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Genel Energy: Strong Results, but Shares Down

By John Lee.

Shares in Genel Energy were trading down around 5 percent on Tuesday morning, despite significant increases in revenue and profit announceed in its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2022.

Paul Weir, Interim Chief Executive of Genel, said:

“Our cash generation in the first half of the year has been exceptionally strong – driven by our low-cost, high-margin oil production and disciplined capital allocation. We remain focused on the delivery of our long-established strategy of putting capital to work to grow our production and cash generation, while retaining our resilience and paying a material and progressive dividend.

We generated $129 million in free cash flow and are well on track to generate over a quarter of a billion dollars of free cash flow for the full year. This continues to build our balance sheet strength and optionality, providing us with the funds to add the right assets at the right price. Our cash flow this year benefits from the recovery of receivables and our override payments, and we are focused on replacing these by building a portfolio that supports the resilience, sustainability, and progression of our material dividend.“

Results summary ($ million unless stated)

H1 2022 H1 2021 FY 2021
Average Brent oil price ($/bbl) 108 65 71
Production (bopd, working interest) 30,420  32,760 31,710
Revenue 245.6  151.5 334.9
EBITDAX1 212.3  123.1 275.1
  Depreciation and amortisation (84.4)  (81.8) (172.8)
  Impairment of oil and gas assets – – (403.2)
  Reversal of impairment of receivables 12.8 – 24.1
Operating profit / (loss) 140.7 41.3 (276.8)
Cash flow from operating activities 216.3 91.1 228.1
Capital expenditure 74.7 58.2 163.7
Free cash flow2 128.7 22.2 85.9
Cash 412.1 266.4 313.7
Total debt 280.0 280.0 280.0
Net cash / (debt)3 141.3 (2.2) 43.9
Basic EPS (¢ per share) 45.4 9.3 (111.4)
Dividends declared for the period (¢ per share) 6 6 18
  1. EBITDAX is operating profit / (loss) adjusted for the add back of depreciation and amortisation, impairment of property, plant and equipment, impairment of intangible assets and reversal of impairment of receivables
  2. Free cash flow is reconciled on page 8
  3. Reported cash less IFRS debt (page 8)

Summary

  • Material cash generation from low-cost and high-margin oil production:
    • Net production averaged 30,420 bopd in H1 2022 (H1 2021: 32,760 bopd)
    • Low production cost of $4.4/bbl and strength of oil price delivered a margin per barrel of $32/bbl (H1 2021: $20/bbl)
    • Free cash flow of $129 million (H1 2021: $22 million)
  • Financial strength provides options for capital allocation:
    • $75 million of capital expenditure in H1 2022, of which $41 million was spent at Taq Taq and Tawke, and $27 million on Sarta appraisal
    • Genel took on operatorship at Sarta on 1 January 2022, with Sarta-5 and Sarta-1D subsequently being completed
    • Cash of $412 million (31 December 2021: $314 million)
    • Net cash of $141 million (31 December 2021: net cash of $44 million)
  • A socially responsible contributor to the global energy mix:
    • Zero lost time injuries (‘LTI’) and zero tier one loss of primary containment events at Genel and TTOPCO operations
      • Two million work hours since the last LTI, as we seek to repeat the performance of six years without an LTI up to September 2021
    • As we mark 20 years of operations in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (‘KRI’), the Genel20 Scholars initiative has launched, with Genel funding the opportunity for 20 economically disadvantaged students to have a life-enhancing education at the American University of Kurdistan

Outlook

  • Production guidance for 2022 maintained as around the same level as 2021, currently tracking between 30-31,000 bopd for the full-year
  • 2022 capital expenditure guidance of between $140 million and $180 million tightened to $150 million to $170 million
  • Genel expects free cash flow of over $250 million in 2022, pre dividend payments
  • Appraisal at Sarta is ongoing, with results of the Sarta-6 well expected around the end of the year
  • The Company continues to actively pursue new business opportunities, focused on production and cash generation
  • The London seated international arbitration regarding Genel’s claim for substantial compensation from the KRG following Genel’s termination of the Miran and Bina Bawi PSCs is ongoing
  • Interim dividend retained at 6¢ per share:
    • Ex-dividend date: 15 September 2022
    • Record date: 16 September 2022
    • Payment date: 14 October 2022

Full results here.

