EX-99.2 3 a03312025q1mda.htm EX-99.2 Document





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CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED














MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2025
MAY 7, 2025


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
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 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; and 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 conflicts in the Middle East and in 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; changes and uncertainty in the international trade environment, including with respect to tariffs, export restrictions, embargoes and key trade agreements (including tariffs on certain goods announced by the US government and Canadian countermeasures subsequently announced, both of which are anticipated to evolve and may be continued, suspended, increased, decreased, or imposed on additional goods); uncertainty in the regulatory framework governing greenhouse gas emissions including, among other things, financial and other support from various levels of government for climate related initiatives and potential emissions or production caps; political uncertainty, including changes in government, 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 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.

Canadian Natural Resources Limited
1
Three months ended March 31, 2025


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, the imposition of tariffs, embargoes or export restrictions on the Company's products (including tariffs on certain goods announced by the US government and Canadian countermeasures subsequently announced, both of which are anticipated to evolve and may be continued, suspended, increased, decreased, or imposed on additional goods), 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 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 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 Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures
This MD&A 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 ("NI 52-112"). Non-GAAP measures are used by the Company to evaluate its financial performance, financial position or cash flow. Descriptions of the Company's non-GAAP and other financial measures included in this MD&A, and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, as applicable, are provided in the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A.
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 MD&A should be read in conjunction with the Company's unaudited interim consolidated financial statements (the "financial statements") for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and the Company's MD&A and audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024. All dollar amounts are referenced in millions of Canadian dollars, except where noted otherwise. The Company's financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and this MD&A 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 MD&A 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 MD&A, 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.
The following discussion and analysis refers primarily to the Company's financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025 in relation to the first quarter of 2024 and the fourth quarter of 2024. The accompanying tables form an integral part of this MD&A. Additional information relating to the Company, including its Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Information in such Annual Information Form and on the Company's website does not form part of and is not incorporated by reference in this MD&A. This MD&A is dated May 7, 2025.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
2
Three months ended March 31, 2025


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(1)
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except per common share amounts)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Product sales (1)
$12,712 $11,064 $9,422 
Crude oil and NGLs$11,732 $10,381 $8,676 
Natural gas$716 $451 $529 
Net earnings$2,458 $1,138 $987 
Per common share– basic$1.17 $0.54 $0.46 
– diluted$1.17 $0.54 $0.46 
Adjusted net earnings from operations (2)
$2,436 $1,977 $1,474 
Per common share
– basic (3)
$1.16 $0.94 $0.69 
– diluted (3)
$1.16 $0.93 $0.68 
Cash flows from operating activities$4,284 $3,432 $2,868 
Adjusted funds flow (2)
$4,530 $4,186 $3,138 
Per common share
– basic (3)
$2.16 $1.99 $1.47 
– diluted (3)
$2.15 $1.97 $1.45 
Cash flows used in investing activities$1,312 $10,414 $1,392 
Net capital expenditures (4)
$1,303 $10,348 $1,113 
Abandonment expenditures$188 $151 $162 
(1)Further details related to product sales are disclosed in note 15 to the financial statements.
(2)Non-GAAP Financial Measure. Refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A.
(3)Non-GAAP Ratio. Refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A.
(4)Non-GAAP Financial Measure. The composition of this measure was updated in the fourth quarter of 2024. Refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A.
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Consolidated Net Earnings and Adjusted Net Earnings from Operations
Net earnings for the first quarter of 2025 were $2,458 million compared with $987 million for the first quarter of 2024 and $1,138 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. Net earnings for the first quarter of 2025 included non-operating income, net of tax, of $22 million compared with non-operating losses of $487 million for the first quarter of 2024 and non-operating losses of $839 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 related to the effects of share-based compensation, risk management activities, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, the gain from investments, and a recoverability charge related to the increase in estimate of the future abandonment costs for the Ninian field in the North Sea in the fourth quarter of 2024. Excluding these items, adjusted net earnings from operations for the first quarter of 2025 were $2,436 million compared with $1,474 million for the first quarter of 2024 and $1,977 million for the fourth quarter of 2024.
The increase in net earnings and adjusted net earnings from operations for the first quarter of 2025 from the first quarter of 2024 primarily reflected:
higher sales volumes and realized SCO sales price(2) in the Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment; and
higher crude oil and NGLs sales volumes and realized pricing(2) in the North America Exploration and Production segment.
The increase in net earnings and adjusted net earnings from operations for the first quarter of 2025 from the fourth quarter of 2024 primarily reflected:
higher SCO sales volumes in the Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment; and
higher realized crude oil and NGLs pricing and realized natural gas pricing in the North America Exploration and Production segment.
(1)Common share, per common share, dividend, and stock option amounts have been updated to reflect the two for one common share split. Further details are disclosed in the Advisory section of this MD&A and in note 1 to the financial statements.
(2)Non-GAAP Ratio. Refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
3
Three months ended March 31, 2025


The impacts of depletion, depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation, risk management activities, foreign exchange (gain) loss, and the gain from investments also contributed to fluctuations in net earnings from the comparable periods. These items are discussed in detail in the relevant sections of this MD&A.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities and Adjusted Funds Flow
Cash flows from operating activities for the first quarter of 2025 were $4,284 million compared with $2,868 million for the first quarter of 2024, and $3,432 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. The fluctuations in cash flows from operating activities from the comparable periods were primarily due to the factors previously noted related to the fluctuations in adjusted net earnings from operations, together with the impact of net changes in non-cash working capital.
Adjusted funds flow for the first quarter of 2025 was $4,530 million compared with $3,138 million for the first quarter of 2024, and $4,186 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. The fluctuations in adjusted funds flow from the comparable periods were primarily due to the factors noted above related to the fluctuations in cash flows from operating activities, excluding the impact of the net change in non-cash working capital, abandonment expenditures, and movements in other long-term assets, including the unamortized cost of contributions to the Company's employee bonus program, accrued interest on Petroleum Revenue Tax ("PRT") recoveries, and prepaid cost of service tolls.
Production Volumes
Crude oil and NGLs production before royalties for the first quarter of 2025 of 1,173,804 bbl/d increased 20% from 975,668 bbl/d for the first quarter of 2024 and increased 8% from 1,090,002 bbl/d for the fourth quarter of 2024. Natural gas production before royalties for the first quarter of 2025 of 2,451 MMcf/d increased 14% from 2,147 MMcf/d for the first quarter of 2024 and increased 7% from 2,283 MMcf/d for the fourth quarter of 2024. Total production before royalties for the first quarter of 2025 of 1,582,348 BOE/d increased 19% from 1,333,502 BOE/d for the first quarter of 2024 and increased 8% from 1,470,428 BOE/d for the fourth quarter of 2024. Crude oil and NGLs and natural gas production volumes are discussed in detail in the "Daily Production, before royalties" section of this MD&A.
Product Prices
In the Company's Exploration and Production segments, realized crude oil and NGLs prices averaged $79.85 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 14% from $70.01 per bbl for the first quarter of 2024 and an increase of 6% from $75.22 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2024. The realized natural gas price increased 23% to average $3.13 per Mcf for the first quarter of 2025 from $2.55 per Mcf for the first quarter of 2024 and increased 55% from $2.02 per Mcf for the fourth quarter of 2024. In the Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment, the Company's realized SCO sales price increased 8% to average $95.52 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 from $88.84 per bbl for the first quarter of 2024 and was comparable with $95.08 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2024. The Company's realized product pricing is reflective of the prevailing benchmark pricing. Crude oil and NGLs and natural gas prices are discussed in detail in the "Business Environment", "Realized Product Prices – Exploration and Production", and the "Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading" sections of this MD&A.
Production Expense
In the Company's Exploration and Production segments, crude oil and NGLs production expense(1) averaged $15.74 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of 6% from $16.66 per bbl for the first quarter of 2024 and an increase of 20% from $13.15 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2024. Natural gas production expense(1) averaged $1.20 per Mcf for the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of 8% from $1.30 per Mcf for the first quarter of 2024 and an increase of 7% from $1.12 per Mcf for the fourth quarter of 2024. In the Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment, production expense(1) averaged $21.88 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of 12% from $24.85 per bbl for the first quarter of 2024 and an increase of 4% from $20.97 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2024. Crude oil and NGLs and natural gas production expense is discussed in detail in the "Production Expense – Exploration and Production" and the "Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading" sections of this MD&A.
(1)Calculated as respective production expense divided by respective sales volumes.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
4
Three months ended March 31, 2025


SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS
The following is a summary of the Company's quarterly financial results for the eight most recently completed quarters:
($ millions, except per common share amounts)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Sep 30
2024
Jun 30
2024
Product sales (1)
$12,712 $11,064 $10,401 $10,622 
Crude oil and NGLs$11,732 $10,381 $9,943 $10,084 
Natural gas$716 $451 $257 $331 
Net earnings $2,458 $1,138 $2,266 $1,715 
Net earnings per common share
– basic$1.17 $0.54 $1.07 $0.80 
– diluted$1.17 $0.54 $1.06 $0.80 
($ millions, except per common share amounts)
Mar 31
2024
Dec 31
2023
Sep 30
2023
Jun 30
2023
Product sales (1)
$9,422 $10,679 $11,762 $8,846 
Crude oil and NGLs$8,676 $9,829 $10,944 $8,115 
Natural gas$529 $603 $599 $522 
Net earnings $987 $2,627 $2,344 $1,463 
Net earnings per common share (2)
– basic$0.46 $1.22 $1.08 $0.67 
– diluted$0.46 $1.21 $1.06 $0.66 
(1)Further details related to product sales for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 are disclosed in note 15 to the financial statements.
(2)Common share, per common share, dividend, and stock option amounts have been updated to reflect the two for one common share split. Further details are disclosed in the Advisory section of this MD&A and in note 1 to the financial statements.
Volatility in the quarterly net earnings over the eight most recently completed quarters was primarily due to:
Crude oil pricing – Fluctuations in global supply/demand including crude oil production levels from OPEC+ and its impact on world supply, the impact of geopolitical and market uncertainties (including those due to the conflicts in the Middle East and in Ukraine, and economic impacts of escalating trade tensions) on worldwide benchmark pricing, the impact of shale oil production in North America, the impact of the start-up of the Trans Mountain Expansion ("TMX") pipeline in the second quarter of 2024, the impact of the Western Canadian Select ("WCS") Heavy Differential from the West Texas Intermediate reference location at Cushing, Oklahoma ("WTI") in North America, and the impact of the differential between WTI and Dated Brent ("Brent") benchmark pricing in the International segments.
Natural gas pricing – Fluctuations in both the demand for natural gas and inventory storage levels, the impact of third-party pipeline maintenance and outages, the impact of geopolitical and market uncertainties, the impact of seasonal conditions, and the impact of shale gas production in the US.
Crude oil and NGLs sales volumes – Fluctuations in production from Kirby and Jackfish, fluctuations in production due to the cyclic nature of Primrose, fluctuations in the Company's drilling program in the North America Exploration and Production segment, natural field decline rates, the impact of turnarounds and pitstops in the Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment, the impact and timing of acquisitions, including the acquisition of working interests in AOSP and Duvernay assets in the fourth quarter of 2024, wildfires, and a third-party pipeline outage in 2023 in the North America Exploration and Production segment. Sales volumes also reflected fluctuations due to timing of liftings and maintenance activities in the International segments.
Natural gas sales volumes – Fluctuations in production due to the Company's drilling program in the North America Exploration and Production segment, the impact and timing of acquisitions, including the acquisition of a working interest in the Duvernay assets in the fourth quarter of 2024, natural field decline rates, the impact of seasonal conditions, wildfires, and a third-party pipeline outage in 2023 in the North America Exploration and Production segment.
Production expense – Fluctuations primarily due to the impacts of the demand and cost for services, fluctuations in product mix and production volumes, seasonal conditions, increased carbon tax, fluctuating energy costs, inflationary cost pressures, cost optimizations across all segments, turnarounds and pitstops in the Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment, and maintenance activities in the International segments.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
5
Three months ended March 31, 2025


Depletion, depreciation and amortization expense – Fluctuations due to changes in sales volumes, timing of acquisitions, proved reserves, asset retirement obligations, finding and development costs associated with crude oil and natural gas exploration, estimated future costs to develop the Company's proved undeveloped reserves, fluctuations in International sales volumes subject to higher depletion rates, the impact of turnarounds and pitstops in the Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment, a recoverability charge at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 relating to the increase in estimate of future abandonment costs for the planned decommissioning activities at the Ninian field in the North Sea, and a recoverability charge at June 30, 2024 relating to the notice to withdraw from Block 11B/12B in South Africa.
Share-based compensation – Fluctuations due to the measurement of fair market value of the Company's share-based compensation liability.
Risk management – Fluctuations due to the recognition of gains and losses from the mark-to-market and subsequent settlement of the Company's risk management activities.
Interest expense – Fluctuations due to changing long-term debt levels, and the impact of movements in benchmark interest rates on outstanding floating rate long-term debt and accrued interest on PRT recoveries.
Foreign exchange – Fluctuations in the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar, which impact the realized price the Company receives for its crude oil and natural gas sales, as sales prices are based predominantly on US dollar denominated benchmarks. Realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses are also recorded with respect to US dollar denominated debt.
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
Global crude oil benchmark pricing remained stable throughout the first quarter of 2025. However, mounting concerns over global crude oil demand growth outlooks and higher supply, fuelled by escalating trade tensions and an increased risk of an economic downturn, impacted pricing at the outset of the second quarter. Natural gas benchmark pricing recovered in the first quarter of 2025 following cold weather conditions in the US, increasing heating demand and storage draws. In Canada, the anticipated start-up of LNG Canada in the third quarter of 2025 will provide additional market egress and is expected to support AECO benchmark pricing.
In the first quarter of 2025, the US government announced tariffs on certain Canadian goods with countermeasures subsequently announced by the Canadian government. These trade measures have created market volatility which may continue to affect pricing received for the Company's products, increase the cost or reduce the availability of products in the Company's supply chain, and introduce additional foreign currency volatility. As of the date of this MD&A, the duration and impact of these trade actions remains uncertain, and tariffs are anticipated to evolve. The Company will continue to assess the impacts of any proposed or implemented tariffs on its business, financial condition and results.
Liquidity
As at March 31, 2025, the Company had undrawn revolving bank credit facilities of $4,965 million. Including cash and cash equivalents, the Company had approximately $5,058 million in liquidity(1). The Company also has certain other dedicated credit facilities supporting letters of credit. The Company remains committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet, adequate available liquidity, and a flexible capital structure. Refer to the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section of this MD&A for further details.
Benchmark Commodity Prices
Three Months Ended

(Average for the period)
Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
WTI benchmark price (US$/bbl)$71.42 $70.27 $76.97 
Dated Brent benchmark price (US$/bbl)$75.68 $74.69 $83.23 
WCS Heavy Differential from WTI (US$/bbl)$12.66 $12.55 $19.34 
SCO price (US$/bbl)
$69.07 $71.13 $69.43 
Condensate benchmark price (US$/bbl)$69.89 $70.66 $72.79 
NYMEX benchmark price (US$/MMBtu)$3.66 $2.79 $2.24 
AECO benchmark price (C$/GJ)$1.92 $1.38 $1.94 
US/Canadian dollar average exchange rate (US$)
$0.6969 $0.7151 $0.7415 
(1)Non-GAAP Financial Measure. Refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
6
Three months ended March 31, 2025


Substantially all of the Company's production is sold based on US dollar benchmark pricing. Specifically, crude oil is marketed based on WTI and Brent indices. Canadian natural gas pricing is primarily based on AECO reference pricing, which is derived from the NYMEX reference pricing and adjusted for its basis or location differential to the NYMEX delivery point at Henry Hub. The Company’s realized prices are directly impacted by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates resulting in product revenues being impacted by changes in Canadian dollar sales prices relative to the US dollar benchmark prices.
Crude oil sales contracts in North America are typically based on WTI benchmark pricing. WTI averaged US$71.42 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of 7% from US$76.97 per bbl for the first quarter of 2024 and comparable with US$70.27 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2024.
Crude oil sales contracts for the Company's International segments are typically based on Brent benchmark pricing, which is representative of international markets and overall global supply and demand. Brent averaged US$75.68 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of 9% from US$83.23 per bbl for the first quarter of 2024 and comparable with US$74.69 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2024.
The decrease in WTI and Brent benchmark pricing for the first quarter of 2025 from the first quarter of 2024 reflected weaker global demand growth outlooks amid escalating trade tensions, combined with concerns of supply growth from non-OPEC+ producers.
The WCS Heavy Differential averaged US$12.66 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025, compared with US$19.34 per bbl for the first quarter of 2024 and US$12.55 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2024. The narrowing of the WCS Heavy Differential for the first quarter of 2025 from the first quarter of 2024 primarily reflected the start-up of the TMX pipeline in the second quarter of 2024, combined with stronger US Gulf Coast heavy oil pricing.
The SCO price averaged US$69.07 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025, comparable with US$69.43 per bbl for the first quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 3% from US$71.13 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2024. The SCO differential weakened in the first quarter of 2025 relative to the fourth quarter of 2024, driven in part by production levels in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin ("WCSB").
NYMEX benchmark pricing averaged US$3.66 per MMBtu for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 63% from US$2.24 per MMBtu for the first quarter of 2024 and an increase of 31% from US$2.79 per MMBtu for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in NYMEX benchmark pricing for the first quarter of 2025 from the comparable periods in 2024 primarily reflected cold US weather conditions in the first quarter of 2025 resulting in increased heating demand and storage draws, combined with higher LNG exports out of the US Gulf Coast.
AECO benchmark pricing averaged $1.92 per GJ for the first quarter of 2025, comparable with $1.94 per GJ for the first quarter of 2024 and an increase of 39% from $1.38 per GJ for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in AECO benchmark pricing for the first quarter of 2025 from the fourth quarter of 2024 primarily reflected stronger NYMEX benchmark pricing, combined with increased exports out of the WCSB. AECO benchmark pricing also reflects the anticipated start-up of LNG Canada in the third quarter of 2025.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
7
Three months ended March 31, 2025


DAILY PRODUCTION, before royalties
Three Months Ended
 Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Crude oil and NGLs (bbl/d)
   
North America – Exploration and Production561,238 531,960 505,636 
North America – Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading (1)
595,116 534,631 445,209 
International – Exploration and Production
North Sea11,507 11,467 12,433 
Offshore Africa5,943 11,944 12,390 
Total International (2)
17,450 23,411 24,823 
Total Crude oil and NGLs1,173,804 1,090,002 975,668 
Natural gas (MMcf/d) (3)
   
North America2,436 2,273 2,135 
International
North Sea4 
Offshore Africa11 11 
Total International15 10 12 
Total Natural gas2,451 2,283 2,147 
Total Barrels of oil equivalent (BOE/d)1,582,348 1,470,428 1,333,502 
Product mix   
Light and medium crude oil and NGLs
10%10%11%
Pelican Lake heavy crude oil3%3%3%
Primary heavy crude oil5%6%6%
Bitumen (thermal oil)18%19%20%
Synthetic crude oil (1)
38%36%33%
Natural gas26%26%27%
Percentage of product sales (1) (4) (5)
   
Crude oil and NGLs94%96%94%
Natural gas6%4%6%
(1)SCO production before royalties excludes SCO consumed internally as diesel.
(2)"International" includes North Sea and Offshore Africa Exploration and Production segments in all instances used in this MD&A.
(3)Natural gas production volumes approximate sales volumes.
(4)Net of blending and feedstock costs and excluding risk management activities.
(5)Excluding Midstream and Refining revenue.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
8
Three months ended March 31, 2025


DAILY PRODUCTION, net of royalties
Three Months Ended
 Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Crude oil and NGLs (bbl/d)
   
