TIDMGPX
RNS Number : 1579S
Gulfsands Petroleum PLC
29 September 2017
GULFSANDS PETROLEUM PLC
Results for the six months ended 30 June 2017
Certain statements included herein constitute "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of applicable securities
legislation. These forward-looking statements are based on certain
assumptions made by Gulfsands and as such are not a guarantee of
future performance. Actual results could differ materially from
those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements due
to factors such as general economic and market conditions,
increased costs of production or a decline in oil and gas prices.
Gulfsands is under no obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable
laws.
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by
the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under
the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 ("MAR"). Upon the
publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service
("RIS"), this inside information is now considered to be in the
public domain. If you have any queries on this, then please contact
Andrew Morris, the Finance Director of the Company (responsible for
arranging release of this announcement) at 5th Floor, 88 Kingsway,
London, WC2B 6AA or on +44 20 7841 2727.
29 September 2017
Gulfsands Petroleum plc ("Gulfsands", the "Group" or the
"Company" - AIM: GPX), the oil and gas company with activities in
Syria, Colombia and Morocco, is pleased to announce its results for
the six months ended 30 June 2017.
For further information, please refer to the Company's website
at www.gulfsands.com or contact:
Gulfsands Petroleum Plc +44 (0)20 7841 2727
John Bell, Managing Director
Andrew Morris, Finance Director
James Ede-Golightly, Non-Executive Chairman
Cantor Fitzgerald Europe
Sarah Wharry +44 (0)20 7894 7000
Gulfsands Petroleum plc
Interim Report 2017
Gulfsands Petroleum plc is an independent oil and gas
exploration and production company, incorporated in the United
Kingdom, whose shares are traded on the Alternative Investment
Market ("AIM") of the London Stock Exchange (symbol: GPX).
The Group's core interest is in Block 26, North East Syria
(under Force Majeure as a result of EU sanctions), which contains a
world class reservoir. The Group also has non-core exploration
projects in Morocco and Colombia.
Highlights
Continued good progress made streamlining the business to focus
on its assets in Syria
-- Exit from Tunisia initiated.
-- Continued participation in Morocco is dependent on finding a
partner. In the absence of which, the Board is considering a
complete exit from Morocco
-- Initiatives continue to find a partner / partners for our Colombian assets :
o Llanos 50 licence in Colombia extended by 18 months to May
2018, and work commenced on MMA and EIA environmental work.
o On Putumayo 14 licence in Colombia work commenced on the
Consulta Previa and PMA. Discussions with ANH continue in regards
to an extension of the licence.
o Structured marketing campaign progressing to find a partner /
partners.
Core assets in North East Syria appear to be in good order,
materially undamaged and operationally fit
-- Group working interest 2C Contingent Resources in Syrian
assets of 86.4 mmboe (reclassified from 2P reserves in 2015 due to
force majeure), giving over 20 year resource life based on the
pre-sanction production plans.
-- Involvement in Syrian operations remains suspended during
continuation of EU sanctions, which Gulfsands remains committed to
full compliance with.
-- Production in Block 26, without the participation of Gulfsands, has reportedly increased to approximately 15-20,000 barrels of oil per day during 2017 although this has not been verified - no revenues recognised by Gulfsands.
-- While the status of this production under the terms of the
PSC is unclear at this time, the production does appear to
demonstrate the reservoir quality and that the field continues to
be operable.
-- Increasing stability in the area surrounding Block 26, with no recent, major disruptions.
-- Gulfsands is focused on maintaining its readiness to resume
operational activities once sanctions are lifted.
Capital efficiency initiatives delivering significantly reduced
costs
-- Ongoing cash cost of running the business down a further 28%
on a pro-rated basis from $5.0 million for FY 2016 to $1.8 million
for 1H 2017.
-- Further cost efficiencies planned for the remainder of 2017 and into 2018.
Continued financial support from major shareholders
-- Completion of Secured Term Financing Facility (the "2017
Facility") of up to GBP4.0 million (c. $5.0 million) in February
2017.
-- 3 tranches of the 2017 Facility have been drawn down,
totaling $3.1 million (GBP2.4 million).
-- Cash at 30 June 2017 of $1.7 million. Current cash available
of $2.3 million (excluding the remaining undrawn 2017 Facility
available of GBP1.6 million, which is subject to approval from the
lenders).
Business development to be focused on the Levant region
John Bell, Managing Director said:
"Continued good progress has been made during the period to
streamline the business as we further reduced costs, focused on
capital efficiency, managed down non-core assets, while protecting
and preserving the value of our core assets in North East Syria.
The Board is cautiously encouraged by the improving environment in
Syria during the past few months, and the ongoing constructive
narrative within the international community".
The Group's strategy continues to be to focus on capital
efficiency and protecting and preserving the value within Block 26,
its core assets in North East Syria, by ensuring readiness to
recommence operations there once EU sanctions and the security
situation permit
Dear Shareholder
Having spent much of 2015 and 2016 realigning the strategy of
the Group to be consistent with its financial capacity and risk
tolerance, during 2017 the Board has begun to turn its focus to the
future. In particular, this has involved increasing our focus on
exploring strategic options for our Colombian assets so that they
can be taken forward independently of the main Group, thus allowing
the core Gulfsands business to focus on the Middle East region and
ensuring our ongoing readiness to return to operations in Syria
when the political situation allows and EU sanctions are
lifted.
In Syria, Gulfsands is the operator of, and holds a 50% working
interest in the Block 26 Production Sharing Contract ("PSC"), a
geo-technically world class asset. Block 26 is located in the
relatively stable area of North East Syria and, although Gulfsands
is unable, due to EU sanctions, to be involved in operations, the
assets appear to be in good order, materially undamaged and
operationally fit. Gulfsands is not presently involved in any
production or exploration activities on Block 26 as Force Majeure
has been declared in respect of the contract following the
introduction of EU sanctions in Syria. During the reporting period,
the Group was informed by DPC that the oil fields in Block 26 were
returned to production in January 2017, with oil being produced
from up to twelve production wells. The average oil production rate
from both fields combined between January 2017 and the end of
August appears to be around 15-20,000 BOPD. The Company continues
to work on verifying this information and the status of this
production under the terms of the PSC is unclear at this time.
Gulfsands has not recognised any revenue for any production under
the PSC since the advent of Force Majeure. Gulfsands remains
committed to full compliance with EU sanctions and is focused on
maintaining its readiness to resume operational activities once
sanctions are lifted.
The Board is cautiously encouraged by the improving environment
in Syria and the ongoing constructive narrative within the
international community.
During the period, we continued to rationalise the non-core
portfolio in Tunisia, Morocco, and Colombia.
In Tunisia, the Group chose not to seek a further extension to
its Chorbane licence and so that licence was allowed to expire
shortly after the reporting period, on 12 July 2017. The Group
therefore, no longer has any remaining oil and gas interests in
country, and so has initiated the orderly closedown of its Tunisian
branch.
In Morocco, the Group's remaining licence, Moulay Bouchta,
expired on 20 June 2017. Post expiry, constructive discussions with
the Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines ("ONHYM") have
continued and a further extension of the initial phase to June 2018
remains available to the Group. The Company has stated that it only
intends to take advantage of this extension if it is able to find a
partner which would be interested in a farm-out of this project. No
such partner has been found to date.
Elsewhere in Morocco, the Group continues discussions with ONHYM
to close out outstanding matters relating to the Rharb and Fes
permits which expired in 2015.
