Athabasca Oil Corporation (TSX: ATH) (“Athabasca” or the “Company”)
is pleased to report its audited 2024 year-end results and
reserves. Athabasca provides investors unique positioning to top
tier liquids weighted assets (Thermal Oil and Duvernay) with a
focus on maximizing cash flow per share growth by investing in
competitive projects alongside a return of capital framework that
will continue to direct 100% of Free Cash Flow to share buybacks in
2025.
Year-end 2024 Consolidated Corporate
Results
-
Production: Annual production of 36,815 boe/d (98%
Liquids), representing 7% (14% per share) growth year over year.
Strong production performance across all assets supported the
Company achieving its upwardly revised annual guidance of 36,000 –
37,000 boe/d (July 2024).
-
Record Cash Flow: Adjusted Funds Flow of $561
million ($1.02 per share), representing 102% per share growth year
over year. Cash Flow from Operating Activities of $558 million.
Free Cash Flow of $322 million from Athabasca (Thermal Oil).
-
Capital Program: $268 million, within annual
guidance of $270 million, highlighted by $164 million invested at
Leismer for completing the 28,000 bbl/d expansion and advancing the
40,000 bbl/d expansion project and $73 million in Duvernay
development.
-
Pristine Balance Sheet: Net Cash position of $123
million; Liquidity of $481 million ($345 million of cash).
Athabasca has $2.3 billion of tax pools (~80% high-value and
immediately deductible).
Return of Capital Strategy
-
Achieved Return of Capital Commitment in 2024:
Athabasca (Thermal Oil) allocated ~100% of its Free Cash Flow
(“FCF”) to return of capital in 2024 completing $317 million in
share repurchases.
-
Cumulative Return of Capital of ~$900 million:
Since 2021, the Company has delivered a deliberate return of
capital strategy, prioritizing ~$400 million of debt reduction
followed by share buybacks of ~$500 million to date. The Company
has reduced its fully diluted share count by ~18% since Q1
2023.
-
Continued 100% of Free Cash Flow (Thermal Oil) Return to
Shareholders through buybacks in 2025: The Company expects
to utilize ~100% of its Normal Course Issuer Bid (“NCIB”) for the
second straight year. Following the expiry of its current NCIB on
March 17, 2025 the Company will renew a third annual NCIB with the
Toronto Stock Exchange.
2024 Year-end Consolidated
Reserves1
-
Differentiated Long-life Reserves: Athabasca holds
1.3 billion boe of Proved Plus Probable (“2P”) reserves and ~1
billion barrels of Contingent Resource (Best Estimate). This
represents $6.4 billion2 NPV10 of 2P reserves ($12.44 per share),
an increase of 35% per share from 2023, and includes $3.8 billion2
of Total Proved (“1P”) reserves ($7.28 per share), an increase of
34% per share from 2023.
-
Thermal Oil Underpins Deep Value: An $813 million
increase in 2P NPV102 to $5.8 billion is supported by well design
driving improved capital efficiencies, lower operating costs at
both producing projects and constructive heavy oil pricing. These
reserves represent a ~30 year 1P and ~90 year 2P reserve life.
-
Duvernay Value Capture: Duvernay Energy
Corporation (“DEC”) 2P reserves increased by 170% to 73 mmboe,
representing a NPV102 value of $614 million. Strong growth is
attributed to establishing development on the newly operated lands
and accelerated development on previous land positions. DEC has an
estimated 444 gross drilling locations (204 net) across its
~200,000 acre (gross) land base.
2025 Guidance Maintained
-
Athabasca (Thermal Oil): The Thermal Oil division
underpins the Company’s strong Free Cash Flow outlook, with
unchanged production guidance of 33,500 – 35,500 bbl/d and an
unchanged ~$250 million capital budget. The program at Leismer
includes the tie-in of six redrills and four new sustaining well
pairs on Pad 10 early in 2025, along with continued pad and
facility expansion work for the progressive expansion to 40,000
bbl/d. At Hangingstone two extended reach sustaining well pairs
(~1,400 meter average laterals) that were drilled in 2024 will be
placed on production in March.
-
Duvernay Energy Corporation: The 2025 capital
program of ~$85 million includes the completion of a 100% working
interest (“WI”) three-well pad that was drilled in 2024 and the
drilling and completion of a 30% WI four-well pad. Activity will
also include spudding two additional multi-well pads in H2 2025
(one operated 100% WI pad and one 30% WI pad) with completions to
follow in 2026. DEC is constructing gathering system infrastructure
on its operated assets that will support exit production of ~5,500
boe/d this year and momentum into 2026.
-
Significant Free Cash Flow: The Company forecasts
consolidated Adjusted Funds Flow between $525 – $550 million3,
including $475 - $500 million from its Thermal Oil assets. Every
+US$1/bbl move in West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) and Western
Canadian Select (“WCS”) heavy oil impacts annual Adjusted Funds
Flow by ~$10 million and ~$17 million, respectively. Athabasca
forecasts generating ~$1.8 billion of Free Cash Flow3 from its
Thermal Oil assets over five years (2025-29), representing ~70% of
its current equity market capitalization.
-
Competitive and Resilient Break-evens. Thermal Oil
is competitively positioned with sustaining capital to hold
production flat funded within cash flow at ~US$50/bbl WTI1 and
growth initiatives fully funded within cash flow below US$60/bbl
WTI1. The Company’s operating break-even is estimated at ~US$40/bbl
WTI3. Every $0.01 change in the Canada/US exchange rate is ~$10
million in annual Adjusted Funds Flow, and a weakened Canadian
dollar would help cushion the impact that any potential US tariffs
may have on commodity pricing.
-
Steadfast Focus on Cash Flow Per Share Growth: The
Company forecasts ~20% compounded annual cash flow per share3
growth between 2025 – 2029 driven by investing in attractive
capital projects and prioritizing share buybacks with Free Cash
Flow.
