TIDMAFR
RNS Number : 9194L
Afren PLC
30 April 2015
Afren plc
2014 Full Year Results
30 April 2015 - The Board of Afren plc ("Afren" or "the Group")
announces its results for theyear ended 31 December 2014
-- Net production excluding Barda Rash of 31,819 bopd, slightly
below the full year guidance range of between 32,000 - 36,000 bopd.
Year-on-year reduction of 32% due to cost recovery at Ebok and
delays with bringing new wells on stream across producing asset
base in Nigeria
-- Financial results impacted by material impairment charge of
US$1.1 billion due to the fall in oil prices and curtailment of
capital expenditure and US$0.9 billion in respect of the write-off
of Barda Rash reserves
-- Reserves replacement ratio significantly impacted due to
write-off of 2P reserves at Barda Rash
-- 2015 capital allocation to be prioritised to existing
producing asset base in Nigeria. Forward programme optimised for a
lower oil price environment. Production guidance expected to be
23,000 - 32,000 bopd reflecting lower production from Ebok
following the end of all cost recovery
-- Wide-ranging portfolio review underway, targeting selective
divestments and farm-outs in 2015
-- Broad programme of cost reductions and operational measures
targeted expected to lead to efficiencies and significant cost
savings in 2015
-- Unauthorised payments issue discovered in July 2014 which led
to the dismissal of former CEO, former COO and two associate
directors
-- Lower oil prices significantly impacted the business at the
start of 2015 resulting in a review of the Company's capital
structure, liquidity, funding requirements and business plan
-- Holders of existing notes have provided interim funding of
US$200 million by way of new Private Placement Notes. Proceeds to
be used for general corporate purposes and capital expenditure.
Wider recapitalisation programme expected to be completed by the
end of July 2015 providing a further US$55 million to US$105
million in net cash proceeds
Financial overview
------------------------------------ -------- ----------- --------
FY 2014 FY 2013(1) Change
(%)
------------------------------------ -------- ----------- --------
Revenue (US$m) 946 1,644 (42)%
------------------------------------ -------- ----------- --------
Gross profit (US$m) 320 465 (31)%
------------------------------------ -------- ----------- --------
(Loss)/profit before tax (US$m)* (1,955) 140 (1496)%
------------------------------------ -------- ----------- --------
(Loss)/profit after tax (US$m)* (1,651) 475 (448)%
------------------------------------ -------- ----------- --------
Normalised profit before tax
(US$m)** 163 305 (47)%
------------------------------------ -------- ----------- --------
Cash flow from operations (US$m) 539 1,038 (48)%
------------------------------------ -------- ----------- --------
Net working interest production
(boepd) 31,819 47,112 (32)%
------------------------------------ -------- ----------- --------
Realised oil price (US$/bbl) 97 106 (8)%
------------------------------------ -------- ----------- --------
Net debt (US$m) 1,067 739 45%
------------------------------------ -------- ----------- --------
Gearing 428% 41%
------------------------------------ -------- ----------- --------
* From continuing operations.
** Normalised profit before tax is reconciled to statutory
profit before tax in note 9 of the attached financial
statements.
(1) The financial performance of the Group has been
restated for the year ended 31 December 2013. The effect
is to increase cost of sales by US$178.0 million, decrease
profit before tax by US$178.0 million and increase
income tax credit by US$178.0 million; there is no
impact to net assets or profit after tax following
the restatement.
Commenting today, Toby Hayward, Interim Chief Executive,
said:
"Afren faced an unprecedented set of challenges in
2014, compounded by a decline in oil prices at the
end of the year.
Responding to these challenges has not been easy but
as a Board we are determined to stabilise and strengthen
the Company. We are pleased to have secured the necessary
interim funding as a first step to our capital restructuring
and we are delighted to welcome as new CEO Alan Linn
who has 35 years international experience in the oil
and gas industry and brings with him a wealth of knowledge
in restructuring businesses in challenging environments.
Afren still has an attractive portfolio of assets,
which we believe will provide a suitable platform for
the Company to move forward with in 2015 and beyond.
We understand these have been difficult times for all
but we wish to thank our shareholders, lenders, Partners
and staff for their patience and reiterate our commitment
to regaining the confidence of all our stakeholders."
