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CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED














MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2026
MAY 6, 2026


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, forecasted or anticipated production volumes, royalties, production expenses, capital expenditures, forecasted and anticipated 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 maintenance of the Company's facilities and any expected return to service dates; the construction, expansion, or maintenance of third-party facilities that process the Company's products; 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, in Ukraine and in Venezuela, the restriction or disruption of global trade routes, the impact of changes to US economic policy, 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; the impact of the ramp-up of LNG Canada on commodity 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 uncertainties in the international trade environment, including with respect to tariffs, export restrictions, embargoes, and key trade agreements (including uncertainties around US imposed tariffs, and actual or potential Canadian countermeasures, both of which continue to evolve and may be continued, suspended, increased, decreased, or expanded); 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, and the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") entered into between the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta in November 2025; civil unrest and 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 of 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; changes to future abandonment and decommissioning costs; actions by governmental authorities; government regulations and the expenditures
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
1
Three months ended March 31, 2026


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.
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 or emissions, the imposition of tariffs, embargoes, or export restrictions on the Company's products (including uncertainties around US imposed tariffs, and actual or potential Canadian countermeasures, both of which continue to evolve and may be continued, suspended, increased, decreased, or expanded), changes in taxes, royalties and other amounts payable to governments or governmental agencies, price or gathering rate controls and environmental protection regulations (including the implementation of the MOU). 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 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. Subsequently, on March 26, 2026, the Competition Act was further amended to remove the requirement that businesses substantiate their environmental representations about a business or business activity based on an internationally recognized methodology, and eliminate private rights of action under the revised business-activity greenwashing provision. Notwithstanding these amendments, uncertainty surrounding the interpretation and enforcement of this legislation, which includes any future amendments, 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, 2026, and the Company's MD&A and audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025. 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, 2026 and this MD&A have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (the "IFRS Accounting Standards").
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, thermal bitumen, and SCO (including mining bitumen). 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, 2026 in relation to the first quarter of 2025 and the fourth quarter of 2025. 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, 2025, 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 6, 2026.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
2
Three months ended March 31, 2026


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except per common share amounts)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Product sales (1)
$12,404 $10,710 $12,712 
Crude oil and NGLs$11,114 $9,666 $11,732 
Natural gas$832 $735 $716 
Net earnings$1,348 $5,303 $2,458 
Per common share– basic$0.65 $2.55 $1.17 
– diluted$0.64 $2.54 $1.17 
Adjusted net earnings from operations (2)
$2,446 $1,711 $2,436 
Per common share
– basic (3)
$1.17 $0.82 $1.16 
– diluted (3)
$1.17 $0.82 $1.16 
Cash flows from operating activities$3,282 $3,768 $4,284 
Adjusted funds flow (2)
$4,374 $3,748 $4,530 
Per common share
– basic (3)
$2.10 $1.80 $2.16 
– diluted (3)
$2.09 $1.79 $2.15 
Cash flows used in investing activities$1,949 $1,200 $1,312 
Net capital expenditures (2)
$2,028 $1,237 $1,303 
Abandonment expenditures$247 $201 $188 
(1)Further details related to product sales are disclosed in note 16 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.
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Consolidated Net Earnings and Adjusted Net Earnings from Operations
Net earnings for the first quarter of 2026 were $1,348 million compared with $2,458 million for the first quarter of 2025 and $5,303 million for the fourth quarter of 2025. Net earnings for the first quarter of 2026 included non-operating losses, net of tax, of $1,098 million compared with non-operating income of $22 million for the first quarter of 2025 and non‑operating income of $3,592 million for the fourth quarter of 2025 related to the effects of share-based compensation, risk management activities, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, realized foreign exchange on financing activities, and the gain on acquisition, disposition, and remeasurement, and recoverability charges related to the North Sea and Offshore Africa recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025. Excluding these items, adjusted net earnings from operations for the first quarter of 2026 were $2,446 million compared with $2,436 million for the first quarter of 2025 and $1,711 million for the fourth quarter of 2025. Further details related to the movements in adjusted net earnings from operations are discussed in the 'Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures' section of this MD&A.
The movements in net earnings and adjusted net earnings from operations for the first quarter of 2026 from the first quarter of 2025 primarily reflected:
higher crude oil and NGLs sales volumes in the North America Exploration and Production segment; and
higher natural gas sales volumes and realized pricing in the North America Exploration and Production segment;
partially offset by:
lower realized crude oil and NGLs pricing(1) in the North America Exploration and Production segment; and
lower realized SCO pricing(1) and sales volumes in the Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment.
(1)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, 2026


The movements in net earnings and adjusted net earnings from operations for the first quarter of 2026 from the fourth quarter of 2025 primarily reflected:
higher realized crude oil and NGLs pricing in the North America Exploration and Production segment;
higher realized SCO pricing in the Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment; and
higher realized natural gas pricing in the North America Exploration and Production segment;
partially offset by:
lower sales volumes in the Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment.
The impacts of depletion, depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation, risk management activities, foreign exchange loss (gain), and the gain on acquisition, disposition, and remeasurement, and recoverability charges related to the North Sea and Offshore Africa recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025 also contributed to the movements 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 2026 were $3,282 million compared with $4,284 million for the first quarter of 2025 and $3,768 million for the fourth quarter of 2025. 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 2026 was $4,374 million compared with $4,530 million for the first quarter of 2025 and $3,748 million for the fourth quarter of 2025. 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, interest on Petroleum Revenue Tax ("PRT") recoveries, and prepaid cost of service tolls. Further details related to the movements in adjusted funds flow are discussed in the 'Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures' section of this MD&A.
Production Volumes
Crude oil and NGLs production before royalties for the first quarter of 2026 of 1,198,079 bbl/d was comparable with 1,173,804 bbl/d for the first quarter of 2025 and 1,215,364 bbl/d for the fourth quarter of 2025. Natural gas production before royalties for the first quarter of 2026 of 2,670 MMcf/d increased 9% from 2,451 MMcf/d for the first quarter of 2025 and was comparable with 2,660 MMcf/d for the fourth quarter of 2025. Total production before royalties for the first quarter of 2026 of 1,643,160 BOE/d increased 4% from 1,582,348 BOE/d for the first quarter of 2025 and was comparable with 1,658,681 BOE/d for the fourth quarter of 2025. 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 $76.02 per bbl for the first quarter of 2026, a decrease of 5% from $79.85 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 and an increase of 18% from $64.42 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2025. The realized natural gas price increased 6% to average $3.32 per Mcf for the first quarter of 2026 from $3.13 per Mcf for the first quarter of 2025 and increased 15% from $2.89 per Mcf for the fourth quarter of 2025. In the Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment, the Company's realized SCO sales price decreased 6% to average $89.68 per bbl for the first quarter of 2026 from $95.52 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 and increased 18% from $75.90 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2025. 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 'Realized Product Prices, Royalties and Transportation 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 $13.54 per bbl for the first quarter of 2026, a decrease of 14% from $15.74 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of 6% from $14.35 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2025. Natural gas production expense(1) averaged $1.24 per Mcf for the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 3% from $1.20 per Mcf for the first quarter of 2025 and an increase of 13% from $1.10 per Mcf for the fourth quarter of 2025. In the Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment, production expense(1) averaged $23.73 per bbl for the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 8% from $21.88 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 and an increase of 9% from $21.84 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2025. Crude oil and NGLs and natural gas production expense is discussed in detail in the 'Production Expense – Exploration and Production' and 'Production Expense – 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, 2026