In Colombia, Gulfsands has focused on positioning these assets
as an attractive standalone South American business. We continue to
build a strong and open relationship with Agencia Nacional de
Hidrocarburos ("ANH"). This has helped us secure an 18 month
extension on LLA-50 to May 2018 and we continue dialogue regarding
the potential extension on PUT-14 licence which currently is
scheduled to expire in November 2017. We believe that with these
extensions the licences will be attractive and a worthy platform
for a standalone South American business. Technically, the assets
continue to be de-risked through ongoing work on both licences and
the completion of 170km of seismic reprocessing which has
reconfirmed the leads we have seen in the LLA-50 licence. The Group
is working hard to find a partner to take the assets forward and
has initiated a structured marketing campaign to find such a
partner. This could take the form of a conventional farm-out or
could involve other structures to allow these assets to move
forward as an independent strategy.
Financial overview
During the period the Group has continued to enjoy the support
of its major shareholders. In February 2017, these shareholders
provided further funding for the Group through a Secured Term
Financing Facility (the "2017 Facility") of up to GBP4 million (c.
$5 million) which is to be drawn-down in five tranches, subject to
certain conditions. As of 30 June 2017, three tranches had been
drawn down and if the remaining two tranches are fully drawn,
subject to approval by the lenders, this 2017 Facility should fund
the Group's expected G&A through to H2 2018.
Note 2 (Going concern) of this Half Yearly Financial Report
describes further the funding requirements.
The Group posted a loss for the period of $2.6 million (1H 2016:
$4.8 million), including expenditures on Exploration and Evaluation
assets of $0.24 million, which were immediately written off or
impaired, inventory write-down resulting from the impending sale of
surplus Moroccan inventory of $0.25 million (which was completed
post period-end), and an impairment of restricted cash of $0.3
million held against the Colombian business.
The Group continues to focus on controlling costs to a
sustainable level given the activities of the Group. This
initiative has resulted in the ongoing office expenses across the
Group falling again by a pro-rata amount of 28% from $5.0 million
for the 12 months ended 31 December 2016 to $1.8 million for the 6
month period ended 30 June 2017 (see Financial Review on page
4).
At 30 June 2017, the Group had total unrestricted cash and cash
equivalents of $1.7 million.
As at 30 June 2017, the Group had $3.2 million debt outstanding
including accrued interest and fees under the 2017 Facility. The
2017 Facility of up to GBP4.0 million (c. $5.0 million) was entered
into in February 2017 with our major shareholders. The maturity
date of the 2017 Facility is three years from the first drawdown
date (i.e. February 2020), at which date all outstanding amounts
will be repayable in cash unless the Company has exercised an
equity conversion right. Under this equity conversion right the
2017 Facility is extinguishable with equity at maturity, at the
Company's option into shares of the Company at a price equal to the
lower of (i) the 90 day average closing price at the time of
repayment and (ii) the lowest price at which the Company has raised
equity capital during the life of the Facility.
At the date of this Report, the Group had unaudited unrestricted
cash and cash equivalents of $2.3 million, which includes proceeds
from the sale of inventory in Morocco.
The Group continues to have material work obligations under its
various exploration licences, as outlined in note 5, and if these
obligations are not met, the Group may be forced to forfeit its
working interests in these contracts and any sums of restricted
cash lodged with host governments as guarantees for our performance
of the minimum work obligations. Since some of the licences contain
provisions for the payment of penalties if the minimum work
obligations are not fulfilled, potential penalties may also apply.
The Company is currently engaged in various discussions to
restructure its minimum work obligations and to divest or bring in
partners in order to reduce or eliminate the Group's net exposure
to such obligations. There is no certainty that any or all of the
restructurings or farm-outs or divestments will be successful.
The 30 June 2017 Half Yearly Financial Statements have been
prepared on a going concern basis (see note 2), and further details
on this can be found in the Financial Review on page 4.
Outlook
The Group has made significant progress in controlling costs and
the Board believes it now has a business structure which is
sustainable going forward. Its number one priority is to preserve
and protect the value inherent in its Syrian assets.
We continue to enjoy the support of our major shareholders,
without whose support, the Company would be seriously financially
challenged.
Our exit from Tunisia is underway, and our strategy with respect
to Morocco is clear and is wholly dependent on finding an
appropriate partner in the short term. We continue to work to find
a partner / partners for our Colombian assets. This will enable us
to then focus on Syria and regional business development.
We would like to thank all our staff for their continued hard
work and look forward to working with them in the future to rebuild
Gulfsands into an oil and gas company we can all be proud to be
part of.
Yours sincerely,
John Bell James Ede-Golightly
Managing Director Non-Executive Chairman
28 September 2017
Financial Review
Financial highlights for the six months ended 30 June 2017
-- The loss before taxation for the first half of 2017 was $2.6
million (H1 2016: $4.8 million).
-- Continued reduction of General and Administrative expenses,
with gross office expenses falling a further 28% on a pro-rated
basis from $5.0 million for the 12 months ended 31 December 2016 to
$1.8 million for the 6 month period ended 30 June 2017.
-- $0.2 million investment in Colombia incurred, although
immediately impaired in accordance with the accounting treatment of
year-end 2016.
-- The Group continues to carry its investment in its Syrian interest at $102.0 million.
-- Cash and cash equivalents increased by $0.7 million in the
period to $1.7 million at 30 June 2017, following $3.1 million of
draw-downs under the 2017 Facility (GBP2.4 million).
Operating performance:
General and Administrative Twelve months
expenses Six months ended ended
31 December
30 June 2017 2016
$' 000 $'000
---------------------------- ----------------- --------------
Office expenses (1,785) (4,986)
Partner recoveries 229 276
Restructuring costs (135) -
Depreciation, amortisation
and loss on disposal
of PPE (5) (78)
Office expenses
capitalised 194 606
---------------------------- ----------------- --------------
General and Administrative
expenses (1,502) (4,182)
---------------------------- ----------------- --------------
General and Administrative expenses for the first half of 2017
fell to $1.5 million. This decrease, from $4.2 million in the year
ended 31 December 2016, is a result of continued initiatives to
reduce the ongoing expenses across the Group to fit the current
business model and strategy.
Exploration and Evaluation (E&E) asset impairments for the
period totaled $0.24 million (H1 2016: $1.39 million) and relate to
costs incurred during the period in Colombian and Morocco which
have immediately been impaired in accordance with the Group's
accounting policy.
The E&E asset related to Moulay Bouchta, including any costs
incurred during the period, remains fully impaired in line with the
Board's determination at 2016 year end as a result of the licence
expiry date for the initial exploration phase being June 2017.
Management are currently considering extending the licence for a
further twelve months, with ONHYM indicating a willingness to
extend the Initial Phase to June 2018, however the Company will
only take advantage of this extension if it is able to find a
partner which would be interested in a farm-out of this project. No
such partner has been found to date.
Also in accordance with 2016 year-end accounting treatment,
which was determined in light of the potential expiry of the
Putumayo 14 and Llanos 50 licences, the Company has continued to
impair costs incurred on those licences, given the on-going
uncertainty of securing an industry partner before licence
expiries. The investment during the year on the licences, which was
immediately impaired, was $0.2 million ($0.1 million Putuamyo-14,
$0.1 million Llanos-50). Alongside this, all restricted cash
balances of $1.8 million (Llanos-50) and $1.7 million (Putumayo-14)
held as performance guarantees in relation to the minimum work
obligation under the contracts continue to be fully provided
against at 30 June 2017. The company continues a marketing campaign
to attract a partner for both licences.
