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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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KRG hits back at Genel Energy Claims

By John Lee.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has responded to the statement on Friday by Genel Energy regarding the production-sharing contracts (PSCs) at Bina Bawi and Miran.

The KRG strongly denies that it is in repudiatory breach of the PSCs, and denies that Genel is entitled to any compensation.

It adds that it will vigorously defend any claim that is brought by Genel, and intends to pursue its own counterclaims for damages resulting from Genel’s renunciation of the PSCs.

The full statement from KRG follows:

On 10 December 2021, the Kurdistan Regional Government received a letter from a subsidiary of Genel Energy plc (“Genel”). In this letter, Genel confirmed that it did not intend to continue to perform its obligations under the Bina Bawi and Miran PSCs, and purported to terminate the PSCs with immediate effect. The Government understands that Genel Energy plc has made the same assertions in a public press release dated 10 December 2021.

Genel’s letter and the related press release were prompted by the Government’s issuance on 5 December 2021 of formal Notices of Termination, which validly terminated the PSCs subject only to the completion of the dispute resolution process set out in the PSCs.

Genel has sought to justify its termination of the PSCs by wrongly asserting that the Government is in repudiatory breach. The Government strongly denies that it is in repudiatory breach of the PSCs. Genel has also falsely claimed that the Government stated it would not perform its obligations under the PSCs. On the contrary, the Government has always acted in accordance with its obligations under the PSCs, and has consistently communicated the same to Genel.

However, Genel’s 10 December 2021 communication confirmed unequivocally that Genel had renounced the PSCs, and the Government has therefore confirmed today to Genel that the PSCs are validly terminated with immediate effect.

The Government regrets that Genel has failed to offer any credible proposals to develop the Bina Bawi and Miran oil and gas fields, and notes that this failure has significantly delayed the ability of the Government to develop those fields on a timely basis.

The Government also notes Genel’s public statement that it will pursue a substantial claim in international arbitration from the Government as a consequence of the termination of the PSCs. The Government strongly denies that Genel is entitled to any compensation. The Government will vigorously defend any claim that is brought by Genel, and intends to pursue its own counterclaims for damages resulting from Genel’s renunciation of the PSCs.

(Source: KRG)

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Genel Energy to Claim Compensation from KRG

Shares in Genel Energy opened down more than five percent on Friday morning, before recovering some ground, after the company said it will claim compensation from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

It says the claims, which relate to KRG’s intention to terminate the Bina Bawi and Miran production sharing contracts (PSCs) are “substantial”, and will be brought in a London-based international arbitration.

The statement from the company this morning:

Genel Energy plc (‘Genel’) provides the following update on the Bina Bawi and Miran Production Sharing Contracts (‘PSCs’).

Further to Genel’s announcement of 20 August 2021 that notices of intention to terminate the Bina Bawi and Miran PSCs had been received from the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Kurdistan Regional Government (‘KRG’), Genel has received from the KRG formal notices purporting to terminate the PSCs. The KRG has also stated that, pending resolution of the dispute as to whether such notices are effective to terminate the PSCs, it will not perform those obligations under the PSCs that would enable Genel to progress the development of the Bina Bawi and Miran fields. 

Since entering into the PSCs in February 2017, Genel has made every effort to engage with the KRG on the development of the Bina Bawi and Miran fields and has submitted numerous development proposals to the KRG for its approval. However, the KRG has for some time made clear its intention not to permit the development of the fields in accordance with the terms of the PSCs.

In these circumstances, the Board has concluded that it is left with no practical alternative but to accept that the PSCs are terminated as a consequence of the KRG’s repudiatory breach and to claim compensation from the KRG. Genel’s claims are substantial and will be brought in a London seated international arbitration to be commenced in accordance with the disputes process set out in the PSCs.

Genel has a long and constructive relationship with the KRG, and continues to work with the KRG on the development of our other assets, as we look to deliver our mutual goal of increasing production in the KRI for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Genel will update the market on future developments.

Following the termination of the PSCs, the balances associated with holding title to these PSCs will be derecognised and therefore removed from the balance sheet.

(Source: Genel Energy)

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Shares in Genel Energy fall as KRG to Terminate Contracts

By John Lee.

Shares in Genel Energy fell more than 15 percent in mid-morning trading after the company announced that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) intends to terminate its contracts at Bina Bawi and Miran.

In a statement, the company said:

“Genel has received notice from the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Kurdistan Regional Government (‘KRG’) of its intention to terminate the Bina Bawi and Miran PSCs. 

“Genel believes that the KRG has no grounds for issuing its notices of intention to terminate. 

“Genel wishes to continue operations under the PSCs and to work with the KRG on the development of these fields. However, Genel will take steps to protect its rights under the PSCs and, if necessary, seek compensation, including for its material investment. As a first step, Genel intends to issue notice of dispute to the KRG under each PSC, contesting the right of the KRG to issue any such termination notice and, in doing so, trigger an obligation to hold good faith negotiations to resolve this matter promptly and without the need for either party to refer the matter to international arbitration.

