Cenovus announces first-quarter 2025 results

Core Insights - Cenovus Energy Inc. reported strong financial and operational results for Q1 2025, generating over $1.3 billion in cash from operating activities and $2.2 billion in adjusted funds flow [1][10][17] - The company announced an 11% increase in the base dividend to $0.80 per share annually, effective Q2 2025, supported by its growth plan and resilience at a US$45 WTI oil price [2][24] - Cenovus's total revenues for Q1 2025 reached $13.3 billion, up from $12.8 billion in Q4 2024, driven by rising commodity prices [10][18] Financial Performance - Cash from operating activities was $1,315 million, down from $2,029 million in Q4 2024 [4][17] - Adjusted funds flow increased to $2,212 million from $1,601 million in the previous quarter [4][17] - Free funds flow was $983 million, significantly higher than $123 million in Q4 2024 [4][17] - Net earnings for Q1 2025 were $859 million, compared to $146 million in Q4 2024 [4][17] - Long-term debt stood at $7.5 billion, with net debt increasing to $5.1 billion [19] Production and Operational Highlights - Upstream production reached 818,900 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOE/d), slightly up from 816,000 BOE/d in Q4 2024 [6][12] - Downstream crude throughput was 665,400 barrels per day (bbls/d), consistent with the previous quarter [14] - Canadian refining achieved a record utilization rate of 104%, while U.S. refining had a utilization rate of 90% [8][15] - The company returned $595 million to shareholders, including share purchases and dividends [25] Growth Projects - Cenovus is progressing its major growth projects, including the Narrows Lake and West White Rose projects, with first oil expected in Q3 2025 and Q2 2026, respectively [21][22][23] - The optimization project at Foster Creek is approximately 75% complete and on schedule for startup in 2026 [21] Dividend Declarations - The Board declared a quarterly base dividend of $0.20 per common share, payable on June 30, 2025 [24] - The company also declared dividends on its preferred shares, with rates ranging from 2.577% to 4.568% [24]