The Group reported a loss before tax for the half year ended 30
June 2017 of $2.6 million (2016: $4.8 million).
Balance Sheet
The Group's intangible exploration and evaluation assets are
held at a net book value of $nil at 30 June 2017 (31 December 2016:
$nil million). Capital expenditures for the six months to 30 June
2017 totaled $0.24 million (H1 2017: $0.6 million) and
predominantly relate to capitalised local office and London Head
Office costs attributed to the Colombian Llanos 50 and Putumayo 14
licences, and seismic reprocessing on the Moroccan Moulay Bouchta
licence.
Financial Review (continued)
Management's aim is to protect its exploration and evaluation
assets, and it is seeking contract extensions and the restructuring
of certain of its work obligations to allow the contracts to be
appropriately farmed-down or divested.
However, management reviewed the carrying value of all its
remaining E&E assets at the 2016 year end and, given the
potential impending expiry dates, it decided to impair all E&E
assets. As of the date of this Report, despite developments,
including with respect to contract extensions and initiatives to
find potential partners which are detailed elsewhere in this
Report, the Board does not consider it to be appropriate to reverse
the impairments.
The contract/licence expiry dates, capital commitments and
restricted cash balances held are detailed further in note 5 to the
Half-Yearly Financial Report.
The Group's investment in DPC, the entity established in Syria,
pursuant to the PSC, to administer the Group's Syrian oil and gas
development and production assets (and which is considered to also
include the related rights to production under the PSC), is
recorded as an available-for-sale investment. Due to the unknown
duration of EU sanctions in force against Syria and uncertainty
over the eventual outcome of events in the country, any valuation
attributed to the investment is highly subjective and subject to
material change and uncertainty. The Board has therefore concluded
that, consistent with its policy at 31 December 2016, it should
carry forward the last valuation which could be reliably
determined, being the $102 million previously disclosed although
this remains subject to significant uncertainty, as described in
note 6. At 30 June 2017 the Directors have reviewed the carrying
value of this available-for-sale financial asset and are of the
opinion that no impairment is required to the carrying value.
Although the carrying value is subject to significant
uncertainty, Management believes it remains appropriate in the
circumstances, although not necessarily reflective of the value of
the Group's investments in its Syrian operations over the
long-term.
The Company sold its entire Moroccan inventory to an oil and gas
operator in-country shortly after the period-end for $0.85 million
and therefore, Inventory held at 30 June 2017 has been revalued to
$0.85 million (31 December 2016: $1.1 million), resulting in a
further provision of $0.25 million during the period.
At 30 June 2017, the Group has decommissioning and/or
restoration obligations in respect of a number of wells and well
sites in Morocco under the Moroccan Hydrocarbon Code. A provision
has been established for these obligations totaling $1.6 million
(31 December 2016: $1.6 million) reflecting the Group's current
estimate of decommissioning and/or restoration obligations. The
wells and well sites are located on the expired Rharb and Fes
permits and on the three exploitation concessions located within
these permits. Included within the decommissioning and/or
restoration obligations are obligations on all legacy wells drilled
prior to the Group's acquisition of those interests. The Rharb and
Fes petroleum contracts expired during 2015, and as at 30 June 2017
all decommissioning provisions are disclosed as current liabilities
and no discount rate has been applied to the estimated cost of
decommissioning works. The Group remains in dispute with ONHYM
about whether these obligations should be satisfied by the $6.0
million inappropriately retained by ONHYM for the Bank Guarantees
relating to these licences.
Cash flow
The total increase in cash and cash equivalents during the six
months ended 30 June 2017 was $0.7 million (H1 2016: cash increase
$1.4 million). Operating cash outflow decreased in the period to
$1.8 million (H1 2016: $2.5 million) largely as a result of the
significant reduction in office expenses across the Group resulting
from the increasing efforts to manage costs to fit the current
business model and strategy. Investing cash outflow decreased
during the period to $0.2 million (H1 2016: $1.6 million), the
reduction is due to the limited operational activity taking place
during the period. Cash received from financing activities totaled
$3.1 million (GBP2.4 million), due to the draw-down of tranches 1-3
of the Secured financing facility.
The outstanding loan balance at 30 June 2017 is $3.2 million (31
December 2016: $nil million) follows the draw-down of the first
three drawdowns of GBP0.8 million, with interest and facility fees
rolled up in the period. The secured financing facility matures on
23 February 2020 and is repayable in full on that date, although it
is extinguishable by the issue of equity if the Board decides to do
so.
Financial position
At 30 June 2017 the Group had total unrestricted cash and cash
equivalents of $1.7 million (31 December 2016: $1.0 million). The
condensed set of financial statements included in this Half-Yearly
Financial Report have been prepared on a going concern basis of
accounting which has been approved by the Board. The basis on which
the Board has reached this decision is detailed in note 2 to the
Half-Yearly Financial Report.
INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT TO GULFSANDS PETROLEUM PLC
Introduction
We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set
of financial statements in the Half-Yearly Financial Report for the
six months ended 30 June 2017 which comprises the Consolidated
Income Statement, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Consolidated
Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement and notes
to the Half-Yearly Financial Report.
We have read the other information contained in the Half-Yearly
Financial Report and considered whether it contains any apparent
misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in
the condensed set of financial statements.
Directors' responsibilities
The Half-Yearly Financial Report, including the financial
information contained therein, is the responsibility of and has
been approved by the Directors. The Directors are responsible for
preparing the Half-Yearly Financial Report in accordance with the
rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading securities
on AIM which require that the Half-Yearly Financial Report be
presented and prepared in a form consistent with that which will be
adopted in the Company's annual accounts having regard to the
accounting standards applicable to such annual accounts.
Our responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on
the condensed set of financial statements in the Half-Yearly
Financial Report based on our review.
Our report has been prepared in accordance with the terms of our
engagement to assist the Company in meeting the requirements of the
rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading securities
on AIM and for no other purpose. No person is entitled to rely on
this report unless such a person is a person entitled to rely upon
this report by virtue of and for the purpose of our terms of
engagement or has been expressly authorised to do so by our prior
written consent. Save as above, we do not accept responsibility for
this report to any other person or for any other purpose and we
hereby expressly disclaim any and all such liability.
Scope of review
We conducted our review in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of
Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor
of the Entity", issued by the Financial Reporting Council for use
in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information
consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for
financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other
review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an
audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on
Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to
obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant
matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do
not express an audit opinion.
Conclusion
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that
causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements
in the Half-Yearly Financial Report for the six months ended 30
June 2017 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance
with the rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading
securities on AIM.
Emphasis of matter - Fair value of the Group's producing
operations in Syria
Without modifying our conclusion on the Half-Yearly Financial
Report for the period ended 30 June 2017, we draw attention to the
disclosures made in note 6 to the Half-Yearly Financial Report
concerning the valuation of the Group's suspended producing
operations in Syria, which is recorded at $102 million following
the loss of joint control in December 2011. There is significant
uncertainty as to the duration of the EU sanctions imposed in
December 2011 and the eventual outcome of events in Syria. The
potential impact any outcome will have on the carrying value from
the producing operations in Syria is not known.
INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT TO GULFSANDS PETROLEUM PLC
(continued)
Emphasis of matter - Going concern
Without modifying our conclusion on the Half-Yearly Financial
Report for the period ended 30 June 2017 we have considered the
adequacy of the disclosures made by the Directors in note 2 to the
Half-Yearly Financial Report concerning the Group's ability to
continue as a going concern. The Group requires additional funding
and careful management of its commitments in order to meet both
planned operating and capital programmes as they fall due. The
Directors believe, based upon discussions with existing
shareholders that the Group will be able to secure the necessary
funds, but there are currently no binding agreements in place.