Afren had an extremely challenging year in 2014. Following the
unauthorised payments issue discovered in July, the Board initially
suspended and then dismissed the former CEO, Osman Shahenshah, and
former COO, Shahid Ullah, as well as two Associate Directors, Iain
Wright and Galib Virani. Their actions significantly affected the
confidence of all our stakeholders.
Operationally, Afren also encountered a number of headwinds in
2014. Operational delays impacted the timing of the production
ramp-up across our producing asset base which, when combined with
the rapid deterioration in the oil price environment during the
second half of the year, meant that our financial performance fell
well below our expectations.
The impact of the lower oil prices resulted in an impairment
charge of US$273 million in respect of the carrying value of our
production and development assets. In addition, as a result of the
liquidity constraints of the business, future capital expenditure
on our exploration and evaluation (E&E) assets has been
curtailed and has led to an additional impairment charge of US$839
million. Despite this, the Group believes that upside potential
remains in respect of the E&E portfolio and is optimistic of
making recoveries on some of the assets that have been fully
impaired through either development or sale.
Following an updated reserves report from RPS Energy, an
impairment charge of US$933 million was recognised in respect of
the Barda Rash PSC. This reflected the operational and technical
challenges that were encountered in drilling a field which proved
to be markedly different to our initial assessment and the approved
Field Development Plan (FDP).
The decline in production and revenue, associated with
unprecedented impairments, resulted in a loss before tax from
continuing operations for the year ended 31 December 2014 of
US$1,955 million. While the Group's cash position was US$237
million as at 31 December 2014, its liquidity was further impacted
as a result of restricted and segregated cash balances in place to
address operational requirements. These results, together with the
strains of operating in a significantly lower oil price
environment, severely impacted our business at the start of 2015
and led to wide ranging refinancing proposals being discussed with
our lenders and advisors as well as third parties. Following such
review, the Company concluded that a transaction with its current
creditors offered the best alternative that was capable of being
implemented. These were agreed in principle and announced on 13
March 2015, after the Company had deferred certain amortisation and
interest payments due under its secured Ebok facility and 2016
Senior Notes. The Company has successfully raised US$200 million in
interim funding and further deferred a US$50 million amortisation
payment. This interim funding is expected to be refinanced by a
broader financial and capital restructuring to be implemented in
the early part of H2 2015. The objective of this restructuring,
which is intended to raise a further US$55 million to US$105
million in net cash proceeds, is to recapitalise the business,
extend the maturity of our debt, lower our cost base and focus the
Company's operational efforts towards achieving production and cash
flow increases from our existing Nigerian production base, as
outlined in our business plan. These measures should enable Afren
to benefit favourably from any potential upward re-rating in the
oil price dynamics but at the same time ensure the business can
return to profitability from a lower oil price base.
We continue to see value in our portfolio and are confident that
we can emerge from the difficulties of the past nine months as a
more nimble, well governed and transparent business.
Cultivating the right culture
As part of the evolution of an entrepreneurial business that
witnessed rapid growth in a relatively short space of time, it is
fair to say that while we had the right systems and processes in
place, there were a number of issues with the culture at the top of
our organisation that rendered the day-to-day implementation of
these ineffective.
On 31 July 2014, Afren announced that during the course of an
independent review on the Board's behalf by Willkie Farr &
Gallagher (UK) LLP (WFG) of the potential need for disclosure to
the market of certain previous transactions, evidence was
identified in respect of the receipt of unauthorised payments
amounting to US$45 million for the benefit of the former CEO (Osman
Shahenshah), former COO (Shahid Ullah) and other selected employees
and third parties associated with the Ebok project. This led
initially to the suspension of these two individuals and the
appointment of Egbert Imomoh to Executive Chairman (previously
Non-Executive Chairman) and Toby Hayward as Interim CEO (previously
Senior Independent Director). On 13 October 2014, following the
completion of this review by WFG, the Board decided to terminate
the employment and directorships of the former CEO and COO with
immediate effect on the grounds of gross misconduct. Furthermore,
the Board also decided to terminate the employment of the two
Associate Directors (Iain Wright and Galib Virani), who received
payments in breach of the Company's approved remuneration
policy.
