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Cenovus Energy

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FY2022 Annual Report · Cenovus Energy
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CENOVUS ENERGY INC. 
Cenovus Energy Inc. is an integrated energy company with oil and natural gas production 
operations in Canada and the Asia Pacific region, and upgrading, refining and marketing 
operations in Canada and the United States. The company is focused on managing its assets in 
a safe, innovative and cost‑efficient manner, integrating environmental, social and governance 
considerations into its business plans. Cenovus common shares and warrants are listed on the 
Toronto and New York stock exchanges, and the company’s preferred shares are listed on the 
Toronto Stock Exchange. 

For more information, visit cenovus.com.

cenovus.com

1‑877‑766‑2066  
(Toll‑free in Canada & U.S.)

225 6 Ave SW PO Box 766 
Calgary, AB T2P 0M5 Canada

© Cenovus Energy Inc. 2023

2022

ANNUAL 
REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
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INFORMATION FOR SHAREHOLDERS

ANNUAL MEETING
The meeting will be held virtually only. This allows a broader 
base of shareholders to participate regardless of their location. 
Holders of Cenovus common shares are invited to attend the 
virtual Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Wednesday, 
April 26, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. MT via live webcast accessible online at 
https://web.lumiagm.com/422837892.  
Please see our Management Information Circular available on  
cenovus.com for additional information. 

REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
Computershare Investor Services Inc.  
8th Floor, 100 University Avenue  
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1 Canada 
https://www.cenovus.com/Investors/Shareholder-information 
Shareholder inquiries by phone:  
North America 1.866.332.8898 (English and French)  
Outside North America 1.514.982.8717 (English and French)

SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNT MATTERS
For information regarding your shareholdings or to change your 
address, transfer shares, eliminate duplicate mailings, directly 
deposit dividends, etc., please contact Computershare Investor 
Services Inc. If your shares are held by a broker, please contact 
your broker.

STOCK EXCHANGES
Cenovus common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange 
(TSX) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol 
CVE. Cenovus warrants trade on the TSX and the NYSE under 
the symbols TSX: CVE.WT and NYSE: CVE.WS. Cenovus preferred 
shares Series 1, Series 2, Series 3, Series 5 and Series 7 trade on the 
TSX under the symbols CVE.PR.A, CVE.PR.B, CVE.PR.C, CVE.PR.E 
and CVE.PR.G.

ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM/FORM 40-F
Our Annual Information Form is filed with the Canadian 
Securities Administrators in Canada on SEDAR at sedar.com and 
with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the 
Multi‑Jurisdictional Disclosure System as an Annual Report on 
Form 40‑F on EDGAR at sec.gov.

NYSE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STANDARDS
As a Canadian company listed on the NYSE, we are not required to 
comply with most of the NYSE corporate governance standards 
and instead may comply with Canadian corporate governance 
requirements. We are, however, required to disclose the significant 
differences between our corporate governance practices and 
those required to be followed by U.S. domestic companies under 
the NYSE corporate governance standards. Except as summarized 
on https://www.cenovus.com/Our-company/Governance, we 
are in compliance with the NYSE corporate governance standards 
in all significant respects.

INVESTOR RELATIONS
Please visit the Investors section at cenovus.com for  
investor information. 

Investor inquiries should be directed to:  
403.766.7711, investor.relations@cenovus.com

Media inquiries should be directed to: 
403.766.7751, media.relations@cenovus.com

CENOVUS HEAD OFFICE
Cenovus Energy Inc. 
225 6 Avenue SW 
PO Box 766 
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0M5 Canada 
Phone: 403.766.2000 
cenovus.com

CENOVUS’S LEADERSHIP TEAM
(as at March 1, 2023)

Alex Pourbaix, President & Chief Executive Officer
Susan Anderson, SVP, People Services
Keith Chiasson, EVP, Downstream
Andrew Dahlin, EVP, Corporate & Operations Services
Rho na DelFrari, Chief Sustainability Officer & EVP,  

Stakeholder Engagement

Jeff Hart, EVP & Chief Financial Officer
Jon McKenzie, EVP & Chief Operating Officer
Gary Molnar, SVP, Legal, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
Norrie Ramsay, EVP, Upstream – Thermal, Major Projects & Offshore
Kam Sandhar, EVP, Strategy & Corporate Development
Drew Zieglgansberger, EVP, Natural Gas & Technical Services

CENOVUS’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
(as at March 1, 2023)

Keith A. MacPhail, Board Chair, Calgary, Alberta (2,6)
Keith M. Casey, San Antonio, Texas (3,4)
Canning K.N. Fok, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Jane E. Kinney, Toronto, Ontario (1,4)
Harold N. Kvisle, Calgary, Alberta (2,3)
Eva L. Kwok, Vancouver, British Columbia (2,3)
Melanie A. Little, Alpharetta, Georgia (3,4)
Richard J. Marcogliese, Alamo, California (1,4)
Claude Mongeau, Montréal, Québec (1,4)
Alex J. Pourbaix, Calgary, Alberta (5)
Wayne E. Shaw, Toronto, Ontario (1,4)
Frank J. Sixt, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2)
Rhonda I. Zygocki, Friday Harbor, Washington (2,3)

(1) Member of the Audit Committee 
(2) Member of the Governance Committee 
(3) Member of the Human Resources and Compensation (“HRC”) Committee  
(4) Member of the Safety, Sustainability and Reserves (“SSR”) Committee 
(5)  As an officer and a non‑independent director, Mr. Pourbaix is not a member of 

any of the committees of Cenovus’s Board

(6)  An ex officio non‑voting member of the Audit Committee, HRC Committee and 

SSR Committee

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CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION 

ADVISORY 

INFORMATION FOR SHAREHOLDERS 

4

6

7

77

88 

155

163

183

For additional information about forward‑looking statements, specified financial 
measures and reserves contained in this Annual Report, see the Advisory on page 163.

At Cenovus, 
our purpose 
is to energize 
the world to 
make people’s 
lives better.

 
 
 
MAKING PROGRESS ON OUR COMMITMENT 
TO BIODIVERSITY

Biodiversity has long been a focus for Cenovus. We are 
more than halfway to our target of reclaiming 3,000 
decommissioned well sites by year-end 2025. We also 
have restored more than 200,000 acres of caribou 
habitat, contributing to our goal of restoring more 
habitat than we use in the Cold Lake caribou range by 
year-end 2030.

In 2022, we received more than 500 reclamation 
certificates for well sites and associated facilities.

We’ve also seen positive results from the restoration 
of old seismic lines in the Cold Lake area. Linear 
features such as seismic lines, roads and pipelines 
create highway-type corridors through the forest 
that can allow predators to hunt caribou faster and 
further. However, a multi-year study we conducted 
in collaboration with partners in government and 
academia found that treating areas for restoration 
through the use of trees, rough surfaces and woody 
material reduced travel speeds of caribou and predators 
like wolves and bears, making the chances of an 
encounter less likely. We continue to develop, test and 
refine evidence-based techniques for land restoration 
using studies such as these. 

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   3

INCREASING OUR RESILIENCY BY  
GROWING AND OPTIMIZING OUR PORTFOLIO

The targeted enhancement of our portfolio has been a key focus 
over the last two years as we shape a resilient Cenovus built for 
the future. This includes strategic divestitures and acquisitions, and 
disciplined investment in focused growth and optimization projects. 

During 2022, we closed the acquisition of Sunrise, giving us full 
ownership, having an immediate positive impact on production 
and cash flow. We’re now working to unlock further value by 
integrating the Cenovus operating model into that facility. We 
also rebalanced our Atlantic portfolio, reaching an agreement to 
restart the West White Rose project, which included a reduced 
interest of 12.5 percent transferred to our partner. First oil from 
West White Rose is expected in 2026. In a separate agreement, we 
exited our position in the undeveloped Bay du Nord field. 

In 2022, we closed the sale of more than 300 gas stations in our 
retail network, as well as a number of conventional oil and natural 
gas properties.

We fully own and operate the Toledo Refinery in Ohio, providing 
an opportunity to further integrate our heavy oil production 
and refining capabilities, solidify our refining footprint in the U.S. 
Midwest and increase our ability to capture margin throughout the 
value chain. The transaction, announced in August 2022, closed in 
February 2023.

We will continue our focus on disciplined investment in 2023 with 
further optimization including debottlenecking plans for Foster 
Creek and the Lloydminster Refinery, the Narrows Lake tie-in 
at Christina Lake, and preparing the Lloydminster Upgrader and 
Refinery to access feedstock from Foster Creek in addition to the 
current crude supply from the Lloydminster area. 

Our investments will also progress plans to reduce our carbon 
footprint, and we’re putting capital aside to do just that. Over the 
next five years, Cenovus plans to spend approximately $1 billion 
on initiatives that advance our emissions reductions goals. This 
includes advancing carbon capture projects at the Minnedosa 
Ethanol Plant, Elmworth gas plant, Lloydminster Upgrader and 
Christina Lake, as well as methane reduction initiatives across 
conventional operations. We will also continue our work with the 
Pathways Alliance, which we jointly founded, on the goal of net 
zero emissions from oil sands production by 2050.

MESSAGE FROM 
OUR PRESIDENT 
& CHIEF 
EXECUTIVE 
OFFICER

2021 was about establishing Cenovus 
as a resilient new energy leader and 
in 2022 we demonstrated what this 
new company can do. 

As I prepare to take on the role of Executive Chair of our Board of 
Directors, I know Cenovus is well positioned for long-term success. 
And I know our incoming President & CEO Jon McKenzie will 
continue to unlock additional opportunities over the coming year 
and beyond, entrenching our position as a leader in delivering total 
shareholder returns. 

The capital allocation framework we implemented in April 2022 is 
clear about how we maintain balance sheet strength while delivering 
returns to shareholders. We employed that framework to provide 
annual shareholder returns in 2022 of more than $3.4 billion, 
including share purchases, our first-ever variable dividend, and our 
base dividend, which we tripled. Our total shareholder returns 
continued to outperform the S&P/TSX composite and energy 
indices in 2022, while we also drove down net debt by more than 
$5.3 billion through the year, further fortifying our balance sheet. 

However, we can’t truly consider ourselves successful unless we 
can point to an equally strong safety record. Cenovus improved its 
safety performance year over year with notable improvements in our 
recordable injury frequency at Lima Refinery and in our well delivery 
group. However, some of the recent incidents at our non-operated 
assets are an important reminder that we must never become 
complacent or take our safety performance for granted. We will 
be unrelenting in our efforts to ensure that Cenovus’s strong safety 
culture is embedded at every site where we operate. 

network. We are now the sole owner of Sunrise, de-risked our 
Atlantic portfolio and in February 2023 closed the transaction 
to fully own and operate the Toledo Refinery. At Superior, the 
refinery is safely ramping up to full operations. 

We added new production at existing operations with the startup 
of our Spruce Lake North thermal project in Saskatchewan and 
first gas at the MBH and MDA fields offshore Indonesia, exiting 
the year with overall production of more than 800,000 barrels of 
oil equivalent per day. While our downstream throughput in 2022 
was affected by turnarounds and unplanned outages, we expect 
stronger performance this year, bolstered in part by the addition 
of barrels from Superior and Toledo. 

Our reliable operating performance and disciplined capital 
allocation, combined with strong commodity prices, have helped 
us accelerate our debt reduction. During the year, we reduced our 
long-term debt including current portion by $8.7 billion from $12.4 
billion at the end of 2021, and drove down net debt by more than 
half. In 2022, the company returned more than $2.5 billion in value 
through its share buyback program and delivered over $900 million 
to shareholders in both base and variable dividends. In November 
2022, we received TSX approval to purchase up to approximately 
137 million additional shares by November 2023 and will continue 
to view buybacks opportunistically.

Cenovus remains focused on helping support economic 
self-sustainability in Indigenous communities as part of our 
environmental, social and governance (ESG) focus on Indigenous 
reconciliation. Last year we spent the equivalent of about $1 million 
a day on goods and services from Indigenous-owned businesses 
in Canada. And we’ve nearly achieved our minimum target of 
spending at least $1.2 billion between 2019 and year-end 2025. 

Jon and I have worked closely over the past few years to build our 
integrated strategy. In 2022, we further refined our portfolio with 
a focus on strategic growth and optimization, while also increasing 
the physical integration of our upstream and downstream 
businesses. We completed several asset sales, including the 
divestment of our Tucker and Wembley assets and our retail fuels 

A highlight of my tenure as CEO was getting to see first-hand the 
difference our Indigenous Housing Initiative is having for families. 
Since 2020, this program has funded 81 new homes in six First Nations 
and Métis communities near our Christina Lake and Foster Creek 
operations. It was gratifying and humbling to visit with some of the 
people living in these new homes and hear how we are making a 

4   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

2022 TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN

Cenovus Energy (TSX)

S&P/TSX Composite Index

S&P/TSX Energy Index

$210
$200
$190
$180
$170
$160
$150
$140
$130
$120
$110
$100
$90
$80

December 31, 2021

March 31, 2022

June 30, 2022

September 30, 2022

December 31, 2022

Source: Bloomberg

2021 – 2022 NET DEBT REDUCTION

Long-Term Debt, Including Current Portion

Net Debt

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$16.0

$14.0

$12.0

$10.0

$8.0

$6.0

$4.0

$2.0

$-

14.0

13.1

13.4

12.4

12.4

9.6

11.2

7.5

8.7

4.3

2021-01-01

2021-06-30

2021-12-31

2022-06-30

2022-12-31

tangible difference in helping address the critical housing situation in 
Indigenous communities. 

We continue to progress another of our ESG targets, reducing 
our absolute emissions. Over the next five years, Cenovus plans 
to spend approximately $1 billion on initiatives that advance our 
emissions reduction goals, ranging from carbon capture projects, 
methane reduction initiatives and increasing energy efficiency. 

It is these efforts to decarbonize that will enable Canada to be the 
globally preferred barrel in a lower carbon future and allow us to 
continue to be a significant contributor to the Canadian economy. 
We know two things – that we must help address the challenge 
of climate change and also that oil and gas is going to play a 
significant role in meeting the world’s energy needs for decades 
to come. Canada is well positioned to continue to provide the 
reliable, affordable energy the world needs. 

It’s why we continue to work with our peers and all levels of 
government to meet Canada’s and our own net zero ambition. 
As a co-founder of the Pathways Alliance, we have an ambitious, 
actionable plan to reduce GHG emissions from the oil sands, in 
phases. While many different solutions will be needed, significant 
progress has been achieved on the early-stage work for the 

Pathways Alliance foundational carbon capture and storage 
project, including an agreement with the Government of Alberta 
that allows us to start a detailed evaluation of the proposed 
underground carbon dioxide storage hub. As other regulatory 
pieces advance at the federal and provincial levels, we’ll be able to 
progress the project further toward construction. I look forward 
to playing a leading role in these efforts.

I want to thank all our staff and shareholders for their support 
over the last five plus years. I also want to extend my appreciation 
to our retiring Board Chair Keith MacPhail. Keith’s extensive 
business and energy sector expertise has been a great benefit to 
the Board and our company as we navigated through a period of 
significant transformation, accelerating our growth and developing 
a solid strategy, which we believe will support Cenovus’s continued 
success. We have a world-class suite of assets and a solid plan for 
further sustainable growth and optimization, carrying our existing 
momentum well into the future. 

/s/ Alex Pourbaix 
President & Chief Executive Officer

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   5

 
MESSAGE 
FROM OUR 
BOARD CHAIR

As we went to print on last 
year’s annual report the 
world was reeling from the 
Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

Unfortunately, this conflict continues and became one of the 
dominant news and energy stories of 2022. This war has impacted 
commodity prices and highlights not only the continuing need for 
oil and gas, but the importance of secure, reliable sources of that 
energy. That narrative has continued as we enter 2023, with many 
analysts predicting another turbulent year for commodities.

We are keenly aware that simply being a reliable supplier of oil 
and gas isn’t enough – Cenovus and Canada need to be leaders in 
providing lower carbon energy in order to help the country meet 
its climate goals and for our company to remain competitive in the 
longer term. As I retire as Board Chair and Alex steps into his new 
role as Executive Chair, he will remain focused on advancing policy 
that supports a competitive Canadian energy sector.

Not only was our Board very engaged with our leadership team 
over the last year discussing methods of reducing our carbon 
footprint but also on advancing the company’s safety, financial 
and sustainability commitments. In April 2022, the Board approved 
a new shareholder returns framework which guides how we 
increase returns, and resulted in our first-ever variable dividend. 
Buoyed by strong commodity prices and our focused deleveraging 
of the balance sheet, we exited 2022 with significant reductions 
in our long-term debt and net debt, at the same time returning 
approximately $3.4 billion dollars to our shareholders through 
share buybacks and dividends.

While we are mindful of our current operational and financial 
strengths, we recognize the need for continued investment to 
optimize opportunities across our portfolio. With that in mind, 
the Board approved increased capital spending as part of the 
company’s 2023 budget guidance. Over the next five years, we 
expect growth to come largely through the extension or expansion 
of our existing assets in addition to debottlenecking opportunities.

company has undergone, and how the Husky acquisition and other 
strategic acquisitions and divestitures made us a more resilient, 
integrated company. I’m also proud of the steps we’ve taken to 
increase the diversity of experience on the Board.

Melanie A. Little joined the Board on January 1, 2023, bringing 
a breadth of operations and regulatory experience in the 
midstream business, particularly in the U.S. We welcome her 
perspective and expertise as we unlock further value from our 
U.S.-based assets. Melanie’s addition to the Board, along with 
Alex’s new role as Executive Chair and Jon as a new Director 
nominee, supports our commitment to a strong and talented 
Board. This year we also achieved our goal of having at least 30% 
of our independent directors represented by women by the 2023 
Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

As Alex remains an employee and officer of the company in 
his Executive Chair role, the Board demonstrated its continued 
commitment to good governance best practices, choosing 
Claude Mongeau as Lead Director. This will ensure the Board 
will continue to operate independently with an Executive 
Chair. Claude will be available to engage with you and other 
stakeholders on behalf of the Board.

I am confident the measures our management team has taken will 
ensure Cenovus is positioned for success at multiple commodity 
price points, and that the focus will remain on executing the 
strategic plan and disciplined capital allocation. 

I want to thank our shareholders and our Board for their support 
and confidence over the past five years. As a shareholder, I look 
forward to watching Alex, Claude, Jon and the rest of the Board 
and Management skillfully navigate the company into the future 
following the course that we’ve set out over the past few years.

As I look back over my five years as a member of this Board, three 
as its Chair, I am reminded of the significant transformation the 

/s/ Keith MacPhail 
Board Chair

6   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022

OVERVIEW OF CENOVUS 

YEAR IN REVEW 

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL RESULTS 

8

10

13

COMMODITY PRICES UNDERLYING OUR FINANCIAL RESULTS  19

OUTLOOK 

REPORTABLE SEGMENTS 

UPSTREAM  

OIL SANDS 

CONVENTIONAL 

OFFSHORE 

DOWNSTREAM 

CANADIAN MANUFACTURING 

U.S. MANUFACTURING 

CORPORATE AND ELIMINATIONS 

QUARTERLY RESULTS 

OIL AND GAS RESERVES 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 

RISK MANAGEMENT AND RISK FACTORS 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS, ESTIMATION 
UNCERTAINTIES AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

CONTROL ENVIRONMENT 

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24

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28

30

34

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36

38

41

43

44

50

74

76

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) for 
Cenovus Energy Inc. (which includes references to “we”, 
“our”, “us”, “its”, the “Company”, or “Cenovus”, and means 
Cenovus Energy Inc., the subsidiaries of, and partnership 
interests held by, Cenovus Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries) 
dated February 15, 2023 should be read in conjunction with 
our December 31, 2022 audited Consolidated Financial 
Statements and accompanying notes (“Consolidated 
Financial Statements”). All of the information and statements 
contained in this MD&A are made as of February 15, 2023 
unless otherwise indicated. This MD&A contains forward-
looking information about our current expectations, 
estimates, projections and assumptions. See the Advisory 
for information on the risk factors that could cause actual 
results to differ materially and the assumptions underlying 
our forward-looking information. Cenovus management 
(“Management”) prepared the MD&A. The Audit Committee 
of the Cenovus Board of Directors (“the Board”), reviewed 
and recommended the MD&A for approval by the Board, 
which occurred on February 15, 2023. Additional information 
about Cenovus, including our quarterly and annual reports, 
Annual Information Form (“AIF”) and Form 40-F, is available 
on SEDAR at sedar.com, on EDGAR at sec.gov, and on our 
website at cenovus.com. Information on or connected to 
our website, even if referred to in this MD&A, does not 
constitute part of this MD&A.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION
This MD&A and the Consolidated Financial Statements and 
comparative information have been prepared in Canadian 
dollars, (which includes references to “dollar” or “$”), 
except where another currency has been indicated, and in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(“IFRS” or “GAAP”) as issued by the International Accounting 
Standards Board. Production volumes are presented on a 
before royalties basis. Refer to the Advisory section for 
commonly used oil and gas terms.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OVERVIEW	OF	CENOVUS

We	 are	 a	 Canadian-based	 integrated	 energy	 company	 headquartered	 in	 Calgary,	 Alberta.	 Our	 common	 shares	 and	 common	
share	purchase	warrants	(“Cenovus	Warrants”)	are	listed	on	the	Toronto	Stock	Exchange	(“TSX”)	and	New	York	Stock	Exchange	
(“NYSE”).	Our	cumulative	redeemable	preferred	shares	series	1,	2,	3,	5	and	7	are	listed	on	the	TSX.	We	are	the	second	largest	
Canadian-based	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	producer,	with	upstream	operations	in	Canada	and	the	Asia	Pacific	region,	and	the	
second	largest	Canadian-based	refiner	and	upgrader,	with	downstream	operations	in	Canada	and	the	United	States	(“U.S.”).	On	
January	1,	2021,	Cenovus	and	Husky	Energy	Inc.	(“Husky”)	closed	a	transaction	to	combine	the	two	companies	through	a	plan	of	
arrangement	(the	“Arrangement”).

Our	 upstream	 operations	 include	 oil	 sands	 projects	 in	 northern	 Alberta;	 thermal	 and	 conventional	 crude	 oil,	 natural	 gas	 and	
natural	gas	liquids	(“NGLs”)	projects	across	Western	Canada;	crude	oil	production	offshore	Newfoundland	and	Labrador;	and	
natural	 gas	 and	 NGLs	 production	 offshore	 China	 and	 Indonesia.	 Our	 downstream	 operations	 include	 upgrading	 and	 refining	
operations	in	Canada	and	the	U.S.,	and	commercial	fuel	operations	across	Canada.	

Our	 operations	 involve	 activities	 across	 the	 full	 value	 chain	 to	 develop,	 produce,	 refine,	 transport	 and	 market	 crude	 oil	 and	
natural	gas	in	Canada	and	internationally.	Our	physically	integrated	upstream	and	downstream	operations	help	us	mitigate	the	
impact	of	volatility	in	light-heavy	crude	oil	differentials	and	contribute	to	our	net	earnings	by	capturing	value	from	crude	oil	and	
natural	gas	production	through	to	the	sale	of	finished	products	such	as	transportation	fuels.

Our	Strategy

Our	 strategy	 is	 focused	 on	 maximizing	 shareholder	 value	 through	 competitive	 cost	 structures	 and	 optimizing	 margins,	 while	
delivering	 top-tier	 safety	 performance	 and	 sustainability	 leadership.	 The	 Company	 prioritizes	 Free	 Funds	 Flow	 generation	
through	 all	 price	 cycles	 to	 manage	 our	 balance	 sheet,	 increase	 shareholder	 returns	 through	 dividend	 growth	 and	 share	
repurchases,	reinvest	in	our	business	and	diversify	our	portfolio.

On	December	6,	2022,	we	announced	our	2023	budget	focused	on	disciplined	capital	allocation,	investment	plans	to	progress	
opportunities	across	our	integrated	portfolio,	cost	control	and	positioning	the	Company	for	continued	growth	in	shareholder	
returns.	Our	2023	guidance	dated	December	5,	2022,	is	available	on	our	website	at	cenovus.com.	For	further	details	see	the	
Operating	and	Financial	Results	section	of	this	MD&A.	

Shareholder	Returns	and	Capital	Allocation	Framework

Maintaining	a	strong	balance	sheet	with	the	resilience	to	withstand	price	volatility	and	capitalize	on	opportunities	throughout	
the	 commodity	 price	 cycle	 is	 a	 key	 element	 of	 Cenovus’s	 capital	 allocation	 framework.	 In	 April	 2022,	 we	 announced	 our	
updated	capital	allocation	framework	to	continue	to	strengthen	our	balance	sheet,	which	enables	flexibility	in	both	high	and	
low	commodity	price	environments,	and	improves	our	shareholder	value	proposition.	We	have	set	an	ultimate	Net	Debt	Target	
of	$4	billion,	which	serves	as	a	floor	on	Net	Debt.	We	plan	to	return	incremental	value	to	shareholders,	through	share	buybacks	
and/or	variable	dividends,	as	follows:	

• When	Net	Debt	is	less	than	$9	billion	and	above	$4	billion	at	quarter-end,	we	will	target	to	allocate	50	percent	of	the
Excess	Free	Funds	Flow	achieved	in	the	following	quarter	to	shareholder	returns,	while	still	continuing	to	deleverage
the	balance	sheet	until	we	reach	the	Net	Debt	Target	of	$4	billion.

• When	Net	Debt	is	above	$9	billion	at	quarter-end,	we	plan	to	allocate	all	of	the	following	quarter’s	Excess	Free	Funds

Flow	to	deleveraging	the	balance	sheet.

• When	Net	Debt	is	at	the	$4	billion	floor	at	quarter-end,	we	will	target	to	return	100	percent	of	the	following	quarter’s

Excess	Free	Funds	Flow	to	shareholder	returns.

Excess	Free	Funds	Flow	for	the	quarter	is	defined	as	Free	Funds	Flow(1):

• Minus	base	dividends	paid	on	common	shares.
• Minus	dividends	paid	on	preferred	shares.
• Minus	other	uses	of	cash,	including	settlement	of	decommissioning	liabilities	and	principal	repayment	of	leases.
• Minus	any	net	acquisition	costs	from	acquisition	activities	closing	in	the	quarter.
•

Plus	any	proceeds	from,	or	less	any	payments	related	to,	divestiture	activities	closing	in	the	quarter.

The	 Company’s	 capital	 allocation	 framework	 enables	 a	 shift	 to	 paying	 out	 a	 higher	 percentage	 of	 Excess	 Free	 Funds	 Flow	 to	
common	shareholders,	with	lower	leverage	and	a	lower	risk	profile.	Our	$4	billion	Net	Debt	Target	represents	a	Net	Debt	to	
Adjusted	Funds	Flow	Ratio	Target	of	approximately	1.0	times	at	the	bottom	of	the	commodity	price	cycle.

Share	buybacks	will	continue	to	be	executed	opportunistically,	driven	by	return	thresholds.	Where	the	value	of	share	buybacks	
in	a	quarter	is	less	than	the	targeted	value	of	returns,	the	remainder	will	be	delivered	through	a	variable	dividend	payable	for	
that	quarter,	if	the	remainder	is	greater	than	$50	million.	Where	the	value	of	share	buybacks	in	a	quarter	is	greater	than	or	
equal	to	the	targeted	value	of	returns,	no	variable	dividend	will	be	paid	for	that	quarter.		

(1)	

See	the	Liquidity	and	Capital	Resources	section	of	this	MD&A	for	the	calculation	of	Free	Funds	Flow.

8   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

On	 September	 30,	 2022,	 our	 long-term	 debt	 was	 $8.8	 billion,	 resulting	 in	 a	 Net	 Debt	 position	 of	 $5.3	 billion.	 Therefore,	 our	
returns	to	shareholders	target	for	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2022,	was	50	percent	of	that	quarter's	Excess	Free	
Funds	Flow.	During	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2022,	we	generated	cash	from	operating	activities	of	$3.0	billion,	
Excess	 Free	 Funds	 Flow	 of	 $786	 million	 and	 returned	 $387	 million	 to	 our	 shareholders	 through	 share	 buybacks.	 Returns	 to	
shareholders	through	share	buybacks	were	within	$50	million	of	our	Target	Return,	as	such	no	variable	dividend	was	declared	
for	the	quarter.

($	millions)
Excess	Free	Funds	Flow	(1)

Target	Return	(2)

Less:	Purchase	of	Common	Shares	Under	our	Normal	Course	Issuer	Bid	(“NCIB”)

Amount	Available	for	Variable	Dividend

Three	Months	Ended
	December	31,	2022
786	

393	
(387)	
6	

(1)
(2)

Non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory.	
Based	on	our	capital	allocation	framework,	as	a	result	of	Net	Debt	as	at	September	30,	2022,	being	less	than	$9	billion	and	greater	than	$4	billion,	
target	return	was	determined	to	be	50	percent	of	Excess	Free	Funds	Flow	for	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2022.	

On	December	31,	2022,	our	Net	Debt	position	was	$4.3	billion	and	as	a	result	our	returns	to	shareholders	target	for	the	three	
months	ended	March	31,	2023,	will	be	50	percent	of	the	first	quarter’s	Excess	Free	Funds	Flow.

Our	Operations

The	Company	operates	through	the	following	reportable	segments:

Upstream	Segments

•

•

•

Oil	Sands,	includes	the	development	and	production	of	bitumen	and	heavy	oil	in	northern	Alberta	and	Saskatchewan.
Cenovus’s	 oil	 sands	 assets	 include	 Foster	 Creek,	 Christina	 Lake,	 Sunrise,	 Lloydminster	 thermal	 and	 Lloydminster
conventional	heavy	oil	assets.	Cenovus	jointly	owns	and	operates	pipeline	gathering	systems	and	terminals	through
the	equity-accounted	investment	in	Husky	Midstream	Limited	Partnership	(“HMLP”).	The	sale	and	transportation	of
Cenovus’s	 production	 and	 third-party	 commodity	 trading	 volumes	 are	 managed	 and	 marketed	 through	 access	 to
capacity	on	third-party	pipelines	and	storage	facilities	in	both	Canada	and	the	U.S.	to	optimize	product	mix,	delivery
points,	transportation	commitments	and	customer	diversification.

Conventional,	 includes	 assets	 rich	 in	 NGLs	 and	 natural	 gas	 within	 the	 Elmworth-Wapiti,	 Kaybob-Edson,	 Clearwater
and	Rainbow	Lake	operating	areas	in	Alberta	and	British	Columbia	and	interests	in	numerous	natural	gas	processing
facilities.	 Cenovus’s	 NGLs	 and	 natural	 gas	 production	 is	 marketed	 and	 transported,	 with	 additional	 third-party
commodity	 trading	 volumes,	 through	 access	 to	 capacity	 on	 third-party	 pipelines,	 export	 terminals	 and	 storage
facilities.	 These	 provide	 flexibility	 for	 market	 access	 to	 optimize	 product	 mix,	 delivery	 points,	 transportation
commitments	and	customer	diversification.

Offshore,	includes	offshore	operations,	exploration	and	development	activities	in	China	and	the	East	Coast	of	Canada,
as	well	as	the	equity-accounted	investment	in	the	Husky-CNOOC	Madura	Ltd.	(“HCML”)	joint	venture	in	Indonesia.

Downstream	Segments

•

•

Canadian	 Manufacturing,	 includes	 the	 owned	 and	 operated	 Lloydminster	 upgrading	 and	 asphalt	 refining	 complex,
which	converts	heavy	oil	and	bitumen	into	synthetic	crude	oil,	diesel,	asphalt	and	other	ancillary	products.	Cenovus
also	 owns	 and	 operates	 the	 Bruderheim	 crude-by-rail	 terminal	 and	 two	 ethanol	 plants.	 The	 Company’s	 commercial
fuels	business	across	Canada	is	included	in	this	segment.	Cenovus	markets	its	production	and	third-party	commodity
trading	volumes	in	an	effort	to	use	its	integrated	network	of	assets	to	maximize	value.

U.S.	Manufacturing,	includes	the	refining	of	crude	oil	to	produce	gasoline,	diesel,	jet	fuel,	asphalt	and	other	products
at	the	wholly-owned	Lima	Refinery	and	Superior	Refinery,	the	jointly-owned	Wood	River	and	Borger	refineries	(jointly
owned	 with	 operator	 Phillips	 66)	 and	 the	 jointly-owned	 Toledo	 Refinery	 (jointly	 owned	 with	 operator	 BP	 Products
North	 America	 Inc.	 (“BP”)).	 Cenovus	 also	 markets	 some	 of	 its	 own	 and	 third-party	 volumes	 of	 refined	 petroleum
products	including	gasoline,	diesel	and	jet	fuel.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   9

Corporate	and	Eliminations

Corporate	 and	 Eliminations,	 primarily	 includes	 Cenovus-wide	 costs	 for	 general	 and	 administrative,	 financing	
activities,	 gains	 and	 losses	 on	 risk	 management	 for	 corporate	 related	 derivative	 instruments	 and	 foreign	 exchange.	
Eliminations	 include	 adjustments	 for	 internal	 usage	 of	 natural	 gas	 production	 between	 segments,	 transloading	
services	 provided	 to	 the	 Oil	 Sands	 segment	 by	 the	 Company’s	 crude-by-rail	 terminal,	 crude	 oil	 production	 used	 as	
feedstock	by	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	and	U.S.	Manufacturing	segments,	the	sale	of	condensate	extracted	from	
blended	 crude	 oil	 production	 in	 the	 Canadian	 Manufacturing	 segment	 and	 sold	 to	 the	 Oil	 Sands	 segment,	 and	
unrealized	profits	in	inventory.	Eliminations	are	recorded	based	on	current	market	prices.

In	 September	 2022,	 the	 Company	 completed	 the	 divestiture	 of	 the	 majority	 of	 the	 retail	 fuels	 business.	 As	 a	 result,	
Management	 elected	 to	 aggregate	 the	 remaining	 commercial	 fuels	 business	 and	 the	 historical	 retail	 fuels	 business	 into	 the	
Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	The	marketing	operations	of	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment	have	similar	products	and	
services,	 customer	 types,	 distribution	 methods	 and	 operate	 in	 the	 same	 regulatory	 environment	 as	 the	 commercial	 fuels	
business.	The	commercial	fuels	business	includes	cardlock,	bulk	plant	and	travel	centre	locations	across	Canada.	Comparative	
periods	have	been	re-presented	to	reflect	this	change.

YEAR	IN	REVIEW

In	2022,	we	continued	to	focus	on	health	and	safety	and	drive	competitive	cost	structures.	High	commodity	prices	in	both	our	
upstream	and	downstream	businesses	combined	with	solid	upstream	operating	performance	and	good	operating	performance	
in	 our	 operated	 downstream	 assets	 drove	 strong	 financial	 results	 and	 allowed	 us	 to	 significantly	 reduce	 our	 total	 debt.	 We	
optimized	 our	 asset	 portfolio	 as	 we	 closed	 the	 acquisition	 of	 Sunrise	 and	 announced	 the	 acquisition	 of	 Toledo,	 which	 will	
provide	us	full	ownership	and	operatorship	of	both	assets.	In	addition,	we	completed	the	restructuring	of	our	Atlantic	assets	
and	reached	an	agreement	with	our	partners	to	restart	the	West	White	Rose	project.	We	also	sold	our	Tucker,	Wembley	and	
retail	assets.	These	transactions	enhanced	Cenovus’s	core	strength	in	the	oil	sands	and	will	further	optimize	margins	through	
increased	physical	integration	of	our	upstream	and	downstream	assets.	Lastly,	we	improved	our	shareholder	value	proposition	
through	an	updated	shareholder	returns	and	capital	allocation	framework.	The	framework	returns	incremental	value	back	to	
shareholders	through	share	buybacks	and/or	variable	dividends.	

Summary	of	Annual	Results

($	millions,	except	where	indicated)

Upstream	Production	Volumes	(1)	(MBOE/d)

Downstream	Crude	Oil	Throughput	(2)	(Mbbls/d)

Revenues	(3)

Operating	Margin	(4)

Cash	From	(Used	In)	Operating	Activities

Adjusted	Funds	Flow	(4)

Per	Share	–	Basic	(4)	($)
Per	Share	–	Diluted	(4)	($)

Capital	Investment

Free	Funds	Flow	(4)

Net	Earnings	(Loss)	(5)

Per	Share	–	Basic	($)	
Per	Share	–	Diluted	($)	

2022

786.2	

493.7	

66,897	

14,263	

11,403	

10,978	

5.63	

5.47	

3,708	

7,270	

6,450	

3.29	

3.20	

Percent	
Change

	(1)	

	(3)	

	44	

	52	

	93	

	51	

	57	

	55	

	45	

	55	

	999	

	1,119	

	1,085	

2021

791.5	

508.0	

46,357	

9,373	

5,919	

7,248	

3.59	

3.54	

2,563	

4,685	

587	

0.27	

0.27	

Percent	
Change

	68	

	173	

	242	

	918	

	2,068	

	6,095	

	3,490	

	3,440	

	205	

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

2020

471.7	

185.9	

13,543	

921	

273	

117	

0.10	

0.10	

841	

(724)	

(2,379)	

(1.94)	

(1.94)	

(1)
(2)
(3)

(4)
(5)

Refer	to	the	Operating	and	Financial	Results	section	of	this	MD&A	for	a	summary	of	total	upstream	production	by	product	type.
Represents	Cenovus’s	net	interest	in	refining	operations.
Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	
further	details.	
Non-GAAP financial measures or contains a non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory.	
Net	earnings	(loss)	for	all	periods	in	the	table	above	is	the	same	as	net	earnings	(loss)	from	continuing	operations.

10   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Summary	of	Annual	Results

($	millions,	except	where	indicated)

Total	Assets

Total	Long-Term	Liabilities	

Long-Term	Debt,	Including	Current	Portion	

Net	Debt	

Cash	Returns	to	Shareholders

Common	Shares	–	Base	Dividends

Base	Dividends	Per	Common	Share	($)

Common	Shares	–	Variable	Dividends

Variable	Dividends	Per	Common	Share	($)

Purchase	of	Common	Shares	Under	NCIB

Preferred	Share	Dividends

Percent	

Change

Percent	

Change

2022

55,869	

20,259	

8,691	

4,282	

682	

0.350	

219	

0.114	

2,530	

26	

2021

54,104	

23,191	

12,385	

9,591	

176	

0.088	

—	

—	

265	

34	

	3	

	(13)	

	(30)	

	(55)	

	288	

	298	

N/A

N/A

	855	

	(24)	

2020

32,770	

13,704	

7,441	

7,184	

77	

0.063	

—	

—	

—	

—	

	65	

	69	

	66	

	34	

	129	

	40	

—	

—	

N/A

N/A

we:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

In	2022,	we	delivered	on	our	strategy	through	five	key	strategic	objectives:

Top	Tier	Safety	Performance	and	Sustainability	Leadership

Underpinning	 everything	 we	 do	 is	 the	 safety	 of	 our	 people	 and	 communities,	 and	 the	 integrity	 of	 our	 assets.	 Safety,	 asset	

integrity	 and	 corporate	 governance	 are	 foundational	 to	 our	 business,	 and	 are	 the	 backbone	 for	 all	 of	 our	 operations.	 We	

promote	a	safety	culture	in	all	aspects	of	our	work	and	use	a	variety	of	programs	to	always	keep	safety	top	of	mind.	In	2022,	

Delivered	safe	operations	at	our	operated	assets.

Completed	planned	turnarounds	at	the	operated	Lloydminster	Upgrader	(the	“Upgrader”)	and	Lloydminster	Refinery

in	 our	 downstream	 operations.	 In	 addition,	 we	 completed	 a	 planned	 turnaround	 at	 Christina	 Lake	 in	 our	 upstream

Completed	planned	turnarounds	at	the	non-operated	Toledo,	Wood	River	and	Borger	refineries	in	our	downstream

operations	in	the	second	quarter.

operations.

Continued	our	focus	on	achieving	our	targets	in	each	of	our	five	Environmental,	Social	and	Governance	(“ESG”)	focus

areas.	Additional	information	on	management’s	efforts	and	performance	across	ESG	topics,	including	our	ESG	targets

and	plans	to	achieve	them,	are	available	in	Cenovus’s	2021	ESG	report	at	cenovus.com.

Actively	participated	in	industry	collaborations	including	the	Pathways	Alliance.

We	continue	to	work	with	our	partners	of	our	non-operated	downstream	assets	to	improve	the	safety	performance.

Competitive	Cost	Structures	and	Optimizing	Margins

In	2022,	we:

Targeted	additional	cost	savings	and	margin	enhancements	through	further	physical	integration	of	upstream	assets

with	 downstream	 assets,	 which	 shortened	 the	 value	 chain	 and	 reduced	 condensate	 costs	 associated	 with	 heavy	 oil

Improved	 efficiencies	 across	 Cenovus	 to	 drive	 incremental	 capital,	 operating,	 and	 general	 and	 administrative	 cost

transportation.

reductions.

Maintaining	and	Further	Reducing	Debt	Levels

substantially	decrease	Net	Debt.

In	 2022,	 we	 generated	 cash	 from	 operating	 activities	 of	 $11.4	 billion	 and	 Free	 Funds	 Flow	 of	 $7.3	 billion,	 enabling	 us	 to	

•

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 our	 long-term	 debt,	 including	 current	 portion,	 was	 $8.7	 billion	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –

$12.4	billion)	and	our	Net	Debt	position	was	$4.3	billion	(December	31,	2021	–	$9.6	billion).

• We	deleveraged	our	balance	sheet	by	purchasing	US$2.6	billion	in	principal	of	notes	due	between	2023	and	2043,	and

•

Our	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	Ratio	was	0.3	times	and	our	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	Ratio	was	0.4	times	at

$750	million	in	principal	of	notes	due	in	2025.

December	31,	2022.

Corporate	and	Eliminations

Corporate	 and	 Eliminations,	 primarily	 includes	 Cenovus-wide	 costs	 for	 general	 and	 administrative,	 financing	

activities,	 gains	 and	 losses	 on	 risk	 management	 for	 corporate	 related	 derivative	 instruments	 and	 foreign	 exchange.	

Eliminations	 include	 adjustments	 for	 internal	 usage	 of	 natural	 gas	 production	 between	 segments,	 transloading	

services	 provided	 to	 the	 Oil	 Sands	 segment	 by	 the	 Company’s	 crude-by-rail	 terminal,	 crude	 oil	 production	 used	 as	

feedstock	by	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	and	U.S.	Manufacturing	segments,	the	sale	of	condensate	extracted	from	

blended	 crude	 oil	 production	 in	 the	 Canadian	 Manufacturing	 segment	 and	 sold	 to	 the	 Oil	 Sands	 segment,	 and	

unrealized	profits	in	inventory.	Eliminations	are	recorded	based	on	current	market	prices.

In	 September	 2022,	 the	 Company	 completed	 the	 divestiture	 of	 the	 majority	 of	 the	 retail	 fuels	 business.	 As	 a	 result,	

Management	 elected	 to	 aggregate	 the	 remaining	 commercial	 fuels	 business	 and	 the	 historical	 retail	 fuels	 business	 into	 the	

Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	The	marketing	operations	of	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment	have	similar	products	and	

services,	 customer	 types,	 distribution	 methods	 and	 operate	 in	 the	 same	 regulatory	 environment	 as	 the	 commercial	 fuels	

business.	The	commercial	fuels	business	includes	cardlock,	bulk	plant	and	travel	centre	locations	across	Canada.	Comparative	

periods	have	been	re-presented	to	reflect	this	change.

YEAR	IN	REVIEW

In	2022,	we	continued	to	focus	on	health	and	safety	and	drive	competitive	cost	structures.	High	commodity	prices	in	both	our	

upstream	and	downstream	businesses	combined	with	solid	upstream	operating	performance	and	good	operating	performance	

in	 our	 operated	 downstream	 assets	 drove	 strong	 financial	 results	 and	 allowed	 us	 to	 significantly	 reduce	 our	 total	 debt.	 We	

optimized	 our	 asset	 portfolio	 as	 we	 closed	 the	 acquisition	 of	 Sunrise	 and	 announced	 the	 acquisition	 of	 Toledo,	 which	 will	

provide	us	full	ownership	and	operatorship	of	both	assets.	In	addition,	we	completed	the	restructuring	of	our	Atlantic	assets	

and	reached	an	agreement	with	our	partners	to	restart	the	West	White	Rose	project.	We	also	sold	our	Tucker,	Wembley	and	

retail	assets.	These	transactions	enhanced	Cenovus’s	core	strength	in	the	oil	sands	and	will	further	optimize	margins	through	

increased	physical	integration	of	our	upstream	and	downstream	assets.	Lastly,	we	improved	our	shareholder	value	proposition	

through	an	updated	shareholder	returns	and	capital	allocation	framework.	The	framework	returns	incremental	value	back	to	

shareholders	through	share	buybacks	and/or	variable	dividends.	

Summary	of	Annual	Results

($	millions,	except	where	indicated)

Upstream	Production	Volumes	(1)	(MBOE/d)

Downstream	Crude	Oil	Throughput	(2)	(Mbbls/d)

Cash	From	(Used	In)	Operating	Activities

Revenues	(3)

Operating	Margin	(4)

Adjusted	Funds	Flow	(4)

Per	Share	–	Basic	(4)	($)

Per	Share	–	Diluted	(4)	($)

Capital	Investment

Free	Funds	Flow	(4)

Net	Earnings	(Loss)	(5)

Per	Share	–	Basic	($)	

Per	Share	–	Diluted	($)	

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

further	details.	

2022

786.2	

493.7	

66,897	

14,263	

11,403	

10,978	

5.63	

5.47	

3,708	

7,270	

6,450	

3.29	

3.20	

Percent	

Change

	(1)	

	(3)	

	44	

	52	

	93	

	51	

	57	

	55	

	45	

	55	

	999	

	1,119	

	1,085	

2021

791.5	

508.0	

46,357	

9,373	

5,919	

7,248	

3.59	

3.54	

2,563	

4,685	

587	

0.27	

0.27	

Percent	

Change

	68	

	173	

	242	

	918	

	2,068	

	6,095	

	3,490	

	3,440	

	205	

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

2020

471.7	

185.9	

13,543	

921	

273	

117	

0.10	

0.10	

841	

(724)	

(2,379)	

(1.94)	

(1.94)	

Refer	to	the	Operating	and	Financial	Results	section	of	this	MD&A	for	a	summary	of	total	upstream	production	by	product	type.

Represents	Cenovus’s	net	interest	in	refining	operations.

Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	

Non-GAAP financial measures or contains a non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory.	

Net	earnings	(loss)	for	all	periods	in	the	table	above	is	the	same	as	net	earnings	(loss)	from	continuing	operations.

Summary	of	Annual	Results

($	millions,	except	where	indicated)

Total	Assets

Total	Long-Term	Liabilities	

Long-Term	Debt,	Including	Current	Portion	

Net	Debt	

Cash	Returns	to	Shareholders

Common	Shares	–	Base	Dividends

Base	Dividends	Per	Common	Share	($)

Common	Shares	–	Variable	Dividends

Variable	Dividends	Per	Common	Share	($)

Purchase	of	Common	Shares	Under	NCIB

Preferred	Share	Dividends

2022

55,869	

20,259	

8,691	

4,282	

682	

0.350	

219	

0.114	

2,530	

26	

Percent	
Change

	3	

	(13)	

	(30)	

	(55)	

	288	

	298	

N/A

N/A

	855	

	(24)	

2021

54,104	

23,191	

12,385	

9,591	

176	

0.088	

—	

—	

265	

34	

Percent	
Change

	65	

	69	

	66	

	34	

	129	

	40	

—	

—	

N/A

N/A

2020

32,770	

13,704	

7,441	

7,184	

77	

0.063	

—	

—	

—	

—	

In	2022,	we	delivered	on	our	strategy	through	five	key	strategic	objectives:

Top	Tier	Safety	Performance	and	Sustainability	Leadership

Underpinning	 everything	 we	 do	 is	 the	 safety	 of	 our	 people	 and	 communities,	 and	 the	 integrity	 of	 our	 assets.	 Safety,	 asset	
integrity	 and	 corporate	 governance	 are	 foundational	 to	 our	 business,	 and	 are	 the	 backbone	 for	 all	 of	 our	 operations.	 We	
promote	a	safety	culture	in	all	aspects	of	our	work	and	use	a	variety	of	programs	to	always	keep	safety	top	of	mind.	In	2022,	
we:

•
•

•

•

•

Delivered	safe	operations	at	our	operated	assets.
Completed	planned	turnarounds	at	the	operated	Lloydminster	Upgrader	(the	“Upgrader”)	and	Lloydminster	Refinery
in	 our	 downstream	 operations.	 In	 addition,	 we	 completed	 a	 planned	 turnaround	 at	 Christina	 Lake	 in	 our	 upstream
operations	in	the	second	quarter.
Completed	planned	turnarounds	at	the	non-operated	Toledo,	Wood	River	and	Borger	refineries	in	our	downstream
operations.
Continued	our	focus	on	achieving	our	targets	in	each	of	our	five	Environmental,	Social	and	Governance	(“ESG”)	focus
areas.	Additional	information	on	management’s	efforts	and	performance	across	ESG	topics,	including	our	ESG	targets
and	plans	to	achieve	them,	are	available	in	Cenovus’s	2021	ESG	report	at	cenovus.com.
Actively	participated	in	industry	collaborations	including	the	Pathways	Alliance.

We	continue	to	work	with	our	partners	of	our	non-operated	downstream	assets	to	improve	the	safety	performance.

Competitive	Cost	Structures	and	Optimizing	Margins

In	2022,	we:

•

•

Targeted	additional	cost	savings	and	margin	enhancements	through	further	physical	integration	of	upstream	assets
with	 downstream	 assets,	 which	 shortened	 the	 value	 chain	 and	 reduced	 condensate	 costs	 associated	 with	 heavy	 oil
transportation.
Improved	 efficiencies	 across	 Cenovus	 to	 drive	 incremental	 capital,	 operating,	 and	 general	 and	 administrative	 cost
reductions.

Maintaining	and	Further	Reducing	Debt	Levels
In	 2022,	 we	 generated	 cash	 from	 operating	 activities	 of	 $11.4	 billion	 and	 Free	 Funds	 Flow	 of	 $7.3	 billion,	 enabling	 us	 to	
substantially	decrease	Net	Debt.

•

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 our	 long-term	 debt,	 including	 current	 portion,	 was	 $8.7	 billion	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –
$12.4	billion)	and	our	Net	Debt	position	was	$4.3	billion	(December	31,	2021	–	$9.6	billion).

• We	deleveraged	our	balance	sheet	by	purchasing	US$2.6	billion	in	principal	of	notes	due	between	2023	and	2043,	and

•

$750	million	in	principal	of	notes	due	in	2025.
Our	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	Ratio	was	0.3	times	and	our	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	Ratio	was	0.4	times	at
December	31,	2022.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   11

Growing	Free	Funds	Flow	Through	Pricing	Cycles

Our	 top-tier	 assets	 and	 low-cost	 structure	 position	 us	 to	 grow	 Free	 Funds	 Flow	 through	 pricing	 cycles.	 Cenovus's	 diversified	
asset	and	product	mix	generates	predictable	and	stable	Free	Funds	Flow	and	reduces	risk	and	cash	flow	volatility	by	leveraging	
pipelines,	 logistics	 and	 marketing	 to	 optimize	 the	 value	 chain.	 We	 are	 able	 to	 generate	 strong	 margins	 with	 modest	 capital	
investment.	

In	2022,	we	generated	cash	from	operating	activities	of	$11.4	billion	and	Free	Funds	Flow	of	$7.3	billion,	primarily	due	to	high	
commodity	 prices	 combined	 with	 solid	 upstream	 operating	 performance.	 WTI	 averaged	 approximately	 US$94	 per	 barrel	 in	
2022,	the	highest	annual	average	since	2013,	and	an	increase	of	approximately	40	percent	from	2021.	North	American	market	
crack	spreads	also	reached	historic	highs	during	the	year.

In	2022,	we	continued	to	optimize	our	top-tier	asset	portfolio	and	grow	Free	Funds	Flow.

In	our	upstream	business:

• We	sold	our	Tucker	asset	and	our	Wembley	assets	for	total	net	proceeds	of	$951	million.
• We	reached	an	agreement	with	our	partners	to	restart	the	West	White	Rose	project	in	the	Atlantic	region	offshore

Newfoundland	and	Labrador.	Major	construction	is	expected	to	restart	in	the	first	quarter	of	2023.

• We	acquired	the	remaining	50	percent	interest	in	Sunrise	(the	“Sunrise	Acquisition”)	from	BP	Canada	Energy	Group
ULC	 (“BP	 Canada”)	 for	 net	 proceeds	 of	 $394	 million,	 a	 variable	 payment	 with	 a	 maximum	 cumulative	 value	 of
$600	 million	 expiring	 in	 eight	 quarters	 subsequent	 to	 August	 31,	 2022,	 and	 our	 35	 percent	 position	 in	 the
undeveloped	Bay	du	Nord	project	offshore	Newfoundland	and	Labrador.

• We	achieved	first	oil	at	our	Spruce	Lake	North	thermal	plant	in	the	third	quarter	of	2022.
•
•

In	Indonesia,	we	achieved	first	gas	production	from	the	MBH	and	MDA	fields	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.
Received	regulatory	approval	in	December	2022	to	develop	the	Ipiatik	asset	in	the	Foster	Creek	area.

In	our	downstream	business:

• We	 announced	 an	 agreement	 to	 purchase	 the	 remaining	 50	 percent	 interest	 in	 the	 Toledo	 Refinery	 from	 BP	 (the

“Toledo	Acquisition”).	The	transaction	is	expected	to	close	at	the	end	of	February	2023.	

• We	closed	the	sale	of	337	gas	stations	within	our	retail	fuels	network	for	net	cash	proceeds	of	$404	million.

In	addition,	we	sold	our	investment	in	Headwater	Exploration	Inc.	for	proceeds	of	$110	million.

Returns-focused	Capital	Allocation

The	Company’s	sustaining	capital	program	and	base	dividend	are	sustainable	at	US$45	WTI	per	barrel	and	provide	opportunities	
to	sustainably	grow	shareholder	returns.	In	2022:

• We	 renewed	 our	 NCIB,	 which	 expired	 on	 November	 8,	 2022.	 Under	 our	 new	 NCIB	 (the	 “2023	 NCIB”),	 we	 are
authorized	 to	 purchase	 up	 to	 136.7	 million	 of	 the	 Company’s	 common	 shares	 between	 November	 9,	 2022,	 and
November	8,	2023.

• We	purchased	and	cancelled	112	million	common	shares	for	$2.5	billion	through	our	NCIBs	in	2022.
• We	returned	$901	million	to	common	shareholders	through	base	dividends	of	$0.350	per	common	share	and	variable

dividends	of	$0.114	per	common	share.

We	declared	dividends	for	the	first	quarter	of	2023:

•

•

On	 February	 15,	 2023,	 the	 Board	 declared	 a	 first	 quarter	 base	 dividend	 of	 $0.105	 per	 common	 share	 payable	 on
March	31,	2023,	to	common	shareholders	of	record	as	at	March	15,	2023.
On	February	15,	2023,	the	Board	declared	first	quarter	dividends	for	our	preferred	shares	of	$9	million,	payable	on
March	31,	2023,	to	preferred	shareholders	of	record	as	at	March	15,	2023.

12   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

OPERATING	AND	FINANCIAL	RESULTS

Selected	Operating	Results	—	Upstream

Upstream	Production	Volumes	by	Segment	(1)	(MBOE/d)

Oil	Sands

Conventional	

Offshore

Total	Production	Volumes	

Bitumen	(Mbbls/d)

Heavy	Crude	Oil	(Mbbls/d)

Light	Crude	Oil	(Mbbls/d)

NGLs	(Mbbls/d)

Upstream	Production	Volumes	by	Product

Conventional	Natural	Gas	(MMcf/d)

Total	Production	Volumes	(MBOE/d)

Total	Upstream	Sales	Volumes	(2)	(MBOE/d)

Netback	(3)(4)	($/BOE)

Oil	and	Gas	Reserves	(MMBOE)

Total	Proved

Probable

Total	Proved	Plus	Probable

2022

588.7

127.2

70.3

786.2

570.3

16.3

19.1

36.2

866.1

786.2

696.4

53.21

6,082

2,787

8,869

Percent	

Change

Percent	

Change

2021

583.6

133.6

74.4

791.5

561.3

20.2

22.5

38.3

895.5

791.5

700.8

37.04

6,077

2,201

8,278

	1	

	(5)	

	(6)	

	(1)	

	2	

	(19)	

	(15)	

	(5)	

	(3)	

	(1)	

	(1)	

	44	

	—	

	27	

	7	

2020

381.7

89.9

—

471.7

381.7

2.7

4.5

19.5

379.0

471.7

420.5

10.09

5,030

1,656

6,686

	53	

	49	

N/A

	68	

	47	

	648	

	400	

	96	

	136	

	68	

	67	

	267	

	21	

	33	

	24	

(1)

(2)

(3)

Refer	to	the	Oil	Sands,	Conventional	or	Offshore	Operating	Results	section	of	this	MD&A	for	a	summary	of	production	by	product	type.

Total	upstream	sales	volumes	exclude	natural	gas	volumes	used	for	internal	consumption	by	the	Oil	Sands	segment	of	520	MMcf	per	day	for	the	year	ended	

December	31,	2022	(517	MMcf	per	day	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2021).

Upstream	revenue	as	found	in	Note	1	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	was	$36.3	billion	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022	($25.4	billion	for	the 

year	ended	December	31,	2021).

(4)

Contains a non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory.

2022	compared	with	2021:

In	2022,	total	crude	oil,	NGLs	and	natural	gas	production	was	consistent	with	2021.	The	factors	below	increased	production	in	

New	wells	coming	online	at	Foster	Creek	and	Christina	Lake	in	2022	and	the	second	half	of	2021.

The	Sunrise	Acquisition	on	August	31,	2022.

First	oil	at	the	Spruce	Lake	North	thermal	plant	in	the	third	quarter	of	2022.

A	planned	turnaround	and	operational	outages	at	Foster	Creek	in	the	second	quarter	of	2021.

First	gas	production	at	the	MBH	and	MDA	fields	in	Indonesia	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.

The	factors	below	decreased	production	in	2022	compared	with	2021:	

The	disposition	of	the	Tucker	asset	on	January	31,	2022.

Planned	maintenance	and	an	unplanned	outage	at	Foster	Creek	in	the	third	quarter	of	2022.

Planned	turnaround	activity	at	Christina	Lake	in	the	second	quarter	of	2022.

The	disposition	of	the	Wembley	asset	on	February	28,	2022,	and	the	East	Clearwater	and	Kaybob	divestitures	in	the

second	half	of	2021.

As	part	of	the	decision	to	restart	the	West	White	Rose	project,	we	transferred	a	12.5	percent	working	interest	in	the

White	Rose	field	and	satellite	extensions	to	our	partner	on	May	31,	2022.

Oil	and	Gas	Reserves

Based	on	our	reserves	reports	prepared	by	independent	qualified	reserves	evaluators	(“IQREs”),	total	proved	reserves	and	total	

proved	plus	probable	reserves	at	December	31,	2022	were	approximately	6.1	billion	BOE	and	8.9	billion	BOE,	respectively.	Total	

proved	reserves	were	consistent	with	2021,	and	proved	plus	probable	reserves	increased	seven	percent	compared	with	2021.	

Additional	information	about	our	reserves	is	included	in	the	Oil	and	Gas	Reserves	section	of	this	MD&A.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Growing	Free	Funds	Flow	Through	Pricing	Cycles

Our	 top-tier	 assets	 and	 low-cost	 structure	 position	 us	 to	 grow	 Free	 Funds	 Flow	 through	 pricing	 cycles.	 Cenovus's	 diversified	

asset	and	product	mix	generates	predictable	and	stable	Free	Funds	Flow	and	reduces	risk	and	cash	flow	volatility	by	leveraging	

pipelines,	 logistics	 and	 marketing	 to	 optimize	 the	 value	 chain.	 We	 are	 able	 to	 generate	 strong	 margins	 with	 modest	 capital	

investment.	

In	2022,	we	generated	cash	from	operating	activities	of	$11.4	billion	and	Free	Funds	Flow	of	$7.3	billion,	primarily	due	to	high	

commodity	 prices	 combined	 with	 solid	 upstream	 operating	 performance.	 WTI	 averaged	 approximately	 US$94	 per	 barrel	 in	

2022,	the	highest	annual	average	since	2013,	and	an	increase	of	approximately	40	percent	from	2021.	North	American	market	

crack	spreads	also	reached	historic	highs	during	the	year.

In	2022,	we	continued	to	optimize	our	top-tier	asset	portfolio	and	grow	Free	Funds	Flow.

In	our	upstream	business:

• We	sold	our	Tucker	asset	and	our	Wembley	assets	for	total	net	proceeds	of	$951	million.

• We	reached	an	agreement	with	our	partners	to	restart	the	West	White	Rose	project	in	the	Atlantic	region	offshore

Newfoundland	and	Labrador.	Major	construction	is	expected	to	restart	in	the	first	quarter	of	2023.

• We	acquired	the	remaining	50	percent	interest	in	Sunrise	(the	“Sunrise	Acquisition”)	from	BP	Canada	Energy	Group

ULC	 (“BP	 Canada”)	 for	 net	 proceeds	 of	 $394	 million,	 a	 variable	 payment	 with	 a	 maximum	 cumulative	 value	 of

$600	 million	 expiring	 in	 eight	 quarters	 subsequent	 to	 August	 31,	 2022,	 and	 our	 35	 percent	 position	 in	 the

undeveloped	Bay	du	Nord	project	offshore	Newfoundland	and	Labrador.

• We	achieved	first	oil	at	our	Spruce	Lake	North	thermal	plant	in	the	third	quarter	of	2022.

•

•

In	Indonesia,	we	achieved	first	gas	production	from	the	MBH	and	MDA	fields	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.

Received	regulatory	approval	in	December	2022	to	develop	the	Ipiatik	asset	in	the	Foster	Creek	area.

In	our	downstream	business:

• We	 announced	 an	 agreement	 to	 purchase	 the	 remaining	 50	 percent	 interest	 in	 the	 Toledo	 Refinery	 from	 BP	 (the

“Toledo	Acquisition”).	The	transaction	is	expected	to	close	at	the	end	of	February	2023.	

• We	closed	the	sale	of	337	gas	stations	within	our	retail	fuels	network	for	net	cash	proceeds	of	$404	million.

In	addition,	we	sold	our	investment	in	Headwater	Exploration	Inc.	for	proceeds	of	$110	million.

Returns-focused	Capital	Allocation

to	sustainably	grow	shareholder	returns.	In	2022:

The	Company’s	sustaining	capital	program	and	base	dividend	are	sustainable	at	US$45	WTI	per	barrel	and	provide	opportunities	

• We	 renewed	 our	 NCIB,	 which	 expired	 on	 November	 8,	 2022.	 Under	 our	 new	 NCIB	 (the	 “2023	 NCIB”),	 we	 are

authorized	 to	 purchase	 up	 to	 136.7	 million	 of	 the	 Company’s	 common	 shares	 between	 November	 9,	 2022,	 and

November	8,	2023.

• We	purchased	and	cancelled	112	million	common	shares	for	$2.5	billion	through	our	NCIBs	in	2022.

• We	returned	$901	million	to	common	shareholders	through	base	dividends	of	$0.350	per	common	share	and	variable

dividends	of	$0.114	per	common	share.

We	declared	dividends	for	the	first	quarter	of	2023:

•

•

March	31,	2023,	to	common	shareholders	of	record	as	at	March	15,	2023.

On	February	15,	2023,	the	Board	declared	first	quarter	dividends	for	our	preferred	shares	of	$9	million,	payable	on

March	31,	2023,	to	preferred	shareholders	of	record	as	at	March	15,	2023.

OPERATING	AND	FINANCIAL	RESULTS

Selected	Operating	Results	—	Upstream

Upstream	Production	Volumes	by	Segment	(1)	(MBOE/d)

Oil	Sands
Conventional	
Offshore

Total	Production	Volumes	

Upstream	Production	Volumes	by	Product

Bitumen	(Mbbls/d)

Heavy	Crude	Oil	(Mbbls/d)

Light	Crude	Oil	(Mbbls/d)

NGLs	(Mbbls/d)

Conventional	Natural	Gas	(MMcf/d)

Total	Production	Volumes	(MBOE/d)

Total	Upstream	Sales	Volumes	(2)	(MBOE/d)

Netback	(3)(4)	($/BOE)

Oil	and	Gas	Reserves	(MMBOE)

Total	Proved

Probable

Total	Proved	Plus	Probable

2022

588.7

127.2

70.3

786.2

570.3

16.3

19.1

36.2

866.1

786.2

696.4

53.21

6,082

2,787

8,869

Percent	
Change

	1	

	(5)	

	(6)	

	(1)	

	2	

	(19)	

	(15)	

	(5)	

	(3)	

	(1)	

	(1)	

	44	

	—	

	27	

	7	

2021

583.6

133.6

74.4

791.5

561.3

20.2

22.5

38.3

895.5

791.5

700.8

37.04

6,077

2,201

8,278

Percent	
Change

	53	

	49	

N/A

	68	

	47	

	648	

	400	

	96	

	136	

	68	

	67	

	267	

	21	

	33	

	24	

2020

381.7

89.9

—

471.7

381.7

2.7

4.5

19.5

379.0

471.7

420.5

10.09

5,030

1,656

6,686

(1)
(2)

(3)

(4)

Refer	to	the	Oil	Sands,	Conventional	or	Offshore	Operating	Results	section	of	this	MD&A	for	a	summary	of	production	by	product	type.
Total	upstream	sales	volumes	exclude	natural	gas	volumes	used	for	internal	consumption	by	the	Oil	Sands	segment	of	520	MMcf	per	day	for	the	year	ended	
December	31,	2022	(517	MMcf	per	day	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2021).
Upstream	revenue	as	found	in	Note	1	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	was	$36.3	billion	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022	($25.4	billion	for	the 
year	ended	December	31,	2021).
Contains a non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory.

In	2022,	total	crude	oil,	NGLs	and	natural	gas	production	was	consistent	with	2021.	The	factors	below	increased	production	in	
2022	compared	with	2021:

•
•
•
•
•

New	wells	coming	online	at	Foster	Creek	and	Christina	Lake	in	2022	and	the	second	half	of	2021.
The	Sunrise	Acquisition	on	August	31,	2022.
First	oil	at	the	Spruce	Lake	North	thermal	plant	in	the	third	quarter	of	2022.
A	planned	turnaround	and	operational	outages	at	Foster	Creek	in	the	second	quarter	of	2021.
First	gas	production	at	the	MBH	and	MDA	fields	in	Indonesia	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.

On	 February	 15,	 2023,	 the	 Board	 declared	 a	 first	 quarter	 base	 dividend	 of	 $0.105	 per	 common	 share	 payable	 on

The	factors	below	decreased	production	in	2022	compared	with	2021:	

•
•
•
•

•

The	disposition	of	the	Tucker	asset	on	January	31,	2022.
Planned	maintenance	and	an	unplanned	outage	at	Foster	Creek	in	the	third	quarter	of	2022.
Planned	turnaround	activity	at	Christina	Lake	in	the	second	quarter	of	2022.
The	disposition	of	the	Wembley	asset	on	February	28,	2022,	and	the	East	Clearwater	and	Kaybob	divestitures	in	the
second	half	of	2021.
As	part	of	the	decision	to	restart	the	West	White	Rose	project,	we	transferred	a	12.5	percent	working	interest	in	the
White	Rose	field	and	satellite	extensions	to	our	partner	on	May	31,	2022.

Oil	and	Gas	Reserves

Based	on	our	reserves	reports	prepared	by	independent	qualified	reserves	evaluators	(“IQREs”),	total	proved	reserves	and	total	
proved	plus	probable	reserves	at	December	31,	2022	were	approximately	6.1	billion	BOE	and	8.9	billion	BOE,	respectively.	Total	
proved	reserves	were	consistent	with	2021,	and	proved	plus	probable	reserves	increased	seven	percent	compared	with	2021.	

Additional	information	about	our	reserves	is	included	in	the	Oil	and	Gas	Reserves	section	of	this	MD&A.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   13

Selected	Operating	Results	—	Downstream

Downstream	Crude	Oil	Throughput	(Mbbls/d)

Canadian	Manufacturing	

U.S.	Manufacturing	

Total	Throughput

Fuel	Sales	(1)	(millions	of	litres/d)

2022

92.9

400.8

493.7

6.2

Percent	
Change

	(13)	

	—	

	(3)	

	(10)	

2021

106.5

401.5

508.0	

6.9

Percent	
Change

N/A

	116	

	173	

N/A

2020

—

185.9

185.9	

—

(1)

On	 September	 13,	 2022,	 we	 closed	 the	 sale	 of	 337	 gas	 stations	 within	 our	 retail	 fuels	 network.	 We	 retained	 our	 commercial	 fuels	 business,	 which	 includes	
cardlock,	bulk	plant	and	travel	centre	locations.	

In	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment,	throughput	decreased	13.6	thousand	barrels	per	day	in	2022	compared	with	2021.	We	
completed	planned	turnarounds	at	both	the	Lloydminster	Upgrader	and	Lloydminster	Refinery	in	the	second	quarter	of	2022.	In	
addition,	there	were	multiple	temporary	unplanned	outages	at	the	Upgrader	in	2022.	In	2021,	the	Upgrader	and	Lloydminster	
Refinery	ran	at	or	near	capacity	throughout	the	year.	

In	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	segment,	total	throughput	was	consistent	in	2022	compared	with	2021:

•

•

The	Lima	Refinery	had	unplanned	operational	issues	in	the	first	quarter	of	2022	coming	out	of	the	2021	fourth	quarter
turnaround.	The	refinery	performed	well	during	the	remainder	of	the	year,	achieving	crude	utilization	of	90	percent	in
2022.
At	the	Toledo	Refinery,	we	completed	a	significant	planned	turnaround	from	April	to	early	August	2022.	The	refinery
remains	shut	down	in	a	safe	state	following	an	incident	on	September	20,	2022.

• We	completed	two	planned	turnarounds	at	the	Wood	River	Refinery	in	the	second	and	fourth	quarters	of	2022.	The
second	quarter	turnaround	was	delayed	due	to	cold	weather,	resulting	in	labour	shortages	and	cost	overruns.	In	early
December,	there	was	an	incident	at	the	Wood	River	Refinery	that	resulted	in	damage	to	one	of	the	units	and	reduced
throughput.

• We	completed	a	turnaround	at	the	Borger	Refinery	in	the	first	and	second	quarter	of	2022.	In	addition,	the	refinery

had	unplanned	operational	outages	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.

• We	commenced	commissioning	for	the	restart	of	the	Superior	Refinery	in	December	2022.	

Selected	Consolidated	Financial	Results

Operating	Margin

Operating	 Margin	 is	 a	 specified	 financial	 measure	 and	 is	 used	 to	 provide	 a	 consistent	 measure	 of	 the	 cash	 generating	
performance	of	our	assets	for	comparability	of	our	underlying	financial	performance	between	periods.	

($	millions)

Gross	Sales	

Less:	Royalties

Revenues

Expenses

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending
Operating	Expenses	
Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management	Activities

Operating	Margin	

2022

79,229	

4,868	

74,361	

39,334	

12,194	

6,839	

1,731	

14,263	

2021	(1)(2)
54,102	

2,454	

51,648	

27,170	

8,714	

5,499	

892	

9,373	

2020	

14,523	

371	

14,152	

5,959	

4,764	

2,261	

247	

921	

(1)

(2)

Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	 See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	 further	
details.	
Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	
aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	See	Note	3	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.	There	has	been	no	change	to	
total	Operating	Margin.

14   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Operating	Margin	by	Segment

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022

(1)

Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuel	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	

aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	See	Note	3	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.	

Operating	 Margin	 increased	 in	 2022,	 mainly	 due	 to	 higher	 average	 realized	 sales	 prices,	 resulting	 from	 higher	 benchmark	

pricing.	 In	 addition,	 realized	 refining	 margins	 almost	 doubled	 in	 our	 downstream	 business	 due	 to	 significantly	 higher	 market	

crack	spreads	from	2021.	

These	increases	in	Operating	Margin	were	partially	offset	by:	

Increased	blending	costs	due	to	higher	condensate	prices.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Higher	royalties	and	fuel	costs	in	our	upstream	operations,	both	resulting	from	significantly	higher	commodity	pricing.

Increased	realized	risk	management	losses	on	the	settlement	of	benchmark	prices	relative	to	our	risk	management

contract	 prices	 in	 2022.	 In	 the	 second	 quarter	 of	 2022,	 all	 WTI	 risk	 management	 contracts	 related	 to	 our	 crude	 oil

sales	price	risk	management	activities	were	closed.

Planned	turnarounds	and	unplanned	outages	in	our	downstream	operations	in	2022,	which	impacted	sales	volumes

In	 our	 realized	 margin,	 higher	 Renewable	 Identification	 Numbers	 (“RINs”)	 costs	 impacting	 our	 U.S.	 Manufacturing

Increased	transportation	costs	due	to	increased	tariffs	combined	with	higher	sales	volumes	at	Foster	Creek,	Christina

and	operating	expenses.

segment.

Lake	and	Sunrise.

Higher	operating	expenses	at	the	Superior	Refinery.	Costs	increased	compared	with	2021	as	we	prepared	for	restart.

Increased	electricity	and	chemical	costs	in	our	upstream	operations.

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities	and	Adjusted	Funds	Flow

Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 is	 a	 non-GAAP	 financial	 measure	 commonly	 used	 in	 the	 oil	 and	 gas	 industry	 to	 assist	 in	 measuring	 a	

company’s	ability	to	finance	its	capital	programs	and	meet	its	financial	obligations.

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities

($	millions)

(Add)	Deduct:

Settlement	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities	

Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital

Adjusted	Funds	Flow	

2022

11,403	

(150)	

575	

10,978	

2021

5,919	

(102)

(1,227)	

7,248	

2020

273	

(42)

198	

117	

Selected	Operating	Results	—	Downstream

Downstream	Crude	Oil	Throughput	(Mbbls/d)

Canadian	Manufacturing	

U.S.	Manufacturing	

Total	Throughput

Fuel	Sales	(1)	(millions	of	litres/d)

cardlock,	bulk	plant	and	travel	centre	locations.	

2022

92.9

400.8

493.7

6.2

Percent	

Change

	(13)	

	—	

	(3)	

	(10)	

2021

106.5

401.5

508.0	

6.9

Percent	

Change

N/A

	116	

	173	

N/A

2020

—

185.9

185.9	

—

(1)

On	 September	 13,	 2022,	 we	 closed	 the	 sale	 of	 337	 gas	 stations	 within	 our	 retail	 fuels	 network.	 We	 retained	 our	 commercial	 fuels	 business,	 which	 includes	

In	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment,	throughput	decreased	13.6	thousand	barrels	per	day	in	2022	compared	with	2021.	We	

completed	planned	turnarounds	at	both	the	Lloydminster	Upgrader	and	Lloydminster	Refinery	in	the	second	quarter	of	2022.	In	

addition,	there	were	multiple	temporary	unplanned	outages	at	the	Upgrader	in	2022.	In	2021,	the	Upgrader	and	Lloydminster	

Refinery	ran	at	or	near	capacity	throughout	the	year.	

In	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	segment,	total	throughput	was	consistent	in	2022	compared	with	2021:

The	Lima	Refinery	had	unplanned	operational	issues	in	the	first	quarter	of	2022	coming	out	of	the	2021	fourth	quarter

turnaround.	The	refinery	performed	well	during	the	remainder	of	the	year,	achieving	crude	utilization	of	90	percent	in

At	the	Toledo	Refinery,	we	completed	a	significant	planned	turnaround	from	April	to	early	August	2022.	The	refinery

remains	shut	down	in	a	safe	state	following	an	incident	on	September	20,	2022.

• We	completed	two	planned	turnarounds	at	the	Wood	River	Refinery	in	the	second	and	fourth	quarters	of	2022.	The

second	quarter	turnaround	was	delayed	due	to	cold	weather,	resulting	in	labour	shortages	and	cost	overruns.	In	early

December,	there	was	an	incident	at	the	Wood	River	Refinery	that	resulted	in	damage	to	one	of	the	units	and	reduced

• We	completed	a	turnaround	at	the	Borger	Refinery	in	the	first	and	second	quarter	of	2022.	In	addition,	the	refinery

had	unplanned	operational	outages	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.

• We	commenced	commissioning	for	the	restart	of	the	Superior	Refinery	in	December	2022.	

•

•

2022.

throughput.

Operating	 Margin	 is	 a	 specified	 financial	 measure	 and	 is	 used	 to	 provide	 a	 consistent	 measure	 of	 the	 cash	 generating	

performance	of	our	assets	for	comparability	of	our	underlying	financial	performance	between	periods.	

Selected	Consolidated	Financial	Results

Operating	Margin

($	millions)

Gross	Sales	

Less:	Royalties

Revenues

Expenses

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating	Expenses	

Operating	Margin	

details.	

total	Operating	Margin.

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management	Activities

2022

79,229	

4,868	

74,361	

39,334	

12,194	

6,839	

1,731	

14,263	

2021	(1)(2)

54,102	

2,454	

51,648	

27,170	

8,714	

5,499	

892	

9,373	

2020	

14,523	

371	

14,152	

5,959	

4,764	

2,261	

247	

921	

(1)

Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	 See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	 further	

(2)

Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	

aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	See	Note	3	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.	There	has	been	no	change	to	

Operating	Margin	by	Segment

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022

(1)

Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuel	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	
aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	See	Note	3	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.	

Operating	 Margin	 increased	 in	 2022,	 mainly	 due	 to	 higher	 average	 realized	 sales	 prices,	 resulting	 from	 higher	 benchmark	
pricing.	 In	 addition,	 realized	 refining	 margins	 almost	 doubled	 in	 our	 downstream	 business	 due	 to	 significantly	 higher	 market	
crack	spreads	from	2021.	

These	increases	in	Operating	Margin	were	partially	offset	by:	

•
•
•

•

•

•

•
•

Increased	blending	costs	due	to	higher	condensate	prices.
Higher	royalties	and	fuel	costs	in	our	upstream	operations,	both	resulting	from	significantly	higher	commodity	pricing.
Increased	realized	risk	management	losses	on	the	settlement	of	benchmark	prices	relative	to	our	risk	management
contract	 prices	 in	 2022.	 In	 the	 second	 quarter	 of	 2022,	 all	 WTI	 risk	 management	 contracts	 related	 to	 our	 crude	 oil
sales	price	risk	management	activities	were	closed.
Planned	turnarounds	and	unplanned	outages	in	our	downstream	operations	in	2022,	which	impacted	sales	volumes
and	operating	expenses.
In	 our	 realized	 margin,	 higher	 Renewable	 Identification	 Numbers	 (“RINs”)	 costs	 impacting	 our	 U.S.	 Manufacturing
segment.
Increased	transportation	costs	due	to	increased	tariffs	combined	with	higher	sales	volumes	at	Foster	Creek,	Christina
Lake	and	Sunrise.
Higher	operating	expenses	at	the	Superior	Refinery.	Costs	increased	compared	with	2021	as	we	prepared	for	restart.
Increased	electricity	and	chemical	costs	in	our	upstream	operations.

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities	and	Adjusted	Funds	Flow

Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 is	 a	 non-GAAP	 financial	 measure	 commonly	 used	 in	 the	 oil	 and	 gas	 industry	 to	 assist	 in	 measuring	 a	
company’s	ability	to	finance	its	capital	programs	and	meet	its	financial	obligations.

($	millions)

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities

(Add)	Deduct:

Settlement	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities	
Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital

Adjusted	Funds	Flow	

2022

11,403	

(150)	

575	

10,978	

2021

5,919	

(102)

(1,227)	

7,248	

2020

273	

(42)

198	

117	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   15

Cash	from	operating	activities	and	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	were	higher	in	2022,	primarily	due	to:	

•
•

•

Increased	Operating	Margin,	as	discussed	above.
Lower	 finance	 costs	 which	 decreased	 $262	 million	 in	 2022	 compared	 with	 2021,	 primarily	 due	 to	 long-term	 debt
purchases	in	2021	and	2022.
Decreased	integration	and	transaction	costs,	a	decline	of	$243	million	in	2022	compared	with	2021.	The	integration	of
Cenovus	and	Husky	is	substantially	complete.

The	increase	was	partially	offset	by	higher	cash	taxes	and	higher	quarterly	contingent	payments	in	2022.

Cash	from	operating	activities	also	increased	as	the	net	change	in	non-cash	working	capital	increased	by	$1.8	billion	compared	
to	 2021.	 The	 increase	 was	 due	 to	 higher	 income	 tax	 payable	 and	 lower	 accounts	 receivable,	 offset	 by	 higher	 inventory	 at	
December	31,	2022	compared	with	December	31,	2021.

Net	Earnings	(Loss)	

($	millions)

Net	Earnings	(Loss),	Comparative	Year

Increase	(Decrease)	due	to:

Operating	Margin

Corporate	and	Eliminations:

General	and	Administrative

Finance	Costs

Integration	and	Transaction	Costs

Unrealized	Foreign	Exchange	Gain	(Loss)

Revaluation	Gains

Re-measurement	of	Contingent	Payments

Gain	(Loss)	on	Divestiture	of	Assets

Other	Income	(Loss),	net
Other	(1)

Unrealized	Risk	Management	Gain	(Loss)	
Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Exploration	Expense

Income	Tax	Recovery	(Expense)

Net	Earnings	(Loss),	Current	Year

2022	vs.	2021

2021	vs.	2020

weakened	relative	to	the	U.S.	dollar	on	December	31,	2022,	impacting	our	U.S.	dollar	debt.

587	

4,890	

(16)	

262	

243	

(677)	

549	

413	

40	

223	
308	

57	

1,207	

(83)	

(1,553)	

6,450	

(2,379)	

8,452	

(557)	

(546)	

(320)	

181	

—	

(655)	

148	

349	
(194)	

36	

(2,422)	

73	

(1,579)	

587	

(1)

Includes	Corporate	and	Eliminations	revenues,	purchased	product,	transportation	and	blending,	operating	expenses	and	(gain)	loss	on	risk	management;	share	
of	income	(loss)	from	equity-accounted	affiliates;	interest	income	and	realized	foreign	exchange	(gains)	losses.

Net	earnings	improved	significantly	compared	with	2021	due	to:	

•
•

•
•

•

•
•
•

Increased	Operating	Margin,	as	discussed	above.
Net	 impairment	 charges	 in	 the	 fourth	 quarter	 of	 2022	 of	 $266	 million,	 compared	 with	 net	 impairment	 charges	 of
$1.6	billion	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2021.
Revaluation	gains	of	$549	million	related	to	the	Sunrise	Acquisition	in	the	third	quarter	of	2022.
A	loss	on	re-measurement	of	the	contingent	payments	of	$162	million	compared	with	$575	million	in	2021.	The	final
payment	related	to	the	FCCL	Partnership	was	made	in	July	2022.	Re-measurements	related	to	the	Sunrise	Acquisition
began	in	the	third	quarter	of	2022.
Finance	 costs	 of	 $820	 million	 compared	 with	 $1.1	 billion	 in	 2021,	 mainly	 due	 to	 a	 lower	 average	 long-term	 debt
balance	in	2022.	
Integration	and	transaction	costs	of	$106	million,	compared	with	$349	million	in	2021.
Higher	other	income	primarily	due	to	insurance	proceeds	related	to	the	Superior	Refinery.
A	realized	foreign	exchange	gain	of	$22	million	in	2022	compared	to	realized	foreign	exchange	losses	of	$138	million
in	2021.	The	gains	in	2022	related	to	working	capital	were	partially	offset	by	losses	on	the	purchase	of	debt.

The	increase	in	net	earnings	in	2022	was	partially	offset	by:	

•
•

Higher	income	tax	expense.
Unrealized	foreign	exchange	losses	as	the	Canadian	dollar	at	December	31,	2022,	weakened	relative	to	the	U.S.	dollar.

16   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Long-term	 debt	 decreased	 by	 $3.7	 billion	 and	 Net	 Debt	 decreased	 by	 $5.3	 billion	 from	 December	 31,	 2021.	 In	 2022,	 we	

purchased	 US$2.6	 billion	 of	 principal	 related	 to	 notes	 due	 between	 2023	 and	 2043,	 and	 paid	 a	 premium	 on	 redemption	 of	

US$41	 million,	 collectively.	 In	 addition,	 we	 paid	 $750	 million	 to	 purchase	 the	 full	 principal	 amount	 outstanding	 of	 our	

3.55	percent	unsecured	notes	due	in	2025	at	par.	The	decrease	in	long-term	debt	was	partially	offset	as	the	Canadian	dollar	

Net	Debt

As	at	($	millions)	

Short-Term	Borrowings

Current	Portion	of	Long-Term	Debt

Long-Term	Debt

Total	Debt

Net	Debt	

Less:	Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents

Capital	Investment	(1)

($	millions)

Upstream

Oil	Sands

Conventional

Offshore

Total	Upstream

Downstream

Canadian	Manufacturing	(2)

U.S.	Manufacturing

Total	Downstream

Corporate	and	Eliminations

Total	Capital	Investment

December	31,	2022

December	31,	2021

115	

—	

8,691	

8,806	

(4,524)	

4,282	

2021

1,019	

222	

175	

1,416	

68	

995	

1,063	

84	

2,563	

79	

—	

12,385	

12,464	

(2,873)	

9,591	

2020

427	

78	

—	

505	

33	

243	

276	

60	

841	

2022

1,792	

344	

310	

2,446	

117	

1,059	

1,176	

86	

3,708	

(1)

Includes	expenditures	on	property,	plant	and	equipment	(“PP&E”),	exploration	and	evaluation	(“E&E”)	assets,	and	capitalized	interest.	Excludes	cost	incurred	in	

our	equity-accounted	investment	in	Indonesia.

(2)

Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	

aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	See	Note	3	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.

Oil	 Sands	 capital	 investment	 in	 2022	 was	 primarily	 focused	 on	 sustaining	 activities	 at	 Christina	 Lake,	 Foster	 Creek,	 the	

Lloydminster	thermal	assets	and	Sunrise,	and	the	drilling	of	stratigraphic	test	wells	as	part	of	our	integrated	winter	program.

Conventional	 capital	 investment	 in	 2022	 focused	 on	 drilling,	 completion	 and	 tie-in	 activities,	 and	 infrastructure	 projects	 to	

support	multi-year	development.	

Offshore	 capital	 investment	 in	 2022	 was	 primarily	 for	 the	 Terra	 Nova	 asset	 life	 extension	 (“ALE”)	 project	 and	 capital	 for	 the	

West	White	Rose	project	in	the	Atlantic	region.	On	May	31,	2022,	Cenovus	and	our	partners	announced	the	restart	of	the	West	

White	Rose	project	offshore	Newfoundland	and	Labrador.

U.S.	 Manufacturing	 capital	 investment	 in	 2022	 focused	 primarily	 on	 the	 Superior	 Refinery	 rebuild,	 and	 refining	 reliability	

initiatives	at	the	Wood	River,	Borger	and	Toledo	refineries,	and	yield	optimization	projects	at	the	Wood	River	Refinery.

Drilling	Activity

Foster	Creek	(2)

Christina	Lake	(3)

Sunrise

Lloydminster	Thermal

Lloydminster	Conventional	Heavy	Oil

Tucker	(4)

	Net	Stratigraphic	Test	Wells	

and	Observation	Wells

2022

2021

Net	Production	Wells	(1)

2022

2021

2020

68	

—	

15	

98	

8	

6	

195	

32	

25	

—	

115	

15	

—	

187	

2020

38	

117	

—	

—	

—	

—	

155	

29	

31	

10	

33	

11	

—	

114	

6	

18	

2	

46	

3	

—	

75	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

SAGD	well	pairs	in	the	Oil	Sands	segment	are	counted	as	a	single	producing	well.	

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Includes	Ipiatik.

Includes	Narrows	Lake.

The	Tucker	asset	was	sold	on	January	31,	2022.

($	millions)

Net	Earnings	(Loss),	Comparative	Year

Increase	(Decrease)	due	to:

Operating	Margin

Corporate	and	Eliminations:

General	and	Administrative

Finance	Costs

Integration	and	Transaction	Costs

Unrealized	Foreign	Exchange	Gain	(Loss)

Revaluation	Gains

Re-measurement	of	Contingent	Payments

Gain	(Loss)	on	Divestiture	of	Assets

Other	Income	(Loss),	net

Other	(1)

Unrealized	Risk	Management	Gain	(Loss)	

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Exploration	Expense

Income	Tax	Recovery	(Expense)

Net	Earnings	(Loss),	Current	Year

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

587	

4,890	

(16)	

262	

243	

(677)	

549	

413	

40	

223	

308	

57	

1,207	

(83)	

(1,553)	

6,450	

(2,379)	

8,452	

(557)	

(546)	

(320)	

181	

—	

(655)	

148	

349	

(194)	

(2,422)	

36	

73	

(1,579)	

587	

(1)

Includes	Corporate	and	Eliminations	revenues,	purchased	product,	transportation	and	blending,	operating	expenses	and	(gain)	loss	on	risk	management;	share	

of	income	(loss)	from	equity-accounted	affiliates;	interest	income	and	realized	foreign	exchange	(gains)	losses.

Net	earnings	improved	significantly	compared	with	2021	due	to:	

Increased	Operating	Margin,	as	discussed	above.

Net	 impairment	 charges	 in	 the	 fourth	 quarter	 of	 2022	 of	 $266	 million,	 compared	 with	 net	 impairment	 charges	 of

$1.6	billion	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2021.

Revaluation	gains	of	$549	million	related	to	the	Sunrise	Acquisition	in	the	third	quarter	of	2022.

A	loss	on	re-measurement	of	the	contingent	payments	of	$162	million	compared	with	$575	million	in	2021.	The	final

payment	related	to	the	FCCL	Partnership	was	made	in	July	2022.	Re-measurements	related	to	the	Sunrise	Acquisition

Finance	 costs	 of	 $820	 million	 compared	 with	 $1.1	 billion	 in	 2021,	 mainly	 due	 to	 a	 lower	 average	 long-term	 debt

began	in	the	third	quarter	of	2022.

balance	in	2022.	

Integration	and	transaction	costs	of	$106	million,	compared	with	$349	million	in	2021.

Higher	other	income	primarily	due	to	insurance	proceeds	related	to	the	Superior	Refinery.

A	realized	foreign	exchange	gain	of	$22	million	in	2022	compared	to	realized	foreign	exchange	losses	of	$138	million

in	2021.	The	gains	in	2022	related	to	working	capital	were	partially	offset	by	losses	on	the	purchase	of	debt.

The	increase	in	net	earnings	in	2022	was	partially	offset	by:	

Higher	income	tax	expense.

Unrealized	foreign	exchange	losses	as	the	Canadian	dollar	at	December	31,	2022,	weakened	relative	to	the	U.S.	dollar.

Cash	from	operating	activities	and	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	were	higher	in	2022,	primarily	due	to:	

Lower	 finance	 costs	 which	 decreased	 $262	 million	 in	 2022	 compared	 with	 2021,	 primarily	 due	 to	 long-term	 debt

Decreased	integration	and	transaction	costs,	a	decline	of	$243	million	in	2022	compared	with	2021.	The	integration	of

Increased	Operating	Margin,	as	discussed	above.

purchases	in	2021	and	2022.

Cenovus	and	Husky	is	substantially	complete.

The	increase	was	partially	offset	by	higher	cash	taxes	and	higher	quarterly	contingent	payments	in	2022.

Cash	from	operating	activities	also	increased	as	the	net	change	in	non-cash	working	capital	increased	by	$1.8	billion	compared	

to	 2021.	 The	 increase	 was	 due	 to	 higher	 income	 tax	 payable	 and	 lower	 accounts	 receivable,	 offset	 by	 higher	 inventory	 at	

December	31,	2022	compared	with	December	31,	2021.

Net	Earnings	(Loss)	

2022	vs.	2021

2021	vs.	2020

Net	Debt

As	at	($	millions)	

Short-Term	Borrowings

Current	Portion	of	Long-Term	Debt

Long-Term	Debt

Total	Debt

Less:	Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents

Net	Debt	

December	31,	2022

December	31,	2021

115	

—	

8,691	

8,806	

(4,524)	
4,282	

79	

—	

12,385	

12,464	

(2,873)	
9,591	

Long-term	 debt	 decreased	 by	 $3.7	 billion	 and	 Net	 Debt	 decreased	 by	 $5.3	 billion	 from	 December	 31,	 2021.	 In	 2022,	 we	
purchased	 US$2.6	 billion	 of	 principal	 related	 to	 notes	 due	 between	 2023	 and	 2043,	 and	 paid	 a	 premium	 on	 redemption	 of	
US$41	 million,	 collectively.	 In	 addition,	 we	 paid	 $750	 million	 to	 purchase	 the	 full	 principal	 amount	 outstanding	 of	 our	
3.55	percent	unsecured	notes	due	in	2025	at	par.	The	decrease	in	long-term	debt	was	partially	offset	as	the	Canadian	dollar	
weakened	relative	to	the	U.S.	dollar	on	December	31,	2022,	impacting	our	U.S.	dollar	debt.

Capital	Investment	(1)

($	millions)
Upstream

Oil	Sands
Conventional
Offshore
Total	Upstream
Downstream

Canadian	Manufacturing	(2)
U.S.	Manufacturing

Total	Downstream
Corporate	and	Eliminations
Total	Capital	Investment

2022

1,792	
344	
310	
2,446	

117	
1,059	
1,176	
86	
3,708	

2021

1,019	
222	
175	
1,416	

68	
995	
1,063	
84	
2,563	

2020

427	
78	
—	
505	

33	
243	
276	
60	
841	

(1)

(2)

Includes	expenditures	on	property,	plant	and	equipment	(“PP&E”),	exploration	and	evaluation	(“E&E”)	assets,	and	capitalized	interest.	Excludes	cost	incurred	in	
our	equity-accounted	investment	in	Indonesia.
Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	
aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	See	Note	3	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.

Oil	 Sands	 capital	 investment	 in	 2022	 was	 primarily	 focused	 on	 sustaining	 activities	 at	 Christina	 Lake,	 Foster	 Creek,	 the	
Lloydminster	thermal	assets	and	Sunrise,	and	the	drilling	of	stratigraphic	test	wells	as	part	of	our	integrated	winter	program.

Conventional	 capital	 investment	 in	 2022	 focused	 on	 drilling,	 completion	 and	 tie-in	 activities,	 and	 infrastructure	 projects	 to	
support	multi-year	development.	

Offshore	 capital	 investment	 in	 2022	 was	 primarily	 for	 the	 Terra	 Nova	 asset	 life	 extension	 (“ALE”)	 project	 and	 capital	 for	 the	
West	White	Rose	project	in	the	Atlantic	region.	On	May	31,	2022,	Cenovus	and	our	partners	announced	the	restart	of	the	West	
White	Rose	project	offshore	Newfoundland	and	Labrador.

U.S.	 Manufacturing	 capital	 investment	 in	 2022	 focused	 primarily	 on	 the	 Superior	 Refinery	 rebuild,	 and	 refining	 reliability	
initiatives	at	the	Wood	River,	Borger	and	Toledo	refineries,	and	yield	optimization	projects	at	the	Wood	River	Refinery.

Drilling	Activity

Foster	Creek	(2)
Christina	Lake	(3)
Sunrise
Lloydminster	Thermal
Lloydminster	Conventional	Heavy	Oil
Tucker	(4)

	Net	Stratigraphic	Test	Wells	
and	Observation	Wells

Net	Production	Wells	(1)

2022
68	
—	
15	
98	
8	
6	
195	

2021
32	
25	
—	
115	
15	
—	
187	

2020
38	
117	
—	
—	
—	
—	
155	

2022
29	
31	
10	
33	
11	
—	
114	

2021
6	
18	
2	
46	
3	
—	
75	

2020
—	
—	
—	
—	
—	
—	
—	

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)

SAGD	well	pairs	in	the	Oil	Sands	segment	are	counted	as	a	single	producing	well.	
Includes	Ipiatik.
Includes	Narrows	Lake.
The	Tucker	asset	was	sold	on	January	31,	2022.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   17

Stratigraphic	 test	 wells	 were	 drilled	 to	 help	 identify	 well	 pad	 locations	 for	 sustaining	 wells	 and	 to	 further	 progress	 the	
evaluation	of	other	assets.	Observation	wells	were	drilled	to	gather	information	and	monitor	reservoir	conditions.

COMMODITY	PRICES	UNDERLYING	OUR	FINANCIAL	RESULTS

(net	wells)

Conventional

Drilled

31	

2022
Completed

Tied-in

Drilled

2021
Completed

Tied-in

Drilled

2020
Completed

35	

36	

27	

19	

18	

6	

1	

Tied-in

3	

In	the	Offshore	segment,	we	drilled	and	completed	nine	(3.6	net)	planned	development	wells	at	the	MBH,	MDA	and	MAC	fields	
in	 Indonesia	 in	 2022	 (2021	 —	 drilled	 one	 exploration	 well	 in	 China).	 We	 achieved	 first	 gas	 production	 at	 the	 MBH	 and	 MDA	
fields	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.	

Future	Capital	Investment

Future	 Capital	 Investment	 is	 a	 specified	 financial	 measure.	 See the Advisory.	Our 2023 guidance dated December 5, 2022,	
is	available	on	our	website	at	cenovus.com. 
The	following	table	shows	guidance	for	2023:

Upstream

Oil	Sands	

Conventional

Offshore

Downstream

Corporate	and	Eliminations

Capital	Investment	
($	millions)

Production	
(MBOE/d)

Crude	Throughput
(Mbbls/d)

2,200	-	2,400

350	-	450

600	-	700

800	-	900

40	-	50

582	-	642

125	-	140

65	-	78

610	-	660

2023	 guidance	 for	 total	 capital	 investment	 is	 between	 $4.0	 billion	 and	 $4.5	 billion.	 This	 includes	 sustaining	 capital	 of	
approximately	$2.8	billion,	and	between	$1.2	billion	and	$1.7	billion	in	optimization	and	growth	capital.	

Sustaining	capital	is	mainly	related	to:

•
•
•
•

Investment	in	the	Oil	Sands	segment.
Safety	and	reliability	initiatives	in	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.
The	planned	restart	of	the	Superior	Refinery.
Offsetting	natural	declines	and	optimizing	gas	handling	infrastructure	in	the	Conventional	segment.

Optimization	 and	 growth	 capital	 including	 downstream	 initiatives	 that	 will	 further	 mitigate	 the	 Company’s	 exposure	 to	 light-
heavy	differentials.	Optimization	and	growth	capital	is	mainly	related	to:

Construction	of	the	West	White	Rose	project	and	the	completion	of	the	Terra	Nova	ALE	project.
Progressing	the	Narrows	Lake	tie-back	to	Christina	Lake.
Continued	optimization	of	Foster	Creek	and	the	Lloydminster	thermal	projects.
Application	of	Cenovus’s	operating	model	at	Sunrise.

•
•
•
•
• Margin	expansion	and	debottlenecking	opportunities	in	our	downstream	assets,	which	include	feedstock	replacement

at	the	Lloydminster	Refinery	as	part	of	the	Company’s	Rewire	Alberta	initiative.
Increasing	heavy	crude	oil	conversion	capacity	and	distillate	output	at	the	Wood	River	and	Borger	refineries.	

•

Further	information	on	the	changes	in	our	financial	and	operating	results	can	be	found	in	the	Reportable	Segments	section	of	
this	MD&A.	Information	on	our	risk	management	activities	can	be	found	in	the	Risk	Management	and	Risk	Factors	section	of	
this	MD&A	and	in	the	notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

18   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Key	 performance	 drivers	 for	 our	 financial	 results	 include	 commodity	 prices,	 quality	 and	 location	 price	 differentials,	 refining	

crack	 spreads	 as	 well	 as	 the	 U.S./Canadian	 dollar	 and	 Chinese	 Yuan	 (“RMB”)/Canadian	 dollar	 exchange	 rates.	 The	 following	

table	shows	selected	market	benchmark	prices	and	average	exchange	rates	to	assist	in	understanding	our	financial	results.

Selected	Benchmark	Prices	and	Exchange	Rates	(1)

(Average	US$/bbl,	unless	otherwise	indicated)

Q4	2022

Q4	2021

Percent	

Change

Dated	Brent

WTI

Differential	Dated	Brent-WTI

WCS	at	Hardisty

Differential	WTI-WCS

WCS	(C$/bbl)

WCS	at	Nederland

Differential	WTI-WCS	at	Nederland

Condensate	(C5	@	Edmonton)

Differential	WTI-Condensate	(Premium)/Discount

Differential	WCS-Condensate	(Premium)/Discount

Average	(C$/bbl)

Synthetic	@	Edmonton

Refined	Product	Prices

Differential	WTI-Synthetic	(Premium)/Discount	

Chicago	Regular	Unleaded	Gasoline	(“RUL”)

Chicago	Ultra-low	Sulphur	Diesel	(“ULSD”)

Refining	Benchmarks

Chicago	3-2-1	Crack	Spread	(2)

Group	3	3-2-1	Crack	Spread	(2)

Renewable	Identification	Numbers	(“RINs”)

Natural	Gas	Prices

AECO	(C$/Mcf)

NYMEX	(US$/Mcf)

Foreign	Exchange	Rates

US$	per	C$1	-	Average

US$	per	C$1	-	End	of	Period

RMB	per	C$1	-	Average

2022

101.19	

94.23	

6.96	

76.01	

18.22	

98.51	

85.77	

8.46	

93.78	

0.45	

(17.77)	

121.78	

98.66	

(4.43)	

120.63	

143.85	

34.15	

33.21	

7.72	

5.56	

6.64	

0.769	

0.738	

5.170	

	43	

	39	

	147	

	39	

	40	

	43	

	34	

	121	

	38	

N/A

	(33)	

	42	

	49	

N/A

	42	

	67	

	95	

	86	

	14	

	56	

	73	

	(4)	

	(6)	

	—	

2021

70.73	

67.91	

2.82	

54.87	

13.04	

68.73	

64.09	

3.82	

68.20	

(0.29)	

(13.33)	

85.47	

66.28	

1.63	

85.07	

86.37	

17.54	

17.82	

6.76	

3.56	

3.84	

0.798	

0.789	

5.147	

2020

41.67	

39.40	

2.27	

26.80	

12.60	

35.59	

35.86	

3.54	

37.16	

2.24	

(10.36)	

49.44	

36.25	

3.15	

7.54	

8.67	

2.48	

2.24	

2.08	

0.746	

0.785	

5.147

88.71	

82.65	

6.06	

56.99	

25.66	

77.42	

67.65	

15.00	

83.40	

(0.75)	

(26.41)	

113.25	

86.79	

(4.14)	

32.87	

29.99	

8.54	

5.58	

6.26	

0.737	

0.738	

5.241	

45.24	

50.08	

102.80	

140.95	

79.73	

77.19	

2.54	

62.55	

14.64	

78.71	

71.62	

5.57	

79.13	

(1.94)	

(16.58)	

99.64	

75.40	

1.79	

91.84	

96.53	

16.06	

15.82	

6.11	

4.94	

5.83	

0.794

0.789

5.073

(1)

These	benchmark	prices	are	not	our	realized	sales	prices	and	represent	approximate	values.	For	our	average	realized	sales	prices	and	realized	risk	management	

results,	refer	to	the	Netback	tables	in	the	Reportable	Segments	section	of	this	MD&A.

(2)

The	average	3-2-1	crack	spread	is	an	indicator	of	the	refining	margin	and	is	valued	on	a	last	in,	first	out	accounting	basis.

Crude	Oil	and	Condensate	Benchmarks

In	2022,	global	crude	oil	prices	improved	significantly	compared	to	2021.	Prices	rose	steadily	through	2021	and	during	the	first	

half	 of	 2022	 as	 global	 supply	 and	 demand	 balances	 remained	 tight,	 while	 inventories	 were	 low.	 Demand	 for	 crude	 oil	 and	

refined	 products	 continued	 to	 grow	 towards	 pre-pandemic	 levels	 despite	 macroeconomic	 challenges,	 weakness	 in	 Chinese	

consumption	 due	 to	 COVID-19	 lockdowns,	 and	 geopolitical	 uncertainty	 around	 Russia’s	 invasion	 of	 Ukraine.	 Crude	 oil	 supply	

grew	considerably	in	2022	but	struggled	to	match	growing	demand,	with	nearly	all	short-term	supply	sources	accessed	to	meet	

demand,	including	unprecedented	releases	of	U.S.	government	strategic	petroleum	reserves	(“SPRs”).	Global	spare	production	

capacity	remains	low.	

WTI	is	an	important	benchmark	for	Canadian	crude	oil	since	it	reflects	inland	North	American	crude	oil	prices	and	the	Canadian	

dollar	equivalent	is	the	basis	for	determining	royalty	rates	for	a	number	of	our	crude	oil	properties.

The	 price	 received	 for	 our	 Atlantic	 crude	 oil	 and	 Asia	 Pacific	 NGLs	 is	 primarily	 driven	 by	 the	 price	 of	 Brent.	 The	 Brent-WTI	

differential	widened	compared	with	2021	due	to	higher	shipping	costs	and	supply	disruptions	as	a	result	of	Russia’s	invasion	of	

Ukraine.	

(net	wells)

Conventional

Drilled

Completed

Tied-in

Drilled

Completed

Tied-in

Drilled

Completed

Tied-in

31	

35	

36	

27	

19	

18	

6	

1	

3	

2022

2021

2020

In	the	Offshore	segment,	we	drilled	and	completed	nine	(3.6	net)	planned	development	wells	at	the	MBH,	MDA	and	MAC	fields	

in	 Indonesia	 in	 2022	 (2021	 —	 drilled	 one	 exploration	 well	 in	 China).	 We	 achieved	 first	 gas	 production	 at	 the	 MBH	 and	 MDA	

Future	 Capital	 Investment	 is	 a	 specified	 financial	 measure.	 See the Advisory.	Our 2023 guidance dated December 5, 2022,	

fields	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.	

Future	Capital	Investment

is	available	on	our	website	at	cenovus.com. 

The	following	table	shows	guidance	for	2023:

Upstream

Oil	Sands	

Conventional

Offshore

Downstream

Corporate	and	Eliminations

Capital	Investment	

Production	

Crude	Throughput

($	millions)

(MBOE/d)

(Mbbls/d)

2,200	-	2,400

350	-	450

600	-	700

800	-	900

40	-	50

582	-	642

125	-	140

65	-	78

610	-	660

2023	 guidance	 for	 total	 capital	 investment	 is	 between	 $4.0	 billion	 and	 $4.5	 billion.	 This	 includes	 sustaining	 capital	 of	

approximately	$2.8	billion,	and	between	$1.2	billion	and	$1.7	billion	in	optimization	and	growth	capital.	

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Sustaining	capital	is	mainly	related	to:

Investment	in	the	Oil	Sands	segment.

Safety	and	reliability	initiatives	in	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.

The	planned	restart	of	the	Superior	Refinery.

Offsetting	natural	declines	and	optimizing	gas	handling	infrastructure	in	the	Conventional	segment.

Optimization	 and	 growth	 capital	 including	 downstream	 initiatives	 that	 will	 further	 mitigate	 the	 Company’s	 exposure	 to	 light-

heavy	differentials.	Optimization	and	growth	capital	is	mainly	related	to:

Construction	of	the	West	White	Rose	project	and	the	completion	of	the	Terra	Nova	ALE	project.

Progressing	the	Narrows	Lake	tie-back	to	Christina	Lake.

Continued	optimization	of	Foster	Creek	and	the	Lloydminster	thermal	projects.

Application	of	Cenovus’s	operating	model	at	Sunrise.

• Margin	expansion	and	debottlenecking	opportunities	in	our	downstream	assets,	which	include	feedstock	replacement

at	the	Lloydminster	Refinery	as	part	of	the	Company’s	Rewire	Alberta	initiative.

Increasing	heavy	crude	oil	conversion	capacity	and	distillate	output	at	the	Wood	River	and	Borger	refineries.	

Further	information	on	the	changes	in	our	financial	and	operating	results	can	be	found	in	the	Reportable	Segments	section	of	

this	MD&A.	Information	on	our	risk	management	activities	can	be	found	in	the	Risk	Management	and	Risk	Factors	section	of	

this	MD&A	and	in	the	notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Stratigraphic	 test	 wells	 were	 drilled	 to	 help	 identify	 well	 pad	 locations	 for	 sustaining	 wells	 and	 to	 further	 progress	 the	

evaluation	of	other	assets.	Observation	wells	were	drilled	to	gather	information	and	monitor	reservoir	conditions.

COMMODITY	PRICES	UNDERLYING	OUR	FINANCIAL	RESULTS

Key	 performance	 drivers	 for	 our	 financial	 results	 include	 commodity	 prices,	 quality	 and	 location	 price	 differentials,	 refining	
crack	 spreads	 as	 well	 as	 the	 U.S./Canadian	 dollar	 and	 Chinese	 Yuan	 (“RMB”)/Canadian	 dollar	 exchange	 rates.	 The	 following	
table	shows	selected	market	benchmark	prices	and	average	exchange	rates	to	assist	in	understanding	our	financial	results.

Selected	Benchmark	Prices	and	Exchange	Rates	(1)

(Average	US$/bbl,	unless	otherwise	indicated)

Dated	Brent

WTI

Differential	Dated	Brent-WTI

WCS	at	Hardisty

Differential	WTI-WCS

WCS	(C$/bbl)

WCS	at	Nederland

Differential	WTI-WCS	at	Nederland

Condensate	(C5	@	Edmonton)

Differential	WTI-Condensate	(Premium)/Discount

Differential	WCS-Condensate	(Premium)/Discount

Average	(C$/bbl)

Synthetic	@	Edmonton

Differential	WTI-Synthetic	(Premium)/Discount	

Refined	Product	Prices

Chicago	Regular	Unleaded	Gasoline	(“RUL”)
Chicago	Ultra-low	Sulphur	Diesel	(“ULSD”)

Refining	Benchmarks

Chicago	3-2-1	Crack	Spread	(2)
Group	3	3-2-1	Crack	Spread	(2)
Renewable	Identification	Numbers	(“RINs”)

Natural	Gas	Prices

AECO	(C$/Mcf)

NYMEX	(US$/Mcf)

Foreign	Exchange	Rates

US$	per	C$1	-	Average

US$	per	C$1	-	End	of	Period

RMB	per	C$1	-	Average

2022

101.19	

94.23	

6.96	

76.01	

18.22	

98.51	

85.77	

8.46	

93.78	

0.45	

(17.77)	

121.78	

98.66	

(4.43)	

120.63	

143.85	

34.15	

33.21	

7.72	

5.56	

6.64	

0.769	

0.738	

5.170	

Percent	
Change
	43	

	39	

	147	

	39	

	40	

	43	

	34	

	121	

	38	

N/A

	(33)	

	42	

	49	

N/A

	42	

	67	

	95	

	86	

	14	

	56	

	73	

	(4)	

	(6)	

	—	

2021

70.73	

67.91	

2.82	

54.87	

13.04	

68.73	

64.09	

3.82	

68.20	

(0.29)	

(13.33)	

85.47	

66.28	

1.63	

85.07	

86.37	

17.54	

17.82	

6.76	

3.56	

3.84	

0.798	

0.789	

5.147	

Q4	2022

Q4	2021

2020

41.67	

39.40	

2.27	

26.80	

12.60	

35.59	

35.86	

3.54	

37.16	

2.24	

(10.36)	

49.44	

36.25	

3.15	

88.71	

82.65	

6.06	

56.99	

25.66	

77.42	

67.65	

15.00	

83.40	

(0.75)	

(26.41)	

113.25	

86.79	

(4.14)	

45.24	

50.08	

102.80	

140.95	

7.54	

8.67	

2.48	

2.24	

2.08	

0.746	

0.785	

5.147

32.87	

29.99	

8.54	

5.58	

6.26	

0.737	

0.738	

5.241	

79.73	

77.19	

2.54	

62.55	

14.64	

78.71	

71.62	

5.57	

79.13	

(1.94)	

(16.58)	

99.64	

75.40	

1.79	

91.84	

96.53	

16.06	

15.82	

6.11	

4.94	

5.83	

0.794

0.789

5.073

(1)

(2)

These	benchmark	prices	are	not	our	realized	sales	prices	and	represent	approximate	values.	For	our	average	realized	sales	prices	and	realized	risk	management	
results,	refer	to	the	Netback	tables	in	the	Reportable	Segments	section	of	this	MD&A.
The	average	3-2-1	crack	spread	is	an	indicator	of	the	refining	margin	and	is	valued	on	a	last	in,	first	out	accounting	basis.

Crude	Oil	and	Condensate	Benchmarks

In	2022,	global	crude	oil	prices	improved	significantly	compared	to	2021.	Prices	rose	steadily	through	2021	and	during	the	first	
half	 of	 2022	 as	 global	 supply	 and	 demand	 balances	 remained	 tight,	 while	 inventories	 were	 low.	 Demand	 for	 crude	 oil	 and	
refined	 products	 continued	 to	 grow	 towards	 pre-pandemic	 levels	 despite	 macroeconomic	 challenges,	 weakness	 in	 Chinese	
consumption	 due	 to	 COVID-19	 lockdowns,	 and	 geopolitical	 uncertainty	 around	 Russia’s	 invasion	 of	 Ukraine.	 Crude	 oil	 supply	
grew	considerably	in	2022	but	struggled	to	match	growing	demand,	with	nearly	all	short-term	supply	sources	accessed	to	meet	
demand,	including	unprecedented	releases	of	U.S.	government	strategic	petroleum	reserves	(“SPRs”).	Global	spare	production	
capacity	remains	low.	

WTI	is	an	important	benchmark	for	Canadian	crude	oil	since	it	reflects	inland	North	American	crude	oil	prices	and	the	Canadian	
dollar	equivalent	is	the	basis	for	determining	royalty	rates	for	a	number	of	our	crude	oil	properties.

The	 price	 received	 for	 our	 Atlantic	 crude	 oil	 and	 Asia	 Pacific	 NGLs	 is	 primarily	 driven	 by	 the	 price	 of	 Brent.	 The	 Brent-WTI	
differential	widened	compared	with	2021	due	to	higher	shipping	costs	and	supply	disruptions	as	a	result	of	Russia’s	invasion	of	
Ukraine.	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   19

WCS	 is	 a	 blended	 heavy	 oil	 which	 consists	 of	 both	 conventional	 heavy	 oil	 and	 unconventional	 diluted	 bitumen.	 The	 WCS	 at	
Hardisty	differential	to	WTI	is	a	function	of	the	quality	differential	of	light	and	heavy	crude	and	the	cost	of	transport.	In	2022,	
the	average	WTI-WCS	differential	at	 Hardisty	widened	compared	 to	 2021,	 primarily	 due	 to	 a	 wider	 quality	 differential	 at	the	
U.S.	Gulf	Coast	(“USGC”)	outlined	below,	as	well	as	higher	production	activity	in	Western	Canada.

WCS	 at	 Nederland	 is	 a	 heavy	 oil	 benchmark	 for	 sales	 of	 our	 product	 at	 the	 USGC.	 The	 WTI-WCS	 at	 Nederland	 differential	 is	
representative	 of	 the	 heavy	 oil	 quality	 discount	 and	 is	 influenced	 by	 global	 heavy	 oil	 refining	 capacity	 and	 global	 heavy	 oil	
supply.	 The	 WTI-WCS	 at	 Nederland	 differential	 widened	 significantly	 compared	 with	 2021,	 particularly	 in	 the	 second	 half	 of	
2022.	 It	 is	 mainly	 attributed	 to	 reduced	 demand	 due	 to	 planned	 and	 unplanned	 refinery	 maintenance,	 high	 global	 refining	
utilization,	volatile	refined	product	pricing	and	increased	supply	due	to	some	incremental	medium	and	heavy	oil	barrels	into	the	
market	from	OPEC+,	and	from	the	release	of	volume	from	SPRs	in	the	U.S.

In	Canada,	we	upgrade	heavy	crude	oil	and	bitumen	into	a	sweet	synthetic	crude	oil,	the	Husky	Synthetic	Blend	(“HSB”),	at	the	
Lloydminster	 Upgrader.	 The	 price	 realized	 for	 HSB	 is	 primarily	 driven	 by	 the	 price	 of	 WTI	 and	 by	 the	 supply	 and	 demand	 of	
sweet	synthetic	crude	oil	from	Western	Canada,	which	influences	the	WTI-Synthetic	differential.	

Synthetic	 crude	 at	 Edmonton	 strengthened	 significantly	 in	 2022	 compared	 with	 2021	 as	 a	 result	 of	 widespread	 upgrader	
maintenance	in	Western	Canada	and	strong	refinery	demand	for	light	crude	oil.	In	2022,	the	WTI-Synthetic	differential	was	at	a	
premium	 compared	 with	 a	 discount	 in	 2021	 as	 synthetic	 crudes	 continue	 to	 be	 supported	 by	 strong	 demand	 for	 refined	
products.

Average	Chicago	refined	product	prices	increased	significantly	in	2022	compared	with	2021.	While	gasoline	prices	strengthened	

year-over-year,	the	increase	in	market	crack	spreads	were	primarily	driven	by	a	substantial	rise	in	distillate	prices.	The	strength	

in	market	crack	spreads	and	refined	product	prices	has	also	been	driven	by	refinery	rationalization	since	the	beginning	of	the	

pandemic,	 leading	 to	 high	 refinery	 utilization	 globally,	 combined	 with	 low	 global	 inventories	 of	 refined	 products.	 RINs	 costs	

remain	high	as	a	result	of	a	tight	biofuel	market,	rising	feedstock	prices	and	uncertainty	around	policies	that	drive	RINs	demand.	

North	American	refining	crack	spreads	are	expressed	on	a	WTI	basis,	while	refined	products	are	generally	set	by	global	prices.	

The	strength	of	refining	market	crack	spreads	in	the	U.S.	Midwest	and	Midcontinent	generally	reflects	the	differential	between	

Brent	and	WTI	benchmark	prices.

Our	realized	crack	spreads	are	affected	by	many	other	factors	such	as	the	variety	of	crude	oil	feedstock;	refinery	configuration	

and	product	output;	where	feedstocks	are	acquired	and	the	time	lag	between	the	purchase	and	delivery	of	crude	oil	feedstock;	

and	 the	 cost	 of	 feedstock,	 which	 is	 valued	 on	 a	 first	 in,	 first	 out	 (“FIFO”)	 accounting	 basis.	The	 market	 crack	 spreads	 do	 not	

precisely	mirror	the	configuration	and	product	output	of	our	refineries,	however	they	are	used	as	a	general	market	indicator.

Blending	condensate	with	bitumen	enables	our	production	to	be	transported	through	pipelines.	Our	blending	ratios,	calculated	
as	diluent	volumes	as	a	percentage	of	total	blended	volumes,	range	from	approximately	22	percent	to	35	percent.	The	WCS-
Condensate	 differential	 is	 an	 important	 benchmark	 as	 a	 wider	 differential	 generally	 results	 in	 a	 decrease	 in	 the	 recovery	 of	
condensate	 costs	 when	 selling	 a	 barrel	 of	 blended	 crude	 oil.	 When	 the	 supply	 of	 condensate	 in	 Alberta	 does	 not	 meet	 the	
demand,	Edmonton	condensate	prices	may	be	driven	by	USGC	condensate	prices	plus	the	cost	to	transport	the	condensate	to	
Edmonton.	Our	blending	costs	are	also	impacted	by	the	timing	of	purchases	and	deliveries	of	condensate	into	inventory	to	be	
available	for	use	in	blending	as	well	as	timing	of	sales	of	blended	product.

The	 average	 Edmonton	 condensate	 benchmark	 remained	 near	 parity	 with	 WTI	 in	 2022	 as	 Alberta	 demand	 for	 condensate	 is	
strong	and	supply	remains	tight.

Refining	Benchmarks

RUL	and	ULSD	benchmark	prices	are	representative	of	inland	refined	product	prices	and	are	used	to	derive	the	Chicago	3-2-1	
market	crack	spread.	The	3-2-1	market	crack	spread	is	an	indicator	of	the	refining	margin	generated	by	converting	three	barrels	
of	crude	oil	into	two	barrels	of	regular	unleaded	gasoline	and	one	barrel	of	ultra-low	sulphur	diesel	using	current	month	WTI-	
based	crude	oil	feedstock	prices	and	valued	on	a	last	in,	first	out	basis.

The	Chicago	3-2-1	market	crack	spread	reflects	the	market	for	our	Toledo,	Lima	and	Wood	River	refineries.	The	Group	3	3-2-1	
market	crack	spread	reflects	the	market	for	the	Borger	Refinery.

20   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

(1)

There	are	no	forward	prices	for	RINs.	

Natural	Gas	Benchmarks

Average	 NYMEX	 natural	 gas	 prices	 increased	 significantly	 in	 2022,	 compared	 with	 2021,	 due	 to	 a	 rebound	 in	 U.S.	 domestic	

demand	and	high	liquified	natural	gas	exports,	coupled	with	a	muted	supply	response	and	strong	global	pricing	amid	Russian	

supply	concerns.	Average	AECO	prices	also	increased	significantly	in	2022	compared	with	2021	along	with	NYMEX	prices,	but	

the	 differentials	 between	 AECO	 and	 NYMEX	 widened	 slightly	 due	 to	 higher	 Western	 Canadian	 production	 as	 well	 as	 planned	

and	unplanned	pipeline	maintenance	limiting	egress	at	points	during	2022.	The	price	received	for	our	Asia	Pacific	natural	gas	

production	is	largely	based	on	long-term	contracts.

Foreign	Exchange	Benchmarks

Our	 revenues	 are	 subject	 to	 foreign	 exchange	 exposure	 as	 the	 sales	 prices	 of	 our	 crude	 oil,	 NGLs,	 natural	 gas	 and	 refined	

products	are	determined	by	reference	to	U.S.	benchmark	prices.	An	increase	in	the	value	of	the	Canadian	dollar	compared	with	

the	U.S.	dollar	has	a	negative	impact	on	our	reported	revenue.	In	addition	to	our	revenues	being	denominated	in	U.S.	dollars,	a	

significant	portion	of	our	long-term	debt	is	also	U.S.	dollar	denominated.	As	the	Canadian	dollar	weakens,	our	U.S.	dollar	debt	

gives	rise	to	unrealized	foreign	exchange	losses	when	translated	to	Canadian	dollars.	In	addition,	changes	in	foreign	exchange	

rates	impact	the	translation	of	our	U.S.	and	Asia	Pacific	operations.

In	 2022,	 the	 Canadian	 dollar	 on	 average	 weakened	 relative	 to	 the	 U.S.	 dollar	 compared	 with	 2021,	 positively	 impacting	 our	

revenues	 year-over-year.	 The	 Canadian	 dollar	 weakened	 relative	 to	 the	 U.S.	 dollar	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 compared	 with	

December	31,	2021,	resulting	in	unrealized	foreign	exchange	losses	of	$365	million	on	the	translation	of	our	U.S.	dollar	debt	

into	Canadian	dollars.

revenues	year-over-year.

A	portion	of	our	long-term	sales	contracts	in	the	Asia	Pacific	are	priced	in	RMB.	An	increase	in	the	value	of	the	Canadian	dollar	

relative	to	the	RMB	will	decrease	the	revenues	received	in	Canadian	dollars	from	the	sale	of	natural	gas	commodities	in	the	

region.	 In	 2022,	 the	 Canadian	 dollar	 on	 average	 was	 relatively	 flat	 compared	 with	 RMB,	 resulting	 in	 minimal	 impact	 on	 our	

WCS	 is	 a	 blended	 heavy	 oil	 which	 consists	 of	 both	 conventional	 heavy	 oil	 and	 unconventional	 diluted	 bitumen.	 The	 WCS	 at	

Hardisty	differential	to	WTI	is	a	function	of	the	quality	differential	of	light	and	heavy	crude	and	the	cost	of	transport.	In	2022,	

the	 average	 WTI-WCS	differential	at	Hardisty	widened	compared	 to	 2021,	 primarily	 due	 to	 a	 wider	 quality	 differential	 at	the	

U.S.	Gulf	Coast	(“USGC”)	outlined	below,	as	well	as	higher	production	activity	in	Western	Canada.

WCS	 at	 Nederland	 is	 a	 heavy	 oil	 benchmark	 for	 sales	 of	 our	 product	 at	 the	 USGC.	 The	 WTI-WCS	 at	 Nederland	 differential	 is	

representative	 of	 the	 heavy	 oil	 quality	 discount	 and	 is	 influenced	 by	 global	 heavy	 oil	 refining	 capacity	 and	 global	 heavy	 oil	

supply.	 The	 WTI-WCS	 at	 Nederland	 differential	 widened	 significantly	 compared	 with	 2021,	 particularly	 in	 the	 second	 half	 of	

2022.	 It	 is	 mainly	 attributed	 to	 reduced	 demand	 due	 to	 planned	 and	 unplanned	 refinery	 maintenance,	 high	 global	 refining	

utilization,	volatile	refined	product	pricing	and	increased	supply	due	to	some	incremental	medium	and	heavy	oil	barrels	into	the	

market	from	OPEC+,	and	from	the	release	of	volume	from	SPRs	in	the	U.S.

In	Canada,	we	upgrade	heavy	crude	oil	and	bitumen	into	a	sweet	synthetic	crude	oil,	the	Husky	Synthetic	Blend	(“HSB”),	at	the	

Lloydminster	 Upgrader.	 The	 price	 realized	 for	 HSB	 is	 primarily	 driven	 by	 the	 price	 of	 WTI	 and	 by	 the	 supply	 and	 demand	 of	

sweet	synthetic	crude	oil	from	Western	Canada,	which	influences	the	WTI-Synthetic	differential.	

Synthetic	 crude	 at	 Edmonton	 strengthened	 significantly	 in	 2022	 compared	 with	 2021	 as	 a	 result	 of	 widespread	 upgrader	

maintenance	in	Western	Canada	and	strong	refinery	demand	for	light	crude	oil.	In	2022,	the	WTI-Synthetic	differential	was	at	a	

premium	 compared	 with	 a	 discount	 in	 2021	 as	 synthetic	 crudes	 continue	 to	 be	 supported	 by	 strong	 demand	 for	 refined	

products.

Average	Chicago	refined	product	prices	increased	significantly	in	2022	compared	with	2021.	While	gasoline	prices	strengthened	
year-over-year,	the	increase	in	market	crack	spreads	were	primarily	driven	by	a	substantial	rise	in	distillate	prices.	The	strength	
in	market	crack	spreads	and	refined	product	prices	has	also	been	driven	by	refinery	rationalization	since	the	beginning	of	the	
pandemic,	 leading	 to	 high	 refinery	 utilization	 globally,	 combined	 with	 low	 global	 inventories	 of	 refined	 products.	 RINs	 costs	
remain	high	as	a	result	of	a	tight	biofuel	market,	rising	feedstock	prices	and	uncertainty	around	policies	that	drive	RINs	demand.	

North	American	refining	crack	spreads	are	expressed	on	a	WTI	basis,	while	refined	products	are	generally	set	by	global	prices.	
The	strength	of	refining	market	crack	spreads	in	the	U.S.	Midwest	and	Midcontinent	generally	reflects	the	differential	between	
Brent	and	WTI	benchmark	prices.

Our	realized	crack	spreads	are	affected	by	many	other	factors	such	as	the	variety	of	crude	oil	feedstock;	refinery	configuration	
and	product	output;	where	feedstocks	are	acquired	and	the	time	lag	between	the	purchase	and	delivery	of	crude	oil	feedstock;	
and	 the	 cost	 of	 feedstock,	 which	 is	 valued	 on	 a	 first	 in,	 first	 out	 (“FIFO”)	 accounting	 basis.	The	 market	 crack	 spreads	 do	 not	
precisely	mirror	the	configuration	and	product	output	of	our	refineries,	however	they	are	used	as	a	general	market	indicator.

Blending	condensate	with	bitumen	enables	our	production	to	be	transported	through	pipelines.	Our	blending	ratios,	calculated	

as	diluent	volumes	as	a	percentage	of	total	blended	volumes,	range	from	approximately	22	percent	to	35	percent.	The	WCS-

Condensate	 differential	 is	 an	 important	 benchmark	 as	 a	 wider	 differential	 generally	 results	 in	 a	 decrease	 in	 the	 recovery	 of	

condensate	 costs	 when	 selling	 a	 barrel	 of	 blended	 crude	 oil.	 When	 the	 supply	 of	 condensate	 in	 Alberta	 does	 not	 meet	 the	

demand,	Edmonton	condensate	prices	may	be	driven	by	USGC	condensate	prices	plus	the	cost	to	transport	the	condensate	to	

Edmonton.	Our	blending	costs	are	also	impacted	by	the	timing	of	purchases	and	deliveries	of	condensate	into	inventory	to	be	

available	for	use	in	blending	as	well	as	timing	of	sales	of	blended	product.

The	 average	 Edmonton	 condensate	 benchmark	 remained	 near	 parity	 with	 WTI	 in	 2022	 as	 Alberta	 demand	 for	 condensate	 is	

strong	and	supply	remains	tight.

Refining	Benchmarks

RUL	and	ULSD	benchmark	prices	are	representative	of	inland	refined	product	prices	and	are	used	to	derive	the	Chicago	3-2-1	

market	crack	spread.	The	3-2-1	market	crack	spread	is	an	indicator	of	the	refining	margin	generated	by	converting	three	barrels	

of	crude	oil	into	two	barrels	of	regular	unleaded	gasoline	and	one	barrel	of	ultra-low	sulphur	diesel	using	current	month	WTI-	

based	crude	oil	feedstock	prices	and	valued	on	a	last	in,	first	out	basis.

The	Chicago	3-2-1	market	crack	spread	reflects	the	market	for	our	Toledo,	Lima	and	Wood	River	refineries.	The	Group	3	3-2-1	

market	crack	spread	reflects	the	market	for	the	Borger	Refinery.

(1)

There	are	no	forward	prices	for	RINs.	

Natural	Gas	Benchmarks

Average	 NYMEX	 natural	 gas	 prices	 increased	 significantly	 in	 2022,	 compared	 with	 2021,	 due	 to	 a	 rebound	 in	 U.S.	 domestic	
demand	and	high	liquified	natural	gas	exports,	coupled	with	a	muted	supply	response	and	strong	global	pricing	amid	Russian	
supply	concerns.	Average	AECO	prices	also	increased	significantly	in	2022	compared	with	2021	along	with	NYMEX	prices,	but	
the	 differentials	 between	 AECO	 and	 NYMEX	 widened	 slightly	 due	 to	 higher	 Western	 Canadian	 production	 as	 well	 as	 planned	
and	unplanned	pipeline	maintenance	limiting	egress	at	points	during	2022.	The	price	received	for	our	Asia	Pacific	natural	gas	
production	is	largely	based	on	long-term	contracts.

Foreign	Exchange	Benchmarks

Our	 revenues	 are	 subject	 to	 foreign	 exchange	 exposure	 as	 the	 sales	 prices	 of	 our	 crude	 oil,	 NGLs,	 natural	 gas	 and	 refined	
products	are	determined	by	reference	to	U.S.	benchmark	prices.	An	increase	in	the	value	of	the	Canadian	dollar	compared	with	
the	U.S.	dollar	has	a	negative	impact	on	our	reported	revenue.	In	addition	to	our	revenues	being	denominated	in	U.S.	dollars,	a	
significant	portion	of	our	long-term	debt	is	also	U.S.	dollar	denominated.	As	the	Canadian	dollar	weakens,	our	U.S.	dollar	debt	
gives	rise	to	unrealized	foreign	exchange	losses	when	translated	to	Canadian	dollars.	In	addition,	changes	in	foreign	exchange	
rates	impact	the	translation	of	our	U.S.	and	Asia	Pacific	operations.

In	 2022,	 the	 Canadian	 dollar	 on	 average	 weakened	 relative	 to	 the	 U.S.	 dollar	 compared	 with	 2021,	 positively	 impacting	 our	
revenues	 year-over-year.	 The	 Canadian	 dollar	 weakened	 relative	 to	 the	 U.S.	 dollar	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 compared	 with	
December	31,	2021,	resulting	in	unrealized	foreign	exchange	losses	of	$365	million	on	the	translation	of	our	U.S.	dollar	debt	
into	Canadian	dollars.

A	portion	of	our	long-term	sales	contracts	in	the	Asia	Pacific	are	priced	in	RMB.	An	increase	in	the	value	of	the	Canadian	dollar	
relative	to	the	RMB	will	decrease	the	revenues	received	in	Canadian	dollars	from	the	sale	of	natural	gas	commodities	in	the	
region.	 In	 2022,	 the	 Canadian	 dollar	 on	 average	 was	 relatively	 flat	 compared	 with	 RMB,	 resulting	 in	 minimal	 impact	 on	 our	
revenues	year-over-year.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   21

Interest	Rate	Benchmarks	

Our	 interest	 income,	 short-term	 borrowing	 costs,	 reported	 decommissioning	 liabilities	 and	 fair	 value	 measurements	 are	
impacted	by	fluctuations	in	interest	rates.	An	increase	in	interest	rates	could	increase	our	net	interest	expense	and	affect	how	
certain	liabilities	are	measured,	and	could	negatively	impact	our	cash	flow	and	financial	results.	

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Bank	 of	 Canada’s	 Policy	 Interest	 Rate	 was	 4.25	 percent,	 an	 increase	 from	 0.25	 percent	 on	
December	 31,	 2021,	 due	 to	 concerns	 over	 inflation.	 On	 January	 25,	 2023,	 the	 rate	 increased	 a	 further	 0.25	 percent	 to	
4.50	percent.	

OUTLOOK

COMMODITY	PRICE	OUTLOOK

Crude	 oil	 prices	 improved	 significantly	 in	 2022,	 but	 waned	 in	 the	 second	 half	 of	 the	 year	 due	 to	 demand	 concerns	 amid	 a	
weakening	macroeconomic	environment	and	COVID-19	lockdowns	in	China.	The	geopolitical	premium	associated	with	Russian	
supply	uncertainty	also	faded	in	the	back	half	of	2022	as	Russian	exports	of	crude	oil	and	refined	products	remained	resilient.	
Crude	oil	price	trajectory	remains	uncertain	and	volatile	amid	a	market	with	unpredictable	key	drivers	and	government	policy	
playing	a	large	role	in	supply	and	demand	dynamics.	Policies	regarding	Russia,	Iran	and	Venezuela	are	among	key	factors	that	
will	drive	energy	supply	and	shifting	global	trade	patterns.	OPEC+	policy	will	continue	to	be	a	key	driver	of	crude	oil	prices	and	
the	recent	announcement	of	a	cut	to	the	group’s	production	quotas	is	supportive	of	pricing.

Overall,	we	expect	the	general	outlook	for	crude	oil	and	refined	product	prices	will	be	volatile	and	impacted	by	the	duration	and	
severity	of	the	ongoing	Russian	invasion	of	Ukraine,	the	extent	to	which	Russian	exports	are	reduced	by	sanctions,	the	timing	
and	 ability	 of	 producers	 and	 governments	 to	 replace	 reduced	 supply,	 the	 refilling	 or	 release	 of	 SPRs	 and	 OPEC+	 policy.	 In	
addition,	 potential	 incremental	 COVID-19	 outbreaks	 and	 variants,	 weakening	 global	 economic	 activity,	 inflation	 and	 rising	
interest	rates,	and	the	potential	for	a	recession	remain	a	risk	to	the	pace	of	demand	growth.

In	addition	to	the	above,	our	commodity	pricing	outlook	for	the	next	12	months	is	influenced	by	the	following:

• We	 expect	 that	 the	 WTI-WCS	 differential	 will	 remain	 largely	 tied	 to	 global	 supply	 factors	 and	 heavy	 crude	 oil

processing	capacity	as	long	as	supply	stays	within	Canadian	crude	oil	export	capacity.

• We	expect	market	crack	spreads	will	remain	volatile.	Economic	effects	of	the	ongoing	Russian	invasion	of	Ukraine	and
central	bank	policies	could	impact	demand.	Refining	market	crack	spreads	are	likely	to	continue	to	fluctuate,	adjusting
for	seasonal	trends	and	refinery	utilization	in	North	America.

• We	expect	both	NYMEX	and	AECO	prices	to	remain	strong	but	increasing	supply	and	limited	LNG	export	capacity	from

North	America	will	put	downward	pressure	on	prices.	Prices	will	continue	to	be	impacted	by	weather.

• We	 expect	 the	 Canadian	 dollar	 to	 continue	 to	 be	 impacted	 by	 crude	 oil	 prices,	 the	 pace	 at	 which	 the	 U.S.	 Federal
Reserve	Board	and	the	Bank	of	Canada	raise	or	lower	benchmark	lending	rates	relative	to	each	other	and	emerging
macro-economic	factors.

Most	of	our	upstream	crude	oil	and	downstream	refined	products	production	are	exposed	to	movements	in	the	WTI	crude	oil	
price.	Natural	gas	and	NGLs	production	associated	with	our	Conventional	operations	provide	economic	integration	for	the	fuel,	
solvent	and	blending	requirements	at	our	Oil	Sands	operations.	

Our	refining	capacity	is	focused	in	the	U.S.	Midwest	along	with	smaller	exposures	in	the	USGC	and	Alberta,	exposing	Cenovus	to	
the	market	crack	spreads	in	all	of	these	markets.	We	will	continue	to	monitor	market	fundamentals	and	optimize	run	rates	at	
our	refineries	accordingly.

22   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Our	exposure	to	crude	differentials	includes	light-heavy	and	light-medium	price	differentials.	The	light-medium	price	differential	

exposure	 is	 focused	 on	 light-medium	 crudes	 in	 the	 U.S.	 Midwest	 market	 region	 where	 we	 have	 the	 majority	 of	 our	 refining	

capacity,	and	to	a	lesser	degree	in	the	USGC	and	Alberta.	Our	exposure	to	light-heavy	crude	oil	price	differentials	is	composed	

of	a	global	light-heavy	component,	a	regional	component	in	markets	we	transport	barrels	to,	as	well	as	the	Alberta	differentials,	

which	could	be	subject	to	transportation	constraints.	While	we	expect	to	see	volatility	in	crude	oil	prices,	we	have	the	ability	to	

partially	mitigate	the	impact	of	crude	oil	and	refined	product	differentials	through	the	following:

Transportation	commitments	and	arrangements	–	using	our	existing	firm	service	commitments	for	takeaway	capacity

and	 supporting	 transportation	 projects	 that	 move	 crude	 oil	 from	 our	 production	 areas	 to	 consuming	 markets,

including	tidewater	markets.

Integration	–	heavy	oil	refining	capacity	allows	us	to	capture	value	from	both	the	WTI-WCS	differential	for	Canadian

crude	oil	as	well	as	from	spreads	on	refined	products.

Dynamic	storage	–	our	ability	to	use	the	significant	storage	capacity	in	our	oil	sands	reservoirs	provides	us	flexibility	on

timing	 of	 production	 and	 sales	 of	 our	 inventory.	 We	 will	 continue	 to	 manage	 our	 production	 rates	 in	 response	 to

pipeline	capacity	constraints,	voluntary	and	mandated	production	curtailments	and	crude	oil	price	differentials.

Traditional	crude	oil	storage	tanks	in	various	geographic	locations.

•

•

•

•

All	WTI	contracts	related	to	our	crude	oil	sales	price	risk	management	activities	closed	by	June	30,	2022.	We	continue	to	use	

financial	instruments	to	mitigate	our	exposure	to	the	prices	of	various	commodities,	including	some	WTI	contracts	for	exposure	

management	unrelated	to	crude	oil	sales	price	risk	management;	and	contracts	for	management	of	price	exposures	associated	

with	crude	oil,	crude	oil	differentials,	condensate,	natural	gas	liquids,	refined	products,	refining	margins,	natural	gas,	electricity	

At	Cenovus,	our	purpose	is	to	energize	the	world	to	make	people’s	lives	better.	Our	strategy	continues	to	focus	on	maximizing	

shareholder	value	through	competitive	cost	structures	and	optimizing	margins	while	delivering	top-tier	safety	performance	and	

sustainability	leadership.	We	prioritize	Free	Funds	Flow	generation	that	enables	debt	reduction,	shareholder	returns	through	a	

combination	of	base	dividend	growth	and	flexible	return	mechanisms,	reinvestment	in	the	business	and	diversification	of	our	

and	renewable	power	contracts.	

KEY	PRIORITIES	FOR	2023

portfolio.	

Our	2023	priorities	will	focus	on:

Top	Tier	Safety	and	Operational	Performance

Safe	and	reliable	operations	are	our	number	one	priority.	We	strive	to	ensure	safe	and	reliable	operations	across	our	portfolio,	

including	top-tier	health	and	safety	performance.	

We	will	continue	to	target	improved	downstream	operating	performance,	including	the	safe	return	of	the	Superior	Refinery	to	

full	 operations	 and,	 following	 the	 close	 of	 the	 Toledo	 Acquisition,	 integration	 of	 the	 Toledo	 Refinery	 with	 a	 focus	 on	

demonstrating	consistent	and	reliable	performance	at	our	operated	assets.

Sustainability	has	always	 been	deeply	 engrained	in	 Cenovus’s	 culture.	 We	have	established	ambitious	targets	in	our	 five	ESG	

focus	areas	and	continue	to	progress	tangible	plans	to	meet	these	targets.	Our	five	ESG	focus	areas	are:

Sustainability	Leadership	

Climate	&	GHG	Emissions.

• Water	Stewardship.

Biodiversity.

Indigenous	reconciliation.

Inclusion	&	diversity.

•

•

•

•

Cost	Leadership

Additional	information	on	management’s	efforts	and	performance	across	ESG	focus	areas,	including	our	ESG	targets	and	plans	

to	achieve	them,	are	available	in	Cenovus’s	2021	ESG	report	on	our	website	at	cenovus.com.

We	aim	to	maximize	shareholder	value	through	competitive	cost	structures	and	optimized	margins.	While	we	strive	to	optimize	

our	cost	structure	in	all	areas	of	our	business,	one	of	our	focus	areas	will	be	to	optimize	infrastructure,	reduce	operating	and	

capital	costs,	and	reduce	GHG	emissions	at	our	conventional	assets.	

Financial	Discipline	and	Free	Funds	Flow	Growth

We	are	focused	on	achieving	and	maintaining	targeted	debt	levels	while	positioning	Cenovus	for	resiliency	through	commodity	

price	cycles.	We	plan	to	continue	to	deliver	meaningful	returns	to	shareholders	in	alignment	with	our	financial	and	shareholder	

returns	framework.

Interest	Rate	Benchmarks	

Our	 interest	 income,	 short-term	 borrowing	 costs,	 reported	 decommissioning	 liabilities	 and	 fair	 value	 measurements	 are	

impacted	by	fluctuations	in	interest	rates.	An	increase	in	interest	rates	could	increase	our	net	interest	expense	and	affect	how	

certain	liabilities	are	measured,	and	could	negatively	impact	our	cash	flow	and	financial	results.	

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Bank	 of	 Canada’s	 Policy	 Interest	 Rate	 was	 4.25	 percent,	 an	 increase	 from	 0.25	 percent	 on	

December	 31,	 2021,	 due	 to	 concerns	 over	 inflation.	 On	 January	 25,	 2023,	 the	 rate	 increased	 a	 further	 0.25	 percent	 to	

4.50	percent.	

OUTLOOK

COMMODITY	PRICE	OUTLOOK

Crude	 oil	 prices	 improved	 significantly	 in	 2022,	 but	 waned	 in	 the	 second	 half	 of	 the	 year	 due	 to	 demand	 concerns	 amid	 a	

weakening	macroeconomic	environment	and	COVID-19	lockdowns	in	China.	The	geopolitical	premium	associated	with	Russian	

supply	uncertainty	also	faded	in	the	back	half	of	2022	as	Russian	exports	of	crude	oil	and	refined	products	remained	resilient.	

Crude	oil	price	trajectory	remains	uncertain	and	volatile	amid	a	market	with	unpredictable	key	drivers	and	government	policy	

playing	a	large	role	in	supply	and	demand	dynamics.	Policies	regarding	Russia,	Iran	and	Venezuela	are	among	key	factors	that	

will	drive	energy	supply	and	shifting	global	trade	patterns.	OPEC+	policy	will	continue	to	be	a	key	driver	of	crude	oil	prices	and	

the	recent	announcement	of	a	cut	to	the	group’s	production	quotas	is	supportive	of	pricing.

Overall,	we	expect	the	general	outlook	for	crude	oil	and	refined	product	prices	will	be	volatile	and	impacted	by	the	duration	and	

severity	of	the	ongoing	Russian	invasion	of	Ukraine,	the	extent	to	which	Russian	exports	are	reduced	by	sanctions,	the	timing	

and	 ability	 of	 producers	 and	 governments	 to	 replace	 reduced	 supply,	 the	 refilling	 or	 release	 of	 SPRs	 and	 OPEC+	 policy.	 In	

addition,	 potential	 incremental	 COVID-19	 outbreaks	 and	 variants,	 weakening	 global	 economic	 activity,	 inflation	 and	 rising	

interest	rates,	and	the	potential	for	a	recession	remain	a	risk	to	the	pace	of	demand	growth.

In	addition	to	the	above,	our	commodity	pricing	outlook	for	the	next	12	months	is	influenced	by	the	following:

• We	 expect	 that	 the	 WTI-WCS	 differential	 will	 remain	 largely	 tied	 to	 global	 supply	 factors	 and	 heavy	 crude	 oil

processing	capacity	as	long	as	supply	stays	within	Canadian	crude	oil	export	capacity.

• We	expect	market	crack	spreads	will	remain	volatile.	Economic	effects	of	the	ongoing	Russian	invasion	of	Ukraine	and

central	bank	policies	could	impact	demand.	Refining	market	crack	spreads	are	likely	to	continue	to	fluctuate,	adjusting

for	seasonal	trends	and	refinery	utilization	in	North	America.

• We	expect	both	NYMEX	and	AECO	prices	to	remain	strong	but	increasing	supply	and	limited	LNG	export	capacity	from

North	America	will	put	downward	pressure	on	prices.	Prices	will	continue	to	be	impacted	by	weather.

• We	 expect	 the	 Canadian	 dollar	 to	 continue	 to	 be	 impacted	 by	 crude	 oil	 prices,	 the	 pace	 at	 which	 the	 U.S.	 Federal

Reserve	Board	and	the	Bank	of	Canada	raise	or	lower	benchmark	lending	rates	relative	to	each	other	and	emerging

macro-economic	factors.

Most	of	our	upstream	crude	oil	and	downstream	refined	products	production	are	exposed	to	movements	in	the	WTI	crude	oil	

price.	Natural	gas	and	NGLs	production	associated	with	our	Conventional	operations	provide	economic	integration	for	the	fuel,	

solvent	and	blending	requirements	at	our	Oil	Sands	operations.	

Our	refining	capacity	is	focused	in	the	U.S.	Midwest	along	with	smaller	exposures	in	the	USGC	and	Alberta,	exposing	Cenovus	to	

the	market	crack	spreads	in	all	of	these	markets.	We	will	continue	to	monitor	market	fundamentals	and	optimize	run	rates	at	

our	refineries	accordingly.

Our	exposure	to	crude	differentials	includes	light-heavy	and	light-medium	price	differentials.	The	light-medium	price	differential	
exposure	 is	 focused	 on	 light-medium	 crudes	 in	 the	 U.S.	 Midwest	 market	 region	 where	 we	 have	 the	 majority	 of	 our	 refining	
capacity,	and	to	a	lesser	degree	in	the	USGC	and	Alberta.	Our	exposure	to	light-heavy	crude	oil	price	differentials	is	composed	
of	a	global	light-heavy	component,	a	regional	component	in	markets	we	transport	barrels	to,	as	well	as	the	Alberta	differentials,	
which	could	be	subject	to	transportation	constraints.	While	we	expect	to	see	volatility	in	crude	oil	prices,	we	have	the	ability	to	
partially	mitigate	the	impact	of	crude	oil	and	refined	product	differentials	through	the	following:

•

•

•

•

Transportation	commitments	and	arrangements	–	using	our	existing	firm	service	commitments	for	takeaway	capacity
and	 supporting	 transportation	 projects	 that	 move	 crude	 oil	 from	 our	 production	 areas	 to	 consuming	 markets,
including	tidewater	markets.
Integration	–	heavy	oil	refining	capacity	allows	us	to	capture	value	from	both	the	WTI-WCS	differential	for	Canadian
crude	oil	as	well	as	from	spreads	on	refined	products.
Dynamic	storage	–	our	ability	to	use	the	significant	storage	capacity	in	our	oil	sands	reservoirs	provides	us	flexibility	on
timing	 of	 production	 and	 sales	 of	 our	 inventory.	 We	 will	 continue	 to	 manage	 our	 production	 rates	 in	 response	 to
pipeline	capacity	constraints,	voluntary	and	mandated	production	curtailments	and	crude	oil	price	differentials.
Traditional	crude	oil	storage	tanks	in	various	geographic	locations.

All	WTI	contracts	related	to	our	crude	oil	sales	price	risk	management	activities	closed	by	June	30,	2022.	We	continue	to	use	
financial	instruments	to	mitigate	our	exposure	to	the	prices	of	various	commodities,	including	some	WTI	contracts	for	exposure	
management	unrelated	to	crude	oil	sales	price	risk	management;	and	contracts	for	management	of	price	exposures	associated	
with	crude	oil,	crude	oil	differentials,	condensate,	natural	gas	liquids,	refined	products,	refining	margins,	natural	gas,	electricity	
and	renewable	power	contracts.	

KEY	PRIORITIES	FOR	2023

At	Cenovus,	our	purpose	is	to	energize	the	world	to	make	people’s	lives	better.	Our	strategy	continues	to	focus	on	maximizing	
shareholder	value	through	competitive	cost	structures	and	optimizing	margins	while	delivering	top-tier	safety	performance	and	
sustainability	leadership.	We	prioritize	Free	Funds	Flow	generation	that	enables	debt	reduction,	shareholder	returns	through	a	
combination	of	base	dividend	growth	and	flexible	return	mechanisms,	reinvestment	in	the	business	and	diversification	of	our	
portfolio.	

Our	2023	priorities	will	focus	on:

Top	Tier	Safety	and	Operational	Performance

Safe	and	reliable	operations	are	our	number	one	priority.	We	strive	to	ensure	safe	and	reliable	operations	across	our	portfolio,	
including	top-tier	health	and	safety	performance.	

We	will	continue	to	target	improved	downstream	operating	performance,	including	the	safe	return	of	the	Superior	Refinery	to	
full	 operations	 and,	 following	 the	 close	 of	 the	 Toledo	 Acquisition,	 integration	 of	 the	 Toledo	 Refinery	 with	 a	 focus	 on	
demonstrating	consistent	and	reliable	performance	at	our	operated	assets.

Sustainability	Leadership	

Sustainability	has	always	been	 deeply	engrained	in	 Cenovus’s	 culture.	We	 have	established	 ambitious	targets	 in	our	five	ESG	
focus	areas	and	continue	to	progress	tangible	plans	to	meet	these	targets.	Our	five	ESG	focus	areas	are:

Climate	&	GHG	Emissions.

•
• Water	Stewardship.
•
•
•

Biodiversity.
Indigenous	reconciliation.
Inclusion	&	diversity.

Additional	information	on	management’s	efforts	and	performance	across	ESG	focus	areas,	including	our	ESG	targets	and	plans	
to	achieve	them,	are	available	in	Cenovus’s	2021	ESG	report	on	our	website	at	cenovus.com.

Cost	Leadership

We	aim	to	maximize	shareholder	value	through	competitive	cost	structures	and	optimized	margins.	While	we	strive	to	optimize	
our	cost	structure	in	all	areas	of	our	business,	one	of	our	focus	areas	will	be	to	optimize	infrastructure,	reduce	operating	and	
capital	costs,	and	reduce	GHG	emissions	at	our	conventional	assets.	

Financial	Discipline	and	Free	Funds	Flow	Growth

We	are	focused	on	achieving	and	maintaining	targeted	debt	levels	while	positioning	Cenovus	for	resiliency	through	commodity	
price	cycles.	We	plan	to	continue	to	deliver	meaningful	returns	to	shareholders	in	alignment	with	our	financial	and	shareholder	
returns	framework.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   23

Returns-Focused	Capital	Allocation

We	 continue	 to	 take	 a	 disciplined	 approach	 to	 allocating	 capital	 to	 projects	 that	 generate	 returns	 at	 the	 bottom	 of	 the	
commodity	price	cycle	and	provide	opportunities	to	sustainably	grow	shareholder	returns.	

We	plan	to	materially	progress	the	West	White	Rose	project	while	remaining	on	track	to	deliver	first	oil	in	2026.

Operating	Margin	Variance	

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022

REPORTABLE	SEGMENTS

UPSTREAM

Oil	Sands

In	2022,	we:

•
•
•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Delivered	safe	and	reliable	operations.
Produced	586.6	thousand	barrels	of	crude	oil	per	day.
Generated	Operating	Margin	of	$9.0	billion,	an	increase	of	$2.6	billion	compared	with	2021	primarily	due	to	higher	average
realized	sales	prices.
Sold	our	Tucker	asset	for	net	proceeds	of	$730	million	on	January	31,	2022.	Crude	oil	production	at	the	time	of	sale	was
approximately	20	thousand	barrels	per	day.
Purchased	the	remaining	50	percent	interest	in	Sunrise	from	BP	Canada	on	August	31,	2022,	giving	Cenovus	full	ownership
and	further	enhancing	our	core	strength	in	oil	sands.	The	Sunrise	Acquisition	immediately	added	over	20	thousand	barrels
per	day	of	crude	oil	production,	and	more	than	offset	lost	production	from	the	sold	Tucker	asset.
Achieved	first	oil	at	our	Spruce	Lake	North	thermal	plant	in	September.	Production	averaged	approximately	12.0	thousand
barrels	per	day	in	the	fourth	quarter.
Received	regulatory	approval	in	December	2022	to	develop	the	Ipiatik	asset	in	the	Foster	Creek	area.	This	is	expected	to
provide	 future	 bitumen	 feedstock	 to	 the	 Foster	 Creek	 plant.	 Pad	 construction	 is	 expected	 to	 begin	 in	 2024	 and	 we
anticipate	first	steam	in	2029.
Invested	capital	of	$1.8	billion	primarily	on	sustaining	activities	at	Christina	Lake,	Foster	Creek,	the	Lloydminster	thermal
assets	and	Sunrise.
Achieved	a	Netback	of	$49.10	per	BOE.

Financial	Results

($	millions)

Revenues

Gross	Sales	
Less:	Royalties	

Expenses

Purchased	Product	
Transportation	and	Blending	
Operating	
Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Unrealized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management	

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Exploration	Expense

(Income)	Loss	from	Equity-Accounted	Affiliates

Segment	Income	(Loss)

2022

34,775	

4,493	

30,282	

4,810	

12,036	

2,930	
1,527	

8,979	

(68)	

2,763	

9	

8	

6,267	

2021	(1)

22,827	

2,196	

20,631	

2,404	

8,625	

2,451	
786	

6,365	

18	

2,666	

16	

(5)	

3,670	

2020	

8,804	

331	

8,473	

1,262	

4,683	

1,156	
268	

1,104	

57	

1,687	

9	

—	

(649)	

(1)

Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	 further	
details.	

24   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

(1)

Reported	revenues	include	the	value	of	condensate	sold	as	heavy	oil	blend.	Condensate	costs	are	recorded	in	transportation	and	blending	expense.	The	crude	

oil	price	excludes	the	impact	of	condensate	purchases.

(2)

Other	includes	third-party	sourced	volumes,	construction	and	other	activities	not	attributable	to	the	production	of	crude	oil,	NGLs	or	natural	gas.

2022

585.8	

91.70	

191.0	

246.5	

31.3	

99.9	

16.3	

1.6	

586.6	

12.3	

588.7

	25.2	

7.89	

13.75	

11.90	

2021

579.9	

62.82	

179.9	

236.8	

25.9	

97.7	

20.2	

21.0	

581.5	

12.6	

583.6

	18.7	

7.23	

11.52	

11.28	

2020

386.6	

28.64	

163.2	

218.5	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

381.7	

381.7

	11.6	

8.70	

7.84	

10.40	

Operating	Results

Total	Sales	Volumes	(MBOE/d)

Total	Realized	Price	(1)	($/BOE)

Crude	Oil	Production	by	Asset	(Mbbls/d)

Foster	Creek

Christina	Lake

Sunrise	(2)

Lloydminster	Thermal

Lloydminster	Conventional	Heavy	Oil

Tucker	(3)

Total	Crude	Oil	Production	(4)	(Mbbls/d)

Natural	Gas	(5)	(MMcf/d)

Total	Production	(MBOE/d)

Effective	Royalty	Rate	(percent)

Transportation	and	Blending	Cost	(1)	($/BOE)

Operating	Expense	(1)	($/BOE)

Per	Unit	DD&A	(1)	($/BOE)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

Specified financial measure. See the Advisory.

BP	Canada.	

The	Tucker	asset	was	sold	on	January	31,	2022.

Conventional	natural	gas	product	type.

Revenues

Price

production.	

Represents	 Cenovus’s	 50	 percent	 interest	 in	 Sunrise	 up	 to	 August	 31,	 2022.	 On	 August	 31,	 2022,	 we	 acquired	 the	 remaining	 50	 percent	 interest	 from	

Oil	Sands	production	is	primarily	bitumen,	except	for	Lloydminster	conventional	heavy	oil,	which	is	heavy	crude	oil.

Our	 heavy	 oil	 and	 bitumen	 production	 must	 be	 blended	 with	 condensate	 to	 reduce	 its	 viscosity	 to	 transport	 it	 to	 market	

through	pipelines.	Our	realized	bitumen	sales	price	does	not	include	the	sale	of	condensate;	however,	it	is	influenced	by	the	

price	of	condensate.	As	the	cost	of	condensate	increases	relative	to	the	price	of	blended	crude	oil,	our	realized	heavy	oil	and	

bitumen	sales	price	decreases.	Up	to	three	months	may	lapse	from	when	we	purchase	condensate	to	when	we	sell	our	blended	

Our	realized	sales	price	averaged	$91.70	per	BOE	in	2022	compared	with	$62.82	per	BOE	in	2021	due	to	higher	WTI	benchmark	

prices,	partially	offset	by	wider	WTI-WCS	differentials.	To	improve	our	realized	sales	price,	we	sold	approximately	20	percent	

(2021	–	20	percent)	of	our	crude	oil	volumes	at	U.S.	destinations.	

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	gross	sales	included	$4.5	billion	(2021	–	$2.1	billion),	from	third-party	sourced	volumes	

which	are	not	included	in	our	realized	price	or	our	Netbacks.	Refer to the Advisory for more detail.

REPORTABLE	SEGMENTS

UPSTREAM

Oil	Sands

In	2022,	we:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Delivered	safe	and	reliable	operations.

Produced	586.6	thousand	barrels	of	crude	oil	per	day.

realized	sales	prices.

approximately	20	thousand	barrels	per	day.

Sold	our	Tucker	asset	for	net	proceeds	of	$730	million	on	January	31,	2022.	Crude	oil	production	at	the	time	of	sale	was

Purchased	the	remaining	50	percent	interest	in	Sunrise	from	BP	Canada	on	August	31,	2022,	giving	Cenovus	full	ownership

and	further	enhancing	our	core	strength	in	oil	sands.	The	Sunrise	Acquisition	immediately	added	over	20	thousand	barrels

per	day	of	crude	oil	production,	and	more	than	offset	lost	production	from	the	sold	Tucker	asset.

Achieved	first	oil	at	our	Spruce	Lake	North	thermal	plant	in	September.	Production	averaged	approximately	12.0	thousand

Received	regulatory	approval	in	December	2022	to	develop	the	Ipiatik	asset	in	the	Foster	Creek	area.	This	is	expected	to

provide	 future	 bitumen	 feedstock	 to	 the	 Foster	 Creek	 plant.	 Pad	 construction	 is	 expected	 to	 begin	 in	 2024	 and	 we

Invested	capital	of	$1.8	billion	primarily	on	sustaining	activities	at	Christina	Lake,	Foster	Creek,	the	Lloydminster	thermal

barrels	per	day	in	the	fourth	quarter.

anticipate	first	steam	in	2029.

assets	and	Sunrise.

Achieved	a	Netback	of	$49.10	per	BOE.

Financial	Results

($	millions)

Revenues

Gross	Sales	

Less:	Royalties	

Expenses

Purchased	Product	

Transportation	and	Blending	

Operating	

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Unrealized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management	

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Exploration	Expense

(Income)	Loss	from	Equity-Accounted	Affiliates

Segment	Income	(Loss)

details.	

2022

34,775	

4,493	

30,282	

4,810	

12,036	

2,930	

1,527	

8,979	

(68)	

2,763	

9	

8	

6,267	

2021	(1)

22,827	

2,196	

20,631	

2,404	

8,625	

2,451	

786	

6,365	

18	

2,666	

16	

(5)	

3,670	

2020	

8,804	

331	

8,473	

1,262	

4,683	

1,156	

268	

1,104	

57	

1,687	

9	

—	

(649)	

(1)

Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	 further	

Returns-Focused	Capital	Allocation

We	 continue	 to	 take	 a	 disciplined	 approach	 to	 allocating	 capital	 to	 projects	 that	 generate	 returns	 at	 the	 bottom	 of	 the	

commodity	price	cycle	and	provide	opportunities	to	sustainably	grow	shareholder	returns.	

We	plan	to	materially	progress	the	West	White	Rose	project	while	remaining	on	track	to	deliver	first	oil	in	2026.

Operating	Margin	Variance	

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022

Generated	Operating	Margin	of	$9.0	billion,	an	increase	of	$2.6	billion	compared	with	2021	primarily	due	to	higher	average

Operating	Results

(1)

(2)

Reported	revenues	include	the	value	of	condensate	sold	as	heavy	oil	blend.	Condensate	costs	are	recorded	in	transportation	and	blending	expense.	The	crude	
oil	price	excludes	the	impact	of	condensate	purchases.
Other	includes	third-party	sourced	volumes,	construction	and	other	activities	not	attributable	to	the	production	of	crude	oil,	NGLs	or	natural	gas.

Total	Sales	Volumes	(MBOE/d)

Total	Realized	Price	(1)	($/BOE)

Crude	Oil	Production	by	Asset	(Mbbls/d)

Foster	Creek

Christina	Lake
Sunrise	(2)
Lloydminster	Thermal

Lloydminster	Conventional	Heavy	Oil
Tucker	(3)

Total	Crude	Oil	Production	(4)	(Mbbls/d)

Natural	Gas	(5)	(MMcf/d)
Total	Production	(MBOE/d)

Effective	Royalty	Rate	(percent)

Transportation	and	Blending	Cost	(1)	($/BOE)

Operating	Expense	(1)	($/BOE)

Per	Unit	DD&A	(1)	($/BOE)

2022
585.8	

91.70	

191.0	

246.5	

31.3	

99.9	

16.3	

1.6	

586.6	

12.3	

588.7

	25.2	

7.89	

13.75	

11.90	

2021
579.9	

62.82	

179.9	

236.8	

25.9	

97.7	

20.2	

21.0	

581.5	

12.6	

583.6

	18.7	

7.23	

11.52	

11.28	

2020
386.6	

28.64	

163.2	

218.5	

—	

—	

—	

—	

381.7	

—	

381.7

	11.6	

8.70	

7.84	

10.40	

(1)
(2)

(3)
(4)
(5)

Specified financial measure. See the Advisory.
Represents	 Cenovus’s	 50	 percent	 interest	 in	 Sunrise	 up	 to	 August	 31,	 2022.	 On	 August	 31,	 2022,	 we	 acquired	 the	 remaining	 50	 percent	 interest	 from	
BP	Canada.	
The	Tucker	asset	was	sold	on	January	31,	2022.
Oil	Sands	production	is	primarily	bitumen,	except	for	Lloydminster	conventional	heavy	oil,	which	is	heavy	crude	oil.
Conventional	natural	gas	product	type.

Revenues

Price

Our	 heavy	 oil	 and	 bitumen	 production	 must	 be	 blended	 with	 condensate	 to	 reduce	 its	 viscosity	 to	 transport	 it	 to	 market	
through	pipelines.	Our	realized	bitumen	sales	price	does	not	include	the	sale	of	condensate;	however,	it	is	influenced	by	the	
price	of	condensate.	As	the	cost	of	condensate	increases	relative	to	the	price	of	blended	crude	oil,	our	realized	heavy	oil	and	
bitumen	sales	price	decreases.	Up	to	three	months	may	lapse	from	when	we	purchase	condensate	to	when	we	sell	our	blended	
production.	

Our	realized	sales	price	averaged	$91.70	per	BOE	in	2022	compared	with	$62.82	per	BOE	in	2021	due	to	higher	WTI	benchmark	
prices,	partially	offset	by	wider	WTI-WCS	differentials.	To	improve	our	realized	sales	price,	we	sold	approximately	20	percent	
(2021	–	20	percent)	of	our	crude	oil	volumes	at	U.S.	destinations.	

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	gross	sales	included	$4.5	billion	(2021	–	$2.1	billion),	from	third-party	sourced	volumes	
which	are	not	included	in	our	realized	price	or	our	Netbacks.	Refer to the Advisory for more detail.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   25

For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 gross	 sales	 included	 $358	 million	 (2021	 –	 $329	 million),	 relating	 to	 construction,	
transportation	 and	 blending	 activities.	 These	 amounts	 are	 not	 included	 in	 our	 realized	 price	 or	 our	 Netbacks.	 Refer to the 
Advisory for more detail.

Cenovus	makes	storage	and	transportation	decisions	about	utilizing	our	marketing	and	transportation	infrastructure,	including	
storage	 and	 pipeline	 assets,	 to	 optimize	 product	 mix,	 delivery	 points,	 and	 transportation	 commitments	 and	
customer	 diversification.	 In	 order	 to	 price	 protect	 our	
inventories	 associated	 with	 storage	 or	 transport	 decisions,	
Cenovus	 employs	various	 price	 alignment	 and	 volatility	 management	 strategies,	 including	 risk	 management	 contracts,	 to	
reduce	 volatility	 in	future	cash	flows	and	improve	cash	flow	stability.	

In	2022,	we	incurred	realized	risk	management	losses	of	$1.5	billion,	of	which	$431	million	related	to	the	early	liquidation	of	
WTI	positions	in	the	second	quarter.	In	2022,	we	recorded	unrealized	risk	management	gains	of	$68	million	on	our	crude	oil	and	
condensate	financial	instruments.	

Production	Volumes

Oil	 Sands	 crude	 oil	 production	 increased	 slightly	 to	 586.6	 thousand	 barrels	 per	 day	 in	 2022	 compared	 with	 581.5	 thousand	
barrels	per	day	in	2021.

We	 sold	 the	 Tucker	 asset	 on	 January	 31,	 2022,	 resulting	 in	 decreased	 production	 of	 19.4	 thousand	 barrels	 per	 day	 in	 2022	
compared	with	2021.

Production	at	Foster	Creek	increased	11.1	thousand	barrels	per	day	to	191.0	thousand	barrels	per	day	in	2022	compared	with	
2021,	due	to	new	wells	coming	online	in	2022	and	the	last	half	of	2021.	In	addition,	we	completed	a	planned	turnaround	in	the	
second	quarter	of	2021.	The	increase	was	partially	offset	as	production	reached	peak	levels	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2021	due	to	
the	timing	of	well	pads	starting	up.	Also	offsetting	the	increase	was	planned	maintenance	and	an	unplanned	outage	in	the	third	
quarter	of	2022.	

Production	at	Christina	Lake	increased	9.7	thousand	barrels	per	day	to	246.5	thousand	barrels	per	day	in	2022	compared	with	
2021.	We	added	incremental	production	from	redevelopment	wells	drilled	in	2022	and	the	last	half	of	2021.	The	increase	was	
offset	by	a	planned	turnaround	in	the	second	quarter	of	2022.

The	 Sunrise	 Acquisition	 was	 completed	 on	 August	 31,	 2022	 and	 added	 5.4	 thousand	 barrels	 per	 day	 of	 production	 in	 2022	
compared	with	2021.	The	increase	in	production	at	Sunrise	in	2022	was	partially	offset	by	base	declines	and	wells	taken	offline	
in	preparation	for	a	redevelopment	program.	

Production	 from	 our	 Lloydminster	 thermal	 assets	 increased	 slightly	 in	 2022	 compared	 with	 2021.	 The	 Spruce	 Lake	 North	
thermal	plant	achieved	first	oil	in	August,	and	production	averaged	approximately	12.0	thousand	barrels	per	day	in	the	fourth	
quarter.	The	increase	was	partially	offset	by	base	declines	at	other	thermal	plants	and	wells	taken	offline	in	preparation	for	a	
redevelopment	program	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022	and	into	2023.	

Lloydminster	 conventional	 heavy	 oil	 production	 decreased	 marginally	 in	 2022	 compared	 with	 2021,	 as	 wells	 were	 shut-in	 to	
meet	new	emissions	regulations	in	Alberta.	

Royalties	

Royalty	 calculations	 for	 our	 Oil	 Sands	 segment	 are	 based	 on	 government	 prescribed	 royalty	 regimes	 in	 Alberta	 and	
Saskatchewan.	

Our	Alberta	oil	sands	royalty	projects	(Foster	Creek,	Christina	Lake	and	Sunrise)	are	based	on	government	prescribed	pre-	and	
post-payout	royalty	rates,	which	are	determined	on	a	sliding	scale	using	the	Canadian	dollar	equivalent	WTI	benchmark	price.	

Royalties	for	a	pre-payout	project	are	based	on	a	monthly	calculation	that	applies	a	royalty	rate	(ranging	from	one	percent	to	
nine	percent,	based	on	the	Canadian	dollar	equivalent	WTI	benchmark	price)	to	the	gross	revenues	from	the	project.	

Royalties	 for	 a	 post-payout	 project	 are	 based	 on	 an	 annualized	 calculation	 which	 uses	 the	 greater	 of:	 (1)	 the	 gross	 revenues	
multiplied	by	the	applicable	royalty	rate	(one	percent	to	nine	percent,	based	on	the	Canadian	dollar	equivalent	WTI	benchmark	
price);	or	(2)	the	net	revenues	of	the	project	multiplied	by	the	applicable	royalty	rate	(25	percent	to	40	percent,	based	on	the	
Canadian	 dollar	 equivalent	 WTI	 benchmark	 price).	 Gross	 revenues	 are	 a	 function	 of	 sales	 revenues	 less	 diluent	 costs	 and	
transportation	 costs.	 Net	 revenues	 are	 calculated	 as	 sales	 revenues	 less	 diluent	 costs,	 transportation	 costs,	 and	 allowed	
operating	and	capital	costs.

Foster	Creek	and	Christina	Lake	are	post-payout	projects	and	Sunrise	is	a	pre-payout	project.	

For	our	Saskatchewan	assets,	Lloydminster	thermal	and	Lloydminster	conventional	heavy	oil,	royalty	calculations	are	based	on	
an	annual	rate	that	is	applied	to	each	project,	which	includes	each	project's	Crown	and	freehold	split.	For	Crown	royalties,	the	
pre-payout	 calculation	 is	 based	 on	 a	 one	 percent	 rate	 and	 the	 post-payout	 calculation	 is	 based	 on	 a	 20	 percent	 rate.	 The	
freehold	calculation	is	limited	to	post-payout	projects	and	is	based	on	an	eight	percent	rate.

26   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Effective	royalty	rates	increased	primarily	due	to	higher	realized	pricing	and	higher	Alberta	oil	sands	sliding	scale	royalty	rates.	

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	royalties	were	$4.5	billion	(2021	–	$2.2	billion).	

Expenses

Transportation	and	Blending	

condensate	prices.	

In	 2022,	 blending	 costs	 rose	 $3.2	 billion	 to	 $10.3	 billion	 compared	 with	 2021.	 The	 increases	 were	 largely	 due	 to	 higher	

Transportation	costs	increased	$179	million	to	$1.7	billion	in	2022	compared	with	2021.	The	increases	were	primarily	due	to	

higher	costs	as	discussed	below	combined	with	increased	sales	volumes	at	Foster	Creek,	Christina	Lake	and	Sunrise.

Per-unit	Transportation	Expenses	

Transportation	costs	were	$7.89	per	BOE	in	2022	up	slightly	from	$7.23	per	BOE	in	2021.

At	 Foster	 Creek,	 per-unit	 transportation	 costs	 increased	 12	 percent	 to	 $11.78	 per	 barrel	 in	 2022	 compared	 with	 2021.	 The	

increase	was	mainly	due	to	increased	tariffs,	partially	offset	by	reduced	reliance	on	rail.	For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	

we	shipped	40	percent	(2021	–	35	percent),	of	our	volumes	from	Foster	Creek	to	U.S.	destinations.	

At	Christina	Lake,	transportation	costs	were	$6.51	per	barrel	in	2022,	consistent	with	$6.19	per	barrel	in	2021.	

At	 Sunrise,	 transportation	 costs	 were	 $12.26	 per	 barrel	 in	 2022,	 consistent	 with	 $12.14	 per	 barrel	 in	 2021,	 as	 we	 shipped	 a	

similar	percentage	of	our	total	volumes	to	the	U.S.	

At	our	Other	Oil	Sands	assets,	transportation	costs	in	2022	were	$3.49	per	barrel,	compared	with	$4.01	per	barrel	in	2021.	In	

the	first	quarter	of	2021,	we	stopped	shipping	volumes	to	U.S.	destinations	to	optimize	our	pipeline	capacity,	reducing	per-unit	

costs	year-over-year.	

Operating

mitigate	future	cost	escalations.	

Unit	Operating	Expenses	(1)

Primary	 drivers	 of	 our	 operating	 expenses	 in	 2022	 were	 fuel,	 workforce,	 chemical,	 repairs	 and	 maintenance,	 and	 electricity	

costs.	 Total	 operating	 expenses	 increased	 largely	 due	 to	 higher	 fuel	 costs	 as	 a	 result	 of	 higher	 natural	 gas	 prices.	 AECO	

benchmark	 natural	 gas	 prices	 increased	 56	 percent	 in	 2022	 compared	 with	 2021.	 In	 addition,	 total	 operating	 expenses	

increased	due	to	higher	electricity,	repairs	and	maintenance	and	chemical	costs.	Chemical	costs	and	electricity	costs	are	also	

influenced	 by	 rising	 crude	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas	 benchmark	 prices.	 We	 have	 experienced	 minimal	 inflationary	pressures	 on	 our	

costs,	 as	 we	 manage	 our	 costs	 by	 securing	 long-term	 contracts,	 working	 with	 vendors	 and	 purchasing	 long-lead	 items	 to	

($/BOE)	

Foster	Creek

Fuel

Non-Fuel

Total

Fuel

Non-Fuel

Christina	Lake

Total

Sunrise

Fuel

Other	Oil	Sands	(2)

Non-Fuel

Total

Fuel

Non-Fuel

Total

Total

(1)

(2)

2022

6.07	

6.52	

12.59	

5.07	

4.87	

9.94	

7.01	

10.48	

17.49	

7.35	

15.10	

22.45	

13.75	

Percent	

Change

Percent	

Change

2021

4.07	

6.67	

10.74	

3.52	

4.72	

8.24	

5.58	

11.57	

17.15	

4.91	

11.73	

16.64	

11.52	

	49	

	(2)	

	17	

	44	

	3	

	21	

	26	

	(9)	

	2	

	50	

	29	

	35	

	19	

2020

2.83	

6.41	

9.24	

2.18	

4.61	

6.79	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

7.84	

	44	

	4	

	16	

	61	

	2	

	21	

	—	

	—	

	—	

	—	

	—	

—	

	47	

Specified financial measure. See the Advisory.

Includes	Tucker,	Lloydminster	thermal	and	Lloydminster	conventional	heavy	oil	assets.	The	Tucker	asset	was	sold	on	January	31,	2022.

Advisory for more detail.

Cenovus	makes	storage	and	transportation	decisions	about	utilizing	our	marketing	and	transportation	infrastructure,	including	

storage	 and	 pipeline	 assets,	 to	 optimize	 product	 mix,	 delivery	 points,	 and	 transportation	 commitments	 and	

customer	 diversification.	 In	 order	 to	 price	 protect	 our	

inventories	 associated	 with	 storage	 or	 transport	 decisions,	

Cenovus	 employs	various	 price	 alignment	 and	 volatility	 management	 strategies,	 including	 risk	 management	 contracts,	 to	

reduce	 volatility	 in	future	cash	flows	and	improve	cash	flow	stability.	

In	2022,	we	incurred	realized	risk	management	losses	of	$1.5	billion,	of	which	$431	million	related	to	the	early	liquidation	of	

WTI	positions	in	the	second	quarter.	In	2022,	we	recorded	unrealized	risk	management	gains	of	$68	million	on	our	crude	oil	and	

condensate	financial	instruments.	

Production	Volumes

barrels	per	day	in	2021.

compared	with	2021.

Oil	 Sands	 crude	 oil	 production	 increased	 slightly	 to	 586.6	 thousand	 barrels	 per	 day	 in	 2022	 compared	 with	 581.5	 thousand	

We	 sold	 the	 Tucker	 asset	 on	 January	 31,	 2022,	 resulting	 in	 decreased	 production	 of	 19.4	 thousand	 barrels	 per	 day	 in	 2022	

Production	at	Foster	Creek	increased	11.1	thousand	barrels	per	day	to	191.0	thousand	barrels	per	day	in	2022	compared	with	

2021,	due	to	new	wells	coming	online	in	2022	and	the	last	half	of	2021.	In	addition,	we	completed	a	planned	turnaround	in	the	

second	quarter	of	2021.	The	increase	was	partially	offset	as	production	reached	peak	levels	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2021	due	to	

the	timing	of	well	pads	starting	up.	Also	offsetting	the	increase	was	planned	maintenance	and	an	unplanned	outage	in	the	third	

quarter	of	2022.	

offset	by	a	planned	turnaround	in	the	second	quarter	of	2022.

The	 Sunrise	 Acquisition	 was	 completed	 on	 August	 31,	 2022	 and	 added	 5.4	 thousand	 barrels	 per	 day	 of	 production	 in	 2022	

compared	with	2021.	The	increase	in	production	at	Sunrise	in	2022	was	partially	offset	by	base	declines	and	wells	taken	offline	

in	preparation	for	a	redevelopment	program.	

Production	 from	 our	 Lloydminster	 thermal	 assets	 increased	 slightly	 in	 2022	 compared	 with	 2021.	 The	 Spruce	 Lake	 North	

thermal	plant	achieved	first	oil	in	August,	and	production	averaged	approximately	12.0	thousand	barrels	per	day	in	the	fourth	

quarter.	The	increase	was	partially	offset	by	base	declines	at	other	thermal	plants	and	wells	taken	offline	in	preparation	for	a	

redevelopment	program	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022	and	into	2023.	

Lloydminster	 conventional	 heavy	 oil	 production	 decreased	 marginally	 in	 2022	 compared	 with	 2021,	 as	 wells	 were	 shut-in	 to	

meet	new	emissions	regulations	in	Alberta.	

Royalties	

Saskatchewan.	

Royalty	 calculations	 for	 our	 Oil	 Sands	 segment	 are	 based	 on	 government	 prescribed	 royalty	 regimes	 in	 Alberta	 and	

Our	Alberta	oil	sands	royalty	projects	(Foster	Creek,	Christina	Lake	and	Sunrise)	are	based	on	government	prescribed	pre-	and	

post-payout	royalty	rates,	which	are	determined	on	a	sliding	scale	using	the	Canadian	dollar	equivalent	WTI	benchmark	price.	

Royalties	for	a	pre-payout	project	are	based	on	a	monthly	calculation	that	applies	a	royalty	rate	(ranging	from	one	percent	to	

nine	percent,	based	on	the	Canadian	dollar	equivalent	WTI	benchmark	price)	to	the	gross	revenues	from	the	project.	

Royalties	 for	 a	 post-payout	 project	 are	 based	 on	 an	 annualized	 calculation	 which	 uses	 the	 greater	 of:	 (1)	 the	 gross	 revenues	

multiplied	by	the	applicable	royalty	rate	(one	percent	to	nine	percent,	based	on	the	Canadian	dollar	equivalent	WTI	benchmark	

price);	or	(2)	the	net	revenues	of	the	project	multiplied	by	the	applicable	royalty	rate	(25	percent	to	40	percent,	based	on	the	

Canadian	 dollar	 equivalent	 WTI	 benchmark	 price).	 Gross	 revenues	 are	 a	 function	 of	 sales	 revenues	 less	 diluent	 costs	 and	

transportation	 costs.	 Net	 revenues	 are	 calculated	 as	 sales	 revenues	 less	 diluent	 costs,	 transportation	 costs,	 and	 allowed	

operating	and	capital	costs.

Foster	Creek	and	Christina	Lake	are	post-payout	projects	and	Sunrise	is	a	pre-payout	project.	

For	our	Saskatchewan	assets,	Lloydminster	thermal	and	Lloydminster	conventional	heavy	oil,	royalty	calculations	are	based	on	

an	annual	rate	that	is	applied	to	each	project,	which	includes	each	project's	Crown	and	freehold	split.	For	Crown	royalties,	the	

pre-payout	 calculation	 is	 based	 on	 a	 one	 percent	 rate	 and	 the	 post-payout	 calculation	 is	 based	 on	 a	 20	 percent	 rate.	 The	

freehold	calculation	is	limited	to	post-payout	projects	and	is	based	on	an	eight	percent	rate.

For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 gross	 sales	 included	 $358	 million	 (2021	 –	 $329	 million),	 relating	 to	 construction,	

transportation	 and	 blending	 activities.	 These	 amounts	 are	 not	 included	 in	 our	 realized	 price	 or	 our	 Netbacks.	 Refer to the 

Effective	royalty	rates	increased	primarily	due	to	higher	realized	pricing	and	higher	Alberta	oil	sands	sliding	scale	royalty	rates.	
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	royalties	were	$4.5	billion	(2021	–	$2.2	billion).	

Expenses

Transportation	and	Blending	

In	 2022,	 blending	 costs	 rose	 $3.2	 billion	 to	 $10.3	 billion	 compared	 with	 2021.	 The	 increases	 were	 largely	 due	 to	 higher	
condensate	prices.	

Transportation	costs	increased	$179	million	to	$1.7	billion	in	2022	compared	with	2021.	The	increases	were	primarily	due	to	
higher	costs	as	discussed	below	combined	with	increased	sales	volumes	at	Foster	Creek,	Christina	Lake	and	Sunrise.

Per-unit	Transportation	Expenses	

Transportation	costs	were	$7.89	per	BOE	in	2022	up	slightly	from	$7.23	per	BOE	in	2021.

At	 Foster	 Creek,	 per-unit	 transportation	 costs	 increased	 12	 percent	 to	 $11.78	 per	 barrel	 in	 2022	 compared	 with	 2021.	 The	
increase	was	mainly	due	to	increased	tariffs,	partially	offset	by	reduced	reliance	on	rail.	For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	
we	shipped	40	percent	(2021	–	35	percent),	of	our	volumes	from	Foster	Creek	to	U.S.	destinations.	

At	Christina	Lake,	transportation	costs	were	$6.51	per	barrel	in	2022,	consistent	with	$6.19	per	barrel	in	2021.	

At	 Sunrise,	 transportation	 costs	 were	 $12.26	 per	 barrel	 in	 2022,	 consistent	 with	 $12.14	 per	 barrel	 in	 2021,	 as	 we	 shipped	 a	
similar	percentage	of	our	total	volumes	to	the	U.S.	

At	our	Other	Oil	Sands	assets,	transportation	costs	in	2022	were	$3.49	per	barrel,	compared	with	$4.01	per	barrel	in	2021.	In	
the	first	quarter	of	2021,	we	stopped	shipping	volumes	to	U.S.	destinations	to	optimize	our	pipeline	capacity,	reducing	per-unit	
costs	year-over-year.	

Production	at	Christina	Lake	increased	9.7	thousand	barrels	per	day	to	246.5	thousand	barrels	per	day	in	2022	compared	with	

2021.	We	added	incremental	production	from	redevelopment	wells	drilled	in	2022	and	the	last	half	of	2021.	The	increase	was	

Operating

Primary	 drivers	 of	 our	 operating	 expenses	 in	 2022	 were	 fuel,	 workforce,	 chemical,	 repairs	 and	 maintenance,	 and	 electricity	
costs.	 Total	 operating	 expenses	 increased	 largely	 due	 to	 higher	 fuel	 costs	 as	 a	 result	 of	 higher	 natural	 gas	 prices.	 AECO	
benchmark	 natural	 gas	 prices	 increased	 56	 percent	 in	 2022	 compared	 with	 2021.	 In	 addition,	 total	 operating	 expenses	
increased	due	to	higher	electricity,	repairs	and	maintenance	and	chemical	costs.	Chemical	costs	and	electricity	costs	are	also	
influenced	 by	 rising	 crude	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas	 benchmark	 prices.	 We	 have	 experienced	 minimal	 inflationary	pressures	 on	 our	
costs,	 as	 we	 manage	 our	 costs	 by	 securing	 long-term	 contracts,	 working	 with	 vendors	 and	 purchasing	 long-lead	 items	 to	
mitigate	future	cost	escalations.	

Unit	Operating	Expenses	(1)

($/BOE)	
Foster	Creek

Fuel

Non-Fuel

Total

Christina	Lake

Fuel

Non-Fuel

Total

Sunrise

Fuel

Non-Fuel

Total

Other	Oil	Sands	(2)

Fuel

Non-Fuel

Total

Total

2022

6.07	

6.52	

12.59	

5.07	

4.87	

9.94	

7.01	

10.48	

17.49	

7.35	

15.10	

22.45	

13.75	

Percent	
Change

	49	

	(2)	

	17	

	44	

	3	

	21	

	26	

	(9)	

	2	

	50	

	29	

	35	

	19	

2021

4.07	

6.67	

10.74	

3.52	

4.72	

8.24	

5.58	

11.57	

17.15	

4.91	

11.73	

16.64	

11.52	

Percent	
Change

	44	

	4	

	16	

	61	

	2	

	21	

	—	

	—	

	—	

	—	

	—	

—	

	47	

2020

2.83	

6.41	

9.24	

2.18	

4.61	

6.79	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

7.84	

(1)
(2)

Specified financial measure. See the Advisory.
Includes	Tucker,	Lloydminster	thermal	and	Lloydminster	conventional	heavy	oil	assets.	The	Tucker	asset	was	sold	on	January	31,	2022.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   27

Operating	Margin	Variance

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022

(1)

Reflects	Operating	Margin	from	processing	facilities.

Operating	Results

Total	Sales	Volumes	(MBOE/d)

Total	Realized	Price	(1)	($/BOE)

Heavy	Crude	Oil	($/bbl)

Light	Crude	Oil	($/bbl)

NGLs	($/bbl)

Conventional	Natural	Gas	($/Mcf)

Production	by	Product

Heavy	Crude	Oil	(Mbbls/d)

Light	Crude	Oil	(Mbbls/d)

NGLs	(Mbbls/d)

Conventional	Natural	Gas	(MMcf/d)

Total	Production	(MBOE/d)

Conventional	Natural	Gas	Production	(percentage	of	total)

Crude	Oil	and	NGLs	Production	(percentage	of	total)

Effective	Royalty	Rate	(percent)

Transportation	Costs	(1)	($/BOE)

Operating	Expense	(1)	($/BOE)

Per	Unit	DD&A	(1)	($/BOE)

(1) 

Specified financial measure. See the Advisory.

Revenues

Price

2022

127.2	

48.15	

—	

118.64	

63.22	

6.50	

—	

7.5	

23.8	

576.1	

127.2	

75	

25	

	15.4	

3.16	

11.18	

8.23	

2021

133.4	

31.20	

—	

76.32	

42.93	

4.07	

—	

8.4	

25.6	

597.6	

133.6	

75	

25	

	10.3	

1.53	

10.66	

9.11	

2020

89.8	

17.84	

31.45	

42.78	

22.04	

2.37	

2.7	

4.5	

19.5	

379.0	

89.9	

70	

30	

	7.9	

2.46	

8.99	

9.85	

Per-unit	fuel	prices	increased	largely	due	to	higher	natural	gas	prices	as	discussed	above.

Foster	Creek	per-unit	non-fuel	costs	were	consistent	with	2021.	Higher	chemical,	electricity	and	repairs	and	maintenance	costs	
were	offset	by	higher	sales	volumes.

Christina	 Lake	 per	 unit	 non-fuel	 costs	 were	 consistent	 with	 2021.	 Higher	 electricity	 and	 repairs	 and	 maintenance	 costs	 were	
offset	by	higher	sales	volumes	in	2022.

Sunrise	per	unit	non-fuel	costs	decreased	in	2022	compared	with	2021.	The	decrease	in	non-fuel	costs	were	primarily	related	to	
the	planned	turnaround	costs	in	the	second	quarter	of	2021,	partially	offset	by	higher	electricity,	chemical	and	workover	costs	
in	2022.

Per-unit	non-fuel	costs	at	our	Other	Oil	Sands	assets	increased	in	2022	compared	with	2021,	primarily	due	to	higher	chemical	
and	workover	costs.

Netbacks	

($/BOE)
Sales	Price	(1)
Royalties	(1)
Transportation	(1)
Operating	Expenses	(1)
Netback	(2)

(1)
(2)

Specified financial measure. See the Advisory.
Contains a non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory.

DD&A

2022
91.70	

20.96	

7.89	

13.75	
49.10	

2021

62.82	

10.38	

7.23	

11.52	
33.69	

2020

28.64	

2.34	

8.70	

7.84	
9.76	

In	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	DD&A	remained	relatively	consistent	at	$2.8	billion,	compared	with	$2.7	billion	in	2021.	
The	 average	 depletion	 rate	 for	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 was	 $11.90	 per	 BOE,	 compared	 with	 $11.28	 per	 BOE	 in	
2021.	

Conventional

In	2022,	we:

•
•
•

•

•

Delivered	safe	and	reliable	operations.
Sold	our	assets	in	the	Wembley	area	for	net	proceeds	of	$221	million	on	February	28,	2022.
Generated	Operating	Margin	of	$1.2	billion,	an	increase	of	$432	million	compared	with	2021,	largely	due	to	higher
average	realized	sales	prices.
Invested	 capital	 of	 $344	 million	 focused	 on	 drilling,	 completion	 and	 tie-in	 activities,	 and	 infrastructure	 projects	 to
support	multi-year	development.
Achieved	a	Netback	of	$27.43	per	BOE.

Financial	Results

($	millions)

Revenues

Gross	Sales	
Less:	Royalties

Expenses

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending	
Operating

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Unrealized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management	
Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization
Exploration	Expense
Segment	Income	(Loss)

28   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

2022

4,332	

298	

4,034	

2,023	

143	

541	

92	

1,235	

13	

370	
1	
851	

2021

3,235	

150	

3,085	

1,655	

74	

551	

2	

803	

1	

3	
(3)	
802	

2020

904	

40	

864	

268	

81	

320	

—	

195	

—	

880	
82	
(767)	

Our	total	realized	sales	price	increased	in	2022,	due	to	higher	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	benchmark	prices.

For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 gross	 sales	 included	 $2.0	 billion	 (2021	 –	 $1.7	 billion),	 relating	 to	 third-party	

sourced	volumes,	which	are	not	included	in	our	realized	prices	or	our	Netbacks.	See the Advisory for more detail.

For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 revenues	

included	 amounts	 relating	 to	 processing	 and	 transportation	

activities	undertaken	for	third-parties	of	$71	million	(2021	–	$61	million),	which	are	not	included	in	our	realized	prices	or	our	

Netbacks.	See the Advisory for more detail.

Production	Volumes

Production	volumes	decreased	6.4	thousand	BOE	per	day	in	2022	compared	with	2021,	mainly	due	to	asset	sales	in	the	first	

quarter	of	2022	and	the	second	half	of	2021,	and	natural	declines.	The	production	decrease	is	partially	offset	by	36	net	new	

wells	(2021	–	18	net	new	wells)	brought	on	production	during	the	year,	combined	with	production	from	well	reactivations	and	

workover	activity.

Per-unit	fuel	prices	increased	largely	due	to	higher	natural	gas	prices	as	discussed	above.

Foster	Creek	per-unit	non-fuel	costs	were	consistent	with	2021.	Higher	chemical,	electricity	and	repairs	and	maintenance	costs	

Operating	Margin	Variance

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022

were	offset	by	higher	sales	volumes.

offset	by	higher	sales	volumes	in	2022.

Christina	 Lake	 per	 unit	 non-fuel	 costs	 were	 consistent	 with	 2021.	 Higher	 electricity	 and	 repairs	 and	 maintenance	 costs	 were	

Sunrise	per	unit	non-fuel	costs	decreased	in	2022	compared	with	2021.	The	decrease	in	non-fuel	costs	were	primarily	related	to	

the	planned	turnaround	costs	in	the	second	quarter	of	2021,	partially	offset	by	higher	electricity,	chemical	and	workover	costs	

Per-unit	non-fuel	costs	at	our	Other	Oil	Sands	assets	increased	in	2022	compared	with	2021,	primarily	due	to	higher	chemical	

(1)

Reflects	Operating	Margin	from	processing	facilities.

Operating	Results

Total	Sales	Volumes	(MBOE/d)

Total	Realized	Price	(1)	($/BOE)
Heavy	Crude	Oil	($/bbl)

Light	Crude	Oil	($/bbl)

NGLs	($/bbl)

Conventional	Natural	Gas	($/Mcf)

Production	by	Product

Heavy	Crude	Oil	(Mbbls/d)

Light	Crude	Oil	(Mbbls/d)

NGLs	(Mbbls/d)

Conventional	Natural	Gas	(MMcf/d)
Total	Production	(MBOE/d)

Sold	our	assets	in	the	Wembley	area	for	net	proceeds	of	$221	million	on	February	28,	2022.

Generated	Operating	Margin	of	$1.2	billion,	an	increase	of	$432	million	compared	with	2021,	largely	due	to	higher

Conventional	Natural	Gas	Production	(percentage	of	total)

Crude	Oil	and	NGLs	Production	(percentage	of	total)

Effective	Royalty	Rate	(percent)
Transportation	Costs	(1)	($/BOE)
Operating	Expense	(1)	($/BOE)
Per	Unit	DD&A	(1)	($/BOE)

(1) 

Specified financial measure. See the Advisory.

