Imperial Oil announces estimated first-quarter financial and operating results

Calgary, Alberta, April 28, 2010

Net income for the first quarter was $476 million, an increase of 65 percent from the first quarter of 2009. Upstream earnings increased with stronger crude oil commodity prices that were partially offset by higher royalty costs and the unfavourable foreign exchange effects of a stronger Canadian dollar. Downstream earnings were impacted by the ongoing challenges in North American economies that resulted in continued soft demands and lower margins.

Imperial Oil continued its long-term focus and disciplined approach to capital investment. In the first quarter of 2010, we continued to invest through this down cycle and add value for our shareholders. Capital and exploration expenditures increased to $900 million in the quarter and supported company growth projects like Kearl, continued exploration of promising shale gas acreage in Horn River and sustaining capital for Cold Lake and Syncrude production. For this quarter, Imperial's cash generation from operating activities was enough to fund the company growth and we ended with a cash balance higher than what we had coming into the year.

Our proven approach of focusing on operations excellence and the business elements within our control will continue to reward our shareholders in the future.

Click here to read our estimated first-quarter financial and operating results.

Imperial Oil is one of Canada’s largest corporations and a leading member of the country’s petroleum industry. The company is a major producer of crude oil and natural gas, Canada’s largest petroleum refiner and a leading marketer with a coast-to-coast supply network that includes about 1,850 retail service stations.