“As stated at our half-year results, Genel has found it difficult to engage the KRG under the PSCs to obtain the necessary approvals to proceed with the development of the assets, and every effort has been made to obtain these so that the projects can be progressed. Genel had earlier reached a commercial understanding with the KRG in September 2019 to develop the fields using a staged and integrated oil and gas development concept. In the course of those negotiations leading to updated terms of the parties’ agreements, the KRG confirmed to Genel that it would not serve notice of intention to terminate the PSCs while these negotiations remain ongoing. Genel has subsequently prepared and submitted proposals to the KRG, which honoured the terms agreed in September 2019, each of which would have resulted in the progression of development of the assets.“

(Sources: Genel Energy, Yahoo!)

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Genel Energy expects Continued Growth

By John Lee.

Genel Energy has issued the following trading and operations update in advance of the Company’s full-year 2020 results, which are scheduled for release on 18 March 2021. The information contained herein has not been audited and may be subject to further review.

Bill Higgs, Chief Executive of Genel, said:

“Executing our strategy in 2020 through delivering low-cost production, paying a material dividend, and retaining our financial strength in order to invest in growth has helped lay the foundations for year on year production increases in this year and the years ahead. Bringing Sarta to production in 2020 despite the challenges of COVID-19 now means that we are generating revenues from our fourth field as we rapidly move to further appraise its huge reserve potential.

“The successful early refinancing provides us with the liquidity and financial certainty to continue prudently investing in growth while retaining a robust balance sheet and delivering returns to shareholders. We expect to drill 12 wells across the portfolio this year. These wells have the potential to add incremental low-cost and cash generative production at the Tawke PSC, add and convert contingent resources to reserves and add production at Sarta, and open up a new field at Qara Dagh. With numerous catalysts in the year and a more promising external environment than 2020, Genel is looking confidently ahead to 2021.“

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

  • $173 million of cash proceeds were received in 2020 (2019: $317 million)
  • Capital expenditure of $109 million (2019: $161 million), with spending reduced appropriately to reflect the external environment, yet ensuring continuing growth
  • Free cash outflow of $5 million in 2020, pre dividend payment (2019: $99 million free cash inflow), comparison impacted by:
    • Lower oil price ($42/bbl in 2020, compared to $64/bbl in 2019)
    • Non-payment of $121 million relating to oil sales from November 2019 to February 2020
    • Suspension of override payments with a cashflow impact totalling $38 million in 2020
  • The low-production cost per barrel of $2.8/bbl in 2020 helped deliver asset level cash generation of $74 million in the year
  • Dividends of $55 million paid in 2020, of which $14 million relates to the 2019 interim dividend paid in January 2020
  • Cash of $354 million at 31 December 2020 ($377 million at 31 December 2019), net cash of $10 million
    • Following the call of the outstanding bond with a maturity date in December 2022, settled on 8 January 2021, Genel had cash of $273 million and debt of $267 million, a net cash position of $6 million
    • Genel currently retains $20 million of the 2025 bond, to reduce interest cost and increase future optionality

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

  • Net production averaged 31,980 bopd in 2020, with net production in Q4 averaging 31,510 bopd (Q3 2020: 32,210 bopd)
  • Production by field was as follows:
(bopd) Gross production

2020

 Net production

2020

 Net production

2019
Tawke 57,570 14,390 17,190
Peshkabir 52,710 13,180 13,800
Taq Taq 9,670 4,250 5,260
Sarta 520 160 –
Total 120,470 31,980 36,250

PRODUCTION ASSETS

  • Tawke PSC (25% working interest)
    • Gross production at the Tawke PSC averaged 110,280 bopd in 2020, of which Peshkabir contributed 52,710 bopd
    • Production in Q4 2020 averaged 110,170 bopd, of which Peshkabir contributed 56,320 bopd
    • There will be an active drilling campaign in 2021 on the Tawke licence, with up to eight new development wells set to be drilled and multiple workovers on existing producing wells to be undertaken in the drive to maintain production above 100,000 bopd
  • Sarta (30% working interest)
    • First oil production from Sarta began in November 2020, and the Sarta-3 well has produced at an average of c.5,500 bopd so far in 2021
    • Due to ongoing COVID-19 protocols, production from Sarta-2 is now expected in February. A stable production level from both wells will be reached in Q1 2021
    • The 2021 appraisal drilling campaign is targeting a material portion of the 250 MMbbls of existing contingent resources, and prospective resources, in Jurassic formations
    • The campaign will begin at the start of Q2. Sarta-5 and Sarta-6 will be drilled back to back, with results from the first well expected in Q3, and operations on both wells complete in Q4 2021
    • Re-entry and deepening of the Sarta-1 (S-1D) well is expected around the middle of the year. Should S-1D be successful, a flowline will be constructed in order to enable the well to enter production around the end of 2021
  • Taq Taq PSC (44% working interest and joint operator)
    • Gross production at Taq Taq averaged 9,670 bopd in 2020, following the suspension of drilling activity in H1 2020
    • Q4 production at the field averaged 7,610 bopd, with an exit rate of over 8,000 bopd following the early implementation of part of the 2021 well intervention programme, which increased production from the TT-20z and TT-34y wells
    • With activity at Taq Taq focused on optimising cash flow, no drilling is scheduled in 2021, with activity limited to workovers that will help manage field decline