These conditions, along with the other matters explained in note
2 to the Half-Yearly Financial Report, indicate the existence of a
material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the
Group's ability to continue as a going concern. The condensed
financial statements do not include the adjustments that would
result if the Group was unable to continue as a going concern.
BDO LLP
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors
London
United Kingdom
28 September 2017
BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England
and Wales (with registered number OC305127).
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2017
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30 June 30 June 31 December
2017 2016 2016
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
Notes $' 000 $' 000 $' 000
General and Administrative
expenses (1,502) (1,847) (4,182)
Share-based payments (172) - (161)
Exploration costs written-off/impaired 4 (241) (1,386) (8,055)
Inventory impairment (242) - -
Decommissioning - change
in estimates - - (1,139)
Penalty provisions - change
in estimates - - (2,800)
Restricted cash balances
provided against (300) (1,479) (3,191)
---------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Operating loss (2,457) (4,712) (19,528)
Loan financing cost (72) (51) (51)
Other finance income 11 4 23
Other finance expenses (41) (10) (162)
Foreign exchange (losses)
gains (20) 18 (37)
Loss before taxation (2,579) (4,751) (19,755)
----------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Taxation - - -
---------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Total loss and comprehensive
loss for the period/year-end
- attributable to owners
of the parent company (2,579) (4,751) (19,755)
========================================= ====== ============ ============ =============
Loss per share attributable
to the owners of parent company
(cents)
Basic and diluted (0.004) (0.01) (4.17)
----------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------
There are no items of comprehensive income not included in the
Income Statement.
All operations are continuing.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 JUNE 2017
31 December
30 June 2017 2016
(Unaudited) (Audited)
Notes $' 000 $' 000
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and
equipment 26 28
Intangible assets 4 - -
Long-term financial
assets 7 500 500
Investments 6 102,000 102,000
102,526 102,528
---------------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------
Current assets
Inventory 850 1,092
Trade and other receivables 483 171
Cash and cash equivalents 1,730 1,036
3,063 2,299
---------------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------
Total assets 105,589 104,827
----------------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 1,617 1,531
Provisions 6,137 6,137
7,754 7,668
---------------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables 3,339 3,446
Loan facility 8 3,190 -
6,529 3,446
---------------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------
Total liabilities 14,283 11,114
----------------------------------------- ------ ------------- ------------
Net
assets 91,306 93,713
==================================== === ====== ============= ============
EQUITY
Capital and reserves attributable
to equity holders
Share capital 18,803 18,803
Share premium 110,737 110,737
Merger reserve 11,709 11,709
Accumulated losses (49,943) (47,536)
Total equity 91,306 93,713
===================================== ====== ============= ============
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2017
Share Share Merger Treasury Accumulated Total
capital premium reserve shares losses equity
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ------------ ----------
At 31 December
2015 (audited) 13,131 105,926 11,709 (11,502) (27,940) 91,324
Loss for the
period - - - - (4,751) (4,751)
Transactions
with owners
Shares issued 5,047 3,485 - 11,502 - 20,034
------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ------------ ----------
At 30 June 2016
(unaudited) 18,178 109,411 11,709 - (32,691) 106,607
Loss for the
period - - - - (15,004) (15,004)
Transactions
with owners
Shares issued 625 1,326 - - - 1,951
Share-based
payment charge - - - - 159 159
------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ------------ ----------
At 31 December
2016 (audited) 18,803 110,737 11,709 - (47,536) 93,713
Loss for the
period
Transactions
with owners - - - - (2,579) (2,579)
Share-based
payment charge - - - - 172 172
At 30 June 2017
(unaudited) 18,803 110,737 11,709 - (49,943) 91,306
================== ========= ========= ========= ========= ============ ==========
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2017
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30 June 30 June 31 December
2016 2015 2016
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
Notes $' 000 $' 000 $' 000
---------------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Cash flows from operating
activities
Operating loss for continuing
operations (2,457) (4,712) (19,528)
Depreciation, depletion
and amortisation 2 72 89
Loss on disposal of tangible
fixed assets - 15 62
Exploration costs written-off/impaired/costs
accrued 4 241 1,386 8,055
Decommissioning estimates
adjustment - - 1,139
Restricted cash balances
forfeited/provided against 7 300 1,479 3,191
Inventory impairment 242 - -
Share-based payment charge 177 - 159
(Increase)/decrease in receivables (349) 237 391
Increase/(decrease) in payables 11 (1,028) 1,587
Finance expenses paid (41) (10) (162)
Interest received 11 4 23
Foreign exchange (losses)/gains (20) 18 (37)
----------------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Net cash used in operating
activities (1,883) (2,539) (5,031)
----------------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Investing activities
Exploration and evaluation
expenditure (241) (1,615) (1,879)
Other capital expenditures - (3) (2)
Increase in restricted cash
balances (300) - -
Net cash used in investing
activities (541) (1,618) (1,881)
----------------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Financing activities
Loan draw-down/(repayment) 8 3,118 - (14,457)
Funds received under Open
offer/share Placing - 5,969 20,427
Share placing - - 1,949
Open offer finance costs - (391) (391)
Net cash generated by financing
activities 3,118 5,578 7,528
----------------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Increase in cash and cash
equivalents 694 1,421 616
Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of period/year 1,036 420 420
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of period/year 1,730 1,841 1,036
=============================================== ====== ============ ============ =============
NOTES TO THE HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2017
1. General information
This Half-Yearly Financial Report was approved by the Board of
Directors and authorised for issue on 28 September 2017.
This condensed set of financial statements for the six months
ended 30 June 2017 is unaudited and does not constitute statutory
accounts as defined by the Companies Act.
The information for the year ended 31 December 2016 contained
within the condensed financial statements does not constitute
statutory accounts as defined in Section 435 of the Companies Act
2006. The financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016
have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and the auditor's
report on those financial statements was unqualified, and did not
contain a statement made under Section 498 of the Companies Act
2006. The auditor's report included an emphasis of matter in
respect of the fair value of the Group's suspended operations in
the Syrian Arab Republic, and in respect of the Group's ability to
continue as a going concern.
2. Accounting policies
This Half-Yearly Financial Report, which includes a condensed
set of financial statements of the Company and its subsidiary
undertakings ("the Group") has been prepared in accordance with the
recognition and measurement criteria of International Financial
Reporting Standards ("IFRS") issued by the International Accounting
Standards Board (IASB) as adopted for use in the EU.
New accounting standards, amendments and interpretations issued
and effective during the period
The condensed set of financial statements have been prepared
using accounting bases and policies consistent with those used in
the preparation of the audited financial statements of the Group
for the year ended 31 December 2016 and those to be used in the
year ending 31 December 2017.
Since the 2016 annual report and accounts was published, no new
standards and interpretations have been issued that would have a
material financial impact on adoption on the condensed financial
statements for the six months ended 30 June 2017.
Basis of preparation
The condensed set of financial statements included in this
Half-Yearly Financial Report has been prepared on a going concern
basis of accounting which has been approved by the Board. The basis
on which the Board has reached this decision is as follows:
Going concern
On 15 February 2017, the Company entered into a Secured Term
Financing Facility (the "2017 Facility") of up to GBP4 million (the
"Facility") with its Major Shareholders (the "Lenders"). The 2017
Facility is available for drawdown by the Company in five equal
tranches of GBP0.8 million each, the first three of which have been
drawn and the final two of which remain available on or after 30
September 2017 and 31 December 2017 respectively, subject to
re-approval by each of the Lenders prior to each drawdown request.
