Canadian Natural Resources Limited Announces 2025 Third Quarter Results

Core Insights - Canadian Natural achieved record quarterly production volumes in Q3/25, totaling approximately 1,620 MBOE/d, reflecting a 19% increase from Q3/24 levels, driven by both acquisitions and organic growth [1][5][8] - The company reported adjusted net earnings of $1.8 billion or $0.86 per share for Q3/25, with total returns to shareholders amounting to approximately $1.5 billion [5][14] - Canadian Natural's strong operational performance in its Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment included an average production of approximately 581,000 bbl/d of SCO, with industry-leading operating costs of approximately $21 per barrel [2][8][16] Production and Financial Performance - Total corporate production increased by approximately 257,000 BOE/d or 19% from Q3/24 levels, with record quarterly liquids production of 1,175,604 bbl/d, up 15% from the previous year [5][16] - Adjusted funds flow for Q3/25 was approximately $3.9 billion, with year-to-date returns to shareholders totaling approximately $6.2 billion [5][14] - The company maintained a strong balance sheet with liquidity of approximately $4.3 billion as of September 30, 2025, and net debt levels remained stable compared to Q2/25 [4][8] Operational Highlights - The AOSP swap with Shell, effective March 1, 2025, allows Canadian Natural to operate 100% of the Albian oil sands mines, adding approximately 31,000 bbl/d of annual, zero decline bitumen production [3][8][16] - Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading achieved strong upgrader utilization of 104% in Q3/25, reflecting effective operations [2][16] - Thermal in situ production averaged 274,752 bbl/d in Q3/25, with operating costs averaging $10.35/bbl, a decrease of 2% from Q3/24 levels [17] Shareholder Returns - Canadian Natural returned approximately $1.5 billion to shareholders in Q3/25, including $1.2 billion in dividends and $0.3 billion in share repurchases [5][14] - The company has a history of 25 consecutive years of dividend growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21% [5][14] - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.5875 per common share was declared subsequent to the quarter end, payable on January 6, 2026 [14] Market and Pricing - North America natural gas production averaged 2,658 MMcf/d in Q3/25, a 30% increase from Q3/24 levels, with operating costs averaging $1.14/Mcf [25] - The WTI benchmark price was $64.95 per barrel in Q3/25, with a WCS heavy differential of $(10.36) per barrel [24][27] - The company has entered into a long-term natural gas supply agreement with Cheniere Energy, agreeing to sell 140,000 MMBtu/d starting in 2030 [30]