Revenues

Price

2022

127.2	

48.15	

—	

118.64	

63.22	

6.50	

—	

7.5	

23.8	

576.1	

127.2	

75	

25	

	15.4	
3.16	

11.18	

8.23	

2021

133.4	

31.20	

—	

76.32	

42.93	

4.07	

—	

8.4	

25.6	

597.6	

133.6	

75	

25	

	10.3	
1.53	

10.66	

9.11	

2020

89.8	

17.84	

31.45	

42.78	

22.04	

2.37	

2.7	

4.5	

19.5	

379.0	

89.9	

70	

30	

	7.9	
2.46	

8.99	

9.85	

Our	total	realized	sales	price	increased	in	2022,	due	to	higher	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	benchmark	prices.

For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 gross	 sales	 included	 $2.0	 billion	 (2021	 –	 $1.7	 billion),	 relating	 to	 third-party	
sourced	volumes,	which	are	not	included	in	our	realized	prices	or	our	Netbacks.	See the Advisory for more detail.
For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 revenues	
included	 amounts	 relating	 to	 processing	 and	 transportation	
activities	undertaken	for	third-parties	of	$71	million	(2021	–	$61	million),	which	are	not	included	in	our	realized	prices	or	our	
Netbacks.	See the Advisory for more detail.

Production	Volumes

Production	volumes	decreased	6.4	thousand	BOE	per	day	in	2022	compared	with	2021,	mainly	due	to	asset	sales	in	the	first	
quarter	of	2022	and	the	second	half	of	2021,	and	natural	declines.	The	production	decrease	is	partially	offset	by	36	net	new	
wells	(2021	–	18	net	new	wells)	brought	on	production	during	the	year,	combined	with	production	from	well	reactivations	and	
workover	activity.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   29

and	workover	costs.

in	2022.

Netbacks	

($/BOE)

Sales	Price	(1)

Royalties	(1)

Transportation	(1)

Operating	Expenses	(1)

Netback	(2)

Conventional

In	2022,	we:

(1)

(2)

DD&A

2021.	

•

•

•

•

•

Financial	Results

($	millions)

Revenues

Gross	Sales	

Less:	Royalties

Expenses

2022

91.70	

20.96	

7.89	

13.75	

49.10	

2021

62.82	

10.38	

7.23	

11.52	

33.69	

2020

28.64	

2.34	

8.70	

7.84	

9.76	

Specified financial measure. See the Advisory.

Contains a non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory.

In	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	DD&A	remained	relatively	consistent	at	$2.8	billion,	compared	with	$2.7	billion	in	2021.	

The	 average	 depletion	 rate	 for	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 was	 $11.90	 per	 BOE,	 compared	 with	 $11.28	 per	 BOE	 in	

Delivered	safe	and	reliable	operations.

average	realized	sales	prices.

support	multi-year	development.

Achieved	a	Netback	of	$27.43	per	BOE.

Invested	 capital	 of	 $344	 million	 focused	 on	 drilling,	 completion	 and	 tie-in	 activities,	 and	 infrastructure	 projects	 to

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending	

Operating

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Unrealized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management	

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Exploration	Expense

Segment	Income	(Loss)

2022

4,332	

298	

4,034	

2,023	

1,235	

143	

541	

92	

13	

370	

1	

851	

2021

3,235	

150	

3,085	

1,655	

74	

551	

803	

2	

1	

3	

(3)	

802	

2020

904	

40	

864	

268	

81	

320	

—	

195	

—	

880	

82	

(767)	

At	our	equity-accounted	assets	in	Indonesia,	we	drilled	and	completed	two	MBH	field	development	wells	and	five	MDA	field	

development	wells	planned	for	the	year.	We	achieved	first	gas	production	from	the	MBH	and	MDA	fields	in	the	fourth	quarter	

of	2022.	In	Indonesia	we	also	have	the	MAC	and	MDK	fields	under	development.	At	the	MAC	field,	we	drilled	and	completed	

two	development	wells	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022,	of	the	three	planned	at	the	field.	We	expect	first	gas	production	from	the	

MAC	and	MDK	fields	by	2023	and	2025,	respectively.

In	 China,	 we	 finalized	 an	 agreement	 in	 the	 second	 quarter	 that	 increases	 gas	 sales	 at	 Liuhua	 29-1	 for	 the	 duration	 of	 the	

contract.	This	partially	offsets	some	of	the	reduction	in	contracted	natural	gas	sales	from	Liwan	3-1,	due	to	the	conclusion	of	an	

amendment	 that	 temporarily	 increased	 sales	 volumes.	 In	 addition,	 in	 the	 first	 quarter	 we	 terminated	 the	 production	 sharing	

contract	(“PSC”)	at	Block	23/07,	which	was	in	the	exploration	phase,	and	never	produced	or	had	drilling	activity.

Financial	Results

($	millions)

Revenues

Gross	Sales

Less:	Royalties	

Expenses

Transportation	and	Blending	

Operating	

Operating	Margin	(1)

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Exploration	Expense

(Income)	Loss	from	Equity-Accounted	Affiliates

Segment	Income	(Loss)

Operating	Margin	Variance

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022

Asia	Pacific

Atlantic

Offshore	

Asia	Pacific

Offshore	

2021

Atlantic

440

29

411

15

136

260

1,342

79

1,263

—

103

1,160

2022

578

(3)

581

15

204

362

1,442

80

1,362

—

114

1,248

2,020

77

1,943

15

318

1,610

585

91

(23)

957

1,782

108

1,674

15

239

1,420

492

5

(47)

970

(1) 

Asia	Pacific	and	Atlantic	Operating	Margin	are	non-GAAP	financial	measures.	See the Advisory.

Royalties	

The	 Conventional	 assets	 are	 subject	 to	 royalty	 regimes	 in	 Alberta	 and	 British	 Columbia.	 Total	 royalties	 and	 effective	 royalty	
rates	increased	in	2022	compared	with	2021,	primarily	due	to	higher	realized	pricing.

Expenses

Transportation	

Our	transportation	costs	reflect	charges	for	the	movement	of	crude	oil,	NGLs	and	natural	gas	from	the	point	of	production	to	
where	 the	 product	 is	 sold.	 Transportation	 costs	 increased	 $69	 million	 in	 2022,	 compared	 with	 2021.	 Per-unit	 transportation	
costs	averaged	$3.16	per	BOE	in	2022,	compared	with	$1.53	per	BOE	in	2021.	

Operating

Primary	 drivers	 of	 our	 operating	 expenses	 in	 2022,	 were	repairs	 and	 maintenance,	 workforce,	 electricity,	 property	 taxes	 and	
lease	costs.	Operating	expenses	per	BOE	in	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	increased	compared	with	2021	primarily	due	to	
higher	workover,	energy	and	electricity	costs,	combined	with	lower	sales	volumes.	Total	operating	expenses	in	2022	were	flat	
compared	with	2021,	due	to	the	same	factors	that	increased	operating	expenses	per	BOE,	partially	offset	by	asset	sales	in	the	
first	quarter	of	2022	and	the	second	half	of	2021.	

Netbacks

($/BOE)
Sales	Price	(1)
Royalties	(1)
Transportation	and	Blending	(1)
Operating	Expenses	(1)
Netback	(2)

(1)
(2)

Specified financial measure. See the Advisory.
Contains a non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory.

DD&A	

2022

48.15	

6.38	

3.16	

11.18	

27.43	

2021

31.20	

3.06	

1.53	

10.66	

15.95	

2020

17.84	

1.23	

2.46	

8.99	

5.16	

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	total	Conventional	DD&A	was	$370	million	(2021	–	$3	million).	The	increase	was	due	to	
impairment	reversals	of	$378	million	in	2021.

The	average	depletion	rate	for	2022	was	$8.23	per	BOE	(2021	–	$9.11	per	BOE).	The	average	depletion	rate	excludes	the	impact	
of	impairments	and	impairment	reversals.

Offshore

In	2022,	we:

•
•

•
•

•

•
•

Delivered	safe	and	reliable	operations.
Completed	the	dry-dock	portion	of	the	Terra	Nova	ALE	project.	We	expect	the	Terra	Nova	field	to	resume	production
in	the	second	quarter	of	2023.
Announced	our	decision	to	proceed	with	the	completion	of	the	West	White	Rose	project.
Sold	our	35	percent	position	in	the	undeveloped	Bay	du	Nord	project	offshore	Newfoundland	and	Labrador	as	part	of
our	consideration	in	the	Sunrise	Acquisition.
Generated	Operating	Margin	of	$1.6	billion,	an	increase	of	$190	million	compared	with	2021,	largely	due	to	higher
average	realized	sales	prices,	partially	offset	by	increased	operating	expenses	and	lower	sales	volumes.
Earned	a	Netback	of	$68.90	per	BOE.
Invested	 capital	 of	 $310	 million	 mainly	 for	 the	 Terra	 Nova	 ALE	 and	 the	 West	 White	 Rose	 projects	 in	 the	 Atlantic
region.

In	September	2021,	Cenovus	announced	an	agreement	with	its	partners	to	restructure	its	working	interest	in	the	Atlantic	region	
and	 proceed	 with	 the	 ALE	 project	 for	 Terra	 Nova.	 The	 agreement	 increased	 Cenovus’s	 working	 interest	 in	 Terra	 Nova	 to	
34	percent	from	13	percent	and,	pending	a	decision	to	restart	the	West	White	Rose	Project,	would	decrease	Cenovus’s	working	
interest	in	the	White	Rose	field	and	satellite	extensions	by	12.5	percent.		

On	May	31,	2022,	Cenovus	and	its	partners	announced	the	restart	of	the	West	White	Rose	project	resulting	in	the	reduction	of	
our	working	interest	in	the	White	Rose	field	and	satellite	extensions.	The	West	White	Rose	project	is	anticipated	to	have	peak	
production	of	80	thousand	barrels	per	day	(45	thousand	barrels	per	day,	net	to	Cenovus)	with	first	oil	expected	in	the	first	half	
of	2026.	Total	capital	required	to	achieve	first	oil	is	expected	to	be	approximately	$2.0	billion	to	$2.3	billion	net	to	Cenovus.	At	
December	31,	2022,	the	project	was	around	65	percent	complete.	Since	our	decision	to	restart	the	project,	we	have	invested	
approximately	$85	million	in	2022.	

30   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Royalties	

Expenses

Transportation	

Operating

Netbacks

($/BOE)

Sales	Price	(1)

Royalties	(1)

Netback	(2)

(1)

(2)

DD&A	

Offshore

In	2022,	we:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

The	 Conventional	 assets	 are	 subject	 to	 royalty	 regimes	 in	 Alberta	 and	 British	 Columbia.	 Total	 royalties	 and	 effective	 royalty	

rates	increased	in	2022	compared	with	2021,	primarily	due	to	higher	realized	pricing.

Our	transportation	costs	reflect	charges	for	the	movement	of	crude	oil,	NGLs	and	natural	gas	from	the	point	of	production	to	

where	 the	 product	 is	 sold.	 Transportation	 costs	 increased	 $69	 million	 in	 2022,	 compared	 with	 2021.	 Per-unit	 transportation	

costs	averaged	$3.16	per	BOE	in	2022,	compared	with	$1.53	per	BOE	in	2021.	

Primary	 drivers	 of	 our	 operating	 expenses	 in	 2022,	 were	repairs	 and	 maintenance,	 workforce,	 electricity,	 property	 taxes	 and	

lease	costs.	Operating	expenses	per	BOE	in	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	increased	compared	with	2021	primarily	due	to	

higher	workover,	energy	and	electricity	costs,	combined	with	lower	sales	volumes.	Total	operating	expenses	in	2022	were	flat	

compared	with	2021,	due	to	the	same	factors	that	increased	operating	expenses	per	BOE,	partially	offset	by	asset	sales	in	the	

first	quarter	of	2022	and	the	second	half	of	2021.	

Transportation	and	Blending	(1)

Operating	Expenses	(1)

Specified financial measure. See the Advisory.

Contains a non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory.

2022

48.15	

6.38	

3.16	

11.18	

27.43	

2021

31.20	

3.06	

1.53	

10.66	

15.95	

2020

17.84	

1.23	

2.46	

8.99	

5.16	

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	total	Conventional	DD&A	was	$370	million	(2021	–	$3	million).	The	increase	was	due	to	

impairment	reversals	of	$378	million	in	2021.

of	impairments	and	impairment	reversals.

The	average	depletion	rate	for	2022	was	$8.23	per	BOE	(2021	–	$9.11	per	BOE).	The	average	depletion	rate	excludes	the	impact	

Delivered	safe	and	reliable	operations.

in	the	second	quarter	of	2023.

Completed	the	dry-dock	portion	of	the	Terra	Nova	ALE	project.	We	expect	the	Terra	Nova	field	to	resume	production

Announced	our	decision	to	proceed	with	the	completion	of	the	West	White	Rose	project.

Sold	our	35	percent	position	in	the	undeveloped	Bay	du	Nord	project	offshore	Newfoundland	and	Labrador	as	part	of

our	consideration	in	the	Sunrise	Acquisition.

Generated	Operating	Margin	of	$1.6	billion,	an	increase	of	$190	million	compared	with	2021,	largely	due	to	higher

average	realized	sales	prices,	partially	offset	by	increased	operating	expenses	and	lower	sales	volumes.

Earned	a	Netback	of	$68.90	per	BOE.

region.

Invested	 capital	 of	 $310	 million	 mainly	 for	 the	 Terra	 Nova	 ALE	 and	 the	 West	 White	 Rose	 projects	 in	 the	 Atlantic

In	September	2021,	Cenovus	announced	an	agreement	with	its	partners	to	restructure	its	working	interest	in	the	Atlantic	region	

and	 proceed	 with	 the	 ALE	 project	 for	 Terra	 Nova.	 The	 agreement	 increased	 Cenovus’s	 working	 interest	 in	 Terra	 Nova	 to	

34	percent	from	13	percent	and,	pending	a	decision	to	restart	the	West	White	Rose	Project,	would	decrease	Cenovus’s	working	

interest	in	the	White	Rose	field	and	satellite	extensions	by	12.5	percent.		

On	May	31,	2022,	Cenovus	and	its	partners	announced	the	restart	of	the	West	White	Rose	project	resulting	in	the	reduction	of	

our	working	interest	in	the	White	Rose	field	and	satellite	extensions.	The	West	White	Rose	project	is	anticipated	to	have	peak	

production	of	80	thousand	barrels	per	day	(45	thousand	barrels	per	day,	net	to	Cenovus)	with	first	oil	expected	in	the	first	half	

of	2026.	Total	capital	required	to	achieve	first	oil	is	expected	to	be	approximately	$2.0	billion	to	$2.3	billion	net	to	Cenovus.	At	

December	31,	2022,	the	project	was	around	65	percent	complete.	Since	our	decision	to	restart	the	project,	we	have	invested	

approximately	$85	million	in	2022.	

At	our	equity-accounted	assets	in	Indonesia,	we	drilled	and	completed	two	MBH	field	development	wells	and	five	MDA	field	
development	wells	planned	for	the	year.	We	achieved	first	gas	production	from	the	MBH	and	MDA	fields	in	the	fourth	quarter	
of	2022.	In	Indonesia	we	also	have	the	MAC	and	MDK	fields	under	development.	At	the	MAC	field,	we	drilled	and	completed	
two	development	wells	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022,	of	the	three	planned	at	the	field.	We	expect	first	gas	production	from	the	
MAC	and	MDK	fields	by	2023	and	2025,	respectively.

In	 China,	 we	 finalized	 an	 agreement	 in	 the	 second	 quarter	 that	 increases	 gas	 sales	 at	 Liuhua	 29-1	 for	 the	 duration	 of	 the	
contract.	This	partially	offsets	some	of	the	reduction	in	contracted	natural	gas	sales	from	Liwan	3-1,	due	to	the	conclusion	of	an	
amendment	 that	 temporarily	 increased	 sales	 volumes.	 In	 addition,	 in	 the	 first	 quarter	 we	 terminated	 the	 production	 sharing	
contract	(“PSC”)	at	Block	23/07,	which	was	in	the	exploration	phase,	and	never	produced	or	had	drilling	activity.

Financial	Results

($	millions)

Revenues

Gross	Sales
Less:	Royalties	

Expenses

Transportation	and	Blending	

Operating	

Operating	Margin	(1)

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Exploration	Expense

(Income)	Loss	from	Equity-Accounted	Affiliates

Segment	Income	(Loss)

2022

Asia	Pacific

Atlantic

Offshore	

Asia	Pacific

2021

Atlantic

Offshore	

1,342

79

1,263

—

103

1,160

440

29

411

15

136

260

1,442

80

1,362

—

114

1,248

578

(3)

581

15

204

362

2,020

77

1,943

15

318

1,610

585

91

(23)

957

1,782

108

1,674

15

239

1,420

492

5

(47)

970

(1) 

Asia	Pacific	and	Atlantic	Operating	Margin	are	non-GAAP	financial	measures.	See the Advisory.

Operating	Margin	Variance

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   31

Operating	Results

Total	Sales	Volumes	(MBOE/d)

Atlantic
Asia	Pacific	(1)

Total	Realized	Price	(2)	($/BOE)

Atlantic	-	Light	Crude	Oil	($/bbl)

Asia	Pacific	(1)	($/BOE)

NGLs	($/bbl)

Conventional	Natural	Gas	($/Mcf)

Production	by	Product

Atlantic	-	Light	Crude	Oil	(Mbbls/d)
Asia	Pacific	(1)

NGLs	(Mbbls/d)
Conventional	Natural	Gas	(MMcf/d)
Asia	Pacific	Total	(MBOE/d)

Total	Production	(MBOE/d)

Effective	Royalty	Rate	(percent)

Atlantic
Asia	Pacific	(1)

Operating	Expense	(2)	($/BOE)

Atlantic
Asia	Pacific	(1)

Per	Unit	DD&A	(2)	($/BOE)

2022

70.0	

11.3

58.7

89.72	

140.65	

79.96	

110.05	

11.98	

11.6

12.4
277.7

58.7
70.3

	(0.5)	

	11.5	

12.64	

42.03	

7.00	

30.76	

2021

73.5

13.2

60.3

74.75

91.01

71.19

79.83

11.48

14.1

12.7
285.3

60.3
74.4

	6.7	

	8.4	

9.86

28.34

5.80

25.62

(1)

(2)

Reported	 sales	 volumes,	 associated	 per	 unit	 values	 and	 royalty	 rates	 reflect	 Cenovus’s	 40	 percent	 interest	 in	 HCML.	 Revenues	 and	 expenses	 related	 to	
the	HCML	joint	venture	are	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method	in	the	consolidated	financial	statements.
Specified financial measure. See the Advisory.

Revenues

Price

The	price	we	receive	for	natural	gas	sold	in	Asia	is	set	under	long-term	contracts.	Our	realized	sales	price	on	light	crude	oil	and	
NGLs	increased	in	2022	compared	with	2021,	primarily	due	to	higher	Brent	benchmark	pricing.

Production	Volumes

Asia	 Pacific	 production	 decreased	 slightly	 in	 2022	 compared	 with	 2021,	 due	 to	 changes	 to	 contracts	 at	 Liwan	 3-1	 and	
Liuhua	29-1	resulting	in	a	net	decrease	in	production.	The	decrease	was	partially	offset	by	first	gas	production	at	the	MBH	and	
MDA	fields	in	Indonesia	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.

Atlantic	production	decreased	slightly	in	2022	compared	with	2021,	due	to	the	decrease	in	Cenovus’s	working	interest	at	the	
White	Rose	field	and	satellite	extensions	in	the	second	quarter	of	2022.	Light	crude	oil	from	production	at	the	White	Rose	fields	
is	offloaded	from	the	SeaRose	FPSO	to	tankers	and	stored	at	an	onshore	terminal	before	shipment	to	buyers,	which	results	in	a	
timing	difference	between	production	and	sales.	

Royalties

Royalty	 rates	 in	 China	 and	 Indonesia	 are	 governed	 by	 production	 sharing	 contracts	 in	 which	 production	 is	 shared	 with	 the	
Chinese	and	Indonesian	governments.	The	effective	royalty	rate	for	2022	was	11.5	percent	(2021	–	8.4	percent).	The	increase	in	
the	effective	royalty	rates	in	2022	are	due	to	the	full	recovery	of	development	costs	at	the	Madura-BD	gas	project	in	the	third	
quarter	of	2021.

Royalties	 at	 the	 White	 Rose	 fields	 are	 based	 on	 an	 amended	 agreement	 between	 our	 working	 interest	 partners	 and	 the	
Government	of	Newfoundland	and	Labrador.	For	2022,	retroactive	to	January	1,	2022,	we	paid	a	basic	royalty	of	1.0	percent	of	
gross	sales	from	the	White	Rose	fields	and	1.0	percent	of	gross	sales	from	the	satellite	extensions.	As	a	result,	royalties	were	
negative	$3	million	in	2022	(2021	–	$29	million).

32   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Expenses

Operating	

Transportation 

Netbacks

Sales	Price	(2)

Royalties	(2)

Transportation	and	Blending	(2)

Operating	Expenses	(2)

Netback	(3)

Sales	Price	(2)

Royalties	(2)

Transportation	and	Blending	(2)

Operating	Expenses	(2)

Netback	(3)

(1)

(2)

(3)

DD&A	

(2021	–	$25.62	per	BOE).	

Exploration	Expense

Primary	drivers	of	our	Asia	Pacific	operating	expenses	in	2022	were	repairs	and	maintenance,	insurance	and	workforce.	Total	

and	 per-unit	 operating	 expenses	 increased	 marginally	 year-over-year,	 primarily	 due	 to	 planned	 maintenance	 in	 China	 in	 the	

second	 and	 third	 quarter,	 combined	 with	 lower	 production	 in	 China.	 Also	 contributing	 to	 the	 increase	 in	 per-unit	 operating	

expenses	were	costs	related	to	the	MBH	and	MDA	fields	coming	online	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.	

Primary	 drivers	 of	 our	 Atlantic	 operating	 expenses	 in	 2022	 were	 vessel	 and	 helicopter	 costs,	 repairs	 and	 maintenance,	 and	

workforce.	Total	operating	expenses	increased	mainly	due	to	continued	preparations	for	the	Terra	Nova	FPSO’s	return	to	field	

and	a	higher	working	interest	in	the	Terra	Nova	field.	The	increase	was	partially	offset	by	the	working	interest	restructuring	on	

the	 White	 Rose	 fields	 in	 the	 second	 quarter	 of	 2022.	 Per-unit	 operating	 expenses	 increased	 due	 to	 lower	 sales	 volumes,	

combined	with	increased	costs	at	Terra	Nova	discussed	above.

Transportation	in	the	Atlantic	region	remained	consistent	year-over-year	and	include	the	cost	of	transporting	crude	oil	from	the	

SeaRose	FPSO	unit	to	onshore	via	tankers,	as	well	as	storage	costs.

($/BOE,	except	where	indicated)

China

Indonesia	(1)

Atlantic	($/bbl)

Total	Offshore

2022

2021

70.66	

30.19	

—	

13.32	

27.15	

64.52	

14.93	

—	

9.55	

40.04	

140.65	

(0.74)	

3.79	

42.03	

95.57	

91.01	

6.07	

3.02	

28.34	

53.58	

89.72	

7.57	

0.61	

12.64	

68.90	

74.75	

5.96	

0.54	

9.86	

58.39	

81.99	

4.57	

—	

5.62	

71.80	

72.44	

4.25	

—	

5.10	

63.09	

($/BOE,	except	where	indicated)

China

Indonesia	(1)

Atlantic	($/bbl)

Total	Offshore

Reported	 sales	 volumes,	 associated	 per	 unit	 values	 and	 royalty	 rates	 reflect	 Cenovus’s	 40	 percent	 interest	 in	 HCML.	 Revenues	 and	 expenses	 related	 to	the	

HCML	joint	venture	are	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method	in	the	consolidated	financial	statements.

Specified financial measure. See the Advisory.

Contains a non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory.

In	2022,	total	Offshore	DD&A	was	$585	million	(2021	–	$492	million).	The	average	depletion	rate	in	2022	was	$30.76	per	BOE,	

In	2022,	we	recorded	exploration	expense	of	$91	million,	primarily	due	to	a	$58	million	write-off	related	to	our	decision	not	to	

pursue	development	at	Block	15/33	in	China,	penalties	related	to	terminating	the	PSC	at	Block	23/07	in	China	and	spending	at	

Bay	du	Nord	in	the	Atlantic	region	prior	to	its	divestiture.

Operating	Results

Total	Sales	Volumes	(MBOE/d)

Atlantic

Asia	Pacific	(1)

Total	Realized	Price	(2)	($/BOE)

Atlantic	-	Light	Crude	Oil	($/bbl)

Asia	Pacific	(1)	($/BOE)

NGLs	($/bbl)

Conventional	Natural	Gas	($/Mcf)

Production	by	Product

Atlantic	-	Light	Crude	Oil	(Mbbls/d)

Asia	Pacific	(1)

NGLs	(Mbbls/d)

Conventional	Natural	Gas	(MMcf/d)

Asia	Pacific	Total	(MBOE/d)

Total	Production	(MBOE/d)

Effective	Royalty	Rate	(percent)

Operating	Expense	(2)	($/BOE)

Atlantic

Asia	Pacific	(1)

Atlantic

Asia	Pacific	(1)

Per	Unit	DD&A	(2)	($/BOE)

2022

70.0	

11.3

58.7

89.72	

140.65	

79.96	

110.05	

11.98	

11.6

12.4

277.7

58.7

70.3

	(0.5)	

	11.5	

12.64	

42.03	

7.00	

30.76	

2021

73.5

13.2

60.3

74.75

91.01

71.19

79.83

11.48

14.1

12.7

285.3

60.3

74.4

	6.7	

	8.4	

9.86

28.34

5.80

25.62

(1)

Reported	 sales	 volumes,	 associated	 per	 unit	 values	 and	 royalty	 rates	 reflect	 Cenovus’s	 40	 percent	 interest	 in	 HCML.	 Revenues	 and	 expenses	 related	 to	

the	HCML	joint	venture	are	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method	in	the	consolidated	financial	statements.

(2)

Specified financial measure. See the Advisory.

Revenues

Price

Production	Volumes

Royalties

quarter	of	2021.

The	price	we	receive	for	natural	gas	sold	in	Asia	is	set	under	long-term	contracts.	Our	realized	sales	price	on	light	crude	oil	and	

NGLs	increased	in	2022	compared	with	2021,	primarily	due	to	higher	Brent	benchmark	pricing.

Asia	 Pacific	 production	 decreased	 slightly	 in	 2022	 compared	 with	 2021,	 due	 to	 changes	 to	 contracts	 at	 Liwan	 3-1	 and	

Liuhua	29-1	resulting	in	a	net	decrease	in	production.	The	decrease	was	partially	offset	by	first	gas	production	at	the	MBH	and	

MDA	fields	in	Indonesia	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.

Atlantic	production	decreased	slightly	in	2022	compared	with	2021,	due	to	the	decrease	in	Cenovus’s	working	interest	at	the	

White	Rose	field	and	satellite	extensions	in	the	second	quarter	of	2022.	Light	crude	oil	from	production	at	the	White	Rose	fields	

is	offloaded	from	the	SeaRose	FPSO	to	tankers	and	stored	at	an	onshore	terminal	before	shipment	to	buyers,	which	results	in	a	

timing	difference	between	production	and	sales.	

Royalty	 rates	 in	 China	 and	 Indonesia	 are	 governed	 by	 production	 sharing	 contracts	 in	 which	 production	 is	 shared	 with	 the	

Chinese	and	Indonesian	governments.	The	effective	royalty	rate	for	2022	was	11.5	percent	(2021	–	8.4	percent).	The	increase	in	

the	effective	royalty	rates	in	2022	are	due	to	the	full	recovery	of	development	costs	at	the	Madura-BD	gas	project	in	the	third	

Royalties	 at	 the	 White	 Rose	 fields	 are	 based	 on	 an	 amended	 agreement	 between	 our	 working	 interest	 partners	 and	 the	

Government	of	Newfoundland	and	Labrador.	For	2022,	retroactive	to	January	1,	2022,	we	paid	a	basic	royalty	of	1.0	percent	of	

gross	sales	from	the	White	Rose	fields	and	1.0	percent	of	gross	sales	from	the	satellite	extensions.	As	a	result,	royalties	were	

negative	$3	million	in	2022	(2021	–	$29	million).

Expenses

Operating	

Primary	drivers	of	our	Asia	Pacific	operating	expenses	in	2022	were	repairs	and	maintenance,	insurance	and	workforce.	Total	
and	 per-unit	 operating	 expenses	 increased	 marginally	 year-over-year,	 primarily	 due	 to	 planned	 maintenance	 in	 China	 in	 the	
second	 and	 third	 quarter,	 combined	 with	 lower	 production	 in	 China.	 Also	 contributing	 to	 the	 increase	 in	 per-unit	 operating	
expenses	were	costs	related	to	the	MBH	and	MDA	fields	coming	online	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.	

Primary	 drivers	 of	 our	 Atlantic	 operating	 expenses	 in	 2022	 were	 vessel	 and	 helicopter	 costs,	 repairs	 and	 maintenance,	 and	
workforce.	Total	operating	expenses	increased	mainly	due	to	continued	preparations	for	the	Terra	Nova	FPSO’s	return	to	field	
and	a	higher	working	interest	in	the	Terra	Nova	field.	The	increase	was	partially	offset	by	the	working	interest	restructuring	on	
the	 White	 Rose	 fields	 in	 the	 second	 quarter	 of	 2022.	 Per-unit	 operating	 expenses	 increased	 due	 to	 lower	 sales	 volumes,	
combined	with	increased	costs	at	Terra	Nova	discussed	above.

Transportation 

Transportation	in	the	Atlantic	region	remained	consistent	year-over-year	and	include	the	cost	of	transporting	crude	oil	from	the	
SeaRose	FPSO	unit	to	onshore	via	tankers,	as	well	as	storage	costs.

Netbacks

($/BOE,	except	where	indicated)

Sales	Price	(2)
Royalties	(2)
Transportation	and	Blending	(2)
Operating	Expenses	(2)
Netback	(3)

($/BOE,	except	where	indicated)

Sales	Price	(2)
Royalties	(2)
Transportation	and	Blending	(2)
Operating	Expenses	(2)
Netback	(3)

China

Indonesia	(1)

Atlantic	($/bbl)

Total	Offshore

2022

81.99	

4.57	

—	

5.62	

71.80	

70.66	

30.19	

—	

13.32	

27.15	

2021

140.65	

(0.74)	

3.79	

42.03	

95.57	

89.72	

7.57	

0.61	

12.64	

68.90	

China

Indonesia	(1)

Atlantic	($/bbl)

Total	Offshore

72.44	

4.25	

—	

5.10	

63.09	

64.52	

14.93	

—	

9.55	

40.04	

91.01	

6.07	

3.02	

28.34	

53.58	

74.75	

5.96	

0.54	

9.86	

58.39	

(1)

(2)
(3)

Reported	 sales	 volumes,	 associated	 per	 unit	 values	 and	 royalty	 rates	 reflect	 Cenovus’s	 40	 percent	 interest	 in	 HCML.	 Revenues	 and	 expenses	 related	 to	the	
HCML	joint	venture	are	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method	in	the	consolidated	financial	statements.
Specified financial measure. See the Advisory.
Contains a non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory.

DD&A	

In	2022,	total	Offshore	DD&A	was	$585	million	(2021	–	$492	million).	The	average	depletion	rate	in	2022	was	$30.76	per	BOE,	
(2021	–	$25.62	per	BOE).	

Exploration	Expense

In	2022,	we	recorded	exploration	expense	of	$91	million,	primarily	due	to	a	$58	million	write-off	related	to	our	decision	not	to	
pursue	development	at	Block	15/33	in	China,	penalties	related	to	terminating	the	PSC	at	Block	23/07	in	China	and	spending	at	
Bay	du	Nord	in	the	Atlantic	region	prior	to	its	divestiture.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   33

DOWNSTREAM

Canadian	Manufacturing

In	2022,	we:

•
•
•

•

Delivered	safe	operations.
Completed	planned	turnarounds	at	the	Upgrader	and	Lloydminster	Refinery	in	the	second	quarter.
Averaged	 combined	 crude	 utilization	 of	84	 percent	 at	 the	 Upgrader	 and	 Lloydminster	 Refinery.	 There	 were	 several
unplanned	outages,	primarily	at	the	Upgrader	in	2022.
Generated	 Operating	 Margin	 of	 $699	 million,	 an	 increase	 of	 $126	 million	 compared	 with	 2021,	 primarily	 due	 to	 a
higher	 upgrading	 differential,	 and	 higher	 distillate	 and	 asphalt	 pricing,	 partially	 offset	 by	 the	 impact	 of	 turnaround
activities	and	unplanned	outages	on	sales	volumes	and	operating	expenses.

• We	closed	the	sales	of	337	gas	stations	within	our	retail	fuels	network	for	net	cash	proceeds	of	$404	million.

Following	 the	 sale	 of	 the	 retail	 business,	 we	 retained	 our	 commercial	 fuels	 business,	 which	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 includes	
170	 cardlock,	 bulk	 plant	 and	 travel	 center	 locations.	 The	 commercial	 fuels	 business	 and	 historical	 retail	 fuels	 business	 are	
aggregated	into	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	The	marketing	operations	of	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment	have	
similar	 products	 and	 services,	 customer	 types,	 distribution	 methods	 and	 operate	 in	 the	 same	 regulatory	 environment	 as	 the	
commercial	 fuels	 business.	 The	 commercial	 fuels	 business	 includes	 cardlock,	 bulk	 plant	 and	 travel	 centre	 locations	 across	
Canada.

Financial	Results

($	millions)

Revenues

Purchased	Product

Gross	Margin	(2)
Expenses

Operating

Operating	Margin

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Segment	Income	(Loss)

2022
7,792	

6,389	

1,403	

704	

699	

208	

491	

2021	(1)
6,215	

5,156	

1,059	

486	

573	

226	

347	

2020

82	

—	

82	

37	

45	

8	

37	

(1)

(2)

Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	
been	aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	See	Note	3	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.
Non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory.

34   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Select	Operating	Results

Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	Capacity	(Mbbls/d)

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	(Mbbls/d)

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Crude	Utilization	(1)	(percent)

Refined	Products	Output	(Mbbls/d)

Upgrading	Differential	(2)	

Refining	Margin	(3)(4)	($/bbl)

Lloydminster	Upgrader	(4)

Lloydminster	Refinery	(4)

Unit	Operating	Expense	(5)	($/bbl)	

Ethanol	Production	(millions	of	litres/d)

Volumes	Loaded	(6)	(Mbbls/d)

Rail

Fuel	Sales	(7)

Fuel	Sales	(millions	of	litres/d)

Fuel	Sales	per	Outlet	(thousands	of	litres/d)

2022

110.5	

81.5	

29.0	

92.9	

68.7	

24.2	

	84	

93.4	

32.84	

33.92	

36.04	

27.91	

13.91	

0.8	

1.8	

6.2	

15.0	

2021

110.5	

81.5	

29.0	

106.5	

79.0	

27.5	

	96	

107.9	

16.83	

18.09	

18.96	

15.60	

7.55	

0.7	

12.1	

6.9	

13.0	

2020

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

	—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

30.4	

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

Based	on	crude	oil	throughput	volumes	and	results	of	operations	at	the	Upgrader	and	Lloydminster	Refinery.

Based	on	benchmark	price	differential	between	heavy	oil	feedstock	and	synthetic	crude.

Contains	 a	 non-GAAP	 financial	 measure.	 See  the  Advisory.  Revenues	 from	 the	 Upgrader	 for	 the	 year	 ended	December	31,	2022,	were	$3.8	billion	

(2021	– $3.2	billion).	Revenues	from	the	Lloydminster	Refinery	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	were	$1.1	billion	(2021	–	$816	million).

Comparative	information	has	been	re-presented	to	include	marketing	activities.

Specified	financial	measure.	See the Advisory.	Comparative	information	has	been	re-presented	to	include	only	operating	expenses	and	throughput	at	the Upgrader	

and	Lloydminster	Refinery.

Volumes	transported	outside	of	Alberta,	Canada.

On	September	13,	2022,	we	closed	the	sales	of	337	gas	stations	within	our	retail	fuels	network.	We	retained	our	commercial	fuels	business,	which	includes	

approximately	170	cardlock,	bulk	plant	and	travel	centre	locations.	Total	fuel	sales	volumes	include	the	historical	retail	business	and	the	remaining	commercial	

fuels	business.	For	the	period	of	September	14,	2022	to	December	31,	2022,	the	commercial	fuels	business	averaged	0.7	million	litres	per	day	of	gasoline	sales	

volumes	and	4.6	million	litres	per	day	of	diesel	fuel	sales	volumes,	for	a	total	of	5.3	million	litres	per	day	of	sales	volumes.

In	2022,	crude	oil	throughput	decreased	13.6	thousand	barrels	per	day	compared	with	2021	due	to	planned	turnarounds	at	the	

Lloydminster	 Upgrader	 and	 Lloydminster	 Refinery	 completed	 in	 the	 second	 quarter.	 Cold	 weather	 impacts	 and	 operational	

outages	reduced	throughput	at	the	Upgrader	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.	The	Upgrader	returned	to	full	rates	in	the	middle	of	

January	2023.	In	addition,	there	were	temporary	unplanned	outages	at	the	Upgrader	in	the	first	and	third	quarters	of	2022.	

Revenues	and	Gross	Margin

feedstock.

The	Lloydminster	Upgrader	processes	blended	heavy	crude	oil	and	bitumen	into	high	value	synthetic	crude	oil	and	low	sulphur	

distillates.	 Revenues	 are	 dependent	 on	 the	 sales	 price	 of	 synthetic	 crude	 oil	 and	 diesel.	 Upgrading	 gross	 margin	 is	 primarily	

dependent	 on	 the	 differential	 between	 the	 sales	 price	 of	 synthetic	 crude	 oil	 and	 diesel,	 and	 the	 cost	 of	 heavy	 crude	 oil	

The	Lloydminster	Refinery	processes	blended	heavy	crude	oil	into	asphalt	and	industrial	products.	Revenues	are	dependent	on	

market	 prices	 for	 asphalt	 and	 other	 industrial	 products.	 The	 gross	 margin	 is	 largely	 dependent	 on	 asphalt	 and	 industrial	

products	pricing	and	the	cost	of	heavy	crude	oil	feedstock.	Sales	from	the	Lloydminster	Refinery	increase	during	paving	season,	

which	typically	runs	from	May	through	October	each	year.	

The	Lloydminster	Upgrader	sources	crude	oil	feedstock	primarily	from	our	Lloydminster	thermal	production.	The	Lloydminster	

Refinery	sources	crude	oil	feedstock	from	our	Lloydminster	thermal	and	Lloydminster	conventional	heavy	oil	production.

DOWNSTREAM

Canadian	Manufacturing

In	2022,	we:

Delivered	safe	operations.

•

•

•

•

Completed	planned	turnarounds	at	the	Upgrader	and	Lloydminster	Refinery	in	the	second	quarter.

Averaged	 combined	 crude	 utilization	 of	84	 percent	 at	 the	 Upgrader	 and	 Lloydminster	 Refinery.	 There	 were	 several

unplanned	outages,	primarily	at	the	Upgrader	in	2022.

Generated	 Operating	 Margin	 of	 $699	 million,	 an	 increase	 of	 $126	 million	 compared	 with	 2021,	 primarily	 due	 to	 a

higher	 upgrading	 differential,	 and	 higher	 distillate	 and	 asphalt	 pricing,	 partially	 offset	 by	 the	 impact	 of	 turnaround

activities	and	unplanned	outages	on	sales	volumes	and	operating	expenses.

• We	closed	the	sales	of	337	gas	stations	within	our	retail	fuels	network	for	net	cash	proceeds	of	$404	million.

Following	 the	 sale	 of	 the	 retail	 business,	 we	 retained	 our	 commercial	 fuels	 business,	 which	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 includes	

170	 cardlock,	 bulk	 plant	 and	 travel	 center	 locations.	 The	 commercial	 fuels	 business	 and	 historical	 retail	 fuels	 business	 are	

aggregated	into	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	The	marketing	operations	of	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment	have	

similar	 products	 and	 services,	 customer	 types,	 distribution	 methods	 and	 operate	 in	 the	 same	 regulatory	 environment	 as	 the	

commercial	 fuels	 business.	 The	 commercial	 fuels	 business	 includes	 cardlock,	 bulk	 plant	 and	 travel	 centre	 locations	 across	

Canada.

Financial	Results

($	millions)

Revenues

Purchased	Product

Gross	Margin	(2)

Expenses

Operating

Operating	Margin

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Segment	Income	(Loss)

2022

7,792	

6,389	

1,403	

704	

699	

208	

491	

2021	(1)

6,215	

5,156	

1,059	

486	

573	

226	

347	

2020

82	

—	

82	

37	

45	

8	

37	

(1)

Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	

been	aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	See	Note	3	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.

(2)

Non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory.

Select	Operating	Results

Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	Capacity	(Mbbls/d)

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	(Mbbls/d)

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Crude	Utilization	(1)	(percent)

Refined	Products	Output	(Mbbls/d)

Upgrading	Differential	(2)	

Refining	Margin	(3)(4)	($/bbl)
Lloydminster	Upgrader	(4)
Lloydminster	Refinery	(4)

Unit	Operating	Expense	(5)	($/bbl)	

Ethanol	Production	(millions	of	litres/d)

Rail

Volumes	Loaded	(6)	(Mbbls/d)

Fuel	Sales	(7)

Fuel	Sales	(millions	of	litres/d)

Fuel	Sales	per	Outlet	(thousands	of	litres/d)

2022

110.5	

81.5	

29.0	

92.9	

68.7	

24.2	

	84	

93.4	

32.84	

33.92	

36.04	

27.91	

13.91	

0.8	

1.8	

6.2	

15.0	

2021

110.5	

81.5	

29.0	

106.5	

79.0	

27.5	

	96	

107.9	

16.83	

18.09	

18.96	

15.60	

7.55	

0.7	

12.1	

6.9	

13.0	

2020

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

	—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

30.4	

—	

—	

(1)
(2)
(3)

(4)
(5)

(6)
(7)

Based	on	crude	oil	throughput	volumes	and	results	of	operations	at	the	Upgrader	and	Lloydminster	Refinery.
Based	on	benchmark	price	differential	between	heavy	oil	feedstock	and	synthetic	crude.
Contains	 a	 non-GAAP	 financial	 measure.	 See  the  Advisory.  Revenues	 from	 the	 Upgrader	 for	 the	 year	 ended	December	31,	2022,	were	$3.8	billion	
(2021	– $3.2	billion).	Revenues	from	the	Lloydminster	Refinery	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	were	$1.1	billion	(2021	–	$816	million).
Comparative	information	has	been	re-presented	to	include	marketing	activities.
Specified	financial	measure.	See the Advisory.	Comparative	information	has	been	re-presented	to	include	only	operating	expenses	and	throughput	at	the Upgrader	
and	Lloydminster	Refinery.
Volumes	transported	outside	of	Alberta,	Canada.
On	September	13,	2022,	we	closed	the	sales	of	337	gas	stations	within	our	retail	fuels	network.	We	retained	our	commercial	fuels	business,	which	includes	
approximately	170	cardlock,	bulk	plant	and	travel	centre	locations.	Total	fuel	sales	volumes	include	the	historical	retail	business	and	the	remaining	commercial	
fuels	business.	For	the	period	of	September	14,	2022	to	December	31,	2022,	the	commercial	fuels	business	averaged	0.7	million	litres	per	day	of	gasoline	sales	
volumes	and	4.6	million	litres	per	day	of	diesel	fuel	sales	volumes,	for	a	total	of	5.3	million	litres	per	day	of	sales	volumes.

In	2022,	crude	oil	throughput	decreased	13.6	thousand	barrels	per	day	compared	with	2021	due	to	planned	turnarounds	at	the	
Lloydminster	 Upgrader	 and	 Lloydminster	 Refinery	 completed	 in	 the	 second	 quarter.	 Cold	 weather	 impacts	 and	 operational	
outages	reduced	throughput	at	the	Upgrader	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.	The	Upgrader	returned	to	full	rates	in	the	middle	of	
January	2023.	In	addition,	there	were	temporary	unplanned	outages	at	the	Upgrader	in	the	first	and	third	quarters	of	2022.	

Revenues	and	Gross	Margin

The	Lloydminster	Upgrader	processes	blended	heavy	crude	oil	and	bitumen	into	high	value	synthetic	crude	oil	and	low	sulphur	
distillates.	 Revenues	 are	 dependent	 on	 the	 sales	 price	 of	 synthetic	 crude	 oil	 and	 diesel.	 Upgrading	 gross	 margin	 is	 primarily	
dependent	 on	 the	 differential	 between	 the	 sales	 price	 of	 synthetic	 crude	 oil	 and	 diesel,	 and	 the	 cost	 of	 heavy	 crude	 oil	
feedstock.

The	Lloydminster	Refinery	processes	blended	heavy	crude	oil	into	asphalt	and	industrial	products.	Revenues	are	dependent	on	
market	 prices	 for	 asphalt	 and	 other	 industrial	 products.	 The	 gross	 margin	 is	 largely	 dependent	 on	 asphalt	 and	 industrial	
products	pricing	and	the	cost	of	heavy	crude	oil	feedstock.	Sales	from	the	Lloydminster	Refinery	increase	during	paving	season,	
which	typically	runs	from	May	through	October	each	year.	

The	Lloydminster	Upgrader	sources	crude	oil	feedstock	primarily	from	our	Lloydminster	thermal	production.	The	Lloydminster	
Refinery	sources	crude	oil	feedstock	from	our	Lloydminster	thermal	and	Lloydminster	conventional	heavy	oil	production.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   35

In	2022,	revenues	increased	by	$1.6	billion	to	$7.8	billion,	mainly	due	to	higher	synthetic	crude	oil	benchmark	prices	and	higher	
asphalt	and	industrial	products	prices.	In	addition,	revenues	from	our	commercial	fuels	business	and	historical	retail	network	
increased	due	to	significantly	higher	benchmark	gasoline	and	diesel	prices.	The	increase	in	total	revenues	year-over-year	was	
partially	offset	by	lower	sales	volumes.

Gross	margin	increased	$344	million	in	2022	compared	with	2021,	due	to	a	higher	upgrading	differential	and	higher	margins	on	
asphalt	and	industrial	products.	The	year-over-year	increase	was	offset	by	lower	sales	volumes,	the	2021	settlement	of	a	take-
or-pay	contract	of	$55	million	and	reduced	activity	at	the	Bruderheim	crude-by-rail	terminal.

See the Advisory for revenue and gross margin by asset.

Operating	Expenses

Primary	drivers	of	operating	expenses	in	2022	were	repairs	and	maintenance,	workforce	and	energy	costs.	Total	operating	costs	
increased	in	2022	compared	with	2021,	primarily	due	to	planned	turnarounds	and	operational	outages,	combined	with	higher	
energy	costs,	maintenance,	workforce	and	chemical	costs.		

Per-unit	 operating	 expenses	 increased	 primarily	 due	 to	 the	 same	 factors	 discussed	 above,	 combined	 with	 lower	 crude	 oil	
throughput	volumes.	Per-unit	operating	costs	apply	only	to	operating	costs	and	throughput	at	the	Upgrader	and	Lloydminster	
Refinery.	

DD&A

In	2022,	Canadian	Manufacturing	DD&A	was	$208	million,	compared	with	$226	million	in	2021.	

U.S.	Manufacturing

In	2022,	we:

•
•

•
•

•

•

•

•

Delivered	safe	operations	at	our	operated	assets.
Generated	 Operating	 Margin	 of	 $1.7	 billion,	 an	 increase	 of	 $1.5	 billion	 compared	 with	 2021,	 largely	 due	 to	 significantly
higher	market	crack	spreads.
Achieved	crude	utilization	of	90	percent	at	the	Lima	Refinery.
Completed	a	significant	planned	turnaround	at	the	non-operated	Toledo	Refinery,	from	April	and	through	to	early	August.
On	September	20,	2022,	there	was	an	incident	at	the	Toledo	Refinery.	The	refinery	remains	shut	down	in	a	safe	state.
Completed	planned	turnarounds	at	the	non-operated	Wood	River	and	Borger	refineries	in	the	first	and	second	quarters,
and	an	additional	planned	turnaround	at	the	Wood	River	Refinery	in	September	and	October.
Commenced	commissioning	activities	for	the	Superior	Refinery	restart	in	December	2022	and	will	progress	into	the	first
quarter	of	2023.	The	refinery	remains	on	schedule	to	ramp	up	to	full	operations	in	the	second	quarter	of	2023.
Averaged	 crude	 utilization	 of	 80	 percent	 and	 crude	 oil	 throughput	 of	 400.8	 thousand	 barrels	 per	 day	 across	 all	 U.S.
Manufacturing	assets.
Invested	capital	of	$1.1	billion	focused	primarily	on	the	Superior	Refinery	rebuild,	and	refining	reliability	initiatives	at	the
Wood	River,	Borger	and	Toledo	refineries,	and	yield	optimization	projects	at	the	Wood	River	Refinery.

On	August	8,	2022,	we	announced	an	agreement	with	BP	to	acquire	their	50	percent	interest	in	the	Toledo	Refinery	in	Ohio.	The	
Toledo	Acquisition	will	provide	us	full	ownership	and	operatorship	and	further	integrate	our	heavy	oil	production	and	refining	
capabilities.	 The	 transaction	 is	 expected	 to	 give	 us	 an	 additional	 80.0	 thousand	 barrels	 per	 day	 of	 downstream	 throughput	
capacity,	including	45.0	thousand	barrels	per	day	of	heavy	oil	refining	capacity,	with	opportunities	to	further	optimize	our	heavy	
oil	value	chain	through	integration	with	our	upstream	assets.	The	transaction	is	expected	to	close	at	the	end	of	February	2023.	

Financial	Results

($	millions)

Revenues

Purchased	Product

Gross	Margin	(1)
Expenses

Operating

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Unrealized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management	
Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Segment	Income	(Loss)

(1)  Non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory.

36   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

2022

30,310	

26,112	

4,198	

2,346	

112	

1,740	

18	

640	

1,082	

2021

20,043	

17,955	

2,088	

1,772	

104	

212	

1	

2,381	

(2,170)	

2020

4,733	

4,429	

304	

748	

(21)	

(423)	

(1)	

728	

(1,150)	

Select	Operating	Results	

Crude	Oil	Throughput	Capacity	(Mbbls/d)

Lima	Refinery

Superior	Refinery	(1)

Toledo	Refinery	(2)

Wood	River	and	Borger	Refineries	(2)

Crude	Oil	Throughput	(Mbbls/d)

Lima	Refinery

Superior	Refinery	(1)

Toledo	Refinery	(2)

Wood	River	and	Borger	Refineries	(2)

Throughput	by	Product	(Mbbls/d)

Heavy	Crude	Oil

Light	and	Medium	Crude	Oil

Crude	Utilization	(percent)

Refining	Margin	(3)(4)	($/bbl)

Unit	Operating	Expense	(4)(5)	($/bbl)

2022

552.5	

175.0	

50.0	

80.0	

247.5	

400.8	

157.9	

—	

36.3	

206.6	

116.1	

284.7	

	80	

28.70	

16.04	

2021

502.5	

175.0	

—	

80.0	

247.5	

401.5	

126.9	

—	

69.9	

204.7	

138.7	

262.8	

	80	

14.25	

12.09	

2020

247.5	

247.5	

185.9	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

185.9	

74.6	

111.3	

	75	

4.47	

11.00	

The	 Superior	 Refinery	 commenced	 commissioning	 in	 December	 2022.	 The	 permitted	 capacity	 is	 50.0	 Mbbls/d	 and	 is	 not	 included	 in	 the	 crude	utilization

           	calculation.

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

Represents	Cenovus’s	50	percent	interest	in	the	non-operated	Wood	River,	Borger	and	Toledo	refinery	operations.

Contains a non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory.

Based	on	crude	oil	throughput	volumes	and	operating	results	at	Wood	River,	Borger,	Lima,	Toledo	and	Superior	refineries.	

Specified financial measure. See the Advisory.

In	2022,	total	crude	utilization	across	the	segment	was	80	percent	(2021	–	80	percent):

•

The	 Lima	 Refinery	 had	 unplanned	 operational	 issues	 in	 the	 first	 quarter	 of	 the	 year	 following	 the	 turnaround 

completed	in	late	2021.	The	refinery	performed	well	in	the	remainder	of	the	year,	until	the	winter	storm	Elliott	events 

in	December.	Lima	returned	to	normal	rates	in	early	January	2023.	Crude	utilization	in	2022	was	90	percent	(2021	–

•

At	the	Toledo	Refinery,	we	completed	a	significant	planned	turnaround	starting	in	April	and	ramped	up	to	full	rates	by 

mid-August	2022.	On	September	20,	2022,	there	was	an	incident	at	the	Toledo	Refinery.	The	refinery	remains	shut 

down	in	a	safe	state.	Crude	utilization	in	2022	was	45	percent	(2021	–	87	percent).

• We	completed	two	planned	turnarounds	at	the	Wood	River	Refinery	in	2022.	The	spring	turnaround	was	delayed	due 

to	cold	weather,	resulting	in	labour	shortages	and	cost	overruns.	The	second	turnaround	was	completed	in	September 

and	 October.	 In	 December	 2022,	 an	 incident	 occurred	 at	 the	Wood	 River	 Refinery	 that	 reduced	 throughput.	 Crude 

utilization	 has	 steadily	 increased	 since	 the	 first	 week	 of	 January	 2023,	 and	 the	 refinery	 is	 currently	 operating	 at	 a 

substantial	proportion	of	normal	throughput.	The	refinery	is	expected	to	return	to	normal	rates	in	the	second	quarter 

73	percent).

of	2023.

• We	completed	a	turnaround	at	the	Borger	Refinery	in	the	first	and	second	quarters	of	2022.	In	addition,	the	refinery 

had	unplanned	operational	outages	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.	The	refinery	returned	to	full	rates	by	January	2023.

•

Combined	crude	utilization	for	the	Wood	River	and	Borger	refineries	was	83	percent	(2021	–	83	percent).

Early	in	the	year,	we	operated	at	reduced	rates	at	the	Toledo,	Lima	and	Wood	River	refineries	due	to	low	market	crack	spreads.	

In	December,	throughput	at	all	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	sites	was	significantly	impacted	by	extreme	cold	weather.	Wood	River	

and	Borger	were	also	impacted	by	outages	on	a	third	party	pipeline	that	brings	feedstock	to	the	refineries.	Cold	weather	also	

impacted	Toledo	delaying	the	start	up	of	certain	operational	areas	that	could	be	restarted.	

The	Superior	Refinery	commenced	commissioning	in	December	and	will	progress	into	the	first	quarter	of	2023.	The	refinery	is	

expected	to	ramp	up	to	full	operations	in	the	second	quarter	of	2023.

In	2022,	revenues	increased	by	$1.6	billion	to	$7.8	billion,	mainly	due	to	higher	synthetic	crude	oil	benchmark	prices	and	higher	

asphalt	and	industrial	products	prices.	In	addition,	revenues	from	our	commercial	fuels	business	and	historical	retail	network	

increased	due	to	significantly	higher	benchmark	gasoline	and	diesel	prices.	The	increase	in	total	revenues	year-over-year	was	

partially	offset	by	lower	sales	volumes.

Gross	margin	increased	$344	million	in	2022	compared	with	2021,	due	to	a	higher	upgrading	differential	and	higher	margins	on	

asphalt	and	industrial	products.	The	year-over-year	increase	was	offset	by	lower	sales	volumes,	the	2021	settlement	of	a	take-

or-pay	contract	of	$55	million	and	reduced	activity	at	the	Bruderheim	crude-by-rail	terminal.

See the Advisory for revenue and gross margin by asset.

Operating	Expenses

Primary	drivers	of	operating	expenses	in	2022	were	repairs	and	maintenance,	workforce	and	energy	costs.	Total	operating	costs	

increased	in	2022	compared	with	2021,	primarily	due	to	planned	turnarounds	and	operational	outages,	combined	with	higher	

energy	costs,	maintenance,	workforce	and	chemical	costs.		

Per-unit	 operating	 expenses	 increased	 primarily	 due	 to	 the	 same	 factors	 discussed	 above,	 combined	 with	 lower	 crude	 oil	

throughput	volumes.	Per-unit	operating	costs	apply	only	to	operating	costs	and	throughput	at	the	Upgrader	and	Lloydminster	

In	2022,	Canadian	Manufacturing	DD&A	was	$208	million,	compared	with	$226	million	in	2021.	

Refinery.	

DD&A

U.S.	Manufacturing

In	2022,	we:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Generated	 Operating	 Margin	 of	 $1.7	 billion,	 an	 increase	 of	 $1.5	 billion	 compared	 with	 2021,	 largely	 due	 to	 significantly

Delivered	safe	operations	at	our	operated	assets.

higher	market	crack	spreads.

Achieved	crude	utilization	of	90	percent	at	the	Lima	Refinery.

Completed	a	significant	planned	turnaround	at	the	non-operated	Toledo	Refinery,	from	April	and	through	to	early	August.

On	September	20,	2022,	there	was	an	incident	at	the	Toledo	Refinery.	The	refinery	remains	shut	down	in	a	safe	state.

Completed	planned	turnarounds	at	the	non-operated	Wood	River	and	Borger	refineries	in	the	first	and	second	quarters,

and	an	additional	planned	turnaround	at	the	Wood	River	Refinery	in	September	and	October.

Commenced	commissioning	activities	for	the	Superior	Refinery	restart	in	December	2022	and	will	progress	into	the	first

quarter	of	2023.	The	refinery	remains	on	schedule	to	ramp	up	to	full	operations	in	the	second	quarter	of	2023.

Averaged	 crude	 utilization	 of	 80	 percent	 and	 crude	 oil	 throughput	 of	 400.8	 thousand	 barrels	 per	 day	 across	 all	 U.S.

Manufacturing	assets.

Invested	capital	of	$1.1	billion	focused	primarily	on	the	Superior	Refinery	rebuild,	and	refining	reliability	initiatives	at	the

Wood	River,	Borger	and	Toledo	refineries,	and	yield	optimization	projects	at	the	Wood	River	Refinery.

On	August	8,	2022,	we	announced	an	agreement	with	BP	to	acquire	their	50	percent	interest	in	the	Toledo	Refinery	in	Ohio.	The	

Toledo	Acquisition	will	provide	us	full	ownership	and	operatorship	and	further	integrate	our	heavy	oil	production	and	refining	

capabilities.	 The	 transaction	 is	 expected	 to	 give	 us	 an	 additional	 80.0	 thousand	 barrels	 per	 day	 of	 downstream	 throughput	

capacity,	including	45.0	thousand	barrels	per	day	of	heavy	oil	refining	capacity,	with	opportunities	to	further	optimize	our	heavy	

oil	value	chain	through	integration	with	our	upstream	assets.	The	transaction	is	expected	to	close	at	the	end	of	February	2023.	

Financial	Results

($	millions)

Revenues

Purchased	Product

Gross	Margin	(1)

Expenses

Operating

Operating	Margin

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Unrealized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management	

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Segment	Income	(Loss)

(1)  Non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory.

2022

30,310	

26,112	

4,198	

2,346	

112	

1,740	

18	

640	

1,082	

2021

20,043	

17,955	

2,088	

1,772	

104	

212	

1	

2,381	

(2,170)	

2020

4,733	

4,429	

304	

748	

(21)	

(423)	

(1)	

728	

(1,150)	

Select	Operating	Results	

Crude	Oil	Throughput	Capacity	(Mbbls/d)

Lima	Refinery
Superior	Refinery	(1)
Toledo	Refinery	(2)
Wood	River	and	Borger	Refineries	(2)

Crude	Oil	Throughput	(Mbbls/d)

Lima	Refinery
Superior	Refinery	(1)
Toledo	Refinery	(2)
Wood	River	and	Borger	Refineries	(2)

Throughput	by	Product	(Mbbls/d)

Heavy	Crude	Oil

Light	and	Medium	Crude	Oil

Crude	Utilization	(percent)

Refining	Margin	(3)(4)	($/bbl)

Unit	Operating	Expense	(4)(5)	($/bbl)

2022

552.5	

175.0	

50.0	

80.0	

247.5	

400.8	

157.9	

—	

36.3	

206.6	

116.1	

284.7	

	80	

28.70	

16.04	

2021

502.5	

175.0	

—	

80.0	

247.5	

401.5	

126.9	

—	

69.9	

204.7	

138.7	

262.8	

	80	

14.25	

12.09	

2020

247.5	

—	

—	

—	

247.5	

185.9	

—	

—	

—	

185.9	

74.6	

111.3	

	75	

4.47	

11.00	

The	 Superior	 Refinery	 commenced	 commissioning	 in	 December	 2022.	 The	 permitted	 capacity	 is	 50.0	 Mbbls/d	 and	 is	 not	 included	 in	 the	 crude	utilization

(1)
           	calculation.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
In	2022,	total	crude	utilization	across	the	segment	was	80	percent	(2021	–	80	percent):

Represents	Cenovus’s	50	percent	interest	in	the	non-operated	Wood	River,	Borger	and	Toledo	refinery	operations.
Contains a non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory.
Based	on	crude	oil	throughput	volumes	and	operating	results	at	Wood	River,	Borger,	Lima,	Toledo	and	Superior	refineries.	
Specified financial measure. See the Advisory.

•

•

The	 Lima	 Refinery	 had	 unplanned	 operational	 issues	 in	 the	 first	 quarter	 of	 the	 year	 following	 the	 turnaround 
completed	in	late	2021.	The	refinery	performed	well	in	the	remainder	of	the	year,	until	the	winter	storm	Elliott	events 
in	December.	Lima	returned	to	normal	rates	in	early	January	2023.	Crude	utilization	in	2022	was	90	percent	(2021	–
73	percent).
At	the	Toledo	Refinery,	we	completed	a	significant	planned	turnaround	starting	in	April	and	ramped	up	to	full	rates	by 
mid-August	2022.	On	September	20,	2022,	there	was	an	incident	at	the	Toledo	Refinery.	The	refinery	remains	shut 
down	in	a	safe	state.	Crude	utilization	in	2022	was	45	percent	(2021	–	87	percent).

• We	completed	two	planned	turnarounds	at	the	Wood	River	Refinery	in	2022.	The	spring	turnaround	was	delayed	due 
to	cold	weather,	resulting	in	labour	shortages	and	cost	overruns.	The	second	turnaround	was	completed	in	September 
and	 October.	 In	 December	 2022,	 an	 incident	 occurred	 at	 the	Wood	 River	 Refinery	 that	 reduced	 throughput.	 Crude 
utilization	 has	 steadily	 increased	 since	 the	 first	 week	 of	 January	 2023,	 and	 the	 refinery	 is	 currently	 operating	 at	 a 
substantial	proportion	of	normal	throughput.	The	refinery	is	expected	to	return	to	normal	rates	in	the	second	quarter 
of	2023.

• We	completed	a	turnaround	at	the	Borger	Refinery	in	the	first	and	second	quarters	of	2022.	In	addition,	the	refinery 

had	unplanned	operational	outages	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.	The	refinery	returned	to	full	rates	by	January	2023.
Combined	crude	utilization	for	the	Wood	River	and	Borger	refineries	was	83	percent	(2021	–	83	percent).

•

Early	in	the	year,	we	operated	at	reduced	rates	at	the	Toledo,	Lima	and	Wood	River	refineries	due	to	low	market	crack	spreads.	
In	December,	throughput	at	all	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	sites	was	significantly	impacted	by	extreme	cold	weather.	Wood	River	
and	Borger	were	also	impacted	by	outages	on	a	third	party	pipeline	that	brings	feedstock	to	the	refineries.	Cold	weather	also	
impacted	Toledo	delaying	the	start	up	of	certain	operational	areas	that	could	be	restarted.	

The	Superior	Refinery	commenced	commissioning	in	December	and	will	progress	into	the	first	quarter	of	2023.	The	refinery	is	
expected	to	ramp	up	to	full	operations	in	the	second	quarter	of	2023.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   37

Revenues	and	Gross	Margin

General	and	Administrative

Market	crack	spreads	do	not	precisely	mirror	the	configuration	and	product	output	of	our	refineries;	however,	they	are	used	as	
a	 general	 market	 indicator.	 While	 market	 crack	 spreads	 are	 an	 indicator	 of	 margin	 from	 processing	 crude	 oil	 into	 refined	
products,	the	refining	realized	crack	spread,	which	is	the	gross	margin	on	a	per-barrel	basis,	is	affected	by	many	factors.	These	
factors	include	the	type	of	crude	oil	feedstock	processed,	refinery	configuration	and	the	proportion	of	gasoline,	distillate	and	
secondary	 product	 output,	 the	 time	 lag	 between	 the	 purchase	 of	 crude	 oil	 feedstock	 and	 the	 processing	 of	 that	 crude	 oil	
through	 the	 refineries,	 and	 the	 cost	 of	 feedstock.	 Processing	 less	 expensive	 crude	 relative	 to	 WTI	 creates	 a	 feedstock	 cost	
advantage.	Our	feedstock	costs	are	valued	on	a	FIFO	accounting	basis.	

Revenues	increased	$10.3	billion	to	$30.3	billion	in	2022	compared	with	2021.	The	increase	was	primarily	due	to	significantly	
higher	refined	product	pricing.

Gross	margin	increased	$2.1	billion	to	$4.2	billion	in	2022	compared	with	2021,	largely	due	to	significantly	improved	market	
crack	 spreads.	 In	 2022,	 RINs	 costs	 were	 $1.1	 billion	 (2021	 –	 $880	 million).	 RINs	 prices	 averaged	 US$7.72	 per	 barrel	 in	 2022,	
compared	with	US$6.76	in	2021.

In	2022,	we	incurred	realized	risk	management	losses	of	$112	million	(2021	–	$104	million),	which	included	a	$36	million	loss	on	
the	 early	 liquidation	 of	 WTI	 positions	 in	 the	 second	 quarter.	 In	 2022,	 we	 recorded	 unrealized	 losses	 of	 $18	 million	 (2021	 –	
$1	million)	on	our	crude	oil	and	refined	products	financial	instruments.	

Operating	Expenses

Primary	drivers	of	operating	expenses	in	2022	were	repairs	and	maintenance,	workforce,	and	energy	costs.	

Operating	expenses	increased	$574	million	in	2022,	compared	with	2021.	The	increase	was	mainly	due	to	costs	related	to:	

$402	million).	

•
•
•
•

Planned	turnarounds	at	the	Toledo,	Wood	River	and	Borger	refineries.
Increased	maintenance	and	preparation	work	at	the	Superior	Refinery	as	we	prepare	for	restart.
Higher	energy	and	utility	pricing.
Higher	workforce	and	chemical	costs.

In	 2022,	 per-unit	 operating	 expenses	 increased	 $3.95	 per	 barrel	 of	 crude	 oil	 throughput	 in	 2022,	 compared	 with	 2021.	 The	
increase	was	primarily	due	to	the	same	factors	as	discussed	above.	Superior	Refinery	operating	expenses	are	included	in	per-
unit	operating	expenses.

DD&A

U.S.	Manufacturing	DD&A	was	$640	million	in	2022,	compared	with	$2.4	billion	in	2021.	DD&A	decreased	compared	with	2021	
due	to	impairment	charges	of	$1.9	billion	recorded	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2021	related	to	the	Lima,	Wood	River	and	Borger	
cash	generating	units	(“CGUs”).	In	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022,	we	recorded	net	impairment	charges	of	$266	million.	Refer	to	
Note	11	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.

CORPORATE	AND	ELIMINATIONS

In	2022,	our	corporate	risk	management	activities	resulted	in:

•

•

Unrealized	risk	management	gains	of	$89	million	(2021	–	$18	million).	Unrealized	risk	management	gains	in	2022	relate	to
renewable	power	contracts	and	foreign	exchange	risk	management	contracts.
Realized	 risk	 management	 losses	 of	 $31	 million	 related	 to	 foreign	 exchange	 risk	 management	 contracts.	 Losses	 of
$101	 million	 in	 2021	 were	 mainly	 due	 to	 the	 realization	 of	 WTI	 put	 and	 call	 option	 contracts	 acquired	 as	 part	 of	 the
Arrangement.

Primary	 drivers	 of	 our	 general	 and	 administrative	 expenses	 were	 employee	 long-term	 incentive	 costs,	 workforce	 costs	 and	

information	 technology	 costs.	 General	 and	 administrative	 expenses,	 excluding	 stock-based	 compensation	 expense,	 declined	

$198	 million	 year-over-year,	 primarily	 due	 to	 the	 provision	 for	 incentive	 rewards	 related	 to	 reaching	 our	 synergy	 targets	 in	

2021.	Stock-based	compensation	expense	increased	significantly	by	$214	million	due	to	changes	in	our	share	price	in	2022.	Our	

closing	common	share	price	on	December	31,	2022,	was	$26.27,	an	increase	from	$15.51	on	December	31,	2021.

Finance	Costs

Finance	costs	decreased	by	$262	million	in	2022	compared	with	2021	primarily	as	a	result	of	debt	purchases	that	lowered	the	

Company’s	average	long-term	debt	in	2022	compared	with	2021.	In	addition,	we	recorded	a	net	discount	on	the	redemption	of	

long-term	debt	of	$29	million	in	2022.	Comparatively,	we	recorded	a	$121	million	net	premium	on	the	redemption	of	long-term	

debt	in	2021.	Refer	to	the	Liquidity	and	Capital	Resources	section	of	this	MD&A	for	further	details	on	long-term	debt.	

The	 weighted	 average	 interest	 rate	 of	 outstanding	 debt	 for	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 was	 4.7	 percent	 (2021	 –

	4.6	percent).

Integration	and	Transaction	Costs

We	 incurred	 $90	 million	 of	 integration	 costs	 as	 a	 result	 of	 the	 Arrangement,	 not	 including	 capital	 expenditures,	 in	 2022,	

compared	with	$349	million	in	2021.	The	integration	of	Cenovus	and	Husky	is	substantially	complete.

In	 2022,	 we	 incurred	 $95	 million	 of	 Total	 Arrangement	 Integration	 Costs(1),	 which	 include	 capital	 expenditures	 (2021	 –	

Transaction	costs	of	$16	million	were	recognized	in	net	earnings	(loss)	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022	associated	with	

the	Sunrise	Acquisition	and	the	pending	Toledo	Acquisition.

Foreign	Exchange

($	millions)

Unrealized	Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss

Realized	Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss

2022

365	

(22)	

343	

2021

(312)	

138	

(174)	

2020

(131)	

(50)	

(181)	

In	 2022,	 unrealized	 foreign	 exchange	 losses	 of	 $365	 million	 were	 mainly	 as	 a	 result	 of	 the	 translation	 of	 our	 U.S.	 dollar	

denominated	 debt.	 Realized	 foreign	 exchange	 gains	 of	 $22	 million	 were	 recorded	 in	 2022,	 related	 to	 net	 gains	 on	 working	

capital,	offset	by	losses	on	the	purchase	of	long-term	debt.

Revaluation	Gains

details.

Cenovus	recognized	revaluation	gains	of	$549	million	in	the	third	quarter	of	2022	as	part	of	the	Sunrise	Acquisition.	As	required	

by	IFRS	3,	when	an	acquirer	achieves	control	in	stages,	the	previously	held	interest	is	remeasured	to	fair	value	at	the	acquisition	

date	with	any	gain	or	loss	recognized	in	net	earnings	(loss).	Refer	to	Note	5	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	

Expenses

($	millions)

General	and	Administrative	
Finance	Costs

Interest	Income

Integration	and	Transaction	Costs

Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss,	Net

Revaluation	(Gains)

Re-measurement	of	Contingent	Payments

(Gain)	Loss	on	Divestiture	of	Assets

Other	(Income)	Loss,	Net

38   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

2022

865	

820	

(81)	

106	

343	

(549)	

162	
(269)	
(532)	
865	

2021

849	

1,082	

(23)	

349	

(174)	

—	

575	
(229)	
(309)	
2,120	

2020

292	

536	

(9)	

29	

(181)	

—	

(80)	
(81)	
40	
546	

(1)	 Non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory.

Revenues	and	Gross	Margin

General	and	Administrative

Market	crack	spreads	do	not	precisely	mirror	the	configuration	and	product	output	of	our	refineries;	however,	they	are	used	as	

a	 general	 market	 indicator.	 While	 market	 crack	 spreads	 are	 an	 indicator	 of	 margin	 from	 processing	 crude	 oil	 into	 refined	

products,	the	refining	realized	crack	spread,	which	is	the	gross	margin	on	a	per-barrel	basis,	is	affected	by	many	factors.	These	

factors	include	the	type	of	crude	oil	feedstock	processed,	refinery	configuration	and	the	proportion	of	gasoline,	distillate	and	

secondary	 product	 output,	 the	 time	 lag	 between	 the	 purchase	 of	 crude	 oil	 feedstock	 and	 the	 processing	 of	 that	 crude	 oil	

through	 the	 refineries,	 and	 the	 cost	 of	 feedstock.	 Processing	 less	 expensive	 crude	 relative	 to	 WTI	 creates	 a	 feedstock	 cost	

advantage.	Our	feedstock	costs	are	valued	on	a	FIFO	accounting	basis.	

Revenues	increased	$10.3	billion	to	$30.3	billion	in	2022	compared	with	2021.	The	increase	was	primarily	due	to	significantly	

Gross	margin	increased	$2.1	billion	to	$4.2	billion	in	2022	compared	with	2021,	largely	due	to	significantly	improved	market	

crack	 spreads.	 In	 2022,	 RINs	 costs	 were	 $1.1	 billion	 (2021	 –	 $880	 million).	 RINs	 prices	 averaged	 US$7.72	 per	 barrel	 in	 2022,	

In	2022,	we	incurred	realized	risk	management	losses	of	$112	million	(2021	–	$104	million),	which	included	a	$36	million	loss	on	

the	 early	 liquidation	 of	 WTI	 positions	 in	 the	 second	 quarter.	 In	 2022,	 we	 recorded	 unrealized	 losses	 of	 $18	 million	 (2021	 –	

$1	million)	on	our	crude	oil	and	refined	products	financial	instruments.	

higher	refined	product	pricing.

compared	with	US$6.76	in	2021.

Operating	Expenses

Primary	drivers	of	operating	expenses	in	2022	were	repairs	and	maintenance,	workforce,	and	energy	costs.	

Operating	expenses	increased	$574	million	in	2022,	compared	with	2021.	The	increase	was	mainly	due	to	costs	related	to:	

Planned	turnarounds	at	the	Toledo,	Wood	River	and	Borger	refineries.

Increased	maintenance	and	preparation	work	at	the	Superior	Refinery	as	we	prepare	for	restart.

•

•

•

•

Higher	energy	and	utility	pricing.

Higher	workforce	and	chemical	costs.

In	 2022,	 per-unit	 operating	 expenses	 increased	 $3.95	 per	 barrel	 of	 crude	 oil	 throughput	 in	 2022,	 compared	 with	 2021.	 The	

increase	was	primarily	due	to	the	same	factors	as	discussed	above.	Superior	Refinery	operating	expenses	are	included	in	per-

unit	operating	expenses.

DD&A

U.S.	Manufacturing	DD&A	was	$640	million	in	2022,	compared	with	$2.4	billion	in	2021.	DD&A	decreased	compared	with	2021	

due	to	impairment	charges	of	$1.9	billion	recorded	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2021	related	to	the	Lima,	Wood	River	and	Borger	

cash	generating	units	(“CGUs”).	In	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022,	we	recorded	net	impairment	charges	of	$266	million.	Refer	to	

Note	11	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.

CORPORATE	AND	ELIMINATIONS

In	2022,	our	corporate	risk	management	activities	resulted	in:

•

•

Unrealized	risk	management	gains	of	$89	million	(2021	–	$18	million).	Unrealized	risk	management	gains	in	2022	relate	to

renewable	power	contracts	and	foreign	exchange	risk	management	contracts.

Realized	 risk	 management	 losses	 of	 $31	 million	 related	 to	 foreign	 exchange	 risk	 management	 contracts.	 Losses	 of

$101	 million	 in	 2021	 were	 mainly	 due	 to	 the	 realization	 of	 WTI	 put	 and	 call	 option	 contracts	 acquired	 as	 part	 of	 the

Arrangement.

Expenses

($	millions)

General	and	Administrative	

Finance	Costs

Interest	Income

Integration	and	Transaction	Costs

Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss,	Net

Revaluation	(Gains)

Re-measurement	of	Contingent	Payments

(Gain)	Loss	on	Divestiture	of	Assets

Other	(Income)	Loss,	Net

2022

865	

820	

(81)	

106	

343	

(549)	

162	

(269)	

(532)	

865	

2021

849	

1,082	

(23)	

349	

(174)	

—	

575	

(229)	

(309)	

2,120	

2020

292	

536	

(9)	

29	

(181)	

—	

(80)	

(81)	

40	

546	

Primary	 drivers	 of	 our	 general	 and	 administrative	 expenses	 were	 employee	 long-term	 incentive	 costs,	 workforce	 costs	 and	
information	 technology	 costs.	 General	 and	 administrative	 expenses,	 excluding	 stock-based	 compensation	 expense,	 declined	
$198	 million	 year-over-year,	 primarily	 due	 to	 the	 provision	 for	 incentive	 rewards	 related	 to	 reaching	 our	 synergy	 targets	 in	
2021.	Stock-based	compensation	expense	increased	significantly	by	$214	million	due	to	changes	in	our	share	price	in	2022.	Our	
closing	common	share	price	on	December	31,	2022,	was	$26.27,	an	increase	from	$15.51	on	December	31,	2021.

Finance	Costs

Finance	costs	decreased	by	$262	million	in	2022	compared	with	2021	primarily	as	a	result	of	debt	purchases	that	lowered	the	
Company’s	average	long-term	debt	in	2022	compared	with	2021.	In	addition,	we	recorded	a	net	discount	on	the	redemption	of	
long-term	debt	of	$29	million	in	2022.	Comparatively,	we	recorded	a	$121	million	net	premium	on	the	redemption	of	long-term	
debt	in	2021.	Refer	to	the	Liquidity	and	Capital	Resources	section	of	this	MD&A	for	further	details	on	long-term	debt.	

The	 weighted	 average	 interest	 rate	 of	 outstanding	 debt	 for	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 was	 4.7	 percent	 (2021	 –
	4.6	percent).

Integration	and	Transaction	Costs

We	 incurred	 $90	 million	 of	 integration	 costs	 as	 a	 result	 of	 the	 Arrangement,	 not	 including	 capital	 expenditures,	 in	 2022,	
compared	with	$349	million	in	2021.	The	integration	of	Cenovus	and	Husky	is	substantially	complete.
In	 2022,	 we	 incurred	 $95	 million	 of	 Total	 Arrangement	 Integration	 Costs(1),	 which	 include	 capital	 expenditures	 (2021	 –	
$402	million).	

Transaction	costs	of	$16	million	were	recognized	in	net	earnings	(loss)	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022	associated	with	
the	Sunrise	Acquisition	and	the	pending	Toledo	Acquisition.

Foreign	Exchange

($	millions)

Unrealized	Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss

Realized	Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss

2022

365	

(22)	

343	

2021

(312)	

138	

(174)	

2020

(131)	

(50)	

(181)	

In	 2022,	 unrealized	 foreign	 exchange	 losses	 of	 $365	 million	 were	 mainly	 as	 a	 result	 of	 the	 translation	 of	 our	 U.S.	 dollar	
denominated	 debt.	 Realized	 foreign	 exchange	 gains	 of	 $22	 million	 were	 recorded	 in	 2022,	 related	 to	 net	 gains	 on	 working	
capital,	offset	by	losses	on	the	purchase	of	long-term	debt.

Revaluation	Gains

Cenovus	recognized	revaluation	gains	of	$549	million	in	the	third	quarter	of	2022	as	part	of	the	Sunrise	Acquisition.	As	required	
by	IFRS	3,	when	an	acquirer	achieves	control	in	stages,	the	previously	held	interest	is	remeasured	to	fair	value	at	the	acquisition	
date	with	any	gain	or	loss	recognized	in	net	earnings	(loss).	Refer	to	Note	5	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	
details.

(1)	 Non-GAAP financial measure. See the Advisory.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   39

Re-measurement	of	Contingent	Payments
The	contingent	payment	associated	with	the	acquisition	of	a	50	percent	interest	in	the	FCCL	Partnership	from	ConocoPhillips	
Company	and	certain	of	its	subsidiaries	ended	on	May	17,	2022,	and	the	final	payment	was	made	in	July	2022.	In	2022,	we	paid	
$631	million	under	this	agreement,	which	was	recognized	as	cash	flow	from	operating	activities	and	reduced	Adjusted	Funds	
Flow.	

In	connection	with	the	Sunrise	Acquisition,	Cenovus	agreed	to	make	quarterly	variable	payments	to	BP	Canada	for	up	to	eight	
quarters	 subsequent	 to	 August	 31,	 2022,	 if	 the	 average	 WCS	 crude	 oil	 price	 in	 a	 quarter	 exceeds	 $52.00	 per	 barrel.	 The	
quarterly	payment	is	calculated	as	$2.8	million	plus	the	difference	between	the	average	WCS	price	less	$53.00	multiplied	by	
$2.8	million,	for	any	of	the	eight	quarters	the	average	WCS	price	is	equal	to	or	greater	than	$52.00	per	barrel.	If	the	average	
WCS	price	is	less	than	$52.00	per	barrel,	no	payment	will	be	made	for	that	quarter.	The	maximum	cumulative	variable	payment	
is	$600	million.	For	accounting	purposes,	the	variable	payment	will	be	re-measured	at	fair	value	at	each	reporting	date	until	the	
earlier	 of	 the	 cumulative	 maximum	 $600	 million	 is	 reached	 or	 the	 eight	 quarters	 have	 lapsed,	 with	 changes	 in	 fair	 value	
recognized	in	net	earnings	(loss).	The	variable	payment	was	recorded	at	a	fair	value	of	$600	million	on	the	date	of	acquisition	
using	an	option	pricing	model.

As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	fair	value	of	the	variable	payment	was	estimated	to	be	$419	million	resulting	in	a	non-cash	re-
measurement	 gain	 of	 $89	 million.	 The	 first	 quarterly	 period	 ended	 on	 November	 30,	 2022.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	
$92	million	is	payable	under	this	agreement.

As	 of	 December	 31,	 2022,	 average	 WCS	 forward	 pricing	 for	 the	 remaining	 term	 of	 the	 variable	 payment	 is	 approximately	
$72.79	per	barrel.

(Gain)	Loss	on	Divestiture	of	Assets

In	2022,	we	recognized	a	gain	on	divestiture	of	assets	of	$269	million	(2021	–	$229	million),	due	to	the	closing	of	the	sales	of	our	
Tucker	 and	 Wembley	 assets	 in	 the	 first	 quarter,	 the	 divestiture	 of	 12.5	 percent	 of	 our	 interest	 in	 the	 White	 Rose	 field	 and	
satellite	extensions	in	the	second	quarter,	and	the	divestiture	of	337	gas	stations	within	our	retail	fuels	network	in	the	third	
quarter.	

Other	(Income)	Loss,	Net

In	 2022,	 other	 income	 increased	 by	 $223	 million	 compared	 with	 2021,	 primarily	 due	 to	 insurance	 proceeds	 related	 to	 2018	
incidents	 at	 the	 Superior	 Refinery	 and	 in	 the	 Atlantic	 region	 and	 funding	 received	 under	 the	 Government	 of	 Alberta’s	 Site	
Rehabilitation	Program	which	provides	qualifying	entities	funding	to	abandon	and	reclaim	oil	and	gas	sites.	The	increase	was	
partially	offset	by	the	settlement	of	a	legal	claim	in	favour	of	Cenovus	in	the	third	quarter	of	2021.

DD&A

DD&A	for	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	was	$113	million	(2021	–	$118	million).	

Income	Tax

($	millions)

Current	Tax

Canada

United	States
Asia	Pacific

Other	International

Current	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)

Deferred	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)

Total	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)

2022

1,252	

104	
262	

21	

1,639	

642	

2,281	

2021

104	

—	
171	

1	

276	

452	

728	

2020

(14)	

1	
—	

—	

(13)	

(838)	

(851)	

Tax	 interpretations,	 regulations	 and	 legislation	 in	 the	 various	 jurisdictions	 in	 which	 Cenovus	 and	 its	 subsidiaries	 operate	 are	
subject	to	change.	We	believe	that	our	provision	for	income	taxes	is	adequate.	There	are	usually	a	number	of	tax	matters	under	
review	and	with	consideration	of	the	current	economic	environment,	income	taxes	are	subject	to	measurement	uncertainty.	
The	timing	of	the	recognition	of	income	and	deductions	for	the	purpose	of	current	tax	expense	is	determined	by	relevant	tax	
legislation.

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	recorded	a	current	tax	expense	related	to	operations	in	all	jurisdictions	
that	Cenovus	operates.	The	increase	is	due	to	higher	earnings	compared	to	2021	and	the	tax	deductions	available	to	calculate	
taxable	income	and	losses	available	to	offset	that	taxable	income.

40   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

QUARTERLY	RESULTS

($	millions,	except	where	indicated)

Average	Commodity	Prices	(US$/bbl)

Dated	Brent

WTI

WCS	at	Hardisty

Chicago	3-2-1	Crack	Spread

RINs

Upstream	Production	Volumes	

Bitumen	(Mbbls/d)

Heavy	Crude	Oil	(Mbbls/d)	

Light	Crude	Oil	(Mbbls/d)	

NGLs	(Mbbls/d)

Conventional	Natural	Gas	(MMcf/d)

Total	Production	Volumes	(MBOE/d)

Downstream	Crude	Oil	Throughput	(1)

		(Mbbls/d)

Revenues	(2)

Operating	Margin	(3)

Adjusted	Funds	Flow	(3)

Per	Share	-	Basic	(3)	($)

Per	Share	-	Diluted	(3)	($)

Capital	Investment	

Free	Funds	Flow	(3)

Excess	Free	Funds	Flow	(3)(4)

Net	Earnings	(Loss)	(5)

Per	Share	-	Basic	($)	

Per	Share	-	Diluted	($)	

Total	Assets

Total	Long-Term	Liabilities	

2022

Q3

Q2

Q1

Q4

Q2

Q1

2021

Q3

Q4

88.71	

82.65	

56.99	

32.87	

8.54	

15.8	

17.1	

38.5	

852.0	

806.9	

100.85	

113.78	

101.41	

91.55	

71.69	

38.87	

8.11	

108.41	

95.61	

46.50	

7.80	

16.8	

16.0	

32.1	

868.7	

777.9	

16.4	

20.8	

36.7	

882.2	

761.5	

94.29	

79.76	

18.35	

6.44	

16.2	

21.9	

37.6	

865.3	

798.6	

79.73	

77.19	

62.55	

16.06	

6.11	

18.9	

17.8	

35.6	

883.5	

825.3	

73.47	

70.56	

56.98	

20.67	

7.32	

20.5	

22.6	

35.5	

897.9	

804.8	

68.83	

66.07	

54.58	

20.50	

8.12	

20.8	

24.4	

41.1	

905.6	

765.9	

60.90	

57.84	

45.37	

12.93	

5.49	

20.5	

25.6	

41.1	

894.9	

769.3	

593.5	

568.2	

540.3	

578.8	

606.0	

576.5	

528.6	

532.9	

473.5	

533.5	

457.3	

501.8	

469.9	

554.1	

539.0	

469.1	

14,063	

17,471	

19,165	

16,198	

13,726	

12,701	

10,637	

9,293	

2,782	

3,339	

4,678	

3,464	

2,600	

2,710	

2,184	

1,879	

2,346	

2,951	

3,098	

2,583	

1,948	

2,342	

1,817	

1,141	

1.22	

1.19	

1,274	

1.53	

1.49	

866	

1.57	

1.53	

822	

1.30	

1.27	

746	

0.97	

0.97	

835	

1.16	

1.15	

647	

0.90	

0.89	

534	

1,072	

2,085	

2,276	

1,837	

1,113	

1,695	

1,283	

786	

1,756	

2,020	

2,615	

1,169	

1,626	

1,244	

784	

0.40	

0.39	

1,609	

2,432	

1,625	

0.83	

0.81	

1.23	

1.19	

0.81	

0.79	

(408)

(0.21)	

(0.21)	

551	

0.27	

0.27	

224	

0.11	

0.11	

55,869	

55,086	

55,894	

55,655	

54,104	

54,594	

53,384	

53,378	

20,259	

19,378	

20,742	

21,889	

23,191	

22,929	

22,972	

24,266	

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities

2,970	

4,089	

2,979	

1,365	

2,184	

2,138	

1,369	

228	

Long-Term	Debt,	Including	Current	Portion

8,691	

8,774	

11,228	

11,744	

12,385	

12,986	

13,380	

13,947	

Net	Debt	

4,282	

5,280	

7,535	

8,407	

9,591	

11,024	

12,390	

13,340	

Cash	Returns	to	Shareholders

Common	Shares	–	Base	Dividends

Base	Dividends	Per	Common	Share	($)

Common	Shares	–	Variable	Dividends

Variable	Dividends	Per	Common	Share	($)

Purchase	of	Common	Shares	Under	NCIB

Preferred	Share	Dividends	(6)

201	

0.105	

219	

0.114	

387	

—	

205	

0.105	

—	

—	

659	

9	

207	

0.105	

—	

—	

8	

1,018	

69	

0.035	

—	

—	

466	

9	

0.035	

0.018	

0.018	

0.018	

70	

—	

—	

265	

8	

35	

—	

—	

—	

9	

36	

—	

—	

—	

8	

Represents	Cenovus’s	net	interest	in	refining	operations.

Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	 See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	further	

details.	

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

Non-GAAP	financial	measure	or	contains	a	non-GAAP	financial	measure.	See the Advisory.

New	metric	as	of	June	30,	2022,	used	to	determine	returns	to	shareholders.

Net	earnings	(loss)	for	all	periods	in	the	table	above	is	the	same	as	net	earnings	(loss)	from	continuing	operations.

Preferred	share	dividends	declared	on	November	1,	2022,	were	paid	on	January	3,	2023.

0.57	

0.56	

547	

594	

462	

220	

0.10	

0.10	

35	

—	

—	

—	

9	

Re-measurement	of	Contingent	Payments

The	contingent	payment	associated	with	the	acquisition	of	a	50	percent	interest	in	the	FCCL	Partnership	from	ConocoPhillips	

Company	and	certain	of	its	subsidiaries	ended	on	May	17,	2022,	and	the	final	payment	was	made	in	July	2022.	In	2022,	we	paid	

$631	million	under	this	agreement,	which	was	recognized	as	cash	flow	from	operating	activities	and	reduced	Adjusted	Funds	

Flow.	

In	connection	with	the	Sunrise	Acquisition,	Cenovus	agreed	to	make	quarterly	variable	payments	to	BP	Canada	for	up	to	eight	

quarters	 subsequent	 to	 August	 31,	 2022,	 if	 the	 average	 WCS	 crude	 oil	 price	 in	 a	 quarter	 exceeds	 $52.00	 per	 barrel.	 The	

quarterly	payment	is	calculated	as	$2.8	million	plus	the	difference	between	the	average	WCS	price	less	$53.00	multiplied	by	

$2.8	million,	for	any	of	the	eight	quarters	the	average	WCS	price	is	equal	to	or	greater	than	$52.00	per	barrel.	If	the	average	

WCS	price	is	less	than	$52.00	per	barrel,	no	payment	will	be	made	for	that	quarter.	The	maximum	cumulative	variable	payment	

is	$600	million.	For	accounting	purposes,	the	variable	payment	will	be	re-measured	at	fair	value	at	each	reporting	date	until	the	

earlier	 of	 the	 cumulative	 maximum	 $600	 million	 is	 reached	 or	 the	 eight	 quarters	 have	 lapsed,	 with	 changes	 in	 fair	 value	

recognized	in	net	earnings	(loss).	The	variable	payment	was	recorded	at	a	fair	value	of	$600	million	on	the	date	of	acquisition	

using	an	option	pricing	model.

As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	fair	value	of	the	variable	payment	was	estimated	to	be	$419	million	resulting	in	a	non-cash	re-

measurement	 gain	 of	 $89	 million.	 The	 first	 quarterly	 period	 ended	 on	 November	 30,	 2022.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	

As	 of	 December	 31,	 2022,	 average	 WCS	 forward	 pricing	 for	 the	 remaining	 term	 of	 the	 variable	 payment	 is	 approximately	

$92	million	is	payable	under	this	agreement.

$72.79	per	barrel.

(Gain)	Loss	on	Divestiture	of	Assets

In	2022,	we	recognized	a	gain	on	divestiture	of	assets	of	$269	million	(2021	–	$229	million),	due	to	the	closing	of	the	sales	of	our	

Tucker	 and	 Wembley	 assets	 in	 the	 first	 quarter,	 the	 divestiture	 of	 12.5	 percent	 of	 our	 interest	 in	 the	 White	 Rose	 field	 and	

satellite	extensions	in	the	second	quarter,	and	the	divestiture	of	337	gas	stations	within	our	retail	fuels	network	in	the	third	

In	 2022,	 other	 income	 increased	 by	 $223	 million	 compared	 with	 2021,	 primarily	 due	 to	 insurance	 proceeds	 related	 to	 2018	

incidents	 at	 the	 Superior	 Refinery	 and	 in	 the	 Atlantic	 region	 and	 funding	 received	 under	 the	 Government	 of	 Alberta’s	 Site	

Rehabilitation	Program	which	provides	qualifying	entities	funding	to	abandon	and	reclaim	oil	and	gas	sites.	The	increase	was	

partially	offset	by	the	settlement	of	a	legal	claim	in	favour	of	Cenovus	in	the	third	quarter	of	2021.

DD&A	for	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	was	$113	million	(2021	–	$118	million).	

2022

1,252	

104	

262	

21	

1,639	

642	

2,281	

2021

104	

—	

171	

1	

276	

452	

728	

2020

(14)	

1	

—	

—	

(13)	

(838)	

(851)	

Tax	 interpretations,	 regulations	 and	 legislation	 in	 the	 various	 jurisdictions	 in	 which	 Cenovus	 and	 its	 subsidiaries	 operate	 are	

subject	to	change.	We	believe	that	our	provision	for	income	taxes	is	adequate.	There	are	usually	a	number	of	tax	matters	under	

review	and	with	consideration	of	the	current	economic	environment,	income	taxes	are	subject	to	measurement	uncertainty.	

The	timing	of	the	recognition	of	income	and	deductions	for	the	purpose	of	current	tax	expense	is	determined	by	relevant	tax	

legislation.

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	recorded	a	current	tax	expense	related	to	operations	in	all	jurisdictions	

that	Cenovus	operates.	The	increase	is	due	to	higher	earnings	compared	to	2021	and	the	tax	deductions	available	to	calculate	

taxable	income	and	losses	available	to	offset	that	taxable	income.

quarter.	

Other	(Income)	Loss,	Net

DD&A

Income	Tax

($	millions)

Current	Tax

Canada

United	States

Asia	Pacific

Other	International

Current	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)

Deferred	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)

Total	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)

QUARTERLY	RESULTS

($	millions,	except	where	indicated)

Average	Commodity	Prices	(US$/bbl)

Dated	Brent

WTI

WCS	at	Hardisty

Chicago	3-2-1	Crack	Spread

RINs

Upstream	Production	Volumes	

Bitumen	(Mbbls/d)

Heavy	Crude	Oil	(Mbbls/d)	

Light	Crude	Oil	(Mbbls/d)	

NGLs	(Mbbls/d)

Conventional	Natural	Gas	(MMcf/d)

Total	Production	Volumes	(MBOE/d)

Downstream	Crude	Oil	Throughput	(1)
		(Mbbls/d)

Revenues	(2)

Operating	Margin	(3)

2022

Q3

Q2

Q1

Q4

2021

Q3

Q2

Q1

100.85	

113.78	

101.41	

91.55	

71.69	

38.87	

8.11	

108.41	

95.61	

46.50	

7.80	

94.29	

79.76	

18.35	

6.44	

79.73	

77.19	

62.55	

16.06	

6.11	

73.47	

70.56	

56.98	

20.67	

7.32	

68.83	

66.07	

54.58	

20.50	

8.12	

60.90	

57.84	

45.37	

12.93	

5.49	

Q4

88.71	

82.65	

56.99	

32.87	

8.54	

593.5	

568.2	

540.3	

578.8	

606.0	

576.5	

528.6	

532.9	

15.8	

17.1	

38.5	

852.0	

806.9	

16.8	

16.0	

32.1	

868.7	

777.9	

16.4	

20.8	

36.7	

882.2	

761.5	

16.2	

21.9	

37.6	

865.3	

798.6	

18.9	

17.8	

35.6	

883.5	

825.3	

20.5	

22.6	

35.5	

897.9	

804.8	

20.8	

24.4	

41.1	

905.6	

765.9	

20.5	

25.6	

41.1	

894.9	

769.3	

473.5	

533.5	

457.3	

501.8	

469.9	

554.1	

539.0	

469.1	

14,063	

17,471	

19,165	

16,198	

13,726	

12,701	

10,637	

9,293	

2,782	

3,339	

4,678	

3,464	

2,600	

2,710	

2,184	

1,879	

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities

2,970	

4,089	

2,979	

1,365	

2,184	

2,138	

1,369	

228	

Adjusted	Funds	Flow	(3)
Per	Share	-	Basic	(3)	($)
Per	Share	-	Diluted	(3)	($)

Capital	Investment	

Free	Funds	Flow	(3)

Excess	Free	Funds	Flow	(3)(4)

Net	Earnings	(Loss)	(5)
Per	Share	-	Basic	($)	
Per	Share	-	Diluted	($)	

Total	Assets

Total	Long-Term	Liabilities	

2,346	

2,951	

3,098	

2,583	

1,948	

2,342	

1,817	

1,141	

1.22	

1.19	

1,274	

1.53	

1.49	

866	

1.57	

1.53	

822	

1.30	

1.27	

746	

0.97	

0.97	

835	

1.16	

1.15	

647	

0.90	

0.89	

534	

1,072	

2,085	

2,276	

1,837	

1,113	

1,695	

1,283	

786	

1,756	

2,020	

2,615	

1,169	

1,626	

1,244	

784	

0.40	

0.39	

1,609	

2,432	

1,625	

0.83	

0.81	

1.23	

1.19	

0.81	

0.79	

(408)

(0.21)	

(0.21)	

551	

0.27	

0.27	

224	

0.11	

0.11	

0.57	

0.56	

547	

594	

462	

220	

0.10	

0.10	

55,869	

55,086	

55,894	

55,655	

54,104	

54,594	

53,384	

53,378	

20,259	

19,378	

20,742	

21,889	

23,191	

22,929	

22,972	

24,266	

Long-Term	Debt,	Including	Current	Portion

8,691	

8,774	

11,228	

11,744	

12,385	

12,986	

13,380	

13,947	

Net	Debt	

4,282	

5,280	

7,535	

8,407	

9,591	

11,024	

12,390	

13,340	

Cash	Returns	to	Shareholders

Common	Shares	–	Base	Dividends

Base	Dividends	Per	Common	Share	($)

Common	Shares	–	Variable	Dividends

Variable	Dividends	Per	Common	Share	($)

Purchase	of	Common	Shares	Under	NCIB
Preferred	Share	Dividends	(6)

201	

0.105	

219	

0.114	

387	
—	

205	

0.105	

—	

—	

659	
9	

207	

0.105	

—	

—	

1,018	
8	

69	

0.035	

—	

—	

466	
9	

70	

35	

36	

35	

0.035	

0.018	

0.018	

0.018	

—	

—	

265	
8	

—	

—	

—	
9	

—	

—	

—	
8	

—	

—	

—	
9	

(1)
(2)

(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)

Represents	Cenovus’s	net	interest	in	refining	operations.
Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	 See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	further	
details.	
Non-GAAP	financial	measure	or	contains	a	non-GAAP	financial	measure.	See the Advisory.
New	metric	as	of	June	30,	2022,	used	to	determine	returns	to	shareholders.
Net	earnings	(loss)	for	all	periods	in	the	table	above	is	the	same	as	net	earnings	(loss)	from	continuing	operations.
Preferred	share	dividends	declared	on	November	1,	2022,	were	paid	on	January	3,	2023.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   41

Fourth	Quarter	2022	Results	Compared	with	the	Fourth	Quarter	2021

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities	and	Adjusted	Funds	Flow

The	summary	below	compares	financial	and	operating	results	for	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2022	compared	with	
the	same	period	in	2021.	

Cash	from	operating	activities	and	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	were	higher	in	2022,	primarily	due	to	increased	Operating	Margin,	as	

discussed	 above,	 and	 no	 quarterly	 contingent	 payments	 in	 2022	 (2021	 –	 $119	 million).	 The	 increase	 was	 partially	 offset	 by	

Upstream	Production	Volumes

Total	upstream	production	decreased	18.4	thousand	BOE	per	day	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022	compared	with	the	same	period	
in	2021.	

Oil	Sands	crude	oil	production	decreased	15.6	thousand	barrels	per	day	to	609.3	thousand	barrels	per	day	in	2022	compared	
with	2021.	The	decrease	was	primarily	due	to	the	sale	of	the	Tucker	asset	on	January	31,	2022.	Crude	oil	production	at	the	time	
of	 sale	 was	 approximately	 20	 thousand	 barrels	 per	 day.	 In	 addition,	 production	 decreased	 at	 Foster	 Creek	 as	 production	
reached	peak	levels	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2021	due	to	the	timing	of	well	pads	starting	up.	Offsetting	the	decrease	was	the	
Sunrise	Acquisition	on	August	31,	2022,	and	production	of	approximately	12.0	thousand	barrels	per	day	from	the	Spruce	Lake	
North	 thermal	 plant	 in	 the	 fourth	 quarter	 of	 2022.	 In	 the	 fourth	 quarter	 of	 2022,	 we	 sold	 approximately	25	 percent	 (2021	 –	
20	percent)	of	our	Oil	Sands	crude	oil	volumes	at	U.S.	destinations,	improving	our	realized	sales	prices.

Conventional	production	was	125.5	thousand	BOE	per	day	in	2022,	essentially	unchanged	from	125.3	thousand	BOE	per	day	in	
2021.	Production	decreases	from	asset	sales	in	the	first	quarter	of	2022	were	offset	by	36	net	new	wells	brought	on	production	
in	the	year-ended	2022,	combined	with	production	from	well	reactivations	and	workover	activity.	

Offshore	production	was	70.2	thousand	BOE	per	day	in	2022,	compared	with	73.1	thousand	BOE	per	day	in	2021.	The	decrease	
was	primarily	due	to	the	working	interest	restructuring	on	the	White	Rose	fields	in	the	second	quarter	of	2022,	combined	with	
contract	amendments	in	China.	These	were	partially	offset	by	first	gas	production	at	the	MBH	and	MDA	fields	in	Indonesia	in	
the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.

Downstream	Manufacturing	Throughput

Total	crude	oil	throughput	was	consistent	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022	compared	with	the	same	period	in	2021.	

Excess	Free	Funds	Flow

Canadian	Manufacturing	throughput	decreased	14.0	thousand	barrels	per	day	to	94.3	thousand	barrels	per	day	in	2022.	Cold	
weather	impacts	and	unplanned	operational	outages	reduced	throughput	at	the	Upgrader	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.	The	
Upgrader	returned	to	full	rates	in	the	middle	of	January	2023.	The	Lloydminster	Refinery	had	minor	unplanned	outages	in	the	
fourth	quarter	of	2022,	but	ran	well	in	December	and	into	2023.

U.S.	Manufacturing	throughput	increased	17.6	thousand	barrels	per	day	to	379.2	thousand	compared	with	2021,	primarily	due	
to	the	completion	of	a	planned	turnaround	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2021	at	the	Lima	Refinery.	The	increase	was	partially	offset	
by	unplanned	operational	issues,	weather-related	impacts	and	third-party	outages	impacting	the	Lima,	Wood	River	and	Borger	
refineries	 in	 December,	 in	 addition	 to	 the	 shutdown	 of	 the	 Toledo	 Refinery,	 and	 Wood	 River	 running	 at	 reduced	 rates	 in	
December	due	to	an	operational	incident.

Revenues

Revenues	increased	$337	million	to	$14.1	billion	in	2022	compared	with	2021.	Downstream	revenues	increased	$370	million	
primarily	due	to	higher	refined	product	pricing.	Upstream	revenues	were	flat	compared	with	2021,	as	higher	realized	prices	in	
the	Conventional	segment	were	offset	by	lower	sales	volumes	in	the	Atlantic	region.	Oil	Sands	revenues	were	consistent	with	
2021,	due	to	flat	sales	volumes	and	realized	prices	year-over	year.

Operating	Margin

Operating	Margin	increased	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022,	primarily	due	to	increased	refining	margins	from	our	downstream	
business	resulting	from	higher	market	crack	spreads.	The	increase	was	partially	offset	by:

•
•
•

Increased	blending	costs	due	to	higher	condensate	prices	impacting	our	Oil	Sands	segment.
Higher	Renewable	Identification	Numbers	(“RINs”)	costs	impacting	our	U.S.	Manufacturing	segment.
Increased	transportation	costs	from	our	upstream	business,	due	to	increased	tariff	rates	and	higher	rail	costs	due	to
pipeline	outages	in	the	quarter.

Cash	from	operating	activities	also	increased	as	the	change	in	non-cash	working	capital	was	$402	million	greater	than	2021.	The	

increase	 was	 due	 to	 lower	 accounts	 receivable	 and	 higher	 income	 tax	 payable,	 partially	 offset	 by	 lower	 accounts	 payable	on	

December	31,	2022,	compared	with	September	30,	2022.

Net	earnings	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022	was	$784	million	compared	with	a	net	loss	of	$408	million	2021	due	to:	

Net	 impairment	 charges	 in	 the	 fourth	 quarter	 of	 2022	 of	 $266	 million,	 compared	 with	 net	 impairment	 charges	 of

$1.6	billion	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2021.

Higher	operating	margin,	as	discussed	above.

The	increase	was	partially	offset	by:	

Unrealized	risk	management	losses	of	$37	million	in	2022	(2021	–	$222	million	gain).

Higher	gain	on	divestiture	of	assets	in	2021.

higher	cash	taxes	in	2022.

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

•

•

•

•

Capital	Investment

Capital	investment	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022	was	$1.3	billion,	compared	with	$835	million	in	2021.	The	increase	is	primarily	

due	to	higher	capital	spending	in	our	upstream	operations,	including	higher	investment	in	Sunrise	following	the	closing	of	the	

Sunrise	Acquisition,	incremental	capital	at	Foster	Creek,	Christina	Lake	and	Lloydminster	thermal	assets,	increased	drilling	in	the	

Conventional	segment	and	work	on	the	West	White	Rose	project.	

Excess	Free	Funds	Flow	was	$786	million	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022	(2021	–	$1.2	billion).	The	decrease	was	due	to	higher	

capital	spending	and	base	dividends	paid	in	2022,	partially	offset	by	higher	adjusted	funds	flow	in	2022.

OIL	AND	GAS	RESERVES

As	at	December	31,	2022

(before	royalties)	

Total	Proved

Probable

Total	Proved	Plus	Probable

As	at	December	31,	2021

(before	royalties)

Total	Proved

Probable

Total	Proved	Plus	Probable

(1)

(2)

Includes	heavy	crude	oil	that	is	not	material.

Includes	shale	gas	that	is	not	material.

Bitumen	(1)

(MMbbls)

5,592	

2,448	

8,040	

Bitumen	(1)

(MMbbls)

5,573	

1,850	

7,423	

Light	and	

Medium	Oil

(MMbbls)

42	

129	

171	

45	

152	

197	

Light	and	

Medium	Oil

(MMbbls)

NGLs

(MMbbls)

82	

39	

121	

NGLs

(MMbbls)

89	

39	

128	

Conventional

Natural	Gas	(2)

(Bcf)

2,194	

1,029	

3,223	

(Bcf)

2,219	

959	

3,178	

Conventional

Natural	Gas	(2)

Total

(MMBOE)

6,082	

2,787	

8,869	

Total

(MMBOE)

6,077	

2,201	

8,278	

42   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

The	summary	below	compares	financial	and	operating	results	for	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2022	compared	with	

the	same	period	in	2021.	

Upstream	Production	Volumes

in	2021.	

Total	upstream	production	decreased	18.4	thousand	BOE	per	day	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022	compared	with	the	same	period	

Oil	Sands	crude	oil	production	decreased	15.6	thousand	barrels	per	day	to	609.3	thousand	barrels	per	day	in	2022	compared	

with	2021.	The	decrease	was	primarily	due	to	the	sale	of	the	Tucker	asset	on	January	31,	2022.	Crude	oil	production	at	the	time	

of	 sale	 was	 approximately	 20	 thousand	 barrels	 per	 day.	 In	 addition,	 production	 decreased	 at	 Foster	 Creek	 as	 production	

reached	peak	levels	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2021	due	to	the	timing	of	well	pads	starting	up.	Offsetting	the	decrease	was	the	

Sunrise	Acquisition	on	August	31,	2022,	and	production	of	approximately	12.0	thousand	barrels	per	day	from	the	Spruce	Lake	

North	 thermal	 plant	 in	 the	 fourth	 quarter	 of	 2022.	 In	 the	 fourth	 quarter	 of	 2022,	 we	 sold	 approximately	25	 percent	 (2021	 –	

20	percent)	of	our	Oil	Sands	crude	oil	volumes	at	U.S.	destinations,	improving	our	realized	sales	prices.

Conventional	production	was	125.5	thousand	BOE	per	day	in	2022,	essentially	unchanged	from	125.3	thousand	BOE	per	day	in	

2021.	Production	decreases	from	asset	sales	in	the	first	quarter	of	2022	were	offset	by	36	net	new	wells	brought	on	production	

in	the	year-ended	2022,	combined	with	production	from	well	reactivations	and	workover	activity.	

Offshore	production	was	70.2	thousand	BOE	per	day	in	2022,	compared	with	73.1	thousand	BOE	per	day	in	2021.	The	decrease	

was	primarily	due	to	the	working	interest	restructuring	on	the	White	Rose	fields	in	the	second	quarter	of	2022,	combined	with	

contract	amendments	in	China.	These	were	partially	offset	by	first	gas	production	at	the	MBH	and	MDA	fields	in	Indonesia	in	

the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.

Downstream	Manufacturing	Throughput

Canadian	Manufacturing	throughput	decreased	14.0	thousand	barrels	per	day	to	94.3	thousand	barrels	per	day	in	2022.	Cold	

weather	impacts	and	unplanned	operational	outages	reduced	throughput	at	the	Upgrader	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022.	The	

Upgrader	returned	to	full	rates	in	the	middle	of	January	2023.	The	Lloydminster	Refinery	had	minor	unplanned	outages	in	the	

fourth	quarter	of	2022,	but	ran	well	in	December	and	into	2023.

U.S.	Manufacturing	throughput	increased	17.6	thousand	barrels	per	day	to	379.2	thousand	compared	with	2021,	primarily	due	

to	the	completion	of	a	planned	turnaround	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2021	at	the	Lima	Refinery.	The	increase	was	partially	offset	

by	unplanned	operational	issues,	weather-related	impacts	and	third-party	outages	impacting	the	Lima,	Wood	River	and	Borger	

refineries	 in	 December,	 in	 addition	 to	 the	 shutdown	 of	 the	 Toledo	 Refinery,	 and	 Wood	 River	 running	 at	 reduced	 rates	 in	

December	due	to	an	operational	incident.

Revenues

Revenues	increased	$337	million	to	$14.1	billion	in	2022	compared	with	2021.	Downstream	revenues	increased	$370	million	

primarily	due	to	higher	refined	product	pricing.	Upstream	revenues	were	flat	compared	with	2021,	as	higher	realized	prices	in	

the	Conventional	segment	were	offset	by	lower	sales	volumes	in	the	Atlantic	region.	Oil	Sands	revenues	were	consistent	with	

2021,	due	to	flat	sales	volumes	and	realized	prices	year-over	year.

Operating	Margin

Operating	Margin	increased	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022,	primarily	due	to	increased	refining	margins	from	our	downstream	

business	resulting	from	higher	market	crack	spreads.	The	increase	was	partially	offset	by:

•

•

•

Increased	blending	costs	due	to	higher	condensate	prices	impacting	our	Oil	Sands	segment.

Higher	Renewable	Identification	Numbers	(“RINs”)	costs	impacting	our	U.S.	Manufacturing	segment.

Increased	transportation	costs	from	our	upstream	business,	due	to	increased	tariff	rates	and	higher	rail	costs	due	to

pipeline	outages	in	the	quarter.

Fourth	Quarter	2022	Results	Compared	with	the	Fourth	Quarter	2021

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities	and	Adjusted	Funds	Flow

Cash	from	operating	activities	and	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	were	higher	in	2022,	primarily	due	to	increased	Operating	Margin,	as	
discussed	 above,	 and	 no	 quarterly	 contingent	 payments	 in	 2022	 (2021	 –	 $119	 million).	 The	 increase	 was	 partially	 offset	 by	
higher	cash	taxes	in	2022.

Cash	from	operating	activities	also	increased	as	the	change	in	non-cash	working	capital	was	$402	million	greater	than	2021.	The	
increase	 was	 due	 to	 lower	 accounts	 receivable	 and	 higher	 income	 tax	 payable,	 partially	 offset	 by	 lower	 accounts	 payable	on	
December	31,	2022,	compared	with	September	30,	2022.

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Net	earnings	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022	was	$784	million	compared	with	a	net	loss	of	$408	million	2021	due	to:	

•

•

Net	 impairment	 charges	 in	 the	 fourth	 quarter	 of	 2022	 of	 $266	 million,	 compared	 with	 net	 impairment	 charges	 of
$1.6	billion	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2021.
Higher	operating	margin,	as	discussed	above.

The	increase	was	partially	offset	by:	

•
•

Unrealized	risk	management	losses	of	$37	million	in	2022	(2021	–	$222	million	gain).
Higher	gain	on	divestiture	of	assets	in	2021.

Capital	Investment

Capital	investment	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022	was	$1.3	billion,	compared	with	$835	million	in	2021.	The	increase	is	primarily	
due	to	higher	capital	spending	in	our	upstream	operations,	including	higher	investment	in	Sunrise	following	the	closing	of	the	
Sunrise	Acquisition,	incremental	capital	at	Foster	Creek,	Christina	Lake	and	Lloydminster	thermal	assets,	increased	drilling	in	the	
Conventional	segment	and	work	on	the	West	White	Rose	project.	

Total	crude	oil	throughput	was	consistent	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022	compared	with	the	same	period	in	2021.	

Excess	Free	Funds	Flow

Excess	Free	Funds	Flow	was	$786	million	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022	(2021	–	$1.2	billion).	The	decrease	was	due	to	higher	
capital	spending	and	base	dividends	paid	in	2022,	partially	offset	by	higher	adjusted	funds	flow	in	2022.

OIL	AND	GAS	RESERVES

As	at	December	31,	2022
(before	royalties)	

Total	Proved

Probable
Total	Proved	Plus	Probable

As	at	December	31,	2021
(before	royalties)

Total	Proved

Probable
Total	Proved	Plus	Probable

(1)
(2)

Includes	heavy	crude	oil	that	is	not	material.
Includes	shale	gas	that	is	not	material.

Bitumen	(1)
(MMbbls)

5,592	

2,448	

8,040	

Bitumen	(1)
(MMbbls)

5,573	

1,850	

7,423	

Light	and	
Medium	Oil
(MMbbls)
42	

129	

171	

Light	and	
Medium	Oil
(MMbbls)

45	

152	

197	

NGLs
(MMbbls)
82	

39	

121	

NGLs
(MMbbls)

89	

39	

128	

Conventional
Natural	Gas	(2)
(Bcf)

2,194	

1,029	

3,223	

Conventional
Natural	Gas	(2)
(Bcf)

2,219	

959	

3,178	

Total
(MMBOE)

6,082	

2,787	

8,869	

Total
(MMBOE)

6,077	

2,201	

8,278	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   43

Developments	in	2022	compared	with	2021	include:

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities

•

•

•

•

Bitumen	 gross	 total	 proved	 and	 gross	 total	 proved	 plus	 probable	 reserves	 increased	 by	 19	 million	 barrels	 and
617	million	barrels,	respectively.	The	increases	were	due	to	additions	from	the	regulatory	approval	at	Foster	Creek,
the	Sunrise	Acquisition	and	improved	recovery	performance	at	Sunrise	and	Lloydminster	thermal,	partially	offset	by
the	Tucker	asset	sale	and	current	year	production.
Light	 and	 medium	 oil	 gross	 total	 proved	 and	 gross	 total	 proved	 plus	 probable	 reserves	 decreased	 by	three	 million
barrels	 and	 26	 million	 barrels,	 respectively.	 The	 decreases	 were	 due	 to	 the	 disposition	 of	 12.5	 percent	 of	 the
Company’s	working	interest	in	the	White	Rose	field	and	satellite	extensions,	the	Wembley	asset	sale	and	current	year
production,	partially	offset	by	additions	from	updates	to	the	Atlantic	region	and	Conventional	segment	development
plans.
NGLs	gross	total	proved	and	gross	total	proved	plus	probable	reserves	decreased	by	seven	million	barrels	each,	due	to
dispositions	in	the	Conventional	segment	and	current	year	production,	partially	offset	by	additions	from	updates	to
the	development	plan	and	economic	factors	related	to	increased	product	pricing	for	the	Conventional	segment.
Conventional	natural	gas	gross	total	proved	reserves	decreased	by	25	billion	cubic	feet	due	to	the	Wembley	asset	sale
and	current	year	production,	partially	offset	by	updates	to	the	development	plans,	improved	recovery	performance,
and	economic	factors	due	to	improved	product	pricing	for	the	Conventional	segment.	Conventional	natural	gas	gross
total	proved	plus	probable	reserves	increased	by	45	billion	cubic	feet	due	to	updates	to	the	development	plan	and
economic	 factors	 due	 to	 improved	 product	 pricing	 for	 the	 Conventional	 segment,	 partially	 offset	 by	 the	 Wembley
asset	sale	and	current	year	production.

The	 reserves	 data	 is	 presented	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2022	 using	 an	 average	 of	 forecasts	 (“Average	 Forecast”)	 by	 McDaniel	 &	
Associates	Consultants	Ltd.,	GLJ	Ltd.	and	Sproule	Associates	Limited.	The	Average	Forecast	prices	and	costs	are	dated	January	1,	
2023.	Comparative	information	as	at	December	31,	2021	uses	the	January	1,	2022	Average	Forecast	prices	and	costs.

Additional	 information	 with	 respect	 to	 the	 evaluation	 and	 reporting	 of	 our	 reserves	 in	 accordance	 with	 National	 Instrument	
51-101,	“Standards	of	Disclosure	for	Oil	and	Gas	Activities”	is	contained	in	our	AIF	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022.	Our 
AIF	 is	 available	 on	 SEDAR	 at	 sedar.com,	 on	 EDGAR	 at	 sec.gov	 and	 on	 our	 website	 at	 cenovus.com.	 Material	 risks	 and 
uncertainties	 associated	 with	 estimates	 of	 reserves	 are	 discussed	 in	 this	 MD&A	 in	 the	 Risk	 Management	 and	 Risk	 Factors 
section	and	the	Advisory	section.

LIQUIDITY	AND	CAPITAL	RESOURCES

During	 2022,	 we	 further	 defined	 our	 capital	 allocation	 framework	 to	 ensure	 we	 continue	 to	 strengthen	 our	 balance	 sheet,	
enable	 flexibility	 in	 both	 high	 and	 low	 commodity	 price	 environments,	 and	 improve	 our	 shareholder	 value	 proposition.	 The	
Company’s	 capital	 allocation	 framework	 enables	 a	 shift	 to	 paying	 out	 a	 higher	 percentage	 of	 Excess	 Free	 Funds	 Flow	 to	
shareholders	 with	 lower	 leverage	 and	 a	 lower	 risk	 profile.	 Our	 long-term	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 Target	 is	
approximately	1.0	times	at	the	bottom	of	the	commodity	price	cycle.	

We	expect	to	fund	our	near-term	cash	requirements	through	cash	from	operating	activities,	the	prudent	use	of	our	cash	and	
cash	equivalents	and	other	sources	of	liquidity.	This	includes	draws	on	our	committed	credit	facility,	draws	on	our	uncommitted	
demand	facilities	and	other	corporate	and	financial	opportunities	which	provide	timely	access	to	funding	to	supplement	cash	
flow.	We	remain	committed	to	maintaining	our	investment	grade	credit	ratings	at	S&P	Global	Ratings,	Moody’s	Investor	Service,	
DBRS	 Morningstar	 and	 Fitch	 Ratings.	 The	 cost	 and	 availability	 of	 borrowing	 and	 access	 to	 sources	 of	 liquidity	 and	 capital	 are	
dependent	on	current	credit	ratings	and	market	conditions.

($	millions)

Cash	From	(Used	In)

Operating	Activities

Investing	Activities

Net	Cash	Provided	(Used)	Before	Financing	Activities

Financing	Activities
Foreign	Exchange	Gain	(Loss)	on	Cash	and	Cash	

Equivalents	Held	in	Foreign	Currency

Increase	(Decrease)	in	Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents

As	at	($	millions)
Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents	
Total	Debt	

2022

11,403	

(2,314)	

9,089	

(7,676)	

238	

1,651	

2022
4,524	
8,806	

2021

5,919	

(942)	

4,977	

(2,507)	

25	

2,495	

2021
2,873	
12,464	

2020

273	

(863)	

(590)	

837	

(55)	

192	

2020
378	
7,562	

44   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	cash	generated	from	operating	activities	increased	compared	with	2021	due	to	higher	

Operating	Margin,	changes	in	non-cash	working	capital,	lower	finance	costs	and	lower	integration	and	transaction	costs.	

Excluding	the	contingent	payment,	our	adjusted	working	capital	was	$4.7	billion	at	December	31,	2022.	At	December	31,	2021,	

adjusted	working	capital	excluding	the	contingent	payment	and	assets	held	for	sale	and	liabilities	related	to	assets	held	for	sale	

was	$3.8	billion.	The	increase	was	primarily	due	to	the	improved	commodity	price	environment	as	discussed	in	the	Operating	

and	 Financial	 Results	 section	 of	 this	 MD&A.	Working	 capital	increased	 due	 to	 higher	 cash	 and	 inventories,	 partially	 offset	 by	

higher	income	tax	payable	and	lower	accounts	receivable.	

We	anticipate	that	we	will	continue	to	meet	our	payment	obligations	as	they	come	due.

Cash	used	in	investing	activities	was	higher	in	2022	compared	with	2021	largely	due	to	higher	capital	spending,	cash	paid	on	the	

Sunrise	Acquisition	in	2022	and	cash	acquired	in	the	Arrangement	in	2021.	The	increase	was	partially	offset	by	higher	proceeds	

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Investing	Activities

from	divestitures	in	2022.

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Financing	Activities

	As	part	of	our	overall	deleveraging	in	2022,	we:

Paid	US$402	million	to	purchase	the	full	amount	of	our	3.80	percent	unsecured	notes	due	in	2023	and	4.00	percent

unsecured	notes	due	in	2024,	with	principal	amounts	of	US$115	million	and	US$269	million,	respectively.	We	paid	a

premium	on	redemption	of	US$18	million.

Paid	$750	million	to	purchase	the	full	principal	amount	outstanding	of	our	3.55	percent	unsecured	notes	due	in	2025

Paid	US$2.2	billion	to	purchase	unsecured	notes	due	between	2025	and	2043,	at	a	premium	of	US$23	million.

During	 2022,	 net	 short-term	 borrowings	 increased	 by	 $34	 million,	 related	 to	 draws	 on	 the	 WRB	 Refining	 LP	 uncommitted	

•

•

•

at	par.

demand	facilities.	

In	 2022,	 the	 Company	 purchased	 112	 million	 common	 shares	 through	 our	 NCIBs,	 at	 a	 volume	 weighted	 average	 price	 of	

$22.49	per	common	share	for	a	total	of	$2.5	billion	(December	31,	2021	–	$265	million).	The	common	shares	were	subsequently	

cancelled.	During	2022,	we	paid	base	dividends	of	$682	million	and	variable	dividends	of	$219	million	on	our	common	shares.	

Adjusted	Funds	Flow,	Free	Funds	Flow	and	Excess	Free	Funds	Flow

Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 is	 a	 non-GAAP	 financial	 measure	 commonly	 used	 in	 the	 oil	 and	 gas	 industry	 to	 assist	 in	 measuring	 a	

company’s	 ability	 to	 finance	 its	 capital	 programs	 and	 meet	 its	 financial	 obligations.	 Free	 Funds	 Flow	 is	 a	 non-GAAP	 financial	

measure	used	to	assist	in	measuring	the	available	funds	the	Company	has	after	financing	its	capital	programs.	Excess	Free	Funds	

Flow	is	a	non-GAAP	financial	measure	used	by	the	Company	to	deliver	shareholder	returns	and	allocate	capital	according	to	our	

shareholder	returns	plan.

Three	Months	Ended	

December	31,

Year	Ended	December	31,

($	millions)

(Add)	Deduct:

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities

Settlement	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities	

Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital

Adjusted	Funds	Flow	

Capital	Investment

Free	Funds	Flow	

Add	(Deduct):

Base	Dividends	Paid	on	Common	Shares

Dividends	Paid	on	Preferred	Shares

Settlement	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities	

Principal	Repayment	of	Leases

Acquisitions,	Net	of	Cash	Acquired

Proceeds	From	Divestitures

Excess	Free	Funds	Flow

2022

11,403	

(150)	

575	

10,978	

3,708

7,270	

2021

5,919	

(102)	

(1,227)	

7,248	

2,563	

4,685	

2020

273	

(42)	

198	

117	

841	

(724)	

2022

2,970	

(49)	

673	

2,346	

1,274	

1,072	

(201)	

—	

(49)	

(74)	

(7)	

45	

786	

2021

2,184	

(35)	

271	

1,948	

835	

1,113	

(70)	

(8)	

(35)	

(78)	

—	

247	

1,169	

Developments	in	2022	compared	with	2021	include:

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities

•

Bitumen	 gross	 total	 proved	 and	 gross	 total	 proved	 plus	 probable	 reserves	 increased	 by	 19	 million	 barrels	 and

617	million	barrels,	respectively.	The	increases	were	due	to	additions	from	the	regulatory	approval	at	Foster	Creek,

the	Sunrise	Acquisition	and	improved	recovery	performance	at	Sunrise	and	Lloydminster	thermal,	partially	offset	by

the	Tucker	asset	sale	and	current	year	production.

•

Light	 and	 medium	 oil	 gross	 total	 proved	 and	 gross	 total	 proved	 plus	 probable	 reserves	 decreased	 by	three	 million

barrels	 and	 26	 million	 barrels,	 respectively.	 The	 decreases	 were	 due	 to	 the	 disposition	 of	 12.5	 percent	 of	 the

Company’s	working	interest	in	the	White	Rose	field	and	satellite	extensions,	the	Wembley	asset	sale	and	current	year

production,	partially	offset	by	additions	from	updates	to	the	Atlantic	region	and	Conventional	segment	development

plans.

•

•

NGLs	gross	total	proved	and	gross	total	proved	plus	probable	reserves	decreased	by	seven	million	barrels	each,	due	to

dispositions	in	the	Conventional	segment	and	current	year	production,	partially	offset	by	additions	from	updates	to

the	development	plan	and	economic	factors	related	to	increased	product	pricing	for	the	Conventional	segment.

Conventional	natural	gas	gross	total	proved	reserves	decreased	by	25	billion	cubic	feet	due	to	the	Wembley	asset	sale

and	current	year	production,	partially	offset	by	updates	to	the	development	plans,	improved	recovery	performance,

and	economic	factors	due	to	improved	product	pricing	for	the	Conventional	segment.	Conventional	natural	gas	gross

total	proved	plus	probable	reserves	increased	by	45	billion	cubic	feet	due	to	updates	to	the	development	plan	and

economic	 factors	 due	 to	 improved	 product	 pricing	 for	 the	 Conventional	 segment,	 partially	 offset	 by	 the	 Wembley

asset	sale	and	current	year	production.

The	 reserves	 data	 is	 presented	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2022	 using	 an	 average	 of	 forecasts	 (“Average	 Forecast”)	 by	 McDaniel	 &	

Associates	Consultants	Ltd.,	GLJ	Ltd.	and	Sproule	Associates	Limited.	The	Average	Forecast	prices	and	costs	are	dated	January	1,	

2023.	Comparative	information	as	at	December	31,	2021	uses	the	January	1,	2022	Average	Forecast	prices	and	costs.

Additional	 information	 with	 respect	 to	 the	 evaluation	 and	 reporting	 of	 our	 reserves	 in	 accordance	 with	 National	 Instrument	

51-101,	“Standards	of	Disclosure	for	Oil	and	Gas	Activities”	is	contained	in	our	AIF	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022.	Our 

AIF	 is	 available	 on	 SEDAR	 at	 sedar.com,	 on	 EDGAR	 at	 sec.gov	 and	 on	 our	 website	 at	 cenovus.com.	 Material	 risks	 and 

uncertainties	 associated	 with	 estimates	 of	 reserves	 are	 discussed	 in	 this	 MD&A	 in	 the	 Risk	 Management	 and	 Risk	 Factors 

section	and	the	Advisory	section.

LIQUIDITY	AND	CAPITAL	RESOURCES

During	 2022,	 we	 further	 defined	 our	 capital	 allocation	 framework	 to	 ensure	 we	 continue	 to	 strengthen	 our	 balance	 sheet,	

enable	 flexibility	 in	 both	 high	 and	 low	 commodity	 price	 environments,	 and	 improve	 our	 shareholder	 value	 proposition.	 The	

Company’s	 capital	 allocation	 framework	 enables	 a	 shift	 to	 paying	 out	 a	 higher	 percentage	 of	 Excess	 Free	 Funds	 Flow	 to	

shareholders	 with	 lower	 leverage	 and	 a	 lower	 risk	 profile.	 Our	 long-term	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 Target	 is	

approximately	1.0	times	at	the	bottom	of	the	commodity	price	cycle.	

We	expect	to	fund	our	near-term	cash	requirements	through	cash	from	operating	activities,	the	prudent	use	of	our	cash	and	

cash	equivalents	and	other	sources	of	liquidity.	This	includes	draws	on	our	committed	credit	facility,	draws	on	our	uncommitted	

demand	facilities	and	other	corporate	and	financial	opportunities	which	provide	timely	access	to	funding	to	supplement	cash	

flow.	We	remain	committed	to	maintaining	our	investment	grade	credit	ratings	at	S&P	Global	Ratings,	Moody’s	Investor	Service,	

DBRS	 Morningstar	 and	 Fitch	 Ratings.	 The	 cost	 and	 availability	 of	 borrowing	 and	 access	 to	 sources	 of	 liquidity	 and	 capital	 are	

dependent	on	current	credit	ratings	and	market	conditions.

($	millions)

Cash	From	(Used	In)

Operating	Activities

Investing	Activities

Financing	Activities

Net	Cash	Provided	(Used)	Before	Financing	Activities

Foreign	Exchange	Gain	(Loss)	on	Cash	and	Cash	

Equivalents	Held	in	Foreign	Currency

Increase	(Decrease)	in	Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents

As	at	($	millions)

Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents	

Total	Debt	

2022

11,403	

(2,314)	

9,089	

(7,676)	

238	

1,651	

2022

4,524	

8,806	

2021

5,919	

(942)	

4,977	

(2,507)	

25	

2,495	

2021

2,873	

12,464	

2020

273	

(863)	

(590)	

837	

(55)	

192	

2020

378	

7,562	

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	cash	generated	from	operating	activities	increased	compared	with	2021	due	to	higher	
Operating	Margin,	changes	in	non-cash	working	capital,	lower	finance	costs	and	lower	integration	and	transaction	costs.	

Excluding	the	contingent	payment,	our	adjusted	working	capital	was	$4.7	billion	at	December	31,	2022.	At	December	31,	2021,	
adjusted	working	capital	excluding	the	contingent	payment	and	assets	held	for	sale	and	liabilities	related	to	assets	held	for	sale	
was	$3.8	billion.	The	increase	was	primarily	due	to	the	improved	commodity	price	environment	as	discussed	in	the	Operating	
and	 Financial	 Results	 section	 of	 this	 MD&A.	Working	 capital	increased	 due	 to	 higher	 cash	 and	 inventories,	 partially	 offset	 by	
higher	income	tax	payable	and	lower	accounts	receivable.	

We	anticipate	that	we	will	continue	to	meet	our	payment	obligations	as	they	come	due.

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Investing	Activities

Cash	used	in	investing	activities	was	higher	in	2022	compared	with	2021	largely	due	to	higher	capital	spending,	cash	paid	on	the	
Sunrise	Acquisition	in	2022	and	cash	acquired	in	the	Arrangement	in	2021.	The	increase	was	partially	offset	by	higher	proceeds	
from	divestitures	in	2022.

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Financing	Activities

	As	part	of	our	overall	deleveraging	in	2022,	we:

•

•

•

Paid	US$402	million	to	purchase	the	full	amount	of	our	3.80	percent	unsecured	notes	due	in	2023	and	4.00	percent
unsecured	notes	due	in	2024,	with	principal	amounts	of	US$115	million	and	US$269	million,	respectively.	We	paid	a
premium	on	redemption	of	US$18	million.
Paid	$750	million	to	purchase	the	full	principal	amount	outstanding	of	our	3.55	percent	unsecured	notes	due	in	2025
at	par.
Paid	US$2.2	billion	to	purchase	unsecured	notes	due	between	2025	and	2043,	at	a	premium	of	US$23	million.

During	 2022,	 net	 short-term	 borrowings	 increased	 by	 $34	 million,	 related	 to	 draws	 on	 the	 WRB	 Refining	 LP	 uncommitted	
demand	facilities.	

In	 2022,	 the	 Company	 purchased	 112	 million	 common	 shares	 through	 our	 NCIBs,	 at	 a	 volume	 weighted	 average	 price	 of	
$22.49	per	common	share	for	a	total	of	$2.5	billion	(December	31,	2021	–	$265	million).	The	common	shares	were	subsequently	
cancelled.	During	2022,	we	paid	base	dividends	of	$682	million	and	variable	dividends	of	$219	million	on	our	common	shares.	

Adjusted	Funds	Flow,	Free	Funds	Flow	and	Excess	Free	Funds	Flow

Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 is	 a	 non-GAAP	 financial	 measure	 commonly	 used	 in	 the	 oil	 and	 gas	 industry	 to	 assist	 in	 measuring	 a	
company’s	 ability	 to	 finance	 its	 capital	 programs	 and	 meet	 its	 financial	 obligations.	 Free	 Funds	 Flow	 is	 a	 non-GAAP	 financial	
measure	used	to	assist	in	measuring	the	available	funds	the	Company	has	after	financing	its	capital	programs.	Excess	Free	Funds	
Flow	is	a	non-GAAP	financial	measure	used	by	the	Company	to	deliver	shareholder	returns	and	allocate	capital	according	to	our	
shareholder	returns	plan.

Three	Months	Ended	
December	31,

Year	Ended	December	31,

($	millions)

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities

(Add)	Deduct:

Settlement	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities	
Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital

Adjusted	Funds	Flow	

Capital	Investment

Free	Funds	Flow	

Add	(Deduct):

Base	Dividends	Paid	on	Common	Shares

Dividends	Paid	on	Preferred	Shares
Settlement	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities	
Principal	Repayment	of	Leases

Acquisitions,	Net	of	Cash	Acquired

Proceeds	From	Divestitures

Excess	Free	Funds	Flow

2022

11,403	

(150)	

575	

10,978	

3,708

7,270	

2021

5,919	

(102)	

(1,227)	

7,248	

2,563	

4,685	

2020

273	

(42)	

198	

117	

841	

(724)	

2022

2,970	

(49)	

673	

2,346	

1,274	

1,072	

(201)	

—	

(49)	

(74)	

(7)	

45	

786	

2021

2,184	

(35)	

271	

1,948	

835	

1,113	

(70)	

(8)	

(35)	

(78)	

—	

247	

1,169	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   45

Returns	to	Shareholders	Target

($	millions)

Excess	Free	Funds	Flow

Target	Return	(1)

Less:	Purchase	of	Common	Shares	Under	NCIBs

Amount	Available	for	Variable	Dividend

December	31,	2022

September	30,	2022

June	30,	2022

Three	Months	Ended

786	

393	

(387)	

6	

1,756	

878	

(659)	

219	

2,020	

1,010	

(1,018)	

(8)	

(1)

Based	on	our	capital	allocation	framework,	as	a	result	of	Net	Debt	as	at	September	30,	2022,	June	30,	2022	and	March	31,	2022,	being	less	than	$9	billion	and	
greater	than	$4	billion,	Target	Return	was	determined	to	be	50	percent	of	Excess	Free	Funds	Flow.

In	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022,	we	paid	variable	dividends	of	$219	million.	Returns	to	shareholders	through	share	buybacks	were	
within	$50	million	of	the	fourth	quarter	Target	Return,	as	such	no	variable	dividend	was	declared	for	the	quarter.	

Short-Term	Borrowings	

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 US$170	 million	 was	 drawn	 on	 the	 WRB	 uncommitted	 demand	 facility,	 of	 which	 the	 Company’s	
proportionate	 share	 was	 US$85	 million	 (C$115	 million)	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 US$125	 million	 of	 which	 the	 Company’s	
proportionate	share	was	US$63	million	(C$79	million)).

Long-Term	Debt	and	Total	Debt

Total	Debt	as	at	December	31,	2022,	was	$8.8	billion	(December	31,	2021	–	$12.5	billion),	which	includes	$8.7	billion	of	long-
term	 debt	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $12.4	 billion).	 The	 decrease	 in	 Total	 Debt	 and	 long-term	 debt	 was	 due	 to	 the	 purchase	 of	
US$2.6	billion	and	$750	million	of	principal	related	to	outstanding	unsecured	notes	in	2022.

As	at	December	31,	2022,	we	were	in	compliance	with	all	of	the	terms	of	our	debt	agreements.

Available	Sources	of	Liquidity

The	following	sources	of	liquidity	are	available	as	at	December	31,	2022:

($	millions)
Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents
Committed	Credit	Facility	(1)

Revolving	Credit	Facility	–	Tranche	A	
Revolving	Credit	Facility	–	Tranche	B	

Uncommitted	Demand	Facilities	(2)

Cenovus	Energy	Inc.	(3)
WRB	Refining	LP	(4)

Maturity
N/A

Amount	Available
4,524	

November	10,	2026
November	10,	2025

N/A

N/A

3,700	
1,800	

1,002	

190	

(1)
(2)
(3)

(4)

No	amounts	were	drawn	on	the	committed	credit	facility	as	at	December	31,	2022	(December	31,	2021	-	$nil).
On	November	24,	2022,	the	Company	cancelled	the	SOSP	uncommitted	demand	credit	facility.
Our	uncommitted	demand	facilities	includes	$1.9	billion,	of	which	$1.4	billion	may	be	drawn	for	general	purposes,	or	the	full	amount	can	be	available	to	issue	
letters	of	credit.	As	at	December	31,	2022,	there	were	outstanding	letters	of	credit	aggregating	to	$490	million	(December	31,	2021	–	$565	million)	and	no	
direct	borrowings.
Represents	 Cenovus's	 50	 percent	 share	 of	 US$450	 million	 (our	 proportionate	 share	 –	 US$225	 million)	 available	 to	 cover	 short-term	 working	 capital	
requirements.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 US$170	 million	 was	 drawn	 on	 these	 facilities,	 of	 which	 the	 Company’s	 proportionate	 share	 was	 US$85	 million	
(C$115	million)	(December	31,	2021	–	US$125	million	of	which	the	Company’s	proportionate	share	was	US	$63	million	(C$79	million)).

On	 November	 10,	 2022,	 Cenovus	 amended	 its	 existing	 committed	 credit	 facility	 to	 decrease	 the	 capacity	 by	$500	 million	 to	
$5.5	billion	and	to	extend	the	maturity	dates.	

Under	the	terms	of	our	committed	credit	facility,	we	are	required	to	maintain	a	debt	to	capitalization	ratio,	as	defined	in	the	
debt	agreements,	not	to	exceed	65	percent.	We	are	well	below	this	limit.

U.S.	Dollar	Denominated	Unsecured	Notes	and	Canadian	Dollar	Unsecured	Notes	

At	December	31,	2022,	the	total	outstanding	principal	amount	of	U.S.	dollar	denominated	unsecured	notes	was	US$4.8	billion	

and	the	total	outstanding	principal	amount	of	Canadian	dollar	denominated	unsecured	notes	was	$2.0	billion.	

Unsecured	Notes

U.S.	Dollar	

Canadian	Dollar	

Denominated

(US	$	millions)

Denominated

($	millions)

7,385	

(2,558)

4,827	

2,750	

(750)

2,000

As	at	December	31,	2021

Purchases

As	at	December	31,	2022	

Base	Shelf	Prospectus

Financial	Metrics

details.

We	 have	 a	 base	 shelf	 prospectus	 that	 allows	 us	 to	 offer,	 from	 time	 to	 time,	 up	 to	 US$5.0	 billion,	 or	 the	 equivalent	 in	 other	

currencies,	of	debt	securities,	common	shares,	preferred	shares,	subscription	receipts,	warrants,	share	purchase	contracts	and	

units	in	Canada,	the	U.S.	and	elsewhere,	where	permitted	by	law.	The	base	shelf	prospectus	will	expire	in	November	2023.	As	at	

December	31,	2022,	US$4.7	billion	remained	available	under	the	base	shelf	prospectus	for	permitted	offerings	(December	31,	

2021	–	US$4.7	billion).	Offerings	under	the	base	shelf	prospectus	are	subject	to	market	availability.

We	monitor	our	capital	structure	and	financing	requirements	using	the	Net	Debt	to	Capitalization	Ratio,	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	

Funds	Flow	Ratio	and	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	Ratio.	Refer	to	Note	26	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	

We	define	Net	Debt	as	short-term	borrowings	and	the	current	and	long-term	portions	of	long-term	debt,	net	of	cash	and	cash	

equivalents	 and	 short-term	 investments.	 The	 components	 of	 the	 ratios	 include	 Capitalization,	 Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 and	

Adjusted	EBITDA.	We	define	Capitalization	as	Net	Debt	plus	Shareholders	Equity.	We	define	Adjusted	Funds	Flow,	as	used	in	the	

Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	Ratio,	as	cash	from	(used	in)	operating	activities,	less	settlement	of	decommissioning	liabilities	

and	net	change	in	operating	non-cash	working	capital	calculated	on	a	trailing	twelve-month	basis.	We	define	Adjusted	EBITDA,	

as	 used	 in	 the	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 EBITDA	 Ratio,	 as	 net	 earnings	 before	 finance	 costs,	 net	 of	 capitalized	 interest,	 interest	

income,	 income	 tax	 expense	 (recovery),	 DD&A,	 E&E	 write-down,	 goodwill	 impairments,	 unrealized	 (gain)	 loss	 on	 risk	

management,	 foreign	 exchange	 (gain)	 loss,	 revaluation	 (gains),	 re-measurement	 of	 contingent	 payment,	 (gain)	 loss	 on	

divestiture	of	assets,	other	(income)	loss,	net	and	share	of	(income)	loss	from	equity-accounted	affiliates	calculated	on	a	trailing	

twelve-month	 basis.	 These	 ratios	 are	 used	 to	 steward	 our	 overall	 debt	 position	 and	 as	 measures	 of	 our	 overall	 financial	

strength.

As	at

Net	Debt	to	Capitalization	Ratio	(percent)

Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	Ratio	(times)

Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	Ratio	(times)

2022

	13	

0.4

0.3

2021

	29	

1.3

1.2

2020

	30	

61.4

11.9

46   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Returns	to	Shareholders	Target

($	millions)

Excess	Free	Funds	Flow

Target	Return	(1)

Less:	Purchase	of	Common	Shares	Under	NCIBs

Amount	Available	for	Variable	Dividend

December	31,	2022

September	30,	2022

June	30,	2022

Three	Months	Ended

786	

393	

(387)	

6	

1,756	

878	

(659)	

219	

2,020	

1,010	

(1,018)	

(8)	

(1)

Based	on	our	capital	allocation	framework,	as	a	result	of	Net	Debt	as	at	September	30,	2022,	June	30,	2022	and	March	31,	2022,	being	less	than	$9	billion	and	

greater	than	$4	billion,	Target	Return	was	determined	to	be	50	percent	of	Excess	Free	Funds	Flow.

In	the	fourth	quarter	of	2022,	we	paid	variable	dividends	of	$219	million.	Returns	to	shareholders	through	share	buybacks	were	

within	$50	million	of	the	fourth	quarter	Target	Return,	as	such	no	variable	dividend	was	declared	for	the	quarter.	

Short-Term	Borrowings	

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 US$170	 million	 was	 drawn	 on	 the	 WRB	 uncommitted	 demand	 facility,	 of	 which	 the	 Company’s	

proportionate	 share	 was	 US$85	 million	 (C$115	 million)	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 US$125	 million	 of	 which	 the	 Company’s	

proportionate	share	was	US$63	million	(C$79	million)).

Long-Term	Debt	and	Total	Debt

Total	Debt	as	at	December	31,	2022,	was	$8.8	billion	(December	31,	2021	–	$12.5	billion),	which	includes	$8.7	billion	of	long-

term	 debt	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $12.4	 billion).	 The	 decrease	 in	 Total	 Debt	 and	 long-term	 debt	 was	 due	 to	 the	 purchase	 of	

US$2.6	billion	and	$750	million	of	principal	related	to	outstanding	unsecured	notes	in	2022.

As	at	December	31,	2022,	we	were	in	compliance	with	all	of	the	terms	of	our	debt	agreements.

Available	Sources	of	Liquidity

The	following	sources	of	liquidity	are	available	as	at	December	31,	2022:

($	millions)

Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents

Committed	Credit	Facility	(1)

Revolving	Credit	Facility	–	Tranche	A	

Revolving	Credit	Facility	–	Tranche	B	

Uncommitted	Demand	Facilities	(2)

Cenovus	Energy	Inc.	(3)

WRB	Refining	LP	(4)

Maturity

Amount	Available

November	10,	2026

November	10,	2025

N/A

N/A

N/A

4,524	

3,700	

1,800	

1,002	

190	

No	amounts	were	drawn	on	the	committed	credit	facility	as	at	December	31,	2022	(December	31,	2021	-	$nil).

On	November	24,	2022,	the	Company	cancelled	the	SOSP	uncommitted	demand	credit	facility.

Our	uncommitted	demand	facilities	includes	$1.9	billion,	of	which	$1.4	billion	may	be	drawn	for	general	purposes,	or	the	full	amount	can	be	available	to	issue	

letters	of	credit.	As	at	December	31,	2022,	there	were	outstanding	letters	of	credit	aggregating	to	$490	million	(December	31,	2021	–	$565	million)	and	no	

(1)

(2)

(3)

direct	borrowings.

(4)

Represents	 Cenovus's	 50	 percent	 share	 of	 US$450	 million	 (our	 proportionate	 share	 –	 US$225	 million)	 available	 to	 cover	 short-term	 working	 capital	

requirements.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 US$170	 million	 was	 drawn	 on	 these	 facilities,	 of	 which	 the	 Company’s	 proportionate	 share	 was	 US$85	 million	

(C$115	million)	(December	31,	2021	–	US$125	million	of	which	the	Company’s	proportionate	share	was	US	$63	million	(C$79	million)).

On	 November	 10,	 2022,	 Cenovus	 amended	 its	 existing	 committed	 credit	 facility	 to	 decrease	 the	 capacity	 by	$500	 million	 to	

$5.5	billion	and	to	extend	the	maturity	dates.	

Under	the	terms	of	our	committed	credit	facility,	we	are	required	to	maintain	a	debt	to	capitalization	ratio,	as	defined	in	the	

debt	agreements,	not	to	exceed	65	percent.	We	are	well	below	this	limit.

U.S.	Dollar	Denominated	Unsecured	Notes	and	Canadian	Dollar	Unsecured	Notes	

At	December	31,	2022,	the	total	outstanding	principal	amount	of	U.S.	dollar	denominated	unsecured	notes	was	US$4.8	billion	
and	the	total	outstanding	principal	amount	of	Canadian	dollar	denominated	unsecured	notes	was	$2.0	billion.	

As	at	December	31,	2021

Purchases

As	at	December	31,	2022	

Base	Shelf	Prospectus

Unsecured	Notes

U.S.	Dollar	
Denominated
(US	$	millions)

Canadian	Dollar	
Denominated
($	millions)

7,385	
(2,558)

4,827	

2,750	
(750)

2,000

We	 have	 a	 base	 shelf	 prospectus	 that	 allows	 us	 to	 offer,	 from	 time	 to	 time,	 up	 to	 US$5.0	 billion,	 or	 the	 equivalent	 in	 other	
currencies,	of	debt	securities,	common	shares,	preferred	shares,	subscription	receipts,	warrants,	share	purchase	contracts	and	
units	in	Canada,	the	U.S.	and	elsewhere,	where	permitted	by	law.	The	base	shelf	prospectus	will	expire	in	November	2023.	As	at	
December	31,	2022,	US$4.7	billion	remained	available	under	the	base	shelf	prospectus	for	permitted	offerings	(December	31,	
2021	–	US$4.7	billion).	Offerings	under	the	base	shelf	prospectus	are	subject	to	market	availability.

Financial	Metrics

We	monitor	our	capital	structure	and	financing	requirements	using	the	Net	Debt	to	Capitalization	Ratio,	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	
Funds	Flow	Ratio	and	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	Ratio.	Refer	to	Note	26	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	
details.

We	define	Net	Debt	as	short-term	borrowings	and	the	current	and	long-term	portions	of	long-term	debt,	net	of	cash	and	cash	
equivalents	 and	 short-term	 investments.	 The	 components	 of	 the	 ratios	 include	 Capitalization,	 Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 and	
Adjusted	EBITDA.	We	define	Capitalization	as	Net	Debt	plus	Shareholders	Equity.	We	define	Adjusted	Funds	Flow,	as	used	in	the	
Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	Ratio,	as	cash	from	(used	in)	operating	activities,	less	settlement	of	decommissioning	liabilities	
and	net	change	in	operating	non-cash	working	capital	calculated	on	a	trailing	twelve-month	basis.	We	define	Adjusted	EBITDA,	
as	 used	 in	 the	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 EBITDA	 Ratio,	 as	 net	 earnings	 before	 finance	 costs,	 net	 of	 capitalized	 interest,	 interest	
income,	 income	 tax	 expense	 (recovery),	 DD&A,	 E&E	 write-down,	 goodwill	 impairments,	 unrealized	 (gain)	 loss	 on	 risk	
management,	 foreign	 exchange	 (gain)	 loss,	 revaluation	 (gains),	 re-measurement	 of	 contingent	 payment,	 (gain)	 loss	 on	
divestiture	of	assets,	other	(income)	loss,	net	and	share	of	(income)	loss	from	equity-accounted	affiliates	calculated	on	a	trailing	
twelve-month	 basis.	 These	 ratios	 are	 used	 to	 steward	 our	 overall	 debt	 position	 and	 as	 measures	 of	 our	 overall	 financial	
strength.

As	at

Net	Debt	to	Capitalization	Ratio	(percent)

Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	Ratio	(times)

Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	Ratio	(times)

2022

	13	

0.4

0.3

2021

	29	

1.3

1.2

2020

	30	

61.4

11.9

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   47

Our	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	Ratio	and	our	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	Ratio	Targets	are	approximately	1.0	times	at	
the	 bottom	 of	 the	 commodity	 price	 cycle,	 which	 we	 believe	 is	 approximately	 US$45	 per	 barrel	 WTI.	 This	 ratio	 may	 fluctuate	
periodically	outside	the	range	due	to	factors	such	as	persistently	high	or	low	commodity	prices.	Our	objective	is	to	maintain	a	
high	level	of	capital	discipline	and	manage	our	capital	structure	to	help	ensure	we	have	sufficient	liquidity	through	all	stages	of	
the	economic	cycle.	To	ensure	financial	resilience,	we	may,	among	other	actions,	adjust	capital	and	operating	spending,	draw	
down	 on	 our	 credit	 facilities	 or	 repay	 existing	 debt,	 adjust	 dividends	 paid	 to	 shareholders,	 purchase	 our	 common	 shares	 for	
cancellation,	issue	new	debt,	or	issue	new	shares.

Our	Net	Debt	to	Capitalization	Ratio	as	at	December	31,	2022	decreased	compared	with	December	31,	2021,	primarily	due	to	
higher	net	earnings	and	ongoing	reductions	in	Net	Debt.	

Our	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 Ratio	 and	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 EBITDA	 Ratio	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2022	 decreased	
compared	with	December	31,	2021,	as	a	result	of	higher	Operating	Margin	and	lower	Net	Debt.	See	the	Operating	and	Financial	
Results	section	of	this	MD&A	for	more	information	on	Operating	Margin	and	Net	Debt.

Share	Capital	and	Stock-Based	Compensation	Plans

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 there	 were	 approximately	 1,909	 million	 common	 shares	 outstanding	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	
2,001	million	common	shares)	and	36	million	preferred	shares	outstanding	(December	31,	2021	–	36	million	preferred	shares).	
Refer	to	Note	32	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.

In	November	2021,	we	commenced	a	NCIB	for	the	purchase	of	up	to	146.5	million	of	the	Company’s	common	shares	between	
November	 9,	 2021	 and	 November	 8,	 2022.	 On	 November	 7,	 2022,	 we	 renewed	 the	 NCIB	 program	 to	 purchase	 up	 to	 an	
additional	 136.7	 million	 of	 the	 Company’s	 common	 shares	 between	 November	 9,	 2022,	 and	 November	 8,	 2023.	 In	 2022,	
Cenovus	 purchased	 and	 cancelled	 112	 million	 common	 shares	 for	 $2.5	 billion	 (year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2021	 –	 17	 million	
common	shares	for	$265	million),	at	a	volume	weighted	average	price	of	$22.49	per	common	share	through	our	NCIBs.	Paid	in	
surplus	was	reduced	by	$1.6	billion	(December	31,	2021	–	$120	million),	representing	the	excess	of	the	purchase	price	of	the	
common	 shares	 over	 their	 average	 carrying	 value.	 From	 January	 1,	 2023,	 to	 February	 13,	 2023,	 the	 Company	 purchased	 an	
additional	1.4	million	common	shares	for	$36.8	million.	As	at	February	13,	2023,	123.8	million	common	shares	remain	available	
for	purchase	under	the	2023	NCIB.	

As	at	December	31,	2022,	there	were	approximately	56	million	Cenovus	Warrants	outstanding	(December	31,	2021	–	65	million	
Cenovus	Warrants).	Each	Cenovus	Warrant	entitles	the	holder	to	acquire	one	common	share	for	a	period	of	five	years	(from	the	
date	 of	 issue)	 at	 an	 exercise	 price	 of	 $6.54	 per	 common	 share.	 The	 Cenovus	 Warrants	 expire	 on	 January	 1,	 2026.	 Refer	 to	
Note	32	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.

Refer	to	Note	34	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details	on	our	stock	option	plans	and	our	performance	
share	unit,	restricted	share	unit	and	deferred	share	unit	plans.

Our	outstanding	share	data	is	as	follows:

As	at	February	13,	2023

Common	Shares
Cenovus	Warrants

Series	1	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	2	First	Preferred	Shares
Series	3	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	5	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	7	First	Preferred	Shares

Stock	Options
Other	Stock-Based	Compensation	Plans

Common	Share	Dividends

Units	Outstanding
(thousands)

Units	Exercisable
(thousands)

1,907,867	

55,691	

10,740	

1,260	
10,000	

8,000	

6,000	

17,373	

16,891	

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A
N/A

N/A

N/A

8,312	

1,581	

In	 2022,	 we	 paid	 base	 dividends	 of	 $682	 million	 or	 $0.350	 per	 common	 share	 (2021	 –	 $176	 million	 or	 $0.088	 per	 common	
share)	and	variable	dividends	of	$219	million	or	$0.114	per	common	share	(2021	–	$nil).

The	 Board	 declared	 a	 first	 quarter	 base	 dividend	 of	 $0.105	 per	 common	 share,	 payable	 on	 March	 31,	 2023,	 to	 common	
shareholders	of	record	as	at	March	15,	2023.

The	declaration	of	common	share	dividends	is	at	the	sole	discretion	of	the	Board	and	is	considered	quarterly.	

48   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Cumulative	Redeemable	Preferred	Share	Dividends

In	2022,	dividends	of	$26	million	were	paid	on	the	series	1,	2,	3,	5	and	7	preferred	shares	(December	31,	2021	—	$34	million).	

The	decrease	from	2021	is	related	to	timing	differences	between	the	declaration	date	and	payment	date.	The	declaration	of	

preferred	share	dividends	is	at	the	sole	discretion	of	the	Board	and	is	considered	quarterly.	The	Board	declared	a	first	quarter	

dividend	on	the	series	1,	2,	3,	5	and	7	preferred	shares	of	$9	million,	payable	on	March	31,	2023,	to	preferred	shareholders	of	

record	as	of	March	15,	2023.

Capital	Investment	Decisions

Our	 2023	 capital	 program	 is	 forecast	 to	 be	 between	 $4.0	 billion	 and	 $4.5	 billion,	 including	 approximately	 $2.8	 billion	 of	

sustaining	capital	and	between	$1.2	billion	to	$1.7	billion	of	optimization	and	growth	capital.	Our	Future	Capital	Investment	is	

focused	 on	 disciplined	 capital	 allocation,	 investment	 plans	 to	 progress	 opportunities	 across	 our	 integrated	 portfolio,	 cost	

control	and	positioning	the	Company	for	continued	growth	in	shareholder	returns.	We	expect	our	annual	upstream	production	

to	 average	 between	 800	 thousand	 BOE	 per	 day	 and	 840	 thousand	 BOE	 per	 day	 and	 our	 downstream	 crude	 oil	 throughput	

average	between	610	thousand	barrels	per	day	to	660	thousand	barrels	per	day	in	2023.	Our	2023	guidance	dated	December	5,	

2022,	is	available	on	our	website	at	cenovus.com.

Contractual	Obligations	and	Commitments

We	have	obligations	for	goods	and	services	entered	into	in	the	normal	course	of	business.	Commitments	are	largely	related	to	

transportation	 agreements.	 Commitments	 that	 have	 original	 maturities	 of	 less	 than	 one	 year	 are	 excluded	 from	 the	 table	

below.	For	further	information,	see	Note	40	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Our	total	commitments	were	$33.0	billion	as	at	December	31,	2022,	of	which	$21.1	billion	are	for	various	transportation	and	

storage	commitments	and	$9.4	billion	are	for	product	purchase	commitments.	Transportation	commitments	include	$9.1	billion	

that	are	subject	to	regulatory	approval	or	have	been	approved,	but	are	not	yet	in	service.	Terms	are	up	to	20	years	subsequent	

to	the	date	of	commencement	and	should	help	align	with	the	Company’s	future	transportation	requirements.	

Our	 commitments	 with	 HMLP	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 include	 $2.2	 billion	 related	 to	 long-term	 transportation	 and	 storage	

commitments.	

As	at	December	31,	2022	

($	millions)

Commitments	(1)

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

Thereafter

Total

Total	Commitments

3,894	

3,765	

2,685	

2,558	

Transportation	and	Storage	(2)

Product	Purchases	(3)

Real	Estate	(4)

Obligation	to	Fund	Equity-Accounted	

Affiliate	(5)

Other	Long-Term	Commitments

Long-Term	Debt	(Principal	and	Interest)

Decommissioning	Liabilities

Contingent	Payments

Lease	Liabilities	(Principal	and	Interest)	(6)

1,747	

1,626	

48	

92	

381	

401	

263	

271	

426	

2,011	

1,509	

50	

105	

90	

401	

254	

167	

407	

1,542	

1,416	

1,360	

13,005	

21,081	

922	

50	

96	

75	

582	

249	

—	

339	

922	

50	

96	

74	

392	

248	

—	

320	

922	

54	

91	

65	

2,492	

1,622	

247	

—	

276	

3,457	

604	

143	

395	

17,604	

11,196	

5,979	

—	

2,889	

37,668	

9,358	

856	

623	

1,080	

32,998	

14,594	

7,240	

438	

4,657	

59,927	

Total	Commitments	and	Obligations

5,255	

4,994	

3,855	

3,518	

4,637	

Commitments	are	reflected	at	Cenovus’s	proportionate	share	of	the	underlying	contract.	

Includes	transportation	commitments	of	$9.1	billion	(December	31,	2021	–	$8.1	billion)	that	are	subject	to	regulatory	approval	or	have	been	approved,	but	are	

not	yet	in	service.	Terms	are	up	to	20	years	subsequent	to	the	commencement	of	the	contract.

Prior	to	September	30,	2022,	product	purchases	were	included	in	Transportation	and	Storage.

Relates	to	the	non-lease	components	of	lease	liabilities	consisting	of	operating	costs	and	unreserved	parking	for	office	space.	Excludes	committed	payments	for	

Lease	contracts	related	to	office	space,	our	retail	and	commercial	network,	railcars,	storage	assets,	drilling	rigs	and	other	refining	and	field	equipment.

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 outstanding	 letters	 of	 credit	 issued	 as	 security	 for	 performance	 under	 certain	 contracts	 totaled	

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

which	a	provision	has	been	provided.	

Relates	to	funding	obligations	for	HCML.

$490	million	(December	31,	2021	–	$565	million).

Legal	Proceedings

We	 are	 involved	 in	 a	 limited	 number	 of	 legal	 claims	 associated	 with	 the	 normal	 course	 of	 operations.	 We	 believe	 that	 any	

liabilities	 that	 might	 arise	 from	 such	 matters,	 to	 the	 extent	 not	 provided	 for,	 are	 not	 likely	 to	 have	 a	 material	 effect	 on	 our	

Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Our	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	Ratio	and	our	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	Ratio	Targets	are	approximately	1.0	times	at	

the	 bottom	 of	 the	 commodity	 price	 cycle,	 which	 we	 believe	 is	 approximately	 US$45	 per	 barrel	 WTI.	 This	 ratio	 may	 fluctuate	

periodically	outside	the	range	due	to	factors	such	as	persistently	high	or	low	commodity	prices.	Our	objective	is	to	maintain	a	

high	level	of	capital	discipline	and	manage	our	capital	structure	to	help	ensure	we	have	sufficient	liquidity	through	all	stages	of	

the	economic	cycle.	To	ensure	financial	resilience,	we	may,	among	other	actions,	adjust	capital	and	operating	spending,	draw	

down	 on	 our	 credit	 facilities	 or	 repay	 existing	 debt,	 adjust	 dividends	 paid	 to	 shareholders,	 purchase	 our	 common	 shares	 for	

cancellation,	issue	new	debt,	or	issue	new	shares.

higher	net	earnings	and	ongoing	reductions	in	Net	Debt.	

Our	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 Ratio	 and	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 EBITDA	 Ratio	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2022	 decreased	

compared	with	December	31,	2021,	as	a	result	of	higher	Operating	Margin	and	lower	Net	Debt.	See	the	Operating	and	Financial	

Results	section	of	this	MD&A	for	more	information	on	Operating	Margin	and	Net	Debt.

Share	Capital	and	Stock-Based	Compensation	Plans

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 there	 were	 approximately	 1,909	 million	 common	 shares	 outstanding	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	

2,001	million	common	shares)	and	36	million	preferred	shares	outstanding	(December	31,	2021	–	36	million	preferred	shares).	

Refer	to	Note	32	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.

In	November	2021,	we	commenced	a	NCIB	for	the	purchase	of	up	to	146.5	million	of	the	Company’s	common	shares	between	

November	 9,	 2021	 and	 November	 8,	 2022.	 On	 November	 7,	 2022,	 we	 renewed	 the	 NCIB	 program	 to	 purchase	 up	 to	 an	

additional	 136.7	 million	 of	 the	 Company’s	 common	 shares	 between	 November	 9,	 2022,	 and	 November	 8,	 2023.	 In	 2022,	

Cenovus	 purchased	 and	 cancelled	 112	 million	 common	 shares	 for	 $2.5	 billion	 (year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2021	 –	 17	 million	

common	shares	for	$265	million),	at	a	volume	weighted	average	price	of	$22.49	per	common	share	through	our	NCIBs.	Paid	in	

surplus	was	reduced	by	$1.6	billion	(December	31,	2021	–	$120	million),	representing	the	excess	of	the	purchase	price	of	the	

common	 shares	 over	 their	 average	 carrying	 value.	 From	 January	 1,	 2023,	 to	 February	 13,	 2023,	 the	 Company	 purchased	 an	

additional	1.4	million	common	shares	for	$36.8	million.	As	at	February	13,	2023,	123.8	million	common	shares	remain	available	

for	purchase	under	the	2023	NCIB.	

As	at	December	31,	2022,	there	were	approximately	56	million	Cenovus	Warrants	outstanding	(December	31,	2021	–	65	million	

Cenovus	Warrants).	Each	Cenovus	Warrant	entitles	the	holder	to	acquire	one	common	share	for	a	period	of	five	years	(from	the	

date	 of	 issue)	 at	 an	 exercise	 price	 of	 $6.54	 per	 common	 share.	 The	 Cenovus	 Warrants	 expire	 on	 January	 1,	 2026.	 Refer	 to	

Note	32	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.

Refer	to	Note	34	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details	on	our	stock	option	plans	and	our	performance	

share	unit,	restricted	share	unit	and	deferred	share	unit	plans.

Our	outstanding	share	data	is	as	follows:

As	at	February	13,	2023

Common	Shares

Cenovus	Warrants

Series	1	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	2	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	3	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	5	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	7	First	Preferred	Shares

Stock	Options

Other	Stock-Based	Compensation	Plans

Common	Share	Dividends

Units	Outstanding

Units	Exercisable

(thousands)

(thousands)

1,907,867	

55,691	

10,740	

1,260	

10,000	

8,000	

6,000	

17,373	

16,891	

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

8,312	

1,581	

In	 2022,	 we	 paid	 base	 dividends	 of	 $682	 million	 or	 $0.350	 per	 common	 share	 (2021	 –	 $176	 million	 or	 $0.088	 per	 common	

share)	and	variable	dividends	of	$219	million	or	$0.114	per	common	share	(2021	–	$nil).

The	 Board	 declared	 a	 first	 quarter	 base	 dividend	 of	 $0.105	 per	 common	 share,	 payable	 on	 March	 31,	 2023,	 to	 common	

shareholders	of	record	as	at	March	15,	2023.

Our	Net	Debt	to	Capitalization	Ratio	as	at	December	31,	2022	decreased	compared	with	December	31,	2021,	primarily	due	to	

Capital	Investment	Decisions

Cumulative	Redeemable	Preferred	Share	Dividends

In	2022,	dividends	of	$26	million	were	paid	on	the	series	1,	2,	3,	5	and	7	preferred	shares	(December	31,	2021	—	$34	million).	
The	decrease	from	2021	is	related	to	timing	differences	between	the	declaration	date	and	payment	date.	The	declaration	of	
preferred	share	dividends	is	at	the	sole	discretion	of	the	Board	and	is	considered	quarterly.	The	Board	declared	a	first	quarter	
dividend	on	the	series	1,	2,	3,	5	and	7	preferred	shares	of	$9	million,	payable	on	March	31,	2023,	to	preferred	shareholders	of	
record	as	of	March	15,	2023.

Our	 2023	 capital	 program	 is	 forecast	 to	 be	 between	 $4.0	 billion	 and	 $4.5	 billion,	 including	 approximately	 $2.8	 billion	 of	
sustaining	capital	and	between	$1.2	billion	to	$1.7	billion	of	optimization	and	growth	capital.	Our	Future	Capital	Investment	is	
focused	 on	 disciplined	 capital	 allocation,	 investment	 plans	 to	 progress	 opportunities	 across	 our	 integrated	 portfolio,	 cost	
control	and	positioning	the	Company	for	continued	growth	in	shareholder	returns.	We	expect	our	annual	upstream	production	
to	 average	 between	 800	 thousand	 BOE	 per	 day	 and	 840	 thousand	 BOE	 per	 day	 and	 our	 downstream	 crude	 oil	 throughput	
average	between	610	thousand	barrels	per	day	to	660	thousand	barrels	per	day	in	2023.	Our	2023	guidance	dated	December	5,	
2022,	is	available	on	our	website	at	cenovus.com.

Contractual	Obligations	and	Commitments

We	have	obligations	for	goods	and	services	entered	into	in	the	normal	course	of	business.	Commitments	are	largely	related	to	
transportation	 agreements.	 Commitments	 that	 have	 original	 maturities	 of	 less	 than	 one	 year	 are	 excluded	 from	 the	 table	
below.	For	further	information,	see	Note	40	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Our	total	commitments	were	$33.0	billion	as	at	December	31,	2022,	of	which	$21.1	billion	are	for	various	transportation	and	
storage	commitments	and	$9.4	billion	are	for	product	purchase	commitments.	Transportation	commitments	include	$9.1	billion	
that	are	subject	to	regulatory	approval	or	have	been	approved,	but	are	not	yet	in	service.	Terms	are	up	to	20	years	subsequent	
to	the	date	of	commencement	and	should	help	align	with	the	Company’s	future	transportation	requirements.	

Our	 commitments	 with	 HMLP	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 include	 $2.2	 billion	 related	 to	 long-term	 transportation	 and	 storage	
commitments.	

As	at	December	31,	2022	
($	millions)
Commitments	(1)

Transportation	and	Storage	(2)
Product	Purchases	(3)
Real	Estate	(4)

Obligation	to	Fund	Equity-Accounted	

Affiliate	(5)

Other	Long-Term	Commitments

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

Thereafter

Total

1,542	

1,416	

1,360	

13,005	

21,081	

1,747	

1,626	

48	

92	

381	

2,011	

1,509	

50	

105	

90	

922	

50	

96	

75	

922	

50	

96	

74	

Total	Commitments

3,894	

3,765	

2,685	

2,558	

Long-Term	Debt	(Principal	and	Interest)

Decommissioning	Liabilities

Contingent	Payments
Lease	Liabilities	(Principal	and	Interest)	(6)

401	

263	

271	

426	

401	

254	

167	

407	

582	

249	

—	

339	

392	

248	

—	

320	

Total	Commitments	and	Obligations

5,255	

4,994	

3,855	

3,518	

4,637	

922	

54	

91	

65	

2,492	

1,622	

247	

—	

276	

3,457	

604	

143	

395	

17,604	

11,196	

5,979	

—	

2,889	

37,668	

9,358	

856	

623	

1,080	

32,998	

14,594	

7,240	

438	

4,657	

59,927	

The	declaration	of	common	share	dividends	is	at	the	sole	discretion	of	the	Board	and	is	considered	quarterly.	

Legal	Proceedings

We	 are	 involved	 in	 a	 limited	 number	 of	 legal	 claims	 associated	 with	 the	 normal	 course	 of	 operations.	 We	 believe	 that	 any	
liabilities	 that	 might	 arise	 from	 such	 matters,	 to	 the	 extent	 not	 provided	 for,	 are	 not	 likely	 to	 have	 a	 material	 effect	 on	 our	
Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

(1)
(2)

(3)
(4)

(5)
(6)

Commitments	are	reflected	at	Cenovus’s	proportionate	share	of	the	underlying	contract.	
Includes	transportation	commitments	of	$9.1	billion	(December	31,	2021	–	$8.1	billion)	that	are	subject	to	regulatory	approval	or	have	been	approved,	but	are	
not	yet	in	service.	Terms	are	up	to	20	years	subsequent	to	the	commencement	of	the	contract.
Prior	to	September	30,	2022,	product	purchases	were	included	in	Transportation	and	Storage.
Relates	to	the	non-lease	components	of	lease	liabilities	consisting	of	operating	costs	and	unreserved	parking	for	office	space.	Excludes	committed	payments	for	
which	a	provision	has	been	provided.	
Relates	to	funding	obligations	for	HCML.
Lease	contracts	related	to	office	space,	our	retail	and	commercial	network,	railcars,	storage	assets,	drilling	rigs	and	other	refining	and	field	equipment.

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 outstanding	 letters	 of	 credit	 issued	 as	 security	 for	 performance	 under	 certain	 contracts	 totaled	
$490	million	(December	31,	2021	–	$565	million).

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   49

Transactions	with	Related	Parties	

Transactions	with	HMLP	are	related	party	transactions	as	we	have	a	35	percent	ownership	interest	in	HMLP.	As	the	operator	of	
the	 assets	 held	 by	 HMLP,	 we	 provide	 management	 services	 for	 which	 we	 recover	 shared	 service	 costs.	 We	 are	 also	 the	
contractor	for	HMLP	and	construct	its	assets	on	a	cost	recovery	basis	with	certain	restrictions.	For	the	year	ended	December	31,	
2022,	we	charged	HMLP	$188	million	for	construction	and	management	services	(2021	–	$243	million).	

We	pay	an	access	fee	to	HMLP	for	the	use	of	its	pipeline	systems	that	are	used	by	our	blending	business.	We	also	pay	HMLP	for	
transportation	and	storage	services.	For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	we	incurred	costs	of	$263	million	for	the	use	of	
HMLP’s	pipeline	systems,	as	well	as	transportation	and	storage	services	(2021	–	$284	million).

RISK	MANAGEMENT	AND	RISK	FACTORS

We	 are	 exposed	 to	 a	 number	 of	 risks	 through	 the	 pursuit	 of	 our	 strategic	 objectives.	 Some	 of	 these	 risks	 impact	 the	 energy	
industry	as	a	whole	and	others	are	unique	to	our	operations.	The	impact	of	any	risk	or	a	combination	of	risks	may	adversely	
affect,	 among	 other	 things,	 our	 business,	 reputation,	 financial	 condition,	 results	 of	 operations	 and	 cash	 flows,	 which	 may,	
without	limitation,	reduce	or	restrict	our	ability	to	pursue	our	strategic	priorities,	meet	our	targets	or	outlooks,	goals,	initiatives	
and	ambitions,	respond	to	changes	in	our	operating	environment,	repurchase	our	shares,	pay	dividends	to	our	shareholders	and	
fulfill	our	obligations	(including	debt	servicing	requirements)	and/or	may	materially	affect	the	market	price	of	our	securities.

Our	Enterprise	Risk	Management	(“ERM”)	program	drives	the	identification,	measurement,	prioritization,	and	management	of	
our	risks	and	is	integrated	with	the	Cenovus	Operations	Integrity	Management	System	(“COIMS”).	In	addition,	we	continuously	
monitor	our	risk	profile	as	well	as	industry	best	practices.

Risk	Governance

The	 ERM	 Policy,	 approved	 by	 our	 Board,	 outlines	 our	 risk	 management	 principles	 and	 expectations,	 as	 well	 as	 the	 roles	 and	
responsibilities	 of	 all	 staff.	 Building	 on	 the	 ERM	 Policy,	 we	 have	 established	 risk	 management	 standards,	 a	 risk	 management	
framework	 and	 risk	 assessment	 tools,	 including	 the	 Cenovus	 risk	 matrix.	 Our	 risk	 management	 framework	 contains	 the	 key	
attributes	 recommended	 by	 the	 International	 Organization	 for	 Standardization	 (“ISO”)	 in	 its	 ISO	 31000	 –	 Risk	 Management	
Guidelines.	 The	 results	 of	 our	 ERM	 program	 are	 documented	 in	 semi-annual	 risk	 reports	 presented	 to	 our	 Board	 as	 well	 as	
through	regular	updates.

Risk	Factors

The	following	discussion	describes	the	financial,	operational,	regulatory,	environmental,	reputational,	and	other	risks	related	to	
Cenovus.	 Each	 risk	 identified	 in	 this	 MD&A	 may	 individually,	 or	 in	 combination	 with	 other	 risks,	 have	 a	 material	 impact	 on,	
among	 other	 things,	 our	 business,	 financial	 condition,	 results	 of	 operations,	 cash	 flows,	 reputation,	 access	 to	 capital,	 cost	 of	
borrowing,	access	to	liquidity,	ability	to	fund	share	repurchases,	dividend	payments	and/or	business	plans,	and/or	the	market	
price	of	our	securities.	These	factors	should	be	considered	when	investing	in	securities	of	Cenovus.

Pandemic	Risk

The	COVID-19	pandemic	remains	a	risk	for	the	Company.	While	restrictions	have	ended	or	been	relaxed	in	many	parts	of	the	
world,	other	jurisdictions	continue	to	impose	measures	to	combat	the	virus.	The	COVID-19	pandemic	(including	the	emergence	
of	variant	strains	of	COVID-19)	and	measures	taken	in	response	by	governments	and	health	authorities	around	the	world	have	
created	ongoing	uncertainty	that	has	resulted	in	and	may	continue	to	result	in	restrictions	on	movement	and	businesses	being	
maintained,	re-imposed	or	imposed	on	a	stricter	basis,	which	could	negatively	impact	our	business,	results	of	operations	and	
financial	condition.	

The	 COVID-19	 pandemic,	 or	 other	 pandemics,	 endemics	 or	 outbreaks,	 may	 increase	 our	 exposure	 to,	 and	 the	 magnitude	 of,	
each	of	the	risks	identified	in	this	Risk	Management	and	Risk	Factors	section	of	this	MD&A	and	identified	in	other	documents	
we	file	with	securities	regulators	from	time	to	time.	The	duration	or	extent	of	the	impacts	of	the	COVID-19	pandemic	on	our	
business,	results	of	operations	and	financial	condition	will	depend	on	future	developments,	which	are	highly	uncertain	and	are	
difficult	to	predict	with	any	degree	of	precision,	and	include	but	are	not	limited	to:	the	severity,	duration,	spread	or	resurgence	
of	COVID-19	or	its	variants;	the	timing,	extent	and	effectiveness	of	actions	taken	to	contain	or	treat	COVID-19	or	its	variants,	
including	the	availability,	distribution	rate,	effectiveness	and	public	uptake	of	any	vaccines	or	boosters;	and	the	speed	at	which,	
and	extent	to	which,	normal	economic	and	operating	conditions	resume.

There	 are	 no	 comparable	 recent	 events	 that	 provide	 guidance	 as	 to	 the	 effect	 the	 COVID-19	 pandemic	 may	 have,	 and,	 as	 a	
result,	the	ultimate	impact	of	the	COVID-19	pandemic	is	highly	uncertain	and	subject	to	change.	The	COVID-19	pandemic	and	
the	corresponding	measures	we	take	to	protect	the	health	and	safety	of	our	staff	and	the	continuity	of	our	business	may	result	
in	new	legal	challenges	and	disputes,	including,	but	not	limited	to,	litigation	involving	contract	parties	or	employees	and	class	
action	claims.	

50   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Financial	Risk

Commodity	Prices

Our	 financial	 performance	 is	 significantly	 dependent	 on	 the	 prevailing	 prices	 of	 crude	 oil,	 refined	 products,	 natural	 gas	 and	

NGLs.	 Crude	 oil	 prices	 are	 impacted	 by	 a	 number	 of	 factors,	 including,	 but	 not	 limited	 to:	 global	 and	 regional	 supply	 of	 and	

demand	 for	 crude	 oil;	 the	 ability	 of	 producers	 and	 governments	 to	 replace	 reduced	 supply;	 processing	 and	 export	 capacity;	

global	 economic	 conditions;	 and	 activity;	 inflation	 and	 rising	 interest	 rates;	 the	 potential	 for	 a	 recession;	 market	

competitiveness;	 the	 actions	 of	 OPEC	 and	 other	 oil	 exporting	 nations,	 including,	 but	 not	 limited	 to,	 compliance	 or	 non-

compliance	 with	 quotas	 agreed	 upon	 by	 OPEC	 members	 and	 decisions	 by	 OPEC	 not	 to	 impose	 production	 quotas	 on	 its	

members;	the	release	of	SPRs;	developments	related	to	the	market	for	crude	oil;	levels	of	oil	inventories;	current	and	potential	

future	 environmental	 regulations,	 including	 regulations	 pertaining	 to	 the	 production	 and	 use	 of	 non-renewable	 resources;	

emissions,	including,	but	not	limited	to	carbon;	market	pricing	and	the	accessibility	and	liquidity	of	these	and	related	markets;	

prices	and	availability	of	alternate	sources	of	energy;	actions	of	domestic	or	foreign	governments	or	regulatory	bodies	that	may	

impact	commodity	prices;	enforcement	of	government	or	environmental	regulations;	public	sentiment	towards	the	use	of	non-

renewable	 resources,	 including	 crude	 oil;	 political	 stability	 and	 social	 conditions	 in	 oil-producing	 countries;	 market	 access	

constraints	 and	 transportation	 interruptions;	 terrorist	 threats;	 technological	 developments;	 economic	 sanctions;	 outbreak	 or	

continuation	of	a	pandemic	or	war;	the	occurrence	of	natural	disasters;	and	weather	conditions.	

The	financial	performance	of	our	oil	sands	operations	could	also	be	impacted	by	discounted	or	reduced	commodity	prices	for	

our	 oil	 sands	 production	 relative	 to	 certain	 international	 benchmark	 prices,	 due,	 in	 part,	 to	 constraints	 on	 the	 ability	 to	

transport	and	sell	products	to	domestic	and	international	markets	and	the	quality	of	oil	produced.	Of	particular	importance	to	

us	are	diluent	cost	and	supply	and	the	price	differentials	between	bitumen	and	both	light	to	medium	crude	oil	and	heavy	crude	

oil.	Bitumen	is	more	expensive	for	refineries	to	process	and	therefore	generally	trades	at	a	discount	to	the	market	price	for	light	

to	medium	crude	oil	and	heavy	crude	oil	which,	along	with	higher	diluent	costs,	can	adversely	affect	our	financial	condition.

Our	natural	gas	and	 NGL	 production	is	 currently	located	in	 Western	Canada	 and	Asia	 Pacific.	Natural	 gas	and	 NGL	prices	 are	

impacted	by	a	number	of	factors,	including,	but	not	limited	to:	global	and	regional	supply	and	demand	for	natural	gas	and	NGLs;	

global	 economic	 conditions;	 market	 competitiveness;	 developments	 related	 to	 the	 market	 for	 liquefied	 natural	 gas;	 levels	 of	

natural	gas	and	NGL	inventories;	export	capacity;	current	and	potential	future	environmental	regulations,	including	regulations	

pertaining	 to	 the	 production	 and	 use	 of	 non-renewable	 resources;	 emissions,	 including,	 but	 not	 limited	 to	 carbon;	 market	

pricing	and	the	accessibility	and	liquidity	of	these	and	related	markets;	prices	and	availability	of	alternate	sources	of	energy;	

actions	 of	 domestic	 or	 foreign	 governments	 or	 regulatory	 bodies	 that	 may	 impact	 commodity	 prices;	 enforcement	 of	

government	or	environmental	regulations;	public	sentiment	towards	the	use	of	non-renewable	resources,	including	natural	gas	

and	 NGLs;	 political	 stability	 and	 social	 conditions	 in	 natural	 gas	 and	 NGL-producing	 countries;	 market	 access	 constraints	 and	

transportation	interruptions;	terrorist	threats;	technological	developments;	economic	sanctions;	outbreak	or	continuation	of	a	

pandemic	or	war;	the	occurrence	of	natural	disasters;	and	weather	conditions.

Refined	 product	 prices	 are	 impacted	 by	 a	 number	 of	 factors,	 including,	 but	 not	 limited	 to:	 global	 and	 regional	 supply	 and	

demand	for	refined	products;	the	ability	of	producers	and	governments	to	replace	reduced	supply;	global	economic	conditions	

and	 activity;	 inflation	 and	 rising	 interest	 rates;	 central	 bank	 policies;	 seasonal	 trends;	 the	 potential	 for	 a	 recession;	 market	

competitiveness;	 developments	 related	 to	 the	 market	 for	 refined	 products;	 levels	 of	 refined	 product	 inventories;	 refinery	

availability;	 planned	 and	 unplanned	 refinery	 maintenance;	 current	 and	 potential	 future	 environmental	 regulations,	 including	

the	 United	 States	 Renewable	 Fuel	 Standard	 (“RFS”)	 and	 other	 regulations	 pertaining	 to	 the	 production	 and	 use	 of	 refined	

products	and	non-renewable	resources;	emissions,	including,	but	not	limited	to	carbon;	market	pricing	and	the	accessibility	and	

liquidity	of	these	and	related	markets;	prices	and	availability	of	alternate	sources	of	energy;	public	sentiment	towards	the	use	of	

non-renewable	 resources,	 including	 refined	 products;	 market	 access	 constraints	 and	 transportation	 interruptions;	 terrorist	

threats;	technological	developments;	economic	sanctions;	outbreak	or	continuation	of	a	pandemic	or	war;	the	occurrence	of	

natural	disasters;	and	weather	conditions.

The	financial	performance	of	our	refining	operations	is	also	impacted	by	the	relationship,	or	margin,	between	refined	product	

prices	 and	 the	 prices	 of	 refinery	 feedstock.	 Refining	 margins	 are	 subject	 to	 seasonal	 factors	 as	 production	 levels	 change	 to	

match	seasonal	demand.	Sales	volumes,	prices,	inventory	levels	and	inventory	values	will	fluctuate	accordingly.	Future	refining	

margins	 are	 uncertain	 and	 decreases	 in	 refining	 margins	 may	 have	 a	 negative	 impact	 on	 our	 business,	 results	 of	 operations,	

cash	flows	and	financial	condition.

In	 addition,	 relating	 to	 the	 level	 of	 future	 demand	 (and	 corresponding	 price	 levels)	 for	 each	 of	 crude	 oil,	 refined	 products,	

natural	 gas	 and	 NGLs,	 there	 has	 been	 a	 significant	 increase	 in	 focus	 on	 the	 timing	 for	 and	 pace	 of	 the	 transition	 to	 a	 lower-

carbon	economy.	See	“Climate	Change	Transition	–	Demand	and	Commodity	Prices”	below.	All	of	these	factors	are	beyond	our	

control	 and	 can	 result	 in	 a	 high	 degree	 of	 both	 cost	 and	 price	 volatility.	 Fluctuations	 in	 currency	 exchange	 rates	 further	

compound	this	volatility	when	the	commodity	prices,	which	are	generally	set	in	U.S.	dollars,	are	stated	in	Canadian	dollars.	See	

“Foreign	Exchange	Rates”	below.

Transactions	with	Related	Parties	

Transactions	with	HMLP	are	related	party	transactions	as	we	have	a	35	percent	ownership	interest	in	HMLP.	As	the	operator	of	

the	 assets	 held	 by	 HMLP,	 we	 provide	 management	 services	 for	 which	 we	 recover	 shared	 service	 costs.	 We	 are	 also	 the	

contractor	for	HMLP	and	construct	its	assets	on	a	cost	recovery	basis	with	certain	restrictions.	For	the	year	ended	December	31,	

2022,	we	charged	HMLP	$188	million	for	construction	and	management	services	(2021	–	$243	million).	

We	pay	an	access	fee	to	HMLP	for	the	use	of	its	pipeline	systems	that	are	used	by	our	blending	business.	We	also	pay	HMLP	for	

transportation	and	storage	services.	For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	we	incurred	costs	of	$263	million	for	the	use	of	

HMLP’s	pipeline	systems,	as	well	as	transportation	and	storage	services	(2021	–	$284	million).

RISK	MANAGEMENT	AND	RISK	FACTORS

We	 are	 exposed	 to	 a	 number	 of	 risks	 through	 the	 pursuit	 of	 our	 strategic	 objectives.	 Some	 of	 these	 risks	 impact	 the	 energy	

industry	as	a	whole	and	others	are	unique	to	our	operations.	The	impact	of	any	risk	or	a	combination	of	risks	may	adversely	

affect,	 among	 other	 things,	 our	 business,	 reputation,	 financial	 condition,	 results	 of	 operations	 and	 cash	 flows,	 which	 may,	

without	limitation,	reduce	or	restrict	our	ability	to	pursue	our	strategic	priorities,	meet	our	targets	or	outlooks,	goals,	initiatives	

and	ambitions,	respond	to	changes	in	our	operating	environment,	repurchase	our	shares,	pay	dividends	to	our	shareholders	and	

fulfill	our	obligations	(including	debt	servicing	requirements)	and/or	may	materially	affect	the	market	price	of	our	securities.

Our	Enterprise	Risk	Management	(“ERM”)	program	drives	the	identification,	measurement,	prioritization,	and	management	of	

our	risks	and	is	integrated	with	the	Cenovus	Operations	Integrity	Management	System	(“COIMS”).	In	addition,	we	continuously	

monitor	our	risk	profile	as	well	as	industry	best	practices.

The	 ERM	 Policy,	 approved	 by	 our	 Board,	 outlines	 our	 risk	 management	 principles	 and	 expectations,	 as	 well	 as	 the	 roles	 and	

responsibilities	 of	 all	 staff.	 Building	 on	 the	 ERM	 Policy,	 we	 have	 established	 risk	 management	 standards,	 a	 risk	 management	

framework	 and	 risk	 assessment	 tools,	 including	 the	 Cenovus	 risk	 matrix.	 Our	 risk	 management	 framework	 contains	 the	 key	

attributes	 recommended	 by	 the	 International	 Organization	 for	 Standardization	 (“ISO”)	 in	 its	 ISO	 31000	 –	 Risk	 Management	

Guidelines.	 The	 results	 of	 our	 ERM	 program	 are	 documented	 in	 semi-annual	 risk	 reports	 presented	 to	 our	 Board	 as	 well	 as	

Risk	Governance

through	regular	updates.

Risk	Factors

The	following	discussion	describes	the	financial,	operational,	regulatory,	environmental,	reputational,	and	other	risks	related	to	

Cenovus.	 Each	 risk	 identified	 in	 this	 MD&A	 may	 individually,	 or	 in	 combination	 with	 other	 risks,	 have	 a	 material	 impact	 on,	

among	 other	 things,	 our	 business,	 financial	 condition,	 results	 of	 operations,	 cash	 flows,	 reputation,	 access	 to	 capital,	 cost	 of	

borrowing,	access	to	liquidity,	ability	to	fund	share	repurchases,	dividend	payments	and/or	business	plans,	and/or	the	market	

price	of	our	securities.	These	factors	should	be	considered	when	investing	in	securities	of	Cenovus.

Pandemic	Risk

The	COVID-19	pandemic	remains	a	risk	for	the	Company.	While	restrictions	have	ended	or	been	relaxed	in	many	parts	of	the	

world,	other	jurisdictions	continue	to	impose	measures	to	combat	the	virus.	The	COVID-19	pandemic	(including	the	emergence	

of	variant	strains	of	COVID-19)	and	measures	taken	in	response	by	governments	and	health	authorities	around	the	world	have	

created	ongoing	uncertainty	that	has	resulted	in	and	may	continue	to	result	in	restrictions	on	movement	and	businesses	being	

maintained,	re-imposed	or	imposed	on	a	stricter	basis,	which	could	negatively	impact	our	business,	results	of	operations	and	

financial	condition.	

The	 COVID-19	 pandemic,	 or	 other	 pandemics,	 endemics	 or	 outbreaks,	 may	 increase	 our	 exposure	 to,	 and	 the	 magnitude	 of,	

each	of	the	risks	identified	in	this	Risk	Management	and	Risk	Factors	section	of	this	MD&A	and	identified	in	other	documents	

we	file	with	securities	regulators	from	time	to	time.	The	duration	or	extent	of	the	impacts	of	the	COVID-19	pandemic	on	our	

business,	results	of	operations	and	financial	condition	will	depend	on	future	developments,	which	are	highly	uncertain	and	are	

difficult	to	predict	with	any	degree	of	precision,	and	include	but	are	not	limited	to:	the	severity,	duration,	spread	or	resurgence	

of	COVID-19	or	its	variants;	the	timing,	extent	and	effectiveness	of	actions	taken	to	contain	or	treat	COVID-19	or	its	variants,	

including	the	availability,	distribution	rate,	effectiveness	and	public	uptake	of	any	vaccines	or	boosters;	and	the	speed	at	which,	

and	extent	to	which,	normal	economic	and	operating	conditions	resume.

There	 are	 no	 comparable	 recent	 events	 that	 provide	 guidance	 as	 to	 the	 effect	 the	 COVID-19	 pandemic	 may	 have,	 and,	 as	 a	

result,	the	ultimate	impact	of	the	COVID-19	pandemic	is	highly	uncertain	and	subject	to	change.	The	COVID-19	pandemic	and	

the	corresponding	measures	we	take	to	protect	the	health	and	safety	of	our	staff	and	the	continuity	of	our	business	may	result	

in	new	legal	challenges	and	disputes,	including,	but	not	limited	to,	litigation	involving	contract	parties	or	employees	and	class	

action	claims.	

Financial	Risk

Commodity	Prices

Our	 financial	 performance	 is	 significantly	 dependent	 on	 the	 prevailing	 prices	 of	 crude	 oil,	 refined	 products,	 natural	 gas	 and	
NGLs.	 Crude	 oil	 prices	 are	 impacted	 by	 a	 number	 of	 factors,	 including,	 but	 not	 limited	 to:	 global	 and	 regional	 supply	 of	 and	
demand	 for	 crude	 oil;	 the	 ability	 of	 producers	 and	 governments	 to	 replace	 reduced	 supply;	 processing	 and	 export	 capacity;	
global	 economic	 conditions;	 and	 activity;	 inflation	 and	 rising	 interest	 rates;	 the	 potential	 for	 a	 recession;	 market	
competitiveness;	 the	 actions	 of	 OPEC	 and	 other	 oil	 exporting	 nations,	 including,	 but	 not	 limited	 to,	 compliance	 or	 non-
compliance	 with	 quotas	 agreed	 upon	 by	 OPEC	 members	 and	 decisions	 by	 OPEC	 not	 to	 impose	 production	 quotas	 on	 its	
members;	the	release	of	SPRs;	developments	related	to	the	market	for	crude	oil;	levels	of	oil	inventories;	current	and	potential	
future	 environmental	 regulations,	 including	 regulations	 pertaining	 to	 the	 production	 and	 use	 of	 non-renewable	 resources;	
emissions,	including,	but	not	limited	to	carbon;	market	pricing	and	the	accessibility	and	liquidity	of	these	and	related	markets;	
prices	and	availability	of	alternate	sources	of	energy;	actions	of	domestic	or	foreign	governments	or	regulatory	bodies	that	may	
impact	commodity	prices;	enforcement	of	government	or	environmental	regulations;	public	sentiment	towards	the	use	of	non-
renewable	 resources,	 including	 crude	 oil;	 political	 stability	 and	 social	 conditions	 in	 oil-producing	 countries;	 market	 access	
constraints	 and	 transportation	 interruptions;	 terrorist	 threats;	 technological	 developments;	 economic	 sanctions;	 outbreak	 or	
continuation	of	a	pandemic	or	war;	the	occurrence	of	natural	disasters;	and	weather	conditions.	