North America – Exploration and Production455,307 425,682 413,752 
North America – Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading (1)
480,227 432,701 370,837 
International – Exploration and Production
North Sea11,493 11,441 12,406 
Offshore Africa5,685 11,364 11,755 
Total International17,178 22,805 24,161 
Total Crude oil and NGLs952,712 881,188 808,750 
Natural gas (MMcf/d)
   
North America2,348 2,223 2,049 
International
North Sea4 
Offshore Africa11 11 
Total International15 10 12 
Total Natural gas2,363 2,233 2,061 
Total Barrels of oil equivalent (BOE/d)1,346,536 1,253,347 1,152,258 
(1)SCO production net of royalties excludes SCO consumed internally as diesel.
The Company's business approach is to maintain large project inventories and production diversification among each of the commodities it produces; namely light and medium crude oil and NGLs, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), SCO, and natural gas.
Crude oil and NGLs production before royalties for the first quarter of 2025 averaged 1,173,804 bbl/d, an increase of 20% from 975,668 bbl/d for the first quarter of 2024 and an increase of 8% from 1,090,002 bbl/d for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in crude oil and NGLs production before royalties for the first quarter of 2025 from the comparable periods in 2024 primarily reflected the acquisition in December 2024, combined with strong utilization in the Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment and thermal oil pad additions in the North America Exploration and Production segment.
Annual crude oil and NGLs production for 2025 is targeted to average between 1,106,000 bbl/d and 1,142,000 bbl/d. Production targets constitute forward-looking statements. Refer to the "Advisory" section of this MD&A for further details on forward-looking statements.
Natural gas production before royalties for the first quarter of 2025 averaged 2,451 MMcf/d, an increase of 14% from 2,147 MMcf/d for the first quarter of 2024 and an increase of 7% from 2,283 MMcf/d for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in natural gas production before royalties for the first quarter of 2025 from the comparable periods in 2024 primarily reflected the acquisition in December 2024 and strong drilling results.
Annual natural gas production for 2025 is targeted to average between 2,425 MMcf/d and 2,480 MMcf/d. Production targets constitute forward-looking statements. Refer to the "Advisory" section of this MD&A for further details on forward-looking statements.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
9
Three months ended March 31, 2025


North America – Exploration and Production
North America crude oil and NGLs production before royalties for the first quarter of 2025 of 561,238 bbl/d increased 11% from 505,636 bbl/d for the first quarter of 2024 and increased 6% from 531,960 bbl/d for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in North America crude oil and NGLs production for the first quarter of 2025 from the comparable periods in 2024 primarily reflected the acquisition in December 2024, thermal oil pad additions at Primrose, and strong conventional drilling results.
The Company's thermal in situ assets continued to demonstrate long life low decline production before royalties, averaging 284,706 bbl/d for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 6% from 268,155 bbl/d for the first quarter of 2024 and an increase of 3% from 276,231 bbl/d for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in thermal in situ production in the first quarter of 2025 from the comparable periods in 2024 primarily reflected pad additions at Primrose, partially offset by natural field declines.
Pelican Lake heavy crude oil production before royalties for the first quarter of 2025 averaged 43,175 bbl/d, a decrease of 4% from 45,145 bbl/d for the first quarter of 2024 reflecting Pelican Lake's long life low decline, and comparable with 44,035 bbl/d for the fourth quarter of 2024.
Natural gas production before royalties averaged 2,436 MMcf/d for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 14% from 2,135 MMcf/d for the first quarter of 2024 and an increase of 7% from 2,273 MMcf/d for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in natural gas production for the first quarter of 2025 from the comparable periods in 2024 primarily reflected the acquisition in December 2024 and strong drilling results.
North America – Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading
Record SCO production before royalties for the first quarter of 2025 averaged 595,116 bbl/d, an increase of 34% from 445,209 bbl/d for the first quarter of 2024 and an increase of 11% from 534,631 bbl/d for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in SCO production for the first quarter of 2025 from the comparable periods in 2024 primarily reflected the acquisition in December 2024, combined with strong performance and utilization following the completion of the reliability enhancement project at Horizon and debottleneck project at the non-operated Scotford Upgrader.
International – Exploration and Production
International crude oil and NGLs production before royalties for the first quarter of 2025 averaged 17,450 bbl/d, a decrease of 30% from 24,823 bbl/d for the first quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 25% from 23,411 bbl/d for the fourth quarter of 2024. The decrease in International crude oil and NGLs production for the first quarter of 2025 from the comparable periods in 2024 primarily reflected suspended production at Baobab in Offshore Africa due to planned maintenance on its floating production storage and offloading vessel ("FPSO") which commenced in the first quarter of 2025 and is expected to return to service in the second quarter of 2026.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
10
Three months ended March 31, 2025


OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS – EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION
Three Months Ended
 Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Crude oil and NGLs ($/bbl) (1)
   
Realized price (2)
$79.85 $75.22 $70.01 
Transportation (3)
6.40 6.08 4.63 
Realized price, net of transportation (2)
73.45 69.14 65.38 
Royalties (4)
14.36 14.77 12.09 
Production expense (5)
15.74 13.15 16.66 
Netback (2)
$43.35 $41.22 $36.63 
Natural gas ($/Mcf) (1)
   
Realized price (6)
$3.13 $2.02 $2.55 
Transportation (3)
0.63 0.59 0.64 
Realized price, net of transportation 2.50 1.43 1.91 
Royalties (4)
0.11 0.04 0.10 
Production expense (5)
1.20 1.12 1.30 
Netback (7)
$1.19 $0.27 $0.51 
Barrels of oil equivalent ($/BOE) (1)
   
Realized price (2)
$54.95 $49.54 $47.60 
Transportation (3)
5.34 5.06 4.31 
Realized price, net of transportation (2)
49.61 44.48 43.29 
Royalties (4)
8.76 8.85 7.39 
Production expense (5)
12.23 10.53 13.03 
Netback (2)
$28.62 $25.10 $22.87 
(1)For crude oil and NGLs and BOE sales volumes, refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A. For natural gas sales volumes, refer to the "Daily Production, before royalties" section of this MD&A.
(2)Non-GAAP Ratio. Refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A.
(3)Calculated as transportation expense divided by respective sales volumes.
(4)Calculated as royalties divided by respective sales volumes.
(5)Calculated as production expense divided by respective sales volumes.
(6)Calculated as natural gas sales divided by natural gas sales volumes.
(7)Natural gas netbacks exclude NGLs netbacks derived from the Company's liquids-rich natural gas plays.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
11
Three months ended March 31, 2025


REALIZED PRODUCT PRICES – EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION
Three Months Ended
 Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Crude oil and NGLs ($/bbl) (1)
   
North America (2)
$78.56 $74.46 $68.14 
International average (3)
$107.04 $96.36 $112.94 
North Sea (3)
$107.57 $103.80 $113.75 
Offshore Africa (3)
$106.30 $86.93 $111.59 
Crude oil and NGLs average (2)
$79.85 $75.22 $70.01 
Natural gas ($/Mcf) (1) (3)
   
North America$3.06 $1.98 $2.50 
International average$14.46 $11.28 $12.13 
North Sea$16.43 $8.87 $11.48 
Offshore Africa$13.65 $12.62 $12.22 
Natural gas average$3.13 $2.02 $2.55 
Average ($/BOE) (1) (2)
$54.95 $49.54 $47.60 
(1)For crude oil and NGLs and BOE sales volumes, refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A. For natural gas sales volumes, refer to the "Daily Production, before royalties" section of this MD&A.
(2)Non-GAAP Ratio. Refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A.
(3)Calculated as crude oil and NGLs sales and natural gas sales divided by respective sales volumes.
North America
North America realized crude oil and NGLs prices averaged $78.56 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 15% from $68.14 per bbl for the first quarter of 2024 and an increase of 6% from $74.46 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in North America realized crude oil and NGLs prices per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 from the comparable periods in 2024 primarily reflected fluctuations in the WCS Heavy Differential and in foreign exchange. The Company continues to focus on its crude oil blending marketing strategy and in the first quarter of 2025 contributed approximately 223,000 bbl/d of heavy crude oil blends to the WCS stream.
North America realized natural gas prices increased 22% to average $3.06 per Mcf for the first quarter of 2025 from $2.50 per Mcf for the first quarter of 2024 and increased 55% from $1.98 per Mcf for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in North America realized natural gas prices per Mcf for the first quarter of 2025 from the first quarter of 2024 primarily reflected higher export pricing. The increase for the first quarter of 2025 from the fourth quarter of 2024 reflected higher AECO benchmark and export pricing.
Comparisons of the prices received in North America Exploration and Production by product type were as follows:
Three Months Ended
(Quarterly average)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Wellhead Price (1)
   
Light and medium crude oil and NGLs ($/bbl)$76.47 $68.63 $66.68 
Pelican Lake heavy crude oil ($/bbl)$83.57 $79.88 $74.69 
Primary heavy crude oil ($/bbl)$81.76 $78.34 $74.37 
Bitumen (thermal oil) ($/bbl)$77.96 $75.11 $65.83 
Natural gas ($/Mcf)$3.06 $1.98 $2.50 
(1)Amounts expressed on a per unit basis are based on sales volumes of the respective product type.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
12
Three months ended March 31, 2025


International
International realized crude oil and NGLs prices decreased 5% to average $107.04 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 from $112.94 per bbl for the first quarter of 2024 and increased 11% from $96.36 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2024. Realized crude oil and NGLs prices per bbl in any particular period are dependent on the terms of the various sales contracts, the frequency and timing of liftings from each field, and prevailing Brent benchmark prices and foreign exchange rates at the time of lifting.
ROYALTIES – EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION
Three Months Ended
 Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Crude oil and NGLs ($/bbl) (1)
   
North America$14.94 $15.22 $12.52 
International average$1.99 $1.99 $2.29 
North Sea$0.14 $0.23 $0.24 
Offshore Africa$4.61 $4.22 $5.72 
Crude oil and NGLs average$14.36 $14.77 $12.09 
Natural gas ($/Mcf) (1)
   