(Source: Genel Energy)

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Genel Energy issues update on Trading and Ops

Genel Energy has issued the following trading and operations update ahead of the Company’s Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’), which is being held today:

Bill Higgs, Chief Executive of Genel, said:

“Our robust financial position continues to strengthen, supporting investment in our organic portfolio as well as our progressive dividend. Despite the result of Sarta-5, the well delivered useful data that we will incorporate together with the results of our next well, Sarta-6, into our forward plans for the field. As we look to add production and further bolster our progressive dividend and create value for stakeholders, we continue to review both organic and inorganic opportunities.”

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

  • $95 million cash proceeds received in Q1 2022 from the Kurdistan Regional Government
  • Free cash flow of $43 million in Q1 2022
    • Margin of $30/bbl in Q1 2022 (2021: $24/bbl), with Brent averaging $102/bbl (2021: $71/bbl)
    • Capital expenditure of $35 million in Q1 2022, of which $19 million was spent at Tawke, and $12 million at Sarta
    • Of the $35 million total invoiced for December 2021 oil sales, $17 million was received in Q1 2022, with $18 million of invoices being received after period end
  • Cash of $356 million at 31 March 2022 ($314 million at 31 December 2021)
  • Net cash of $86 million at 31 March 2022 ($44 million at 31 December 2021)

PRODUCTION

  • Net production of 30,520 bopd in Q1 2022, in line with guidance
  • Zero lost time injuries or Tier 1 losses of primary containment in Q1 2022
  • Tawke PSC (25% working interest)
    • Gross production of 106,470 bopd in Q1 2022, 26,620 net to Genel, of which Peshkabir contributed 64,500 bopd and Tawke 41,970 bopd
    • A high level of activity was maintained at Tawke in Q1 2022, with five wells spud across the Tawke and Peshkabir fields, with a fourth drilling rig set to be added
    • The Peshkabir-Tawke gas project has captured 12 billion cubic feet of otherwise flared gas, equivalent to 766,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, since start up in mid-2020 through the first quarter of 2022. Phase 2 is a $25 million expansion underway at the Tawke field to capture breakthrough gas, set to start in the fourth quarter of 2022. The operator, DNO, is also debottlenecking the Peshkabir gas plant originally designed for 50,000 bopd to handle larger volumes of associated gas from higher field production, which is now averaging 65,000 bopd
  • Sarta (30% working interest and operator)
    • Gross production of 5,590 bopd in Q1, 1,670 bopd net to Genel
    • Sarta-1D was brought onto production on 8 March from the Mus and Upper Adaiyah reservoirs, the same zone on production at Sarta-2. On well test at Sarta-1D the Lower Adaiyah produced at low oil rates with a high water cut while oil was discovered in the Butmah, achieving flow rates of over 1500 bopd, but again with a high water cut. Since coming onstream, production from the Mus and Upper Adaiyah reservoirs at Sarta-1D has been choked back in order to manage pressure decline between the two adjacent take points of Sarta-1D and Sarta-2, and water cut at Sarta-1D
    • Total field production has averaged c.6,150 bopd in May, as we continue to work through a programme to optimise production from the three producing wells
    • Sarta-5 testing completed on 9 May and the well is now suspended. As previously stated, the presence of oil associated with both the primary and secondary Jurassic reservoir intervals, 12 km southeast of the Sarta pilot EPF, will be subject to further investigation and integration into the joint venture’s understanding of the Sarta field and future planning
    • Test results from the Sarta-6 well, c.6 km to the west of the pilot EPF, are expected in Q3
  • Taq Taq PSC (44% working interest and joint operator)
    • Gross production of 5,070 bopd, 2,230 bopd net to Genel
    • As the margins at Taq Taq have increased, planning is underway for the resumption of drilling, with a well expected to spud around the end of 2022

PRE-PRODUCTION

  • Qara Dagh (40% working interest and operator)
    • The evaluation of the QD-2 well and its results is underway, with a decision on licence next steps to be taken later this year
  • Somaliland (51% working interest and operator)
    • Following the successful farm-out in December 2021, preparation is under way for the drilling of a well on the highly prospective SL10B13 block around the end of 2023
  • Morocco (75% working interest and operator)
    • Petroleum Agreement and Association Contract expected to be signed with ONHYM in Q2 2022, with a farm-out programme scheduled to begin later this year

