Calgary, Alberta–(Newsfile Corp. – August 1, 2024) – Canadian Natural’s (TSX: CNQ) (NYSE: CNQ) President, Scott Stauth, commented on the Company’s second quarter results, “The strength of our well-balanced and diverse portfolio, combined with Canadian Natural’s ability to execute safe, effective and efficient operations, delivered an excellent second quarter. Canadian Natural strategically managed turnaround activities and optimized production resulting in strong Q2/24 volumes of approximately 934,000 bbl/d of liquids and 2.1 Bcf/d of natural gas, totaling 1,286,000 BOE/d, an increase of 8% from Q2/23 levels of 1,194,000 BOE/d. In Q2/24, we delivered strong thermal production of approximately 268,000 bbl/d primarily due to better than expected performance from new pads as well as the early completion of planned turnarounds. At Horizon, we successfully completed the final tie-ins related to the reliability enhancement project as well as planned turnaround activities. Through optimization efforts, we completed the turnaround at Horizon in 28 days, two days earlier than budgeted.
Subsequent to quarter end we achieved a significant milestone at Horizon in July 2024 with production of the one billionth barrel of bitumen since operations began in 2009. Supporting this milestone is the Company’s significant total proved SCO reserves at approximately 6.9 billion barrels with a Reserve Life Index (“RLI”) of approximately 44 years as at year end 2023. Also during the month of July 2024, Synthetic Crude Oil (“SCO”) production of approximately 500,000 bbl/d was achieved, partially due to strong production at Horizon which is benefiting from the final tie-ins and commissioning of the reliability enhancement project.
The efficient commissioning of the Trans Mountain Expansion (“TMX”) pipeline during Q2/24 and the positive impact this incremental egress has on the Canadian economy represents a significant achievement for all Canadians. The impact on the energy industry has been positive with narrowing of heavy oil differentials, improved realized pricing along with the development of a more diverse market for western Canadian crude oil. TMX is a significant accomplishment for Canada, adding much-needed egress capacity and increasing exposure to global market pricing for crude oil products.
Our strong execution, effective and efficient operations, combined with stronger realized prices, drove significant free cash flow during the quarter despite planned turnarounds.
In June 2024, the Canadian Government amended the Competition Act and due to uncertainty on how this new legislation will be interpreted and applied we are unable to provide an environment and climate update at this time. This legislation does not change our commitment to the environment and to ensuring safe, reliable operations, only the way in which we are publicly communicating these important aspects of our business.”
Canadian Natural’s Chief Financial Officer, Mark Stainthorpe, also added, “In Q2/24, we delivered strong financial results, including adjusted net earnings of approximately $1.9 billion and adjusted funds flow of $3.6 billion, which drove significant returns to shareholders totaling $1.9 billion in the quarter. Our capital program for 2024 remains on target and as per our free cash flow allocation policy, we are returning 100% of free cash flow to shareholders in 2024 and we will continue to manage this allocation on a forward looking annual basis.
Year-to-date up to and including July 31, 2024, we have distributed significant value to shareholders, totaling approximately $4.9 billion, inclusive of our sustainable and growing dividend and share repurchases.
At Canadian Natural, our culture of continuous improvement and employee ownership alignment with shareholders drives our teams to create significant value across all areas of the Company. Our safe, effective and efficient operations combined with flexible capital allocation maximizes value for our shareholders.”