North America$0.11 $0.04 $0.10 
Offshore Africa$0.63 $0.58 $0.56 
Natural gas average$0.11 $0.04 $0.10 
Average ($/BOE) (1)
$8.76 $8.85 $7.39 
(1)Calculated as royalties divided by respective sales volumes. For crude oil and NGLs and BOE sales volumes, refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A. For natural gas sales volumes, refer to the "Daily Production, before royalties" section of this MD&A.
North America
North America crude oil and NGLs and natural gas royalties for the first quarter of 2025 and the comparable periods reflected movements in benchmark commodity prices, fluctuations in the WCS Heavy Differential and the impact of sliding scale royalty rates.
Crude oil and NGLs royalty rates(1) averaged approximately 19% of product sales for the first quarter of 2025 compared with 18% for the first quarter of 2024 and 20% for the fourth quarter of 2024. The fluctuations in royalty rates for the first quarter of 2025 from the comparable periods in 2024 primarily reflected prevailing benchmark pricing and fluctuations in the WCS Heavy Differential.
Natural gas royalty rates averaged approximately 4% of product sales for the first quarter of 2025 compared with 4% for the first quarter of 2024 and 2% for the fourth quarter of 2024. The fluctuations in royalty rates for the first quarter of 2025 from the comparable periods in 2024 primarily reflected benchmark pricing.
Offshore Africa
Under the terms of the various Production Sharing Contracts, royalty rates fluctuate based on realized commodity pricing, capital expenditures and production expenses, the status of payouts, and the timing of liftings from each field.
Royalty rates as a percentage of product sales averaged approximately 4% for the first quarter of 2025 compared with 5% of product sales for the first quarter of 2024 and 5% for the fourth quarter of 2024. Royalty rates as a percentage of product sales reflected the timing of liftings, and the status of payout in the various fields.
(1)Non-GAAP Ratio. Refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
13
Three months ended March 31, 2025


PRODUCTION EXPENSE – EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION
Three Months Ended
 Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Crude oil and NGLs ($/bbl) (1)
   
North America$12.65 $10.83 $14.72 
International average$80.63 $77.66 $61.32 
North Sea$117.56 $118.91 $85.58 
Offshore Africa$28.26 $25.34 $20.70 
Crude oil and NGLs average$15.74 $13.15 $16.66 
Natural gas ($/Mcf) (1)
   
North America$1.16 $1.09 $1.27 
International average$7.60 $7.81 $5.71 
North Sea$10.52 $9.38 $8.66 
Offshore Africa$6.42 $6.94 $5.33 
Natural gas average$1.20 $1.12 $1.30 
Average ($/BOE) (1)
$12.23 $10.53 $13.03 
(1)Calculated as production expense divided by respective sales volumes. For crude oil and NGLs and BOE sales volumes, refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A. For natural gas sales volumes, refer to the "Daily Production, before royalties" section of this MD&A.
North America
North America crude oil and NGLs production expense for the first quarter of 2025 of $12.65 per bbl decreased 14% from $14.72 per bbl for the first quarter of 2024 and increased 17% from $10.83 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2024. The decrease in crude oil and NGLs production expense per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 from the first quarter of 2024 primarily reflected lower energy costs, combined with higher production volumes. The increase in crude oil and NGLs production expense per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 from the fourth quarter of 2024 primarily reflected increased energy and seasonal service costs in the first quarter of 2025, partially offset by higher production volumes.
North America natural gas production expense for the first quarter of 2025 of $1.16 per Mcf decreased 9% from $1.27 per Mcf for the first quarter of 2024 and increased 6% from $1.09 per Mcf for the fourth quarter of 2024. The decrease in natural gas production expense per Mcf for the first quarter of 2025 from the first quarter of 2024 primarily reflected higher production volumes. The increase in natural gas production expense per Mcf for the first quarter of 2025 from the fourth quarter of 2024 primarily reflected seasonal service costs, partially offset by higher production volumes.
International
International crude oil and NGLs production expense for the first quarter of 2025 of $80.63 per bbl increased 31% from $61.32 per bbl for the first quarter of 2024 and increased 4% from $77.66 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in crude oil and NGLs production expense per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 from the comparable periods in 2024 primarily reflected the timing of liftings from various fields that have different cost structures and the impact of foreign exchange.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
14
Three months ended March 31, 2025


ADJUSTED DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION – EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except per BOE amounts)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
North America$1,092 $1,010 $941 
North Sea40 221 17 
Offshore Africa59 46 47 
Depletion, depreciation and amortization$1,191 $1,277 $1,005 
Less: Recoverability charge (1)
 160 — 
Adjusted depletion, depreciation and amortization (2)
$1,191 $1,117 $1,005 
$/BOE (3)
$13.27 $13.01 $12.64 
(1)As at December 31, 2024, as a result of refined project scope and cost estimates associated with abandonment activities, the Company recognized a recoverability charge of $160 million in depletion, depreciation and amortization expense related to an increase in its estimate of future abandonment costs for the Ninian field in the North Sea.
(2)This is a non-GAAP financial measure used to calculate depletion, depreciation and amortization, less the impact of charges that are not related to current period normal course depletion, depreciation and amortization expense such as asset recoverability charges that are not related to current period production. It 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 financial statements (depletion, depreciation and amortization expense), as an indication of the Company's performance.
(3)This is a non-GAAP ratio calculated as adjusted depletion, depreciation and amortization expense divided by sales volumes. For sales volumes, refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A.
Adjusted depletion, depreciation and amortization expense for the first quarter of 2025 averaged $13.27 per BOE, an increase of 5% from $12.64 per BOE for the first quarter of 2024 and comparable with $13.01 per BOE for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in adjusted depletion, depreciation and amortization expense per BOE for the first quarter of 2025 from the first quarter of 2024 primarily reflected the impact of changes in North America depletion rates due to changes in reserve estimates at December 31, 2024, combined with a higher depletable base due to asset additions, partially offset by higher sales volumes.
Adjusted depletion, depreciation and amortization expense on an absolute and per BOE basis also reflects the impact of the timing of liftings from each field in the North Sea and Offshore Africa.
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION ACCRETION – EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except per BOE amounts)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
North America$53 $58 $58 
North Sea14 17 16 
Offshore Africa2 
Asset retirement obligation accretion $69 $78 $76 
$/BOE (1)
$0.77 $0.89 $0.95 
(1)Calculated as asset retirement obligation accretion divided by sales volumes. For sales volumes, refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A.
Asset retirement obligation accretion expense represents the increase in the carrying amount of the asset retirement obligation due to the passage of time. Asset retirement obligation accretion expense for the first quarter of 2025 averaged $0.77 per BOE, a decrease of 19% from $0.95 per BOE for the first quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 13% from $0.89 per BOE for the fourth quarter of 2024. The decrease in asset retirement obligation accretion expense per BOE for the first quarter of 2025 from the comparable periods in 2024 reflected the impact of changes in discount rate estimate revisions at December 31, 2024, combined with higher sales volumes in the first quarter of 2025, partially offset by revisions in cost and timing estimates at December 31, 2024.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
15
Three months ended March 31, 2025


OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS – OIL SANDS MINING AND UPGRADING
The Company continues to focus on safe, reliable, and efficient operations, leveraging its technical expertise across the Horizon and AOSP sites with record SCO production averaging 595,116 bbl/d in the first quarter of 2025.
REALIZED PRODUCT PRICES, ROYALTIES AND TRANSPORTATION – OIL SANDS MINING AND UPGRADING
Three Months Ended
($/bbl) Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Realized SCO sales price (1)
$95.52 $95.08 $88.84 
Bitumen value for royalty purposes (2)
$73.72 $69.35 $63.51 
Bitumen royalties (3)
$18.22 $17.20 $14.28 
Transportation (4)
$3.21 $3.60 $1.67 
(1)Non-GAAP Ratio. Refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A.
(2)Calculated as the quarterly average of the bitumen methodology price.
(3)Calculated as royalties divided by sales volumes.
(4)Calculated as transportation expense divided by sales volumes.
The realized SCO sales price averaged $95.52 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 8% from $88.84 per bbl for the first quarter of 2024 and comparable with $95.08 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in realized SCO sales price per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 from the first quarter of 2024 primarily reflected a strengthening of the SCO differential as a result of additional egress following the start-up of the TMX pipeline in the second quarter of 2024, partially offset by lower WTI benchmark pricing.
The fluctuations in bitumen royalties per bbl in any particular period reflect prevailing bitumen pricing for royalty purposes, and the impact of sliding scale royalty rates. The increase in bitumen royalties per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 from the comparable periods in 2024 primarily reflected the increase in average bitumen pricing for royalty purposes.
Transportation expense averaged $3.21 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 92% from $1.67 per bbl for the first quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 11% from $3.60 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in transportation expense per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 from the first quarter of 2024 primarily reflected new volumes shipped on the TMX pipeline beginning in the second quarter of 2024. The decrease for the first quarter of 2025 from the fourth quarter of 2024 primarily reflected lower volumes shipped to the US Gulf Coast, partially offset by higher volumes shipped on the TMX pipeline.
PRODUCTION EXPENSE – OIL SANDS MINING AND UPGRADING
Three Months Ended
($ millions)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Production expense, excluding natural gas costs$1,135 $991 $976 
Natural gas costs50 28 50 
Production expense$1,185 $1,019 $1,026 
Three Months Ended
($/bbl) Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Production expense, excluding natural gas costs (1)
$20.95 $20.39 $23.64 
Natural gas costs (2)
0.93 0.58 1.21 
Production expense (3)
$21.88 $20.97 $24.85 
Sales volumes (bbl/d)602,048 528,248 453,794 
(1)Calculated as production expense, excluding natural gas costs, divided by sales volumes.
(2)Calculated as natural gas costs divided by sales volumes.
(3)Calculated as production expense divided by sales volumes.

