The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that Suncor Energy has posted its second-highest level of production ever and a record-high dividend per share last year after several years of lacklustre performance that had made it a target for activist shareholders in 2022. The Globe's Emma Graney writes that the company produced an average of 746,000 barrels a day in 2023, chief executive officer Rich Kruger told shareholders at the company's annual meeting on Tuesday. Suncor's bitumen upgraders also processed a record amount, reaching a 92-per-cent utilization rate and hitting 99 per cent in the second half of 2023. Suncor's safety record has also improved markedly. Mr. Kruger said 2023 was the safest year in the company's history, with no fatalities. Two years ago, activist hedge fund Elliott Investment Management LP launched a campaign to oust several directors at the Calgary-based producer and explore a sale of its Petro-Canada gas station chain. Suncor's share price had underperformed rivals since 2020, and Elliott wanted then-CEO Mark Little to be removed from the helm. Elliott also took issue with Suncor's safety record, including too many on-site deaths. Mr. Kruger has eliminated around 1,500 jobs.