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TGS ASA Earnings Release 2014

Feb 5, 2015

3774_rns_2015-02-05_c8670ae8-ffb6-43c4-a3c0-1c73a3745f23.pdf

Earnings Release

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TGS EARNINGS RELEASE 4 th QUARTER RESULTS

4 th QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Consolidated net revenues were USD 298 million, compared to USD 271 million in Q4 2013.
  • Net late sales totaled USD 226 million, up 4% from USD 218 million in Q4 2013.
  • Net pre-funding revenues were USD 62 million, up 44% from Q4 2013, funding 49% of the Company's operational multi-client investments during Q4 (investments of USD 126 million, up 37% from Q4 2013).
  • Proprietary revenues were USD 9 million, compared to USD 10 million in Q4 2013.
  • Operating profit (EBIT) was USD 47 million (16% of net revenues), compared to USD 120 million (44% of net revenues) in Q4 2013. Following a decision to close the Reservoir Solutions business, TGS made an impairment in Q4 2014 of USD 54.4 million (USD 50.2 million after reversal of a related deferred tax liability recognized as tax income). Also, an impairment of USD 9.5 million has been recognized related to a fair-value assessment of other non-current assets. Adjusted for the impairment costs, operating profit was USD 111 million (37% of net revenues).
  • Cash flow from operations was USD 131 million, compared to USD 215 million in Q4 2013.
  • Earnings per share (fully diluted) were USD 0.31, down from USD 0.81 in Q4 2013.

FULL YEAR 2014 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

  • Consolidated net revenues were USD 915 million, up from USD 883 million in 2013.
  • Net late sales from the multi-client library totaled USD 631 million, down 1% from USD 638 million in 2013.
  • Net pre-funding revenues were USD 247 million, up 33% from 2013, funding 53% of the Company's operational multi-client investments during 2014 (investments of USD 462 million, up 5% from 2013).
  • Proprietary revenues were USD 37 million, compared to USD 59 million in 2013.
  • Operating profit (EBIT) was USD 295 million (32% of net revenues), compared to USD 387 million (44% of net revenues) in 2013. Adjusted for the impairment costs related to the closure of the Reservoir Solutions business and the re-assessment of the fair value of other non-current assets, operating profit was USD 358 million (39% of net revenues).
  • Cash flow from operations was USD 605 million compared to USD 543 million in 2013, an increase of 11%.
  • Earnings per share (fully diluted) were USD 2.09, down from 2.59 in 2013.

"We are very pleased to announce a record fourth quarter and end of year 2014, which helped us to reach our annual guidance despite challenging market conditions. Q4 was marked by continued strong late sales from our high-quality data library and we set a new record for late sales in the quarter. For 2015, we expect continued downward pressure on exploration spending based on lower oil prices. TGS is entering into 2015 with a record high order backlog and will continue to capitalize on the asset-light business model and strong balance sheet," TGS' CEO Robert Hobbs stated.

KEY FIGURES

(All amounts in USD 1,000s) Q4 2014 Q4 2013 YTD 2014 YTD 2013
Net operating revenues 297,805 271,367 914,785 883,444
EBIT 47,235 120,252 294,516 386,976
Pre-tax profit 35,668 117,565 288,327 381,460
Net income 32,029 84,055 216,074 269,106
EBIT margin 16% 44% 32% 44%
Return on capital employed 22% 32% 22% 32%
Equity ratio 76% 74% 76% 74%
MC library opening net book value 837,449 773,990 758,093 651,165
Investments in new projects 126,187 92,363 462,318 438,869
Amortization (142,757) (106,985) (396,666) (329,829)
Exchange rate adjustments (2,747) (1,275) (5,613) (2,112)
MC library ending net book value 818,132 758,093 818,132 758,093
Pre-funding % on operational investments 49% 47% 53% 42%

REVENUE BREAKDOWN

TGS' largest business activity is developing, managing, conducting and selling multi-client seismic surveys. This activity accounted for 91% of the Company's business during the quarter. Geological Products and Services (GPS) accounted for 6% of net revenues in the fourth quarter, while proprietary seismic revenues accounted for 3% of net revenues.

Net late sales for the quarter amounted to USD 226.0 million compared to USD 218.3 million in Q4 2013. Net late sales for the full year 2014 were USD 630.7 million representing a decrease of 1% from 2013. Net pre-funding revenues in the quarter totaled USD 62.4 million, an increase of 44% from Q4 2013. The pre-funding revenues recognized in the fourth quarter funded 49% of the operational investments of USD 126.2 million in the multi-client library. During 2014, prefunding amounted to USD 246.9 million (53% of operational investments) representing an increase of 33% compared to 2013. Proprietary contract revenues during the quarter totaled USD 9.4 million compared to USD 9.6 million in Q4 2013. For the full year 2014, proprietary revenues totaled USD 37.1 million, compared to USD 59.4 million in 2013. The Company was involved in a proprietary 2D acquisition project in the first half of 2013 leading to the unusually high proprietary revenue levels during 2013.

