Category: Qara Dagh

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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)

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“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)

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Chevron pulls US staff from Kurdistan

By John Lee.

Chevron has reportedly removed all of its American oil workers from Iraqi Kurdistan as a security precaution, following the killing of Iranian Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

The company currently has interests in the Sarta and Qara Dagh blocks.

(Sources: Reuters, CNN)

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Genel Energy Production Rises; Shares Up

Shares in Genel Energy closed up nearly 7 percent on Friday after the company reported increased production in its operations update for the third quarter and first nine months of 2019. The information contained herein has not been audited and may be subject to further review.

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

“We continue to deliver on our strategy. Robust production is generating material free cash flow, which we are recycling into low-risk and quick returning projects, with good progress made on delivering key milestones on schedule for both Sarta and Qara Dagh.

“Rapid payback from our low break-even assets gives us resilience and significant flexibility in regard tofuture capital allocation. The sustainability of our cash-generation provides opportunities to deliver material shareholder value through investing in growth and increasing returns to shareholders.“

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

  • $287 million of cash proceeds received as of 30 September 2019, of which $120 million was received in Q3
  • Free cash flow of $121 million in the first nine months of 2019,with capital expenditure of $110 million
  • Cash of $413 million at 30 September 2019 ($281 million at 30 September 2018)
  • Net cash of $115 million at 30 September 2019 (net debt of $16 million at 30 September 2018)

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

  • Net production averaged 36,530 bopd in the first nine months of 2019, an increase of 12% year-on-year, in line with guidance
  • Production in Q3 averaged34,720 bopd (33,700 bopd in Q3 2018)
  • 11 wells have been placed on production in 2019, with a further five wells expected to add to production in the remainder of the year
  • Production and sales by asset during Q3 2019 were as follows:

PRODUCTION ASSETS

  • Tawke PSC (Genel 25% working interest)
    • Tawke PSC production averaged 119,760 bopd in Q3 (113,100 bopd in Q3 2018), including a contribution of 51,940 bopd from the Peshkabir field
    • Production was impacted by a workover of the P-2 well and side-track of the P-3 well at the Peshkabir field, with the latter well expected to come onstream shortly
    • The Tawke-57A deep well to appraise the Jurassic was spud in August 2019 with testing to commence shortly. The Tawke-59 Cretaceous well spud in October 2019 and is expected to come on production later this month, with two Jeribe wells, Tawke-61 and Tawke-62 also set to be placed on production shortly
    • Four additional Jeribe wells are planned to spud by year-end
    • The operator expects to exit the year with Tawke licence production averaging 120,000 bopd and to maintain this rate into 2020
  • Taq Taq PSC (Genel 44% working interest and joint operator)
    • Taq Taq field production averaged 10,870 bopd in Q3 2019 (12,200 bopd in Q3 2018)
    • Following the successful completion of the TT-19 well, which is currently flowing at a rate of c.1,500 bopd, current production from the Taq Taq field is just under 11,000 bopd
    • The TT-34 well is currently drilling and is scheduled to complete later this month. The rig will then move to drill TT-35, which is set to spud in December and is targeting production from the northern flank of the field