PRE-PRODUCTION ASSETS

  • Qara Dagh (40% working interest and operator)
    • Preparatory activities are ongoing for the QD-2 well, as Genel continues to target a spud date late in Q1 2021. The water well project successfully completed in December, providing us with water for the drilling operations
    • The well is expected to drill, complete, and test before the end of the year, with the field holding resources estimated by Genel at gross mean c.400 MMbbls
  • Bina Bawi (100% working interest and operator)
    • Discussions with the KRG are ongoing at the highest levels relating to our proposals submitted in August and December 2020, which would enable the Company to progress the next stage of activity
    • Genel continues to maintain capex discipline, and will only commence investment upon certainty of alignment with the KRG and a clear path to monetisation
  • African exploration assets
    • The uncertainty created by COVID-19  delayed the search for partners to fund and minimise Genel’s spend on our potentially high-impact exploration wells, but the farm-out process relating to the highly prospective SL10B13 block in Somaliland (100% working interest and operator) is progressing, with potential partners involved in assessing the opportunity
    • A farm-out campaign is also 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

ESG

  • Zero lost time injuries (‘LTI’) and zero tier one loss of primary containment events in 2020 at Genel and TTOPCO operations
    • There has not been an LTI since 2015, with over 13 million work hours since the last incident
    • 400,000 hours of work completed at Sarta without an LTI
  • Genel expects our 2020 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
    • The carbon intensity of our portfolio reduced to 7kg CO2e/bbl of scope 1 and 2 emissions in H2 2020 following the material reduction in flaring at the Tawke PSC through completion and commissioning of the enhanced oil recovery project
    • While portfolio emissions will increase in 2021 following early production at Sarta, Genel is committed to significantly reducing those emissions as production at the field matures
  • Genel is analysing the most effective way to manage emissions, both annually across the portfolio and over the life of each asset, in order to deliver the Paris Agreement goals of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees and leading to net zero by 2050

OUTLOOK AND GUIDANCE

  • Production in 2021 is expected to be slightly above the 2020 average of 31,980 bopd, with the potential for a higher exit rate and further growth in 2022 depending on success of the Sarta appraisal programme
    • Average margin per working interest barrel of over $10/bbl expected in 2021 at average Brent oil price $50/bbl
  • Payments from the KRG continue to be made, with monthly payments received under the KRG’s updated payment schedule for the past nine months
    • Override payments to resume from the January 2021 invoice
    • The KRG has submitted a reconciliation model for repayment of the receivable relating to the $159 million in unpaid invoices, whereby for each cent above a monthly dated Brent average of $50/bbl, 0.5 cent per working interest barrel shall be paid towards monies owed. We continue to discuss this model with the KRG, and will update the market in due course
  • Genel retains significant flexibility over its capital expenditure, and will ensure that expenditure is appropriate to the external environment. 2021 capital expenditure is expected to be $150 million to $200 million, with the current outlook supporting investment at the top end of this range
    • Production: c.$80 million expenditure forecast, with all spend recovered through cash receipts in the year
    • Growth: c.$100 million expenditure forecast, including wells and facilities costs, focused on material reserves additions and near-term production
  • Operating costs expected to be c.$50 million (2020: $33 million), with the increase due to the addition of Sarta early production costs, equating to $4/bbl in 2021 ($3/bbl in 2020), retaining our advantageous low operating cost position
  • G&A: expected to be c.$13 million (2020: $12 million)
  • Genel expects to pay a material dividend, as we look to offer a compelling mix of growth and returns

(Source: Genel Energy)

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Genel Energy issues Trading and Ops Update

Genel Energy has issued the following trading and operations update in respect of the third quarter and first nine months of 2020.

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

“Genel continues to demonstrate its resilience and ability to be move quickly to navigate changing external conditions. Production has remained robust, increasing quarter on quarter, and first oil at Sarta is also now imminent. Once production from these initial wells has stabilised we expect it to increase our production by over 10%, with potentially far more to come as we appraise what could be the largest field in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

“Following the successful completion of our recent refinancing, we have the liquidity to fund the rapid development of Sarta in the case of appraisal success in 2021. Genel’s financial strength and disciplined capital allocation means it is well placed to pursue opportunities for value accretive growth and provide returns to shareholders.“

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

  • $142 million of cash proceeds received in the first nine months of 2020
  • Free cash flow outflow of $5 million in the first nine months of 2020, after $30 million of capital expenditure progressing pre-production assets, and total capital expenditure of $76 million
    • $145 million outstanding from the Kurdistan Regional Government (‘KRG’), of which $121 million owed for production from November 2019 to February 2020, and $24 million in suspended override payments
  • Cash of $341 million at 30 September 2020 ($355 million at 30 June 2020)
  • Net cash of $42 million at 30 September 2020 ($57 million at 30 June 2020)
    • Cash figures are stated prior to the successful completion of refinancing in October 2020
  • Interim dividend of 5¢ per share (2019: 5¢ per share), a distribution of c.$13.6 million, to be paid to shareholders on the register on 13 November 2020