HIGHLIGHTS
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
| ($ millions, except per common share amounts) | Jun 30 2024 |
Mar 31 2024 |
Jun 30 2023 |
Jun 30 2024 |
Jun 30 2023 |
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| Net earnings | $ | 1,715 | $ | 987 | $ | 1,463 | $ | 2,702 | $ | 3,262 | ||||||
| Per common share (1) | – basic | $ | 0.80 | $ | 0.46 | $ | 0.67 | $ | 1.26 | $ | 1.49 | |||||
| – diluted | $ | 0.80 | $ | 0.46 | $ | 0.66 | $ | 1.25 | $ | 1.47 | ||||||
| Adjusted net earnings from operations (2) | $ | 1,892 | $ | 1,474 | $ | 1,256 | $ | 3,366 | $ | 3,137 | ||||||
| Per common share(1) | – basic (3) | $ | 0.89 | $ | 0.69 | $ | 0.57 | $ | 1.57 | $ | 1.43 | |||||
| – diluted (3) | $ | 0.88 | $ | 0.68 | $ | 0.57 | $ | 1.56 | $ | 1.41 | ||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | $ | 4,084 | $ | 2,868 | $ | 2,745 | $ | 6,952 | $ | 4,040 | ||||||
| Adjusted funds flow (2) | $ | 3,614 | $ | 3,138 | $ | 2,742 | $ | 6,752 | $ | 6,171 | ||||||
| Per common share(1) | – basic (3) | $ | 1.69 | $ | 1.47 | $ | 1.25 | $ | 3.16 | $ | 2.81 | |||||
| – diluted (3) | $ | 1.68 | $ | 1.45 | $ | 1.24 | $ | 3.13 | $ | 2.78 | ||||||
| Cash flows used in investing activities | $ | 1,015 | $ | 1,392 | $ | 1,560 | $ | 2,407 | $ | 2,713 | ||||||
| Net capital expenditures (4) | $ | 1,621 | $ | 1,113 | $ | 1,569 | $ | 2,734 | $ | 2,826 | ||||||
| Abandonment expenditures | $ | 129 | $ | 162 | $ | 100 | $ | 291 | $ | 237 | ||||||
| Daily production, before royalties | ||||||||||||||||
| Natural gas (MMcf/d) | 2,110 | 2,147 | 2,085 | 2,129 | 2,112 | |||||||||||
| Crude oil and NGLs (bbl/d) | 934,066 | 975,668 | 846,909 | 954,866 | 904,588 | |||||||||||
| Equivalent production (BOE/d) (5) | 1,285,798 | 1,333,502 | 1,194,326 | 1,309,649 | 1,256,513 | |||||||||||
| (1) Per common share and dividend amounts have been updated to reflect the two for one common share split. Further details are disclosed in the Advisory section of the Company’s MD&A and in the financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 dated July 31, 2024. (2) Non-GAAP Financial Measure. Refer to the “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section of the Company’s MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 dated July 31, 2024. (3) Non-GAAP Ratio. Refer to the “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section of the Company’s MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 dated July 31, 2024. (4) Non-GAAP Financial Measure. The composition of this measure was updated in the fourth quarter of 2023 and has been updated for all periods presented. Refer to the “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section of the Company’s MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 dated July 31, 2024. (5) A barrel of oil equivalent (“BOE”) is derived by converting six thousand cubic feet (“Mcf”) of natural gas to one barrel (“bbl”) of crude oil (6 Mcf:1 bbl). This conversion may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation, or to compare the value ratio using current crude oil and natural gas prices since the 6 Mcf:1 bbl ratio is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. |
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RETURNS TO SHAREHOLDERS
(1) Non-GAAP Financial Measure. Refer to the “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section of this press release and the Company’s MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 dated July 31, 2024.
OPERATIONS REVIEW AND CAPITAL ALLOCATION
Canadian Natural has a balanced and diverse portfolio of assets, primarily Canadian-based, with international exposure in the UK section of the North Sea and Offshore Africa. Canadian Natural’s production is well balanced between light crude oil, medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil) and SCO (herein collectively referred to as “crude oil”) and natural gas and NGLs. This balance provides optionality for capital investments, maximizing value for the Company’s shareholders.
Underpinning this asset base is the Company’s long life low decline production, representing approximately 79% of total budgeted liquids production in 2024, the majority of which is zero decline high value SCO production from the Company’s world class Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading assets. The remaining balance of the Company’s long life low decline production comes from its top tier thermal in situ oil sands operations and Pelican Lake heavy crude oil assets. The combination of these long life low decline assets, low reserves replacement costs, and effective and efficient operations results in substantial and sustainable adjusted funds flow throughout the commodity price cycle.
In addition, Canadian Natural maintains a substantial inventory of low capital exposure projects within the Company’s conventional asset base. These projects can be executed quickly and, in the right economic conditions, provide excellent returns and maximize value for our shareholders. Supporting these projects is the Company’s undeveloped land base which enables large, repeatable drilling programs that can be optimized over time. Additionally, Canadian Natural maximizes long-term value by maintaining high ownership and operatorship of its assets and has an extensive infrastructure network, allowing the Company to control the nature, timing and extent of development. Low capital exposure projects can be stopped or started relatively quickly depending upon success, market conditions or corporate needs.
