Posted on

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)

The post Genel Energy: Strong Results, but Shares Down first appeared on Iraq Business News.

Posted on

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)

The post KRG hits back at Genel Energy Claims first appeared on Iraq Business News.

Posted on

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)

The post Genel Energy to Claim Compensation from KRG first appeared on Iraq Business News.

Posted on

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!)

The post Shares in Genel Energy fall as KRG to Terminate Contracts first appeared on Iraq Business News.

Posted on

Genel Pauses Bina Bawi Plans; Numis Upgrades

By John Lee.

Genel Energy has announced that it “will only proceed with significant investment in Bina Bawi once an agreement is reached on a commercial framework that provides a clear route to monetisation.”

In a statement, the company said:

“As previously announced, the deadline to meet the conditions precedent relating to the Bina Bawi gas lifting agreement (‘GLA’) was extended until 30 April 2019, as discussions with the Kurdistan Regional Government (‘KRG’) on the commercial framework relating to the development of the licence continued.

“Having reached agreement that the existing GLA does not reflect the commercial realities of the proposed development, Genel and the KRG (‘the Parties’) have jointly agreed to let the GLA lapse on 30 April 2019 and focus on negotiating updated commercial terms based on a staged and integrated oil and gas development. The Parties are progressing the negotiation of a project scope based on a phased approach and ramp up of the gas development, with an initial phase of c.250 MMscfd raw gas capacity, and an accelerated development of the oil scope, where the KRG and Genel will jointly fund the first phase gas development utilising the revenue from Bina Bawi oil.

“The Parties have agreed to focus on finalising the commercial arrangement for this solution as soon as practical. The current production sharing contract (‘PSC’) provides a further 12 month period from 30 April 2019 within which to agree a new GLA. Should no agreement be reached in twelve months, the KRG has a right to terminate the PSC.

“In line with our capital allocation strategy, the Company will only proceed with significant investment in Bina Bawi once an agreement is reached on a commercial framework that provides a clear route to monetisation.

“The deadline for the Miran conditions precedent will be reached on 31 May 2019 and the Company similarly expects that the Miran GLA will lapse.“

Meanwhile, analysts at Numis Securities have reportedly upgraded the shares to a “buy” rating.

(Sources: Genel Energy, thisismoney.co.uk)

Posted on

Genel Energy Shares dip following Results

By John Lee.

Shares in Genel Energy were trading down four percent on Wednesday morning after the company announced its audited results for the year ended 31 December 2018, in which it wrote down its Miran asset by $424 million.

Despite this, Genel says it can now initiate “a material and sustainable dividend policy“, with payments starting in 2020.

The company’s shares are up 17 percent since the start of the year.

Murat Özgül, Chief Executive of Genel, said:

“Genel’s strategy at the start of 2018 was clear – generate material free cash flow from producing assets, build and invest in a rich funnel of transformational development opportunities, and return capital to shareholders at the appropriate time. We are delivering on this strategy.

“2018 was another year of material free cash flow generation, we continued to transform our balance sheet and the addition of assets with the potential of Sarta and Qara Dagh led to a very successful delivery on the first two parts of our strategy. We will continue to develop opportunities and invest ingrowth. As we do so, a robust cash flow outlook and our confidence in Genel’s future prospects underpins our initiation of a material and sustainable dividend policy.“

Results summary ($ million unless stated)

2018 2017
Production (bopd, working interest) 33,700 35,200
Revenue 355.1 228.9
EBITDAX1 304.1 475.5
  Depreciation and amortisation (136.2) (117.4)
  Exploration credit / (expense) 1.5 (1.9)
  Impairment of property, plant and equipment – (58.2)
  Impairment of intangible assets (424.0) –
Operating (loss) / profit (254.6) 298.0
Cash flow from operating activities 299.2 221.0
Capital expenditure 95.5 94.1
Free cash flow2 164.2 99.1
Cash3 334.3 162.0
Total debt 300.0 300.0
Net cash / (debt)4 37.0 (134.8)
Basic EPS (¢ per share) (101.6) 97.1
Underlying EPS (¢ per share)5 109.0 65.1
  1. EBITDAX is operating profit / (loss) adjusted for the add back of depreciation and amortisation ($136.2 million), exploration credit ($1.5 million) and impairment of intangible assets ($424.0 million)
  2. Free cash flow is net cash generated from operating activities less cash outflow due to purchase of intangible assets ($39.7 million), purchase of property, plant and equipment ($65.3 million) and interest paid ($30.0 million)
  3. Cash reported at 31 December 2018 excludes $10.0 million of restricted cash
  4. Reported cash less ($334.3 million) less reported balance sheet debt ($297.3 million)
  5. EBITDAX less net gain arising from the Receivable Settlement Agreement (‘RSA’) divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares

