Greenfire Resources Reports First Quarter 2025 Results and Provides an Operational Update
- Generated positive adjusted free cash flow of $5.1 million, improving from -$6.9 million in Q1 2024
- Demo Asset production increased 46% quarter-over-quarter to 4,882 bbls/d
- Strong hedging position with 9,450 bbls/d hedged at $100.90/barrel through 2025
- $50 million available credit facility remains undrawn
- Operating netback improved to $31.67/bbl from $24.69/bbl year-over-year
- Overall production declined 10% quarter-over-quarter to 17,495 bbls/d
- Expansion Asset production decreased 21% to 12,613 bbls/d due to steam generation issues
- One steam generation unit currently offline, impacting 1,500-2,250 bbls/d of production
- Required to invest $15 million in sulphur removal facilities due to regulatory non-compliance
- Net debt position of $253.1 million as of Q1 2025
Insights
Greenfire's Q1 production down 10%, but improved financial metrics despite operational challenges and regulatory issues needing $15M investment.
Greenfire Resources posted mixed Q1 2025 results that reveal operational challenges balanced by financial improvements. The most significant concern is the 10% sequential production decline to 17,495 bbls/d, primarily driven by a substantial 21% drop at the Expansion Asset due to steam generation downtime. This technical challenge appears persistent, with current Q2 production at just 15,650 bbls/d as one of four steam generators remains offline until year-end 2025.
Despite these production headwinds, financial performance showed resilience. The company generated
The balance sheet maintains reasonable flexibility with
Two key challenges require monitoring: First, regulatory compliance issues with sulphur dioxide emissions at the Expansion Asset necessitate a
The conclusion of the strategic review with the decision to remain public indicates management sees greater value in organic development than a corporate transaction at present. The focus on NPV per share and return on equity metrics suggests disciplined capital allocation despite production challenges.
Readers are advised to review the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this press release for information regarding the presentation of financial measures that do not have standardized meaning under IFRS® Accounting Standards. Readers are also advised to review the "Forward-Looking Information" section in this press release for information regarding certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release. All amounts in this press release are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified.
The Company holds a
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - Greenfire Resources Ltd. (NYSE: GFR) (TSX: GFR) ("Greenfire" or the "Company"), today reported its operating and financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 ("Q1 2025"). The unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements and notes for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, as well as the related Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A"), will be available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, on EDGAR at https://www.sec.gov/search-filings and on Greenfire's website at www.greenfireres.com.
Q1 2025 Highlights
- Bitumen production of 17,495 bbls/d
- Cash provided by operating activities of
$34.7 million and Adjusted funds flow(1) of$31.4 million - Capital expenditures(2) of
$26.3 million - Adjusted free cash flow(1) of
$5.1 million
Financial & Operating Highlights
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||
| ($ thousands, unless otherwise indicated) | March 31, 2025 | March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2024 | ||||||
| WTI (US$/bbl) | 71.42 | 76.96 | 70.27 | ||||||
| WCS differential to WTI (US$/bbl) | (12.67 | ) | (19.31 | ) | (12.56 | ) | |||
| WCS Hardisty (C$/bbl) | 84.29 | 77.76 | 80.75 | ||||||
| Average FX Rate (C$/US$) | 1.4348 | 1.3488 | 1.3992 | ||||||
| Bitumen production (bbls/d) | 17,495 | 19,667 | 19,384 | ||||||
| Oil sales | 183,637 | 200,990 | 208,895 | ||||||
| Royalties | (6,824 | ) | (6,315 | ) | (7,091 | ) | |||
| Realized gains (losses) on risk management contracts | (1,101 | ) | (8,797 | ) | 1,024 | ||||
| Diluent expense | (73,994 | ) | (91,682 | ) | (83,030 | ) | |||
| Transportation and marketing | (14,185 | ) | (13,199 | ) | (13,751 | ) | |||
| Operating expenses | (37,929 | ) | (36,348 | ) | (40,864 | ) | |||
| Operating netback(1) | 49,604 | 44,649 | 65,183 | ||||||
| Operating netback(1) ($/bbl) | 31.67 | 24.69 | 34.81 | ||||||
| Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) | 16,163 | (46,915 | ) | 78,562 | |||||
| Cash provided by operating activities | 34,673 | 17,064 | 60,195 | ||||||
| Adjusted funds flow(1) | 31,444 | 27,589 | 52,950 | ||||||
| Capital expenditures(2) | (26,299 | ) | (34,449 | ) | (13,161 | ) | |||
| Adjusted free cash flow(1) | 5,145 | (6,860 | ) | 39,789 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 72,238 | 90,234 | 67,419 | ||||||
| Available credit facilities(3) | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 | ||||||
| Net debt(1) | (253,111 | ) | (298,704 | ) | (253,510 | ) | |||
| Common shares ('000 of shares) | 69,922 | 68,974 | 69,718 | ||||||
(1) Non-GAAP measures without a standardized meaning under IFRS Accounting Standards. Refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section in this press release.