TGS' reporting structure is broken down in the following seismic business segments; North and South America (NSA), Europe (EUR) and Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific (AMEAP). In addition to these areas, several business units are aggregated to form an "Other" segment. This segment includes GPS Well Data, GPS Interpretations, Global Services and Imaging. The Company's land seismic projects in North America are reported under the business segment NSA.

Sales from NSA totaled USD 142.8 million in Q4 2014 (USD 124.6 million in Q4 2013). Sales from EUR amounted to USD 104.2 million in Q4 2014 (USD 104.4 million in Q4 2013), while AMEAP had total sales of USD 24.5 million in Q4 2014 (USD 17.2 million in Q4 2013).

OPERATIONAL COSTS

The amortization of the multi-client library for Q4 2014 amounted to USD 142.8 million, (USD 107.0 million in Q4 2013) which corresponds to 49% (41% in Q4 2013) of the net revenues from the multi-client library for the quarter. The high amortization rate in Q4 2014 is mainly due to impairments recognized on projects in the AMEAP business due to current market conditions. Amortization fluctuates from quarter to quarter, depending on the sales mix of projects. The amortization rate for the full year of 2014 was 45% compared to 40% in 2013. In Q4 2014, 8% of net multi-client revenues came from pre-2010 vintages, which are fully amortized in line with the Company's amortization policy.

Cost of goods sold (COGS) were USD 1.1 million for the quarter, compared to USD 1.5 million in Q4 2013. The decrease is due to lower proprietary seismic activity in Q4 2014 compared to Q4 2013. Personnel costs expensed during the quarter were USD 22.6 million compared to USD 22.3 million in Q4 2013. The increase is mainly due to an increased number of employees and redundancy costs caused by the closure of the Reservoir Solutions business. Due to uncertain market conditions for the Permanent Reservoir Monitoring market, TGS has decided to exit the Reservoir Solutions business. Accordingly, the related net assets have been fully impaired in Q4 2014. The net effect of the impairment is USD 50.2 million, of which USD 54.4 million is recognized as an operating expense, while USD 4.2 million relates to a reversal of a deferred tax liability and is recognized as tax income.

Other operating expenses were USD 24.2 million compared to USD 13.7 million in Q4 2013. The fair value assessments of the loans to E&P Holding AS and Skeie Energy AS are based on estimated future proceeds from sale of assets with certain milestone payments. The oil price development in H2 2014 has caused significant delays and uncertainties related to oil companies' plans for development and production which have negatively impacted the timing and probability of realizing the proceeds related to the milestone payments. Due to the increased uncertainty, the Company has recognized an impairment of USD 9.5 million in Q4 2014. As of 31 December 2014, TGS does not have any balance sheet exposure to E&P Holding AS and Skeie Energy AS.

EBITDA AND EBIT

Reported EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization) for the quarter ended 31 December 2014 was USD 248.9 million, which corresponds to 84% of net revenues, up 7% from USD 232.7 million in Q4 2013. Operating profit (EBIT) for the quarter amounts to USD 47.2 million, which is down from USD 120.3 million in Q4 2013. Adjusted for the impairment costs related to the closure of the Reservoir Solutions business and the re-assessment of the fair value of non-current assets, operating profit was USD 111 million (37% of net revenues).

FINANCIAL ITEMS

The Company recorded a currency exchange loss of USD 12.0 million in Q4 2014, which is mainly due to unrealized losses related to translating local currency bank accounts into USD. TGS holds NOK bank accounts to pay taxes and dividends in NOK during 2015. These bank accounts are translated into USD at the balance sheet date and represent a significant unrealized loss during Q4 2014.

TAX

TGS reports tax charges in accordance with the Accounting Standard IAS 12. Taxes are computed based on the USD value of the appropriate tax provisions according to local tax regulations and currencies in each jurisdiction. The tax charges are influenced not only from local profits, but also from fluctuations in exchange rates between the local currencies and USD. This method makes it difficult to predict tax charges on a quarterly or annual basis. Currency effects within the current year are classified as tax expenses.

