TIDMPPC
RNS Number : 4189Q
President Energy PLC
06 June 2018
6 June 2018
PRESIDENT ENERGY PLC
("President", "the Company", or "the Group")
Audited Results for the year ended 31 December 2017
and unaudited first quarter 2018 update
President (AIM: PPC), the upstream oil and gas company with a
diverse portfolio of production and exploration assets focused
primarily in Argentina, is pleased to announce its full year
audited results for the year ended 31 December 2017 and a first
quarter 2018 update. President Energy will be hosting an analyst
and investor conference call at 14:00 (BST). Please find dial-in
details at the bottom of the release.
Corporate & Financial Highlights
-- A transformational acquisition in late 2017 of Puesto
Flores/Estancia Vieja Concessions in the Neuquén Basin from Chevron
Argentina SRL producing immediate impact, generating profits,
positive cash and real returns to the Group
-- Acquisition cost of those concessions estimated to be paid
back in less than two years with production there growing and
currently at its highest level since purchase by President
-- Group turnover in 2018 on course to triple year on year
(2017: US$17.95 million), following an 81% increase in 2017 from
the previous year (2016: US$9.9 million)
-- Exit 2017 Group production over four times the exit 2016 level
-- In 2017 the Group recognised a gross loss of US$3.4 million
(2016: US$2.7 million) prior to the transformation that will flow
from the recent investment decisions
-- Strong positive cash generation from core operations in Q1
2018 of US$5 million and remaining robust
-- Group net production:
o Full year 2017 increased by 110% to 1,121boepd (2016: 533
boepd) on a like-for-like basis
o Q1 2018 increased by a further 80% to 2,018 boepd over full
year 2017 with production building up through the period
o Currently approximately 2,400 boepd, even with certain wells
off-line at the new concessions due to the on-going workover
programme
-- Significant improvement in core operating margin:
o 2017 well operating costs per boe excluding workovers reduced
by 26% in Argentina and 27% in the US over 2016; and
o In Q1 2018 costs decreased by a further 14% and 49%
respectively
-- Group-wide administrative costs reduced by:
o 44% over previous year to US$ 12.90 per boe (2016: US$23.20
per boe); and
o A further 25% to US$9.70 per boe in Q1 2018 and set to further
reduce as the year progresses
-- Cash at year end 2017 of US$4.0 million (2016: US$17.6
million) after two acquisitions and extensive capex referred to
below
-- Net debt of US$17.1 million after taking into account US$17.8
million paid for acquisitions and US$12.4 million capex incurred in
year (2016:net cash US$8.5 million)
-- Group 2P (proven and probable) hydrocarbon reserves as at y/e
2017 increased by 33% to 27.1 mmboe (2016 20.3 mmboe)
Argentina
-- All Concessions now operationally profitable and contributing to Group
-- At period end and the start of 2018 the Company successfully
worked over four wells at Puesto Flores/Estancia Vieja enabling oil
to be produced from previously undrilled intervals
-- Major seven well work-over programme at Puesto
Flores/Estancia Vieja now in progress with a three well drilling
campaign in planning and targeted to commence in September
-- Puesto Flores gross production as at 31 May 2018 was
approximately 1,800 boepd (President 90%, Ediphsa 10%) and
continuing to increase even with certain wells off-line for the
ongoing work-over programme
-- Current Puesto Flores operating field net back of US$36 per barrel
-- Newly re-activated Estancia Vieja field to start selling gas in June
-- Workover programme at Puesto Guardian in H1 2017 delivered
mixed results with field production having at one point during the
workover programme reached approximately 900 boepd now stable at
500 boepd
-- Puesto Guardian is currently generating field net back
contributing to G&A of US$15 per barrel with new development
wells projected to be drilled in 2019
-- Farmout commenced of exploration assets with early interest encouraging
-- On its current businesses, no corporate tax on profits
payable until estimated 2021 due to carried forward tax losses
Paraguay
-- During the year, additional third-party studies were carried
out that further validated President's optimistic view as to the
prospectivity of its in-country assets
-- The farm-out process continues - encouraging recent interest
Louisiana
-- The acquisition of an additional 50% WI (37.5% NRI) in April
2017 and the assumption of operatorship in the Triche Well, East
Lake Verret, Louisiana has delivered results substantially beyond
initial expectations
-- Louisiana contributes profitably to the Group with:
o production revenue increasing in the year 2017 by 33% to
US$3.6 million (2016: US$2.7 million) on higher volumes; and
o well operating costs per boe down 27% over previous year and
further decreased by 49% in Q1 of 2018
-- Louisiana is currently generating strong positive cash
generation from core operations of US$245k per month. No corporate
tax currently payable as carried forward losses being utilised
Outlook
-- With an increasingly capable and strengthened management
team, an extensive capex programme targeting proved and probable
reserves, the prospects for the present businesses to expand are
both real and positive
-- The Company will continue to seek the right acquisition to
complement its existing portfolio for which patience is
required
-- President views the rest of 2018 with well-founded optimism
from an increasingly strong trading and financial position
Peter Levine, Chairman, commented:
"2017 was a year of transition and the transformation of the
Company has been both swift and dramatic. The two acquisitions of
producing assets we made, one in the Neuquén Basin, Argentina and
the other, smaller, in Louisiana, are delivering results and cash
flow above expectations which were fortuitously timed in the light
of improving oil prices.
