TECHNOLOGY

Ithaca Energy raises 2026 dividend forecast after record Q2 production By Investing.com

PUBLISHED Aug 19, 2026, 8:18 AM ET

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Sources: 22

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Sources: 22

Ithaca Energy raised its 2026 dividend forecast to $500-530 million, up from $470-520 million, after reporting record second-quarter production of 131,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. The North Sea oil and gas producer declared a first interim dividend of $255 million, payable in September, while reaffirming full-year production guidance of 120,000-130,000 boed . Adjusted first-half EBITDAX reached $1.12 billion, and net debt fell to $1.02 billion with leverage at 0.49 times. Available liquidity increased to $1.9 billion following a bond tap placement . The company lowered its operating expense guidance by $20 million to $800-840 million . Executive chairman Yaniv Friedman cited "record quarterly production, continued safe and efficient operations, robust cash generation and disciplined capital allocation" for the improved outlook . The company remains "actively but patiently" pursuing M&A opportunities in the UKCS and internationally while advancing the Rosebank project toward first oil in H1 2027 and Cambo toward a 2027 sanction decision .

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On 14 November 2022: Ithaca Energy admitted to trading on London Stock Exchange.
· On 7 August 2025: Court approved CAD 9 million class-action settlement against Ithaca.
· On 17 March 2026: Ithaca targeted Cambo FID within next 12 months.
· On 18 August 2026: Record Q2 production of 131,000 boed achieved.
· On 19 August 2026: Dividend guidance raised to $500-530 million for 2026.
· On 19 August 2026: First interim dividend of $255 million declared today.
· On 24 September 2026: First interim dividend scheduled to be paid.
· On 4 September 2026: Dividend record date for shareholder register.
· During H1 2027: Rosebank first production expected by operator.
· During 2027: Cambo project moving toward final investment decision.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Limited direct impact; US investors may see dividend returns.
Possible long-term US impact: Minimal; company focused entirely on UK North Sea.
Most affected groups: UK-based energy investors and North Sea oil workers.
Readers should prioritise: Verify financial figures against company's official investor relations releases.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 22
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 22

Explain Framing

Left: May emphasise UK windfall tax impact and North Sea emissions concerns. Center: Reports financial performance neutrally with verified production and dividend figures. Right: Highlights shareholder returns and criticises UK government energy policy uncertainty. Final freshness search conducted: 2026-08-19. No newer material development was located during the final freshness search