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
2026
Dec 31
2025
Sep 30
2025
Jun 30
2025
Product sales (1)
$12,404 $10,710 $11,070 $9,675 
Crude oil and NGLs$11,114 $9,666 $10,468 $8,874 
Natural gas$832 $735 $399 $600 
Net earnings $1,348 $5,303 $600 $2,459 
Net earnings per common share
– basic$0.65 $2.55 $0.29 $1.17 
– diluted$0.64 $2.54 $0.29 $1.17 
($ 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 
(1)Further details related to product sales for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 are disclosed in note 16 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, the restriction or disruption of global trade routes, and the impacts of ongoing tariff and trade uncertainty) 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 increased supply of heavy crude oil from Venezuela, 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, the impact of liquefied natural gas ("LNG") demand and exports, 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 declines, the impact of turnarounds 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, the acquisition of assets in the Palliser Block in the second quarter of 2025, the acquisition of assets in the Grande Prairie area in the third quarter of 2025, the AOSP asset swap in the fourth quarter of 2025, and the acquisition of assets in the Peace River area in the first quarter of 2026), wildfires, and maintenance activities in the North America Exploration and Production segment. Sales volumes in the International segments also reflected fluctuations due to the timing of liftings, planned abandonment activities in the North Sea, and temporary suspension of production at Baobab in Offshore Africa for planned floating production, storage and offloading vessel ("FPSO") maintenance.
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, the acquisition of assets in the Palliser Block in the second quarter of 2025, the acquisition of assets in the Grande Prairie area in the third quarter of 2025, and the acquisition of assets in the Peace River area in the first quarter of 2026), natural field declines, the impact of seasonal conditions, and wildfires in the North America Exploration and Production segment.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
5
Three months ended March 31, 2026


Production expense – Fluctuations primarily due to the impacts of the demand and cost for services, fluctuations in product mix and production volumes, seasonal conditions, carbon tax, fluctuating energy costs, inflationary cost pressures, cost optimizations across all segments, turnarounds in the Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment, and maintenance activities in the International segments.
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 in the Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment, the impact on the depletable base resulting from the gain recognized on the AOSP mine assets, and recoverability charges related to the North Sea and Offshore 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 lease liabilities, the impact of movements in benchmark interest rates on outstanding floating rate long-term debt, and 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 and working capital.
Gain on acquisitions, disposition, and remeasurement – Fluctuations due to gain on acquisitions, representing the excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired compared to total purchase consideration and previously held interests, a gain on remeasurement to fair value of the Company's pre-existing 90% interest in the AOSP mines and a gain on disposition of the 10% interest in Scotford and Quest disposed of as part of the AOSP asset swap in the fourth quarter of 2025.
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
Global crude oil benchmark pricing rebounded during the first quarter of 2026 as conflict in the Middle East heightened market concerns regarding potential supply disruptions. While underlying global supply growth continued to outpace demand growth, escalation of regional conflict contributed to increased price volatility and a higher risk premium entering into 2026. Crude oil pricing is expected to remain elevated in the near term amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, with prices anticipated to stabilize as conflict-related risks subside and supply-demand fundamentals reassert themselves. Natural gas benchmark pricing remained supported during the first quarter of 2026, driven by winter seasonal demand and continued strength in LNG export activity from the US Gulf Coast. In Canada, AECO benchmark pricing improved due to strong export demand from the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin ("WCSB"). The continued ramp-up of LNG Canada is expected to further increase LNG demand and provide incremental support to AECO pricing through 2026.

Canadian Natural Resources Limited
6
Three months ended March 31, 2026


Benchmark Commodity Prices
Three Months Ended

(Average for the period)
Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
WTI benchmark price (US$/bbl)$72.17 $59.13 $71.42 
Dated Brent benchmark price (US$/bbl)$80.93 $63.69 $75.68 
WCS Heavy Differential from WTI (US$/bbl)$14.12 $11.20 $12.66 
SCO price (US$/bbl)
$71.75 $57.78 $69.07 
Condensate benchmark price (US$/bbl)$71.65 $57.01 $69.89 
NYMEX benchmark price (US$/MMBtu)$4.96 $3.55 $3.66 
AECO benchmark price (C$/GJ)$2.36 $2.22 $1.92 
US/Canadian dollar average exchange rate (US$)
$0.7290 $0.7170 $0.6969 
Substantially all of the Company's production is sold based on US dollar benchmark pricing, with crude oil marketed based on WTI and Brent indices, and natural gas marketed using a diversified mix of AECO- and NYMEX-based pricing. The Company’s realized prices are directly impacted by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, which affect product revenues as Canadian dollar sales prices change relative to the US dollar benchmark prices.
Crude Oil
Crude oil sales contracts in North America are typically based on WTI benchmark pricing. WTI averaged US$72.17 per bbl for the first quarter of 2026, comparable with US$71.42 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 and an increase of 22% from US$59.13 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2025.
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$80.93 per bbl for the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 7% from US$75.68 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 and an increase of 27% from US$63.69 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2025.
The increase in WTI and Brent benchmark pricing for the first quarter of 2026 from the comparable periods primarily reflected the conflict in the Middle East and resulting global supply disruptions. Early in the first quarter of 2026, pricing was also supported by supply constraints following severe US weather.
The WCS Heavy Differential averaged US$14.12 per bbl for the first quarter of 2026, compared with US$12.66 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 and US$11.20 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2025. The widening of the WCS Heavy Differential for the first quarter of 2026 from the comparable periods primarily reflected lower US Gulf Coast heavy oil pricing resulting from increased availability of Venezuelan heavy crude oil, partially offset by a tightening of the sour crude market due to Middle East disruptions.
SCO pricing averaged US$71.75 per bbl for the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 4% from US$69.07 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 and an increase of 24% from US$57.78 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase in SCO pricing for the first quarter of 2026 from the first quarter of 2025 primarily reflected a strengthening of the SCO differential during the first quarter of 2026 due to stronger refinery demand. The increase in SCO pricing for the first quarter of 2026 from the fourth quarter of 2025 primarily reflected stronger WTI benchmark pricing.
Natural Gas
NYMEX benchmark pricing averaged US$4.96 per MMBtu for the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 36% from US$3.66 per MMBtu for the first quarter of 2025 and an increase of 40% from US$3.55 per MMBtu for the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase in NYMEX natural gas pricing for the first quarter of 2026 from the comparable periods primarily reflected increased heating demand and weather-related outages following severe winter storms early in the first quarter of 2026 in the Eastern US, combined with sustained strength in global LNG demand and exports out of the US Gulf Coast.
AECO benchmark pricing averaged $2.36 per GJ for the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 23% from $1.92 per GJ for the first quarter of 2025 and an increase of 6% from $2.22 per GJ for the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase in AECO natural gas pricing for the first quarter of 2026 from the first quarter of 2025 primarily reflected higher NYMEX benchmark pricing and the ramp-up of LNG Canada, partially offset by increased gas production in the WCSB. The increase in AECO natural gas pricing for the first quarter of 2026 from the fourth quarter of 2025 primarily reflected higher NYMEX benchmark pricing supported by strong export demand from the basin, partially offset by elevated supply conditions in the WCSB associated with increased production and milder-than-normal winter weather.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
7
Three months ended March 31, 2026


DAILY PRODUCTION, before royalties
Three Months Ended
 Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Crude oil and NGLs (bbl/d)
   