"With strong cash generation from our core operations in Q1 2018
of US$5 million, set to increase as the year progresses, we have
now developed into a Group delivering real positive returns for its
shareholders with the management and financial resources and
commitment to expand further both by acquisition and
organically.
"Our roadmap is clear, concentrating on cash flow, profits and
margins and we look forward to 2018 with well-founded optimism as
the Group goes from strength to strength."
Glossary
Boe barrels of oil equivalent
Bopd barrels of oil per day
Boepd barrels of oil equivalent per day
2P proven and probable hydrocarbon reserves
Conference call dial-in details:
United Kingdom: 08003589473
PIN: 47547253#
Contact:
President Energy PLC
Peter Levine, Chairman +44 (0) 207 016 7950
Rob Shepherd, Group FD +44 (0) 207 016 7950
finnCap (Nominated Advisor & Joint
Broker)
Christopher Raggett, Scott Mathieson,
Andrew Burdis +44 (0) 207 220 0573
BMO Capital Markets (Joint Broker)
Jeremy Low, Neil Haycock and Tom Rider +44 (0) 207 236 1010
Camarco Financial PR
Billy Clegg, Owen Roberts, Violet
Wilson +44 (0) 203 757 4980
Chairman's Statement
Summary
2017 was a year of transition and transformation. President
entered the year working to optimise the production from its only
asset in Argentina at the Puesto Guardian Concession with mixed
results. The Group ended the year transformed. By the end of 2017
President was producing four times more than at the same time the
previous year end with increased margins primarily as a result of
lower unit operating costs. In 2018, President continues to go from
strength to strength. With strong positive cash generation from
core operations of US$5 million for Q1 2018 there are realistic
expectations that such level will increase as the year progresses
and as benefit from the year-long capital expenditure programme
crystallises.
The results for 2017 portrayed in the light of our unaudited
management figures for Q1 2018 show the following:
-- A transformational acquisition in late 2017 of Puesto
Flores/Estancia Vieja Concessions in the Neuquén Basin from Chevron
Argentina SRL producing immediate impact, generating profits,
positive cash and real returns to the Group
-- Acquisition cost of those concessions estimated to be paid
back in less than two years with production there growing and
currently at its highest level since purchase by President
-- Group turnover in 2018 on course to triple year on year
(2017: US$17.95 million), following an 81% increase in 2017 from
the previous year (2016: US$9.9 million)
-- Exit 2017 Group production over four times the exit 2016 level
-- In 2017 the Group recognised a gross loss of US$3.4 million
(2016: US$2.7 million) prior to the transformation that will flow
from the recent investment decisions
-- Strong positive cash generation from core operations in Q1
2018 of US$5 million and remaining robust
-- Group net production:
o Full year 2017 increased by 110% to 1,121boepd (2016: 533
boepd) on a like-for-like basis
o Q1 2018 increased by a further 80% to 2,018 boepd over full
year 2017 with production building up through the period
o Currently approximately 2,400 boepd , even with certain wells
off-line at the new concessions due to the on-going workover
programme
-- Significant improvement in core operating margin:
o 2017 well operating costs per boe excluding workovers reduced
by 26% in Argentina and 27% in the US over 2016; and
o In Q1 2018 costs decreased by a further 14% and 49%
respectively
-- Group-wide administrative costs reduced by:
o 44% over previous year to US$ 12.90 per boe (2016: US$23.20
per boe); and
o A further 25% to US$9.70 per boe in Q1 2018 and set to further
reduce as the year progresses
-- Cash at year end 2017 of US$4.0 million (2016: US$17.6
million) after two acquisitions and extensive capex referred to
below;
-- Net debt of US$17.1 million after taking into account US$17.8
million paid for acquisitions and US$12.4 million capex incurred in
year (2016:net cash US$8.5 million)
-- Group 2P (proven and probable) hydrocarbon reserves as at y/e
2017 increased by 33% to 27.1 mmboe (2016 20.3 mmboe)
Argentina
Puesto Flores/Estancia Vieja
The fourth quarter of 2017 was a milestone in the Company's
future with the acquisition and integration of the Puesto
Flores/Estancia Vieja Concession, Rio Negro Province, in the famous
Neuquén Basin where the Company is pleased to partner with EDHIPSA,
the Rio Negro Provincial energy company which holds a 10% interest
in the Concession.
The purchase transformed the financial position and prospects of
President and from day one generated positive cash flow with
material operating profits. The full benefit of the acquisition and
licence extension will be felt in the results for the full year
2018 with payback of the acquisition cost of the asset estimated to
be less than two years.
