in the Exploration and Production (E&P) segment related to the asset exchange with Canbriam Energy Inc. (Canbriam) for the company's mineral landholdings in northeast British Columbia in the first quarter of 2018. The first quarter of 2017 included a $345 million after-tax gain in the R&M segment related to the sale of the company's lubricants business, combined with an after-tax gain of $83 million in the Corporate segment related to the sale of the company's interest in the Cedar Point wind facility.
2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.  9

Bridge Analysis of Operatings Earnings ($ million)(1)

GRAPHIC

(1)
For an explanation of this bridge analysis, see the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A.

Suncor's consolidated operating earnings for the second quarter of 2018 were $1.190 billion compared to $199 million in the prior year quarter. The increase is attributed to improved crude oil pricing and increased refinery margins, higher In Situ and Syncrude production, and the addition of production from the Fort Hills and Hebron projects. The increase was partially offset by the impact of major planned maintenance at Oil Sands and the company's refineries, the addition of operating costs for Fort Hills, Hebron and the 5% Syncrude ownership increase, and lower capitalized interest. Production was higher at Oil Sands operations compared to the prior year quarter; however, SCO production was impacted by the first major planned turnaround of Upgrader 1 since moving to a five-year cycle. Syncrude production in the current quarter was also impacted by the completion of major planned maintenance, as well as a power disruption occurring late in the quarter, but was higher than the second quarter of 2017 due to the facility incident in the previous year quarter and the additional 5% working interest acquired in the first quarter of 2018.

After-Tax Share-Based Compensation Expense by Segment

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

($ millions)

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Oil Sands

  33   6   55   21    

Exploration and Production

  4   1   5   3    

Refining and Marketing

  16   3   28   12    

Corporate, Energy Trading and Eliminations

  64   9   111   55    

Total share-based compensation expense

  117   19   199   91    

The after-tax share-based compensation expense increased to $117 million during the second quarter of 2018, as a result of an increase in the company's share price, compared to $19 million during the prior year quarter.

10  2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.


Business Environment

Commodity prices, refining crack spreads and foreign exchange rates are important factors that affect the results of Suncor's operations.

      Average for the
three months ended
June 30
  Average for the
six months ended
June 30
   

      2018   2017   2018   2017    

WTI crude oil at Cushing

  US$/bbl   67.90   48.30   65.40   50.05    

Dated Brent crude

  US$/bbl   74.40   49.85   70.60   51.80    

Dated Brent/Maya crude oil FOB price differential

  US$/bbl   12.40   5.80   10.05   7.40    

MSW at Edmonton

  Cdn$/bbl   80.95   62.30   76.70   63.25    

WCS at Hardisty

  US$/bbl   48.65   37.20   43.65   37.25    

Light/heavy differential for WTI at Cushing less WCS at Hardisty

  US$/bbl   19.25   11.10   21.75   12.80    

Condensate at Edmonton

  US$/bbl   68.50   48.45   65.80   50.30    

Natural gas (Alberta spot) at AECO

  Cdn$/mcf   1.20   2.80   1.65   2.75    

Alberta Power Pool Price

  Cdn$/MWh   56.00   19.30   45.65   20.85    

New York Harbor 3-2-1 crack(1)

  US$/bbl   20.65   16.35   18.10   14.45    

Chicago 3-2-1 crack(1)

  US$/bbl   18.30   14.40   15.60   12.80    

Portland 3-2-1 crack(1)

  US$/bbl   27.90   21.25   24.15   19.85    

Gulf Coast 3-2-1 crack(1)

  US$/bbl   20.25   16.80   17.90   15.40    

Exchange rate

  US$/Cdn$   0.77   0.74   0.78   0.75    

Exchange rate (end of period)

  US$/Cdn$   0.76   0.77   0.76   0.77    
(1)
3-2-1 crack spreads are indicators of the refining margin generated by converting three barrels of WTI into two barrels of gasoline and one barrel of diesel. The crack spreads presented here generally approximate the regions into which the company sells refined products through retail and wholesale channels.

Suncor's sweet SCO price realizations are influenced primarily by the price of WTI at Cushing and by the supply and demand for sweet SCO from Western Canada. Price realizations in the second quarter of 2018 for sweet SCO were favourably impacted by a higher WTI price of US$67.90/bbl, compared to US$48.30/bbl in the prior year quarter. Suncor also produces sour SCO, the price of which is influenced by various crude benchmarks, including, but not limited to, MSW at Edmonton and WCS at Hardisty, and which can also be affected by prices negotiated for spot sales. Prices for MSW at Edmonton increased to $80.95/bbl compared to $62.30/bbl in the prior year quarter, and prices for WCS at Hardisty increased to US$48.65/bbl in the second quarter of 2018, from US$37.20/bbl in the prior year quarter, which was less than the increase in WTI as a result of the continued impact of wider heavy crude differentials due to takeaway constraints in the Alberta crude market.

Bitumen production that Suncor does not upgrade is blended with diluent or SCO to facilitate delivery on pipeline systems. Net bitumen price realizations are therefore influenced by both prices for Canadian heavy crude oil (WCS at Hardisty is a common reference), prices for diluent (Condensate at Edmonton) and SCO. Bitumen price realizations can also be affected by bitumen quality and spot sales.

Suncor's price realizations for production from East Coast Canada and International assets are influenced primarily by the price for Brent crude, which increased to US$74.40/bbl in the second quarter of 2018, compared to US$49.85/bbl in the prior year quarter.

Natural gas used in Suncor's Oil Sands and Refining operations is primarily referenced to Alberta spot prices at AECO. The average AECO benchmark decreased to $1.20/mcf in the second quarter of 2018, from $2.80/mcf in the prior year quarter.

Suncor's refining margins are primarily influenced by 3-2-1 benchmark crack spreads, which are industry indicators approximating the gross margin on a barrel of crude oil that is refined to produce gasoline and distillates, and by light/heavy and light/sour crude differentials. More complex refineries can earn greater refining margins by processing less expensive, heavier crudes. Crack spreads do not necessarily reflect the margins of a specific refinery. Crack spreads are based on current

2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.  11

crude feedstock prices whereas actual earnings are based on first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory accounting, where a delay exists between the time that feedstock is purchased and when it is processed and sold to a third party. A FIFO loss normally reflects a declining price environment for crude oil and finished products, whereas FIFO gains reflect an increasing price environment for crude oil and finished products. Specific refinery margins are further impacted by actual crude purchase costs, refinery configuration, production mix and realized prices for refined products sales in markets unique to each refinery.

Excess electricity produced in Suncor's Oil Sands operations is sold to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), with the proceeds netted against the Oil Sands operations cash operating cost per barrel metric. The Alberta power pool price increased to an average of $56.00/MWh in the second quarter of 2018, compared to $19.30/MWh in the prior year quarter.

The majority of Suncor's revenues from the sale of oil and natural gas commodities are based on prices that are determined by or referenced to U.S. dollar benchmark prices. The majority of Suncor's expenditures are realized in Canadian dollars. In comparison to the prior year quarter, the Canadian dollar strengthened in relation to the U.S. dollar during the second quarter of 2018, as the average exchange rate increased to US$0.77 per one Canadian dollar from US$0.74 per one Canadian dollar in the prior year quarter. This rate increase had a negative impact on price realizations for the company during the second quarter of 2018 when compared to the prior year quarter.

Suncor also has assets and liabilities, including approximately 65% of the company's debt, which are denominated in U.S. dollars and translated to Suncor's reporting currency (Canadian dollars) at each balance sheet date. A decrease in the value of the Canadian dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar, from the previous balance sheet date increases the amount of Canadian dollars required to settle U.S. dollar denominated obligations, while an increase in the value of the Canadian dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar, decreases the amount of Canadian dollars required to settle U.S. dollar denominated obligations.

12  2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.

4. SEGMENT RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

OIL SANDS

Financial Highlights

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

($ millions)

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Gross revenues(1)

  4 180   2 535   7 779   5 858    

Less: Royalties

  (124 ) (37 ) (170 ) (98 )  

Operating revenues, net of royalties

  4 056   2 498   7 609   5 760    

Net earnings (loss)

  368   (277 ) 450   25    

Operating earnings (loss)(2)

  368   (277 ) 450   25    

Funds from operations(2)

  1 446   573   2 425   1 682    
(1)
The three and six month periods ended June 30, 2017 have been restated in accordance with the new IFRS 15 revenue requirements, with no impact to net earnings or operating earnings. For further information on the restatements associated with IFRS 15, refer to note 3 in Suncor's Consolidated Financial Statements for the three-and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018.

(2)
Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A.

Bridge Analysis of Operating Earnings (Loss) ($ millions)(1)

GRAPHIC

(1)
For an explanation of this bridge analysis, see the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A.

The Oil Sands segment had operating earnings of $368 million in the second quarter of 2018, compared to an operating loss of $277 million in the prior year quarter. The increase was due to higher crude price realizations, higher production at In Situ and Syncrude, and the addition of production from Fort Hills, partially offset by lower SCO production at Oil Sands operations associated with an increase in planned maintenance, increased maintenance costs at Syncrude and Oil Sands operations, and the addition of operating costs at Fort Hills.

2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.  13


Production Volumes(1)

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

(mbbls/d)

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Upgraded product (SCO and diesel)

  246.2   295.0   266.8   317.1    

Internally consumed diesel(2)

  (8.3 ) (6.4 ) (8.2 ) (6.5 )  

Total Oil Sands operations upgraded product

  237.9   288.6   258.6   310.6    

In Situ non-upgraded bitumen

  121.0   64.0   123.2   89.7    

Total Oil Sands operations production

  358.9   352.6   381.8   400.3    

Fort Hills bitumen

  70.9     50.5      

Internally upgraded bitumen from froth

      (2.6 )    

Total Fort Hills bitumen

  70.9     47.9      

Syncrude (sweet SCO and diesel)

  120.0   61.1   132.4   102.3    

Internally consumed diesel(2)

  (2.2 ) (0.1 ) (2.4 ) (1.0 )  

Total Syncrude production

  117.8   61.0   130.0   101.3    

Total Oil Sands production

  547.6   413.6   559.7   501.6    
(1)
Bitumen production from Oil Sands Base operations is upgraded, while bitumen production from In Situ operations is either upgraded or sold directly to customers, including Suncor's own refineries, with SCO and diesel yields of approximately 79% of bitumen feedstock input. Fort Hills finished bitumen is sold directly to customers and bitumen froth from Fort Hills can be sent to Oil Sands Base for further processing into SCO. All of the bitumen produced at Syncrude is upgraded to sweet SCO and a small amount of diesel, at an approximate yield of 85%.