(2) Supplementary financial measure. Refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of this press release.
(3) The Company had
Q1 2025 Review
Greenfire's average production for Q1 2025 was 17,495 bbls/d, a
Expansion Asset: Production in the first quarter of 2025 decreased by
21% compared to the previous quarter to 12,613 bbls/d, primarily due to steam generation downtime and production declines following the 2024 Refill program.Demo Asset: Production in the first quarter of 2025 increased by
46% compared to the previous quarter to 4,882 bbls/d, driven by the activation of additional redevelopment wells and the startup of the second disposal well in Q4 2024.
Hangingstone Facilities: Bitumen Production Results
| (bbls/d) | Q1 2025 | Q1 2024 | Q4 2024 | ||||||
| Expansion Asset | 12,613 | 17,361 | 16,047 | ||||||
| Demo Asset | 4,882 | 2,306 | 3,337 | ||||||
| Consolidated | 17,495 | 19,667 | 19,384 |
Capital expenditures for Q1 2025 totaled
Operational Update
Production and Steam Generation Updates
The Company's production for Q2 2025 to date is approximately 15,650 bbls/d due to steam generation downtime and base production declines at the Expansion Asset. At present, one of the four steam generation units is offline, with an associated production impact of approximately 1,500 to 2,250 bbls/d. The Company is targeting restoring the offline steam generator by year-end 2025 and is implementing mitigation strategies to reduce production impacts during this period.
Emissions Reporting and Regulatory Engagement
Greenfire continues to engage in discussions with the Alberta Energy Regulator ("AER") regarding previously reported sulphur dioxide emissions that exceed regulatory limits at the Expansion Asset. The Company takes its regulatory obligations very seriously and has ordered sulphur removal facilities at the Expansion Asset, at a total estimated cost of
Progress Update on Future Development Plans
The Company is advancing its evaluation of development plans, capital expenditures, and operational strategies for the Hangingstone Facilities. To address production declines at the Expansion Asset, the Company plans to construct new well pad locations and drill well pairs on the undeveloped reservoir northeast of the Central Processing Facility (the "CPF"). Final investment decision remains subject to approval by Greenfire's board of directors (the "Board of Directors") (see Exhibit 1). If the project is approved, drilling of these well pairs could begin as early as Q4 2025. The Company is evaluating additional development targets to the southeast of the CPF to support further production growth. At the Demo Asset, future developments are expected to focus on optimizing base production.
Exhibit 1: Expansion Asset - Development Plan Locations Currently Under Evaluation
- Undeveloped reservoir northeast and southeast of the CPF (orange)
Exhibit 1
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8345/251061_aa6fbffa5406998a_001full.jpg
Corporate Update
The Company's strategic review process, overseen by a Special Committee of independent directors, has completed with Greenfire electing to continue as a public company. The Company remains dedicated to maximizing shareholder value through investment in growth at the Hangingstone Facilities and is focused on increasing net present value per share as well as optimizing return on equity for Greenfire shareholders.
Mr. Derek Aylesworth is not standing for re-election to the Board of Directors at the annual meeting of Greenfire shareholders on May 6, 2025 (the "Meeting"). Following the Meeting, Mr. Brian Heald, if elected, will become the Chair of the audit committee of the Board of Directors (the "Audit Committee"), and Mr. David Knight Legg, if elected, will join Mr. Tom Ebbern and Mr. Heald on the Audit Committee.
Greenfire has hedges in place for 9,450 bbls/d of WTI at approximately
$100.90 per barrel through 2025, providing a stable financial foundation for capital investments amidst market volatility. In April 2025, the Company hedged the WCS Hardisty differential, securing 12,600 bbl/d for Q3 2025 at US$10.90 /bbl and 5,000 bbl/d for Q4 2025 at US$13.50 /bbl. The Company will continue to assess market conditions to identify additional hedging opportunities.
Conference Call Details
Greenfire plans to host a conference call on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 7:00 a.m. Mountain Time (9:00 a.m. Eastern Time), during which members of the Company's executive team will discuss its Q1 2025 results as well as host a question-and-answer session with investors.
- Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
- Time: 7:00 a.m. Mountain Time (9:00 a.m. Eastern Time)
- Webcast Link: https://www.gowebcasting.com/14029
- Dial In: 1-800-806-5484 or 1-416-340-2217
- Participant passcode: 4906082#
About Greenfire
Greenfire is an oil sands producer actively developing its long-life and low-decline thermal oil assets in the Athabasca region of Alberta, Canada, with its registered offices in Calgary, Alberta. The Company plans to leverage its large resource base and significant infrastructure in place to drive meaningful, capital-efficient production growth. As part of the Company's commitment to operational excellence, safe and reliable operations remain a top priority for Greenfire. Greenfire common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "GFR". For more information, visit greenfireres.com or find Greenfire on LinkedIn and X.
Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures
Certain financial measures in this press release are non-GAAP financial measures or ratios. These measures do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS Accounting Standards and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures provided by other companies. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards. This press release also contains supplementary financial measures.
Non-GAAP financial measures and ratios include operating netback, adjusted funds flow, adjusted free cash flow, net debt and per barrel figures associated with such non-GAAP financial measures. Supplementary financial measures and ratios include gross profit, capital expenditures and depletion.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Operating Netback (including per barrel ($/bbl)) Gross profit (loss) is the most directly comparable GAAP measure to operating netback which is a non-GAAP measure. Operating netback is further adjusted for realized gain (loss) on risk management contracts, as appropriate. Operating netback per barrel ($/bbl) is calculated by dividing operating netback by the Company's total bitumen sales volume in a specified period. When Operating netback is expressed on a per barrel basis it is a non-GAAP ratio. Operating netback is a financial measure widely used in the oil and gas industry as a supplementary measure of a company's efficiency and ability to generate cash flow for debt repayments, capital expenditures or other uses.
The following table is a reconciliation of gross profit (loss) to operating netback:
| Three months ended | |||||||||
| March 31, | March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| ($ thousands, unless otherwise noted) | 2025 | 2024 | 2024 | ||||||
| Gross profit (loss)(1) | 34,392 | (12,068 | ) | 26,471 | |||||
| Depletion(1) | 21,561 | 17,980 | 28,767 | ||||||
| Gain (loss) on risk management contracts | (5,248 | ) | 47,534 | 8,921 | |||||
| Operating netback, excluding realized gain (loss) on risk management contracts | 50,705 | 53,446 | 64,159 | ||||||
| Realized gain (loss) on risk management contracts | (1,101 | ) | (8,797 | ) | 1,024 | ||||
| Operating netback | 49,604 | 44,649 | 65,183 | ||||||
| Operating netback ($/bbl) | 31.67 | 24.69 | 34.81 | ||||||
(1) Supplementary financial measure.
Adjusted Funds Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow
Cash provided by operating activities is the most directly comparable GAAP measure for adjusted funds flow, which is a non-GAAP measure. This measure is not intended to represent cash provided by operating activities calculated in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards.
The adjusted funds flow measure allows management and others to evaluate the Company's ability to fund its capital programs and meet its ongoing financial obligations using cash flow internally generated from ongoing operating related activities. We compute adjusted funds flow as cash provided by operating activities, excluding the impact of changes in non-cash working capital, less transaction costs and transactions considered non-recurring in nature or outside of normal business operations.
Cash provided by operating activities is the most directly comparable GAAP measure for adjusted free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP measure. Management uses adjusted free cash flow as an indicator of the efficiency and liquidity of its business, measuring its funds after capital investment that are available to manage debt levels and return capital to shareholders. By removing the impact of current period property, plant and equipment expenditures from adjusted free cash flow, management monitors its adjusted free cash flow to inform its capital allocation decisions. We compute adjusted free cash flow as cash provided by operating activities, excluding the impact of changes in non-cash working capital, less transaction costs, transactions considered non-recurring in nature or outside of normal business operations, property, plant and equipment expenditures and acquisition costs.
The following table is a reconciliation of cash provided by operating activities to adjusted funds flow and adjusted free cashflow:
| Three months ended | |||||||||
| March 31, | March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| ($ thousands, unless otherwise noted) | 2025 | 2024 | 2024 | ||||||
| Cash provided by operating activities | 34,673 | 17,064 | 60,195 | ||||||
| Non-recurring transactions(1) | 1,853 | - | 6,661 | ||||||
| Changes in non-cash working capital | (5,082 | ) | 10,525 | (13,906 | ) | ||||
| Adjusted funds flow | 31,444 | 27,589 | 52,950 | ||||||
| Property, plant and equipment expenditures | (26,299 | ) | (31,920 | ) | (12,485 | ) | |||
| Acquisitions | - | (2,529 | ) | (676 | ) | ||||
| Adjusted free cash flow | 5,145 | (6,860 | ) | 39,789 | |||||
(1) Non-recurring transactions relate to a terminated shareholder rights plan and the evaluation of strategic alternatives.