Management assesses that the normalized operating consolidated tax rate is approximately 30%. The tax rate reported for the quarter is at 10% compared to 29% last year. The lower tax rate in Q4 is influenced by the impairment of the Reservoir Solutions business of which a deferred tax liability of USD 4.2 million is recognized as tax income. Further, most of TGS' taxable income is taxed in Norway where the taxes are calculated on an annual basis and paid in NOK. During Q4 2014, the USD appreciated by 15% compared to NOK (21% for the full year of 2014). Of TGS' total taxes payable at 31 December 2014, taxes payable in Norway represents more than 75%. As the Norwegian taxes are settled on an annual basis, the YTD exchange variation will impact the quarterly calculations of taxes. Accordingly, the very low tax rate in Q4 2014 is due to YTD 2014 currency effects for the Parent Company on the taxes payables and to changes in temporary differences measured in NOK.

NET INCOME AND EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

Net income for Q4 2014 was USD 32.0 million (11% of net revenues), down from USD 84.1 million in Q4 2013. Quarterly earnings per share (EPS) were USD 0.31 fully diluted (USD 0.32 undiluted), which is down 61% from Q4 2013.

MULTI-CLIENT INVESTMENTS AND LIBRARY

MUSD Q4 2014 Q4 2013 2014 2013 2012 2011
Beginning net book value 837.4 774.0 758.1 651.2 511.1 475.7
Non-operational investments - - - - 31.1 -
Operational investments 126.2 92.4 462.3 438.9 496.2 276.9
Amortization (142.8) (107.0) (396.7) (329.8) (387.3) (241.5)
Exchange Rate Adjustment (2.7) (1.3) (5.6) (2.1) - -
Ending net book value 818.1 758.1 818.1 758.1 651.2 511.1
MUSD Q4 2014 Q4 2013 2014 2013 2012 2011
Net MC revenues 288.4 261.8 877.7 824.1 902.0 566.9
Change in MC revenue 10% -3% 7% -9% 59% 4%
Change in MC investment 37% -3% 5% -17% 90% -7%
Amort. in % of net MC revs. 49% 41% 45% 40% 43% 43%
Change in net book value -2% -2% 8% 16% 27% 7%
The net cash flow from operations for the quarter, after taxes, before investments, totaled USD 131.4 million compared to USD 214.6
million in Q4 2013. Following a strong operating cash flow in Q3 2014, the lower Q4 2014 cash flow from operations is mainly due to
sales occurring in the latter portion of Q4 2014. As of 31 December 2014, the Company's total cash holdings amounted to USD 256.4
million compared to USD 280.7 million at 31 December 2013.
Following the closure of the Reservoir Solutions business, the Company has recognized impairments to goodwill and other non-current
assets of USD 54.4 million during Q4 2014.
TGS currently does not have any interest bearing debt.
Total equity per 31 December 2014 was USD 1,339.2 million, representing 76% of total assets. During the quarter, the Company
transferred 20,000 treasury shares to cover the exercise of options by key employees. Further, the Company bought back 365,000
shares for the treasury. As of 31 December 2014, TGS held 1,843.512 treasury shares.
BACKLOG
TGS' backlog amounted to USD 293.1 million at the end of Q4 2014, an increase of 4% from Q4 2013 and 13% higher than last
quarter. The increase from last quarter is mainly due to signed customer commitments for several onshore seismic projects in North
America in Q4.
MUSD Q4 2014 Q4 2013 2014 2013 2012 2011
Net MC revenues 288.4 261.8 877.7 824.1 902.0 566.9
Change in MC revenue 10% -3% 7% -9% 59% 4%
Change in MC investment 37% -3% 5% -17% 90% -7%
Amort. in % of net MC revs. 49% 41% 45% 40% 43% 43%
Change in net book value -2% -2% 8% 16% 27% 7%

BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW

The net cash flow from operations for the quarter, after taxes, before investments, totaled USD 131.4 million compared to USD 214.6 million in Q4 2013. Following a strong operating cash flow in Q3 2014, the lower Q4 2014 cash flow from operations is mainly due to sales occurring in the latter portion of Q4 2014. As of 31 December 2014, the Company's total cash holdings amounted to USD 256.4 million compared to USD 280.7 million at 31 December 2013.

Following the closure of the Reservoir Solutions business, the Company has recognized impairments to goodwill and other non-current assets of USD 54.4 million during Q4 2014.

Total equity per 31 December 2014 was USD 1,339.2 million, representing 76% of total assets. During the quarter, the Company transferred 20,000 treasury shares to cover the exercise of options by key employees. Further, the Company bought back 365,000 shares for the treasury. As of 31 December 2014, TGS held 1,843.512 treasury shares.

