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Athabasca Oil Announces 2025 Second Quarter Results Highlighted by Strong Operational Results, Continued Share Buybacks and a Pristine Financial Position

Athabasca Oil Announces 2025 Second Quarter Results Highlighted by Strong Operational Results, Continued Share Buybacks and a Pristine Financial Position

Toronto Star3 days ago
CALGARY, Alberta, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Athabasca Oil Corporation (TSX: ATH) ('Athabasca' or the 'Company') is pleased to report its second quarter results marked by strong operational performance, consistent financial results and execution on return of capital commitments. With low corporate break-evens, differentiated long-life assets and a pristine balance sheet, the Company is well positioned to advance its strategic priorities.
Q2 2025 Consolidated Corporate Results
Production: Average production of 39,088 boe/d (98% Liquids), representing 4% (15% per share) growth year-over-year.
Cash Flow: Adjusted Funds Flow of $128 million ($0.25 per share). Cash Flow from Operating Activities of $101 million. Free Cash Flow of $66 million from Athabasca (Thermal Oil).
Capital Program: $73 million total capital expenditures including $54 million at Leismer to support the 40,000 bbl/d phased growth project.
Shareholder Returns: Purchased 24 million shares through its buy-back program year-to-date. The Company is committed to returning 100% of Free Cash Flow (Thermal Oil) to shareholders in 2025 and has completed ~$600 million in share buybacks since March 31, 2023, reducing its fully diluted share count by 21%.
Operations Highlights
Leismer: Production currently ~28,000 bbl/d (June 2025) with four sustaining well pairs expected to be placed on production through the balance of the year. The progressive growth project remains on time and on budget. The Company expects production to stay flat until the next growth plateau of 32,000 bbl/d in H2 2026.
Hangingstone: Production currently ~8,900 bbl/d (June 2025) following the start-up of two extended reach well pairs which are outperforming management's expectations. The asset continues to deliver meaningful free cash flow generation.
Duvernay Energy ('DEC'): A four well pad (30% working interest) with ~5,000 meter laterals was completed in mid July and will be placed on production in August. Completion operations are expected to commence on a three well pad (100% working interest) in September. DEC is positioned for strong operational momentum into year end with an exit target of ~6,000 boe/d.
Resilient Producer
Pristine Financial Position: The Company has a Net Cash position of $119 million, Liquidity of $437 million (including $304 million cash) and a long-dated maturity of 2029 on its term debt. The Company also has $2.2 billion of tax pools (~80% high-value and immediately deductible).
Low Break-evens: Long-life, low decline assets afford Athabasca with a sustaining capital advantage. The Company's 2025 Thermal Oil capital program which includes growth initiatives is fully funded within cash flow below US$50/bbl WTI. Long term sustaining capital investment is estimated at ~C$8/bbl (five‐year annual average) to hold production flat.
2025 Corporate Guidance
Consolidated Production Outlook: The Company anticipates production at the upper end of guidance of 37,500 – 39,500 boe/d with an exit rate of ~41,000 boe/d. Thermal Oil production is trending at the upper end of its prior guidance of 33,500 – 35,500 bbl/d. Duvernay Energy is expected to average ~4,000 boe/d with an exit target of ~6,000 boe/d following the tie-in of two multi-well pads.
Thermal Capital: The forecast capital budget for Thermal oil is unchanged at ~$250 million, including sustaining capital and the Leismer expansion project. This $300 million expansion project (over three years) is highly economic (~$25,000/bbl/d capital efficiency) and provides flexibility with interim growth targets to ~32,000 bbl/d in H2 2026 and ~35,000 bbl/d in H1 2027 before achieving the regulatory approved 40,000 bbl/d capacity at the end of 2027. Athabasca's Thermal Oil capital projects are flexible, highly economic and have phased optionality on timing based on the macroeconomic environment. By year-end 2025, the Company anticipates being ~50% complete of total capital exposure for the expansion project.
Duvernay Energy Corporation Capital: The 2025 capital program of ~$75 million will drive production momentum in H2 2025. The capital program in DEC is flexible and designed to be self-funded. The Company has a deep inventory of ~444 gross future drilling locations with no near-term land expiries.