Further details of the 2017 Facility are outlined in note 8.
As at the date of this Report, the Group has cash balances
immediately available to it totaling approximately $2.3 million.
Ongoing General and Administrative costs are expected to be in the
region of $0.25 million per month through the second half of
2017.
In the absence of any other sources of cash flow, the Group will
need to raise additional capital by the end of Q4 2017 to fund
ongoing operations. There remains up to GBP1.6 million (c. $2.1
million) available under the 2017 Facility, and should that be
approved for drawdown by the Lenders, the Group's cash forecast
indicates that the Group would have sufficient funds to fund
approved exploration work programmes (as aforementioned in this
Interim report) and estimated general and administrative overheads
until Q4 2018, excluding unapproved but contractual work obligation
capital commitments and potential penalties in respect of its
licences.
NOTES TO THE HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2017
2. Accounting policies (continued)
If the Company and Group does not complete the minimum work
commitments under its various oil and gas licences within agreed
time periods, either directly, or via strategic divestments or
transactions with third party entities, penalties equal to the
unfulfilled contracted work commitments may be payable. These could
be substantial and additional details of the capital commitments
for the Company's licences are fully described in note 5. Potential
liabilities to licences in Morocco and Tunisia are housed in
dedicated subsidiaries without any parent company guarantees in
place. In analysing the Group's financial needs the Board has
considered the timing and likelihood of the payment of all current
and potential liabilities.
Following completion of a review of the going concern position
of the Company and Group at the meeting of the Board of Directors
on 25 September 2017, including the uncertainties described above,
the Board has concluded that, with current consolidated cash and
cash equivalents totaling $2.3 million and taking into account both
the Board's current strategy and the financial resources that the
Board might reasonably expect to become available, the Company and
the Group will have sufficient resources to continue in operational
existence for the foreseeable future, a period not less than twelve
months from the date of approval of this Financial Report.
Accordingly, the Directors consider it appropriate to continue to
adopt the going concern basis in preparing these Financial
Statements.
Notwithstanding the confidence that the Board has in its ability
to finance the Group's re-shaped business, the Directors, in
accordance with Financial Reporting Council guidance in this area,
conclude that at this time there is material uncertainty that such
finance can be procured and failure to do so might cast significant
doubt upon the Company's and the Group's ability to continue as a
going concern and that the Company and the Group may therefore be
unable to realise their assets and discharge their liabilities in
the normal course of business. These Financial Statements do not
include the adjustments that would result if the Group was unable
to continue as a going concern.
3. Segmental information
The Group currently operates in three principal geographical
areas: Morocco, Colombia and Tunisia (with exit from Tunisia
initiated), as well as suspended operations in Syria. All segments
are involved with oil and gas exploration or production activities.
The other column represents corporate and head office costs. The
Group's revenue, results and certain asset and liability
information for the period are analysed by reportable segment as
follows.
30 June 2017 (Unaudited) Syria Morocco Tunisia Colombia Other Total
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
-------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
Total administrative
expenses (287) (233) (69) (120) (965) (1,674)
Exploration costs
written-off/impaired - (47) - (194) - (241)
Inventory impairment - (242) - - - (242)
Restricted cash balances
forfeited/provided
against - - - (300) - (300)
Operating loss (287) (522) (69) (614) (965) (2,457)
Net financing costs (122)
---------
Loss before taxation (2,579)
-------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
Total assets 102,471 958 9 97 2,054 105,589
Total liabilities (3,974) (2,684) (3,920) (83) (3,622) (14,283)
E&E capital expenditure - 47 - 194 - 241
-------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
30 June 2016 (Unaudited) Syria Morocco Tunisia Colombia Other Total
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
-------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- --------
Total administrative
expenses (57) (315) (210) (121) (1,144) (1,847)
Exploration costs
written-off/impaired - (379) - (1,007) - (1,386)
Restricted cash balances
forfeited/provided
against - - - (1,479) - (1,479)
Operating loss (57) (694) (210) (2,607) (1,144) (4,712)
Net financing costs (39)
--------
Loss before taxation (4,751)
-------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- --------
Total assets 102,480 1,251 5,320 1,077 3,658 113,786
Total liabilities (3,770) (2,408) (69) (42) (890) (7,179)
E&E capital expenditure - 379 25 179 - 583
-------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- --------
NOTES TO THE HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2017
3. Segmental information (continued)
31 December 2016 Syria Morocco Tunisia Colombia Other Total
(Audited) $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
-------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
Total administrative
expenses (456) (421) (322) (238) (2,906) (4,343)
Exploration costs
written-off/impaired - (528) (5,314) (2,213) - (8,055)
Decommissioning -
change in estimate - (1,139) - - - (1,139)
Penalty provision
- change in estimate - 1,000 (3,800) - - (2,800)
Restricted cash balances
forfeited/provided
against - - - (3,191) - (3,191)
Operating loss (456) (1,088) (9,437) (5,642) (2,905) (19,528)
Net financing costs (227)
---------
Loss before taxation (19,755)
-------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
Total assets 102,539 1,190 9 53 1,036 104,827
Total liabilities (4,048) (2,608) (3,896) (78) (484) (11,114)
E&E capital expenditure - 528 44 334 - 906
-------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
4. Intangible assets
Exploration and Evaluation
Assets Computer
Syria Morocco Tunisia Colombia software Total
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
------------------------- ------- -------- -------- --------------- --------- --------
Cost:
At 1 January 2016 10,505 2,792 5,270 1,879 2,372 22,818
Additions - 528 44 334 - 906
Exploration expenditure
written-off - - (5,314) - - (5,314)
At 31 December
2016 10,505 3,320 - 2,213 2,372 18,410
------------------------- ------- -------- -------- --------------- --------- --------
Additions - 47 - 194 - 241
Exploration expenditure - - - - - -
written-off
At 30 June 2017 10,505 3,367 - 2,407 2,372 18,651
------------------------- ------- -------- -------- --------------- --------- --------
Accumulated amortisation:
At 1 January 2016 - - - - (1,878) (1,878)
Charge for year - - - - (19) (19)
--------------------------- --------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
At 31 December
2016 - - - - (1,897) (1,897)
Charge for period - - - - - -
At 30 June 2017 - - - - (1,897) (1,897)
--------------------------- --------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Accumulated impairment:
At 1 January 2016 (10,505) (2,792) - - (475) (13,772)
Charge for the
year - (528) - (2,213) - (2,741)
--------------------------- --------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
At 31 December
2016 (10,505) (3,320) - (2,213) (475) (16,513)
Charge for the
period - (47) - (194) - (241)
--------------------------- --------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
At 30 June 2017 (10,505) (3,367) - (2,407) (475) (16,754)
--------------------------- --------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Net book value
at 30 June 2017 - - - - - -
--------------------------- --------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Net book value
at 31 December
2016 - - - - - -
--------------------------- --------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
NOTES TO THE HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2017
4. Intangible assets (continued)
Syria
The accumulated costs of E&E assets in Syria represent the
Group's share of the drilling costs of the Al Khairat, Twaiba and
Wardieh wells and certain 3D seismic surveys. The Al Khairat well
was successfully tested but commercial development approval is yet
to be granted by the government of the Syrian Arab Republic. The
Twaiba and Wardieh wells are still under evaluation. Following the
imposition of EU sanctions against the oil industry in Syria, an
impairment test was conducted and the carrying value of all E&E
assets in Syria was impaired to nil as it is was unclear whether
the Group would be able to apply for commercial development
approval in the manner contemplated by the Production Sharing
Contract. That position remains at the date of this Report.