BACKLOG

TGS' backlog amounted to USD 293.1 million at the end of Q4 2014, an increase of 4% from Q4 2013 and 13% higher than last quarter. The increase from last quarter is mainly due to signed customer commitments for several onshore seismic projects in North

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Vessels under TGS' control through charter during all or parts of Q4 included two 3D vessels, three 2D vessels and one Wide Azimuth (WAZ) 3D crew. TGS was also a participant in two 2D marine joint venture projects, and one 3D ocean bottom seismic joint venture project. In addition, four land crews operated under TGS control in Q4 2014.

North and South America

TGS, in partnership with PGS, completed acquisition of a 37,000 km 2D survey off the coast of Newfoundland-Labrador. A second 2D vessel joined this survey in July. Production was very good during the two-vessel campaign in 2014 and the partnership was able to acquire over 20% more data in the season compared to the original plan. The Company continued acquisition of the Snipe Phase 52 2D survey in the deep water US Gulf of Mexico. Acquisition of this 12,000 km survey is expected to be complete in early Q1 2015.

In early Q4, the Company commenced acquisition of its latest multi-wide azimuth (M-WAZ) program in the Mississippi Canyon area of the Central Gulf of Mexico. The survey, Declaration, utilizes a variation of CGG's StagSeisTM technology to integrate with previously acquired wide azimuth data. The resulting dataset will provide long-offset, rich azimuth imaging in one of the most prolific hydrocarbon basins in the world.

TGS commenced an 11,500 km2 3D survey in the deep water Gulf of Mexico designed to image the emerging basin floor fan play. Acquisition of the survey, Panfilo, will continue through Q1 2015.

In collaboration with FairfieldNodal, TGS commenced work on the Nessie FAN (Full Azimuth Node) project in the South Timbalier area of the US Gulf of Mexico shelf. When complete in Q1 2015, this survey will cover almost 900 km2 .

TGS completed the 295 km2 Waterford 3D survey in eastern Ohio. The Company then commenced acquisition of the adjacent 1,777 km2 Freeport 3D survey. Recording of this survey will be complete in Q3 of 2015. The Waterford and Freeport surveys add to TGS' growing coverage in the Utica liquids shale play. Acquisition of the 1,526 km2 Loyal 3D survey completed in Q4 2014. This survey is located in the STACK play fairway in Oklahoma. Finally, the Company commenced acquisition of a 722 km2 3D survey in the Alberta Duvernay play called Kaybob/Bigstone. This survey will be complete in mid-Q1 2015.

Europe and Russia

During Q4, TGS completed the 2014 acquisition season of a multi-year 2D program offshore northeast Greenland. During this season, the Company was able to acquire 5,400 km of this program. This was 10% more than planned for the season and is due to excellent operational performance of the acquisition crew.

Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific

TGS commenced a 17,500 km 2D survey offshore northeast New Zealand. Recording is expected to be complete in early Q2 2015. In addition, the Company started acquisition of the second phase of its Nerites survey in the Great Australian Bight of Australia. This 13,000 km2 survey will be complete in Q2 2015.

Other Segments

The Geologic Products and Services Division continued the growth of TGS' well log data library with the addition of 32,042 new digital well logs, and 3,111 new enhanced digital well logs. TGS also made significant progress in building its new Validated Well Header database with the addition of 53,753 new headers to the inventory. The division commenced work on a number of interpretive projects geared towards supplying customers with critical information regarding basin maturity and drilling risk in the Anadarko Basin, Tuscaloosa Play, and the deep water Gulf of Mexico.

OTHER MATTERS

The Company announced on 6 February 2014 a buy-back program of USD 30 million. The shares will be purchased from the open market and in accordance with the Safe Harbour provisions of the EU Commission Regulations for buy-back programs. The plan to repurchase stock started 7 February 2014 and the authorization expires at the 2015 General Meeting on 6 May 2015. As of 31 December 2014, TGS had purchased 938,548 shares as part of this program for a total value of USD 25 million and expects to purchase additional shares during Q1 2015.

OUTLOOK

Near-term uncertainty in exploration spending has increased further with Brent oil price dropping 55% during the last six months. It is anticipated that this drop will negatively impact seismic spending, as energy companies continue their efforts to reduce capital expenditures and become more selective when prioritizing investments such as seismic programs. Recently published 2015 E&P spending forecasts by E&P equity research analysts have a wide range indicating declines of 10-30%.