PRE-PRODUCTION ASSETS

  • Sarta (Genel 30% working interest)
    • Civil construction work at the Sarta field completed on schedule in October 2019, and work on the construction of the 20,000 bopd central processing facility (‘CPF’) has now begun
    • Commissioning of the CPF and production are on track to begin in the middle of 2020
    • Phase 1A represents a low cost pilot development of the Mus-Adaiyah reservoirs, designed to recover 2P gross reserves of 34 MMbbls
    • Unrisked gross mid case resources relating to the Mus-Adaiyah reservoir only are estimated by Genel at c.150 MMbbls, with overall unrisked gross P50 resources currently estimated by the Company at c.500 MMbbls
  • Qara Dagh (Genel 40% working interest and operator)
    • Genel has signed a contract with Parker Drilling for the drilling of the QD-2 well, and civil construction works are underway in preparation for the upcoming drilling operations
    • 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 H1 2020
    • Unrisked gross mean resources at Qara Dagh are currently estimated by Genel at c.200 MMbbls
  • Bina Bawi (Genel 100% and operator)
    • Negotiations between Genel and the Kurdistan Regional Government continue to progress regarding commercial terms for the gas and oil development at Bina Bawi
    • In parallel with these negotiations, Genel is completing the necessary readiness work required to enable rapid progress towards gas and oil developments upon agreement of the commercial terms
    • Genel is confident of a positive outcome to these commercial discussions
  • Somaliland
    • Onshore Somaliland, Stellar Energy Advisors has been appointed to run the farm-out process relating to the SL10B13 block (Genel 75% working interest, operator)
    • Interpretation of the 2018 2D seismic data together with basin analysis has identified multiple stacked prospects, with each of them estimated to have resources of c.200 MMbbls
    • A further program of surface oil seep sampling and analysis reiterates the presence of a working petroleum system on the block
    • It is estimated that a well designed to test multiple stacked prospects could be drilled for c.$30 million gross
  • Morocco
    • On the Sidi Moussa block offshore Morocco (Genel 75% working interest, operator), processing of the multi-azimuth broadband 3D seismic survey acquired in 2018 over the prospective portions of the block is nearing completion
    • The farm-out campaign is on track to begin in Q1 2020, aimed at bringing a partner onto the licence prior to considering further commitments

OUTLOOK AND 2019 GUIDANCE

  • Net production guidance in 2019 maintained at close to Q4 2018 levels of 36,900 bopd
  • 2019 capital expenditure guidance maintained towards the top end of the $150-170 million range
  • Interim dividend of 5¢ per share to be paid on 8 January 2020 to shareholders on the register as of 13 December 2019
    • Given the ongoing strength of cash generation and the positive outlook for the Company, Genel reaffirms its commitment to growing the dividend
  • The Company continues to actively pursue growth and is assessing opportunities to make value-accretive additions to the portfolio

(Source: Genel Energy)

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Genel Energy Production Rises; Shares Up

Shares in Genel Energy closed up nearly 7 percent on Friday after the company reported increased production in its operations update for the third quarter and first nine months of 2019. The information contained herein has not been audited and may be subject to further review.

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

“We continue to deliver on our strategy. Robust production is generating material free cash flow, which we are recycling into low-risk and quick returning projects, with good progress made on delivering key milestones on schedule for both Sarta and Qara Dagh.

“Rapid payback from our low break-even assets gives us resilience and significant flexibility in regard tofuture capital allocation. The sustainability of our cash-generation provides opportunities to deliver material shareholder value through investing in growth and increasing returns to shareholders.“

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

  • $287 million of cash proceeds received as of 30 September 2019, of which $120 million was received in Q3
  • Free cash flow of $121 million in the first nine months of 2019,with capital expenditure of $110 million
  • Cash of $413 million at 30 September 2019 ($281 million at 30 September 2018)
  • Net cash of $115 million at 30 September 2019 (net debt of $16 million at 30 September 2018)

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

  • Net production averaged 36,530 bopd in the first nine months of 2019, an increase of 12% year-on-year, in line with guidance
  • Production in Q3 averaged34,720 bopd (33,700 bopd in Q3 2018)
  • 11 wells have been placed on production in 2019, with a further five wells expected to add to production in the remainder of the year
  • Production and sales by asset during Q3 2019 were as follows:

PRODUCTION ASSETS

  • Tawke PSC (Genel 25% working interest)
    • Tawke PSC production averaged 119,760 bopd in Q3 (113,100 bopd in Q3 2018), including a contribution of 51,940 bopd from the Peshkabir field
    • Production was impacted by a workover of the P-2 well and side-track of the P-3 well at the Peshkabir field, with the latter well expected to come onstream shortly
    • The Tawke-57A deep well to appraise the Jurassic was spud in August 2019 with testing to commence shortly. The Tawke-59 Cretaceous well spud in October 2019 and is expected to come on production later this month, with two Jeribe wells, Tawke-61 and Tawke-62 also set to be placed on production shortly
    • Four additional Jeribe wells are planned to spud by year-end
    • The operator expects to exit the year with Tawke licence production averaging 120,000 bopd and to maintain this rate into 2020
  • Taq Taq PSC (Genel 44% working interest and joint operator)
    • Taq Taq field production averaged 10,870 bopd in Q3 2019 (12,200 bopd in Q3 2018)
    • Following the successful completion of the TT-19 well, which is currently flowing at a rate of c.1,500 bopd, current production from the Taq Taq field is just under 11,000 bopd
    • The TT-34 well is currently drilling and is scheduled to complete later this month. The rig will then move to drill TT-35, which is set to spud in December and is targeting production from the northern flank of the field

