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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 40-F

(Check One)

o

  Registration statement pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

  or

ý

  Annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

For fiscal year ended:
Commission File Number:

  December 31, 2020
No. 1-12384

SUNCOR ENERGY INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Canada
(Province or other
jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization)

  1311,1321,2911,
4613,5171,5172

(Primary standard industrial
classification code number,
if applicable)
  98-0343201
(I.R.S. employer
identification number, if
applicable)

150 - 6th Avenue S.W.
P.O. Box 2844
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 3E3
(403) 296-8000

(Address and telephone number of registrant's principal executive office)

CT Corporation System
28 Liberty St.
New York, New York 10005
(212) 894-8940

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service in the United States)

   


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class:

  Trading Symbol(s):   Name of each exchange on
which registered:

Common shares

 

SU

 

New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None

For annual reports, indicate by check mark the information filed with this form:

ý

  Annual Information Form   ý   Annual Audited Financial Statements

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:

Common Shares

  As of December 31, 2020 there were
1,525,150,794 Common Shares issued and
outstanding

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports); and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes

  ý   No   o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes

  ý   No   o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Emerging growth company    o

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.    ý



INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

        This annual report on Form 40-F is incorporated by reference into and as an exhibit to, as applicable, each of the following Registration Statements of the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933: Form S-8 (File No. 333-87604), Form S-8 (File No. 333-112234), Form S-8 (File No. 333-118648), Form S-8 (File No. 333-124415), Form S-8 (File No. 333-149532), Form S-8 (File No. 333-161021) and Form S-8 (File No. 333-161029). The Registrant's Annual Information Form dated February 24, 2021, included in this annual report on Form 40-F, and Audited Consolidated Financial Statements, Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2020 and Supplementary Oil and Gas Disclosures, included as Exhibit 99-1, Exhibit 99-2 and Exhibit 99-9, respectively, to this annual report on Form 40-F, are incorporated by reference into and as an exhibit to, as applicable, the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form F-10 (File No. 333- 238618).



ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM


GRAPHIC


Annual Information Form dated February 24, 2021

Table of Contents

1   Advisories

2   Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
2   Common Industry Terms
4   Common Abbreviations
4   Conversion Table

5   Corporate Structure
5   Name, Address and Incorporation
5   Intercorporate Relationships

6   General Development of the Business
6   Overview
7   Three-Year History

11   Narrative Description of Suncor's Businesses
11   Oil Sands
16   Exploration and Production
21   Refining and Marketing
24   Other Suncor Businesses

26   Suncor Employees

26   Ethics, Social and Environmental Policies

28   Statement of Reserves Data and Other Oil and Gas Information
30   Oil and Gas Reserves Tables and Notes
35   Future Net Revenues Tables and Notes
41   Additional Information Relating to Reserves Data

53   Industry Conditions

63   Risk Factors

74   Dividends

75   Description of Capital Structure

77   Market for Securities

78   Directors and Executive Officers

84   Audit Committee Information

86   Legal Proceedings and Regulatory Actions

86   Interests of Management and Others in Material Transactions

86   Transfer Agent and Registrar

86   Material Contracts

86   Interests of Experts

87   Disclosure Pursuant to the Requirements of the NYSE

87   Additional Information

88   Advisory – Forward-Looking Information and Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Schedules
A-1   Schedule "A" – Audit Committee Mandate
B-1   Schedule "B" – Suncor Energy Inc. Policy and Procedures for Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services
C-1   Schedule "C" – Form 51-101F2 Report on Reserves Data by Independent Qualified Reserves Evaluator or Auditor
D-1   Schedule "D" – Form 51-101F3 Report of Management and Directors on Reserves Data and Other Information


Advisories

In this Annual Information Form (AIF), references to "Suncor" or "the company" mean Suncor Energy Inc., its subsidiaries, partnerships and joint arrangements (including those identified in Note 29 of the company's 2020 audited Consolidated Financial Statements), unless the context otherwise requires. Suncor Energy Inc. has numerous direct and indirect subsidiaries, partnerships and joint arrangements ("affiliates"), which own and operate assets and conduct activities in different jurisdictions. The terms "Suncor" or "the company" in this AIF are used herein for simplicity of communication and only mean that there is an affiliation with Suncor Energy Inc., without necessarily identifying the specific nature of the affiliation. The use of such terms in any statement herein does not mean that they apply to Suncor Energy Inc. or any particular affiliate, and does not waive the corporate separateness of any affiliate. For further clarity, Suncor Energy Inc. does not directly operate or own assets in the U.S. References to the "Board of Directors" or the "Board" mean the Board of Directors of Suncor Energy Inc.

All financial information is reported in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted. Production volumes are presented on a working-interest basis, before royalties, unless otherwise noted. Libyan production volumes are presented on an economic basis.

References to the 2020 audited Consolidated Financial Statements mean Suncor's audited Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which is within the framework of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the notes thereto and the auditor's report thereon, as at and for each year in the two-year period ended December 31, 2020. References to the MD&A mean Suncor's Management's Discussion and Analysis, dated February 24, 2021.

This AIF contains forward-looking statements based on Suncor's current plans, expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. This information is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in this document in the Risk Factors section, many of which are beyond the company's control. Users of this information are cautioned that actual results may differ materially. Refer to the Advisory – Forward-Looking Information and Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this AIF for information regarding risk factors and material assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements.

Information contained in or otherwise accessible through Suncor's website www.suncor.com does not form a part of this AIF and is not incorporated into this AIF by reference.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  1


Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations

Common Industry Terms

Products

Crude oil is a mixture, consisting mainly of pentanes and heavier hydrocarbons, that exists in the liquid phase in reservoirs and remains liquid at atmospheric pressure and temperature. Crude oil may contain small amounts of sulphur and other non-hydrocarbons, but does not include liquids obtained in the processing of natural gas.

Natural gas is a mixture of lighter hydrocarbons that exist either in the gaseous phase or in solution in crude oil in reservoirs but are gaseous at atmospheric conditions. Natural gas may contain sulphur or other non-hydrocarbon compounds.

Natural gas liquids (NGLs) are hydrocarbon components that can be recovered from natural gas as liquids, including, but not limited to, ethane, propane, butanes, pentanes plus, condensate, and small quantities of non-hydrocarbons. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consists predominantly of propane and/or butane and, in Canada, frequently includes ethane.

Oil and gas exploration and development terms

Development costs are costs incurred to obtain access to reserves and to provide facilities for extracting, treating, gathering and storing oil and gas from reserves.

Exploration costs are costs incurred in identifying areas that may warrant examination and in examining specific areas that are considered to have prospects that may contain oil and gas reserves, including costs of drilling exploratory wells and exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells.

Field is a defined geographical area consisting of one or more pools containing hydrocarbons.

Oil sands are deposits of sand, sandstone or other sedimentary rocks that contain crude bitumen.

Reservoir is a subsurface rock unit that contains a potentially recoverable accumulation of petroleum.

Wells

2  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Production terms

Crude feedstock generally refers either to (i) the bitumen required in the production of SCO for the company's oil sands operations, or (ii) crude oil and/or other components required in the production of refined petroleum products for the company's downstream operations.

Diluent is a light hydrocarbon mixture used to blend with bitumen or heavy crude oil to reduce its viscosity so that it can be transported by pipeline.

Downstream refers to the refining of crude oil and the distribution and selling of refined products in retail and wholesale channels.

Extraction refers to the process of separating bitumen from oil sands.

Froth treatment refers to the process of adding a light hydrocarbon to bitumen froth produced in the extraction process in order to separate the bitumen from the water and fine solids in the bitumen froth.

In situ refers to methods of extracting bitumen from oil sands other than by surface mining.

Midstream refers to transportation, storage and wholesale marketing of crude or refined petroleum products.

Overburden is the material overlying oil sands that must be removed before mining. Overburden is removed on an ongoing basis to continually expose the ore.

Paraffinic froth treatment (PFT) refers to a froth treatment process whereby a lighter diluent or solvent that contains paraffin is used, which provides the capability to selectively remove some of the asphaltenes (the highest carbon component of the barrel) from the final product. This results in a lower carbon, higher quality bitumen that can be sold directly to market without further upgrading.

Production sharing contracts (PSCs) are a common type of contract, outside North America, signed between a government and a resource extraction company that states how much of the resource produced each party will receive and which parties are responsible for the development of the resource and operation of associated facilities. The resource extraction company does not obtain title to the product; however, the company is subject to the upstream risks and rewards. An exploration and production sharing agreement (EPSA) is a form of PSC, which also states which parties are responsible for exploration activities.

Steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) is an enhanced oil recovery technology for producing bitumen. It requires drilling pairs of horizontal wells with one located above the other. To help reduce land disturbance and improve cost efficiency, well pairs are drilled from multi-well pads. Steam is injected into the upper wellbore to heat the bitumen. This process reduces the viscosity of the bitumen, allowing heated bitumen and condensed steam to drain into the lower wellbore and flow up to the surface aided by subsurface pumps or circulating gas.

Steam-to-oil ratio (SOR) is a metric used to quantify the efficiency of an in situ oil recovery process, which measures the cubic metres of water (converted to steam) required to produce one cubic metre of oil. A lower ratio indicates more efficient use of steam.

Upgrading is the two-stage process by which bitumen is converted into SCO.

Upstream refers to the exploration, development and production of crude oil, bitumen or natural gas.

Reserves

Please refer to the Definitions for Reserves Data Tables section of the Statement of Reserves Data and Other Oil and Gas Information in this AIF.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  3


Common Abbreviations

The following is a list of abbreviations that may be used in this AIF:

Measurement
     
bbl(s)   barrel(s)
bbls/d   barrels per day
mbbls   thousands of barrels
mbbls/d   thousands of barrels per day
mmbbls   millions of barrels
mmbbls/d   millions of barrels per day
     
boe   barrels of oil equivalent
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
mmboe   millions of barrels of oil equivalent
mmboe/d   millions of barrels of oil equivalent per day
     
mcf   thousands of cubic feet of natural gas
mcf/d   thousands of cubic feet of natural gas per day
mcfe   thousands of cubic feet of natural gas equivalent
mmcf   millions of cubic feet of natural gas
mmcf/d   millions of cubic feet of natural gas per day
mmcfe   millions of cubic feet of natural gas equivalent
mmcfe/d   millions of cubic feet of natural gas equivalent per day
bcf   billions of cubic feet of natural gas
bcfe   billions of cubic feet of natural gas equivalent
     
GJ   gigajoules
mmbtu   millions of British thermal units
     
API   American Petroleum Institute
CO2   carbon dioxide
CO2e   carbon dioxide equivalent
NO2   nitrogen dioxide
NOx   nitrogen oxides
SO2   sulphur dioxide
m3   cubic metres
m3/d   cubic metres per day
m3/s   cubic metres per second
km   kilometres
MW   Megawatts
GWh   Gigawatt hours
Mt   Megatonnes

Places and Currencies
     
U.S.   United States
U.K.   United Kingdom
B.C.   British Columbia
     
$ or Cdn$   Canadian dollars
US$   United States dollars
£   Pounds sterling
  Euros

Products, Markets and Processes
     
WTI   West Texas Intermediate
WCS   Western Canadian Select
NGL(s)   natural gas liquid(s)
LPG   liquefied petroleum gas
SCO   synthetic crude oil
NYMEX   New York Mercantile Exchange
     
TSX   Toronto Stock Exchange
NYSE   New York Stock Exchange

Suncor converts certain natural gas volumes to boe, boe/d, mboe, mboe/d and mmboe on the basis of six mcf to one boe. Any figure presented in boe, boe/d, mboe, mboe/d or mmboe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A conversion ratio of six mcf of natural gas to one bbl of crude oil or NGLs is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not necessarily represent 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.

Conversion Table(1)(2)

1 m3 liquids = 6.29 barrels   1 tonne = 0.984 tons (long)
1 m3 natural gas = 35.49 cubic feet   1 tonne = 1.102 tons (short)
1 m3 overburden = 1.31 cubic yards   1 kilometre = 0.62 miles
    1 hectare = 2.5 acres
(1)
Conversion using the above factors on rounded numbers appearing in this AIF may produce small differences from reported amounts as a result of rounding.

(2)
Some information in this AIF is set forth in metric units and some in imperial units.

4  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Corporate Structure

Name, Address and Incorporation

Suncor Energy Inc. (formerly Suncor Inc.) was originally formed by the amalgamation under the Canada Business Corporations Act (the CBCA) on August 22, 1979 of Sun Oil Company Limited, incorporated in 1923, and Great Canadian Oil Sands Limited, incorporated in 1953. On January 1, 1989, the company further amalgamated with a wholly owned subsidiary under the CBCA. The company amended its articles in 1995 to move its registered office from Toronto, Ontario, to Calgary, Alberta, and again in April 1997 to adopt the name, "Suncor Energy Inc." In April 1997, May 2000, May 2002, and May 2008, the company amended its articles to divide its issued and outstanding shares on a two-for-one basis.

Pursuant to an arrangement under the CBCA, which was completed effective August 1, 2009, Suncor amalgamated with Petro-Canada to form a single corporation continuing under the name "Suncor Energy Inc." On January 1, 2017, Suncor amalgamated with certain of its wholly owned subsidiaries under the CBCA.

Suncor's registered and head office is located at 150 – 6th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2P 3E3.

Intercorporate Relationships

Material subsidiaries, each of which is wholly owned, either directly or indirectly, by the company as at December 31, 2020, are shown below:

Name   Jurisdiction
Where Organized
  Description  

Canadian operations          

Suncor Energy Oil Sands Limited Partnership   Alberta   This partnership holds most of the company's Oil Sands operations assets.  

Suncor Energy Products Partnership   Alberta   This partnership holds substantially all of the company's Canadian refining and marketing assets.  

Suncor Energy Marketing Inc.   Alberta   Through this subsidiary, production from the upstream Canadian businesses is marketed. This subsidiary also administers Suncor's energy trading activities and power business, markets certain third-party products, procures crude oil feedstock and natural gas for its downstream business, and procures and markets natural gas liquids (NGLs) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for its downstream business.  

Suncor Energy Ventures Corporation   Alberta   A subsidiary which indirectly owns a 36.74% ownership in the Syncrude joint operation.  

Suncor Energy Ventures Partnership   Alberta   A subsidiary which owns a 22% ownership in the Syncrude joint operation.  

U.S. operations          

Suncor Energy (U.S.A.) Marketing Inc.   Delaware   A subsidiary that procures and markets third-party crude oil, in addition to procuring crude oil feedstock for the company's refining operations.  

Suncor Energy (U.S.A.) Inc.   Delaware   A subsidiary through which the company's U.S. refining and marketing operations are conducted.  

International operations          

Suncor Energy UK Limited   U.K.   A subsidiary through which the majority of the company's North Sea operations are conducted.  

The company's remaining subsidiaries each accounted for (i) less than 10% of the company's consolidated assets as at December 31, 2020, and (ii) less than 10% of the company's consolidated revenues for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. In aggregate, the remaining subsidiaries accounted for less than 20% of the company's consolidated assets as at December 31, 2020, and less than 20% of the company's consolidated revenues for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  5


General Development of the Business

Overview

Suncor is an integrated energy company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The company is strategically focused on developing one of the world's largest petroleum resource basins – Canada's Athabasca oil sands. In addition, Suncor explores for, acquires, develops, produces and markets crude oil in Canada and internationally; the company transports and refines crude oil, and markets petroleum and petrochemical products primarily in Canada. Suncor also operates a renewable energy business and conducts energy trading activities focused principally on the marketing and trading of crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products, and power.

Suncor has classified its operations into the following segments:

Oil Sands

Suncor's Oil Sands segment, with assets located in the Athabasca oil sands of northeast Alberta, produces bitumen from mining and in situ operations. Bitumen is either upgraded into SCO for refinery feedstock and diesel fuel, or blended with diluent for refinery feedstock or direct sale to market through the company's midstream infrastructure and its marketing activities. The segment includes the marketing, supply, transportation and risk management of crude oil, natural gas, power and byproducts. The Oil Sands segment includes:

Oil Sands operations refer to Suncor's owned and operated mining, extraction, upgrading, in situ and related logistics, blending and storage assets in the Athabasca oil sands region. Oil Sands operations consist of:

Oil Sands Base operations include the Millennium and North Steepbank mining and extraction operations, integrated upgrading facilities known as Upgrader 1 and Upgrader 2, and the associated infrastructure for these assets – including the bi-directional interconnecting pipelines between Suncor's Oil Sands Base operations and Syncrude and the utilities, energy, reclamation and storage facilities.

In Situ operations include oil sands bitumen production from Firebag and MacKay River and supporting infrastructure, including central processing facilities, cogeneration units, product transportation infrastructure, diluent import capabilities, storage assets and a cooling and blending facility. In Situ also includes development opportunities which may support future in situ production, including Meadow Creek (75%), Lewis (100%), OSLO (77.78%), Gregoire (100%), various interests in Chard (25% to 50%), and a non-operated interest in Kirby (10%). In Situ production is either upgraded by Oil Sands Base, or blended with diluent and marketed directly to customers.

Fort Hills includes Suncor's 54.11% interest in Fort Hills, which the company operates, and the East Tank Farm Development (ETFD) in which Suncor holds a 51% interest and operates.

Syncrude refers to Suncor's 58.74% non-operated interest in the oil sands mining and upgrading operation. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Syncrude joint venture owners reached an agreement in principle for Suncor to take over as operator of the Syncrude asset by the end of 2021.

Exploration and Production

Suncor's Exploration and Production (E&P) segment consists of offshore operations off the east coast of Canada and in the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the Norwegian North Sea and onshore assets in Libya and Syria. This segment also includes the marketing and risk management of crude oil and natural gas.

E&P Canada operations include Suncor's 37.675% working interest in Terra Nova, which Suncor operates. Production at Terra Nova has been shut in since the fourth quarter of 2019 and the company is evaluating with all stakeholders an economically viable path forward with a safe and reliable return to operations. Suncor also holds non-operated interests in Hibernia (20% in the base project and 19.190% in the Hibernia Southern Extension Unit (HSEU)), White Rose (27.5% in the base project and 26.125% in the extensions), and Hebron (21.034%). In addition, the company holds interests in several exploration licences and significant discovery licences offshore Newfoundland and Labrador.

E&P International operations include Suncor's non-operated interests in Buzzard (29.89%), the Golden Eagle Area Development (GEAD) (26.69%), Oda (30%), the Fenja project (17.5%), and the Rosebank future development project (40%). Buzzard, Golden Eagle, and Rosebank are located in the U.K. sector of the North Sea, while Oda and the Fenja project are located in the Norwegian North Sea and the Norwegian Sea, respectively. In addition, Suncor owns, pursuant to EPSAs, working interests in the exploration and development of oilfields in the Sirte Basin in Libya, although production in Libya remained partially shut in throughout 2020 due to continued political unrest. The timing of a return to normal operations in Libya remains uncertain. Suncor also owns, pursuant to a PSC, an interest in the Ebla gas development in Syria, which has been suspended, indefinitely, since 2011 due to political unrest in the country.

6  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Refining and Marketing

Suncor's Refining and Marketing segment consists of two primary operations, the refining and supply and marketing operations discussed below, as well as the infrastructure supporting the marketing, supply and risk management of refined products, crude oil, natural gas, power and byproducts. This segment also includes the trading of crude oil, refined products, natural gas and power.

Refining and Supply operations refine crude oil and intermediate feedstock into a wide range of petroleum and petrochemical products. Refining and Supply consists of:

Eastern North America operations include a 137 mbbls/d refinery located in Montreal, Quebec and an 85 mbbls/d refinery located in Sarnia, Ontario.

Western North America operations include a 146 mbbls/d refinery located in Edmonton, Alberta (increased from 142 mbbls/d at December 31, 2020) and a 98 mbbls/d refinery in Commerce City, Colorado.

Other Refining and Supply assets include interests in a petrochemical plant and a sulphur recovery facility in Montreal, Quebec, product pipelines and terminals throughout Canada and the U.S., and the St. Clair ethanol plant in Ontario.

Marketing operations sell refined petroleum products to retail customers through a combination of company-owned Petro-Canada™ and Sunoco™ locations and branded-dealers in Canada and company-owned locations in the U.S. marketing under other international brands. The company's marketing operations also sells refined petroleum products through a nationwide commercial road transportation network in Canada, and to other commercial and industrial customers, including other retail sellers, in Canada and the U.S.

Corporate and Eliminations

The Corporate and Eliminations segment includes the company's investments in renewable energy projects and other activities not directly attributable to any other operating segment.

Renewable Energy includes interests in four wind farm operations in Ontario and Western Canada: Adelaide, Chin Chute, Magrath and Sunbridge as well as the Forty Mile Wind Power Project, which was restarted in early 2021 and is currently planned for completion in late 2022 after it was temporarily paused during 2020.

Corporate activities include stewardship of Suncor's debt and borrowing costs, expenses not allocated to the company's businesses, and investments in clean technology, such as Suncor's investment in Enerkem Inc. (Enerkem), LanzaJet, Inc., and the Varennes Carbon Recycling facility.

Intersegment revenues and expenses are removed from consolidated results in Eliminations. Intersegment activity includes the sale of product between the company's segments, primarily relating to crude refining feedstock sold from Oil Sands to Refining and Marketing.

Three-Year History

Over the last three years, several events have influenced the general development of Suncor's business.

2018

First oil from Fort Hills. On January 27, 2018, Fort Hills began producing paraffinic froth-treated bitumen from secondary extraction and production successfully ramped up to an average of 94% of the project's nameplate capacity of 194 mbbls/d (105 mbbls/d, net to Suncor) in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Renewal of Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) and increase in share repurchases. In May 2018, Suncor renewed its NCIB to continue to repurchase its common shares through the facilities of the TSX, NYSE and/or alternative trading platforms. On November 14, 2018, the TSX accepted a notice filed by the company of its intention to amend the NCIB effective November 19, 2018 to increase the maximum number of common shares that may be repurchased from 52,285,330 to 81,695,830 common shares between May 4, 2018 and May 3, 2019. In 2018, the company repurchased 64.4 million common shares for cancellation at an average price of $47.38 per common share, for a total repurchase cost of $3.053 billion.

Acquisition of additional 5% interest in Syncrude. On February 23, 2018, Suncor acquired an additional 5% interest in Syncrude from Mocal Energy Ltd. for $923 million, adding a further 17,500 bbls/d of SCO capacity and increasing the company's ownership interest to 58.74%.

Purchased 17.5% participating interest in the Fenja development project. On May 31, 2018, the company acquired a 17.5% non-operated interest in the Fenja development project, located offshore Norway, from Faroe Petroleum Norge AS (Faroe) for acquisition costs of $70 million, plus interim settlement costs of $22 million. This project was sanctioned by its owners in December 2017, with first oil anticipated in 2022, with peak production expected to reach 34 mboe/d (6 mboe/d, net to Suncor) between 2022 and 2023.

Acquisition of additional 1.05% interest in Fort Hills. During the first quarter of 2018, Suncor acquired an additional 1.05% interest in the Fort Hills operation for

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  7


Disposition of Joslyn Oil Sands Mining Project (Joslyn). On September 29, 2018, Suncor along with the other working-interest partners in Joslyn, agreed to sell 100% of their respective working interests to Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) for gross proceeds of $225 million, $82.7 million, net to Suncor. Suncor held a 36.75% working interest in Joslyn prior to the transaction.

Production ramp up at Hebron. Drilling activity at Hebron was ongoing throughout 2018, with the third and fourth production wells coming online in April and October 2018, respectively. Production continued to ramp up ahead of expectations, averaging 13 mbbls/d during 2018.

Buzzard Phase 2 sanctioned. During 2018, Buzzard Phase 2 was sanctioned by Suncor and the other project partners and the plan for development was approved by the U.K. Oil and Gas Authority. Suncor holds a 29.89% non-operated interest in the project. First oil is anticipated in late 2021.

Repayment of debt. The company completed an early retirement of US$83 million of subsidiary debt acquired through the acquisition of Canadian Oil Sands Limited (COS) with a coupon of 7.75%, originally scheduled to mature on May 15, 2019.

Suncor-Syncrude bi-directional interconnecting pipelines. During the fourth quarter of 2018, Suncor and its joint venture owners reached an agreement to build bi-directional interconnecting pipelines, to connect Syncrude's Mildred Lake site and Suncor's Oil Sands Base operations. The pipelines provide increased operational flexibility through the ability to transfer bitumen and sour SCO between the two plants, enabling higher utilization. The asset was brought into service in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Full implementation of autonomous haulage systems (AHS) at North Steepbank. During 2018, the company completed the implementation of AHS at its North Steepbank mine. Autonomous haul trucks, which operate using GPS, wireless communication and perceptive technologies, offer a number of advantages over existing truck and shovel operations, including enhanced safety performance, better operating efficiency and lower operating costs.

2019

Government of Alberta Mandatory Production Curtailment. The Government of Alberta's mandatory production curtailment program began on January 1, 2019 and was in effect for the duration of 2019 and 2020; however, the program was suspended in December 2020. Production curtailment primarily affected the company's non-upgraded bitumen production as the company maximized the production of higher value SCO barrels during the year.

First oil from Oda. First oil was achieved ahead of schedule at Oda on March 16, 2019.

Mark Little appointed President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Little replaced Mr. Steve Williams who retired as Chief Executive Officer at the conclusion of the company's annual general meeting of shareholders on May 2, 2019.

Sale of equity interest in Canbriam. In June 2019, Suncor completed the sale of its 37% equity interest in Canbriam Energy Inc. (Canbriam) for gross proceeds of $151 million. Suncor originally acquired the equity interest in Canbriam in 2018 in exchange for its northeast B.C. mineral landholdings, including associated production, along with additional cash consideration of $52 million.

Debt issuance and repayment. During 2019, the company issued $750 million of 3.10% senior unsecured medium term notes and repaid US$140 million of maturing higher interest long-term debt.

Investment in low-carbon power cogeneration. In the third quarter of 2019, Suncor announced a project to replace its coke-fired boilers with a new cogeneration facility at its Oil Sands Base operations. The project is expected to provide reliable steam generation required for Suncor's extraction and upgrading operations and reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity associated with steam production at Oil Sands Base operations by approximately 25%. In addition, the electricity produced will be transmitted to Alberta's power grid, providing reliable, baseload, low-carbon electricity, equivalent to approximately 8% of Alberta's current electricity demand. In total, this project will reduce GHG emissions in the province of Alberta by approximately 2.5 Mt per year. The project is estimated to cost approximately $1.4 billion with an expected in-service date between 2024-2025. In the first quarter of 2020, Suncor placed the project on hold; however, Suncor has made the decision to restart the project in 2021.

Continued investment in clean energy. In the fourth quarter of 2019, Suncor sanctioned the Forty Mile Wind Power Project in southern Alberta, which was restarted

8  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Production ramp up at Hebron. Hebron reached nameplate production of 31.6 mbbls/d, net to Suncor, ahead of schedule in 2019, with six new production wells coming online throughout the year. During 2019, production at Hebron averaged 23.5 mbbls/d, net to Suncor.

Multi-year strategic alliance with Microsoft. To accelerate its digital transformation, Suncor entered into a strategic alliance with Microsoft. This alliance enables Suncor to utilize Microsoft's full range of cloud solutions to empower a connected and collaborative workforce, build an agile data platform to increase analytics capabilities and partner with experts while gaining access to leading edge technologies.

Completion of cross-Canada network of Petro-Canada™ electric vehicle (EV) stations. Suncor advanced its sustainability and technology initiatives by completing Canada's Electric Highway™, a coast-to-coast network of fast-charging EV stations across Canada, during the fourth quarter of 2019.

Continuation of NCIB. In May 2019, Suncor renewed its NCIB to continue to repurchase its common shares through the facilities of the TSX, NYSE and/or alternative trading platforms. On December 23, 2019, the TSX accepted a notice filed by the company to increase the maximum number of common shares that may be repurchased from 50,252,231 shares to 78,549,178 common shares between May 6, 2019 and May 5, 2020. In 2019, the company repurchased 55.3 million common shares for cancellation at an average price of $41.12 per common share, for a total repurchase cost of $2.274 billion.

2020

The COVID-19 pandemic. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and, on March 10, 2020, declared it to be a pandemic. The impacts of COVID-19 have resulted in significant disruptions to the company's business operations and a significant increase in economic uncertainty, with reduced demand for commodities leading to volatile prices.

Debt issuance and enhanced liquidity. To help strengthen the financial resiliency of the company, Suncor secured $2.8 billion in additional credit facilities and issued $1.25 billion of 5.00% senior 10-year unsecured medium term notes, US$450 million of 2.80% senior 3-year unsecured notes and US$550 million of 3.10% senior 5-year unsecured notes in 2020.

NCIB. During the first quarter of 2020, the company repurchased 7.5 million common shares for cancellation at an average price of $40.83 per common share, for a total repurchase cost of $307 million. Subsequently, in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company elected to suspend share repurchases and decided not to renew its NCIB. On February 3, 2021, the TSX accepted a notice filed by Suncor to commence a new Normal Course Issuer Bid (the 2021 NCIB) to purchase and cancel up to 44,000,000 of the company's common shares beginning on February 8, 2021 and ending February 7, 2022 through the facilities of the TSX, NYSE and/or alternative trading platforms.

Dividend reduction. In response to the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic, in the second quarter of 2020, the Board approved a reduction in the company's quarterly dividend to $0.21 per common share from $0.465 per common share.

Achievement of cost reduction targets. The company reduced its operating costs by $1.3 billion compared to 2019 levels and capital costs by $1.9 billion compared to the original 2020 capital guidance midpoint by the end of 2020.

Continuing investment in global energy transition. During the second quarter of 2020, Suncor made an equity investment in LanzaJet, Inc., a company that is working to bring sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel to the commercial market. In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2020, Suncor, Enerkem and other partners announced plans for the construction of a biorefinery in Varennes, Quebec. The Varennes Carbon Recycling facility is designed to convert non-recyclable commercial and industrial waste, as well as forestry waste, to bio-fuels and renewable chemicals. These strategic investments, together with the equity investment in Enerkem in 2019, complement Suncor's existing product mix and demonstrate Suncor's involvement in the evolving global energy transition.

Fort Hills ramping up second primary extraction train. During the second quarter of 2020, in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fort Hills partners agreed to temporarily reduce Fort Hills from operating two primary extraction trains to a one-train operation. During the third quarter of 2020, Suncor restarted the second primary extraction train at Fort Hills as market conditions had improved and commenced the phased ramp up to two primary extraction trains during the fourth quarter of 2020. The company expects to be operating at full rates by the end of 2021.

Execution of Firebag debottlenecking activities. Suncor accelerated maintenance at Firebag, which allowed the

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  9


Deferral of Terra Nova asset life extension (ALE) project. On May 3, 2019, the company sanctioned the Terra Nova ALE project to extend the life of Terra Nova by approximately a decade. This project was originally planned for execution by the end of 2020. Given the economic environment that developed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company deferred the project until an economically viable path forward with a safe and reliable return to operations can be determined. Subsequent to the fourth quarter of 2020, Suncor and the Terra Nova joint venture partners, together with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, agreed to a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding, which provides for a financial commitment by the government (including a modified royalty regime), in support of continued operations. The ALE project is currently being evaluated with owners and all stakeholders to determine the best option to integrate and optimize potential funding to recover the remaining resources from the Terra Nova project.

Deployment of AHS at Fort Hills. The company deployed AHS at its Fort Hills mine in 2020. Autonomous haul trucks, which operate using GPS, wireless communication and perceptive technologies, offer a number of advantages over existing truck and shovel operations, including enhanced safety performance, better operating efficiency and lower operating costs. Full implementation of AHS at the Oil Sands Base Millennium mine is expected to be completed in 2024.

Suncor-Syncrude bi-directional interconnecting pipelines. The bi-directional interconnecting pipelines, which connect Syncrude's Mildred Lake site and Suncor's Oil Sands Base operations, enhance integration between these assets and provide increased operational flexibility through the ability to transfer bitumen and sour SCO between the two plants, enabling higher utilization. The asset was brought into service and transfers began in December 2020, reflecting the enhanced integration and operational flexibility between these assets.

West White Rose Project. The operator of the West White Rose Project announced a full project review given the continued market uncertainty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the cancellation of the 2021 construction season and has moved the project into safekeeping mode. While the White Rose asset is currently producing, there is a high degree of uncertainty regarding the future of the West White Rose Project. Discussions are ongoing with the operator and various levels of government to determine the future of the project. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has agreed to provide some support for the West White Rose Project in 2021.

Suncor to assume operatorship of Syncrude. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Syncrude joint venture owners reached an agreement in principle for Suncor to take over as operator of the Syncrude asset by the end of 2021. The operatorship of Syncrude transferring to Suncor presents a significant strategic opportunity for Syncrude and the joint venture owners.

Workforce reductions and downstream restructuring. In the fourth quarter of 2020, Suncor announced that it would be making workforce reductions of between 10% to 15% of employees by mid-2022 as part of the company's steps to achieve its incremental free funds flow target. Furthermore, Suncor announced that it had made the choice to relocate the downstream offices in Mississauga and Oakville, Ontario, Canada to Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The transition is expected to allow the company to create stronger integration and efficiencies across the major business units and functions by having one central headquarters.

Sale of Suncor's interest in the Golden Eagle Area Development (GEAD). Subsequent to the fourth quarter of 2020, the company reached an agreement to sell its 26.69% working interest in the Golden Eagle Area Development for US$325 million and contingent consideration up to US$50 million. The effective date of the sale is January 1, 2021 and is expected to close no later than the third quarter of 2021, subject to purchaser financing and shareholder approval along with other closing conditions and certain regulatory approvals.

10  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Narrative Description of Suncor's Businesses

For a discussion of the environmental and other regulatory conditions, and competitive conditions and seasonal impacts affecting Suncor's segments, refer to the Industry Conditions and Risk Factors sections of this AIF.

Oil Sands

Oil Sands Operations – Assets and Operations

Oil Sands Base Operations

Suncor's integrated Oil Sands Base operations, located in the Athabasca oil sands region of northeast Alberta, involve numerous activities:

Mining and Extraction  
Upgrading  
Power and Steam Generation and Process Water Use  
Maintenance  
Reclamation  

Oil Sands Base Assets

Millennium and North Steepbank

Suncor pioneered the commercial development of the Athabasca oil sands beginning in 1962, achieving first production in 1967. Bitumen is currently mined from the Millennium area, which began production in 2001, and the North Steepbank area, which began production in 2011. During 2020, the company mined approximately 145.9 million tonnes of bitumen ore (2019 – 159.0 million tonnes) and processed an average of 262.2 mbbls/d of mined bitumen in its extraction facilities (2019 – 289.9 mbbls/d).

The company filed a regulatory application in the first quarter of 2020 to potentially replace Suncor's Millennium and North Steepbank mines as they reach the end of their useful lives in approximately 2035. The application is not a project sanction and a final sanctioning decision is not expected until 2030 at the earliest.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  11



Upgrading Facilities

Suncor's upgrading facilities consist of two upgraders: Upgrader 1, which has capacity of approximately 110 mbbls/d of SCO, and Upgrader 2, which has capacity of approximately 240 mbbls/d of SCO. Suncor's secondary upgrading facilities consist of three hydrogen plants, three naphtha hydrotreaters, two gas oil hydrotreaters, one diesel hydrotreater, and one kerosene hydrotreater.

In the first quarter of 2020, Suncor placed the previously announced coke-fired boiler replacement project on hold. The project will replace the existing coke-fired boilers with a new 800 MW cogeneration facility at Oil Sands Base. The project is expected to provide reliable steam generation required for Suncor's extraction and upgrading operations and is expected to reduce the GHG emissions intensity associated with steam production at Oil Sands Base by approximately 25%. In addition, the electricity produced will be transmitted to Alberta's power grid, providing reliable, baseload, low-carbon electricity, equivalent to approximately 8% of Alberta's current electricity demand. In total, this project will reduce GHG emissions in the province of Alberta by approximately 2.5 Mt per year. The project is estimated to cost approximately $1.4 billion with an expected in-service date between 2024-2025. The project was re-started in 2021.

During 2020, Suncor's Oil Sands Base assets averaged 303.1 mbbls/d of upgraded (SCO and diesel) production, net of the company's internal consumption (2019 – 313.3 mbbls/d), mainly sourced from bitumen provided by both Oil Sands Base and In Situ operations.

Other Mining Leases

Suncor, directly and indirectly, owns interests in several other mineable oil sands leases, including Base Mine Extension and Audet. Suncor undertakes exploratory drilling programs on such leases from time to time as part of its mine replacement projects. Suncor holds a 100% working interest in both Base Mine Extension and Audet.

In Situ Operations

Suncor's In Situ operations at Firebag and MacKay River use SAGD technology to produce bitumen from oil sands deposits that are too deep to be mined.

The SAGD Process  
Central Processing Facilities  
Power and Steam Generation  
Maintenance and Bitumen Supply  

In Situ Assets

Firebag

Production from Suncor's Firebag operations commenced in 2004. The Firebag complex has central processing facilities with a total capacity of 215 mbbls/d of bitumen. Actual production from Firebag varies based on steaming and ramp-up periods for new wells, planned and unplanned maintenance, reservoir conditions and other factors.

As at December 31, 2020, Firebag had 18 well pads in operation, with 241 SAGD well pairs and 51 infill wells either producing or on initial steam injection. Central processing facilities have been designed to provide some flexibility as to which well pads supply bitumen. Steam generated at the various facilities can be used at multiple well pads. In addition, Firebag includes five cogeneration units that generate steam, which are capable of producing approximately 474 MW of electricity. The Firebag site power

12  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.



load requirements are approximately 118 MW and, in 2020, Firebag exported approximately 268 MW of electricity to the Alberta power grid and Oil Sands Base. There are also 13 OTSGs at the site for additional steam generation.

During 2020, Firebag production averaged 182.4 mbbls/d of bitumen (2019 – 187.0 mbbls/d) with a SOR of 2.7 (2019 – 2.7). Production in 2020 was impacted by the acceleration of a portion of maintenance originally scheduled for 2022, in order to expand the capacity of the facility through the installation of new incremental emulsion handling and steam infrastructure and also address plant restrictions that developed during the third quarter. The incremental infrastructure expanded the capacity of the facility by 12 mbbls/d of bitumen, bringing nameplate capacity to 215 mbbls/d.

Suncor is working on developing incremental debottlenecks to maximize the value of the Firebag asset. Debottlenecking capacity and timing will depend on economic conditions, and can be supported by integrated well pad development and Solvent SAGD technologies.

MacKay River

Production from Suncor's MacKay River operations commenced in 2002. The MacKay River central processing facilities have a bitumen processing capacity of 38 mbbls/d. As at December 31, 2020, MacKay River included nine well pads with 125 well pairs either producing or on initial steam injection. A third party owns the on-site cogeneration unit, which Suncor operates under a commercial agreement that generates steam and electricity. There are also four OTSGs at the site for additional steam generation.

During 2020, MacKay River production averaged 16.7 mbbls/d of bitumen (2019 – 29.2 mbbls/d) with a SOR of 3.6 (2019 – 2.95). Production in 2020 was impacted by an outage that occurred in late 2019. MacKay River returned to operations early in the second quarter of 2020, and was fully ramped up to nameplate capacity in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Other In Situ Leases

Suncor owns and operates several other oil sands leases which may support future in situ production, including Lewis, Meadow Creek, Gregoire, OSLO, Chard and Kirby. Suncor holds a 100% working interest in Lewis and Gregoire, a 75% working interest in Meadow Creek, a 77.78% working interest in OSLO, interests varying from 25% to 50% in Chard, and a non-operated interest in Kirby (10%).

Suncor is the operator of Meadow Creek, which is located approximately 40 km south of Fort McMurray. Meadow Creek consists of two In Situ projects: Meadow Creek East and Meadow Creek West. In early 2017, Suncor received AER approval for the Meadow Creek East project. In early 2020, Suncor received approval of a regulatory amendment to the capacity of the project. The project is expected to be developed in two stages with anticipated gross production capacity up to 80 mbbls/d. In early 2020, Suncor received AER approval for the Meadow Creek West project. Meadow Creek West is expected to be developed in a single stage and has an anticipated gross production capacity of 40 mbbls/d. Timing of project sanction for Meadow Creek East and West has been deferred and will depend on future market conditions.

In February 2018, Suncor submitted an application for the Lewis project to the AER. The project is located approximately 25 km northeast of Fort McMurray and is expected to be developed in stages, with anticipated peak production of 160 mbbls/d of bitumen. Timing of project sanction for Lewis will depend on future market conditions.

Fort Hills

Fort Hills is an oil sands mining area comprising leases on the east side of the Athabasca River, north of Oil Sands Base operations. Fort Hills operations are substantially similar to those of Suncor's Oil Sands Base assets; however, Fort Hills uses a PFT process to produce a marketable bitumen product that is partially decarbonized, resulting in a higher quality bitumen requiring less diluent and eliminating the need for on-site upgrading facilities.

Suncor holds a 54.11% working interest in Fort Hills and is the operator of the asset. Fort Hills began producing PFT bitumen from secondary extraction in early 2018. Fort Hills has a nameplate capacity of 194 mbbls/d (gross) of bitumen (105 mbbls/d, net to Suncor). During 2020, Suncor's share of Fort Hills production averaged 58.1 mbbls/d of bitumen (2019 – 85.3 mbbls/d) from approximately 37.7 million tonnes of bitumen ore mined (2019 – 51.3 million tonnes). Production in early 2020 was impacted by the Government of Alberta's mandatory production curtailment. Fort Hills transitioned to a one train operation in the second quarter in response to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on oil prices. Two train operations resumed in the fourth quarter at average production rates of approximately 115 mbbls/d (gross) of bitumen (62.4 mbbls/d, net to Suncor).

Due to a decline in forecast heavy crude oil prices as a result of decreased global demand due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and changes to its capital, operating and production plans, the company recorded an after-tax impairment charge of $1.376 billion on its share of Fort Hills in the first quarter of 2020.

Syncrude

Suncor holds a 58.74% interest in the Syncrude joint operation, which has gross bitumen conversion to SCO capacity of 350 mbbls/d (206 mbbls/d, net to Suncor). Syncrude began producing in 1978 and is currently operated by Syncrude Canada Ltd. (SCL). The project is located near Fort McMurray and includes mining operations at Mildred Lake and Aurora North. In 2006, SCL entered into a Management Services Agreement (MSA) with Imperial Oil Resources Limited

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  13



(Imperial Oil) to provide business services; this agreement is planned to terminate later in 2021. In 2019, Suncor and SCL entered into a Master Business Services Agreement (MBSA) to enable Suncor to provide some interim services to SCL.

In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Syncrude joint venture owners reached an agreement in principle for Suncor to take over as operator of the Syncrude asset by the end of 2021. The MBSA is planned to be replaced in 2021 in conjunction with Suncor taking over as operator of the Syncrude asset.

In 2012, the Syncrude joint venture owners announced a plan to develop two mining areas adjacent to the current mine, Mildred Lake West Extension (MLX-W) and Mildred Lake East Extension (MLX-E), which would consequently extend the life of Mildred Lake by a minimum of 10 years. In 2015, a decision was made by the joint venture owners to progress with the MLX-W program. The MLX-E program is expected to follow MLX-W development if economic conditions prove suitable. The MLX-W program is expected to sustain bitumen production levels at the Mildred Lake site after resource depletion at the North Mine. The plan proposes to use existing mining and extraction facilities. The Syncrude MLX-W mining area received AER approval in 2019 and additional approvals in 2020. MLX-W was put on hold in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, construction activities have been restarted in 2021, with first oil expected in 2025.

In 2018, Suncor reached a formal agreement with its Syncrude joint venture owners to build bi-directional interconnecting pipelines to connect Syncrude's Mildred Lake site and Suncor's Oil Sands Base operations. The asset was brought into service in the fourth quarter of 2020. The pipelines provide increased operational flexibility through the ability to transfer bitumen and sour SCO between the two plants, enabling higher utilization. Transfers began in December 2020, reflecting the enhanced integration and operational flexibility between these assets.

Syncrude mining operations use truck, shovel and pipeline systems, similar to those at Oil Sands Base. Extraction and upgrading technologies at Syncrude are similar to those used at Oil Sands Base, with the exception that Syncrude uses a fluid coking process that involves the continuous thermal cracking of the heaviest hydrocarbons. At Mildred Lake, electricity is provided by a utility plant fuelled by natural gas and rich fuel gas from upgrading operations. At Aurora North, Syncrude operates two cogeneration units which provide heat and electricity.

Syncrude produces a single sweet SCO product; marketing of this product is the responsibility of the individual joint venture owners. In addition, the bi-directional interconnecting pipelines create flexibility for Syncrude to sell intermediate products to Suncor, which include bitumen and sour SCO.

Land reclamation activities at Syncrude are similar to those at Oil Sands Base; however, certain aspects of the tailings management processes at Syncrude are different. Syncrude's tailings plan uses freshwater capping, a composite tails mixture of fine tails and gypsum, and centrifuge technology that separates water from tailings. The updated tailings management plans for Syncrude Aurora North and Syncrude Mildred Lake were approved by the AER in June 2018 and June 2019, respectively.

In 2020, Suncor's share of Syncrude production averaged 163.1 mbbls/d of SCO (2019 – 172.3 mbbls/d). Production in 2020 was impacted by planned maintenance, which was optimized in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other Oil Sands Leases

Suncor indirectly owns interests in other mineable oil sands leases, including Mildred Lake West, Mildred Lake East, Lease 29, Lease 30 and Lease 31, through the company's 58.74% working interest in the Syncrude joint operation.

New Technology

Technology is a fundamental component of Suncor's business. Suncor pioneered commercial oil sands development and continues to advance technology through innovation and collaboration to improve efficiencies, lower costs and increase environmental performance. Development of new technology can take extended periods of time, first to demonstrate technical feasibility and then to demonstrate commercial viability. The necessary validation typically occurs through a series of progressive steps which allow results to be reliably scaled and assessed for implementation.

Following a successful commercial-scale evaluation in 2018, the company began a phased implementation of AHS at its operated mine sites. AHS were deployed at the North Steepbank mine in 2018 and at Fort Hills in 2020. Full implementation at the Oil Sands Base Millennium mine is expected to be completed in 2024. Autonomous haul trucks, which operate using GPS, wireless communication and perceptive technologies, have demonstrated an ability to maneuver safely, effectively and efficiently in Suncor's operating environment and offer a number of advantages over existing truck and shovel operations, including enhanced safety performance, better operating efficiency and lower operating costs. During 2020, the company moved a total of 73.5 million gross tonnes of ore and overburden (2019 – 48.5 million gross tonnes) with AHS, which includes volumes from North Steepbank and Fort Hills.

Building upon the process used in Suncor's Tailings Reduction Operations (TRO™), Suncor has developed the PASS fluid tailings treatment process to significantly increase the amount of fluid tailings it can treat in a more sustainable manner. PASS combines the TRO™ process with the addition of a coagulant to improve the quality of the water expressed from the treated fluid tailings. Since 2010, fluid tailings

14  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.



volumes at Oil Sands Base operations have remained steady, and with the implementation of PASS technology, has allowed for a greater than 5% reduction in untreated fluid tailings inventory as of the fall of 2020. Suncor is working to reduce the number of active tailings ponds overall. Even with the start of a new mining operation (Fort Hills), the total number of active tailings ponds has been reduced since 2010, with one being surface reclaimed and three more advancing to closure.

Suncor is also working on, or has completed, several new technology projects that are proceeding with the next phase of field testing. Examples of Suncor's new technology projects include:

Expanding Solvent SAGD (ES-SAGD) – An enhancement of SAGD technology wherein a small volume of hydrocarbon solvent is co-injected with steam. The addition of the hydrocarbon solvent is expected to accelerate bitumen production and reduce steam requirements, process water requirements and GHG emissions. An important component of Suncor's evaluation of this technology is enhancing the understanding of solvent retention and recovery.

Solvent+ — In solvent-based processes, a light hydrocarbon solvent such as propane or butane is used as the primary means to mobilize the bitumen. Suncor is progressing a suite of technologies referred to as Solvent+, where the + refers to a range of heating technologies that can be coupled with solvent injection. If successful, Solvent+ offers the potential for several significant environmental improvements over SAGD, including reducing upstream GHG emissions intensity by 50% to 70%.

Non-Aqueous Extraction (NAE) – NAE is a potential new extraction process for oil sands mining operations that utilizes solvents, as opposed to water, as the primary extraction means. This has the potential to reduce water usage and tailings, and simplify mining processes, while reducing costs and GHG emissions.

Partial Upgrading – Partial upgrading technology is intended to develop a low-temperature thermal cracking process integrated with advanced solvent de-asphalting to examine the potential for bitumen to be partially upgraded to a transportable and marketable product. This would increase value by eliminating the need for diluent and lowering the GHG intensity compared to current upgrader processes.

Sales of Principal Products

Primary markets for SCO and bitumen production from Suncor's Oil Sands segment, including PFT bitumen from Fort Hills, include refining operations in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, the U.S. Midwest and the U.S. Rocky Mountain regions, and markets on the U.S. Gulf Coast. Diesel production from upgrading operations is sold primarily in Western Canada and the United States.

For bitumen production from In Situ operations, Suncor's marketing strategy allows it to take advantage of changes in market conditions by either upgrading the bitumen at the company's Oil Sands Base facilities, refining diluted bitumen at the company's Edmonton refinery, or selling diluted bitumen to third parties. Increased bitumen sales may also be required during upgrading facility outages. In Situ bitumen production processed by Oil Sands Base upgrading facilities in 2020 increased to 130.1 mbbls/d or 65% (2019 – 116.7 mbbls/d or 54%) of total In Situ bitumen production.

    2020
  2019
   
 
Sales Volumes and Operating Revenues – Principal Products   mbbls/d   % operating
revenues
  mbbls/d   % operating
revenues
 

SCO and diesel (including Syncrude)   467.9   80   483.6   77  

Bitumen   125.6   19   187.5   22  

Byproducts and other operating revenues(1)   n/a   1   n/a   1  

    593.5       671.1      

(1)
Operating revenues include revenues associated with excess electricity from cogeneration units.

In the normal course of business, Suncor processes its proprietary sour SCO at the company's refineries or enters into long-term sales agreements, which contain varying terms with respect to pricing, volume, expiry and termination.

Distribution of Products

Production from Oil Sands operations and Fort Hills is gathered into Suncor's Fort McMurray facilities at the Athabasca Terminal, which is operated by Enbridge Inc. (Enbridge), or the East Tank Farm, which is operated by Suncor and connected to the Athabasca Terminal. Suncor has arrangements with Enbridge to store SCO, diluted bitumen and diesel at this facility. Product moves from the Athabasca Terminal in the following ways:

To Edmonton via the Oil Sands pipeline, which is owned and operated by Suncor. At Edmonton, the product is processed in Suncor's Edmonton refinery, sold to other

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  15


To Cheecham, Alberta on the Enbridge Athabasca Pipeline or the Enbridge Wood Buffalo Pipeline and from Cheecham on the Enbridge Athabasca Pipeline or the Enbridge Wood Buffalo Pipeline Extension to Hardisty, Alberta.

To Edmonton via the Enbridge Waupisoo Pipeline, originating at Cheecham.

From Edmonton and Hardisty, where Suncor has both owned storage capacity and additional capacity under contract, the company has various options for delivering product to customers:

To Suncor's Commerce City refinery via the Express and Platte pipelines, and via the mainline from Rose Rock's Platteville Terminal to Suncor's Fort Lupton Station. Suncor owns and operates a pipeline that is connected to the Commerce City refinery, which originates from the Guernsey, Wyoming station.

To Suncor's Sarnia refinery on the Enbridge Mainline and to Suncor's Montreal refinery from Sarnia on Enbridge's Line 9 and from South Portland, Maine on the Portland Montreal Pipeline.

To most major refining hubs via the Enbridge Mainline, Express/Platte and Keystone pipeline systems.

To U.S. Puget Sound refineries and to global markets via the TransMountain Pipeline, as well as by rail.

Production from Syncrude is moved to market via the Pembina Athabasca Oil Sands Pipeline.

Royalties

Oil Sands Royalties

Oil sands projects are subject to the royalty framework issued by the Government of Alberta (the Royalty Framework), and regulated by the Oil Sands Royalty Regulation 2009 (OSRR 2009) and supporting regulations, which were sanctioned in 2008. Under the Royalty Framework, royalties for oil sands projects are based on a sliding-scale rate of 25% to 40% of net revenue (net revenue royalty or NRR), subject to a minimum royalty within a range of 1% to 9% of gross revenue (gross revenue royalty or GRR). Revenues used in royalty formulas are driven primarily by benchmark prices for WCS, while sliding-scale percentages in royalty formulas depend on prices for WTI from Cdn$55/bbl for the minimum rate to the maximum rate at a WTI price of Cdn$120/bbl. A royalty project remains subject to the minimum royalty (the pre-payout phase) until the project's cumulative gross revenue exceeds its cumulative costs, including an annual investment allowance (the post-payout phase). During the post-payout phase, the annual royalty paid to the province is the greater of the GRR and NRR.

In 2020, Suncor incurred royalties at an average rate of 0% of gross revenue for Oil Sands Base (2019 – 2%) due to the impact of prior period audit resolutions recorded in 2020, and at an average rate of 3% of gross revenue for Syncrude operations (2019 – 12%). Syncrude experienced a lower royalty rate in 2020 compared to the prior year as a result of lower WCS prices. Oil Sands Base and the Syncrude project are both in the post-payout phase.

Fort Hills is subject to the same Royalty Framework as Oil Sands Base and Syncrude; however, Fort Hills is in the pre-payout phase. In 2020, Fort Hills incurred royalties at an average rate of 1% of gross revenue (2019 – 2%).

In 2020, Suncor incurred royalty recoveries for MacKay River, which is in the post-payout phase, at an average rate of 2% of gross revenue due to lower prices and production and the impact of prior period settlements recorded in 2020 (2019 – expense of 9%), and royalties at an average rate of 1% of gross revenue for Firebag (2019 – 3%), which continues in the pre-payout phase.

Exploration and Production

E&P Canada – Assets and Operations

East Coast Canada

Based in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, this business includes interests in four producing fields and future developments and extensions. Suncor is also involved in exploration drilling for new opportunities. Suncor is the only company in this region with interests in every field currently in production.

Terra Nova

The Terra Nova oilfield is approximately 350 km southeast of St. John's. Terra Nova was discovered in 1984 and was the second oilfield to be developed offshore Newfoundland and Labrador. Operated by Suncor, the production system uses a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel that is moored on location, and has gross production capacity of 180 mbbls/d (68 mbbls/d, net to Suncor) of crude oil and oil storage capacity of 960 mbbls. Terra Nova was the first harsh environment development in North America to use a FPSO vessel. The Terra Nova oilfield is divided into three distinct areas, known as the Graben, the East Flank and the Far East. Production from Terra Nova began in January 2002. Drilling activities took place at Terra Nova throughout 2018 and 2019.

Terra Nova has been offline since the fourth quarter of 2019. The company safely preserved the FPSO quayside and has deferred the previously announced Terra Nova ALE project until an economically viable path forward with a safe and reliable return to operations can be determined. Subsequent to the fourth quarter of 2020, Suncor and the Terra Nova joint venture partners, together with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, agreed to a non-binding

16  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.



Memorandum of Understanding, which provides for a financial commitment by the government (including a modified royalty regime), in support of continued operations. The ALE project is currently being evaluated with owners and all stakeholders to determine the best option to integrate and optimize potential funding to recover the remaining resources from the Terra Nova project.

In 2020, Terra Nova production was offline; therefore, Suncor's share of Terra Nova production averaged nil mbbls/d of crude oil (2019 – 11.6 mbbls/d).

In the first quarter of 2020, due to a decline in forecast crude oil prices as a result of decreased global demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as changes to capital, operating and production plans, the company recorded an after-tax impairment charge of $285 million on its share of the Terra Nova assets.

Hibernia and the Hibernia Southern Extension Unit (HSEU)

The Hibernia oilfield, encompassing the Hibernia and Ben Nevis Avalon reservoirs, is approximately 315 km southeast of St. John's and was the first field to be developed in the Jeanne d'Arc Basin. Operated by Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd., the production system is a fixed Gravity Based Structure (GBS) that sits on the ocean floor, and has gross production capacity of 230 mbbls/day (46 mbbls/d, net to Suncor) of crude oil and oil storage capacity of 1,300 mbbls. Actual production levels are lower, reflecting current reservoir capability, including natural declines, gas and water injection and production limits, and asset and facility reliability. Hibernia commenced production in November 1997. As at December 31, 2020, there were 74 wells: 42 oil production wells, 26 water injection wells, five gas injection wells, and one water-alternating-gas injection well.

In 2010, final agreements were signed between the Hibernia co-venturers and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador that established the fiscal, equity and operational principles for the development of the HSEU. At the end of 2020, there were eight oil production wells and nine water injection wells in the HSEU. The production wells were drilled from the GBS platform and are included in the Hibernia well count above. All nine of the water injection wells were drilled using a mobile offshore drill rig. Water for injection purposes is supplied from the GBS platform via a subsea flowline.

In 2020, Suncor's share of Hibernia production averaged 23.2 mbbls/d of crude oil (2019 – 20.1 mbbls/d).

White Rose and the White Rose Extensions

White Rose is approximately 350 km southeast of St. John's. Operated by Cenovus Energy Inc. (Cenovus) (previously Husky Oil Operations Limited), White Rose uses a FPSO vessel and has gross production capacity of 140 mbbls/d (39 mbbls/d, net to Suncor) of crude oil and oil storage capacity of 940 mbbls. Actual annual production levels are lower than production capacity, reflecting current reservoir capability, including natural declines, gas and water injection and production limits, and asset and facility reliability. Production from White Rose began in November 2005. As at December 31, 2020, there were 44 wells: 23 oil production wells, 16 water injection wells, three gas storage wells, and two gas injection wells.

In 2007, the White Rose co-venturers signed an agreement with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for the development of the White Rose Extensions, which includes the North Amethyst, South White Rose Extension, and West White Rose satellite fields. First oil was achieved at North Amethyst in May 2010. Development of the South White Rose Extension began in 2013, with first oil achieved in June 2015.

Development of the West White Rose field has been divided into two stages. The first stage was approved in 2010 and first oil was achieved in September 2011. The second stage, West White Rose Project, was sanctioned during the second quarter of 2017. The project was expected to extend the life of the existing White Rose assets, with Suncor's share of peak oil production estimated to be 20 mbbls/d of crude oil. Major development activity began in 2018. However, in 2020, the operator announced a full project review given the continued market uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic along with the cancellation of the 2021 construction season and has moved the project into safekeeping mode. While the White Rose asset is currently producing, there is a high degree of uncertainty regarding the future of the West White Rose Project. Discussions are ongoing with the operator and various levels of government to determine the future of the project. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has agreed to provide some support for the West White Rose Project in 2021.

Due to a decline in forecast crude oil prices as a result of decreased global demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as changes to capital, operating and production plans, the company recorded an after-tax impairment charge of $137 million on its share of the White Rose assets in the first quarter of 2020. Subsequently, in the fourth quarter of 2020, the company recorded an after-tax impairment charge of $423 million on its share of the White Rose assets as a result of the significant uncertainty surrounding the future of the West White Rose Project. The book value as of December 31, 2020 was impaired to zero.

In 2020, Suncor's share of White Rose production averaged 6.7 mbbls/d of crude oil (2019 – 4.7 mbbls/d).

Hebron

The Hebron oilfield is located approximately 340 km southeast of St. John's and is operated by ExxonMobil Canada Properties (ExxonMobil Canada). The development includes a concrete GBS that sits on the ocean floor and

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  17



supports an integrated topsides deck used for production, drilling and accommodations. At peak, the Hebron project is expected to produce 31.6 mbbls/d of crude oil, net to Suncor, ramping up over several years. Hebron has a gross oil storage capacity of 1,200 mbbls and 52 well slots. First oil was achieved in November 2017.

During 2020, drilling activities continued at Hebron and are expected to continue throughout 2021. In 2020, Suncor's share of production averaged 29.7 mbbls/d of crude oil (2019 – 23.5 mbbls/d). As at December 31, 2020, there were 22 wells: 15 oil production wells, four water injection wells, one gas injection well, one cuttings reinjection well and one water alternating gas injection well.

Other Assets

Suncor continues to pursue opportunities offshore Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2019, Suncor and Cenovus were announced as the successful bidders on exploration licence No. 1164, which is located north of White Rose. This licence carries work commitments from 2020 to 2026. In total, the company holds interests in 48 significant discovery licences and five exploration licences offshore in this area.

E&P International – Assets and Operations

Offshore U.K. & Norway

Buzzard

The Buzzard oilfield is located in the Outer Moray Firth, 95 km northeast of Aberdeen, Scotland. Operated by CNOOC Petroleum Europe Limited (CNOOC Europe), a subsidiary of China National Offshore Oil Corporation Limited, the Buzzard facilities have gross installed production capacity of approximately 220 mbbls/d (66 mbbls/d, net to Suncor) of crude oil and 80 mmcf/d (24 mmcf/d, net to Suncor) of natural gas. Actual annual production levels are lower than production capacity, reflecting current reservoir capability, including natural declines, water injection limits, gas and water production limits, and asset and infrastructure reliability. Buzzard commenced production in January 2007 and consists of four bridge-linked platforms supporting wellhead facilities, production facilities, living quarters and utilities, as well as sulphur handling. Drilling activities took place at Buzzard during 2020 with two active rigs for part of the year. The Buzzard infill drilling campaign, which consisted of five wells, was completed in May and Buzzard Phase 2 drilling was completed in September. As at December 31, 2020, there were 52 wells: 35 oil and gas production wells and 17 water injection wells. In 2020, Suncor's share of Buzzard production averaged 25.9 mboe/d of crude oil and natural gas (2019 – 31.9 mboe/d). Buzzard Phase 2 was sanctioned in 2018 and project execution, although adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, has progressed throughout 2020 with first oil now scheduled for December 2021.

Golden Eagle Area Development (GEAD)

GEAD, which is operated by CNOOC Europe, is approximately 20 km north of the Buzzard oilfield and consists of the unitization of the Peregrine, Hobby, Golden Eagle and Solitaire discoveries. The development incorporates a production, utilities and accommodation platform, linked to a separate wellhead platform, with first oil achieved in October 2014. The facilities have gross production capacity of approximately 76 mboe/d (20 mboe/d, net to Suncor) of crude oil and natural gas. As at December 31, 2020, there were 22 wells: 16 oil and gas production wells and six water injection wells. In 2020, Suncor's share of GEAD production averaged 7.8 mboe/d of crude oil and natural gas (2019 – 9.0 mboe/d).

Subsequent to the fourth quarter of 2020, the company reached an agreement to sell its 26.69% working interest in the Golden Eagle Area Development for US$325 million and contingent consideration up to US$50 million. The effective date of the sale is January 1, 2021 and is expected to close no later than the third quarter of 2021, subject to purchaser financing and shareholder approval along with other closing conditions and certain regulatory approvals.

Rosebank

The Rosebank future development project, in which Suncor has a 40% working interest, was discovered in December 2004 and is operated by Equinor U.K. Limited (Equinor). It is located approximately 130 km northwest of the Shetland Islands, in the U.K. North Sea. The project is currently in the pre-sanction phase.

Oda

The Oda field (PL405 licence) was discovered in 2011 and is located 13 km east of the producing Ula field in the southern part of the Norwegian North Sea. Spirit Energy is the operator and Suncor has a 30% working interest. Oda was sanctioned in November 2016. The field is a subsea tie-back to the Ula platform. Drilling activities were completed in 2018, and first oil was achieved in March 2019. As at December 31, 2020, there were three wells: two production wells and one water injection well. In 2020, Suncor's share of Oda production averaged 7.5 mboe/d of crude oil and natural gas (2019 – 3.7 mboe/d).

Fenja

In 2018, Suncor acquired a 17.5% participating interest in the Fenja development project (PL586 licence). The Fenja field, which was discovered in 2014 and is operated by Neptune Energy, is located approximately 30 km southwest of the Equinor-operated Njord field in the Norwegian Sea. The project was sanctioned by the owners in late 2017, and the plan for development and operation was approved by the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy in the first half of 2018. The field will be developed with two subsea templates with six wells tied back to the Equinor-operated Njord platform. First oil is planned for 2022, with peak production expected to reach 34 mboe/d (6 mboe/d, net to Suncor) of crude oil and natural gas between 2022 and 2023.

18  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Other Assets

Suncor continues to pursue other opportunities offshore of the U.K. and Norway. The company holds interests in 20 exploration licences in these areas.

Other International

Libya

In Libya, Suncor is a signatory to seven EPSAs with the National Oil Corporation (NOC). Five of the seven EPSAs relate to fields with developed production and exploration prospects; the remaining two are exploration EPSAs related to properties that do not contain reserves, one of which is to be relinquished following an unsuccessful exploration program. Under the EPSAs, Suncor pays 100% of the exploration costs, 50% of the development costs and 12% of the operating costs. The development, operating and eligible exploration costs are recovered through a 12% share of production (Cost Recovery oil). Any Cost Recovery oil remaining after Suncor's costs have been recovered is referred to as excess petroleum, and is shared between Suncor and the NOC based on several factors. The total oil Suncor receives for cost recovery and its share of excess petroleum is referred to as entitlement volumes. The EPSAs expire on December 31, 2032, but include an initial five-year extension through the end of 2037. Libya is a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and is subject to quotas that can affect the company's production in Libya.

Since 2013, production and liftings in Libya have been intermittent due to political unrest, and the remaining value of Suncor's assets in Libya was impaired in 2015. Suncor had production and liftings from some of its oilfields in 2020, but others remain shut in due to political unrest. The timing of a return to normal operations in Libya remains uncertain.

The estimated cost of Suncor's remaining exploration work program commitment at December 31, 2020, is US$359 million. Suncor declared force majeure for all exploration commitments in Libya effective December 14, 2014, and this declaration remains in effect.

Suncor's share of production in Libya on an economic basis averaged 0.8 mbbls/d in 2020 of crude oil (2019 – 2.3 mbbls/d).

Syria

In December 2011, amid continuing unrest in Syria, sanctions were imposed and Suncor declared force majeure under its contractual obligations, suspending its operations in the country. Consequently, the company has ceased recording all production and revenue associated with its Syrian assets. Since 2011, Suncor has not been able to monitor the status of any of its assets in the country, including whether certain facilities have suffered damage, although the company believes some assets have sustained significant damage. As a result of continued uncertainty about Suncor's future in the country, the remaining value of the Suncor assets was impaired in 2013.

Sales of Principal Products

Oil and gas production from East Coast Canada and Offshore U.K. & Norway is either marketed by Suncor's Energy Trading business acting as a marketing agent, or sold to the company's Energy Trading business, which then markets the products to customers under direct sales arrangements. Suncor does not typically enter into long-term supply arrangements to sell its production from its Exploration and Production segment. Contracts for these direct sales arrangements are all made on a spot basis, and incorporate pricing that is generally determined on a daily or monthly basis in relation to a specified market reference price.

In Libya, crude oil is marketed by the NOC on behalf of Suncor.

Exploration and Production Sales Summary:

    2020
  2019
 
   
 
Sales Volumes   mboe/d   % operating
revenues
  mboe/d   % operating
revenues
 

E&P Canada                  

  Crude oil   59.8   59   60.8   59  

E&P International                  

  Crude oil and NGLs(1)(2)   41.9   41   44.3   41  

  Natural gas   0.9     0.9    

Total Exploration and Production                  

  Crude oil and NGLs(2)   101.7   100   105.1   100  

  Natural gas   0.9     0.9    

(1)
E&P International Crude oil and NGLs includes production volumes for Libya on an economic basis.

(2)
Contains immaterial amounts of NGLs.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  19


Distribution of Products

East Coast Canada – field production is transported by shuttle tanker from offshore installations and either delivered directly to customers (if tanker schedules permit) or to the Newfoundland transshipment terminal in Placentia Bay, where it is subsequently loaded onto tankers for transport to markets in Eastern Canada, the U.S., Europe, Latin America and Asia. Suncor has a 14% ownership interest in the transshipment facility and is part of a group of companies that share the operation of marine transportation assets for East Coast Canada.

Buzzard – crude oil is transported via the third-party operated Forties Pipeline System to the Hound Point terminal in Scotland and sold as part of the Forties Blend crude stream. Natural gas is transported via the third-party operated Frigg Pipeline System to the St. Fergus Gas Terminal in Scotland.

Golden Eagle – crude oil is transported to the third-party operated Flotta Terminal in the Orkney Islands in Scotland, where it is shipped to market as part of the Flotta Gold blend. Natural gas is transported via the third-party operated SAGE Pipeline System to the St. Fergus Gas Terminal in Scotland.

Oda – crude oil and natural gas is transported via the third-party operated Norpipe to the Teesside terminal in the U.K., where it is shipped to market as part of the Ekofisk Blend crude stream. Natural gas from Oda is injected into the Ula reservoir to improve oil recovery from the Ula field.

Royalties

East Coast Canada

Suncor's East Coast projects are subject to Royalty Agreements and Regulations issued by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. To date, the royalty regime for each project has been negotiated on an individual basis. On November 1, 2017, the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador promulgated the Generic Royalty Regime (GORR) for future projects. The current East Coast royalty regime has a tiered rate structure ranging from a minimum of 1% of gross revenue to a maximum of 42.5% of net revenue (gross revenue less eligible operating and capital costs). The tiered structure is based upon various profitability levels. An East Coast project will be subject to the minimum royalty (the pre-payout phase) until the project's cumulative gross revenue exceeds its cumulative costs, including an annual investment allowance (the post-payout phase).

Terra Nova has reached the net royalty stage, consisting of a two tier profit-sensitive royalty. Tier one is the greater of 10% of gross revenue or 30% of net revenue. Tier two is an additional 12.5% of net revenue. During 2020, Terra Nova royalty recoveries averaged 2% of gross revenue (2019 – expense of 17%) due to suspension of production and prior period settlements recorded in 2020.

Hibernia production from the original oilfields and the AA Block has reached the net royalty stage, consisting of a two tier profit-sensitive royalty and an additional net profits interest (NPI) of 10% of net revenue. Tier one is the greater of 5% of gross revenue or 30% of net revenue. Tier two is an additional 12.5% of net revenue; however, this has not yet been triggered. For the portion of the HSEU that is contained within the original Hibernia licence area, a tier three royalty ranges between 7.5% and 12.5% of net revenue, depending on the price of WTI.

The HSEU royalty structure is similar to the Hibernia arrangement, but is subject to an additional tier three royalty that ranges between 2.5% and 7.5% of net revenue, depending on the price of WTI. The HSEU tier three royalty will coincide with the triggering of the tier one royalty which occurred in 2019.

Hibernia royalties (including the HSEU) and NPI combined to average 23% of gross revenue for 2020 (2019 – 32%), due to lower commodity prices.

The White Rose base project has reached the net royalty stage, consisting of a two tier profit-sensitive royalty. Tier one is the greater of 7.5% of gross revenue or 20% of net revenue. Tier two is an additional 10% of net revenue. The White Rose Extension tier one and tier two royalty structures are the same as the base project, and there is an additional tier three royalty of 6.5% of net revenue, payable if WTI is greater than US$50/bbl. The White Rose Extension is currently paying tier one and tier three royalties, but has not yet triggered tier two. During 2020, total White Rose royalties averaged 6% of gross revenue (2019 – 4%).

The Hebron royalty consists of an initial sliding-scale basic royalty, followed by a three-tiered royalty which will become payable upon the achievement of specified levels of profitability. The basic royalty starts at 1% and increase to 7.5% of gross revenue depending on certain milestones. The tier one royalty is equal to 20% of net revenue. The tier two royalty is equal to an additional 10% of net revenue. The tier three royalty is equal to 6.5% of net revenue, payable if WTI is greater than US$50/bbl. During 2020, Hebron royalties averaged 1% of gross revenue (2019 – 1%).

E&P International

There are no royalties on oil and gas production from Offshore U.K. & Norway; however, oil and gas profits are subject to a 40% income tax rate and 78% income tax rate, respectively. For operations in Libya, all government interests, except for income taxes, are presented as royalties.

20  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.



Refining and Marketing

Refining and Supply – Assets and Operations

Eastern North America

Montreal Refinery

The Montreal refinery has a crude oil capacity of 137 mbbls/d, with a flexible configuration that allows processing of sweet SCO from the company's Oil Sands operations, WCS, conventional crude oil, as well as intermediate feedstock. Crude oil is procured at market prices on a spot basis or under contracts that can be terminated on short notice. Crude oil for the refinery can be supplied through several channels, including via Enbridge's Line 9, the Portland-Montreal Pipeline, by marine transportation, and by rail for inland crudes. The Montreal refinery received inland-sourced crude volumes averaging 124.5 mbbls/d in 2020 (2019 – 123.8 mbbls/d).

Production from the Montreal refinery includes gasoline, distillate, heavy fuel oil, solvents, asphalt and petrochemicals, which are distributed primarily across Quebec and Ontario. The Montreal refinery also continues to produce feedstock sold under a long-term supply contract with HollyFrontier, following the completion of the sale of Suncor's Mississauga lubricants facility in early 2017. Refined products are delivered to distribution terminals and customers via the Trans-Northern Pipeline, truck, rail and marine vessel.

Sarnia Refinery

The Sarnia refinery has a crude oil capacity of 85 mbbls/d, processing both SCO from the company's Oil Sands operations and conventional crude oil purchased from third parties on a spot basis or under contracts that can be terminated on short notice. Crude oil is supplied to the Sarnia refinery primarily via the Enbridge mainline and Lakehead pipeline systems. Suncor procures conventional crude oil feedstock primarily from Western Canada and has the ability to supplement supply with purchases from the U.S.

Production yield from the Sarnia refinery includes gasoline, kerosene, and jet and diesel fuels, which are primarily distributed in Ontario. Refined products are delivered to distribution terminals in Ontario via the Sun-Canadian Pipeline, or delivered to customers directly via marine vessel and rail. The Sarnia refinery also has limited access to pipelines delivering refined products into the U.S.

To meet the demands of Suncor's marketing network in Eastern North America, the company also purchases gasoline and distillate from other refiners. Suncor enters into reciprocal exchange arrangements with other refiners in Eastern North America, primarily for gasoline and distillate, as a means of minimizing transportation costs and balancing product availability. Specialty products, such as asphalt and petrochemicals, are also exported to customers in the U.S.

Other Facilities

Suncor holds a 51% interest in ParaChem Chemicals L.P. (ParaChem), which owns and operates a petrochemicals plant located adjacent to the Montreal refinery. Feedstock for the plant includes xylene and toluene produced by the Montreal and Sarnia refineries. The plant primarily produces paraxylene, which is used by customers to manufacture polyester textiles and plastic bottles. Paraxylene production was approximately 295,000 metric tonnes in 2020 (2019 – 355,000 metric tonnes). ParaChem also produces benzene, hydrogen and heavy aromatics. Benzene production is delivered back to the Montreal refinery to be marketed with production from that facility.

Suncor operates Canada's largest ethanol facility, the St. Clair Ethanol plant in the Sarnia-Lambton region of Ontario, with a nameplate capacity of 396 million litres per year. In 2020, the plant produced 336 million litres of ethanol (2019 – 400 million litres).

Western North America

Edmonton Refinery

As at December 31, 2020, the Edmonton refinery had a crude oil capacity of 142 mbbls/d and the capability to run a full slate of feedstock sourced from Suncor's Oil Sands operations. Crude oil is supplied to the refinery via company-owned and third-party pipelines. Subsequently, in the first quarter of 2021, the crude oil capacity of the Edmonton refinery increased to 146 mbbls/d as a result of debottlenecking activities.

Feedstock is supplied from Suncor's Oil Sands operations, Syncrude operations (including volumes purchased by Suncor from the other Syncrude joint venture owners' share of production) and other producers from the Wood Buffalo and Cold Lake regions of Alberta. The refinery can process approximately 44 mbbls/d of blended heavy feedstock (comprised of 31 mbbls/d of bitumen and 13 mbbls/d of diluent) and process approximately 44 mbbls/d of sour SCO, based on the increased capacity. The refinery can also process approximately 58 mbbls/d of sweet SCO through its synthetic crude train based on the increased capacity.

Production yield from the Edmonton refinery includes primarily gasoline, distillate and other light oils, which are delivered to distribution terminals across Western Canada via the Alberta Products Pipeline, the TransMountain Pipeline and the Enbridge pipeline system, as well as via truck and rail.

Commerce City Refinery

The Commerce City refinery has a crude throughput capacity of 98 mbbls/d. The refinery processes primarily conventional crude oil, and has the capacity to process up to 16 mbbls/d of sour SCO and diluted bitumen from Suncor's Oil Sands operations. A majority of crude feedstock is supplied from sources in the U.S., including the Rocky Mountain region, while the remainder is purchased from Canadian sources.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  21



Crude oil purchase contracts have terms ranging from month-to-month to multi-year. Crude oil is supplied to the Commerce City refinery primarily by pipeline, with the remainder transported via truck.

Production yield from the Commerce City refinery includes primarily gasoline, distillate and paving-grade asphalt.

The majority of the refined products are sold to commercial and wholesale customers in Colorado and Wyoming, and a retail network in Colorado and Wyoming. Refined products are distributed by truck, rail and pipeline.

Other Facilities

To support the supply and demand balance in the Vancouver area, Suncor imports and exports finished products through its Burrard distribution terminal located on the west coast of B.C. Suncor also enters into reciprocal exchange arrangements with other refiners in Western North America as a means of minimizing transportation costs and balancing product availability. The Burrard distribution terminal was expanded by Suncor in 2020, which added an incremental 19 mbbls/d of export capacity, bringing the total export capacity of the terminal to 40 mbbls/d.

Refinery Throughputs, Utilizations and Yields

The following tables summarize the crude feedstock, utilizations and production yield mix for Suncor's refineries for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Average Daily Crude Throughput              Montreal
             Sarnia
             Edmonton(2)
             Commerce City
 
(mbbls/d, except as noted)   2020   2019   2020   2019   2020   2019   2020   2019  

Sweet synthetic   10.5   7.9   28.6   24.8   42.9   54.9      

Sour synthetic       28.6   31.8   51.8   45.3   11.0   9.4  

Diluted bitumen   21.0   20.6       35.2   43.0   8.9   9.9  

Sweet conventional   87.5   89.0   1.9   0.3       45.7   63.9  

Sour conventional   5.5   8.0   17.4   21.0       10.5   9.4  

Total   124.5   125.5   76.5   77.9   129.9   143.2   76.1   92.6  

Utilization (%)   91   92   90   92   91   101   78   94  

Equity Crude Processed(1)   10.0   7.7   53.1   51.6   94.3   121.3   11.0   9.4  

(1)
Includes Suncor's upstream operations, including its working interest in Syncrude.

(2)
Utilization calculated based on 142 mbbls/d capacity as at December 31, 2020, not incorporating capacity increase effective January 1, 2021.
 