Free Cash Flow Focus: The Company forecasts consolidated Adjusted Funds Flow between $525 - $550 million1, including $475 - $500 million from its Thermal Oil assets. 2025 Thermal Oil Free Cash Flow is forecasted at ~$250 million and is planned to be returned to shareholders through share buybacks. 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.
Corporate Consolidated Strategy
Value Creation: The Company's Thermal Oil division provides a differentiated liquids weighted growth platform supported by financial resiliency to execute on return of capital initiatives. Athabasca's subsidiary company, Duvernay Energy Corporation, is designed to enhance value for Athabasca's shareholders by providing a clear path for self-funded production and cash flow growth in the Kaybob Duvernay resource play. Athabasca (Thermal Oil) and DEC have independent strategies and capital allocation frameworks.
Steadfast Focus on Cash Flow Per Share Growth: Athabasca's disciplined capital allocation framework is designed to unlock shareholder value by prioritizing multi-year cash flow per share growth. The Company forecasts ~20% compounded annual cash flow per share growth between 2025-2029 driven by investing in attractive capital projects and prioritizing share buybacks with 100% of Free Cash Flow. The Company sees significant intrinsic value not reflected in the current share price and intends to remain active with its share buyback strategy.
Athabasca (Thermal Oil) Strategy
Large Resource Base: Athabasca's top-tier assets underpin a strong Free Cash Flow outlook with low sustaining capital requirements. The long life, low decline asset base includes ~1.2 billion barrels of Proved plus Probable reserves and ~1 billion barrels of Contingent Resource.
Strong Financial Position: Prudent balance sheet management is a core tenet of Athabasca's strategy. The Company has a Net Cash position of $119 million, Liquidity of $437 million (including $304 million cash) and a long-dated maturity of 2029 on its term debt.
Leismer Progressive Growth: This $300 million expansion project (over three years) is highly economic (~$25,000/bbl/d capital efficiency) and provides flexibility with interim growth targets to ~32,000 bbl/d in H2 2026 and ~35,000 bbl/d in H1 2027 before achieving the regulatory approved 40,000 bbl/d capacity at the end of 2027. On completion of the expansion project, the Company can maintain Leismer at 40,000 bbl/d for approximately fifty years (Proved plus Probable Reserves).
Sustaining Hangingstone: The Hangingstone asset is very competitive and continues to deliver meaningful cash flow contributions to the Company. The objective is to sustain production and maintain competitive netbacks ($36.51/bbl H1 2025 Operating Netback).
Corner – Future Optionality: The Company's Corner asset is a large de-risked oil sands asset adjacent to Leismer with 351 million barrels of Proved plus Probable reserves and 520 million barrels Contingent Resource (Best Estimate Unrisked). There are over 300 delineation wells and ~80% seismic coverage, with reservoir qualities similar to 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 has updated its development plans and is finalizing facility cost estimates, with a focus on capital efficient modular design.
Significant Multi-Year Free Cash Flow: Inclusive of the progressive growth at Leismer, Athabasca (Thermal Oil) expects to generate in excess of $1.8 billion of Free Cash Flow1 during the five-year time frame of 2025-29. Free Cash Flow will continue to support the Company's return of capital initiatives.
Sound Heavy Oil Fundamentals: Canadian heavy oil markets remain strong supported by the Trans Mountain Expansion pipeline and sustained global refining demand. This has resulted in tighter and less volatile WCS heavy differentials with August index pricing at ~US$10/bbl. Athabasca is a direct beneficiary of structurally tighter differentials that are forecasted to hold in the coming years.
Thermal Oil Royalty Advantage: Athabasca has significant unrecovered capital balances on its Thermal Oil Assets that ensure a low Crown royalty framework (~6%1). Leismer is forecasted to remain pre-payout until late 20271 and Hangingstone is forecasted to remain pre-payout beyond 20301.
Tax Free Horizon Advantage: Athabasca (Thermal Oil) has $2.2 billion of valuable tax pools and does not forecast paying cash taxes this decade.