Canadian Natural Resources Limited
16
Three months ended March 31, 2025


The Company incurred production expense of $1,185 million for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 15% from $1,026 million for the first quarter of 2024 and an increase of 16% from $1,019 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in production expense for the first quarter of 2025 from the comparable periods in 2024 primarily reflected the acquisition in December 2024.
Production expense for the first quarter of 2025 averaged $21.88 per bbl, a decrease of 12% from $24.85 per bbl for the first quarter of 2024 and an increase of 4% from $20.97 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2024. The decrease in production expense per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 from the first quarter of 2024 primarily reflected higher production volumes. The increase in production expense per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 from the fourth quarter of 2024 primarily reflected higher energy and seasonal service costs, partially offset by higher production volumes.
DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION – OIL SANDS MINING AND UPGRADING
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except per bbl amounts)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Depletion, depreciation and amortization$675 $621 $524 
$/bbl (1)
$12.45 $12.76 $12.70 
(1)Calculated as depletion, depreciation and amortization divided by sales volumes.
Depletion, depreciation and amortization expense for the first quarter of 2025 of $12.45 per bbl was comparable with $12.70 per bbl for the first quarter of 2024 and $12.76 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2024.
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION ACCRETION – OIL SANDS MINING AND UPGRADING
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except per bbl amounts)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Asset retirement obligation accretion$22 $20 $21 
$/bbl (1)
$0.40 $0.44 $0.51 
(1)Calculated as asset retirement obligation accretion divided by sales volumes.
Asset retirement obligation accretion expense represents the increase in the carrying amount of the asset retirement obligation due to the passage of time. Asset retirement obligation accretion expense for the first quarter of 2025 of $0.40 per bbl decreased 22% from $0.51 per bbl for the first quarter of 2024 and decreased 9% from $0.44 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2024. The decrease in asset retirement obligation accretion expense per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 from the comparable periods in 2024 primarily reflected the impact of higher sales volumes in the first quarter of 2025.
MIDSTREAM AND REFINING
Three Months Ended
($ millions)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Product sales
Midstream activities$22 $21 $20 
NWRP, refined product sales and other221 193 214 
Segmented revenue243 214 234 
Less:
NWRP, refining toll68 65 74 
Midstream activities5 
Production expense73 70 79 
NWRP, feedstock costs172 160 153 
NWRP, transportation expense4 
Depreciation4 
Segmented loss$(10)$(23)$(7)
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
17
Three months ended March 31, 2025


The Company's Midstream and Refining assets consist of two crude oil pipeline systems, a 50% working interest in an 84-megawatt cogeneration plant at Primrose, and the Company's 50% equity investment in North West Redwater Partnership ("NWRP").
NWRP operates a bitumen upgrader and refinery with an output capacity of approximately 80,000 bbl/d. The refinery processes approximately 50,000 bbl/d of bitumen feedstock, including 12,500 bbl/d of bitumen feedstock for the Company (25% toll payer) and 37,500 bbl/d of bitumen feedstock for the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission ("APMC") (75% toll payer), an agent of the Government of Alberta. The Company is unconditionally obligated to pay its 25% pro rata share of the debt component of the monthly fee-for-service toll over the 40-year tolling period until 2058. Sales of diesel and refined products and associated refining tolls are recognized in the Midstream and Refining segment. For the first quarter of 2025, production of ultra-low sulphur diesel and other refined products averaged 83,863 BOE/d (20,966 BOE/d to the Company) (three months ended December 31, 2024 – 77,742 BOE/d; 19,436 BOE/d to the Company; three months ended March 31, 2024 – 78,569 BOE/d; 19,642 BOE/d to the Company), reflecting the 25% toll payer commitment.
As at March 31, 2025, the Company's cumulative unrecognized share of the equity loss and partnership distributions from NWRP was $528 million (December 31, 2024 – $509 million). For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company's unrecognized share of the equity loss was $19 million (three months ended March 31, 2024 – recovery of unrecognized equity losses of $4 million).
ADMINISTRATION EXPENSE
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except per BOE amounts)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Administration expense$152 $127 $126 
$/BOE (1)
$1.06 $0.95 $1.04 
Sales volumes (BOE/d) (2)
1,599,487 1,460,909 1,327,762 
(1)Calculated as administration expense divided by sales volumes.
(2)Total Company sales volumes.
Administration expense for the first quarter of 2025 averaged $1.06 per BOE, comparable with $1.04 per BOE for the first quarter of 2024 and an increase of 12% from $0.95 per BOE for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in administration expense per BOE for the first quarter of 2025 from the fourth quarter of 2024 primarily reflected higher personnel costs, partially offset by higher sales volumes.
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Three Months Ended
($ millions)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Share-based compensation expense $26 $44 $294 
The Company's Stock Option Plan provides employees with the right to receive common shares or a cash payment in exchange for stock options surrendered. The Performance Share Unit ("PSU") plan provides certain executive employees of the Company with the right to receive a cash payment; the amount of which is determined with reference to the value of the Company's shares, by individual employee performance, and the extent to which certain other performance measures are met.
The Company recognized $26 million of share-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025, primarily as a result of the measurement of the fair value of outstanding stock options related to the impact of normal course graded vesting of stock options granted in prior periods, the impact of vested stock options exercised or surrendered during the period, and changes in the Company's share price.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
18
Three months ended March 31, 2025


INTEREST AND OTHER FINANCING EXPENSE
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except effective interest rate)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Interest and other financing expense$258 $142 $138 
Less: Interest (income) and other expense (1)
(6)(47)(22)
Interest expense on long-term debt and lease liabilities (1)
$264 $189 $160 
Average current and long-term debt (2)
$19,147 $13,285 $11,595 
Average lease liabilities (2)
1,422 1,457 1,542 
Average long-term debt and lease liabilities (2)
$20,569 $14,742 $13,137 
Average effective interest rate (3) (4)
5.0%5.0%4.8%
Interest and other financing expense ($/BOE) (5)
$1.79 $1.06 $1.15 
Sales volumes (BOE/d) (6)
1,599,487 1,460,909 1,327,762 
(1)Item is a component of interest and other financing expense.
(2)The average of current and long-term debt and lease liabilities outstanding during the respective period.
(3)This is a non-GAAP ratio and 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 financial statements, as applicable, as an indication of the Company's performance.
(4)Calculated as the average interest expense on long-term debt and lease liabilities divided by the average long-term debt and lease liabilities balance. The Company presents its average effective interest rate for financial statement users to evaluate the Company’s average cost of debt borrowings.
(5)Calculated as interest and other financing expense divided by sales volumes.
(6)Total Company sales volumes.
Interest and other financing expense for the first quarter of 2025 increased 56% to $1.79 per BOE from $1.15 per BOE for the first quarter of 2024 and increased 69% from $1.06 per BOE for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in interest and other financing expense per BOE for the first quarter of 2025 from the comparable periods in 2024 primarily reflected higher average debt levels, partially offset by higher sales volumes.
The Company's average effective interest rate for the first quarter of 2025 averaged 5.0%, an increase from the first quarter of 2024, reflecting higher floating rate debt held in the first quarter of 2025, combined with fixed rate debt issuances in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
19
Three months ended March 31, 2025


RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
The Company utilizes various derivative financial instruments to manage its commodity price, interest rate and foreign currency exposures. These derivative financial instruments are not intended for trading or speculative purposes.
Three Months Ended
($ millions)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Foreign currency forward contracts$(20)$144 $26 
Foreign currency put options (1)
(4)— — 
Natural gas financial instruments (2) (3) (4)
(3)(1)
Net realized (gain) loss(27)146 25 
Foreign currency forward contracts14 (2)
Foreign currency put options (1)
(2)— — 
Natural gas financial instruments (2) (3) (4)
(9)(2)
Net unrealized loss (gain)3 (4)13 
Net (gain) loss$(24)$142 $38 
(1)During 2025, the Company entered into foreign currency put options contracts. Further details are disclosed in note 13 to the financial statements.
(2)Certain commodity financial instruments were assumed in the acquisition of Painted Pony Energy Ltd. in the fourth quarter of 2020.
(3)In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company entered into fixed price financial contracts to buy 12,500 MMBtu/d of natural gas at US$1.47 AECO, and 25,000 MMBtu/d of natural gas at US$1.82 AECO for the period of January to December 2025.
(4)In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company entered into fixed price financial contracts to buy 50,000 MMBtu/d of natural gas at US$1.82 AECO for the period of January to December 2024.
During the first quarter of 2025, net realized risk management gains were primarily related to the settlement of foreign currency forward contracts. The Company recorded a net unrealized loss of $3 million ($2 million after tax of $1 million) on its risk management activities for the three months ended March 31, 2025 (three months ended December 31, 2024 – unrealized gain of $4 million ($3 million after tax of $1 million); three months ended March 31, 2024 – unrealized loss of $13 million ($12 million after tax of $1 million)).
Further details related to outstanding derivative financial instruments as at March 31, 2025 are disclosed in note 13 to the financial statements.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Three Months Ended
($ millions)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Net realized loss (gain)$242 $(62)$(19)
Net unrealized (gain) loss(285)782 269 
Net (gain) loss (1)
$(43)$720 $250 
(1)Amounts are reported net of the hedging effect of any cross-currency swaps.
The net realized foreign exchange loss for the first quarter of 2025 was primarily related to the repayment of US dollar debt. The net unrealized foreign exchange gain for the first quarter of 2025 was primarily related to the repayment of US dollar debt during the first quarter of 2025, combined with the translation of outstanding US dollar debt. The US/Canadian dollar exchange rate as at March 31, 2025 was US$0.6955 (December 31, 2024 – US$0.6942, March 31, 2024 – US$0.7390).
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
20
Three months ended March 31, 2025