The Concession has added significant value, added reserves to
our portfolio and provides substantial running room for growth in
both the fields. An early workover programme demonstrated that
there were untapped oil bearing intervals in Puesto Flores and
shut-in gas in Estancia Vieja. The accelerated programme announced
on 16 April 2018 will capitalise on this through workovers, new
drilling and gas production. Thus, President is focusing its
capital in this area where the return is greatest against other
areas of its portfolio. Such cash returns on its current businesses
benefit from no corporate tax being paid by President until it is
estimated 2021 due to carried forward tax losses.
Puesto Guardian
The first part of the year was spent conducting workovers of
certain wells in our Puesto Guardian Concession with mixed results.
The reasons for such results were due to both surface and
sub-surface issues. With regards to the former, new surface pumps
that had been ordered were late being delivered and subsequently
proved to be defective. The latter sub-surface issues have led us
to conclude that the optimal cost effective way to materially
increase production in the Concession is to drill new wells
targeting the many proven undeveloped accumulations. This is being
planned for 2019 and President remains optimistic as to the
opportunities in Puesto Guardian particularly as there is still
another 32 years left of the Concession term.
We can therefore afford to be patient but nevertheless, in the
meantime, with greater efficiencies and an improved oil price,
Puesto Guardian is now operationally profitable at the field level,
and is making a solid contribution to the Group.
President has now begun a farmout process of the deeper
exploration prospects at the Concession and in the Company's
neighbouring two licences of Matorras and Ocultar. At this early
stage, interest is encouraging.
Paraguay
-- During the year, additional third party studies were carried
out that further validated President's optimistic view as to the
prospectivity of its in-country assets
-- The farm-out process continued with the assistance of third
party advisers, albeit initially more slowly than anticipated, but
with encouraging interest continuing to be generated from a number
of parties
-- Irrespective of this current process, the Company is
committed to retaining its interests and licences in the Country
and in such light is advancing plans towards drilling a well during
2019
Louisiana
The acquisition of an additional 50% WI (37.5% NRI) in April
2017 and the assumption of operatorship in the Triche Well, East
Lake Verret, Louisiana has delivered results substantially beyond
initial expectations
Louisiana contributed profitably to the Group with:
o production revenue increasing in the year 2017 by 33% to
US$3.6 million (2016: US$2.7 million) on higher volumes
o well operating costs per boe down 27% over previous year and
further decreased by 49% in Q1 of 2018
Louisiana is currently generating strong positive cash
generation from core operations of US$245k per month. No corporate
tax is currently payable due to carried forward losses being
utilised.
Corporate
In April 2017, the Group acquired for US$2.25 million cash plus
a US$400k capped earn out, an operated 50% working interest in the
Triche well, Louisiana, taking President's working interest in the
well to 62%. With the well performing significantly ahead of
expectations and reflecting the higher than expected revenues under
President's operatorship the earn out is expected to be completely
satisfied in Q3 2018, some two years ahead of schedule, at which
time the additional 5% revenue interest will revert to
President.
In January 2018, the Group disposed of its entire non-operated,
non-core beneficial interest in the East White Lake Field,
Louisiana USA as further described in the Directors Report
below.
In September 2017 President acquired operatorship and a 100%
stake in the Puesto Flores/Estancia Vieja fields, Rio Negro
Province, Argentina from Chevron Argentina for US$618k including
apportionments. In December, the relevant Concession was extended
by the Rio Negro Province for 10 years resulting in a payment to
the Province of US$15 million, an obligation to pay a further US$7
million in 2018 in three instalments and the granting of a 10%
interest in the Concession to Edhipsa, the Provincial energy
company. Of such further monies, US$3.3 million has already been
paid in 2018 with the balance payable in Q3 and Q4 2018.
In November/December 2017 a placing supported by major
shareholders together with a subsequent open offer to shareholders
raised US$15.3 million gross of new money which was utilised to
part pay the approximately US$16 million cash due as a result of
the acquisition of Puesto Flores/Estancia Vieja from Chevron
Argentina and the subsequent grant of a further ten year licence
period for the relevant concession.
Also in 2017, the Group entered into its first formal bank
lending arrangement, with an US$8 million loan in Argentina. The
loan has a 3.5 year term and is repayable in quarterly
installments. Repayment commenced in 2018 and by the year end 2018,
the capital balance outstanding of such loan is expected to be
approximately US$6 million. The long term revolving facility of up
to US$15 million granted by a Peter Levine group company, IYA,
remains in place; the year-end balance was around US$13.1 million
and currently some US$1.5 million remains undrawn as at 30 April
2018.
In April 2018 Rob Shepherd stepped up as from his Non-Executive
role to be Group Finance Director with Alex Moody-Stuart formerly
of Schlumberger being welcomed as a Non-Executive Director. Taking
into account the increase in executive directors, to ensure a
balanced Board, Miles Biggins will step down at the forthcoming AGM
but will remain the Group's Technical Director.