Duvernay Energy Strategy
Accelerating Value: DEC is an operated, private subsidiary of Athabasca (owned 70% by Athabasca and 30% by Cenovus Energy). DEC accelerates value realization for Athabasca's shareholders by providing a clear path for self-funded production and cash flow growth without compromising Athabasca's capacity to fund its Thermal Oil assets or its return of capital strategy.
Kaybob Duvernay Focused: Exposure to ~200,000 gross acres in the liquids rich and oil windows with ~444 gross future well locations, including ~46,000 gross acres with 100% working interest.
Self-Funded Growth: Near-term activity will be funded within Adjusted Funds Flow, initial seed capital and the DEC credit facility. The Company has growth potential to in excess of ~20,000 boe/d (75% Liquids) by the late 2020s1.
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 Pricing assumptions: H1 2025 actualized and US$65 WTI, US$12.50 WCS heavy differential, C$2 AECO, and 0.725 C$/US$ FX for H2 2025. 2026+ US$70 WTI, US$12.50 WCS heavy differential, C$3 AECO, and 0.725 C$/US$ FX
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Financial and Operational Highlights
Athabasca (Thermal Oil) Q2 2025 Highlights and Operations Update
Production: Production of 36,476 bbl/d (27,818 bbl/d at Leismer and 8,658 bbl/d at Hangingstone).
Cash Flow: Adjusted Funds Flow of $122.1 million; Operating Income of $135.8 million with an Operating Netback of $39.79/bbl ($42.02/bbl H1 2025).
Capital: $56.1 million of capital expenditures in Q2, with $53.9 million at Leismer as the Company advances the 40,000 bbl/d progressive growth project.
Free Cash Flow: $66.0 million of Free Cash Flow supporting return of capital commitment.
Leismer
Earlier this year, the Company brought six extended reach redrills on Pad L1 (1,000 – 1,700 meter laterals) on production supporting current production of ~28,000 bbl/d (June 2025). Four well pairs on Pad L10 are expected to maintain production rates at facility capacity for the balance of 2025. The first two wells started steaming in April with production expected in Q3, and the final two will begin steaming this summer with first production expected in Q4. Another six well pairs will be drilled on Pad 11 in H2 2025.
Activity at Leismer remains 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 will be spent between 2025 and 2027 and includes an estimated $190 million for facility capital and an estimated $110 million for growth wells. By year-end 2025, the Company anticipates being ~50% complete of total capital exposure for the expansion project. The project remains on budget and on schedule with the original sanction plans announced in July 2024. The progressive build provides flexibility with interim growth targets to ~32,000 bbl/d in H2 2026 following the next planned turnaround, and ~35,000 bbl/d in H1 2027 before achieving the regulatory approved 40,000 bbl/d capacity at the end of 2027.
Hangingstone
At Hangingstone, two extended reach sustaining well pairs (~1,400 meter average laterals) were placed on production in March with production of ~8,900 bbl/d (June 2025). The well pairs ramped up faster than anticipated, benefiting from favorable reservoir temperatures and pressure supported by offsetting wells. Current well pair performance between 800 – 1,000 bbl/d per well has exceeded management's expectations. Hangingstone continues to deliver meaningful cash flow contributions to the Company.
Duvernay Energy Corporation Q2 2025 Highlights and Operations Update
Production: Production of 2,612 boe/d (72% Liquids).
Cash Flow: Adjusted Funds Flow of $5.5 million with an Operating Netback of $24.84/boe ($32.03/boe H1 2025).
Capital: $17.0 million of capital expenditures including completions on a 30% working interest four-well pad.
During the quarter completions operations commenced on a four well pad (30% working interest) with average laterals of ~5,000 meters. Completion operations on this pad were completed in mid July and the wells are expected to be on production in early August. A three well pad (100% working interest) is scheduled to be completed in early Fall and on production shortly thereafter. Earlier in 2025, a strategic gathering system was completed connecting the operated wells to existing operated infrastructure.
Production from new wells drilled in 2024 continue to validate DEC's type curve expectations. The five wells placed on production have averaged IP30's of ~1,200 boe/d per well (86% Liquids) and IP90s of ~940 boe/d (86% Liquids) per well.