Refined petroleum production yield mix              Montreal
             Sarnia
             Edmonton
             Commerce City
 
(%)   2020   2019   2020   2019   2020   2019   2020   2019  

Gasoline   35   38   48   47   42   43   46   49  

Distillates   37   38   37   39   52   52   34   34  

Other   28   24   15   14   6   5   20   17  

Distribution Terminals and Pipelines

Suncor owns and operates 13 major refined product terminals across Canada (including terminals adjacent to refineries) and three product terminals in Colorado. Combined with access to facilities under long-term contractual arrangements with other parties, Suncor's North American assets are sufficient to meet the Refining and Marketing segment's current storage and distribution needs.

22  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


As at December 31, 2020, Suncor's ownership interests in certain pipelines were as follows:

Pipeline Ownership   Type   Origin   Destinations  

Portland-Montreal Pipeline(1) 100.00%   Crude oil   Portland, Maine   Montreal, Quebec  

Trans-Northern Pipeline 33.30%   Refined product   Montreal, Quebec   Ontario – Ottawa, Toronto & Oakville  

Sun-Canadian Pipeline 55.00%   Refined product   Sarnia, Ontario   Ontario – Toronto, London & Hamilton  

Alberta Products Pipeline 35.00%   Refined product   Edmonton, Alberta   Calgary, Alberta  

Rocky Mountain Crude Pipeline 100.00%   Crude oil   Guernsey, Wyoming   Denver, Colorado  

Centennial Pipeline 100.00%   Crude oil   Guernsey, Wyoming   Cheyenne, Wyoming  

Oil Sands Pipeline 100.00%   Crude oil   Fort McMurray, Alberta   Edmonton, Alberta  

(1)
Acquired 100% interest on April 1, 2020, compared to the previously held interest of 23.80% at December 31, 2019.

Marketing – Assets and Operations

Suncor's retail service station network operates nationally in Canada primarily under the Petro-Canada™ brand. As at December 31, 2020, this network consisted of 1,561 outlets across Canada, of which 814 locations are company-owned locations and 747 are branded-dealers. Selected locations along the Trans-Canada highway contain Canada's Electric Highway™, the coast-to-coast network of fast charging EV stations. In addition, refined products are marketed through independent dealers and joint operations. Suncor's Canadian retail network had sales of gasoline motor fuels averaging approximately 4.1 million litres per site in 2020 (2019 – 4.9 million litres).

Suncor's Colorado retail network consists of 44 owned or leased Shell™, Exxon™ or Mobil™ branded outlets. Suncor also has product supply agreements with 133 Shell™-branded sites in both Colorado and Wyoming, and with 62 Exxon™ and Mobil™-branded sites in Colorado.

Marketing activities from the retail network also generate non-petroleum revenues from convenience store sales and car washes.

Suncor's wholesale operations sell refined products into farm, home heating, paving, small industrial, commercial and truck markets. Through its PETRO-PASS™ network, Suncor is a national marketer to the commercial road transport segment in Canada. Suncor also sells refined products directly to large industrial and commercial customers and independent marketers.

Retail and Wholesale Summary

           As at December 31
Locations   2020   2019  

Retail Service Stations – Canada          

  Petro-Canada™ -branded   1 560   1 546  

  Sunoco™ -branded   1   1  

    1 561   1 547  

Retail Service Stations(1) – U.S.          

  Shell™ -branded retail service stations – Colorado/Wyoming   168   177  

  Exxon™ -branded retail service stations – Colorado   48   42  

  Mobil™ -branded retail service stations – Colorado   23   20  

    239   239  

Wholesale Cardlock Sites – Canada          

  Petro-Canada™-branded cardlock sites (PETRO-PASS™)   316   310  

(1)
Shell™ is a registered U.S. trademark of Shell Trademark Management B.V., and Exxon™ and Mobil™ are registered U.S. trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  23


Refined Products Sales Volumes

    2020
  2019
   
 
Sales Volumes   mbbls/d   % operating
revenues
  mbbls/d   % operating
revenues
 

Gasoline (includes motor and aviation gasoline)                  

  Eastern North America   103.6       119.8      

  Western North America   110.5       126.8      

    214.1   43   246.6   45  

Distillates (includes diesel and heating oils, and aviation jet fuels)(1)                  

  Eastern North America   91.9       102.9      

  Western North America   123.8       115.2      

    215.7   43   218.1   42  

Other (includes heavy fuel oil, asphalts, petrochemicals, other)                  

  Eastern North America   47.5       48.8      

  Western North America   26.1       25.9      

    73.6   14   74.7   13  

    503.4       539.4      

(1)
Beginning in 2020, to better reflect the increasing integration of the company's assets, the company revised the presentation of its refined products sales volumes to include Oil Sands diesel that is purchased and marketed by the Refining and Marketing segment.

Sales volumes for specific products are moderately affected by seasonal cycles: gasoline sales are typically higher during the summer driving season; heating oil sales are typically higher during the winter season; diesel sales are typically higher during the drilling season at the beginning of the year in Western Canada and during agricultural planting and harvest seasons in early spring and late summer, respectively; and asphalt sales are typically higher during the summer construction paving period. Suncor has the flexibility to modify refinery inputs and outputs to match production yields with anticipated product demands. Suncor also has the flexibility to import and export refined products to optimize around domestic seasonal cycles and to capture incremental margins from market dislocations as they arise.

Sales volumes can also be impacted when refineries undergo maintenance events, which reduce production. Suncor is able to partially mitigate this impact through its integrated facilities: the Edmonton refinery and Oil Sands Base upgrading facilities, and the Sarnia and Montreal refineries. In addition, Suncor may purchase refined products from third-party suppliers.

Other Suncor Businesses

Energy Trading

Suncor's Energy Trading business is organized around five main commodity groups – crude oil, transportation fuels, specialty products and feedstock, natural gas, and electricity – and has trading offices in Canada, the U.K. and the U.S. Energy Trading manages open price exposure along the Suncor value chain and provides commodity supply, transportation and storage while optimizing price realizations for Suncor's products. The company's customers include mid- to large-sized commercial and industrial consumers, utility companies and energy producers.

The Energy Trading business supports the company's Oil Sands and E&P production by optimizing price realizations, managing inventory levels and managing the impacts of external market factors, such as pipeline disruptions or outages at refining customers. The Energy Trading business has entered into contractual arrangements for other midstream infrastructure, such as pipeline, storage capacity and rail access, to optimize delivery of existing and future growth production, while generating earnings on select trading strategies and opportunities.

The Energy Trading business supports the company's Refining and Marketing business by optimizing the supply of crude and NGLs feedstock to the company's four refineries, managing crude inventory levels during refinery turnarounds and periods of unplanned maintenance, as well as managing external impacts from pipeline disruptions. Energy Trading also moves Suncor's refinery production to market and ensures supply to Suncor's branded retail and wholesale marketing channels. The business provides reliable natural gas supply to Suncor's upstream and downstream operations and generates incremental revenue through trading and asset optimization.

24  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.



Renewable Energy

Suncor's renewable energy investment activities include development, construction and ownership of Suncor-operated and joint venture partner-operated renewable power assets across Canada. This currently includes a portfolio of four operating wind power facilities located in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario with a gross installed capacity of 111 MW. In addition, Suncor has secured a number of sites for potential future wind and solar power projects that are in various stages of development, including the Forty Mile Wind Power Project in southeast Alberta. The sanctioned Forty Mile Wind Power Project is designed to provide 200 MW of generation capacity with an estimated total capital spend of $300 million. The project was restarted in early 2021 and is currently planned for completion in late 2022 after it was temporarily paused during 2020.

Suncor's wind power projects as at December 31, 2020:

Wind Power Projects       Ownership
Interest (%)
  Gross (MW)   Turbines   Completed  

Operated by Suncor                      

  Adelaide   Strathroy, Ontario   75.0   40   18   2014  

Non-operated                      

  Chin Chute   Taber, Alberta   33.3   30   20   2006  

  Magrath   Magrath, Alberta   33.3   30   20   2004  

  SunBridge   Gull Lake, Saskatchewan   50.0   11   17   2002  

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  25


Suncor Employees

The following table shows the distribution of employees among Suncor's business units and corporate office.

As at December 31   2020   2019  

Oil Sands(1)   6 371   6 400  

Exploration and Production(2)   321   351  

Refining and Marketing(2)   2 716   2 824  

Corporate and Eliminations(2)(3)   3 183   3 314  

Total   12 591   12 889  

(1)
Includes employees related to the Fort Hills operations.

(2)
Prior period information has been re-classed to conform to current period presentation.

(3)
Includes employees from the company's Projects group, which supports the business units.

In addition to Suncor's employees, the company also uses independent contractors to supply a range of services.

Approximately 32% or 4,142 of the company's employees were covered by collective agreements at the end of 2020. The company completed negotiations in 2020 in respect of the collective agreements relating to Terra Nova and the Ottawa Terminal. Negotiations for three collective agreements will take place in 2021 representing approximately 260 employees and including the B.C. terminals and the Sarnia refinery.

In the fourth quarter of 2020, Suncor announced that it would be making workforce reductions of between 10% to 15% of employees by mid-2022 as part of the company's steps to achieve its incremental free funds flow target. Furthermore, Suncor announced that it had made the choice to relocate the downstream offices in Mississauga and Oakville, Ontario, Canada to Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This reorganization of the company's downstream operations is expected to allow the company to create stronger integration and efficiencies across the major business units and functions by having one central headquarters.

Ethics, Social and Environmental Policies

Suncor has adopted several policies focused on ethics, social and environmental matters.

Suncor's standards for the ethical conduct of the company's business are set forth in a Standards of Business Conduct Code (the Code), which applies to Suncor's directors, officers, employees and independent contractors, and requires strict compliance with legal requirements and Suncor's values. Topics addressed in the Code include competition, conflict of interest, the protection and proper use of corporate assets and opportunities, confidentiality, disclosure of material information, trading in shares and securities, communications to the public, improper payments, respectful workplace, fair dealing in trade relations, and accounting, reporting and business controls. The Code is supported by detailed policy guidance and standards and a Code compliance program, under which every Suncor director, officer, employee and independent contractor is required to annually complete a Code training course, read a summary of the Code, affirm that they understand the requirements of the Code, and provide confirmation of compliance with the Code since their last affirmation or confirmation that any instance of non-compliance has been discussed and resolved with the individual's supervisor. Compliance is then reported to Suncor's Governance Committee of the Board of Directors. A copy of the Code is available on Suncor's website at www.suncor.com.

Suncor has a Supplier Code of Conduct that highlights the values that are important to Suncor and is a guide to the standard of behaviour required of all suppliers, contractors, consultants and other third parties with whom Suncor does business. The Supplier Code of Conduct addresses topics such as safety, human rights, harassment, bribery and corruption, and confidential information, among others. It also reinforces Suncor's commitment to sustainable development and encourages Suncor's business associates to work with the company to seek ways to reduce environmental impacts, support the communities in which Suncor works and collectively achieve economic growth. Compliance with the Supplier Code of Conduct is a standard requirement for all Suncor supply chain contracts.

26  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Suncor has a Human Rights Policy, which affirms Suncor's responsibility to respect human rights and is intended to ensure that Suncor is not complicit in human rights abuses. Suncor is subject to the laws of the countries in which it operates and is committed to complying with all such laws while honouring international human rights principles, such as those described in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The policy contains guiding principles, including: the belief that a process for human rights impact assessment undertaken regularly is essential to identify, prevent, mitigate and remedy potential impacts on human rights; a commitment to providing a working environment that is free from harassment, violence, intimidation and other disruptive behaviours; a commitment to respecting the cultures, customs and values of the communities in which the company operates; the belief that security policies should be consistent with international human rights standards; and the belief that employees and stakeholders affected by the company's activities should have access to grievance mechanisms that are legitimate, accessible, predictable, equitable and transparent. The policy makes clear that the scope of Suncor's human rights due diligence should include its own operations and, where it can influence its third-party business relationships, the operations of others.

Suncor has a Stakeholder Relations Policy, which reflects Suncor's values. The policy provides that Suncor is committed to developing and maintaining positive, meaningful relationships with stakeholders in all of its operating areas and provides Suncor's principles for guiding the development of stakeholder relations (respect, responsibility, transparency, timeliness and mutual benefit). The policy states Suncor's belief that successful stakeholder relations provide significant mutual benefits, including enabling informed decision-making, resolving issues with timely, cost-effective and mutually beneficial solutions, building stronger communities and supporting shared learning.

Suncor has a Canadian Indigenous Relations Policy, which affirms Suncor's desire to work in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples to create shared value. The policy sets the foundation for a consistent approach to the company's relationships with Indigenous Peoples and outlines Suncor's responsibilities and commitments, and is intended to guide Suncor's business decisions on a day-to-day basis. Suncor is committed to working closely with Indigenous Peoples and communities to build and maintain long-term and mutually beneficial relationships. The policy makes it clear that responsible development takes into account Indigenous interests regarding the opportunities and impacts of energy development on communities and on their traditional and current uses of lands and resources.

Suncor has an Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) policy, which affirms Suncor's commitment to be a sustainable energy company by working to achieve or exceed levels of performance governed by legislation and by the evolving environmental, social and economic expectations of the company's stakeholders. The policy reflects Suncor's belief that the company's EH&S efforts are complementary and interdependent with the company's economic and social performance. The policy states that Suncor management is responsible for ensuring that employees and contractors under their direction are competent to manage their EH&S responsibilities and are knowledgeable of the hazards and risks associated with their jobs, and that all Suncor employees and contractors are accountable for compliance with relevant acts, codes, regulations, standards and procedures, and for their own personal safety and the safety of their co-workers.

The Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainable Development (EHS&SD) Committee of the Board of Directors meets quarterly to review Suncor's effectiveness in meeting its EHS&SD obligations. The EHS&SD Committee also reviews the company's strategies and policies, with respect to EHS&SD, given legal, industry and community standards. The EHS&SD Committee also monitors management's performance and emerging trends and issues in these areas. In addition, the EHS&SD Committee has oversight over Suncor's performance with respect to the company's social goal regarding building mutual trust and respect with the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, and reviews Suncor's annual Report on Sustainability reporting on Suncor's EHS&SD progress, plans and performance objectives, as well as disclosure on lobbying.

Suncor's annual Excellence Awards program recognizes and celebrates employees and contractors who lead the way in strengthening Suncor's culture, living Suncor's purpose and values, and accelerating the Suncor transformational journey.

The aforementioned policies are reviewed regularly, and are accessible to employees and contractors on the company's intranet. Additional workshops and targeted training sessions on various matters under the policies are also conducted as warranted throughout the year. The Canadian Indigenous Relations Policy is available in Cree and Dene audio translations.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  27


Statement of Reserves Data and Other Oil and Gas Information

Date of Statement

The Statement of Reserves Data and Other Oil and Gas Information outlined below is dated February 24, 2021, with an effective date of December 31, 2020. Reserves evaluations have not been updated since the effective date and, thus, do not reflect changes in the company's reserves since that date. The preparation date of the information is January 12, 2021.

Disclosure of Reserves Data

Suncor is subject to the reporting requirements of Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including the reporting of reserves data in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (NI 51-101).

The reserves data included in this section of the AIF is based upon evaluations conducted by GLJ Ltd. (GLJ), contained in its report dated February 19, 2021 (the GLJ Report). GLJ (the Evaluator) is an independent qualified reserves evaluator as defined in NI 51-101.

The reserves data summarizes Suncor's SCO, bitumen, light crude oil and medium crude oil (combined, including immaterial amounts of heavy crude oil) and conventional natural gas (including immaterial amounts of NGLs) reserves and the net present values of future net revenues for these reserves using forecast prices and costs prior to provision for interest and general and administrative expense.

Advisories – Reserves Data

It should not be assumed that the estimates of future net revenues presented in the tables below represent the fair market value of the reserves. There is no assurance that the forecast prices and cost assumptions will be attained and variances could be material. There is no guarantee that the estimates for SCO, bitumen, light crude oil and medium crude oil, heavy crude oil, conventional natural gas and NGLs reserves provided herein will be recovered. Actual SCO, bitumen, light crude oil and medium crude oil, heavy crude oil, conventional natural gas and NGLs volumes recovered may be greater than or less than the estimates provided herein. Readers should review the Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations and the definitions and information contained in the Notes to Reserves Data Tables, Definitions for Reserves Data Tables and Notes to Future Net Revenues Tables in conjunction with the following notes and tables.

Significant Risk Factors and Uncertainties Affecting Reserves

The evaluation of reserves is a continuous process, one that can be significantly impacted by a variety of internal and external influences. Revisions are often required as a result of newly acquired technical data, technology improvements, or changes in historical performance, pricing, economic conditions, market availability, or regulatory requirements. Additional technical information regarding geology, hydrogeology, reservoir properties and reservoir fluid properties is obtained through seismic programs, drilling programs, updated reservoir performance studies and analysis, and production history, and may result in revisions to reserves. Pricing, market availability and economic conditions affect the profitability of reserves development. Royalty regimes and environmental regulations and other regulatory changes cannot be predicted but may have positive or negative effects on reserves. Future technology improvements would be expected to have a favourable impact on the economics of reserves development and exploitation, and therefore may result in an increase to reserves. Political unrest, such as is occurring in Syria and Libya, has resulted in volumes that would otherwise be classified as reserves being classified as contingent resources.

While the above factors, and many others, are relevant to the evaluation of reserves, certain judgments and assumptions are always required. As new information becomes available, these areas are reviewed and revised accordingly.

The reserves included in this AIF represent estimates only. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities and quality of these reserves, including many factors beyond the company's control. In general, estimates of reserves and the future net cash flows from these reserves are based upon a number of factors and assumptions – such as production forecasts, regulations, pricing, the timing and amount of capital expenditures, future royalties, future operating costs, yield rates for upgraded production of SCO from bitumen, and future abandonment and reclamation costs – all of which may vary considerably from actual results and may be affected by many of the factors identified under Industry Conditions and Risk Factors herein. The accuracy of any reserves estimate is a matter of interpretation and judgment and is a function of the quality and quantity of available data, which may have been gathered over time. For these reasons, estimates of the reserves and categorization of such reserves based on the certainty of recovery, prepared by different engineers or by the same engineers at different times, may vary.

28  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Reserves estimates are based upon geological assessment, including drilling and laboratory tests. Mining reserves estimates also consider production capacity and upgrading yields, mine plans, operating life and regulatory constraints. In Situ reserves estimates are also based upon the testing of core samples and seismic operations and demonstrated commercial success of in situ processes. Suncor's actual production, revenues, royalties, taxes, and development and operating expenditures with respect to the company's reserves will vary from such estimates, and such variances could be material. Production performance subsequent to the date of the estimate may justify future revision, either upward or downward, if material.

The reserves evaluations are based in part on the assumed success of activities the company intends to undertake in future years. The estimated reserves and associated cash flows may be increased or reduced to the extent that such activities do or do not achieve the level of success assumed in the reserves evaluations.

Specific significant risk factors and uncertainties affecting Suncor's reserves include, among others:

Volatility of Commodity Prices
Carbon Risk
Political Unrest
Abandonment and Reclamation costs
Government Action

Refer to the Risk Factors section of this AIF for additional information on additional significant risk factors and uncertainties affecting Suncor's reserves.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  29


Oil and Gas Reserves Tables and Notes

Summary of Oil and Gas Reserves(1)
as at December 31, 2020
(forecast prices and costs)(2)

                      SCO(3)
                    Bitumen
              Light Crude Oil &
            Medium Crude Oil(4)
              Conventional
            Natural Gas(6)
                    Total

 

 

                  (mmbbls)

 

                  (mmbbls)

 

            (mmbbls)

 

            (bcfe)

 

                  (mmboe)

 

 

Gross

 

Net

 

Gross

 

Net

 

Gross

 

Net

 

Gross

 

Net

 

Gross

 

Net

 

Proved Developed Producing                                          
  Mining   1 683   1 610   865   821           2 548   2 431  
  In Situ   251   229   105   97           357   326  
  E&P Canada           64   57       64   57  

Total Canada   1 935   1 839   970   917   64   57       2 968   2 814  

Offshore U.K. & Norway           51   51   1   1   51   51  

Total Proved Developed Producing   1 935   1 839   970   917   115   108   1   1   3 020   2 865  

Proved Developed Non-Producing                                          
  Mining                      
  In Situ                      
  E&P Canada           12   11       12   11  

Total Canada           12   11       12   11  

Offshore U.K. & Norway           2   2       2   2  

Total Proved Developed Non-Producing           14   13       14   13  

Proved Undeveloped                                          
  Mining   297   286               297   286  
  In Situ   746   653   523   460           1 269   1 113  
  E&P Canada           33   30       33   30  

Total Canada   1 042   939   523   460   33   30       1 598   1 430  

Offshore U.K. & Norway           8   8   11   11   10   10  

Total Proved Undeveloped   1 042   939   523   460   41   38   11   11   1 608   1 439  

Proved                                          
  Mining   1 980   1 896   865   821           2 845   2 717  
  In Situ   997   882   628   557           1 625   1 439  
  E&P Canada           109   98       109   98  

Total Canada   2 977   2 778   1 493   1 378   109   98       4 579   4 254  

Offshore U.K. & Norway           61   61   12   12   63   63  

Total Proved   2 977   2 778   1 493   1 378   170   159   12   12   4 642   4 317  

Probable                                          
  Mining   426   401   554   506           980   908  
  In Situ   1 286   1 064   328   266           1 614   1 330  
  E&P Canada           100   79       100   79  

Total Canada   1 712   1 465   882   773   100   79       2 694   2 317  

Offshore U.K. & Norway           22   22   5   5   23   23  

Total Probable   1 712   1 465   882   773   123   102   5   5   2 717   2 340  

Proved Plus Probable                                          
  Mining   2 406   2 298   1 418   1 327           3 824   3 625  
  In Situ   2 283   1 945   957   823           3 240   2 769  
  E&P Canada           209   178       209   178  

Total Canada   4 689   4 243   2 375   2 151   209   178       7 273   6 571  

Offshore U.K. & Norway           83   83   17   17   86   86  

Total Proved Plus Probable   4 689   4 243   2 375   2 151   292   261   17   17   7 359   6 658  

Please see Notes (1) through (4) and (6) at the end of the reserves data section for important information about volumes in this table.

30  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Reconciliation of Gross Reserves(1)
as at December 31, 2020
(forecast prices and costs)(2)

    SCO(3)
  Bitumen
  Light Crude Oil & Medium
Crude Oil(4)(5)
  Conventional
Natural Gas(6)
  Total
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
    Proved   Probable   Proved
Plus
Probable
  Proved   Probable   Proved
Plus
Probable
  Proved   Probable   Proved
Plus
Probable
  Proved   Probable   Proved
Plus
Probable
  Proved   Probable   Proved
Plus
Probable
   
   
   
    mmbbls   mmbbls   mmbbls   mmbbls   mmbbls   mmbbls   mmbbls   mmbbls   mmbbls   bcfe   bcfe   bcfe   mmboe   mmboe   mmboe    

   
Mining                                                                

December 31, 2019   1 966   601   2 567   896   469   1 365               2 862   1 070   3 932    

  Extensions & Improved Recovery(7)   297   (297 )                     297   (297 )    

  Technical Revisions(8)   (151 ) 122   (29 ) (11 ) 84   73               (163 ) 206   44    

  Discoveries(9)                                  

  Acquisitions(10)                                  

  Dispositions(11)                                  

  Economic Factors(12)                                  

  Production(13)   (132 )   (132 ) (20 )   (20 )             (152 )   (152 )  

December 31, 2020   1 980   426   2 406   865   554   1 418               2 845   980   3 824    

In Situ                                                                

December 31, 2019   858   1 143   2 001   779   325   1 103               1 636   1 468   3 104    

  Extensions & Improved Recovery(7)   1   121   122   2   24   26               3   145   148    

  Technical Revisions(8)   176   22   199   (127 ) (21 ) (148 )             49   2   51    

  Discoveries(9)                                  

  Acquisitions(10)                                  

  Dispositions(11)                                  

  Economic Factors(12)                                  

  Production(13)   (38 )   (38 ) (25 )   (25 )             (63 )   (63 )  

December 31, 2020   997   1 286   2 283   628   328   957               1 625   1 614   3 240    

E&P Canada                                                                

December 31, 2019               116   162   278         116   162   278    

  Extensions & Improved Recovery(7)               9   16   25         9   16   25    

  Technical Revisions(8)               5   (77 ) (72 )       5   (77 ) (72 )  

  Discoveries(9)                                  

  Acquisitions(10)                                  

  Dispositions(11)                                  

  Economic Factors(12)                                  

  Production(13)               (22 )   (22 )       (22 )   (22 )  

December 31, 2020               109   100   209         109   100   209    

Total Canada                                                                

December 31, 2019   2 824   1 744   4 568   1 675   794   2 469   116   162   278         4 615   2 700   7 314    

  Extensions & Improved Recovery(7)   298   (176 ) 122   2   24   26   9   16   25         309   (136 ) 173    

  Technical Revisions(8)   25   144   169   (138 ) 64   (75 ) 5   (77 ) (72 )       (108 ) 130   22    

  Discoveries(9)                                  

  Acquisitions(10)                                  

  Dispositions(11)                                  

  Economic Factors(12)                                  

  Production(13)   (170 )   (170 ) (45 )   (45 ) (22 )   (22 )       (237 )   (237 )  

December 31, 2020   2 977   1 712   4 689   1 493   882   2 375   109   100   209         4 579   2 694   7 273    

Please see Notes (1) through (13) at the end of the reserves data section for important information about volumes in this table.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  31


Reconciliation of Gross Reserves(1) (continued)
as at December 31, 2020
(forecast prices and costs)(2)

    SCO(3)
  Bitumen
  Light Crude Oil & Medium
Crude Oil(4)(5)
  Conventional
Natural Gas(6)
  Total
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
    Proved   Probable   Proved
Plus
Probable
  Proved   Probable   Proved
Plus
Probable
  Proved   Probable   Proved
Plus
Probable
  Proved   Probable   Proved
Plus
Probable
  Proved   Probable   Proved
Plus
Probable
   
   
   
    mmbbls   mmbbls   mmbbls   mmbbls   mmbbls   mmbbls   mmbbls   mmbbls   mmbbls   bcfe   bcfe   bcfe   mmboe   mmboe   mmboe    

   
Offshore U.K. & Norway                                                                

December 31, 2019               56   32   88   15   16   31   58   35   93    

  Extensions & Improved Recovery(7)               1   3   4         1   3   4    

  Technical Revisions(8)               18   (13 ) 6   (1 ) (11 ) (13 ) 18   (15 ) 3    

  Discoveries(9)                                  

  Acquisitions(10)                                  

  Dispositions(11)                                  

  Economic Factors(12)                                  

  Production(13)               (14 )   (14 ) (1 )   (1 ) (15 )   (15 )  

December 31, 2020               61   22   83   12   5   17   63   23   86    

Other International(14)                                                                

December 31, 2019                                  

  Extensions & Improved Recovery(7)                                  

  Technical Revisions(8)               2     2         2     2    

  Discoveries(9)                                  

  Acquisitions(10)                                  

  Dispositions(11)                                  

  Economic Factors(12)                                  

  Production(13)(14)               (2 )   (2 )       (2 )   (2 )  

December 31, 2020                                  

Total                                                                

December 31, 2019   2 824   1 744   4 568   1 675   794   2 469   172   194   366   15   16   31   4 673   2 735   7 407    

  Extensions & Improved Recovery(7)   298   (176 ) 122   2   24   26   10   19   29         310   (133 ) 177    

  Technical Revisions(8)   25   144   169   (138 ) 64   (75 ) 26   (90 ) (65 ) (1 ) (11 ) (13 ) (88 ) 116   28    

  Discoveries(9)                                  

  Acquisitions(10)                                  

  Dispositions(11)                                  

  Economic Factors(12)                                  

  Production(13)   (170 )   (170 ) (45 )   (45 ) (38 )   (38 ) (1 )   (1 ) (253 )   (253 )  

December 31, 2020   2 977   1 712   4 689   1 493   882   2 375   170   123   292   12   5   17   4 642   2 717   7 359    

Please see Notes (1) through (14) at the end of the reserves data section for important information about volumes in this table.

32  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Notes to Reserves Data Tables

as at December 31, 2020

(1)
Reserves data tables may not add due to rounding.

(2)
See the Notes to Future Net Revenues Tables for information on forecast prices and costs.

(3)
SCO reserves figures include the company's diesel sales volumes.

(4)
Gross volumes of Light Crude Oil & Medium Crude Oil for E&P Canada include immaterial quantities of Heavy Crude Oil as follows: Proved Developed Producing of 38 mmbbls, Proved Undeveloped of 15 mmbbls, Proved of 53 mmbbls, Probable of 25 mmbbls and Proved Plus Probable of 78 mmbbls. Net volumes of Light Crude Oil & Medium Crude Oil for E&P Canada include immaterial quantities of Heavy Crude Oil as follows: Proved Developed Producing of 37 mmbbls, Proved Undeveloped of 15 mmbbls, Proved of 52 mmbbls, Probable of 19 mmbbls and Proved Plus Probable of 71 mmbbls.

(5)
Light Crude Oil & Medium Crude Oil Technical Revisions for E&P Canada include quantities of Heavy Crude Oil as follows: Proved of 4 mmbbls, Probable of (6) mmbbls and Proved Plus Probable of (2) mmbbls.

(6)
Conventional Natural Gas includes immaterial amounts of NGLs (0.5 mmbbls of Proved and 0.7 mmbbls of Proved Plus Probable NGLs).

(7)
Extensions & Improved Recovery are additions to the reserves resulting from step-out drilling, infill drilling and implementation of improved recovery schemes. Negative volumes, if any, for Probable reserves result from the transfer of Probable reserves to Proved reserves. Changes in 2020 are primarily a result of the transfer of MLX-W from Probable reserves to Proved reserves and drilling extensions at Firebag.

(8)
Technical Revisions include changes in previous estimates resulting from new technical data or revised interpretations. Changes in 2020 are primarily due to new information obtained during the year, including drilling results and ongoing field performance. In 2020, Mining changes are primarily due to geological model updates and changes to the current business plan. In 2020, In Situ changes are primarily due to geological and performance model updates. For Other International, a technical revision has been made to offset production (refer to Note 14 below).

(9)
Discoveries are additions to reserves in reservoirs where no reserves were previously booked and are as a result of the confirmation of the existence of an accumulation of a significant quantity of potentially recoverable petroleum. There were no discoveries in 2020.

(10)
Acquisitions are additions to reserves estimates as a result of purchasing interests in oil and gas properties.

(11)
Dispositions are reductions in reserves estimates as a result of selling all or a portion of an interest in oil and gas properties.

(12)
Economic Factors are changes due primarily to price forecasts, inflation rates or regulatory changes.

(13)
Production quantities may include estimated production for periods near the end of the year when actual sales quantities were not available at the time the reserves evaluations were conducted.

(14)
Other International includes production for Libya based on the company's 50% working interest. Production for Libya is offset by Technical Revisions of an equal amount, since Suncor's Libya assets are classified as contingent resources due to political unrest.

Definitions for Reserves Data Tables

In the tables set forth above and elsewhere in this AIF, the following definitions and other notes are applicable:

Gross means:

(a)
in relation to Suncor's interest in production or reserves, Suncor's working-interest share before deduction of royalties and without including any royalty interests of Suncor;

(b)
in relation to Suncor's interest in wells, the total number of wells in which Suncor has an interest; and

(c)
in relation to Suncor's interest in properties, the total area of properties in which Suncor has an interest.

Net means:

(a)
in relation to Suncor's interest in production or reserves, Suncor's working-interest share after deduction of royalty obligations, plus the company's royalty interests in production or reserves;

(b)
in relation to Suncor's interest in wells, the number of wells obtained by aggregating Suncor's working interest in each of the company's gross wells; and

(c)
in relation to Suncor's interest in a property, the total area in which Suncor has an interest multiplied by the working interest owned by Suncor.

Reserves Categories

The reserves estimates presented are based on the definitions and guidelines contained in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation (COGE) Handbook. A summary of those definitions is set forth below.

Reserves are estimated remaining quantities of oil and natural gas and related substances anticipated to be

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  33



recoverable from known accumulations, as of a given date, based on analyses of drilling, geological, geophysical and engineering data, the use of established technology, and specified economic conditions, which are generally accepted as being reasonable.

Reserves are classified according to the degree of certainty associated with the estimates:

Proved reserves are those reserves that can be estimated with a high degree of certainty to be recoverable. It is likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the estimated Proved reserves. Proved reserves estimates should target at least a 90% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the estimate.

Probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than Proved reserves. It is equally likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the sum of the estimated Proved Plus Probable reserves. That is, Proved Plus Probable reserves estimates should target at least a 50% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the estimate.

Other criteria that must also be met for the categorization of reserves are provided in the COGE Handbook.

Proved and Probable reserves categories may be divided into Developed and Undeveloped categories:

Developed reserves are those reserves that are expected to be recovered (i) from existing wells and installed facilities or, if facilities have not been installed, that would involve a low expenditure (for example, when compared to the cost of drilling a well) to put the reserves on production, or (ii) for mining assets, through installed extraction equipment and infrastructure that is operational at the time of the reserves estimate. The Developed category may be subdivided into Producing and Non-Producing.

(a)
Developed Producing reserves are those reserves that are expected to be recovered from completion intervals open at the time of the estimate. These reserves may be currently producing or, if shut in, they must have previously been on production, and the date of resumption of production must be known with reasonable certainty.

(b)
Developed Non-Producing reserves are those reserves that either have not been on production, or have previously been on production but are shut in, and the date of resumption of production is unknown.

Undeveloped reserves are those reserves expected to be recovered from known accumulations where a significant expenditure (for example, when compared to the cost of drilling a well) is required to render them capable of production. They must fully meet the requirements of the reserves category (Proved or Probable) to which they are assigned.

For any given pool, it may be appropriate to allocate total pool reserves between the Developed and Undeveloped categories or to subdivide the Developed reserves for the pool between Developed Producing and Developed Non-Producing. This allocation should be based on the estimator's assessment as to the reserves that will be recovered from specific wells, facilities and completion intervals in the pool and their respective development and production status.

34  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Future Net Revenues Tables and Notes

Net Present Values of Future Net Revenues Before Income Taxes(1)
as at December 31, 2020
(forecast prices and costs)

    (in $ millions, discounted at % per year)
  Unit Value(2)    
   
 
    0%   5%   10%   15%   20%   ($/boe)    

Proved Developed Producing                            

  Mining   8 643   11 304   7 944   5 405   3 765   3.27    
  In Situ   7 118   6 309   5 609   5 031   4 557   17.22    
  E&P Canada   1 413   1 589   1 624   1 598   1 546   28.33    

Total Canada   17 175   19 201   15 178   12 034   9 868   5.39    

Offshore U.K. & Norway   1 316   1 311   1 244   1 162   1 080   24.24    

Total Proved Developed Producing   18 491   20 512   16 423   13 195   10 948   5.73    

Proved Developed Non-Producing                            

  Mining                
  In Situ                
  E&P Canada   (227 ) (162 ) (124 ) (100 ) (86 ) (11.11 )  

Total Canada   (227 ) (162 ) (124 ) (100 ) (86 ) (11.11 )  

Offshore U.K. & Norway   56   60   58   54   48   27.78    

Total Proved Developed Non-Producing   (171 ) (102 ) (65 ) (47 ) (38 ) (4.95 )  

Proved Undeveloped                            

  Mining   3 134   1 900   963   446   169   3.36    
  In Situ   26 933   14 124   8 006   4 846   3 088   7.19    
  E&P Canada   1 363   1 101   879   705   571   29.32    

Total Canada   31 430   17 126   9 847   5 997   3 828   6.89    

Offshore U.K. & Norway   352   267   209   168   137   21.86    

Total Proved Undeveloped   31 781   17 394   10 057   6 164   3 965   6.99    

Proved                            

  Mining   11 777   13 204   8 907   5 851   3 934   3.28    
  In Situ   34 051   20 434   13 615   9 877   7 645   9.46    
  E&P Canada   2 550   2 528   2 380   2 202   2 030   24.17    

Total Canada   48 378   36 165   24 902   17 930   13 609   5.85    

Offshore U.K. & Norway   1 723   1 638   1 512   1 383   1 265   24.00    

Total Proved   50 101   37 804   26 414   19 313   14 874   6.12    

Probable                            

  Mining   14 135   6 412   3 299   1 959   1 315   3.63    
  In Situ   61 275   16 148   6 048   3 109   2 004   4.55    
  E&P Canada   4 066   3 086   2 336   1 810   1 442   29.42    

Total Canada   79 477   25 647   11 682   6 877   4 762   5.04    

Offshore U.K. & Norway   1 130   918   740   607   509   31.76    

Total Probable   80 607   26 565   12 422   7 484   5 271   5.31    

Proved Plus Probable                            

  Mining   25 913   19 616   12 206   7 810   5 249   3.37    
  In Situ   95 327   36 582   19 663   12 986   9 649   7.10    
  E&P Canada   6 616   5 614   4 716   4 012   3 473   26.51    

Total Canada   127 855   61 812   36 584   24 808   18 371   5.57    

Offshore U.K. & Norway   2 853   2 556   2 252   1 990   1 774   26.09    

Total Proved Plus Probable   130 708   64 368   38 836   26 797   20 145   5.83    

Please see the Notes at the end of the Future Net Revenues Tables.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  35


Net Present Values of Future Net Revenues After Income Taxes(1)
as at December 31, 2020
(forecast prices and costs)

    (in $ millions, discounted at % per year)
   
   
    0%   5%   10%   15%   20%    

Proved Developed Producing                        

  Mining   5 887   9 777   7 125   5 005   3 620    
  In Situ   5 669   5 035   4 475   4 009   3 628    
  E&P Canada   1 211   1 394   1 438   1 419   1 374    

Total Canada   12 767   16 206   13 038   10 433   8 622    

Offshore U.K. & Norway   875   865   820   767   715    

Total Proved Developed Producing   13 642   17 071   13 858   11 200   9 337    

Proved Developed Non-Producing                        

  Mining              
  In Situ              
  E&P Canada   (237 ) (171 ) (130 ) (104 ) (89 )  

Total Canada   (237 ) (171 ) (130 ) (104 ) (89 )  

Offshore U.K. & Norway   33   36   36   33   30    

Total Proved Developed Non-Producing   (204 ) (134 ) (94 ) (71 ) (59 )  

Proved Undeveloped                        

  Mining   2 166   1 357   646   255   50    
  In Situ   20 487   10 565   5 877   3 484   2 168    
  E&P Canada   1 104   888   699   552   440    

Total Canada   23 757   12 810   7 222   4 291   2 658    

Offshore U.K. & Norway   284   204   152   116   91    

Total Proved Undeveloped   24 041   13 013   7 374   4 408   2 749    

Proved                        

  Mining   8 054   11 134   7 771   5 260   3 670    
  In Situ   26 156   15 599   10 351   7 494   5 797    
  E&P Canada   2 078   2 111   2 008   1 867   1 725    

Total Canada   36 287   28 845   20 130   14 620   11 191    

Offshore U.K. & Norway   1 192   1 105   1 007   916   836    

Total Proved   37 480   29 950   21 138   15 537   12 027    

Probable                        

  Mining   11 397   4 953   2 453   1 425   949    
  In Situ   47 181   12 326   4 634   2 409   1 569    
  E&P Canada   3 131   2 382   1 791   1 375   1 088    

Total Canada   61 710   19 661   8 878   5 209   3 605    

Offshore U.K. & Norway   567   507   433   370   319    

Total Probable   62 277   20 168   9 311   5 579   3 924    

Proved Plus Probable                        

  Mining   19 451   16 087   10 224   6 685   4 618    
  In Situ   73 337   27 925   14 985   9 903   7 365    
  E&P Canada   5 209   4 494   3 798   3 242   2 813    

Total Canada   97 997   48 506   29 008   19 829   14 796    

Offshore U.K. & Norway   1 759   1 612   1 440   1 286   1 155    

Total Proved Plus Probable   99 756   50 117   30 449   21 115   15 952    

See the Notes at the end of the Future Net Revenues Tables.

36  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Total Future Net Revenues(1)
as at December 31, 2020
(forecast prices and costs)

(in $ millions, undiscounted)
  Revenue   Royalties   Operating
Costs
  Development
Costs
  Abandonment
and
Reclamation
Costs
  Future Net
Revenues Before
Deducting
Future
Income Tax
Expenses
  Future
Income Tax
Expenses
  Future Net
Revenues After
Deducting
Future
Income Tax
Expenses
   

Proved Developed Producing                                    

  Mining   170 807   8 057   105 137   28 593   20 376   8 643   2 756   5 887    
  In Situ   22 338   1 783   10 140   2 625   672   7 118   1 449   5 669    
  E&P Canada   4 394   513   1 029   91   1 349   1 413   203   1 211    

Total Canada   197 539   10 353   116 306   31 309   22 397   17 175   4 408   12 767    

Offshore U.K. & Norway   3 637     1 434   151   737   1 316   441   875    

Total Proved Developed Producing   201 177   10 353   117 740   31 460   23 134   18 491   4 849   13 642    

Proved Developed Non-Producing                                    

  Mining                    
  In Situ                    
  E&P Canada   959   91   557   164   373   (227 ) 10   (237 )  

Total Canada   959   91   557   164   373   (227 ) 10   (237 )  

Offshore U.K. & Norway   164     97   3   8   56   22   33    

Total Proved Developed Non-Producing   1 123   91   654   168   381   (171 ) 33   (204 )  

Proved Undeveloped                                    

  Mining   25 091   945   15 413   4 059   1 540   3 134   967   2 166    
  In Situ   90 274   10 664   32 807   18 550   1 319   26 933   6 447   20 487    
  E&P Canada   2 490   275   339   462   52   1 363   259   1 104    

Total Canada   117 855   11 884   48 559   23 071   2 912   31 430   7 673   23 757    

Offshore U.K. & Norway   692     170   124   46   352   67   284    

Total Proved Undeveloped   118 547   11 884   48 729   23 195   2 958   31 781   7 740   24 041    

Proved                                    

  Mining   195 898   9 003   120 550   32 652   21 916   11 777   3 723   8 054    
  In Situ   112 612   12 447   42 948   21 175   1 991   34 051   7 896   26 156    
  E&P Canada   7 843   879   1 925   717   1 774   2 550   472   2 078    

Total Canada   316 354   22 328   165 422   54 544   25 681   48 378   12 091   36 287    

Offshore U.K. & Norway   4 493     1 701   278   791   1 723   531   1 192    

Total Proved   320 847   22 328   167 123   54 822   26 473   50 101   12 621   37 480    

Probable                                    

  Mining   80 087   5 877   44 439   10 662   4 973   14 135   2 738   11 397    
  In Situ   180 293   28 828   58 227   30 370   1 593   61 275   14 094   47 181    
  E&P Canada   8 105   1 903   1 360   515   261   4 066   935   3 131    

Total Canada   268 485   36 608   104 026   41 547   6 827   79 477   17 767   61 710    

Offshore U.K. & Norway   1 840     606   42   62   1 130   563   567    

Total Probable   270 325   36 608   104 632   41 590   6 889   80 607   18 330   62 277    

Proved Plus Probable                                    

  Mining   275 985   14 880   164 989   43 314   26 889   25 913   6 462   19 451    
  In Situ   292 906   41 274   101 175   51 545   3 584   95 327   21 990   73 337    
  E&P Canada   15 948   2 782   3 285   1 232   2 035   6 616   1 406   5 209    

Total Canada   584 838   58 936   269 448   96 091   32 508   127 855   29 858   97 997    

Offshore U.K. & Norway   6 333     2 307   320   853   2 853   1 094   1 759    

Total Proved Plus Probable   591 172   58 936   271 755   96 412   33 361   130 708   30 952   99 756    

Please see the Notes at the end of the Future Net Revenues Tables.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  37


Future Net Revenues by Product Type(1)
as at December 31, 2020
(forecast prices and costs)

(before income taxes, discounted at 10% per year)   $ millions   Unit Value
$/boe(2)
 

Proved Developed Producing          

  SCO   11 225   6.10  

  Bitumen   2 329   2.54  

  Light Crude Oil & Medium Crude Oil   1 510   21.20  

  Heavy Crude Oil   1 353   36.36  

  Conventional Natural Gas(3)   6   26.55  

Total Proved Developed Producing   16 423   5.73  

Proved          

  SCO   18 141   6.53  

  Bitumen   4 381   3.18  

  Light Crude Oil & Medium Crude Oil   1 685   15.65  

  Heavy Crude Oil   2 089   40.37  

  Conventional Natural Gas(3)   118   58.54  

Total Proved   26 414   6.12  

Proved Plus Probable          

  SCO   26 156   6.16  

  Bitumen   5 713   2.66  

  Light Crude Oil & Medium Crude Oil   3 182   16.73  

  Heavy Crude Oil   3 608   50.81  

  Conventional Natural Gas(3)   178   61.37  

Total Proved Plus Probable   38 836   5.83  

(1)
Figures may not add due to rounding.

(2)
Unit values are net present values of future net revenues before deducting estimated cash income taxes payable, discounted at 10%, divided by net reserves.

(3)
Conventional natural gas includes associated NGLs.

38  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Notes to Future Net Revenues Tables

In Situ Future Net Revenues

Future net revenues for some In Situ properties reflect the flexibility of Suncor's operations, which allows production from these properties to be either upgraded to SCO or sold as non-upgraded bitumen. The proportion of upgraded production is based on estimated available upgrading capacity and can vary depending on pricing of the respective products, maintenance, fluctuations in production from mining and extraction operations, or changes in the company's overall Oil Sands development strategy.

In Situ future net revenues disclosed above include estimates of production volumes upgraded to SCO and the associated estimated future sales prices. The upgrader operating and sustaining capital costs are pro-rated to the estimated upgrader capacity available for In Situ volumes and considered in the estimation. For total Proved Plus Probable reserves, approximately 65% of Firebag bitumen production is expected to be upgraded to SCO by 2037 and 100% thereafter. These assumptions have resulted in a $2.4 billion increase in the net present value of future net revenues (total Proved Plus Probable reserves, before tax, discounted at 10%) attributable to In Situ production relative to the bitumen sale-only scenario.

Power sale revenues and the natural gas fuel expense associated with excess electricity generated from cogeneration facilities at Firebag are included in future net revenues.

Forecast Prices and Costs

The forecast price and cost assumptions include changes in wellhead selling prices, take into account escalation with respect to future operating and capital costs, and assume the continuance of current laws and regulations. Crude oil, natural gas and other important benchmark reference pricing, as well as inflation and exchange rates utilized in the GLJ Report, were derived using averages of forecasts developed by GLJ, Sproule Associates Limited and McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd., all of whom are independent qualified reserves evaluators, dated January 1, 2021. Resultant forecasts are set out below. To the extent there are fixed or presently determinable future prices to which Suncor is legally bound by contractual or other obligations to supply a physical product, including those for an extension period of a contract that is likely to be extended, those prices have been incorporated into the forecast prices as applied to the pertinent properties. Benchmark forecast prices have been adjusted for quality differentials and transportation costs applicable to the specific evaluation areas and products. The inflation rates utilized in cost forecasts were nil in 2021, 1.3% in 2022, and 2.0% thereafter.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  39


Prices Impacting Reserves Tables

Forecast   Brent North
Sea(1)
  WTI
Cushing
Oklahoma(2)
  WCS
Hardisty
Alberta(3)
  Light Sweet
Edmonton
Alberta(4)
  Pentanes
Plus
Edmonton
Alberta(5)
  AECO Gas(6)   National
Balancing
Point North
Sea(7)
 

Year   US$/bbl   US$/bbl   Cdn$/bbl   Cdn$/bbl   Cdn$/bbl   Cdn$/mmbtu   Cdn$/mmbtu  

2020(8)   41.65   39.40   35.80   45.60   49.92   2.17   2.76  

2021   49.42   47.17   44.63   55.76   59.24   2.78   7.94  

2022   52.85   50.17   48.18   59.89   63.19   2.70   7.55  

2023   56.04   53.17   52.10   63.48   67.34   2.61   7.57  

2024   57.87   54.97   54.10   65.76   69.77   2.65   7.75  

2025   59.00   56.07   55.19   67.13   71.18   2.70   7.93  

2026   60.15   57.19   56.29   68.53   72.61   2.76   8.07  

2027   61.33   58.34   57.42   69.95   74.07   2.81   8.21  

2028   62.53   59.50   58.57   71.40   75.56   2.86   8.39  

2029   63.75   60.69   59.74   72.88   77.08   2.92   8.57  

2030   65.03   61.91   60.93   74.34   78.62   2.98   8.74  

2031   66.33   63.15   62.15   75.83   80.19   3.04   8.92  

2032   67.66   64.41   63.39   77.34   81.80   3.10   9.10  

2033   69.01   65.70   64.66   78.89   83.43   3.16   9.28  

2034   70.39   67.01   65.95   80.47   85.10   3.23   9.46  

2035   71.80   68.35   67.28   82.08   86.80   3.29   9.66  

2036+   +2.0%/yr   +2.0%/yr   +2.0%/yr   +2.0%/yr   +2.0%/yr   +2.0%/yr   +2.0%/yr  

(1)
Price used when determining offshore light crude oil and medium crude oil and heavy crude oil reserves for E&P Canada and Offshore U.K. & Norway reserves.

(2)
Price used when determining portions of bitumen reserves presented as In Situ and Mining reserves that are sold at the U.S. Gulf Coast, as well as for determining portions of bitumen pricing for royalty calculation purposes.

(3)
Price used when determining portions of bitumen reserves presented as In Situ and Mining reserves that are sold in Canada, as well as for determining bitumen pricing for royalty calculation purposes.

(4)
Price used when determining SCO reserves presented as In Situ and Mining reserves.

(5)
Price used when determining the cost of diluent associated with bitumen reserves presented as In Situ and Mining reserves, as well as when accounting for diluent in determining bitumen pricing for royalty calculation purposes. A bitumen/diluent ratio of approximately two barrels of bitumen for one barrel of diluent was used for In Situ reserves and a ratio of approximately three barrels of bitumen for one barrel of diluent was used for Mining reserves. Price also used when determining NGLs reserves.

(6)
Price used when determining natural gas input costs for the production of SCO and bitumen reserves.

(7)
Price used when determining conventional natural gas reserves presented as Offshore U.K. & Norway reserves.

(8)
Prices for 2020 reflect the company's historical weighted average prices.

Forecast Foreign Exchange Rates Impacting Forecast Prices

Forecast   US$/Cdn$
Exchange
Rate
  Cdn$/€ Exchange Rate   Cdn$/£
Exchange
Rate
 

Year              

2021   0.768   1.581   1.679  

2022   0.765   1.608   1.686  

2023   0.763   1.625   1.690  

2024   0.763   1.625   1.690  

2025   0.763   1.625   1.690  

2026+   0.763   1.625   1.690  

Disclosure of Net Present Values of Future Net Revenues After Income Taxes

Values presented in the table for Net Present Values of Future Net Revenues After Income Taxes reflect income tax burdens of assets at a business area or legal entity level based on tax pools associated with that business area or legal entity. Suncor's actual corporate legal entity structure for income taxes and income tax planning has not been considered, and, therefore, the total value for income taxes presented in the total future net revenues table may not provide an estimate of the value at the corporate entity level, which may be significantly different. The 2020 audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the MD&A should be consulted for information on income taxes at the corporate entity level.

40  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Additional Information Relating to Reserves Data

Future Development Costs(1)
as at December 31, 2020
(forecast prices and costs)

($ millions)   2021   2022   2023   2024   2025   Remainder   Total   Discounted
At 10%
 

Proved                                  

  Mining   1 957   2 654   2 587   2 856   2 250   20 348   32 652   17 577  

  In Situ   562   936   700   1 029   497   17 451   21 175   8 099  

  E&P Canada   131   261   147   75   23   79   717   580  

Total Canada   2 649   3 851   3 434   3 961   2 770   37 879   54 544   26 256  

Offshore U.K. & Norway   125   89   6   4   9   46   278   229  

Total Proved   2 774   3 940   3 439   3 965   2 779   37 925   54 822   26 485  

Proved Plus Probable                                  

  Mining   2 078   2 827   2 750   3 044   2 401   30 215   43 314   20 125  

  In Situ   536   846   614   835   627   48 087   51 545   8 787  

  E&P Canada   131   282   201   168   121   329   1 232   902  

Total Canada   2 745   3 955   3 564   4 048   3 149   78 631   96 091   29 814  

Offshore U.K. & Norway   131   89   6   5   9   81   320   244  

Total Proved Plus Probable   2 876   4 044   3 570   4 052   3 158   78 712   96 412   30 058  

(1)
Figures may not add due to rounding.

Development costs include costs associated with both Developed and Undeveloped reserves. Significant development activities and costs for 2021 are expected to include:

Mining development activities include capital investments expected to maintain the production capacity of existing facilities, including, but not limited to, tailings infrastructure, major maintenance, truck and shovel replacement, the replenishment of catalysts in hydrotreating units at the upgraders and improvements to utilities, roads and other facilities, and the implementation of technologies expected to reduce costs, including AHS.

For both Firebag and MacKay River operations within In Situ, the drilling of new well pairs, as well as the design and construction of new well pads that are expected to maintain existing production levels in future years.

For E&P Canada, development drilling at Hebron.

For E&P International, development of the Norwegian Fenja project, Buzzard Phase 2, as well as development drilling at GEAD and Oda.

Future development costs disclosed above are associated with reserves as evaluated by GLJ and are subject to change based on many factors, including economic conditions. Management currently believes that internally generated cash flows, existing and future credit facilities, issuing commercial paper and, if needed, accessing capital markets will be sufficient to fund future development costs. There can be no guarantee that funds will be available or that Suncor will allocate funding to develop all of the reserves attributed in the GLJ Report. Failure to develop those reserves would have a negative impact on future cash flow provided by operating activities.

Interest expense or other costs of external funding are not included in the reserves and future net revenues estimates and could reduce future net revenues to some degree depending upon the funding sources utilized. Suncor does not anticipate that interest expense or other funding costs on their own would make development of any property uneconomic.

Abandonment and Reclamation Costs

The company completes an annual review of its consolidated abandonment and reclamation cost estimates. The estimates are based on the anticipated method and extent of restoration, consistent with legal requirements, technological advances and the possible future use of the site.

As at December 31, 2020, Suncor estimated its undiscounted, uninflated abandonment and reclamation costs for its upstream assets to be approximately $13.9 billion (discounted at 10%, approximately $2.8 billion) excluding Refining and Marketing liabilities ($0.2 billion, undiscounted and uninflated). Abandonment and reclamation costs are

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  41



limited to current disturbances at December 31, 2020 for Suncor's assets, except for Syncrude, which is estimated on a life of mine basis, where it is assumed that material from future disturbances will be required to settle the existing obligation at December 31, 2020. Suncor estimates that it will incur $0.8 billion of its identified abandonment and reclamation costs during the next three years (undiscounted: 2021 – $0.3 billion, 2022 – $0.2 billion, 2023 – $0.3 billion), more than 71% of which is associated with Oil Sands mining operations.

The abandonment and reclamation cost estimates included in the net present values of the company's Proved and Probable reserves for Suncor's Oil Sands operations include costs related to the reclamation of disturbed land from oil sands mining activities, future mining disturbances, the treatment of legacy oil sands tailings, the decommissioning of oil sands processing facilities and well pads, existing and future reserve wells and associated service wells, disturbed lease sites, and future lease site disturbances. Abandonment and reclamation cost estimates included in the net present values of the company's Proved and Probable reserves for Suncor's E&P operations are on a life of field basis, accounting for abandonment and reclamation of existing and estimated future development items. Key abandonment liabilities are associated with offshore equipment and well abandonments. Offshore equipment includes topsides or processing facilities; platforms, FPSOs or GBSs; gathering systems and other subsea equipment such as templates. Approximately $33.4 billion (inflated and undiscounted) has been deducted as abandonment and reclamation costs in estimating the future net revenues from Proved Plus Probable reserves, including $30.5 billion related to the company's oil sands upgraders, extraction facilities, tailings ponds, subsurface wells and central processing facilities.

Gross Proved and Probable Undeveloped Reserves

The tables below outline the gross Proved and Probable Undeveloped reserves and represent Undeveloped reserves additions resulting from acquisitions, discoveries, infill drilling, improved recovery and/or extensions in the year when the events first occurred.

42  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Gross Proved Undeveloped Reserves(1)
(forecast prices and costs)

    2018
  2019
  2020
   
 
 

    First
Attributed
  Total as at
December 31,
2018
  First
Attributed
  Total as at
December 31,
2019
  First
Attributed
  Total as at
December 31,
2020
 

SCO (mmbbls)                          

  Mining           297   297  

  In Situ     548   53   627     746  

Total SCO     548   53   627   297   1 042  

Bitumen (mmbbls)                          

  Mining              

  In Situ     653   52   679     523  

Total Bitumen     653   52   679     523  

Light Crude Oil & Medium Crude Oil (mmbbls)                          

  E&P Canada   1   15   2   16   4   18  

  Offshore U.K. & Norway   8   8   1   8   1   8  

Total Light Crude Oil & Medium Crude Oil   9   23   3   24   6   25  

Heavy Crude Oil (mmbbls)                          

  E&P Canada     46     28     15  

  Offshore U.K. & Norway              

Total Heavy Crude Oil     46     28     15  

Conventional Natural Gas (bcfe)                          

  E&P Canada              

  Offshore U.K. & Norway(2)   13   13     13     11  

Total Conventional Natural Gas   13   13     13     11  

Total (mmboe)   11   1 273   108   1 359   302   1 608  

(1)
Figures may not add due to rounding.

(2)
Includes immaterial amounts of NGLs (less than 0.6 mmbbls).

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  43


Gross Probable Undeveloped Reserves (1)
(forecast prices and costs)

    2018
  2019
  2020
   
 
 

    First
Attributed
  Total as at
December 31,
2018
  First
Attributed
  Total as at
December 31,
2019
  First
Attributed
  Total as at
December 31,
2020
 

SCO (mmbbls)                          

  Mining   26   308     321     23  

  In Situ     1 114     1 070   116   1 195  

Total SCO   26   1 423     1 391   116   1 218  

Bitumen (mmbbls)                          

  Mining              

  In Situ     330     267   24   289  

Total Bitumen     330     267   24   289  

Light Crude Oil & Medium Crude Oil (mmbbls)                          

  E&P Canada   1   95   6   96   23   55  

  Offshore U.K. & Norway   8   9   1   8     3  

Total Light Crude Oil & Medium Crude Oil   9   104   7   104   24   58  

Heavy Crude Oil (mmbbls)                          

  E&P Canada     28     15     8  

  Offshore U.K. & Norway              

Total Heavy Crude Oil     28     15     8  

Conventional Natural Gas (bcfe)                          

  E&P Canada              

  Offshore U.K. & Norway (2)   15   15     15     4  

Total Conventional Natural Gas   15   15     15     4  

Total (mmboe)   37   1 886   7   1 780   163   1 573  

(1)
Figures may not add due to rounding.

(2)
Includes immaterial amounts of NGLs (less than 0.7 mmbbls).

44  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Generally, Proved Undeveloped and Proved Plus Probable Undeveloped reserves are attributed based on the associated confidence levels required for Proved and Proved Plus Probable reserves, respectively, arising from the consideration of factors such as regulatory approvals, availability of markets and infrastructure, development timing, and technical aspects, and have been assigned in accordance with COGE Handbook guidelines. Probable reserves are calculated as the difference between Proved and Proved Plus Probable reserves.

In Situ

Undeveloped In Situ reserves, which constitute approximately 79% of Suncor's gross Proved Undeveloped reserves and 94% of Suncor's gross Probable Undeveloped reserves have been assigned to reserves areas which are not classified as Developed and are related only to those sustaining pads and well pairs required for current producing or sanctioned projects. Suncor has delineated In Situ reserves to a high degree of certainty through seismic data and core hole drilling, consistent with COGE Handbook guidelines. In most cases, reserves have been drilled to a density of 16 delineation wells per section (i.e., 40-acre spacing), which is in excess of the eight delineation wells per section (80-acre spacing) required for regulatory approval. Further delineation is pursued through annual core hole drilling programs to refine development plans. Proved Undeveloped reserves have been assigned to areas delineated with vertical wells on 80-acre well spacing with 3D seismic control or 40-acre spacing without 3D seismic control. Probable Undeveloped areas are limited to areas delineated with vertical wells on 320-acre spacing with seismic control or 160-acre spacing without seismic control. Development of undeveloped In Situ reserves is an ongoing process and is a function of processing capacity and the forecasts of the declining production from existing In Situ wells. When production is forecast to decline, Suncor makes application for new pads and, upon approval, commences development of the reserves and wells surrounding the declining areas. This entails drilling well pairs and constructing sustaining pads and may take up to several years. Management uses integrated plans to forecast future Proved Undeveloped and Probable Undeveloped reserves development activity. These detailed plans align current production, processing and pipeline constraints (which, in the case of processing constraints, do not permit Suncor to develop all of its undeveloped In Situ reserves within two years), capital spending commitments and future development for the next 10 years, and are updated and approved annually for internal and external factors affecting planned activity. The economic viability of developing sustaining pads and associated well pairs is tested to ensure that ongoing development is economic as required for reserves assessment.

Mining

Undeveloped Mining reserves constitute approximately 18% of Suncor's gross Proved Undeveloped reserves, and 1% of Suncor's gross Probable Undeveloped reserves and relate to the Syncrude MLX-W mining area, which is well-delineated by core hole drilling. Further drilling is planned in 2022 for the opening cut area and infill cores along the west pit limit. The Syncrude MLX-W mining area received AER approval in 2019 and remaining approvals were obtained in the first quarter of 2020. Development of the MLX-W mining area was put on hold in 2020; however, construction activities have been restarted in 2021. Development of MLX-W consists of typical mine development activities in addition to a bridge over the MacKay River, and will utilize existing ore processing and extraction facilities at Syncrude's Mildred Lake operation. The MLX-W program is expected to sustain bitumen production levels at Mildred Lake after resource depletion at the North Mine. MLX-W reserves will remain as undeveloped until its major components, such as the bridge, are completed.

E&P

Undeveloped conventional reserves (light crude oil and medium crude oil, heavy crude oil and natural gas) constitute approximately 3% of Suncor's gross Proved Undeveloped reserves and approximately 4% of Suncor's gross Probable Undeveloped reserves and relate to the company's offshore E&P assets, mainly associated with future drilling at Hebron, and under-drilled or undrilled fault blocks related to areas in Hibernia, infill drilling in GEAD and startup of the Fenja project offshore Norway. Attribution of Proved Undeveloped and Probable Undeveloped reserves reflect, where applicable, the respective degrees of certainty with respect to various reservoir parameters, primarily drainage areas and recovery factors. In developing undeveloped conventional reserves, Suncor considers existing facility capacity, capital allocation plans, and remaining reserves availability. Suncor plans to proceed with development of essentially all Proved Undeveloped reserves within the next three years and with the development of all Probable Undeveloped reserves within the next five years.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  45


Properties with no Attributed Reserves

The following table is a summary of properties to which no reserves are attributed as at December 31, 2020. For lands in which Suncor holds interests in different formations under the same surface area pursuant to separate leases, the area has been counted for each lease.

Country   Gross
Hectares
  Net
Hectares
 

Canada   4 652 553   3 318 519  

Libya   3 117 800   1 422 900  

Syria   345 194   345 194  

Norway   289 920   103 023  

U.K.   189 334   156 580  

Total   8 594 801   5 346 216  

Suncor's properties with no attributed reserves include exploration properties in a preliminary phase of evaluation, to discovery areas where tenure to the property is held indefinitely on the basis of hydrocarbon test results, but where economic development is not currently possible or has not yet been sanctioned. Certain properties may be in a relatively mature phase of evaluation, where a significant amount of appraisal or even development has occurred; however, reserves cannot be attributed due to one or more contingencies, such as project sanction, or, in the case of Libya and Syria, political unrest. In many cases where reserves are not attributed to lands containing one or more discovery wells, the key limiting factor is the lack of available production infrastructure. Each year, as part of the company's process to review the economic viability of its properties, some properties are selected for further development activities, while others are temporarily deferred, sold, swapped or relinquished back to the mineral rights owner. Refer to the Risk Factors section of this AIF for additional information on risks and uncertainties.

In 2021, Suncor's rights to 136,311 net hectares in Canada, 46,167 net hectares in Norway and nil net hectares in the U.K. are scheduled to expire. The lands expiring in 2021 include approximately 14,618 net hectares in In Situ and 4,096 net hectares in Mining. Substantial portions of expiring lands may have their tenure continued beyond 2021 through the conduct of work programs and/or the payment of prescribed fees to the mineral rights owner.

Work Commitments

Suncor's properties in Libya have no attributed reserves. The practice of governments requiring companies to pledge to carry out work commitments in exchange for the right to carry out exploration and development activities is common in certain parts of the world, including Libya. Suncor has work commitments primarily for conducting seismic programs and drilling exploration wells. As at December 31, 2020, Suncor estimates that the value of the work commitment associated with its properties with no attributed reserves was US$359 million. Due to the political unrest in Libya, it is uncertain when the work commitments will be incurred.

46  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Oil and Gas Properties and Wells

For descriptions of Suncor's important properties, plants, facilities and installations, refer to the Narrative Description of Suncor's Businesses section within this AIF.

The following table is a summary of the company's oil and gas wells as at December 31, 2020.

    Oil Wells(1)
  Natural Gas Wells(1)
   
 
    Producing
  Non-Producing(2)(3)
  Producing
  Non-Producing(2)(3)
 
   
 
 
 
    Gross   Net   Gross   Net   Gross   Net   Gross   Net  

Alberta – In Situ(4)   417.0   417.0   40.0   40.0          

Newfoundland and Labrador   74.0   16.0   24.0   8.4          

Offshore U.K. & Norway   50.0   14.5   3.0   0.9          

Other International(5)       422.0   212.6       6.0   6.0  

Total   541.0   447.5   489.0   261.9       6.0   6.0  

(1)
Alberta oil wells and Other International oil and gas wells are onshore whereas Newfoundland and Labrador and Offshore U.K. & Norway wells are offshore.

(2)
Non-producing wells include, but are not limited to, wells where there is no near-term plan for abandonment, wells where drilling has finished but the well has not been completed, wells requiring maintenance or workover where the resumption of production is not known, and wells that have been shut in and the date of resumption of production is not known with reasonable certainty.

(3)
Non-producing wells do not necessarily lead to classification of Non-Producing reserves.

(4)
SAGD well pairs and multi-lateral wells are each counted as one well.

(5)
Other International includes wells associated with the company's operations in Syria and Libya. There are no reserves associated with wells in Syria or Libya.

There are no producing wells associated with Mining properties. Suncor has no Proved Developed Non-Producing reserves or Probable Developed Non-Producing reserves in its Mining reserves.

For In Situ properties, Proved Non-Producing reserves and Probable Non-Producing reserves, if any, are associated with SAGD well pairs that have typically been drilled within the last three years, yet require further capital for completion and tie in to facilities to bring the wells on-stream. Because this capital is small relative to the cost to drill, complete and tie in a well pair, the associated reserves are considered Developed.

Costs Incurred

The table below summarizes the company's costs incurred related to its oil and gas activities for the year ended December 31, 2020.

($ millions)   Exploration
Costs
  Proved
Property
Acquisition
Costs
  Unproved
Property
Acquisition
Costs
  Development
Costs
  Total  

Canada – Mining and In Situ   174       2 723   2 897  

Canada – E&P Canada   96       232   328  

Total Canada   270       2 955   3 225  

Offshore U.K. & Norway   85       199   284  

Other International   8         8  

Total   363       3 154   3 517  

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  47


Exploration and Development Activities

The table below outlines the gross and net exploratory and development wells the company completed during the year ended December 31, 2020.

    Exploratory Wells(1)
  Development Wells
   
 
Total number of wells completed   Gross   Net   Gross   Net  

Canada – Oil Sands                  

  Oil       19.0   19.0  

  Service(2)   41.0   37.3   35.0   35.0  

  Stratigraphic Test(3)   58.0   56.8   601.0   436.0  

  Total   99.0   94.0   655.0   490.0  

Canada – E&P Canada                  

  Oil       7.0   1.5  

  Dry Hole   1.0   0.3      

  Natural Gas          

  Service(2)       3.0   0.6  

  Stratigraphic Test          

  Total   1.0   0.3   10.0   2.1  

Total Canada                  

  Oil       26.0   20.5  

  Dry Hole   1.0   0.3      

  Natural Gas          

  Service(2)   41.0   37.3   38.0   35.6  

  Stratigraphic Test   58.0   56.8   601.0   436.0  

  Total   100.0   94.3   665.0   492.1  

Offshore U.K. & Norway                  

  Oil   3.0   0.6   4.0   1.1  

  Dry Hole   2.0   0.4   2.0   0.6  

  Service(2)       3.0   0.9  

  Stratigraphic Test          

  Total   5.0   0.9   9.0   2.6  

(1)
Exploratory wells for Oil Sands include activity related to technology pilot projects.

(2)
Service wells for Oil Sands include the injection well in a SAGD well pair, in addition to observation and disposal wells. Service wells for E&P Canada include water and gas injection wells, disposal wells, and cuttings reinjection wells.

(3)
Stratigraphic test wells for Oil Sands include core hole drilling wells.

48  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Significant exploration and development activities in 2020 included:

For Mining, at Oil Sands Base, development activities included asset sustainment activities related to the company's planned maintenance program, the continued development of tailings infrastructure and construction of the bi-directional interconnecting pipelines between Syncrude and Suncor's Oil Sands Base operations. At Fort Hills, development activities focused on construction of tailings infrastructure and mine advancement activities. At Syncrude, development activities included asset sustainment expenditures, scheduled turnaround and planned maintenance activities.

For In Situ, the drilling of new well pairs and infill wells at Firebag and MacKay River that are expected to assist in maintaining production levels in future years. Also included are stratigraphic test well and observation well drilling programs.

For E&P Canada, drilling activities at Hebron and Hibernia, as well as limited development work on the West White Rose Project and Terra Nova ALE project. The drilling of one exploration well was also completed.

For E&P International, work on Buzzard and GEAD in the U.K. and the Norwegian Fenja projects.

For Other International, three development wells were drilled in Libya.

For significant exploration and development activities expected to occur in 2021 and beyond, refer to the Narrative Description of Suncor's Businesses and Additional Information Relating to Reserves Data – Future Development Costs sections in this AIF.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  49


Production History(1)

2020   Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   Year Ended    

Canada – Oil Sands                        

  Upgraded product (SCO and diesel) production (mbbls/d)                        

  Oil Sands operations   331.8   319.4   252.3   309.7   303.1    

  Syncrude   171.8   117.2   158.5   204.6   163.1    

  Total upgraded production   503.6   436.6   410.8   514.3   466.2    

  Non-upgraded bitumen production (mbbls/d)                        

  Oil Sands operations   45.8   69.8   65.6   94.8   69.1    

  Fort Hills   80.7   47.3   42.6   62.4   58.1    

  Total Oil Sands non-upgraded bitumen production   126.5   117.1   108.2   157.2   127.2    

  Total production (mbbls/d)   630.1   553.7   519.0   671.5   593.4    

Netbacks(3)(4)                        

                         

Bitumen ($/bbl)                        

  Average price realized(2)   21.02   13.96   24.28   28.90   22.37    

  Royalties   (0.44 ) (0.21 ) (0.36 ) (0.25 ) (0.32 )  

  Production costs   (21.90 ) (20.97 ) (17.85 ) (19.84 ) (20.14 )  

  Netback   (1.32 ) (7.22 ) 6.07   8.81   1.91    

                         

SCO and diesel ($/bbl)                        

  Average price realized(2)   53.19   26.48   46.18   47.59   43.83    

  Royalties   (0.35 ) (0.35 ) (0.82 ) (0.31 ) (0.45 )  

  Production costs   (30.11 ) (29.58 ) (31.49 ) (26.94 ) (29.45 )  

  Netback   22.73   (3.45 ) 13.87   20.34   13.93    

                         

Average Oil Sands Segment ($/bbl)                        

  Average price realized(2)   46.78   23.87   41.34   43.48   39.29    

  Royalties   (0.42 ) (0.32 ) (0.72 ) (0.31 ) (0.44 )  

  Production costs   (28.47 ) (27.79 ) (28.47 ) (25.38 ) (27.48 )  

  Netback   17.89   (4.24 ) 12.15   17.79   11.37    

Exploration and Production – Light Crude Oil & Medium Crude Oil                        

  Exploration and Production Canada (mbbls/d)   62.2   62.3   57.1   56.8   59.7    

  Exploration and Production Offshore U.K. & Norway (mboe/d)   47.5   39.5   40.1   40.9   42.0    

  Total production volumes (mboe/d)   109.7   101.8   97.2   97.7   101.7    

Netbacks(3)(4)                        

                         

Canada – Light Crude Oil & Medium Crude Oil ($/bbl)                        

  Average price realized(2)   67.37   22.87   56.21   54.25   49.69    

  Royalties   (4.06 ) (0.96 ) (5.70 ) (6.83 ) (4.30 )  

  Production costs   (13.23 ) (10.40 ) (13.23 ) (12.21 ) (12.23 )  

  Netback   50.08   11.51   37.28   35.21   33.16    

                         

Offshore U.K. & Norway – Light Crude Oil & Medium Crude Oil ($/boe)(5)                        

  Average price realized(2)   63.72   30.80   54.06   52.83   50.28    

  Royalties              

  Production costs   (6.56 ) (7.01 ) (7.29 ) (7.51 ) (7.06 )  

  Netback(6)   57.16   23.79   46.77   45.32   43.22    

(1)
Production and liftings in Libya were intermittent in 2020 and not material to Suncor, and therefore are not included.

(2)
Average price realized is net of transportation costs, and before royalties.

(3)
Netbacks are based on sales volumes.

(4)
Netback is a non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory – Forward-Looking Information and Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this AIF. Beginning in the second quarter of 2020, due to increasing integration of the company's assets, the company revised the presentation of its operating netbacks from an individual asset view to an aggregated product view to better reflect the integration among the company's assets and simplify the presentation.

(5)
Volumes include field production for immaterial amounts of associated gas and NGLs.

(6)
Netback includes sales from Oda, offshore Norway.

50  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


The following table provides the production volumes(1) on a working-interest basis, before royalties for each of Suncor's important fields for the year ended December 31, 2020.

    SCO   Bitumen   Light Crude Oil &
Medium
Crude Oil
 
   
    mbbls/d   mbbls/d   mboe/d  

Mining – Suncor   202.0      

Mining – Syncrude   163.1      

Mining – Fort Hills     58.1    

Firebag   101.1   52.4    

MacKay River     16.7    

Buzzard       25.9  

GEAD       7.8  

Oda       7.5  

Hibernia       23.2  

White Rose       6.7  

Terra Nova        

Hebron       29.7  

(1)
Volumes shown are actual volumes and may differ from the estimated volumes shown in the Reconciliation of Gross Reserves Table.

Production Estimates

The table below outlines the production estimates for 2021 that are included in the estimates of Proved reserves and Probable reserves as at December 31, 2020.

                         SCO
                       Bitumen
                       Light Crude Oil &
                     Medium Crude Oil
                       Conventional

                     Natural Gas
                       Total
 

 

 

                     (mbbls/d)(1)

 

                     (mbbls/d)(1)

 

                     (mbbls/d)(1)

 

                     (mmcfe/d)(1)(2)

 

                     (mboe/d)(1)

 

 

 

Gross

 

Net

 

Gross

 

Net

 

Gross

 

Net

 

Gross

 

Net

 

Gross

 

Net

 

Canada                                          

  Proved   440   434   191   187   57   50       688   671  

  Probable   31   30   7   7   5   4       44   41  

  Proved Plus Probable   472   464   198   194   62   55       732   713  

Offshore U.K. & Norway                                          

  Proved           30   30   2   2   30   30  

  Probable           3   3   1   1   3   3  

  Proved Plus Probable           33   33   3   3   34   34  

Total(1)(2)                                          

  Proved   440   434   191   187   87   80   2   2   718   702  

  Probable   31   30   7   7   8   8   1   1   47   45  

  Proved Plus Probable   472   464   198   194   95   88   3   3   765   747  

(1)
Figures may not add due to rounding.

(2)
Conventional Natural Gas includes immaterial amounts of NGLs.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  51


The following properties each account for approximately 20% or more of total estimated production for 2021.

Proved

From Millennium and North Steepbank: 199 mbbls/d of SCO, which represents approximately 28% of total estimated production for 2021.

From Firebag: 169 mbbls/d of SCO and bitumen (83 mbbls/d and 86 mbbls/d, respectively), which represents approximately 23% of total estimated production for 2021.

From Syncrude: 159 mbbls/d of SCO, which represents approximately 22% of total estimated production for 2021.

Proved Plus Probable

From Millennium and North Steepbank: 212 mbbls/d of SCO, which represents approximately 28% of total estimated production for 2021.

From Firebag: 174 mbbls/d of SCO and bitumen (87 mbbls/d and 87 mbbls/d, respectively), which represents approximately 23% of total estimated production for 2021.

From Syncrude: 173 mbbls/d of SCO from Syncrude, which represents approximately 23% of total estimated production for 2021.

None of the company's Light & Medium Crude Oil production associated with its E&P Canada and Offshore U.K. & Norway assets accounts for 20% or more of the total estimated production for 2021.

Forward Contracts

Suncor may use financial derivatives to manage its exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices. A description of Suncor's use of such instruments is provided in the 2020 audited Consolidated Financial Statements and related MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Tax Horizon

In 2020, as a result of the challenging economic conditions, Suncor is not expected to be subject to cash tax in Canada with respect to the majority of its Canadian earnings. Suncor continues to be subject to cash tax in certain other jurisdictions in which it generates earnings, including earnings related to its U.S. and U.K. production. Based on projected future net earnings, Suncor is expected to be cash taxable on the majority of its earnings in 2021.

52  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Industry Conditions

The oil and natural gas industry is subject to extensive controls and regulations governing its operations. These regulations are imposed by legislation enacted by various levels of government and, with respect to the export and taxation of oil and natural gas, by agreements among the governments of Canada, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, and Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the governments of the United States and other foreign jurisdictions in which Suncor operates, all of which should be carefully considered by investors in the oil and gas industry. Current legislation is a matter of public record. All governments have the ability to change legislation, and the company is unable to predict what additional legislation or amendments to legislation may be enacted. Suncor may engage in government consultation regarding proposed legislative changes to ensure Suncor's interests are recognized. The following discussion outlines some of the principal legislation, regulations and agreements that govern Suncor's operations.

Pricing, Marketing and Exporting Crude Oil

The producers of oil are entitled to negotiate sales and purchase agreements directly with oil purchasers. Most agreements are linked to global oil prices. In Canada, oil exporters are also entitled to enter into export contracts. If the term of an export contract exceeds one year for light and medium crude oil or exceeds two years for heavy crude oil (in either case, to a maximum of 25 years), the exporter is required to obtain an export licence from the Canada Energy Regulator (CER, formerly the National Energy Board). If the term of an export contract does not exceed one year for oil other than heavy crude oil or does not exceed two years for heavy crude oil, the exporter is required to obtain an order from the CER approving such export.