ESG

  • Genel’s 2021 Sustainability Report has been issued today, detailing our environmental performance and the positive impact that we strive to have on the communities in which we operate. 2021 highlights include:
    • 11 social investment and community projects funded and delivered in 2021
    • Zero waste to landfill from operations at Sarta, with 92% recycled
    • Renewable energy feasibility study progressing at Sarta
  • Genel is marking twenty years of operating in the KRI with its Genel20 programme, increasing the scope of our social activities, including a new education initiative set to be launched next week at an event in Dohuk

2022 OUTLOOK AND GUIDANCE

  • Guidance reiterated, with production for 2022 at around the same level as the 2021 average
  • The Board is recommending the approval of a final dividend of 12¢ per share (2021: 10¢ per share) at today’s AGM, a distribution of $33.5 million, as we continue to fulfil our aim of paying a progressive dividend

(Source: Genel Energy)

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Shares in Genel Energy slump on Sarta Result

By John Lee.

Shares in Genel Energy were trading down 7 percent on Tuesday morning after the company announced disappointing results at the Sarta-5 appraisal well:

“Genel Energy plc (‘Genel’ or ‘the Company’) announces the following update on the Sarta PSC (30% working interest and operator).

“Testing of the Sarta-5 appraisal well has been completed. While oil was recovered to surface from a number of intervals, notably c.800 bbls of light oil from the Najmah formation, stable and sustained commercial flow of oil was not achieved from the primary reservoir objectives of the Mus and Adaiyah formations nor the secondary Lower Sargalu or Najmah formations. None of the intervals tested were able to support sustained flow of reservoir fluids, indicating that the reservoirs at this location are tight. This was identified as a critical pre-drill risk of this appraisal well.

“The presence of oil associated with both the primary and secondary Jurassic reservoir intervals, 12 km southeast of the Sarta pilot EPF, will now be subject to further investigation and integration into the joint venture’s understanding of the Sarta field and future planning. The well will now be suspended according to KRI regulations.

“The Sarta appraisal programme continues at Sarta-6, c.6 km to the west of the pilot EPF, with test results expected in Q3.”

(Source: Genel Energy)

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Genel Results: $400m Impairment, but Increased Divi

Genel Energy has announced its audited results for the year ended 31 December 2021.

Bill Higgs, Chief Executive of Genel, said:

“Our strategy and business model remain focused on cash generation. Prior to the invasion of Ukraine and the associated increase in the oil price, we were well positioned for our free cash flow to materially increase from $86 million in 2021 to around a quarter of a billion dollars this year. At the prevailing oil price, and given that there seems no quick resolution to the appalling events unfolding, this figure is expected to increase significantly.

“The forecast extent of our cash generation, from an existing position of financial strength, provides the potential to deliver significant growth and further returns to shareholders. Our priority is investment in production to maximise the value of our existing assets, and continuing to develop Sarta. Given the strong outlook and ongoing cash generation, we have increased our final dividend by 20%, continuing to fulfil our aim of paying a material and progressive dividend.“

Results summary ($ million unless stated)

2021 2020
Average Brent oil price ($/bbl) 71 42
Production (bopd, working interest)  31,710  31,980
Revenue  334.9  159.7
EBITDAX1  275.1  114.6
  Depreciation and amortisation  (172.8)  (153.7)
  Exploration expense – (2.2)
  Impairment/write off of oil and gas assets (403.2) (286.3)
  Reversal of impairment / (impairment) of receivables 24.1 (36.9)
Operating loss (276.8) (364.5)
Cash flow from operating activities 228.1 129.4
Capital expenditure 163.7 109.7
Free cash flow2 85.9 (4.4)
Cash 313.7 354.5
Cash after settlement of bonds3 313.7 273.5
Total debt after settlement of bonds3 280.0 280.0
Net cash4 43.9 6.2
Basic LPS (¢ per share) (111.4) (152.0)
Underlying EPS / (LPS) (¢ per share)5 25.8 (34.2)
Dividends declared relating to financial year (¢ per share) 18 15
  1. EBITDAX is operating loss adjusted for the add back of depreciation and amortisation ($172.8 million), write-off of oil and gas assets ($403.2 million) and reversal of impairment on receivables ($24.1 million)
  2. Free cash flow is reconciled on page 12
  3. In December 2020, the Company gave notice to call the residual nominal $77.1 million of its 2022 bonds and thereby reduce its gross debt balance to $280.0 million. Under the terms of the bond settlement this took place on 8 January 2021 and reduced cash by $81.0 million
  4. Reported cash less IFRS debt (page 13)
  5. Underlying EPS / (LPS) is loss and total comprehensive income / (expense) adjusted for the add back of impairment / write-off of intangible assets, impairment of property, plant and equipment and reversal of impairment / (impairment) of receivables divided by weighted average number of ordinary shares