Colombia
The Group has interests in E&P contracts over two blocks in
Colombia: Putumayo 14 ("PUT-14") and Llanos 50 ("LLA-50").
During the period the Llanos-50 licence was successfully
extended by 18 months to May 2018, and the Company commenced work
on reprocessing legacy seismic and initial environment studies in
advance of further seismic acquisition. However, there remains
uncertainty as to whether the Group will attract a partner to
execute the full work programme and so, in accordance with the
Group's accounting policy, it is considered appropriate to retain
the impairment of the Llanos-50 E&E asset set up in 2016 and to
impair any addition expenditure incurred in 1H 2017, totaling $0.1
million. Alongside this, the recovery of restricted cash balance
held as performance guarantees in relation to the minimum work
obligation under this contract, which was $1.5 million at 31
December 2016 and was increased during the Period to $1.8 million),
continues to be fully provided against ($1.5 million was impaired
in 1H 2016, and $0.3 million was impaired in H1 2017).
The Putumayo-14 licence expires in November 2017. In October
2016, the Company entered into a farm-out agreement with Samarium
Energy & Resources Corporation ("Samarium") for the Putumayo-14
contract, though this subsequently terminated in May 2017. The
Company continues an active and constructive dialogue with the
Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos ("ANH") regarding an extension to
the Putumayo-14 licence and has commenced work on the initial phase
of work, the Consulta Previa. However, given the time left on the
licence, in accordance with Group policy it has been decided to
fully impair the expenditure attributed to the Putumayo-14 licence,
of $0.1 million in 1H 2017 (31 December 2016: $1.1 million).
Alongside this, the recovery of restricted cash balance of $1.7
million (31 December 2016: $1.7 million) held as performance
guarantees in relation to the minimum work obligation under this
contract continues to be fully provided against.
No provision has been recognised as at 30 June 2017 for the
outstanding minimum work obligation commitments for either the
Llanos-50 licence or the Putuamyo-14 licence, as management is in
active and positive discussion regarding further licence extensions
with ANH and has an active farm-out process underway for both
licences.
Management's strategy is to farm-down or divest the Group's
interests in the Putumayo-14 licence and the Llanos-50 licence and
a broker has been engaged to run the farm-out process. Management
has reviewed its intentions for these assets, and believes it is
too early to make a prediction on the likelihood of a successful
farm-out or to determine what price could be achieved.
Morocco
Moroccan E&E assets at 30 June 2017 represent exploration
expenditure on the Moulay Bouchta licence. The initial exploration
phase of the licence expired on 20 June 2017. In light of the
licence expiry, all the expenditure to date attributed to the
Moulay Bouchta licence has been impaired, including $0.02 million
in 2017, $0.5 million in 2016 and $2.8 million in 2015 (inclusive
of $1.75 million potential penalty for non-completion of the
minimum work obligations). As part of the extension granted during
2016, the minimum work obligations relating to the Moulay Bouchta
contract was reduced from $3.5 million to $2.5 million and so the
possible penalty accrued was also reduced from $1.75 million to
$0.75 million. This adjustment was not booked through E&E
assets but directly to the Income Statement as an adjustment to
estimates of penalty provisions.
ONHYM have indicated a willingness to extend the Initial Phase
further, from three years to four years meaning that it would then
run through to June 2018. The Company has indicated that it is
considering the further extension but will only take advantage of
it if it is able to find an appropriate partner which would be
interested in a farm-out to help take the project forward. No such
partner has been found to date.
NOTES TO THE HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2017
4. Intangible assets (continued)
Tunisia
At 30 June 2017 the Tunisian E&E assets represent
expenditures under the Chorbane contract including amounts paid
during 2013 and 2015 to increase participation in the contract. A
two year extension to the PSC was granted on 22 December 2015,
extending the contract date to 12 July 2017 but the Group was
unable to agree an appropriate work program with Entreprise
Tunisienne d'Activités Pétrolières ("ETAP"). In accordance with the
Group's policy the expenditure attributed to Chorbane Contract
($5.3 million) was fully written-off during 2016 after the Group
had informed the Tunisian authorities that, if it could not find a
partner, it intended to cease all Tunisian Operations.
The Group has not been able to attract such a partner and so the
Group has decided not to seek a further extension and instead has
allowed the Contract to lapse, and the Chorbane PSC expired on 12
July 2017.
As at 30 June 2017 $3.8 million (31 December 2016: $3.8 million)
has been accrued as potential penalties of the minimum work
programme.
5. Work obligation commitments
At 30 June 2017, the Group had the following capital commitments
in respect of its exploration activities:
Colombia
Llanos 50 - first exploration phase expiry date and deadline for
fulfilment of capital commitments; May 2018 (following 18 month
extension confirmed in May 2017)
-- Drilling of one exploration well.
-- 2D seismic minimum 160 km.
-- The Company's total commitments outstanding estimated at
$13.9 million, plus an additional $1.4 million for the extension
i.e. $15.2 million.
-- The work obligation commitment has not been provided for as
the licence has not expired and the Group is actively seeking
partners for a farm-in, or other arrangement to take these assets
forward as a standalone strategy.
$1.8 million (31 December 2016: $1.5 million) of deposits have
been lodged to support guarantees given to the Agencia Nacional de
Hidrocarburos in respect of completion of the minimum work
commitments on Llanos 50. These have been fully provided against as
at 30 June 2017, given the licence expiry date for the initial
exploration phase in May 2018.
Putumayo 14 - licence expiry date and deadline for fulfilment of
capital commitments; November 2017
-- Drilling of one exploration well.
-- 2D seismic minimum 98 km.
-- The Company's total commitments outstanding estimated at $16.1 million.
-- The work obligation commitment has not been provided for as
the licence has not expired and the Group is actively seeking
partners for a farm-in, or other arrangement to take these assets
forward as a standalone strategy.
$1.7 million (31 December 2016: $1.7 million) of deposits have
been lodged to support guarantees given to the Agencia Nacional de
Hidrocarburos in respect of completion of these minimum work
commitments. These remain fully provided against as at 30 June
2017, having been impaired in 2016, given the licence expiry date
for the initial exploration phase in November 2017.
Morocco
Moulay Bouchta permit - initial exploration phase expiry date
and deadline for fulfilment of capital commitments; June 2017
-- Acquisition and processing of 200 km of 2D seismic.
-- Reprocessing and interpretation of selected legacy 2D seismic lines
-- Legacy oil field reactivation survey.
-- Total cost of commitments estimated at $2.5 million.
NOTES TO THE HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2017
5. Work obligation commitments (continued)
As at 30 June 2017 $1.75 million (31 December 2016: $1.75
million) of deposits have been lodged to support guarantees given
to ONHYM in respect of completion of these minimum work
commitments. These have been fully provided against at 30 June 2017
(having been provided against in 2016), given the licence expiry
date for the initial exploration phase in June 2017.