Footnote: Refer to the “Reader Advisory” section within this news release for additional information on
Non‐GAAP Financial Measures (e.g. Adjusted Funds
Flow, Free Cash Flow, Net Cash,
Liquidity) and production disclosure.
1 Consolidated reserves reflect gross reserves
and financial metrics before taking into account Athabasca’s 70%
equity interest in Duvernay Energy.2 Net present value of future
net revenue before tax at a 10% discount rate (NPV 10 before tax)
for 2024 is based on an average of McDaniel, Sproule and GLJ
pricing as at January 1, 2025.3 Pricing Assumptions: 2025 US$70
WTI, US$12.50 WCS heavy differential, C$2 AECO, and 0.725 C$/US$
FX; 2026-29 US$70 WTI, US$12.50 WCS heavy differential, C$3 AECO,
and 0.725 C$/US$ FX.
Financial and Operational Highlights
|
Three months ended December
31, |
|
Year endedDecember 31, |
|
($ Thousands, unless otherwise noted) |
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
CORPORATE CONSOLIDATED(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Petroleum and natural gas production (boe/d)(2) |
|
37,236 |
|
|
|
33,127 |
|
|
|
36,815 |
|
|
|
34,490 |
|
Petroleum, natural gas and midstream sales |
$ |
352,456 |
|
|
$ |
315,929 |
|
|
$ |
1,442,091 |
|
|
$ |
1,268,525 |
|
Operating Income(2) |
$ |
155,022 |
|
|
$ |
96,960 |
|
|
$ |
620,092 |
|
|
$ |
417,023 |
|
Operating Income Net of Realized Hedging(2)(3) |
$ |
153,119 |
|
|
$ |
91,443 |
|
|
$ |
613,630 |
|
|
$ |
381,088 |
|
Operating Netback ($/boe)(2) |
$ |
45.53 |
|
|
$ |
30.44 |
|
|
$ |
46.14 |
|
|
$ |
32.57 |
|
Operating Netback Net of Realized Hedging ($/boe)(2)(3) |
$ |
44.97 |
|
|
$ |
28.71 |
|
|
$ |
45.66 |
|
|
$ |
29.76 |
|
Capital expenditures |
$ |
92,944 |
|
|
$ |
38,752 |
|
|
$ |
268,042 |
|
|
$ |
139,832 |
|
Cash flow from operating activities |
$ |
158,677 |
|
|
$ |
103,196 |
|
|
$ |
557,541 |
|
|
$ |
305,526 |
|
per share - basic |
$ |
0.30 |
|
|
$ |
0.18 |
|
|
$ |
1.02 |
|
|
$ |
0.52 |
|
Adjusted Funds Flow(2) |
$ |
143,737 |
|
|
$ |
81,830 |
|
|
$ |
560,935 |
|
|
$ |
295,236 |
|
per share - basic |
$ |
0.27 |
|
|
$ |
0.14 |
|
|
$ |
1.02 |
|
|
$ |
0.51 |
|
ATHABASCA (THERMAL OIL) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bitumen production (bbl/d)(2) |
|
33,849 |
|
|
|
31,059 |
|
|
|
33,505 |
|
|
|
30,246 |
|
Petroleum, natural gas and midstream sales |
$ |
346,716 |
|
|
$ |
309,078 |
|
|
$ |
1,419,670 |
|
|
$ |
1,204,245 |
|
Operating Income(2) |
$ |
143,246 |
|
|
$ |
92,199 |
|
|
$ |
569,083 |
|
|
$ |
370,732 |
|
Operating Netback ($/bbl)(2) |
$ |
46.30 |
|
|
$ |
30.78 |
|
|
$ |
46.54 |
|
|
$ |
32.93 |
|
Capital expenditures |
$ |
74,268 |
|
|
$ |
29,371 |
|
|
$ |
194,902 |
|
|
$ |
118,975 |
|
Adjusted Funds Flow(2) |
$ |
133,398 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
516,612 |
|
|
|
|
Free Cash Flow(2) |
$ |
59,130 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
321,710 |
|
|
|
|
DUVERNAY ENERGY(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Petroleum and natural gas production (boe/d)(2) |
|
3,387 |
|
|
|
2,068 |
|
|
|
3,310 |
|
|
|
4,244 |
|
Percentage Liquids (%)(2) |
75 |
% |
|
71 |
% |
|
76 |
% |
|
58 |
% |
Petroleum, natural gas and midstream sales |
$ |
20,179 |
|
|
$ |
12,659 |
|
|
$ |
83,194 |
|
|
$ |
91,062 |
|
Operating Income(2) |
$ |
11,776 |
|
|
$ |
4,761 |
|
|
$ |
51,009 |
|
|
$ |
46,291 |
|
Operating Netback ($/boe)(2) |
$ |
37.79 |
|
|
$ |
25.02 |
|
|
$ |
42.10 |
|
|
$ |
29.89 |
|
Capital expenditures |
$ |
18,676 |
|
|
$ |
9,381 |
|
|
$ |
73,140 |
|
|
$ |
20,857 |
|
Adjusted Funds Flow(2) |
$ |
10,339 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
44,323 |
|
|
|
|
Free Cash Flow(2) |
$ |
(8,337 |
) |
|
|
|
$ |
(28,817 |
) |
|
|
|
NET INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)(4) |
$ |
264,336 |
|
|
$ |
27,506 |
|
|
$ |
467,743 |
|
|
$ |
(51,220 |
) |
per share - basic(4) |
$ |
0.50 |
|
|
$ |
0.05 |
|
|
$ |
0.85 |
|
|
$ |
(0.09 |
) |
per share - diluted(4) |
$ |
0.50 |
|
|
$ |
0.03 |
|
|
$ |
0.85 |
|
|
$ |
(0.09 |
) |
COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic |
|
526,233,362 |
|
|
|
574,412,564 |
|
|
|
547,795,407 |
|
|
|
583,757,575 |
|
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted |
|
530,796,068 |
|
|
|
588,498,448 |
|
|
|
553,382,675 |
|
|
|
583,757,575 |
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
As at ($ Thousands) |
|
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
LIQUIDITY AND BALANCE SHEET |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
$ |
344,836 |
|
|
$ |
343,309 |
|
Available credit facilities(5) |
|
|
$ |
136,324 |
|
|
$ |
85,488 |
|
Face value of term debt(6) |
|
|
$ |
200,000 |
|
|
$ |
207,648 |
|
(1) Corporate
Consolidated and Duvernay Energy reflect gross production and
financial metrics before taking into consideration Athabasca's 70%
equity interest in Duvernay Energy.(2) Refer
to the “Advisories and Other Guidance” section within this News
Release for additional information on Non-GAAP Financial Measures
and production disclosure.(3) Includes realized
commodity risk management loss of $1.9 million and $6.5 million for
the three months and year ended December 31, 2024 (three months and
year ended December 31, 2023 – loss of $5.5 million and $35.9
million).(4) Net income (loss) and
comprehensive income (loss) per share amounts are based on net
income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to
shareholders of the Parent Company. In the calculation of diluted
earnings per share for the three months ended December 31, 2023
earnings were reduced by $11.3 million to account for the impact to
net income had the outstanding warrants been converted to
equity.(5) Includes available credit under
Athabasca's and Duvernay Energy's Credit Facilities and Athabasca's
Unsecured Letter of Credit Facility.(6) The
face value of the term debt at December 31, 2023 was US$157.0
million translated into Canadian dollars at the December 31, 2023
exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.3226.