The	financial	performance	of	our	oil	sands	operations	could	also	be	impacted	by	discounted	or	reduced	commodity	prices	for	
our	 oil	 sands	 production	 relative	 to	 certain	 international	 benchmark	 prices,	 due,	 in	 part,	 to	 constraints	 on	 the	 ability	 to	
transport	and	sell	products	to	domestic	and	international	markets	and	the	quality	of	oil	produced.	Of	particular	importance	to	
us	are	diluent	cost	and	supply	and	the	price	differentials	between	bitumen	and	both	light	to	medium	crude	oil	and	heavy	crude	
oil.	Bitumen	is	more	expensive	for	refineries	to	process	and	therefore	generally	trades	at	a	discount	to	the	market	price	for	light	
to	medium	crude	oil	and	heavy	crude	oil	which,	along	with	higher	diluent	costs,	can	adversely	affect	our	financial	condition.

Our	natural	gas	and	 NGL	production	is	currently	located	 in	 Western	Canada	 and	 Asia	 Pacific.	Natural	 gas	 and	NGL	 prices	are	
impacted	by	a	number	of	factors,	including,	but	not	limited	to:	global	and	regional	supply	and	demand	for	natural	gas	and	NGLs;	
global	 economic	 conditions;	 market	 competitiveness;	 developments	 related	 to	 the	 market	 for	 liquefied	 natural	 gas;	 levels	 of	
natural	gas	and	NGL	inventories;	export	capacity;	current	and	potential	future	environmental	regulations,	including	regulations	
pertaining	 to	 the	 production	 and	 use	 of	 non-renewable	 resources;	 emissions,	 including,	 but	 not	 limited	 to	 carbon;	 market	
pricing	and	the	accessibility	and	liquidity	of	these	and	related	markets;	prices	and	availability	of	alternate	sources	of	energy;	
actions	 of	 domestic	 or	 foreign	 governments	 or	 regulatory	 bodies	 that	 may	 impact	 commodity	 prices;	 enforcement	 of	
government	or	environmental	regulations;	public	sentiment	towards	the	use	of	non-renewable	resources,	including	natural	gas	
and	 NGLs;	 political	 stability	 and	 social	 conditions	 in	 natural	 gas	 and	 NGL-producing	 countries;	 market	 access	 constraints	 and	
transportation	interruptions;	terrorist	threats;	technological	developments;	economic	sanctions;	outbreak	or	continuation	of	a	
pandemic	or	war;	the	occurrence	of	natural	disasters;	and	weather	conditions.

Refined	 product	 prices	 are	 impacted	 by	 a	 number	 of	 factors,	 including,	 but	 not	 limited	 to:	 global	 and	 regional	 supply	 and	
demand	for	refined	products;	the	ability	of	producers	and	governments	to	replace	reduced	supply;	global	economic	conditions	
and	 activity;	 inflation	 and	 rising	 interest	 rates;	 central	 bank	 policies;	 seasonal	 trends;	 the	 potential	 for	 a	 recession;	 market	
competitiveness;	 developments	 related	 to	 the	 market	 for	 refined	 products;	 levels	 of	 refined	 product	 inventories;	 refinery	
availability;	 planned	 and	 unplanned	 refinery	 maintenance;	 current	 and	 potential	 future	 environmental	 regulations,	 including	
the	 United	 States	 Renewable	 Fuel	 Standard	 (“RFS”)	 and	 other	 regulations	 pertaining	 to	 the	 production	 and	 use	 of	 refined	
products	and	non-renewable	resources;	emissions,	including,	but	not	limited	to	carbon;	market	pricing	and	the	accessibility	and	
liquidity	of	these	and	related	markets;	prices	and	availability	of	alternate	sources	of	energy;	public	sentiment	towards	the	use	of	
non-renewable	 resources,	 including	 refined	 products;	 market	 access	 constraints	 and	 transportation	 interruptions;	 terrorist	
threats;	technological	developments;	economic	sanctions;	outbreak	or	continuation	of	a	pandemic	or	war;	the	occurrence	of	
natural	disasters;	and	weather	conditions.

The	financial	performance	of	our	refining	operations	is	also	impacted	by	the	relationship,	or	margin,	between	refined	product	
prices	 and	 the	 prices	 of	 refinery	 feedstock.	 Refining	 margins	 are	 subject	 to	 seasonal	 factors	 as	 production	 levels	 change	 to	
match	seasonal	demand.	Sales	volumes,	prices,	inventory	levels	and	inventory	values	will	fluctuate	accordingly.	Future	refining	
margins	 are	 uncertain	 and	 decreases	 in	 refining	 margins	 may	 have	 a	 negative	 impact	 on	 our	 business,	 results	 of	 operations,	
cash	flows	and	financial	condition.

In	 addition,	 relating	 to	 the	 level	 of	 future	 demand	 (and	 corresponding	 price	 levels)	 for	 each	 of	 crude	 oil,	 refined	 products,	
natural	 gas	 and	 NGLs,	 there	 has	 been	 a	 significant	 increase	 in	 focus	 on	 the	 timing	 for	 and	 pace	 of	 the	 transition	 to	 a	 lower-
carbon	economy.	See	“Climate	Change	Transition	–	Demand	and	Commodity	Prices”	below.	All	of	these	factors	are	beyond	our	
control	 and	 can	 result	 in	 a	 high	 degree	 of	 both	 cost	 and	 price	 volatility.	 Fluctuations	 in	 currency	 exchange	 rates	 further	
compound	this	volatility	when	the	commodity	prices,	which	are	generally	set	in	U.S.	dollars,	are	stated	in	Canadian	dollars.	See	
“Foreign	Exchange	Rates”	below.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   51

Fluctuations	 in	 the	 commodity	 prices,	 associated	 price	 differentials	 and	 refining	 margins	 may	 impact	 our	 ability	 to	 meet	
guidance	targets,	the	value	of	our	assets,	our	cash	flows,	level	of	shareholder	returns	and	our	ability	to	maintain	our	business	
and	fund	projects.	A	substantial	decline	in	these	commodity	prices	or	an	extended	period	of	low	commodity	prices	may	result	in	
an	 inability	 to	 meet	 all	 of	 our	 financial	 obligations	 as	 they	 come	 due,	 a	 delay	 or	 cancellation	 of	 existing	 or	 future	 drilling,	
development	 or	 construction	 programs,	 curtailment	 in	 production,	 unutilized	 long-term	 transportation	 commitments	 and/or	
low	 utilization	 levels	 at	 our	 refineries.	 Fluctuations	 in	 commodity	 prices,	 associated	 price	 differentials	 and	 refining	 margins	
impact	our	financial	condition,	results	of	operations,	cash	flows,	growth,	access	to	capital	and	cost	of	borrowing.	

The	commodity	price	risks	noted	above,	as	well	as	other	risks	such	as	market	access	constraints	and	transportation	restrictions,	
reserves	replacement	and	reserves	estimates	and	cost	management	that	are	more	fully	described	herein,	may	have	a	material	
impact	on	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations,	cash	flows	and	reputation	and	may	be	considered	indicators	
of	impairment.	Another	potential	indicator	of	impairment	is	the	comparison	of	the	carrying	value	of	our	assets	to	our	market	
capitalization.

As	discussed	in	this	MD&A,	we	conduct	an	assessment,	at	each	reporting	date,	of	the	carrying	value	of	our	assets	in	accordance	
with	 IFRS.	 If	 crude	 oil,	 NGLs,	 refined	 product,	 and	 natural	 gas	 prices	 decline	 significantly	 and	 remain	 at	 low	 levels	 for	 an	
extended	period	of	time,	or	if	the	costs	of	our	development	of	such	resources	significantly	increase,	the	carrying	value	of	our	
assets	may	be	subject	to	impairment	and	our	net	earnings	could	be	adversely	affected.

We	 partially	 mitigate	 our	 exposure	 to	 commodity	 price	 risk	 through	 the	 integration	 of	 our	 business,	 financial	 instruments,	
physical	 contracts,	 and	 market	 access	 commitments,	 and	 generally	 through	 our	 access	 to	 our	 committed	 credit	 facility.	 In	
certain	instances,	we	will	use	derivative	instruments	to	manage	exposure	to	price	volatility	on	a	portion	of	our	refined	product,	
oil	 and	 gas	 production,	 inventory	 or	 volumes	 in	 long-distance	 transit.	 For	 details	 of	 our	 financial	 instruments,	 including	
classification,	 assumptions	 made	 in	 the	 calculation	 of	 fair	 value	 and	 additional	 discussion	 on	 exposure	 of	 risks	 and	 the	
management	of	those	risks,	see	Notes	37	and	38	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.	

Hedging	Activities

Our	 Market	 Risk	 Management	 Policy,	 which	 has	 been	 approved	 by	 our	 Board,	 allows	 Management	 to	 use	 derivative	
instruments,	 including	 exchange-traded	 futures	 contracts,	 commodity	 put	 and	 call	 options	 and	 other	 approved	 instruments	
such	as	non-exchange-traded	instruments,	as	needed	to	help	mitigate	the	impact	of	changes	in	crude	oil	and	condensate	prices	
and	 differentials,	 natural	 gas	 spreads,	 basis	 and	 prices,	 NGLs,	 electricity	 prices,	 refined	 product	 and	 crack	 spread	 margins,	 as	
well	as	fluctuations	in	foreign	exchange	rates	and	interest	rates.	We	may	also	use	fixed-price	commitments	for	the	purchase	or	
sale	of	crude	oil,	natural	gas,	NGLs	and	refined	products.	We	may	also	use	derivative	instruments	in	various	operational	markets	
to	help	optimize	our	supply	costs	or	sales	of	our	production.	

These	 hedging	 activities	 may	 expose	 us	 to	 risks	 which	 may	 cause	 significant	 loss.	 These	 risks	 include,	 but	 are	 not	 limited	 to:	
changes	 in	 the	 valuation	 of	 the	 hedge	 instrument	 being	 poorly	 correlated	 to	 the	 change	 in	 the	 valuation	 of	 the	 underlying	
exposures	 being	 hedged;	 change	 in	 price	 of	 the	 underlying	 commodity	 or	 market	 value	 of	 the	 instrument;	 lack	 of	 market	
liquidity;	insufficient	counterparties	to	transact	with;	counterparty	default;	deficiency	in	systems	or	controls;	human	error;	and	
the	unenforceability	of	contracts.

For	details	of	our	financial	instruments,	including	classification,	assumptions	made	in	the	calculation	of	fair	value	and	additional	
discussion	 on	 exposure	 of	 risks	 and	 the	 management	 of	 those	 risks,	 see	 Notes	 3,	 37	 and	 38	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	
Statements.

52   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Risks	Associated	with	Derivative	Financial	Instruments

Derivative	financial	instruments	expose	us	to	the	risk	that	a	counterparty	may	default	on	its	contractual	obligations.	This	risk	is	

partially	 mitigated	 through	 credit	 exposure	

limits,	 frequent	 assessment	 of	 counterparty	 credit	 ratings	 and	 netting	

arrangements,	as	outlined	in	our	Board-approved	Credit	Policy.	Derivative	financial	instruments	also	expose	us	to	the	risk	of	a	

loss	 from	 adverse	 changes	 in	 the	 market	 value	 of	 financial	 instruments	 or	 if	 we	 are	 unable	 to	 fulfill	 our	 delivery	 obligations	

related	 to	 the	 underlying	 physical	 transaction.	 These	 risks	 are	 managed	 through	 hedging	 limits	 authorized	 according	 to	 our	

Market	Risk	Management	Policy.	Although	we	have	suspended	our	crude	oil	sales	price	risk	management	activities	related	to	

WTI,	certain	financial	instruments	related	to	our	condensate,	feedstock	and	refined	product	price	risk	management	programs	

which	include	WTI,	remain	outstanding	and	will	continue	to	be	used,	in	addition	to	financial	instruments	related	to	natural	gas,	

electricity,	interest	and	exchange	rates	applicable	to	our	business.	As	such,	we	will	be	exposed	to	the	risk	of	a	loss	from	adverse	

changes	in	the	market	value	of	any	such	financial	instruments.	These	financial	instruments	may	also	limit	the	benefit	to	us	if	

commodity	prices,	interest	or	foreign	exchange	rates	change.	Fluctuations	in	the	price	of	WTI	may	have	a	larger	impact	on	our	

financial	 condition,	 results	 of	 operations,	 cash	 flows,	 growth,	 access	 to	 capital,	 ability	 to	 fund	 share	 repurchases	 and/or	

dividends	and	cost	of	borrowing,	compared	to	the	periods	prior	to	the	suspension	of	our	crude	oil	sales	price	risk	management	

For	details	of	our	financial	instruments,	including	classification,	assumptions	made	in	the	calculation	of	fair	value	and	additional	

discussion	 on	 exposure	 of	 risks	 and	 the	 management	 of	 those	 risks,	 see	 Notes	 3,	 37	 and	 38	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	

activities	related	to	WTI.

Statements.

Impact	of	Financial	Risk	Management	Activities

Cenovus	 makes	 storage	 and	 transportation	 decisions,	 considering	 our	 marketing	 and	 transportation	 infrastructure	 including	

storage	and	pipeline	assets,	to	optimize	product	mix,	delivery	points,	transportation	commitments	and	customer	diversification.	

In	 order	 to	 price	 protect	 our	 inventories	 associated	 with	 storage	 or	 transport	 decisions,	 Cenovus	 employs	 various	 price	

alignment	and	volatility	management	strategies,	including	risk	management	contracts,	to	reduce	volatility	in	future	cash	flows	

and	improve	cash	flow	stability.

In	a	rising	commodity	price	environment,	we	expect	to	realize	losses	on	our	risk	management	activities	but	recognize	gains	on	

the	 underlying	 physical	 inventory	 sold	 in	 the	 period,	 and	 we	 expect	 the	 opposite	 to	 occur	 in	 a	 falling	 commodity	 price	

environment.	In	2022,	we	incurred	a	realized	loss	on	our	risk	management	positions	due	to	the	settlement	of	benchmark	prices	

relative	 to	 our	 risk	 management	 contract	 prices	 but	 recognized	 a	gain	 on	 the	 underlying	 physical	 inventory	sold	 during	 such	

period	due	to	changing	benchmark	prices.	

Transactions	 typically	 span	 across	 periods,	 as	 such,	 these	 transactions	 reside	 across	 both	 realized	 and	 unrealized	 risk	

management.	As	the	financial	contracts	settle,	they	will	flow	from	unrealized	to	realized	risk	management	gains	and	losses.

The	following	table	summarizes	the	sensitivities	of	the	fair	value	of	our	risk	management	positions	to	fluctuations	in	commodity	

prices	and	foreign	exchange	rates,	with	all	other	variables	held	constant.	Management	believes	the	price	fluctuations	identified	

in	 the	 table	 below	 are	 a	 reasonable	 measure	 of	 volatility.	 The	 impact	 of	 fluctuations	 in	 commodity	 prices	 on	 our	 open	 risk	

management	positions	could	have	resulted	in	unrealized	gains	(losses)	impacting	earnings	before	income	tax	as	follows:

As	at	December	31,	2022

Sensitivity	Range

Increase

Decrease

Crude	Oil	Commodity	Price

±	US$10.00/bbl	Applied	to	WTI,	Condensate	and	Related	Hedges

WCS	and	Condensate	Differential	Price(1) ±	US$2.50/bbl	Applied	to	Differential	Hedges	Tied	to	Production

WCS	(Hardisty)	Differential	Price

±	US$5.00/bbl	Applied	to	WCS	Differential	Hedges	Tied	to	Production

Refined	Products	Commodity	Price

±	US$10.00/bbl	Applied	to	Heating	Oil	and	Gasoline	Hedges

Natural	Gas	Basis	Price

Power	Commodity	Price

±	US$0.50/MCF	Applied	to	Natural	Gas	Basis	Hedges

±	C$20.00/Megawatt	Hour	Applied	to	Power	Hedges

U.S.	to	Canadian	Dollar	Exchange	Rate

±	0.05	in	the	U.S.	to	Canadian	Dollar	Exchange	Rate

1

13

(1)

(2)

1

113

14

(1)

(13)

1

2

(1)

(113)

(17)

For	further	information	on	our	risk	management	positions,	see	Notes	37	and	38	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

(1)	

Excludes	WCS	(Hardisty)	differential.

Exposure	to	Counterparties

In	the	normal	course	of	business,	we	enter	into	contractual	relationships	with	suppliers,	partners,	lenders,	customers	and	other	

counterparties	for	the	provision	and	sale	of	goods	and	services	and	also	in	connection	with	our	hedging	activities,	and	in	respect	

of	asset	or	securities	acquisitions	and	dispositions.	If	such	counterparties	do	not	fulfill	their	contractual	obligations	on	a	timely	

basis	or	at	all,	we	may	suffer	financial	losses	or	delays	of	our	development	plans,	or	we	may	have	to	forego	other	opportunities,	

all	of	which	could	materially	impact	our	business,	results	of	operations	and	financial	condition.	

Fluctuations	 in	 the	 commodity	 prices,	 associated	 price	 differentials	 and	 refining	 margins	 may	 impact	 our	 ability	 to	 meet	

guidance	targets,	the	value	of	our	assets,	our	cash	flows,	level	of	shareholder	returns	and	our	ability	to	maintain	our	business	

and	fund	projects.	A	substantial	decline	in	these	commodity	prices	or	an	extended	period	of	low	commodity	prices	may	result	in	

an	 inability	 to	 meet	 all	 of	 our	 financial	 obligations	 as	 they	 come	 due,	 a	 delay	 or	 cancellation	 of	 existing	 or	 future	 drilling,	

development	 or	 construction	 programs,	 curtailment	 in	 production,	 unutilized	 long-term	 transportation	 commitments	 and/or	

low	 utilization	 levels	 at	 our	 refineries.	 Fluctuations	 in	 commodity	 prices,	 associated	 price	 differentials	 and	 refining	 margins	

impact	our	financial	condition,	results	of	operations,	cash	flows,	growth,	access	to	capital	and	cost	of	borrowing.	

The	commodity	price	risks	noted	above,	as	well	as	other	risks	such	as	market	access	constraints	and	transportation	restrictions,	

reserves	replacement	and	reserves	estimates	and	cost	management	that	are	more	fully	described	herein,	may	have	a	material	

impact	on	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations,	cash	flows	and	reputation	and	may	be	considered	indicators	

of	impairment.	Another	potential	indicator	of	impairment	is	the	comparison	of	the	carrying	value	of	our	assets	to	our	market	

capitalization.

As	discussed	in	this	MD&A,	we	conduct	an	assessment,	at	each	reporting	date,	of	the	carrying	value	of	our	assets	in	accordance	

with	 IFRS.	 If	 crude	 oil,	 NGLs,	 refined	 product,	 and	 natural	 gas	 prices	 decline	 significantly	 and	 remain	 at	 low	 levels	 for	 an	

extended	period	of	time,	or	if	the	costs	of	our	development	of	such	resources	significantly	increase,	the	carrying	value	of	our	

assets	may	be	subject	to	impairment	and	our	net	earnings	could	be	adversely	affected.

We	 partially	 mitigate	 our	 exposure	 to	 commodity	 price	 risk	 through	 the	 integration	 of	 our	 business,	 financial	 instruments,	

physical	 contracts,	 and	 market	 access	 commitments,	 and	 generally	 through	 our	 access	 to	 our	 committed	 credit	 facility.	 In	

certain	instances,	we	will	use	derivative	instruments	to	manage	exposure	to	price	volatility	on	a	portion	of	our	refined	product,	

oil	 and	 gas	 production,	 inventory	 or	 volumes	 in	 long-distance	 transit.	 For	 details	 of	 our	 financial	 instruments,	 including	

classification,	 assumptions	 made	 in	 the	 calculation	 of	 fair	 value	 and	 additional	 discussion	 on	 exposure	 of	 risks	 and	 the	

management	of	those	risks,	see	Notes	37	and	38	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.	

Hedging	Activities

Our	 Market	 Risk	 Management	 Policy,	 which	 has	 been	 approved	 by	 our	 Board,	 allows	 Management	 to	 use	 derivative	

instruments,	 including	 exchange-traded	 futures	 contracts,	 commodity	 put	 and	 call	 options	 and	 other	 approved	 instruments	

such	as	non-exchange-traded	instruments,	as	needed	to	help	mitigate	the	impact	of	changes	in	crude	oil	and	condensate	prices	

and	 differentials,	 natural	 gas	 spreads,	 basis	 and	 prices,	 NGLs,	 electricity	 prices,	 refined	 product	 and	 crack	 spread	 margins,	 as	

well	as	fluctuations	in	foreign	exchange	rates	and	interest	rates.	We	may	also	use	fixed-price	commitments	for	the	purchase	or	

sale	of	crude	oil,	natural	gas,	NGLs	and	refined	products.	We	may	also	use	derivative	instruments	in	various	operational	markets	

to	help	optimize	our	supply	costs	or	sales	of	our	production.	

These	 hedging	 activities	 may	 expose	 us	 to	 risks	 which	 may	 cause	 significant	 loss.	 These	 risks	 include,	 but	 are	 not	 limited	 to:	

changes	 in	 the	 valuation	 of	 the	 hedge	 instrument	 being	 poorly	 correlated	 to	 the	 change	 in	 the	 valuation	 of	 the	 underlying	

exposures	 being	 hedged;	 change	 in	 price	 of	 the	 underlying	 commodity	 or	 market	 value	 of	 the	 instrument;	 lack	 of	 market	

liquidity;	insufficient	counterparties	to	transact	with;	counterparty	default;	deficiency	in	systems	or	controls;	human	error;	and	

the	unenforceability	of	contracts.

For	details	of	our	financial	instruments,	including	classification,	assumptions	made	in	the	calculation	of	fair	value	and	additional	

discussion	 on	 exposure	 of	 risks	 and	 the	 management	 of	 those	 risks,	 see	 Notes	 3,	 37	 and	 38	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	

Statements.

Risks	Associated	with	Derivative	Financial	Instruments

Derivative	financial	instruments	expose	us	to	the	risk	that	a	counterparty	may	default	on	its	contractual	obligations.	This	risk	is	
partially	 mitigated	 through	 credit	 exposure	
limits,	 frequent	 assessment	 of	 counterparty	 credit	 ratings	 and	 netting	
arrangements,	as	outlined	in	our	Board-approved	Credit	Policy.	Derivative	financial	instruments	also	expose	us	to	the	risk	of	a	
loss	 from	 adverse	 changes	 in	 the	 market	 value	 of	 financial	 instruments	 or	 if	 we	 are	 unable	 to	 fulfill	 our	 delivery	 obligations	
related	 to	 the	 underlying	 physical	 transaction.	 These	 risks	 are	 managed	 through	 hedging	 limits	 authorized	 according	 to	 our	
Market	Risk	Management	Policy.	Although	we	have	suspended	our	crude	oil	sales	price	risk	management	activities	related	to	
WTI,	certain	financial	instruments	related	to	our	condensate,	feedstock	and	refined	product	price	risk	management	programs	
which	include	WTI,	remain	outstanding	and	will	continue	to	be	used,	in	addition	to	financial	instruments	related	to	natural	gas,	
electricity,	interest	and	exchange	rates	applicable	to	our	business.	As	such,	we	will	be	exposed	to	the	risk	of	a	loss	from	adverse	
changes	in	the	market	value	of	any	such	financial	instruments.	These	financial	instruments	may	also	limit	the	benefit	to	us	if	
commodity	prices,	interest	or	foreign	exchange	rates	change.	Fluctuations	in	the	price	of	WTI	may	have	a	larger	impact	on	our	
financial	 condition,	 results	 of	 operations,	 cash	 flows,	 growth,	 access	 to	 capital,	 ability	 to	 fund	 share	 repurchases	 and/or	
dividends	and	cost	of	borrowing,	compared	to	the	periods	prior	to	the	suspension	of	our	crude	oil	sales	price	risk	management	
activities	related	to	WTI.

For	details	of	our	financial	instruments,	including	classification,	assumptions	made	in	the	calculation	of	fair	value	and	additional	
discussion	 on	 exposure	 of	 risks	 and	 the	 management	 of	 those	 risks,	 see	 Notes	 3,	 37	 and	 38	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	
Statements.

Impact	of	Financial	Risk	Management	Activities

Cenovus	 makes	 storage	 and	 transportation	 decisions,	 considering	 our	 marketing	 and	 transportation	 infrastructure	 including	
storage	and	pipeline	assets,	to	optimize	product	mix,	delivery	points,	transportation	commitments	and	customer	diversification.	
In	 order	 to	 price	 protect	 our	 inventories	 associated	 with	 storage	 or	 transport	 decisions,	 Cenovus	 employs	 various	 price	
alignment	and	volatility	management	strategies,	including	risk	management	contracts,	to	reduce	volatility	in	future	cash	flows	
and	improve	cash	flow	stability.

In	a	rising	commodity	price	environment,	we	expect	to	realize	losses	on	our	risk	management	activities	but	recognize	gains	on	
the	 underlying	 physical	 inventory	 sold	 in	 the	 period,	 and	 we	 expect	 the	 opposite	 to	 occur	 in	 a	 falling	 commodity	 price	
environment.	In	2022,	we	incurred	a	realized	loss	on	our	risk	management	positions	due	to	the	settlement	of	benchmark	prices	
relative	 to	 our	 risk	 management	 contract	 prices	 but	 recognized	 a	gain	 on	 the	 underlying	 physical	 inventory	sold	 during	 such	
period	due	to	changing	benchmark	prices.	

Transactions	 typically	 span	 across	 periods,	 as	 such,	 these	 transactions	 reside	 across	 both	 realized	 and	 unrealized	 risk	
management.	As	the	financial	contracts	settle,	they	will	flow	from	unrealized	to	realized	risk	management	gains	and	losses.

The	following	table	summarizes	the	sensitivities	of	the	fair	value	of	our	risk	management	positions	to	fluctuations	in	commodity	
prices	and	foreign	exchange	rates,	with	all	other	variables	held	constant.	Management	believes	the	price	fluctuations	identified	
in	 the	 table	 below	 are	 a	 reasonable	 measure	 of	 volatility.	 The	 impact	 of	 fluctuations	 in	 commodity	 prices	 on	 our	 open	 risk	
management	positions	could	have	resulted	in	unrealized	gains	(losses)	impacting	earnings	before	income	tax	as	follows:

As	at	December	31,	2022

Sensitivity	Range

Increase

Decrease

Crude	Oil	Commodity	Price
±	US$10.00/bbl	Applied	to	WTI,	Condensate	and	Related	Hedges
WCS	and	Condensate	Differential	Price(1) ±	US$2.50/bbl	Applied	to	Differential	Hedges	Tied	to	Production
WCS	(Hardisty)	Differential	Price

±	US$5.00/bbl	Applied	to	WCS	Differential	Hedges	Tied	to	Production

Refined	Products	Commodity	Price

±	US$10.00/bbl	Applied	to	Heating	Oil	and	Gasoline	Hedges

Natural	Gas	Basis	Price

Power	Commodity	Price

±	US$0.50/MCF	Applied	to	Natural	Gas	Basis	Hedges

±	C$20.00/Megawatt	Hour	Applied	to	Power	Hedges

U.S.	to	Canadian	Dollar	Exchange	Rate

±	0.05	in	the	U.S.	to	Canadian	Dollar	Exchange	Rate

1

13

(1)

(2)

1

113

14

(1)

(13)

1

2

(1)

(113)

(17)

(1)	

Excludes	WCS	(Hardisty)	differential.

For	further	information	on	our	risk	management	positions,	see	Notes	37	and	38	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Exposure	to	Counterparties

In	the	normal	course	of	business,	we	enter	into	contractual	relationships	with	suppliers,	partners,	lenders,	customers	and	other	
counterparties	for	the	provision	and	sale	of	goods	and	services	and	also	in	connection	with	our	hedging	activities,	and	in	respect	
of	asset	or	securities	acquisitions	and	dispositions.	If	such	counterparties	do	not	fulfill	their	contractual	obligations	on	a	timely	
basis	or	at	all,	we	may	suffer	financial	losses	or	delays	of	our	development	plans,	or	we	may	have	to	forego	other	opportunities,	
all	of	which	could	materially	impact	our	business,	results	of	operations	and	financial	condition.	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   53

Market	interest	rates	are	impacted	by	actions	taken	by	central	banks	to	stabilize	the	economy	and	moderate	inflation.	Interest	

rates	 have	 increased	 in	 response	 to	 inflation	 and	 additional	 rate	 increases	 may	 be	 implemented.	 Increases	 in	 interest	 rates	

could	increase	our	net	interest	expense	and	affect	how	certain	liabilities	are	recorded,	both	of	which	could	negatively	impact	

our	cash	flow	and	financial	results.	Additionally,	we	are	exposed	to	interest	rate	fluctuations	upon	the	refinancing	of	maturing	

long-term	 debt	 and	 potential	 future	 financings	 at	 prevailing	 interest	 rates.	 We	 may	 periodically	 enter	 into	 transactions	 to	

manage	our	exposure	to	interest	rate	fluctuations.

Dividend	Payments	and	Purchase	of	Securities

The	 payment	 of	 dividends,	 whether	 base,	 variable	 or	 preferred,	 the	 continuation	 of	 our	 dividend	 reinvestment	 plan	 and	 any	

potential	purchase	by	Cenovus	of	our	securities	is	at	the	discretion	of	our	Board,	and	is	dependent	upon,	among	other	things,	

financial	 performance,	 debt	 covenants,	 satisfying	 solvency	 tests,	 our	 ability	 to	 meet	 financial	 obligations	 as	 they	 come	 due,	

working	capital	requirements,	future	tax	obligations,	future	capital	requirements,	commodity	prices	and	other	risks	identified	in	

the	 Risk	 Management	 and	 Risk	 Factors	 section	 of	 this	 MD&A.	 Specifically,	 in	 connection	 with	 Cenovus’s	 capital	 allocation	

framework,	the	Company	will	target	returns	to	shareholders	as	a	percentage	of	Excess	Free	Funds	Flow,	through	share	buybacks	

or	variable	dividends,	based	on	Net	Debt	at	the	preceding	quarter-end,	as	described	in	this	MD&A.	The	frequency	and	amount	

of	variable	dividend	payments,	if	any,	may	vary	significantly	over	time	as	a	result	of	our	Net	Debt	and	Excess	Free	Funds	Flow,	

amount	of	share	buybacks	and	other	factors	inherent	with	our	capital	allocation	framework	from	time	to	time	and	our	Net	Debt	

and	 Excess	 Free	 Funds	 Flow	 may	 vary	 from	 time	 to	 time	 as	 a	 result	 of,	 among	 other	 things,	 our	 business	 plans,	 results	 of	

operations,	financial	condition	and	impact	of	any	of	the	risks	identified	in	the	Risk	Management	and	Risk	Factors	section	of	this	

MD&A.	 The	 Company	 can	 provide	 no	 assurance	 that	 it	 will	 continue	 to	 pay	 base	 or	 variable	 dividends	 or	 authorize	 share	

buybacks	at	the	current	rate	or	at	all	as	the	capital	allocation	framework,	and	any	share	repurchases	and	payment	of	dividends	

thereunder,	 remains	 at	 the	 discretion	 of	 our	 Board	 and	 is	 dependent	 on,	 among	 other	 things,	 the	 factors	 described	 above.	

Further,	the	individual	or	aggregate	amount	of	base	or	variable	dividends,	if	any,	paid	by	Cenovus	from	time	to	time	may	result	

in	adjustments	to	the	exercise	price	and	the	exchange	basis	(the	number	of	common	shares	received	for	each	Cenovus	Warrant	

exercised)	of	the	Cenovus	Warrants	under	the	terms	of	the	indenture	governing	the	Cenovus	Warrants.	Such	adjustments	may	

impact	 the	 value	 received	 by	 Cenovus	 upon	 the	 exercise	 of	 Cenovus	 Warrants	 and	 may	 result	 in	 additional	 issuances	 of	

common	 shares	 on	 the	 exercise	 of	 Cenovus	 Warrants	 which	 may	 have	 a	 further	 dilutive	 effect	 on	 the	 ownership	 interest	 of	

shareholders	of	Cenovus	and	on	Cenovus’s	earnings	per	share.

Disclosure	Controls	and	Procedures	and	Internal	Control	Over	Financial	Reporting	(“ICFR”)	

Based	on	their	inherent	limitations,	disclosure	controls	and	procedures	and	ICFR	may	not	prevent	or	detect	misstatements,	and	

even	 those	 controls	 determined	 to	 be	 effective	 can	 only	 provide	 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	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations,	cash	flows	and	reputation.	

Credit,	Liquidity	and	Availability	of	Future	Financing

Interest	Rates

The	future	development	of	our	business	may	be	dependent	on	our	ability	to	obtain	additional	capital,	including,	but	not	limited	
to,	debt	and	equity	financing.	Among	other	things,	unpredictable	financial	markets,	a	sustained	commodity	price	downturn	or	
significant	unanticipated	expenses,	or	a	change	in	law,	market	fundamentals,	our	credit	ratings,	business	operations	or	investor	
or	 lender	 policy	 or	 sentiment,	 may	 impede	 our	 ability	 to	 secure	 and	 maintain	 cost-effective	 financing.	 Stakeholders	 are	
increasingly	considering	ESG	matters,	including	climate-related	targets,	and	failure	to	achieve	our	emissions	reduction	targets,	
or	 the	 perception	 that	 our	 targets	 are	 insufficient	 or	 will	 not	 be	 achieved,	 could	 adversely	 affect	 our	 ability	 to	 access	 cost-
effective	capital.	An	inability	to	access	capital,	on	terms	acceptable	to	us	or	at	all,	could	affect	our	ability	to	make	future	capital	
expenditures,	to	maintain	desirable	 financial	ratios	and	 to	 meet	 all	 of	our	financial	 obligations	as	 they	come	 due,	 potentially	
resulting	 in	 a	 material	 adverse	 effect	 on	 our	 business,	 financial	 condition,	 results	 of	 operations,	 cash	 flows,	 ability	 to	 comply	
with	various	financial	and	operating	covenants,	credit	ratings	and	reputation.

Our	ability	to	service	our	debt	will	depend	upon,	among	other	things,	our	future	financial	and	operating	performance,	which	
will	 be	 affected	 by	 prevailing	 economic,	 business,	 regulatory,	 market	 and	 other	 conditions,	 some	 of	 which	 are	 beyond	 our	
control.	If	our	operating	and	financial	results	are	not	sufficient	to	service	current	or	future	indebtedness,	we	may	take	actions	
such	 as	 reducing	 or	 suspending	 share	 repurchases	 and/or	 dividends,	 reducing	 or	 delaying	 business	 activities,	 investments	 or	
capital	 expenditures,	 selling	 assets,	 restructuring	 or	 refinancing	 our	 debt,	 or	 seeking	 additional	 capital	 that	 could	 have	 less	
favourable	terms.	

Our	liquidity	risk	is	mitigated	through	actively	managing	cash	and	cash	equivalents,	cash	flow	provided	by	operating	activities,	
available	credit	facility	capacity,	and	accessing	the	capital	markets.

We	 are	 required	 to	 comply	 with	 various	 financial	 and	 operating	 covenants	 under	 our	 credit	 facility	 and	 the	 indentures	
governing	our	debt	securities.	We	routinely	review	our	covenants	to	ensure	compliance.	In	the	event	that	we	do	not	comply	
with	such	covenants,	our	access	to	capital	could	be	restricted	or	repayment	could	be	accelerated.

Credit	Ratings

Our	 Company	 and	 our	 capital	 structure	 are	 regularly	 evaluated	 by	 credit	 rating	 agencies.	 Credit	 ratings	 are	 based	 on	 our	
financial	 and	 operational	 strength	 and	 a	 number	 of	 factors	 not	 entirely	 within	 our	 control,	 including	 but	 not	 limited	 to,	
conditions	affecting	the	oil	and	gas	industry	generally,	industry	risks	associated	with	the	transition	to	a	lower-carbon	economy,	
and	the	general	state	of	the	economy.	There	can	be	no	assurance	that	one	or	more	of	our	credit	ratings	will	not	be	downgraded	
or	withdrawn	entirely	by	a	rating	agency.	

A	reduction	in	any	of	our	credit	ratings,	particularly	a	downgrade	below	investment	grade	ratings,	or	a	negative	change	in	the	
Company’s	credit	ratings	outlook	could	adversely	affect	the	cost	and	availability	of	borrowing,	and	access	to	sources	of	liquidity	
and	 capital.	 A	 failure	 to	 maintain	 our	 current	 credit	 ratings	 could	 affect	 our	 business	 relationships	 with	 counterparties,	
operating	partners	and	suppliers.	

If	one	or	more	of	our	credit	ratings	falls	below	certain	ratings	thresholds,	we	may	be	obligated	to	post	collateral	in	the	form	of	
cash,	 letters	 of	 credit	 or	 other	 financial	 instruments	 in	 order	 to	 establish	 or	 maintain	 business	 arrangements.	 Additional	
collateral	may	be	required	due	to	further	downgrades	below	certain	ratings	thresholds.	Failure	to	provide	adequate	credit	risk	
assurance	to	counterparties	and	suppliers	may	result	in	foregoing	or	having	contractual	business	arrangements	terminated.

Foreign	Exchange	Rates

Fluctuations	in	foreign	exchange	rates	between	various	currencies	may	affect	our	results,	particularly	the	U.S./Canadian	dollar	
and	 Chinese	 Yuan	 (“RMB”)/Canadian	 dollar	 exchange	 rates.	 Global	 prices	 for	 crude	 oil,	 refined	 products,	 and	 natural	 gas	 are	
generally	set	in	U.S.	dollars,	while	many	of	our	operating	and	capital	costs	are	in	Canadian	dollars.	A	change	in	the	value	of	the	
Canadian	 dollar,	 as	 a	 result	 of	 changing	 benchmark	 lending	 rates,	 macroeconomic	 factors	 or	 otherwise,	 relative	 to	 the	 U.S.	
dollar	will	increase	or	decrease	revenues,	as	expressed	in	Canadian	dollars,	received	from	the	sale	of	oil	and	refined	products,	
and	 from	 some	 of	 our	 natural	 gas	 sales.	 In	 addition,	 a	 change	 in	 the	 value	 of	 the	 Canadian	 dollar	 against	 the	 U.S.	 dollar	 will	
result	in	an	increase	or	decrease	in	our	U.S.	dollar	denominated	debt	and	related	U.S.	dollar	interest	expense,	as	expressed	in	
Canadian	 dollars.	 A	 portion	 of	 our	 long-term	 sales	 contracts	 in	 Asia	 Pacific	 are	 priced	 in	 RMB.	 A	 change	 in	 the	 value	 of	 the	
Canadian	dollar	relative	to	RMB	will	increase	or	decrease	revenues,	as	expressed	in	Canadian	dollars,	received	from	the	sale	of	
natural	 gas	 and	 NGLs	 in	 the	 region.	 We	 may	 periodically	 enter	 into	 transactions	 to	 manage	 our	 exposure	 to	 exchange	 rate	
fluctuations.	However,	the	fluctuations	in	exchange	rates	are	beyond	our	control	and	could	have	a	material	adverse	effect	on	
our	cash	flows,	results	of	operations	and	financial	condition.	

54   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Credit,	Liquidity	and	Availability	of	Future	Financing

Interest	Rates

The	future	development	of	our	business	may	be	dependent	on	our	ability	to	obtain	additional	capital,	including,	but	not	limited	

to,	debt	and	equity	financing.	Among	other	things,	unpredictable	financial	markets,	a	sustained	commodity	price	downturn	or	

significant	unanticipated	expenses,	or	a	change	in	law,	market	fundamentals,	our	credit	ratings,	business	operations	or	investor	

or	 lender	 policy	 or	 sentiment,	 may	 impede	 our	 ability	 to	 secure	 and	 maintain	 cost-effective	 financing.	 Stakeholders	 are	

increasingly	considering	ESG	matters,	including	climate-related	targets,	and	failure	to	achieve	our	emissions	reduction	targets,	

or	 the	 perception	 that	 our	 targets	 are	 insufficient	 or	 will	 not	 be	 achieved,	 could	 adversely	 affect	 our	 ability	 to	 access	 cost-

effective	capital.	An	inability	to	access	capital,	on	terms	acceptable	to	us	or	at	all,	could	affect	our	ability	to	make	future	capital	

expenditures,	 to	 maintain	desirable	 financial	 ratios	and	 to	 meet	 all	 of	our	financial	 obligations	as	 they	come	 due,	 potentially	

resulting	 in	 a	 material	 adverse	 effect	 on	 our	 business,	 financial	 condition,	 results	 of	 operations,	 cash	 flows,	 ability	 to	 comply	

with	various	financial	and	operating	covenants,	credit	ratings	and	reputation.

Our	ability	to	service	our	debt	will	depend	upon,	among	other	things,	our	future	financial	and	operating	performance,	which	

will	 be	 affected	 by	 prevailing	 economic,	 business,	 regulatory,	 market	 and	 other	 conditions,	 some	 of	 which	 are	 beyond	 our	

control.	If	our	operating	and	financial	results	are	not	sufficient	to	service	current	or	future	indebtedness,	we	may	take	actions	

such	 as	 reducing	 or	 suspending	 share	 repurchases	 and/or	 dividends,	 reducing	 or	 delaying	 business	 activities,	 investments	 or	

capital	 expenditures,	 selling	 assets,	 restructuring	 or	 refinancing	 our	 debt,	 or	 seeking	 additional	 capital	 that	 could	 have	 less	

favourable	terms.	

Our	liquidity	risk	is	mitigated	through	actively	managing	cash	and	cash	equivalents,	cash	flow	provided	by	operating	activities,	

available	credit	facility	capacity,	and	accessing	the	capital	markets.

We	 are	 required	 to	 comply	 with	 various	 financial	 and	 operating	 covenants	 under	 our	 credit	 facility	 and	 the	 indentures	

governing	our	debt	securities.	We	routinely	review	our	covenants	to	ensure	compliance.	In	the	event	that	we	do	not	comply	

with	such	covenants,	our	access	to	capital	could	be	restricted	or	repayment	could	be	accelerated.

Credit	Ratings

Our	 Company	 and	 our	 capital	 structure	 are	 regularly	 evaluated	 by	 credit	 rating	 agencies.	 Credit	 ratings	 are	 based	 on	 our	

financial	 and	 operational	 strength	 and	 a	 number	 of	 factors	 not	 entirely	 within	 our	 control,	 including	 but	 not	 limited	 to,	

conditions	affecting	the	oil	and	gas	industry	generally,	industry	risks	associated	with	the	transition	to	a	lower-carbon	economy,	

and	the	general	state	of	the	economy.	There	can	be	no	assurance	that	one	or	more	of	our	credit	ratings	will	not	be	downgraded	

or	withdrawn	entirely	by	a	rating	agency.	

A	reduction	in	any	of	our	credit	ratings,	particularly	a	downgrade	below	investment	grade	ratings,	or	a	negative	change	in	the	

Company’s	credit	ratings	outlook	could	adversely	affect	the	cost	and	availability	of	borrowing,	and	access	to	sources	of	liquidity	

and	 capital.	 A	 failure	 to	 maintain	 our	 current	 credit	 ratings	 could	 affect	 our	 business	 relationships	 with	 counterparties,	

operating	partners	and	suppliers.	

If	one	or	more	of	our	credit	ratings	falls	below	certain	ratings	thresholds,	we	may	be	obligated	to	post	collateral	in	the	form	of	

cash,	 letters	 of	 credit	 or	 other	 financial	 instruments	 in	 order	 to	 establish	 or	 maintain	 business	 arrangements.	 Additional	

collateral	may	be	required	due	to	further	downgrades	below	certain	ratings	thresholds.	Failure	to	provide	adequate	credit	risk	

assurance	to	counterparties	and	suppliers	may	result	in	foregoing	or	having	contractual	business	arrangements	terminated.

Foreign	Exchange	Rates

Fluctuations	in	foreign	exchange	rates	between	various	currencies	may	affect	our	results,	particularly	the	U.S./Canadian	dollar	

and	 Chinese	 Yuan	 (“RMB”)/Canadian	 dollar	 exchange	 rates.	 Global	 prices	 for	 crude	 oil,	 refined	 products,	 and	 natural	 gas	 are	

generally	set	in	U.S.	dollars,	while	many	of	our	operating	and	capital	costs	are	in	Canadian	dollars.	A	change	in	the	value	of	the	

Canadian	 dollar,	 as	 a	 result	 of	 changing	 benchmark	 lending	 rates,	 macroeconomic	 factors	 or	 otherwise,	 relative	 to	 the	 U.S.	

dollar	will	increase	or	decrease	revenues,	as	expressed	in	Canadian	dollars,	received	from	the	sale	of	oil	and	refined	products,	

and	 from	 some	 of	 our	 natural	 gas	 sales.	 In	 addition,	 a	 change	 in	 the	 value	 of	 the	 Canadian	 dollar	 against	 the	 U.S.	 dollar	 will	

result	in	an	increase	or	decrease	in	our	U.S.	dollar	denominated	debt	and	related	U.S.	dollar	interest	expense,	as	expressed	in	

Canadian	 dollars.	 A	 portion	 of	 our	 long-term	 sales	 contracts	 in	 Asia	 Pacific	 are	 priced	 in	 RMB.	 A	 change	 in	 the	 value	 of	 the	

Canadian	dollar	relative	to	RMB	will	increase	or	decrease	revenues,	as	expressed	in	Canadian	dollars,	received	from	the	sale	of	

natural	 gas	 and	 NGLs	 in	 the	 region.	 We	 may	 periodically	 enter	 into	 transactions	 to	 manage	 our	 exposure	 to	 exchange	 rate	

fluctuations.	However,	the	fluctuations	in	exchange	rates	are	beyond	our	control	and	could	have	a	material	adverse	effect	on	

our	cash	flows,	results	of	operations	and	financial	condition.	

Market	interest	rates	are	impacted	by	actions	taken	by	central	banks	to	stabilize	the	economy	and	moderate	inflation.	Interest	
rates	 have	 increased	 in	 response	 to	 inflation	 and	 additional	 rate	 increases	 may	 be	 implemented.	 Increases	 in	 interest	 rates	
could	increase	our	net	interest	expense	and	affect	how	certain	liabilities	are	recorded,	both	of	which	could	negatively	impact	
our	cash	flow	and	financial	results.	Additionally,	we	are	exposed	to	interest	rate	fluctuations	upon	the	refinancing	of	maturing	
long-term	 debt	 and	 potential	 future	 financings	 at	 prevailing	 interest	 rates.	 We	 may	 periodically	 enter	 into	 transactions	 to	
manage	our	exposure	to	interest	rate	fluctuations.

Dividend	Payments	and	Purchase	of	Securities

The	 payment	 of	 dividends,	 whether	 base,	 variable	 or	 preferred,	 the	 continuation	 of	 our	 dividend	 reinvestment	 plan	 and	 any	
potential	purchase	by	Cenovus	of	our	securities	is	at	the	discretion	of	our	Board,	and	is	dependent	upon,	among	other	things,	
financial	 performance,	 debt	 covenants,	 satisfying	 solvency	 tests,	 our	 ability	 to	 meet	 financial	 obligations	 as	 they	 come	 due,	
working	capital	requirements,	future	tax	obligations,	future	capital	requirements,	commodity	prices	and	other	risks	identified	in	
the	 Risk	 Management	 and	 Risk	 Factors	 section	 of	 this	 MD&A.	 Specifically,	 in	 connection	 with	 Cenovus’s	 capital	 allocation	
framework,	the	Company	will	target	returns	to	shareholders	as	a	percentage	of	Excess	Free	Funds	Flow,	through	share	buybacks	
or	variable	dividends,	based	on	Net	Debt	at	the	preceding	quarter-end,	as	described	in	this	MD&A.	The	frequency	and	amount	
of	variable	dividend	payments,	if	any,	may	vary	significantly	over	time	as	a	result	of	our	Net	Debt	and	Excess	Free	Funds	Flow,	
amount	of	share	buybacks	and	other	factors	inherent	with	our	capital	allocation	framework	from	time	to	time	and	our	Net	Debt	
and	 Excess	 Free	 Funds	 Flow	 may	 vary	 from	 time	 to	 time	 as	 a	 result	 of,	 among	 other	 things,	 our	 business	 plans,	 results	 of	
operations,	financial	condition	and	impact	of	any	of	the	risks	identified	in	the	Risk	Management	and	Risk	Factors	section	of	this	
MD&A.	 The	 Company	 can	 provide	 no	 assurance	 that	 it	 will	 continue	 to	 pay	 base	 or	 variable	 dividends	 or	 authorize	 share	
buybacks	at	the	current	rate	or	at	all	as	the	capital	allocation	framework,	and	any	share	repurchases	and	payment	of	dividends	
thereunder,	 remains	 at	 the	 discretion	 of	 our	 Board	 and	 is	 dependent	 on,	 among	 other	 things,	 the	 factors	 described	 above.	
Further,	the	individual	or	aggregate	amount	of	base	or	variable	dividends,	if	any,	paid	by	Cenovus	from	time	to	time	may	result	
in	adjustments	to	the	exercise	price	and	the	exchange	basis	(the	number	of	common	shares	received	for	each	Cenovus	Warrant	
exercised)	of	the	Cenovus	Warrants	under	the	terms	of	the	indenture	governing	the	Cenovus	Warrants.	Such	adjustments	may	
impact	 the	 value	 received	 by	 Cenovus	 upon	 the	 exercise	 of	 Cenovus	 Warrants	 and	 may	 result	 in	 additional	 issuances	 of	
common	 shares	 on	 the	 exercise	 of	 Cenovus	 Warrants	 which	 may	 have	 a	 further	 dilutive	 effect	 on	 the	 ownership	 interest	 of	
shareholders	of	Cenovus	and	on	Cenovus’s	earnings	per	share.

Disclosure	Controls	and	Procedures	and	Internal	Control	Over	Financial	Reporting	(“ICFR”)	

Based	on	their	inherent	limitations,	disclosure	controls	and	procedures	and	ICFR	may	not	prevent	or	detect	misstatements,	and	
even	 those	 controls	 determined	 to	 be	 effective	 can	 only	 provide	 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	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations,	cash	flows	and	reputation.	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   55

Operational	Risk

Operational	Considerations	(Safety,	Environment	and	Reliability)

Our	 operations	 are	 subject	 to	 risks	 generally	 affecting	 the	 energy	 industry	 and	 normally	 incidental	 to:	 (i)	 the	 storing,	
transporting,	processing	and	marketing	of	crude	oil,	refined	products,	natural	gas,	NGLs	and	other	related	products;	(ii)	drilling	
and	completion	of	onshore	and	offshore	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	wells;	(iii)	the	operation	and	development	of	crude	oil	and	
natural	 gas	 properties;	 and	 (iv)	 the	 operation	 of	 refineries,	 terminals,	 pipelines	 and	 other	 transportation	 and	 distribution	
facilities	in	the	jurisdictions	in	which	we	conduct	our	business,	including	at	facilities	operated	by	our	partners	or	third-parties.	
These	risks	include	but	are	not	limited	to:	the	effects	of	government	actions	or	regulations,	policies	and	initiatives;	encountering	
unexpected	formations	or	pressures;	premature	declines	of	reservoir	pressure	or	productivity;	fires;	explosions;	blowouts;	loss	
of	containment;	gaseous	leaks;	power	outages;	migration	of	harmful	substances	into	water	systems;	releases	or	spills,	including	
releases	 or	 spills	 from	 offshore	 operations,	 shipping	 vessels	 or	 other	 marine	 transport	 incidents;	 aviation,	 railcar	 or	 road	
transportation	 incidents;	 iceberg	 incidents;	 uncontrollable	 flows	 of	 crude	 oil,	 natural	 gas	 or	 well	 fluids;	 failure	 to	 follow	
operating	 procedures	 or	 operate	 within	 established	 operating	 parameters;	 adverse	 weather	 conditions;	 corrosion;	 pollution;	
freeze-ups	and	other	similar	events;	the	breakdown	or	failure	of	equipment,	pipelines	and	facilities,	information	technology	and	
systems	 and	 processes;	 regular	 or	 unforeseen	 maintenance;	 the	 performance	 of	 equipment	 at	 levels	 below	 those	 originally	
intended;	railcar	incidents	or	derailments;	failure	to	maintain	adequate	supplies	of	spare	parts;	the	compromise	of	information	
technology	and	control	systems	and	related	data;	operator	error;	labour	disputes;	disputes	with	interconnected	facilities	and	
carriers;	 planned	 or	 unplanned	 operational	 disruptions	 or	 apportionment	 on	 third-party	 systems	 or	 refineries,	 which	 may	
prevent	the	full	utilization	of	such	party’s	facilities	and	pipelines;	spills	at	truck	terminals	and	hubs;	spills	associated	with	the	
loading	 and	 unloading	 of	 potentially	 harmful	 substances;	 loss	 of	 product;	 unavailability	 of	 feedstock;	 price	 and	 quality	 of	
feedstock;	 epidemics	 or	 pandemics;	 catastrophic	 events,	 including,	 but	 not	 limited	 to,	 war,	 adverse	 sea	 conditions,	 acts	 of	
activism,	vandalism	or	terrorism,	extreme	weather	events	and	natural	disasters	and	other	accidents	or	hazards	that	may	occur	
at	or	during	transport	to	or	from	commercial	or	industrial	sites.

If	any	such	risks	materialize,	they	may	interrupt	operations,	impact	our	reputation,	cause	loss	of	life	or	personal	injury,	result	in	
loss	 of	 or	 damage	 to	 equipment,	 property,	 information	 technology	 and	 control	 systems,	 related	 data,	 cause	 environmental	
damage	that	may	include	polluting	water,	land	or	air,	and	may	result	in	regulatory	action,	fines,	penalties,	civil	suits	or	criminal	
or	regulatory	charges	against	us,	any	of	which	may	have	a	material	adverse	effect	on	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	
operations,	cash	flows	and	reputation.

In	 addition,	 our	 oil	 sands	 operations	 are	 susceptible	 to	 reduced	 production,	 slowdowns,	 shutdowns	 and	 restrictions	 on	 our	
ability	to	produce	higher	value	products	due	to	the	interdependence	of	our	component	systems.	Delineation	of	the	resources,	
the	costs	associated	with	production,	including	drilling	wells	for	SAGD	operations,	and	the	costs	associated	with	refining	oil	can	
entail	significant	capital	outlays.	The	operating	costs	associated	with	oil	production	are	largely	fixed	in	the	short-term	and,	as	a	
result,	operating	costs	per	unit	are	largely	dependent	on	levels	of	production.

To	partially	mitigate	our	risks,	we	have	policies	and	an	associated	system	of	standards,	processes	and	procedures	to	identify,	
assess	 and	 mitigate	 safety,	 operational	 and	 environmental	 risk	 across	 our	 operations.	 In	 addition,	 we	 attempt	 to	 partially	
mitigate	operational	risks	by	maintaining	a	comprehensive	insurance	program	in	respect	of	our	assets	and	operations.	However,	
not	all	potential	occurrences	and	disruptions	in	respect	of	our	assets	or	operations	are	insured	or	are	insurable,	and	it	cannot	be	
guaranteed	 that	 our	 insurance	 coverage	 will	 be	 available	 or	 sufficient	 to	 fully	 cover	 any	 claims	 that	 may	 arise	 from	 such	
occurrences	or	disruptions.	The	occurrence	of	an	event	that	is	not	fully	covered	by	our	insurance	program	could	have	a	material	
adverse	effect	on	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.

Market	Access	Constraints	and	Transportation	Restrictions

Our	production	is	transported	through	various	pipelines,	terminals	and	marine,	rail	and	truck	networks,	and	our	refineries	are	
reliant	on	various	pipelines	and	marine,	rail	and	truck	networks	to	transport	feedstock	and	refined	products	to	and	from	our	
facilities.	Increased	tariffs	or	disruptions	in,	or	restricted	availability	of,	pipeline	service	and/or	marine,	rail	or	truck	transport,	
could	 adversely	 affect	 crude	 oil,	 refined	 products,	 natural	 gas	 and	 NGLs	 sales,	 projected	 production	 growth,	 upstream	 or	
refining	operations	and	cash	flows.

Interruptions	 or	 restrictions	 in	 the	 availability	 of	 these	 pipeline,	 terminals,	 marine,	 rail	 and	 truck	 systems	 may	 also	 limit	 the	
ability	to	deliver	production	volumes	and	could	adversely	impact	commodity	prices,	sales	volumes	and/or	the	prices	received	
for	 our	 products.	 These	 interruptions	 and	 restrictions	 may	 be	 caused	 by,	 among	 other	 things,	 the	 inability	 of	 the	 pipeline	 or	
marine,	 rail	 or	 truck	 networks	 to	 operate,	 or	 may	 be	 related	 to	 capacity	 constraints	 if	 supply	 into	 the	 system	 exceeds	 the	
infrastructure	capacity.	There	can	be	no	certainty	that	investments	in	new	pipeline	projects	will	be	made	by	applicable	third-
party	 pipeline	 providers,	 that	 any	 applications	 to	 expand	 capacity	 will	 receive	 the	 required	 regulatory	 approvals,	 or	 that	 any	
such	 approvals	 will	 result	 in	 the	 construction	 of	 the	 pipeline	 project,	 or	 that	 such	 projects	 would	 provide	 sufficient	
transportation	capacity.

56   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

There	 is	 no	 certainty	 that	 rail,	 marine	 transport	 and	 other	 alternative	 types	 of	 transportation	 for	 our	 production	 will	 be	

sufficient	to	address	any	gaps	caused	by	operational	constraints	on	the	pipeline	system.	In	addition,	our	rail,	marine	and	truck	

shipments	may	be	impacted	by	service	delays,	shortages	of	skilled	labour,	inclement	weather,	vessel,	railcar	or	truck	availability,	

railcar	 derailment	 or	 other	 rail,	 marine	 or	 truck	 transport	 incidents	 and	 could	 adversely	 impact	 sales	 volumes	 or	 the	 price	

received	 for	 product	 or	 impact	 our	 reputation	 or	 result	 in	 legal	 liability,	 loss	 of	 life	 or	 personal	 injury,	 loss	 of	 equipment	 or	

property,	or	environmental	damage.	In	addition,	rail,	marine	and	trucking	regulations	are	constantly	being	reviewed	to	ensure	

the	safe	operation	of	the	supply	chain.	Should	regulations	change,	the	costs	of	complying	with	those	regulations	will	likely	be	

passed	 on	 to	 shippers	 and	 may	 adversely	 affect	 our	 ability	 to	 transport	 by-rail,	 marine	 or	 truck	 transport	 or	 the	 economics	

associated	with	such	transportation.	Finally,	planned	or	unplanned	shutdowns,	outages	or	closures	of	our	refineries	or	third-

party	 systems	 or	 refineries	 may	 limit	 our	 ability	 to	 deliver	 product	 with	 negative	 implications	 on	 our	 business,	 financial	

condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.	

Reserves	Replacement	and	Reserve	Estimates

If	 we	 fail	 to	 acquire,	 develop	 or	 find	 additional	 crude	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas	 reserves,	 our	 reserves	 and	 production	 will	 decline	

materially	 from	 their	 current	 levels.	 Our	 financial	 condition,	 results	 of	 operations	 and	 cash	 flows	 are	 highly	 dependent	 upon	

successfully	 producing	 from	 current	 reserves	 and	 acquiring,	 discovering	 or	 developing	 additional	 reserves.	 Exploring	 for,	

developing	or	acquiring	reserves	is	capital	intensive.	To	the	extent	our	cash	flow	is	insufficient	to	fund	capital	expenditures	and	

external	sources	of	capital	become	limited	or	unavailable,	our	ability	to	make	the	necessary	capital	investments	to	maintain	and	

expand	our	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	reserves	will	be	impaired.	In	addition,	we	may	be	unable	to	find	and	develop	or	acquire	

additional	reserves	to	replace	our	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	production	at	acceptable	costs.

There	are	numerous	uncertainties	inherent	in	estimating	quantities	of	reserves,	including	many	factors	beyond	our	control.	In	

general,	estimates	of	economically	recoverable	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	reserves	and	the	future	net	cash	flows	and	revenue	

derived	 therefrom	 are	 based	 on	 a	 number	 of	 variable	 factors	 and	 assumptions	 including,	 but	 not	 limited	 to:	 geological	 and	

engineering	 estimates;	 product	 prices;	 future	 operating	 and	 capital	 costs;	 historical	 production	 from	 the	 properties	 and	 the	

assumed	 effects	 of	 regulation	 by	 governmental	 agencies,	 including	 royalty	 payments	 and	 taxes,	 and	 environmental	 and	

emissions	 related	 regulations	 and	 taxes;	 initial	 production	 rates;	 production	 decline	 rates;	 and	 the	 availability,	 proximity	 and	

capacity	of	oil	and	gas	gathering	systems,	pipelines,	rail	transportation	and	processing	facilities,	all	of	which	may	cause	actual	

results	to	vary	materially	from	estimated	results.

All	such	estimates	are	uncertain,	and	classifications	of	reserves	are	only	attempts	to	define	the	degree	of	uncertainty	involved.	

For	those	reasons,	estimates	of	the	economically	recoverable	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	reserves	attributable	to	any	particular	

group	 of	 properties,	 classification	 of	 such	 reserves	 based	 on	 risk	 of	 recovery	 and	 estimates	 of	 future	 net	 revenue	 expected	

therefrom,	 prepared	 by	 different	 engineers	 or	 by	 the	 same	 engineers	 at	 different	 times,	 may	 vary	 substantially.	 Our	 actual	

production,	revenues,	taxes	and	development	and	operating	expenditures	with	respect	to	our	reserves	may	vary	from	current	

estimates	and	such	variances	may	be	material.

Estimates	 with	 respect	 to	 reserves	 that	 may	 be	 developed	 and	 produced	 in	 the	 future	 are	 often	 based	 on	 volumetric	

calculations	and	upon	analogy	to	similar	types	of	reserves,	rather	than	upon	actual	production	history.	Subsequent	evaluation	

of	the	same	reserves	based	on	production	history	will	result	in	variations,	which	may	be	material,	in	the	estimated	reserves.

The	 production	 rate	 of	 oil	 and	 gas	 properties	 tends	 to	 decline	 as	 reserves	 are	 depleted	 while	 the	 associated	 operating	 costs	

increase.	Maintaining	an	inventory	of	developable	projects	to	support	future	production	of	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	depends	

on,	 among	 other	 things:	 obtaining	 and	 renewing	 rights	 to	 explore,	 develop	 and	 produce	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas;	 drilling	 success;	

completing	long-lead	time	capital	intensive	projects	on	budget	and	on	schedule;	and	the	application	of	successful	exploitation	

techniques	on	mature	properties.	Our	business,	reputation,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows	are	highly	

dependent	upon	successfully	producing	current	reserves	and	adding	additional	reserves.

Cost	Management	and	Inflation

Development,	operating	and	construction	costs	are	affected	by	a	number	of	factors	including,	but	not	limited	to:	development,	

adoption	 and	 success	 of	 new	 technologies;	 inflationary	 price	 pressure;	 changes	 in	 regulatory	 compliance	 costs;	 scheduling	

delays;	 interruptions	 to	 existing	 market	 access	 infrastructure;	 failure	 to	 maintain	 quality	 construction	 and	 manufacturing	

standards;	 equipment	 limitations,	 including	 the	 cost	 or	 availability	 of	 oil	 and	 gas	 field	 equipment;	 commodity	 prices;	 higher	

steam-oil	ratios	in	our	Oil	Sands	operations;	additional	government	or	environmental	regulations	and	supply	chain	disruptions,	

including	 access	 to	 skilled	 labour	 and	 critical	 third-party	 services.	 In	 addition,	 if	 our	 development,	 operating,	 construction	 or	

labour	costs	were	to	become	subject	to	significant	inflationary	pressures,	we	may	not	be	able	to	fully	offset	such	higher	costs	

through	 corresponding	 increases	 in	 commodity	 prices.	 Further,	 there	 can	 be	 no	 assurance	 that	 any	 governmental	 action	 to	

mitigate	inflationary	cycles	will	be	taken	or	will	be	effective.	Central	banks	have	increased	interest	rates	in	response	to	inflation	

and	 additional	 rate	 increases	 may	 be	 implemented.	 Governmental	 actions,	 such	 as	 the	 imposition	 of	 higher	 interest	 rates	 or	

wage	 controls	 may	 also	 negatively	 impact	 the	 Company’s	 costs	 and	 magnify	 the	 impacts	 of	 other	 risks	 identified	 in	 the	 Risk	

Management	and	Risk	Factors	section	of	this	MD&A,	including	those	set	out	under	the	“Financial	Risk	-	Interest	Rates”	section	

above.		

Operational	Risk

Operational	Considerations	(Safety,	Environment	and	Reliability)

Our	 operations	 are	 subject	 to	 risks	 generally	 affecting	 the	 energy	 industry	 and	 normally	 incidental	 to:	 (i)	 the	 storing,	

transporting,	processing	and	marketing	of	crude	oil,	refined	products,	natural	gas,	NGLs	and	other	related	products;	(ii)	drilling	

and	completion	of	onshore	and	offshore	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	wells;	(iii)	the	operation	and	development	of	crude	oil	and	

natural	 gas	 properties;	 and	 (iv)	 the	 operation	 of	 refineries,	 terminals,	 pipelines	 and	 other	 transportation	 and	 distribution	

facilities	in	the	jurisdictions	in	which	we	conduct	our	business,	including	at	facilities	operated	by	our	partners	or	third-parties.	

These	risks	include	but	are	not	limited	to:	the	effects	of	government	actions	or	regulations,	policies	and	initiatives;	encountering	

unexpected	formations	or	pressures;	premature	declines	of	reservoir	pressure	or	productivity;	fires;	explosions;	blowouts;	loss	

of	containment;	gaseous	leaks;	power	outages;	migration	of	harmful	substances	into	water	systems;	releases	or	spills,	including	

releases	 or	 spills	 from	 offshore	 operations,	 shipping	 vessels	 or	 other	 marine	 transport	 incidents;	 aviation,	 railcar	 or	 road	

transportation	 incidents;	 iceberg	 incidents;	 uncontrollable	 flows	 of	 crude	 oil,	 natural	 gas	 or	 well	 fluids;	 failure	 to	 follow	

operating	 procedures	 or	 operate	 within	 established	 operating	 parameters;	 adverse	 weather	 conditions;	 corrosion;	 pollution;	

freeze-ups	and	other	similar	events;	the	breakdown	or	failure	of	equipment,	pipelines	and	facilities,	information	technology	and	

systems	 and	 processes;	 regular	 or	 unforeseen	 maintenance;	 the	 performance	 of	 equipment	 at	 levels	 below	 those	 originally	

intended;	railcar	incidents	or	derailments;	failure	to	maintain	adequate	supplies	of	spare	parts;	the	compromise	of	information	

technology	and	control	systems	and	related	data;	operator	error;	labour	disputes;	disputes	with	interconnected	facilities	and	

carriers;	 planned	 or	 unplanned	 operational	 disruptions	 or	 apportionment	 on	 third-party	 systems	 or	 refineries,	 which	 may	

prevent	the	full	utilization	of	such	party’s	facilities	and	pipelines;	spills	at	truck	terminals	and	hubs;	spills	associated	with	the	

loading	 and	 unloading	 of	 potentially	 harmful	 substances;	 loss	 of	 product;	 unavailability	 of	 feedstock;	 price	 and	 quality	 of	

feedstock;	 epidemics	 or	 pandemics;	 catastrophic	 events,	 including,	 but	 not	 limited	 to,	 war,	 adverse	 sea	 conditions,	 acts	 of	

activism,	vandalism	or	terrorism,	extreme	weather	events	and	natural	disasters	and	other	accidents	or	hazards	that	may	occur	

at	or	during	transport	to	or	from	commercial	or	industrial	sites.

If	any	such	risks	materialize,	they	may	interrupt	operations,	impact	our	reputation,	cause	loss	of	life	or	personal	injury,	result	in	

loss	 of	 or	 damage	 to	 equipment,	 property,	 information	 technology	 and	 control	 systems,	 related	 data,	 cause	 environmental	

damage	that	may	include	polluting	water,	land	or	air,	and	may	result	in	regulatory	action,	fines,	penalties,	civil	suits	or	criminal	

or	regulatory	charges	against	us,	any	of	which	may	have	a	material	adverse	effect	on	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	

operations,	cash	flows	and	reputation.

In	 addition,	 our	 oil	 sands	 operations	 are	 susceptible	 to	 reduced	 production,	 slowdowns,	 shutdowns	 and	 restrictions	 on	 our	

ability	to	produce	higher	value	products	due	to	the	interdependence	of	our	component	systems.	Delineation	of	the	resources,	

the	costs	associated	with	production,	including	drilling	wells	for	SAGD	operations,	and	the	costs	associated	with	refining	oil	can	

entail	significant	capital	outlays.	The	operating	costs	associated	with	oil	production	are	largely	fixed	in	the	short-term	and,	as	a	

result,	operating	costs	per	unit	are	largely	dependent	on	levels	of	production.

To	partially	mitigate	our	risks,	we	have	policies	and	an	associated	system	of	standards,	processes	and	procedures	to	identify,	

assess	 and	 mitigate	 safety,	 operational	 and	 environmental	 risk	 across	 our	 operations.	 In	 addition,	 we	 attempt	 to	 partially	

mitigate	operational	risks	by	maintaining	a	comprehensive	insurance	program	in	respect	of	our	assets	and	operations.	However,	

not	all	potential	occurrences	and	disruptions	in	respect	of	our	assets	or	operations	are	insured	or	are	insurable,	and	it	cannot	be	

guaranteed	 that	 our	 insurance	 coverage	 will	 be	 available	 or	 sufficient	 to	 fully	 cover	 any	 claims	 that	 may	 arise	 from	 such	

occurrences	or	disruptions.	The	occurrence	of	an	event	that	is	not	fully	covered	by	our	insurance	program	could	have	a	material	

adverse	effect	on	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.

Market	Access	Constraints	and	Transportation	Restrictions

Our	production	is	transported	through	various	pipelines,	terminals	and	marine,	rail	and	truck	networks,	and	our	refineries	are	

reliant	on	various	pipelines	and	marine,	rail	and	truck	networks	to	transport	feedstock	and	refined	products	to	and	from	our	

facilities.	Increased	tariffs	or	disruptions	in,	or	restricted	availability	of,	pipeline	service	and/or	marine,	rail	or	truck	transport,	

could	 adversely	 affect	 crude	 oil,	 refined	 products,	 natural	 gas	 and	 NGLs	 sales,	 projected	 production	 growth,	 upstream	 or	

refining	operations	and	cash	flows.

Interruptions	 or	 restrictions	 in	 the	 availability	 of	 these	 pipeline,	 terminals,	 marine,	 rail	 and	 truck	 systems	 may	 also	 limit	 the	

ability	to	deliver	production	volumes	and	could	adversely	impact	commodity	prices,	sales	volumes	and/or	the	prices	received	

for	 our	 products.	 These	 interruptions	 and	 restrictions	 may	 be	 caused	 by,	 among	 other	 things,	 the	 inability	 of	 the	 pipeline	 or	

marine,	 rail	 or	 truck	 networks	 to	 operate,	 or	 may	 be	 related	 to	 capacity	 constraints	 if	 supply	 into	 the	 system	 exceeds	 the	

infrastructure	capacity.	There	can	be	no	certainty	that	investments	in	new	pipeline	projects	will	be	made	by	applicable	third-

party	 pipeline	 providers,	 that	 any	 applications	 to	 expand	 capacity	 will	 receive	 the	 required	 regulatory	 approvals,	 or	 that	 any	

such	 approvals	 will	 result	 in	 the	 construction	 of	 the	 pipeline	 project,	 or	 that	 such	 projects	 would	 provide	 sufficient	

transportation	capacity.

There	 is	 no	 certainty	 that	 rail,	 marine	 transport	 and	 other	 alternative	 types	 of	 transportation	 for	 our	 production	 will	 be	
sufficient	to	address	any	gaps	caused	by	operational	constraints	on	the	pipeline	system.	In	addition,	our	rail,	marine	and	truck	
shipments	may	be	impacted	by	service	delays,	shortages	of	skilled	labour,	inclement	weather,	vessel,	railcar	or	truck	availability,	
railcar	 derailment	 or	 other	 rail,	 marine	 or	 truck	 transport	 incidents	 and	 could	 adversely	 impact	 sales	 volumes	 or	 the	 price	
received	 for	 product	 or	 impact	 our	 reputation	 or	 result	 in	 legal	 liability,	 loss	 of	 life	 or	 personal	 injury,	 loss	 of	 equipment	 or	
property,	or	environmental	damage.	In	addition,	rail,	marine	and	trucking	regulations	are	constantly	being	reviewed	to	ensure	
the	safe	operation	of	the	supply	chain.	Should	regulations	change,	the	costs	of	complying	with	those	regulations	will	likely	be	
passed	 on	 to	 shippers	 and	 may	 adversely	 affect	 our	 ability	 to	 transport	 by-rail,	 marine	 or	 truck	 transport	 or	 the	 economics	
associated	with	such	transportation.	Finally,	planned	or	unplanned	shutdowns,	outages	or	closures	of	our	refineries	or	third-
party	 systems	 or	 refineries	 may	 limit	 our	 ability	 to	 deliver	 product	 with	 negative	 implications	 on	 our	 business,	 financial	
condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.	

Reserves	Replacement	and	Reserve	Estimates

If	 we	 fail	 to	 acquire,	 develop	 or	 find	 additional	 crude	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas	 reserves,	 our	 reserves	 and	 production	 will	 decline	
materially	 from	 their	 current	 levels.	 Our	 financial	 condition,	 results	 of	 operations	 and	 cash	 flows	 are	 highly	 dependent	 upon	
successfully	 producing	 from	 current	 reserves	 and	 acquiring,	 discovering	 or	 developing	 additional	 reserves.	 Exploring	 for,	
developing	or	acquiring	reserves	is	capital	intensive.	To	the	extent	our	cash	flow	is	insufficient	to	fund	capital	expenditures	and	
external	sources	of	capital	become	limited	or	unavailable,	our	ability	to	make	the	necessary	capital	investments	to	maintain	and	
expand	our	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	reserves	will	be	impaired.	In	addition,	we	may	be	unable	to	find	and	develop	or	acquire	
additional	reserves	to	replace	our	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	production	at	acceptable	costs.

There	are	numerous	uncertainties	inherent	in	estimating	quantities	of	reserves,	including	many	factors	beyond	our	control.	In	
general,	estimates	of	economically	recoverable	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	reserves	and	the	future	net	cash	flows	and	revenue	
derived	 therefrom	 are	 based	 on	 a	 number	 of	 variable	 factors	 and	 assumptions	 including,	 but	 not	 limited	 to:	 geological	 and	
engineering	 estimates;	 product	 prices;	 future	 operating	 and	 capital	 costs;	 historical	 production	 from	 the	 properties	 and	 the	
assumed	 effects	 of	 regulation	 by	 governmental	 agencies,	 including	 royalty	 payments	 and	 taxes,	 and	 environmental	 and	
emissions	 related	 regulations	 and	 taxes;	 initial	 production	 rates;	 production	 decline	 rates;	 and	 the	 availability,	 proximity	 and	
capacity	of	oil	and	gas	gathering	systems,	pipelines,	rail	transportation	and	processing	facilities,	all	of	which	may	cause	actual	
results	to	vary	materially	from	estimated	results.

All	such	estimates	are	uncertain,	and	classifications	of	reserves	are	only	attempts	to	define	the	degree	of	uncertainty	involved.	
For	those	reasons,	estimates	of	the	economically	recoverable	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	reserves	attributable	to	any	particular	
group	 of	 properties,	 classification	 of	 such	 reserves	 based	 on	 risk	 of	 recovery	 and	 estimates	 of	 future	 net	 revenue	 expected	
therefrom,	 prepared	 by	 different	 engineers	 or	 by	 the	 same	 engineers	 at	 different	 times,	 may	 vary	 substantially.	 Our	 actual	
production,	revenues,	taxes	and	development	and	operating	expenditures	with	respect	to	our	reserves	may	vary	from	current	
estimates	and	such	variances	may	be	material.

Estimates	 with	 respect	 to	 reserves	 that	 may	 be	 developed	 and	 produced	 in	 the	 future	 are	 often	 based	 on	 volumetric	
calculations	and	upon	analogy	to	similar	types	of	reserves,	rather	than	upon	actual	production	history.	Subsequent	evaluation	
of	the	same	reserves	based	on	production	history	will	result	in	variations,	which	may	be	material,	in	the	estimated	reserves.

The	 production	 rate	 of	 oil	 and	 gas	 properties	 tends	 to	 decline	 as	 reserves	 are	 depleted	 while	 the	 associated	 operating	 costs	
increase.	Maintaining	an	inventory	of	developable	projects	to	support	future	production	of	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	depends	
on,	 among	 other	 things:	 obtaining	 and	 renewing	 rights	 to	 explore,	 develop	 and	 produce	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas;	 drilling	 success;	
completing	long-lead	time	capital	intensive	projects	on	budget	and	on	schedule;	and	the	application	of	successful	exploitation	
techniques	on	mature	properties.	Our	business,	reputation,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows	are	highly	
dependent	upon	successfully	producing	current	reserves	and	adding	additional	reserves.

Cost	Management	and	Inflation

Development,	operating	and	construction	costs	are	affected	by	a	number	of	factors	including,	but	not	limited	to:	development,	
adoption	 and	 success	 of	 new	 technologies;	 inflationary	 price	 pressure;	 changes	 in	 regulatory	 compliance	 costs;	 scheduling	
delays;	 interruptions	 to	 existing	 market	 access	 infrastructure;	 failure	 to	 maintain	 quality	 construction	 and	 manufacturing	
standards;	 equipment	 limitations,	 including	 the	 cost	 or	 availability	 of	 oil	 and	 gas	 field	 equipment;	 commodity	 prices;	 higher	
steam-oil	ratios	in	our	Oil	Sands	operations;	additional	government	or	environmental	regulations	and	supply	chain	disruptions,	
including	 access	 to	 skilled	 labour	 and	 critical	 third-party	 services.	 In	 addition,	 if	 our	 development,	 operating,	 construction	 or	
labour	costs	were	to	become	subject	to	significant	inflationary	pressures,	we	may	not	be	able	to	fully	offset	such	higher	costs	
through	 corresponding	 increases	 in	 commodity	 prices.	 Further,	 there	 can	 be	 no	 assurance	 that	 any	 governmental	 action	 to	
mitigate	inflationary	cycles	will	be	taken	or	will	be	effective.	Central	banks	have	increased	interest	rates	in	response	to	inflation	
and	 additional	 rate	 increases	 may	 be	 implemented.	 Governmental	 actions,	 such	 as	 the	 imposition	 of	 higher	 interest	 rates	 or	
wage	 controls	 may	 also	 negatively	 impact	 the	 Company’s	 costs	 and	 magnify	 the	 impacts	 of	 other	 risks	 identified	 in	 the	 Risk	
Management	and	Risk	Factors	section	of	this	MD&A,	including	those	set	out	under	the	“Financial	Risk	-	Interest	Rates”	section	
above.		

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   57

Continued	inflation,	any	governmental	response	thereto,	our	inability	to	manage	costs,	or	our	inability	to	secure	equipment,	
materials,	 skilled	 labour	 or	 third-party	 services	 necessary	 to	 our	 business	 activities	 for	 the	 expected	 price,	 on	 the	 expected	
timeline,	or	at	all,	could	have	a	material	adverse	effect	on	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.

Competition

The	Canadian	and	international	energy	industry	is	highly	competitive	in	all	aspects,	including	accessing	capital,	the	exploration	
for,	and	the	development	of,	new	and	existing	sources	of	supply,	the	acquisition	of	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	interests	and	the	
refining,	distribution	and	marketing	of	oil	and	gas	products.	We	compete	with	other	producers,	refiners	and	marketers,	some	of	
which	may	have	lower	operating	costs	or	greater	resources	than	our	Company	does.	Competitors	may	develop	and	implement	
technologies	which	are	superior	to	those	we	employ.	The	oil	and	gas	industry	also	competes	with	other	industries	in	supplying	
energy,	fuel	and	related	products	to	consumers,	including	renewable	energy	sources	which	may	become	more	prevalent	in	the	
future.	Cenovus	may	not	be	able	to	compete	successfully	against	current	and	future	competitors,	and	competitive	pressures	on	
Cenovus	could	have	a	material	adverse	effect	on	our	business,	reputation,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	
flows.

Project	Execution

We	manage	a	variety	of	oil,	natural	gas	and	refining	projects	across	our	global	portfolio	of	assets,	including	the	current	rebuild	
of	 our	 Superior	 Refinery	 and	 the	 restart	 of	 the	 West	 White	 Rose	 Project.	 The	 wide	 range	 of	 risks	 associated	 with	 project	
development	and	execution,	as	well	as	the	commissioning	and	integration	of	new	facilities	with	existing	assets,	can	impact	the	
economic	viability	of	our	projects.	These	risks	include,	but	are	not	limited	to:	our	ability	to	obtain	the	necessary	environmental	
and	 regulatory	 approvals;	 our	 ability	 to	 obtain	 favourable	 terms	 or	 to	 be	 granted	 access	 within	 land-use	 agreements;	 risks	
relating	to	schedule,	resources	and	costs,	including	the	availability	and	cost	of	materials,	equipment	and	qualified	personnel;	
the	impact	of	supply	chain	disruptions;	the	impact	of	general	economic,	business	and	market	conditions	including	inflationary	
pressures;	the	impact	of	weather	conditions;	risk	related	to	the	accuracy	of	project	cost	estimates;	our	ability	to	finance	capital	
expenditures	and	expenses;	our	ability	to	source	or	complete	strategic	transactions;	the	effect	of	the	COVID-19	pandemic	on	
project	execution	and	timelines;	and	the	effect	of	changing	government	regulation	and	public	expectations	in	relation	to	the	
impacts	of	oil	and	gas	operations	on	the	environment.	The	commissioning	and	integration	of	new	facilities	within	our	existing	
asset	base	could	cause	delays	in	achieving	performance	targets	and	objectives.	Failure	to	manage	these	risks	could	affect	our	
safety	and	environmental	record	and	have	a	material	adverse	effect	on	our	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	
flows	and	reputation.

Partner	Risks

Some	of	our	assets	are	not	operated	or	controlled	by	us	or	are	held	in	partnership	with	others,	including	through	joint	ventures.	
Therefore,	our	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows	may	be	affected	by	the	actions	of	third-party	operators	or	partners	in	areas	
where	 our	 ability	 to	 control	 and	 manage	 risks	 may	 be	 reduced.	 We	 rely	 on	 the	 judgment	 and	 operating	 expertise	 of	 our	
partners	in	respect	of	the	development	and	operation	of	such	assets	and	to	provide	information	on	the	status	of	such	assets	
and	 related	 results	 of	 operations;	 however,	 we	 are,	 at	 times,	 dependent	 upon	 our	 partners	 for	 the	 successful	 execution	 of	
various	projects,	their	management	of	operational	issues	and	their	reporting.

Our	partners	may	have	objectives	and	interests	that	do	not	align	with	or	may	conflict	with	our	interests.	No	assurance	can	be	
provided	that	our	future	demands	or	expectations	relating	to	such	assets	will	be	satisfactorily	met	in	a	timely	manner	or	at	all.	If	
a	dispute	with	a	partner	or	partners	were	to	occur	over	the	development	and	operation	of	a	project	or	if	a	partner	or	partners	
were	unable	to	fund	their	contractual	share	of	the	capital	expenditures,	a	project	could	be	delayed,	and	we	could	be	partially	or	
totally	liable	for	our	partner’s	share	of	the	project.	Should	one	of	our	partners	become	insolvent,	we	may	similarly	be	directed	
by	 applicable	 regulators	 to	 carry	 out	 obligations	 on	 behalf	 of	 our	 partner	 and	 may	 not	 be	 able	 to	 obtain	 reimbursement	 for	
these	 costs.	 Failure	 to	 manage	 these	 partner	 risks	 could	 have	 a	 material	 adverse	 effect	 on	 our	 business,	 financial	 condition,	
results	of	operations,	reputation,	and	cash	flows.

SAGD	Technology

Current	 technologies	 used	 for	 the	 recovery	 of	 bitumen	 is	 energy	 intensive,	 including	 SAGD	 which	 requires	 significant	
consumption	 of	 natural	 gas	 in	 the	 production	 of	 steam	 used	 in	 the	 recovery	 process.	 The	 amount	 of	 steam	 required	 in	 the	
recovery	 process	 varies	 and	 therefore	 impacts	 costs.	 The	 performance	 of	 the	 reservoir	 affects	 the	 timing	 and	 levels	 of	
production	using	SAGD	technology.	A	large	increase	in	recovery	costs	could	cause	certain	projects	that	rely	on	SAGD	technology	
to	 become	 uneconomical,	 which	 could	 have	 a	 negative	 effect	 on	 our	 business,	 financial	 condition,	 results	 of	 operations,	 and	
cash	flows.	There	are	risks	associated	with	growth	and	other	capital	projects	that	rely	largely	or	partly	on	new	technologies,	the	
incorporation	 of	 such	 technologies	 into	 new	 or	 existing	 operations,	 and	 acceptance	 of	 new	 technologies	 in	 the	 market.	 The	
success	of	projects	incorporating	new	technologies	cannot	be	assured.

58   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Technology,	Information	Systems	and	Data	Privacy

We	rely	heavily	on	technology,	including	operating	technology	and	information	technology,	to	effectively	operate	our	business.	

This	may	include	on	premise	systems	(such	as	networks,	computer	hardware	and	software),	networks	and	telecommunications	

systems,	 mobile	 applications,	 cloud	 services	 and	 other	 technology	 systems	 and	 services.	 Such	 systems	 and	 services	 may	 be	

provided	 by	 third	 parties.	 In	 the	 event	 we	 are	 unable	 to	 access,	 use,	 rely	 upon,	 secure,	 upgrade,	 and	 take	 other	 steps	 to	

maintain	 or	 improve	 the	 efficiency,	 resiliency	 and	 efficacy	 of	 such	 systems	 and	 services,	 the	 operation	 of	 such	 systems	 and	

services	could	be	interrupted,	resulting	in	operational	interruptions	or	the	loss,	corruption,	or	release	of	data.	

In	 the	 ordinary	 course	 of	 business,	 we	 collect,	 use	 and	 store	 sensitive	 data,	 including	 intellectual	 property,	 proprietary	

information,	 business	 information,	 and	 personal	 information.	 Despite	 our	 security	 measures,	 our	 technology	 systems	 and	

services	may	be	vulnerable	to	attacks	(such	as	by	hackers,	cyberterrorists	or	other	third	parties)	or	to	disruptions	from	staff	or	

third-party	error	or	malfeasance,	or	natural	disasters	and	acts	of	state	or	industrial	espionage,	activism,	terrorism,	or	war.	These	

risks	 also	 include,	 but	 are	 not	 limited	 to,	 cyber-related	 fraud	 or	 attacks	 such	 as	 attempts	 to	 circumvent	 electronic	

communications	 controls,	 impersonating	 internal	 personnel	 or	 business	 partners	 to	 divert	 payments	 and	 financial	 assets	 to	

accounts	controlled	by	the	perpetrators,	or	introducing	ransomware	into	one	or	more	systems	or	services	to	extract	a	payment,	

among	others.

Any	 such	 incident,	 breach,	 or	 disruption	 of	 our	 or	 our	 service	 providers’	 technology	 systems	 or	 services,	 or	 other	 vendor	

technology	 systems	 or	 services	 (including	 where	 a	 threat	 actor	 is	 successful	 in	 bypassing	 our	 cyber-security	 measures	 and	

business	process	controls),	could	result	in	loss	or	the	exposure	of	internal,	confidential,	financial,	proprietary,	personal	or	other	

sensitive	information.	These	could	result	in	financial	losses,	remediation	and	recovery	costs,	legal	claims	or	proceedings,	liability	

under	laws	that	protect	the	privacy	of	personal	information,	regulatory	penalties,	operational	disruption,	site	shut-down,	leaks	

or	 other	 negative	 consequences,	 including	 damage	 to	 our	 reputation,	 which	 could	 have	 a	 material	 adverse	 effect	 on	 our	

business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.

Data	protection	and	privacy	is	governed	by	a	complex	legal	and	regulatory	framework	that	is	rapidly	evolving	in	the	areas	in	

which	we	operate.	We	must	comply	with	increasingly	complex	and	rigorous,	and	sometimes	conflicting,	regulatory	standards	

enacted	 to	 protect	 business	 and	 personal	 information	 in	 Canada,	 the	 United	 States,	 and	 elsewhere.	 These	 laws	 impose	

additional	obligations	on	companies	regarding	the	handling	of	personal	information	and	provide	certain	individual	privacy	rights	

to	 persons	 whose	 information	 is	 collected,	 used,	 stored,	 processed	 or	 disclosed.	 Compliance	 with	 existing,	 proposed	 and	

recently	 enacted	 laws	 and	 regulations	 can	 be	 costly	 and	 time	 consuming,	 and	 any	 failure	 to	 comply	 with	 these	 regulatory	

standards	could	subject	us	to	legal	and	reputational	risks.	Misuse	of	or	failure	to	secure	personal	information	could	also	result	in	

violation	of	data	privacy	laws	and	regulations,	proceedings	against	the	Company	by	governmental	entities	or	others,	imposition	

of	fines	by	governmental	authorities	and	damage	to	our	reputation	and	credibility	and	could	have	a	negative	impact	on	financial	

condition.	Compliance	with	such	legislation	may	also	result	in	increased	operating	costs.	Failure	to	comply	with	such	legislation	

may	result	in	severe	fines	and	penalties,	which	may	adversely	impact	our	reputation,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	

and	cash	flows.

Security	and	Terrorist	Threats

Security	threats	and	terrorist	or	activist	activities	may	impact	our	personnel,	or	those	of	partners,	customers,	and	suppliers,	and	

could	 result	 in	 situations	 of	 injury,	 loss	 of	 life,	 extortion,	 hostage	 situations	 and/or	 kidnapping	 or	 unlawful	 confinement,	

destruction	 or	 damage	 to	 property	 of	 Cenovus	 or	 others,	 impact	 to	 the	 environment,	 and	 business	 interruption.	 A	 security	

threat,	terrorist	attack	or	activist	incident	targeted	at	a	facility,	terminal,	pipeline,	rail	or	trucking	network,	office	or	offshore	

vessel/installation	 owned	 or	 operated	 by	 Cenovus	 or	 any	 of	 our	 systems,	 services,	 infrastructure,	 market	 access	 routes,	 or	

partnerships	could	result	in	the	interruption	or	cessation	of	key	elements	of	our	operations.	Outcomes	of	such	incidents	could	

have	a	material	adverse	effect	on	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.	

Activism	and	Disruptions	to	Operations

Increasing	 public	 engagement	 and	 activism	 generally,	 and	 in	 connection	 with	 the	 energy	 industry	 and	 the	 continued	

development	of	fossil	fuel-based	energy,	has,	from	time	to	time,	resulted	in	temporary	disruptions	to	oil	and	gas	development,	

operations	and	transportation.	Such	opposition	has	not	yet	materially	impacted	our	facilities	directly;	however,	activist	groups	

and	individuals	may	engage	in	protests,	demonstrations	or	blockades	that	may	disrupt	our	facilities	or	operations,	or	to	facilities	

or	 operations	 on	 which	 we	 rely.	 Any	 such	 disruptions	 may	 have	 an	 adverse	 impact	 on	 our	 business,	 operations,	 financial	

condition	or	reputation.

While	we	have	systems,	policies	and	procedures	designed	to	prevent	or	limit	the	effects	of	such	disruptive	events,	there	can	be	

no	assurance	that	these	measures	will	be	sufficient	and	that	such	disruptions	will	not	occur	or,	if	they	do	occur,	that	they	will	be	

adequately	addressed	in	a	timely	manner.

Continued	inflation,	any	governmental	response	thereto,	our	inability	to	manage	costs,	or	our	inability	to	secure	equipment,	

materials,	 skilled	 labour	 or	 third-party	 services	 necessary	 to	 our	 business	 activities	 for	 the	 expected	 price,	 on	 the	 expected	

timeline,	or	at	all,	could	have	a	material	adverse	effect	on	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.

The	Canadian	and	international	energy	industry	is	highly	competitive	in	all	aspects,	including	accessing	capital,	the	exploration	

for,	and	the	development	of,	new	and	existing	sources	of	supply,	the	acquisition	of	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	interests	and	the	

refining,	distribution	and	marketing	of	oil	and	gas	products.	We	compete	with	other	producers,	refiners	and	marketers,	some	of	

which	may	have	lower	operating	costs	or	greater	resources	than	our	Company	does.	Competitors	may	develop	and	implement	

technologies	which	are	superior	to	those	we	employ.	The	oil	and	gas	industry	also	competes	with	other	industries	in	supplying	

energy,	fuel	and	related	products	to	consumers,	including	renewable	energy	sources	which	may	become	more	prevalent	in	the	

future.	Cenovus	may	not	be	able	to	compete	successfully	against	current	and	future	competitors,	and	competitive	pressures	on	

Cenovus	could	have	a	material	adverse	effect	on	our	business,	reputation,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	

Competition

flows.

Project	Execution

We	manage	a	variety	of	oil,	natural	gas	and	refining	projects	across	our	global	portfolio	of	assets,	including	the	current	rebuild	

of	 our	 Superior	 Refinery	 and	 the	 restart	 of	 the	 West	 White	 Rose	 Project.	 The	 wide	 range	 of	 risks	 associated	 with	 project	

development	and	execution,	as	well	as	the	commissioning	and	integration	of	new	facilities	with	existing	assets,	can	impact	the	

economic	viability	of	our	projects.	These	risks	include,	but	are	not	limited	to:	our	ability	to	obtain	the	necessary	environmental	

and	 regulatory	 approvals;	 our	 ability	 to	 obtain	 favourable	 terms	 or	 to	 be	 granted	 access	 within	 land-use	 agreements;	 risks	

relating	to	schedule,	resources	and	costs,	including	the	availability	and	cost	of	materials,	equipment	and	qualified	personnel;	

the	impact	of	supply	chain	disruptions;	the	impact	of	general	economic,	business	and	market	conditions	including	inflationary	

pressures;	the	impact	of	weather	conditions;	risk	related	to	the	accuracy	of	project	cost	estimates;	our	ability	to	finance	capital	

expenditures	and	expenses;	our	ability	to	source	or	complete	strategic	transactions;	the	effect	of	the	COVID-19	pandemic	on	

project	execution	and	timelines;	and	the	effect	of	changing	government	regulation	and	public	expectations	in	relation	to	the	

impacts	of	oil	and	gas	operations	on	the	environment.	The	commissioning	and	integration	of	new	facilities	within	our	existing	

asset	base	could	cause	delays	in	achieving	performance	targets	and	objectives.	Failure	to	manage	these	risks	could	affect	our	

safety	and	environmental	record	and	have	a	material	adverse	effect	on	our	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	

flows	and	reputation.

Partner	Risks

Some	of	our	assets	are	not	operated	or	controlled	by	us	or	are	held	in	partnership	with	others,	including	through	joint	ventures.	

Therefore,	our	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows	may	be	affected	by	the	actions	of	third-party	operators	or	partners	in	areas	

where	 our	 ability	 to	 control	 and	 manage	 risks	 may	 be	 reduced.	 We	 rely	 on	 the	 judgment	 and	 operating	 expertise	 of	 our	

partners	in	respect	of	the	development	and	operation	of	such	assets	and	to	provide	information	on	the	status	of	such	assets	

and	 related	 results	 of	 operations;	 however,	 we	 are,	 at	 times,	 dependent	 upon	 our	 partners	 for	 the	 successful	 execution	 of	

various	projects,	their	management	of	operational	issues	and	their	reporting.

Our	partners	may	have	objectives	and	interests	that	do	not	align	with	or	may	conflict	with	our	interests.	No	assurance	can	be	

provided	that	our	future	demands	or	expectations	relating	to	such	assets	will	be	satisfactorily	met	in	a	timely	manner	or	at	all.	If	

a	dispute	with	a	partner	or	partners	were	to	occur	over	the	development	and	operation	of	a	project	or	if	a	partner	or	partners	

were	unable	to	fund	their	contractual	share	of	the	capital	expenditures,	a	project	could	be	delayed,	and	we	could	be	partially	or	

totally	liable	for	our	partner’s	share	of	the	project.	Should	one	of	our	partners	become	insolvent,	we	may	similarly	be	directed	

by	 applicable	 regulators	 to	 carry	 out	 obligations	 on	 behalf	 of	 our	 partner	 and	 may	 not	 be	 able	 to	 obtain	 reimbursement	 for	

these	 costs.	 Failure	 to	 manage	 these	 partner	 risks	 could	 have	 a	 material	 adverse	 effect	 on	 our	 business,	 financial	 condition,	

results	of	operations,	reputation,	and	cash	flows.

SAGD	Technology

Current	 technologies	 used	 for	 the	 recovery	 of	 bitumen	 is	 energy	 intensive,	 including	 SAGD	 which	 requires	 significant	

consumption	 of	 natural	 gas	 in	 the	 production	 of	 steam	 used	 in	 the	 recovery	 process.	 The	 amount	 of	 steam	 required	 in	 the	

recovery	 process	 varies	 and	 therefore	 impacts	 costs.	 The	 performance	 of	 the	 reservoir	 affects	 the	 timing	 and	 levels	 of	

production	using	SAGD	technology.	A	large	increase	in	recovery	costs	could	cause	certain	projects	that	rely	on	SAGD	technology	

to	 become	 uneconomical,	 which	 could	 have	 a	 negative	 effect	 on	 our	 business,	 financial	 condition,	 results	 of	 operations,	 and	

cash	flows.	There	are	risks	associated	with	growth	and	other	capital	projects	that	rely	largely	or	partly	on	new	technologies,	the	

incorporation	 of	 such	 technologies	 into	 new	 or	 existing	 operations,	 and	 acceptance	 of	 new	 technologies	 in	 the	 market.	 The	

success	of	projects	incorporating	new	technologies	cannot	be	assured.

Technology,	Information	Systems	and	Data	Privacy

We	rely	heavily	on	technology,	including	operating	technology	and	information	technology,	to	effectively	operate	our	business.	
This	may	include	on	premise	systems	(such	as	networks,	computer	hardware	and	software),	networks	and	telecommunications	
systems,	 mobile	 applications,	 cloud	 services	 and	 other	 technology	 systems	 and	 services.	 Such	 systems	 and	 services	 may	 be	
provided	 by	 third	 parties.	 In	 the	 event	 we	 are	 unable	 to	 access,	 use,	 rely	 upon,	 secure,	 upgrade,	 and	 take	 other	 steps	 to	
maintain	 or	 improve	 the	 efficiency,	 resiliency	 and	 efficacy	 of	 such	 systems	 and	 services,	 the	 operation	 of	 such	 systems	 and	
services	could	be	interrupted,	resulting	in	operational	interruptions	or	the	loss,	corruption,	or	release	of	data.	

In	 the	 ordinary	 course	 of	 business,	 we	 collect,	 use	 and	 store	 sensitive	 data,	 including	 intellectual	 property,	 proprietary	
information,	 business	 information,	 and	 personal	 information.	 Despite	 our	 security	 measures,	 our	 technology	 systems	 and	
services	may	be	vulnerable	to	attacks	(such	as	by	hackers,	cyberterrorists	or	other	third	parties)	or	to	disruptions	from	staff	or	
third-party	error	or	malfeasance,	or	natural	disasters	and	acts	of	state	or	industrial	espionage,	activism,	terrorism,	or	war.	These	
risks	 also	 include,	 but	 are	 not	 limited	 to,	 cyber-related	 fraud	 or	 attacks	 such	 as	 attempts	 to	 circumvent	 electronic	
communications	 controls,	 impersonating	 internal	 personnel	 or	 business	 partners	 to	 divert	 payments	 and	 financial	 assets	 to	
accounts	controlled	by	the	perpetrators,	or	introducing	ransomware	into	one	or	more	systems	or	services	to	extract	a	payment,	
among	others.

Any	 such	 incident,	 breach,	 or	 disruption	 of	 our	 or	 our	 service	 providers’	 technology	 systems	 or	 services,	 or	 other	 vendor	
technology	 systems	 or	 services	 (including	 where	 a	 threat	 actor	 is	 successful	 in	 bypassing	 our	 cyber-security	 measures	 and	
business	process	controls),	could	result	in	loss	or	the	exposure	of	internal,	confidential,	financial,	proprietary,	personal	or	other	
sensitive	information.	These	could	result	in	financial	losses,	remediation	and	recovery	costs,	legal	claims	or	proceedings,	liability	
under	laws	that	protect	the	privacy	of	personal	information,	regulatory	penalties,	operational	disruption,	site	shut-down,	leaks	
or	 other	 negative	 consequences,	 including	 damage	 to	 our	 reputation,	 which	 could	 have	 a	 material	 adverse	 effect	 on	 our	
business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.

Data	protection	and	privacy	is	governed	by	a	complex	legal	and	regulatory	framework	that	is	rapidly	evolving	in	the	areas	in	
which	we	operate.	We	must	comply	with	increasingly	complex	and	rigorous,	and	sometimes	conflicting,	regulatory	standards	
enacted	 to	 protect	 business	 and	 personal	 information	 in	 Canada,	 the	 United	 States,	 and	 elsewhere.	 These	 laws	 impose	
additional	obligations	on	companies	regarding	the	handling	of	personal	information	and	provide	certain	individual	privacy	rights	
to	 persons	 whose	 information	 is	 collected,	 used,	 stored,	 processed	 or	 disclosed.	 Compliance	 with	 existing,	 proposed	 and	
recently	 enacted	 laws	 and	 regulations	 can	 be	 costly	 and	 time	 consuming,	 and	 any	 failure	 to	 comply	 with	 these	 regulatory	
standards	could	subject	us	to	legal	and	reputational	risks.	Misuse	of	or	failure	to	secure	personal	information	could	also	result	in	
violation	of	data	privacy	laws	and	regulations,	proceedings	against	the	Company	by	governmental	entities	or	others,	imposition	
of	fines	by	governmental	authorities	and	damage	to	our	reputation	and	credibility	and	could	have	a	negative	impact	on	financial	
condition.	Compliance	with	such	legislation	may	also	result	in	increased	operating	costs.	Failure	to	comply	with	such	legislation	
may	result	in	severe	fines	and	penalties,	which	may	adversely	impact	our	reputation,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	
and	cash	flows.

Security	and	Terrorist	Threats

Security	threats	and	terrorist	or	activist	activities	may	impact	our	personnel,	or	those	of	partners,	customers,	and	suppliers,	and	
could	 result	 in	 situations	 of	 injury,	 loss	 of	 life,	 extortion,	 hostage	 situations	 and/or	 kidnapping	 or	 unlawful	 confinement,	
destruction	 or	 damage	 to	 property	 of	 Cenovus	 or	 others,	 impact	 to	 the	 environment,	 and	 business	 interruption.	 A	 security	
threat,	terrorist	attack	or	activist	incident	targeted	at	a	facility,	terminal,	pipeline,	rail	or	trucking	network,	office	or	offshore	
vessel/installation	 owned	 or	 operated	 by	 Cenovus	 or	 any	 of	 our	 systems,	 services,	 infrastructure,	 market	 access	 routes,	 or	
partnerships	could	result	in	the	interruption	or	cessation	of	key	elements	of	our	operations.	Outcomes	of	such	incidents	could	
have	a	material	adverse	effect	on	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.	

Activism	and	Disruptions	to	Operations

Increasing	 public	 engagement	 and	 activism	 generally,	 and	 in	 connection	 with	 the	 energy	 industry	 and	 the	 continued	
development	of	fossil	fuel-based	energy,	has,	from	time	to	time,	resulted	in	temporary	disruptions	to	oil	and	gas	development,	
operations	and	transportation.	Such	opposition	has	not	yet	materially	impacted	our	facilities	directly;	however,	activist	groups	
and	individuals	may	engage	in	protests,	demonstrations	or	blockades	that	may	disrupt	our	facilities	or	operations,	or	to	facilities	
or	 operations	 on	 which	 we	 rely.	 Any	 such	 disruptions	 may	 have	 an	 adverse	 impact	 on	 our	 business,	 operations,	 financial	
condition	or	reputation.

While	we	have	systems,	policies	and	procedures	designed	to	prevent	or	limit	the	effects	of	such	disruptive	events,	there	can	be	
no	assurance	that	these	measures	will	be	sufficient	and	that	such	disruptions	will	not	occur	or,	if	they	do	occur,	that	they	will	be	
adequately	addressed	in	a	timely	manner.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   59

Leadership	and	Talent

Regulatory	Risk

Our	success	is	dependent	upon	our	Management,	our	leadership	capabilities	and	the	quality	and	competency	of	our	workforce.	
If	we	are	unable	to	attract	and	retain	key	personnel	and	critical	and	diverse	talent	with	the	necessary	leadership,	professional	
and	technical	competencies,	it	could	have	a	material	adverse	effect	on	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations,	
and	our	ability	to	meet	our	leadership	related	ESG	targets.	

Litigation	and	Claims

From	time	to	time,	we	may	be	involved	in	demands,	disputes,	proceedings,	arbitrations	and/or	litigation	(“Claims”)	arising	out	
of	or	related	to	our	operations	and	other	contractual	relationships.	Claims	may	be	material.	Due	to	the	nature	of	our	operations	
we	 may	 be	 involved	 with	 various	 types	 of	 Claims	 including,	 but	 not	 limited	 to,	 failure	 to	 comply	 with	 applicable	 laws	 and	
regulations	including	potential	claims	that	we	have	violated	laws	related	to	discrimination	and	harassment,	health	and	safety,	
the	 environment,	 breach	 of	 contract,	 negligence,	 product	 liability,	 antitrust,	 bribery	 and	 other	 forms	 of	 corruption,	 tax,	
securities	 class	 actions,	 derivative	 actions,	 patent	 infringement,	 privacy,	 employment,	 labour	 relations,	 personal	 injury	 and	
other	Claims.	We	may	be	required	to	incur	substantial	expenses	or	devote	significant	resources	in	respect	of	any	such	Claims,	
which	 could	 result	 in	 unfavourable	 judgments,	 decisions,	 fines,	 sanctions,	 monetary	 damages,	 temporary	 or	 permanent	
suspensions	 of	 operations,	 or	 the	 inability	 to	 engage	 in	 certain	 transactions.	 The	 outcome	 of	 such	 claims	 can	 be	 difficult	 to	
assess	 or	 quantify	 and	 may	 have	 a	 material	 adverse	 effect	 on	 our	 business,	 reputation,	 financial	 condition	 and	 results	 of	
operations	and	cash	flows.	In	addition,	we	may	be	subject	to	or	impacted	by	climate	change	related	litigation,	including	class	
actions.	See	“Climate	Change	Related	Litigation”	below.

Indigenous	Land	and	Rights	Claims	

Opposition	by	Indigenous	people	to	our	Company,	our	operations,	development	or	exploration	in	the	jurisdictions	in	which	we	
conduct	 business	 may	 adversely	 impact	 us.	 Such	 impacts	 include	 impacts	 to	 our	 reputation,	 relationship	 with	 host	
governments,	local	communities	and	other	Indigenous	communities,	diversion	of	Management’s	time	and	resources,	increased	
legal,	 regulatory	 and	 other	 advisory	 expenses,	 and	 could	 adversely	 impact	 our	 progress	 and	 ability	 to	 explore,	 develop	 and	
continue	to	operate	properties.

Some	Indigenous	groups	have	established	or	asserted	Indigenous	rights	and	may	have	treaty	rights	to	portions	of	Canada.	There	
are	outstanding	Indigenous	and	treaty	rights	claims,	which	may	include	land	title	claims,	on	lands	where	we	operate,	and	such	
claims,	if	successful,	could	have	a	material	adverse	impact	on	our	operations	or	pace	of	growth.	No	certainty	exists	that	any	
lands	currently	unaffected	by	claims	brought	by	Indigenous	groups	will	remain	unaffected	by	future	claims.	Some	Indigenous	
groups	have	also	brought	private	nuisance	claims	against	project	operators	for	infringement	of	Indigenous	rights.	Such	claims,	if	
successful,	could	adversely	affect	our	business,	results	of	operations,	financial	condition	or	reputation.

The	Canadian	federal	and	provincial	governments	have	a	duty	to	consult	with	Indigenous	people	when	contemplating	actions	
that	 may	 adversely	 affect	 the	 asserted	 or	 proven	 Indigenous	 rights	 or	 affect	 treaty	 rights	 and,	 in	 certain	 circumstances,	
accommodate	 their	 interests.	 The	 scope	 of	 the	 duty	 to	 consult	 by	 federal	 and	 provincial	 governments	 varies	 with	 the	
circumstances	and	is	often	the	subject	of	ongoing	litigation.	The	fulfillment	of	the	duty	to	consult	Indigenous	people	and	any	
associated	accommodations	may	adversely	affect	our	ability	to,	or	increase	the	timeline	to,	obtain	or	renew,	permits,	leases,	
licences	and	other	approvals,	or	to	meet	the	terms	and	conditions	of	those	approvals.	

In	addition,	the	Canadian	federal	government	passed	legislation	which	requires	it	to	take	all	necessary	measures	to	implement	
the	 United	 Nations	 Declaration	 on	 the	 Rights	 of	 Indigenous	 Peoples	 (“UNDRIP”).	 Other	 Canadian	 jurisdictions	 have	 also	
introduced	 or	 passed	 similar	 legislation,	 or	 begun	 considering	 the	 principles	 and	 objectives	 of	 UNDRIP,	 or	 may	 do	 so	 in	 the	
future.	The	means	and	timelines	associated	with	UNDRIP’s	implementation	by	government	is	ongoing	and	uncertain;	additional	
processes	have	been	and	are	expected	to	continue	to	be	created	or	legislation	amended	or	introduced	associated	with	project	
development	 and	 operations,	 further	 increasing	 uncertainty	 with	 respect	 to	 project	 regulatory	 approval	 timelines	 and	
requirements.

Governmental	Risk

Shifts	in	government	policy	by	existing	administrations	or	following	changes	in	government	in	jurisdictions	in	which	we	operate	
or	elsewhere	can	impact	 our	 operations	 and	ability	 to	grow	 our	 business.	 Restrictions	on	fossil	 fuel-based	 energy	 use,	cross-
border	economic	activity,	and	development	of	new	infrastructure	can	impact	our	opportunities	for	continued	growth.	We	are	
committed	to	working	with	all	levels	of	government	in	the	jurisdictions	in	which	we	operate	to	ensure	we	remain	competitive	
and	risks	are	understood,	and	mitigation	strategies	are	implemented;	however,	we	cannot	guarantee	the	outcomes	of	changes	
in	government	policy	which	may	adversely	affect	our	business,	results	of	operations,	financial	condition	or	reputation.

60   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

The	 oil	 and	 gas	 industry	 and	 refining	 industry	 in	 general	 and	 our	 operations	 in	 particular	 are	 subject	 to	 regulation	 and	

intervention	 under	 international,	 federal,	 provincial,	 territorial,	 state,	 regional	 and	 municipal	 legislation	 in	 the	 countries	 in	

which	 we	 conduct	 operations,	 development	 or	 exploration	 in	 matters	 such	 as,	 but	 not	 limited	 to:	 land	 tenure;	 permitting	 of	

production	 projects;	 royalties;	 taxes	 (including	 income	 taxes);	 government	 fees;	 production	 rates;	 environmental	 protection;	

protection	 of	certain	 species	or	lands;	cumulative	effects	 and/or	impacts	 from	all	 types	of	industrial	development;	provincial	

and	federal	land	and	water	use	designations	or	management	plans;	the	reduction	of	GHG	and	other	emissions;	the	export	of	

crude	 oil,	 natural	 gas	 and	 other	 products;	 the	 transportation	 of	 crude-by-rail,	 pipeline	 or	 marine	 transport;	 generation,	

handling,	storage,	transportation,	treatment	and	disposal	of	hazardous	substance;	the	awarding	or	acquisition	of	exploration,	

development	and	production	rights,	oil	sands	or	other	interests;	the	imposition	of	specific	drilling	obligations;	control	over	the	

development,	 abandonment	 and	 reclamation	 of	 fields	 (including	 restrictions	 on	 production)	 and/or	 facilities;	 and	 possibly	

expropriation	or	cancellation	of	contract	rights.	The	petroleum	refining	sector	in	the	U.S.	has	been	and	continues	to	be	subject	

to	intensive	environmental	regulations,	oversight,	and	enforcement	from	both	federal	and	state	governments.	Third-party	non-

governmental	organizations	(“NGOs”)	and	citizen	groups	can	also	directly	influence	environmental	regulations	and	have	been	

active	against	the	U.S.	refinery	sector	for	many	years.	Any	changes	to	the	regulatory	regime,	including	the	implementation	of	

new	 regulations	 or	 the	 modification	 or	 changed	 interpretation	 of	 existing	 regulations	 could	 impact	 our	 existing	 and	 planned	

projects	 requiring	 increased	 capital	 investment,	 operating	 expenses	 or	 compliance	 costs,	 which	 could	 adversely	 impact	 our	

financial	condition,	results	of	operations,	cash	flows	and	reputation.	To	mitigate	these	risks,	we	have	regulatory	programs	that	

cover	stakeholder	engagement,	air	emissions,	water	quantity	and	quality,	deep	disposal	well	operations,	solid	and	hazardous	

waste	management,	spills,	and	legacy	contamination	issues.

Regulatory	Approvals

Our	operations	require	us	to	obtain	approvals	from	various	regulatory	authorities	and	there	are	no	guarantees	that	we	will	be	

able	 to	 obtain	 and	 maintain,	 or	 obtain	 and	 maintain	 on	 acceptable	 conditions,	 all	 necessary	 licenses,	 permits	 and	 other	

approvals	 that	 may	 be	 required	 to	 carry	 out	 certain	 exploration,	 development	 and	 operating	 activities	 on	 our	 properties.	 In	

addition,	 obtaining	 certain	 approvals	 from	 regulatory	 authorities	 can	 involve,	 among	 other	 things,	 stakeholder	 consultation,	

Indigenous	 consultation,	 consensus	 seeking	 and	 collaboration,	 environmental	 impact	 assessments	 and	 public	 hearings.	

Regulatory	 approvals	 obtained	 may	 be	 subject	 to	 the	 satisfaction	 of	 certain	 conditions	 including,	 but	 not	 limited	 to:	 security	

deposit	obligations;	ongoing	regulatory	oversight	of	projects;	mitigating	or	avoiding	project	impacts;	environmental	and	habitat	

assessments;	and	other	commitments	or	obligations.	Failure	to	obtain	applicable	regulatory	approvals	or	satisfy	any	conditions	

on	 a	 timely	 basis	 or	 satisfactory	 terms	 could	 result	 in	 increased	 costs,	 project	 delays,	 abandonment	 and/or	 restructuring	 of	

projects.	

Abandonment	and	Reclamation	Cost	Risk	

We	 are	 subject	 to	 oil	 and	 gas	 asset	 abandonment,	 remediation	 and	 reclamation	 (“A&R”)	 liabilities	 for	 our	 operations,	

development	and	exploration,	 including	those	 imposed	by	 regulation	under	federal,	provincial,	 territorial,	state,	regional	and	

municipal	legislation	in	the	jurisdictions	in	which	we	conduct	operations,	development	or	exploration.

We	 maintain	 estimates	 of	 our	 A&R	 liabilities;	 however,	 it	 is	 possible	 that	 these	 costs	 may	 change	 materially	 before	

decommissioning	due	to	regulatory	changes,	technological	changes,	ecological	risks,	acceleration	of	decommissioning	timelines,	

and	inflation,	among	other	variables.	For	our	Atlantic	Canada	offshore	operations,	the	present	value	cost	for	decommissioning	

and	abandonment	of	the	offshore	wells	and	facilities	is	estimated	based	on	known	regulations,	procedures	and	costs	today	for	

undertaking	the	decommissioning,	the	majority	of	which	is	projected	to	be	incurred	in	the	late	2030s.

In	Alberta	and	Saskatchewan,	the	A&R	liability	regimes	include	orphan	well	funds	that	are	funded	through	a	levy	imposed	on	

licensees,	 including	 Cenovus,	 based	 on	 the	 licensees'	 proportionate	 share	 of	 deemed	 A&R	 liabilities	 for	 oil	 and	 gas	 facilities,	

wells	and	unreclaimed	sites.	The	aggregate	value	of	the	A&R	liabilities	assumed	has	increased	in	recent	years	and	will	remain	at	

elevated	levels	until	a	significant	number	of	orphaned	wells	are	decommissioned	utilizing	the	orphan	funds.	The	Alberta	and	

Saskatchewan	regulators	may	seek	additional	funding	for	such	liabilities	from	industry	participants,	including	Cenovus.

The	AER	has	discretion	in	the	consideration	of	licence	eligibility,	transfer	applications	and	the	requirement	to	post	security	or	

carry	out	A&R	work.	Permit	holders	that	are	considered	high	risk	and/or	have	relatively	high	levels	of	A&R	obligations	within	

their	asset	bases	may	be	negatively	impacted,	including	our	potential	counterparties.	This	may	result	in	future	insolvencies	and	

additional	 orphaned	 assets.	 In	 addition,	 this	 may	 impact	 our	 ability	 to	 transfer	 our	 licences,	 approvals	 or	 permits,	 and	 may	

result	in	increased	costs	and	delays	or	require	changes	to	our	abandonment	of	projects	and	transactions.

We	 have	 an	 ongoing	 environmental	 monitoring	 program	 of	 owned	 and	 leased	 retail	 locations,	 and	 former	 owned	 or	 leased	

retail	 locations	 where	 we	 have	 retained	 environmental	 liability,	 and	 perform	 remediation	 where	 required	 to	 comply	 with	

contractual	and	legal	obligations.	The	costs	of	such	remediation	depend	on	a	number	of	uncertain	factors	such	as	the	extent	

and	type	of	remediation	required.	Due	to	uncertainties	inherent	in	the	estimation	process,	it	is	possible	that	existing	estimates	

may	need	to	be	revised	and	that	conditions	may	exist	at	various	retail	locations	that	require	future	expenditures.	Such	future	

costs	may	not	be	determinable	due	to	the	unknown	timing	and	extent	of	corrective	actions	that	may	be	required.

Leadership	and	Talent

Regulatory	Risk

Our	success	is	dependent	upon	our	Management,	our	leadership	capabilities	and	the	quality	and	competency	of	our	workforce.	

If	we	are	unable	to	attract	and	retain	key	personnel	and	critical	and	diverse	talent	with	the	necessary	leadership,	professional	

and	technical	competencies,	it	could	have	a	material	adverse	effect	on	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations,	

and	our	ability	to	meet	our	leadership	related	ESG	targets.	

Litigation	and	Claims

From	time	to	time,	we	may	be	involved	in	demands,	disputes,	proceedings,	arbitrations	and/or	litigation	(“Claims”)	arising	out	

of	or	related	to	our	operations	and	other	contractual	relationships.	Claims	may	be	material.	Due	to	the	nature	of	our	operations	

we	 may	 be	 involved	 with	 various	 types	 of	 Claims	 including,	 but	 not	 limited	 to,	 failure	 to	 comply	 with	 applicable	 laws	 and	

regulations	including	potential	claims	that	we	have	violated	laws	related	to	discrimination	and	harassment,	health	and	safety,	

the	 environment,	 breach	 of	 contract,	 negligence,	 product	 liability,	 antitrust,	 bribery	 and	 other	 forms	 of	 corruption,	 tax,	

securities	 class	 actions,	 derivative	 actions,	 patent	 infringement,	 privacy,	 employment,	 labour	 relations,	 personal	 injury	 and	

other	Claims.	We	may	be	required	to	incur	substantial	expenses	or	devote	significant	resources	in	respect	of	any	such	Claims,	

which	 could	 result	 in	 unfavourable	 judgments,	 decisions,	 fines,	 sanctions,	 monetary	 damages,	 temporary	 or	 permanent	

suspensions	 of	 operations,	 or	 the	 inability	 to	 engage	 in	 certain	 transactions.	 The	 outcome	 of	 such	 claims	 can	 be	 difficult	 to	

assess	 or	 quantify	 and	 may	 have	 a	 material	 adverse	 effect	 on	 our	 business,	 reputation,	 financial	 condition	 and	 results	 of	

operations	and	cash	flows.	In	addition,	we	may	be	subject	to	or	impacted	by	climate	change	related	litigation,	including	class	

actions.	See	“Climate	Change	Related	Litigation”	below.

Indigenous	Land	and	Rights	Claims	

Opposition	by	Indigenous	people	to	our	Company,	our	operations,	development	or	exploration	in	the	jurisdictions	in	which	we	

conduct	 business	 may	 adversely	 impact	 us.	 Such	 impacts	 include	 impacts	 to	 our	 reputation,	 relationship	 with	 host	

governments,	local	communities	and	other	Indigenous	communities,	diversion	of	Management’s	time	and	resources,	increased	

legal,	 regulatory	 and	 other	 advisory	 expenses,	 and	 could	 adversely	 impact	 our	 progress	 and	 ability	 to	 explore,	 develop	 and	

continue	to	operate	properties.

Some	Indigenous	groups	have	established	or	asserted	Indigenous	rights	and	may	have	treaty	rights	to	portions	of	Canada.	There	

are	outstanding	Indigenous	and	treaty	rights	claims,	which	may	include	land	title	claims,	on	lands	where	we	operate,	and	such	

claims,	if	successful,	could	have	a	material	adverse	impact	on	our	operations	or	pace	of	growth.	No	certainty	exists	that	any	

lands	currently	unaffected	by	claims	brought	by	Indigenous	groups	will	remain	unaffected	by	future	claims.	Some	Indigenous	

groups	have	also	brought	private	nuisance	claims	against	project	operators	for	infringement	of	Indigenous	rights.	Such	claims,	if	

successful,	could	adversely	affect	our	business,	results	of	operations,	financial	condition	or	reputation.

The	Canadian	federal	and	provincial	governments	have	a	duty	to	consult	with	Indigenous	people	when	contemplating	actions	

that	 may	 adversely	 affect	 the	 asserted	 or	 proven	 Indigenous	 rights	 or	 affect	 treaty	 rights	 and,	 in	 certain	 circumstances,	

accommodate	 their	 interests.	 The	 scope	 of	 the	 duty	 to	 consult	 by	 federal	 and	 provincial	 governments	 varies	 with	 the	

circumstances	and	is	often	the	subject	of	ongoing	litigation.	The	fulfillment	of	the	duty	to	consult	Indigenous	people	and	any	

associated	accommodations	may	adversely	affect	our	ability	to,	or	increase	the	timeline	to,	obtain	or	renew,	permits,	leases,	

licences	and	other	approvals,	or	to	meet	the	terms	and	conditions	of	those	approvals.	

In	addition,	the	Canadian	federal	government	passed	legislation	which	requires	it	to	take	all	necessary	measures	to	implement	

the	 United	 Nations	 Declaration	 on	 the	 Rights	 of	 Indigenous	 Peoples	 (“UNDRIP”).	 Other	 Canadian	 jurisdictions	 have	 also	

introduced	 or	 passed	 similar	 legislation,	 or	 begun	 considering	 the	 principles	 and	 objectives	 of	 UNDRIP,	 or	 may	 do	 so	 in	 the	

future.	The	means	and	timelines	associated	with	UNDRIP’s	implementation	by	government	is	ongoing	and	uncertain;	additional	

processes	have	been	and	are	expected	to	continue	to	be	created	or	legislation	amended	or	introduced	associated	with	project	

development	 and	 operations,	 further	 increasing	 uncertainty	 with	 respect	 to	 project	 regulatory	 approval	 timelines	 and	

requirements.

Governmental	Risk

Shifts	in	government	policy	by	existing	administrations	or	following	changes	in	government	in	jurisdictions	in	which	we	operate	

or	elsewhere	 can	impact	 our	 operations	 and	ability	 to	grow	 our	 business.	 Restrictions	on	fossil	 fuel-based	 energy	 use,	cross-

border	economic	activity,	and	development	of	new	infrastructure	can	impact	our	opportunities	for	continued	growth.	We	are	

committed	to	working	with	all	levels	of	government	in	the	jurisdictions	in	which	we	operate	to	ensure	we	remain	competitive	

and	risks	are	understood,	and	mitigation	strategies	are	implemented;	however,	we	cannot	guarantee	the	outcomes	of	changes	

in	government	policy	which	may	adversely	affect	our	business,	results	of	operations,	financial	condition	or	reputation.

The	 oil	 and	 gas	 industry	 and	 refining	 industry	 in	 general	 and	 our	 operations	 in	 particular	 are	 subject	 to	 regulation	 and	
intervention	 under	 international,	 federal,	 provincial,	 territorial,	 state,	 regional	 and	 municipal	 legislation	 in	 the	 countries	 in	
which	 we	 conduct	 operations,	 development	 or	 exploration	 in	 matters	 such	 as,	 but	 not	 limited	 to:	 land	 tenure;	 permitting	 of	
production	 projects;	 royalties;	 taxes	 (including	 income	 taxes);	 government	 fees;	 production	 rates;	 environmental	 protection;	
protection	of	certain	species	 or	lands;	 cumulative	effects	 and/or	 impacts	 from	 all	 types	of	 industrial	development;	 provincial	
and	federal	land	and	water	use	designations	or	management	plans;	the	reduction	of	GHG	and	other	emissions;	the	export	of	
crude	 oil,	 natural	 gas	 and	 other	 products;	 the	 transportation	 of	 crude-by-rail,	 pipeline	 or	 marine	 transport;	 generation,	
handling,	storage,	transportation,	treatment	and	disposal	of	hazardous	substance;	the	awarding	or	acquisition	of	exploration,	
development	and	production	rights,	oil	sands	or	other	interests;	the	imposition	of	specific	drilling	obligations;	control	over	the	
development,	 abandonment	 and	 reclamation	 of	 fields	 (including	 restrictions	 on	 production)	 and/or	 facilities;	 and	 possibly	
expropriation	or	cancellation	of	contract	rights.	The	petroleum	refining	sector	in	the	U.S.	has	been	and	continues	to	be	subject	
to	intensive	environmental	regulations,	oversight,	and	enforcement	from	both	federal	and	state	governments.	Third-party	non-
governmental	organizations	(“NGOs”)	and	citizen	groups	can	also	directly	influence	environmental	regulations	and	have	been	
active	against	the	U.S.	refinery	sector	for	many	years.	Any	changes	to	the	regulatory	regime,	including	the	implementation	of	
new	 regulations	 or	 the	 modification	 or	 changed	 interpretation	 of	 existing	 regulations	 could	 impact	 our	 existing	 and	 planned	
projects	 requiring	 increased	 capital	 investment,	 operating	 expenses	 or	 compliance	 costs,	 which	 could	 adversely	 impact	 our	
financial	condition,	results	of	operations,	cash	flows	and	reputation.	To	mitigate	these	risks,	we	have	regulatory	programs	that	
cover	stakeholder	engagement,	air	emissions,	water	quantity	and	quality,	deep	disposal	well	operations,	solid	and	hazardous	
waste	management,	spills,	and	legacy	contamination	issues.

Regulatory	Approvals

Our	operations	require	us	to	obtain	approvals	from	various	regulatory	authorities	and	there	are	no	guarantees	that	we	will	be	
able	 to	 obtain	 and	 maintain,	 or	 obtain	 and	 maintain	 on	 acceptable	 conditions,	 all	 necessary	 licenses,	 permits	 and	 other	
approvals	 that	 may	 be	 required	 to	 carry	 out	 certain	 exploration,	 development	 and	 operating	 activities	 on	 our	 properties.	 In	
addition,	 obtaining	 certain	 approvals	 from	 regulatory	 authorities	 can	 involve,	 among	 other	 things,	 stakeholder	 consultation,	
Indigenous	 consultation,	 consensus	 seeking	 and	 collaboration,	 environmental	 impact	 assessments	 and	 public	 hearings.	
Regulatory	 approvals	 obtained	 may	 be	 subject	 to	 the	 satisfaction	 of	 certain	 conditions	 including,	 but	 not	 limited	 to:	 security	
deposit	obligations;	ongoing	regulatory	oversight	of	projects;	mitigating	or	avoiding	project	impacts;	environmental	and	habitat	
assessments;	and	other	commitments	or	obligations.	Failure	to	obtain	applicable	regulatory	approvals	or	satisfy	any	conditions	
on	 a	 timely	 basis	 or	 satisfactory	 terms	 could	 result	 in	 increased	 costs,	 project	 delays,	 abandonment	 and/or	 restructuring	 of	
projects.	

Abandonment	and	Reclamation	Cost	Risk	

We	 are	 subject	 to	 oil	 and	 gas	 asset	 abandonment,	 remediation	 and	 reclamation	 (“A&R”)	 liabilities	 for	 our	 operations,	
development	 and	exploration,	 including	 those	imposed	 by	 regulation	under	 federal,	provincial,	territorial,	 state,	regional	and	
municipal	legislation	in	the	jurisdictions	in	which	we	conduct	operations,	development	or	exploration.

We	 maintain	 estimates	 of	 our	 A&R	 liabilities;	 however,	 it	 is	 possible	 that	 these	 costs	 may	 change	 materially	 before	
decommissioning	due	to	regulatory	changes,	technological	changes,	ecological	risks,	acceleration	of	decommissioning	timelines,	
and	inflation,	among	other	variables.	For	our	Atlantic	Canada	offshore	operations,	the	present	value	cost	for	decommissioning	
and	abandonment	of	the	offshore	wells	and	facilities	is	estimated	based	on	known	regulations,	procedures	and	costs	today	for	
undertaking	the	decommissioning,	the	majority	of	which	is	projected	to	be	incurred	in	the	late	2030s.

In	Alberta	and	Saskatchewan,	the	A&R	liability	regimes	include	orphan	well	funds	that	are	funded	through	a	levy	imposed	on	
licensees,	 including	 Cenovus,	 based	 on	 the	 licensees'	 proportionate	 share	 of	 deemed	 A&R	 liabilities	 for	 oil	 and	 gas	 facilities,	
wells	and	unreclaimed	sites.	The	aggregate	value	of	the	A&R	liabilities	assumed	has	increased	in	recent	years	and	will	remain	at	
elevated	levels	until	a	significant	number	of	orphaned	wells	are	decommissioned	utilizing	the	orphan	funds.	The	Alberta	and	
Saskatchewan	regulators	may	seek	additional	funding	for	such	liabilities	from	industry	participants,	including	Cenovus.

The	AER	has	discretion	in	the	consideration	of	licence	eligibility,	transfer	applications	and	the	requirement	to	post	security	or	
carry	out	A&R	work.	Permit	holders	that	are	considered	high	risk	and/or	have	relatively	high	levels	of	A&R	obligations	within	
their	asset	bases	may	be	negatively	impacted,	including	our	potential	counterparties.	This	may	result	in	future	insolvencies	and	
additional	 orphaned	 assets.	 In	 addition,	 this	 may	 impact	 our	 ability	 to	 transfer	 our	 licences,	 approvals	 or	 permits,	 and	 may	
result	in	increased	costs	and	delays	or	require	changes	to	our	abandonment	of	projects	and	transactions.

We	 have	 an	 ongoing	 environmental	 monitoring	 program	 of	 owned	 and	 leased	 retail	 locations,	 and	 former	 owned	 or	 leased	
retail	 locations	 where	 we	 have	 retained	 environmental	 liability,	 and	 perform	 remediation	 where	 required	 to	 comply	 with	
contractual	and	legal	obligations.	The	costs	of	such	remediation	depend	on	a	number	of	uncertain	factors	such	as	the	extent	
and	type	of	remediation	required.	Due	to	uncertainties	inherent	in	the	estimation	process,	it	is	possible	that	existing	estimates	
may	need	to	be	revised	and	that	conditions	may	exist	at	various	retail	locations	that	require	future	expenditures.	Such	future	
costs	may	not	be	determinable	due	to	the	unknown	timing	and	extent	of	corrective	actions	that	may	be	required.

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The	impact	on	our	business	of	any	legislative,	regulatory	or	policy	decisions	relating	to	the	A&R	liability	regulatory	regime	in	the	
jurisdictions	in	which	we	conduct	operations,	development	or	exploration	cannot	be	reliably	or	accurately	estimated.	Any	cost	
recovery	 or	 other	 measures	 taken	 by	 applicable	 regulatory	 bodies	 may	 impact	 Cenovus	 and	 materially	 and	 adversely	 affect,	
among	other	things,	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.

Royalty	Regimes

Our	cash	flows	may	be	directly	affected	by	changes	to	royalty	regimes.	The	governments	of	the	jurisdictions	where	we	have	
producing	assets	receive	royalties	on	the	production	of	hydrocarbons	from	lands	in	which	they	respectively	own	the	mineral	
rights	and	which	we	produce	under	agreement	with	each	respective	government.	Government	regulation	of	royalties	is	subject	
to	 change	 for	 a	 number	 of	 reasons,	 including,	 among	 other	 things,	 political	 factors.	 In	 Canada,	 there	 are	 certain	 provincial	
mineral	taxes	payable	on	hydrocarbon	production	from	lands	other	than	Crown	lands.	The	potential	for	changes	in	the	royalty	
and	 mineral	 tax	 regimes	 applicable	 in	 the	 jurisdictions	 in	 which	 we	 operate,	 or	 changes	 to	 how	 existing	 royalty	 regimes	 are	
interpreted	and	applied	by	the	applicable	governments,	creates	uncertainty	relating	to	the	ability	to	accurately	estimate	future	
royalty	rates	or	mineral	taxes	and	could	have	a	significant	impact	on	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	
cash	flows.	An	increase	in	the	royalty	rates	or	mineral	taxes	in	jurisdictions	where	we	have	producing	assets	would	reduce	our	
earnings	and	could	make,	in	the	respective	jurisdiction,	future	capital	expenditures	or	existing	operations	uneconomic	and	may	
reduce	the	value	of	our	associated	assets.

Canada-United	States-Mexico	Agreement	(“CUSMA”)

On	July	1,	2020,	the	new	CUSMA	entered	into	force,	which	is	known	in	the	United	States	as	the	United	States-Mexico-Canada	
Agreement	 (or	 “USMCA”),	 replacing	 the	 North	 American	 Free	 Trade	 Agreement	 (“NAFTA”).	 The	 investor-state	 dispute	
settlement	provisions	that	were	present	within	NAFTA	will	no	longer	be	available	in	the	CUSMA	to	protect	future	investments	
of	 Canadians	 in	 the	 U.S.	 or	 U.S.	 investments	 in	 Canada.	 For	 three	 years	 after	 the	 termination	 of	 NAFTA,	 existing	 legacy	
investments	will	maintain	their	access	to	the	investor-state	dispute	settlement	under	NAFTA	Chapter	11.	However,	starting	July	
1,	2023,	such	legacy	disputes	and	disputes	related	to	investments	established	or	acquired	on	after	July	1,	2020	will	fall	to	the	
appropriate	courts	in	the	United	States,	or	Cenovus	may	seek	intervention	of	the	Canadian	government	to	pursue	relief	through	
state-to-state	dispute	resolution.

Labour	Risk

We	depend	on	unionized	labour	for	the	operation	of	certain	facilities	and	may	be	subject	to	adverse	employee	relations	and	
labour	 disputes,	 which	 may	 disrupt	 operations	 at	 such	 facilities.	 As	 of	 December	 31,	 2022,	 approximately	 7	 percent	 of	 our	
employees	are	represented	by	unions	under	collective	bargaining	agreements,	which	includes	just	over	50	percent	of	our	U.S.	
workforce.	At	unionized	worksites,	there	is	risk	that	strikes	or	work	stoppages	could	occur.	Any	strike	or	work	stoppage	(for	any	
reason,	 including	 a	 health	 and	 safety	 shutdown)	 may	 have	 a	 material	 adverse	 effect	 on	 our	 business,	 safety,	 reputation,	
financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.

During	periods	of	contract	negotiation	or	in	the	event	of	a	strike	or	work	stoppage,	mitigation	and	emergency	operation	plans	
come	with	significant	additional	expenditures	to	ensure	continuity	of	operations.	In	addition,	we	may	not	be	able	to	renew	or	
renegotiate	collective	bargaining	agreements	on	satisfactory	terms	or	at	all	and	a	failure	to	do	so	may	increase	our	costs.	Any	
renegotiation	 of	 our	 existing	 collective	 bargaining	 agreements	 may	 result	 in	 terms	 that	 are	 less	 favourable	 to	 us,	 which	 may	
materially	and	adversely	affect	our	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.	

Moreover,	 employees	 who	 are	 not	 currently	 represented	 by	 unions	 may	 seek	 union	 representation	 in	 the	 future	 and	 efforts	
may	 be	 made	 from	 time	 to	 time	 to	 unionize	 other	 portions	 of	 our	 workforce.	 Future	 unionization	 efforts	 or	 changes	 in	
legislation	and	regulations	may	result	in	labour	shortages,	higher	labour	costs,	as	well	as	wage,	benefit,	and	other	employment	
consequences,	especially	during	critical	maintenance	and	construction	periods,	all	of	which	may	increase	our	costs,	reduce	our	
revenues	or	limit	our	operational	flexibility.	

International	Developments	and	Geopolitical	Risk

We	are	exposed	to	the	financial	and	operational	risks	associated	with	uncertain	international	relations.	Our	business	includes	
Asia	Pacific	assets	in	the	South	China	Sea	and	the	Madura	Strait	offshore	Indonesia,	and	includes	cooperation	agreements	with	
China	National	Offshore	Oil	Corporation	or	its	subsidiaries	(collectively,	“CNOOC”),	which	also	operates	certain	of	these	assets.	

Political	 developments	 impacting	 international	 trade,	 including	 trade	 disputes,	 increased	 tariffs	 and	 sanctions,	 particularly	
between	 the	 U.S.	 and	 China	 and	 Canada	 and	 China,	 may	 negatively	 impact	 markets	 and	 cause	 weaker	 macroeconomic	
conditions	 or	 drive	 political	 or	 national	 sentiment,	 weakening	 demand	 for	 crude	 oil,	 natural	 gas	 and	 refined	 products.	 For	
example,	 U.S.	 government	 trade	 policy	 has	 resulted	 in,	 and	 could	 result	 in	 more,	 U.S.	 trading	 partners	 adopting	 responsive	
trade	policy	and	may	make	it	more	difficult	or	costly	for	us	to	operate	in	and	export	our	products	to	those	countries.

62   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

We	may	 be	affected	by	 changes	to	bilateral	 relationships,	 the	frameworks	 and	global	norms	 that	 govern	international	trade,	

and	other	geopolitical	developments.	This	includes	acute	shocks	(such	as	civil	unrest	or	sanctions)	and	chronic	stresses	(such	as	

political	or	business	disputes	and	other	forms	of	conflict,	including	military	conflict)	that	may	pose	longer-term	threats	to	our	

business.	Unilateral	action	by,	or	changes	in	relations	between,	countries	in	which	we	operate,	including	the	U.S.	and	China,	and	

such	countries’	approach	to	multilateralism	and	trade	protectionism	can	impact	our	ability	to	access	markets,	technology,	talent	

and	capital.	Disruptions	or	unanticipated	changes	of	this	nature	may	affect	our	ability	to	sell	our	products	for	optimum	value	or	

access	inputs	required	for	effective	operations	and	has	the	potential	to	adversely	affect	our	financial	condition.

Increased	tensions	between	the	U.S.	and	China	caused	by	escalated	military	exercises	around	Taiwan	and	the	South	China	Sea	

could	 lead	 to	 geopolitical	 uncertainty	 in	 the	 area,	 which	 may	 negatively	 impact	 our	 China	 business	 and	 operations,	 and	

ultimately	affect	our	financial	condition.			

Moreover,	our	operations	may	be	materially	adversely	affected	by	political,	economic	or	social	instability	or	events,	including	

the	renegotiation	or	nullification	of	agreements	and	treaties,	the	imposition	of	onerous	regulations,	embargoes,	sanctions,	and	

fiscal	policy,	changes	in	laws	governing	existing	operations,	financial	constraints,	including	currency	restrictions	and	exchange	

rate	fluctuations,	unreasonable	taxation	and	the	behaviour	of	international	public	officials,	joint	venture	partners	or	third-party	

representatives.	Specifically,	our	Asia	Pacific	assets	expose	us	to	the	effects	of	the	changing	U.S.-China,	Canada-China	and	EU-

China	relations.

In	response	to	foreign	sanctions,	China	has	enacted	multiple	blocking	laws	intended	to	diminish	the	effectiveness	and	impact	of	

foreign	trade	sanctions.	Specifically,	China	has	enacted	regulations	granting	itself	the	ability	to	unilaterally	nullify	the	effects	of	

certain	 foreign	 restrictions	 that	 are	 deemed	 to	 be	 unjustified	 to	 Chinese	 nationals	 and	 entities,	 which	 came	 into	 force	 on	

January	9,	2021.	Additionally,	on	June	10,	2021,	China	enacted	the	Anti-Foreign	Sanctions	Law.	The	Anti-Foreign	Sanctions	Law	

grants	 the	 right	 to	 take	 corresponding	 countermeasures	 if	 a	 foreign	 country	 violates	 international	 law	 and	 basic	 norms	 of	

international	 relations	 or	 adopts	 discriminatory	 restrictive	 measures	 against	 Chinese	 nationals	 and	 entities,	 and	 interferes	 in	

China's	internal	affairs.	The	language	of	the	Anti-Foreign	Sanctions	Law	is	very	broad,	and	beyond	the	laws	themselves,	little	

guidance	 has	 been	 provided	 regarding	 how	 the	 blocking	 laws	 will	 be	 enforced	 by	 the	 Chinese	 government	 and	 effectuated	

through	the	private	rights	of	action	created	by	these	laws.	The	breadth	and	lack	of	specificity	of	such	laws	create	additional	risk	

and	uncertainty	for	foreign	companies	operating	in	China,	as	they	may	result	in	conflicting	rules	and	regulations	in	home	and	

host	countries.	

Although	formal	export	restrictions	imposed	against	China	and	Chinese	entities	(including	the	placement	of	CNOOC	on	the	U.S.	

Department	of	Commerce’s	Entity	List)	have	not	so	far	had	a	material	impact	on	our	business	activities	in	Asia,	increased	export	

restrictions	on	China	and	Chinese	entities	may	limit	the	range	of	certain	supplies	to	our	operations	in	Asia	and	have	an	adverse	

effect	on	operational	efficiency,	results	of	operations,	financial	condition	or	reputation.

It	 is	 possible	 that	 additional	 related	 actions	 taken	 by	 the	 U.S.	 (and	 its	 trading	 partners	 and	 allies),	 Canada,	 China	 and	 other	

nations	may	limit	or	restrict	foreign	companies'	ability	to	participate	in	projects	and	operate	in	certain	sectors	of	the	Chinese	

economy,	 including	 the	 energy	 sector.	 The	 nature,	 extent	 and	 magnitude	 of	 the	 effect	 of	 dynamic	 trade	 relations	 cannot	 be	

accurately	 predicted	 and	 may	 have	 a	 material	 adverse	 impact	 on	 our	 business,	 prospects,	 financial	 condition,	 and	 results	 of	

operations,	cash	flows,	and	reputation.	

U.S.	and	Canadian	sanctions	and	trade	controls	related	to	China	do	not	currently	prevent	or	significantly	impair	our	offshore	

operations	in	Asia,	but	they	could	do	so	in	the	future,	particularly	if	U.S.	sanctions	and	trade	controls	against	CNOOC	were	to	be	

expanded.	We	cannot	accurately	predict	the	implementation	of	U.S.	or	Canadian	policy	affecting	any	current	or	future	activities	

by	CNOOC,	Cenovus's	other	international	partners	or	Cenovus.	Similarly,	we	cannot	accurately	predict	whether	U.S.	restrictions	

will	be	further	tightened	or	the	impact	of	government	action	on	Cenovus's	offshore	operations	in	Asia.	It	is	possible	that	the	

U.S.	 or	 Canadian	 government	 may	 subject	 CNOOC	 or	 Cenovus's	 other	 international	 partners	 to	 restrictions	 or	 sanctions	 that	

may	adversely	impact	our	offshore	operations	in	Asia.	

In	addition,	to	the	extent	there	are	business	disputes	or	legal	claims	involving	our	business	in	China,	there	is	the	potential	for	

Cenovus	personnel	to	be	subject	to	an	entry/exit	ban	in	China.	Moreover,	it	is	possible	that,	as	a	result	of	our	partnership	with	

CNOOC,	we	may	be	subject	to	negative	media	attention	which	may	affect	investors’	perception	of	Cenovus	in	Canada,	the	U.S.	

and	globally,	and	which	may	negatively	affect	our	share	price	and	reputation.

Geopolitical	events,	such	as	a	shift	in	the	relationship,	an	escalation	or	imposition	of	sanctions,	tariffs	or	other	trade	tensions	

between	 the	 U.S.	 and	 China	 and	 Canada	 and	 China,	 may	 affect	 the	 supply,	 demand	 and	 price	 of	 crude	 oil,	 natural	 gas	 and	

refined	products	and	therefore	our	financial	condition.	The	timing,	extent	and	fallout	of	the	ongoing	tensions	between	the	U.S.	

and	China,	as	well	as	Canada	and	China	remain	uncertain	and	the	impact	on	our	business	is	unknown.

Shifts	 in	 global	 power	 relations	 may	 also	 introduce	 greater	 uncertainty	 with	 respect	 to	 issues	 requiring	 global	 co-ordination	

(such	as	climate	change,	trade	agreements,	tax	regulation,	freedom	of	navigation	and	technology	regulation),	as	well	as	raise	

questions	 on	 the	 efficacy	 of	 and	 trust	 in	 international	 institutions,	 including	 those	 that	 underpin	 international	 trade.	 These	

types	of	changes	may	cause	restrictions	or	impose	costs	on	our	business	and	may	inhibit	our	future	opportunities	or	affect	our	

financial	condition.

The	impact	on	our	business	of	any	legislative,	regulatory	or	policy	decisions	relating	to	the	A&R	liability	regulatory	regime	in	the	

jurisdictions	in	which	we	conduct	operations,	development	or	exploration	cannot	be	reliably	or	accurately	estimated.	Any	cost	

recovery	 or	 other	 measures	 taken	 by	 applicable	 regulatory	 bodies	 may	 impact	 Cenovus	 and	 materially	 and	 adversely	 affect,	

among	other	things,	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.

Royalty	Regimes

Our	cash	flows	may	be	directly	affected	by	changes	to	royalty	regimes.	The	governments	of	the	jurisdictions	where	we	have	

producing	assets	receive	royalties	on	the	production	of	hydrocarbons	from	lands	in	which	they	respectively	own	the	mineral	

rights	and	which	we	produce	under	agreement	with	each	respective	government.	Government	regulation	of	royalties	is	subject	

to	 change	 for	 a	 number	 of	 reasons,	 including,	 among	 other	 things,	 political	 factors.	 In	 Canada,	 there	 are	 certain	 provincial	

mineral	taxes	payable	on	hydrocarbon	production	from	lands	other	than	Crown	lands.	The	potential	for	changes	in	the	royalty	

and	 mineral	 tax	 regimes	 applicable	 in	 the	 jurisdictions	 in	 which	 we	 operate,	 or	 changes	 to	 how	 existing	 royalty	 regimes	 are	

interpreted	and	applied	by	the	applicable	governments,	creates	uncertainty	relating	to	the	ability	to	accurately	estimate	future	

royalty	rates	or	mineral	taxes	and	could	have	a	significant	impact	on	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	

cash	flows.	An	increase	in	the	royalty	rates	or	mineral	taxes	in	jurisdictions	where	we	have	producing	assets	would	reduce	our	

earnings	and	could	make,	in	the	respective	jurisdiction,	future	capital	expenditures	or	existing	operations	uneconomic	and	may	

reduce	the	value	of	our	associated	assets.

Canada-United	States-Mexico	Agreement	(“CUSMA”)

On	July	1,	2020,	the	new	CUSMA	entered	into	force,	which	is	known	in	the	United	States	as	the	United	States-Mexico-Canada	

Agreement	 (or	 “USMCA”),	 replacing	 the	 North	 American	 Free	 Trade	 Agreement	 (“NAFTA”).	 The	 investor-state	 dispute	

settlement	provisions	that	were	present	within	NAFTA	will	no	longer	be	available	in	the	CUSMA	to	protect	future	investments	

of	 Canadians	 in	 the	 U.S.	 or	 U.S.	 investments	 in	 Canada.	 For	 three	 years	 after	 the	 termination	 of	 NAFTA,	 existing	 legacy	

investments	will	maintain	their	access	to	the	investor-state	dispute	settlement	under	NAFTA	Chapter	11.	However,	starting	July	

1,	2023,	such	legacy	disputes	and	disputes	related	to	investments	established	or	acquired	on	after	July	1,	2020	will	fall	to	the	

appropriate	courts	in	the	United	States,	or	Cenovus	may	seek	intervention	of	the	Canadian	government	to	pursue	relief	through	

state-to-state	dispute	resolution.

Labour	Risk

We	depend	on	unionized	labour	for	the	operation	of	certain	facilities	and	may	be	subject	to	adverse	employee	relations	and	

labour	 disputes,	 which	 may	 disrupt	 operations	 at	 such	 facilities.	 As	 of	 December	 31,	 2022,	 approximately	 7	 percent	 of	 our	

employees	are	represented	by	unions	under	collective	bargaining	agreements,	which	includes	just	over	50	percent	of	our	U.S.	

workforce.	At	unionized	worksites,	there	is	risk	that	strikes	or	work	stoppages	could	occur.	Any	strike	or	work	stoppage	(for	any	

reason,	 including	 a	 health	 and	 safety	 shutdown)	 may	 have	 a	 material	 adverse	 effect	 on	 our	 business,	 safety,	 reputation,	

financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.

During	periods	of	contract	negotiation	or	in	the	event	of	a	strike	or	work	stoppage,	mitigation	and	emergency	operation	plans	

come	with	significant	additional	expenditures	to	ensure	continuity	of	operations.	In	addition,	we	may	not	be	able	to	renew	or	

renegotiate	collective	bargaining	agreements	on	satisfactory	terms	or	at	all	and	a	failure	to	do	so	may	increase	our	costs.	Any	

renegotiation	 of	 our	 existing	 collective	 bargaining	 agreements	 may	 result	 in	 terms	 that	 are	 less	 favourable	 to	 us,	 which	 may	

materially	and	adversely	affect	our	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.	

Moreover,	 employees	 who	 are	 not	 currently	 represented	 by	 unions	 may	 seek	 union	 representation	 in	 the	 future	 and	 efforts	

may	 be	 made	 from	 time	 to	 time	 to	 unionize	 other	 portions	 of	 our	 workforce.	 Future	 unionization	 efforts	 or	 changes	 in	

legislation	and	regulations	may	result	in	labour	shortages,	higher	labour	costs,	as	well	as	wage,	benefit,	and	other	employment	

consequences,	especially	during	critical	maintenance	and	construction	periods,	all	of	which	may	increase	our	costs,	reduce	our	

revenues	or	limit	our	operational	flexibility.	

International	Developments	and	Geopolitical	Risk

We	are	exposed	to	the	financial	and	operational	risks	associated	with	uncertain	international	relations.	Our	business	includes	

Asia	Pacific	assets	in	the	South	China	Sea	and	the	Madura	Strait	offshore	Indonesia,	and	includes	cooperation	agreements	with	

China	National	Offshore	Oil	Corporation	or	its	subsidiaries	(collectively,	“CNOOC”),	which	also	operates	certain	of	these	assets.	

Political	 developments	 impacting	 international	 trade,	 including	 trade	 disputes,	 increased	 tariffs	 and	 sanctions,	 particularly	

between	 the	 U.S.	 and	 China	 and	 Canada	 and	 China,	 may	 negatively	 impact	 markets	 and	 cause	 weaker	 macroeconomic	

conditions	 or	 drive	 political	 or	 national	 sentiment,	 weakening	 demand	 for	 crude	 oil,	 natural	 gas	 and	 refined	 products.	 For	

example,	 U.S.	 government	 trade	 policy	 has	 resulted	 in,	 and	 could	 result	 in	 more,	 U.S.	 trading	 partners	 adopting	 responsive	

trade	policy	and	may	make	it	more	difficult	or	costly	for	us	to	operate	in	and	export	our	products	to	those	countries.

We	may	be	affected	by	changes	to	 bilateral	relationships,	 the	frameworks	 and	 global	norms	 that	 govern	 international	 trade,	
and	other	geopolitical	developments.	This	includes	acute	shocks	(such	as	civil	unrest	or	sanctions)	and	chronic	stresses	(such	as	
political	or	business	disputes	and	other	forms	of	conflict,	including	military	conflict)	that	may	pose	longer-term	threats	to	our	
business.	Unilateral	action	by,	or	changes	in	relations	between,	countries	in	which	we	operate,	including	the	U.S.	and	China,	and	
such	countries’	approach	to	multilateralism	and	trade	protectionism	can	impact	our	ability	to	access	markets,	technology,	talent	
and	capital.	Disruptions	or	unanticipated	changes	of	this	nature	may	affect	our	ability	to	sell	our	products	for	optimum	value	or	
access	inputs	required	for	effective	operations	and	has	the	potential	to	adversely	affect	our	financial	condition.

Increased	tensions	between	the	U.S.	and	China	caused	by	escalated	military	exercises	around	Taiwan	and	the	South	China	Sea	
could	 lead	 to	 geopolitical	 uncertainty	 in	 the	 area,	 which	 may	 negatively	 impact	 our	 China	 business	 and	 operations,	 and	
ultimately	affect	our	financial	condition.			

Moreover,	our	operations	may	be	materially	adversely	affected	by	political,	economic	or	social	instability	or	events,	including	
the	renegotiation	or	nullification	of	agreements	and	treaties,	the	imposition	of	onerous	regulations,	embargoes,	sanctions,	and	
fiscal	policy,	changes	in	laws	governing	existing	operations,	financial	constraints,	including	currency	restrictions	and	exchange	
rate	fluctuations,	unreasonable	taxation	and	the	behaviour	of	international	public	officials,	joint	venture	partners	or	third-party	
representatives.	Specifically,	our	Asia	Pacific	assets	expose	us	to	the	effects	of	the	changing	U.S.-China,	Canada-China	and	EU-
China	relations.

In	response	to	foreign	sanctions,	China	has	enacted	multiple	blocking	laws	intended	to	diminish	the	effectiveness	and	impact	of	
foreign	trade	sanctions.	Specifically,	China	has	enacted	regulations	granting	itself	the	ability	to	unilaterally	nullify	the	effects	of	
certain	 foreign	 restrictions	 that	 are	 deemed	 to	 be	 unjustified	 to	 Chinese	 nationals	 and	 entities,	 which	 came	 into	 force	 on	
January	9,	2021.	Additionally,	on	June	10,	2021,	China	enacted	the	Anti-Foreign	Sanctions	Law.	The	Anti-Foreign	Sanctions	Law	
grants	 the	 right	 to	 take	 corresponding	 countermeasures	 if	 a	 foreign	 country	 violates	 international	 law	 and	 basic	 norms	 of	
international	 relations	 or	 adopts	 discriminatory	 restrictive	 measures	 against	 Chinese	 nationals	 and	 entities,	 and	 interferes	 in	
China's	internal	affairs.	The	language	of	the	Anti-Foreign	Sanctions	Law	is	very	broad,	and	beyond	the	laws	themselves,	little	
guidance	 has	 been	 provided	 regarding	 how	 the	 blocking	 laws	 will	 be	 enforced	 by	 the	 Chinese	 government	 and	 effectuated	
through	the	private	rights	of	action	created	by	these	laws.	The	breadth	and	lack	of	specificity	of	such	laws	create	additional	risk	
and	uncertainty	for	foreign	companies	operating	in	China,	as	they	may	result	in	conflicting	rules	and	regulations	in	home	and	
host	countries.	

Although	formal	export	restrictions	imposed	against	China	and	Chinese	entities	(including	the	placement	of	CNOOC	on	the	U.S.	
Department	of	Commerce’s	Entity	List)	have	not	so	far	had	a	material	impact	on	our	business	activities	in	Asia,	increased	export	
restrictions	on	China	and	Chinese	entities	may	limit	the	range	of	certain	supplies	to	our	operations	in	Asia	and	have	an	adverse	
effect	on	operational	efficiency,	results	of	operations,	financial	condition	or	reputation.

It	 is	 possible	 that	 additional	 related	 actions	 taken	 by	 the	 U.S.	 (and	 its	 trading	 partners	 and	 allies),	 Canada,	 China	 and	 other	
nations	may	limit	or	restrict	foreign	companies'	ability	to	participate	in	projects	and	operate	in	certain	sectors	of	the	Chinese	
economy,	 including	 the	 energy	 sector.	 The	 nature,	 extent	 and	 magnitude	 of	 the	 effect	 of	 dynamic	 trade	 relations	 cannot	 be	
accurately	 predicted	 and	 may	 have	 a	 material	 adverse	 impact	 on	 our	 business,	 prospects,	 financial	 condition,	 and	 results	 of	
operations,	cash	flows,	and	reputation.	

U.S.	and	Canadian	sanctions	and	trade	controls	related	to	China	do	not	currently	prevent	or	significantly	impair	our	offshore	
operations	in	Asia,	but	they	could	do	so	in	the	future,	particularly	if	U.S.	sanctions	and	trade	controls	against	CNOOC	were	to	be	
expanded.	We	cannot	accurately	predict	the	implementation	of	U.S.	or	Canadian	policy	affecting	any	current	or	future	activities	
by	CNOOC,	Cenovus's	other	international	partners	or	Cenovus.	Similarly,	we	cannot	accurately	predict	whether	U.S.	restrictions	
will	be	further	tightened	or	the	impact	of	government	action	on	Cenovus's	offshore	operations	in	Asia.	It	is	possible	that	the	
U.S.	 or	 Canadian	 government	 may	 subject	 CNOOC	 or	 Cenovus's	 other	 international	 partners	 to	 restrictions	 or	 sanctions	 that	
may	adversely	impact	our	offshore	operations	in	Asia.	

In	addition,	to	the	extent	there	are	business	disputes	or	legal	claims	involving	our	business	in	China,	there	is	the	potential	for	
Cenovus	personnel	to	be	subject	to	an	entry/exit	ban	in	China.	Moreover,	it	is	possible	that,	as	a	result	of	our	partnership	with	
CNOOC,	we	may	be	subject	to	negative	media	attention	which	may	affect	investors’	perception	of	Cenovus	in	Canada,	the	U.S.	
and	globally,	and	which	may	negatively	affect	our	share	price	and	reputation.

Geopolitical	events,	such	as	a	shift	in	the	relationship,	an	escalation	or	imposition	of	sanctions,	tariffs	or	other	trade	tensions	
between	 the	 U.S.	 and	 China	 and	 Canada	 and	 China,	 may	 affect	 the	 supply,	 demand	 and	 price	 of	 crude	 oil,	 natural	 gas	 and	
refined	products	and	therefore	our	financial	condition.	The	timing,	extent	and	fallout	of	the	ongoing	tensions	between	the	U.S.	
and	China,	as	well	as	Canada	and	China	remain	uncertain	and	the	impact	on	our	business	is	unknown.

Shifts	 in	 global	 power	 relations	 may	 also	 introduce	 greater	 uncertainty	 with	 respect	 to	 issues	 requiring	 global	 co-ordination	
(such	as	climate	change,	trade	agreements,	tax	regulation,	freedom	of	navigation	and	technology	regulation),	as	well	as	raise	
questions	 on	 the	 efficacy	 of	 and	 trust	 in	 international	 institutions,	 including	 those	 that	 underpin	 international	 trade.	 These	
types	of	changes	may	cause	restrictions	or	impose	costs	on	our	business	and	may	inhibit	our	future	opportunities	or	affect	our	
financial	condition.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   63

Our	 financial	 condition,	 operations	 and	 business	 may	 be	 adversely	 affected	 by	 any	 of	 the	 foregoing	 risks	 associated	 with	
international	relations	and	specifically	those	risks	arising	from	evolving	U.S.-China,	Canada-China	and	EU-China	relations.	The	
nature,	extent	and	magnitude	of	the	effect	of	dynamic	trade	relations	on	us	cannot	be	accurately	predicted	and	may	have	a	
material	adverse	impact	on	our	business,	prospects,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations,	cash	flows,	and	reputation.

The	War	in	Ukraine

Uncertainty	regarding	the	duration	and	ultimate	effects	of	the	Russia	–	Ukraine	war	may	result	in	major	disruptions	in	oil	and	
natural	 gas	 supply	 and	 continuing	 commodity	 price	 volatility.	 Further,	 Canada,	 the	 U.S.	 and	 other	 countries	 have	 imposed	
significant	 sanctions	 on	 Russia	 and	 many	 Russian	 officials,	 agencies,	 NGOs,	 companies	 and	 individuals	 some	 of	 whom	 are	
involved	in	the	energy	business	or	are	significant	buyers	of	crude	oil	or	other	hydrocarbons.	Cenovus	does	not	conduct	business	
with	sanctioned	entities	or	persons	and	has	no	operations	or	significant	business	in	Russia,	Ukraine	or	other	regions	affected	by	
these	sanctions.	Consequently,	these	sanctions	have	not	had	a	material	impact	on	Cenovus	or	our	business.	However,	the	scope	
and	impact	of	the	war,	and	any	related	international	action,	including	any	future	sanctions,	cannot	be	accurately	predicted	and	
may	 have	 a	 material	 adverse	 impact	 on	 our	 business,	 prospects,	 financial	 condition,	 results	 of	 operations,	 cash	 flows,	 and	
reputation.

Climate-Related	Risks

There	is	growing	international	concern	regarding	climate	change	and	a	significant	increase	in	focus	on	the	timing	and	pace	of	
the	transition	to	a	lower-carbon	economy.	Governments,	financial	institutions,	insurance	companies,	NGOs,	environmental	and	
governance	 organizations,	 institutional	 investors,	 social	 and	 environmental	 activists,	 shareholders,	 and	 individuals,	 are	
increasingly	 seeking	 to	 implement,	 among	 other	 things,	 regulatory	 and	 policy	 changes,	 changes	 in	 investment	 patterns,	 and	
modifications	in	energy	consumption	habits	and	trends	which,	individually	and	collectively	are	intended	to	or	have	the	effect	of	
accelerating	the	reduction	in	the	global	consumption	of	fossil	fuel-based	energy,	the	conversion	of	energy	usage	to	less	carbon-
intensive	forms	and	the	general	migration	of	energy	usage	away	from	fossil	fuel-based	forms	of	energy.

Climate	change	and	its	associated	impacts	may	increase	our	exposure	to,	and	magnitude	of,	each	of	the	risks	identified	in	the	
Risk	Management	and	Risk	Factors	section	of	this	MD&A.	Overall,	we	are	not	able	to	estimate	at	this	time	the	degree	to	which	
climate	change	related	regulatory,	climatic	conditions,	and	climate-related	transition	risks	could	impact	our	business,	financial	
condition,	and	results	of	operations.	Our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations,	cash	flows,	reputation,	access	to	
capital	and	insurance,	cost	of	borrowing,	ability	to	fund	dividend	payments	and/or	business	plans	may,	in	particular,	without	
limitation,	be	adversely	impacted	as	a	result	of	climate	change	and	its	associated	impacts.

Transition	Risks	–	Policy	&	Legal

Climate	Change	Regulation

We	operate	in	several	jurisdictions	that	regulate	or	have	proposed	to	regulate	GHG	emissions,	often	with	a	view	to	transitioning	
to	a	lower-carbon	economy.	Some	of	these	regulations	are	in	effect	while	others	remain	in	various	phases	of	review,	discussion	
or	implementation.	Uncertainties	exist	relating	to	the	timing	and	effects	of	these	emerging	regulations	and	other	contemplated	
legislation,	 including	 how	 they	 may	 be	 harmonized,	 making	 it	 difficult	 to	 accurately	 determine	 the	 cost	 impacts.	 Additional	
changes	 to	 climate	 change	 legislation	 may	 adversely	 affect	 our	 business,	 financial	 condition,	 results	 of	 operations	 and	 cash	
flows,	which	cannot	be	reliably	or	accurately	estimated	at	this	time.		

The	Government	of	Canada	has	announced	the	carbon	tax	will	increase	to	$170/tonne	CO2e	by	2030.	To	reach	that	level,	the	
price	imposed	on	carbon	will	rise	from	the	2022	rate	of	$50/tonne	CO2e	by	$15/tonne	CO2e	each	year	until	2030.	To	the	extent	
a	province's	carbon	pricing	system	does	not	meet	the	federal	stringency	requirements,	the	federal	"backstop"	regulations	apply.	
Most	of	our	Canadian-based	large	emitting	facilities	operate	in	British	Columbia,	Alberta,	Saskatchewan,	or	Newfoundland	and	
Labrador	where	provincial	carbon	pricing	regulations	apply.	These	provincial	programs	are	expected	to	continue	to	be	deemed	
equivalent	to	the	federal	carbon	pricing	system.

In	 July	 2022,	 the	 Government	 of	 Canada	 released	 an	 oil	 and	 gas	 emissions	 cap	 discussion	 document.	 The	 government	 is	
currently	considering	the	form	that	any	future	regulation	designed	to	meet	the	goals	of	the	emission	cap	will	take.	The	options	
proposed	in	the	discussion	document	are	a	cap-and-trade	system	(under	the	Canadian	Environmental	Protection	Act	(“CEPA”)	
that	sets	a	regulated	limit	on	emissions	from	the	sector	or	modifying	the	pollution	pricing	benchmark	requirements	to	create	
price-driven	limits	on	emissions	from	the	oil	and	gas	sector.	The	government	is	expected	to	release	details	on	the	form	of	the	
emissions	cap	in	2023.	The	Government	has	also	committed	to	engaging	provinces,	territories,	and	Indigenous	organizations	in	
an	interim	review	of	the	benchmark	by	2026	after	which,	regulatory	measures	designed	to	meet	the	goals	of	the	emissions	cap	
could	come	into	force.

The	Government	of	Canada	has	implemented	regulation	to	enable	the	reduction	of	methane	emissions	from	the	crude	oil	and	

natural	gas	sector	by	40	percent	to	45	percent	from	2012	levels	by	2025.	Regulatory	requirements	for	fugitive	equipment	leaks	

and	 venting	 from	 well	 completion	 and	 compressors	 came	 into	 force	 on	 January	 1,	 2020.	 Further	 restrictions	 on	 facility	

production	 venting	 restrictions	 and	 venting	 limits	 for	 pneumatic	 equipment	 came	 into	 force	 on	 January	 1,	 2023.	 Certain	

provinces	 have	 since	 implemented	 provincial	 methane	 regulations	 that	 have	 been	 found	 to	 be	 equivalent	 with	 federal	

requirements.	The	Government	of	Canada	has	announced	an	additional	target	to	reduce	oil	and	gas	methane	emissions	by	at	

least	75	percent	below	2012	levels	by	2030.	In	November	2022	the	Government	of	Canada	published	for	comment,	a	proposed	

regulatory	 framework	 to	 support	 their	 methane	 emissions	 reduction	 target.	 The	 proposal	 includes	 source	 by	 source	

requirements	as	well	as	additional	performance-based	requirements	and	is	to	be	regulated	under	CEPA.

The	 U.S.	 does	 not	 have	 federal	 legislation	 establishing	 targets	 for	 the	 reduction	 of,	 or	 setting	 individualized	 limits	 on,	 GHG	

emissions	from	our	U.S.	facilities.	The	Renewable	Fuel	Standard	(“RFS”)	was	created	to	reduce	GHG	emissions	and	risks	from	

that	program	are	described	below.	Additionally,	the	federal	Environmental	Protection	Agency	(“EPA”)	has	and	may	continue	to	

promulgate	 regulations	 concerning	 the	 reporting	 and	 control	 of	 GHG	 emissions.	 Since	 2010,	 the	 EPA’s	 Greenhouse	 Gas	

Reporting	 Program	 (“GHGRP”)	 requires	 any	 facility	 releasing	 more	 than	 25,000	 tonnes	 of	 CO2e	 emissions	 per	 year	 to	 report	

those	emissions	on	an	annual	basis.	In	addition	to	reporting	direct	CO2e	emissions,	the	GHGRP	requires	refineries	to	estimate	

the	CO2e	emissions	from	the	potential	subsequent	combustion	of	the	refinery’s	products.	In	early	2021,	the	U.S.	rejoined	the	

Paris	Agreement	and	subsequently	announced	a	2030	target	to	reduce	GHG	emissions	by	50	percent	to	52	percent	from	2005	

levels.	 It	 is	 expected	 that	 this	 target	 will	 be	 met	 largely	 through	 clean	 energy	 incentives	 introduced	 under	 the	 Inflation	

Reduction	Act	as	opposed	to	regulatory	measures.

Negative	 consequences	 which	 could	 arise	 as	 a	 result	 of	 changes	 to	 the	 current	 regulatory	 environment	 include,	 but	 are	 not	

limited	 to,	 changes	 in	 environmental	 and	 emissions	 regulation	 of	 current	 and	 future	 projects	 by	 governmental	 authorities,	

which	 could	 result	 in	 changes	 to	 facility	 design	 and	 operating	 requirements,	 potentially	 increasing	 the	 cost	 of	 construction,	

operation	 and	 abandonment.	 Other	 possible	 effects	 from	 emerging	 regulations	 may	 also	 include	 but	 are	 not	 limited	 to:	

increased	compliance	costs;	permitting	delays;	and	substantial	costs	to	generate	or	purchase	emission	credits	or	allowances,	all	

of	which	may	increase	operating	expenses.	Further,	emission	allowances	or	offset	credits	may	not	be	available	for	acquisition	or	

may	not	be	available	on	an	economic	basis,	required	emissions	reductions	may	not	be	technically	or	economically	feasible	to	

implement,	in	whole	or	in	part,	and	failure	to	have	access	to	resources	or	technology	to	meet	emissions	reduction	requirements	

or	other	compliance	mechanisms	may	have	a	material	adverse	effect	on	our	business	resulting	in,	among	other	things,	fines,	

permitting	delays,	penalties	and	the	suspension	of	operations.

The	 extent	 and	 magnitude	 of	 any	 adverse	 impacts	 of	 current	 or	 additional	 programs	 or	 regulations	 beyond	 reasonably	

foreseeable	 requirements	 cannot	 be	 reliably	 or	 accurately	 estimated	 at	 this	 time,	 in	 part	 because	 specific	 legislative	 and	

regulatory	 requirements	 have	 not	 been	 finalized	 and	 uncertainty	 exists	 with	 respect	 to	 the	 additional	 measures	 being	

considered	 and	 the	 timeframes	 for	 compliance.	 Consequently,	 no	 assurances	 can	 be	 given	 that	 the	 effect	 of	 future	 climate	

change	regulations	will	not	be	significant	to	us.

Low	Carbon	Fuel	Standards

Existing	 and	 proposed	 environmental	 legislation	 and	 regulation	 developed	 by	 certain	 U.S.	 states,	 Canadian	 provinces	 and	

territories,	 the	 Canadian	 federal	 government	 and	 members	 of	 the	 European	 Union,	 regulating	 carbon	 fuel	 standards	 could	

result	 in	 increased	 costs	 and	 reduced	 revenue	 for	 us.	 The	 potential	 regulation	 may	 negatively	 affect	 the	 marketing	 of	 our	

bitumen,	 crude	 oil	 or	 refined	 products,	 and	 may	 require	 us	 to	 purchase	 emissions	 credits	 in	 order	 to	 effect	 sales	 in	 such	

jurisdictions.

Environment	and	Climate	Change	Canada	published	final	regulations	in	2022	for	the	Clean	Fuel	Standard	under	the	Canadian	

Environmental	 Protection	 Act,	 1999.	 The	 Clean	 Fuel	 Standard	 will	 replace	 the	 current	 Renewable	 Fuels	 Regulations,	 which	

requires	producers	and	importers	of	transportation	fuels	to	acquire	a	certain	number	of	compliance	units	commensurate	with	

the	volumes	of	fuel	they	produce	or	import.	The	new	regulatory	framework	will	impose	lifecycle	carbon	intensity	requirements	

for	certain	liquid	fuels	and	establish	rules	relating	to	the	trading	of	compliance	credits.	Carbon	intensity	requirements	under	the	

Clean	 Fuel	 Standard	 regulation	 become	 more	 stringent	 over	 time	 and	 are	 differentiated	 between	 different	 types	 of	 fuels	 to	

reflect	 the	 associated	 emissions	 reduction	 potential.	 Regulated	 parties	 have	 some	 flexibility	 with	 respect	 to	 how	 to	 achieve	

lower-carbon	fuels	in	Canada.	The	cost	of	compliance	will	depend	on	a	number	of	factors	including,	but	not	limited	to,	credit	

market	supply	and	demand	dynamics,	development	costs	associated	with	low	carbon	fuels,	and	technology	developments	that	

could	 reduce	 demand	 for	 liquid	 transportation	 fuels.	 The	 Clean	 Fuel	 Standard	 regulation	 has	 the	 potential	 to	 impact	 our	

business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows,	though	at	this	time	it	is	difficult	to	predict	or	quantify	any	

such	impacts.

64   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Our	 financial	 condition,	 operations	 and	 business	 may	 be	 adversely	 affected	 by	 any	 of	 the	 foregoing	 risks	 associated	 with	

international	relations	and	specifically	those	risks	arising	from	evolving	U.S.-China,	Canada-China	and	EU-China	relations.	The	

nature,	extent	and	magnitude	of	the	effect	of	dynamic	trade	relations	on	us	cannot	be	accurately	predicted	and	may	have	a	

material	adverse	impact	on	our	business,	prospects,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations,	cash	flows,	and	reputation.

The	War	in	Ukraine

Uncertainty	regarding	the	duration	and	ultimate	effects	of	the	Russia	–	Ukraine	war	may	result	in	major	disruptions	in	oil	and	

natural	 gas	 supply	 and	 continuing	 commodity	 price	 volatility.	 Further,	 Canada,	 the	 U.S.	 and	 other	 countries	 have	 imposed	

significant	 sanctions	 on	 Russia	 and	 many	 Russian	 officials,	 agencies,	 NGOs,	 companies	 and	 individuals	 some	 of	 whom	 are	

involved	in	the	energy	business	or	are	significant	buyers	of	crude	oil	or	other	hydrocarbons.	Cenovus	does	not	conduct	business	

with	sanctioned	entities	or	persons	and	has	no	operations	or	significant	business	in	Russia,	Ukraine	or	other	regions	affected	by	

these	sanctions.	Consequently,	these	sanctions	have	not	had	a	material	impact	on	Cenovus	or	our	business.	However,	the	scope	

and	impact	of	the	war,	and	any	related	international	action,	including	any	future	sanctions,	cannot	be	accurately	predicted	and	

may	 have	 a	 material	 adverse	 impact	 on	 our	 business,	 prospects,	 financial	 condition,	 results	 of	 operations,	 cash	 flows,	 and	

reputation.

Climate-Related	Risks

There	is	growing	international	concern	regarding	climate	change	and	a	significant	increase	in	focus	on	the	timing	and	pace	of	

the	transition	to	a	lower-carbon	economy.	Governments,	financial	institutions,	insurance	companies,	NGOs,	environmental	and	

governance	 organizations,	 institutional	 investors,	 social	 and	 environmental	 activists,	 shareholders,	 and	 individuals,	 are	

increasingly	 seeking	 to	 implement,	 among	 other	 things,	 regulatory	 and	 policy	 changes,	 changes	 in	 investment	 patterns,	 and	

modifications	in	energy	consumption	habits	and	trends	which,	individually	and	collectively	are	intended	to	or	have	the	effect	of	

accelerating	the	reduction	in	the	global	consumption	of	fossil	fuel-based	energy,	the	conversion	of	energy	usage	to	less	carbon-

intensive	forms	and	the	general	migration	of	energy	usage	away	from	fossil	fuel-based	forms	of	energy.

Climate	change	and	its	associated	impacts	may	increase	our	exposure	to,	and	magnitude	of,	each	of	the	risks	identified	in	the	

Risk	Management	and	Risk	Factors	section	of	this	MD&A.	Overall,	we	are	not	able	to	estimate	at	this	time	the	degree	to	which	

climate	change	related	regulatory,	climatic	conditions,	and	climate-related	transition	risks	could	impact	our	business,	financial	

condition,	and	results	of	operations.	Our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations,	cash	flows,	reputation,	access	to	

capital	and	insurance,	cost	of	borrowing,	ability	to	fund	dividend	payments	and/or	business	plans	may,	in	particular,	without	

limitation,	be	adversely	impacted	as	a	result	of	climate	change	and	its	associated	impacts.

Transition	Risks	–	Policy	&	Legal

Climate	Change	Regulation

We	operate	in	several	jurisdictions	that	regulate	or	have	proposed	to	regulate	GHG	emissions,	often	with	a	view	to	transitioning	

to	a	lower-carbon	economy.	Some	of	these	regulations	are	in	effect	while	others	remain	in	various	phases	of	review,	discussion	

or	implementation.	Uncertainties	exist	relating	to	the	timing	and	effects	of	these	emerging	regulations	and	other	contemplated	

legislation,	 including	 how	 they	 may	 be	 harmonized,	 making	 it	 difficult	 to	 accurately	 determine	 the	 cost	 impacts.	 Additional	

changes	 to	 climate	 change	 legislation	 may	 adversely	 affect	 our	 business,	 financial	 condition,	 results	 of	 operations	 and	 cash	

flows,	which	cannot	be	reliably	or	accurately	estimated	at	this	time.		

The	Government	of	Canada	has	announced	the	carbon	tax	will	increase	to	$170/tonne	CO2e	by	2030.	To	reach	that	level,	the	

price	imposed	on	carbon	will	rise	from	the	2022	rate	of	$50/tonne	CO2e	by	$15/tonne	CO2e	each	year	until	2030.	To	the	extent	

a	province's	carbon	pricing	system	does	not	meet	the	federal	stringency	requirements,	the	federal	"backstop"	regulations	apply.	

Most	of	our	Canadian-based	large	emitting	facilities	operate	in	British	Columbia,	Alberta,	Saskatchewan,	or	Newfoundland	and	

Labrador	where	provincial	carbon	pricing	regulations	apply.	These	provincial	programs	are	expected	to	continue	to	be	deemed	

equivalent	to	the	federal	carbon	pricing	system.

In	 July	 2022,	 the	 Government	 of	 Canada	 released	 an	 oil	 and	 gas	 emissions	 cap	 discussion	 document.	 The	 government	 is	

currently	considering	the	form	that	any	future	regulation	designed	to	meet	the	goals	of	the	emission	cap	will	take.	The	options	

proposed	in	the	discussion	document	are	a	cap-and-trade	system	(under	the	Canadian	Environmental	Protection	Act	(“CEPA”)	

that	sets	a	regulated	limit	on	emissions	from	the	sector	or	modifying	the	pollution	pricing	benchmark	requirements	to	create	

price-driven	limits	on	emissions	from	the	oil	and	gas	sector.	The	government	is	expected	to	release	details	on	the	form	of	the	

emissions	cap	in	2023.	The	Government	has	also	committed	to	engaging	provinces,	territories,	and	Indigenous	organizations	in	

an	interim	review	of	the	benchmark	by	2026	after	which,	regulatory	measures	designed	to	meet	the	goals	of	the	emissions	cap	

could	come	into	force.

The	Government	of	Canada	has	implemented	regulation	to	enable	the	reduction	of	methane	emissions	from	the	crude	oil	and	
natural	gas	sector	by	40	percent	to	45	percent	from	2012	levels	by	2025.	Regulatory	requirements	for	fugitive	equipment	leaks	
and	 venting	 from	 well	 completion	 and	 compressors	 came	 into	 force	 on	 January	 1,	 2020.	 Further	 restrictions	 on	 facility	
production	 venting	 restrictions	 and	 venting	 limits	 for	 pneumatic	 equipment	 came	 into	 force	 on	 January	 1,	 2023.	 Certain	
provinces	 have	 since	 implemented	 provincial	 methane	 regulations	 that	 have	 been	 found	 to	 be	 equivalent	 with	 federal	
requirements.	The	Government	of	Canada	has	announced	an	additional	target	to	reduce	oil	and	gas	methane	emissions	by	at	
least	75	percent	below	2012	levels	by	2030.	In	November	2022	the	Government	of	Canada	published	for	comment,	a	proposed	
regulatory	 framework	 to	 support	 their	 methane	 emissions	 reduction	 target.	 The	 proposal	 includes	 source	 by	 source	
requirements	as	well	as	additional	performance-based	requirements	and	is	to	be	regulated	under	CEPA.

The	 U.S.	 does	 not	 have	 federal	 legislation	 establishing	 targets	 for	 the	 reduction	 of,	 or	 setting	 individualized	 limits	 on,	 GHG	
emissions	from	our	U.S.	facilities.	The	Renewable	Fuel	Standard	(“RFS”)	was	created	to	reduce	GHG	emissions	and	risks	from	
that	program	are	described	below.	Additionally,	the	federal	Environmental	Protection	Agency	(“EPA”)	has	and	may	continue	to	
promulgate	 regulations	 concerning	 the	 reporting	 and	 control	 of	 GHG	 emissions.	 Since	 2010,	 the	 EPA’s	 Greenhouse	 Gas	
Reporting	 Program	 (“GHGRP”)	 requires	 any	 facility	 releasing	 more	 than	 25,000	 tonnes	 of	 CO2e	 emissions	 per	 year	 to	 report	
those	emissions	on	an	annual	basis.	In	addition	to	reporting	direct	CO2e	emissions,	the	GHGRP	requires	refineries	to	estimate	
the	CO2e	emissions	from	the	potential	subsequent	combustion	of	the	refinery’s	products.	In	early	2021,	the	U.S.	rejoined	the	
Paris	Agreement	and	subsequently	announced	a	2030	target	to	reduce	GHG	emissions	by	50	percent	to	52	percent	from	2005	
levels.	 It	 is	 expected	 that	 this	 target	 will	 be	 met	 largely	 through	 clean	 energy	 incentives	 introduced	 under	 the	 Inflation	
Reduction	Act	as	opposed	to	regulatory	measures.

Negative	 consequences	 which	 could	 arise	 as	 a	 result	 of	 changes	 to	 the	 current	 regulatory	 environment	 include,	 but	 are	 not	
limited	 to,	 changes	 in	 environmental	 and	 emissions	 regulation	 of	 current	 and	 future	 projects	 by	 governmental	 authorities,	
which	 could	 result	 in	 changes	 to	 facility	 design	 and	 operating	 requirements,	 potentially	 increasing	 the	 cost	 of	 construction,	
operation	 and	 abandonment.	 Other	 possible	 effects	 from	 emerging	 regulations	 may	 also	 include	 but	 are	 not	 limited	 to:	
increased	compliance	costs;	permitting	delays;	and	substantial	costs	to	generate	or	purchase	emission	credits	or	allowances,	all	
of	which	may	increase	operating	expenses.	Further,	emission	allowances	or	offset	credits	may	not	be	available	for	acquisition	or	
may	not	be	available	on	an	economic	basis,	required	emissions	reductions	may	not	be	technically	or	economically	feasible	to	
implement,	in	whole	or	in	part,	and	failure	to	have	access	to	resources	or	technology	to	meet	emissions	reduction	requirements	
or	other	compliance	mechanisms	may	have	a	material	adverse	effect	on	our	business	resulting	in,	among	other	things,	fines,	
permitting	delays,	penalties	and	the	suspension	of	operations.

The	 extent	 and	 magnitude	 of	 any	 adverse	 impacts	 of	 current	 or	 additional	 programs	 or	 regulations	 beyond	 reasonably	
foreseeable	 requirements	 cannot	 be	 reliably	 or	 accurately	 estimated	 at	 this	 time,	 in	 part	 because	 specific	 legislative	 and	
regulatory	 requirements	 have	 not	 been	 finalized	 and	 uncertainty	 exists	 with	 respect	 to	 the	 additional	 measures	 being	
considered	 and	 the	 timeframes	 for	 compliance.	 Consequently,	 no	 assurances	 can	 be	 given	 that	 the	 effect	 of	 future	 climate	
change	regulations	will	not	be	significant	to	us.

Low	Carbon	Fuel	Standards

Existing	 and	 proposed	 environmental	 legislation	 and	 regulation	 developed	 by	 certain	 U.S.	 states,	 Canadian	 provinces	 and	
territories,	 the	 Canadian	 federal	 government	 and	 members	 of	 the	 European	 Union,	 regulating	 carbon	 fuel	 standards	 could	
result	 in	 increased	 costs	 and	 reduced	 revenue	 for	 us.	 The	 potential	 regulation	 may	 negatively	 affect	 the	 marketing	 of	 our	
bitumen,	 crude	 oil	 or	 refined	 products,	 and	 may	 require	 us	 to	 purchase	 emissions	 credits	 in	 order	 to	 effect	 sales	 in	 such	
jurisdictions.

Environment	and	Climate	Change	Canada	published	final	regulations	in	2022	for	the	Clean	Fuel	Standard	under	the	Canadian	
Environmental	 Protection	 Act,	 1999.	 The	 Clean	 Fuel	 Standard	 will	 replace	 the	 current	 Renewable	 Fuels	 Regulations,	 which	
requires	producers	and	importers	of	transportation	fuels	to	acquire	a	certain	number	of	compliance	units	commensurate	with	
the	volumes	of	fuel	they	produce	or	import.	The	new	regulatory	framework	will	impose	lifecycle	carbon	intensity	requirements	
for	certain	liquid	fuels	and	establish	rules	relating	to	the	trading	of	compliance	credits.	Carbon	intensity	requirements	under	the	
Clean	 Fuel	 Standard	 regulation	 become	 more	 stringent	 over	 time	 and	 are	 differentiated	 between	 different	 types	 of	 fuels	 to	
reflect	 the	 associated	 emissions	 reduction	 potential.	 Regulated	 parties	 have	 some	 flexibility	 with	 respect	 to	 how	 to	 achieve	
lower-carbon	fuels	in	Canada.	The	cost	of	compliance	will	depend	on	a	number	of	factors	including,	but	not	limited	to,	credit	
market	supply	and	demand	dynamics,	development	costs	associated	with	low	carbon	fuels,	and	technology	developments	that	
could	 reduce	 demand	 for	 liquid	 transportation	 fuels.	 The	 Clean	 Fuel	 Standard	 regulation	 has	 the	 potential	 to	 impact	 our	
business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows,	though	at	this	time	it	is	difficult	to	predict	or	quantify	any	
such	impacts.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   65

Renewable	Fuel	Standards

Market	Access

Our	U.S.	refining	operations	are	subject	to	various	laws	and	regulations	that	impose	stringent	and	costly	requirements.	The	EPA	
has	implemented	the	RFS	program	that	mandates	that	a	certain	volume	of	renewable	fuel	replace	or	reduce	the	quantity	of	
certain	petroleum-based	transportation	fuels	sold	or	introduced	in	the	U.S.	Obligated	Parties,	including	refiners	or	importers	of	
gasoline	or	diesel	fuel,	must	achieve	compliance	with	targets	set	by	the	EPA	by	blending	certain	types	of	renewable	fuel	into	
transportation	fuel,	or	by	purchasing	renewable	identification	numbers	(RINs)	from	other	parties	on	the	open	market.	RINs	are	
credits	used	for	compliance,	and	are	the	“currency”	of	the	RFS	program.

Cenovus	and	our	refinery	operating	partners	comply	with	the	RFS	by	blending	renewable	fuels	manufactured	by	third	parties	
and	by	purchasing	RINs	on	the	open	market,	where	prices	fluctuate.	We	cannot	predict	the	future	prices	of	RINs	and	renewable	
fuel	blendstocks,	and	the	costs	to	obtain	the	necessary	RINs	and	blendstocks	could	be	material.	Our	financial	position,	results	of	
operations	 and	 cash	 flows	 may	 be	 materially	 impacted	 if	 we	 are	 required	 to	 pay	 significantly	 higher	 prices	 for	 RINs	 or	
blendstocks	to	comply	with	the	RFS	mandated	standards.	We	have	an	RFS	program	to	help	mitigate	risk	related	to	fluctuating	
RINs	pricing.	

Light-Duty	Vehicle	Greenhouse	Gas	Emission	Standards

The	 U.S.	 EPA	 has	 mandated	 federal	 GHG	 emissions	 standards	 applicable	 to	 automakers	 by	 setting	 fuel	 economy	 standards	
related	 to	 passenger	 cars	 and	 light	 trucks	 for	 Model	 Years	 2023	 through	 2026.	 The	 EPA’s	 stated	 intention	 for	 the	 rule	 is	 to	
prompt	automakers	to	produce	more	electric	vehicles	and	set	a	path	to	a	zero-emissions	transportation	future.	The	EPA	stated	
that	it	intends	to	initiate	future	rulemaking	to	establish	multi-pollutant	emissions	standards	for	Model	Year	2027	and	beyond.	
The	impact	these	standards	may	have	on	the	future	demand	(and	corresponding	price	levels)	for	our	products	is	unknown	and	
dependent	 upon	 a	 number	 of	 factors.	 In	 addition,	 the	 Canadian	 federal	 government	 has	 published	 proposed	 regulated	 sales	
targets	for	electric	vehicles.	See	“Climate	Change	Transition	–	Demand	and	Commodity	Prices”	below.

Climate	Change	Related	Litigation

In	recent	years	there	has	been	an	increase	in	climate	change	related	demands,	disputes,	and	litigation	in	various	jurisdictions	
including	the	U.S.	and	Canada,	asserting	various	claims,	including	that	energy	producers	contribute	to	climate	change,	that	such	
entities	are	not	reasonably	managing	business	risks	associated	with	climate	change,	and	that	such	entities	have	not	adequately	
disclosed	 business	 risks	 of	 climate	 change.	 While	 many	 of	 the	 climate	 change	 related	 actions	 are	 in	 preliminary	 stages	 of	
litigation,	and	in	some	cases	assert	novel	or	untested	causes	of	action,	there	can	be	no	assurance	that	legal,	societal,	scientific	
and	 political	 developments	 will	 not	 increase	 the	 likelihood	 of	 successful	 climate	 change	 related	 litigation	 against	 energy	
producers,	including	Cenovus.	The	outcome	of	any	such	litigation	is	uncertain	and	may	materially	impact	our	business,	financial	
condition	 or	 results	 of	 operations.	 We	 may	 also	 be	 subject	 to	 adverse	 publicity	 associated	 with	 such	 matters,	 which	 may	
negatively	affect	public	perception	and	our	reputation,	regardless	of	whether	we	are	ultimately	found	responsible.	We	may	be	
required	to	incur	significant	expenses	or	devote	significant	resources	in	defense	against	any	such	litigation.

Transition	Risks	–	Technology

We	depend	on,	among	other	things,	the	availability	and	scalability	of	existing	and	emerging	technologies	to	meet	our	business	
goals,	 including	 our	 ESG	 targets.	 Limitations	 related	 to	 the	 development,	 adoption	 and	 success	 of	 these	 technologies	 or	 the	
development	of	disruptive	technologies	could	have	a	negative	impact	on	our	long-term	business	resilience.

Transition	Risks	–	Market

Demand	and	Commodity	Prices

The	recent	increase	in	focus	on	the	timing	and	pace	of	the	transition	to	a	lower-carbon	economy	and	resulting	trends	will	likely	
affect	 global	 energy	 demand	 and	 usage,	 including	 the	 composition	 of	 the	 types	 of	 energy	 generally	 used	 by	 industry	 and	
individual	consumers.	Under	certain	aggressive	low-carbon	scenarios,	potential	demand	erosion	could	contribute	to	commodity
price	fluctuations	and	structural	commodity	price	declines.	However,	it	is	not	currently	possible	to	predict	the	timelines	for,	and	
precise	effects	of,	this	transition	to	a	potential	lower-carbon	economy,	which	will	depend	on	a	multitude	of	factors	including	
increased	decarbonization	policies,	the	ability	to	develop	adequate	alternative	sources	of	energy,	technology	development	and	
adaptation	 including	 in	 the	 area	 of	 transportation	 electrification,	 the	 ability	 to	 conceptualize,	 develop	 and	 commercialize	
technologies	 for	 the	 production,	 storage	 and	 distribution	 of	 adequate	 supplies	 of	 alternative	 energy,	 consumption	 patterns,	
global	growth,	industrial	activity,	weather	patterns	and	climate	conditions,	including	as	a	result	of	climate	change.	All	of	these	
factors	 are	 beyond	 our	 control	 and	 could	 result	 in	 a	 high	 degree	 of	 price	 volatility	 for	 each	 of	 crude	 oil,	 natural	 gas,	 NGLs,	
electricity	and	refined	products.

Opposition	 to	 new	 and	 expanded	 pipeline	 projects	 have	 been	 influenced	 by,	 among	 other	 things,	 concerns	 about	 GHG	

emissions	associated	with	fossil	fuel-based	energy	development	and	end-use	combustion	of	fuels.	Additional	concerns	about

pipeline	spills	can	create	opposition	to	pipeline	projects	at	a	local	level.	Our	inability	to	optimize	market	access	for	either	the	

delivery	of	our	production	or	refining	feedstock	may	negatively	impact	our	business,	financial	condition,	cash	flows	and	results	

of	operations.