In connection with the initial review, WFG also concluded that
the Company failed to comply with the reporting obligations under
the Listing Rules in respect of two of the three transactions
investigated. Afren has notified the Financial Conduct Authority
(FCA) in respect of these breaches and continues to cooperate with
them fully. Furthermore, as part of their review and at the request
of Afren, WFG engaged KPMG LLP (KPMG) to undertake an independent
review of the accounting for the three transactions investigated.
Following the completion of the final report on 28 October 2014,
Management have reassessed certain accounting judgements made in
the prior year and have concluded it is appropriate to restate the
financial statements at 31 December 2013. As previously
re-iterated, these have not had any impact to the net assets or
profit after tax (see note 12 of attached financial statements).
The payment of US$45 million in unauthorised payments was made by a
third party and has had no impact on Afren's financial
statements.
On 31 December 2014, Afren announced that it had secured an
agreement to a cash settlement of US$17.1 million in relation to
the unauthorised payments from Mr Shahenshah and Mr Ullah and a
further US$3.0 million towards certain investigation and legal
costs. Further sums have been received from certain other
individuals and steps are being taken to secure the return of
remaining amounts. With the exception of those amounts relating to
certain investigation and legal costs, these funds will be returned
to Oriental Energy Resources Limited (Oriental).
In connection with its review of the previous transactions, WFG
made certain recommendations as to how the Company could improve
and strengthen its internal controls. As part of the Company's
implementation of improved internal compliance procedures, the
Company engaged WFG and also KPMG to assist it with its review of
certain elements of its compliance with such procedures. In
connection with this review, on 20 March 2015, Afren announced that
it had reported to the committee of the bondholders (who are
subject to the ongoing discussions around interim funding)
preliminary concerns regarding the hire of an individual within its
operations in 2012 and the payment of certain travel and
accommodation expenses connected to Afren's activities. WFG has
undertaken a substantial review of such matters, which is still
ongoing but which is almost complete save for some follow-up in
relation to these two issues. As disclosed in note 10 to the
financial statements having received the preliminary findings from
the WFG review, the Company has also notified the Serious Fraud
Office (SFO) and has taken steps to halt its previous practices in
relation to such expense payments.
The findings from WFG have clearly demonstrated a need to
strengthen our corporate culture, organisation and
accountabilities. Following an internal review during 2014, and
prior to the discovery of the unauthorised payments, we undertook a
project to completely re-design the Company's Code of Business
Conduct and to train all employees and contractors on its
requirements. This exercise was extended following the discovery of
the unauthorised payments, to include a more detailed training
exercise which was completed by all staff by the end of the
year.
The new Code contains 15 commitments which govern the activities
of staff members and contractors. They embrace all aspects of the
organisation's business. They address bribery, gifts and
entertainment, conflicts of interest, sanctions, use of company
information technology, use of company physical assets, personal
information, business information, environment and climate change,
health and safety, communities, human rights, inclusive workplace
behaviour, working with others and dealing in company securities.
Each commitments section contains guidance on the Group's approach.
The Code also explains how the Group addresses corporate
responsibility matters and contains advice on what personnel should
do if they are aware of Code breaches. This information also
highlights the Group's confidential whistle-blowing hotline which
is run by Safecall, a specialist provider, together with
information on when and how to use it.
We are confident that the new Code and the associated training
procedures, which reflect industry best practice, will help instil
at every level of the organisation a culture that champions and
promotes the values of honesty, transparency, openness and
trust.
Risk management review
Our risk management programme has continued to evolve throughout
2014. In particular we have carried out a detailed anti-bribery and
corruption risk assessment and have reviewed the potential business
risks associated with climate change. These reviews resulted in the
adoption and publication of our revised Code of Business Conduct as
outlined above and a new climate change strategy. In 2014 we also
conducted an internal audit review of the business risk management
function and have engaged KPMG as external consultants to assist
management in addressing the findings of this review, and have
outsourced the internal audit function to PwC. As a result we are
currently refining the process of reviewing and reporting risks
through the Audit and Risk Committee and up to the Board.
Navigating in uncertain times
In 2014, average gross and net production, excluding Barda Rash,
was 47,560 and 31,819 bopd respectively, falling slightly below our
full year net production guidance of between 32,000 to 36,000 bopd.