Net Debt
The table below reconciles long-term debt to net debt.
| March 31, | March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| ($ thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | 2024 | ||||||
| Long-term debt | (317,432 | ) | (313,373 | ) | (80,441 | ) | |||
| Current assets | 153,150 | 158,304 | 144,238 | ||||||
| Current liabilities | (93,036 | ) | (207,798 | ) | (335,859 | ) | |||
| Current portion of risk management contracts | (6,101 | ) | 39,154 | 248 | |||||
| Current portion of warrant liability | 10,308 | 25,009 | 18,304 | ||||||
| Net debt | (253,111 | ) | (298,704 | ) | (253,510 | ) | |||
Net debt is a non-GAAP measure. Long-term debt is a GAAP measure that is the most directly comparable financial statement measure to net debt. Net debt is comprised of long-term debt, adjusted for current assets and current liabilities on the Company's balance sheet, and excludes the current portions of risk management contracts and warranty liability. Management uses net debt to monitor the Company's current financial position and to evaluate existing sources of liquidity. Net debt is used to estimate future liquidity and whether additional sources of capital are required to fund planned operations.
Supplementary Financial Measures
Depletion
The term "depletion" or "depletion expense" is the portion of depletion and depreciation expense reflecting the cost of development and extraction of the Company's bitumen reserves.
Gross Profit (Loss)
Gross profit (loss) is a supplementary financial measure prepared on a consistent basis with IFRS Accounting Standards. Greenfire uses gross profit (loss) to assess its core operating performance before considering other expenses such as general and administrative costs, financing costs, and income taxes. Gross profit (loss) is calculated as oil sales, net of royalties, plus gains on risk management contracts, less losses on risk management contracts, diluent expense, operating expense, depletion expense on the Company's operating assets, transportation expenses and marketing expenses.
Management believes that gross profit (loss) provides investors, analysts, and other stakeholders with useful insight into the Company's ability to generate profitability from its core operations before non-operating expenses.
| Three months ended | |||||||||
| March 31, | March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| ($ thousands, unless otherwise noted) | 2025 | 2024 | 2024 | ||||||
| Oil sales, net of royalties | 176,813 | 194,675 | 201,804 | ||||||
| Gain (loss) on risk management contracts | 5,248 | (47,534 | ) | (8,921 | ) | ||||
| 182,061 | 147,141 | 192,883 | |||||||
| Diluent expense | (73,994 | ) | (91,682 | ) | (83,030 | ) | |||
| Transportation and marketing | (14,185 | ) | (13,199 | ) | (13,751 | ) | |||
| Operating expenses | (37,929 | ) | (36,348 | ) | (40,864 | ) | |||
| Depletion | (21,561 | ) | (17,980 | ) | (28,767 | ) | |||
| Gross profit (loss) | 34,392 | (12,068 | ) | 26,471 | |||||
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures is a supplementary financial measure prepared on a consistent basis with IFRS Accounting Standards. Greenfire uses capital expenditures to monitor the cash flows it invests into property, plant and equipment. Capital expenditures is derived from the statement of cash flows and includes property, plant and equipment expenditures and acquisitions.
Management believes that capital expenditures provides investors, analysts and other stakeholders with a useful insight into the Company's investments into property, plant and equipment.
| Three months ended | |||||||||
| March 31, | March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| ($ thousands, unless otherwise noted) | 2025 | 2024 | 2024 | ||||||
| Property, plant and equipment expenditures | 26,299 | 31,920 | 12,485 | ||||||
| Acquisitions | - | 2,529 | 676 | ||||||
| Capital expenditures | 26,299 | 34,449 | 13,161 | ||||||
Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information in this press release is based on Greenfire's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs. Such forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. The Company believes the material factors, expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable as of the time of such information, but no assurance can be given that these factors, expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct, and such forward-looking information included in this press release should not be unduly relied upon.