Access	to	Capital	and	Insurance

Capital	 markets	 are	 adjusting	 to	 the	 risks	 that	 climate	 change	 poses	 and	 as	 a	 result,	 our	 ability	 to	 access	 capital	 and	 secure	

adequate	or	prudent	insurance	coverage	may	also	be	adversely	affected	in	the	event	that	financial	institutions,	investors,	credit	

rating	 agencies,	 lenders	 and/or	 insurers	 adopt	 more	 restrictive	 decarbonization	 policies.	 Certain	 insurance	 companies	 have	

taken	actions	or	announced	policies	to	limit	available	coverage	for	companies	which	derive	some	or	all	of	their	revenue	from	

the	 oil	 sands	 sector.	 As	 a	 result	 of	 these	 policies,	 premiums	 and	 deductibles	 for	 some	 or	 all	 of	 our	 insurance	 policies	 could	

increase	substantially	and/or	coverage	may	be	reduced	or	become	unavailable.	As	a	result,	we	may	not	be	able	to	renew	our	

existing	policies	or	procure	other	desirable	insurance	coverage,	either	on	commercially	reasonable	terms,	or	at	all.	Additionally,	

certain	financial	institutions	have	taken	actions	or	announced	policies	related	to	decarbonization	of	their	loan	portfolios.	As	a	

result,	 costs	 of	 financing	 could	 increase	 over	 time	 and	 we	 may	 not	 be	 able	 to	 refinance	 our	 debt,	 renew	 or	 extend	 credit	

facilities	or	procure	additional	financing	at	reasonable	costs	and	interest	rates,	or	at	all.	The	future	development	of	our	business	

may	be	dependent	upon	our	ability	to	obtain	additional	capital,	including	debt	and	equity	financing.	See	“Credit,	Liquidity	and	

Availability	of	Future	Financing”	above.

Accuracy	of	Climate	Scenarios	and	Assumptions	

We	integrate	the	potential	impact	of	GHG	regulations	and	the	cost	of	carbon	at	various	price	levels	into	our	business	planning	

processes.	To	mitigate	uncertainty	surrounding	future	emissions	regulation,	we	evaluate	our	development	plans	under	a	range	

of	 carbon-constrained	 scenarios.	 We	 have	 considered	 the	 International	 Energy	 Agency	 (“IEA”)	 scenarios	 in	 our	 strategic	

planning	for	several	years	and	also	conduct	ongoing	assessments	of	both	public	and	private	scenarios.	Although	management	

believes	that	our	climate-related	estimates	are	reasonable,	aligned	with	current,	pending	and	potential	future	regulations,	and	

informed	by	the	IEA's	climate	scenarios,	they	are	based	on	numerous	assumptions	that,	if	false,	may	have	a	material	adverse	

effect	 on	 our	 business,	 financial	 condition	 and	 results	 of	 operations.	 Specifically,	 climate-related	 estimates	 influence	 our	

financial	planning	and	investment	decisions.	Since	we	plan	and	evaluate	opportunities	partially	on	the	basis	of	climate-related	

estimates,	 variations	 between	 actual	 outcomes	 and	 our	 expectations	 may	 have	 a	 material	 adverse	 effect	 on	 our	 business,	

financial	condition,	results	of	operations,	reputation	and	cash	flows.

Shareholder	Activism	

Shareholder	activism	has	been	increasing	in	the	energy	industry,	and	investors	may	from	time	to	time	attempt	to	effect	changes	

to	 our	 business,	 governance,	 or	 reporting	 practices	 with	 respect	 to	 climate	 change	 or	 otherwise,	 whether	 by	 shareholder	

proposals,	public	campaigns,	proxy	solicitations	or	otherwise.	Such	actions	could	adversely	impact	our	business	by	distracting	

our	 Board	 and	 employees	 from	 core	 business	 operations,	 requiring	 us	 to	 incur	 increased	 advisory	 fees	 and	 related	 costs,	

interfering	 with	 our	 ability	 to	 successfully	 execute	 on	 strategic	 transactions	 and	 plans	 and	 provoking	 perceived	 uncertainty	

about	the	future	direction	of	our	business.	In	the	event	such	activist	shareholders	are	successful,	Cenovus	may	be	required	to	

incur	 costs	 and	 dedicate	 time	 to	 adopting	 new	 practices.	 Such	 perceived	 uncertainty	 may,	 in	 turn,	 make	 it	 more	 difficult	 to	

retain	employees	and	could	result	in	significant	fluctuation	in	the	market	price	of	our	securities.

Transition	Risks	–	Reputation	and	Public	Perception	of	the	Oil	and	Gas	Sector

Development	 of	 fossil	 fuel-based	 energy,	 and	 in	 particular	 the	 Alberta	 oil	 sands,	 has	 received	 considerable	 attention	 on	 the	

subjects	of	environmental	impact,	climate	change,	GHG	emissions	and	Indigenous	reconciliation.	Concerns	about	oil	sands	may,	

directly	or	indirectly,	impair	the	profitability	of	our	current	oil	sands	projects,	and	the	viability	of	future	oil	sands	projects,	by	

creating	significant	regulatory,	economic	and	operating	uncertainty.	Increased	public	opposition	to	and	stigmatization	of	the	oil	

and	gas	sector,	and	in	particular	the	oil	sands	industry,	could	lead	to	constrained	access	to	insurance,	liquidity	and	capital	and	

changes	in	demand	for	our	products,	which	may	adversely	impact	our	business,	financial	condition	or	results	of	operations.	

For	example,	legislation	or	policies	that	limit	the	purchase	of	crude	oil	or	bitumen	produced	from	the	oil	sands	may	be	adopted	

in	domestic	and/or	foreign	jurisdictions,	which,	in	turn,	may	limit	the	world	market	for	this	crude	oil,	reduce	its	price	and	may	

result	in	stranded	assets	or	an	inability	to	further	develop	oil	resources.	See	“Reputation	Risk”	below.

66   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Renewable	Fuel	Standards

Market	Access

Our	U.S.	refining	operations	are	subject	to	various	laws	and	regulations	that	impose	stringent	and	costly	requirements.	The	EPA	

has	implemented	the	RFS	program	that	mandates	that	a	certain	volume	of	renewable	fuel	replace	or	reduce	the	quantity	of	

certain	petroleum-based	transportation	fuels	sold	or	introduced	in	the	U.S.	Obligated	Parties,	including	refiners	or	importers	of	

gasoline	or	diesel	fuel,	must	achieve	compliance	with	targets	set	by	the	EPA	by	blending	certain	types	of	renewable	fuel	into	

transportation	fuel,	or	by	purchasing	renewable	identification	numbers	(RINs)	from	other	parties	on	the	open	market.	RINs	are	

credits	used	for	compliance,	and	are	the	“currency”	of	the	RFS	program.

Cenovus	and	our	refinery	operating	partners	comply	with	the	RFS	by	blending	renewable	fuels	manufactured	by	third	parties	

and	by	purchasing	RINs	on	the	open	market,	where	prices	fluctuate.	We	cannot	predict	the	future	prices	of	RINs	and	renewable	

fuel	blendstocks,	and	the	costs	to	obtain	the	necessary	RINs	and	blendstocks	could	be	material.	Our	financial	position,	results	of	

operations	 and	 cash	 flows	 may	 be	 materially	 impacted	 if	 we	 are	 required	 to	 pay	 significantly	 higher	 prices	 for	 RINs	 or	

blendstocks	to	comply	with	the	RFS	mandated	standards.	We	have	an	RFS	program	to	help	mitigate	risk	related	to	fluctuating	

RINs	pricing.	

Light-Duty	Vehicle	Greenhouse	Gas	Emission	Standards

The	 U.S.	 EPA	 has	 mandated	 federal	 GHG	 emissions	 standards	 applicable	 to	 automakers	 by	 setting	 fuel	 economy	 standards	

related	 to	 passenger	 cars	 and	 light	 trucks	 for	 Model	 Years	 2023	 through	 2026.	 The	 EPA’s	 stated	 intention	 for	 the	 rule	 is	 to	

prompt	automakers	to	produce	more	electric	vehicles	and	set	a	path	to	a	zero-emissions	transportation	future.	The	EPA	stated	

that	it	intends	to	initiate	future	rulemaking	to	establish	multi-pollutant	emissions	standards	for	Model	Year	2027	and	beyond.	

The	impact	these	standards	may	have	on	the	future	demand	(and	corresponding	price	levels)	for	our	products	is	unknown	and	

dependent	 upon	 a	 number	 of	 factors.	 In	 addition,	 the	 Canadian	 federal	 government	 has	 published	 proposed	 regulated	 sales	

targets	for	electric	vehicles.	See	“Climate	Change	Transition	–	Demand	and	Commodity	Prices”	below.

Climate	Change	Related	Litigation

In	recent	years	there	has	been	an	increase	in	climate	change	related	demands,	disputes,	and	litigation	in	various	jurisdictions	

including	the	U.S.	and	Canada,	asserting	various	claims,	including	that	energy	producers	contribute	to	climate	change,	that	such	

entities	are	not	reasonably	managing	business	risks	associated	with	climate	change,	and	that	such	entities	have	not	adequately	

disclosed	 business	 risks	 of	 climate	 change.	 While	 many	 of	 the	 climate	 change	 related	 actions	 are	 in	 preliminary	 stages	 of	

litigation,	and	in	some	cases	assert	novel	or	untested	causes	of	action,	there	can	be	no	assurance	that	legal,	societal,	scientific	

and	 political	 developments	 will	 not	 increase	 the	 likelihood	 of	 successful	 climate	 change	 related	 litigation	 against	 energy	

producers,	including	Cenovus.	The	outcome	of	any	such	litigation	is	uncertain	and	may	materially	impact	our	business,	financial	

condition	 or	 results	 of	 operations.	 We	 may	 also	 be	 subject	 to	 adverse	 publicity	 associated	 with	 such	 matters,	 which	 may	

negatively	affect	public	perception	and	our	reputation,	regardless	of	whether	we	are	ultimately	found	responsible.	We	may	be	

required	to	incur	significant	expenses	or	devote	significant	resources	in	defense	against	any	such	litigation.

We	depend	on,	among	other	things,	the	availability	and	scalability	of	existing	and	emerging	technologies	to	meet	our	business	

goals,	 including	 our	 ESG	 targets.	 Limitations	 related	 to	 the	 development,	 adoption	 and	 success	 of	 these	 technologies	 or	 the	

development	of	disruptive	technologies	could	have	a	negative	impact	on	our	long-term	business	resilience.

Transition	Risks	–	Technology

Transition	Risks	–	Market

Demand	and	Commodity	Prices

The	recent	increase	in	focus	on	the	timing	and	pace	of	the	transition	to	a	lower-carbon	economy	and	resulting	trends	will	likely	

affect	 global	 energy	 demand	 and	 usage,	 including	 the	 composition	 of	 the	 types	 of	 energy	 generally	 used	 by	 industry	 and	

individual	consumers.	Under	certain	aggressive	low-carbon	scenarios,	potential	demand	erosion	could	contribute	to	commodity

price	fluctuations	and	structural	commodity	price	declines.	However,	it	is	not	currently	possible	to	predict	the	timelines	for,	and	

precise	effects	of,	this	transition	to	a	potential	lower-carbon	economy,	which	will	depend	on	a	multitude	of	factors	including	

increased	decarbonization	policies,	the	ability	to	develop	adequate	alternative	sources	of	energy,	technology	development	and	

adaptation	 including	 in	 the	 area	 of	 transportation	 electrification,	 the	 ability	 to	 conceptualize,	 develop	 and	 commercialize	

technologies	 for	 the	 production,	 storage	 and	 distribution	 of	 adequate	 supplies	 of	 alternative	 energy,	 consumption	 patterns,	

global	growth,	industrial	activity,	weather	patterns	and	climate	conditions,	including	as	a	result	of	climate	change.	All	of	these	

factors	 are	 beyond	 our	 control	 and	 could	 result	 in	 a	 high	 degree	 of	 price	 volatility	 for	 each	 of	 crude	 oil,	 natural	 gas,	 NGLs,	

electricity	and	refined	products.

Opposition	 to	 new	 and	 expanded	 pipeline	 projects	 have	 been	 influenced	 by,	 among	 other	 things,	 concerns	 about	 GHG	
emissions	associated	with	fossil	fuel-based	energy	development	and	end-use	combustion	of	fuels.	Additional	concerns	about
pipeline	spills	can	create	opposition	to	pipeline	projects	at	a	local	level.	Our	inability	to	optimize	market	access	for	either	the	
delivery	of	our	production	or	refining	feedstock	may	negatively	impact	our	business,	financial	condition,	cash	flows	and	results	
of	operations.

Access	to	Capital	and	Insurance

Capital	 markets	 are	 adjusting	 to	 the	 risks	 that	 climate	 change	 poses	 and	 as	 a	 result,	 our	 ability	 to	 access	 capital	 and	 secure	
adequate	or	prudent	insurance	coverage	may	also	be	adversely	affected	in	the	event	that	financial	institutions,	investors,	credit	
rating	 agencies,	 lenders	 and/or	 insurers	 adopt	 more	 restrictive	 decarbonization	 policies.	 Certain	 insurance	 companies	 have	
taken	actions	or	announced	policies	to	limit	available	coverage	for	companies	which	derive	some	or	all	of	their	revenue	from	
the	 oil	 sands	 sector.	 As	 a	 result	 of	 these	 policies,	 premiums	 and	 deductibles	 for	 some	 or	 all	 of	 our	 insurance	 policies	 could	
increase	substantially	and/or	coverage	may	be	reduced	or	become	unavailable.	As	a	result,	we	may	not	be	able	to	renew	our	
existing	policies	or	procure	other	desirable	insurance	coverage,	either	on	commercially	reasonable	terms,	or	at	all.	Additionally,	
certain	financial	institutions	have	taken	actions	or	announced	policies	related	to	decarbonization	of	their	loan	portfolios.	As	a	
result,	 costs	 of	 financing	 could	 increase	 over	 time	 and	 we	 may	 not	 be	 able	 to	 refinance	 our	 debt,	 renew	 or	 extend	 credit	
facilities	or	procure	additional	financing	at	reasonable	costs	and	interest	rates,	or	at	all.	The	future	development	of	our	business	
may	be	dependent	upon	our	ability	to	obtain	additional	capital,	including	debt	and	equity	financing.	See	“Credit,	Liquidity	and	
Availability	of	Future	Financing”	above.

Accuracy	of	Climate	Scenarios	and	Assumptions	

We	integrate	the	potential	impact	of	GHG	regulations	and	the	cost	of	carbon	at	various	price	levels	into	our	business	planning	
processes.	To	mitigate	uncertainty	surrounding	future	emissions	regulation,	we	evaluate	our	development	plans	under	a	range	
of	 carbon-constrained	 scenarios.	 We	 have	 considered	 the	 International	 Energy	 Agency	 (“IEA”)	 scenarios	 in	 our	 strategic	
planning	for	several	years	and	also	conduct	ongoing	assessments	of	both	public	and	private	scenarios.	Although	management	
believes	that	our	climate-related	estimates	are	reasonable,	aligned	with	current,	pending	and	potential	future	regulations,	and	
informed	by	the	IEA's	climate	scenarios,	they	are	based	on	numerous	assumptions	that,	if	false,	may	have	a	material	adverse	
effect	 on	 our	 business,	 financial	 condition	 and	 results	 of	 operations.	 Specifically,	 climate-related	 estimates	 influence	 our	
financial	planning	and	investment	decisions.	Since	we	plan	and	evaluate	opportunities	partially	on	the	basis	of	climate-related	
estimates,	 variations	 between	 actual	 outcomes	 and	 our	 expectations	 may	 have	 a	 material	 adverse	 effect	 on	 our	 business,	
financial	condition,	results	of	operations,	reputation	and	cash	flows.

Shareholder	Activism	

Shareholder	activism	has	been	increasing	in	the	energy	industry,	and	investors	may	from	time	to	time	attempt	to	effect	changes	
to	 our	 business,	 governance,	 or	 reporting	 practices	 with	 respect	 to	 climate	 change	 or	 otherwise,	 whether	 by	 shareholder	
proposals,	public	campaigns,	proxy	solicitations	or	otherwise.	Such	actions	could	adversely	impact	our	business	by	distracting	
our	 Board	 and	 employees	 from	 core	 business	 operations,	 requiring	 us	 to	 incur	 increased	 advisory	 fees	 and	 related	 costs,	
interfering	 with	 our	 ability	 to	 successfully	 execute	 on	 strategic	 transactions	 and	 plans	 and	 provoking	 perceived	 uncertainty	
about	the	future	direction	of	our	business.	In	the	event	such	activist	shareholders	are	successful,	Cenovus	may	be	required	to	
incur	 costs	 and	 dedicate	 time	 to	 adopting	 new	 practices.	 Such	 perceived	 uncertainty	 may,	 in	 turn,	 make	 it	 more	 difficult	 to	
retain	employees	and	could	result	in	significant	fluctuation	in	the	market	price	of	our	securities.

Transition	Risks	–	Reputation	and	Public	Perception	of	the	Oil	and	Gas	Sector

Development	 of	 fossil	 fuel-based	 energy,	 and	 in	 particular	 the	 Alberta	 oil	 sands,	 has	 received	 considerable	 attention	 on	 the	
subjects	of	environmental	impact,	climate	change,	GHG	emissions	and	Indigenous	reconciliation.	Concerns	about	oil	sands	may,	
directly	or	indirectly,	impair	the	profitability	of	our	current	oil	sands	projects,	and	the	viability	of	future	oil	sands	projects,	by	
creating	significant	regulatory,	economic	and	operating	uncertainty.	Increased	public	opposition	to	and	stigmatization	of	the	oil	
and	gas	sector,	and	in	particular	the	oil	sands	industry,	could	lead	to	constrained	access	to	insurance,	liquidity	and	capital	and	
changes	in	demand	for	our	products,	which	may	adversely	impact	our	business,	financial	condition	or	results	of	operations.	

For	example,	legislation	or	policies	that	limit	the	purchase	of	crude	oil	or	bitumen	produced	from	the	oil	sands	may	be	adopted	
in	domestic	and/or	foreign	jurisdictions,	which,	in	turn,	may	limit	the	world	market	for	this	crude	oil,	reduce	its	price	and	may	
result	in	stranded	assets	or	an	inability	to	further	develop	oil	resources.	See	“Reputation	Risk”	below.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   67

Climate	Change	–	Physical	Risks	

Canadian	Species	at	Risk	Act

Systemic	climatic	changes	or	extreme	climatic	conditions	may	also	have	material	adverse	effects	on	our	business,	reputation,	
financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.	Weather	and	climate	affect	demand,	and	therefore,	the	predictability	
of	the	demand	for	energy	is	affected	to	a	large	degree	by	the	predictability	of	weather	and	climate.	In	addition,	our	exploration,	
refining,	 pipeline,	 production	 and	 construction	 operations,	 and	 the	 operations	 of	 major	 customers	 and	 suppliers,	 can	 be	
affected	by	acute	physical	climate	risks,	such	as	floods,	forest	fires,	earthquakes,	hurricanes,	storms,	extreme	temperatures	and	
other	extreme	weather	events	or	natural	disasters.	This	may	result	in	cessation	or	diminishment	of	production	or	throughput,	
delay	of	exploration	and	development	activities	or	delay	of	plant	construction.

Climate	 change	 may	 also	 increase	 the	 frequency	 of	 severe	 weather	 conditions	 that	 may	 adversely	 impact	 our	 operations,	
business	and	financial	results.	For	example,	our	Atlantic	operations	may	be	impacted	by	severe	weather	conditions,	including	
winds,	 flooding	 and	 variable	 temperatures,	 which	 are	 contributing	 to	 the	 melting	 of	 northern	 ice	 and	 increased	 creation	 of	
icebergs.	Icebergs	off	the	coast	of	Newfoundland	and	Labrador	pose	a	risk	to	Atlantic	oil	production	facilities.	An	operational	
incident	as	a	result	of	severe	weather	conditions,	has	the	potential	to	result	in	spills,	asset	damage,	and	production	or	refining	
disruption.	Climate	change	may	result	in	an	increased	level	of	risk	resulting	in	increased	or	additional	mitigation	requirements.

Our	 other	 operations	 are	 also	 subject	 to	 chronic	 physical	 risks	 such	 as	 a	 shorter	 timeframe	 for	 our	 winter	 drilling	 program,	
changes	 in	 the	 water	 table	 and	 reduced	 access	 to	 water	 due	 to	 drought	 conditions.	 A	 systemic	 change	 in	 temperature	 or	
precipitation	 patterns	 could	 result	 in	 more	 challenging	 conditions	 for	 the	 construction	 of	 ice	 roads,	 execution	 of	 our	 winter	
drilling	program	and	reclamation	activities	and	could	reduce	the	availability	of	water	due	to	the	increasing	likelihood	of	drought	
conditions.

Environmental	Regulation	Risks

All	 phases	 of	 our	 operations	 are	 subject	 to	 environmental	 regulation	 pursuant	 to	 a	 variety	 of	 federal,	 provincial,	 territorial,	
state,	 regional	 and	 municipal	 laws,	 and	 regulations	 in	 the	 jurisdictions	 in	 which	 we	 operate	 (collectively,	 the	 “environmental	
regulations”).	Environmental	regulations	provide	that	exploration	areas,	wells,	facility	sites,	refineries	and	other	properties	and	
practices	 associated	 with	 our	 operations	 be	 constructed,	 operated,	 maintained,	 abandoned,	 reclaimed,	 and	 undertaken	 in	
accordance	 with	 the	 requirements	 set	 out	 therein.	 In	 addition,	 certain	 types	 of	 operations,	 including	 exploration	 and	
development	 projects	 and	 changes	 to	 certain	 existing	 projects,	 may	 require	 the	 submission	 and	 approval	 of	 environmental	
impact	assessments	or	permit	applications.

We	 anticipate	 that	 further	 changes	 in	 environmental	 legislation	 will	 occur,	 which	 may	 result	 in	 approval	 delays	 for	 critical	
licences	 and	 permits,	 stricter	 standards	 and	 enforcement,	 larger	 fines	 and	 liabilities,	 the	 introduction	 of	 emissions	 limits,	
increased	compliance	costs	and	increased	costs	for	closure,	controls	on	land	and	resource	access,	reclamation,	and	ecological	
restoration.	The	complexities	of	changes	in	environmental	regulations	make	it	difficult	to	predict	the	potential	future	impact	to	
our	business.

Compliance	 with	 environmental	 regulations	 requires	 significant	 expenditures.	 Our	 future	 capital	 expenditures	 and	 operating	
expenses	could	continue	to	increase	as	a	result	of,	among	other	things,	developments	in	our	business,	operations,	plans	and	
objectives	and	changes	to	existing,	or	implementation	of	new,	environmental	regulations.	Failure	to	comply	with	environmental	
regulations	may	result	in,	among	other	things,	the	imposition	of	fines,	penalties,	environmental	protection	orders,	suspension	
of	operations,	prosecution,	and	could	adversely	affect	our	reputation.	The	costs	of	complying	with	environmental	regulations	
and	 remedying	 noncompliance	 issues	 may	 have	 a	 material	 adverse	 effect	 on	 our	 business,	 financial	 condition,	 results	 of	
operations	 and	 cash	 flows.	 The	 implementation	 of	 new	 environmental	 regulations	 or	 changes	 in	 interpretation	 or	 the	
modification	of	existing	environmental	regulations	affecting	the	crude	oil,	natural	gas,	NGL	and	refining	industry	generally	could	
reduce	demand	for	our	products	as	well	as	shift	hydrocarbon	demand	toward	relatively	lower-carbon	sources	and	affect	our	
long-term	prospects.

U.S.	environmental	regulations	and	aggressive	enforcement	from	regulators	present	challenges	and	risks	to	our	U.S.	operations.	
New	 emission	 standards,	 more	 stringent	 water	 quality	 standards,	 and	 regulation	 of	 emerging	 contaminants	 such	 as	 Per-	 and	
Polyfluoroalkyl	 Substances	 ("PFAS")	 can	 increase	 compliance	 costs,	 require	 capital	 projects,	 lengthen	 project	 implementation	
times,	and	have	an	adverse	effect	on	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.	U.S.	regulators	have	
proposed	that	certain	PFAS	be	characterized	as	a	regulatory	defined	hazardous	waste,	which	could	lead	to	additional	cleanup	
liability	at	U.S.	sites.	See	“Water	Regulation”	below.

68   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

The	Canadian	federal	Species	at	Risk	Act,	as	well	as	provincial	regulation	regarding	threatened	or	endangered	species	and	their	

habitat	 may	 limit	 the	 pace	 and	 the	 amount	 of	 development	 or	 activity	 in	 areas	 identified	 as	 critical	 habitat	 for	 species	 of	

concern,	 such	 as	 woodland	 caribou.	 Recent	 petitions	 and	 litigation	 against	 the	 federal	 government	 in	 relation	 to	 their	

obligations	under	the	Species	at	Risk	Act	have	raised	issues	associated	with	the	protection	of	species	at	risk	and	their	critical	

habitat	 both	 federally	 and	 on	 a	 provincial	 level.	 In	 Alberta,	 a	 suite	 of	 initiatives	 has	 been	 undertaken	 to	 support	 caribou	

recovery,	 including	 the	 conservation	 agreements	 under	 the	 Species	 at	 Risk	 Act	 and	 the	 elaboration	 of	 sub-regional	 plans.	 If	

plans	 and	 actions	 undertaken	 by	 the	 provinces	 are	 deemed	 insufficient	 to	 support	 caribou	 recovery,	 the	 federal	 legislation	

includes	 the	 ability	 to	 implement	 measures	 that	 would	 preclude	 further	 development	 or	 modification	 of	 existing	 operations.	

The	 extent	 and	 magnitude	 of	 any	 potential	 adverse	 impacts	 of	 legislation	 on	 in	 situ	 oil	 sands	 project	 development	 and	

operations	 cannot	 be	 estimated,	 as	 uncertainty	 exists	 as	 to	 whether	 plans	 and	 actions	 undertaken	 by	 the	 provinces	 will	 be	

sufficient	to	support	caribou	recovery.

Canadian	Federal	Air	Quality	Management	System

The	Multi	Sector	Air	Pollutants	Regulations	(“MSAPR”),	issued	under	the	Canadian	Environmental	Protection	Act,	1999,	seek	to	

protect	the	environment	and	health	of	Canadians	by	setting	mandatory,	nationally	consistent	air	pollutant	emission	standards.	

The	 MSAPR	 are	 aimed	 at	 equipment-specific	 Base-Level	 Industrial	 Emissions	 Requirements	 (“BLIERs”).	 Nitrogen	 oxide	 BLIERs	

from	our	non-utility	boilers,	heaters	and	stationary	engines	are	regulated	in	accordance	with	specified	performance	standards.	

We	anticipate	that	the	MSAPR	will	result	in	adverse	impacts	to	Cenovus	including	but	not	limited	to	capital	investment	required	

to	retrofit	existing	equipment	and	increased	operating	costs.

Canadian	 Ambient	 Air	 Quality	 Standards	 (“CAAQS”)	 for	 nitrogen	 dioxide,	 sulphur	 dioxide,	 fine	 particulate	 matter	 and	 ozone	

were	introduced	as	part	of	a	national	Air	Quality	Management	System.	Provinces	may	implement	the	CAAQS	at	the	regional	air	

zone	level	and	air	zone	management	actions	may	include	more	stringent	emissions	standards	applicable	to	industrial	sources	

from	 approval	 holders	 in	 regions	 where	 we	 operate	 that	 may	 result	 in	 adverse	 impacts	 including	 but	 not	 limited	 to	 capital	

investment	related	to	retrofitting	existing	facilities	and	increased	operating	costs.

Review	of	Environmental	and	Regulatory	Processes

Increased	environmental	assessment	obligations	imposed	by	federal,	provincial,	territorial,	state	and	municipal	governments	in	

the	 jurisdictions	 in	which	we	 conduct	operations,	 development	or	 exploration	may	create	risk	of	increased	costs	and	project	

development	 delays.	 The	 regulatory	 frameworks	 within	 the	 jurisdictions	 where	 we	 operate	 are	 constantly	 evolving	 and	

changing	and	may	become	more	onerous	or	costly	which	may	impede	our	ability	to	economically	develop	our	resources.	The	

extent	and	magnitude	of	any	adverse	impacts	of	changes	to	the	regulatory	framework	on	project	development	and	operations	

cannot	be	estimated	at	this	time.

The	Impact	Assessment	Agency	of	Canada	leads	and	coordinates	federal	impact	assessments	for	all	designated	projects	within	

Canada.	Assessment	considerations	beyond	the	environment	expressly	include	health,	economic,	social,	and	gender	impacts,	as	

well	as	considerations	related	to	sustainability	and	Canada’s	climate	change	commitments.	For	as	long	as	the	Alberta	provincial	

government	maintains	the	cap	on	oil	sands	emissions	in	Alberta	and	the	cap	has	not	been	reached,	our	in-situ	oil	sands	projects	

should	be	exempted	from	the	application	of	the	federal	impact	assessment	system,	provided	a	number	of	additional	conditions	

are	met.	However,	other	types	of	projects	would	undergo	a	federal	assessment,	including	those	within	our	Atlantic	operations.

Water	Regulation

We	 utilize	 fresh	 water	 in	 certain	 operations,	 which	 is	 obtained	 under	 licenses	 issued	 within	 each	 respective	 jurisdiction’s	

regulations.	 If	 water	 use	 fees	 increase,	 the	 terms	 of	 the	 licences	 change	 or	 there	 are	 reductions	 in	 the	 amount	 of	 water	

available	 for	 our	 use,	 production	 could	 decline	 or	 operating	 expenses	 could	 increase,	 both	 of	 which	 may	 have	 a	 material	

adverse	effect	on	our	business	and	financial	condition.	There	can	be	no	assurance	that	the	licences	to	withdraw	water	will	not	

be	 rescinded	 or	 that	 additional	 conditions	 will	 not	 be	 added	 to	 these	 licences.	 There	 is	 no	 assurance	 that	 if	 we	 require	 new	

licences	or	amendments	to	existing	licences,	that	these	licences	or	amendments	will	be	granted	on	favourable	terms.	This	may	

adversely	affect	our	business,	including	the	ability	to	operate	our	assets	and	execute	development	plans.

Our	U.S.	refineries	are	subject	to	water	discharge	requirements	that	necessitate	treatment	of	wastewater	prior	to	discharging.	

Permits	 for	 discharging	 water	 are	 renewed	 from	 time	 to	 time	 to	 incorporate	 new	 water	 quality	 standards	 and	 may	 require	

modifications	 and	 expansion	 of	 water	 treatment	 facilities	 at	 the	 sites.	 Pollutants	 such	 as	 selenium,	 total	 dissolved	 solids,	

arsenic,	 mercury,	 and	 others	 may	 require	 advanced	 wastewater	 treatment,	 and	 discharge	 levels	 will	 depend	 on	 the	 types	 of	

crude	processed	at	our	refineries.	Non-compliance	with	permit	limits	can	lead	to	enforcement	actions	by	regulators	including	

issuance	of	fines,	orders	to	upgrade	treatment	plants,	and	suspension	of	operations.	Federal	and	state	regulators	in	the	U.S.	are	

currently	addressing	the	emerging	pollutant	PFAS	in	water	discharge	permits	by	requiring	installation	of	additional	wastewater	

treatment	units	and	requiring	monitoring	of	PFAS	in	discharges.

Climate	Change	–	Physical	Risks	

Canadian	Species	at	Risk	Act

Systemic	climatic	changes	or	extreme	climatic	conditions	may	also	have	material	adverse	effects	on	our	business,	reputation,	

financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.	Weather	and	climate	affect	demand,	and	therefore,	the	predictability	

of	the	demand	for	energy	is	affected	to	a	large	degree	by	the	predictability	of	weather	and	climate.	In	addition,	our	exploration,	

refining,	 pipeline,	 production	 and	 construction	 operations,	 and	 the	 operations	 of	 major	 customers	 and	 suppliers,	 can	 be	

affected	by	acute	physical	climate	risks,	such	as	floods,	forest	fires,	earthquakes,	hurricanes,	storms,	extreme	temperatures	and	

other	extreme	weather	events	or	natural	disasters.	This	may	result	in	cessation	or	diminishment	of	production	or	throughput,	

delay	of	exploration	and	development	activities	or	delay	of	plant	construction.

Climate	 change	 may	 also	 increase	 the	 frequency	 of	 severe	 weather	 conditions	 that	 may	 adversely	 impact	 our	 operations,	

business	and	financial	results.	For	example,	our	Atlantic	operations	may	be	impacted	by	severe	weather	conditions,	including	

winds,	 flooding	 and	 variable	 temperatures,	 which	 are	 contributing	 to	 the	 melting	 of	 northern	 ice	 and	 increased	 creation	 of	

icebergs.	Icebergs	off	the	coast	of	Newfoundland	and	Labrador	pose	a	risk	to	Atlantic	oil	production	facilities.	An	operational	

incident	as	a	result	of	severe	weather	conditions,	has	the	potential	to	result	in	spills,	asset	damage,	and	production	or	refining	

disruption.	Climate	change	may	result	in	an	increased	level	of	risk	resulting	in	increased	or	additional	mitigation	requirements.

Our	 other	 operations	 are	 also	 subject	 to	 chronic	 physical	 risks	 such	 as	 a	 shorter	 timeframe	 for	 our	 winter	 drilling	 program,	

changes	 in	 the	 water	 table	 and	 reduced	 access	 to	 water	 due	 to	 drought	 conditions.	 A	 systemic	 change	 in	 temperature	 or	

precipitation	 patterns	 could	 result	 in	 more	 challenging	 conditions	 for	 the	 construction	 of	 ice	 roads,	 execution	 of	 our	 winter	

drilling	program	and	reclamation	activities	and	could	reduce	the	availability	of	water	due	to	the	increasing	likelihood	of	drought	

conditions.

Environmental	Regulation	Risks

All	 phases	 of	 our	 operations	 are	 subject	 to	 environmental	 regulation	 pursuant	 to	 a	 variety	 of	 federal,	 provincial,	 territorial,	

state,	 regional	 and	 municipal	 laws,	 and	 regulations	 in	 the	 jurisdictions	 in	 which	 we	 operate	 (collectively,	 the	 “environmental	

regulations”).	Environmental	regulations	provide	that	exploration	areas,	wells,	facility	sites,	refineries	and	other	properties	and	

practices	 associated	 with	 our	 operations	 be	 constructed,	 operated,	 maintained,	 abandoned,	 reclaimed,	 and	 undertaken	 in	

accordance	 with	 the	 requirements	 set	 out	 therein.	 In	 addition,	 certain	 types	 of	 operations,	 including	 exploration	 and	

development	 projects	 and	 changes	 to	 certain	 existing	 projects,	 may	 require	 the	 submission	 and	 approval	 of	 environmental	

impact	assessments	or	permit	applications.

We	 anticipate	 that	 further	 changes	 in	 environmental	 legislation	 will	 occur,	 which	 may	 result	 in	 approval	 delays	 for	 critical	

licences	 and	 permits,	 stricter	 standards	 and	 enforcement,	 larger	 fines	 and	 liabilities,	 the	 introduction	 of	 emissions	 limits,	

increased	compliance	costs	and	increased	costs	for	closure,	controls	on	land	and	resource	access,	reclamation,	and	ecological	

restoration.	The	complexities	of	changes	in	environmental	regulations	make	it	difficult	to	predict	the	potential	future	impact	to	

our	business.

Compliance	 with	 environmental	 regulations	 requires	 significant	 expenditures.	 Our	 future	 capital	 expenditures	 and	 operating	

expenses	could	continue	to	increase	as	a	result	of,	among	other	things,	developments	in	our	business,	operations,	plans	and	

objectives	and	changes	to	existing,	or	implementation	of	new,	environmental	regulations.	Failure	to	comply	with	environmental	

regulations	may	result	in,	among	other	things,	the	imposition	of	fines,	penalties,	environmental	protection	orders,	suspension	

of	operations,	prosecution,	and	could	adversely	affect	our	reputation.	The	costs	of	complying	with	environmental	regulations	

and	 remedying	 noncompliance	 issues	 may	 have	 a	 material	 adverse	 effect	 on	 our	 business,	 financial	 condition,	 results	 of	

operations	 and	 cash	 flows.	 The	 implementation	 of	 new	 environmental	 regulations	 or	 changes	 in	 interpretation	 or	 the	

modification	of	existing	environmental	regulations	affecting	the	crude	oil,	natural	gas,	NGL	and	refining	industry	generally	could	

reduce	demand	for	our	products	as	well	as	shift	hydrocarbon	demand	toward	relatively	lower-carbon	sources	and	affect	our	

long-term	prospects.

U.S.	environmental	regulations	and	aggressive	enforcement	from	regulators	present	challenges	and	risks	to	our	U.S.	operations.	

New	 emission	 standards,	 more	 stringent	 water	 quality	 standards,	 and	 regulation	 of	 emerging	 contaminants	 such	 as	 Per-	 and	

Polyfluoroalkyl	 Substances	 ("PFAS")	 can	 increase	 compliance	 costs,	 require	 capital	 projects,	 lengthen	 project	 implementation	

times,	and	have	an	adverse	effect	on	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.	U.S.	regulators	have	

proposed	that	certain	PFAS	be	characterized	as	a	regulatory	defined	hazardous	waste,	which	could	lead	to	additional	cleanup	

liability	at	U.S.	sites.	See	“Water	Regulation”	below.

The	Canadian	federal	Species	at	Risk	Act,	as	well	as	provincial	regulation	regarding	threatened	or	endangered	species	and	their	
habitat	 may	 limit	 the	 pace	 and	 the	 amount	 of	 development	 or	 activity	 in	 areas	 identified	 as	 critical	 habitat	 for	 species	 of	
concern,	 such	 as	 woodland	 caribou.	 Recent	 petitions	 and	 litigation	 against	 the	 federal	 government	 in	 relation	 to	 their	
obligations	under	the	Species	at	Risk	Act	have	raised	issues	associated	with	the	protection	of	species	at	risk	and	their	critical	
habitat	 both	 federally	 and	 on	 a	 provincial	 level.	 In	 Alberta,	 a	 suite	 of	 initiatives	 has	 been	 undertaken	 to	 support	 caribou	
recovery,	 including	 the	 conservation	 agreements	 under	 the	 Species	 at	 Risk	 Act	 and	 the	 elaboration	 of	 sub-regional	 plans.	 If	
plans	 and	 actions	 undertaken	 by	 the	 provinces	 are	 deemed	 insufficient	 to	 support	 caribou	 recovery,	 the	 federal	 legislation	
includes	 the	 ability	 to	 implement	 measures	 that	 would	 preclude	 further	 development	 or	 modification	 of	 existing	 operations.	
The	 extent	 and	 magnitude	 of	 any	 potential	 adverse	 impacts	 of	 legislation	 on	 in	 situ	 oil	 sands	 project	 development	 and	
operations	 cannot	 be	 estimated,	 as	 uncertainty	 exists	 as	 to	 whether	 plans	 and	 actions	 undertaken	 by	 the	 provinces	 will	 be	
sufficient	to	support	caribou	recovery.

Canadian	Federal	Air	Quality	Management	System

The	Multi	Sector	Air	Pollutants	Regulations	(“MSAPR”),	issued	under	the	Canadian	Environmental	Protection	Act,	1999,	seek	to	
protect	the	environment	and	health	of	Canadians	by	setting	mandatory,	nationally	consistent	air	pollutant	emission	standards.	
The	 MSAPR	 are	 aimed	 at	 equipment-specific	 Base-Level	 Industrial	 Emissions	 Requirements	 (“BLIERs”).	 Nitrogen	 oxide	 BLIERs	
from	our	non-utility	boilers,	heaters	and	stationary	engines	are	regulated	in	accordance	with	specified	performance	standards.	
We	anticipate	that	the	MSAPR	will	result	in	adverse	impacts	to	Cenovus	including	but	not	limited	to	capital	investment	required	
to	retrofit	existing	equipment	and	increased	operating	costs.

Canadian	 Ambient	 Air	 Quality	 Standards	 (“CAAQS”)	 for	 nitrogen	 dioxide,	 sulphur	 dioxide,	 fine	 particulate	 matter	 and	 ozone	
were	introduced	as	part	of	a	national	Air	Quality	Management	System.	Provinces	may	implement	the	CAAQS	at	the	regional	air	
zone	level	and	air	zone	management	actions	may	include	more	stringent	emissions	standards	applicable	to	industrial	sources	
from	 approval	 holders	 in	 regions	 where	 we	 operate	 that	 may	 result	 in	 adverse	 impacts	 including	 but	 not	 limited	 to	 capital	
investment	related	to	retrofitting	existing	facilities	and	increased	operating	costs.

Review	of	Environmental	and	Regulatory	Processes

Increased	environmental	assessment	obligations	imposed	by	federal,	provincial,	territorial,	state	and	municipal	governments	in	
the	jurisdictions	in	 which	 we	conduct	operations,	 development	 or	exploration	 may	 create	 risk	 of	increased	 costs	and	 project	
development	 delays.	 The	 regulatory	 frameworks	 within	 the	 jurisdictions	 where	 we	 operate	 are	 constantly	 evolving	 and	
changing	and	may	become	more	onerous	or	costly	which	may	impede	our	ability	to	economically	develop	our	resources.	The	
extent	and	magnitude	of	any	adverse	impacts	of	changes	to	the	regulatory	framework	on	project	development	and	operations	
cannot	be	estimated	at	this	time.

The	Impact	Assessment	Agency	of	Canada	leads	and	coordinates	federal	impact	assessments	for	all	designated	projects	within	
Canada.	Assessment	considerations	beyond	the	environment	expressly	include	health,	economic,	social,	and	gender	impacts,	as	
well	as	considerations	related	to	sustainability	and	Canada’s	climate	change	commitments.	For	as	long	as	the	Alberta	provincial	
government	maintains	the	cap	on	oil	sands	emissions	in	Alberta	and	the	cap	has	not	been	reached,	our	in-situ	oil	sands	projects	
should	be	exempted	from	the	application	of	the	federal	impact	assessment	system,	provided	a	number	of	additional	conditions	
are	met.	However,	other	types	of	projects	would	undergo	a	federal	assessment,	including	those	within	our	Atlantic	operations.

Water	Regulation

We	 utilize	 fresh	 water	 in	 certain	 operations,	 which	 is	 obtained	 under	 licenses	 issued	 within	 each	 respective	 jurisdiction’s	
regulations.	 If	 water	 use	 fees	 increase,	 the	 terms	 of	 the	 licences	 change	 or	 there	 are	 reductions	 in	 the	 amount	 of	 water	
available	 for	 our	 use,	 production	 could	 decline	 or	 operating	 expenses	 could	 increase,	 both	 of	 which	 may	 have	 a	 material	
adverse	effect	on	our	business	and	financial	condition.	There	can	be	no	assurance	that	the	licences	to	withdraw	water	will	not	
be	 rescinded	 or	 that	 additional	 conditions	 will	 not	 be	 added	 to	 these	 licences.	 There	 is	 no	 assurance	 that	 if	 we	 require	 new	
licences	or	amendments	to	existing	licences,	that	these	licences	or	amendments	will	be	granted	on	favourable	terms.	This	may	
adversely	affect	our	business,	including	the	ability	to	operate	our	assets	and	execute	development	plans.

Our	U.S.	refineries	are	subject	to	water	discharge	requirements	that	necessitate	treatment	of	wastewater	prior	to	discharging.	
Permits	 for	 discharging	 water	 are	 renewed	 from	 time	 to	 time	 to	 incorporate	 new	 water	 quality	 standards	 and	 may	 require	
modifications	 and	 expansion	 of	 water	 treatment	 facilities	 at	 the	 sites.	 Pollutants	 such	 as	 selenium,	 total	 dissolved	 solids,	
arsenic,	 mercury,	 and	 others	 may	 require	 advanced	 wastewater	 treatment,	 and	 discharge	 levels	 will	 depend	 on	 the	 types	 of	
crude	processed	at	our	refineries.	Non-compliance	with	permit	limits	can	lead	to	enforcement	actions	by	regulators	including	
issuance	of	fines,	orders	to	upgrade	treatment	plants,	and	suspension	of	operations.	Federal	and	state	regulators	in	the	U.S.	are	
currently	addressing	the	emerging	pollutant	PFAS	in	water	discharge	permits	by	requiring	installation	of	additional	wastewater	
treatment	units	and	requiring	monitoring	of	PFAS	in	discharges.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   69

Hydraulic	Fracturing

Certain	 stakeholders	 have	 made	 claims	 that	 hydraulic	 fracturing	 techniques	 are	 harmful	 to	 surface	 water	 and	 drinking	 water	
sources	and	suggest	that	additional	federal,	provincial,	territorial,	state,	regional	and/or	municipal	laws	and	regulations	may	be	
needed	to	more	closely	regulate	the	hydraulic	fracturing	process.	

In	 addition,	 some	 areas	 of	 British	 Columbia	 and	 Alberta	 have	 experienced	 increased	 localized	 frequency	 of	 seismic	 activity	
which	 has	 been	 associated	 with	 oil	 and	 gas	 operations.	 Although	 the	 occurrence	 of	 seismicity	 in	 relation	 to	 oil	 and	 gas	
operations	is	generally	very	low,	it	has	been	linked	to	deep	disposal	of	wastewater	in	the	U.S.	and	has	been	correlated	with	
hydraulic	fracturing	in	conjunction	with	horizontal	drilling	techniques	in	Western	Canada,	which	has	prompted	legislative	and	
regulatory	initiatives	intended	to	address	these	concerns.

New	 laws,	 regulations	 or	 permitting	 requirements	 regarding	 hydraulic	 fracturing	 may	 lead	 to	 limitations	 or	 restrictions	 to	 oil	
and	gas	development	activities,	operational	delays,	increased	compliance	costs,	additional	operating	requirements,	or	increased	
third-party	or	governmental	claims	resulting	in	increased	cost	of	doing	business	as	well	as	impacting	the	amount	of	natural	gas	
and	oil	that	we	are	ultimately	able	to	produce	from	our	reserves.

Cenovus	ESG	Focus	Areas,	Targets	and	Ambitions

We	 have	 set	 ambitious,	 achievable	 targets	 for	 each	 of	 our	 five	 ESG	 focus	 areas,	 as	 discussed	 below,	 including	 reducing	 our	
absolute	emissions,	decreasing	freshwater	intensity,	reclaiming	more	land,	supporting	Indigenous	reconciliation	and	increasing	
the	 number	 of	 women	 in	 leadership	 positions.	 To	 achieve	 these	 goals	 and	 to	 respond	 to	 changing	 market	 demand,	 we	 may	
incur	additional	costs	and	invest	in	new	technologies	and	innovation.	It	is	possible	that	the	return	on	these	investments	may	be	
less	than	we	expect,	which	may	have	an	adverse	effect	on	our	business,	financial	condition	and	reputation.

Generally,	our	ESG	targets	and	ambitions	depend	significantly	on	our	ability	to	execute	our	current	business	strategy,	which	can	
be	impacted	by	the	numerous	risks	and	uncertainties	associated	with	our	business	and	the	industry	in	which	we	operate,	as	
outlined	in	the	Risk	Management	and	Risk	Factors	section	of	this	MD&A.	We	recognize	that	our	ability	to	adapt	to	and	succeed	
in	 a	 lower-carbon	 economy	 will	 be	 compared	 against	 our	 peers.	 Investors	 and	 stakeholders	 increasingly	 compare	 companies	
based	on	ESG-related	performance,	including	climate-related	performance.	Failure	to	achieve	our	ESG	targets	and	ambitions,	or	
a	perception	among	key	stakeholders	that	our	ESG	targets	and	ambitions	are	insufficient	or	unattainable,	could	adversely	affect	
our	reputation	and	our	ability	to	attract	capital	and	insurance	coverage.	

There	 is	 also	 a	 risk	 that	 some	 or	 all	 of	 the	 expected	 benefits	 and	 opportunities	 of	 achieving	 the	 various	 ESG	 targets	 and	
ambitions	may	fail	to	materialize,	may	cost	more	to	achieve	or	may	not	occur	within	the	anticipated	time	periods.	In	addition,	
there	 are	 risks	 that	 the	 actions	 we	 take	 in	 implementing	 targets	 and	 ambitions	 relating	 to	 our	 ESG	 focus	 areas	 may	 have	 a	
negative	impact	on	our	existing	business	and	increase	capital	expenditures,	which	could	have	a	negative	impact	on	our	future	
operating	and	financial	results.	

Climate	and	GHG	Emissions	Target	and	Ambition

We	have	set	a	target	to	reduce	our	absolute	scope	1	and	2	GHG	emissions	by	35	percent	by	year-end	2035	from	2019	levels	and	
have	 a	 long-term	 ambition	 to	 achieve	 net	 zero	 emissions	 from	 our	 operations	 by	 2050.	 Our	 ability	 to	 meet	 our	 2035	 GHG
reduction	 target	 and	 2050	 net	 zero	 ambition	 are	 subject	 to	 numerous	 risks	 and	 uncertainties	 and	 our	 actions	 taken	 in	
implementing	such	target	and	ambition	may	also	expose	us	to	certain	additional	and/or	heightened	financial	and	operational	
risks.	Furthermore,	our	long-term	ambition	of	reaching	net	zero	emissions	by	2050	is	inherently	less	certain	due	to	the	longer	
timeframe	and	certain	factors	outside	of	our	control,	including	the	commercial	application	of	future	technologies	that	may	be	
necessary	for	us	to	achieve	this	long-term	ambition.	

A	reduction	in	GHG	emissions	relies	on,	among	other	things,	our	ability	to	develop,	access	and	implement	commercially	viable	
and	scalable	emission	reduction	strategies	and	related	technology	and	products.	In	addition,	there	are	other	operational	risks	
that	may	hinder	our	ability	to	successfully	meet	our	GHG	emission	targets	and	goals,	including:	unexpected	impediments	to,	or	
effects	of,	the	implementation	of	methane	abatement	and	electrification	initiatives	in	our	Conventional	segment;	the	purchase	
of	renewable	electricity;	the	unavailability	of,	or	limited	benefits	from,	technology	that	is	expected	to	be	commercially	viable	in	
the	near	term	and	its	associated	future	benefits,	including	SAGD	enhancement	technologies,	such	as	solvent-aided	process	and	
solvent-driven	 process	 technologies,	 carbon	 capture,	 utilization	 and	 storage	 technology	 and	 downhole	 technology	
improvements;	 and	 a	 failure	 to	 capture	 the	 anticipated	 benefits	 of	 continued	 technological	 development,	 and	 industry	
collaboration	 and	 innovation	 to	 find	 solutions	 to	 reduce	 costs	 and	 GHG	 emissions.	 If	 we	 are	 unable	 to	 implement	 these	
strategies	 and	 technologies	 as	 planned	 without	 negatively	 impacting	 our	 expected	 operations	 or	 cost	 structure,	 or	 such	
strategies	or	technologies	do	not	perform	as	expected,	we	may	be	unable	to	meet	our	2035	GHG	reduction	target	or	2050	net	
zero	emissions	ambition	on	the	planned	timelines,	or	at	all.

70   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

In	 addition,	 achieving	 our	 2035	 GHG	 reduction	 target	 and	 2050	 net	 zero	 ambition	 relies	 on	 a	 stable	 regulatory	 framework,	

support	 from	 government,	 financial	 or	 otherwise,	 and	 will	 require	 capital	 expenditures	 and	 company	 resources,	 with	 the	

potential	that	actual	costs	may	differ	from	our	original	estimates	and	the	differences	may	be	material.	Furthermore,	the	cost	of	

investing	in	emissions-reduction	technologies,	and	the	resultant	change	in	the	deployment	of	resources	and	focus,	could	have	a	

negative	impact	on	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.

Water	Stewardship	Targets

Our	ability	to	reduce	freshwater	intensity	by	20	percent	in	oil	sands	and	in	thermal	operations	from	2019	levels	by	year-end	

2030	 or	 maintain	 such	 improvements	 will	 depend	 on	 the	 commercial	 viability	 and	 scalability	 of	 relevant	 water	 reduction	

strategies	and	related	steam	and	water	usage	technology	and	products.	There	are	risks	associated	with	relying	largely	or	partly	

on	 new	 technologies,	 the	 incorporation	 of	 such	 technologies	 into	 new	 or	 existing	 operations	 and	 acceptance	 of	 new	

technologies	in	the	market.	In	the	event	we	are	unable	to	effectively	and	efficiently	deploy	the	necessary	technology,	or	such	

strategies	 or	 technologies	 do	 not	 perform	 as	 expected,	 achieving	 our	 stated	 target	 of	 reducing	 our	 water	 intensity	 could	 be	

interrupted,	delayed	or	abandoned.	

Biodiversity	Targets

current	timelines,	or	at	all.

Indigenous	Reconciliation	Targets

Our	 biodiversity	 targets	 include	 the	 goal	 to	 reclaim	 3,000	 decommissioned	 well	 sites	 by	 year-end	 2025	 and	 to	 restore	 more	

habitat	than	we	use	within	the	Cold	Lake	caribou	range	by	year-end	2030.	Our	ability	to	meet	these	targets	is	subject	to	various	

environmental	 and	 regulatory	 risks,	 which	 could	 impose	 significant	 costs,	 restrictions,	 liabilities,	 and	 obligations	 on	 us.	 See	

“Abandonment	and	Reclamation	Cost	Risk”	above.	In	addition,	an	increase	in	operating	costs,	changes	to	market	conditions	and	

access	to	additional	capital,	if	needed,	could	result	in	our	inability	to	fund,	and	ultimately	meet,	our	biodiversity	targets	on	the	

Our	 Indigenous	 reconciliation	 targets	 to	 spend	 a	 minimum	 of	 $1.2	 billion	 with	 Indigenous	 owned	 or	 operated	 businesses	

between	2019	and	year-end	2025	and	attain	Progressive	Aboriginal	Relations	gold	certification	from	the	Canadian	Council	for	

Aboriginal	Business	by	year-end	2025	are	subject	to	a	number	of	financial,	operational	and	efficiency	risks	relating	to	actions	

taken	in	implementing	such	targets.	

In	 addition,	 a	 failure	 or	 delay	 in	 achieving	 our	 Indigenous	 reconciliation	 targets	 may	 adversely	 affect	 our	 relationship	 with	

neighboring	 Indigenous	 businesses	 and	 communities	 and	 our	 broader	 reputation.	 If	 we	 are	 unable	 to	 maintain	 a	 positive	

relationship	with	Indigenous	communities	near	our	operations,	our	progress	and	ability	to	develop	and	operate	properties	in	

line	with	our	current	business	and	operational	strategies	may	be	adversely	impacted.	

Inclusion	and	Diversity	Targets

Our	inclusion	and	diversity	focus	area	includes	a	target	of	women	in	leadership	roles	of	at	least	30	percent	by	year-end	2030	as	

well	as	an	aspiration	for	our	Board	to	have	at	least	40	percent	representation	from	women,	Indigenous	peoples,	persons	with	

disabilities	and	members	of	visible	minorities	among	non-management	directors.	Efforts	to	meet	and	maintain	such	targets	may	

increase	 the	 time	 and	 costs	 associated	 with	 appointing	 and	 replacing	 key	 personnel.	 Further,	 an	 inability	 to	 hire	 or	 promote	

qualified	candidates	or	a	failure	or	delay	in	achieving	our	targets	may	influence	our	reputation	with	our	stakeholders,	attract	

litigation	 and	 impact	 recruitment	 initiatives.	 There	 are	 also	 risks	 associated	 with	 the	 collection	 of	 certain	 personal	 data	 in	

furtherance	of	these	targets.	

Reputation	Risk

We	 rely	 on	 our	 reputation	 to	 build	 and	 maintain	 positive	 relationships	 with	 investors	 and	 other	 stakeholders,	 to	 recruit	 and	

retain	staff,	and	to	be	a	credible,	trusted	company.	Any	actions	we	take	that	influence	public	or	key	stakeholder	opinions	have	

the	potential	to	impact	our	reputation,	which	may	adversely	affect	our	share	price,	development	plans	and	ability	to	continue	

operations.	 There	 is	 increasing	 opposition	 from	 climate	 change	 activist	 organizations	 and	 the	 public	 towards	 oil	 and	 gas	

operations.	See	“Transition	Risks	–	Reputation	and	Public	Perception	of	the	Oil	and	Gas	Sector”	above.

Hydraulic	Fracturing

Certain	 stakeholders	 have	 made	 claims	 that	 hydraulic	 fracturing	 techniques	 are	 harmful	 to	 surface	 water	 and	 drinking	 water	

sources	and	suggest	that	additional	federal,	provincial,	territorial,	state,	regional	and/or	municipal	laws	and	regulations	may	be	

needed	to	more	closely	regulate	the	hydraulic	fracturing	process.	

In	 addition,	 some	 areas	 of	 British	 Columbia	 and	 Alberta	 have	 experienced	 increased	 localized	 frequency	 of	 seismic	 activity	

which	 has	 been	 associated	 with	 oil	 and	 gas	 operations.	 Although	 the	 occurrence	 of	 seismicity	 in	 relation	 to	 oil	 and	 gas	

operations	is	generally	very	low,	it	has	been	linked	to	deep	disposal	of	wastewater	in	the	U.S.	and	has	been	correlated	with	

hydraulic	fracturing	in	conjunction	with	horizontal	drilling	techniques	in	Western	Canada,	which	has	prompted	legislative	and	

regulatory	initiatives	intended	to	address	these	concerns.

New	 laws,	 regulations	 or	 permitting	 requirements	 regarding	 hydraulic	 fracturing	 may	 lead	 to	 limitations	 or	 restrictions	 to	 oil	

and	gas	development	activities,	operational	delays,	increased	compliance	costs,	additional	operating	requirements,	or	increased	

third-party	or	governmental	claims	resulting	in	increased	cost	of	doing	business	as	well	as	impacting	the	amount	of	natural	gas	

and	oil	that	we	are	ultimately	able	to	produce	from	our	reserves.

Cenovus	ESG	Focus	Areas,	Targets	and	Ambitions

We	 have	 set	 ambitious,	 achievable	 targets	 for	 each	 of	 our	 five	 ESG	 focus	 areas,	 as	 discussed	 below,	 including	 reducing	 our	

absolute	emissions,	decreasing	freshwater	intensity,	reclaiming	more	land,	supporting	Indigenous	reconciliation	and	increasing	

the	 number	 of	 women	 in	 leadership	 positions.	 To	 achieve	 these	 goals	 and	 to	 respond	 to	 changing	 market	 demand,	 we	 may	

incur	additional	costs	and	invest	in	new	technologies	and	innovation.	It	is	possible	that	the	return	on	these	investments	may	be	

less	than	we	expect,	which	may	have	an	adverse	effect	on	our	business,	financial	condition	and	reputation.

Generally,	our	ESG	targets	and	ambitions	depend	significantly	on	our	ability	to	execute	our	current	business	strategy,	which	can	

be	impacted	by	the	numerous	risks	and	uncertainties	associated	with	our	business	and	the	industry	in	which	we	operate,	as	

outlined	in	the	Risk	Management	and	Risk	Factors	section	of	this	MD&A.	We	recognize	that	our	ability	to	adapt	to	and	succeed	

in	 a	 lower-carbon	 economy	 will	 be	 compared	 against	 our	 peers.	 Investors	 and	 stakeholders	 increasingly	 compare	 companies	

based	on	ESG-related	performance,	including	climate-related	performance.	Failure	to	achieve	our	ESG	targets	and	ambitions,	or	

a	perception	among	key	stakeholders	that	our	ESG	targets	and	ambitions	are	insufficient	or	unattainable,	could	adversely	affect	

our	reputation	and	our	ability	to	attract	capital	and	insurance	coverage.	

There	 is	 also	 a	 risk	 that	 some	 or	 all	 of	 the	 expected	 benefits	 and	 opportunities	 of	 achieving	 the	 various	 ESG	 targets	 and	

ambitions	may	fail	to	materialize,	may	cost	more	to	achieve	or	may	not	occur	within	the	anticipated	time	periods.	In	addition,	

there	 are	 risks	 that	 the	 actions	 we	 take	 in	 implementing	 targets	 and	 ambitions	 relating	 to	 our	 ESG	 focus	 areas	 may	 have	 a	

negative	impact	on	our	existing	business	and	increase	capital	expenditures,	which	could	have	a	negative	impact	on	our	future	

operating	and	financial	results.	

Climate	and	GHG	Emissions	Target	and	Ambition

We	have	set	a	target	to	reduce	our	absolute	scope	1	and	2	GHG	emissions	by	35	percent	by	year-end	2035	from	2019	levels	and	

have	 a	 long-term	 ambition	 to	 achieve	 net	 zero	 emissions	 from	 our	 operations	 by	 2050.	 Our	 ability	 to	 meet	 our	 2035	 GHG

reduction	 target	 and	 2050	 net	 zero	 ambition	 are	 subject	 to	 numerous	 risks	 and	 uncertainties	 and	 our	 actions	 taken	 in	

implementing	such	target	and	ambition	may	also	expose	us	to	certain	additional	and/or	heightened	financial	and	operational	

risks.	Furthermore,	our	long-term	ambition	of	reaching	net	zero	emissions	by	2050	is	inherently	less	certain	due	to	the	longer	

timeframe	and	certain	factors	outside	of	our	control,	including	the	commercial	application	of	future	technologies	that	may	be	

necessary	for	us	to	achieve	this	long-term	ambition.	

A	reduction	in	GHG	emissions	relies	on,	among	other	things,	our	ability	to	develop,	access	and	implement	commercially	viable	

and	scalable	emission	reduction	strategies	and	related	technology	and	products.	In	addition,	there	are	other	operational	risks	

that	may	hinder	our	ability	to	successfully	meet	our	GHG	emission	targets	and	goals,	including:	unexpected	impediments	to,	or	

effects	of,	the	implementation	of	methane	abatement	and	electrification	initiatives	in	our	Conventional	segment;	the	purchase	

of	renewable	electricity;	the	unavailability	of,	or	limited	benefits	from,	technology	that	is	expected	to	be	commercially	viable	in	

the	near	term	and	its	associated	future	benefits,	including	SAGD	enhancement	technologies,	such	as	solvent-aided	process	and	

solvent-driven	 process	 technologies,	 carbon	 capture,	 utilization	 and	 storage	 technology	 and	 downhole	 technology	

improvements;	 and	 a	 failure	 to	 capture	 the	 anticipated	 benefits	 of	 continued	 technological	 development,	 and	 industry	

collaboration	 and	 innovation	 to	 find	 solutions	 to	 reduce	 costs	 and	 GHG	 emissions.	 If	 we	 are	 unable	 to	 implement	 these	

strategies	 and	 technologies	 as	 planned	 without	 negatively	 impacting	 our	 expected	 operations	 or	 cost	 structure,	 or	 such	

strategies	or	technologies	do	not	perform	as	expected,	we	may	be	unable	to	meet	our	2035	GHG	reduction	target	or	2050	net	

zero	emissions	ambition	on	the	planned	timelines,	or	at	all.

In	 addition,	 achieving	 our	 2035	 GHG	 reduction	 target	 and	 2050	 net	 zero	 ambition	 relies	 on	 a	 stable	 regulatory	 framework,	
support	 from	 government,	 financial	 or	 otherwise,	 and	 will	 require	 capital	 expenditures	 and	 company	 resources,	 with	 the	
potential	that	actual	costs	may	differ	from	our	original	estimates	and	the	differences	may	be	material.	Furthermore,	the	cost	of	
investing	in	emissions-reduction	technologies,	and	the	resultant	change	in	the	deployment	of	resources	and	focus,	could	have	a	
negative	impact	on	our	business,	financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows.

Water	Stewardship	Targets

Our	ability	to	reduce	freshwater	intensity	by	20	percent	in	oil	sands	and	in	thermal	operations	from	2019	levels	by	year-end	
2030	 or	 maintain	 such	 improvements	 will	 depend	 on	 the	 commercial	 viability	 and	 scalability	 of	 relevant	 water	 reduction	
strategies	and	related	steam	and	water	usage	technology	and	products.	There	are	risks	associated	with	relying	largely	or	partly	
on	 new	 technologies,	 the	 incorporation	 of	 such	 technologies	 into	 new	 or	 existing	 operations	 and	 acceptance	 of	 new	
technologies	in	the	market.	In	the	event	we	are	unable	to	effectively	and	efficiently	deploy	the	necessary	technology,	or	such	
strategies	 or	 technologies	 do	 not	 perform	 as	 expected,	 achieving	 our	 stated	 target	 of	 reducing	 our	 water	 intensity	 could	 be	
interrupted,	delayed	or	abandoned.	

Biodiversity	Targets

Our	 biodiversity	 targets	 include	 the	 goal	 to	 reclaim	 3,000	 decommissioned	 well	 sites	 by	 year-end	 2025	 and	 to	 restore	 more	
habitat	than	we	use	within	the	Cold	Lake	caribou	range	by	year-end	2030.	Our	ability	to	meet	these	targets	is	subject	to	various	
environmental	 and	 regulatory	 risks,	 which	 could	 impose	 significant	 costs,	 restrictions,	 liabilities,	 and	 obligations	 on	 us.	 See	
“Abandonment	and	Reclamation	Cost	Risk”	above.	In	addition,	an	increase	in	operating	costs,	changes	to	market	conditions	and	
access	to	additional	capital,	if	needed,	could	result	in	our	inability	to	fund,	and	ultimately	meet,	our	biodiversity	targets	on	the	
current	timelines,	or	at	all.

Indigenous	Reconciliation	Targets

Our	 Indigenous	 reconciliation	 targets	 to	 spend	 a	 minimum	 of	 $1.2	 billion	 with	 Indigenous	 owned	 or	 operated	 businesses	
between	2019	and	year-end	2025	and	attain	Progressive	Aboriginal	Relations	gold	certification	from	the	Canadian	Council	for	
Aboriginal	Business	by	year-end	2025	are	subject	to	a	number	of	financial,	operational	and	efficiency	risks	relating	to	actions	
taken	in	implementing	such	targets.	

In	 addition,	 a	 failure	 or	 delay	 in	 achieving	 our	 Indigenous	 reconciliation	 targets	 may	 adversely	 affect	 our	 relationship	 with	
neighboring	 Indigenous	 businesses	 and	 communities	 and	 our	 broader	 reputation.	 If	 we	 are	 unable	 to	 maintain	 a	 positive	
relationship	with	Indigenous	communities	near	our	operations,	our	progress	and	ability	to	develop	and	operate	properties	in	
line	with	our	current	business	and	operational	strategies	may	be	adversely	impacted.	

Inclusion	and	Diversity	Targets

Our	inclusion	and	diversity	focus	area	includes	a	target	of	women	in	leadership	roles	of	at	least	30	percent	by	year-end	2030	as	
well	as	an	aspiration	for	our	Board	to	have	at	least	40	percent	representation	from	women,	Indigenous	peoples,	persons	with	
disabilities	and	members	of	visible	minorities	among	non-management	directors.	Efforts	to	meet	and	maintain	such	targets	may	
increase	 the	 time	 and	 costs	 associated	 with	 appointing	 and	 replacing	 key	 personnel.	 Further,	 an	 inability	 to	 hire	 or	 promote	
qualified	candidates	or	a	failure	or	delay	in	achieving	our	targets	may	influence	our	reputation	with	our	stakeholders,	attract	
litigation	 and	 impact	 recruitment	 initiatives.	 There	 are	 also	 risks	 associated	 with	 the	 collection	 of	 certain	 personal	 data	 in	
furtherance	of	these	targets.	

Reputation	Risk

We	 rely	 on	 our	 reputation	 to	 build	 and	 maintain	 positive	 relationships	 with	 investors	 and	 other	 stakeholders,	 to	 recruit	 and	
retain	staff,	and	to	be	a	credible,	trusted	company.	Any	actions	we	take	that	influence	public	or	key	stakeholder	opinions	have	
the	potential	to	impact	our	reputation,	which	may	adversely	affect	our	share	price,	development	plans	and	ability	to	continue	
operations.	 There	 is	 increasing	 opposition	 from	 climate	 change	 activist	 organizations	 and	 the	 public	 towards	 oil	 and	 gas	
operations.	See	“Transition	Risks	–	Reputation	and	Public	Perception	of	the	Oil	and	Gas	Sector”	above.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   71

Other	Risks

Dilutive	Effect

We	are	authorized	to	issue,	among	other	classes	of	shares,	an	unlimited	number	of	common	shares	for	consideration	and	on	
terms	 and	 conditions	 as	 established	 by	 our	 Board	 without	 the	 approval	 of	 our	 shareholders	 in	 certain	 instances.	 Any	 future	
issuances	of	Cenovus	common	shares	or	other	securities	exercisable	or	convertible	into,	or	exchangeable	for,	Cenovus	common	
shares	 may	 result	 in	 dilution	 to	 present	 and	 prospective	 Cenovus	 shareholders.	 The	 issuance	 of	 additional	 Cenovus	 common	
shares	 upon	 exercise,	 from	 time	 to	 time,	 of	 securities	 convertible	 into	 Cenovus	 common	 shares	 will	 have	 a	 further	 dilutive	
effect	on	the	ownership	interest	of	shareholders	of	Cenovus.	Such	issuances	will	have	a	dilutive	effect	on	Cenovus's	earnings	
per	share,	which	could	adversely	affect	the	market	price	of	Cenovus	common	shares	and	may	adversely	impact	the	value	of	our	
shareholders'	investments.	

It	is	also	expected	that,	from	time	to	time,	we	will	grant	additional	equity	awards	to	our	employees	and	directors	under	our	
compensation	plans.	These	additional	equity	awards	will	have	a	further	dilutive	effect	on	our	earnings	per	share,	which	could	
also	 negatively	 affect	 the	 market	 price	 of	 Cenovus	 common	 shares	 and	 may	 adversely	 impact	 the	 value	 of	 our	 shareholders'	
investments.

Risks	Relating	to	Acquisitions	

We	 have	 completed,	 and	 may	 complete	 in	 the	 future,	 one	 or	 more	 acquisitions	 for	 various	 strategic	 reasons.	 Our	 ability	 to	
achieve	the	benefits	of	any	acquisition	will	depend	upon	the	actions	of	our	counterparties;	our	ability,	and	the	ability	of	our	
counterparties,	 to	 obtain	 the	 necessary	 shareholder,	 regulatory	 and	 third-party	 approvals,	 as	 applicable,	 and	 satisfy	 all	
conditions	 to	 closing;	 the	 risks	 inherent	 in	 the	 operation	 of	 the	 assets	 being	 acquired	 prior	 or	 subsequent	 to	 closing;	 the	
effectiveness	of	our	diligence	investigations;	the	physical	condition	of	the	assets	upon	closing;	our	ability	to	obtain	indemnities	
and/or	 fund	 ongoing	 maintenance,	 repair	 and	 operation	 costs	 of	 the	 assets	 acquired;	 our	 ability	 to	 assess	 the	 integrity	 and	
reliability	 of	 the	 assets	 being	 acquired;	 our	 ability	 to	 successfully	 consolidate	 functions	 and	 integrate	 operations,	 procedures	
and	 personnel	 in	 a	 timely	 and	 efficient	 manner	 and	 to	 realize	 the	 anticipated	 growth	 opportunities	 and	 synergies	 from	
combining	the	acquired	assets	and	operations	with	our	existing	assets	and	operations.	The	integration	of	acquired	assets	and	
operations	 requires	 the	 dedication	 of	 management	 effort,	 time	 and	 resources,	 which	 may	 divert	 management's	 focus	 and	
resources	 from	 other	 strategic	 opportunities	 and	 from	 operational	 matters	 during	 the	 process.	 The	 integration	 process	 may	
result	 in	 the	 disruption	 of	 ongoing	 business	 and	 customer	 relationships	 that	 may	 adversely	 affect	 our	 ability	 to	 achieve	 the	
anticipated	 benefits	 of	 such	 acquisitions.	 Acquiring	 assets	 requires	 the	 assessment	 of	 their	 characteristics,	 including,	 among	
other	 things,	 estimated	 recoverable	 reserves,	 future	 production	 and	 throughput,	 commodity	 prices,	 revenues,	 development	
and	operating	costs	and	potential	environmental	and	other	liabilities.	Such	assessments	are	inexact	and	inherently	uncertain	
and,	as	such,	the	acquired	properties	may	not	produce	as	expected,	may	not	have	the	anticipated	reserves	and	may	be	subject	
to	increased	costs	and	liabilities.	Although	the	acquired	assets	are	reviewed	prior	to	completion	of	an	acquisition,	such	reviews	
are	 not	 capable	 of	 identifying	 all	 existing	 or	 potentially	 adverse	 conditions.	 This	 risk	 may	 be	 magnified	 where	 the	 acquired	
assets	are	in	geographic	areas	where	we	have	not	historically	operated.	Further,	we	may	not	be	able	to	obtain	or	realize	upon	
contractual	indemnities	from	a	seller	for	liabilities	created	prior	to	an	acquisition	and	we	may	be	required	to	assume	the	risk	of	
the	 physical	 condition	 of	 the	 properties	 that	 may	 not	 perform	 in	 accordance	 with	 its	 expectations	 or	 require	 repair	 or	 other	
expenditures,	the	scope	of	which	may	be	uncertain,	result	in	increased	costs	and	affect	our	ability,	and	timeline,	to	realize	the	
benefits	of	the	acquisition.	

Risks	Relating	to	Dispositions

We	have	completed,	and	may	complete	in	the	future,	one	or	more	dispositions	for	various	strategic	reasons.	Various	factors	
could	 materially	 affect	 our	 ability	 to	 dispose	 of	 assets	 in	 the	 future,	 including	 stock	 exchange,	 regulatory,	 third-party	 and	
corporate	 approvals,	 counterparties'	 ability	 to	 fulfill	 their	 obligations	 under	 agreements	 to	 affect	 dispositions,	 commodity	
prices,	the	availability	of	purchasers	willing	to	purchase	certain	assets	at	prices	and	on	terms	acceptable	to	us,	associated	asset	
retirement	obligations,	due	diligence,	favourable	market	conditions,	and	the	assignability	of	joint	venture,	partnership	or	other	
arrangements.	These	factors	may	also	reduce	the	proceeds	or	value	to	our	business.	We	may	also	retain	certain	liabilities	for	or	
agree	 to	 indemnification	 obligations	 in	 a	 sale	 transaction.	 The	 magnitude	 of	 any	 such	 retained	 liabilities	 or	 indemnification	
obligations	may	be	difficult	to	quantify	at	the	time	of	the	transaction	and	could	ultimately	be	material.	Further,	certain	third	
parties	may	be	unwilling	to	release	us	from	guarantees	or	other	credit	support	provided	prior	to	the	sale	of	the	divested	assets.	
As	a	result,	after	the	sale	of	certain	assets,	we	may	remain	secondarily	liable	for	the	obligations	guaranteed	or	supported	to	the	
extent	 that	 the	 purchaser	 of	 the	 assets	 fails	 to	 perform	 its	 obligations.	 Should	 any	 of	 the	 risk	 associated	 with	 dispositions	
materialize,	it	could	have	an	adverse	effect	on	our	business,	financial	condition	or	reputation.

72   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Risks	Related	to	Significant	Shareholders	of	Cenovus

As	 of	 December	 31,	 2022,	 Hutchison	 Whampoa	 Europe	 Investments	 S.à	 r.l.	 ("Hutchison")	 and	 L.F.	 Investments	 S.à	 r.l.	 ("L.F.	

Investments")	owned	16.6	percent	and	12.1	percent	of	our	common	shares,	respectively.	The	sale	into	the	market	of	Cenovus	

common	shares	held	by	either	Hutchison	or	L.F.	Investments,	whether	through	open	market	trades	on	the	TSX	or	NYSE,	through	

privately	arranged	block	trades	or	pursuant	to	prospectus	offerings	made	in	accordance	with	the	respective	registration	rights	

agreement	 that	 each	 of	 Hutchison	 and	 L.F.	 Investments	 has	 entered	 into	 with	 Cenovus,	 or	 market	 perception	 regarding	

Hutchison’s	or	L.F.	Investments’	intention	to	sell	Cenovus	common	shares,	could	adversely	affect	market	prices	for	our	common	

shares.	While	Hutchison	and	L.F.	Investments	are	each	subject	to	certain	voting	covenants	pursuant	to	the	terms	of	a	standstill	

agreement	they	each	entered	into	with	Cenovus,	each	of	Hutchison	and	L.F.	Investments	may	be	able	to	impact	certain	matters	

requiring	Cenovus	shareholder	approval.

Market	for	Cenovus	Warrants

There	can	be	no	assurance	that	an	active	public	market	for	Cenovus	Warrants	will	be	sustained.	If	such	a	market	is	sustained,	

the	 market	 price	 of	 the	 Cenovus	 Warrants	 may	 be	 adversely	 affected	 by	 a	 variety	 of	 factors	 relating	 to	 Cenovus's	 business,	

including,	but	not	limited	to,	fluctuations	in	our	operating	and	financial	results,	the	results	of	any	public	announcements	made	

by	 us	 and	 our	 failure	 to	 meet	 analysts'	 expectations.	 In	 addition,	 the	 market	 price	 of	 the	 Cenovus	 common	 shares	 will	

significantly	affect	the	market	price	of	the	Cenovus	Warrants.	This	may	result	in	significant	volatility	in	the	market	price	of	the	

Cenovus	Warrants	and	may	negatively	impact	the	value	of	the	Cenovus	Warrants.

Contingent	Payments	Payable	relating	to	Sunrise	Acquisition

In	connection	with	the	Sunrise	Acquisition,	we	agreed	to	make	contingent	payments	to	BP	Canada	under	certain	circumstances.	

The	amount	of	contingent	payments	vary	depending	on	the	Canadian	dollar	WCS	price	from	time	to	time	during	the	two-year	

period	following	the	closing	of	the	Sunrise	Acquisition	(August	31,	2022),	and	such	payments	are	cumulatively	capped	at	$600	

million.	 This	 payment	 may	 be	 material	 in	 any	 given	 reporting	 period	 as	 the	 entire	 maximum	 payment	 could	 be	 reached	 in	 a	

single	quarter	and	could	have	an	adverse	impact	on	our	results	of	operations	and	financial	condition.

Tax	Laws

Income	 tax	 laws	 and	 regulations	 and	 other	 laws	 and	 government	 incentive	 programs	 may	 in	 the	 future	 be	 changed	 or	

interpreted	in	a	manner	that	adversely	affects	us,	our	financial	results	and	our	shareholders.	Tax	authorities	having	jurisdiction	

over	Cenovus	may	disagree	with	the	manner	in	which	we	calculate	our	tax	liabilities	such	that	its	provision	for	income	taxes	

may	 not	 be	 sufficient,	 or	 such	 authorities	 could	 change	 their	 administrative	 practices	 to	 Cenovus’s	 detriment	 or	 to	 the	

detriment	of	our	shareholders.	In	addition,	all	of	our	tax	filings	are	subject	to	audit	by	tax	authorities	who	may	disagree	with	

such	filings	in	a	manner	that	adversely	affects	Cenovus	and	our	shareholders.

The	 international	 tax	 environment	 continues	 to	 change	 as	 a	 result	 of	 tax	 policy	 initiatives	 and	 reforms	 under	 consideration	

related	to	the	Base	Erosion	and	Profit	Shifting	(“BEPS”)	project	of	the	Organisation	for	Economic	Co-operation	and	Development	

(“OECD”).	Although	the	timing	and	methods	of	implementation	vary,	numerous	countries	including	Canada	have	responded	to	

the	 BEPS	 project	 by	 implementing,	 or	 proposing	 to	 implement,	 changes	 to	 tax	 laws	 and	 tax	 treaties	 at	 a	 rapid	 pace.	 These	

changes	 may	 increase	 our	 cost	 of	 tax	 compliance	 and	 affect	 our	 business,	 financial	 condition	 and	 results	 of	 operations	 in	 a	

manner	that	is	difficult	to	quantify.	We	will	continue	to	monitor	and	assess	potential	adverse	impacts	on	our	global	tax	situation	

as	a	result	of	the	BEPS	project.

In	Canada,	in	the	2022	Fall	Economic	Statement	released	by	the	Department	of	Finance,	a	new	tax	on	share	buybacks	by	public	

corporations	was	proposed.	Under	the	proposal,	which	would	come	into	force	on	January	1,	2024,	a	two	percent	corporate-

level	tax	would	apply	on	the	"net	value"	of	all	types	of	shares	buybacks	by	public	corporations	in	Canada.	While	there	are	few	

details	 available	 on	 the	 proposed	 tax,	 we	 will	 continue	 to	 monitor	 and	 assess	 any	 potential	 adverse	 impacts	 as	 more	

information	becomes	available.

A	 discussion	 of	 additional	 risks,	 should	 they	 arise	 after	 the	 date	 of	 this	 MD&A,	 which	 may	 impact	 our	 business,	 prospects,	

financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows,	and	in	some	cases	our	reputation,	can	be	found	in	our	subsequently	

filed	MD&A,	available	on	SEDAR	at	sedar.com,	on	EDGAR	at	sec.gov	and	at	cenovus.com.

Other	Risks

Dilutive	Effect

We	are	authorized	to	issue,	among	other	classes	of	shares,	an	unlimited	number	of	common	shares	for	consideration	and	on	

terms	 and	 conditions	 as	 established	 by	 our	 Board	 without	 the	 approval	 of	 our	 shareholders	 in	 certain	 instances.	 Any	 future	

issuances	of	Cenovus	common	shares	or	other	securities	exercisable	or	convertible	into,	or	exchangeable	for,	Cenovus	common	

shares	 may	 result	 in	 dilution	 to	 present	 and	 prospective	 Cenovus	 shareholders.	 The	 issuance	 of	 additional	 Cenovus	 common	

shares	 upon	 exercise,	 from	 time	 to	 time,	 of	 securities	 convertible	 into	 Cenovus	 common	 shares	 will	 have	 a	 further	 dilutive	

effect	on	the	ownership	interest	of	shareholders	of	Cenovus.	Such	issuances	will	have	a	dilutive	effect	on	Cenovus's	earnings	

per	share,	which	could	adversely	affect	the	market	price	of	Cenovus	common	shares	and	may	adversely	impact	the	value	of	our	

shareholders'	investments.	

It	is	also	expected	that,	from	time	to	time,	we	will	grant	additional	equity	awards	to	our	employees	and	directors	under	our	

compensation	plans.	These	additional	equity	awards	will	have	a	further	dilutive	effect	on	our	earnings	per	share,	which	could	

also	 negatively	 affect	 the	 market	 price	 of	 Cenovus	 common	 shares	 and	 may	 adversely	 impact	 the	 value	 of	 our	 shareholders'	

investments.

Risks	Relating	to	Acquisitions	

We	 have	 completed,	 and	 may	 complete	 in	 the	 future,	 one	 or	 more	 acquisitions	 for	 various	 strategic	 reasons.	 Our	 ability	 to	

achieve	the	benefits	of	any	acquisition	will	depend	upon	the	actions	of	our	counterparties;	our	ability,	and	the	ability	of	our	

counterparties,	 to	 obtain	 the	 necessary	 shareholder,	 regulatory	 and	 third-party	 approvals,	 as	 applicable,	 and	 satisfy	 all	

conditions	 to	 closing;	 the	 risks	 inherent	 in	 the	 operation	 of	 the	 assets	 being	 acquired	 prior	 or	 subsequent	 to	 closing;	 the	

effectiveness	of	our	diligence	investigations;	the	physical	condition	of	the	assets	upon	closing;	our	ability	to	obtain	indemnities	

and/or	 fund	 ongoing	 maintenance,	 repair	 and	 operation	 costs	 of	 the	 assets	 acquired;	 our	 ability	 to	 assess	 the	 integrity	 and	

reliability	 of	 the	 assets	 being	 acquired;	 our	 ability	 to	 successfully	 consolidate	 functions	 and	 integrate	 operations,	 procedures	

and	 personnel	 in	 a	 timely	 and	 efficient	 manner	 and	 to	 realize	 the	 anticipated	 growth	 opportunities	 and	 synergies	 from	

combining	the	acquired	assets	and	operations	with	our	existing	assets	and	operations.	The	integration	of	acquired	assets	and	

operations	 requires	 the	 dedication	 of	 management	 effort,	 time	 and	 resources,	 which	 may	 divert	 management's	 focus	 and	

resources	 from	 other	 strategic	 opportunities	 and	 from	 operational	 matters	 during	 the	 process.	 The	 integration	 process	 may	

result	 in	 the	 disruption	 of	 ongoing	 business	 and	 customer	 relationships	 that	 may	 adversely	 affect	 our	 ability	 to	 achieve	 the	

anticipated	 benefits	 of	 such	 acquisitions.	 Acquiring	 assets	 requires	 the	 assessment	 of	 their	 characteristics,	 including,	 among	

other	 things,	 estimated	 recoverable	 reserves,	 future	 production	 and	 throughput,	 commodity	 prices,	 revenues,	 development	

and	operating	costs	and	potential	environmental	and	other	liabilities.	Such	assessments	are	inexact	and	inherently	uncertain	

and,	as	such,	the	acquired	properties	may	not	produce	as	expected,	may	not	have	the	anticipated	reserves	and	may	be	subject	

to	increased	costs	and	liabilities.	Although	the	acquired	assets	are	reviewed	prior	to	completion	of	an	acquisition,	such	reviews	

are	 not	 capable	 of	 identifying	 all	 existing	 or	 potentially	 adverse	 conditions.	 This	 risk	 may	 be	 magnified	 where	 the	 acquired	

assets	are	in	geographic	areas	where	we	have	not	historically	operated.	Further,	we	may	not	be	able	to	obtain	or	realize	upon	

contractual	indemnities	from	a	seller	for	liabilities	created	prior	to	an	acquisition	and	we	may	be	required	to	assume	the	risk	of	

the	 physical	 condition	 of	 the	 properties	 that	 may	 not	 perform	 in	 accordance	 with	 its	 expectations	 or	 require	 repair	 or	 other	

expenditures,	the	scope	of	which	may	be	uncertain,	result	in	increased	costs	and	affect	our	ability,	and	timeline,	to	realize	the	

benefits	of	the	acquisition.	

Risks	Relating	to	Dispositions

We	have	completed,	and	may	complete	in	the	future,	one	or	more	dispositions	for	various	strategic	reasons.	Various	factors	

could	 materially	 affect	 our	 ability	 to	 dispose	 of	 assets	 in	 the	 future,	 including	 stock	 exchange,	 regulatory,	 third-party	 and	

corporate	 approvals,	 counterparties'	 ability	 to	 fulfill	 their	 obligations	 under	 agreements	 to	 affect	 dispositions,	 commodity	

prices,	the	availability	of	purchasers	willing	to	purchase	certain	assets	at	prices	and	on	terms	acceptable	to	us,	associated	asset	

retirement	obligations,	due	diligence,	favourable	market	conditions,	and	the	assignability	of	joint	venture,	partnership	or	other	

arrangements.	These	factors	may	also	reduce	the	proceeds	or	value	to	our	business.	We	may	also	retain	certain	liabilities	for	or	

agree	 to	 indemnification	 obligations	 in	 a	 sale	 transaction.	 The	 magnitude	 of	 any	 such	 retained	 liabilities	 or	 indemnification	

obligations	may	be	difficult	to	quantify	at	the	time	of	the	transaction	and	could	ultimately	be	material.	Further,	certain	third	

parties	may	be	unwilling	to	release	us	from	guarantees	or	other	credit	support	provided	prior	to	the	sale	of	the	divested	assets.	

As	a	result,	after	the	sale	of	certain	assets,	we	may	remain	secondarily	liable	for	the	obligations	guaranteed	or	supported	to	the	

extent	 that	 the	 purchaser	 of	 the	 assets	 fails	 to	 perform	 its	 obligations.	 Should	 any	 of	 the	 risk	 associated	 with	 dispositions	

materialize,	it	could	have	an	adverse	effect	on	our	business,	financial	condition	or	reputation.

Risks	Related	to	Significant	Shareholders	of	Cenovus

As	 of	 December	 31,	 2022,	 Hutchison	 Whampoa	 Europe	 Investments	 S.à	 r.l.	 ("Hutchison")	 and	 L.F.	 Investments	 S.à	 r.l.	 ("L.F.	
Investments")	owned	16.6	percent	and	12.1	percent	of	our	common	shares,	respectively.	The	sale	into	the	market	of	Cenovus	
common	shares	held	by	either	Hutchison	or	L.F.	Investments,	whether	through	open	market	trades	on	the	TSX	or	NYSE,	through	
privately	arranged	block	trades	or	pursuant	to	prospectus	offerings	made	in	accordance	with	the	respective	registration	rights	
agreement	 that	 each	 of	 Hutchison	 and	 L.F.	 Investments	 has	 entered	 into	 with	 Cenovus,	 or	 market	 perception	 regarding	
Hutchison’s	or	L.F.	Investments’	intention	to	sell	Cenovus	common	shares,	could	adversely	affect	market	prices	for	our	common	
shares.	While	Hutchison	and	L.F.	Investments	are	each	subject	to	certain	voting	covenants	pursuant	to	the	terms	of	a	standstill	
agreement	they	each	entered	into	with	Cenovus,	each	of	Hutchison	and	L.F.	Investments	may	be	able	to	impact	certain	matters	
requiring	Cenovus	shareholder	approval.

Market	for	Cenovus	Warrants

There	can	be	no	assurance	that	an	active	public	market	for	Cenovus	Warrants	will	be	sustained.	If	such	a	market	is	sustained,	
the	 market	 price	 of	 the	 Cenovus	 Warrants	 may	 be	 adversely	 affected	 by	 a	 variety	 of	 factors	 relating	 to	 Cenovus's	 business,	
including,	but	not	limited	to,	fluctuations	in	our	operating	and	financial	results,	the	results	of	any	public	announcements	made	
by	 us	 and	 our	 failure	 to	 meet	 analysts'	 expectations.	 In	 addition,	 the	 market	 price	 of	 the	 Cenovus	 common	 shares	 will	
significantly	affect	the	market	price	of	the	Cenovus	Warrants.	This	may	result	in	significant	volatility	in	the	market	price	of	the	
Cenovus	Warrants	and	may	negatively	impact	the	value	of	the	Cenovus	Warrants.

Contingent	Payments	Payable	relating	to	Sunrise	Acquisition

In	connection	with	the	Sunrise	Acquisition,	we	agreed	to	make	contingent	payments	to	BP	Canada	under	certain	circumstances.	
The	amount	of	contingent	payments	vary	depending	on	the	Canadian	dollar	WCS	price	from	time	to	time	during	the	two-year	
period	following	the	closing	of	the	Sunrise	Acquisition	(August	31,	2022),	and	such	payments	are	cumulatively	capped	at	$600	
million.	 This	 payment	 may	 be	 material	 in	 any	 given	 reporting	 period	 as	 the	 entire	 maximum	 payment	 could	 be	 reached	 in	 a	
single	quarter	and	could	have	an	adverse	impact	on	our	results	of	operations	and	financial	condition.

Tax	Laws

Income	 tax	 laws	 and	 regulations	 and	 other	 laws	 and	 government	 incentive	 programs	 may	 in	 the	 future	 be	 changed	 or	
interpreted	in	a	manner	that	adversely	affects	us,	our	financial	results	and	our	shareholders.	Tax	authorities	having	jurisdiction	
over	Cenovus	may	disagree	with	the	manner	in	which	we	calculate	our	tax	liabilities	such	that	its	provision	for	income	taxes	
may	 not	 be	 sufficient,	 or	 such	 authorities	 could	 change	 their	 administrative	 practices	 to	 Cenovus’s	 detriment	 or	 to	 the	
detriment	of	our	shareholders.	In	addition,	all	of	our	tax	filings	are	subject	to	audit	by	tax	authorities	who	may	disagree	with	
such	filings	in	a	manner	that	adversely	affects	Cenovus	and	our	shareholders.

The	 international	 tax	 environment	 continues	 to	 change	 as	 a	 result	 of	 tax	 policy	 initiatives	 and	 reforms	 under	 consideration	
related	to	the	Base	Erosion	and	Profit	Shifting	(“BEPS”)	project	of	the	Organisation	for	Economic	Co-operation	and	Development	
(“OECD”).	Although	the	timing	and	methods	of	implementation	vary,	numerous	countries	including	Canada	have	responded	to	
the	 BEPS	 project	 by	 implementing,	 or	 proposing	 to	 implement,	 changes	 to	 tax	 laws	 and	 tax	 treaties	 at	 a	 rapid	 pace.	 These	
changes	 may	 increase	 our	 cost	 of	 tax	 compliance	 and	 affect	 our	 business,	 financial	 condition	 and	 results	 of	 operations	 in	 a	
manner	that	is	difficult	to	quantify.	We	will	continue	to	monitor	and	assess	potential	adverse	impacts	on	our	global	tax	situation	
as	a	result	of	the	BEPS	project.

In	Canada,	in	the	2022	Fall	Economic	Statement	released	by	the	Department	of	Finance,	a	new	tax	on	share	buybacks	by	public	
corporations	was	proposed.	Under	the	proposal,	which	would	come	into	force	on	January	1,	2024,	a	two	percent	corporate-
level	tax	would	apply	on	the	"net	value"	of	all	types	of	shares	buybacks	by	public	corporations	in	Canada.	While	there	are	few	
details	 available	 on	 the	 proposed	 tax,	 we	 will	 continue	 to	 monitor	 and	 assess	 any	 potential	 adverse	 impacts	 as	 more	
information	becomes	available.

A	 discussion	 of	 additional	 risks,	 should	 they	 arise	 after	 the	 date	 of	 this	 MD&A,	 which	 may	 impact	 our	 business,	 prospects,	
financial	condition,	results	of	operations	and	cash	flows,	and	in	some	cases	our	reputation,	can	be	found	in	our	subsequently	
filed	MD&A,	available	on	SEDAR	at	sedar.com,	on	EDGAR	at	sec.gov	and	at	cenovus.com.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   73

CRITICAL	ACCOUNTING	JUDGMENTS,	ESTIMATION	UNCERTAINTIES	AND	ACCOUNTING	POLICIES

Identification	of	Cash-Generating	Units

Management	is	required	to	make	estimates	and	assumptions,	as	well	as	use	judgment	in	the	application	of	accounting	policies	
that	could	have	a	significant	impact	on	our	financial	results.	Actual	results	may	differ	from	estimates	and	those	differences	may	
be	 material.	 The	 estimates	 and	 assumptions	 used	 are	 subject	 to	 updates	 based	 on	 experience	 and	 the	 application	 of	 new	
information.	Our	critical	accounting	policies	and	estimates	are	reviewed	annually	by	the	Audit	Committee	of	the	Board.	Further	
details	 on	 the	 basis	 of	 preparation	 and	 our	 significant	 accounting	 policies	 can	 be	 found	 in	 the	 notes	 to	 the	 Consolidated	
Financial	Statements.

CGUs	are	defined	as	the	lowest	level	of	integrated	assets	for	which	there	are	separately	identifiable	cash	flows	that	are	largely	

independent	of	cash	flows	from	other	assets	or	groups	of	assets.	The	classification	of	assets	and	allocation	of	corporate	assets	

into	 CGUs	 requires	 significant	 judgment	 and	 interpretation.	 Factors	 considered	 in	 the	 classification	 include	 the	 integration	

between	assets,	shared	infrastructures,	the	existence	of	common	sales	points,	geography,	geologic	structure,	and	the	manner	

in	 which	 Management	 monitors	 and	 makes	 decisions	 about	 its	 operations.	 The	 recoverability	 of	 the	 Company’s	 upstream,	

refining,	crude-by-rail,	railcars,	storage	tanks	and	corporate	assets	are	assessed	at	the	CGU	level.	As	such,	the	determination	of	

a	CGU	could	have	a	significant	impact	on	impairment	losses	and	impairment	reversals.

Critical	Judgments	in	Applying	Accounting	Policies	and	Key	Sources	of	Estimation	Uncertainty

Recoveries	from	Insurance	Claims

Critical	judgments	are	those	judgments	made	by	Management	in	the	process	of	applying	accounting	policies	that	have	the	most	
significant	effect	on	the	amounts	recorded	in	the	Company’s	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

The	Company	uses	estimates	and	assumptions	on	the	amount	recorded	for	insurance	proceeds	that	are	reasonably	certain	to	

be	received.	Accordingly,	actual	results	may	differ	from	these	estimated	recoveries.	

Joint	Arrangements	

Key	Sources	of	Estimation	Uncertainty

The	classification	of	a	joint	arrangement	that	is	held	in	a	separate	vehicle	as	either	a	joint	operation	or	a	joint	venture	requires	
judgment.	Cenovus	has	a	50	percent	interest	in	the	following	jointly	controlled	entities:

• WRB	Refining	LP	(“WRB”).
•

BP-Husky	Refining	LLC	(“Toledo”).

It	was	determined	that	Cenovus	has	the	rights	to	the	assets	and	obligations	for	the	liabilities	of	WRB	and	Toledo.	As	a	result,	the	
joint	arrangements	are	classified	as	joint	operations	and	the	Company’s	share	of	the	assets,	liabilities,	revenues	and	expenses	
are	recorded	in	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.	

Prior	to	August	31,	2022,	Cenovus	held	a	50	percent	interest	in	Sunrise,	which	was	jointly	controlled	with	BP	Canada	and	met	
the	 definition	 of	 a	 joint	 operation	 under	 IFRS	 11,	 “Joint	 Arrangements”.	 As	 such,	 Cenovus	 recognized	 its	 share	 of	 the	 assets,	
liabilities,	revenues	and	expenses	in	its	consolidated	results.	Subsequent	to	the	Sunrise	Acquisition,	Cenovus	controls	Sunrise,	as	
defined	under	IFRS	10,	“Consolidated	Financial	Statements”	(“IFRS	10”)	and,	accordingly,	Sunrise	was	consolidated.	

In	determining	the	classification	of	its	joint	arrangements	under	IFRS	11,	“Joint	Arrangements”,	the	Company	considered	the	
following:

•

•

The	 original	 intention	 of	 the	 joint	 arrangements	 was	 to	 form	 an	 integrated	 North	 American	 heavy	 oil	 business.
Partnerships	are	“flow-through”	entities.
The	 agreements	 require	 the	 partners	 to	 make	 contributions	 if	 funds	 are	 insufficient	 to	 meet	 the	 obligations	 or
liabilities	of	the	corporation	and	partnerships.	The	past	development	of	Sunrise,	and	the	past	and	future	development
of	WRB	and	Toledo,	is	dependent	on	funding	from	the	partners	by	way	of	capital	contribution	commitments,	notes
payable	and	loans.

• WRB	 has	 third-party	 debt	 facilities	 to	 cover	 short-term	 working	 capital	 requirements.	 Up	 until	 November	 2022,

•

•

•

Sunrise	also	had	third-party	debt	facilities.
Sunrise	was	operated	like	most	typical	western	Canadian	working	interest	relationships	where	the	operating	partner
takes	product	on	behalf	of	the	participants	in	accordance	with	the	partnership	agreement.	WRB	and	Toledo	have	very
similar	structures	modified	to	account	for	the	operating	environment	of	the	refining	business.
Cenovus,	 Phillips	 66	 and	 BP,	 as	 operators,	 either	 directly	 or	 through	 wholly-owned	 subsidiaries,	 provide	 marketing
services,	 purchase	 necessary	 feedstock,	 and	 arrange	 for	 transportation	 and	 storage,	 on	 the	 partners'	 behalf	 as	 the
agreements	prohibit	the	partners	from	undertaking	these	roles	themselves.	In	addition,	the	joint	arrangements	do	not
have	employees	and,	as	such,	are	not	capable	of	performing	these	roles.
In	each	arrangement,	output	is	taken	by	one	of	the	partners,	indicating	that	the	partners	have	rights	to	the	economic
benefits	of	the	assets	and	the	obligation	for	funding	the	liabilities	of	the	arrangements.

Exploration	and	Evaluation	Assets

The	application	of	the	Company’s	accounting	policy	for	E&E	expenditures	requires	judgment	in	determining	whether	it	is	likely	
that	future	economic	benefit	exists	when	activities	have	not	reached	a	stage	where	technical	feasibility	and	commercial	viability	
can	be	reasonably	determined.	Factors	such	as	drilling	results,	future	capital	programs,	future	operating	expenses,	as	well	as	
estimated	reserves	and	resources	are	considered.	In	addition,	Management	uses	judgment	to	determine	when	E&E	assets	are	
reclassified	 to	 PP&E.	 In	 making	 this	 determination,	 various	 factors	 are	 considered,	 including	 the	 existence	 of	 reserves,	 and	
whether	the	appropriate	approvals	have	been	received	from	regulatory	bodies	and	the	Company’s	internal	approval	process.

Critical	 accounting	 estimates	 are	 those	 estimates	 that	 require	 Management	 to	 make	 particularly	 subjective	 or	 complex	

judgments	 about	 matters	 that	 are	 inherently	 uncertain.	 Estimates	 and	 underlying	 assumptions	 are	 reviewed	 on	 an	 ongoing	

basis	and	any	revisions	to	accounting	estimates	are	recorded	in	the	period	in	which	the	estimates	are	revised.	The	following	are	

the	key	assumptions	about	the	future	and	other	key	sources	of	estimation	at	the	end	of	the	reporting	period	that,	if	changed,	

could	result	in	a	material	adjustment	to	the	carrying	amount	of	assets	and	liabilities	within	the	next	financial	year.

The	evolving	worldwide	demand	for	energy	and	global	advancement	of	alternative	sources	of	energy	that	are	not	sourced	from	

fossil	fuels	could	change	assumptions	used	to	determine	the	recoverable	amount	of	the	Company’s	PP&E	and	E&E	assets	and	

could	affect	the	carrying	value	of	those	assets,	may	affect	future	development	or	viability	of	exploration	prospects,	may	curtail	

the	expected	useful	lives	of	oil	and	gas	assets	thereby	accelerating	depreciation	charges	and	may	accelerate	decommissioning	

obligations	increasing	the	present	value	of	the	associated	provisions.	The	timing	in	which	global	energy	markets	transition	from	

carbon-based	 sources	 to	 alternative	 energy	 is	 highly	 uncertain.	 Environmental	 considerations	 are	 built	 into	 our	 estimates	

through	the	use	of	key	assumptions	used	to	estimate	fair	value	including	forward	commodity	prices,	forward	crack	spreads	and	

discount	 rates.	 The	 energy	 transition	 could	 impact	 the	 future	 prices	 of	 commodities.	 Pricing	 assumptions	 used	 in	 the	

determination	of	recoverable	amounts	incorporate	markets	expectations	and	the	evolving	worldwide	demand	for	energy.	

Changes	to	assumptions	could	result	in	a	material	adjustment	to	the	carrying	amount	of	assets	and	liabilities	within	the	next	

financial	year.

Crude	Oil	and	Natural	Gas	Reserves

There	are	a	number	of	inherent	uncertainties	associated	with	estimating	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	reserves.	Reserves	estimates	

are	 dependent	 upon	 variables	 including	 the	 recoverable	 quantities	 of	 hydrocarbons,	 the	 cost	 of	 the	 development	 of	 the	

required	infrastructure	to	recover	the	hydrocarbons,	production	costs,	estimated	selling	price	of	the	hydrocarbons	produced,	

royalty	payments	and	taxes.	Changes	in	these	variables	could	significantly	impact	the	reserves	estimates	which	would	affect	the	

impairment	 test	recoverable	amount	and	 DD&A	expense	 of	 the	Company’s	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	assets	in	the	Oil	Sands,	

Conventional	 and	 Offshore	 segments.	 The	 Company’s	 reserves	 are	 evaluated	 annually	 and	 reported	 to	 the	 Company	 by	 its	

IQREs.

Recoverable	Amounts

Determining	the	recoverable	amount	of	a	CGU	or	an	individual	asset	requires	the	use	of	estimates	and	assumptions,	which	are	

subject	to	change	as	new	information	becomes	available.	For	the	Company’s	upstream	assets,	these	estimates	include	forward	

commodity	prices,	expected	production	volumes,	quantity	of	reserves	and	resources,	discount	rates,	future	development	and	

operating	 expenses.	 Recoverable	 amounts	 for	 the	 Company’s	 manufacturing	 assets,	 crude-by-rail	 terminal	 and	 related	 ROU	

assets	use	assumptions	such	as	throughput,	forward	commodity	prices,	discount	rates,	operating	expenses	and	future	capital	

expenditures.	 Recoverable	 amounts	 for	 the	 Company’s	 real	 estate	 ROU	 assets	 use	 assumptions	 such	 as	 real	 estate	 market	

conditions	 which	 includes	 market	 vacancy	 rates	 and	 sublease	 market	 conditions,	 price	 per	 square	 footage,	 real	 estate	 space	

availability	and	borrowing	costs.	Changes	in	assumptions	used	in	determining	the	recoverable	amount	could	affect	the	carrying	

value	of	the	related	assets.	

74   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Financial	Statements.

Joint	Arrangements	

The	classification	of	a	joint	arrangement	that	is	held	in	a	separate	vehicle	as	either	a	joint	operation	or	a	joint	venture	requires	

judgment.	Cenovus	has	a	50	percent	interest	in	the	following	jointly	controlled	entities:

• WRB	Refining	LP	(“WRB”).

•

BP-Husky	Refining	LLC	(“Toledo”).

It	was	determined	that	Cenovus	has	the	rights	to	the	assets	and	obligations	for	the	liabilities	of	WRB	and	Toledo.	As	a	result,	the	

joint	arrangements	are	classified	as	joint	operations	and	the	Company’s	share	of	the	assets,	liabilities,	revenues	and	expenses	

are	recorded	in	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.	

Prior	to	August	31,	2022,	Cenovus	held	a	50	percent	interest	in	Sunrise,	which	was	jointly	controlled	with	BP	Canada	and	met	

the	 definition	 of	 a	 joint	 operation	 under	 IFRS	 11,	 “Joint	 Arrangements”.	 As	 such,	 Cenovus	 recognized	 its	 share	 of	 the	 assets,	

liabilities,	revenues	and	expenses	in	its	consolidated	results.	Subsequent	to	the	Sunrise	Acquisition,	Cenovus	controls	Sunrise,	as	

defined	under	IFRS	10,	“Consolidated	Financial	Statements”	(“IFRS	10”)	and,	accordingly,	Sunrise	was	consolidated.	

In	determining	the	classification	of	its	joint	arrangements	under	IFRS	11,	“Joint	Arrangements”,	the	Company	considered	the	

following:

•

•

•

•

The	 original	 intention	 of	 the	 joint	 arrangements	 was	 to	 form	 an	 integrated	 North	 American	 heavy	 oil	 business.

Partnerships	are	“flow-through”	entities.

The	 agreements	 require	 the	 partners	 to	 make	 contributions	 if	 funds	 are	 insufficient	 to	 meet	 the	 obligations	 or

liabilities	of	the	corporation	and	partnerships.	The	past	development	of	Sunrise,	and	the	past	and	future	development

of	WRB	and	Toledo,	is	dependent	on	funding	from	the	partners	by	way	of	capital	contribution	commitments,	notes

• WRB	 has	 third-party	 debt	 facilities	 to	 cover	 short-term	 working	 capital	 requirements.	 Up	 until	 November	 2022,

payable	and	loans.

Sunrise	also	had	third-party	debt	facilities.

Sunrise	was	operated	like	most	typical	western	Canadian	working	interest	relationships	where	the	operating	partner

takes	product	on	behalf	of	the	participants	in	accordance	with	the	partnership	agreement.	WRB	and	Toledo	have	very

similar	structures	modified	to	account	for	the	operating	environment	of	the	refining	business.

Cenovus,	 Phillips	 66	 and	 BP,	 as	 operators,	 either	 directly	 or	 through	 wholly-owned	 subsidiaries,	 provide	 marketing

services,	 purchase	 necessary	 feedstock,	 and	 arrange	 for	 transportation	 and	 storage,	 on	 the	 partners'	 behalf	 as	 the

agreements	prohibit	the	partners	from	undertaking	these	roles	themselves.	In	addition,	the	joint	arrangements	do	not

have	employees	and,	as	such,	are	not	capable	of	performing	these	roles.

•

In	each	arrangement,	output	is	taken	by	one	of	the	partners,	indicating	that	the	partners	have	rights	to	the	economic

benefits	of	the	assets	and	the	obligation	for	funding	the	liabilities	of	the	arrangements.

Exploration	and	Evaluation	Assets

The	application	of	the	Company’s	accounting	policy	for	E&E	expenditures	requires	judgment	in	determining	whether	it	is	likely	

that	future	economic	benefit	exists	when	activities	have	not	reached	a	stage	where	technical	feasibility	and	commercial	viability	

can	be	reasonably	determined.	Factors	such	as	drilling	results,	future	capital	programs,	future	operating	expenses,	as	well	as	

estimated	reserves	and	resources	are	considered.	In	addition,	Management	uses	judgment	to	determine	when	E&E	assets	are	

reclassified	 to	 PP&E.	 In	 making	 this	 determination,	 various	 factors	 are	 considered,	 including	 the	 existence	 of	 reserves,	 and	

whether	the	appropriate	approvals	have	been	received	from	regulatory	bodies	and	the	Company’s	internal	approval	process.

CRITICAL	ACCOUNTING	JUDGMENTS,	ESTIMATION	UNCERTAINTIES	AND	ACCOUNTING	POLICIES

Identification	of	Cash-Generating	Units

Management	is	required	to	make	estimates	and	assumptions,	as	well	as	use	judgment	in	the	application	of	accounting	policies	

that	could	have	a	significant	impact	on	our	financial	results.	Actual	results	may	differ	from	estimates	and	those	differences	may	

be	 material.	 The	 estimates	 and	 assumptions	 used	 are	 subject	 to	 updates	 based	 on	 experience	 and	 the	 application	 of	 new	

information.	Our	critical	accounting	policies	and	estimates	are	reviewed	annually	by	the	Audit	Committee	of	the	Board.	Further	

details	 on	 the	 basis	 of	 preparation	 and	 our	 significant	 accounting	 policies	 can	 be	 found	 in	 the	 notes	 to	 the	 Consolidated	

CGUs	are	defined	as	the	lowest	level	of	integrated	assets	for	which	there	are	separately	identifiable	cash	flows	that	are	largely	
independent	of	cash	flows	from	other	assets	or	groups	of	assets.	The	classification	of	assets	and	allocation	of	corporate	assets	
into	 CGUs	 requires	 significant	 judgment	 and	 interpretation.	 Factors	 considered	 in	 the	 classification	 include	 the	 integration	
between	assets,	shared	infrastructures,	the	existence	of	common	sales	points,	geography,	geologic	structure,	and	the	manner	
in	 which	 Management	 monitors	 and	 makes	 decisions	 about	 its	 operations.	 The	 recoverability	 of	 the	 Company’s	 upstream,	
refining,	crude-by-rail,	railcars,	storage	tanks	and	corporate	assets	are	assessed	at	the	CGU	level.	As	such,	the	determination	of	
a	CGU	could	have	a	significant	impact	on	impairment	losses	and	impairment	reversals.

Critical	Judgments	in	Applying	Accounting	Policies	and	Key	Sources	of	Estimation	Uncertainty

Recoveries	from	Insurance	Claims

Critical	judgments	are	those	judgments	made	by	Management	in	the	process	of	applying	accounting	policies	that	have	the	most	

significant	effect	on	the	amounts	recorded	in	the	Company’s	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

The	Company	uses	estimates	and	assumptions	on	the	amount	recorded	for	insurance	proceeds	that	are	reasonably	certain	to	
be	received.	Accordingly,	actual	results	may	differ	from	these	estimated	recoveries.	

Key	Sources	of	Estimation	Uncertainty

Critical	 accounting	 estimates	 are	 those	 estimates	 that	 require	 Management	 to	 make	 particularly	 subjective	 or	 complex	
judgments	 about	 matters	 that	 are	 inherently	 uncertain.	 Estimates	 and	 underlying	 assumptions	 are	 reviewed	 on	 an	 ongoing	
basis	and	any	revisions	to	accounting	estimates	are	recorded	in	the	period	in	which	the	estimates	are	revised.	The	following	are	
the	key	assumptions	about	the	future	and	other	key	sources	of	estimation	at	the	end	of	the	reporting	period	that,	if	changed,	
could	result	in	a	material	adjustment	to	the	carrying	amount	of	assets	and	liabilities	within	the	next	financial	year.

The	evolving	worldwide	demand	for	energy	and	global	advancement	of	alternative	sources	of	energy	that	are	not	sourced	from	
fossil	fuels	could	change	assumptions	used	to	determine	the	recoverable	amount	of	the	Company’s	PP&E	and	E&E	assets	and	
could	affect	the	carrying	value	of	those	assets,	may	affect	future	development	or	viability	of	exploration	prospects,	may	curtail	
the	expected	useful	lives	of	oil	and	gas	assets	thereby	accelerating	depreciation	charges	and	may	accelerate	decommissioning	
obligations	increasing	the	present	value	of	the	associated	provisions.	The	timing	in	which	global	energy	markets	transition	from	
carbon-based	 sources	 to	 alternative	 energy	 is	 highly	 uncertain.	 Environmental	 considerations	 are	 built	 into	 our	 estimates	
through	the	use	of	key	assumptions	used	to	estimate	fair	value	including	forward	commodity	prices,	forward	crack	spreads	and	
discount	 rates.	 The	 energy	 transition	 could	 impact	 the	 future	 prices	 of	 commodities.	 Pricing	 assumptions	 used	 in	 the	
determination	of	recoverable	amounts	incorporate	markets	expectations	and	the	evolving	worldwide	demand	for	energy.	

Changes	to	assumptions	could	result	in	a	material	adjustment	to	the	carrying	amount	of	assets	and	liabilities	within	the	next	
financial	year.

Crude	Oil	and	Natural	Gas	Reserves

There	are	a	number	of	inherent	uncertainties	associated	with	estimating	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	reserves.	Reserves	estimates	
are	 dependent	 upon	 variables	 including	 the	 recoverable	 quantities	 of	 hydrocarbons,	 the	 cost	 of	 the	 development	 of	 the	
required	infrastructure	to	recover	the	hydrocarbons,	production	costs,	estimated	selling	price	of	the	hydrocarbons	produced,	
royalty	payments	and	taxes.	Changes	in	these	variables	could	significantly	impact	the	reserves	estimates	which	would	affect	the	
impairment	test	recoverable	 amount	and	DD&A	expense	of	the	 Company’s	 crude	 oil	 and	natural	 gas	 assets	 in	the	Oil	 Sands,	
Conventional	 and	 Offshore	 segments.	 The	 Company’s	 reserves	 are	 evaluated	 annually	 and	 reported	 to	 the	 Company	 by	 its	
IQREs.

Recoverable	Amounts

Determining	the	recoverable	amount	of	a	CGU	or	an	individual	asset	requires	the	use	of	estimates	and	assumptions,	which	are	
subject	to	change	as	new	information	becomes	available.	For	the	Company’s	upstream	assets,	these	estimates	include	forward	
commodity	prices,	expected	production	volumes,	quantity	of	reserves	and	resources,	discount	rates,	future	development	and	
operating	 expenses.	 Recoverable	 amounts	 for	 the	 Company’s	 manufacturing	 assets,	 crude-by-rail	 terminal	 and	 related	 ROU	
assets	use	assumptions	such	as	throughput,	forward	commodity	prices,	discount	rates,	operating	expenses	and	future	capital	
expenditures.	 Recoverable	 amounts	 for	 the	 Company’s	 real	 estate	 ROU	 assets	 use	 assumptions	 such	 as	 real	 estate	 market	
conditions	 which	 includes	 market	 vacancy	 rates	 and	 sublease	 market	 conditions,	 price	 per	 square	 footage,	 real	 estate	 space	
availability	and	borrowing	costs.	Changes	in	assumptions	used	in	determining	the	recoverable	amount	could	affect	the	carrying	
value	of	the	related	assets.	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   75

Decommissioning	Costs

Provisions	are	recorded	for	the	future	decommissioning	and	restoration	of	the	Company’s	upstream	assets,	refining	assets	and	
crude-by-rail	terminal	at	the	end	of	their	economic	lives.	Management	uses	judgment	to	assess	the	existence	of	liabilities	and	
estimate	the	future	value.	The	actual	cost	of	decommissioning	and	restoration	is	uncertain	and	cost	estimates	may	change	in	
response	 to	 numerous	 factors	 including	 changes	 in	 legal	 requirements,	 technological	 advances,	 inflation	 and	 the	 timing	 of	
expected	decommissioning	and	restoration.	In	addition,	Management	determines	the	appropriate	discount	rate	at	the	end	of	
each	 reporting	 period.	 This	 discount	 rate,	 which	 is	 credit-adjusted,	 is	 used	 to	 determine	 the	 present	 value	 of	 the	 estimated	
future	cash	outflows	required	to	settle	the	obligation	and	may	change	in	response	to	numerous	market	factors.	

Fair	Value	of	Assets	Acquired	and	Liabilities	Assumed	in	a	Business	Combination

The	 fair	 value	 of	 assets	 acquired,	 liabilities	 assumed	 and	 assets	 given	 up	 in	 a	 business	 combination,	 including	 contingent	
consideration	and	goodwill,	is	estimated	based	on	information	available	at	the	date	of	acquisition.	Various	valuation	techniques	
are	applied	for	measuring	fair	value	including	market	comparable	transactions	and	discounted	cash	flows.	For	the	Company’s	
upstream	assets,	key	assumptions	in	the	discounted	cash	flow	models	used	to	estimate	fair	value	include	forward	commodity	
prices,	 expected	 production	 volumes,	 quantity	 of	 reserves	 and	 resources,	 discount	 rates,	 future	 development	 and	 operating	
expenses.	 Estimated	 production	 volumes	 and	 quantity	 of	 reserves	 and	 resources	 for	 acquired	 oil	 and	 gas	 properties	 were	
developed	 by	 internal	 geology	 and	 engineering	 professionals	 and	 IQREs.	 For	 manufacturing	 assets,	 key	 assumptions	 used	 to	
estimate	 fair	 value	 include	 throughput,	 forward	 commodity	 prices,	 discount	 rates,	 operating	 expenses	 and	 future	 capital	
expenditures.	Changes	in	these	variables	could	significantly	impact	the	carrying	value	of	the	net	assets	acquired.	

Income	Tax	Provisions

The	determination	of	the	Company’s	income	and	other	tax	liabilities	requires	interpretation	of	complex	laws	and	regulations	
often	 involving	 multiple	 jurisdictions.	 There	 are	 usually	 a	 number	 of	 tax	 matters	 under	 review;	 therefore,	 income	 taxes	 are	
subject	to	measurement	uncertainty.	

Deferred	 income	 tax	 assets	 are	 recorded	 to	 the	 extent	 that	 it	 is	 probable	 that	 the	 deductible	 temporary	 differences	 will	 be	
recoverable	in	future	periods.	The	recoverability	assessment	involves	a	significant	amount	of	estimation	including	an	evaluation	
of	when	the	temporary	differences	will	reverse,	an	analysis	of	the	amount	of	future	taxable	earnings,	the	availability	of	cash	
flow	to	offset	the	tax	assets	when	the	reversal	occurs	and	the	application	of	tax	laws.	There	are	some	transactions	for	which	the	
ultimate	 tax	 determination	 is	 uncertain.	 To	 the	 extent	 that	 assumptions	 used	 in	 the	 recoverability	 assessment	 change,	 there	
may	be	a	significant	impact	on	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	of	future	periods.

Changes	in	Accounting	Policies

There	were	no	new	or	amended	accounting	standards	or	interpretations	adopted	during	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022.

New	Accounting	Standards	and	Interpretations	not	yet	Adopted

There	 are	 new	 accounting	 standards,	 amendments	 to	 accounting	 standards	 and	 interpretations	 that	 are	 effective	 for	 annual	
periods	beginning	on	or	after	January	1,	2023,	and	have	not	been	applied	in	preparing	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	
for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022.	These	standards	and	interpretations	are	not	expected	to	have	a	material	impact	on	the	
Company’s	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	or	the	Company's	business.	

CONTROL	ENVIRONMENT

Management,	including	our	President	&	Chief	Executive	Officer	and	Executive	Vice-President	&	Chief	Financial	Officer,	assessed	
the	 design	 and	 effectiveness	 of	 internal	 control	 over	 financial	 reporting	 (“ICFR”)	 and	 disclosure	 controls	 and	 procedures	
(“DC&P”)	as	at	December	31,	2022.	In	making	its	assessment,	Management	used	the	Committee	of	Sponsoring	Organizations	of	
the	 Treadway	 Commission	 Framework	 in	 Internal	 Control	 –	 Integrated	 Framework	 (2013)	 to	 evaluate	 the	 design	 and	
effectiveness	 of	 ICFR.	 Based	 on	 our	 evaluation,	 Management	 has	 concluded	 that	 both	 ICFR	 and	 DC&P	 were	 effective	 as	 at	
December	31,	2022.

The	effectiveness	of	our	ICFR	was	audited	as	at	December	31,	2022	by	PricewaterhouseCoopers	LLP,	an	independent	firm	of	
Chartered	 Professional	 Accountants,	 as	 stated	 in	 their	 Report	 of	 Independent	 Registered	 Public	 Accounting	 Firm,	 which	 is	
included	in	our	audited	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022.

Internal	control	systems,	no	matter	how	well	designed,	have	inherent	limitations.	Therefore,	even	those	systems	determined	to	
be	 effective	 can	 provide	 only	 reasonable	 assurance	 with	 respect	 to	 financial	 statement	 preparation	 and	 presentation.	 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.

76   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022

Fair	Value	of	Assets	Acquired	and	Liabilities	Assumed	in	a	Business	Combination

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS)  

REPORT OF MANAGEMENT  

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED  
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF  
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)  

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

1.  DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS  

AND SEGMENTED DISCLOSURES  

2.  BASIS OF PREPARATION AND STATEMENT  

OF COMPLIANCE  

 78

 79

 83

 84

 85

 86

 87

 88

 88

 95

3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  

 95

4.  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND  

KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY  

5. ACQUISITIONS  

6. GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE  

7. FINANCE COSTS  

8. INTEGRATION AND TRANSACTION COSTS  

9. FOREIGN EXCHANGE (GAIN) LOSS, NET  

10. DIVESTITURES  

11. IMPAIRMENT CHARGES AND REVERSALS  

12. OTHER (INCOME) LOSS, NET  

13. INCOME TAXES  

14. PER SHARE AMOUNTS  

15. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  

 105

 108

 111

 111

 111

 111

 112

 112

 118

 118

 121

 122

17. INVENTORIES  

18. ASSETS HELD FOR SALE  

19. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS, NET  

20. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET  

21. RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS, NET  

22. JOINT ARRANGEMENTS  

23. OTHER ASSETS  

24. GOODWILL  

25. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES  

26. DEBT AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE  

27. LEASE LIABILITIES  

28. CONTINGENT PAYMENTS  

29. DECOMMISSIONING LIABILITIES  

30. OTHER LIABILITIES  

31.  PENSIONS AND OTHER  

POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS  

32. SHARE CAPITAL AND WARRANTS  

33.  ACCUMULATED OTHER  

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)  

34. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS  

35. EMPLOYEE SALARIES AND BENEFIT EXPENSES  

36. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS  

37. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  

38. RISK MANAGEMENT  

39. SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW INFORMATION  

16. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ACCRUED REVENUES  

 122

40. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES  

 122

 122

 123

 124

 125

 126

 127

 127

 128

 128

 132

 133

 134

 135

 135

 139

 141

 141

 145

 145

 145

 148

 151

154

Decommissioning	Costs

Provisions	are	recorded	for	the	future	decommissioning	and	restoration	of	the	Company’s	upstream	assets,	refining	assets	and	

crude-by-rail	terminal	at	the	end	of	their	economic	lives.	Management	uses	judgment	to	assess	the	existence	of	liabilities	and	

estimate	the	future	value.	The	actual	cost	of	decommissioning	and	restoration	is	uncertain	and	cost	estimates	may	change	in	

response	 to	 numerous	 factors	 including	 changes	 in	 legal	 requirements,	 technological	 advances,	 inflation	 and	 the	 timing	 of	

expected	decommissioning	and	restoration.	In	addition,	Management	determines	the	appropriate	discount	rate	at	the	end	of	

each	 reporting	 period.	 This	 discount	 rate,	 which	 is	 credit-adjusted,	 is	 used	 to	 determine	 the	 present	 value	 of	 the	 estimated	

future	cash	outflows	required	to	settle	the	obligation	and	may	change	in	response	to	numerous	market	factors.	

The	 fair	 value	 of	 assets	 acquired,	 liabilities	 assumed	 and	 assets	 given	 up	 in	 a	 business	 combination,	 including	 contingent	

consideration	and	goodwill,	is	estimated	based	on	information	available	at	the	date	of	acquisition.	Various	valuation	techniques	

are	applied	for	measuring	fair	value	including	market	comparable	transactions	and	discounted	cash	flows.	For	the	Company’s	

upstream	assets,	key	assumptions	in	the	discounted	cash	flow	models	used	to	estimate	fair	value	include	forward	commodity	

prices,	 expected	 production	 volumes,	 quantity	 of	 reserves	 and	 resources,	 discount	 rates,	 future	 development	 and	 operating	

expenses.	 Estimated	 production	 volumes	 and	 quantity	 of	 reserves	 and	 resources	 for	 acquired	 oil	 and	 gas	 properties	 were	

developed	 by	 internal	 geology	 and	 engineering	 professionals	 and	 IQREs.	 For	 manufacturing	 assets,	 key	 assumptions	 used	 to	

estimate	 fair	 value	 include	 throughput,	 forward	 commodity	 prices,	 discount	 rates,	 operating	 expenses	 and	 future	 capital	

expenditures.	Changes	in	these	variables	could	significantly	impact	the	carrying	value	of	the	net	assets	acquired.	

Income	Tax	Provisions

The	determination	of	the	Company’s	income	and	other	tax	liabilities	requires	interpretation	of	complex	laws	and	regulations	

often	 involving	 multiple	 jurisdictions.	 There	 are	 usually	 a	 number	 of	 tax	 matters	 under	 review;	 therefore,	 income	 taxes	 are	

subject	to	measurement	uncertainty.	

Deferred	 income	 tax	 assets	 are	 recorded	 to	 the	 extent	 that	 it	 is	 probable	 that	 the	 deductible	 temporary	 differences	 will	 be	

recoverable	in	future	periods.	The	recoverability	assessment	involves	a	significant	amount	of	estimation	including	an	evaluation	

of	when	the	temporary	differences	will	reverse,	an	analysis	of	the	amount	of	future	taxable	earnings,	the	availability	of	cash	

flow	to	offset	the	tax	assets	when	the	reversal	occurs	and	the	application	of	tax	laws.	There	are	some	transactions	for	which	the	

ultimate	 tax	 determination	 is	 uncertain.	 To	 the	 extent	 that	 assumptions	 used	 in	 the	 recoverability	 assessment	 change,	 there	

may	be	a	significant	impact	on	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	of	future	periods.

Changes	in	Accounting	Policies

There	were	no	new	or	amended	accounting	standards	or	interpretations	adopted	during	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022.

New	Accounting	Standards	and	Interpretations	not	yet	Adopted

There	 are	 new	 accounting	 standards,	 amendments	 to	 accounting	 standards	 and	 interpretations	 that	 are	 effective	 for	 annual	

periods	beginning	on	or	after	January	1,	2023,	and	have	not	been	applied	in	preparing	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	

for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022.	These	standards	and	interpretations	are	not	expected	to	have	a	material	impact	on	the	

Company’s	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	or	the	Company's	business.	

CONTROL	ENVIRONMENT

Management,	including	our	President	&	Chief	Executive	Officer	and	Executive	Vice-President	&	Chief	Financial	Officer,	assessed	

the	 design	 and	 effectiveness	 of	 internal	 control	 over	 financial	 reporting	 (“ICFR”)	 and	 disclosure	 controls	 and	 procedures	

(“DC&P”)	as	at	December	31,	2022.	In	making	its	assessment,	Management	used	the	Committee	of	Sponsoring	Organizations	of	

the	 Treadway	 Commission	 Framework	 in	 Internal	 Control	 –	 Integrated	 Framework	 (2013)	 to	 evaluate	 the	 design	 and	

effectiveness	 of	 ICFR.	 Based	 on	 our	 evaluation,	 Management	 has	 concluded	 that	 both	 ICFR	 and	 DC&P	 were	 effective	 as	 at	

December	31,	2022.

The	effectiveness	of	our	ICFR	was	audited	as	at	December	31,	2022	by	PricewaterhouseCoopers	LLP,	an	independent	firm	of	

Chartered	 Professional	 Accountants,	 as	 stated	 in	 their	 Report	 of	 Independent	 Registered	 Public	 Accounting	 Firm,	 which	 is	

included	in	our	audited	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022.

Internal	control	systems,	no	matter	how	well	designed,	have	inherent	limitations.	Therefore,	even	those	systems	determined	to	

be	 effective	 can	 provide	 only	 reasonable	 assurance	 with	 respect	 to	 financial	 statement	 preparation	 and	 presentation.	 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.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT	OF	MANAGEMENT	

Management’s	Responsibility	for	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	

The	 accompanying	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 of	 Cenovus	 Energy	 Inc.	 are	 the	 responsibility	 of	 Management.	 The	
Consolidated	Financial	Statements	have	been	prepared	by	Management	in	Canadian	dollars	in	accordance	with	International	
Financial	 Reporting	 Standards	 as	 issued	 by	 the	 International	 Accounting	 Standards	 Board	 and	 include	 certain	 estimates	 that	
reflect	Management’s	best	judgments.	

The	 Board	 of	 Directors	 has	 approved	 the	 information	 contained	 in	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements.	 The	 Board	 of	
Directors	fulfills	its	responsibility	regarding	the	financial	statements	mainly	through	its	Audit	Committee	which	is	made	up	of	
five	 independent	 directors.	 The	 Audit	 Committee	 has	 a	 written	 mandate	 that	 complies	 with	 the	 current	 requirements	 of	
Canadian	securities	legislation	and	the	United	States	Sarbanes	–	Oxley	Act	of	2002	and	voluntarily	complies,	in	principle,	with	
the	 Audit	 Committee	 guidelines	 of	 the	 New	 York	 Stock	 Exchange.	 The	 Audit	 Committee	 met	 with	 Management	 and	 the	
independent	auditors	on	at	least	a	quarterly	basis	to	review	and	recommend	the	approval	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	
Statements	and	Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis	to	the	Board	of	Directors	prior	to	their	public	release	as	well	as	annually	
to	 review	 the	 annual	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 and	 Management’s	 Discussion	 and	 Analysis	 and	 recommend	 their	
approval	to	the	Board	of	Directors.	

Management’s	Assessment	of	Internal	Control	Over	Financial	Reporting	

Management	 is	 also	 responsible	 for	 establishing	 and	 maintaining	 adequate	 internal	 control	 over	 financial	 reporting.	 The	
internal	 control	 system	 was	 designed	 to	 provide	 reasonable	 assurance	 to	 Management	 regarding	 the	 preparation	 and	
presentation	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.	

Internal	control	systems,	no	matter	how	well	designed,	have	inherent	limitations.	Therefore,	even	those	systems	determined	to	
be	 effective	 can	 provide	 only	 reasonable	 assurance	 with	 respect	 to	 financial	 statement	 preparation	 and	 presentation.	 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.	

Management	has	assessed	the	design	and	effectiveness	of	internal	control	over	financial	reporting	as	at	December	31,	2022.	In	
making	 its	 assessment,	 Management	 has	 used	 the	 Committee	 of	 Sponsoring	 Organizations	 of	 the	 Treadway	 Commission	
framework	in	Internal	Control	–	Integrated	Framework	(2013)	to	evaluate	the	design	and	effectiveness	of	internal	control	over	
financial	 reporting.	 Based	 on	 our	 evaluation,	 Management	 has	 concluded	 that	 internal	 control	 over	 financial	 reporting	 was	
effective	as	at	December	31,	2022.	

PricewaterhouseCoopers	 LLP,	 an	 independent	 registered	 public	 accounting	 firm,	 was	 appointed	 to	 audit	 and	 provide	
independent	 opinions	 on	 both	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 and	 internal	 control	 over	 financial	 reporting	 as	 at	
December	 31,	 2022,	 as	 stated	 in	 their	 Report	 of	 Independent	 Registered	 Public	 Accounting	 Firm	 dated	 February	 15,	 2023.	
PricewaterhouseCoopers	LLP	has	provided	such	opinions.	

/s/	Alexander	J.	Pourbaix
Alexander	J.	Pourbaix
President	&	Chief	Executive	Officer
Cenovus	Energy	Inc.

February	15,	2023

/s/	Jeffrey	R.	Hart
Jeffrey	R.	Hart
Executive	Vice-President	&	Chief	Financial	Officer
Cenovus	Energy	Inc.

78   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

REPORT	OF	INDEPENDENT	REGISTERED	PUBLIC	ACCOUNTING	FIRM	

To	the	Shareholders	and	Board	of	Directors	of	Cenovus	Energy	Inc.	

Opinions	on	the	Financial	Statements	and	Internal	Control	Over	Financial	Reporting	

We	 have	 audited	 the	 accompanying	 consolidated	 balance	 sheets	 of	 Cenovus	 Energy	 Inc.	 and	 its	 subsidiaries	 (together,	 the	

Company)	 as	 of	 December	 31,	 2022	 and	 2021,	 and	 the	 related	 consolidated	 statements	 of	 earnings	 (loss),	 comprehensive	

income	(loss),	equity	and	cash	flows	for	each	of	the	three	years	in	the	period	ended	December	31,	2022,	including	the	related	

notes	(collectively	referred	to	as	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements).	We	also	have	audited	the	Company's	internal	control	

over	 financial	 reporting	 as	 of	 December	 31,	 2022,	 based	 on	 criteria	 established	 in	 Internal	 Control	 –	 Integrated	 Framework	

(2013)	issued	by	the	Committee	of	Sponsoring	Organizations	of	the	Treadway	Commission	(COSO).

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,	2022	and	2021,	and	its	financial	performance	and	its	cash	flows	for	each	of	the	

three	years	in	the	period	ended	December	31,	2022	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,	2022,	based	on	criteria	established	in	Internal	Control	–	Integrated	

Framework	(2013)	issued	by	the	COSO.

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	Assessment	of	Internal	Control	Over	Financial	Reporting.	Our	responsibility	is	to	express	

opinions	on	the	Company’s	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	and	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	 (i)	 pertain	 to	 the	 maintenance	 of	 records	 that,	 in	 reasonable	 detail,	 accurately	 and	 fairly	 reflect	 the	 transactions	 and	

dispositions	 of	 the	 assets	 of	 the	 company;	 (ii)	 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	(iii)	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.	

REPORT	OF	MANAGEMENT	

Management’s	Responsibility	for	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	

The	 accompanying	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 of	 Cenovus	 Energy	 Inc.	 are	 the	 responsibility	 of	 Management.	 The	

Consolidated	Financial	Statements	have	been	prepared	by	Management	in	Canadian	dollars	in	accordance	with	International	

Financial	 Reporting	 Standards	 as	 issued	 by	 the	 International	 Accounting	 Standards	 Board	 and	 include	 certain	 estimates	 that	

reflect	Management’s	best	judgments.	

The	 Board	 of	 Directors	 has	 approved	 the	 information	 contained	 in	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements.	 The	 Board	 of	

Directors	fulfills	its	responsibility	regarding	the	financial	statements	mainly	through	its	Audit	Committee	which	is	made	up	of	

five	 independent	 directors.	 The	 Audit	 Committee	 has	 a	 written	 mandate	 that	 complies	 with	 the	 current	 requirements	 of	

Canadian	securities	legislation	and	the	United	States	Sarbanes	–	Oxley	Act	of	2002	and	voluntarily	complies,	in	principle,	with	

the	 Audit	 Committee	 guidelines	 of	 the	 New	 York	 Stock	 Exchange.	 The	 Audit	 Committee	 met	 with	 Management	 and	 the	

independent	auditors	on	at	least	a	quarterly	basis	to	review	and	recommend	the	approval	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	

Statements	and	Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis	to	the	Board	of	Directors	prior	to	their	public	release	as	well	as	annually	

to	 review	 the	 annual	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 and	 Management’s	 Discussion	 and	 Analysis	 and	 recommend	 their	

approval	to	the	Board	of	Directors.	

Management’s	Assessment	of	Internal	Control	Over	Financial	Reporting	

Management	 is	 also	 responsible	 for	 establishing	 and	 maintaining	 adequate	 internal	 control	 over	 financial	 reporting.	 The	

internal	 control	 system	 was	 designed	 to	 provide	 reasonable	 assurance	 to	 Management	 regarding	 the	 preparation	 and	

presentation	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.	

Internal	control	systems,	no	matter	how	well	designed,	have	inherent	limitations.	Therefore,	even	those	systems	determined	to	

be	 effective	 can	 provide	 only	 reasonable	 assurance	 with	 respect	 to	 financial	 statement	 preparation	 and	 presentation.	 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.	

Management	has	assessed	the	design	and	effectiveness	of	internal	control	over	financial	reporting	as	at	December	31,	2022.	In	

making	 its	 assessment,	 Management	 has	 used	 the	 Committee	 of	 Sponsoring	 Organizations	 of	 the	 Treadway	 Commission	

framework	in	Internal	Control	–	Integrated	Framework	(2013)	to	evaluate	the	design	and	effectiveness	of	internal	control	over	

financial	 reporting.	 Based	 on	 our	 evaluation,	 Management	 has	 concluded	 that	 internal	 control	 over	 financial	 reporting	 was	

effective	as	at	December	31,	2022.	

PricewaterhouseCoopers	 LLP,	 an	 independent	 registered	 public	 accounting	 firm,	 was	 appointed	 to	 audit	 and	 provide	

independent	 opinions	 on	 both	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 and	 internal	 control	 over	 financial	 reporting	 as	 at	

December	 31,	 2022,	 as	 stated	 in	 their	 Report	 of	 Independent	 Registered	 Public	 Accounting	 Firm	 dated	 February	 15,	 2023.	

PricewaterhouseCoopers	LLP	has	provided	such	opinions.	

/s/	Alexander	J.	Pourbaix

Alexander	J.	Pourbaix

President	&	Chief	Executive	Officer

Cenovus	Energy	Inc.

February	15,	2023

/s/	Jeffrey	R.	Hart

Jeffrey	R.	Hart

Cenovus	Energy	Inc.

Executive	Vice-President	&	Chief	Financial	Officer

REPORT	OF	INDEPENDENT	REGISTERED	PUBLIC	ACCOUNTING	FIRM	

To	the	Shareholders	and	Board	of	Directors	of	Cenovus	Energy	Inc.	

Opinions	on	the	Financial	Statements	and	Internal	Control	Over	Financial	Reporting	

We	 have	 audited	 the	 accompanying	 consolidated	 balance	 sheets	 of	 Cenovus	 Energy	 Inc.	 and	 its	 subsidiaries	 (together,	 the	
Company)	 as	 of	 December	 31,	 2022	 and	 2021,	 and	 the	 related	 consolidated	 statements	 of	 earnings	 (loss),	 comprehensive	
income	(loss),	equity	and	cash	flows	for	each	of	the	three	years	in	the	period	ended	December	31,	2022,	including	the	related	
notes	(collectively	referred	to	as	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements).	We	also	have	audited	the	Company's	internal	control	
over	 financial	 reporting	 as	 of	 December	 31,	 2022,	 based	 on	 criteria	 established	 in	 Internal	 Control	 –	 Integrated	 Framework	
(2013)	issued	by	the	Committee	of	Sponsoring	Organizations	of	the	Treadway	Commission	(COSO).

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,	2022	and	2021,	and	its	financial	performance	and	its	cash	flows	for	each	of	the	
three	years	in	the	period	ended	December	31,	2022	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,	2022,	based	on	criteria	established	in	Internal	Control	–	Integrated	
Framework	(2013)	issued	by	the	COSO.

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	Assessment	of	Internal	Control	Over	Financial	Reporting.	Our	responsibility	is	to	express	
opinions	on	the	Company’s	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	and	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	 (i)	 pertain	 to	 the	 maintenance	 of	 records	 that,	 in	 reasonable	 detail,	 accurately	 and	 fairly	 reflect	 the	 transactions	 and	
dispositions	 of	 the	 assets	 of	 the	 company;	 (ii)	 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	(iii)	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.	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   79

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.

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	(i)	relate	to	accounts	or	
disclosures	that	are	material	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	and	(ii)	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.	

Valuation	 of	 an	 Oil	 Sands	 Property	 Related	 to	 the	 Acquisition	 of	 the	 Remaining	 50	 Percent	 Interest	 in	 the	 Sunrise	 Oil	 Sands	
Partnership

As	 described	 in	 Notes	 3,	 4,	 and	 5	 to	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements,	 on	 August	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 acquired	 the	
remaining	 50	 percent	 interest	 in	 the	 Sunrise	 Oil	 Sands	 Partnership	 (SOSP),	 a	 joint	 operation	 in	 the	 Oil	 Sands	 segment	 in	 an	
acquisition	 accounted	 for	 as	 a	 business	 combination	 using	 the	 acquisition	 method,	 which	 requires	 that	 assets	 acquired	 and	
liabilities	assumed	be	measured	at	fair	value	on	the	acquisition	date,	with	any	excess	of	the	purchase	price	over	the	estimated	
fair	value	of	the	net	assets	acquired	recorded	as	goodwill.	As	the	Company	acquired	control	of	SOSP	in	stages,	Management	
remeasured	the	previously	held	interest	in	SOSP	to	fair	value	of	$1.6	billion	at	the	acquisition	date	and	total	consideration	for	
the	 newly	 acquired	 50	 percent	 interest	 was	 $1.0	 billion.	 The	 assets	 acquired	 included	 an	 oil	 sands	 property	 categorized	 as	
Property,	Plant	and	Equipment	(PP&E),	which	was	valued	at	$3.2	billion	on	a	100	percent	basis.	Management	estimated	the	fair	
value	of	the	acquired	oil	sands	property	at	the	acquisition	date	using	an	after-tax	discounted	cash	flow	model.	The	fair	value	
assessment	required	the	use	of	significant	estimates	and	judgments	by	Management	including	assumptions	related	to	forward	
commodity	prices,	expected	production	volumes,	estimated	reserves,	future	development	and	operating	expenditures	and	the	
discount	 rate.	 Management’s	 estimate	 of	 reserves	 for	 the	 acquired	 oil	 sands	 property	 were	 developed	 by	 Management’s	
specialists,	including	internal	geology	and	engineering	professionals,	and	independent	qualified	reserves	evaluators.	

The	 principal	 considerations	 for	 our	 determination	 that	 performing	 procedures	 relating	 to	 the	 valuation	 of	 the	 oil	 sands	
property	related	to	the	acquisition	of	the	remaining	50	percent	interest	in	SOSP	is	a	critical	audit	matter	are	(i)	the	significant	
judgment	 by	 Management,	 including	 the	 use	 of	 Management’s	 specialists,	 as	 applicable,	 in	 developing	 the	 fair	 value	 of	 the	
acquired	 oil	 sands	 property;	 (ii)	 a	 high	 degree	 of	 auditor	 judgment,	 subjectivity,	 and	 effort	 in	 performing	 procedures	 and	
evaluating	significant	assumptions	used	in	the	discounted	cash	flow	model	used	to	value	the	acquired	oil	sands	property	related	
to	 forward	 commodity	 prices,	 expected	 production	 volumes,	 estimated	 reserves,	 future	 development	 and	 operating	
expenditures	 and	 the	 discount	 rate;	 and	 (iii)	 the	 audit	 effort	 involved	 the	 use	 of	 professionals	 with	 specialized	 skill	 and	
knowledge.	

Addressing	the	matter	involved	performing	procedures	and	evaluating	audit	evidence	in	connection	with	forming	our	overall	
opinion	on	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.	These	procedures	included	testing	the	effectiveness	of	controls	relating	to	
Management’s	estimated	fair	value	of	the	acquired	oil	sands	property.	These	procedures	also	included,	among	others,	testing	
Management’s	 process	 for	 determining	 the	 fair	 value	 of	 the	 acquired	 oil	 sands	 property,	 which	 included	 (i)	 evaluating	 the	
appropriateness	 of	 the	 method	 used	 by	 Management	 in	 making	 this	 estimate;	 (ii)	 testing	 the	 completeness	 and	 accuracy	 of	
underlying	 data	 used	 in	 Management’s	 determination	 of	 the	 fair	 value	 and	 (iii)	 evaluating	 the	 reasonableness	 of	 significant	
assumptions	used	by	Management	related	to	forward	commodity	prices,	expected	production	volumes,	estimated	reserves	and	
future	 development	 and	 operating	 expenditures	 for	 the	 acquired	 oil	 sands	 property.	 Evaluating	 the	 significant	 assumptions	
used	 by	 Management	 involved	 assessing	 whether	 the	 assumptions	 used	 were	 reasonable	 considering	 the	 current	 and	 past	
performance	of	the	acquired	oil	sands	property	and	consistency	with	industry	pricing	forecasts	and	evidence	obtained	in	other	
areas	of	the	audit,	as	applicable.	The	work	of	Management’s	specialists	was	used	in	performing	the	procedures	to	evaluate	the	
reasonableness	 of	 the	 estimated	 reserves	 used	 to	 determine	 the	 fair	 value	 of	 the	 acquired	 oil	 sands	 property.	 As	 a	 basis	 for	
using	 this	 work,	 the	 specialists’	 qualifications	 were	 understood,	 and	 the	 Company’s	 relationship	 with	 the	 specialists	 was	
assessed.	The	procedures	performed	also	included	evaluation	of	the	method	and	assumptions	used	by	the	specialists,	tests	of	
the	data	used	by	the	specialists,	and	an	evaluation	of	the	specialists’	findings.	

80   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Evaluating	the	significant	assumptions	used	by	Management’s	specialists	also	involved	assessing	whether	the	assumptions	used	

were	reasonable	considering	the	current	and	past	performance	of	the	acquired	oil	sands	property	and	consistency	with	industry	

pricing	 forecasts	 and	 evidence	 obtained	 in	 other	 areas	 of	 the	 audit,	 as	 applicable.	 Professionals	 with	 specialized	 skill	 and	

knowledge	 were	 used	 to	 assist	 in	 evaluating	 the	 overall	 reasonableness	 of	 the	 fair	 value	 of	 the	 acquired	 oil	 sands	 property	

determined	by	Management,	including	the	discount	rate.

Assessment	 of	 Impairment/Impairment	 Reversal	 of	 PP&E	 for	 Each	 of	 the	 Cash	 Generating	 Units	 (CGUs)	 in	 the	 U.S.	

Manufacturing	Segment	(the	U.S.	Manufacturing	CGUs)

As	described	in	Notes	1,	3,	4,	11	and	20	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements,	Management	assesses	its	CGUs	for	indicators	

of	impairment/impairment	reversal	on	a	quarterly	basis	or	when	facts	and	circumstances	suggest	that	the	carrying	amount	of	a	

CGU,	 which	 is	 net	 of	 accumulated	 Depreciation,	 Depletion	 and	 Amortization	 (DD&A)	 including	 net	 impairment	 losses,	 may	

exceed	 its	 recoverable	 amount	 or	 that	 a	 previously	 recorded	 impairment	 may	 have	 reversed.	 If	 indicators	 of	 impairment	 or	

impairment	 reversal	 exist,	 the	 recoverable	 amount	 of	 the	 CGU	 is	 estimated	 as	 the	 greater	 of	 value-in-use	 and	 fair	 value	 less	

costs	of	disposal	(FVLCOD).	In	the	event	that	an	impairment	loss	reverses,	the	carrying	amount	of	the	asset	is	increased	to	the	

revised	estimate	of	its	recoverable	amount,	but	only	to	the	extent	that	the	carrying	amount	does	not	exceed	the	amount	that	

would	have	been	determined	had	no	impairment	loss	been	recognized	on	the	CGU	in	prior	periods.	As	of	December	31,	2022,	

the	 Company	 had	 $4.5	 billion	 of	 PP&E	 assets	 net	 of	 accumulated	 DD&A	 including	 net	 impairment	 losses	 relating	 to	 its	 U.S.	

Manufacturing	 segment.	 Management	 identified	 indicators	 of	 impairment	 for	 the	 Superior	 and	 Toledo	 CGUs	 and	 performed	

impairment	 assessments	 for	 each	 of	 these	 CGUs	 as	 of	 December	 31,	 2022.	 The	 carrying	 amounts	 of	 these	 CGUs	 were	

determined	to	be	greater	than	their	recoverable	amounts	and	an	aggregate	impairment	charge	of	$1.5	billion	was	recorded	as	

additional	DD&A.	Management	also	identified	indicators	of	impairment	reversal	for	the	Wood	River,	Borger	and	Lima	CGUs	and	

performed	 impairment	 assessments	 for	 each	 CGU	 as	 of	 December	 31,	 2022.	 The	 recoverable	 amounts	 of	 these	 CGU’s	 were	

determined	to	be	greater	than	their	carrying	amounts	and	an	aggregate	impairment	reversal	of	$1.2	billion	was	recorded	as	a	

reduction	 to	 DD&A.	 Management	 determined	 the	 recoverable	 amounts	 of	 PP&E	 for	 the	 U.S.	 Manufacturing	 CGUs	 based	 on	

their	 FVLCOD	 using	 discounted	 after-tax	 cash	 flows	 models	 requiring	 the	 use	 of	 significant	 assumptions	 and	 judgments	 by	

Management	 related	 to	 throughput,	 forward	 crude	 oil	 prices,	 forward	 crack	 spreads,	 future	 operating	 costs,	 future	 capital	

expenditures	and	discount	rates.

The	 principal	 considerations	 for	 our	 determination	 that	 performing	 procedures	 relating	 to	 the	 assessment	 of	 impairment/

impairment	 reversal	 of	 PP&E	 for	 each	 of	 the	 CGUs	 in	 the	 U.S.	 Manufacturing	 segment	 is	 a	 critical	 audit	 matter	 are	 (i)	 the	

significant	amount	of	judgment	required	by	Management	when	developing	the	recoverable	amounts	of	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	

CGUs;	 (ii)	 a	 high	 degree	 of	 auditor	 judgment,	 subjectivity,	 and	 effort	 in	 performing	 procedures	 relating	 to	 the	 significant	

assumptions	used	in	developing	these	estimates	including	throughput,	forward	crude	oil	prices,	forward	crack	spreads,	future	

capital	expenditures,	future	operating	costs	and	discount	rates;	and	(iii)	the	audit	effort	involved	the	use	of	professionals	with	

specialized	skill	and	knowledge.

Addressing	the	matter	involved	performing	procedures	and	evaluating	audit	evidence	in	connection	with	forming	our	overall	

opinion	on	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.	These	procedures	included	testing	the	effectiveness	of	controls	relating	to	

Management’s	 determination	 of	 the	 recoverable	 amounts	 of	 the	 U.S.	 Manufacturing	 CGUs.	 These	 procedures	 also	 included,	

among	others,	testing	Management’s	process	for	determining	the	recoverable	amounts	of	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	CGUs,	which	

included	 (i)	 evaluating	 the	 appropriateness	 of	 the	 methods	 used	 by	 Management	 in	 making	 these	 estimates;	 (ii)	 testing	 the	

completeness	 and	 accuracy	 of	 underlying	 data	 used	 in	 these	 models;	 and	 (iii)	 assessing	 the	 reasonability	 of	 the	 significant	

assumptions	 used	 by	 Management,	 including	 throughput,	 forward	 crude	 oil	 prices,	 forward	 crack	 spreads,	 future	 capital	

expenditures	 and	 future	 operating	 costs.	 Evaluating	 the	 assumptions	 used	 by	 Management	 involved	 assessing	 whether	 the	

assumptions	used	were	reasonable	considering	the	current	and	past	performance	of	the	Company,	consistency	with	industry	

pricing	 forecasts	 and	 consistency	 with	 evidence	 obtained	 in	 other	 areas	 of	 the	 audit,	 as	 applicable.	 Professionals	 with	

specialized	skill	and	knowledge	were	used	to	assist	in	evaluating	the	overall	reasonableness	of	the	recoverable	amounts	of	the	

U.S.	Manufacturing	CGUs,	including	the	discount	rates.

Impact	of	Reserves	Estimates	on	PP&E,	Net	of	the	Oil	Sands	and	Offshore	Segments

As	described	in	Notes	1,	3,	4,	11	and	20	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements,	Management	assesses	its	CGUs	for	indicators	

of	impairment	on	a	quarterly	basis	or	when	facts	and	circumstances	suggest	that	the	carrying	amount	of	a	CGU,	which	is	net	of	

accumulated	DD&A	and	net	impairment	losses,	may	exceed	its	recoverable	amount.	Management	calculates	depletion	for	Oil	

Sands	PP&E	using	the	unit-of-production	method	based	on	estimated	proved	reserves.		

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.

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	(i)	relate	to	accounts	or	

disclosures	that	are	material	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	and	(ii)	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.	

Valuation	 of	 an	 Oil	 Sands	 Property	 Related	 to	 the	 Acquisition	 of	 the	 Remaining	 50	 Percent	 Interest	 in	 the	 Sunrise	 Oil	 Sands	

Partnership

As	 described	 in	 Notes	 3,	 4,	 and	 5	 to	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements,	 on	 August	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 acquired	 the	

remaining	 50	 percent	 interest	 in	 the	 Sunrise	 Oil	 Sands	 Partnership	 (SOSP),	 a	 joint	 operation	 in	 the	 Oil	 Sands	 segment	 in	 an	

acquisition	 accounted	 for	 as	 a	 business	 combination	 using	 the	 acquisition	 method,	 which	 requires	 that	 assets	 acquired	 and	

liabilities	assumed	be	measured	at	fair	value	on	the	acquisition	date,	with	any	excess	of	the	purchase	price	over	the	estimated	

fair	value	of	the	net	assets	acquired	recorded	as	goodwill.	As	the	Company	acquired	control	of	SOSP	in	stages,	Management	

remeasured	the	previously	held	interest	in	SOSP	to	fair	value	of	$1.6	billion	at	the	acquisition	date	and	total	consideration	for	

the	 newly	 acquired	 50	 percent	 interest	 was	 $1.0	 billion.	 The	 assets	 acquired	 included	 an	 oil	 sands	 property	 categorized	 as	

Property,	Plant	and	Equipment	(PP&E),	which	was	valued	at	$3.2	billion	on	a	100	percent	basis.	Management	estimated	the	fair	

value	of	the	acquired	oil	sands	property	at	the	acquisition	date	using	an	after-tax	discounted	cash	flow	model.	The	fair	value	

assessment	required	the	use	of	significant	estimates	and	judgments	by	Management	including	assumptions	related	to	forward	

commodity	prices,	expected	production	volumes,	estimated	reserves,	future	development	and	operating	expenditures	and	the	

discount	 rate.	 Management’s	 estimate	 of	 reserves	 for	 the	 acquired	 oil	 sands	 property	 were	 developed	 by	 Management’s	

specialists,	including	internal	geology	and	engineering	professionals,	and	independent	qualified	reserves	evaluators.	

The	 principal	 considerations	 for	 our	 determination	 that	 performing	 procedures	 relating	 to	 the	 valuation	 of	 the	 oil	 sands	

property	related	to	the	acquisition	of	the	remaining	50	percent	interest	in	SOSP	is	a	critical	audit	matter	are	(i)	the	significant	

judgment	 by	 Management,	 including	 the	 use	 of	 Management’s	 specialists,	 as	 applicable,	 in	 developing	 the	 fair	 value	 of	 the	

acquired	 oil	 sands	 property;	 (ii)	 a	 high	 degree	 of	 auditor	 judgment,	 subjectivity,	 and	 effort	 in	 performing	 procedures	 and	

evaluating	significant	assumptions	used	in	the	discounted	cash	flow	model	used	to	value	the	acquired	oil	sands	property	related	

to	 forward	 commodity	 prices,	 expected	 production	 volumes,	 estimated	 reserves,	 future	 development	 and	 operating	

expenditures	 and	 the	 discount	 rate;	 and	 (iii)	 the	 audit	 effort	 involved	 the	 use	 of	 professionals	 with	 specialized	 skill	 and	

knowledge.	

Addressing	the	matter	involved	performing	procedures	and	evaluating	audit	evidence	in	connection	with	forming	our	overall	

opinion	on	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.	These	procedures	included	testing	the	effectiveness	of	controls	relating	to	

Management’s	estimated	fair	value	of	the	acquired	oil	sands	property.	These	procedures	also	included,	among	others,	testing	

Management’s	 process	 for	 determining	 the	 fair	 value	 of	 the	 acquired	 oil	 sands	 property,	 which	 included	 (i)	 evaluating	 the	

appropriateness	 of	 the	 method	 used	 by	 Management	 in	 making	 this	 estimate;	 (ii)	 testing	 the	 completeness	 and	 accuracy	 of	

underlying	 data	 used	 in	 Management’s	 determination	 of	 the	 fair	 value	 and	 (iii)	 evaluating	 the	 reasonableness	 of	 significant	

assumptions	used	by	Management	related	to	forward	commodity	prices,	expected	production	volumes,	estimated	reserves	and	

future	 development	 and	 operating	 expenditures	 for	 the	 acquired	 oil	 sands	 property.	 Evaluating	 the	 significant	 assumptions	

used	 by	 Management	 involved	 assessing	 whether	 the	 assumptions	 used	 were	 reasonable	 considering	 the	 current	 and	 past	

performance	of	the	acquired	oil	sands	property	and	consistency	with	industry	pricing	forecasts	and	evidence	obtained	in	other	

areas	of	the	audit,	as	applicable.	The	work	of	Management’s	specialists	was	used	in	performing	the	procedures	to	evaluate	the	

reasonableness	 of	 the	 estimated	 reserves	 used	 to	 determine	 the	 fair	 value	 of	 the	 acquired	 oil	 sands	 property.	 As	 a	 basis	 for	

using	 this	 work,	 the	 specialists’	 qualifications	 were	 understood,	 and	 the	 Company’s	 relationship	 with	 the	 specialists	 was	

assessed.	The	procedures	performed	also	included	evaluation	of	the	method	and	assumptions	used	by	the	specialists,	tests	of	

the	data	used	by	the	specialists,	and	an	evaluation	of	the	specialists’	findings.	

Evaluating	the	significant	assumptions	used	by	Management’s	specialists	also	involved	assessing	whether	the	assumptions	used	
were	reasonable	considering	the	current	and	past	performance	of	the	acquired	oil	sands	property	and	consistency	with	industry	
pricing	 forecasts	 and	 evidence	 obtained	 in	 other	 areas	 of	 the	 audit,	 as	 applicable.	 Professionals	 with	 specialized	 skill	 and	
knowledge	 were	 used	 to	 assist	 in	 evaluating	 the	 overall	 reasonableness	 of	 the	 fair	 value	 of	 the	 acquired	 oil	 sands	 property	
determined	by	Management,	including	the	discount	rate.

Assessment	 of	 Impairment/Impairment	 Reversal	 of	 PP&E	 for	 Each	 of	 the	 Cash	 Generating	 Units	 (CGUs)	 in	 the	 U.S.	
Manufacturing	Segment	(the	U.S.	Manufacturing	CGUs)

As	described	in	Notes	1,	3,	4,	11	and	20	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements,	Management	assesses	its	CGUs	for	indicators	
of	impairment/impairment	reversal	on	a	quarterly	basis	or	when	facts	and	circumstances	suggest	that	the	carrying	amount	of	a	
CGU,	 which	 is	 net	 of	 accumulated	 Depreciation,	 Depletion	 and	 Amortization	 (DD&A)	 including	 net	 impairment	 losses,	 may	
exceed	 its	 recoverable	 amount	 or	 that	 a	 previously	 recorded	 impairment	 may	 have	 reversed.	 If	 indicators	 of	 impairment	 or	
impairment	 reversal	 exist,	 the	 recoverable	 amount	 of	 the	 CGU	 is	 estimated	 as	 the	 greater	 of	 value-in-use	 and	 fair	 value	 less	
costs	of	disposal	(FVLCOD).	In	the	event	that	an	impairment	loss	reverses,	the	carrying	amount	of	the	asset	is	increased	to	the	
revised	estimate	of	its	recoverable	amount,	but	only	to	the	extent	that	the	carrying	amount	does	not	exceed	the	amount	that	
would	have	been	determined	had	no	impairment	loss	been	recognized	on	the	CGU	in	prior	periods.	As	of	December	31,	2022,	
the	 Company	 had	 $4.5	 billion	 of	 PP&E	 assets	 net	 of	 accumulated	 DD&A	 including	 net	 impairment	 losses	 relating	 to	 its	 U.S.	
Manufacturing	 segment.	 Management	 identified	 indicators	 of	 impairment	 for	 the	 Superior	 and	 Toledo	 CGUs	 and	 performed	
impairment	 assessments	 for	 each	 of	 these	 CGUs	 as	 of	 December	 31,	 2022.	 The	 carrying	 amounts	 of	 these	 CGUs	 were	
determined	to	be	greater	than	their	recoverable	amounts	and	an	aggregate	impairment	charge	of	$1.5	billion	was	recorded	as	
additional	DD&A.	Management	also	identified	indicators	of	impairment	reversal	for	the	Wood	River,	Borger	and	Lima	CGUs	and	
performed	 impairment	 assessments	 for	 each	 CGU	 as	 of	 December	 31,	 2022.	 The	 recoverable	 amounts	 of	 these	 CGU’s	 were	
determined	to	be	greater	than	their	carrying	amounts	and	an	aggregate	impairment	reversal	of	$1.2	billion	was	recorded	as	a	
reduction	 to	 DD&A.	 Management	 determined	 the	 recoverable	 amounts	 of	 PP&E	 for	 the	 U.S.	 Manufacturing	 CGUs	 based	 on	
their	 FVLCOD	 using	 discounted	 after-tax	 cash	 flows	 models	 requiring	 the	 use	 of	 significant	 assumptions	 and	 judgments	 by	
Management	 related	 to	 throughput,	 forward	 crude	 oil	 prices,	 forward	 crack	 spreads,	 future	 operating	 costs,	 future	 capital	
expenditures	and	discount	rates.

The	 principal	 considerations	 for	 our	 determination	 that	 performing	 procedures	 relating	 to	 the	 assessment	 of	 impairment/
impairment	 reversal	 of	 PP&E	 for	 each	 of	 the	 CGUs	 in	 the	 U.S.	 Manufacturing	 segment	 is	 a	 critical	 audit	 matter	 are	 (i)	 the	
significant	amount	of	judgment	required	by	Management	when	developing	the	recoverable	amounts	of	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	
CGUs;	 (ii)	 a	 high	 degree	 of	 auditor	 judgment,	 subjectivity,	 and	 effort	 in	 performing	 procedures	 relating	 to	 the	 significant	
assumptions	used	in	developing	these	estimates	including	throughput,	forward	crude	oil	prices,	forward	crack	spreads,	future	
capital	expenditures,	future	operating	costs	and	discount	rates;	and	(iii)	the	audit	effort	involved	the	use	of	professionals	with	
specialized	skill	and	knowledge.

Addressing	the	matter	involved	performing	procedures	and	evaluating	audit	evidence	in	connection	with	forming	our	overall	
opinion	on	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.	These	procedures	included	testing	the	effectiveness	of	controls	relating	to	
Management’s	 determination	 of	 the	 recoverable	 amounts	 of	 the	 U.S.	 Manufacturing	 CGUs.	 These	 procedures	 also	 included,	
among	others,	testing	Management’s	process	for	determining	the	recoverable	amounts	of	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	CGUs,	which	
included	 (i)	 evaluating	 the	 appropriateness	 of	 the	 methods	 used	 by	 Management	 in	 making	 these	 estimates;	 (ii)	 testing	 the	
completeness	 and	 accuracy	 of	 underlying	 data	 used	 in	 these	 models;	 and	 (iii)	 assessing	 the	 reasonability	 of	 the	 significant	
assumptions	 used	 by	 Management,	 including	 throughput,	 forward	 crude	 oil	 prices,	 forward	 crack	 spreads,	 future	 capital	
expenditures	 and	 future	 operating	 costs.	 Evaluating	 the	 assumptions	 used	 by	 Management	 involved	 assessing	 whether	 the	
assumptions	used	were	reasonable	considering	the	current	and	past	performance	of	the	Company,	consistency	with	industry	
pricing	 forecasts	 and	 consistency	 with	 evidence	 obtained	 in	 other	 areas	 of	 the	 audit,	 as	 applicable.	 Professionals	 with	
specialized	skill	and	knowledge	were	used	to	assist	in	evaluating	the	overall	reasonableness	of	the	recoverable	amounts	of	the	
U.S.	Manufacturing	CGUs,	including	the	discount	rates.

Impact	of	Reserves	Estimates	on	PP&E,	Net	of	the	Oil	Sands	and	Offshore	Segments

As	described	in	Notes	1,	3,	4,	11	and	20	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements,	Management	assesses	its	CGUs	for	indicators	
of	impairment	on	a	quarterly	basis	or	when	facts	and	circumstances	suggest	that	the	carrying	amount	of	a	CGU,	which	is	net	of	
accumulated	DD&A	and	net	impairment	losses,	may	exceed	its	recoverable	amount.	Management	calculates	depletion	for	Oil	
Sands	PP&E	using	the	unit-of-production	method	based	on	estimated	proved	reserves.		

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   81

CONSOLIDATED	STATEMENTS	OF	EARNINGS	(LOSS)

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

($	millions,	except	per	share	amounts)

Notes

2022

2021	(1)

2020

Revenues

Gross	Sales

Less:	Royalties

Expenses

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Exploration	Expense

(Income)	Loss	From	Equity-Accounted	Affiliates

General	and	Administrative

Finance	Costs

Interest	Income

Integration	and	Transaction	Costs

Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss,	Net

Revaluation	(Gains)

Re-measurement	of	Contingent	Payments

(Gain)	Loss	on	Divestiture	of	Assets

Other	(Income)	Loss,	Net

Earnings	(Loss)	Before	Income	Tax

Income	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Net	Earnings	(Loss)	Per	Common	Share	($)

Basic

Diluted

(1)	

See	Note	3X	for	revisions	to	prior	period	results.

See	accompanying	Notes	to	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

11,20,21,23

1

1

37

22

6

7

8

9

5

28

10

12

13

14

71,765

4,868

66,897

33,801

11,530

5,569

1,636

4,679

101

(15)

865

820

(81)

106

343

(549)

162

(269)

(532)

8,731

2,281

6,450

3.29

3.20

48,811

2,454

46,357

23,326

8,038

4,716

995

5,886

18

(57)

849

1,082

(23)

349

(174)

—

575

(229)

(309)

1,315

728

587

0.27

0.27

13,914

371

13,543

5,681

4,728

1,955

308

3,464

91

—

292

536

(9)

29

(181)

—

(80)

(81)

40

(3,230)

(851)

(2,379)

(1.94)

(1.94)

For	 Offshore	 PP&E,	 Management	 calculates	 depletion	 using	 the	 unit-of-production	 method	 based	 on	 estimated	 proved	
developed	 producing	 reserves	 or	 proved	 plus	 probable	 reserves.	 Costs	 subject	 to	 depletion	 include	 estimated	 future	
development	 costs	 to	 be	 incurred	 in	 developing	 proved	 or	 proved	 plus	 probable	 reserves.	 As	 of	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	
Company	 had	 $24.7	 billion	 and	 $2.5	 billion	 in	 Oil	 Sands	 and	 Offshore	 PP&E,	 net,	 respectively.	 In	 aggregate,	 the	 Company	
recognized	$3.3	billion	of	DD&A	expense	and	no	impairment	related	to	PP&E	in	the	Oil	Sands	and	Offshore	segments	in	the	year	
ended	December	31,	2022.	Management	identified	potential	indicators	of	impairment	for	the	Sunrise	CGU	as	of	December	31,	
2022	and	performed	an	impairment	test.	

Management	 determined	 the	 recoverable	 amount	 of	 the	 Sunrise	 CGU	 (the	 recoverable	 amount)	 based	 on	 its	 fair	 value	 less	
costs	of	disposal	using	a	discounted	after-tax	cash	flow	model.	The	determination	of	the	recoverable	amount	required	the	use	
of	significant	assumptions	and	judgments	by	Management	related	to	forward	commodity	prices,	expected	production	volumes,	
estimated	 reserves,	 future	 development	 and	 operating	 expenditures	 and	 the	 discount	 rate.	 Management’s	 estimates	 of	
reserves	used	for	both	the	determination	of	the	recoverable	amount	and	the	calculation	of	DD&A	expense	related	to	PP&E	in	
the	 Oil	 Sands	 and	 Offshore	 segments	 have	 been	 developed	 by	 Management’s	 specialists,	 specifically	 independent	 qualified	
reserves	evaluators.	

The	principal	considerations	for	our	determination	that	performing	procedures	relating	to	the	impact	of	reserves	estimates	on	
PP&E,	net	of	the	Oil	Sands	and	Offshore	segments	is	a	critical	audit	matter	are	(i)	the	significant	amount	of	judgment	required	
by	 Management,	 including	 the	 use	 of	 Management’s	 specialists,	 when	 developing	 the	 estimates	 of	 reserves	 and	 the	
recoverable	amount;	(ii)	there	was	a	high	degree	of	auditor	judgment,	subjectivity,	and	effort	in	performing	procedures	relating	
to	the	significant	assumptions	used	in	developing	these	estimates	related	to	forward	commodity	prices,	expected	production	
volumes,	estimated	reserves,	future	development	and	operating	expenditures	and	the	discount	rate;	and	(iii)	the	audit	effort	
involved	the	use	of	professionals	with	specialized	skill	and	knowledge.	

Addressing	the	matter	involved	performing	procedures	and	evaluating	audit	evidence	in	connection	with	forming	our	overall	
opinion	on	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.	These	procedures	included	testing	the	effectiveness	of	controls	relating	to	
Management’s	 estimates	 of	 reserves,	 the	 determination	 of	 the	 recoverable	 amount	 and	 the	 calculation	 of	 DD&A	 expense	
related	to	PP&E	in	the	Oil	Sands	and	Offshore	segments.	These	procedures	also	included,	among	others,	testing	Management’s	
process	for	determining	the	recoverable	amount	and	DD&A	expense	for	the	Oil	Sands	and	Offshore	Segments,	which	included	
(i) evaluating	 the	 appropriateness	 of	 the	 methods	 used	 by	 Management	 in	 making	 these	 estimates;	 (ii)	 testing	 the
completeness	and	accuracy	of	underlying	data	used	in	Management’s	determination	of	the	recoverable	amount;	(iii)	assessing
the	 reasonability	 of	 the	 significant	 assumptions	 used	 by	 Management,	 when	 developing	 the	 estimates	 of	 reserves	 and	 the
recoverable	amount,	related	to	forward	commodity	prices,	expected	production	volumes,	as	well	as	future	development	and
operating	 expenditures,	 and	 (iv)	 testing	 the	 unit-of-production	 rates	 used	 to	 calculate	 DD&A	 expense.	 The	 work	 of
Management’s	 specialists	 was	 used	 in	 performing	 the	 procedures	 to	 evaluate	 the	 reasonableness	 of	 the	 estimated	 reserves
used	in	the	determination	of	the	recoverable	amount	and	the	calculation	of	DD&A	expense	related	to	PP&E	in	the	Oil	Sands	and
Offshore	 segments.	 As	 a	 basis	 for	 using	 this	 work,	 the	 specialists’	 qualifications	 were	 understood,	 and	 the	 Company’s
relationship	 with	 the	 specialists	 was	 assessed.	 The	 procedures	 performed	 also	 included	 evaluation	 of	 the	 methods	 and
significant	assumptions	used	by	the	specialists,	tests	of	data	used	by	the	specialists	and	an	evaluation	of	the	specialists’	findings.
Evaluating	 the	 significant	 assumptions	 used	 by	 Management’s	 specialists	 related	 to	 forward	 commodity	 prices,	 expected
production	 volumes,	 as	 well	 as	 future	 development	 and	 operating	 expenditures	 involved	 assessing	 whether	 the	 assumptions
used	 were	 reasonable	 considering	 the	 current	 and	 past	 performance	 of	 the	 Company	 and	 consistency	 with	 industry	 pricing
forecasts	and	evidence	obtained	in	other	areas	of	the	audit,	as	applicable.	Professionals	with	specialized	skill	and	knowledge
were	used	to	assist	in	evaluating	the	reasonableness	of	the	recoverable	amount,	including	the	discount	rate	used.

/s/	PricewaterhouseCoopers	LLP

Chartered	Professional	Accountants
Calgary,	Alberta,	Canada
February	15,	2023
We	have	served	as	the	Company’s	auditor	since	2008.

82   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

For	 Offshore	 PP&E,	 Management	 calculates	 depletion	 using	 the	 unit-of-production	 method	 based	 on	 estimated	 proved	

developed	 producing	 reserves	 or	 proved	 plus	 probable	 reserves.	 Costs	 subject	 to	 depletion	 include	 estimated	 future	

development	 costs	 to	 be	 incurred	 in	 developing	 proved	 or	 proved	 plus	 probable	 reserves.	 As	 of	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	

Company	 had	 $24.7	 billion	 and	 $2.5	 billion	 in	 Oil	 Sands	 and	 Offshore	 PP&E,	 net,	 respectively.	 In	 aggregate,	 the	 Company	

recognized	$3.3	billion	of	DD&A	expense	and	no	impairment	related	to	PP&E	in	the	Oil	Sands	and	Offshore	segments	in	the	year	

ended	December	31,	2022.	Management	identified	potential	indicators	of	impairment	for	the	Sunrise	CGU	as	of	December	31,	

2022	and	performed	an	impairment	test.	

Management	 determined	 the	 recoverable	 amount	 of	 the	 Sunrise	 CGU	 (the	 recoverable	 amount)	 based	 on	 its	 fair	 value	 less	

costs	of	disposal	using	a	discounted	after-tax	cash	flow	model.	The	determination	of	the	recoverable	amount	required	the	use	

of	significant	assumptions	and	judgments	by	Management	related	to	forward	commodity	prices,	expected	production	volumes,	

estimated	 reserves,	 future	 development	 and	 operating	 expenditures	 and	 the	 discount	 rate.	 Management’s	 estimates	 of	

reserves	used	for	both	the	determination	of	the	recoverable	amount	and	the	calculation	of	DD&A	expense	related	to	PP&E	in	

the	 Oil	 Sands	 and	 Offshore	 segments	 have	 been	 developed	 by	 Management’s	 specialists,	 specifically	 independent	 qualified	

reserves	evaluators.	

The	principal	considerations	for	our	determination	that	performing	procedures	relating	to	the	impact	of	reserves	estimates	on	

PP&E,	net	of	the	Oil	Sands	and	Offshore	segments	is	a	critical	audit	matter	are	(i)	the	significant	amount	of	judgment	required	

by	 Management,	 including	 the	 use	 of	 Management’s	 specialists,	 when	 developing	 the	 estimates	 of	 reserves	 and	 the	

recoverable	amount;	(ii)	there	was	a	high	degree	of	auditor	judgment,	subjectivity,	and	effort	in	performing	procedures	relating	

to	the	significant	assumptions	used	in	developing	these	estimates	related	to	forward	commodity	prices,	expected	production	

volumes,	estimated	reserves,	future	development	and	operating	expenditures	and	the	discount	rate;	and	(iii)	the	audit	effort	

involved	the	use	of	professionals	with	specialized	skill	and	knowledge.	

Addressing	the	matter	involved	performing	procedures	and	evaluating	audit	evidence	in	connection	with	forming	our	overall	

opinion	on	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.	These	procedures	included	testing	the	effectiveness	of	controls	relating	to	

Management’s	 estimates	 of	 reserves,	 the	 determination	 of	 the	 recoverable	 amount	 and	 the	 calculation	 of	 DD&A	 expense	

related	to	PP&E	in	the	Oil	Sands	and	Offshore	segments.	These	procedures	also	included,	among	others,	testing	Management’s	

process	for	determining	the	recoverable	amount	and	DD&A	expense	for	the	Oil	Sands	and	Offshore	Segments,	which	included	

(i) evaluating	 the	 appropriateness	 of	 the	 methods	 used	 by	 Management	 in	 making	 these	 estimates;	 (ii)	 testing	 the

completeness	and	accuracy	of	underlying	data	used	in	Management’s	determination	of	the	recoverable	amount;	(iii)	assessing

the	 reasonability	 of	 the	 significant	 assumptions	 used	 by	 Management,	 when	 developing	 the	 estimates	 of	 reserves	 and	 the

recoverable	amount,	related	to	forward	commodity	prices,	expected	production	volumes,	as	well	as	future	development	and

operating	 expenditures,	 and	 (iv)	 testing	 the	 unit-of-production	 rates	 used	 to	 calculate	 DD&A	 expense.	 The	 work	 of

Management’s	 specialists	 was	 used	 in	 performing	 the	 procedures	 to	 evaluate	 the	 reasonableness	 of	 the	 estimated	 reserves

used	in	the	determination	of	the	recoverable	amount	and	the	calculation	of	DD&A	expense	related	to	PP&E	in	the	Oil	Sands	and

Offshore	 segments.	 As	 a	 basis	 for	 using	 this	 work,	 the	 specialists’	 qualifications	 were	 understood,	 and	 the	 Company’s

relationship	 with	 the	 specialists	 was	 assessed.	 The	 procedures	 performed	 also	 included	 evaluation	 of	 the	 methods	 and

significant	assumptions	used	by	the	specialists,	tests	of	data	used	by	the	specialists	and	an	evaluation	of	the	specialists’	findings.

Evaluating	 the	 significant	 assumptions	 used	 by	 Management’s	 specialists	 related	 to	 forward	 commodity	 prices,	 expected

production	 volumes,	 as	 well	 as	 future	 development	 and	 operating	 expenditures	 involved	 assessing	 whether	 the	 assumptions

used	 were	 reasonable	 considering	 the	 current	 and	 past	 performance	 of	 the	 Company	 and	 consistency	 with	 industry	 pricing

forecasts	and	evidence	obtained	in	other	areas	of	the	audit,	as	applicable.	Professionals	with	specialized	skill	and	knowledge

were	used	to	assist	in	evaluating	the	reasonableness	of	the	recoverable	amount,	including	the	discount	rate	used.

/s/	PricewaterhouseCoopers	LLP

Chartered	Professional	Accountants

Calgary,	Alberta,	Canada

February	15,	2023

We	have	served	as	the	Company’s	auditor	since	2008.

CONSOLIDATED	STATEMENTS	OF	EARNINGS	(LOSS)

For	the	years	ended	December	31,
($	millions,	except	per	share	amounts)

Notes

2022

2021	(1)

2020

Revenues

Gross	Sales

Less:	Royalties

Expenses

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Exploration	Expense

(Income)	Loss	From	Equity-Accounted	Affiliates

General	and	Administrative

Finance	Costs

Interest	Income

Integration	and	Transaction	Costs

Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss,	Net

Revaluation	(Gains)

Re-measurement	of	Contingent	Payments

(Gain)	Loss	on	Divestiture	of	Assets

Other	(Income)	Loss,	Net

Earnings	(Loss)	Before	Income	Tax

Income	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Net	Earnings	(Loss)	Per	Common	Share	($)

Basic

Diluted

(1)	

See	Note	3X	for	revisions	to	prior	period	results.

See	accompanying	Notes	to	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

1

1

37

11,20,21,23

22

6

7

8

9

5

28

10

12

13

14

71,765

4,868

66,897

33,801

11,530

5,569

1,636

4,679

101

(15)

865

820

(81)

106

343

(549)

162

(269)

(532)

8,731

2,281

6,450

3.29

3.20

48,811

2,454

46,357

23,326

8,038

4,716

995

5,886

18

(57)

849

1,082

(23)

349

(174)

—

575

(229)

(309)

1,315

728

587

0.27

0.27

13,914

371

13,543

5,681

4,728

1,955

308

3,464

91

—

292

536

(9)

29

(181)

—

(80)

(81)

40

(3,230)

(851)

(2,379)

(1.94)

(1.94)

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   83

CONSOLIDATED	STATEMENTS	OF	COMPREHENSIVE	INCOME	(LOSS)

CONSOLIDATED	BALANCE	SHEETS

For	the	years	ended	December	31,
($	millions)

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Other	Comprehensive	Income	(Loss),	Net	of	Tax

Items	That	Will	not	be	Reclassified	to	Profit	or	Loss:

Actuarial	Gain	(Loss)	Relating	to	Pension	and	Other	Post-Employment
		Benefits
Change	in	the	Fair	Value	of	Equity	Instruments	at	FVOCI	(1)

Items	That	may	be	Reclassified	to	Profit	or	Loss:

Foreign	Currency	Translation	Adjustment

Total	Other	Comprehensive	Income	(Loss),	Net	of	Tax

Comprehensive	Income	(Loss)

(1)

Fair	value	through	other	comprehensive	income	(loss)	(“FVOCI”).

See	accompanying	Notes	to	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Notes

33

31

2022

6,450

71
2

713

786

7,236

2021

587

38
—

(129)

(91)

496

2020

(2,379)

(8)
—

(44)

(52)

(2,431)

As	at	December	31,	

($	millions)

Assets

Current	Assets

Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents

Accounts	Receivable	and	Accrued	Revenues

Income	Tax	Receivable

Inventories

Assets	Held	for	Sale

Total	Current	Assets

Restricted	Cash

Exploration	and	Evaluation	Assets,	Net

Property,	Plant	and	Equipment,	Net

Right-of-Use	Assets,	Net

Income	Tax	Receivable

Investments	in	Equity-Accounted	Affiliates

Accounts	Payable	and	Accrued	Liabilities

Liabilities	Related	to	Assets	Held	for	Sale

Other	Assets

Deferred	Income	Taxes

Goodwill

Total	Assets

Liabilities	and	Equity

Current	Liabilities

Short-Term	Borrowings

Lease	Liabilities

Contingent	Payments

Income	Tax	Payable

Total	Current	Liabilities

Long-Term	Debt

Lease	Liabilities

Contingent	Payments

Decommissioning	Liabilities

Other	Liabilities

Deferred	Income	Taxes

Total	Liabilities

Shareholders’	Equity

Non-Controlling	Interest

Total	Liabilities	and	Equity

[/s/	Keith	A.	MacPhail]

Keith	A.	MacPhail

Director

Cenovus	Energy	Inc.

February	15,	2023

Commitments	and	Contingencies

See	accompanying	Notes	to	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

[/s/	Claude	Mongeau]

Claude	Mongeau

Director

Cenovus	Energy	Inc.

Notes

2022

2021

12,430

11,988

4,524

3,473

121

4,312

—

209

685

36,499

1,845

25

365

342

546

2,923

55,869

6,124

115

308

263

1,211

—

8,021

8,691

2,528

156

3,559

1,042

4,283

28,280

27,576

13

55,869

2,873

3,870

22

3,919

1,304

186

720

34,225

2,010

66

311

431

694

3,473

54,104

6,353

79

272

236

179

186

7,305

12,385

2,685

—

3,906

929

3,286

30,496

23,596

12

54,104

15

16

17

18

29

1,19

1,20

1,21

22

23

13

24

25

26

27

28

18

26

27

28

29

30

13

40

84   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

CONSOLIDATED	STATEMENTS	OF	COMPREHENSIVE	INCOME	(LOSS)

CONSOLIDATED	BALANCE	SHEETS

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

($	millions)

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Other	Comprehensive	Income	(Loss),	Net	of	Tax

Items	That	Will	not	be	Reclassified	to	Profit	or	Loss:

Actuarial	Gain	(Loss)	Relating	to	Pension	and	Other	Post-Employment

		Benefits

Change	in	the	Fair	Value	of	Equity	Instruments	at	FVOCI	(1)

Items	That	may	be	Reclassified	to	Profit	or	Loss:

Foreign	Currency	Translation	Adjustment

Total	Other	Comprehensive	Income	(Loss),	Net	of	Tax

Comprehensive	Income	(Loss)

(1)

Fair	value	through	other	comprehensive	income	(loss)	(“FVOCI”).

See	accompanying	Notes	to	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Notes

33

31

2022

6,450

71

2

713

786

7,236

2021

587

38

—

(129)

(91)

496

2020

(2,379)

(8)

—

(44)

(52)

(2,431)

As	at	December	31,	
($	millions)

Assets

Current	Assets

Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents

Accounts	Receivable	and	Accrued	Revenues

Income	Tax	Receivable

Inventories

Assets	Held	for	Sale

Total	Current	Assets

Restricted	Cash

Exploration	and	Evaluation	Assets,	Net

Property,	Plant	and	Equipment,	Net
Right-of-Use	Assets,	Net

Income	Tax	Receivable

Investments	in	Equity-Accounted	Affiliates

Other	Assets

Deferred	Income	Taxes

Goodwill

Total	Assets

Liabilities	and	Equity

Current	Liabilities

Accounts	Payable	and	Accrued	Liabilities

Short-Term	Borrowings

Lease	Liabilities

Contingent	Payments

Income	Tax	Payable

Liabilities	Related	to	Assets	Held	for	Sale

Total	Current	Liabilities

Long-Term	Debt

Lease	Liabilities

Contingent	Payments

Decommissioning	Liabilities

Other	Liabilities

Deferred	Income	Taxes

Total	Liabilities

Shareholders’	Equity

Non-Controlling	Interest

Total	Liabilities	and	Equity

Commitments	and	Contingencies

See	accompanying	Notes	to	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

[/s/	Keith	A.	MacPhail]
Keith	A.	MacPhail
Director
Cenovus	Energy	Inc.

February	15,	2023

[/s/	Claude	Mongeau]
Claude	Mongeau
Director
Cenovus	Energy	Inc.

Notes

2022

2021

4,524

3,473

121

4,312

—

2,873

3,870

22

3,919

1,304

12,430

11,988

209

685

36,499
1,845

25

365

342

546

2,923

55,869

6,124

115

308

263

1,211

—

8,021

8,691

2,528

156

3,559

1,042

4,283

28,280

27,576

13

55,869

186

720

34,225
2,010

66

311

431

694

3,473

54,104

6,353

79

272

236

179

186

7,305

12,385

2,685

—

3,906

929

3,286
30,496

23,596

12
54,104

15

16

17

18

29

1,19

1,20
1,21

22

23

13

24

25

26

27

28

18

26

27

28

29

30

13

40

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   85

CONSOLIDATED	STATEMENTS	OF	EQUITY

($	millions)

CONSOLIDATED	STATEMENTS	OF	CASH	FLOWS

Shareholders'	Equity

Preferred	

Shares Warrants
(Note	32)

(Note	32)

Paid	in
Surplus

Retained
Earnings

AOCI	(1)
(Note	33)

Common	
Shares
(Note	32)

11,040

—

—

—

—

—

11,040

—

—

—

6,111

7

(145)

—

—

3

—

—

—

—

17,016

—

—

—

170

(959)

93

—

—

—

—

—

As	at	December	31,	2019

Net	Earnings	(Loss)
Other	Comprehensive	Income
			(Loss),	Net	of	Tax
Total	Comprehensive	Income	(Loss)
Stock-Based	Compensation	
			Expense
Base	Dividends	on	Common	Shares

As	at	December	31,	2020

Net	Earnings	(Loss)
Other	Comprehensive	Income
			(Loss),	Net	of	Tax
Total	Comprehensive	Income	(Loss)

Common	Shares	Issued	(Note	5)
Common	Shares	Issued	Under
		Stock	Option	Plans
Purchase	of	Common	Shares	Under
		NCIBs	(2)	(Note	32)
Preferred	Shares	Issued	(Note	5)

Warrants	Issued	(Note	5)

Warrants	Exercised
Stock-Based	Compensation	
			Expense
Base	Dividends	on	Common	Shares

Dividends	on	Preferred	Shares

Non-Controlling	Interest

As	at	December	31,	2021

Net	Earnings	(Loss)
Other	Comprehensive	Income	
		(Loss),	Net	of	Tax
Total	Comprehensive	Income	(Loss)
Common	Shares	Issued	Under
		Stock	Option	Plans
Purchase	of	Common	Shares	Under
		NCIBs	(2)	(Note	32)
Warrants	Exercised
Stock-Based	Compensation	
		Expense
Base	Dividends	on	Common	Shares
Variable	Dividends	on	Common	
		Shares
Dividends	on	Preferred	Shares

Non-Controlling	Interest

As	at	December	31,	2022

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

519

—

—

—

—

—

—

519

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

216

(1)

—

—

—

—

215

—

—

—

—

—

(31)

—

—

—

—

—

4,377

—

—

—

14

—

4,391

—

—

—

—

(1)

(120)

—

—

—

14

—

—

—

4,284

—

—

—

(32)

(1,571)

—

10

—

—

—

—

2,957

(2,379)

—

(2,379)

—

(77)

501

587

—

587

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(176)

(34)

—

878

6,450

—

6,450

—

—

—

—

(682)

(219)

(35)

—

6,392

Total

19,201

(2,379)

(52)

(2,431)

14

(77)

16,707

587

(91)

496

6,111

6

(265)

519

216

2

14

(176)

(34)

—

23,596

6,450

786

7,236

138

(2,530)

62

10

(682)

(219)

(35)

—

Non-
Controlling	
Interest

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

12

12

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1

13

827

—

(52)

(52)

—

—

775

—

(91)

(91)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

684

—

786

786

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

16,320

519

184

2,691

1,470

27,576

(1)
(2)

Accumulated	other	comprehensive	income	(loss)	(“AOCI”).
Normal	course	issuer	bids	(“NCIBs”).	

See	accompanying	Notes	to	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

86   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

($	millions)

Operating	Activities

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Inventory	Write-Down	(Reversal)

Realization	of	Inventory	Write-Downs

Deferred	Income	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)

Unrealized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Unrealized	Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss

Realized	Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss	on	Non-Operating	Items

Revaluation	(Gains)

Re-measurement	of	Contingent	Payments,	Net	of	Cash	Paid

(Gain)	Loss	on	Divestiture	of	Assets

Unwinding	of	Discount	on	Decommissioning	Liabilities

(Income)	Loss	From	Equity-Accounted	Affiliates

Distributions	Received	From	Equity-Accounted	Affiliates

Other

Settlement	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities

Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities

Investing	Activities

Acquisitions,	Net	of	Cash	Acquired

Capital	Investment

Proceeds	From	Divestitures

Payment	on	Divestiture	of	Assets

Net	Change	in	Investments	and	Other

Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Investing	Activities

Net	Cash	Received	on	Assumption	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities

Net	Cash	Provided	(Used)	Before	Financing	Activities

Financing	Activities

Net	Issuance	(Repayment)	of	Short-Term	Borrowings

Issuance	of	Long-Term	Debt

(Repayment)	of	Long-Term	Debt

Net	Issuance	(Repayment)	of	Revolving	Long-Term	Debt

Principal	Repayment	of	Leases

Common	Shares	Issued	Under	Stock	Option	Plans

Purchase	of	Common	Shares	Under	NCIBs

Proceeds	From	Exercise	of	Warrants

Base	Dividends	Paid	on	Common	Shares

Variable	Dividends	Paid	on	Common	Shares

Dividends	Paid	on	Preferred	Shares

Other

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Financing	Activities

Effect	of	Foreign	Exchange	on	Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents	

Increase	(Decrease)	in	Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents

Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents,	Beginning	of	Year

Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents,	End	of	Year

See	accompanying	Notes	to	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Notes

2022

2021

2020

11,20,21,23

19,20

13

37

9

5

10

29

22

22

39

5

10

10

5

39

39

27

32

14

14

6,450

4,679

—

—

642

(126)

365

146

(549)

(469)

(269)

176

(15)

65

(117)

(150)

575

11,403

(397)

(3,708)

1,514

(50)

—

(211)

538

(2,314)

9,089

34

—

—

(4,149)

(302)

138

(2,530)

62

(682)

(219)

(26)

(2)

238

1,651

2,873

4,524

587

5,886

16

(31)

452

2

(312)

171

—

400

(229)

199

(57)

137

27

(102)

(1,227)

5,919

735

(2,563)

435

—

75

17

359

(942)

4,977

(77)

1,557

(2,870)

(350)

(300)

6

2

(265)

(176)

—

(34)

—

25

2,495

378

2,873

(2,379)

3,464

555

(572)

(838)

56

(131)

(33)

—

(80)

(81)

57

—

—

99

(42)

198

273

—

(859)

38

—

—

(4)

(38)

(863)

(590)

117

1,326

(112)

(220)

(197)

(77)

—

—

—

—

—

—

837

(55)

192

186

378

(7,676)

(2,507)

CONSOLIDATED	STATEMENTS	OF	EQUITY

($	millions)

Shareholders'	Equity

Common	

Preferred	

Shares

Shares Warrants

(Note	32)

(Note	32)

(Note	32)

Paid	in

Surplus

Retained

Earnings

AOCI	(1)

(Note	33)

11,040

4,377

Non-

Controlling	

Interest

Common	Shares	Issued	(Note	5)

6,111

As	at	December	31,	2019

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Other	Comprehensive	Income

			(Loss),	Net	of	Tax

Total	Comprehensive	Income	(Loss)

Stock-Based	Compensation	

			Expense

Base	Dividends	on	Common	Shares

As	at	December	31,	2020

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Other	Comprehensive	Income

			(Loss),	Net	of	Tax

Total	Comprehensive	Income	(Loss)

Common	Shares	Issued	Under

		Stock	Option	Plans

Purchase	of	Common	Shares	Under

		NCIBs	(2)	(Note	32)

Preferred	Shares	Issued	(Note	5)

Warrants	Issued	(Note	5)

Warrants	Exercised

Stock-Based	Compensation	

			Expense

Base	Dividends	on	Common	Shares

Dividends	on	Preferred	Shares

Non-Controlling	Interest

As	at	December	31,	2021

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Other	Comprehensive	Income	

		(Loss),	Net	of	Tax

Total	Comprehensive	Income	(Loss)

Common	Shares	Issued	Under

		Stock	Option	Plans

Purchase	of	Common	Shares	Under

		NCIBs	(2)	(Note	32)

Warrants	Exercised

Stock-Based	Compensation	

		Expense

Base	Dividends	on	Common	Shares

Variable	Dividends	on	Common	

		Shares

Dividends	on	Preferred	Shares

Non-Controlling	Interest

As	at	December	31,	2022

11,040

4,391

(145)

—

519

(120)

17,016

519

—

215

—

4,284

170

(959)

93

(32)

(1,571)

(31)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

216

(1)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

7

—

—

3

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

14

—

—

—

—

—

(1)

—

—

—

14

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

10

—

—

—

—

2,957

(2,379)

—

(2,379)

—

(77)

501

587

—

587

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(176)

(34)

—

878

6,450

—

6,450

—

—

—

—

(682)

(219)

(35)

—

6,392

Total

19,201

(2,379)

(52)

(2,431)

16,707

14

(77)

587

(91)

496

6,111

6

(265)

519

216

2

14

(176)

(34)

—

23,596

6,450

786

7,236

138

(2,530)

62

10

(682)

(219)

(35)

—

827

—

(52)

(52)

—

—

775

—

(91)

(91)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

684

—

786

786

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

12

12

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1

13

16,320

519

184

2,691

1,470

27,576

(1)

(2)

Accumulated	other	comprehensive	income	(loss)	(“AOCI”).