Highlights

  • $335 million of cash proceeds were received in 2018 (2017: $263 million)
  • Strong cash flow generation, with free cash flow totalling $164 million in 2018 (2017: $99 million), an increase of 66%
  • Financial strength continues to increase,with unrestricted cash balances at 28 February 2019 of $378 million, andnet cash at $81 million
  • Addition of Sarta and Qara Dagh to the portfolio in 2019 brings further near-term production and material growth potential
  • Increase in 1P and 2P reserves as of 31 December 2018 to 99 MMbbls (31 December 2017: 97 MMbbls) and 155 MMbbls (31 December 2017: 150 MMbbls) respectively, including Sarta
  • As disclosed in our trading statement, the carrying value of the Miran licence has been under review. Due to the focus on the development of Bina Bawi, while Genel continues to see significant opportunity in the licence, this has resulted in an accounting impairment to the carrying value

Outlook

  • Production guidance maintained – net production during 2019 is expected to be close to Q4 2018 levels of 36,900 bopd, an increase of c.10% year-on-year
  • Capital expenditure guidance updated to include spend on Sarta and Qara Dagh, with net capital expenditure now forecast to be $150-170 million (from c.$115 million)
  • Opex and G&A guidance unchanged at c.$30 million and c.$20 million respectively
  • Genel expects to generate material free cash flow of over $100 million in 2019, inclusive of investment in Sarta and Qara Dagh
  • Given the strong free cash flow forecast of the business, even after investment in growth opportunities, Genel is initiating a material and sustainable dividend policy
    • The Company intends to pay a minimum dividend of $40 million per annum starting in 2020, with the intention for this to grow
    • The dividend will be split between an interim and final dividend, to be paid one-third/two-thirds
    • The Company is set to approach bondholders to request a temporary waiver of the dividend restriction, which limits dividends to 50% of annual net profit, in relation to accelerating the start of distribution to 2019
  • The Company continues to actively pursue growth and appraise opportunities to make value-accretive additions to the portfolio

More details – 40 pages of them! – here.

(Sources: Genel Energy, Yahoo!)

Posted on

Genel Energy Returns to Profit

Genel Energy has announced a return to profit.

In its audited results for the year ended 31 December 2017, Murat Özgül (pictured), Chief Executive of Genel, said:

“Another year of consistent payments by the KRG and a disciplined capital allocation strategy helped to generate material free cash flow in 2017. This was enhanced in the latter part of the year by the Receivable Settlement Agreement, from which Genel expects to generate sustainable and significant free cash flow going forward.

“The strong financial performance of 2017, and the promise of more to come, facilitated the successful refinancing in December, which solidified a significant improvement in the balance sheet and provides a strong platform for growth.

“We will continue with our strategy of maximising free cash flow as we focus investment on our producing assets, specifically on the Tawke PSC, where the performance of Peshkabir remains highly encouraging. Prudent expenditure will also be made on the other assets within our portfolio that provide material value creation opportunities.

“We will continue to construct the building blocks for value creation from Bina Bawi and Miran, while cost-effectively progressing our exploration assets in Africa.”

Results summary ($ million unless stated)

2017

2016

Production (bopd, working interest)

35,200

53,300

Revenue

228.9

190.7

EBITDAX1

475.5

130.7

  Depreciation and amortisation

(117.4)

(128.9)

  Exploration expense

(1.9)

(815.1)

  Impairment of property, plant and equipment

(58.2)

(218.3)

  Impairment of receivables

–

(191.3)

Operating profit / (loss)

298.0

(1,222.9)

Cash flow from operating activities

221.0

131.0

Capital expenditure

94.1

61.2

Free cash flow before interest2

141.8

59.1

Cash3

162.0

407.0

Total debt

300.0

674.6

Net debt4

134.8

241.2

Basic EPS (¢ per share)

97.1

(448.6)

1.     EBITDAX is earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, exploration expense and impairment which is operating profit / (loss) adjusted for the add back of depreciation and amortisation ($117.4 million), exploration expense ($1.9 million) and impairment of property, plant and equipment ($58.2 million)

2.     Free cash flow before interest is net cash generated from operating activities less cash outflow due to purchase of intangible assets and purchase of property, plant and equipment (oil and gas assets only)