Financial review of 2017
In 2017, the Group recognised a gross loss of US$3.4 million
(2016: loss US$2.7 million) prior to the transformation that will
flow from recent investment decisions. Throughout 2017, the Group
continued to build for the future growth in Argentina with a major
acquisition, higher workover activity and the build-up of the in
country capability all of which need to be seen in the context of a
full year when the transition will be fully apparent in the
returns. After administrative expenses of US$5.3 million (2016:
US$4.5 million) are taken in to account, this led to an operating
loss before impairment and non-operating gains of US$8.8 million
(2016: loss US$7.2 million). The loss for the year from continuing
operations of US$8.8 million (2016: loss US$14.0 million loss) was
after impairment charges of US$1.3 million (2016: US$ 11.0 million)
relating primarily to the impairment of the East White Lake field
in the USA in 2017.
Revenue increased by 81% to US$17.9 million (2016: US$9.9
million), reflecting higher sales driven by production offsetting
slightly lower average product prices for the year of US$50.62/boe
(2016: US$53.51/boe). Overall Group production increased by 110% to
1,121 boepd (2016: 533 boepd) on a like for like basis, which was
driven by acquisitions in Argentina and the USA and higher
production from the Puesto Guardian field in Argentina.
The Group's primary investment focus during 2017 was on growth
through acquisitions in core areas, increasing production in
Argentina whist continuing to evaluate farm out opportunities in
Paraguay and Argentina. Investment in Property, Plant and Equipment
and related Goodwill in the year included US$25.0 million on the
acquisition and licence extension in Argentina, US$2.4 million on
acquisition of low cost operations in the USA and US$10.3 million
(2016: US$ 15.6 million) on capitalised workovers, tangible
equipment purchases in Argentina offset by a decrease in the asset
abandonment recognition. Intangible Fixed Asset additions amounted
to US$0.7 million (2016: US$0.6 million) relating to Paraguay and
Argentina.
Conclusion and Prospects
2017 was a year of transition and the transformation of the
Company has been both swift and dramatic. The two acquisitions of
producing assets we made, one in the Neuquén Basin, Argentina and
the other, smaller, in Louisiana, are delivering results and cash
flow above expectations which were fortuitously timed in the light
of improving oil prices.
With strong cash generation from our core operations in Q1 2018
of US$5 million, set to increase as the year progresses, we have
now developed into a Group delivering real positive returns for its
shareholders with the management and financial resources and
commitment to expand further both by acquisition and
organically.
Our roadmap is clear, concentrating on cash flow, profits and
margins and we look forward to 2018 with well-founded optimism as
the Group goes from strength to strength.
Detailed financial review
In 2017, the Group recognised a gross loss of US$3.4 million
(2016: loss US$2.7 million) that is yet to fully reflect the
transformation that will flow from recent investment decisions.
Throughout 2017, the Group continued to build for the future growth
in Argentina with a major acquisition, higher workover activity and
the build-up of the in country capability all of which need to be
seen in the context of a full year when the transition will be
fully apparent in the returns. After administrative expenses of
US$5.3 million (2016: US$4.5 million) are taken in to account, this
led to an operating loss before impairment and non-operating gains
of US$8.8 million (2016: loss US$7.2 million). The loss for the
year from continuing operations of US$8.8 million (2016: loss
US$14.0 million loss) was after impairment charges of US$1.3
million (2016: US$ 11.0 million) relating primarily to the
impairment of the East White Lake field in the USA in 2017 and full
impairment of the DP-1002 S/T well in Argentina in 2016.
Revenue increased by 81% to US$17.9 million (2016: US$9.9
million), reflecting higher sales driven by production offsetting
slightly lower average product prices for the year of US$50.62/boe
(2016: US$53.51/boe). Overall Group production increased by 110% to
1,121 boepd (2016: 533 boepd) on a like for like basis, which was
driven by acquisitions in Argentina and the USA and higher
production from the Puesto Guardian field in Argentina. Cost of
sales of US$21.4 million (2016: US$12.6 million) increased in line
with the stepped changes following the acquisitions but fell on a
per boe basis reflecting the higher production volumes
achieved.
In September 2017, the Group completed the acquisition of the
Puesto Flores and Estancia Vieja assets in the Rio Negro Province,
Argentina. This together with the higher production from successful
workovers on both the Puesto Guardian and Puesto Flores fields
increased production in Argentina by 42% to 302,849 boe (2016:
125,135 boe) or 830 boepd (2016: 342 boepd). As well as increasing
production, the workovers also informed independently assessed
additions to 2P reserves of over 2.0 mmboe representing a reserves
replacement ratio of nearly over 7 times production volumes in
2017.