Highlights

  • Net production averaged 31,710 bopd in 2021 (2020: 31,980 bopd)
  • $281 million of cash proceeds were received from the KRG in 2021 (2020: $173 million)
  • Capital expenditure of $164 million (2020: $110 million), with c.$45 million spent at the Tawke PSC and c.$105 million at Sarta and Qara Dagh
  • Free cash flow of $86 million in 2021, pre dividend payments (2020: $4 million free cash outflow)
  • Following the termination of the Bina Bawi and Miran PSCs by Genel on 10 December 2021, there has been a required accounting write off of $403 million arising from derecognition of associated assets and liabilities. Genel has consequently taken steps to bring a claim for substantial compensation from the KRG at a private London seated international arbitration
  • Dividends paid in 2021 of 16¢ per share (2020: 15¢ per share), a total distribution of $44 million
  • Cash of $314 million at 31 December 2021, net cash of $44 million ($6 million at 31 December 2020)
  • Carbon intensity of 16 kgCO2e/bbl for scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2021, significantly below the global oil and gas industry average of 20 kgCO2e/boe

Outlook

  • Production guidance for 2022 maintained at around the same level as the 2021 average
    • Sarta-1D entered production on 8 March, at an initial rate of c.2,500 bopd
  • Genel expects free cash flow of over $250 million in 2022, pre dividend payments, at a Brent oil price of $90/bbl
    • An increase or decrease in Brent of $10/bbl impacts annual cash flow by c.$50 million
    • Cash flow in 2022 benefits from 10 Tawke override payments, with the last one set to be paid relating to July 2022 production
  • 2022 capital expenditure guidance maintained as between $140 million and $180 million
  • 2022 marks 20 years since Genel signed its first PSC in the KRI. We will be marking the year by increasing the scope of our social investments under the Genel20 banner, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Due to Genel’s robust financial position and confidence in the Company’s future prospects, the Board is recommending a final dividend of 12¢ per share (2021: 10¢ per share), a distribution of $33.5 million. This would bring ordinary dividends declared for 2021 as part of our sustainable and progressive dividend programme to 18¢ per share (15¢ per share relating to 2020 financial year), a total distribution of $50 million
    • Should the current oil price strength persist, Genel will consider incremental returns of cash to shareholders in addition to our commitment to a material and progressive dividend

(Source: Genel Energy)

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Genel Energy Updates its Oil Reserves

By John Lee.

Genel Energy plc has updated its oil reserves across its portfolio.

Net oil Reserves (MMbbls) 1P 2P 3P
31 December 2020 69.4 117.2 177.2
Production (11.6) (11.6) (11.6)
Technical revisions 4.8 (1.4) (28.9)
31 December 2021 62.6 104.2 136.6

International petroleum consultants DeGolyer and MacNaughton, working on behalf of the operator DNO, assess that Tawke licence (Genel 25% working interest) gross year-end 2021 2P reserves stood at 357 MMbbls, compared to 394 MMbbls at year-end 2020, after adjusting for production of 40 MMbbls and an upward technical revision of 3 MMbbls.

Pending further analysis of the performance of the Enhanced Oil Recovery project, Genel continues to hold 23 MMbbls of those 2P gross reserves in 2C resources.

At Taq Taq (44% working interest, joint operator), 2P gross reserves stood at 26 MMbbls at year-end 2021 (33 MMbbls at end-2020), following a downward technical revision of 5 MMbbls and production of 2 MMbbls. McDaniel & Associates carried out the independent assessment of the Taq Taq licence.

At Sarta (30% working interest, operator) Genel’s gross 2P reserve estimate relating to Phase 1A of the Sarta development remains unchanged, less production, at year-end 2021 at 32 MMbbls (34 MMbbls at the end of 2020), following production of 2 MMbbls.

Flow testing of Sarta-1D is currently ongoing, and the appraisal results of Sarta-5 and Sarta-6 will be incorporated into our assessment of the reserves of Sarta at the appropriate time.

