Hemisphere Energy Corporation (TSXV: HME) (OTCQX: HMENF) ("Hemisphere") is pleased to announce that its board of directors has approved the declaration of a special dividend to shareholders and provide an update from field operations.
Special Dividend
Given the strong financial position and performance outlook of the Company, Hemisphere is pleased to announce that its board of directors has approved the declaration of a special dividend of C$0.03 per common share, in accordance with its dividend policy. The special dividend will be paid on October 25, 2024 to shareholders of record on October 11, 2024, and is designated as an eligible dividend for Canadian income tax purposes. It is in addition to the Company's quarterly base dividend of C$0.025 per common share.
Hemisphere has committed $17.4 million to shareholder returns to date in 2024, including quarterly base dividend payments in February, June, and September, special dividend payments in July and October, and shares repurchased and cancelled under the Company's normal course issuer bid. This return of capital is funded entirely by the Company's free cash flow, and is made possible by its high netback, ultra-low decline enhanced oil recovery ("EOR") assets.
Operations Update
The Company has drilled six successful horizontal wells into its southeast Alberta Atlee Buffalo F and G pools over the past two months, with two remaining wells to drill as part of its summer development program. Drilling operations are expected to be finished early in the fourth quarter, and wells brought on production as they are tied-in through the remainder of the year.
Hemisphere has also commenced polymer injection at its new pilot EOR project in Marsden, Saskatchewan. Management anticipates that it could take until mid-2025 to increase reservoir pressure and evaluate production response at the three producers.