The use of any of the words "expect", "target", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "believe", "depends", "could" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information. In particular, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the following: the Company's business strategy and future plans, including development and maintenance plans for the Expansion Asset and the Demo Asset and development and construction plans around the CPF and the anticipated timing thereof; the production impact from one of four steam generation units being offline and the expectation that it can be restored and operational by year-end 2025; successful execution of the company's strategy and operational goals; expected production and capital expenditures in 2025 and mitigation strategies to address production declines at the Expansion Asset; the potential impact of regulatory actions by the AER on the Company's business, operations, production, reserves estimates and financial condition and plans to restore compliance with sulphur dioxide emissions requirements, including through the purchase of sulphur removal facilities at the Expansion Asset; anticipated changes to the Board of Directors and Audit Committee after the Meeting; and statements relating to the business and future activities of the Company after the date of this press release.
Forward-looking information in this press release relating to oil and gas exploration, development and production, and management's general expectations relating to the oil and gas industry are based on estimates prepared by management using data from publicly available industry sources as well as from market research and industry analysis and on assumptions based on data and knowledge of the industry which management believes to be reasonable. Although generally indicative of relative market positions, market shares and performance characteristics, this data is inherently imprecise. Management is not aware of any misstatements regarding any industry data presented in press release.
All forward-looking information reflects Greenfire's beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the applicable forward-looking information is disclosed and in light of the Company's current expectations with respect to such matters as: the success of Greenfire's operations and growth and expansion projects; expectations regarding production growth, future well production rates and reserves volumes; expectations regarding Greenfire's capital program; the outlook for general economic trends, industry trends, prevailing and future commodity prices, foreign exchange rates and interest rates; prevailing and future royalty regimes and tax laws; expectations regarding differentials and realized prices; future well production rates and reserves volumes; fluctuations in energy prices based on worldwide demand and geopolitical events; the impact of inflation; the integrity and reliability of Greenfire's assets; decommissioning obligations; Greenfire's ability to comply with its financial covenants; Greenfire's ability to comply with applicable regulations, including those related to various emissions; and the governmental, regulatory and legal environment. Management believes that its assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking information contained herein are reasonable based on the information available on the date such information is provided and the process used to prepare the information. However, Greenfire cannot assure readers that these expectations will prove to be correct.
The forward-looking information included in this press release is not a guarantee of future performance and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward- looking information, including, without limitation: changes in oil and gas prices and differentials; changes in the demand for or supply of Greenfire's products; the continued impact, or further deterioration, in global economic and market conditions, including from inflation and/or certain geopolitical conflicts, such as the ongoing war in Eastern Europe and the conflict in the Middle East, and other heightened geopolitical risks, including imposition of tariffs or other trade barriers, and the ability of the Company to carry on operations as contemplated in light of the foregoing; determinations by OPEC and other countries as to production levels; unanticipated operating results or production declines; changes in tax or environmental laws, climate change regulations, royalty rates or other regulatory matters; changes in Greenfire's operating and development plans; reliability of Company owned and third party facilities, infrastructure and pipelines required for Greenfire's operations and production; competition for, among other things, capital, acquisitions of reserves and resources, undeveloped lands, access to services, third party processing capacity and skilled personnel; inability to retain drilling rigs and other services; severe weather conditions, including wildfires, impacting Greenfire's operations and third party infrastructure; availability of diluent, natural gas and power to operate Greenfire's facilities; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Company's acquisitions; incorrect assessment of the value of acquisitions; delays resulting from or inability to obtain required regulatory approvals; increased debt levels or debt service requirements; inflation; changes in foreign exchange rates; inaccurate estimation of Greenfire's bitumen reserves volumes; limited, unfavourable or a lack of access to capital markets or other sources of capital; increased costs; failure to comply with applicable regulations, including relating to the Company's air emissions, and potentially significant penalties and orders associated therewith and associated significant effect on the Company's business, operations, production, reserves estimates and financial condition; a lack of adequate insurance coverage; and other factors discussed under the "Risk Factors" section in Greenfire's Management's Discussion & Analysis for the interim period ended March 31, 2025 and Annual Information Form dated March 17, 2025, and from time to time in Greenfire's public disclosure documents, which are available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and in the Company's annual report on Form 40-F filed with the SEC, which is available on the Company's EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov.
The foregoing risks should not be construed as exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this press release speaks only as of the date of this press release and Greenfire does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise such forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required pursuant to applicable laws. Any forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Contact Information
Greenfire Resources Ltd.
205 5th Avenue SW
Suite 1900
Calgary, AB T2P 2V7
investors@greenfireres.com
greenfireres.com
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/251061
FAQ
What were Greenfire Resources' (GFR) Q1 2025 production and financial results?
Why did GFR's production decline in Q1 2025?
What is Greenfire's (GFR) hedging strategy for 2025?
What are Greenfire Resources' (GFR) development plans for 2025?
How is GFR addressing its regulatory compliance issues?