PRE-PRODUCTION ASSETS

  • Sarta (Genel 30% working interest)
    • Civil construction work at the Sarta field completed on schedule in October 2019, and work on the construction of the 20,000 bopd central processing facility (‘CPF’) has now begun
    • Commissioning of the CPF and production are on track to begin in the middle of 2020
    • Phase 1A represents a low cost pilot development of the Mus-Adaiyah reservoirs, designed to recover 2P gross reserves of 34 MMbbls
    • Unrisked gross mid case resources relating to the Mus-Adaiyah reservoir only are estimated by Genel at c.150 MMbbls, with overall unrisked gross P50 resources currently estimated by the Company at c.500 MMbbls
  • Qara Dagh (Genel 40% working interest and operator)
    • Genel has signed a contract with Parker Drilling for the drilling of the QD-2 well, and civil construction works are underway in preparation for the upcoming drilling operations
    • 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 H1 2020
    • Unrisked gross mean resources at Qara Dagh are currently estimated by Genel at c.200 MMbbls
  • Bina Bawi (Genel 100% and operator)
    • Negotiations between Genel and the Kurdistan Regional Government continue to progress regarding commercial terms for the gas and oil development at Bina Bawi
    • In parallel with these negotiations, Genel is completing the necessary readiness work required to enable rapid progress towards gas and oil developments upon agreement of the commercial terms
    • Genel is confident of a positive outcome to these commercial discussions
  • Somaliland
    • Onshore Somaliland, Stellar Energy Advisors has been appointed to run the farm-out process relating to the SL10B13 block (Genel 75% working interest, operator)
    • Interpretation of the 2018 2D seismic data together with basin analysis has identified multiple stacked prospects, with each of them estimated to have resources of c.200 MMbbls
    • A further program of surface oil seep sampling and analysis reiterates the presence of a working petroleum system on the block
    • It is estimated that a well designed to test multiple stacked prospects could be drilled for c.$30 million gross
  • Morocco
    • On the Sidi Moussa block offshore Morocco (Genel 75% working interest, operator), processing of the multi-azimuth broadband 3D seismic survey acquired in 2018 over the prospective portions of the block is nearing completion
    • The farm-out campaign is on track to begin in Q1 2020, aimed at bringing a partner onto the licence prior to considering further commitments

OUTLOOK AND 2019 GUIDANCE

  • Net production guidance in 2019 maintained at close to Q4 2018 levels of 36,900 bopd
  • 2019 capital expenditure guidance maintained towards the top end of the $150-170 million range
  • Interim dividend of 5¢ per share to be paid on 8 January 2020 to shareholders on the register as of 13 December 2019
    • Given the ongoing strength of cash generation and the positive outlook for the Company, Genel reaffirms its commitment to growing the dividend
  • The Company continues to actively pursue growth and is assessing opportunities to make value-accretive additions to the portfolio

(Source: Genel Energy)

Posted on

Parker Drilling Wins Contract at Qara Dagh

Genel Energy has announced the signing of a contract with Parker Drilling for the drilling of the QD-2 well on the Qara Dagh field (Genel 40% working interest, operator), in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

The QD-2 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 Parker-269 rig (pictured) has been contracted to drill the well.

Civil construction works for the well pad and camp are now underway, and the well is on track to spud in H1 2020.

Unrisked gross mean resources at Qara Dagh are currently estimated by Genel at c.200 MMbbls.

(Source: Genel Energy)

Posted on

Parker Drilling Wins Contract at Qara Dagh

Genel Energy has announced the signing of a contract with Parker Drilling for the drilling of the QD-2 well on the Qara Dagh field (Genel 40% working interest, operator), in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

The QD-2 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 Parker-269 rig (pictured) has been contracted to drill the well.

Civil construction works for the well pad and camp are now underway, and the well is on track to spud in H1 2020.

Unrisked gross mean resources at Qara Dagh are currently estimated by Genel at c.200 MMbbls.

