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DNO ASA — Earnings Release 2015
Mar 18, 2016
3580_rns_2016-03-18_1769932e-6121-4a6c-a78f-e078853986c8.html
Earnings Release
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DNO Releases 2015 Annual Report and Accounts and Annual Statement of Reserves
DNO Releases 2015 Annual Report and Accounts and Annual Statement of Reserves
Oslo, 18 March 2016 - DNO ASA, the Norwegian oil and gas operator, today
released its 2015 Annual Report and Accounts together with its 2015 Annual
Statement of Reserves.
The company reported record levels of operated production in 2015, driven by
strong performance in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, though the company's
financial results were impacted by the sharp drop in world oil prices and lower
payments for exports in Kurdistan. Operated production was up 23 percent to
144,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) while revenues dropped to USD
187 million in 2015, down 59 percent from a year earlier. Gross production from
DNO's flagship Tawke field in Kurdistan averaged 135,200 barrels of oil per day
(bopd), of which 114,100 bopd was delivered for pipeline export through Turkey.
Capital expenditures in 2015 were reduced to USD 51 million from USD 297 million
in 2014. The company reported a 2015 operating loss of USD 174 million
(operating loss of USD 243 million in 2014) on the back of lower revenues,
restructuring and impairment charges. DNO ended the year with a cash balance of
USD 238 million, up from USD 114 million at end-2014.
"With a strong balance sheet, major development projects already completed and
the flexibility to align our spending with our earning, we are well-positioned
among our peer group," said DNO's Executive Chairman Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani. "We
are cautiously optimistic oil prices will recover in the coming months but
remain stubbornly resilient if they don't," he added.
DNO's year-end 2015 Reserve Life Index (R/P) stood at 12.2 years on a proven and
probable (2P) reserves basis and 16.3 years on a 2P reserves and 2C contingent
resources basis.
New investments at Tawke were significantly curtailed in 2015 due to irregular
payments in Kurdistan. Notwithstanding, Tawke gross proven (1P) oil reserves
increased to 387.0 million barrels (MMbbls) from 319.9 MMbbls at year-end 2014
with improved confidence about primary recovery rates at the field.
At Tawke, gross 2P reserves and 2C contingent resources stood at 643.2 MMbbls,
down from 698.0 MMbbls at year-end 2014. Gross 2P reserves dropped to 543.0
MMbbls from 680.3 MMbbls after adjusting for a record 49.3 MMbbls produced
during the year, technical revisions of 5.5 MMbbls and a re-categorization of
82.5 MMbbls from 2P reserves to 2C contingent resources pending both a review of
enhanced recovery options at Tawke and a decision to commit funds towards a
field-wide redevelopment program.
A new payment arrangement announced on 1 February 2016 by the Kurdistan Regional
Government in line with contractual entitlements has set the foundation for
higher spending at Tawke. Investments already launched include new production
wells, remedial work at existing wells and installation of water handling
facilities. Previous Tawke production guidance remains unchanged with output
expected to climb 10 percent by mid-year from January 2016 levels.
The company also plans to drill the Peshkabir-2 well to appraise the previous
Jurassic discovery and explore the Cretaceous zone. If successful, the Peshkabir
field can be quickly tied back to existing infrastructure at Fish Khabur only
10 kilometers away.
"We have long taken a diligent, transparent and prudent tack with Tawke and are
pleased it continues to rank first in reserves, production and exports among
fields operated by international oil companies in Kurdistan," said Mossavar-
Rahmani.
As of 31 December 2015, DNO's Company Working Interest (CWI) 2P reserves and 2C
contingent resources were estimated at 523.1 million barrels of oil equivalent
(MMboe), down from 590.3 MMboe at year-end 2014. CWI 2P reserves were estimated
at 391.5 MMboe, down from 483.6 MMboe at year-end 2014 after adjusting for CWI
production of 32.3 MMboe during the year, technical revisions of 5.9 MMboe and a
re-categorization of 53.9 MMboe from CWI 2P reserves to CWI 2C contingent
resources. CWI 2C contingent resources were estimated at 131.6 MMboe, up from
106.7 MMboe at year-end 2014.
International petroleum consultants DeGolyer and MacNaughton carried out the
annual independent assessment of the Tawke field. The company internally
evaluated the remaining assets.
The 2015 Annual Report and Accounts and the 2015 Annual Statement of Reserves,
prepared in accordance with Oslo Stock Exchange listing and disclosure
requirements (Circular No. 1/2013) utilizing the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate
classification system, are attached and also available on the company's website
www.dno.no.
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For further information, please contact:
Media: [email protected]
Investors: [email protected]
Tel: +47 911 57 197
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DNO ASA is a Norwegian oil and gas operator focused on the Middle East and North
Africa. Founded in 1971 and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, the company holds
stakes in onshore and offshore licenses at various stages of exploration,
development and production in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Yemen, Oman, the
United Arab Emirates, Tunisia and Somaliland.
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This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section
5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
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