Production was at the lower end of guidance, principally due to
delays installing the Ebok CFB extension, the natural decline in
production from existing wells and unplanned downtime at Ebok in
September 2014. OML 26 production was affected by the Q1 2014
declaration of Force Majeure by Shell, operator at the Forcados
Terminal. In Q1 2014 the Ogini-22 and Ogini-23 wells were
successfully spudded, drilled and completed while a third producer
was spudded in December 2014 and completed in February 2015. A
fourth producer, Ogini-25, was spudded in February 2015 and
completed in March 2015 with drilling of a fifth producer in
progress. Elsewhere, at the Okoro field, production during the
period was in line with expectations, incorporating downtime
earlier in the year.
On an annualised basis, Group net production in 2014 was down
32% due to cost recovery of the initial development costs at Ebok
and delays in achieving production ramp-up at Ebok, OML 26 and from
the Barda Rash field, Kurdistan region of Iraq. Revenue for the
full year in 2014 was US$946 million (31 December 2013: US$1,644
million), reflecting both lower production volumes and the impact
of lower realised oil prices during the second half of the year (1H
2014: US$108/bbl, 2H 2014: US$86/bbl). Net debt at the end of 2014
was US$1,067 million (31 December 2013: US$739 million), which
included cash at bank of US$237 million (31 December 2013: US$390
million). Year-end cash at bank included US$80 million in respect
of the remaining hedges of 2.85 mbbls to 31 July 2015 which Afren
sold in December. Capital expenditure for the period was US$769
million, with US$625 million allocated to production and
development activities and US$144 million allocated to E&E
work.
On 12 January 2015, Afren outlined its intention to review its
strategic options in Kurdistan, including the potential divestment
of Barda Rash, reflecting both disappointing operational results at
the field and a significant reserves and resources downgrade
following an updated Competent Person's Report (CPR) by RPS Energy.
The movement in reserves at Barda Rash has resulted in a material
impairment charge in the year of US$933 million. In addition, an
impairment charge of US$273 million has been recognised as a result
of a review of the carrying value of our PP&E assets at lower
commodity prices and a further US$115 million of goodwill has been
written off. Exploration write-offs in the period were US$839
million. Despite this, the Group believes that significant upside
potential remains in respect of the exploration and evaluation
portfolio and is optimistic of making recoveries on some of the
assets that have been fully impaired through either development or
sale. Our reserves replacement ratio, defined as the ratio of the
number of barrels of oil equivalent discovered compared with the
number produced over a three-year period, fell significantly from
580% to 9%. This was principally due to the elimination of 2P
reserves at Barda Rash and due to limited E&E success in 2014.
We did achieve a small net 2P increase in the year of approximately
4 mmbbls in respect of our offshore Nigerian licence, OML 113,
following the publication of an updated CPR from AGR TRACS
International Ltd.
Driving shared responsibility
At the beginning of the year we developed an over-arching
corporate responsibility strategy that was reviewed and approved by
the Board of Directors in March 2014. This strategy document formed
the basis for setting the 2014 corporate responsibility targets.
Despite challenging operating conditions we met our corporate
responsibility stretch target for 2014, making significant progress
across a wide range of key issues. In particular, we achieved a 30%
reduction in both our Lost Time and Total Recordable frequency
rates across the business.
Strengthening our capital base
Our financial results in 2014, as well as the sharp decline in
market oil prices in the second half of 2014, placed very
significant pressure on the Group's liquidity position. With
revenue for 2014 of US$946 million, down 42% year-on-year, and
extraordinary impairments to property, plant and equipment
(US$1,206 million), intangible exploration and evaluation assets
(US$839 million) and goodwill (US$115 million), the Group recorded
a loss before tax from continuing operations for the year ended 31
December 2014 of US$1,955 million. As a result, the Group had net
current liabilities of US$459 million as at 31 December 2014. While
the Group's cash position was US$237 million as at 31 December
2014, its liquidity was impacted as a result of restricted and
segregated cash balances in place to address operational
requirements.