(2)
Both Oil Sands operations and Syncrude produce diesel which is internally consumed in mining operations, and Fort Hills uses internally produced diesel from Oil Sands Base within its mining operations. Of the 8,300 bbls/d of internally consumed diesel at Oil Sands operations in the second quarter of 2018, 6,300 bbls/d was consumed at Oil Sands Base and 2,000 bbls/d was consumed at Fort Hills. All upgrader utilization rates presented exclude internally produced and consumed diesel.

Oil Sands operations production was 358,900 bbls/d in the second quarter of 2018, compared to 352,600 bbls/d in the prior year quarter. The increase is attributed to higher In Situ production, with the prior year quarter being impacted by a turnaround at Firebag, partially offset by lower production at Oil Sands Base due to the completion of the first major turnaround of Upgrader 1 since moving to a five-year maintenance schedule. Upgrader utilization declined to 69% in the second quarter of 2018, compared to 83% in the prior year period. The second quarter of 2017 was also impacted by planned maintenance.

Following the successful commissioning of the third and final secondary extraction train on May 11, 2018, Fort Hills produced an average of 70,900 bbls/d of bitumen, net to Suncor, and is ramping up ahead of schedule.

Sales Volumes

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

(mbbls/d)

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Oil Sands operations sales volumes

                   

Sweet SCO

  59.6   104.4   71.9   114.6    

Diesel

  32.4   29.6   26.4   29.9    

Sour SCO

  159.0   160.1   168.5   169.8    

Upgraded product

  251.0   294.1   266.8   314.3    

In Situ non-upgraded bitumen

  113.7   86.0   115.9   95.4    

Oil Sands operations

  364.7   380.1   382.7   409.7    

Fort Hills bitumen

  64.0     36.2      

Syncrude

  117.8   61.0   130.0   101.3    

Total

  546.5   441.1   548.9   511.0    
14  2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.

Sales volumes for Oil Sands operations decreased to 364,700 bbls/d in the second quarter of 2018, from 380,100 bbls/d in the prior year quarter, consistent with the decrease in production combined with a smaller inventory draw than the prior year quarter.

The third and final extraction train came online at Fort Hills in the second quarter of 2018, which resulted in bitumen sales of 64,000 bbls/d, net to Suncor, and a build of bitumen inventory as the project continues to ramp up and increased production volumes make their way to market.

Suncor's share of Syncrude production and sales was 117,800 bbls/d in the second quarter of 2018, compared to 61,000 bbls/d in the prior year quarter. The increase is primarily due to the prior year quarter being significantly impacted by a facility incident as well as the acquisition by Suncor of an additional 5% working interest in Syncrude in the first quarter of 2018, partially offset by the extension of planned maintenance in the current period and a power disruption that occurred late in the second quarter. Syncrude has developed a return to service plan following the power disruption and partial production from the first coker returned in the second half of July, with a ramp up to full rates anticipated in September.

Bitumen Production

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Oil Sands Base

                   

Bitumen production (mbbls/d)

  195.4   293.1   218.4   298.2    

Bitumen ore mined (thousands of tonnes per day)

  286.5   448.3   324.3   458.7    

Bitumen ore grade quality (bbls/tonne)

  0.68   0.65   0.67   0.65    

In Situ

                   

Bitumen production – Firebag (mbbls/d)

  201.9   110.9   203.8   156.6    

Steam-to-oil ratio – Firebag

  2.7   2.6   2.7   2.6    

Bitumen production – MacKay River (mbbls/d)

  34.4   30.0   34.7   32.8    

Steam-to-oil ratio – MacKay River

  2.9   3.2   2.9   3.1    

Total In Situ bitumen production (mbbls/d)

  236.3   140.9   238.5   189.4    

Total Oil Sands operations bitumen production (mbbls/d)

  431.7   434.0   456.9   487.6    

Fort Hills

                   

Bitumen production (mbbls/d)

  70.9     50.5      

Bitumen ore mined (thousands of tonnes per day)

  111.0     80.5      

Bitumen ore grade quality (bbls/tonne)

  0.64     0.63      

Syncrude

                   

Bitumen production (mbbls/d)

  142.7   82.4   157.9   126.0    

Bitumen ore mined (thousands of tonnes per day)

  233.7   116.9   255.8   196.3    

Bitumen ore grade quality (bbls/tonne)

  0.61   0.70   0.62   0.64    

Total Oil Sands bitumen production

  645.3   516.4   665.3   613.6    

Bitumen production at Oil Sands operations decreased in the second quarter of 2018 to 431,700 bbls/d, compared with 434,000 bbls/d in the prior year quarter. The decrease was primarily due to lower Oil Sands Base bitumen production associated with planned Upgrader 1 maintenance, partially offset by higher In Situ production, with the prior year period impacted by a turnaround at Firebag.

Bitumen production at Fort Hills in the second quarter of 2018 was 70,900 bbls/d, net to Suncor, following the successful start of operations in the first quarter of 2018 and subsequent commissioning of the second and third extraction trains.

Bitumen production at Syncrude in the second quarter of 2018 increased to 142,700 bbls/d, net to Suncor, from 82,400 bbls/d in the prior year quarter. The increase is primarily due to the impact of the facility incident in the prior year period and an increase in Suncor's working interest acquired earlier in 2018, partially offset by the impact of planned maintenance during the period and the power disruption that occurred late in the second quarter of 2018.

2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.  15

Price Realizations(1)

Net of transportation costs, but before royalties

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

($/bbl)

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Oil Sands operations

                   

SCO and diesel

  80.00   60.51   74.99   61.47    

Bitumen

  42.84   29.39   35.10   28.26    

Crude sales basket (all products)

  68.41   53.47   62.91   53.70    

Crude sales basket, relative to WTI

  (19.77 ) (11.80 ) (20.94 ) (13.03 )  

Fort Hills bitumen

  51.86     49.70      

Syncrude – sweet SCO

  86.16   60.44   81.09   64.31    

Syncrude, relative to WTI

  (2.02 ) (4.83 ) (2.76 ) (2.42 )  
(1)
Price realizations for the second quarter of 2017 have been restated in accordance with the new IFRS 15 revenue requirements, with no impact to net earnings or operating earnings, as well as the removal of the impact of risk management activities. For further information on the restatements associated with IFRS 15, refer to note 3 in Suncor's Consolidated Financial Statements for the three-and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018.

Average price realizations at Oil Sands operations increased to $68.41/bbl in the second quarter of 2018 from $53.47/bbl in the prior year quarter, due to higher WTI benchmark prices, partially offset by an unfavourable sales mix, with a higher proportion of sour and heavy crude oil, and wider heavy crude oil differentials, resulting from transportation constraints at Edmonton/Hardisty, as well as the impact of a stronger Canadian dollar.

Average price realizations for Fort Hills bitumen were $51.86/bbl in the second quarter of 2018. They were higher than In Situ bitumen realizations due to a higher proportion of sales made in the U.S. Gulf Coast, where Suncor was able to realize increased prices, combined with the improved quality associated with paraffinic bitumen at Fort Hills.

Average price realizations at Syncrude increased to $86.16/bbl in the second quarter of 2018 from $60.44/bbl in the prior year quarter due to the increase in the WTI benchmark price and improved SCO differentials, partially offset by the impact of a stronger Canadian dollar.

Royalties

Royalties for the Oil Sands segment were higher in the second quarter of 2018 compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to higher benchmark pricing combined with the increase in bitumen production.

Expenses and Other Factors

Oil Sands operating and transportation expenses for the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior year quarter. See the reconciliation in the Cash Operating Costs section below for further details regarding cash operating costs and non-production costs.

At Oil Sands operations, operating costs increased as a result of higher planned maintenance associated with the Upgrader 1 turnaround and an increase in share-based compensation expense, partially offset by lower natural gas prices.

Suncor's share of Syncrude operating costs was higher than the prior year quarter due to the increased ownership of Syncrude operating costs associated with Suncor's acquisition of an additional 5% working interest in the first quarter of 2018 and an increase in planned maintenance costs. The increased costs were partially offset by lower natural gas prices and lower unplanned maintenance costs associated with a facility incident in the prior year quarter.

At Fort Hills, operating and transportation costs began in the first quarter of 2018 and the plant continues to ramp up to full capacity.

DD&A and exploration expenses for the second quarter of 2018 were higher than the prior year period, due to the addition of DD&A from Fort Hills and an increased share of Syncrude DD&A with the acquisition of an additional 5% working interest partway through the first quarter.

16  2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.


Cash Operating Costs

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

($ millions, except as noted)

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Oil Sands Operating, selling and general expense (OS&G)

  1 848   1 575   3 720   3 128    

Oil Sands operations cash operating costs(1) reconciliation

                   

Oil Sands operations OS&G

  1 056   1 024   2 123   1 994    

Non-production costs(2)

  (46 ) (11 ) (77 ) (32 )  

Excess power capacity and other(3)

  (41 ) (73 ) (107 ) (122 )  

Inventory changes

  (29 ) (47 ) (17 ) (36 )  

Oil Sands operations cash operating costs(1)

  940   893   1 922   1 804    

Oil Sands operations cash operating costs ($/bbl)(1)

  28.65   27.80   27.70   24.90    

Fort Hills cash operating costs(1) reconciliation

                   

Fort Hills OS&G

  184     328      

Non-production costs(2)

  (55 )   (71 )    

Inventory changes

  56     72      

Fort Hills cash operating costs(1)

  185     329      

Fort Hills cash operating costs ($/bbl)(1)

  28.55     35.90      

Syncrude cash operating costs(1) reconciliation

                   

Syncrude OS&G

  608   551   1 269   1 134    

Non-production costs(2)

  (5 ) (8 ) (15 ) (14 )  

Syncrude cash operating costs(1)

  603   543   1 254   1 120    

Syncrude cash operating costs ($/bbl)(1)

  56.25   97.80   53.25   61.05    
(1)
Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A.

(2)
Significant non-production costs include, but are not limited to, share-based compensation expense and research expenses. Non-production costs at Fort Hills also include, but are not limited to, project start-up costs, excess power revenue from cogeneration units while the project ramps up to sustained full production rates and an adjustment to reflect internally produced diesel from Oil Sands operations at the cost of production.

(3)
Oil Sands operations excess power capacity and other includes, but is not limited to, the operational revenue impacts of excess power from a cogeneration unit and the natural gas expense recorded as part of a non-monetary arrangement involving a third-party processor.

In the second quarter of 2018, Oil Sands operations cash operating costs per barrel were $28.65, compared to $27.80 in the prior year quarter, primarily due to increased operating costs, partially offset by higher production. Total Oil Sands operations cash operating costs increased to $940 million from $893 million in the prior year quarter as a result of increased maintenance activities, partially offset by a decrease in natural gas pricing.