Oil sales in Argentina averaged US$53.41 per bbl (2016: US$57.83
per bbl) as the transition to a fully de-regulated market was only
completed in in October. Oil prices are now set to move in line
with the prevailing Brent oil price adjusted for locational
variations. Well operating costs before workover expenses were
managed down during the year to US$41.43/boe (2016: US$55.69/boe)
whilst depreciation also fell during the year to US$12.30/boe
(2016: US$13.68/boe) as a result of the acquisition and reserves
upgrades. With a full year of production from Puesto Flores
combined with successful workovers we anticipate this should lead
to a further reduction of unit well operating costs in 2018.
In April 2017, The Group completed the acquisition of an
incremental interest and operatorship of the Triche well in
Louisiana, USA. Consequently, production from the Group's working
interest in US operations rose by 52% to 291 boepd (2016: 191
boepd, as adjusted) offsetting the natural decline at East Lake
Verret and East White Lake.
Realised prices in the US edged down 5% on the prior year to
US$42.11/boe (2016: US$44.51/boe). Cost of Sales increased by 14%
to US$2.6 million (2016: US$2.2 million) reflecting the
acquisition. However, on a per boe basis, cost of sales from the
Group's working interest in US operations decreased to US$24.14/boe
(2016: US$32.07/boe as adjusted) primarily due to the additional
volumes from the lower unit cost Triche operation.
Despite the price environment, the EBITDA contribution from the
US operations rose to US$1.2 million (2016: US$0.8 million)
reflecting the acquisition and steps undertaken in 2017 to manage
down operational and administrative costs in the Group's US
operations.
In line with the investment strategy in Argentina, the growth in
Argentine operating and administrative expense reflects the
building up of in country capability and pursuit of investment
opportunities. While Group-wide administrative expenses outside of
Argentina remained flat the increase in overall Group
administrative expense to US$5.3 million (2016: US$4.5 million) was
driven by this approach.
Total impairment charges during the year of US$1.3 million
(2016: US$11.0 million) relate to the impairment of the East White
Lake field in the USA. In light of continued poor production
performance the non-operated interest in the field was disposed of
in 2018. Consequently, the carrying value was impaired in the year
in line with the fair value of the disposal proceeds. In 2016, the
DP-1002 S/T well drilled in September in Puesto Guardian,
Argentina, was fully impaired, US$10.9 million, as the well was
rendered incapable of completion for production due to due to
service quality issues encountered in drilling operations with the
balance of the impairment on the carrying value of the East White
Lake field.
With an improving oil price environment carrying through to 2018
there are growing signs that the global E&P sector is emerging
from its recent slumber and looking for new opportunities. The
Group's timely acquisition of Puesto Flores is evident that we are
well placed to build on our positions in Paraguay and Argentina
from our portfolio of investment opportunities but also well placed
and well-funded should new opportunities arise. To that end the
Company announced in February 2018 that it has commenced the
relevant processes to obtain a secondary listing of the Company's
shares on The Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires (BCBA) - the
Argentine Stock Exchange. The secondary listing is expected to take
place later in 2018. The primary listing of the Company will remain
the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.
With support from existing and new shareholders, the Company
raised US$13.1 million of equity (before expenses) in Q4 2017 to
support the ongoing work programme at the recently acquired Puesto
Flores and Estancia Vieja fields in Argentina, contributing towards
the overall funding package to be paid to the Rio Negro Province in
relation to the extension of the Concession for Puesto Flores.
Following the completion of the acquisition, the Group announced
their first commercial bank loan through the established
Argentinian Banks, BACS Banco de Credito y Securitizacion S.A and
Banco Hipotecario. The US$8.0 million facility was used to part
fund the extension of the concession
Concurrent with the equity fundraising, the Group's loan
facility with IYA Limited was restructured such that US$2.2 million
of the outstanding principal was capitalised into equity and the
remaining facility was extended to US$15.0 million at a 10.5%
interest rate with maturity date remaining as the 31 December 2021.
Certain clauses in the new loan agreement were amended resulting in
the reclassification of the loan to non-current. At the year-end,
total borrowings under this facility amounted to US$9.1 million
(2016: US$9.1 million). Together, the new equity raise and loan
capitalisation represent the US$14.8 million net placing proceeds
set out in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.
The Group's primary investment focus during 2017 was on growth
through acquisitions in core areas, increasing production in
Argentina whist continuing to evaluate farm out opportunities in
Paraguay and Argentina.
Investment in Property, Plant and Equipment and related Goodwill
in the year included US$25.0 million on the acquisition and licence
extension in Argentina, US$2.4 million on acquisition of low cost
operations in the USA and US$10.3 million (2016: US$ 15.6 million)
on capitalised workovers and tangible equipment purchases in
Argentina, offset by a decrease in the asset abandonment
recognition. As in the prior year, the Argentine Peso fell again in
value relative to the US dollar, resulting in a reduction in the
carrying value of the assets as presented in the Group financial
statements.
Intangible Fixed Asset additions amounted to US$0.7 million
(2016: US$0.6 million) relating to Paraguay and Argentina. In
Paraguay, following encouraging interest in the farm out process
the Company is committed to retaining its interests and licences in
the Country and in such light is advancing plans towards drilling a
well during 2019 The technical evaluation of the Matorras/Occultar
block in Argentina was completed following the extension granted in
2017 and a formal farm out process has been launched.