REFINANCING AND FINANCIAL STRATEGY

  • In September 2020, Genel successfully completed the issuance of a new $300 million senior unsecured bond with maturity in October 2025. The new bond has a fixed coupon of 9.25% per annum, compared to 10% for the 2022 bonds
    • At the same time, Genel purchased $223 million of its 2022 bonds at 107 to par. The total cost incurred with the redemption of these bonds was $16 million
    • Following the successful refinancing, the Company therefore has $77 million of 2022 bonds and $300 million of 2025 bonds in issue
  • Genel remains committed to retaining a robust balance sheet, and the successful completion of the bond issuance has allowed Genel to significantly extend its liquidity runway and provides the foundation for a capital investment programme that is flexible and adaptable to the external environment
  • The right level of debt and the resulting liquidity remains under review in the context of planned investment activity, external market conditions and the recovery of KRG receivables, the Company retaining the option of holding an optimised combination of the old and/or new bonds, depending on availability and pricing

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

  • Net production averaged 32,140 bopd in the first nine months of 2020, with net production in Q3 averaging 32,210 bopd (Q2 2020: 30,040 bopd)
  • Production by field was as follows:
(bopd) Gross production

Q3 2020

 Net production

Q3 2020
Tawke 56,880 14,220
Peshkabir 56,860 14,210
Taq Taq 8,580 3,780
Total 122,320 32,210

PRODUCTION ASSETS

  • Tawke PSC (25% working interest)
    • Production at the Tawke PSC increased to 113,700 bopd in the third quarter, up 12% from the prior quarter following a campaign of quick turnaround, low-cost well interventions and the start-up of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s first enhanced oil recovery project
    • The Peshkabir-to-Tawke gas capture and reinjection project, in operation since mid-year, is continuing to cut gas flaring and greenhouse emissions by half at Peshkabir to 7kg CO2e/bbl, while unlocking additional oil at Tawke. By the end of October 2020, two billion cubic feet of gas that otherwise would have been flared had been injected into Tawke, already delivering a positive production response at the field, and at the same time reducing field water production
  • Taq Taq PSC (44% working interest and joint operator)
    • Taq Taq gross field production averaged 8,580 bopd in Q3, following the suspension of drilling activity in H1 2020
    • As previously stated, activity at Taq Taq is focused on optimising cash flow. Appropriate for the external environment, it is not expected that there will be any further drilling activity in 2020

PRE-PRODUCTION ASSETS

  • Sarta (30% working interest)
    • Despite the challenges of COVID-19, first oil is on track for Q4 2020
    • Production will initially be from the Sarta-2 and Sarta-3 wells, and the workover of the former is now underway. It is expected that a stable production level will be reached in Q1 2021
    • Preparations for the 2021 appraisal drilling campaign, which is targeting a material portion of the 250 MMbbls of contingent resources in the Jurassic, are ongoing
    • This appraisal campaign will begin with the Sarta-6 well in H1 2021, followed by the Sarta-5 well and Sarta-1D re-entry. Well pad and road access civil works are well underway at both the Sarta-6 and Sarta-5 locations, and minor remedial civil works are also about to commence at the existing Sarta-1D site. It is expected that all three appraisal wells will complete in 2021, at a cost of c.$40 million net to Genel in 2021
  • Qara Dagh (40% working interest and operator)
    • While challenges caused by COVID-19 remain, the increased certainty in the operating environment, and Genel’s ability to operate under the expected level of restrictions, has allowed the lifting of force majeure at Qara Dagh
    • This has allowed Genel to proceed with approvals for activities necessary in order to reach a spud date for the QD-2 well in Q1 2021
    • The QD-2 well is expected to cost c.$30 million in 2021
  • Bina Bawi (100% working interest and operator)
    • Genel continues to seek a response from the KRG to our proposal submitted in August 2020, which would enable the Company to progress the next stage of activity at Bina Bawi
    • Our proposal highlights the need to engage regional gas buyers on volume and price discovery and to improve project definition by undertaking the detailed front-end engineering of both the upstream and midstream processing facilities
    • Until a satisfactory response is received, Genel will maintain capex discipline, and will only commence investment upon certainty of alignment with the KRG and a clear path to monetisation
  • African exploration assets
    • The uncertainty created by COVID-19, and current macroeconomic conditions, has negatively impacted the search for partners to fund and minimise Genel’s spend on our potentially high-impact exploration wells
    • A farm-out process relating to the highly prospective SL10B13 block in Somaliland (100% working interest and operator) is however continuing, with companies still assessing the opportunity
    • A farm-out campaign is being 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