In the second quarter of 2018, non-production costs, which are excluded from Oil Sands operations cash operating costs, were higher than the prior year quarter, primarily due to an increase in share-based compensation expense.

Excess power capacity and other costs at Oil Sands operations for the second quarter of 2018 were impacted by a decrease in excess power available for sale and lower non-monetary natural gas costs, partially offset by an increase in power pricing compared to the prior year quarter.

Inventory changes at Oil Sands operations in the second quarter of 2018 were lower compared to the second quarter of 2017 due to a smaller draw of inventory.

Fort Hills cash operating costs per barrel were $28.55 in the second quarter of 2018 and continue to reflect the impact of full operating costs while production ramps up to full rates. Non-production costs at Fort Hills include an adjustment to reflect internally produced diesel from Oil Sands operations at the cost of production, project start-up costs and revenues associated with the sale of excess electricity available while the Fort Hills project ramps up to sustained full production rates.

Syncrude cash operating costs per barrel were $56.25 in the second quarter of 2018, compared to $97.80 in the prior year quarter, with the decrease attributable to higher production, partially offset by the previously noted increase in operating

2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.  17

expenses. Suncor's share of Syncrude cash operating costs increased to $603 million, from $543 million in the second quarter of 2017.

Results for the First Six Months of 2018

Oil Sands operating earnings for the first six months of 2018 were $450 million, compared to $25 million for the same period in 2017. Operating earnings improved as a result of higher crude price realizations, increased production volumes and lower natural gas costs, partially offset by the addition of Fort Hills operating costs in 2018, higher maintenance costs and additional operating costs associated with an increased working interest in Syncrude.

Funds from operations for the first six months of 2018 were $2.425 billion for the segment, compared to $1.682 billion in the prior year period, with the increase primarily due to the same factors that influenced operating earnings noted above.

Oil Sands operations cash operating costs per barrel averaged $27.70 for the first six months of 2018, an increase from an average of $24.90/bbl for the first six months of 2017. The increase was largely driven by higher maintenance costs, partially offset by lower natural gas prices.

Fort Hills cash operating costs per barrel averaged $35.90 for the first six months of 2018.

Syncrude cash operating costs per barrel averaged $53.25 for the first six months of 2018, a decrease compared to $61.05 in the first six months of 2017 due to an increase in production, with the prior year period significantly impacted by a facility incident, partially offset by higher operating costs associated with increased maintenance.

Planned Maintenance Update

As a result of the power disruption late in the second quarter, Syncrude will be advancing some planned maintenance originally scheduled for the fall of 2018 and spring of 2019. Oil Sands operations plans to commence maintenance at Upgrader 2 in the third quarter of 2018. In the second quarter of 2018, MacKay River advanced and completed cogeneration maintenance originally scheduled for the third quarter of 2018, to coincide with third-party pipeline maintenance. The anticipated impact of these events has been reflected in the company's updated 2018 guidance.

18  2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.

EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION

Financial Highlights

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

($ millions)

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Gross revenues(1)

  1 010   807   1 948   1 691    

Less: Royalties(1)

  (65 ) (76 ) (147 ) (163 )  

Operating revenues, net of royalties

  945   731   1 801   1 528    

Net earnings

  311   182   706   354    

Adjusted for:

                   

Non-cash gain on asset exchange(2)

      (133 )    

Operating earnings(3)

  311   182   573   354    

Funds from operations(3)

  545   438   1 047   919    
(1)
Production, revenues and royalties from the company's Libya operations have been presented in the E&P section of this MD&A on an entitlement basis and exclude an equal and offsetting gross up of revenues and royalties, which is required for presentation purposes in the company's financial statements under the working-interest basis.

(2)
After-tax gain of $133 million related to the asset exchange with Canbriam for the company's mineral landholdings in northeast British Columbia in the first quarter of 2018.

(3)
Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A.

Bridge Analysis of Operating Earnings ($ millions)(1)

GRAPHIC

(1)
For an explanation of the construction of this bridge analysis, see the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A.

Operating earnings for the E&P segment in the second quarter of 2018 increased to $311 million, from $182 million in the prior year quarter, as a result of higher crude price realizations, lower DD&A and lower royalties, partially offset by lower overall sales volumes.

2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.  19

Production Volumes

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

E&P Canada

                   

Terra Nova (mbbls/d)

  13.6   11.0   14.5   12.9    

Hibernia (mbbls/d)

  25.5   30.0   25.8   30.1    

White Rose (mbbls/d)

  6.0   12.9   7.4   13.0    

Hebron (mbbls/d)

  13.5     10.9      

North America Onshore (mboe/d)

    1.8   1.0   2.3    

  58.6   55.7   59.6   58.3    

E&P International

                   

Buzzard (mboe/d)

  39.4   45.3   39.9   47.1    

Golden Eagle (mboe/d)

  12.6   20.1   13.4   20.2    

United Kingdom (mboe/d)

  52.0   65.4   53.3   67.3    

Libya (mbbls/d)

  3.5   4.4   3.0   4.4    

  55.5   69.8   56.3   71.7    

Total Production (mboe/d)

  114.1   125.5   115.9   130.0    

Production mix (liquids/gas) (%)

  99/1   97/3   98/2   97/3    

Total Sales Volumes (mboe/d)

  110.2   130.3   116.0   133.5    

E&P Canada production averaged 58,600 boe/d in the second quarter of 2018, compared to 55,700 boe/d in the prior year period. The increase was primarily due to the additional production from Hebron and development drilling at existing East Coast assets, partially offset by natural declines as well as the completion of planned maintenance at White Rose in the period.

E&P International production decreased to 55,500 boe/d in the second quarter of 2018, compared to 69,800 boe/d in the prior year quarter, reflecting natural declines at Buzzard and Golden Eagle, and lower production from Libya.

E&P sales volumes decreased to 110,200 boe/d in the second quarter of 2018, compared to 130,300 boe/d in the prior year quarter, due to the decreased production, combined with a build in inventory in East Coast Canada in the second quarter of 2018, compared to a draw in the prior year quarter, as a result of tanker shipment timing.

Price Realizations

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

Net of transportation costs, but before royalties

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Exploration and Production

                   

E&P Canada – Crude oil and natural gas liquids ($/bbl)

  95.06   64.65   88.53   66.34    

E&P Canada – Natural gas ($/mcfe)

    2.62   1.94   2.55    

E&P International ($/boe)

  91.81   61.81   86.36   63.86    

Price realizations for crude oil from E&P Canada and E&P International were higher in the second quarter of 2018, compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to an increase in benchmark Brent crude pricing, partially offset by the impact of unfavourable exchange rates with a stronger Canadian dollar.

20  2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.

Royalties

E&P royalties in the second quarter of 2018 were lower than the prior year quarter due to lower production and the resolution of a royalty dispute for prior years, partially offset by higher realized pricing.

Expenses and Other Factors

Operating and transportation expenses for the second quarter of 2018 increased compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to additional operating costs at Hebron, which began producing in the fourth quarter of 2017. The increase was partially offset by lower overall operating costs at Suncor's other offshore assets.

DD&A expense in the second quarter of 2018 was lower compared to the second quarter of 2017 primarily due to lower production and depletion rates in the U.K. in the second quarter of 2017.

Results for the First Six Months of 2018

Operating earnings for E&P for the first six months of 2018 were $573 million, compared to $354 million in the first six months of 2017. The increase was primarily due to higher crude price realizations, lower exploration expense, lower DD&A, and lower royalties, partially offset by lower production and higher operating costs associated with the addition of the Hebron project.

Funds from operations were $1.047 billion for the first six months of 2018, compared to $919 million for the first six months of 2017. The increase was primarily driven by higher crude price realizations and lower royalties, partially offset by lower production and higher operating costs associated with the addition of the Hebron project.

Planned Maintenance Update for Operated Assets

A planned three-week maintenance event has been scheduled to commence at Terra Nova in the third quarter of 2018. The anticipated impact of this maintenance has been reflected in the company's updated 2018 guidance.

2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.  21

REFINING AND MARKETING

Financial Highlights

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

($ millions)

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Operating revenues(1)

  5 910   4 686   11 336   9 266    

Net earnings

  685   346   1 491   1 175    

Adjusted for:

                   

Gain on significant disposal(2)

        (354 )  

Operating earnings(3)

  685   346   1 491   821    

Funds from operations(3)

  884   504   1 849   1 079    
(1)
The three and six month periods ended June 30, 2017 have been restated in accordance with the new IFRS 15 revenue requirements, with no impact to net earnings or operating earnings. For further information on the restatements associated with IFRS 15, refer to note 3 in Suncor's Consolidated Financial Statements for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018.

(2)
After-tax gain related to the sale of the company's Petro-Canada lubricants business during the first quarter of 2017.

(3)
Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A

Bridge Analysis of Operating Earnings ($ millions)(1)

GRAPHIC

(1)
For an explanation of this bridge analysis, see the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A.

R&M operating earnings were $685 million in the second quarter of 2018, compared to $346 million in the prior year quarter. The increase is due to improved benchmark crack spreads, wider light/heavy crude differentials and strong product location differentials, partially offset by lower crude throughput associated with one of the most significant periods of planned refinery maintenance the company has undertaken in its history, the impact of a stronger Canadian dollar, and lower sales volumes than the prior year period. R&M results in the second quarter of 2018 benefited from the sale of refined product inventories strategically built up in advance of the turnarounds, but were partially offset by the impact of a delay in turnaround completion at the Edmonton refinery, which contributed to product supply shortages in Western Canada. Supply issues in Western Canada have since been resolved.

22  2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.


Volumes

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Crude oil processed (mbbls/d)

                   

Eastern North America

  182.0   208.6   199.8   211.6    

Western North America

  162.1   226.9   198.7   221.1    

Total

  344.1   435.5   398.5   432.7    

Refinery utilization(1) (%)

                   

Eastern North America

  82   94   90   95    

Western North America

  68   95   83   92    

Total

  74   94   86   94    

Refined product sales (mbbls/d)

                   

Gasoline

  242.0   236.8   237.9   233.4    

Distillate

  181.7   191.2   192.9   191.7    

Other

  76.3   93.9   75.7   89.9    

Total

  500.0   521.9   506.5   515.0    

Refining margin(2) ($/bbl)

  27.40   18.85   29.05   20.55    

Refining operating expense(2) ($/bbl)

  6.25   5.05   5.45   5.25    
(1)
Refinery utilization is the amount of crude oil and natural gas plant liquids run through crude distillation units, expressed as a percentage of the capacity of these units.

(2)
Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A. Refining margins have been presented on a LIFO basis as management uses this basis to assess performance, with the prior period restated to reflect this change.