Athabasca (Thermal Oil) Year-end 2024
Highlights and Operations Update
-
Production: Bitumen production averaged 33,505
bbl/d in 2024 representing 11% growth year over year (18% per
share) supported by the Leismer facility expansion mid-year and
Hangingstone’s resilient production base.
-
Record Cash Flow: Adjusted Funds Flow of $517
million with an Operating Netback of $46.54/bbl. Operating Income
of $569 million.
-
Capital Program: $195 million of capital
expenditures in 2024 focused on expansion projects at Leismer and
sustaining operations at Hangingstone.
-
Free Cash Flow: $322 million of Free Cash Flow
supporting 100% return of capital commitment.
Leismer
Bitumen production for 2024 averaged 26,103
bbl/d, up 16% year over year (18% per share).
In Q4 2024, the Company completed drilling six
extended redrills on Pad L1 and four well pairs at Pad L10. The
redrills were placed onstream in February and support production of
~28,000 bbl/d. Steaming of the Pad L10 well pairs is expected to
start in April with first production mid-year. Another six well
pairs will be drilled in H2 2025.
Activity at Leismer continues to be focused on
advancing progressive growth to 40,000 bbl/d by the end of 2027.
The project cost is estimated at $300 million generating a capital
efficiency of approximately $25,000/bbl/d. The $300 million
includes an estimated $190 million for facility capital (majority
spread over 2025 and 2026) and an estimated $110 million for growth
wells. To date the Company has procured ~80% of the project and
remains on budget and on schedule with the original sanction plans
announced in July 2024. This winter the Company completed regional
infrastructure to Pad L10 and L11 including lease site
construction, delineation drilling and pipeline looping. Major
facility equipment has been purchased and the Company is preparing
to install two previously acquired steam generators in 2027.
Leismer is forecasted to remain pre-payout from
a crown royalty perspective until late 20273.
Hangingstone
Bitumen production for 2024 averaged 7,402 bbl/d
and experienced no decline during the year. Non-condensable gas
co-injection has aided in pressure support and reduced energy
usage. Hangingstone’s steam oil ratio averaged 3.4 for 2024.
At Hangingstone two extended reach sustaining
well pairs (~1,400 meter average laterals) were drilled in 2024.
These wells commenced steaming in December and will be placed on
production in March. These well pairs are expected to enhance the
current production level and support base production long term.
Hangingstone continues to deliver meaningful
cash flow contributions with minimal capital to the Company and
also has a pre-payout crown royalty structure to beyond 20303.
Corner
The Company’s Corner asset is a large de-risked
top-tier oil sands asset adjacent to Leismer with 351 million
barrels of 2P reserves and 520 million barrels of Contingent
Resource (Best Estimate Unrisked). There are over 300 delineation
wells and ~80% seismic coverage with reservoir qualities similar or
better than Leismer. The asset has a 40,000 bbl/d regulatory
approval for development with the existing pipeline corridor
passing through the Corner lease. The Company is updating its
development plans and is finalizing facility cost estimates,
including modular optionality. Athabasca intends to explore
external funding options and does not plan to fund an expansion
utilizing existing cash flow or balance sheet resources.
Duvernay Energy Corporation Year-end
2024 Highlights and Operations Update
-
Production: Production averaged 3,310 boe/d (76%
Liquids) in 2024, supported by two pads (5 gross, 2.9 net wells)
placed on production.
-
Cash Flow: Adjusted Funds Flow of $44 million in
2024 with an Operating Netback of $42.10/boe. Operating Income was
$51 million in 2024. DEC has no long-term debt and ended the year
with a cash position of $26 million.
-
Capital Program: $73 million of capital, fully
funded within cash flow and cash on hand in DEC.
Production from wells drilled in 2024 continue
to validate DEC’s type curve expectations. The five new wells
placed on production have average IP30’s of ~1,200 boe/d per well
(86% liquids) and IP90s of ~940 boe/d (86% Liquids) per well.
DEC drilled a three-well 100% working interest
pad at 4-18-64-16W5 in Q4 2024. The wells were cased with average
laterals of ~4,100 meters per well. This operated pad of wells is
expected to be completed post-breakup in 2025. Winter activity has
been focused on strategic gathering system investments connecting
its newly operated assets with its existing operated infrastructure
on the joint venture acreage supporting near-term development
plans. DEC has secured a regional term water license and is
commencing water sourcing in advance of the completion activities
this summer.