In June 2019, Parliament adopted Bill C-69, an Act to enact the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, to amend the Navigation Protection Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (Bill C-69), which, among other things, established the CER and changed the energy regulatory regime. The changes resulting from Bill C-69 have not materially altered the previous requirements concerning oil exports. However, at this stage, it is not certain whether or when the federal government might issue new or revised regulations that might impact the oil export regime.

On July 1, 2020, the Canada-United States- Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) came into force. CUSMA has been ratified by all three member states. In contrast to its predecessor, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), CUSMA does not contain an energy-specific chapter. Provisions governing the export of oil are found throughout the agreement.

The main provisions of NAFTA relevant to oil exports remain unchanged, as CUSMA still allows for the free flow of oil exports between Canada, Mexico, and the United States and requires the parties to treat imported goods no less favourably than domestic goods. Canada is free to determine whether exports of energy resources to the United States or Mexico will be allowed, subject to certain conditions. Canada will maintain tariff-free access to the U.S. and Mexican markets.

CUSMA restricts the parties from adopting or maintaining export and import price requirements, except under the countervailing and anti-dumping duty measures set out in CUSMA, and from requiring, as a condition for importation, that the persons of another party establish a contractual or other relationship with distributors in its territory.

Key changes in CUSMA which are relevant to oil exports include:

The removal of the energy proportionality clause. Under NAFTA, if Canada were to apply an export restriction on energy commodities, it would have had to provide the other countries the opportunity to maintain a proportionate volume of Canadian supply, based on recent export levels. While the provision was never invoked, the removal of this clause provides Canada with more power to control its energy exports.

An amendment to the rule of origin requirement. The amendment allows up to 40% of non-originating diluent in pipelines when moving crude oil. This provision was amended at the request of the oil industry and will resolve a technical issue that previously added duties and other fees to oil exports.

CUSMA contains a "non-market economy" clause which requires parties to notify the other parties three months before entering into free trade talks with a non-market economy. A "non-market economy" may include China or other potential importers of Canadian oil and gas exports. The "non-market economy" clause states that if one party enters into a free trade agreement with a non-market country, the other parties may terminate CUSMA on six months' notice.

Canada and the United States have also entered into an energy-specific side letter which, among other things, mandates the countries to ensure that measures governing access to or use of energy infrastructure, including pipeline networks, are neither unduly discriminatory nor unduly preferential. The energy side letter also encourages Canada and the United States to ensure that the implementation of energy regulatory measures is orderly, equitable, and avoids disruption of contractual relationships to the maximum extent practicable.

On January 25, 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden signed the "Executive Order on Ensuring the Future is Made in All of

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  53



America by All of America's Workers". The order states that "the United States Government should, consistent with applicable law, use terms and conditions of Federal financial assistance awards and Federal procurements to maximize the use of goods, products, and materials produced in, and services offered in, the United States". Waivers from the order are provided for in certain circumstances. The order applies to all U.S. government procurement and supports the acquisition of all manner of goods, products and materials produced in the United States, with a particular focus on steel, iron and manufactured goods. While the full implications of the order have yet to manifest, to the extent the United States government procures oil and gas products or provides financial assistance to U.S. oil and gas producers, it will favour domestic production over foreign (including Canadian) producers and products, subject to applicable law.

Internationally, prices for crude oil and natural gas fluctuate in response to changes in the supply of and demand for crude oil and natural gas, market uncertainty and a variety of other factors beyond Suncor's control. These factors include, but are not limited to, the actions of OPEC+ and other large oil and natural gas producing countries, world economic conditions, government regulation, political developments, the foreign supply of oil, the price of foreign imports, the availability of alternate fuel sources and weather conditions.

Royalties and Income Taxes

Canada

The royalty regime is a significant factor in the profitability of SCO, bitumen, crude oil, NGLs and natural gas production. Royalties on production from lands other than Crown lands are determined by negotiations between the mineral freehold owner and the lessee. Crown royalties are determined by governmental regulation or by agreement with governments in certain circumstances, which are subject to change as a result of numerous factors, including political considerations.

For a description of the royalties in Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador, refer to the Narrative Description of Suncor's Businesses section of this AIF.

The Canadian federal corporate income tax rate levied on taxable income for 2020 was 15% for active business income, including resource income. The average provincial income tax rate for Suncor in 2020 was approximately 9.96%.

On May 28, 2019, the Alberta government substantively enacted legislation to effect a staged reduction to the corporate income tax rate. The legislation provided a decrease to the corporate income tax rate from 12% to 8% over a four-year period. On October 20, 2020, the Alberta government substantively enacted legislation to accelerate the previously announced reduction of the corporate income tax rate. The acceleration made the 8% corporate income tax rate effective July 1, 2020. This resulted in a reduction to Suncor's blended provincial income tax rate in 2020 as well as a $53.8 million reduction to Suncor's consolidated deferred income tax liability.

Other Jurisdictions

Operations in the U.S. are subject to the U.S. federal tax rate of 21% and the effective rate for state taxes is approximately 1.6%, resulting in a total U.S. income tax rate of approximately 22.6%.

Operations in the U.K. are subject to a tax rate of 40%, made up of the corporate income tax rate and the supplemental charge. In Norway, operations are subject to a tax rate of 78%.

Amounts presented in Suncor's 2020 audited Consolidated Financial Statements as royalties for production from the company's Libya operations are determined pursuant to EPSAs. The amounts calculated reflect the difference between Suncor's working interest in the particular project and the net revenue attributable to Suncor under the terms of the respective EPSAs. All government interests in these operations, except for income taxes, are presented as royalties.

Land Tenure

In Canada, crude oil and natural gas located in the western provinces are predominantly owned by the respective provincial governments. Provincial governments grant rights to explore for and produce oil and natural gas pursuant to leases, licences and permits for varying terms, and on conditions set forth in provincial legislation, including requirements to perform specific work or make payments. Oil and natural gas located in the western provinces may also be privately owned, and rights to explore for and produce such oil and natural gas resources are granted pursuant to a private lease on the terms and conditions negotiated with the mineral rights holder. In central and eastern provinces and offshore areas of Canada, the mineral rights are primarily owned by the Canadian federal government, which, either directly or through shared jurisdiction agreements with the relevant provincial or territorial authorities, grants tenure in the form of exploration, significant discovery, and production licences.

In many other international jurisdictions, including the ones in which Suncor has operations, crude oil and natural gas are most commonly owned by national governments that grant rights in the form of exploration licences and permits, production licences, PSCs and other similar forms of tenure. In all cases, Suncor's right to explore, develop and produce crude oil and natural gas is subject to ongoing compliance with the regulatory requirements established by the relevant country.

54  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.



Environmental Regulation

The company is subject to environmental regulation under a variety of Canadian, U.S., U.K. and other foreign, federal, provincial, territorial, state and municipal laws and regulations. Among other things, these environmental regulatory regimes impose restrictions and prohibitions on the spill, release or emission of various substances, including oil and gas products and the byproducts associated with the production thereof, which apply to Suncor and similar activities conducted by other organizations. Applicable regulatory regimes require Suncor to obtain operating licences and permits in order to operate, and impose certain standards and controls on activities relating to mining, oil and gas exploration, development and production, refining, as well as electricity generation, distribution and marketing of petroleum products and petrochemicals. Environmental assessments and regulatory approvals are generally required before most new major projects or significant changes to existing operations can be initiated. In addition, these environmental regulatory regimes require the company to abandon and reclaim mine, well and facility sites to the satisfaction of regulatory authorities. In some cases, abandonment and reclamation obligations may remain with the company even after disposition of an asset to a third party. Compliance with such legislation can require significant expenditures, and a breach of these requirements may result in suspension or revocation of necessary licences and authorizations, civil liability for pollution damage, and/or the imposition of material fines and penalties.

In addition to the specific requirements outlined above, Suncor anticipates that future new laws and amendments to existing environmental laws will result in the imposition of additional requirements on companies operating in the energy industry.

A number of statutes, regulations and governance frameworks pertaining to environmental regulation are currently under development and, in some cases, proposed amendments have been issued by the provincial regulators that oversee oil sands development for comment by industry. These statutes, regulations and frameworks relate to issues such as tailings management, water management, biodiversity, air emissions, and land use. The company is committed to working with the appropriate government agencies as new policies are developed, and to comply with all existing and new statutes, regulations and frameworks that apply to the company's operations.

In general, the impact of future environmental laws and regulations on the company remains uncertain. It is not possible to predict the nature of any future legislative requirements or the impact that future requirements will have on the company and its business, financial condition and results of operations. Suncor continues to actively work to mitigate the company's environmental impact, including taking action to reduce GHG emissions intensity, installing new emissions abatement equipment, treating fluid tailings, investing in renewable forms of energy, such as wind power and biofuels, undertaking land reclamation activities, investing in environmentally focused research and development, and working to advance environmental technologies. Refer to the Narrative Description of Suncor's Businesses – Oil Sands – New Technology section of this AIF.

Recent developments in environmental regulation and related government initiatives have had an impact on many areas important to Suncor's operations, some of which are summarized in the following subsections.

Climate Change and GHG Emissions

Suncor operates in many jurisdictions that regulate, or have proposed to regulate, industrial GHG emissions. Suncor is committed to fully complying with existing regulations and will continue to constructively engage the appropriate governmental bodies in meaningful dialogue to harmonize regulations focused on achieving actual reduction goals and sustainable resource development across jurisdictions where Suncor owns and/or operates assets.

As part of its ongoing business planning, Suncor estimates future costs associated with CO2 emissions in its operations and in the evaluation of future projects. These estimates use the company's outlook for the carbon price under current and pending GHG regulations which are used in conjunction with other tools to test the company's business strategy against a range of policy designs. Currently, Suncor applies a carbon price of $40 per tonne of CO2e which increases according to the recent federal government announcement described in "Under Development" below. The company expects that GHG emissions regulation will continue to evolve with a carbon price that considers environmental, energy security, social and economic objectives. Suncor will continue to review the impact of future carbon constrained scenarios (and changing carbon pricing) on its business strategy.

Environmental regulations and initiatives related to climate change and GHG emissions are described below.

International Climate Change Agreements

The goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change, an agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change that came into force on November 4, 2016, are to prevent the global temperature rise from exceeding 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Canadian Federal GHG Regulations

In furtherance of its commitments under the Paris Agreement, the federal government developed the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  55



Change (PCF) in 2016 to meet Canada's emissions target while enabling economic growth.

Under the PCF, the federal government requires all provinces and territories to have a carbon price, starting at $20 per tonne of CO2e in 2019 and rising by $10 per year to $50 per tonne of CO2e in 2022. Jurisdictions can implement: (i) an explicit price based system (such as the carbon tax adopted by British Columbia), (ii) the carbon levy and performance based emissions system (originally adopted in Alberta), or (iii) cap and trade system (adopted in Quebec). Within these programs, provinces have discretion to manage competitiveness of their energy-intensive trade exposed industries. The provincial carbon pricing initiatives applied in Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador and their impact on Suncor are described in the Canadian Provincial GHG Regulations section below.

The 2018 federal Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GGPPA) establishes the federal carbon price on GHG emissions applicable as of January 2019. The GGPPA reinforces the approach taken in the PCF and is only intended to serve as a regulatory carbon pricing "backstop" to any province or territory that requests it, or to those jurisdictions that have not otherwise implemented a compliant provincial or territorial carbon pricing regime. The GGPPA consists of two parts: (1) an economy-wide consumer carbon levy on the use and combustion of fossil fuels; and (2) an Output Based Pricing System (OBPS) applied to heavy industrial sectors that face international competition. The GGPPA's current application provincially is discussed as relevant below.

In addition, in 2020, the Alberta Court of Appeal found the GGPPA unconstitutional, a decision which followed two unsuccessful constitutional challenges of the GGPPA by Saskatchewan and Ontario in 2019. The Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario constitutional challenges were appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada, which heard the case in 2020 but has, at this time, yet to release a decision. Manitoba has also initiated a challenge to the GGPPA in Federal Court. The results of the challenges to the GGPPA could significantly impact how GHG emissions are regulated throughout Canada.

In addition to the above, the federal Renewable Fuels Regulations (RFR) implemented in 2010 under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) sets minimum renewable fuel content requirements in gasoline and diesel fuel sold to Canadian consumers. The regulations include provisions that govern the creation of compliance units, allow trading of these units among participants and reporting to ensure compliance. In addition to the federal RFR, the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan already have renewable fuel mandates equal or greater than the current federal RFR.

Under the Federal Impact Assessment Act, the Strategic Assessment for Climate Change sets new requirements for GHG emissions reporting and planning for any projects governed under the Impact Assessment Act, including a requirement to provide a credible plan to deliver net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.

Under Development

Pursuant to the Paris Agreement, the Government of Canada set a goal to reduce GHG emissions economy-wide by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. The federal government has also tabled the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which, if passed, enshrines in legislation the government's previously stated commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.

The federal government announced on December 11, 2020 an intention that carbon pricing applied through both the GGPPA and OBPS would increase by $15 per tonne of CO2e per year after 2022, rising from $50 per tonne of CO2e in 2022 to $170 per tonne of CO2e in 2030. This carbon price announcement was supported by several announcements of federal funding initiatives applicable to industrial sectors.

In addition to GGPPA's carbon pricing "backstop", a Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) is being developed by the federal government with the national objective of achieving annual reductions of at least 20 Mt of CO2e emissions by 2030. The CFS will be implemented under CEPA and will replace the RFR. When implemented, it is expected that the CFS will require reductions in the carbon intensity of liquid fuels supplied into Canada, based on a new life cycle analysis model under development by the federal government. The gaseous and solid fuel stream carbon intensity reduction obligations were removed from the latest draft of the CFS. The approach for liquid fuels is not expected to differentiate between crude oil produced in or imported into Canada. The CFS regulations are being developed and are expected to be finalized and enacted in 2021 and come into effect in 2022. Until such regulations are published, the company is unable to predict the precise impact, if any, that CFS will have on its business.

Provincial GHG Regulations

Alberta

Oil Sands Emissions Limit Act (the OSELA)

The OSELA sets a limit of 100 Mt of CO2e per year in Alberta in the oil sands sector, excluding emissions from cogeneration and new upgrading capacity, allowing for continued growth and development while the sector works to accelerate emissions reduction technologies and operational optimization. Current oil sands emissions in Alberta are estimated to be between 70 to 80 Mt per year, including existing upgrading capacity but excluding cogenerated electricity sold to the Alberta power grid. The mechanics of implementation and enforcement of the OSELA remain under review by the Government of Alberta and,

56  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.



therefore, it is not yet possible to predict the long-term impact on Suncor.

Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction Implementation Act (TIER)

On October 29, 2019, the Government of Alberta introduced TIER, which includes new carbon pricing legislation for large industrial emitters. TIER came into force on January 1, 2020, replacing the Carbon Competitiveness Incentive Regulation (CCIR). TIER meets the federal government's stringency benchmark criteria for large industrial emitters for 2020. As a result, the federal OBPS applicable to large industrial emitters, described under GGPPA, will not apply to Alberta. TIER applies primarily to large industrial facilities in Alberta with CO2e emissions in excess of 100,000 tonnes per year which, for Suncor, includes Oil Sands Base, Firebag, MacKay River, Fort Hills, the Edmonton refinery and Syncrude. Such facilities will be required to reduce emissions by 10% starting in 2020 with a further 1% per year reduction thereafter. Failure to meet emissions reduction targets results in being assessed at the prevailing carbon price. The carbon price under TIER increased from $30 per tonne of CO2e to $40 per tonne of CO2e on January 1, 2021.

Electricity generators will continue to be subject to the existing "good-as-best-gas" standard of 370 tonnes of CO2e per GWh. Currently, Suncor's cogeneration facilities at its Oil Sands Base, Firebag, Fort Hills and Syncrude operations earn credits because the electricity generated is more efficient than the electricity standard.

Under TIER, each of Suncor's facilities is required to comply with the least stringent of either: (1) a facility-specific benchmark based on the average historical performance of that facility between 2013-15; or (2) a high-performance benchmark. All of Suncor's operations fall under the facility-specific benchmark. The high-performance benchmark is a product-specific, high-performance benchmark reflecting emissions intensity of high performance in a sector (calculated as average emissions intensity of the top 10% of facilities). Under TIER, facilities emitting over their prescribed benchmarks will be subject to a compliance obligation, while facilities emitting under their respective benchmarks will be able to generate Emissions Performance Credits (EPCs) and offset credits. Suncor will continue to generate such credits from its cogeneration and renewable energy assets.

The federal carbon price under the GGPPA applies to consumers' GHG emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels for heating and transportation. Suncor applies the prevailing federal carbon price to consumer fuel at the point of sale, which is later remitted to the federal government. Under the GGPPA, the carbon price increased from $30 per tonne of CO2e to $40 per tonne of CO2e on January 1, 2021.

British Columbia

The Province of British Columbia enacted a consumption-based carbon tax in 2008. In 2020, the carbon tax was raised from $40 per tonne of CO2e to $45 per tonne of CO2e. While the carbon tax was scheduled to increase to $50 per tonne of CO2e by 2021, the provincial government has chosen to hold the carbon tax flat in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Purchasers or users of fuels pay the carbon tax, which is collected by Suncor and remitted to the provincial government.

In addition to the carbon tax, the Province of British Columbia is addressing transportation emissions through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Renewable & Low Carbon Fuel Requirements) Act and the Renewable & Low Carbon Fuel Requirements Regulation, known collectively as British Columbia's low-carbon fuel standard (BC-LCFS). The BC-LCFS establishes annual carbon intensity (CI) reduction targets in gasoline and diesel fuels. Suncor is partially able to flow through the BC-LCFS costs to consumers. On July 13, 2020, the Government of British Columbia amended the Renewable & Low Carbon Fuel Requirements Regulation to set a CI reduction target of 20% by 2030. Furthermore, the Province of British Columbia passed the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act (ZEV Act) on May 30, 2019. The ZEV Act requires automakers to meet an escalating annual percentage of new light-duty zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales and leases, reaching 10% of light-duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. The demand and acceptance of electric vehicles and low-carbon fuels are expected to reduce the demand for petroleum products like gasoline and diesel, while demand for electric vehicle charging and low-carbon fuels such as biofuels increases over time.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador's carbon pricing program is a hybrid system comprised of performance standards for large industrial facilities, including large-scale electricity generation, plus a consumer carbon tax on transportation, building fuels, and other fuels combusted in the province. Performance standards for large industrial facilities are legislated under the Management of Greenhouse Gas Act (MGGA) and associated regulations, which apply to all facilities that emit 15,000 tonnes of CO2e or more per annum and therefore apply to Terra Nova, Hibernia, White Rose, and Hebron. Consistent with the federal carbon pricing scheme, the Newfoundland and Labrador carbon price in 2020 was $30 per tonne of CO2e and has increased to $40 per tonne of CO2e in 2021.

For 2020, onshore facilities were assigned an annual GHG reduction target equal to 8% below the facility's 2016-17 historical average emissions-to-output ratio. The target increases by 2% per year until the reduction target reaches 12% in 2022. To protect the competitiveness of offshore petroleum facilities, each regulated facility will be

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assigned the same percentage reductions to its average emissions level, excluding federally regulated emissions for methane from venting and fugitive emissions. Consistent with the provincial government's Advance 2030 initiative to encourage oil and gas development in the province, mobile offshore drilling unit activities related to exploration are exempt from the calculation for the unit's annual GHG reduction target.

Under Development

The MGGA established a fund to support energy efficient and clean technology investments through compliance payments made by industrial emitters. This is expected to support technology and innovation as well as provide flexible compliance options and protect the competitiveness of energy-intensive, trade-exposed sectors such as the province's offshore petroleum sector. Large industrial emitters, which include the offshore petroleum sector, account for approximately 43% of the province's current emissions.

Ontario

Ontario became subject to the two-part federal government GGPPA program in 2019. Pursuant to the program, facilities that generate more than 25,000 tonnes of GHG emissions per year (including Suncor's Sarnia refinery and St. Clair ethanol plant) are subject to the OBPS. In addition, the federal carbon price is applied to the combustion of all fossil fuels by consumers in Ontario. Carbon prices pursuant to both aspects of the GGPPA program were $30 per tonne of CO2e in 2020 rising to $40 per tonne of CO2e in 2021. In addition, Suncor applies the prevailing federal carbon price to consumer fuel at the point of sale, which is later remitted to the federal government.

In 2020, the Government of Ontario announced the Cleaner Transportation Fuels Regulation revoking and replacing the Greener Gasoline Regulation and Greener Diesel Regulation under the Environmental Protection Act. The new regulation increases the renewable content in gasoline and provides new technical guidelines. The new regulation supports the provincial government's goal of reducing GHG emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030 as set out in the Made-in-Ontario Environmental Plan.

Since the federal government's GGPPA program has been in place, the Government of Ontario passed its "made in Ontario" carbon pricing system for large emitters called the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) which came into effect on July 4, 2019. Unlike the federal OBPS, the EPS primarily applies to facilities that generate more than 50,000 tonnes of GHG emissions per year.

Under Development

On September 21, 2020, the Government of Ontario announced that the federal government accepted Ontario's EPS for industrial emitters as meeting the stringency requirements under the GGPPA, and on December 23, 2020, the federal government issued a Notice of Intent to make regulations to stand down the OBPS in Ontario. This will allow Ontario to further protect the competitiveness of its economy and begin transitioning industrial emitters in the province that are currently subject to the federal OPBS to its EPS program. An official transition date is yet to be set by either government.

Quebec

Implemented in 2013, Quebec's cap-and-trade system for GHG emissions applies to companies in the industrial and electricity sectors that emit 25,000 Mt or greater of CO2e per year and distributors of fossil fuels used in Quebec. Quebec's cap-and-trade system is linked to California's and part of the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), an organization set up to help members in U.S. states and Canadian provinces execute their cap-and-trade systems. Allowances and offsets are tradeable across the WCI. In Quebec, emitters are required to either reduce their emissions or purchase eligible emissions allowances to cover their emissions beyond any free emissions allowances they receive from the government. The cap on overall annual GHG emissions and the maximum amount of free allowances allocated to regulated emitters are established by the province. The stationary emissions at Suncor's Montreal refinery are subject to Quebec's cap-and-trade system. The cost to purchase emissions allowances under the cap-and-trade system associated with consumer fuel purchases are passed on to consumers at the point of purchase.

On October 2, 2019, the Government of Quebec published a draft regulation setting standards with the intent to phase integration of renewable fuels into gasoline and diesel fuel. Under the draft regulation, the standards are intended to begin applying on July 1, 2021; however, the government has indicated that it wishes to further consult with industry in 2021. Furthermore, the Quebec government introduced their 2030 Plan for a Green Economy to help achieve its 2030 GHG emissions reduction target, namely a 37.5% reduction compared with 1990 levels, and to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. With respect to renewable fuel content, the plan contemplates requiring the blending of a minimum volume of 15% of ethanol into gasoline and a minimum volume of 10% bio-based diesel into diesel fuel by 2030. The plan will include a mandate to phase out the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. The rate of change of consumer behaviour, such as adoption of ZEV or increased use of public transit or active transportation, is not certain. The demand and acceptance of electric vehicles and low-carbon fuels are expected to reduce the demand for petroleum products like gasoline and diesel, while demand for electric vehicle charging and low-carbon fuels such as biofuels increases over time.

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U.S. GHG Regulations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has established a rule mandating that all large facilities (defined as facilities emitting greater than 25,000 tonnes of CO2e per year, which includes Suncor's refinery in Commerce City, Colorado) report their GHG emissions.

In 2019, the State of Colorado passed a suite of energy and climate change related legislation that includes, but is not limited to, setting statewide targets to reduce 2025 GHG emissions by at least 26%; 2030 GHG emissions by 50%; and 2050 GHG emissions by 90%, using a 2005 baseline year; and to transition Colorado's electricity system to become 80% renewable by 2030 and 100% renewable by 2040. The legislation requires several regulatory rulemakings, which will address, among other things, reducing GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector and other sectors, and requirements to monitor, measure, and report GHG emissions. The outcome of these changes in approach to GHG emissions is currently unclear and the impact on Suncor, including its Commerce City, Colorado refinery, is unknown at this time.

Under Development

The impact of President Biden's campaign commitment for bold climate action cannot be determined with certainty at this time. Biden's administration has confirmed its commitment for the U.S. to rejoin the Paris Agreement. President Biden has committed to a 100% clean energy economy and net-zero emissions by 2050. To meet these climate commitments, the President is expected to use his executive authority to re-establish standards for power plant emissions, reform vehicle efficiency standards, re-establish methane emissions limits and integrate climate change into foreign and trade policy and national security strategies. In addition, the United States Climate Alliance, a network consisting of the governors of 25 states, which includes Colorado, remain committed to advancing efforts to address climate change through policies that encourage investment in clean energy, energy efficiency and climate resilience. Suncor continues to monitor these developments and constructively participate where appropriate.

International Regulations

The European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) applies to Suncor's non-operated offshore U.K. and Norway assets in 2020. In 2021, Suncor's Norway assets will continue under the EU ETS, while Suncor's U.K. assets will instead be subject to the U.K. Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS). Each of the EU ETS and UK ETS work on a cap-and-trade principle, requiring the setting of emission limits for the sectors covered by the scheme. Each year, emissions allowances equivalent to the cap are either auctioned or distributed as free allowances to participants. A secondary market is also available for participants to buy and sell allowances from each other. Each year, installations surrender emissions allowances to cover their reportable emissions. The emissions cap is reduced over time to reduce total emissions.

Compliance Costs

The following table outlines the costs associated with the Climate Change and GHG Emissions policies:

Reporting Segment
($ millions)
  2019   2020   2021
(Estimate)
 

Oil Sands(1)   91.1   42.2   67.1  

Exploration and Production(2)   0.8   nil   nil  

Refining and Marketing(3)   12.8   9.2   25.8  

(1)
Compared to CCIR (which was effective in 2019), TIER (effective 2020 onwards) reduced Suncor's overall compliance costs.

(2)
Forecast compliance costs are nil due to Terra Nova production being offline until an economically viable path forward with a safe and reliable return to operations can be determined.

(3)
Higher forecast compliance costs reflect Commerce City refinery being forecast to begin paying compliance costs in 2021 as well as lower utilization in response to lower demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing less efficient operations.

Land Use

In 2012, the Government of Alberta approved the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (LARP). The LARP addresses land-use management in the Lower Athabasca region of Alberta, which includes the area of the province in which Suncor's Oil Sands business is located. The LARP, which was developed pursuant to the Alberta Land Stewardship Act, is part of Alberta's approach to managing land and natural resources to achieve long-term economic, environmental and social goals, and identifies new conservation areas as well as management frameworks to ensure the continued regional quality of air, surface water and groundwater. The conservation areas established by LARP do not overlap with any of Suncor's or Syncrude's leases. LARP is expected to undergo government review over the course of the next year, with a review deadline in 2022.

The management frameworks established under LARP formalize a number of regulatory tools used by the government to manage environmental aspects of oil sands development, including cumulative environmental effects of management on a regional scale. As a result, LARP may require Suncor and Syncrude to have greater participation in the overall evaluation of environmental issues and emissions

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in the Lower Athabasca region. The frameworks established under LARP include the following:

Air Quality Management Framework;

Surface Water Quality Management Framework;

Surface Water Quantity Management Framework;

Groundwater Management Framework;

Tailings Management Framework for Mineable Athabasca Oil Sands; and

Biodiversity Management Framework (in progress).

Air Quality

Air quality in Suncor's operating areas is an increased focus and has resulted in the introduction and/or update of policy/regulations of air pollutants, odours and health standards to drive performance improvement. Overall regulators are moving toward setting new, more stringent limits often requiring updating or replacement of equipment, and additional monitoring and reporting requirements.

Recently, there have been significant updates made to the regulations listed below:

Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) — In October 2012, the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME), with the exception of Quebec, agreed to implement a new Air Quality Management System (AQMS). One of the key elements of the system is the ambient air quality objectives for selected air pollutants set out under the CEPA, which include limits for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) and ground-level ozone implemented in 2015 and updated in 2020. New standards for NO2 and SO2 were developed and became effective in 2020. It is a provincial responsibility to ensure implementation of the nationwide standards of CAAQS are achieved. All of Suncor's Canadian operations, with the exception of the Montreal refinery, will be impacted by CAAQS and work is underway to meet the ambient air quality standards for both monitoring and regulatory applications. The impacts are highest for the operations located in airsheds which are likely to exceed CAAQS limits, including areas such as the Wood Buffalo Region (Oil Sands Base, Fort Hills, Firebag, MacKay River and Syncrude), the Edmonton region (Edmonton refinery), and the Sarnia region (Sarnia refinery and St. Clair Ethanol plant).

Alberta Air Quality Objectives (AAQO) — AAQO and guidelines are issued by Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) under Section 14 (1), of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA). AAQO are developed to protect Alberta's air quality and are used as part of industrial approvals to regulate facility operations. All industrial indoor and outdoor facilities must be designed and operated such that the ambient air quality remains below AAQO. AEP is currently reviewing NO2 and SO2 AAQO in light of the recently published 2020 CAAQS, which could have significant cost implications for Suncor's operations in Alberta. We are committed to supporting the development and implementation of strong and science-based ambient air quality standards to protect the health of Canadians and the environment.

Methane Regulations — The Canadian federal government, through the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), and the Government of Alberta have both released new methane regulations. The federal regulations came into effect in January 2020, in order to fulfil Canada's commitment to reduce emissions of methane from the oil and gas sector by 40% to 45% below 2012 levels by 2025. On December 11, 2020, the federal government announced it will report on the effectiveness of the federal regulations in 2021 and increase their stringency in 2025 if not sooner. On November 11, 2020, the Government of Alberta reached a formal equivalency agreement with ECCC, which will allow for improved provincial methane regulations to replace the federal regulations for up to five years. Alberta's Methane Emission Reduction Regulation will impact Suncor's operations in Alberta through changes to measurement, monitoring, and reporting of methane emissions to support improved understanding and tracking of oil and gas methane emissions. Similar equivalency agreements mean the federal methane regulations are also not in effect in British Columbia or Saskatchewan, which have their own regimes.

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Regulations for Upgrading & Refining — The regulations will limit the release of VOCs, including carcinogenic substances such as benzene and 1,3 butadiene, by requiring Canadian refineries and upgrader facilities to take measures to reduce leaks from equipment components (valves, pumps, connectors, etc.). Compliance with the regulations will start in January 2022 and will require facility operators to monitor VOC concentrations at the facility perimeter. Suncor will incur costs to comply with the requirements but will also recover products that would otherwise have been lost from leaking equipment components.

Colorado Increase Public Protection Air Toxics Emissions Bill – This Bill creates a new category of covered facilities, defined by reporting certain thresholds of covered pollutants, and requires such facilities to conduct community outreach regarding incident communications and implement the use of an emergency notification service for certain incidents. This will impact Suncor's Commerce City refinery through increased reporting requirements and the potential for additional publicity

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    around releases of covered pollutants (hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide and benzene).

U.S. Regional Haze Implementation — The Regional Haze Rule under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calls for state and federal agencies to work together to improve visibility in national parks through addressing the primary pollutants that cause regional haze, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx), SO2, and VOCs. Emission sources from industry include heaters/boilers, motor vehicles, Fluid Catalytic Cracking and Sulphur Recovery Complexes. The EPA is in the final stages of implementing the Regional Haze Program. Suncor was not addressed in Phase 1 of the Regional Haze process but will be included in Phase 2, which is expected to begin during the first or second quarter of 2021. Improvements to one of the Sulphur Recovery Units at Suncor's Commerce City refinery are likely to be required.

Biodiversity

Governments, both provincially and federally, are increasing the rigour of existing acts/regulations and issuing changes aimed at improved environmental protection, including habitat and species protection. Policy development and engagement is complex because of multi-stakeholder consultation required for the development of a viable solution for industry. Stakeholders are concerned by the pace of progress by government to protect habitat. In addition, Traditional Land Use rights of Indigenous communities are inclusive of caribou herds and the issue of caribou habitat is often a recurring theme in Statements of Concerns during the regulatory process. Within the Wood Buffalo region, an area with more than ~40% wetland cover, many of Suncor's current and future projects are within identified caribou ranges.

In October 2020, AEP and ECCC announced they had finalized a Species at Risk Act (SARA) Section 11 Conservation Agreement for Alberta's caribou populations. The agreement identifies timelines for the Alberta sub-regional planning process and establishes the collaborative responsibilities of the provincial and federal governments. Under this agreement, industry will continue to work with the Government of Alberta on habitat restoration funding and caribou range planning as part of the sub-regional planning process.

The Alberta Wetland Policy has been in effect province-wide since July 2016. The Policy's goal is "to conserve, restore, protect and manage Alberta's wetlands". For certain new project types, an upfront detailed wetland assessment must be performed for all surface disturbances. Under the Policy, where avoidance and minimization efforts are not feasible or prove ineffective, wetland replacement and or offsetting is required at a ratio determined by wetland value from 1:1 to 8:1. Wetland replacement costs will be especially high for future oil sands projects and expansions, since there is limited to no opportunity to avoid or minimize impacts to wetlands. We continue to work with the Government of Alberta to resolve any ongoing implementation challenges.

Dam Integrity

The Government of Alberta has a rigorous and stringent regulatory system to manage dams within the province. In December 2018, the Water (Ministerial) Regulation was updated and includes new dam regulatory requirements. The primary purpose of these updates is to address regulatory requirements for in-stream dams (i.e., hydroelectric) requirements. However, these new requirements will also apply to all dams in Alberta, including off-stream dams (i.e., tailings dams).

Throughout 2019 and 2020, the AER developed regulatory tools to provide guidance for how these new requirements apply to tailings facilities that are regulated by the AER, including oil sands tailings dams. The AER released Manual 019: Decommissioning, Closure, and Abandonment of Dams at Energy Projects (Manual 019) in January 2020, which explains how existing regulatory requirements pertaining to the decommissioning, closure, and abandonment of dams will be assessed and enforced by the AER rather than introducing any new requirements. These regulations are supplemented by Suncor's internal programs, which are designed to provide additional oversight in accordance with industry best practices. The provincial dam integrity program may result in additional costs associated with monitoring, planning and measurements in addition to or in advance of current plans.

Reclamation

Suncor is committed to surface reclamation and remediation of lands affected by its operations. The Government of Alberta's Mine Financial Security Plan (MFSP) accounts for the environmental liability associated with the suspension, abandonment, remediation and surface reclamation of oil sands mines and plant sites. The MFSP requires a base amount of security for each project. Suncor has provided this security in the form of letters of credit and is in compliance with the MFSP. Additional security may be required under other conditions, such as failure to meet current reclamation plans, falling below a specified asset to liability ratio, or when the estimated remaining production life of the mine reaches certain levels; however, Suncor has not been required to provide any additional security to date. The MFSP has been designed by the Government of Alberta to include a periodic review of the program to ensure it is functioning properly and provides early warning of any potential risks of a tailings management action specific to the TMF. It is expected that revisions to the MFSP will be completed by 2023.

Suncor has improved its tailings management efforts and became the first company to surface reclaim an oil sands

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tailings pond, convert a second to a fluid tailings treatment area, and make another pond trafficable with coke capping. Under the TMF, initial tailings management plans have been submitted and approved for Oil Sands Base (2017), Syncrude Aurora North (2018), Syncrude Mildred Lake (2019), and Fort Hills (2019).

Another component identified in the TMF is integrated water management. In order to support successful closure and reclamation, water quantity must be reduced, and quality must be managed. The Alberta government has been working to update the provincial water release policy tools to enable water release and the updates are planned to be completed in 2023. The five-year review for the TMF is planned for 2021, which will have the potential to significantly impact progress on fluid tailings management, water release as well as all associated aspects of TMF implementation, such as pit lakes, closure and reclamation, and the MFSP. In addition, work to develop a Federal Mine Effluent Regulation is ongoing in ECCC with a current timeline for finalization targeted to align with the provincial process in 2023; however, there are no assurances that these target timelines will be achieved. Any delays to this timeline will result in an increase to both on-site water quality concerns and water containment concerns at Suncor and Syncrude mine sites, which may impact current operations and reclamation and closure planning.

Oil Sands Monitoring

In 2012, Canada and Alberta adopted the Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring (Monitoring Plan). The intent of the Monitoring Plan is to provide scientifically rigorous, comprehensive, integrated and transparent environmental monitoring, including an improved understanding of the cumulative environmental impact of oil sands development. The annual cost to Suncor under the Monitoring Plan, including Suncor's net share of Syncrude, was approximately $10.5 million in 2019, and has decreased to approximately $4.1 million for 2020 due to the carryover of unspent program funds from previous years.

Industry Collaboration Initiatives

Environmentally focused collaboration between companies and stakeholders is an important focus for the oil sands industry. Suncor is a founding member of Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA) and is committed to collaborative action to accelerate improvements in environmental performance, including tailings, water, land, monitoring and GHG emissions. COSIA works with other collaborative networks to share knowledge and expertise about new technologies and innovation related to environmental performance. Similarly, Suncor is a founding member of the Clean Resources Innovation Network (CRIN), which is a pan-Canadian network focused on ensuring Canada's energy resources can be sustainably developed and integrated into the global energy supply. CRIN identifies industry challenges to accelerate clean technology commercialization and widespread adoption by bringing together a broad group of stakeholders. Moreover, Suncor is an originating sponsor of the Carbon XPrize aimed at developing breakthrough technologies to convert CO2 emissions into usable products.

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Risk Factors

Suncor is committed to a proactive program of enterprise risk management intended to enable decision-making through consistent identification and assessment of risks inherent to its assets, activities and operations. Some of these risks are common to operations in the oil and gas industry as a whole, while some are unique to Suncor. The realization of any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Volatility of Commodity Prices

Suncor's financial performance is closely linked to prices for crude oil in the company's upstream business and prices for refined petroleum products in the company's downstream business and, to a lesser extent, to natural gas and electricity prices in the company's upstream business where natural gas and electricity are both inputs and outputs of production processes. The prices for all of these commodities can be influenced by global and regional supply and demand factors, which are factors that are beyond the company's control and can result in a high degree of price volatility.

Crude oil prices are also affected by, among other things, global economic health (particularly in emerging markets), market access constraints, regional and international supply and demand imbalances, political developments and government action (such as the mandatory production curtailments imposed by the Government of Alberta in 2019 and 2020), decisions by OPEC+ regarding quotas on its members, compliance or non-compliance with quotas agreed upon by OPEC+ members and other countries, and weather. These factors impact the various types of crude oil and refined products differently and can impact differentials between light and heavy grades of crude oil (including blended bitumen), and between conventional oil and SCO.

Refined petroleum product prices and refining margins are also affected by, among other things, crude oil prices, the availability of crude oil and other feedstock, levels of refined product inventories, regional refinery availability, market access, marketplace competitiveness, and other local market factors. Natural gas prices in North America are affected by, among other things, supply and demand, and by prices for alternative energy sources. Decreases in product margins or increases in natural gas prices could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

In addition, oil and natural gas producers in North America, and particularly in Canada, may receive discounted prices for their production relative to certain international prices, due in part to constraints on the ability to transport and sell such products to international markets. A failure to resolve such constraints may result in continued discounted or reduced commodity prices realized by oil and natural gas producers such as Suncor. Suncor's production from Oil Sands includes significant quantities of bitumen and SCO that may trade at a discount to light and medium crude oil. Bitumen and SCO are typically more expensive to produce and process. In addition, the market prices for these products may differ from the established market indices for light and medium grades of crude oil. As a result, the price received for bitumen and SCO may differ from the benchmark they are priced against.

Wide differentials, such as those experienced in the fourth quarter of 2018 and the early part of 2020, or a prolonged period of low and/or volatile commodity prices, particularly for crude oil, could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations, and may also lead to the impairment of assets, or to the cancellation or deferral of Suncor's growth projects.

Recent market events and conditions, including excess global crude oil and petroleum products supply as a result of decreased global demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have caused significant weakness and volatility in commodity and petroleum products prices. Commodity prices could remain under pressure for a prolonged period, which could cause continued weakness and volatility. This could result in reduced utilization and/or the suspension of operations at certain of our facilities, buyers of our products declaring force majeure or bankruptcy, the unavailability of storage, and disruptions of pipeline and other transportation systems for our products, which would further negatively impact Suncor's production or refined product volumes, and could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Major Operational Incidents (Safety, Environmental and Reliability)

Each of Suncor's primary operating businesses – Oil Sands, E&P, and Refining and Marketing – requires significant levels of investment in the design, operation, and maintenance and decommissioning of facilities, and carries the additional economic risk associated with operating reliably or enduring a protracted operational outage. The breadth and level of integration of Suncor's operations adds complexity.

The company's businesses also carry the risks associated with environmental and safety performance, which is closely scrutinized by governments, the public and the media, and could result in a suspension of or inability to obtain regulatory approvals and permits, or, in the case of a major environmental or safety incident, delays in resuming normal operations, fines, civil suits or criminal charges against the company.

In general, Suncor's operations are subject to operational hazards and risks such as, among others, fires (including forest fires), explosions, blow-outs, power outages, prolonged periods of extreme cold or extreme heat, severe winter climate conditions, flooding, droughts and other

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extreme weather conditions, railcar incidents or derailments, the migration of harmful substances such as, among others, oil spills, gaseous leaks or a release of deleterious substances or tailings into water systems, pollution and other environmental risks, and accidents, any of which can interrupt operations or cause personal injury or death, or damage to property, equipment (including information technology and related data and controls systems), and the environment.

The reliable operation of production and processing facilities at planned levels and Suncor's ability to produce higher value products can also be impacted by, among other things, failure to follow the company's policies, standards and operating procedures or operate within established operating parameters, equipment failure through inadequate maintenance, unanticipated erosion or corrosion of facilities, manufacturing and engineering flaws, and labour shortage or interruption. The company is also subject to operational risks such as sabotage, terrorism, trespass, theft and malicious software, network or cyberattacks.

In addition to the foregoing factors that affect Suncor's business generally, each business unit is susceptible to additional risks due to the nature of its business, including, among others, the following:

Suncor's Oil Sands business is susceptible to loss of production, slowdowns, shutdowns or restrictions on its ability to produce higher value products, due to the failure of any one or more interdependent component systems, and other risks inherent to oil sands operations;

For Suncor's E&P businesses, there are risks and uncertainties associated with drilling for oil and natural gas, the operation and development of such properties and wells (including encountering unexpected formations, pressures, or the presence of hydrogen sulphide), premature declines of reservoirs, sour gas releases, uncontrollable flows of crude oil, natural gas or well fluids and other accidents;

Suncor's E&P offshore operations occur in areas subject to hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions, such as winter storms, pack ice, icebergs and fog. The occurrence of any of these events could result in production shut-ins, the suspension of drilling operations, damage to or destruction of the equipment involved and injury or death of rig personnel. Harsh weather conditions, particularly in the winter season, may also impact the successful execution of maintenance and startup of operations. Suncor's E&P offshore operations could be indirectly affected by catastrophic events occurring at other third-party offshore operations, which could give rise to liability, damage to the company's equipment, harm to individuals, force a shutdown of facilities or operations, or result in a shortage of appropriate equipment or specialists required to perform planned operations; and

Suncor's Refining and Marketing operations are subject to all of the risks normally inherent in the operation of refineries, terminals, pipelines and other distribution facilities and service stations, including, among others, loss of production, slowdowns or shutdowns due to equipment failures, unavailability of feedstock, price and quality of feedstock, or other incidents.

Although the company maintains a risk management program, which includes an insurance component, such insurance may not provide comprehensive coverage in all circumstances, nor are all such risks insurable. The company self-insures some risks, and the company's insurance coverage does not cover all the costs arising out of the allocation of liabilities and risk of loss arising from Suncor operations.

The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Continued Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Suncor's business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected by the outbreak of epidemics, pandemics and other public health crises in geographic areas in which Suncor has operations, suppliers, customers or employees, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing uncertainty as to the extent and duration of the pandemic, as well as uncertainty surrounding new variations or mutations of the COVID-19 virus. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and actions that have and may be taken by governmental authorities in response thereto, has resulted, and may continue to result in, among other things, increased volatility in financial markets, commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates; disruptions to global supply chains; labour shortages; reductions in trade volumes; temporary operational restrictions and restrictions on gatherings greater than a certain number of individuals, shelter-in-place declarations and quarantine orders, business closures and travel bans; an overall slowdown in the global economy; political and economic instability; and civil unrest. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in, and may continue to result in, a reduction in the demand for, and prices of, commodities that are closely linked to Suncor's financial performance, including crude oil, refined petroleum products (such as jet fuel and gasoline), natural gas and electricity, and also increases the risk that storage for crude oil and refined petroleum products could reach capacity in certain geographic locations in which we operate. The recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases (including cases related to variants or mutations of the COVID-19 virus) in certain geographic areas, and the possibility that a resurgence may occur in other areas, has resulted in the re-imposition of certain restrictions noted above by local authorities. In

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addition, while vaccines are beginning to be distributed, there is uncertainty as to the timing, level of adoption, duration of efficacy and effectiveness of the vaccine against variants or mutations. This continues the risk and uncertainty as to the extent and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant impact on commodity demand and prices. A prolonged period of decreased demand for, and prices of, these commodities, and any applicable storage constraints, could also result in us voluntarily curtailing or shutting in production and a decrease in our refined product volumes and refinery utilization rates, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Suncor is also subject to risks relating to the health and safety of our people, as well as the potential for a slowdown or temporary suspension of our operations in locations impacted by an outbreak. Such a suspension in operations could also be mandated by governmental authorities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This could negatively impact Suncor's production or refined product volumes and refinery utilization rates for a sustained period of time, all of which could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition and results of operations.

Government/Regulatory Policy

Suncor's businesses operate under federal, provincial, territorial, state and municipal laws in numerous countries. The company is also subject to regulation and intervention by governments in oil and gas industry matters, such as, among others, land tenure, royalties, taxes (including income taxes), government fees, production rates (including restrictions on production such as the mandatory production curtailments imposed by the Government of Alberta in 2019 and 2020), environmental protection, water, wildlife, fish, air quality, safety performance, the reduction of GHG and other emissions, the export of crude oil, natural gas and other products, interactions with foreign governments, the awarding or acquisition of exploration and production rights, oil sands leases or other interests, the imposition of specific drilling obligations, control over the development, reclamation and abandonment of fields and mine sites, mine financial security requirements, approval of logistics infrastructure, and possibly expropriation or cancellation of contract rights. As part of ongoing operations, the company is also required to comply with a large number of EH&S regulations under a variety of Canadian, U.S., U.K., Norwegian and other foreign, federal, provincial, territorial, state and municipal laws and regulations. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in, among other things, the imposition of fines and penalties, production constraints, a compulsory shutdown of facilities or suspension of operations (temporarily or permanently), reputational damage, delays, increased costs, denial of operating and growth permit applications, censure, liability for cleanup costs and damages, and the loss of important licences and permits.

Before proceeding with most major projects, including significant changes to existing operations, Suncor must obtain various federal, provincial, territorial, state and municipal permits and regulatory approvals, and must also obtain licences to operate certain assets. These processes can involve, among other things, Indigenous and stakeholder consultation, government intervention, environmental impact assessments and public hearings and may be subject to conditions, including security deposit obligations and other commitments. Compliance can also be affected by the loss of skilled staff, inadequate internal processes and compliance auditing.

Failure to obtain, comply with, satisfy the conditions of or maintain regulatory permits, licences and approvals, or failure to obtain them on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms, could result in prosecution, fines, delays, abandonment or restructuring of projects, impacts to production, reputational damage, and increased costs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations. Suncor's businesses can also be indirectly impacted by a third party's inability to obtain regulatory approval for a shared infrastructure project or a third-party infrastructure project on which a portion of Suncor's business depends.

Changes in government policy, regulation or other laws, or the interpretation thereof, or opposition to Suncor's projects or third-party pipeline and infrastructure projects that delays or prevents necessary permits or regulatory approvals, or which makes current operations or growth projects less profitable or uneconomic could materially impact Suncor's operations, existing and planned projects, financial condition, reserves and results of operations. Obtaining necessary approvals or permits has become more difficult due to increased public opposition and Indigenous consultation requirements as well as increased political involvement. The federal government's Impact Assessment Act (IAA) (formerly Bill C-69) also came into force in August 2019 and will impact whether, and the manner in which, large energy projects are approved. The IAA process could also result in significant delays in, or challenges obtaining, necessary approvals, additional compliance costs, impacts to staffing and resource levels, and also increase exposure to other risks to Suncor's business, including permit approvals, and project development and execution, all of which could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations. Refer to the Industry Conditions section of this AIF.

Carbon Risk

Public support for climate change action and receptivity to alternative or renewable energy technologies has grown in recent years. Governments in Canada and around the world

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have responded to these shifting societal attitudes by adopting ambitious emissions reduction targets and supporting legislation, including measures relating to carbon pricing, clean energy and fuel standards, and alternative energy incentives and mandates. There has also been increased activism and public opposition to fossil fuels, and oil sands in particular. Refer to the Industry Conditions – Environmental Regulation – Climate Change section of this AIF.

Existing and future laws and regulations in support of a transition to low-carbon energy and climate change action may impose significant constraints on fossil fuel development. Concerns over climate change, fossil fuel extraction, GHG emissions, and water and land-use practices could lead governments to enact additional or more stringent laws and regulations applicable to Suncor and other companies in the energy industry in general, and in the oil sands industry in particular. These risks to the oil sands industry can be offset over time through the commercialization and implementation of low-carbon technologies (i.e., carbon capture utilization and sequestration) and by increasing growth in low-carbon energies such as renewable fuels and power.

Changes to environmental regulations, including regulation relating to climate change, could impact the demand for the company's products, or could require increased capital expenditures, operating expenses, abandonment and reclamation obligations and distribution costs. These potential added costs may not be recoverable in the marketplace and may result in some current operations or growth projects becoming less profitable or uneconomic. Such regulatory changes could necessitate that Suncor develop new technologies or pursue growth in other energy products in addition to Suncor's existing products. Such technology development or growth projects could require a significant investment of capital and resources, and any delay in or failure to identify, develop and deploy such technologies or obtain regulatory approvals for these technology projects could prevent Suncor from obtaining regulatory approvals for projects or being able to successfully compete with other companies. More stringent GHG emissions regulations in the jurisdictions in which Suncor operates may also make it difficult for Suncor to compete with companies operating in other jurisdictions with less costly regulations. In addition, legislation or policies that limit the purchase of production from the oil sands may be adopted in domestic and/or foreign jurisdictions, which, in turn, may limit the world market for Suncor's upstream production and reduce the prices the company receives for its petroleum products, and could result in delayed development, stranded assets or the company being unable to further develop its hydrocarbon resources. The complexity, breadth and velocity of changes in GHG emissions regulations make it difficult to predict the potential impact to Suncor.

Suncor continues to monitor the international and domestic efforts to address climate change. While it currently appears that GHG regulations and targets will continue to become more stringent, and while Suncor continues its efforts to reduce the intensity of its GHG emissions, the absolute GHG emissions of the company may rise as a result of growth, mergers and acquisition activities and changes in future operatorship of Syncrude assets. Increases in GHG emissions may impact the profitability of the company's projects, as Suncor will be subject to incremental levies and taxes. There is also a risk that Suncor could face litigation initiated by third parties relating to climate change, including litigation pertaining to GHG emissions, the production, sale, or promotion of fossil fuels and petroleum products, and/or disclosure. For example, the Board of County Commissioners of Boulder County, the Board of County Commissioners of San Miguel County and the City of Boulder, all of Colorado, have brought an action against Suncor and certain of its subsidiaries seeking, among other things, compensation for impacts they allege with respect to climate change. In addition, the mechanics of implementation and enforcement of the OSELA are currently under review and it is not yet possible to predict the impact on Suncor. However, such impact could be material. Refer to the Industry Conditions – Environmental Regulation – Climate Change and GHG Emissions – Provincial GHG Regulations – Alberta section of this AIF.

These developments and future developments could adversely impact the demand for Suncor's products, the ability of Suncor to maintain and grow its production and reserves, and Suncor's reputation, and could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and Targets

Among other sustainability goals, Suncor has committed to reducing the GHG emissions intensity of its operations by 30% by 2030 (based on a 2014 baseline year). Our ability to lower GHG emissions on both an absolute basis and in respect of our 2030 emissions intensity reduction target is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, and our actions taken in implementing these objectives may also expose us to certain additional and/or heightened financial and operational risks.

A reduction in GHG emissions relies on, among other things, our ability to implement and improve energy efficiency at all of our facilities, future development and growth opportunities, development and deployment of new technologies, investment in low-carbon power and transition to low-carbon fuels. In the event that we are unable to implement these strategies and technologies as planned

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without negatively impacting our expected operations or business plans, or in the event that such strategies or technologies do not perform as expected, we may be unable to meet our GHG targets or goals on the current timelines, or at all.

In addition, achieving our GHG emissions intensity reductions target and goals could require significant capital expenditures and resources, with the potential that the costs required to achieve our target and goals materially differ from our original estimates and expectations, which differences may be material. In addition, while the intent is to improve efficiency and increase the offering of low-carbon energy, the shift in resources and focus towards emissions reduction could have a negative impact on our operating results. The overall final cost of investing in and implementing an emissions intensity reduction strategy and technologies in furtherance of such strategy, and the resultant change in the deployment of our resources and focus, could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Environmental Compliance

Tailings Management and Water Release

Each oil sands mine is required under the AER's Tailings Directive to seek approval for its updated fluid tailings management plans. If a mine fails to meet a condition of its approved plan, the applicable company could be subject to enforcement actions, including being required to curtail production, and financial consequences, including being subject to a compliance levy or being required to post additional security under the MFSP. The full impact of the TMF, the Tailings Directive and updates to the dam regulations, including the financial consequences of exceeding compliance levels, is not yet fully known, as certain associated policy updates and regulation updates are still under development. Such updates could also restrict the technologies that the company may employ for tailings management and reclamation, which could adversely impact the company's business plans. There could also be risks if the company's tailings management operations fail to operate as anticipated. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations. Refer to the Industry Conditions – Environmental Regulation – Land Use section of this AIF.

In addition, an integrated water management approach to support operations and successful reclamation and closure requires the release of treated oil sands mine water to the environment, which is not currently permitted for oil sands mines under existing laws. A Federal Oil Sands Mine Effluent Regulation is under development and existing provincial water release guidelines are being updated. There is no certainty as to when regulations authorizing such water release would be enacted, the content of any such regulations, and the ability of and timing for the company to obtain the required approvals under such regulations to permit such water release. The absence of effective government regulations in this area could impact our operations and the success and timing of closure and reclamation plans, which could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Alberta's Land-Use Framework (LARP)

The implementation of, and compliance with, the terms of the LARP may adversely impact Suncor's current properties and projects in northern Alberta due to, among other things, environmental limits and thresholds. The impact of the LARP on Suncor's operations may be outside of the control of the company, as Suncor's operations could be impacted as a result of restrictions imposed due to the cumulative impact of development by the other operators in the area and not solely in relation to Suncor's direct impact. The uncertainty of changes in Suncor's future development and existing operations required as a result of the LARP, and/or any updates or changes to the LARP, could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) Water Licences

Suncor currently relies on water obtained under licences from AEP to provide domestic and utility water for the company's Oil Sands business. Water licences, like all regulatory approvals, contain conditions to be met in order to maintain compliance with the licence. There can be no assurance that the licences to withdraw water will not be rescinded or that additional conditions will not be added. It is also possible that regional water management approaches may require water-sharing agreements between stakeholders. In addition, any changes or expansions of the company's projects may rely on securing licences for additional water withdrawal, and there can be no assurance that these licences will be granted in a timely manner or that they will be granted on terms favourable to Suncor. There is also a risk that future laws or changes to existing laws or regulations relating to water access could cause capital expenditures and operating expenses relating to water licence compliance to increase. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Species at Risk Act

Woodland caribou have been identified as "threatened" under the Species at Risk Act (Canada). In response to the Government of Canada's Recovery Strategy for Woodland Caribou, provincial caribou range plans are being developed. Suncor has existing, planned and potential future projects within caribou ranges in Alberta. The development and

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implementation of range plans in these areas may have an impact on the pace and amount of development in these areas and could potentially increase costs for restoration or offsetting requirements, which could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Air Quality Management

A number of Canadian federal, provincial and U.S. state air quality regulations and frameworks are in place currently and being developed, changed and/or implemented, which could have an impact on the company's existing operations and planned projects including by, among other things, requiring the company to invest additional capital or incur additional operating and compliance expenses, including, among other things, potentially requiring the company to retrofit equipment to meet new requirements and increase monitoring and mitigation plans. The full impact of these regulations and frameworks is not yet known; however, they could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations. Refer to the Industry Conditions – Air Quality section of this AIF.

Alberta Wetland Policy

Pursuant to the Alberta Wetland Policy, development in wetland areas may be obligated to avoid wetlands or mitigate the development's effects on wetlands. Certain Suncor operations and growth projects will be affected by aspects of the policy where avoidance is not possible and wetland reclamation or replacement may be required, which could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Market Access

The markets for bitumen blends or heavy crude oil are more limited than those for light crude oil, making them more susceptible to supply and demand changes and imbalances (whether as a result of the availability, proximity, and capacity of pipeline facilities, railcars, or otherwise). Heavy crude oil generally receives lower market prices than light crude oil, due principally to the lower quality and value of the refined product yield and the higher cost to transport the more viscous product on pipelines, and this price differential can be amplified due to supply and demand imbalances.

Market access for Suncor's oil sands production may be constrained by insufficient pipeline takeaway capacity, including the lack of new pipelines due to an inability to secure required approvals and negative public perception. In order to secure future market access, financial commitments could be made for projects that do not proceed. There is a risk that constrained market access for oil sands production, growing inland production and refinery outages could create widening differentials that could impact the profitability of product sales. Market access for refined products may also be constrained by insufficient takeaway capacity, which could create a supply/demand imbalance. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on the company's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Digital and Cybersecurity

The efficient operation of Suncor's business is dependent on computer hardware, software and networked systems, including the systems of cloud providers and third parties with which Suncor conducts business. Digital transformation continues to increase the number of, and complexity of, such systems. In the ordinary course of Suncor's business, Suncor collects and stores sensitive data, including intellectual property, proprietary business information and personal information of the company's employees and retail customers. Suncor's operations are also dependent upon a large and complex information framework. Suncor relies on industry accepted security measures, controls and technology to protect Suncor's information systems and securely maintain confidential and proprietary information stored on the company's information systems, and has adopted a continuous process to identify, assess and manage threats to the company's information systems. While Suncor has an information and cybersecurity program in place, the measures, controls and technology on which the company relies may not be adequate due to the increasing volume, sophistication and rapidly evolving nature of cyber threats. Suncor's information technology and infrastructure, including process control systems, may be vulnerable to attacks by malicious persons or entities motivated by, among others, geopolitical, financial or activist reasons, or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions, including natural disasters and acts of war. Although the company maintains a risk management program, which includes an insurance component that may provide coverage for the operational impacts from an attack to, or breach of, Suncor's information technology and infrastructure, including process control systems, the company does not maintain stand-alone cyber insurance. Furthermore, not all cyber risks are insurable. As a result, Suncor's existing insurance may not provide adequate coverage for losses stemming from a cyberattack to, or breach of, its information technology and infrastructure.

Any such attack or breach could compromise Suncor's networks, and the information Suncor stores could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost, stolen or compromised. Any such attack, breach, access, disclosure or loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, regulatory penalties, disruptions to Suncor's operations, decreased performance and production, increased costs, and damage to Suncor's reputation, physical harm to people or the environment or other negative consequences to Suncor or third parties, which could have a material adverse effect

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on Suncor's business, financial condition and results of operations.

Competition

The global petroleum industry is highly competitive in many aspects, including the exploration for and the development of new sources of supply, the acquisition of crude oil and natural gas interests, and the refining, distribution and marketing of refined petroleum products. Suncor competes in virtually every aspect of its business with other energy companies. The petroleum industry also competes with other industries in supplying energy, fuel and related products to consumers. The increasing volatility of the political and social landscape at provincial, federal, territorial, state, municipal and international levels adds complexity.

For Suncor's Oil Sands and E&P businesses, it is difficult to assess the number, level of production and ultimate timing of all potential new projects or when existing production levels may increase. Although current commodity pricing and increased regulatory requirements have slowed certain larger projects in the short term, an increase in the level of activity may have an impact on regional infrastructure, including pipelines, and could place stress on the availability and cost of all resources required to build and run new and existing oil sands operations.

For Suncor's Refining and Marketing business, management expects that fluctuations in demand for refined products, margin volatility and overall marketplace competitiveness will continue. In addition, to the extent that the company's downstream business unit participates in new product markets, it could be exposed to margin risk and volatility from either cost and/or selling price fluctuations.

There is a risk that increased competition could cause costs to increase, put further strain on existing infrastructure and cause margins for refined and unrefined products to be volatile, and impact demand for Suncor's products, which could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition and results of operations.

Security and Terrorist Threats

Security threats and terrorist or activist activities may impact Suncor's personnel, which could result in injury, death, extortion, hostage situations and/or kidnapping, including unlawful confinement. A security threat, terrorist attack or activist incident targeted at a facility or office owned or operated by Suncor could result in the interruption or cessation of key elements of Suncor's operations and may result in property damage. Outcomes of such incidents could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Portfolio, Development and Execution

There are certain risks associated with the development and execution of Suncor's complex and integrated portfolio of projects and the commissioning and integration of new facilities within its existing asset base.

Project development and execution risk consists of four related primary risks:

Development – a failure to select the right projects and identify effective scope and solution;

Engineering – a failure in the specification, design or technology selection;

Construction – a failure to build the project in the approved time, in accordance with design, and at the agreed cost; and

Commissioning and startup – a failure of the facility to meet agreed performance targets, including operating costs, efficiency, yield and maintenance costs.

Project development and execution can also be impacted by, among other things, the effect of changing government regulation and public expectations in relation to the impact of oil sands development on the environment, which could significantly impact the company's ability to obtain the necessary environmental and other regulatory approvals; the complexity and diversity of Suncor's portfolio, including joint venture assets; the accuracy of project cost and schedule estimates; the availability and cost of materials, equipment, qualified personnel, and logistics infrastructure, maintaining adequate quality management and risks associated with logistics and offshore fabrication, including the cost of materials, and equipment fabricated offshore may be impacted by tariffs, duties and quotas; complexities and risks associated with constructing projects within operating environments and confined construction areas; the commissioning and integration of new facilities within the company's existing asset base could cause delays in achieving guidance, targets and objectives; risks relating to restarting projects placed in safe mode, including increased capital costs; and the impact of weather conditions.

The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Technology Risk

There are risks associated with sustainability, growth and other capital projects that rely largely or partly on new technologies and the incorporation of such technologies into new or existing operations, including that the results of the application of new technologies may differ from simulated, test or pilot environments, or that third-party intellectual property protections may impede the development and implementation of new technology. The success of projects incorporating new technologies cannot be assured. Advantages accrue to companies that can develop and adopt emerging technologies in advance of competitors. The inability to develop, implement and monitor new technologies may impact the company's ability to develop its

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new or existing operations in a profitable manner or comply with regulatory requirements, which could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Cumulative Impact and Pace of Change

In order to achieve Suncor's business objectives, the company must operate efficiently, reliably and safely, and, at the same time, deliver growth and sustaining projects safely, on budget and on schedule. The ability to achieve these two sets of objectives is critically important for Suncor to deliver value to shareholders and stakeholders. These ambitious business objectives compete for resources, and may negatively impact the company should there be inadequate consideration of the cumulative impacts of prior and parallel initiatives on people, processes and systems. The establishment of the Transformation Management Office to support Suncor's digital transformation is expected to assist with the transformation, but there is still a risk that these objectives may exceed Suncor's capacity to adopt and implement change. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Joint Arrangement Risk

Suncor has entered into joint arrangements and other contractual arrangements with third parties, including arrangements where other entities operate assets in which Suncor has ownership or other interests and arrangements where Suncor operates assets in which other entities have ownership or other interests. These joint arrangements include, among others, those with respect to Syncrude, Fort Hills, In Situ assets, and operations in Suncor's E&P Canada and E&P International businesses. The success and timing of activities relating to assets and projects operated by others, or developed jointly with others, depend upon a number of factors that are outside of Suncor's control, including, among others, the timing and amount of capital expenditures, the timing and amount of operational and maintenance expenditures, the operator's expertise, financial resources and risk management practices, the approval of other participants, and the selection of technology.

These co-owners may have objectives and interests that do not coincide with and may conflict with Suncor's interests. Major capital and operating expenditure decisions affecting joint arrangements may require agreement among the co-owners, while certain operational decisions may be made solely at the discretion of the operator of the applicable assets. While joint venture counterparties may generally seek consensus with respect to major decisions concerning the direction and operation of the assets and the development of projects, no assurance can be provided that the future demands or expectations of the parties relating to such assets and projects will be met satisfactorily or in a timely manner. Failure to satisfactorily meet demands or expectations by all of the parties may affect the company's participation in the operation of such assets or in the development of such projects, the company's ability to obtain or maintain necessary licences or approvals, or the timing for undertaking various activities. In addition, disputes may arise pertaining to the timing, scope, funding and/or capital commitments with respect to projects that are being jointly developed.

The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Financial Risks

Access to Capital

Suncor expects that future capital expenditures will be financed out of cash and cash equivalents balances, cash flow provided by operating activities, available committed credit facilities, issuing commercial paper and, if needed, accessing capital markets. This ability is dependent on, among other factors, commodity prices, the overall state of the capital markets, and financial institutions and investor appetite for investments in the energy industry generally, and the company's securities in particular. Investors and stakeholders increasingly compare companies based on climate-related performance. Failure to achieve the company's GHG emissions intensity reduction targets and goals, or a perception among financial institutions and investors that such targets and goals are insufficient, could adversely affect the company's reputation and ability to attract capital. The company's ability to access capital may also be adversely affected in the event that financial institutions, investors, rating agencies and/or lenders adopt more restrictive decarbonization policies. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on global capital markets and the availability of liquidity. While access to capital has improved, the disruption and volatility in global capital markets may continue. To the extent that external sources of capital become limited or unavailable or available on unfavourable terms, the ability to make capital investments and maintain existing properties may be constrained.

If the company finances capital expenditures in whole or in part with debt, that may increase its debt levels above industry standards for oil and gas companies of similar size. Depending on future development and growth plans, additional debt financing may be required that may not be available or, if available, may not be available on favourable terms, including higher interest rates and fees. Neither the articles of Suncor (the Articles) nor its by-laws limit the amount of indebtedness that may be incurred; however, Suncor is subject to covenants in its existing credit facilities and seeks to avoid an unfavourable cost of debt. The level of the company's indebtedness, and the level of indebtedness relative to the company's ability to generate cash flow, from time to time, could impair its ability to obtain additional

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financing on a timely basis to take advantage of business opportunities that may arise and could negatively affect its credit ratings.

Suncor is required to comply with financial and operating covenants under existing credit facilities and debt securities. Covenants are reviewed based on actual and forecast results and the company has the ability to make changes to its development plans, capital structure and/or dividend policy to comply with covenants under the credit facilities. If Suncor does not comply with the covenants under its credit facilities and debt securities, there is a risk that repayment could be accelerated and/or the company's access to capital could be restricted or only be available on unfavourable terms.

Rating agencies regularly evaluate the company, including its subsidiaries. Their ratings of Suncor's long-term and short-term debt are based on a number of factors, including the company's financial strength, as well as factors not entirely within its control, including conditions affecting the oil and gas industry generally, and the wider state of the economy. Credit ratings may be important to customers or counterparties when Suncor competes in certain markets and when it seeks to engage in certain transactions, including transactions involving over-the-counter derivatives. There is a risk that one or more of Suncor's credit ratings could be downgraded, which could potentially limit its access to private and public credit markets and increase the company's cost of borrowing.

The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities and the Exposure to Counterparties

The nature of Suncor's energy trading and risk management activities, which may make use of derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to commodity price and other market risks, creates exposure to financial risks, which include, but are not limited to, unfavourable movements in commodity prices, interest rates or foreign exchange could result in a financial or opportunity loss to the company; a lack of counterparties, due to market conditions or other circumstances, could leave the company unable to liquidate or offset a position, or unable to do so at or near the previous market price; and counterparty default risk.

The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition and results of operations.

Exchange Rate Fluctuations

The company's 2020 audited Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in Canadian dollars. 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, while the majority of Suncor's expenditures are realized in Canadian dollars. Suncor also has assets and liabilities, including approximately 65% of the company's debt, that are denominated in U.S. dollars and translated to Suncor's reporting currency (Canadian dollars) at each balance sheet date. Suncor's financial results, therefore, can be affected significantly by the exchange rates between the Canadian dollar and the U.S. dollar. The company also undertakes operations administered through international subsidiaries, and, therefore, to a lesser extent, Suncor's results can be affected by the exchange rates between the Canadian dollar and the euro, the British pound and the Norwegian krone. These exchange rates may vary substantially and may give rise to favourable or unfavourable foreign currency exposure. A decrease in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar will increase the revenues received from the sale of commodities. An increase in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar will decrease revenues received from the sale of commodities. 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. As at December 31, 2020, the Canadian dollar strengthened in relation to the U.S. dollar to $0.78 from $0.77 at the start of 2020. Exchange rate fluctuations could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Interest Rate Risk

The company is exposed to fluctuations in short-term Canadian and U.S. interest rates as Suncor maintains a portion of its debt capacity in revolving and floating rate credit facilities and commercial paper, and invests surplus cash in short-term debt instruments and money market instruments. Suncor is also exposed to interest rate risk when debt instruments are maturing and require refinancing, or when new debt capital needs to be raised. The company is also exposed to changes in interest rates when derivative instruments are used to manage the debt portfolio, including hedges of prospective new debt issuances. Unfavourable changes in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition and results of operations.

Royalties and Taxes

Suncor is subject to royalties and taxes imposed by governments in numerous jurisdictions.

Royalties can be impacted by changes in crude oil and natural gas pricing, production volumes, and capital and operating costs, by changes to existing legislation or PSCs, and by results of regulatory audits of prior year filings and other such events. The final determination of these events may have a material impact on the company's royalties expense.

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An increase in Suncor's royalties expense, income taxes, property taxes, carbon taxes, levies, tariffs, duties, quotas, border taxes, and other taxes and government-imposed compliance costs could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Dividends and Share Repurchases

Suncor's payment of future dividends on its common shares and future share repurchases by Suncor of its common shares will be dependent on, among other things, legislative and stock exchange requirements, the prevailing business environment, the company's financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, the need for funds to finance ongoing operations and growth projects, debt covenants and other business considerations as the company's Board considers relevant. There can be no assurance that Suncor will continue to pay dividends or repurchase shares in the future.

E&P Reserves Replacement

Suncor's future offshore production, and therefore its cash flows and results of operations from E&P, are highly dependent upon success in exploiting its current reserves base and acquiring or discovering additional reserves. Without additions to its E&P reserves through exploration, acquisition or development activities, Suncor's production from its offshore assets will decline over time as reserves are depleted. The business of exploring for, developing or acquiring reserves is capital intensive. To the extent Suncor's cash flow is insufficient to fund capital expenditures and external sources of capital become limited or unavailable, Suncor's ability to make the necessary capital investments to maintain and expand its reserves will be impaired. In addition, Suncor may be unable to develop or acquire additional reserves to replace its crude oil and natural gas production at acceptable costs.

Uncertainties Affecting Reserves Estimates

There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of reserves, including many factors beyond the company's control. Suncor's actual production, revenues, royalties, taxes, and development and operating expenditures with respect to the company's reserves will vary from its estimates, and such variances could be material. Refer to the Statement of Reserves Data and Other Oil and Gas Information – Significant Risk Factors and Uncertainties Affecting Reserves section of this AIF.

Third-Party Service Providers

Suncor's businesses are reliant on the operational integrity of a large number of third-party service providers, including input and output commodity transport (pipelines, rail, trucking, marine) and utilities associated with various Suncor and jointly owned facilities, including electricity. A disruption in service or limited availability by one of these third parties can also have a dramatic impact on Suncor's operations and growth plans. Pipeline constraints that affect takeaway capacity or supply of inputs, such as hydrogen and power for example, could impact the company's ability to produce at capacity levels. Disruptions in pipeline service could adversely affect commodity prices, Suncor's price realizations, refining operations and sales volumes, or limit the company's ability to produce and deliver production. These interruptions may be caused by the inability of the pipeline to operate or by the oversupply of feedstock into the system that exceeds pipeline capacity. Short-term operational constraints on pipeline systems arising from pipeline interruption and/or increased supply of crude oil have occurred in the past and could occur in the future. There is a risk that third-party outages could impact Suncor's production or price realizations, which could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition and results of operations.

Foreign Operations

The company has operations in a number of countries with different political, economic and social systems. As a result, the company's operations and related assets are subject to a number of risks and other uncertainties arising from foreign government sovereignty over the company's international operations, which may include, among other things, currency restrictions and restrictions on repatriation of funds; loss of revenue, property and equipment as a result of expropriation, nationalization, terrorism, war, insurrection, and geopolitical and other political risks; increases in taxes and government royalties; compliance with existing and emerging anti-corruption laws, including the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (Canada), the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (United States), and the United Kingdom Bribery Act; renegotiation of contracts with government entities and quasi-government agencies; changes in laws and policies governing operations of foreign-based companies; and economic and legal sanctions (such as restrictions against countries experiencing political violence, or countries that other governments may deem to sponsor terrorism).

If a dispute arises in the company's foreign operations, the company may be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of foreign courts or may not be able to subject foreign persons to the jurisdiction of a court in Canada or the U.S. In addition, as a result of activities in these areas and a continuing evolution of an international framework for corporate responsibility and accountability for international crimes, there is a risk the company could also be exposed to potential claims for alleged breaches of international or local law.

The impact that future potential terrorist attacks, regional hostilities or political violence, such as that experienced in Libya and Syria, may have on the oil and gas industry, and on our operations in particular, is not known at this time. This uncertainty may affect operations in unpredictable ways,

72  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


including disruptions of fuel supplies and markets, particularly crude oil, and the possibility that infrastructure facilities, including pipelines, production facilities, processing plants and refineries, could be direct targets of, or collateral damage of, an act of terror, political violence or war. Suncor may be required to incur significant costs in the future to safeguard its assets against terrorist activities or to remediate potential damage to its facilities. There can be no assurance that Suncor will be successful in protecting itself against these risks and the related safety and financial consequences.

Despite Suncor's training and policies around bribery and other forms of corruption, there is a risk that Suncor, or some of its employees or contractors, could be charged with bribery or corruption. Any of these violations could result in onerous penalties. Even allegations of such behaviour could impair Suncor's ability to work with governments or non-government organizations and could result in the formal exclusion of Suncor from a country or area, sanctions, fines, project cancellations or delays, the inability to raise or borrow capital, reputational impacts and increased investor concern.

The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Skills, Resource Shortage and Reliance on Key Personnel

The successful operation of Suncor's businesses will depend upon the availability of, and competition for skilled labour and materials supply. There is a risk that the company may have difficulty sourcing and retaining the required labour for current and future operations. The risk could manifest itself primarily through an inability to recruit new staff without a dilution of talent, to train, develop and retain high-quality and experienced staff without unacceptably high attrition, and to satisfy an employee's work/life balance and desire for competitive compensation. The labour market in Alberta has been historically tight, and, while the current economic situation has partially moderated this effect, it remains a risk to be managed. The increasing age of the company's existing workforce and changing skillsets as technology continues to evolve adds further pressure. The availability of competent and skilled contractors for current and future operations is also a risk depending on market conditions. Materials may also be in short supply due to smaller labour forces in many manufacturing operations. Suncor's ability to operate safely and effectively and complete all projects on time and on budget has the potential to be significantly impacted by these risks and this impact could be material.

The company's success also depends in large measure on certain key personnel. The loss of the services of such key personnel could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations. The contributions of the existing management team to the immediate and near-term operations of the company are likely to continue to be of central importance for the foreseeable future.

Labour Relations

Hourly employees at Suncor's oil sands facilities (excluding MacKay River and Fort Hills), all of the company's refineries, and the majority of the company's terminal and distribution operations are represented by labour unions or employee associations. Approximately 32% of the company's employees were covered by collective agreements at the end of 2020. Negotiations for three collective agreements will take place in 2021. Any work interruptions involving the company's employees (including as a result of a strike or lockout), contract trades utilized in the company's projects or operations, or any jointly owned facilities operated by another entity present a significant risk to the company and could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition and results of operations.

Land Claims and Indigenous Consultation

Indigenous Peoples have claimed Indigenous title and rights to portions of Western Canada. In addition, Indigenous Peoples have filed claims against industry participants relating in part to land claims, which may affect the company's business.

The requirement to consult with Indigenous Peoples in respect of oil and gas projects and related infrastructure has also increased in recent years. In addition, in recent years, the Canadian federal government and the provincial government in Alberta have made a commitment to renew their relationships with the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. The federal government has stated it now fully supports the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (the Declaration) without qualification and that Canada intends "nothing less than to adopt and implement the Declaration in accordance with the Canadian Constitution". On December 3, 2020, the federal government introduced Bill C-15, An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as a means of adopting the Declaration into Canadian law while stating that the legislative framework would "ensure sustained and continued efforts to uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples now and in the future." Although Suncor supports the principles of the Declaration, it is unknown whether Bill C-15 will pass into law and, if so, how the Declaration will ultimately be adopted into Canadian law and interpreted. It therefore also remains unclear what the impact of the Declaration on the Crown's duty to consult with Indigenous Peoples will be should Bill C-15 become law.

Suncor is unable to assess the effect, if any, that any such land claims, consultation requirements with Indigenous Peoples or adoption of the Declaration into Canadian law may have on Suncor's business; however, the impact could

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  73



have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Litigation Risk

There is a risk that Suncor or entities in which it has an interest may be subject to litigation, and claims under such litigation may be material. Various types of claims may be raised in these proceedings, including, but not limited to, environmental damage, climate change and the impacts thereof, breach of contract, product liability, antitrust, bribery and other forms of corruption, tax, patent infringement, disclosure, employment matters and in relation to an attack, breach or unauthorized access to Suncor's information technology and infrastructure. Litigation is subject to uncertainty and it is possible that there could be material adverse developments in pending or future cases. Unfavourable outcomes or settlements of litigation could encourage the commencement of additional litigation. Suncor may also be subject to adverse publicity and reputational impacts associated with such matters, regardless of whether Suncor is ultimately found liable. There is a risk that the outcome of such litigation may be materially adverse to the company and/or the company may be required to incur significant expenses or devote significant resources in defence against such litigation, the success of which cannot be guaranteed.

Control Environment

Based on their inherent limitations, disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls 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. Failure to adequately prevent, detect and correct misstatements could have a material adverse effect on how Suncor's business, financial condition and results of operations are reported.

Insurance Coverage

Suncor maintains insurance coverage as part of its risk management program. However, such insurance may not provide comprehensive coverage in all circumstances, nor are all such risks insurable. The company self-insures some risks, and the company's insurance coverage does not cover all the costs arising out of the allocation of liabilities and risk of loss arising from Suncor operations.