Normal	course	issuer	bids	(“NCIBs”).	

See	accompanying	Notes	to	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

CONSOLIDATED	STATEMENTS	OF	CASH	FLOWS

For	the	years	ended	December	31,
($	millions)

Operating	Activities
Net	Earnings	(Loss)
Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization
Inventory	Write-Down	(Reversal)

Realization	of	Inventory	Write-Downs

Deferred	Income	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)
Unrealized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management
Unrealized	Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss
Realized	Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss	on	Non-Operating	Items
Revaluation	(Gains)
Re-measurement	of	Contingent	Payments,	Net	of	Cash	Paid
(Gain)	Loss	on	Divestiture	of	Assets
Unwinding	of	Discount	on	Decommissioning	Liabilities
(Income)	Loss	From	Equity-Accounted	Affiliates
Distributions	Received	From	Equity-Accounted	Affiliates
Other
Settlement	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities
Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital
Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities

Investing	Activities

Acquisitions,	Net	of	Cash	Acquired

Capital	Investment
Proceeds	From	Divestitures
Payment	on	Divestiture	of	Assets
Net	Cash	Received	on	Assumption	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities
Net	Change	in	Investments	and	Other
Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital
Cash	From	(Used	in)	Investing	Activities

Net	Cash	Provided	(Used)	Before	Financing	Activities

Financing	Activities

Net	Issuance	(Repayment)	of	Short-Term	Borrowings
Issuance	of	Long-Term	Debt
(Repayment)	of	Long-Term	Debt
Net	Issuance	(Repayment)	of	Revolving	Long-Term	Debt
Principal	Repayment	of	Leases
Common	Shares	Issued	Under	Stock	Option	Plans
Purchase	of	Common	Shares	Under	NCIBs
Proceeds	From	Exercise	of	Warrants
Base	Dividends	Paid	on	Common	Shares
Variable	Dividends	Paid	on	Common	Shares
Dividends	Paid	on	Preferred	Shares
Other
Cash	From	(Used	in)	Financing	Activities

Effect	of	Foreign	Exchange	on	Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents	
Increase	(Decrease)	in	Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents
Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents,	Beginning	of	Year
Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents,	End	of	Year

See	accompanying	Notes	to	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Notes

2022

2021

2020

11,20,21,23

13
37
9

5

10
29
22
22

39

5
19,20
10
10
5

39

39

27

32

14
14

6,450
4,679
—

—
642
(126)
365
146
(549)
(469)
(269)
176
(15)
65
(117)
(150)
575
11,403

(397)
(3,708)
1,514
(50)
—
(211)
538
(2,314)

9,089

34
—
(4,149)
—
(302)
138
(2,530)
62
(682)
(219)
(26)
(2)
(7,676)

238
1,651
2,873
4,524

587
5,886
16

(31)
452
2
(312)
171
—
400
(229)
199
(57)
137
27
(102)
(1,227)
5,919

735
(2,563)
435
—
75
17
359
(942)

4,977

(77)
1,557
(2,870)
(350)
(300)
6
(265)
2
(176)
—
(34)
—
(2,507)

25
2,495
378
2,873

(2,379)
3,464
555

(572)
(838)
56
(131)
(33)
—
(80)
(81)
57
—
—
99
(42)
198
273

—
(859)
38
—
—
(4)
(38)
(863)

(590)

117
1,326
(112)
(220)
(197)
—
—
—
(77)
—
—
—
837

(55)
192
186
378

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   87

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Corporate	and	Eliminations

Corporate	 and	 Eliminations,	 includes	 Cenovus-wide	 costs	 for	 general	 and	 administrative,	 financing	 activities,	 gains	

and	 losses	 on	 risk	 management	 for	 corporate	 related	 derivative	 instruments	 and	 foreign	 exchange.	 Eliminations	

include	adjustments	for	internal	usage	of	natural	gas	production	between	segments,	transloading	services	provided	to	

the	 Oil	 Sands	 segment	 by	 the	 Company’s	 crude-by-rail	 terminal,	 crude	 oil	 production	 used	 as	 feedstock	 by	 the	

Canadian	Manufacturing	and	U.S.	Manufacturing	segments,	the	sale	of	condensate	extracted	from	blended	crude	oil	

production	 in	 the	 Canadian	 Manufacturing	 segment	 and	 sold	 to	 the	 Oil	 Sands	 segment,	 and	 unrealized	 profits	 in	

inventory.	Eliminations	are	recorded	based	on	current	market	prices.

A) Results	of	Operations	–	Segment	and	Operational	Information

Oil	Sands

2022 2021	(1)

Conventional

Offshore

Total	

2020

2022

2021

2020

2022

2021

2020

2022 2021	(1)

2020

Upstream

34,775 22,827

8,804

4,332

3,235

2,020

1,782

— 41,127 27,844

9,708

4,493

2,196

331

298

150

77

108

—

4,868

2,454

371

30,282 20,631

8,473

4,034

3,085

1,943

1,674

— 36,259 25,390

9,337

4,810

2,404

1,262

2,023

1,655

268

—

—

—

6,833

4,059

1,530

For	the	years	ended	

December	31,

Revenues

Gross	Sales

Less:	Royalties

Expenses

Purchased	Product

		Transportation	and

		Blending

Operating

		Risk	Management	

(68)

18

57

—

—

(55)

19

57

6,365

1,104

1,235

803

1,610

1,420

— 11,824

8,588

1,299

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	

		Management

Operating	Margin

Unrealized	(Gain)	Loss	on

12,036

2,930

8,625

2,451

4,683

1,156

786

268

1,527

8,979

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	

			Amortization

Exploration	Expense

(Income)	Loss	From	Equity-

		Accounted	Affiliates

2,763

2,666

1,687

9

8

16

(5)

9

—

Segment	Income	(Loss)

6,267

3,670

(649)

143

541

92

13

370

1

—

851

74

551

2

1

3

(3)

—

802

15

318

15

239

— 12,194

3,789

8,714

3,241

4,764

1,476

—

—

1,619

788

268

585

91

(23)

957

492

5

(47)

970

3,718

3,161

2,567

101

18

(15)

(52)

8,075

5,442 (1,416)

91

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1)

Prior	period	results	have	been	adjusted	to	more	appropriately	reflect	the	cost	of	blending	(see	Note	3X).

904

40

864

81

320

—

195

—

880

82

—

(767)

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

1. DESCRIPTION	OF	BUSINESS	AND	SEGMENTED	DISCLOSURES

Cenovus	Energy	Inc.,	including	its	subsidiaries,	(together	“Cenovus”	or	the	“Company”)	is	an	integrated	energy	company	with	
crude	oil	and	natural	gas	production	operations	in	Canada	and	the	Asia	Pacific	region,	and	upgrading,	refining	and	marketing	
operations	 in	 Canada	 and	 the	 United	 States	 (“U.S.”).	 On	 January	 1,	 2021,	 Cenovus	 and	 Husky	 Energy	 Inc.	 (“Husky”)	 closed	 a	
transaction	to	combine	the	two	companies	through	a	plan	of	arrangement	(the	“Arrangement”)	(see	Note	5C).	The	transaction	
included	Husky's	upstream	assets,	extensive	transportation,	storage	and	logistics	and	downstream	infrastructure.	Comparative	
figures	include	Cenovus's	results	prior	to	the	closing	of	the	Arrangement	on	January	1,	2021,	and	do	not	reflect	any	historical	
data	from	Husky.

Cenovus	 is	 incorporated	 under	 the	 Canada	 Business	 Corporations	 Act	 and	 its	 common	 shares	 and	 common	 share	 purchase	
warrants	 are	 listed	 on	 the	 Toronto	 Stock	 Exchange	 (“TSX”)	 and	 New	 York	 Stock	 Exchange.	 Cenovus’s	 cumulative	 redeemable	
preferred	 shares	 series	 1,	 2,	 3,	 5	 and	 7	 are	 listed	 on	 the	 TSX.	 The	 executive	 and	 registered	 office	 is	 located	 at	 4100,	 225	
6	Avenue	S.W.,	Calgary,	Alberta,	Canada,	T2P	1N2.	Information	on	the	Company’s	basis	of	preparation	for	these	Consolidated	
Financial	Statements	is	found	in	Note	2.

Management	 has	 determined	 the	 operating	 segments	 based	 on	 information	 regularly	 reviewed	 for	 the	 purposes	 of	 decision	
making,	 allocating	 resources	 and	 assessing	 operational	 performance	 by	 Cenovus’s	 chief	 operating	 decision	 maker.	 The	
Company’s	 operating	 segments	 are	 aggregated	 based	 on	 their	 geographic	 locations,	 the	 nature	 of	 the	 businesses	 or	 a	
combination	of	these	factors.	The	Company	evaluates	the	financial	performance	of	its	operating	segments	primarily	based	on	
operating	margin.	

In	 September	 2022,	 the	 Company	 completed	 the	 divestiture	 of	 the	 majority	 of	 the	 retail	 fuels	 business.	 As	 a	 result,	
Management	 elected	 to	 aggregate	 the	 remaining	 commercial	 fuels	 business	 and	 the	 historical	 retail	 fuels	 business	 into	 the	
Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	The	marketing	operations	of	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment	have	similar	products	and	
services,	 customer	 types,	 distribution	 methods	 and	 operate	 in	 the	 same	 regulatory	 environment	 as	 the	 commercial	 fuels	
business.	The	commercial	fuels	business	includes	cardlock,	bulk	plant	and	travel	centre	locations	across	Canada.	Comparative	
periods	have	been	re-presented	to	reflect	this	change	(see	Note	3X).

The	Company	operates	through	the	following	reportable	segments: 

Upstream	Segments

•

•

•

Oil	Sands,	includes	the	development	and	production	of	bitumen	and	heavy	oil	in	northern	Alberta	and	Saskatchewan.
Cenovus’s	 oil	 sands	 assets	 include	 Foster	 Creek,	 Christina	 Lake,	 Sunrise,	 Lloydminster	 thermal	 and	 Lloydminster
conventional	heavy	oil	assets.	Cenovus	jointly	owns	and	operates	pipeline	gathering	systems	and	terminals	through
the	equity-accounted	investment	in	Husky	Midstream	Limited	Partnership	(“HMLP”).	The	sale	and	transportation	of
Cenovus’s	 production	 and	 third-party	 commodity	 trading	 volumes	 are	 managed	 and	 marketed	 through	 access	 to
capacity	on	third-party	pipelines	and	storage	facilities	in	both	Canada	and	the	U.S.	to	optimize	product	mix,	delivery
points,	transportation	commitments	and	customer	diversification.

Conventional,	 includes	 assets	 rich	 in	 natural	 gas	 liquids	 (“NGLs”)	 and	 natural	 gas	 within	 the	 Elmworth-Wapiti,
Kaybob-Edson,	 Clearwater	 and	 Rainbow	 Lake	 operating	 areas	 in	 Alberta	 and	 British	 Columbia	 and	 interests	 in
numerous	natural	gas	processing	facilities.	Cenovus’s	NGLs	and	natural	gas	production	is	marketed	and	transported,
with	 additional	 third-party	 commodity	 trading	 volumes,	 through	 access	 to	 capacity	 on	 third-party	 pipelines,	 export
terminals	and	storage	facilities.	These	provide	flexibility	for	market	access	to	optimize	product	mix,	delivery	points,
transportation	commitments	and	customer	diversification.

Offshore,	includes	offshore	operations,	exploration	and	development	activities	in	China	and	the	East	Coast	of	Canada,
as	well	as	the	equity-accounted	investment	in	the	Husky-CNOOC	Madura	Ltd.	(“HCML”)	joint	venture	in	Indonesia.	

Downstream	Segments

•

•

Canadian	 Manufacturing,	 includes	 the	 owned	 and	 operated	 Lloydminster	 upgrading	 and	 asphalt	 refining	 complex,
which	converts	heavy	oil	and	bitumen	into	synthetic	crude	oil,	diesel,	asphalt	and	other	ancillary	products.	Cenovus
also	 owns	 and	 operates	 the	 Bruderheim	 crude-by-rail	 terminal	 and	 two	 ethanol	 plants.	 The	 Company’s	 commercial
fuels	business	across	Canada	is	included	in	this	segment.	Cenovus	markets	its	production	and	third-party	commodity
trading	volumes	in	an	effort	to	use	its	integrated	network	of	assets	to	maximize	value.

U.S.	Manufacturing,	includes	the	refining	of	crude	oil	to	produce	gasoline,	diesel,	jet	fuel,	asphalt	and	other	products
at	the	wholly-owned	Lima	Refinery	and	Superior	Refinery,	the	jointly-owned	Wood	River	and	Borger	refineries	(jointly
owned	 with	 operator	 Phillips	 66)	 and	 the	 jointly-owned	 Toledo	 Refinery	 (jointly	 owned	 with	 operator	 BP	 Products
North	 America	 Inc.	 (“BP”)).	 Cenovus	 also	 markets	 some	 of	 its	 own	 and	 third-party	 volumes	 of	 refined	 petroleum
products	including	gasoline,	diesel	and	jet	fuel.

88   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

1. DESCRIPTION	OF	BUSINESS	AND	SEGMENTED	DISCLOSURES

Cenovus	Energy	Inc.,	including	its	subsidiaries,	(together	“Cenovus”	or	the	“Company”)	is	an	integrated	energy	company	with	

crude	oil	and	natural	gas	production	operations	in	Canada	and	the	Asia	Pacific	region,	and	upgrading,	refining	and	marketing	

operations	 in	 Canada	 and	 the	 United	 States	 (“U.S.”).	 On	 January	 1,	 2021,	 Cenovus	 and	 Husky	 Energy	 Inc.	 (“Husky”)	 closed	 a	

transaction	to	combine	the	two	companies	through	a	plan	of	arrangement	(the	“Arrangement”)	(see	Note	5C).	The	transaction	

included	Husky's	upstream	assets,	extensive	transportation,	storage	and	logistics	and	downstream	infrastructure.	Comparative	

figures	include	Cenovus's	results	prior	to	the	closing	of	the	Arrangement	on	January	1,	2021,	and	do	not	reflect	any	historical	

data	from	Husky.

Cenovus	 is	 incorporated	 under	 the	 Canada	 Business	 Corporations	 Act	 and	 its	 common	 shares	 and	 common	 share	 purchase	

warrants	 are	 listed	 on	 the	 Toronto	 Stock	 Exchange	 (“TSX”)	 and	 New	 York	 Stock	 Exchange.	 Cenovus’s	 cumulative	 redeemable	

preferred	 shares	 series	 1,	 2,	 3,	 5	 and	 7	 are	 listed	 on	 the	 TSX.	 The	 executive	 and	 registered	 office	 is	 located	 at	 4100,	 225	

6	Avenue	S.W.,	Calgary,	Alberta,	Canada,	T2P	1N2.	Information	on	the	Company’s	basis	of	preparation	for	these	Consolidated	

Financial	Statements	is	found	in	Note	2.

Management	 has	 determined	 the	 operating	 segments	 based	 on	 information	 regularly	 reviewed	 for	 the	 purposes	 of	 decision	

making,	 allocating	 resources	 and	 assessing	 operational	 performance	 by	 Cenovus’s	 chief	 operating	 decision	 maker.	 The	

Company’s	 operating	 segments	 are	 aggregated	 based	 on	 their	 geographic	 locations,	 the	 nature	 of	 the	 businesses	 or	 a	

combination	of	these	factors.	The	Company	evaluates	the	financial	performance	of	its	operating	segments	primarily	based	on	

operating	margin.	

In	 September	 2022,	 the	 Company	 completed	 the	 divestiture	 of	 the	 majority	 of	 the	 retail	 fuels	 business.	 As	 a	 result,	

Management	 elected	 to	 aggregate	 the	 remaining	 commercial	 fuels	 business	 and	 the	 historical	 retail	 fuels	 business	 into	 the	

Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	The	marketing	operations	of	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment	have	similar	products	and	

services,	 customer	 types,	 distribution	 methods	 and	 operate	 in	 the	 same	 regulatory	 environment	 as	 the	 commercial	 fuels	

business.	The	commercial	fuels	business	includes	cardlock,	bulk	plant	and	travel	centre	locations	across	Canada.	Comparative	

periods	have	been	re-presented	to	reflect	this	change	(see	Note	3X).

The	Company	operates	through	the	following	reportable	segments: 

Upstream	Segments

•

Oil	Sands,	includes	the	development	and	production	of	bitumen	and	heavy	oil	in	northern	Alberta	and	Saskatchewan.

Cenovus’s	 oil	 sands	 assets	 include	 Foster	 Creek,	 Christina	 Lake,	 Sunrise,	 Lloydminster	 thermal	 and	 Lloydminster

conventional	heavy	oil	assets.	Cenovus	jointly	owns	and	operates	pipeline	gathering	systems	and	terminals	through

the	equity-accounted	investment	in	Husky	Midstream	Limited	Partnership	(“HMLP”).	The	sale	and	transportation	of

Cenovus’s	 production	 and	 third-party	 commodity	 trading	 volumes	 are	 managed	 and	 marketed	 through	 access	 to

capacity	on	third-party	pipelines	and	storage	facilities	in	both	Canada	and	the	U.S.	to	optimize	product	mix,	delivery

points,	transportation	commitments	and	customer	diversification.

•

Conventional,	 includes	 assets	 rich	 in	 natural	 gas	 liquids	 (“NGLs”)	 and	 natural	 gas	 within	 the	 Elmworth-Wapiti,

Kaybob-Edson,	 Clearwater	 and	 Rainbow	 Lake	 operating	 areas	 in	 Alberta	 and	 British	 Columbia	 and	 interests	 in

numerous	natural	gas	processing	facilities.	Cenovus’s	NGLs	and	natural	gas	production	is	marketed	and	transported,

with	 additional	 third-party	 commodity	 trading	 volumes,	 through	 access	 to	 capacity	 on	 third-party	 pipelines,	 export

terminals	and	storage	facilities.	These	provide	flexibility	for	market	access	to	optimize	product	mix,	delivery	points,

transportation	commitments	and	customer	diversification.

•

Offshore,	includes	offshore	operations,	exploration	and	development	activities	in	China	and	the	East	Coast	of	Canada,

as	well	as	the	equity-accounted	investment	in	the	Husky-CNOOC	Madura	Ltd.	(“HCML”)	joint	venture	in	Indonesia.	

Downstream	Segments

•

Canadian	 Manufacturing,	 includes	 the	 owned	 and	 operated	 Lloydminster	 upgrading	 and	 asphalt	 refining	 complex,

which	converts	heavy	oil	and	bitumen	into	synthetic	crude	oil,	diesel,	asphalt	and	other	ancillary	products.	Cenovus

also	 owns	 and	 operates	 the	 Bruderheim	 crude-by-rail	 terminal	 and	 two	 ethanol	 plants.	 The	 Company’s	 commercial

fuels	business	across	Canada	is	included	in	this	segment.	Cenovus	markets	its	production	and	third-party	commodity

trading	volumes	in	an	effort	to	use	its	integrated	network	of	assets	to	maximize	value.

•

U.S.	Manufacturing,	includes	the	refining	of	crude	oil	to	produce	gasoline,	diesel,	jet	fuel,	asphalt	and	other	products

at	the	wholly-owned	Lima	Refinery	and	Superior	Refinery,	the	jointly-owned	Wood	River	and	Borger	refineries	(jointly

owned	 with	 operator	 Phillips	 66)	 and	 the	 jointly-owned	 Toledo	 Refinery	 (jointly	 owned	 with	 operator	 BP	 Products

North	 America	 Inc.	 (“BP”)).	 Cenovus	 also	 markets	 some	 of	 its	 own	 and	 third-party	 volumes	 of	 refined	 petroleum

products	including	gasoline,	diesel	and	jet	fuel.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Corporate	and	Eliminations

Corporate	 and	 Eliminations,	 includes	 Cenovus-wide	 costs	 for	 general	 and	 administrative,	 financing	 activities,	 gains	
and	 losses	 on	 risk	 management	 for	 corporate	 related	 derivative	 instruments	 and	 foreign	 exchange.	 Eliminations	
include	adjustments	for	internal	usage	of	natural	gas	production	between	segments,	transloading	services	provided	to	
the	 Oil	 Sands	 segment	 by	 the	 Company’s	 crude-by-rail	 terminal,	 crude	 oil	 production	 used	 as	 feedstock	 by	 the	
Canadian	Manufacturing	and	U.S.	Manufacturing	segments,	the	sale	of	condensate	extracted	from	blended	crude	oil	
production	 in	 the	 Canadian	 Manufacturing	 segment	 and	 sold	 to	 the	 Oil	 Sands	 segment,	 and	 unrealized	 profits	 in	
inventory.	Eliminations	are	recorded	based	on	current	market	prices.

A) Results	of	Operations	–	Segment	and	Operational	Information

For	the	years	ended	
December	31,
Revenues

Gross	Sales

Less:	Royalties

Expenses

Purchased	Product

		Transportation	and

		Blending

Operating
Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	
		Management

Operating	Margin

Unrealized	(Gain)	Loss	on
		Risk	Management	
Depreciation,	Depletion	and	
			Amortization

Exploration	Expense
(Income)	Loss	From	Equity-
		Accounted	Affiliates

Oil	Sands

2022 2021	(1)

Upstream

Conventional

Offshore

2020

2022

2021

2020

2022

2021

2020

Total	
2022 2021	(1)

2020

34,775 22,827

8,804

4,332

3,235

4,493

2,196

331

298

150

30,282 20,631

8,473

4,034

3,085

904

40

864

2,020

1,782

— 41,127 27,844

9,708

77

108

—

4,868

2,454

371

1,943

1,674

— 36,259 25,390

9,337

4,810

2,404

1,262

2,023

1,655

268

—

—

—

6,833

4,059

1,530

12,036

2,930

8,625

2,451

4,683

1,156

1,527

8,979

786

268

6,365

1,104

1,235

(68)

18

57

2,763

2,666

1,687

9

8

16

(5)

9

—

143

541

92

13

370

1

—

851

74

551

2

803

1

3

(3)

81

320

—

195

—

880

82

—

802

—

(767)

— 12,194

3,789

8,714

3,241

4,764

1,476

15

318

15

239

—

—

—

—

1,619

788

268

1,610

1,420

— 11,824

8,588

1,299

—

—

585

91

(23)

957

492

5

(47)

970

—

—

—

—

—

(55)

19

57

3,718

3,161

2,567

101

18

(15)

(52)

91

—

8,075

5,442 (1,416)

Segment	Income	(Loss)

6,267

3,670

(649)

(1)

Prior	period	results	have	been	adjusted	to	more	appropriately	reflect	the	cost	of	blending	(see	Note	3X).

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   89

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Corporate	and	Eliminations

2022

2021	(1)	(2)

Consolidated

2022

2021	(1)	(2)

2020	

Revenues

Gross	Sales

Less:	Royalties

Expenses

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Unrealized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Exploration	Expense

(Income)	Loss	From	Equity-Accounted	Affiliates

Segment	Income	(Loss)

General	and	Administrative

Finance	Costs

Interest	Income

Integration	and	Transaction	Costs

Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss,	Net

Revaluation	(Gains)

Re-measurement	of	Contingent	Payment

(Gain)	Loss	on	Divestiture	of	Assets

Other	(Income)	Loss,	Net

Earnings	(Loss)	Before	Income	Tax

Income	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

(7,464)

(5,291)

—

—

(7,464)

(5,291)

(5,533)

(664)

(1,270)

(3,844)

(676)

(783)

31

(89)

113

—

—

(52)

865

820

(81)

106

343

(549)

162

(269)

(532)

865

101

(18)

118

—

(5)

(184)

849

1,082

(23)

349

(174)

—

575

(229)

(309)

2,120

2020

(609)

—

(609)

(278)

(36)

(306)

(155)

161

5

—

—

—

292

536

(9)

29

—

(80)

(81)

40

546

(181)

71,765

4,868

66,897

33,801

11,530

5,569

1,762

(126)

4,679

101

(15)

9,596

865

820

(81)

106

343

(549)

162

(269)

(532)

865

8,731

2,281

6,450

48,811

2,454

46,357

23,326

8,038

4,716

993

2

5,886

18

(57)

3,435

849

1,082

(23)

349

(174)

—

575

(229)

(309)

2,120

1,315

728

587

13,914

371

13,543

(2,684)

5,681

4,728

1,955

252

56

3,464

91

—

(181)

292

536

(9)

29

—

(80)

(81)

40

546

(3,230)

(851)

(2,379)

(1)

(2)

Prior	period	results	have	been	adjusted	to	more	appropriately	reflect	the	cost	of	blending	(see	Note	3X).	

Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	

aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment	(see	Note	3X).

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Revenues

Gross	Sales

Less:	Royalties

Expenses

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating
Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk
		Management

Operating	Margin

Unrealized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk
		Management	
Depreciation,	Depletion	and
			Amortization

Exploration	Expense
(Income)	Loss	From	Equity-Accounted
		Affiliates

Segment	Income	(Loss)

Canadian	Manufacturing
2021	(1)

2022

2020

7,792

6,215

—

—

7,792

6,215

6,389

5,156

—

704

—

699

—

208

—

—

491

—

486

—

573

—

226

—

—

347

82

—

82

—

—

37

—

45

—

8

—

—

37

Downstream

U.S.	Manufacturing

2022

2021

2020

2022

Total
2021	(1)

2020

30,310

20,043

4,733

38,102

26,258

4,815

—

—

—

—

—

—

30,310

20,043

4,733

38,102

26,258

4,815

26,112

17,955

4,429

32,501

23,111

4,429

—

—

2,346

1,772

112

1,740

18

640

—

—

104

212

1

2,381

—

—

—

748

(21)

(423)

(1)

728

—

—

—

3,050

2,258

112

2,439

18

848

—

—

104

785

1

2,607

—

—

—

785

(21)

(378)

(1)

736

—

—

1,082

(2,170)

(1,150)

1,573

(1,823)

(1,113)

(1)

Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	
aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment	(see	Note	3X).

90   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Canadian	Manufacturing

U.S.	Manufacturing

Total

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Downstream

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

2022

2021	(1)

2020

2022

2021

2020

2022

2021	(1)

2020

Revenues

Gross	Sales

Less:	Royalties

Expenses

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk

		Management

Operating	Margin

Unrealized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk

		Management	

Depreciation,	Depletion	and

			Amortization

Exploration	Expense

(Income)	Loss	From	Equity-Accounted

		Affiliates

Segment	Income	(Loss)

7,792

6,215

—

—

7,792

6,215

30,310

20,043

4,733

38,102

26,258

4,815

—

—

—

—

—

—

30,310

20,043

4,733

38,102

26,258

4,815

6,389

5,156

26,112

17,955

4,429

32,501

23,111

4,429

—

704

—

699

—

208

—

—

491

—

486

—

573

—

226

—

—

347

—

—

2,346

1,772

112

1,740

104

212

18

640

—

—

2,381

1

—

—

—

748

(21)

(423)

(1)

728

—

—

—

3,050

2,258

112

2,439

104

785

18

848

—

—

2,607

1

—

—

—

785

(21)

(378)

(1)

736

—

—

1,082

(2,170)

(1,150)

1,573

(1,823)

(1,113)

82

—

82

—

—

37

—

45

—

8

—

—

37

(1)

Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	

aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment	(see	Note	3X).

Revenues

Gross	Sales

Less:	Royalties

Expenses

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating
Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Unrealized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Exploration	Expense

(Income)	Loss	From	Equity-Accounted	Affiliates

Segment	Income	(Loss)

General	and	Administrative

Finance	Costs

Interest	Income

Integration	and	Transaction	Costs

Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss,	Net

Revaluation	(Gains)

Re-measurement	of	Contingent	Payment

(Gain)	Loss	on	Divestiture	of	Assets

Other	(Income)	Loss,	Net

Earnings	(Loss)	Before	Income	Tax

Income	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Corporate	and	Eliminations

2022

2021	(1)	(2)

(7,464)

(5,291)

—

—

(7,464)

(5,291)

(5,533)

(664)

(1,270)

(3,844)

(676)

(783)

31

(89)

113

—

—

(52)

865

820

(81)

106

343

(549)

162

(269)

(532)

865

101
(18)

118

—
(5)

(184)

849

1,082

(23)

349

(174)

—

575

(229)

(309)

2,120

2020

(609)

—

(609)

(278)

(36)

(306)

5
—

161

—
—

(155)

292

536

(9)

29

(181)

—

(80)

(81)

40

546

Consolidated
2021	(1)	(2)

2022

71,765

4,868

66,897

33,801

11,530

5,569

1,762

(126)

4,679

101

(15)

9,596

865

820

(81)

106

343

(549)

162

(269)

(532)

865

8,731

2,281

6,450

48,811

2,454

46,357

23,326

8,038

4,716

993
2

5,886

18
(57)

3,435

849

1,082

(23)

349

(174)

—

575

(229)

(309)

2,120

1,315

728

587

2020	

13,914

371

13,543

5,681

4,728

1,955

252
56

3,464

91
—

(2,684)

292

536

(9)

29

(181)

—

(80)

(81)

40

546

(3,230)

(851)

(2,379)

(1)
(2)

Prior	period	results	have	been	adjusted	to	more	appropriately	reflect	the	cost	of	blending	(see	Note	3X).	
Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	
aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment	(see	Note	3X).

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   91

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

D) Assets	by	Segment

As	at	December	31,	

Oil	Sands

Conventional

Offshore

Canadian	Manufacturing	(1)

U.S.	Manufacturing

Corporate	and	Eliminations

Consolidated

As	at	December	31,	

Oil	Sands

Conventional

Offshore

Canadian	Manufacturing	(1)

U.S.	Manufacturing	(3)

Corporate	and	Eliminations	(3)

Consolidated

E&E	Assets

PP&E

ROU	Assets

2022

674

6

5

—

—

—

685

2021

653

6

61

—

—

—

720

36,499

34,225

2022

24,657

2,020

2,549

2,466

4,482

325

Goodwill

2022

2,923

—

—

—

—

—

2021

22,535

2,174

2,822

2,558

3,745

391

2021

3,473

—

—

—

—

—

2022

638

2

152

252

329

472

1,845

2022

32,248

2,410

3,339

3,172

8,324

6,376

Total	Assets

2021

754

2

160

388

252

454

2,010

2021	(2)

31,070

3,026

3,597

3,884

7,509

5,018

(1)

Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 re-presented.	 PP&E,	 ROU	 assets	 and	 total	 assets	 from	 the	 remaining	 commercial	 fuels	 business	 and	 the	 historic	 retail	 fuels	

business	have	been	aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	

Total	assets	include	assets	held	for	sale	$1.3	billion	that	were	divested	in	2022.	

(2)

(3)

and	Eliminations	segment.	

Prior	period	results	were	re-presented	to	move	income	tax	receivable	and	deferred	income	tax	assets	from	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	segment	to	the	Corporate	

2,923

3,473

55,869

54,104

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

B) Revenues	by	Product	

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Upstream	

Crude	Oil	(1)
NGLs	(1)
Natural	Gas

Other

Downstream

Canadian	Manufacturing

Synthetic	Crude	Oil

Asphalt
Other	Products	and	Services	(2)

U.S.	Manufacturing

Gasoline

Diesel	and	Distillate

Other	Products

Corporate	and	Eliminations	(2)
Consolidated

2022

2021

29,834

2,346

3,690

389

2,360

620

4,812

14,116

11,453

4,741
(7,464)

66,897

19,877

1,983

3,032

498

1,951

477

3,787

10,111

6,429

3,503
(5,291)

46,357

(1)
(2)

Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	Third-party	condensate	sales	previously	included	in	crude	oil	have	been	aggregated	with	NGLs.
Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment	(see	Note	3X).

C) Geographical	Information

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Canada

United	States

China

Consolidated

(1)

Revenues	by	country	are	classified	based	on	where	the	operations	are	located.	

Revenues	(1)

2021

23,768

21,326

1,263

46,357

2022

33,222

32,313

1,362

66,897

2020	

8,017

727

535

58

—

—

82

2,352

1,569

812
(609)

13,543

2020

8,715

4,828

—

13,543

As	at	December	31,	

Canada

United	States

China

Indonesia

Consolidated

Non-Current	Assets	(1)

2022

35,194

4,824

2,064

365

42,447

2021	(2)
33,981

4,093

2,583

311

40,968

(1)

(2)

Includes	exploration	and	evaluation	(“E&E”)	assets,	property,	plant	and	equipment	(“PP&E”),	right-of-use	(“ROU”)	assets,	income	tax	receivable,	investments	in	
equity-accounted	affiliates,	precious	metals,	intangible	assets	and	goodwill.	
Canada	excludes	assets	held	for	sale	of	$1.3	billion	that	were	divested	in	2022.	

Major	Customers

In	connection	with	the	marketing	and	sale	of	Cenovus’s	own	and	purchased	crude	oil,	NGLs,	natural	gas	and	refined	products	
for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	Cenovus	had	two	customers	(2021	–	two;	2020	–	three)	that	individually	accounted	for	
more	 than	 10	 percent	 of	 its	 consolidated	 gross	 sales.	 Sales	 to	 these	 customers,	 recognized	 as	 major	 international	 energy	
companies	 with	 investment	 grade	 credit	 ratings,	 were	 approximately	 $16.1	 billion	 and	 $9.1	 billion,	 respectively	 (2021	 –	
$8.5	billion	and	$6.8	billion;	2020	–	$4.3	billion,	$1.8	billion	and	$1.5	billion,	respectively),	and	are	reported	across	all	of	the	
Company’s	operating	segments.

92   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

D) Assets	by	Segment

As	at	December	31,	

Oil	Sands

Conventional

Offshore
Canadian	Manufacturing	(1)
U.S.	Manufacturing
Corporate	and	Eliminations

Consolidated

As	at	December	31,	

Oil	Sands

Conventional

Offshore
Canadian	Manufacturing	(1)
U.S.	Manufacturing	(3)
Corporate	and	Eliminations	(3)
Consolidated

E&E	Assets

PP&E

ROU	Assets

2022

674

6

5

—

—

—

685

2021

653

6

61

—

—

—

720

2022

24,657

2,020

2,549

2,466

4,482

325

2021

22,535

2,174

2,822

2,558

3,745

391

36,499

34,225

Goodwill

2022

2,923

—

—

—

—

—

2021

3,473

—

—

—

—

—

2022

638

2

152

252

329

472

1,845

Total	Assets

2022

32,248

2,410

3,339

3,172

8,324

6,376

2021

754

2

160

388

252

454

2,010

2021	(2)
31,070

3,026

3,597

3,884

7,509

5,018

2,923

3,473

55,869

54,104

(1)

(2)
(3)

Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 re-presented.	 PP&E,	 ROU	 assets	 and	 total	 assets	 from	 the	 remaining	 commercial	 fuels	 business	 and	 the	 historic	 retail	 fuels	
business	have	been	aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	
Total	assets	include	assets	held	for	sale	$1.3	billion	that	were	divested	in	2022.	
Prior	period	results	were	re-presented	to	move	income	tax	receivable	and	deferred	income	tax	assets	from	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	segment	to	the	Corporate	
and	Eliminations	segment.	

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

B) Revenues	by	Product	

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

2022

2021

Upstream	

Crude	Oil	(1)

NGLs	(1)

Natural	Gas

Other

Downstream

Canadian	Manufacturing

Synthetic	Crude	Oil

Asphalt

Other	Products	and	Services	(2)

U.S.	Manufacturing

Gasoline

Diesel	and	Distillate

Other	Products

Corporate	and	Eliminations	(2)

Consolidated

C) Geographical	Information

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Canada

United	States

China

Consolidated

As	at	December	31,	

Canada

United	States

China

Indonesia

Consolidated

Major	Customers

29,834

2,346

3,690

389

2,360

620

4,812

14,116

11,453

4,741

(7,464)

66,897

2022

33,222

32,313

1,362

66,897

19,877

1,983

3,032

498

1,951

477

3,787

10,111

6,429

3,503

(5,291)

46,357

2021

23,768

21,326

1,263

46,357

2022

35,194

4,824

2,064

365

42,447

Revenues	(1)

Non-Current	Assets	(1)

2020	

8,017

727

535

58

—

—

82

2,352

1,569

812

(609)

13,543

2020

8,715

4,828

—

13,543

2021	(2)

33,981

4,093

2,583

311

40,968

(1)

(2)

Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	Third-party	condensate	sales	previously	included	in	crude	oil	have	been	aggregated	with	NGLs.

Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment	(see	Note	3X).

(1)

Revenues	by	country	are	classified	based	on	where	the	operations	are	located.	

(1)

Includes	exploration	and	evaluation	(“E&E”)	assets,	property,	plant	and	equipment	(“PP&E”),	right-of-use	(“ROU”)	assets,	income	tax	receivable,	investments	in	

equity-accounted	affiliates,	precious	metals,	intangible	assets	and	goodwill.	

(2)

Canada	excludes	assets	held	for	sale	of	$1.3	billion	that	were	divested	in	2022.	

In	connection	with	the	marketing	and	sale	of	Cenovus’s	own	and	purchased	crude	oil,	NGLs,	natural	gas	and	refined	products	

for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	Cenovus	had	two	customers	(2021	–	two;	2020	–	three)	that	individually	accounted	for	

more	 than	 10	 percent	 of	 its	 consolidated	 gross	 sales.	 Sales	 to	 these	 customers,	 recognized	 as	 major	 international	 energy	

companies	 with	 investment	 grade	 credit	 ratings,	 were	 approximately	 $16.1	 billion	 and	 $9.1	 billion,	 respectively	 (2021	 –	

$8.5	billion	and	$6.8	billion;	2020	–	$4.3	billion,	$1.8	billion	and	$1.5	billion,	respectively),	and	are	reported	across	all	of	the	

Company’s	operating	segments.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   93

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

E) Capital	Expenditures	(1)

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Capital	Investment

Oil	Sands

Conventional

Offshore

Asia	Pacific

Atlantic

Total	Upstream	

Canadian	Manufacturing	(2)
U.S.	Manufacturing

Total	Downstream

Corporate	and	Eliminations

Acquisitions	(Note	5)

Oil	Sands	(3)
Conventional
Offshore	(4)
Canadian	Manufacturing	(2)
U.S.	Manufacturing

Corporate	and	Eliminations

2022

1,792

344

8

302

2,446

117

1,059

1,176

86

3,708

1,609

12

—

—

—

—

2021

1,019

222

21

154

1,416

68

995

1,063

84

2,563

5,005

551

3,129

2,973

1,618

156

1,621

13,432

2020

427

78

—

—

505

33

243

276

60

841

6

12

—

—

—

—

18

Total	Capital	Expenditures

5,329

15,995

859

(1)
(2)
(3)

(4)

Includes	expenditures	on	PP&E,	E&E	assets	and	capitalized	interest.
Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment	(see	Note	3X).
Cenovus	 was	 deemed	 to	 have	 disposed	 of	 its	 pre-existing	 interest	 in	 Sunrise	 Oil	 Sands	 Partnership	 (“SOSP”)	 and	 reacquired	 it	 at	 fair	 value	 as	 required	 by	
International	 Financial	 Reporting	 Standard	 3,	 “Business	 Combinations”	 (“IFRS	 3”).	 The	 acquisition	 capital	 above	 does	 not	 include	 the	 fair	 value	 of	 the	 pre-
existing	interest	in	SOSP	of	$1.6	billion.
Excludes	capital	expenditures	related	to	the	HCML	joint	venture,	which	are	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method.

94   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

2. BASIS	OF	PREPARATION	AND	STATEMENT	OF	COMPLIANCE

In	 these	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements,	 unless	 otherwise	 indicated,	 all	 dollars	 are	 expressed	 in	 Canadian	 dollars.	 All	

references	to	C$	or	$	are	to	Canadian	dollars	and	references	to	US$	are	to	U.S.	dollars.

These	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	have	been	prepared	in	accordance	with	IFRS	as	issued	by	the	International	Accounting	

Standards	Board	and	interpretations	of	the	International	Financial	Reporting	Interpretations	Committee.

These	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 have	 been	 prepared	 on	 a	 historical	 cost	 basis,	 except	 as	 detailed	 in	 the	 Company’s	

accounting	policies	disclosed	in	Note	3.	

These	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	were	approved	by	the	Board	of	Directors	effective	February	15,	2023.

3. SUMMARY	OF	SIGNIFICANT	ACCOUNTING	POLICIES

A) Principles	of	Consolidation

The	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	include	the	accounts	of	Cenovus	and	its	subsidiaries.	Subsidiaries	are	entities	over	which	

the	Company	has	control.	Subsidiaries	are	consolidated	from	the	date	of	acquisition	of	control	and	continue	to	be	consolidated	

until	 the	 date	 that	 there	 is	 a	 loss	 of	 control.	 All	 intercompany	 transactions,	 balances,	 and	 unrealized	 gains	 and	 losses	 from	

intercompany	transactions	are	eliminated	on	consolidation.

Interests	 in	 joint	 arrangements	 are	 classified	 as	 either	 joint	 operations	 or	 joint	 ventures,	 depending	 on	 the	 rights	 and	

obligations	of	the	parties	to	the	arrangement.	Joint	operations	arise	when	the	Company	has	rights	to	the	assets	and	obligations	

for	the	liabilities	of	the	arrangement.	The	Company’s	accounts	reflect	its	share	of	the	assets,	liabilities,	revenues	and	expenses	

from	 the	 Company’s	 activities	 that	 are	 conducted	 through	 joint	 operations	 with	 third	 parties.	 A	 portion	 of	 the	 Company’s	

activities	relate	to	joint	ventures,	which	are	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method	of	accounting.	

An	 associate	 is	 an	 entity	 for	 which	 the	 Company	 has	 significant	 influence	 over	 but	 does	 not	 control	 or	 jointly	 control	 the	

affiliate.	 Investments	 in	 associates	 are	 accounted	 for	 using	 the	 equity	 method	 of	 accounting	 and	 are	 recognized	 at	 cost	 and	

adjusted	thereafter	to	recognize	the	Company’s	share	of	the	affiliate’s	profit	or	loss	and	other	comprehensive	income	(“OCI”).	

B) Foreign	Currency	Translation

Functional	and	Presentation	Currency

The	 Company’s	 functional	 and	 presentation	 currency	 is	 Canadian	 dollars.	 The	 accounts	 of	 the	 Company’s	 foreign	 operations	

that	 have	 a	 functional	 currency	 different	 from	 the	 Company’s	 presentation	 currency	 are	 translated	 into	 the	 Company’s	

presentation	 currency	 at	 period-end	 exchange	 rates	 for	 assets	 and	 liabilities,	 and	 using	 average	 rates	 over	 the	 period	 for	

revenues	 and	 expenses.	 Translation	 gains	 and	 losses	 relating	 to	 the	 foreign	 operations	 are	 recognized	 in	 OCI	 as	 cumulative	

translation	adjustments.

When	the	Company	disposes	of	an	entire	interest	in	a	foreign	operation	or	loses	control,	joint	control,	or	significant	influence	

over	 a	 foreign	 operation,	 the	 foreign	 currency	 gains	 or	 losses	 accumulated	 in	 OCI	 related	 to	 the	 foreign	 operation	 are	

recognized	 in	 net	 earnings.	 When	 the	 Company	 disposes	 of	 part	 of	 an	 interest	 in	 a	 foreign	 operation	 that	 continues	 to	 be	 a	

subsidiary,	a	proportionate	amount	of	gains	and	losses	accumulated	in	OCI	is	allocated	between	controlling	and	non-controlling	

interests.

Transactions	and	Balances

Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss).

C) Revenue	Recognition

Transactions	in	foreign	currencies	are	translated	to	the	respective	functional	currencies	at	exchange	rates	in	effect	at	the	dates	

of	the	transactions.	Monetary	assets	and	liabilities	of	Cenovus	that	are	denominated	in	foreign	currencies	are	translated	into	its	

functional	currency	at	the	rates	of	exchange	in	effect	at	the	reporting	date.	Any	gains	or	losses	are	recorded	in	the	Consolidated	

Revenue	is	measured	based	on	the	consideration	specified	in	a	contract	with	a	customer	and	excludes	amounts	collected	on	

behalf	of	third	parties.	Cenovus	recognizes	revenue	when	it	transfers	control	of	the	product	or	service	to	a	customer,	which	is	

generally	when	title	passes	from	the	Company	to	its	customer.	

Purchases	and	sales	of	products	that	are	entered	into	in	contemplation	of	each	other	with	the	same	counterparty	are	recorded	

on	a	net	basis.	Revenues	associated	with	services	provided	as	agent	are	recorded	as	the	services	are	provided.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

E) Capital	Expenditures	(1)

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Capital	Investment

Oil	Sands

Conventional

Offshore

Asia	Pacific

Atlantic

Total	Upstream	

Canadian	Manufacturing	(2)

U.S.	Manufacturing

Total	Downstream

Corporate	and	Eliminations

Acquisitions	(Note	5)

Oil	Sands	(3)

Conventional

Offshore	(4)

Canadian	Manufacturing	(2)

U.S.	Manufacturing

Corporate	and	Eliminations

2022

1,792

344

8

302

2,446

117

1,059

1,176

86

3,708

1,609

12

—

—

—

—

2021

1,019

222

21

154

1,416

68

995

1,063

84

2,563

5,005

551

3,129

2,973

1,618

156

1,621

13,432

2020

427

78

—

—

505

33

243

276

60

841

6

12

—

—

—

—

18

Total	Capital	Expenditures

5,329

15,995

859

(1)

(2)

(3)

Includes	expenditures	on	PP&E,	E&E	assets	and	capitalized	interest.

Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment	(see	Note	3X).

Cenovus	 was	 deemed	 to	 have	 disposed	 of	 its	 pre-existing	 interest	 in	 Sunrise	 Oil	 Sands	 Partnership	 (“SOSP”)	 and	 reacquired	 it	 at	 fair	 value	 as	 required	 by	

International	 Financial	 Reporting	 Standard	 3,	 “Business	 Combinations”	 (“IFRS	 3”).	 The	 acquisition	 capital	 above	 does	 not	 include	 the	 fair	 value	 of	 the	 pre-

existing	interest	in	SOSP	of	$1.6	billion.

(4)

Excludes	capital	expenditures	related	to	the	HCML	joint	venture,	which	are	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

2. BASIS	OF	PREPARATION	AND	STATEMENT	OF	COMPLIANCE

In	 these	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements,	 unless	 otherwise	 indicated,	 all	 dollars	 are	 expressed	 in	 Canadian	 dollars.	 All	
references	to	C$	or	$	are	to	Canadian	dollars	and	references	to	US$	are	to	U.S.	dollars.

These	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	have	been	prepared	in	accordance	with	IFRS	as	issued	by	the	International	Accounting	
Standards	Board	and	interpretations	of	the	International	Financial	Reporting	Interpretations	Committee.

These	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 have	 been	 prepared	 on	 a	 historical	 cost	 basis,	 except	 as	 detailed	 in	 the	 Company’s	
accounting	policies	disclosed	in	Note	3.	

These	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	were	approved	by	the	Board	of	Directors	effective	February	15,	2023.

3. SUMMARY	OF	SIGNIFICANT	ACCOUNTING	POLICIES

A) Principles	of	Consolidation

The	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	include	the	accounts	of	Cenovus	and	its	subsidiaries.	Subsidiaries	are	entities	over	which	
the	Company	has	control.	Subsidiaries	are	consolidated	from	the	date	of	acquisition	of	control	and	continue	to	be	consolidated	
until	 the	 date	 that	 there	 is	 a	 loss	 of	 control.	 All	 intercompany	 transactions,	 balances,	 and	 unrealized	 gains	 and	 losses	 from	
intercompany	transactions	are	eliminated	on	consolidation.

Interests	 in	 joint	 arrangements	 are	 classified	 as	 either	 joint	 operations	 or	 joint	 ventures,	 depending	 on	 the	 rights	 and	
obligations	of	the	parties	to	the	arrangement.	Joint	operations	arise	when	the	Company	has	rights	to	the	assets	and	obligations	
for	the	liabilities	of	the	arrangement.	The	Company’s	accounts	reflect	its	share	of	the	assets,	liabilities,	revenues	and	expenses	
from	 the	 Company’s	 activities	 that	 are	 conducted	 through	 joint	 operations	 with	 third	 parties.	 A	 portion	 of	 the	 Company’s	
activities	relate	to	joint	ventures,	which	are	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method	of	accounting.	

An	 associate	 is	 an	 entity	 for	 which	 the	 Company	 has	 significant	 influence	 over	 but	 does	 not	 control	 or	 jointly	 control	 the	
affiliate.	 Investments	 in	 associates	 are	 accounted	 for	 using	 the	 equity	 method	 of	 accounting	 and	 are	 recognized	 at	 cost	 and	
adjusted	thereafter	to	recognize	the	Company’s	share	of	the	affiliate’s	profit	or	loss	and	other	comprehensive	income	(“OCI”).	

B) Foreign	Currency	Translation

Functional	and	Presentation	Currency

The	 Company’s	 functional	 and	 presentation	 currency	 is	 Canadian	 dollars.	 The	 accounts	 of	 the	 Company’s	 foreign	 operations	
that	 have	 a	 functional	 currency	 different	 from	 the	 Company’s	 presentation	 currency	 are	 translated	 into	 the	 Company’s	
presentation	 currency	 at	 period-end	 exchange	 rates	 for	 assets	 and	 liabilities,	 and	 using	 average	 rates	 over	 the	 period	 for	
revenues	 and	 expenses.	 Translation	 gains	 and	 losses	 relating	 to	 the	 foreign	 operations	 are	 recognized	 in	 OCI	 as	 cumulative	
translation	adjustments.

When	the	Company	disposes	of	an	entire	interest	in	a	foreign	operation	or	loses	control,	joint	control,	or	significant	influence	
over	 a	 foreign	 operation,	 the	 foreign	 currency	 gains	 or	 losses	 accumulated	 in	 OCI	 related	 to	 the	 foreign	 operation	 are	
recognized	 in	 net	 earnings.	 When	 the	 Company	 disposes	 of	 part	 of	 an	 interest	 in	 a	 foreign	 operation	 that	 continues	 to	 be	 a	
subsidiary,	a	proportionate	amount	of	gains	and	losses	accumulated	in	OCI	is	allocated	between	controlling	and	non-controlling	
interests.

Transactions	and	Balances

Transactions	in	foreign	currencies	are	translated	to	the	respective	functional	currencies	at	exchange	rates	in	effect	at	the	dates	
of	the	transactions.	Monetary	assets	and	liabilities	of	Cenovus	that	are	denominated	in	foreign	currencies	are	translated	into	its	
functional	currency	at	the	rates	of	exchange	in	effect	at	the	reporting	date.	Any	gains	or	losses	are	recorded	in	the	Consolidated	
Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss).

C) Revenue	Recognition

Revenue	is	measured	based	on	the	consideration	specified	in	a	contract	with	a	customer	and	excludes	amounts	collected	on	
behalf	of	third	parties.	Cenovus	recognizes	revenue	when	it	transfers	control	of	the	product	or	service	to	a	customer,	which	is	
generally	when	title	passes	from	the	Company	to	its	customer.	

Purchases	and	sales	of	products	that	are	entered	into	in	contemplation	of	each	other	with	the	same	counterparty	are	recorded	
on	a	net	basis.	Revenues	associated	with	services	provided	as	agent	are	recorded	as	the	services	are	provided.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   95

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Cenovus	recognizes	revenue	from	the	following	major	products	and	services:

Changes	in	the	defined	benefit	obligation	from	service	costs,	net	interest	and	re-measurements	are	recognized	as	follows:

•
•
•
•
•
•

Sale	of	crude	oil,	NGLs	and	natural	gas.
Sale	of	petroleum	and	refined	products.
Crude	oil	and	natural	gas	processing	services.
Pipeline	transportation,	the	blending	of	crude	oil	and	the	storage	of	crude	oil,	diluent	and	natural	gas.
Fee-for-service	hydrocarbon	transloading	services.
Construction	services.

The	Company	satisfies	its	performance	obligations	in	contracts	with	customers	upon	the	delivery	of	crude	oil,	NGLs,	natural	gas,	
and	petroleum	and	refined	products,	which	is	generally	at	a	point	in	time.	Performance	obligations	for	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	
processing	revenue,	transportation	services	and	transloading	services	are	satisfied	over	time	as	the	service	is	provided.	Cenovus	
sells	 its	 production	 of	 crude	 oil,	 NGLs,	 natural	 gas,	 and	 petroleum	 and	 refined	 products	 generally	 pursuant	 to	 variable	 price	
contracts.	The	transaction	price	for	variable	price	contracts	is	based	on	the	commodity	price,	adjusted	for	quality,	location	and	
other	factors.	Revenue	associated	with	natural	gas	processing,	transportation	services	and	transloading	services	are	generally	
based	on	fixed	price	contracts.	

Construction	revenue	is	recognized	for	general	contractor	services	that	the	Company	provides	to	HMLP	and	includes	fixed	price	
and	cost-plus	contracts.	Revenue	from	fixed	price	construction	contracts	is	recognized	as	performance	obligations	are	met	and	
revenue	from	cost-plus	contracts	are	recognized	as	services	are	performed.

The	Company	has	take-or-pay	contracts	where	Cenovus	has	long-term	supply	commitments	in	return	for	purchasers	to	pay	for	
minimum	quantities,	whether	or	not	the	customer	takes	the	delivery.	If	a	purchaser	has	a	right	to	defer	delivery	to	a	later	date,	
the	performance	obligation	has	not	been	satisfied	and	revenue	is	deferred	and	recognized	only	when	the	product	is	delivered	
or	the	deferral	provision	can	no	longer	be	extended.	

Cenovus’s	revenue	transactions	do	not	contain	significant	financing	components	and	payments	are	typically	due	within	30	days	
of	 revenue	 recognition.	 The	 Company	 does	 not	 adjust	 transaction	 prices	 for	 the	 effects	 of	 a	 significant	 financing	 component	
when	the	period	between	the	transfer	of	the	promised	goods	or	services	to	the	customer	and	payment	by	the	customer	is	less	
than	one	year.	The	Company	does	not	disclose	or	quantify	information	about	remaining	performance	obligations	that	have	an	
original	 expected	 duration	 of	 one	 year	 or	 less	 and	 it	 does	 not	 have	 any	 long-term	 contracts	 with	 the	 exception	 of	 certain	
construction	contracts	with	HMLP	and	take-or-pay	contracts	with	unfulfilled	performance	obligations.	

D) Purchased	Product

The	cost	of	refining	feedstock,	crude	oil	and	diluent	purchased	for	optimization	activities,	and	costs	associated	with	transporting	
refined	products	to	market	are	recorded	as	purchased	product.	

E) Transportation	and	Blending

The	costs	associated	with	the	transportation	of	crude	oil,	NGLs	and	natural	gas	for	upstream	operations,	including	the	cost	of	
diluent	used	in	blending,	are	recognized	when	the	product	is	sold.

F) Exploration	Expense

Costs	incurred	prior	to	obtaining	the	legal	right	to	explore	(pre-exploration	costs)	are	expensed	in	the	period	in	which	they	are	
incurred	as	exploration	expense.	

Certain	 costs	 incurred	 after	 the	 legal	 right	 to	 explore	 is	 obtained	 are	 initially	 capitalized.	 If	 it	 is	 determined	 that	 the	 field/
project/area	is	not	technically	feasible	and	commercially	viable	or	if	the	Company	decides	not	to	continue	the	exploration	and	
evaluation	activity,	the	unrecoverable	accumulated	costs	are	expensed	as	exploration	expense.

G) Employee	Benefit	Plans

The	 Company	 provides	 employees	 with	 a	 pension	 plan	 that	 includes	 either	 a	 defined	 contribution	 or	 defined	 benefit	
component.	

Other	 post-employment	 benefit	 (“OPEB”)	 plans	 are	 also	 provided	 to	 qualifying	 employees.	 In	 some	 cases,	 the	 benefits	 are	
provided	 through	 medical	 care	 plans	 to	 which	 the	 Company,	 the	 employees,	 the	 retirees	 and	 covered	 family	 members	
contribute.	In	some	plans,	benefits	are	not	funded	before	retirement.	

Pension	expense	for	the	defined	contribution	pension	is	recorded	as	the	benefits	are	earned.

The	cost	of	the	defined	benefit	pension	and	OPEB	plans	are	actuarially	determined	using	the	projected	unit	credit	method.	The	
amount	recognized	in	other	liabilities	on	the	Consolidated	Balance	Sheets	for	the	defined	benefit	pension	and	OPEB	plans	is	the	
present	value	of	the	defined	benefit	obligation	less	the	fair	value	of	plan	assets.	Any	surplus	resulting	from	this	calculation	is	
limited	to	the	present	value	of	any	economic	benefits	available	in	the	form	of	refunds	from	the	plans	or	reductions	in	future	
contributions	to	the	plans.	

96   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Service	costs,	including	current	service	costs,	past	service	costs,	gains	and	losses	on	curtailments,	and	settlements,	are

•

•

recorded	with	pension	benefit	costs.

Net	interest	is	calculated	by	applying	the	same	discount	rate	used	to	measure	the	defined	benefit	obligation	at	the

beginning	of	the	annual	period	to	the	net	defined	benefit	asset	or	liability	measured.	Interest	expense	and	interest

income	on	net	post-employment	benefit	liabilities	and	assets	are	recorded	with	pension	benefit	costs	in	operating,

and	general	and	administrative	expenses,	as	well	as	PP&E	and	E&E	assets.

•

Re-measurements,	 composed	 of	 actuarial	 gains	 and	 losses,	 the	 effect	 of	 changes	 to	 the	 asset	 ceiling	 (excluding

interest)	 and	 the	 return	 on	 plan	 assets	 (excluding	 interest	 income),	 are	 charged	 or	 credited	 to	 equity	 in	 OCI	 in	 the

period	in	which	they	arise.	Re-measurements	are	not	reclassified	to	net	earnings	in	subsequent	periods.

Pension	 benefit	 costs	 are	 recorded	 in	 operating,	 and	 general	 and	 administrative	 expenses,	 as	 well	 as	 PP&E	 and	 E&E	 assets,	

corresponding	to	where	the	associated	salaries	of	the	employees	rendering	the	service	are	recorded.	

H) Government	Grants

Government	 grants	 are	 recognized	 when	 there	 is	 reasonable	 assurance	 that	 the	 grant	 will	 be	 received	 and	 all	 conditions	

associated	 with	 the	 grant	 are	 met.	 If	 a	 grant	 is	 received,	 but	 reasonable	 assurance	 and	 compliance	 with	 conditions	 is	 not	

achieved,	the	grant	is	recognized	as	a	deferred	liability	until	the	conditions	are	fulfilled.	Grants	related	to	assets	are	recorded	as	

a	reduction	to	the	asset’s	carrying	value	and	are	depreciated	over	the	useful	life	of	the	asset.	Claims	under	government	grant	

programs	related	to	income	are	recorded	as	other	income	in	the	period	in	which	eligible	expenses	were	incurred	or	when	the	

services	have	been	performed.	

I) Income	Taxes

Sheet	date.

Income	 taxes	 comprise	 current	 and	 deferred	 taxes.	 Income	 taxes	 are	 provided	 for	 on	 a	 non-discounted	 basis	 at	 amounts	

expected	to	be	paid	using	the	tax	rates	and	laws	that	have	been	enacted	or	substantively	enacted	at	the	Consolidated	Balance	

Cenovus	follows	the	liability	method	of	accounting	for	income	taxes,	where	deferred	income	taxes	are	recorded	for	the	effect	of	

any	temporary	difference	between	the	accounting	and	income	tax	basis	of	an	asset	or	liability,	using	the	substantively	enacted	

income	 tax	 rates	 expected	 to	 apply	 when	 the	 assets	 are	 realized	 or	 liabilities	 are	 settled.	 Deferred	 income	 tax	 balances	 are	

adjusted	 to	 reflect	 changes	 in	 income	 tax	 rates	 that	 are	 substantively	 enacted	 with	 the	 adjustment	 being	 recognized	 in	 net	

earnings	in	the	period	that	the	change	occurs,	except	when	it	relates	to	items	charged	or	credited	directly	to	equity	or	OCI,	in	

which	case	the	deferred	income	tax	is	also	recorded	in	equity	or	OCI,	respectively.

Deferred	income	tax	is	recognized	on	temporary	differences	arising	from	investments	in	subsidiaries	except	in	the	case	where	

the	 timing	 of	 the	 reversal	 of	 the	 temporary	 difference	 is	 controlled	 by	 the	 Company	 and	 it	 is	 probable	 that	 the	 temporary	

difference	will	not	reverse	in	the	foreseeable	future	or	when	distributions	can	be	made	without	incurring	income	taxes.

Deferred	 income	 tax	 assets	 are	 recognized	 only	 to	 the	 extent	 that	 it	 is	 probable	 that	 future	 taxable	 profit	 will	 be	 available	

against	which	the	temporary	differences	can	be	utilized.	Deferred	income	tax	assets	and	liabilities	are	only	offset	where	they	

arise	within	the	same	entity	and	tax	jurisdiction.	Deferred	income	tax	assets	and	liabilities	are	presented	as	non-current.

J) Related	Party	Transactions

The	 Company	 enters	 into	 transactions	 and	 agreements	 in	 the	 normal	 course	 of	 business	 with	 certain	 related	 parties,	 joint	

arrangements	 and	 associates.	 Proceeds	 from	 the	 disposition	 of	 assets	 to	 related	 parties	 are	 recognized	 at	 fair	 value.	

Independent	opinions	of	fair	value	may	be	obtained	to	confirm	the	estimated	fair	value	of	proceeds.

K) Net	Earnings	per	Share	Amounts

Basic	 net	 earnings	 per	 share	 is	 computed	 by	 dividing	 net	 earnings	 by	 the	 weighted	 average	 number	 of	 common	 shares	

outstanding	 during	 the	 period.	 Diluted	 net	 earnings	 per	 share	 is	 calculated	 giving	 effect	 to	 the	 potential	 dilution	 that	 would	

occur	if	stock	options	or	other	contracts	to	issue	common	shares	were	exercised	or	converted	to	common	shares.	The	treasury	

stock	 method	 is	 used	 to	 determine	 the	 dilutive	 effect	 of	 stock	 options	 and	 other	 dilutive	 instruments.	 The	 treasury	 stock	

method	 assumes	 that	 proceeds	 received	 from	 the	 exercise	 of	 in-the-money	 stock	 options	 and	 other	 dilutive	 instruments	 are	

used	to	purchase	common	shares	at	the	average	market	price.	For	those	contracts	that	may	be	settled	in	cash	or	in	shares	at	

the	holder’s	option,	the	more	dilutive	of	cash	settlement	and	share	settlement	is	used	in	calculating	diluted	earnings	per	share.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

•

•

•

•

•

•

Sale	of	crude	oil,	NGLs	and	natural	gas.

Sale	of	petroleum	and	refined	products.

Crude	oil	and	natural	gas	processing	services.

Fee-for-service	hydrocarbon	transloading	services.

Construction	services.

Pipeline	transportation,	the	blending	of	crude	oil	and	the	storage	of	crude	oil,	diluent	and	natural	gas.

The	Company	satisfies	its	performance	obligations	in	contracts	with	customers	upon	the	delivery	of	crude	oil,	NGLs,	natural	gas,	

and	petroleum	and	refined	products,	which	is	generally	at	a	point	in	time.	Performance	obligations	for	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	

processing	revenue,	transportation	services	and	transloading	services	are	satisfied	over	time	as	the	service	is	provided.	Cenovus	

sells	 its	 production	 of	 crude	 oil,	 NGLs,	 natural	 gas,	 and	 petroleum	 and	 refined	 products	 generally	 pursuant	 to	 variable	 price	

contracts.	The	transaction	price	for	variable	price	contracts	is	based	on	the	commodity	price,	adjusted	for	quality,	location	and	

other	factors.	Revenue	associated	with	natural	gas	processing,	transportation	services	and	transloading	services	are	generally	

based	on	fixed	price	contracts.	

Construction	revenue	is	recognized	for	general	contractor	services	that	the	Company	provides	to	HMLP	and	includes	fixed	price	

and	cost-plus	contracts.	Revenue	from	fixed	price	construction	contracts	is	recognized	as	performance	obligations	are	met	and	

revenue	from	cost-plus	contracts	are	recognized	as	services	are	performed.

The	Company	has	take-or-pay	contracts	where	Cenovus	has	long-term	supply	commitments	in	return	for	purchasers	to	pay	for	

minimum	quantities,	whether	or	not	the	customer	takes	the	delivery.	If	a	purchaser	has	a	right	to	defer	delivery	to	a	later	date,	

the	performance	obligation	has	not	been	satisfied	and	revenue	is	deferred	and	recognized	only	when	the	product	is	delivered	

or	the	deferral	provision	can	no	longer	be	extended.	

Cenovus’s	revenue	transactions	do	not	contain	significant	financing	components	and	payments	are	typically	due	within	30	days	

of	 revenue	 recognition.	 The	 Company	 does	 not	 adjust	 transaction	 prices	 for	 the	 effects	 of	 a	 significant	 financing	 component	

when	the	period	between	the	transfer	of	the	promised	goods	or	services	to	the	customer	and	payment	by	the	customer	is	less	

than	one	year.	The	Company	does	not	disclose	or	quantify	information	about	remaining	performance	obligations	that	have	an	

original	 expected	 duration	 of	 one	 year	 or	 less	 and	 it	 does	 not	 have	 any	 long-term	 contracts	 with	 the	 exception	 of	 certain	

construction	contracts	with	HMLP	and	take-or-pay	contracts	with	unfulfilled	performance	obligations.	

The	cost	of	refining	feedstock,	crude	oil	and	diluent	purchased	for	optimization	activities,	and	costs	associated	with	transporting	

refined	products	to	market	are	recorded	as	purchased	product.	

The	costs	associated	with	the	transportation	of	crude	oil,	NGLs	and	natural	gas	for	upstream	operations,	including	the	cost	of	

diluent	used	in	blending,	are	recognized	when	the	product	is	sold.

Certain	 costs	 incurred	 after	 the	 legal	 right	 to	 explore	 is	 obtained	 are	 initially	 capitalized.	 If	 it	 is	 determined	 that	 the	 field/

project/area	is	not	technically	feasible	and	commercially	viable	or	if	the	Company	decides	not	to	continue	the	exploration	and	

evaluation	activity,	the	unrecoverable	accumulated	costs	are	expensed	as	exploration	expense.

The	 Company	 provides	 employees	 with	 a	 pension	 plan	 that	 includes	 either	 a	 defined	 contribution	 or	 defined	 benefit	

Other	 post-employment	 benefit	 (“OPEB”)	 plans	 are	 also	 provided	 to	 qualifying	 employees.	 In	 some	 cases,	 the	 benefits	 are	

provided	 through	 medical	 care	 plans	 to	 which	 the	 Company,	 the	 employees,	 the	 retirees	 and	 covered	 family	 members	

contribute.	In	some	plans,	benefits	are	not	funded	before	retirement.	

Pension	expense	for	the	defined	contribution	pension	is	recorded	as	the	benefits	are	earned.

The	cost	of	the	defined	benefit	pension	and	OPEB	plans	are	actuarially	determined	using	the	projected	unit	credit	method.	The	

amount	recognized	in	other	liabilities	on	the	Consolidated	Balance	Sheets	for	the	defined	benefit	pension	and	OPEB	plans	is	the	

present	value	of	the	defined	benefit	obligation	less	the	fair	value	of	plan	assets.	Any	surplus	resulting	from	this	calculation	is	

limited	to	the	present	value	of	any	economic	benefits	available	in	the	form	of	refunds	from	the	plans	or	reductions	in	future	

contributions	to	the	plans.	

D) Purchased	Product

E) Transportation	and	Blending

F) Exploration	Expense

incurred	as	exploration	expense.	

G) Employee	Benefit	Plans

component.	

Cenovus	recognizes	revenue	from	the	following	major	products	and	services:

Changes	in	the	defined	benefit	obligation	from	service	costs,	net	interest	and	re-measurements	are	recognized	as	follows:

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

•

•

•

Service	costs,	including	current	service	costs,	past	service	costs,	gains	and	losses	on	curtailments,	and	settlements,	are
recorded	with	pension	benefit	costs.
Net	interest	is	calculated	by	applying	the	same	discount	rate	used	to	measure	the	defined	benefit	obligation	at	the
beginning	of	the	annual	period	to	the	net	defined	benefit	asset	or	liability	measured.	Interest	expense	and	interest
income	on	net	post-employment	benefit	liabilities	and	assets	are	recorded	with	pension	benefit	costs	in	operating,
and	general	and	administrative	expenses,	as	well	as	PP&E	and	E&E	assets.
Re-measurements,	 composed	 of	 actuarial	 gains	 and	 losses,	 the	 effect	 of	 changes	 to	 the	 asset	 ceiling	 (excluding
interest)	 and	 the	 return	 on	 plan	 assets	 (excluding	 interest	 income),	 are	 charged	 or	 credited	 to	 equity	 in	 OCI	 in	 the
period	in	which	they	arise.	Re-measurements	are	not	reclassified	to	net	earnings	in	subsequent	periods.

Pension	 benefit	 costs	 are	 recorded	 in	 operating,	 and	 general	 and	 administrative	 expenses,	 as	 well	 as	 PP&E	 and	 E&E	 assets,	
corresponding	to	where	the	associated	salaries	of	the	employees	rendering	the	service	are	recorded.	

H) Government	Grants

Government	 grants	 are	 recognized	 when	 there	 is	 reasonable	 assurance	 that	 the	 grant	 will	 be	 received	 and	 all	 conditions	
associated	 with	 the	 grant	 are	 met.	 If	 a	 grant	 is	 received,	 but	 reasonable	 assurance	 and	 compliance	 with	 conditions	 is	 not	
achieved,	the	grant	is	recognized	as	a	deferred	liability	until	the	conditions	are	fulfilled.	Grants	related	to	assets	are	recorded	as	
a	reduction	to	the	asset’s	carrying	value	and	are	depreciated	over	the	useful	life	of	the	asset.	Claims	under	government	grant	
programs	related	to	income	are	recorded	as	other	income	in	the	period	in	which	eligible	expenses	were	incurred	or	when	the	
services	have	been	performed.	

I) Income	Taxes

Income	 taxes	 comprise	 current	 and	 deferred	 taxes.	 Income	 taxes	 are	 provided	 for	 on	 a	 non-discounted	 basis	 at	 amounts	
expected	to	be	paid	using	the	tax	rates	and	laws	that	have	been	enacted	or	substantively	enacted	at	the	Consolidated	Balance	
Sheet	date.

Cenovus	follows	the	liability	method	of	accounting	for	income	taxes,	where	deferred	income	taxes	are	recorded	for	the	effect	of	
any	temporary	difference	between	the	accounting	and	income	tax	basis	of	an	asset	or	liability,	using	the	substantively	enacted	
income	 tax	 rates	 expected	 to	 apply	 when	 the	 assets	 are	 realized	 or	 liabilities	 are	 settled.	 Deferred	 income	 tax	 balances	 are	
adjusted	 to	 reflect	 changes	 in	 income	 tax	 rates	 that	 are	 substantively	 enacted	 with	 the	 adjustment	 being	 recognized	 in	 net	
earnings	in	the	period	that	the	change	occurs,	except	when	it	relates	to	items	charged	or	credited	directly	to	equity	or	OCI,	in	
which	case	the	deferred	income	tax	is	also	recorded	in	equity	or	OCI,	respectively.

Deferred	income	tax	is	recognized	on	temporary	differences	arising	from	investments	in	subsidiaries	except	in	the	case	where	
the	 timing	 of	 the	 reversal	 of	 the	 temporary	 difference	 is	 controlled	 by	 the	 Company	 and	 it	 is	 probable	 that	 the	 temporary	
difference	will	not	reverse	in	the	foreseeable	future	or	when	distributions	can	be	made	without	incurring	income	taxes.

Deferred	 income	 tax	 assets	 are	 recognized	 only	 to	 the	 extent	 that	 it	 is	 probable	 that	 future	 taxable	 profit	 will	 be	 available	
against	which	the	temporary	differences	can	be	utilized.	Deferred	income	tax	assets	and	liabilities	are	only	offset	where	they	
arise	within	the	same	entity	and	tax	jurisdiction.	Deferred	income	tax	assets	and	liabilities	are	presented	as	non-current.

Costs	incurred	prior	to	obtaining	the	legal	right	to	explore	(pre-exploration	costs)	are	expensed	in	the	period	in	which	they	are	

J) Related	Party	Transactions

The	 Company	 enters	 into	 transactions	 and	 agreements	 in	 the	 normal	 course	 of	 business	 with	 certain	 related	 parties,	 joint	
arrangements	 and	 associates.	 Proceeds	 from	 the	 disposition	 of	 assets	 to	 related	 parties	 are	 recognized	 at	 fair	 value.	
Independent	opinions	of	fair	value	may	be	obtained	to	confirm	the	estimated	fair	value	of	proceeds.

K) Net	Earnings	per	Share	Amounts

Basic	 net	 earnings	 per	 share	 is	 computed	 by	 dividing	 net	 earnings	 by	 the	 weighted	 average	 number	 of	 common	 shares	
outstanding	 during	 the	 period.	 Diluted	 net	 earnings	 per	 share	 is	 calculated	 giving	 effect	 to	 the	 potential	 dilution	 that	 would	
occur	if	stock	options	or	other	contracts	to	issue	common	shares	were	exercised	or	converted	to	common	shares.	The	treasury	
stock	 method	 is	 used	 to	 determine	 the	 dilutive	 effect	 of	 stock	 options	 and	 other	 dilutive	 instruments.	 The	 treasury	 stock	
method	 assumes	 that	 proceeds	 received	 from	 the	 exercise	 of	 in-the-money	 stock	 options	 and	 other	 dilutive	 instruments	 are	
used	to	purchase	common	shares	at	the	average	market	price.	For	those	contracts	that	may	be	settled	in	cash	or	in	shares	at	
the	holder’s	option,	the	more	dilutive	of	cash	settlement	and	share	settlement	is	used	in	calculating	diluted	earnings	per	share.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   97

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

L) Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents

Cash	and	cash	equivalents	include	short-term	investments,	such	as	money	market	deposits	or	similar	type	instruments	with	a	
maturity	of	three	months	or	less.	

Cash	and	cash	equivalents	that	are	not	available	for	use	are	classified	as	restricted	cash.	When	restricted	cash	is	not	expected	to	
be	used	within	twelve	months,	it	is	classified	as	a	non-current	asset.	

M) Inventories

Product	 inventories	 are	 valued	 at	 the	 lower	 of	 cost	 and	 net	 realizable	 value	 on	 a	 first-in,	 first-out	 or	 weighted	 average	 cost	
basis.	 The	 cost	 of	 inventory	 includes	 all	 costs	 incurred	 in	 the	 normal	 course	 of	 business	 to	 bring	 each	 product	 to	 its	 present	
location	and	condition.	Net	realizable	value	is	the	estimated	selling	price	in	the	ordinary	course	of	business	less	any	expected	
selling	costs.	If	the	carrying	amount	exceeds	net	realizable	value,	a	write-down	is	recognized.	The	write-down	may	be	reversed	
in	a	subsequent	period	if	circumstances	which	caused	it	no	longer	exist	and	the	inventory	is	still	on	hand.

N) Exploration	and	Evaluation	Assets

Certain	costs	incurred	after	the	legal	right	to	explore	an	area	has	been	obtained,	and	before	technical	feasibility	and	commercial	
viability	 of	 the	 field/project/area	 have	 been	 established,	 are	 capitalized	 as	 E&E	 assets.	 E&E	 assets	 are	 carried	 forward	 until	
technical	feasibility	and	commercial	viability	of	the	field/project/area	is	established	or	the	assets	are	determined	to	be	impaired	
or	the	future	economic	value	has	decreased.	E&E	assets	are	subject	to	regular	technical,	commercial	and	Management	review	
to	confirm	the	continued	intent	to	develop	the	resources.	

Assets	classified	as	E&E	may	have	sales	of	crude	oil,	NGLs	or	natural	gas	prior	to	the	reclassification	to	PP&E.	These	operating	
results	 are	 recognized	 in	 the	 Consolidated	 Statements	 of	 Earnings	 (Loss).	 A	 depletion	 charge,	 recorded	 as	 depreciation,	
depletion	and	amortization	(“DD&A”),	is	recognized	on	this	production	using	a	unit-of-production	method	based	on	estimated	
proved	 reserves	 determined	 using	 forward	 prices	 and	 costs	 and	 considering	 any	 estimated	 future	 costs	 to	 be	 incurred	 in	
developing	the	proved	reserves.	Natural	gas	reserves	are	converted	on	an	energy	equivalent	basis.	

Non-producing	assets	classified	as	E&E	are	not	depleted.	

Once	 technical	 feasibility	 and	 commercial	 viability	 have	 been	 established,	 the	 carrying	 value	 of	 the	 E&E	 asset	 is	 tested	 for	
impairment.	The	carrying	value,	net	of	any	impairment	loss,	is	then	reclassified	as	PP&E.	

annually.

Any	gains	or	losses	from	the	divestiture	of	E&E	assets	are	recognized	in	net	earnings.

O) Property,	Plant	and	Equipment

General

PP&E	 is	 stated	 at	 cost	 less	 accumulated	 DD&A,	 and	 net	 of	 any	 impairment	 losses.	 Expenditures	 related	 to	 renewals	 or	
enhancements	that	improve	the	productive	capacity	or	extend	the	life	of	an	asset	are	capitalized.	Maintenance	and	repairs	are	
expensed	as	incurred.	Land	is	not	depreciated.	

Any	gains	or	losses	from	the	divestiture	of	PP&E	are	recognized	in	net	earnings.	

Crude	Oil	and	Natural	Gas	Properties

Development	 and	 production	 assets	 are	 capitalized	 on	 an	 area-by-area	 basis	 and	 include	 all	 costs	 associated	 with	 the	
development	 and	 production	 of	 crude	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas	 properties	 and	 related	 infrastructure	 facilities,	 as	 well	 as	 any	 E&E	
expenditures	incurred	in	finding	reserves	of	crude	oil,	NGLs	or	natural	gas	transferred	from	E&E	assets.	Capitalized	costs	include	
directly	 attributable	 internal	 costs,	 decommissioning	 liabilities	 and,	 for	 qualifying	 assets,	 borrowing	 costs	 directly	 associated	
with	the	acquisition	of,	the	exploration	for,	and	the	development	of	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	reserves.	

For	onshore	assets,	which	includes	assets	from	the	Oil	Sands	and	Conventional	segments,	costs	accumulated	within	each	area	
are	depleted	using	the	unit-of-production	method	based	on	estimated	proved	reserves	determined	using	forward	prices	and	
costs.	 Offshore	 assets	 are	 depleted	 using	 the	 unit-of-production	 method	 based	 on	 estimated	 proved	 developed	 producing	
reserves	or	proved	plus	probable	reserves	determined	using	forward	prices	and	costs.	For	the	purpose	of	these	calculations,	
natural	gas	is	converted	to	crude	oil	on	an	energy	equivalent	basis.	The	unit-of-production	method	based	on	proved	reserves	or	
proved	plus	probable	reserves	takes	into	account	any	expenditures	incurred	to	date	together	with	future	development	costs	to	
be	incurred	in	developing	those	reserves.

Exchanges	of	development	and	production	assets	are	measured	at	fair	value	unless	the	transaction	lacks	commercial	substance	
or	the	fair	value	of	either	the	asset	received,	or	the	asset	given	up,	cannot	be	reliably	measured.	When	fair	value	is	not	used,	
the	carrying	amount	of	the	asset	given	up	is	used	as	the	cost	of	the	asset	acquired.	

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Included	in	oil	and	gas	properties	are	information	technology	assets	used	to	support	the	upstream	business	and	are	depreciated	

on	a	straight-line	basis	over	their	useful	lives	of	three	years.	Gross	overriding	royalty	interests	(“GORRs”)	in	certain	crude	oil	and	

natural	gas	properties	are	depleted	using	a	unit-of-production	method.	

Manufacturing	Assets	

The	 initial	 costs	 of	 refining	 and	 upgrading	 PP&E	 are	 capitalized	 when	 incurred.	 Costs	 include	 the	 cost	 of	 constructing	 or	

otherwise	 acquiring	 the	 equipment	 or	 facilities,	 the	 cost	 of	 installing	 the	 asset	 and	 making	 it	 ready	 for	 its	 intended	 use,	 the	

associated	decommissioning	costs	and,	for	qualifying	assets,	borrowing	costs.	

Refining	and	upgrading	assets	are	depreciated	on	a	straight-line	basis	over	the	estimated	service	life	of	each	component	of	the	

refinery.	The	major	components	are	depreciated	as	follows: 

•

•

•

Land	improvements	and	buildings:	15	to	40	years.

Office	improvements	and	buildings:	3	to	15	years.

Refining	equipment:	10	to	60	years.

The	residual	value,	the	method	of	amortization	and	the	useful	life	of	each	component	are	reviewed	annually	and	adjusted	on	a	

prospective	basis,	if	appropriate.	

Processing,	Transportation	and	Storage	Assets,	Commercial	Fuels	Business	and	Other	

Depreciation	for	substantially	all	other	PP&E	is	calculated	on	a	straight-line	basis	based	on	the	estimated	useful	lives	of	assets,	

which	range	from	three	to	60	years.	The	useful	lives	are	estimated	based	upon	the	period	the	asset	is	expected	to	be	available	

The	 residual	 value,	 the	 method	 of	 amortization	 and	 the	 useful	 life	 of	 the	 assets	 are	 reviewed	 annually	 and	 adjusted	 on	 a	

for	use	by	the	Company.	

prospective	basis,	if	appropriate.	

P) Impairment	and	Impairment	Reversals	of	Non-Financial	Assets

PP&E,	E&E	assets	and	ROU	assets	are	reviewed	separately	for	indicators	of	impairment	on	a	quarterly	basis	or	when	facts	and	

circumstances	suggest	that	the	carrying	amount	may	exceed	its	recoverable	amount.	Goodwill	is	tested	for	impairment	at	least	

If	 indicators	 of	 impairment	 exist,	 the	 recoverable	 amount	 of	 the	 asset	 or	 cash-generating	 unit	 (“CGU”)	 is	 estimated	 as	 the	

greater	 of	 value-in-use	 (“VIU”)	 and	 fair	 value	 less	 costs	 of	 disposal	 (“FVLCOD”).	 VIU	 is	 estimated	 as	 the	 present	 value	 of	 the	

future	cash	flows	expected	to	arise	from	the	continuing	use	of	a	CGU	or	an	asset.	FVLCOD	is	the	amount	that	would	be	realized	

from	 the	 disposition	 of	 an	 asset	 or	 CGU	 in	 an	 arm’s	 length	 transaction	 between	 knowledgeable	 and	 willing	 parties.	 For	

Cenovus’s	upstream	assets,	FVLCOD	is	estimated	based	on	the	discounted	after-tax	cash	flows	of	reserves	and	resources	using	

forward	prices	and	costs,	consistent	with	Cenovus’s	independent	qualified	reserves	evaluators	(“IQREs”),	costs	to	develop	and	

the	discount	rate,	and	may	consider	an	evaluation	of	comparable	asset	transactions.	

E&E	 assets	 are	 allocated	 to	 a	 related	 CGU	 containing	 development	 and	 production	 assets	 for	 the	 purposes	 of	 testing	 for	

impairment.	ROU	assets	may	be	tested	as	part	of	a	CGU,	as	a	separate	CGU	or	as	an	individual	asset.	Goodwill	is	allocated	to	the	

CGUs	to	which	it	contributes	to	the	future	cash	flows.

If	the	recoverable	amount	of	the	CGU	is	less	than	the	carrying	amount,	an	impairment	loss	is	recognized.	An	impairment	loss	is	

allocated	first	to	reduce	the	carrying	amount	of	any	goodwill	allocated	to	the	CGU	and	then	to	reduce	the	carrying	amounts	of	

the	other	assets	in	the	CGU.	Goodwill	impairments	are	not	reversed.

Impairment	 losses	 on	 PP&E	 and	 ROU	 assets	 are	 recognized	 in	 the	 Consolidated	 Statements	 of	 Earnings	 (Loss)	 as	 additional	

DD&A	and	E&E	asset	impairments	or	write-downs	are	recognized	as	exploration	expense.	

Impairment	losses	recognized	in	prior	periods,	other	than	goodwill	impairments,	are	assessed	at	each	reporting	date	for	any	

indicators	 that	 the	 impairment	 losses	 may	 no	 longer	 exist	 or	 may	 have	 decreased.	 In	 the	 event	 that	 an	 impairment	 loss	

reverses,	the	carrying	amount	of	the	asset	is	increased	to	the	revised	estimate	of	its	recoverable	amount,	but	only	to	the	extent	

that	 the	 carrying	 amount	 does	 not	 exceed	 the	 amount	 that	 would	 have	 been	 determined	 had	 no	 impairment	 loss	 been	

recognized	on	the	asset	in	prior	periods.	The	amount	of	the	reversal	is	recognized	in	net	earnings.

98   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

L) Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents

maturity	of	three	months	or	less.	

be	used	within	twelve	months,	it	is	classified	as	a	non-current	asset.	

M) Inventories

Cash	and	cash	equivalents	include	short-term	investments,	such	as	money	market	deposits	or	similar	type	instruments	with	a	

Product	 inventories	 are	 valued	 at	 the	 lower	 of	 cost	 and	 net	 realizable	 value	 on	 a	 first-in,	 first-out	 or	 weighted	 average	 cost	

basis.	 The	 cost	 of	 inventory	 includes	 all	 costs	 incurred	 in	 the	 normal	 course	 of	 business	 to	 bring	 each	 product	 to	 its	 present	

location	and	condition.	Net	realizable	value	is	the	estimated	selling	price	in	the	ordinary	course	of	business	less	any	expected	

selling	costs.	If	the	carrying	amount	exceeds	net	realizable	value,	a	write-down	is	recognized.	The	write-down	may	be	reversed	

in	a	subsequent	period	if	circumstances	which	caused	it	no	longer	exist	and	the	inventory	is	still	on	hand.

N) Exploration	and	Evaluation	Assets

Certain	costs	incurred	after	the	legal	right	to	explore	an	area	has	been	obtained,	and	before	technical	feasibility	and	commercial	

viability	 of	 the	 field/project/area	 have	 been	 established,	 are	 capitalized	 as	 E&E	 assets.	 E&E	 assets	 are	 carried	 forward	 until	

technical	feasibility	and	commercial	viability	of	the	field/project/area	is	established	or	the	assets	are	determined	to	be	impaired	

or	the	future	economic	value	has	decreased.	E&E	assets	are	subject	to	regular	technical,	commercial	and	Management	review	

to	confirm	the	continued	intent	to	develop	the	resources.	

Assets	classified	as	E&E	may	have	sales	of	crude	oil,	NGLs	or	natural	gas	prior	to	the	reclassification	to	PP&E.	These	operating	

results	 are	 recognized	 in	 the	 Consolidated	 Statements	 of	 Earnings	 (Loss).	 A	 depletion	 charge,	 recorded	 as	 depreciation,	

depletion	and	amortization	(“DD&A”),	is	recognized	on	this	production	using	a	unit-of-production	method	based	on	estimated	

proved	 reserves	 determined	 using	 forward	 prices	 and	 costs	 and	 considering	 any	 estimated	 future	 costs	 to	 be	 incurred	 in	

developing	the	proved	reserves.	Natural	gas	reserves	are	converted	on	an	energy	equivalent	basis.	

Non-producing	assets	classified	as	E&E	are	not	depleted.	

Once	 technical	 feasibility	 and	 commercial	 viability	 have	 been	 established,	 the	 carrying	 value	 of	 the	 E&E	 asset	 is	 tested	 for	

impairment.	The	carrying	value,	net	of	any	impairment	loss,	is	then	reclassified	as	PP&E.	

Any	gains	or	losses	from	the	divestiture	of	E&E	assets	are	recognized	in	net	earnings.

O) Property,	Plant	and	Equipment

General

PP&E	 is	 stated	 at	 cost	 less	 accumulated	 DD&A,	 and	 net	 of	 any	 impairment	 losses.	 Expenditures	 related	 to	 renewals	 or	

enhancements	that	improve	the	productive	capacity	or	extend	the	life	of	an	asset	are	capitalized.	Maintenance	and	repairs	are	

expensed	as	incurred.	Land	is	not	depreciated.	

Any	gains	or	losses	from	the	divestiture	of	PP&E	are	recognized	in	net	earnings.	

Crude	Oil	and	Natural	Gas	Properties

Development	 and	 production	 assets	 are	 capitalized	 on	 an	 area-by-area	 basis	 and	 include	 all	 costs	 associated	 with	 the	

development	 and	 production	 of	 crude	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas	 properties	 and	 related	 infrastructure	 facilities,	 as	 well	 as	 any	 E&E	

expenditures	incurred	in	finding	reserves	of	crude	oil,	NGLs	or	natural	gas	transferred	from	E&E	assets.	Capitalized	costs	include	

directly	 attributable	 internal	 costs,	 decommissioning	 liabilities	 and,	 for	 qualifying	 assets,	 borrowing	 costs	 directly	 associated	

with	the	acquisition	of,	the	exploration	for,	and	the	development	of	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	reserves.	

For	onshore	assets,	which	includes	assets	from	the	Oil	Sands	and	Conventional	segments,	costs	accumulated	within	each	area	

are	depleted	using	the	unit-of-production	method	based	on	estimated	proved	reserves	determined	using	forward	prices	and	

costs.	 Offshore	 assets	 are	 depleted	 using	 the	 unit-of-production	 method	 based	 on	 estimated	 proved	 developed	 producing	

reserves	or	proved	plus	probable	reserves	determined	using	forward	prices	and	costs.	For	the	purpose	of	these	calculations,	

natural	gas	is	converted	to	crude	oil	on	an	energy	equivalent	basis.	The	unit-of-production	method	based	on	proved	reserves	or	

proved	plus	probable	reserves	takes	into	account	any	expenditures	incurred	to	date	together	with	future	development	costs	to	

be	incurred	in	developing	those	reserves.

Exchanges	of	development	and	production	assets	are	measured	at	fair	value	unless	the	transaction	lacks	commercial	substance	

or	the	fair	value	of	either	the	asset	received,	or	the	asset	given	up,	cannot	be	reliably	measured.	When	fair	value	is	not	used,	

the	carrying	amount	of	the	asset	given	up	is	used	as	the	cost	of	the	asset	acquired.	

Cash	and	cash	equivalents	that	are	not	available	for	use	are	classified	as	restricted	cash.	When	restricted	cash	is	not	expected	to	

Manufacturing	Assets	

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Included	in	oil	and	gas	properties	are	information	technology	assets	used	to	support	the	upstream	business	and	are	depreciated	
on	a	straight-line	basis	over	their	useful	lives	of	three	years.	Gross	overriding	royalty	interests	(“GORRs”)	in	certain	crude	oil	and	
natural	gas	properties	are	depleted	using	a	unit-of-production	method.	

The	 initial	 costs	 of	 refining	 and	 upgrading	 PP&E	 are	 capitalized	 when	 incurred.	 Costs	 include	 the	 cost	 of	 constructing	 or	
otherwise	 acquiring	 the	 equipment	 or	 facilities,	 the	 cost	 of	 installing	 the	 asset	 and	 making	 it	 ready	 for	 its	 intended	 use,	 the	
associated	decommissioning	costs	and,	for	qualifying	assets,	borrowing	costs.	

Refining	and	upgrading	assets	are	depreciated	on	a	straight-line	basis	over	the	estimated	service	life	of	each	component	of	the	
refinery.	The	major	components	are	depreciated	as	follows: 

•
•
•

Land	improvements	and	buildings:	15	to	40	years.
Office	improvements	and	buildings:	3	to	15	years.
Refining	equipment:	10	to	60	years.

The	residual	value,	the	method	of	amortization	and	the	useful	life	of	each	component	are	reviewed	annually	and	adjusted	on	a	
prospective	basis,	if	appropriate.	

Processing,	Transportation	and	Storage	Assets,	Commercial	Fuels	Business	and	Other	

Depreciation	for	substantially	all	other	PP&E	is	calculated	on	a	straight-line	basis	based	on	the	estimated	useful	lives	of	assets,	
which	range	from	three	to	60	years.	The	useful	lives	are	estimated	based	upon	the	period	the	asset	is	expected	to	be	available	
for	use	by	the	Company.	

The	 residual	 value,	 the	 method	 of	 amortization	 and	 the	 useful	 life	 of	 the	 assets	 are	 reviewed	 annually	 and	 adjusted	 on	 a	
prospective	basis,	if	appropriate.	

P) Impairment	and	Impairment	Reversals	of	Non-Financial	Assets

PP&E,	E&E	assets	and	ROU	assets	are	reviewed	separately	for	indicators	of	impairment	on	a	quarterly	basis	or	when	facts	and	
circumstances	suggest	that	the	carrying	amount	may	exceed	its	recoverable	amount.	Goodwill	is	tested	for	impairment	at	least	
annually.

If	 indicators	 of	 impairment	 exist,	 the	 recoverable	 amount	 of	 the	 asset	 or	 cash-generating	 unit	 (“CGU”)	 is	 estimated	 as	 the	
greater	 of	 value-in-use	 (“VIU”)	 and	 fair	 value	 less	 costs	 of	 disposal	 (“FVLCOD”).	 VIU	 is	 estimated	 as	 the	 present	 value	 of	 the	
future	cash	flows	expected	to	arise	from	the	continuing	use	of	a	CGU	or	an	asset.	FVLCOD	is	the	amount	that	would	be	realized	
from	 the	 disposition	 of	 an	 asset	 or	 CGU	 in	 an	 arm’s	 length	 transaction	 between	 knowledgeable	 and	 willing	 parties.	 For	
Cenovus’s	upstream	assets,	FVLCOD	is	estimated	based	on	the	discounted	after-tax	cash	flows	of	reserves	and	resources	using	
forward	prices	and	costs,	consistent	with	Cenovus’s	independent	qualified	reserves	evaluators	(“IQREs”),	costs	to	develop	and	
the	discount	rate,	and	may	consider	an	evaluation	of	comparable	asset	transactions.	

E&E	 assets	 are	 allocated	 to	 a	 related	 CGU	 containing	 development	 and	 production	 assets	 for	 the	 purposes	 of	 testing	 for	
impairment.	ROU	assets	may	be	tested	as	part	of	a	CGU,	as	a	separate	CGU	or	as	an	individual	asset.	Goodwill	is	allocated	to	the	
CGUs	to	which	it	contributes	to	the	future	cash	flows.

If	the	recoverable	amount	of	the	CGU	is	less	than	the	carrying	amount,	an	impairment	loss	is	recognized.	An	impairment	loss	is	
allocated	first	to	reduce	the	carrying	amount	of	any	goodwill	allocated	to	the	CGU	and	then	to	reduce	the	carrying	amounts	of	
the	other	assets	in	the	CGU.	Goodwill	impairments	are	not	reversed.

Impairment	 losses	 on	 PP&E	 and	 ROU	 assets	 are	 recognized	 in	 the	 Consolidated	 Statements	 of	 Earnings	 (Loss)	 as	 additional	
DD&A	and	E&E	asset	impairments	or	write-downs	are	recognized	as	exploration	expense.	

Impairment	losses	recognized	in	prior	periods,	other	than	goodwill	impairments,	are	assessed	at	each	reporting	date	for	any	
indicators	 that	 the	 impairment	 losses	 may	 no	 longer	 exist	 or	 may	 have	 decreased.	 In	 the	 event	 that	 an	 impairment	 loss	
reverses,	the	carrying	amount	of	the	asset	is	increased	to	the	revised	estimate	of	its	recoverable	amount,	but	only	to	the	extent	
that	 the	 carrying	 amount	 does	 not	 exceed	 the	 amount	 that	 would	 have	 been	 determined	 had	 no	 impairment	 loss	 been	
recognized	on	the	asset	in	prior	periods.	The	amount	of	the	reversal	is	recognized	in	net	earnings.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   99

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Q) Leases

The	Company	assesses	whether	a	contract	is	a	lease	based	on	whether	the	contract	conveys	the	right	to	control	the	use	of	an	
underlying	asset	for	a	period	of	time	in	exchange	for	consideration.	The	Company	allocates	the	consideration	in	the	contract	to	
each	lease	component	on	the	basis	of	their	relative	stand-alone	prices.	However,	for	the	leases	of	storage	tanks,	the	Company	
has	elected	not	to	separate	non-lease	components.	

As	Lessee	

Leases	are	recognized	as	a	ROU	asset	and	a	corresponding	lease	liability	at	the	date	on	which	the	leased	asset	is	available	for	
use	by	the	Company.	Assets	and	liabilities	arising	from	a	lease	are	initially	measured	on	a	present	value	basis.	Lease	liabilities	
include	the	net	present	value	of	fixed	payments,	costs	to	be	incurred	by	the	lessee	in	dismantling,	removing	and	restoring	the	
underlying	 asset,	 variable	 lease	 payments	 that	 are	 based	 on	 an	 index	 or	 a	 rate,	 amounts	 expected	 to	 be	 paid	 by	 the	 lessee	
under	 residual	 value	 guarantees,	 the	 exercise	 price	 of	 purchase	 options	 if	 the	 lessee	 is	 reasonably	 certain	 to	 exercise	 that	
option,	 and	 payments	 of	 penalties	 for	 terminating	 the	 lease,	 less	 any	 lease	 incentives	 receivable.	 These	 payments	 are	
discounted	 using	 the	 Company’s	 incremental	 borrowing	 rate	 when	 the	 rate	 implicit	 in	 the	 lease	 is	 not	 readily	 available.	 The	
Company	uses	a	single	discount	rate	for	a	portfolio	of	leases	with	reasonably	similar	characteristics.	

Lease	payments	are	allocated	between	the	liability	and	finance	costs.	The	finance	cost	is	charged	to	net	earnings	over	the	lease	
term.	

The	lease	liability	is	measured	at	amortized	cost	using	the	effective	interest	method.	It	is	re-measured	when	there	is	a	change	in	
the	future	lease	payments	arising	from	a	change	in	an	index	or	rate,	if	there	is	a	change	in	the	amount	expected	to	be	payable	
under	a	residual	value	guarantee	or	if	there	is	a	change	in	the	assessment	of	whether	the	Company	will	exercise	a	purchase,	
extension	or	termination	option	that	is	within	the	control	of	the	Company.	

When	 the	 lease	 liability	 is	 re-measured,	 a	 corresponding	 adjustment	 is	 made	 to	 the	 carrying	 amount	 of	 the	 ROU	 asset	 or	 is	
recorded	in	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss)	if	the	carrying	amount	of	the	ROU	asset	has	been	reduced	to	zero.	

The	 ROU	 asset	 is	 initially	 measured	 at	 cost,	 which	 comprises	 the	 initial	 amount	 of	 the	 lease	 liability	 any	 initial	 direct	 costs	
incurred	and	an	estimate	of	costs	to	dismantle	and	remove	the	underlying	asset	or	to	restore	the	underlying	asset	or	site	on	
which	it	is	located	less	any	lease	payments	made	at	or	before	the	commencement	date.	

The	ROU	asset	is	depreciated	on	a	straight-line	basis,	over	the	shorter	of	the	estimated	useful	life	of	the	asset	or	lease	term,	or	
using	 the	 unit-of-production	 method.	 The	 ROU	 asset	 may	 be	 adjusted	 for	 certain	 re-measurements	 of	 the	 lease	 liability	 and	
impairment	losses.	

Leases	that	have	a	term	of	less	than	twelve	months	or	leases	for	which	the	underlying	asset	is	of	low	value	are	recognized	as	an	
expense	 in	 the	 Consolidated	 Statements	 of	 Earnings	 (Loss)	 on	 a	 systematic	 basis	 over	 the	 lease	 term	 in	 either	 operating,	
transportation	or	general	and	administrative	expense.

A	lease	modification	will	be	accounted	for	as	a	separate	lease	if	the	modification	increases	the	scope	of	the	lease	and	if	the	
consideration	for	the	lease	increases	by	an	amount	commensurate	with	the	stand-alone	price	for	the	increase	in	scope.	For	a	
modification	that	is	not	a	separate	lease	or	where	the	increase	in	consideration	is	not	commensurate,	at	the	effective	date	of	
the	lease	modification,	the	Company	will	re-measure	the	lease	liability	using	the	Company’s	incremental	borrowing	rate,	when	
the	rate	implicit	to	the	lease	is	not	readily	available,	with	a	corresponding	adjustment	to	the	ROU	asset.	A	modification	that	
decreases	the	scope	of	the	lease	will	be	accounted	for	by	decreasing	the	carrying	amount	of	the	ROU	asset,	and	recognizing	a	
gain	or	loss	in	net	earnings	that	reflects	the	proportionate	decrease	in	scope.	

As	Lessor	

As	 a	 lessor,	 the	 Company	 assesses	 at	 inception	 whether	 a	 lease	 is	 a	 finance	 or	 operating	 lease.	 Leases	 where	 the	 Company	
transfers	 substantially	 all	 of	 the	 risk	 and	 rewards	 incidental	 to	 ownership	 of	 the	 underlying	 asset	 are	 classified	 as	 financing	
leases.	Under	a	finance	lease,	the	Company	recognizes	a	receivable	at	an	amount	equal	to	the	net	investment	in	the	lease	which	
is	 the	 present	 value	 of	 the	 aggregate	 of	 lease	 payments	 receivable	 by	 the	 lessor.	 If	 substantially	 all	 the	 risks	 and	 rewards	 of	
ownership	of	an	asset	are	not	transferred	the	lease	is	classified	as	an	operating	lease.	The	Company	recognizes	lease	payments	
received	under	operating	leases	as	income	on	a	straight-line	basis	over	the	lease	term	as	other	income.	

When	 the	 Company	 is	 an	 intermediate	 lessor,	 it	 accounts	 for	 its	 interest	 in	 the	 head	 lease	 and	 the	 sublease	 separately.	 It	
assesses	the	lease	classification	of	a	sublease	with	reference	to	the	ROU	asset	from	the	head	lease	not	with	reference	to	the	
underlying	assets.	If	the	head	lease	is	a	short-term	lease	to	which	the	Company	applies	the	exemption	for	lease	accounting,	the	
sublease	is	classified	as	an	operating	lease.

100   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

R) Intangible	Assets

Intangible	 assets	 acquired	 separately	 are	 initially	 measured	 at	 cost.	 Following	 initial	 recognition,	 intangible	 assets	 are	

recognized	at	cost	less	any	accumulated	amortization	and	accumulated	impairment	losses.	Intangible	assets	with	finite	lives	are	

amortized	over	the	useful	life	and	assessed	for	impairment	whenever	there	is	an	indication	that	the	intangible	asset	may	be	

impaired.	The	amortization	expense	on	intangible	assets	is	recognized	in	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss)	in	the	

expense	 category	 consistent	 with	 the	 function	 of	 the	 intangible	 asset.	 Impairment	 losses	 are	 recognized	 in	 the	 Consolidated	

Statements	of	Earnings(Loss)	as	DD&A.

S) Business	Combinations	and	Goodwill

Business	combinations	are	accounted	for	using	the	acquisition	method	of	accounting	in	which	the	identifiable	assets	acquired,	

liabilities	 assumed	 and	 non-controlling	 interest,	 if	 any,	 are	 recognized	 and	 measured	 at	 their	 fair	 value	 at	 the	 date	 of	

acquisition,	with	the	exception	of	income	taxes,	stock-based	compensation,	lease	liabilities	and	ROU	assets.	Any	excess	of	the	

purchase	 price	 plus	 any	 non-controlling	 interest	 over	 the	 value	 of	 the	 net	 assets	 acquired	 is	 recognized	 as	 goodwill.	 Any	

deficiency	 of	 the	 purchase	 price	 over	 the	 value	 of	 the	 net	 assets	 acquired	 is	 credited	 to	 net	 earnings.	 Acquisition	 costs	 are	

expensed	as	incurred.

any	accumulated	impairment	losses.

At	acquisition,	goodwill	is	allocated	to	each	of	the	CGUs	to	which	it	relates.	Subsequent	measurement	of	goodwill	is	at	cost	less	

Contingent	 consideration	 transferred	 in	 a	 business	 combination	 is	 measured	 at	 fair	 value	 on	 the	 date	 of	 acquisition	 and	

classified	as	a	financial	liability	or	equity	in	accordance	with	the	terms	of	the	agreement.	Contingent	consideration	classified	as	

a	liability	is	re-measured	at	fair	value	at	each	reporting	date,	with	changes	in	fair	value	recognized	in	net	earnings.	Payments	are	

classified	as	cash	used	in	investing	activities	until	the	cumulative	payments	exceed	the	acquisition	date	fair	value	of	the	liability.	

Cumulative	payments	in	excess	of	the	acquisition	date	fair	value	are	classified	as	cash	used	in	operating	activities.	Contingent	

consideration	classified	as	equity	are	not	re-measured	and	settlements	are	accounted	for	within	equity.	

When	a	business	combination	is	achieved	in	stages,	the	Company	re-measures	its	pre-existing	interest	at	the	acquisition	date	

fair	value	and	recognizes	the	resulting	gain	or	loss,	if	any,	in	net	earnings.

T) Provisions

A	provision	is	recognized	if,	as	a	result	of	a	past	event,	the	Company	has	a	present	obligation,	legal	or	constructive,	that	can	be	

estimated	reliably,	and	it	is	more	likely	than	not	that	an	outflow	of	economic	benefits	will	be	required	to	settle	the	obligation.	

Where	 applicable,	 provisions	 are	 determined	 by	 discounting	 the	 expected	 future	 cash	 flows	 at	 a	 pre-tax	 credit-adjusted	 rate	

that	reflects	the	current	market	assessments	of	the	time	value	of	money	and	the	risks	specific	to	the	liability.	The	increase	in	the	

provision	due	to	the	passage	of	time	is	recognized	as	a	finance	cost	in	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss).

Decommissioning	Liabilities	

Decommissioning	liabilities	include	those	legal	or	constructive	obligations	where	the	Company	will	be	required	to	retire	tangible	

long-lived	assets	such	as	producing	well	sites,	upstream	processing	facilities,	surface	and	subsea	plant	and	equipment,	refining	

facilities	and	the	crude-by-rail	terminal.	The	amount	recognized	is	the	present	value	of	estimated	future	expenditures	required	

to	settle	the	obligation	using	a	credit-adjusted	risk-free	rate.	A	corresponding	asset	equal	to	the	initial	estimate	of	the	liability	is	

capitalized	 as	 part	 of	 the	 cost	 of	 the	 related	 long-lived	 asset.	 Changes	 in	 the	 estimated	 liability	 resulting	 from	 revisions	 to	

expected	timing	or	future	decommissioning	costs	are	recognized	as	a	change	in	the	decommissioning	liability	and	the	related	

long-lived	asset.	The	amount	capitalized	in	PP&E	is	depreciated	over	the	useful	life	of	the	related	asset.	

Actual	expenditures	incurred	are	charged	against	the	accumulated	liability.

Onerous	Contract	Provisions

Onerous	contract	provisions	are	recognized	when	the	unavoidable	costs	of	meeting	the	obligation	exceed	the	economic	benefit	

derived	from	the	contract.	The	provision	for	onerous	contracts	is	measured	at	the	present	value	of	estimated	future	cash	flows	

underlying	 the	 obligations	 less	 any	 estimated	 recoveries,	 discounted	 at	 the	 credit-adjusted	 risk-free	 rate.	 Changes	 in	 the	

underlying	assumptions	are	recognized	in	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss).

Renewable	Fuel	Obligations

The	Company’s	U.S.	refining	operations	incur	a	renewable	volume	obligation	(“RVO”),	which	the	Company	settles	annually	using	

renewable	identification	numbers	(“RINs”).	After	considering	RINs	on	hand,	the	RVO	is	measured	as	the	expected	market	price	

of	the	additional	RINs	required	to	settle	the	compliance	obligation.	RINs	purchased	with	biofuel	are	measured	using	the	average	

market	 price	 in	 the	 month	 purchased.	 RINs	 purchased	 on	 a	 secondary	 market	 are	 measured	 at	 cost.	 A	 net	 RIN	 position	 is	

presented	in	other	assets	and	a	net	RVO	position	is	included	in	other	liabilities.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Q) Leases

As	Lessee	

term.	

The	Company	assesses	whether	a	contract	is	a	lease	based	on	whether	the	contract	conveys	the	right	to	control	the	use	of	an	

underlying	asset	for	a	period	of	time	in	exchange	for	consideration.	The	Company	allocates	the	consideration	in	the	contract	to	

each	lease	component	on	the	basis	of	their	relative	stand-alone	prices.	However,	for	the	leases	of	storage	tanks,	the	Company	

has	elected	not	to	separate	non-lease	components.	

Leases	are	recognized	as	a	ROU	asset	and	a	corresponding	lease	liability	at	the	date	on	which	the	leased	asset	is	available	for	

use	by	the	Company.	Assets	and	liabilities	arising	from	a	lease	are	initially	measured	on	a	present	value	basis.	Lease	liabilities	

include	the	net	present	value	of	fixed	payments,	costs	to	be	incurred	by	the	lessee	in	dismantling,	removing	and	restoring	the	

underlying	 asset,	 variable	 lease	 payments	 that	 are	 based	 on	 an	 index	 or	 a	 rate,	 amounts	 expected	 to	 be	 paid	 by	 the	 lessee	

under	 residual	 value	 guarantees,	 the	 exercise	 price	 of	 purchase	 options	 if	 the	 lessee	 is	 reasonably	 certain	 to	 exercise	 that	

option,	 and	 payments	 of	 penalties	 for	 terminating	 the	 lease,	 less	 any	 lease	 incentives	 receivable.	 These	 payments	 are	

discounted	 using	 the	 Company’s	 incremental	 borrowing	 rate	 when	 the	 rate	 implicit	 in	 the	 lease	 is	 not	 readily	 available.	 The	

Company	uses	a	single	discount	rate	for	a	portfolio	of	leases	with	reasonably	similar	characteristics.	

Lease	payments	are	allocated	between	the	liability	and	finance	costs.	The	finance	cost	is	charged	to	net	earnings	over	the	lease	

The	lease	liability	is	measured	at	amortized	cost	using	the	effective	interest	method.	It	is	re-measured	when	there	is	a	change	in	

the	future	lease	payments	arising	from	a	change	in	an	index	or	rate,	if	there	is	a	change	in	the	amount	expected	to	be	payable	

under	a	residual	value	guarantee	or	if	there	is	a	change	in	the	assessment	of	whether	the	Company	will	exercise	a	purchase,	

extension	or	termination	option	that	is	within	the	control	of	the	Company.	

When	 the	 lease	 liability	 is	 re-measured,	 a	 corresponding	 adjustment	 is	 made	 to	 the	 carrying	 amount	 of	 the	 ROU	 asset	 or	 is	

recorded	in	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss)	if	the	carrying	amount	of	the	ROU	asset	has	been	reduced	to	zero.	

The	 ROU	 asset	 is	 initially	 measured	 at	 cost,	 which	 comprises	 the	 initial	 amount	 of	 the	 lease	 liability	 any	 initial	 direct	 costs	

incurred	and	an	estimate	of	costs	to	dismantle	and	remove	the	underlying	asset	or	to	restore	the	underlying	asset	or	site	on	

which	it	is	located	less	any	lease	payments	made	at	or	before	the	commencement	date.	

The	ROU	asset	is	depreciated	on	a	straight-line	basis,	over	the	shorter	of	the	estimated	useful	life	of	the	asset	or	lease	term,	or	

using	 the	 unit-of-production	 method.	 The	 ROU	 asset	 may	 be	 adjusted	 for	 certain	 re-measurements	 of	 the	 lease	 liability	 and	

impairment	losses.	

Leases	that	have	a	term	of	less	than	twelve	months	or	leases	for	which	the	underlying	asset	is	of	low	value	are	recognized	as	an	

expense	 in	 the	 Consolidated	 Statements	 of	 Earnings	 (Loss)	 on	 a	 systematic	 basis	 over	 the	 lease	 term	 in	 either	 operating,	

transportation	or	general	and	administrative	expense.

A	lease	modification	will	be	accounted	for	as	a	separate	lease	if	the	modification	increases	the	scope	of	the	lease	and	if	the	

consideration	for	the	lease	increases	by	an	amount	commensurate	with	the	stand-alone	price	for	the	increase	in	scope.	For	a	

modification	that	is	not	a	separate	lease	or	where	the	increase	in	consideration	is	not	commensurate,	at	the	effective	date	of	

the	lease	modification,	the	Company	will	re-measure	the	lease	liability	using	the	Company’s	incremental	borrowing	rate,	when	

the	rate	implicit	to	the	lease	is	not	readily	available,	with	a	corresponding	adjustment	to	the	ROU	asset.	A	modification	that	

decreases	the	scope	of	the	lease	will	be	accounted	for	by	decreasing	the	carrying	amount	of	the	ROU	asset,	and	recognizing	a	

gain	or	loss	in	net	earnings	that	reflects	the	proportionate	decrease	in	scope.	

As	Lessor	

As	 a	 lessor,	 the	 Company	 assesses	 at	 inception	 whether	 a	 lease	 is	 a	 finance	 or	 operating	 lease.	 Leases	 where	 the	 Company	

transfers	 substantially	 all	 of	 the	 risk	 and	 rewards	 incidental	 to	 ownership	 of	 the	 underlying	 asset	 are	 classified	 as	 financing	

leases.	Under	a	finance	lease,	the	Company	recognizes	a	receivable	at	an	amount	equal	to	the	net	investment	in	the	lease	which	

is	 the	 present	 value	 of	 the	 aggregate	 of	 lease	 payments	 receivable	 by	 the	 lessor.	 If	 substantially	 all	 the	 risks	 and	 rewards	 of	

ownership	of	an	asset	are	not	transferred	the	lease	is	classified	as	an	operating	lease.	The	Company	recognizes	lease	payments	

received	under	operating	leases	as	income	on	a	straight-line	basis	over	the	lease	term	as	other	income.	

When	 the	 Company	 is	 an	 intermediate	 lessor,	 it	 accounts	 for	 its	 interest	 in	 the	 head	 lease	 and	 the	 sublease	 separately.	 It	

assesses	the	lease	classification	of	a	sublease	with	reference	to	the	ROU	asset	from	the	head	lease	not	with	reference	to	the	

underlying	assets.	If	the	head	lease	is	a	short-term	lease	to	which	the	Company	applies	the	exemption	for	lease	accounting,	the	

sublease	is	classified	as	an	operating	lease.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

R) Intangible	Assets

Intangible	 assets	 acquired	 separately	 are	 initially	 measured	 at	 cost.	 Following	 initial	 recognition,	 intangible	 assets	 are	
recognized	at	cost	less	any	accumulated	amortization	and	accumulated	impairment	losses.	Intangible	assets	with	finite	lives	are	
amortized	over	the	useful	life	and	assessed	for	impairment	whenever	there	is	an	indication	that	the	intangible	asset	may	be	
impaired.	The	amortization	expense	on	intangible	assets	is	recognized	in	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss)	in	the	
expense	 category	 consistent	 with	 the	 function	 of	 the	 intangible	 asset.	 Impairment	 losses	 are	 recognized	 in	 the	 Consolidated	
Statements	of	Earnings(Loss)	as	DD&A.

S) Business	Combinations	and	Goodwill

Business	combinations	are	accounted	for	using	the	acquisition	method	of	accounting	in	which	the	identifiable	assets	acquired,	
liabilities	 assumed	 and	 non-controlling	 interest,	 if	 any,	 are	 recognized	 and	 measured	 at	 their	 fair	 value	 at	 the	 date	 of	
acquisition,	with	the	exception	of	income	taxes,	stock-based	compensation,	lease	liabilities	and	ROU	assets.	Any	excess	of	the	
purchase	 price	 plus	 any	 non-controlling	 interest	 over	 the	 value	 of	 the	 net	 assets	 acquired	 is	 recognized	 as	 goodwill.	 Any	
deficiency	 of	 the	 purchase	 price	 over	 the	 value	 of	 the	 net	 assets	 acquired	 is	 credited	 to	 net	 earnings.	 Acquisition	 costs	 are	
expensed	as	incurred.

At	acquisition,	goodwill	is	allocated	to	each	of	the	CGUs	to	which	it	relates.	Subsequent	measurement	of	goodwill	is	at	cost	less	
any	accumulated	impairment	losses.

Contingent	 consideration	 transferred	 in	 a	 business	 combination	 is	 measured	 at	 fair	 value	 on	 the	 date	 of	 acquisition	 and	
classified	as	a	financial	liability	or	equity	in	accordance	with	the	terms	of	the	agreement.	Contingent	consideration	classified	as	
a	liability	is	re-measured	at	fair	value	at	each	reporting	date,	with	changes	in	fair	value	recognized	in	net	earnings.	Payments	are	
classified	as	cash	used	in	investing	activities	until	the	cumulative	payments	exceed	the	acquisition	date	fair	value	of	the	liability.	
Cumulative	payments	in	excess	of	the	acquisition	date	fair	value	are	classified	as	cash	used	in	operating	activities.	Contingent	
consideration	classified	as	equity	are	not	re-measured	and	settlements	are	accounted	for	within	equity.	

When	a	business	combination	is	achieved	in	stages,	the	Company	re-measures	its	pre-existing	interest	at	the	acquisition	date	
fair	value	and	recognizes	the	resulting	gain	or	loss,	if	any,	in	net	earnings.

T) Provisions

A	provision	is	recognized	if,	as	a	result	of	a	past	event,	the	Company	has	a	present	obligation,	legal	or	constructive,	that	can	be	
estimated	reliably,	and	it	is	more	likely	than	not	that	an	outflow	of	economic	benefits	will	be	required	to	settle	the	obligation.	
Where	 applicable,	 provisions	 are	 determined	 by	 discounting	 the	 expected	 future	 cash	 flows	 at	 a	 pre-tax	 credit-adjusted	 rate	
that	reflects	the	current	market	assessments	of	the	time	value	of	money	and	the	risks	specific	to	the	liability.	The	increase	in	the	
provision	due	to	the	passage	of	time	is	recognized	as	a	finance	cost	in	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss).

Decommissioning	Liabilities	

Decommissioning	liabilities	include	those	legal	or	constructive	obligations	where	the	Company	will	be	required	to	retire	tangible	
long-lived	assets	such	as	producing	well	sites,	upstream	processing	facilities,	surface	and	subsea	plant	and	equipment,	refining	
facilities	and	the	crude-by-rail	terminal.	The	amount	recognized	is	the	present	value	of	estimated	future	expenditures	required	
to	settle	the	obligation	using	a	credit-adjusted	risk-free	rate.	A	corresponding	asset	equal	to	the	initial	estimate	of	the	liability	is	
capitalized	 as	 part	 of	 the	 cost	 of	 the	 related	 long-lived	 asset.	 Changes	 in	 the	 estimated	 liability	 resulting	 from	 revisions	 to	
expected	timing	or	future	decommissioning	costs	are	recognized	as	a	change	in	the	decommissioning	liability	and	the	related	
long-lived	asset.	The	amount	capitalized	in	PP&E	is	depreciated	over	the	useful	life	of	the	related	asset.	

Actual	expenditures	incurred	are	charged	against	the	accumulated	liability.

Onerous	Contract	Provisions

Onerous	contract	provisions	are	recognized	when	the	unavoidable	costs	of	meeting	the	obligation	exceed	the	economic	benefit	
derived	from	the	contract.	The	provision	for	onerous	contracts	is	measured	at	the	present	value	of	estimated	future	cash	flows	
underlying	 the	 obligations	 less	 any	 estimated	 recoveries,	 discounted	 at	 the	 credit-adjusted	 risk-free	 rate.	 Changes	 in	 the	
underlying	assumptions	are	recognized	in	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss).

Renewable	Fuel	Obligations

The	Company’s	U.S.	refining	operations	incur	a	renewable	volume	obligation	(“RVO”),	which	the	Company	settles	annually	using	
renewable	identification	numbers	(“RINs”).	After	considering	RINs	on	hand,	the	RVO	is	measured	as	the	expected	market	price	
of	the	additional	RINs	required	to	settle	the	compliance	obligation.	RINs	purchased	with	biofuel	are	measured	using	the	average	
market	 price	 in	 the	 month	 purchased.	 RINs	 purchased	 on	 a	 secondary	 market	 are	 measured	 at	 cost.	 A	 net	 RIN	 position	 is	
presented	in	other	assets	and	a	net	RVO	position	is	included	in	other	liabilities.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   101

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

U) Share	Capital	and	Warrants

Common	 shares	 and	 preferred	 shares	 are	 classified	 as	 equity.	 Preferred	 shares	 are	 cancellable	 and	 redeemable	 only	 at	 the	
Company’s	 option.	 Dividends	 on	 common	 shares	 consist	 of	 base	 dividends	 and	 variable	 dividends.	 Variable	 dividends	 are	
reviewed	quarterly	and	paid	if	certain	performance	measurements	are	met	at	the	end	of	the	applicable	period.	Dividends	on	
common	 shares	 and	 preferred	 shares	 are	 discretionary	 and	 payable	 only	 if	 declared	 by	 Cenovus’s	 Board	 of	 Directors.	 If	 a	
dividend	on	any	preferred	share	is	not	paid	in	full	on	any	dividend	payment	date,	then	a	dividend	restriction	on	the	common	
shares	shall	apply.	The	preferred	share	dividends	are	cumulative.

Transaction	costs	directly	attributable	to	the	issue	of	common	shares	and	preferred	shares	are	recognized	as	a	deduction	from	
equity,	 net	 of	 any	 income	 taxes.	 Dividends	 on	 common	 shares	 and	 preferred	 shares	 are	 recognized	 within	 equity.	 When	
purchased,	common	shares	are	reduced	by	the	average	carrying	value	with	the	excess	of	the	purchase	price	recognized	as	a	
reduction	in	Cenovus’s	paid	in	surplus.	Common	shares	are	cancelled	subsequent	to	being	purchased.	

Warrants	 issued	 in	 the	 Arrangement	 are	 financial	 instruments	 classified	 as	 equity	 and	 were	 measured	 at	 fair	 value	 upon	
issuance.	On	exercise,	the	cash	consideration	received	by	the	Company	and	the	associated	carrying	value	of	the	warrants	are	
recorded	as	share	capital.	

V) Stock-Based	Compensation

Cenovus	has	a	number	of	stock-based	compensation	plans	which	include	stock	options	with	associated	net	settlement	rights	
(“NSRs”),	Cenovus	replacement	stock	options,	performance	share	units	(“PSUs”),	restricted	share	units	(“RSUs”)	and	deferred	
share	 units	 (“DSUs”).	 Stock-based	 compensation	 costs	 are	 recorded	 in	 general	 and	 administrative	 expenses,	 or	 recorded	 to	
PP&E	or	E&E	assets	when	directly	related	to	exploration	or	development	activities.

Stock	Options	With	Associated	Net	Settlement	Rights

NSRs	 are	 accounted	 for	 as	 equity	 instruments,	 which	 are	 measured	 at	 fair	 value	 on	 the	 grant	 date	 using	 the	 Black-Scholes-
Merton	valuation	model	and	are	not	revalued	at	each	reporting	date.	The	fair	value	is	recognized	as	stock-based	compensation	
over	the	vesting	period,	with	a	corresponding	increase	recorded	as	paid	in	surplus	in	shareholders’	equity.	On	exercise,	the	cash	
consideration	received	by	the	Company	and	the	associated	paid	in	surplus	are	recorded	as	share	capital.	

Cenovus	Replacement	Stock	Options	

Cenovus	replacement	stock	options	are	accounted	for	as	liability	instruments,	which	are	measured	at	fair	value	at	each	period	
end	using	the	Black-Scholes-Merton	valuation	model.	The	fair	value	is	recognized	as	stock-based	compensation	over	the	vesting	
period.	When	stock	options	are	settled	for	cash,	the	liability	is	reduced	by	the	cash	settlement	paid.	When	stock	options	are	
settled	for	common	shares,	the	 cash	consideration	received	by	the	 Company	and	 the	 previously	 recorded	liability	 associated	
with	the	stock	option	is	recorded	as	share	capital.

Performance,	Restricted	and	Deferred	Share	Units

PSUs,	RSUs	and	DSUs	are	accounted	for	as	liability	instruments	and	are	measured	at	fair	value	based	on	the	market	value	of	
Cenovus’s	 common	 shares	 at	 each	 period	 end.	 The	 fair	 value	 is	 recognized	 as	 stock-based	 compensation	 over	 the	 vesting	
period.	 Fluctuations	 in	 the	 fair	 values	 are	 recognized	 as	 stock-based	 compensation	 in	 the	 period	 they	 occur.	 Stock-based	
compensation	is	recorded	to	PP&E	or	E&E	assets	when	it	is	directly	related	to	exploration	or	development	activities.

W) Financial	Instruments

The	Company’s	financial	assets	include	cash	and	cash	equivalents,	accounts	receivable	and	accrued	revenues,	restricted	cash,	
risk	management	assets,	net	investment	in	finance	leases,	investments	in	the	equity	of	companies	and	long-term	receivables.	
The	 Company’s	 financial	 liabilities	 include	 accounts	 payable	 and	 accrued	 liabilities,	 short-term	 borrowings,	 lease	 liabilities,	
contingent	payments,	risk	management	liabilities	and	long-term	debt.

Financial	 instruments	 are	 recognized	 when	 the	 Company	 becomes	 a	 party	 to	 the	 contractual	 provisions	 of	 the	 instrument.	
Financial	assets	and	liabilities	are	not	offset	unless	the	Company	has	the	current	legal	right	to	offset	and	intends	to	settle	on	a	
net	basis	or	settle	the	asset	and	liability	simultaneously.	

The	 Company	 characterizes	 its	 fair	 value	 measurements	 into	 a	 three-level	 hierarchy	 depending	 on	 the	 degree	 to	 which	 the	
inputs	are	observable,	as	follows:

•
•

•

Level	1	inputs	are	quoted	prices	in	active	markets	for	identical	assets	and	liabilities.
Level	2	inputs	are	inputs,	other	than	quoted	prices	included	within	Level	1,	that	are	observable	for	the	asset	or	liability
either	directly	or	indirectly.
Level	3	inputs	are	unobservable	inputs	for	the	asset	or	liability.

102   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Classification	and	Measurement	of	Financial	Assets

The	initial	classification	of	a	financial	asset	depends	upon	the	Company’s	business	model	for	managing	its	financial	assets	and	

the	contractual	terms	of	the	cash	flows.	There	are	three	measurement	categories	into	which	the	Company	classified	its	financial	

assets:

•

•

•

Amortized	 Cost:	 Includes	 assets	 that	 are	 held	 within	 a	 business	 model	 whose	 objective	 is	 to	 hold	 assets	 to	 collect

contractual	 cash	 flows	 and	 its	 contractual	 terms	 give	 rise	 on	 specified	 dates	 to	 cash	 flows	 that	 represent	 solely

payments	of	principal	and	interest.

FVOCI:	 Includes	 assets	 that	 are	 held	 within	 a	 business	 model	 whose	 objective	 is	 achieved	 by	 both	 collecting

contractual	cash	flows	and	selling	the	financial	assets,	where	its	contractual	terms	give	rise	on	specified	dates	to	cash

flows	that	represent	solely	payments	of	principal	and	interest.

Fair	Value	through	Profit	or	Loss	(“FVTPL”):	Includes	assets	that	do	not	meet	the	criteria	for	amortized	cost	or	FVOCI

and	are	measured	at	fair	value	through	profit	or	loss.	This	includes	all	derivative	financial	assets.

On	initial	recognition,	the	Company	may	irrevocably	designate	a	financial	asset	that	meets	the	amortized	cost	or	FVOCI	criteria	

as	measured	at	FVTPL	if	doing	so	eliminates	or	significantly	reduces	an	accounting	mismatch.	On	initial	recognition	of	an	equity	

investment	that	is	not	held-for-trading,	the	Company	may	irrevocably	elect	to	present	subsequent	changes	in	the	investment’s	

fair	 value	 in	 OCI.	 There	 is	 no	 subsequent	 reclassification	 of	 fair	 value	 changes	 to	 earnings	 following	 the	 derecognition	 of	 the	

investment.	However,	dividends	that	reflect	a	return	on	investment	continue	to	be	recognized	in	net	earnings.	This	election	is	

made	on	an	investment-by-investment	basis.	

At	initial	recognition,	the	Company	measures	a	financial	asset	at	its	fair	value	and,	in	the	case	of	a	financial	asset	not	at	FVTPL,	

including	transaction	costs	that	are	directly	attributable	to	the	acquisition	of	the	financial	asset.	Transaction	costs	of	financial	

assets	carried	at	FVTPL	are	recorded	as	an	expense	in	net	earnings.	

Financial	assets	are	reclassified	subsequent	to	their	initial	recognition	only	if	the	business	model	for	managing	those	financial	

assets	 changes.	 The	 affected	 financial	 assets	 will	 be	 reclassified	 on	 the	 first	 day	 of	 the	 first	 reporting	 period	 following	 the	

change	in	the	business	model.	

A	financial	asset	is	derecognized	when	the	rights	to	receive	cash	flows	from	the	asset	have	expired	or	have	been	transferred	

and	the	Company	has	transferred	substantially	all	the	risks	and	rewards	of	ownership.

Impairment	of	Financial	Assets

The	Company	recognizes	loss	allowances	for	expected	credit	losses	(“ECLs”)	on	its	financial	assets	measured	at	amortized	cost.	

Due	 to	 the	 nature	 of	 its	 financial	 assets,	 Cenovus	 measures	 loss	 allowances	 at	 an	 amount	 equal	 to	 expected	 lifetime	 ECLs.	

Lifetime	ECLs	are	the	anticipated	ECLs	that	result	from	all	possible	default	events	over	the	expected	life	of	a	financial	asset.	ECLs	

are	a	probability-weighted	estimate	of	credit	losses.	Credit	losses	are	measured	as	the	present	value	of	all	cash	shortfalls	(i.e.	

the	difference	between	the	cash	flows	due	to	the	entity	in	accordance	with	the	contract	and	the	cash	flows	that	the	Company	

expects	to	receive).	ECLs	are	discounted	at	the	effective	interest	rate	of	the	related	financial	asset.	The	Company	does	not	have	

any	financial	assets	that	contain	a	financing	component.	

Classification	and	Measurement	of	Financial	Liabilities	

A	financial	liability	is	initially	classified	as	measured	at	amortized	cost	or	FVTPL.	A	financial	liability	is	classified	as	measured	at	

FVTPL	if	it	is	held-for-trading,	a	derivative,	or	designated	as	FVTPL	on	initial	recognition.	The	classification	of	a	financial	liability	is	

irrevocable.	

Financial	liabilities	at	FVTPL	(other	than	financial	liabilities	designated	at	FVTPL)	are	measured	at	fair	value	with	changes	in	fair	

value,	along	with	any	interest	expense,	recognized	in	net	earnings.	Other	financial	liabilities	are	initially	measured	at	fair	value	

less	 directly	 attributable	 transaction	 costs	 and	 are	 subsequently	 measured	 at	 amortized	 cost	 using	 the	 effective	 interest	

method.	 Interest	 expense	 and	 foreign	 exchange	 gains	 and	 losses	 are	 recognized	 in	 net	 earnings.	 Any	 gain	 or	 loss	 on	

derecognition	is	also	recognized	in	net	earnings.	

A	financial	liability	is	derecognized	when	the	obligation	is	discharged,	cancelled	or	expired.	When	an	existing	financial	liability	is	

replaced	 by	 another	 from	 the	 same	 counterparty	 with	 substantially	 different	 terms,	 or	 the	 terms	 of	 an	 existing	 liability	 are	

substantially	modified,	it	is	treated	as	a	derecognition	of	the	original	liability	and	the	recognition	of	a	new	liability.	When	the	

terms	 of	 an	 existing	 financial	 liability	 are	 altered,	 but	 the	 changes	 are	 considered	 non-substantial,	 it	 is	 accounted	 for	 as	 a	

modification	to	the	existing	financial	liability.	Where	a	liability	is	substantially	modified	it	is	considered	to	be	extinguished	and	a	

gain	or	loss	is	recognized	in	net	earnings	based	on	the	difference	between	the	carrying	amount	of	the	liability	derecognized	and	

the	fair	value	of	the	revised	liability.	Where	a	liability	is	modified	in	a	non-substantial	way,	the	amortized	cost	of	the	liability	is	

re-measured	based	on	the	new	cash	flows	and	a	gain	or	loss	is	recorded	in	net	earnings.	

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

U) Share	Capital	and	Warrants

Common	 shares	 and	 preferred	 shares	 are	 classified	 as	 equity.	 Preferred	 shares	 are	 cancellable	 and	 redeemable	 only	 at	 the	

Company’s	 option.	 Dividends	 on	 common	 shares	 consist	 of	 base	 dividends	 and	 variable	 dividends.	 Variable	 dividends	 are	

reviewed	quarterly	and	paid	if	certain	performance	measurements	are	met	at	the	end	of	the	applicable	period.	Dividends	on	

common	 shares	 and	 preferred	 shares	 are	 discretionary	 and	 payable	 only	 if	 declared	 by	 Cenovus’s	 Board	 of	 Directors.	 If	 a	

dividend	on	any	preferred	share	is	not	paid	in	full	on	any	dividend	payment	date,	then	a	dividend	restriction	on	the	common	

shares	shall	apply.	The	preferred	share	dividends	are	cumulative.

Transaction	costs	directly	attributable	to	the	issue	of	common	shares	and	preferred	shares	are	recognized	as	a	deduction	from	

equity,	 net	 of	 any	 income	 taxes.	 Dividends	 on	 common	 shares	 and	 preferred	 shares	 are	 recognized	 within	 equity.	 When	

purchased,	common	shares	are	reduced	by	the	average	carrying	value	with	the	excess	of	the	purchase	price	recognized	as	a	

reduction	in	Cenovus’s	paid	in	surplus.	Common	shares	are	cancelled	subsequent	to	being	purchased.	

Warrants	 issued	 in	 the	 Arrangement	 are	 financial	 instruments	 classified	 as	 equity	 and	 were	 measured	 at	 fair	 value	 upon	

issuance.	On	exercise,	the	cash	consideration	received	by	the	Company	and	the	associated	carrying	value	of	the	warrants	are	

recorded	as	share	capital.	

V) Stock-Based	Compensation

Cenovus	has	a	number	of	stock-based	compensation	plans	which	include	stock	options	with	associated	net	settlement	rights	

(“NSRs”),	Cenovus	replacement	stock	options,	performance	share	units	(“PSUs”),	restricted	share	units	(“RSUs”)	and	deferred	

share	 units	 (“DSUs”).	 Stock-based	 compensation	 costs	 are	 recorded	 in	 general	 and	 administrative	 expenses,	 or	 recorded	 to	

PP&E	or	E&E	assets	when	directly	related	to	exploration	or	development	activities.

Stock	Options	With	Associated	Net	Settlement	Rights

NSRs	 are	 accounted	 for	 as	 equity	 instruments,	 which	 are	 measured	 at	 fair	 value	 on	 the	 grant	 date	 using	 the	 Black-Scholes-

Merton	valuation	model	and	are	not	revalued	at	each	reporting	date.	The	fair	value	is	recognized	as	stock-based	compensation	

over	the	vesting	period,	with	a	corresponding	increase	recorded	as	paid	in	surplus	in	shareholders’	equity.	On	exercise,	the	cash	

consideration	received	by	the	Company	and	the	associated	paid	in	surplus	are	recorded	as	share	capital.	

Cenovus	Replacement	Stock	Options	

Cenovus	replacement	stock	options	are	accounted	for	as	liability	instruments,	which	are	measured	at	fair	value	at	each	period	

end	using	the	Black-Scholes-Merton	valuation	model.	The	fair	value	is	recognized	as	stock-based	compensation	over	the	vesting	

period.	When	stock	options	are	settled	for	cash,	the	liability	is	reduced	by	the	cash	settlement	paid.	When	stock	options	are	

settled	 for	 common	shares,	the	 cash	 consideration	received	 by	 the	 Company	 and	 the	 previously	recorded	 liability	associated	

with	the	stock	option	is	recorded	as	share	capital.

Performance,	Restricted	and	Deferred	Share	Units

PSUs,	RSUs	and	DSUs	are	accounted	for	as	liability	instruments	and	are	measured	at	fair	value	based	on	the	market	value	of	

Cenovus’s	 common	 shares	 at	 each	 period	 end.	 The	 fair	 value	 is	 recognized	 as	 stock-based	 compensation	 over	 the	 vesting	

period.	 Fluctuations	 in	 the	 fair	 values	 are	 recognized	 as	 stock-based	 compensation	 in	 the	 period	 they	 occur.	 Stock-based	

compensation	is	recorded	to	PP&E	or	E&E	assets	when	it	is	directly	related	to	exploration	or	development	activities.

W) Financial	Instruments

The	Company’s	financial	assets	include	cash	and	cash	equivalents,	accounts	receivable	and	accrued	revenues,	restricted	cash,	

risk	management	assets,	net	investment	in	finance	leases,	investments	in	the	equity	of	companies	and	long-term	receivables.	

The	 Company’s	 financial	 liabilities	 include	 accounts	 payable	 and	 accrued	 liabilities,	 short-term	 borrowings,	 lease	 liabilities,	

contingent	payments,	risk	management	liabilities	and	long-term	debt.

Financial	 instruments	 are	 recognized	 when	 the	 Company	 becomes	 a	 party	 to	 the	 contractual	 provisions	 of	 the	 instrument.	

Financial	assets	and	liabilities	are	not	offset	unless	the	Company	has	the	current	legal	right	to	offset	and	intends	to	settle	on	a	

net	basis	or	settle	the	asset	and	liability	simultaneously.	

The	 Company	 characterizes	 its	 fair	 value	 measurements	 into	 a	 three-level	 hierarchy	 depending	 on	 the	 degree	 to	 which	 the	

inputs	are	observable,	as	follows:

Level	1	inputs	are	quoted	prices	in	active	markets	for	identical	assets	and	liabilities.

Level	2	inputs	are	inputs,	other	than	quoted	prices	included	within	Level	1,	that	are	observable	for	the	asset	or	liability

•

•

•

either	directly	or	indirectly.

Level	3	inputs	are	unobservable	inputs	for	the	asset	or	liability.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Classification	and	Measurement	of	Financial	Assets

The	initial	classification	of	a	financial	asset	depends	upon	the	Company’s	business	model	for	managing	its	financial	assets	and	
the	contractual	terms	of	the	cash	flows.	There	are	three	measurement	categories	into	which	the	Company	classified	its	financial	
assets:

•

•

•

Amortized	 Cost:	 Includes	 assets	 that	 are	 held	 within	 a	 business	 model	 whose	 objective	 is	 to	 hold	 assets	 to	 collect
contractual	 cash	 flows	 and	 its	 contractual	 terms	 give	 rise	 on	 specified	 dates	 to	 cash	 flows	 that	 represent	 solely
payments	of	principal	and	interest.
FVOCI:	 Includes	 assets	 that	 are	 held	 within	 a	 business	 model	 whose	 objective	 is	 achieved	 by	 both	 collecting
contractual	cash	flows	and	selling	the	financial	assets,	where	its	contractual	terms	give	rise	on	specified	dates	to	cash
flows	that	represent	solely	payments	of	principal	and	interest.
Fair	Value	through	Profit	or	Loss	(“FVTPL”):	Includes	assets	that	do	not	meet	the	criteria	for	amortized	cost	or	FVOCI
and	are	measured	at	fair	value	through	profit	or	loss.	This	includes	all	derivative	financial	assets.

On	initial	recognition,	the	Company	may	irrevocably	designate	a	financial	asset	that	meets	the	amortized	cost	or	FVOCI	criteria	
as	measured	at	FVTPL	if	doing	so	eliminates	or	significantly	reduces	an	accounting	mismatch.	On	initial	recognition	of	an	equity	
investment	that	is	not	held-for-trading,	the	Company	may	irrevocably	elect	to	present	subsequent	changes	in	the	investment’s	
fair	 value	 in	 OCI.	 There	 is	 no	 subsequent	 reclassification	 of	 fair	 value	 changes	 to	 earnings	 following	 the	 derecognition	 of	 the	
investment.	However,	dividends	that	reflect	a	return	on	investment	continue	to	be	recognized	in	net	earnings.	This	election	is	
made	on	an	investment-by-investment	basis.	

At	initial	recognition,	the	Company	measures	a	financial	asset	at	its	fair	value	and,	in	the	case	of	a	financial	asset	not	at	FVTPL,	
including	transaction	costs	that	are	directly	attributable	to	the	acquisition	of	the	financial	asset.	Transaction	costs	of	financial	
assets	carried	at	FVTPL	are	recorded	as	an	expense	in	net	earnings.	

Financial	assets	are	reclassified	subsequent	to	their	initial	recognition	only	if	the	business	model	for	managing	those	financial	
assets	 changes.	 The	 affected	 financial	 assets	 will	 be	 reclassified	 on	 the	 first	 day	 of	 the	 first	 reporting	 period	 following	 the	
change	in	the	business	model.	

A	financial	asset	is	derecognized	when	the	rights	to	receive	cash	flows	from	the	asset	have	expired	or	have	been	transferred	
and	the	Company	has	transferred	substantially	all	the	risks	and	rewards	of	ownership.

Impairment	of	Financial	Assets

The	Company	recognizes	loss	allowances	for	expected	credit	losses	(“ECLs”)	on	its	financial	assets	measured	at	amortized	cost.	
Due	 to	 the	 nature	 of	 its	 financial	 assets,	 Cenovus	 measures	 loss	 allowances	 at	 an	 amount	 equal	 to	 expected	 lifetime	 ECLs.	
Lifetime	ECLs	are	the	anticipated	ECLs	that	result	from	all	possible	default	events	over	the	expected	life	of	a	financial	asset.	ECLs	
are	a	probability-weighted	estimate	of	credit	losses.	Credit	losses	are	measured	as	the	present	value	of	all	cash	shortfalls	(i.e.	
the	difference	between	the	cash	flows	due	to	the	entity	in	accordance	with	the	contract	and	the	cash	flows	that	the	Company	
expects	to	receive).	ECLs	are	discounted	at	the	effective	interest	rate	of	the	related	financial	asset.	The	Company	does	not	have	
any	financial	assets	that	contain	a	financing	component.	

Classification	and	Measurement	of	Financial	Liabilities	

A	financial	liability	is	initially	classified	as	measured	at	amortized	cost	or	FVTPL.	A	financial	liability	is	classified	as	measured	at	
FVTPL	if	it	is	held-for-trading,	a	derivative,	or	designated	as	FVTPL	on	initial	recognition.	The	classification	of	a	financial	liability	is	
irrevocable.	

Financial	liabilities	at	FVTPL	(other	than	financial	liabilities	designated	at	FVTPL)	are	measured	at	fair	value	with	changes	in	fair	
value,	along	with	any	interest	expense,	recognized	in	net	earnings.	Other	financial	liabilities	are	initially	measured	at	fair	value	
less	 directly	 attributable	 transaction	 costs	 and	 are	 subsequently	 measured	 at	 amortized	 cost	 using	 the	 effective	 interest	
method.	 Interest	 expense	 and	 foreign	 exchange	 gains	 and	 losses	 are	 recognized	 in	 net	 earnings.	 Any	 gain	 or	 loss	 on	
derecognition	is	also	recognized	in	net	earnings.	

A	financial	liability	is	derecognized	when	the	obligation	is	discharged,	cancelled	or	expired.	When	an	existing	financial	liability	is	
replaced	 by	 another	 from	 the	 same	 counterparty	 with	 substantially	 different	 terms,	 or	 the	 terms	 of	 an	 existing	 liability	 are	
substantially	modified,	it	is	treated	as	a	derecognition	of	the	original	liability	and	the	recognition	of	a	new	liability.	When	the	
terms	 of	 an	 existing	 financial	 liability	 are	 altered,	 but	 the	 changes	 are	 considered	 non-substantial,	 it	 is	 accounted	 for	 as	 a	
modification	to	the	existing	financial	liability.	Where	a	liability	is	substantially	modified	it	is	considered	to	be	extinguished	and	a	
gain	or	loss	is	recognized	in	net	earnings	based	on	the	difference	between	the	carrying	amount	of	the	liability	derecognized	and	
the	fair	value	of	the	revised	liability.	Where	a	liability	is	modified	in	a	non-substantial	way,	the	amortized	cost	of	the	liability	is	
re-measured	based	on	the	new	cash	flows	and	a	gain	or	loss	is	recorded	in	net	earnings.	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   103

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Derivatives

Derivative	financial	instruments	are	primarily	used	to	manage	economic	exposure	to	market	risks	relating	to	commodity	prices,	
foreign	currency	exchange	rates	and	interest	rates.	Policies	and	procedures	are	in	place	with	respect	to	required	documentation	
and	approvals	for	the	use	of	derivative	financial	instruments.	Where	specific	financial	instruments	are	executed,	the	Company	
assesses,	 both	 at	 the	 time	 of	 purchase	 and	 on	 an	 ongoing	 basis,	 whether	 the	 financial	 instrument	 used	 in	 the	 particular	
transaction	is	effective	in	offsetting	changes	in	fair	values	or	cash	flows	of	the	transaction.

Derivative	financial	instruments	are	measured	at	FVTPL	unless	designated	for	hedge	accounting.	Derivative	instruments	that	do	
not	qualify	as	hedges,	or	are	not	designated	as	hedges,	are	recorded	using	mark-to-market	accounting	whereby	instruments	are	
recorded	in	the	Consolidated	Balance	Sheets	as	either	an	asset	or	liability	with	changes	in	fair	value	recognized	in	net	earnings	
as	a	gain	or	loss	on	risk	management.	The	estimated	fair	value	of	all	derivative	instruments	is	based	on	quoted	market	prices	or,	
in	their	absence,	third-party	market	indications	and	forecasts.

X) Adjustments	to	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss)	and	Segmented	Disclosures

Certain	comparative	information	presented	in	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss)	within	the	Oil	Sands	segment	and	
Corporate	and	Eliminations	segment	was	revised.	

During	 the	 three	 months	 ended	 June	 30,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 made	 adjustments	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	
blending	 at	 the	 Lloydminster	 thermal	 and	 Lloydminster	 conventional	 heavy	 oil	 assets,	 which	 resulted	 in	 a	 reclassification	 of	
costs	 between	 purchased	 product	 and	 transportation	 and	 blending.	 An	 associated	 elimination	 entry	 was	 recorded	 in	 the	
Corporate	and	Eliminations	segment	to	re-present	the	change	in	the	value	of	condensate	that	was	extracted	at	the	Canadian	
Manufacturing	operations	and	sold	back	to	the	Oil	Sands	segment.	As	a	result,	purchased	product	decreased	and	transportation	
and	blending	increased,	with	no	impact	to	net	earnings	(loss),	segment	income	(loss),	financial	position	or	cash	flows.

In	 September	 2022,	 the	 Company	 completed	 the	 divestiture	 of	 the	 majority	 of	 the	 retail	 fuels	 business.	 As	 a	 result,	
Management	 elected	 to	 aggregate	 the	 remaining	 commercial	 fuels	 business	 and	 the	 historical	 retail	 fuels	 business	 into	 the	
Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	Comparative	periods	have	been	re-presented	to	reflect	this	change,	with	no	impact	to	net	
earnings	(loss),	financial	position	or	cash	flows.

The	 following	 table	 reconciles	 the	 amounts	 previously	 reported	 in	 the	 Consolidated	 Statements	 of	 Earnings	 (Loss)	 to	 the	
corresponding	revised	amounts:

Year	Ended	December	31,	2021

Oil	Sands	Segment

Purchased	Product	

Transportation	and	Blending

Canadian	Manufacturing

Gross	Sales

Purchased	Product

Operating

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Retail

Gross	Sales

Purchased	Product

Operating

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Previously	
Reported

3,188

7,841

11,029

Previously	
Reported

4,472

3,552

388

167

365

Revisions

(784)

784

—

Revisions

—

—

—

—

—

Segment	
Aggregation

—

—

—

Segment	
Aggregation

1,743

1,604

98

59

(18)

Previously	
Reported

Revisions

Segment	
Aggregation

2,158

2,019

98

59

(18)

—

—

—

—

—

(2,158)

(2,019)

(98)

(59)

18

Revised

2,404

8,625

11,029

Revised

6,215

5,156

486

226

347

Revised

—

—

—

—

—

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Corporate	and	Eliminations	Segment

Gross	Sales

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Consolidated

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Previously	

Reported

(5,706)

(4,888)

(47)

(771)

Previously	

Reported

23,481

7,883

31,364

Revisions

Aggregation

Segment	

Segment	

Revision

Aggregation

—

629

(629)

—

(155)

155

—

415

415

—

—

—

—

—

Revised

(5,291)

(3,844)

(676)

(771)

Revised

23,326

8,038

31,364

Y) Recent	Accounting	Pronouncements

New	Accounting	Standards	and	Interpretations	not	yet	Adopted

There	 are	 new	 accounting	 standards,	 amendments	 to	 accounting	 standards	 and	 interpretations	 that	 are	 effective	 for	 annual	

periods	beginning	on	or	after	January	1,	2023,	and	have	not	been	applied	in	preparing	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	

for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022.	These	standards	and	interpretations	are	not	expected	to	have	a	material	impact	on	the	

Company’s	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	or	the	Company's	business.	

4. CRITICAL	ACCOUNTING	JUDGMENTS	AND	KEY	SOURCES	OF	ESTIMATION	UNCERTAINTY

The	 timely	 preparation	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 in	 accordance	 with	 IFRS	 requires	 that	 Management	 make	

estimates	 and	 assumptions,	 and	 use	 judgment	 regarding	 the	 reported	 amounts	 of	 assets	 and	 liabilities,	 and	 disclosures	 of	

contingent	assets	and	liabilities	at	the	date	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements,	and	the	reported	amounts	of	revenues	

and	 expenses	 during	 the	 period.	 Such	 estimates	 primarily	 relate	 to	 unsettled	 transactions	 and	 events	 as	 of	 the	 date	 of	 the	

Consolidated	Financial	Statements.	The	estimated	fair	value	of	financial	assets	and	liabilities,	by	their	very	nature,	are	subject	to	

measurement	uncertainty.	Accordingly,	actual	results	may	differ	from	estimated	amounts	as	future	confirming	events	occur.	

A) Critical	Judgments	in	Applying	Accounting	Policies

Critical	judgments	are	those	judgments	made	by	Management	in	the	process	of	applying	accounting	policies	that	have	the	most	

significant	effect	on	the	amounts	recorded	in	the	Company’s	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

The	classification	of	a	joint	arrangement	that	is	held	in	a	separate	vehicle	as	either	a	joint	operation	or	a	joint	venture	requires	

judgment.	Cenovus	has	a	50	percent	interest	in	the	following	jointly	controlled	entities:

Joint	Arrangements	

• WRB	Refining	LP	(“WRB”).

•

BP-Husky	Refining	LLC	(“Toledo”).

It	was	determined	that	Cenovus	has	the	rights	to	the	assets	and	obligations	for	the	liabilities	of	WRB	and	Toledo.	As	a	result,	the	

joint	arrangements	are	classified	as	joint	operations	and	the	Company’s	share	of	the	assets,	liabilities,	revenues	and	expenses	

are	recorded	in	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.	

Prior	to	August	31,	2022,	Cenovus	held	a	50	percent	interest	in	SOSP,	which	was	jointly	controlled	with	BP	Canada	Energy	Group	

ULC	 (“BP	 Canada”)	 and	 met	 the	 definition	 of	 a	 joint	 operation	 under	 IFRS	 11,	 “Joint	 Arrangements”	 (“IFRS	 11”).	 As	 such,	

Cenovus	recognized	its	share	of	the	assets,	liabilities,	revenues	and	expenses	in	its	consolidated	results.	Subsequent	to	August	

31,	2022,	Cenovus	controls	SOSP,	as	defined	under	IFRS	10,	“Consolidated	Financial	Statements”	(“IFRS	10”),	and,	accordingly,	

SOSP	was	consolidated.	

104   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Derivatives

Derivative	financial	instruments	are	primarily	used	to	manage	economic	exposure	to	market	risks	relating	to	commodity	prices,	

foreign	currency	exchange	rates	and	interest	rates.	Policies	and	procedures	are	in	place	with	respect	to	required	documentation	

and	approvals	for	the	use	of	derivative	financial	instruments.	Where	specific	financial	instruments	are	executed,	the	Company	

assesses,	 both	 at	 the	 time	 of	 purchase	 and	 on	 an	 ongoing	 basis,	 whether	 the	 financial	 instrument	 used	 in	 the	 particular	

transaction	is	effective	in	offsetting	changes	in	fair	values	or	cash	flows	of	the	transaction.

Derivative	financial	instruments	are	measured	at	FVTPL	unless	designated	for	hedge	accounting.	Derivative	instruments	that	do	

not	qualify	as	hedges,	or	are	not	designated	as	hedges,	are	recorded	using	mark-to-market	accounting	whereby	instruments	are	

recorded	in	the	Consolidated	Balance	Sheets	as	either	an	asset	or	liability	with	changes	in	fair	value	recognized	in	net	earnings	

as	a	gain	or	loss	on	risk	management.	The	estimated	fair	value	of	all	derivative	instruments	is	based	on	quoted	market	prices	or,	

in	their	absence,	third-party	market	indications	and	forecasts.

X) Adjustments	to	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss)	and	Segmented	Disclosures

Corporate	and	Eliminations	segment	was	revised.	

During	 the	 three	 months	 ended	 June	 30,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 made	 adjustments	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	

blending	 at	 the	 Lloydminster	 thermal	 and	 Lloydminster	 conventional	 heavy	 oil	 assets,	 which	 resulted	 in	 a	 reclassification	 of	

costs	 between	 purchased	 product	 and	 transportation	 and	 blending.	 An	 associated	 elimination	 entry	 was	 recorded	 in	 the	

Corporate	and	Eliminations	segment	to	re-present	the	change	in	the	value	of	condensate	that	was	extracted	at	the	Canadian	

Manufacturing	operations	and	sold	back	to	the	Oil	Sands	segment.	As	a	result,	purchased	product	decreased	and	transportation	

and	blending	increased,	with	no	impact	to	net	earnings	(loss),	segment	income	(loss),	financial	position	or	cash	flows.

In	 September	 2022,	 the	 Company	 completed	 the	 divestiture	 of	 the	 majority	 of	 the	 retail	 fuels	 business.	 As	 a	 result,	

Management	 elected	 to	 aggregate	 the	 remaining	 commercial	 fuels	 business	 and	 the	 historical	 retail	 fuels	 business	 into	 the	

Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	Comparative	periods	have	been	re-presented	to	reflect	this	change,	with	no	impact	to	net	

earnings	(loss),	financial	position	or	cash	flows.

The	 following	 table	 reconciles	 the	 amounts	 previously	 reported	 in	 the	 Consolidated	 Statements	 of	 Earnings	 (Loss)	 to	 the	

corresponding	revised	amounts:

Year	Ended	December	31,	2021

Oil	Sands	Segment

Purchased	Product	

Transportation	and	Blending

Canadian	Manufacturing

Gross	Sales

Purchased	Product

Operating

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Retail

Gross	Sales

Purchased	Product

Operating

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Previously	

Reported

3,188

7,841

11,029

Previously	

Reported

Previously	

Reported

4,472

3,552

388

167

365

2,158

2,019

98

59

(18)

Revisions

Aggregation

Segment	

Revisions

Aggregation

Segment	

(784)

784

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,743

1,604

98

59

(18)

Segment	

(2,158)

(2,019)

(98)

(59)

18

Revised

2,404

8,625

11,029

Revised

6,215

5,156

486

226

347

—

—

—

—

—

Revisions

Aggregation

Revised

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Corporate	and	Eliminations	Segment

Gross	Sales

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Consolidated

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Previously	
Reported

(5,706)

(4,888)

(47)

(771)

Previously	
Reported

23,481

7,883

31,364

Revisions

—

629

(629)

—

Revision

(155)

155

—

Segment	
Aggregation

415

415

—

—

Segment	
Aggregation

—

—

—

Revised

(5,291)

(3,844)

(676)

(771)

Revised

23,326

8,038

31,364

Certain	comparative	information	presented	in	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss)	within	the	Oil	Sands	segment	and	

Y) Recent	Accounting	Pronouncements

New	Accounting	Standards	and	Interpretations	not	yet	Adopted

There	 are	 new	 accounting	 standards,	 amendments	 to	 accounting	 standards	 and	 interpretations	 that	 are	 effective	 for	 annual	
periods	beginning	on	or	after	January	1,	2023,	and	have	not	been	applied	in	preparing	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	
for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022.	These	standards	and	interpretations	are	not	expected	to	have	a	material	impact	on	the	
Company’s	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	or	the	Company's	business.	

4. CRITICAL	ACCOUNTING	JUDGMENTS	AND	KEY	SOURCES	OF	ESTIMATION	UNCERTAINTY

The	 timely	 preparation	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 in	 accordance	 with	 IFRS	 requires	 that	 Management	 make	
estimates	 and	 assumptions,	 and	 use	 judgment	 regarding	 the	 reported	 amounts	 of	 assets	 and	 liabilities,	 and	 disclosures	 of	
contingent	assets	and	liabilities	at	the	date	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements,	and	the	reported	amounts	of	revenues	
and	 expenses	 during	 the	 period.	 Such	 estimates	 primarily	 relate	 to	 unsettled	 transactions	 and	 events	 as	 of	 the	 date	 of	 the	
Consolidated	Financial	Statements.	The	estimated	fair	value	of	financial	assets	and	liabilities,	by	their	very	nature,	are	subject	to	
measurement	uncertainty.	Accordingly,	actual	results	may	differ	from	estimated	amounts	as	future	confirming	events	occur.	

A) Critical	Judgments	in	Applying	Accounting	Policies

Critical	judgments	are	those	judgments	made	by	Management	in	the	process	of	applying	accounting	policies	that	have	the	most	
significant	effect	on	the	amounts	recorded	in	the	Company’s	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Joint	Arrangements	

The	classification	of	a	joint	arrangement	that	is	held	in	a	separate	vehicle	as	either	a	joint	operation	or	a	joint	venture	requires	
judgment.	Cenovus	has	a	50	percent	interest	in	the	following	jointly	controlled	entities:

• WRB	Refining	LP	(“WRB”).
•

BP-Husky	Refining	LLC	(“Toledo”).

It	was	determined	that	Cenovus	has	the	rights	to	the	assets	and	obligations	for	the	liabilities	of	WRB	and	Toledo.	As	a	result,	the	
joint	arrangements	are	classified	as	joint	operations	and	the	Company’s	share	of	the	assets,	liabilities,	revenues	and	expenses	
are	recorded	in	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.	

Prior	to	August	31,	2022,	Cenovus	held	a	50	percent	interest	in	SOSP,	which	was	jointly	controlled	with	BP	Canada	Energy	Group	
ULC	 (“BP	 Canada”)	 and	 met	 the	 definition	 of	 a	 joint	 operation	 under	 IFRS	 11,	 “Joint	 Arrangements”	 (“IFRS	 11”).	 As	 such,	
Cenovus	recognized	its	share	of	the	assets,	liabilities,	revenues	and	expenses	in	its	consolidated	results.	Subsequent	to	August	
31,	2022,	Cenovus	controls	SOSP,	as	defined	under	IFRS	10,	“Consolidated	Financial	Statements”	(“IFRS	10”),	and,	accordingly,	
SOSP	was	consolidated.	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   105

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

In	determining	the	classification	of	its	joint	arrangements	under	IFRS	11,	the	Company	considered	the	following:

Crude	Oil	and	Natural	Gas	Reserves

•

•

The	 original	 intention	 of	 the	 joint	 arrangements	 was	 to	 form	 an	 integrated	 North	 American	 heavy	 oil	 business.
Partnerships	are	“flow-through”	entities.
The	 agreements	 require	 the	 partners	 to	 make	 contributions	 if	 funds	 are	 insufficient	 to	 meet	 the	 obligations	 or
liabilities	of	the	corporation	and	partnerships.	The	past	development	of	SOSP,	and	the	past	and	future	development
of	WRB	and	Toledo,	is	dependent	on	funding	from	the	partners	by	way	of	capital	contribution	commitments,	notes
payable	and	loans.

• WRB	 has	 third-party	 debt	 facilities	 to	 cover	 short-term	 working	 capital	 requirements.	 SOSP	 had	 a	 third-party	 debt

•

•

•

facility	until	November	2022.
SOSP	 was	 operated	 like	 most	 typical	 western	 Canadian	 working	 interest	 relationships	 where	 the	 operating	 partner
takes	product	on	behalf	of	the	participants	in	accordance	with	the	partnership	agreement.	WRB	and	Toledo	have	very
similar	structures	modified	to	account	for	the	operating	environment	of	the	refining	business.
Cenovus,	 Phillips	 66	 and	 BP,	 as	 operators,	 either	 directly	 or	 through	 wholly-owned	 subsidiaries,	 provide	 marketing
services,	 purchase	 necessary	 feedstock,	 and	 arrange	 for	 transportation	 and	 storage,	 on	 the	 partners'	 behalf	 as	 the
agreements	prohibit	the	partners	from	undertaking	these	roles	themselves.	In	addition,	the	joint	arrangements	do	not
have	employees	and,	as	such,	are	not	capable	of	performing	these	roles.
In	each	arrangement,	output	is	taken	by	one	of	the	partners,	indicating	that	the	partners	have	rights	to	the	economic
benefits	of	the	assets	and	the	obligation	for	funding	the	liabilities	of	the	arrangements.

Exploration	and	Evaluation	Assets

The	application	of	the	Company’s	accounting	policy	for	E&E	expenditures	requires	judgment	in	determining	whether	it	is	likely	
that	future	economic	benefit	exists	when	activities	have	not	reached	a	stage	where	technical	feasibility	and	commercial	viability	
can	be	reasonably	determined.	Factors	such	as	drilling	results,	future	capital	programs,	future	operating	expenses,	as	well	as	
estimated	reserves	and	resources	are	considered.	In	addition,	Management	uses	judgment	to	determine	when	E&E	assets	are	
reclassified	 to	 PP&E.	 In	 making	 this	 determination,	 various	 factors	 are	 considered,	 including	 the	 existence	 of	 reserves,	 and	
whether	the	appropriate	approvals	have	been	received	from	regulatory	bodies	and	the	Company’s	internal	approval	process.

Identification	of	Cash-Generating	Units

CGUs	are	defined	as	the	lowest	level	of	integrated	assets	for	which	there	are	separately	identifiable	cash	flows	that	are	largely	
independent	of	cash	flows	from	other	assets	or	groups	of	assets.	The	classification	of	assets	and	allocation	of	corporate	assets	
into	 CGUs	 requires	 significant	 judgment	 and	 interpretation.	 Factors	 considered	 in	 the	 classification	 include	 the	 integration	
between	assets,	shared	infrastructures,	the	existence	of	common	sales	points,	geography,	geologic	structure,	and	the	manner	
in	 which	 Management	 monitors	 and	 makes	 decisions	 about	 its	 operations.	 The	 recoverability	 of	 the	 Company’s	 upstream,	
refining,	crude-by-rail,	railcars,	storage	tanks	and	corporate	assets	are	assessed	at	the	CGU	level.	As	such,	the	determination	of	
a	CGU	could	have	a	significant	impact	on	impairment	losses	and	impairment	reversals.

Recoveries	from	Insurance	Claims

The	Company	uses	estimates	and	assumptions	on	the	amount	recorded	for	insurance	proceeds	that	are	reasonably	certain	to	
be	received.	Accordingly,	actual	results	may	differ	from	these	estimated	recoveries.	

B) Key	Sources	of	Estimation	Uncertainty

Income	Tax	Provisions	

Critical	 accounting	 estimates	 are	 those	 estimates	 that	 require	 Management	 to	 make	 particularly	 subjective	 or	 complex	
judgments	 about	 matters	 that	 are	 inherently	 uncertain.	 Estimates	 and	 underlying	 assumptions	 are	 reviewed	 on	 an	 ongoing	
basis	and	any	revisions	to	accounting	estimates	are	recorded	in	the	period	in	which	the	estimates	are	revised.	The	following	are	
the	key	assumptions	about	the	future	and	other	key	sources	of	estimation	at	the	end	of	the	reporting	period	that,	if	changed,	
could	result	in	a	material	adjustment	to	the	carrying	amount	of	assets	and	liabilities	within	the	next	financial	year.

The	evolving	worldwide	demand	for	energy	and	global	advancement	of	alternative	sources	of	energy	that	are	not	sourced	from	
fossil	fuels	could	change	assumptions	used	to	determine	the	recoverable	amount	of	the	Company’s	PP&E	and	E&E	assets	and	
could	affect	the	carrying	value	of	those	assets,	may	affect	future	development	or	viability	of	exploration	prospects,	may	curtail	
the	expected	useful	lives	of	oil	and	gas	assets	thereby	accelerating	depreciation	charges	and	may	accelerate	decommissioning	
obligations	increasing	the	present	value	of	the	associated	provisions.	The	timing	in	which	global	energy	markets	transition	from	
carbon-based	 sources	 to	 alternative	 energy	 is	 highly	 uncertain.	 Environmental	 considerations	 are	 built	 into	 our	 estimates	
through	the	use	of	key	assumptions	used	to	estimate	fair	value	including	forward	commodity	prices,	forward	crack	spreads	and	
discount	 rates.	 The	 energy	 transition	 could	 impact	 the	 future	 prices	 of	 commodities.	 Pricing	 assumptions	 used	 in	 the	
determination	of	recoverable	amounts	incorporate	markets	expectations	and	the	evolving	worldwide	demand	for	energy.	

Changes	to	assumptions	could	result	in	a	material	adjustment	to	the	carrying	amount	of	assets	and	liabilities	within	the	next	
financial	year.

106   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

There	are	a	number	of	inherent	uncertainties	associated	with	estimating	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	reserves.	Reserves	estimates	

are	 dependent	 upon	 variables	 including	 the	 recoverable	 quantities	 of	 hydrocarbons,	 the	 cost	 of	 the	 development	 of	 the	

required	infrastructure	to	recover	the	hydrocarbons,	production	costs,	estimated	selling	price	of	the	hydrocarbons	produced,	

royalty	payments	and	taxes.	Changes	in	these	variables	could	significantly	impact	the	reserves	estimates	which	would	affect	the	

impairment	 test	recoverable	amount	and	 DD&A	expense	 of	 the	Company’s	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	assets	in	the	Oil	Sands,	

Conventional	 and	 Offshore	 segments.	 The	 Company’s	 reserves	 are	 evaluated	 annually	 and	 reported	 to	 the	 Company	 by	 its	

IQREs.

Recoverable	Amounts

value	of	the	related	assets.	

Decommissioning	Costs

Determining	the	recoverable	amount	of	a	CGU	or	an	individual	asset	requires	the	use	of	estimates	and	assumptions,	which	are	

subject	to	change	as	new	information	becomes	available.	For	the	Company’s	upstream	assets,	these	estimates	include	forward	

commodity	prices,	expected	production	volumes,	quantity	of	reserves	and	resources,	discount	rates,	future	development	and	

operating	 expenses.	 Recoverable	 amounts	 for	 the	 Company’s	 manufacturing	 assets,	 crude-by-rail	 terminal	 and	 related	 ROU	

assets	use	assumptions	such	as	throughput,	forward	commodity	prices,	discount	rates,	operating	expenses	and	future	capital	

expenditures.	 Recoverable	 amounts	 for	 the	 Company’s	 real	 estate	 ROU	 assets	 use	 assumptions	 such	 as	 real	 estate	 market	

conditions	 which	 includes	 market	 vacancy	 rates	 and	 sublease	 market	 conditions,	 price	 per	 square	 footage,	 real	 estate	 space	

availability	and	borrowing	costs.	Changes	in	assumptions	used	in	determining	the	recoverable	amount	could	affect	the	carrying	

Provisions	are	recorded	for	the	future	decommissioning	and	restoration	of	the	Company’s	upstream	assets,	refining	assets	and	

crude-by-rail	terminal	at	the	end	of	their	economic	lives.	Management	uses	judgment	to	assess	the	existence	of	liabilities	and	

estimate	the	future	value.	The	actual	cost	of	decommissioning	and	restoration	is	uncertain	and	cost	estimates	may	change	in	

response	 to	 numerous	 factors	 including	 changes	 in	 legal	 requirements,	 technological	 advances,	 inflation	 and	 the	 timing	 of	

expected	decommissioning	and	restoration.	In	addition,	Management	determines	the	appropriate	discount	rate	at	the	end	of	

each	 reporting	 period.	 This	 discount	 rate,	 which	 is	 credit-adjusted,	 is	 used	 to	 determine	 the	 present	 value	 of	 the	 estimated	

future	cash	outflows	required	to	settle	the	obligation	and	may	change	in	response	to	numerous	market	factors.	

Fair	Value	of	Assets	Acquired	and	Liabilities	Assumed	in	a	Business	Combination

The	 fair	 value	 of	 assets	 acquired,	 liabilities	 assumed	 and	 assets	 given	 up	 in	 a	 business	 combination,	 including	 contingent	

consideration	and	goodwill,	is	estimated	based	on	information	available	at	the	date	of	acquisition.	Various	valuation	techniques	

are	applied	for	measuring	fair	value	including	market	comparable	transactions	and	discounted	cash	flows.	For	the	Company’s	

upstream	assets,	key	assumptions	in	the	discounted	cash	flow	models	used	to	estimate	fair	value	include	forward	commodity	

prices,	 expected	 production	 volumes,	 quantity	 of	 reserves	 and	 resources,	 discount	 rates,	 future	 development	 and	 operating	

expenses.	 Estimated	 production	 volumes	 and	 quantity	 of	 reserves	 and	 resources	 for	 acquired	 oil	 and	 gas	 properties	 were	

developed	 by	 internal	 geology	 and	 engineering	 professionals	 and	 IQREs.	 For	 manufacturing	 assets,	 key	 assumptions	 used	 to	

estimate	 fair	 value	 include	 throughput,	 forward	 commodity	 prices,	 discount	 rates,	 operating	 expenses	 and	 future	 capital	

expenditures.	Changes	in	these	variables	could	significantly	impact	the	carrying	value	of	the	net	assets	acquired.	

The	determination	of	the	Company’s	income	and	other	tax	liabilities	requires	interpretation	of	complex	laws	and	regulations	

often	 involving	 multiple	 jurisdictions.	 There	 are	 usually	 a	 number	 of	 tax	 matters	 under	 review;	 therefore,	 income	 taxes	 are	

subject	to	measurement	uncertainty.	

Deferred	 income	 tax	 assets	 are	 recorded	 to	 the	 extent	 that	 it	 is	 probable	 that	 the	 deductible	 temporary	 differences	 will	 be	

recoverable	in	future	periods.	The	recoverability	assessment	involves	a	significant	amount	of	estimation	including	an	evaluation	

of	when	the	temporary	differences	will	reverse,	an	analysis	of	the	amount	of	future	taxable	earnings,	the	availability	of	cash	

flow	to	offset	the	tax	assets	when	the	reversal	occurs	and	the	application	of	tax	laws.	There	are	some	transactions	for	which	the	

ultimate	 tax	 determination	 is	 uncertain.	 To	 the	 extent	 that	 assumptions	 used	 in	 the	 recoverability	 assessment	 change,	 there	

may	be	a	significant	impact	on	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	of	future	periods.

•

•

•

•

The	 original	 intention	 of	 the	 joint	 arrangements	 was	 to	 form	 an	 integrated	 North	 American	 heavy	 oil	 business.

Partnerships	are	“flow-through”	entities.

The	 agreements	 require	 the	 partners	 to	 make	 contributions	 if	 funds	 are	 insufficient	 to	 meet	 the	 obligations	 or

liabilities	of	the	corporation	and	partnerships.	The	past	development	of	SOSP,	and	the	past	and	future	development

of	WRB	and	Toledo,	is	dependent	on	funding	from	the	partners	by	way	of	capital	contribution	commitments,	notes

payable	and	loans.

facility	until	November	2022.

• WRB	 has	 third-party	 debt	 facilities	 to	 cover	 short-term	 working	 capital	 requirements.	 SOSP	 had	 a	 third-party	 debt

SOSP	 was	 operated	 like	 most	 typical	 western	 Canadian	 working	 interest	 relationships	 where	 the	 operating	 partner

takes	product	on	behalf	of	the	participants	in	accordance	with	the	partnership	agreement.	WRB	and	Toledo	have	very

similar	structures	modified	to	account	for	the	operating	environment	of	the	refining	business.

Cenovus,	 Phillips	 66	 and	 BP,	 as	 operators,	 either	 directly	 or	 through	 wholly-owned	 subsidiaries,	 provide	 marketing

services,	 purchase	 necessary	 feedstock,	 and	 arrange	 for	 transportation	 and	 storage,	 on	 the	 partners'	 behalf	 as	 the

agreements	prohibit	the	partners	from	undertaking	these	roles	themselves.	In	addition,	the	joint	arrangements	do	not

have	employees	and,	as	such,	are	not	capable	of	performing	these	roles.

•

In	each	arrangement,	output	is	taken	by	one	of	the	partners,	indicating	that	the	partners	have	rights	to	the	economic

benefits	of	the	assets	and	the	obligation	for	funding	the	liabilities	of	the	arrangements.

Exploration	and	Evaluation	Assets

The	application	of	the	Company’s	accounting	policy	for	E&E	expenditures	requires	judgment	in	determining	whether	it	is	likely	

that	future	economic	benefit	exists	when	activities	have	not	reached	a	stage	where	technical	feasibility	and	commercial	viability	

can	be	reasonably	determined.	Factors	such	as	drilling	results,	future	capital	programs,	future	operating	expenses,	as	well	as	

estimated	reserves	and	resources	are	considered.	In	addition,	Management	uses	judgment	to	determine	when	E&E	assets	are	

reclassified	 to	 PP&E.	 In	 making	 this	 determination,	 various	 factors	 are	 considered,	 including	 the	 existence	 of	 reserves,	 and	

whether	the	appropriate	approvals	have	been	received	from	regulatory	bodies	and	the	Company’s	internal	approval	process.

Identification	of	Cash-Generating	Units

CGUs	are	defined	as	the	lowest	level	of	integrated	assets	for	which	there	are	separately	identifiable	cash	flows	that	are	largely	

independent	of	cash	flows	from	other	assets	or	groups	of	assets.	The	classification	of	assets	and	allocation	of	corporate	assets	

into	 CGUs	 requires	 significant	 judgment	 and	 interpretation.	 Factors	 considered	 in	 the	 classification	 include	 the	 integration	

between	assets,	shared	infrastructures,	the	existence	of	common	sales	points,	geography,	geologic	structure,	and	the	manner	

in	 which	 Management	 monitors	 and	 makes	 decisions	 about	 its	 operations.	 The	 recoverability	 of	 the	 Company’s	 upstream,	

refining,	crude-by-rail,	railcars,	storage	tanks	and	corporate	assets	are	assessed	at	the	CGU	level.	As	such,	the	determination	of	

a	CGU	could	have	a	significant	impact	on	impairment	losses	and	impairment	reversals.

Recoveries	from	Insurance	Claims

The	Company	uses	estimates	and	assumptions	on	the	amount	recorded	for	insurance	proceeds	that	are	reasonably	certain	to	

be	received.	Accordingly,	actual	results	may	differ	from	these	estimated	recoveries.	

Critical	 accounting	 estimates	 are	 those	 estimates	 that	 require	 Management	 to	 make	 particularly	 subjective	 or	 complex	

judgments	 about	 matters	 that	 are	 inherently	 uncertain.	 Estimates	 and	 underlying	 assumptions	 are	 reviewed	 on	 an	 ongoing	

basis	and	any	revisions	to	accounting	estimates	are	recorded	in	the	period	in	which	the	estimates	are	revised.	The	following	are	

the	key	assumptions	about	the	future	and	other	key	sources	of	estimation	at	the	end	of	the	reporting	period	that,	if	changed,	

could	result	in	a	material	adjustment	to	the	carrying	amount	of	assets	and	liabilities	within	the	next	financial	year.

The	evolving	worldwide	demand	for	energy	and	global	advancement	of	alternative	sources	of	energy	that	are	not	sourced	from	

fossil	fuels	could	change	assumptions	used	to	determine	the	recoverable	amount	of	the	Company’s	PP&E	and	E&E	assets	and	

could	affect	the	carrying	value	of	those	assets,	may	affect	future	development	or	viability	of	exploration	prospects,	may	curtail	

the	expected	useful	lives	of	oil	and	gas	assets	thereby	accelerating	depreciation	charges	and	may	accelerate	decommissioning	

obligations	increasing	the	present	value	of	the	associated	provisions.	The	timing	in	which	global	energy	markets	transition	from	

carbon-based	 sources	 to	 alternative	 energy	 is	 highly	 uncertain.	 Environmental	 considerations	 are	 built	 into	 our	 estimates	

through	the	use	of	key	assumptions	used	to	estimate	fair	value	including	forward	commodity	prices,	forward	crack	spreads	and	

discount	 rates.	 The	 energy	 transition	 could	 impact	 the	 future	 prices	 of	 commodities.	 Pricing	 assumptions	 used	 in	 the	

determination	of	recoverable	amounts	incorporate	markets	expectations	and	the	evolving	worldwide	demand	for	energy.	

Changes	to	assumptions	could	result	in	a	material	adjustment	to	the	carrying	amount	of	assets	and	liabilities	within	the	next	

financial	year.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

In	determining	the	classification	of	its	joint	arrangements	under	IFRS	11,	the	Company	considered	the	following:

Crude	Oil	and	Natural	Gas	Reserves

There	are	a	number	of	inherent	uncertainties	associated	with	estimating	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	reserves.	Reserves	estimates	
are	 dependent	 upon	 variables	 including	 the	 recoverable	 quantities	 of	 hydrocarbons,	 the	 cost	 of	 the	 development	 of	 the	
required	infrastructure	to	recover	the	hydrocarbons,	production	costs,	estimated	selling	price	of	the	hydrocarbons	produced,	
royalty	payments	and	taxes.	Changes	in	these	variables	could	significantly	impact	the	reserves	estimates	which	would	affect	the	
impairment	test	recoverable	 amount	and	DD&A	expense	of	the	 Company’s	 crude	 oil	 and	natural	 gas	 assets	 in	the	Oil	 Sands,	
Conventional	 and	 Offshore	 segments.	 The	 Company’s	 reserves	 are	 evaluated	 annually	 and	 reported	 to	 the	 Company	 by	 its	
IQREs.

Recoverable	Amounts

Determining	the	recoverable	amount	of	a	CGU	or	an	individual	asset	requires	the	use	of	estimates	and	assumptions,	which	are	
subject	to	change	as	new	information	becomes	available.	For	the	Company’s	upstream	assets,	these	estimates	include	forward	
commodity	prices,	expected	production	volumes,	quantity	of	reserves	and	resources,	discount	rates,	future	development	and	
operating	 expenses.	 Recoverable	 amounts	 for	 the	 Company’s	 manufacturing	 assets,	 crude-by-rail	 terminal	 and	 related	 ROU	
assets	use	assumptions	such	as	throughput,	forward	commodity	prices,	discount	rates,	operating	expenses	and	future	capital	
expenditures.	 Recoverable	 amounts	 for	 the	 Company’s	 real	 estate	 ROU	 assets	 use	 assumptions	 such	 as	 real	 estate	 market	
conditions	 which	 includes	 market	 vacancy	 rates	 and	 sublease	 market	 conditions,	 price	 per	 square	 footage,	 real	 estate	 space	
availability	and	borrowing	costs.	Changes	in	assumptions	used	in	determining	the	recoverable	amount	could	affect	the	carrying	
value	of	the	related	assets.	

Decommissioning	Costs

Provisions	are	recorded	for	the	future	decommissioning	and	restoration	of	the	Company’s	upstream	assets,	refining	assets	and	
crude-by-rail	terminal	at	the	end	of	their	economic	lives.	Management	uses	judgment	to	assess	the	existence	of	liabilities	and	
estimate	the	future	value.	The	actual	cost	of	decommissioning	and	restoration	is	uncertain	and	cost	estimates	may	change	in	
response	 to	 numerous	 factors	 including	 changes	 in	 legal	 requirements,	 technological	 advances,	 inflation	 and	 the	 timing	 of	
expected	decommissioning	and	restoration.	In	addition,	Management	determines	the	appropriate	discount	rate	at	the	end	of	
each	 reporting	 period.	 This	 discount	 rate,	 which	 is	 credit-adjusted,	 is	 used	 to	 determine	 the	 present	 value	 of	 the	 estimated	
future	cash	outflows	required	to	settle	the	obligation	and	may	change	in	response	to	numerous	market	factors.	

Fair	Value	of	Assets	Acquired	and	Liabilities	Assumed	in	a	Business	Combination

The	 fair	 value	 of	 assets	 acquired,	 liabilities	 assumed	 and	 assets	 given	 up	 in	 a	 business	 combination,	 including	 contingent	
consideration	and	goodwill,	is	estimated	based	on	information	available	at	the	date	of	acquisition.	Various	valuation	techniques	
are	applied	for	measuring	fair	value	including	market	comparable	transactions	and	discounted	cash	flows.	For	the	Company’s	
upstream	assets,	key	assumptions	in	the	discounted	cash	flow	models	used	to	estimate	fair	value	include	forward	commodity	
prices,	 expected	 production	 volumes,	 quantity	 of	 reserves	 and	 resources,	 discount	 rates,	 future	 development	 and	 operating	
expenses.	 Estimated	 production	 volumes	 and	 quantity	 of	 reserves	 and	 resources	 for	 acquired	 oil	 and	 gas	 properties	 were	
developed	 by	 internal	 geology	 and	 engineering	 professionals	 and	 IQREs.	 For	 manufacturing	 assets,	 key	 assumptions	 used	 to	
estimate	 fair	 value	 include	 throughput,	 forward	 commodity	 prices,	 discount	 rates,	 operating	 expenses	 and	 future	 capital	
expenditures.	Changes	in	these	variables	could	significantly	impact	the	carrying	value	of	the	net	assets	acquired.	

B) Key	Sources	of	Estimation	Uncertainty

Income	Tax	Provisions	

The	determination	of	the	Company’s	income	and	other	tax	liabilities	requires	interpretation	of	complex	laws	and	regulations	
often	 involving	 multiple	 jurisdictions.	 There	 are	 usually	 a	 number	 of	 tax	 matters	 under	 review;	 therefore,	 income	 taxes	 are	
subject	to	measurement	uncertainty.	

Deferred	 income	 tax	 assets	 are	 recorded	 to	 the	 extent	 that	 it	 is	 probable	 that	 the	 deductible	 temporary	 differences	 will	 be	
recoverable	in	future	periods.	The	recoverability	assessment	involves	a	significant	amount	of	estimation	including	an	evaluation	
of	when	the	temporary	differences	will	reverse,	an	analysis	of	the	amount	of	future	taxable	earnings,	the	availability	of	cash	
flow	to	offset	the	tax	assets	when	the	reversal	occurs	and	the	application	of	tax	laws.	There	are	some	transactions	for	which	the	
ultimate	 tax	 determination	 is	 uncertain.	 To	 the	 extent	 that	 assumptions	 used	 in	 the	 recoverability	 assessment	 change,	 there	
may	be	a	significant	impact	on	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	of	future	periods.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   107

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

5. ACQUISITIONS

A) Sunrise	Oil	Sands	Partnership

i) Summary	of	the	Acquisition

On	August	31,	2022,	Cenovus	closed	the	transaction	with	BP	Canada	to	purchase	the	remaining	50	percent	interest	in	SOSP,	
previously	 a	 joint	 operation,	 in	 northern	 Alberta	 (the	 “Sunrise	 Acquisition”).	 The	 Sunrise	 Acquisition	 had	 an	 effective	 date	 of	
May	1,	2022.	It	provides	Cenovus	with	full	ownership	and	further	enhances	Cenovus’s	core	strength	in	the	oil	sands.	

The	Sunrise	Acquisition	has	been	accounted	for	using	the	acquisition	method	pursuant	to	IFRS	3.	Under	the	acquisition	method,	
assets	and	liabilities	are	recorded	at	their	fair	values	on	the	date	of	acquisition	and	the	total	consideration	is	allocated	to	the	
assets	acquired	and	liabilities	assumed.	The	excess	of	consideration	given	over	the	fair	value	of	the	net	assets	acquired,	if	any,	is	
recorded	as	goodwill.	

ii) Identifiable	Assets	Acquired	and	Liabilities	Acquired

The	purchase	price	allocation	is	based	on	Management’s	best	estimate	of	fair	value	and	has	been	retrospectively	adjusted	to	
reflect	items	not	initially	identified,	as	well	as	new	information	obtained	about	the	conditions	that	existed	at	the	date	of	the	
Sunrise	 Acquisition.	 Changes	 to	 identifiable	 assets	 acquired	 and	 liabilities	 assumed	 includes	 increases	 of	$26	 million	 to	 both	
PP&E	 and	 decommissioning	 liabilities.	 The	 impact	 to	 DD&A	 and	 finance	 costs	 (including	 the	 unwinding	 of	 the	 discount	 on	
decommissioning	liabilities)	as	a	result	of	the	measurement	period	adjustments	was	not	material.

As	at

100	Percent	of	the	Identifiable	Assets	Acquired	and	Liabilities	Assumed

August	31,	2022

Current	and	deferred	income	tax	liabilities	were	recognized	in	the	purchase	price	allocation	for	the	50	percent	interest	acquired	

in	SOSP.	The	deferred	income	tax	liability	arises	from	the	difference	between	the	fair	value	of	the	acquired	assets	and	liabilities	

Cash

Accounts	Receivable	and	Accrued	Revenues

Inventories

Property,	Plant	and	Equipment

Accounts	Payable	and	Accrued	Liabilities

Income	Tax	Payable

Decommissioning	Liabilities

Deferred	Income	Tax	Liabilities

Total	Identifiable	Net	Assets

9

164

88

3,218

(313)

(39)

(48)

(486)
2,593

The	fair	value	and	gross	contractual	amount	of	acquired	accounts	receivable	and	accrued	revenues	is	$164	million,	all	of	which	
was	collected.	

v) Revenue	and	Profit	Contribution

iii) Total	Consideration

Total	 consideration	 for	 the	 Sunrise	 Acquisition	 consisted	 of	 $600	 million	 in	 cash,	 before	 closing	 adjustments,	 and	 Cenovus’s	
35	 percent	 interest	 in	 the	 undeveloped	 Bay	 du	 Nord	 project	 offshore	 Newfoundland	 and	 Labrador.	 Cenovus	 also	 agreed	 to	
make	quarterly	variable	payments	to	BP	Canada	for	up	to	two	years	subsequent	to	August	31,	2022,	if	crude	oil	prices	exceed	a	
specified	threshold.	The	maximum	cumulative	variable	payment	is	$600	million.	The	following	table	summarizes	the	fair	value	
of	total	consideration:	

As	at

Cash,	Net	of	Closing	Adjustments

Bay	Du	Nord

Variable	Payment

Total	Consideration

August	31,	2022

The	consequential	tax	effects.

394

40

600

1,034

Non-monetary	 assets	 transferred	 as	 part	 of	 consideration	 must	 be	 re-measured	 at	 their	 acquisition-date	 fair	 value,	 with	 any	
gain	or	loss	recognized	in	net	earnings	(loss).	As	a	result,	the	Company	re-measured	its	interest	in	Bay	du	Nord	to	its	estimated	
fair	value	and	recognized	a	non-cash	revaluation	gain	of	$40	million.

108   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Cenovus	agreed	to	make	quarterly	payments	from	SOSP	to	BP	Canada	for	up	to	two	years	subsequent	to	the	closing	date	for	

quarters	in	which	the	average	Western	Canadian	Select	(“WCS”)	crude	oil	price	exceeds	$52.00	per	barrel.	The	first	quarterly	

period	 ended	 on	 November	 30,	 2022.	 The	 quarterly	 payment	 is	 calculated	 as	 $2.8	 million	 plus	 the	 difference	 between	 the	

average	WCS	price	in	the	quarter	less	$53.00	multiplied	by	$2.8	million,	for	any	of	the	eight	quarters	in	which	the	average	WCS	

price	is	equal	to	or	greater	than	$52.00	per	barrel.	If	the	average	WCS	price	is	less	than	$52.00	per	barrel,	no	payment	will	be	

made	for	that	quarter.	The	maximum	cumulative	variable	payment	over	the	contract	term	is	$600	million.

The	 variable	 payment	 is	 accounted	 for	 as	 a	 financial	 instrument.	 The	 fair	 value	 of	 $600	 million	 on	 August	 31,	 2022,	 was	

estimated	by	calculating	the	present	value	of	the	expected	future	cash	flows	using	an	option	pricing	model,	which	assumes	the	

probability	distribution	for	WCS	is	based	on	the	volatility	of	West	Texas	Intermediate	(“WTI”)	options,	volatility	of	Canadian-U.S.	

foreign	exchange	rate	options	and	both	WTI	and	WCS	differential	futures	pricing.	The	variable	payment	will	be	re-measured	at	

fair	 value	 with	 changes	 in	 fair	 value	 recognized	 in	 net	 earnings	 (loss)	 at	 each	 reporting	 date	 until	 the	 earlier	 of	 when	 the	

maximum	$600	million	in	cumulative	payments	is	reached	or	the	eight	quarters	have	lapsed	(see	Note	28).

Fair	Value	of	Pre-Existing	50	Percent	Ownership	Interest	in	Sunrise	Oil	Sands	Partnership

iv) Goodwill

As	at

Total	Purchase	Consideration

Fair	Value	of	Identifiable	Net	Assets

Goodwill

assumed,	and	their	tax	basis.

August	31,	2022

1,034

1,559

(2,593)

—

Fair	Value	of	Pre-Existing	50	Percent	Ownership	Interest	in	Sunrise	Oil	Sands	Partnership	

Prior	 to	 the	 Sunrise	 Acquisition,	 Cenovus’s	 50	 percent	 interest	 in	 SOSP	 was	 jointly	 controlled	 with	 BP	 Canada	 and	 met	 the	

definition	 of	 a	 joint	 operation	 under	 IFRS	 11;	 therefore,	 Cenovus	 recognized	 its	 share	 of	 the	 assets,	 liabilities,	 revenues	 and	

expenses	in	its	consolidated	results.	Subsequent	to	the	Sunrise	Acquisition,	Cenovus	controls	SOSP,	as	defined	under	IFRS	10	

and,	accordingly	SOSP	has	been	consolidated.	As	required	by	IFRS	3,	when	an	acquirer	achieves	control	in	stages,	the	previously	

held	 interest	 is	 re-measured	 to	 fair	 value	 at	 the	 acquisition	 date	 with	 any	 gain	 or	 loss	 recognized	 in	 net	 earnings	 (loss).	 The	

acquisition-date	fair	value	of	the	previously	held	interest	was	estimated	to	be	$1.6	billion.	The	net	carrying	value	of	the	SOSP	

assets	 was	 $960	 million,	 including	 previously	 recorded	 goodwill	 (see	 Note	 24).	 As	 a	 result,	 Cenovus	 recognized	 a	 non-cash	

revaluation	gain	of	$599	million	($457	million,	after-tax)	on	the	re-measurement	of	its	existing	interest	in	SOSP	to	fair	value.	

The	acquired	business	contributed	revenues	of	$599	million	and	net	earnings	of	$nil	for	the	period	from	August	31,	2022,	to	

December	31,	2022.	If	the	closing	of	the	Sunrise	Acquisition	had	occurred	on	January	1,	2022,	Cenovus’s	consolidated	pro	forma	

revenues	and	net	earnings	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	would	have	been	$67.8	billion	and	$6.6	billion,	respectively.	

These	amounts	have	been	calculated	using	results	from	the	acquired	business,	adjusting	them	for:	

Additional	 DD&A	 that	 would	 have	 been	 charged	 assuming	 the	 fair	 value	 adjustments	 to	 PP&E	 had	 applied	 from

Additional	accretion	on	the	decommissioning	liabilities	if	they	had	been	assumed	on	January	1,	2022.

This	pro	forma	information	is	not	necessarily	indicative	of	the	results	that	would	have	been	obtained	if	the	Sunrise	Acquisition	

January	1,	2022.

•

•

•

had	actually	occurred	on	January	1,	2022.	

B) BP-Husky	Refining	LLC

On	August	8,	2022,	Cenovus	announced	an	agreement	with	BP	to	purchase	the	remaining	50	percent	interest	in	Toledo	(the	

“Toledo	 Acquisition”).	 After	 closing	 the	 transaction,	 Cenovus	 will	 operate	 the	 Toledo	 Refinery.	 Total	 consideration	 for	 the	

transaction	includes	US$300	million	in	cash	plus	the	value	of	inventory.	The	Toledo	Acquisition	will	be	accounted	for	using	the	

acquisition	method	pursuant	to	IFRS	3.	On	September	20,	2022,	an	incident	occurred	at	the	Toledo	Refinery,	resulting	in	the	

shutdown	 of	 the	 facility.	 The	 refinery	 remains	 shut	 down	 in	 a	 safe	 state.	 The	 acquisition	 is	 expected	 to	 close	 at	 the	 end	 of	

February	2023.	

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

5. ACQUISITIONS

A) Sunrise	Oil	Sands	Partnership

i) Summary	of	the	Acquisition

On	August	31,	2022,	Cenovus	closed	the	transaction	with	BP	Canada	to	purchase	the	remaining	50	percent	interest	in	SOSP,	

previously	 a	 joint	 operation,	 in	 northern	 Alberta	 (the	 “Sunrise	 Acquisition”).	 The	 Sunrise	 Acquisition	 had	 an	 effective	 date	 of	

May	1,	2022.	It	provides	Cenovus	with	full	ownership	and	further	enhances	Cenovus’s	core	strength	in	the	oil	sands.	