Marketing Access Strategy and Resilience to United
States (“US”) Trade Tariffs
-
Long Term Market Access: Athabasca has diversified
its long term end market access which includes ~7,200 bbl/d of
capacity on the Keystone pipeline by 2028, providing direct
exposure to the US Gulf Coast. The Company has recently contracted,
through an intermediary, 10,000 bbl/d of capacity on the Enbridge
Express system, providing capacity to PADD II with no associated
balance sheet commitments. The start-up of the Trans Mountain
pipeline expansion has provided excess egress capacity out of
Canada, driving tighter and less volatile WCS heavy differentials.
Industry market access is expected to be further supported by
expansions on the Enbridge and Trans Mountain Pipeline systems
along with the possible revival of new pipeline projects.
-
Athabasca is Resilient: The Company is well
positioned to withstand macro volatility including proposed US
Trade Tariffs with operational flexibility, financial durability
and a robust cash flow outlook. Athabasca’s capital program is
designed to provide flexible growth at Leismer and DEC has no
near-term land expiries with flexible development plans. The
Company’s balance sheet is in a $123 million Net Cash position with
tenure on Canadian denominated term debt until 2029. Every $0.01
change in the Canada/US exchange rate is ~$10 million in annual
Adjusted Funds Flow, and a weakened Canadian dollar would help
cushion the impact that any potential US tariffs may have on
commodity pricing.
Differentiated Long-life
Reserves1
-
Strong Reserve Growth: 22% increase year over year
in 2P reserve value to $6.4 billion NPV102 ($12.44 per share, 35%
increase) and 21% increase in 1P reserves to $3.8 billion2 ($7.28
per share, 34% increase). Athabasca maintains a deep inventory with
a ~30 year 1P and ~90 year 2P reserve life.
-
Massive Resource Base: 1.3 billion boe of 2P
reserves, anchored by 1.2 billion barrels of 2P Thermal Reserves,
plus an additional ~1 billion barrels of Contingent Resources (best
estimate).
-
Duvernay Energy: Significant reserve additions
from ~46,000 acres of 100% working interest land, driving a 128%
year over year increase in 2P reserve value to $614 million
NPV102.
Athabasca’s independent reserves evaluator,
McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd. (“McDaniel”), prepared
the year-end reserves evaluation effective December 31, 2024.
Reserves are reported on a consolidated basis and reflecting gross
reserves and financial metrics before taking into account
Athabasca’s 70% equity interest in Duvernay Energy.
|
Duvernay Energy1 |
Thermal Oil |
Corporate |
|
2023 |
|
2024 |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
2024 |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
2024 |
|
Reserves
(mmboe) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proved Developed Producing |
|
4 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
77 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
82 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
Total Proved |
|
11 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
404 |
|
|
|
404 |
|
|
|
415 |
|
|
|
445 |
|
Proved Plus Probable |
|
27 |
|
|
|
73 |
|
|
|
1,216 |
|
|
|
1,209 |
|
|
|
1,243 |
|
|
|
1,282 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NPV10 BT
($million)2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proved Developed
Producing |
$58 |
|
|
$81 |
|
|
$1,713 |
|
|
$1,749 |
|
|
$1,771 |
|
|
$1,830 |
|
Total Proved |
$142 |
|
|
$345 |
|
|
$2,969 |
|
|
$3,421 |
|
|
$3,111 |
|
|
$3,766 |
|
Proved Plus Probable |
$269 |
|
|
$614 |
|
|
$5,011 |
|
|
$5,824 |
|
|
$5,280 |
|
|
$6,438 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Numbers in the table may not add precisely due
to rounding.
For additional information regarding Athabasca’s
reserves and resources estimates, please see “Independent Reserve
and Resource Evaluations” in the Company’s 2024 Annual Information
Form which is available on the Company’s website or on SEDAR at
www.sedarplus.ca.
1 Consolidated reserves reflect gross reserves
and financial metrics before taking into account Athabasca’s 70%
equity interest in Duvernay Energy.2 Net present value of future
net revenue before tax at a 10% discount rate (NPV 10 before tax)
for 2024 is based on an average of McDaniel, Sproule and GLJ
pricing as at January 1, 2025.
About Athabasca Oil Corporation
Athabasca Oil Corporation is a Canadian energy
company with a focused strategy on the development of thermal and
light oil assets. Situated in Alberta’s Western Canadian
Sedimentary Basin, the Company has amassed a significant land base
of extensive, high quality resources. Athabasca’s light oil assets
are held in a private subsidiary (Duvernay Energy Corporation) in
which Athabasca owns a 70% equity interest. Athabasca’s common
shares trade on the TSX under the symbol “ATH”. For more
information, visit www.atha.com.
For more information, please contact:
Matthew Taylor |
Robert Broen |
Chief Financial Officer |
President and CEO |
1-403-817-9104 |
1-403-817-9190 |
mtaylor@atha.com |
rbroen@atha.com |
|
|
Reader Advisory:
This News Release contains forward-looking
information that involves various risks, uncertainties and other
factors. All information other than statements of historical fact
is forward-looking information. The use of any of the words
“anticipate”, “plan”, “project”, “continue”, “maintain”, “may”,
“estimate”, “expect”, “will”, “target”, “forecast”, “could”,
“intend”, “potential”, “guidance”, “outlook” and similar
expressions suggesting future outcome are intended to identify
forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is not
historical fact, but rather is based on the Company’s current
plans, objectives, goals, strategies, estimates, assumptions and
projections about the Company’s industry, business and future
operating and financial results. This information involves known
and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause
actual results or events to differ materially from those
anticipated in such forward-looking information. No assurance can
be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such
forward-looking information included in this News Release should
not be unduly relied upon. This information speaks only as of the
date of this News Release. In particular, this News Release
contains forward-looking information pertaining to, but not limited
to, the following: our strategic plans; the allocation of future
capital; timing and quantum for shareholder returns including share
buybacks; the terms of our NCIB program; our drilling plans and
capital efficiencies; production growth to expected production
rates and estimated sustaining capital amounts; timing of Leismer’s
and Hangingstone’s pre-payout royalty status; applicability of tax
pools and the timing of tax payments; Adjusted Funds Flow and Free
Cash Flow over various periods; type well economic metrics; number
of drilling locations; forecasted daily production and the
composition of production; our outlook in respect of the Company’s
business environment, including in respect of commodity pricing;
and other matters.