Suncor's insurance policies are generally renewed on an annual basis and, depending on factors such as market conditions, the premiums, policy limits and/or deductibles for certain insurance policies can vary substantially. In some instances, certain insurance may become unavailable or available only for reduced amounts of coverage. Significantly increased costs could lead the company to decide to reduce, or possibly eliminate, coverage. In addition, insurance is purchased from a number of third-party insurers, often in layered insurance arrangements, some of whom may discontinue providing insurance coverage for their own policy or strategic reasons. Should any of these insurers refuse to continue to provide insurance coverage, the company's overall risk exposure could be increased.

Trade Risk Relating to CUSMA

Under CUSMA, Canada is no longer subject to the proportionality provisions in NAFTA's energy chapter, enabling Canada to expand oil and gas exports beyond the U.S. Further, the change to the oil and gas rules of origin under CUSMA allows Canadian exporters to more easily qualify for duty-free treatment for shipments to the U.S. The "non-market economy" clause may limit Canada's willingness to enter into free trade negotiations with non-market economies.

CUSMA will also phase out NAFTA's Chapter 11 Investor-State Dispute Settlement Provision (ISDS). This provision allowed investors of a NAFTA party to bring proceedings directly against the government of another NAFTA party for alleged breaches of its obligations. Under CUSMA, for three years after the termination of NAFTA, legacy investment claims and pending claims will be covered under NAFTA Chapter 11. After that point, companies will have to pursue recourse through the judicial system or regular international arbitration.

The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Dividends

The Board of Directors has established a practice of paying dividends on Suncor's common shares on a quarterly basis. Suncor reviews its ability to pay dividends from time to time with regard to legislative requirements, the company's financial position, financing requirements for growth, cash flow and other factors. The Board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.36 per common share in each quarter of 2018, a quarterly dividend of $0.42 per common share in each quarter of 2019 and a quarterly dividend of $0.465 per common share in the first quarter of 2020 and a quarterly dividend of $0.21 per common share in the remaining quarters of 2020. Dividends are paid subject to applicable law, if, as and when declared by the Board.

Year ended December 31   2020   2019   2018  

Cash dividends per common share ($)   1.10   1.68   1.44  

74  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Description of Capital Structure

The company's authorized share capital is comprised of an unlimited number of common shares, an unlimited number of preferred shares issuable in series designated as senior preferred shares, and an unlimited number of preferred shares issuable in series designated as junior preferred shares.

As at December 31, 2020, there were 1,525,150,794 common shares issued and outstanding. To the knowledge of the Board of Directors and executive officers of Suncor, no person beneficially owns, or exercises control or direction over, securities carrying 10% or more of the voting rights attached to any class of voting securities of the company. The holders of common shares are entitled to attend all meetings of shareholders and vote at any such meeting on the basis of one vote for each common share held. Common shareholders are entitled to receive any dividend declared by the Board on the common shares and to participate in a distribution of the company's assets among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs. The holders of the common shares shall be entitled to share, on a pro rata basis, in all distributions of such assets.

Petro-Canada Public Participation Act

The Petro-Canada Public Participation Act requires that the Articles of Suncor include certain restrictions on the ownership and voting of voting shares of the company. The common shares of Suncor are voting shares. No person, together with associates of that person, may subscribe for, have transferred to that person, hold, beneficially own or control otherwise than by way of security only, or vote in the aggregate, voting shares of Suncor to which are attached more than 20% of the votes attached to all outstanding voting shares of Suncor. Additional restrictions include provisions for suspension of voting rights, forfeiture of dividends, prohibitions against share transfer, compulsory sale of shares, and redemption and suspension of other shareholder rights. The Board may at any time require holders of, or subscribers for, voting shares, and certain other persons, to furnish statutory declarations as to ownership of voting shares and certain other matters relevant to the enforcement of the restrictions. Suncor is prohibited from accepting any subscription for, and issuing or registering a transfer of, any voting shares if a contravention of the individual ownership restrictions results.

Suncor's Articles, as required by the Petro-Canada Public Participation Act, also include provisions requiring Suncor to maintain its head office in Calgary, Alberta; prohibiting Suncor from selling, transferring or otherwise disposing of all or substantially all of its assets in one transaction, or several related transactions, to any one person or group of associated persons, or to non-residents, other than by way of security only in connection with the financing of Suncor; and requiring Suncor to ensure (and to adopt, from time to time, policies describing the manner in which Suncor will fulfil the requirement to ensure) that any member of the public can, in either official language of Canada (English or French), communicate with and obtain available services from Suncor's head office and any other facilities where Suncor determines there is significant demand for communication with, and services from, that facility in that language.

Credit Ratings

The following information regarding the company's credit ratings is provided as it relates to the company's cost of funds and liquidity. In particular, the company's ability to access unsecured funding markets and to engage in certain collateralized business activities on a cost-effective basis is primarily dependent upon maintaining competitive credit ratings. A lowering of the company's credit rating may also have potentially adverse consequences for the company's funding capacity for growth projects or access to the capital markets, may affect the company's ability, and the cost, to enter into normal course derivative or hedging transactions and may require the company to post additional collateral under certain contracts.

The following table shows the ratings issued for Suncor Energy Inc. by the rating agencies noted herein as of February 23, 2021. The credit ratings are not recommendations to purchase, hold or sell the debt securities in as much as such ratings do not comment as to the market price or suitability for a particular investor. Any rating may not remain in effect for any given period of time or may be revised or withdrawn entirely at any time by a rating agency in the future if, in its judgment, circumstances so warrant.

    Senior
Unsecured(1)
  Outlook   Canadian
Commercial
Paper
Program
  U.S.
Commercial
Paper
Program
 

Standard & Poor's (S&P)   BBB+   Negative   A-1 (low)   A-2  

Dominion Bond Rating Service (DBRS)   A (low)   Negative   R-1 (low)   Not rated  

Moody's Investors Service (Moody's)   Baa1   Stable   Not rated   P-2  

(1)
The Senior Unsecured debt of Suncor Energy Ventures Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Suncor, which indirectly owns a 36.74% ownership in the Syncrude joint operation previously owned by COS (refer to Intercorporate Relationships), is rated BBB+ (Negative) by S&P and Ba1 (Stable) by Moody's. DBRS does not issue a separate credit rating for Suncor Energy Ventures Corporation.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  75


S&P credit ratings on long-term debt are on a rating scale that ranges from AAA to D, representing the range of such securities rated from highest to lowest quality. A rating of BBB+ by S&P is the fourth highest of 10 categories. An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. The addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) designation after the rating indicates the relative standing within a particular rating category. S&P credit ratings on commercial paper are on a short-term debt rating scale that ranges from A-1 to D, representing the range of such securities rated from highest to lowest quality. A Canadian rating by S&P of A-1 (low) is the third highest of eight categories and a U.S. rating of A-2 is the second highest of six categories, indicating a slightly higher susceptibility to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher categories; the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

DBRS credit ratings on long-term debt are on a rating scale that ranges from AAA to D, representing the range of such securities rated from highest to lowest. A rating of A by DBRS is the third highest of 10 categories and is assigned to debt securities considered to be of good credit quality, with the capacity for the payment of financial obligations being substantial, but of a lesser credit quality than an AA rating. Entities in the A category may be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable. All rating categories other than AAA and D also contain designations for (high) and (low). The assignment of a (high) or (low) designation within a rating category indicates relative standing within that category. The absence of either a (high) or (low) designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. DBRS's credit ratings on commercial paper are on a short-term debt rating scale that ranges from R-1 (high) to D, representing the range of such securities rated from highest to lowest quality. A rating of R-1 (low) by DBRS is the third highest of 10 categories and is assigned to debt securities considered to be of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial, with overall strength not as favourable as higher rating categories. Entities in this category may be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable. The R-1 and R-2 commercial paper categories are denoted by (high), (middle) and (low) designations.

Moody's credit ratings on long-term debt are on a rating scale that ranges from Aaa to C, which represents the range from highest to lowest quality of such securities rated. A rating of Baa by Moody's is the fourth highest of nine categories. Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium grade and subject to moderate credit risk and, as such, may possess certain speculative characteristics. A rating of Ba by Moody's is the fifth highest of nine categories. Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk. For rating categories Aa through Caa, Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2 or 3 to each generic rating classification. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. A rating of P-2 by Moody's for commercial paper is the second highest of four rating categories and indicates a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

Suncor has paid each of S&P, DBRS and Moody's their customary fees in connection with the provision of the above ratings. Suncor has not made any payments to S&P, DBRS or Moody's in the past two years for services unrelated to the provision of such ratings.

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Market for Securities

Suncor's common shares are listed on the TSX in Canada and on the NYSE in the U.S. The price ranges and the volumes traded on the TSX for the year ended December 31, 2020 are as follows:

TSX

    Price Range (Cdn$)
  Trading Volume
 
   
    High   Low   (000s)  

2020              

January   45.12   40.23   69 313  

February   41.06   35.77   119 006  

March   37.40   14.02   333 431  

April   27.10   19.70   171 132  

May   25.71   21.09   202 491  

June   29.39   22.02   237 329  

July   24.59   20.96   101 125  

August   23.64   20.82   155 272  

September   21.35   16.24   252 625  

October   17.38   14.28   157 420  

November   23.48   14.93   273 385  

December   24.40   20.29   250 748  

For information in respect of options to purchase common shares of Suncor and common shares issued upon the exercise of options, see the Share-Based Compensation note to the 2020 audited Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated by reference into this AIF and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  77


Directors and Executive Officers

Directors

The following individuals are directors of Suncor on the date hereof. The term of each director is from the date of the meeting at which he or she is elected or appointed until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until a successor is elected or appointed.

Name and Jurisdiction of Residence   Period Served and
Independence
  Biography  

Patricia M. Bedient(3)(4)
Washington, U.S.
  Director since 2016
Independent
  Patricia Bedient retired as executive vice president of Weyerhaeuser Company (Weyerhaeuser), one of the world's largest integrated forest products companies, effective July 1, 2016. From 2007 until February 2016, she also served as chief financial officer. Prior to this, she held a variety of leadership roles in finance and strategic planning at Weyerhaeuser after joining the company in 2003. Before joining Weyerhaeuser, she spent 27 years with Arthur Andersen LLP and ultimately served as the managing partner for its Seattle office and partner in charge of the firm's forest products practice. Ms. Bedient serves on the board of directors of Alaska Air Group,  Inc. and Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. and also serves on the Overlake Hospital Medical Center board of trustees, the Oregon State University board of trustees, and the University of Washington Foster School of Business advisory board. She achieved national recognition in 2012 when The Wall Street Journal named her one of the Top 25 CFOs in the United States. She is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Washington Society of CPAs. Ms. Bedient received her bachelor's degree in business administration, with concentrations in finance and accounting, from Oregon State University in 1975.  

Mel E. Benson(1)(2)
Alberta, Canada
  Director since 2000
Independent
  Mel Benson is president of Mel E. Benson Management Services Inc., an international consulting firm working in various countries with a focus on First Nations and corporate negotiations and is currently a director at Tectonic Metals Inc., a mineral exploration company. Mr. Benson retired from Exxon International and Imperial Oil Canada in 2000 after a long career as an operations manager and senior member of project management. While based in Houston, Texas, Mr. Benson worked on international projects based in Africa and the former Soviet Union. Mr. Benson is a member of Beaver Lake Cree Nation, located in northeast Alberta. In 2015, Mr. Benson was inducted into the Indigenous Business Hall of Fame and received the lifetime achievement award, and he has previously received the Indspire Award for Business.  

John D. Gass(1)(4)
Florida, U.S.
  Director since 2014
Independent
  John Gass is former vice president, Chevron Corporation, a major integrated oil and gas company, and former president, Chevron Gas and Midstream, positions he held from 2003 until his retirement in 2012. He has extensive international experience, having served in a diverse series of operational positions in the oil and gas industry with increasing responsibility throughout his career. Mr. Gass serves as a director of Southwestern Energy Company. He is also a member of the advisory board for the Vanderbilt Eye Institute. Mr. Gass graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. He also holds a master's degree in civil engineering from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. A resident of Florida, he is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Society of Petroleum Engineers.  

78  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Jean Paul Gladu(1)(2)(5)
Ontario, Canada
  Director since 2020
Independent
  Jean Paul (JP) Gladu is currently the president of the Alaska — Alberta Railway Development Corporation (A2A Rail), a privately owned corporation headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. He previously served as president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) for approximately eight years. Mr. Gladu has over 25 years of experience in the natural resource sector, including work with Indigenous communities and organizations, environmental non-government organizations, industry and governments from across Canada. Chair of Mikisew Group of Companies, Mr. Gladu also serves on the board of Noront Resources Ltd. He was appointed Chancellor of St. Paul's University College Waterloo in 2017 and served on the board of Ontario Power Generation. Mr. Gladu has a forestry technician diploma, an undergraduate degree in forestry from Northern Arizona University, an Executive MBA from Queen's University and the ICD.D from Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Anishinaabe from Thunder Bay, Mr. Gladu is a member of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek located on Lake Nipigon, Ontario.  

Dennis Houston(1)(2)
Texas, U.S.
  Director since 2018
Independent
  Dennis Houston served as executive vice president of ExxonMobil Refining & Supply Company, chairman and president of ExxonMobil Sales & Supply LLC and chairman of Standard Tankers Bahamas Limited until his retirement in 2010. Prior to that, Mr. Houston held a variety of leadership and engineering roles in the midstream and downstream businesses in the ExxonMobil organization. Mr. Houston has approximately 40 years' experience in the oil and gas industry, including over 35 years with ExxonMobil and its related companies. Mr. Houston serves on the board of directors of Argus Media Limited. Mr. Houston holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois and an honorary doctorate of public administration degree from Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Mr. Houston has served on a variety of advisory councils, including an appointment by President George H.W. Bush to the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, the Chemical Sciences Leadership Council at the University of Illinois and the Advisory Council — Center for Energy, Marine Transportation & Public Policy at Columbia University. Mr. Houston also serves on the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation board, is honorary consul to the Texas Region for the Principality of Liechtenstein and a board member for the American Bureau of Shipping Group of Companies.  

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  79


Mark Little
Alberta, Canada
  Director since 2019
Non-independent, management
  Mark Little is president and chief executive officer of Suncor. He previously served as the company's president and chief operating officer before being appointed to his current position in May 2019. His past roles include serving as president of Suncor's upstream organization with responsibility for all of Suncor's operated and non-operated oil sands, in situ, conventional exploration and production assets worldwide, as well as executive vice president, Oil Sands and senior vice president, International and Offshore. Mr. Little was also senior vice president, Integration, following Suncor's merger with Petro-Canada and senior vice president, Strategic Growth and Energy Trading. In these roles, Mr. Little's accountabilities have spanned from operations in the Wood Buffalo region to operations in offshore East Coast Canada, the North Sea, and international onshore operations in Latin America, North Africa and the Near East, where he oversaw significant improvements in efficiency and performance, as well as portfolio growth. Before joining Suncor, Mr. Little led the development of oil sands projects for a major international energy company. His past experience also includes leadership roles in oil sands production and refining operations, strategic planning, environment, health and safety, and energy trading. Mr. Little has been active in industry and the community, serving as chair of the board of directors of Syncrude Canada and as a member of Energy Safety Canada until 2018. Mr. Little also was chair of the Oil Sands Safety Association prior to its merger into Energy Safety Canada. Having played an integral role in the signing of agreements with the Fort McKay and Mikisew Cree First Nations relating to Suncor's East Tank Farm, he has actively promoted the partnership as a model for future energy development with Indigenous communities. He is a current member of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, where he also serves as a member of the Executive Committee and Oil Sands CEO Council. He has co-chaired the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business' procurement initiative and is a past board member of Accenture Global Energy. Mr. Little holds degrees in computer science from the University of Calgary, applied petroleum engineering technology from SAIT, is a graduate of the advanced management program at Harvard Business School and holds an honorary degree in Business Administration from SAIT. He was also awarded the Canadian Engineering Leader award from the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary.  

80  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Brian MacDonald(3)(4)
Florida, U.S.
  Director since 2018
Independent
  Brian MacDonald was the president and chief executive officer of CDK Global, Inc., a leading global provider of integrated information technology and digital marketing solutions to the automotive retail and adjacent industries from 2016 to November 2018. Prior to joining CDK Global, Inc., Mr. MacDonald served as chief executive officer and president of Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation, and served as interim chief executive officer of Hertz Corporation. Mr. MacDonald previously served as president and chief executive officer of ETP Holdco Corporation, an entity formed following Energy Transfer Partners' $5.3 billion acquisition of Sunoco Inc., where Mr. MacDonald had served as chairman, president and chief executive officer. He was the chief financial officer at Sunoco Inc. and held senior financial roles at Dell Inc. Prior to Dell Inc., Mr. MacDonald spent more than 13 years in several financial management roles at General Motors Corporation in North America, Asia and Europe. He previously served on the board of directors for ComputerSciences Corporation (now DXC Technology Company), Ally Financial Inc., Sunoco Inc., Sunoco Logistics L.P. and CDK LGlobal, Inc. Mr. MacDonald earned a MBA from McGill University and a bachelor's of science, with a concentration in chemistry, from Mount Allison University.  

Maureen McCaw(2)(3)
Alberta, Canada
  Director since 2004
(Petro-Canada 2004 to July 31, 2009)
Independent
  Maureen McCaw was most recently executive vice-president of Leger Marketing, Canada's largest privately held market research firm and formerly president of Criterion Research, a company she founded. Ms. McCaw currently serves as a director of the Francis Winspear Centre for Music and the Edmonton Symphony, the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation Social Enterprise Company. Ms. McCaw has previously served on a number of boards, including as chair of the CBC Pension Plan board of trustees, the Edmonton International Airport and the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. Ms. McCaw has also served on the board of directors of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Ms. McCaw holds a bachelor of arts degree in economics from the University of Alberta, completed Columbia Business School's executive program in financial accounting and earned an ICD.D certification from the Institute of Corporate Directors.  

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Lorraine Mitchelmore(2)(3)
Alberta, Canada
  Director since 2019
Independent
  Lorraine Mitchelmore has over 30 years' international oil and gas industry experience. She most recently served as president and chief executive officer for Enlighten Innovations Inc., a private equity-backed fuel upgrading technology company. Prior to Enlighten Innovations Inc., she held progressively senior roles at Royal Dutch Shell. Ms. Mitchelmore joined Shell in 2002, becoming president and country chair of Shell Canada Limited in 2009, in addition to her role as executive vice president of Heavy Oil Americas. Prior to joining Shell, she worked with Petro-Canada, Chevron and BHP Petroleum in the upstream business units in a combination of technical, exploration & development, and commercial roles. Ms. Mitchelmore has been a director of the Bank of Montreal since 2015 and has served on the boards of Shell Canada Limited, the Canada Advisory Board at Catalyst, Inc. and Trans Mountain Corporation. Ms. Mitchelmore holds a bachelor's of science degree (honours) in geophysics from Memorial University of Newfoundland, a master's of science in geophysics from the University of Melbourne, Australia and a MBA with distinction from Kingston Business School in London, England.  

Eira M. Thomas(1)(4)
British Columbia, Canada
  Director since 2006
Independent
  Eira Thomas is a Canadian geologist with over 25 years of experience in the Canadian diamond business. She is currently the chief executive officer and a director of Lucara Diamond Corp., a publicly traded diamond producing company. Previous roles include serving as chief executive officer and a director of Kaminak Gold Corporation, vice president of Aber Resources, now Dominion Diamond Corp., and as founder and chief executive officer of Stornoway Diamond Corp. Ms. Thomas graduated from the University of Toronto with a bachelor of science degree in geology. Her awards and recognition include: "Canada's Top 40 under 40" by the Caldwell Partners and Report on Business magazine; selected as one of "Top 100 Canada's Most Powerful Women"; and one of only four Canadians in 2008 to be named to the "Young Global Leaders" by the World Economic Forum.  

Michael M. Wilson
Alberta, Canada
  Director since 2014
Independent
  Michael Wilson is former president and chief executive officer of Agrium Inc., a retail supplier of agricultural products and services and a wholesale producer and marketer of agricultural nutrients, a position he held from 2003 until his retirement in 2013. Prior thereto, he served as executive vice president and chief operating officer. Mr. Wilson has significant experience in the petrochemical industry, serving as president of Methanex Corporation, and holding various positions with increasing responsibility in North America and Asia with Dow Chemical Company. Mr. Wilson has a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Waterloo and currently serves on the boards of Air Canada and Celestica Inc.  

(1)
Human Resources and Compensation Committee

(2)
Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainable Development Committee

(3)
Audit Committee

(4)
Governance Committee

(5)
Effective November 17, 2020.

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Executive Officers

The following individuals are the executive officers of Suncor:

Name   Jurisdiction of Residence   Office  

Mark Little   Alberta, Canada   President and Chief Executive Officer  

Alister Cowan   Alberta, Canada   Chief Financial Officer  

Martha Hall Findlay   Alberta, Canada   Chief Sustainability Officer  

Bruno Francoeur   Alberta, Canada   Chief Transformation Officer  

Paul Gardner   Alberta, Canada   Chief People Officer  

Mike MacSween   Alberta, Canada   Executive Vice President, Upstream  

Kris Smith   Alberta, Canada   Executive Vice President, Downstream  

Arlene Strom   Alberta, Canada   Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel  

Joe Vetrone(1)   Alberta, Canada   Senior Vice President, Operations Services  

(1)
Effective August 31, 2020.

All executive officers have held positions with Suncor over the past five years with the exception of Martha Hall Findlay who, immediately prior to joining Suncor in 2019, was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canada West Foundation.

As at February 19, 2021, the directors and executive officers of Suncor as a group beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, 402,739 common shares of Suncor, which represents 0.03% of the outstanding common shares of Suncor. Inclusive of deferred share units, the total share ownership of Suncor's directors and executive officers as at February 19, 2021 is 1,462,975 common shares and units of Suncor (for the purpose of share ownership targets, deferred share units are included).

Cease Trade Orders, Bankruptcies, Penalties or Sanctions

As at the date hereof, no director or executive officer of Suncor is or has been within the last 10 years a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of a company (including Suncor) that:

(a)
was the subject of a cease trade or similar order, or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days, that was issued while the director or executive officer was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer; or

(b)
was subject to a cease trade order or similar order, or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days, that was issued after the director or executive officer ceased to be a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer and which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was acting in that capacity.

As at the date hereof, no director or executive officer of Suncor, or any of their respective personal holding companies, nor any shareholder holding a sufficient number of securities to affect materially the control of Suncor:

(a)
is, or has been within the last 10 years, a director or executive officer of any company (including Suncor) that, while that person was acting in that capacity, or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets, other than Mr. Gass, who was a director of Weatherford International plc (Weatherford) when it underwent a financial restructuring under chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code which was initiated on July 1, 2019. Mr. Gass ceased to be a director of Weatherford on December 13, 2019; or

(b)
has, within the last 10 years, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the director, executive officer or shareholder.

No director or executive officer of Suncor, or any of their respective personal holding companies, nor any shareholder holding a sufficient number of securities to affect materially the control of Suncor, has been subject to:

(a)
any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority; or

(b)
any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision.

Conflicts of Interest

The directors and officers of Suncor may be directors or officers of entities which are in competition with or are customers or suppliers of Suncor or certain entities in which Suncor holds an equity investment. As such, these directors or officers may encounter conflicts of interest in the administration of their duties with respect to Suncor. Directors and officers of Suncor are required to disclose the existence of potential conflicts in accordance with Suncor's policies and in accordance with the CBCA.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  83


Audit Committee Information

The Audit Committee Mandate is attached as Schedule "A" to this AIF.

Composition of the Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is comprised of Ms. Bedient (Chair), Mr. MacDonald, Ms. McCaw and Ms. Mitchelmore. All members are independent and financially literate. The education and experience of each member that has led to the determination of financial literacy is described in the Directors and Executive Officers section of this AIF.

For the purpose of making appointments to the company's Audit Committee, and in addition to the independence requirements, all directors nominated to the Audit Committee must meet the test of financial literacy as determined in the judgment of the Board of Directors. Also, at least one director so nominated must meet the requirements of being an Audit Committee Financial Expert (as defined below) as determined in the judgment of the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee Financial Experts on the Audit Committee are Ms. Bedient and Mr. MacDonald.

Financial Literacy

Financial literacy can be generally defined as the ability to read and understand a balance sheet, an income statement and a cash flow statement. In assessing a potential appointee's level of financial literacy, the Board of Directors evaluates the totality of the individual's education and experience, including:

The level of the person's accounting or financial education, including whether the person has earned an advanced degree in finance or accounting;

Whether the person is a professional accountant, or the equivalent, in good standing, and the length of time that the person actively has practiced as a professional accountant, or the equivalent;

Whether the person is certified or otherwise identified as having accounting or financial experience by a recognized private body that establishes and administers standards in respect of such expertise, whether that person is in good standing with the recognized private body, and the length of time that the person has been actively certified or identified as having this expertise;

Whether the person has served as a principal financial officer, controller or principal accounting officer of a company that, at the time the person held such position, was required to file reports pursuant to securities laws and, if so, for how long;

The person's specific duties while serving as a public accountant, auditor, principal financial officer, controller, principal accounting officer or position involving the performance of similar functions;

The person's level of familiarity and experience with all applicable laws and regulations regarding the preparation of financial statements that must be included in reports filed under securities laws;

The level and amount of the person's direct experience reviewing, preparing, auditing or analyzing financial statements that must be included in reports filed under provisions of securities laws;

The person's past or current membership on one or more audit committees of companies that, at the time the person held such membership, were required to file reports pursuant to provisions of securities laws;

The person's level of familiarity and experience with the use and analysis of financial statements of public companies; and

Whether the person has any other relevant qualifications or experience that would assist him or her in understanding and evaluating the company's financial statements and other financial information and to make knowledgeable and thorough inquiries whether the financial statements fairly present the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and whether the financial statements and other financial information, taken together, fairly present the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company.

Audit Committee Financial Expert

An "Audit Committee Financial Expert" means a person who, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, has the following attributes:

(a)
an understanding of Canadian generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements;

(b)
the ability to assess the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals, and reserves;

(c)
experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by Suncor's financial statements, or experience actively supervising one or more persons engaged in such activities;

(d)
an understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting; and

(e)
an understanding of audit committee functions.

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A person shall have acquired the attributes referred to in items (a) through (e) inclusive above through:

(a)
education and experience as a principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant or auditor, or experience in one or more positions that involve the performance of similar functions;

(b)
experience actively supervising a principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant, auditor or person performing similar functions;

(c)
experience overseeing or assessing the performance of companies or public accountants with respect to the preparation, auditing or evaluation of financial statements; or

(d)
other relevant experience.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies for Non-Audit Services

Suncor's Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of services other than audit services is compatible with maintaining the company's auditors' independence and has a policy governing the provision of these services. A copy of the company's policy relating to Audit Committee approval of fees paid to the company's auditors, in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and applicable Canadian securities laws, is attached as Schedule "B" to this AIF.

Fees Paid to Auditors

Fees paid or payable to the company's auditors, KPMG LLP, in 2020 and 2019 are as follows:

($ thousands)   2020   2019  

Audit Fees   4 723   4 350  

Audit-Related Fees   457   410  

Tax Fees      

All Other Fees      

Total   5 180   4 760  

Audit Fees were paid, or are payable, for professional services rendered by the auditors for the audit of Suncor's annual financial statements, or services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. Audit-Related Fees were paid for professional services rendered by the auditors for the review of quarterly financial statements and for the preparation of reports on specified procedures as they relate to audits of joint arrangements and attest services not required by statute or regulation. All Other Fees were subscriptions to auditor-provided and supported tools. All services described beside the captions "Audit Fees", "Audit-Related Fees" and "All Other Fees" were approved by the Audit Committee in compliance with paragraph (c)(7)(i) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). None of the fees described above were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act.

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Legal Proceedings and Regulatory Actions

There are no legal proceedings in respect of which Suncor is or was a party, or in respect of which any of the company's property is or was the subject during the year ended December 31, 2020, nor are there any such proceedings known by the company to be contemplated, that involve a claim for damages exceeding 10% of the company's current assets. In addition, there have not been any (a) penalties or sanctions imposed against the company by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority during the year ended December 31, 2020, (b) any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body against the company that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision, or (c) settlement agreements entered into by the company before a court relating to securities legislation or with a securities regulatory authority during the year ended December 31, 2020.

Interests of Management and Others in Material Transactions

No director or executive officer, or any associate or affiliate of these persons has, or has had, any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction or any proposed transaction that has materially affected, or is reasonably expected to materially affect, Suncor within the three most recently completed financial years or during the current financial year.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for Suncor's common shares is Computershare Trust Company of Canada at its principal offices in Calgary, Alberta, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia, and Computershare Trust Company N.A. in Canton, Massachusetts, Jersey City, New Jersey and Louisville, Kentucky.

Material Contracts

During the year ended December 31, 2020, Suncor did not enter into any contracts, nor are there any contracts still in effect, that are material to the company's business, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, which are not required to be filed by Section 12.2 of National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations.

Interests of Experts

Reserves contained in this AIF are based in part upon reports prepared by GLJ, Suncor's independent qualified reserves evaluator. As at the date hereof, none of the partners, employees or consultants of GLJ as a group, through registered or beneficial interests, direct or indirect, held or are entitled to receive more than 1% of any class of Suncor's outstanding securities, including the securities of the company's associates and affiliates.

The company previously engaged Sproule Associates Limited and Sproule International Limited (collectively, Sproule) who prepared a report dated February 21, 2020 (the 2020 Sproule Report) with respect to Suncor's conventional assets offshore Newfoundland and Labrador and conventional assets offshore of the U.K. and Norway. The section of the company's annual information form dated February 26, 2020 entitled "Statement of Reserves Data and Other Oil and Gas Information" includes reserves data that is derived from the 2020 Sproule Report. As at the date of the 2020 Sproule Report, none of the partners, employees or consultants of Sproule, as a group, through registered or beneficial interests, direct or indirect, held or were entitled to receive more than 1% of any class of Suncor's outstanding securities, including the securities of the company's associates and affiliates.

The company's independent auditors are KPMG LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, who have issued an independent auditor's report dated February 24, 2021 in respect of the company's Consolidated Financial Statements, which comprise the Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), Changes in Equity and Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and the related notes, and the report on internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. KPMG has confirmed with respect to the company that they are independent within the meaning of the relevant rules and related interpretations prescribed by the relevant professional bodies in Canada and any applicable legislation or regulations and also that they are independent accountants with respect to the company under all relevant U.S. professional and regulatory standards.

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Disclosure Pursuant to the Requirements of the NYSE

As a Canadian issuer listed on the NYSE, Suncor is not required to comply with most of the NYSE's governance rules and instead may comply with Canadian requirements. As a foreign private issuer, the company is only required to comply with four of the NYSE's governance rules. These rules provide that (i) Suncor must have an audit committee that satisfies the requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act; (ii) the Chief Executive Officer of Suncor must promptly notify the NYSE in writing after an executive officer becomes aware of any material non-compliance with the applicable NYSE rules; (iii) Suncor must provide a brief description of any significant differences between the company's corporate governance practices and those followed by U.S. companies listed under the NYSE; and (iv) Suncor must provide annual and, as required, written affirmations of compliance with applicable NYSE Corporate Governance Standards.

The company has disclosed in its 2021 management proxy circular, which is available on Suncor's website at www.suncor.com, significant areas in which the company does not comply with the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards. In certain instances, it is not required to obtain shareholder approval for material amendments to equity compensation plans under TSX requirements, while the NYSE requires shareholder approval of all equity compensation plans. Suncor, while in compliance with the independence requirements of applicable securities laws in Canada (specifically National Instrument 52-110 – Audit Committees) and the U.S. (specifically Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act), has not adopted, and is not required to adopt, the director independence standards contained in Section 303A.02 of the NYSE's Listed Company Manual, including with respect to its audit committee and compensation committee. The Board has not adopted, nor is it required to adopt, procedures to implement Section 303A.05(c)(iv) of the NYSE's Listed Company Manual in respect of compensation committee advisor independence. Except as described herein, the company is in compliance with the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards in all other significant respects.

Additional Information

Additional information, including directors' and officers' remuneration and indebtedness, principal holders of Suncor's securities, and securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, where applicable, is contained in the company's most recent management proxy circular for the most recent annual meeting of shareholders that involved the election of directors. Additional financial information is provided in Suncor's 2020 audited Consolidated Financial Statements and in the MD&A.

Further information about Suncor, filed with Canadian securities commissions and the SEC, including periodic quarterly and annual reports and the Form 40-F, is available online on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. In addition, Suncor's Standards of Business Conduct Code is available online at www.suncor.com. Information contained in or otherwise accessible through the company's website does not form part of this AIF, and is not incorporated into the AIF by reference.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  87


Advisory – Forward-Looking Information
and Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This AIF contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws and other information 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 estimates; the current and potential adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the status of the pandemic and future waves and any associated policies around current business restrictions, shelter-in-place orders or gatherings of individuals; 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 development and 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 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", "potential", "future", "opportunity", "would", "forecast" and similar expressions.

Forward-looking statements in this AIF include references to:

Suncor's strategy, business plans and expectations about projects, the performance of assets, production volumes, and capital expenditures, including:

Expectations about the Fenja development project, including the plan for development, first oil anticipated in 2022 and the expectation that peak production will reach 34 mboe/d (6 mboe/d, net to Suncor) between 2022 and 2023;

Expectations about Buzzard Phase 2, including that first oil is anticipated in late 2021;

Statements about Suncor's coke-fired boiler replacement program, including the expectation that it will provide reliable steam generation, reduce the GHG emissions intensity associated with steam production at Oil Sands Base operations by approximately 25%, the expectation that the electricity produced will be transmitted to Alberta's power grid and the expected benefits therefrom, and cost approximately $1.4 billion with an expected in-service date between 2024-2025;

Expectations regarding Suncor's multi-year strategic alliance with Microsoft, including the expectation that this alliance will enable Suncor to utilize Microsoft's full range of cloud solutions and the expected benefit of the alliance;

The aim, objectives and potential benefits of Suncor's clean energy investments, including Enerkem, LanzaJet, Inc. and the Varennes Carbon Recycling facility, and Suncor's belief that these investments complement Suncor's existing product mix and demonstrate Suncor's involvement in the evolving global energy transition;

The expectation that Fort Hills will be operating at full rates by the end of 2021;

Expectations about Syncrude, including the expectation that Suncor will take over as operator of the Syncrude project by the end of 2021 and that doing so presents a significant strategic opportunity for Syncrude and the joint venture owners, the expectation that the MBSA will be replaced in conjunction with Suncor taking over as operator, the expectation that the Syncrude joint venture owners' plan to develop MLX-W and MLX-E which, subject to approvals, would extend the life of Mildred Lake by a minimum of 10 years, the expectation that the MLX-E program will follow MLX-W development if economic conditions provide suitable, the expectation that the MLX-W program will sustain bitumen production levels at the Mildred Lake site after resource depletion at the North Mine and use existing mining and extraction facilities, the expectation that MLX-W will achieve first oil in 2025 and expectations for the bi-directional interconnecting pipelines between Syncrude's Mildred Lake site and Suncor's Oil Sands Base operations, including that the pipelines will provide increased operational flexibility through the ability to transfer bitumen and sour SCO between the two plants, enabling higher utilization;

The expected sale of Suncor's 26.69% working interest in the Golden Eagle Area Development for US$325 million and contingent consideration up to US$50 million and the expectation that the sale will close no later than the third quarter of 2021;

Suncor's expectation that a final sanctioning decision to potentially replace Suncor's Millennium and North Steepbank mines is not expected until 2030 at the earliest;

Expectations about Terra Nova and the ALE project, including that an economically viable path forward with

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    a safe and reliable return to operations can be determined for the Terra Nova project;  

Expectations about the Meadow Creek East project, including the expectation that the project will be developed in two stages with an anticipated gross production capacity up to 80 mbbls/d and about the Meadow Creek West project, including the expectation that the project will be developed in a single stage with an anticipated gross production capacity of 40 mbbls/d;

Expectations about the West White Rose Project, including the expectation that it would extend the life of the existing White Rose assets and the company's estimated share of peak oil production of 20 mbbls/d;

Expectations about Hebron, including the expectation that, at peak, the project will produce 31.6 mbbls/d (net to Suncor) and the expectation that drilling activities will continue throughout 2021;

Expectations about the Lewis project, including that the project is expected to be developed in stages, with anticipated peak production of 160 mbbls/d;

The estimated cost of Suncor's remaining exploration work program commitment in Libya at December 31, 2020 of US$359 million;

The expectation that the drilling of new well pairs and infill wells at Firebag and MacKay River will assist in maintaining production levels in future years;

Potential future wind and solar power projects, including the expectations regarding the capacity and construction of the Forty Mile Wind Power Project, including the estimated total capital spend of $300 million and its planned completion in late 2022;

Suncor's belief that debottlenecking capacity and timing at Firebag will depend on economic conditions and can be supported by integrated well pad development and Solvent SAGD technologies;

The potential for future in situ production to be supported at Meadow Creek, Lewis, OSLO, Gregoire, Chard and Kirby; and  

The expectation that turnaround maintenance will improve reliability and operational efficiency.

Also:

Expectations (including with respect to timing), goals and plans around technologies, including AHS, PASS, ES-SAGD, Solvent+, NAE, and partial upgrading;

Statements about Suncor's reserves, including reserves volumes, estimates of future net revenues, commodity price forecasts, exchange and interest rate expectations, and production estimates;

Significant development activities and costs anticipated to occur or be incurred in 2021, including those identified under the Future Development Costs table in the Statement of Reserves Data and Other Oil and Gas Information section of this AIF, Suncor's belief that internally generated cash flows, existing and future credit facilities, issuing commercial paper and, if needed, accessing capital markets will be sufficient to fund future development costs and that interest expense or other funding costs on their own would not make development of any property uneconomic, plans for the development of reserves, and the estimated value of work commitments;

Estimated abandonment and reclamations costs;

Nameplate capacities;

The timing and impact of Suncor's planned workforce reductions and downstream reorganization;

Expectations about royalties and income taxes and their impact on Suncor;

Expectations regarding tailings management plans and regulatory processes with respect thereto;

Expectations regarding Suncor's share repurchase program and the 2021 NCIB;

Expectations concerning the timing of negotiations for collective agreements;

Anticipated effects of and responses to environmental laws and regulations, including climate change and GHG emissions laws and regulations, and Suncor's estimated compliance costs; and

Expectations about changes to laws and the impact thereof.

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, Exploration and Production, and Refining and Marketing, 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;

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Suncor's dependence on pipeline capacity and other logistical constraints, which may affect the company's ability to distribute products to market and which may cause the company to delay or cancel planned growth projects in the event of insufficient takeaway capacity; Suncor's ability to finance Oil Sands economic investment and asset sustainability and maintenance 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 Exploration and Production 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; 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 Suncor's Refining and Marketing 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; 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 (including as a result of demand and supply effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions of OPEC+); 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 development and execution of Suncor's projects and the commissioning and integration of new facilities; the possibility that completed maintenance activities may not improve operational performance or the output of related facilities; the risk that projects and initiatives intended to achieve cash flow growth and/or reductions in operating costs may not achieve the expected results in the time anticipated or at all; 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, tariffs, quotas and other government-imposed compliance costs and mandatory production curtailment orders and changes thereto; 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; security threats and terrorist or activist activities; the risk that competing business objectives may exceed Suncor's capacity to adopt and implement change; risks and uncertainties associated with obtaining regulatory, third- party and stakeholder approvals outside of Suncor's control for the company's operations, projects, initiatives, and exploration and development activities and the satisfaction of any conditions to approvals; 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 and future production estimates; Suncor's ability to access capital markets at acceptable rates or to issue securities at acceptable prices; maintaining an optimal debt to cash flow ratio; the success of the company's risk management

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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; risks associated with land claims and Indigenous consultation requirements; the risk that the company may be subject 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 AIF, including under the heading Risk Factors, and the company's MD&A dated February 24, 2021 and Form 40-F on file with Canadian securities commissions at www.sedar.com and the SEC 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 AIF are made as of the date of this AIF. 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.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Netback

Netback is a financial measure that is not prescribed by GAAP. Non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning and therefore are unlikely to be 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. Netbacks are reconciled to GAAP measures in the Operating Metrics Reconciliation section of the Supplemental Financial and Operating Information within Suncor's Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2020 and dated February 24, 2021.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  91


Schedule "A"
Audit Committee Mandate

The Audit Committee

The by-laws of Suncor Energy Inc. provide that the Board of Directors may establish Board committees to whom certain duties may be delegated by the Board. The Board has established, among others, the Audit Committee, and has approved this mandate, which sets out the objectives, functions and responsibilities of the Audit Committee.

Objectives

The Audit Committee assists the Board by:

monitoring the effectiveness and integrity of the Corporation's internal controls of Suncor's business processes, including: financial and management reporting systems, internal control systems;

monitoring and reviewing financial reports and other financial matters;

selecting, monitoring and reviewing the independence and effectiveness of, and where appropriate replacing, subject to shareholder approval as required by law, external auditors, and ensuring that external auditors are ultimately accountable to the Board of Directors and to the shareholders of the Corporation;

reviewing the effectiveness of the internal auditors, excluding the Operations Integrity Audit department, which is specifically within the mandate of the Environment, Health & Safety Committee (references throughout this mandate to "Internal Audit" shall not include the Operations Integrity Audit department); and

approving on behalf of the Board of Directors certain financial matters as delegated by the Board, including the matters outlined in this mandate.

The Committee does not have decision-making authority, except in the very limited circumstances described herein or where and to the extent that such authority is expressly delegated by the Board of Directors. The Committee conveys its findings and recommendations to the Board of Directors for consideration and, where required, decision by the Board of Directors.

Constitution

The Terms of Reference of Suncor's Board of Directors set out requirements for the composition of Board Committees and the qualifications for committee membership, and specify that the Chair and membership of the committees are determined annually by the Board. As required by Suncor's by-laws, unless otherwise determined by resolution of the Board of Directors, a majority of the members of a committee constitute a quorum for meetings of committees, and in all other respects, each committee determines its own rules of procedure.

Functions and Responsibilities

The Audit Committee has the following functions and responsibilities:

Internal Controls

1.
Inquire as to the adequacy of the Corporation's system of internal controls of Suncor's business processes, and review the evaluation of internal controls by Internal Auditors, and the evaluation of financial and internal controls by external auditors.

2.
Review audits conducted of the Corporation's Standards of Business Conduct-Compliance Program.

3.
Establish procedures for the confidential submission by employees of complaints relating to any concerns with accounting, internal control, auditing or Standards of Business Conduct Code matters, and periodically review a summary of complaints and their related resolution.

4.
Review the findings of any significant examination by regulatory agencies concerning the Corporation's financial matters.

5.
Periodically review management's governance processes for information technology resources, to assess their effectiveness in addressing the integrity, the protection and the security of the Corporation's electronic information systems and records.

6.
Review the management practices overseeing officers' expenses and perquisites.

External and Internal Auditors

7.
Evaluate the performance of the external auditors and initiate and approve the engagement or termination of the external auditors, subject to shareholder approval as required by applicable law.

8.
Review the audit scope and approach of the external auditors, and approve their terms of engagement and fees.

9.
Review any relationships or services that may impact the objectivity and independence of the external auditor, including annual review of the auditor's written statement of all relationships between the auditor (including its affiliates) and the Corporation; review and approve all engagements for non-audit services to be provided by external auditors or their affiliates.

10.
Review the external auditor's quality control procedures including any material issues raised by the most recent quality control review or peer review and any issues raised by a government authority or professional authority investigation of the external auditor, providing details on actions taken by the firm to address such issues.

A-1  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


11.
Approve the appointment or termination of the VP Enterprise Risk and Audit, approve annually the performance assessment and resulting compensation of the VP Enterprise Risk & Audit as provided by the Chief Financial Officer. Periodically review the performance and effectiveness of the Internal Audit function including conformance with The Institute of Internal Auditors' International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and the Code of Ethics.

12.
Approve the Internal Audit Department Charter, the annual Internal Audit schedule, as well as the Internal Audit budget and resource plan. Review the plans, activities, organizational structure, resource capacity and qualifications of the Internal Auditors, and monitor the department's independence.

13.
Provide direct and unrestricted access by management, the Internal Auditors and the external auditors to the Board of Directors.

Financial Reporting and other Public Disclosure

14.
Review the external auditor's management comment letter and management's responses thereto, and inquire as to any disagreements between management and external auditors or restrictions imposed by management on external auditors. Review any unadjusted differences brought to the attention of management by the external auditor and the resolution thereof.

15.
Review with management and the external auditors the financial materials and other disclosure documents referred to in paragraph 16, including any significant financial reporting issues, the presentation and impact of significant risks and uncertainties, and key estimates and judgments of management that may be material to financial reporting including alternative treatments and their impacts.

16.
Review and approve the Corporation's interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A"). Review and make recommendations to the Board of Directors on approval of the Corporation's annual audited financial statements and MD&A, Annual Information Form and Form 40-F. Review other material annual and quarterly disclosure documents or regulatory filings containing or accompanying audited or unaudited financial information.

17.
Authorize any changes to the categories of documents and information requiring audit committee review or approval prior to external disclosure, as set out in the Corporation's policy on external communication and disclosure of material information.

18.
Review any change in the Corporation's accounting policies.

19.
Review with legal counsel any legal matters having a significant impact on the financial reports.

Oil and Gas Reserves

20.
Review with reasonable frequency Suncor's procedures for:

(A)
the disclosure, in accordance with applicable law, of information with respect to Suncor's oil and gas activities including procedures for complying with applicable disclosure requirements;

(B)
providing information to the qualified reserves evaluators ("Evaluators") engaged annually by Suncor to evaluate Suncor's reserves data for the purpose of public disclosure of such data in accordance with applicable law.

21.
Annually approve the appointment and terms of engagement of the Evaluators, including the qualifications and independence of the Evaluators; review and approve any proposed change in the appointment of the Evaluators, and the reasons for such proposed change including whether there have been disputes between the Evaluators and management.

22.
Annually review Suncor's reserves data and the report of the Evaluators thereon; annually review and make recommendations to the Board of Directors on the approval of (i) the content and filing by the Company of a statement of reserves data ("Statement") and the report thereon of management and the directors to be included in or filed with the Statement, and (ii) the filing of the report of the Evaluators to be included in or filed with the Statement, all in accordance with applicable law.

Risk Management

23.
Periodically review the policies and practices of the Corporation respecting cash management, financial derivatives, financing, credit, insurance, taxation, commodities trading and related matters. Oversee the Board's risk management governance model and processes by conducting periodic reviews with the objective of appropriately reflecting the principal risks of the Corporation's business in the mandate of the Board and its committees. Conduct periodic review and provide oversight on the specific Suncor Principal Risks which have been delegated to the Committee for oversight.

Pension Plan

24.
Review the assets, financial performance, funding status, investment strategy and actuarial reports of the Corporation's pension plan including the terms of engagement of the plan's actuary and fund manager.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  A-2


Security

25.
Review on a summary basis any significant physical security management and strategies to address such risks.

Other Matters

26.
Conduct any independent investigations into any matters which come under its scope of responsibilities.

27.
Review any recommended appointees to the office of Chief Financial Officer.

28.
Review and/or approve other financial matters delegated specifically to it by the Board of Directors.

Reporting to the Board

29.
Report to the Board of Directors on the activities of the Audit Committee with respect to the foregoing matters as required at each Board meeting and at any other time deemed appropriate by the Committee or upon request of the Board of Directors.

Approved by resolution of the Board of Directors on November 14, 2017

A-3  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Schedule "B" – Suncor Energy Inc. Policy and Procedures
for Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services

Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Multilateral Instrument 52-110, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Ontario Securities Commission respectively has adopted final rules relating to audit committees and auditor independence. These rules require the Audit Committee of Suncor Energy Inc. ("Suncor") to be responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of its independent auditor. The Audit Committee must also pre-approve any audit and non-audit services performed by the independent auditor or such services must be entered into pursuant to pre-approval policies and procedures established by the Audit Committee pursuant to this policy.

I.     Statement of Policy

The Audit Committee has adopted this Policy and Procedures for Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services (the "Policy"), which sets forth the procedures and the conditions pursuant to which services proposed to be performed by the independent auditor will be pre-approved. The procedures outlined in this Policy are applicable to all Audit, Audit-Related, Tax Services and All Other Services provided by the independent auditor.

II.    Responsibility

Responsibility for the implementation of this Policy rests with the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee delegates its responsibility for administration of this policy to management. The Audit Committee shall not delegate its responsibilities to pre-approve services performed by the independent auditor to management.

III.   Definitions

For the purpose of these policies and procedures and any pre-approvals:

(a)
"Audit services" include services that are a necessary part of the annual audit process and any activity that is a necessary procedure used by the auditor in reaching an opinion on the financial statements as is required under generally accepted auditing standards ("GAAS"), including technical reviews to reach audit judgment on accounting standards;

The
term "audit services" is broader than those services strictly required to perform an audit pursuant to GAAS and include such services as:

(i)
the issuance of comfort letters and consents in connections with offerings of securities;

(ii)
the performance of domestic and foreign statutory audits;

(iii)
Attest services required by statute or regulation;

(iv)
Internal control reviews; and

(v)
Assistance with and review of documents filed with the Canadian Securities administrators, the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulators having jurisdiction over Suncor and its subsidiaries, and responding to comments from such regulators;

(b)
"Audit-related services" are assurance (e.g. due diligence services) and related services traditionally performed by the external auditors and that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of financial statements and not categorized under "audit fees" for disclosure purposes.

    "Audit-related services" include:

    (i)
    employee benefit plan audits, including audits of employee pension plans;

    (ii)
    due diligence related to mergers and acquisitions;

    (iii)
    consultations and audits in connection with acquisitions, including evaluating the accounting treatment for proposed transactions;

    (iv)
    internal control reviews;

    (v)
    attest services not required by statute or regulation; and

    (vi)
    consultations regarding financial accounting and reporting standards.

    Non-financial operational audits are not "audit-related" services.

(c)
"Tax services" include, but are not limited to, services related to the preparation of corporate and/or personal tax filings, tax due diligence as it pertains to mergers, acquisitions and/or divestitures, and tax planning;

(d)
"All other services" consist of any other work that is neither an Audit service, nor an Audit-Related service nor a Tax service, the provision of which by the independent auditor is not expressly prohibited by Rule 2-01(c)(7) of Regulation S-X under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (See Appendix A for a summary of the prohibited services.)

IV.   General Policy

The following general policy applies to all services provided by the independent auditor.

All services to be provided by the independent auditor will require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee will not approve engaging the independent auditor for services which can reasonably be classified as "tax services" or "all other services" unless a compelling business case can be made for retaining the independent auditor instead of another service provider.

The Audit Committee will not provide pre-approval for services to be provided in excess of twelve months from the date of the pre-approval, unless the Audit Committee specifically provides for a different period.

The Audit Committee has delegated authority to pre-approve services with an estimated cost not

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  B-1


    exceeding $100,000 in accordance with this Policy to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The delegate member of the Audit Committee must report any pre-approval decision to the Audit Committee at its next meeting.

The Chairman of the Audit Committee may delegate his authority to pre-approve services to another sitting member of the Audit Committee provided that the recipient has also been delegated the authority to act as Chairman of the Audit Committee in the Chairman's absence. A resolution of the Audit Committee is required to evidence the Chairman's delegation of authority to another Audit Committee member under this policy.

The Audit Committee will, from time to time, but no less than annually, review and pre-approve the services that may be provided by the independent auditor.

The Audit Committee must establish pre-approval fee levels for services provided by the independent auditor on an annual basis. On at least a quarterly basis, the Audit Committee will be provided with a detailed summary of fees paid to the independent auditor and the nature of the services provided, and a forecast of fees and services that are expected to be provided during the remainder of the fiscal year.

The Audit Committee will not approve engaging the independent auditor to provide any prohibited non-audit services as set forth in Appendix A.

The Audit Committee shall evidence their pre-approval for services to be provided by the independent auditor as follows:

(a)
In situations where the Chairman of the Audit Committee pre-approves work under his delegation of authority, the Chairman will evidence his pre-approval by signing and dating the pre-approval request form, attached as Appendix B. If it is not practicable for the Chairman to complete the form and transmit it to the Company prior to engagement of the independent audit, the Chairman may provide verbal or email approval of the engagement, followed up by completion of the request form at the first practical opportunity.

(b)
In all other situations, a resolution of the Audit Committee is required.

All audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditors shall be provided pursuant to an engagement letter that shall:

(a)
be in writing and signed by the auditors;

(b)
specify the particular services to be provided;

(c)
specify the period in which the services will be performed;

(d)
specify the estimated total fees to be paid, which shall not exceed the estimated total fees approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to these procedures, prior to application of the 10% overrun;

(e)
include a confirmation by the auditors that the services are not within a category of services the provision of which would impair their independence under applicable law and Canadian and U.S. generally accepted accounting standards.

The Audit Committee pre-approval permits an overrun of fees pertaining to a particular engagement of no greater than 10% of the estimate identified in the associated engagement letter. The intent of the overrun authorization is to ensure on an interim basis only, that services can continue pending a review of the fee estimate, and, if required, further Audit Committee approval of the overrun. If an overrun is expected to exceed the 10% threshold, as soon as the overrun is identified, the Audit Committee or its designate must be notified and an additional pre-approval obtained prior to the engagement continuing.

V.    Responsibilities of External Auditors

To support the independence process, the independent auditors will:

(a)
Confirm in each engagement letter that performance of the work will not impair independence;

(b)
Satisfy the Audit Committee that they have in place comprehensive internal policies and processes to ensure adherence, world-wide, to independence requirements, including robust monitoring and communications;

(c)
Provide communication and confirmation to the Audit Committee regarding independence on at least a quarterly basis;

(d)
Maintain registration by the Canadian Public Accountability Board and the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; and

(e)
Review their partner rotation plan and advise the Audit Committee on an annual basis.

In addition, the external auditors will:

(f)
Provide regular, detailed fee reporting including balances in the "Work in Progress" account;

(g)
Monitor fees and notify the Audit Committee as soon as a potential overrun is identified.

VI.  Disclosures

Suncor will, as required by applicable law, annually disclose its pre-approval policies and procedures, and will provide the required disclosure concerning the amounts of audit fees, audit-related fees, tax fees and all other fees paid to its outside auditors in its filings with the SEC.

Approved and Accepted April 28, 2004

B-2  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Appendix A – Prohibited Non-Audit Services

An external auditor is not independent if, at any point during the audit and professional engagement period, the auditor provides the following non-audit services to an audit client.

Bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting records or financial statements of the audit client. Any service, unless it is reasonable to conclude that the results of these services will not be subject to audit procedures during an audit of Suncor's financial statements, including:

Maintaining or preparing the audit client's accounting records;

Preparing Suncor's financial statements that are filed with the SEC or that form the basis of financial statements filed with the SEC; or

Preparing or originating source data underlying Suncor's financial statements.

Financial information systems design and implementation. Any service, unless it is reasonable to conclude that the results of these services will not be subject to audit procedures during an audit of Suncor's financial statements, including:

Directly or indirectly operating, or supervising the operation of, Suncor's information systems or managing Suncor's local area network; or

Designing or implementing a hardware or software system that aggregates source data underlying the financial statements or generates information that is significant to Suncor's financial statements or other financial information systems taken as a whole.

Appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions or contribution-in-kind reports. Any appraisal service, valuation service or any service involving a fairness opinion or contribution-in-kind report for Suncor, unless it is reasonable to conclude that the results of these services will not be subject to audit procedures during an audit of Suncor's financial statements.

Actuarial services. Any actuarially-oriented advisory service involving the determination of amounts recorded in the financial statements and related accounts for Suncor other than assisting Suncor in understanding the methods, models, assumptions, and inputs used in computing an amount, unless it is reasonable to conclude that the results of these services will not be subject to audit procedures during an audit of Suncor's financial statements.

Internal audit outsourcing services. Any internal audit service that has been outsourced by Suncor that relates to Suncor's internal accounting controls, financial systems or financial statements, unless it is reasonable to conclude that the result of these services will not be subject to audit procedures during an audit of Suncor's financial statements.

Management functions. Acting, temporarily or permanently, as a director, officer, or employee of Suncor, or performing any decision-making, supervisory, or ongoing monitoring function for Suncor.

Human resources. Any of the following:

Searching for or seeking out prospective candidates for managerial, executive, or director positions;

Engaging in psychological testing, or other formal testing or evaluation programs;

Undertaking reference checks of prospective candidates for an executive or director position;

Acting as a negotiator on Suncor's behalf, such as determining position, status or title, compensation, fringe benefits, or other conditions of employment; or

Recommending, or advising Suncor to hire a specific candidate for a specific job (except that an accounting firm may, upon request by Suncor, interview candidates and advise Suncor on the candidate's competence for financial accounting, administrative, or control positions).

Broker-dealer, investment adviser or investment banking services. Acting as a broker-dealer (registered or unregistered), promoter, or underwriter, on behalf of Suncor, making investment decisions on behalf of Suncor or otherwise having discretionary authority over Suncor's investments, executing a transaction to buy or sell Suncor's investment, or having custody of Suncor's assets, such as taking temporary possession of securities purchased by Suncor.

Legal services. Providing any service to Suncor that, under circumstances in which the service is provided, could be provided only by someone licenced, admitted, or otherwise qualified to practice law in the jurisdiction in which the service is prohibited.

Expert services unrelated to the audit. Providing an expert opinion or other expert service for Suncor, or Suncor's legal representative, for the purpose of advocating Suncor's interest in litigation or in a regulatory or administrative proceeding or investigation. In any litigation or regulatory or administrative proceeding or investigation, an accountant's independence shall not be deemed to be impaired if the accountant provides factual accounts, including testimony, of work performed or explains the positions taken or conclusions reached during the performance of any service provided by the accountant for Suncor.

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  B-3


Appendix B – Pre-Approval Request Form

NATURE OF WORK   ESTIMATED FEES
(Cdn$)

     

     

     

     

Total    

 
 
 
 

 
Date   Signature

B-4  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


Schedule "C" – Form 51-101F2 Report on Reserves Data by
Independent Qualified Reserves Evaluator or Auditor

To the board of directors of Suncor Energy Inc. (the "Company"):

1.
We have evaluated the Company's reserves data as at December 31, 2020. The reserves data are estimates of proved reserves and probable reserves and related future net revenue as at December 31, 2020, estimated using forecast prices and costs.

2.
The reserves data are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the reserves data based on our evaluation.

3.
We carried out our evaluation in accordance with standards set out in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook as amended from time to time (the "COGE Handbook") maintained by the Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers (Calgary Chapter).

4.
Those standards require that we plan and perform an evaluation to obtain reasonable assurance as to whether the reserves data are free of material misstatement. An evaluation also includes assessing whether the reserves data are in accordance with principles and definitions presented in the COGE Handbook.

5.
The following table shows the net present value of future net revenue (before deduction of income taxes) attributed to proved plus probable reserves, estimated using forecast prices and costs and calculated using a discount rate of 10 percent, included in the reserves data of the Company evaluated for the year ended December 31, 2020, and identifies the respective portions thereof that we have evaluated and reported on to the Company's management and board of directors:
Independent Qualified   Effective Date of   Location of Reserves
(Country or Foreign
  Net Present Value of Future Net Revenue
(before income taxes,
10% discount rate, $ millions)

Reserves Evaluator   Evaluation Report   Geographic Area)   Audited   Evaluated   Reviewed   Total  

GLJ Ltd.   December 31, 2020   Oil Sands In Situ, Canada     19 663     19 663  

GLJ Ltd.   December 31, 2020   Oil Sands Mining, Canada     12 206     12 206  

GLJ Ltd.   December 31, 2020   East Coast Canada, Newfoundland Offshore, Canada     4 716     4 716  

GLJ Ltd.   December 31, 2020   Offshore, United Kingdom     1 883     1 883  

GLJ Ltd.   December 31, 2020   Offshore, Norway     368     368  

              38 836     38 836  

6.
In our opinion, the reserves data respectively evaluated by us have, in all material respects, been determined and are in accordance with the COGE Handbook, consistently applied. We express no opinion on the reserves data that we reviewed but did not audit or evaluate.

7.
We have no responsibility to update our reports referred to in paragraph 5 for events and circumstances occurring after the effective date of our reports.

8.
Because the reserves data are based on judgments regarding future events, actual results will vary and the variations may be material.

EXECUTED as to our report referred to above:

GLJ Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, February 24, 2021

"Tim R. Freeborn"

Tim R. Freeborn, P.Eng.
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.  C-1


Schedule "D" – Form 51-101F3 Report of Management and Directors on Reserves Data and Other Information

Management of Suncor Energy Inc. (the "Company") are responsible for the preparation and disclosure of information with respect to the Company's oil and gas activities in accordance with securities regulatory requirements. This information includes reserves data.

Independent qualified reserves evaluators have evaluated the Company's reserves data. The reports of the independent qualified reserves evaluators will be filed with securities regulatory authorities concurrently with this report.

The Audit Committee of the board of directors of the Company has:

(a)
reviewed the Company's procedures for providing information to the independent qualified reserves evaluators;

(b)
met with the independent qualified reserves evaluators to determine whether any restrictions affected the ability of the independent qualified reserves evaluators to report without reservation; and

(c)
reviewed the reserves data with management and the independent qualified reserves evaluators.

The Audit Committee of the board of directors has reviewed the Company's procedures for assembling and reporting other information associated with oil and gas activities and has reviewed that information with management. The board of directors has, on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, approved:

(a)
the content and filing with securities regulatory authorities of Form 51-101F1 containing reserves data and other oil and gas information;

(b)
the filing of Form 51-101F2 which is the report of the independent qualified reserves evaluators on the reserves data; and

(c)
the content and filing of this report.

Because the reserves data are based on judgments regarding future events, actual results will vary and the variations may be material.

"Mark S. Little"

MARK S. LITTLE
President and Chief Executive Officer

"Alister Cowan"

ALISTER COWAN
Chief Financial Officer

"Michael M. Wilson"

MICHAEL M. WILSON
Chair of the Board of Directors

"Patricia M. Bedient"

PATRICIA M. BEDIENT
Chair of the Audit Committee

February 24, 2021

D-1  2020 Annual Information Form   Suncor Energy Inc.


GRAPHIC



UNDERTAKING AND CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS

A.    Undertaking

        Suncor Energy Inc. (the "Registrant") undertakes to make available, in person or by telephone, representatives to respond to inquiries made by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and to furnish promptly, when requested to do so by the SEC staff, information relating to the securities in relation to which the obligation to file an annual report on Form 40-F arises, or transactions in said securities.

B.    Consent to Service of Process

        The Registrant has filed previously with the SEC a Form F-X in connection with the Common Shares.


DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES AND INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

        See pages 86 and 87 of Exhibit 99-1 and page 74 of Exhibit 99-2.


ATTESTATION REPORT OF THE REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

        See pages 88, 89 and 90 of Exhibit 99-1.


AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

        See pages 84 and 85 of Annual Information Form.


CODE OF ETHICS

        See pages 26 and 27 of Annual Information Form.


FEES PAID TO PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT

        See page 85 of Annual Information Form.


AUDIT COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVAL POLICIES

        See Schedule "B" of Annual Information Form.


APPROVAL OF NON-AUDIT SERVICES

        See Schedule "B" of Annual Information Form.


OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

        See page 57 of Exhibit 99-2.


TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

        See page 57 of Exhibit 99-2.


IDENTIFICATION OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

        See page 84 of Annual Information Form.



EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
  Description
 

99-1

  Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Suncor Energy Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020
 

99-2

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, dated February 24, 2021

 

99-3

 

Consent of KPMG LLP

 

99-4

 

Consent of GLJ Ltd.

 

99-5

 

Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)

 

99-6

 

Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)

 

99-7

 

Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Enacted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

99-8

 

Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Enacted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

99-9

 

Supplementary Oil and Gas Disclosures

 

101

 

Interactive data files with respect to the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements of Suncor Energy Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 40-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.

  SUNCOR ENERGY INC.

DATE: February 25, 2021

       

 

PER:

 

/s/ ALISTER COWAN


Alister Cowan
Chief Financial Officer



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INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM
UNDERTAKING AND CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES AND INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
ATTESTATION REPORT OF THE REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
CODE OF ETHICS
FEES PAID TO PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT
AUDIT COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVAL POLICIES
APPROVAL OF NON-AUDIT SERVICES
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
IDENTIFICATION OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
EXHIBIT INDEX
SIGNATURES

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EXHIBIT 99.1


Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Suncor Energy Inc. for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2020


Management's Statement
of Responsibility for Financial Reporting

The management of Suncor Energy Inc. is responsible for the presentation and preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Suncor Energy Inc. and all related financial information contained in the Annual Report, including Management's Discussion and Analysis.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles applicable to publicly accountable enterprises, which is within the framework of International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board incorporated into the Canadian Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants Handbook Part 1. They include certain amounts that are based on estimates and judgments.

In management's opinion, the consolidated financial statements have been properly prepared within reasonable limits of materiality and within the framework of the significant accounting policies adopted by management. If alternate accounting methods exist, management has chosen those policies it deems the most appropriate in the circumstances. In discharging its responsibilities for the integrity and reliability of the financial statements, management maintains and relies upon a system of internal controls designed to ensure that transactions are properly authorized and recorded, assets are safeguarded against unauthorized use or disposition and liabilities are recognized. These controls include quality standards in hiring and training of employees, formalized policies and procedures, a corporate code of conduct and associated compliance program designed to establish and monitor conflicts of interest, the integrity of accounting records and financial information, among others, and employee and management accountability for performance within appropriate and well-defined areas of responsibility.

The system of internal controls is further supported by the professional staff of an internal audit function who conduct periodic audits of the company's financial reporting.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, currently composed of four independent directors, reviews the effectiveness of the company's financial reporting systems, management information systems, internal control systems and internal auditors. It recommends to the Board of Directors the external auditor to be appointed by the shareholders at each annual meeting and reviews the independence and effectiveness of their work. In addition, it reviews with management and the external auditor any significant financial reporting issues, the presentation and impact of significant risks and uncertainties, and key estimates and judgments of management that may be material for financial reporting purposes. The Audit Committee appoints the independent reserve consultants. The Audit Committee meets at least quarterly to review and approve interim financial statements prior to their release, as well as annually to review Suncor's annual financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis, Annual Information Form/Form 40-F, and annual reserves estimates, and recommend their approval to the Board of Directors. The internal auditors and the external auditor, KPMG LLP, have unrestricted access to the company, the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors.

SIG SIG

Mark Little

Alister Cowan
President and Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer

February 24, 2021

86  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


The following report is provided by management in respect of the company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934):

Management's Report on Internal Control
Over Financial Reporting

1.
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over the company's financial reporting.

2.
Management has used the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) framework (2013) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework to evaluate the effectiveness of the company's internal control over financial reporting.

3.
Management has assessed the effectiveness of the company's internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2020, and has concluded that such internal control over financial reporting was effective as of that date. In addition, based on this assessment, management determined that there were no material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2020. Because of inherent limitations, systems of internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

4.
The effectiveness of the company's internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2020 has been audited by KPMG LLP, independent auditor, as stated in their report which appears herein.
SIG SIG

Mark Little

Alister Cowan
President and Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer

February 24, 2021

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  87


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Suncor Energy Inc.

Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Suncor Energy Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and its financial performance and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Basis for Opinions

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

88  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Indicators of impairment loss or reversal related to Oil Sands and Exploration and Production property, plant and equipment

As discussed in Note 3(m) to the consolidated financial statements, when circumstances indicate that a cash generating unit ("CGU") may be impaired or a previous impairment reversed, the Company compares the carrying amount of the CGU to its recoverable amount. Quarterly, the Company analyzes indicators of impairment loss or reversal ("impairment indicators"), such as significant increases or decreases in forecasted production volumes (which include assumptions related to proved and probable oil reserves), commodity prices, capital expenditures and operating costs (collectively, "reserve assumptions"). The estimate of reserve assumptions requires the expertise of independent qualified reserves evaluators. The Company engages independent qualified reserves evaluators to evaluate the Company's proved and probable oil reserves. The carrying amount of the Company's Oil Sands and Exploration and Production property, plant and equipment balance as of December 31, 2020 was $58,156 million.

We identified the evaluation of the assessment of impairment indicators related to the Oil Sands and Exploration and Production property, plant and equipment as a critical audit matter. A high degree of subjective auditor judgment was required to evaluate the reserve assumptions used by the Company in their assessment.

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the critical audit matter. This included controls related to the Company's assessment of impairment indicators, including controls related to the reserve assumptions. We evaluated the Company's reserve assumptions by comparing the current year externally evaluated proved and probable oil reserves to historical results. We compared the Company's current year actual production volumes, operating costs and capital expenditures to those respective assumptions used in the prior year externally evaluated proved and probable oil reserves to assess the Company's ability to accurately forecast. We evaluated the Company's future commodity price estimates by comparing to a number of publicly available external price curves for the same benchmark pricing. We evaluated the competence, capabilities, and objectivity of the Company's independent reservoir engineering specialists engaged by the Company, who evaluated the proved and probable oil reserves. We evaluated the methodology used by the independent reservoir engineering specialists to evaluate proved and probable oil reserves for compliance with regulatory standards.

Impairment of the Fort Hills cash generating unit

As discussed in note 16 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.38 billion related to the Fort Hills cash generating unit ("CGU"). The Company identified an indicator of impairment at March 31, 2020 and an indicator of impairment reversal at December 31, 2020 for the Fort Hills CGU and performed impairment tests to determine the recoverable amount of the CGU based on the fair value less cost of disposal. The estimated recoverable amount of the CGU involves numerous assumptions, including forecasted production volumes, commodity prices (including foreign exchange rates), operating costs ("forecasted cash flow assumptions"), and discount rate.

We identified the assessment of the impairment of the Fort Hills CGU as a critical audit matter. A high degree of subjective auditor judgment was required in evaluating the Company's forecasted cash flow and discount rate assumptions as minor changes to these assumptions could have had a significant effect on the Company's calculation of the recoverable amount of the CGU. A high degree of subjective auditor judgement was also required to evaluate the externally evaluated proved and probable oil reserves which were used to assess the Company's forecasted cash flow assumptions. Additionally, the evaluation of the impairment of the Fort Hills CGU required involvement of valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge.

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the critical audit matter. This included controls related to the Company's determination of the recoverable amount of the CGU, including controls related to determination of the forecasted cash flow assumptions and discount rate. We performed sensitivity analyses over the discount rate and forecasted commodity price assumptions to assess the impact of those assumptions on the Company's determination of the recoverable amount of the CGU. We evaluated the Company's future commodity price (including foreign exchange rate)

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  89



estimates by comparing to a number of publicly available external price curves for the same benchmark pricing. We evaluated the forecasted production volumes and operating cost assumptions used in the impairment test by comparing to the current year externally evaluated proved and probable oil reserves as well as to historical results. We assessed differences between management's forecasted cash flow assumptions and the externally evaluated proved and probable oil reserves by comparing to recent historical results and comparable CGUs. We compared the Company's current year actual production volumes and operating costs to those respective assumptions used in the prior year externally evaluated proved and probable oil reserves to assess the Company's ability to accurately forecast. We evaluated the competence, capabilities and objectivity of the independent qualified reserves evaluators engaged by the Company, who evaluated the proved and probable oil reserves. We evaluated the methodology used by independent reservoir engineering specialists to evaluate proved and probable oil reserves for compliance with regulatory standards. We involved valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in:

evaluating the Company's CGU discount rate, by comparing the inputs against publicly available market data for comparable entities and assessing the resulting discount rate

evaluating the Company's estimate of recoverable amount of the CGU by comparing to publicly available market data and valuation metrics for comparable entities.

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2019.

SIG

Chartered Professional Accountants

Calgary, Canada

February 24, 2021

90  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income

For the years ended December 31 ($ millions)   Notes   2020   2019    

Revenues and Other Income                

  Operating revenues, net of royalties   6   24 662   38 344    

  Other income   7   390   645    

        25 052   38 989    


Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Purchases of crude oil and products       9 112   12 562    

  Operating, selling and general   8 and 26   9 927   11 244    

  Transportation       1 418   1 442    

  Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment   15 and 16   9 526   10 572    

  Exploration       186   256    

  Gain on disposal of assets       (16 ) (253 )  

  Financing expenses   9   996   633    

        31 149   36 456    

(Loss) Earnings before Income Taxes       (6 097 ) 2 533    

Income Tax (Recovery) Expense                

  Current   10   (659 ) 1 552    

  Deferred   10 and 16   (1 119 ) (1 918 )  

        (1 778 ) (366 )  

Net (Loss) Earnings       (4 319 ) 2 899    


Other Comprehensive Loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Items That May be Subsequently Reclassified to Earnings:                

    Foreign currency translation adjustment       (22 ) (177 )  

  Items That Will Not be Reclassified to Earnings:                

    Actuarial loss on employee retirement benefit plans, net of income taxes       (196 ) (48 )  


Other Comprehensive Loss

 

 

 

(218

)

(225

)

 


Total Comprehensive (Loss) Income

 

 

 

(4 537

)

2 674

 

 


Per Common Share (dollars)

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Net (loss) earnings – basic and diluted       (2.83 ) 1.86    

Cash dividends       1.10   1.68    

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  91


Consolidated Balance Sheets

($ millions)   Notes   December 31
2020
  December 31
2019
 

Assets              

  Current assets              

    Cash and cash equivalents   12   1 885   1 960  

    Accounts receivable       3 157   4 052  

    Inventories   14   3 617   3 761  

    Income taxes receivable       727   133  

  Total current assets       9 386   9 906  

  Property, plant and equipment, net   15 – 17   68 130   72 640  

  Exploration and evaluation   18   2 286   2 428  

  Other assets   19   1 277   1 194  

  Goodwill and other intangible assets   20   3 328   3 058  

  Deferred income taxes   10   209   209  

  Total assets       84 616   89 435  


Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Current liabilities              

    Short-term debt   21   3 566   2 155  

    Current portion of long-term debt   21   1 413    

    Current portion of long-term lease liabilities   21   272   310  

    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities       4 684   6 555  

    Current portion of provisions   24   527   631  

    Income taxes payable       87   886  

  Total current liabilities       10 549   10 537  

  Long-term debt   21   13 812   12 884  

  Long-term lease liabilities   21   2 636   2 621  

  Other long-term liabilities   22   2 840   2 499  

  Provisions   24   10 055   8 676  

  Deferred income taxes   10 and 16   8 967   10 176  

  Equity       35 757   42 042  

  Total liabilities and shareholders' equity       84 616   89 435  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors:


SIG

 

SIG

Mark Little

 

Patricia M. Bedient
Director   Director

February 24, 2021

92  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the years ended December 31 ($ millions)   Notes   2020   2019    

Operating Activities                

Net (loss) earnings       (4 319 ) 2 899    

Adjustments for:                

  Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment       9 526   10 572    

  Deferred income tax recovery   10 and 16   (1 119 ) (1 918 )  

  Accretion   9   278   270    

  Unrealized foreign exchange gain on U.S. dollar denominated debt   9   (312 ) (624 )  

  Change in fair value of financial instruments and trading inventory       108   107    

  Gain on disposal of assets       (16 ) (253 )  

  Share-based compensation       (238 ) 44    

  Exploration       80   66    

  Settlement of decommissioning and restoration liabilities       (231 ) (464 )  

  Other       119   119    

  Increase in non-cash working capital   13   (1 201 ) (397 )  

Cash flow provided by operating activities       2 675   10 421    


Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital and exploration expenditures       (3 926 ) (5 558 )  

Proceeds from disposal of assets       72   274    

Other investments       (113 ) (213 )  

(Increase) decrease in non-cash working capital   13   (557 ) 409    

Cash flow used in investing activities       (4 524 ) (5 088 )  


Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt       1 445   (982 )  

Net increase in long-term debt   21   2 634   557    

Lease liability payments       (335 ) (307 )  

Issuance of common shares under share option plans       29   90    

Repurchase of common shares   25   (307 ) (2 274 )  

Distributions relating to non-controlling interest       (10 ) (7 )  

Dividends paid on common shares       (1 670 ) (2 614 )  

Cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities       1 786   (5 537 )  


Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

 

 

(63

)

(204

)

 

Effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents       (12 ) (57 )  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year       1 960   2 221    

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year       1 885   1 960    


Supplementary Cash Flow Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid       1 028   996    

Income taxes paid       695   1 033    

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  93


Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

($ millions) Notes   Share
Capital
  Contributed
Surplus
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
  Retained
Earnings
  Total   Number of
Common
Shares
(thousands)
   

 
At December 31, 2018     25 910   540   1 076   16 479   44 005   1 584 484    

 
Adoption of IFRS 16 impact           14   14      

 
At January 1, 2019, adjusted     25 910   540   1 076   16 493   44 019   1 584 484    

 
Net earnings           2 899   2 899      

 
Foreign currency translation adjustment         (177 )   (177 )    

 
Actuarial loss on employee retirement benefit plans, net of income taxes of $23 23         (48 ) (48 )    

 
Total comprehensive (loss) income         (177 ) 2 851   2 674      

 
Issued under share option plans     116   (24 )     92   2 688    

 
Repurchase of common shares for cancellation 25   (905 )     (1 369 ) (2 274 ) (55 298 )  

 
Change in liability for share purchase commitment     46       49   95      

 
Share-based compensation 26     50       50      

 
Dividends paid on common shares           (2 614 ) (2 614 )    

 
At December 31, 2019     25 167   566   899   15 410   42 042   1 531 874    

 
Net loss           (4 319 ) (4 319 )    

 
Foreign currency translation adjustment         (22 )   (22 )    

 
Actuarial loss on employee retirement benefit plans, net of income taxes of $62 23         (196 ) (196 )    

 
Total comprehensive loss         (22 ) (4 515 ) (4 537 )    

 
Issued under share option plans     36   (7 )     29   804    

 
Repurchase of common shares for cancellation 25   (124 )     (183 ) (307 ) (7 527 )  

 
Change in liability for share purchase commitment 25   65       103   168      

 
Share-based compensation 26     32       32      

 
Dividends paid on common shares           (1 670 ) (1 670 )    

 
At December 31, 2020     25 144   591   877   9 145   35 757   1 525 151    

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

94  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Reporting Entity and Description of the Business

Suncor Energy Inc. (Suncor or the company) is an integrated energy company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Suncor is strategically focused on developing one of the world's largest petroleum resource basins – Canada's Athabasca oil sands. In addition, the company explores for, acquires, develops, produces, transports, refines and markets crude oil in Canada and internationally, Suncor markets petroleum and petrochemical products primarily in Canada, under the Petro-Canada™ brand. The company also operates a renewable energy business and conducts energy trading activities focused principally on the marketing and trading of crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products, and power.

The address of the company's registered office is 150 – 6th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2P 3E3.


2. Basis of Preparation

(a) Statement of Compliance

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) as contained within Part 1 of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants Handbook.

Suncor's accounting policies are based on IFRS issued and outstanding for all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements. These consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on February 24, 2021.

(b) Basis of Measurement

The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a historical cost basis except as detailed in the accounting policies disclosed in note 3. The accounting policies described in note 3 have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.