Canadian Natural’s balanced portfolio, built with both long life low decline assets and low capital exposure assets, enables effective capital allocation, production growth and value creation.
| Drilling Activity | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||
| Jun 30, 2024 | Jun 30, 2023 | |||||||||||
| (number of wells) | Gross | Net | Gross | Net | ||||||||
| Crude oil (1) | 125 | 124 | 141 | 135 | ||||||||
| Natural gas | 49 | 40 | 50 | 42 | ||||||||
| Dry | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | ||||||||
| Subtotal | 175 | 165 | 193 | 179 | ||||||||
| Stratigraphic test / service wells | 457 | 391 | 470 | 409 | ||||||||
| Total | 632 | 556 | 663 | 588 | ||||||||
| Success rate (excluding stratigraphic test / service wells) | 99 % | 99 % | ||||||||||
| (1) Includes bitumen wells. | ||||||||||||
North America Exploration and Production
| Crude oil and NGLs – excluding Thermal In Situ Oil Sands | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
| Jun 30 2024 |
Mar 31 2024 |
Jun 30 2023 |
Jun 30 2024 |
Jun 30 2023 |
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| Crude oil and NGLs production (bbl/d) | 231,592 | 237,481 | 226,202 | 234,537 | 230,310 | ||||||||||
| Net wells targeting crude oil | 33 | 38 | 29 | 71 | 89 | ||||||||||
| Net successful wells drilled | 33 | 38 | 29 | 71 | 87 | ||||||||||
| Success rate | 100 % | 100 % | 100 % | 100 % | 98 % | ||||||||||
| North America Natural Gas | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
| Jun 30 2024 |
Mar 31 2024 |
Jun 30 2023 |
Jun 30 2024 |
Jun 30 2023 |
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| Natural gas production (MMcf/d) | 2,099 | 2,135 | 2,072 | 2,117 | 2,100 | ||||||||||
| Net wells targeting natural gas | 25 | 16 | 21 | 41 | 42 | ||||||||||
| Net successful wells drilled | 24 | 16 | 21 | 40 | 42 | ||||||||||
| Success rate | 96 % | 100 % | 100 % | 98 % | 100 % | ||||||||||
(1) Calculated as production expense divided by respective sales volumes. Natural gas and NGLs production volumes approximate sales volumes.
| Thermal In Situ Oil Sands | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
| Jun 30 2024 |
Mar 31 2024 |
Jun 30 2023 |
Jun 30 2024 |
Jun 30 2023 |
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| Bitumen production (bbl/d) | 268,044 | 268,155 | 238,941 | 268,100 | 240,902 | ||||||||||
| Net wells targeting bitumen | 30 | 23 | 23 | 53 | 48 | ||||||||||
| Net successful wells drilled | 30 | 23 | 23 | 53 | 48 | ||||||||||
| Success rate | 100 % | 100 % | 100 % | 100 % | 100 % | ||||||||||
North America Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
| Jun 30 2024 |
Mar 31 2024 |
Jun 30 2023 |
Jun 30 2024 |
Jun 30 2023 |
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| Synthetic crude oil production (bbl/d) (1)(2) | 410,518 | 445,209 | 355,246 | 427,863 | 406,453 | ||||||||||
| (1) SCO production before royalties and excludes production volumes consumed internally as diesel. (2) Consists of heavy and light synthetic crude oil products. |
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International Exploration and Production
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
| Jun 30 2024 |
Mar 31 2024 |
Jun 30 2023 |
Jun 30 2024 |
Jun 30 2023 |
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| Crude oil production (bbl/d) | 23,912 | 24,823 | 26,520 | 24,367 | 26,923 | ||||||||||
| Natural gas production (MMcf/d) | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | ||||||||||
MARKETING
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
| Jun 30 2024 |
Mar 31 2024 |
Jun 30 2023 |
Jun 30 2024 |
Jun 30 2023 |
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| Benchmark Commodity Prices | |||||||||||||||||
| WTI benchmark price (US$/bbl) (1) | $ | 80.55 | $ | 76.97 | $ | 73.75 | $ | 78.76 | $ | 74.92 | |||||||