In addition, information and statements in this
News Release relating to "Reserves" and “Resources” are deemed to
be forward-looking information, as they involve the implied
assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the
reserves and resources described exist in the quantities predicted
or estimated, and that the reserves and resources described can be
profitably produced in the future. With respect to forward-looking
information contained in this News Release, assumptions have been
made regarding, among other things: commodity prices; the
regulatory framework governing royalties, taxes and environmental
matters in the jurisdictions in which the Company conducts and will
conduct business and the effects that such regulatory framework
will have on the Company, including on the Company’s financial
condition and results of operations; the Company’s financial and
operational flexibility; the Company’s financial sustainability;
Athabasca's cash flow break-even commodity price; the Company’s
ability to obtain qualified staff and equipment in a timely and
cost-efficient manner; the applicability of technologies for the
recovery and production of the Company’s reserves and resources;
future capital expenditures to be made by the Company; future
sources of funding for the Company’s capital programs; the
Company’s future debt levels; future production levels; the
Company’s ability to obtain financing and/or enter into joint
venture arrangements, on acceptable terms; operating costs;
compliance of counterparties with the terms of contractual
arrangements; impact of increasing competition globally; collection
risk of outstanding accounts receivable from third parties;
geological and engineering estimates in respect of the Company’s
reserves and resources; recoverability of reserves and resources;
the geography of the areas in which the Company is conducting
exploration and development activities and the quality of its
assets. Certain other assumptions related to the Company’s Reserves
and Resources are contained in the report of McDaniel &
Associates Consultants Ltd. (“McDaniel”) evaluating Athabasca’s
Proved Reserves, Probable Reserves and Contingent Resources as at
December 31, 2024 (which is respectively referred to herein as the
"McDaniel Report”).
Actual results could differ materially from
those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result
of the risk factors set forth in the Company’s Annual Information
Form (“AIF”) dated March 5, 2025 available on SEDAR at
www.sedarplus.ca, including, but not limited to: weakness in the
oil and gas industry; exploration, development and production
risks; prices, markets and marketing; market conditions; trade
relations and tariffs; climate change and carbon pricing risk;
statutes and regulations regarding the environment including
deceptive marketing provisions; regulatory environment and changes
in applicable law; gathering and processing facilities, pipeline
systems and rail; reputation and public perception of the oil and
gas sector; environment, social and governance goals; political
uncertainty; state of capital markets; ability to finance capital
requirements; access to capital and insurance; abandonment and
reclamation costs; changing demand for oil and natural gas
products; anticipated benefits of acquisitions and dispositions;
royalty regimes; foreign exchange rates and interest rates;
reserves; hedging; operational dependence; operating costs; project
risks; supply chain disruption; financial assurances; diluent
supply; third party credit risk; indigenous claims; reliance on key
personnel and operators; income tax; cybersecurity; advanced
technologies; hydraulic fracturing; liability management;
seasonality and weather conditions; unexpected events; internal
controls; limitations and insurance; litigation; natural gas
overlying bitumen resources; competition; chain of title and
expiration of licenses and leases; breaches of confidentiality; new
industry related activities or new geographical areas; water use
restrictions and/or limited access to water; relationship with
Duvernay Energy Corporation; management estimates and assumptions;
third-party claims; conflicts of interest; inflation and cost
management; credit ratings; growth management; impact of pandemics;
ability of investors resident in the United States to enforce civil
remedies in Canada; and risks related to our debt and securities.
All subsequent forward-looking information, whether written or
oral, attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf
are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary
statements.
Also included in this News Release are estimates
of Athabasca's 2025 outlook which are based on the various
assumptions as to production levels, commodity prices, currency
exchange rates and other assumptions disclosed in this News
Release. To the extent any such estimate constitutes a financial
outlook, it was approved by management and the Board of Directors
of Athabasca and is included to provide readers with an
understanding of the Company’s outlook. Management does not have
firm commitments for all of the costs, expenditures, prices or
other financial assumptions used to prepare the financial outlook
or assurance that such operating results will be achieved and,
accordingly, the complete financial effects of all of those costs,
expenditures, prices and operating results are not objectively
determinable. The actual results of operations of the Company and
the resulting financial results may vary from the amounts set forth
herein, and such variations may be material. The outlook and
forward-looking information contained in this New Release was made
as of the date of this News release and the Company disclaims any
intention or obligations to update or revise such outlook and/or
forward-looking information, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, unless required pursuant
to applicable law.
Oil and Gas Information
“BOEs" may be misleading, particularly if used
in isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet of
natural gas to one barrel of oil equivalent (6 Mcf: 1 bbl) is based
on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at
the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the
wellhead. As the value ratio between natural gas and crude oil
based on the current prices of natural gas and crude oil is
significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1,
utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an
indication of value.
Initial Production Rates
Test Results and Initial Production Rates: The
well test results and initial production rates provided herein
should be considered to be preliminary, except as otherwise
indicated. Test results and initial production rates disclosed
herein may not necessarily be indicative of long-term performance
or of ultimate recovery.