(c) Functional Currency and Presentation Currency

These consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is the company's functional currency.

(d) Use of Estimates, Assumptions and Judgments

The timely preparation of financial statements requires that management make estimates and assumptions and use judgment. Accordingly, actual results may differ from estimated amounts as future confirming events occur. Significant estimates and judgments used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are described in note 4.


3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Principles of Consolidation

The company consolidates its interests in entities it controls. Control comprises the power to govern an entity's financial and operating policies to obtain benefits from its activities, and is a matter of judgment. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated on consolidation.

(b) Joint Arrangements

Joint arrangements represent arrangements in which two or more parties have joint control established by a contractual agreement. Joint control only exists when decisions about the activities that most significantly affect the returns of the investee are unanimous. Joint arrangements can be classified as either a joint operation or a joint venture. The classification of joint arrangements requires judgment. In determining the classification of its joint arrangements, the company considers the contractual rights and obligations of each investor and whether the legal structure of the joint arrangement gives the entity direct rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities.

Where the company has rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities of a joint arrangement, such arrangement is classified as a joint operation and the company's proportionate share of the joint operation's assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are included in the consolidated financial statements, on a line-by-line basis.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  95


Where the company has rights to the net assets of an arrangement, the arrangement is classified as a joint venture and accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, the company's initial investment is recognized at cost and subsequently adjusted for the company's share of the joint venture's income or loss, less distributions received.

(c) Investments in Associates

Associates are entities for which the company has significant influence, but not control or joint control over the financial and operational decisions. Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and are initially recognized at cost and adjusted thereafter for the change in the company's share of the investee's profit or loss and Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) until the date that significant influence ceases.

(d) Foreign Currency Translation

Functional currencies of the company's individual entities are the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the appropriate functional currency at foreign exchange rates that approximate those on the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to the appropriate functional currency at foreign exchange rates as at the balance sheet date. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognized in net earnings. Non-monetary assets that are measured in a foreign currency at historical cost are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.

In preparing the company's consolidated financial statements, the financial statements of each entity are translated into Canadian dollars. The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into Canadian dollars at exchange rates as at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses of foreign operations are translated into Canadian dollars using foreign exchange rates that approximate those on the date of the underlying transaction. Foreign exchange differences are recognized in OCI.

If the company or any of its entities disposes of its entire interest in a foreign operation, or loses control, joint control, or significant influence over a foreign operation, the accumulated foreign currency translation gains or losses related to the foreign operation are recognized in net earnings.

(e) Revenues

Revenue from the sale of crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, purchased products, refined petroleum products and power represent the company's contractual arrangements with customers. Revenue is recorded when control passes to the customer, in accordance with specified contract terms. All operating revenue is earned at a point in time and is based on the consideration that the company expects to receive for the transfer of the goods to the customer. Revenues are usually collected in the month following delivery except retail gasoline, diesel and ancillary products which are due upon delivery and, accordingly, the company does not adjust consideration for the effects of a financing component.

Revenue from oil and natural gas production is recorded net of royalty expense.

International operations conducted pursuant to Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) are reflected in the consolidated financial statements based on the company's working interest. Each PSC establishes the exploration, development and operating costs the company is required to fund and establishes specific terms for the company to recover these costs and to share in the production profits. Cost recovery is generally limited to a specified percentage of production during each fiscal year (Cost Recovery Oil). Any Cost Recovery Oil remaining after costs have been recovered is referred to as Excess Petroleum and is shared between the company and the respective government. Assuming collection is reasonably assured, the company's share of Cost Recovery Oil and Excess Petroleum are reported as revenue when the sale of product to a third party occurs. Revenue also includes income taxes paid on the company's behalf by government joint partners.

(f) Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of cash in banks, term deposits, certificates of deposit and all other highly liquid investments at the time of purchase.

(g) Inventories

Inventories of crude oil and refined products, other than inventories held for trading purposes, are valued at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out method, and net realizable value. Cost of inventory consists of purchase costs, direct production costs, direct overhead and depreciation, depletion and amortization. Materials and supplies are valued at the lower of average cost and net realizable value.

96  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


Inventories held for trading purposes are carried at fair value and any changes in fair value are recognized in Other Income within the respective reporting segment to which the trading activity relates.

(h) Assets Held for Sale

Assets and the associated liabilities are classified as held for sale if their carrying amounts are expected to be recovered through a disposition rather than through continued use. The assets or disposal groups are measured at the lower of their carrying amount or estimated fair value less costs of disposal. Impairment losses on initial classification as well as subsequent gains or losses on remeasurement are recognized in Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Impairment. When the assets or disposal groups are sold, the gains or losses on the sale are recognized in Gain on Disposal of Assets. Assets classified as held for sale are not depreciated, depleted or amortized.

(i) Exploration and Evaluation Assets

The costs to acquire non-producing oil and gas properties or licences to explore, drill exploratory wells and the costs to evaluate the commercial potential of underlying resources, including related borrowing costs, are initially capitalized as Exploration and Evaluation assets. Certain exploration costs, including geological, geophysical and seismic expenditures and delineation on oil sands properties, are charged to Exploration expense as incurred.

Exploration and Evaluation assets are subject to technical, commercial and management review to confirm the continued intent to develop and extract the underlying resources. If an area or exploration well is no longer considered commercially viable, the related capitalized costs are charged to Exploration expense.

When management determines with reasonable certainty that an Exploration and Evaluation asset will be developed, as evidenced by the classification of proved or probable reserves and the appropriate internal and external approvals, the asset is transferred to Property, Plant and Equipment.

(j) Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment are initially recorded at cost.

The costs to acquire developed or producing oil and gas properties, and to develop oil and gas properties, including completing geological and geophysical surveys and drilling development wells, and the costs to construct and install development infrastructure, such as wellhead equipment, well platforms, well pairs, offshore platforms, subsea structures and an estimate of asset retirement costs, are capitalized as oil and gas properties within Property, Plant and Equipment.

The costs to construct, install and commission, or acquire, oil and gas production equipment, including oil sands upgraders, extraction plants, mine equipment, processing and power generation facilities, utility plants, and all renewable energy, refining, and marketing assets, are capitalized as plant and equipment within Property, Plant and Equipment.

Stripping activity required to access oil sands mining resources incurred in the initial development phase is capitalized as part of the construction cost of the mine. Stripping costs incurred in the production phase are charged to expense as they normally relate to production for the current period.

The costs of planned major inspection, overhaul and turnaround activities that maintain Property, Plant and Equipment and benefit future years of operations are capitalized. Recurring planned maintenance activities performed on shorter intervals are expensed as operating costs. Replacements outside of a major inspection, overhaul or turnaround are capitalized when it is probable that future economic benefits will be realized by the company and the associated carrying amount of the replaced component is derecognized.

Borrowing costs relating to assets that take over one year to construct are capitalized as part of the asset. Capitalization of borrowing costs ceases when the asset is in the location and condition necessary for its intended use, and is suspended when construction of an asset is ceased for extended periods.

(k) Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

Exploration and Evaluation assets are not subject to depreciation, depletion and amortization. Once transferred to oil and gas properties within Property, Plant and Equipment and commercial production commences, these costs are depleted on a unit-of-production basis over proved developed reserves, with the exception of costs associated with oil sands mines, which are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the life of the mine, and property acquisition costs, which are depleted over proved reserves.

Capital expenditures are not depreciated or depleted until assets are substantially complete and ready for their intended use.

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Costs to develop oil and gas properties other than certain oil sands mining assets, including costs of dedicated infrastructure, such as well pads and wellhead equipment, are depleted on a unit-of-production basis over proved developed reserves. A portion of these costs may not be depleted if they relate to undeveloped reserves. Costs related to offshore facilities are depleted over proved and probable reserves. Costs to develop and construct oil sands mines are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the life of the mine.

Major components of Property, Plant and Equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their expected useful lives.


Oil sands upgraders, extraction plants and mine facilities   20 to 40 years

Oil sands mine equipment   5 to 15 years

Oil sands in situ processing facilities   30 years

Power generation and utility plants   30 to 40 years

Refineries and other processing plants   20 to 40 years

Marketing and other distribution assets   10 to 40 years

The costs of major inspection, overhaul and turnaround activities that are capitalized are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the period to the next scheduled activity, which varies from two to five years.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization rates are reviewed annually or when events or conditions occur that impact capitalized costs, reserves or estimated service lives.

Right-of-use assets within Property, Plant and Equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the right-of-use asset or the lease term.

(l) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets represents goodwill, and is allocated to the cash generating units (CGUs) or groups of CGUs expected to benefit from the business combination.

Other intangible assets include acquired customer lists, brand value and certain software costs.

Goodwill and brand value have indefinite useful lives and are not subject to amortization. Customer lists are amortized over their expected useful lives, which range from five to ten years. Software costs are amortized over their expected useful lives which range from five to six years. Expected useful lives of other intangible assets are reviewed on an annual basis.

(m) Impairment of Assets

Non-Financial Assets

Property, Plant and Equipment and Exploration and Evaluation assets are reviewed quarterly to assess whether there is any indication of impairment. Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life are tested for impairment annually. Exploration and Evaluation assets are also tested for impairment immediately prior to being transferred to Property, Plant and Equipment.

If any indication of impairment exists, an estimate of the asset's recoverable amount is calculated as the higher of the fair value less costs of disposal and value-in-use. In determining fair value less costs of disposal, recent market transactions are considered, if available. In the absence of such transactions, an appropriate valuation model is used. Value-in-use is assessed using the present value of the expected future cash flows of the relevant asset. If the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets, the asset is tested as part of a CGU, which is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. An impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount of the individual asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount.

Impairments may be reversed for all CGUs and individual assets, other than goodwill, if there has been a change in the estimates and judgments used to determine the asset's recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognized. If such indication exists, the carrying amount of the CGU or asset is increased to its revised recoverable amount, which cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depletion, depreciation and amortization, had no impairment been recognized.

Impairments and impairment reversals are recognized within Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Impairment.

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Financial Assets

At each reporting date, the company assesses the expected credit losses associated with its financial assets measured at amortized cost. Expected credit losses are measured as the difference between the cash flows that are due to the company and the cash flows that the company expects to receive, discounted at the effective interest rate determined at initial recognition. For trade accounts receivables, the company applies the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, which requires lifetime expected credit losses to be recognized from initial recognition of the receivables. To measure expected credit losses, accounts receivables are grouped based on the number of days the receivables have been outstanding and the internal credit assessments of the customers. Credit risk for longer term receivables is assessed based on an external credit rating of the counterparty. For longer term receivables with credit risk that has not increased significantly since the date of recognition, the company measures the expected credit loss as the twelve-month expected credit loss. Expected credit losses are recognized in net earnings.

(n) Provisions

Provisions are recognized by the company when it has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of economic resources will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

Provisions are recognized for decommissioning and restoration obligations associated with the company's Exploration and Evaluation assets and Property, Plant and Equipment. Provisions for decommissioning and restoration obligations are measured at the present value of management's best estimate of the future cash flows required to settle the present obligation, using the credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate. The value of the obligation is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset and amortized over the useful life of the asset. The provision is accreted over time through Financing Expense with actual expenditures charged against the accumulated obligation. Changes in the future cash flow estimates resulting from revisions to the estimated timing or amount of undiscounted cash flows are recognized as a change in the decommissioning and restoration provision and related asset.

(o) Income Taxes

The company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes whereby deferred income taxes are recorded for the effect of differences between the accounting and income tax basis of an asset or liability. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted or substantively enacted income tax rates as at the balance sheet date that are anticipated to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are anticipated to be recovered or settled. Changes to these balances are recognized in net earnings or in Other Comprehensive Income in the period they occur. Investment tax credits are recorded as a reduction to the related expenditures.

The company recognizes the financial statement impact of a tax filing position when it is probable, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon audit. The company assesses possible outcomes and their associated probabilities. If the company determines payment is probable, it measures the tax provision at the best estimate of the amount of tax payable.

(p) Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits

The company sponsors defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution pension plans and other post-retirement benefits.

The cost of pension benefits earned by employees in the defined contribution pension plan is expensed as incurred. The cost of defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefits are actuarially determined using the projected unit credit method based on present pay levels and management's best estimates of demographic and financial assumptions. Pension benefits earned during the current year are recorded in Operating, Selling and General expense. Interest costs on the net unfunded obligation are recorded in Financing Expense. Any actuarial gains or losses are recognized immediately through Other Comprehensive Income and transferred directly to Retained Earnings.

The liability recognized on the balance sheet is the present value of the defined benefit obligations net of the fair value of plan assets.

(q) Share-Based Compensation Plans

Under the company's share-based compensation plans, share-based awards may be granted to executives, employees and non-employee directors. Compensation expense is recorded in Operating, Selling and General expense.

Share-based compensation awards that settle in cash or have the option to settle in cash or shares are accounted for as cash-settled plans. These are measured at fair value each reporting period using the Black-Scholes options pricing model. The

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expense is recognized over the vesting period, with a corresponding adjustment to the outstanding liability. When awards are surrendered for cash, the cash settlement paid reduces the outstanding liability. When awards are exercised for common shares, consideration paid by the holder and the previously recognized liability associated with the options are recorded to Share Capital.

Stock options that give the holder the right to purchase common shares are accounted for as equity-settled plans. The expense is based on the fair value of the options at the time of grant using the Black-Scholes options pricing model and is recognized over the vesting periods of the respective options. A corresponding increase is recorded to Contributed Surplus. Consideration paid to the company on exercise of options is credited to Share Capital and the associated amount in Contributed Surplus is reclassified to Share Capital.

(r) Financial Instruments

The company classifies its financial instruments into one of the following categories: fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL), fair value through other comprehensive income, or at amortized cost. This determination is made at initial recognition. All financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value on the balance sheet, net of any transaction costs except for financial instruments classified as FVTPL, where transaction costs are expensed as incurred. Subsequent measurement of financial instruments is based on their classification. The company classifies its derivative financial instruments and certain investments as FVTPL, cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable as financial assets at amortized cost, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities, debt, and other long-term liabilities as financial liabilities at amortized cost.

In circumstances where the company consolidates a subsidiary in which there are other owners with a non-controlling interest and the subsidiary has a non-discretionary obligation to distribute cash based on a predetermined formula to the non-controlling owners, the non-controlling interest is classified as a financial liability rather than equity in accordance with IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation. The non-controlling interest liability is classified as an amortized cost liability and is presented within Other Long-Term Liabilities. The balance is accreted based on current period interest expense recorded using the effective interest method and decreased based on distributions made to the non-controlling owners.

The company uses derivative financial instruments, such as physical and financial contracts, either to manage certain exposures to fluctuations in interest rates, commodity prices and foreign exchange rates, as part of its overall risk management program. Earnings impacts from derivatives used to manage a particular risk are reported as part of Other Income in the related reporting segment.

Certain physical commodity contracts, when used for trading purposes, are deemed to be derivative financial instruments for accounting purposes. Physical commodity contracts entered into for the purpose of receipt or delivery in accordance with the company's expected purchase, sale or usage requirements are not considered to be derivative financial instruments and are accounted for as executory contracts.

Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments or other host contracts are recorded as separate derivatives when their risks and characteristics are not closely related to those of the host contract.

(s) Hedging Activities

The company may apply hedge accounting to arrangements that qualify for designated hedge accounting treatment. Documentation is prepared at the inception of a hedge relationship in order to qualify for hedge accounting. Designated hedges are assessed at each reporting date to determine if the relationship between the derivative and the underlying hedged item accomplishes the company's risk management objectives for financial and non-financial risk exposures.

If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative and in the fair value of the underlying hedged item are recognized in net earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of the changes in fair value of the derivative are initially recorded in Other Comprehensive Income and are recognized in net earnings when the hedged item is realized. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in net earnings immediately. Changes in the fair value of a derivative designated in a fair value or cash flow hedge are recognized in the same line item as the underlying hedged item.

The company did not apply hedge accounting to any of its derivative instruments for the years ended December 31, 2020 or 2019.

(t) Share Capital

Common shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of common shares are recognized as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects. When the company repurchases its own common shares, share

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capital is reduced by the average carrying value of the shares repurchased. The excess of the purchase price over the average carrying value is recognized as a deduction from Retained Earnings. Shares are cancelled upon repurchase.

(u) Dividend Distributions

Dividends on common shares are recognized in the period in which the dividends are declared by the company's Board of Directors.

(v) Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net earnings for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for dilutive common shares related to the company's share-based compensation plans. The number of shares included is computed using the treasury stock method. As these awards can be exchanged for common shares of the company, they are considered potentially dilutive and are included in the calculation of the company's diluted net earnings per share if they have a dilutive impact in the period.

(w) Emissions Obligations

Emissions obligations are measured at the weighted average cost per unit of emissions expected to be incurred in the compliance period and are recorded in the period in which the emissions occur within Operating, Selling and General expense, or Purchases.

Purchases of emissions rights are recognized as Other Assets on the balance sheet and are measured at historical cost. Emissions rights received by way of grant are recorded at a nominal amount.

(x) Leases

At inception of a contract, the company assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease based on whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.

The company recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset is initially measured based on the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset on the site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received. The assets are depreciated to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the lease term. Judgment is applied to determine the lease term where a renewal option exists. Right-of-use assets are depreciated using the straight-line method as this most closely reflects the expected pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits. In addition, the right-of-use assets may be reduced by impairment losses or adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability.

The company has elected not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a lease term of twelve months or less. The lease payments are recognized as an expense when incurred over the lease term. As well, the company has accounted for each lease component and any non-lease components as a single lease component for crude oil storage tanks.

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the company's incremental borrowing rate. Lease payments include fixed payments, and variable payments that are based on an index or rate.

Cash payments for the principal portion of the lease liability are presented within the financing activities section and the interest portion of the lease liability is presented within the operating activities section of the statement of cash flows. Short-term lease payments and variable lease payments not included in the measurement of the lease liability are presented within the operating activities section of the statement of cash flows.

The lease liability is measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, if there is a change in the company's estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, or if the company changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option. When the lease liability is remeasured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset, or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero.

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The company has lease contracts which include storage tanks, pipelines, railway cars, vessels, buildings, land, and mobile equipment for the purpose of production, storage and transportation of crude oil and related products.

(y) Government Grants

Government grants are recognized when the company has reasonable assurance that it has complied with the relevant conditions of the grant and that it will be received. The company recognizes the grants that compensate the company for expenses incurred against the financial statement line item that it is intended to compensate, or to other income if the grant is recognized in a different period than the underlying transaction.


4. Significant Accounting Estimates and Judgments

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect reported assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, gains, losses, and disclosures of contingencies. These estimates and judgments are subject to change based on experience and new information.

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and, on March 10, 2020, declared it to be a pandemic. Actions taken around the world to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 include restrictions on travel, quarantines in certain areas, and forced closures for certain types of public places and businesses. These measures have caused significant disruption to business operations and a significant increase in economic uncertainty, with reduced demand for commodities leading to volatile prices and currency exchange rates, and a decline in long-term interest rates. Our operations and business are particularly sensitive to a reduction in the demand for, and prices of, commodities that are closely linked to Suncor's financial performance, including crude oil, refined petroleum products (such as jet fuel and gasoline), natural gas and electricity. The potential direct and indirect impacts of the economic downturn have been considered in management's estimates, and assumptions at period end have been reflected in our results with any significant changes described in the relevant financial statement note.

Market conditions had improved over the course of the third and early fourth quarters of 2020 as nations began re-opening their economies, but the recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases (including cases related to variants or mutations of the COVID-19 virus) in certain geographic areas, and the possibility that a resurgence may occur in other areas, has resulted in the re-imposition of certain restrictions noted above by local authorities. In addition, while vaccines are beginning to be distributed, there is uncertainty as to the timing, level of adoption, duration of efficacy and overall effectiveness of the vaccine against variants or mutations. As such, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present challenges to our operations and business environment. Management cannot reasonably estimate the length or severity of this pandemic but continues to monitor its impact on our operations.

The financial statement areas that require significant estimates and judgments are as follows:

Oil and Gas Reserves

The company's estimate of oil and gas reserves is considered in the measurement of depletion, depreciation, impairment, and decommissioning and restoration obligations. The estimation of reserves is an inherently complex process and involves the exercise of professional judgment. All reserves have been evaluated at December 31, 2020 by independent qualified reserves evaluators. Oil and gas reserves estimates are based on a range of geological, technical and economic factors, including projected future rates of production, projected future commodity prices, engineering data, and the timing and amount of future expenditures, all of which are subject to uncertainty. Estimates reflect market and regulatory conditions existing at December 31, 2020, which could differ significantly from other points in time throughout the year, or future periods. Changes in market and regulatory conditions and assumptions can materially impact the estimation of net reserves.

Oil and Gas Activities

The company is required to apply judgment when designating the nature of oil and gas activities as exploration, evaluation, development or production, and when determining whether the costs of these activities shall be expensed or capitalized.

Exploration and Evaluation Costs

Certain exploration and evaluation costs are initially capitalized with the intent to establish commercially viable reserves. The company is required to make judgments about future events and circumstances and applies estimates to assess the economic viability of extracting the underlying resources. The costs are subject to technical, commercial and management review to confirm the continued intent to develop the project. Level of drilling success or changes to project economics, resource

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quantities, expected production techniques, production costs and required capital expenditures are important judgments when making this determination. Management uses judgment to determine when these costs are reclassified to Property, Plant and Equipment based on several factors, including the existence of reserves, appropriate approvals from regulatory bodies, joint arrangement partners and the company's internal project approval process.

Determination of Cash Generating Units (CGUs)

A CGU is the lowest grouping of integrated assets that generate identifiable cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets. The allocation of assets into CGUs requires significant judgment and interpretations with respect to the integration between assets, the existence of active markets, similar exposure to market risks, shared infrastructure, and the way in which management monitors the operations.

Asset Impairment and Reversals

Management applies judgment in assessing the existence of impairment and impairment reversal indicators based on various internal and external factors.

The recoverable amount of CGUs and individual assets is determined based on the higher of fair value less costs of disposal or value-in-use calculations. The key estimates the company applies in determining the recoverable amount normally include estimated future commodity prices, discount rates, expected production volumes, future operating and development costs, income taxes, and refining margins. In determining the recoverable amount, management may also be required to make judgments regarding the likelihood of occurrence of a future event. Changes to these estimates and judgments will affect the recoverable amounts of CGUs and individual assets and may then require a material adjustment to their related carrying value. In addition, the evolving worldwide demand for energy and global advancement of alternative sources of energy that are not sourced from fossil fuels could result in a change in assumptions used in determining the recoverable amount and could affect the carrying value of the related assets. The timing in which global energy markets transition from carbon-based sources to alternative energy is highly uncertain.

Decommissioning and Restoration Costs

The company recognizes liabilities for the future decommissioning and restoration of Exploration and Evaluation assets and Property, Plant and Equipment based on estimated future decommissioning and restoration costs. Management applies judgment in assessing the existence and extent as well as the expected method of reclamation of the company's decommissioning and restoration obligations at the end of each reporting period. Management also uses judgment to determine whether the nature of the activities performed is related to decommissioning and restoration activities or normal operating activities.

Actual costs are uncertain and estimates may vary as a result of changes to relevant laws and regulations related to the use of certain technologies, the emergence of new technology, operating experience, prices and closure plans. The estimated timing of future decommissioning and restoration may change due to certain factors, including reserves life. Changes to estimates related to future expected costs, discount rates, inflation assumptions, and timing may have a material impact on the amounts presented.

Employee Future Benefits

The company provides benefits to employees, including pensions and other post-retirement benefits. The cost of defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefits received by employees is estimated based on actuarial valuation methods that require professional judgment. Estimates typically used in determining these amounts include, as applicable, rates of employee turnover, future claim costs, discount rates, future salary and benefit levels, the return on plan assets, mortality rates and future medical costs. Changes to these estimates may have a material impact on the amounts presented.

Other Provisions

The determination of other provisions, including, but not limited to, provisions for royalty disputes, onerous contracts, litigation and constructive obligations, is a complex process that involves judgment about the outcomes of future events, the interpretation of laws and regulations, and estimates on the timing and amount of expected future cash flows and discount rates.

Income Taxes

Management evaluates tax positions, annually or when circumstances require, which involves judgment and could be subject to differing interpretations of applicable tax legislation. The company recognizes a tax provision when a payment to tax

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authorities is considered probable. However, the results of audits and reassessments and changes in the interpretations of standards may result in changes to those positions and, potentially, a material increase or decrease in the company's assets, liabilities and net earnings.

Deferred Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets are recognized when it is considered probable that deductible temporary differences will be recovered in the foreseeable future. To the extent that future taxable income and the application of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction differ significantly from the company's estimate, the ability of the company to realize the deferred tax assets could be impacted.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognized when there are taxable temporary differences that will reverse and result in a future outflow of funds to a taxation authority. The company records a provision for the amount that is expected to be settled, which requires judgment as to the ultimate outcome. Deferred tax liabilities could be impacted by changes in the company's judgment of the likelihood of a future outflow and estimates of the expected settlement amount, timing of reversals, and the tax laws in the jurisdictions in which the company operates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of a financial instrument is determined, whenever possible, based on observable market data. If not available, the company uses third-party models and valuation methodologies that utilize observable market data that includes forward commodity prices, foreign exchange rates and interest rates to estimate the fair value of financial instruments, including derivatives. In addition to market information, the company incorporates transaction-specific details that market participants would utilize in a fair value measurement, including the impact of non-performance risk.

Functional Currency

The designation of the functional currency of the company and each of its subsidiaries is a management judgment based on the composition of revenue and costs in the locations in which it operates.


5. New IFRS Standards

(a) Adoption of New IFRS Standards

Definition of a Business

In October 2018, the IASB issued Definition of a Business (Amendments to IFRS 3). The amendments narrowed and clarified the definition of a business. The amendments include an election to use a concentration test. This is a simplified assessment that results in an asset acquisition if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If an election to use a concentration test is not made, or the test failed, then the assessment focuses on the existence of a substantive process. One important distinction is that "goodwill" can only be recognized as a result of acquiring a business, but not as a result of an asset acquisition. The company adopted the amendments prospectively on the effective date of January 1, 2020, and there was no impact to the company's consolidated financial statements as a result of the initial application.

(b) Recently Announced Accounting Pronouncements

The standards, amendments and interpretations that are issued, but not yet effective up to the date of authorization of the company's consolidated financial statements, and that may have an impact on the disclosures and financial position of the company are disclosed below. The company intends to adopt these standards, amendments and interpretations when they become effective.

Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current

In January 2020, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements to clarify that liabilities are classified as either current or non-current, depending on the existence of the substantive right at the end of the reporting period for an entity to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period. The amendments are effective January 1, 2023 with early adoption permitted. The amendments are required to be adopted retrospectively. The company does not anticipate any significant impact from these amendments on the consolidated financial statements as a result of the initial application.

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6. Segmented Information

The company's operating segments are reported based on the nature of their products and services and management responsibility. The following summary describes the operations in each of the segments:

Oil Sands includes the company's wholly owned operations in the Athabasca oil sands in Alberta to explore, develop and produce bitumen, synthetic crude oil and related products, through the recovery and upgrading of bitumen from mining and in situ operations. This segment also includes the company's joint interest in the Syncrude oil sands mining and upgrading operation, and the company's joint interest in the Fort Hills partnership as well as the marketing, supply, transportation and risk management of crude oil, natural gas, power and byproducts. The individual operating segments related to mining operations, in situ, Fort Hills and Syncrude have been aggregated into one reportable segment (Oil Sands) due to the similar nature of their business activities, including the production of bitumen, and the single geographic area and regulatory environment in which they operate.

Exploration and Production (E&P) includes offshore activity in East Coast Canada, with interests in the Hibernia, Terra Nova, White Rose and Hebron oilfields, the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas at Buzzard and Golden Eagle Area Development in the United Kingdom (U.K.), exploration and production of crude oil and gas at Oda, and the development of the Fenja fields in Norway, as well as the marketing and risk management of crude oil and natural gas.

Refining and Marketing includes the refining of crude oil products, and the distribution, marketing, transportation and risk management of refined and petrochemical products, and other purchased products through the retail and wholesale networks located in Canada and the United States (U.S.). The segment also includes trading of crude oil, natural gas and power.

The company also reports activities not directly attributable to an operating segment under Corporate and Eliminations. This includes renewable projects such as the wind power facilities of Chin Chute and Magrath in Alberta, SunBridge in Saskatchewan and Adelaide in Ontario, as well as other investments in waste-to-biofuels, chemicals, and carbon capture projects.

Intersegment sales of crude oil and natural gas are accounted for at market values and included, for segmented reporting, in revenues of the segment making the transfer and expenses of the segment receiving the transfer. Intersegment balances are eliminated on consolidation. Intersegment profit will not be recognized until the related product has been sold to third parties.

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For the years ended December 31   Oil Sands   Exploration
and
Production
  Refining and
Marketing
  Corporate and
Eliminations
  Total    
($ millions)   2020   2019   2020   2019   2020   2019   2020   2019   2020   2019    

Revenues and Other Income                                            

Gross revenues   7 792   13 948   1 899   3 675   15 180   22 216   29   27   24 900   39 866    

Intersegment revenues   2 825   4 399       92   88   (2 917 ) (4 487 )      

Less: Royalties   (95 ) (917 ) (143 ) (605 )         (238 ) (1 522 )  

Operating revenues, net of royalties   10 522   17 430   1 756   3 070   15 272   22 304   (2 888 ) (4 460 ) 24 662   38 344    

Other income (loss)   298   172   54   430   48   75   (10 ) (32 ) 390   645    

    10 820   17 602   1 810   3 500   15 320   22 379   (2 898 ) (4 492 ) 25 052   38 989    

Expenses                                            

Purchases of crude oil and products   844   1 407       11 243   15 296   (2 975 ) (4 141 ) 9 112   12 562    

Operating, selling and general   7 169   8 027   476   525   1 892   2 173   390   519   9 927   11 244    

Transportation   1 223   1 293   100   80   138   120   (43 ) (51 ) 1 418   1 442    

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment   6 430   8 170   2 147   1 505   867   823   82   74   9 526   10 572    

Exploration   57   127   129   129           186   256    

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets   (1 ) (14 )   (228 ) (24 ) (11 ) 9     (16 ) (253 )  

Financing expenses   336   318   47   73   37   55   576   187   996   633    

    16 058   19 328   2 899   2 084   14 153   18 456   (1 961 ) (3 412 ) 31 149   36 456    

(Loss) earnings before Income Taxes   (5 238 ) (1 726 ) (1 089 ) 1 416   1 167   3 923   (937 ) (1 080 ) (6 097 ) 2 533    

Income Tax (Recovery) Expense                                            

Current   (645 ) 266   64   626   325   972   (403 ) (312 ) (659 ) 1 552    

Deferred   (797 ) (1 565 ) (321 ) (215 ) (24 ) (49 ) 23   (89 ) (1 119 ) (1 918 )  

    (1 442 ) (1 299 ) (257 ) 411   301   923   (380 ) (401 ) (1 778 ) (366 )  

Net (Loss) Earnings   (3 796 ) (427 ) (832 ) 1 005   866   3 000   (557 ) (679 ) (4 319 ) 2 899    

Capital and Exploration Expenditures   2 736   3 522   489   1 070   515   818   186   148   3 926   5 558    

106  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


Disaggregation of Revenue from Contracts with Customers and Intersegment Revenue

The company derives revenue from the transfer of goods mainly at a point in time in the following major commodities, revenue streams and geographical regions:

For the years ended December 31  2020   2019    
($ millions) North America   International   Total   North America   International   Total    

Oil Sands(1)                          

  SCO and diesel 8 574     8 574   13 567     13 567    

  Bitumen 2 043     2 043   4 780     4 780    

  10 617     10 617   18 347     18 347    

Exploration and Production                          

  Crude oil and natural gas liquids 1 089   806   1 895   1 922   1 747   3 669    

  Natural gas   4   4     6   6    

  1 089   810   1 899   1 922   1 753   3 675    

Refining and Marketing                          

  Gasoline 6 585     6 585   9 941     9 941    

  Distillate 6 525     6 525   9 447     9 447    

  Other 2 162     2 162   2 916     2 916    

  15 272     15 272   22 304     22 304    

Corporate and Eliminations (2 888 )   (2 888 ) (4 460 )   (4 460 )  

Total Gross Revenue from Contracts with Customers 24 090   810   24 900   38 113   1 753   39 866    

(1)
Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with current period presentation.

Geographical Information

Operating Revenues, net of Royalties

($ millions)   2020   2019  

Canada   20 588   31 157  

United States   3 312   5 737  

Other foreign   762   1 450  

    24 662   38 344  

Non-Current Assets(1)

($ millions)   December 31
2020
  December 31
2019
 

Canada   71 040   75 190  

United States   1 856   1 957  

Other foreign   2 125   2 173  

    75 021   79 320  

(1)
Excludes deferred income tax assets.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  107



7. Other Income

Other income consists of the following:

($ millions)   2020   2019    

Energy trading activities            

  Gains recognized in earnings   126   185    

  Losses on inventory valuation   (25 ) (7 )  

Short-term commodity risk management   49   (30 )  

Investment and interest income   94   89    

Insurance proceeds(1)   96   431    

Other   50   (23 )  

    390   645    

(1)
2020 includes insurance proceeds for MacKay River within the Oil Sands segment and 2019 includes insurance proceeds for Syncrude and Libyan assets within the Oil Sands segment and Exploration and Production segment, respectively.


8. Operating, Selling and General Expense

Operating, Selling and General expense consists of the following:

($ millions)   2020   2019  

Contract services(1)   4 165   4 380  

Employee costs(1)   2 813   3 641  

Materials   951   869  

Energy   1 113   1 129  

Equipment rentals and leases   361   345  

Travel, marketing and other   524   880  

    9 927   11 244  

(1)
The company incurred $7.5 billion of contract services and employee costs for the year ended December 31, 2020 (2019 – $8.5 billion), of which $7.0 billion (2019 – $8.0 billion) was recorded in Operating, Selling and General expense and $0.5 billion was recorded as Property, Plant and Equipment (2019 – $0.5 billion). Employee costs include salaries, benefits and share-based compensation.


9. Financing Expenses

Financing expenses consist of the following:

($ millions)   2020   2019    

Interest on debt   884   825    

Interest on lease liabilities   166   172    

Capitalized interest at 4.8% (2019 – 5.3%)   (120 ) (122 )  

  Interest expense   930   875    

  Interest on partnership liability   52   55    

  Interest on pension and other post-retirement benefits   54   59    

  Accretion   278   270    

  Foreign exchange gain on U.S. dollar denominated debt   (312 ) (624 )  

  Operational foreign exchange and other   (6 ) (2 )  

    996   633    

108  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



10. Income Taxes

Income Tax (Recovery) Expense

($ millions)   2020   2019    

Current:            

  Current year   (650 ) 1 524    

  Adjustments to current income tax of prior years   (9 ) 28    

Deferred:            

  Origination and reversal of temporary differences   (973 ) (819 )  

  Adjustments in respect of deferred income tax of prior years   (52 ) 83    

  Changes in tax rates and legislation   (106 ) (1 124 )  

  Movement in unrecognized deferred income tax assets   12   (58 )  

Total income tax recovery   (1 778 ) (366 )  

Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate

The provision for income taxes reflects an effective tax rate that differs from the statutory tax rate. A reconciliation of the difference is as follows:

($ millions)   2020   2019  

(Loss) earnings before income tax   (6 097 ) 2 533  

Canadian statutory tax rate   24.96%   26.74%  

Statutory tax   (1 522 ) 677  

Add (deduct) the tax effect of:          

  Non-taxable component of capital gains   (45 ) (146)  

  Share-based compensation and other permanent items   7   25  

  Assessments and adjustments   (58 ) 112  

  Impact of income tax rates and legislative changes(1)   (173 ) (1 067)  

  Foreign tax rate differential   3   83  

  Movement in unrecognized deferred income tax assets   12   (58)  

  Other   (2 ) 8  

Total income tax recovery   (1 778 ) (366)  

Effective tax rate   29.2%   (14.4)%  

(1)
In the second quarter of 2019, the company recognized a deferred income tax recovery of $1.116 billion associated with the Government of Alberta's substantive enactment of legislation for the staged reduction of the corporate income tax rate from 12% to 8%. The deferred income tax recovery of $1.116 billion was comprised of $910 million recovery in the Oil Sands segment, $88 million recovery in the Refining and Marketing segment, $70 million recovery in the Exploration and Production segment, and $48 million recovery in the Corporate and Eliminations segment.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  109


Deferred Income Tax Balances

The significant components of the company's deferred income tax (assets) liabilities and deferred income tax expense (recovery) are comprised of the following:

    Deferred Income Tax (Recovery)
Expense
  Deferred Income Tax Liability
(Asset)
   
   
 
($ millions)   2020   2019   December 31
2020
  December 31
2019
   

Property, plant and equipment   (1 084 ) (2 348 ) 11 963   12 814    

Decommissioning and restoration provision   21   259   (2 304 ) (2 092 )  

Employee retirement benefit plans   34   32   (605 ) (576 )  

Tax loss carry-forwards   (20 ) 16   (176 ) (156 )  

Other   (70 ) 123   (120 ) (23 )  

Net deferred income tax recovery and liability   (1 119 ) (1 918 ) 8 758   9 967    

Change in Deferred Income Tax Balances

($ millions)   2020   2019    

Net deferred income tax liability, beginning of year   9 967   11 917    

Recognized in deferred income tax recovery   (1 119 ) (1 918 )  

Recognized in other comprehensive income   (62 ) (23 )  

Foreign exchange, acquisition and other   (28 ) (9 )  

Net deferred income tax liability, end of year   8 758   9 967    

Deferred Tax in Shareholders' Equity

($ millions)   2020   2019    

Deferred Tax in Other Comprehensive Income            

  Actuarial loss on employment retirement benefit plans   (62 ) (23 )  

Total income tax recovery reported in equity   (62 ) (23 )  

Deferred income tax assets are recognized for tax loss carry-forwards to the extent that the realization of the related tax benefit is probable based on estimated future earnings. Suncor has not recognized a $78 million (2019 – $87 million) deferred income tax asset on $640 million (2019 – $715 million) of capital losses related to unrealized foreign exchange on U.S. dollar denominated debt, which can only be utilized against future capital gains.

No deferred tax liability has been recognized at December 31, 2020, on unremitted net earnings of foreign subsidiaries, as the company is able to control the timing and amount of distributions and is not expected to incur any taxes associated with future distributions.

110  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



11. (Loss) Earnings per Common Share

($ millions)   2020   2019  

Net (loss) earnings   (4 319 ) 2 899  


(millions of common shares)

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares   1 526   1 559  

Dilutive securities:          

  Effect of share options     2  

Weighted average number of diluted common shares   1 526   1 561  


(dollars per common share)

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share   (2.83 ) 1.86  


12. Cash and Cash Equivalents

($ millions)   December 31
2020
  December 31
2019
 

Cash   1 523   1 232  

Cash equivalents   362   728  

    1 885   1 960  


13. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The (increase) decrease in non-cash working capital is comprised of:

($ millions)   2020   2019    

Accounts receivable   954   (1 099 )  

Inventories   121   (628 )  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   (1 472 ) 1 317    

Current portion of provisions   (11 ) (14 )  

Income taxes payable (net)   (1 350 ) 436    

    (1 758 ) 12    

Relating to:            

  Operating activities   (1 201 ) (397 )  

  Investing activities   (557 ) 409    

    (1 758 ) 12    

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  111


Reconciliation of movements of liabilities to cash flows arising from financing activities:

($ millions)   Short-Term
Debt
  Current
Portion of
Long-Term
Lease
Liabilities
  Long-Term
Lease
Liabilities
  Current
Portion of
Long-Term
Debt
  Long-Term
Debt
  Partnership
Liability
  Dividends
Payable
   

At December 31, 2018   3 231       229   13 890   477      

Changes from financing cash flows:                                

  Net repayment of commercial paper   (982 )              

  Gross proceeds from issuance of long-term debt           750        

  Debt issuance costs           (5 )      

  Repayment of long-term debt         (188 )        

  Realized foreign exchange losses         7          

  Dividends paid on common shares               (2 614 )  

  Payments of lease liabilities     (307 )            

  Distributions to non-controlling interest             (7 )    

Non-cash changes:                                

  Dividends declared on common shares               2 614    

  Unrealized foreign exchange gains   (94 )     (10 ) (520 )      

  Reclassification of debt to lease obligations       1 260   (38 ) (1 222 )      

  Reclassification of lease obligations     617   (617 )          

  Deferred financing costs           (9 )      

  Reassessment of partnership liability             (15 )    

  New leases       1 978            

At December 31, 2019   2 155   310   2 621     12 884   455      

Changes from financing cash flows:                                

  Net issuance of commercial paper   1 445                

  Gross proceeds from issuance of long-term debt           2 651        

  Debt issuance costs           (17 )      

  Dividends paid on common shares               (1 670 )  

112  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


  Lease liability payments     (335 )            

  Distributions to non-controlling interest             (10 )    

Non-cash changes:                                

  Dividends declared on common shares               1 670    

  Unrealized foreign exchange gains   (34 )     (20 ) (258 )      

  Reclassification of debt         1 433   (1 433 )      

  Reclassification of lease obligations     297   (297 )          

  Deferred financing costs           (15 )      

  Reassessment of partnership liability             (9 )    

  New leases       312            

At December 31, 2020   3 566   272   2 636   1 413   13 812   436      


14. Inventories

($ millions)   December 31
2020
  December 31
2019
 

Crude oil(1)   1 429   1 689  

Refined products   1 322   1 290  

Materials, supplies and merchandise   866   782  

    3 617   3 761  

(1)
Includes $154 million of inventories held for trading purposes (2019 – $210 million) which are measured at fair value based on Level 1 and Level 2 fair value inputs.

During 2020, purchased product inventories of $9.4 billion (2019 – $13.3 billion) were recorded as an expense.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  113



15. Property, Plant and Equipment

($ millions)   Oil and Gas
Properties
  Plant and
Equipment
  Total    

Cost                

At December 31, 2018   37 845   79 029   116 874    

  Adoption of IFRS 16     1 792   1 792    

  Additions   1 245   4 351   5 596    

  Changes in decommissioning and restoration   1 846   49   1 895    

  Disposals and derecognition   (116 ) (439 ) (555 )  

  Foreign exchange adjustments   (224 ) (214 ) (438 )  

At December 31, 2019   40 596   84 568   125 164    

  Additions   820   2 994   3 814    

  Transfers from exploration and evaluation   170     170    

  Changes in decommissioning and restoration   1 078   3   1 081    

  Disposals and derecognition   (9 ) (2 528 ) (2 537 )  

  Foreign exchange adjustments   54   (88 ) (34 )  

At December 31, 2020   42 709   84 949   127 658    

Accumulated provision                

At December 31, 2018   (19 783 ) (22 846 ) (42 629 )  

  Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment   (2 871 ) (7 764 ) (10 635 )  

  Disposals and derecognition   116   349   465    

  Foreign exchange adjustments   149   126   275    

At December 31, 2019   (22 389 ) (30 135 ) (52 524 )  

  Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment   (3 039 ) (6 166 ) (9 205 )  

  Disposals and derecognition     2 205   2 205    

  Foreign exchange adjustments   (45 ) 41   (4 )  

At December 31, 2020   (25 473 ) (34 055 ) (59 528 )  

Net property, plant and equipment                

  December 31, 2019   18 207   54 433   72 640    

  December 31, 2020   17 236   50 894   68 130    

 
                       December 31, 2020                      December 31, 2019  
   
 
($ millions)   Cost   Accumulated
Provision
  Net Book
Value
  Cost   Accumulated
Provision
  Net Book
Value
 

Oil Sands   86 999   (35 059 ) 51 940   85 246   (30 581 ) 54 665  

Exploration and Production   23 640   (17 424 ) 6 216   22 876   (15 298 ) 7 578  

Refining and Marketing   15 757   (6 547 ) 9 210   15 342   (5 768 ) 9 574  

Corporate and Eliminations   1 262   (498 ) 764   1 700   (877 ) 823  

    127 658   (59 528 ) 68 130   125 164   (52 524 ) 72 640  

At December 31, 2020, the balance of assets under construction and not subject to depreciation or depletion was $5.0 billion (December 31, 2019 – $5.6 billion).

114  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



16. Asset Impairments

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant decrease in global demand for crude oil and commodity prices. In response, the company announced plans to reduce capital and operating costs. As a result of these events, the company performed asset impairment tests on certain CGUs in its Oil Sands and Exploration and Production segments as at March 31, 2020 as the recoverable amounts of these CGUs were most sensitive to the combined reduction in crude oil prices and changes to their respective capital and operating plans. During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Fort Hills partners approved the phased restart of the second primary extraction train, which has restarted earlier than what was assumed in the first quarter impairment test. As such, the company performed an impairment reversal assessment as at December 31, 2020. As there is significant doubt on the future of the West White Rose (WWR) Project, the company also performed an impairment test for the White Rose CGU as at December 31, 2020. The impairment tests were performed using recoverable amounts based on the fair value less cost of disposal. An expected cash flow approach was used with the key assumptions discussed below (Level 3 fair value inputs):

Oil Sands

The company performed an impairment reversal assessment for the Fort Hills CGU using the following asset-specific assumptions at December 31, 2020:

Western Canadian Select (WCS) price forecast of US$32.00/bbl in 2021, US$41.15/bbl in 2022, US$47.50/bbl in 2023 and US$49.50/bbl in 2024, escalating at approximately 2% per year thereafter over the life of the project up to 2064, adjusted for asset-specific location and quality differentials;

the company's share of production averaging 74,000 bbls/d through 2022 while the Fort Hills Project operates on two primary extraction trains but at a reduced capacity, and then ranging from 97,000 to 105,000 bbls/d over the remaining life of the project;

cash operating costs averaging $25.50/bbl through 2022 while the Fort Hills Project operates on two primary extraction trains but at a reduced capacity, and then ranging from $19.00/bbl to $23.00/bbl thereafter as the project returns to full capacity over the remaining life of the project (expressed in real dollars). Cash operating costs reflect operating, selling and general expense adjusted for non-production costs, including share-based compensation, research costs, and excess power revenue;

foreign exchange rate of US$0.76 per one Canadian dollar in 2021, and US$0.80 per one Canadian dollar thereafter; and

risk-adjusted discount rate of 7.5% (after-tax).

Positive factors, including an increase to forecast production as a result of the restart of the second primary extraction train, improved the WCS price forecast in the next two years, and lower operating costs were offset by lower long-term prices and the negative impact from a strengthening Canadian dollar. The recoverable amount of the Fort Hills CGU was $5.7 billion as at December 31, 2020, which indicated that no impairment reversal was required.

The recoverable amount estimate is most sensitive to price and discount rate. A 5% average increase in price over the life of the project would have resulted in an impairment reversal amount of approximately $1.0 billion (after-tax) on the company's share of the Fort Hills assets. A 1% decrease in the discount rate would have resulted in an impairment reversal amount of approximately $0.9 billion (after-tax) on the company's share of the Fort Hills assets.

During the first quarter of 2020, the company recorded an impairment of $1.38 billion (net of taxes of $0.44 billion) on its share of the Fort Hills Project in the Oil Sands segment using the following asset-specific assumptions:

WCS price forecast of US$9.00/bbl for the remainder of 2020, US$13.60/bbl in 2021, US$32.00/bbl in 2022, US$51.55/bbl in 2023 and US$52.90/bbl in 2024, escalating at 2% per year thereafter over the life of the project up to 2061, adjusted for asset-specific location and quality differentials;

the company's share of production of 47,000 bbls/d while the Fort Hills Project operates on one primary extraction train for the remainder of 2020 through to 2021, and ramping up to two primary extraction trains during 2022, and then ranging from 96,000 to 106,000 bbls/d over the remaining life of the project;

cash operating costs averaging $32.00/bbl to $37.00/bbl while the Fort Hills Project operates on one primary extraction train for the remainder of 2020 through to 2021, and ranging from $22.00/bbl to $24.00/bbl thereafter, as the project returns to two primary extraction trains over the remaining life of the project (expressed in real dollars). Cash operating costs reflect operating, selling and general expense adjusted for non-production costs, including share-based compensation, research costs, and excess power revenue;

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  115


foreign exchange rate of US$0.76 per one Canadian dollar; and

risk-adjusted discount rate of 7.5% (after-tax).

The recoverable amount of the Fort Hills CGU was $6.4 billion as at March 31, 2020. The recoverable amount estimate is most sensitive to price and discount rate. A 5% average decrease in price over the life of the project would have resulted in an increase to the impairment charge of approximately $1.1 billion (after-tax) on the company's share of the Fort Hills assets. A 1% increase in the discount rate would have resulted in an increase to the impairment charge of approximately $1.1 billion (after-tax) on the company's share of the Fort Hills assets.

Exploration and Production

White Rose assets:

In the fourth quarter of 2020, the company reassessed the likelihood of completing the WWR Project. As a result of this reassessment, the company performed an impairment test of the White Rose CGU. While the base White Rose Project will continue to produce in 2021, the company has removed the reserves and forecast revenues for the WWR Project. This decision reduced planned production from the CGU and increased the expected closure costs relative to the assumptions used in the first quarter of 2020, with all other assumptions remaining relatively consistent. An after-tax impairment charge of $423 million (net of taxes of $136 million) was recognized and the White Rose CGU is fully impaired as at December 31, 2020.

During the first quarter of 2020, the company recorded an impairment of $137 million (net of taxes of $45 million) on its share of the White Rose assets in the Exploration and Production segment using the following asset-specific assumptions:

Brent price forecast of US$30.00/bbl for the remainder of 2020, US$35.00/bbl in 2021, US$50.00/bbl in 2022 and US$69.00/bbl in 2023, escalating at 2% per year thereafter over the life of the project to 2036 and adjusted for asset-specific location and quality differentials;

the company's share of production of approximately 9,800 bbls/d over the life of the project;

the company's share of future capital expenditures of $1.435 billion, including the WWR expansion; and

risk-adjusted discount rate of 9.0% (after-tax).

The recoverable amount of the White Rose CGU was $185 million as at March 31, 2020. The recoverable amount estimate was most sensitive to price and discount rate. A 5% average decrease in price over the life of the project would have resulted in an increase to the impairment charge of approximately $83 million (after-tax) on the company's share of the White Rose assets. A 1% increase in the discount rate would have resulted in an increase to the impairment charge of approximately $45 million (after-tax) on the company's share of the White Rose assets.

Terra Nova assets:

During the first quarter of 2020, the company recorded an impairment of $285 million (net of taxes of $93 million) on its share of the Terra Nova assets in the Exploration and Production segment using the following asset-specific assumptions:

Brent price forecast of US$30.00/bbl for the remainder of 2020, US$35.00/bbl in 2021, US$50.00/bbl in 2022 and US$69.00/bbl in 2023, escalating at 2% per year thereafter over the life of the project to 2031 and adjusted for asset-specific location and quality differentials;

the company's share of production of approximately 6,200 bbls/d over the life of the project, including the benefit of the asset life extension project; and

risk-adjusted discount rate of 9.0% (after-tax).

The recoverable amount of the Terra Nova CGU was $24 million as at March 31, 2020.

No indicators of impairment or reversals of impairment were identified as at December 31, 2020.

Asset Impairments in 2019

At December 31, 2019, the company performed an asset impairment test on its Fort Hills CGU in the Oil Sands segment due to a volatile crude oil price environment resulting in a decline in forecast long-term heavy crude oil prices. The company also performed an impairment test within the Exploration and Production segment as at December 31, 2019 due to an increase to forecast capital expenditures within the White Rose CGU. The impairment tests were performed using recoverable amounts

116  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



based on the fair value less cost of disposal. An expected cash flow approach was used with the key assumptions discussed below (Level 3 fair value inputs):

Oil Sands

As a result of the impairment test, the company recorded an impairment of $2.80 billion (net of taxes of $0.91 billion) on its share of the Fort Hills Project in the Oil Sands segment using the following asset-specific assumptions:

WCS price forecast of US$40.75/bbl in 2020, US$45.60/bbl in 2021, US$49.65/bbl in 2022, US$51.55/bbl in 2023 and US$52.90/bbl in 2024, escalating at 2% per year thereafter over the life of the project up to 2060, adjusted for asset-specific location and quality differentials;

the company's share of production ranging from 96,000 to 106,000 bbls/d over the life of the project;

cash operating costs averaging $22/bbl to $24/bbl over the life of the project (expressed in real dollars), reflects operating, selling and general expense adjusted for non-production costs including share-based compensation, research costs, and excess power revenue; and

risk-adjusted discount rate of 7.5% (after-tax).

The recoverable amount of the Fort Hills CGU was $7.7 billion as at December 31, 2019, which also included the cost of carbon compliance in accordance with the provincial and federal regulations which started at $30/tonne in 2020, reached $50/tonne by 2022 and escalated at the rate of inflation thereafter. The estimate of the recoverable amount was most sensitive to the WCS price forecast and discount rate. A 5% decrease in price would have resulted in an increase to the impairment charge of approximately $1.2 billion (after-tax) on the company's share of the Fort Hills assets. A 1% increase in the discount rate would have resulted in an increase to the impairment charge of approximately $900 million (after-tax) on the company's share of the Fort Hills assets.

Exploration and Production

As a result of the impairment test, the company recorded impairment of $393 million (net of taxes of $128 million) on its share of the White Rose assets in the Exploration and Production segment using the following asset-specific assumptions:

Brent price forecast of US$65/bbl in 2020, escalating at 2% per year thereafter over the life of the project up to 2036 and adjusted for asset-specific location and quality differentials;

the company's share of production of approximately 8,700 bbls/d over the life of the project;

the company's share of future capital expenditures of $1.4 billion, including the West White Rose expansion; and

risk-adjusted discount rate of 9.0% (after-tax).

The recoverable amount of the White Rose CGU was $360 million as at December 31, 2019, which also included the cost of carbon compliance in accordance with the provincial and federal regulations which started at $30/tonne in 2020, reached $50/tonne by 2022 and escalated at the rate of inflation thereafter. The estimate of the recoverable amount was most sensitive to the Brent price forecast and discount rate. A 5% decrease in price would have resulted in an increase to the impairment charge of approximately $85 million (after-tax) on the company's share of the White Rose assets. A 1% increase in the discount rate would have resulted in an increase to the impairment charge of approximately $35 million (after-tax) on the company's share of the White Rose assets.


17. Right-of-Use Assets and Leases

Right-of-use (ROU) assets within Property, Plant and Equipment:

($ millions)   December 31
2020
  December 31
2019
 

Property, plant and equipment, net – excluding ROU assets   65 306   69 745  

ROU assets   2 824   2 895  

    68 130   72 640  

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  117


The following table presents the ROU assets by asset class:

($ millions)   Plant and
Equipment
   

Cost        

At January 1, 2019   3 326    

Additions and adjustments   186    

Foreign exchange   (7 )  

At December 31, 2019   3 505    

Additions and adjustments   312    

Disposals   (25 )  

Foreign exchange   (6 )  

At December 31, 2020   3 786    

Accumulated provision        

At January 1, 2019   (267 )  

Depreciation   (343 )  

At December 31, 2019   (610 )  

Depreciation   (375 )  

Disposals   21    

Foreign exchange   2    

At December 31, 2020   (962 )  

Net ROU assets        

At December 31, 2019   2 895    

At December 31, 2020   2 824    

Other lease-related items recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income:

                       For the year ended
December 31
 
   
 
($ millions)   2020   2019  

Operating, selling and general          

  Short-term lease expense   181   236  

  Variable lease expense   39   45  

There were no leases with residual value guarantees. For the year ended December 31, 2020, total cash outflow for leases, excluding short-term lease expense and variable lease expense, was $501 million (2019 – $464 million).

118  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



18. Exploration and Evaluation Assets

($ millions)   December 31
2020
  December 31
2019
   

Beginning of year   2 428   2 319    

Acquisitions and additions   176   193    

Transfers to oil and gas assets   (170 )    

Dry hole expenses   (80 ) (66 )  

Disposals and derecognition   (70 ) (16 )  

Foreign exchange adjustments   2   (2 )  

End of year   2 286   2 428    


19. Other Assets

($ millions)   December 31
2020
  December 31
2019
 

Investments   323   289  

Prepaids and other   954   905  

    1 277   1 194  

Prepaids and other includes long-term accounts receivable related to deposits paid on Notices of Reassessments that have been received from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and are unlikely to be settled within one year.


20. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

($ millions)   Oil Sands
Goodwill
  Refining and
Marketing
Goodwill
  Other
Intangibles
  Total    

At December 31, 2018   2 752   140   169   3 061    

Amortization       (3 ) (3 )  

At December 31, 2019   2 752   140   166   3 058    

Additions       272   272    

Amortization       (2 ) (2 )  

At December 31, 2020   2 752   140   436   3 328    

The company performed a goodwill impairment test at December 31, 2020 on its Oil Sands segment. Recoverable amounts were based on fair value less costs of disposal calculated using the present value of the segment's expected future cash flows.

Cash flow forecasts are based on past experience, historical trends and third-party evaluations of the company's reserves and resources to determine production profiles and volumes, operating costs, maintenance and capital expenditures. These estimates are validated against the estimates approved through the company's annual reserves evaluation process and determine the duration of the underlying cash flows used in the discounted cash flow test. Projected cash flows reflect current market assessments of key assumptions, including long-term forecasts of commodity prices, inflation rates, foreign exchange rates and discount rates specific to the asset (Level 3 fair value inputs).

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  119


Future cash flow estimates are discounted using after-tax risk-adjusted discount rates. The discount rates are calculated based on the weighted average cost of capital of a group of relevant peers that is considered to represent the rate of return that would be required by a typical market participant for similar assets. The after-tax discount rate applied to cash flow projections was 7.5% (2019 – 7.5%). The company based its cash flow projections on a West Texas Intermediate price of US$45.00/bbl in 2021, US$56.00/bbl in 2022, US$60.20/bbl in 2023, US$63.45/bbl in 2024 and escalating at an average of 2% thereafter, adjusted for applicable quality and location differentials depending on the underlying CGU. The forecast cash flow period ranged from 18 years to 44 years based on the reserves life of the respective CGU. As a result of this analysis, management did not identify any impairment of goodwill within any of the CGUs comprising the Oil Sands operating segment.

The company also performed a goodwill impairment test of its Refining and Marketing CGUs. The recoverable amounts are based on fair value less costs of disposal calculated using the present value of the CGUs' expected future cash flows, based primarily on historical results adjusted for current economic conditions. As a result of this analysis, management did not identify any impairment of goodwill within any of the CGUs comprising the Refining and Marketing segment.


21. Debt and Credit Facilities

Debt and credit facilities are comprised of the following:

Short-Term Debt

($ millions)   December 31
2020
  December 31
2019
 

Commercial paper(1)   3 566   2 155  

(1)
The commercial paper is supported by a revolving credit facility with a syndicate of lenders. The company is authorized to issue commercial paper to a maximum of $5.0 billion having a term not to exceed 365 days. The weighted average interest rate as at December 31, 2020 was 0.39% (December 31, 2019 – 2.05%).

120  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


Long-Term Debt

($ millions)   December 31
2020
  December 31
2019
   

Fixed-term debt(2)(3)            

  3.10% Series 5 Medium Term Notes, due 2021   748   749    

  9.25% Debentures, due 2021 (US$300)   389   403    

  9.40% Notes, due 2021 (US$220)(4)(5)   281   292    

  4.50% Notes, due 2022 (US$182)(4)   224   225    

  2.80% Notes, due 2023 (US$450)   574      

  3.60% Notes, due 2024 (US$750)   953   968    

  3.10% Notes, due 2025 (US$550)   701      

  3.00% Series 5 Medium Term Notes, due 2026   699   698    

  7.875% Debentures, due 2026 (US$275)   364   372    

  8.20% Notes, due 2027 (US$59)(4)   79   82    

  7.00% Debentures, due 2028 (US$250)   323   329    

  3.10% Series 6 Medium Term Notes, due 2029   748   750    

  5.00% Series 7 Medium Term Notes, due 2030   1 247      

  7.15% Notes, due 2032 (US$500)   637   647    

  5.35% Notes, due 2033 (US$300)   356   361    

  5.95% Notes, due 2034 (US$500)   636   646    

  5.95% Notes, due 2035 (US$600)   736   747    

  5.39% Series 4 Medium Term Notes, due 2037   599   599    

  6.50% Notes, due 2038 (US$1 150)   1 464   1 487    

  6.80% Notes, due 2038 (US$900)   1 167   1 186    

  6.85% Notes, due 2039 (US$750)   953   969    

  6.00% Notes, due 2042 (US$152)(4)   149   150    

  4.34% Series 5 Medium Term Notes, due 2046   300   300    

  4.00% Notes, due 2047 (US$750)   952   967    

Total unsecured long-term debt   15 279   12 927    


Lease liabilities(6)

 

2 908

 

2 931

 

 

Deferred financing costs   (54 ) (43 )  

    18 133   15 815    


Current portion of long-term debt and lease liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Lease liabilities   (272 ) (310 )  

  Long-term debt   (1 413 )    

    (1 685 ) (310 )  

Total long-term lease liabilities   2 636   2 621    

Total long-term debt   13 812   12 884    

(2)
The value of debt includes the unamortized balance of premiums or discounts.

(3)
Certain securities are redeemable at the option of the company.

(4)
Debt acquired through the acquisition of Canadian Oil Sands Limited (COS).

(5)
Subsequent to the acquisition of COS, Moody's Investors Service downgraded COS long-term senior debt rating from Baa3 (negative outlook) to Ba3 (stable outlook). This triggered a change in the coupon rate of the note from 7.9% to 9.4%.

(6)
Interest rates range from 1.1% to 14.2% and maturity dates range from 2021 to 2062.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  121


In 2020, the company issued $1.25 billion of senior unsecured Series 7 Medium Term Notes maturing on April 9, 2030. The Series 7 Medium Term Notes have a coupon of 5.00% and were priced at $99.697 per $100 principal amount for an effective yield of 5.039%. Interest on the Series 7 Medium Term Notes is paid semi-annually.

In 2020, the company issued US$450 million of senior unsecured notes maturing on May 15, 2023. The notes have a coupon of 2.80% and were priced at US$99.903 per US$100 principal amount for an effective yield of 2.834%. The company also issued US$550 million of senior unsecured notes in 2020 maturing on May 15, 2025. The notes have a coupon of 3.10% and were priced at US$99.949 per US$100 principal amount for an effective yield of 3.111%. Interest on the 2.80% and 3.10% notes is paid semi-annually.

In 2019, the company re-paid its US$140 million (book value of $188 million) senior unsecured notes at maturity, with a coupon of 7.75%, for US$145 million ($195 million), including US$5 million ($7 million) of accrued interest.

In 2019, the company issued $750 million of senior unsecured Series 6 Medium Term Notes maturing on May 24, 2029. The Series 6 Medium Term Notes have a coupon of 3.10% and were priced at $99.761 per $100 principal amount for an effective yield of 3.128%. Interest is paid semi-annually.

Scheduled Debt Repayments

Scheduled principal repayments as at December 31, 2020 for lease liabilities, short-term debt and long-term debt are as follows:

($ millions)   Repayment  

2021   5 290  

2022   494  

2023   786  

2024   1 148  

2025   877  

Thereafter   13 184  

    21 779  

Credit Facilities

The company secured an additional $2.8 billion of credit facilities in 2020 with its key banking partners under new credit agreements. These agreements have the same terms and covenants as our existing credit facilities.

A summary of available and unutilized credit facilities is as follows:

($ millions)   2020    

Fully revolving and expires in 2023   3 500    

Fully revolving and expires in 2022   7 064    

Fully revolving and expires in 2021   380    

Can be terminated at any time at the option of the lenders   130    

Total credit facilities   11 074    

Credit facilities supporting outstanding commercial paper   (3 566 )  

Credit facilities supporting standby letters of credit   (1 158 )  

Total unutilized credit facilities(1)   6 350    

(1)
Available credit facilities for liquidity purposes at December 31, 2020 increased to $6.043 billion, compared to $4.701 billion at December 31, 2019.

122  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



22. Other Long-Term Liabilities

($ millions)   December 31
2020
  December 31
2019
 

Pensions and other post-retirement benefits (note 23)   2 004   1 577  

Share-based compensation plans (note 26)   143   289  

Partnership liability (note 27)(1)   436   446  

Deferred revenue   35   40  

Libya Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA) signature bonus(2)   74   79  

Other   148   68  

    2 840   2 499  

(1)
The company paid $62 million in 2020 (2019 – $62 million) in distributions to the partners, of which $52 million (2019 – $55 million) was allocated to interest expense and $10 million (2019 – $7 million) to the principal.

(2)
As part of the 2009 acquisition of Petro-Canada, the company assumed the remaining US$500 million obligation for a signature bonus relating to Petro-Canada's ratification of six EPSAs in Libya. At December 31, 2020, the carrying amount of the Libya EPSAs' signature bonus was $78 million (December 31, 2019 – $81 million). The current portion is $4 million (December 31, 2019 – $2 million) and is recorded in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities.


23. Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits

The company's defined benefit pension plans provide pension benefits at retirement based on years of service and final average earnings (if applicable). These obligations are met through funded registered retirement plans and through unregistered supplementary pensions that are funded through retirement compensation arrangements, and/or paid directly to recipients. The company's contributions to the funded plans are deposited with independent trustees who act as custodians of the plans' assets, as well as the disbursing agents of the benefits to recipients. Plan assets are managed by a pension committee on behalf of beneficiaries. The committee retains independent managers and advisors.

Asset-liability matching studies are performed by a third-party consultant to set the asset mix by quantifying the risk-and-return characteristics of possible asset mix strategies. Investment and contribution policies are integrated within this study, and areas of focus include asset mix as well as interest rate sensitivity.

Funding of the registered retirement plans complies with applicable regulations that require actuarial valuations of the pension funds at least once every three years in Canada and the U.K., and every year in the United States and Germany. The most recent valuations for the registered Canadian plans and U.K. plans were performed as at December 31, 2019. The company uses a measurement date of December 31 to value the plan assets and remeasure the accrued benefit obligation for accounting purposes.

The company's other post-retirement benefits programs are unfunded and include certain health care and life insurance benefits provided to retired employees and eligible surviving dependants.

The company reports its share of Syncrude's defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans and Syncrude's other post-retirement benefits plan.

The company also provides a number of defined contribution plans, including a U.S. 401(k) savings plan, that provide for an annual contribution of 5% to 11.5% of each participating employee's pensionable earnings.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  123



Defined Benefit Obligations and Funded Status

                       Pension Benefits
                     Other
                  Post-Retirement
                  Benefits
   
($ millions)   2020   2019   2020   2019    

Change in benefit obligation                    

  Benefit obligation at beginning of year   7 708   6 730   631   557    

  Current service costs   272   220   15   13    

  Plan participants' contributions   17   16        

  Benefits paid   (316 ) (293 ) (24 ) (24 )  

  Interest costs   238   255   19   22    

  Foreign exchange   1   (13 )   (1 )  

  Settlements   5   5        

  Actuarial remeasurement:                    

    Experience gain arising on plan liabilities   (26 ) (11 ) (6 ) (2 )  

    Actuarial loss arising from changes in demographic assumptions   50     12      

    Actuarial loss arising from changes in financial assumptions   733   799   43   66    

Benefit obligation at end of year   8 682   7 708   690   631    


Change in plan assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year   6 693   5 795        

  Employer contributions   132   157        

  Plan participants' contributions   17   16        

  Benefits paid   (290 ) (269 )      

  Foreign exchange   (1 ) (8 )      

  Settlements   5   5        

  Administrative costs   (2 ) (2 )      

  Income on plan assets   203   218        

  Actuarial remeasurement:                    

    Return on plan assets greater than discount rate   548   781        

Fair value of plan assets at end of year   7 305   6 693        

Net unfunded obligation   1 377   1 015   690   631    

Of the total net unfunded obligations as at December 31, 2020, 96% relates to Canadian pension plans and other post-retirement benefits obligation (December 31, 2019 – 97%). The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation under the Canadian pension plans and other post-retirement plans is 15.8 years (2019 – 14.6 years).

124  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


The net unfunded obligation is recorded in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities and Other Long-Term Liabilities (note 22) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

                       Pension Benefits                      Other
                  Post-Retirement
                  Benefits
 
($ millions)   2020   2019   2020   2019  

Analysis of amount charged to earnings:                  

  Current service costs   272   220   15   13  

  Interest costs   35   37   19   22  

Defined benefit plans expense   307   257   34   35  

Defined contribution plans expense   83   82      

Total benefit plans expense charged to earnings   390   339   34   35  

Components of defined benefit costs recognized in Other Comprehensive Income:

                       Pension Benefits                      Other
                  Post-Retirement
                  Benefits
   
($ millions)   2020   2019   2020   2019    

Return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest expense)   (548 ) (781 )      

Experience gain arising on plan liabilities   (26 ) (11 ) (6 ) (2 )  

Actuarial loss arising from changes in financial assumptions   733   799   43   66    

Actuarial loss arising from changes in demographic assumptions   50     12      

Actuarial loss recognized in other comprehensive income   209   7   49   64    

Actuarial Assumptions

The cost of the defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefits received by employees is actuarially determined using the projected unit credit method of valuation that includes employee service to date and present pay levels, as well as the projection of salaries and service to retirement.

The significant weighted average actuarial assumptions were as follows:

                       Pension Benefits
                     Other
                  Post-Retirement
                  Benefits
 
(%)   December 31
2020
  December 31
2019
  December 31
2020
  December 31
2019
 

Discount rate   2.50   3.10   2.50   3.10  

Rate of compensation increase(1)   3.00   3.00   3.00   3.00  

(1)
Rate of compensation increase is 2.5% from 2021 to 2023 and 3.0% thereafter.

The discount rate assumption is based on the interest rate on high-quality bonds with maturity terms equivalent to the benefit obligations.

The defined benefit obligation reflects the best estimate of the mortality of plan participants both during and after their employment. The mortality assumption is based on a standard mortality table adjusted for actual experience over the past five years.

In order to measure the expected cost of other post-retirement benefits, it was assumed that the health care costs would increase annually by 5%.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  125


Assumed discount rates and health care cost trend rates may have a significant effect on the amounts reported for pensions and other post-retirement benefits obligations for the company's Canadian plans. A change of these assumptions would have the following effects:

                       Pension Benefits
 
($ millions)   Increase   Decrease  

1% change in discount rate          

  Effect on the aggregate service and interest costs   (24 ) 33  

  Effect on the benefit obligations   (1 175 ) 1 533  

 
                       Other
                  Post-Retirement
                  Benefits
   
($ millions)   Increase   Decrease    

1% change in discount rate            

  Effect on the benefit obligations   (86 ) 108    

1% change in health care cost            

  Effect on the aggregate service and interest costs   1   (1 )  

  Effect on the benefit obligations   38   (32 )  

Plan Assets and Investment Objectives

The company's long-term investment objective is to secure the defined pension benefits while managing the variability and level of its contributions. The portfolio is rebalanced periodically, as required, to the plans' target asset allocation as prescribed in the Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures approved by the Board of Directors. Plan assets are restricted to those permitted by legislation, where applicable. Investments are made through pooled, mutual, segregated or exchange traded funds.

The company's weighted average pension plan asset allocations, based on market values as at December 31, are as follows:

(%)   2020   2019  

Equities, comprised of:          

  – Canada   11   12  

  – United States   19   19  

  – Foreign   20   19  

    50   50  

Fixed income, comprised of:          

  – Canada   38   41  

Real estate, comprised of:          

  – Canada   12   9  

Total   100   100  

Equity securities do not include any direct investments in Suncor shares. The fair value of equity and fixed income securities is based on the trading price of the underlying fund. The fair value of real estate investments is based on independent third-party appraisals.

During the year, the company made cash contributions of $132 million (2019 – $157 million) to its defined benefit pension plans, of which $1 million (2019 – $2 million) was contributed to the solvency reserve account in Alberta. The company expects to make cash contributions to its defined benefit pension plans in 2021 of $62 million.

126  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



24. Provisions

($ millions)   Decommissioning
and Restoration(1)
  Royalties   Other(2)   Total    

At December 31, 2018   7 239   98   314   7 651    

Adoption of IFRS 16 impact       (21 ) (21 )  

At January 1, 2019, adjusted   7 239   98   293   7 630    

Liabilities incurred   346   60   (4 ) 402    

Change in discount rate   1 344       1 344    

Changes in estimates   193   (25 ) 1   169    

Liabilities settled   (464 )   (14 ) (478 )  

Accretion   270       270    

Asset disposals   (1 )     (1 )  

Foreign exchange   (29 )     (29 )  

At December 31, 2019   8 898   133   276   9 307    

Less: current portion   (475 ) (133 ) (23 ) (631 )  

    8 423     253   8 676    

At December 31, 2019   8 898   133   276   9 307    

Liabilities incurred   967   16   190   1 173    

Change in discount rate   402       402    

Changes in estimates   (268 ) (71 ) 5   (334 )  

Liabilities settled   (231 ) (7 ) (4 ) (242 )  

Accretion   278       278    

Foreign exchange   (2 )     (2 )  

At December 31, 2020   10 044   71   467   10 582    

Less: current portion   (250 ) (71 ) (206 ) (527 )  

    9 794     261   10 055    

(1)
Represents decommissioning and restoration provisions associated with the retirement of Property, Plant and Equipment and Exploration and Evaluation assets. The total undiscounted amount of estimated future cash flows required to settle the obligations at December 31, 2020 was approximately $14.1 billion (December 31, 2019 – $12.9 billion). A weighted average credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate of 3.10% was used to discount the provision recognized at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 – 3.30%). The credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate used reflects the expected time frame of the provisions. Payments to settle the decommissioning and restoration provisions occur on an ongoing basis and will continue over the lives of the operating assets, which can exceed 50 years.

(2)
Includes legal and environmental provisions. It also includes a provision, with the offset being recorded to transportation expense, for $186 million (after-tax $142 million) related to the Keystone XL pipeline project.

Sensitivities

Changes to the discount rate would have the following impact on Decommissioning and Restoration liabilities:

As at December 31   2020   2019    

1% Increase   (1 919 ) (1 629 )  

1% Decrease   2 806   2 365    

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  127



25. Share Capital

Authorized

Common Shares

The company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares without nominal or par value.

Preferred Shares

The company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of senior and junior preferred shares in series, without nominal or par value.

Normal Course Issuer Bid

On May 1, 2019, the company announced its intention to renew its existing normal course issuer bid program (the 2019 NCIB) to continue to repurchase shares under its share buyback program through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and/or alternative trading platforms. Pursuant to the 2019 NCIB, the company was permitted to purchase for cancellation up to 50,252,231 of its common shares between May 6, 2019 and May 5, 2020. On December 23, 2019, the company announced an amendment to the 2019 NCIB, effective as of December 30, 2019, which allowed the company to increase the maximum number of common shares that could have been repurchased between May 6, 2019 and May 5, 2020 to 78,549,178. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a significant decline in the price of commodities, the company did not renew its 2019 NCIB during 2020.

Subsequent to December 31, 2020, the TSX accepted a notice filed by the company to commence a normal course issuer bid to repurchase shares through the facilities of the TSX, NYSE and/or alternative trading platforms. The notice provides that, beginning February 8, 2021 and ending February 7, 2022, the company may repurchase for cancellation up to 44,000,000 common shares, which is equal to approximately 2.9% of the company's issued and outstanding common shares. As at January 31, 2021, the company had 1,525,150,794 common shares issued and outstanding.

The following table summarizes the share repurchase activities during the period:

($ millions, except as noted)   2020   2019  

Share repurchase activities (thousands of common shares)          

  Shares repurchased   7 527   55 298  

Amounts charged to          

  Share capital   124   905  

  Retained earnings   183   1 369  

Share repurchase cost   307   2 274  

Average repurchase cost per share   40.83   41.12  

Under an automatic repurchase plan agreement with an independent broker, the company has recorded the following liability for share repurchases that may take place during its internal blackout period:

($ millions)   December 31
2020
  December 31
2019
 

Amounts charged to          

  Share capital     65  

  Retained earnings     103  

Liability for share purchase commitment     168  

128  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



26. Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation Expense

Reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income within Operating, Selling and General expense are the following share-based compensation amounts:

($ millions)   2020   2019  

Equity-settled plans   32   50  

Cash-settled plans   (28 ) 274  

Total share-based compensation expense   4   324  

Liability Recognized for Share-Based Compensation

Reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets within accounts payable and accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities are the following fair value amounts for the company's cash-settled plans:

($ millions)   December 31
2020
  December 31
2019
 

Current liability   117   242  

Long-term liability (note 22)   143   289  

Total Liability   260   531  

The intrinsic value of the vested awards at December 31, 2020 was $149 million (December 31, 2019 – $300 million).

Stock Option Plans

Suncor grants stock option awards as a form of retention and incentive compensation.

Stock options granted by the company provide the holder with the right to purchase common shares at the market price on the grant date, subject to fulfilling vesting terms. Options granted have a seven-year life, vest annually over a three-year period and are accounted for as equity-settled awards.

The weighted average fair value of options granted during the period and the weighted average assumptions used in their determination are as noted below:

    2020   2019  

Annual dividend per share (dollars)   1.10   1.68  

Risk-free interest rate   1.35%   1.78%  

Expected life   5 years   5 years  

Expected volatility   24%   26%  

Weighted average fair value per option (dollars)   4.51   6.61  

The expected life is based on historical stock option exercise data and current expectations. The expected volatility considers the historical volatility in the price of Suncor's common shares over a period similar to the life of the options, and is indicative of future trends.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  129


The following table presents a summary of the activity related to Suncor's stock option plans:

                       2020                      2019  
   
 
    Number
(thousands)
  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
($)
  Number
(thousands)
  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
($)
 

Outstanding, beginning of year   33 882   39.70   28 935   38.25  

Granted   6 341   38.95   7 756   42.96  

Exercised as options for common shares   (804 ) 35.73   (2 688 ) 33.37  

Forfeited/expired   (1 046 ) 39.91   (121 ) 42.57  

Outstanding, end of year   38 373   39.65   33 882   39.70  

Exercisable, end of year   26 943   39.10   21 535   37.86  

For the options outstanding at December 31, 2020, the exercise price ranges and weighted average remaining contractual lives are shown below:

                       Outstanding
                     Exercisable
 
   
 
Exercise Prices ($)   Number
(thousands)
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(years)
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price ($)
  Number
(thousands)
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price ($)
 

23.28-24.99   51   6   23.28      

30.00-34.99   5 130   2   30.23   5 130   30.23  

35.00-39.99   12 484   3   38.40   6 663   37.82  

40.00-44.99   20 527   4   42.71   15 030   42.60  

45.00-49.99   53   5   48.06   35   48.07  

50.00-54.27   128   5   52.39   85   52.39  

Total   38 373   4   39.65   26 943   39.10  

Common shares authorized for issuance by the Board of Directors that remain available for the granting of future options:

(thousands)   2020   2019  

    8 999   14 295  

Share Unit Plans

Suncor grants share units as a form of retention and incentive compensation. Share unit plans are accounted for as cash-settled awards.