DEC retains significant operational flexibility with no near-term land expiries and the ability to adjust spending in response to commodity price movements.
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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:
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; 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; break-even metrics, 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.
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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:
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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:
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:
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).
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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
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 65% tight oil, 25% shale gas and 10% NGLs.
Liquids is defined as bitumen, light crude oil, medium crude oil and natural gas liquids.
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.
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First National Financial Corporation agrees to be acquired by Birch Hill Equity Partners and Brookfield, with existing shareholders Stephen Smith and Moray Tawse maintaining minority ownership

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The Transaction is not subject to any financing condition and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to obtaining the required shareholder, court and regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The Purchase Price represents a premium of approximately 15.2% and 22.8% to the 30 and 90-trading day volume weighted average trading price, respectively, of the Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") on July 25, 2025, the last trading day prior to the announcement of the Transaction. The Purchase Price is also above the 52-week high closing price of the Shares as of July 25, 2025 and represents a total shareholder return of approximately 2,149% on the Company's initial public offering Share price, including the Company's historical dividend payments. The Purchase Price implies an aggregate total equity value of approximately $2.9 billion, inclusive of the Rollover Shares, and values the Company at a 16.5x price-to-earnings multiple based on the Company's reported trailing twelve months net income attributable to common shareholders as of March 31, 2025. "This Transaction represents the start of an exciting new chapter for First National," said Jason Ellis, CEO of First National. "Birch Hill and Brookfield bring significant expertise in the Canadian financial services industry, and we are excited to partner with them to grow our platform, drive innovation, and deliver for our customers, employees and institutional partners." Transaction Details The Transaction emerged from a robust strategic review process conducted by the Company, under the oversight of a committee of independent directors (the "Special Committee") advised by independent and highly qualified legal and financial advisors. The review process involved a competitive process in which multiple acquisition proposals were received and reviewed by the Special Committee. The Company entered into the Arrangement Agreement based on the unanimous approval of the Company's board of directors (the "Board") (with conflicted directors abstaining) after receiving the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee. Both the Board and the Special Committee determined, after receiving financial and legal advice, that the Transaction is in the best interests of the Company and the consideration to be received by the holders of the Shares (the "Shareholders") (other than the Rolling Shareholders) is fair, and recommend that Shareholders vote in favour of the Transaction at the special meeting of Shareholders to be held to approve the Transaction. In connection with the Transaction, the Rolling Shareholders, who collectively hold approximately 71.4% of the outstanding Shares, have entered into irrevocable voting agreements agreeing to vote their Shares in favour of the Transaction and against any competing acquisition proposals. In addition, each of the other directors and executive officers of the Company, who collectively hold less than 1% of the outstanding Shares, have entered into voting agreements agreeing to vote their Shares in favour of the Transaction. Under the terms of the Transaction, the Class A Preference Shares, Series 1 (the "Series 1 Preferred Shares") and Class A Preference Shares, Series 2 (the "Series 2 Preferred Shares" and, together with the Series 1 Preferred Shares, the "Preferred Shares") of the Company are expected to remain outstanding in accordance with their terms following closing of the Transaction. The Preferred Shares will continue to be listed on the TSX and, as a result, the Company will continue to be a reporting issuer under applicable Canadian securities laws following closing of the Transaction. The 2.961% Series 3 Senior Unsecured Notes due November 17, 2025, 7.293% Series 4 Senior Unsecured Notes due September 8, 2026 and the 6.261% Series 5 Senior Unsecured Notes due November 1, 2027 (collectively, the "Company Notes") will be redeemed on the closing of the Transaction to the extent outstanding at such time. Each holder of Company Notes outstanding at such time will receive a cash amount equal to the applicable redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid interest, as of the closing date in accordance with the terms of such holder's Company Notes. First National intends to continue paying its regular monthly cash dividend of $0.208334 per Share in the ordinary course through to closing of the Transaction and regular quarterly dividends on the Preferred Shares in