Reserves Information
The McDaniel Report was prepared using the
assumptions and methodology guidelines outlined in the COGE
Handbook and in accordance with National Instrument 51-101
Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities, effective
December 31, 2024. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in
estimating quantities of bitumen, light crude oil and medium crude
oil, tight oil, conventional natural gas, shale gas and natural gas
liquids reserves and the future cash flows attributed to such
reserves. The reserve and associated cash flow information set
forth above are estimates only. In general, estimates of
economically recoverable reserves and the future net cash flows
therefrom are based upon a number of variable factors and
assumptions, such as historical production from the properties,
production rates, ultimate reserve recovery, timing and amount of
capital expenditures, marketability of oil and natural gas, royalty
rates, the assumed effects of regulation by governmental agencies
and future operating costs, all of which may vary materially. For
those reasons, estimates of the economically recoverable reserves
attributable to any particular group of properties, classification
of such reserves based on risk of recovery and estimates of future
net revenues associated with reserves prepared by different
engineers, or by the same engineers at different times, may vary.
The Company's actual production, revenues, taxes and development
and operating expenditures with respect to its reserves will vary
from estimates thereof and such variations could be material.
Reserves figures described herein have been rounded to the nearest
MMbbl or MMboe. For additional information regarding the
consolidated reserves and information concerning the resources of
the Company as evaluated by McDaniel in the McDaniel Report, please
refer to the Company’s AIF.
Reserve Values (i.e. Net Asset Value) is
calculated using the estimated net present value of all future net
revenue from our reserves, before income taxes discounted at 10%,
as estimated by McDaniel effective December 31, 2024 and based on
average pricing of McDaniel, Sproule and GLJ as of January 1,
2025.
The 444 gross Duvernay drilling locations
referenced include: 87 proved undeveloped locations and 85 probable
undeveloped locations for a total of 172 booked locations with the
balance being unbooked locations. Proved undeveloped locations and
probable undeveloped locations are booked and derived from the
Company's most recent independent reserves evaluation as prepared
by McDaniel as of December 31, 2024 and account for drilling
locations that have associated proved and/or probable reserves, as
applicable. Unbooked locations are internal management estimates.
Unbooked locations do not have attributed reserves or resources
(including contingent or prospective). Unbooked locations have been
identified by management as an estimation of Athabasca’s multi-year
drilling activities expected to occur over the next two decades
based on evaluation of applicable geologic, seismic, engineering,
production and reserves information. There is no certainty that the
Company will drill all unbooked drilling locations and if drilled
there is no certainty that such locations will result in additional
oil and gas reserves, resources or production. The drilling
locations on which the Company will actually drill wells, including
the number and timing thereof is ultimately dependent upon the
availability of funding, commodity prices, provincial fiscal and
royalty policies, costs, actual drilling results, additional
reservoir information that is obtained and other factors.
Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures,
and Production Disclosure
The "Corporate Consolidated Adjusted Funds
Flow", “Corporate Consolidated Adjusted Funds Flow per Share”,
"Athabasca (Thermal Oil) Adjusted Funds Flow", "Duvernay Energy
Adjusted Funds Flow", “Corporate Consolidated Free Cash Flow”,
"Athabasca (Thermal Oil) Free Cash Flow", "Duvernay Energy Free
Cash Flow", “Corporate Consolidated Operating Income", "Corporate
Consolidated Operating Income Net of Realized Hedging", "Athabasca
(Thermal Oil) Operating Income", "Duvernay Energy Operating
Income", "Corporate Consolidated Operating Netback", "Corporate
Consolidated Operating Netback Net of Realized Hedging", "Athabasca
(Thermal Oil) Operating Netback", "Duvernay Energy Operating
Netback" and “Cash Transportation and Marketing Expense” financial
measures contained in this News Release do not have standardized
meanings which are prescribed by IFRS and they are considered to be
non-GAAP financial measures or ratios. These measures may not be
comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers and
should not be considered in isolation with measures that are
prepared in accordance with IFRS. Net Cash and Liquidity are
supplementary financial measures. The Leismer and
Hangingstone operating results are supplementary financial measures
that when aggregated, combine to the Athabasca (Thermal Oil)
segment results.
Adjusted Funds Flow, Adjusted Funds Flow Per
Share and Free Cash Flow
Adjusted Funds Flow and Free Cash Flow are
non-GAAP financial measures and are not intended to represent cash
flow from operating activities, net earnings or other measures of
financial performance calculated in accordance with IFRS. The
Adjusted Funds Flow and Free Cash Flow measures allow management
and others to evaluate the Company’s ability to fund its capital
programs and meet its ongoing financial obligations using cash flow
internally generated from ongoing operating related activities.
Adjusted Funds Flow per share is a non-GAAP financial ratio
calculated as Adjusted Funds Flow divided by the applicable number
of weighted average shares outstanding. Adjusted Funds Flow and
Free Cash Flow are calculated as follows:
|
Three months ended December 31,
2024 |
|
Three months ended December 31,
2023 |
|
($ Thousands) |
Athabasca (Thermal Oil) |
|
Duvernay Energy(1) |
|
Corporate Consolidated(1) |
|
Corporate Consolidated |
|
Cash flow from operating activities |
$ |
144,810 |
|
|
$ |
13,867 |
|
|
$ |
158,677 |
|
|
$ |
103,196 |
|
Changes in non-cash working capital |
|
(11,504 |
) |
|
|
(3,675 |
) |
|
|
(15,179 |
) |
|
|
(21,973 |
) |
Settlement of provisions |
|
92 |
|
|
|
147 |
|
|
|
239 |
|
|
|
607 |
|
ADJUSTED FUNDS FLOW |
|
133,398 |
|
|
|
10,339 |
|
|
|
143,737 |
|
|
|
81,830 |
|
Capital expenditures |
|
(74,268 |
) |
|
|
(18,676 |
) |
|
|
(92,944 |
) |
|
|
(38,752 |
) |
FREE CASH FLOW |
$ |
59,130 |
|
|
$ |
(8,337 |
) |
|
$ |
50,793 |
|
|
$ |
43,078 |
|
(1) Duvernay Energy and Corporate
Consolidated reflect gross financial metrics before taking into
consideration Athabasca's 70% equity interest in Duvernay
Energy.