3.     Cash reported at 31 December 2017 excludes $18.5 million of restricted cash

4.     Reported debt less cash

Highlights

  • $263 million of cash proceeds received in 2017 (2016: $207 million), with strong free cash flow generation of $142 million (2016: $59 million)
  • Year-end net debt of $135 million, a 44% reduction year-on-year (2016: $241 million)
  • Year-end gross debt of $300 million, a 56% reduction year-on-year (2016: $675 million), with debt extended until 2022 and interest cost reduced by 40%
  • Receivable Settlement Agreement resulted in cash benefit of $26 million in Q4 2017
  • Focused capital allocation – 66% of capital expenditure was spent on cash-generative producing assets, and has been cost recovered
  • Drilling success at Peshkabir, with gross production rising to c.15,000 bopd at year-end
  • Taq Taq field production stabilised in H2 2017, with Q4 average of 14,035 bopd in line with Q3 average of 14,080 bopd
  • In January 2018 Bina Bawi and Miran CPRs confirmed c.45% uplift to gross 2C raw gas resources to 14.8 Tcf

Outlook

  • Combined net production from the Tawke and Taq Taq PSCs during 2018 is expected to be close to Q4 2017 levels of 32,800 bopd, unchanged from previous guidance
  • Genel expects to continue the generation of material free cash flow in 2018
  • Tangible steps to be taken to further de-risk gas resources and unlock value from Bina Bawi and Miran, including the high-value oil resources
  • Capital allocation discipline to continue, with ongoing prioritisation of spend on cash-generative producing assets. Capital expenditure guidance unchanged at c.$95-140 million net to Genel
  • Opex and G&A cash cost guidance unchanged at c.$30 million and c.$15 million respectively

More here.

(Source: Genel Energy)

Posted on

Genel Updates on Oil Reserves

By John Lee.

Genel Energy has announced the completion of competent person’s reports (‘CPRs’) relating to the oil reserves and resources at Taq Taq, Bina Bawi, and Miran.

McDaniel and Associates have updated the CPR relating to the Taq Taq field (Genel 44% working interest, joint operator).

RPS Energy Consultants Ltd. (‘RPS’), as part of its work on the updated CPRs for the Bina Bawi and Miran West fields (Genel 100% and operator), has finalised its evaluation of the oil resources at both fields.

Murat Özgül (pictured), Chief Executive of Genel, said:

“The 40% replacement of 1P reserves at Taq Taq follows the success of well TT-29w, and reflects the stability in cash-generative production that we have seen from the field in the second half of 2017. The significant increase in high-value Bina Bawi 2C oil resources offers a tangible opportunity for near-term value creation.”

Taq Taq oil reserves

Taq Taq gross 2P reserves as of 31 December 2017 are estimated by McDaniel at 54.7 MMbbls, compared to 59.1 MMbbls as of 28 February 2017, with the difference being production in the intervening period, partly offset by a small upward technical revision.

The CPR results in a 12% reserves replacement for 2P and 40% reserves replacement at the higher confidence 1P level as a result of stabilising production and the integration of well TT-29w. A reconciliation from the reserves reported in the CPR released in February 2017 to the updated estimates in the CPR published today, is shown in the following table:

Gross oil reserves (MMbbls – McDaniel)

1P

2P

3P

28 February 2017

25.8

59.1

95.0

Production

(5.0)

(5.0)

(5.0)

Technical revisions

2.0

0.6

0.1

31 December 2017

22.8

54.7

90.1

Bina Bawi and Miran oil resources

Bina Bawi gross 2C light (c.45◦ API) oil resources as of 31 December 2017 are estimated by RPS at 37.1 MMbbls, compared to 13 MMbbls as of July 2013. The increase reflects higher recovery factors than initially estimated due to integrating learnings from analogue carbonate fields of similar oil quality. As the high-quality Bina Bawi oil is in close proximity to export infrastructure, the field represents a potentially attractive near-term development candidate for the Company.

Miran West gross 2C heavy (c.15◦ API) oil resources as of 31 December 2017 are estimated by RPS at 23.7 MMbbls, compared to 52 MMbbls as of April 2013. Volumes have reduced as RPS has adjusted its view on the oil water contact uncertainty range and also adjusted its view on reservoir properties, including data from MW-5 drilled in July 2013.

Because of field experience at Taq Taq, Genel management has taken the view that it is unlikely that any matrix will contribute to primary depletion at Miran and, as such, has taken a more conservative view and will only record 18.5 MMbbls of viable 2C contingent resources at the field.

