TIDMCOP
RNS Number : 8517E
Circle Oil PLC
07 June 2012
7 June 2012
Circle Oil Plc
(The "Company") and its Subsidiaries ("Circle" or the
"Group")
Preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2011
Circle Oil Plc (AIM: COP), the international oil and gas
exploration, development and production company, is pleased to
announce its results for the year ended 31 December 2011.
Financial Highlights
2011 2010 %
US$000 US$000 Increase
Group revenue 57,950 44,391 31
Group operating profit 19,969 12,583 59
Net Profit 25,606 10,362 147
EBITDA 26,468 18,170 46
Earnings Per Share - US$ cent 4.55 2.19 108
Diluted Earnings Per Share - US$
cent 3.02 2.18 39
Highlights
-- Record financial results due to increased production and higher oil and gas prices
-- 100% success in six well Egyptian drilling campaign
comprising three producing and three water injection wells
-- Water injection programme underway in Egypt which is aimed at
improving recoverability - current daily production rate has
reached c. 10,000 bopd (gross)
-- Highly successful drilling campaign in Morocco in 2010-2011
with five wells drilled and four successfully tested for gas, with
one well still to be tested
-- Bayphase Reserve Report shows 30% increase in gross initial
recoverable reserves over 2010 ultimate recoverable resources
number
-- Circle continues to develop its strategy of bringing its
assets into production leading to increased revenue
-- New gas pipeline infrastructure installation completed in
Morocco with increased production levels and revenue in 2012
-- Circle receiving weekly payments for past six months from
EGPC in Egypt and US$30 million convertible loan extended for a
further three years to 2015
Prof Chris Green, CEO, said:
"2011 was another very successful year for Circle as we have
continued to progress. Significantly our continued drilling success
in both Egypt and Morocco has resulted in increased daily
production and this is reflected in our profitability for the
year."
For further information contact:
Circle Oil Plc (+44 20 7638 9571)
Professor Chris Green, CEO
Brendan McMorrow, CFO
Evolution Securities (+44 20 7071 4300)
Chris Sim
Neil Elliot
Fox-Davies Capital (+44 20 3463 5010)
Daniel Fox-Davies
Richard Hail
Citigate Dewe Rogerson (+44 20 7638 9571)
Martin Jackson
Kate Lehane
Murray Consultants (+353 1 498 0300)
Joe Murray
Joe Heron
Chairman's Statement
2011 was a year which witnessed changes and challenges for all
those operating in and concerned with North Africa and the Middle
East. Circle is proud to have stood steadfast throughout this
period of change, whilst maintaining and growing its position as a
respected exploration, development and production company in this
region's oil and gas industry.
The Company has underpinned the successes of previous years with
more significant and noteworthy milestones in 2011, including the
construction of a new gas pipeline in Morocco, which was
commissioned in February 2012, to increase our gas sales and
complement our continued drilling success on our Sebou block. Our
Egyptian oil fields have maintained high levels of production and
together with targeted appraisal drilling and successful reserve
management, including water injection, have resulted in a
significant increase in reserves. The combination of Circle's
Moroccan and Egyptian assets constitute an excellent income base
for the Company. The 2012 Competent Person's Report (Bayphase CPR,
conducted in early 2012) has credited Circle with a 30% increase in
the Company's 2P reserve base for Morocco and Egypt over the 2011
report. This outcome reflects the success of our development
strategy together with the dedication and commitment of the Circle
team. All of which bodes well for further increasing the future
value of the Company for our shareholders.
The successful drilling campaigns of 2011 have, once again,
underscored the Company's valuable acreage position. It is our
intention to continue this level of drilling success and to further
increase production during 2012, as well as to expand our portfolio
of assets with new ventures, exploiting to the full the significant
value of our management team's many areas of knowledge and
expertise. This remains at the core of the Company's successful
strategy in terms of diligently selecting acreage which has led to
continued considerable successes with the drill-bit, following on
from successes of previous years.
In 2011, the Company participated in the drilling and testing of
three successful gas discoveries in Morocco, together with three
successful oil wells and three water injection wells in Egypt. A 3D
seismic survey was acquired over both our blocks in Morocco and the
existing 3D seismic over our Egyptian block was reprocessed, in
order that we may fine-tune our drilling programmes for these areas
and continue with our rate of success.