INCOME TAXES
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except effective tax rates)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
North America (1)
$569 $261 $412 
North Sea(26)(11)(5)
Offshore Africa5 35 
Current PRT – North Sea(39)(67)(14)
Other taxes2 
Current income tax 511 221 401 
Deferred corporate income tax119 372 14 
Deferred PRT – North Sea9 (145)
Deferred income tax 128 227 20 
Income tax $639 $448 $421 
Earnings before taxes$3,097 $1,586 $1,408 
Effective tax rate on net earnings (2)
21%28%30%
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except effective tax rates)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Income tax $639 $448 $421 
Tax effect on non-operating items (3)
5 143 14 
Current PRT – North Sea39 67 14 
Deferred PRT – North Sea(9)56 (6)
Other taxes(2)(3)(3)
Effective tax on adjusted net earnings$672 $711 $440 
Adjusted net earnings from operations (4)
$2,436 $1,977 $1,474 
Adjusted net earnings from operations, before taxes$3,108 $2,688 $1,914 
Effective tax rate on adjusted net earnings from operations (5) (6)
22%26%23%
(1)Includes North America Exploration and Production, Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading, and Midstream and Refining segments.
(2)Calculated as total of current and deferred income tax divided by earnings before taxes.
(3)Includes the net income tax effect on PSUs, certain stock options, unrealized risk management, and a recoverability charge related to the increase in future abandonment costs for Ninian field in the North Sea in the fourth quarter of 2024.
(4)Non-GAAP Financial Measure. Refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A.
(5)This is a non-GAAP ratio and 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 financial statements, as applicable, as an indication of the Company's performance.
(6)Calculated as effective tax on adjusted net earnings divided by adjusted net earnings from operations, before taxes. The Company presents its effective tax rate on adjusted net earnings from operations for financial statement users to evaluate the Company's effective tax rate on its core business activities.
The effective tax rate on net earnings and adjusted net earnings from operations for the first quarter of 2025 and the comparable periods included the impact of non-taxable items in North America and the North Sea and the impact of differences in jurisdictional income and tax rates in the countries in which the Company operates, in relation to net earnings.
The current and deferred corporate income tax and the current and deferred PRT in the North Sea for the first quarter of 2025 and the comparable periods included the impact of carrybacks of abandonment expenditures related to the decommissioning activities at the Company's platforms in the North Sea.
The Company files income tax returns in the various jurisdictions in which it operates. These tax returns are subject to periodic examinations in the normal course by the applicable tax authorities. The tax returns as prepared may include filing positions that could be subject to differing interpretations of applicable tax laws and regulations, which may take several years to resolve. The Company does not believe the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material impact upon the Company's reported results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
21
Three months ended March 31, 2025


NET CAPITAL EXPENDITURES (1) (2)
Three Months Ended
($ millions)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Exploration and Production
Exploration and Evaluation Assets
Net expenditures$19 $$69 
Net property (dispositions) acquisitions (3)
(13)330 — 
Total Exploration and Evaluation Assets6 339 69 
Property, Plant and Equipment   
Net property acquisitions (dispositions) (3)
31 2,553 (3)
Well drilling, completion and equipping536 472 413 
Production and related facilities390 341 255 
Other 3 14 12 
Total Property, Plant and Equipment960 3,380 677 
Total Exploration and Production966 3,719 746 
Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading   
Project costs55 66 62 
Sustaining capital216 357 281 
Turnaround costs46 16 11 
Net property acquisitions (dispositions) (3)
 6,175 (2)
Other2 
Total Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading319 6,615 353 
Midstream and Refining2 
Head Office16 13 10 
Net capital expenditures$1,303 $10,348 $1,113 
Abandonment expenditures$188 $151 $162 
By Segment   
North America$836 $3,632 $701 
North Sea3 
Offshore Africa127 84 41 
Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading319 6,615 353 
Midstream and Refining2 
Head Office16 13 10 
Net capital expenditures $1,303 $10,348 $1,113 
(1)Net capital expenditures exclude the impact of lease assets, fair value and revaluation adjustments.
(2)Non-GAAP Financial Measure. The composition of this measure was updated in the fourth quarter of 2024. Refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A.
(3)Includes cash consideration paid of $320 million for exploration and evaluation assets and $2,553 million for property, plant and equipment within the North America Exploration and Production segment, and $6,175 million for property, plant and equipment within the Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment acquired from Chevron in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The Company's strategy is focused on building a diversified asset base that is balanced among various products. In order to facilitate efficient operations, the Company concentrates its activities in core areas. The Company focuses on maintaining its land inventories to enable the continuous exploitation of play types and geological trends, greatly reducing overall exploration risk. By owning associated infrastructure, the Company is able to maximize utilization of its production facilities, thereby increasing control over production expenses.
Net capital expenditures were $1,303 million for the first quarter of 2025 compared with $1,113 million for the first quarter of 2024 and $10,348 million for the fourth quarter of 2024.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
22
Three months ended March 31, 2025


In addition, the Company reported abandonment expenditures of $188 million for the first quarter of 2025 compared with $162 million for the first quarter of 2024 and $151 million for the fourth quarter of 2024.
2025 Capital Budget
On January 9, 2025, the Company announced its 2025 operating capital budget(1) targeted at approximately $6,015 million, which includes capital related to a number of acquisitions for which agreements between parties have been reached, with closings targeted in the first half of 2025, and subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. With this capital, the Company is targeting near-term production growth in 2025 and mid- and long-term production and capacity growth in 2026 and beyond. In addition, the Company has approved approximately $135 million of capital, consisting of $90 million related to carbon capture and $45 million related to a one-time office move scheduled to take place through 2026. The Company targets $787 million in abandonment expenditures for 2025. Production for 2025 is targeted between 1,510 MBOE/d and 1,555 MBOE/d. On May 7, 2025, the 2025 total capital was reduced by $100 million to $6,050 million, excluding abandonment expenditures. Annual budgets are developed and scrutinized throughout the year and can be changed, if necessary, in the context of price volatility, project returns and the balancing of project risks and time horizons. The 2025 capital budget constitutes forward-looking statements and is based on net capital expenditures. Refer to the "Advisory" section of this MD&A for further details on forward-looking statements.
Drilling Activity (1) (2)
Three Months Ended
(number of net wells)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Net successful crude oil wells (3)
74 100 61 
Net successful natural gas wells19 14 16 
Dry wells1 — — 
Total94 114 77 
Success rate99%100%100%
(1)Includes drilling activity for North America and International segments.
(2)Excludes stratigraphic and service wells.
(3)Includes bitumen wells.
North America
During the first quarter of 2025, the Company drilled 19 net natural gas wells, 32 net primary heavy crude oil wells, 8 net Pelican Lake heavy crude oil wells, 18 net bitumen (thermal oil) wells and 17 net light crude oil wells.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
($ millions, except ratios)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Adjusted working capital (1)
$20 $174 $774 
Long-term debt, net (2)
$17,335 $18,688 $10,273 
Shareholders' equity$40,445 $39,468 $39,508 
Debt to book capitalization (2)
30.0%32.1%20.6%
After-tax return on average capital employed (3)
15.3%12.7%15.6%
(1)Calculated as current assets less current liabilities, excluding the current portion of long-term debt.
(2)Capital Management Measure. Refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A.
(3)Non-GAAP Ratio. Refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A.
As at March 31, 2025, the Company's capital resources consisted primarily of cash flows from operating activities, available bank credit facilities, and access to debt capital markets. Cash flows from operating activities and the Company's ability to renew existing bank credit facilities and raise new debt are dependent on factors discussed in the "Business Environment" section of this MD&A and in the "Risks and Uncertainties" section of the Company's annual MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2024. In addition, the Company's ability to renew existing bank credit facilities and raise new debt reflects current credit ratings, as determined by independent rating agencies and market conditions.
(1)Forward-looking non-GAAP Financial Measure. The operating capital budget is based on net capital expenditures (Non-GAAP Financial Measure). Refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this MD&A for more details on net capital expenditures.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
23
Three months ended March 31, 2025


The Company continues to believe its internally generated cash flows from operating activities, supported by its ongoing hedge policy, the flexibility of its capital expenditure programs and multi-year financial plans, its existing bank credit facilities, and its ability to raise new debt on commercially acceptable terms will provide sufficient liquidity to sustain its operations in the short-, medium-, and long-term and support its growth strategy.
On an ongoing basis the Company continues to focus on its balance sheet strength and available liquidity by:
Monitoring cash flows from operating activities, which is the primary source of funds;
Monitoring exposure to individual customers, contractors, suppliers, and joint venture partners on a regular basis and when appropriate, ensuring parental guarantees or letters of credit are in place, and as applicable, taking other mitigating actions to minimize the impact in the event of a default;
Actively managing the allocation of capital to ensure it is expended in a prudent and appropriate manner with flexibility to adjust to market conditions. The Company continues to exercise its capital flexibility to address commodity price volatility and its impact on operating expenditures, capital commitments, and long-term debt;
Monitoring the Company's ability to fulfill financial obligations as they become due or the ability to monetize assets in a timely manner at a reasonable price;
Reviewing bank credit facilities and public debt indentures to ensure they are in compliance with applicable covenant packages; and
Reviewing the Company's borrowing capacity:
During the first quarter of 2025, the Company extended its $500 million revolving credit facility originally maturing February 2026 to June 2027.
Borrowings under the Company's credit facilities may be made by way of pricing referenced to CORRA, SOFR, US base rate or Canadian prime rate.
The Company's borrowings under its US commercial paper program are authorized up to a maximum of US$2,500 million.
In July 2023, the Company filed a base shelf prospectus that allows for the offer for sale from time to time of up to $3,000 million of medium-term notes in Canada, which expires in August 2025. If issued, these securities may be offered in amounts and at prices, including interest rates, to be determined based on market conditions at the time of issuance.
During the first quarter of 2025, the Company repaid US$600 million of 3.90% US dollar debt securities due February 2025.
In July 2023, the Company filed a base shelf prospectus that allows for the offer for sale from time to time of up to US$3,000 million of debt securities in the United States, which expires in August 2025. If issued, these securities may be offered in amounts and at prices, including interest rates, to be determined based on market conditions at the time of issuance.
As at March 31, 2025, the Company had undrawn revolving bank credit facilities of $4,965 million and a fully drawn non-revolving term credit facility of $4,000 million. Including cash and cash equivalents, the Company had approximately $5,058 million in liquidity. The Company also has certain other dedicated credit facilities supporting letters of credit. As at March 31, 2025, the Company had $566 million drawn under its commercial paper program, and reserves capacity under its revolving bank credit facilities for amounts outstanding under this program.
Long-term debt, net was $17,335 million as at March 31, 2025 (December 31, 2024 – $18,688 million), resulting in a debt to book capitalization ratio of 30.0% (December 31, 2024 – 32.1%); this ratio was within the 25% to 45% internal range utilized by management. The ratio may fall below or exceed the targeted range depending on the execution of the Company's capital program, commodity price and foreign currency volatility, and the timing of acquisitions. The Company is subject to a financial covenant that requires debt to book capitalization as defined in its credit facility agreements to not exceed 65%. As at March 31, 2025, the Company was in compliance with this covenant.
The Company remains committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet, adequate available liquidity and a flexible capital structure. Further details related to the Company's long-term debt as at March 31, 2025 are discussed in note 6 to the financial statements.
The Company periodically utilizes commodity derivative financial instruments under its commodity hedge policy to reduce the risk of volatility in commodity prices and to support the Company's cash flow for its capital expenditure programs. This policy currently allows for the hedging of up to 60% of the near 12 months budgeted production and up to 40% of the following 13 to 24 months estimated production. For the purpose of this policy, the purchase of commodity put options is in addition to the above parameters.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
24
Three months ended March 31, 2025