ESG

  • Zero lost time injuries (‘LTI’) and zero tier one losses of primary containment in 2020 to date at Genel and TTOPCO operations
    • There has not been an LTI since 2015, with almost 13 million work hours since the last incident
  • Carbon intensity of our portfolio now reduced to 7kg CO2e/bbl of scope 1 and 2 emissions following material reduction in flaring at the Tawke PSC through completion and commissioning of the enhanced oil recovery project
  • Multiple projects are ongoing to support local communities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and the pipeline project to transport clean water to over 220 families across five villages neighbouring Taq Taq is now complete
  • Sustainability report in accordance with Global Reporting Initiative standards was issued in September 2020, giving a comprehensive overview of our ESG activities and positions, noting the impact we have had on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (‘KRI’):
    • Since starting work in the KRI Genel has invested c.$60 million in social projects, and $36 million spent on contracts with local companies
    • 245 social investment and community projects funded and successfully delivered
    • Up to 550 local community patients receive free treatment from the TTOPCO medical team per year
    • 250 local people employed at TTOPCO, and 23 local community-centred companies are providing services to Genel’s operations across the KRI, with our operations indirectly supporting a further 350 local people through such contracts

OUTLOOK

  • Payments from the KRG continue to be made, with monthly payments having been received under the KRG’s updated payment schedule for the past seven months
    • Dialogue with the KRG is ongoing regarding a number of topics, including the timing and process of payment of the outstanding c.$150 million receivable
  • 2020 capital expenditure expected to be just over $100 million, in line with guidance
    • Expenditure in Q4 2020 expected to be c.$30 million
  • Operating costs per barrel expected to be $3/bbl in 2020
  • Opex: expected to be c.$35 million, further reduced from the original guidance of c.$40 million
  • G&A: now expected to be c.20% less than previous guidance of $15 million
  • The Company continues to actively pursue additional growth and is analysing opportunities to make value-accretive additions to the portfolio that are consistent with Genel’s strategy

(Source: Genel Energy)

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Genel Energy “Robust Financial Position”

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

The information contained herein has not been audited and may be subject to further review.

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

“Despite the impact of COVID-19 creating a challenging environment for our industry, Genel’s resilient business model and robust financial position, with over $100 million in net cash and an asset cashflow breakeven of $30/bbl, leaves us well placed to withstand the consequences of the pandemic as we continue to deliver our strategy.

“We have cut our cloth appropriately against this backdrop and halved our capital expenditure for 2020, protecting our balance sheet while still progressing Sarta, and positioning us to take advantage of growth opportunities as the landscape improves.“

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

  • $98 million of cash proceeds received in the first four months of 2020
  • Cash of $404 million at 30 April 2020 ($391 million at 31 December 2019)
  • Net cash of $106 million at 30 April 2020 ($93 million at 31 December 2019)
  • Capital expenditure of $45 million in the first four months of 2020, with point forward expenditure cut significantly due to the impact of COVID-19
  • Final dividend of 10¢ per share (2019: 10¢ per share), a distribution of c.$27.8 million, to be paid to shareholders on the register on 29 May 2020, pending approval at today’s AGM

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

  • Production in the first quarter of 2020 averaged 34,170 bopd, in line with January’s guidance, guidance that has been removed following the decision to reduce investment to a level appropriate for the external environment
  • As well as impacting the oil price and hence investment plans for 2020, COVID-19 has provided operational challenges in relation to the movement of people and equipment. This has been less of a challenge for producing fields than pre-production assets, and the reduced work plan put in place in Q2 is progressing in line with expectations
  • Production by asset was as follows:
(bopd) Gross production

Q1 2020

 Net production

Q1 2020
Tawke 61,490 15,370
Peshkabir 53,710 13,430
Taq Taq 12,200 5,370
Total 127,400 34,170

PRODUCTION ASSETS

  • Tawke PSC (25% working interest)
    • Production at the Tawke PSC averaged 115,200 bopd in the first quarter of 2020, with the Tawke field producing 61,490 bopd, and Peshkabir 53,710 bopd
    • Five development wells have been completed on the licence. Three drilling rigs were released as the 2020 activity plan was amended to reflect the external environment, while a workover rig continues to service production wells
    • A drilling rig has been stacked at each field and can be quickly mobilised when conditions warrant
  • Taq Taq PSC (44% working interest and joint operator)
    • Taq Taq gross field production averaged 12,200 bopd in the first quarter of 2020
    • The latest well on the northern flank of the field, TT-35, spud on 6 January, and completed in April. The well is currently adding c.600 bopd to production. This completed the planned drilling programme with the Sakson-605 rig, which has now been released
    • Activity at TaqTaq is focused onmaximisingcash generation. Appropriate for the external environment, it is not expected that there will be any further drilling activity in 2020

