EQNR Equinor ASA ADR

Equinor ASA has delayed a project to extend the life and cut emissions of the Hammerfest LNG export plant in Norway due to unexpected complexities and ballooning costs. This delay further solidifies the U.S.'s position as a primary LNG supplier to Europe. The Hammerfest facility is Europe's largest LNG plant, and its operational extension is now expected to be deferred by one year.

Equinor ASA is navigating a challenging market despite strong fundamentals and cash flows, with its stock price softening even as it returns significant capital to shareholders. The investment debate centers on whether it's a late-cycle oil major or an underpriced transition play, as the company balances its legacy oil and gas portfolio with strategic investments in low-carbon solutions. Analysts maintain a neutral-to-cautiously optimistic stance, underscoring the delicate balance between hydrocarbon earnings and the execution of its energy transition strategy.

Equinor repurchased 605,000 shares on the Oslo Stock Exchange between December 22-23, as part of its 2025 share buy-back program, totaling approximately NOK 140.4 million. This latest activity contributes to total buy-backs under the current tranche reaching 11.59 million shares, valued at roughly NOK 2.75 billion, increasing Equinor’s treasury shareholding to 2.19% of its share capital. This move highlights the company's capital-return strategy, intended to support earnings per share for investors.

Equinor ASA has provided an update on its share buy-back program, specifically the fourth tranche for 2025. Between December 22 and December 26, 2025, the company purchased 605,000 own shares at an average price of NOK 232.0085 per share. Total buy-backs under this tranche now amount to 11,585,791 shares, meaning Equinor ASA currently owns 2.19% of its share capital.

Equinor and its partners have discovered oil, condensate, and natural gas near the producing Tyrihans field in the Norwegian Sea, with estimated recoverable resources of 1-8 million barrels of oil equivalent. This discovery is the first exploration well in production license 1121 and will be assessed for a potential production well. Earlier in the month, Equinor also announced two significant gas and condensate discoveries in the Sleipner area of the North Sea.

Norway's natural gas production in November reached 361.5 million cubic meters a day, marking an 11-month high and exceeding forecasts by 2.1 percent. The country also sold 10.8 billion cubic meters of gas last month, contributing significantly to the EU's gaseous gas imports, while oil production saw a slight decrease but still beat projections. Equinor's new field developments, like Johan Castberg, Halten East, and Verdande, are driving increased production and extending the lifespan of existing infrastructure.