(a) Performance Share Units (PSUs)

A PSU is a time-vested award entitling employees to receive varying degrees of cash (0% – 200% of the company's share price at time of vesting) contingent upon Suncor's total shareholder return (stock price appreciation and dividend income) relative to a peer group of companies. Cash payments for awards granted in 2020 and onwards are contingent upon Suncor's total shareholder return and annual return on capital employed performance. PSUs vest approximately three years after the grant date.

(b) Restricted Share Units (RSUs)

A RSU is a time-vested award entitling employees to receive cash calculated based on an average of the company's share price leading up to vesting. RSUs vest approximately three years after the grant date.

130  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



(c) Deferred Share Units (DSUs)

A DSU is redeemable for cash or a common share for a period of time after a unitholder ceases employment or Board membership. The DSU Plan is limited to executives and members of the Board of Directors. Members of the Board of Directors receive an annual grant of DSUs as part of their compensation and may elect to receive their fees in cash only or in increments of 50% or 100% allocated to DSUs. Executives may elect to receive their annual incentive bonus in cash only or in increments of 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% allocated to DSUs.

The following table presents a summary of the activity related to Suncor's share unit plans:

(thousands)   PSU   RSU   DSU    

Outstanding, December 31, 2018   2 197   14 592   1 305    

  Granted   1 212   4 861   200    

  Redeemed for cash   (1 210 ) (5 577 ) (217 )  

  Forfeited/expired   (6 ) (274 ) (1 )  

Outstanding, December 31, 2019   2 193   13 602   1 287    

  Granted   1 232   6 567   289    

  Redeemed for cash   (1 086 ) (4 707 ) (191 )  

  Forfeited/expired   (54 ) (367 )    

Outstanding, December 31, 2020   2 285   15 095   1 385    

Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)

A SAR entitles the holder to receive a cash payment equal to the difference between the stated exercise price and the market price of the company's common shares on the date the SAR is exercised, and is accounted for as a cash-settled award.

SARs have a seven-year life and vest annually over a three-year period.

The following table presents a summary of the activity related to Suncor's SARs plan:

                       2020
                     2019
 
   
 
    Number
(thousands)
  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
($)
  Number
(thousands)
  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
($)
 

Outstanding, beginning of year   385   39.83   363   38.60  

Granted   132   37.41   112   42.95  

Exercised   (7 ) 36.38   (44 ) 34.53  

Forfeited/expired   (1 ) 39.08   (46 ) 42.85  

Outstanding, end of year   509   39.25   385   39.83  

Exercisable, end of year   307   39.09   223   37.62  

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  131



27. Financial Instruments and Risk Management

The company's financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, derivative contracts, substantially all accounts payable and accrued liabilities, debt, and certain portions of other assets and other long-term liabilities.

Non-Derivative Financial Instruments

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term debt, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their carrying values due to the short-term maturities of those instruments.

The company's long-term debt and long-term financial liabilities are recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest method. At December 31, 2020, the carrying value of fixed-term debt accounted for under amortized cost was $15.2 billion (December 31, 2019 – $12.9 billion) and the fair value at December 31, 2020 was $18.8 billion (December 31, 2019 – $16.1 billion). The increase in carrying value and fair value of debt is mainly due to issuance of new debt during the year. The estimated fair value of long-term debt is based on pricing sourced from market data, which is considered a Level 2 fair value input.

Suncor entered into a partnership with Fort McKay First Nation (FMFN) and Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) in 2018 where FMFN and MCFN acquired a combined 49% partnership interest in the East Tank Farm Development. The partnership liability is recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest method. At December 31, 2020, the carrying value of the Partnership liability accounted for under amortized cost was $445 million (December 31, 2019 – $455 million).

Derivative Financial Instruments

(a) Non-Designated Derivative Financial Instruments

The company uses derivative financial instruments, such as physical and financial contracts, to manage certain exposures to fluctuations in interest rates, commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates, as part of its overall risk management program, as well as for trading purposes.

The changes in the fair value of non-designated derivatives are as follows:

($ millions)   2020   2019    

Fair value outstanding, beginning of year   (39 ) 60    

  Cash Settlements – received during the year   (257 ) (254 )  

  Changes in fair value recognized in earnings during the year (note 7)   175   155    

Fair value outstanding, end of year   (121 ) (39 )  

(b) Fair Value Hierarchy

To estimate the fair value of derivatives, the company uses quoted market prices when available, or third-party models and valuation methodologies that utilize observable market data. In addition to market information, the company incorporates transaction-specific details that market participants would utilize in a fair value measurement, including the impact of non-performance risk. However, these fair value estimates may not necessarily be indicative of the amounts that could be realized or settled in a current market transaction. The company characterizes inputs used in determining fair value using a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs depending on the degree to which they are observable. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 consists of instruments with a fair value determined by an unadjusted quoted price in an active market for identical assets or liabilities. An active market is characterized by readily and regularly available quoted prices where the prices are representative of actual and regularly occurring market transactions to assure liquidity.

Level 2 consists of instruments with a fair value that is determined by quoted prices in an inactive market, prices with observable inputs, or prices with insignificant non-observable inputs. The fair value of these positions is determined using observable inputs from exchanges, pricing services, third-party independent broker quotes, and published transportation tolls. The observable inputs may be adjusted using certain methods, which include extrapolation over the quoted price term and quotes for comparable assets and liabilities.

Level 3 consists of instruments with a fair value that is determined by prices with significant unobservable inputs. As at December 31, 2020, the company does not have any derivative instruments measured at fair value Level 3.

132  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


In forming estimates, the company utilizes the most observable inputs available for valuation purposes. If a fair value measurement reflects inputs of different levels within the hierarchy, the measurement is categorized based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The following table presents the company's derivative financial instrument assets and liabilities measured at fair value for each hierarchy level as at December 31, 2020 and 2019.

($ millions)   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total Fair
Value
   

  Accounts receivable   33   61     94    

  Accounts payable   (66 ) (67 )   (133 )  

Balance at December 31, 2019   (33 ) (6 )   (39 )  

  Accounts receivable   63   90     153    

  Accounts payable   (202 ) (72 )   (274 )  

Balance at December 31, 2020   (139 ) 18     (121 )  

During the year ended December 31, 2020, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements.

Offsetting Financial Assets and Liabilities

The company enters into arrangements that allow for offsetting of derivative financial instruments and accounts receivable (payable), which are presented on a net basis on the balance sheet, as shown in the table below as at December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Financial Assets

($ millions)   Gross
Assets
  Gross
Liabilities
Offset
  Net
Amounts
Presented
 

Fair value of derivative assets   1 737   (1 643 ) 94  

Accounts receivable   2 860   (1 289 ) 1 571  

Balance at December 31, 2019   4 597   (2 932 ) 1 665  

Fair value of derivative assets   2 890   (2 737 ) 153  

Accounts receivable   2 999   (1 398 ) 1 601  

Balance at December 31, 2020   5 889   (4 135 ) 1 754  

Financial Liabilities

($ millions)   Gross
Liabilities
  Gross
Assets
Offset
  Net
Amounts
Presented
   

Fair value of derivative liabilities   (1 776 ) 1 643   (133 )  

Accounts payable   (2 532 ) 1 289   (1 243 )  

Balance at December 31, 2019   (4 308 ) 2 932   (1 376 )  

Fair value of derivative liabilities   (3 011 ) 2 737   (274 )  

Accounts payable   (2 385 ) 1 398   (987 )  

Balance at December 31, 2020   (5 396 ) 4 135   (1 261 )  

Risk Management

The company is exposed to a number of different risks arising from financial instruments. These risk factors include market risks, comprising commodity price risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, as well as liquidity risk and credit risk.

The company maintains a formal governance process to manage its financial risks. The company's Commodity Risk Management Committee (CRMC) is charged with the oversight of the company's trading and credit risk management activities. These activities are intended to manage risk associated with open price exposure of specific volumes in transit or storage, enhance the company's operations, and enhance profitability through informed market calls, market diversification,

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  133



economies of scale, improved transportation access, and leverage of assets, both physical and contractual. The CRMC, acting under the authority of the company's Board of Directors, meets regularly to monitor limits on risk exposures, review policy compliance and validate risk-related methodologies and procedures.

1) Market Risk

Market risk is the risk or uncertainty arising from market price movements and their impact on the future performance of the business. The market price movements that could adversely affect the value of the company's financial assets, liabilities and expected future cash flows include commodity price risk, foreign currency exchange risk and interest rate risk.

(a) Commodity Price Risk

Suncor's financial performance is closely linked to crude oil and refined product prices (including pricing differentials for various product types) and, to a lesser extent, natural gas and electricity prices. The company may reduce its exposure to commodity price risk through a number of strategies. These strategies include entering into derivative contracts to limit exposure to changes in crude oil and refined product prices during transportation.

An increase of US$10/bbl of crude oil as at December 31, 2020 would increase pre-tax earnings for the company's outstanding derivative financial instruments by approximately $95 million (2019 – $46 million decrease).

(b) Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

The company is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk on revenues, capital expenditures, or financial instruments that are denominated in a currency other than the company's functional currency (Canadian dollars). As crude oil is priced in U.S. dollars, fluctuations in US$/Cdn$ exchange rates may have a significant impact on revenues. This exposure is partially offset through the issuance of U.S. dollar denominated debt. A 1% strengthening in the Cdn$ relative to the US$ as at December 31, 2020 would increase pre-tax earnings related to the company's U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt, commercial paper and working capital by approximately $182 million (2019 – $146 million).

(c) Interest Rate Risk

The company is exposed to interest rate risk as changes in interest rates may affect future cash flows and the fair values of its financial instruments. The primary exposure is related to its revolving-term debt of commercial paper and future debt issuances.

To manage the company's exposure to interest rate volatility, the company may periodically enter into interest rate swap contracts to fix the interest rate of future debt issuances. As at December 31, 2020, the company had no outstanding forward starting swaps. The weighted average interest rate on total debt, including lease liabilities, for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 5.3% (2019 – 5.6%).

The company's net earnings are sensitive to changes in interest rates on the floating rate portion of the company's debt, which are offset by cash balances. To the extent interest expense is not capitalized, if interest rates applicable to floating rate instruments increased by 1%, it is estimated that the company's pre-tax earnings would decrease by approximately $17 million (2019 – approximately $2 million). This assumes that the amount and mix of fixed and floating rate debt remains unchanged from December 31, 2020. The proportion of floating interest rate exposure at December 31, 2020 was 16.4% of total debt outstanding (2019 – 12.0%).

2) Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that Suncor will not be able to meet its financial obligations when due. The company mitigates this risk by forecasting spending requirements as well as cash flow from operating activities, and maintaining sufficient cash, credit facilities, and debt shelf prospectuses to meet these requirements. The company secured an additional $2.5 billion and $300 million of credit facilities in the first and second quarters of 2020, respectively, with its key banking partners under new credit agreements. Suncor's cash and cash equivalents and total credit facilities at December 31, 2020 were $1.9 billion and $11.1 billion, respectively. Of Suncor's $11.1 billion in total credit facilities, $6.4 billion were available at December 31, 2020. In addition, Suncor has $5.0 billion of unused capacity under a Canadian debt shelf prospectus and an unused capacity of US$5.0 billion under a U.S. universal shelf prospectus. The ability of the company to raise additional capital utilizing these shelf prospectuses is dependent on market conditions. The company believes it has sufficient funding through the use of these facilities and access to capital markets to meet its future capital requirements.

Surplus cash is invested into a range of short-dated money market securities. Investments are only permitted in high credit quality government or corporate securities. Diversification of these investments is managed through counterparty credit limits.

134  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


The following table shows the timing of cash outflows related to trade and other payables and debt.

                       December 31, 2019
 
   
($ millions)   Trade and
Other
Payables(1)
  Gross
Derivative
Liabilities(2)
  Debt(3)   Lease
Liabilities
 

Within one year   6 422   1 568   2 877   470  

2 to 3 years   39   208   2 991   796  

4 to 5 years   40     2 220   616  

Over 5 years       17 183   2 960  

    6 501   1 776   25 271   4 842  

 
                       December 31, 2020
 
   
($ millions)   Trade and
Other
Payables(1)
  Gross
Derivative
Liabilities(2)
  Debt(3)   Lease
Liabilities
 

Within one year   4 410   2 849   5 773   474  

2 to 3 years   37   162   2 233   771  

4 to 5 years   37     3 009   631  

Over 5 years       17 834   2 779  

    4 484   3 011   28 849   4 655  

(1)
Trade and other payables exclude net derivative liabilities of $274 million (2019 – $133 million).

(2)
Gross derivative liabilities of $3.011 billion (2019 – $1.776 billion) are offset by gross derivative assets of $2.737 billion (2019 – $1.643 billion), resulting in a net amount of $274 million (2019 – $133 million).

(3)
Debt includes short-term debt, long-term debt and interest payments on fixed-term debt and commercial paper.

3) Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk that a customer or counterparty will fail to perform an obligation or fail to pay amounts due, causing a financial loss. The company's credit policy is designed to ensure there is a standard credit practice throughout the company to measure and monitor credit risk. The policy outlines delegation of authority, the due diligence process required to approve a new customer or counterparty and the maximum amount of credit exposure per single entity. Before transactions begin with a new customer or counterparty, its creditworthiness is assessed, a credit rating and a maximum credit limit are assigned. The assessment process is outlined in the credit policy and considers both quantitative and qualitative factors. The company constantly monitors the exposure to any single customer or counterparty along with the financial position of the customer or counterparty. If it is deemed that a customer or counterparty has become materially weaker, the company will work to reduce the credit exposure and lower the assigned credit limit. Regular reports are generated to monitor credit risk and the Credit Committee meets quarterly to ensure compliance with the credit policy and review the exposures.

A substantial portion of the company's accounts receivable are with customers in the oil and gas industry and are subject to normal industry credit risk. While the industry has experienced credit downgrades due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Suncor has not been significantly affected as the majority of Suncor's customers are large and established downstream companies with investment grade credit ratings. At December 31, 2020, substantially all of the company's trade receivables were current.

The company may be exposed to certain losses in the event that counterparties to derivative financial instruments are unable to meet the terms of the contracts. The company's exposure is limited to those counterparties holding derivative contracts owing to the company at the reporting date. At December 31, 2020, the company's exposure was $2.890 billion (December 31, 2019 – $1.737 billion).

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  135



28. Capital Structure Financial Policies

The company's primary capital management strategy is to maintain a conservative balance sheet, which supports a solid investment grade credit rating profile. This objective affords the company the financial flexibility and access to the capital it requires to execute on its growth objectives.

The company's capital is primarily monitored by reviewing the ratios of net debt to funds from operations(1) and total debt to total debt plus shareholders' equity.

Net debt to funds from operations(1) is calculated as short-term debt plus total long-term debt less cash and cash equivalents, divided by funds from operations for the year then ended.

Total debt to total debt plus shareholders' equity is calculated as short-term debt plus total long-term debt divided by short-term debt plus total long-term debt plus shareholders' equity. This financial covenant under the company's various banking and debt agreements shall not be greater than 65%.

The company's financial covenant is reviewed regularly and controls are in place to maintain compliance with the covenant. The company complied with financial covenants for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. The company's financial measures, as set out in the following schedule, were unchanged from 2019. The company believes that achieving its capital target helps to provide the company access to capital at a reasonable cost by maintaining solid investment grade credit ratings. The company operates in a fluctuating business environment and ratios may periodically fall outside of management's targets. Total debt to total debt plus shareholders' equity was 37.8% at December 31, 2020 and increased due to higher debt levels and lower shareholders' equity as a result of net losses, including impairment charges recorded during the year. The company addresses these fluctuations by capital expenditure reductions and sales of non-core assets to ensure net debt achieves management's targets.

($ millions)   Capital
Measure
Target
  December 31
2020
  December 31
2019
 

Components of ratios              

  Short-term debt       3 566   2 155  

  Current portion of long-term debt       1 413    

  Current portion of long-term lease liabilities       272   310  

  Long-term debt       13 812   12 884  

  Long-term lease liabilities       2 636   2 621  

    Total debt       21 699   17 970  

  Less: Cash and cash equivalents       1 885   1 960  

    Net debt       19 814   16 010  

  Shareholders' equity       35 757   42 042  

  Total capitalization (total debt plus shareholders' equity)       57 456   60 012  

  Funds from operations(1)       3 876   10 818  

Net debt to funds from operations   <3.0 times   5.1   1.5  

Total debt to total debt plus shareholders' equity   20% – 35%   37.8%   29.9%  

(1)
Funds from operations is calculated as cash flow from operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital, and is a non-GAAP financial measure.

136  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



29. Joint Arrangements

Joint Operations

The company's material joint operations as at December 31 are set out below:

Material Joint Operations   Principal Activity   Country of
Incorporation and
Principal Place of
Business
  Ownership %
2020
  Ownership %
2019
 

Oil Sands                  

Operated by Suncor:                  

  Fort Hills Energy Limited Partnership   Oil sands development   Canada   54.11   54.11  

  Meadow Creek   Oil sands development   Canada   75.00   75.00  

Non-operated:                  

  Syncrude(1)   Oil sands development   Canada   58.74   58.74  

Exploration and Production                  

Operated by Suncor:                  

  Terra Nova   Oil and gas production   Canada   37.68   37.68  

Non-operated:                  

  Buzzard   Oil and gas production   United Kingdom   29.89   29.89  

  Fenja Development JV   Oil and gas production   Norway   17.50   17.50  

  Golden Eagle Area Development   Oil and gas production   United Kingdom   26.69   26.69  

  Hibernia and the Hibernia South Extension Unit   Oil and gas production   Canada   19.19-20.00   19.19-20.00  

  Hebron   Oil and gas production   Canada   21.03   21.03  

  Harouge Oil Operations   Oil and gas production   Libya   49.00   49.00  

  North Sea Rosebank Project   Oil and gas production   United Kingdom   40.00   40.00  

  Oda   Oil and gas production   Norway   30.00   30.00  

  White Rose and the White Rose Extensions   Oil and gas production   Canada   26.13-27.50   26.13-27.50  

(1)
Syncrude owners have agreed in principle for Suncor to become the operator of the Syncrude project by the end of 2021.

Joint Ventures and Associates

The company does not have any joint ventures or associates that are considered individually material. Summarized aggregate financial information of the joint ventures and associates, which are all included in the company's Refining and Marketing operations, are shown below:

                       Joint ventures                      Associates  
   
 
($ millions)   2020   2019   2020   2019  

Net (loss) earnings   (10 ) (7 ) 9    

Total comprehensive (loss) earnings   (10 ) (7 ) 9    

Carrying amount as at December 31   58   68   68   76  

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  137



30. Subsidiaries

Material subsidiaries, each of which is wholly owned, either directly or indirectly, by the company as at December 31, 2020 are shown below:

Material Subsidiaries   Principal Activity  

Canadian Operations      

Suncor Energy Oil Sands Limited Partnership

 

This partnership holds most of the company's Oil Sands operations assets.

 

Suncor Energy Ventures Corporation   A subsidiary which indirectly owns a 36.74% ownership in the Syncrude joint operation.  

Suncor Energy Ventures Partnership   A subsidiary which owns a 22% ownership in the Syncrude joint operation.  

Suncor Energy Products Partnership   This partnership holds substantially all of the company's Canadian refining and marketing assets.  

Suncor Energy Marketing Inc.   Through this subsidiary, production from the upstream Canadian businesses is marketed. This subsidiary also administers Suncor's energy trading activities and power business, markets certain third-party products, procures crude oil feedstock and natural gas for its downstream business, and procures and markets natural gas liquids (NGLs) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for its downstream business.  

U.S. Operations      

Suncor Energy (U.S.A.) Marketing Inc.

 

A subsidiary that procures, markets and trades crude oil, in addition to procuring crude oil feedstock for the company's refining operations.

 

Suncor Energy (U.S.A.) Inc.   A subsidiary through which the company's U.S. refining and marketing operations are conducted.  

International Operations      

Suncor Energy UK Limited

 

A subsidiary through which the majority of the company's North Sea operations are conducted.

 

The table does not include wholly owned subsidiaries that are immediate holding companies of the operating subsidiaries. For certain foreign operations of the company, there are restrictions on the sale or transfer of production licences, which would require approval of the applicable foreign government.

138  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



31. Related Party Disclosures

Related Party Transactions

The company enters into transactions with related parties in the normal course of business, which includes purchases of feedstock, distribution of refined products, and sale of refined products and byproducts. These transactions are with joint ventures and associated entities in the company's Refining and Marketing operations, including pipeline, refined product and petrochemical companies. A summary of the significant related party transactions as at and for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:

($ millions)   2020   2019  

Sales(1)   458   676  

Purchases   130   215  

Accounts receivable   26   38  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   16   19  

(1)
Includes sales to Parachem Chemicals Inc. of $173 million (2019 – $269 million).

Compensation of Key Management Personnel

Compensation of the company's Board of Directors and members of the Executive Leadership Team for the years ended December 31 is as follows:

($ millions)   2020   2019  

Salaries and other short-term benefits   9   14  

Pension and other post-retirement benefits   3   3  

Share-based compensation   (9 ) 47  

    3   64  


32. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees

(a) Commitments

Future payments under the company's commitments, including service arrangements for pipeline transportation agreements and for other property and equipment, are as follows:

                       Payment Due by Period  
   
($ millions)   2021   2022   2023   2024   2025   Thereafter   Total  

Commitments                              

  Product transportation and storage   1 107   1 009   1 096   1 097   1 058   8 821   14 188  

  Energy services   127   129   155   67   66   79   623  

  Exploration work commitments   1     19     51   458   529  

  Other   319   124   103   91   69   426   1 132  

    1 554   1 262   1 373   1 255   1 244   9 784   16 472  

The company has also entered into a pipeline commitment of $5.9 billion with a contract term of 20 years, which is contingent upon completion of the pipeline. This amount is not included within the commitments table above.

In addition to the commitments in the above table, the company has other obligations for goods and services and raw materials entered into in the normal course of business, which may terminate on short notice. Such obligations include commodity purchase obligations which are transacted at market prices.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  139



(b) Contingencies

Legal and Environmental Contingent Liabilities and Assets

The company is defendant and plaintiff in a number of legal actions that arise in the normal course of business. The company believes that any liabilities or assets that might arise pertaining to such matters would not have a material effect on its consolidated financial position.

The company may also have environmental contingent liabilities, beyond decommissioning and restoration liabilities (recognized in note 24), which are reviewed individually and are reflected in the company's consolidated financial statements if material and more likely than not to be incurred. These contingent environmental liabilities primarily relate to the mitigation of contamination at sites where the company has had operations. For any unrecognized environmental contingencies, the company believes that any liabilities that might arise pertaining to such matters would not have a material effect on its consolidated financial position.

Costs attributable to these commitments and contingencies are expected to be incurred over an extended period of time and to be funded from the company's cash flow from operating activities. Although the ultimate impact of these matters on net earnings cannot be determined at this time, the impact is not expected to be material.

Contingent assets are only disclosed when the inflow of economic benefits is probable. When the economic benefit becomes virtually certain, the asset is no longer contingent and is recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

(c) Guarantees

At December 31, 2020, the company has provided loan guarantees to certain retail licensees and wholesale marketers. Suncor's maximum potential amount payable under these loan guarantees is $125 million.

The company has also agreed to indemnify holders of all notes and debentures and the company's credit facility lenders (see note 21) for added costs relating to withholding taxes. Similar indemnity terms apply to certain facility and equipment leases. There is no limit to the maximum amount payable under these indemnification agreements. The company is unable to determine the maximum potential amount payable as government regulations and legislation are subject to change without notice. Under these agreements, the company has the option to redeem or terminate these contracts if additional costs are incurred.

The company also has guaranteed its working-interest share of certain joint operation undertakings related to transportation services agreements entered into with third parties. The guaranteed amount is limited to the company's share in the joint arrangement. As at December 31, 2020, the probability is remote that these guarantee commitments will impact the company.


33. Subsequent Event

Subsequent to December 31, 2020, the company reached an agreement to sell its 26.69% working interest in the Golden Eagle Area Development, in the Exploration and Production segment, for US$325 million and contingent consideration up to US$50 million. The effective date of the sale is January 1, 2021 and is expected to close no later than the third quarter of 2021, subject to purchaser financing and shareholder approval along with other closing conditions and certain regulatory approvals.

140  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.




QuickLinks

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Suncor Energy Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020
1. Reporting Entity and Description of the Business
2. Basis of Preparation
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
4. Significant Accounting Estimates and Judgments
5. New IFRS Standards
6. Segmented Information
7. Other Income
8. Operating, Selling and General Expense
9. Financing Expenses
10. Income Taxes
11. (Loss) Earnings per Common Share
12. Cash and Cash Equivalents
13. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
14. Inventories
15. Property, Plant and Equipment
16. Asset Impairments
17. Right-of-Use Assets and Leases
18. Exploration and Evaluation Assets
19. Other Assets
20. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
21. Debt and Credit Facilities
22. Other Long-Term Liabilities
23. Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits
24. Provisions
25. Share Capital
26. Share-Based Compensation
27. Financial Instruments and Risk Management
28. Capital Structure Financial Policies
29. Joint Arrangements
30. Subsidiaries
31. Related Party Disclosures
32. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
33. Subsequent Event

QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

EXHIBIT 99.2


Management's Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020,
dated February 24, 2021



Management's Discussion
and Analysis
February 24, 2021

 
   
   
   

This Management's Discussion and Analysis (this MD&A) should be read in conjunction with Suncor's December 31, 2020 audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes. 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 February 24, 2021 (the 2020 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 on our website at www.suncor.com. Information on or connected to our website, even if referred to in this MD&A, does not constitute part of this MD&A.

Suncor Energy Inc. has numerous direct and indirect subsidiaries, partnerships and joint arrangements (collectively, affiliates), which own and operate assets and conduct activities in different jurisdictions. The terms "we", "our", "Suncor", or "the company" are used herein for simplicity of communication and only mean there is an affiliation with Suncor Energy Inc., without necessarily identifying the specific nature of the affiliation. The use of such terms in any statement herein does not mean they apply to Suncor Energy Inc. or any particular affiliate, and does not waive the corporate separateness of any affiliate. For further clarity, Suncor Energy Inc. does not directly operate or own assets in the U.S. For a list of abbreviations that may be used in this MD&A, refer to the Advisories – Common Abbreviations section of this MD&A.

 
 
 
 
 
 

18  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


 
 
 

 
MD&A – Table of Contents

20   Financial and Operating Summary

22   Suncor Overview

25   Financial Information

30   Segment Results and Analysis

46   Fourth Quarter 2020 Analysis

49   Quarterly Financial Data

52   Capital Investment Update

54   Financial Condition and Liquidity

59   Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates

62   Risk Factors

74   Other Items

75   Advisories

Basis of Presentation

Unless otherwise noted, all financial information has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) as contained within Part 1 of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants Handbook.

All financial information is reported in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted. Production volumes are presented on a working-interest basis, before royalties, except for production volumes from the company's Libya operations, which are on an economic basis.

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, refining and marketing margin, refining operating expense, free funds flow, discretionary free funds flow (deficit), and last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory valuation methodology and related per share or per barrel amounts – are not prescribed by GAAP. Operating earnings (loss), Oil Sands operations cash operating costs, Fort Hills cash operating costs, Syncrude cash operating costs and LIFO inventory valuation methodology are defined in the Advisories – Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A and reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in the Financial Information and Segment Results and Analysis sections of this MD&A. ROCE, funds from (used in) operations, free funds flow, discretionary free funds flow (deficit), refining and marketing margin, and refining operating expense are defined and reconciled, where applicable, to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in the Advisories – Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A.

Measurement Conversions

Crude oil and natural gas liquids volumes have been converted to mcfe on the basis of one bbl to six mcf in this MD&A. Also, certain natural gas volumes have been converted to boe or mboe on the same basis. Refer to the Advisories – Measurement Conversions section of this MD&A.

Risks and Forward-Looking Information

The company's business, reserves, financial condition and results of operations may be affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the factors described in the Risk Factors 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 subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in this MD&A and Suncor's other disclosure documents filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the SEC, many of which are beyond the company's control. Users of this information are cautioned that actual results may differ materially. Refer to the Advisories – Forward-Looking Information section of this MD&A for information on the material risk factors and assumptions underlying our forward-looking information.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  19


1. Financial and Operating Summary

Financial Summary

Year ended December 31 ($ millions, except per share amounts)   2020   2019   2018    

Gross revenues   24 900   39 866   39 592    

  Royalties   (238 ) (1 522 ) (1 050 )  

Operating revenues, net of royalties   24 662   38 344   38 542    

Net (loss) earnings   (4 319 ) 2 899   3 293    

  per common share – basic   (2.83 ) 1.86   2.03    

  per common share – diluted   (2.83 ) 1.86   2.02    

Operating (loss) earnings (1)   (2 242 ) 4 358   4 312    

  per common share – basic   (1.47 ) 2.80   2.65    

Funds from operations (1)   3 876   10 818   10 172    

  per common share – basic   2.54   6.94   6.27    

Cash flow provided by operating activities   2 675   10 421   10 580    

  per common share – basic   1.75   6.69   6.54    

Dividends paid on common shares   1 670   2 614   2 333    

  per common share – basic   1.10   1.68   1.44    

Weighted average number of common shares in millions – basic   1 526   1 559   1 623    

Weighted average number of common shares in millions – diluted   1 526   1 561   1 629    

ROCE (1) (%)   (6.9 ) 4.9   8.0    

ROCE (1)(2) (%), excluding major projects in progress   (7.4 ) 5.1   8.2    

Capital expenditures (3)   3 806   5 436   5 250    

  Asset sustainment and maintenance   2 388   3 227   3 347    

  Economic investment   1 418   2 209   1 903    

Discretionary free funds flow (deficit) (1)   (228 ) 4 914   4 432    

Balance sheet (at December 31)                

  Total assets   84 616   89 435   89 579    

  Net debt (4)(5)   19 814   16 010   15 129    

  Total liabilities   48 859   47 393   45 574    

(1)
Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Advisories – Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A.

(2)
Excludes capitalized costs related to major projects in progress. ROCE excluding major projects in progress would have been (3.0%) in 2020, excluding the impacts of impairments of $2.221 billion. ROCE excluding major projects in progress would have been 8.6% in 2019, excluding the impacts of impairments of $3.352 billion and the impacts of a $1.116 billion deferred tax recovery relating to a change in the Alberta corporate income tax rate.

(3)
Excludes capitalized interest of $120 million in 2020, $122 million in 2019, and $156 million in 2018.

(4)
Net debt is equal to total debt less cash and cash equivalents. Total debt includes short-term debt, current portion of long-term debt, current portion of long-term lease liabilities, long-term debt, and long-term lease liabilities.

(5)
2018 excludes the impact of IFRS 16 Leases (IFRS 16), which was prospectively adopted on January 1, 2019, in accordance with the standard, adding $1.792 billion to net debt at December 31, 2019.

20  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


Operating Summary

Year ended December 31   2020   2019   2018  

Production volumes              

  Oil Sands – SCO (mbbls/d)   466.2   485.6   424.5  

  Oil Sands – Non-upgraded bitumen (mbbls/d)   127.2   184.8   204.1  

  Exploration and Production (mboe/d)   101.7   106.8   103.4  

Total   695.1   777.2   732.0  

Average price realizations (1)(2) ($/boe)              

  SCO and diesel   43.83   70.68   68.32  

  Non-upgraded bitumen (3)   22.37   45.71   32.67  

  Crude sales basket (all products)   39.29   63.70   57.37  

  Exploration and Production   49.96   82.92   86.96  

Refinery crude oil processed (mbbls/d)   407.0   438.9   430.8  

Refinery utilization (4) (%)              

  Eastern North America   91   92   94  

  Western North America   86   98   93  

Total   88   95   93  

Refining and marketing margin – FIFO (5)(6) ($/bbl)   25.30   40.45   42.80  

Refining and marketing margin – LIFO (5)(6) ($/bbl)   28.65   36.80   46.60  

(1)
Net of transportation costs, but before royalties.

(2)
Beginning in 2020, the company revised the presentation of its price realizations to aggregate price realizations from each asset into the categories of "SCO and diesel" and "Non-upgraded bitumen" to better reflect the integration among the company's assets with no impact to overall price realizations. Comparative periods have been updated to reflect this change.

(3)
Beginning in 2020, the company revised its Non-upgraded bitumen price realization to include midstream activities employed to optimize its logistics capacity and more accurately reflect the performance of the product stream. Comparative periods have been restated to reflect this change.

(4)
Refinery utilization is the amount of crude oil run through crude distillation units, expressed as a percentage of the nameplate capacity of these units.

(5)
Beginning in 2020, refining and marketing margins have been revised to better reflect the refining, product supply and rack forward businesses. Prior periods have been restated to reflect this change.

(6)
Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Advisories – Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A.

Segment Summary

Year ended December 31 ($ millions)   2020   2019   2018    

Net (loss) earnings                

  Oil Sands   (3 796 ) (427 ) 945    

    Exploration and Production   (832 ) 1 005   807    

    Refining and Marketing   866   3 000   3 154    

    Corporate and Eliminations   (557 ) (679 ) (1 613 )  

Total   (4 319 ) 2 899   3 293    

Operating (loss) earnings (1)                

    Oil Sands   (2 278 ) 1 622   885    

    Exploration and Production   13   1 141   897    

    Refining and Marketing   866   2 912   3 154    

    Corporate and Eliminations   (843 ) (1 317 ) (624 )  

Total   (2 242 ) 4 358   4 312    

Funds from (used in) operations (1)                

    Oil Sands   1 986   6 061   4 964    

    Exploration and Production   1 054   2 143   1 779    

    Refining and Marketing   1 708   3 863   3 798    

    Corporate and Eliminations   (872 ) (1 249 ) (369 )  

Total funds from operations   3 876   10 818   10 172    

Change in non-cash working capital   (1 201 ) (397 ) 408    

Cash flow provided by operating activities   2 675   10 421   10 580    

(1)
Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Advisories – Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  21


2. Suncor Overview

Suncor is an integrated energy company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The company is strategically focused on developing one of the world's largest petroleum resource basins – Canada's Athabasca oil sands. In addition, Suncor explores for, acquires, develops, produces and markets crude oil in Canada and internationally; the company transports and refines crude oil, and markets petroleum and petrochemical products primarily in Canada. Suncor also operates a renewable energy business and conducts energy trading activities focused principally on the marketing and trading of crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products, and power.

For a description of Suncor's business segments, refer to the Segment Results and Analysis section of this MD&A.

Suncor's Strategy

We aim to maximize shareholder returns by focusing on our operational excellence, capital discipline through investment in high-value projects, and our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. We believe that our balance sheet strength and financial health provide the foundation for our capital allocation framework, supporting long-term value creation and return to shareholders. We believe that Suncor is well positioned to succeed due to the company's competitive advantages: financial strength, a highly efficient, tightly integrated suite of assets, an industry-leading long-life, low-decline oil sands reserves base, and our investment in sustainability, technology and innovation.

Key components of Suncor's strategy include:

Free funds flow growth through high-return/value investments – Suncor's growth and development plan is focused on projects and initiatives that are expected to create long-term value for the company through free funds flow growth. The company's significant long-life, low-decline reserves base combined with our industry expertise allows the company to execute improvement strategies at existing assets, such as debottlenecks, the deployment of autonomous haul trucks across our Oil Sands assets, and the interconnecting pipelines between Oil Sands Base and Syncrude. Further structural cost savings are being realized through supply chain optimization initiatives and investments in technology for our marketing and trading business and core business systems, aimed at improving operational efficiencies. In addition, we believe that the company's regional oil sands advantage provides the company with the economies of scale required to realize synergies between assets. This is further enhanced by the agreement in principle by the Syncrude joint venture owners for Suncor to take over as operator, by the end of 2021 which will capitalize on the collective strength of our regional operations and drive operating efficiencies and improve performance.

Optimize value through integration and secured market access – From the ground to the gas station, Suncor optimizes profit along each step of the value chain through integration of the company's oil sands assets with its midstream and refining assets. Our broad asset base and operational flexibility allows us to optimize the production of higher value SCO in the upstream, while our extensive logistics assets and sales channels, enhanced by our trading and marketing expertise, drives additional value as equity barrels move down the value chain. Through this midstream and marketing network and our geographical diversity, the company is able to maximize crude production and refinery utilization by securing sales outlets while receiving global-based pricing for the majority of its production.

Industry-leading unit costs through operational excellence and reliability – Suncor aims to get the most out of its assets through a focus on operational excellence, which means operating in a way that is safe, reliable, cost-efficient and environmentally responsible. Driving down costs and a continued focus on improved productivity and reliability are expected to help us achieve maximum value from our operations. The company's acceleration of the digital transformation strategy and the implementation of process and technology improvements are foundational to building on our cost reduction targets achieved in 2020.

Be an industry leader in sustainable development – Suncor is focused on triple bottom line sustainability, which means leadership and industry collaboration in environmental performance, social responsibility and creating a strong economy. We believe that Suncor's growth will be enhanced by investments in lower carbon energy, and we have made such investments a key priority in achieving our sustainable development goals.

Technology and people-enabled – Suncor is focused on shifting our culture and leveraging technology to improve performance and reliability, which are central to our operational excellence journey. Unleashing the full potential of our people and technology will be critical in achieving our environmental, operational and financial goals.

22  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


2020 Highlights

Suncor delivered on annual cost reduction targets, reducing annual operating costs by $1.3 billion (approximately 12%) in 2020, compared to 2019 levels, and reduced annual capital expenditures by $1.9 billion (approximately 33%) in 2020, compared to the original 2020 capital guidance midpoint.

Suncor exceeded its previously announced $1.0 billion operating cost reduction target by $300 million, or 30%, through base business reductions and delivering on cost reduction initiatives, including supply chain savings initiatives, lower operating costs at Fort Hills as the company reduced production to keep pace with downstream demand, including temporarily transitioning to a one train operation, and relief provided by the Government of Canada's Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program, partially offset by COVID-19 response costs.

Suncor also met its $1.9 billion capital reduction target in 2020, reducing its capital expenditures to $3.8 billion, which was approximately 33% less than the original 2020 capital guidance midpoint. Targeted capital reductions in 2020 included the deferral and cancellation of projects, the reduction in spending across various assets and increased execution efficiency. The company delivered a number of strategic initiatives within this target that enhanced integration between Suncor and Syncrude, expanded the company's market reach, debottlenecked In Situ facilities and its Edmonton refinery, and reduced structural operating costs by leveraging technology.

Suncor entered the year with a strong investment grade balance sheet and a proven track record of shareholder returns and, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, responded decisively to maintain its financial strength and liquidity.

In 2020, the company secured $2.8 billion in additional credit facilities and issued $1.25 billion of 5.00% senior unsecured medium term notes due 2030, US$450 million of 2.80% senior unsecured notes due 2023 and US$550 million of 3.10% senior unsecured notes due 2025. As of December 31, 2020, Suncor had approximately $7.9 billion of liquidity.

In 2020, the company paid $1.670 billion in dividends to shareholders and, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, repurchased $307 million of its own common shares for cancelation.

Suncor remains disciplined in its capital allocation and, at current commodity prices, plans to pay down between $1.0 billion and $1.5 billion of debt and repurchase between $500 million and $1.0 billion of the company's shares in 2021, highlighting the company's ability to generate cash flow and confidence in the underlying value of the company. Subsequent to the end of the year, the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) accepted a notice to commence a normal course issuer bid (NCIB) for up to 44,000,000 common shares.

Subsequent to 2020, the company reached an agreement to sell its 26.69% working interest in the Golden Eagle Area Development (GEAD) for US$325 million and contingent consideration up to US$50 million. The effective date of the sale is January 1, 2021 and is expected to close no later than the third quarter of 2021, subject to purchaser financing and shareholder approval along with other closing conditions and certain regulatory approvals. The sale reinforces Suncor's continued focus on capital discipline and enables the company to allocate resources to core assets and maximize shareholder returns.

In 2020, the company managed the significant volatility caused by the COVID-19 pandemic by leveraging the flexibility of its integrated asset base with a continued focus on value over volume across the company's assets.

The company achieved the second best year of SCO production in its history with 466,200 bbls/d which reflected a continued focus on value over volume. SCO production was supported by In Situ bitumen production diverted to the upgrader to maximize the production of higher value SCO barrels. The company was able to maximize price realizations by shifting its upstream product mix towards higher priced light crude, which resulted in combined upgrader utilization of 85%.

The company was able to maximize its refined product margins by optimizing refinery product mix in response to rapidly shifting demand.

Through our regional synergies and asset flexibility, the company continued to maximize the value of its allotted barrels under the mandatory production curtailment program enacted by the Alberta government.

Suncor's Refinery and Marketing (R&M) segment achieved refinery utilization of 88% in 2020, consistently outperforming Canadian refining industry averages(1).


(1)
Source: Canadian Energy Regulator – https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/en/data-analysis/energy-commodities/crude-oil-petroleum- products/statistics/weekly-crude-run-summary-data.html
Suncor leveraged its refinery product mix, midstream logistics flexibility, strong domestic sales network including integration with its retail network, export capabilities, and storage capacity to achieve utilization rates which continued to outperform the Canadian refining industry average in 2020.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  23


Suncor also continues to invest in midstream opportunities to expand the company's market reach and strengthen the company's sales channels, including the expansion of its Burrard product terminal, increased marine vessel activity and additional pipeline arrangements which provide feedstock optionality to our refineries. These actions have further enabled the company to sustain high refinery utilization and crude production rates throughout 2020, despite weakened demand due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective January 1, 2021, the company increased nameplate capacity of its Edmonton refinery from 142,000 bbls/d to 146,000 bbls/d as a result of debottlenecking activities.

Advancement of late stage, high-value and low capital economic investment projects with meaningful progress towards Suncor's incremental free funds flow(1) target by 2025.


(1)
Free funds flow is a Non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisories – Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A.
In 2020, construction continued on the interconnecting pipelines between Suncor's Oil Sands Base operations and Syncrude. The pipelines provide increased operational flexibility through the ability to transfer bitumen and sour SCO between the two plants, enabling higher utilization. The asset was brought into service in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Through the deployment of the Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) at Fort Hills, the company has optimized its operations and expects AHS to further enhance safety, and environmental and operational performance.

At Firebag, work to expand the capacity of the facility by 12,000 bbls/d was completed, in the fourth quarter of 2020, enabling the asset to exit the year producing near its new nameplate capacity of 215,000 bbls/d.

Investments in new technologies and renewable energy that lower emissions and provide new sustainable energy sources.

In 2020, the company increased its investments in clean technology, including LanzaJet, Inc., a company working to bring sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel to the commercial market, and the Varennes Carbon Recycling facility, a biofuel plant in Varennes, Quebec, that is designed to convert commercial and industrial non-recyclable waste into biofuels and renewable chemicals.

24  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


3. Financial Information

Net (Loss) Earnings

Suncor's net loss in 2020 was $4.319 billion, compared to net earnings of $2.899 billion in 2019. Net (loss) earnings were impacted by the same factors that influenced operating (loss) earnings, which are described below. Other items affecting net (loss) earnings in 2020 and 2019 included:

In 2020, the company recorded non-cash after-tax impairment charges of $1.376 billion on its share of the Fort Hills assets, in the Oil Sands segment, and $845 million against its share of the White Rose and Terra Nova assets, in the Exploration and Production (E&P) segment, due to a decline in forecasted crude oil prices as a result of decreased global demand due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the high degree of uncertainty surrounding the future of the West White Rose Project and changes to their respective capital, operating and production plans.

The after-tax unrealized foreign exchange gain on the revaluation of U.S. dollar denominated debt was $286 million in 2020, compared to an after-tax gain of $590 million in 2019.

In 2020, in the Oil Sands segment the company recorded a provision to transportation expense for $186 million ($142 million after-tax) related to the Keystone XL pipeline project.

During 2019, the company recorded non-cash after-tax impairment charges of $2.803 billion on its share of the Fort Hills assets, in the Oil Sands segment, due to a decline in forecasted heavy crude oil prices and $393 million against White Rose, in the E&P segment, due to increased capital cost estimates at the West White Rose Project.

In 2019, Suncor sold its 37% interest in Canbriam Energy Inc. (Canbriam), a private natural gas company, for total proceeds and an equivalent gain of $151 million ($139 million after-tax), in the E&P segment.

In 2019, the company recorded an after-tax gain of $48 million in the E&P segment related to the sale of certain non-core assets.

In 2019, the company recorded a $1.116 billion deferred income tax recovery associated with the Government of Alberta's enactment of legislation for a staged reduction of the corporate income tax rate from 12% to 8%.

Operating (Loss) Earnings

Consolidated Operating (Loss) Earnings Reconciliation(1)

Year ended December 31 ($ millions)   2020   2019   2018  

Net (loss) earnings   (4 319 ) 2 899   3 293  

Asset impairments   2 221   3 352    

Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss on U.S. dollar denominated debt   (286 ) (590 ) 989  

Provision for Keystone XL pipeline project   142      

(Gain) on significant disposals and loss on equity investment(2)     (187 ) 30  

Impact of income tax adjustments on deferred income taxes     (1 116 )  

Operating (loss) earnings(1)   (2 242 ) 4 358   4 312  

(1)
Non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisories – Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A.

(2)
In 2018, the company recorded a net non-cash loss of $90 million, after-tax, in the E&P segment related to an asset exchange with Canbriam, as a result of the decline in benchmark natural gas prices in B.C., and an after-tax gain of $60 million in the Oil Sands segment on the sale of the company's interest in the Joslyn oil sands mining project.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  25


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

GRAPHIC

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

(2)
The bridge factor for Inventory Valuation is comprised of changes in the first-in, first out (FIFO) inventory valuation and short-term commodity risk management activities reported in the R&M segment, and changes in the intersegment elimination of profit reported in the Corporate and Eliminations segment.

Suncor's consolidated operating loss in 2020 was $2.242 billion, compared to operating earnings of $4.358 billion in the prior year. In 2020, crude oil and refined product realizations decreased significantly, with crude oil and crack spread benchmarks declining by more than 30% compared to the prior year due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and OPEC+ supply issues. The decline in consumer demand for refined products resulted in lower crude oil demand and lower overall upstream production volumes and refinery crude throughput as the company managed its operations to meet demand levels. 2020 results were also impacted by a FIFO inventory valuation loss on the decline in value of refinery feedstock. Operating losses were minimized by the decrease in costs associated with lower production as well as cost reduction initiatives executed in 2020. Operating earnings in 2019 included insurance proceeds related to the company's assets in Libya.

Cash Flow Provided by Operating Activities and Funds from Operations

Funds from operations for 2020 were $3.876 billion, compared to $10.818 billion in 2019 and were impacted by the same factors as operating (loss) earnings described above.

Cash flow provided by operating activities, which includes changes in non-cash working capital, was $2.675 billion in 2020, compared to $10.421 billion in 2019, reflecting a larger use of cash in working capital, compared to the prior year, which was primarily due to a decrease in accounts payable balances associated with lower operating costs and an increase in income tax receivable balances resulting from the carry-back of tax losses, which is expected to be received in late 2021.

Results for 2019 Compared with 2018

Net earnings in 2019 were $2.899 billion, compared to $3.293 billion in 2018. Net earnings were impacted by the same factors impacting operating earnings described below, as well as the net earnings adjustments impacting 2019 and 2018, which are described in detail above.

Suncor's operating earnings in 2019 were $4.358 billion, compared to $4.312 billion in 2018. The increase was primarily a result of improved western Canadian crude oil differentials, including a substantial narrowing of heavy crude and SCO differentials, which more than offset lower benchmark pricing from the prior year. This led to an increase in Oil Sands price realizations and a net favourable inventory valuation change on crude feedstock costs, partially offset by increased deferral of profit on crude oil sales to R&M, and lower refining margins. Operating earnings in 2019 were also positively impacted by higher overall upstream production, attributed to improved reliability at Syncrude and the ramp up of Fort Hills and Hebron throughout 2019, partially offset by the impact of the Government of Alberta's mandatory production curtailments.

These factors were partially offset by an increase in expenses associated with Suncor's increased production in 2019. DD&A expense was further impacted by the transition to IFRS 16, which also increased financing expenses.

26  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


Funds from operations for 2019 were $10.818 billion, compared to $10.172 billion in 2018, and were impacted by the same factors as operating earnings described above, excluding the impact of DD&A expense.

Cash flow provided by operating activities, which includes changes in non-cash working capital, was $10.421 billion in 2019, compared to $10.580 billion in 2018, as 2019 included a use of cash in working capital, compared to a source of cash in working capital in 2018 which was due to a decrease in accounts receivable balances and refinery inventory value associated with the declining price environment in the second half of the year.

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 year ended December 31   2020   2019   2018    

WTI crude oil at Cushing (US$/bbl)   39.40   57.05   64.80    

Dated Brent Crude (US$/bbl)   41.65   64.30   71.05    

Dated Brent/Maya crude oil FOB price differential (US$/bbl)   6.35   6.45   9.10    

MSW at Edmonton (Cdn$/bbl)   45.60   69.20   69.30    

WCS at Hardisty (US$/bbl)   26.85   44.25   38.50    

Light/heavy differential for WTI at Cushing less WCS at Hardisty (US$/bbl)   (12.55 ) (12.80 ) (26.30 )  

SYN-WTI differential (US$/bbl)   (3.15 ) (0.60 ) (6.20 )  

Condensate at Edmonton (US$/bbl)   37.15   52.85   61.00    

Natural gas (Alberta spot) at AECO (Cdn$/mcf)   2.25   1.75   1.50    

Alberta Power Pool Price (Cdn$/MWh)   46.70   54.90   50.35    

New York Harbor 2-1-1 crack(1) (US$/bbl)   11.75   19.90   19.40    

Chicago 2-1-1 crack(1) (US$/bbl)   8.05   17.05   17.35    

Portland 2-1-1 crack(1) (US$/bbl)   14.05   24.45   24.00    

Gulf Coast 2-1-1 crack(1) (US$/bbl)   9.90   19.15   17.90    

Exchange rate (US$/Cdn$)   0.75   0.75   0.77    

Exchange rate (end of period) (US$/Cdn$)   0.78   0.77   0.73    

(1)
2-1-1 crack spreads are indicators of the refining margin generated by converting two barrels of WTI into one barrel 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.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly lowered demand for crude oil and refined products in 2020, resulting in a decrease in crude oil and crack spread benchmarks of more than 30% compared to 2019.

Suncor's sweet SCO price realizations are influenced primarily by the price of WTI at Cushing and by the supply and demand of sweet SCO from Western Canada, which influences SCO differentials. Price realizations for sweet SCO were unfavourably impacted by a decrease in WTI at Cushing to US$39.40/bbl in 2020, from US$57.05/bbl in 2019, and the widening of SCO differentials.

Suncor also produces sour SCO, the price realizations for which are 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 decreased to $45.60/bbl in 2020 compared to $69.20/bbl in 2019, and prices for WCS at Hardisty decreased to US$26.85/bbl in 2020 from US$44.25/bbl in 2019.

Bitumen production that Suncor does not upgrade is blended with diluent to facilitate delivery on pipeline systems. Net bitumen price realizations are therefore influenced by prices for Canadian heavy crude oil (WCS at Hardisty is a common reference), prices for diluent (Condensate at Edmonton and SCO) and pipeline tolls. Bitumen price realizations can also be affected by bitumen quality and spot sales. Bitumen prices were favourably impacted by narrower heavy crude oil differentials in 2020 compared to 2019.

Suncor's price realizations for production from East Coast Canada and E&P International assets are influenced primarily by the price for Brent crude, which averaged US$41.65/bbl in 2020, compared to US$64.30/bbl in 2019. Due to the nature of cargo shipments at the company's offshore assets, the timing associated with bulk cargo sales can result in price

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  27



realizations that deviate from the average benchmark price over the period.

Suncor's refining and marketing margins are primarily influenced by 2-1-1 benchmark crack spreads, which are industry indicators approximating the gross margin on a barrel of crude oil that is refined to produce gasoline and distillate. Market crack spreads are based on quoted near-month contracts for WTI and spot prices for gasoline and diesel and do not necessarily reflect the margins at a specific refinery. Suncor's realized refining and marketing margins are influenced by actual crude oil feedstock costs, refinery configuration, product mix and realized market prices unique to Suncor's refining and marketing business.

Suncor has developed an indicative 5-2-2-1 index based on publicly available pricing data to more accurately reflect Suncor's realized refining and marketing margin. This internal index is a single value calculated based on a notional five barrels of crude oil of varying grades refined to produce two barrels each of gasoline and distillate and one barrel of secondary product to approximate Suncor's unique set of refinery configurations, overall crude slate and product mix, and the benefit of its location, quality and grade differentials and marketing margins. The internal index is calculated by taking the product value of refined products less the crude value of refinery feedstock excluding the impact of FIFO inventory accounting methodology. The product value incorporates the New York Harbor 2-1-1 crack, Chicago 2-1-1 crack, WTI benchmarks and seasonal factors. The seasonal factor applies an incremental US$6.50/bbl in the first and fourth quarters and US$5.00/bbl in the second and third quarters and reflects the location, quality and grade differentials for refined products sold in the company's core markets during the winter and summer months, respectively. The crude value incorporates the SYN, WCS and WTI benchmarks.

Crack spreads are based on current crude feedstock prices, whereas actual earnings are accounted for on a FIFO basis in accordance with IFRS where a delay exists between the time that feedstock is purchased and when it is processed and when products are 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. The company's realized refining and marketing margins are also presented on a LIFO basis, which is consistent with how industry benchmarks and the Suncor 5-2-2-1 index are calculated and with how management evaluates performance.

In 2020, the 2-1-1 benchmark crack spreads declined significantly compared to the prior year quarter due to decreased demand for transportation fuels. The Suncor 5-2-2-1 index was US$19.95/bbl in 2020, compared to US$25.90/bbl in 2019, impacted by lower benchmark cracking margins and narrowing crude differentials.

Natural gas used in Suncor's Oil Sands and Refining operations is primarily referenced to Alberta spot prices at AECO. The average AECO benchmark increased to $2.25/mcf in 2020, from $1.75/mcf in the prior year.

Excess electricity produced in Suncor's Oil Sands operations business is sold to the Alberta Electric System Operator, with the proceeds netted against the Oil Sands operations cash operating costs per barrel metric. The Alberta power pool price decreased to an average of $46.70/MWh in 2020 from $54.90/MWh in the prior year.

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. A decrease in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar will increase the revenues received from the sale of commodities. An increase in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar will decrease revenues received from the sale of commodities. In 2020, the Canadian dollar remained unchanged in relation to the U.S. dollar as the average exchange rate for both 2020 and 2019 was US$0.75 per one Canadian dollar.

Conversely, some of Suncor's assets and liabilities, notably 65% of the company's debt, are denominated in U.S. dollars and translated to Suncor's reporting currency (Canadian dollars) at each balance sheet date. An increase in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar from the previous balance sheet date decreases the amount of Canadian dollars required to settle U.S. dollar denominated obligations.

28  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



Economic Sensitivities(1)(2)

The following table illustrates the estimated effects that changes in certain factors would have had on 2020 net loss and funds from operations(3) if the listed changes had occurred.

(Estimated change, in $ millions)   Impact
on
2020
Net Loss
  Impact
on
2020
Funds from
Operations(3)
   

Crude oil +US$1.00/bbl   210   210    

Natural gas +Cdn$0.10/mcf   (25 ) (25 )  

WTI – narrowing light/heavy differential +US$1.00/bbl   35   35    

2-1-1 crack spreads +US$1.00/bbl   125   125    

Foreign exchange +$0.01 US$/Cdn$ related to operating activities(4)   (125 ) (125 )  

Foreign exchange on U.S. dollar denominated debt +$0.01 US$/Cdn$   175      

(1)
Each line item in this table shows the effects of a change in that variable only, with other variables being held consistent.

(2)
Changes for a variable imply that all such similar variables are impacted, such that Suncor's average price realizations increase uniformly. For instance, "Crude oil +US$1.00/bbl" implies that price realizations influenced by WTI, Brent, SCO, WCS, par crude at Edmonton and condensate all increase by US$1.00/bbl.

(3)
Non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisories – Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A.

(4)
Excludes the foreign exchange impact on U.S. dollar denominated debt.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  29


4. Segment Results and Analysis

Suncor has classified its operations into the following segments:

Oil Sands

Suncor's Oil Sands segment, with assets located in the Athabasca oil sands of northeast Alberta, produces bitumen from mining and in situ operations. Bitumen is either upgraded into SCO for refinery feedstock and diesel fuel, or blended with diluent for refinery feedstock or direct sale to market through the company's midstream infrastructure and its marketing activities. The segment includes the marketing, supply, transportation and risk management of crude oil, natural gas, power and byproducts. The Oil Sands segment includes:

Oil Sands operations refer to Suncor's owned and operated mining, extraction, upgrading, in situ and related logistics, blending and storage assets in the Athabasca oil sands region. Oil Sands operations consist of:

Oil Sands Base operations include the Millennium and North Steepbank mining and extraction operations, integrated upgrading facilities known as Upgrader 1 and Upgrader 2, and the associated infrastructure for these assets – including the bi-directional interconnecting pipelines between Suncor's Oil Sands Base operations and Syncrude and the utilities, energy, reclamation and storage facilities.

In Situ operations include oil sands bitumen production from Firebag and MacKay River and supporting infrastructure, including central processing facilities, cogeneration units, product transportation infrastructure, diluent import capabilities, storage assets and a cooling and blending facility. In Situ also includes development opportunities which may support future in situ production, including Meadow Creek (75%), Lewis (100%), OSLO (77.78%), Gregoire (100%), various interests in Chard (25% to 50%), and a non-operated interest in Kirby (10%). In Situ production is either upgraded by Oil Sands Base or blended with diluent and marketed directly to customers.

Fort Hills includes Suncor's 54.11% interest in Fort Hills, which the company operates, and the East Tank Farm Development (ETFD) in which Suncor holds a 51% interest and operates.

Syncrude refers to Suncor's 58.74% non-operated interest in the oil sands mining and upgrading operation. During 2020, the Syncrude joint venture owners reached an agreement in principle for Suncor to take over as operator of the Syncrude asset by the end of 2021.

Exploration and Production

Suncor's E&P segment consists of offshore operations off the east coast of Canada and in the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the Norwegian North Sea and onshore assets in Libya and Syria. This segment also includes the marketing and risk management of crude oil and natural gas.

E&P Canada operations include Suncor's 37.675% working interest in Terra Nova, which Suncor operates. Production at Terra Nova has been shut in since the fourth quarter of 2019 and the company is evaluating with all stakeholders an economically viable path forward with a safe and reliable return to operations. Suncor also holds non-operated interests in Hibernia (20% in the base project and 19.190% in the Hibernia Southern Extension Unit (HSEU)), White Rose (27.5% in the base project and 26.125% in the extensions), and Hebron (21.034%). In addition, the company holds interests in several exploration licences and significant discovery licences offshore Newfoundland and Labrador.

E&P International operations include Suncor's non-operated interests in Buzzard (29.89%), the GEAD (26.69%), Oda (30%), the Fenja project (17.5%), and the Rosebank future development project (40%). Buzzard, Golden Eagle, and Rosebank are located in the U.K. sector of the North Sea, while Oda and the Fenja project are located in the Norwegian North Sea and the Norwegian Sea, respectively. In addition, Suncor owns, pursuant to exploration and production sharing agreements (EPSAs), working interests in the exploration and development of oilfields in the Sirte Basin in Libya, although production in Libya remained partially shut in throughout 2020 due to continued political unrest. The timing of a return to normal operations in Libya remains uncertain. Suncor also owns, pursuant to a production sharing contract (PSC), an interest in the Ebla gas development in Syria, which has been suspended, indefinitely, since 2011 due to political unrest in the country. Subsequent to the end of the year, the company reached an agreement to sell its 26.69% working interest in the GEAD. The effective date of the sale is January 1, 2021 and is expected to close no later than the third quarter of 2021, subject to purchaser financing and shareholder approval along with other closing conditions and certain regulatory approvals.

Refining and Marketing

Suncor's Refining and Marketing segment consists of two primary operations, the refining and supply and marketing operations discussed below, as well as the infrastructure

30  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



supporting the marketing, supply and risk management of refined products, crude oil, natural gas, power and byproducts. This segment also includes the trading of crude oil, refined products, natural gas and power.

Refining and Supply operations refine crude oil and intermediate feedstock into a wide range of petroleum and petrochemical products. Refining and Supply consists of:

Eastern North America operations include a 137 mbbls/d refinery located in Montreal, Quebec and an 85 mbbls/d refinery located in Sarnia, Ontario.

Western North America operations include a 146 mbbls/d refinery located in Edmonton, Alberta (increased from 142 mbbls/d at December 31, 2020) and a 98 mbbls/d refinery in Commerce City, Colorado.

Other Refining and Supply assets include interests in a petrochemical plant and a sulphur recovery facility in Montreal, Quebec, product pipelines and terminals throughout Canada and the U.S., and the St. Clair ethanol plant in Ontario.

Marketing operations sell refined petroleum products to retail customers through a combination of company owned Petro Canada™ and Sunoco™ locations and branded dealers in Canada and company owned locations in the US marketing under other international brands. The company's marketing operations also sells refined petroleum products through a nationwide commercial road transportation network in Canada, and to other commercial and industrial customers, including other retail sellers, in Canada and the U.S.

Corporate and Eliminations

The Corporate and Eliminations segment includes the company's investments in renewable energy projects and other activities not directly attributable to any other operating segment.

Renewable Energy includes interests in four wind farm operations in Ontario and Western Canada: Adelaide, Chin Chute, Magrath and Sunbridge as well as the Forty Mile Wind Power Project, which was restarted in early 2021 and is currently planned for completion in late 2022 after it was temporarily paused during 2020.

Corporate activities include stewardship of Suncor's debt and borrowing costs, expenses not allocated to the company's businesses, and investments in clean technology, such as Suncor's investment in Enerkem Inc. (Enerkem), LanzaJet, Inc., and the Varennes Carbon Recycling facility.

Intersegment revenues and expenses are removed from consolidated results in Eliminations. Intersegment activity includes the sale of product between the company's segments, primarily relating to crude refining feedstock sold from Oil Sands to Refining and Marketing.

Oil Sands

2020 Highlights

The company achieved the second best year of SCO production in its history with 466,200 bbls/d, which reflected its continued focus on value over volume. SCO production was supported by In Situ bitumen production diverted to the upgrader to maximize the production of higher value SCO barrels. The company was able to maximize price realizations by shifting its upstream product mix towards higher priced light crude, which resulted in combined upgrader utilization of 85%.

The company exceeded its company-wide operating cost reduction targets, achieving a reduction in Oil Sands operating costs of approximately $850 million or 11% from the prior year, primarily as a result of base business reductions and delivering on cost reduction initiatives. These initiatives included enhancements to our supply chain model as well as lower structural operating costs at Fort Hills as the company reduced production to keep pace with downstream demand, including temporarily transitioning operations to one primary extraction train.

The company met its capital cost reduction targets, which included a reduction in capital spend at Oil Sands of approximately $800 million or 23% from the prior year. This was achieved by shifting the focus to sustaining projects designed to maintain safe and reliable operations and reducing economic spend.

In 2020, construction continued on the interconnecting pipelines between Suncor's Oil Sands Base operations and Syncrude. The pipelines provide increased operational flexibility through the ability to transfer bitumen and sour SCO between the two plants, enabling higher utilization. The asset was brought into service in the fourth quarter of 2020.

During 2020, the Syncrude joint venture owners reached an agreement in principle for Suncor to take over as operator of the Syncrude asset by the end of 2021. Suncor, together with the other Syncrude joint venture owners, will continue to drive operating efficiencies, improve performance and develop regional synergies through integration.

At Firebag, work to expand the capacity of the facility by 12,000 bbls/d was completed, enabling the asset to produce near its new nameplate capacity of 215,000 bbls/d exiting the year.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  31


Strategy and Investment Update

Suncor holds one of the largest resource positions in the Athabasca oil sands. The company has developed a unique asset base within the Athabasca oil sands and has established a regional advantage given the close proximity of the company's assets to one another, which the company can leverage to maximize the value of its production volumes. Management is committed to delivering safe, reliable, low-cost production, while moving forward in the areas of technology and innovation and environmental sustainability. The Oil Sands regional advantage is strengthened by the company's marketing and trading expertise, including the midstream and logistics network which secures market access, optimizes price realizations associated with the marketing of crude oil, byproducts and natural gas supply, manages inventory levels, and limits the impacts of external market factors, including pipeline disruptions, lack of egress or outages at refining customers.

The primary focus for both cost management and capital discipline in 2021 will be to continue efforts to sustainably reduce controllable operating costs through implementation of digital technologies that will facilitate the transition to the workplace of the future, bolster operational excellence and drive additional value. Through the acceleration of Suncor's transformation, the company continues to work to reduce the cost structure of running its business while increasing productivity. Capital allocation continues to focus on asset sustainment and maintenance projects designed to maintain safe and reliable operations, as well as advancing high-value economic investment projects.

The company continues to invest in projects that are economically robust, sustainably minded and technologically progressive. Looking ahead, Suncor expects to continue to advance incremental debottlenecks to maximize the value of the Firebag asset. Debottlenecking capacity and timing will depend on economic conditions, supported by integrated well pad development and Solvent SAGD technologies. Additional technology projects, including the continued deployment of AHS, and innovative tailings technology advancements, including Permanent Aquatic Storage Structure, demonstrate the importance technology and innovation have in increasing efficiency and lowering operating costs while improving our environmental and safety performance. These initiatives, combined with continued advancement of digital technologies, will contribute in part to the company's incremental free funds flow(1) target.

The company's ability to leverage technology and innovation is at the core of our strategy supporting our financial, social and environmental goals. The investments to replace the coke-fired boilers with a cogeneration facility at Oil Sands Base is expected to provide reliable steam generation required for Suncor's extraction and upgrading, at a lower cost and with significantly lower carbon emissions. The facility is also expected to generate electricity that will be transmitted to Alberta's power grid, lower the carbon intensity of the Alberta power grid while delivering value to Suncor. Construction of the cogeneration facility at Oil Sands Base was placed on hold in 2020 but has been restarted in 2021.

At Syncrude, planned economic spend in 2021 includes the Mildred Lake Extension project, which is expected to sustain Syncrude's current production levels by extending the life of the North Mine using existing extraction and upgrading facilities while minimizing the environmental impacts of building new infrastructure. The project is expected to come online in 2025.

Suncor remains committed to increasing reliability and enhancing the integration of our existing assets. During 2020, the Syncrude joint venture owners reached an agreement in principle for Suncor to take over as operator of the Syncrude asset by the end of 2021. Suncor, together with the other Syncrude joint venture owners, will continue to drive operating efficiencies, improve performance and develop regional synergies through integration, which will further support Syncrude's ability to achieve its cost and productivity targets. In addition, in 2021, the joint venture owners intend to focus on optimizing transfers on the interconnecting pipelines between Suncor's Oil Sands Base and Syncrude.

The Oil Sands capital program in 2021 is heavily weighted towards asset sustainment and maintenance, which includes significant planned maintenance at both Oil Sands operations, including a five-year turnaround at Oil Sands Base Upgrader 2, and Syncrude, with maintenance at its largest coker.


(1)
Free funds flow is a Non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisories – Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A.

32  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


Financial Highlights

Year ended December 31 ($ millions)   2020   2019   2018    

Gross revenues   10 617   18 347   15 743    

Less: Royalties   (95 ) (917 ) (398 )  

Operating revenues, net of royalties   10 522   17 430   15 345    

Net (loss) earnings   (3 796 ) (427 ) 945    

Adjusted for:                

  Asset impairment(1)   1 376   2 959      

  Provision for Keystone XL pipeline project   142        

  Gain on significant disposal(2)       (60 )  

  Impact of income tax rate adjustment on deferred taxes(3)     (910 )    

Operating (loss) earnings(4)   (2 278 ) 1 622   885    

Funds from operations(4)   1 986   6 061   4 964    

(1)
In 2019, the company recorded after-tax impairment charges of $2.803 billion on its share of the Fort Hills assets due to continued volatility in the crude oil price environment, resulting in a decline in forecasted long-term heavy crude oil prices.

(2)
In 2018, the company recorded an after-tax gain of $60 million on the sale of the company's interest in the Joslyn oil sands mining project.

(3)
In 2019, the company recorded a $910 million deferred income tax recovery in the Oil Sands segment associated with the Government of Alberta's substantive enactment of legislation for the staged reduction of the corporate income tax rate from 12% to 8%.

(4)
Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Advisories – Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A.

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

GRAPHIC

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

The Oil Sands segment had an operating loss of $2.278 billion in 2020, compared to operating earnings of $1.622 billion in 2019. The decrease was primarily due to lower realized crude prices, as crude benchmarks decreased by approximately 30% compared to the prior year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Operating earnings were also impacted by lower production volumes, as the company maximized volumes to the upgrader, reduced production to keep pace with downstream demand, and incurred higher unplanned maintenance compared to the prior year. These factors were partially offset by the decrease in operating, selling and general expenses, associated with lower

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  33


production and the company's continued cost reduction initiatives, and lower royalties.

Oil Sands had a net loss of $3.796 billion in 2020, compared to $427 million in 2019, and was impacted by the same factors as operating (loss) earnings described above. In addition, 2020 net earnings included the impact of a non-cash after-tax impairment charge of $1.376 billion on its share of the Fort Hills assets due to a decline in forecasted crude oil prices as a result of decreased global demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes to its capital, operating and production plans. In 2020, the company also recorded a provision to transportation expense for $186 million ($142 million after-tax) related to the Keystone XL pipeline project. 2019 net earnings included the impact of a non-cash impairment charge of $2.803 billion after-tax on the company's share of the Fort Hills assets, partially offset by a one-time deferred income tax recovery of $910 million associated with a staged reduction to the Alberta corporate income tax rate.

Funds from operations for the Oil Sands segment were $1.986 billion in 2020, compared to $6.061 billion in 2019, and were influenced by the same factors that impacted operating earnings (loss).

Production Volumes(1)(2)

Year ended December 31
(mbbls/d)
  2020   2019   2018    

  SCO and diesel production   477.5   497.0   437.4    

  Internally consumed diesel and internal transfers   (11.3 ) (11.4 ) (12.9 )  

Upgraded production   466.2   485.6   424.5    

Non-upgraded bitumen production   127.2   184.8   204.1    

Total Oil Sands production   593.4   670.4   628.6    

(1)
Bitumen from Oil Sands Base operations is upgraded, while bitumen from In Situ operations is upgraded or sold directly to customers. Yields of SCO from Suncor's upgrading processes are approximately 79% of bitumen feedstock input. Yields of SCO from Syncrude's upgrading processes are approximately 85% of bitumen feedstock input.

(2)
Beginning in 2020, the company revised the presentation of its production volumes to aggregate production from each asset into the categories of "Upgraded production" and "Non-upgraded bitumen production" to better reflect the integration among the company's assets with no impact to overall production volumes. Comparative periods have been updated to reflect this change.

SCO production decreased to 466,200 bbls/d in 2020 from 485,600 bbls/d in 2019, marking the second best year of SCO production in the company's history. During 2020, the company achieved a combined upgrader utilization rate of 85% compared to 88% in the prior year, reflecting lower volumes at Syncrude as planned maintenance activities were optimized in response to a weaker business environment resulting in reduced production. 2020 production was also impacted by an operational incident at the secondary extraction facilities at Oil Sands Base, which was partially mitigated by increased In Situ bitumen production diverted to the upgrader to maximize the production of higher value SCO barrels. As a result, overall Oil Sands production was reduced by the yield loss associated with upgrading In Situ bitumen to SCO. Despite the impact on our production volumes and cost per barrel metrics, the result of this strategy had a positive impact on overall funds flow and reflects our value over volume approach.

Non-upgraded bitumen production decreased to 127,200 bbls/d in 2020 from 184,800 bbls/d in 2019, as Fort Hills temporarily transitioned to one primary extraction train, bitumen production from Firebag was diverted to the upgrader to maximize value over volume, maintenance activities were completed at Firebag to increase the nameplate capacity of the facility and lower production at MacKay River as a result of an outage that occurred in late 2019. MacKay River returned to operations early in the second quarter of 2020, and was fully ramped up to nameplate capacity in the fourth quarter of 2020. In the fourth quarter of 2020, Fort Hills commenced the phased ramp up to two primary extraction trains providing additional volumes at low incremental operating costs and expects to be operating at full rates by the end of 2021. Building on Suncor's commitment to operational excellence, the company exited the year with strong In Situ bitumen production, with both Firebag and MacKay River operating at near nameplate capacity.

Throughout 2020, Suncor continued to maintain its focus on value over volume, leveraging its broad asset base and operational flexibility to maximize the value of its allotted barrels under the Province of Alberta's mandatory curtailment program. The company optimized the transfer of its allotted curtailment credits among the company's assets, which helped the company achieve the second best year of SCO production in its history. Late in 2020, the Alberta government made the decision to suspend monthly limits on production under the curtailment system, effective December 2020.

Sales Volumes and Mix(1)

Year ended December 31
(mbbls/d)
  2020   2019   2018  

SCO and diesel   467.9   483.6   431.7  

Non-upgraded bitumen   125.6   187.5   191.3  

Total   593.5   671.1   623.0  

(1)
Beginning in 2020, the company revised the presentation of its sales volumes to aggregate sales from each asset into the categories of "SCO and diesel" and "Non-upgraded bitumen" to better reflect the integration among the company's assets with no impact to overall sales volumes. Comparative periods have been updated to reflect this change.

34  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


SCO and diesel volumes decreased to 467,900 bbls/d in 2020, compared to 483,600 bbls/d in 2019, reflecting the same factors impacting production volumes.

Non-upgraded bitumen decreased to 125,600 bbls/d in 2020, from 187,500 bbls/d in the prior year, consistent with the decrease in production.

Price Realizations(1)(2)

Year ended December 31
Net of transportation costs, but before royalties ($/bbl)
  2020   2019   2018    

SCO and diesel   43.83   70.68   68.32    

Non-upgraded bitumen   22.37   45.71   32.67    

Crude sales basket (all products)   39.29   63.70   57.37    

Crude sales basket, relative to WTI   (13.51 ) (12.00 ) (26.60 )  

(1)
Beginning in 2020, the company revised the presentation of its price realizations to aggregate price realizations from each asset into the categories of "SCO and diesel" and "Non-upgraded bitumen" to better reflect the integration among the company's assets with no impact to overall price realizations. Comparative periods have been updated to reflect this change.

(2)
Beginning in 2020, the company revised its "Non-upgraded bitumen" price realization to include midstream activities employed to optimize its logistics capacity and more accurately reflect the performance of the product stream. Comparative periods have been restated to reflect this change.

In 2020, Oil Sands price realizations were impacted by a significant decline in demand due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and OPEC+ supply issues at the beginning of 2020. Price realizations stabilized through the year as benchmarks improved following increased demand, optimism relating to vaccine rollouts and OPEC+ supply management.

Royalties

Royalties were lower in 2020 relative to 2019, primarily due to lower crude price realizations and sales volumes.

Expenses and Other Factors

Total operating and transportation expenses for 2020 were lower relative to 2019, as described in detail below. See the Cash Operating Costs section below for further details.

In 2020, the relief provided under the Government of CEWS program, safe-mode costs associated with the deferral of capital projects and additional costs incurred in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have been included in operating and transportation expenses by asset. These recoveries and costs, however, have been excluded from the company's cash operating costs per barrel metrics for comparability purposes.

At Oil Sands operations, operating costs decreased compared to the prior year, primarily due to lower sales volumes, cost reduction initiatives and lower planned maintenance costs, partially offset by an increase in natural gas prices.

At Fort Hills, operating costs in 2020 decreased when compared to the prior year, primarily due to structural and variable cost savings associated with the temporary transition to one primary extraction train in the middle of the year. The structural cost savings were sustained as the asset completed its phased ramp up to two primary extraction trains in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Syncrude operating costs in 2020 decreased compared to the prior year, primarily due to cost reduction initiatives and lower planned maintenance costs.

Oil Sands transportation costs in 2020 decreased from the prior year, primarily due to lower sales volumes.

DD&A expense for 2020 increased when compared to 2019 due to higher derecognition charges of property, plant and equipment and exploration and evaluation assets in 2020, mainly due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  35


Cash Operating Costs

Year ended December 31   2020   2019   2018    

Oil Sands operating, selling and general expense (OS&G)   7 169   8 027   7 577    

Oil Sands operations cash operating costs(1) reconciliation                

  Oil Sands operations OS&G   4 292   4 639   4 222    

  Non-production costs(2)   (107 ) (179 ) (100 )  

  Excess power capacity and other(3)   (248 ) (241 ) (237 )  

  Inventory changes   (3 ) 48   (14 )  

Oil Sands operations cash operating costs(1) ($ millions)   3 934   4 267   3 871    

Oil Sands operations production volumes(4)(5) (mbbls/d)   380.9   414.5   420.3    

Oil Sands operations cash operating costs(1) ($/bbl)   28.20   28.20   25.25    

Fort Hills cash operating costs(1) reconciliation                

  Fort Hills OS&G   761   921   832    

  Non-production costs(2)   (52 ) (115 ) (120 )  

  Inventory changes   (11 ) 9   55    

Fort Hills cash operating costs(1) ($ millions)   698   815   767    

Fort Hills production volumes (mbbls/d)   58.1   85.3   67.4    

Fort Hills cash operating costs(1) ($/bbl)   32.80   26.15   31.20    

Syncrude cash operating costs(1) reconciliation                

  Syncrude OS&G   2 116   2 467   2 523    

  Non-production costs(2)   (66 ) (156 ) (95 )  

Syncrude cash operating costs(1)(6) ($ millions)   2 050   2 311   2 428    

Syncrude production volumes(4)(5) (mbbls/d)   165.7   172.3   144.2    

Syncrude cash operating costs(1) ($/bbl)   33.80   36.75   46.15    

(1)
Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Advisories – Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A.

(2)
Significant non-production costs include, but are not limited to, share-based compensation expense and research expenses. In addition, for 2020, non-production costs include safe-mode costs associated with the deferral of capital projects and additional costs incurred in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-production costs in 2020 also include the relief provided under the CEWS program. Non-production costs at Fort Hills and Syncrude also include, but are not limited to, excess power revenue from cogeneration units 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 cogeneration units and the natural gas expense recorded as part of a non-monetary arrangement involving a third-party processor.

(4)
Both Oil Sands operations and Syncrude produce diesel, which is internally consumed in mining operations, and Fort Hills and Syncrude use internally produced diesel from Oil Sands Base within their mining operations. In 2020, Oil Sands operations production volumes included 8,600 bbls/d of internally consumed diesel, of which 7,000 bbls/d was consumed at Oil Sands Base, 1,300 bbls/d was consumed at Fort Hills and 300 bbls/d was consumed at Syncrude. Syncrude production volumes included 2,600 bbls/d of internally consumed diesel. In addition, Oil Sands operations includes 80 bbls/d of SCO that was transferred to Suncor's share of Syncrude through the interconnecting pipelines.