PRE-PRODUCTION ASSETS

  • Sarta (30% working interest)
    • Civil construction work at the Sarta field is nearing completion, with the facility build ongoing
    • Due to delays in the movement of people and equipment caused by the impact of COVID-19, first oil is now expected in Q4 2020, rather than Q3
    • Phase 1A represents a low-cost pilot development of the Mus-Adaiyah reservoirs, designed to recover 2P gross reserves estimated by Genel at 34 MMbbls
  • Qara Dagh (40% working interest and operator)
    • The QD-2 well was on track to spud in Q2 2020 prior to COVID-19 impacting supply chains and the movement of people in to the KRI
    • Due to ongoing uncertainty caused by COVID-19, Genel notified the KRG of the occurrence of a force majeure event preventing the Company from being able to perform its contractual obligations as scheduled
    • Work continues to take place to ensure that Genel is in the best possible position to start to drill the QD-2 well once external conditions improve and the force majeure event ceases
  • Bina Bawi (100% working interest and operator)
    • Genel received documentation in mid-April from the KRG following the commercial understanding reached in September 2019
    • Negotiations regarding this documentation are ongoing, as Genel continues to seek a viable and balanced commercial way forward for the development of Bina Bawi’s gas and oil resources
  • Somaliland – SL10B13 block (100% working interest and operator)
    • A farm-out process relating to this highly prospective block began in Q4 2019, and a number of companies continue to assess the opportunity
  • Morocco – Sidi Moussa block (75% working interest and operator)
    • The farm-out campaign is set to begin in Q3 2020, aimed at bringing a partner onto the licence prior to considering further commitments

ESG

  • Zero lost time incidents and zero losses of primary containment in 2020 to date at Genel and TTOPCO operations
    • There has not been an LTI since 2015, with almost 12 million hours worked since the last incident
  • The Peshkabir-to-Tawke gas capture, transport and reinjection project to effectively end CO2 emissions at Peshkabir and boost oil recovery at Tawke is completed and undergoing commissioning
  • Multiple projects are ongoing to support local communities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, with activities in the Qara Dagh region continuing despite the force majeure event
  • Genel will issue a sustainability report in September 2020

OUTLOOK

  • Payments from the KRG are ongoing, with an updated payment mechanism put in place under which the KRG has committed to settling monthly sales invoices by the fifteenth day of the following month, as announced on 17 April 2020
    • $11.1 million received in April for oil sales during March 2020
  • 2020 capital expenditure reduced by c.50% from the top end of the original guidance range of $160-200 million and now expected to be just over $100 million, of which around half will be spent on the Tawke and Taq Taq PSCs, c.$30 million on Sarta, and c.$10 million on Qara Dagh
    • Point forward expenditure expected to be c.$60 million in 2020
  • Operating costs per barrel expected to be $3/bbl in 2020
  • Producing asset cashflow breakeven in 2020 at an oil price of less than $30/bbl, taking into account the 2020 capital expenditure programme and the updated payment mechanism
  • Opex: reduction of 10% compared to original guidance of c.$40 million
  • G&A: unchanged at c.$15 million (a reduction of c.20% from 2019)
  • Genel continues to analyse opportunities to repurchase bonds at a value-accretive price
  • The Company continues to actively pursue growth and is analysing opportunities to make value-accretive additions to the portfolio that are consistent with Genel’s strategy

(Source: Genel Energy)

Posted on

Negotiations Continue on Bina Bawi Oilfield

By John Lee.

Shares in Genel Energy plc were trading lower in Friday after the company said negotiations were continuing regarding the Bina Bawi field in Iraqi Kurdistan.

In a statement, the company said:

“Extensive documentation was received in mid-April from the Kurdistan Regional Government (‘KRG’) following the commercial understanding reached in September 2019. The documentation, which requires further negotiation, includes a new draft Production Sharing Contract (‘PSC’) that seeks to separate the Jurassic oil development from the deeper Triassic natural gas development, with oil being developed on standard terms for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

“Genel has been informed by the KRG that while negotiations are ongoing with respect to these documents it will not exercise the notice of an intention to terminate the Bina Bawi PSC. Genel continues to seek a viable and balanced commercial way forward for the development of Bina Bawi’s gas and oil resources, and is constructively engaging with the KRG to accelerate progress.

“Genel continues to minimise spending on Bina Bawi until further tangible progress is made during these negotiations.“

(Source: Genel Energy)

Posted on

Genel Energy Update on Oil Reserves

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

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

“Genel’s producing assets are profitable even at an oil price of $30/bbl and this, coupled with our robust balance sheet, supports investment in growth and the payment of a material dividend. The reduction of reserves at Tawke largely relates to production towards the end of the life of the field, and consequently our mid-term production outlook is materially unchanged and there is no reserves impact on our business plan.

“Our production funds an approved but flexible capital programme that, in the right market conditions, enables us to drill the wells necessary to evaluate the potential to convert the 2C oil resources in our portfolio, validated for the first time by ERCE, into reserves and production, boosting our cash generation potential.“

Net oil reserves (MMbbls) 1P 2P 3P
31 December 2018 99.3 154.9 219.3
Production (13.2) (13.2) (13.2)
Technical revisions (17.2) (17.8) (11.2)
31 December 2019 68.8 123.8 194.9

International petroleum consultants DeGolyer and MacNaughton assess that on a gross basis, at the Tawke licence in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq containing the Tawke and Peshkabir fields, year-end 2019 1P reserves stood at 228 MMbbls, compared to 348 MMbbls at year-end 2018, after adjusting for production of 45 MMbbls and a downward technical revision of 75 MMbbls. Tawke licence 2P reserves stood at 400 MMbbls (502 MMbbls in 2018) and 3P reserves at 641 MMbbls (697 MMbbls in 2018).