(Source: Genel Energy)

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Genel Energy Rise on Trading Update

Shares in Genel Energy rose by nearly 5 percent on Tuesday morning after the company issued the following trading and operations update in advance of the Company’s full-year 2021 results, which are scheduled for release on 15 March 2022. The information contained herein has not been audited and may be subject to further review.

Bill Higgs, Chief Executive of Genel, said:

“In 2021 we generated significant free cash flow of $86 million, and in 2022 we are set to build on this as the strength of the oil price and our positive outlook means that free cash flow is expected to more than double. Our focus in 2022 is on growing the business and supporting our progressive dividend long-term.

“We aim to increase cash flow through the progression of our asset development plans and the addition of income streams. Our priority is the derisking and commercialisation of Sarta, while the successful farm-out on our Somaliland licence opens the way to drill an exploration well on this exciting opportunity.“

2022 OUTLOOK AND GUIDANCE

  • Production in 2022 is expected to be around the same level as 2021
  • Genel expects to generate free cash flow of up to $200 million in 2022, pre dividend payments, at a Brent oil price of $75/bbl
    • An increase or decrease in Brent of $10/bbl impacts annual cash by $50 million
    • Under the terms of the Receivable Settlement Agreement signed in August 2017, the last override payment will be made relating to Tawke PSC production in July 2022. Given payments are received three months in arrears from the Kurdistan Regional Government (‘KRG’), 10 override payments are expected in 2022
    • 2022 capital expenditure is expected to be between $140 million and $180 million, with key asset spending including:
      • c.$75 million expenditure forecast at the Tawke PSC, an increase of c.$25 million compared to 2021 as drilling increases at the Tawke field
      • c.$45-80 million expenditure forecast at Sarta, with higher spend the result of appraisal success
      • c.$10-20 million expenditure forecast at Taq Taq
      • Work is underway on planning a well in Somaliland, with expenditure in 2022 expected to be under $5 million
    • Operating costs expected to be c.$50 million (2021: $44 million), equating to under $5/bbl, retaining our advantageous low operating cost position
  • Following the termination of the Bina Bawi and Miran PSCs by Genel on 10 December 2021, Genel will be claiming substantial compensation from the KRG. Genel’s claims will be brought in a private London seated international arbitration
  • Genel remains committed to paying a material and progressive dividend, as we look to offer a compelling mix of value-accretive growth and shareholder returns
  • Genel continues to invest in the host communities in which we operate. 2022 represents twenty years of operations in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, which we will commemorate through the Genel20 programme, launching significant new social activities throughout the year, aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals

2021 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

  • $281 million of cash proceeds were received from the KRG in 2021 (2020: $173 million)
  • Capital expenditure of $165 million (2020: $109 million), with c.$45 million spent at the Tawke PSC and c.$110 million at Sarta and Qara Dagh
  • Free cash flow of $86 million in 2021, pre dividend payments (2020: $5 million free cash outflow), comparison impacted by:
    • Higher oil price of $71/bbl in 2021, compared to $42/bbl in 2020
    • 10 entitlement payments received in 2021, compared to 12 in 2020, following industry-wide reversion to payments three months in arrears by the KRG
    • Receivable recovery payments of $35 million received in 2021, with the resumption of Tawke override payments contributing a further $72 million ($23 million in override payments received in 2020)
  • Dividends paid in 2021 of 16¢ per share (2020: 15¢ per share), a total distribution of c.$45 million
  • Cash of $314 million at 31 December 2021, net cash of $44 million ($10 million at 31 December 2020)

2021 OPERATING PERFORMANCE

  • Genel strives for safe operations with zero lost time injuries (‘LTI’) and zero tier one loss of primary containment events at Genel and TTOPCO operations. One LTI was reported in 2021 at Sarta-5 drilling operations and all corrective actions have been implemented
    • 1.2 million work hours subsequently completed across our operations without an LTI
  • Net production averaged 31,710 bopd in 2021, with net production in Q4 averaging 30,843 bopd
    • Production cost of c.$4/bbl, with margin per barrel of $24/bbl
  • Production by field was as follows:
(bopd) Gross production