Despite these near-term market challenges, TGS believes the long-term future of its business, and particularly the Company's focused asset light multi-client model, is strong. Energy companies continue to demand higher resolution subsurface images in mature basins as well as new regional data in frontier basins to guide their exploration efforts. Companies exploring and producing unconventional shale plays continue to seek high quality wellbore-based information to guide their petro-physical analysis. TGS' customers see multiclient data as being more cost effective and therefore can be more attractive in challenging markets.

For 2015, the Company has secured adequate land and marine crew capacity at very favorable arrangements. This has encouraged TGS to continue investments in prolific areas with proven returns. This countercyclical approach has historically proven successful and TGS will continue to take advantage of the asset light business model combined with a strong balance sheet.

For 2015, TGS' guidance is as follows:

  • TGS expects multi-client investments of approximately USD 420 million and additional Capex of USD 15 million
  • The Company targets revenues of approximately USD 750 million
  • TGS targets an EBIT of approximately USD 260 million
  • The Board will propose to the AGM in May a dividend of NOK 8.5 per share

Asker, 4 February 2015

The Board of Directors of TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA

ABOUT TGS

TGS provides multi-client geoscience data to oil and gas Exploration and Production companies worldwide. In addition to extensive global geophysical and geological data libraries that include multi-client seismic data, magnetic and gravity data, digital well logs, production data and directional surveys, TGS also offers advanced processing and imaging services, interpretation products and data integration solutions.

TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSLO:TGS). TGS sponsored American Depositary Shares trade on the U.S. over-the-counter market under the symbol "TGSGY". Website: www.tgs.com

CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Kristian Johansen, COO/CFO tel +47 47 60 33 34

Will Ashby, Director, Finance Western Hemisphere & Investor Relations tel +1-713-860-2184

*************************************************************************************************************************

All statements in this earnings release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove accurate. These factors include TGS' reliance on a cyclical industry and principal customers, TGS' ability to continue to expand markets for licensing of data, and TGS' ability to acquire and process data products at costs commensurate with profitability. Actual results may differ materially from those expected or projected in the forward-looking statements. TGS undertakes no responsibility or obligation to update or alter forward-looking statements.

*************************************************************************************************************************

Interim Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Note 2014 2013 2014 2013
(All amounts in USD 1,000s unless noted otherwise) Q4 Q4 YTD YTD
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Net operating revenues 4 297,805 271,367 914,785 883,444
Operating expenses
Cost of goods sold - proprietary and other 1,104 1,548 4,021 19,949
Amortization of multi-client library 142,757 106,985 396,666 329,829
Personnel costs 22,570 22,336 88,003 80,835
Cost of stock options 976 1,077 5,003 4,445
Other operating expenses 6 24,228 13,747 55,753 45,036
Impairment of Reservoir Solutions 7 54,427 - 54,427 -
Depreciation and amortization 4,509 5,422 16,395 16,374
Total operating expenses 250,570 151,115 620,268 496,467
Operating profit 4 47,235 120,252 294,516 386,976
Financial income and expenses
Financial income 1,191 2,275 7,339 7,411
Financial expense -742 -203 -1,147 -3,654
Other financial items -12,016 -4,759 -12,381 -9,273
Net financial items -11,567 -2,687 -6,189 -5,516
Profit before taxes 35,668 117,565 288,327 381,460
Tax expense 7 3,639 33,510 72,253 112,354
Net income 32,029 84,055 216,074 269,106
EPS USD 0.32 0.82 2.12 2.63
EPS USD, fully diluted 0.31 0.81 2.09 2.59
Other comprehensive income:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations -4,136 -3,050 -8,648 -5,984
Net (loss)/gain on available-for-sale financial assets - 116 -328 116
Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax -4,136 -2,934 -8,977 -5,868
Total comprehensive income for the period, net of tax 27,893 81,121 207,097 263,238

TGS | EARNINGS RELEASE 5 FEBRUARY 2015

Interim Consolidated Balance Sheet

(All amounts in USD 1,000s) Note 2014
31-Dec
Unaudited
2013
31-Dec
Audited
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Goodwill 7 67,361 84,764
Multi-client library 818,132 758,093
Other intangible non-current assets 7 9,349 46,751
Deferred tax asset 7,992 6,645
Buildings 9,568 9,924
Machinery and equipment
Other non-current assets
7
6
33,608
43,882
42,877
56,018
Total non-current assets 989,892 1,005,072
Current assets
Financial investments available for sale - 3,868
Accounts receivable 241,519 234,339
Accrued revenues 235,781 172,493
Other short-term receivables 44,010 39,798
Cash and cash equivalents 256,416 280,688
Total current assets 777,727 731,186
TOTAL ASSETS 1,767,618 1,736,257
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity
Share capital 3,626 3,654
Other equity 1,335,574 1,289,325
Total equity 3 1,339,201 1,292,979
Non-current liabilities
Other non-current liabilities 6 7,149 16,698
Deferred tax liability 7 28,752 85,052
Total non-current liabilities 35,901 101,751
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and debt to partners 163,282 160,795
Taxes payable, withheld payroll tax, social security 98,696 80,651
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities
130,538
392,516
100,081
341,527
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 1,767,618 1,736,257