The	Sunrise	Acquisition	has	been	accounted	for	using	the	acquisition	method	pursuant	to	IFRS	3.	Under	the	acquisition	method,	

assets	and	liabilities	are	recorded	at	their	fair	values	on	the	date	of	acquisition	and	the	total	consideration	is	allocated	to	the	

assets	acquired	and	liabilities	assumed.	The	excess	of	consideration	given	over	the	fair	value	of	the	net	assets	acquired,	if	any,	is	

recorded	as	goodwill.	

ii) Identifiable	Assets	Acquired	and	Liabilities	Acquired

The	purchase	price	allocation	is	based	on	Management’s	best	estimate	of	fair	value	and	has	been	retrospectively	adjusted	to	

reflect	items	not	initially	identified,	as	well	as	new	information	obtained	about	the	conditions	that	existed	at	the	date	of	the	

Sunrise	 Acquisition.	 Changes	 to	 identifiable	 assets	 acquired	 and	 liabilities	 assumed	 includes	 increases	 of	$26	 million	 to	 both	

PP&E	 and	 decommissioning	 liabilities.	 The	 impact	 to	 DD&A	 and	 finance	 costs	 (including	 the	 unwinding	 of	 the	 discount	 on	

decommissioning	liabilities)	as	a	result	of	the	measurement	period	adjustments	was	not	material.

100	Percent	of	the	Identifiable	Assets	Acquired	and	Liabilities	Assumed

As	at

Cash

Accounts	Receivable	and	Accrued	Revenues

Inventories

Property,	Plant	and	Equipment

Accounts	Payable	and	Accrued	Liabilities

Income	Tax	Payable

Decommissioning	Liabilities

Deferred	Income	Tax	Liabilities

Total	Identifiable	Net	Assets

was	collected.	

iii) Total	Consideration

of	total	consideration:	

As	at

Cash,	Net	of	Closing	Adjustments

Bay	Du	Nord

Variable	Payment

Total	Consideration

The	fair	value	and	gross	contractual	amount	of	acquired	accounts	receivable	and	accrued	revenues	is	$164	million,	all	of	which	

Total	 consideration	 for	 the	 Sunrise	 Acquisition	 consisted	 of	 $600	 million	 in	 cash,	 before	 closing	 adjustments,	 and	 Cenovus’s	

35	 percent	 interest	 in	 the	 undeveloped	 Bay	 du	 Nord	 project	 offshore	 Newfoundland	 and	 Labrador.	 Cenovus	 also	 agreed	 to	

make	quarterly	variable	payments	to	BP	Canada	for	up	to	two	years	subsequent	to	August	31,	2022,	if	crude	oil	prices	exceed	a	

specified	threshold.	The	maximum	cumulative	variable	payment	is	$600	million.	The	following	table	summarizes	the	fair	value	

Non-monetary	 assets	 transferred	 as	 part	 of	 consideration	 must	 be	 re-measured	 at	 their	 acquisition-date	 fair	 value,	 with	 any	

gain	or	loss	recognized	in	net	earnings	(loss).	As	a	result,	the	Company	re-measured	its	interest	in	Bay	du	Nord	to	its	estimated	

fair	value	and	recognized	a	non-cash	revaluation	gain	of	$40	million.

August	31,	2022

9

164

88

3,218

(313)

(39)

(48)

(486)

2,593

August	31,	2022

394

40

600

1,034

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Cenovus	agreed	to	make	quarterly	payments	from	SOSP	to	BP	Canada	for	up	to	two	years	subsequent	to	the	closing	date	for	
quarters	in	which	the	average	Western	Canadian	Select	(“WCS”)	crude	oil	price	exceeds	$52.00	per	barrel.	The	first	quarterly	
period	 ended	 on	 November	 30,	 2022.	 The	 quarterly	 payment	 is	 calculated	 as	 $2.8	 million	 plus	 the	 difference	 between	 the	
average	WCS	price	in	the	quarter	less	$53.00	multiplied	by	$2.8	million,	for	any	of	the	eight	quarters	in	which	the	average	WCS	
price	is	equal	to	or	greater	than	$52.00	per	barrel.	If	the	average	WCS	price	is	less	than	$52.00	per	barrel,	no	payment	will	be	
made	for	that	quarter.	The	maximum	cumulative	variable	payment	over	the	contract	term	is	$600	million.

The	 variable	 payment	 is	 accounted	 for	 as	 a	 financial	 instrument.	 The	 fair	 value	 of	 $600	 million	 on	 August	 31,	 2022,	 was	
estimated	by	calculating	the	present	value	of	the	expected	future	cash	flows	using	an	option	pricing	model,	which	assumes	the	
probability	distribution	for	WCS	is	based	on	the	volatility	of	West	Texas	Intermediate	(“WTI”)	options,	volatility	of	Canadian-U.S.	
foreign	exchange	rate	options	and	both	WTI	and	WCS	differential	futures	pricing.	The	variable	payment	will	be	re-measured	at	
fair	 value	 with	 changes	 in	 fair	 value	 recognized	 in	 net	 earnings	 (loss)	 at	 each	 reporting	 date	 until	 the	 earlier	 of	 when	 the	
maximum	$600	million	in	cumulative	payments	is	reached	or	the	eight	quarters	have	lapsed	(see	Note	28).

iv) Goodwill

As	at

Total	Purchase	Consideration

Fair	Value	of	Pre-Existing	50	Percent	Ownership	Interest	in	Sunrise	Oil	Sands	Partnership

Fair	Value	of	Identifiable	Net	Assets

Goodwill

August	31,	2022

1,034

1,559

(2,593)
—

Current	and	deferred	income	tax	liabilities	were	recognized	in	the	purchase	price	allocation	for	the	50	percent	interest	acquired	
in	SOSP.	The	deferred	income	tax	liability	arises	from	the	difference	between	the	fair	value	of	the	acquired	assets	and	liabilities	
assumed,	and	their	tax	basis.

Fair	Value	of	Pre-Existing	50	Percent	Ownership	Interest	in	Sunrise	Oil	Sands	Partnership	

Prior	 to	 the	 Sunrise	 Acquisition,	 Cenovus’s	 50	 percent	 interest	 in	 SOSP	 was	 jointly	 controlled	 with	 BP	 Canada	 and	 met	 the	
definition	 of	 a	 joint	 operation	 under	 IFRS	 11;	 therefore,	 Cenovus	 recognized	 its	 share	 of	 the	 assets,	 liabilities,	 revenues	 and	
expenses	in	its	consolidated	results.	Subsequent	to	the	Sunrise	Acquisition,	Cenovus	controls	SOSP,	as	defined	under	IFRS	10	
and,	accordingly	SOSP	has	been	consolidated.	As	required	by	IFRS	3,	when	an	acquirer	achieves	control	in	stages,	the	previously	
held	 interest	 is	 re-measured	 to	 fair	 value	 at	 the	 acquisition	 date	 with	 any	 gain	 or	 loss	 recognized	 in	 net	 earnings	 (loss).	 The	
acquisition-date	fair	value	of	the	previously	held	interest	was	estimated	to	be	$1.6	billion.	The	net	carrying	value	of	the	SOSP	
assets	 was	 $960	 million,	 including	 previously	 recorded	 goodwill	 (see	 Note	 24).	 As	 a	 result,	 Cenovus	 recognized	 a	 non-cash	
revaluation	gain	of	$599	million	($457	million,	after-tax)	on	the	re-measurement	of	its	existing	interest	in	SOSP	to	fair	value.	

v) Revenue	and	Profit	Contribution

The	acquired	business	contributed	revenues	of	$599	million	and	net	earnings	of	$nil	for	the	period	from	August	31,	2022,	to	
December	31,	2022.	If	the	closing	of	the	Sunrise	Acquisition	had	occurred	on	January	1,	2022,	Cenovus’s	consolidated	pro	forma	
revenues	and	net	earnings	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	would	have	been	$67.8	billion	and	$6.6	billion,	respectively.	
These	amounts	have	been	calculated	using	results	from	the	acquired	business,	adjusting	them	for:	

•

•
•

Additional	 DD&A	 that	 would	 have	 been	 charged	 assuming	 the	 fair	 value	 adjustments	 to	 PP&E	 had	 applied	 from
January	1,	2022.
Additional	accretion	on	the	decommissioning	liabilities	if	they	had	been	assumed	on	January	1,	2022.
The	consequential	tax	effects.

This	pro	forma	information	is	not	necessarily	indicative	of	the	results	that	would	have	been	obtained	if	the	Sunrise	Acquisition	
had	actually	occurred	on	January	1,	2022.	

B) BP-Husky	Refining	LLC

On	August	8,	2022,	Cenovus	announced	an	agreement	with	BP	to	purchase	the	remaining	50	percent	interest	in	Toledo	(the	
“Toledo	 Acquisition”).	 After	 closing	 the	 transaction,	 Cenovus	 will	 operate	 the	 Toledo	 Refinery.	 Total	 consideration	 for	 the	
transaction	includes	US$300	million	in	cash	plus	the	value	of	inventory.	The	Toledo	Acquisition	will	be	accounted	for	using	the	
acquisition	method	pursuant	to	IFRS	3.	On	September	20,	2022,	an	incident	occurred	at	the	Toledo	Refinery,	resulting	in	the	
shutdown	 of	 the	 facility.	 The	 refinery	 remains	 shut	 down	 in	 a	 safe	 state.	 The	 acquisition	 is	 expected	 to	 close	 at	 the	 end	 of	
February	2023.	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   109

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

C) Husky	Energy	Inc.

On	 January	 1,	 2021,	 Cenovus	 and	 Husky	 closed	 the	 Arrangement.	 The	 following	 table	 summarizes	 the	 details	 of	 the	
consideration	and	the	recognized	amounts	of	assets	acquired	and	liabilities	assumed	at	the	date	of	the	acquisition.

As	at

Consideration

Common	Shares

Preferred	Shares

Share	Purchase	Warrants

Replacement	Stock	Options

Other

Non-Controlling	Interest

Total	Consideration	and	Non-Controlling	Interest

Identifiable	Assets	Acquired	and	Liabilities	Assumed

Cash

Restricted	Cash

Accounts	Receivable	and	Accrued	Revenues

Inventories

Exploration	and	Evaluation	Assets

Property,	Plant	and	Equipment

Right-of-Use	Assets

Long-Term	Income	Tax	Receivable

Other	Assets

Investment	in	Equity-Accounted	Affiliates

Deferred	Income	Tax	Assets,	Net

Accounts	Payable	and	Accrued	Liabilities

Income	Tax	Payable

Short-Term	Borrowings

Long-Term	Debt

Lease	Liabilities

Decommissioning	Liabilities

Other	Liabilities

Total	Identifiable	Net	Assets

Goodwill

January	1,	2021

6,111

519

216

9

17

11

6,883

735

164

1,307

1,133

45

13,296

1,132

66

230

363

1,062

(2,283)

(94)

(40)

(6,602)

(1,441)

(2,697)

(782)

5,594

1,289

Goodwill	of	$1.3	billion	was	attributable	to	the	Lloydminster	thermal	assets	of	$651	million;	the	Sunrise	asset	of	$550	million;	
and	the	Tucker	asset	of	$88	million,	within	the	Oil	Sands	segment.

D) Terra	Nova

On	September	8,	2021,	the	Company	acquired	an	additional	working	interest	of	21	percent	of	the	Terra	Nova	field	in	Atlantic	
Canada.	Cenovus’s	working	interest	in	the	joint	operation	is	now	34	percent.	The	total	consideration	paid	was	$3	million,	net	of	
closing	adjustments,	and	the	effective	date	of	the	transaction	was	April	1,	2021.	The	additional	working	interest	acquired	was	
accounted	 for	 as	 an	 asset	 acquisition.	 Cenovus	 acquired	 cash	 of	 $78	 million	 and	 PP&E	 of	 $84	 million,	 and	 assumed	
decommissioning	liabilities	of		$159	million.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

6. GENERAL	AND	ADMINISTRATIVE

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Salaries	and	Benefits

Administrative	and	Other

Stock-Based	Compensation	Expense	(Recovery)	(Note	34)

Other	Incentive	Benefits	Expense	(Recovery)

7. FINANCE	COSTS

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Interest	Expense	–	Short-Term	Borrowings	and	Long-Term	Debt

Net	Premium	(Discount)	on	Redemption	of	Long-Term	Debt	(1)

Interest	Expense	–	Lease	Liabilities	(Note	27)

Unwinding	of	Discount	on	Decommissioning	Liabilities	(Note	29)

Other

Capitalized	Interest

9. FOREIGN	EXCHANGE	(GAIN)	LOSS,	NET

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Unrealized	Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss	on	Translation	of:

U.S.	Dollar	Debt	Issued	From	Canada

Other

Unrealized	Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss

Realized	Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss

2022

204

297

373

(9)

865

2022

478

(29)

163

176

37

825

(5)

820

2022

365

—

365

(22)

343

2021

264

225

159

201

849

2021

557

121

171

199

34

1,082

—

1,082

2021

(230)

(82)

(312)

138

(174)

2020

145

102

49

(4)

292

2020

392

(25)

87

57

25

536

—

536

2020

(194)

63

(131)

(50)

(181)

(1)	

Includes	the	premium	or	discount	on	redemption,	net	of	transaction	costs	and	the	amortization	of	associated	fair	value	adjustments.

8. INTEGRATION	AND	TRANSACTION	COSTS

Arrangement	 integration	 costs	 of	 $90	 million	 were	 recognized	 in	 net	 earnings	 (loss)	 for	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022	

(2021	–	$349	million;	2020	–	$29	million).

Transaction	costs	of	$16	million	were	recognized	in	net	earnings	(loss)	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	associated	with	

the	Sunrise	Acquisition	and	the	pending	Toledo	Acquisition.

110   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

On	 January	 1,	 2021,	 Cenovus	 and	 Husky	 closed	 the	 Arrangement.	 The	 following	 table	 summarizes	 the	 details	 of	 the	

consideration	and	the	recognized	amounts	of	assets	acquired	and	liabilities	assumed	at	the	date	of	the	acquisition.

January	1,	2021

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

C) Husky	Energy	Inc.

As	at

Consideration

Common	Shares

Preferred	Shares

Share	Purchase	Warrants

Replacement	Stock	Options

Other

Non-Controlling	Interest

Total	Consideration	and	Non-Controlling	Interest

Identifiable	Assets	Acquired	and	Liabilities	Assumed

Cash

Restricted	Cash

Inventories

Accounts	Receivable	and	Accrued	Revenues

Exploration	and	Evaluation	Assets

Property,	Plant	and	Equipment

Right-of-Use	Assets

Long-Term	Income	Tax	Receivable

Other	Assets

Investment	in	Equity-Accounted	Affiliates

Deferred	Income	Tax	Assets,	Net

Accounts	Payable	and	Accrued	Liabilities

Income	Tax	Payable

Short-Term	Borrowings

Long-Term	Debt

Lease	Liabilities

Decommissioning	Liabilities

Other	Liabilities

Total	Identifiable	Net	Assets

Goodwill

D) Terra	Nova

Goodwill	of	$1.3	billion	was	attributable	to	the	Lloydminster	thermal	assets	of	$651	million;	the	Sunrise	asset	of	$550	million;	

and	the	Tucker	asset	of	$88	million,	within	the	Oil	Sands	segment.

On	September	8,	2021,	the	Company	acquired	an	additional	working	interest	of	21	percent	of	the	Terra	Nova	field	in	Atlantic	

Canada.	Cenovus’s	working	interest	in	the	joint	operation	is	now	34	percent.	The	total	consideration	paid	was	$3	million,	net	of	

closing	adjustments,	and	the	effective	date	of	the	transaction	was	April	1,	2021.	The	additional	working	interest	acquired	was	

accounted	 for	 as	 an	 asset	 acquisition.	 Cenovus	 acquired	 cash	 of	 $78	 million	 and	 PP&E	 of	 $84	 million,	 and	 assumed	

decommissioning	liabilities	of		$159	million.

6,111

519

216

9

17

11

6,883

735

164

1,307

1,133

45

13,296

1,132

66

230

363

1,062

(2,283)

(94)

(40)

(6,602)

(1,441)

(2,697)

(782)

5,594

1,289

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

6. GENERAL	AND	ADMINISTRATIVE

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Salaries	and	Benefits

Administrative	and	Other

Stock-Based	Compensation	Expense	(Recovery)	(Note	34)

Other	Incentive	Benefits	Expense	(Recovery)

7. FINANCE	COSTS

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Interest	Expense	–	Short-Term	Borrowings	and	Long-Term	Debt
Net	Premium	(Discount)	on	Redemption	of	Long-Term	Debt	(1)
Interest	Expense	–	Lease	Liabilities	(Note	27)

Unwinding	of	Discount	on	Decommissioning	Liabilities	(Note	29)

Other

Capitalized	Interest

2022

204

297

373

(9)

865

2022

478

(29)

163

176

37

825

(5)

820

2021

264

225

159

201

849

2021

557

121

171

199

34

1,082

—

1,082

2020

145

102

49

(4)

292

2020

392

(25)

87

57

25

536

—

536

(1)	

Includes	the	premium	or	discount	on	redemption,	net	of	transaction	costs	and	the	amortization	of	associated	fair	value	adjustments.

8. INTEGRATION	AND	TRANSACTION	COSTS

Arrangement	 integration	 costs	 of	 $90	 million	 were	 recognized	 in	 net	 earnings	 (loss)	 for	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022	
(2021	–	$349	million;	2020	–	$29	million).

Transaction	costs	of	$16	million	were	recognized	in	net	earnings	(loss)	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	associated	with	
the	Sunrise	Acquisition	and	the	pending	Toledo	Acquisition.

9. FOREIGN	EXCHANGE	(GAIN)	LOSS,	NET

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Unrealized	Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss	on	Translation	of:

U.S.	Dollar	Debt	Issued	From	Canada

Other

Unrealized	Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss

Realized	Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss

2022

365

—
365

(22)

343

2021

(230)

(82)
(312)

138

(174)

2020

(194)

63
(131)

(50)

(181)

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   111

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

10. DIVESTITURES

A) 2022	Divestitures

On	January	31,	2022,	the	Company	closed	the	sale	of	its	Tucker	asset	in	its	Oil	Sands	segment	for	net	proceeds	of	$730	million	
and	recorded	a	before-tax	gain	of	$165	million	(after-tax	gain	–	$126	million).	

On	 February	 28,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 closed	 the	 sale	 of	 its	 Wembley	 assets	 in	 its	 Conventional	 segment	 for	 net	 proceeds	 of	
$221	million	and	recorded	a	before-tax	gain	of	$76	million	(after-tax	gain	–	$58	million).	

In	September	2021,	the	Company	entered	into	an	agreement	with	a	partner	in	the	White	Rose	project	in	the	Atlantic	region	
that	would	transfer	12.5	percent	of	Cenovus’s	working	interest	in	the	White	Rose	field	and	the	satellite	extensions,	subject	to	
certain	closing	conditions.	On	May	31,	2022,	the	final	closing	conditions	were	satisfied,	which	included	the	approval	of	the	West	
White	Rose	project	restarting.	Cenovus	paid	$50	million	associated	with	transferring	the	Company’s	working	interest,	resulting	
in	a	before-tax	gain	of	$62	million	(after-tax	gain	–	$47	million).

On	June	8,	2022,	the	Company	sold	its	investment	in	Headwater	Exploration	Inc.	(“Headwater”)	for	proceeds	of	$110	million,	
with	no	gain	or	loss	recognized	as	the	investment	was	recorded	at	fair	value	prior	to	the	sale.	

On	September	13,	2022,	the	Company	closed	the	sales	of	337	gas	stations	in	the	historic	retail	fuels	business,	located	across	
Western	Canada	and	Ontario,	for	net	cash	proceeds	of	$404	million	and	recorded	a	before-tax	loss	of	$74	million	(after-tax	loss	
– $56	million).

B) 2021	Divestitures

Effective	May	1,	2021,	the	Company	closed	the	sale	of	its	GORR	in	the	Marten	Hills	area	of	Alberta	relating	to	the	Conventional	
segment.	 Cenovus	 received	 cash	 proceeds	 of	 $102	 million	 and	 recorded	 a	 before-tax	 gain	 of	 $60	 million	 (after-tax	 gain	 –	
$47	million).

The	 Company	 sold	 Conventional	 segment	 assets	 in	 the	 Kaybob	 area	 in	 July	 2021	 and	 assets	 in	 the	 East	 Clearwater	 area	 in	
August	 2021	 for	 combined	 gross	 proceeds	 of	 approximately	 $82	 million.	 A	 before-tax	 gain	 of	 $17	 million	 (after-tax	 gain	 –	
$13	million)	was	recorded	on	the	dispositions.

In	 2020,	 as	 part	 of	 the	 sale	 of	 the	 Marten	 Hills	 assets,	 the	 Company	 received	 50	 million	 common	 shares	 of	 Headwater.	 On	
October	14,	2021,	the	Company	sold	50	million	common	shares	of	Headwater	for	gross	proceeds	of	$228	million	and	recorded	a	
before-tax	gain	of	$116	million	(after-tax	gain	–	$99	million).

C) 2020	Divestitures

On	 December	 2,	 2020,	 the	 Company	 sold	 its	 Marten	 Hills	 assets	 in	 northern	 Alberta	 to	 Headwater	 for	 total	 consideration	 of	
$138	 million,	 excluding	 the	 retained	 GORR.	 A	 before-tax	 gain	 of	 $79	 million	 was	 recorded	 on	 the	 sale	 (after-tax	 gain	 –	
$65	million).	Total	consideration	was	$33	million	in	cash,	50	million	common	shares	valued	at	$97	million	and	15	million	share	
purchase	warrants	valued	at	$8	million	at	the	date	of	close.

11. IMPAIRMENT	CHARGES	AND	REVERSALS

At	each	reporting	date,	the	Company	assesses	its	CGUs	for	indicators	of	impairment	or	when	facts	and	circumstances	suggest	
the	carrying	amount	may	exceed	the	recoverable	amount.	Impairment	losses	recognized	in	prior	periods,	other	than	goodwill	
impairments,	are	assessed	at	each	reporting	date	for	any	indicators	that	the	impairment	losses	may	no	longer	exist	or	may	have	
decreased.	Goodwill	is	tested	for	impairment	at	least	annually.	For	the	purposes	of	impairment	testing,	goodwill	is	allocated	to	
the	CGU	to	which	it	relates.

A) Upstream	Cash-Generating	Units

i) 2022	Impairment	Charges	and	Reversals

The	 Company	 tested	 the	 CGUs	 with	 associated	 goodwill	 for	 impairment	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 and	 there	 were	 no	
impairments.	The	Company	also	tested	the	Sunrise	CGU	for	impairment	due	to	a	decline	in	near-term	forward	prices	between	
the	date	of	the	Sunrise	Acquisition	and	December	31,	2022.	The	recoverable	amount	of	the	Sunrise	CGU	was	in	excess	of	its	
carrying	amount	and	no	impairment	was	recorded.	

112   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Key	Assumptions

The	 recoverable	 amounts	 (Level	 3)	 of	 Cenovus’s	 Oil	 Sands	 CGUs	 that	 were	 tested	 for	 impairment	 are	 approximated	 using	

FVLCOD.	Key	assumptions	used	to	estimate	the	present	value	of	future	net	cash	flows	from	reserves	include	forward	prices	and	

costs,	consistent	with	Cenovus’s	IQREs,	as	well	as	costs	to	develop	and	the	discount	rates.	Fair	values	for	producing	properties	

are	 calculated	 based	 on	 discounted	 after-tax	 cash	 flows	 of	 proved	 and	 probable	 reserves	 using	 forward	 prices	 and	 cost	

estimates	as	at	December	31,	2022.	All	reserves	are	evaluated	as	at	December	31,	2022,	by	the	Company’s	IQREs.

Crude	Oil,	NGLs	and	Natural	Gas	Prices

were:

The	forward	prices	as	at	December	31,	2022,	used	to	determine	future	cash	flows	from	crude	oil,	NGLs	and	natural	gas	reserves	

Average	

Annual	

Increase	

Thereafter

	2.00	%

	2.00	%

	2.00	%

	2.00	%

West	Texas	Intermediate	(US$/barrel)	

Western	Canadian	Select	(C$/barrel)

Condensate	at	Edmonton	(C$/barrel)

Alberta	Energy	Company	Natural	Gas	(C$/Mcf)	(1)

2023

80.33

76.54

106.22

4.23

2024

78.50

77.75

101.35

4.40

2025

76.95

77.55

98.94

4.21

2026

77.61

80.07

100.19

4.27

2027

79.16

81.89

101.74

4.34

(1)

	Assumes	natural	gas	heating	value	of	one	million	British	thermal	units	per	thousand	cubic	feet	(“Mcf”).	

Discounted	 future	 cash	 flows	 are	 determined	 by	 applying	 a	 discount	 rate	 between	14	 percent	 and	 15	 percent	 based	 on	 the	

individual	characteristics	of	the	CGU,	and	other	economic	and	operating	factors.

For	the	Sunrise	CGU,	a	one	percent	increase	in	the	discount	rate	would	result	in	an	impairment	of	$69	million	and	a	five	percent	

decrease	in	forward	price	estimates	would	result	in	an	impairment	of	$226	million.	A	one	percent	increase	in	the	discount	rate	

or	a	five	percent	decrease	in	forward	price	estimates	would	not	impact	the	result	of	the	impairment	tests	performed	on	CGUs	

with	associated	goodwill.

ii) 2021	Impairment	Charges	and	Reversals

As	at	December	31,	2021,	there	was	no	impairment	of	the	Company’s	upstream	CGUs	or	goodwill.	As	at	December	31,	2021,	

there	 were	 indicators	 of	 impairment	 reversals	 for	 the	 Company’s	 upstream	 CGUs	 due	 to	 an	 increase	 in	 forward	 commodity	

prices.	An	assessment	was	performed	and	indicated	the	recoverable	amount	was	greater	than	the	carrying	value.	

As	at	December	31,	2021,	the	recoverable	amount	of	the	Clearwater,	Elmworth-Wapiti	and	Kaybob-Edson	CGUs	was	estimated	

to	be	$2.0	billion.	In	2020,	the	Company	recorded	a	total	impairment	charge	of	$555	million	in	the	Conventional	segment	due	to	

a	 decline	 in	 forward	 commodity	 prices	 and	 changes	 in	 future	 development	 plans.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2021,	 the	 Company	

reversed	 the	 full	 amount	 of	 impairment	 losses	 of	 $378	 million,	 net	 of	 dispositions	 and	 the	 DD&A	 that	 would	 have	 been	

recorded	had	no	impairment	been	recorded.	The	reversal	was	primarily	due	to	improved	forward	commodity	prices.

The	following	table	summarizes	impairment	reversals	recorded	in	2021	and	estimated	recoverable	amounts	as	at	December	31,	

Discount	Rates

Sensitivities

2021,	by	CGU:

Clearwater

Elmworth-Wapiti

Kaybob-Edson

Reversal	of	

Impairment

Recoverable	

Amount

145

115

118

427

747

837

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

10. DIVESTITURES

A) 2022	Divestitures

On	January	31,	2022,	the	Company	closed	the	sale	of	its	Tucker	asset	in	its	Oil	Sands	segment	for	net	proceeds	of	$730	million	

and	recorded	a	before-tax	gain	of	$165	million	(after-tax	gain	–	$126	million).	

On	 February	 28,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 closed	 the	 sale	 of	 its	 Wembley	 assets	 in	 its	 Conventional	 segment	 for	 net	 proceeds	 of	

$221	million	and	recorded	a	before-tax	gain	of	$76	million	(after-tax	gain	–	$58	million).	

In	September	2021,	the	Company	entered	into	an	agreement	with	a	partner	in	the	White	Rose	project	in	the	Atlantic	region	

that	would	transfer	12.5	percent	of	Cenovus’s	working	interest	in	the	White	Rose	field	and	the	satellite	extensions,	subject	to	

certain	closing	conditions.	On	May	31,	2022,	the	final	closing	conditions	were	satisfied,	which	included	the	approval	of	the	West	

White	Rose	project	restarting.	Cenovus	paid	$50	million	associated	with	transferring	the	Company’s	working	interest,	resulting	

in	a	before-tax	gain	of	$62	million	(after-tax	gain	–	$47	million).

On	June	8,	2022,	the	Company	sold	its	investment	in	Headwater	Exploration	Inc.	(“Headwater”)	for	proceeds	of	$110	million,	

with	no	gain	or	loss	recognized	as	the	investment	was	recorded	at	fair	value	prior	to	the	sale.	

On	September	13,	2022,	the	Company	closed	the	sales	of	337	gas	stations	in	the	historic	retail	fuels	business,	located	across	

Western	Canada	and	Ontario,	for	net	cash	proceeds	of	$404	million	and	recorded	a	before-tax	loss	of	$74	million	(after-tax	loss	

– $56	million).

B) 2021	Divestitures

$47	million).

C) 2020	Divestitures

$13	million)	was	recorded	on	the	dispositions.

In	 2020,	 as	 part	 of	 the	 sale	 of	 the	 Marten	 Hills	 assets,	 the	 Company	 received	 50	 million	 common	 shares	 of	 Headwater.	 On	

October	14,	2021,	the	Company	sold	50	million	common	shares	of	Headwater	for	gross	proceeds	of	$228	million	and	recorded	a	

before-tax	gain	of	$116	million	(after-tax	gain	–	$99	million).

On	 December	 2,	 2020,	 the	 Company	 sold	 its	 Marten	 Hills	 assets	 in	 northern	 Alberta	 to	 Headwater	 for	 total	 consideration	 of	

$138	 million,	 excluding	 the	 retained	 GORR.	 A	 before-tax	 gain	 of	 $79	 million	 was	 recorded	 on	 the	 sale	 (after-tax	 gain	 –	

$65	million).	Total	consideration	was	$33	million	in	cash,	50	million	common	shares	valued	at	$97	million	and	15	million	share	

purchase	warrants	valued	at	$8	million	at	the	date	of	close.

11. IMPAIRMENT	CHARGES	AND	REVERSALS

At	each	reporting	date,	the	Company	assesses	its	CGUs	for	indicators	of	impairment	or	when	facts	and	circumstances	suggest	

the	carrying	amount	may	exceed	the	recoverable	amount.	Impairment	losses	recognized	in	prior	periods,	other	than	goodwill	

impairments,	are	assessed	at	each	reporting	date	for	any	indicators	that	the	impairment	losses	may	no	longer	exist	or	may	have	

decreased.	Goodwill	is	tested	for	impairment	at	least	annually.	For	the	purposes	of	impairment	testing,	goodwill	is	allocated	to	

the	CGU	to	which	it	relates.

A) Upstream	Cash-Generating	Units

i) 2022	Impairment	Charges	and	Reversals

The	 Company	 tested	 the	 CGUs	 with	 associated	 goodwill	 for	 impairment	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 and	 there	 were	 no	

impairments.	The	Company	also	tested	the	Sunrise	CGU	for	impairment	due	to	a	decline	in	near-term	forward	prices	between	

the	date	of	the	Sunrise	Acquisition	and	December	31,	2022.	The	recoverable	amount	of	the	Sunrise	CGU	was	in	excess	of	its	

carrying	amount	and	no	impairment	was	recorded.	

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Key	Assumptions

The	 recoverable	 amounts	 (Level	 3)	 of	 Cenovus’s	 Oil	 Sands	 CGUs	 that	 were	 tested	 for	 impairment	 are	 approximated	 using	
FVLCOD.	Key	assumptions	used	to	estimate	the	present	value	of	future	net	cash	flows	from	reserves	include	forward	prices	and	
costs,	consistent	with	Cenovus’s	IQREs,	as	well	as	costs	to	develop	and	the	discount	rates.	Fair	values	for	producing	properties	
are	 calculated	 based	 on	 discounted	 after-tax	 cash	 flows	 of	 proved	 and	 probable	 reserves	 using	 forward	 prices	 and	 cost	
estimates	as	at	December	31,	2022.	All	reserves	are	evaluated	as	at	December	31,	2022,	by	the	Company’s	IQREs.

Crude	Oil,	NGLs	and	Natural	Gas	Prices

The	forward	prices	as	at	December	31,	2022,	used	to	determine	future	cash	flows	from	crude	oil,	NGLs	and	natural	gas	reserves	
were:

West	Texas	Intermediate	(US$/barrel)	

Western	Canadian	Select	(C$/barrel)

Condensate	at	Edmonton	(C$/barrel)
Alberta	Energy	Company	Natural	Gas	(C$/Mcf)	(1)

2023

80.33

76.54

106.22

4.23

2024

78.50

77.75

101.35

4.40

2025

76.95

77.55

98.94

4.21

2026

77.61

80.07

100.19

4.27

2027

79.16

81.89

101.74

4.34

(1)

	Assumes	natural	gas	heating	value	of	one	million	British	thermal	units	per	thousand	cubic	feet	(“Mcf”).	

Average	
Annual	
Increase	
Thereafter

	2.00	%

	2.00	%

	2.00	%

	2.00	%

Effective	May	1,	2021,	the	Company	closed	the	sale	of	its	GORR	in	the	Marten	Hills	area	of	Alberta	relating	to	the	Conventional	

segment.	 Cenovus	 received	 cash	 proceeds	 of	 $102	 million	 and	 recorded	 a	 before-tax	 gain	 of	 $60	 million	 (after-tax	 gain	 –	

Discount	Rates

Discounted	 future	 cash	 flows	 are	 determined	 by	 applying	 a	 discount	 rate	 between	14	 percent	 and	 15	 percent	 based	 on	 the	
individual	characteristics	of	the	CGU,	and	other	economic	and	operating	factors.

The	 Company	 sold	 Conventional	 segment	 assets	 in	 the	 Kaybob	 area	 in	 July	 2021	 and	 assets	 in	 the	 East	 Clearwater	 area	 in	

August	 2021	 for	 combined	 gross	 proceeds	 of	 approximately	 $82	 million.	 A	 before-tax	 gain	 of	 $17	 million	 (after-tax	 gain	 –	

Sensitivities

For	the	Sunrise	CGU,	a	one	percent	increase	in	the	discount	rate	would	result	in	an	impairment	of	$69	million	and	a	five	percent	
decrease	in	forward	price	estimates	would	result	in	an	impairment	of	$226	million.	A	one	percent	increase	in	the	discount	rate	
or	a	five	percent	decrease	in	forward	price	estimates	would	not	impact	the	result	of	the	impairment	tests	performed	on	CGUs	
with	associated	goodwill.

ii) 2021	Impairment	Charges	and	Reversals

As	at	December	31,	2021,	there	was	no	impairment	of	the	Company’s	upstream	CGUs	or	goodwill.	As	at	December	31,	2021,	
there	 were	 indicators	 of	 impairment	 reversals	 for	 the	 Company’s	 upstream	 CGUs	 due	 to	 an	 increase	 in	 forward	 commodity	
prices.	An	assessment	was	performed	and	indicated	the	recoverable	amount	was	greater	than	the	carrying	value.	

As	at	December	31,	2021,	the	recoverable	amount	of	the	Clearwater,	Elmworth-Wapiti	and	Kaybob-Edson	CGUs	was	estimated	
to	be	$2.0	billion.	In	2020,	the	Company	recorded	a	total	impairment	charge	of	$555	million	in	the	Conventional	segment	due	to	
a	 decline	 in	 forward	 commodity	 prices	 and	 changes	 in	 future	 development	 plans.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2021,	 the	 Company	
reversed	 the	 full	 amount	 of	 impairment	 losses	 of	 $378	 million,	 net	 of	 dispositions	 and	 the	 DD&A	 that	 would	 have	 been	
recorded	had	no	impairment	been	recorded.	The	reversal	was	primarily	due	to	improved	forward	commodity	prices.

The	following	table	summarizes	impairment	reversals	recorded	in	2021	and	estimated	recoverable	amounts	as	at	December	31,	
2021,	by	CGU:

Clearwater

Elmworth-Wapiti

Kaybob-Edson

Reversal	of	
Impairment

Recoverable	
Amount

145

115

118

427

747

837

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   113

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Key	Assumptions

The	recoverable	amounts	(Level	3)	of	Cenovus’s	upstream	CGUs	were	determined	based	on	FVLCOD.	Key	assumptions	in	the	
determination	of	future	cash	flows	from	reserves	included	forward	prices	and	costs,	consistent	with	Cenovus’s	IQREs,	costs	to	
develop	 and	 the	 discount	 rates.	 The	 fair	 values	 for	 producing	 properties	 were	 calculated	 based	 on	 discounted	 after-tax	 cash	
flows	 of	 proved	 and	 probable	 reserves	 using	 forward	 prices	 and	 cost	 estimates	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2021.	 All	 reserves	 were	
evaluated	as	at	December	31,	2021,	by	the	Company’s	IQREs.

Crude	Oil,	NGLs	and	Natural	Gas	Prices

The	forward	prices	as	at	December	31,	2021,	used	to	determine	future	cash	flows	from	crude	oil,	NGLs	and	natural	gas	reserves	
were:

West	Texas	Intermediate	(US$/barrel)	

Western	Canadian	Select	(C$/barrel)

Edmonton	C5+	(C$/barrel)
Alberta	Energy	Company	Natural	Gas	(C$/Mcf)	(1)

2022

72.83

74.43

91.85

3.56

2023

68.78

69.17

85.53

3.20

2024

66.76

66.54

82.98

3.05

2025

68.09

67.87

84.63

3.10

2026

69.45

69.23

86.33

3.17

(1)

	Assumes	natural	gas	heating	value	of	one	million	British	thermal	units	per	thousand	cubic	feet	("Mcf").	

Average	
Annual	
Increase	
Thereafter

	2.00	%

	2.00	%

	2.00	%

	2.00	%

Discount	Rates

Discounted	future	cash	flows	were	determined	by	applying	a	discount	rate	between	10	percent	and	15	percent	based	on	the	
individual	characteristics	of	the	CGU,	and	other	economic	and	operating	factors.

Sensitivities

A	one	percent	increase	in	the	discount	rate	and	a	five	percent	decrease	in	forward	price	estimates	would	have	no	impact	on	the	
amount	of	impairment	reversals	recorded	in	the	Clearwater,	Elmworth-Wapiti	and	Kaybob-Edson	CGUs	at	December	31,	2021.	

A	one	percent	increase	in	the	discount	rate	and	a	five	percent	decrease	in	forward	price	estimates	would	have	no	impact	on	the	
results	of	the	impairment	tests	performed	on	CGUs	with	associated	goodwill.

iii) 2020	Impairment	Charges	and	Reversals

As	at	March	31,	2020,	the	Company	recorded	an	impairment	loss	of	$315	million	in	the	Conventional	CGU	due	to	a	decline	in	
forward	 crude	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas	 prices.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2020,	 the	 Company	 recorded	 an	 additional	 impairment	 loss	 of	
$240	million	in	the	Conventional	CGU	due	to	a	change	in	future	development	plans.

The	 following	 table	 summarizes	
December	31,	2020,	by	CGU:

impairment	

losses	 recorded	

in	 2020	 and	 estimated	 recoverable	 amounts	 as	 at	

Clearwater

Elmworth-Wapiti

Kaybob-Edson

Key	Assumptions

Impairment
260

120

175

Recoverable	
Amount
160

259

384

The	recoverable	amounts	(Level	3)	of	Cenovus’s	upstream	CGUs	were	determined	based	on	FVLCOD.	Key	assumptions	in	the	
determination	 of	 future	 cash	 flows	 from	 reserves	 included	 crude	 oil,	 NGLs	 and	 natural	 gas	 prices,	 costs	 to	 develop	 and	 the	
discount	rate.	The	fair	values	for	producing	properties	were	calculated	based	on	discounted	after-tax	cash	flows	of	proved	and	
probable	 reserves	 using	 forward	 prices	 and	 cost	 estimates	 at	 December	 31,	 2020.	 All	 reserves	 were	 evaluated	 as	 at	
December	31,	2020,	by	the	Company’s	IQREs.

114   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Discount	Rates

Sensitivities

CGUs:	

Clearwater

Elmworth-Wapiti

Kaybob-Edson

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Crude	Oil,	NGLs	and	Natural	Gas	Prices

The	forward	prices	as	at	December	31,	2020,	used	to	determine	future	cash	flows	from	crude	oil,	NGLs	and	natural	gas	reserves	

were:

West	Texas	Intermediate	(US$/barrel)	

Western	Canadian	Select	(C$/barrel)

Edmonton	C5+	(C$/barrel)

Alberta	Energy	Company	Natural	Gas	(C$/Mcf)	(1)

(1)

	Assumes	gas	heating	value	of	one	million	British	thermal	units	per	Mcf.	

2021

47.17

44.63

59.24

2.88

2022

50.17

48.18

63.19

2.80

2023

53.17

52.10

67.34

2.71

2024

54.97

54.10

69.77

2.75

2025

56.07

55.19

71.18

2.80

Discounted	future	cash	flows	were	determined	by	applying	a	discount	rate	between	10	percent	and	15	percent	based	on	the	

individual	characteristics	of	the	CGU,	and	other	economic	and	operating	factors.

The	sensitivity	analysis	below	shows	the	impact	that	a	change	in	the	discount	rate	or	forward	commodity	prices	would	have	had	

on	the	calculated	impairment	amount	used	in	the	impairment	testing	completed	as	at	December	31,	2020,	for	the	following	

Average	

Annual	

Increase	

Thereafter

	2.00	%

	2.00	%

	2.00	%

	2.00	%

Increase	(Decrease)	to	Impairment	Amount

One	Percent	

Increase	in	

the	Discount	

One	Percent	

Decrease	in	

the	Discount	

Five	Percent	

Five	Percent	

Increase	in	the	

Decrease	in	the	

Forward	Price	

Forward	Price	

Estimates

Estimates

Rate

7

10

17

Rate

(7)

(10)

(19)

(68)

(71)

(71)

128

126

140

A	one	percent	increase	in	the	discount	rate	and	a	five	percent	decrease	in	forward	price	estimates	would	have	no	impact	on	the	

results	of	the	impairment	tests	performed	on	CGUs	with	associated	goodwill.

B) Downstream	Cash-Generating	Units

i) 2022	Impairment	Charges	and	Reversals

As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	identified	indicators	of	impairment	for	the	Toledo	CGU	due	to	the	pending	acquisition	

of	the	remaining	50	percent	from	BP	and	a	fire	at	the	Toledo	Refinery,	and	for	the	Superior	CGU	with	the	commissioning	of	the	

asset	in	preparation	for	restart.	The	total	carrying	amount	of	the	Toledo	and	Superior	CGUs	was	greater	than	the	recoverable	

amount.	An	impairment	charge	of	$1.5	billion	was	recorded	as	additional	DD&A	in	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	segment.	

As	at	December	31,	2022,	there	were	also	indicators	of	impairment	reversals	for	the	Company’s	Borger,	Wood	River	and	Lima	

CGUs	 due	 to	 an	 increase	 in	 forward	 crack	 spreads,	 resulting	 in	 higher	 margins	 for	 refined	 products.	 An	 assessment	 was	

performed	that	indicated	the	recoverable	amount	was	greater	than	the	carrying	value	of	the	associated	CGUs.	As	at	December	

31,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 reversed	 impairment	 charges	 of	 $1.2	 billion,	 net	 of	 DD&A	 that	 would	 have	 been	 recorded	 had	 no	

As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	aggregate	recoverable	amount	of	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	CGUs	was	estimated	to	be	$5.4	billion.

impairment	been	recorded.

Key	Assumptions

The	 recoverable	 amount	 (Level	 3)	 of	 the	 U.S.	 Manufacturing	 CGUs	 were	 determined	 using	 FVLCOD.	 FVLCOD	 was	 calculated	

based	 on	 discounted	 after-tax	 cash	 flows	 using	 forward	 prices	 and	 cost	 estimates.	 Key	 assumptions	 in	 the	 determination	 of	

future	 cash	 flows	 included	 throughput,	 forward	 crude	 oil	 prices,	 forward	 crack	 spreads,	 future	 capital	 expenditures,	 future	

operating	costs	and	discount	rates.	Forward	crack	spreads	are	based	on	an	average	of	third-party	consultant	forecasts.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Key	Assumptions

The	recoverable	amounts	(Level	3)	of	Cenovus’s	upstream	CGUs	were	determined	based	on	FVLCOD.	Key	assumptions	in	the	

determination	of	future	cash	flows	from	reserves	included	forward	prices	and	costs,	consistent	with	Cenovus’s	IQREs,	costs	to	

develop	 and	 the	 discount	 rates.	 The	 fair	 values	 for	 producing	 properties	 were	 calculated	 based	 on	 discounted	 after-tax	 cash	

flows	 of	 proved	 and	 probable	 reserves	 using	 forward	 prices	 and	 cost	 estimates	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2021.	 All	 reserves	 were	

evaluated	as	at	December	31,	2021,	by	the	Company’s	IQREs.

Crude	Oil,	NGLs	and	Natural	Gas	Prices

The	forward	prices	as	at	December	31,	2021,	used	to	determine	future	cash	flows	from	crude	oil,	NGLs	and	natural	gas	reserves	

were:

Average	

Annual	

Increase	

Thereafter

	2.00	%

	2.00	%

	2.00	%

	2.00	%

West	Texas	Intermediate	(US$/barrel)	

Western	Canadian	Select	(C$/barrel)

Edmonton	C5+	(C$/barrel)

Alberta	Energy	Company	Natural	Gas	(C$/Mcf)	(1)

2022

72.83

74.43

91.85

3.56

2023

68.78

69.17

85.53

3.20

2024

66.76

66.54

82.98

3.05

2025

68.09

67.87

84.63

3.10

2026

69.45

69.23

86.33

3.17

(1)

	Assumes	natural	gas	heating	value	of	one	million	British	thermal	units	per	thousand	cubic	feet	("Mcf").	

Discounted	future	cash	flows	were	determined	by	applying	a	discount	rate	between	10	percent	and	15	percent	based	on	the	

individual	characteristics	of	the	CGU,	and	other	economic	and	operating	factors.

A	one	percent	increase	in	the	discount	rate	and	a	five	percent	decrease	in	forward	price	estimates	would	have	no	impact	on	the	

amount	of	impairment	reversals	recorded	in	the	Clearwater,	Elmworth-Wapiti	and	Kaybob-Edson	CGUs	at	December	31,	2021.	

A	one	percent	increase	in	the	discount	rate	and	a	five	percent	decrease	in	forward	price	estimates	would	have	no	impact	on	the	

results	of	the	impairment	tests	performed	on	CGUs	with	associated	goodwill.

iii) 2020	Impairment	Charges	and	Reversals

As	at	March	31,	2020,	the	Company	recorded	an	impairment	loss	of	$315	million	in	the	Conventional	CGU	due	to	a	decline	in	

forward	 crude	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas	 prices.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2020,	 the	 Company	 recorded	 an	 additional	 impairment	 loss	 of	

$240	million	in	the	Conventional	CGU	due	to	a	change	in	future	development	plans.

The	 following	 table	 summarizes	

impairment	

losses	 recorded	

in	 2020	 and	 estimated	 recoverable	 amounts	 as	 at	

December	31,	2020,	by	CGU:

Discount	Rates

Sensitivities

Clearwater

Elmworth-Wapiti

Kaybob-Edson

Key	Assumptions

Impairment

Recoverable	

Amount

260

120

175

160

259

384

The	recoverable	amounts	(Level	3)	of	Cenovus’s	upstream	CGUs	were	determined	based	on	FVLCOD.	Key	assumptions	in	the	

determination	 of	 future	 cash	 flows	 from	 reserves	 included	 crude	 oil,	 NGLs	 and	 natural	 gas	 prices,	 costs	 to	 develop	 and	 the	

discount	rate.	The	fair	values	for	producing	properties	were	calculated	based	on	discounted	after-tax	cash	flows	of	proved	and	

probable	 reserves	 using	 forward	 prices	 and	 cost	 estimates	 at	 December	 31,	 2020.	 All	 reserves	 were	 evaluated	 as	 at	

December	31,	2020,	by	the	Company’s	IQREs.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Crude	Oil,	NGLs	and	Natural	Gas	Prices

The	forward	prices	as	at	December	31,	2020,	used	to	determine	future	cash	flows	from	crude	oil,	NGLs	and	natural	gas	reserves	
were:

West	Texas	Intermediate	(US$/barrel)	

Western	Canadian	Select	(C$/barrel)

Edmonton	C5+	(C$/barrel)
Alberta	Energy	Company	Natural	Gas	(C$/Mcf)	(1)

2021

47.17

44.63

59.24
2.88

2022

50.17

48.18

63.19
2.80

2023

53.17

52.10

67.34
2.71

2024

54.97

54.10

69.77
2.75

2025

56.07

55.19

71.18
2.80

(1)

	Assumes	gas	heating	value	of	one	million	British	thermal	units	per	Mcf.	

Discount	Rates

Average	
Annual	
Increase	
Thereafter

	2.00	%

	2.00	%

	2.00	%
	2.00	%

Discounted	future	cash	flows	were	determined	by	applying	a	discount	rate	between	10	percent	and	15	percent	based	on	the	
individual	characteristics	of	the	CGU,	and	other	economic	and	operating	factors.

Sensitivities

The	sensitivity	analysis	below	shows	the	impact	that	a	change	in	the	discount	rate	or	forward	commodity	prices	would	have	had	
on	the	calculated	impairment	amount	used	in	the	impairment	testing	completed	as	at	December	31,	2020,	for	the	following	
CGUs:	

Clearwater

Elmworth-Wapiti

Kaybob-Edson

Increase	(Decrease)	to	Impairment	Amount

One	Percent	
Increase	in	
the	Discount	
Rate
7

10

17

One	Percent	
Decrease	in	
the	Discount	
Rate
(7)

Five	Percent	
Increase	in	the	
Forward	Price	
Estimates
(68)

(10)

(19)

(71)

(71)

Five	Percent	
Decrease	in	the	
Forward	Price	
Estimates

128

126

140

A	one	percent	increase	in	the	discount	rate	and	a	five	percent	decrease	in	forward	price	estimates	would	have	no	impact	on	the	
results	of	the	impairment	tests	performed	on	CGUs	with	associated	goodwill.

B) Downstream	Cash-Generating	Units

i) 2022	Impairment	Charges	and	Reversals

As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	identified	indicators	of	impairment	for	the	Toledo	CGU	due	to	the	pending	acquisition	
of	the	remaining	50	percent	from	BP	and	a	fire	at	the	Toledo	Refinery,	and	for	the	Superior	CGU	with	the	commissioning	of	the	
asset	in	preparation	for	restart.	The	total	carrying	amount	of	the	Toledo	and	Superior	CGUs	was	greater	than	the	recoverable	
amount.	An	impairment	charge	of	$1.5	billion	was	recorded	as	additional	DD&A	in	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	segment.	

As	at	December	31,	2022,	there	were	also	indicators	of	impairment	reversals	for	the	Company’s	Borger,	Wood	River	and	Lima	
CGUs	 due	 to	 an	 increase	 in	 forward	 crack	 spreads,	 resulting	 in	 higher	 margins	 for	 refined	 products.	 An	 assessment	 was	
performed	that	indicated	the	recoverable	amount	was	greater	than	the	carrying	value	of	the	associated	CGUs.	As	at	December	
31,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 reversed	 impairment	 charges	 of	 $1.2	 billion,	 net	 of	 DD&A	 that	 would	 have	 been	 recorded	 had	 no	
impairment	been	recorded.

As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	aggregate	recoverable	amount	of	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	CGUs	was	estimated	to	be	$5.4	billion.

Key	Assumptions

The	 recoverable	 amount	 (Level	 3)	 of	 the	 U.S.	 Manufacturing	 CGUs	 were	 determined	 using	 FVLCOD.	 FVLCOD	 was	 calculated	
based	 on	 discounted	 after-tax	 cash	 flows	 using	 forward	 prices	 and	 cost	 estimates.	 Key	 assumptions	 in	 the	 determination	 of	
future	 cash	 flows	 included	 throughput,	 forward	 crude	 oil	 prices,	 forward	 crack	 spreads,	 future	 capital	 expenditures,	 future	
operating	costs	and	discount	rates.	Forward	crack	spreads	are	based	on	an	average	of	third-party	consultant	forecasts.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   115

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Crude	Oil	and	Crack	Spreads

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Crude	Oil	and	Crack	Spreads

Forward	prices	are	based	on	Management’s	best	estimate	and	corroborated	with	third-party	data.	As	at	December	31,	2022,	
the	forward	prices	used	to	determine	future	cash	flows	were:

Forward	prices	are	based	on	Management’s	best	estimate	and	corroborated	with	third-party	data.	As	at	December	31,	2021,	

the	forward	prices	used	to	determine	future	cash	flows	were:

(US$/barrel)

West	Texas	Intermediate	

Differential	WTI-WTS

Differential	WTI-WCS

Chicago	3-2-1	Crack	Spreads	(WTI)

2023

80.33

(0.56)

(23.32)

29.37

2024

78.50

(0.56)

(19.09)

24.10

2025

76.95

(0.56)

(17.42)

22.12

2026

77.61

(0.56)

(15.87)

21.70

2027

79.16

(0.56)

(15.74)

21.67

Subsequent	prices	were	extrapolated	using	a	two	percent	growth	rate	to	determine	future	cash	flows	up	to	the	year	2032.

Discount	Rates

Discounted	future	cash	flows	were	determined	by	applying	a	discount	rate	of	between	15	percent	to	18	percent	based	on	the	
individual	characteristics	of	the	CGU,	and	other	economic	and	operating	factors.	

Sensitivities

The	sensitivity	analysis	below	shows	the	impact	that	a	change	in	the	discount	rate	or	forward	crude	oil	and	crack	spreads	would	
have	on	the	net	impairment	amount	recorded	as	at	December	31,	2022,	for	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	segment	CGUs:

Increase	(Decrease)	to	Impairment	Amount

One	Percent	
Increase	in	
the	Discount	
Rate
69

One	Percent	
Decrease	in	
the	Discount	
Rate
(65)

Five	Percent	
Increase	in	the	
Forward	Price	
Estimates
(268)

Five	Percent	
Decrease	in	the	
Forward	Price	
Estimates

268

Increase	(Decrease)	to	Impairment	Reversal	Amount

One	Percent	
Increase	in	
the	Discount	
Rate
(72)

One	Percent	
Decrease	in	
the	Discount	
Rate
14

Five	Percent	
Increase	in	the	
Forward	Price	
Estimates
168

Five	Percent	
Decrease	in	the	
Forward	Price	
Estimates

(342)

U.S.	Manufacturing

U.S.	Manufacturing

ii) 2021	Impairment	Charges	and	Reversals

As	at	December	31,	2021,	lower	forward	pricing	that	would	result	in	lower	margins	for	refined	products	was	identified	as	an	
indicator	 of	 impairment	 for	 the	 Borger,	 Wood	 River,	 Lima	 and	 Toledo	 CGUs.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2021,	 the	 total	 carrying	
amounts	of	the	Borger,	Wood	River	and	Lima	CGUs	were	greater	than	the	recoverable	amount	of	$2.5	billion.	An	impairment	
charge	of	$1.9	billion	was	recorded	as	additional	DD&A	in	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	segment.	As	at	December	31,	2021,	there	was	
no	impairment	of	the	Toledo	CGU.

Key	Assumptions

The	 recoverable	 amount	 (Level	 3)	 of	 the	 Borger,	 Wood	 River	 and	 Lima	 CGUs	 were	 determined	 using	 FVLCOD.	 FVLCOD	 was	
calculated	 based	 on	 discounted	 after-tax	 cash	 flows	 using	 forward	 prices	 and	 cost	 estimates.	 Key	 assumptions	 in	 the	
determination	 of	 future	 cash	 flows	 included	 throughput,	 forward	 crude	 oil	 prices,	 forward	 crack	 spreads,	 future	 capital	
expenditures,	 future	 operating	 costs	 and	 discount	 rates.	 Forward	 crack	 spreads	 were	 based	 on	 an	 average	 of	 third-party	
consultant	forecasts.

116   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

2022	to	2023

2024	to	2026

Low

68.78

—

13.54

14.87

High	

72.83

0.01

13.67

18.44

Low

66.76

(0.06)

13.75

14.68

High

69.45

(0.06)

14.30

16.81

(US$/barrel)

West	Texas	Intermediate	

Differential	WTI-WTS	

Differential	WTI-WCS	

Chicago	3-2-1	Crack	Spreads	(WTI)	

Discount	Rates

Sensitivities	

following	CGUs:

Subsequent	prices	were	extrapolated	using	a	two	percent	growth	rate	to	determine	future	cash	flows	up	to	year	2037.

Discounted	future	cash	flows	were	determined	by	applying	a	discount	rate	of	10	percent	to	12	percent	based	on	the	individual	

characteristics	of	the	CGU,	and	other	economic	and	operating	factors.

The	sensitivity	analysis	below	shows	the	impact	that	a	change	in	the	discount	rate	or	forward	crude	oil	and	crack	spreads	would	

have	had	on	the	calculated	recoverable	amounts	used	in	the	impairment	testing	completed	as	at	December	31,	2021,	for	the	

Increase	(Decrease)	to	Impairment	Amount

One	Percent	

Increase	in	

the	Discount	

One	Percent	

Decrease	in	

the	Discount	

Five	Percent	

Five	Percent	

Increase	in	the	

Decrease	in	the	

Forward	Price	

Forward	Price	

Rate

251

Rate

(283)

Estimates

(990)

Estimates

996

Borger,	Wood	River	and	Lima

iii) 2020	Impairment	Charges	and	Reversals

As	 at	 September	 30,	 2020,	 the	 recovery	 in	 demand	 for	 refined	 products	 from	 the	 impact	 of	 the	 novel	 coronavirus	 lagged	

expectations	and	resulted	in	higher	than	anticipated	inventory	levels.	These	factors,	along	with	low	market	crack	spreads	and	

crude	 oil	 processing	 runs	 for	 North	 American	 refineries,	 were	 identified	 as	 indicators	 of	 impairment	 for	 the	 Wood	 River	 and	

Borger	CGUs.	As	at	September	30,	2020,	the	carrying	amount	of	the	Borger	CGU	was	greater	than	the	recoverable	amount	and	

an	impairment	charge	of	$450	million	was	recorded	as	additional	DD&A	in	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	segment.	The	recoverable	

amount	of	the	Borger	CGU	was	estimated	at	$692	million.	As	at	September	30,	2020,	no	impairment	of	the	Wood	River	CGU	

The	 recoverable	 amount	 (Level	 3)	 of	 the	 Borger	 CGU	 was	 determined	 using	 FVLCOD.	 The	 FVLCOD	 was	 calculated	 based	 on	

discounted	after-tax	cash	flows	using	forward	prices	and	cost	estimates.	Key	assumptions	in	the	determination	of	future	cash	

flows	 included	 forward	 crude	 oil	 prices,	 forward	 crack	 spreads,	 future	 capital	 expenditures,	 future	 operating	 costs,	 terminal	

values	and	the	discount	rate.	Forward	crack	spreads	were	based	on	third-party	consultant	average	forecasts.

Forward	prices	are	based	on	Management’s	best	estimate	and	corroborated	with	third-party	data.	As	at	September	30,	2020,	

the	forward	prices	used	to	determine	future	cash	flows	were:

2021	to	2022

2023	to	2025

Low

36.36

0.37

11.56

High	

50.84

1.73

13.23

Low

49.66

1.21

11.79

High

58.74

1.81

16.58

Subsequent	prices	were	extrapolated	using	a	two	percent	growth	rate	to	determine	future	cash	flows	up	to	year	2035.

Discounted	future	cash	flows	were	determined	by	applying	a	discount	rate	of	10	percent	based	on	the	individual	characteristics	

of	the	CGU,	and	other	economic	and	operating	factors.

was	identified.	

Key	Assumptions

Crude	Oil	and	Crack	Spreads

(US$/barrel)

West	Texas	Intermediate	

Differential	WTI-WTS	

Group	3	3-2-1	Crack	Spreads	(WTI)	

Discount	Rates

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Crude	Oil	and	Crack	Spreads

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Crude	Oil	and	Crack	Spreads

Forward	prices	are	based	on	Management’s	best	estimate	and	corroborated	with	third-party	data.	As	at	December	31,	2022,	

the	forward	prices	used	to	determine	future	cash	flows	were:

Forward	prices	are	based	on	Management’s	best	estimate	and	corroborated	with	third-party	data.	As	at	December	31,	2021,	
the	forward	prices	used	to	determine	future	cash	flows	were:

(US$/barrel)

West	Texas	Intermediate	

Differential	WTI-WTS

Differential	WTI-WCS

Chicago	3-2-1	Crack	Spreads	(WTI)

2023

80.33

(0.56)

(23.32)

29.37

2024

78.50

(0.56)

(19.09)

24.10

2025

76.95

(0.56)

(17.42)

22.12

2026

77.61

(0.56)

(15.87)

21.70

2027

79.16

(0.56)

(15.74)

21.67

Subsequent	prices	were	extrapolated	using	a	two	percent	growth	rate	to	determine	future	cash	flows	up	to	the	year	2032.

Discounted	future	cash	flows	were	determined	by	applying	a	discount	rate	of	between	15	percent	to	18	percent	based	on	the	

individual	characteristics	of	the	CGU,	and	other	economic	and	operating	factors.	

The	sensitivity	analysis	below	shows	the	impact	that	a	change	in	the	discount	rate	or	forward	crude	oil	and	crack	spreads	would	

have	on	the	net	impairment	amount	recorded	as	at	December	31,	2022,	for	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	segment	CGUs:

Discount	Rates

Sensitivities

U.S.	Manufacturing

Increase	(Decrease)	to	Impairment	Amount

One	Percent	

Increase	in	

the	Discount	

One	Percent	

Decrease	in	

the	Discount	

Five	Percent	

Five	Percent	

Increase	in	the	

Decrease	in	the	

Forward	Price	

Forward	Price	

Rate

(65)

Estimates

(268)

Estimates

268

Increase	(Decrease)	to	Impairment	Reversal	Amount

One	Percent	

Increase	in	

the	Discount	

One	Percent	

Decrease	in	

the	Discount	

Five	Percent	

Five	Percent	

Increase	in	the	

Decrease	in	the	

Forward	Price	

Forward	Price	

Rate

14

Estimates

168

Estimates

(342)

Rate

69

Rate

(72)

U.S.	Manufacturing

ii) 2021	Impairment	Charges	and	Reversals

no	impairment	of	the	Toledo	CGU.

Key	Assumptions

As	at	December	31,	2021,	lower	forward	pricing	that	would	result	in	lower	margins	for	refined	products	was	identified	as	an	

indicator	 of	 impairment	 for	 the	 Borger,	 Wood	 River,	 Lima	 and	 Toledo	 CGUs.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2021,	 the	 total	 carrying	

amounts	of	the	Borger,	Wood	River	and	Lima	CGUs	were	greater	than	the	recoverable	amount	of	$2.5	billion.	An	impairment	

charge	of	$1.9	billion	was	recorded	as	additional	DD&A	in	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	segment.	As	at	December	31,	2021,	there	was	

The	 recoverable	 amount	 (Level	 3)	 of	 the	 Borger,	 Wood	 River	 and	 Lima	 CGUs	 were	 determined	 using	 FVLCOD.	 FVLCOD	 was	

calculated	 based	 on	 discounted	 after-tax	 cash	 flows	 using	 forward	 prices	 and	 cost	 estimates.	 Key	 assumptions	 in	 the	

determination	 of	 future	 cash	 flows	 included	 throughput,	 forward	 crude	 oil	 prices,	 forward	 crack	 spreads,	 future	 capital	

expenditures,	 future	 operating	 costs	 and	 discount	 rates.	 Forward	 crack	 spreads	 were	 based	 on	 an	 average	 of	 third-party	

consultant	forecasts.

(US$/barrel)

West	Texas	Intermediate	

Differential	WTI-WTS	

Differential	WTI-WCS	

Chicago	3-2-1	Crack	Spreads	(WTI)	

2022	to	2023

2024	to	2026

Low

68.78

—

13.54

14.87

High	

72.83

0.01

13.67

18.44

Low

66.76

(0.06)

13.75

14.68

High

69.45

(0.06)

14.30

16.81

Subsequent	prices	were	extrapolated	using	a	two	percent	growth	rate	to	determine	future	cash	flows	up	to	year	2037.

Discount	Rates

Discounted	future	cash	flows	were	determined	by	applying	a	discount	rate	of	10	percent	to	12	percent	based	on	the	individual	
characteristics	of	the	CGU,	and	other	economic	and	operating	factors.

Sensitivities	

The	sensitivity	analysis	below	shows	the	impact	that	a	change	in	the	discount	rate	or	forward	crude	oil	and	crack	spreads	would	
have	had	on	the	calculated	recoverable	amounts	used	in	the	impairment	testing	completed	as	at	December	31,	2021,	for	the	
following	CGUs:

Increase	(Decrease)	to	Impairment	Amount

One	Percent	
Increase	in	
the	Discount	
Rate
251

One	Percent	
Decrease	in	
the	Discount	
Rate
(283)

Five	Percent	
Increase	in	the	
Forward	Price	
Estimates
(990)

Five	Percent	
Decrease	in	the	
Forward	Price	
Estimates

996

Borger,	Wood	River	and	Lima

iii) 2020	Impairment	Charges	and	Reversals

As	 at	 September	 30,	 2020,	 the	 recovery	 in	 demand	 for	 refined	 products	 from	 the	 impact	 of	 the	 novel	 coronavirus	 lagged	
expectations	and	resulted	in	higher	than	anticipated	inventory	levels.	These	factors,	along	with	low	market	crack	spreads	and	
crude	 oil	 processing	 runs	 for	 North	 American	 refineries,	 were	 identified	 as	 indicators	 of	 impairment	 for	 the	 Wood	 River	 and	
Borger	CGUs.	As	at	September	30,	2020,	the	carrying	amount	of	the	Borger	CGU	was	greater	than	the	recoverable	amount	and	
an	impairment	charge	of	$450	million	was	recorded	as	additional	DD&A	in	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	segment.	The	recoverable	
amount	of	the	Borger	CGU	was	estimated	at	$692	million.	As	at	September	30,	2020,	no	impairment	of	the	Wood	River	CGU	
was	identified.	

Key	Assumptions

The	 recoverable	 amount	 (Level	 3)	 of	 the	 Borger	 CGU	 was	 determined	 using	 FVLCOD.	 The	 FVLCOD	 was	 calculated	 based	 on	
discounted	after-tax	cash	flows	using	forward	prices	and	cost	estimates.	Key	assumptions	in	the	determination	of	future	cash	
flows	 included	 forward	 crude	 oil	 prices,	 forward	 crack	 spreads,	 future	 capital	 expenditures,	 future	 operating	 costs,	 terminal	
values	and	the	discount	rate.	Forward	crack	spreads	were	based	on	third-party	consultant	average	forecasts.

Crude	Oil	and	Crack	Spreads

Forward	prices	are	based	on	Management’s	best	estimate	and	corroborated	with	third-party	data.	As	at	September	30,	2020,	
the	forward	prices	used	to	determine	future	cash	flows	were:

(US$/barrel)

West	Texas	Intermediate	

Differential	WTI-WTS	

Group	3	3-2-1	Crack	Spreads	(WTI)	

2021	to	2022

2023	to	2025

Low

36.36

0.37

11.56

High	

50.84

1.73

13.23

Low

49.66

1.21

11.79

High

58.74

1.81

16.58

Subsequent	prices	were	extrapolated	using	a	two	percent	growth	rate	to	determine	future	cash	flows	up	to	year	2035.

Discount	Rates

Discounted	future	cash	flows	were	determined	by	applying	a	discount	rate	of	10	percent	based	on	the	individual	characteristics	
of	the	CGU,	and	other	economic	and	operating	factors.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   117

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Sensitivities	

The	sensitivity	analysis	below	shows	the	impact	that	a	change	in	the	discount	rate	or	forward	commodity	prices	would	have	had	
on	the	calculated	recoverable	amount	used	in	the	impairment	testing	completed	as	at	September	30,	2020,	for	the	following	
CGU:

Increase	(Decrease)	to	Impairment	Amount

One	Percent	
Increase	in	
the	Discount	
Rate
89

One	Percent	
Decrease	in	
the	Discount	
Rate
(110)

Five	Percent	
Increase	in	the	
Forward	Price	
Estimates

Five	Percent	
Decrease	in	the	
Forward	Price	
Estimates

(348)

342

Borger

12. OTHER	INCOME	(LOSS),	NET

For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 recorded	 insurance	 proceeds	 related	 to	 the	 2018	 incidents	 at	 the	
Superior	Refinery	and	in	the	Atlantic	region	of	$328	million	(2021	–	$120	million;	2020	–	$nil).	

For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 funding	 of	 $65	 million	 (2021	 –	 $42	 million;	 2020	 –	 $nil)	 was	 received	 under	 the	
Government	of	Alberta’s	Site	Rehabilitation	Program	which	provides	qualifying	entities	funding	to	abandon	and	reclaim	oil	and	
gas	sites.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Earnings	(Loss)	From	Operations	Before	Income	Tax

Canadian	Statutory	Rate

Expected	Income	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)	From	Operations

Effect	on	Taxes	Resulting	From:

Statutory	and	Other	Rate	Differences

Non-Taxable	Capital	(Gains)	Losses

Non-Recognition	of	Capital	(Gains)	Losses

Adjustments	Arising	From	Prior	Year	Tax	Filings

U.S.	Tax	Attribute	Limitation

Impact	of	Rate	Changes

Other

Total	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)	From	Operations

Effective	Tax	Rate

B) Deferred	Income	Tax	Assets	and	Liabilities

13. INCOME	TAXES

A) Income	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Current	Tax

Canada

United	States

Asia	Pacific

Other	International

Total	Current	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)

Deferred	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)

2022

1,252

104

262

21

1,639

642

2,281

2021

104

—

171

1

276

452

728

2020

(14)

1

—

—

(13)

(838)

(851)

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	recorded	a	current	tax	expense	related	to	operations	in	all	jurisdictions	
that	Cenovus	operates.	The	increase	is	due	to	higher	earnings	compared	to	2021	and	the	tax	deductions	available	to	calculate	
taxable	income	and	losses	available	to	offset	that	taxable	income.

In	2021,	the	Company	recorded	a	current	tax	expense	primarily	related	to	taxable	income	arising	in	Canada	and	Asia	Pacific.	The	
increase	 is	 due	 to	 Asia	 Pacific	 operations	 acquired	 in	 the	 Arrangement	 and	 higher	 earnings	 compared	 to	 2020.	 In	 2021,	 the	
Company	recorded	a	$217	million	deferred	tax	expense	due	to	a	limitation	in	the	availability	of	certain	U.S.	tax	attributes.	In	
addition,	 the	 Company	 recorded	 a	 deferred	 tax	 expense	 of	 $106	 million	 due	 to	 a	 rate	 change	 associated	 with	 provincial	
allocations.

In	 2020,	 a	 deferred	 tax	 recovery	 was	 recorded	 due	 to	 an	 impairment	 of	 the	 Borger	 CGU,	 impairments	 in	 the	 Conventional	
segment	 and	 current	 period	 operating	 losses	 that	 will	 be	 carried	 forward,	 excluding	 unrealized	 foreign	 exchange	 gains	 and	
losses	 on	 long-term	 debt.	 In	 2020,	 the	 Government	 of	 Alberta	 accelerated	 the	 reduction	 in	 the	 provincial	 corporate	 tax	 rate	
from	12	percent	to	eight	percent.	

118   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

The	following	table	reconciles	income	taxes	calculated	at	the	Canadian	statutory	rate	with	the	recorded	income	taxes:

2022

8,731

	23.7%	

2,069

17

84

84

15

—

—

12

2,281

	26.1	%

	55.4	%

2021

1,315

	23.7%	

312

3

63

27

(5)

217

106

5

728

2022

55

4,460

4,515

(31)

(747)

(778)

3,737

22

75

—

97

—

44

(53)

2020

(3,230)

	24.0%	

(775)

19

(42)

(42)

(8)

—

(7)

4

(851)

	26.3	%

2021

—

4,046

4,046

(556)

(898)

(1,454)

2,592

Total

4,146

(159)

59

4,046

(17)

486

4,515

Management

Other

PP&E

4,124

(234)

59

3,949

25

486

4,460

Risk	

—

—

—

—

11

—

11

For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 deferred	 income	 tax	 liabilities	 of	 $486	 million	 were	 recognized	 on	 the	 Sunrise	

Acquisition.	The	deferred	income	tax	liability	arises	from	the	difference	between	the	fair	value	of	the	assets	acquired	and	the	

liabilities	assumed,	and	their	tax	basis.	

On	January	1,	2021,	as	part	of	the	Arrangement,	the	Company	recorded	net	deferred	tax	assets	of	$1.1	billion.	The	net	deferred	

tax	assets	consisted	of	$1.1	billion	related	to	the	Company’s	operations	in	the	Canadian	jurisdiction,	$359	million	related	to	U.S.	

operations,	offset	by	a	deferred	tax	liability	of	$444	million	related	to	Asia	Pacific	activities.	The	Canadian	deferred	tax	asset	has	

been	offset	against	the	Canadian	deferred	tax	liability.

The	 breakdown	 of	 deferred	 income	 tax	 liabilities	 and	 deferred	 income	 tax	 assets,	 without	 taking	 into	 consideration	 the	

offsetting	of	balances	within	the	same	tax	jurisdiction,	is	as	follows:

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Deferred	Income	Tax	Liabilities

Deferred	Income	Tax	Liabilities	to	be	Settled	Within	Twelve	Months

Deferred	Income	Tax	Liabilities	to	be	Settled	After	More	Than	Twelve	Months

Deferred	Income	Tax	Assets

Deferred	Income	Tax	Assets	to	be	Settled	Within	Twelve	Months

Deferred	Income	Tax	Assets	to	be	Settled	After	More	Than	Twelve	Months

Net	Deferred	Income	Tax	Liability

year.

the	same	tax	jurisdiction,	is:

Deferred	Income	Tax	Liabilities

As	at	December	31,	2020

Charged	(Credited)	to	Earnings

As	at	December	31,	2021

Charged	(Credited)	to	Earnings

Charged	(Credited)	to	Husky	Purchase	Price	Allocation

Charged	(Credited)	to	Sunrise	Purchase	Price	Allocation

As	at	December	31,	2022

The	 deferred	 income	 tax	 assets	 and	 liabilities	 to	 be	 settled	 within	 twelve	 months	 represents	 Management’s	 estimate	 of	 the	

timing	 of	 the	 reversal	 of	 temporary	 differences	 and	 may	 not	 correlate	 to	 the	 current	 income	 tax	 expense	 of	 the	 subsequent	

The	movement	in	deferred	income	tax	liabilities	and	assets,	without	taking	into	consideration	the	offsetting	of	balances	within	

Sensitivities	

CGU:

Borger

gas	sites.

13. INCOME	TAXES

A) Income	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Current	Tax

Canada

United	States

Asia	Pacific

Other	International

Total	Current	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)

Deferred	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)

2022

1,252

104

262

21

1,639

642

2,281

2021

104

—

171

1

276

452

728

2020

(14)

1

—

—

(13)

(838)

(851)

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	recorded	a	current	tax	expense	related	to	operations	in	all	jurisdictions	

that	Cenovus	operates.	The	increase	is	due	to	higher	earnings	compared	to	2021	and	the	tax	deductions	available	to	calculate	

taxable	income	and	losses	available	to	offset	that	taxable	income.

In	2021,	the	Company	recorded	a	current	tax	expense	primarily	related	to	taxable	income	arising	in	Canada	and	Asia	Pacific.	The	

increase	 is	 due	 to	 Asia	 Pacific	 operations	 acquired	 in	 the	 Arrangement	 and	 higher	 earnings	 compared	 to	 2020.	 In	 2021,	 the	

Company	recorded	a	$217	million	deferred	tax	expense	due	to	a	limitation	in	the	availability	of	certain	U.S.	tax	attributes.	In	

addition,	 the	 Company	 recorded	 a	 deferred	 tax	 expense	 of	 $106	 million	 due	 to	 a	 rate	 change	 associated	 with	 provincial	

allocations.

In	 2020,	 a	 deferred	 tax	 recovery	 was	 recorded	 due	 to	 an	 impairment	 of	 the	 Borger	 CGU,	 impairments	 in	 the	 Conventional	

segment	 and	 current	 period	 operating	 losses	 that	 will	 be	 carried	 forward,	 excluding	 unrealized	 foreign	 exchange	 gains	 and	

losses	 on	 long-term	 debt.	 In	 2020,	 the	 Government	 of	 Alberta	 accelerated	 the	 reduction	 in	 the	 provincial	 corporate	 tax	 rate	

from	12	percent	to	eight	percent.	

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

The	following	table	reconciles	income	taxes	calculated	at	the	Canadian	statutory	rate	with	the	recorded	income	taxes:

The	sensitivity	analysis	below	shows	the	impact	that	a	change	in	the	discount	rate	or	forward	commodity	prices	would	have	had	

on	the	calculated	recoverable	amount	used	in	the	impairment	testing	completed	as	at	September	30,	2020,	for	the	following	

Increase	(Decrease)	to	Impairment	Amount

One	Percent	

Increase	in	

the	Discount	

One	Percent	

Decrease	in	

the	Discount	

Five	Percent	

Five	Percent	

Increase	in	the	

Decrease	in	the	

Forward	Price	

Forward	Price	

Rate

89

Rate

(110)

Estimates

(348)

Estimates

342

12. OTHER	INCOME	(LOSS),	NET

For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 recorded	 insurance	 proceeds	 related	 to	 the	 2018	 incidents	 at	 the	

Superior	Refinery	and	in	the	Atlantic	region	of	$328	million	(2021	–	$120	million;	2020	–	$nil).	

For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 funding	 of	 $65	 million	 (2021	 –	 $42	 million;	 2020	 –	 $nil)	 was	 received	 under	 the	

Government	of	Alberta’s	Site	Rehabilitation	Program	which	provides	qualifying	entities	funding	to	abandon	and	reclaim	oil	and	

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Earnings	(Loss)	From	Operations	Before	Income	Tax

Canadian	Statutory	Rate

Expected	Income	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)	From	Operations

Effect	on	Taxes	Resulting	From:

Statutory	and	Other	Rate	Differences

Non-Taxable	Capital	(Gains)	Losses

Non-Recognition	of	Capital	(Gains)	Losses

Adjustments	Arising	From	Prior	Year	Tax	Filings

U.S.	Tax	Attribute	Limitation

Impact	of	Rate	Changes

Other

Total	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)	From	Operations

Effective	Tax	Rate

B) Deferred	Income	Tax	Assets	and	Liabilities

2022

8,731

	23.7%	

2,069

17

84

84

15

—

—

12

2,281

	26.1	%

2021

1,315

	23.7%	

312

3

63

27

(5)

217

106

5

728

	55.4	%

2020

(3,230)

	24.0%	

(775)

19

(42)

(42)

(8)

—

(7)

4

(851)

	26.3	%

For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 deferred	 income	 tax	 liabilities	 of	 $486	 million	 were	 recognized	 on	 the	 Sunrise	
Acquisition.	The	deferred	income	tax	liability	arises	from	the	difference	between	the	fair	value	of	the	assets	acquired	and	the	
liabilities	assumed,	and	their	tax	basis.	

On	January	1,	2021,	as	part	of	the	Arrangement,	the	Company	recorded	net	deferred	tax	assets	of	$1.1	billion.	The	net	deferred	
tax	assets	consisted	of	$1.1	billion	related	to	the	Company’s	operations	in	the	Canadian	jurisdiction,	$359	million	related	to	U.S.	
operations,	offset	by	a	deferred	tax	liability	of	$444	million	related	to	Asia	Pacific	activities.	The	Canadian	deferred	tax	asset	has	
been	offset	against	the	Canadian	deferred	tax	liability.

The	 breakdown	 of	 deferred	 income	 tax	 liabilities	 and	 deferred	 income	 tax	 assets,	 without	 taking	 into	 consideration	 the	
offsetting	of	balances	within	the	same	tax	jurisdiction,	is	as	follows:

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Deferred	Income	Tax	Liabilities

Deferred	Income	Tax	Liabilities	to	be	Settled	Within	Twelve	Months

Deferred	Income	Tax	Liabilities	to	be	Settled	After	More	Than	Twelve	Months

Deferred	Income	Tax	Assets

Deferred	Income	Tax	Assets	to	be	Settled	Within	Twelve	Months

Deferred	Income	Tax	Assets	to	be	Settled	After	More	Than	Twelve	Months

Net	Deferred	Income	Tax	Liability

2022

55

4,460

4,515

(31)

(747)

(778)

3,737

2021

—

4,046

4,046

(556)

(898)

(1,454)

2,592

The	 deferred	 income	 tax	 assets	 and	 liabilities	 to	 be	 settled	 within	 twelve	 months	 represents	 Management’s	 estimate	 of	 the	
timing	 of	 the	 reversal	 of	 temporary	 differences	 and	 may	 not	 correlate	 to	 the	 current	 income	 tax	 expense	 of	 the	 subsequent	
year.

The	movement	in	deferred	income	tax	liabilities	and	assets,	without	taking	into	consideration	the	offsetting	of	balances	within	
the	same	tax	jurisdiction,	is:

Deferred	Income	Tax	Liabilities

As	at	December	31,	2020

Charged	(Credited)	to	Earnings

Charged	(Credited)	to	Husky	Purchase	Price	Allocation

As	at	December	31,	2021

Charged	(Credited)	to	Earnings
Charged	(Credited)	to	Sunrise	Purchase	Price	Allocation

As	at	December	31,	2022

PP&E

4,124

(234)

59

3,949
25
486
4,460

Risk	
Management

—

—

—

—
11
—
11

Other

22

75

—

97
(53)
—
44

Total

4,146

(159)

59

4,046
(17)
486
4,515

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   119

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Deferred	Income	Tax	Assets

As	at	December	31,	2020

Charged	(Credited)	to	Earnings

Charged	(Credited)	to	Husky	Purchase	Price	Allocation

Charged	(Credited)	to	Other	Comprehensive	Income

As	at	December	31,	2021

Charged	(Credited)	to	Earnings

Charged	(Credited)	to	Sunrise	Purchase	Price	Allocation

Charged	(Credited)	to	Other	Comprehensive	Income

As	at	December	31,	2022

Net	Deferred	Income	Tax	Liabilities

As	at	December	31,	2020

Charged	(Credited)	to	Earnings

Charged	(Credited)	to	Husky	Purchase	Price	Allocation
Charged	(Credited)	to	Other	Comprehensive	Income

As	at	December	31,	2021

Charged	(Credited)	to	Earnings

Charged	(Credited)	to	Sunrise	Purchase	Price	Allocation

Charged	(Credited)	to	Other	Comprehensive	Income

As	at	December	31,	2022

Unused	Tax	
Losses

Risk	
Management

(659)

668

(656)

(8)

(655)

490

—

9

(156)

(13)

1

1

—

(11)

11

—

—

—

Other

(276)

(58)

(466)

12

(788)

158

—

8

(622)

Total

(948)

611

(1,121)

4

(1,454)

659

—

17

(778)

Total

3,198

452

(1,062)
4

2,592

642

486

17

3,737

The	deferred	income	tax	asset	of	$546	million	(2021	–	$694	million)	represents	net	deductible	temporary	differences	in	the	U.S.	
jurisdiction	which	has	been	fully	recognized,	as	the	probability	of	realization	is	expected	due	to	forecasted	taxable	income.	No	
deferred	 tax	 liability	 has	 been	 recognized	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2022	 and	 2021	 on	 temporary	 differences	 associated	 with	
investments	in	subsidiaries	and	joint	arrangements	where	the	Company	can	control	the	timing	of	the	reversal	of	the	temporary	
difference	and	the	reversal	is	not	probable	in	the	foreseeable	future.

C) Tax	Pools

The	approximate	amounts	of	tax	pools	available,	including	tax	losses,	are:

As	at	December	31,

Canada

United	States

Asia	Pacific

2022

8,505

6,477

457

15,439

2021

11,167

5,915

600

17,682

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 above	 tax	 pools	 included	 $115	 million	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $1.5	 billion)	 of	 Canadian	 federal	
non-capital	 losses	 and	 $468	 million	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $775	 million)	 of	 U.S.	 net	 operating	 losses.	 These	 losses	 expire	 no	
earlier	than	2035.	

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 had	 Canadian	 net	 capital	 losses	 totaling	 $28	 million	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	
$102	 million),	 which	 are	 available	 for	 carry	 forward	 to	 reduce	 future	 capital	 gains.	 The	 Company	 has	 not	 recognized	
$504	million	(December	31,	2021	–	$102	million)	of	net	capital	losses	associated	with	unrealized	foreign	exchange	losses	on	its	
U.S.	denominated	debt.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

14. PER	SHARE	AMOUNTS

A) Net	Earnings	(Loss)	Per	Common	Share	–	Basic	and	Diluted

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Effect	of	Cumulative	Dividends	on	Preferred	Shares

Net	Earnings	(Loss)	–	Basic	and	Diluted

Basic	–	Weighted	Average	Number	of	Shares

Dilutive	Effect	of	Warrants

Dilutive	Effect	of	Net	Settlement	Rights

Diluted	–	Weighted	Average	Number	of	Shares

Net	Earnings	(Loss)	Per	Common	Share	–	Basic	($)

Net	Earnings	(Loss)	Per	Common	Share	–	Diluted	(1)	(2)	($)

2022

6,450

(35)

6,415

44.8

10.0

3.29

3.20

1,951.3

2,016.2

1,228.9

2,006.1

2,045.1

1,228.9

2021

587

(34)

553

27.6

1.3

0.27

0.27

12

7

1

9

6

35

2020

(2,379)

—

(2,379)

—

—

(1.94)

(1.94)

77

—

77

12

7

1

9

5

34

(1)

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	net	earnings	of	$52	million	(2021	–	$22	million;	2020	–	$nil)	and	common	shares	of	1.6	million	(2021	–	1.9	million;	2020	

–	nil)	related	to	the	assumed	exercise	of	the	Cenovus	replacement	stock	options,	were	excluded	from	the	calculation	of	dilutive	net	earnings	(loss)	per	share.	

For	further	information	on	the	Company’s	stock-based	compensation	plans,	see	Note	34.	

(2)

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2021	and	December	31,	2020,	NSRs	of	18	million	and	31	million,	respectively,	were	excluded	from	the	calculation	of	diluted	

weighted	 average	 number	 of	 shares	 as	 their	 effect	 would	 have	 been	 anti-dilutive	 or	 their	 exercise	 prices	 exceeded	 the	 market	 price	 of	 Cenovus’s	 common	

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Per	Share

Amount

Per	Share

Amount

Per	Share

Amount

2022

2021

2020

0.350

0.114

0.464

682

219

901

0.088

—

0.088

176

—

176

0.063

—

0.063

The	 declaration	 of	 common	 share	 dividends	 is	 at	 the	 sole	 discretion	 of	 the	 Company’s	 Board	 of	 Directors	 and	 is	 considered	

On	February	15,	2023,	the	Company’s	Board	of	Directors	declared	a	first	quarter	base	dividend	of	$0.105	per	common	share,	

payable	on	March	31,	2023,	to	common	shareholders	of	record	as	at	March	15,	2023.	

2022

2021

shares.

B) Common	Share	Dividends

Total	Common	Share	Dividends	Declared	and	Paid

Base	Dividends

Variable	Dividends

quarterly.

C) Preferred	Share	Dividends

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Series	1	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	2	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	3	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	5	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	7	First	Preferred	Shares

Total	Preferred	Share	Dividends	Declared

quarterly.

The	 declaration	 of	 preferred	 share	 dividends	 is	 at	 the	 sole	 discretion	 of	 the	 Company’s	 Board	 of	 Directors	 and	 is	 considered	

On	January	3,	2023,	the	Company	paid	dividends	on	Cenovus’s	preferred	shares	as	declared	on	November	1,	2022.

On	 February	 15,	 2023,	 the	 Company’s	 Board	 of	 Directors	 declared	 first	 quarter	 dividends	 for	 Cenovus’s	 preferred	 shares,	

payable	on	March	31,	2023,	in	the	amount	of	$9	million,	to	preferred	shareholders	of	record	as	at	March	15,	2023.

120   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Deferred	Income	Tax	Assets

As	at	December	31,	2020

Charged	(Credited)	to	Earnings

Charged	(Credited)	to	Husky	Purchase	Price	Allocation

Charged	(Credited)	to	Other	Comprehensive	Income

As	at	December	31,	2021

Charged	(Credited)	to	Earnings

Charged	(Credited)	to	Sunrise	Purchase	Price	Allocation

Charged	(Credited)	to	Other	Comprehensive	Income

As	at	December	31,	2022

Net	Deferred	Income	Tax	Liabilities

As	at	December	31,	2020

Charged	(Credited)	to	Earnings

Charged	(Credited)	to	Husky	Purchase	Price	Allocation

Charged	(Credited)	to	Other	Comprehensive	Income

As	at	December	31,	2021

Charged	(Credited)	to	Earnings

Charged	(Credited)	to	Sunrise	Purchase	Price	Allocation

Charged	(Credited)	to	Other	Comprehensive	Income

As	at	December	31,	2022

C) Tax	Pools

As	at	December	31,

Canada

United	States

Asia	Pacific

earlier	than	2035.	

Unused	Tax	

Losses

Management

Risk	

(13)

(11)

1

1

—

11

—

—

—

Other

(276)

(58)

(466)

12

(788)

158

—

8

(622)

(659)

668

(656)

(8)

(655)

490

—

9

(156)

Total

(948)

611

(1,121)

4

(1,454)

659

—

17

(778)

Total

3,198

452

(1,062)

4

2,592

642

486

17

3,737

2022

8,505

6,477

457

15,439

2021

11,167

5,915

600

17,682

The	deferred	income	tax	asset	of	$546	million	(2021	–	$694	million)	represents	net	deductible	temporary	differences	in	the	U.S.	

jurisdiction	which	has	been	fully	recognized,	as	the	probability	of	realization	is	expected	due	to	forecasted	taxable	income.	No	

deferred	 tax	 liability	 has	 been	 recognized	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2022	 and	 2021	 on	 temporary	 differences	 associated	 with	

investments	in	subsidiaries	and	joint	arrangements	where	the	Company	can	control	the	timing	of	the	reversal	of	the	temporary	

difference	and	the	reversal	is	not	probable	in	the	foreseeable	future.

The	approximate	amounts	of	tax	pools	available,	including	tax	losses,	are:

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 above	 tax	 pools	 included	 $115	 million	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $1.5	 billion)	 of	 Canadian	 federal	

non-capital	 losses	 and	 $468	 million	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $775	 million)	 of	 U.S.	 net	 operating	 losses.	 These	 losses	 expire	 no	

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 had	 Canadian	 net	 capital	 losses	 totaling	 $28	 million	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	

$102	 million),	 which	 are	 available	 for	 carry	 forward	 to	 reduce	 future	 capital	 gains.	 The	 Company	 has	 not	 recognized	

$504	million	(December	31,	2021	–	$102	million)	of	net	capital	losses	associated	with	unrealized	foreign	exchange	losses	on	its	

U.S.	denominated	debt.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

14. PER	SHARE	AMOUNTS

A) Net	Earnings	(Loss)	Per	Common	Share	–	Basic	and	Diluted

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Effect	of	Cumulative	Dividends	on	Preferred	Shares

Net	Earnings	(Loss)	–	Basic	and	Diluted

Basic	–	Weighted	Average	Number	of	Shares

Dilutive	Effect	of	Warrants

Dilutive	Effect	of	Net	Settlement	Rights

Diluted	–	Weighted	Average	Number	of	Shares

Net	Earnings	(Loss)	Per	Common	Share	–	Basic	($)
Net	Earnings	(Loss)	Per	Common	Share	–	Diluted	(1)	(2)	($)

2022

6,450

(35)

6,415

2021

587

(34)

553

2020

(2,379)

—

(2,379)

1,951.3

2,016.2

1,228.9

44.8

10.0

27.6

1.3

—

—

2,006.1

2,045.1

1,228.9

3.29

3.20

0.27

0.27

(1.94)

(1.94)

(1)

(2)

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	net	earnings	of	$52	million	(2021	–	$22	million;	2020	–	$nil)	and	common	shares	of	1.6	million	(2021	–	1.9	million;	2020	
–	nil)	related	to	the	assumed	exercise	of	the	Cenovus	replacement	stock	options,	were	excluded	from	the	calculation	of	dilutive	net	earnings	(loss)	per	share.	
For	further	information	on	the	Company’s	stock-based	compensation	plans,	see	Note	34.	
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2021	and	December	31,	2020,	NSRs	of	18	million	and	31	million,	respectively,	were	excluded	from	the	calculation	of	diluted	
weighted	 average	 number	 of	 shares	 as	 their	 effect	 would	 have	 been	 anti-dilutive	 or	 their	 exercise	 prices	 exceeded	 the	 market	 price	 of	 Cenovus’s	 common	
shares.

B) Common	Share	Dividends

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Per	Share

Amount

Per	Share

Amount

Per	Share

Amount

Base	Dividends

Variable	Dividends

Total	Common	Share	Dividends	Declared	and	Paid

0.350

0.114

0.464

682

219

901

0.088

—

0.088

176

—

176

0.063

—

0.063

77

—

77

2022

2021

2020

The	 declaration	 of	 common	 share	 dividends	 is	 at	 the	 sole	 discretion	 of	 the	 Company’s	 Board	 of	 Directors	 and	 is	 considered	
quarterly.

On	February	15,	2023,	the	Company’s	Board	of	Directors	declared	a	first	quarter	base	dividend	of	$0.105	per	common	share,	
payable	on	March	31,	2023,	to	common	shareholders	of	record	as	at	March	15,	2023.	

C) Preferred	Share	Dividends

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Series	1	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	2	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	3	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	5	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	7	First	Preferred	Shares

Total	Preferred	Share	Dividends	Declared

2022

2021

7

1

12

9

6

35

7

1

12

9

5

34

The	 declaration	 of	 preferred	 share	 dividends	 is	 at	 the	 sole	 discretion	 of	 the	 Company’s	 Board	 of	 Directors	 and	 is	 considered	
quarterly.

On	January	3,	2023,	the	Company	paid	dividends	on	Cenovus’s	preferred	shares	as	declared	on	November	1,	2022.

On	 February	 15,	 2023,	 the	 Company’s	 Board	 of	 Directors	 declared	 first	 quarter	 dividends	 for	 Cenovus’s	 preferred	 shares,	
payable	on	March	31,	2023,	in	the	amount	of	$9	million,	to	preferred	shareholders	of	record	as	at	March	15,	2023.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   121

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

15. CASH	AND	CASH	EQUIVALENTS

As	at	December	31,

Cash

Short-Term	Investments

16. ACCOUNTS	RECEIVABLE	AND	ACCRUED	REVENUES

As	at	December	31,

Trade	and	Accruals

Prepaids	and	Deposits

Partner	Advances

Joint	Operations	Receivables
Other	(1)

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

19. EXPLORATION	AND	EVALUATION	ASSETS,	NET

As	at	December	31,	2020

Acquisitions	(Note	5)

Additions

Write-downs

Change	in	Decommissioning	Liabilities

As	at	December	31,	2021

Additions

Write-downs

Change	in	Decommissioning	Liabilities

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other	(1)

As	at	December	31,	2022

recognized	a	revaluation	gain	of	$40	million.	

2022

3,195

1,329

4,524

2022

2,962

402

—

51

58

3,473

2021

2,366

507

2,873

2021

2,548

486

371

225

240

3,870

(1)

As	at	December	31,	2022,	includes	insurance	proceeds	receivable	of	$nil	related	to	the	2018	Superior	Refinery	incident	(December	31,	2021	–	$135	million).

(1)

Immediately	prior	to	the	Sunrise	Acquisition,	Bay	du	Nord	had	a	carrying	value	of	$nil.	The	Company	re-measured	its	interest	in	Bay	du	Nord	to	$40	million	and	

For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 $2	 million	 and	 $62	 million	 of	 previously	 capitalized	 E&E	 costs	 were	 written	 off	 as	

exploration	expense	in	the	Oil	Sands	segment	and	Offshore	segment,	respectively	(2021	–	$9	million	in	the	Oil	Sands	segment),	

as	the	carrying	value	was	not	considered	to	be	recoverable.

Total

623

45

55

(9)

6

720

37

(64)

(12)

4

685

17. INVENTORIES

As	at	December	31,

Product

Crude	Oil

Diluent

Natural	Gas	and	NGLs

Refined	Products

Total	Product

Parts	and	Supplies

2022

2,424

366

50

1,169

4,009

303

4,312

2021

2,060

515

33

1,043

3,651

268

3,919

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	approximately	$49	billion	of	produced	and	purchased	inventory	was	recorded	as	an	
expense	(2021	–	approximately	$34	billion).

18. ASSETS	HELD	FOR	SALE

The	Company	had	the	following	assets	held	for	sale	as	at	December	31,	2021,	that	were	sold	in	2022	(see	Note	10):	

Retail	Gas	Stations

Tucker

Wembley

PP&E

ROU	Assets

Goodwill

Lease	Liabilities

498

505

159

1,162

54

—

—

54

—

88

—

88

(58)

—

—

(58)

Decommissioning	
Liabilities

(86)

(33)

(9)

(128)

122   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

19. EXPLORATION	AND	EVALUATION	ASSETS,	NET

As	at	December	31,	2020

Acquisitions	(Note	5)

Additions

Write-downs

Change	in	Decommissioning	Liabilities

As	at	December	31,	2021

Additions

Write-downs

Change	in	Decommissioning	Liabilities
Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other	(1)

As	at	December	31,	2022

Total

623

45

55

(9)

6

720

37

(64)

(12)

4

685

(1)

As	at	December	31,	2022,	includes	insurance	proceeds	receivable	of	$nil	related	to	the	2018	Superior	Refinery	incident	(December	31,	2021	–	$135	million).

(1)

Immediately	prior	to	the	Sunrise	Acquisition,	Bay	du	Nord	had	a	carrying	value	of	$nil.	The	Company	re-measured	its	interest	in	Bay	du	Nord	to	$40	million	and	
recognized	a	revaluation	gain	of	$40	million.	

For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 $2	 million	 and	 $62	 million	 of	 previously	 capitalized	 E&E	 costs	 were	 written	 off	 as	
exploration	expense	in	the	Oil	Sands	segment	and	Offshore	segment,	respectively	(2021	–	$9	million	in	the	Oil	Sands	segment),	
as	the	carrying	value	was	not	considered	to	be	recoverable.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

15. CASH	AND	CASH	EQUIVALENTS

16. ACCOUNTS	RECEIVABLE	AND	ACCRUED	REVENUES

As	at	December	31,

Cash

Short-Term	Investments

As	at	December	31,

Trade	and	Accruals

Prepaids	and	Deposits

Partner	Advances

Joint	Operations	Receivables

Other	(1)

17. INVENTORIES

As	at	December	31,

Product

Crude	Oil

Diluent

Natural	Gas	and	NGLs

Refined	Products

Total	Product

Parts	and	Supplies

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	approximately	$49	billion	of	produced	and	purchased	inventory	was	recorded	as	an	

expense	(2021	–	approximately	$34	billion).

18. ASSETS	HELD	FOR	SALE

Retail	Gas	Stations

Tucker

Wembley

The	Company	had	the	following	assets	held	for	sale	as	at	December	31,	2021,	that	were	sold	in	2022	(see	Note	10):	

PP&E

ROU	Assets

Goodwill

Lease	Liabilities

Liabilities

Decommissioning	

498

505

159

1,162

54

—

—

54

—

88

—

88

(58)

—

—

(58)

2022

3,195

1,329

4,524

2022

2,962

402

—

51

58

3,473

2022

2,424

366

50

1,169

4,009

303

4,312

2021

2,366

507

2,873

2021

2,548

486

371

225

240

3,870

2021

2,060

515

33

1,043

3,651

268

3,919

(86)

(33)

(9)

(128)

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   123

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

20. PROPERTY,	PLANT	AND	EQUIPMENT,	NET

Crude	Oil	and	
Natural	Gas	
Properties

Processing,	
Transportation	
and	Storage	
Assets

Manufacturing	
Assets

Other	Assets	(1)

COST

As	at	December	31,	2020

Acquisitions	(Note	5)

Additions

Change	in	Decommissioning	Liabilities

Divestitures	(Note	10)

Transfers	to	Assets	Held	for	Sale	(Note	18)

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2021
Acquisitions	(Note	5)	(2)
Additions	

Change	in	Decommissioning	Liabilities
Divestitures	(Note	5)	(2)
Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2022

ACCUMULATED	DEPRECIATION,	DEPLETION	AND	

AMORTIZATION

As	at	December	31,	2020

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Impairment	Charges	(Note	11)

Impairment	Reversals	(Note	11)

Divestitures	(Note	10)

Transfers	to	Assets	Held	for	Sale	(Note	18)

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2021

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization	(3)
Impairment	Charges	(Note	11)

Impairment	Reversals	(Note	11)
Divestitures	(Note	5)	(2)
Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2022

CARRYING	VALUE

As	at	December	31,	2020

As	at	December	31,	2021

As	at	December	31,	2022

29,867

8,633

1,368

(63)

(630)

(754)

22

38,443
3,230

2,409

(186)

(557)

189

43,528

8,361

3,335

—

(378)

(377)

(90)

61

10,912
3,461

—

—
(84)

13

14,302

21,506

27,531

29,226

218

—

9

1

—

—

—

228
—

11

(6)

—

21

254

42

10

—

—

—

—

1

53
37

—

—
—

16

106

176

175

148

5,671

3,901

1,023

40

—

—

(140)

10,495
—

1,143

(29)

—

523

12,132

2,195

526

1,931

—

—

—

(80)

4,572
466

1,499

(1,233)
—

243

5,547

3,476

5,923

6,585

1,290

846

115

24

—

(522)

(18)

1,735
—

108

(32)

—

14

1,825

1,037

128

—

—

—

(24)

(2)

1,139
103

—

—
—

43

1,285

253

596

540

Total

37,046

13,380

2,515

2

(630)

(1,276)

(136)

50,901
3,230

3,671

(253)

(557)

747

57,739

11,635

3,999

1,931

(378)

(377)

(114)

(20)

16,676
4,067

1,499

(1,233)
(84)

315

21,240

25,411

34,225

36,499

(1)
(2)

(3)

Includes	assets	within	the	commercial	and	retail	fuels	businesses,	office	furniture,	fixtures,	leasehold	improvements,	information	technology	and	aircraft.
In	 connection	 with	 the	 Sunrise	 Acquisition,	 Cenovus	 was	 deemed	 to	 have	 disposed	 of	 its	 pre-existing	 interest	 and	 reacquired	 it	 at	 fair	 value	 as	 required	 by	
IFRS	3.	As	at	August	31,	2022,	the	carrying	value	of	the	pre-existing	interest	in	SOSP’s	PP&E	was	$454	million.
DD&A	includes	asset	write-downs	of	$26	million	in	the	Offshore	segment	and	$25	million	in	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

PP&E	includes	the	following	amounts	in	respect	of	assets	under	construction	and	are	not	subject	to	DD&A:

Assets	Under	Construction

As	at	December	31,

Development	and	Production

Downstream

21. RIGHT-OF-USE	ASSETS,	NET

COST

As	at	December	31,	2020

Acquisitions	(Note	5)

Additions

Modifications

Re-measurements

Additions

Modifications

Re-measurements

Terminations

Transfers	to	Assets	Held	for	Sale	(Note	18)

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2021

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2022

ACCUMULATED	DEPRECIATION

As	at	December	31,	2020

Depreciation

Terminations

Impairment	Charges	(Note	11)

Transfers	to	Assets	Held	for	Sale	(Note	18)

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2021

Depreciation

Terminations

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2022

CARRYING	VALUE

As	at	December	31,	2020

As	at	December	31,	2021

As	at	December	31,	2022

2022

2,142

137

2,279

15

130

3

—

(3)

(78)

(5)

62

2

2

1

(1)

8

74

7

23

1

—

(6)

1

14

—

(3)

12

8

61

62

(24)

2021

2,415

943

3,358

Total

1,502

1,132

110

22

(4)

(78)

(28)

25

83

7

2,656

(10)

(74)

2,687

363

323

11

(3)

(24)

(24)

646

297

(6)

(95)

842

1,139

2,010

1,845

Transportation	

and	Storage	

Manufacturing	

Real	Estate

Assets	(1)

Assets

Other	Assets	(2)

495

99

4

1

(2)

—

(5)

592

—

9

1

(1)

(2)

599

58

38

—

—

—

(4)

92

36

—

(1)

127

437

500

472

977

765

96

20

1

—

(18)

1,841

22

69

3

(6)

(89)

1,840

293

239

5

(3)

—

(14)

520

226

(6)

(95)

645

684

1,321

1,195

15

138

7

1

—

—

—

161

1

3

2

9

(2)

174

5

23

5

—

—

—

33

21

—

4

58

10

128

116

(1)

(2)

Transportation	and	storage	assets	include	railcars,	barges,	vessels,	pipelines,	caverns	and	storage	tanks.	

Includes	assets	within	the	commercial	fuels	business,	fleet	vehicles	and	other	equipment.

124   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

20. PROPERTY,	PLANT	AND	EQUIPMENT,	NET

COST

As	at	December	31,	2020

Acquisitions	(Note	5)

Additions

Change	in	Decommissioning	Liabilities

Divestitures	(Note	10)

Transfers	to	Assets	Held	for	Sale	(Note	18)

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2021

Acquisitions	(Note	5)	(2)

Additions	

Change	in	Decommissioning	Liabilities

Divestitures	(Note	5)	(2)

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2022

ACCUMULATED	DEPRECIATION,	DEPLETION	AND	

AMORTIZATION

As	at	December	31,	2020

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

Impairment	Charges	(Note	11)

Impairment	Reversals	(Note	11)

Divestitures	(Note	10)

Transfers	to	Assets	Held	for	Sale	(Note	18)

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2021

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization	(3)

Impairment	Charges	(Note	11)

Impairment	Reversals	(Note	11)

Divestitures	(Note	5)	(2)

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2022

CARRYING	VALUE

As	at	December	31,	2020

As	at	December	31,	2021

As	at	December	31,	2022

29,867

8,633

1,368

(63)

(630)

(754)

22

3,230

2,409

(186)

(557)

189

38,443

43,528

8,361

3,335

—

(378)

(377)

(90)

61

10,912

3,461

—

—

(84)

13

14,302

21,506

27,531

29,226

Crude	Oil	and	

Transportation	

Processing,	

Natural	Gas	

and	Storage	

Manufacturing	

Properties

Assets

Assets

Other	Assets	(1)

12,132

1,825

57,739

218

—

9

1

—

—

—

228

—

11

(6)

—

21

254

42

10

—

—

—

—

1

53

37

—

—

—

16

106

176

175

148

5,671

3,901

1,023

40

—

—

(140)

10,495

—

1,143

(29)

—

523

2,195

526

1,931

—

—

—

(80)

4,572

466

1,499

(1,233)

—

243

5,547

3,476

5,923

6,585

Total

37,046

13,380

2,515

2

(630)

(1,276)

(136)

50,901

3,230

3,671

(253)

(557)

747

11,635

3,999

1,931

(378)

(377)

(114)

(20)

16,676

4,067

1,499

(1,233)

(84)

315

21,240

25,411

34,225

36,499

1,290

846

115

24

—

(522)

(18)

1,735

—

108

(32)

—

14

1,037

128

—

—

—

(24)

(2)

1,139

103

—

—

—

43

1,285

253

596

540

(1)

(2)

Includes	assets	within	the	commercial	and	retail	fuels	businesses,	office	furniture,	fixtures,	leasehold	improvements,	information	technology	and	aircraft.

In	 connection	 with	 the	 Sunrise	 Acquisition,	 Cenovus	 was	 deemed	 to	 have	 disposed	 of	 its	 pre-existing	 interest	 and	 reacquired	 it	 at	 fair	 value	 as	 required	 by	

IFRS	3.	As	at	August	31,	2022,	the	carrying	value	of	the	pre-existing	interest	in	SOSP’s	PP&E	was	$454	million.

(3)

DD&A	includes	asset	write-downs	of	$26	million	in	the	Offshore	segment	and	$25	million	in	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Assets	Under	Construction
PP&E	includes	the	following	amounts	in	respect	of	assets	under	construction	and	are	not	subject	to	DD&A:

As	at	December	31,

Development	and	Production

Downstream

21. RIGHT-OF-USE	ASSETS,	NET

COST

As	at	December	31,	2020

Acquisitions	(Note	5)

Additions

Modifications

Re-measurements

Transfers	to	Assets	Held	for	Sale	(Note	18)

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2021

Additions

Modifications

Re-measurements

Terminations

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2022

ACCUMULATED	DEPRECIATION

As	at	December	31,	2020

Depreciation

Impairment	Charges	(Note	11)

Terminations

Transfers	to	Assets	Held	for	Sale	(Note	18)

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2021

Depreciation

Terminations

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2022

CARRYING	VALUE

As	at	December	31,	2020

As	at	December	31,	2021

As	at	December	31,	2022

2022

2,142

137

2,279

Transportation	
and	Storage	
Assets	(1)

Real	Estate

Manufacturing	
Assets

Other	Assets	(2)

495

99

4

1

(2)

—

(5)

592

—

9

1

(1)

(2)

599

58

38

—

—

—

(4)

92

36

—

(1)

127

437

500

472

977

765

96

20

1

—

(18)

1,841

22

69

3

(6)

(89)

1,840

293

239

5

(3)

—

(14)

520

226

(6)

(95)

645

684

1,321

1,195

15

138

7

1

—

—

—

161

1

3

2

(2)

9

174

5

23

5

—

—

—

33

21

—

4

58

10

128

116

15

130

3

—

(3)

(78)

(5)

62

2

2

1

(1)

8

74

7

23

1

—

(24)

(6)

1

14

—

(3)

12

8

61

62

(1)
(2)

Transportation	and	storage	assets	include	railcars,	barges,	vessels,	pipelines,	caverns	and	storage	tanks.	
Includes	assets	within	the	commercial	fuels	business,	fleet	vehicles	and	other	equipment.

2021

2,415

943

3,358

Total

1,502

1,132

110

22

(4)

(78)

(28)

2,656

25

83

7

(10)

(74)

2,687

363

323

11

(3)

(24)

(24)

646

297

(6)

(95)

842

1,139

2,010

1,845

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   125

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

22. JOINT	ARRANGEMENTS

A) Joint	Operations

Cenovus	has	a	number	of	joint	operations	in	the	Upstream	segments.	The	Company	also	has	the	following	joint	operations	held	
in	separate	entities	in	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	segment.

and	December	31,	2021.

BP-Husky	Refining	LLC	

Cenovus	holds	a	50	percent	interest	in	the	Toledo	Refinery	with	BP.	BP	is	the	operator	of	the	refinery	in	Ohio	and	holds	the	
remaining	 50	 percent	 interest.	 On	 August	 8,	 2022,	 Cenovus	 announced	 an	 agreement	 with	 BP	 to	 purchase	 the	 remaining	
50	percent	interest.	See	Note	5	for	further	details.

WRB	Refining	LP	

Cenovus	holds	a	50	percent	interest	in	the	Wood	River	and	Borger	refineries	with	Phillips	66.	Phillips	66	holds	the	remaining	
50	percent	interest	and	is	the	operator	of	the	Wood	River	Refinery	in	Illinois	and	the	Borger	Refinery	in	Texas.	

B) Joint	Ventures

Husky-CNOOC	Madura	Ltd.	

The	 Company	 holds	 a	 40	 percent	 interest	 in	 the	 jointly	 controlled	 entity,	 HCML,	 which	 is	 engaged	 in	 the	 exploration	 for	 and	
production	of	natural	gas	and	NGLs	in	offshore	Indonesia.	The	Company’s	share	of	equity	investment	income	(loss)	related	to	
the	joint	venture	is	included	in	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss)	in	the	Offshore	segment.

	Summarized	below	is	the	financial	information	for	HCML	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method.	

Results	of	Operations

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Revenue

Expenses

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Balance	Sheet

As	at	December	31,
Current	Assets	(1)
Non-Current	Assets

Current	Liabilities

Non-Current	Liabilities	

Net	Assets

2022

383

350

33

2022

247

1,926

160

1,293

720

2021

439

395

44

2021

167

1,433

62

896

642

(1)

Includes	cash	and	cash	equivalents	of	$64	million	(December	31,	2021	–	$46	million).

For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Company’s	 share	 of	 income	 from	 the	 equity-accounted	 affiliate	 was	 $23	 million	
(2021	 –	 $47	 million).	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 carrying	 amount	 of	 the	 Company’s	 share	 of	 net	 assets	 was	 $365	 million	
(December	31,	2021	–	$311	million).	These	amounts	do	not	equal	the	40	percent	joint	control	of	the	revenues,	expenses	and	
net	 assets	 of	 HCML	 due	 to	 differences	 in	 the	 values	 attributed	 to	 the	 investment	 and	 accounting	 policies	 between	 the	 joint	
venture	and	the	Company.

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	received	$42	million	of	distributions	from	HCML	(2021	–	$100	million)	
and	paid	$54	million	in	contributions	(2021	–	$18	million).	

Husky	Midstream	Limited	Partnership	

The	Company	jointly	owns	and	is	the	operator	of	HMLP,	which	owns	midstream	assets,	including	pipeline,	storage	and	other	
ancillary	 infrastructure	 assets	 in	 Alberta	 and	 Saskatchewan.	 The	 Company	 holds	 a	 35	 percent	 interest	 in	 HMLP,	 with	 Power	
Assets	Holdings	Ltd.	holding	a	49	percent	interest	and	CK	Infrastructure	Holdings	Ltd.	holding	a	16	percent	interest	in	HMLP.	

126   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	HMLP	had	net	earnings	of	$190	million	(2021	–	$134	million).	The	Company’s	share	of	

(income)	loss	from	the	equity-accounted	affiliate	does	not	equal	the	35	percent	of	the	net	earnings	of	HMLP	due	to	the	nature	

of	 the	 profit-sharing	 arrangement	 as	 defined	 in	 the	 partnership	 agreement.	 The	 Company’s	 share	 of	 earnings	 will	 fluctuate	

depending	on	certain	income	thresholds	of	HMLP.	For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	did	not	record	its	share	

of	pre-tax	loss	relating	to	HMLP	of	$23	million	(2021	–	loss	of	$22	million).	The	carrying	value	was	$nil	at	December	31,	2022	

As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	had	$28	million	in	cumulative	unrecognized	losses	and	OCI,	net	of	tax	(December	31,	

2021	– $17	million).	The	Company	records	its	share	of	equity	investment	income	related	to	the	joint	venture	only	in	excess	of

the	cumulated	unrecognized	loss	and	is	included	in	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss)	in	the	Oil	Sands	segment.

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	received	$23	million	of	distributions	from	HMLP	(2021	– $37	million)	and

paid	$31	million	in	contributions	(2021	– $32	million)	to	HMLP.	The	net	amount	of	the	distributions	received	and	contributions

paid	are	recorded	in	earnings	from	equity-accounted	affiliates.

23. OTHER	ASSETS

As	at	December	31,

Intangible	Assets	(1)

Private	Equity	Investments	(Note	37)

Other	Equity	Investments

Net	Investment	in	Finance	Leases

Long-Term	Receivables	and	Prepaids	

Precious	Metals

Other

24. GOODWILL

Carrying	Value,	Beginning	of	Year

Goodwill	Recognized	(Note	5)

Carrying	Value,	End	of	Year

As	at	December	31,

Primrose	(Foster	Creek)

Christina	Lake

Lloydminster	Thermal	

Sunrise	(Note	5)

(1)

For	 the	 twelve	 months	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 $49	 million	 of	 previously	 capitalized	 intangible	 asset	 costs	 were	 written	 off	 as	 DD&A	 in	 the	 Oil	 Sands	

segment	as	the	carrying	value	was	not	considered	to	be	recoverable.	

In	December	2021,	all	of	the	outstanding	share	purchase	warrants	received	in	the	sale	of	the	Company's	Marten	Hills	assets	to	

Headwater	were	exercised	for	a	total	cost	of	$30	million.	At	December	31,	2021,	the	fair	value	of	the	Headwater	investment	

was	$77	million,	included	in	other	equity	investments	above.	The	investment	was	carried	at	FVTPL.

On	June	8,	2022,	the	Company	sold	its	investment	in	Headwater	for	proceeds	of	$110	million.

Goodwill	Disposed	of	or	Reclassified	to	Assets	Held	for	Sale	(Note	5	and	Note	18)

The	carrying	amount	of	goodwill	is	allocated	to	the	following	CGUs:	

For	 the	 purposes	 of	 impairment	 testing,	 goodwill	 is	 allocated	 to	 the	 CGUs	 to	 which	 it	 relates.	 The	 assumptions	 used	 to	 test	

Cenovus's	 goodwill	 for	 impairment	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 are	 consistent	 with	 those	 disclosed	 in	 Note	 11.	 There	 was	 no	

impairment	of	goodwill	as	at	December	31,	2022	(December	31,	2021	–	$nil).

2022

2021

19

55

—

62

120

86

—

342

2022

3,473

—

(550)

2,923

2022

1,171

1,101

651

—

2,923

78

53

77

60

77

85

1

431

2021

2,272

1,289

(88)

3,473

2021

1,171

1,101

651

550

3,473

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

22. JOINT	ARRANGEMENTS

A) Joint	Operations

in	separate	entities	in	the	U.S.	Manufacturing	segment.

BP-Husky	Refining	LLC	

50	percent	interest.	See	Note	5	for	further	details.

WRB	Refining	LP	

Cenovus	has	a	number	of	joint	operations	in	the	Upstream	segments.	The	Company	also	has	the	following	joint	operations	held	

Cenovus	holds	a	50	percent	interest	in	the	Toledo	Refinery	with	BP.	BP	is	the	operator	of	the	refinery	in	Ohio	and	holds	the	

remaining	 50	 percent	 interest.	 On	 August	 8,	 2022,	 Cenovus	 announced	 an	 agreement	 with	 BP	 to	 purchase	 the	 remaining	

Cenovus	holds	a	50	percent	interest	in	the	Wood	River	and	Borger	refineries	with	Phillips	66.	Phillips	66	holds	the	remaining	

50	percent	interest	and	is	the	operator	of	the	Wood	River	Refinery	in	Illinois	and	the	Borger	Refinery	in	Texas.	

The	 Company	 holds	 a	 40	 percent	 interest	 in	 the	 jointly	 controlled	 entity,	 HCML,	 which	 is	 engaged	 in	 the	 exploration	 for	 and	

production	of	natural	gas	and	NGLs	in	offshore	Indonesia.	The	Company’s	share	of	equity	investment	income	(loss)	related	to	

the	joint	venture	is	included	in	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss)	in	the	Offshore	segment.

	Summarized	below	is	the	financial	information	for	HCML	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method.	

B) Joint	Ventures

Husky-CNOOC	Madura	Ltd.	

Results	of	Operations

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Revenue

Expenses

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Balance	Sheet

As	at	December	31,

Current	Assets	(1)

Non-Current	Assets

Current	Liabilities

Non-Current	Liabilities	

Net	Assets

2022

383

350

33

2022

247

1,926

160

1,293

720

2021

439

395

44

2021

167

1,433

62

896

642

(1)

Includes	cash	and	cash	equivalents	of	$64	million	(December	31,	2021	–	$46	million).

For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Company’s	 share	 of	 income	 from	 the	 equity-accounted	 affiliate	 was	 $23	 million	

(2021	 –	 $47	 million).	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 carrying	 amount	 of	 the	 Company’s	 share	 of	 net	 assets	 was	 $365	 million	

(December	31,	2021	–	$311	million).	These	amounts	do	not	equal	the	40	percent	joint	control	of	the	revenues,	expenses	and	

net	 assets	 of	 HCML	 due	 to	 differences	 in	 the	 values	 attributed	 to	 the	 investment	 and	 accounting	 policies	 between	 the	 joint	

venture	and	the	Company.

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	received	$42	million	of	distributions	from	HCML	(2021	–	$100	million)	

and	paid	$54	million	in	contributions	(2021	–	$18	million).	

Husky	Midstream	Limited	Partnership	

The	Company	jointly	owns	and	is	the	operator	of	HMLP,	which	owns	midstream	assets,	including	pipeline,	storage	and	other	

ancillary	 infrastructure	 assets	 in	 Alberta	 and	 Saskatchewan.	 The	 Company	 holds	 a	 35	 percent	 interest	 in	 HMLP,	 with	 Power	

Assets	Holdings	Ltd.	holding	a	49	percent	interest	and	CK	Infrastructure	Holdings	Ltd.	holding	a	16	percent	interest	in	HMLP.	

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	HMLP	had	net	earnings	of	$190	million	(2021	–	$134	million).	The	Company’s	share	of	
(income)	loss	from	the	equity-accounted	affiliate	does	not	equal	the	35	percent	of	the	net	earnings	of	HMLP	due	to	the	nature	
of	 the	 profit-sharing	 arrangement	 as	 defined	 in	 the	 partnership	 agreement.	 The	 Company’s	 share	 of	 earnings	 will	 fluctuate	
depending	on	certain	income	thresholds	of	HMLP.	For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	did	not	record	its	share	
of	pre-tax	loss	relating	to	HMLP	of	$23	million	(2021	–	loss	of	$22	million).	The	carrying	value	was	$nil	at	December	31,	2022	
and	December	31,	2021.

As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	had	$28	million	in	cumulative	unrecognized	losses	and	OCI,	net	of	tax	(December	31,	
2021	– $17	million).	The	Company	records	its	share	of	equity	investment	income	related	to	the	joint	venture	only	in	excess	of
the	cumulated	unrecognized	loss	and	is	included	in	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss)	in	the	Oil	Sands	segment.

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	received	$23	million	of	distributions	from	HMLP	(2021	– $37	million)	and
paid	$31	million	in	contributions	(2021	– $32	million)	to	HMLP.	The	net	amount	of	the	distributions	received	and	contributions
paid	are	recorded	in	earnings	from	equity-accounted	affiliates.

23. OTHER	ASSETS

As	at	December	31,
Intangible	Assets	(1)
Private	Equity	Investments	(Note	37)

Other	Equity	Investments

Net	Investment	in	Finance	Leases
Long-Term	Receivables	and	Prepaids	
Precious	Metals

Other

2022

2021

19

55

—

62
120

86

—

342

78

53

77

60
77

85

1

431

(1)

For	 the	 twelve	 months	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 $49	 million	 of	 previously	 capitalized	 intangible	 asset	 costs	 were	 written	 off	 as	 DD&A	 in	 the	 Oil	 Sands	
segment	as	the	carrying	value	was	not	considered	to	be	recoverable.	

In	December	2021,	all	of	the	outstanding	share	purchase	warrants	received	in	the	sale	of	the	Company's	Marten	Hills	assets	to	
Headwater	were	exercised	for	a	total	cost	of	$30	million.	At	December	31,	2021,	the	fair	value	of	the	Headwater	investment	
was	$77	million,	included	in	other	equity	investments	above.	The	investment	was	carried	at	FVTPL.

On	June	8,	2022,	the	Company	sold	its	investment	in	Headwater	for	proceeds	of	$110	million.

24. GOODWILL

Carrying	Value,	Beginning	of	Year

Goodwill	Recognized	(Note	5)

Goodwill	Disposed	of	or	Reclassified	to	Assets	Held	for	Sale	(Note	5	and	Note	18)

Carrying	Value,	End	of	Year

The	carrying	amount	of	goodwill	is	allocated	to	the	following	CGUs:	

As	at	December	31,

Primrose	(Foster	Creek)

Christina	Lake

Lloydminster	Thermal	

Sunrise	(Note	5)

2022

3,473

—

(550)

2,923

2022

1,171

1,101

651

—

2,923

2021

2,272

1,289

(88)

3,473

2021

1,171

1,101

651

550

3,473

For	 the	 purposes	 of	 impairment	 testing,	 goodwill	 is	 allocated	 to	 the	 CGUs	 to	 which	 it	 relates.	 The	 assumptions	 used	 to	 test	
Cenovus's	 goodwill	 for	 impairment	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 are	 consistent	 with	 those	 disclosed	 in	 Note	 11.	 There	 was	 no	
impairment	of	goodwill	as	at	December	31,	2022	(December	31,	2021	–	$nil).

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   127

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

B) Long-Term	Debt

As	at	December	31,

Committed	Credit	Facility	(1)

U.S.	Dollar	Denominated	Unsecured	Notes

Canadian	Dollar	Unsecured	Notes

Total	Debt	Principal

Debt	Premiums	(Discounts),	Net,	and	Transaction	Costs

Long-Term	Debt

i) Committed	Credit	Facility

Notes

i

ii

ii

2022

—

6,537

2,000

8,537

154

8,691

2021

—

9,363

2,750

12,113

272

12,385

(1)

The	committed	credit	facility	may	include	Bankers’	Acceptances,	secured	overnight	financing	rate	loans,	prime	rate	loans	and	U.S.	base	rate	loans.	

At	the	closing	of	the	Arrangement	on	January	1,	2021,	the	Company	assumed	Husky's	committed	credit	facilities	of	$4.0	billion,	

with	 $350	 million	 outstanding.	 In	 August	 2021,	 $8.5	 billion	 of	 committed	 facilities,	 which	 includes	 those	 assumed	 in	 the	

On	 November	 10,	 2022,	 Cenovus	 amended	 its	 existing	 committed	 credit	 facility	 to	 decrease	 the	 capacity	 by	$500	 million	 to	

$5.5	 billion	 and	 to	 extend	 the	 maturity	 dates	 by	 more	 than	 one	 year.	 The	 committed	 credit	 facility	 consists	 of	 a	 $1.8	 billion	

tranche	maturing	on	November	10,	2025,	and	a	$3.7	billion	tranche	maturing	on	November	10,	2026.	As	at	December	31,	2022,	

no	amounts	were	drawn	on	the	credit	facility	(December	31,	2021	–	$nil).

ii) U.S.	Dollar	Denominated	Unsecured	Notes	and	Canadian	Dollar	Unsecured	Notes

For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 and	 December	 31,	 2021,	 Cenovus	 purchased	 outstanding	 principal	 amounts	 of	 the	

following	unsecured	notes:

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

25. ACCOUNTS	PAYABLE	AND	ACCRUED	LIABILITIES

As	at	December	31,

Accruals

Trade

Interest

Partner	Advances

Employee	Long-Term	Incentives

Joint	Operations	Payable

Risk	Management

Provisions	for	Onerous	and	Unfavourable	Contracts

Other

26. DEBT	AND	CAPITAL	STRUCTURE

2022

3,412

2,331

80

—

162

66

39

25

9

2021

2,722

2,554

128

371

317

28

116

31

86

6,124

6,353

Arrangement,	were	cancelled	and	replaced	with	a	$6.0	billion	committed	revolving	credit	facility.	

For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 weighted	 average	 interest	 rate	 on	 outstanding	 debt,	 including	 the	 Company’s	
proportionate	share	of	short-term	borrowings	was	4.7	percent	(December	31,	2021	–	4.6	percent).	

A) Short-Term	Borrowings

As	at	December	31,

Uncommitted	Demand	Facilities

WRB	Uncommitted	Demand	Facilities

Total	Debt	Principal

i) Uncommitted	Demand	Facilities

Notes

i

ii

2022

—

115

115

2021

—

79

79

As	at	December	31,	2022,	and	December	31,	2021,	the	Company	had	uncommitted	demand	facilities	of	$1.9	billion	in	place,	of	
which	 $1.4	 billion	 may	 be	 drawn	 for	 general	 purposes,	 or	 the	 full	 amount	 may	 be	 available	 to	 issue	 letters	 of	 credit.	 As	 at	
December	31,	2022,	there	were	outstanding	letters	of	credit	aggregating	to	$490	million	(December	31,	2021	–	$565	million)	
and	no	direct	borrowings.	

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2021,	 SOSP	 had	 an	 uncommitted	 demand	 credit	 facility	 of	 $10	 million	 (the	 Company’s	 proportionate	
share	–	$5	million).	On	November	24,	2022,	the	Company	cancelled	the	SOSP	uncommitted	demand	credit	facility.

ii) WRB	Uncommitted	Demand	Facilities

As	at	December	31,	2022,	WRB	had	uncommitted	demand	facilities	of	US$450	million	(the	Company’s	proportionate	share	–
US$225	million),	which	may	be	used	to	cover	short-term	working	capital	requirements	(December	31,	2021	–	US$300	million	
(the	Company’s	proportionate	share	–	US$150	million)).	As	at	December	31,	2022,	US$170	million	was	drawn	on	these	facilities,	
of	which	the	Company’s	proportionate	share	was	US$85	million	(C$115	million)	(December	31,	2021	–	US$125	million	of	which	
the	Company’s	proportionate	share	was	US$63	million	(C$79	million)).

U.S.	Dollar	Unsecured	Notes

3.95%	due	April	15,	2022

3.00%	due	August	15,	2022

3.80%	due	September	15,	2023

4.00%	due	April	15,	2024

5.38%	due	July	15,	2025

4.25%	due	April	15,	2027

4.40%	due	April	15,	2029

6.75%	due	November	15,	2039

4.45%	due	September	15,	2042

5.20%	due	September	15,	2043

Canadian	Dollar	Unsecured	Notes

3.55%	due	March	12,	2025

2022

2021

US$	Principal

US$	Principal

—

—

115

269

533

589

510

455

58

29

500

500

335

481

334

—

—

—

—

—

2,558

2,150

C$	Principal

C$	Principal

750

—

128   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

25. ACCOUNTS	PAYABLE	AND	ACCRUED	LIABILITIES

As	at	December	31,

Accruals

Trade

Interest

Partner	Advances

Employee	Long-Term	Incentives

Joint	Operations	Payable

Risk	Management

Provisions	for	Onerous	and	Unfavourable	Contracts

Other

26. DEBT	AND	CAPITAL	STRUCTURE

A) Short-Term	Borrowings

As	at	December	31,

Uncommitted	Demand	Facilities

WRB	Uncommitted	Demand	Facilities

Total	Debt	Principal

i) Uncommitted	Demand	Facilities

2022

3,412

2,331

80

—

162

66

39

25

9

2021

2,722

2,554

128

371

317

28

116

31

86

6,124

6,353

Notes

i

ii

2022

—

115

115

2021

—

79

79

For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 weighted	 average	 interest	 rate	 on	 outstanding	 debt,	 including	 the	 Company’s	

proportionate	share	of	short-term	borrowings	was	4.7	percent	(December	31,	2021	–	4.6	percent).	

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

B) Long-Term	Debt

As	at	December	31,
Committed	Credit	Facility	(1)
U.S.	Dollar	Denominated	Unsecured	Notes

Canadian	Dollar	Unsecured	Notes

Total	Debt	Principal

Debt	Premiums	(Discounts),	Net,	and	Transaction	Costs

Long-Term	Debt

Notes

i

ii

ii

2022

—

6,537

2,000

8,537

154

8,691

2021

—

9,363

2,750

12,113

272

12,385

(1)

The	committed	credit	facility	may	include	Bankers’	Acceptances,	secured	overnight	financing	rate	loans,	prime	rate	loans	and	U.S.	base	rate	loans.	

i) Committed	Credit	Facility

At	the	closing	of	the	Arrangement	on	January	1,	2021,	the	Company	assumed	Husky's	committed	credit	facilities	of	$4.0	billion,	
with	 $350	 million	 outstanding.	 In	 August	 2021,	 $8.5	 billion	 of	 committed	 facilities,	 which	 includes	 those	 assumed	 in	 the	
Arrangement,	were	cancelled	and	replaced	with	a	$6.0	billion	committed	revolving	credit	facility.	

On	 November	 10,	 2022,	 Cenovus	 amended	 its	 existing	 committed	 credit	 facility	 to	 decrease	 the	 capacity	 by	$500	 million	 to	
$5.5	 billion	 and	 to	 extend	 the	 maturity	 dates	 by	 more	 than	 one	 year.	 The	 committed	 credit	 facility	 consists	 of	 a	 $1.8	 billion	
tranche	maturing	on	November	10,	2025,	and	a	$3.7	billion	tranche	maturing	on	November	10,	2026.	As	at	December	31,	2022,	
no	amounts	were	drawn	on	the	credit	facility	(December	31,	2021	–	$nil).

ii) U.S.	Dollar	Denominated	Unsecured	Notes	and	Canadian	Dollar	Unsecured	Notes

For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 and	 December	 31,	 2021,	 Cenovus	 purchased	 outstanding	 principal	 amounts	 of	 the	
following	unsecured	notes:

As	at	December	31,	2022,	and	December	31,	2021,	the	Company	had	uncommitted	demand	facilities	of	$1.9	billion	in	place,	of	

which	 $1.4	 billion	 may	 be	 drawn	 for	 general	 purposes,	 or	 the	 full	 amount	 may	 be	 available	 to	 issue	 letters	 of	 credit.	 As	 at	

December	31,	2022,	there	were	outstanding	letters	of	credit	aggregating	to	$490	million	(December	31,	2021	–	$565	million)	

and	no	direct	borrowings.	

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2021,	 SOSP	 had	 an	 uncommitted	 demand	 credit	 facility	 of	 $10	 million	 (the	 Company’s	 proportionate	

share	–	$5	million).	On	November	24,	2022,	the	Company	cancelled	the	SOSP	uncommitted	demand	credit	facility.

ii) WRB	Uncommitted	Demand	Facilities

As	at	December	31,	2022,	WRB	had	uncommitted	demand	facilities	of	US$450	million	(the	Company’s	proportionate	share	–

US$225	million),	which	may	be	used	to	cover	short-term	working	capital	requirements	(December	31,	2021	–	US$300	million	

(the	Company’s	proportionate	share	–	US$150	million)).	As	at	December	31,	2022,	US$170	million	was	drawn	on	these	facilities,	

of	which	the	Company’s	proportionate	share	was	US$85	million	(C$115	million)	(December	31,	2021	–	US$125	million	of	which	

the	Company’s	proportionate	share	was	US$63	million	(C$79	million)).

U.S.	Dollar	Unsecured	Notes

3.95%	due	April	15,	2022

3.00%	due	August	15,	2022

3.80%	due	September	15,	2023

4.00%	due	April	15,	2024

5.38%	due	July	15,	2025

4.25%	due	April	15,	2027

4.40%	due	April	15,	2029

6.75%	due	November	15,	2039

4.45%	due	September	15,	2042

5.20%	due	September	15,	2043

Canadian	Dollar	Unsecured	Notes

3.55%	due	March	12,	2025

2022

2021

US$	Principal

US$	Principal

—

—

115

269

533

589

510

455

58

29

500

500

335

481

334

—

—

—

—

—

2,558

2,150

C$	Principal

C$	Principal

750

—

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   129

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

The	principal	amounts	of	the	Company’s	outstanding	unsecured	notes	are:	

D) Capital	Structure

As	at	December	31,

U.S.	Dollar	Denominated	Unsecured	Notes

3.80%	due	September	15,	2023

4.00%	due	April	15,	2024

5.38%	due	July	15,	2025

4.25%	due	April	15,	2027

4.40%	due	April	15,	2029

2.65%	due	January	15,	2032

5.25%	due	June	15,	2037

6.80%	due	September	15,	2037

6.75%	due	November	15,	2039

4.45%	due	September	15,	2042

5.20%	due	September	15,	2043

5.40%	due	June	15,	2047

3.75%	due	February	15,	2052

Canadian	Dollar	Unsecured	Notes

3.55%	due	March	12,	2025

3.60%	due	March	10,	2027

3.50%	due	February	7,	2028

Total	Unsecured	Notes

2022

2021

US$	Principal

C$	Principal	and	
Equivalent

US$	Principal

C$	Principal	and	
Equivalent

—

—

133

373

240

500

583

387

935

97

29

800

750

4,827

—

—

181

505

324

677

790

524

1,267

131

39

1,083

1,016

6,537

—

750

1,250

2,000

8,537

115

269

666

962

750

500

583

387

1,390

155

58

800

750

7,385

146

341

844

1,220

951

634

739

490

1,763

197

73

1,014

951

9,363

750

750

1,250

2,750

12,113

At	the	closing	of	the	Arrangement	on	January	1,	2021,	the	Company	assumed	Canadian	dollar	unsecured	notes	with	a	fair	value	
of	$2.9	billion	(notional	value	–	$2.8	billion)	and	U.S.	dollar	denominated	notes	with	a	fair	value	of	$3.4	billion	(notional	value	–	
US$2.4	 billion	 or	 C$3.0	 billion).	 The	 Company	 closed	 a	 public	 offering	 in	 the	 U.S.	 in	 September	 2021,	 for	 US$1.25	 billion	 of	
senior	unsecured	notes,	consisting	of	US$500	million	due	on	January	15,	2032,	and	US$750	million	due	on	February	15,	2052.

As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	was	in	compliance	with	all	of	the	terms	of	its	debt	agreements.	Under	the	terms	of	
Cenovus’s	committed	credit	facility,	the	Company	is	required	to	maintain	a	total	debt	to	capitalization	ratio,	as	defined	in	the	
agreements,	not	to	exceed	65	percent.	The	Company	is	well	below	this	limit.

C) Mandatory	Debt	Payments

As	at	December	31,	2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

Thereafter

U.S.	Dollar
Unsecured	Notes

Canadian	Dollar	
Unsecured	Notes

US$	Principal

C$	Principal	
Equivalent

C$	Principal

Total

C$	Principal	and	
Equivalent

—

—

133

—

373

4,321

4,827

—

—

181

—

505

5,851

6,537

—

—

—

—

750

1,250

2,000

—

—

181

—

1,255

7,101

8,537

Cenovus’s	 capital	 structure	 consists	 of	 shareholders’	 equity	 plus	 Net	 Debt.	 Net	 Debt	 includes	 the	 Company’s	 short-term	

borrowings,	 and	 the	 current	 and	 long-term	 portions	 of	 long-term	 debt,	 net	 of	 cash	 and	 cash	 equivalents	 and	 short-term	

investments.	 Net	 Debt	 is	 used	 in	 managing	 the	 Company’s	 capital	 structure.	 The	 Company’s	 objectives	 when	 managing	 its	

capital	structure	are	to	maintain	financial	flexibility,	preserve	access	to	capital	markets,	ensure	its	ability	to	finance	internally	

generated	growth	and	to	fund	potential	acquisitions	while	maintaining	the	ability	to	meet	the	Company’s	financial	obligations	

as	 they	 come	 due.	 To	 ensure	 financial	 resilience,	 Cenovus	 may,	 among	 other	 actions,	 adjust	 capital	 and	 operating	 spending,	

draw	 down	 on	 its	 credit	 facilities	 or	 repay	 existing	 debt,	 adjust	 dividends	 paid	 to	 shareholders,	 purchase	 the	 Company’s	

common	shares	or	preferred	shares	for	cancellation,	issue	new	debt,	or	issue	new	shares.	

Cenovus	 monitors	 its	 capital	 structure	 and	 financing	 requirements	 using,	 among	 other	 things,	 specified	 financial	 measures	

consisting	 of	 Total	 Debt,	 Net	 Debt	 to	 adjusted	 earnings	 before	 interest,	 taxes	 and	 DD&A	 (“Adjusted	 EBITDA”),	 Net	 Debt	 to	

Adjusted	Funds	Flow	and	Net	Debt	to	Capitalization.	These	measures	are	used	to	steward	Cenovus’s	overall	debt	position	as	

measures	of	Cenovus’s	overall	financial	strength.	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	was	a	new	metric	as	at	March	31,	2022.

Cenovus	targets	a	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	ratio	and	a	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	ratio	of	approximately	1.0	times	

and	Net	Debt	at	or	below	$4	billion	over	the	long-term	at	a	WTI	price	of	US$45.00	per	barrel.	These	measures	may	fluctuate	

periodically	outside	this	range	due	to	factors	such	as	persistently	high	or	low	commodity	prices.	

On	 October	 7,	 2021,	 Cenovus	 filed	 a	 base	 shelf	 prospectus	 that	 allows	 the	 Company	 to	 offer,	 from	 time	 to	 time,	 up	 to	

US$5.0	billion,	or	the	equivalent	in	other	currencies,	of	debt	securities,	common	shares,	preferred	shares,	subscription	receipts,	

warrants,	 share	 purchase	 contracts	 and	 units	 in	 Canada,	 the	 U.S.	 and	 elsewhere	 where	 permitted	 by	 law.	 The	 base	 shelf	

prospectus	 will	 expire	 in	 November	 2023.	 Offerings	 under	 the	 base	 shelf	 prospectus	 are	 subject	 to	 market	 conditions.	 As	 at	

December	31,	2022,	US$4.7	billion	remained	available	under	Cenovus's	base	shelf	prospectus	for	permitted	offerings.	

Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA

As	at	December	31,

Short-Term	Borrowings

Current	Portion	of	Long-Term	Debt

Long-Term	Portion	of	Long-Term	Debt

Total	Debt

Net	Debt

Less:	Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Add	(Deduct):

Finance	Costs

Interest	Income

Income	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

E&E	Asset	Write-downs

(Income)	Loss	From	Equity-Accounted	Affiliates

Unrealized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss,	Net

Revaluation	(Gains)

Re-measurement	of	Contingent	Payments

(Gain)	Loss	on	Divestiture	of	Assets

Other	(Income)	Loss,	Net

Adjusted	EBITDA	(1)

Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA

(1)

Calculated	on	a	trailing	twelve-month	basis.

587

(2,379)

2022

115

—

8,691

8,806

(4,524)

4,282

6,450

820

(81)

2,281

4,679

64

(15)

(126)

343

(549)

162

(269)

(532)

13,227

0.3x

2021

79

—

12,385

12,464

(2,873)

9,591

1,082

(23)

728

5,886

18

(57)

2

(174)

—

575

(229)

(309)

8,086

1.2x

2020

121

—

7,441

7,562

(378)

7,184

536

(9)

(851)

3,464

91

—

56

(181)

—

(80)

(81)

40

606

11.9x

130   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

The	principal	amounts	of	the	Company’s	outstanding	unsecured	notes	are:	

D) Capital	Structure

As	at	December	31,

U.S.	Dollar	Denominated	Unsecured	Notes

3.80%	due	September	15,	2023

4.00%	due	April	15,	2024

5.38%	due	July	15,	2025

4.25%	due	April	15,	2027

4.40%	due	April	15,	2029

2.65%	due	January	15,	2032

5.25%	due	June	15,	2037

6.80%	due	September	15,	2037

6.75%	due	November	15,	2039

4.45%	due	September	15,	2042

5.20%	due	September	15,	2043

5.40%	due	June	15,	2047

3.75%	due	February	15,	2052

Canadian	Dollar	Unsecured	Notes

3.55%	due	March	12,	2025

3.60%	due	March	10,	2027

3.50%	due	February	7,	2028

Total	Unsecured	Notes

C) Mandatory	Debt	Payments

As	at	December	31,	2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

Thereafter

2022

2021

C$	Principal	and	

C$	Principal	and	

US$	Principal

Equivalent

US$	Principal

Equivalent

—

—

133

373

240

500

583

387

935

97

29

800

750

4,827

—

—

133

—

373

4,321

4,827

—

—

181

505

324

677

790

524

1,267

131

39

1,083

1,016

6,537

—

750

1,250

2,000

8,537

—

—

181

—

505

5,851

6,537

115

269

666

962

750

500

583

387

155

58

800

750

1,390

7,385

—

—

—

—

750

1,250

2,000

1,220

146

341

844

951

634

739

490

1,763

197

73

1,014

951

9,363

750

750

1,250

2,750

12,113

Total

—

—

181

—

1,255

7,101

8,537

At	the	closing	of	the	Arrangement	on	January	1,	2021,	the	Company	assumed	Canadian	dollar	unsecured	notes	with	a	fair	value	

of	$2.9	billion	(notional	value	–	$2.8	billion)	and	U.S.	dollar	denominated	notes	with	a	fair	value	of	$3.4	billion	(notional	value	–	

US$2.4	 billion	 or	 C$3.0	 billion).	 The	 Company	 closed	 a	 public	 offering	 in	 the	 U.S.	 in	 September	 2021,	 for	 US$1.25	 billion	 of	

senior	unsecured	notes,	consisting	of	US$500	million	due	on	January	15,	2032,	and	US$750	million	due	on	February	15,	2052.

As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	was	in	compliance	with	all	of	the	terms	of	its	debt	agreements.	Under	the	terms	of	

Cenovus’s	committed	credit	facility,	the	Company	is	required	to	maintain	a	total	debt	to	capitalization	ratio,	as	defined	in	the	

agreements,	not	to	exceed	65	percent.	The	Company	is	well	below	this	limit.

U.S.	Dollar

Unsecured	Notes

Canadian	Dollar	

Unsecured	Notes

US$	Principal

C$	Principal	

Equivalent

C$	Principal	and	

C$	Principal

Equivalent

Cenovus’s	 capital	 structure	 consists	 of	 shareholders’	 equity	 plus	 Net	 Debt.	 Net	 Debt	 includes	 the	 Company’s	 short-term	
borrowings,	 and	 the	 current	 and	 long-term	 portions	 of	 long-term	 debt,	 net	 of	 cash	 and	 cash	 equivalents	 and	 short-term	
investments.	 Net	 Debt	 is	 used	 in	 managing	 the	 Company’s	 capital	 structure.	 The	 Company’s	 objectives	 when	 managing	 its	
capital	structure	are	to	maintain	financial	flexibility,	preserve	access	to	capital	markets,	ensure	its	ability	to	finance	internally	
generated	growth	and	to	fund	potential	acquisitions	while	maintaining	the	ability	to	meet	the	Company’s	financial	obligations	
as	 they	 come	 due.	 To	 ensure	 financial	 resilience,	 Cenovus	 may,	 among	 other	 actions,	 adjust	 capital	 and	 operating	 spending,	
draw	 down	 on	 its	 credit	 facilities	 or	 repay	 existing	 debt,	 adjust	 dividends	 paid	 to	 shareholders,	 purchase	 the	 Company’s	
common	shares	or	preferred	shares	for	cancellation,	issue	new	debt,	or	issue	new	shares.	

Cenovus	 monitors	 its	 capital	 structure	 and	 financing	 requirements	 using,	 among	 other	 things,	 specified	 financial	 measures	
consisting	 of	 Total	 Debt,	 Net	 Debt	 to	 adjusted	 earnings	 before	 interest,	 taxes	 and	 DD&A	 (“Adjusted	 EBITDA”),	 Net	 Debt	 to	
Adjusted	Funds	Flow	and	Net	Debt	to	Capitalization.	These	measures	are	used	to	steward	Cenovus’s	overall	debt	position	as	
measures	of	Cenovus’s	overall	financial	strength.	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	was	a	new	metric	as	at	March	31,	2022.

Cenovus	targets	a	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	ratio	and	a	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	ratio	of	approximately	1.0	times	
and	Net	Debt	at	or	below	$4	billion	over	the	long-term	at	a	WTI	price	of	US$45.00	per	barrel.	These	measures	may	fluctuate	
periodically	outside	this	range	due	to	factors	such	as	persistently	high	or	low	commodity	prices.	

On	 October	 7,	 2021,	 Cenovus	 filed	 a	 base	 shelf	 prospectus	 that	 allows	 the	 Company	 to	 offer,	 from	 time	 to	 time,	 up	 to	
US$5.0	billion,	or	the	equivalent	in	other	currencies,	of	debt	securities,	common	shares,	preferred	shares,	subscription	receipts,	
warrants,	 share	 purchase	 contracts	 and	 units	 in	 Canada,	 the	 U.S.	 and	 elsewhere	 where	 permitted	 by	 law.	 The	 base	 shelf	
prospectus	 will	 expire	 in	 November	 2023.	 Offerings	 under	 the	 base	 shelf	 prospectus	 are	 subject	 to	 market	 conditions.	 As	 at	
December	31,	2022,	US$4.7	billion	remained	available	under	Cenovus's	base	shelf	prospectus	for	permitted	offerings.	

Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA

As	at	December	31,

Short-Term	Borrowings

Current	Portion	of	Long-Term	Debt

Long-Term	Portion	of	Long-Term	Debt

Total	Debt

Less:	Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents

Net	Debt

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Add	(Deduct):

Finance	Costs

Interest	Income

Income	Tax	Expense	(Recovery)

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	Amortization

E&E	Asset	Write-downs

(Income)	Loss	From	Equity-Accounted	Affiliates

Unrealized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Foreign	Exchange	(Gain)	Loss,	Net

Revaluation	(Gains)

Re-measurement	of	Contingent	Payments

(Gain)	Loss	on	Divestiture	of	Assets

Other	(Income)	Loss,	Net

Adjusted	EBITDA	(1)

Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA

(1)

Calculated	on	a	trailing	twelve-month	basis.

2022

115

—

8,691

8,806

(4,524)

4,282

6,450

820

(81)

2,281

4,679

64

(15)

(126)

343

(549)

162

(269)

(532)
13,227

0.3x

2021

79

—

12,385

12,464

(2,873)

9,591

2020

121

—

7,441

7,562

(378)

7,184

587

(2,379)

1,082

(23)

728

5,886

18

(57)

2

(174)

—

575

(229)

(309)
8,086

1.2x

536

(9)

(851)

3,464

91

—

56

(181)

—

(80)

(81)

40
606

11.9x

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   131

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

28. CONTINGENT	PAYMENTS

A) Sunrise	Oil	Sands	Partnership

In	connection	with	the	Sunrise	Acquisition	(see	Note	5),	Cenovus	agreed	to	make	quarterly	variable	payments	from	SOSP	to	BP	

Canada	for	up	to	eight	quarters	subsequent	to	August	31,	2022,	when	the	average	WCS	crude	oil	price	in	a	quarter	exceeds	

$52.00	per	barrel.	The	quarterly	payment	is	calculated	as	$2.8	million	plus	the	difference	between	the	average	WCS	price	less	

$53.00	multiplied	by	$2.8	million,	for	any	of	the	eight	quarters	the	average	WCS	price	is	equal	to	or	greater	than	$52.00	per	

barrel.	 If	 the	 average	 WCS	 price	 is	 less	 than	 $52.00	 per	 barrel,	 no	 payment	 will	 be	 made	 for	 that	 quarter.	 The	 maximum	

cumulative	variable	payment	over	the	term	of	the	contract	is	$600	million.

The	 variable	 payment	 will	 continue	 to	 be	 re-measured	 at	 fair	 value	 at	 each	 reporting	 date	 until	 the	 earlier	 of	 the	 maximum	

$600	million	in	cumulative	payments	is	reached	or	the	eight	quarters	have	lapsed,	with	changes	in	fair	value	recognized	in	net	

The	first	quarterly	period	ended	on	November	30,	2022.	A	payment	of	$92	million	was	made	in	January	2023.

earnings	(loss).

As	at	December	31,	2021

Initial	Recognition

Liabilities	Settled	or	Payable

Re-measurement	(1)

As	at	December	31,	2022

Less:	Current	Portion

Long-Term	Portion

B) FCCL	Partnership

Total

—

600

(92)

(89)

419

263

156

2021

63

575

(402)

236

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow

As	at	December	31,	

Net	Debt

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities

(Add)	Deduct:

Settlement	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities

Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital	

Adjusted	Funds	Flow	(1)

Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow

(1)

Calculated	on	a	trailing	twelve-month	basis.

Net	Debt	to	Capitalization

As	at	December	31,

Net	Debt

Shareholders’	Equity

Capitalization

2022

4,282

11,403

(150)

575

10,978

0.4x

2022

4,282

27,576

31,858

2021

9,591

5,919

(102)

(1,227)

7,248

2020

7,184

273

(42)

198

117

1.3x

61.4x

2021

9,591

23,596

33,187

2020

7,184

16,707

23,891

Net	Debt	to	Capitalization

	13	%

	29	%

	30	%

27. LEASE	LIABILITIES

Lease	Liabilities,	Beginning	of	Year

Acquisitions	(Note	5)

Additions

Interest	Expense	(Note	7)

Lease	Payments

Modifications

Re-measurements

Terminations

Transfers	to	Liabilities	Related	to	Assets	Held	for	Sale	(Note	18)

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

Lease	Liabilities,	End	of	Year

Less:	Current	Portion
Long-Term	Portion

2022

2,957

—

25

163

(465)

83

7

(5)

—

71

2,836

308
2,528

2021

1,757

1,441

110

171

(471)

22

(4)

(1)

(10)

(58)

2,957

272
2,685

(1)

The	variable	payment	is	carried	at	fair	value.	Changes	in	fair	value	are	recorded	in	net	earnings	(loss).

On	 May	 17,	 2022,	 the	 contingent	 payment	 obligation	 associated	 with	 the	 acquisition	 of	 a	 50	 percent	 interest	 in	 the	 FCCL	

Partnership	 (“FCCL”)	 from	 ConocoPhillips	 Company	 and	 certain	 of	 its	 subsidiaries	 (collectively,	 “ConocoPhillips”)	 ended.	 The	

final	payment	of	$177	million	was	made	in	July	2022	(as	at	December	31,	2021	–	$160	million	was	payable).	In	connection	with	

the	 acquisition	 in	 2017	 from	 ConocoPhillips,	 Cenovus	 agreed	 to	 make	 quarterly	 payments	 to	 ConocoPhillips	 during	 the	 five	

years	 ending	 May	 17,	 2022,	 for	 quarters	 in	 which	 the	 average	 WCS	 crude	 oil	 price	 exceeded	 $52.00	 per	 barrel	 during	 the	

quarter.	The	quarterly	payment	was	$6	million	for	each	dollar	that	the	WCS	price	exceeded	$52.00	per	barrel.	

Contingent	Payment,	Beginning	of	Year

Re-measurement	(1)

Liabilities	Settled

Contingent	Payment,	End	of	Year

(1)

The	contingent	payment	was	carried	at	fair	value.	Changes	in	fair	value	were	recorded	in	net	earnings	(loss).

2022

236

251

(487)

—

The	Company	has	lease	liabilities	for	contracts	related	to	office	space,	transportation	and	storage	assets,	which	includes	barges,	
vessels,	 pipelines,	 caverns,	 railcars	 and	 storage	 tanks,	 commercial	 fuel	 assets	 and	 other	 refining	 and	 field	 equipment.	 Lease	
terms	are	negotiated	on	an	individual	basis	and	contain	a	wide	range	of	different	terms	and	conditions.

The	Company	has	variable	lease	payments	related	to	property	taxes	for	real	estate	contracts.	Short-term	leases	are	leases	with	
terms	of	twelve	months	or	less.	

The	Company	includes	extension	options	in	the	calculation	of	lease	liabilities	when	the	Company	has	the	right	to	extend	a	lease	
term	at	its	discretion	and	is	reasonably	certain	to	exercise	the	extension	option.	The	Company	does	not	have	any	significant	
termination	options	and	the	residual	amounts	are	not	material.	

132   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow

As	at	December	31,	

Net	Debt

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities

(Add)	Deduct:

Settlement	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities

Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital	

Adjusted	Funds	Flow	(1)

Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow

(1)

Calculated	on	a	trailing	twelve-month	basis.

Net	Debt	to	Capitalization

As	at	December	31,

Net	Debt

Shareholders’	Equity

Capitalization

27. LEASE	LIABILITIES

Lease	Liabilities,	Beginning	of	Year

Acquisitions	(Note	5)

Additions

Interest	Expense	(Note	7)

Lease	Payments

Modifications

Re-measurements

Terminations

Lease	Liabilities,	End	of	Year

Less:	Current	Portion

Long-Term	Portion

Transfers	to	Liabilities	Related	to	Assets	Held	for	Sale	(Note	18)

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

2022

4,282

11,403

(150)

575

10,978

0.4x

2022

4,282

27,576

31,858

1.3x

61.4x

2021

9,591

5,919

(102)

(1,227)

7,248

2021

9,591

23,596

33,187

2022

2,957

—

25

163

(465)

83

7

(5)

—

71

2,836

308

2,528

2020

7,184

273

(42)

198

117

2020

7,184

16,707

23,891

2021

1,757

1,441

110

171

(471)

22

(4)

(1)

(10)

(58)

2,957

272

2,685

Net	Debt	to	Capitalization

	13	%

	29	%

	30	%

The	Company	has	lease	liabilities	for	contracts	related	to	office	space,	transportation	and	storage	assets,	which	includes	barges,	

vessels,	 pipelines,	 caverns,	 railcars	 and	 storage	 tanks,	 commercial	 fuel	 assets	 and	 other	 refining	 and	 field	 equipment.	 Lease	

terms	are	negotiated	on	an	individual	basis	and	contain	a	wide	range	of	different	terms	and	conditions.

The	Company	has	variable	lease	payments	related	to	property	taxes	for	real	estate	contracts.	Short-term	leases	are	leases	with	

terms	of	twelve	months	or	less.	

The	Company	includes	extension	options	in	the	calculation	of	lease	liabilities	when	the	Company	has	the	right	to	extend	a	lease	

term	at	its	discretion	and	is	reasonably	certain	to	exercise	the	extension	option.	The	Company	does	not	have	any	significant	

termination	options	and	the	residual	amounts	are	not	material.	

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

28. CONTINGENT	PAYMENTS

A) Sunrise	Oil	Sands	Partnership

In	connection	with	the	Sunrise	Acquisition	(see	Note	5),	Cenovus	agreed	to	make	quarterly	variable	payments	from	SOSP	to	BP	
Canada	for	up	to	eight	quarters	subsequent	to	August	31,	2022,	when	the	average	WCS	crude	oil	price	in	a	quarter	exceeds	
$52.00	per	barrel.	The	quarterly	payment	is	calculated	as	$2.8	million	plus	the	difference	between	the	average	WCS	price	less	
$53.00	multiplied	by	$2.8	million,	for	any	of	the	eight	quarters	the	average	WCS	price	is	equal	to	or	greater	than	$52.00	per	
barrel.	 If	 the	 average	 WCS	 price	 is	 less	 than	 $52.00	 per	 barrel,	 no	 payment	 will	 be	 made	 for	 that	 quarter.	 The	 maximum	
cumulative	variable	payment	over	the	term	of	the	contract	is	$600	million.

The	 variable	 payment	 will	 continue	 to	 be	 re-measured	 at	 fair	 value	 at	 each	 reporting	 date	 until	 the	 earlier	 of	 the	 maximum	
$600	million	in	cumulative	payments	is	reached	or	the	eight	quarters	have	lapsed,	with	changes	in	fair	value	recognized	in	net	
earnings	(loss).

The	first	quarterly	period	ended	on	November	30,	2022.	A	payment	of	$92	million	was	made	in	January	2023.

As	at	December	31,	2021

Initial	Recognition

Liabilities	Settled	or	Payable
Re-measurement	(1)
As	at	December	31,	2022

Less:	Current	Portion

Long-Term	Portion

Total

—

600

(92)

(89)

419

263

156

(1)

The	variable	payment	is	carried	at	fair	value.	Changes	in	fair	value	are	recorded	in	net	earnings	(loss).

B) FCCL	Partnership

On	 May	 17,	 2022,	 the	 contingent	 payment	 obligation	 associated	 with	 the	 acquisition	 of	 a	 50	 percent	 interest	 in	 the	 FCCL	
Partnership	 (“FCCL”)	 from	 ConocoPhillips	 Company	 and	 certain	 of	 its	 subsidiaries	 (collectively,	 “ConocoPhillips”)	 ended.	 The	
final	payment	of	$177	million	was	made	in	July	2022	(as	at	December	31,	2021	–	$160	million	was	payable).	In	connection	with	
the	 acquisition	 in	 2017	 from	 ConocoPhillips,	 Cenovus	 agreed	 to	 make	 quarterly	 payments	 to	 ConocoPhillips	 during	 the	 five	
years	 ending	 May	 17,	 2022,	 for	 quarters	 in	 which	 the	 average	 WCS	 crude	 oil	 price	 exceeded	 $52.00	 per	 barrel	 during	 the	
quarter.	The	quarterly	payment	was	$6	million	for	each	dollar	that	the	WCS	price	exceeded	$52.00	per	barrel.	

Contingent	Payment,	Beginning	of	Year

Re-measurement	(1)
Liabilities	Settled

Contingent	Payment,	End	of	Year

(1)

The	contingent	payment	was	carried	at	fair	value.	Changes	in	fair	value	were	recorded	in	net	earnings	(loss).

2022

236

251

(487)

—

2021

63

575

(402)

236

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   133

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

29. DECOMMISSIONING	LIABILITIES

The	 decommissioning	 provision	 represents	 the	 present	 value	 of	 the	 expected	 future	 costs	 associated	 with	 the	 retirement	 of	
producing	 well	 sites,	 upstream	 processing	 facilities,	 surface	 and	 subsea	 plant	 and	 equipment,	 manufacturing	 facilities,	 the	
commercial	fuels	facilities	and	the	crude-by-rail	terminal.	

The	aggregate	carrying	amount	of	the	obligation	is:

Decommissioning	Liabilities,	Beginning	of	Year

Liabilities	Incurred
Liabilities	Acquired	(Note	5)	(1)
Liabilities	Settled
Liabilities	Divested	(Note	5)	(1)
Change	in	Estimated	Future	Cash	Flows

Change	in	Discount	Rates

Unwinding	of	Discount	on	Decommissioning	Liabilities	(Note	7)

Transfers	to	Liabilities	Related	to	Assets	Held	for	Sale	(Note	18)

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

Decommissioning	Liabilities,	End	of	Year

2022

3,906

22

48

(215)

(89)

693

(980)

176

—

(2)

3,559

2021

1,248

30

2,856

(144)

(140)

(472)

450

199

(128)

7

3,906

(1)

In	 connection	 with	 the	 Sunrise	 Acquisition,	 Cenovus	 was	 deemed	 to	 have	 disposed	 of	 its	 pre-existing	 interest	 and	 reacquired	 it	 at	 fair	 value	 as	 required	 by	
IFRS	3.	As	at	August	31,	2022,	the	carrying	value	of	the	pre-existing	interest	in	SOSP’s	decommissioning	liabilities	was	$11	million.

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 undiscounted	 amount	 of	 estimated	 future	 cash	 flows	 required	 to	 settle	 the	 obligation	 is	
$14	 billion	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $14	 billion).	 Most	 of	 these	 obligations	 are	 not	 expected	 to	 be	 paid	 for	 several	 years,	 or	
decades,	 and	 are	 expected	 to	 be	 funded	 from	 general	 resources	 at	 that	 time.	 The	 Company	 expects	 to	 settle	 approximately	
$250	million	to	$300	million	of	decommissioning	liabilities	over	the	next	year.	Revisions	in	estimated	future	cash	flows	resulted	
from	 a	 change	 in	 the	 timing	 of	 decommissioning	 liabilities	 over	 the	 estimated	 life	 of	 the	 reserves	 and	 an	 increase	 in	 cost	
estimates.	These	obligations	have	been	discounted	using	a	credit-adjusted	risk-free	rate	of	6.1	percent	(December	31,	2021	–	
4.4	percent)	and	assumes	an	inflation	rate	of	two	percent	(December	31,	2021	–	two	percent).

The	Company	deposits	cash	into	restricted	accounts	that	will	be	used	to	fund	decommissioning	liabilities	in	offshore	China	in	
accordance	with	the	provisions	of	the	regulations	of	the	People’s	Republic	of	China.	As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	had	
$209	million	in	restricted	cash	(December	31,	2021	–	$186	million).

Sensitivities

Changes	 to	 the	 credit-adjusted	 risk-free	 rate	 or	 the	 inflation	 rate	 would	 have	 the	 following	 impact	 on	 the	 decommissioning	
liabilities:	

As	at	December	31,	

Credit-Adjusted	Risk-Free	Rate
Inflation	Rate

Sensitivity	

Range

±	one	percent
±	one	percent

2022

2021

Increase

Decrease

Increase

Decrease

(319)
419

419
(320)

(623)
873

875
(625)

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

30. OTHER	LIABILITIES

As	at	December	31,	

Pension	and	Other	Post-Employment	Benefit	Plan

Provision	for	West	White	Rose	Expansion	Project	(1)

Provisions	for	Onerous	and	Unfavourable	Contracts

Employee	Long-Term	Incentives

Drilling	Provisions

Deferred	Revenue

Other	(2)

2022

201

204

95

245

31

45

221

1,042

2021

288

259

99

74

56

41

112

929

(1)

On	 May	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 divested	 of	 12.5	 percent	 of	 its	 working	 interest	 in	 the	 White	 Rose	 field	 and	 satellite	 extensions	 reducing	 the	 provision	 by	

$47	million	(see	Note	10).	Cenovus	expects	to	draw	down	the	provision	by	$58	million	in	the	next	twelve	months.

(2)

As	at	December	31,	2022,	other	includes	a	net	RVO	of	$101	million.	Gross	amounts	of	the	RVO	and	RINs	asset	were	$1.1	billion	and	$1.0	billion,	respectively.

31. PENSIONS	AND	OTHER	POST-EMPLOYMENT	BENEFITS

The	Company	provides	the	majority	of	employees	with	a	defined	contribution	pension	plan.	The	Company	also	provides	OPEB	

plans	to	retirees	and	sponsors	defined	benefit	pension	plans	in	Canada	and	the	U.S.	(together,	the	“DB	Pension	Plan”).	

The	DB	Pension	Plan	provides	pension	benefits	at	retirement	based	on	years	of	service	and	final	average	earnings.	In	Canada,	

future	 enrollment	 is	 limited	 to	 eligible	 employees	 who	 may	 elect	 to	 move	 from	 the	 defined	 contribution	component	 to	 the	

defined	 benefit	 component	 for	 their	 future	 service.	 In	 the	 U.S.,	 the	 defined	 benefit	 pension	 is	 closed	 to	 new	 members.	 The	

Company’s	OPEB	plans	provides	certain	retired	employees	with	health	care	and	dental	benefits.	

The	Company	is	required	to	file	an	actuarial	valuation	of	its	registered	defined	benefit	pension	with	regulators	on	a	periodic	

basis.	The	most	recently	filed	valuation	for	the	Canadian	defined	benefit	pension	plan	was	dated	December	31,	2021,	and	the	

next	required	actuarial	valuation	will	be	as	at	December	31,	2024.	The	most	recently	filed	valuation	for	the	U.S.	defined	benefit	

pension	plan	was	dated	January	1,	2022	and	the	next	required	actuarial	valuation	will	be	as	at	January	1,	2023.

134   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

The	 decommissioning	 provision	 represents	 the	 present	 value	 of	 the	 expected	 future	 costs	 associated	 with	 the	 retirement	 of	

producing	 well	 sites,	 upstream	 processing	 facilities,	 surface	 and	 subsea	 plant	 and	 equipment,	 manufacturing	 facilities,	 the	

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

29. DECOMMISSIONING	LIABILITIES

commercial	fuels	facilities	and	the	crude-by-rail	terminal.	

The	aggregate	carrying	amount	of	the	obligation	is:

Decommissioning	Liabilities,	Beginning	of	Year

Liabilities	Incurred

Liabilities	Acquired	(Note	5)	(1)

Liabilities	Settled

Liabilities	Divested	(Note	5)	(1)

Change	in	Estimated	Future	Cash	Flows

Change	in	Discount	Rates

Unwinding	of	Discount	on	Decommissioning	Liabilities	(Note	7)

Transfers	to	Liabilities	Related	to	Assets	Held	for	Sale	(Note	18)

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

Decommissioning	Liabilities,	End	of	Year

2022

3,906

22

48

(215)

(89)

693

(980)

176

—

(2)

3,559

2021

1,248

30

2,856

(144)

(140)

(472)

450

199

(128)

7

3,906

(1)

In	 connection	 with	 the	 Sunrise	 Acquisition,	 Cenovus	 was	 deemed	 to	 have	 disposed	 of	 its	 pre-existing	 interest	 and	 reacquired	 it	 at	 fair	 value	 as	 required	 by	

IFRS	3.	As	at	August	31,	2022,	the	carrying	value	of	the	pre-existing	interest	in	SOSP’s	decommissioning	liabilities	was	$11	million.

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 undiscounted	 amount	 of	 estimated	 future	 cash	 flows	 required	 to	 settle	 the	 obligation	 is	

$14	 billion	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $14	 billion).	 Most	 of	 these	 obligations	 are	 not	 expected	 to	 be	 paid	 for	 several	 years,	 or	

decades,	 and	 are	 expected	 to	 be	 funded	 from	 general	 resources	 at	 that	 time.	 The	 Company	 expects	 to	 settle	 approximately	

$250	million	to	$300	million	of	decommissioning	liabilities	over	the	next	year.	Revisions	in	estimated	future	cash	flows	resulted	

from	 a	 change	 in	 the	 timing	 of	 decommissioning	 liabilities	 over	 the	 estimated	 life	 of	 the	 reserves	 and	 an	 increase	 in	 cost	

estimates.	These	obligations	have	been	discounted	using	a	credit-adjusted	risk-free	rate	of	6.1	percent	(December	31,	2021	–	

4.4	percent)	and	assumes	an	inflation	rate	of	two	percent	(December	31,	2021	–	two	percent).

The	Company	deposits	cash	into	restricted	accounts	that	will	be	used	to	fund	decommissioning	liabilities	in	offshore	China	in	

accordance	with	the	provisions	of	the	regulations	of	the	People’s	Republic	of	China.	As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	had	

$209	million	in	restricted	cash	(December	31,	2021	–	$186	million).

Sensitivities

liabilities:	

Changes	 to	 the	 credit-adjusted	 risk-free	 rate	 or	 the	 inflation	 rate	 would	 have	 the	 following	 impact	 on	 the	 decommissioning	

As	at	December	31,	

Credit-Adjusted	Risk-Free	Rate

Inflation	Rate

Sensitivity	

Range

±	one	percent

±	one	percent

2022

2021

Increase

Decrease

Increase

Decrease

(319)

419

419

(320)

(623)

873

875

(625)

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

30. OTHER	LIABILITIES

As	at	December	31,	

Pension	and	Other	Post-Employment	Benefit	Plan
Provision	for	West	White	Rose	Expansion	Project	(1)
Provisions	for	Onerous	and	Unfavourable	Contracts

Employee	Long-Term	Incentives

Drilling	Provisions

Deferred	Revenue
Other	(2)

2022

201

204

95

245

31

45
221

1,042

2021

288

259

99

74

56

41
112

929

(1)

(2)

On	 May	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 divested	 of	 12.5	 percent	 of	 its	 working	 interest	 in	 the	 White	 Rose	 field	 and	 satellite	 extensions	 reducing	 the	 provision	 by	
$47	million	(see	Note	10).	Cenovus	expects	to	draw	down	the	provision	by	$58	million	in	the	next	twelve	months.
As	at	December	31,	2022,	other	includes	a	net	RVO	of	$101	million.	Gross	amounts	of	the	RVO	and	RINs	asset	were	$1.1	billion	and	$1.0	billion,	respectively.

31. PENSIONS	AND	OTHER	POST-EMPLOYMENT	BENEFITS

The	Company	provides	the	majority	of	employees	with	a	defined	contribution	pension	plan.	The	Company	also	provides	OPEB	
plans	to	retirees	and	sponsors	defined	benefit	pension	plans	in	Canada	and	the	U.S.	(together,	the	“DB	Pension	Plan”).	

The	DB	Pension	Plan	provides	pension	benefits	at	retirement	based	on	years	of	service	and	final	average	earnings.	In	Canada,	
future	 enrollment	 is	 limited	 to	 eligible	 employees	 who	 may	 elect	 to	 move	 from	 the	 defined	 contribution	component	 to	 the	
defined	 benefit	 component	 for	 their	 future	 service.	 In	 the	 U.S.,	 the	 defined	 benefit	 pension	 is	 closed	 to	 new	 members.	 The	
Company’s	OPEB	plans	provides	certain	retired	employees	with	health	care	and	dental	benefits.	

The	Company	is	required	to	file	an	actuarial	valuation	of	its	registered	defined	benefit	pension	with	regulators	on	a	periodic	
basis.	The	most	recently	filed	valuation	for	the	Canadian	defined	benefit	pension	plan	was	dated	December	31,	2021,	and	the	
next	required	actuarial	valuation	will	be	as	at	December	31,	2024.	The	most	recently	filed	valuation	for	the	U.S.	defined	benefit	
pension	plan	was	dated	January	1,	2022	and	the	next	required	actuarial	valuation	will	be	as	at	January	1,	2023.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   135

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

A) Defined	Benefit	and	OPEB	Plan	Obligation	and	Funded	Status

Information	related	to	defined	benefit	pension	and	OPEB	plans,	based	on	actuarial	estimations,	is:

Pension	Benefits

2022

2021

OPEB

2022

Defined	Benefit	Obligation

Defined	Benefit	Obligation,	Beginning	of	Year
Plan	Acquisition	Upon	the	Arrangement	(1)
Current	Service	Costs

Past	Service	Costs	-	Curtailment	and	Plan	Amendments
Interest	Costs	(2)
Benefits	Paid

Plan	Participant	Contributions

Re-measurements:

(Gains)	Losses	From	Experience	Adjustments

(Gains)	Losses	From	Changes	in	Demographic	Assumptions

(Gains)	Losses	From	Changes	in	Financial	Assumptions

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

Defined	Benefit	Obligation,	End	of	Year

Plan	Assets

Fair	Value	of	Plan	Assets,	Beginning	of	Year
Plan	Acquisition	Upon	the	Arrangement	(1)
Employer	Contributions

Plan	Participant	Contributions	

Benefits	Paid
Interest	Income	(2)
Re-measurements:

Return	on	Plan	Assets	(Excluding	Interest	Income)

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

Fair	Value	of	Plan	Assets,	End	of	Year

Pension	and	OPEB	(Liability)	(3)

220

—

16

—

7

(12)

2

1

—

(64)

2

172

159

—

16

2

(10)

4

(26)

2

147

(25)

188

41

16

(1)

6

(17)

2

4

(1)

(18)

—

220

117

32

9

2

(13)

3

9

—

159

(61)

2021

20

224

9

(3)

6

(8)

—

10

(3)

(30)

—

225

—

—

3

—

(3)

—

—

—

—

225

—

8

—

7

(8)

—

(2)

—

(57)

1

174

—

—

8

—

(8)

—

—

—

—

(174)

(225)

(1)
(2)
(3)

The	Company	acquired	Husky’s	defined	benefit	pension	and	other	post-retirement	benefit	obligations	in	connection	with	the	Arrangement.	See	Note	5.
Based	on	the	discount	rate	of	the	defined	benefit	obligation	at	the	beginning	of	the	year.	
Liabilities	for	the	DB	Pension	Plan	and	OPEB	plans	are	included	in	other	liabilities	on	the	Consolidated	Balance	Sheets.

The	weighted	average	duration	of	the	defined	benefit	pension	and	OPEB	obligations	are	14	years	and	14	years,	respectively.

136   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Past	Service	Costs	-	Curtailments	and	Plan	

B) Pension	and	OPEB	Costs

As	at	December	31,

Defined	Benefit	Plan	Cost

Current	Service	Costs

			Amendments

Net	Interest	Costs

Re-measurements:

Return	on	Plan	Assets	(Excluding	

			Interest	Income)

(Gains)	Losses	From	Experience	

			Adjustments

(Gains)	Losses	From	Changes	in	

			Demographic	Assumptions

(Gains)	Losses	From	Changes	in	Financial	

		Assumptions

Defined	Benefit	Plan	Cost	(Recovery)

Defined	Contribution	Plan	Cost	(1)

Total	Plan	Cost

(1)

Includes	defined	contribution	and	U.S.	401(k)	plans.

16

—

3

26

1

—

(64)

(18)

72

54

Pension	Benefits

OPEB

2022

2021

2020

2022

2021

2020

16

(1)

3

(9)

4

(1)

(18)

(6)

68

62

13

—

3

(5)

1

—

15

27

22

49

8

—

7

—

(2)

—

(57)

(44)

—

(44)

9

(3)

6

—

10

(3)

(30)

(11)

—

(11)

1

—

—

—

(2)

—

1

—

—

—

C) Investment	Objectives	and	Fair	Value	of	Plan	Assets

The	objective	of	the	asset	allocation	is	to	manage	the	funded	status	of	the	DB	Pension	Plan	at	an	appropriate	level	of	risk,	giving	

consideration	 to	 the	 security	 of	 the	 assets	 and	 the	 potential	 volatility	 of	 market	 returns	 and	 the	 resulting	 effect	 on	 both	

contribution	 requirements	 and	 pension	 expense.	 The	 long-term	 return	 is	 expected	 to	 achieve	 or	 exceed	 the	 return	 from	 a	

composite	benchmark	comprised	of	passive	investments	in	appropriate	market	indices.	The	asset	allocation	structure	is	subject	

to	diversification	requirements	and	constraints	which	reduce	risk	by	limiting	exposure	to	individual	equity	investment	and	credit	

rating	categories.

The	allocation	of	assets	between	the	various	types	of	investment	funds	is	monitored	regularly	and	is	re-balanced	as	necessary.	

The	 Canadian	 defined	 benefit	 pension	 plan	 and	 U.S.	 defined	 benefit	 pension	 plan	 are	 managed	 independently	 of	 each	 other	

and,	accordingly,	the	target	asset	allocation	is	reflective	of	their	different	liability	profiles.	

2022	Target	Allocation	(percent)	

Equity	Funds

Fixed	Income	Funds

Real	Estate	Funds

Listed	Infrastructure	Funds

Emerging	Market	Debt	Funds

Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents

Canadian	Plan

25%	-	75%

20%	-	50%

—%	-	15%

—%	-	10%

—%	-	10%

—%	-	10%

U.S.	Plan

21%	-	51%

55%	-	74%

	—	%

	—	%

	—	%

	—	%

The	 Company	 does	 not	 use	 derivative	 instruments	 to	 manage	 the	 risks	 of	 its	 plan	 assets.	 There	 has	 been	 no	 change	 in	 the	

process	used	by	the	Company	to	manage	these	risks	from	prior	periods.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

A) Defined	Benefit	and	OPEB	Plan	Obligation	and	Funded	Status

Information	related	to	defined	benefit	pension	and	OPEB	plans,	based	on	actuarial	estimations,	is:

Pension	Benefits

2022

2021

OPEB

2022

Defined	Benefit	Obligation

Defined	Benefit	Obligation,	Beginning	of	Year

Plan	Acquisition	Upon	the	Arrangement	(1)

Current	Service	Costs

Past	Service	Costs	-	Curtailment	and	Plan	Amendments

Interest	Costs	(2)

Benefits	Paid

Plan	Participant	Contributions

Re-measurements:

(Gains)	Losses	From	Experience	Adjustments

(Gains)	Losses	From	Changes	in	Demographic	Assumptions

(Gains)	Losses	From	Changes	in	Financial	Assumptions

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

Defined	Benefit	Obligation,	End	of	Year

Plan	Assets

Fair	Value	of	Plan	Assets,	Beginning	of	Year

Plan	Acquisition	Upon	the	Arrangement	(1)

Employer	Contributions

Plan	Participant	Contributions	

Benefits	Paid

Interest	Income	(2)

Re-measurements:

Return	on	Plan	Assets	(Excluding	Interest	Income)

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

Fair	Value	of	Plan	Assets,	End	of	Year

Pension	and	OPEB	(Liability)	(3)

2021

20

224

(3)

9

6

(8)

—

10

(3)

(30)

—

225

—

—

3

—

(3)

—

—

—

—

225

—

8

—

7

(8)

—

(2)

—

(57)

1

174

—

—

8

—

(8)

—

—

—

—

220

—

16

—

7

(12)

2

1

—

(64)

2

172

159

—

16

2

(10)

4

(26)

2

147

(25)

188

41

16

(1)

(17)

6

2

4

(1)

(18)

—

220

117

32

9

2

3

(13)

9

—

159

(61)

(1)

(2)

(3)

The	Company	acquired	Husky’s	defined	benefit	pension	and	other	post-retirement	benefit	obligations	in	connection	with	the	Arrangement.	See	Note	5.

Based	on	the	discount	rate	of	the	defined	benefit	obligation	at	the	beginning	of	the	year.	

Liabilities	for	the	DB	Pension	Plan	and	OPEB	plans	are	included	in	other	liabilities	on	the	Consolidated	Balance	Sheets.

The	weighted	average	duration	of	the	defined	benefit	pension	and	OPEB	obligations	are	14	years	and	14	years,	respectively.

(174)

(225)

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

B) Pension	and	OPEB	Costs

As	at	December	31,

Defined	Benefit	Plan	Cost

Current	Service	Costs

Past	Service	Costs	-	Curtailments	and	Plan	
			Amendments

Net	Interest	Costs

Re-measurements:

Return	on	Plan	Assets	(Excluding	
			Interest	Income)

(Gains)	Losses	From	Experience	
			Adjustments

(Gains)	Losses	From	Changes	in	
			Demographic	Assumptions

(Gains)	Losses	From	Changes	in	Financial	
		Assumptions

Defined	Benefit	Plan	Cost	(Recovery)
Defined	Contribution	Plan	Cost	(1)
Total	Plan	Cost

(1)

Includes	defined	contribution	and	U.S.	401(k)	plans.

Pension	Benefits

OPEB

2022

2021

2020

2022

2021

2020

16

—

3

26

1

—

(64)

(18)

72

54

16

(1)

3

(9)

4

(1)

(18)

(6)

68

62

13

—

3

(5)

1

—

15

27

22

49

8

—

7

—

(2)

—

(57)

(44)

—

(44)

9

(3)

6

—

10

(3)

(30)

(11)

—

(11)

1

—

—

—

(2)

—

1

—

—

—

C) Investment	Objectives	and	Fair	Value	of	Plan	Assets

The	objective	of	the	asset	allocation	is	to	manage	the	funded	status	of	the	DB	Pension	Plan	at	an	appropriate	level	of	risk,	giving	
consideration	 to	 the	 security	 of	 the	 assets	 and	 the	 potential	 volatility	 of	 market	 returns	 and	 the	 resulting	 effect	 on	 both	
contribution	 requirements	 and	 pension	 expense.	 The	 long-term	 return	 is	 expected	 to	 achieve	 or	 exceed	 the	 return	 from	 a	
composite	benchmark	comprised	of	passive	investments	in	appropriate	market	indices.	The	asset	allocation	structure	is	subject	
to	diversification	requirements	and	constraints	which	reduce	risk	by	limiting	exposure	to	individual	equity	investment	and	credit	
rating	categories.

The	allocation	of	assets	between	the	various	types	of	investment	funds	is	monitored	regularly	and	is	re-balanced	as	necessary.	
The	 Canadian	 defined	 benefit	 pension	 plan	 and	 U.S.	 defined	 benefit	 pension	 plan	 are	 managed	 independently	 of	 each	 other	
and,	accordingly,	the	target	asset	allocation	is	reflective	of	their	different	liability	profiles.	

2022	Target	Allocation	(percent)	

Equity	Funds

Fixed	Income	Funds

Real	Estate	Funds

Listed	Infrastructure	Funds

Emerging	Market	Debt	Funds

Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents

Canadian	Plan

25%	-	75%

20%	-	50%

—%	-	15%

—%	-	10%

—%	-	10%

—%	-	10%

U.S.	Plan

21%	-	51%

55%	-	74%

	—	%

	—	%

	—	%

	—	%

The	 Company	 does	 not	 use	 derivative	 instruments	 to	 manage	 the	 risks	 of	 its	 plan	 assets.	 There	 has	 been	 no	 change	 in	 the	
process	used	by	the	Company	to	manage	these	risks	from	prior	periods.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   137

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

The	fair	value	of	the	DB	Pension	Plan	assets	is:

As	at	December	31,	

Equity	Funds

Fixed	Income	Funds

Real	Estate	Funds

Listed	Infrastructure	Funds

Emerging	Market	Debt	Funds

Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents

Non-Invested	Assets

2022

68

50

9

7

5

7

1

2021

77

54

9

8

8

2

1

Total	Fair	Value	of	DB	Pension	Plan	Assets

147

159

Fair	value	of	the	cash	and	cash	equivalents,	equity,	fixed	income	and	listed	infrastructure	assets	are	based	on	the	trading	price	
of	 the	 underlying	 funds	 (Level	 1).	 The	 fair	 value	 of	 the	 real	 estate	 funds	 reflects	 the	 appraisal	 valuation	 for	 each	 property	
investment	 (Level	 2).	 The	 fair	 value	 of	 the	 non-invested	 assets	 is	 the	 discounted	 value	 of	 the	 expected	 future	 payments	
(Level	3).

The	DB	Pension	Plan	does	not	hold	any	direct	investment	in	Cenovus	common	shares	or	preferred	shares.	

D) Funding

The	 DB	 Pension	 Plan	 is	 funded	 in	 accordance	 with	 applicable	 pension	 legislation.	 Contributions	 are	 made	 to	 trust	 funds	
administered	 by	 independent	 trustees.	 The	 Company’s	 contributions	 to	 the	 DB	 Pension	 Plan	 are	 based	 on	 the	 most	 recent	
actuarial	 valuations,	 and	 direction	 of	 the	 Management	 Pension	 Committee	 and	 Human	 Resources	 and	 Compensation	
Committee	of	the	Board	of	Directors.

Employees	participating	in	the	Canadian	defined	benefit	pension	are	required	to	contribute	four	percent	of	their	pensionable	
earnings,	up	to	an	annual	maximum,	and	the	Company	provides	the	balance	of	the	funding	necessary	to	ensure	benefits	will	be	
fully	provided	for	at	retirement.	In	the	year	ended	December	31,	2023,	the	Company	expects	to	contribute	$10	million	for	the	
DB	Pension	Plan.

The	OPEB	plans	are	funded	on	an	as	required	basis.	In	the	year	ended	December	31,	2023,	the	Company	expects	to	contribute	
$10	million	for	the	OPEB	plans.

E) Actuarial	Assumptions	and	Sensitivities

Actuarial	Assumptions	

The	principal	weighted	average	actuarial	assumptions	used	to	determine	benefit	obligations	and	expenses	are	as	follows:

For	the	years	ended	December	31,	

Discount	Rate

Future	Salary	Growth	Rate

Average	Longevity	(years)

Health	Care	Cost	Trend	Rate

Pension	Benefits

2022

	5.12	%

	4.05	%

88.4

N/A

2021

	2.95	%

	4.03	%

88.3

N/A

2020

	2.50	%

	3.97	%

88.3

N/A

2022

	5.13	%

N/A

88.4

	5.24	%

OPEB

2021

	2.98	%

	4.94	%

88.3

	5.64	%

2020

	2.50	%

	4.94	%

88.2

	6.00	%

Discount	rates	are	based	on	market	yields	for	high	quality	corporate	debt	instruments	with	maturity	terms	equivalent	to	the	
benefit	obligations.	

138   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Sensitivities

Of	the	most	significant	actuarial	assumptions,	a	change	in	discount	rates	and	health	care	costs	have	the	largest	potential	impact	

on	the	obligations	for	the	DB	Pension	Plan	and	OPEB	plans,	with	sensitivity	to	change	as	follows:

As	at	December	31,

One	Percent	Change:

Discount	Rate

Future	Salary	Growth	Rate

Health	Care	Cost	Trend	Rate

One	Year	Change	in	Assumed	Life	Expectancy

2022

2021

Increase

Decrease

Increase

Decrease

(43)

3

19

10

51

(3)

(17)

(10)

(59)

4

26

4

76

(4)

(20)

(4)

The	 sensitivity	 analysis	 is	 based	 on	 a	 change	 in	 an	 assumption	 while	 holding	 all	 other	 assumptions	 constant;	 however,	 the	

changes	in	some	assumptions	may	be	correlated.	The	same	methodologies	have	been	used	to	calculate	the	sensitivity	of	the	DB	

Pension	 Plan	 obligation	 to	 significant	 actuarial	 assumptions	 as	 have	 been	 applied	 when	 calculating	 the	 liability	 for	 the	 DB	

Pension	Plan	recorded	on	the	Consolidated	Balance	Sheets.

32. SHARE	CAPITAL	AND	WARRANTS

A) Authorized

to	the	Company’s	articles.

B) Issued	and	Outstanding	–	Common	Shares

Cenovus	is	authorized	to	issue	an	unlimited	number	of	common	shares,	and	first	and	second	preferred	shares	not	exceeding,	in	

aggregate,	20	percent	of	the	number	of	issued	and	outstanding	common	shares.	The	first	and	second	preferred	shares	may	be	

issued	in	one	or	more	series	with	rights	and	conditions	to	be	determined	by	the	Board	of	Directors	prior	to	issuance	and	subject	

2022

2021

Number	of

Common

Shares

(thousands)

2,001,211

—

9,399

11,069

(112,489)

1,909,190

Number	of

Common

Shares

(thousands)

1,228,870

788,518

314

535

(17,026)

2,001,211

Amount

17,016

—

93

170

(959)

16,320

Amount

11,040

6,111

3

7

(145)

17,016

Outstanding,	Beginning	of	Year

Issued	Under	the	Arrangement,	Net	of	Issuance	Costs	(Note	5)

Issued	Upon	Exercise	of	Warrants

Issued	Under	Stock	Option	Plans

Purchase	of	Common	Shares	under	NCIBs

Outstanding,	End	of	Year

under	the	stock	option	plan.

C) Normal	Course	Issuer	Bid

As	at	December	31,	2022,	there	were	43	million	(December	31,	2021	–	30	million)	common	shares	available	for	future	issuance	

On	November	4,	2021,	the	TSX	accepted	the	Company’s	implementation	of	an	NCIB	to	purchase	up	to	146.5	million	common	

shares	between	November	9,	2021,	and	November	8,	2022.	On	November	7,	2022,	the	Company	received	approval	from	the	

TSX	to	renew	the	Company’s	NCIB	program	(the	“2023	NCIB”)	to	purchase	up	to	136.7	million	common	shares	during	the	period	

from	November	9,	2022,	to	November	8,	2023.

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	purchased	and	cancelled	112	million	common	shares	(December	31,	2021	

– 17	million)	through	the	NCIBs.	The	shares	were	purchased	at	a	volume	weighted	average	price	of	$22.49	per	common	share	

(December	31,	2021	–	$15.56)	for	a	total	of	$2.5	billion	(December	31,	2021	–	$265	million).	Paid	in	surplus	was	reduced	by	$1.6	

billion	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $120	 million),	 representing	 the	 excess	 of	 the	 purchase	 price	 of	 the	 common	 shares	 over	 their	

average	carrying	value.	

From	January	1,	2023,	to	February	13,	2023,	the	Company	purchased	an	additional	1.4	million	common	shares	for	$36.8	million.	

As	at	February	13,	2023,	123.8	million	common	shares	remain	available	for	purchase	under	the	2023	NCIB.	

2022

68

50

9

7

5

7

1

2021

77

54

9

8

8

2

1

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

The	fair	value	of	the	DB	Pension	Plan	assets	is:

As	at	December	31,	

Equity	Funds

Fixed	Income	Funds

Real	Estate	Funds

Listed	Infrastructure	Funds

Emerging	Market	Debt	Funds

Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents

Non-Invested	Assets

(Level	3).

D) Funding

Total	Fair	Value	of	DB	Pension	Plan	Assets

147

159

Fair	value	of	the	cash	and	cash	equivalents,	equity,	fixed	income	and	listed	infrastructure	assets	are	based	on	the	trading	price	

of	 the	 underlying	 funds	 (Level	 1).	 The	 fair	 value	 of	 the	 real	 estate	 funds	 reflects	 the	 appraisal	 valuation	 for	 each	 property	

investment	 (Level	 2).	 The	 fair	 value	 of	 the	 non-invested	 assets	 is	 the	 discounted	 value	 of	 the	 expected	 future	 payments	

The	DB	Pension	Plan	does	not	hold	any	direct	investment	in	Cenovus	common	shares	or	preferred	shares.	

The	 DB	 Pension	 Plan	 is	 funded	 in	 accordance	 with	 applicable	 pension	 legislation.	 Contributions	 are	 made	 to	 trust	 funds	

administered	 by	 independent	 trustees.	 The	 Company’s	 contributions	 to	 the	 DB	 Pension	 Plan	 are	 based	 on	 the	 most	 recent	

actuarial	 valuations,	 and	 direction	 of	 the	 Management	 Pension	 Committee	 and	 Human	 Resources	 and	 Compensation	

Committee	of	the	Board	of	Directors.

Employees	participating	in	the	Canadian	defined	benefit	pension	are	required	to	contribute	four	percent	of	their	pensionable	

earnings,	up	to	an	annual	maximum,	and	the	Company	provides	the	balance	of	the	funding	necessary	to	ensure	benefits	will	be	

fully	provided	for	at	retirement.	In	the	year	ended	December	31,	2023,	the	Company	expects	to	contribute	$10	million	for	the	

The	OPEB	plans	are	funded	on	an	as	required	basis.	In	the	year	ended	December	31,	2023,	the	Company	expects	to	contribute	

DB	Pension	Plan.

$10	million	for	the	OPEB	plans.

E) Actuarial	Assumptions	and	Sensitivities

Actuarial	Assumptions	

For	the	years	ended	December	31,	

Discount	Rate

Future	Salary	Growth	Rate

Average	Longevity	(years)

Health	Care	Cost	Trend	Rate

benefit	obligations.	

The	principal	weighted	average	actuarial	assumptions	used	to	determine	benefit	obligations	and	expenses	are	as	follows:

Pension	Benefits

2022

	5.12	%

	4.05	%

88.4

N/A

2021

	2.95	%

	4.03	%

88.3

N/A

2020

	2.50	%

	3.97	%

88.3

N/A

2022

	5.13	%

N/A

88.4

	5.24	%

OPEB

2021

	2.98	%

	4.94	%

88.3

	5.64	%

2020

	2.50	%

	4.94	%

88.2

	6.00	%

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Sensitivities

Of	the	most	significant	actuarial	assumptions,	a	change	in	discount	rates	and	health	care	costs	have	the	largest	potential	impact	
on	the	obligations	for	the	DB	Pension	Plan	and	OPEB	plans,	with	sensitivity	to	change	as	follows:

As	at	December	31,

One	Percent	Change:

Discount	Rate

Future	Salary	Growth	Rate

Health	Care	Cost	Trend	Rate

One	Year	Change	in	Assumed	Life	Expectancy

2022

2021

Increase

Decrease

Increase

Decrease

(43)

3

19

10

51

(3)

(17)

(10)

(59)

4

26

4

76

(4)

(20)

(4)

The	 sensitivity	 analysis	 is	 based	 on	 a	 change	 in	 an	 assumption	 while	 holding	 all	 other	 assumptions	 constant;	 however,	 the	
changes	in	some	assumptions	may	be	correlated.	The	same	methodologies	have	been	used	to	calculate	the	sensitivity	of	the	DB	
Pension	 Plan	 obligation	 to	 significant	 actuarial	 assumptions	 as	 have	 been	 applied	 when	 calculating	 the	 liability	 for	 the	 DB	
Pension	Plan	recorded	on	the	Consolidated	Balance	Sheets.