Broken down by field, Tawke field gross 1P reserves stood at 176 MMbbls (294 MMbbls in 2018), 2P reserves at 284 MMbbls (376 MMbbls in 2018) and 3P reserves at 421 MMbbls (477 MMbbls in 2018). Peshkabir field gross 1P reserves stood 51 MMbbls (54 MMbbls in 2018), 2P reserves at 116 MMbbls (126 MMbbls in 2018) and 3P reserves at 220 MMbbls (unchanged from 2018).

Genel continues to take a conservative view of the Enhanced Oil Recovery project at the Tawke PSC, and will look to book reserves in relation to the project, which has the potential to increase recovery over the life of field, once enhanced performance has been demonstrated at the field.DeGolyer and MacNaughton has included23MMbbls of 2P and 45 MMbbls of 3P gross reserves, working interest portions of which are not included in the table above.

At Taq Taq, there is a minor technical downward revision of 2.1 MMbbls of gross 2P reserves associated with the unsuccessful TT-33 well, and these now total 44 MMbbls, with gross 1P reserves increasing by 3.3 MMbbls to 20.1 MMbbls, illustrating the continued strong underlying performance of the asset. McDaniel & Associates carried out the independent assessment of the Taq Taq licence.

Genel’s gross 2P reserves estimate relating to Phase 1A of the Sarta development remains 34.3 MMbbls.

CONVERTING RESOURCES TO RESERVES

Net oil resources (MMbbls) 1C 2C 3C
31 December 2018 36.8 73.7 121.3
Technical revisions 29.7 78.3 224.5
31 December 2019 66.5 152 345.8

Following completion of the acquisition in 2019, Genel estimated gross resources at Sarta to be c.500 MMbbls. This potential has now been validated through an external audit conducted by ERCE, who has estimated a mid-case total recoverable oil resource of 593 MMbbls, of which 264 MMbbls is classified as 2C resource. Production performance in 2020, and the results of the upcoming three well campaign in 2021, will set out a roadmap for the conversion of these resources into reserves.

The Bina Bawi oil development has been certified by ERCE as 17.1 MMbbls of 2C resources, 13.6 MMbbls of which are expected to be converted into 2P reserves should a commercial agreement be reached and FID be taken on the first phase of the oil project.

At Qara Dagh the QD-2 well will test the crestal portion of the prospect which, based on a rigorous re-mapping exercise, has a mean prospective resource estimated by Genel at c.400 MMbbls. Genel estimates that the downdip segment tested by the QD-1 well defines a 2C resource of 47 MMbbls.

(Source: Genel)

Posted on

“Successful Year” for Genel Energy

By John Lee.

Shares in Genel Energy closed Thursday up more than 4 percent after the company issued the following trading and operations update in advance of the Company’s full-year 2019 results, which are scheduled for release on 17 March 2020. The information contained herein has not been audited and may be subject to further review.

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

“2019 was a successful year for Genel, and we continue to deliver on our promises. We increased our highly cash-generative production in line with guidance, paid a material dividend, grew our operating capabilities, and added new assets to the portfolio that will bear fruit in 2020.

“Our ongoing cash generation, with confidence of regular payments and in the security of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, means that it is business as usual and our investment plans are moving forward at pace. This increasing investment in our growth assets is more than covered by expected free cash flow, and will see production diversify and increase as Sarta comes onstream in the summer, with enough remaining to underpin an increase in our already significant dividend.“

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

  • $317 million of cash proceeds were received in 2019 (2018: $335 million)
  • Capital expenditure of $161 million (2018: $95 million), in line with initial guidance, as spending increased on growth assets
  • Free cash flow (‘FCF’) of $99 million in 2019, pre dividend payment
    • Cash proceeds and FCF were impacted by the non-receipt of $54 million in payments from the Kurdistan Regional Government (‘KRG’) relating to export sales in August and September 2019, due in November and December
    • Pro-forma FCF in 2019 was $153 million (2018: $164 million), or $0.55 per share
  • $26 million of outstanding payments from the KRG, constituting the full amount in respect to export sales in August 2019, has subsequently been received in 2020
  • Dividends of $42 million declared in 2019
    • Maiden dividend of $27 million (10¢ per share) paid in June 2019
    • A further $15 million distributed (5¢ per share) in January 2020
  • Cash of $387 million at 31 December 2019 ($334 million at 31 December 2018)
  • Net cash of $90 million at 31 December 2019 (net cash of $37 million at 30 December 2018)

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

  • 2019 net production averaged 36,250 bopd (2018: 33,690 bopd), in line with guidance and an increase of 8% on the prior year
  • Q4 averaged 35,410 bopd, an increase from 34,720 bopd in Q3
  • 19 new wells were brought onto production in 2019 across all assets
  • Production by asset was as follows:
(bopd) Gross production

