The Calgary-based oil and gas producer said Thursday it will pay a special dividend of $1.50 per share on Aug. 31 to shareholders of record on Aug. 23. That makes Canadian Natural the latest energy producer to either pay out a special payout to shareholders or increase its regular dividend as higher energy prices have boosted excess cash. Specifically, Tourmaline Oil Corp. announced last week its third special dividend so far this year, and said it expects to announce quarterly special payments through next year. “The Company’s strong year-to-date execution of operations has resulted in substantial free cash flow generation due to our higher long-term, low-depreciation assets with low maintenance capital requirements and our low-cost structure. As a result, our financial position continues to strengthen, enabling incremental returns to shareholders,” Canadian Chief Financial Officer Mark Stainthorpe said in a press release. Canadian Natural also said Thursday that its cash flow from operating activities jumped to nearly $5.9 billion in the second quarter from $2.9 billion a year earlier. After adjustments including dividend payments, Canadian Natural said its free cash flow was $3.3 billion in the quarter. The company also raised its full-year capital spending forecast to as much as $4.9 billion from $4.3 billion and raised its production guidance for the year. In the second quarter, Canadian Natural said its production rose to 1.2 million barrels of oil equivalent per day from about 1.1 million last year.