The team at Circle deserves recognition and our unwavering
appreciation for the vital role that their hard work, resolute
commitment and ideas have contributed to the success and growing
profitability of the Company. For example, while the drilling
success is just one very visible aspect, the sound understanding of
production, development and remedial action methodology to achieve
and improve productivity also warrant special mention. The new 55
km gas pipeline from Sebou to Kenitra in Morocco was successfully
installed in 2011 on budget and successfully commissioned in early
2012, again a testament to the diligence, technical and commercial
efficiency of the Circle team. The 30% increase in reserves is
another aspect of Circle's performance this year that reflects on
the strength in depth of the Company's staff, associates and
partners.
Operations
Egypt
Great progress has been made on our NW Gemsa block with the
drilling of additional producers and three water injectors to
support the level of productivity and increase reserves. Pressure
increase in the producers has already been recorded and the effect
of the injection on recoverability has played an important part in
the increase in reserves for the NW Gemsa oil fields.
The process of replacing the original rental facilities with
permanent wholly owned facilities is well underway. As part of the
new facilities an 8 inch oil pipeline has been constructed,
removing the need for the Company to truck its oil, and the 16 km
12 inch gas pipeline to the Suco terminal at Zeit Bay will be tied
in by late 2012. These new facilities will mean more efficient
production and the capture of the income stream from the gas and
the associated liquids, which will result in increased revenue and
profitability.
The 2012 NW Gemsa 2P reserves compiled by Bayphase have
increased by 34% to 48 MMboe over the 2011 figure of 35.9 MMboe
compiled by RPS. This is due largely to the establishment of a
deeper oil-water contact (more oil originally in place) and
improved recovery efficiency. Gross oil production from the
commencement of operations in early 2009 through end of December
2011 was 6.95 MMbo. Current production (as at early May 2012) has
reached c. 10,000 bopd (gross).
The appointment of an experienced and well respected country
manager and establishment of a fully staffed Egyptian country
office is regarded as a significant demonstration of our commitment
and belief in the future upside for Egypt as it develops over the
next period.
While the management of Egyptian receivables has been a
particular area of concern and focus, we are pleased to note that
we have been receiving weekly payments for the past six months from
EGPC in Egypt.
Morocco
In 2011, the Company participated in the drilling and testing of
three successful gas discoveries in Morocco. Two wells (ADD-1 and
KSR-11) were drilled and tested successfully in 2011, to complete
the 2010-2011 drilling campaign. In addition, DRJ-6, a well drilled
during the 2009 drilling campaign, was also tested successfully.
All three wells have been completed as producers. A 3D seismic
survey of 17 sq km was acquired to tie the Sebou and Gaddari
surveys and an additional 135 sq km of 3D was acquired over the
Lalla Mimouna Nord block, which will form the basis for the next
drilling campaign currently scheduled for later in 2012.
Gross gas production during 2011 averaged between 2 and 2.5
MMscf/d. This rate will rise significantly as more wells are tied
in during 2012, to between 7 and 8 MMscf/d. The flow rate in March
2012 was between 4 and 4.5 MMscf/d, following the signing of a
contract to supply a large ceramics factory in Kenitra. The supply
rate to this factory shall increase further and more contracts are
expected to be signed shortly with an associated rise in production
to 7 MMscf/d gross over the coming months. The pipeline has a total
capacity of 23MMscf/d and there is significant scope to utilise
this capacity as additional discoveries and offtake agreements are
brought on-line.
The Bayphase CPR for our Sebou discoveries resulted in a 2P
reserves case of 30 bcf, very close to the 2011 figure compiled by
RPS, the authors of the 2011 CPR. Gross gas production from
commencement of production in late 2008 through end of December
2011 was 1.93 bcf.
Tunisia
Activity in Tunisia, to date, has concentrated on evaluations of
our three blocks of Grombalia, Ras Marmour and Mahdia. We have
defined a drilling location on Ras Marmour to be drilled later in
2012. Ahead of this we have recently acquired new 2D seismic to
refine some potential drilling targets in the Grombalia permit and
plan to drill an exploration well in mid 2012. Technical studies
continue on the Mahdia permit to firm up the best location for
future drilling. Events in 2011 have resulted in some operational
delays, but we believe these delays are now nearing an end and we
can press forward with our operational plans and are confident of
drilling two wells in 2012.