The Company's near term cash flow was also impacted by capital
expenditure incurred in late 2014 before operational changes had
been implemented to adapt to the current lower oil price
environment, as well as an inability to continue with the planned
refinancing in the middle of 2014 due to the suspension of its
former CEO and COO at such time. As a result, the Directors
commenced an urgent review of the Group's capital structure,
liquidity and funding requirements. In connection with new costs
optimisation measures to improve its liquidity position, the Board
engaged Alvarez & Marsal to provide services as Chief
Restructuring Officer.
In light of the Group's liquidity position, the Company obtained
from the lenders of the US$300 million Ebok debt facility a
deferral of the US$50 million amortisation payment due on 31
January 2015. On 4 March 2015, the Group announced that the Board
had decided at the expiration of a 30 day grace period not to pay
US$15 million of interest which was due on 1 February 2015 under
its 2016 Senior Notes. The Board is also currently taking advantage
of a 30 day grace period not to pay US$12.8 million of interest
which was due on 8 April 2015 under its 2019 Senior Notes. As at 30
April 2015 Afren is in default under the terms of its 2016 Notes
due to the non-payment of interest and will be in default under the
terms of its 2019 Notes on 8 May 2015. The Company has received
assurances from the ad hoc committee of noteholders under its 2016
Notes, 2019 Notes and 2020 Notes (Existing Notes) (which members
hold in aggregate approximately 50% of the total principal face
amount of the Existing Notes) (Ad Hoc Committee) that the Ad Hoc
Committee has no current intention to take enforcement action with
respect to the 2016 Notes or 2019 Notes held by its members as a
result of the failure to make payment of interest due under the
2016 Notes or 2019 Notes, on the basis that agreement has been
reached with the Company and its key stakeholders on the terms of a
consensual (but conditional) restructuring.
On 13 March 2015, the Group announced a preliminary agreement
for the receipt of interim funding and the recapitalisation of the
business. The agreement entered into by Afren together with certain
noteholders under its Existing Notes and a majority of the lenders
under the Group's existing US$300 million Ebok credit facility, is
intended to ultimately result in the provision of US$255-305
million of net total funding before the end of July 2015
(Recapitalisation). On 30 April 2015, in respect of the interim
funding, the Company entered into definitive agreements with
certain Noteholders and issued US$212 million of private placement
notes (PPN), providing US$200 million in net cash to the Group. In
conjunction with such agreement, the lenders under the Group's
existing US$300 million Ebok credit facility agreed to the deferral
of the US$50 million amortisation payments due on 31 January 2015
and 30 April 2015 until the completion of the implementation of the
Recapitalisation (at which point it is expected that the
amortisation payments will be further deferred until after the
repayment of the New High Yield Notes). The PPN will be repayable
by April 2016 if not refinanced through the Recapitalisation.
In connection with the Recapitalisation, on 30 April 2015 the
Group entered into a conditional agreement to raise US$55 million
in additional net proceeds (after the repayment of the PPN) from
the issuance of new High Yield Notes due in 2017 (New HY Notes).
This amount may be increased to up to US$105 million in total
additional net proceeds. This would provide the net total funding
of US$255 - US$305 million. In addition, as part of the
Recapitalisation (i) 25% of the Existing Notes will be converted to
new equity in the Company; (ii) the remaining 75% of the Existing
Notes will be extended to mature as to US$350 million in each of
December 2019 and December 2020; (iii) the existing Ebok credit
facility will be extended to 2019; (iv) new shares will be issued
to subscribers to the New HY Notes and the PPN; and (v) the Company
will undertake an equity offering of up to US$75 million to
shareholders. The Group has also reached agreement with the lender
of its Okwok/OML113 facility to restructure and defer this facility
until 2018. This Recapitalisation will result in very substantial
dilution for our existing shareholders, which reflects the
underlying financial position of the Group.
In order for the Recapitalisation to be implemented there are
other conditions that need to be fulfilled, including obtaining (i)
the approval of requisite majorities of holders of the Existing
Notes in connection with a scheme of arrangement of such Existing
Notes; (ii) approval from the relevant courts in the UK and the US
as to such scheme of arrangement; and (iii) agreement from the
Group's remaining lenders. The Company will also seek the approval
of shareholders in general meeting to the terms of the
Recapitalisation, which is required in order to issue the new
ordinary shares in connection with the Recapitalisation. If
shareholder approval is not received, the Recapitalisation will
still proceed, but on amended terms for the New HY Notes.