|
Year endedDecember 31, 2024 |
|
Year endedDecember 31, 2023 |
|
($ Thousands) |
Athabasca (Thermal Oil) |
|
Duvernay Energy(1) |
|
Corporate Consolidated(1) |
|
Corporate Consolidated |
|
Cash flow from operating activities |
$ |
511,828 |
|
|
$ |
45,713 |
|
|
$ |
557,541 |
|
|
$ |
305,526 |
|
Changes in non-cash working capital |
|
3,056 |
|
|
|
(1,541 |
) |
|
|
1,515 |
|
|
|
525 |
|
Settlement of provisions |
|
1,728 |
|
|
|
151 |
|
|
|
1,879 |
|
|
|
1,762 |
|
Long-term deposit |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(12,577 |
) |
ADJUSTED FUNDS FLOW |
|
516,612 |
|
|
|
44,323 |
|
|
|
560,935 |
|
|
|
295,236 |
|
Capital expenditures |
|
(194,902 |
) |
|
|
(73,140 |
) |
|
|
(268,042 |
) |
|
|
(139,832 |
) |
FREE CASH FLOW |
$ |
321,710 |
|
|
$ |
(28,817 |
) |
|
$ |
292,893 |
|
|
$ |
155,404 |
|
(1) Duvernay Energy and Corporate
Consolidated reflect gross financial metrics before taking into
consideration Athabasca's 70% equity interest in Duvernay
Energy.
Duvernay Energy Operating Income and Operating
Netback
The non-GAAP measure Duvernay Energy Operating
Income in this News Release is calculated by subtracting the
Duvernay Energy royalties, operating expenses and transportation
& marketing expenses from petroleum and natural gas sales which
is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. The Duvernay Energy
Operating Netback per boe is a non-GAAP financial ratio calculated
by dividing the Duvernay Energy Operating Income by the Duvernay
Energy production. The Duvernay Energy Operating Income and the
Duvernay Energy Operating Netback measures allow management and
others to evaluate the production results from the Company’s
Duvernay Energy assets.
The Duvernay Energy Operating Income is
calculated using the Duvernay Energy Segments GAAP results, as
follows:
|
Three months ended December
31, |
|
|
Year endedDecember 31, |
|
($ Thousands, unless otherwise noted) |
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
Petroleum and natural gas sales |
$ |
20,179 |
|
|
$ |
12,659 |
|
|
$ |
83,194 |
|
|
$ |
91,062 |
|
Royalties |
|
(2,753 |
) |
|
|
(2,180 |
) |
|
|
(11,035 |
) |
|
|
(12,583 |
) |
Operating expenses |
|
(4,729 |
) |
|
|
(5,009 |
) |
|
|
(17,116 |
) |
|
|
(24,997 |
) |
Transportation and marketing |
|
(921 |
) |
|
|
(709 |
) |
|
|
(4,034 |
) |
|
|
(7,191 |
) |
DUVERNAY ENERGY OPERATING INCOME |
$ |
11,776 |
|
|
$ |
4,761 |
|
|
$ |
51,009 |
|
|
$ |
46,291 |
|
Athabasca (Thermal Oil) Operating Income and Operating
Netback
The non-GAAP measure Athabasca (Thermal Oil)
Operating Income in this News Release is calculated by subtracting
the Athabasca (Thermal Oil) segments cost of diluent blending,
royalties, operating expenses and cash transportation &
marketing expenses from heavy oil (blended bitumen) and midstream
sales which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. The
Athabasca (Thermal Oil) Operating Netback per bbl is a non-GAAP
financial ratio calculated by dividing the respective projects
Operating Income by its respective bitumen sales volumes. The
Athabasca (Thermal Oil) Operating Income and the Athabasca (Thermal
Oil) Operating Netback measures allow management and others to
evaluate the production results from the Athabasca (Thermal Oil)
assets. The Athabasca (Thermal Oil) Operating Income is calculated
using the Athabasca (Thermal Oil) Segments GAAP results, as
follows:
|
Three months ended December
31, |
|
|
Year endedDecember 31, |
|
($ Thousands, unless otherwise noted) |
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
Heavy oil (blended bitumen) and midstream sales |
$ |
346,716 |
|
|
$ |
309,078 |
|
|
$ |
1,419,670 |
|
|
$ |
1,204,245 |
|
Cost of diluent |
|
(137,817 |
) |
|
|
(137,438 |
) |
|
|
(549,808 |
) |
|
|
(518,219 |
) |
Total bitumen and midstream sales |
|
208,899 |
|
|
|
171,640 |
|
|
|
869,862 |
|
|
|
686,026 |
|
Royalties |
|
(12,413 |
) |
|
|
(15,695 |
) |
|
|
(75,064 |
) |
|
|
(60,865 |
) |
Operating expenses - non-energy |
|
(20,699 |
) |
|
|
(23,767 |
) |
|
|
(93,144 |
) |
|
|
(87,116 |
) |
Operating expenses - energy |
|
(11,526 |
) |
|
|
(17,651 |
) |
|
|
(49,713 |
) |
|
|
(81,769 |
) |
Transportation and marketing(1) |
|
(21,015 |
) |
|
|
(22,328 |
) |
|
|
(82,858 |
) |
|
|
(85,544 |
) |
ATHABASCA (THERMAL OIL) OPERATING INCOME |
$ |
143,246 |
|
|
$ |
92,199 |
|
|
$ |
569,083 |
|
|
$ |
370,732 |
|
(1) Transportation and
marketing excludes non-cash costs of $0.6 million and $2.2 million
for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024 (three months
and year ended December 31, 2023 - $0.6 million and $2.2
million).