| WCS heavy differential (discount) to WTI (US$/bbl) (1) |
$ | (13.54 | ) | $ | (19.34 | ) | $ | (15.07 | ) | $ | (16.44 | ) | $ | (19.87 | ) | ||
| WCS heavy differential as a percentage of WTI (%) (1) |
17 % | 25 % | 20 % | 21 % | 27 % | ||||||||||||
| Condensate benchmark price (US$/bbl) | $ | 77.11 | $ | 72.79 | $ | 72.28 | $ | 74.95 | $ | 76.03 | |||||||
| SCO price (US$/bbl) (1) | $ | 83.33 | $ | 69.43 | $ | 76.67 | $ | 76.38 | $ | 77.42 | |||||||
| SCO premium (discount) to WTI (US$/bbl) (1) | $ | 2.78 | $ | (7.54 | ) | $ | 2.92 | $ | (2.38 | ) | $ | 2.50 | |||||
| AECO benchmark price (C$/GJ) | $ | 1.36 | $ | 1.94 | $ | 2.22 | $ | 1.65 | $ | 3.17 | |||||||
| Realized Prices | |||||||||||||||||
| Exploration & Production liquids realized price (C$/bbl) (2)(3)(4)(5) |
$ | 86.64 | $ | 70.01 | $ | 72.06 | $ | 78.43 | $ | 65.58 | |||||||
| SCO realized price (C$/bbl) (1)(3)(4)(5) | $ | 108.81 | $ | 88.84 | $ | 95.08 | $ | 98.18 | $ | 95.64 | |||||||
| Natural gas realized price (C$/Mcf) (4) | $ | 1.59 | $ | 2.55 | $ | 2.53 | $ | 2.07 | $ | 3.41 | |||||||
| (1) West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”); Western Canadian Select (“WCS”); Synthetic Crude Oil (“SCO”). (2) Exploration & Production crude oil and NGLs average realized price excludes SCO. (3) Pricing is net of blending costs. (4) Excludes risk management activities. (5) Non-GAAP ratio. Refer to the “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section of the Company’s MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 dated July 31, 2024. |
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SUSTAINABILITY HIGHLIGHTS
Canadian Natural’s diverse portfolio is supported by a large amount of long life low decline assets which have low risk, high value reserves that require low maintenance capital. This allows us to remain flexible with our capital allocation and creates an ideal opportunity to pilot and apply technologies. Canadian Natural continues to invest in a range of technologies like solvents for enhanced recovery and Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (“CCUS”) projects. Our culture of continuous improvement provides a significant advantage to delivering on our strategy of investing in technologies across our assets, which will enhance the Company’s long-term sustainability.
In June 2024, the Canadian Government amended the Competition Act, resulting in changes to the law around environmental communications. As we look to communicate the important work we are doing to protect the environment or helping to address climate change, there is uncertainty on how this new legislation will be interpreted and applied on a go forward basis. We regret that we are unable to provide an environment and climate update at this time. This legislation does not change our commitment to the environment and to ensuring safe, reliable operations, only the way in which we are publicly communicating these aspects of our business. As we receive additional guidance, we intend to resume environmental and climate-related disclosure.
While we wait for clarity on this legislation, we are proud to share Canadian Natural’s performance in governance, workplace and process safety, and our contributions to people, community and partnerships. Today, Canadian Natural released its 2023 Stewardship Report to Stakeholders in conjunction with Q2/24 results, which is now available on the Company’s website at www.cnrl.com. This report displays how Canadian Natural continues to focus on safe, reliable, effective and efficient operations while enhancing our world-class assets by innovating and leveraging technology, and driving continuous improvement across our teams. These efforts include building shared value with communities and Indigenous groups in our operating areas.