Gross 2C Contingent Resources oil (MMbbls – RPS)

2013

31 December 2017

Bina Bawi

12.9

37.1

Miran West

52.0

23.7

Appendix

Summary of Contingent Resources – Development unclarified (Gross 100% working interest basis) attributable to the Bina Bawi and Miran West fields as of 31 December 2017.

Gross (100% WI) Contingent Resources

Gross (100% WI) Contingent Resources

Bina Bawi

Oil (MMbbls – RPS)

Miran West

Oil (MMbbls – RPS)

1C

15.2

1C

6.1

2C

37.1

2C

23.7

3C

78.4

3C

67.6

(Source: Genel Energy)

Posted on

Genel Energy Updates on Operations in Kurdistan

Genel Energy has issued a trading and operations update in advance of the Company’s full-year 2017 results, which are scheduled for release on 22 March 2018. The information contained herein has not been audited and may be subject to further review.

Murat Özgül, Chief Executive of Genel, said:

“A strong final quarter of 2017 completed a very positive year for Genel. During the quarter, the successful Peshkabir-3 well result tripled production at the field to c.15,000 bopd, a figure that is expected to grow in 2018, while at Taq Taq the TT-29w well was brought on production.

“Payments for oil sales were received from the Kurdistan Regional Government (‘KRG’) in every month of 2017, totalling over $260 million net to Genel and leading to $140 million of free cash flow in the year. The 2017 payments were bolstered by the receipt of override payments in the fourth quarter under the Receivable Settlement Agreement (‘RSA’), and payments have continued in early 2018.

“The recently announced CPRs reaffirmed the potential of the Bina Bawi and Miran fields, with combined 1C gross raw gas resource estimates higher than the gas volumes agreed under the Gas Lifting Agreements. The upstream field development plans are expected to complete shortly, and will help define the roadmap to unlocking the value in these major resources.

“The successful debt refinancing in late 2017, and the expectation of ongoing material free cash flow, provides us with a solid platform and financial flexibility to execute our growth plans during 2018 and beyond.“

2017 OPERATING PERFORMANCE AND 2018 ACTIVITY OUTLOOK

  • 2017 net production averaged 35,200 bopd, with Q4 averaging 32,760 bopd. Production and sales by asset during 2017 was as follows:

(bopd)

Export via pipeline

Refinery sales

Total      sales

Total production

Genel net production

Taq Taq

11,700

6,350

18,050

18,050

7,940

Tawke PSC

108,250

10

108,260

109,050

27,260

Total

119,950

6,360

126,310

127,100

35,200

Note: Difference between production and sales relates to inventory movements

  • Tawke PSC (Genel 25% working interest)
    • Tawke PSC production averaged 109,050 bopd in 2017, with aggregate production from the Peshkabir-2 and Peshkabir-3 wells contributing 3,590 bopd to this figure. Combined production from the two fields currently averages c.110,000 barrels of oil per day
    • Preparations are underway to drill the Peshkabir-4 well. Additional drilling activity is planned on both the Tawke and Peshkabir fields during 2018, with overall activity levels dependent on production performance, drilling results, field studies, and ongoing payments from the KRG
  • Taq Taq PSC (Genel 44% working interest and joint operator)
    • Taq Taq field production averaged 18,050 bopd in 2017
    • Production in Q4 2017 averaged 14,035 bopd (Q3 2017 14,080 bopd). Ahead of the completion of a number of wells in Q4 2017, the overall rate of production decline slowed during the year due to the implementation of a proactive well intervention and production optimisation programme
    • In 2018 to date, production from Taq Taq has averaged 14,540 bopd, with the TT-29w, TT-30, and TT-31 wells contributing to the stabilisation in production from the beginning of Q4
    • As previously announced in late 2017, the TT-29w well was brought onto production after encountering a deeper free water level and more extensive oil bearing cretaceous reservoirs on the northern flank of the field than previously forecast. The results of the well will be analysed ahead of finalising the 2018 drilling programme, with field activity likely to be weighted towards the second half of the year. The ongoing Taq Taq well intervention programme, focused on the provision of artificial lift and water shut off in existing wells, will continue throughout 2018
    • Going forward, the Company will revert to reporting Taq Taq field production on a quarterly basis, as part of its corporate level disclosures
  • Bina Bawi and Miran (Genel 100% and operator)
    • As announced on 23 January 2018, Genel has agreed a 12 month extension to the conditions precedent schedule contained within the Gas Lifting Agreements for the Bina Bawi and Miran PSCs
    • CPRs for the Bina Bawi and Miran West gas fields concluded a c.40% increase in the combined 2C gas resources compared to the pro-forma end-2016 2C resource
    • The field development plans, being carried out by Baker Hughes, are on schedule to be completed shortly, and will help define the roadmap to unlocking the value of the assets
    • Genel will continue its systematic efforts to maximise the value of Bina Bawi and Miran, which includes optimising the cost and schedule of the proposed upstream developments
      • § In 2018 Genel expects to undertake an extended well test of Bina Bawi-4, which will provide valuable data on well deliverability and gas composition
    • The Company will continue to build momentum behind the development of Bina Bawi and Miran, and will continue engagement with potential farm-in partners for upstream participation at an optimal time to secure maximum value for Genel shareholders
  • African exploration update
    • Onshore Somaliland, the acquisition of 2D seismic data on the SL-10B/13 (Genel 75%, operator) and Odewayne (Genel 50%, operator) blocks has now completed – the first time that seismic has been obtained in this highly prospective area for over 25 years. The project acquired c.3,150 km in total, including infill 2D seismic acquisition of targeted high-graded areas. Processing of the data has commenced, and will facilitate seismic interpretation and the associated development of a prospect inventory, in turn guiding the optimal strategy to maximise future value
    • As announced in November 2017, Genel’s prior commitment to drill one well on the Sidi Moussa licence, offshore Morocco (Genel 60% working interest), has been replaced by an obligation to carry out a 3D seismic campaign across the Sidi Moussa acreage, significantly reducing anticipated expenditure. Planning is ongoing, with seismic acquisition set to begin in 2018, which is expected to materially de-risk the prospectivity of the Sidi Moussa licence