North America – Exploration and Production603,265 585,497 561,238 
North America – Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading (1)
587,946 619,901 595,116 
International – Exploration and Production
North Sea4,829 7,618 11,507 
Offshore Africa2,039 2,348 5,943 
Total International (2)
6,868 9,966 17,450 
Total Crude oil and NGLs1,198,079 1,215,364 1,173,804 
Natural gas (MMcf/d) (3)
   
North America2,668 2,657 2,436 
International
North Sea2 
Offshore Africa — 11 
Total International2 15 
Total Natural gas2,670 2,660 2,451 
Total Barrels of oil equivalent (BOE/d)1,643,160 1,658,681 1,582,348 
Product mix   
Light and medium crude oil and NGLs
12%12%10%
Pelican Lake heavy crude oil2%3%3%
Primary heavy crude oil6%5%5%
Thermal bitumen17%16%18%
Synthetic crude oil (1)
36%37%38%
Natural gas27%27%26%
Percentage of product sales (1) (4) (5)
   
Crude oil and NGLs92%92%94%
Natural gas8%8%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, 2026


DAILY PRODUCTION, net of royalties
Three Months Ended
 Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Crude oil and NGLs (bbl/d)
   
North America – Exploration and Production497,369 499,585 455,307 
North America – Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading (1)
490,850 518,709 480,227 
International – Exploration and Production
North Sea4,825 7,610 11,493 
Offshore Africa2,039 2,240 5,685 
Total International6,864 9,850 17,178 
Total Crude oil and NGLs995,083 1,028,144 952,712 
Natural gas (MMcf/d)
   
North America2,544 2,570 2,348 
International
North Sea2 
Offshore Africa — 11 
Total International2 15 
Total Natural gas2,546 2,573 2,363 
Total Barrels of oil equivalent (BOE/d)1,419,481 1,456,944 1,346,536 
(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, thermal bitumen, SCO, and natural gas.
Crude oil and NGLs production before royalties for the first quarter of 2026 averaged 1,198,079 bbl/d, comparable with 1,173,804 bbl/d for the first quarter of 2025 and 1,215,364 bbl/d for the fourth quarter of 2025. Crude oil and NGLs production before royalties primarily reflected the acquisitions completed in the second and third quarters of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, and thermal pad additions at Pike, offset by the cyclical nature of Primrose, combined with third-party natural gas supply restrictions and unplanned maintenance activities in the Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment.
Annual crude oil and NGLs production before royalties for 2026 is targeted to average between 1,188,000 bbl/d and 1,229,000 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 2026 averaged 2,670 MMcf/d, an increase of 9% from 2,451 MMcf/d for the first quarter of 2025 and comparable with 2,660 MMcf/d for the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase in natural gas production before royalties for the first quarter of 2026 from the first quarter of 2025 primarily reflected the acquisitions completed in the second and third quarters of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, partially offset by natural field declines.
Annual natural gas production before royalties for 2026 is targeted to average between 2,560 MMcf/d and 2,615 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, 2026


North America – Exploration and Production
North America crude oil and NGLs production before royalties for the first quarter of 2026 of 603,265 bbl/d increased 7% from 561,238 bbl/d for the first quarter of 2025 and increased 3% from 585,497 bbl/d for the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase in North America crude oil and NGLs production before royalties for the first quarter of 2026 from the first quarter of 2025 primarily reflected the acquisitions completed in the second and third quarters of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, combined with thermal pad additions at Pike, and strong drilling results, partially offset by the cyclical nature of Primrose. The increase in North America crude oil and NGLs production before royalties for the first quarter of 2026 from the fourth quarter of 2025 primarily reflected the acquisition completed in the first quarter of 2026, thermal pad additions at Pike, and strong heavy oil drilling results, partially offset by the cyclical nature of Primrose and natural field declines.
The Company's thermal in situ assets continued to demonstrate long life low decline production before royalties, averaging 274,674 bbl/d for the first quarter of 2026, a decrease of 4% from 284,706 bbl/d for the first quarter of 2025 and an increase of 3% from 266,308 bbl/d for the fourth quarter of 2025. The decrease in thermal in situ production for the first quarter of 2026 from the first quarter of 2025 primarily reflected the cyclical nature of Primrose and natural field declines, partially offset by thermal pad additions at Pike. The increase in thermal in situ production for the first quarter of 2026 from the fourth quarter of 2025 primarily reflected thermal pad additions at Pike, partially offset by the cyclical nature of Primrose.
Pelican Lake heavy crude oil production before royalties for the first quarter of 2026 averaged 40,548 bbl/d, a decrease of 6% from 43,175 bbl/d for the first quarter of 2025 reflecting Pelican Lake's long life low decline production, and comparable with 41,577 bbl/d for the fourth quarter of 2025.
Natural gas production before royalties averaged 2,668 MMcf/d for the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 10% from 2,436 MMcf/d for the first quarter of 2025 and comparable with 2,657 MMcf/d for the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase in natural gas production before royalties for the first quarter of 2026 from the first quarter of 2025 primarily reflected the acquisitions completed in the second and third quarters of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, partially offset by natural field declines.
North America – Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading
SCO production before royalties for the first quarter of 2026 averaged 587,946 bbl/d, comparable with 595,116 bbl/d for the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of 5% from 619,901 bbl/d for the fourth quarter of 2025. The decrease in SCO production before royalties for the first quarter of 2026 from the fourth quarter of 2025 primarily reflected third-party natural gas supply restrictions and unplanned maintenance activities.
International – Exploration and Production
International crude oil and NGLs production before royalties for the first quarter of 2026 averaged 6,868 bbl/d, a decrease of 61% from 17,450 bbl/d for the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of 31% from 9,966 bbl/d for the fourth quarter of 2025. The decrease in crude oil and NGLs production before royalties for the first quarter of 2026 from the first quarter of 2025 reflected the temporary suspension of production at Baobab in Offshore Africa due to planned maintenance on its FPSO, which is expected to return to service in the second quarter of 2026, planned North Sea abandonments conducted as part of the previously announced decommissioning plans, and maintenance activities. The decrease in crude oil and NGLs production before royalties for the first quarter of 2026 from the fourth quarter of 2025 primarily reflected maintenance activities.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
10
Three months ended March 31, 2026


OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS – EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION
Three Months Ended
 Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Crude oil and NGLs ($/bbl) (1)
   
Realized price (2)
$76.02 $64.42 $79.85 
Transportation (3)
7.05 7.14 6.40 
Realized price, net of transportation (2)
68.97 57.28 73.45 
Royalties (4)
13.41 9.46 14.36 
Production expense (5)
13.54 14.35 15.74 
Netback (2)
$42.02 $33.47 $43.35 
Natural gas ($/Mcf) (1)
   
Realized price (6)
$3.32 $2.89 $3.13 
Transportation (3)
0.58 0.56 0.63 
Realized price, net of transportation 2.74 2.33 2.50 
Royalties (4)
0.15 0.09 0.11 
Production expense (5)
1.24 1.10 1.20 
Netback (7)
$1.35 $1.14 $1.19 
Barrels of oil equivalent ($/BOE) (1)
   
Realized price (2)
$52.88 $44.85 $54.95 
Transportation (3)
5.54 5.56 5.34 
Realized price, net of transportation (2)
47.34 39.29 49.61 
Royalties (4)
8.23 5.73 8.76 
Production expense (5)
10.96 11.08 12.23 
Netback (2)
$28.15 $22.48 $28.62 
(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, 2026