Highlights from the Company’s 2023 report include:
ADVISORY
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements relating to Canadian Natural Resources Limited (the “Company”) in this document or documents incorporated herein by reference constitute forward-looking statements or information (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words “believe”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “plan”, “estimate”, “target”, “focus”, “continue”, “could”, “intend”, “may”, “potential”, “predict”, “should”, “will”, “objective”, “project”, “forecast”, “goal”, “guidance”, “outlook”, “effort”, “seeks”, “schedule”, “proposed”, “aspiration” or expressions of a similar nature suggesting future outcome or statements regarding an outlook. Disclosure related to the Company’s strategy or strategic focus, capital budget, expected future commodity pricing, forecast or anticipated production volumes, royalties, production expenses, capital expenditures, abandonment expenditures, income tax expenses, and other targets provided throughout this document and the Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of the financial condition and results of operations of the Company, including the strength of the Company’s balance sheet, the sources and adequacy of the Company’s liquidity, and the flexibility of the Company’s capital structure, constitute forward-looking statements. Disclosure of plans relating to and expected results of existing and future developments, including, without limitation, those in relation to: the Company’s assets at Horizon Oil Sands (“Horizon”), the Athabasca Oil Sands Project (“AOSP”), the Primrose thermal oil projects (“Primrose”), the Pelican Lake water and polymer flood projects (“Pelican Lake”), the Kirby thermal oil sands project (“Kirby”), the Jackfish thermal oil sands project (“Jackfish”) and the North West Redwater bitumen upgrader and refinery; construction by third parties of new, or expansion of existing, pipeline capacity or other means of transportation of bitumen, crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) or synthetic crude oil (“SCO”) that the Company may be reliant upon to transport its products to market; the abandonment and decommissioning of certain assets and the timing thereof; the development and deployment of technology and technological innovations; the financial capacity of the Company to complete its growth projects and responsibly and sustainably grow in the long-term; the materiality of the impact of tax interpretations and litigation on the Company’s results, also constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on annual budgets and multi-year forecasts, and are reviewed and revised throughout the year as necessary in the context of targeted financial ratios, project returns, product pricing expectations and balance in project risk and time horizons. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks. The reader should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as there can be no assurances that the plans, initiatives or expectations upon which they are based will occur. In addition, statements relating to “reserves” are deemed to be forward-looking statements as they involve the implied assessment based on certain estimates and assumptions that the reserves described can be profitably produced in the future. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved and proved plus probable crude oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves and in projecting future rates of production and the timing of development expenditures. The total amount or timing of actual future production may vary significantly from reserves and production estimates.
The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company and the industry in which the Company operates, which speak only as of the earlier of the date such statements were made or as of the date of the report or document in which they are contained, and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others: general economic and business conditions (including as a result of the actions of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Plus (“OPEC+”), the impact of armed conflicts in the Middle East, the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, increased inflation, and the risk of decreased economic activity resulting from a global recession) which may impact, among other things, demand and supply for and market prices of the Company’s products, and the availability and cost of resources required by the Company’s operations; volatility of and assumptions regarding crude oil, natural gas and NGLs prices; fluctuations in currency and interest rates; assumptions on which the Company’s current targets are based; economic conditions in the countries and regions in which the Company conducts business; political uncertainty, including actions of or against terrorists, insurgent groups or other conflict including conflict between states; the ability of the Company to prevent and recover from a cyberattack, other cyber-related crime and other cyber-related incidents; industry capacity; ability of the Company to implement its business strategy, including exploration and development activities; the Company’s ability to implement strategies and leverage technologies to meet climate change initiatives and emissions targets on the expected timelines; the impact of competition; the Company’s defense of lawsuits; availability and cost of seismic, drilling and other equipment; ability of the Company to complete capital programs; the Company’s ability to secure adequate transportation for its products; unexpected disruptions or delays in the mining, extracting or upgrading of the Company’s bitumen products; potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; ability of the Company to attract the necessary labour required to build, maintain, and operate its thermal and oil sands mining projects; operating hazards and other difficulties inherent in the exploration for and production and sale of crude oil and natural gas and in the mining, extracting or upgrading the Company’s bitumen products; availability and cost of financing; the Company’s success of exploration and development activities and its ability to replace and expand crude oil and natural gas reserves; the Company’s ability to meet its targeted production levels; timing and success of integrating the business and operations of acquired companies and assets; production levels; imprecision of reserves estimates and estimates of recoverable quantities of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs not currently classified as proved; actions by governmental authorities; government regulations and the expenditures required to comply with them (especially safety, competition, environmental laws and regulations and the impact of climate change initiatives on capital expenditures and production expenses); interpretations of applicable tax and competition laws and regulations; asset retirement obligations; the sufficiency of the Company’s liquidity to support its growth strategy and to sustain its operations in the short, medium, and long-term; the strength of the Company’s balance sheet; the flexibility of the Company’s capital structure; the adequacy of the Company’s provision for taxes; the impact of legal proceedings to which the Company is party; and other circumstances affecting revenues and expenses.
The Company’s operations have been, and in the future may be, affected by political developments and by national, federal, provincial, state and local laws and regulations such as restrictions on production, changes in taxes, royalties and other amounts payable to governments or governmental agencies, price or gathering rate controls and environmental protection regulations. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the Company’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The impact of any one factor on a particular forward-looking statement is not determinable with certainty as such factors are dependent upon other factors, and the Company’s course of action would depend upon its assessment of the future considering all information then available.
Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Unpredictable or unknown factors not discussed in this document or the Company’s MD&A could also have adverse effects on forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations conveyed by the forward-looking statements are reasonable based on information available to it on the date such forward-looking statements are made, no assurances can be given as to future results, levels of activity and achievements. All subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Except as required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements in this document or the Company’s MD&A, whether as a result of new information, future events or other factors, or the foregoing factors affecting this information, should circumstances or the Company’s estimates or opinions change.
Special Note Regarding Common Share Split and Comparative Figures
At the Company’s Annual and Special Meeting held on May 2, 2024, shareholders passed a Special Resolution approving a two for one common share split effective for shareholders of record as of market close on June 3, 2024. On June 10, 2024, shareholders of record received one additional share for every one common share held, with common shares trading on a split-adjusted basis beginning June 11, 2024. Common share, per common share, dividend, and stock option amounts for periods prior to the two for one common share split have been updated to reflect the common share split.
Special Note Regarding Amendments to the Competition Act (Canada)
On June 20, 2024, amendments to the Competition Act (Canada) came into force with the adoption of Bill C-59, An Act to Implement Certain Provisions of the Fall Economic Statement which impact environmental and climate disclosures by businesses. As a result of these amendments, certain public representations by a business regarding the benefits of the work it is doing to protect or restore the environment or mitigate the environmental and ecological causes or effects of climate change may violate the Competition Act’s deceptive marketing practices provisions. These amendments include substantial financial penalties and, effective June 20, 2025, a private right of action which will permit private parties to seek an order from the Competition Tribunal under the deceptive marketing practices provisions. Uncertainty surrounding the interpretation and enforcement of this legislation may expose the Company to increased litigation and financial penalties, the outcome and impacts of which can be difficult to assess or quantify and may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, reputation, financial condition, and results.
Special Note Regarding Currency, Financial Information and Production
This document should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited interim consolidated financial statements (the “financial statements”) and the Company’s MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, and audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. All dollar amounts are referenced in millions of Canadian dollars, except where noted otherwise. The Company’s financial statements and MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
Production volumes and per unit statistics are presented throughout this document on a “before royalties” or “company gross” basis, and realized prices are net of blending and feedstock costs and exclude the effect of risk management activities. In addition, reference is made to crude oil and natural gas in common units called barrel of oil equivalent (“BOE”). A BOE is derived by converting six thousand cubic feet (“Mcf”) of natural gas to one barrel (“bbl”) of crude oil (6 Mcf:1 bbl). This conversion may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation, since the 6 Mcf:1 bbl ratio is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In comparing the value ratio using current crude oil prices relative to natural gas prices, the 6 Mcf:1 bbl conversion ratio may be misleading as an indication of value. In addition, for the purposes of this document, crude oil is defined to include the following commodities: light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and SCO. Production on an “after royalties” or “company net” basis is also presented for information purposes only.
Additional information relating to the Company, including its Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Information on the Company’s website does not form part of and is not incorporated by reference in the Company’s MD&A.
Special Note Regarding Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures
This document includes references to non-GAAP measures, which include non-GAAP and other financial measures as defined in National Instrument 52-112 – Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure. These financial measures are used by the Company to evaluate its financial performance, financial position or cash flow and include non-GAAP financial measures, non-GAAP ratios, total of segments measures, capital management measures, and supplementary financial measures. These financial measures are not defined by IFRS and therefore are referred to as non-GAAP and other financial measures. The non-GAAP and other financial measures used by the Company may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies, and should not be considered an alternative to or more meaningful than the most directly comparable financial measure presented in the Company’s financial statements, as applicable, as an indication of the Company’s performance. Descriptions of the Company’s non-GAAP and other financial measures included in this document, and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, as applicable, are provided below as well as in the “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section of the Company’s MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, dated July 31, 2024.
Break-even WTI Price
The break-even WTI price is a supplementary financial measure that represents the equivalent US dollar WTI price per barrel where the Company’s adjusted funds flow is equal to the sum of maintenance capital and dividends. The Company considers the break-even WTI price a key measure in evaluating its performance, as it demonstrates the efficiency and profitability of the Company’s activities. The break-even WTI price incorporates the non-GAAP financial measure adjusted funds flow as reconciled in the “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section of the Company’s MD&A. Maintenance capital is a supplementary financial measure that represents the capital required to maintain annual production at prior period levels.
Capital Budget
Capital budget is a forward looking non-GAAP financial measure. The capital budget is based on net capital expenditures (Non-GAAP Financial Measure) and excludes net acquisition costs. Refer to the “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section of the Company’s MD&A for more details on net capital expenditures.