(5)
Beginning in 2020, Oil Sands operations cash operating costs are based on production volumes, which include internally consumed diesel produced at Oil Sands Base and consumed at Fort Hills, Syncrude and Oil Sands Base, while all the prior periods presented exclude internally consumed diesel at Oil Sands Base from production volumes. Prior periods were not restated due to the immaterial impact of the change in presentation. Also, beginning in 2020, Syncrude cash operating costs are based on production volumes, which include internally consumed diesel, while all the prior periods presented here exclude internally consumed diesel from production. Prior periods were not restated due to the immaterial impact of the change in presentation.

(6)
Beginning in 2020, the company revised the methodology for calculating Syncrude cash operating costs to better align with the Oil Sands operations and Fort Hills cash operating costs methodology. Prior period Syncrude cash operating costs had previously included future development costs and have been restated to reflect this change.

(1)
Oil Sands operations cash operating costs, Fort Hills cash operating costs and Syncrude cash operating costs are a non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisories – Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A.

Oil Sands operations cash operating costs per barrel(1) in 2020 were comparable to the prior year as lower maintenance costs and cost reduction initiatives were offset by lower production volumes and higher natural gas costs. Total Oil Sands operations cash operating costs decreased to $3.934 billion from $4.267 billion in the prior year.

Fort Hills cash operating costs per barrel(1) averaged $32.80 in 2020, compared to $26.15 in 2019, reflecting lower production as Fort Hills temporarily moved to one primary extraction train in the middle of the year, as the company managed production to keep pace with reduced downstream demand, partially offset by a reduction in costs.

Syncrude cash operating costs per barrel(1) decreased to $33.80 in 2020, compared to $36.75 in the previous year, due to cost reduction initiatives and lower maintenance costs. Suncor's share of total Syncrude cash operating costs decreased to $2.050 billion from $2.311 billion in 2019.

In 2020, non-production costs across all assets, which are excluded from cash operating costs, were lower than the prior year, primarily due to CEWS and lower share-based compensation expense, partially offset by safe-mode and COVID-19 response costs.

36  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



Non-Cash Asset Impairment

During the first quarter of 2020, the company recorded an impairment of $1.376 billion (net of taxes of $0.445 billion) on its share of Fort Hills due to a decline in forecasted crude oil prices as a result of decreased global demand due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and changes to its capital, operating and production plans. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Fort Hills partners approved the phased restart of the second primary extraction train, which restarted earlier than what was assumed in the first quarter impairment test. As such, the company performed an impairment reversal assessment as at December 31, 2020. Based on the following asset-specific assumptions an impairment reversal was not required:

WCS price forecast of US$32.00/bbl in 2021, US$41.15/bbl in 2022, US$47.50/bbl in 2023 and US$49.50/bbl in 2024, escalating at approximately 2% per year thereafter over the life of the project up to 2064, adjusted for asset-specific location and quality differentials;

the company's share of production averaging 74,000 bbls/d through 2022 while the Fort Hills Project operates on two primary extraction trains but at a reduced capacity, and then ranging from 97,000 to 105,000 bbls/d over the remaining life of the project;

cash operating costs averaging $25.50/bbl through 2022 while the Fort Hills Project operates on two primary extraction trains but at a reduced capacity, and then ranging from $19.00/bbl to $23.00/bbl thereafter as the project returns to full capacity over the remaining life of the project (expressed in real dollars);

foreign exchange rate of US$0.76 per one Canadian dollar in 2021, and US$0.80 per one Canadian dollar thereafter; and

risk-adjusted discount rate of 7.5% (after-tax).

Positive factors, including an increase to forecasted production as a result of the restart of the second primary extraction train, improved WCS price forecast in the next two years, and lower operating costs were offset by lower long-term prices and the negative impact from a strengthening Canadian dollar. The recoverable amount of the Fort Hills cash generating unit (CGU) was $5.7 billion as at December 31, 2020, which indicated that no impairment reversal was required.

The recoverable amount estimate is most sensitive to price and discount rate. A 5% average increase in price over the life of the project would have resulted in an impairment reversal amount of approximately $1.0 billion (after-tax) on the company's share of the Fort Hills assets. A 1% decrease in the discount rate would have resulted in an impairment reversal amount of approximately $0.9 billion (after-tax) on the company's share of the Fort Hills assets.

Planned Maintenance

The company plans to commence maintenance at Upgrader 1 late in the first quarter of 2021. Additional maintenance at Oil Sands Base Upgrader 1 is scheduled for the second and third quarters of 2021. The five-year planned maintenance turnaround at Oil Sands Base Upgrader 2 is scheduled for the second quarter of 2021 as is the planned maintenance at the largest Syncrude coker. The anticipated impact of these maintenance events has been reflected in the company's 2021 guidance.

Exploration and Production

2020 Highlights

E&P production was 101,700 bbls/d in 2020 compared to 106,800 bbls/d in 2019. Production highlights included increased production at Hebron, with five new production wells coming online in 2020 and increased volumes at Oda.

In 2020, capital expenditures and operating costs in E&P were reduced by approximately 50% and 10%, respectively, compared to the prior year, primarily as a result of the company's continued focus on cost reduction initiatives and deferral of capital projects including the West White Rose Project and the Terra Nova asset life extension (ALE).

Economic investment capital included development drilling at Golden Eagle, Buzzard and Oda and development work at Fenja and Buzzard Phase 2 intended to extend the productive life of existing fields.

Subsequent to 2020, the company reached an agreement to sell its 26.69% working interest in the GEAD for US$325 million and contingent consideration up to US$50 million. The effective date of the sale is January 1, 2021 and is expected to close no later than the third quarter of 2021, subject to purchaser financing and shareholder approval along with other closing conditions and certain regulatory approvals. The sale reinforces Suncor's continued focus on capital discipline and enables the company to allocate resources to core assets and maximize shareholder returns.

Strategy and Investment Update

The E&P segment delivers geographically diversified cash flows and focuses primarily on low-cost projects that deliver significant returns, cash flow and long-term value. The E&P business is strengthened by the company's marketing and trading expertise, which secures market access, optimizes price realizations, manages inventory levels and limits the impacts of external market factors.

The company continues to exercise capital discipline, carefully evaluating future projects and being disciplined in the deployment of capital in a constrained environment. At

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  37



Terra Nova, the ALE project was deferred in 2020 and the company safely preserved the floating production storage and offloading unit quayside until an economically viable path forward with a safe and reliable return to operations can be determined. Subsequent to the end of the year, Suncor and the Terra Nova joint venture partners, together with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, agreed to a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding, which provides for a financial commitment by the government, including a modified royalty regime, in support of continued operations. The ALE project is currently being evaluated with owners and all stakeholders to determine the best option to integrate and optimize potential funding to recover the remaining resources from the Terra Nova project.

In 2020, the operator of the West White Rose Project announced a full project review given the continued market uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and has moved the project into safekeeping mode, along with cancelling the 2021 construction season. While the White Rose asset is currently producing, there is considerable doubt regarding the future of the West White Rose Project. Discussions are ongoing with the operator and various levels of government to determine the future of the project. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has agreed to provide some support for the West White Rose Project in 2021.

The company has ongoing development activities offshore the east coast of Canada and in the U.K. North Sea, intended to leverage existing facilities and infrastructure to provide incremental production and extend the productive life of existing fields. These activities are planned to continue in 2021, but are expected to be limited to development drilling at Hebron and Oda, with continued development work at Buzzard Phase 2 and the Fenja project in Norway. The Rosebank project is currently in the pre-sanction phase.

Subsequent to 2020, the company reached an agreement to sell its 26.69% working interest in the GEAD for US$325 million and contingent consideration up to US$50 million. The effective date of the sale is January 1, 2021 and is expected to close no later than the third quarter of 2021, subject to purchaser financing and shareholder approval along with other closing conditions and certain regulatory approvals.

Financial Highlights

Year ended December 31 ($ millions)   2020   2019   2018    

Gross revenues(1)   1 851   3 372   3 474    

Less: Royalties(1)   (95 ) (302 ) (257 )  

Operating revenues, net of royalties   1 756   3 070   3 217    

Net (loss) earnings   (832 ) 1 005   807    

Adjusted for:                

  Asset Impairment(2)   845   393      

  (Gain) on significant disposals and loss on equity investment(3)     (187 ) 90    

  Impact of income tax rate adjustments on deferred income taxes(4)     (70 )    

Operating earnings(5)   13   1 141   897    

Funds from operations(5)   1 054   2 143   1 779    

(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 economic basis and exclude an equal and offsetting gross up of revenues and royalties of $48 million in 2020 and $303 million in 2019, which is required for presentation purposes in the company's financial statements under the working-interest basis.

(2)
In 2019, the company recorded an after-tax impairment charge of $393 million against White Rose due to increased capital cost estimates at the West White Rose Project.

(3)
2019 included an after-tax gain of $48 million in the E&P segment related to the sale of certain non-core assets. Also in 2019, Suncor sold its 37% interest in Canbriam for total proceeds and an equivalent gain of $151 million ($139 million after-tax), which had previously been written down to nil in 2018 following the company's assessment of forward natural gas prices and the impact on estimated future cash flows. In 2018, the company recorded a net non-cash loss of $90 million, after-tax, related to an asset exchange with Canbriam.

(4)
In 2019, the company recorded a $70 million deferred income tax recovery in the E&P segment associated with the Government of Alberta's substantive enactment of legislation for the staged reduction of the corporate income tax rate from 12% to 8%.

(5)
Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Advisories – Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A.

38  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


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

GRAPHIC

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

Operating earnings were $13 million for E&P in 2020, compared to $1.141 billion in the prior year, with the decrease due to significantly lower realized crude prices due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in crude oil benchmarks decreasing by more than 30%, and lower sales volumes, partially offset by the decrease in costs associated with lower production as well as cost reduction initiatives executed in 2020. Operating earnings in 2019 included insurance proceeds related to the company's assets in Libya.

E&P had a net loss of $832 million in 2020, compared to net earnings of $1.005 billion in 2019, and was impacted by the same factors as operating earnings described above. In addition, the net loss in 2020 included non-cash after-tax impairment charges of $845 million against its share of the White Rose and Terra Nova assets due to a decline in forecasted crude oil prices as a result of decreased global demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the high degree of uncertainty surrounding the future of the West White Rose Project and changes to their respective capital, operating and production plans.

Funds from operations were $1.054 billion in 2020, compared to $2.143 billion in 2019. The decrease was largely due to the same factors that impacted operating earnings described above.

Production Volumes(1)

Year ended December 31   2020   2019   2018  

E&P Canada (mbbls/d)   59.7   59.9   53.9  

E&P International (mboe/d)   42.0   46.9   49.5  

  Total Production (mboe/d)   101.7   106.8   103.4  

  Total Sales Volumes (mboe/d)   102.6   106.0   102.8  

(1)
Beginning in 2020, the company revised the presentation of its production volumes to aggregate production from each asset into the categories of "E&P Canada" and "E&P International" to simplify the presentation. Comparative periods have been updated to reflect this change.

E&P Canada production volumes in 2020 were comparable to the prior year as increased production at Hebron and Hibernia was offset by a decrease in production at Terra Nova as it continues to remain offline.

The company continues to exercise capital discipline, carefully evaluating future projects and being disciplined in the deployment of capital. At Terra Nova, the ALE project was deferred in 2020 and the company safely preserved the floating production storage and offloading unit quayside until an economically viable path forward with a safe and reliable return to operations can be determined. Subsequent to the end of the year, Suncor and the Terra Nova joint venture partners, together with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, agreed to a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding, which provides for a financial commitment by the government, including a modified royalty regime, in support of continued operations. The ALE project is currently being evaluated with owners

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  39



and all stakeholders to determine the best option to integrate and optimize potential funding to recover the remaining resources from the Terra Nova project.

E&P International production volumes averaged 42,000 boe/d in 2020, compared to 46,900 boe/d in 2019, with the decrease primarily related to natural declines in the U.K., partially offset by an increase in production from Oda, which began production in 2019.

Price Realizations

Year ended December 31
Net of transportation costs, but before royalties
  2020   2019   2018  

Exploration and Production              

  E&P Canada – Crude oil and natural gas liquids ($/bbl)   49.69   84.86   87.82  

  E&P Canada – Natural gas ($/mcf)       1.94  

  E&P International ($/boe)   50.28   81.09   86.77  

E&P average price ($/boe)   49.96   82.92   86.96  

Price realizations at E&P Canada and E&P International were impacted by a significant decline in demand due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and OPEC+ supply issues at the beginning of 2020. Price realizations stabilized through the year as benchmarks improved following increased demand, optimism relating to vaccine rollouts and OPEC+ supply management.

Royalties

E&P royalties were lower in 2020 primarily due to the decrease in price realizations.

Expenses and Other Factors

Operating expenses were lower in 2020, compared to 2019, primarily due to reduced operating activity in E&P Canada.

DD&A and exploration expenses in 2020 decreased from the prior year due to lower DD&A expense on lower sales volumes.

Non-Cash Asset Impairment

White Rose assets:

During the first quarter of 2020, the company recorded an impairment of $137 million (net of taxes of $45 million) on its share of the White Rose assets due to changes to its capital, operating and production plans. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the company reassessed the likelihood of completing the West White Rose Project. As a result of this reassessment, the company performed an impairment test of the White Rose CGU. While the base White Rose asset is expected to continue to produce into the future, the company has removed the reserves and forecasted revenues for the West White Rose Project. The impact of this change has reduced planned production from the CGU and increased the expected closure costs, no longer supporting a positive recoverable amount for the CGU. An after-tax impairment charge of $423 million (net of taxes of $136 million) was recognized and the White Rose CGU was fully impaired as at December 31, 2020 to reflect significant uncertainty around the future of the asset.

Terra Nova assets:

During the first quarter of 2020, the company recorded an impairment of $285 million (net of taxes of $93 million) on its share of the Terra Nova assets using the following asset-specific assumptions:

Brent price forecast of US$30.00/bbl for the remainder of 2020, US$35.00/bbl in 2021, US$50.00/bbl in 2022 and US$69.00/bbl in 2023, escalating at 2% per year thereafter over the life of the project to 2031 and adjusted for asset- specific location and quality differentials;

the company's share of production of approximately 6,200 bbls/d over the life of the project, including the benefit of the asset life extension project; and

risk-adjusted discount rate of 9.0% (after-tax).

The recoverable amount of the Terra Nova CGU was $24 million as at March 31, 2020.

No indicators of impairment or reversals of impairment were identified as at December 31, 2020.

Planned Maintenance of Operated Assets

There are no planned maintenance activities planned for Suncor's operated assets.

40  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


Refining and Marketing

2020 Highlights

R&M delivered refinery crude throughput of 407,000 bbls/d in 2020, compared to 438,900 bbls/d in 2019, reflecting reduced demand as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Average refinery utilization was 88% in 2020, compared with 95% in 2019. Suncor leveraged its strong domestic sales network and export channels, including integration with its retail network, to achieve higher utilization rates which outperformed the Canadian refining industry average throughout 2020.

On a FIFO basis, Suncor's refining and marketing margin(1) declined to $25.30/bbl in 2020, from $40.45/bbl in the prior year due to lower demand and benchmarks as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to the impact of FIFO inventory valuation. Suncor's refining and marketing margin decreased approximately 38% compared to the prior year, compared to a decrease of approximately 45% in crack spreads for the same period. This relative outperformance reflected Suncor's feedstock advantage, enabling the company to process discounted heavier crude oil, its marketing and logistics expertise, and strong sales channels within its integrated retail and wholesale network.

In support of the company's operating and capital cost reduction targets, operating costs were reduced by $280 million or 13% compared to 2019 while capital costs were reduced by approximately $300 million or approximately 40%.

Suncor continues to invest in midstream opportunities which expand the company's market reach and strengthen the company's sales channels, including the expansion of its Burrard product terminal, increased marine vessel activity and additional pipeline arrangements which provide feedstock optionality to our refineries.

The company increased the nameplate capacity of the Edmonton refinery, from 142,000 bbls/d to 146,000 bbls/d, subsequent to the end of the year, as a result of debottlenecking activities.

Strategy and Investment Update

The R&M business serves to maximize Suncor's integrated returns by extending the value chain from oil sands production to the end customer and is a key component of Suncor's integrated business model. The company aims to operate its refineries at optimal levels of utilization to provide reliable offtake for a portion of the production from the Oil Sands segment. The R&M business is strengthened by the company's marketing and trading expertise, by optimizing the supply of crude and natural gas liquids (NGLs) feedstock to the company's four refineries, managing crude inventory levels during refinery turnarounds and periods of unplanned maintenance, as well as managing external impacts from pipeline disruptions. The marketing and logistics organization also moves Suncor's refinery production to market and ensures supply to Suncor's branded retail and wholesale marketing channels. The business provides reliable natural gas supply to Suncor's upstream and downstream operations and generates incremental revenue through trading and asset optimization.

Through the acceleration of Suncor's transformation, the company continues to work to reduce the cost structure of the business, including the decision to relocate the downstream organization to the company's head office in Calgary.

Suncor continues to invest in midstream opportunities which expand the company's market reach and strengthen the company's sales channels, including the expansion of its Burrard product terminal, increased marine vessel activity and additional pipeline arrangements which provide feedstock optionality to our refineries. Through Suncor's midstream and logistics network, the company secures market access, optimizes price realizations associated with refined products and crude oil supply, manages inventory levels and limits the impacts of external market factors.

Suncor remains committed to supporting the transition to a low-carbon future through sustainability and technology initiatives. Canada's Electric Highway™, the coast-to-coast network of fast-charging electric vehicle stations across Canada, is one way that we are supporting consumers' transition to a low-carbon future.

Suncor continues to leverage its strong consumer position through the Petro-Canada™ brand, demonstrating our commitment to Canadians through our Live by the Leaf™ platform, introducing purposeful innovation with Canada's Electric Highway™ and through the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation™.


(1)
Non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisories – Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  41


Financial Highlights

Year ended December 31 ($ millions)   2020   2019   2018  

Operating revenues   15 272   22 304   23 778  

Net earnings   866   3 000   3 154  

Adjusted for:              

  Impact of income tax rate adjustments on deferred taxes(1)     (88 )  

Operating earnings(2)   866   2 912   3 154  

Funds from operations(2)   1 708   3 863   3 798  

(1)
In 2019, the company recorded an $88 million deferred income tax recovery in the R&M segment associated with the Government of Alberta's substantive enactment of legislation for the staged reduction of the corporate income tax rate from 12% to 8%.

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

R&M contributed annual operating earnings of $866 million in 2020, compared with $2.912 billion in 2019. The decrease was primarily due to lower refining and marketing margins and a FIFO inventory loss as a result of significantly lower crude benchmarks as well as lower crude throughput and refined product sales due to lower demand for transportation fuels due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by lower operating expenses.

Net earnings in 2020 were $866 million, compared to net earnings of $3.000 billion in 2019, and were impacted by the same factors as operating earnings described above.

R&M achieved an annual funds from operations of $1.708 billion in 2020, compared to $3.863 billion in 2019, due primarily to the same factors that impacted operating earnings described above.

42  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



Volumes

Year ended December 31   2020   2019   2018  

Crude oil processed (mbbls/d)              

  Eastern North America   201.0   203.3   208.1  

  Western North America   206.0   235.6   222.7  

Total   407.0   438.9   430.8  

Refinery utilization(1) (%)              

  Eastern North America   91   92   94  

  Western North America   86   98   93  

Total   88   95   93  

Refined Product Sales (mbbls/d)              

  Gasoline   214.1   246.6   245.6  

  Distillate(2)   215.7   218.1   203.4  

  Other   73.6   74.7   78.4  

Total   503.4   539.4   527.4  

  Refining and marketing margin – FIFO(3)(4) ($/bbl)   25.30   40.45   42.80  

  Refining and marketing margin – LIFO(3)(4) ($/bbl)   28.65   36.80   46.60  

  Refining operating expense(4) ($/bbl)   5.50   5.35   5.35  

(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)
Beginning in 2020, to better reflect the increasing integration of the company's assets, the company revised the presentation of its refined product sales volumes to include Oil Sands diesel that is purchased and marketed by the Refining and Marketing segment.

(3)
Beginning in 2020, refining and marketing margins have been revised to better reflect the refining, product supply and rack forward businesses. Prior periods have been restated to reflect this change.

(4)
Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Advisories – Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A.

Refinery utilization averaged 88% in 2020, compared with 95% in 2019, as the company reduced refinery throughput as a result of a decrease in consumer demand for transportation fuels due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As market conditions evolved and the demand profile shifted, the company was able to leverage its midstream storage capacity and diversified sales channels to respond quickly to changing consumer demand and optimize its product mix. The company also leveraged its strong domestic sales network and export channels, including integration with the retail network, within its downstream business to achieve higher utilization rates which continued to outperform the Canadian refining average through 2020. Subsequent to 2020, the nameplate capacity of the Edmonton refinery increased from 142,000 bbls/d to 146,000 bbls/d as a result of debottlenecking activities.

Total refined product sales decreased to 503,400 bbls/d in 2020, compared to 539,400 bbls/d in 2019, as a result of reduced average consumer demand due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Refining and Marketing Margins

Refining and marketing margins were influenced by the following:

On a LIFO(1) basis, Suncor's refining and marketing margin declined to $28.65/bbl in 2020, from $36.80/bbl in the prior year due to lower demand and benchmarks as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Suncor's refining and marketing margin decreased approximately 20% compared to the prior year, compared to a decrease of approximately 45% in benchmark crack spreads for the same period. This relative outperformance reflects Suncor's feedstock advantage, enabling the company to process discounted heavier crude oil, its marketing and logistics capabilities, and strong sales channels within its integrated retail and wholesale network.

On a FIFO basis, Suncor's refining and marketing margin declined to $25.30/bbl in 2020, from $40.45/bbl in the prior year due to the same factors noted above, in addition to the impact of FIFO inventory valuation. In 2020, the impact of the FIFO method of inventory valuation, relative to an estimated LIFO accounting method, resulted in a negative impact on the company's results of $384 million, after-tax. FIFO had a positive impact on operating earnings of $461 million, after-tax, in the prior year, for an overall unfavourable year-over-year impact of $838 million, after-tax, including the impact of short-term commodity risk management activities.

Expenses and Other Factors

Operating and transportation expenses decreased compared to the prior year, primarily due to the impact of the company's cost reduction initiatives, relief provided under the CEWS program, a decrease in variable costs associated with the decrease in crude throughput and sales volumes and lower share-based compensation expense. Refining operating expense(1) per barrel was $5.50 in 2020, compared to $5.35 in the prior year, with the increase primarily due to lower crude throughput.

DD&A expense in 2020 was comparable to the prior year.

Planned Maintenance

Planned maintenance is scheduled for the Edmonton, Montreal and Commerce City refineries in the second quarter of 2021. The anticipated impact of these maintenance events has been reflected in the company's 2021 guidance.


(1)
Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Advisories – Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  43


Corporate and Eliminations

2020 Highlights

In 2020, the company secured $2.8 billion in additional credit facilities and issued $1.25 billion of 5.00% senior unsecured medium term notes due 2030, US$450 million of 2.80% senior unsecured notes due 2023 and US$550 million of 3.10% senior unsecured notes due 2025. As of December 31, 2020, Suncor had $7.9 billion of liquidity.

In 2020, the company paid $1.670 billion in dividends to shareholders and, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, repurchased $307 million of its own common shares for cancellation.

In 2020, the company increased its investments in clean technology, including LanzaJet, Inc., a company working to bring sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel to the commercial market and the Varennes Carbon Recycling facility, a biofuel plant in Varennes, Quebec, that is designed to convert commercial and industrial non-recyclable waste into biofuels and renewable chemicals.

The company continues to progress on Suncor 4.0 through investments to improve the productivity, reliability, safety and environmental performance of our operations and contribute to the company's incremental free funds flow target.

Suncor will remain disciplined in its capital allocation and, at current commodity prices, plans to pay down between $1.0 billion and $1.5 billion of debt and repurchase between $500 million and $1.0 billion of the company's shares in 2021, signifying the company's ability to generate cash flow and confidence in the underlying value of the company. Subsequent to the end of the year, the TSX accepted Suncor's notice to commence a new NCIB for up to 44,000,000 common shares.

Strategy and Investment Update

Returning value to shareholders continues to be a top priority for Suncor. Suncor entered the year with a strong investment grade balance sheet and a proven track record of shareholder returns and, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, responded decisively to maintain its financial strength and liquidity. Suncor will remain disciplined in its capital allocation and, at current commodity prices, plans to pay down between $1.0 billion and $1.5 billion of debt and repurchase between $500 million and $1.0 billion of the company's shares in 2021, signifying the company's ability to generate cash flow and confidence in the underlying value of the company. Subsequent to the end of the year, the TSX accepted Suncor's notice to commence a new NCIB for up to 44,000,000 common shares.

Investment in low carbon power and being a part of the emerging biofuel industry is a key component of Suncor's climate change action plan. In 2019, Suncor sanctioned the Forty Mile Wind Power Project, a 200 MW renewable energy power project in southern Alberta that is expected to generate significant value through sustainable power generation and retention of the generated carbon credits for utilization in Suncor's upstream business. The project was deferred in 2020 due to capital reductions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is currently under construction. This project enables Suncor to make meaningful progress towards its sustainability goal of a 30% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity reduction by 2030.

In addition, the company continues to make investments in new technologies and renewable energy that lower its emissions and provide new sustainable energy sources. This includes equity investments in Enerkem., a waste-to-biofuels and chemicals producer, and LanzaJet, Inc., a company working to bring sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel to the commercial market. In 2020, Enerkem, Suncor and other partners announced construction plans for the Varennes Carbon Recycling facility, a biofuel plant in Varennes, Quebec, that is designed to convert commercial and industrial non-recyclable waste into biofuels and renewable chemicals. Suncor believes this investment complements Suncor's existing renewable fuels and power portfolio and further demonstrates Suncor's involvement in the global energy transition with low-carbon investments that are aligned with our current business.

Suncor continues to progress its digital transformation and implement new digital technologies across the enterprise to help improve the safety, productivity, reliability and environmental performance of our operations which the company anticipates will enable operational efficiencies that will provide further structural cost savings. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the business environment, the company accelerated certain aspects of the digital transformation, primarily associated with process and technology improvements and workforce reductions, to reduce the cost structure of running the business while increasing productivity. The company anticipates that the implementation of digital technologies will facilitate the transition to the workplace of the future, bolster operational excellence and drive additional value.

44  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


Financial Highlights

Year ended December 31 ($ millions)   2020   2019   2018    

Net loss   (557 ) (679 ) (1 613 )  

Adjusted for:                

  Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss on U.S. dollar denominated debt   (286 ) (590 ) 989    

  Impact of income tax rate adjustments on deferred income taxes(1)     (48 )    

Operating loss(2)   (843 ) (1 317 ) (624 )  

  Corporate and Renewables   (936 ) (1 113 ) (876 )  

  Eliminations – Intersegment profit realized (eliminated)   93   (204 ) 252    

Funds used in operations(2)   (872 ) (1 249 ) (369 )  

(1)
In 2019, the company recorded a $48 million deferred income tax recovery associated with the Government of Alberta's substantive enactment of legislation for the staged reduction of the corporate income tax rate from 12% to 8%.

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

Corporate and Renewables

Corporate incurred an operating loss of $936 million in 2020, compared with an operating loss of $1.113 billion in 2019, with the decreased operating loss primarily due to lower share-based compensation expense, favourable income tax settlements and relief provided under the CEWS program partially offset by an increase in interest expense associated with increased debt in 2020. Suncor capitalized $120 million of its borrowing costs in 2020, compared to $122 million in 2019, as part of the cost of major development assets and construction projects in progress.

Year ended December 31   2020   2019   2018  

Renewable Energy power generation marketed (gigawatt hours)(1)   200   184   183  

(1)
Power generated includes curtailed production for which the company was compensated.

Eliminations – Intersegment profit realized (eliminated)

Eliminations reflect the deferral or realization of profit on crude oil sales from Oil Sands to R&M. Consolidated profits are only realized when the refined products produced from internal purchases of crude feedstock have been sold to third parties. In 2020, the company realized $93 million of after-tax intersegment profit, compared to an elimination of profit of $204 million in the prior year. The change year-over-year was primarily due to the decrease in Oil Sands crude margins in 2020, as higher margin crude feedstock inventory sourced internally from Oil Sands was sold and replaced by lower margin crude feedstock inventory, resulting in a realization of profit at the enterprise level.

Funds used in operations for the Corporate and Eliminations segment were $872 million in 2020, compared to $1.249 billion in 2019, and were influenced by the same factors that impacted operating earnings, adjusted for the non-cash component of share-based compensation expense.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  45


5. Fourth Quarter 2020 Analysis

Financial and Operational Highlights

Three months ended December 31
($ millions, except as noted)
  2020   2019    

Net (loss) earnings            

  Oil Sands   (293 ) (2 682 )  

  Exploration and Production   (379 ) (162 )  

  Refining and Marketing   268   558    

  Corporate and Eliminations   236   (49 )  

Total   (168 ) (2 335 )  

Operating (loss) earnings(1)            

  Oil Sands   (151 ) 277    

  Exploration and Production   44   231    

  Refining and Marketing   268   558    

  Corporate and Eliminations   (303 ) (284 )  

Total   (142 ) 782    

Funds from (used in) operations(1)            

  Oil Sands   729   1 405    

  Exploration and Production   312   555    

  Refining and Marketing   415   793    

  Corporate and Eliminations   (235 ) (200 )  

Total funds from operations   1 221   2 553    

Changes in non-cash working capital   (407 ) (249 )  

Cash flow provided by operating activities   814   2 304    

Production volumes (mboe/d)            

  Oil Sands – SCO and diesel   514.3   456.3    

  Oil Sands – Non-upgraded bitumen   157.2   206.0    

  Exploration and Production   97.7   115.9    

Total   769.2   778.2    

(1)
Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Advisories – Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A.

Net Loss

Suncor had a consolidated net loss for the fourth quarter of 2020 of $168 million, compared to a net loss of $2.335 billion for the prior year quarter. The net loss was affected by the same factors that influenced operating earnings described subsequently in this section of this MD&A. Other items affecting the net losses over these periods included:

The after-tax unrealized foreign exchange gain on the revaluation of U.S. dollar denominated debt was $539 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to a gain of $235 million for the fourth quarter of 2019.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, the company recorded non-cash after-tax impairment charges of $423 million against its share of the White Rose assets, in the E&P segment, as a result of the high degree of uncertainty surrounding the future of the West White Rose Project.

In the fourth quarter of 2020, the company recorded a provision to transportation expense for $186 million ($142 million after-tax) related to the Keystone XL pipeline project, in the Oil Sands segment.

During the fourth quarter of 2019, the company recorded after-tax impairment charges of $2.803 billion on its share of the Fort Hills assets, in the Oil Sands segment, due to a decline in forecasted long-term heavy crude oil prices, and $393 million against White Rose, in the E&P segment, due to increased capital cost estimates at the West White Rose Project.

Cash Flow provided by Operating Activities and Funds from Operations

Funds from operations were $1.221 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $2.553 billion in the fourth quarter of 2019, and included a $186 million transportation provision related to the Keystone XL pipeline project. Funds from operations were influenced by the same factors impacting operating (loss) earnings described in the Segmented Analysis below.

Cash flow provided by operating activities, which includes changes in non-cash working capital, was $814 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $2.304 billion in the prior year quarter, and was influenced by the same factors impacting operating (loss) earnings noted below. In addition, cash flow provided by operating activities was further impacted by a higher use of cash associated with the company's working capital balances, as compared to the prior year quarter. The use of cash in the company's non-cash working capital balances was primarily due to an increase in production and commodity prices at the end of the quarter, resulting in an increase in accounts receivable and inventory balances.

Segmented Analysis

Oil Sands

The Oil Sands segment had an operating loss of $151 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to operating earnings of $277 million in the prior year quarter. The decrease was primarily due to lower realized crude prices, as crude benchmarks decreased by approximately 25% compared to the prior year quarter as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by lower operating expenses, a higher proportion of higher value SCO

46  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



barrels in the product mix, enabled by strong reliability, and lower royalties, DD&A and exploration expenses.

SCO production increased to 514,300 bbls/d in the fourth quarter of 2020 from 456,300 bbls/d in the fourth quarter of 2019, marking the second best quarter of SCO production in the company's history and resulted in a combined upgrader utilization rate of 95% in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to 83% in the prior year quarter. Increased production in the fourth quarter of 2020 was primarily due to strong reliability at Syncrude and Oil Sands Base ramping up to full operating rates. Following the completion of maintenance activities early in the quarter, the company achieved combined upgrader utilization of 102% in November and December of 2020. Both quarters were impacted by planned maintenance at Oil Sands operations while the prior year quarter was impacted by planned maintenance at Syncrude. SCO production was further supported by increased In Situ bitumen production diverted to the upgrader to maximize the production of higher value SCO barrels. Increased upgrader utilization impacted total Oil Sands production due to the yield loss associated with the bitumen upgrading process. Despite the impact on our production volumes and cost per barrel metrics, the result of this strategy had a positive impact on overall funds flow and reflects our value over volume approach.

Non-upgraded bitumen production decreased to 157,200 bbls/d in the fourth quarter of 2020 from 206,000 bbls/d in the fourth quarter of 2019, as bitumen production from Firebag was diverted to the upgrader to maximize value over volume and maintenance activities were completed at Firebag early in the quarter. Production in the fourth quarter of 2020 was also impacted by lower production at Fort Hills as the asset commenced the phased ramp up to two primary extraction trains providing additional volumes at low incremental operating costs. The maintenance activities at Firebag have expanded the nameplate capacity of the facility through the installation of new incremental emulsion handling and steam infrastructure and also addressed plant restrictions that developed during the third quarter of 2020. Building on Suncor's commitment to operational excellence, the company exited the fourth quarter of 2020 with strong In Situ bitumen production, with both Firebag and MacKay River operating at near nameplate capacity.

SCO and diesel sales volumes increased to 495,600 bbls/d in the fourth quarter of 2020, from 447,600 bbls/d in the prior year quarter, consistent with the increase in production, partially offset by a build of inventory as a result of strong production and timing of sales.

Non-upgraded bitumen sales volumes were 139,600 bbls/d in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to 218,100 bbls/d in the prior year quarter, and were influenced by the same factors that impacted production volumes, discussed above, in addition to a build of inventory as increased sales were transported to customers extending down to the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Exploration and Production

Operating earnings for the E&P segment in the fourth quarter of 2020 decreased to $44 million, from $231 million in the prior year quarter, with the decline primarily due to significantly lower realized crude prices due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in crude oil benchmarks decreasing by more than 25%, and lower production volumes, partially offset by lower royalties, DD&A expense, exploration expenses and operating expenses.

Production volumes for E&P Canada were 56,800 bbls/d in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to 69,600 bbls/d in the prior year quarter. Production volumes decreased in the fourth quarter of 2020, primarily due to the Terra Nova quayside preservation.

At Terra Nova, the company continued to exercise capital discipline by safely preserving the floating production storage and offloading unit quayside and deferring the ALE project until an economically viable path forward with a safe and reliable return to operations can be determined. Subsequent to 2020, Suncor and the Terra Nova joint venture partners, together with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, agreed to a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding, which provides for a financial commitment by the government, including a modified royalty regime, in support of continued operations. The ALE project is currently being evaluated with owners and all stakeholders to determine the best option to integrate and optimize potential funding to recover the remaining resources from the Terra Nova project.

E&P International production was 40,900 boe/d in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to 46,300 boe/d in the prior year quarter. The decrease in the fourth quarter of 2020 reflected lower asset performance and natural production declines in the U.K.

Refining and Marketing

R&M operating earnings in the fourth quarter of 2020 were $268 million, compared to $558 million in the prior year quarter. The decrease was primarily due to lower refining and marketing margins as a result of significantly lower crack spread benchmarks and lower crude throughput and refined product sales due to lower demand for transportation fuels due to the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by lower operating expenses. Operating earnings were favourably impacted by a FIFO inventory valuation gain of $44 million after-tax on the increase in crude and refined product benchmarks in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to a FIFO inventory valuation loss of $16 million after-tax in the prior year quarter.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  47


Refinery crude throughput was 438,000 bbls/d and refinery utilization was 95% in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to refinery crude throughput of 447,500 bbls/d and refinery utilization of 97% in the prior year quarter, with the decline due to lower demand for refined products during the fourth quarter of 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Suncor leveraged its strong domestic sales network and export channels, including integration with the retail network, within its downstream business to achieve higher utilization rates which continued to outperform the Canadian refining industry average in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Refined product sales decreased in the fourth quarter of 2020 to 508,800 bbls/d, compared to 534,600 bbls/d in the prior year quarter, as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Corporate and Eliminations

Corporate and Eliminations had an operating loss of $303 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to an operating loss of $284 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, with the increased operating loss primarily due to an increase in interest expense associated with increased debt in 2020 and higher share-based compensation expense, partially offset by favourable tax settlements. During the fourth quarter of 2020, the company's elimination of profit amounted to $21 million after-tax, compared to a realization of $11 million of after-tax intersegment profit in the prior year quarter.

Suncor capitalized $26 million of its borrowing costs in the fourth quarter of 2020 as part of the cost of major development assets and construction projects in progress, compared to $37 million in the prior year quarter.

48  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


6. Quarterly Financial Data

Financial Summary

Three months ended
($ millions, unless otherwise noted)
  Dec 31
2020
  Sept 30
2020
  June 30
2020
  Mar 31
2020
  Dec 31
2019
  Sept 30
2019
  June 30
2019
  Mar 31
2019
 

Total production (mboe/d)                                  

  Oil Sands   671.5   519.0   553.7   630.1   662.3   670.0   692.2   657.2  

  Exploration and Production   97.7   97.2   101.8   109.7   115.9   92.3   111.7   107.1  

    769.2   616.2   655.5   739.8   778.2   762.3   803.9   764.3  

Revenues and other income                                  

  Operating revenues, net of royalties   6 615   6 427   4 229   7 391   9 487   9 803   10 071   8 983  

  Other income (loss)   (21 ) 30   16   365   111   93   27   414  

    6 594   6 457   4 245   7 756   9 598   9 896   10 098   9 397  

Net (loss) earnings   (168 ) (12 ) (614 ) (3 525 ) (2 335 ) 1 035   2 729   1 470  

  per common share – basic (dollars)   (0.11 ) (0.01 ) (0.40 ) (2.31 ) (1.52 ) 0.67   1.74   0.93  

  per common share – diluted (dollars)   (0.11 ) (0.01 ) (0.40 ) (2.31 ) (1.52 ) 0.67   1.74   0.93  

Operating (loss) earnings(1)   (142 ) (302 ) (1 489 ) (309 ) 782   1 114   1 253   1 209  

  per common share – basic(1) (dollars)   (0.09 ) (0.20 ) (0.98 ) (0.20 ) 0.51   0.72   0.80   0.77  

Funds from operations(1)   1 221   1 166   488   1 001   2 553   2 675   3 005   2 585  

  per common share – basic(1) (dollars)   0.80   0.76   0.32   0.66   1.66   1.72   1.92   1.64  

Cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities   814   1 245   (768 ) 1 384   2 304   3 136   3 433   1 548  

  per common share – basic (dollars)   0.53   0.82   (0.50 ) 0.91   1.50   2.02   2.19   0.98  

ROCE(1) (%) for the twelve months ended   (6.9 ) (10.2 ) (7.5 ) (1.3 ) 4.9   9.7   10.4   8.2  

ROCE(1)(2) (%) excluding major projects in progress for the twelve months ended   (7.4 ) (10.8 ) (7.9 ) (1.4 ) 5.1   9.9   10.6   8.3  

After-tax unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) on U.S. dollar denominated debt   539   290   478   (1 021 ) 235   (127 ) 221   261  

Common share information (dollars)                                  

  Dividend per common share   0.21   0.21   0.21   0.47   0.42   0.42   0.42   0.42  

  Share price at the end of trading                                  

    Toronto Stock Exchange (Cdn$)   21.35   16.26   22.89   22.46   42.56   41.79   40.85   43.31  

    New York Stock Exchange (US$)   16.78   12.23   16.86   15.80   32.80   31.58   31.16   32.43  

(1)
Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Advisories – Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A. ROCE excludes capitalized costs related to major projects in progress. Operating earnings (loss) for each quarter are defined in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section and reconciled to GAAP measures in the Consolidated Financial Information and Segment Results and Analysis sections of each Quarterly Report to Shareholders issued by Suncor (Quarterly Reports) in respect of the relevant quarter. Funds from operations and ROCE for each quarter are defined and reconciled to GAAP measures in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Advisory section of each Quarterly Report issued by Suncor in respect of the relevant quarter.

(2)
ROCE excluding major projects in progress and impairments would have been 8.7%, 8.0%, 8.6%, and 5.4% for the second quarter of 2019, third quarter of 2019, fourth quarter of 2019 and first quarter of 2020, respectively, excluding the impacts of the $1.116 billion deferred tax recovery for the Alberta corporate income tax rate change in the second quarter of 2019.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  49


Business Environment

Three months ended
(average for the period ended, except as noted)
  Dec 31
2020
  Sept 30
2020
  June 30
2020
  Mar 31
2020
  Dec 31
2019
  Sept 30
2019
  June 30
2019
  Mar 31
2019
   

WTI crude oil at Cushing   US$/bbl   42.65   40.95   27.85   46.10   56.95   56.45   59.85   54.90    

Dated Brent crude   US$/bbl   44.20   43.00   29.20   50.15   63.30   61.90   68.85   63.20    

Dated Brent/Maya FOB price differential   US$/bbl   3.30   3.50   2.70   15.95   9.30   5.20   6.75   4.45    

MSW at Edmonton   Cdn$/bbl   50.25   51.30   30.20   52.00   68.10   68.35   73.90   66.45    

WCS at Hardisty   US$/bbl   33.35   31.90   16.35   25.60   41.10   44.20   49.20   42.50    

Light/heavy crude oil differential for WTI at Cushing less WCS at Hardisty   US$/bbl   (9.30 ) (9.05 ) (11.50 ) (20.50 ) (15.85 ) (12.25 ) (10.65 ) (12.40 )  

SYN-WTI (differential) premium   US$/bbl   (3.05 ) (2.45 ) (4.55 ) (2.70 ) (0.70 ) 0.40   0.15   (2.30 )  

Condensate at Edmonton   US$/bbl   42.55   37.55   22.20   46.20   53.00   52.00   55.85   50.50    

Natural gas (Alberta spot) at AECO   Cdn$/mcf   2.65   2.25   2.00   2.05   2.50   0.95   1.05   2.60    

Alberta Power Pool Price   Cdn$/MWh   46.15   43.85   29.90   67.05   46.95   46.85   56.55   69.45    

New York Harbor 2-1-1 crack(1)   US$/bbl   9.85   10.20   12.20   14.75   18.45   19.70   22.40   19.10    

Chicago 2-1-1 crack(1)   US$/bbl   7.95   7.75   6.75   9.75   14.35   17.05   21.50   15.40    

Portland 2-1-1 crack(1)   US$/bbl   13.15   12.55   12.20   18.30   25.45   23.90   29.10   19.35    

Gulf Coast 2-1-1 crack(1)   US$/bbl   9.00   8.55   9.00   13.00   17.00   20.00   21.70   17.90    

Exchange rate   US$/Cdn$   0.77   0.75   0.72   0.74   0.76   0.76   0.75   0.75    

Exchange rate (end of period)   US$/Cdn$   0.78   0.75   0.73   0.71   0.77   0.76   0.76   0.75    

(1)
2-1-1 crack spreads are indicators of the refining margin generated by converting two barrels of WTI into one barrel of gasoline and one barrel of diesel. The company previously quoted 3-2-1 crack margin benchmarks based on wider use and familiarity with these benchmarks and, although the 3-2-1 crack spread is more commonly quoted, the company's refinery production is better aligned with a 2-1-1 crack spread, which better reflects the approximate composition of Suncor's overall refined product mix. 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 (Loss) Earnings

Trends in Suncor's quarterly net (loss) earnings and cash flow provided by operating activities are driven primarily by production volumes, which can be significantly impacted by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in the first quarter of 2020, operational incidents and the Government of Alberta's mandatory production curtailments implemented during 2019.

Trends in Suncor's quarterly net (loss) earnings and cash flow provided by operating activities are also affected by changes in commodity prices, price differentials, refining crack spreads and foreign exchange rates, as described in the Financial Information section of this MD&A. In addition to the impacts of changes in production volumes and business environment, net (loss) earnings over the last eight quarters were affected by the following events or significant adjustments:

During the fourth quarter of 2020, the company recorded non-cash after-tax impairment charges of $423 million against its share of the White Rose assets, in the E&P segment, as a result of the high degree of uncertainty surrounding the future of the West White Rose Project.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, the company recorded a provision to transportation expense for $186 million ($142 million after-tax) related to the Keystone XL pipeline project in the Oil Sands segment.

During the first quarter of 2020, the company recorded non-cash after-tax impairment charges of $1.376 billion on its share of the Fort Hills assets, in the Oil Sands segment, and $422 million against its share of the White Rose and Terra Nova assets, in the E&P segment, due to a decline in forecasted crude oil prices as a result of decreased global demand due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and changes to their respective capital, operating and production plans.

During the first quarter of 2020, the company recorded an after-tax hydrocarbon inventory write-down to net realizable value of $177 million, in the Oil Sands segment, and $220 million, in the R&M segment, as a result of a significant decline in benchmarks and demand for crude oil and refined products due to COVID-19 mitigation efforts. The full hydrocarbon inventory write-down amount of $397 million after-tax was included in net earnings but was excluded from operating earnings and funds from operations in the first quarter of 2020, and realized through operating earnings and funds from operations in the second quarter of 2020 when the product was sold.

50  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


During the fourth quarter of 2019, the company recorded after-tax non-cash impairment charges of $2.803 billion on its share of the Fort Hills assets, in the Oil Sands segment, due to a decline in forecasted heavy crude oil prices and $393 million against its interest in White Rose, in the E&P segment, due to increased capital cost estimates at the West White Rose Project.

The third quarter of 2019 included an after-tax gain of $48 million in the E&P segment related to the sale of certain non-core assets.


In the second quarter of 2019, the company recorded a $1.116 billion deferred income tax recovery associated with the Government of Alberta's substantive enactment of legislation for the staged reduction of the corporate income tax rate from 12% to 8%.

In the second quarter of 2019, Suncor sold its 37% interest in Canbriam for total proceeds and an equivalent gain of $151 million ($139 million after-tax), which had previously been written down to nil in the fourth quarter of 2018 following the company's assessment of forward natural gas prices and the impact on estimated future cash flows.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  51


7. Capital Investment Update

Capital and Exploration Expenditures by Segment

Year ended December 31 ($ millions)   2020   2019   2018    

Oil Sands   2 736   3 522   3 546    

Exploration and Production   489   1 070   946    

Refining and Marketing   515   818   856    

Corporate and Eliminations   186   148   58    

Total   3 926   5 558   5 406    

Less: capitalized interest on debt   (120 ) (122 ) (156 )  

    3 806   5 436   5 250    

Capital and Exploration Expenditures by Type, excluding capitalized interest

Year ended December 31, 2020 ($ millions)   Asset
Sustainment
and
Maintenance(1)
  Economic
Investment(2)
  Total  

Oil Sands              

  Oil Sands Base   1 241   254   1 495  

  In Situ   212   384   596  

  Fort Hills   155   21   176  

  Syncrude   320   74   394  

Exploration and Production   6   451   457  

Refining and Marketing   390   116   506  

Corporate and Eliminations   64   118   182  

    2 388   1 418   3 806  

(1)
Asset sustainment and maintenance capital expenditures include capital investments that deliver on existing value by ensuring compliance or maintaining relations with regulators and other stakeholders, maintaining current processing capacity, and delivering existing developed reserves.

(2)
Economic investment capital expenditures include capital investments that result in an increase in value through adding reserves, improving processing capacity, utilization, cost or margin, including associated infrastructure.

In the second quarter of 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and OPEC+ supply issues, the company announced plans to reduce its planned 2020 capital expenditures to a range of $3.6 billion to $4.0 billion to preserve the financial health and resiliency of the company and navigate the current business environment. Suncor met this $1.9 billion capital reduction target by the end of 2020, reducing its capital expenditures to $3.806 billion which was an approximate 33% decrease compared to the original 2020 capital guidance midpoint. This was achieved by concentrating on asset sustainment and maintenance projects designed to maintain safe and reliable operations, as well as advancing and completing select late stage, high-value and low capital economic investment projects. Targeted capital reductions in 2020 included the deferral and cancellation of projects, the reduction in spending across various assets and increased execution efficiency.

In 2020, Suncor's capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment and exploration activities totaled $3.806 billion, excluding capitalized borrowing costs of $120 million. Activity in 2020 included the following:

Oil Sands Base

Oil Sands Base asset sustainment and maintenance capital expenditures were $1.241 billion in 2020 and were primarily focused on ensuring continued safe, reliable and efficient operations, as well as environmental compliance. The company's planned maintenance program in 2020 included work at Upgrader 1 and Upgrader 2, and the continued development of tailings infrastructure in addition to other reliability and sustainment projects across the operations. 2020 also included capital expenditures related to the rebuild at the Oil Sands Base plant secondary extraction facility, with the majority of the repair costs expected to be reimbursed through insurance proceeds anticipated to be received in 2021.

Oil Sands Base economic capital of $254 million in 2020 was focused on projects expected to improve productive capacity.

52  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



This also included the construction of interconnecting pipelines between Suncor's Oil Sands Base and Syncrude. The asset was brought into service in the fourth quarter of 2020.

In Situ

In Situ capital expenditures were $596 million in 2020, of which $384 million was directed towards economic investment activities, which focused on the ongoing design and construction of well pads to develop additional reserves that are expected to maintain existing production levels at Firebag and MacKay River in future years as production from existing well pads declines. Asset sustainment and maintenance capital expenditures were primarily directed towards the rebuild at the MacKay River central processing facility.

Fort Hills

Fort Hills capital expenditures were $176 million in 2020, with $155 million directed towards asset sustainment and capital expenditures related to mine and tailings development to support ongoing operations.

Syncrude

Syncrude capital expenditures were $394 million in 2020, the majority of which was for asset sustainment and maintenance capital expenditures focused on improving asset reliability and included capital related to turnarounds and maintenance. Syncrude economic capital was primarily focused on the construction of the interconnecting pipelines between Suncor's Oil Sands Base and Syncrude, which have enhanced integration between the assets and provided increased operational flexibility.

Exploration and Production

E&P capital and exploration expenditures were $457 million in 2020, and were primarily focused on economic investment projects, including development drilling at Hebron and Buzzard, and development work on the Fenja project and the West White Rose Project.

Refining and Marketing

R&M capital expenditures were $506 million in 2020, and were primarily related to the ongoing sustainment of, and enhancement to, refinery and retail operations.

Corporate

Corporate capital expenditures were $182 million, primarily directed towards the company's information technology and other corporate initiatives.

Suncor anticipates 2021 capital expenditures to be directed to the following projects and initiatives:

Oil Sands operations

For 2021, plans for economic investment include capital to progress low-carbon power generation to replace the coke-fired boilers at Oil Sands Base. Additional investment to maintain production capacity at existing facilities includes continued development of new reserves by building new well pads at In Situ and improving mining efficiency through the continued implementation of AHS at the Millennium mine.

Asset sustainment and maintenance capital expenditures for 2021 include the five-year planned turnaround at Oil Sands Base Upgrader 2. Asset sustainment and maintenance capital will also focus on tailings management and planned maintenance at Upgraders 1 and 2.

Fort Hills

Asset sustainment and maintenance capital expenditures for 2021 will focus on ongoing development of mining and tailings management projects to preserve production capacity.

Syncrude

For 2021, plans for economic investment will include capital to progress the Mildred Lake Extension-West Mine.

Sustaining capital expenditures for 2021 will focus on planned maintenance and reliability programs aimed at maintaining production capacity, which includes planned maintenance at the largest Syncrude coker.

Exploration and Production

Capital expenditures for 2021 are expected to include economic investments at Hebron, Hibernia, Buzzard, Oda, and Fenja.

Refining and Marketing

The company expects that sustaining capital will focus on ongoing sustainment and enhancement to refinery and retail operations, and other economic investment projects on logistics and the company's retail and wholesale network.

Corporate

For 2021, the company plans to make economic investments in digital technology initiatives and the Forty Mile Wind Power Project in southern Alberta, which was sanctioned in 2019.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  53


8. Financial Condition and Liquidity

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At December 31 ($ millions, except as noted)   2020   2019   2018    

Cash flow provided by (used in)                

  Operating activities   2 675   10 421   10 580    

  Investing activities   (4 524 ) (5 088 ) (6 697 )  

  Financing activities   1 786   (5 537 ) (4 426 )  

  Foreign exchange (loss) gain on cash and cash equivalents   (12 ) (57 ) 92    

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents   (75 ) (261 ) (451 )  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year   1 885   1 960   2 221    

Return on Capital Employed (%)(1)                

  Excluding major projects in progress(2)(3)   (7.4 ) 5.1   8.2    

  Including major projects in progress(2)   (6.9 ) 4.9   8.0    

Net debt to funds from operations(1)(4)(5) (times)   5.1   1.5   1.5    

Interest coverage on long-term debt (times)                

  Earnings basis(6)   (4.9 ) 3.4   6.4    

  Funds from operations basis(1)(5)(7)   3.9   13.4   14.1    

(1)
Non-GAAP financial measures. See the Advisories – Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A.

(2)
2020 ROCE includes asset impairment charges of $2.221 billion after-tax. 2019 ROCE includes asset impairment charges of $3.352 billion after-tax.

(3)
Excludes capitalized costs related to major projects in progress. ROCE excluding major projects in progress would have been (3.0%) in 2020, excluding the impact of impairments of $2.221 billion after-tax. ROCE excluding major projects in progress would have been 8.6% in 2019, excluding the impacts of impairments of $3.352 billion after-tax and the impact of the $1.116 billion deferred tax recovery relating to a change in the Alberta corporate income tax rate.

(4)
Net debt is equal to total debt less cash and cash equivalents.

(5)
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.

(6)
Equal to net earnings plus income taxes and interest expense, divided by the sum of interest expense and capitalized interest on debt.

(7)
Equal to funds from operations plus current income tax and interest expense, divided by the sum of interest expense and capitalized interest on debt.

Cash Flow provided by Operating Activities

Cash flow provided by operating activities was $2.675 billion in 2020 compared to $10.421 billion in 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the significant decline in crude oil and refined product realizations, as crude oil and crack spread benchmarks decreased by more than 30% compared to the prior year due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and OPEC+ supply issues. Cash flow provided by operating activities in 2020 was also negatively impacted by lower overall upstream production volumes and refinery crude throughput as the company managed its operations to meet demand levels. Cash flow provided by operating activities in 2019 also included after-tax insurance proceeds of $264 million related to the company's Libya assets. These factors were partially offset by reduced costs associated with lower production as well as cost reduction initiatives executed in 2020.

Cash Flow used in Investment Activities

Cash flow used in investing activities was $4.524 billion in 2020 compared to $5.088 billion in 2019. The decrease was primarily due to lower capital expenditures as the company reduced, deferred or cancelled certain capital projects to meet its previously announced $1.9 billion capital reduction target in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was partially offset by an increase in investing working capital related to the timing of payments.

Cash Flow provided by (used in) Financing Activities

Cash flow provided by financing activities was $1.786 billion in 2020, compared to cash flow used in financing activities of $5.537 billion in 2019. The increase was primarily due to the net increase in short-term debt, issuance of long-term debt and reduced share repurchases and dividends following the company's decisions to help strengthen the financial resiliency of the company in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

54  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



Capital Resources

Suncor's capital resources consist primarily of cash flow provided by operating activities, cash and cash equivalents and available credit facilities, including commercial paper. Suncor's management believes the company will have the capital resources to fund its planned 2021 capital spending program of $3.8 to $4.5 billion and to meet current and future working capital requirements through cash and cash equivalents balances, cash flow provided by operating activities, available committed credit facilities, issuing commercial paper, if needed, 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, foreign exchange rates and demand for transportation fuels.

The company has invested excess 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

Included in cash and cash equivalents of $1.885 billion at December 31, 2020 are short-term investments with weighted average days to maturity of approximately 16 days. In 2020, the company earned approximately $5 million of interest income on these investments.

Financing Activities

Suncor's interest on debt and lease liabilities (before capitalized interest) in 2020 was $1.050 billion, an increase from $997 million in 2019, due to the issuance of $1.25 billion of 5.00% senior unsecured medium term notes due 2030, US$450 million of 2.80% senior unsecured notes due 2023, US$550 million of 3.10% senior unsecured notes due 2025, and an increase in short-term debt.

Available lines of credit at December 31, 2020 increased to $6.043 billion, compared to $4.701 billion at December 31, 2019, primarily due to an additional $2.8 billion of credit facilities secured in 2020, partially offset by increased short-term indebtedness. As of December 31, 2020, Suncor had approximately $7.9 billion of liquidity.

A summary of total and unutilized credit facilities at December 31, 2020 is as follows:

($ millions)   2020    

Fully revolving and expires in 2023   3 500    

Fully revolving and expires in 2022   7 064    

Fully revolving and expires in 2021   380    

Can be terminated at any time at the option of the lenders   130    

Total credit facilities   11 074    

Credit facilities supporting outstanding commercial paper   (3 566 )  

Credit facilities supporting standby letters of credit   (1 158 )  

Total unutilized credit facilities(1)   6 350    

(1)
Available credit facilities for liquidity purposes were $6.043 billion at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 – $4.701 billion).

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 December 31, 2020, total debt to total debt plus shareholders' equity was 37.8% (December 31, 2019 – 29.9%) and increased due to higher debt levels and lower shareholders' equity as a result of net losses, including impairment charges recorded in 2020. Total debt to total debt plus shareholders' equity would have been 34.4% at December 31, 2020, excluding the impact of impairments of $2.221 billion after-tax in 2020 and $3.352 billion after-tax in 2019. Total debt to total debt plus shareholders' equity would have been 28.4% at December 31, 2019, excluding the impact of impairments of $3.352 billion after-tax in 2019. The company is currently in compliance with all operating covenants as at December 31, 2020.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  55


At December 31
($ millions, except as noted)
  2020   2019  

  Short-term debt   3 566   2 155  

  Current portion of long-term debt   1 413    

  Current portion of long-term lease liabilities   272   310  

  Long-term debt   13 812   12 884  

  Long-term lease liabilities   2 636   2 621  

Total debt   21 699   17 970  

  Less: Cash and cash equivalents   1 885   1 960  

Net debt   19 814   16 010  

Shareholders' equity   35 757   42 042  

Total debt plus shareholders' equity   57 456   60 012  

Total debt to total debt plus shareholders' equity (%)   37.8   29.9  

Change in Net Debt

($ millions)        

Total debt – December 31, 2019   17 970    

Increase in long-term debt   2 634    

Increase in short-term debt   1 445    

Increase in lease liability during the year   312    

Lease payments   (335 )  

Foreign exchange on debt, and other   (327 )  

Total debt – December 31, 2020   21 699    

Less: Cash and cash equivalents – December 31, 2020   1 885    

Net debt – December 31, 2020   19 814    

At December 31, 2020, Suncor's net debt was $19.814 billion, compared to $16.010 billion at December 31, 2019. During 2020, total debt increased by $3.729 billion, primarily due to a net increase in short-term and long-term debt and additional leases entered into in 2020, partially offset by favourable foreign exchange rates on U.S. dollar denominated debt, as compared to December 31, 2019, and lease principal payments made in 2020.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, the company's net debt to funds from operations measure was 5.1 times, which is higher than management's maximum target of less than 3.0 times, reflecting lower funds from operations and an increase in net debt. Suncor will remain disciplined in its capital allocation and, at current commodity prices, plans to pay down between $1.0 billion and $1.5 billion of debt in 2021.

Credit Ratings

The company's credit ratings impact its cost of funds and liquidity. In particular, the company's ability to access unsecured funding markets and to engage in certain activities on a cost-effective basis is primarily dependent upon maintaining a strong credit rating. A lowering of the company's credit rating may also have potentially adverse consequences for the company's funding capacity or access to the capital markets, may affect the company's ability, and the cost, to enter into normal course derivative or hedging transactions, and may require the company to post additional collateral under certain contracts.

As at February 24, 2021, the company's long-term senior debt ratings are:

Long-Term Senior Debt   Rating   Long-Term
Outlook
 

Standard & Poor's   BBB+   Negative  

Dominion Bond Rating Service   A (low ) Negative  

Moody's Investors Service   Baa1   Stable  

As at February 24, 2021, the company's commercial paper ratings are:

Commercial Paper Cdn
Program
Rating
  U.S.
Program
Rating
 

Standard & Poor's A-1 (low ) A-2  

Dominion Bond Rating Service R-1 (low ) Not rated  

Moody's Investors Service Not rated   P2  

Refer to the Description of Capital Structure – Credit Ratings section of Suncor's 2020 AIF for a description of credit ratings listed above.

Common Shares

Outstanding Shares

(thousands)   December 31, 2020  

Common shares   1 525 151  

Common share options – exercisable   26 943  

Common share options – non-exercisable   11 430  

As at February 24, 2021, the total number of common shares outstanding was 1,522,582,394 and the total number of exercisable and non-exercisable common share options outstanding was 35,774,491. Once exercisable, each outstanding common share option may be exercised for one common share.

At December 31, 2020, the exercise prices of the outstanding exercisable common share options exceeded the company's share price.

56  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



Share Repurchases

Subsequent to the end of the year, the TSX accepted a notice filed by Suncor to commence a new NCIB to purchase shares through the facilities of the TSX, New York Stock Exchange and/or alternative trading platforms. The notice provides that, beginning February 8, 2021 and ending February 7, 2022, Suncor may purchase for cancellation up to 44,000,000 common shares, which is equal to approximately 2.9% of Suncor's issued and outstanding common shares. As at January 31, 2021, Suncor had 1,525,150,794 common shares issued and outstanding. Suncor security holders may obtain a copy of the notice, without charge, by contacting the company.

The actual number of common shares that may be purchased under the NCIB and the timing of any such purchases will be determined by Suncor. Suncor believes that, depending on the trading price of its common shares and other relevant factors, purchasing its own shares represents an attractive investment opportunity and is in the best interests of the company and its shareholders. The company does not expect the decision to allocate cash to repurchase shares will affect its long-term growth strategy.

At December 31
($ millions, except as noted)
  2020   2019   2018  

Share repurchase activities (thousands of common shares)              

  Shares repurchased   7 527   55 298   64 426  

Share repurchase cost   307   2 274   3 053  

Weighted average repurchase price per share (dollars per share)   40.83   41.12   47.38  

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

In addition to the enforceable and legally binding obligations in the table below, Suncor has other obligations for goods and services that were entered into in the normal course of business, which may terminate on short notice, including commitments for the purchase of commodities for which an active, highly liquid market exists, and which are expected to be re-sold shortly after purchase.

The company does not believe 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 condition or financial performance, including liquidity and capital resources.

In the normal course of business, the company is obligated to make future payments, including contractual obligations and non-cancellable commitments.

    Payment due by period  
($ millions)   2021   2022   2023   2024   2025   Thereafter   Total  

Fixed and revolving term debt(1)   2 207   952   1 281   1 655   1 354   17 834   25 283  

Decommissioning and restoration costs(2)   253   251   281   397   442   12 475   14 099  

Long-term contracts, pipeline capacity and energy services commitments(3)   1 553   1 262   1 354   1 255   1 193   9 326   15 943  

Exploration work commitments   1     19     51   458   529  

Other long-term obligations(4)   4   19   19   18   18     78  

Total   4 018   2 484   2 954   3 325   3 058   40 093   55 932  

(1)
Includes debt that is redeemable at Suncor's option and interest payments on fixed-term debt.

(2)
Represents the undiscounted amount of decommissioning and restoration costs.

(3)
The company has also entered into a pipeline commitment of $5.9 billion with a contract term of 20 years, which is contingent upon completion of the pipeline. This amount is not included within long-term contracts, pipeline capacity and energy services commitments.

(4)
Includes Libya EPSA signature bonus and merger consent. Please refer to note 22 to Suncor's 2020 audited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  57


Transactions with Related Parties

The company enters into transactions with related parties in the normal course of business. These transactions primarily include sales to associated entities in the company's R&M segment. For more information on these transactions and for a summary of Compensation of Key Management Personnel, refer to note 31 to the 2020 audited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Financial Instruments

The company uses derivative financial instruments, such as physical and financial contracts, to manage certain exposures to fluctuations in interest rates, commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates as part of its overall risk management program, as well as for trading purposes. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the pre-tax earnings impact of risk management and trading activities was $175 million (2019 – pre-tax earnings of $155 million).

Gains or losses related to derivatives are recorded as Other Income in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

($ millions)   2020   2019    

Fair value outstanding, beginning of year   (39 ) 60    

  Cash settlements – received during the year   (257 ) (254 )  

  Changes in fair value recognized in earnings during the year   175   155    

Fair value outstanding, end of year   (121 ) (39 )  

The fair value of derivative financial instruments is recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Fair value of derivative contracts at
December 31 ($ millions)
  2020   2019    

Accounts receivable   153   94    

Accounts payable   (274 ) (133 )  

    (121 ) (39 )  

Risks Associated with Derivative Financial Instruments

Suncor may be exposed to certain losses in the event that counterparties to derivative financial instruments are unable to fulfil their obligations under these contracts. The company minimizes this risk by entering into agreements with investment grade counterparties. Risk is also minimized through regular management review of the potential exposure to and credit ratings of such counterparties. Suncor's exposure is limited to those counterparties holding derivative contracts with net positive fair values at a reporting date.

Suncor's risk management activities are subject to periodic reviews by management to determine appropriate hedging requirements based on the company's tolerance for exposure to market volatility, as well as the need for stable cash flow to finance future growth. Commodity risk management and trading activities are governed by a separate risk management group that reviews and monitors practices and policies and provides independent verification and valuation of these activities.

For further details on our derivative financial instruments, including assumptions made in the calculation of fair value, a sensitivity analysis of the effect of changes in commodity prices on our derivative financial instruments, and additional discussion of exposure to risks and mitigation activities, refer to note 27 to the company's 2020 audited Consolidated Financial Statements.

58  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


9. Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates

Suncor's significant accounting policies are described in note 3 to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Adoption of New IFRS Standards

Definition of a Business

In October 2018, the IASB issued Definition of a Business (Amendments to IFRS 3). The amendments narrowed and clarified the definition of a business. The amendments include an election to use a concentration test. This is a simplified assessment that results in an asset acquisition if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If an election to use a concentration test is not made, or the test failed, then the assessment focuses on the existence of a substantive process. One important distinction is that "goodwill" can only be recognized as a result of acquiring a business, but not as a result of an asset acquisition. The company adopted the amendments prospectively on the effective date of January 1, 2020, and there was no impact to the company's Consolidated Financial Statements as a result of the initial application.

Recently Announced Accounting Pronouncements

The standards, amendments and interpretations that are issued, but not yet effective up to the date of authorization of the company's Consolidated Financial Statements, and that may have an impact on the disclosures and financial position of the company are disclosed below. The company intends to adopt these standards, amendments and interpretations when they become effective.

Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current

In January 2020, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements to clarify that liabilities are classified as either current or non-current, depending on the existence of the substantive right at the end of the reporting period for an entity to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period. The amendments are effective January 1, 2023 with early adoption permitted. The amendments are required to be adopted retrospectively. The company does not anticipate any significant impact from these amendments on the Consolidated Financial Statements as a result of the initial application.

Significant Accounting Estimates and Judgments

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect reported assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, gains, losses, and disclosures of contingencies. These estimates and judgments are subject to change based on experience and new information.

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and, on March 10, 2020, declared it to be a pandemic. Actions taken around the world to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 include restrictions on travel, quarantines in certain areas, and forced closures for certain types of public places and businesses. These measures have caused significant disruption to business operations and a significant increase in economic uncertainty, with reduced demand for commodities leading to volatile prices and currency exchange rates, and a decline in long-term interest rates. Our operations and business are particularly sensitive to a reduction in the demand for, and prices of, commodities that are closely linked to Suncor's financial performance, including crude oil, refined petroleum products (such as jet fuel and gasoline), natural gas and electricity. The potential direct and indirect impacts of the economic downturn have been considered in management's estimates, and assumptions at period end have been reflected in our results with any significant changes described in the relevant financial statement note.

Market conditions had improved over the course of the third and early fourth quarters of 2020 as nations began re-opening their economies, but the recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases (including cases related to variants or mutations of the COVID-19 virus) in certain geographic areas, and the possibility that a resurgence may occur in other areas, has resulted in the re-imposition of certain restrictions noted above by local authorities. In addition, while vaccines are beginning to be distributed, there is uncertainty as to the timing, level of adoption, duration of efficacy and overall effectiveness of the vaccine against variants or mutations. As such, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present challenges to our operations and business environment. Management cannot reasonably estimate the length or severity of this pandemic but continues to monitor its impact on our operations.

The financial statement areas that require significant estimates and judgments are as follows:

Oil and Gas Reserves

The company's estimate of oil and gas reserves is considered in the measurement of depletion, depreciation, impairment, and decommissioning and restoration obligations. The estimation of reserves is an inherently complex process and involves the exercise of professional judgment. All reserves have been evaluated at December 31, 2020 by independent qualified reserves evaluators. Oil and gas reserves estimates

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are based on a range of geological, technical and economic factors, including projected future rates of production, projected future commodity prices, engineering data, and the timing and amount of future expenditures, all of which are subject to uncertainty. Estimates reflect market and regulatory conditions existing at December 31, 2020, which could differ significantly from other points in time throughout the year, or future periods. Changes in market and regulatory conditions and assumptions can materially impact the estimation of net reserves.

Oil and Gas Activities

The company is required to apply judgment when designating the nature of oil and gas activities as exploration, evaluation, development or production, and when determining whether the costs of these activities shall be expensed or capitalized.

Exploration and Evaluation Costs

Certain exploration and evaluation costs are initially capitalized with the intent to establish commercially viable reserves. The company is required to make judgments about future events and circumstances and applies estimates to assess the economic viability of extracting the underlying resources. The costs are subject to technical, commercial and management review to confirm the continued intent to develop the project. Level of drilling success or changes to project economics, resource quantities, expected production techniques, production costs and required capital expenditures are important judgments when making this determination. Management uses judgment to determine when these costs are reclassified to Property, Plant and Equipment based on several factors, including the existence of reserves, appropriate approvals from regulatory bodies, joint arrangement partners and the company's internal project approval process.

Determination of Cash Generating Units (CGUs)

A CGU is the lowest grouping of integrated assets that generate identifiable cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets. The allocation of assets into CGUs requires significant judgment and interpretations with respect to the integration between assets, the existence of active markets, similar exposure to market risks, shared infrastructure, and the way in which management monitors the operations.

Asset Impairment and Reversals

Management applies judgment in assessing the existence of impairment and impairment reversal indicators based on various internal and external factors.

The recoverable amount of CGUs and individual assets is determined based on the higher of fair value less costs of disposal or value-in-use calculations. The key estimates the company applies in determining the recoverable amount normally include estimated future commodity prices, discount rates, expected production volumes, future operating and development costs, income taxes, and refining margins. In determining the recoverable amount, management may also be required to make judgments regarding the likelihood of occurrence of a future event. Changes to these estimates and judgments will affect the recoverable amounts of CGUs and individual assets and may then require a material adjustment to their related carrying value. In addition, the evolving worldwide demand for energy and global advancement of alternative sources of energy that are not sourced from fossil fuels could result in a change in assumptions used in determining the recoverable amount and could affect the carrying value of the related assets. The timing in which global energy markets transition from carbon-based sources to alternative energy is highly uncertain.

Decommissioning and Restoration Costs

The company recognizes liabilities for the future decommissioning and restoration of Exploration and Evaluation assets and Property, Plant and Equipment based on estimated future decommissioning and restoration costs. Management applies judgment in assessing the existence and extent as well as the expected method of reclamation of the company's decommissioning and restoration obligations at the end of each reporting period. Management also uses judgment to determine whether the nature of the activities performed is related to decommissioning and restoration activities or normal operating activities.

Actual costs are uncertain and estimates may vary as a result of changes to relevant laws and regulations related to the use of certain technologies, the emergence of new technology, operating experience, prices and closure plans. The estimated timing of future decommissioning and restoration may change due to certain factors, including reserves life. Changes to estimates related to future expected costs, discount rates, inflation assumptions, and timing may have a material impact on the amounts presented.

Employee Future Benefits

The company provides benefits to employees, including pensions and other post-retirement benefits. The cost of defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefits received by employees is estimated based on actuarial valuation methods that require professional judgment. Estimates typically used in determining these amounts include, as applicable, rates of employee turnover, future claim costs, discount rates, future salary and benefit levels, the return on plan assets, mortality rates and future medical costs. Changes to these estimates may have a material impact on the amounts presented.

Other Provisions

The determination of other provisions, including, but not limited to, provisions for royalty disputes, onerous contracts,

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litigation and constructive obligations, is a complex process that involves judgment about the outcomes of future events, the interpretation of laws and regulations, and estimates on the timing and amount of expected future cash flows and discount rates.

Income Taxes

Management evaluates tax positions, annually or when circumstances require, which involves judgment and could be subject to differing interpretations of applicable tax legislation. The company recognizes a tax provision when a payment to tax authorities is considered probable. However, the results of audits and reassessments and changes in the interpretations of standards may result in changes to those positions and, potentially, a material increase or decrease in the company's assets, liabilities and net earnings.

Deferred Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets are recognized when it is considered probable that deductible temporary differences will be recovered in the foreseeable future. To the extent that future taxable income and the application of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction differ significantly from the company's estimate, the ability of the company to realize the deferred tax assets could be impacted.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognized when there are taxable temporary differences that will reverse and result in a future outflow of funds to a taxation authority. The company records a provision for the amount that is expected to be settled, which requires judgment as to the ultimate outcome. Deferred tax liabilities could be impacted by changes in the company's judgment of the likelihood of a future outflow and estimates of the expected settlement amount, timing of reversals, and the tax laws in the jurisdictions in which the company operates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of a financial instrument is determined, whenever possible, based on observable market data. If not available, the company uses third-party models and valuation methodologies that utilize observable market data that includes forward commodity prices, foreign exchange rates and interest rates to estimate the fair value of financial instruments, including derivatives. In addition to market information, the company incorporates transaction-specific details that market participants would utilize in a fair value measurement, including the impact of non-performance risk.

Functional Currency

The designation of the functional currency of the company and each of its subsidiaries is a management judgment based on the composition of revenue and costs in the locations in which it operates.

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10. Risk Factors

Suncor is committed to a proactive program of enterprise risk management intended to enable decision-making through consistent identification and assessment of risks inherent to its assets, activities and operations. Some of these risks are common to operations in the oil and gas industry as a whole, while some are unique to Suncor. The realization of any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Volatility of Commodity Prices

Suncor's financial performance is closely linked to prices for crude oil in the company's upstream business and prices for refined petroleum products in the company's downstream business and, to a lesser extent, to natural gas and electricity prices in the company's upstream business where natural gas and electricity are both inputs and outputs of production processes. The prices for all of these commodities can be influenced by global and regional supply and demand factors, which are factors that are beyond the company's control and can result in a high degree of price volatility.

Crude oil prices are also affected by, among other things, global economic health (particularly in emerging markets), market access constraints, regional and international supply and demand imbalances, political developments and government action (such as the mandatory production curtailments imposed by the Government of Alberta in 2019 and 2020), decisions by OPEC+ regarding quotas on its members, compliance or non-compliance with quotas agreed upon by OPEC+ members and other countries, and weather. These factors impact the various types of crude oil and refined products differently and can impact differentials between light and heavy grades of crude oil (including blended bitumen), and between conventional oil and SCO.

Refined petroleum product prices and refining margins are also affected by, among other things, crude oil prices, the availability of crude oil and other feedstock, levels of refined product inventories, regional refinery availability, market access, marketplace competitiveness, and other local market factors. Natural gas prices in North America are affected by, among other things, supply and demand, and by prices for alternative energy sources. Decreases in product margins or increases in natural gas prices could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

In addition, oil and natural gas producers in North America, and particularly in Canada, may receive discounted prices for their production relative to certain international prices, due in part to constraints on the ability to transport and sell such products to international markets. A failure to resolve such constraints may result in continued discounted or reduced commodity prices realized by oil and natural gas producers such as Suncor. Suncor's production from Oil Sands includes significant quantities of bitumen and SCO that may trade at a discount to light and medium crude oil. Bitumen and SCO are typically more expensive to produce and process. In addition, the market prices for these products may differ from the established market indices for light and medium grades of crude oil. As a result, the price received for bitumen and SCO may differ from the benchmark they are priced against.

Wide differentials, such as those experienced in the fourth quarter of 2018 and the early part of 2020, or a prolonged period of low and/or volatile commodity prices, particularly for crude oil, could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations, and may also lead to the impairment of assets, or to the cancellation or deferral of Suncor's growth projects.

Recent market events and conditions, including excess global crude oil and petroleum products supply as a result of decreased global demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have caused significant weakness and volatility in commodity and petroleum products prices. Commodity prices could remain under pressure for a prolonged period, which could cause continued weakness and volatility. This could result in reduced utilization and/or the suspension of operations at certain of our facilities, buyers of our products declaring force majeure or bankruptcy, the unavailability of storage, and disruptions of pipeline and other transportation systems for our products, which would further negatively impact Suncor's production or refined product volumes, and could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Major Operational Incidents (Safety, Environmental and Reliability)

Each of Suncor's primary operating businesses – Oil Sands, E&P, and Refining and Marketing – requires significant levels of investment in the design, operation, and maintenance and decommissioning of facilities, and carries the additional economic risk associated with operating reliably or enduring a protracted operational outage. The breadth and level of integration of Suncor's operations adds complexity.

The company's businesses also carry the risks associated with environmental and safety performance, which is closely scrutinized by governments, the public and the media, and could result in a suspension of or inability to obtain regulatory approvals and permits, or, in the case of a major environmental or safety incident, delays in resuming normal operations, fines, civil suits or criminal charges against the company.

In general, Suncor's operations are subject to operational hazards and risks such as, among others, fires (including

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forest fires), explosions, blow-outs, power outages, prolonged periods of extreme cold or extreme heat, severe winter climate conditions, flooding, droughts and other extreme weather conditions, railcar incidents or derailments, the migration of harmful substances such as, among others, oil spills, gaseous leaks or a release of deleterious substances or tailings into water systems, pollution and other environmental risks, and accidents, any of which can interrupt operations or cause personal injury or death, or damage to property, equipment (including information technology and related data and controls systems), and the environment.

The reliable operation of production and processing facilities at planned levels and Suncor's ability to produce higher value products can also be impacted by, among other things, failure to follow the company's policies, standards and operating procedures or operate within established operating parameters, equipment failure through inadequate maintenance, unanticipated erosion or corrosion of facilities, manufacturing and engineering flaws, and labour shortage or interruption. The company is also subject to operational risks such as sabotage, terrorism, trespass, theft and malicious software, network or cyberattacks.