REALIZED PRODUCT PRICES – EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION
Three Months Ended
 Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Crude oil and NGLs ($/bbl) (1)
   
North America (2)
$75.91 $63.83 $78.56 
International average (3)
$91.81 $87.45 $107.04 
North Sea (3)
$91.81 $89.02 $107.57 
Offshore Africa (3)
$ $83.53 $106.30 
Crude oil and NGLs average (2)
$76.02 $64.42 $79.85 
Natural gas ($/Mcf) (1) (3)
   
North America$3.32 $2.89 $3.06 
International average$11.26 $8.87 $14.46 
North Sea$11.26 $8.87 $16.43 
Offshore Africa$ $— $13.65 
Natural gas average$3.32 $2.89 $3.13 
Average ($/BOE) (1) (2)
$52.88 $44.85 $54.95 
(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 $75.91 per bbl for the first quarter of 2026, a decrease of 3% from $78.56 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 and an increase of 19% from $63.83 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2025. The decrease in North America realized crude oil and NGLs prices per bbl for the first quarter of 2026 from the first quarter of 2025 primarily reflected the widening of the WCS Heavy Differential. The increase for the first quarter of 2026 from the fourth quarter of 2025 primarily reflected higher WTI benchmark pricing. Realized crude oil and NGLs pricing is also directly impacted by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates as sales prices are primarily denominated with reference to US dollar benchmarks. The Company continues to focus on its crude oil blending and marketing strategy and in the first quarter of 2026 contributed approximately 247,000 bbl/d of heavy crude oil blends to the WCS stream.
North America realized natural gas prices increased 8% to average $3.32 per Mcf for the first quarter of 2026 from $3.06 per Mcf for the first quarter of 2025 and increased 15% from $2.89 per Mcf for the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase in North America realized natural gas prices per Mcf for the first quarter of 2026 from the comparable periods primarily reflected higher benchmark pricing.
The prices received in the North America Exploration and Production segment by product type were as follows:
Three Months Ended
(Quarterly average)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Wellhead Price (1)
   
Light and medium crude oil and NGLs ($/bbl)$73.85 $58.26 $76.47 
Pelican Lake heavy crude oil ($/bbl)$78.70 $66.75 $83.57 
Primary heavy crude oil ($/bbl)$76.54 $65.69 $81.76 
Thermal bitumen ($/bbl)$76.72 $66.61 $77.96 
Natural gas ($/Mcf)$3.32 $2.89 $3.06 
(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, 2026


International
International realized crude oil and NGLs prices decreased 14% to average $91.81 per bbl for the first quarter of 2026 from $107.04 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 and increased 5% from $87.45 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2025. Realized crude oil and NGLs prices per bbl in any particular period are dependent on the terms of the various sales contracts, the frequency and timing of liftings from each field, prevailing Brent benchmark prices and foreign exchange rates at the time of lifting.
ROYALTIES – EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION
Three Months Ended
 Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Crude oil and NGLs ($/bbl) (1)
   
North America$13.51 $9.67 $14.94 
International average$0.08 $1.16 $1.99 
North Sea$0.08 $0.09 $0.14 
Offshore Africa$ $3.84 $4.61 
Crude oil and NGLs average$13.41 $9.46 $14.36 
Natural gas ($/Mcf) (1)
   
North America$0.15 $0.09 $0.11 
Offshore Africa$ $— $0.63 
Natural gas average$0.15 $0.09 $0.11 
Average ($/BOE) (1)
$8.23 $5.73 $8.76 
(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 2026 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 18% of product sales for the first quarter of 2026 compared with 19% for the first quarter of 2025 and 15% for the fourth quarter of 2025. The decrease in royalty rates for the first quarter of 2026 from the first quarter of 2025 primarily reflected the widening of the WCS Heavy Differential. The increase in royalty rates for the first quarter of 2026 from the fourth quarter of 2025 primarily reflected higher WTI benchmark pricing.
Natural gas royalty rates averaged approximately 5% of product sales for the first quarter of 2026 compared with 4% for the first quarter of 2025 and 3% for the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase in royalty rates for the first quarter of 2026 from the comparable periods primarily reflected higher 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.
No royalty expense was recognized in the first quarter of 2026 due to the absence of product sales. By comparison, royalty rates were 4% of product sales for the first quarter of 2025 and 5% for the fourth quarter of 2025. 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, 2026


PRODUCTION EXPENSE – EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION
Three Months Ended
 Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Crude oil and NGLs ($/bbl) (1)
North America$13.03 $12.24 $12.65 
International average$85.18 $96.90 $80.63 
North Sea$85.18 $115.45 $117.56 
Offshore Africa$ $50.50 $28.26 
Crude oil and NGLs average$13.54 $14.35 $15.74 
Natural gas ($/Mcf) (1)
North America$1.23 $1.09 $1.16 
International average$7.60 $11.69 $7.60 
North Sea$7.60 $11.69 $10.52 
Offshore Africa$ $— $6.42 
Natural gas average$1.24 $1.10 $1.20 
Average ($/BOE) (1)
$10.96 $11.08 $12.23 
(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 2026 averaged $13.03 per bbl, comparable with $12.65 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 and an increase of 6% from $12.24 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase in crude oil and NGLs production expense per bbl for the first quarter of 2026 from the fourth quarter of 2025 primarily reflected seasonal service costs.
North America natural gas production expense for the first quarter of 2026 of $1.23 per Mcf increased 6% from $1.16 per Mcf for the first quarter of 2025 and increased 13% from $1.09 per Mcf for the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase in natural gas production expense per Mcf for the first quarter of 2026 from the first quarter of 2025 primarily reflected higher energy and service costs. The increase in natural gas production expense per Mcf for the first quarter of 2026 from the fourth quarter of 2025 primarily reflected seasonal service costs.
International
International crude oil and NGLs production expense for the first quarter of 2026 of $85.18 per bbl increased 6% from $80.63 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 and decreased 12% from $96.90 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase in crude oil and NGLs production expense per bbl for the first quarter of 2026 from the first quarter of 2025 primarily reflected activities at Ninian in the pre-cessation period, the timing of liftings from various fields that have different cost structures, and the impact of foreign exchange. The decrease in crude oil and NGLs production expense per bbl for the first quarter of 2026 from the fourth quarter of 2025 primarily reflected the timing of liftings from various fields that have different cost structures.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
14
Three months ended March 31, 2026