2021

 Net production

2021

 Net production

2020
Tawke 108,710 27,180 27,570
Taq Taq 5,940 2,610 4,250
Sarta 6,400 1,920 160
Total 121,060 31,710 31,980
  • Genel expects our confirmed 2021 carbon intensity to be c.15 kgCO2e/bbl for scope 1 and 2 emissions, significantly below the global oil and gas industry average of 20 kgCO2e/boe
    • Expected carbon intensity in 2021 has increased from 13kg CO2e/bbl in 2020 due to full year production at Sarta where associated gas is currently being flared. The gas management project to cease routine flaring is underway

PRODUCTION ASSETS

  • Tawke PSC (25% working interest)
    • Gross production at the Tawke PSC averaged 108,710 bopd in 2021 (110,280 bopd in 2020)
    • Drilling activity is set to ramp up in 2022
  • Sarta (30% working interest and operator)
    • The results of early production from the Sarta pilot continue to help shape the view of full field development
    • Gross production averaged 6,400 bopd in 2021, with just over 2.5 million barrels having been produced from start up in late November 2020 to year end 2021
    • Drilling and completion operations at Sarta-1D concluded in November 2021, the Viking I-21 Rig was subsequently mobilised to Sarta-4 to workover the legacy exploration well for use as a produced water disposal well
    • Rigless well testing at Sarta-1D is now underway, with results expected early this quarter. This will allow for the performance of the thicker and more volumetrically significant Adaiyah reservoir to be fully evaluated. Oil produced from Sarta-1D will be delivered to the early production facility via a short c.2 km flowline that was installed in Q4 2021 removing any lag time between well testing results and monetisation of the resource
    • The Sarta-5 and Sarta-6 step out wells are designed to appraise the field away from the pilot production facility and will be key in resolving the current uncertainty over the size and shape of the Sarta field
    • Drilling and completion operations concluded at Sarta-5 at the end of 2021, and the Parker 265 Rig is currently mobilising to the Sarta 6 location with spud expected in the coming weeks
    • Rigless well-testing operations will be conducted at Sarta-5 in Q1 2022
    • As of 1 January 2022, Genel became PSC operator of Sarta in line with the agreement with Chevron
    • Genel has embarked on a renewable energy appraisal programme at Sarta, with the initial phase of this study assessing wind, solar and hydro options to power the early production facility. The study began in Q3 2021 and will be completed in 2022, as Genel aims to reduce GHG emissions from our facilities
  • Taq Taq PSC (44% working interest and joint operator)
    • Gross production at Taq Taq averaged 5,940 bopd in 2021, following the ongoing suspension of drilling activity
    • Activity at Taq Taq continues to be focused on optimising cash flow, and drilling may resume in H2 2022

PRE-PRODUCTION ASSETS

  • Qara Dagh (40% working interest and operator)
    • As announced on 4 January, drilling operations on the QD-2 well have been suspended and the well temporarily abandoned
    • The evaluation by licence partners Genel and Chevron of the QD-2 well and its results is now underway, and this will inform next steps on the licence
  • Somaliland (51% working interest and operator)
    • Following the signing of a farm-out agreement with OPIC Somaliland Corporation relating to the SL10B13 block, field partners are now working together to plan exploration drilling, with an aim of drilling a well in 2023
  • Morocco (75% working interest and operator)
    • A farm-out campaign continues to be planned relating to the Lagzira block offshore Morocco (75% working interest and operator), with the aim of bringing a partner onto the licence prior to considering further commitments

(Source: Genel Energy)

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Genel Energy Increases Dividend

By John Lee.

Genel Energy has increased its interim dividend, announced in its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2021:

Bill Higgs, Chief Executive of Genel, said:

“Genel continues to deliver on its strategy and demonstrate the merits of its business model. Capital investment made last year, despite the low oil price and over $150 million of deferred payments, has meant this period has benefitted from the addition of oil from Sarta and increased production from Peshkabir, with production having increased in line with guidance.

“This high-margin production will generate sufficient cash flow in 2021 to more than cover investment in growth and the increased dividend, and we are set to end the year in a net cash position.