Interim Consolidated Statement of Cash flow

2014 2013 2014 2013
(All amounts in USD 1,000s) Q4
Unaudited
Q4
Unaudited
YTD
Unaudited
YTD
Audited
Cash flow from operating activities:
Received payments from customers 166,276 239,208 859,135 811,918
Payments for salaries, pensions, social security tax -19,797 -19,878 -90,027 -83,628
Other operational costs -15,519 -13,395 -49,961 -61,735
Paid taxes 406 8,614 -114,136 -123,616
Net cash flow from operating activities 1 131,366 214,550 605,011 542,940
Cash flow from investing activities:
Received payments from sale of tangible assets - 961 - 961
Investments in tangible and intangible assets -6,260 -3,461 -27,004 -38,958
Investments in multi-client library -116,535 -115,596 -436,540 -422,318
Proceeds from sales of short-term financial investments - - 4,875 -
Interest received 1,127 2,376 5,728 6,758
Net cash flow from investing activities -121,668 -115,720 -452,941 -453,557
Cash flow from financing activites:
Interest paid -484 -21 -777 -3,342
Dividend payments - - -144,786 -142,164
Purchase of treasury shares -8,251 -4,958 -23,999 -4,958
Proceeds from share offerings 337 90 2,918 2,556
Net cash flow from financing activites -8,398 -4,889 -166,644 -147,908
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 1,300 93,941 -14,575 -58,526
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period 264,283 187,491 280,688 338,673
Exchange rate effects * -9,166 -745 -9,697 540
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period 256,416 280,688 256,416 280,688
1) Reconciliation
Profit before taxes 35,668 117,565 288,327 381,459
Depreciation/amortization/impairment 201,693 112,406 467,488 346,203
Net impairment of long-term receivable 9,513 - 9,513 -
Changes in accounts receivables and accrued revenues -151,874 -4,877 -73,739 4,311
Unrealised currency gain/loss 15,379 292 15,910 -993
Changes in other receivables 4,511 -39,649 6,837 -41,263
Changes in other balance sheet items 16,070 20,198 4,811 -23,162
Paid taxes
Net cash flow from operating activities
406
131,366
8,614
214,550
-114,136
605,011
-123,616
542,940

* Exchange rate effects from translating bank accounts into USD have been separated on a single line item as from Q4 2014 with comparable information for prior periods

Interim Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Foreign Currency
Share- Own Shares Share Premium Other Paid-In Available for Sale Translation Retained Total
(All amounts in USD 1,000s) Capital Held Reserve Equity Reserve Reserve Earnings Equity
Opening balance 1 January 2014 3,716 -62 57,206 27,924 328 -12,475 1,216,341 1,292,979
Net income - - - - - - 216,074 216,074
Other comprehensive income - - - - -328 -8,648 - -8,977
Total comprehensive income - - - - -328 -8,648 216,074 207,097
Paid-in-equity 3 - 901 - - - - 904
Distribution of treasury shares - 5 - - - - 2,009 2,014
Cancellation of treasury shares held -17 17 - - - - - -
Purchase of treasury shares - -35 - - - - -23,963 -23,999
Cost of stock options - - - 4,991 - - - 4,991
Dividends - - - - - - -144,786 -144,786
Deferred tax asset related to stock options - - - - - - - -
Closing balance per 31 December 2014 3,702 -76 58,107 32,915 - -21,123 1,265,675 1,339,201
Foreign Currency
Share- Own Shares Share Premium Other Paid-In Available for Sale Translation Retained Total
(All amounts in USD 1,000s) Capital Held Reserve Equity Reserve Reserve Earnings Equity
Opening balance 1 January 2013 3,712 -57 56,008 23,595 212 -6,491 1,091,380 1,168,360
Net income - - - - - - 269,106 269,106
Other comprehensive income - - - - 116 -5,984 - -5,868
Total comprehensive income - - - - 116 -5,984 269,106 263,238
Paid-in-equity 4 - 1,198 - - - - 1,202
Distribution of treasury shares - 3 - - - - 1,351 1,354
Purchase of treasury shares - -8 - - - - -4,951 -4,959
Cost of stock options - - - 4,329 - - - 4,329
Dividends - - - - - - -140,029 -140,029
Deferred tax asset related to stock options - - - - - - -516 -516
Closing balance per 31 December 2013 3,716 -62 57,206 27,924 328 -12,475 1,216,341 1,292,979
Largest Shareholders per 30 January 2015 Shares %
1 STATE STREET BANK & TRUST COMPANY U.S.A. NOM 6,728,574 6.6%
2 THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON U.S.A. NOM 6,698,012 6.6%
3 FOLKETRYGDFONDET NORWAY 4,747,732 4.7%
4 J.P. MORGAN CHASE BANK N.A. LONDON GREAT BRITAIN NOM 4,250,613 4.2%
5 J.P. MORGAN CHASE BANK N.A. LONDON GREAT BRITAIN NOM 4,218,738 4.2%
6 THE NORTHERN TRUST CO. GREAT BRITAIN NOM 3,738,484 3.7%
7 CLEARSTREAM BANKING S.A. LUXEMBOURG NOM 3,382,932 3.3%
8 BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN &CO U.S.A. NOM 2,599,445 2.6%
9 EUROCLEAR BANK S.A./N.V. ('BA') BELGIUM NOM 2,433,430 2.4%
10 SANTANDER SECURITIES SERVICES, S.A SPAIN NOM 2,149,797 2.1%
10 Largest 40,947,757 40%
Total Shares Outstanding * 101,280,776 100%