Refinery crude throughput in the second quarter of 2018 decreased to 344,100 bbls/d, compared to 435,500 bbls/d in the prior year quarter, as a result of planned maintenance at all of Suncor's four refineries. The most significant maintenance occurred at the Edmonton and Sarnia refineries, with the entire Edmonton refinery undergoing the first full turnaround in its history. All of the significant turnaround activities planned for the second quarter have been completed and all refineries returned to normal production rates prior to the end of the quarter.

Total refined product sales decreased to 500,000 bbls/d in the second quarter of 2018, compared to 521,900 bbls/d in the prior year period. The decrease is attributed to the impact of extensive planned maintenance throughout the quarter as well as the delayed completion of the Edmonton refinery turnaround, which contributed to a product supply shortage at some retail stations across Western Canada, partially offset by the sale of product inventory that was built up in the first quarter of 2018.

Prices and Margin

Realized refined product gross margins were higher in the second quarter of 2018, compared to the prior year quarter, and were impacted primarily by the following factors:

Higher benchmark refining crack spreads, favourable light/heavy differentials and improved product location differentials, partially offset by the impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.

In the second quarter of 2018, the impact of the FIFO method of inventory valuation, as used by the company, relative to an estimated LIFO(1) method, had a positive impact on operating earnings of $151 million after-tax, compared to an unfavourable impact of $38 million after-tax in the prior year quarter, for a favourable quarter-over-quarter impact of $189 million.

Marketing gross margins in the second quarter of 2018 were higher than in the prior year quarter, primarily due to improved wholesale unit margins as well as increased contributions from non-petroleum revenues, partially offset by weaker retail margins and lower sales, as noted above.

   

(1)
The estimated impact of the LIFO method is a non-GAAP financial measure. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A.
2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.  23

Expenses and Other Factors

Operating expenses in the second quarter of 2018 were higher than the prior year quarter due to an increase in share based compensation expense and additional maintenance costs related to the turnarounds completed in the current quarter, partially offset by lower natural gas input prices.

Results for the First Six Months of 2018

Operating earnings for R&M in the first six months of 2018 were $1.491 billion, compared to $821 million in the first six months of 2017, with the increase attributable to higher benchmark cracks spreads, favourable light/heavy crude differentials and product location differentials, partially offset by lower throughput and sales volumes. For the first six months of 2018, the impact of the FIFO method of inventory valuation, as used by the company, relative to an estimated LIFO method, had a positive impact to operating earnings and funds from operations of $204 million after-tax, compared to $5 million after-tax in the first six months of 2017.

Funds from operations were $1.849 billion in the first six months of 2018, compared to $1.079 billion in the first six months of 2017, and increased primarily due to the same factors that influenced operating earnings described above.

Suncor completed the sale of its Petro-Canada lubricants business during the first quarter of 2017, which contributed $8 million in net earnings and $11 million in funds from operations for the first six months of 2017.

Planned Maintenance

The company has completed all major planned refinery maintenance and there are no major events scheduled for the third quarter of 2018.

CORPORATE, ENERGY TRADING AND ELIMINATIONS

Financial Highlights

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

($ millions)

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Net (loss) earnings

  (392 ) 184   (886 ) 233    

Adjusted for:

                   

Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) on U.S. dollar denominated debt

  218   (278 ) 547   (381 )  

Non-cash mark to market loss on interest rate swaps and foreign currency derivatives(1)

      32     32    

Non-cash loss on early payment of long-term debt(2)

    10     10    

Gain on significant disposal(3)

        (83 )  

Operating (loss) earnings(4)

  (174 ) (52 ) (339 ) (189 )  

Renewable Energy

    1   1   (1 )  

Energy Trading

  22   (4 ) 13   (15 )  

Corporate

  (231 ) (75 ) (421 ) (215 )  

Eliminations

  35   26   68   42    

Funds (used in) from operations(4)

  (13 ) 112   (295 ) (29 )  
(1)
Non-cash mark to market loss on interest rate swaps and foreign currency derivatives resulting from changes in long-term interest rates and foreign exchange rates.

(2)
Charges associated with the early repayment of debt, net of associated realized foreign currency hedge gains.

(3)
After-tax gain of $83 million related to the sale of the company's interest in the Cedar Point wind facility.

(4)
Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A.
24  2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.

Renewable Energy

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Power generation marketed (gigawatt hours)(1)

  42   76   99   163    
(1)
Power generated includes curtailed production for which the company was compensated.

Renewable Energy had $nil operating earnings in the second quarter of 2018, with power revenues offsetting expenses, and were comparable to $1 million in the prior year quarter.

Energy Trading

Operating earnings for Energy Trading were $22 million in the second quarter of 2018, compared to an operating loss of $4 million in the second quarter of 2017, due to favourable North American crude trading and heavy crude location spreads.

Corporate

The Corporate operating loss was $231 million for the second quarter of 2018, compared to an operating loss of $75 million for the prior year quarter, with the increased loss attributable to a significant decrease in capitalized interest, due to the completion of the company's major growth projects, higher non-cash share-based compensation expense and a lower operational foreign exchange gain in the current quarter. These factors were partially offset by interest income related to a prior period tax settlement and lower interest expense as a result of a decrease in the company's long-term debt. Suncor capitalized $25 million of its borrowing costs in the second quarter of 2018 as part of the cost of major development assets and construction projects in progress, compared to $196 million in the prior year quarter, as a result of commissioning of the company's Fort Hills and Hebron growth projects.

Eliminations

Eliminations reflect the deferral of profit on crude oil sales from Oil Sands to Suncor's refineries. Consolidated profits are only realized when the refined products produced from internal purchases of crude feedstock have been sold to third parties. During the second quarter of 2018, the company realized $35 million of after-tax intersegment profit, compared to $26 million of after-tax intersegment profit realized in the prior year quarter. The increase is primarily due to the drawdown of refined product inventory volumes at the Edmonton refinery, which supported sales during the turnaround in the second quarter of 2018.

Corporate, Energy Trading and Eliminations funds used in operations for the first quarter of 2018 were $13 million, compared to funds from operations of $112 million in the prior year period. In addition to the cash factors noted in operating earnings above, the decrease in funds from operations was due to the prior year quarter being favourably impacted by current tax recoveries associated with the early repayment of debt.

Results for the First Six Months of 2018

The operating loss for Corporate, Energy Trading and Eliminations for the first six months of 2018 was $339 million, compared to an operating loss of $189 million in the first six months of 2017. The increase is attributed to lower capitalized interest, an increase in non-cash share-based compensation and lower operational foreign exchange gains, partially offset by higher realized intersegment profit. The company capitalized $102 million of its borrowing costs in the first six months of 2018, compared with $370 million in the first six months of 2017, with the decrease resulting from the commissioning of the company's major growth projects.

Corporate, Energy Trading and Eliminations funds used in operations for the first six months of 2018 were $295 million, compared to $29 million in the prior year period. In addition to the cash factors noted above in operating earnings, funds from operations in the first six months of the prior year were favourably impacted by tax recoveries associated with the early repayment of debt.

2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.  25

5. CAPITAL INVESTMENT UPDATE

Capital and Exploration Expenditures by Segment

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

($ millions)

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Oil Sands

  1 122   1 500   2 114   2 559    

Exploration and Production

  250   215   415   442    

Refining and Marketing

  370   134   487   226    

Corporate, Energy Trading and Eliminations

  20   6   37   8    

Total capital and exploration expenditures

  1 762   1 855   3 053   3 235    

Less: capitalized interest on debt

  (25 ) (196 ) (102 ) (370 )  

  1 737   1 659   2 951   2 865    

Capital and Exploration Expenditures by Type(1)

  Three months ended June 30, 2018
  Six months ended June 30, 2018
   

($ millions)

  Sustaining(2)   Growth(3)   Total   Sustaining(2)   Growth(3)   Total    

Oil Sands

                           

Oil Sands Base

  659   13   672   1 043   20   1 063    

In Situ

  89   1   90   185   16   201    

Fort Hills

  31   95   126   99   323   422    

Syncrude

  214   2   216   335   3   338    

Exploration and Production

  4   239   243   8   395   403    

Refining and Marketing

  370     370   487     487    

Corporate, Energy Trading and Eliminations

  20     20   37     37    

  1 387   350   1 737   2 194   757   2 951    
(1)
Capital expenditures in this table exclude capitalized interest on debt.

(2)
Sustaining capital expenditures include capital investments that i) ensure compliance or maintain relations with regulators and other stakeholders; ii) improve efficiency and reliability of operations or maintain productive capacity by replacing component assets at the end of their useful lives; iii) deliver existing proved developed reserves for E&P operations; or iv) maintain current production capacities at existing Oil Sands and R&M operations.

(3)
Growth capital expenditures include capital investments that result in i) an increase in production levels at existing Oil Sands and R&M operations; ii) new facilities or operations that increase overall production; iii) new infrastructure that is required to support higher production levels; iv) new reserves or a positive change in the company's reserves profile in E&P operations; or v) margin improvement by increasing revenues or reducing costs.

In the second quarter of 2018, total capital and exploration expenditures were $1.737 billion (excluding capitalized interest), compared to $1.659 billion in the prior year period, with increased sustaining capital expenditures associated with extensive planned maintenance events more than offsetting the decrease in growth capital following the commissioning of the company's major growth projects, Fort Hills and Hebron.

The company has updated its full year outlook range for capital expenditures to $5.2 – $5.5 billion from $4.5 – $5.0 billion to reflect the increase in ownership at both Syncrude and Fort Hills, the capital requirements for the company's acquisition of a 17.5% interest in the Fenja development project, which closed in the second quarter of 2018, accelerated investment of future growth projects and an increase in turnaround expenditures at Oil Sands operations, Syncrude and R&M.

Activity in the second quarter of 2018 is summarized by business unit below.

Oil Sands

Oil Sands Base

Oil Sands Base capital and exploration expenditures were $672 million in the second quarter of 2018, the majority of which focused on sustaining activities related to the company's planned maintenance program, which included the first turnaround

26  2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.

of Upgrader 1 since moving to a five-year cycle, the development of new tailings infrastructure and various reliability and sustainment projects across the operations.

In Situ

In Situ capital and exploration expenditures were $90 million in the second quarter of 2018, and were primarily directed towards sustaining activities, including an increase in well pad construction that is expected to maintain existing production levels at Firebag and MacKay River.

Fort Hills

Capital expenditures at Fort Hills were $126 million in the second quarter of 2018, of which $95 million was related to growth spending focused on ramping up to sustained full production rates. The third and final extraction train at Fort Hills began operations in the second quarter of 2018 and the plant was successfully tested in excess of 90% of full design capacity during a weeklong reliability test.

Syncrude

Syncrude capital and exploration expenditures were $216 million in the second quarter of 2018, the majority of which was for sustaining capital expenditures focused on maintaining assets, including capital related to the completion of the upgrader turnaround.