ONHYM have indicated a willingness to extend the Initial Phase
further, from three years to four years meaning that it would then
run through to June 2018. The Company has indicated that it is
considering whether to pursue the extension, but that this decision
would be predicated on it finding an appropriate partner to help
take the project forward. The Company has not yet been successful
in securing one and so, as of 20 June 2017, the Moulay Bouchta
licence expired; with the minimum work obligations remaining
outstanding. The Company remains in active dialogue with ONHYM to
find a mutually beneficial way in which to pursue the work
programme. If the licence is relinquished, in addition to the
potential forfeiture of $1.75 million restricted cash balance , a
further $0.75 million potential penalty for non-completion of the
minimum work obligations could be enforced on the Group. A
provision of $0.75 million remains accrued for this potential
penalty as at 30 June 2017 (which was accrued for in 2016).
Note that there exists no parent company guarantee under the
Moulay Bouchta Petroleum Agreement.
Tunisia
Chorbane permit - second phase of contract expiry date and
deadline for fulfilment of capital commitments; July 2017
-- Drilling of one exploration well.
-- Acquisition of 200 km of 2D seismic data, although this was disputed by ETAP.
-- Total contractual commitment: $3.8 million for the drilling of the exploration well.
There are no guarantees against the obligations relating to the
Chorbane Licence. Given the impending expiry of the licence and the
inability of the Group to attract a partner to move the assets
forward, the Board decided not to seek a further extension and
instead has allowed the Contract to lapse, and the Chorbane PSC
expired on 12 July 2017. A provision has been recognised of $3.8
million to reflect the potential penalty for non-fulfilment of the
contractual work programme.
Note, no parent company guarantee exists under the Chorbane
exploration permit.
There were no other material obligations or contracts
outstanding in relation to ongoing projects not provided or
disclosed in this Half-Yearly Financial Report.
6. Available-for-sale financial assets
The Group is party to a PSC for the exploitation of hydrocarbon
production in Block 26 in Syria. Pursuant to the PSC the Group
operates its Syrian oil and gas production assets through a joint
venture administered by DPC in which the Group has a 25% equity
interest. The Group lost joint control of DPC on 1 December 2011
following the publication of European Union Council Decision
2011/782/CFSP. For the purposes of EU sanctions, DPC is considered
to be controlled by General Petroleum Corporation. Since the Group
has neither joint control nor significant influence over the
financial and operating policy decisions of the entity, it carries
its investment in DPC and the associated rights under the Block 26
PSC as an available-for-sale financial asset. The carrying value of
the available-for-sale investment at 30 June 2017 is $102 million
(31 December 2016: $102 million).
Due to the unknown duration of EU sanctions in force against
Syria and uncertainty over the eventual outcome of events in the
country, any valuation attributed to the investment is highly
subjective and subject to material change and uncertainty. At 31
December 2015, Management reviewed their internal valuation
methodology and determined that as a result of the further passage
of time and the high degree of judgement required, it was no longer
possible to reliably estimate the investment's fair value.
Management therefore concluded to carry forward the last valuation
which could be reliably determined, being the $102 million
previously disclosed in the 2015 Half-Yearly Financial Report.
NOTES TO THE HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2017
6. Available-for-sale financial assets (continued)
At 30 June 2017 the Directors have reviewed the carrying value
of this available-for-sale financial asset and are of the opinion
that no impairment is required to the carrying value. Although the
carrying value is subject to significant uncertainty, Management
believes it remains appropriate in the circumstances, although not
necessarily reflective of the value of the Group's investments in
its Syrian operations over the long-term. Management reiterate that
there is a high degree of subjectivity inherent in the valuation
calculated for impairment purposes, due to the unknown duration of
the sanctions and the eventual outcome of events in Syria.
Accordingly, it may change materially in future periods depending
on a wide range of factors and an impairment may then be required.
The 2016 Annual Report and Accounts, available on the Company's
website, discloses sensitivity analysis for this valuation in note
4.2.
7. Long-term financial assets
Long-term financial assets comprise balances held in bank
accounts subject to escrow agreements as collateral for performance
bonds issued.
6 months
ended Year ended
30 June 31 December
2017 2016
$'000 $'000
------------------------------ --------- -------------
Restricted cash balances 5,741 5,441
Provision against recovery
of restricted cash balances (5,241) (4,941)
Total restricted cash
balances 500 500
------------------------------- --------- -------------
Gross restricted cash balances as at 30 June 2017 include $5.24
million (31 December 2016: $4.94 million) of such deposits
collateralising guarantees given to state regulators to secure
minimum exploration work commitments in Morocco under the Moulay
Bouchta Petroleum Agreement ($1.75 million) the Llanos-50 licence
in Colombia ($1.78 million) and the Putumayo 14 licence ($1.71
million) in Colombia, which have all been fully provided against at
30 June 2017. Gross restricted cash balances increased during the
period by $0.3 million, following the increase in the deposit
required on Llanos 50 following the extension of that contract.
This was subsequently impaired as detailed in note 4. The remaining
$0.5 million relates to the exploration period of Block 26 in
Syria, which is under Force Majeure.
Further details of the minimum work obligations which these
guarantees relate to are set out in note 5 to this Half-Yearly
Financial Report.
8. Secured Term Financing Facility
On 15 February 2017, the Company closed a Secured Term Financing
Facility of up to GBP4 million (the "2017 Facility") with its major
Shareholders, Waterford, Blake and ME Investments Limited. The 2017
Facility is available for drawdown by the Company in five equal
tranches of GBP0.8 million, the first available immediately upon
the satisfaction of various administrative conditions precedent
(completed in February 2017), and the further tranches being
available on or after 31 March 2017 (drawn in early April), 30 June
2017 (drawn in late April, by unanimous approval of the Lenders),
30 September 2017 and 31 December 2017. The first two tranches,
were committed by the Lenders, and the final three tranches are
subject to re-approval by each of the Lenders prior to each
drawdown request.
At the date of this report, the first three tranches have been
drawn down.
Interest on loans made (together with accrued fees and interest)
runs at 7% per annum. A commitment fee of 1% per annum runs on any
undrawn proportion of the Facility. All fees and interest accrue
quarterly until maturity. All, or part, of the undrawn portion of
the Facility may be cancelled at any time by the Company. The
Company may prepay the whole or any part (if at least GBP0.8
million) of the outstanding amounts at any time subject to paying a
10% premium on the amount pre-paid. The proceeds will be used for
general and administrative expenses of the Group and for working
capital purposes.
The maturity date of the 2017 Facility is three years from the
first drawdown date (i.e. February 2020), at which date all
outstanding amounts will be repayable in cash unless the Company
has exercised an equity conversion right. Pursuant to that right,
the outstanding amounts to be repaid may be converted at the
Company's option into shares of the Company at a price equal to the
lower of (i) the 90 day average closing price at the time of
repayment and (ii) the lowest price at which the Company has raised
equity capital during the life of the 2017 Facility.
NOTES TO THE HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2017
8. Secured Term Financing Facility (continued)
The Facility is secured: by a mortgage over the shares of the
Company's direct subsidiary, Gulfsands Petroleum Limited; by a
charge over certain intercompany receivables of the Company; by a
charge over certain bank accounts of the Company (should the
Lenders require such a charge to be created); and through the issue
of one ordinary share in the share capital of Gulfsands Petroleum
Limited to the security trustee. The security trustee for the
Facility is Weighbridge Trust. The articles of association of
Gulfsands Petroleum Limited have also been amended to include
certain reserved matters requiring unanimous shareholder consent,
pre-emption provisions and compulsory transfer provisions. In
addition to the right to enforce the security, on an
insolvency-related event of default, the Lenders have the right to
convert outstanding amounts under the Facility into a direct equity
holding in Gulfsands Petroleum Limited, at a fair price (from a
financial point of view taking into account all relevant
circumstances) to be determined by an expert at the time.