32. SHARE	CAPITAL	AND	WARRANTS

A) Authorized

Cenovus	is	authorized	to	issue	an	unlimited	number	of	common	shares,	and	first	and	second	preferred	shares	not	exceeding,	in	
aggregate,	20	percent	of	the	number	of	issued	and	outstanding	common	shares.	The	first	and	second	preferred	shares	may	be	
issued	in	one	or	more	series	with	rights	and	conditions	to	be	determined	by	the	Board	of	Directors	prior	to	issuance	and	subject	
to	the	Company’s	articles.

B) Issued	and	Outstanding	–	Common	Shares

Outstanding,	Beginning	of	Year

Issued	Under	the	Arrangement,	Net	of	Issuance	Costs	(Note	5)

Issued	Upon	Exercise	of	Warrants

Issued	Under	Stock	Option	Plans

Purchase	of	Common	Shares	under	NCIBs

Outstanding,	End	of	Year

2022

2021

Number	of
Common
Shares
(thousands)

2,001,211

—

9,399

11,069

(112,489)

1,909,190

Number	of
Common
Shares
(thousands)

1,228,870

788,518

314

535

(17,026)

2,001,211

Amount

17,016

—

93

170

(959)

16,320

Amount

11,040

6,111

3

7

(145)

17,016

As	at	December	31,	2022,	there	were	43	million	(December	31,	2021	–	30	million)	common	shares	available	for	future	issuance	
under	the	stock	option	plan.

Discount	rates	are	based	on	market	yields	for	high	quality	corporate	debt	instruments	with	maturity	terms	equivalent	to	the	

C) Normal	Course	Issuer	Bid

On	November	4,	2021,	the	TSX	accepted	the	Company’s	implementation	of	an	NCIB	to	purchase	up	to	146.5	million	common	
shares	between	November	9,	2021,	and	November	8,	2022.	On	November	7,	2022,	the	Company	received	approval	from	the	
TSX	to	renew	the	Company’s	NCIB	program	(the	“2023	NCIB”)	to	purchase	up	to	136.7	million	common	shares	during	the	period	
from	November	9,	2022,	to	November	8,	2023.

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	the	Company	purchased	and	cancelled	112	million	common	shares	(December	31,	2021	
– 17	million)	through	the	NCIBs.	The	shares	were	purchased	at	a	volume	weighted	average	price	of	$22.49	per	common	share	
(December	31,	2021	–	$15.56)	for	a	total	of	$2.5	billion	(December	31,	2021	–	$265	million).	Paid	in	surplus	was	reduced	by	$1.6	
billion	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $120	 million),	 representing	 the	 excess	 of	 the	 purchase	 price	 of	 the	 common	 shares	 over	 their	
average	carrying	value.	

From	January	1,	2023,	to	February	13,	2023,	the	Company	purchased	an	additional	1.4	million	common	shares	for	$36.8	million.	
As	at	February	13,	2023,	123.8	million	common	shares	remain	available	for	purchase	under	the	2023	NCIB.	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   139

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

D) Issued	and	Outstanding	–	Preferred	Shares

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	there	were	no	preferred	shares	issued.	As	at	December	31,	2022,	there	were	36	million	
preferred	 shares	 outstanding	 (December	 31,	2021	 –	 36	 million),	 with	 a	 carrying	 value	 of	 $519	 million	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	
$519	million).

As	at	December	31,	2022

Series	1	First	Preferred	Shares
Series	2	First	Preferred	Shares	(1)
Series	3	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	5	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	7	First	Preferred	Shares

Dividend	Reset	Date

Dividend	Rate

March	31,	2026
Quarterly

December	31,	2024

March	31,	2025
June	30,	2025

	2.58	%
	5.86	%

	4.69	%

	4.59	%
	3.94	%

Number	of	
Preferred	
Shares	
(thousands)

10,740
1,260

10,000

8,000
6,000

(1)

The	floating-rate	dividend	was	1.86	percent	from	December	31,	2021,	to	March	30,	2022	(January	1,	2021,	to	March	30,	2021	–	1.84	percent);	2.35	percent	
from	March	31,	2022,	to	June	29,	2022	(March	31,	2021,	to	June	29,	2021	–	1.80	percent);	3.21	percent	from	June	30,	2022,	to	September	29,	2022	(June	
30,	2021,	to	September	29,	2021	–	1.84	percent);	5.05	percent	from	September	30,	2022,	to	December	30	2022	(September	30,	2021,	to	December	30,	2021	–	
1.92	percent);	and	5.86	percent	from	December	31,	2022,	to	March	30,	2023.	

Every	five	years,	subject	to	certain	conditions,	the	holders	of	first	preferred	shares	will	have	the	right,	at	their	option,	to	convert	
their	shares	into	a	specified	series	of	first	preferred	shares.	On	March	31,	2026	and	on	March	31	every	five	years	thereafter,	
holders	 of	 series	 1	 and	 series	 2	 first	 preferred	 shares	 will	 have	 such	 option	 to	 convert	 their	 shares	 into	 the	 other	 series.	 On	
December	31,	2024,	and	on	December	31	every	five	years	thereafter,	holders	of	series	3	and	series	4	first	preferred	shares	will	
have	such	option	to	convert	their	shares	into	the	other	series.	On	March	31,	2025,	and	on	March	31	every	five	years	thereafter,	
holders	 of	 series	 5	 and	 series	 6	 first	 preferred	 shares	 will	 have	 such	 option	 to	 convert	 their	 shares	 into	 the	 other	 series.	 On	
June	30,	2025,	and	on	June	30	every	five	years	thereafter,	holders	of	series	7	and	series	8	first	preferred	shares	will	have	such	
option	to	convert	their	shares	into	the	other	series.

Each	series	of	outstanding	first	preferred	shares	are	entitled	to	receive	a	cumulative	quarterly	dividend,	payable	on	the	last	day	
of	 March,	 June,	 September	 and	 December	 in	 each	 year,	 if,	 as	 and	 when	 declared	 by	 Cenovus’s	 Board	 of	 Directors.	 For	 the	
series	1,	series	3,	series	5	and	series	7	first	preferred	shares,	such	dividend	rate	resets	every	five	years	at	the	rate	equal	to	the	
sum	 of	 the	 five-year	 Government	 of	 Canada	 bond	 yield	 on	 the	 applicable	 calculation	 date	 plus	 1.73	 percent	 (series	 1),	
3.13	percent	(series	3),	3.57	percent	(series	5)	and	3.52	percent	(series	7).	For	the	series	2,	series	4,	series	6	and	series	8	first	
preferred	shares,	such	dividend	rate	resets	every	quarter	at	the	rate	equal	to	the	sum	of	the	90-day	Government	of	Canada	
Treasury	Bill	yield	on	the	applicable	calculation	date	plus	1.73	percent	(series	2),	3.13	percent	(series	4),	3.57	percent	(series	6)	
and	3.52	percent	(series	8).

Every	five	years,	subject	to	certain	conditions,	on	the	applicable	conversion	date	Cenovus	may,	at	its	option,	redeem	all	or	any	
number	 of	 the	 then-outstanding	 series	 of	 first	 preferred	 shares	 by	 payment	 of	 an	 amount	 in	 cash	 for	 each	 share	 to	 be	
redeemed	equal	to	$25.00.	In	addition,	subject	to	certain	conditions,	on	any	other	date	Cenovus	may,	at	its	option,	redeem	all	
or	any	number	of	the	then-outstanding	series	2,	series	4,	series	6	and	series	8	first	preferred	shares,	by	payment	of	an	amount	
in	cash	for	each	share	to	be	redeemed	equal	to	$25.50.	In	each	case,	such	payment	shall	also	include	all	accrued	and	unpaid	
dividends	thereon	to	but	excluding	the	date	fixed	for	redemption	(less	any	tax	or	other	amount	required	to	be	deducted	and	
withheld).

Second	Preferred	Shares

There	were	no	second	preferred	shares	outstanding	as	at	December	31,	2022	(December	31,	2021	–	nil).

E) Issued	and	Outstanding	–	Warrants

Outstanding,	Beginning	of	Year

Issued	Under	the	Arrangement	(Note	5)
Exercised

Outstanding,	End	of	Year

The	exercise	price	of	the	Cenovus	warrants	is	$6.54	per	share.

2022

2021

Number	of
Warrants
(thousands)

65,119

—
(9,399)
55,720

Number	of
Warrants
(thousands)

—

65,433
(314)
65,119

Amount

215

—
(31)
184

Amount

—

216
(1)
215

140   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

F) Paid	in	Surplus

Cenovus’s	 paid	 in	 surplus	 reflects	 the	 Company’s	 retained	 earnings	 prior	 to	 the	 split	 of	 Encana	 Corporation	 (now	 known	 as	

Ovintiv	 Inc.	 ("Ovintiv"))	 under	 the	 plan	 of	 arrangement	 into	 two	 independent	 energy	 companies,	 Ovintiv	 and	 Cenovus.	 In	

addition,	paid	in	surplus	includes	stock-based	compensation	expense	related	to	the	Company’s	NSRs	discussed	in	Note	34	and	

the	excess	of	the	purchase	price	of	common	shares	over	their	average	carrying	value	for	shares	purchased	under	the	NCIBs.

Retained	

Earnings	Prior	

Stock-Based	

to	Ovintiv	Split

Compensation

Common	

Shares

As	at	December	31,	2020

Stock-Based	Compensation	Expense

Purchase	of	Common	Shares	Under	NCIBs

Common	Shares	Issued	on	Exercise	of	Stock	Options

As	at	December	31,	2021

Stock-Based	Compensation	Expense

Purchase	of	Common	Shares	Under	NCIBs

Common	Shares	Issued	on	Exercise	of	Stock	Options

As	at	December	31,	2022

33. ACCUMULATED	OTHER	COMPREHENSIVE	INCOME	(LOSS)

As	at	December	31,	2020

Other	Comprehensive	Income	(Loss),	Before	Tax

Income	Tax	(Expense)	Recovery

As	at	December	31,	2021

Other	Comprehensive	Income	(Loss),	Before	Tax

Income	Tax	(Expense)	Recovery

As	at	December	31,	2022

34. STOCK-BASED	COMPENSATION	PLANS

A) Employee	Stock	Options

4,086

4,086

—

—

—

—

—

—

4,086

(10)

47

(9)

28

96

(25)

99

305

14

—

(1)

318

10

—

(32)

296

27

—

—

27

2

—

29

(120)

(120)

—

—

—

—

—

(1,571)

(1,691)

758

(129)

—

629

713

—

1,342

Total

4,391

14

(120)

(1)

4,284

10

(1,571)

(32)

2,691

Total

775

(82)

(9)

684

811

(25)

1,470

Pension	and	

Other	Post-

Retirement	

Private	Equity	

Benefits

Instruments

Foreign	

Currency	

Translation	

Adjustment

Cenovus	has	an	Employee	Stock	Option	Plan	that	provides	employees	with	the	opportunity	to	exercise	an	option	to	purchase	a	

common	share	of	the	Company.	Option	exercise	prices	approximate	the	market	value	for	the	common	shares	on	the	date	the	

options	 were	 issued.	 Options	 granted	 are	 exercisable	 at	 30	 percent	 of	 the	 number	 granted	 after	 one	 year,	 an	 additional	 30	

percent	of	the	number	granted	after	two	years	and	are	fully	exercisable	after	three	years.	Options	expire	after	seven	years.	

Options	issued	by	the	Company	have	associated	NSRs.	The	NSRs,	in	lieu	of	exercising	the	option,	gives	the	option	holder	the	

right	to	receive	the	number	of	common	shares	that	could	be	acquired	with	the	excess	value	of	the	market	price	of	Cenovus’s	

common	shares	at	the	time	of	exercise	over	the	exercise	price	of	the	option.	Alternatively,	the	holder	may	elect	to	exercise	the	

option	and	receive	a	net	cash	payment	equal	to	the	excess	of	the	market	price	received	from	the	sale	of	the	common	shares	

over	the	exercise	price	of	the	option.

The	NSRs	vest	and	expire	under	the	same	terms	and	conditions	as	the	underlying	options.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

D) Issued	and	Outstanding	–	Preferred	Shares

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

F) Paid	in	Surplus

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	there	were	no	preferred	shares	issued.	As	at	December	31,	2022,	there	were	36	million	

preferred	 shares	 outstanding	 (December	 31,	2021	 –	 36	 million),	 with	 a	 carrying	 value	 of	 $519	 million	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	

$519	million).

Cenovus’s	 paid	 in	 surplus	 reflects	 the	 Company’s	 retained	 earnings	 prior	 to	 the	 split	 of	 Encana	 Corporation	 (now	 known	 as	
Ovintiv	 Inc.	 ("Ovintiv"))	 under	 the	 plan	 of	 arrangement	 into	 two	 independent	 energy	 companies,	 Ovintiv	 and	 Cenovus.	 In	
addition,	paid	in	surplus	includes	stock-based	compensation	expense	related	to	the	Company’s	NSRs	discussed	in	Note	34	and	
the	excess	of	the	purchase	price	of	common	shares	over	their	average	carrying	value	for	shares	purchased	under	the	NCIBs.

As	at	December	31,	2020

Stock-Based	Compensation	Expense

Purchase	of	Common	Shares	Under	NCIBs

Common	Shares	Issued	on	Exercise	of	Stock	Options

As	at	December	31,	2021

Stock-Based	Compensation	Expense

Purchase	of	Common	Shares	Under	NCIBs

Common	Shares	Issued	on	Exercise	of	Stock	Options

As	at	December	31,	2022

Retained	
Earnings	Prior	
to	Ovintiv	Split

Stock-Based	
Compensation

Common	
Shares

4,086

—

—

—

4,086

—

—

—

4,086

305

14

—

(1)

318

10

—

(32)

296

—

—

(120)

—

(120)

—

(1,571)

—

(1,691)

33. ACCUMULATED	OTHER	COMPREHENSIVE	INCOME	(LOSS)

Pension	and	
Other	Post-
Retirement	
Benefits
(10)

Private	Equity	
Instruments
27

47

(9)

28

96

(25)

99

—

—

27

2

—

29

Foreign	
Currency	
Translation	
Adjustment

758

(129)

—

629

713

—

1,342

As	at	December	31,	2020

Other	Comprehensive	Income	(Loss),	Before	Tax

Income	Tax	(Expense)	Recovery

As	at	December	31,	2021

Other	Comprehensive	Income	(Loss),	Before	Tax

Income	Tax	(Expense)	Recovery

As	at	December	31,	2022

34. STOCK-BASED	COMPENSATION	PLANS

A) Employee	Stock	Options

Total

4,391

14

(120)

(1)

4,284

10

(1,571)

(32)

2,691

Total

775

(82)

(9)

684

811

(25)

1,470

Cenovus	has	an	Employee	Stock	Option	Plan	that	provides	employees	with	the	opportunity	to	exercise	an	option	to	purchase	a	
common	share	of	the	Company.	Option	exercise	prices	approximate	the	market	value	for	the	common	shares	on	the	date	the	
options	 were	 issued.	 Options	 granted	 are	 exercisable	 at	 30	 percent	 of	 the	 number	 granted	 after	 one	 year,	 an	 additional	 30	
percent	of	the	number	granted	after	two	years	and	are	fully	exercisable	after	three	years.	Options	expire	after	seven	years.	

Options	issued	by	the	Company	have	associated	NSRs.	The	NSRs,	in	lieu	of	exercising	the	option,	gives	the	option	holder	the	
right	to	receive	the	number	of	common	shares	that	could	be	acquired	with	the	excess	value	of	the	market	price	of	Cenovus’s	
common	shares	at	the	time	of	exercise	over	the	exercise	price	of	the	option.	Alternatively,	the	holder	may	elect	to	exercise	the	
option	and	receive	a	net	cash	payment	equal	to	the	excess	of	the	market	price	received	from	the	sale	of	the	common	shares	
over	the	exercise	price	of	the	option.

The	NSRs	vest	and	expire	under	the	same	terms	and	conditions	as	the	underlying	options.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   141

As	at	December	31,	2022

Series	1	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	2	First	Preferred	Shares	(1)

Series	3	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	5	First	Preferred	Shares

Series	7	First	Preferred	Shares

Dividend	Reset	Date

Dividend	Rate

(thousands)

March	31,	2026

Quarterly

December	31,	2024

March	31,	2025

June	30,	2025

	2.58	%

	5.86	%

	4.69	%

	4.59	%

	3.94	%

Number	of	

Preferred	

Shares	

10,740

1,260

10,000

8,000

6,000

(1)

The	floating-rate	dividend	was	1.86	percent	from	December	31,	2021,	to	March	30,	2022	(January	1,	2021,	to	March	30,	2021	–	1.84	percent);	2.35	percent	

from	March	31,	2022,	to	June	29,	2022	(March	31,	2021,	to	June	29,	2021	–	1.80	percent);	3.21	percent	from	June	30,	2022,	to	September	29,	2022	(June	

30,	2021,	to	September	29,	2021	–	1.84	percent);	5.05	percent	from	September	30,	2022,	to	December	30	2022	(September	30,	2021,	to	December	30,	2021	–	

1.92	percent);	and	5.86	percent	from	December	31,	2022,	to	March	30,	2023.	

Every	five	years,	subject	to	certain	conditions,	the	holders	of	first	preferred	shares	will	have	the	right,	at	their	option,	to	convert	

their	shares	into	a	specified	series	of	first	preferred	shares.	On	March	31,	2026	and	on	March	31	every	five	years	thereafter,	

holders	 of	 series	 1	 and	 series	 2	 first	 preferred	 shares	 will	 have	 such	 option	 to	 convert	 their	 shares	 into	 the	 other	 series.	 On	

December	31,	2024,	and	on	December	31	every	five	years	thereafter,	holders	of	series	3	and	series	4	first	preferred	shares	will	

have	such	option	to	convert	their	shares	into	the	other	series.	On	March	31,	2025,	and	on	March	31	every	five	years	thereafter,	

holders	 of	 series	 5	 and	 series	 6	 first	 preferred	 shares	 will	 have	 such	 option	 to	 convert	 their	 shares	 into	 the	 other	 series.	 On	

June	30,	2025,	and	on	June	30	every	five	years	thereafter,	holders	of	series	7	and	series	8	first	preferred	shares	will	have	such	

option	to	convert	their	shares	into	the	other	series.

Each	series	of	outstanding	first	preferred	shares	are	entitled	to	receive	a	cumulative	quarterly	dividend,	payable	on	the	last	day	

of	 March,	 June,	 September	 and	 December	 in	 each	 year,	 if,	 as	 and	 when	 declared	 by	 Cenovus’s	 Board	 of	 Directors.	 For	 the	

series	1,	series	3,	series	5	and	series	7	first	preferred	shares,	such	dividend	rate	resets	every	five	years	at	the	rate	equal	to	the	

sum	 of	 the	 five-year	 Government	 of	 Canada	 bond	 yield	 on	 the	 applicable	 calculation	 date	 plus	 1.73	 percent	 (series	 1),	

3.13	percent	(series	3),	3.57	percent	(series	5)	and	3.52	percent	(series	7).	For	the	series	2,	series	4,	series	6	and	series	8	first	

preferred	shares,	such	dividend	rate	resets	every	quarter	at	the	rate	equal	to	the	sum	of	the	90-day	Government	of	Canada	

Treasury	Bill	yield	on	the	applicable	calculation	date	plus	1.73	percent	(series	2),	3.13	percent	(series	4),	3.57	percent	(series	6)	

and	3.52	percent	(series	8).

Every	five	years,	subject	to	certain	conditions,	on	the	applicable	conversion	date	Cenovus	may,	at	its	option,	redeem	all	or	any	

number	 of	 the	 then-outstanding	 series	 of	 first	 preferred	 shares	 by	 payment	 of	 an	 amount	 in	 cash	 for	 each	 share	 to	 be	

redeemed	equal	to	$25.00.	In	addition,	subject	to	certain	conditions,	on	any	other	date	Cenovus	may,	at	its	option,	redeem	all	

or	any	number	of	the	then-outstanding	series	2,	series	4,	series	6	and	series	8	first	preferred	shares,	by	payment	of	an	amount	

in	cash	for	each	share	to	be	redeemed	equal	to	$25.50.	In	each	case,	such	payment	shall	also	include	all	accrued	and	unpaid	

dividends	thereon	to	but	excluding	the	date	fixed	for	redemption	(less	any	tax	or	other	amount	required	to	be	deducted	and	

withheld).

Second	Preferred	Shares

E) Issued	and	Outstanding	–	Warrants

There	were	no	second	preferred	shares	outstanding	as	at	December	31,	2022	(December	31,	2021	–	nil).

Outstanding,	Beginning	of	Year

Issued	Under	the	Arrangement	(Note	5)

Exercised

Outstanding,	End	of	Year

The	exercise	price	of	the	Cenovus	warrants	is	$6.54	per	share.

2022

2021

Number	of

Warrants

(thousands)

65,119

—

(9,399)

55,720

Number	of

Warrants

(thousands)

—

65,433

(314)

65,119

Amount

215

—

(31)

184

Amount

—

216

(1)

215

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Stock	Options	With	Associated	Net	Settlement	Rights	

The	weighted	average	unit	fair	value	of	NSRs	granted	during	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	was	$19.94	before	considering	
forfeitures,	which	are	considered	in	determining	total	cost	for	the	period.	The	fair	value	of	each	NSR	was	estimated	on	its	grant	
date	using	the	Black-Scholes-Merton	valuation	model	with	weighted	average	assumptions	as	follows:	

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

The	following	tables	summarize	the	information	related	to	the	Cenovus	replacement	stock	options:

Risk-Free	Interest	Rate

Expected	Dividend	Yield
Expected	Volatility	(1)
Expected	Life	(years)

(1)

Expected	volatility	has	been	based	on	historical	share	volatility	of	the	Company.

The	following	tables	summarize	information	related	to	the	NSRs:

	1.84	%

	0.72	%

	24.72	%

5.75

Number	of	Stock	
Options	with	
Associated	Net	
Settlement	Rights

(thousands)

27,233

2,031

(11,599)

(258)

(3,058)

14,349

Weighted	Average	
Exercise	Price

($)

13.06	

19.94	

12.77	

9.75	

22.25	

12.38

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Outstanding,	Beginning	of	Year

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Expired

Outstanding,	End	of	Year

As	at	December	31,	2022
Range	of	Exercise	Price	($)

5.00	to	9.99

10.00	to	14.99

15.00	to	19.99

20.00	to	24.99

Number	of	
Stock	Options	
with	Associated	
Net	Settlement	
Rights

(thousands)
5,234

6,229

2,834

52

14,349

Outstanding	

Weighted	
Average	
Remaining	
Contractual	
Life	

(Years)
4.88

3.80

4.26

6.69

4.30

Exercisable	

Number	of	
Stock	Options	
with	Associated	
Net	Settlement	
Rights

(thousands)
1,474

4,280

919

—

6,673

Weighted	
Average	
Exercise	Price	

($)
8.76

12.01

19.71

22.37

12.38

Weighted	
Average	
Exercise	Price	

($)
8.94

12.13

19.36

—

12.42

Cenovus	Replacement	Stock	Options

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	6,042	thousand	Cenovus	replacement	stock	options,	with	a	weighted	average	exercise	
price	of	$16.57,	were	exercised	and	net	settled	for	cash	and	103	thousand	Cenovus	replacement	stock	options	were	exercised	
with	a	weighted	average	exercise	price	of	$14.98	and	settled	for	81	thousand	common	shares.

The	 Company	 recorded	 a	 liability	 of	 $42	 million	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $30	 million)	 in	 the	
Consolidated	 Balance	 Sheets	 for	 Cenovus	 Replacement	 Stock	 Options	 based	 on	 the	 fair	 value	 at	 year	 end	 using	 the	 Black-
Scholes-Merton	valuation	model.

142   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Stock	Options

Exercise	Price

Number	of	

Cenovus	

Replacement	

(thousands)

12,256

(6,145)

(186)

(2,458)

3,467

Weighted	

Average	

($)

15.21	

16.12	

15.85	

20.59	

9.99

Exercisable	

Outstanding	

Weighted	

Average	

Remaining	

Contractual	

2,065

124

14

594

524

146

3,467

1.63

1.36

0.47

1.04

0.20

0.58

1.25

Number	of	

Cenovus	

Replacement	

Stock	Options

(thousands)

Number	of	

Cenovus	

Weighted	

Average	

Replacement	

Weighted	

Average	

Life	

Exercise	Price	

Stock	Options

Exercise	Price	

(Years)

(thousands)

($)

3.54

6.06

12.88

18.35

21.77

27.88

9.99

742

59

14

594

524

146

2,079

($)

3.54

6.06

12.88

18.35

21.77

27.88

14.21

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Outstanding,	Beginning	of	Year

Exercised

Forfeited

Expired

Outstanding,	End	of	Year

As	at	December	31,	2022

Range	of	Exercise	Price	($)

3.00	to	4.99

5.00	to	9.99

10.00	to	14.99

15.00	to	19.99

20.00	to	24.99

25.00	to	29.99

B) Performance	Share	Units

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Outstanding,	Beginning	of	Year

Granted

Cancelled

Vested	and	Paid	Out

Units	in	Lieu	of	Dividends

Outstanding,	End	of	Year

Cenovus	has	granted	PSUs	to	certain	employees	under	its	Performance	Share	Unit	Plan	for	Employees.	PSUs	are	time-vested	

whole-share	units	that	entitle	employees	to	receive,	upon	vesting,	either	a	common	share	of	Cenovus	or	a	cash	payment	equal	

to	the	value	of	a	Cenovus	common	share.	The	number	of	PSUs	eligible	to	vest	is	determined	by	a	multiplier	that	ranges	from	

zero	 percent	 to	 200	 percent	 and	 is	 based	 on	 the	 Company	 achieving	 key	 pre-determined	 performance	 measures.	 PSUs	 vest	

after	three	years.	

The	 Company	 has	 recorded	 a	 liability	 of	 $216	 million	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $61	 million)	 in	 the	

Consolidated	Balance	Sheets	for	PSUs	based	on	the	market	value	of	Cenovus’s	common	shares	at	the	end	of	the	year.	PSUs	are	

paid	out	upon	vesting	and,	as	a	result,	the	intrinsic	value	was	$nil	as	at	December	31,	2022.

The	following	table	summarizes	the	information	related	to	the	PSUs	held	by	Cenovus	employees:

Number	of	

Performance	

Share	Units

(thousands)

7,163

3,226

(1,413)

(465)

167

8,678

The	weighted	average	unit	fair	value	of	NSRs	granted	during	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	was	$19.94	before	considering	

forfeitures,	which	are	considered	in	determining	total	cost	for	the	period.	The	fair	value	of	each	NSR	was	estimated	on	its	grant	

date	using	the	Black-Scholes-Merton	valuation	model	with	weighted	average	assumptions	as	follows:	

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Stock	Options	With	Associated	Net	Settlement	Rights	

Risk-Free	Interest	Rate

Expected	Dividend	Yield

Expected	Volatility	(1)

Expected	Life	(years)

(1)

Expected	volatility	has	been	based	on	historical	share	volatility	of	the	Company.

The	following	tables	summarize	information	related	to	the	NSRs:

Number	of	Stock	

Options	with	

Associated	Net	

Weighted	Average	

Settlement	Rights

Exercise	Price

(thousands)

27,233

2,031

(11,599)

(258)

(3,058)

14,349

Exercisable	

Number	of	

Stock	Options	

	1.84	%

	0.72	%

	24.72	%

5.75

($)

13.06	

19.94	

12.77	

9.75	

22.25	

12.38

($)

8.94

12.13

19.36

—

12.42

Number	of	

Stock	Options	

with	Associated	

Net	Settlement	

Rights

(thousands)

5,234

6,229

2,834

52

14,349

Outstanding	

Weighted	

Average	

Remaining	

Contractual	

(Years)

4.88

3.80

4.26

6.69

4.30

Weighted	

with	Associated	

Average	

Net	Settlement	

Weighted	

Average	

Life	

Exercise	Price	

Rights

Exercise	Price	

($)

8.76

12.01

19.71

22.37

12.38

(thousands)

1,474

4,280

919

—

6,673

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Outstanding,	Beginning	of	Year

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Expired

Outstanding,	End	of	Year

As	at	December	31,	2022

Range	of	Exercise	Price	($)

5.00	to	9.99

10.00	to	14.99

15.00	to	19.99

20.00	to	24.99

Cenovus	Replacement	Stock	Options

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	6,042	thousand	Cenovus	replacement	stock	options,	with	a	weighted	average	exercise	

price	of	$16.57,	were	exercised	and	net	settled	for	cash	and	103	thousand	Cenovus	replacement	stock	options	were	exercised	

with	a	weighted	average	exercise	price	of	$14.98	and	settled	for	81	thousand	common	shares.

The	 Company	 recorded	 a	 liability	 of	 $42	 million	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $30	 million)	 in	 the	

Consolidated	 Balance	 Sheets	 for	 Cenovus	 Replacement	 Stock	 Options	 based	 on	 the	 fair	 value	 at	 year	 end	 using	 the	 Black-

Scholes-Merton	valuation	model.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

The	following	tables	summarize	the	information	related	to	the	Cenovus	replacement	stock	options:

Number	of	
Cenovus	
Replacement	
Stock	Options

(thousands)

12,256

(6,145)

(186)

(2,458)

3,467

Weighted	
Average	
Exercise	Price

($)

15.21	

16.12	

15.85	

20.59	

9.99

Exercisable	

Number	of	
Cenovus	
Replacement	
Stock	Options

(thousands)
742

59

14

594

524

146

2,079

Weighted	
Average	
Exercise	Price	

($)
3.54

6.06

12.88

18.35

21.77

27.88

14.21

Outstanding	

Weighted	
Average	
Remaining	
Contractual	
Life	

(Years)
1.63

1.36

0.47

1.04

0.20
0.58

1.25

Number	of	
Cenovus	
Replacement	
Stock	Options

(thousands)
2,065

124

14

594

524

146

3,467

Weighted	
Average	
Exercise	Price	

($)
3.54

6.06

12.88

18.35

21.77

27.88

9.99

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Outstanding,	Beginning	of	Year

Exercised

Forfeited

Expired

Outstanding,	End	of	Year

As	at	December	31,	2022
Range	of	Exercise	Price	($)

3.00	to	4.99

5.00	to	9.99

10.00	to	14.99

15.00	to	19.99

20.00	to	24.99

25.00	to	29.99

B) Performance	Share	Units

Cenovus	has	granted	PSUs	to	certain	employees	under	its	Performance	Share	Unit	Plan	for	Employees.	PSUs	are	time-vested	
whole-share	units	that	entitle	employees	to	receive,	upon	vesting,	either	a	common	share	of	Cenovus	or	a	cash	payment	equal	
to	the	value	of	a	Cenovus	common	share.	The	number	of	PSUs	eligible	to	vest	is	determined	by	a	multiplier	that	ranges	from	
zero	 percent	 to	 200	 percent	 and	 is	 based	 on	 the	 Company	 achieving	 key	 pre-determined	 performance	 measures.	 PSUs	 vest	
after	three	years.	

The	 Company	 has	 recorded	 a	 liability	 of	 $216	 million	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $61	 million)	 in	 the	
Consolidated	Balance	Sheets	for	PSUs	based	on	the	market	value	of	Cenovus’s	common	shares	at	the	end	of	the	year.	PSUs	are	
paid	out	upon	vesting	and,	as	a	result,	the	intrinsic	value	was	$nil	as	at	December	31,	2022.

The	following	table	summarizes	the	information	related	to	the	PSUs	held	by	Cenovus	employees:

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Outstanding,	Beginning	of	Year

Granted

Vested	and	Paid	Out

Cancelled

Units	in	Lieu	of	Dividends

Outstanding,	End	of	Year

Number	of	
Performance	
Share	Units

(thousands)

7,163

3,226

(1,413)

(465)

167

8,678

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   143

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

C) Restricted	Share	Units

Cenovus	granted	RSUs	to	certain	employees	under	its	Restricted	Share	Unit	Plan	for	Employees.	RSUs	are	whole-share	units	and	
entitle	 employees	 to	 receive,	 upon	 vesting,	 either	 a	 common	 share	 of	 Cenovus	 or	 a	 cash	 payment	 equal	 to	 the	 value	 of	 a	
Cenovus	common	share.	RSUs	generally	vest	over	three	years.

The	 Company	 recorded	 a	 liability	 of	 $109	 million	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2022	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $53	 million)	 in	 the	
Consolidated	Balance	Sheets	for	RSUs	based	on	the	market	value	of	Cenovus’s	common	shares	at	the	end	of	the	year.	As	RSUs	
are	paid	out	upon	vesting,	the	intrinsic	value	of	vested	RSUs	was	$nil	as	at	December	31,	2022.	

The	following	table	summarizes	the	information	related	to	the	RSUs	held	by	Cenovus	employees:

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Outstanding,	Beginning	of	Year

Granted

Vested	and	Paid	Out

Cancelled

Units	in	Lieu	of	Dividends

Outstanding,	End	of	Year

D) Deferred	Share	Units

Number	of	
Restricted	
Share	Units

(thousands)

6,025

3,161

(2,230)

(430)

129

6,655

Stock-based	 compensation	 includes	 the	 costs	 recorded	 during	 the	 year	 associated	 with	 NSRs,	 Cenovus	 replacement	 stock	

Key	 management	 includes	 Directors	 (executive	 and	 non-executive),	 Executive	 Officers,	 Senior	 Vice-Presidents	 and	 Vice-

Presidents.	The	compensation	paid	or	payable	to	key	management	is:

Under	 two	 Deferred	 Share	 Unit	 Plans,	 Cenovus	 directors,	 officers	 and	 certain	 employees	 may	 receive	 DSUs,	 which	 are	
equivalent	in	value	to	a	common	share	of	the	Company.	Eligible	employees	have	the	option	to	convert	either	zero,	25,	50,	75	or	
100	percent	of	their	annual	bonus	award	into	DSUs.	DSUs	vest	immediately,	are	redeemed	in	accordance	with	the	terms	of	the	
agreement	and	expire	on	December	15	of	the	calendar	year	following	the	year	of	cessation	of	directorship	or	employment.

The	Company	recorded	a	liability	of	$40	million	as	at	December	31,	2022	(December	31,	2021	–	$20	million)	in	the	Consolidated	
Balance	Sheets	for	DSUs	based	on	the	market	value	of	Cenovus’s	common	shares	at	the	end	of	the	year.	The	intrinsic	value	of	
vested	DSUs	equals	the	carrying	value	as	DSUs	vest	at	the	time	of	grant.

The	following	table	summarizes	the	information	related	to	the	DSUs	held	by	Cenovus	directors,	officers	and	employees:

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Outstanding,	Beginning	of	Year

Granted	to	Directors

Granted

Units	in	Lieu	of	Dividends

Redeemed

Outstanding,	End	of	Year

E) Total	Stock-Based	Compensation

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Stock	Options	With	Associated	Net	Settlement	Rights

Cenovus	Replacement	Stock	Options

Performance	Share	Units

Restricted	Share	Units

Deferred	Share	Units

Stock-Based	Compensation	Expense	(Recovery)

Stock-Based	Compensation	Costs	Capitalized
Total	Stock-Based	Compensation

144   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Number	of	
Deferred	
Share	Units

(thousands)

1,256

161

316

30

(257)

1,506

2022

2021

2020

15

53

183

100

22

373

—
373

14

26

56

48

15

159

8
167

11

—

19

23

(4)

49

16
65

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

35. EMPLOYEE	SALARIES	AND	BENEFIT	EXPENSES

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Salaries,	Bonuses	and	Other	Short-Term	Employee	Benefits

Post-Employment	Benefits

Stock-Based	Compensation	(Note	34)

Other	Incentive	Benefits	(Recovery)

Termination	Benefits

options,	PSUs,	RSUs	and	DSUs.	

36. RELATED	PARTY	TRANSACTIONS

A) Key	Management	Compensation

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Salaries,	Director	Fees	and	Other	Short-Term	Benefits

Post-Employment	Benefits

Stock-Based	Compensation

Other	Incentive	Benefits

Termination	Benefits

2022

1,246

92

373

(9)

27

1,729

2022

40

4

140

—

3

187

2021

1,327

89

159

201

180

1,956

2021

69

4

72

4

3

152

2020

605

33

49

(4)

9

692

2020

21

3

15

1

6

46

Post-employment	benefits	represent	the	present	value	of	future	pension	benefits	earned	during	the	year.	

B) Other	Related	Party	Transactions

Transactions	with	HMLP	are	related	party	transactions	as	the	Company	has	a	35	percent	ownership	interest	(see	Note	22).	As	

the	operator	of	the	assets	held	by	HMLP,	Cenovus	provides	management	services	for	which	it	recovers	shared	service	costs.	

The	Company	is	also	the	contractor	for	HMLP	and	constructs	its	assets	based	on	fixed	price	contracts	or	on	a	cost	recovery	basis	

with	 certain	 restrictions.	 For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 charged	 HMLP	 $188	 million,	 for	 construction	

costs	and	management	services	(2021	–	$243	million).

The	Company	pays	an	access	fee	to	HMLP	for	pipeline	systems	that	are	used	by	Cenovus’s	blending	business.	Cenovus	also	pays	

HMLP	 for	 transportation	 and	 storage	 services.	 For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 incurred	 costs	 of	

$263	million,	for	the	use	of	HMLP’s	pipeline	systems,	as	well	as	transportation	and	storage	services	(2021	–	$284	million).

37. FINANCIAL	INSTRUMENTS

Cenovus’s	 financial	 assets	 and	 financial	 liabilities	 consist	 of	 cash	 and	 cash	 equivalents,	 accounts	 receivable	 and	 accrued	

revenues,	restricted	cash,	net	investment	in	finance	leases,	risk	management	assets	and	liabilities,	investments	in	the	equity	of	

companies,	long-term	receivables,	accounts	payable	and	accrued	liabilities,	short-term	borrowings,	lease	liabilities,	contingent	

payments,	long-term	debt	and	other	liabilities.	Risk	management	assets	and	liabilities	arise	from	the	use	of	derivative	financial	

instruments.

A) Fair	Value	of	Non-Derivative	Financial	Instruments

The	 fair	 values	 of	 cash	 and	 cash	 equivalents,	 accounts	 receivable	 and	 accrued	 revenues,	 accounts	 payable	 and	 accrued	

liabilities,	and	short-term	borrowings	approximate	their	carrying	amount	due	to	the	short-term	maturity	of	these	instruments.

The	fair	values	of	restricted	cash,	net	investment	in	finance	leases	and	long-term	receivables	approximate	their	carrying	amount	

due	to	the	specific	non-tradeable	nature	of	these	instruments.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

C) Restricted	Share	Units

Cenovus	granted	RSUs	to	certain	employees	under	its	Restricted	Share	Unit	Plan	for	Employees.	RSUs	are	whole-share	units	and	

entitle	 employees	 to	 receive,	 upon	 vesting,	 either	 a	 common	 share	 of	 Cenovus	 or	 a	 cash	 payment	 equal	 to	 the	 value	 of	 a	

Cenovus	common	share.	RSUs	generally	vest	over	three	years.

The	 Company	 recorded	 a	 liability	 of	 $109	 million	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2022	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $53	 million)	 in	 the	

Consolidated	Balance	Sheets	for	RSUs	based	on	the	market	value	of	Cenovus’s	common	shares	at	the	end	of	the	year.	As	RSUs	

are	paid	out	upon	vesting,	the	intrinsic	value	of	vested	RSUs	was	$nil	as	at	December	31,	2022.	

The	following	table	summarizes	the	information	related	to	the	RSUs	held	by	Cenovus	employees:

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

35. EMPLOYEE	SALARIES	AND	BENEFIT	EXPENSES

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Salaries,	Bonuses	and	Other	Short-Term	Employee	Benefits

Post-Employment	Benefits

Stock-Based	Compensation	(Note	34)

Other	Incentive	Benefits	(Recovery)

Termination	Benefits

2022

1,246

92

373

(9)

27

1,729

2021

1,327

89

159

201

180

1,956

2020

605

33

49

(4)

9

692

Stock-based	 compensation	 includes	 the	 costs	 recorded	 during	 the	 year	 associated	 with	 NSRs,	 Cenovus	 replacement	 stock	
options,	PSUs,	RSUs	and	DSUs.	

36. RELATED	PARTY	TRANSACTIONS

A) Key	Management	Compensation

Key	 management	 includes	 Directors	 (executive	 and	 non-executive),	 Executive	 Officers,	 Senior	 Vice-Presidents	 and	 Vice-
Presidents.	The	compensation	paid	or	payable	to	key	management	is:

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Salaries,	Director	Fees	and	Other	Short-Term	Benefits

Post-Employment	Benefits

Stock-Based	Compensation

Other	Incentive	Benefits

Termination	Benefits

2022

40

4

140

—

3

187

2021

69

4

72

4

3

152

2020

21

3

15

1

6

46

Post-employment	benefits	represent	the	present	value	of	future	pension	benefits	earned	during	the	year.	

B) Other	Related	Party	Transactions

Transactions	with	HMLP	are	related	party	transactions	as	the	Company	has	a	35	percent	ownership	interest	(see	Note	22).	As	
the	operator	of	the	assets	held	by	HMLP,	Cenovus	provides	management	services	for	which	it	recovers	shared	service	costs.	

The	Company	is	also	the	contractor	for	HMLP	and	constructs	its	assets	based	on	fixed	price	contracts	or	on	a	cost	recovery	basis	
with	 certain	 restrictions.	 For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 charged	 HMLP	 $188	 million,	 for	 construction	
costs	and	management	services	(2021	–	$243	million).

The	Company	pays	an	access	fee	to	HMLP	for	pipeline	systems	that	are	used	by	Cenovus’s	blending	business.	Cenovus	also	pays	
HMLP	 for	 transportation	 and	 storage	 services.	 For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 incurred	 costs	 of	
$263	million,	for	the	use	of	HMLP’s	pipeline	systems,	as	well	as	transportation	and	storage	services	(2021	–	$284	million).

37. FINANCIAL	INSTRUMENTS

Cenovus’s	 financial	 assets	 and	 financial	 liabilities	 consist	 of	 cash	 and	 cash	 equivalents,	 accounts	 receivable	 and	 accrued	
revenues,	restricted	cash,	net	investment	in	finance	leases,	risk	management	assets	and	liabilities,	investments	in	the	equity	of	
companies,	long-term	receivables,	accounts	payable	and	accrued	liabilities,	short-term	borrowings,	lease	liabilities,	contingent	
payments,	long-term	debt	and	other	liabilities.	Risk	management	assets	and	liabilities	arise	from	the	use	of	derivative	financial	
instruments.

A) Fair	Value	of	Non-Derivative	Financial	Instruments

The	 fair	 values	 of	 cash	 and	 cash	 equivalents,	 accounts	 receivable	 and	 accrued	 revenues,	 accounts	 payable	 and	 accrued	
liabilities,	and	short-term	borrowings	approximate	their	carrying	amount	due	to	the	short-term	maturity	of	these	instruments.

The	fair	values	of	restricted	cash,	net	investment	in	finance	leases	and	long-term	receivables	approximate	their	carrying	amount	
due	to	the	specific	non-tradeable	nature	of	these	instruments.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   145

Under	 two	 Deferred	 Share	 Unit	 Plans,	 Cenovus	 directors,	 officers	 and	 certain	 employees	 may	 receive	 DSUs,	 which	 are	

equivalent	in	value	to	a	common	share	of	the	Company.	Eligible	employees	have	the	option	to	convert	either	zero,	25,	50,	75	or	

100	percent	of	their	annual	bonus	award	into	DSUs.	DSUs	vest	immediately,	are	redeemed	in	accordance	with	the	terms	of	the	

agreement	and	expire	on	December	15	of	the	calendar	year	following	the	year	of	cessation	of	directorship	or	employment.

The	Company	recorded	a	liability	of	$40	million	as	at	December	31,	2022	(December	31,	2021	–	$20	million)	in	the	Consolidated	

Balance	Sheets	for	DSUs	based	on	the	market	value	of	Cenovus’s	common	shares	at	the	end	of	the	year.	The	intrinsic	value	of	

vested	DSUs	equals	the	carrying	value	as	DSUs	vest	at	the	time	of	grant.

The	following	table	summarizes	the	information	related	to	the	DSUs	held	by	Cenovus	directors,	officers	and	employees:

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Outstanding,	Beginning	of	Year

Granted

Cancelled

Vested	and	Paid	Out

Units	in	Lieu	of	Dividends

Outstanding,	End	of	Year

D) Deferred	Share	Units

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Outstanding,	Beginning	of	Year

Granted	to	Directors

Granted

Units	in	Lieu	of	Dividends

Redeemed

Outstanding,	End	of	Year

E) Total	Stock-Based	Compensation

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Stock	Options	With	Associated	Net	Settlement	Rights

Cenovus	Replacement	Stock	Options

Performance	Share	Units

Restricted	Share	Units

Deferred	Share	Units

Stock-Based	Compensation	Expense	(Recovery)

Stock-Based	Compensation	Costs	Capitalized

Total	Stock-Based	Compensation

Number	of	

Restricted	

Share	Units

(thousands)

6,025

3,161

(2,230)

(430)

129

6,655

Number	of	

Deferred	

Share	Units

(thousands)

1,256

161

316

30

(257)

1,506

11

—

19

23

(4)

49

16

65

2022

2021

2020

15

53

183

100

22

373

—

373

14

26

56

48

15

159

8

167

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Long-term	debt	is	carried	at	amortized	cost.	The	estimated	fair	value	of	long-term	borrowings	has	been	determined	based	on	
period-end	trading	prices	of	long-term	borrowings	on	the	secondary	market	(Level	2).	As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	carrying	
value	 of	 Cenovus’s	 long-term	 debt	 was	 $8.7	 billion	 and	 the	 fair	 value	 was	 $7.8	 billion	 (December	 31,	 2021	 carrying	 value	 –	
$12.4	billion,	fair	value	–	$13.7	billion).

The	Company	classifies	certain	private	equity	investments	as	FVOCI	as	they	are	not	held	for	trading	and	fair	value	changes	are	
not	reflective	of	the	Company’s	operations.	These	assets	are	carried	at	fair	value	on	the	Consolidated	Balance	Sheets	in	other	
assets.	Fair	value	is	determined	based	on	recent	private	placement	transactions	(Level	3)	when	available.

The	following	table	provides	a	reconciliation	of	changes	in	the	fair	value	of	private	equity	investments	classified	as	FVOCI:

from	January	1	to	December	31:	

Fair	Value,	Beginning	of	Year

Acquisition	(Note	5)
Changes	in	Fair	Value	(1)

Fair	Value,	End	of	Year

(1)

Changes	in	fair	value	are	recorded	in	OCI.

2022

2021

53

—

2

55

52

1

—

53

Equity	investments	classified	as	FVTPL	comprise	equity	investments	in	public	companies.	These	assets	were	carried	at	fair	value	
on	 the	 Consolidated	 Balance	 Sheets	 in	 other	 assets.	 Fair	 value	 was	 determined	 based	 on	 quoted	 prices	 in	 active	 markets	
(Level	1).

B) Fair	Value	of	Risk	Management	Assets	and	Liabilities

The	Company’s	risk	management	assets	and	liabilities	consist	of	crude	oil,	condensate,	natural	gas,	and	refined	product	futures,	
as	well	as	renewable	power	contracts,	power	and	foreign	exchange	swaps.	The	Company	may	also	enter	into	swaps,	forwards,	
and	options	to	manage	commodity	and	foreign	exchange	exposures,	as	well	as	interest	rate	swaps.

Crude	oil,	natural	gas,	condensate,	refined	product	contracts	and	power	swaps	are	recorded	at	their	estimated	fair	value	based	
on	 the	 difference	 between	 the	 contracted	 price	 and	 the	 period-end	 forward	 price	 for	 the	 same	 commodity,	 using	 quoted	
market	 prices	 or	 the	 period-end	 forward	 price	 for	 the	 same	 commodity	 extrapolated	 to	 the	 end	 of	 the	 term	 of	 the	 contract	
(Level	 2).	 The	 fair	 value	 of	 foreign	 exchange	 rate	 contracts,	 and	 interest	 rate	 swaps	 are	 calculated	 using	 external	 valuation	
models	 that	 incorporate	 observable	 market	 data,	 including	 foreign	 exchange	 forward	 curves	 (Level	 2)	 and	 interest	 rate	 yield	
curves	(Level	2),	respectively.	The	fair	value	of	cross	currency	interest	rate	swaps	are	calculated	using	external	valuation	models	
that	 incorporate	 observable	 market	 data,	 including	 foreign	 exchange	 forward	 curves	 (Level	 2)	 and	 interest	 rate	 yield	 curves	
(Level	2).	

The	fair	value	of	renewable	power	contracts	are	calculated	using	internal	valuation	models	that	incorporate	broker	pricing	for	
relevant	markets,	some	observable	market	prices	and	extrapolated	market	prices	with	inflation	assumptions	(Level	3).	The	fair	
value	 of	 renewable	 power	 contracts	 are	 calculated	 by	 Cenovus’s	 internal	 valuation	 team	 that	 consists	 of	 individuals	 who	 are	
knowledgeable	and	have	experience	in	fair	value	techniques.

Risk	management	assets	and	liabilities	are	carried	at	fair	value	on	the	Consolidated	Balance	Sheets	in	accounts	receivable	and	
accrued	revenues,	and	accounts	payable	and	accrued	liabilities	(for	short-term	positions)	and	other	liabilities	and	other	assets	
(for	long-term	positions).	Changes	in	fair	value	are	recorded	in	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	within	(gain)	loss	on	risk	
management.	

Summary	of	Risk	Management	Positions

As	at	December	31,
Crude	Oil,	Natural	Gas,	Condensate	and	

Refined	Products

Power	Swap	Contracts

Renewable	Power	Contracts

Foreign	Exchange	Rate	Contracts

2022

Risk	Management

Asset

Liability

2

1

90

—

93

40

7

—

—

47

Net

(38)

(6)

90

—

46

2021

Risk	Management

Asset

Liability

46

—

—

2

48

116

—

—

—

116

Net

(70)

—

—

2

(68)

Level	2	prices	sourced	from	observable	data	or	market	corroboration	refers	to	the	fair	value	of	contracts	valued	in	part	using	
active	quotes	and	in	part	using	observable,	market-corroborated	data.	Level	3	prices	are	sourced	from	partially	observable	data	
used	in	internal	valuations.	

146   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

2022

(44)

90

46

2022

(68)

—

(5)

(1,641)

1,762

(2)

46

2021

(68)

—

(68)

2021

(53)

(14)

—

(995)

993

1

(68)

Net

(68)

—

(68)

The	following	table	presents	the	Company’s	fair	value	hierarchy	for	risk	management	assets	and	liabilities	carried	at	fair	value:

The	 following	 table	 provides	 a	 reconciliation	 of	 changes	 in	 the	 fair	 value	 of	 Cenovus’s	 risk	 management	 assets	 and	 liabilities	

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

As	at	December	31,

Level	2	–	Prices	Sourced	From	Observable	Data	or	Market	Corroboration

Level	3	–	Prices	Sourced	From	Partially	Observable	Data

Fair	Value	of	Contracts,	Beginning	of	Year

Acquisition	(Note	5)

Change	in	Fair	Value	of	Contracts	in	Place	at	Beginning	of	Year

Change	in	Fair	Value	of	Contracts	Entered	Into	During	the	Year

Fair	Value	of	Contracts	Realized	During	the	Year

Unrealized	Foreign	Exchange	Gain	(Loss)	on	U.S.	Dollar	Contracts

Fair	Value	of	Contracts,	End	of	Year

Financial	assets	and	liabilities	are	offset	only	if	Cenovus	has	the	current	legal	right	to	offset	and	intends	to	settle	on	a	net	basis	

or	settle	the	asset	and	liability	simultaneously.	Cenovus	offsets	risk	management	assets	and	liabilities	when	the	counterparty,	

commodity,	currency	and	timing	of	settlement	are	the	same.

2022

Risk	Management

2021

Risk	Management

As	at	December	31,

Asset

Liability

Net

Asset

Liability

Recognized	Risk	Management	Positions

Gross	Amount

Amount	Offset

Net	Amount

153

(60)

93

107

(60)

47

46

—

46

263

(215)

48

331

(215)

116

The	 derivative	 liabilities	 do	 not	 have	 credit	 risk-related	 contingent	 features.	 Due	 to	 credit	 practices	 that	 limit	 transactions	

according	to	counterparties’	credit	quality,	the	change	in	fair	value	through	profit	or	loss	attributable	to	changes	in	the	credit	

risk	of	financial	liabilities	is	immaterial.

Cenovus	 pledges	 cash	 collateral	 with	 respect	 to	 certain	 of	 these	 risk	 management	 contracts,	 which	 is	 not	 offset	 against	 the	

related	financial	liability.	The	amount	of	cash	collateral	required	will	vary	daily	over	the	life	of	these	risk	management	contracts	

as	 commodity	 prices	 change.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 $211	 million	 was	 pledged	 as	 cash	 collateral	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	

$114	million).

C) Fair	Value	of	Contingent	Payments

The	 variable	 payment	 (Level	 3)	 associated	 with	 the	 Sunrise	 Acquisition	 is	 carried	 at	 fair	 value	 on	 the	 Consolidated	 Balance	

Sheets.	Fair	value	is	estimated	by	calculating	the	present	value	of	the	expected	future	cash	flows	using	an	option	pricing	model	

(Level	3),	which	assumes	the	probability	distribution	for	WCS	is	based	on	the	volatility	of	WTI	options,	volatility	of	Canadian-U.S.	

foreign	exchange	rate	options	and	both	WTI	and	WCS	futures	pricing	discounted	using	a	credit-adjusted	risk-free	rate.	Fair	value	

of	 the	 variable	 payment	 has	 been	 calculated	 by	 Cenovus’s	 internal	 valuation	 team,	 which	 consists	 of	 individuals	 who	 are	

knowledgeable	and	have	experience	in	fair	value	techniques.	As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	fair	value	of	the	variable	payment	

was	 estimated	 to	 be	 $419	 million	 applying	 a	 credit-adjusted	 risk-free	 rate	 of	 5.2	 percent.	 The	 maximum	 cumulative	 variable	

payment	is	$600	million.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Long-term	debt	is	carried	at	amortized	cost.	The	estimated	fair	value	of	long-term	borrowings	has	been	determined	based	on	

period-end	trading	prices	of	long-term	borrowings	on	the	secondary	market	(Level	2).	As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	carrying	

value	 of	 Cenovus’s	 long-term	 debt	 was	 $8.7	 billion	 and	 the	 fair	 value	 was	 $7.8	 billion	 (December	 31,	 2021	 carrying	 value	 –	

$12.4	billion,	fair	value	–	$13.7	billion).

The	Company	classifies	certain	private	equity	investments	as	FVOCI	as	they	are	not	held	for	trading	and	fair	value	changes	are	

not	reflective	of	the	Company’s	operations.	These	assets	are	carried	at	fair	value	on	the	Consolidated	Balance	Sheets	in	other	

assets.	Fair	value	is	determined	based	on	recent	private	placement	transactions	(Level	3)	when	available.

The	following	table	provides	a	reconciliation	of	changes	in	the	fair	value	of	private	equity	investments	classified	as	FVOCI:

The	following	table	presents	the	Company’s	fair	value	hierarchy	for	risk	management	assets	and	liabilities	carried	at	fair	value:

As	at	December	31,

Level	2	–	Prices	Sourced	From	Observable	Data	or	Market	Corroboration

Level	3	–	Prices	Sourced	From	Partially	Observable	Data

2022

(44)

90

46

2021

(68)

—

(68)

The	 following	 table	 provides	 a	 reconciliation	 of	 changes	 in	 the	 fair	 value	 of	 Cenovus’s	 risk	 management	 assets	 and	 liabilities	
from	January	1	to	December	31:	

Fair	Value,	Beginning	of	Year

Acquisition	(Note	5)

Changes	in	Fair	Value	(1)

Fair	Value,	End	of	Year

(1)

Changes	in	fair	value	are	recorded	in	OCI.

2022

2021

53

—

2

55

52

1

—

53

Equity	investments	classified	as	FVTPL	comprise	equity	investments	in	public	companies.	These	assets	were	carried	at	fair	value	

on	 the	 Consolidated	 Balance	 Sheets	 in	 other	 assets.	 Fair	 value	 was	 determined	 based	 on	 quoted	 prices	 in	 active	 markets	

(Level	1).

B) Fair	Value	of	Risk	Management	Assets	and	Liabilities

The	Company’s	risk	management	assets	and	liabilities	consist	of	crude	oil,	condensate,	natural	gas,	and	refined	product	futures,	

as	well	as	renewable	power	contracts,	power	and	foreign	exchange	swaps.	The	Company	may	also	enter	into	swaps,	forwards,	

and	options	to	manage	commodity	and	foreign	exchange	exposures,	as	well	as	interest	rate	swaps.

Crude	oil,	natural	gas,	condensate,	refined	product	contracts	and	power	swaps	are	recorded	at	their	estimated	fair	value	based	

on	 the	 difference	 between	 the	 contracted	 price	 and	 the	 period-end	 forward	 price	 for	 the	 same	 commodity,	 using	 quoted	

market	 prices	 or	 the	 period-end	 forward	 price	 for	 the	 same	 commodity	 extrapolated	 to	 the	 end	 of	 the	 term	 of	 the	 contract	

(Level	 2).	 The	 fair	 value	 of	 foreign	 exchange	 rate	 contracts,	 and	 interest	 rate	 swaps	 are	 calculated	 using	 external	 valuation	

models	 that	 incorporate	 observable	 market	 data,	 including	 foreign	 exchange	 forward	 curves	 (Level	 2)	 and	 interest	 rate	 yield	

curves	(Level	2),	respectively.	The	fair	value	of	cross	currency	interest	rate	swaps	are	calculated	using	external	valuation	models	

that	 incorporate	 observable	 market	 data,	 including	 foreign	 exchange	 forward	 curves	 (Level	 2)	 and	 interest	 rate	 yield	 curves	

(Level	2).	

The	fair	value	of	renewable	power	contracts	are	calculated	using	internal	valuation	models	that	incorporate	broker	pricing	for	

relevant	markets,	some	observable	market	prices	and	extrapolated	market	prices	with	inflation	assumptions	(Level	3).	The	fair	

value	 of	 renewable	 power	 contracts	 are	 calculated	 by	 Cenovus’s	 internal	 valuation	 team	 that	 consists	 of	 individuals	 who	 are	

knowledgeable	and	have	experience	in	fair	value	techniques.

Risk	management	assets	and	liabilities	are	carried	at	fair	value	on	the	Consolidated	Balance	Sheets	in	accounts	receivable	and	

accrued	revenues,	and	accounts	payable	and	accrued	liabilities	(for	short-term	positions)	and	other	liabilities	and	other	assets	

(for	long-term	positions).	Changes	in	fair	value	are	recorded	in	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	within	(gain)	loss	on	risk	

management.	

Summary	of	Risk	Management	Positions

As	at	December	31,

Crude	Oil,	Natural	Gas,	Condensate	and	

Refined	Products

Power	Swap	Contracts

Renewable	Power	Contracts

Foreign	Exchange	Rate	Contracts

2022

Risk	Management

Asset

Liability

2

1

90

—

93

40

7

—

—

47

Net

(38)

(6)

90

—

46

2021

Risk	Management

Asset

Liability

46

—

—

2

48

116

—

—

—

116

Net

(70)

—

—

2

(68)

Level	2	prices	sourced	from	observable	data	or	market	corroboration	refers	to	the	fair	value	of	contracts	valued	in	part	using	

active	quotes	and	in	part	using	observable,	market-corroborated	data.	Level	3	prices	are	sourced	from	partially	observable	data	

used	in	internal	valuations.	

Fair	Value	of	Contracts,	Beginning	of	Year

Acquisition	(Note	5)

Change	in	Fair	Value	of	Contracts	in	Place	at	Beginning	of	Year
Change	in	Fair	Value	of	Contracts	Entered	Into	During	the	Year

Fair	Value	of	Contracts	Realized	During	the	Year

Unrealized	Foreign	Exchange	Gain	(Loss)	on	U.S.	Dollar	Contracts

Fair	Value	of	Contracts,	End	of	Year

2022

(68)

—

(5)
(1,641)

1,762

(2)

46

2021

(53)

(14)

—
(995)

993

1

(68)

Financial	assets	and	liabilities	are	offset	only	if	Cenovus	has	the	current	legal	right	to	offset	and	intends	to	settle	on	a	net	basis	
or	settle	the	asset	and	liability	simultaneously.	Cenovus	offsets	risk	management	assets	and	liabilities	when	the	counterparty,	
commodity,	currency	and	timing	of	settlement	are	the	same.

2022

Risk	Management

2021

Risk	Management

As	at	December	31,

Asset

Liability

Net

Asset

Liability

Recognized	Risk	Management	Positions

Gross	Amount

Amount	Offset

Net	Amount

153

(60)

93

107

(60)

47

46

—

46

263

(215)

48

331

(215)

116

Net

(68)

—

(68)

The	 derivative	 liabilities	 do	 not	 have	 credit	 risk-related	 contingent	 features.	 Due	 to	 credit	 practices	 that	 limit	 transactions	
according	to	counterparties’	credit	quality,	the	change	in	fair	value	through	profit	or	loss	attributable	to	changes	in	the	credit	
risk	of	financial	liabilities	is	immaterial.

Cenovus	 pledges	 cash	 collateral	 with	 respect	 to	 certain	 of	 these	 risk	 management	 contracts,	 which	 is	 not	 offset	 against	 the	
related	financial	liability.	The	amount	of	cash	collateral	required	will	vary	daily	over	the	life	of	these	risk	management	contracts	
as	 commodity	 prices	 change.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 $211	 million	 was	 pledged	 as	 cash	 collateral	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	
$114	million).

C) Fair	Value	of	Contingent	Payments

The	 variable	 payment	 (Level	 3)	 associated	 with	 the	 Sunrise	 Acquisition	 is	 carried	 at	 fair	 value	 on	 the	 Consolidated	 Balance	
Sheets.	Fair	value	is	estimated	by	calculating	the	present	value	of	the	expected	future	cash	flows	using	an	option	pricing	model	
(Level	3),	which	assumes	the	probability	distribution	for	WCS	is	based	on	the	volatility	of	WTI	options,	volatility	of	Canadian-U.S.	
foreign	exchange	rate	options	and	both	WTI	and	WCS	futures	pricing	discounted	using	a	credit-adjusted	risk-free	rate.	Fair	value	
of	 the	 variable	 payment	 has	 been	 calculated	 by	 Cenovus’s	 internal	 valuation	 team,	 which	 consists	 of	 individuals	 who	 are	
knowledgeable	and	have	experience	in	fair	value	techniques.	As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	fair	value	of	the	variable	payment	
was	 estimated	 to	 be	 $419	 million	 applying	 a	 credit-adjusted	 risk-free	 rate	 of	 5.2	 percent.	 The	 maximum	 cumulative	 variable	
payment	is	$600	million.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   147

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

As	at	December	31,	2022,	average	WCS	forward	pricing	for	the	remaining	term	of	the	variable	payment	is	$72.79	per	barrel.	The	
average	volatility	of	WTI	options	and	the	Canadian-U.S.	foreign	exchange	rates	was	44.2	percent	and	7.6	percent,	respectively.	
Changes	in	the	following	inputs	to	the	option	pricing	model,	with	fluctuations	in	all	other	variables	held	constant,	could	have	
resulted	in	unrealized	gains	(losses)	impacting	earnings	before	income	tax	as	follows:

As	at	December	31,	2022

WCS	Forward	Prices

WTI	Option	Volatility

Canadian	to	U.S.	Dollar	Foreign	Exchange	Rate	Option	Volatility

Sensitivity	Range

Increase

Decrease

±	$10.00	per	barrel

±	ten	percent

±	five	percent

(68)

(1)

—

157

4

—

The	contingent	payment	(Level	3)	associated	with	the	acquisition	of	a	50	percent	interest	in	FCCL	from	ConocoPhillips	Company	
and	certain	of	its	subsidiaries	ended	on	May	17,	2022.	The	final	payment	was	made	in	July	2022.

As	at	December	31,	2021
WCS	Forward	Prices

Sensitivity	Range

±	$5.00	per	barrel

Increase

(45)

Decrease

45

The	impact	of	a	ten	percent	increase	or	decrease	in	WTI	option	price	volatility	and	a	five	percent	increase	or	decrease	in	the	
Canadian-U.S.	dollar	foreign	exchange	rate	options	would	result	in	nominal	unrealized	gains	(losses)	to	earnings	before	income	
tax.

D) Earnings	Impact	of	(Gains)	Losses	From	Risk	Management	Positions

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Realized	(Gain)	Loss
Unrealized	(Gain)	Loss	(1)
(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management	

2022

1,762

(126)

1,636

2021

993

2

995

2020

252

56

308

(1)

All	WTI	positions	related	to	crude	oil	sales	price	risk	management	were	closed	by	June	30,	2022.	In	the	three	months	ended	June	30,	2022,	Cenovus	recorded	a	
realized	net	loss	related	to	these	positions	of	$467	million.

Realized	and	unrealized	gains	and	losses	on	risk	management	are	recorded	in	the	reportable	segment	to	which	the	derivative	
instrument	relates.	

38. RISK	MANAGEMENT

Cenovus	is	exposed	to	financial	risks,	including	market	risk	related	to	commodity	prices,	foreign	exchange	rates,	interest	rates,	
commodity	power	prices	as	well	as	credit	risk	and	liquidity	risk.

To	manage	exposure	to	commodity	price	movements	between	when	products	are	produced	or	purchased	and	when	sold	to	the	
customer	or	used	by	Cenovus,	the	Company	may	periodically	enter	into	financial	positions	as	a	part	of	ongoing	operations	to	
market	the	Company’s	production	and	physical	inventory	positions	of	crude	oil,	natural	gas,	condensate,	refined	products,	and	
power	consumption.	The	Company	may	also	enter	into	arrangements	to	manage	exposure	to	future	carbon	compliance	costs	or	
to	offset	select	carbon	emissions.	

The	Company	entered	into	risk	management	positions	to	help	capture	incremental	margin	expected	to	be	received	in	future	
periods	 at	 the	 time	 products	 will	 be	 sold	 and	 to	 mitigate	 overall	 exposure	 to	 fluctuations	 in	 commodity	 prices	 related	 to	
inventories	 and	 physical	 sales.	 Mitigation	 of	 commodity	 price	 volatility	 may	 utilize	 financial	 positions	 to	 protect	 future	 cash	
flows.	 To	 manage	 exposure	 to	 interest	 rate	 volatility,	 the	 Company	 periodically	 enters	 into	 interest	 rate	 swap	 contracts.	 To	
mitigate	the	Company’s	exposure	to	foreign	exchange	rate	fluctuations,	the	Company	periodically	enters	into	foreign	exchange	
contracts.	To	manage	interest	costs	on	short-term	borrowings,	the	Company	periodically	enters	into	cross	currency	interest	rate	
swaps.	To	manage	electricity	costs	associated	with	the	production	and	transportation	of	crude	oil,	the	Company	may	enter	into	
power	swaps	and	other	energy	instruments,	including	renewable	power	contracts.	To	manage	exposure	to	future	carbon	costs,	
power	prices,	or	to	generate	potential	offsets	for	carbon	emissions,	the	Company	may	enter	into	renewable	power	contracts.

As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	fair	value	of	risk	management	positions	was	a	net	asset	of	$46	million	and	consisted	of	crude	oil,	
natural	gas,	condensate,	refined	products,	power	and	foreign	exchange	rate	instruments.	As	at	December	31,	2022,	there	were	
foreign	exchange	contracts	with	a	notional	value	of	US$168	million	outstanding	(December	31,	2021	–	US$144	million)	and	no	
interest	rate	contracts	or	cross	currency	interest	rate	swap	contracts	(December	31,	2021	–	$nil)	outstanding.

148   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Net	Fair	Value	of	Risk	Management	Positions	

As	at	December	31,	2022

Futures	Contracts	Related	to	Blending	(4)

WTI	Fixed	–	Sell

WTI	Fixed	–	Buy

Power	Swap	Contacts

Renewable	Power	Contracts

Other	Financial	Positions	(5)

Total	Fair	Value

Notional	

Volumes	(1)(2)

Weighted

Average

Price	(1)	(2)

Fair	Value	Asset	

(Liability)

Terms	(3)

3.2	MMbbls

2.3	MMbbls

January	2023	-	June	2024

US$80.35/bbl

February	2023	-	June	2024

US$79.93/bbl

1

—

(6)

90

(39)

46

(1)	 Million	barrels	(“MMbbls”).	Barrel	(“bbl”).

(2)	 Notional	volumes	and	weighted	average	price	represent	various	contracts	over	the	respective	terms.	The	notional	volumes	and	weighted	average	price	may	

fluctuate	from	month	to	month	as	it	represents	the	averages	for	various	individual	contracts	with	different	terms.	

(3)	

(4)	

Contract	terms	represent	various	individual	contracts	with	different	terms,	and	range	from	one	month	to	eighteen	months.

Condensate	related	futures	contract	positions	consist	of	WTI	contracts	to	help	manage	condensate	price	exposure.

(5)	 Other	financial	positions	consist	of	risk	management	positions	related	to	WCS,	heavy	oil	and	condensate	differential	contracts,	Belvieu	fixed	price	contracts,	

reformulated	 blendstock	 for	 oxygenate	 blending	 gasoline	 contracts,	 heating	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas	 fixed	 price	 contracts,	 natural	 gas	 basis	 contracts	 and	 the	

Company’s	U.S.	manufacturing	and	marketing	activities.	

A) Commodity	Price,	Foreign	Exchange	and	Interest	Rate	Risk

i) Commodity	Price	Risk

Commodity	price	risk	arises	from	the	effect	that	fluctuations	of	forward	commodity	prices	may	have	on	the	fair	value	or	future	

cash	flows	of	financial	assets	and	liabilities.	To	partially	mitigate	exposure	to	commodity	price	risk,	the	Company	has	entered	

into	various	financial	derivative	instruments.	

The	use	of	these	derivative	instruments	is	governed	under	formal	policies	and	is	subject	to	limits	established	by	the	Board	of	

Directors.	The	Company’s	policy	does	not	allow	the	use	of	derivative	instruments	for	speculative	purposes.

The	Company	has	used	crude	oil,	natural	gas	and	refined	product	swaps,	futures,	basis	price	risk	management	contracts	and,	if	

entered	 into,	 forwards,	 options,	 as	 well	 as	 condensate	 futures	 and	 swaps.	 These	 derivative	 instruments	 are	 used	 to	 partially	

mitigate	 exposure	 to	 the	 commodity	 price	 risk	 on	 its	 crude	 oil	 sales	 and	 to	 protect	 both	 near-term	 and	 future	 cash	 flows.	

Cenovus	has	entered	into	a	number	of	transactions	to	help	protect	against	widening	light/heavy	crude	oil	price	differentials	and	

to	manage	exposure	to	commodity	price	movements	between	when	products	are	produced	or	purchased	and	when	sold	to	the	

customer	or	used	by	Cenovus.	In	addition,	the	Company	has	entered	into	risk	management	positions	to	help	mitigate	the	risk	to	

incremental	 margin	 expected	 to	 be	 received	 in	 future	 periods	 at	 the	 time	 products	 will	 be	 sold.	 The	 Company	 has	 used	

commodity	futures	and	swaps,	as	well	as	differential	price	risk	management	contracts	to	partially	mitigate	its	exposure	to	the	

commodity	price	risk	on	its	condensate	transactions.	Natural	gas	fixed	price	and	basis	instruments	are	used	to	partially	mitigate	

its	natural	gas	commodity	price	risk.	

ii) Foreign	Exchange	Risk

(December	31,	2021	–	US$7.4	billion).	

iii) Interest	Rate	Risk

Foreign	 exchange	 risk	 arises	 from	 changes	 in	 foreign	 exchange	 rates	 that	 may	 affect	 the	 fair	 value	 or	 future	 cash	 flows	 of	

Cenovus’s	financial	assets	or	liabilities.	As	Cenovus	operates	in	North	America,	fluctuations	in	the	exchange	rate	between	the	

U.S./Canadian	dollar	can	have	a	significant	effect	on	reported	results.

Cenovus’s	foreign	exchange	(gain)	loss	primarily	includes	unrealized	foreign	exchange	gains	and	losses	on	the	translation	of	the	

U.S.	 dollar	 debt	 issued	 from	 Canada	 (see	 Note	 9).	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 Cenovus	 had	 US$4.8	 billion	 in	 U.S.	 dollar	 debt	

Interest	rate	risk	arises	from	changes	in	market	interest	rates	that	may	affect	earnings,	cash	flows	and	valuations.	Cenovus	has	

the	flexibility	to	partially	mitigate	its	exposure	to	interest	rate	changes	by	maintaining	a	mix	of	both	fixed	and	floating	rate	debt.	

To	 manage	 exposure	 to	 interest	 rate	 volatility,	 the	 Company	 periodically	 enters	 into	 interest	 rate	 swap	 contracts.	 As	 at	

December	31,	2022,	Cenovus	had	no	interest	rate	swap	contracts	outstanding	(December	31,	2021	–	$nil).	To	manage	interest	

costs	on	short-term	borrowings,	the	Company	periodically	enters	into	cross	currency	interest	rate	swaps.	As	at	December	31,	

2022,	Cenovus	had	no	cross	currency	interest	rate	swap	contracts	outstanding	(December	31,	2021	–	$nil).

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

As	at	December	31,	2022,	average	WCS	forward	pricing	for	the	remaining	term	of	the	variable	payment	is	$72.79	per	barrel.	The	

average	volatility	of	WTI	options	and	the	Canadian-U.S.	foreign	exchange	rates	was	44.2	percent	and	7.6	percent,	respectively.	

Changes	in	the	following	inputs	to	the	option	pricing	model,	with	fluctuations	in	all	other	variables	held	constant,	could	have	

resulted	in	unrealized	gains	(losses)	impacting	earnings	before	income	tax	as	follows:

Canadian	to	U.S.	Dollar	Foreign	Exchange	Rate	Option	Volatility

The	contingent	payment	(Level	3)	associated	with	the	acquisition	of	a	50	percent	interest	in	FCCL	from	ConocoPhillips	Company	

and	certain	of	its	subsidiaries	ended	on	May	17,	2022.	The	final	payment	was	made	in	July	2022.

Sensitivity	Range

Increase

Decrease

±	$10.00	per	barrel

±	ten	percent

±	five	percent

(68)

(1)

—

157

4

—

Sensitivity	Range

±	$5.00	per	barrel

Increase

(45)

Decrease

45

The	impact	of	a	ten	percent	increase	or	decrease	in	WTI	option	price	volatility	and	a	five	percent	increase	or	decrease	in	the	

Canadian-U.S.	dollar	foreign	exchange	rate	options	would	result	in	nominal	unrealized	gains	(losses)	to	earnings	before	income	

D) Earnings	Impact	of	(Gains)	Losses	From	Risk	Management	Positions

(1)

All	WTI	positions	related	to	crude	oil	sales	price	risk	management	were	closed	by	June	30,	2022.	In	the	three	months	ended	June	30,	2022,	Cenovus	recorded	a	

realized	net	loss	related	to	these	positions	of	$467	million.

Realized	and	unrealized	gains	and	losses	on	risk	management	are	recorded	in	the	reportable	segment	to	which	the	derivative	

2022

1,762

(126)

1,636

2021

993

2

995

2020

252

56

308

As	at	December	31,	2022

WCS	Forward	Prices

WTI	Option	Volatility

As	at	December	31,	2021

WCS	Forward	Prices

tax.

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Realized	(Gain)	Loss

Unrealized	(Gain)	Loss	(1)

(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management	

instrument	relates.	

38. RISK	MANAGEMENT

Cenovus	is	exposed	to	financial	risks,	including	market	risk	related	to	commodity	prices,	foreign	exchange	rates,	interest	rates,	

commodity	power	prices	as	well	as	credit	risk	and	liquidity	risk.

To	manage	exposure	to	commodity	price	movements	between	when	products	are	produced	or	purchased	and	when	sold	to	the	

customer	or	used	by	Cenovus,	the	Company	may	periodically	enter	into	financial	positions	as	a	part	of	ongoing	operations	to	

market	the	Company’s	production	and	physical	inventory	positions	of	crude	oil,	natural	gas,	condensate,	refined	products,	and	

power	consumption.	The	Company	may	also	enter	into	arrangements	to	manage	exposure	to	future	carbon	compliance	costs	or	

to	offset	select	carbon	emissions.	

The	Company	entered	into	risk	management	positions	to	help	capture	incremental	margin	expected	to	be	received	in	future	

periods	 at	 the	 time	 products	 will	 be	 sold	 and	 to	 mitigate	 overall	 exposure	 to	 fluctuations	 in	 commodity	 prices	 related	 to	

inventories	 and	 physical	 sales.	 Mitigation	 of	 commodity	 price	 volatility	 may	 utilize	 financial	 positions	 to	 protect	 future	 cash	

flows.	 To	 manage	 exposure	 to	 interest	 rate	 volatility,	 the	 Company	 periodically	 enters	 into	 interest	 rate	 swap	 contracts.	 To	

mitigate	the	Company’s	exposure	to	foreign	exchange	rate	fluctuations,	the	Company	periodically	enters	into	foreign	exchange	

contracts.	To	manage	interest	costs	on	short-term	borrowings,	the	Company	periodically	enters	into	cross	currency	interest	rate	

swaps.	To	manage	electricity	costs	associated	with	the	production	and	transportation	of	crude	oil,	the	Company	may	enter	into	

power	swaps	and	other	energy	instruments,	including	renewable	power	contracts.	To	manage	exposure	to	future	carbon	costs,	

power	prices,	or	to	generate	potential	offsets	for	carbon	emissions,	the	Company	may	enter	into	renewable	power	contracts.

As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	fair	value	of	risk	management	positions	was	a	net	asset	of	$46	million	and	consisted	of	crude	oil,	

natural	gas,	condensate,	refined	products,	power	and	foreign	exchange	rate	instruments.	As	at	December	31,	2022,	there	were	

foreign	exchange	contracts	with	a	notional	value	of	US$168	million	outstanding	(December	31,	2021	–	US$144	million)	and	no	

interest	rate	contracts	or	cross	currency	interest	rate	swap	contracts	(December	31,	2021	–	$nil)	outstanding.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Net	Fair	Value	of	Risk	Management	Positions	

As	at	December	31,	2022
Futures	Contracts	Related	to	Blending	(4)

WTI	Fixed	–	Sell

WTI	Fixed	–	Buy

Power	Swap	Contacts

Renewable	Power	Contracts
Other	Financial	Positions	(5)
Total	Fair	Value

Notional	
Volumes	(1)(2)

Weighted
Average
Price	(1)	(2)

Fair	Value	Asset	
(Liability)

Terms	(3)

3.2	MMbbls

2.3	MMbbls

January	2023	-	June	2024

US$80.35/bbl

February	2023	-	June	2024

US$79.93/bbl

1

—

(6)

90
(39)

46

(1)	 Million	barrels	(“MMbbls”).	Barrel	(“bbl”).
(2)	 Notional	volumes	and	weighted	average	price	represent	various	contracts	over	the	respective	terms.	The	notional	volumes	and	weighted	average	price	may	

fluctuate	from	month	to	month	as	it	represents	the	averages	for	various	individual	contracts	with	different	terms.	
Contract	terms	represent	various	individual	contracts	with	different	terms,	and	range	from	one	month	to	eighteen	months.
Condensate	related	futures	contract	positions	consist	of	WTI	contracts	to	help	manage	condensate	price	exposure.

(3)	
(4)	
(5)	 Other	financial	positions	consist	of	risk	management	positions	related	to	WCS,	heavy	oil	and	condensate	differential	contracts,	Belvieu	fixed	price	contracts,	
reformulated	 blendstock	 for	 oxygenate	 blending	 gasoline	 contracts,	 heating	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas	 fixed	 price	 contracts,	 natural	 gas	 basis	 contracts	 and	 the	
Company’s	U.S.	manufacturing	and	marketing	activities.	

A) Commodity	Price,	Foreign	Exchange	and	Interest	Rate	Risk

i) Commodity	Price	Risk

Commodity	price	risk	arises	from	the	effect	that	fluctuations	of	forward	commodity	prices	may	have	on	the	fair	value	or	future	
cash	flows	of	financial	assets	and	liabilities.	To	partially	mitigate	exposure	to	commodity	price	risk,	the	Company	has	entered	
into	various	financial	derivative	instruments.	

The	use	of	these	derivative	instruments	is	governed	under	formal	policies	and	is	subject	to	limits	established	by	the	Board	of	
Directors.	The	Company’s	policy	does	not	allow	the	use	of	derivative	instruments	for	speculative	purposes.

The	Company	has	used	crude	oil,	natural	gas	and	refined	product	swaps,	futures,	basis	price	risk	management	contracts	and,	if	
entered	 into,	 forwards,	 options,	 as	 well	 as	 condensate	 futures	 and	 swaps.	 These	 derivative	 instruments	 are	 used	 to	 partially	
mitigate	 exposure	 to	 the	 commodity	 price	 risk	 on	 its	 crude	 oil	 sales	 and	 to	 protect	 both	 near-term	 and	 future	 cash	 flows.	
Cenovus	has	entered	into	a	number	of	transactions	to	help	protect	against	widening	light/heavy	crude	oil	price	differentials	and	
to	manage	exposure	to	commodity	price	movements	between	when	products	are	produced	or	purchased	and	when	sold	to	the	
customer	or	used	by	Cenovus.	In	addition,	the	Company	has	entered	into	risk	management	positions	to	help	mitigate	the	risk	to	
incremental	 margin	 expected	 to	 be	 received	 in	 future	 periods	 at	 the	 time	 products	 will	 be	 sold.	 The	 Company	 has	 used	
commodity	futures	and	swaps,	as	well	as	differential	price	risk	management	contracts	to	partially	mitigate	its	exposure	to	the	
commodity	price	risk	on	its	condensate	transactions.	Natural	gas	fixed	price	and	basis	instruments	are	used	to	partially	mitigate	
its	natural	gas	commodity	price	risk.	

ii) Foreign	Exchange	Risk

Foreign	 exchange	 risk	 arises	 from	 changes	 in	 foreign	 exchange	 rates	 that	 may	 affect	 the	 fair	 value	 or	 future	 cash	 flows	 of	
Cenovus’s	financial	assets	or	liabilities.	As	Cenovus	operates	in	North	America,	fluctuations	in	the	exchange	rate	between	the	
U.S./Canadian	dollar	can	have	a	significant	effect	on	reported	results.

Cenovus’s	foreign	exchange	(gain)	loss	primarily	includes	unrealized	foreign	exchange	gains	and	losses	on	the	translation	of	the	
U.S.	 dollar	 debt	 issued	 from	 Canada	 (see	 Note	 9).	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 Cenovus	 had	 US$4.8	 billion	 in	 U.S.	 dollar	 debt	
(December	31,	2021	–	US$7.4	billion).	

iii) Interest	Rate	Risk

Interest	rate	risk	arises	from	changes	in	market	interest	rates	that	may	affect	earnings,	cash	flows	and	valuations.	Cenovus	has	
the	flexibility	to	partially	mitigate	its	exposure	to	interest	rate	changes	by	maintaining	a	mix	of	both	fixed	and	floating	rate	debt.	
To	 manage	 exposure	 to	 interest	 rate	 volatility,	 the	 Company	 periodically	 enters	 into	 interest	 rate	 swap	 contracts.	 As	 at	
December	31,	2022,	Cenovus	had	no	interest	rate	swap	contracts	outstanding	(December	31,	2021	–	$nil).	To	manage	interest	
costs	on	short-term	borrowings,	the	Company	periodically	enters	into	cross	currency	interest	rate	swaps.	As	at	December	31,	
2022,	Cenovus	had	no	cross	currency	interest	rate	swap	contracts	outstanding	(December	31,	2021	–	$nil).

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   149

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

iv) Commodity	Price,	Foreign	Exchange	and	Interest	Rate	Sensitivities

C) Liquidity	Risk

The	 following	 table	 summarizes	 the	 sensitivity	 of	 the	 fair	 value	 of	 Cenovus’s	 risk	 management	 positions	 to	 independent	
fluctuations	in	commodity	prices	and	foreign	exchange	rates,	with	all	other	variables	held	constant.	Management	believes	the	
fluctuations	identified	in	the	table	below	are	a	reasonable	measure	of	volatility.	

The	 impact	 of	 fluctuating	 commodity	 prices	 and	 foreign	 exchange	 rates	 on	 the	 Company’s	 open	 risk	 management	 positions	
could	have	resulted	in	an	unrealized	gain	(loss)	impacting	earnings	before	income	tax	as	follows:

As	at	December	31,	2022

Sensitivity	Range

Increase

Decrease

±	US$10.00/bbl	Applied	to	WTI,	Condensate	and	Related	Hedges
Crude	Oil	Commodity	Price
WCS	and	Condensate	Differential	Price	(1) ±	US$2.50/bbl	Applied	to	Differential	Hedges	Tied	to	Production
WCS	(Hardisty)	Differential	Price

±	US$5.00/bbl	Applied	to	WCS	Differential	Hedges	Tied	to	Production

Refined	Products	Commodity	Price

±	US$10.00/bbl	Applied	to	Heating	Oil	and	Gasoline	Hedges

Natural	Gas	Basis	Price

Power	Commodity	Price

±	US$0.50/MCF	Applied	to	Natural	Gas	Basis	Hedges

±	C$20.00/Megawatt	Hour	Applied	to	Power	Hedges

U.S.	to	Canadian	Dollar	Exchange	Rate

±	$0.05	in	the	U.S.	to	Canadian	Dollar	Exchange	Rate

1

13

(1)

(2)

1

113

14

(1)

(13)

1

2

(1)

(113)

(17)

(1)	

Excludes	WCS	(Hardisty)	differential.

As	at	December	31,	2021

Crude	Oil	Commodity	Price

WCS	and	Condensate	Differential	Price
Refined	Products	Commodity	Price

U.S.	to	Canadian	Dollar	Exchange	Rate

±	$0.05	in	the	U.S.	to	Canadian	Dollar	Exchange	Rate

±	US$5.00/bbl	Applied	to	WTI,	Condensate	and	Related	Hedges

±	US$2.50/bbl	Applied	to	WCS	and	Differential	Hedges	Tied	to	Production

±	US$5.00/bbl	Applied	to	Heating	Oil	and	Gasoline	Hedges

(225)

4

(2)

11

225

(4)

2

(12)

Undiscounted	cash	outflows	relating	to	financial	liabilities	are:

Sensitivity	Range

Increase

Decrease

US$4.7	 billion	 unused	 capacity	 under	 its	 base	 shelf	 prospectus,	 availability	 of	 which	 is	 dependent	 on	 market

In	 respect	 of	 these	 financial	 instruments,	 the	 impact	 of	 changes	 in	 the	 Canadian	 per	 U.S.	 dollar	 exchange	 rate	 would	 have	
resulted	in	a	change	to	the	foreign	exchange	(gain)	loss	as	follows:

As	at	December	31,

$0.05	Increase	in	the	Canadian	per	U.S.	Dollar	Foreign	Exchange	Rate

$0.05	Decrease	in	the	Canadian	per	U.S.	Dollar	Foreign	Exchange	Rate

2022

246

(246)

2021

372

(372)

Management	believes	the	fluctuations	identified	in	the	table	above	are	a	reasonable	measure	of	volatility.

As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	increase	or	decrease	in	net	earnings	for	a	one	percent	change	in	interest	rates	on	floating	rate	
debt	 amounts	 to	 $1	 million	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $1	 million).	 This	 assumes	 the	 amount	 of	 fixed	 and	 floating	 debt	 remains	
unchanged	from	the	respective	balance	sheet	dates.

B) Credit	Risk

Credit	risk	arises	from	the	potential	that	the	Company	may	incur	a	financial	loss	if	a	counterparty	to	a	financial	instrument	fails	
to	meet	its	financial	or	performance	obligations	in	accordance	with	agreed	terms.	Cenovus	has	in	place	a	Credit	Policy	approved	
by	 the	 Audit	 Committee	 and	 the	 Board	 of	 Directors,	 which	 is	 designed	 to	 ensure	 that	 its	 credit	 exposures	 are	 within	 an	
acceptable	risk	level.	The	Credit	Policy	outlines	the	roles	and	responsibilities	related	to	credit	risk,	sets	a	framework	for	how	
credit	exposures	will	be	measured,	monitored	and	mitigated,	and	sets	parameters	around	credit	concentration	limits.	

Cenovus	assesses	the	credit	risk	of	new	counterparties	and	continues	risk-based	monitoring	of	all	counterparties	on	an	ongoing	
basis.	A	substantial	portion	of	Cenovus’s	accounts	receivable	are	with	customers	in	the	oil	and	gas	industry	and	are	subject	to	
normal	industry	credit	risks.	Cenovus’s	exposure	to	its	counterparties	is	within	its	credit	policy	tolerances.	The	maximum	credit	
risk	 exposure	 associated	 with	 accounts	 receivable	 and	 accrued	 revenues,	 net	 investment	 in	 finance	 leases,	 risk	 management	
assets	and	long-term	receivables	is	the	total	carrying	value.

As	at	December	31,	2022,	approximately	85	percent	(December	31,	2021	–	94	percent)	of	the	Company’s	accruals,	receivables	
related	to	Cenovus’s	joint	arrangements,	trade	receivables	and	net	investment	in	finance	leases	were	with	investment	grade	
counterparties,	and	99	percent	of	the	Company’s	accounts	receivable	were	outstanding	for	less	than	60	days.	The	associated	
average	expected	credit	loss	on	these	accounts	was	0.4	percent	as	at	December	31,	2022	(December	31,	2021	–	0.1	percent).	

150   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Liquidity	risk	is	the	risk	that	the	Company	will	not	be	able	to	meet	all	of	its	financial	obligations	as	they	become	due.	Liquidity	

risk	also	includes	the	risk	of	not	being	able	to	liquidate	assets	in	a	timely	manner	at	a	reasonable	price.	Cenovus	manages	its	

liquidity	risk	through	the	active	management	of	cash	and	debt,	and	by	maintaining	appropriate	access	to	credit,	which	may	be	

impacted	by	the	Company’s	credit	ratings.	As	disclosed	in	Note	26,	over	the	long	term,	Cenovus	targets	a	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	

EBITDA	ratio	and	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	ratio	of	approximately	1.0	times	at	the	bottom	of	the	commodity	price	cycle	

to	manage	the	Company’s	overall	debt	position.	

Cenovus	 manages	 its	 liquidity	 risk	 by	 ensuring	 that	 it	 has	 access	 to	 multiple	 sources	 of	 capital	 including:	 cash	 and	 cash	

equivalents,	 cash	 from	 operating	 activities,	 undrawn	 capacity	 on	 its	 committed	 credit	 facility	 and	 uncommitted	 demand	

facilities	 as	 well	 as	 availability	 under	 its	 base	 shelf	 prospectus.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Company’s	 sources	 of	 capital	

$4.5	billion	in	cash	and	cash	equivalents.

$5.5	billion	available	on	its	committed	credit	facility.

$1.4	billion	available	on	its	uncommitted	demand	facilities,	of	which	$1.0	billion	may	be	drawn	for	general	purposes,

or	the	full	amount	may	be	available	to	issue	letters	of	credit.

US$140	million	(C$190	million)	on	the	Company’s	proportionate	share	of	the	uncommitted	demand	facilities	from

included:

•

•

•

•

•

WRB.

conditions.

As	at	December	31,	2022

Accounts	Payable	and	Accrued	Liabilities

Short-Term	Borrowings	(1)

Long-Term	Debt	(1)

Contingent	Payments

Lease	Liabilities	(1)

As	at	December	31,	2021

Accounts	Payable	and	Accrued	Liabilities

Short-Term	Borrowings	(1)

Long-Term	Debt	(1)

Contingent	Payments

Lease	Liabilities	(1)

A) Working	Capital

As	at	December	31,

Total	Current	Assets

Total	Current	Liabilities

Working	Capital	

1	Year

6,124

115

401

271

426

1	Year

6,353

79

561

238

453

Years	2	and	3

Years	4	and	5

Thereafter

Years	2	and	3

Years	4	and	5

Thereafter

—

—

983

167

746

—

—

1,608

—

794

—

—

2,014

—

596

—

—

2,603

—

634

—

—

—

—

—

—

11,196

2,889

14,892

3,192

Total

6,124

115

14,594

438

4,657

Total

6,353

79

19,664

238

5,073

(1)

Principal	and	interest,	including	current	portion	if	applicable.

39. SUPPLEMENTARY	CASH	FLOW	INFORMATION

As	at	December	31,	2022,	adjusted	working	capital	was	$4.7	billion	(December	31,	2021	–	$3.8	billion),	excluding	assets	held	for	

sale	 of	 $nil	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $1.3	 billion),	 the	 current	 portion	 of	 the	 contingent	 payments	 of	 $263	 million	

(December	31,	2021	–	$236	million)	and	liabilities	related	to	assets	held	for	sale	of	$nil	(December	31,	2021	–	$186	million).	

2022

12,430

8,021

4,409

2021

11,988

7,305

4,683

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

iv) Commodity	Price,	Foreign	Exchange	and	Interest	Rate	Sensitivities

C) Liquidity	Risk

The	 following	 table	 summarizes	 the	 sensitivity	 of	 the	 fair	 value	 of	 Cenovus’s	 risk	 management	 positions	 to	 independent	

fluctuations	in	commodity	prices	and	foreign	exchange	rates,	with	all	other	variables	held	constant.	Management	believes	the	

fluctuations	identified	in	the	table	below	are	a	reasonable	measure	of	volatility.	

The	 impact	 of	 fluctuating	 commodity	 prices	 and	 foreign	 exchange	 rates	 on	 the	 Company’s	 open	 risk	 management	 positions	

could	have	resulted	in	an	unrealized	gain	(loss)	impacting	earnings	before	income	tax	as	follows:

Sensitivity	Range

Increase

Decrease

As	at	December	31,	2022

Crude	Oil	Commodity	Price

WCS	and	Condensate	Differential	Price	(1) ±	US$2.50/bbl	Applied	to	Differential	Hedges	Tied	to	Production

WCS	(Hardisty)	Differential	Price

±	US$5.00/bbl	Applied	to	WCS	Differential	Hedges	Tied	to	Production

Refined	Products	Commodity	Price

±	US$10.00/bbl	Applied	to	Heating	Oil	and	Gasoline	Hedges

±	US$10.00/bbl	Applied	to	WTI,	Condensate	and	Related	Hedges

Natural	Gas	Basis	Price

Power	Commodity	Price

±	US$0.50/MCF	Applied	to	Natural	Gas	Basis	Hedges

±	C$20.00/Megawatt	Hour	Applied	to	Power	Hedges

U.S.	to	Canadian	Dollar	Exchange	Rate

±	$0.05	in	the	U.S.	to	Canadian	Dollar	Exchange	Rate

(1)	

Excludes	WCS	(Hardisty)	differential.

As	at	December	31,	2021

Crude	Oil	Commodity	Price

±	US$5.00/bbl	Applied	to	WTI,	Condensate	and	Related	Hedges

WCS	and	Condensate	Differential	Price

±	US$2.50/bbl	Applied	to	WCS	and	Differential	Hedges	Tied	to	Production

Refined	Products	Commodity	Price

±	US$5.00/bbl	Applied	to	Heating	Oil	and	Gasoline	Hedges

U.S.	to	Canadian	Dollar	Exchange	Rate

±	$0.05	in	the	U.S.	to	Canadian	Dollar	Exchange	Rate

Sensitivity	Range

Increase

Decrease

In	 respect	 of	 these	 financial	 instruments,	 the	 impact	 of	 changes	 in	 the	 Canadian	 per	 U.S.	 dollar	 exchange	 rate	 would	 have	

1

13

(1)

(2)

1

113

14

(225)

4

(2)

11

2022

246

(246)

(1)

(13)

1

2

(1)

(113)

(17)

225

(4)

2

(12)

2021

372

(372)

resulted	in	a	change	to	the	foreign	exchange	(gain)	loss	as	follows:

As	at	December	31,

$0.05	Increase	in	the	Canadian	per	U.S.	Dollar	Foreign	Exchange	Rate

$0.05	Decrease	in	the	Canadian	per	U.S.	Dollar	Foreign	Exchange	Rate

Management	believes	the	fluctuations	identified	in	the	table	above	are	a	reasonable	measure	of	volatility.

As	at	December	31,	2022,	the	increase	or	decrease	in	net	earnings	for	a	one	percent	change	in	interest	rates	on	floating	rate	

debt	 amounts	 to	 $1	 million	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $1	 million).	 This	 assumes	 the	 amount	 of	 fixed	 and	 floating	 debt	 remains	

unchanged	from	the	respective	balance	sheet	dates.

B) Credit	Risk

Credit	risk	arises	from	the	potential	that	the	Company	may	incur	a	financial	loss	if	a	counterparty	to	a	financial	instrument	fails	

to	meet	its	financial	or	performance	obligations	in	accordance	with	agreed	terms.	Cenovus	has	in	place	a	Credit	Policy	approved	

by	 the	 Audit	 Committee	 and	 the	 Board	 of	 Directors,	 which	 is	 designed	 to	 ensure	 that	 its	 credit	 exposures	 are	 within	 an	

acceptable	risk	level.	The	Credit	Policy	outlines	the	roles	and	responsibilities	related	to	credit	risk,	sets	a	framework	for	how	

credit	exposures	will	be	measured,	monitored	and	mitigated,	and	sets	parameters	around	credit	concentration	limits.	

Cenovus	assesses	the	credit	risk	of	new	counterparties	and	continues	risk-based	monitoring	of	all	counterparties	on	an	ongoing	

basis.	A	substantial	portion	of	Cenovus’s	accounts	receivable	are	with	customers	in	the	oil	and	gas	industry	and	are	subject	to	

normal	industry	credit	risks.	Cenovus’s	exposure	to	its	counterparties	is	within	its	credit	policy	tolerances.	The	maximum	credit	

risk	 exposure	 associated	 with	 accounts	 receivable	 and	 accrued	 revenues,	 net	 investment	 in	 finance	 leases,	 risk	 management	

assets	and	long-term	receivables	is	the	total	carrying	value.

As	at	December	31,	2022,	approximately	85	percent	(December	31,	2021	–	94	percent)	of	the	Company’s	accruals,	receivables	

related	to	Cenovus’s	joint	arrangements,	trade	receivables	and	net	investment	in	finance	leases	were	with	investment	grade	

counterparties,	and	99	percent	of	the	Company’s	accounts	receivable	were	outstanding	for	less	than	60	days.	The	associated	

average	expected	credit	loss	on	these	accounts	was	0.4	percent	as	at	December	31,	2022	(December	31,	2021	–	0.1	percent).	

Liquidity	risk	is	the	risk	that	the	Company	will	not	be	able	to	meet	all	of	its	financial	obligations	as	they	become	due.	Liquidity	
risk	also	includes	the	risk	of	not	being	able	to	liquidate	assets	in	a	timely	manner	at	a	reasonable	price.	Cenovus	manages	its	
liquidity	risk	through	the	active	management	of	cash	and	debt,	and	by	maintaining	appropriate	access	to	credit,	which	may	be	
impacted	by	the	Company’s	credit	ratings.	As	disclosed	in	Note	26,	over	the	long	term,	Cenovus	targets	a	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	
EBITDA	ratio	and	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	ratio	of	approximately	1.0	times	at	the	bottom	of	the	commodity	price	cycle	
to	manage	the	Company’s	overall	debt	position.	

Cenovus	 manages	 its	 liquidity	 risk	 by	 ensuring	 that	 it	 has	 access	 to	 multiple	 sources	 of	 capital	 including:	 cash	 and	 cash	
equivalents,	 cash	 from	 operating	 activities,	 undrawn	 capacity	 on	 its	 committed	 credit	 facility	 and	 uncommitted	 demand	
facilities	 as	 well	 as	 availability	 under	 its	 base	 shelf	 prospectus.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Company’s	 sources	 of	 capital	
included:

•
•
•

•

•

$4.5	billion	in	cash	and	cash	equivalents.
$5.5	billion	available	on	its	committed	credit	facility.
$1.4	billion	available	on	its	uncommitted	demand	facilities,	of	which	$1.0	billion	may	be	drawn	for	general	purposes,
or	the	full	amount	may	be	available	to	issue	letters	of	credit.
US$140	million	(C$190	million)	on	the	Company’s	proportionate	share	of	the	uncommitted	demand	facilities	from
WRB.
US$4.7	 billion	 unused	 capacity	 under	 its	 base	 shelf	 prospectus,	 availability	 of	 which	 is	 dependent	 on	 market
conditions.

Undiscounted	cash	outflows	relating	to	financial	liabilities	are:

As	at	December	31,	2022

Accounts	Payable	and	Accrued	Liabilities
Short-Term	Borrowings	(1)
Long-Term	Debt	(1)
Contingent	Payments
Lease	Liabilities	(1)

1	Year

6,124

115

401

271

426

Years	2	and	3

Years	4	and	5

Thereafter

—

—

983

167

746

—

—

2,014

—

596

—

—

11,196

—

2,889

As	at	December	31,	2021

1	Year

Years	2	and	3

Years	4	and	5

Thereafter

Accounts	Payable	and	Accrued	Liabilities
Short-Term	Borrowings	(1)
Long-Term	Debt	(1)
Contingent	Payments
Lease	Liabilities	(1)

6,353
79

561

238

453

—
—

1,608

—

794

—
—

2,603

—

634

—
—

14,892

—

3,192

(1)

Principal	and	interest,	including	current	portion	if	applicable.

Total

6,124

115

14,594

438

4,657

Total

6,353
79

19,664

238

5,073

39. SUPPLEMENTARY	CASH	FLOW	INFORMATION

A) Working	Capital

As	at	December	31,

Total	Current	Assets

Total	Current	Liabilities

Working	Capital	

2022

12,430

8,021

4,409

2021

11,988

7,305

4,683

As	at	December	31,	2022,	adjusted	working	capital	was	$4.7	billion	(December	31,	2021	–	$3.8	billion),	excluding	assets	held	for	
sale	 of	 $nil	 (December	 31,	 2021	 –	 $1.3	 billion),	 the	 current	 portion	 of	 the	 contingent	 payments	 of	 $263	 million	
(December	31,	2021	–	$236	million)	and	liabilities	related	to	assets	held	for	sale	of	$nil	(December	31,	2021	–	$186	million).	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   151

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Changes	in	non-cash	working	capital	is	as	follows:

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Accounts	Receivable	and	Accrued	Revenues

Income	Tax	Receivable

Inventories

Accounts	Payable	and	Accrued	Liabilities

Income	Tax	Payable

Total	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital

Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital	–	Operating	Activities

Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital	–	Investing	Activities

Total	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Interest	Paid

Interest	Received

Income	Taxes	Paid

B) Reconciliation	of	Liabilities	

2022

838

(58)

(143)

(524)

1,000

1,113

575

538

1,113

2022

647

78

723

2021

(953)

(1)

(1,646)

1,645

87

(868)

(1,227)

359

(868)

2021

811

24

209

The	following	table	provides	a	reconciliation	of	liabilities	to	cash	flows	arising	from	financing	activities:

Dividends	
Payable

Short-Term	
Borrowings

Long-Term	
Debt

As	at	December	31,	2019

Changes	From	Financing	Cash	Flows:

Net	Issuance	(Repayment)	of	Short-Term	Borrowings

(Repayment)	of	Revolving	Long-Term	Debt

Issuance	of	Long-Term	Debt

(Repayment)	of	Long-Term	Debt

Principal	Repayment	of	Leases

Base	Dividends	Paid	on	Common	Shares

Non-Cash	Changes:

Net	Premium	(Discount)	on	Redemption	of	Long-Term	Debt

Finance	Costs

Lease	Additions

Lease	Modifications

Lease	Re-measurements

Lease	Terminations

Base	Dividends	Declared	on	Common	Shares

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2020

—

—

—

—

—

—

(77)

—

—

—

—

—

—

77

—

—

—

117

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

4

121

6,699

—

(220)

1,326

(112)

—

—

(25)

5

—

—

—

—

—

(232)

7,441

2020

77

(12)

450

(338)

(17)

160

198

(38)

160

2020

381

5

18

Lease	
Liabilities

1,916

—

—

—

—

(197)

—

—

—

49

(2)

(2)

(1)

—

(6)

1,757

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

As	at	December	31,	2020

Acquisition	(Note	5)

Changes	From	Financing	Cash	Flows:

Net	Issuance	(Repayment)	of	Short-Term	Borrowings

(Repayment)	of	Revolving	Long-Term	Debt

Issuance	of	Long-Term	Debt

(Repayment)	of	Long-Term	Debt

Principal	Repayment	of	Leases

Base	Dividends	Paid	on	Common	Shares

Dividends	Paid	on	Preferred	Shares

Non-Cash	Changes:

Net	Premium	(Discount)	on	Redemption	of	Long-Term	Debt

Finance	Costs

Lease	Additions

Lease	Modifications

Lease	Re-measurements

Lease	Termination

Dividends	Declared	on	Preferred	Shares

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2021

Changes	From	Financing	Cash	Flows:

Net	Issuance	(Repayment)	of	Short-Term	Borrowings

(Repayment)	of	Long-Term	Debt

Principal	Repayment	of	Leases

Base	Dividends	Paid	on	Common	Shares

Variable	Dividends	Paid	on	Common	Shares

Dividends	Paid	on	Preferred	Shares

Non-Cash	Changes:

Net	Premium	(Discount)	on	Redemption	of	Long-Term	Debt

Finance	Costs

Lease	Additions

Lease	Modifications

Lease	Re-measurements

Lease	Terminations

Base	Dividends	Declared	on	Common	Shares

Variable	Dividends	Declared	on	Common	Shares

Dividends	Declared	on	Preferred	Shares

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2022

Dividends	

Payable

Short-Term	

Borrowings

Long-Term	

Lease	

Liabilities

1,757

1,441

(176)

(34)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

34

—

—

—

—

—

(682)

(219)

(26)

—

—

—

—

—

—

682

219

35

—

9

Debt

7,441

6,602

—

(350)

1,557

(2,870)

121

(59)

(57)

12,385

(4,149)

(29)

(28)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

121

40

(77)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(5)

79

34

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2

(300)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

110

22

(4)

(1)

(58)

—

—

(10)

2,957

(302)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

25

83

7

(5)

—

—

—

71

115

2,836

512

8,691

Transfers	to	Liabilities	Related	to	Assets	Held	for	Sale

Base	Dividends	Declared	on	Common	Shares

176

152   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

Changes	in	non-cash	working	capital	is	as	follows:

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Accounts	Receivable	and	Accrued	Revenues

Income	Tax	Receivable

Inventories

Accounts	Payable	and	Accrued	Liabilities

Income	Tax	Payable

Total	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital

Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital	–	Operating	Activities

Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital	–	Investing	Activities

Total	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital

For	the	years	ended	December	31,

Interest	Paid

Interest	Received

Income	Taxes	Paid

B) Reconciliation	of	Liabilities	

As	at	December	31,	2019

Changes	From	Financing	Cash	Flows:

Net	Issuance	(Repayment)	of	Short-Term	Borrowings

(Repayment)	of	Revolving	Long-Term	Debt

Issuance	of	Long-Term	Debt

(Repayment)	of	Long-Term	Debt

Principal	Repayment	of	Leases

Base	Dividends	Paid	on	Common	Shares

Non-Cash	Changes:

Net	Premium	(Discount)	on	Redemption	of	Long-Term	Debt

Finance	Costs

Lease	Additions

Lease	Modifications

Lease	Re-measurements

Lease	Terminations

Base	Dividends	Declared	on	Common	Shares

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2020

2022

838

(58)

(143)

(524)

1,000

1,113

575

538

1,113

2022

647

78

723

117

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

4

2021

(953)

(1)

(1,646)

1,645

87

(868)

(1,227)

359

(868)

2021

811

24

209

Debt

6,699

—

(220)

1,326

(112)

(25)

—

—

5

—

—

—

—

—

(232)

7,441

2020

77

(12)

450

(338)

(17)

160

198

(38)

160

2020

381

5

18

(197)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

49

(2)

(2)

(1)

—

(6)

121

1,757

(77)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

77

—

—

The	following	table	provides	a	reconciliation	of	liabilities	to	cash	flows	arising	from	financing	activities:

Dividends	

Payable

Short-Term	

Borrowings

Long-Term	

Lease	

Liabilities

1,916

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

As	at	December	31,	2020

Acquisition	(Note	5)

Changes	From	Financing	Cash	Flows:

Net	Issuance	(Repayment)	of	Short-Term	Borrowings

(Repayment)	of	Revolving	Long-Term	Debt

Issuance	of	Long-Term	Debt

(Repayment)	of	Long-Term	Debt

Principal	Repayment	of	Leases

Base	Dividends	Paid	on	Common	Shares

Dividends	Paid	on	Preferred	Shares

Non-Cash	Changes:

Net	Premium	(Discount)	on	Redemption	of	Long-Term	Debt

Finance	Costs

Lease	Additions

Lease	Modifications

Lease	Re-measurements

Lease	Termination

Transfers	to	Liabilities	Related	to	Assets	Held	for	Sale

Base	Dividends	Declared	on	Common	Shares

Dividends	Declared	on	Preferred	Shares

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2021

Changes	From	Financing	Cash	Flows:

Net	Issuance	(Repayment)	of	Short-Term	Borrowings

(Repayment)	of	Long-Term	Debt

Principal	Repayment	of	Leases

Base	Dividends	Paid	on	Common	Shares

Variable	Dividends	Paid	on	Common	Shares

Dividends	Paid	on	Preferred	Shares

Non-Cash	Changes:

Net	Premium	(Discount)	on	Redemption	of	Long-Term	Debt

Finance	Costs

Lease	Additions

Lease	Modifications

Lease	Re-measurements

Lease	Terminations

Base	Dividends	Declared	on	Common	Shares

Variable	Dividends	Declared	on	Common	Shares

Dividends	Declared	on	Preferred	Shares

Exchange	Rate	Movements	and	Other

As	at	December	31,	2022

Dividends	
Payable

Short-Term	
Borrowings

Long-Term	
Debt

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(176)

(34)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

176

34

—

—

—

—

—

(682)

(219)

(26)

—

—

—

—

—

—

682

219

35

—

9

121

40

(77)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(5)

79

34

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2

115

7,441

6,602

—

(350)

1,557

(2,870)

—

—

—

121

(59)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(57)

12,385

—

(4,149)

—

—

—

—

(29)

(28)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

512

8,691

Lease	
Liabilities

1,757

1,441

—

—

—

—

(300)

—

—

—

—

110

22

(4)

(1)

(58)

—

—

(10)

2,957

—

—

(302)

—

—

—

—

—

25

83

7

(5)

—

—

—

71

2,836

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   153

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	
All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated
For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

40. COMMITMENTS	AND	CONTINGENCIES

A) Commitments

Cenovus	has	entered	into	various	commitments	in	the	normal	course	of	operations.	Commitments	that	have	original	maturities	
less	than	one	year	are	excluded	from	the	table	below.	Future	payments	for	the	Company’s	commitments	are	below:

As	at	December	31,	2022
Transportation	and	Storage	(1)
Product	Purchases	
Real	Estate	(2)
Obligation	to	Fund	Equity-
Accounted	Affiliate	(3)

Other	Long-Term	Commitments	(4)
Total	Payments

As	at	December	31,	2021
Transportation	and	Storage	(1)
Product	Purchases	(5)
Real	Estate	(2)
Obligation	to	Fund	Equity-
Accounted	Affiliate	(3)

Other	Long-Term	Commitments	(4)
Total	Payments

1	Year
1,747

1,626

48

92

381

3,894

1	Year
1,677

1,684

44

68

436

3,909

2	Years

2,011

1,509

50

105

90

3,765

2	Years

1,958

1,682

43

85

83

3	Years

1,542

4	Years

1,416

922

50

96

75

2,685

3	Years

1,853

1,593

52

99

72

922

50

96

74

2,558

4	Years

1,488

731

54

90

63

5	Years

Thereafter

1,360

922

54

91

65

13,005

3,457

604

143

395

2,492

17,604

5	Years

Thereafter

1,350

731

57

90

81

13,244

4,204

658

210

366

3,851

3,669

2,426

2,309

18,682

Total

21,081

9,358

856

623

1,080

32,998

Total

21,570

10,625

908

642

1,101

34,846

(1)

(2)

(3)
(4)
(5)

Includes	transportation	commitments	of	$9.1	billion	(December	31,	2021	–	$8.1	billion)	that	are	subject	to	regulatory	approval	or	have	been	approved,	but	are	
not	yet	in	service.	Terms	are	up	to	20	years	subsequent	to	the	commencement	of	the	contract.	
Relates	to	the	non-lease	components	of	lease	liabilities	consisting	of	operating	costs	and	unreserved	parking	for	office	space.	Excludes	committed	payments	for	
which	a	provision	has	been	provided.	
Relates	to	funding	obligations	for	HCML.
Includes	Cenovus’s	proportionate	share	of	the	commitments	related	to	WRB,	Toledo	and	the	Offshore	segment.
Previously	included	in	transportation	and	storage.	

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 had	 commitments	 with	 HMLP	 that	 include	 $2.2	 billion	 related	 to	 long-term	
transportation	and	storage	commitments	(December	31,	2021	–	$2.6	billion).

There	were	also	outstanding	letters	of	credit	aggregating	to	$490	million	(December	31,	2021	–	$565	million)	issued	as	security	
for	financial	and	performance	conditions	under	certain	contracts.	

B) Contingencies

Legal	Proceedings

Cenovus	is	involved	in	a	limited	number	of	legal	claims	associated	with	the	normal	course	of	operations.	Cenovus	believes	that	
any	liabilities	that	might	arise	from	such	matters,	to	the	extent	not	provided	for,	are	not	likely	to	have	a	material	effect	on	its	
Consolidated	Financial	Statements.	

Income	Tax	Matters

The	 tax	 regulations	 and	 legislation	 and	 interpretations	 thereof	 in	 the	 various	 jurisdictions	 in	 which	 Cenovus	 operates	 are	
continually	 changing.	 As	 a	 result,	 there	 are	 usually	 a	 number	 of	 tax	 matters	 under	 review.	 Management	 believes	 that	 the	
provision	for	taxes	is	adequate.

154   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities	and	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	

2,782	

3,339	

4,678	

3,464	

2,600	

14,263	

9,373	

2,970	

4,089	

2,979	

1,365	

2,184	

11,403	

5,919	

SUPPLEMENTAL	INFORMATION	(unaudited)	

Financial	Statistics

($	millions,	except	per	share	amounts)

Revenues

Upstream

		Oil	Sands	(1)

		Conventional

		Offshore	(2)

Total	Upstream	Revenue

Downstream

		Canadian	Manufacturing	(3)

		U.S.	Manufacturing

Total	Downstream	Revenue

Corporate	and	Eliminations	(3)

Total	Revenues

Operating	Margin

Upstream

		Oil	Sands	(1)

		Conventional

		Offshore	(2)

Total	Upstream	Operating	Margin	(4)

Downstream

		Canadian	Manufacturing	(3)

		U.S.	Manufacturing

Total	Downstream	Operating	Margin	(4)

Total	Operating	Margin	(5)

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities

Deduct	(Add	Back):

		Settlement	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities

		Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital

Adjusted	Funds	Flow	(5)

Per	Share	-	Basic	(5)

Per	Share	-	Diluted	(5)

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Per	Share	-	Basic

Per	Share	-	Diluted

Capital	Investment

Oil	Sands	(1)

Conventional

Offshore

		Asia	Pacific	(2)

		Atlantic

Total	Offshore

Manufacturing

		Canadian	Manufacturing	(3)

		U.S.	Manufacturing

Total	Manufacturing

Corporate

Total	Capital	Investment

(1)

(2)

(4)

(5)

change.

Three	Months	Ended

Twelve	Months	Ended

Dec.	31,

Sep.	30,

Jun.	30, Mar.	31,

Dec.	31,

Dec.	31,

Dec.	31,

2022

2022

2022

2022

2021

2022

2021

5,947	

1,061	

424	

7,432	

1,772	

6,608	

8,380	

(1,749)	

14,063	

7,642	

942	

428	

8,557	

990	

556	

9,012	

10,103	

2,168	

8,719	

10,887	

(2,428)	

17,471	

2,245	

8,474	

10,719	

(1,657)	

19,165	

1,639	

248	

337	

2,224	

278	

280	

558	

(49)	

673	

2,346	

1.22	

1.19	

784	

0.40	

0.39	

681	

156	

3	

82	

85	

40	

285	

325	

27	

1,274	

2,220	

290	

339	

2,849	

246	

244	

490	

(55)

1,193	

2,951	

1.53	

1.49	

1,609	

0.83	

0.81	

360	

67	

3	

78	

81	

24	

300	

324	

34	

866	

2,921	

434	

476	

3,831	

54	

793	

847	

(27)

(92)

3,098	

1.57	

1.53	

2,432	

1.23	

1.19	

376	

33	

2	

89	

91	

38	

267	

305	

17	

822	

(1,630)	

16,198	

(1,706)	

13,726	

8,136	

1,041	

535	

9,712	

1,607	

6,509	

8,116	

2,199	

263	

458	

2,920	

121	

423	

544	

5,983	

953	

486	

7,422	

1,856	

6,154	

8,010	

1,890	

260	

408	

139	

(97)

42	

30,282	

4,034	

1,943	

36,259	

7,792	

30,310	

38,102	

(7,464)	

66,897	

20,631	

3,085	

1,674	

25,390	

6,215	

20,043	

26,258	

(5,291)	

46,357	

8,979	

1,235	

1,610	

699	

1,740	

2,439	

6,365	

803	

1,420	

8,588	

573	

212	

785	

2,558	

11,824	

(19)

(1,199)	

2,583	

1.30	

1.27	

(35)

271	

1,948	

0.97	

0.97	

(150)	

575	

10,978	

5.63	

5.47	

(102)	

(1,227)	

7,248	

3.59	

3.54	

1,625	

0.81	

0.79	

(408)

(0.21)	

(0.21)	

6,450	

3.29	

3.20	

587	

0.27	

0.27	

375	

88	

—	

53	

53	

15	

207	

222	

8	

746	

402	

87	

—	

45	

45	

23	

252	

275	

26	

835	

1,792	

344	

1,019	

222	

8	

302	

310	

117	

1,059	

1,176	

86	

3,708	

21	

154	

175	

68	

995	

1,063	

84	

2,563	

On	August	31,	2022,	we	purchased	the	remaining	50	percent	interest	in	Sunrise	Oil	Sands	Partnership	(“Sunrise”).

Excludes	amounts	related	to	the	Husky-CNOOC	Madura	Ltd.	joint	venture	("HCML"),	which	is	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method.	For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	

our	portion	of	the	capital	investment	in	HCML	was	$74	million	(December	31,	2021	–	$8	million).

(3)

In	 September	 2022,	 the	 Company	 completed	 the	 divestiture	 of	 the	 majority	 of	 the	 retail	 fuels	 business.	 As	 a	 result,	 Management	 elected	 to	 aggregate	 the	 remaining	

commercial	 fuels	 business	 and	 the	 historical	 retail	 fuels	 business	 into	 the	 Canadian	 Manufacturing	 segment.Comparative	 periods	 have	 been	 re-presented	 to	 reflect	 this	

Specified	financial	measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	Supplemental.

Non-GAAP	financial	measure	or	contains	a	non-GAAP	financial	measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	Supplemental.

NOTES	TO	CONSOLIDATED	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	

All	amounts	in	$	millions,	unless	otherwise	indicated

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022

40. COMMITMENTS	AND	CONTINGENCIES

A) Commitments

Cenovus	has	entered	into	various	commitments	in	the	normal	course	of	operations.	Commitments	that	have	original	maturities	

less	than	one	year	are	excluded	from	the	table	below.	Future	payments	for	the	Company’s	commitments	are	below:

As	at	December	31,	2022

Transportation	and	Storage	(1)

Product	Purchases	

Real	Estate	(2)

Obligation	to	Fund	Equity-

Accounted	Affiliate	(3)

Other	Long-Term	Commitments	(4)

Total	Payments

As	at	December	31,	2021

Transportation	and	Storage	(1)

Product	Purchases	(5)

Real	Estate	(2)

Obligation	to	Fund	Equity-

Accounted	Affiliate	(3)

Other	Long-Term	Commitments	(4)

Total	Payments

1	Year

1,747

1,626

48

92

381

3,894

1	Year

1,677

1,684

44

68

436

3,909

2	Years

2,011

1,509

50

105

90

3,765

2	Years

1,958

1,682

43

85

83

3	Years

1,542

4	Years

1,416

5	Years

Thereafter

922

50

96

75

2,685

3	Years

1,853

1,593

52

99

72

2,558

4	Years

1,488

922

50

96

74

731

54

90

63

2,492

17,604

5	Years

Thereafter

1,360

922

54

91

65

1,350

731

57

90

81

13,005

3,457

604

143

395

13,244

4,204

658

210

366

Total

21,081

9,358

856

623

1,080

32,998

Total

21,570

10,625

908

642

1,101

34,846

(1)

Includes	transportation	commitments	of	$9.1	billion	(December	31,	2021	–	$8.1	billion)	that	are	subject	to	regulatory	approval	or	have	been	approved,	but	are	

not	yet	in	service.	Terms	are	up	to	20	years	subsequent	to	the	commencement	of	the	contract.	

(2)

Relates	to	the	non-lease	components	of	lease	liabilities	consisting	of	operating	costs	and	unreserved	parking	for	office	space.	Excludes	committed	payments	for	

3,851

3,669

2,426

2,309

18,682

which	a	provision	has	been	provided.	

Relates	to	funding	obligations	for	HCML.

(3)

(4)

(5)

Includes	Cenovus’s	proportionate	share	of	the	commitments	related	to	WRB,	Toledo	and	the	Offshore	segment.

Previously	included	in	transportation	and	storage.	

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 had	 commitments	 with	 HMLP	 that	 include	 $2.2	 billion	 related	 to	 long-term	

transportation	and	storage	commitments	(December	31,	2021	–	$2.6	billion).

There	were	also	outstanding	letters	of	credit	aggregating	to	$490	million	(December	31,	2021	–	$565	million)	issued	as	security	

for	financial	and	performance	conditions	under	certain	contracts.	

B) Contingencies

Legal	Proceedings

Consolidated	Financial	Statements.	

Income	Tax	Matters

provision	for	taxes	is	adequate.

Cenovus	is	involved	in	a	limited	number	of	legal	claims	associated	with	the	normal	course	of	operations.	Cenovus	believes	that	

any	liabilities	that	might	arise	from	such	matters,	to	the	extent	not	provided	for,	are	not	likely	to	have	a	material	effect	on	its	

The	 tax	 regulations	 and	 legislation	 and	 interpretations	 thereof	 in	 the	 various	 jurisdictions	 in	 which	 Cenovus	 operates	 are	

continually	 changing.	 As	 a	 result,	 there	 are	 usually	 a	 number	 of	 tax	 matters	 under	 review.	 Management	 believes	 that	 the	

SUPPLEMENTAL	INFORMATION	(unaudited)	

Financial	Statistics
($	millions,	except	per	share	amounts)

Revenues
Upstream
		Oil	Sands	(1)
		Conventional
		Offshore	(2)
Total	Upstream	Revenue
Downstream
		Canadian	Manufacturing	(3)
		U.S.	Manufacturing
Total	Downstream	Revenue
Corporate	and	Eliminations	(3)
Total	Revenues

Operating	Margin
Upstream
		Oil	Sands	(1)
		Conventional
		Offshore	(2)
Total	Upstream	Operating	Margin	(4)
Downstream
		Canadian	Manufacturing	(3)
		U.S.	Manufacturing
Total	Downstream	Operating	Margin	(4)
Total	Operating	Margin	(5)

Three	Months	Ended

Dec.	31,
2022

Sep.	30,
2022

Jun.	30, Mar.	31,
2022

2022

Dec.	31,
2021

Twelve	Months	Ended
Dec.	31,
2021

Dec.	31,
2022

5,947	
1,061	
424	
7,432	

1,772	
6,608	
8,380	
(1,749)	
14,063	

7,642	
942	
428	
9,012	

2,168	
8,719	
10,887	
(2,428)	
17,471	

8,557	
990	
556	
10,103	

2,245	
8,474	
10,719	
(1,657)	
19,165	

8,136	
1,041	
535	
9,712	

1,607	
6,509	
8,116	
(1,630)	
16,198	

5,983	
953	
486	
7,422	

1,856	
6,154	
8,010	
(1,706)	
13,726	

1,639	
248	
337	
2,224	

278	
280	
558	
2,782	

2,220	
290	
339	
2,849	

246	
244	
490	
3,339	

2,921	
434	
476	
3,831	

54	
793	
847	
4,678	

2,199	
263	
458	
2,920	

121	
423	
544	
3,464	

1,890	
260	
408	
2,558	

139	
(97)
42	
2,600	

30,282	
4,034	
1,943	
36,259	

7,792	
30,310	
38,102	
(7,464)	
66,897	

8,979	
1,235	
1,610	
11,824	

699	
1,740	
2,439	
14,263	

20,631	
3,085	
1,674	
25,390	

6,215	
20,043	
26,258	
(5,291)	
46,357	

6,365	
803	
1,420	
8,588	

573	
212	
785	
9,373	

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities	and	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	
Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities
Deduct	(Add	Back):
		Settlement	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities
		Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital
Adjusted	Funds	Flow	(5)
Per	Share	-	Basic	(5)
Per	Share	-	Diluted	(5)

(49)	
673	
2,346	
1.22	
1.19	

2,970	

Net	Earnings	(Loss)
Net	Earnings	(Loss)
Per	Share	-	Basic
Per	Share	-	Diluted

Capital	Investment
Oil	Sands	(1)
Conventional
Offshore
		Asia	Pacific	(2)
		Atlantic
Total	Offshore
Manufacturing
		Canadian	Manufacturing	(3)
		U.S.	Manufacturing
Total	Manufacturing
Corporate
Total	Capital	Investment

784	
0.40	
0.39	

681	
156	

3	
82	
85	

40	
285	
325	
27	
1,274	

4,089	

2,979	

1,365	

2,184	

11,403	

5,919	

(55)
1,193	
2,951	
1.53	
1.49	

1,609	
0.83	
0.81	

360	
67	

3	
78	
81	

24	
300	
324	
34	
866	

(27)
(92)
3,098	
1.57	
1.53	

2,432	
1.23	
1.19	

376	
33	

2	
89	
91	

38	
267	
305	
17	
822	

(19)
(1,199)	
2,583	
1.30	
1.27	

(35)
271	
1,948	
0.97	
0.97	

(150)	
575	
10,978	
5.63	
5.47	

(102)	
(1,227)	
7,248	
3.59	
3.54	

1,625	
0.81	
0.79	

(408)
(0.21)	
(0.21)	

6,450	
3.29	
3.20	

587	
0.27	
0.27	

375	
88	

—	
53	
53	

15	
207	
222	
8	
746	

402	
87	

—	
45	
45	

23	
252	
275	
26	
835	

1,792	
344	

1,019	
222	

8	
302	
310	

117	
1,059	
1,176	
86	
3,708	

21	
154	
175	

68	
995	
1,063	
84	
2,563	

(1)
(2)

(3)

(4)
(5)

On	August	31,	2022,	we	purchased	the	remaining	50	percent	interest	in	Sunrise	Oil	Sands	Partnership	(“Sunrise”).
Excludes	amounts	related	to	the	Husky-CNOOC	Madura	Ltd.	joint	venture	("HCML"),	which	is	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method.	For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2022,	
our	portion	of	the	capital	investment	in	HCML	was	$74	million	(December	31,	2021	–	$8	million).
In	 September	 2022,	 the	 Company	 completed	 the	 divestiture	 of	 the	 majority	 of	 the	 retail	 fuels	 business.	 As	 a	 result,	 Management	 elected	 to	 aggregate	 the	 remaining	
commercial	 fuels	 business	 and	 the	 historical	 retail	 fuels	 business	 into	 the	 Canadian	 Manufacturing	 segment.Comparative	 periods	 have	 been	 re-presented	 to	 reflect	 this	
change.
Specified	financial	measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	Supplemental.
Non-GAAP	financial	measure	or	contains	a	non-GAAP	financial	measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	Supplemental.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   155

SUPPLEMENTAL	INFORMATION	(unaudited)

Financial	Statistics

Financial	Metrics
Free	Funds	Flow	(1)
Excess	Free	Funds	Flow	(1)	(2)
Long-Term	Debt
Net	Debt
Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	(3)	(times)
Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	(times)

Income	Tax	&	Exchange	Rates
Effective	Tax	Rates	Using:
		Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Foreign	Exchange	Rates
		US$	per	C$1
		Average
					Period	End
		RMB	per	C$1
		Average

Common	Share	Information
Commons	Shares	Outstanding	(millions)
		Period	End
		Average	-	Basic
		Average	-	Diluted

Base	Dividends	($	per	share)
Variable	Dividends	($	per	share)

Closing	Price
		Toronto	Stock	Exchange	(C$	per	share)
		New	York	Stock	Exchange	(US$	per	share)

Total	Share	Volume	Traded	(millions)

Selected	Average	Benchmark	Prices

Crude	Oil	Prices
		US$/bbl

		Dated	Brent
		West	Texas	Intermediate	(“WTI”)
		Differential	Dated	Brent	-	WTI
		Western	Canadian	Select	at	Hardisty	(“WCS”)
		Differential	WTI	-	WCS
		Mixed	Sweet	Blend
		Condensate	(C5	@	Edmonton)
		Differential	WTI	-	Condensate	(Premium)/Discount
		Synthetic	@	Edmonton
		Differential	WTI	-	Synthetic	(Premium)/Discount

		C$/bbl
		WCS
		Synthetic	@	Edmonton
		Mixed	Sweet	Blend

Refining	Benchmarks	(US$/bbl)	
		Chicago	3-2-1	Crack	Spreads	(4)
		Group	3	3-2-1	Crack	Spreads	(4)
		Renewable	Identification	Numbers	(“RINs”)

Natural	Gas	Prices
		AECO	7A	Monthly	Index	(5)	(C$/Mcf)
		NYMEX	(6)	(US$/Mcf)
		Differential	NYMEX	-	AECO	(US$/Mcf)

SUPPLEMENTAL	INFORMATION	(unaudited)

Operating	Statistics	-	Before	Royalties

Upstream	Production	Volumes

Crude	Oil	and	Natural	Gas	Liquids	(Mbbls/d)

Three	Months	Ended

Dec.	31,
2022

Sep.	30,
2022

Jun.	30, Mar.	31,
2022

2022

Dec.	31,
2021

Twelve	Months	Ended
Dec.	31,
2021

Dec.	31,
2022

1,072
786
8,691	
4,282	
0.4
0.3

2,085
1,756	
8,774	
5,280	
0.5	
0.4

2,276
2,020	
11,228	
7,535	
0.8	
0.6

1,837
2,615	
11,744	
8,407	
1.0	
0.8

1,113
1,169	
12,385	
9,591	
1.3	
1.2

7,270	
n/a
8,691	
4,282	
0.4
0.3

4,685	
n/a
12,385	
9,591	
1.3	
1.2

26.1%

55.4%

		Lloydminster	Conventional	Heavy	Oil

0.737	
0.738	

0.766	
0.730	

0.783	
0.776	

0.790	
0.800	

0.794	
0.789	

0.769
0.738

0.798
0.789

5.241	

5.246	

5.180	

5.014	

5.073	

5.170

5.147

1,909.2	
1,917.0	
1,967.2	

0.105	
0.114	

1,922.7	
1,927.9	
1,978.7	

0.105	
—	

1,949.6	
1,971.3	
2,029.4	

0.105	
—	

1,981.7	
1,989.9	
2,041.5	

0.035	
—	

2,001.2	
2,012.3	
2,012.3	

0.035	
—	

1,909.2	
1,951.3	
2,006.1	

0.350	
0.114	

2,001.2	
2,016.2	
2,045.1	

0.088	
—	

26.27
19.41

21.22	
15.37	

24.49	
19.01	

20.84	
16.68	

15.51	
12.28	

26.27
19.41

15.51	
12.28	

1,026.6	

1,287.4	

1,682.8	

1,883.5	

1,485.7	

5,880.3	

5,689.1	

88.71	
82.65	
6.06	
56.99	
25.66	
81.04	
83.40	
(0.75)	
86.79	
(4.14)	

77.42	
117.87	
110.06	

32.87	
29.99	
8.54	

5.58	
6.26	
2.15	

100.85	
91.55	
9.30	
71.69	
19.86	
89.51	
87.26	
4.29	
100.34	
(8.79)	

93.53	
130.90	
116.80	

38.87	
38.57	
8.11	

5.81	
8.20	
3.75	

113.78	
108.41	
5.37	
95.61	
12.80	
107.91	
108.34	
0.07	
114.46	
(6.05)	

122.07	
146.13	
137.77	

46.50	
44.35	
7.80	

6.28	
7.17	
2.25	

101.41	
94.29	
7.12	
79.76	
14.53	
91.33	
96.09	
(1.80)	
93.05	
1.24	

101.01	
117.84	
115.66	

18.35	
19.94	
6.44	

4.59	
4.95	
1.32	

79.73	
77.19	
2.54	
62.55	
14.64	
74.09	
79.13	
(1.94)	
75.40	
1.79	

78.71	
94.94	
93.29	

16.06	
15.82	
6.11	

4.94	
5.83	
1.91	

101.19	
94.23	
6.96	
76.01	
18.22	
92.45	
93.78	
0.45	
98.66	
(4.43)	

98.51	
128.19	
120.07	

34.15	
33.21	
7.72	

5.56	
6.64	
2.36	

70.73	
67.91	
2.82	
54.87	
13.04	
64.03	
68.20	
(0.29)	
66.28	
1.63	

68.73	
83.04	
80.23	

17.54	
17.82	
6.76	

3.56	
3.84	
1.00	

		Oil	Sands	Bitumen

		Foster	Creek

		Christina	Lake

		Sunrise	(1)

		Lloydminster	Thermal

		Tucker	(2)

		Oil	Sands	Heavy	Crude	Oil

Total	Oil	Sands

		Conventional	(3)

		Light	Crude	Oil

		Natural	Gas	Liquids	(4)

Total	Conventional

		Offshore	Natural	Gas	Liquids

		Asia	Pacific	-	China

					Asia	Pacific	-	Indonesia	(5)

		Offshore	Light	Crude	Oil

		Atlantic

Total	Offshore

Total	Liquids	Production

Conventional	Natural	Gas	(MMcf/d)

		Oil	Sands

		Conventional	(3)	(6)

		Offshore

		Asia	Pacific	-	China

		Asia	Pacific	-	Indonesia	(5)

Total	Conventional	Natural	Gas	Production

Total	Production	(7)	(MBOE/d)

Oil	Sands

Foster	Creek

Christina	Lake

Sunrise	(1)

Lloydminster	Thermal

Lloydminster	Conventional	Heavy	Oil

Conventional	(3)

Offshore

		Asia	Pacific	-	China

		Asia	Pacific	-	Indonesia	(5)

		Atlantic

Three	Months	Ended

Twelve	Months	Ended

Dec.	31,

Sep.	30,

Jun.	30, Mar.	31,

Dec.	31,

Dec.	31,

Dec.	31,

2022

2022

2022

2022

2021

2022

2021

195.9	

250.3	

44.8	

102.5	

—	

15.8	

609.3	

6.8	

26.1	

32.9	

9.9	

2.5	

10.3	

22.7	

664.9	

11.9	

555.3	

222.8	

62.0	

852.0	

806.9	

32.9%

26.5%

7.6%

12.6%

12.0%

15.9%

5.8%

34.2%

1.1%

182.4

252.8

30.9

102.1

—	

16.8

585.0

6.9

19.9

26.8

9.5

2.7

9.1

21.3

633.1

12.6

596.1

215.5

44.5

868.7

777.9

33.6%

34.8%

9.6%

9.4%

11.3%

15.9%

5.7%

40.0%

	1.8	%

187.8	

228.8	

25.3	

98.4	

—	

16.4	

556.7	

7.5	

24.7	

32.2	

9.4	

2.6	

13.3	

25.3	

614.2	

12.0	

601.2	

224.9	

44.1	

882.2	

761.5	

32.1%

31.9%

6.9%

9.8%

6.5%

13.6%

5.4%

52.2%

(8.0)%

197.9	

254.1	

24.1	

96.3	

6.4	

16.2	

595.0	

8.2	

24.5	

32.7	

10.6	

2.5	

13.7	

26.8	

654.5	

12.8	

555.0	

257.7	

39.8	

865.3	

798.6	

24.4%

29.1%

5.5%

11.3%

9.3%

15.9%

5.4%

45.7%

6.1%

211.8	

250.9	

25.2	

99.0	

19.1	

18.9	

624.9	

7.2	

22.5	

29.7	

10.4	

2.7	

10.6	

23.7	

678.3	

12.4	

574.3	

254.2	

42.6	

883.5	

825.3	

24.5%

26.4%

5.3%

10.1%

10.0%

10.7%

6.6%

45.3%

6.0%

191.0	

246.5	

31.3	

99.9	

1.6	

16.3	

586.6	

7.5	

23.8	

31.3	

9.8	

2.6	

11.6	

24.0	

641.9	

12.3	

576.1	

230.1	

47.6	

866.1	

786.2	

30.5%

30.8%

7.3%

10.6%

9.9%

15.4%

5.6%

42.7%

(0.5)%

179.9	

236.8	

25.9	

97.7	

21.0	

20.2	

581.5	

8.4	

25.6	

34.0	

10.0	

2.7	

14.1	

26.8	

642.3	

12.6	

597.6	

244.1	

41.2	

895.5	

791.5	

21.0%

23.6%

4.1%

9.1%

8.7%

10.3%

5.9%

23.1%

6.7%

Effective	Royalty	Rates	(8)	(Excluding	Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management)

On	August	31,	2022,	we	purchased	the	remaining	50	percent	interest	in	Sunrise.

Sale	of	the	Tucker	asset	closed	on	January	31,	2022.

Sale	of	the	Wembley	assets	closed	on	February	28,	2022.

Natural	gas	liquids	include	condensate	volumes.

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

using	the	equity	method	in	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Production	volumes	and	associated	royalty	rates	reflect	Cenovus's	40	percent	interest	in	HCML.	Revenues	and	expenses	related	to	the	HCML	joint	venture	are	accounted	for	

(6)

Includes	production	used	for	internal	consumption	by	the	Oil	Sands	segment	of	561	MMcf	per	day	and	520	MMcf	per	day	for	the	three	months	ended	and	twelve	months	

ended	December	31,	2022,	respectively	(533	MMcf	per	day	and	517	MMcf	per	day	for	the	three	and	twelve	months	months	ended	December	31,	2021,	respectively).	

(7)

Natural	gas	volumes	have	been	converted	to	barrels	of	oil	equivalent	("BOE")	on	the	basis	of	six	thousand	cubic	feet	("Mcf")	to	one	barrel	("bbl").	BOE	may	be	misleading,	

particularly	if	used	in	isolation.	A	conversion	ratio	of	one	bbl	to	six	Mcf	is	based	on	an	energy	equivalency	conversion	method	primarily	applicable	at	the	burner	tip	and	does	

not	represent	value	equivalency	at	the	wellhead.	Given	that	the	value	ratio	based	on	the	current	price	of	crude	oil	compared	to	natural	gas	is	significantly	different	from	the	

energy	equivalency	conversion	ratio	of	6:1,	utilizing	a	conversion	on	a	6:1	basis	is	not	an	accurate	reflection	of	value.

(8)

Effective	royalty	rates	are	equal	to	royalty	expense	divided	by	product	revenue,	net	of	transportation.

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)

(5)
(6)

Non-GAAP	financial	measure	or	contains	a	non-GAAP	financial	measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	Supplemental.
New	financial	metric	as	of	June	30,	2022.
New	financial	metric	as	of	March	31,	2022.
The	average	3-2-1	crack	spread	is	an	indicator	of	the	refining	margin	and	is	valued	on	a	last	in,	first	out	accounting	basis.	The	market	crack	spreads	do	not	precisely	mirror	the	
configuration	and	product	output	of	our	refineries,	however	they	are	used	as	a	general	market	indicator.
Alberta	Energy	Company	("AECO")	natural	gas	monthly	index.
New	York	Mercantile	Exchange	(“NYMEX”)	natural	gas	monthly	index.

156   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

SUPPLEMENTAL	INFORMATION	(unaudited)

SUPPLEMENTAL	INFORMATION	(unaudited)

Operating	Statistics	-	Before	Royalties

Upstream	Production	Volumes
Crude	Oil	and	Natural	Gas	Liquids	(Mbbls/d)
		Oil	Sands	Bitumen
		Foster	Creek
		Christina	Lake
		Sunrise	(1)
		Lloydminster	Thermal
		Tucker	(2)

		Oil	Sands	Heavy	Crude	Oil

		Lloydminster	Conventional	Heavy	Oil

Total	Oil	Sands
		Conventional	(3)
		Light	Crude	Oil
		Natural	Gas	Liquids	(4)

Total	Conventional
		Offshore	Natural	Gas	Liquids

		Asia	Pacific	-	China

					Asia	Pacific	-	Indonesia	(5)
		Offshore	Light	Crude	Oil

		Atlantic
Total	Offshore
Total	Liquids	Production

Conventional	Natural	Gas	(MMcf/d)
		Oil	Sands
		Conventional	(3)	(6)
		Offshore

		Asia	Pacific	-	China
		Asia	Pacific	-	Indonesia	(5)

Total	Conventional	Natural	Gas	Production
Total	Production	(7)	(MBOE/d)

Financial	Statistics

Financial	Metrics

Free	Funds	Flow	(1)

Excess	Free	Funds	Flow	(1)	(2)

Long-Term	Debt

Net	Debt

Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	(3)	(times)

Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	(times)

Income	Tax	&	Exchange	Rates

Effective	Tax	Rates	Using:

		Net	Earnings	(Loss)

Foreign	Exchange	Rates

		US$	per	C$1

		Average

					Period	End

		RMB	per	C$1

		Average

Common	Share	Information

Commons	Shares	Outstanding	(millions)

		Period	End

		Average	-	Basic

		Average	-	Diluted

Base	Dividends	($	per	share)

Variable	Dividends	($	per	share)

Closing	Price

		Toronto	Stock	Exchange	(C$	per	share)

		New	York	Stock	Exchange	(US$	per	share)

Total	Share	Volume	Traded	(millions)

Selected	Average	Benchmark	Prices

Crude	Oil	Prices

		US$/bbl

		Dated	Brent

		West	Texas	Intermediate	(“WTI”)

		Differential	Dated	Brent	-	WTI

		Western	Canadian	Select	at	Hardisty	(“WCS”)

		Differential	WTI	-	WCS

		Mixed	Sweet	Blend

		Condensate	(C5	@	Edmonton)

		Differential	WTI	-	Condensate	(Premium)/Discount

		Synthetic	@	Edmonton

		Differential	WTI	-	Synthetic	(Premium)/Discount

		C$/bbl

		WCS

		Synthetic	@	Edmonton

		Mixed	Sweet	Blend

Refining	Benchmarks	(US$/bbl)	

		Chicago	3-2-1	Crack	Spreads	(4)

		Group	3	3-2-1	Crack	Spreads	(4)

		Renewable	Identification	Numbers	(“RINs”)

Natural	Gas	Prices

		AECO	7A	Monthly	Index	(5)	(C$/Mcf)

		NYMEX	(6)	(US$/Mcf)

		Differential	NYMEX	-	AECO	(US$/Mcf)

New	financial	metric	as	of	June	30,	2022.

New	financial	metric	as	of	March	31,	2022.

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

Three	Months	Ended

Twelve	Months	Ended

Dec.	31,

Sep.	30,

Jun.	30, Mar.	31,

Dec.	31,

Dec.	31,

Dec.	31,

2022

1,072

786

8,691	

4,282	

0.4

0.3

2022

2,085

1,756	

8,774	

5,280	

0.5	

0.4

2022

2022

2021

2,276

2,020	

11,228	

7,535	

0.8	

0.6

1,837

2,615	

11,744	

8,407	

1.0	

0.8

1,113

1,169	

12,385	

9,591	

1.3	

1.2

2022

7,270	

n/a

8,691	

4,282	

0.4

0.3

2021

4,685	

n/a

12,385	

9,591	

1.3	

1.2

26.1%

55.4%

0.737	

0.738	

0.766	

0.730	

0.783	

0.776	

0.790	

0.800	

0.794	

0.789	

0.769

0.738

0.798

0.789

5.241	

5.246	

5.180	

5.014	

5.073	

5.170

5.147

1,909.2	

1,917.0	

1,967.2	

0.105	

0.114	

1,922.7	

1,927.9	

1,978.7	

0.105	

—	

1,949.6	

1,971.3	

2,029.4	

0.105	

—	

1,981.7	

1,989.9	

2,041.5	

0.035	

—	

2,001.2	

2,012.3	

2,012.3	

0.035	

—	

1,909.2	

1,951.3	

2,006.1	

0.350	

0.114	

2,001.2	

2,016.2	

2,045.1	

0.088	

—	

26.27

19.41

21.22	

15.37	

24.49	

19.01	

20.84	

16.68	

15.51	

12.28	

26.27

19.41

15.51	

12.28	

1,026.6	

1,287.4	

1,682.8	

1,883.5	

1,485.7	

5,880.3	

5,689.1	

88.71	

82.65	

6.06	

56.99	

25.66	

81.04	

83.40	

(0.75)	

86.79	

(4.14)	

77.42	

117.87	

110.06	

32.87	

29.99	

8.54	

5.58	

6.26	

2.15	

100.85	

91.55	

9.30	

71.69	

19.86	

89.51	

87.26	

4.29	

100.34	

(8.79)	

93.53	

130.90	

116.80	

38.87	

38.57	

8.11	

5.81	

8.20	

3.75	

113.78	

108.41	

5.37	

95.61	

12.80	

107.91	

108.34	

0.07	

114.46	

(6.05)	

122.07	

146.13	

137.77	

46.50	

44.35	

7.80	

6.28	

7.17	

2.25	

101.41	

94.29	

7.12	

79.76	

14.53	

91.33	

96.09	

(1.80)	

93.05	

1.24	

101.01	

117.84	

115.66	

18.35	

19.94	

6.44	

4.59	

4.95	

1.32	

79.73	

77.19	

2.54	

62.55	

14.64	

74.09	

79.13	

(1.94)	

75.40	

1.79	

78.71	

94.94	

93.29	

16.06	

15.82	

6.11	

4.94	

5.83	

1.91	

101.19	

94.23	

6.96	

76.01	

18.22	

92.45	

93.78	

0.45	

98.66	

(4.43)	

98.51	

128.19	

120.07	

34.15	

33.21	

7.72	

5.56	

6.64	

2.36	

70.73	

67.91	

2.82	

54.87	

13.04	

64.03	

68.20	

(0.29)	

66.28	

1.63	

68.73	

83.04	

80.23	

17.54	

17.82	

6.76	

3.56	

3.84	

1.00	

Non-GAAP	financial	measure	or	contains	a	non-GAAP	financial	measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	Supplemental.

The	average	3-2-1	crack	spread	is	an	indicator	of	the	refining	margin	and	is	valued	on	a	last	in,	first	out	accounting	basis.	The	market	crack	spreads	do	not	precisely	mirror	the	

configuration	and	product	output	of	our	refineries,	however	they	are	used	as	a	general	market	indicator.

Alberta	Energy	Company	("AECO")	natural	gas	monthly	index.

New	York	Mercantile	Exchange	(“NYMEX”)	natural	gas	monthly	index.

Effective	Royalty	Rates	(8)	(Excluding	Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management)
Oil	Sands

Foster	Creek
Christina	Lake
Sunrise	(1)
Lloydminster	Thermal
Lloydminster	Conventional	Heavy	Oil

Conventional	(3)
Offshore
		Asia	Pacific	-	China
		Asia	Pacific	-	Indonesia	(5)
		Atlantic

32.9%
26.5%
7.6%
12.6%
12.0%

15.9%

5.8%
34.2%
1.1%

195.9	
250.3	
44.8	
102.5	
—	

15.8	
609.3	

6.8	
26.1	
32.9	

9.9	
2.5	

10.3	
22.7	
664.9	

11.9	
555.3	

222.8	
62.0	
852.0	
806.9	

Three	Months	Ended

Dec.	31,
2022

Sep.	30,
2022

Jun.	30, Mar.	31,
2022

2022

Dec.	31,
2021

Twelve	Months	Ended
Dec.	31,
2021

Dec.	31,
2022

182.4
252.8
30.9
102.1
—	

16.8
585.0

6.9
19.9
26.8

9.5
2.7

9.1
21.3
633.1

12.6
596.1

215.5
44.5
868.7
777.9

33.6%
34.8%
9.6%
9.4%
11.3%

15.9%

5.7%
40.0%
	1.8	%

187.8	
228.8	
25.3	
98.4	
—	

16.4	
556.7	

7.5	
24.7	
32.2	

9.4	
2.6	

13.3	
25.3	
614.2	

12.0	
601.2	

224.9	
44.1	
882.2	
761.5	

32.1%
31.9%
6.9%
9.8%
6.5%

13.6%

5.4%
52.2%
(8.0)%

197.9	
254.1	
24.1	
96.3	
6.4	

16.2	
595.0	

8.2	
24.5	
32.7	

10.6	
2.5	

13.7	
26.8	
654.5	

12.8	
555.0	

257.7	
39.8	
865.3	
798.6	

24.4%
29.1%
5.5%
11.3%
9.3%

15.9%

5.4%
45.7%
6.1%

211.8	
250.9	
25.2	
99.0	
19.1	

18.9	
624.9	

7.2	
22.5	
29.7	

10.4	
2.7	

10.6	
23.7	
678.3	

12.4	
574.3	

254.2	
42.6	
883.5	
825.3	

24.5%
26.4%
5.3%
10.1%
10.0%

10.7%

6.6%
45.3%
6.0%

191.0	
246.5	
31.3	
99.9	
1.6	

16.3	
586.6	

7.5	
23.8	
31.3	

9.8	
2.6	

11.6	
24.0	
641.9	

12.3	
576.1	

230.1	
47.6	
866.1	
786.2	

30.5%
30.8%
7.3%
10.6%
9.9%

15.4%

5.6%
42.7%
(0.5)%

179.9	
236.8	
25.9	
97.7	
21.0	

20.2	
581.5	

8.4	
25.6	
34.0	

10.0	
2.7	

14.1	
26.8	
642.3	

12.6	
597.6	

244.1	
41.2	
895.5	
791.5	

21.0%
23.6%
4.1%
9.1%
8.7%

10.3%

5.9%
23.1%
6.7%

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

On	August	31,	2022,	we	purchased	the	remaining	50	percent	interest	in	Sunrise.
Sale	of	the	Tucker	asset	closed	on	January	31,	2022.
Sale	of	the	Wembley	assets	closed	on	February	28,	2022.
Natural	gas	liquids	include	condensate	volumes.
Production	volumes	and	associated	royalty	rates	reflect	Cenovus's	40	percent	interest	in	HCML.	Revenues	and	expenses	related	to	the	HCML	joint	venture	are	accounted	for	
using	the	equity	method	in	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.
Includes	production	used	for	internal	consumption	by	the	Oil	Sands	segment	of	561	MMcf	per	day	and	520	MMcf	per	day	for	the	three	months	ended	and	twelve	months	
ended	December	31,	2022,	respectively	(533	MMcf	per	day	and	517	MMcf	per	day	for	the	three	and	twelve	months	months	ended	December	31,	2021,	respectively).	
Natural	gas	volumes	have	been	converted	to	barrels	of	oil	equivalent	("BOE")	on	the	basis	of	six	thousand	cubic	feet	("Mcf")	to	one	barrel	("bbl").	BOE	may	be	misleading,	
particularly	if	used	in	isolation.	A	conversion	ratio	of	one	bbl	to	six	Mcf	is	based	on	an	energy	equivalency	conversion	method	primarily	applicable	at	the	burner	tip	and	does	
not	represent	value	equivalency	at	the	wellhead.	Given	that	the	value	ratio	based	on	the	current	price	of	crude	oil	compared	to	natural	gas	is	significantly	different	from	the	
energy	equivalency	conversion	ratio	of	6:1,	utilizing	a	conversion	on	a	6:1	basis	is	not	an	accurate	reflection	of	value.
Effective	royalty	rates	are	equal	to	royalty	expense	divided	by	product	revenue,	net	of	transportation.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   157

SUPPLEMENTAL	INFORMATION	(unaudited)

SUPPLEMENTAL	INFORMATION	(unaudited)

Operating	Statistics	-	Netbacks	(1)

Operating	Statistics	-	Netbacks	(1)

Oil	Sands	
Foster	Creek
		Bitumen	($/bbl)
		Sales	Price
		Royalties
		Transportation	and	Blending
		Operating
		Netback

Christina	Lake
		Bitumen	($/bbl)	

		Sales	Price
		Royalties
		Transportation	and	Blending
		Operating
		Netback

Sunrise
		Bitumen	($/bbl)	

		Sales	Price
		Royalties
		Transportation	and	Blending
		Operating
		Netback

Other	Oil	Sands	(2)
		Bitumen	&	Heavy	Crude	Oil	($/bbl)	

		Sales	Price
		Royalties
		Transportation	and	Blending
		Operating
		Netback

Total	Oil	Sands	(3)	($/BOE)

		Sales	Price
		Royalties
		Transportation	and	Blending
		Operating
		Netback

Conventional	(3)
		Total	Conventional	($/BOE)

		Sales	Price
		Royalties
		Transportation	and	Blending
		Operating
		Netback

Three	Months	Ended

Dec.	31,
2022

Sep.	30,
2022

Jun.	30, Mar.	31,
2022

2022

Dec.	31,
2021

Twelve	Months	Ended
Dec.	31,
2021

Dec.	31,
2022

75.43	
19.87	
15.06	
11.44	
29.06	

64.07	
15.14	
6.95	
9.75	
32.23	

57.20	
3.54	
10.97	
15.55	
27.14	

69.24	
8.16	
3.59	
23.84	
33.65	

68.06	
14.40	
9.08	
13.52	
31.06	

48.09	
6.05	
4.08	
11.67	
26.29	

89.42	
26.01	
11.96	
13.46	
37.99	

81.18	
26.13	
6.02	
9.19	
39.84	

79.96	
6.42	
13.17	
17.74	
42.63	

84.95	
7.52	
3.57	
20.87	
52.99	

84.29	
21.26	
7.72	
13.40	
41.91	

44.07	
5.81	
2.43	
11.77	
24.06	

122.03	
35.72	
10.37	
14.31	
61.63	

114.10	
34.04	
6.75	
11.77	
61.54	

128.54	
7.81	
12.48	
21.22	
87.03	

127.98	
11.76	
3.28	
24.58	
88.36	

119.98	
28.94	
7.51	
15.70	
67.83	

57.11	
7.34	
2.97	
10.02	
36.78	

101.06	
21.56	
9.90	
11.19	
58.41	

94.18	
24.65	
6.37	
9.22	
53.94	

102.01	
4.98	
13.15	
16.95	
66.93	

90.75	
9.19	
3.51	
20.63	
57.42	

95.90	
19.72	
7.23	
12.51	
56.44	

42.84	
6.29	
3.18	
11.33	
22.04	

72.86	
15.67	
9.27	
10.31	
37.61	

65.49	
15.67	
6.32	
8.82	
34.68	

68.62	
3.06	
10.36	
14.03	
41.17	

70.23	
7.95	
3.31	
18.02	
40.95	

69.00	
13.22	
6.76	
11.76	
37.26	

39.07	
4.01	
1.50	
10.96	
22.60	

97.27	
25.80	
11.78	
12.59	
47.10	

88.02	
24.84	
6.51	
9.94	
46.73	

86.05	
5.38	
12.26	
17.49	
50.92	

92.82	
9.12	
3.49	
22.45	
57.76	

91.70	
20.96	
7.89	
13.75	
49.10	

48.15	
6.38	
3.16	
11.18	
27.43	

66.50	
11.75	
10.51	
10.74	
33.50	

60.22	
12.69	
6.19	
8.24	
33.10	

67.10	
2.23	
12.14	
17.15	
35.58	

62.20	
6.40	
4.01	
16.64	
35.15	

62.82	
10.38	
7.23	
11.52	
33.69	

31.20	
3.06	
1.53	
10.66	
15.95	

Offshore

Asia	Pacific	-	China

		Natural	Gas	Liquids	($/bbl)

		Conventional	Natural	Gas	($/mcf)

		Asia	Pacific	-	China	Total	(2)	($/BOE)

Asia	Pacific	-	Indonesia	(3)

		Natural	Gas	Liquids	($/bbl)

		Conventional	Natural	Gas	($/mcf)

		Asia	Pacific	-	Indonesia	Total	(2)	($/BOE)

Asia	Pacific	-	Total	(3)

		Natural	Gas	Liquids	($/bbl)

		Conventional	Natural	Gas	($/mcf)

		Asia	Pacific	-	Total	(2)	($/BOE)

		Sales	Price

		Royalties

		Operating

		Sales	Price

		Royalties

		Operating

		Sales	Price

		Royalties

		Operating

		Netback

		Sales	Price

		Royalties

		Operating

		Sales	Price

		Royalties

		Operating

		Sales	Price

		Royalties

		Operating

		Netback

		Sales	Price

		Royalties

		Operating

		Sales	Price

		Royalties

		Operating

		Sales	Price

		Royalties

		Operating

		Netback

Three	Months	Ended

Twelve	Months	Ended

Dec.	31,

Sep.	30,

Jun.	30, Mar.	31,

Dec.	31,

Dec.	31,

Dec.	31,

2022

2022

2022

2022

2021

2022

2021

115.56	

66.96	

13.76	

137.20	

81.50	

12.08	

148.31	

110.02	

13.66	

119.91	

70.28	

13.54	

108.68	

68.21	

12.23	

130.62	

82.56	

13.24	

97.62	

5.49	

5.36	

13.16	

0.77	

0.89	

82.89	

4.80	

5.36	

72.73	

9.09	

1.99	

2.32	

66.50	

22.74	

13.88	

29.88	

12.27	

1.03	

1.20	

79.37	

8.64	

7.19	

63.54	

100.28	

112.96	

108.05	

5.68	

6.66	

12.58	

0.72	

1.13	

80.68	

4.63	

6.73	

69.32	

6.94	

1.18	

2.01	

66.97	

26.80	

12.05	

28.12	

11.62	

0.80	

1.28	

78.19	

8.65	

7.70	

61.84	

6.42	

5.86	

12.43	

0.66	

0.98	

82.25	

4.44	

5.89	

71.92	

8.34	

2.40	

2.29	

76.06	

39.69	

13.70	

22.67	

11.76	

0.94	

1.20	

81.16	

10.65	

7.27	

63.24	

6.15	

4.68	

12.61	

0.67	

0.78	

82.09	

4.43	

4.66	

73.00	

9.67	

3.46	

2.25	

74.82	

34.23	

13.51	

27.08	

12.22	

1.04	

0.97	

81.04	

8.76	

5.95	

66.33	

101.25	

17.91	

7.06	

108.39	

22.33	

7.85	

120.75	

29.27	

7.58	

110.30	

18.29	

6.36	

90.71	

5.30	

5.19	

12.39	

0.85	

0.80	

77.57	

5.15	

4.88	

67.54	

9.16	

2.95	

2.01	

69.72	

31.58	

12.08	

26.06	

94.41	

18.25	

6.64	

11.93	

1.15	

0.97	

76.34	

9.28	

6.01	

61.05	

104.67	

5.93	

5.61	

12.69	

0.70	

0.94	

81.99	

4.57	

5.62	

71.80	

8.53	

2.20	

2.22	

70.66	

30.19	

13.32	

27.15	

110.05	

21.84	

7.20	

11.98	

0.96	

1.16	

79.96	

9.16	

7.00	

63.80	

76.51	

4.38	

5.18	

11.90	

0.70	

0.85	

72.44	

4.25	

5.10	

63.09	

92.36	

30.99	

9.55	

8.96	

1.45	

1.59	

64.52	

14.93	

9.55	

40.04	

79.83	

9.95	

6.10	

11.48	

0.81	

0.95	

71.19	

5.94	

5.80	

59.45	

(1)

(2)
(3)

The	components	of	each	netback	are	Specified	Financial	Measures.	Netbacks	contain	a	non-GAAP	Financial	Measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	
Supplemental.
Includes	Tucker,	Lloydminster	thermal	and	Lloydminster	conventional	heavy	oil.	Sale	of	the	Tucker	asset	closed	on	January	31,	2022.
Natural	gas	volumes	have	been	converted	to	BOE	on	the	basis	of	six	Mcf	to	one	bbl.	BOE	may	be	misleading,	particularly	if	used	in	isolation.	A	conversion	ratio	of	one	bbl	to	
six	Mcf	is	based	on	an	energy	equivalency	conversion	method	primarily	applicable	at	the	burner	tip	and	does	not	represent	value	equivalency	at	the	wellhead.	Given	that	
the	value	ratio	based	on	the	current	price	of	crude	oil	compared	to	natural	gas	is	significantly	different	from	the	energy	equivalency	conversion	ratio	of	6:1,	utilizing	a	
conversion	on	a	6:1	basis	is	not	an	accurate	reflection	of	value.

The	components	of	each	netback	are	Specified	Financial	Measures.	Netbacks	contain	a	non-GAAP	Financial	Measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	

Natural	gas	volumes	have	been	converted	to	BOE	on	the	basis	of	six	Mcf	to	one	bbl.	BOE	may	be	misleading,	particularly	if	used	in	isolation.	A	conversion	ratio	of	one	bbl	to	six	

Mcf	is	based	on	an	energy	equivalency	conversion	method	primarily	applicable	at	the	burner	tip	and	does	not	represent	value	equivalency	at	the	wellhead.	Given	that	the	

value	ratio	based	on	the	current	price	of	crude	oil	compared	to	natural	gas	is	significantly	different	from	the	energy	equivalency	conversion	ratio	of	6:1,	utilizing	a	conversion	

Supplemental.

(1)

(2)

(3)

on	a	6:1	basis	is	not	an	accurate	reflection	of	value.

Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Per	unit	values	reflect	Cenovus's	40	percent	interest	in	HCML.	Revenues	and	expenses	related	to	the	HCML	joint	venture	are	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method	in	the	

158   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

SUPPLEMENTAL	INFORMATION	(unaudited)

SUPPLEMENTAL	INFORMATION	(unaudited)

Operating	Statistics	-	Netbacks	(1)

Operating	Statistics	-	Netbacks	(1)

		Transportation	and	Blending

		Transportation	and	Blending

Oil	Sands	

Foster	Creek

		Bitumen	($/bbl)

		Sales	Price

		Royalties

		Operating

		Netback

Christina	Lake

		Bitumen	($/bbl)	

Sunrise

		Bitumen	($/bbl)	

		Sales	Price

		Royalties

		Operating

		Netback

		Sales	Price

		Royalties

		Operating

		Netback

		Sales	Price

		Royalties

		Operating

		Netback

		Sales	Price

		Royalties

		Operating

		Netback

		Sales	Price

		Royalties

		Operating

		Netback

Supplemental.

(1)

(2)

(3)

		Transportation	and	Blending

Other	Oil	Sands	(2)

		Bitumen	&	Heavy	Crude	Oil	($/bbl)	

		Transportation	and	Blending

Total	Oil	Sands	(3)	($/BOE)

		Transportation	and	Blending

Conventional	(3)

		Total	Conventional	($/BOE)

		Transportation	and	Blending

Three	Months	Ended

Twelve	Months	Ended

Dec.	31,

Sep.	30,

Jun.	30, Mar.	31,

Dec.	31,

Dec.	31,

Dec.	31,

2022

2022

2022

2022

2021

2022

2021

122.03	

101.06	

128.54	

102.01	

75.43	

19.87	

15.06	

11.44	

29.06	

64.07	

15.14	

6.95	

9.75	

32.23	

57.20	

3.54	

10.97	

15.55	

27.14	

69.24	

8.16	

3.59	

23.84	

33.65	

68.06	

14.40	

9.08	

13.52	

31.06	

48.09	

6.05	

4.08	

11.67	

26.29	

89.42	

26.01	

11.96	

13.46	

37.99	

81.18	

26.13	

6.02	

9.19	

39.84	

79.96	

6.42	

13.17	

17.74	

42.63	

84.95	

7.52	

3.57	

20.87	

52.99	

84.29	

21.26	

7.72	

13.40	

41.91	

44.07	

5.81	

2.43	

11.77	

24.06	

35.72	

10.37	

14.31	

61.63	

114.10	

34.04	

6.75	

11.77	

61.54	

7.81	

12.48	

21.22	

87.03	

127.98	

11.76	

3.28	

24.58	

88.36	

119.98	

28.94	

7.51	

15.70	

67.83	

57.11	

7.34	

2.97	

10.02	

36.78	

21.56	

9.90	

11.19	

58.41	

94.18	

24.65	

6.37	

9.22	

53.94	

4.98	

13.15	

16.95	

66.93	

90.75	

9.19	

3.51	

20.63	

57.42	

95.90	

19.72	

7.23	

12.51	

56.44	

42.84	

6.29	

3.18	

11.33	

22.04	

72.86	

15.67	

9.27	

10.31	

37.61	

65.49	

15.67	

6.32	

8.82	

34.68	

68.62	

3.06	

10.36	

14.03	

41.17	

70.23	

7.95	

3.31	

18.02	

40.95	

69.00	

13.22	

6.76	

11.76	

37.26	

39.07	

4.01	

1.50	

10.96	

22.60	

97.27	

25.80	

11.78	

12.59	

47.10	

88.02	

24.84	

6.51	

9.94	

46.73	

86.05	

5.38	

12.26	

17.49	

50.92	

92.82	

9.12	

3.49	

22.45	

57.76	

91.70	

20.96	

7.89	

13.75	

49.10	

48.15	

6.38	

3.16	

11.18	

27.43	

66.50	

11.75	

10.51	

10.74	

33.50	

60.22	

12.69	

6.19	

8.24	

33.10	

67.10	

2.23	

12.14	

17.15	

35.58	

62.20	

6.40	

4.01	

16.64	

35.15	

62.82	

10.38	

7.23	

11.52	

33.69	

31.20	

3.06	

1.53	

10.66	

15.95	

Offshore
Asia	Pacific	-	China
		Natural	Gas	Liquids	($/bbl)

		Sales	Price
		Royalties
		Operating

		Conventional	Natural	Gas	($/mcf)

		Sales	Price
		Royalties
		Operating

		Asia	Pacific	-	China	Total	(2)	($/BOE)

		Sales	Price
		Royalties
		Operating
		Netback

Asia	Pacific	-	Indonesia	(3)
		Natural	Gas	Liquids	($/bbl)

		Sales	Price
		Royalties
		Operating

		Conventional	Natural	Gas	($/mcf)

		Sales	Price
		Royalties
		Operating

		Asia	Pacific	-	Indonesia	Total	(2)	($/BOE)

		Sales	Price
		Royalties
		Operating
		Netback

Asia	Pacific	-	Total	(3)
		Natural	Gas	Liquids	($/bbl)

		Sales	Price
		Royalties
		Operating

		Conventional	Natural	Gas	($/mcf)

		Sales	Price
		Royalties
		Operating

		Asia	Pacific	-	Total	(2)	($/BOE)

		Sales	Price
		Royalties
		Operating
		Netback

Three	Months	Ended

Dec.	31,
2022

Sep.	30,
2022

Jun.	30, Mar.	31,
2022

2022

Dec.	31,
2021

Twelve	Months	Ended
Dec.	31,
2021

Dec.	31,
2022

97.62	
5.49	
5.36	

13.16	
0.77	
0.89	

82.89	
4.80	
5.36	
72.73	

100.28	
5.68	
6.66	

112.96	
6.42	
5.86	

108.05	
6.15	
4.68	

12.58	
0.72	
1.13	

80.68	
4.63	
6.73	
69.32	

12.43	
0.66	
0.98	

82.25	
4.44	
5.89	
71.92	

12.61	
0.67	
0.78	

82.09	
4.43	
4.66	
73.00	

90.71	
5.30	
5.19	

12.39	
0.85	
0.80	

77.57	
5.15	
4.88	
67.54	

104.67	
5.93	
5.61	

12.69	
0.70	
0.94	

81.99	
4.57	
5.62	
71.80	

115.56	
66.96	
13.76	

137.20	
81.50	
12.08	

148.31	
110.02	
13.66	

119.91	
70.28	
13.54	

108.68	
68.21	
12.23	

130.62	
82.56	
13.24	

9.09	
1.99	
2.32	

66.50	
22.74	
13.88	
29.88	

6.94	
1.18	
2.01	

66.97	
26.80	
12.05	
28.12	

8.34	
2.40	
2.29	

76.06	
39.69	
13.70	
22.67	

9.67	
3.46	
2.25	

74.82	
34.23	
13.51	
27.08	

101.25	
17.91	
7.06	

108.39	
22.33	
7.85	

120.75	
29.27	
7.58	

110.30	
18.29	
6.36	

12.27	
1.03	
1.20	

79.37	
8.64	
7.19	
63.54	

11.62	
0.80	
1.28	

78.19	
8.65	
7.70	
61.84	

11.76	
0.94	
1.20	

81.16	
10.65	
7.27	
63.24	

12.22	
1.04	
0.97	

81.04	
8.76	
5.95	
66.33	

9.16	
2.95	
2.01	

69.72	
31.58	
12.08	
26.06	

94.41	
18.25	
6.64	

11.93	
1.15	
0.97	

76.34	
9.28	
6.01	
61.05	

8.53	
2.20	
2.22	

70.66	
30.19	
13.32	
27.15	

110.05	
21.84	
7.20	

11.98	
0.96	
1.16	

79.96	
9.16	
7.00	
63.80	

76.51	
4.38	
5.18	

11.90	
0.70	
0.85	

72.44	
4.25	
5.10	
63.09	

92.36	
30.99	
9.55	

8.96	
1.45	
1.59	

64.52	
14.93	
9.55	
40.04	

79.83	
9.95	
6.10	

11.48	
0.81	
0.95	

71.19	
5.94	
5.80	
59.45	

The	components	of	each	netback	are	Specified	Financial	Measures.	Netbacks	contain	a	non-GAAP	Financial	Measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	

Includes	Tucker,	Lloydminster	thermal	and	Lloydminster	conventional	heavy	oil.	Sale	of	the	Tucker	asset	closed	on	January	31,	2022.

Natural	gas	volumes	have	been	converted	to	BOE	on	the	basis	of	six	Mcf	to	one	bbl.	BOE	may	be	misleading,	particularly	if	used	in	isolation.	A	conversion	ratio	of	one	bbl	to	

six	Mcf	is	based	on	an	energy	equivalency	conversion	method	primarily	applicable	at	the	burner	tip	and	does	not	represent	value	equivalency	at	the	wellhead.	Given	that	

the	value	ratio	based	on	the	current	price	of	crude	oil	compared	to	natural	gas	is	significantly	different	from	the	energy	equivalency	conversion	ratio	of	6:1,	utilizing	a	

conversion	on	a	6:1	basis	is	not	an	accurate	reflection	of	value.

(1)

(2)

(3)

The	components	of	each	netback	are	Specified	Financial	Measures.	Netbacks	contain	a	non-GAAP	Financial	Measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	
Supplemental.
Natural	gas	volumes	have	been	converted	to	BOE	on	the	basis	of	six	Mcf	to	one	bbl.	BOE	may	be	misleading,	particularly	if	used	in	isolation.	A	conversion	ratio	of	one	bbl	to	six	
Mcf	is	based	on	an	energy	equivalency	conversion	method	primarily	applicable	at	the	burner	tip	and	does	not	represent	value	equivalency	at	the	wellhead.	Given	that	the	
value	ratio	based	on	the	current	price	of	crude	oil	compared	to	natural	gas	is	significantly	different	from	the	energy	equivalency	conversion	ratio	of	6:1,	utilizing	a	conversion	
on	a	6:1	basis	is	not	an	accurate	reflection	of	value.
Per	unit	values	reflect	Cenovus's	40	percent	interest	in	HCML.	Revenues	and	expenses	related	to	the	HCML	joint	venture	are	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method	in	the	
Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   159

SUPPLEMENTAL	INFORMATION	(unaudited)

SUPPLEMENTAL	INFORMATION	(unaudited)

Downstream

U.S.	Manufacturing

Total

		Crude	Oil	Processed	(Mbbls/d)

		Heavy	Crude	Oil

					Light/Medium	Crude	Oil

		Crude	Oil	Throughput	Capacity	(1)	(Mbbls/d)

		Crude	Utilization	(2)	(%)

		Refining	Margin	(3)	(4)	($/bbl)

		Unit	Operating	Expense	(4)	(5)	($/bbl)

Refining	(6)

		Lima	Refinery	Throughput	(Mbbls/d)	

		WRB	Throughput	(7)	(Mbbls/d)

		Toledo	Refinery	Throughput	(7)	(8)	(Mbbls/d)

Production	(Mbbls/d)

Canada

		Transportation	Fuels

		Distillate

		Total	Transportation	Fuels

		Synthetic	Crude	Oil

		Total	Refined	Production

		Asphalt

		Other

		Ethanol

		Total	Canada

United	States

		Transportation	Fuels

		Gasoline

		Distillate

		Total	Transportation	Fuels

		Other

		Total	United	States

Total	Downstream	Production

Three	Months	Ended

Twelve	Months	Ended

Dec.	31,

Sep.	30,

Jun.	30, Mar.	31,

Dec.	31,

Dec.	31,

Dec.	31,

2022

2022

2022

2022

2021

2022

2021

379.2	

127.4	

251.8	

552.5	

75%

24.70	

16.88	

162.6	

216.4	

0.2	

10.5	

10.5	

45.1	

14.3	

25.3	

95.2	

5.0	

194.4	

148.0	

342.4	

52.5	

394.9	

495.1	

435.0	

145.2	

289.8	

502.5	

87%

18.98	

14.90	

164.2	

224.2	

46.6	

10.5	

10.5	

47.7	

15.5	

25.5	

99.2	

5.1	

211.3	

173.6	

384.9	

77.8	

462.7	

567.0	

376.4	

106.5	

269.9	

502.5	

75%

44.81	

19.13	

159.4	

190.0	

27.0	

7.0	

7.0	

43.5	

9.2	

20.3	

80.0	

4.6	

84.6	

176.3	

144.7	

321.0	

71.5	

392.5	

477.1	

403.7	

153.8	

249.9	

502.5	

80%

28.26	

13.59	

136.1	

195.5	

72.1	

9.4	

9.4	

47.8	

15.1	

27.1	

99.4	

4.9	

104.3	

217.5	

147.3	

364.8	

65.8	

430.6	

534.9	

361.6	

155.8	

205.8	

502.5	

72%

15.63	

16.88	

59.5	

227.3	

74.8	

10.8	

10.8	

55.3	

15.6	

28.0	

109.7	

5.2	

114.9	

192.1	

131.4	

323.5	

56.4	

379.9	

494.8	

100.2	

104.3	

400.8	

116.1	

284.7	

552.5	

80%

28.70	

16.04	

157.9	

206.6	

36.3	

9.3	

9.3	

46.0	

13.5	

24.6	

93.4	

4.9	

98.3	

200.0	

153.5	

353.5	

67.0	

420.5	

518.8	

401.5	

138.7	

262.8	

502.5	

80%

14.25	

12.09	

126.9	

204.7	

69.9	

10.0	

10.0	

54.9	

15.5	

27.5	

107.9	

4.2	

112.1	

205.3	

145.3	

350.6	

68.0	

418.6	

530.7	

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

The	Superior	Refinery	commenced	commissioning	in	December	2022.	The	permitted	capacity	is	50.0	Mbbls/d.

Based	on	crude	oil	name	plate	capacity.	Excludes	the	permitted	capacity	of	Superior.

Non-GAAP	financial	measure	or	contains	a	non-GAAP	financial	measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	Supplemental.

Based	on	crude	oil	throughput	volumes	and	operating	results	at	Wood	River,	Borger,	Lima,	Toledo	and	Superior	refineries.

Specified	financial	measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	Supplemental.

On	April	26,	2018,	the	Superior	refinery	experienced	an	incident	while	preparing	for	a	major	turnaround	and	was	taken	out	of	operation.

Represents	Cenovus's	50	percent	interest	in	Wood	River,	Borger	and	Toledo	refinery	operations.

On	September	20,	2022,	there	was	an	incident	at	the	Toledo	refinery.	It	remains	shut	down	in	a	safe	state.

Operating	Statistics	-	Netbacks	(1)

Offshore	(continued)
Atlantic
		Light	Crude	Oil	($/bbl)

		Sales	Price
		Royalties
		Transportation	and	Blending
		Operating
		Netback

Total	Upstream	(2)	(3)
		Total	Upstream	($/BOE)

		Sales	Price
		Royalties
		Transportation	and	Blending
		Operating
		Netback

Three	Months	Ended

Dec.	31,
2022

Sep.	30,
2022

Jun.	30, Mar.	31,
2022

2022

Dec.	31,
2021

Twelve	Months	Ended
Dec.	31,
2021

Dec.	31,
2022

128.76	
1.39	
5.05	
72.43	
49.89	

158.42	
2.86	
5.86	
47.23	
102.47	

146.38	
(11.50)	
2.40	
30.57	
124.91	

130.87	
7.81	
3.51	
36.06	
83.49	

103.63	
6.20	
3.62	
32.61	
61.20	

140.65	
(0.74)	
3.79	
42.03	
95.57	

69.77	
14.19	
8.57	
9.59	
37.42	

83.43	
19.69	
7.01	
10.87	
45.86	

114.40	
25.89	
6.81	
10.61	
71.09	

94.12	
18.61	
6.71	
10.06	
58.74	

70.02	
12.76	
6.02	
9.36	
41.88	

90.34	
19.56	
7.28	
10.29	
53.21	

91.01	
6.07	
3.02	
28.34	
53.58	

62.99	
9.80	
6.33	
9.82	
37.04	

(1)

(2)

(3)

The	components	of	each	netback	are	Specified	Financial	Measures.	Netbacks	contain	a	non-GAAP	Financial	Measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	
Supplemental.
Natural	gas	volumes	have	been	converted	to	BOE	on	the	basis	of	six	Mcf	to	one	bbl.	BOE	may	be	misleading,	particularly	if	used	in	isolation.	A	conversion	ratio	of	one	bbl	to	
six	Mcf	is	based	on	an	energy	equivalency	conversion	method	primarily	applicable	at	the	burner	tip	and	does	not	represent	value	equivalency	at	the	wellhead.	Given	that	
the	value	ratio	based	on	the	current	price	of	crude	oil	compared	to	natural	gas	is	significantly	different	from	the	energy	equivalency	conversion	ratio	of	6:1,	utilizing	a	
conversion	on	a	6:1	basis	is	not	an	accurate	reflection	of	value.
Excludes	natural	gas	volumes	used	for	internal	consumption	by	the	Oil	Sands	segment.	For	the	three	months	ended	September	30,	2022,	the	total	upstream	netback	has	
been	represented.

Downstream

Canadian	Manufacturing
Total
		Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	(Mbbls/d)
		Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	Capacity	(Mbbls/d)
		Crude	Utilization	(1)	(%)
		Refining	Margin	(2)	(3)	($/bbl)
		Unit	Operating	Expense	(3)	(4)	($/bbl)

Lloydminster	Upgrader
		Production	(Mbbls/d)	
		Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	(5)	(Mbbls/d)
		Upgrading	Differential	($/bbl)
		Refining	Margin	(2)	(3)	($/bbl)
		Unit	Operating	Expense	(4)	($/bbl)

Lloydminster	Refinery
		Production	(Mbbls/d)
		Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	(Mbbls/d)
		Refining	Margin	(2)	(3)	($/bbl)
		Unit	Operating	Expense	(4)	($/bbl)

Ethanol
		Ethanol	Production	(millions	of	litres/d)

Rail

Volumes	Loaded	(6)	(Mbbls/d)
Sales	at	U.S.	Locations	(7)	(Mbbls/d)

Fuel	(8)

Number	of	Fuel	Outlets	(average)
Fuel	Sales	Volume	(millions	of	litres/d)
Fuel	Sales	per	Outlet	(thousands	of	litres/d)

Three	Months	Ended

Dec.	31,
2022

Sep.	30,
2022

Jun.	30, Mar.	31,
2022

2022

Dec.	31,
2021

Twelve	Months	Ended
Dec.	31,
2021

Dec.	31,
2022

94.3	
110.5	
85%
46.21	
13.78	

69.2	
68.4	
45.30	
52.60	
12.83	

26.0	
25.9	
29.36	
16.30	

0.8	

2.8	
0.7	

170	
4.8	
28.5	

98.5	
110.5	
89%
38.88	
11.72	

71.9	
71.3	
39.36	
38.33	
11.25	

27.3	
27.2	
40.33	
12.96	

0.8	

1.4	
1.4	

454	
6.9	
15.2	

80.9	
110.5	
73%
24.87	
19.93	

63.7	
64.6	
26.47	
25.54	
16.26	

16.3	
16.3	
22.22	
36.14	

0.7	

—	
—	

511	
6.4	
12.6	

98.1	
110.5	
89%
24.28	
10.99	

71.9	
70.7	
20.50	
26.98	
10.59	

27.5	
27.4	
17.33	
12.01	

0.8	

3.0	
8.5	

515	
6.6	
12.8	

108.3	
110.5	
98%
19.07	
7.99	

81.7	
80.4	
19.71	
21.26	
7.44	

27.9	
27.9	
12.77	
9.81	

0.8	

9.6	
8.1	

522	
7.1	
13.5	

92.9	
110.5	
84%
33.92	
13.91	

69.1	
68.7	
32.84	
36.04	
12.65	

24.3	
24.2	
27.91	
17.49	

0.8	

1.8	
2.6	

413	
6.2	
15.0	

106.5	
110.5	
96%
18.09	
7.55	

80.2	
79.0	
16.83	
18.96	
7.28	

27.6	
27.5	
15.60	
8.35	

0.7	

12.1	
12.3	

531	
6.9	
13.0	

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)

Based	on	crude	oil	name	plate	capacity.
Non-GAAP	financial	measure	or	contains	a	non-GAAP	financial	measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	Supplemental.
Comparative	information	has	been	represented	for	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	refining	margins	to	include	marketing	activities.
Specified	financial	measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	Supplemental.
Upgrader	throughput	includes	diluent	returned	to	the	field.
Volumes	loaded	and	transported	outside	of	Alberta,	Canada.	
Includes	sales	volumes	from	third-party	purchases.
On	September	13,	2022,	we	closed	the	sales	of	337	gas	stations	within	our	retail	fuels	network.	We	retained	our	commercial	fuels	business,	which	includes	approximately	170	
cardlock,	bulk	plant	and	travel	centre	locations.

160   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

The	components	of	each	netback	are	Specified	Financial	Measures.	Netbacks	contain	a	non-GAAP	Financial	Measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	

Natural	gas	volumes	have	been	converted	to	BOE	on	the	basis	of	six	Mcf	to	one	bbl.	BOE	may	be	misleading,	particularly	if	used	in	isolation.	A	conversion	ratio	of	one	bbl	to	

six	Mcf	is	based	on	an	energy	equivalency	conversion	method	primarily	applicable	at	the	burner	tip	and	does	not	represent	value	equivalency	at	the	wellhead.	Given	that	

the	value	ratio	based	on	the	current	price	of	crude	oil	compared	to	natural	gas	is	significantly	different	from	the	energy	equivalency	conversion	ratio	of	6:1,	utilizing	a	

conversion	on	a	6:1	basis	is	not	an	accurate	reflection	of	value.

Excludes	natural	gas	volumes	used	for	internal	consumption	by	the	Oil	Sands	segment.	For	the	three	months	ended	September	30,	2022,	the	total	upstream	netback	has	

Operating	Statistics	-	Netbacks	(1)

Offshore	(continued)

Atlantic

		Light	Crude	Oil	($/bbl)

		Transportation	and	Blending

		Sales	Price

		Royalties

		Operating

		Netback

		Sales	Price

		Royalties

		Operating

		Netback

Supplemental.

Total	Upstream	(2)	(3)

		Total	Upstream	($/BOE)

		Transportation	and	Blending

been	represented.

Downstream

Canadian	Manufacturing

Total

		Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	(Mbbls/d)

		Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	Capacity	(Mbbls/d)

		Crude	Utilization	(1)	(%)

		Refining	Margin	(2)	(3)	($/bbl)

		Unit	Operating	Expense	(3)	(4)	($/bbl)

Lloydminster	Upgrader

		Production	(Mbbls/d)	

		Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	(5)	(Mbbls/d)

		Upgrading	Differential	($/bbl)

		Refining	Margin	(2)	(3)	($/bbl)

		Unit	Operating	Expense	(4)	($/bbl)

Lloydminster	Refinery

		Production	(Mbbls/d)

		Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	(Mbbls/d)

		Refining	Margin	(2)	(3)	($/bbl)

		Unit	Operating	Expense	(4)	($/bbl)

		Ethanol	Production	(millions	of	litres/d)

Volumes	Loaded	(6)	(Mbbls/d)

Sales	at	U.S.	Locations	(7)	(Mbbls/d)

Ethanol

Rail

Fuel	(8)

Number	of	Fuel	Outlets	(average)

Fuel	Sales	Volume	(millions	of	litres/d)

Fuel	Sales	per	Outlet	(thousands	of	litres/d)

Based	on	crude	oil	name	plate	capacity.

(1)

(2)

(3)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

Three	Months	Ended

Twelve	Months	Ended

Dec.	31,

Sep.	30,

Jun.	30, Mar.	31,

Dec.	31,

Dec.	31,

Dec.	31,

2022

2022

2022

2022

2021

2022

2021

128.76	

158.42	

130.87	

103.63	

1.39	

5.05	

72.43	

49.89	

2.86	

5.86	

47.23	

102.47	

146.38	

(11.50)	

2.40	

30.57	

124.91	

7.81	

3.51	

36.06	

83.49	

94.12	

18.61	

6.71	

10.06	

58.74	

6.20	

3.62	

32.61	

61.20	

70.02	

12.76	

6.02	

9.36	

41.88	

140.65	

(0.74)	

3.79	

42.03	

95.57	

90.34	

19.56	

7.28	

10.29	

53.21	

91.01	

6.07	

3.02	

28.34	

53.58	

62.99	

9.80	

6.33	

9.82	

37.04	

69.77	

14.19	

8.57	

9.59	

37.42	

83.43	

19.69	

7.01	

10.87	

45.86	

114.40	

25.89	

6.81	

10.61	

71.09	

Three	Months	Ended

Twelve	Months	Ended

Dec.	31,

Sep.	30,

Jun.	30, Mar.	31,

Dec.	31,

Dec.	31,

Dec.	31,

2022

2022

2022

2022

2021

2022

2021

94.3	

110.5	

85%

46.21	

13.78	

69.2	

68.4	

45.30	

52.60	

12.83	

26.0	

25.9	

29.36	

16.30	

0.8	

2.8	

0.7	

170	

4.8	

28.5	

98.5	

110.5	

89%

38.88	

11.72	

71.9	

71.3	

39.36	

38.33	

11.25	

27.3	

27.2	

40.33	

12.96	

0.8	

1.4	

1.4	

454	

6.9	

15.2	

80.9	

110.5	

73%

24.87	

19.93	

63.7	

64.6	

26.47	

25.54	

16.26	

16.3	

16.3	

22.22	

36.14	

0.7	

—	

—	

511	

6.4	

12.6	

98.1	

110.5	

89%

24.28	

10.99	

71.9	

70.7	

20.50	

26.98	

10.59	

27.5	

27.4	

17.33	

12.01	

0.8	

3.0	

8.5	

515	

6.6	

12.8	

108.3	

110.5	

98%

19.07	

7.99	

81.7	

80.4	

19.71	

21.26	

7.44	

27.9	

27.9	

12.77	

9.81	

0.8	

9.6	

8.1	

522	

7.1	

13.5	

92.9	

110.5	

84%

33.92	

13.91	

69.1	

68.7	

32.84	

36.04	

12.65	

24.3	

24.2	

27.91	

17.49	

0.8	

1.8	

2.6	

413	

6.2	

15.0	

106.5	

110.5	

96%

18.09	

7.55	

80.2	

79.0	

16.83	

18.96	

7.28	

27.6	

27.5	

15.60	

8.35	

0.7	

12.1	

12.3	

531	

6.9	

13.0	

SUPPLEMENTAL	INFORMATION	(unaudited)

SUPPLEMENTAL	INFORMATION	(unaudited)

Downstream

U.S.	Manufacturing
Total
		Crude	Oil	Processed	(Mbbls/d)

		Heavy	Crude	Oil

					Light/Medium	Crude	Oil
		Crude	Oil	Throughput	Capacity	(1)	(Mbbls/d)
		Crude	Utilization	(2)	(%)
		Refining	Margin	(3)	(4)	($/bbl)
		Unit	Operating	Expense	(4)	(5)	($/bbl)

Refining	(6)
		Lima	Refinery	Throughput	(Mbbls/d)	
		WRB	Throughput	(7)	(Mbbls/d)
		Toledo	Refinery	Throughput	(7)	(8)	(Mbbls/d)

Production	(Mbbls/d)
Canada
		Transportation	Fuels

		Distillate

		Total	Transportation	Fuels
		Synthetic	Crude	Oil
		Asphalt
		Other
		Total	Refined	Production
		Ethanol
		Total	Canada
United	States
		Transportation	Fuels

		Gasoline
		Distillate

		Total	Transportation	Fuels
		Other
		Total	United	States
Total	Downstream	Production

Three	Months	Ended

Dec.	31,
2022

Sep.	30,
2022

Jun.	30, Mar.	31,
2022

2022

Dec.	31,
2021

Twelve	Months	Ended
Dec.	31,
2021

Dec.	31,
2022

379.2	
127.4	
251.8	
552.5	
75%
24.70	
16.88	

162.6	
216.4	
0.2	

10.5	
10.5	
45.1	
14.3	
25.3	
95.2	
5.0	
100.2	

194.4	
148.0	
342.4	
52.5	
394.9	
495.1	

435.0	
145.2	
289.8	
502.5	
87%
18.98	
14.90	

164.2	
224.2	
46.6	

10.5	
10.5	
47.7	
15.5	
25.5	
99.2	
5.1	
104.3	

211.3	
173.6	
384.9	
77.8	
462.7	
567.0	

376.4	
106.5	
269.9	
502.5	
75%
44.81	
19.13	

159.4	
190.0	
27.0	

7.0	
7.0	
43.5	
9.2	
20.3	
80.0	
4.6	
84.6	

176.3	
144.7	
321.0	
71.5	
392.5	
477.1	

403.7	
153.8	
249.9	
502.5	
80%
28.26	
13.59	

136.1	
195.5	
72.1	

9.4	
9.4	
47.8	
15.1	
27.1	
99.4	
4.9	
104.3	

217.5	
147.3	
364.8	
65.8	
430.6	
534.9	

361.6	
155.8	
205.8	
502.5	
72%
15.63	
16.88	

59.5	
227.3	
74.8	

10.8	
10.8	
55.3	
15.6	
28.0	
109.7	
5.2	
114.9	

192.1	
131.4	
323.5	
56.4	
379.9	
494.8	

400.8	
116.1	
284.7	
552.5	
80%
28.70	
16.04	

157.9	
206.6	
36.3	

9.3	
9.3	
46.0	
13.5	
24.6	
93.4	
4.9	
98.3	

200.0	
153.5	
353.5	
67.0	
420.5	
518.8	

401.5	
138.7	
262.8	
502.5	
80%
14.25	
12.09	

126.9	
204.7	
69.9	

10.0	
10.0	
54.9	
15.5	
27.5	
107.9	
4.2	
112.1	

205.3	
145.3	
350.6	
68.0	
418.6	
530.7	

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)

The	Superior	Refinery	commenced	commissioning	in	December	2022.	The	permitted	capacity	is	50.0	Mbbls/d.
Based	on	crude	oil	name	plate	capacity.	Excludes	the	permitted	capacity	of	Superior.
Non-GAAP	financial	measure	or	contains	a	non-GAAP	financial	measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	Supplemental.
Based	on	crude	oil	throughput	volumes	and	operating	results	at	Wood	River,	Borger,	Lima,	Toledo	and	Superior	refineries.
Specified	financial	measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	Supplemental.
On	April	26,	2018,	the	Superior	refinery	experienced	an	incident	while	preparing	for	a	major	turnaround	and	was	taken	out	of	operation.
Represents	Cenovus's	50	percent	interest	in	Wood	River,	Borger	and	Toledo	refinery	operations.
On	September	20,	2022,	there	was	an	incident	at	the	Toledo	refinery.	It	remains	shut	down	in	a	safe	state.

Non-GAAP	financial	measure	or	contains	a	non-GAAP	financial	measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	Supplemental.

Comparative	information	has	been	represented	for	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	refining	margins	to	include	marketing	activities.

Specified	financial	measure.	See	the	Specified	Financial	Measures	Advisory	of	this	Supplemental.

Upgrader	throughput	includes	diluent	returned	to	the	field.

Volumes	loaded	and	transported	outside	of	Alberta,	Canada.	

Includes	sales	volumes	from	third-party	purchases.

cardlock,	bulk	plant	and	travel	centre	locations.