(Source: Genel Energy)

Posted on

Genel Energy declares maiden Interim Dividend

Genel Energy has announced its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2019.

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

“These results demonstrate the continued success of our strategy -highly cash generative productionunderpins capital investment in growth opportunities that deliver rapid returns and enables a compelling cash return to shareholders through our dividend.

“Our production grew 17% in H1 2019, and pro forma free cash flow rose to $76 million. This cash generation, and our strong balance sheet, allows us to both increase investment in growing the business as well as returning cash to shareholders via dividends. Accordingly, we have today announced an interim dividend of $14 million.

“Disciplined capital allocation remains at the core of our business. The speed with which our investments pay back means that cash is quickly recycled to create most value for shareholders. The cash that our production generates funds worknow underway at Sarta and Qara Dagh, with plenty left over to both pay a dividend and seek new opportunities, as we progress Genel’s growth strategy.“

Results summary ($ million unless stated)

H1

2019

 H1

2018

 FY

2018
Production (bopd, working interest) 37,400 32,100 33,700
Revenue 194.3 161.1 355.1
EBITDAX 1 167.3 137.4 304.1
  Depreciation and amortisation (74.8) (63.6) (136.2)
  Exploration (expense) / credit (0.6) (0.5) 1.5
  Impairment of intangible assets – – (424.0)
Operating profit / (loss) 91.9 73.3 (254.6)
Cash flow from operating activities 142.3 125.1 299.2
Capital expenditure 72.2 34.1 95.5
Free cash flow2 56.7 70.1 164.2
Pro forma free cash flow2 75.6 70.1 164.2
Dividend payments 27.4 – –
Cash3 353.3 233.2 334.3
Total debt 300.0 300.0 300.0
Net cash (debt)4 55.8 (63.8) 37.0
Basic EPS (¢ per share) 27.2 21.3 (101.6)
Underlying EPS (¢ per share)1 59.9 49.2 109.0
  1. EBITDAX is operating profit / (loss) adjusted for the add back of depreciation and amortisation ($74.8 million) and exploration expense ($0.6 million). Underlying EPS is EBITDAX divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares
  2. Free cash flow is set out on page 7 and does not include $18.9 million, invoiced for Tawke production and due in June 2019 and received late on 9 July 2019, with the delay due to a change in the Operator’s banking arrangements. Pro forma free cash flow of $75.6 million includes this payment.
  3. Cash reported at 30 June 2019 excludes $10 million of restricted cash and the $18.9 million noted above
  4. Reported IFRS debt less cash

Highlights

  • Working interest production averaged 37,400 bopd in H1 2019 (H1 2018: 32,100 bopd), an increase of 17% compared to H1 2018
    • 8 wells completed in H1 2019, resulting in year-on-year production increases at both the Tawke and Taq Taq PSCs
  • Free cash generation of $57 million in H1 2019 (H1 2018: $70 million), which increases to $76 million when including the post period receipt of $19 million, with annual free cash flow yield of c.20% of current market capitalisation
  • Net cash of $56 million at 30 June 2019 (net debt of $64 million at 30 June 2018)
    • Following the receipt of all payments relating to April 2019, Genel had $390 million of cash as of 5 August 2019, a net cash position of $92 million
  • Addition of Sarta and Qara Dagh to the portfolio in January 2019 provides near-term production and material future growth potential
  • Maiden dividend distribution of 10¢ per share paid on 24 June 2019
  • Interim dividend of 5¢ per share confirmed
  • Genel retains an open mandate for a share buy-back programme of up to $10 million, and will continue to review purchasing opportunities

Outlook

  • Net production guidance in 2019 maintained at close to Q4 2018 levels of 36,900 bopd, an increase of c.10% year-on-year
  • Drilling programme ongoing, with over 10 wells set to be completed by early 2020
  • Active discussions with the Kurdistan Regional Government (‘KRG’) regarding Bina Bawi are ongoing, focused on agreeing the detailed commercial terms for the integrated Phase 1 oil and gas development and approval of the associated field development plans
  • Work continuing at Sarta to prepare for production by the middle of 2020
  • QD-2 well location agreed at Qara Dagh, well pad civil engineering work set to begin
  • Farm-out process relating to Somaliland acreage to begin in late Q3 2019
  • Genel expects to generate material free cash flow in H2 2019, even while investment in growth increases
    • 2019 capital expenditure is expected to be towards the top end of the $150-170 million guidance range
  • Searches for a new Chairman and Chief Operating Officer are progressing
  • The Company continues to actively pursue growth and is assessing opportunities to make value-accretive additions to the portfolio

More details here.