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

  • $263 million of cash proceeds were received in 2017 ($207 million in 2016), of which $72 million was received in Q4
  • Following the signing of the Receivable Settlement Agreement, effective 1 August 2017:
    • $19 million in override payments for the Tawke field were received in Q4
    • An additional $7 million of cash flow was generated from the elimination of the capacity building payment on Genel’s profit oil from the Tawke PSC
  • $19 million in payments for oil sales during October 2017 received post-period in January 2018
  • Free cash flow (pre interest payments) totalled $140 million in 2017 
  • In December 2017, the Company successfully completed the refinancing of its existing bonds, reducing the outstanding bond debt from $421.8 million to $300 million by way of an early redemption of a notional amount of $121.8 million. The new 5 year bond has a coupon of 10% per annum
  • Following the successful refinancing, unrestricted cash balances at 31 December 2017 stood at $162 million ($268 million at 30 September 2017). IFRS net debt at 31 December 2017 stood at $135 million ($138 million at 30 September 2017)
  • Capital expenditure for 2017 totalled $95 million (in line with guidance), with the majority of spend on the Taq Taq and Tawke PSCs ($64 million)

2018 GUIDANCE

  • Combined net production from the Tawke and Taq Taq PSCs during 2018 is expected to be close to Q4 2017 levels (as disclosed above)
  • Capital expenditure net to Genel is forecast to be c.$95-140 million, spanning a range of firm and contingent spend, with activity levels dependent on ongoing drilling results and progress on Miran and Bina Bawi. It is expected that capex  will be funded entirely from operational cash flow, and includes:
    • Tawke and Taq Taq net to Genel of $60-85 million
    • Miran and Bina Bawi capex of $25-40 million
    • African exploration cost of $10-15 million
  • Opex: c.$30 million
  • G&A: c.$15 million cash cost
  • Based on a continuation of payments throughout 2018, Genel expects to generate material free cash flow in 2018

(Source: Genel Energy)

Posted on

Genel Energy gets more time for Gas Project

Genel Energy has announce that it has agreed with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) a 12 month extension to the schedule for satisfying the conditions precedent (‘CPs’) contained within the Gas Lifting Agreements (‘GLA’s) for the Bina Bawi and Miran fields signed in February 2017.

The revised date by which the CPs are to be satisfied or waived is 9 February 2019.

The CPs contained within the February 2017 GLAs included, inter alia, the execution of final agreements on the midstream gas processing facilities and pipeline transportation, and the completion of updated competent person’s reports (‘CPRs’) for Bina Bawi and Miran.

The CPRs relating to the contingent gas resources at the Bina Bawi and Miran West fields have recently been completed, details of which were announced on 19 January 2018.

(Source: Genel Energy)