accordance with their terms. Transaction Rationale The conclusions and recommendations of the Special Committee and the Board were based on a number of factors, including the following: Compelling Value and Immediate Liquidity to Shareholders: The all-cash Purchase Price provides Shareholders with certainty of value and immediate liquidity. The Purchase Price represents a premium of approximately 15.2% and 22.8% to the 30 and 90-trading day volume weighted average trading price, respectively, per Share as of July 25, 2025, and is also above the 52-week high closing price of the Shares as of that date. Market Check: The Transaction is the result of a robust strategic review process led by the Company's financial advisor, RBC Capital Markets, which included outreach to a broad pool of potential buyers and resulted in multiple acquisition proposals, of which the proposal submitted by the Purchaser offered the highest value to Shareholders. Formal Valuation: The Special Committee received an opinion from its independent valuator and financial advisor BMO Capital Markets ("BMO") that, as of July 27, 2025, and based on BMO's analysis and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications to be set forth in BMO's written valuation, the fair market value of the Shares is in the range of $44.00 to $50.00 per Share. Fairness Opinion: The Special Committee received an opinion from BMO that, as of July 27, 2025, and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications to be set forth in BMO's written fairness opinion, the consideration to be received by Shareholders (other than the Rolling Shareholders) pursuant to the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to such Shareholders. Arrangement Agreement Terms: The Arrangement Agreement is the result of a comprehensive negotiation process that was undertaken at arm's length with the oversight and participation of the Special Committee advised by independent and highly qualified legal and financial advisors and resulted in terms and conditions that are reasonable in the judgment of the Special Committee and the Board. Ability to Respond to Superior Proposal: Under the Arrangement Agreement, the Board of Directors, in certain circumstances until Shareholder approval is obtained, is able to consider any unsolicited acquisition proposals, and where the Board determines that an acquisition proposal is a superior proposal may, subject to a right to match in favour of the Purchaser, withdraw, modify or amend its recommendation that Shareholders vote to approve the Arrangement. However, under the Arrangement Agreement the Company is required to proceed with holding a vote on the Transaction, even if the Board has changed its recommendation. Break Fee: The break fee payable by the Company of $50 million is only payable in limited circumstances such as where the Arrangement Agreement is terminated as a result of a change in the Board's recommendation. Reverse Break Fee: The Company is entitled to a reverse break fee of $75 million in certain circumstances, including if the Arrangement Agreement is terminated by the Company as a result of the Purchaser's failure to close. No Financing Condition: The Transaction is not subject to a financing condition. Minority Vote and Court Approval: The Transaction must be approved by two-thirds of the votes cast by Shareholders, as well as by a simple majority of the votes cast by Shareholders excluding the Shares held by the Rolling Shareholders and any other Shareholders required to be excluded from such vote in the context of a "business combination" pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), and by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List), which will consider the fairness and reasonableness of the Transaction to Shareholders. Support for the Transaction: As described above, the Rolling Shareholders as well as all of the directors and executive officers of the Company have entered into voting agreements, pursuant to which they have agreed to, among other things, vote in favour of the Transaction at the special meeting of Shareholders to be held to approve the Transaction. Formal Valuation and Fairness Opinion In connection with its review and consideration of the Transaction, the Special Committee engaged BMO as its independent valuator and financial advisor and requested that BMO prepare a formal valuation in accordance with MI 61-101. BMO delivered an oral opinion that, as of July 27, 2025, and based on BMO's analysis and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications to be set forth in BMO's written valuation, the fair market value of the Shares is in the range of $44.00 to $50.00 per Share. In addition, BMO provided an oral opinion that, as of July 27, 2025, and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications to be set forth in BMO's written fairness opinion, the consideration to be received by Shareholders (other than the Rolling Shareholders) pursuant to the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to such Shareholders. Additional Transaction Details The Transaction is to be completed by way of a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). The Transaction is subject to a number of conditions customary for transactions of this nature, including, among others: (i) the approval of at least two-thirds of the votes cast by Shareholders (including the Rolling Shareholders) at a special meeting of Shareholders; (ii) the approval of a simple majority of the votes cast by Shareholders other than the Rolling Shareholders and any other Shareholders required to be excluded pursuant to MI 61-101 at such special meeting; (iii) clearance under the Competition Act (Canada); and (iv) court approval. Completion of the Transaction is not subject to a financing condition. The Company expects to hold the special meeting of Shareholders to consider and