* Total shares outstanding are net of shares held in treasury per 30 January 2015

Average number of shares outstanding for Current Quarter *

Average number of shares outstanding during the quarter
101,501,200
Average number of shares fully diluted during the quarter 101,946,400

* Shares outstanding net of shares held in treasury per 31 December 2014 (1,843,512 TGS shares), composed of average outstanding TGS shares during the full quarter

TGS | EARNINGS RELEASE 5 FEBRUARY 2015

Note 1 General information

TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA (the Company) is a public limited company listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The address of its registered office is Lensmannslia 4, 1386 Asker, Norway.

Note 2 Basis for Preparation

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements of the TGS Group have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as approved by EU and additional requirements in the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

The same accounting policies and methods of computation are followed in the interim financial statements as compared with the annual financial statements for 2013. None of the new accounting standards or amendments that came into effect from 1 January 2014 have a significant impact on the presentation of the financial statements during 2014. The annual report for 2013 is available on www.tgs.com.

Note 3 Share capital and equity

Ordinary shares Number of shares
1 January 2014 103,521,724
25 February 2014, shares issued for cash on exercise of stock options
14 May 2014, shares issued for cash on exercise of stock options
25 July 2014, cancellation of treasury shares
31,500
37,250
(406,186)
31 December 2014 103,184,288
1 January 2014 1,416,200
18 February 2014, shares bought back 15,000
25 February 2014, shares bought back 15,000
27 February 2014, shares bought back 5,000
3 March 2014, shares bought back 15,000
5 March 2014, shares bought back 15,000
13 March 2014, shares bought back
14 March 2014, shares bought back
15,000
15,000
17 March 2014, shares bought back 10,000
20 March 2014, shares bought back 10,000
4 June 2014, distribution of shares to board members (8,250)
25 July 2014, cancellation of treasury shares (406,186)
1 August 2014, shares bought back 20,000
4 August 2014, shares bought back 15,000
5 August 2014, shares bought back 14,548
6 August 2014, shares bought back 15,000
8 August 2014, shares bought back 15,000
12 August 2014, shares bought back 15,000
14 August 2014, treasury shares transferred to cover exercise of stock options (76,800)
18 August 2014, shares bought back 18,000
19 August 2014, shares bought back 20,000
22 August 2014, shares bought back 20,000
25 August 2014, shares bought back 20,000
26 August 2014, shares bought back 18,000
27 August 2014, shares bought back 20,000
28 August 2014, shares bought back 20,000
29 August 2014, shares bought back 30,000
1 September 2014, shares bought back 18,000
2 September 2014, shares bought back 27,000
3 September 2014, shares bought back 26,000
4 September 2014, shares bought back
5 September 2014, shares bought back
23,000
20,000
8 September 2014, shares bought back 23,000
10 September 2014, shares bought back 21,000
11 September 2014, shares bought back 20,000
30 September 2014, shares bought back 20,000
1 October 2014, shares bought back 20,000
2 October 2014, shares bought back 20,000
3 October 2014, shares bought back 20,000
6 October 2014, shares bought back 20,000
24 October 2014, shares bought back 25,000
27 October 2014, shares bought back 25,000
29 October 2014, shares bought back 20,000
31 October 2014, shares bought back 25,000
10 November 2014, treasury shares transferred to cover exercise of stock options (20,000)
13 November 2014, shares bought back 11,000
14 November 2014, shares bought back 14,000
19 November 2014, shares bought back 20,000
4 December 2014, shares bought back 20,000
5 December 2014, shares bought back 15,000
8 December 2014, shares bought back 5,000
9 December 2014, shares bought back
10 December 2014, shares bought back
20,000
20,000
16 December 2014, shares bought back 15,000
19 December 2014, shares bought back 20,000
30 December 2014, shares bought back 30,000
31 December 2014 1,843,512