ADJUSTED DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION – EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except per BOE amounts)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
North America$1,131 $1,217 $1,092 
North Sea6 215 40 
Offshore Africa14 340 59 
Depletion, depreciation and amortization$1,151 $1,772 $1,191 
Less: Recoverability charges (1)
 519 — 
Adjusted depletion, depreciation and amortization (2)
$1,151 $1,253 $1,191 
$/BOE (3)
$12.12 $12.98 $13.27 
(1)In the fourth quarter of 2025, the Company recognized recoverability charges of $519 million in depletion, depreciation and amortization expense, including $204 million related to North Sea abandonment and decommissioning activities, $269 million related to the decision not to pursue an extension of its Production Sharing Contract for the Espoir field in Offshore Africa, and $46 million related to the decision not to pursue development of Kossipo in Offshore Africa.
(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 production or current period normal course depletion, depreciation and amortization expense such as asset recoverability charges. 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 2026 averaged $12.12 per BOE, a decrease of 9% from $13.27 per BOE for the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of 7% from $12.98 per BOE for the fourth quarter of 2025. The decrease in adjusted depletion, depreciation and amortization expense per BOE for the first quarter of 2026 from the first quarter of 2025 primarily reflected changes in North America depletion rates due to changes in reserve estimates at December 31, 2025 combined with the impact of higher sales volumes in the first quarter of 2026, partially offset by a higher depletable base following acquisitions completed in 2025. The decrease for the first quarter of 2026 from the fourth quarter of 2025 primarily reflected changes in North America depletion rates due to changes in reserve estimates at December 31, 2025.
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION ACCRETION – EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except per BOE amounts)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
North America$55 $58 $53 
North Sea20 23 14 
Offshore Africa2 
Asset retirement obligation accretion $77 $83 $69 
$/BOE (1)
$0.80 $0.85 $0.77 
(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 2026 averaged $0.80 per BOE, an increase of 4% from $0.77 per BOE for the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of 6% from $0.85 per BOE for the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase in asset retirement obligation accretion expense per BOE for the first quarter of 2026 from the first quarter of 2025 reflected the impact of revisions in cost and timing estimates in the North Sea in the second half of 2025, partially offset by higher sales volumes in the first quarter of 2026. The decrease for the first quarter of 2026 from the fourth quarter of 2025 primarily reflected the impact of revisions to cost and timing estimates and changes in discount rates at December 31, 2025.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
15
Three months ended March 31, 2026


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 SCO production averaging 587,946 bbl/d in the first quarter of 2026.
REALIZED PRODUCT PRICES, ROYALTIES AND TRANSPORTATION – OIL SANDS MINING AND UPGRADING
Three Months Ended
($/bbl) Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Realized SCO sales price (1)
$89.68 $75.90 $95.52 
Bitumen value for royalty purposes (2)
$66.45 $58.68 $73.72 
Bitumen royalties (3)
$15.20 $9.54 $18.22 
Transportation (4)
$2.60 $2.56 $3.21 
(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 $89.68 per bbl for the first quarter of 2026, a decrease of 6% from $95.52 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 and an increase of 18% from $75.90 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2025. The decrease in realized SCO sales price per bbl for the first quarter of 2026 from the first quarter of 2025 primarily reflected prevailing benchmark pricing and changes in the product sales mix between periods. The increase in realized SCO sales price per bbl for the first quarter of 2026 from the fourth quarter of 2025 primarily reflected higher WTI benchmark pricing.
The fluctuations in bitumen royalties per bbl in any particular period reflect prevailing bitumen value for royalty purposes, and the impact of sliding scale royalty rates. The decrease in bitumen royalties per bbl for the first quarter of 2026 from the first quarter of 2025 primarily reflected the decrease in average bitumen value for royalty purposes. The increase for the first quarter of 2026 from the fourth quarter of 2025 primarily reflected the increase in average bitumen value for royalty purposes and the impact of sliding scale royalty rates.
Transportation expense averaged $2.60 per bbl for the first quarter of 2026, a decrease of 19% from $3.21 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 and comparable with $2.56 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2025. The decrease in transportation expense per bbl for the first quarter of 2026 from the first quarter of 2025 primarily reflected lower transportation expense following the recognition of the Corridor pipeline as a lease asset following the AOSP asset swap in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Canadian Natural Resources Limited
16
Three months ended March 31, 2026


PRODUCTION EXPENSE – OIL SANDS MINING AND UPGRADING
Three Months Ended
($ millions)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Production expense, excluding natural gas costs$1,214 $1,207 $1,135 
Natural gas costs55 46 50 
Production expense$1,269 $1,253 $1,185 
Three Months Ended
($/bbl) Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Production expense, excluding natural gas costs (1)
$22.70 $21.03 $20.95 
Natural gas costs (2)
1.03 0.81 0.93 
Production expense (3)
$23.73 $21.84 $21.88 
Sales volumes (bbl/d)594,042 624,125 602,048 
(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.
Production expense for the first quarter of 2026 averaged $23.73 per bbl, an increase of 8% from $21.88 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 and an increase of 9% from $21.84 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase in production expense per bbl for the first quarter of 2026 from the comparable periods primarily reflected unplanned maintenance activities and lower sales volumes.
DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION – OIL SANDS MINING AND UPGRADING
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except per bbl amounts)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Depletion, depreciation and amortization$722 $762 $675 
$/bbl (1)
$13.50 $13.26 $12.45 
(1)Calculated as depletion, depreciation and amortization expense divided by sales volumes.
Depletion, depreciation and amortization expense for the first quarter of 2026 of $13.50 per bbl increased 8% from $12.45 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 and was comparable with $13.26 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase in depletion, depreciation and amortization expense per bbl for the first quarter of 2026 from the first quarter of 2025 primarily reflected a higher depletable base due to the gain recognized on the AOSP mine assets, combined with the recognition of the Corridor pipeline as a lease asset, both arising from the AOSP asset swap in the fourth quarter of 2025.
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION ACCRETION – OIL SANDS MINING AND UPGRADING
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except per bbl amounts)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Asset retirement obligation accretion$21 $21 $22 
$/bbl (1)
$0.40 $0.37 $0.40 
(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 2026 of $0.40 per bbl was comparable with $0.40 per bbl for the first quarter of 2025 and increased 8% from $0.37 per bbl for the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase in asset retirement obligation accretion expense per bbl for the first quarter of 2026 from the fourth quarter of 2025 primarily reflected the impact of lower sales volumes in the first quarter of 2026.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
17
Three months ended March 31, 2026


MIDSTREAM AND REFINING
Three Months Ended
($ millions)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Product sales
Midstream activities$23 $23 $22 
NWRP, refined product sales and other277 206 221 
Segmented revenue300 229 243 
Less:
NWRP, refining toll57 63 68 
Midstream activities6 
Production expense63 68 73 
NWRP, feedstock costs170 144 172 
Transportation expense4 
Depreciation4 
Segmented earnings (loss)$59 $$(10)
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 other refined products and associated refining tolls are recognized in the Midstream and Refining segment. For the first quarter of 2026, production of ultra-low sulphur diesel and other refined products averaged 94,351 BOE/d (23,588 BOE/d to the Company) (three months ended December 31, 2025 – 89,969 BOE/d; 22,492 BOE/d to the Company; three months ended March 31, 2025 – 83,863 BOE/d; 20,966 BOE/d to the Company), reflecting the 25% toll payer commitment.
As at March 31, 2026, the Company's cumulative unrecognized share of the equity loss and partnership distributions from NWRP was $471 million (December 31, 2025 – $496 million). For the three months ended March 31, 2026, the Company's recovery of its share of unrecognized equity losses was $25 million (three months ended December 31, 2025 – unrecognized equity loss of $13 million; three months ended March 31, 2025 – unrecognized equity loss of $19 million).
ADMINISTRATION EXPENSE
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except per BOE amounts)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Administration expense$154 $160 $152 
$/BOE (1)
$1.04 $1.04 $1.06 
Sales volumes (BOE/d) (2)
1,649,558 1,672,708 1,599,487 
(1)Calculated as administration expense divided by sales volumes.
(2)Total Company sales volumes.
Administration expense for the first quarter of 2026 of $1.04 per BOE was comparable with the first quarter of 2025 and the fourth quarter of 2025.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
18
Three months ended March 31, 2026


SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Three Months Ended
($ millions)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Share-based compensation expense$644 $83 $26 
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 $644 million of share-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2026 primarily as a result of changes in the Company's share price, the measurement of the fair value of outstanding stock options related to the impact of normal course graded vesting of stock options granted in prior periods, and the impact of vested stock options exercised or surrendered during the period.
INTEREST AND OTHER FINANCING EXPENSE
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except effective interest rate)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Interest and other financing expense$318 $245 $258 
Less: Interest (income) and other expense (1)
64 (18)(6)
Interest expense on long-term debt and lease liabilities (1)
$254 $263 $264 
Average current and long-term debt (2)
$17,445 $18,103 $19,147 
Average lease liabilities (2)
3,077 2,008 1,422 
Average long-term debt and lease liabilities (2)
$20,522 $20,111 $20,569 
Average effective interest rate (3) (4)
4.9%5.1%5.0%
Interest and other financing expense ($/BOE) (5)
$2.14 $1.60 $1.79 
Sales volumes (BOE/d) (6)
1,649,558 1,672,708 1,599,487 
(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 2026 increased 20% to $2.14 per BOE from $1.79 per BOE for the first quarter of 2025 and increased 34% from $1.60 per BOE for the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase in interest and other financing expense per BOE for the first quarter of 2026 from the comparable periods primarily reflected accrued interest in the North Sea, combined with higher average lease liabilities following the recognition of the Corridor pipeline in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The Company's average effective interest rate for the first quarter of 2026 was 4.9%, a decrease from 5.0% for the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease from 5.1% for the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting interest rates on the medium-term note issuances in December 2025, combined with a lower effective interest rate on higher average lease liabilities.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
19
Three months ended March 31, 2026


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
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Foreign currency forward contracts$43 $(24)$(20)
Foreign currency put options — (4)
Natural gas financial contracts (1) (2)
2 (3)(3)
Net realized loss (gain)45 (27)(27)
Foreign currency forward contracts1 14 
Foreign currency put options — (2)
Natural gas financial contracts (1) (2)
3 (9)
Natural gas embedded derivative (3)
312 (88)— 
Net unrealized loss (gain)316 (77)
Net loss (gain)$361 $(104)$(24)
(1)In the third quarter of 2025, the Company entered into fixed price financial contracts to buy 12,500 MMBtu/d of natural gas at US$1.30 AECO for the period of August to December 2025, and 25,000 MMBtu/d of natural gas at US$2.16 AECO for the period of January to December 2026.
(2)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.
(3)In the second quarter of 2025, the Company entered into a long-term natural gas supply agreement containing an embedded derivative. Further details are disclosed in note 14 to the financial statements.
The Company recorded a net realized risk management loss of $45 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026.
The Company recorded a net unrealized loss of $316 million ($243 million after tax of $73 million) on its risk management activities for the three months ended March 31, 2026 (three months ended December 31, 2025 – unrealized gain of $77 million ($59 million after tax of $18 million); three months ended March 31, 2025 – unrealized loss of $3 million ($2 million after tax of $1 million)).
Further details related to outstanding derivative financial instruments as at March 31, 2026 are disclosed in note 14 to the financial statements.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Three Months Ended
($ millions)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Net realized (gain) loss$(23)$(13)$242 
Net unrealized loss (gain) 285 (193)(285)
Net loss (gain) (1)
$262 $(206)$(43)
(1)Amounts are reported net of derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges.
The net realized foreign exchange gain for the first quarter of 2026 was primarily related to exchange rate fluctuations on the settlement of US dollar debt and working capital items denominated in US dollars.
The net unrealized foreign exchange loss for the first quarter of 2026 was primarily related to the translation of outstanding US dollar debt. The US/Canadian dollar exchange rate as at March 31, 2026 was US$0.7166 (December 31, 2025 – US$0.7292; March 31, 2025 – US$0.6955).
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
20
Three months ended March 31, 2026


INCOME TAXES
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except effective tax rates)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
North America (1)
$671 $596 $569 
North Sea(53)(16)(26)
Offshore Africa 11 
Current PRT – North Sea(65)(51)(39)
Other taxes2 
Current income tax 555 543 511 
Deferred corporate income tax(59)1,017 119 
Deferred PRT – North Sea(114)(15)
Deferred income tax (173)1,002 128 
Income tax $382 $1,545 $639 
Earnings before taxes$1,730 $6,848 $3,097 
Effective tax rate on net earnings (2)
22%23%21%
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except effective tax rates)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Income tax $382 $1,545 $639 
Tax effect on non-operating items (3)
126 (1,088)
Current PRT – North Sea65 51 39 
Deferred PRT – North Sea114 (26)(9)
Other taxes(2)(3)(2)
Effective tax on adjusted net earnings$685 $479 $672 
Adjusted net earnings from operations (4)
$2,446 $1,711 $2,436 
Adjusted net earnings from operations, before taxes
$3,131 $2,190 $3,108 
Effective tax rate on adjusted net earnings from operations (5) (6)
22%22%22%
(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 gain on disposition and remeasurement, and recoverability charges related to the North Sea and Offshore Africa recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025.
(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 2026 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.
Deferred corporate income tax in North America for the fourth quarter of 2025 included the deferred tax impacts of the gain on disposition and remeasurement associated with the AOSP asset swap.
The current and deferred corporate income tax and the current and deferred PRT in the North Sea for the first quarter of 2026 and the comparable periods included the impact of carrybacks of abandonment expenditures related to the decommissioning activities in the North Sea. Deferred PRT and income taxes for the fourth quarter of 2025 also reflected the impact of the recoverability charges recognized in depletion, depreciation and amortization expense.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
21
Three months ended March 31, 2026


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.
NET CAPITAL EXPENDITURES (1) (2)
Three Months Ended
($ millions)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Exploration and Production
Exploration and Evaluation Assets
Net expenditures$23 $$19 
Net property acquisitions (dispositions)63 (9)(13)
Total Exploration and Evaluation Assets86 (5)
Property, Plant and Equipment   
Net property acquisitions710 45 31 
Well drilling, completion and equipping634 514 536 
Production and related facilities379 398 390 
Other (135)18 
Total Property, Plant and Equipment1,588 975 960 
Total Exploration and Production1,674 970 966 
Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading   
Project costs44 92 55 
Sustaining capital285 340 216 
Turnaround costs11 46 
Net property acquisitions (3)
 (212)— 
Other2 
Total Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading342 232 319 
Midstream and Refining1 
Head Office11 33 16 
Net capital expenditures$2,028 $1,237 $1,303 
Abandonment expenditures$247 $201 $188 
By Segment   
North America$1,529 $812 $836 
North Sea2 — 
Offshore Africa143 158 127 
Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading342 232 319 
Midstream and Refining1 
Head Office11 33 16 
Net capital expenditures $2,028 $1,237 $1,303 
(1)Net capital expenditures exclude the impact of lease assets and fair value adjustments.
(2)Non-GAAP Financial Measure. Refer to the 'Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures' section of this MD&A.
(3)Includes cash acquired and received as net consideration of $212 million related to the AOSP asset swap within the Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
22
Three months ended March 31, 2026