(Source: Genel Energy)

Posted on

Stephen Whyte to step down at Genel Energy

Stephen Whyte, Chairman of Genel Energy, gave the following update on the business at the Company’s Annual General Meeting, held in London on Thursday:

Genel had a very successful 2018, with free cash flow generation of $164 million even while making significant investment in growth.

2019 has seen us continue this success. We are delivering year-on-year production growth, we have made portfolio additions that perfectly complement our existing asset base, and our cash position continues to strengthen.

Genel is participating in 20 wells this year, the most of any IOC in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (‘KRI’). Drilling on the Tawke and Peshkabir fields is ongoing, with activity ramping up as we progress through 2019. Year to date production from the Tawke PSC is currently c.126,800 bopd, with Peshkabir driving impressive growth compared to the prior year’s period.

The drilling programme at Taq Taq has now delivered three successful wells, and year to date production is currently c.13,300 bopd, an increase from the 2018 average of 12,350 bopd. We are continuing to achieve successful results from the flanks of the field, and are drilling ahead at pace.

Total Genel working interest production across all assets is 37,600 bopd, running slightly ahead of our expected 10% increase in year-on-year production.

Even as we invest to deliver this production increase we continue to improve our cash position, generating almost $50 million in free cash flow in the first four months of the year. We expect to keep up this impressive run rate. Our current expectation is that we will generate well over $100 million in free cash flow over the course of 2019, prior to the payment of the dividend, even after increasing expenditure on our growth opportunities.

The results at Peshkabir show the significant success that can be obtained from our low-cost, rapid return operations in the KRI. While investing to increase production from 12,000 bopd to 55,000 bopd over the course of the year, Genel still generated $50 million of free cash flow from the asset. This level of return is hard to match anywhere else in the world, and illustrates why we continue to look for further opportunities in the KRI.

Put simply, the KRI is a very good place in which to operate. Payments have been made on a monthly basis for over three and a half years now, the political situation continues to improve – with Baghdad having made budget payments to the Kurdistan Regional Government for over a year – and the low-cost of operations helping to set a breakeven oil price at an asset level of $20/bbl.

We are still looking to diversify the portfolio, but we will not ignore further opportunities in the KRI – and indeed continue to focus on these where our presence on the ground and regional expertise mean we can maximise their value potential for shareholders.

In that context, as you are probably aware by now, we were delighted to add Sarta and Qara Dagh to the portfolio. They tick all of the boxes, as we partner with Chevron on assets that offer a mixture of near-term production and long-term growth potential.

Sarta is expected to enter production in the middle of 2020, and we will develop the field utilising a similar strategy to the one that was so successful (and cash-generative) at Peshkabir. While we do not want to get ahead of ourselves there are hydrocarbons throughout the structure in all of the typical KRI reservoirs, from the Tertiary down to the Triassic.

We are focused on building an even stronger business with material growth potential, providing a clear and compelling investment case that offers the opportunity for a significant increase in shareholder value. As we prioritise that growth, we have also initiated a material and sustainable dividend, providing investors with a compelling mix of growth and returns.

I am delighted that Bill Higgs is now sitting alongside me as CEO, and that Esa Ikaheimonen, our CFO, has also joined the Board.

On a personal level, the transition that I was keen to oversee is now complete. As such I have decided that this will be my last AGM as Chairman of Genel, and I will leave the Company for new challenges once a suitable successor has been identified. When I joined the Board two years ago the share price was under 80p, production was declining, Genel had unpaid oil receivables of over $400 million and $142 million in net debt.

Genel’s production and net cash position is now rising, the portfolio is positioned to provide material organic growth, and Genel now has the right team to deliver that growth. Management has a wealth of experience in the sector, experience that can also be utilised to make further value-accretive portfolio additions and optimise our growing cash pile to generate value for shareholders.”

Genel will announce results for the six months ending 30 June 2019 on Tuesday 6 August 2019.

(Source: Genel Energy)

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!)