Trade and other payables increased to US$18.1 million (2016:
US$10.8 million) largely due to the US$7.0 million licence
extension deferred payments due to be settled in 2018. The Group
retains a prudent provision for all accrued costs in relation to
the DP-1002 well. Notwithstanding this, President having taken
expert legal advice considers that its claims against service
providers relating to that well on a full liability basis
extinguish and exceed the amounts so provided. No benefit from
President's potential claims has been taken into account given that
legal action is in process.
Year-end cash balances were US$4.0 million (2016: US$17.6
million).
Key Performance Indicators
Key Performance Indicators are used to measure the extent to
which Directors and management are reaching key objectives. The
principal methods by which the Directors monitor the Group's
performance are volumes of net production, well operating costs and
the extent of exploration success. The Directors also carry out a
regular review of cash available for exploration and development
and review actual capital expenditure and operating expenses
against forecasts and budgets.
Production in Argentina increased by 42% to 302,849 boe (2016:
125,135 boe) or 830 boepd (2016: 342 boepd) following the
acquisition of the Puesto Flores and Estancia Vieja assets in the
Rio Negro Province, Argentina and the higher production from
successful workovers on both the Puesto Guardian and Puesto Flores
fields.
In Argentina, well operating costs before workover expenses were
managed down during the year to US$41.43/boe (2016: US$55.69/boe)
whilst depreciation also fell during the year to US$12.30/boe
(2016: US$13.68/boe) as a result of the acquisition and reserves
upgrades.
2016 Increase/
2017 Restated (Decrease)
Production
Net oil and natural gas liquid
production mbbls 371.4 178.6 107.9%
Net gas production mmcf 226.8 99.4 128.2%
Production mboe
USA 106.3 70.0 51.8%
Argentina 302.8 125.1 142.0%
Total net hydrocarbons 409.1 195.1 109.7%
------- ---------- ------------
Well operating costs US$000
USA 1,796 1,619 10.9%
Argentina 15,111 8,637 75.0%
Total operating costs 16,907 10,256 64.8%
------- ---------- ------------
Well operating costs per boe
US$
USA 16.9 23.1 -26.9%
Argentina 49.9 69.0 -27.7%
Total well operating costs per
boe US$ 41.3 52.6 -21.4%
------- ---------- ------------
Cash balances US$000 4,026 17,586 -77.1%
*Production and reserves for USA reported assets have been
changed from an entitlement basis to a working interest basis to
better reflect the production managed and controlled from
operations on the licence interests.
Production from US operations rose by 52% to 291 boepd (2016:
191 boepd, as adjusted) following the acquisition of an incremental
interest and operatorship of the Triche well in Louisiana
offsetting the natural decline at East Lake Verret and East White
Lake.
In USA, well operating costs rose by 11% to US$1.8 million
(2016: US$ 1.6 million) following the Triche acquisition. On a per
boe basis, well operating costs fell to US$16.90/boe (2016:
US$23.13/boe) on a like for like basis primarily due to the
additional volumes from the lower unit cost Triche operation.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Year ended 31 December 2017
2017 2016
Note US$000 US$000
Continuing Operations
Revenue 17,945 9,900
Cost of sales 2 (21,402) (12,593)
--------- ---------
Gross profit/(loss) (3,457) (2,693)
Administrative expenses 3 (5,295) (4,524)
--------- ---------
Operating loss before impairment and non-operating
gains/(losses) (8,752) (7,217)
Non-operating gains 4 1 583
Impairment charge (1,337) (11,039)
--------- ---------
Profit / (loss) after impairment and non-operating
gains/(losses) (10,088) (17,673)
Interest income 251 1
Realised gains/(losses) on translation
of foreign currencies (1,079) (388)
Finance costs (2,326) (2,431)
--------- ---------
Profit / (loss) before tax (13,242) (20,491)
Income tax credit 4,444 6,470
--------- ---------
Profit / (loss) for the year from continuing
operations (8,798) (14,021)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Items that may be reclassified subsequently
to profit or loss
Exchange differences on translation of
foreign operations (8,495) (7,534)
Total comprehensive profit /(loss) for
the year attributable
--------- ---------
to the equity holders of the parent (17,293) (21,555)
========= =========
Earnings / loss per share 5 US cents US cents
Basic profit/(loss) per share from continuing
operations (0.9) (2.5)
========= =========
Diluted profit(loss) per share from continuing
operations (0.9) (2.5)
========= =========
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
31 December 2017
2017 2016
ASSETS US$000 US$000
Non-current assets
Intangible exploration & evaluation
assets 103,299 103,372
Goodwill 705 -
Property, plant and equipment 72,016 51,492
Deferred tax 1,190 848
Other non-current assets 352 318
177,562 156,030
--------- ---------
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 8,310 4,510
Asset held for resale 1,313 -
Stock 77 84
Cash and cash equivalents 4,026 17,586
13,726 22,180
--------- ---------
TOTAL ASSETS 191,288 178,210
========= =========
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 18,043 10,793
