Athabasca Oil Announces 2024 Second Quarter Results highlighted by Record Free Cash Flow, 28,000 bbl/d Milestone at Leismer and Strong Duvernay Well Results; Sanctioning Progressive Growth to 40,000 bbl/d at Leismer

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Athabasca Oil Corporation
Athabasca Oil Corporation

CALGARY, Alberta, July 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Athabasca Oil Corporation (TSX: ATH) (“Athabasca” or the “Company”) is pleased to report its second quarter results highlighted by record Free Cash Flow, operational milestones and the continued execution on return of capital commitments.

Corporate Consolidated Q2 2024 Highlights

  • Production: Average production of 37,621 boe/d (98% Liquids). The Company is increasing its annual corporate guidance by 1,000 boe/d to 36,000 – 37,000 boe/d, including both Duvernay Energy and Athabasca (Thermal Oil) production.

  • Record Cash Flow: Record Adjusted Funds Flow of $166 million and cash flow from operating activities of $135 million. In 2024, the Company forecasts Adjusted Funds Flow of ~$590 million1, supported by increased operating scale and strong oil pricing for the balance of the year.

  • Balance Sheet: Net Cash of $125 million; Liquidity of $429 million (including $303 million cash).

Athabasca (Thermal Oil) Quarterly Highlights

  • Production: Second quarter production of 33,765 bbl/d (26,423 bbl/d at Leismer & 7,342 bbl/d at Hangingstone). In June, Leismer successfully ramped up to a record ~28,000 bbl/d.

  • Cash Flow: Adjusted Funds Flow of $149 million with an Operating Netback of $52.59/bbl. Athabasca (Thermal Oil) expects to generate $1.4 billion of Free Cash Flow1 during the timeframe of 2024-27.

  • Capital Program: $34 million of capital focused on sustaining operations at Leismer and Hangingstone. Revised 2024 capital program of $193 million (previously $135 million) now incorporates progressive growth plans at Leismer.

  • Record Free Cash Flow: $115 million of Free Cash Flow supporting return of capital commitments.

Duvernay Energy Quarterly Highlights

  • Production: Second quarter production of 3,856 boe/d (80% Liquids), up ~100% from the first quarter and supported by production from new wells. Strong production results with restricted IP90s averaging ~1,000 boe/d (86% Liquids) for each well on the 2-well 100% working interest (“WI”) pad and approximate IP60s averaging ~1,000 boe/d (87% Liquids) for each well on the 3-well 30% WI pad.

  • Cash Flow: Adjusted Funds Flow of $16 million with an Operating Netback of $51.46/boe.

  • Capital Program: $14 million focused on drilling, completions and readiness for upcoming drilling.

Sanctioning of Leismer Expansion to 40,000 bbl/d

  • Progressive Growth: The Company is sanctioning progressive growth to 40,000 bbl/d at Leismer in stages over the next three years. Estimated capital cost is $300 million (~$25,000/bbl/d capital efficiency). The Company expects incremental production in 2026 and 2027, reaching 40,000 bbl/d in 2028. Regulatory approvals are in place.

  • Maximize Long-term Free Cash Flow Generation: Expanded scale is expected to drive additional margin growth. The Company can maintain 40,000 bbl/d for approximately fifty years (Proved plus Probable Reserves) at an estimated annual sustaining capital of ~$6/bbl, maximizing long-term Free Cash Flow generation.

  • Financial Capacity for Growth and Continued Return of Capital: The Company expects incremental growth capital to be funded well within cash flow while continuing to allocate 100% of Free Cash Flow through its return of capital commitment.