The Annual General Meeting on 3 June 2014 approved a dividend of NOK 8.5 per share for outstanding common stock. Total dividend payments of USD 144.8 million were made to the shareholders during June and July.

The Annual General Meeting on 3 June 2014 also approved the cancellation of 406,186 treasury shares held at that date. The cancellation became effective on 25 July 2014.

Note 4 Segment information

North & Europe & Africa,
Middle East &
Other
segments/
Corporate
2014 Q4 South America Russia Asia/Pacific costs Consolidated
Net external revenues 142,770 104,156 24,531 26,349 297,805
Operating profit 82,474 57,279 -23,290 -69,228 47,235
2014 YTD North &
South America
Europe &
Russia
Africa,
Middle East &
Asia/Pacific
Other
segments/
Corporate
costs
Consolidated
Net external revenues 444,291 241,832 126,107 102,554 914,785
Operating profit 300,911 134,669 -37,563 -103,500 294,516
2013 Q4 North &
South America
Europe &
Russia
Africa,
Middle East &
Asia/Pacific
Other
segments/
Corporate
costs
Consolidated
Net external revenues 124,570 104,414 17,179 25,204 271,367
Operating profit 78,770 57,058 -1,112 -14,465 120,252
2013 YTD North &
South America
Europe &
Russia
Africa,
Middle East &
Asia/Pacific
Other
segments/
Corporate
costs
Consolidated
Net external revenues 430,594 279,609 75,612 97,629 883,444
Operating profit 280,007 146,925 1,546 -41,501 386,976

There are no intersegment revenues between the reportable operating segments.

The Company does not allocate all cost items to its reportable operating segments during the year. Unallocated cost items are reported as "Other segments/Corporate costs".

Note 5 Related parties

On 10 November 2014, members of the executive management exercised 14,000 options and sold the same number of shares. No other material transactions with related parties took place during the fourth quarter of 2014.

During the fourth quarter of 2014, members of the executive management acquired in total 1,480 shares in the Company.

Note 6 Loans to E&P Holding AS and Skeie Energy AS

Reference is made to TGS' Q2 2014 interim financials' note 6 and to TGS' 2013 Annual Report note 14.

Based on the restructuring agreements signed on 23 December 2011, the Company reconsidered the fair value of the loans. As a result, the subsequent fair value assessments of TGS' net exposure to E&P Holding AS and Skeie Energy AS were at USD 9.5 million per 31 December 2013. The fair value assessments of the loans to E&P Holding AS and Skeie Energy AS are based on estimated proceeds related to sale of assets with certain milestone payments.

The negative oil price development in H2 2014 has caused significant delays and uncertainties related to oil companies' plans for development and production. This has impacted the timing and probability of realizing the proceeds related to milestone payments. Due to the increased uncertainty, TGS has reconsidered the fair value of the loans, and has recognized an impairment. The effect of profit and loss in Q4 2014 amounts to USD 9.5 million. As of 31 December 2014, TGS does not have any balance sheet exposure to E&P Holding AS and Skeie Energy AS.

Note 7 Impairment of Reservoir Solutions

Due to uncertain market conditions for the Permanent Reservoir Monitoring market, TGS has decided to exit the Reservoir Solutions business. Accordingly, TGS has recognized an impairment in the fourth quarter of 2014 of USD 50.2 million, with USD 54.4 million expensed through operating expenses, while a related deferred tax liability of USD 4.2 million is recognized as tax income.

Note 8 Credit Facility

In December 2014, TGS entered into a new 3 year term secured credit facility with a limit of USD 50 million, replacing the former multi-currency bank overdraft facility with a limit of USD 10 million. The interest rate for any outstanding borrowings is at Libor + 1.75% per annum. TGS also pays a fee of 0.20% per annum for unused commitments. Per 31 December 2014 TGS had not drawn on the credit facility.