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Athabasca Oil Announces 2024 Third Quarter Results Highlighted by Strong Free Cash Flow and Continued Execution on Share Buybacks

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Athabasca Oil Corporation
Athabasca Oil Corporation

CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Athabasca Oil Corporation (TSX: ATH) (“Athabasca” or the “Company”) is pleased to report its third quarter results highlighting strong free cash flow underpinned by operational momentum at all assets and continued execution on its return of capital commitment through share buybacks.

Corporate Consolidated Third Quarter Highlights

  • Production: Average production of 38,909 boe/d (98% Liquids), representing 8% growth year over year (16% on a per share basis). Annual production remains on track with previously increased 2024 guidance of 36,000 – 37,000 boe/d.

  • Cash Flow Growth: Adjusted Funds Flow of $164 million (cash flow from operating activities of $187 million) or $0.30 per share, representing 25% growth on a per share basis year over year. In 2024, the Company forecasts Adjusted Funds Flow of ~$555 million1, supported by increased operating scale and constructive Canadian heavy oil pricing. Athabasca forecasts ~100% growth in 2024 forecasted funds flow per share relative to 2022 when growth to 28,000 bbl/d at Leismer was sanctioned.

  • Differentiated Balance Sheet: Proactively refinanced the Company’s senior secured second lien Notes with $200 million of senior unsecured notes at a 6.75% coupon with a 2029 maturity. Consolidated Net Cash position of $135 million with Liquidity of $456 million, including $335 million in cash.

  • Resilient Producer: Competitively positioned with Thermal Oil sustaining capital to hold production flat funded within cash flow at ~US$50/bbl WTI1 and growth initiatives fully funded within cash flow at ~US$60/bbl WTI1.

  • Robust Free Cash Flow: Capital flexibility and balance sheet strength supports durable asset growth and return of capital initiatives for shareholders, resulting in continued top tier cash flow per share growth into the future. Athabasca expects to generate in excess of $1 billion of Free Cash Flow at US$70/bbl WTI1 after fully funding its growth program during the timeframe of 2024-27. The Company intends to release its 2025 capital budget in December.

Return of Capital

  • Cumulative Return of Capital of ~$800 million. Commencing in the Fall of 2021 a deliberate strategy prioritized $385 million of debt reduction. Share buybacks commenced in 2023 and have totaled $415 million to date.

  • 2024 Return of Capital Commitment: Athabasca (Thermal Oil) is allocating 100% of Free Cash Flow to share buybacks in 2024. Year to date the Company has completed $257 million in share buybacks and forecasts 2024 Free Cash Flow of ~$315 million1.

  • Focus on Per Share Metrics: A steadfast commitment to return of capital has driven an ~104 million share reduction (~16%) in the Company’s fully diluted share count since March 31, 2023.