On	September	13,	2022,	we	closed	the	sales	of	337	gas	stations	within	our	retail	fuels	network.	We	retained	our	commercial	fuels	business,	which	includes	approximately	170	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   161

SUPPLEMENTAL	INFORMATION	(unaudited)

Advisory	

Specified	Financial	Measures
Certain	financial	measures,	including	non-GAAP	financial	measures,	in	this	document	do	not	have	a	standardized	meaning	prescribed	by	IFRS	and,	therefore,	
are	considered	specified	financial	measures.	These	specified	financial	measures	may	not	be	comparable	to	similar	measures	presented	by	other	issuers.	See	
the	 Specified	 Financial	 Measures	 Advisory	 located	 in	 our	 Management’s	 Discussion	 and	 Analysis	 (“MD&A”)	 for	 the	 periods	 ended	 March	 31,	 2022,	
June	 30,	 2022,	 September	 30,	 2022	 and	 the	 annual	 MD&A	 for	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022	 (available	 on	 SEDAR	 at	 sedar.com)	 for	 information	
incorporated	by	reference	about	these	specified	financial	measures.

162   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

ADVISORY

ADVISORY

ADVISORY

Oil	and	Gas	Information

Oil	and	Gas	Information

Oil	and	Gas	Information

Barrels	of	 Oil	Equivalent	 –	natural	 gas	 volumes	 have	been	converted	to	 BOE	on	 the	basis	of	 six	 Mcf	 to	one	 bbl.	BOE	may	be	

Barrels	of	 Oil	Equivalent	 –	natural	 gas	 volumes	 have	been	converted	to	 BOE	on	 the	basis	of	 six	 Mcf	 to	one	 bbl.	BOE	may	be	

Barrels	of	 Oil	Equivalent	 –	natural	 gas	 volumes	 have	been	converted	to	 BOE	on	 the	basis	of	 six	 Mcf	 to	one	 bbl.	BOE	may	be	

misleading,	 particularly	 if	 used	 in	 isolation.	 A	 conversion	 ratio	 of	 one	 bbl	 to	 six	 Mcf	 is	 based	 on	 an	 energy	 equivalency	

misleading,	 particularly	 if	 used	 in	 isolation.	 A	 conversion	 ratio	 of	 one	 bbl	 to	 six	 Mcf	 is	 based	 on	 an	 energy	 equivalency	

misleading,	 particularly	 if	 used	 in	 isolation.	 A	 conversion	 ratio	 of	 one	 bbl	 to	 six	 Mcf	 is	 based	 on	 an	 energy	 equivalency	

conversion	method	primarily	applicable	at	the	burner	tip	and	does	not	represent	value	equivalency	at	the	wellhead.	Given	that	

conversion	method	primarily	applicable	at	the	burner	tip	and	does	not	represent	value	equivalency	at	the	wellhead.	Given	that	

conversion	method	primarily	applicable	at	the	burner	tip	and	does	not	represent	value	equivalency	at	the	wellhead.	Given	that	

the	 value	 ratio	 based	 on	 the	 current	 price	 of	 crude	 oil	 compared	 with	 natural	 gas	 is	 significantly	 different	 from	 the	 energy	

the	 value	 ratio	 based	 on	 the	 current	 price	 of	 crude	 oil	 compared	 with	 natural	 gas	 is	 significantly	 different	 from	 the	 energy	

the	 value	 ratio	 based	 on	 the	 current	 price	 of	 crude	 oil	 compared	 with	 natural	 gas	 is	 significantly	 different	 from	 the	 energy	

equivalency	conversion	ratio	of	6:1,	utilizing	a	conversion	on	a	6:1	basis	is	not	an	accurate	reflection	of	value.

equivalency	conversion	ratio	of	6:1,	utilizing	a	conversion	on	a	6:1	basis	is	not	an	accurate	reflection	of	value.

equivalency	conversion	ratio	of	6:1,	utilizing	a	conversion	on	a	6:1	basis	is	not	an	accurate	reflection	of	value.

Forward-looking	Information	

Forward-looking	Information	

Forward-looking	Information	

This	 document	 contains	 forward-looking	 statements	 and	 other	 information	 (collectively	 “forward-looking	 information”)	

This	 document	 contains	 forward-looking	 statements	 and	 other	 information	 (collectively	 “forward-looking	 information”)	

This	 document	 contains	 forward-looking	 statements	 and	 other	 information	 (collectively	 “forward-looking	 information”)	

about	 the	 Company’s	 current	 expectations,	 estimates	 and	 projections,	 made	 in	 light	 of	 the	 Company’s	 experience	 and	

about	 the	 Company’s	 current	 expectations,	 estimates	 and	 projections,	 made	 in	 light	 of	 the	 Company’s	 experience	 and	

about	 the	 Company’s	 current	 expectations,	 estimates	 and	 projections,	 made	 in	 light	 of	 the	 Company’s	 experience	 and	

perception	of	historical	 trends.	 Although	 the	 Company	 believes	 that	 the	 expectations	 represented	 by	 such	 forward-looking	

perception	of	historical	 trends.	 Although	 the	 Company	 believes	 that	 the	 expectations	 represented	 by	 such	 forward-looking	

perception	of	historical	 trends.	 Although	 the	 Company	 believes	 that	 the	 expectations	 represented	 by	 such	 forward-looking	

information	are	reasonable,	there	can	be	no	assurance	that	such	expectations	will	prove	to	be	correct.

information	are	reasonable,	there	can	be	no	assurance	that	such	expectations	will	prove	to	be	correct.

information	are	reasonable,	there	can	be	no	assurance	that	such	expectations	will	prove	to	be	correct.

This	

This	

This	

information	

information	

information	

forward-looking	

forward-looking	

forward-looking	

is	

is	

is	

identified	 by	 words	 such	 as	 “anticipate”,	 “believe”,	 “capacity”,	 “commit”,	

identified	 by	 words	 such	 as	 “anticipate”,	 “believe”,	 “capacity”,	 “commit”,	

identified	 by	 words	 such	 as	 “anticipate”,	 “believe”,	 “capacity”,	 “commit”,	

“continue”,	“could”,	 “estimate”,	 “expect”,	 “focus”,	 “forecast”,	 “future”,	 “may”,	 “objective”,	 “opportunities”,	 “option”,	 “plan”,	

“continue”,	“could”,	 “estimate”,	 “expect”,	 “focus”,	 “forecast”,	 “future”,	 “may”,	 “objective”,	 “opportunities”,	 “option”,	 “plan”,	

“continue”,	“could”,	 “estimate”,	 “expect”,	 “focus”,	 “forecast”,	 “future”,	 “may”,	 “objective”,	 “opportunities”,	 “option”,	 “plan”,	

“potential”,	 “project”,	 “progress”,	 “scheduled”,	 “seek”,	 “strive”,	 “target”,	 and	 “will”,	 or	 similar	 expressions	 and	 includes	

“potential”,	 “project”,	 “progress”,	 “scheduled”,	 “seek”,	 “strive”,	 “target”,	 and	 “will”,	 or	 similar	 expressions	 and	 includes	

“potential”,	 “project”,	 “progress”,	 “scheduled”,	 “seek”,	 “strive”,	 “target”,	 and	 “will”,	 or	 similar	 expressions	 and	 includes	

suggestions	 of	future	outcomes,	including,	but	not	limited	to,	statements	about:	Cenovus’s	key	priorities	for	2023	and	beyond,	

suggestions	 of	future	outcomes,	including,	but	not	limited	to,	statements	about:	Cenovus’s	key	priorities	for	2023	and	beyond,	

suggestions	 of	future	outcomes,	including,	but	not	limited	to,	statements	about:	Cenovus’s	key	priorities	for	2023	and	beyond,	

including	safety	and	 operational	 performance,	 sustainability	 leadership,	 cost	 leadership,	 financial	 discipline	 and	 Free	 Funds	

including	safety	and	 operational	 performance,	 sustainability	 leadership,	 cost	 leadership,	 financial	 discipline	 and	 Free	 Funds	

including	safety	and	 operational	 performance,	 sustainability	 leadership,	 cost	 leadership,	 financial	 discipline	 and	 Free	 Funds	

Flow	 growth	 and	 returns-focused	 capital	 allocation;	 the	 focus	 of	 our	 2023	 budget;	 cost	 control;	 maximizing,	 growing	 or	

Flow	 growth	 and	 returns-focused	 capital	 allocation;	 the	 focus	 of	 our	 2023	 budget;	 cost	 control;	 maximizing,	 growing	 or	

Flow	 growth	 and	 returns-focused	 capital	 allocation;	 the	 focus	 of	 our	 2023	 budget;	 cost	 control;	 maximizing,	 growing	 or	

enhancing	 shareholder	 value	 and/or	 returns;	 returning	 incremental	 capital	 to	 shareholders	 beyond	 the	 base	 dividend;	

enhancing	 shareholder	 value	 and/or	 returns;	 returning	 incremental	 capital	 to	 shareholders	 beyond	 the	 base	 dividend;	

enhancing	 shareholder	 value	 and/or	 returns;	 returning	 incremental	 capital	 to	 shareholders	 beyond	 the	 base	 dividend;	

allocating	and	paying	out	Excess	Free	 Funds	 Flow	 under	 the	 capital	 allocation	 framework;	 deleveraging	 the	 balance	 sheet;	 a	

allocating	and	paying	out	Excess	Free	 Funds	 Flow	 under	 the	 capital	 allocation	 framework;	 deleveraging	 the	 balance	 sheet;	 a	

allocating	and	paying	out	Excess	Free	 Funds	 Flow	 under	 the	 capital	 allocation	 framework;	 deleveraging	 the	 balance	 sheet;	 a	

lower	 risk	 profile;	 opportunistic	share	 repurchases	 and	 variable	 dividend	 distributions;	 safety	 performance	 and	 culture;	 the	

lower	 risk	 profile;	 opportunistic	share	 repurchases	 and	 variable	 dividend	 distributions;	 safety	 performance	 and	 culture;	 the	

lower	 risk	 profile;	 opportunistic	share	 repurchases	 and	 variable	 dividend	 distributions;	 safety	 performance	 and	 culture;	 the	

Company’s	 targets	 for	 each	 of	 its	 five	 ESG	 focus	 areas, and long-term ambition to achieve net zero GHG emissions from 

Company’s	 targets	 for	 each	 of	 its	 five	 ESG	 focus	 areas, and long-term ambition to achieve net zero GHG emissions from 

Company’s	 targets	 for	 each	 of	 its	 five	 ESG	 focus	 areas, and long-term ambition to achieve net zero GHG emissions from 

operations by 2050;	 emissions  reductions;  carbon  capture;  methane  reduction;  the Company's work with Pathways Alliance 

operations by 2050;	 emissions  reductions;  carbon  capture;  methane  reduction;  the Company's work with Pathways Alliance 

operations by 2050;	 emissions  reductions;  carbon  capture;  methane  reduction;  the Company's work with Pathways Alliance 

to reach net zero emissions by 2050 in the oil sands; reclaiming decommissioned well sites;  restoring  caribou  habitat; 

to reach net zero emissions by 2050 in the oil sands; reclaiming decommissioned well sites;  restoring  caribou  habitat; 

to reach net zero emissions by 2050 in the oil sands; reclaiming decommissioned well sites;  restoring  caribou  habitat; 

restoration;  economic  self-sufficiency  in  Indigenous  communities;  spending  with Indigenous-owned  businesses;  building 

restoration;  economic  self-sufficiency  in  Indigenous  communities;  spending  with Indigenous-owned  businesses;  building 

restoration;  economic  self-sufficiency  in  Indigenous  communities;  spending  with Indigenous-owned  businesses;  building 

homes  in  communities  near  our  operations;  Free	 Funds	 Flow	 generation,	 allocation,	pay	out	and	growth	through	commodity	

homes  in  communities  near  our  operations;  Free	 Funds	 Flow	 generation,	 allocation,	pay	out	and	growth	through	commodity	

homes  in  communities  near  our  operations;  Free	 Funds	 Flow	 generation,	 allocation,	pay	out	and	growth	through	commodity	

pricing	 cycles;	 upstream	 production	 and	 downstream	 throughput;	 the	 generation	 of	 predictable	 and	 stable	 cash	 flow;	

pricing	 cycles;	 upstream	 production	 and	 downstream	 throughput;	 the	 generation	 of	 predictable	 and	 stable	 cash	 flow;	

pricing	 cycles;	 upstream	 production	 and	 downstream	 throughput;	 the	 generation	 of	 predictable	 and	 stable	 cash	 flow;	

reduced	 risk	 and	 cash	 flow	 volatility;	 optimizing	 Cenovus’s	 asset	 portfolio;	 funding	 near term	 cash	 requirements	 and	

reduced	 risk	 and	 cash	 flow	 volatility;	 optimizing	 Cenovus’s	 asset	 portfolio;	 funding	 near term	 cash	 requirements	 and	

reduced	 risk	 and	 cash	 flow	 volatility;	 optimizing	 Cenovus’s	 asset	 portfolio;	 funding	 near term	 cash	 requirements	 and	

meeting	 payment	 obligations;	 gains	 and	 losses	 from	 risk	 management;	 maintaining	 investment	 grade	 credit	 ratings;	 Net	

meeting	 payment	 obligations;	 gains	 and	 losses	 from	 risk	 management;	 maintaining	 investment	 grade	 credit	 ratings;	 Net	

meeting	 payment	 obligations;	 gains	 and	 losses	 from	 risk	 management;	 maintaining	 investment	 grade	 credit	 ratings;	 Net	

land 

land 

land 

Debt	 targets;	 disciplined	 capital	 allocation;	 ensuring	 sufficient	

Debt	 targets;	 disciplined	 capital	 allocation;	 ensuring	 sufficient	

Debt	 targets;	 disciplined	 capital	 allocation;	 ensuring	 sufficient	

liquidity	 through	 all	 stages	 of	 the	 economic	 cycle;	

liquidity	 through	 all	 stages	 of	 the	 economic	 cycle;	

liquidity	 through	 all	 stages	 of	 the	 economic	 cycle;	

strengthening	 and	 maintaining	 a	 strong	 balance	 sheet;	 flexibility	 in	 both	 high	 and	 low	 commodity	 price	environments;	

strengthening	 and	 maintaining	 a	 strong	 balance	 sheet;	 flexibility	 in	 both	 high	 and	 low	 commodity	 price	environments;	

strengthening	 and	 maintaining	 a	 strong	 balance	 sheet;	 flexibility	 in	 both	 high	 and	 low	 commodity	 price	environments;	

managing	 capital	 structure;	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 Ratio	 and	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 EBITDA	Ratio;	 cost	

managing	 capital	 structure;	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 Ratio	 and	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 EBITDA	Ratio;	 cost	

managing	 capital	 structure;	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 Ratio	 and	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 EBITDA	Ratio;	 cost	

savings;	 cost	 structures	 and	 market	 optimization;	

savings;	 cost	 structures	 and	 market	 optimization;	

savings;	 cost	 structures	 and	 market	 optimization;	

interest	 expense;	 improving	 efficiencies	 to	 drive	incremental	

interest	 expense;	 improving	 efficiencies	 to	 drive	incremental	

interest	 expense;	 improving	 efficiencies	 to	 drive	incremental	

capital,	 operating	 and	 general	 and	 administrative	 cost	 reductions;	 shortening	 and	 optimizing	 the	 value	 chain;	 reducing	

capital,	 operating	 and	 general	 and	 administrative	 cost	 reductions;	 shortening	 and	 optimizing	 the	 value	 chain;	 reducing	

capital,	 operating	 and	 general	 and	 administrative	 cost	 reductions;	 shortening	 and	 optimizing	 the	 value	 chain;	 reducing	

condensate	 costs	 associated	 with	 heavy	 oil	

condensate	 costs	 associated	 with	 heavy	 oil	

condensate	 costs	 associated	 with	 heavy	 oil	

transportation;	 maintaining	

transportation;	 maintaining	

transportation;	 maintaining	

the	 Company’s	 capital	 program	 and	

the	 Company’s	 capital	 program	 and	

the	 Company’s	 capital	 program	 and	

sustaining	 the	 base	 dividend	 at	 US$45	 WTI	 per	 barrel;	 mitigating	 the	 impact	 of	 volatility	 in	 light-heavy	 crude	 oil	

sustaining	 the	 base	 dividend	 at	 US$45	 WTI	 per	 barrel;	 mitigating	 the	 impact	 of	 volatility	 in	 light-heavy	 crude	 oil	

sustaining	 the	 base	 dividend	 at	 US$45	 WTI	 per	 barrel;	 mitigating	 the	 impact	 of	 volatility	 in	 light-heavy	 crude	 oil	

differentials;	 partially	 mitigating	 the	

differentials;	 partially	 mitigating	 the	

differentials;	 partially	 mitigating	 the	

impact	 of	 exposure	 to	 various	 prices	 for	 commodities	 and	 associated	 price	

impact	 of	 exposure	 to	 various	 prices	 for	 commodities	 and	 associated	 price	

impact	 of	 exposure	 to	 various	 prices	 for	 commodities	 and	 associated	 price	

differentials	and	refining	margins;	managing	upstream	production	rates	in	response	to	pipeline	capacity	constraints,	voluntary	

differentials	and	refining	margins;	managing	upstream	production	rates	in	response	to	pipeline	capacity	constraints,	voluntary	

differentials	and	refining	margins;	managing	upstream	production	rates	in	response	to	pipeline	capacity	constraints,	voluntary	

and	 mandated	 production	 curtailments	 and	 crude	 oil	 differentials;	 the	 timing	 of	 the	 restart	 of	 the	 Superior	 Refinery	

and	 mandated	 production	 curtailments	 and	 crude	 oil	 differentials;	 the	 timing	 of	 the	 restart	 of	 the	 Superior	 Refinery	

and	 mandated	 production	 curtailments	 and	 crude	 oil	 differentials;	 the	 timing	 of	 the	 restart	 of	 the	 Superior	 Refinery	

and	 achieving	 processing	 capacity;	 returning	 to	 normal	 processing	 rates	 at	 the	 Wood	 River	 Refinery;	 variable	 payments	 in	

and	 achieving	 processing	 capacity;	 returning	 to	 normal	 processing	 rates	 at	 the	 Wood	 River	 Refinery;	 variable	 payments	 in	

and	 achieving	 processing	 capacity;	 returning	 to	 normal	 processing	 rates	 at	 the	 Wood	 River	 Refinery;	 variable	 payments	 in	

respect	 of	 the	 Sunrise	 acquisition;	 continued	 use	 of	 financial	 instruments	 to	 mitigate	 exposure	 to	 various	 commodities	

respect	 of	 the	 Sunrise	 acquisition;	 continued	 use	 of	 financial	 instruments	 to	 mitigate	 exposure	 to	 various	 commodities	

respect	 of	 the	 Sunrise	 acquisition;	 continued	 use	 of	 financial	 instruments	 to	 mitigate	 exposure	 to	 various	 commodities	

(including	 WTI,	utilized	 in	condensate	and	price	risk	management	for	refining	operations)	 and	products,	including	 associated	

(including	 WTI,	utilized	 in	condensate	and	price	risk	management	for	refining	operations)	 and	products,	including	 associated	

(including	 WTI,	utilized	 in	condensate	and	price	risk	management	for	refining	operations)	 and	products,	including	 associated	

price	differentials	and	 refining	 margins;	 drilling	 activity,	 asset	 integrity	 and	 emissions	 initiatives	 in	 the	 conventional	 segment;	

price	differentials	and	 refining	 margins;	 drilling	 activity,	 asset	 integrity	 and	 emissions	 initiatives	 in	 the	 conventional	 segment;	

price	differentials	and	 refining	 margins;	 drilling	 activity,	 asset	 integrity	 and	 emissions	 initiatives	 in	 the	 conventional	 segment;	

initial	 production	 and	 exploration	 of	 new	 fields	 or	 projects;	 financial	 resilience;	 adjusting	 capital	 and	 operating	 spending,	

initial	 production	 and	 exploration	 of	 new	 fields	 or	 projects;	 financial	 resilience;	 adjusting	 capital	 and	 operating	 spending,	

initial	 production	 and	 exploration	 of	 new	 fields	 or	 projects;	 financial	 resilience;	 adjusting	 capital	 and	 operating	 spending,	

drawing	 down	 on	 credit	 facilities	 or	 repaying	 existing	 debt,	 issuing	 new	 debt,	 or	 issuing	 new	 shares;	 future	 capital	

drawing	 down	 on	 credit	 facilities	 or	 repaying	 existing	 debt,	 issuing	 new	 debt,	 or	 issuing	 new	 shares;	 future	 capital	

drawing	 down	 on	 credit	 facilities	 or	 repaying	 existing	 debt,	 issuing	 new	 debt,	 or	 issuing	 new	 shares;	 future	 capital	

investment,	 including	 for:	 portfolio	 adjustments,	 the	

investment,	 including	 for:	 portfolio	 adjustments,	 the	

investment,	 including	 for:	 portfolio	 adjustments,	 the	

impact	 of	

impact	 of	

impact	 of	

inflation,	 maintaining	 safe	 and	 reliable	 operations,	

inflation,	 maintaining	 safe	 and	 reliable	 operations,	

inflation,	 maintaining	 safe	 and	 reliable	 operations,	

sustaining	 Oil	 Sands	 production,	 sustaining	 drilling	 programs	 in	 the	 conventional	 segment,	 the	 Superior	 Refinery	 rebuild	

sustaining	 Oil	 Sands	 production,	 sustaining	 drilling	 programs	 in	 the	 conventional	 segment,	 the	 Superior	 Refinery	 rebuild	

sustaining	 Oil	 Sands	 production,	 sustaining	 drilling	 programs	 in	 the	 conventional	 segment,	 the	 Superior	 Refinery	 rebuild	

project,	 the	 Terra	 Nova	 ALE	 project	 and	 White	Rose	project,	progressing	the	Narrows	Lake	tie-back	to	Christina	Lake,	refining	

project,	 the	 Terra	 Nova	 ALE	 project	 and	 White	Rose	project,	progressing	the	Narrows	Lake	tie-back	to	Christina	Lake,	refining	

project,	 the	 Terra	 Nova	 ALE	 project	 and	 White	Rose	project,	progressing	the	Narrows	Lake	tie-back	to	Christina	Lake,	refining	

operations	 and	 reliability	 and	 debottlenecking	 in	 our	 downstream	 assets,	 increasing	 heavy	 crude	 oil	 conversion	 capacity;	 the	

operations	 and	 reliability	 and	 debottlenecking	 in	 our	 downstream	 assets,	 increasing	 heavy	 crude	 oil	 conversion	 capacity;	 the	

operations	 and	 reliability	 and	 debottlenecking	 in	 our	 downstream	 assets,	 increasing	 heavy	 crude	 oil	 conversion	 capacity;	 the	

Company’s	 exposure	 to	 light-heavy	 oil	 differentials	 regardless	 of	 crude	 oil	 production;	 the	 status	 and	 timing	 of	 closing	 the	

Company’s	 exposure	 to	 light-heavy	 oil	 differentials	 regardless	 of	 crude	 oil	 production;	 the	 status	 and	 timing	 of	 closing	 the	

Company’s	 exposure	 to	 light-heavy	 oil	 differentials	 regardless	 of	 crude	 oil	 production;	 the	 status	 and	 timing	 of	 closing	 the	

Toledo	Acquisition	and	ramp	up	of	throughput;	applying	the	Company’s	operating	model	at	Sunrise	and	adding	to	production	

Toledo	Acquisition	and	ramp	up	of	throughput;	applying	the	Company’s	operating	model	at	Sunrise	and	adding	to	production	

Toledo	Acquisition	and	ramp	up	of	throughput;	applying	the	Company’s	operating	model	at	Sunrise	and	adding	to	production	

from	 the	 Sunrise	 Acquisition;	 capturing	 value	 from	 crude	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas	 production	 through	 to	 the	 sale	 of	 finished	

from	 the	 Sunrise	 Acquisition;	 capturing	 value	 from	 crude	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas	 production	 through	 to	 the	 sale	 of	 finished	

from	 the	 Sunrise	 Acquisition;	 capturing	 value	 from	 crude	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas	 production	 through	 to	 the	 sale	 of	 finished	

products	 such	 as	 transportation	 fuels;	 reinvestment	 in	 the	business	 and	 diversification;	 the	 winter	 drilling	 program	 in	 the	

products	 such	 as	 transportation	 fuels;	 reinvestment	 in	 the	business	 and	 diversification;	 the	 winter	 drilling	 program	 in	 the	

products	 such	 as	 transportation	 fuels;	 reinvestment	 in	 the	business	 and	 diversification;	 the	 winter	 drilling	 program	 in	 the	

Conventional	 business;	 resuming	 projects,	 including	 restarting	the	 West	 White	 Rose	 project	 and	 achieving	 first	 and	 peak	 oil	

Conventional	 business;	 resuming	 projects,	 including	 restarting	the	 West	 White	 Rose	 project	 and	 achieving	 first	 and	 peak	 oil	

Conventional	 business;	 resuming	 projects,	 including	 restarting	the	 West	 White	 Rose	 project	 and	 achieving	 first	 and	 peak	 oil	

therefrom;	 the	 return	 to	 the	 field	 of	 the	 FPSO	unit	for	the	Terra	Nova	ALE	project	and	the	resumption	of	production;	first	gas	

therefrom;	 the	 return	 to	 the	 field	 of	 the	 FPSO	unit	for	the	Terra	Nova	ALE	project	and	the	resumption	of	production;	first	gas	

therefrom;	 the	 return	 to	 the	 field	 of	 the	 FPSO	unit	for	the	Terra	Nova	ALE	project	and	the	resumption	of	production;	first	gas	

production	from	the	MAC	and	MDK	fields;	drilling	development	wells	and	construction	of	production	facilities	and	production	

production	from	the	MAC	and	MDK	fields;	drilling	development	wells	and	construction	of	production	facilities	and	production	

production	from	the	MAC	and	MDK	fields;	drilling	development	wells	and	construction	of	production	facilities	and	production	

therefrom;	 liabilities	 from	 legal	 proceedings;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 partially	 mitigate	 the	

therefrom;	 liabilities	 from	 legal	 proceedings;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 partially	 mitigate	 the	

therefrom;	 liabilities	 from	 legal	 proceedings;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 partially	 mitigate	 the	

differentials;	 and	 the	 Company’s	 outlook	 for	 commodities	 and	 the	 Canadian	 dollar,	 including	the	influences	thereon,	and	

differentials;	 and	 the	 Company’s	 outlook	 for	 commodities	 and	 the	 Canadian	 dollar,	 including	the	influences	thereon,	and	

differentials;	 and	 the	 Company’s	 outlook	 for	 commodities	 and	 the	 Canadian	 dollar,	 including	the	influences	thereon,	and	

impact	 of	 commodity	

impact	 of	 commodity	

impact	 of	 commodity	

Readers	are	cautioned	not	to	place	undue	reliance	on	forward-looking	information	as	the	Company’s	actual	results	may differ	

Readers	are	cautioned	not	to	place	undue	reliance	on	forward-looking	information	as	the	Company’s	actual	results	may differ	

Readers	are	cautioned	not	to	place	undue	reliance	on	forward-looking	information	as	the	Company’s	actual	results	may differ	

the	effects	thereof	on	Cenovus.	

the	effects	thereof	on	Cenovus.	

the	effects	thereof	on	Cenovus.	

materially	from	those	expressed	or	implied.

materially	from	those	expressed	or	implied.

materially	from	those	expressed	or	implied.

SUPPLEMENTAL	INFORMATION	(unaudited)

Advisory	

Specified	Financial	Measures

Certain	financial	measures,	including	non-GAAP	financial	measures,	in	this	document	do	not	have	a	standardized	meaning	prescribed	by	IFRS	and,	therefore,	

are	considered	specified	financial	measures.	These	specified	financial	measures	may	not	be	comparable	to	similar	measures	presented	by	other	issuers.	See	

the	 Specified	 Financial	 Measures	 Advisory	 located	 in	 our	 Management’s	 Discussion	 and	 Analysis	 (“MD&A”)	 for	 the	 periods	 ended	 March	 31,	 2022,	

June	 30,	 2022,	 September	 30,	 2022	 and	 the	 annual	 MD&A	 for	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2022	 (available	 on	 SEDAR	 at	 sedar.com)	 for	 information	

incorporated	by	reference	about	these	specified	financial	measures.

is	
is	
is	

information	
information	
information	

forward-looking	
forward-looking	
forward-looking	

ADVISORY
ADVISORY
ADVISORY
Oil	and	Gas	Information
Oil	and	Gas	Information
Oil	and	Gas	Information
Barrels	of	 Oil	Equivalent	 –	natural	 gas	 volumes	 have	been	converted	to	 BOE	on	 the	basis	of	 six	 Mcf	 to	one	 bbl.	BOE	may	be	
Barrels	of	 Oil	Equivalent	 –	natural	 gas	 volumes	 have	been	converted	to	 BOE	on	 the	basis	of	 six	 Mcf	 to	one	 bbl.	BOE	may	be	
Barrels	of	 Oil	Equivalent	 –	natural	 gas	 volumes	 have	been	converted	to	 BOE	on	 the	basis	of	 six	 Mcf	 to	one	 bbl.	BOE	may	be	
misleading,	 particularly	 if	 used	 in	 isolation.	 A	 conversion	 ratio	 of	 one	 bbl	 to	 six	 Mcf	 is	 based	 on	 an	 energy	 equivalency	
misleading,	 particularly	 if	 used	 in	 isolation.	 A	 conversion	 ratio	 of	 one	 bbl	 to	 six	 Mcf	 is	 based	 on	 an	 energy	 equivalency	
misleading,	 particularly	 if	 used	 in	 isolation.	 A	 conversion	 ratio	 of	 one	 bbl	 to	 six	 Mcf	 is	 based	 on	 an	 energy	 equivalency	
conversion	method	primarily	applicable	at	the	burner	tip	and	does	not	represent	value	equivalency	at	the	wellhead.	Given	that	
conversion	method	primarily	applicable	at	the	burner	tip	and	does	not	represent	value	equivalency	at	the	wellhead.	Given	that	
conversion	method	primarily	applicable	at	the	burner	tip	and	does	not	represent	value	equivalency	at	the	wellhead.	Given	that	
the	 value	 ratio	 based	 on	 the	 current	 price	 of	 crude	 oil	 compared	 with	 natural	 gas	 is	 significantly	 different	 from	 the	 energy	
the	 value	 ratio	 based	 on	 the	 current	 price	 of	 crude	 oil	 compared	 with	 natural	 gas	 is	 significantly	 different	 from	 the	 energy	
the	 value	 ratio	 based	 on	 the	 current	 price	 of	 crude	 oil	 compared	 with	 natural	 gas	 is	 significantly	 different	 from	 the	 energy	
equivalency	conversion	ratio	of	6:1,	utilizing	a	conversion	on	a	6:1	basis	is	not	an	accurate	reflection	of	value.
equivalency	conversion	ratio	of	6:1,	utilizing	a	conversion	on	a	6:1	basis	is	not	an	accurate	reflection	of	value.
equivalency	conversion	ratio	of	6:1,	utilizing	a	conversion	on	a	6:1	basis	is	not	an	accurate	reflection	of	value.
Forward-looking	Information	
Forward-looking	Information	
Forward-looking	Information	
This	 document	 contains	 forward-looking	 statements	 and	 other	 information	 (collectively	 “forward-looking	 information”)	
This	 document	 contains	 forward-looking	 statements	 and	 other	 information	 (collectively	 “forward-looking	 information”)	
This	 document	 contains	 forward-looking	 statements	 and	 other	 information	 (collectively	 “forward-looking	 information”)	
about	 the	 Company’s	 current	 expectations,	 estimates	 and	 projections,	 made	 in	 light	 of	 the	 Company’s	 experience	 and	
about	 the	 Company’s	 current	 expectations,	 estimates	 and	 projections,	 made	 in	 light	 of	 the	 Company’s	 experience	 and	
about	 the	 Company’s	 current	 expectations,	 estimates	 and	 projections,	 made	 in	 light	 of	 the	 Company’s	 experience	 and	
perception	of	historical	 trends.	 Although	 the	 Company	 believes	 that	 the	 expectations	 represented	 by	 such	 forward-looking	
perception	of	historical	 trends.	 Although	 the	 Company	 believes	 that	 the	 expectations	 represented	 by	 such	 forward-looking	
perception	of	historical	 trends.	 Although	 the	 Company	 believes	 that	 the	 expectations	 represented	 by	 such	 forward-looking	
information	are	reasonable,	there	can	be	no	assurance	that	such	expectations	will	prove	to	be	correct.
information	are	reasonable,	there	can	be	no	assurance	that	such	expectations	will	prove	to	be	correct.
information	are	reasonable,	there	can	be	no	assurance	that	such	expectations	will	prove	to	be	correct.
identified	 by	 words	 such	 as	 “anticipate”,	 “believe”,	 “capacity”,	 “commit”,	
This	
identified	 by	 words	 such	 as	 “anticipate”,	 “believe”,	 “capacity”,	 “commit”,	
This	
identified	 by	 words	 such	 as	 “anticipate”,	 “believe”,	 “capacity”,	 “commit”,	
This	
“continue”,	“could”,	 “estimate”,	 “expect”,	 “focus”,	 “forecast”,	 “future”,	 “may”,	 “objective”,	 “opportunities”,	 “option”,	 “plan”,	
“continue”,	“could”,	 “estimate”,	 “expect”,	 “focus”,	 “forecast”,	 “future”,	 “may”,	 “objective”,	 “opportunities”,	 “option”,	 “plan”,	
“continue”,	“could”,	 “estimate”,	 “expect”,	 “focus”,	 “forecast”,	 “future”,	 “may”,	 “objective”,	 “opportunities”,	 “option”,	 “plan”,	
“potential”,	 “project”,	 “progress”,	 “scheduled”,	 “seek”,	 “strive”,	 “target”,	 and	 “will”,	 or	 similar	 expressions	 and	 includes	
“potential”,	 “project”,	 “progress”,	 “scheduled”,	 “seek”,	 “strive”,	 “target”,	 and	 “will”,	 or	 similar	 expressions	 and	 includes	
“potential”,	 “project”,	 “progress”,	 “scheduled”,	 “seek”,	 “strive”,	 “target”,	 and	 “will”,	 or	 similar	 expressions	 and	 includes	
suggestions	 of	future	outcomes,	including,	but	not	limited	to,	statements	about:	Cenovus’s	key	priorities	for	2023	and	beyond,	
suggestions	 of	future	outcomes,	including,	but	not	limited	to,	statements	about:	Cenovus’s	key	priorities	for	2023	and	beyond,	
suggestions	 of	future	outcomes,	including,	but	not	limited	to,	statements	about:	Cenovus’s	key	priorities	for	2023	and	beyond,	
including	safety	and	 operational	 performance,	 sustainability	 leadership,	 cost	 leadership,	 financial	 discipline	 and	 Free	 Funds	
including	safety	and	 operational	 performance,	 sustainability	 leadership,	 cost	 leadership,	 financial	 discipline	 and	 Free	 Funds	
including	safety	and	 operational	 performance,	 sustainability	 leadership,	 cost	 leadership,	 financial	 discipline	 and	 Free	 Funds	
Flow	 growth	 and	 returns-focused	 capital	 allocation;	 the	 focus	 of	 our	 2023	 budget;	 cost	 control;	 maximizing,	 growing	 or	
Flow	 growth	 and	 returns-focused	 capital	 allocation;	 the	 focus	 of	 our	 2023	 budget;	 cost	 control;	 maximizing,	 growing	 or	
Flow	 growth	 and	 returns-focused	 capital	 allocation;	 the	 focus	 of	 our	 2023	 budget;	 cost	 control;	 maximizing,	 growing	 or	
enhancing	 shareholder	 value	 and/or	 returns;	 returning	 incremental	 capital	 to	 shareholders	 beyond	 the	 base	 dividend;	
enhancing	 shareholder	 value	 and/or	 returns;	 returning	 incremental	 capital	 to	 shareholders	 beyond	 the	 base	 dividend;	
enhancing	 shareholder	 value	 and/or	 returns;	 returning	 incremental	 capital	 to	 shareholders	 beyond	 the	 base	 dividend;	
allocating	and	paying	out	Excess	Free	 Funds	 Flow	 under	 the	 capital	 allocation	 framework;	 deleveraging	 the	 balance	 sheet;	 a	
allocating	and	paying	out	Excess	Free	 Funds	 Flow	 under	 the	 capital	 allocation	 framework;	 deleveraging	 the	 balance	 sheet;	 a	
allocating	and	paying	out	Excess	Free	 Funds	 Flow	 under	 the	 capital	 allocation	 framework;	 deleveraging	 the	 balance	 sheet;	 a	
lower	 risk	 profile;	 opportunistic	share	 repurchases	 and	 variable	 dividend	 distributions;	 safety	 performance	 and	 culture;	 the	
lower	 risk	 profile;	 opportunistic	share	 repurchases	 and	 variable	 dividend	 distributions;	 safety	 performance	 and	 culture;	 the	
lower	 risk	 profile;	 opportunistic	share	 repurchases	 and	 variable	 dividend	 distributions;	 safety	 performance	 and	 culture;	 the	
Company’s	 targets	 for	 each	 of	 its	 five	 ESG	 focus	 areas, and long-term ambition to achieve net zero GHG emissions from 
Company’s	 targets	 for	 each	 of	 its	 five	 ESG	 focus	 areas, and long-term ambition to achieve net zero GHG emissions from 
Company’s	 targets	 for	 each	 of	 its	 five	 ESG	 focus	 areas, and long-term ambition to achieve net zero GHG emissions from 
operations by 2050;	 emissions  reductions;  carbon  capture;  methane  reduction;  the Company's work with Pathways Alliance 
operations by 2050;	 emissions  reductions;  carbon  capture;  methane  reduction;  the Company's work with Pathways Alliance 
operations by 2050;	 emissions  reductions;  carbon  capture;  methane  reduction;  the Company's work with Pathways Alliance 
land 
to reach net zero emissions by 2050 in the oil sands; reclaiming decommissioned well sites;  restoring  caribou  habitat; 
land 
to reach net zero emissions by 2050 in the oil sands; reclaiming decommissioned well sites;  restoring  caribou  habitat; 
land 
to reach net zero emissions by 2050 in the oil sands; reclaiming decommissioned well sites;  restoring  caribou  habitat; 
restoration;  economic  self-sufficiency  in  Indigenous  communities;  spending  with Indigenous-owned  businesses;  building 
restoration;  economic  self-sufficiency  in  Indigenous  communities;  spending  with Indigenous-owned  businesses;  building 
restoration;  economic  self-sufficiency  in  Indigenous  communities;  spending  with Indigenous-owned  businesses;  building 
homes  in  communities  near  our  operations;  Free	 Funds	 Flow	 generation,	 allocation,	pay	out	and	growth	through	commodity	
homes  in  communities  near  our  operations;  Free	 Funds	 Flow	 generation,	 allocation,	pay	out	and	growth	through	commodity	
homes  in  communities  near  our  operations;  Free	 Funds	 Flow	 generation,	 allocation,	pay	out	and	growth	through	commodity	
pricing	 cycles;	 upstream	 production	 and	 downstream	 throughput;	 the	 generation	 of	 predictable	 and	 stable	 cash	 flow;	
pricing	 cycles;	 upstream	 production	 and	 downstream	 throughput;	 the	 generation	 of	 predictable	 and	 stable	 cash	 flow;	
pricing	 cycles;	 upstream	 production	 and	 downstream	 throughput;	 the	 generation	 of	 predictable	 and	 stable	 cash	 flow;	
reduced	 risk	 and	 cash	 flow	 volatility;	 optimizing	 Cenovus’s	 asset	 portfolio;	 funding	 near term	 cash	 requirements	 and	
reduced	 risk	 and	 cash	 flow	 volatility;	 optimizing	 Cenovus’s	 asset	 portfolio;	 funding	 near term	 cash	 requirements	 and	
reduced	 risk	 and	 cash	 flow	 volatility;	 optimizing	 Cenovus’s	 asset	 portfolio;	 funding	 near term	 cash	 requirements	 and	
meeting	 payment	 obligations;	 gains	 and	 losses	 from	 risk	 management;	 maintaining	 investment	 grade	 credit	 ratings;	 Net	
meeting	 payment	 obligations;	 gains	 and	 losses	 from	 risk	 management;	 maintaining	 investment	 grade	 credit	 ratings;	 Net	
meeting	 payment	 obligations;	 gains	 and	 losses	 from	 risk	 management;	 maintaining	 investment	 grade	 credit	 ratings;	 Net	
liquidity	 through	 all	 stages	 of	 the	 economic	 cycle;	
Debt	 targets;	 disciplined	 capital	 allocation;	 ensuring	 sufficient	
liquidity	 through	 all	 stages	 of	 the	 economic	 cycle;	
Debt	 targets;	 disciplined	 capital	 allocation;	 ensuring	 sufficient	
liquidity	 through	 all	 stages	 of	 the	 economic	 cycle;	
Debt	 targets;	 disciplined	 capital	 allocation;	 ensuring	 sufficient	
strengthening	 and	 maintaining	 a	 strong	 balance	 sheet;	 flexibility	 in	 both	 high	 and	 low	 commodity	 price	environments;	
strengthening	 and	 maintaining	 a	 strong	 balance	 sheet;	 flexibility	 in	 both	 high	 and	 low	 commodity	 price	environments;	
strengthening	 and	 maintaining	 a	 strong	 balance	 sheet;	 flexibility	 in	 both	 high	 and	 low	 commodity	 price	environments;	
managing	 capital	 structure;	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 Ratio	 and	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 EBITDA	Ratio;	 cost	
managing	 capital	 structure;	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 Ratio	 and	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 EBITDA	Ratio;	 cost	
managing	 capital	 structure;	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 Ratio	 and	 Net	 Debt	 to	 Adjusted	 EBITDA	Ratio;	 cost	
interest	 expense;	 improving	 efficiencies	 to	 drive	incremental	
savings;	 cost	 structures	 and	 market	 optimization;	
interest	 expense;	 improving	 efficiencies	 to	 drive	incremental	
savings;	 cost	 structures	 and	 market	 optimization;	
interest	 expense;	 improving	 efficiencies	 to	 drive	incremental	
savings;	 cost	 structures	 and	 market	 optimization;	
capital,	 operating	 and	 general	 and	 administrative	 cost	 reductions;	 shortening	 and	 optimizing	 the	 value	 chain;	 reducing	
capital,	 operating	 and	 general	 and	 administrative	 cost	 reductions;	 shortening	 and	 optimizing	 the	 value	 chain;	 reducing	
capital,	 operating	 and	 general	 and	 administrative	 cost	 reductions;	 shortening	 and	 optimizing	 the	 value	 chain;	 reducing	
the	 Company’s	 capital	 program	 and	
condensate	 costs	 associated	 with	 heavy	 oil	
the	 Company’s	 capital	 program	 and	
condensate	 costs	 associated	 with	 heavy	 oil	
the	 Company’s	 capital	 program	 and	
condensate	 costs	 associated	 with	 heavy	 oil	
sustaining	 the	 base	 dividend	 at	 US$45	 WTI	 per	 barrel;	 mitigating	 the	 impact	 of	 volatility	 in	 light-heavy	 crude	 oil	
sustaining	 the	 base	 dividend	 at	 US$45	 WTI	 per	 barrel;	 mitigating	 the	 impact	 of	 volatility	 in	 light-heavy	 crude	 oil	
sustaining	 the	 base	 dividend	 at	 US$45	 WTI	 per	 barrel;	 mitigating	 the	 impact	 of	 volatility	 in	 light-heavy	 crude	 oil	
impact	 of	 exposure	 to	 various	 prices	 for	 commodities	 and	 associated	 price	
differentials;	 partially	 mitigating	 the	
impact	 of	 exposure	 to	 various	 prices	 for	 commodities	 and	 associated	 price	
differentials;	 partially	 mitigating	 the	
impact	 of	 exposure	 to	 various	 prices	 for	 commodities	 and	 associated	 price	
differentials;	 partially	 mitigating	 the	
differentials	and	refining	margins;	managing	upstream	production	rates	in	response	to	pipeline	capacity	constraints,	voluntary	
differentials	and	refining	margins;	managing	upstream	production	rates	in	response	to	pipeline	capacity	constraints,	voluntary	
differentials	and	refining	margins;	managing	upstream	production	rates	in	response	to	pipeline	capacity	constraints,	voluntary	
and	 mandated	 production	 curtailments	 and	 crude	 oil	 differentials;	 the	 timing	 of	 the	 restart	 of	 the	 Superior	 Refinery	
and	 mandated	 production	 curtailments	 and	 crude	 oil	 differentials;	 the	 timing	 of	 the	 restart	 of	 the	 Superior	 Refinery	
and	 mandated	 production	 curtailments	 and	 crude	 oil	 differentials;	 the	 timing	 of	 the	 restart	 of	 the	 Superior	 Refinery	
and	 achieving	 processing	 capacity;	 returning	 to	 normal	 processing	 rates	 at	 the	 Wood	 River	 Refinery;	 variable	 payments	 in	
and	 achieving	 processing	 capacity;	 returning	 to	 normal	 processing	 rates	 at	 the	 Wood	 River	 Refinery;	 variable	 payments	 in	
and	 achieving	 processing	 capacity;	 returning	 to	 normal	 processing	 rates	 at	 the	 Wood	 River	 Refinery;	 variable	 payments	 in	
respect	 of	 the	 Sunrise	 acquisition;	 continued	 use	 of	 financial	 instruments	 to	 mitigate	 exposure	 to	 various	 commodities	
respect	 of	 the	 Sunrise	 acquisition;	 continued	 use	 of	 financial	 instruments	 to	 mitigate	 exposure	 to	 various	 commodities	
respect	 of	 the	 Sunrise	 acquisition;	 continued	 use	 of	 financial	 instruments	 to	 mitigate	 exposure	 to	 various	 commodities	
(including	 WTI,	utilized	 in	condensate	and	price	risk	management	for	refining	operations)	 and	products,	including	 associated	
(including	 WTI,	utilized	 in	condensate	and	price	risk	management	for	refining	operations)	 and	products,	including	 associated	
(including	 WTI,	utilized	 in	condensate	and	price	risk	management	for	refining	operations)	 and	products,	including	 associated	
price	differentials	and	 refining	 margins;	 drilling	 activity,	 asset	 integrity	 and	 emissions	 initiatives	 in	 the	 conventional	 segment;	
price	differentials	and	 refining	 margins;	 drilling	 activity,	 asset	 integrity	 and	 emissions	 initiatives	 in	 the	 conventional	 segment;	
price	differentials	and	 refining	 margins;	 drilling	 activity,	 asset	 integrity	 and	 emissions	 initiatives	 in	 the	 conventional	 segment;	
initial	 production	 and	 exploration	 of	 new	 fields	 or	 projects;	 financial	 resilience;	 adjusting	 capital	 and	 operating	 spending,	
initial	 production	 and	 exploration	 of	 new	 fields	 or	 projects;	 financial	 resilience;	 adjusting	 capital	 and	 operating	 spending,	
initial	 production	 and	 exploration	 of	 new	 fields	 or	 projects;	 financial	 resilience;	 adjusting	 capital	 and	 operating	 spending,	
drawing	 down	 on	 credit	 facilities	 or	 repaying	 existing	 debt,	 issuing	 new	 debt,	 or	 issuing	 new	 shares;	 future	 capital	
drawing	 down	 on	 credit	 facilities	 or	 repaying	 existing	 debt,	 issuing	 new	 debt,	 or	 issuing	 new	 shares;	 future	 capital	
drawing	 down	 on	 credit	 facilities	 or	 repaying	 existing	 debt,	 issuing	 new	 debt,	 or	 issuing	 new	 shares;	 future	 capital	
inflation,	 maintaining	 safe	 and	 reliable	 operations,	
impact	 of	
investment,	 including	 for:	 portfolio	 adjustments,	 the	
inflation,	 maintaining	 safe	 and	 reliable	 operations,	
impact	 of	
investment,	 including	 for:	 portfolio	 adjustments,	 the	
inflation,	 maintaining	 safe	 and	 reliable	 operations,	
impact	 of	
investment,	 including	 for:	 portfolio	 adjustments,	 the	
sustaining	 Oil	 Sands	 production,	 sustaining	 drilling	 programs	 in	 the	 conventional	 segment,	 the	 Superior	 Refinery	 rebuild	
sustaining	 Oil	 Sands	 production,	 sustaining	 drilling	 programs	 in	 the	 conventional	 segment,	 the	 Superior	 Refinery	 rebuild	
sustaining	 Oil	 Sands	 production,	 sustaining	 drilling	 programs	 in	 the	 conventional	 segment,	 the	 Superior	 Refinery	 rebuild	
project,	 the	 Terra	 Nova	 ALE	 project	 and	 White	Rose	project,	progressing	the	Narrows	Lake	tie-back	to	Christina	Lake,	refining	
project,	 the	 Terra	 Nova	 ALE	 project	 and	 White	Rose	project,	progressing	the	Narrows	Lake	tie-back	to	Christina	Lake,	refining	
project,	 the	 Terra	 Nova	 ALE	 project	 and	 White	Rose	project,	progressing	the	Narrows	Lake	tie-back	to	Christina	Lake,	refining	
operations	 and	 reliability	 and	 debottlenecking	 in	 our	 downstream	 assets,	 increasing	 heavy	 crude	 oil	 conversion	 capacity;	 the	
operations	 and	 reliability	 and	 debottlenecking	 in	 our	 downstream	 assets,	 increasing	 heavy	 crude	 oil	 conversion	 capacity;	 the	
operations	 and	 reliability	 and	 debottlenecking	 in	 our	 downstream	 assets,	 increasing	 heavy	 crude	 oil	 conversion	 capacity;	 the	
Company’s	 exposure	 to	 light-heavy	 oil	 differentials	 regardless	 of	 crude	 oil	 production;	 the	 status	 and	 timing	 of	 closing	 the	
Company’s	 exposure	 to	 light-heavy	 oil	 differentials	 regardless	 of	 crude	 oil	 production;	 the	 status	 and	 timing	 of	 closing	 the	
Company’s	 exposure	 to	 light-heavy	 oil	 differentials	 regardless	 of	 crude	 oil	 production;	 the	 status	 and	 timing	 of	 closing	 the	
Toledo	Acquisition	and	ramp	up	of	throughput;	applying	the	Company’s	operating	model	at	Sunrise	and	adding	to	production	
Toledo	Acquisition	and	ramp	up	of	throughput;	applying	the	Company’s	operating	model	at	Sunrise	and	adding	to	production	
Toledo	Acquisition	and	ramp	up	of	throughput;	applying	the	Company’s	operating	model	at	Sunrise	and	adding	to	production	
from	 the	 Sunrise	 Acquisition;	 capturing	 value	 from	 crude	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas	 production	 through	 to	 the	 sale	 of	 finished	
from	 the	 Sunrise	 Acquisition;	 capturing	 value	 from	 crude	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas	 production	 through	 to	 the	 sale	 of	 finished	
from	 the	 Sunrise	 Acquisition;	 capturing	 value	 from	 crude	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas	 production	 through	 to	 the	 sale	 of	 finished	
products	 such	 as	 transportation	 fuels;	 reinvestment	 in	 the	business	 and	 diversification;	 the	 winter	 drilling	 program	 in	 the	
products	 such	 as	 transportation	 fuels;	 reinvestment	 in	 the	business	 and	 diversification;	 the	 winter	 drilling	 program	 in	 the	
products	 such	 as	 transportation	 fuels;	 reinvestment	 in	 the	business	 and	 diversification;	 the	 winter	 drilling	 program	 in	 the	
Conventional	 business;	 resuming	 projects,	 including	 restarting	the	 West	 White	 Rose	 project	 and	 achieving	 first	 and	 peak	 oil	
Conventional	 business;	 resuming	 projects,	 including	 restarting	the	 West	 White	 Rose	 project	 and	 achieving	 first	 and	 peak	 oil	
Conventional	 business;	 resuming	 projects,	 including	 restarting	the	 West	 White	 Rose	 project	 and	 achieving	 first	 and	 peak	 oil	
therefrom;	 the	 return	 to	 the	 field	 of	 the	 FPSO	unit	for	the	Terra	Nova	ALE	project	and	the	resumption	of	production;	first	gas	
therefrom;	 the	 return	 to	 the	 field	 of	 the	 FPSO	unit	for	the	Terra	Nova	ALE	project	and	the	resumption	of	production;	first	gas	
therefrom;	 the	 return	 to	 the	 field	 of	 the	 FPSO	unit	for	the	Terra	Nova	ALE	project	and	the	resumption	of	production;	first	gas	
production	from	the	MAC	and	MDK	fields;	drilling	development	wells	and	construction	of	production	facilities	and	production	
production	from	the	MAC	and	MDK	fields;	drilling	development	wells	and	construction	of	production	facilities	and	production	
production	from	the	MAC	and	MDK	fields;	drilling	development	wells	and	construction	of	production	facilities	and	production	
impact	 of	 commodity	
therefrom;	 liabilities	 from	 legal	 proceedings;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 partially	 mitigate	 the	
impact	 of	 commodity	
therefrom;	 liabilities	 from	 legal	 proceedings;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 partially	 mitigate	 the	
impact	 of	 commodity	
therefrom;	 liabilities	 from	 legal	 proceedings;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 partially	 mitigate	 the	
differentials;	 and	 the	 Company’s	 outlook	 for	 commodities	 and	 the	 Canadian	 dollar,	 including	the	influences	thereon,	and	
differentials;	 and	 the	 Company’s	 outlook	 for	 commodities	 and	 the	 Canadian	 dollar,	 including	the	influences	thereon,	and	
differentials;	 and	 the	 Company’s	 outlook	 for	 commodities	 and	 the	 Canadian	 dollar,	 including	the	influences	thereon,	and	
the	effects	thereof	on	Cenovus.	
the	effects	thereof	on	Cenovus.	
the	effects	thereof	on	Cenovus.	
Readers	are	cautioned	not	to	place	undue	reliance	on	forward-looking	information	as	the	Company’s	actual	results	may differ	
Readers	are	cautioned	not	to	place	undue	reliance	on	forward-looking	information	as	the	Company’s	actual	results	may differ	
Readers	are	cautioned	not	to	place	undue	reliance	on	forward-looking	information	as	the	Company’s	actual	results	may differ	
materially	from	those	expressed	or	implied.
materially	from	those	expressed	or	implied.
materially	from	those	expressed	or	implied.

transportation;	 maintaining	
transportation;	 maintaining	
transportation;	 maintaining	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   163

Developing	 forward-looking	 information	 involves	 reliance	 on	 a	 number	 of	 assumptions	 and	 consideration	 of	 certain	 risks	 and 
uncertainties,	 some	 of	 which	 are	 specific	 to	 the	 Company	 and	 others	 that	 apply	 to	 the	 industry	 generally.	 The	 factors	 or	
assumptions	 on	 which	 the	 forward-looking	 information	 is	 based	 include,	 but	 are	 not	 limited	 to:	 forecast	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas,	
natural	 gas	 liquids,	 condensate	 and	 refined	 products	 prices,	 light-heavy	 crude	 oil	 price	 differentials;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	
realize	 the	 anticipated	 benefits	 and	 anticipated	 cost	 synergies	 of	 acquisitions;	 the	 accuracy	 of	 any	 assessments	 undertaken	 in	
connection	 with	 acquisitions;	 forecast	 production	 and	 throughput	 volumes	 and	 timing	 thereof;	 projected	 capital	 investment	
levels,	the	 flexibility	 of	 capital	 spending	 plans	 and	 associated	 sources	 of	 funding;	 the	 absence	 of	 significant	 adverse	changes	 to	
government	 policies,	 legislation	 and	 regulations	 (including	 related	 to	 climate	 change),	 Indigenous	 relations,	 interest	 rates,	
inflation,	 foreign	 exchange	 rates,	 competitive	 conditions	 and	 the	 supply	 and	 demand	 for	 crude	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas,	 NGLs,	
condensate	and	refined	products;	the	political,	economic	and	social	stability	of	jurisdictions	in	which	the	Company	operates;	the	
absence	of	significant	 disruption	 of	operations,	including	 as	a	result	of	harsh	weather,	natural	 disaster,	accident,	civil	 unrest	or	
other	 similar	 events;	 the	 prevailing	 climatic	 conditions	 in	 the	 Company’s	 operating	 locations;	 achievement	 of	 further	 cost	
reductions	 and	 sustainability	 thereof;	 applicable	 royalty	 regimes,	 including	 expected	 royalty	 rates;	 future	 improvements	 in	
availability	 of	 product	 transportation	 capacity;	 increase	 to	 the	 Company’s	 share	 price	 and	 market	 capitalization	 over	 the	 long	
term;	 opportunities	 to	 purchase	 shares	 for	 cancellation	 at	 prices	 acceptable	 to	 the	 Company;	 the	 sufficiency	 of	 cash	 balances,	
internally	 generated	 cash	 flows,	 existing	 credit	 facilities,	 management	 of	 the	 Company’s	 asset	 portfolio	 and	 access	 to	 capital	
and	 insurance	 coverage	 to	 pursue	 and	 fund	 future	 investments,	 sustainability	 and	 development	 plans	 and	 dividends,	 including	
any	 increase	 thereto;	 production	 from	 the	 Company’s	 Conventional	 segment	 providing	 an	 economic	 hedge	 for	 the	 natural	 gas	
required	 as	 a	 fuel	 source	 at	 both	 the	 Company’s	 oil	 sands	 and	 refining	 operations;	 realization	 of	 expected	 capacity	 to	 store	
within	the	Company’s	oil	sands	reservoirs	barrels	not	yet	produced,	including	that	the	Company	will	be	able	to	time	production	
and	sales	of	our	inventory	at	later	dates	when	demand	has	increased,	pipeline	and/or	storage	capacity	has	improved	and	future	
crude	 oil	 differentials	 have	 narrowed;	 the	 WTI-WCS	 differential	 in	 Alberta	 remains	 largely	 tied	 to	 global	 supply	 factors	 and	
heavy	 crude	 processing	 capacity;	 the	 ability	 of	 the	 Company’s	 refining	 capacity,	 dynamic	 storage,	 existing	 pipeline	
commitments,	crude-by-rail	 loading	 capacity	and	financial	 hedge	transactions	 to	partially	 mitigate	a	portion	 of	the	Company’s	
WCS	 crude	 oil	 volumes	 against	 wider	 differentials;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 produce	 from	 oil	 sands	 facilities	 on	 an	
unconstrained	 basis;	 estimates	 of	 quantities	 of	 oil,	 bitumen,	 natural	 gas	 and	 liquids	 from	 properties	 and	 other	 sources	 not	
currently	 classified	 as	 proved;	 the	 accuracy	 of	 accounting	 estimates	 and	 judgments;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 obtain	 necessary	
regulatory	 and	 partner	 approvals;	 the	 successful,	 timely	 and	 cost	 effective	 implementation	 of	 capital	 projects,	 development	
projects	 or	 stages	 thereof;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 meet	 current	 and	 future	 obligations;	 estimated	 abandonment	 and	
reclamation	 costs,	 including	 associated	 levies	 and	 regulations	 applicable	 thereto;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 obtain	 and	 retain	
qualified	 staff	 and	 equipment	 in	 a	 timely	 and	 cost-efficient	 manner;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 complete	 acquisitions	 and	
dispositions,	 including	 with	 desired	 transaction	 metrics	 and	 within	 expected	 timelines;	 the	 accuracy	 of	 climate	 scenarios	 and	
assumptions,	 including	 third	 party	 data	 on	 which	 the	 Company	 relies;	 ability	 to	 access	 and	 implement	 all	 technology	 and 
equipment	 necessary	 to	 achieve	 expected	 future	 results,	 including	 in	 respect	 of	 climate	 and	 GHG	 emissions	 targets	 and	
ambition,	 and	 the	 commercial	 viability	 and	 scalability	 of	 emission	 reduction	 strategies	 and	 related	 technology	 and	 products;	
collaboration	 with	 the	 government,	 Pathways	 Alliance	 and	 other	 industry	 organizations;	 alignment	 of	 realized	 WCS	 and	 WCS	
prices	 used	 to	 calculate	 the	 variable	 payment	 to	 BP	 Canada;	 market	 and	 business	 conditions;	 forecast	 inflation	 and	 other	
assumptions	 inherent	 in	 the	 Company’s	 2023	 guidance	 available	 on	 cenovus.com	 and	 as	 set	 out	 below;	 the	 availability	 of	
Indigenous	owned	or	operated	businesses	and	the	Company’s	ability	to	retain	them;	and	other	risks	and	uncertainties	described	
from	time	to	time	in	the	filings	the	Company	makes	with	securities	regulatory	authorities.

2023	 guidance,	 as	 updated	 December	 5,	 2022,	 and	 available	 on	 cenovus.com,	 assumes:	 Brent	 prices	 of	 US$83.00	 per 
barrel,	 WTI	 prices	 of	 US$77.00	 per	 barrel;	 WCS	 of	 US$54.50	 per	 barrel;	 Differential	 WTI-WCS	 of	 US$22.50	 per	
barrel;	 AECO	 natural	 gas	 prices	 of	 $4.85	 per	 thousand	 cubic	 feet;	 Chicago	 3-2-1	 crack	 spread	 of	 US$26.50	 per	 barrel;	
and	 an	 exchange	rate	of	$0.75	US$/C$.

The	 risk	 factors	 and	 uncertainties	 that	 could	 cause	 the	 Company’s	 actual	 results	 to	 differ	 materially	 from	 the	 forward-looking 
information,	 include,	 but	 are	 not	 limited	 to:	 the	 effect	 of	 the	 COVID-19	 pandemic,	 including	 any	 variants	 thereof,	 on	 the	
Company’s	 business,	 including	 any	 related	 restrictions,	 containment,	 and	 treatment	 measures	 taken	 by	 varying	 levels	 of	
government	in	 the	jurisdictions	 in	 which	 the	Company	 operates;	the	 success	 of	 the	 Company’s	 COVID-19	 workplace	 policies;	 the	
Company’s	 ability	 to	 realize	 the	 anticipated	 benefits	 of	 acquisitions	 in	 a	 timely	 manner	 or	 at	 all;	 unforeseen	 or	 underestimated	
liabilities	 associated	 with	 acquisitions;	 risks	 associated	 with	 acquisitions	 and	 dispositions;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 access	 or	
implement	 some	 or	 all	 of	 the	 technology	 necessary	 to	 efficiently	 and	 effectively	 operate	 its	 assets	 and	 achieve	 expected	 future	
results	 including	 in	 respect	 of	 climate	 and	 GHG	 emissions	 targets	 and	 ambition	 and	 the	 commercial	 viability	 and	 scalability	 of	
emission	reduction	strategies	and	related	technology	and	products;	the	development	and	execution	of	implementing	strategies	to	
meet	 climate	 and	 GHG	 emissions	 targets	 and	 net zero  ambition;	 the	 effect	 of	 new	 significant	 shareholders;	 volatility	 of	and	
other	assumptions	 regarding	 commodity	 prices;	 the	 duration	 of	 any	 market	 downturn;	 foreign	 exchange	 risk,	 including	related	
to	agreements	denominated	in	foreign	currencies;	the	Company’s	continued	liquidity	is	sufficient	to	sustain	operations	through	 a	
prolonged	 market	 downturn;	 WTI-WCS	 differential	 will	 remain	 largely	 tied	 to	 global	 supply	 factors	 and	 heavy	 crude	processing	
capacity;	the	Company’s	ability	to	realize	the	expected	impacts	of	its	capacity	to	store	within	its	oil	sands	reservoirs	barrels	not	 yet	
produced,	 including	 possible	 inability	 to	 time	production	 and	 sales	at	later	dates	when	 pipeline	 and/or	 storage	capacity	and	

164   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

The	following	abbreviations	and	definitions	have	been	used	in	this	document:

crude	 oil	 differentials	 have	 improved;	 the	 effectiveness	 of	 the	 Company’s	 risk	 management	 program;	 the	 accuracy	 of	 cost	

estimates	 regarding	 commodity	 prices,	 currency	 and	 interest	 rates;	 lack	 of	 alignment	 of	 realized	 WCS	 prices	 and	 WCS	 prices	

used	to	recalculate	the	variable	payment	to	BP	Canada;	product	supply	and	demand;	the	accuracy	of	the	Company’s	share	price	

and	 market	 capitalization	 assumptions;	 market	 competition,	 including	 from	 alternative	 energy	 sources;	 risks	 inherent	 in	 the	

Company’s	 marketing	 operations,	 including	 credit	 risks,	 exposure	 to	 counterparties	 and	 partners,	 including	 the	 ability	 and	

willingness	of	such	parties	to	satisfy	contractual	obligations	in	a	timely	manner;	risks	inherent	in	the	operation	of	the	Company’s	

crude-by-rail	 terminal,	 including	 health,	 safety	 and	 environmental	 risks;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 maintain	 desirable	 ratios	 of	

Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	and	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow;	the	Company’s	ability	to	access	various	sources	of	debt	and	

equity	capital,	generally,	and	on	acceptable	terms;	the	Company’s	ability	to	finance	growth	and	sustaining	capital	expenditures;	

changes	 in	 credit	 ratings	 applicable	 to	 the	 Company	 or	 any	 of	 its	 securities;	 changes	 to	 the	 Company’s	 dividend	 plans;	 the	

Company’s	ability	to	utilize	tax	losses	in	the	future;	the	accuracy	of	the	Company’s	reserves,	future	production	and	future	net	

revenue	estimates;	the	accuracy	of	the	Company’s	accounting	estimates	and	judgements;	the	Company’s	ability	to	replace	and	

expand	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	reserves;	the	costs	to	acquire	exploration	rights,	undertake	geological	studies,	appraisal	drilling	

and	 project	 developments;	 potential	 requirements	 under	 applicable	 accounting	 standards	 for	 impairment	 or	 reversal	 of	

estimated	recoverable	amounts	of	some	or	all	of	the	Company’s	assets	or	goodwill	from	time	to	time;	the	Company’s	ability	to	

maintain	 its	 relationships	 with	 its	 partners	 and	 to	 successfully	 manage	 and	 operate	 its	 integrated	 operations	 and	 business;	

reliability	of	the	Company’s	assets	including	in	order	to	meet	production	targets;	potential	disruption	or	unexpected	technical	

difficulties	 in	 developing	 new	 products	 and	 manufacturing	 processes;	 the	 occurrence	 of	 unexpected	 events	 resulting	 in	

operational	interruptions,	including	at	facilities	operated	by	our	partners	or	third	parties,	such	as	blowouts,	fires,	explosions,	

railcar	 incidents	 or	 derailments,	 aviation	 incidents,	 iceberg	 collisions,	 gaseous	 leaks,	 migration	 of	 harmful	 substances,	 loss	 of	

containment,	releases	or	spills,	including	releases	or	spills	from	offshore	facilities	and	shipping	vessels	at	terminals	or	hubs	and	

as	a	result	of	pipeline	or	other	leaks,	corrosion,	epidemics	or	pandemics,	and	catastrophic	events,	including,	but	not	limited	to,	

war,	adverse	sea	conditions,	extreme	weather	events,	natural	disasters,	acts	of	activism,	vandalism	and	terrorism,	and	other	

accidents	 or	 hazards	 that	 may	 occur	 at	 or	 during	 transport	 to	 or	 from	 commercial	 or	 industrial	 sites	 and	 other	 accidents	 or	

similar	 events;	 refining	 and	 marketing	 margins;	 cost	 escalations,	 including	 inflationary	 pressures	 on	 operating	 costs,	 such	 as	

labour,	materials,	natural	gas	and	other	energy	sources	used	in	oil	sands	processes	and	downstream	operations	and	increased	

insurance	deductibles	or	premiums;	the	cost	 and	availability	of	equipment	necessary	to	the	Company’s	operations;	 potential	

failure	 of	 products	 to	 achieve	 or	 maintain	 acceptance	 in	 the	 market;	 risks	 associated	 with	 the	 energy	 industry’s	 and	 the	

Company’s	reputation,	social	license	to	operate	and	litigation	related	thereto;	unexpected	cost	increases	or	technical	difficulties	

in	operating,	constructing	or	modifying	manufacturing	or	refining	facilities;	unexpected	difficulties	in	producing,	transporting	or	

refining	bitumen	and/or	crude	oil	into	petroleum	and	chemical	products;	risks	associated	with	technology	and	equipment	and	

its	 application	 to	 the	 Company’s	 business,	 including	 potential	 cyberattacks;	 geo-political	 and	 other	 risks	 associated	 with	 the	

Company’s	international	operations;	risks	associated	with	climate	change	and	the	Company’s	assumptions	relating	thereto;	the	

timing	and	the	costs	of	well	and	pipeline	construction;	the	Company’s	ability	to	access	markets	and	to	secure	adequate	and	cost	

effective	 product	 transportation	 including	 sufficient	 pipeline,	 crude-by-rail,	 marine	 or	 alternate	 transportation,	 including	 to	

address	any	gaps	caused	by	constraints	in	the	pipeline	system	or	storage	capacity;	availability	of,	and	the	Company’s	ability	to	

attract	 and	 retain,	 critical	 and	 diverse	 talent;	 possible	 failure	 to	 obtain	 and	 retain	 qualified	 leadership	 and	 personnel,	 and	

equipment	 in	 a	 timely	 and	 cost	 efficient	 manner;	 changes	 in	 labour	 demographics	 and	 relationships,	 including	 with	 any	

unionized	 workforces;	 unexpected	 abandonment	 and	 reclamation	 costs;	 changes	 in	 the	 regulatory	 frameworks,	 permits	 and	

approvals	 in	 any	 of	 the	 locations	 in	 which	 the	 Company	 operates	 or	 to	 any	 of	 the	 infrastructure	 upon	 which	 it	 relies;	

government	actions	or	regulatory	initiatives	to	curtail	energy	operations	or	pursue	broader	climate	change	agendas;	changes	to	

regulatory	approval	processes	and	land	use	designations,	royalty,	tax,	environmental,	GHG,	carbon,	climate	change	and	other	

laws	or	regulations,	or	changes	to	the	interpretation	of	such	laws	and	regulations,	as	adopted	or	proposed,	the	impact	thereof	

and	the	costs	associated	with	compliance;	the	expected	impact	and	timing	of	various	accounting	pronouncements,	rule	changes	

and	 standards	 on	 the	 Company’s	 business,	 its	 financial	 results	 and	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements;	 changes	 in	 general	

economic,	 market	 and	 business	 conditions;	 the	 impact	 of	 production	 agreements	 among	 OPEC	 and	 non-OPEC	 members;	 the	

political,	 social	 and	 economic	 conditions	 in	 the	 jurisdictions	 in	 which	 the	 Company	 operates	 or	 supplies;	 the	 status	 of	 the	

Company’s	relationships	with	the	communities	in	which	it	operates,	including	with	Indigenous	communities;	the	occurrence	of	

unexpected	 events	 such	 as	 protests,	 pandemics,	 war,	 terrorist	 threats	 and	 the	 instability	 resulting	 therefrom;	 and	 risks	

associated	 with	 existing	 and	 potential	 future	 lawsuits,	 shareholder	 proposals	 and	 regulatory	 actions	 against	 the	 Company.	 In	

addition,	 there	 are	 risks	 that	 the	 effect	 of	 actions  taken  by  us  in  pursuing  our  ESG  focus  area  targets,  commitments  and 

ambition may have a negative impact	on	our	existing	business,	growth	plans	and	future	results	from	operations.

Readers	are	cautioned	that	the	foregoing	lists	are	not	exhaustive	and	are	made	as	at	the	date	hereof.	Events	or	circumstances	

could	 cause	 our	 actual	 results	 to	 differ	 materially	 from	 those	 estimated	 or	 projected	 and	 expressed	 in,	 or	 implied	 by,	

the	 forward-looking	 information.	 For	 a	 full	 discussion	 of	 the	 Company’s	 material	 risk	 factors,	 see	 Risk	 Management	 and	 Risk	

Factors	in	this	MD&A,	and	the	risk	factors	described	in	other	documents	the	Company	files	from	time	to	time	with	securities	

regulatory	authorities	 in	 Canada,	 available	 on	 SEDAR	 at	 sedar.com,	 and	 with	 the	 U.S.	 Securities	 and	 Exchange	 Commission	

on	EDGAR	at	sec.gov,	and	on	the	Company’s	website	at	cenovus.com.

Information	 on	 or	 connected	 to	 the	 Company’s	 website	 at	 cenovus.com	 does	 not	 form	 part	 of this Annual Report	 unless	

expressly	incorporated	by	reference	herein.

ABBREVIATIONS	AND	DEFINITIONS

Crude	Oil

bbl

Mbbls/d

MMbbls

BOE

MBOE

MBOE/d

MMBOE

WTI

WCS

HSB

OPEC

OPEC+

FPSO

barrel

thousand	barrels	per	day

million	barrels

barrel	of	oil	equivalent

million	barrels	of	oil	equivalent

West	Texas	Intermediate

Western	Canadian	Select

Husky	Synthetic	Blend

Organization	of	Petroleum	Exporting	Countries

OPEC	and	a	group	of	10	non-OPEC	members

Floating	production	storage	and	offloading	unit

thousand	barrels	of	oil	equivalent

MMBtu

million	British	thermal	units

thousand	barrels	of	oil	equivalent	per	day

gigajoule

Natural	Gas

Mcf

MMcf

thousand	cubic	feet

million	cubic	feet

MMcf/d

million	cubic	feet	per	day

billion	cubic	feet

Bcf

GJ

AECO

NYMEX

SAGD

Alberta	Energy	Company

New	York	Mercantile	Exchange

steam-assisted	gravity	drainage

Scope	 1	 emissions	 are	 direct	 GHG	 emissions	 from	 owned	 or	 operated	 facilities	 by	 the	 reporting	 company.	 This	 includes	

emissions	from	fuel	combustion,	venting,	flaring,	industrial	processes	and	fugitive	leaks	from	equipment.	Cenovus	accounts	for	

emissions	on	a	gross	operatorship	basis.	The	Company	also	reports	its	net-equity	share	of	emissions	from	all	of	its	assets.

Scope	2	emissions	are	indirect	GHG	emissions	associated	with	the	purchase	or	acquisition	of	electricity,	steam,	heat,	or	cooling	

for	use	at	the	owned	or	operated	facility.

Developing	 forward-looking	 information	 involves	 reliance	 on	 a	 number	 of	 assumptions	 and	 consideration	 of	 certain	 risks	 and 

uncertainties,	 some	 of	 which	 are	 specific	 to	 the	 Company	 and	 others	 that	 apply	 to	 the	 industry	 generally.	 The	 factors	 or	

assumptions	 on	 which	 the	 forward-looking	 information	 is	 based	 include,	 but	 are	 not	 limited	 to:	 forecast	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas,	

natural	 gas	 liquids,	 condensate	 and	 refined	 products	 prices,	 light-heavy	 crude	 oil	 price	 differentials;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	

realize	 the	 anticipated	 benefits	 and	 anticipated	 cost	 synergies	 of	 acquisitions;	 the	 accuracy	 of	 any	 assessments	 undertaken	 in	

connection	 with	 acquisitions;	 forecast	 production	 and	 throughput	 volumes	 and	 timing	 thereof;	 projected	 capital	 investment	

levels,	the	 flexibility	 of	 capital	 spending	 plans	 and	 associated	 sources	 of	 funding;	 the	 absence	 of	 significant	 adverse	changes	 to	

government	 policies,	 legislation	 and	 regulations	 (including	 related	 to	 climate	 change),	 Indigenous	 relations,	 interest	 rates,	

inflation,	 foreign	 exchange	 rates,	 competitive	 conditions	 and	 the	 supply	 and	 demand	 for	 crude	 oil	 and	 natural	 gas,	 NGLs,	

condensate	and	refined	products;	the	political,	economic	and	social	stability	of	jurisdictions	in	which	the	Company	operates;	the	

absence	of	significant	 disruption	 of	operations,	including	 as	a	result	of	harsh	weather,	natural	 disaster,	accident,	civil	 unrest	or	

other	 similar	 events;	 the	 prevailing	 climatic	 conditions	 in	 the	 Company’s	 operating	 locations;	 achievement	 of	 further	 cost	

reductions	 and	 sustainability	 thereof;	 applicable	 royalty	 regimes,	 including	 expected	 royalty	 rates;	 future	 improvements	 in	

availability	 of	 product	 transportation	 capacity;	 increase	 to	 the	 Company’s	 share	 price	 and	 market	 capitalization	 over	 the	 long	

term;	 opportunities	 to	 purchase	 shares	 for	 cancellation	 at	 prices	 acceptable	 to	 the	 Company;	 the	 sufficiency	 of	 cash	 balances,	

internally	 generated	 cash	 flows,	 existing	 credit	 facilities,	 management	 of	 the	 Company’s	 asset	 portfolio	 and	 access	 to	 capital	

and	 insurance	 coverage	 to	 pursue	 and	 fund	 future	 investments,	 sustainability	 and	 development	 plans	 and	 dividends,	 including	

any	 increase	 thereto;	 production	 from	 the	 Company’s	 Conventional	 segment	 providing	 an	 economic	 hedge	 for	 the	 natural	 gas	

required	 as	 a	 fuel	 source	 at	 both	 the	 Company’s	 oil	 sands	 and	 refining	 operations;	 realization	 of	 expected	 capacity	 to	 store	

within	the	Company’s	oil	sands	reservoirs	barrels	not	yet	produced,	including	that	the	Company	will	be	able	to	time	production	

and	sales	of	our	inventory	at	later	dates	when	demand	has	increased,	pipeline	and/or	storage	capacity	has	improved	and	future	

crude	 oil	 differentials	 have	 narrowed;	 the	 WTI-WCS	 differential	 in	 Alberta	 remains	 largely	 tied	 to	 global	 supply	 factors	 and	

heavy	 crude	 processing	 capacity;	 the	 ability	 of	 the	 Company’s	 refining	 capacity,	 dynamic	 storage,	 existing	 pipeline	

commitments,	crude-by-rail	 loading	 capacity	and	financial	 hedge	transactions	 to	partially	 mitigate	a	portion	 of	the	Company’s	

WCS	 crude	 oil	 volumes	 against	 wider	 differentials;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 produce	 from	 oil	 sands	 facilities	 on	 an	

unconstrained	 basis;	 estimates	 of	 quantities	 of	 oil,	 bitumen,	 natural	 gas	 and	 liquids	 from	 properties	 and	 other	 sources	 not	

currently	 classified	 as	 proved;	 the	 accuracy	 of	 accounting	 estimates	 and	 judgments;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 obtain	 necessary	

regulatory	 and	 partner	 approvals;	 the	 successful,	 timely	 and	 cost	 effective	 implementation	 of	 capital	 projects,	 development	

projects	 or	 stages	 thereof;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 meet	 current	 and	 future	 obligations;	 estimated	 abandonment	 and	

reclamation	 costs,	 including	 associated	 levies	 and	 regulations	 applicable	 thereto;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 obtain	 and	 retain	

qualified	 staff	 and	 equipment	 in	 a	 timely	 and	 cost-efficient	 manner;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 complete	 acquisitions	 and	

dispositions,	 including	 with	 desired	 transaction	 metrics	 and	 within	 expected	 timelines;	 the	 accuracy	 of	 climate	 scenarios	 and	

assumptions,	 including	 third	 party	 data	 on	 which	 the	 Company	 relies;	 ability	 to	 access	 and	 implement	 all	 technology	 and 

equipment	 necessary	 to	 achieve	 expected	 future	 results,	 including	 in	 respect	 of	 climate	 and	 GHG	 emissions	 targets	 and	

ambition,	 and	 the	 commercial	 viability	 and	 scalability	 of	 emission	 reduction	 strategies	 and	 related	 technology	 and	 products;	

collaboration	 with	 the	 government,	 Pathways	 Alliance	 and	 other	 industry	 organizations;	 alignment	 of	 realized	 WCS	 and	 WCS	

prices	 used	 to	 calculate	 the	 variable	 payment	 to	 BP	 Canada;	 market	 and	 business	 conditions;	 forecast	 inflation	 and	 other	

assumptions	 inherent	 in	 the	 Company’s	 2023	 guidance	 available	 on	 cenovus.com	 and	 as	 set	 out	 below;	 the	 availability	 of	

Indigenous	owned	or	operated	businesses	and	the	Company’s	ability	to	retain	them;	and	other	risks	and	uncertainties	described	

from	time	to	time	in	the	filings	the	Company	makes	with	securities	regulatory	authorities.

2023	 guidance,	 as	 updated	 December	 5,	 2022,	 and	 available	 on	 cenovus.com,	 assumes:	 Brent	 prices	 of	 US$83.00	 per 

barrel,	 WTI	 prices	 of	 US$77.00	 per	 barrel;	 WCS	 of	 US$54.50	 per	 barrel;	 Differential	 WTI-WCS	 of	 US$22.50	 per	

barrel;	 AECO	 natural	 gas	 prices	 of	 $4.85	 per	 thousand	 cubic	 feet;	 Chicago	 3-2-1	 crack	 spread	 of	 US$26.50	 per	 barrel;	

and	 an	 exchange	rate	of	$0.75	US$/C$.

The	 risk	 factors	 and	 uncertainties	 that	 could	 cause	 the	 Company’s	 actual	 results	 to	 differ	 materially	 from	 the	 forward-looking 

information,	 include,	 but	 are	 not	 limited	 to:	 the	 effect	 of	 the	 COVID-19	 pandemic,	 including	 any	 variants	 thereof,	 on	 the	

Company’s	 business,	 including	 any	 related	 restrictions,	 containment,	 and	 treatment	 measures	 taken	 by	 varying	 levels	 of	

government	in	 the	jurisdictions	 in	 which	 the	 Company	 operates;	the	 success	of	 the	Company’s	 COVID-19	 workplace	policies;	 the	

Company’s	 ability	 to	 realize	 the	 anticipated	 benefits	 of	 acquisitions	 in	 a	 timely	 manner	 or	 at	 all;	 unforeseen	 or	 underestimated	

liabilities	 associated	 with	 acquisitions;	 risks	 associated	 with	 acquisitions	 and	 dispositions;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 access	 or	

implement	 some	 or	 all	 of	 the	 technology	 necessary	 to	 efficiently	 and	 effectively	 operate	 its	 assets	 and	 achieve	 expected	 future	

results	 including	 in	 respect	 of	 climate	 and	 GHG	 emissions	 targets	 and	 ambition	 and	 the	 commercial	 viability	 and	 scalability	 of	

emission	reduction	strategies	and	related	technology	and	products;	the	development	and	execution	of	implementing	strategies	to	

meet	 climate	 and	 GHG	 emissions	 targets	 and	 net zero  ambition;	 the	 effect	 of	 new	 significant	 shareholders;	 volatility	 of	and	

other	assumptions	 regarding	 commodity	 prices;	 the	 duration	 of	 any	 market	 downturn;	 foreign	 exchange	 risk,	 including	related	

to	agreements	denominated	in	foreign	currencies;	the	Company’s	continued	liquidity	is	sufficient	to	sustain	operations	through	 a	

prolonged	 market	 downturn;	 WTI-WCS	 differential	 will	 remain	 largely	 tied	 to	 global	 supply	 factors	 and	 heavy	 crude	processing	

capacity;	the	Company’s	ability	to	realize	the	expected	impacts	of	its	capacity	to	store	within	its	oil	sands	reservoirs	barrels	not	 yet	

produced,	 including	 possible	 inability	 to	 time	production	 and	 sales	at	later	dates	when	 pipeline	 and/or	 storage	capacity	and	

crude	 oil	 differentials	 have	 improved;	 the	 effectiveness	 of	 the	 Company’s	 risk	 management	 program;	 the	 accuracy	 of	 cost	
estimates	 regarding	 commodity	 prices,	 currency	 and	 interest	 rates;	 lack	 of	 alignment	 of	 realized	 WCS	 prices	 and	 WCS	 prices	
used	to	recalculate	the	variable	payment	to	BP	Canada;	product	supply	and	demand;	the	accuracy	of	the	Company’s	share	price	
and	 market	 capitalization	 assumptions;	 market	 competition,	 including	 from	 alternative	 energy	 sources;	 risks	 inherent	 in	 the	
Company’s	 marketing	 operations,	 including	 credit	 risks,	 exposure	 to	 counterparties	 and	 partners,	 including	 the	 ability	 and	
willingness	of	such	parties	to	satisfy	contractual	obligations	in	a	timely	manner;	risks	inherent	in	the	operation	of	the	Company’s	
crude-by-rail	 terminal,	 including	 health,	 safety	 and	 environmental	 risks;	 the	 Company’s	 ability	 to	 maintain	 desirable	 ratios	 of	
Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	EBITDA	and	Net	Debt	to	Adjusted	Funds	Flow;	the	Company’s	ability	to	access	various	sources	of	debt	and	
equity	capital,	generally,	and	on	acceptable	terms;	the	Company’s	ability	to	finance	growth	and	sustaining	capital	expenditures;	
changes	 in	 credit	 ratings	 applicable	 to	 the	 Company	 or	 any	 of	 its	 securities;	 changes	 to	 the	 Company’s	 dividend	 plans;	 the	
Company’s	ability	to	utilize	tax	losses	in	the	future;	the	accuracy	of	the	Company’s	reserves,	future	production	and	future	net	
revenue	estimates;	the	accuracy	of	the	Company’s	accounting	estimates	and	judgements;	the	Company’s	ability	to	replace	and	
expand	crude	oil	and	natural	gas	reserves;	the	costs	to	acquire	exploration	rights,	undertake	geological	studies,	appraisal	drilling	
and	 project	 developments;	 potential	 requirements	 under	 applicable	 accounting	 standards	 for	 impairment	 or	 reversal	 of	
estimated	recoverable	amounts	of	some	or	all	of	the	Company’s	assets	or	goodwill	from	time	to	time;	the	Company’s	ability	to	
maintain	 its	 relationships	 with	 its	 partners	 and	 to	 successfully	 manage	 and	 operate	 its	 integrated	 operations	 and	 business;	
reliability	of	the	Company’s	assets	including	in	order	to	meet	production	targets;	potential	disruption	or	unexpected	technical	
difficulties	 in	 developing	 new	 products	 and	 manufacturing	 processes;	 the	 occurrence	 of	 unexpected	 events	 resulting	 in	
operational	interruptions,	including	at	facilities	operated	by	our	partners	or	third	parties,	such	as	blowouts,	fires,	explosions,	
railcar	 incidents	 or	 derailments,	 aviation	 incidents,	 iceberg	 collisions,	 gaseous	 leaks,	 migration	 of	 harmful	 substances,	 loss	 of	
containment,	releases	or	spills,	including	releases	or	spills	from	offshore	facilities	and	shipping	vessels	at	terminals	or	hubs	and	
as	a	result	of	pipeline	or	other	leaks,	corrosion,	epidemics	or	pandemics,	and	catastrophic	events,	including,	but	not	limited	to,	
war,	adverse	sea	conditions,	extreme	weather	events,	natural	disasters,	acts	of	activism,	vandalism	and	terrorism,	and	other	
accidents	 or	 hazards	 that	 may	 occur	 at	 or	 during	 transport	 to	 or	 from	 commercial	 or	 industrial	 sites	 and	 other	 accidents	 or	
similar	 events;	 refining	 and	 marketing	 margins;	 cost	 escalations,	 including	 inflationary	 pressures	 on	 operating	 costs,	 such	 as	
labour,	materials,	natural	gas	and	other	energy	sources	used	in	oil	sands	processes	and	downstream	operations	and	increased	
insurance	deductibles	or	premiums;	the	cost	and	availability	of	 equipment	 necessary	 to	 the	 Company’s	 operations;	 potential	
failure	 of	 products	 to	 achieve	 or	 maintain	 acceptance	 in	 the	 market;	 risks	 associated	 with	 the	 energy	 industry’s	 and	 the	
Company’s	reputation,	social	license	to	operate	and	litigation	related	thereto;	unexpected	cost	increases	or	technical	difficulties	
in	operating,	constructing	or	modifying	manufacturing	or	refining	facilities;	unexpected	difficulties	in	producing,	transporting	or	
refining	bitumen	and/or	crude	oil	into	petroleum	and	chemical	products;	risks	associated	with	technology	and	equipment	and	
its	 application	 to	 the	 Company’s	 business,	 including	 potential	 cyberattacks;	 geo-political	 and	 other	 risks	 associated	 with	 the	
Company’s	international	operations;	risks	associated	with	climate	change	and	the	Company’s	assumptions	relating	thereto;	the	
timing	and	the	costs	of	well	and	pipeline	construction;	the	Company’s	ability	to	access	markets	and	to	secure	adequate	and	cost	
effective	 product	 transportation	 including	 sufficient	 pipeline,	 crude-by-rail,	 marine	 or	 alternate	 transportation,	 including	 to	
address	any	gaps	caused	by	constraints	in	the	pipeline	system	or	storage	capacity;	availability	of,	and	the	Company’s	ability	to	
attract	 and	 retain,	 critical	 and	 diverse	 talent;	 possible	 failure	 to	 obtain	 and	 retain	 qualified	 leadership	 and	 personnel,	 and	
equipment	 in	 a	 timely	 and	 cost	 efficient	 manner;	 changes	 in	 labour	 demographics	 and	 relationships,	 including	 with	 any	
unionized	 workforces;	 unexpected	 abandonment	 and	 reclamation	 costs;	 changes	 in	 the	 regulatory	 frameworks,	 permits	 and	
approvals	 in	 any	 of	 the	 locations	 in	 which	 the	 Company	 operates	 or	 to	 any	 of	 the	 infrastructure	 upon	 which	 it	 relies;	
government	actions	or	regulatory	initiatives	to	curtail	energy	operations	or	pursue	broader	climate	change	agendas;	changes	to	
regulatory	approval	processes	and	land	use	designations,	royalty,	tax,	environmental,	GHG,	carbon,	climate	change	and	other	
laws	or	regulations,	or	changes	to	the	interpretation	of	such	laws	and	regulations,	as	adopted	or	proposed,	the	impact	thereof	
and	the	costs	associated	with	compliance;	the	expected	impact	and	timing	of	various	accounting	pronouncements,	rule	changes	
and	 standards	 on	 the	 Company’s	 business,	 its	 financial	 results	 and	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements;	 changes	 in	 general	
economic,	 market	 and	 business	 conditions;	 the	 impact	 of	 production	 agreements	 among	 OPEC	 and	 non-OPEC	 members;	 the	
political,	 social	 and	 economic	 conditions	 in	 the	 jurisdictions	 in	 which	 the	 Company	 operates	 or	 supplies;	 the	 status	 of	 the	
Company’s	relationships	with	the	communities	in	which	it	operates,	including	with	Indigenous	communities;	the	occurrence	of	
unexpected	 events	 such	 as	 protests,	 pandemics,	 war,	 terrorist	 threats	 and	 the	 instability	 resulting	 therefrom;	 and	 risks	
associated	 with	 existing	 and	 potential	 future	 lawsuits,	 shareholder	 proposals	 and	 regulatory	 actions	 against	 the	 Company.	 In	
addition,	 there	 are	 risks	 that	 the	 effect	 of	 actions  taken  by  us  in  pursuing  our  ESG  focus  area  targets,  commitments  and 
ambition may have a negative impact	on	our	existing	business,	growth	plans	and	future	results	from	operations.
Readers	are	cautioned	that	the	foregoing	lists	are	not	exhaustive	and	are	made	as	at	the	date	hereof.	Events	or	circumstances	
could	 cause	 our	 actual	 results	 to	 differ	 materially	 from	 those	 estimated	 or	 projected	 and	 expressed	 in,	 or	 implied	 by,	
the	 forward-looking	 information.	 For	 a	 full	 discussion	 of	 the	 Company’s	 material	 risk	 factors,	 see	 Risk	 Management	 and	 Risk	
Factors	in	this	MD&A,	and	the	risk	factors	described	in	other	documents	the	Company	files	from	time	to	time	with	securities	
regulatory	authorities	 in	 Canada,	 available	 on	 SEDAR	 at	 sedar.com,	 and	 with	 the	 U.S.	 Securities	 and	 Exchange	 Commission	
on	EDGAR	at	sec.gov,	and	on	the	Company’s	website	at	cenovus.com.

Information	 on	 or	 connected	 to	 the	 Company’s	 website	 at	 cenovus.com	 does	 not	 form	 part	 of this Annual Report	 unless	
expressly	incorporated	by	reference	herein.

ABBREVIATIONS	AND	DEFINITIONS

The	following	abbreviations	and	definitions	have	been	used	in	this	document:

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   165

thousand	barrels	of	oil	equivalent

MMBtu

million	British	thermal	units

thousand	barrels	of	oil	equivalent	per	day

gigajoule

Crude	Oil

bbl

Mbbls/d

MMbbls

BOE

MBOE

MBOE/d

MMBOE

WTI

WCS

HSB

OPEC

OPEC+

FPSO

barrel

thousand	barrels	per	day

million	barrels

barrel	of	oil	equivalent

million	barrels	of	oil	equivalent

West	Texas	Intermediate

Western	Canadian	Select

Husky	Synthetic	Blend

Organization	of	Petroleum	Exporting	Countries

OPEC	and	a	group	of	10	non-OPEC	members

Floating	production	storage	and	offloading	unit

Natural	Gas

Mcf

MMcf

thousand	cubic	feet

million	cubic	feet

MMcf/d

million	cubic	feet	per	day

billion	cubic	feet

Bcf

GJ

AECO

NYMEX

SAGD

Alberta	Energy	Company

New	York	Mercantile	Exchange

steam-assisted	gravity	drainage

Scope	 1	 emissions	 are	 direct	 GHG	 emissions	 from	 owned	 or	 operated	 facilities	 by	 the	 reporting	 company.	 This	 includes	

emissions	from	fuel	combustion,	venting,	flaring,	industrial	processes	and	fugitive	leaks	from	equipment.	Cenovus	accounts	for	

emissions	on	a	gross	operatorship	basis.	The	Company	also	reports	its	net-equity	share	of	emissions	from	all	of	its	assets.

Scope	2	emissions	are	indirect	GHG	emissions	associated	with	the	purchase	or	acquisition	of	electricity,	steam,	heat,	or	cooling	

for	use	at	the	owned	or	operated	facility.

Information	 on	 or	 connected	 to	 the	 Company’s	 website	 at	 cenovus.com	 does	 not	 form	 part	 of this Annual Report	 unless	
expressly	incorporated	by	reference	herein.

ABBREVIATIONS	AND	DEFINITIONS

The	following	abbreviations	and	definitions	have	been	used	in	this	document:

Crude	Oil

bbl

Mbbls/d

MMbbls

BOE

MBOE

MBOE/d

MMBOE

WTI

WCS

HSB

OPEC

OPEC+

FPSO

barrel

thousand	barrels	per	day

million	barrels

barrel	of	oil	equivalent

Natural	Gas

Mcf

MMcf

thousand	cubic	feet

million	cubic	feet

MMcf/d

million	cubic	feet	per	day

Bcf

billion	cubic	feet

thousand	barrels	of	oil	equivalent

MMBtu

million	British	thermal	units

thousand	barrels	of	oil	equivalent	per	day

million	barrels	of	oil	equivalent

West	Texas	Intermediate

Western	Canadian	Select

Husky	Synthetic	Blend

Organization	of	Petroleum	Exporting	Countries

OPEC	and	a	group	of	10	non-OPEC	members

Floating	production	storage	and	offloading	unit

GJ

AECO

NYMEX

SAGD

gigajoule

Alberta	Energy	Company

New	York	Mercantile	Exchange

steam-assisted	gravity	drainage

Scope	 1	 emissions	 are	 direct	 GHG	 emissions	 from	 owned	 or	 operated	 facilities	 by	 the	 reporting	 company.	 This	 includes	
emissions	from	fuel	combustion,	venting,	flaring,	industrial	processes	and	fugitive	leaks	from	equipment.	Cenovus	accounts	for	
emissions	on	a	gross	operatorship	basis.	The	Company	also	reports	its	net-equity	share	of	emissions	from	all	of	its	assets.

Scope	2	emissions	are	indirect	GHG	emissions	associated	with	the	purchase	or	acquisition	of	electricity,	steam,	heat,	or	cooling	
for	use	at	the	owned	or	operated	facility.

SPECIFIED	FINANCIAL	MEASURES	

Certain	 financial	 measures	 in	 this	 document	 do	 not	 have	 a	 standardized	 meaning	 as	 prescribed	 by	 IFRS	 including	 Operating	

Margin,	 Operating	 Margin	 for	 the	 Upstream	 or	 Downstream	 operations,	 Operating	 Margin	 by	 asset,	 Total	 Arrangement	

Integration	Costs,	Adjusted	Funds	Flow,	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	Per	Share	–	Basic,	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	Per	Share	–	Diluted,	Free	

Funds	 Flow,	 Excess	 Free	 Funds	 Flow,	 Gross	 Margin,	 Refining	 Margin,	 Unit	 Operating	 Expense,	 Per	 Unit	 DD&A	 and	 Netbacks	

(including	the	total	netbacks	per	BOE).	

These	measures	may	not	be	comparable	to	similar	measures	presented	by	other	issuers.	These	measures	have	been	described	

and	 presented	 in	 order	 to	 provide	 shareholders	 and	 potential	 investors	 with	 additional	 measures	 for	 analyzing	 our	 ability	 to	

generate	 funds	 to	 finance	 our	 operations	 and	 information	 regarding	 our	 liquidity.	 This	 additional	 information	 should	 not	 be	

considered	in	isolation	or	as	a	substitute	for	measures	prepared	in	accordance	with	IFRS.	The	definition	and	reconciliation,	if	

applicable,	of	each	specified	financial	measure	is	presented	in	this	Advisory	and	may	also	be	presented	in	the	Operating	and	

Financial Results or Liquidity and Capital Resources sections of the MD&A.

Operating	Margin

Operating	Margin	and	Operating	Margin	by	asset	are	non-GAAP	financial	measures,	and	Operating	Margin	for	the	Upstream	or	

Downstream	segment	are	specified	financial	measures.	These	are	used	to	provide	a	consistent	measure	of	the	cash	generating	

performance	 of	 our	 operations	 and	 assets	 for	 comparability	 of	 our	 underlying	 financial	 performance	 between	 periods.	

Operating	Margin	is	defined	as	revenues	less	purchased	product,	transportation	and	blending,	operating	expenses,	plus	realized	

gains	 less	 realized	 losses	 on	 risk	 management	 activities.	 Items	 within	 the	 Corporate	 and	 Eliminations	 segment	 are	 excluded	

from	the	calculation	of	Operating	Margin.

Upstream

Downstream

2021	(2)

2022

2021	(1)

2020

2022

2020

2022

($	millions)

Revenues

Gross	Sales	

Less:	Royalties	

Expenses

Purchased	Product	

Transportation	and	Blending	

Operating	

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	

Management

Operating	Margin

($	millions)

Revenues

Gross	Sales	

Less:	Royalties	

Expenses

Purchased	Product	

Transportation	and	Blending	

Operating	

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	

Management

Operating	Margin

details.	

41,127

4,868

36,259

6,833

12,194

3,789

1,619

11,824

27,844

2,454

25,390

4,059

8,714

3,241

788

8,588

Upstream

Three	Months	Ended

875

7,432

1,157

2,962

955

134

2,224

1,226

9,012

2,397

2,800

915

51

2,849

1,582

10,103

1,461

3,238

1,010

563

3,831

9,708

371

9,337

1,530

4,764

1,476

268

1,299

1,185

9,712

1,818

3,194

909

871

2,920

Total

2021	(1)	(2)

54,102

2,454

51,648

27,170

8,714

5,499

892

9,373

2020

14,523

371

14,152

5,959

4,764

2,261

247

921

4,815

—

4,815

4,429

—

785

(21)

(378)

79,229

4,868

74,361

39,334

12,194

6,839

1,731

14,263

Total

Three	Months	Ended

38,102

—

38,102

32,501

—

3,050

112

2,439

26,258

—

26,258

23,111

—

2,258

104

785

2022

Downstream

Three	Months	Ended

—

—

—

—

875

1,226

1,582

1,185

8,380

10,887

10,719

8,116

15,812

19,899

20,822

17,828

7,071

9,694

8,919

6,817

12,091

10,380

—

759

(8)

558

—

780

(77)

490

—

866

87

847

—

645

110

544

8,228

2,962

1,714

126

2,782

2,800

1,695

(26)

3,339

3,238

1,876

650

4,678

8,635

3,194

1,554

981

3,464

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1	(1)

Q4

Q3	(2)

Q2	(2)

Q1	(2)

Q4

Q3	(2)

Q2	(2)

Q1	(1)	(2)

8,307

10,238

11,685

10,897

8,380

10,887

10,719

8,116

16,687

21,125

22,404

19,013

(1)

Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	 See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	 further	

(2)

Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	

aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	See	Note	3	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.	There	has	been	no	impact	to	

total	downstream	Operating	Margin	or	total	Operating	Margin.

166   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Information	 on	 or	 connected	 to	 the	 Company’s	 website	 at	 cenovus.com	 does	 not	 form	 part	 of this Annual Report	 unless	

expressly	incorporated	by	reference	herein.

ABBREVIATIONS	AND	DEFINITIONS

The	following	abbreviations	and	definitions	have	been	used	in	this	document:

thousand	barrels	of	oil	equivalent

MMBtu

million	British	thermal	units

thousand	barrels	of	oil	equivalent	per	day

gigajoule

Crude	Oil

bbl

Mbbls/d

MMbbls

BOE

MBOE

MBOE/d

MMBOE

WTI

WCS

HSB

OPEC

OPEC+

FPSO

barrel

thousand	barrels	per	day

million	barrels

barrel	of	oil	equivalent

million	barrels	of	oil	equivalent

West	Texas	Intermediate

Western	Canadian	Select

Husky	Synthetic	Blend

Organization	of	Petroleum	Exporting	Countries

OPEC	and	a	group	of	10	non-OPEC	members

Floating	production	storage	and	offloading	unit

Natural	Gas

Mcf

MMcf

thousand	cubic	feet

million	cubic	feet

MMcf/d

million	cubic	feet	per	day

billion	cubic	feet

Bcf

GJ

AECO

NYMEX

SAGD

Alberta	Energy	Company

New	York	Mercantile	Exchange

steam-assisted	gravity	drainage

Scope	 1	 emissions	 are	 direct	 GHG	 emissions	 from	 owned	 or	 operated	 facilities	 by	 the	 reporting	 company.	 This	 includes	

emissions	from	fuel	combustion,	venting,	flaring,	industrial	processes	and	fugitive	leaks	from	equipment.	Cenovus	accounts	for	

emissions	on	a	gross	operatorship	basis.	The	Company	also	reports	its	net-equity	share	of	emissions	from	all	of	its	assets.

Scope	2	emissions	are	indirect	GHG	emissions	associated	with	the	purchase	or	acquisition	of	electricity,	steam,	heat,	or	cooling	

for	use	at	the	owned	or	operated	facility.

SPECIFIED	FINANCIAL	MEASURES	

Certain	 financial	 measures	 in	 this	 document	 do	 not	 have	 a	 standardized	 meaning	 as	 prescribed	 by	 IFRS	 including	 Operating	
Margin,	 Operating	 Margin	 for	 the	 Upstream	 or	 Downstream	 operations,	 Operating	 Margin	 by	 asset,	 Total	 Arrangement	
Integration	Costs,	Adjusted	Funds	Flow,	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	Per	Share	–	Basic,	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	Per	Share	–	Diluted,	Free	
Funds	 Flow,	 Excess	 Free	 Funds	 Flow,	 Gross	 Margin,	 Refining	 Margin,	 Unit	 Operating	 Expense,	 Per	 Unit	 DD&A	 and	 Netbacks	
(including	the	total	netbacks	per	BOE).	

These	measures	may	not	be	comparable	to	similar	measures	presented	by	other	issuers.	These	measures	have	been	described	
and	 presented	 in	 order	 to	 provide	 shareholders	 and	 potential	 investors	 with	 additional	 measures	 for	 analyzing	 our	 ability	 to	
generate	 funds	 to	 finance	 our	 operations	 and	 information	 regarding	 our	 liquidity.	 This	 additional	 information	 should	 not	 be	
considered	in	isolation	or	as	a	substitute	for	measures	prepared	in	accordance	with	IFRS.	The	definition	and	reconciliation,	if	
applicable,	of	each	specified	financial	measure	is	presented	in	this	Advisory	and	may	also	be	presented	in	the	Operating	and	
Financial Results or Liquidity and Capital Resources sections of the MD&A.

Operating	Margin

Operating	Margin	and	Operating	Margin	by	asset	are	non-GAAP	financial	measures,	and	Operating	Margin	for	the	Upstream	or	
Downstream	segment	are	specified	financial	measures.	These	are	used	to	provide	a	consistent	measure	of	the	cash	generating	
performance	 of	 our	 operations	 and	 assets	 for	 comparability	 of	 our	 underlying	 financial	 performance	 between	 periods.	
Operating	Margin	is	defined	as	revenues	less	purchased	product,	transportation	and	blending,	operating	expenses,	plus	realized	
gains	 less	 realized	 losses	 on	 risk	 management	 activities.	 Items	 within	 the	 Corporate	 and	 Eliminations	 segment	 are	 excluded	
from	the	calculation	of	Operating	Margin.

($	millions)

Revenues

Gross	Sales	
Less:	Royalties	

Expenses

Purchased	Product	

Transportation	and	Blending	

Operating	

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	
Management

Operating	Margin

($	millions)

Revenues

Gross	Sales	

Less:	Royalties	

Expenses

Purchased	Product	

Transportation	and	Blending	

Operating	

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	
Management

Operating	Margin

Upstream

2022

2021	(1)

2020

2022

Downstream
2021	(2)

2020

2022

Total
2021	(1)	(2)

41,127

4,868

36,259

6,833

12,194

3,789

1,619

11,824

27,844

2,454

25,390

4,059

8,714

3,241

788

8,588

9,708

371

9,337

1,530

4,764

1,476

268

1,299

38,102

—

38,102

32,501

—

3,050

112

2,439

26,258

—

26,258

23,111

—

2,258

104

785

4,815

—

4,815

4,429

—

785

(21)

(378)

79,229

4,868

74,361

39,334

12,194

6,839

1,731

14,263

54,102

2,454

51,648

27,170

8,714

5,499

892

9,373

2020

14,523

371

14,152

5,959

4,764

2,261

247

921

Upstream

Three	Months	Ended

2022

Downstream

Three	Months	Ended

Total

Three	Months	Ended

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1	(1)

Q4

Q3	(2)

Q2	(2)

Q1	(2)

Q4

Q3	(2)

Q2	(2)

Q1	(1)	(2)

8,307

10,238

11,685

10,897

8,380

10,887

10,719

8,116

16,687

21,125

22,404

19,013

875

7,432

1,157

2,962

955

134

2,224

1,226

9,012

2,397

2,800

915

51

2,849

1,582

10,103

1,461

3,238

1,010

563

3,831

1,185

9,712

1,818

3,194

909

871

2,920

—

—

—

—

875

1,226

1,582

1,185

8,380

10,887

10,719

8,116

15,812

19,899

20,822

17,828

7,071

9,694

8,919

6,817

—

759

(8)

558

—

780

(77)

490

—

866

87

847

—

645

110

544

8,228

2,962

1,714

126

2,782

12,091

10,380

2,800

1,695

(26)

3,339

3,238

1,876

650

4,678

8,635

3,194

1,554

981

3,464

(1)

(2)

Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	 See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	 further	
details.	
Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	
aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	See	Note	3	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.	There	has	been	no	impact	to	
total	downstream	Operating	Margin	or	total	Operating	Margin.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   167

($	millions)

Revenues

Gross	Sales	(1)

Less:	Royalties	

Expenses

Purchased	Product	(1)

Transportation	and	Blending	(1)

Operating	

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	
Management

Operating	Margin

Upstream	(1)

Three	Months	Ended

2021

Downstream	(2)

Three	Months	Ended

Total	(1)	(2)

Three	Months	Ended

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

8,237

815

7,422

1,198

2,599

865

202

2,558

7,354

733

6,621

1,074

2,137

800

168

2,442

6,128

533

5,595

717

2,006

791

188

1,893

6,125

373

5,752

1,070

1,972

785

230

1,695

8,010

7,422

6,226

4,600

16,247

14,776

12,354

10,725

—

—

—

—

815

733

533

373

8,010

7,422

6,226

4,600

15,432

14,043

11,821

10,352

7,223

6,600

5,410

3,878

—

689

56

42

—

537

17

268

—

515

10

291

—

517

21

184

8,421

2,599

1,554

7,674

2,137

1,337

6,127

2,006

1,306

4,948

1,972

1,302

258

185

198

251

2,600

2,710

2,184

1,879

(1)

(2)

Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	 See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	 further	
details.	
Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	
aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	See	Note	3	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.	There	has	been	no	impact	to	
total	downstream	Operating	Margin	or	total	Operating	Margin.

Operating	Margin	by	Asset	

($	millions)
Revenues

Gross	Sales
Less:	Royalties	

Expenses

Transportation	and	Blending	
Operating	
Operating	Margin

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2022
Offshore	(1)
Asia	Pacific

Atlantic

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022

Asia	Pacific

Atlantic

Offshore	(2)

359
20
339

—
26
313

86
1
85

3
58
24

445
21
424

3
84
337

1,442
80
1,362

—
114
1,248

578
(3)
581

15
204
362

2,020
77
1,943

15
318
1,610

(1)
(2)

Found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.
Found	in	Note	1	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

($	millions)
Revenues

Gross	Sales
Less:	Royalties	

Expenses

Transportation	and	Blending	
Operating	
Operating	Margin

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2021
Offshore	(1)
Asia	Pacific

Atlantic

Year	Ended	December	31,	2021

Asia	Pacific

Atlantic

Offshore	(2)

377
26
351

—
29
322

143
8
135

5
44
86

520
34
486

5
73
408

1,342
79
1,263

—
103
1,160

440
29
411

15
136
260

1,782
108
1,674

15
239
1,420

(1)
(2)

Found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.
Found	in	Note	1	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Total	 Arrangement	 Integration	 Costs	 is	 a	 non-GAAP	 financial	 measure	 representing	 costs	 incurred	 as	 a	 result	 of	 the	

Total	Arrangement	Integration	Costs

Arrangement,	excluding	share	issuance	costs.	

($	millions)

Integration	Costs	(1)

Capitalized	Integration	Costs	(2)

Total	Arrangement	Integration	Costs

(1)

(2)

See	Note	8	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Included	in	capital	expenditures	on	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Cash	Flows.

Adjusted	Funds	Flow,	Free	Funds	Flow	and	Excess	Free	Funds	Flow

Year	Ended	December	31,

2022

90

5

95

2021

349

53

402

Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 is	 a	 non-GAAP	 financial	 measure	 commonly	 used	 in	 the	 oil	 and	 gas	 industry	 to	 assist	 in	 measuring	 a	

company’s	ability	to	finance	its	capital	programs	and	meet	its	financial	obligations.	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	is	defined	as	cash	from	

(used	in)	operating	activities	excluding	settlement	of	decommissioning	liabilities	and	net	change	in	non-cash	working	capital.	

Non-cash	working	capital	is	composed	of	accounts	receivable	and	accrued	revenues,	inventories	(excluding	non-cash	inventory	

write-downs	and	reversals),	income	tax	receivable,	accounts	payable	and	accrued	liabilities	and	income	tax	payable.	Adjusted	

Funds	 Flow	 Per	 Share	 –	 Basic	 is	 defined	 as	 Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 divided	 by	 the	 basic	 weighted	 average	 number	 of	 shares.	

Adjusted	Funds	Flow	Per	Share	–	Diluted	is	defined	as	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	divided	by	the	diluted	weighted	average	number	of	

shares.

Free	 Funds	 Flow	 is	 a	 non-GAAP	 financial	 measure	 used	 to	 assist	 in	 measuring	 the	 available	 funds	 the	 Company	 has	 after	

financing	 its	 capital	 programs.	 Free	 Funds	 Flow	 is	 defined	 as	 cash	 from	 (used	 in)	 operating	 activities	 excluding	 settlement	 of	

decommissioning	liabilities	and	net	change	in	non-cash	working	capital	minus	capital	investment.	

Excess	 Free	 Funds	 Flow	 is	 a	 non-GAAP	 financial	 measure	 used	 by	 the	 Company	 to	 deliver	 shareholder	 returns	 and	 allocate	

capital	according	to	our	shareholder	returns	and	capital	allocation	framework.	Excess	Free	Funds	Flow	is	defined	as	Free	Funds	

Flow	 minus	 base	 dividends	 paid	 on	 common	 shares,	 dividends	 paid	 on	 preferred	 shares,	 other	 uses	 of	 cash	 (including	

settlement	 of	 decommissioning	 liabilities	 and	 principal	 repayment	 of	 leases),	 and	 acquisition	 costs,	 plus	 proceeds	 from	 or	

payments	related	to	divestitures.	Excess	Free	Funds	Flow	was	a	new	metric	as	of	June	30,	2022.

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities	

2,970	

4,089	

2,979	

1,365	

2,184	

2,138	

1,369	

Q4

Q2

Q1

Q4

2022

Q3

2021

Q3

Q2

Settlement	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities	

Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital	

($	millions)

(Add)	Deduct:

Adjusted	Funds	Flow	

Capital	Investment	

Free	Funds	Flow	

Add	(Deduct):

Dividends	Paid	on	Preferred	Shares

Settlement	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities	

Principal	Repayment	of	Leases

Acquisitions,	Net	of	Cash	Acquired

Proceeds	From	Divestitures

Payment	on	Divestiture	of	Assets

(49)	

673	

2,346	

1,274	

1,072	

(55)

1,193	

2,951	

866	

2,085	

(27)

(92)

3,098	

822	

2,276	

(19)

(1,199)	

2,583	

746	

1,837	

—	

(49)	

(74)	

(7)	

45	

—	

(9)

(55)

(78)

(389)

407	

—	

(8)

(27)

(75)

(1)

112	

(50)

(69)

(9)

(19)

(75)

—	

950	

—

(35)

271	

1,948	

835	

1,113	

(70)

(8)

(35)

(78)

—	

247	

—	

(38)

(166)

2,342	

647	

1,695	

(35)

(9)

(38)

(70)

—	

83	

—	

(18)

(430)

1,817	

534	

1,283	

(36)

(8)

(18)

(77)

—	

100	

—	

Q1

228	

(11)	

(902)	

1,141	

547	

594	

(35)	

(9)	

(11)	

(75)	

(7)	

5	

—	

462	

Excess	Free	Funds	Flow

786	

1,756	

2,020	

2,615	

1,169	

1,626	

1,244	

Base	Dividends	Paid	on	Common	Shares

(201)	

(205)

(207)

168   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

	
	
Upstream	(1)

Three	Months	Ended

2021

Downstream	(2)

Three	Months	Ended

Total	(1)	(2)

Three	Months	Ended

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

8,237

815

7,422

1,198

2,599

865

202

2,558

7,354

733

6,621

1,074

2,137

800

168

2,442

6,128

533

5,595

717

2,006

791

188

1,893

6,125

373

5,752

1,070

1,972

785

230

1,695

8,010

7,422

6,226

4,600

16,247

14,776

12,354

10,725

—

—

—

—

815

733

533

373

8,010

7,422

6,226

4,600

15,432

14,043

11,821

10,352

7,223

6,600

5,410

3,878

—

689

56

42

—

537

17

268

—

515

10

291

—

517

21

184

8,421

2,599

1,554

7,674

2,137

1,337

6,127

2,006

1,306

4,948

1,972

1,302

258

185

198

251

2,600

2,710

2,184

1,879

(1)

Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	 See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	 further	

(2)

Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	

aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	See	Note	3	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.	There	has	been	no	impact	to	

total	downstream	Operating	Margin	or	total	Operating	Margin.

($	millions)

Revenues

Gross	Sales	(1)

Less:	Royalties	

Expenses

Purchased	Product	(1)

Transportation	and	Blending	(1)

Operating	

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	

Management

Operating	Margin

details.	

Operating	Margin	by	Asset	

($	millions)

Revenues

Gross	Sales

Less:	Royalties	

Expenses

Transportation	and	Blending	

Operating	

Operating	Margin

($	millions)

Revenues

Gross	Sales

Less:	Royalties	

Expenses

Transportation	and	Blending	

Operating	

Operating	Margin

(1)

(2)

Found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Found	in	Note	1	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

(1)

(2)

Found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Found	in	Note	1	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2022

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022

Asia	Pacific

Atlantic

Offshore	(1)

Asia	Pacific

Atlantic

Offshore	(2)

359

20

339

—

26

313

377

26

351

—

29

322

86

1

85

3

58

24

143

8

135

5

44

86

445

21

424

3

84

337

520

34

486

5

73

408

1,442

80

1,362

—

114

1,248

1,342

79

1,263

—

103

1,160

578

(3)

581

15

204

362

440

29

411

15

136

260

2,020

77

1,943

15

318

1,610

1,782

108

1,674

15

239

1,420

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2021

Year	Ended	December	31,	2021

Asia	Pacific

Atlantic

Offshore	(1)

Asia	Pacific

Atlantic

Offshore	(2)

Total	Arrangement	Integration	Costs

Total	 Arrangement	 Integration	 Costs	 is	 a	 non-GAAP	 financial	 measure	 representing	 costs	 incurred	 as	 a	 result	 of	 the	
Arrangement,	excluding	share	issuance	costs.	

($	millions)
Integration	Costs	(1)
Capitalized	Integration	Costs	(2)
Total	Arrangement	Integration	Costs

(1)
(2)

See	Note	8	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.
Included	in	capital	expenditures	on	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Cash	Flows.

Adjusted	Funds	Flow,	Free	Funds	Flow	and	Excess	Free	Funds	Flow

Year	Ended	December	31,

2022

90

5

95

2021

349

53

402

Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 is	 a	 non-GAAP	 financial	 measure	 commonly	 used	 in	 the	 oil	 and	 gas	 industry	 to	 assist	 in	 measuring	 a	
company’s	ability	to	finance	its	capital	programs	and	meet	its	financial	obligations.	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	is	defined	as	cash	from	
(used	in)	operating	activities	excluding	settlement	of	decommissioning	 liabilities	and	 net	 change	 in	 non-cash	working	capital.	
Non-cash	working	capital	is	composed	of	accounts	receivable	and	accrued	revenues,	inventories	(excluding	non-cash	inventory	
write-downs	and	reversals),	income	tax	receivable,	accounts	payable	and	accrued	liabilities	and	income	tax	payable.	Adjusted	
Funds	 Flow	 Per	 Share	 –	 Basic	 is	 defined	 as	 Adjusted	 Funds	 Flow	 divided	 by	 the	 basic	 weighted	 average	 number	 of	 shares.	
Adjusted	Funds	Flow	Per	Share	–	Diluted	is	defined	as	Adjusted	Funds	Flow	divided	by	the	diluted	weighted	average	number	of	
shares.

Free	 Funds	 Flow	 is	 a	 non-GAAP	 financial	 measure	 used	 to	 assist	 in	 measuring	 the	 available	 funds	 the	 Company	 has	 after	
financing	 its	 capital	 programs.	 Free	 Funds	 Flow	 is	 defined	 as	 cash	 from	 (used	 in)	 operating	 activities	 excluding	 settlement	 of	
decommissioning	liabilities	and	net	change	in	non-cash	working	capital	minus	capital	investment.	

Excess	 Free	 Funds	 Flow	 is	 a	 non-GAAP	 financial	 measure	 used	 by	 the	 Company	 to	 deliver	 shareholder	 returns	 and	 allocate	
capital	according	to	our	shareholder	returns	and	capital	allocation	framework.	Excess	Free	Funds	Flow	is	defined	as	Free	Funds	
Flow	 minus	 base	 dividends	 paid	 on	 common	 shares,	 dividends	 paid	 on	 preferred	 shares,	 other	 uses	 of	 cash	 (including	
settlement	 of	 decommissioning	 liabilities	 and	 principal	 repayment	 of	 leases),	 and	 acquisition	 costs,	 plus	 proceeds	 from	 or	
payments	related	to	divestitures.	Excess	Free	Funds	Flow	was	a	new	metric	as	of	June	30,	2022.

($	millions)

Q4

2022

Q3

Q2

Q1

Q4

2021

Q3

Q2

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities	

2,970	

4,089	

2,979	

1,365	

2,184	

2,138	

1,369	

(Add)	Deduct:
Settlement	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities	
Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital	
Adjusted	Funds	Flow	
Capital	Investment	
Free	Funds	Flow	
Add	(Deduct):

(49)	

673	

2,346	

1,274	

1,072	

(55)

1,193	

2,951	

866	

2,085	

(27)

(92)

3,098	

822	

2,276	

(19)

(1,199)	

2,583	

746	

1,837	

Base	Dividends	Paid	on	Common	Shares

(201)	

(205)

(207)

Dividends	Paid	on	Preferred	Shares
Settlement	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities	
Principal	Repayment	of	Leases

Acquisitions,	Net	of	Cash	Acquired

Proceeds	From	Divestitures

Payment	on	Divestiture	of	Assets

—	
(49)	

(74)	

(7)	

45	

—	

(9)
(55)

(78)

(389)

407	

—	

(8)
(27)

(75)

(1)

112	

(50)

(69)

(9)
(19)

(75)

—	

950	

—

(35)

271	

1,948	

835	

1,113	

(70)

(8)
(35)

(78)

—	

247	

—	

(38)

(166)

2,342	

647	

1,695	

(35)

(9)
(38)

(70)

—	

83	

—	

(18)

(430)

1,817	

534	

1,283	

(36)

(8)
(18)

(77)

—	

100	

—	

Excess	Free	Funds	Flow

786	

1,756	

2,020	

2,615	

1,169	

1,626	

1,244	

Q1

228	

(11)	

(902)	

1,141	

547	

594	

(35)	

(9)	
(11)	

(75)	

(7)	

5	

—	

462	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   169

	
	
($	millions)

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities	

(Add)	Deduct:
Settlement	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities	
Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital	
Adjusted	Funds	Flow	
Capital	Investment	
Free	Funds	Flow	

Year	Ended	December	31,

2022

11,403	

(150)	

575	

10,978	

3,708	

7,270	

2021

5,919	

(102)

(1,227)	

7,248	

2,563	

4,685	

2020

273	

(42)

198	

117	

841	

(724)	

Gross	Margin,	Refining	Margin	and	Unit	Operating	Expense

Gross	Margin	and	Refining	Margin	are	non-GAAP	financial	measures,	or	contain	a	non-GAAP	financial	measure,	used	to	evaluate	
the	 performance	 of	 our	 downstream	 operations.	 We	 define	 Gross	 Margin	 as	 revenues	 less	 purchased	 product.	 We	 define	
Refining	 Margin	 as	 Gross	 Margin	 divided	 by	 barrels	 of	 crude	 oil	 throughput.	 Unit	 Operating	 Expenses	 are	 specified	 financial	
measures	used	to	evaluate	the	performance	of	our	upstream	and	downstream	operations.	We	define	Unit	Operating	Expense	
as	operating	expenses	divided	by	barrels	of	crude	oil	throughput	in	our	downstream	operations.

Canadian	Manufacturing

($	millions)

Revenues

Purchased	Product

Gross	Margin

Basis	of	Refining	Margin	Calculation

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2022

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

905

574

331

240

170

70

Operating	Statistics

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	
and	Lloydminster	
Refinery	Total

1,145

744

401

Lloydminster	Upgrader	
and	Lloydminster	
Refinery	Total

Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	
(Mbbls/d)

Refining	Margin	($/bbl)

68.4

52.60

25.9

29.36

94.3

46.21

($	millions)

Revenues

Purchased	Product

Gross	Margin

Three	Months	Ended	September	30,	2022	(3)(4)

Basis	of	Refining	Margin	Calculation

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

999

747

252

387

286

101

Operating	Statistics

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	
and	Lloydminster	
Refinery	Total

1,386

1,033

353

Lloydminster	Upgrader	
and	Lloydminster	
Refinery	Total

Other	(1)

627

580

47

Total	Canadian	
Manufacturing	(2)

1,772

1,324

448

Other	(1)

782

714

68

Total	Canadian	
Manufacturing	(2)

2,168

1,747

421

Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	
(Mbbls/d)

Refining	Margin	($/bbl)

71.3

38.33

27.2

40.33

98.5

38.88

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)

Includes	ethanol	operations,	crude-by-rail	operations	and	the	commercial	fuels	business.
These	amounts,	excluding	gross	margin,	are	found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.
Comparative	information	has	been	represented	for	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	refining	margins	to	include	marketing	activities.
Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	
aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	See	Note	3	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.	There	has	been	no	impact	to	
total	downstream	Operating	Margin	or	total	Operating	Margin.

170   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Basis	of	Refining	Margin	Calculation

Three	Months	Ended	June	30,	2022	(1)

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	

and	Lloydminster	

Refinery	Total

Operating	Statistics

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	

and	Lloydminster	

Refinery	Total

Other	(2)

840

760

80

Total	Canadian	

Manufacturing	(3)	(4)

2,245

1,982

263

Basis	of	Refining	Margin	Calculation

Three	Months	Ended	March	31,	2022	(1)

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	

and	Lloydminster	

Refinery	Total

Operating	Statistics

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	

and	Lloydminster	

Refinery	Total

Other	(2)

665

605

60

Total	Canadian	

Manufacturing	(3)	(4)

1,607

1,333

274

Basis	of	Refining	Margin	Calculation

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022

Lloydminster	Upgrader	

and	Lloydminster	

Refinery	Total

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Operating	Statistics

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	

and	Lloydminster	

Refinery	Total

Other	(2)

2,914

2,662

252

Total	Canadian	

Manufacturing	(3)

7,792

6,389

1,403

1,162

1,012

150

64.6

25.54

756

585

171

70.7

26.98

3,822

2,918

904

68.7

36.04

1,405

1,222

183

80.9

24.87

942

728

214

98.1

24.28

4,878

3,727

1,151

92.9

33.92

243

210

33

16.3

22.22

186

143

43

27.4

17.33

1,056

809

247

24.2

27.91

($	millions)

Revenues

Purchased	Product

Gross	Margin

Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	

(Mbbls/d)

Refining	Margin	($/bbl)

($	millions)

Revenues

Purchased	Product

Gross	Margin

Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	

(Mbbls/d)

Refining	Margin	($/bbl)

($	millions)

Revenues

Purchased	Product

Gross	Margin

Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	

(Mbbls/d)

Refining	Margin	($/bbl)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Comparative	information	has	been	represented	for	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	refining	margins	to	include	marketing	activities.

Includes	ethanol	operations,	crude-by-rail	operations	and	the	commercial	fuels	business.

These	amounts,	excluding	gross	margin,	are	found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	

aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	See	Note	3	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.	There	has	been	no	impact	to	

total	downstream	Operating	Margin	or	total	Operating	Margin.

($	millions)

(Add)	Deduct:

Cash	From	(Used	in)	Operating	Activities	

Settlement	of	Decommissioning	Liabilities	

Net	Change	in	Non-Cash	Working	Capital	

Adjusted	Funds	Flow	

Capital	Investment	

Free	Funds	Flow	

Year	Ended	December	31,

2022

11,403	

(150)	

575	

10,978	

3,708	

7,270	

2021

5,919	

(102)

(1,227)	

7,248	

2,563	

4,685	

2020

273	

(42)

198	

117	

841	

(724)	

Gross	Margin,	Refining	Margin	and	Unit	Operating	Expense

Gross	Margin	and	Refining	Margin	are	non-GAAP	financial	measures,	or	contain	a	non-GAAP	financial	measure,	used	to	evaluate	

the	 performance	 of	 our	 downstream	 operations.	 We	 define	 Gross	 Margin	 as	 revenues	 less	 purchased	 product.	 We	 define	

Refining	 Margin	 as	 Gross	 Margin	 divided	 by	 barrels	 of	 crude	 oil	 throughput.	 Unit	 Operating	 Expenses	 are	 specified	 financial	

measures	used	to	evaluate	the	performance	of	our	upstream	and	downstream	operations.	We	define	Unit	Operating	Expense	

as	operating	expenses	divided	by	barrels	of	crude	oil	throughput	in	our	downstream	operations.

Canadian	Manufacturing

Basis	of	Refining	Margin	Calculation

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2022

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	

and	Lloydminster	

Refinery	Total

Operating	Statistics

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	

and	Lloydminster	

Refinery	Total

Other	(1)

627

580

47

Total	Canadian	

Manufacturing	(2)

1,772

1,324

448

905

574

331

68.4

52.60

999

747

252

71.3

38.33

240

170

70

25.9

29.36

387

286

101

27.2

40.33

1,145

744

401

94.3

46.21

1,386

1,033

353

98.5

38.88

Three	Months	Ended	September	30,	2022	(3)(4)

Basis	of	Refining	Margin	Calculation

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	

and	Lloydminster	

Refinery	Total

Operating	Statistics

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	

and	Lloydminster	

Refinery	Total

Other	(1)

782

714

68

Total	Canadian	

Manufacturing	(2)

2,168

1,747

421

($	millions)

Revenues

Purchased	Product

Gross	Margin

Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	

(Mbbls/d)

Refining	Margin	($/bbl)

($	millions)

Revenues

Purchased	Product

Gross	Margin

Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	

(Mbbls/d)

Refining	Margin	($/bbl)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Includes	ethanol	operations,	crude-by-rail	operations	and	the	commercial	fuels	business.

These	amounts,	excluding	gross	margin,	are	found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Comparative	information	has	been	represented	for	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	refining	margins	to	include	marketing	activities.

Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	

aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	See	Note	3	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.	There	has	been	no	impact	to	

total	downstream	Operating	Margin	or	total	Operating	Margin.

($	millions)

Revenues

Purchased	Product

Gross	Margin

Basis	of	Refining	Margin	Calculation

Three	Months	Ended	June	30,	2022	(1)

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

1,162

1,012

150

243

210

33

Operating	Statistics

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	
and	Lloydminster	
Refinery	Total

1,405

1,222

183

Lloydminster	Upgrader	
and	Lloydminster	
Refinery	Total

Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	
(Mbbls/d)

Refining	Margin	($/bbl)

64.6

25.54

16.3

22.22

80.9

24.87

($	millions)

Revenues

Purchased	Product

Gross	Margin

Basis	of	Refining	Margin	Calculation

Three	Months	Ended	March	31,	2022	(1)

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

756

585

171

186

143

43

Operating	Statistics

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	
and	Lloydminster	
Refinery	Total

942

728

214

Lloydminster	Upgrader	
and	Lloydminster	
Refinery	Total

Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	
(Mbbls/d)

Refining	Margin	($/bbl)

70.7

26.98

27.4

17.33

98.1

24.28

($	millions)

Revenues

Purchased	Product

Gross	Margin

Basis	of	Refining	Margin	Calculation

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

3,822

2,918

904

1,056

809

247

Operating	Statistics

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	
and	Lloydminster	
Refinery	Total

4,878

3,727

1,151

Lloydminster	Upgrader	
and	Lloydminster	
Refinery	Total

Other	(2)

840

760

80

Total	Canadian	
Manufacturing	(3)	(4)

2,245

1,982

263

Other	(2)

665

605

60

Total	Canadian	
Manufacturing	(3)	(4)

1,607

1,333

274

Other	(2)

2,914

2,662

252

Total	Canadian	
Manufacturing	(3)

7,792

6,389

1,403

Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	
(Mbbls/d)

Refining	Margin	($/bbl)

68.7

36.04

24.2

27.91

92.9

33.92

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)

Comparative	information	has	been	represented	for	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	refining	margins	to	include	marketing	activities.
Includes	ethanol	operations,	crude-by-rail	operations	and	the	commercial	fuels	business.
These	amounts,	excluding	gross	margin,	are	found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.
Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	
aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	See	Note	3	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.	There	has	been	no	impact	to	
total	downstream	Operating	Margin	or	total	Operating	Margin.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   171

($	millions)

Revenues

Purchased	Product

Gross	Margin

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2021	(1)

Basis	of	Refining	Margin	Calculation

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

1,044

887

157

205

172

33

Operating	Statistics

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	
and	Lloydminster	
Refinery	Total

1,249

1,059

190

Lloydminster	Upgrader	
and	Lloydminster	
Refinery	Total

Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	
(Mbbls/d)

Refining	Margin	($/bbl)

80.4

21.26

27.9

12.77

108.3

19.07

($	millions)

Revenues

Purchased	Product

Gross	Margin

Basis	of	Refining	Margin	Calculation

Year	Ended	December	31,	2021	(1)

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

3,245

2,698

547

816

659

157

Operating	Statistics

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	
and	Lloydminster	
Refinery	Total

4,061

3,357

704

Lloydminster	Upgrader	
and	Lloydminster	
Refinery	Total

Other	(2)

607

529

78

Total	Canadian	
Manufacturing	(3)	(4)

1,856

1,588

268

Other	(2)

2,154

1,799

355

Total	Canadian	
Manufacturing	(3)	(4)

6,215

5,156

1,059

Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	
(Mbbls/d)

Refining	Margin	($/bbl)

79.0

18.96

27.5

15.60

106.5

18.09

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)

Comparative	information	has	been	represented	for	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	refining	margins	to	include	marketing	activities.
Includes	ethanol	operations,	crude-by-rail	operations	and	the	commercial	fuels	business.
These	amounts,	excluding	gross	margin,	are	found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.
Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	
aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	See	Note	3	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.	There	has	been	no	impact	to	
total	downstream	Operating	Margin	or	total	Operating	Margin.

U.S.	Manufacturing

($	millions)

Revenues	(1)

Purchased	Product	(1)

Gross	Margin

Crude	Oil	Throughput	(Mbbls/d)

Refining	Margin	($/bbl)

($	millions)

Revenues	(1)

Purchased	Product	(1)

Gross	Margin

Crude	Oil	Throughput	(Mbbls/d)

Refining	Margin	($/bbl)

Per	Unit	DD&A

divided	by	sales	volumes.	

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,

2022

6,608	

5,747	

861	

379.2	

24.70	

2021

20,043	

17,955	

2,088	

401.5	

14.25	

2021

6,154	

5,635	

519	

361.6	

15.63	

2020

4,733	

4,429	

304	

185.9	

4.47	

2022

30,310	

26,112	

4,198	

400.8	

28.70	

(1)

Found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Year	Ended	December	31,

(1)

Found	in	Note	1	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Per	Unit	DD&A	is	a	specified	financial	measure	used	to	measure	DD&A	on	a	per-unit	basis.	We	define	Per	Unit	DD&A	as	DD&A	

172   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2021	(1)

Basis	of	Refining	Margin	Calculation

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	

and	Lloydminster	

Refinery	Total

Operating	Statistics

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	

and	Lloydminster	

Refinery	Total

Other	(2)

607

529

78

Total	Canadian	

Manufacturing	(3)	(4)

1,856

1,588

268

1,044

887

157

80.4

21.26

3,245

2,698

547

79.0

18.96

205

172

33

27.9

12.77

816

659

157

27.5

15.60

Basis	of	Refining	Margin	Calculation

Year	Ended	December	31,	2021	(1)

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	

and	Lloydminster	

Refinery	Total

Operating	Statistics

Lloydminster	Upgrader

Lloydminster	Refinery

Lloydminster	Upgrader	

and	Lloydminster	

Refinery	Total

1,249

1,059

190

108.3

19.07

4,061

3,357

704

106.5

18.09

($	millions)

Revenues

Purchased	Product

Gross	Margin

Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	

(Mbbls/d)

Refining	Margin	($/bbl)

($	millions)

Revenues

Purchased	Product

Gross	Margin

Heavy	Crude	Oil	Throughput	

(Mbbls/d)

Refining	Margin	($/bbl)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Comparative	information	has	been	represented	for	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	refining	margins	to	include	marketing	activities.

Includes	ethanol	operations,	crude-by-rail	operations	and	the	commercial	fuels	business.

These	amounts,	excluding	gross	margin,	are	found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Prior	period	results	have	been	re-presented.	In	September	2022,	the	Company	divested	the	majority	of	the	retail	fuels	business.	The	Retail	segment	has	been	

aggregated	with	the	Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	See	Note	3	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.	There	has	been	no	impact	to	

total	downstream	Operating	Margin	or	total	Operating	Margin.

U.S.	Manufacturing

($	millions)
Revenues	(1)
Purchased	Product	(1)
Gross	Margin

Crude	Oil	Throughput	(Mbbls/d)

Refining	Margin	($/bbl)

(1)

Found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

($	millions)
Revenues	(1)
Purchased	Product	(1)
Gross	Margin

Other	(2)

2,154

1,799

355

Total	Canadian	

Manufacturing	(3)	(4)

6,215

5,156

1,059

Crude	Oil	Throughput	(Mbbls/d)

Refining	Margin	($/bbl)

(1)

Found	in	Note	1	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Per	Unit	DD&A

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,

2022

6,608	

5,747	

861	

379.2	

24.70	

Year	Ended	December	31,

2022

30,310	

26,112	

4,198	

400.8	

28.70	

2021

20,043	

17,955	

2,088	

401.5	

14.25	

2021

6,154	

5,635	

519	

361.6	

15.63	

2020

4,733	

4,429	

304	

185.9	

4.47	

Per	Unit	DD&A	is	a	specified	financial	measure	used	to	measure	DD&A	on	a	per-unit	basis.	We	define	Per	Unit	DD&A	as	DD&A	
divided	by	sales	volumes.	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   173

Netback	Reconciliations

Netback	 is	 a	 non-GAAP	 financial	 measure	 commonly	 used	 in	 the	 oil	 and	 gas	 industry	 to	 assist	 in	 measuring	 operating	
performance	 and	 is	 also	 presented	 on	 a	 per-unit	 basis.	 Our	 Netback	 calculation	 is	 aligned	 with	 the	 definition	 found	 in	 the	
Canadian	Oil	and	Gas	Evaluation	Handbook.	Netbacks	per	BOE	reflect	our	margin	on	a	per-barrel	of	oil	equivalent	basis.	Netback	
is	defined	as	gross	sales	less	royalties,	transportation	and	blending	and	operating	expenses,	and	netback	per	BOE	is	divided	by	
sales	 volumes.	 Netbacks	 do	 not	 reflect	 non-cash	 write-downs	 or	 reversals	 of	 product	 inventory	 until	 it	 is	 realized	 when	 the	
product	is	sold	and	exclude	risk	management	activities.	The	sales	price,	transportation	and	blending	costs,	and	sales	volumes	
exclude	the	impact	of	purchased	condensate.	Condensate	is	blended	with	crude	oil	to	transport	it	to	market.	

The	 following	 tables	 provide	 a	 reconciliation	 of	 the	 items	 comprising	 Netbacks,	 and	 Netbacks	 per	 BOE	 to	 Operating	 Margin	
found	in	our	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Total	Production

Upstream	Financial	Results

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

Gross	Sales	

Royalties
Purchased	Product	
Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)
Gross	Sales	(5)
Royalties
Purchased	Product	(5)
Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Total	
Upstream	(1)
8,307	

875	

1,157	

2,962	

955	

2,358	

134	

2,224	

Total	
Upstream	(1)
8,237	

815	

1,198	

2,599	

865	

2,760	

202	

2,558	

Condensate

(2,415)	

—	

—	

(2,415)	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Third-Party	
Sourced

(1,063)	

—	

(1,063)	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Adjustments

Internal	
Consumption	(2)
(349)	

Equity		
Adjustment	(3)
77	

Other	(4)
(123)	

—	

—	

—	

(349)	

—	

—	

—	

27	

—	

—	

15	

35	

—	

35	

(1)	

(94)	

(4)	

(11)	

(13)	

—	

(13)	

Condensate

(2,201)	

—	

—	

(2,201)	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Third-Party	
Sourced

(1,079)	

—	

(1,079)	

—	

(8)	

8	

—	

8	

Adjustments

Internal	
Consumption	(2)
(241)	

Equity		
Adjustment	(3)
62	

Other	(4)
(146)	

—	

—	

—	

(241)	

—	

—	

—	

29	

—	

—	

7	

26	

—	

26	

—	

(119)	

—	

(3)	

(24)	

—	

(24)	

Basis	of	
Netback	
Calculation
Total
Upstream

4,434

901

—

543

610

2,380

134	

2,246

Basis	of	
Netback	
Calculation
Total
Upstream

4,632

844	

—	

398

620

2,770	

202	

2,568	

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)

These	amounts,	excluding	netback,	are	found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.
Represents	natural	gas	volumes	produced	by	the	Conventional	segment	used	for	internal	consumption	by	the	Oil	Sands	segment.
Revenues	and	expenses	related	to	the	HCML	joint	venture	are	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method	in	the	consolidated	financial	statements.
Other	includes	construction,	transportation	and	blending	and	third-party	processing	margin.
Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	 further	
details.	

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

Gross	Sales	

Royalties

Purchased	Product	

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Year	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)

Gross	Sales	(5)

Royalties

Purchased	Product	(5)

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Year	Ended	December	31,	2020	($	millions)

Gross	Sales	(5)

Royalties

Purchased	Product	(5)

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Total	

Upstream	(1)

27,844	

Condensate

(7,095)	

Third-Party	

Sourced

(3,761)	

Adjustments

Internal	

Equity		

Consumption	(2)

Adjustment	(3)

Other	(4)

Total	

Upstream	(1)

Condensate

(10,307)	

Third-Party	

Sourced

(6,524)	

Adjustments

Internal	

Equity		

Consumption	(2)

Adjustment	(3)

Other	(4)

41,127	

4,868	

6,833	

12,194	

3,789	

13,443	

1,619	

11,824	

2,454	

4,059	

8,714	

3,241	

9,376	

788	

8,588	

9,708	

371	

1,530	

4,764	

1,476	

1,567	

268	

1,299	

(10,307)	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

(7,095)	

(3,452)	

(6,524)	

—	

—	

—	

—	

(8)	

8	

(3,761)	

—	

—	

(8)	

8	

(2)	

10	

(1,559)	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

(1,170)	

(1,170)	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

(710)	

(710)	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

(1)	

—	

1	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Basis	of	

Netback	

Calculation

Total

Upstream

22,968

4,972

—

1,848

2,616

13,532

1,611	

11,921

Basis	of	

Netback	

Calculation

Total

Upstream

16,112

2,506

—	

1,619

2,512

9,475	

786	

8,689	

Basis	of	

Netback	

Calculation

Total

Upstream

4,344	

370	

—	

1,313	

1,109	

1,552	

268	

1,284	

(429)	

(12)	

(309)	

(39)	

(39)	

(30)	

—	

(30)	

(390)	

—	

(298)	

—	

(36)	

(56)	

—	

(56)	

(58)	

—	

29	

—	

(72)	

(15)	

—	

(15)	

271	

116	

—	

—	

36	

119	

—	

119	

224	

52	

—	

—	

25	

147	

—	

147	

(295)	

(295)	

—

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Total	

Upstream	(1)

Condensate

(3,452)	

Third-Party	

Sourced

(1,559)	

Adjustments

Internal	

Equity		

Consumption	(2)

Adjustment	(3)

Other	(4)

These	amounts,	excluding	netback,	are	found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Represents	natural	gas	volumes	produced	by	the	Conventional	segment	used	for	internal	consumption	by	the	Oil	Sands	segment.

Revenues	and	expenses	related	to	the	HCML	joint	venture	are	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method	in	the	consolidated	financial	statements.

Other	includes	construction,	transportation	and	blending	and	third-party	processing	margin.

Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	 further	

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

details.	

174   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Netback	Reconciliations

Netback	 is	 a	 non-GAAP	 financial	 measure	 commonly	 used	 in	 the	 oil	 and	 gas	 industry	 to	 assist	 in	 measuring	 operating	

performance	 and	 is	 also	 presented	 on	 a	 per-unit	 basis.	 Our	 Netback	 calculation	 is	 aligned	 with	 the	 definition	 found	 in	 the	

Canadian	Oil	and	Gas	Evaluation	Handbook.	Netbacks	per	BOE	reflect	our	margin	on	a	per-barrel	of	oil	equivalent	basis.	Netback	

is	defined	as	gross	sales	less	royalties,	transportation	and	blending	and	operating	expenses,	and	netback	per	BOE	is	divided	by	

sales	 volumes.	 Netbacks	 do	 not	 reflect	 non-cash	 write-downs	 or	 reversals	 of	 product	 inventory	 until	 it	 is	 realized	 when	 the	

product	is	sold	and	exclude	risk	management	activities.	The	sales	price,	transportation	and	blending	costs,	and	sales	volumes	

exclude	the	impact	of	purchased	condensate.	Condensate	is	blended	with	crude	oil	to	transport	it	to	market.	

The	 following	 tables	 provide	 a	 reconciliation	 of	 the	 items	 comprising	 Netbacks,	 and	 Netbacks	 per	 BOE	 to	 Operating	 Margin	

found	in	our	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Total	Production

Upstream	Financial	Results

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

Gross	Sales	

Royalties

Purchased	Product	

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)

Gross	Sales	(5)

Royalties

Purchased	Product	(5)

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Total	

Upstream	(1)

Condensate

(2,415)	

Third-Party	

Sourced

(1,063)	

Adjustments

Internal	

Equity		

Consumption	(2)

Adjustment	(3)

8,307	

875	

1,157	

2,962	

955	

2,358	

134	

2,224	

8,237	

815	

1,198	

2,599	

865	

2,760	

202	

2,558	

(2,415)	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

(2,201)	

(1,063)	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

(1,079)	

—	

—	

(8)	

8	

—	

8	

(349)	

(349)	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

(241)	

(241)	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Total	

Upstream	(1)

Condensate

(2,201)	

Third-Party	

Sourced

(1,079)	

Adjustments

Internal	

Equity		

Consumption	(2)

Adjustment	(3)

Other	(4)

Basis	of	

Netback	

Calculation

Total

Upstream

4,434

901

—

543

610

2,380

134	

2,246

844	

—	

398

620

2,770	

202	

2,568	

Basis	of	

Netback	

Calculation

Total

Upstream

4,632

Other	(4)

(123)	

(1)	

(94)	

(4)	

(11)	

(13)	

—	

(13)	

(146)	

—	

(119)	

—	

(3)	

(24)	

—	

(24)	

77	

27	

—	

—	

15	

35	

—	

35	

62	

29	

—	

—	

7	

26	

—	

26	

These	amounts,	excluding	netback,	are	found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Represents	natural	gas	volumes	produced	by	the	Conventional	segment	used	for	internal	consumption	by	the	Oil	Sands	segment.

Revenues	and	expenses	related	to	the	HCML	joint	venture	are	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method	in	the	consolidated	financial	statements.

Other	includes	construction,	transportation	and	blending	and	third-party	processing	margin.

Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	 further	

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

details.	

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

Gross	Sales	

Royalties
Purchased	Product	
Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Year	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)
Gross	Sales	(5)
Royalties
Purchased	Product	(5)
Transportation	and	Blending
Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Year	Ended	December	31,	2020	($	millions)
Gross	Sales	(5)
Royalties
Purchased	Product	(5)
Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Total	
Upstream	(1)
41,127	

4,868	

6,833	

12,194	

3,789	

13,443	

1,619	

11,824	

Total	
Upstream	(1)
27,844	

2,454	

4,059	

8,714	

3,241	

9,376	

788	

8,588	

Total	
Upstream	(1)
9,708	

371	

1,530	

4,764	

1,476	

1,567	

268	

1,299	

Condensate

(10,307)	

—	

—	

(10,307)	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Third-Party	
Sourced

(6,524)	

—	

(6,524)	

—	

—	

—	

(8)	

8	

Adjustments

Internal	
Consumption	(2)
(1,170)	

Equity		
Adjustment	(3)
271	

Other	(4)
(429)	

—	

—	

—	

(1,170)	

—	

—	

—	

116	

—	

—	

36	

119	

—	

119	

(12)	

(309)	

(39)	

(39)	

(30)	

—	

(30)	

Condensate

(7,095)	

—	

—	

(7,095)	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Third-Party	
Sourced

(3,761)	

—	

(3,761)	

—	

(8)	

8	

(2)	

10	

Adjustments

Internal	
Consumption	(2)
(710)	

Equity		
Adjustment	(3)
224	

Other	(4)
(390)	

—	

—	

—	

(710)	

—	

—	

—	

52	

—	

—	

25	

147	

—	

147	

—	

(298)	

—	

(36)	

(56)	

—	

(56)	

Condensate

(3,452)	

—	

—	

(3,452)	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Third-Party	
Sourced

(1,559)	

—	

(1,559)	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Adjustments

Internal	
Consumption	(2)
—	

Equity		
Adjustment	(3)
(295)	

Other	(4)
(58)	

(1)	

—	

1	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—

—	

—	

(295)	

—	

—	

—	

—	

29	

—	

(72)	

(15)	

—	

(15)	

Basis	of	
Netback	
Calculation
Total
Upstream

22,968

4,972

—

1,848

2,616

13,532

1,611	

11,921

Basis	of	
Netback	
Calculation
Total
Upstream

16,112

2,506

—	

1,619

2,512

9,475	

786	

8,689	

Basis	of	
Netback	
Calculation
Total
Upstream

4,344	

370	

—	

1,313	

1,109	

1,552	

268	

1,284	

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)

These	amounts,	excluding	netback,	are	found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.
Represents	natural	gas	volumes	produced	by	the	Conventional	segment	used	for	internal	consumption	by	the	Oil	Sands	segment.
Revenues	and	expenses	related	to	the	HCML	joint	venture	are	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method	in	the	consolidated	financial	statements.
Other	includes	construction,	transportation	and	blending	and	third-party	processing	margin.
Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	 further	
details.	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   175

Oil	Sands

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

Gross	Sales	

Royalties

Purchased	Product	

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating
Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)
Gross	Sales	(4)
Royalties
Purchased	Product	(4)
Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Foster	Creek

Christina	Lake

1,282	

1,453	

Sunrise

222	

338	

—	

255	

194	

495	

344	

—	

157	

221	

731	

13	

—	

42	

60	

107	

Other	Oil	
Sands	(1)
745	

88	

—	

39	

257	

361	

Total	Bitumen	
and	Heavy	Oil

Natural	Gas	

Total	Oil	Sands

3,702	

783	

—	

493	

732	

1,694	

4	

1	

—	

—	

3	

—	

3,706	

784	

—	

493	

735	

1,694	

59	

1,635	

Basis	of	Netback	
Calculation

Total	Oil	Sands
3,706	

784	

—	

493	

735	

1,694	

59	

1,635	

Adjustments

Condensate
2,415	

Third-party	Sourced
500	

Other	(2)
110	

Total	Oil	Sands	(3)
6,731	

—	

—	

2,415	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

500	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

—	

94	

14	

(2)	

4	

—	

4	

784	

594	

2,922	

733	

1,698	

59	

1,639	

Foster	Creek

Christina	Lake

1,304	

1,441	

Sunrise

189	

280	

—	

166	

184	

674	

345	

—	

140	

194	

762	

7	

—	

28	

39	

115	

Other	Oil	
Sands	(1)
903	

102	

—	

42	

230	

529	

Total	Bitumen	
and	Heavy	Oil

Natural	Gas	

Total	Oil	Sands

3,837	

734	

—	

376	

647	

2,080	

4	

—	

—	

—	

6	

(2)	

3,841	

734	

—	

376	

653	

2,078	

202	

1,876	

Basis	of	Netback	
Calculation

Adjustments

Total	Oil	Sands

Condensate

Third-party	Sourced

3,841	

734	

—	

376	

653	

2,078	

202	

1,876	

2,201	

—	

—	

2,201	

—	

—	

—	

—	

537	

—	

537	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Other	(2)
138	

Total	Oil	Sands	(3)
6,717	

—	

119	

—	

5	

14	

—	

14	

734	

656	

2,577	

658	

2,092	

202	

1,890	

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

Foster	Creek

Christina	Lake

Sunrise

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

6,723	

1,783	

—	

814	

870	

3,256	

7,951	

2,244	

—	

588	

898	

4,221	

950	

59	

—	

135	

193	

563	

Other	Oil	
Sands	(1)
3,967	

390	

—	

149	

960	

2,468	

Total	Bitumen	
and	Heavy	Oil

Natural	Gas	

Total	Oil	Sands

19,591	

4,476	

—	

1,686	

2,921	

10,508	

18	

6	

—	

—	

20	

(8)	

19,609	

4,482	

—	

1,686	

2,941	

10,500	

1,527	

8,973	

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)

Includes	Lloydminster	thermal	and	Lloydminster	conventional	heavy	oil	assets.
Other	includes	construction,	transportation	and	blending	margin.
These	amounts,	excluding	netback,	are	found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.
Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	 further	
details.	

176   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

Total	Oil	Sands

Condensate

Third-party	Sourced

Other	(2)

Total	Oil	Sands	(3)

Basis	of	Netback	

Calculation

Adjustments

Year	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)

Foster	Creek

Christina	Lake

Sunrise

Natural	Gas	

Total	Oil	Sands

4,341	

767	

—	

686	

701	

2,187	

5,115	

1,078	

—	

526	

700	

2,811	

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Other	Oil	

Sands	(1)

3,212	

330	

—	

207	

858	

1,817	

Total	Bitumen	

and	Heavy	Oil

13,284	

2,195	

—	

1,530	

2,416	

7,143	

13	

1	

—	

—	

21	

(9)	

Year	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)

Total	Oil	Sands

Condensate

Third-party	Sourced

Other	(2)

Total	Oil	Sands	(3)

Basis	of	Netback	

Calculation

Adjustments

19,609	

4,482	

—	

1,686	

2,941	

10,500	

1,527	

8,973	

13,297	

2,196	

—	

1,530	

2,437	

7,134	

786	

6,348	

10,307	

10,307	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

616	

20	

—	

111	

157	

328	

7,095	

7,095	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

4,501	

4,501	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

2,106	

2,106	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

358	

11	

309	

43	

(11)	

6	

—	

6	

329	

—	

298	

—	

14	

17	

—	

17	

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Foster	Creek

Christina	Lake

Total	Oil	Sands

1,859	

2,194	

Year	Ended	December	31,	2020	($	millions)

Total	Oil	Sands

Condensate

down	(5)

Other	(2)

Total	Oil	Sands	(3)

Basis	of	Netback	

Calculation

Adjustments

Third-party	

Inventory	Write-

95	

—	

667	

558	

539	

—	

1	

—	

(1)	

—	

—	

—	

—	

235	

—	

565	

551	

843	

9	

—	

(28)	

—	

47	

(10)	

—	

(10)	

4,053	

330	

—	

1,232	

1,109	

1,382	

268	

1,114	

3,452	

3,452	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Sourced

1,290	

1,290	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Gross	Sales	

Royalties

Operating

Netback

Purchased	Product	

Transportation	and	Blending

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Operating

Netback

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Gross	Sales	(4)

Royalties

Purchased	Product	(4)

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Year	Ended	December	31,	2020	($	millions)

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Operating

Netback

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Gross	Sales	(4)

Royalties

Purchased	Product	(4)

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

34,775	

4,493	

4,810	

12,036	

2,930	

10,506	

1,527	

8,979	

13,297	

2,196	

—	

1,530	

2,437	

7,134	

786	

6,348	

22,827	

2,196	

2,404	

8,625	

2,451	

7,151	

786	

6,365	

4,053	

330	

—	

1,232	

1,109	

1,382	

268	

1,114	

8,804	

331	

1,262

4,683	

1,156	

1,372	

268	

1,104	

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Includes	Tucker,	Lloydminster	thermal	and	Lloydminster	conventional	heavy	oil	assets.	The	Tucker	asset	was	sold	on	January	31,	2022.

Other	includes	construction,	transportation	and	blending	margin.

These	amounts,	excluding	netback,	are	found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	 further	

(5)

Netbacks	do	not	reflect	non-cash	write-downs	or	reversals	of	product	inventory	until	it	is	realized	when	the	product	is	sold.	These	amounts	are	net	of	inventory	

details.	

write-down	reversals.	

Oil	Sands

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Operating

Netback

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Gross	Sales	

Royalties

Operating

Netback

Purchased	Product	

Transportation	and	Blending

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Operating

Netback

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Gross	Sales	(4)

Royalties

Purchased	Product	(4)

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Operating

Netback

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

details.	

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

Foster	Creek

Christina	Lake

1,282	

1,453	

Sunrise

222	

Natural	Gas	

Total	Oil	Sands

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Other	Oil	

Sands	(1)

Total	Bitumen	

and	Heavy	Oil

745	

88	

—	

39	

257	

361	

3,702	

783	

—	

493	

732	

1,694	

338	

—	

255	

194	

495	

344	

—	

157	

221	

731	

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

Total	Oil	Sands

Condensate

Third-party	Sourced

Other	(2)

110	

Total	Oil	Sands	(3)

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)

Foster	Creek

Christina	Lake

1,304	

1,441	

Sunrise

189	

Natural	Gas	

Total	Oil	Sands

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Other	Oil	

Sands	(1)

Total	Bitumen	

and	Heavy	Oil

903	

102	

—	

42	

230	

529	

3,837	

734	

—	

376	

647	

2,080	

280	

—	

166	

184	

674	

345	

—	

140	

194	

762	

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)

Total	Oil	Sands

Condensate

Third-party	Sourced

Other	(2)

Total	Oil	Sands	(3)

Basis	of	Netback	

Calculation

Adjustments

3,706	

784	

—	

493	

735	

1,694	

59	

1,635	

3,841	

734	

—	

376	

653	

2,078	

202	

1,876	

13	

—	

42	

60	

107	

2,415	

2,415	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

7	

—	

28	

39	

115	

2,201	

2,201	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

950	

59	

—	

135	

193	

563	

500	

—	

500	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

537	

—	

537	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

4	

1	

—	

—	

3	

—	

4	

—	

—	

—	

6	

(2)	

18	

6	

—	

—	

20	

(8)	

—	

94	

14	

(2)	

4	

—	

4	

138	

—	

119	

—	

5	

14	

—	

14	

3,706	

784	

—	

493	

735	

1,694	

59	

1,635	

6,731	

784	

594	

2,922	

733	

1,698	

59	

1,639	

3,841	

734	

—	

376	

653	

2,078	

202	

1,876	

6,717	

734	

656	

2,577	

658	

2,092	

202	

1,890	

19,609	

4,482	

—	

1,686	

2,941	

10,500	

1,527	

8,973	

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

Foster	Creek

Christina	Lake

Sunrise

Natural	Gas	

Total	Oil	Sands

6,723	

1,783	

—	

814	

870	

3,256	

7,951	

2,244	

—	

588	

898	

4,221	

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Other	Oil	

Sands	(1)

3,967	

390	

—	

149	

960	

2,468	

Total	Bitumen	

and	Heavy	Oil

19,591	

4,476	

—	

1,686	

2,921	

10,508	

Includes	Lloydminster	thermal	and	Lloydminster	conventional	heavy	oil	assets.

Other	includes	construction,	transportation	and	blending	margin.

These	amounts,	excluding	netback,	are	found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	 further	

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

Total	Oil	Sands

Condensate

Third-party	Sourced

Basis	of	Netback	
Calculation

Adjustments

Gross	Sales	

Royalties

Purchased	Product	

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

19,609	

4,482	

—	

1,686	

2,941	

10,500	

1,527	

8,973	

10,307	

—	

—	

10,307	

—	

—	

—	

—	

4,501	

—	

4,501	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Other	(2)
358	

Total	Oil	Sands	(3)
34,775	

11	

309	

43	

(11)	

6	

—	

6	

4,493	

4,810	

12,036	

2,930	

10,506	

1,527	

8,979	

Basis	of	Netback	

Calculation

Adjustments

Year	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)

Foster	Creek

Christina	Lake

Sunrise

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Year	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)
Gross	Sales	(4)
Royalties
Purchased	Product	(4)
Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Year	Ended	December	31,	2020	($	millions)

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Year	Ended	December	31,	2020	($	millions)
Gross	Sales	(4)
Royalties
Purchased	Product	(4)
Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

4,341	

767	

—	

686	

701	

2,187	

5,115	

1,078	

—	

526	

700	

2,811	

616	

20	

—	

111	

157	

328	

Other	Oil	
Sands	(1)
3,212	

330	

—	

207	

858	

1,817	

Total	Bitumen	
and	Heavy	Oil

Natural	Gas	

Total	Oil	Sands

13,284	

2,195	

—	

1,530	

2,416	

7,143	

13	

1	

—	

—	

21	

(9)	

13,297	

2,196	

—	

1,530	

2,437	

7,134	

786	

6,348	

Basis	of	Netback	
Calculation

Adjustments

Total	Oil	Sands

Condensate

Third-party	Sourced

13,297	

2,196	

—	

1,530	

2,437	

7,134	

786	

6,348	

7,095	

—	

—	

7,095	

—	

—	

—	

—	

2,106	

—	

2,106	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Other	(2)
329	

Total	Oil	Sands	(3)
22,827	

—	

298	

—	

14	

17	

—	

17	

2,196	

2,404	

8,625	

2,451	

7,151	

786	

6,365	

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Foster	Creek

Christina	Lake

Total	Oil	Sands

1,859	

2,194	

95	

—	

667	

558	

539	

235	

—	

565	

551	

843	

4,053	

330	

—	

1,232	

1,109	

1,382	

268	

1,114	

Basis	of	Netback	
Calculation

Adjustments

Total	Oil	Sands

Condensate

Third-party	
Sourced

4,053	

330	

—	

1,232	

1,109	

1,382	

268	

1,114	

3,452	

—	

—	

3,452	

—	

—	

—	

—	

1,290	

—	

1,290	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Inventory	Write-
down	(5)
—	

Other	(2)
9	

Total	Oil	Sands	(3)
8,804	

1	

—	

(1)	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

(28)	

—	

47	

(10)	

—	

(10)	

331	

1,262

4,683	

1,156	

1,372	

268	

1,104	

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)

(5)

Includes	Tucker,	Lloydminster	thermal	and	Lloydminster	conventional	heavy	oil	assets.	The	Tucker	asset	was	sold	on	January	31,	2022.
Other	includes	construction,	transportation	and	blending	margin.
These	amounts,	excluding	netback,	are	found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.
Prior	 period	 results	 have	 been	 adjusted	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	 blending.	See	 Note	 3	 of	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 for	 further	
details.	
Netbacks	do	not	reflect	non-cash	write-downs	or	reversals	of	product	inventory	until	it	is	realized	when	the	product	is	sold.	These	amounts	are	net	of	inventory	
write-down	reversals.	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   177

Conventional

Offshore

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

Conventional

Third-party	Sourced

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Adjustments

555	

69	

—	

47	

135	

304	

75	

229	

563	

—	

563	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Other	(1)
13	

Conventional	(2)
1,131	

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

China

Indonesia	(1)

Asia	Pacific

Atlantic

Total	

Offshore

Equity	

Adjustment	(1)

Other	(2)

Total	Offshore	(3)

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Adjustments

1	

—	

(10)	

3	

19	

—	

19	

70	

563	

37	

138	

323	

75	

248	

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Adjustments

Conventional
450	

Third-party	Sourced
542	

Other	(1)
8	

Conventional	(2)
1,000	

47	

—	

17	

128	

258	

—	

258	

—	

542	

—	

8	

(8)	

—	

(8)	

—	

—	

—	

(2)	

10	

—	

10	

47	

542	

17	

134	

260	

—	

260	

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

Conventional

Third-party	Sourced

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Adjustments

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

2,238	

297	

—	

147	

520	

1,274	

84	

1,190	

2,023	

—	

2,023	

—	

—	

—	

8	

(8)	

Year	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)

Conventional

Third-party	Sourced

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Adjustments

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

1,519	

150	

—	

74	

521	

774	

—	

774	

1,655	

—	

1,655	

—	

8	

(8)	

2	

(10)	

Year	Ended	December	31,	2020	($	millions)

Conventional

Third-party	Sourced

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Adjustments

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

586	

40	

—	

81	

295	

170	

—	

170	

269	

—	

269	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

(1)
(2)

Reflects	Operating	Margin	from	processing	facilities.
These	amounts,	excluding	netback,	are	found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Other	(1)
71	

Conventional	(2)
4,332	

1	

—	

(4)	

21	

53	

—	

53	

298	

2,023	

143	

541	

1,327	

92	

1,235	

Other	(1)
61	

Conventional	(2)
3,235	

—	

—	

—	

22	

39	

—	

39	

150	

1,655	

74	

551	

805	

2	

803	

Other	(1)
49	

Conventional	(2)
904	

—	

(1)	

—	

25	

25	

—	

25	

40	

268	

81	

320	

195	

—	

195	

178   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)

Indonesia	(1)

Asia	Pacific

Atlantic

Total	Offshore

Adjustment	(1)

Total	Offshore	(3)

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Adjustment

Equity	

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

Indonesia	(1)

Asia	Pacific

Atlantic

Total	

Offshore

Equity	

Adjustment	(1)

Other	(2)

Total	Offshore	(3)

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Adjustments

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Operating

Netback

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Operating

Netback

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Operating

Netback

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Operating

Netback

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

(1)

(2)

(3)

Relates	to	costs	in	the	Atlantic.

359	

20	

—	

—	

24	

315	

77	

27	

—	

—	

17	

33	

436	

47	

—	

—	

41	

348	

86	

1	

—	

3	

48	

34	

China

377	

26	

—	

—	

23	

328	

China

1,442	

80	

—	

—	

99	

1,263	

China

1,342	

79	

—	

—	

94	

1,169	

62	

29	

—	

—	

12	

21	

439	

55	

—	

—	

35	

349	

143	

8	

—	

5	

45	

85	

271	

116	

—	

—	

51	

104	

1,713	

196	

—	

—	

150	

1,367	

578	

(3)	

—	

15	

175	

391	

224	

52	

—	

—	

33	

139	

1,566	

131	

—	

—	

127	

1,308	

440	

29	

—	

15	

137	

259	

522	

48	

—	

3	

89	

382	

—	

382	

2,291	

193	

—	

15	

325	

1,758	

—	

1,758	

(77)	

(27)	

—	

—	

(15)	

(35)	

—	

(35)	

582	

63	

—	

5	

80	

434	

—	

434	

(271)	

(116)	

—	

—	

(36)	

(119)	

—	

(119)	

2,006	

160	

—	

15	

264	

1,567	

—	

1,567	

—

—

—	

—	

10	

(10)	

—	

(10)	

(62)	

(29)	

—	

—	

(7)	

(26)	

—	

(26)	

—

—

—	

—	

29	

(29)	

—	

(29)	

(224)	

(52)	

—	

—	

(25)	

(147)	

—	

(147)	

445	

21	

—	

3	

84	

337	

—	

337	

520	

34	

—	

5	

73	

408	

—	

408	

2,020	

77	

—	

15	

318	

1,610	

—	

1,610	

1,782	

108	

—	

15	

239	

1,420	

—	

1,420	

Year	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)

Indonesia	(1)

Asia	Pacific

Atlantic

Total	Offshore

Adjustment	(1)

Total	Offshore	(2)

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Adjustment

Equity	

Revenues	and	expenses	related	to	the	HCML	joint	venture	are	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method	in	the	consolidated	financial	statements.

These	amounts,	excluding	netback,	are	found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

	
	
Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

Conventional

Third-party	Sourced

Other	(1)

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Adjustments

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)

Conventional

Third-party	Sourced

Other	(1)

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Adjustments

Conventional

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Operating

Netback

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Operating

Netback

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Operating

Netback

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Operating

Netback

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Operating

Netback

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

555	

69	

—	

47	

135	

304	

75	

229	

450	

47	

—	

17	

128	

258	

—	

258	

2,238	

297	

—	

147	

520	

1,274	

84	

1,190	

1,519	

150	

—	

74	

521	

774	

—	

774	

586	

40	

—	

81	

295	

170	

—	

170	

563	

—	

563	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

542	

—	

542	

—	

8	

(8)	

—	

(8)	

2,023	

2,023	

—	

—	

—	

—	

8	

(8)	

1,655	

—	

1,655	

—	

8	

(8)	

2	

(10)	

269	

—	

269	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

(10)	

13	

1	

—	

3	

19	

—	

19	

8	

—	

—	

—	

(2)	

10	

—	

10	

71	

1	

—	

(4)	

21	

53	

—	

53	

61	

—	

—	

—	

22	

39	

—	

39	

49	

—	

(1)	

—	

25	

25	

—	

25	

Conventional	(2)

1,131	

Conventional	(2)

1,000	

70	

563	

37	

138	

323	

75	

248	

47	

542	

17	

134	

260	

—	

260	

4,332	

298	

2,023	

143	

541	

1,327	

92	

1,235	

3,235	

150	

1,655	

74	

551	

805	

2	

803	

904	

40	

268	

81	

320	

195	

—	

195	

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

Conventional

Third-party	Sourced

Other	(1)

Conventional	(2)

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Adjustments

Year	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)

Conventional

Third-party	Sourced

Other	(1)

Conventional	(2)

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Adjustments

Year	Ended	December	31,	2020	($	millions)

Conventional

Third-party	Sourced

Other	(1)

Conventional	(2)

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

Adjustments

Reflects	Operating	Margin	from	processing	facilities.

(1)

(2)

These	amounts,	excluding	netback,	are	found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

Offshore

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Three	Months	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Year	Ended	December	31,	2022	($	millions)

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Year	Ended	December	31,	2021	($	millions)

Gross	Sales

Royalties

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating

Netback

Realized	(Gain)	Loss	on	Risk	Management

Operating	Margin

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

China

359	

Indonesia	(1)
77	

20	

—	

—	

24	

315	

27	

—	

—	

17	

33	

Asia	Pacific

Atlantic

Total	
Offshore

436	

47	

—	

—	

41	

348	

86	

1	

—	

3	

48	

34	

522	

48	

—	

3	

89	

382	

—	

382	

Adjustments
Equity	
Adjustment	(1)
(77)	

Other	(2)
—

Total	Offshore	(3)
445	

(27)	

—	

—	

(15)	

(35)	

—	

(35)	

—

—	

—	

10	

(10)	

—	

(10)	

21	

—	

3	

84	

337	

—	

337	

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

China
377	

Indonesia	(1)
62	

Asia	Pacific
439	

Atlantic
143	

Total	Offshore
582	

26	

—	

—	

23	

328	

29	

—	

—	

12	

21	

55	

—	

—	

35	

349	

8	

—	

5	

45	

85	

63	

—	

5	

80	

434	

—	

434	

Adjustment
Equity	
Adjustment	(1)
(62)	

Total	Offshore	(3)
520	

(29)	

—	

—	

(7)	

(26)	

—	

(26)	

34	

—	

5	

73	

408	

—	

408	

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

China

1,442	

Indonesia	(1)
271	

80	

—	

—	

99	

1,263	

116	

—	

—	

51	

104	

Asia	Pacific

Atlantic

1,713	

196	

—	

—	

150	

1,367	

578	

(3)	

—	

15	

175	

391	

Total	
Offshore

2,291	

193	

—	

15	

325	

1,758	

—	

1,758	

Adjustments
Equity	
Adjustment	(1)
(271)	

Other	(2)
—

Total	Offshore	(3)
2,020	

(116)	

—	

—	

(36)	

(119)	

—	

(119)	

—

—	

—	

29	

(29)	

—	

(29)	

77	

—	

15	

318	

1,610	

—	

1,610	

Basis	of	Netback	Calculation

China

1,342	

Indonesia	(1)
224	

79	

—	

—	

94	

1,169	

52	

—	

—	

33	

139	

Asia	Pacific

Atlantic

Total	Offshore

1,566	

131	

—	

—	

127	

1,308	

440	

29	

—	

15	

137	

259	

2,006	

160	

—	

15	

264	

1,567	

—	

1,567	

Adjustment
Equity	
Adjustment	(1)
(224)	

Total	Offshore	(2)
1,782	

(52)	

—	

—	

(25)	

(147)	

—	

(147)	

108	

—	

15	

239	

1,420	

—	

1,420	

(1)
(2)
(3)

Revenues	and	expenses	related	to	the	HCML	joint	venture	are	accounted	for	using	the	equity	method	in	the	consolidated	financial	statements.
Relates	to	costs	in	the	Atlantic.
These	amounts,	excluding	netback,	are	found	in	Note	1	of	the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   179

	
	
Sales	Volumes	(1)	

The	following	table	provides	the	sales	volumes	used	to	calculate	Netback:

(MBOE/d)

Oil	Sands

Foster	Creek

Christina	Lake
Sunrise	(2)
Other	Oil	Sands
Total	Oil	Sands	(2)

Conventional

Sales	before	Internal	Consumption
Less:	Internal	Consumption	(3)
Sales	after	Internal	Consumption

Offshore

Asia	Pacific	-	China

Asia	Pacific	-	Indonesia

Asia	Pacific	-	Total

Atlantic

Total	Offshore

Total	Sales

Three	Months	Ended	
December	31,

Year	Ended	December	31,

2022

2021

2022

2021

2020

184.7	

246.5	

42.0	

118.5	

591.7	

125.5	

717.2	

(93.4)	

623.8	

47.1	

12.8	

59.9	

7.3	

67.2	

194.5	

239.1	

29.9	

141.2	

604.7	

125.3	

730.0	

(88.8)	

641.2	

52.7	

9.8	

62.5	

15.0	

77.5	

189.4	

247.5	

30.2	

118.7	

585.8	

127.2	

713.0	

(86.6)	

626.4	

48.2	

10.5	

58.7	

11.3	

70.0	

178.8	

232.7	

25.2	

143.2	

579.9	

133.4	

713.3	

(86.0)	

627.3	

50.8	

9.5	

60.3	

13.2	

73.5	

164.9	

221.7	

—	

—	

386.6	

89.8	

476.4	

(55.9)	

420.5	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

691.0	

718.7	

696.4	

700.8	

420.5	

(1)
(2)
(3)

Presented	on	dry	bitumen	basis.
Sunrise	sales	volumes	have	been	re-presented	to	reflect	a	change	in	classification	of	marketing	activities	for	the	first	and	second	quarters	of	2021.
Less	natural	gas	volumes	used	for	internal	consumption	by	the	Oil	Sands	segment.

Adjustments	to	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss)	and	Segmented	Disclosures	

Certain	comparative	information	presented	in	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss)	within	the	Oil	Sands,	Canadian	

Manufacturing,	historical	Retail	and	Corporate	and	Eliminations	segments	were	revised.

During	 the	 three	 months	 ended	 June	 30,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 made	 adjustments	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	

blending	 at	 the	 Lloydminster	 thermal	 and	 Lloydminster	 conventional	 heavy	 oil	 assets,	 which	 resulted	 in	 a	 reclassification	 of	

costs	 between	 purchased	 product	 and	 transportation	 and	 blending.	 An	 associated	 elimination	 entry	 was	 recorded	 in	 the	

Corporate	and	Eliminations	segment	to	re-present	the	change	in	the	value	of	condensate	that	was	extracted	at	the	Canadian	

Manufacturing	operations	and	sold	back	to	the	Oil	Sands	segment.	As	a	result,	purchased	product	decreased	and	transportation	

and	blending	increased,	with	no	impact	to	net	earnings	(loss),	segment	income	(loss),	financial	position	or	cash	flows.	Refer	to	

the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	the	periods	ended	June	30,	2022,	for	further	details.	

In	 September	 2022,	 the	 Company	 completed	 the	 divestiture	 of	 the	 majority	 of	 the	 retail	 fuels	 business.	 As	 a	 result,	

Management	 elected	 to	 aggregate	 the	 remaining	 commercial	 fuels	 business	 and	 the	 historical	 retail	 fuels	 business	 into	 the	

Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	Comparative	periods	have	been	re-presented	to	reflect	this	change,	with	no	impact	to	net	

earnings	(loss),	financial	position	or	cash	flows.	Refer	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.

The	following	tables	reconcile	the	amounts	previously	reported	in	the	interim	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss)	for	

the	respective	period	or	the	December	31,	2021	Consolidated	Financial	Statements,	to	the	corresponding	revised	amounts:

Three	Months	Ended

March	31,	2022

y	

Three	Months	Ended

June	30,	2022

y	

Three	Months	Ended

September	30,	2022

y	

Reported

Revision

Revised

Reported

Revision

Revised

Reported

Revision

Revised

($	millions)

Oil	Sands	Segment

Purchased	Product	

Transportation	and	Blending	

Canadian	Manufacturing	Segment

Gross	Sales

Purchased	Product

Operating	Expenses

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	

		Amortization

Retail	Segment

Gross	Sales

Purchased	Product

Operating	Expenses

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	

		Amortization

Corporate	and	Eliminations	Segment

Gross	Sales

Purchased	Product	

Transportation	and	Blending

Consolidated

Gross	Sales

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating	Expenses

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	

		Amortization

1,483	

2,885	

4,368	

1,044	

806	

124	

42	

72	

694	

660	

27	

8	

(1)

(1,761)	

(1,497)	

(6)

(258)

17,383	

7,538	

2,919	

1,287	

1,030	

4,609	

(271)

271	

—	

563	

529	

27	

8	

(1)

(694)

(660)

(27)

(8)

1	

131	

346	

(215)

—

—	

(56)

56	

—	

—	

—	

1,212	

3,156	

4,368	

1,607	

1,335	

151	

50	

71	

—

—

—

—

—	

1,521	

1,294	

180	

64	

(17)

849	

811	

31	

8	

(1)

(1,630)	

(1,151)	

(221)	

(258)	 	—	

(1,782)	

(1,111)	

(188)

(483)	

17,383	

20,747	

7,482	

2,975	

1,287	

9,396	

3,048	

1,481	

1,030	

1,132	

4,609	 —	

5,690	

724	

686	

31	

8	

(1)

(849)

(811)

(31)

(8)

1	

125	

125	

—

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

2,245	

1,980	

211	

72	

(18)	

—

—

—

—

—	

1,478	

1,095	

134	

37	

212	

881	

846	

38	

5	

(8)

(1,657)	

(986)	

(188)	

(483)	 	—	

(2,619)	

(2,267)	

(119)

(233)	

20,747	

9,396	

3,048	

1,481	

18,697	

10,012	

2,684	

1,439	

1,132	

1,047	

5,690	 —	

3,515	

690	

655	

38	

5	

(8)

(881)

(846)

(38)

(5)

8	

191	

191	

—

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

2,168	

1,750	

172	

42	

204	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

(2,428)	

(2,076)	

(119)	

(233)	

18,697	

10,012	

2,684	

1,439	

1,047	

3,515	

180   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

The	following	table	provides	the	sales	volumes	used	to	calculate	Netback:

Sales	Volumes	(1)	

(MBOE/d)

Oil	Sands

Foster	Creek

Christina	Lake

Sunrise	(2)

Other	Oil	Sands

Total	Oil	Sands	(2)

Conventional

Sales	before	Internal	Consumption

Less:	Internal	Consumption	(3)

Sales	after	Internal	Consumption

Offshore

Asia	Pacific	-	China

Asia	Pacific	-	Indonesia

Asia	Pacific	-	Total

Atlantic

Total	Offshore

Total	Sales

(1)

(2)

(3)

Three	Months	Ended	

December	31,

Year	Ended	December	31,

2022

2021

2022

2021

2020

184.7	

246.5	

42.0	

118.5	

591.7	

125.5	

717.2	

(93.4)	

623.8	

47.1	

12.8	

59.9	

7.3	

67.2	

194.5	

239.1	

29.9	

141.2	

604.7	

125.3	

730.0	

(88.8)	

641.2	

52.7	

9.8	

62.5	

15.0	

77.5	

189.4	

247.5	

30.2	

118.7	

585.8	

127.2	

713.0	

(86.6)	

626.4	

48.2	

10.5	

58.7	

11.3	

70.0	

178.8	

232.7	

25.2	

143.2	

579.9	

133.4	

713.3	

(86.0)	

627.3	

50.8	

9.5	

60.3	

13.2	

73.5	

164.9	

221.7	

—	

—	

386.6	

89.8	

476.4	

(55.9)	

420.5	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Presented	on	dry	bitumen	basis.

Sunrise	sales	volumes	have	been	re-presented	to	reflect	a	change	in	classification	of	marketing	activities	for	the	first	and	second	quarters	of	2021.

Less	natural	gas	volumes	used	for	internal	consumption	by	the	Oil	Sands	segment.

691.0	

718.7	

696.4	

700.8	

420.5	

Adjustments	to	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss)	and	Segmented	Disclosures	

Certain	comparative	information	presented	in	the	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss)	within	the	Oil	Sands,	Canadian	
Manufacturing,	historical	Retail	and	Corporate	and	Eliminations	segments	were	revised.

During	 the	 three	 months	 ended	 June	 30,	 2022,	 the	 Company	 made	 adjustments	 to	 more	 appropriately	 reflect	 the	 cost	 of	
blending	 at	 the	 Lloydminster	 thermal	 and	 Lloydminster	 conventional	 heavy	 oil	 assets,	 which	 resulted	 in	 a	 reclassification	 of	
costs	 between	 purchased	 product	 and	 transportation	 and	 blending.	 An	 associated	 elimination	 entry	 was	 recorded	 in	 the	
Corporate	and	Eliminations	segment	to	re-present	the	change	in	the	value	of	condensate	that	was	extracted	at	the	Canadian	
Manufacturing	operations	and	sold	back	to	the	Oil	Sands	segment.	As	a	result,	purchased	product	decreased	and	transportation	
and	blending	increased,	with	no	impact	to	net	earnings	(loss),	segment	income	(loss),	financial	position	or	cash	flows.	Refer	to	
the	interim	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	the	periods	ended	June	30,	2022,	for	further	details.	

In	 September	 2022,	 the	 Company	 completed	 the	 divestiture	 of	 the	 majority	 of	 the	 retail	 fuels	 business.	 As	 a	 result,	
Management	 elected	 to	 aggregate	 the	 remaining	 commercial	 fuels	 business	 and	 the	 historical	 retail	 fuels	 business	 into	 the	
Canadian	Manufacturing	segment.	Comparative	periods	have	been	re-presented	to	reflect	this	change,	with	no	impact	to	net	
earnings	(loss),	financial	position	or	cash	flows.	Refer	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	further	details.

The	following	tables	reconcile	the	amounts	previously	reported	in	the	interim	Consolidated	Statements	of	Earnings	(Loss)	for	
the	respective	period	or	the	December	31,	2021	Consolidated	Financial	Statements,	to	the	corresponding	revised	amounts:

($	millions)

Oil	Sands	Segment
Purchased	Product	
Transportation	and	Blending	

Canadian	Manufacturing	Segment

Gross	Sales

Purchased	Product

Operating	Expenses
Depreciation,	Depletion	and	
		Amortization

Retail	Segment

Gross	Sales

Purchased	Product

Operating	Expenses
Depreciation,	Depletion	and	
		Amortization

Corporate	and	Eliminations	Segment
Gross	Sales

Purchased	Product	

Transportation	and	Blending

Consolidated

Gross	Sales

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating	Expenses
Depreciation,	Depletion	and	
		Amortization

Three	Months	Ended
March	31,	2022
y	
Reported

Revision

Revised

Three	Months	Ended
June	30,	2022
y	
Reported

Revision

Revised

y	
Reported

Three	Months	Ended
September	30,	2022

Revision

Revised

1,483	

2,885	

4,368	

1,044	

806	

124	

42	

72	

694	

660	

27	

8	

(1)

(1,761)	

(1,497)	

(6)

(258)

17,383	

7,538	

2,919	

1,287	

1,030	

4,609	

(271)

271	

—	

563	

529	

27	

8	

(1)

(694)

(660)

(27)

(8)

1	

131	

346	

(215)

—

—	

(56)

56	

—	

—	

—	

1,212	

3,156	

4,368	

1,607	

1,335	

151	

50	

71	

—

—

—

—

—	

1,521	

1,294	

180	

64	

(17)

849	

811	

31	

8	

(1)

(1,630)	

(1,151)	

(221)	
(258)	 	—	

(1,782)	

(1,111)	

(188)

(483)	

17,383	

20,747	

7,482	

2,975	

1,287	

9,396	

3,048	

1,481	

1,030	
4,609	 —	

1,132	

5,690	

724	

686	

31	

8	

(1)

(849)

(811)

(31)

(8)

1	

125	

125	

—

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

2,245	

1,980	

211	

72	

(18)	

—

—

—

—

—	

1,478	

1,095	

134	

37	

212	

881	

846	

38	

5	

(8)

(1,657)	

(986)	

(188)	

(483)	 	—	

(2,619)	

(2,267)	

(119)

(233)	

20,747	

9,396	

3,048	

1,481	

18,697	

10,012	

2,684	

1,439	

1,132	

1,047	

5,690	 —	

3,515	

690	

655	

38	

5	

(8)

(881)

(846)

(38)

(5)

8	

191	

191	

—

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

2,168	

1,750	

172	

42	

204	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

(2,428)	

(2,076)	

(119)	

(233)	

18,697	

10,012	

2,684	

1,439	

1,047	

3,515	

CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT    |   181

Three	Months	Ended
March	31,	2021

Three	Months	Ended
June	30,	2021

Three	Months	Ended
September	30,	2021

Three	Months	Ended
December	31,	2021

Year	Ended
December	31,	2021

Previously	
Reported Revision

Revised

Previously	
Reported Revision

Revised

Previously	
Reported Revision

Revised

Previously	
Reported Revision

Revised

Previously	
Reported Revision

Revised

861	

(172)	

689	

634	

(204)	

430	

825	

(196)	

629	

868	

(212)	

656	

($	millions)

Oil	Sands	Segment
Purchased	Product	

Transportation	and	Blending	

1,778	

2,639	

172	

1,950	

—	

2,639	

1,780	

2,414	

204	

1,984	

—	

2,414	

Canadian	Manufacturing	Segment

Gross	Sales

Purchased	Product

Operating	Expenses

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	
		Amortization

Retail	Segment

Gross	Sales

Purchased	Product

Operating	Expenses

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	
		Amortization

Corporate	and	Eliminations	Segment

806	

631	

93	

43	

39	

447	

417	

19	

12	

(1)	

357	

327	

19	

12	

(1)	

(447)	

(417)	

(19)	

(12)	

1	

1,163	

1,088	

958	

112	

55	

38	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

807	

92	

43	

146	

501	

466	

29	

13	

(7)	

409	

374	

29	

1,497	

1,181	

121	

13	

(7)	

56	

139	

(501)	

(466)	

(29)	

(13)	

7	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

1,918	

2,743	

1,215	

986	

99	

41	

89	

592	

551	

25	

11	

5	

196	

2,114	

—	

2,743	

484	

443	

25	

11	

5	

(592)	

(551)	

(25)	

(11)	

(5)	

1,699	

1,429	

124	

52	

94	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

2,365	

3,233	

1,363	

1,128	

104	

40	

91	

618	

585	

25	

23	

(15)	

212	

2,577	

3,188	

7,841	

(784)	

2,404	

784	

8,625	

—	

3,233	

11,029	

—	

11,029	

493	

460	

25	

23	

(15)	

(618)	

(585)	

(25)	

(23)	

15	

1,856	

1,588	

129	

4,472	

1,743	

6,215	

3,552	

1,604	

5,156	

388	

98	

486	

63	

76	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

167	

365	

59	

(18)	

226	

347	

2,158	

(2,158)	

2,019	

(2,019)	

98	

(98)	

59	

(18)	

(59)	

18	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

Gross	Sales

(1,149)	

90	

(1,059)	

(1,276)	

92	

(1,184)	

Purchased	Product	

(973)	

228	

Transportation	and	Blending

(15)	

(138)	

(745)	

(153)	

(1,110)	

238	

(6)	

(146)	

(872)	

(152)	

(1,450)	

(1,244)	

108	

261	

(18)	

(153)	

(1,342)	

(983)	

(171)	

(1,831)	

(1,561)	

125	

317	

(1,706)	

(1,244)	

(5,706)	

415	

(5,291)	

(4,888)	

1,044	

(3,844)	

(8)	

(192)	

(200)	

(47)	

(629)	

(161)	

—	

(161)	 —	

(160)	

—	

(160)	 —	

(188)	

—	

(188)	 —	

(262)	

—	

(262)	 	—	

(771)	

—	

(676)	

(771)	

Consolidated

Gross	Sales

Purchased	Product

Transportation	and	Blending

Operating	Expenses

Depreciation,	Depletion	and	
		Amortization

9,666	

4,237	

1,785	

1,134	

1,045	

1,465	

34	

—	

—	

—	

—	

9,666	

11,170	

—	

	 11,170	

13,434	

—	

	 13,434	

14,541	

—	

	 14,541	

48,811	

—	

	 48,811	

(34)	

4,203	

(58)	

5,255	

(43)	

6,691	

1,819	

1,134	

5,313	

1,796	

1,144	

1,854	

1,144	

6,734	

1,923	

1,150	

1,966	

1,150	

7,197	

2,379	

1,288	

1,045	

1,036	

1,465	 —	

1,881	

1,036	

1,153	

1,881	 —	

2,474	

1,153	

2,652	

2,474	 —	

1,025	

43	

—	

—	

—	

58	

—	

—	

—	

(20)	

7,177	

23,481	

(155)	

23,326	

20	

—	

—	

—	

2,399	

1,288	

7,883	

4,716	

155	

8,038	

—	

4,716	

2,652	

5,886	

1,025	

	—	

6,845	

—	

—	

5,886	

6,845	

182   |   CENOVUS ENERGY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

I

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I

INFORMATION FOR SHAREHOLDERS

ANNUAL MEETING
The meeting will be held virtually only. This allows a broader 
base of shareholders to participate regardless of their location. 
Holders of Cenovus common shares are invited to attend the 
virtual Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Wednesday, 
April 26, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. MT via live webcast accessible online at 
https://web.lumiagm.com/422837892.  
Please see our Management Information Circular available on  
cenovus.com for additional information. 

REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
Computershare Investor Services Inc.  
8th Floor, 100 University Avenue  
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1 Canada 
https://www.cenovus.com/Investors/Shareholder-information 
Shareholder inquiries by phone:  
North America 1.866.332.8898 (English and French)  
Outside North America 1.514.982.8717 (English and French)

SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNT MATTERS
For information regarding your shareholdings or to change your 
address, transfer shares, eliminate duplicate mailings, directly 
deposit dividends, etc., please contact Computershare Investor 
Services Inc. If your shares are held by a broker, please contact 
your broker.

STOCK EXCHANGES
Cenovus common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange 
(TSX) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol 
CVE. Cenovus warrants trade on the TSX and the NYSE under 
the symbols TSX: CVE.WT and NYSE: CVE.WS. Cenovus preferred 
shares Series 1, Series 2, Series 3, Series 5 and Series 7 trade on the 
TSX under the symbols CVE.PR.A, CVE.PR.B, CVE.PR.C, CVE.PR.E 
and CVE.PR.G.

ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM/FORM 40-F
Our Annual Information Form is filed with the Canadian 
Securities Administrators in Canada on SEDAR at sedar.com and 
with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the 
Multi‑Jurisdictional Disclosure System as an Annual Report on 
Form 40‑F on EDGAR at sec.gov.

NYSE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STANDARDS
As a Canadian company listed on the NYSE, we are not required to 
comply with most of the NYSE corporate governance standards 
and instead may comply with Canadian corporate governance 
requirements. We are, however, required to disclose the significant 
differences between our corporate governance practices and 
those required to be followed by U.S. domestic companies under 
the NYSE corporate governance standards. Except as summarized 
on https://www.cenovus.com/Our-company/Governance, we 
are in compliance with the NYSE corporate governance standards 
in all significant respects.

INVESTOR RELATIONS
Please visit the Investors section at cenovus.com for  
investor information. 

Investor inquiries should be directed to:  
403.766.7711, investor.relations@cenovus.com

Media inquiries should be directed to: 
403.766.7751, media.relations@cenovus.com

CENOVUS HEAD OFFICE
Cenovus Energy Inc. 
225 6 Avenue SW 
PO Box 766 
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0M5 Canada 
Phone: 403.766.2000 
cenovus.com

CENOVUS’S LEADERSHIP TEAM
(as at March 1, 2023)

Alex Pourbaix, President & Chief Executive Officer
Susan Anderson, SVP, People Services
Keith Chiasson, EVP, Downstream
Andrew Dahlin, EVP, Corporate & Operations Services
Rho na DelFrari, Chief Sustainability Officer & EVP,  

Stakeholder Engagement

Jeff Hart, EVP & Chief Financial Officer
Jon McKenzie, EVP & Chief Operating Officer
Gary Molnar, SVP, Legal, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
Norrie Ramsay, EVP, Upstream – Thermal, Major Projects & Offshore
Kam Sandhar, EVP, Strategy & Corporate Development
Drew Zieglgansberger, EVP, Natural Gas & Technical Services

CENOVUS’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
(as at March 1, 2023)

Keith A. MacPhail, Board Chair, Calgary, Alberta (2,6)
Keith M. Casey, San Antonio, Texas (3,4)
Canning K.N. Fok, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Jane E. Kinney, Toronto, Ontario (1,4)
Harold N. Kvisle, Calgary, Alberta (2,3)
Eva L. Kwok, Vancouver, British Columbia (2,3)
Melanie A. Little, Alpharetta, Georgia (3,4)
Richard J. Marcogliese, Alamo, California (1,4)
Claude Mongeau, Montréal, Québec (1,4)
Alex J. Pourbaix, Calgary, Alberta (5)
Wayne E. Shaw, Toronto, Ontario (1,4)
Frank J. Sixt, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2)
Rhonda I. Zygocki, Friday Harbor, Washington (2,3)

(1) Member of the Audit Committee 
(2) Member of the Governance Committee 
(3) Member of the Human Resources and Compensation (“HRC”) Committee  
(4) Member of the Safety, Sustainability and Reserves (“SSR”) Committee 
(5)  As an officer and a non‑independent director, Mr. Pourbaix is not a member of 

any of the committees of Cenovus’s Board

(6)  An ex officio non‑voting member of the Audit Committee, HRC Committee and 

SSR Committee

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CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION 

ADVISORY 

INFORMATION FOR SHAREHOLDERS 

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For additional information about forward‑looking statements, specified financial 
measures and reserves contained in this Annual Report, see the Advisory on page 163.

At Cenovus, 
our purpose 
is to energize 
the world to 
make people’s 
lives better.

 
 
 
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CENOVUS ENERGY INC. 
Cenovus Energy Inc. is an integrated energy company with oil and natural gas production 
operations in Canada and the Asia Pacific region, and upgrading, refining and marketing 
operations in Canada and the United States. The company is focused on managing its assets in 
a safe, innovative and cost‑efficient manner, integrating environmental, social and governance 
considerations into its business plans. Cenovus common shares and warrants are listed on the 
Toronto and New York stock exchanges, and the company’s preferred shares are listed on the 
Toronto Stock Exchange. 

For more information, visit cenovus.com.

cenovus.com

1‑877‑766‑2066  
(Toll‑free in Canada & U.S.)

225 6 Ave SW PO Box 766 
Calgary, AB T2P 0M5 Canada

© Cenovus Energy Inc. 2023

2022

ANNUAL 
REPORT