Exploration and Production

Capital expenditures at E&P were $243 million in the second quarter of 2018 and were primarily focused on growth opportunities, including continued development drilling at Hebron as part of the ramp up phase, development drilling at White Rose, Terra Nova and Hibernia, as well as development work on the West White Rose Project and the Norwegian Oda project.

During the second quarter of 2018, the company closed the previously announced transaction to acquire a 17.5% interest in the Fenja development project offshore Norway, with an effective date of January 1, 2018, for US$54.5 million or approximately $70 million plus interim settlement costs of $22 million. Suncor's share of go-forward capital is estimated to be $280 million, based on the operator's gross projected development cost.

Refining and Marketing

R&M capital expenditures were $370 million and were primarily related to planned refinery maintenance at all four of the company's refineries, including the first full turnaround shutdown of the Edmonton refinery, the ongoing sustainment of operations, enhancements to retail operations and information technology upgrades.

Corporate, Energy Trading and Eliminations

Corporate capital expenditures were $20 million, with the majority of the spending directed towards the company's information technology initiatives.

2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.  27

6. FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

Indicators

  Twelve months ended
June 30
   

  2018   2017    

Return on Capital Employed(1) (%)

           

Excluding major projects in progress

  9.5   6.2    

Including major projects in progress

  8.3   4.9    

Net debt to funds from operations(2) (times)

  1.5   1.7    

Interest coverage on long-term debt (times)

           

Earnings basis(3)

  7.4   3.8    

Funds from operations basis(2)(4)

  13.7   9.4    
(1)
Non-GAAP financial measure. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A.

(2)
Funds from operations and metrics that use funds from operations are non-GAAP financial measures. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A.

(3)
Equal to net earnings plus income taxes and interest expense, divided by the sum of interest expense and capitalized interest on debt.

(4)
Equal to funds from operations plus current income taxes and interest expense, divided by the sum of interest expense and capitalized interest on debt.

Capital Resources

Suncor's capital resources consist primarily of cash flow provided by operating activities, cash and cash equivalents, available lines of credit and proceeds received from the divestiture of non-core assets. Suncor's management believes the company will have the capital resources to fund its planned 2018 capital spending program of $5.2 – $5.5 billion and to meet current and future working capital requirements, through cash balances and cash equivalents, cash flow provided by operating activities, available committed credit facilities, issuing commercial paper and, if needed, divesting of non-core assets and accessing capital markets. The company's cash flow provided by operating activities depends on a number of factors, including commodity prices, production and sales volumes, refining and marketing margins, operating expenses, taxes, royalties and foreign exchange rates.

The company has invested cash in short-term financial instruments that are presented as cash and cash equivalents. The objectives of the company's short-term investment portfolio are to ensure the preservation of capital, maintain adequate liquidity to meet Suncor's cash flow requirements and deliver competitive returns derived from the quality and diversification of investments within acceptable risk parameters. The maximum weighted average term to maturity of the short-term investment portfolio is not expected to exceed six months, and all investments will be with counterparties with investment grade debt ratings.

Available Sources of Liquidity

Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $1.983 billion during the first six months of 2018, from $2.672 billion at December 31, 2017, as a result of the company decision to hold less cash following the commissioning of Fort Hills and Hebron. In addition, the decrease is a result of a use of cash associated with an increase in the company's working capital balances, primarily due to an increase in accounts receivable balances, the company's capital and exploration expenditures and dividend requirements, the acquisition of an additional 5% working interest in Syncrude in the first quarter of 2018 and the purchase of Suncor's own shares under its normal course issuer bid (NCIB), partially offset by funds from operations and an increase in short-term indebtedness.

As at June 30, 2018, the weighted average term to maturity of the company's short-term investment portfolio was approximately 10 days.

Available credit facilities for liquidity purposes at June 30, 2018 decreased to $2.468 billion, compared to $4.489 billion at December 31, 2017, which was primarily a result of the increase in short-term indebtedness noted above, which was, in part, associated with the acquisition of an additional 5% working interest in Syncrude in the first quarter of 2018.

28  2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.


Financing Activities

Management of debt levels continues to be a priority for Suncor given the company's long-term growth plans and future expected volatility in the pricing environment. Suncor believes a phased and flexible approach to existing and future growth projects should assist the company in maintaining its ability to manage project costs and debt levels.

Total Debt to Total Debt Plus Shareholders' Equity

Suncor is subject to financial and operating covenants related to its bank debt and public market debt. Failure to meet the terms of one or more of these covenants may constitute an "event of default" as defined in the respective debt agreements, potentially resulting in accelerated repayment of one or more of the debt obligations. The company is in compliance with its financial covenant that requires total debt to not exceed 65% of its total debt plus shareholders' equity. At June 30, 2018, total debt to total debt plus shareholders' equity was 28.5% (December 31, 2017 – 25.6%). The company continues to be in compliance with all operating covenants.

($ millions, except as noted)

  June 30
2018
  December 31
2017
   

Short-term debt

  4 267   2 136    

Current portion of long-term debt

  344   71    

Long-term debt

  13 535   13 372    

Total debt

  18 146   15 579    

Less: Cash and cash equivalents

  1 983   2 672    

Net debt

  16 163   12 907    

Shareholders' equity

  45 543   45 383    

Total debt plus shareholders' equity

  63 689   60 962    

Total debt to total debt plus shareholders' equity (%)

  28.5   25.6    

Change in Debt

($ millions)

  Three months ended
June 30, 2018
  Six months ended
June 30, 2018
   

Total debt – beginning of period

  17 686   15 579    

Net decrease in long-term debt

  (18 ) (35 )  

Increase in short-term debt

  234   1 979    

Foreign exchange on debt, and other

  244   623    

Total debt – June 30, 2018

  18 146   18 146    

Less: Cash and cash equivalents – June 30, 2018

  1 983   1 983    

Net debt – June 30, 2018

  16 163   16 163    

The company's total debt increased in the second quarter of 2018 due to an increase in short-term indebtedness, which was primarily used to fund acquisitions, as well as the impact of unfavourable foreign exchange rates on U.S. dollar denominated debt compared to March 31, 2018.

Common Shares

Outstanding Shares

(thousands)

  June 30,
2018
   

Common shares

  1 627 222    

Common share options – exercisable

  15 906    

Common share options – non-exercisable

  13 786    
2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.  29

As at July 23, 2018, the total number of common shares outstanding was 1,624,141,933 and the total number of exercisable and non-exercisable common share options outstanding was 29,315,860. Once exercisable, each outstanding common share option is convertible into one common share.

Share Repurchases

Under the company's NCIB that commenced in the second quarter of 2018, the company is permitted to purchase for cancellation up to $2.15 billion worth of its common shares through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange and/or alternative trading platforms from May 4, 2018 to May 3, 2019. Suncor has agreed that it will not purchase more than 52,285,330 common shares, which is equal to approximately 3% of the company's issued and outstanding common shares.

During the second quarter of 2018, Suncor repurchased and cancelled 11,860,356 common shares at an average price of $51.33 per share, for $609 million, compared to the prior year quarter when the company repurchased and cancelled 7,220,752 common shares at an average price of $40.93 per share, for $296 million. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, the company repurchased a further $240 million of shares for cancellation, for total repurchases of $849 million since the end of the first quarter of 2018.

Subsequent to the end of the quarter, Suncor's Board of Directors approved an increase in share repurchase transactions of up to $3 billion in share repurchases, demonstrating confidence in the company's ability to generate cash flow and commitment to return cash to shareholders.

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Share repurchase activities (thousands of common shares)

  11 860   7 221   20 859   7 221    

Weighted average repurchase price per share
(dollars per share)

  51.33   40.93   47.86   40.93    

Share repurchase cost ($ millions)

  609   296   998   296    

Contractual Obligations, Commitments, Guarantees, and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In the normal course of business, the company is obligated to make future payments, including contractual obligations and non-cancellable commitments. Suncor has included these items in the Financial Condition and Liquidity section of the 2017 annual MD&A and has provided an update below. Suncor does not believe that it has any guarantees or off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on the company's financial performance or financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or capital expenditures.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, Suncor increased its commitments by approximately $120 million (undiscounted), which is primarily related to a diluent storage service arrangement and additional mining equipment at Fort Hills and Oil Sands Base.

30  2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.

7. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

Trends in Suncor's quarterly revenue, earnings and funds from operations(1) are driven primarily by production volumes, which can be significantly impacted by major maintenance events, changes in commodity prices, refining crack spreads, foreign exchange rates and other significant events impacting operations, such as the Syncrude facility incident that occurred late in the first quarter of 2017 and significantly impacted the second quarter of 2017.

Financial Summary

Three months ended
($ millions, unless otherwise noted)

  June 30
2018
  Mar 31
2018
  Dec 31
2017
  Sept 30
2017
  June 30
2017
  Mar 31
2017
  Dec 31
2016
  Sept 30
2016
   

Total production (mboe/d)

                                   

Oil Sands

  547.6   571.7   621.2   628.4   413.6   590.6   620.4   617.5    

Exploration and Production

  114.1   117.7   115.2   111.5   125.5   134.5   118.1   110.6    

  661.7   689.4   736.4   739.9   539.1   725.1   738.5   728.1    

Revenues and other income

                                   

Operating revenues, net of royalties

  10 327   8 807   8 973   7 963   7 231   7 787   7 805   7 352    

Other income (loss)

  101   (57 ) 41   43   16   25   301   (15 )  

  10 428   8 750   9 014   8 006   7 247   7 812   8 106   7 337    

Net earnings

  972   789   1 382   1 289   435   1 352   531   392    

per common share – basic (dollars)

  0.60   0.48   0.84   0.78   0.26   0.81   0.32   0.24    

per common share – diluted (dollars)

  0.59   0.48   0.84   0.78   0.26   0.81   0.32   0.24    

Operating earnings(1)

  1 190   985   1 310   867   199   812   636   346    

per common share – basic(1) (dollars)

  0.73   0.60   0.79   0.52   0.12   0.49   0.38   0.21    

Funds from operations(1)

  2 862   2 164   3 016   2 472   1 627   2 024   2 365   2 025    

per common share – basic(1) (dollars)

  1.75   1.32   1.83   1.49   0.98   1.21   1.42   1.22    

Cash flow provided by operating activities

  2 446   724   2 755   2 912   1 671   1 628   2 791   1 979    

per common share – basic (dollars)

  1.50   0.44   1.67   1.75   1.00   0.98   1.68   1.19    

ROCE(1) (%) for the twelve months ended

  8.3   6.5   6.7   5.5   4.9   3.5   0.4   (3.9 )  

ROCE(1), excluding major projects in progress (%) for twelve months ended

  9.5   7.8   8.6   7.0   6.2   4.4   0.5   (4.6 )  