“Our appraisal campaign at our exciting growth assets Sarta and Qara Dagh is now well underway, and we look forward to the results of three of these high-potential wells later this year. Given the cash generation of the business, our strong balance sheet, and the resilience of our business model, we are fulfilling our aim of paying a progressive dividend by increasing the interim payment.“

Results summary ($ million unless stated)

H1 2021 H1 2020 FY 2020
Average Brent oil price ($/bbl) 65 40 42
Production (bopd, working interest)  32,760 32,100  31,980
Revenue  151.5 88.4  159.7
EBITDAX1  123.1 65.1  114.6
  Depreciation and amortisation  (81.8) (82.6)  (153.7)
  Exploration expense – (1.3) (2.2)
  Impairment of oil and gas assets – (286.3) (286.3)
  Impairment of receivables – (34.9) (36.9)
Operating profit / (loss) 41.3 (340.0) (364.5)
Cash flow from operating activities 91.1 85.5 129.4
Capital expenditure 58.2 58.5 109.7
Free cash flow2 22.2 6.5 (4.4)
Cash 266.4 355.3 354.5
Total debt 280.0 300.0 280.0
Net (debt) / cash3 (2.2) 57.2 6.2
Basic EPS (¢ per share) 9.3 (128.9) (152.0)
Dividends declared for the period (¢ per share) 6 5 15
  1. EBITDAX is operating profit / (loss) adjusted for the add back of depreciation and amortisation, exploration expense, impairment of property, plant and equipment, impairment of intangible assets and impairment of receivables
  2. Free cash flow is reconciled on page 10
  3. Reported cash less IFRS debt (page 11)

Highlights

  • Strong cash generation from low-cost oil production:
    • Net production averaged 32,760 bopd in H1 2021, slightly above the average in the prior year and in line with guidance (H1 2020: 32,100 bopd)
    • Low production cost of $3.7/bbl, oil price increase, and restart of the override helped deliver an overall margin from our production assets of $111 million
    • Free cash flow for the period was $22 million, despite the Kurdistan Regional Government (‘KRG’) changing its payment schedule from one to two months in arrears, moving c.$30 million that was due in H1 into July
    • $123 million of cash proceeds were received in H1 2021 (H1 2020: $110 million)
  • Investing in growth:
    • Our high-potential drilling campaign is well underway, with the QD-2 well at Qara Dagh having spud in April, and the Sarta-5 well in June
    • $58 million of capital expenditure in H1 2021, with activity accelerating in H2
  • Financial strength to underpin a material and progressive dividend:
    • Cash of $266 million, with net debt of $2.2 million
    • Due to the rise in the oil price boosting expected cash generation, and Management’s confidence in Genel’s future prospects, interim dividend increased to 6¢ per share (H1 2020: 5¢ per share)
  • A socially responsible contributor to the global energy mix:
    • Zero lost time injuries (‘LTI’) and zero tier one loss of primary containment (‘LOPC’) events at Genel and TTOPCO operations. Now no LTIs since 2015, with over 14 million work hours since the last incident, and no LOPCs since 2017
    • Second GRI compliant Sustainability Report issued today

Outlook

  • Production guidance for 2021 of slightly above the 2020 average of 31,980 bopd maintained
  • 2021 capital expenditure guidance maintained at $150 million to $200 million, with the expectation that expenditure will now be around the middle of this range, following delays in approvals from the KRG and ongoing challenges relating to COVID-19 causing some planned activity to move to Q1 2022
  • High-impact appraisal results to come in 2021:
    • Results from the QD-2 and Sarta-5 wells are expected around the end of Q3 2021
    • The Sarta-1D well is set to spud in coming days
    • Sarta-6 well is scheduled to get underway immediately following the completion of drilling at Sarta-5
  • Genel expects to generate free cash flow in 2021 and end the year in a net cash position, despite material investment in growth

More here.

(Source: Genel Energy)

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Genel Energy receives March Oil Payments from KRG

Genel Energy has announced that payments have been received from the Kurdistan Regional Government (‘KRG’) for its entitlement for oil sales during March 2021.

Those payments are made up as follows:

(all figures $ million) Payment
Tawke 14.3
Taq Taq 2.1
Sarta 3.4
Total 19.8

As announced on 13 May, Genel and other KRI operators received a letter from the KRG proposing an amendment to the recovery mechanism and payment schedule for monies owed for oil sales from November 2019 to February 2020 and the suspended override from March to December 2020.

The entitlement payments for oil sales were, in line with other operators, received ahead of the proposed amended schedule.

The Company has not yet received payments for March’s invoices under the recovery mechanism, regarding which it is engaging with the KRG on their proposed amendments, nor the Tawke override.

Assuming the proposed revision to the terms of recovery stands, the recovery payment will be $3.1 million. The override payment will be $8.2 million. Given the proposed new schedule, Genel expects to receive both payments shortly.