On 23 February 2017 the Group drew-down the first GBP0.8 million
tranche of the loan facility. The second and third tranches were
drawn-down on 3 April 2017 and 23 April 2017 respectively.
The movement on the loan balance in the year is represented as follows: $'000
------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------
At 1 January 2017 -
Loan draw-down 3,118
Interest expense 62
Commitment fee 10
At 30 June 2017 3,190
------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------
9. Contingent Liabilities
Claim by Al Mashrek Group in Syria
Al Mashrek Global Investment Ltd ("Al Mashrek") has filed a
claim with the Courts in Damascus, Syria, against Gulfsands
Petroleum Levant Limited (incorporated in Cayman Islands) ("GPLL")
and the Syrian registered branch of GPLL on the grounds that Al
Mashrek was not properly notified of the Open Offer completed in
January 2016 and hence lost the opportunity to subscribe for new
shares in the Open Offer and as a result Al Mashrek's equity was
subsequently diluted.
The Court of Appeal of Damascus has issued an order of
provisional attachment on GPLL's moveable and immovable assets,
including GPLL's share of Block 26, to secure Al Mashrek's claim of
an amount of Syrian pounds equivalent to $2.0 million. While
Gulfsands continues to investigate the alleged claim it is
determined to protect its rights in Syria. Gulfsands are seeking
legal advice on this matter. Management believe the outflow of
funds in relation to this claim to be possible but not probable and
therefore no provision has been made as at 30 June 2017.
Penalties sought by ONHYM under the Rharb Petroleum
Agreement
As disclosed in more detail in the 2016 Annual report, in late
2015, the extension period of the Rharb Petroleum Agreement expired
and the Company requested to further extend the Rharb Petroleum
Agreement for a period of two years to allow the Company to
appraise the gas discoveries made in 2014/15 was rejected. ONHYM
further advised in November 2015 that:
-- Gulfsands Morocco would forfeit its $1.0 million in
restricted cash held as a performance guarantee in relation to its
minimum work obligation under the Rharb Petroleum Agreement;
-- ONHYM was seeking a penalty equal of the estimated cost of
the minimum exploration work programme of the Rharb Petroleum
Agreement less the actual costs actually incurred in respect of the
work required, whereby ONHYM is claiming a sum of $7.5 million;
-- ONHYM also claimed the outstanding amount under the training
obligation of the Rharb Petroleum Agreement;
-- ONHYM was seeking an update on the Company's progress in
relation to the abandonment of the legacy producing wells and the
cleaning and restoring of the well sites in the Rharb Centre permit
area.
The Company strongly refutes the claims for financial sums and
penalties and is seeking legal advice on the matter. In these 2017
Interim Results the $1.0 million restricted cash balance has been
fully provided against and decommissioning and restoration
provisions of $1.6 million covering all Gulfsands drilled wells and
legacy wells have been provided for, although the Company considers
that this decommissioning obligation should be fully satisfied by
part of the performance guarantees inappropriately taken by ONHYM
on the Rharb and Fes licences (see note 10). No provisions have
been made for training obligations or the penalty.
NOTES TO THE HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2017
10. Contingent Assets
Recovery of guarantee amounts under the Rharb Petroleum
Agreement
As disclosed in more detail in the 2016 Annual report, in late
2015, the Company received a response from ONHYM stating Gulfsands
Morocco will forfeit its $1.0 million in restricted cash held as a
performance guarantee in relation to its minimum work obligation
under the Rharb Petroleum Agreement. ONHYM drew this amount in
January 2016. Gulfsands have provided ONHYM with details of the
costs actually incurred in respect of the exploration work required
to be carried out during the extension period and these costs
significantly exceed the $15 million estimated costs of the minimum
exploration work programme. Therefore Gulfsands believe that in
accordance with the Rharb Petroleum Agreement no penalty payment is
due. As a result the $1.0 million drawn by ONHYM was not drawn
under the provisions of the Rharb Petroleum Agreement as no penalty
was due and therefore should be refunded back to Gulfsands. Of the
$1.0 million, $0.33 million is due back to a third party if
released by ONHYM. No asset has been recognised in these Financial
Statements for this contingent asset.
Recovery of guarantee amounts under the Fes Petroleum
Agreement
As disclosed in more detail in the 2016 Annual report, in late
2015 (16 October 2015), the Company announced that the extension
period of the Fes Petroleum Agreement expired on 24 September 2015
and the request to further extend the agreement was not granted by
ONHYM, and furthermore that ONHYM advised that Gulfsands Morocco
will forfeit its $5.0 million in restricted cash held as a
performance guarantee in relation to its minimum work obligation
under the Fes Petroleum Agreement and the restricted cash had been
drawn by ONHYM. Gulfsands provided ONHYM with details of the costs
actually incurred in respect of the exploration work required to be
carried out during the extension period, which costs significantly
exceed the $18.5 million estimated costs of the minimum exploration
work programme. Gulfsands believes that in accordance with the Fes
Petroleum Agreement no penalty payment is due. As a result the $5.0
million drawn by ONHYM was not drawn under the provisions of the
Fes Petroleum Agreement as no penalty was due and therefore should
be refunded back to Gulfsands. Of the $5.0 million, $1.33 million
is due back to a third party if released by ONHYM. No asset has
been recognised in these Financial Statements for this contingent
asset.
11. Post balance sheet events
Tunisia Chorbane
The Chorbane PSC expired shortly after the period end on 12 July
2017. Tunisia did not fit with the Company's stated strategy and so
the Group's continuing involvement in Tunisia was dependent on
finding a partner which could help it take the Chorbane project
forward. The Group was not able to attract such a partner and so
the Group decided not to seek a further extension and instead
allowed the Contract to lapse.
Glossary of Terms
ANH Agencia Nacional De Hidrocarburos (Colombia)
bcf Billion cubic feet of gas
boe Barrels of oil equivalent where the gas component is
converted into an equivalent amount of oil using a conversion rate
of 1 bcf to 0.1667 mmboe
Contingent Resources Contingent Resources are those quantities
of petroleum estimated, as of a given date, to be potentially
recoverable from known accumulations by the application of
development projects, but are not currently considered to be
commercially recoverable due to one or more contingencies.
Contingent Resources are further categorised by the SPE into 1C, 2C
and 3C according to the level of uncertainty associated with the
estimates.
DPC Dijla Petroleum Company
E&E Exploration and evaluation
E&P contracts Exploration and production contracts
ETAP Entreprise Tunisienne d'Activités Pétrolières (Tunisia)
GPC General Petroleum Corporation
GPLL Gulfsands Petroleum Levant Limited
GPML Gulfsands Petroleum Morocco Limited
IFRS International Financial Reporting Standards
LLA 50 Llanos Block 50
mmbo Millions of barrels of oil
mmboe Millions of barrels of oil equivalent
ONHYM Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (Morocco)
Prospective Resources Prospective Resources are those quantities
of petroleum estimated, as of a given date, to be potentially
recoverable from undiscovered accumulations. They are further
categorised by the 2007 SPE PRMS into Low, Best and High estimates.
The quoted Low, Best and High estimates are the 90% probability
("P90"), 50% probability ("P50") and 10% probability ("P10") values
respectively derived from probabilistic estimates generated using a
Monte Carlo statistical approach.
PSC Production Sharing Contract
PUT14 Putumayo Block 14
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR QVLFLDKFBBBK
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
September 29, 2017 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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