As at March 31, 2025, the maturity dates of certain financial liabilities, including long-term debt and other long-term liabilities and related interest payments, were as follows:
 Less than
1 year
1 to less than
2 years
2 to less than
5 years
Thereafter
Long-term debt (1)
$1,429 $441 $7,586 $8,061 
Other long-term liabilities (2)
$274 $153 $378 $620 
Interest and other financing expense (3)
$946 $926 $1,859 $3,433 
(1)Long-term debt represents principal repayments only and does not reflect interest, original issue discounts and premiums or transaction costs.
(2)Lease payments included within other long-term liabilities reflect principal payments only and are as follows; less than one year, $255 million; one to less than two years, $153 million; two to less than five years, $378 million; and thereafter, $620 million.
(3)Includes interest and other financing expense on long-term debt and other long-term liabilities. Payments were estimated based upon applicable interest and foreign exchange rates as at March 31, 2025.
Share Capital
As at March 31, 2025, there were 2,097,494,000 common shares outstanding (December 31, 2024 – 2,102,996,000 common shares) and 61,030,000 stock options outstanding (December 31, 2024 – 50,806,000 stock options). As at May 6, 2025, the Company had 2,093,276,000 common shares outstanding and 60,357,000 stock options outstanding.
On March 5, 2025, the Board of Directors approved a 4% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.5875 per common share, beginning with the dividend paid on April 4, 2025.
On October 7, 2024, the Board of Directors approved a 7% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.5625 per common share. On February 28, 2024, the Board of Directors approved a 5% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.525 per common share.
The dividend policy undergoes periodic review by the Board of Directors and is subject to change.
On March 10, 2025, the Company's application was approved for a Normal Course Issuer Bid to purchase through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"), alternative Canadian trading platforms, and the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), up to 178,738,237 common shares, representing 10% of the public float, over a 12-month period commencing March 13, 2025 and ending March 12, 2026.
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company purchased 11,160,000 common shares at a weighted average price of $43.66 per common share for a total cost, including tax, of $492 million. Retained earnings were reduced by $433 million, representing the excess of the purchase price of common shares over their average carrying value. Subsequent to March 31, 2025, up to and including May 6, 2025, the Company purchased 4,500,000 common shares at a weighted average price of $39.72 per common share for a total cost, including tax, of $182 million.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In the normal course of business, the Company has committed to certain payments. The following table summarizes the Company's commitments as at March 31, 2025:
($ millions)Remaining 20252026202720282029Thereafter
Product transportation, purchases, and processing (1)
$1,701 $2,272 $2,126 $1,993 $1,891 $19,219 
North West Redwater Partnership service toll (2)
$104 $118 $98 $100 $98 $4,054 
Offshore vessels and equipment$28 $— $— $— $— $— 
Field equipment and power$35 $29 $29 $28 $27 $216 
Other $112 $110 $19 $20 $19 $208 
(1)The Company's commitment for its 20-year product transportation agreement ending in 2044 on the TMX pipeline reflects interim tolls approved by the Canada Energy Regulator in the fourth quarter of 2023, and is subject to change pending the approval of final tolls.
(2)Pursuant to the processing agreements, the Company pays its 25% pro rata share of the debt component of the monthly fee-for-service toll. Included in the toll is $1,977 million of interest payable over the 40-year tolling period, ending in 2058.
In addition to the commitments disclosed above, the Company has entered into various agreements related to the engineering, procurement, and construction of its various development projects. These contracts can be cancelled by the Company upon notice without penalty, subject to the costs incurred up to and in respect of the cancellation.

Canadian Natural Resources Limited
25
Three months ended March 31, 2025


LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND OTHER CONTINGENCIES
The Company is defendant and plaintiff in a number of legal actions arising in the normal course of business. In addition, the Company is subject to certain contractor construction claims. The Company believes that any liabilities that might arise pertaining to any such matters would not have a material effect on its consolidated financial position.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements requires the Company to make estimates, assumptions and judgements in the application of IFRS that have a significant impact on the financial results of the Company. Actual results may differ from estimated amounts, and those differences may be material. A comprehensive discussion of the Company's significant accounting estimates is contained in the Company's annual MD&A and audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024.
CONTROL ENVIRONMENT
There have been no changes to internal control over financial reporting ("ICFR") during the three months ended March 31, 2025 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Due to inherent limitations, disclosure controls and procedures, and internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements, and even those controls determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
26
Three months ended March 31, 2025


NON-GAAP AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES
This MD&A includes references to non-GAAP and other financial measures as defined in NI 52-112. These financial measures are used by the Company to evaluate its financial performance, financial position, and 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 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 MD&A and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, as applicable, are provided below.
Adjusted Net Earnings from Operations
Adjusted net earnings from operations is a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts net earnings as presented in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings, for non-operating items, net of tax impacts. The Company considers adjusted net earnings from operations a key measure in evaluating its performance, as it demonstrates the Company's ability to generate after-tax operating earnings from its core business areas. A reconciliation for adjusted net earnings from operations is presented below.
Three Months Ended
($ millions)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Net earnings $2,458 $1,138 $987 
Share-based compensation, net of tax (1)
22 39 281 
Unrealized risk management loss (gain), net of tax (2)
2 (3)12 
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss, net of tax (3)
(285)782 269 
Realized foreign exchange loss on financing activities, net of tax (4)
239 — — 
Gain from investments, net of tax
 — (75)
Recoverability charge, net of tax (5)
 21 — 
Non-operating items, net of tax(22)839 487 
Adjusted net earnings from operations$2,436 $1,977 $1,474 
(1)Share-based compensation includes costs incurred under the Company's Stock Option Plan and PSU plan. The fair value of the share-based compensation is recognized as a liability on the Company's balance sheets and periodic changes in the fair value are recognized in net earnings. Pre-tax share-based compensation for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was an expense of $26 million (three months ended December 31, 2024 – $44 million expense, three months ended March 31, 2024 – $294 million expense).
(2)Derivative financial instruments are recognized at fair value on the Company's balance sheets, with changes in the fair value of non-designated hedges recognized in net earnings. The amounts ultimately realized may be materially different than those amounts reflected in the financial statements due to changes in prices of the underlying items hedged, primarily crude oil, natural gas and foreign exchange. Pre-tax unrealized risk management loss for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $3 million (three months ended December 31, 2024 – $4 million gain, three months ended March 31, 2024 – $13 million loss).
(3)Unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses result primarily from the translation of US dollar denominated long-term debt to period-end exchange rates and are recognized in net earnings. Pre- and after-tax amounts for these unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses are the same.
(4)Realized foreign exchange gains and losses associated with financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2025 were comprised of a pre- and after-tax foreign exchange loss of $239 million on the repayment of US dollar denominated debt.
(5)During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company recognized a pre-tax recoverability charge of $160 million ($21 million after-tax) in depletion, depreciation and amortization expense related to refined project scope and cost estimates for planned decommissioning and abandonment activities at the Ninian field in the North Sea in 2024. The costs are considered to be capital in nature, consistent with the treatment of all abandonment related expenditures for the purpose of the Company's non-GAAP measures.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
27
Three months ended March 31, 2025


Adjusted Funds Flow
Adjusted funds flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents cash flows from operating activities as presented in the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows adjusted for the net change in non-cash working capital, abandonment expenditures, and movements in other long-term assets. The Company considers adjusted funds flow a key measure in evaluating its performance, as it demonstrates the Company's ability to generate the cash flow necessary to fund future growth through capital investment, repay debt, and provide returns to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks. A reconciliation for adjusted funds flow from cash flows from operating activities is presented below.
Three Months Ended
($ millions)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Cash flows from operating activities$4,284 $3,432 $2,868 
Net change in non-cash working capital(82)563 15 
Abandonment expenditures188 151 162 
Movements in other long-term assets (1)
140 40 93 
Adjusted funds flow$4,530 $4,186 $3,138 
(1)Includes the unamortized cost of contributions to the Company's employee bonus program, the accrued interest on PRT recoveries, and prepaid cost of service tolls.
Adjusted Net Earnings from Operations and Adjusted Funds Flow, Per Common Share (Basic and Diluted)
Adjusted net earnings from operations and adjusted funds flow, per common share (basic and diluted) are non-GAAP ratios that represent those non-GAAP measures divided by the weighted average number of basic and diluted common shares outstanding for the period, respectively, as presented in note 12 to the financial statements. These non-GAAP measures, disclosed on a per share basis, enable a comparison to the per share amounts disclosed in the Company's financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS.
Netback
Netback is a non-GAAP ratio that represents net cash flows provided from core activities after the impact of all costs associated with bringing a product to market, on a per unit basis. The Company considers netback a key measure in evaluating its performance, as it demonstrates the efficiency and profitability of the Company's activities. Refer to the "Operating Highlights – Exploration and Production" section of this MD&A for the netback calculations on a per unit basis for crude oil and NGLs and on a total barrels of oil equivalent basis.
The netback calculations include the realized price non-GAAP financial measure which is reconciled below to its respective line item in note 15 to the financial statements.
During the first quarter of 2025, the Company revised its presentation of transportation expense and blending and feedstock costs, showing the expenses on a disaggregated basis in the consolidated statements of earnings. Previously the Company aggregated transportation, blending and feedstock. The revision provides users with more information to evaluate the Company’s performance. The financial statements and this MD&A have been updated for all periods presented. As a result, Transportation ($/BOE, $/bbl and $/Mcf) is no longer considered a non-GAAP ratio.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
28
Three months ended March 31, 2025