After-tax unrealized foreign exchange (loss) gain on U.S. dollar denominated debt

  (218 ) (329 ) (91 ) 412   278   103   (222 ) (112 )  

Common share information (dollars)

                                   

Dividend per common share

  0.36   0.36   0.32   0.32   0.32   0.32   0.29   0.29    

Share price at the end of trading

                                   

Toronto Stock Exchange (Cdn$)

  53.50   44.49   46.15   43.73   37.89   40.83   43.90   36.42    

New York Stock Exchange (US$)

  40.68   34.54   36.72   35.05   29.20   30.75   32.69   27.78    
(1)
Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of this MD&A.
2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.  31

Business Environment

Three months ended
(average for the period ended, except as noted)

      June 30
2018
  Mar 31
2018
  Dec 31
2017
  Sept 30
2017
  June 30
2017
  Mar 31
2017
  Dec 31
2016
  Sept 30
2016
   

WTI crude oil at Cushing

  US$/bbl   67.90   62.90   55.40   48.20   48.30   51.85   49.35   44.95    

Dated Brent crude

  US$/bbl   74.40   66.80   61.40   52.50   49.85   53.75   49.50   45.85    

Dated Brent/Maya FOB price differential

  US$/bbl   12.40   7.70   9.60   6.30   5.80   9.05   6.70   6.80    

MSW at Edmonton

  Cdn$/bbl   80.95   72.45   69.30   57.05   62.30   64.25   62.00   55.10    

WCS at Hardisty

  US$/bbl   48.65   38.60   43.10   38.25   37.20   37.30   35.00   31.45    

Light/heavy crude oil differential for WTI at Cushing less WCS at Hardisty

  US$/bbl   19.25   24.30   12.30   9.95   11.10   14.55   14.35   13.50    

Condensate at Edmonton

  US$/bbl   68.50   63.15   57.95   47.60   48.45   52.20   48.35   43.05    

Natural gas (Alberta spot) at AECO

  Cdn$/mcf   1.20   1.77   1.70   1.45   2.80   2.70   3.10   2.30    

Alberta Power Pool Price

  Cdn$/MWh   56.00   34.95   22.35   24.55   19.30   22.40   21.95   17.90    

New York Harbor 3-2-1 crack(1)

  US$/bbl   20.65   15.50   19.40   22.35   16.35   12.55   14.35   14.00    

Chicago 3-2-1 crack(1)

  US$/bbl   18.30   12.85   20.20   19.25   14.40   11.15   10.55   14.15    

Portland 3-2-1 crack(1)

  US$/bbl   27.90   20.35   22.10   26.80   21.25   18.45   14.95   18.75    

Gulf Coast 3-2-1 crack(1)

  US$/bbl   20.25   15.55   18.25   21.45   16.80   14.00   13.15   14.50    

Exchange rate

  US$/Cdn$   0.77   0.79   0.79   0.80   0.74   0.76   0.75   0.77    

Exchange rate (end of period)

  US$/Cdn$   0.76   0.78   0.80   0.80   0.77   0.75   0.74   0.76    
(1)
3-2-1 crack spreads are indicators of the refining margin generated by converting three barrels of WTI into two barrels of gasoline and one barrel of diesel. The crack spreads presented here generally approximate the regions into which the company sells refined products through retail and wholesale channels.

Significant or Unusual Items Impacting Net Earnings

In addition to the impacts of changes in production volumes and business environment, net earnings over the last eight quarters were affected by the following events or one-time adjustments:

In the first quarter of 2018, the company recorded a non-cash after-tax gain of $133 million in the E&P segment related to the asset exchange with Canbriam for Suncor's mineral landholdings in northeast British Columbia.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, net earnings included a $124 million deferred income tax recovery related to a decrease in the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, after-tax insurance proceeds of $55 million related to the facility incident at Syncrude that occurred in the first quarter of 2017, an after-tax loss of $18 million related to the early repayment of long-term debt and a $2 million gain on interest rate swaps.

In the third quarter of 2017, Suncor recognized a non-cash after-tax gain on interest rate swaps of $10 million in the Corporate segment due to an increase in long-term interest rates; the non-cash after-tax loss on interest rate swaps due to a decline in long-term interest rates was $22 million in the third quarter of 2016.

In the second quarter of 2017, the company recognized a non-cash after-tax loss on interest rate swaps and foreign currency derivatives in the Corporate segment of $32 million due to a decrease in long-term interest rates and changes in foreign exchange rates.

In the second quarter of 2017, the company incurred an after-tax charge of $10 million in the Corporate segment for early payment of long-term debt, net of associated realized foreign currency hedge gains.

In the first quarter of 2017, Suncor recorded an after-tax gain of $354 million on the sale of the company's lubricants business in the R&M segment, as well as an after-tax gain of $83 million on the divestment of Suncor's interest in the Cedar Point wind facility in the Corporate segment.

In the fourth quarter of 2016, the company recorded after-tax derecognition charges of $40 million on certain upgrading and logistics assets in the Oil Sands segment, as well as $31 million in the Corporate segment relating to an initial investment in an undeveloped pipeline and on certain renewable energy development assets as a result of the uncertainty of future benefits from these assets.
32  2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.

In the third quarter of 2016, the U.K. government enacted a decrease in the supplementary charge rate on oil and gas profits in the North Sea that reduced the statutory tax rate on Suncor's earnings in the U.K. from 50% to 40%, effective January 1, 2016. The company revalued its deferred income tax balances, resulting in a deferred income tax recovery of $180 million in the E&P segment.

8. OTHER ITEMS

Accounting Policies

Suncor's significant accounting policies and a summary of recently announced accounting standards are described in the Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates section of Suncor's 2017 annual MD&A.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect reported assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, gains and losses, and disclosures of contingencies. These estimates and assumptions are subject to change based on experience and new information. Critical accounting estimates are those that require management to make assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made. Critical accounting estimates are also those estimates which, where a different estimate could have been used or where changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur, would have a material impact on the company's financial condition, changes in financial condition or financial performance. Critical accounting estimates and judgments are reviewed annually by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. A detailed description of Suncor's critical accounting estimates is provided in note 4 to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 and in the Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates section of Suncor's 2017 annual MD&A.

Financial Instruments

Suncor periodically enters into derivative contracts such as forwards, futures, swaps, options and costless collars to manage exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices and foreign exchange rates, and to optimize the company's position with respect to interest payments. The company also uses physical and financial energy derivatives to earn trading profits. For more information on Suncor's financial instruments and the related financial risk factors, see note 28 of the audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, note 11 to the unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements for the three months ended June 30, 2018, and the Financial Condition and Liquidity section of Suncor's 2017 annual MD&A.

Income Tax

In the fourth quarter of 2017, the U.S. government enacted a decrease in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018. As a result, the company revalued its deferred income tax balances, resulting in a deferred income tax recovery of $124 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Government of British Columbia enacted an increase to the provincial corporate income tax rate from 11% to 12%. As a result, the company revalued its deferred income tax balances, resulting in a deferred income tax expense of $18 million.

Control Environment

Based on their evaluation as at June 30, 2018, Suncor's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)), are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in reports that are filed or submitted to Canadian and U.S. securities authorities is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Canadian and U.S. securities laws. In addition, as at June 30, 2018, there were no changes in the internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that occurred during the three-month period ended June 30, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal control over financial reporting. Management will continue to periodically evaluate the company's disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting and will make any modifications from time to time as deemed necessary.

Based on their inherent limitations, disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements, and even those controls determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.  33


Corporate Guidance

Suncor has updated its previously issued 2018 corporate guidance, as set forth in Suncor's press release dated July 25, 2018, which is also available on www.sedar.com.

9. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES ADVISORY

Certain financial measures in this MD&A – namely operating earnings (loss), ROCE, funds from (used in) operations, discretionary free funds flow, Oil Sands operations cash operating costs, Fort Hills cash operating costs, Syncrude cash operating costs, In Situ cash operating costs, refining margin, refining operating expense and LIFO – are not prescribed by GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures are included because management uses the information to analyze business performance, leverage and liquidity, and it may be useful to investors on the same basis. These non-GAAP financial measures do not have any standardized meaning and, therefore, are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Therefore, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Except as otherwise indicated, these non-GAAP financial measures are calculated and disclosed on a consistent basis from period to period. Specific adjusting items may only be relevant in certain periods.

Operating Earnings (Loss)

Operating earnings (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts net earnings (loss) for significant items that are not indicative of operating performance. Management uses operating earnings (loss) to evaluate operating performance because management believes it provides better comparability between periods. Operating earnings (loss) are reconciled to net earnings (loss) in the Consolidated Financial Information and Segment Results and Analysis sections of this MD&A.

Bridge Analyses of Operating Earnings

Throughout this MD&A, the company presents charts that illustrate the change in operating earnings from the comparative period through key variance factors. These factors are analyzed in the Operating Earnings narratives following the bridge analyses in particular sections of this MD&A. These bridge analyses are presented because management uses this presentation to evaluate performance.

The factor for Sales Volumes and Mix is calculated based on sales volumes and mix for the Oil Sands and E&P segments and throughput volumes and mix for the R&M segment.

The factor for Price, Margin and Other Revenue includes upstream price realizations before royalties, with the exception of Libya, which is net of royalties. Also included are refining and marketing margins, other operating revenue, and the net impacts of sales and purchases of third-party crude, including product purchased for use as diluent in the company's Oil Sands operations and subsequently sold as part of diluted bitumen.

The factor for Royalties excludes the impact of Libya, as royalties in Libya are taken into account in Price, Margin and Other Revenue as described above.

The factor for Operating and Transportation Expense includes project start-up costs, operating, selling and general expense, and transportation expense.

The factor for Financing Expense and Other includes financing expenses, other income, operational foreign exchange gains and losses, changes in gains and losses on disposal of assets that are not operating earnings adjustments, changes in statutory income tax rates and other income tax adjustments.

Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)

ROCE is a non-GAAP financial measure that management uses to analyze operating performance and the efficiency of Suncor's capital allocation process. Average capital employed is calculated as a twelve-month average of the capital employed balance at the beginning of the twelve-month period and the month-end capital employed balances throughout the remainder of the twelve-month period. Figures for capital employed at the beginning and end of the twelve-month period are presented to show the changes in the components of the calculation over the twelve-month period.

The company presents two ROCE calculations – one including and one excluding the impacts on capital employed of major projects in progress. Major projects in progress includes accumulated capital expenditures and capitalized interest for significant projects still under construction or in the process of being commissioned, and acquired assets that are still being

34  2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.

evaluated. Management uses ROCE excluding the impacts of major projects in progress on capital employed to assess performance of operating assets.