Asset held for resale 788 -
Borrowings 1,846 9,076
20,677 19,869
--------- ---------
Non-current liabilities
Long-term provisions 5,015 4,717
Borrowings 19,313 -
Deferred tax 306 5,663
24,634 10,380
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 45,311 30,249
========= =========
EQUITY
Share capital 23,642 22,086
Share premium 240,822 227,325
Translation reserve (50,240) (41,745)
Profit and loss account (75,189) (66,391)
Other reserves 6,942 6,686
TOTAL EQUITY 145,977 147,961
--------- ---------
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 191,288 178,210
========= =========
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
Year ended 31 December 2017
Profit
and
Share Share Translation loss Other
capital premium reserve account reserves Total
US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000
Balance at 1 January
2016 16,754 201,646 (34,211) (52,462) 6,594 138,321
Share-based payments - - - - 242 242
Placing of ordinary
shares 5,332 26,660 - - - 31,992
Costs of issue - (981) - - - (981)
Transfer to P&L account - - - 92 (92) -
Convertible loan
equity - - - - (58) (58)
Transactions with
the owners 5,332 25,679 - 92 92 31,195
-------- -------- ------------ --------- --------- ---------
Loss for the year - - - (14,021) - (14,021)
Other comprehensive
income
Exchange differences
on
translation - - (7,534) - - (7,534)
Total comprehensive
income for
the year - - (7,534) (14,021) - (21,555)
-------- -------- ------------ --------- --------- ---------
Balance at 1 January
2017 22,086 227,325 (41,745) (66,391) 6,686 147,961
Share-based payments - - - - 256 256
Issue of ordinary
shares 1,534 13,809 - - - 15,343
Costs of issue (507) - - - (507)
Issue to service
provider 22 195 - - - 217
Transactions with
the owners 1,556 13,497 - - 256 15,309
-------- -------- ------------ --------- --------- ---------
Loss for the year - - - (8,798) - (8,798)
Other comprehensive
income
Exchange differences
on
translation - - (8,495) - - (8,495)
Total comprehensive
income for
the year - - (8,495) (8,798) - (17,293)
-------- -------- ------------ --------- --------- ---------
Balance at 31 December
2017 23,642 240,822 (50,240) (75,189) 6,942 145,977
======== ======== ============ ========= ========= =========
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Year ended 31 December 2017
2017 2016
US$000 US$000
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated by operating activities
(note 6) (7,438) 2,196
Interest received 251 1
Taxes paid (82) (2)
(7,269) 2,195
--------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities
Expenditure on exploration and evaluation
assets (655) (578)
Expenditure on development and production
assets (11,746) (13,979)
Proceeds from asset sales 475 209
Acquisition & licence extension in Argentina (15,618) -
Proceeds from insurance - 585
USA acquisition (2,218) -
Deposits with state authorities (184) -
Expenditure on abandonment - (16)
(29,946) (13,779)
--------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities
Loan drawn 15,495 14,661
Proceeds from issue of shares (net of
expenses) 14,836 31,011
Loan converted to equity (2,205) (12,000)
Shares issued to service provider 217 -
Repayment of borrowings (1,207) (2,000)
Payment of interest and loan fees (1,971) (2,330)
25,165 29,342
--------- ---------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (12,050) 17,758
Opening cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of year 17,586 217
Exchange gains on cash and cash equivalents (1,510) (389)
Closing cash and cash equivalents 4,026 17,586
========= =========
Notes
1. Accounting policies and preparation
The financial information set out in this announcement does not
constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the years ended 31
December 2017 or 2016 but is derived from the 2017 accounts.
A copy of the statutory accounts for the year to 31 December
2016 has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies, and is also
available on the Company's web site. Statutory accounts for 2017
will be delivered in due course. The auditors have reported on
those accounts; their report was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not
include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew
attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and
(iii) did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of
the Companies Act 2006 in respect of the accounts for 2016 nor
2017.
Whilst the financial statements from which this preliminary
announcement is derived have been prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted for
use in the EU, this announcement does not itself contain sufficient
information to comply with IFRS. The Annual Report, containing full
financial statements that comply with IFRS, will be sent out to
shareholders later in June 2018.
The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the
foreseeable future. Therefore, in the preparation of the 2017
financial statements they continue to adopt the going concern
basis.
2017 2016
2. Cost of sales US$000 US$000
Depreciation 4,495 2,337
Well operating costs 16,907 10,256
21,402 12,593
======= =======
Well operating costs include US$2,566,000 (2016: US$1,670,465)
in Argentine non-recurring workover costs expensed in the
period.