Oman
The 3D seismic survey over southern onshore Block 49 was
evaluated in 2010 and it was concluded that additional 2D coverage
to the north-east of the 3D survey would be acquired to better
define a drillable prospect. It is anticipated that the acquisition
of this additional 2D seismic will begin by mid 2012.
Interpretation of the 2D seismic survey over offshore Block 52
was completed in 2011, with the identification of an undrilled and
complex structured sedimentary basin, outboard of Sawqirah Bay.
This prospectivity has been documented and the farm-out process is
ongoing to attract partners to drill an exploration well, which
includes three good leads in shallower water which Circle could yet
opt to drill on a sole risk basis.
Corporate
The financial review and results as set out later in this
announcement shows a very positive outturn for 2011 with
significant increases in both oil and gas revenues (US$58.0
million), net profit (US$25.6 million) and a strengthening of the
Group balance sheet.
As recently announced we are pleased to report that we have
reached agreement with a subsidiary of KGL Investment Company, to
extend the US$30 million convertible loan which was due to mature
on 19 July 2012, for a further three years to 19 July 2015. This is
very beneficial for Circle and also continues our strong
relationship with KGL.
Outlook
In 2012-2013, Circle intends to continue with development work
in Egypt, to maximise production and increase recovery efficiency.
In Morocco, we plan to undertake exploration drilling campaigns on
the Lalla Mimouna Nord and Sebou blocks, as well as tie in more
discoveries to allow for an increase in the gas deliveries through
our new pipeline. Additional exploration drilling is planned with
two wells in Tunisia, one each on the Grombalia and Ras Marmour
Blocks. In Oman we will be acquiring additional 2D seismic over
Block 49 and will continue in our effort to get a partner to join
in the drilling of a well on Block 52.
The Company continues to attentively seek out and pursue both
production and exploration assets which will serve to complement
and underpin our strong MENA regional portfolio. Our focus
primarily remains within the MENA and Sub Saharan Africa
regions.
In what has been, within our region of operations, a time of
change we have remained on track and continue to register success.
We are confident of maintaining this progress and momentum over the
coming year and sincerely thank our teams in all countries for
their professionalism and valued contributions to the continuing
evolution of the Company.
I am delighted once again, to thank you our shareholders, for
your support and to sincerely thank all our staff, associates and
partners for their continued good work and commitment during the
past year.
Thomas Anderson
Chairman
Financial Review
Results for the year
Circle has achieved excellent financial results for 2011 as a
result of production of oil in Egypt and gas in Morocco together
with increased commodity prices.
Group turnover for 2011 from oil and gas sales increased to
US$58.0 million from US$44.4 million in 2010, an increase of 31%.
This positive outcome was due primarily to an increase in oil and
gas prices. The average oil price achieved for 2011 was US$105.46
per BO versus US$75.74 per BO in 2010 while the average gas price
achieved was US$8.81 per Mscf as against US$7.43 per Mscf in 2010.
Circle's share of volume of oil sold from the NW Gemsa permit in
Egypt was 1.09 million barrels (2010: 1.18 million barrels) while
volume of gas sold from the Sebou permit in Morocco was 576 MMscf,
a 43% increase from 403 MMscf sold in 2010.
Gross profit achieved for the year was US$23.4 million as
against US$16.9 million for 2010, an increase of over 38% year on
year.
Total operating costs amounted to US$3.4 million, a reduction of
US$0.9 million on the previous year.
The Group recorded an operating profit for 2011 of US$20.0
million (2010: US$12.6 million).
After a gain on financing activites amounting to US$5.7 million
(2010: US$2.2 million loss) the Group recorded a net profit of
US$25.6 million for 2011 (2010: US$10.4 million) an increase of
147% over the previous year.
EBITDA for the Group amounted to US$26.5 million (2010: US$18.2
million) an increase of 46% for the year.
Cash flow
Net cash inflow from operating activities for 2011 amounted to
US$11.6 million (2010: US$9.0 million). Cashflow from operating
activities was affected by a US$18.4 million increase in trade
receivables during the year from EGPC in Egypt. The Company has
actively sought to manage this situation and the position has
subsequently stabilised. The Company has been receiving weekly
payments from EGPC for the last six months.
Net cash used in investing activities relating to oil and gas
assets amounted to US$43.9 million (2010: US$48.9 million) and
comprised mainly of US$6.4 million invested in exploration and
evaluation assets in Morocco and Oman while US$37.7 million was
invested in production and development assets in Morocco and
Egypt.