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 $2,028 million for the first quarter of 2026 compared with $1,303 million for the first quarter of 2025 and $1,237 million for the fourth quarter of 2025. In addition, the Company reported abandonment expenditures of $247 million for the first quarter of 2026 compared with $188 million for the first quarter of 2025 and $201 million for the fourth quarter of 2025.
2026 Capital Budget
On December 16, 2025, the Company announced its 2026 operating capital budget(1) targeted at approximately $6,300 million. With this capital, the Company is targeting production growth in 2026 of approximately 3% from 2025, as it invests in short and medium-term production, while commencing front-end engineering and design on potential additional medium and long-term value creation opportunities. In addition, the Company targets approximately $125 million of capital related to carbon capture projects. The Company targets $993 million in abandonment expenditures for 2026, before recoveries, related to its abandonment and reclamation programs in North America and the North Sea. On March 5, 2026, the Company revised its operating capital forecast to $5,990 million, included net acquisition capital of $765 million and increased its production guidance to between 1,615,000 BOE/d and 1,665,000 BOE/d.
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 2026 capital budget constitutes forward‑looking statements and is based on net capital expenditures (Non-GAAP Financial Measure). 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
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Net successful crude oil wells (3)
113 114 74 
Net successful natural gas wells24 20 19 
Dry wells1 
Total138 135 94 
Success rate99%99%99%
(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 2026, the Company drilled 24 net natural gas wells, 49 net primary heavy crude oil wells, 6 net Pelican Lake heavy crude oil wells, 31 net thermal bitumen wells, and 28 net light crude oil wells.
(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, 2026


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
($ millions, except ratios)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Adjusted working capital (1)
$289 $42 $20 
Long-term debt, net (2)
$16,153 $15,944 $17,335 
Shareholders' equity$44,638 $44,366 $40,445 
Debt to book capitalization (2)
26.6%26.4%30.0%
After-tax return on average capital employed (3)
17.5%19.5%15.3%
(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, 2026, 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, 2025. 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.
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, where 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 2026, the Company cancelled the $140 million portion of its $2,565 million revolving syndicated credit facility, maturing June 2027, reducing the capacity to $2,425 million, with a maturity of June 2029.
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. The Company reserves capacity under its revolving bank credit facilities for amounts outstanding under this program.
In August 2025, 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 September 2027. 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, 2026, the Company had $1,350 million remaining on its base shelf prospectus.
In August 2025, the Company filed a base shelf prospectus that allows for the offer for sale from time to time of up to US$4,500 million of debt securities in the United States, which expires in September 2027. 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, 2026, the Company had US$3,003 million remaining on its base shelf prospectus.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
24
Three months ended March 31, 2026


As at March 31, 2026, the Company had undrawn bank credit facilities of $5,358 million, and a fully drawn non-revolving term credit facility of $4,000 million. Including cash and cash equivalents, the Company had approximately $6,166 million in liquidity. The Company also has certain other dedicated credit facilities supporting letters of credit.
Long-term debt, net was $16,153 million as at March 31, 2026 (December 31, 2025 – $15,944 million), resulting in a debt to book capitalization ratio of 26.6% (December 31, 2025 – 26.4%); 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, 2026, 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, 2026 are discussed in note 7 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.
As at March 31, 2026, 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)
$441 $6,061 $2,844 $7,700 
Other long-term liabilities (2) (3)
$377 $278 $639 $2,248 
Interest and other financing expense (4)
$981 $863 $1,861 $3,562 
(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, $365 million; one to less than two years, $278 million; two to less than five years, $639 million; and thereafter, $1,777 million.
(3)Includes a gross derivative liability of $471 million associated with the Company's natural gas embedded derivative. The gross liability is offset by a gross derivative asset of $102 million, resulting in a net liability of $369 million.
(4)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, 2026.
Share Capital
As at March 31, 2026, there were 2,085,710,000 common shares outstanding (December 31, 2025 – 2,081,578,000 common shares) and 59,291,000 stock options outstanding (December 31, 2025 – 54,734,000 stock options). As at May 5, 2026, the Company had 2,080,387,000 common shares outstanding and 57,401,000 stock options outstanding.
On March 4, 2026, the Board of Directors approved a 6% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.625 per common share, beginning with the dividend paid on April 7, 2026.
On March 5, 2025, the Board of Directors approved a 4% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.5875 per common share.
The dividend policy undergoes periodic review by the Board of Directors and is subject to change.
On March 10, 2026, 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 182,396,564 common shares, representing 10% of the public float, over a 12-month period commencing March 13, 2026 and ending March 12, 2027, subject to applicable securities laws.
For the three months ended March 31, 2026, the Company purchased 5,425,000 common shares at a weighted average price of $57.26 per common share for a total cost, including tax, of $311 million. Retained earnings were reduced by $281 million, representing the excess of the purchase price of common shares over their average carrying value. Subsequent to March 31, 2026, up to and including May 5, 2026, the Company purchased 5,650,000 common shares at a weighted average price of $63.19 per common share for a total cost, including tax, of $360 million.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
25
Three months ended March 31, 2026


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, 2026:
($ millions)Remaining 20262027202820292030Thereafter
Product transportation, purchases, and processing (1)
$1,729 $2,279 $2,135 $1,977 $1,816 $18,169 
North West Redwater Partnership service toll (2)
$81 $95 $96 $95 $95 $3,865 
Offshore vessels and decommissioning equipment$179 $— $— $— $— $— 
Field equipment and supplies$123 $122 $121 $24 $24 $170 
Office leases and other $219 $66 $19 $18 $18 $176 
(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 $1,764 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.
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 Accounting Standards 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, 2025.
CONTROL ENVIRONMENT
There have been no changes to internal control over financial reporting ("ICFR") during the three months ended March 31, 2026 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, 2026


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 Accounting Standards 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
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Net earnings $1,348 $5,303 $2,458 
Share-based compensation, net of tax (1)
591 79 22 
Unrealized risk management loss (gain), net of tax (2)
243 (59)
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain), net of tax (3)
285 (193)(285)
Realized foreign exchange (gain) loss on financing activities, net of tax (4)
(21)(23)239 
Gain on acquisition, disposition, and remeasurement, net of tax (5)
 (3,845)— 
Recoverability charges, net of tax (6) (7)
 449 — 
Non-operating items, net of tax1,098 (3,592)(22)
Adjusted net earnings from operations$2,446 $1,711 $2,436 
(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, 2026 was an expense of $644 million (three months ended December 31, 2025 – $83 million expense; three months ended March 31, 2025 – $26 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 natural gas and foreign exchange. The pre-tax unrealized risk management loss for the three months ended March 31, 2026 was $316 million (three months ended December 31, 2025 – $77 million gain; three months ended March 31, 2025 – $3 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 primarily result from the repayment of US dollar denominated debt and are recognized in net earnings. Pre- and after-tax amounts for these realized foreign exchange gains and losses are the same.
(5)During the fourth quarter of 2025, the Company completed the AOSP asset swap. As a result, the Company recognized a gain on acquisition, disposition, and remeasurement of $4,989 million ($3,845 after-tax) in net earnings.
(6)During the fourth quarter of 2025, the Company recognized a pre-tax non-cash recoverability charge of $204 million ($141 million after-tax) in depletion, depreciation and amortization expense relating to the North Sea abandonment and decommissioning activities. The costs are included in capital and abandonment expenditures, consistent with the treatment of all abandonment related expenditures for the purpose of the Company's non-GAAP measures.
(7)During the fourth quarter of 2025, the Company recognized pre-tax non-cash recoverability charges of $315 million ($308 million after-tax) in depletion, depreciation and amortization expense relating to Offshore Africa.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
27
Three months ended March 31, 2026


