The Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) share price is in focus after its half-year results, which saw sales revenue reach US$244.9 million and an interim dividend declared at 1.2 cents per share fully franked.
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What did Karoon Energy report?
- First half FY26 sales revenue of US$244.9 million (down 21% year-on-year)
- Underlying EBITDAX of US$129.7 million (down 35%)
- Underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) of US$29.2 million; statutory NPAT of US$26.7 million
- Interim dividend of 1.2 cents per share fully franked (down 50%)
- US$15.3 million spent on share buybacks (11.8 million shares at an average A$1.84/share)
- Major Baúna investment campaign completed, and Who Dat East project sanctioned
What else do investors need to know?
Karoon wrapped up a significant capital project at Baúna, designed to improve long-term performance and bring key wells back online. While production and sales volumes were lower due to planned outages and a riser issue at Who Dat, the company benefited from stronger realised oil prices, with around 97% of sales being oil or liquids and no hedging in place.
Production costs dropped from US$74.0 million to US$59.3 million, mainly because Karoon now owns the Baúna FPSO, removing lease charges. Net debt increased to US$269.7 million, reflecting heavy first-half investment, but management expects cash outflows and debt to ease in the second half, provided oil prices and operations stay on track.
What did Karoon Energy management say?
Ms Carri Lockhart, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, commented:
In 1H26, Karoon undertook its largest ever program of capital projects at Baúna in Brazil, designed to enhance the future performance of the Baúna FPSO and bring two important wells back into production. All key Baúna activities have now been successfully delivered, with an excellent personal safety performance maintained throughout, positioning the Company for improved operating performance in 2H26…
We enter the second half in a strong position, with a low-cost asset base, restored production at Baúna and a robust balance sheet. Our core objectives remain unchanged, focused on ensuring safe, reliable and efficient operations, mitigating natural decline from our two long-life assets, advancing our growth opportunities and maintaining capital discipline to create shareholder value.
What's next for Karoon Energy?
Looking ahead, Karoon expects lower cash outflows and is on track to deliver annual cost savings of US$30–40 million following the FPSO purchase. A decision to progress with Front-End Engineering and Design for the Neon project is expected by the end of the year, while development of Who Dat East will commence after its recent approval.
2026 full-year guidance now includes increased capex for Who Dat East, with total production forecast between 7.2 and 8.2 million barrels of oil equivalent. Further work is underway on high-potential assets in Brazil and the US.
Karoon Energy share price snapshot
The Karoon Energy share price has underperformed the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) over the past 12 months with a decline of 9%.