2017 2016
3. Administrative expenses US$000 US$000
Directors and staff costs (including
non-executive Directors) 4,048 2,775
Share-based payments 256 242
Depreciation (4) 27
Other 995 1,480
5,295 4,524
======= =======
To allow for meaningful comparison, staff costs, share based
payments and depreciation expenses are reflected gross before the
effect of allocations to operating costs or balance sheet assets.
Other expenses are shown net of the effect of allocations US$1.79
million (2016: US$0.75 million).
4. Other non-operating gains/(losses) 2017 2016
US$000 US$000
Insurance claim proceeds - 585
Other gains/(losses) arising on asset
disposals 1 (2)
1 583
======= =======
Insurance proceeds amounting to US$0.585 million were received
in 2016 from claims arising in connection with the DP1002 well in
Argentina.
5. Earnings / (Loss) per share 2017 2016
US$000 US$000
Net profit / (loss) for the period attributable
to
the equity holders of the Parent Company (8,798) (14,021)
========= =========
Number Number
'000 '000
Weighted average number of shares in issue 971,173 554,655
========= =========
US cents US cents
Earnings /(loss) per share
Basic earnings / (loss) per share from
continuing operations (0.9) (2.5)
========= =========
Diluted earnings / (loss) per share from
continuing operations (0.9) (2.5)
========= =========
At 31 December 2017, 115,176,490 (2016: 105,507,307) weighted
potential ordinary shares in the Company which underlie the
Company's share option and share warrant awards and may dilute
earnings per share in the future, have been included in the
calculation of diluted earnings per share. No dilution per share
was calculated for 2016 or 2017 as with the reported loss they are
anti-dilutive.
6. Notes to the consolidated statement
cash flows 2017 2016
US$000 US$000
Profit / (loss) from operations before
taxation (13,242) (20,491)
Interest on bank deposits (251) (1)
Interest payable and loan fees 2,326 2,431
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 4,491 2,364
Impairment 1,337 11,039
(Gain) / loss on non-operating transaction (1) (583)
Share-based payments 256 242
Foreign exchange difference 1,079 388
--------- ---------
Operating cash flows before movements
in working capital (4,005) (4,611)
Decrease / (increase) in receivables (3,677) (833)
Increase / (decrease) in payables 244 7,640
Net cash generated by operating activities (7,438) 2,196
========= =========
7. Segment reporting
Argentina Paraguay USA Australia UK Total
2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017
US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000
Revenue 14,391 - 3,554 - - 17,945
Cost of sales
Depreciation 3,725 - 770 - - 4,495
Well operating costs 15,111 - 1,796 - - 16,907
Administrative expenses 1,703 91 494 - 3,007 5,295
Segment costs 20,539 91 3,060 - 3,007 26,697
---------- --------- ------- ---------- -------- --------
Segment operating profit/(loss) (6,148) (91) 494 - (3,007) (8,752)
========== ========= ======= ========== ======== ========
Argentina Paraguay USA Australia UK Total
2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016
US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000
Revenue 7,234 - 2,666 - - 9,900
Cost of sales
Depreciation 1,711 - 626 - - 2,337
Well operating costs 8,637 - 1,619 - - 10,256
Administrative expenses 913 132 233 9 3,237 4,524
Segment costs 11,261 132 2,478 9 3,237 17,117
---------- --------- ------- ---------- -------- --------
Segment operating profit/(loss) (4,027) (132) 188 (9) (3,237) (7,217)
========== ========= ======= ========== ======== ========
Segment assets Argentina Paraguay USA Australia UK Total
2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017
US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000
Intangible assets 1,578 101,721 - - - 103,299
Goodwill 705 - - - - 705
Property, plant and equipment 69,754 103 2,159 - - 72,016
---------- --------- ------- ---------- ------- --------
72,037 101,824 2,159 - - 176,020
Asset held for resale - - 1,313 - - 1,313
Other assets 7,852 17 1,767 - 293 9,929
--------
79,889 101,841 5,239 - 293 187,262
========== ========= ======= ========== ======= ========
Argentina Paraguay USA Australia UK Total
2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016
US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000
Intangible assets 1,655 101,717 - - - 103,372
Property, plant and equipment 48,298 101 3,093 - - 51,492
---------- --------- ------- ---------- ------- --------
49,953 101,818 3,093 - - 154,864
Other assets 3,696 168 1,673 36 187 5,760
--------
53,649 101,986 4,766 36 187 160,624
========== ========= ======= ========== ======= ========
Segment assets can be reconciled to the Group as follows:
2017 2016
US$000 US$000
Segment assets 187,262 160,624
Group cash 4,026 17,586
Group assets 191,288 178,210
======== ========
Segment liabilities Argentina Paraguay USA Australia UK Total
2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017
US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000
Total liabilities 27,438 274 2,451 - 15,148 45,311
========== ========= ======= ========== ======= =======
Argentina Paraguay USA Australia UK Total
2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016
US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000
Total liabilities 17,205 294 1,901 - 10,849 30,249
========== ========= ======= ========== ======= =======
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United
Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution
of this information may apply. For further information, please
contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
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