Corporate Consolidated Operating Income and
Corporate Consolidated Operating Income Net of Realized Hedging and
Operating Netbacks
The non-GAAP measures of Corporate Consolidated
Operating Income including or excluding realized hedging in this
News Release are calculated by adding or subtracting realized gains
(losses) on commodity risk management contracts (as applicable),
royalties, the cost of diluent blending, operating expenses and
cash transportation & marketing expenses from petroleum,
natural gas and midstream sales which is the most directly
comparable GAAP measure. The Corporate Consolidated Operating
Netbacks including or excluding realized hedging per boe are
non-GAAP ratios calculated by dividing Corporate Consolidated
Operating Income including or excluding hedging by the total sales
volumes and are presented on a per boe basis. The Corporate
Consolidated Operating Income and Corporate Consolidated Operating
Netbacks including or excluding realized hedging measures allow
management and others to evaluate the production results from the
Company’s Duvernay Energy and Athabasca (Thermal Oil) assets
combined together including the impact of realized commodity risk
management gains or losses (as applicable).
|
Three months ended December
31, |
|
|
Year endedDecember 31, |
|
($ Thousands, unless otherwise noted) |
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
Petroleum, natural gas and midstream sales(1) |
$ |
366,895 |
|
|
$ |
321,737 |
|
|
$ |
1,502,864 |
|
|
$ |
1,295,307 |
|
Royalties |
|
(15,166 |
) |
|
|
(17,875 |
) |
|
|
(86,099 |
) |
|
|
(73,448 |
) |
Cost of diluent(1) |
|
(137,817 |
) |
|
|
(137,438 |
) |
|
|
(549,808 |
) |
|
|
(518,219 |
) |
Operating expenses |
|
(36,954 |
) |
|
|
(46,427 |
) |
|
|
(159,973 |
) |
|
|
(193,882 |
) |
Transportation and marketing(2) |
|
(21,936 |
) |
|
|
(23,037 |
) |
|
|
(86,892 |
) |
|
|
(92,735 |
) |
Operating Income |
|
155,022 |
|
|
|
96,960 |
|
|
|
620,092 |
|
|
|
417,023 |
|
Realized loss on commodity risk mgmt. contracts |
|
(1,903 |
) |
|
|
(5,517 |
) |
|
|
(6,462 |
) |
|
|
(35,935 |
) |
OPERATING INCOME NET OF REALIZED HEDGING |
$ |
153,119 |
|
|
$ |
91,443 |
|
|
$ |
613,630 |
|
|
$ |
381,088 |
|
(1) Non-GAAP measure includes
intercompany NGLs (i.e. condensate) sold by the Duvernay Energy
segment to the Athabasca (Thermal Oil) segment for use as diluent
that is eliminated on
consolidation.(2) Transportation and marketing
excludes non-cash costs of $0.6 million and $2.2 million for the
three months and year ended December 31, 2024 (three months and
year ended December 31, 2023 - $0.6 million and $2.2 million).
Cash Transportation and Marketing Expense
The Cash Transportation and Marketing Expense
financial measures contained in this News Release are calculated by
subtracting the non-cash transportation and marketing expense as
reported in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows from the
transportation and marketing expense as reported in the
Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) and are considered to be
non-GAAP financial measures.
Net Cash
Net Cash is defined as the face value of term
debt, plus accounts payable and accrued liabilities, plus current
portion of provisions and other liabilities plus income tax payable
less current assets, excluding risk management contracts.
Liquidity
Liquidity is defined as cash and cash equivalents plus available credit capacity.
Production volumes details
|
|
Three months ended December
31, |
|
|
Year endedDecember 31, |
|
Production |
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
Duvernay Energy: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil(1) |
bbl/d |
|
2,103 |
|
|
|
1,208 |
|
|
|
2,202 |
|
|
|
1,396 |
|
Condensate NGLs |
bbl/d |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
528 |
|
Oil and condensate NGLs |
bbl/d |
|
2,103 |
|
|
|
1,208 |
|
|
|
2,202 |
|
|
|
1,924 |
|
Other NGLs |
bbl/d |
|
422 |
|
|
|
258 |
|
|
|
329 |
|
|
|
525 |
|
Natural
gas(2) |
mcf/d |
|
5,172 |
|
|
|
3,612 |
|
|
|
4,677 |
|
|
|
10,769 |
|
Total Duvernay Energy |
boe/d |
|
3,387 |
|
|
|
2,068 |
|
|
|
3,310 |
|
|
|
4,244 |
|
Total
Thermal Oil bitumen |
bbl/d |
|
33,849 |
|
|
|
31,059 |
|
|
|
33,505 |
|
|
|
30,246 |
|
Total Company production |
boe/d |
|
37,236 |
|
|
|
33,127 |
|
|
|
36,815 |
|
|
|
34,490 |
|
(1) Comprised of 99% or greater
of tight oil, with the remaining being light and medium crude
oil.(2) Comprised of 99% or greater of shale gas,
with the remaining being conventional natural gas.
This News Release also makes reference to Athabasca's
forecasted average daily Thermal Oil production of 33,500
‐ 35,500 bbl/d for 2025. Athabasca
expects that 100% of that production will be comprised of bitumen. Duvernay Energy’s forecasted total average daily production of ~4,000 boe/d for
2025
is expected to be comprised of approximately 68% tight oil, 23% shale gas and 9% NGLs.
Liquids is defined as bitumen, light crude oil,
medium crude oil and natural gas liquids.
Reserve Life Index is calculated as year-end
reserves divided by Q4 2024 production.
Break Even is an operating metric that
calculates the US$WTI oil price required to fund operating costs
(Operating Break-even), sustaining capital (Sustaining Break-even),
or growth capital (Total Capital) within Adjusted Funds Flow.
Athabasca Oil (TSX:ATH)
Historical Stock Chart
From Feb 2025 to Mar 2025
Athabasca Oil (TSX:ATH)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Mar 2025