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
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Cash flows from operating activities$3,282 $3,768 $4,284 
Net change in non-cash working capital818 (134)(82)
Abandonment expenditures247 201 188 
Movements in other long-term assets (1)
27 (87)140 
Adjusted funds flow$4,374 $3,748 $4,530 
(1)Includes the unamortized cost of contributions to the Company's employee bonus program, interest on PRT recoveries in the North Sea, 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 13 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 Accounting Standards.
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 16 to the financial statements.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
28
Three months ended March 31, 2026


Realized Price ($/bbl and $/BOE) – Exploration and Production
Realized price ($/bbl and $/BOE) is a non-GAAP ratio calculated as realized crude oil and NGLs sales and total realized BOE sales (non-GAAP financial measures) divided by respective sales volumes. Realized crude oil and NGLs sales and total realized BOE sales is comprised of crude oil and NGLs sales and natural gas sales less blending and feedstock costs and other by-product sales, as disclosed in note 16 to the financial statements. The Company considers realized price a key measure in evaluating its performance, as it demonstrates the realized pricing per unit the Company obtained on the market for its crude oil and NGLs sales volumes and BOE sales volumes.
Reconciliations for Exploration and Production realized crude oil and NGLs sales and BOE sales and the calculations for realized price are presented below.
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except bbl/d and $/bbl)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Crude oil and NGLs (bbl/d)
North America606,104 590,144 562,183 
International
North Sea4,332 10,804 15,665 
Offshore Africa 4,318 11,048 
Total International4,332 15,122 26,713 
Total sales volumes610,436 605,266 588,896 
Crude oil and NGLs sales (1)
$5,425 $4,539 $5,624 
Less: Blending and feedstock costs (2)
1,248 951 1,391 
Realized crude oil and NGLs sales$4,177 $3,588 $4,233 
Realized price ($/bbl)$76.02 $64.42 $79.85 
(1)Crude oil and NGLs sales in note 16 to the financial statements.
(2)Blending and feedstock costs in note 16 to the financial statements.
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except BOE/d and $/BOE)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Barrels of oil equivalent (BOE/d)
North America1,050,813 1,032,973 968,189 
International
North Sea4,703 11,292 16,399 
Offshore Africa 4,318 12,851 
Total International4,703 15,610 29,250 
Total sales volumes1,055,516 1,048,583 997,439 
Barrels of oil equivalent sales (1)
$6,223 $5,247 $6,314 
Less: Blending and feedstock costs (2)
1,248 951 1,391 
Less: Sulphur income(48)(30)(9)
Realized barrels of oil equivalent sales $5,023 $4,326 $4,932 
Realized price ($/BOE)$52.88 $44.85 $54.95 
(1)Barrels of oil equivalent sales includes crude oil and NGLs sales and natural gas sales in note 16 to the financial statements.
(2)Blending and feedstock costs in note 16 to the financial statements.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
29
Three months ended March 31, 2026


North America – Realized Product Prices and Royalties
Realized crude oil and NGLs price ($/bbl) is a non-GAAP ratio calculated as realized crude oil and NGLs sales (non-GAAP financial measure) divided by sales volumes. Realized crude oil and NGLs sales is comprised of crude oil and NGLs sales less blending and feedstock costs, as disclosed in note 16 to the financial statements. The Company considers the realized crude oil and NGLs price a key measure in evaluating its performance, as it demonstrates the realized pricing per unit that the Company obtained on the market for its crude oil and NGLs sales volumes.
Crude oil and NGLs royalty rate is a non-GAAP ratio that is calculated as crude oil and NGLs royalties divided by realized crude oil and NGLs sales. The Company considers crude oil and NGLs royalty rate a key measure in evaluating its performance, as it describes the Company's royalties for crude oil and NGLs sales volumes on a per unit basis.
A reconciliation for North America realized crude oil and NGLs sales and the calculations for realized crude oil and NGLs prices and the royalty rates are presented below.
Three Months Ended
($ millions, except $/bbl and royalty rates)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Crude oil and NGLs sales (1)
$5,389 $4,417 $5,366 
Less: Blending and feedstock costs (2)
1,248 951 1,391 
Realized crude oil and NGLs sales$4,141 $3,466 $3,975 
Realized crude oil and NGLs prices ($/bbl)$75.91 $63.83 $78.56 
Crude oil and NGLs royalties (3)
$737 $525 $756 
Crude oil and NGLs royalty rates18%15%19%
(1)Crude oil and NGLs sales in note 16 to the financial statements.
(2)Blending and feedstock costs in note 16 to the financial statements.
(3)Item is a component of royalties in note 16 to the financial statements.
Realized Product Prices – Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading
Realized SCO sales price ($/bbl) is a non-GAAP ratio calculated as realized SCO sales (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 16 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
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
SCO sales volumes (bbl/d)594,042 624,125 602,048 
Crude oil and NGLs sales (1)
$5,537 $4,955 $5,879 
Less: Blending and feedstock costs (2)
743 597 703 
Realized SCO sales$4,794 $4,358 $5,176 
Realized SCO sales price ($/bbl)$89.68 $75.90 $95.52 
(1)Crude oil and NGLs sales in note 16 to the financial statements.
(2)Blending and feedstock costs in note 16 to the financial statements.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
30
Three months ended March 31, 2026


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
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Cash flows used in investing activities$1,949 $1,200 $1,312 
Net change in non-cash working capital79 37 (9)
Net capital expenditures2,028 1,237 1,303 
Abandonment expenditures247 201 188 
Capital and abandonment expenditures$2,275 $1,438 $1,491 
Liquidity
Liquidity is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents the availability of readily available undrawn bank credit facilities, cash and cash equivalents, and other highly liquid assets to meet short-term funding requirements and to assist in assessing the Company's financial position. The Company's calculation of liquidity is presented below.
($ millions)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Undrawn bank credit facilities$5,358 $5,668 $4,965 
Cash and cash equivalents808 673 93 
Liquidity$6,166 $6,341 $5,058 
Long-term Debt, net
Long‑term debt, net, is a capital management measure that represents long-term debt, including the current portion of long‑term debt, less cash and cash equivalents, as disclosed in note 12 to the financial statements. A reconciliation of the Company's long‑term debt, net is presented below.
($ millions)Mar 31
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Long-term debt$16,961 $16,617 $17,428 
Less: Cash and cash equivalents808 673 93 
Long-term debt, net$16,153 $15,944 $17,335 
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 12 to the financial statements.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
31
Three months ended March 31, 2026


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
2026
Dec 31
2025
Mar 31
2025
Interest adjusted after-tax return:
Net earnings, 12 months trailing (1)
$9,710 $10,820 $7,577 
Interest and other financing expense, net of tax, 12 months trailing (2)
686 640 546 
Interest adjusted after-tax return$10,396 $11,460 $8,123 
12 months average current portion long-term debt (3)
$902 $1,293 $1,615 
12 months average long-term debt (3)
16,169 16,149 11,878 
12 months average common shareholders' equity (3)
42,242 41,208 39,757 
12 months average capital employed$59,313 $58,650 $53,250 
After-tax return on average capital employed17.5%19.5%15.3%
(1)Net earnings, 12 months trailing includes a gain on acquisition, disposition, and remeasurement of $4,989 million associated with the AOSP asset swap in the fourth quarter of 2025.
(2)The blended tax rate on interest was approximately 23% for each of the periods presented.
(3)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, 2026