I put this post on TMF, which I think gives a good summary of where we stand with PELE going forward :
Petrolatina (PELE) (Colombian focussed O&G junior) could never be said to be ahead of schedule, delays seem to be the norm, however there are rumours around that their finance package (a loan deal) is nearing completion. Whilst details are unknown, lets put on those "rose tinted specs" and take a look at what this news, if it comes, could mean to Petrolatina. As we started, timescales, well ingore any in prior RNS's, the company has been at a standstill on the exploration and development front whilst its been trying to sort out the finance package.
Well ;
1/ PELE is presently cash flow positive :
http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=200711290702007412I
"Greg Smith, Chairman and Founder of PetroLatina, said:
'These agreements secure the inherent value of PetroLatina and allow us to start
planning for the future. I believe the Company has tremendous potential and
value. We have positive cash flow, substantial proved, probable and possible
reserves, plans to increase volume through our pipeline and to develop and
commercialise the reserves.'"
2/ They have ambitious plans for not only increasing production levels from their presently producing fields -
http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=200711290702007412I
"As part of the agreement to secure the licence extension, Ecopetrol S.A., the
Colombian state oil company, will increase its participation in the Los Angeles
and Santa Lucia fields from 50% to 60%. The agreed work programme for these two
fields now includes six development wells and four exploration wells over the
next two years."
BUT also to start drilling other exploration wells, first and foremost the exciting potential on the La Paloma license.
http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=200709260701424915E
"In April 2006 the Group acquired an interest in two exploration blocks with an
85% interest in Midas and an indirect 80% interest in La Paloma, New seismic was
acquired in March/April this year over the La Paloma block and the results show
a very promising large 4 way dip closure. It is planned to drill an exploration
well within 3 to 4 months. Planned total depth is approximately 10,000 ft."
3/ They have the Serafin gas pipe line which will offer strong cash flow, albeit for only perhaps 2 years, once its allowed to come on line.
http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=200709260701424915E
"The Seraffin gas project is ready to commence production, However the gas
pipeline owner is currently demanding a letter from Ecopetrol underwriting the
quality of the gas. PetroLatina is holding discussions with all parties involved
to find a quick solution."
http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=200703060701153757S
"On February 13, 2007 the fourth point of the test (on a 48 hour extended flow
rate) was completed through a 40/64' choke with a stable flow rate of 14 million
cubic feet per day of gas, a flowing tubing head pressure of 1530 psi and a shut
in casing pressure of 1716 psi."
4/ They still have a 20% free carry in some Guatemalan plays as per the disposal notice :
http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=200707311553092384B
"Petrolatina is pleased to announce that the option announced on 21 May 2007 has
been exercised and that accordingly it has today completed the sale of its
Guatemala assets. The consideration is $4 million in cash.
The Company retains a 20% interest in the first three wells to be drilled in the
near future."
5/ They also have the Midas license in Colombia.
http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=200709260701424915E
"Presently, new seismic is being acquired over the Midas block and first results
are encouraging. It is planned to drill an exploration well to approximately
8,000 ft following the La Paloma well."
6/ They also own a pipeline which generates revenues, and also generates cost of maintenance it should be noted.
http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=200612110701145869N
"Rio Zulia - Ayaccucho Pipeline
The Pipeline was acquired as part of the acquisition of Petroleos del Norte
S.A.('PDN') in June 2006.
The Pipeline has a design capacity of 25,000 bopd. Success during the initial
development phase of the Tibu field will bring the pipeline close to full
utilization.
Based on an external evaluation carried out at the time of the acquisition of
PDN, US$10 million was attributed to the value of the Pipeline given its
prevailing throughput. The underlying value of the Pipeline will therefore
increase with the additional throughput usage."
*********************************
So taking all the good bits, why is a loan needed ?
PDN second payment needs $7m
Bridging Loan Repayment circa $5m left to pay
La Paloma Well $4.5m
Other developments.
Therefore the loan should be, according to estimates and rumour, around about 24m US$. Now we do not know the terms of the loan deal, if shares are going to be given as part of the deal, however, should the money issue be resolved, and should the terms be decent, then the upside potential for PELE would appear significant. The license extension is now done already, the final piece of the jigsaw, the one that can remove all the concerns over the company, is the finance package, and so, we await for news on it (and also of course news that Serafin is on line and producing or when it will come on line).
This Growth Company article jumped the gun, and was incorrect as the deal was not done on the finance late last November (although the license extension was done
http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=200711290702007412I ), and the drilling therefore has yet to start at La Paloma, but its a nice write up, and one which could be applied to PELE the moment the finance package is officially announced.
http://www.growthbusiness.co.uk/news/city-news/263549/petrolatina-wins-time-and-money.thtml
Wednesday 28th November 2007
PetroLatina wins time and money
Hard-pressed Colombian oil explorer PetroLatina has clinched.................
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TAG/PELE has been a rough ride for me, I will happily admit that, and it lost me 50% of my investment as was. I did bail out finally, but have since returned at circa 12p entry price. All being well I intend to recoup that 50% loss and gain a handsome profit, well, thats the plan anyway :)