Net cash used from financing activities totalled US$1.8 million
(2010: US$64.8 million generated) and comprised interest paid on
the convertible loan.
Group cash balances at year-end amounted to US$14.4 million
(2010: US$47.1 million) of which US$1.3 million was in restricted
accounts leaving US$13.1 million available for use.
Statement of financial position
As a result of the significant profit recorded in 2011 the
Groups financial position has strengthened.
Total assets for the Group at 31 December 2011 amounted to
US$234.1 million (2010: US$203.9 million) and comprised mainly oil
and gas assets of US$179.4 million, cash at bank of US$14.4 million
and US$40.2 million of trade and other receivables.
Net assets amounted to US$184.5 million at year end (2010:
US$158.9 million) an increase of US$25.6 million over the previous
year.
Working capital, after adjustment for the US$30 million
convertible loan which has now been agreed to be extended from
maturity on 19 July 2012 for a further three years to 19 July 2015,
amounted to US$37.6 million (2010: US$59.1 million).
Financial gearing at year end was at a low 8% level.
Brendan McMorrow
Chief Financial Officer
Circle Oil PLC
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011
2011 2010
US$000 US$000
Revenue 57,950 44,391
Cost of sales (34,573) (27,490)
Gross profit 23,377 16,901
Administrative expenses (3,148) (3,093)
Share option expense - (576)
Pre-licence costs - (300)
Impairment of exploration costs (163) (281)
Foreign exchange loss (97) (68)
Operating profit 19,969 12,583
Finance revenue 10,823 2,328
Finance costs (5,145) (4,512)
Profit before taxation 25,647 10,399
Taxation (41) (37)
Profit for the year 25,606 10,362
Basic earnings per share 4.55c 2.19c
========= =========
Diluted earnings per share 3.02c 2.18c
========= =========
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011
2011 2010
US$000 US$000
Profit for the year 25,606 10,362
Total income and expense recognised in other - -
comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for the year -
entirely attributable to equity holders 25,606 10,362
======== ========
Circle Oil PLC
CONSOLIDATED statement of financial position AT 31 DECEMBER
2011
2011 2010
US$000 US$000
Assets
Non-current assets
Exploration and evaluation assets 53,140 39,733
Production and development assets 126,232 97,384
Property, plant and equipment 124 140
-------- ---------
179,496 137,257
-------- ---------
Current assets
Inventories 36 145
Trade and other receivables 40,150 19,350
Cash and cash equivalents 14,383 47,114
54,569 66,609
-------- ---------
Total assets 234,065 203,866
======== =========
Equity and liabilities
Capital and reserves
Share capital 8,084 8,084
Share premium 167,083 167,083
Other reserves 6,658 6,658
Retained earnings/(deficit) 2,648 (22,958)
Total equity 184,473 158,867
-------- ---------
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables 2,872 -
Convertible loan - debt portion - 24,374
Derivative financial instruments - 12,246
Decommissioning provision 270 879
Total non-current liabilities 3,142 37,499
-------- ---------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 16,930 7,463
Current tax 41 37
Convertible loan - debt portion 27,813 -
Derivative financial instruments 1,666 -
Total current liabilities 46,450 7,500
-------- ---------
Total liabilities 49,592 44,999
-------- ---------
Total equity and liabilities 234,065 203,866
======== =========
Circle Oil PLC
CONSOLIDATED cash flow statement
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011
2011 2010
US$000 US$000
Operating activities
Net cash generated by operations 11,624 8,979
Deferred income 1,401 -
Taxes paid (31) (40)
Net cash inflow from operating activities 12,994 8,939
--------- ---------------------
Cash flows from investing activities
Payments to acquire exploration and
evaluation assets (6,355) (19,307)
Payments to acquire production and development
assets (37,694) (29,703)
Payments to acquire property, plant
and equipment (69) (84)
Interest received 194 165
Net cash used in investing activities (43,924) (48,929)
--------- ---------------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Issue of ordinary share capital - 70,070
Share issue costs - (3,432)
Interest paid (1,800) (1,800)
Net cash from financing activities (1,800) 64,838
--------- ---------------------
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash
equivalents (32,730) 24,848
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of year 47,114 22,334
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes (1) (68)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
year 14,383 47,114
========= =====================
Circle Oil PLC
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011
Consolidated Share-based Retained
Share Share payment Translation earnings/ Total
capital premium reserve reserve (deficit) equity
US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000
At 1 January
2010 5,730 103,336 6,002 (3) (34,118) 80,947
Issue of share
capital 2,354 63,747 - - - 66,101
Share-based
payment - - 1,457 - - 1,457
Reserve transfer - - (798) - 798 -
Net profit
for the year - - - - 10,362 10,362
At 31 December
2010 8,084 167,083 6,661 (3) (22,958) 158,867
========= ========= ============= ============= =========== ========
Issue of share - - - - - -
capital
Share-based - - - - - -
payment
Reserve transfer - - - - -
Net profit
for the year - - - - 25,606 25,606
At 31 December
2011 8,084 167,083 6,661 (3) 2,648 184,473
========= ========= ============= ============= =========== ========
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) and
International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee
(IFRIC). They have also been prepared in accordance with the
Companies Acts, 1963 to 2009 and are compliant with the rules of
the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock
Exchange.