Realized Price ($/bbl and $/BOE) – Exploration and Production
Realized price ($/bbl and $/BOE) is a non-GAAP ratio calculated as realized crude oil and NGLs sales and total realized BOE sales (non-GAAP financial measures) divided by respective sales volumes. Realized crude oil and NGLs sales and total realized BOE sales is comprised of crude oil and NGLs sales and natural gas sales less blending and feedstock costs and other by-product sales, as disclosed in note 15 to the financial statements. The Company considers realized price a key measure in evaluating its performance, as it demonstrates the realized pricing per unit the Company obtained on the market for its crude oil and NGLs sales volumes and BOE sales volumes.
Reconciliations for Exploration and Production realized crude oil and NGLs sales and BOE sales and the calculations for realized price are presented below.
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except bbl/d and $/bbl)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Crude oil and NGLs (bbl/d)
North America562,183 533,126 494,621 
International
North Sea15,665 10,686 13,468 
Offshore Africa11,048 8,423 8,046 
Total International26,713 19,109 21,514 
Total sales volumes588,896 552,235 516,135 
Crude oil and NGLs sales (1)
$5,624 $4,999 $4,505 
Less: Blending and feedstock costs (2)
1,391 1,177 1,217 
Realized crude oil and NGLs sales$4,233 $3,822 $3,288 
Realized price ($/bbl)$79.85 $75.22 $70.01 
(1)Crude oil and NGLs sales in note 15 to the financial statements.
(2)Blending and feedstock costs in note 15 to the financial statements.
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except BOE/d and $/BOE)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Barrels of oil equivalent (BOE/d)
North America968,189 911,869 850,336 
International
North Sea16,399 11,285 13,709 
Offshore Africa12,851 9,507 9,924 
Total International29,250 20,792 23,633 
Total sales volumes997,439 932,661 873,969 
Barrels of oil equivalent sales (1)
$6,314 $5,424 $5,004 
Less: Blending and feedstock costs (2)
1,391 1,177 1,217 
Less: Sulphur (income) expense(9)(3)
Realized barrels of oil equivalent sales $4,932 $4,250 $3,786 
Realized price ($/BOE)$54.95 $49.54 $47.60 
(1)Barrels of oil equivalent sales includes crude oil and NGLs sales and natural gas sales in note 15 to the financial statements.
(2)Blending and feedstock costs in note 15 to the financial statements.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
29
Three months ended March 31, 2025


North America – Realized Product Prices and Royalties
Realized crude oil and NGLs price ($/bbl) is a non-GAAP ratio calculated as realized crude oil and NGLs sales (non-GAAP financial measure) divided by sales volumes. Realized crude oil and NGLs sales is comprised of crude oil and NGLs sales less blending and feedstock costs, as disclosed in note 15 to the financial statements. The Company considers the realized crude oil and NGLs price a key measure in evaluating its performance, as it demonstrates the realized pricing per unit that the Company obtained on the market for its crude oil and NGLs sales volumes.
Crude oil and NGLs royalty rate is a non-GAAP ratio that is calculated as crude oil and NGLs royalties divided by realized crude oil and NGLs sales. The Company considers crude oil and NGLs royalty rate a key measure in evaluating its performance, as it describes the Company's royalties for crude oil and NGLs sales volumes on a per unit basis.
A reconciliation for North America realized crude oil and NGLs sales and the calculations for realized crude oil and NGLs prices and the royalty rates are presented below.
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except $/bbl and royalty rates)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Crude oil and NGLs sales (1)
$5,366 $4,830 $4,284 
Less: Blending and feedstock costs (2)
1,391 1,177 1,217 
Realized crude oil and NGLs sales$3,975 $3,653 $3,067 
Realized crude oil and NGLs prices ($/bbl)$78.56 $74.46 $68.14 
Crude oil and NGLs royalties (3)
$756 $747 $563 
Crude oil and NGLs royalty rates19%20%18%
(1)Crude oil and NGLs sales in note 15 to the financial statements.
(2)Blending and feedstock costs in note 15 to the financial statements.
(3)Item is a component of royalties in note 15 to the financial statements.
Realized Product Prices – Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading
Realized SCO sales price ($/bbl) is a non-GAAP ratio calculated as realized SCO sales (a non-GAAP financial measure), divided by SCO sales volumes. Realized SCO sales is comprised of crude oil and NGLs sales less blending and feedstock costs, as disclosed in note 15 to the financial statements. The Company considers realized SCO sales price a key measure in evaluating its performance, as it demonstrates the realized pricing per unit that the Company obtained on the market for its SCO sales volumes.
Reconciliations for Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading realized SCO sales and the calculation for realized SCO sales price on a per unit basis are presented below.
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except for bbl/d and $/bbl)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
SCO sales volumes (bbl/d)602,048 528,248 453,794 
Crude oil and NGLs sales (1)
$5,879 $5,362 $4,168 
Less: Blending and feedstock costs (2)
703 741 499 
Realized SCO sales$5,176 $4,621 $3,669 
Realized SCO sales price ($/bbl)$95.52 $95.08 $88.84 
(1)Crude oil and NGLs sales in note 15 to the financial statements.
(2)Blending and feedstock costs in note 15 to the financial statements.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
30
Three months ended March 31, 2025


Change in Composition of Non-GAAP Financial Measure
During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company revised the composition of its net capital expenditures non-GAAP financial measure to include acquisition capital related to a number of acquisitions for which agreements between parties have been reached, with closings targeted in 2025. Although subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, the inclusion of these acquisitions reflects the Company's estimate of its net capital expenditures at the time the 2025 budget was released. The composition of this measure has been updated to reflect the 2025 capital budget, but did not impact net capital expenditures in 2024.
Net Capital Expenditures
Net capital expenditures is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents cash flows used in investing activities as presented in the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows, adjusted for the net change in non-cash working capital, net proceeds from investments, and cash flows from investing activities not included in the Company's capital budget. The Company includes acquisition and disposition capital for property, plant and equipment and exploration and evaluation assets in net capital expenditures at close of the transactions. The Company considers net capital expenditures a key measure in evaluating its performance, as it provides an understanding of the Company's capital spending activities in comparison to the Company's annual capital budget. A reconciliation of net capital expenditures is presented below.
Three Months Ended
($ millions)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Cash flows used in investing activities$1,312 $10,414 $1,392 
Working capital acquired (115)— 
Net change in non-cash working capital(9)49 (279)
Net capital expenditures1,303 10,348 1,113 
Abandonment expenditures188 151 162 
Capital and abandonment expenditures$1,491 $10,499 $1,275 
Liquidity
Liquidity is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents the availability of readily available undrawn bank credit facilities, cash and cash equivalents, and other highly liquid assets to meet short-term funding requirements and to assist in assessing the Company's financial position. The Company's calculation of liquidity is presented below.
($ millions)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Undrawn bank credit facilities$4,965 $4,562 $5,450 
Cash and cash equivalents93 131 767 
Investments (1)
 — 600 
Liquidity$5,058 $4,693 $6,817 
(1)During the second quarter of 2024, the Company sold its 22.6 million common share investment in PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. for $25.65 per common share with net proceeds at close, after fees and expenses, of $575 million.
Long-term Debt, net
Long-term debt, net, is a capital management measure that represents long-term debt, including the current portion of long-term debt, less cash and cash equivalents, as disclosed in note 11 to the financial statements. A reconciliation of long-term debt, net is presented below.
($ millions)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Long-term debt$17,428 $18,819 $11,040 
Less: cash and cash equivalents93 131 767 
Long-term debt, net$17,335 $18,688 $10,273 

Canadian Natural Resources Limited
31
Three months ended March 31, 2025


Debt to Book Capitalization
Debt to book capitalization is a capital management measure intended to enable financial statement users to evaluate the Company's capital structure, as disclosed in note 11 to the financial statements.
After-Tax Return on Average Capital Employed
After-tax return on average capital employed as defined by the Company is a non-GAAP ratio. The ratio is calculated as net earnings plus after-tax interest and other financing expense for the twelve month trailing period; as a percentage of average capital employed (defined as current and long-term debt plus shareholders' equity) for the twelve month trailing period. The Company considers this ratio a key measure in evaluating the Company's ability to generate profit and the efficiency with which it employs capital. A reconciliation of the Company's after-tax return on average capital employed is presented below.
($ millions, except ratios)Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Mar 31
2024
Interest adjusted after-tax return:
Net earnings, 12 months trailing$7,577 $6,106 $7,421 
Interest and other financing expense, net of tax, 12 months trailing (1)
546 454 477 
Interest adjusted after-tax return$8,123 $6,560 $7,898 
12 months average current portion long-term debt (2)
$1,615 $1,525 $1,541 
12 months average long-term debt (2)
11,878 10,642 9,992 
12 months average common shareholders' equity (2)
39,757 39,635 39,240 
12 months average capital employed$53,250 $51,802 $50,773 
After-tax return on average capital employed15.3%12.7%15.6%
(1)The blended tax rate on interest was 23% for each of the periods presented.
(2)For the purpose of this non-GAAP ratio, the measurement of average current and long-term debt and common shareholders' equity are determined on a consistent basis, as an average of the opening and quarterly period end values for the 12 month trailing period for each of the periods presented.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
32
Three months ended March 31, 2025