Capital Efficiency
Capital efficiency is a supplementary financial measure that represents the capital spent to add new or incremental production divided by the current rate of the new or incremental production. It is expressed as a dollar amount per flowing volume of a product ($/bbl/d or $/BOE/d). The Company considers capital efficiency a key measure in evaluating its performance, as it demonstrates the efficiency of the Company’s capital investments.
Free Cash Flow Policy in 2023 and 2024
Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company considers free cash flow a key measure in demonstrating the Company’s ability to generate cash flow to fund future growth through capital investment, pay returns to shareholders and to repay or maintain net debt levels, pursuant to the free cash flow allocation policy.
The Company’s free cash flow is used to determine the target amount of shareholder returns after dividends. The calculation in determining free cash flow varies depending on the Company’s net debt position, and as a result of achieving $10 billion in net debt at the end of 2023, the Company’s free cash flow calculation has changed in 2024, when compared to 2023 as follows:
As net debt of $10 billion was achieved at the end of 2023, commencing in 2024, the Company will target to return 100% of free cash flow to shareholders. Free cash flow is calculated as adjusted funds flow less dividends on common shares, net capital expenditures and abandonment expenditures. The Company targets to manage the allocation of free cash flow on a forward looking annual basis, while managing working capital and cash management as required.
The Company’s free cash flow for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 is shown below:
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||
| ($ millions) | Jun 30 2024 |
Mar 31 2024 |
Jun 30 2024 |
||||||
| Adjusted funds flow (1) | $ | 3,614 | $ | 3,138 | $ | 6,752 | |||
| Less: Dividends on common shares | 1,125 | 1,076 | 2,201 | ||||||
| Net capital expenditures (2) | 1,621 | 1,113 | 2,734 | ||||||
| Abandonment expenditures | 129 | 162 | 291 | ||||||
| Free cash flow | $ | 739 | $ | 787 | $ | 1,526 | |||
| (1) Refer to the descriptions and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, which are provided in the “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section of the Company’s MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, dated July 31, 2024. (2) Non-GAAP Financial Measure. Refer to the “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” section of the Company’s MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, dated July 31, 2024. |
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When net debt was between $10 billion and $15 billion, as was the case in 2023, approximately 50% of free cash flow was allocated to shareholder returns and 50% was allocated to the balance sheet, less strategic growth/acquisition opportunities. In 2023, free cash flow of $6.9 billion was calculated as adjusted funds flow of $15.3 billion less dividends on common shares of $3.9 billion, base capital expenditures of $4.0 million and abandonment expenditures of $0.5 billion.
Long-term Debt, net
Long-term debt, net (also referred to as net debt) is a capital management measure that is calculated as current and long-term debt less cash and cash equivalents.
| ($ millions) | Jun 30 2024 |
Mar 31 2024 |
Dec 31 2023 |
Jun 30 2023 |
||||||||
| Long-term debt | $ | 10,149 | $ | 11,040 | $ | 10,799 | $ | 12,155 | ||||
| Less: cash and cash equivalents | 915 | 767 | 877 | 122 | ||||||||
| Long-term debt, net | $ | 9,234 | $ | 10,273 | $ | 9,922 | $ | 12,033 |
CONFERENCE CALL
Canadian Natural Resources Limited (TSX: CNQ) (NYSE: CNQ) will be issuing its 2024 Second Quarter Earnings Results on Thursday, August 1, 2024 before market open.
A conference call will be held at 9:00 a.m. MDT / 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
Dial-in to the live event:
North America 1-800-717-1738 / International 001-289-514-5100.
Listen to the audio webcast:
Access the audio webcast on the home page of our website, www.cnrl.com.
Conference call playback:
North America 1-888-660-6264 / International 001-289-819-1325 (Passcode: 22190#)
Canadian Natural is a senior crude oil and natural gas production company, with continuing operations in its core areas located in Western Canada, the U.K. portion of the North Sea and Offshore Africa.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
T (403) 517-6700 F (403) 517-7350 E ir@cnrl.com
2100, 855 – 2 Street S.W. Calgary, Alberta, T2P 4J8
www.cnrl.com
SCOTT G. STAUTH
President
MARK A. STAINTHORPE
Chief Financial Officer
LANCE J. CASSON
Manager, Investor Relations
Trading Symbol – CNQ
Toronto Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/218446