2019

 Net production

2019

 Net production

2018
Tawke PSC 123,940 30,990 28,260
Taq Taq 11,960 5,260 5,430
Total 135,900 36,250 33,690

PRODUCTION ASSETS

  • Tawke PSC (25% working interest)
    • Tawke PSC gross production averaged 123,940 bopd, of which Peshkabir contributed 55,190 bopd
    • Production in Q4 2019 averaged 122,800 bopd, of which Peshkabir contributed 58,910 bopd
    • There will be an active drilling campaign in 2020 on the Tawke field, aiming to minimise decline rates
    • At Peshkabir, the P-12 well is currently appraising the eastern flank of the field, and is set to complete shortly
  • Taq Taq PSC (44% working interest and joint operator)
    • Taq Taq gross field production averaged 11,960 bopd in 2019
    • Production in Q4 2019 averaged 10,703 bopd
    • Following the successful drilling of the TT-34 well, which has now entered production at over 2,000 bopd with 20/64″ choke, production at Taq Taq has averaged c.12,800 bopd in the year to date
    • The latest well on the northern flank of the field, TT-35, spud on 6 January. This completes the drilling programme with the Sakson-605 rig
    • Further activity at Taq Taq is focused on maximising cash generation, with the optimised cost structure and 2020 work programme, which could see up to six wells drilled, under review

PRE-PRODUCTION ASSETS

  • Sarta (30% working interest)
    • Civil construction work at the Sarta field is continuing on schedule, with flowlines laid and buried and foundations in place for oil storage tanks, andGenel expects production to start in the summerof 2020
    • Phase 1A represents a low-cost pilot development of the Mus-Adaiyah reservoirs, designed to recover 2P gross reserves estimated by Genel at 34 MMbbls
    • Unrisked gross mid case resources relating to the Mus-Adaiyah reservoir are estimated by Genel at c.150 MMbbls, with overall unrisked gross P50 resources currently estimated by the Company at c.500 MMbbl
  • Qara Dagh (40% working interest and operator)
    • Civil construction works are progressing in preparation for the upcoming drilling operations, and the well pad and camp are on schedule for completion by the end of January
    • Environmental permits were granted in December 2019
    • The well will test the structural crest 10 km to the north-west of the QD-1 well, which tested sweet, light oil from Cretaceous carbonates
    • The QD-2 well is on track to spud in Q2 2020
    • Unrisked gross mean resources at Qara Dagh are currently estimated by Genel at c.200 MMbbls
  • Bina Bawi (100% working interest and operator)
    • Negotiations between Genel and the Kurdistan Regional Government (‘KRG’) regarding commercial terms for the gas and oil development at Bina Bawi made significant progress in the third quarter of 2019, resulting in an understanding on commercial terms for a staged and integrated oil and gas development being reached
    • Genel is now waiting to receive draft legal agreements reflecting this understanding
    • Genel is continuing the necessary readiness work required to enable rapid progress towards gas and oil developments upon receipt of signed documents
  • Somaliland – SL10B13 block (100% working interest and operator)
    • A farm-out process relating to this highly prospective block began in Q4 2019, with Stellar Energy Advisors appointed to run the process. A number of companies are now assessing the opportunity
    • Genel plans to conclude the farm-out process in H1 2020, aiming to minimise the cost to the Company of a well that could be spud in 2021
  • Morocco – Sidi Moussa block (75% working interest and operator)
    • The farm-out campaign is set to begin in Q2 2020, aimed at bringing a partner onto the licence prior to considering further commitments

ESG

  • Safety remains a priority for the Company, and our focus on this has led to zero lost time incidents (‘LTI’) and zero losses of primary containment in 2019 at Genel operations
    • There has not been an LTI since 2015, with over 11 million hours worked since the last incident
  • The operator of the Tawke PSC expects routine flaring to be eliminated on the licence in March 2020, with gas from the Peshkabir field set to be reinjected into the Tawke field in order to improve long-term reserves recovery
  • The search for a permanent Chairman is well progressed

OUTLOOK AND 2020 GUIDANCE

  • Net production in 2020 is expected to be close to Q4 2019 levels of 35,410 bopd, with an exit rate c.10% higher than this due to the expected addition of production from Sarta
    • Genel expects to drill over 20 producing wells in 2020
  • 2020 capital expenditure is expected to be $160-200 million, of which $120-150 million will be cost recoverable spend on assets on production in 2020. Other spend includes:
    • c.$35-40 million on the Qara Dagh 2 well
    • Under $10 million maintenance expenditure at Bina Bawi and Miran. Capital expenditure expectations for Bina Bawi in 2020 will be updated once legal agreements with the KRG have been signed
    • Under $2 million on African exploration assets
  • Operating costs per barrel expected to be $3/bbl, amongst the lowest in the industry
  • Opex: c.$40 million
  • G&A: c.$15 million
  • The Company expects full recovery of outstanding payments in Q1, and for regular payments to resume, as they had since September 2015
  • The Company continues to actively pursue growth and is analysing numerous opportunities to make value-accretive additions to the portfolio, but will only proceed with opportunities that fit our strict strategic criteria
  • Genel expects to generate c.$100 million in free cash flow, pre-dividend payments, in 2020
    • Given the ongoing strength of cash generation, confidence in the regularity of payments from the KRG, and the positive outlook for the Company, Genel reaffirms its commitment to growing the dividend

(Source: Genel Energy)