vote on the Transaction in September 2025. If approved at the meeting, the Transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to court approval, Competition Act (Canada) clearance and other customary closing conditions. Following closing of the Transaction, the Purchaser intends to cause the Shares to be delisted from the TSX. The Preferred Shares will remain listed on the TSX. Jason Ellis is expected to remain First National's Chief Executive Officer and lead the business in all aspects of its operations. First National's current leadership team is also expected to continue following the conclusion of the Transaction. Further information regarding the terms and conditions of the Transaction are set out in the Arrangement Agreement, which will be publicly filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at Additional information regarding the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, the background to the Transaction, the independent valuation and fairness opinion and the rationale for the recommendation by the Special Committee and the Board will be provided in the information circular for the special meeting of Shareholders, which will also be filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at Early Warning Disclosure by the Rolling Shareholders Further to the requirements of National Instrument 62-104 – Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids and National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, Stephen Smith, 16 York Street, Suite 1900, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 0E6, will file an amended early warning report in connection with his participation in the Transaction as a Rolling Shareholder and for which he has entered into an irrevocable voting agreement agreeing to vote his Shares in favour of the Transaction and against any competing acquisition proposals, which agreement restricts the ability to vote for, support or participate in a competing transaction for as long as the Arrangement Agreement is in force and for a period of four months following the termination of the Arrangement Agreement in certain circumstances, including as a result of the failure to obtain the required Shareholder approval. Stephen Smith, through Smith Financial Corporation ("SFC") and FNSC Holdings Inc. ("FNSC", and together with SFC, the "Smith Entities"), currently owns 22,409,355 of the issued and outstanding Shares representing approximately 37.4% of the issued and outstanding Shares (on a fully diluted basis). SFC intends to transfer ownership of its Rollover Shares to a newly formed Ontario limited partnership prior to closing of the Transaction in exchange for units of the partnership. Following completion of the Transaction, Stephen Smith will beneficially own an indirect approximate 19% interest in First National. The Smith Entities hold Shares for investment purposes and expect to review from time to time the investment in the Company and may, depending on the market and other conditions: (i) acquire additional securities, options or related derivatives in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, and (ii) dispose of all or a portion of the securities, options or related derivatives over which they now or hereafter exercise, or may be deemed to exercise, control or direct. A copy of Stephen Smith's related early warning report will be filed with the applicable securities commissions and will be filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at Further information and a copy of the early warning report of Stephen Smith may be obtained by contacting: Justin Brenner, SVP, Managing Director, Smith Financial Corporation, [email protected], (647) 446-2122. Further to the requirements of National Instrument 62-104 – Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids and National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, Moray Tawse, 16 York Street, Suite 1900, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 0E6 will file an amended early warning report in connection with his participation in the Transaction as a Rolling Shareholder and for which he has entered into an irrevocable voting agreement agreeing to vote his Shares in favour of the Transaction and against any competing acquisition proposals, which agreement restricts the ability to vote for, support or participate in a competing transaction for as long as the Arrangement Agreement is in force and for a period of four months following the termination of the Arrangement Agreement in certain circumstances, including as a result of the failure to obtain the required Shareholder approval. Moray Tawse, through 801420 Ontario Limited ("Tawse Holdco") and The Tawse Family Charitable Foundation (The Tawse Family Charitable Foundation together with Tawse Holdco, the "Tawse Entities"), currently owns 20,404,355 Shares representing approximately 34.0% of the issued and outstanding Shares (on a fully diluted basis). Tawse Holdco intends to transfer ownership of its Rollover Shares to a newly formed Ontario limited partnership prior to closing of the Transaction in exchange for units of the partnership. Following completion of the Transaction, Moray Tawse will beneficially own an indirect approximate 19% interest in First National. The Tawse Entities hold Shares for investment purposes and expect to review from time to time the investment in the Company and may, depending on the market and other conditions: (i) acquire additional securities, options or related derivatives in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, and (ii) dispose of all or a portion of the securities, options or related derivatives over which they now or hereafter exercise, or may be deemed to exercise, control or direct. A copy of Moray Tawse's related early warning report will be filed with the applicable securities commissions and will be filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at Further information and a copy of the early warning report of Moray Tawse may be obtained by contacting: Eric Torelli, Chief Financial Officer, Chambertin Asset Management Ltd., [email protected], (416) 994-7507. The Company's head office address is 16 York Street, Suite 1900, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 0E6. Advisors RBC Capital Markets is acting as financial advisor to the Company. BMO Capital Markets is acting as financial advisor and independent valuator to the Special Committee. Torys LLP is acting as legal advisor to the Company. Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is acting as legal advisor to the Special Committee. CIBC Capital Markets is acting as financial advisor and Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP is acting as legal advisor to Birch Hill and Brookfield. Birch Hill and Brookfield's debt financing for the transaction was fully underwritten by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, RBC Capital Markets, and TD Securities, as Joint Bookrunners and Co-Lead Arrangers. Initial commitments were also provided by The Bank of Nova Scotia and National Bank of Canada, and will be followed by a general syndication. About First National First National Financial Corporation is the parent company of First National Financial LP, a Canadian-based originator, underwriter and servicer of predominantly prime residential (single-family and multi-unit) and commercial mortgages. With more than $155 billion in mortgages under administration, First National is one of Canada's largest non-bank mortgage originators and underwriters. For more information, please visit About Birch Hill Birch Hill is a Canadian mid-market private equity firm with a long history of driving growth in its portfolio companies and delivering returns to its investors. Based in Toronto, Birch Hill currently has over $6 billion in capital under management. Since 1994, the firm has made 73 investments, with 59 fully realized. Today, Birch Hill's 14 partner companies collectively represent one of Canada's largest corporate entities with over $8 billion in total revenue and more than 40,000 employees. About Brookfield Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM, TSX: BAM) is a leading global alternative asset manager with over US$1 trillion of assets under management. Brookfield invests client capital for the long term with a focus on real assets and essential service businesses that form the backbone of the global economy. Brookfield offers a range of alternative investment products to investors around the world — including public and private pension plans, endowments and foundations, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, insurance companies and private wealth investors. Brookfield's private equity business, which manages over US$145 billion of assets under management, focuses on driving operational transformation in businesses providing essential products and services. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains statements that are "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of terms such as "may", "will, "should", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "estimate", "predict", "potential", "continue" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements with respect to the Transaction, including statements with respect to the rationale of the Special Committee and the Board for entering into the Arrangement Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Arrangement Agreement, the premium to be received by Shareholders, the expected benefits of the Transaction, the intention to continue to pay monthly dividends on the Shares and regular quarterly dividends on the Preferred Shares, the anticipated timing and the various steps to be completed in connection with the Transaction, including receipt of Shareholder, court and regulatory approvals, the anticipated timing for closing of the Transaction, the anticipated delisting of the Shares from the TSX, the anticipated treatment of the Preferred Shares and the Company Notes and the Company's status as a reporting issuer under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this news release, are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ, possibly materially, from those indicated by the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: the possibility that the Transaction will not be completed on the terms and conditions, or on the timing, currently contemplated, and that it may not be completed at all due to a failure to obtain or satisfy, in a timely manner or otherwise, required shareholder and court approvals and other conditions of closing necessary to complete the Transaction or for other reasons; the possibility of adverse reactions or changes in business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the Transaction; risks relating to the retention of key personnel during the interim period; the possibility of litigation relating to the Transaction; risks related to the diversion of management's attention from the Company's ongoing business operations; and the other risk factors identified under "Risks and Uncertainties Affecting the Business" in the Company's latest management's discussion and analysis and in other periodic filings that the Company has made and may make in the future with the securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities in Canada, all of which are available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect the Company. However, such risk factors should be considered carefully. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date of this release and is subject to change after such date. Management and First National disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under securities laws.

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