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical
cost basis.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial
statements of the Company and all of its subsidiaries made up to
the end of the financial year. Subsidiaries are consolidated in the
Group financial statements from the dates on which control over
financial and operating policies and decisions is obtained. All
intercompany transactions, balances, income and expenses have been
eliminated in full on consolidation.
Basic and diluted earnings per share
The calculation of the basic earnings/per share attributable to
the ordinary equity holders of the parent is based on the following
data:
2011 2010
US$000 US$000
Earnings
Profit for the year attributable to equity
holders of the parent 25,606 10,362
========= =========
Number of shares '000 '000
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
for the purposes of basic earnings per
share 563,353 473,689
========= =========
Diluted earnings per share was calculated using the weighted
average number of ordinary shares assuming the conversion of its
potential dilutive equity derivatives outstanding. All of the
Group's potential ordinary shares were dilutive for the year ended
31 December 2011, which resulted in a decrease in earnings per
share. The Group had total potential ordinary shares outstanding of
104,216,937 at 31 December 2011 (2010: 104,714,949).
In accordance with the guidelines of the AIM Market of the
London Stock Exchange, Professor Chris Green, Chief Executive
Officer of Circle Oil plc, and Dr Stuart Harker both
explorationists with over thirty years oil & gas industry
experience, are the qualified persons, as defined in the London
Stock Exchange's Guidance Note for Mining and Oil and Gas
companies, who has reviewed and approved the technical information
contained in this announcement.
Glossary of terms
bcf Billion cubic feet
bo Barrels of oil
bopd Barrels of oil per day
CPR Competent Persons Report
EBITDA Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and
amortisation
EGPC Egyptian General Petroleum Company
km Kilometres
MENA Middle-East North Africa
MMbo Millions of barrels of oil
MMboe Millions of barrels of oil equivalent
Mscf Thousand standard cubic feet of gas
MMscf Million standard cubic feet of gas
MMscf/d Million standard cubic feet of gas per day
2P Probability of success of 50%
Sq km Square kilometres
2D Two dimensional
3D Three dimensional
Notes to Editors
Circle Oil Plc (AIM: COP) is an international oil & gas
exploration, development and production Company with an expanding
portfolio of assets in Morocco, Tunisia, Oman and Egypt with a
combination of low-risk near-term production and significant
exploration upside potential. The Company listed on AIM in October
2004.
Internationally, the Company has continued to expand its
portfolio over the past 2 years and now has assets in the Rharb
Basin, Morocco; the Ras Marmour Permit in southern Tunisia; the
Mahdia Permit offshore Tunisia; the Grombalia Permit in northern
Tunisia and the Zeit Bay area of Egypt. Circle also has the largest
licence holding of any company in Oman. In addition to its
prospective Block 52 offshore, Circle also has an ongoing
exploration program in Block 49 onshore.
Circle's strategy is to locate and secure additional licenses in
prospective hydrocarbon provinces and through targeted investment
programmes, monetise the value in those assets for the benefit of
shareholders. This could be achieved through farm-outs to selected
partners who would then invest in and continue the development of
the asset into production, or Circle may itself opt to use its own
expertise to appraise reserves and bring assets into production,
generating sustained cash flow for further investment.
Further information on Circle is available on its website at
www.circleoil.net.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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