For the twelve months ended June 30
($ millions, except as noted)

      2018   2017    

Adjustments to net earnings

               

Net earnings

      4 432   2 710    

(Deduct) add after-tax amounts for:

               

Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) on U.S. dollar denominated debt

      226   (47 )  

Net interest expense

      321   221    

  A   4 979   2 884    

Capital employed – beginning of twelve-month period

               

Net debt

      13 780   14 545    

Shareholders' equity

      44 887   44 453    

      58 667   58 998    

Capital employed – end of twelve-month period

               

Net debt

      16 163   13 780    

Shareholders' equity

      45 543   44 887    

      61 706   58 667    

Average capital employed

  B   59 793   58 803    

ROCE – including major projects in progress (%)

  A/B   8.3   4.9    

Average capitalized costs related to major projects in progress

  C   7 202   11 984    

ROCE – excluding major projects in progress (%)

  A/(B–C)   9.5   6.2    

Funds From (Used In) Operations

Funds from (used in) operations is a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts a GAAP measure – cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities – for changes in non-cash working capital, which management uses to analyze operating performance and liquidity. Changes to non-cash working capital can include, among other factors, the timing of offshore feedstock purchases and payments for commodity and income taxes, the timing of cash flows related to accounts receivable and accounts payable, and changes in inventory which management believes reduces comparability between periods.

Funds from (used in) operations for each quarter are separately defined and reconciled to the consolidated GAAP measure in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of each respective MD&A or quarterly report to shareholders, as applicable, for the related quarter.

2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.  35

Three months ended June 30          Oil Sands
      Exploration and
   Production
      Refining and
  Marketing
    Corporate,  
Energy Trading
and Eliminations
         Total
   
($ millions)     2018     2017     2018     2017     2018     2017     2018     2017     2018     2017    

Net earnings

    368     (277 )   311     182     685     346     (392 )   184     972     435    

Adjustments for:

                                                               

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment

    954     927     249     289     174     168     14     26     1 391     1 410    

Deferred income taxes

    84     (73 )   (30 )   (38 )   26     (4 )   11     103     91     (12 )  

Accretion

    53     49     12     11     2     1             67     61    

Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) on U.S. dollar denominated debt

                            245     (295 )   245     (295 )  

Change in fair value of financial instruments and trading inventory

    10     (1 )           (20 )   (3 )   23     61     13     57    

Gain on disposal of assets

                    (4 )   (2 )           (4 )   (2 )  

Loss on debt extinguishment

                                25         25    

Share-based compensation

    52     8     6         20     4     79     14     157     26    

Exploration

                                           

Settlement of decommissioning and restoration liabilities

    (84 )   (62 )   (3 )   (2 )   (3 )   (5 )           (90 )   (69 )  

Other

    9     2         (4 )   4     (1 )   7     (6 )   20     (9 )  

Funds from operations(1)

    1 446     573     545     438     884     504     (13 )   112     2 862     1 627    

(Increase) decrease in non-cash working capital

                                                    (416 )   44    

Cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities

                                                    2 446     1 671    
(1)
Non-GAAP financial measure. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of the MD&A.
36  2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.

Six months ended June 30       Oil Sands
      Exploration and
   Production
      Refining and
Marketing
    Corporate,  
Energy Trading
and Eliminations
         Total
   
($ millions)     2018     2017     2018     2017     2018     2017     2018     2017     2018     2017    

Net earnings

    450     25     706     354     1 491     1 175     (886 )   233     1 761     1 787    

Adjustments for:

                                                               

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment

    1 928     1 868     528     573     328     328     31     63     2 815     2 832    

Deferred income taxes

    141     (64 )   (85 )   (97 )   49     (13 )   15     150     120     (24 )  

Accretion

    104     98     24     21     4     3             132     122    

Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) on U.S. dollar denominated debt

                            618     (404 )   618     (404 )  

Change in fair value of financial instruments and trading inventory

    18     (8 )           (8 )   (13 )   (48 )   88     (38 )   67    

Gain on disposal of assets

    (1 )   (1 )   (162 )       (4 )   (351 )       (70 )   (167 )   (422 )  

Loss on debt extinguishment

                                25         25    

Share-based compensation

    (12 )   (78 )   (4 )   (3 )   (15 )   (34 )   (36 )   (109 )   (67 )   (224 )  

Exploration

                41                         41    

Settlement of decommissioning and restoration liabilities

    (238 )   (180 )   (16 )   (3 )   (5 )   (6 )           (259 )   (189 )  

Other

    35     22     56     33     9     (10 )   11     (5 )   111     40    

Funds from operations(1)

    2 425     1 682     1 047     919     1 849     1 079     (295 )   (29 )   5 026     3 651    

(Increase) decrease in non-cash working capital

                                                    (1 856 )   (352 )  

Cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities

                                                    3 170     3 299    
(1)
Non-GAAP financial measure. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of the MD&A

Discretionary Free Funds Flow

Discretionary free funds flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that is calculated by taking funds from operations and subtracting sustaining capital, inclusive of associated capitalized interest, and dividends. Discretionary free funds flow reflects cash available for increasing distributions to shareholders and to fund growth investments. Management uses discretionary free funds flow to measure the capacity of the company to increase returns to shareholders and grow the business.

  Three months ended
June 30
  Twelve months ended
June 30
   

($ millions)

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Funds from operations

  2 862   1 627   10 514   8 041    

Sustaining capital and dividends

  (1 988 ) (1 441 ) (6 097 ) (4 420 )  

Discretionary free funds flow

  874   186   4 417   3 621    

Oil Sands Operations, In Situ, Fort Hills and Syncrude Cash Operating Costs

Oil Sands operations, In Situ, Syncrude and Fort Hills cash operating costs are non-GAAP financial measures. Oil Sands operations cash operating costs are calculated by adjusting Oil Sands segment OS&G expense (a GAAP measure based on sales volumes) for i) costs pertaining to Fort Hills and Syncrude operations; ii) non-production costs that management believes do not relate to the production performance of Oil Sands operations and In Situ, including, but not limited to, share-based compensation adjustments, research and the expense recorded as part of a non-monetary arrangement involving a third-party processor; iii) revenues associated with excess capacity, including excess power generated and sold that is recorded in operating revenue; iv) project start-up costs; and v) the impacts of changes in inventory levels, such that the company is able

2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.  37

to present cost information based on production volumes. To determine In Situ cash operating costs, Oil Sands operations cash operating costs are further adjusted to remove costs pertaining to Oil Sands operations mining and upgrading. Syncrude and Fort Hills cash operating costs are calculated by adjusting Syncrude OS&G expense and Fort Hills OS&G expense, respectively, for non-production costs that management believes do not relate to the production performance of Syncrude operations or Fort Hills operations, respectively, including, but not limited to, share-based compensation, research and project start-up costs, if applicable. Oil Sands operations, Fort Hills and Syncrude cash operating costs are reconciled in the Segment Results and Analysis – Oil Sands section of this MD&A. Management uses cash operating costs to measure Oil Sands operating performance. Oil Sands operations cash operating costs in the second quarter of 2018 were $940 million and included $170 million related to In Situ production for In Situ cash operating costs per barrel of $7.90, based on total In Situ production of 236,300 bbls/d.

Refining Margin and Refining Operating Expense

Refining margin and refining operating expense are non-GAAP financial measures and are presented on a LIFO basis. Refining margin is calculated by adjusting R&M segment operating revenue, other income and purchases of crude oil and products (GAAP measures) for non-refining margin pertaining to the company's supply, marketing and ethanol businesses, and the company's former lubricants business, as well as removing the impact of FIFO inventory gains and losses and risk management hedging gains and losses. Refinery operating expense is calculated by adjusting R&M segment OS&G for i) non-refining costs pertaining to the company's supply, marketing and ethanol businesses, and the company's former lubricants business; and ii) non-refining costs that management believes do not relate to the production of refined products, including, but not limited to, share-based compensation and enterprise shared service allocations. Management uses refining margin and refining operating expense to measure operating performance on a production barrel basis.

  Three months ended
June 30
  Six months ended
June 30
   

($ millions, except as noted)

  2018   2017   2018   2017    

Refining margin reconciliation

                   

Gross margin, operating revenue less purchases of crude oil and products

  1 628   1 102   3 401   2 430    

Other (loss) income

  (14 ) 19   (21 ) 38    

Last-in, First-out adjustment (LIFO)

  (96 ) 33   (107 ) 27    

Non-refining margin

  (610 ) (329 ) (1 023 ) (760 )  

Refining margin

  908   825   2 250   1 735    

Refinery production(1) (mbbls)

  33 165   42 629   77 528   84 169    

Refining margin ($/bbl)

  27.40   19.30   29.05   20.60    

Refining operating expense reconciliation

                   

Operating, selling and general expense

  478   448   958   951    

Non-refining costs

  (272 ) (233 ) (534 ) (507 )  

Refining operating expense

  206   215   424   444    

Refinery production(1) (mbbls)

  33 165   42 629   77 528   84 169    

Refining operating expense ($/bbl)

  6.25   5.05   5.45   5.25    
(1)
Refinery production is the output of the refining process, and differs from crude oil processed as a result of volumetric adjustments for non-crude feedstock, volumetric gain associated with the refining process, and changes in unfinished product inventories.

Impact of First-in, First-out Inventory (FIFO) Valuation on Refining and Marketing Net Earnings

GAAP requires the use of a FIFO inventory valuation methodology. For Suncor, this results in a disconnect between the sales prices for refined products, which reflect current market conditions, and the amount recorded as the cost of sale for the related refinery feedstock, which reflects market conditions at the time the feedstock was purchased. This lag between purchase and sale can be anywhere from several weeks to several months, and is influenced by the time to receive crude after purchase (which can be several weeks for foreign offshore crude purchases), regional crude inventory levels, the completion of refining processes, transportation time to distribution channels, and regional refined product inventory levels.

38  2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.

Suncor prepares and presents an estimate of the impact of using a FIFO inventory valuation methodology compared to a LIFO methodology, because management uses the information to analyze operating performance and compare itself against refining peers that are permitted to use LIFO inventory valuation under United States GAAP (U.S. GAAP).

The company's estimate is not derived from a standardized calculation and, therefore, may not be directly comparable to similar measures presented by other companies, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP or U.S. GAAP.

10. COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

The following is a list of abbreviations that may be used in this MD&A:

Measurement   Places and Currencies
bbl   barrel   U.S.   United States
bbls/d   barrels per day   U.K.   United Kingdom
mbbls/d   thousands of barrels per day        
        $ or Cdn$   Canadian dollars
boe   barrels of oil equivalent   US$   United States dollars
boe/d   barrels of oil equivalent per day        
mboe   thousands of barrels of oil equivalent        
mboe/d   thousands of barrels of oil equivalent per day   Financial and Business Environment
        Q2   Three months ended June 30
GJ   Gigajoule   DD&A   Depreciation, depletion and amortization
        WTI   West Texas Intermediate
mcf   thousands of cubic feet of natural gas   WCS   Western Canadian Select
mcfe   thousands of cubic feet of natural gas   SCO   Synthetic crude oil
    equivalent   MSW   Mixed Sweet Blend
mmcf   millions of cubic feet of natural gas   NYMEX   New York Mercantile Exchange
mmcf/d   millions of cubic feet of natural gas per day   YTD   Year to date
mmcfe   millions of cubic feet of natural gas equivalent        
mmcfe/d   millions of cubic feet of natural gas equivalent        
    per day        
MW   megawatts        
MWh   megawatts per hour        
2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.  39

11. FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

The document contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements and other information are based on Suncor's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions that were made by the company in light of information available at the time the statement was made and consider Suncor's experience and its perception of historical trends, including expectations and assumptions concerning: the accuracy of reserves and resources estimates; commodity prices and interest and foreign exchange rates; the performance of assets and equipment; capital efficiencies and cost-savings; applicable laws and government policies; future production rates; the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the availability and cost of labour, services and infrastructure; the satisfaction by third parties of their obligations to Suncor; the execution of projects; and the receipt, in a timely manner, of regulatory and third-party approvals. All statements and information that address expectations or projections about the future, and other statements and information about Suncor's strategy for growth, expected and future expenditures or investment decisions, commodity prices, costs, schedules, production volumes, operating and financial results, future financing and capital activities, and the expected impact of future commitments are forward-looking statements. Some of the forward-looking statements may be identified by words like "expects", "anticipates", "will", "estimates", "plans", "scheduled", "intends", "believes", "projects", "indicates", "could", "focus", "vision", "goal", "outlook", "proposed", "target", "objective", "continue", "should", "may", "future", "potential", "opportunity", "would", "priority" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in the document include references to:

Statements about Suncor's share repurchase program, Suncor's confidence in the company's ability to generate cash flow and its commitment to return cash to shareholders;

Syncrude's return to service plan and the expectation that Syncrude production will ramp up to full rates in September;

Suncor's belief in Syncrude's long-term potential and ability to achieve sustained reliability improvements, and that Suncor is working with the Syncrude owners to advance strategic initiatives in order to achieve reliability and cost goals;

The expectation that Suncor's 2018 capital program will focus on improving the safety, long-term reliability and efficiency of the company's operating assets, including execution of major turnarounds, in addition to the efficient and effective ramp up at both of Suncor's major growth projects, Fort Hills and Hebron, and Suncor's priority relating to bringing the company's major growth projects up to their full design capacity on a sustained basis;

The company's focus on optimizing mining capacity at Fort Hills with the expectation of reliably sustaining production in excess of 90% of plant capacity by the fourth quarter of 2018;

The company's plan to remain focused on returning cash to shareholders and prioritizing initiatives at existing assets that further improve cash flow;

Statements about the Fenja development project, including Suncor's estimated share of go-forward capital of $280 million;

The anticipated impact and timing of planned maintenance events, including at Upgrader 2 and Terra Nova, and the expectation that Syncrude will advance some planned maintenance originally scheduled for the fall of 2018 and spring of 2019;

Suncor's expectation that existing production levels at Firebag and MacKay River will be maintained due to an increase in well pad construction;

The belief that Suncor will have the capital resources to fund its planned 2018 capital spending program of $5.2 to $5.5 billion and to meet current and future working capital requirements through cash balances and cash equivalents, cash flow provided by operating activities, available committed credit facilities, issuing commercial paper and, if needed, divesting of non-core assets and accessing capital markets;

The objectives of Suncor's short-term investment portfolio and Suncor's expectation that the maximum weighted average term to maturity of the short-term investment portfolio will not exceed six months, and that all investments will be with counterparties with investment grade debt ratings;

The company's priority regarding the management of debt levels given the company's long-term growth plans and future expected volatility in the pricing environment and Suncor's belief that a phased and flexible approach to existing and future growth projects should assist Suncor in maintaining its ability to manage project costs and debt levels;

The company's belief that it does not have any guarantees or off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on the company's financial performance or financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or capital expenditures; and
40  2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.

Suncor's outlook for full year total production, and Oil Sands operations, Fort Hills, Syncrude and E&P production, SCO sales, total capital expenditures and Upstream and Downstream capital expenditures, Oil Sands operations, Fort Hills and Syncrude Crown royalties, current income tax expense, Fort Hills cash operating costs and Syncrude cash operating costs, and business environment outlook assumptions for Brent Sullom Voe, WTI at Cushing, WCS at Hardisty and Cdn$/US$ exchange rate.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some that are similar to other oil and gas companies and some that are unique to Suncor. Suncor's actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by its forward-looking statements, so readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. The financial and operating performance of the company's reportable operating segments, specifically Oil Sands, E&P, and R&M, may be affected by a number of factors.

Factors that affect Suncor's Oil Sands segment include, but are not limited to, volatility in the prices for crude oil and other production, and the related impacts of fluctuating light/heavy and sweet/sour crude oil differentials; changes in the demand for refinery feedstock and diesel fuel, including the possibility that refiners that process the company's proprietary production will be closed, experience equipment failure or other accidents; Suncor's ability to operate its Oil Sands facilities reliably in order to meet production targets; the output of newly commissioned facilities, the performance of which may be difficult to predict during initial operations; the possibility that completed maintenance activities may not improve operational performance or the output of related facilities; Suncor's dependence on pipeline capacity and other logistical constraints, which may affect the company's ability to distribute products to market; Suncor's ability to finance Oil Sands growth and sustaining capital expenditures; the availability of bitumen feedstock for upgrading operations, which can be negatively affected by poor ore grade quality, unplanned mine equipment and extraction plant maintenance, tailings storage, and in situ reservoir and equipment performance, or the unavailability of third-party bitumen; changes in operating costs, including the cost of labour, natural gas and other energy sources used in oil sands processes; and the company's ability to complete projects, including planned maintenance events, both on time and on budget, which could be impacted by competition from other projects (including other oil sands projects) for goods and services and demands on infrastructure in Alberta's Wood Buffalo region and the surrounding area (including housing, roads and schools).

Factors that affect Suncor's E&P segment include, but are not limited to, volatility in crude oil and natural gas prices; operational risks and uncertainties associated with oil and gas activities, including unexpected formations or pressures, premature declines of reservoirs, fires, blow-outs, equipment failures and other accidents, uncontrollable flows of crude oil, natural gas or well fluids, and pollution and other environmental risks; the possibility that completed maintenance activities may not improve operational performance or the output of related facilities; adverse weather conditions, which could disrupt output from producing assets or impact drilling programs, resulting in increased costs and/or delays in bringing on new production; political, economic and socio-economic risks associated with Suncor's foreign operations, including the unpredictability of operating in Libya due to ongoing political unrest; and market demand for mineral rights and producing properties, potentially leading to losses on disposition or increased property acquisition costs.

Factors that affect our R&M segment include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in demand and supply for refined products that impact the company's margins; market competition, including potential new market entrants; the company's ability to reliably operate refining and marketing facilities in order to meet production or sales targets; the possibility that completed maintenance activities may not improve operational performance or the output of related facilities; and risks and uncertainties affecting construction or planned maintenance schedules, including the availability of labour and other impacts of competing projects drawing on the same resources during the same time period.

Additional risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence the financial and operating performance of all of Suncor's operating segments and activities include, but are not limited to, changes in general economic, market and business conditions, such as commodity prices, interest rates and currency exchange rates; fluctuations in supply and demand for Suncor's products; the successful and timely implementation of capital projects, including growth projects and regulatory projects; risks associated with the execution of Suncor's major projects and the commissioning and integration of new facilities; competitive actions of other companies, including increased competition from other oil and gas companies or from companies that provide alternative sources of energy; labour and material shortages; actions by government authorities, including the imposition or reassessment of, or changes to, taxes, fees, royalties, duties and other government-imposed compliance costs; changes to laws and government policies that could impact the company's business, including environmental (including climate change), royalty and tax laws and policies; the ability and willingness of parties with whom Suncor has material relationships to perform their obligations to the company; the unavailability of, or outages to, third-party infrastructure that could cause disruptions to production or prevent the company from being able to transport its products; the occurrence of a protracted operational outage, a major safety or environmental incident, or unexpected events such as fires (including forest fires), equipment failures and other similar events affecting Suncor or other parties whose operations or assets directly or indirectly affect Suncor; the potential for security breaches of Suncor's information technology and infrastructure by malicious persons or entities, and the unavailability or failure of such systems to perform as anticipated as a result of such breaches; the risk that competing business

2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.  41

objectives may exceed Suncor's capacity to adopt and implement change; risks and uncertainties associated with obtaining regulatory and stakeholder approval for the company's operations and exploration and development activities; the potential for disruptions to operations and construction projects as a result of Suncor's relationships with labour unions that represent employees at the company's facilities; the company's ability to find new oil and gas reserves that can be developed economically; the accuracy of Suncor's reserves, resources and future production estimates; market instability affecting Suncor's ability to borrow in the capital debt markets at acceptable rates or to issue other securities at acceptable prices; maintaining an optimal debt to cash flow ratio; the success of the company's risk management activities using derivatives and other financial instruments; the cost of compliance with current and future environmental laws, including climate change laws; risks relating to increased activism and public opposition to fossil fuels and oil sands; risks and uncertainties associated with closing a transaction for the purchase or sale of a business, asset or oil and gas property, including estimates of the final consideration to be paid or received; the ability of counterparties to comply with their obligations in a timely manner; risks associated with joint arrangements in which the company has an interest; the receipt of any required regulatory or other third-party approvals outside of Suncor's control and the satisfaction of any conditions to such approvals; risks associated with land claims and Aboriginal consultation requirements; risks relating to litigation; the impact of technology and risks associated with developing and implementing new technologies; and the accuracy of cost estimates, some of which are provided at the conceptual or other preliminary stage of projects and prior to commencement or conception of the detailed engineering that is needed to reduce the margin of error and increase the level of accuracy. The foregoing important factors are not exhaustive.

Many of these risk factors and other assumptions related to Suncor's forward-looking statements are discussed in further detail throughout this MD&A, and in the company's 2017 annual MD&A, 2017 AIF and Form 40-F on file with Canadian securities commissions at www.sedar.com and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Readers are also referred to the risk factors and assumptions described in other documents that Suncor files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities. Copies of these documents are available without charge from the company.

The forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date of this document. Except as required by applicable securities laws, we assume no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing risks and assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

42  2018 SECOND QUARTER   Suncor Energy Inc.



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EXHIBIT 99.2