The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, Sept. 11, edition that RBC Capital analyst Greg Pardy has reiterated his "sector perform" rating and $12 share target for Athabasca Oil. The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that analysts on average target the shares at $12.83. Mr. Pardy says in a note: "Our constructive stance toward Athabasca continues to reflect its capable leadership team, deep resource base, shareholder alignment, solid operating performance, strong balance sheet, organic growth profile and 100-per-cent payout of (thermal) free cash flow to shareholders. ... Athabasca has allocated $55-million toward Corner this year to advance the project to maintain the development schedule ahead of formal sanctioning anticipated before year end. Pending sanction, first steam is targeted for early 2029, with production ramping-up to 15,000 bbl/d by year-end 2029." Seeing a "high likelihood of Corner sanctioning later this year," Mr. Pardy increased his 2027 capital investment outlook for Athabasca to $550-million from $300-million previously, which includes $140-million allocated to Leismer and $300-million toward Corner. Athabasca's balance sheet remains strong."