In addition to the foregoing factors that affect Suncor's business generally, each business unit is susceptible to additional risks due to the nature of its business, including, among others, the following:

Suncor's Oil Sands business is susceptible to loss of production, slowdowns, shutdowns or restrictions on its ability to produce higher value products, due to the failure of any one or more interdependent component systems, and other risks inherent to oil sands operations;

For Suncor's E&P businesses, there are risks and uncertainties associated with drilling for oil and natural gas, the operation and development of such properties and wells (including encountering unexpected formations, pressures, or the presence of hydrogen sulphide), premature declines of reservoirs, sour gas releases, uncontrollable flows of crude oil, natural gas or well fluids and other accidents;

Suncor's E&P offshore operations occur in areas subject to hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions, such as winter storms, pack ice, icebergs and fog. The occurrence of any of these events could result in production shut-ins, the suspension of drilling operations, damage to or destruction of the equipment involved and injury or death of rig personnel. Harsh weather conditions, particularly in the winter season, may also impact the successful execution of maintenance and startup of operations. Suncor's E&P offshore operations could be indirectly affected by catastrophic events occurring at other third-party offshore operations, which could give rise to liability, damage to the company's equipment, harm to individuals, force a shutdown of facilities or operations, or result in a shortage of appropriate equipment or specialists required to perform planned operations; and

Suncor's Refining and Marketing operations are subject to all of the risks normally inherent in the operation of refineries, terminals, pipelines and other distribution facilities and service stations, including, among others, loss of production, slowdowns or shutdowns due to equipment failures, unavailability of feedstock, price and quality of feedstock, or other incidents.

Although the company maintains a risk management program, which includes an insurance component, such insurance may not provide comprehensive coverage in all circumstances, nor are all such risks insurable. The company self-insures some risks, and the company's insurance coverage does not cover all the costs arising out of the allocation of liabilities and risk of loss arising from Suncor operations.

The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Continued Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Suncor's business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected by the outbreak of epidemics, pandemics and other public health crises in geographic areas in which Suncor has operations, suppliers, customers or employees, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing uncertainty as to the extent and duration of the pandemic, as well as uncertainty surrounding new variations or mutations of the COVID-19 virus. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and actions that have and may be taken by governmental authorities in response thereto, has resulted, and may continue to result in, among other things, increased volatility in financial markets, commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates; disruptions to global supply chains; labour shortages; reductions in trade volumes; temporary operational restrictions and restrictions on gatherings greater than a certain number of individuals, shelter-in-place declarations and quarantine orders, business closures and travel bans; an overall slowdown in the global economy; political and economic instability; and civil unrest. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in, and may continue to result in, a reduction in the demand for, and prices of, commodities that are closely linked to Suncor's financial performance, including crude oil, refined petroleum products (such as jet fuel and gasoline), natural gas and electricity, and also increases the risk that storage for crude oil and refined petroleum products could reach capacity in certain geographic locations in which we operate. The recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases (including cases related to

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variants or mutations of the COVID-19 virus) in certain geographic areas, and the possibility that a resurgence may occur in other areas, has resulted in the re-imposition of certain restrictions noted above by local authorities. In addition, while vaccines are beginning to be distributed, there is uncertainty as to the timing, level of adoption, duration of efficacy and effectiveness of the vaccine against variants or mutations. This continues the risk and uncertainty as to the extent and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant impact on commodity demand and prices. A prolonged period of decreased demand for, and prices of, these commodities, and any applicable storage constraints, could also result in us voluntarily curtailing or shutting in production and a decrease in our refined product volumes and refinery utilization rates, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Suncor is also subject to risks relating to the health and safety of our people, as well as the potential for a slowdown or temporary suspension of our operations in locations impacted by an outbreak. Such a suspension in operations could also be mandated by governmental authorities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This could negatively impact Suncor's production or refined product volumes and refinery utilization rates for a sustained period of time, all of which could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition and results of operations.

Government/Regulatory Policy

Suncor's businesses operate under federal, provincial, territorial, state and municipal laws in numerous countries. The company is also subject to regulation and intervention by governments in oil and gas industry matters, such as, among others, land tenure, royalties, taxes (including income taxes), government fees, production rates (including restrictions on production such as the mandatory production curtailments imposed by the Government of Alberta in 2019 and 2020), environmental protection, water, wildlife, fish, air quality, safety performance, the reduction of GHG and other emissions, the export of crude oil, natural gas and other products, interactions with foreign governments, the awarding or acquisition of exploration and production rights, oil sands leases or other interests, the imposition of specific drilling obligations, control over the development, reclamation and abandonment of fields and mine sites, mine financial security requirements, approval of logistics infrastructure, and possibly expropriation or cancellation of contract rights. As part of ongoing operations, the company is also required to comply with a large number of environmental health and safety regulations under a variety of Canadian, U.S., U.K., Norwegian and other foreign, federal, provincial, territorial, state and municipal laws and regulations. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in, among other things, the imposition of fines and penalties, production constraints, a compulsory shutdown of facilities or suspension of operations (temporarily or permanently), reputational damage, delays, increased costs, denial of operating and growth permit applications, censure, liability for cleanup costs and damages, and the loss of important licences and permits.

Before proceeding with most major projects, including significant changes to existing operations, Suncor must obtain various federal, provincial, territorial, state and municipal permits and regulatory approvals, and must also obtain licences to operate certain assets. These processes can involve, among other things, Indigenous and stakeholder consultation, government intervention, environmental impact assessments and public hearings, and may be subject to conditions, including security deposit obligations and other commitments. Compliance can also be affected by the loss of skilled staff, inadequate internal processes and compliance auditing.

Failure to obtain, comply with, satisfy the conditions of or maintain regulatory permits, licences and approvals, or failure to obtain them on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms, could result in prosecution, fines, delays, abandonment or restructuring of projects, impacts to production, reputational damage, and increased costs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations. Suncor's businesses can also be indirectly impacted by a third party's inability to obtain regulatory approval for a shared infrastructure project or a third-party infrastructure project on which a portion of Suncor's business depends.

Changes in government policy, regulation or other laws, or the interpretation thereof, or opposition to Suncor's projects or third-party pipeline and infrastructure projects that delays or prevents necessary permits or regulatory approvals, or which makes current operations or growth projects less profitable or uneconomic could materially impact Suncor's operations, existing and planned projects, financial condition, reserves and results of operations. Obtaining necessary approvals or permits has become more difficult due to increased public opposition and Indigenous consultation requirements as well as increased political involvement. The federal government's Impact Assessment Act (IAA) (formerly Bill C-69) also came into force in August 2019 and will impact whether, and the manner in which, large energy projects are approved. The IAA process could also result in significant delays in, or challenges obtaining, necessary approvals, additional compliance costs, impacts to staffing and resource levels, and also increase exposure to other risks to Suncor's business, including permit approvals, and project development and execution, all of which could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

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Carbon Risk

Public support for climate change action and receptivity to alternative or renewable energy technologies has grown in recent years. Governments in Canada and around the world have responded to these shifting societal attitudes by adopting ambitious emissions reduction targets and supporting legislation, including measures relating to carbon pricing, clean energy and fuel standards, and alternative energy incentives and mandates. There has also been increased activism and public opposition to fossil fuels, and oil sands in particular.

Existing and future laws and regulations in support of a transition to low-carbon energy and climate change action may impose significant constraints on fossil fuel development. Concerns over climate change, fossil fuel extraction, GHG emissions, and water and land-use practices could lead governments to enact additional or more stringent laws and regulations applicable to Suncor and other companies in the energy industry in general, and in the oil sands industry in particular. These risks to the oil sands industry can be offset over time through the commercialization and implementation of low-carbon technologies (i.e., carbon capture utilization and sequestration) and by increasing growth in low-carbon energies such as power and biofuels.

Changes to environmental regulations, including regulation relating to climate change, could impact the demand for the company's products, or could require increased capital expenditures, operating expenses, abandonment and reclamation obligations and distribution costs. These potential added costs may not be recoverable in the marketplace and may result in some current operations or growth projects becoming less profitable or uneconomic. Such regulatory changes could necessitate that Suncor develop new technologies or pursue growth in other energy products in addition to Suncor's existing products. Such technology development or growth projects could require a significant investment of capital and resources, and any delay in or failure to identify, develop and deploy such technologies or obtain regulatory approvals for these technology projects could prevent Suncor from obtaining regulatory approvals for projects or being able to successfully compete with other companies. More stringent GHG emissions regulations in the jurisdictions in which Suncor operates may also make it difficult for Suncor to compete with companies operating in other jurisdictions with less costly regulations. In addition, legislation or policies that limit the purchase of production from the oil sands may be adopted in domestic and/or foreign jurisdictions, which, in turn, may limit the world market for Suncor's upstream production and reduce the prices the company receives for its petroleum products, and could result in delayed development, stranded assets or the company being unable to further develop its hydrocarbon resources. The complexity, breadth and velocity of changes in GHG emissions regulations make it difficult to predict the potential impact to Suncor.

Suncor continues to monitor the international and domestic efforts to address climate change. While it currently appears that GHG regulations and targets will continue to become more stringent, and while Suncor continues its efforts to reduce the intensity of its GHG emissions, the absolute GHG emissions of the company may rise as a result of growth, mergers and acquisition activities and changes in future operatorship of Syncrude assets. Increases in GHG emissions may impact the profitability of the company's projects, as Suncor will be subject to incremental levies and taxes. There is also a risk that Suncor could face litigation initiated by third parties relating to climate change, including litigation pertaining to GHG emissions, the production, sale, or promotion of fossil fuels and petroleum products, and/or disclosure. For example, the Board of County Commissioners of Boulder County, the Board of County Commissioners of San Miguel County and the City of Boulder, all of Colorado, have brought an action against Suncor and certain of its subsidiaries seeking, among other things, compensation for impacts they allege with respect to climate change. In addition, the mechanics of implementation and enforcement of the OSELA are currently under review and it is not yet possible to predict the impact on Suncor. However, such impact could be material.

These developments and future developments could adversely impact the demand for Suncor's products, the ability of Suncor to maintain and grow its production and reserves, and Suncor's reputation, and could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and Targets

Among other sustainability goals, Suncor has committed to reducing the GHG emissions intensity of its operations by 30% by 2030 (based on a 2014 baseline year). Our ability to lower GHG emissions on both an absolute basis and in respect of our 2030 emissions intensity reduction target is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, and our actions taken in implementing these objectives may also expose us to certain additional and/or heightened financial and operational risks.

A reduction in GHG emissions relies on, among other things, our ability to implement and improve energy efficiency at all of our facilities, future development and growth opportunities, development and deployment of new technologies, investment in low-carbon power and transition to low-carbon fuels. In the event that we are unable to implement these strategies and technologies as planned without negatively impacting our expected operations or

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business plans, or in the event that such strategies or technologies do not perform as expected, we may be unable to meet our GHG targets or goals on the current timelines, or at all.

In addition, achieving our GHG emissions intensity reductions target and goals could require significant capital expenditures and resources, with the potential that the costs required to achieve our target and goals materially differ from our original estimates and expectations, which differences may be material. In addition, while the intent is to improve efficiency and increase the offering of low-carbon energy, the shift in resources and focus towards emissions reduction could have a negative impact on our operating results. The overall final cost of investing in and implementing an emissions intensity reduction strategy and technologies in furtherance of such strategy, and the resultant change in the deployment of our resources and focus, could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Environmental Compliance

Tailings Management and Water Release

Each oil sands mine is required under the Alberta Energy Regulator's Tailings Directive to seek approval for its updated fluid tailings management plans. If a mine fails to meet a condition of its approved plan, the applicable company could be subject to enforcement actions, including being required to curtail production, and financial consequences, including being subject to a compliance levy or being required to post additional security under the MFSP. The full impact of the TMF, the Tailings Directive and updates to the dam regulations, including the financial consequences of exceeding compliance levels, is not yet fully known, as certain associated policy updates and regulation updates are still under development. Such updates could also restrict the technologies that the company may employ for tailings management and reclamation, which could adversely impact the company's business plans. There could also be risks if the company's tailings management operations fail to operate as anticipated. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

In addition, an integrated water management approach to support operations and successful reclamation and closure requires the release of treated oil sands mine water to the environment, which is not currently permitted for oil sands mines under existing laws. A Federal Oil Sands Mine Effluent Regulation is under development and existing provincial water release guidelines are being updated. There is no certainty as to when regulations authorizing such water release would be enacted, the content of any such regulations, and the ability of and timing for the company to obtain the required approvals under such regulations to permit such water release. The absence of effective government regulations in this area could impact our operations and the success and timing of closure and reclamation plans, which could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Alberta's Land-Use Framework (LARP)

The implementation of, and compliance with, the terms of the LARP may adversely impact Suncor's current properties and projects in northern Alberta due to, among other things, environmental limits and thresholds. The impact of the LARP on Suncor's operations may be outside of the control of the company, as Suncor's operations could be impacted as a result of restrictions imposed due to the cumulative impact of development by the other operators in the area and not solely in relation to Suncor's direct impact. The uncertainty of changes in Suncor's future development and existing operations required as a result of the LARP, and/or any updates or changes to the LARP, could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) Water Licences

Suncor currently relies on water obtained under licences from AEP to provide domestic and utility water for the company's Oil Sands business. Water licences, like all regulatory approvals, contain conditions to be met in order to maintain compliance with the licence. There can be no assurance that the licences to withdraw water will not be rescinded or that additional conditions will not be added. It is also possible that regional water management approaches may require water-sharing agreements between stakeholders. In addition, any changes or expansions of the company's projects may rely on securing licences for additional water withdrawal, and there can be no assurance that these licences will be granted in a timely manner or that they will be granted on terms favourable to Suncor. There is also a risk that future laws or changes to existing laws or regulations relating to water access could cause capital expenditures and operating expenses relating to water licence compliance to increase. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Species at Risk Act

Woodland caribou have been identified as "threatened" under the Species at Risk Act (Canada). In response to the Government of Canada's Recovery Strategy for Woodland Caribou, provincial caribou range plans are being developed. Suncor has existing, planned and potential future projects within caribou ranges in Alberta. The development and implementation of range plans in these areas may have an impact on the pace and amount of development in these areas and could potentially increase costs for restoration or

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offsetting requirements, which could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Air Quality Management

A number of Canadian federal, provincial and U.S. state air quality regulations and frameworks are in place currently and being developed, changed and/or implemented, which could have an impact on the company's existing operations and planned projects including by, among other things, requiring the company to invest additional capital or incur additional operating and compliance expenses, including, among other things, potentially requiring the company to retrofit equipment to meet new requirements and increase monitoring and mitigation plans. The full impact of these regulations and frameworks is not yet known; however, they could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Alberta Wetland Policy

Pursuant to the Alberta Wetland Policy, development in wetland areas may be obligated to avoid wetlands or mitigate the development's effects on wetlands. Certain Suncor operations and growth projects will be affected by aspects of the policy where avoidance is not possible and wetland reclamation or replacement may be required, which could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Market Access

The markets for bitumen blends or heavy crude oil are more limited than those for light crude oil, making them more susceptible to supply and demand changes and imbalances (whether as a result of the availability, proximity, and capacity of pipeline facilities, railcars, or otherwise). Heavy crude oil generally receives lower market prices than light crude oil, due principally to the lower quality and value of the refined product yield and the higher cost to transport the more viscous product on pipelines, and this price differential can be amplified due to supply and demand imbalances.

Market access for Suncor's oil sands production may be constrained by insufficient pipeline takeaway capacity, including the lack of new pipelines due to an inability to secure required approvals and negative public perception. In order to secure future market access, financial commitments could be made for projects that do not proceed. There is a risk that constrained market access for oil sands production, growing inland production and refinery outages could create widening differentials that could impact the profitability of product sales. Market access for refined products may also be constrained by insufficient takeaway capacity, which could create a supply/demand imbalance. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on the company's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Digital and Cybersecurity

The efficient operation of Suncor's business is dependent on computer hardware, software and networked systems, including the systems of cloud providers and third parties with which Suncor conducts business. Digital transformation continues to increase the number of, and complexity of, such systems. In the ordinary course of Suncor's business, Suncor collects and stores sensitive data, including intellectual property, proprietary business information and personal information of the company's employees and retail customers. Suncor's operations are also dependent upon a large and complex information framework. Suncor relies on industry accepted security measures, controls and technology to protect Suncor's information systems and securely maintain confidential and proprietary information stored on the company's information systems, and has adopted a continuous process to identify, assess and manage threats to the company's information systems. While Suncor has an information and cybersecurity program in place, the measures, controls and technology on which the company relies may not be adequate due to the increasing volume, sophistication and rapidly evolving nature of cyber threats. Suncor's information technology and infrastructure, including process control systems, may be vulnerable to attacks by malicious persons or entities motivated by, among others, geopolitical, financial or activist reasons, or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions, including natural disasters and acts of war. Although the company maintains a risk management program, which includes an insurance component that may provide coverage for the operational impacts from an attack to, or breach of, Suncor's information technology and infrastructure, including process control systems, the company does not maintain stand-alone cyber insurance. Furthermore, not all cyber risks are insurable. As a result, Suncor's existing insurance may not provide adequate coverage for losses stemming from a cyberattack to, or breach of, its information technology and infrastructure. Any such attack or breach could compromise Suncor's networks, and the information Suncor stores could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost, stolen or compromised. Any such attack, breach, access, disclosure or loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, regulatory penalties, disruptions to Suncor's operations, decreased performance and production, increased costs, and damage to Suncor's reputation, physical harm to people or the environment or other negative consequences to Suncor or third parties, which could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Competition

The global petroleum industry is highly competitive in many aspects, including the exploration for and the development of new sources of supply, the acquisition of crude oil and natural gas interests, and the refining, distribution and marketing of refined petroleum products. Suncor competes in virtually every aspect of its business with other energy companies. The petroleum industry also competes with other industries in supplying energy, fuel and related products to consumers. The increasing volatility of the political and social landscape at provincial, federal, territorial, state, municipal and international levels adds complexity.

For Suncor's Oil Sands and E&P businesses, it is difficult to assess the number, level of production and ultimate timing of all potential new projects or when existing production levels may increase. Although current commodity pricing and increased regulatory requirements have slowed certain larger projects in the short term, an increase in the level of activity may have an impact on regional infrastructure, including pipelines, and could place stress on the availability and cost of all resources required to build and run new and existing oil sands operations.

For Suncor's Refining and Marketing business, management expects that fluctuations in demand for refined products, margin volatility and overall marketplace competitiveness will continue. In addition, to the extent that the company's downstream business unit participates in new product markets, it could be exposed to margin risk and volatility from either cost and/or selling price fluctuations.

There is a risk that increased competition could cause costs to increase, put further strain on existing infrastructure and cause margins for refined and unrefined products to be volatile, and impact demand for Suncor's products, which could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition and results of operations.

Security and Terrorist Threats

Security threats and terrorist or activist activities may impact Suncor's personnel, which could result in injury, death, extortion, hostage situations and/or kidnapping, including unlawful confinement. A security threat, terrorist attack or activist incident targeted at a facility or office owned or operated by Suncor could result in the interruption or cessation of key elements of Suncor's operations and may result in property damage. Outcomes of such incidents could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Portfolio Development and Execution

There are certain risks associated with the development and execution of Suncor's complex and integrated portfolio of projects and the commissioning and integration of new facilities within its existing asset base.

Project development and execution risk consists of four related primary risks:

Development – a failure to select the right projects and identify effective scope and solution;

Engineering – a failure in the specification, design or technology selection;

Construction – a failure to build the project in the approved time, in accordance with design, and at the agreed cost; and

Commissioning and startup – a failure of the facility to meet agreed performance targets, including operating costs, efficiency, yield and maintenance costs.

Project development and execution can also be impacted by, among other things, the effect of changing government regulation and public expectations in relation to the impact of oil sands development on the environment, which could significantly impact the company's ability to obtain the necessary environmental and other regulatory approvals; the complexity and diversity of Suncor's portfolio, including joint venture assets; the accuracy of project cost and schedule estimates; the availability and cost of materials, equipment, qualified personnel, and logistics infrastructure, maintaining adequate quality management and risks associated with logistics and offshore fabrication, including the cost of materials, and equipment fabricated offshore may be impacted by tariffs, duties and quotas; complexities and risks associated with constructing projects within operating environments and confined construction areas; the commissioning and integration of new facilities within the company's existing asset base could cause delays in achieving guidance, targets and objectives; risks relating to restarting projects placed in safe mode, including increased capital costs; and the impact of weather conditions.

The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

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Technology Risk

There are risks associated with sustainability, growth and other capital projects that rely largely or partly on new technologies and the incorporation of such technologies into new or existing operations, including that the results of the application of new technologies may differ from simulated, test or pilot environments, or that third-party intellectual property protections may impede the development and implementation of new technology. The success of projects incorporating new technologies cannot be assured. Advantages accrue to companies that can develop and adopt emerging technologies in advance of competitors. The inability to develop, implement and monitor new technologies may impact the company's ability to develop its new or existing operations in a profitable manner or comply with regulatory requirements, which could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Cumulative Impact and Pace of Change

In order to achieve Suncor's business objectives, the company must operate efficiently, reliably and safely, and, at the same time, deliver growth and sustaining projects safely, on budget and on schedule. The ability to achieve these two sets of objectives is critically important for Suncor to deliver value to shareholders and stakeholders. These ambitious business objectives compete for resources, and may negatively impact the company should there be inadequate consideration of the cumulative impacts of prior and parallel initiatives on people, processes and systems. The establishment of the Transformation Management Office to support Suncor's digital transformation is expected to assist with the transformation, but there is still a risk that these objectives may exceed Suncor's capacity to adopt and implement change. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Joint Arrangement Risk

Suncor has entered into joint arrangements and other contractual arrangements with third parties, including arrangements where other entities operate assets in which Suncor has ownership or other interests and arrangements where Suncor operates assets in which other entities have ownership or other interests. These joint arrangements include, among others, those with respect to Syncrude, Fort Hills, In Situ assets, and operations in Suncor's E&P Canada and E&P International businesses. The success and timing of activities relating to assets and projects operated by others, or developed jointly with others, depend upon a number of factors that are outside of Suncor's control, including, among others, the timing and amount of capital expenditures, the timing and amount of operational and maintenance expenditures, the operator's expertise, financial resources and risk management practices, the approval of other participants, and the selection of technology.

These co-owners may have objectives and interests that do not coincide with and may conflict with Suncor's interests. Major capital and operating expenditure decisions affecting joint arrangements may require agreement among the co-owners, while certain operational decisions may be made solely at the discretion of the operator of the applicable assets. While joint venture counterparties may generally seek consensus with respect to major decisions concerning the direction and operation of the assets and the development of projects, no assurance can be provided that the future demands or expectations of the parties relating to such assets and projects will be met satisfactorily or in a timely manner. Failure to satisfactorily meet demands or expectations by all of the parties may affect the company's participation in the operation of such assets or in the development of such projects, the company's ability to obtain or maintain necessary licences or approvals, or the timing for undertaking various activities. In addition, disputes may arise pertaining to the timing, scope, funding and/or capital commitments with respect to projects that are being jointly developed.

The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Financial Risks

Access to Capital

Suncor expects that future capital expenditures will be financed out of cash and cash equivalents balances, cash flow provided by operating activities, available committed credit facilities, issuing commercial paper and, if needed, accessing capital markets. This ability is dependent on, among other factors, commodity prices, the overall state of the capital markets, and financial institutions and investor appetite for investments in the energy industry generally, and the company's securities in particular. Investors and stakeholders increasingly compare companies based on climate-related performance. Failure to achieve the company's GHG emissions intensity reduction targets and goals, or a perception among financial institutions and investors that such targets and goals are insufficient, could adversely affect the company's reputation and ability to attract capital. The company's ability to access capital may also be adversely affected in the event that financial institutions, investors, rating agencies and/or lenders adopt more restrictive decarbonization policies. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on global capital markets and the availability of liquidity. While access to capital has improved, the disruption and volatility in global capital markets may continue. To the extent that external sources of capital become limited or unavailable or available on unfavourable terms, the ability to make capital

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investments and maintain existing properties may be constrained.

If the company finances capital expenditures in whole or in part with debt, that may increase its debt levels above industry standards for oil and gas companies of similar size. Depending on future development and growth plans, additional debt financing may be required that may not be available or, if available, may not be available on favourable terms, including higher interest rates and fees. Neither the articles of Suncor (the Articles) nor its by-laws limit the amount of indebtedness that may be incurred; however, Suncor is subject to covenants in its existing credit facilities and seeks to avoid an unfavourable cost of debt. The level of the company's indebtedness, and the level of indebtedness relative to the company's ability to generate cash flow, from time to time, could impair its ability to obtain additional financing on a timely basis to take advantage of business opportunities that may arise and could negatively affect its credit ratings.

Suncor is required to comply with financial and operating covenants under existing credit facilities and debt securities. Covenants are reviewed based on actual and forecast results and the company has the ability to make changes to its development plans, capital structure and/or dividend policy to comply with covenants under the credit facilities. If Suncor does not comply with the covenants under its credit facilities and debt securities, there is a risk that repayment could be accelerated and/or the company's access to capital could be restricted or only be available on unfavourable terms.

Rating agencies regularly evaluate the company, including its subsidiaries. Their ratings of Suncor's long-term and short-term debt are based on a number of factors, including the company's financial strength, as well as factors not entirely within its control, including conditions affecting the oil and gas industry generally, and the wider state of the economy. Credit ratings may be important to customers or counterparties when Suncor competes in certain markets and when it seeks to engage in certain transactions, including transactions involving over-the-counter derivatives. There is a risk that one or more of Suncor's credit ratings could be downgraded, which could potentially limit its access to private and public credit markets and increase the company's cost of borrowing.

The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities and the Exposure to Counterparties

The nature of Suncor's energy trading and risk management activities, which may make use of derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to commodity price and other market risks, creates exposure to financial risks, which include, but are not limited to, unfavourable movements in commodity prices, interest rates or foreign exchange could result in a financial or opportunity loss to the company; a lack of counterparties, due to market conditions or other circumstances, could leave the company unable to liquidate or offset a position, or unable to do so at or near the previous market price; and counterparty default risk.

The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition and results of operations.

Exchange Rate Fluctuations

The company's 2020 audited Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in Canadian dollars. 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, while the majority of Suncor's expenditures are realized in Canadian dollars. Suncor also has assets and liabilities, including approximately 65% of the company's debt, that are denominated in U.S. dollars and translated to Suncor's reporting currency (Canadian dollars) at each balance sheet date. Suncor's financial results, therefore, can be affected significantly by the exchange rates between the Canadian dollar and the U.S. dollar. The company also undertakes operations administered through international subsidiaries, and, therefore, to a lesser extent, Suncor's results can be affected by the exchange rates between the Canadian dollar and the euro, the British pound and the Norwegian krone. These exchange rates may vary substantially and may give rise to favourable or unfavourable foreign currency exposure. A decrease in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar will increase the revenues received from the sale of commodities. An increase in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar will decrease revenues received from the sale of commodities. 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. As at December 31, 2020, the Canadian dollar strengthened in relation to the U.S. dollar to $0.78 from $0.77 at the start of 2020. Exchange rate fluctuations could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Interest Rate Risk

The company is exposed to fluctuations in short-term Canadian and U.S. interest rates as Suncor maintains a portion of its debt capacity in revolving and floating rate credit facilities and commercial paper, and invests surplus cash in short-term debt instruments and money market instruments. Suncor is also exposed to interest rate risk when debt instruments are maturing and require refinancing, or when new debt capital needs to be raised. The company is also exposed to changes in interest rates when derivative

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instruments are used to manage the debt portfolio, including hedges of prospective new debt issuances. Unfavourable changes in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition and results of operations.

Royalties and Taxes

Suncor is subject to royalties and taxes imposed by governments in numerous jurisdictions.

Royalties can be impacted by changes in crude oil and natural gas pricing, production volumes, and capital and operating costs, by changes to existing legislation or PSCs, and by results of regulatory audits of prior year filings and other such events. The final determination of these events may have a material impact on the company's royalties expense.

An increase in Suncor's royalties expense, income taxes, property taxes, carbon taxes, levies, tariffs, duties, quotas, border taxes, and other taxes and government-imposed compliance costs could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Dividends and Share Repurchases

Suncor's payment of future dividends on its common shares and future share repurchases by Suncor of its common shares will be dependent on, among other things, legislative and stock exchange requirements, the prevailing business environment, the company's financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, the need for funds to finance ongoing operations and growth projects, debt covenants and other business considerations as the company's Board of Directors considers relevant. There can be no assurance that Suncor will continue to pay dividends or repurchase shares in the future.

E&P Reserves Replacement

Suncor's future offshore production, and therefore its cash flows and results of operations from E&P, are highly dependent upon success in exploiting its current reserves base and acquiring or discovering additional reserves. Without additions to its E&P reserves through exploration, acquisition or development activities, Suncor's production from its offshore assets will decline over time as reserves are depleted. The business of exploring for, developing or acquiring reserves is capital intensive. To the extent Suncor's cash flow is insufficient to fund capital expenditures and external sources of capital become limited or unavailable, Suncor's ability to make the necessary capital investments to maintain and expand its reserves will be impaired. In addition, Suncor may be unable to develop or acquire additional reserves to replace its crude oil and natural gas production at acceptable costs.

Uncertainties Affecting Reserves Estimates

There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of reserves, including many factors beyond the company's control. Suncor's actual production, revenues, royalties, taxes, and development and operating expenditures with respect to the company's reserves will vary from its estimates, and such variances could be material.

Third-Party Service Providers

Suncor's businesses are reliant on the operational integrity of a large number of third-party service providers, including input and output commodity transport (pipelines, rail, trucking, marine) and utilities associated with various Suncor and jointly owned facilities, including electricity. A disruption in service or limited availability by one of these third parties can also have a dramatic impact on Suncor's operations and growth plans. Pipeline constraints that affect takeaway capacity or supply of inputs, such as hydrogen and power for example, could impact the company's ability to produce at capacity levels. Disruptions in pipeline service could adversely affect commodity prices, Suncor's price realizations, refining operations and sales volumes, or limit the company's ability to produce and deliver production. These interruptions may be caused by the inability of the pipeline to operate or by the oversupply of feedstock into the system that exceeds pipeline capacity. Short-term operational constraints on pipeline systems arising from pipeline interruption and/or increased supply of crude oil have occurred in the past and could occur in the future. There is a risk that third-party outages could impact Suncor's production or price realizations, which could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition and results of operations.

Foreign Operations

The company has operations in a number of countries with different political, economic and social systems. As a result, the company's operations and related assets are subject to a number of risks and other uncertainties arising from foreign government sovereignty over the company's international operations, which may include, among other things, currency restrictions and restrictions on repatriation of funds; loss of revenue, property and equipment as a result of expropriation, nationalization, terrorism, war, insurrection, and geopolitical and other political risks; increases in taxes and government royalties; compliance with existing and emerging anti-corruption laws, including the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (Canada), the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (United States) and the United Kingdom Bribery Act; renegotiation of contracts with government entities and quasi-government agencies; changes in laws and policies governing operations of foreign-based companies; and economic and legal sanctions (such as restrictions against

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countries experiencing political violence, or countries that other governments may deem to sponsor terrorism).

If a dispute arises in the company's foreign operations, the company may be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of foreign courts or may not be able to subject foreign persons to the jurisdiction of a court in Canada or the U.S. In addition, as a result of activities in these areas and a continuing evolution of an international framework for corporate responsibility and accountability for international crimes, there is a risk the company could also be exposed to potential claims for alleged breaches of international or local law.

The impact that future potential terrorist attacks, regional hostilities or political violence, such as that experienced in Libya and Syria, may have on the oil and gas industry, and on our operations in particular, is not known at this time. This uncertainty may affect operations in unpredictable ways, including disruptions of fuel supplies and markets, particularly crude oil, and the possibility that infrastructure facilities, including pipelines, production facilities, processing plants and refineries, could be direct targets of, or collateral damage of, an act of terror, political violence or war. Suncor may be required to incur significant costs in the future to safeguard its assets against terrorist activities or to remediate potential damage to its facilities. There can be no assurance that Suncor will be successful in protecting itself against these risks and the related safety and financial consequences.

Despite Suncor's training and policies around bribery and other forms of corruption, there is a risk that Suncor, or some of its employees or contractors, could be charged with bribery or corruption. Any of these violations could result in onerous penalties. Even allegations of such behaviour could impair Suncor's ability to work with governments or non-government organizations and could result in the formal exclusion of Suncor from a country or area, sanctions, fines, project cancellations or delays, the inability to raise or borrow capital, reputational impacts and increased investor concern.

The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Skills, Resource Shortage and Reliance on Key Personnel

The successful operation of Suncor's businesses will depend upon the availability of, and competition for skilled labour and materials supply. There is a risk that the company may have difficulty sourcing and retaining the required labour for current and future operations. The risk could manifest itself primarily through an inability to recruit new staff without a dilution of talent, to train, develop and retain high-quality and experienced staff without unacceptably high attrition, and to satisfy an employee's work/life balance and desire for competitive compensation. The labour market in Alberta has been historically tight, and, while the current economic situation has partially moderated this effect, it remains a risk to be managed. The increasing age of the company's existing workforce and changing skillsets as technology continues to evolve adds further pressure. The availability of competent and skilled contractors for current and future operations is also a risk depending on market conditions. Materials may also be in short supply due to smaller labour forces in many manufacturing operations. Suncor's ability to operate safely and effectively and complete all projects on time and on budget has the potential to be significantly impacted by these risks and this impact could be material.

The company's success also depends in large measure on certain key personnel. The loss of the services of such key personnel could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations. The contributions of the existing management team to the immediate and near-term operations of the company are likely to continue to be of central importance for the foreseeable future.

Labour Relations

Hourly employees at Suncor's oil sands facilities (excluding MacKay River and Fort Hills), all of the company's refineries, and the majority of the company's terminal and distribution operations are represented by labour unions or employee associations. Approximately 32% of the company's employees were covered by collective agreements at the end of 2020. Negotiations for three collective agreements will take place in 2021. Any work interruptions involving the company's employees (including as a result of a strike or lockout), contract trades utilized in the company's projects or operations, or any jointly owned facilities operated by another entity present a significant risk to the company and could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition and results of operations.

Land Claims and Indigenous Consultation

Indigenous Peoples have claimed Indigenous title and rights to portions of Western Canada. In addition, Indigenous Peoples have filed claims against industry participants relating in part to land claims, which may affect the company's business.

The requirement to consult with Indigenous Peoples in respect of oil and gas projects and related infrastructure has also increased in recent years. In addition, in recent years, the Canadian federal government and the provincial government in Alberta have made a commitment to renew their relationships with the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. The federal government has stated it now fully supports the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (the Declaration) without qualification and that Canada intends "nothing less than to adopt and implement

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the Declaration in accordance with the Canadian Constitution". On December 3, 2020, the federal government introduced Bill C-15, An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as a means of adopting the Declaration into Canadian law while stating that the legislative framework would "ensure sustained and continued efforts to uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples now and in the future." Although Suncor supports the principles of the Declaration, it is unknown whether Bill C-15 will pass into law and, if so, how the Declaration will ultimately be adopted into Canadian law and interpreted. It therefore also remains unclear what the impact of the Declaration on the Crown's duty to consult with Indigenous Peoples will be should Bill C-15 become law.

Suncor is unable to assess the effect, if any, that any such land claims, consultation requirements with Indigenous Peoples or adoption of the Declaration into Canadian law may have on Suncor's business; however, the impact could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

Litigation Risk

There is a risk that Suncor or entities in which it has an interest may be subject to litigation, and claims under such litigation may be material. Various types of claims may be raised in these proceedings, including, but not limited to, environmental damage, climate change and the impacts thereof, breach of contract, product liability, antitrust, bribery and other forms of corruption, tax, patent infringement, disclosure, employment matters and in relation to an attack, breach or unauthorized access to Suncor's information technology and infrastructure. Litigation is subject to uncertainty and it is possible that there could be material adverse developments in pending or future cases. Unfavourable outcomes or settlements of litigation could encourage the commencement of additional litigation. Suncor may also be subject to adverse publicity and reputational impacts associated with such matters, regardless of whether Suncor is ultimately found liable. There is a risk that the outcome of such litigation may be materially adverse to the company and/or the company may be required to incur significant expenses or devote significant resources in defence against such litigation, the success of which cannot be guaranteed.

Control Environment

Based on their inherent limitations, disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls 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. Failure to adequately prevent, detect and correct misstatements could have a material adverse effect on how Suncor's business, financial condition and results of operations are reported.

Insurance Coverage

Suncor maintains insurance coverage as part of its risk management program. However, such insurance may not provide comprehensive coverage in all circumstances, nor are all such risks insurable. The company self-insures some risks, and the company's insurance coverage does not cover all the costs arising out of the allocation of liabilities and risk of loss arising from Suncor operations.

Suncor's insurance policies are generally renewed on an annual basis and, depending on factors such as market conditions, the premiums, policy limits and/or deductibles for certain insurance policies can vary substantially. In some instances, certain insurance may become unavailable or available only for reduced amounts of coverage. Significantly increased costs could lead the company to decide to reduce, or possibly eliminate, coverage. In addition, insurance is purchased from a number of third-party insurers, often in layered insurance arrangements, some of whom may discontinue providing insurance coverage for their own policy or strategic reasons. Should any of these insurers refuse to continue to provide insurance coverage, the company's overall risk exposure could be increased.

Trade Risk Relating to CUSMA

Under CUSMA, Canada is no longer subject to the proportionality provisions in NAFTA's energy chapter, enabling Canada to expand oil and gas exports beyond the U.S. Further, the change to the oil and gas rules of origin under CUSMA allows Canadian exporters to more easily qualify for duty-free treatment for shipments to the U.S. The "non-market economy" clause may limit Canada's willingness to enter into free trade negotiations with non-market economies.

CUSMA will also phase out NAFTA's Chapter 11 Investor-State Dispute Settlement Provision (ISDS). This provision allowed investors of a NAFTA party to bring proceedings directly against the government of another NAFTA party for alleged breaches of its obligations. Under CUSMA, for three years after the termination of NAFTA, legacy investment claims and pending claims will be covered under NAFTA Chapter 11. After that point, companies will have to pursue recourse through the judicial system or regular international arbitration.

The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Suncor's business, financial condition, reserves and results of operations.

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11. Other Items

Control Environment

Based on their evaluation as of December 31, 2020, 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 of December 31, 2020, 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 year ended December 31, 2020 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.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2020 was audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included in our audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2020.

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.

Corporate Guidance

There have been no changes to the corporate guidance ranges previously issued on February 3, 2021. For further details and advisories regarding Suncor's 2021 corporate guidance, see www.suncor.com/guidance.

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12. Advisories

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Certain financial measures in this MD&A – namely operating earnings (loss), ROCE, funds from (used in) operations, free funds flow, discretionary free funds flow (deficit), Oil Sands operations cash operating costs, Fort Hills cash operating costs, Syncrude cash operating costs, refining and marketing margin, refining operating expense, LIFO inventory valuation methodology and related per share or per barrel amounts – 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.

(a) 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. For the years ended December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, consolidated operating earnings (loss) are reconciled to net earnings (loss) in the Financial Information section of this MD&A and operating earnings (loss) for each segment are reconciled to net earnings (loss) in the Segment Results and Analysis section of this MD&A. Operating earnings (loss) for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are reconciled to net earnings (loss) below.

(b) Bridge Analyses of Operating Earnings (Loss)

Throughout this MD&A, the company presents charts that illustrate the change in operating earnings (loss) from the comparative period through key variance factors. These factors are analyzed in the Operating Earnings (Loss) 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 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, and upstream marketing and logistics. 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 Inventory Valuation includes the after-tax impact of the FIFO method of inventory valuation in the company's R&M segment, as well as the impact of the deferral or realization of profit or loss on crude oil sales from the Oil Sands segment to Suncor's refineries, as both represent inventory valuation adjustments, and downstream short-term commodity risk management activities.

The factor for Insurance Proceeds includes the after-tax insurance proceeds related to the company's assets in Libya.

The factor for Operating and Transportation Expense includes project startup 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 (loss) adjustments, changes in statutory income tax rates, and other income tax adjustments.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  75


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

Year ended December 31
($ millions, except as noted)
      2020   2019   2018  

Adjustments to net (loss) earnings                  

  Net (loss) earnings attributed to common shareholders       (4 319 ) 2 899   3 293  

  Add after-tax amounts for:                  

    Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss on U.S. dollar denominated debt       (286 ) (590 ) 989  

    Net interest expense       698   638   541  

    A   (3 907 ) 2 947   4 823  

Capital employed – beginning of twelve-month period              

  Net debt       16 010   15 129   12 907  

  Shareholders' equity       42 042   44 005   45 383  

        58 052   59 134   58 290  

Capital employed – end of twelve-month period              

  Net debt       19 814   16 010   15 129  

  Shareholders' equity       35 757   42 042   44 005  

        55 571   58 052   59 134  

Average capital employed   B   56 239   60 402   60 347  

ROCE – including major projects in progress (%)   A/B   (6.9 ) 4.9   8.0  

Average capitalized costs related to major projects in progress   C   3 265   2 452   1 412  

ROCE – excluding major projects in progress (%)(1)   A/(B-C)   (7.4 ) 5.1   8.2  

(1)
ROCE excluding major projects in progress would have been (3.0%) in 2020, excluding the impact of impairments of $2.221 billion after-tax. ROCE excluding major projects in progress would have been 8.6% in 2019, excluding the impacts of impairments of $3.352 billion after-tax and the impact of the $1.116 billion deferred tax recovery relating to a change in the Alberta corporate income tax rate.

76  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


(d) 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 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 be impacted by, 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.

                          Oil Sands                        Exploration and
                     Production
                       Refining and Marketing    
Year ended December 31 ($ millions)   2020   2019   2018   2020   2019   2018   2020   2019   2018    

Net (loss) earnings   (3 796 ) (427 ) 945   (832 ) 1 005   807   866   3 000   3 154    

Adjustments for:                                        

  Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment   6 430   8 170   4 024   2 147   1 505   967   867   823   684    

  Deferred income taxes   (797 ) (1 565 ) 351   (321 ) (215 ) (112 ) (24 ) (49 ) 72    

  Accretion   224   221   209   48   43   48   6   6   7    

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

  Change in fair value of financial instruments and trading inventory   81   21   (59 ) (17 ) 16   (89 ) 44   70   (32 )  

  (Gain) loss on disposal of assets   (1 ) (14 ) (108 )   (228 ) 91   (24 ) (11 ) (7 )  

  Share-based compensation   (59 ) 16   (28 ) (9 )   (5 ) (36 ) 3   (21 )  

  Exploration expenses         80   66   11          

  Settlement of decommissioning and restoration liabilities   (212 ) (413 ) (428 ) (7 ) (32 ) (23 ) (12 ) (19 ) (17 )  

  Other   116   52   58   (35 ) (17 ) 84   21   40   (42 )  

Funds from (used in) operations   1 986   6 061   4 964   1 054   2 143   1 779   1 708   3 863   3 798    

(Increase) decrease in non-cash working capital                                        

Cash flow provided by operating activities                                        

 
                                    Corporate
                               and Eliminations
                              Total    
Year ended December 31 ($ millions)   2020   2019   2018   2020   2019   2018    

Net (loss) earnings   (557 ) (679 ) (1 613 ) (4 319 ) 2 899   3 293    

Adjustments for:                            

  Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment   82   74   63   9 526   10 572   5 738    

  Deferred income taxes   23   (89 ) 129   (1 119 ) (1 918 ) 440    

  Accretion       2   278   270   266    

  Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss on U.S. dollar denominated debt   (312 ) (624 ) 1 090   (312 ) (624 ) 1 090    

  Change in fair value of financial instruments and trading inventory       1   108   107   (179 )  

  (Gain) loss on disposal of assets   9       (16 ) (253 ) (24 )  

  Share-based compensation   (134 ) 25   (63 ) (238 ) 44   (117 )  

  Exploration expenses         80   66   11    

  Settlement of decommissioning and restoration liabilities       (1 ) (231 ) (464 ) (469 )  

  Other   17   44   23   119   119   123    

Funds from (used in) operations   (872 ) (1 249 ) (369 ) 3 876   10 818   10 172    

(Increase) decrease in non-cash working capital               (1 201 ) (397 ) 408    

Cash flow provided by operating activities               2 675   10 421   10 580    

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  77


(e) Free Funds Flow and Discretionary Free Funds Flow (Deficit)

Free funds flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that is calculated by taking funds from operations and subtracting capital expenditures, including capitalized interest. Discretionary free funds flow (deficit) is a non-GAAP financial measure that is calculated by taking funds from operations and subtracting asset sustainment and maintenance capital, inclusive of associated capitalized interest, and dividends. Both free funds flow and discretionary free funds flow (deficit) reflect cash available for increasing distributions to shareholders and to fund growth investments. Management uses free funds flow and discretionary free funds flow (deficit) to measure the capacity of the company to increase returns to shareholders and other decisions relating to capital allocation. The following is a reconciliation of discretionary free funds flow for Suncor's last three years of operations.

($ millions)   2020   2019   2018    

Funds from operations   3 876   10 818   10 172    

Asset sustaining and maintenance capital and dividends(1)   (4 104 ) (5 904 ) (5 740 )  

Discretionary free funds flow (deficit)   (228 ) 4 914   4 432    

(1)
Includes capitalized interest on sustaining capital of $46 million in 2020, $63 million in 2019 and $60 million in 2018.

(f) Oil Sands Operations, Fort Hills and Syncrude Cash Operating Costs

Cash operating costs are calculated by adjusting Oil Sands segment OS&G expense for i) non-production costs that management believes do not relate to production performance, including, but not limited to, share-based compensation adjustments, CEWS, COVID-19 related costs and safe-mode costs, research costs and the expense recorded as part of a non-monetary arrangement involving a third-party processor; ii) revenues associated with excess capacity, including excess power generated and sold that is recorded in operating revenue; iii) project startup costs; and iv) the impacts of changes in inventory levels and valuation, such that the company is able to present cost information based on production volumes. Oil Sands operations and Syncrude production volumes include production of diesel that is internally consumed and feedstock transfers between assets through the interconnecting pipelines. Beginning in 2020, the company revised the methodology for calculating Syncrude cash operating costs to better align with the Oil Sands operations and Fort Hills cash operating costs methodology. Prior period Syncrude cash operating costs had previously included future development costs and have been restated to exclude these costs. Oil Sands operations, Fort Hills and Syncrude cash operating costs are reconciled in the Segment Results and Analysis – Oil Sands section of this document. Management uses cash operating costs to measure operating performance.

(g) Refining and Marketing Margin and Refining Operating Expense

Refining and marketing margin and refining operating expense are non-GAAP financial measures. Refining and marketing margin is calculated by adjusting R&M segment operating revenue, other income and purchases of crude oil and products (all of which are GAAP measures) for non-refining margin pertaining to the company's supply, marketing and ethanol businesses, as well as removing the impact of marketing and logistics 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 ii) non-refining costs that management believes do not relate to the production of refined products, including, but not limited to, CEWS, share-based compensation and enterprise shared service allocations. Management uses refining and marketing margin and refining operating expense to measure operating performance on a production barrel basis.

78  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


Year ended December 31
($ millions, except as noted)
  2020   2019   2018    

Refining and marketing margin reconciliation                

  Gross margin, operating revenues less purchases of crude oil and products   4 029   7 008   7 122    

  Other income   48   75   68    

  Non-refining margin   (57 ) (60 ) 48    

  Refining and marketing margin   4 020   7 023   7 238    

  Refinery production(1) (mbbls)   158 991   173 705   169 138    

  Refining and marketing margin – FIFO(2) ($/bbl)   25.30   40.45   42.80    

  LIFO adjustment   532   (628 ) 644    

  Refining and marketing margin – LIFO   4 552   6 395   7 882    

  Refining and marketing margin – LIFO(2) ($/bbl)   28.65   36.80   46.60    

Refining operating expense reconciliation                

  Operating, selling and general expense   1 892   2 173   2 043    

  Non-refining costs   (1 018 ) (1 246 ) (1 142 )  

  Refining operating expense   874   927   901    

  Refinery production(1)   158 991   173 705   169 138    

  Refining operating expense ($/bbl)   5.50   5.35   5.35    

(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.

(2)
Beginning in 2020, refining and marketing margins have been revised to better reflect the refining, product supply and rack forward businesses. Prior periods have been restated to reflect this change.

(h) Impact of First-in, First-out (FIFO) Inventory 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 when 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.

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.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  79



(i) Operating (Loss) Earnings Reconciliations – Fourth Quarter 2020 and 2019

Three months ended December 31                     Oil Sands                               Exploration and
                           Production
                    Refining and
                 Marketing
                    Corporate
                 and Eliminations
                    Total    
($ millions)   2020   2019   2020   2019   2020   2019   2020   2019   2020   2019    

Net (loss) earnings as reported   (293 ) (2 682 ) (379 ) (162 ) 268   558   236   (49 ) (168 ) (2 335 )  

Asset impairments     2 959   423   393           423   3 352    

Provision for Keystone XL pipeline project   142                 142      

Unrealized foreign exchange gain on U.S. dollar denominated debt               (539 ) (235 ) (539 ) (235 )  

Operating (loss) earnings   (151 ) 277   44   231   268   558   (303 ) (284 ) (142 ) 782    

(j) Funds from Operations Reconciliations – Fourth Quarter 2020 and 2019

Three months ended December 31                     Oil Sands                               Exploration and
                           Production
                    Refining and
                 Marketing
                    Corporate
                 and Eliminations
                    Total    
($ millions)   2020   2019   2020   2019   2020   2019   2020   2019   2020   2019    

Net (loss) earnings   (293 ) (2 682 ) (379 ) (162 ) 268   558   236   (49 ) (168 ) (2 335 )  

Adjustments for:                                            

  Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment   1 058   5 081   835   803   207   211   20   18   2 120   6 113    

  Deferred income taxes   (154 ) (890 ) (160 ) (112 ) (53 ) (7 ) 43   7   (324 ) (1 002 )  

  Accretion   55   54   13   10   1   1       69   65    

  Unrealized foreign exchange gain on U.S. dollar denominated debt               (602 ) (246 ) (602 ) (246 )  

  Change in fair value of financial instruments and trading inventory   49   (20 ) 5   13   (9 ) (6 )     45   (13 )  

  Loss (gain) on disposal of assets   1   (1 )     (18 ) (8 ) 9     (8 ) (9 )  

  Share-based compensation   25   22   3   2   15   11   52   28   95   63    

  Exploration expenses         27             27    

  Settlement of decommissioning and restoration liabilities   (41 ) (128 )   (16 ) (7 ) (7 )     (48 ) (151 )  

  Other   29   (31 ) (5 ) (10 ) 11   40   7   42   42   41    

Funds from (used in) operations   729   1 405   312   555   415   793   (235 ) (200 ) 1 221   2 553    

Increase in non-cash working capital                                   (407 ) (249 )  

Cash flow provided by operating activities                                   814   2 304    

80  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


Measurement Conversions

Certain crude oil and natural gas liquids volumes have been converted to mcfe or mmcfe 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, mmcfe, 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 necessarily represent 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

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

Measurement
     
bbl   barrel
bbls/d   barrels per day
mbbls/d   thousands of barrels per day
boe   barrels of oil equivalent
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
mcf   thousands of cubic feet of natural gas
mcfe   thousands of cubic feet of natural gas equivalent
mmcf   millions of cubic feet of natural gas
mmcf/d   millions of cubic feet of natural gas per day
mmcfe   millions of cubic feet of natural gas equivalent
mmcfe/d   millions of cubic feet of natural gas equivalent per day
m3   cubic metres
     
MW   Megawatts
MWh   Megawatt hour

Places and Currencies
     
U.S.   United States
U.K.   United Kingdom
B.C.   British Columbia
     
$ or Cdn$   Canadian dollars
US$   United States dollars
£   Pounds sterling
  Euros

Financial and Business Environment
     
DD&A   Depreciation, depletion and amortization
     
WTI   West Texas Intermediate
WCS   Western Canadian Select
SCO   Synthetic crude oil
SYN   Synthetic crude oil benchmark
MSW   Mixed Sweet Blend
NYMEX   New York Mercantile Exchange

Forward-Looking Information

This MD&A contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws and other information 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 estimates; the current and potential adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the status of the pandemic and future waves and any associated policies around current business restrictions, shelter-in-place orders or gatherings of individuals; 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 development and 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 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", "potential", "future", "opportunity", "would", "priority" and similar expressions.

Forward-looking statements in this MD&A include references to:

Suncor's strategy to aim to maximize shareholder returns, its plans on how to achieve this strategy, its belief that its balance sheet strength and financial health provide the foundation for its capital allocation framework by supporting long-term value creation and return to shareholders;

Suncor's belief that it is well positioned to succeed due to the company's competitive advantages: financial

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  81


    strength, a highly efficient, tightly integrated suite of assets, an industry-leading long-life, low-decline oil sands reserves base and its investment in sustainability, technology and innovation;

Suncor's belief that its growth and development plans are focused on projects and initiatives that will create long-term value for the company through free funds flow growth;

Suncor's belief that the company's regional oil sands advantage provides the company with the economies of scale required to realize synergies between assets;

the expectation that Suncor will take over as operator of Syncrude, which will capitalize on the collective strength of its regional operations, drive operating efficiencies, improve performance and develop regional synergies through integration which will further support Syncrude's ability to achieve its cost and productivity targets;

the belief that Suncor's broad asset base and operational flexibility will allow Suncor to optimize the production of higher value SCO in the upstream, while its extensive logistics assets and sales channels, enhanced by its trading and marketing expertise, drives additional value as equity barrels move down the value chain and that, through this midstream and marketing network and our geographical diversity, the company is able to maximize crude production and refinery utilization by securing sales outlets while receiving global-based pricing for the majority of its production;

Suncor's expectation that driving down costs and a continued focus on improved productivity and reliability will help it achieve maximum value for its operations and that the acceleration of its digital transformation strategy and the implementation of process and technology improvements are foundational to building on its cost reduction targets achieved in 2020;

Suncor's belief that its growth will be enhanced by investments in lower carbon energy and that unleashing the full potential of its people and technology will be critical in achieving its environmental, operational and financial goals;

that Suncor will remain disciplined in its capital allocation and, at current commodity prices, plans to pay down between $1.0 billion and $1.5 billion of debt and repurchase between $500 million and $1.0 billion of the company's shares in 2021, signifying the company's ability to generate cash flow and confidence in the underlying value of the company;

the expectation that Suncor will sell its interest in the Golden Eagle Area Development for US$325 million and contingent consideration up to US$50 million and that it will close no later than the third quarter of 2021 and that this sale helps enable the company to allocate resources to core assets and maximize shareholder returns;

the expectation that Fort Hills will be operating at full rates by the end of 2021;

statements about Suncor's incremental free funds flow target by 2025, including the projects which are expected to help Suncor meet this target;

Suncor's expectation that its income tax receivable balances will be received in late 2021;

Suncor's expectations with respect to its investments in new technologies and renewable energy, including LanzaJet, Inc. and the Varennes Carbon Recycling facility;

the expectation that the primary focus for both cost management and capital discipline in 2021 will be to continue efforts to sustainably reduce controllable operating costs through implementation of digital technologies that will facilitate the transition to the workplace of the future, bolster operational excellence and drive additional value and that, through the acceleration of Suncor's transformation, the company will continue to work to reduce the cost structure of running the business while increasing productivity;

the expectation that capital discipline will continue to focus on asset sustainment and maintenance projects designed to maintain safe and reliable operations, as well as advancing high-value economic investment projects, and will continue to invest in projects that are economically robust, sustainably minded and technologically progressive;

Suncor's expectation that its digital transformation will enable operational efficiencies that will provide further structural cost savings and that the implementation of digital technologies will facilitate the transition to the workplace of the future, bolster operational excellence and drive additional value;

Suncor's expectation that the majority of the repair costs related to the rebuild at the Oil Sands Base plant secondary extraction facility will be reimbursed through insurance proceeds anticipated to be received in 2021;

Suncor's expectations for the coke-fired boiler replacement project, including the expectation that the cogeneration units will provide reliable steam generation required for Suncor's extraction and upgrading operations to generate electricity that will be transmitted to Alberta's power grid and provide a lower carbon power alternative while delivering value to Suncor;

Statements about the sanctioned Forty Mile Wind Power Project, including the expectation that the project will generate significant value through sustainable power

82  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.


    generation and retention of the generated carbon credits for utilization in Suncor's upstream business and the belief that the project is part of Suncor's sustainability strategy of making meaningful progress toward the greenhouse gas emissions intensity reduction target of 30% by 2030;

expectations for the Oil Sands segment, including the expectation that Suncor will continue to advance incremental debottlenecks to maximize the value of the Firebag asset which will depend on economic conditions supported by integrated well pad development and Solvent SAGD technologies, that the initiatives such as AHS and Permanent Aquatic Storage Structure (combined with continued advancement of digital technologies) will contribute in part to Suncor's incremental free funds flow target, the deployment of AHS and the expected benefits therefrom, the belief that the Syncrude joint venture owners will focus on optimizing transfers on the interconnecting pipelines between Suncor's Oil Sands Base and Syncrude and the potential developments opportunities which may support future in-situ production, including Meadow Creek, Lewis, OSLO, Gregoire, Chard and Kirby;

the expectation that the Mildred Lake Extension project will sustain Syncrude's current production levels by extending the life of the North Mine using existing extraction and upgrading facilities while minimizing the environmental impacts of building infrastructure and that the project will come online in 2025;

expectations for the E&P segment, including the segment's focus primarily on low-cost projects that deliver significant returns, cash flow and long-term value, and ongoing development activities offshore the east coast of Canada and in the U.K. North Sea intended to leverage existing facilities and infrastructure to provide incremental production and including development drilling and development work done in 2020 that will extend the productive life of existing fields which are planned to continue in 2021, along with development drilling at Hebron, Golden Eagle and Oda, with continued development work at Buzzard Phase 2 and the Fenja project in Norway;

the expectation that an economically viable path forward with a safe and reliable return to operations can be determined for the Terra Nova Project; and

the expectation that well pads under construction will maintain existing production levels at Firebag and MacKay River in future years as production from existing well pads declines.

The anticipated duration and impact of planned maintenance events, including:

planned five-year turnaround at Oil Sands Base Upgrader 2, maintenance at Upgrader 1 and Syncrude with maintenance, including at its largest coker; and

planned maintenance at the Commerce City, Edmonton and Montreal refineries.

Also:

economic sensitivities;

Suncor's belief that its indicative 5-2-2-1 index will continue to be an appropriate measure against Suncor's actual results;

the company's priority regarding returning value to shareholders, and the company's ongoing ability to generate cash flow and commitment to return cash to shareholders;

statements about Suncor's share repurchase program, including its belief that, depending on the trading price of its common shares and other relevant factors, purchasing its own shares represents an attractive investment opportunity and is in the best interests of the company and its shareholders, and Suncor's expectation that the decision to allocate cash to repurchase shares will not affect its long-term growth strategy;

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 condition or financial performance, including liquidity and capital resources;

Suncor's planned 2021 capital spending program of $3.8 to $4.5 billion and the belief that the company will have the capital resources to fund its planned 2021 capital spending program and to meet current and future working capital requirements through cash and cash equivalents balances, cash flow provided by operating activities, available committed credit facilities, issuing commercial paper and, if needed, accessing capital markets;

Suncor's expectations as to how its 2021 capital expenditures will be directed and the expected benefits therefrom;

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

management of debt levels continuing to be a priority for Suncor given the company's long-term growth plans and future expected volatility in the commodity pricing

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  83


    environment, and Suncor's belief that a phased and flexible approach to existing and future projects should assist Suncor in maintaining its ability to manage project costs and debt levels;

Suncor's intention to adopt certain accounting standards, amendments and interpretations when they become effective; and

expectations with respect to changes to law and government policy.

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; 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; 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 Suncor's 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; 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 (including as a result of demand and supply effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions of OPEC+); 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 development and execution of Suncor's projects and the commissioning and integration of new facilities; the possibility that completed maintenance activities may not improve operational performance or the output of related facilities; the risk that projects and initiatives intended to achieve cash flow growth and/or reductions in operating costs may not achieve the expected results in the time anticipated or at all; 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, and mandatory production curtailment orders and changes thereto; 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

84  Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.



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; security threats and terrorist or activist activities; the risk that competing business objectives may exceed Suncor's capacity to adopt and implement change; risks and uncertainties associated with obtaining regulatory, third-party and stakeholder approvals outside of Suncor's control for the company's operations, projects, initiatives, and exploration and development activities and the satisfaction of any conditions to approvals; 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; risks associated with land claims and Indigenous consultation requirements; the risk that the company may be subject 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, including under the heading Risk Factors, and the company's 2020 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 MD&A are made as of the date of this MD&A. 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.

Annual Report 2020   Suncor Energy Inc.  85




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Management's Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, dated February 24, 2021

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EXHIBIT 99.3


Consent of KPMG LLP

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors
Suncor Energy Inc.

We, KPMG LLP, consent to the use of our report, dated February 24, 2021, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in this Annual Report on Form 40-F.

We, KPMG LLP, also consent to the incorporation by reference of such report in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No. 333-87604, No. 333-112234, No. 333-118648, No. 333-124415, No. 333-149532, No. 333-161021 and No. 333-161029) and on From F-10 (No. 333-238618) of Suncor Energy Inc.

"KPMG LLP"

Chartered Professional Accountants
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
February 25, 2021




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Consent of KPMG LLP

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EXHIBIT 99.4


Consent of GLJ Ltd.


LETTER OF CONSENT

TO:

  Suncor Energy Inc.
The Securities and Exchange Commission
The Securities Regulatory Authorities of Each of the Provinces and Territories of Canada

Dear Sirs/Mesdames:

Re:    Suncor Energy Inc. ("Suncor")

We refer to the following reports (the "Reports") prepared by GLJ Ltd. ("GLJ"):

which provide GLJ's reports on proved and probable reserves evaluations of Suncor's Canadian mining and in-situ leases, Canadian offshore conventional assets and international operations that were evaluated as at December 31, 2020.

We hereby consent to being named and to the use of, reference to and excerpts and information derived from the said Reports by Suncor in its:

We have read the Form 40-F, Annual Report, AIF and Prospectuses and have no reason to believe that there are any misrepresentations in the information contained therein that is derived from our Reports


or that are within our knowledge as a result of the services which we performed in connection with the Reports.

  Yours very truly,

 

GLJ LTD.

 

"Tim R. Freeborn"

 

Tim R. Freeborn, P. Eng.
Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer

Dated: February 25, 2021
Calgary, Alberta, Canada




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Consent of GLJ Ltd.
LETTER OF CONSENT

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EXHIBIT 99.5


CERTIFICATION

        I, Mark S. Little, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 40-F of Suncor Energy Inc.;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The issuer's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the issuer and have:

    (a)
    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the issuer, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

    (b)
    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

    (c)
    Evaluated the effectiveness of the issuer's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

    (d)
    Disclosed in this report any change in the issuer's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The issuer's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the issuer's auditors and the audit committee of the issuer's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

    (a)
    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the issuer's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

    (b)
    Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuer's internal control over financial reporting.

DATE: February 25, 2021

  /s/ MARK S. LITTLE

Mark S. Little
President and Chief Executive Officer



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CERTIFICATION

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EXHIBIT 99.6


CERTIFICATION

        I, Alister Cowan, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 40-F of Suncor Energy Inc.;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The issuer's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the issuer and have:

    (a)
    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the issuer, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

    (b)
    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

    (c)
    Evaluated the effectiveness of the issuer's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

    (d)
    Disclosed in this report any change in the issuer's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The issuer's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the issuer's auditors and the audit committee of the issuer's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

    (a)
    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the issuer's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

    (b)
    Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuer's internal control over financial reporting.

DATE: February 25, 2021

  /s/ ALISTER COWAN

Alister Cowan
Chief Financial Officer



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CERTIFICATION

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EXHIBIT 99.7


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ENACTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        In connection with the annual report of Suncor Energy Inc. (the "Company") on Form 40-F for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, MARK. S. LITTLE, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

  /s/ MARK S. LITTLE

Mark S. Little
President and Chief Executive Officer
Suncor Energy Inc.




 

DATE: February 25, 2021




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CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ENACTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

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EXHIBIT 99.8


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ENACTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        In connection with the annual report of Suncor Energy Inc. (the "Company") on Form 40-F for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, ALISTER COWAN, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

  /s/ ALISTER COWAN

Alister Cowan
Chief Financial Officer
Suncor Energy Inc.




 

DATE: February 25, 2021




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CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ENACTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

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EXHIBIT 99.9


Supplementary Oil and Gas Disclosures (unaudited)


Supplementary Oil and Gas Disclosures (unaudited)

        The following disclosures are presented in accordance with United States Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Topic 932 — "Extractive Activities — Oil and Gas" and Subpart 1200 of Regulation S-K ("Subpart 1200") of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Disclosures pertaining to the audited consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2020 (the "2020 Consolidated Financial Statements") of Suncor Energy Inc. ("Suncor" or the "company") were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and Canadian generally accepted accounting principles contained within Part 1 of the Chartered Professional Accountants Canada Handbook, which differ in material respects from financial statements prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. The 2020 Consolidated Financial Statements are attached as Exhibit 99.1 to Suncor's annual report on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2020 (the "Form 40-F").

Reserves Data

        Reserves data included herein are estimates only and can be significantly impacted by a variety of internal and external factors. For more information on the risks involved when estimating reserves, see the discussion in the "Statement of Reserves Data and Other Oil and Gas Information — Significant Risk Factors and Uncertainties Affecting Reserves" section in Suncor's 2020 Annual Information Form (the "2020 AIF"), which is contained in the Form 40-F. Readers should also see Suncor's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2020, which is attached as Exhibit 99.2 to the Form 40-F (the "2020 Management's Discussion and Analysis").

        The reserves data presented herein, with an effective date of December 31, 2020, may differ in relation to the format and the basis from which volumes are economically determined under National Instrument 51-101 — "Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities" ("NI 51-101"), as disclosed in the 2020 AIF. Subpart 1200 requires disclosure of net proved reserves, after royalties, using the average of the first-day-of-the-month prices for the twelve-month period prior to the end of the reporting period, whereas NI 51-101 requires disclosure of gross and net reserves, estimated using forecast prices and costs. For Suncor's Oil Sands Base mining operations, Fort Hills oil sands mining project, Syncrude oil sands mining project, and the Terra Nova offshore project the application of constant pricing results in these projects being uneconomic, due to the unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on commodity prices in 2020, such that no reserves are attributed to these properties herein. However, when utilizing forecast pricing, as permitted by NI 51-101, these projects are economic, and therefore the applicable reserves are attributed thereto as outlined in the 2020 AIF. Similarly, proved undeveloped volumes associated with Suncor's MacKay River In Situ project are only economic and qualify as proved undeveloped reserves under forecast pricing, as outlined in the 2020 AIF, and uneconomic using constant pricing and therefore these volumes are not attributed as reserves herein.

Net Proved Oil and Gas Reserves(1)(2)

        The majority of Suncor's oil and gas reserves are in Canada. In order to align with the company's segmented information in the 2020 Consolidated Financial Statements, the 2020 Management's Discussion and Analysis and the 2020 AIF, the company presents the following supplementary oil and gas disclosures by showing amounts associated with its Oil Sands segment, which are exclusively in Canada and produce synthetic crude oil ("SCO") and bitumen, separate from other Canadian operations, which are aggregated with Suncor's international operations (collectively, "Exploration and Production") and produce crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids ("NGLs"). Exploration and Production reserves are in offshore Canada, offshore UK, and offshore Norway.


 
  SCO
(mmbbls)
  Bitumen
(mmbbls)
  Crude Oil(3)
(mmbbls)
  Natural Gas
(bcf)
  Total
(mmboe)
 
At December 31, (net reserves,
constant prices and costs)
  2020   2019   2020   2019   2020   2019   2020   2019   2020   2019  

Proved Developed

                                                             

Oil Sands

    246     2,032     92     951                     338     2,984  

Exploration and Production

                    106     110     1     1     107     111  
                                           

    246     2,032     92     951     106     110     1     1     445     3,094  
                                           

Proved Undeveloped

                                                             

Oil Sands

    722     542     262     581                     984     1,123  

Exploration and Production

                    38     49     8     9     39     51  
                                           

    722     542     262     581     38     49     8     9     1,023     1,173  
                                           

Proved

                                                             

Oil Sands

    968     2,574     354     1,532                     1,322     4,106  

Exploration and Production

                    144     160     9     11     146     161  
                                           

    968     2,574     354     1,532     144     160     9     11     1,468     4,267  
                                           

Reconciliation of Net Proved Oil and Gas Reserves

(net reserves,
constant prices and costs)
  Balance at
December 31
2018
  Revisions of
Previous
Estimates(4)
  Improved
Recovery(5)
  Acquisitions   Extensions
and
Discoveries(6)
  Production   Dispositions   Balance at
December 31
2019
 

Oil Sands

                                                 

SCO (mmbbls)

    2,704     33                 (164 )       2,574  

Bitumen (mmbbls)

    1,605     (6 )   2             (68 )       1,532  

Exploration and Production

                                                 

Crude oil(3) (mmbbls)

    158     30     1         5     (35 )       160  

Natural gas (bcf)

    11     1             1     (2 )       11  
                                   

Total (mmboe)

    4,469     57     2         5     (267 )       4,267  
                                   

 

(net reserves,
constant prices and costs)
  Balance at
December 31
2019
  Revisions of
Previous
Estimates(4)
  Improved
Recovery(5)
  Acquisitions   Extensions
and
Discoveries(6)
  Production   Dispositions   Balance at
December 31
2020
 

Oil Sands

                                                 

SCO (mmbbls)

    2,574     (1,438 )   1             (169 )       968  

Bitumen (mmbbls)

    1,532     (1,134 )   1             (45 )       354  

Exploration and Production

                                                 

Crude oil(3) (mmbbls)

    160     10     2         7     (34 )       144  

Natural gas (bcf)

    11     (1 )               (1 )       9  
                                   

Total (mmboe)

    4,267     (2,563 )   4         7     (247 )       1,468  
                                   

Notes to Reserves Data:

(1)
Definitions

a.
Net reserves, in relation to Suncor's production and reserves, represents the company's working interest share after deduction of royalty obligations, plus the company's royalty interests in production and reserves.

b.
Proved oil and gas reserves are those quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty (at least a 90% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the estimate) to be economically producible, from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods and government regulations.

c.
Proved developed oil and gas reserves are those quantities that can be expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods or in which the cost of the required equipment is relatively minor compared to the cost of a new well; and can be expected to be recovered through extraction equipment and infrastructure installed and operational at the time of the reserves estimate for projects that extract oil by means not involving a well.

d.
Proved undeveloped oil and gas reserves are those quantities that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion; and can be expected to be recovered through extraction equipment and infrastructure to be installed for projects that extract oil by means not involving a well.

(2)
Reserve data tables may not add due to rounding.

(3)
Natural gas liquids reserves are not significant and have been presented in combination with crude oil reserves.

(4)
Revisions of previous estimates include changes to proved reserves, resulting from new information (except for an increase in proved acreage) normally obtained from development drilling and production history or resulting from a change in economic factors, such as changes in constant prices used for the reserve evaluation. Revisions in 2020 are primarily due to Suncor's Oil Sands Base mining operations, Fort Hills oil sands mining project, Syncrude oil sands mining project and the Terra Nova offshore project being uneconomical under constant pricing such that no reserves are attributed to these properties. Similarily, proved undeveloped volumes associated with Suncor's MacKay River In Situ project are uneconomical under constant pricing and therefore no reserves are attributed to these volumes.

(5)
Improved recoveries relates to additions to reserves resulting from deployment of improved recovery schemes such as Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage in In Situ and waterflood in Exploration and Production.

(6)
Extensions and discoveries are additions to proved reserves from proved acreage of previously discovered reservoirs through additional drilling in periods subsequent to discovery or discovery of new fields with proved reserves or of new reservoirs of proved reserves in old fields.

Capitalized Costs

 
  At December 31, 2020   At December 31, 2019  
($ millions)
  Oil Sands   Exploration
and
Production
  Total   Oil Sands   Exploration
and
Production
  Total  

Exploration and evaluation assets(1)

    2,061     225     2,286     2,178     250     2,428  

Oil and gas properties(2)(3)

    20,124     22,586     42,710     18,795     21,801     40,596  

Plant and equipment(2)(3)

    66,875     1,054     67,929     66,451     1,074     67,525  

— accumulated provision(2)

    (35,059 )   (17,424 )   (52,483 )   (30,581 )   (15,298 )   (45,879 )
                           

Total

    54,001     6,441     60,442     56,843     7,827     64,670  
                           

(1)
Exploration and evaluation assets largely represent amounts associated with unproved properties, but may include properties with proved reserves for which Suncor's Board of Directors have not sanctioned development. See note 18 of the 2020 Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2)
Oil and Gas Properties, Plant and Equipment and the accumulated provision largely represent amounts associated with proved properties. See note 15 of the 2020 Consolidated Financial Statements. Includes amounts capitalized to Property, Plant and Equipment on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of the 2020 Consolidated Financial Statements that relate to the company's right-of-use assets under IFRS 16. See note 17 of the 2020 Consolidated Financial Statements.

(3)
Includes amounts capitalized to Property, Plant and Equipment on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of the 2020 Consolidated Financial Statements that relate to the company's decommissioning and restoration activities.

Costs Incurred for Property Acquisition, Exploration and Development Activities

 
  Year ended December 31, 2020   Year ended December 31, 2019  
($ millions)
  Oil Sands   Exploration
and
Production
  Total   Oil Sands   Exploration
and
Production
  Total  

Unproved property acquisition

                         

Proved property acquisition

                         

Exploration(1)

    174     189     363     204     248     452  

Development(2)

    2,723     431     3,154     3,580     992     4,572  
                           

Total

    2,897     620     3,517     3,784     1,240     5,024  
                           

(1)
Includes amounts capitalized to Exploration and Evaluation on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as well as those charged to Exploration Expense on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), of the 2020 Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2)
Includes amounts capitalized to Property, Plant and Equipment on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of the 2020 Consolidated Financial Statements that relate to the company's decommissioning and restoration activities.

Results of Operations for Oil and Gas Producing Activities

 
  Year ended December 31, 2020   Year ended December 31, 2019  
($ millions)
  Oil Sands   Exploration
and
Production
  Total   Oil Sands   Exploration
and
Production
  Total  

Operating revenues, net of royalties

    10,522     1,756     12,278     17,430     3,070     20,500  

Other income

    298     54     352     172     430     602  
                           

    10,820     1,810     12,630     17,602     3,500     21,102  

Purchases of crude oil and products

    844         844     1,407         1,407  

Operating, selling and general

    7,169     476     7,645     8,027     525     8,552  

Transportation

    1,223     100     1,323     1,293     80     1,373  

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment

    6,430     2,147     8,577     8,170     1,505     9,675  

Exploration

    57     129     186     127     129     256  

Gain on disposal of assets

    (1 )       (1 )   (14 )   (228 )   (242 )

Finance expenses

    336     47     383     318     73     391  
                           

(Loss) earnings before income taxes

    (5,238 )   (1,089 )   (6,327 )   (1,726 )   1,416     (310 )

Income taxes — (recovery) expense

    (1,442 )   (257 )   (1,699 )   (1,299 )   411     (888 )
                           

Net (loss) earnings

    (3,796 )   (832 )   (4,628 )   (427 )   1,005     578  
                           

Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves(1)

        The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to Suncor's proved oil and gas reserves are calculated in accordance with FASB Topic 932 — "Extractive Activities — Oil and Gas". Future cash inflows are estimated using the average of the first-day-of-the-month prices for the twelve-month period prior to the end of reporting period, which are also used in estimating the entity's proved oil and gas reserves. Future development and production costs, including the associated decommissioning and restoration activities, are calculated by estimating the expenditures to be incurred in developing and producing the proved oil and gas reserves at the end of the year, based on year-end costs and assuming continuation of existing economic conditions. The appropriate year-end statutory tax rates, with consideration of future tax rates already legislated, were applied to the future pretax net cash flows, less the tax basis of the properties involved. A prescribed rate of 10% is applied to discount the future net cash flows.

        The calculation of the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows is based upon information prepared by the company's independent qualified reserves evaluator (which includes decommissioning and restoration activities), and adjusted for future income taxes.

        It should not be assumed that the estimates of future net cash flows presented in the tables below represent the fair market value of the reserves. There is no assurance that the price and cost assumptions will be attained and variances could be material. Future changes to income tax, royalty and environmental regulations could also have a significant impact on the respective assumptions. There is no guarantee that the estimates for SCO, bitumen, crude oil, and natural gas reserves provided herein will be recovered. Actual SCO, bitumen, crude oil, and natural gas reserves may be greater than or less than the estimates provided herein.


        The following twelve-month average prices were used to calculate the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows (using the first-day-of-the-month prices for the twelve-month period prior to the end of the reporting period):

Year
  Brent
North Sea
  WTI
Cushing
Oklahoma
  WCS
Hardisty
Alberta
  Light
Sweet
Edmonton
Alberta
  Pentanes Plus
Edmonton
Alberta
  AECO
Gas
  National
Balancing
Point
North Sea
 
 
  US$/bbl
  US$/bbl
  Cdn$/bbl
  Cdn$/bbl
  Cdn$/bbl
  Cdn$/mmbtu
  Cdn$/mmbtu
 

2020

    41.77     39.57     35.81     45.51     49.73     2.17     4.32  

2019

    63.15     55.69     57.22     67.66     68.70     1.66     6.69  
                               

 

 
  At December 31, 2020   At December 31, 2019  
($ millions)
  Oil Sands   Exploration
and
Production
  Total   Oil Sands   Exploration
and
Production
  Total  

Future cash inflows

    56,737     7,552     64,289     251,040     13,218     264,258  

Future production costs

    (28,763 )   (2,388 )   (31,151 )   (145,374 )   (3,960 )   (149,334 )

Future development costs

    (15,115 )   (2,285 )   (17,400 )   (52,917 )   (3,287 )   (56,204 )

Future income tax expenses

    (2,839 )   (194 )   (3,033 )   (10,716 )   (1,764 )   (12,480 )
                           

Future net cash flows

    10,020     2,685     12,705     42,033     4,207     46,240  

10% Discount Factor

    (5,588 )   (279 )   (5,867 )   (22,655 )   (308 )   (22,963 )
                           

Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows

    4,432     2,405     6,837     19,378     3,899     23,277  
                           

Changes in Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves

($ millions)
  2020   2019  

Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows — beginning of year

    23,277     26,267  

Sales and transfers of oil and gas produced

    (4,852 )   (8,005 )

Net changes in sales prices and operating costs related to future production

    (19,761 )   (5,673 )

Net change due to extensions, discoveries and improved recovery

    292     2,632  

Net change due to acquisition and dispositions

         

Net change due to revisions in quantity estimates

    1,355     (834 )

Previously estimated development costs incurred during the period

    894     4,077  

Changes in estimated future development costs

    619     (314 )

Accretion of discount

    1,681     2,773  

Net change in income taxes

    3,333     2,353  
           

Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows — end of year

    6,837     23,277  
           

(1)
Tables may not add due to rounding.



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Supplementary Oil and Gas Disclosures (unaudited)