(Source: Genel Energy)

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Genel Confirms Increased year-on-year Production

Genel Energy has issued the following statement relating to the Company’s Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’), which is being held today:

Bill Higgs (pictured), Chief Executive of Genel, said:

“The addition of production at Sarta and the robust performance of Tawke year-to-date has increased year-on-year production in line with guidance. With a strong balance sheet, our high-potential appraisal drilling campaign is now underway following the spud of the QD-2 well at Qara Dagh. With the increase in oil price and beginning of catch up payments from the KRG, despite our investment in growth and payment of a material dividend, we expect to end 2021 with a material cash position.”

“As detailed in our full-year results, 2020 illustrated the resilience of our business, and laid the foundations for a year of growth in 2021, with material drilling catalysts.

“Despite the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 in the operating environment in 2021, we continue to carry out our work programmes across all producing and appraisal assets as we aim to deliver on the significant near and long-term potential in the portfolio.

“Continuing robust production at the Tawke PSC, coupled with the addition of production from our fourth producing field at Sarta, means that working interest production averaged 33,100 bopd in the first four months of 2021, an increase of 4% compared to the 2020 average, in line with guidance.

“DNO ASA, as operator of the Tawke PSC (Genel 25% working interest), today issued an update on licence activity, where spend early in the year on drilling of new wells and workovers of existing ones helped sustain gross operated production at 112,000 bopd in the first quarter, up from 110,000 bopd in the previous quarter. The Peshkabir field contributed 61,400 bopd, and Tawke 50,600 bopd.

“12 wells are forecast on the licence in 2021, of which nine are at Tawke and three at Peshkabir. DNO has increased gross operated Tawke licence full-year 2021 production guidance to 110,000 bopd.

“Genel’s high-potential drilling campaign has now begun, with the QD-2 well having spud on 19 April 2021. This well is set to appraise the crest of a 50 km long structure at Qara Dagh, around 10 km from the location of the QD-1 well, which flowed light oil in 2011, despite being drilled down dip and in a sub-optimal manner in an era predating Genel and Chevron’s much evolved understanding of the subsurface situation and required drilling strategy. Results from the QD-2 well are anticipated in late Q3 2021. As we step up our work at the field, we are further ramping up our social investment programme, working with local companies to deliver projects that respond to the requirements of local communities.

“Sarta is producing at a mechanically constrained gross rate of c.8,500 bopd, pending ongoing surface facilities de-bottlenecking. These actions are expected to result in production once again reaching c.10,000 bopd in the near future.

“Mobilisation of two drilling rigs at the licence is now underway, ahead of the spudding of the Sarta-5 and Sarta-1D wells next month. The Sarta-5 well is set to test multiple reservoir intervals up-dip of the Sarta-2 and Sarta-3 producing wells, and results are expected around the end of Q3. A second rig will drill the Sarta-1D well, a sidetrack well from the Sarta-1 well pad, with results expected at a similar time to Sarta-5. Following the construction of a flow line to the early production facility, production is expected from this well around the end of 2021. With the Sarta-6 well set to be drilled immediately after Sarta-5, analysis of pilot production data and the results of the appraisal well programme will provide an enhanced understanding of the greater resource potential of Sarta and inform the optimal development plan to exploit it.

“The continued oil price strength has helped to further increase the value of our high-margin production. Our cash position at the end of April was $266 million, a net debt position of $3 million, with $36 million owed by the KRG for production in March 2021. Given our expectation that payments will remain timely, we forecast ending 2021 with a material net cash position.

“This financial strength supports the paying of a material dividend, as we continue to offer investors a compelling mix of growth and returns. Pending approval of our final dividend of 10¢ per share at today’s AGM, the ex-dividend date is 13 May, with payment on 14 June 2021.”

(Source: Genel Energy)

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Sarta-2 Well enters Production

By John Lee.

Genel Energy has announced that the Sarta-2 well has entered production at the Sarta field (Genel 30% working interest), with gross field production now in excess of 10,000 bopd.

Genel expects this figure to increase from the existing two producing wells, as optimisation of facilities configuration continues post production start-up.

The company added that the high-impact 2021 appraisal drilling campaign is on track to begin at the start of Q2, with the Sarta-5 and Sarta-6 wells set to be drilled back to back.

(Source: Genel Energy)

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