Half-Yearly Results for the six months to 30 June 2015
Tony Durrant, Chief Executive, commented:
"First half operating cash flows increased year-on-year driven by reliable production, our hedging programme and operating cost savings of 30 per cent. With Solan on-stream later this year and Catcher in 2017, we expect both growing production and reduced debt levels. Amended financial covenants announced today provide balance sheet flexibility and demonstrate the on-going support of our capital providers. With the optionality in our portfolio, we are well placed for growth in a stronger oil price environment."
Operational highlights
· Production averaged 60.4 kboepd (2014 H1: 64.9 kboepd), despite recent disposals of non-core assets; full year guidance is maintained at 55 kboepd
· Increased momentum across sanctioned developments; Solan first oil is still targeted for Q4 2015 and Catcher first oil on track for 2017
· Progressing Vette and Sea Lion for 2016 investment decisions; ongoing engagement with the supply chain indicates significant potential for reduced costs
· Discoveries at Zebedee and Isobel Deep, Falkland Islands and incremental resource added at Anoa Deep, Indonesia; ongoing programmes in Norway, Falklands
· New venture focus on building portfolio in Ceará Basin, Brazil and Sureste Basin, Mexico
· Formal sales process for Pakistan assets initiated
Financial highlights
· Strong operating cash flow of US$513.0 million (2014 H1: US$499.4 million)
· Profit before tax and impairments of US$170.6 million (2014 H1: US$194.4 million); non-cash post-tax impairments of US$225.7 million result in loss after tax of US$375.2 million (2014 H1: profit after tax of US$172.7 million)
· Operating cost and gross G&A savings of 30 per cent and 20 per cent
· Amendments to Premier's debt covenants secured out to mid-2017
· c.60 per cent of 2015 H2 liquid volumes hedged at US$92/bbl; c.25 per cent of 2016 liquids hedged at US$69/bbl
· 2015 full year capex guidance unchanged at US$900 million (development) and US$240 million (exploration); US$500 million of total capex expected for 2016
· Net debt marginally lower at US$2,093 million; cash and undrawn facilities of US$1.5 billion