There is a risk that one or more of these steps may not be
completed or satisfied and the Recapitalisation may not occur. If
additional funds are not available to be drawn under the New HY
Notes, and the Recapitalisation does not proceed, the Directors are
of the opinion that the Group would become insolvent, absent an
alternative proposal being received by the Company that is capable
of being implemented.
If shareholder approval of the Recapitalisation is not received,
the Ad Hoc Committee and the lenders under the Group's existing
US$300 million Ebok credit facility have agreed to an alternative
restructuring plan, whereby the economic terms of the New HY Notes
will be amended, and the amendment and restatement of the Existing
Notes will be revised (so that no new shares are issued). In
addition, the New HY Notes will include a requirement for the
Company to initiate a sale of the Group's business by the end of
2016, which together will mean that existing shareholders would be
unlikely to see any return on their current investment.
On the basis that the recapitalisation is successfully achieved
as outlined above, the Group's financial footing and ability to
continue in operation would be significantly strengthened.
Building for the future
Looking ahead, Afren expects full year 2015 net production to
average between 23,000 - 32,000 bopd, with a forecast capital spend
of approximately US$0.4 billion, allocated principally to our
existing high-margin Nigerian producing assets. Our forward
guidance for 2015 reflects the impact of operating in a
significantly lower oil price environment and the outcome of
refinancing proposals currently underway. We have also agreed with
our Partner, Oriental, that they will fund their share of capex at
Ebok. Going forward this will result in a lower share of production
following the end of all cost recovery. In respect of our
exploration and evaluation commitments this year, Afren will
continue to engage with host governments and Partners to manage
commitments in a low oil price environment and discuss
opportunities for strategic divestments.
Our revised business plan assumes a lower oil price environment
for the foreseeable future and is expected to lead to year-on-year
growth in the underlying net production base through to 2017. In
addition, in line with our peers, the Group is in the process of
implementing a streamlining programme alongside a number of
operational measures that are expected to lead to material cost
savings.
During what has been a very difficult year for all our
stakeholders, we would like to extend our gratitude to our
employees and contractors who have demonstrated their unwavering
commitment, professionalism and loyalty to steering our business
towards
a brighter, more prosperous future. We still have significant
challenges facing the Company but we are confident that the
measures we are implementing will, in time, deliver the exciting
potential within our portfolio.
Board changes
Following the conclusion of the investigation into the
unauthorised payments, which led to the dismissal of the former
CEO, Osman Shahenshah, and former COO, Shahid Ullah, we commenced
the search for a new CEO in October. We are pleased to announce the
appointment of Alan Linn as the new CEO for the Afren Group. He has
35 years of international experience in the oil and gas industry
and brings with him a wealth of knowledge in restructuring
businesses in challenging environments. In addition, the Board will
be further strengthened with the appointment of new directors to
broaden its expertise and an executive search firm is being
retained to assist in this process; announcements will be made in
due course in respect of this. Toby Hayward has stepped down from
his role as interim CEO and will resume as a non-executive
director.
In 2014, we strengthened the Board with the appointment of Iain
McLaren. Mr McLaren, who now chairs the Audit and Risk Committee
and Remuneration Committee, brings extensive financial accounting
and capital markets experience, having held senior leadership
positions in both the finance and energy sectors. His experience
will be particularly valuable as Afren embarks on a period of
change. During the year, Mr Ennio Sganzerla resigned as
Non-Executive Director of Afren in order to pursue other business
interests.
We would like to reassure all our stakeholders that the Board
fully recognises the need to rebuild a stronger Board and executive
team as quickly as possible, both to restore confidence and to take
Afren forward to meet the opportunities that remain across its
portfolio.
Our operations: Nigeria, other West and South Africa
Nigeria currently contributes all of Afren's production. Our
portfolio spans the full cycle E&P value chain of exploration,
appraisal and development, through to production, and is located in
several of the world's most prolific and fast-emerging hydrocarbon
basins.
Nigeria Okoro
-----------------------------------------------------
Working interest
50%*
-----------------------------------------------------
Owner and local Partner
Amni International Petroleum Development Ltd
-----------------------------------------------------
Gross 2P certified reserves
44.5 mmbbls**
-----------------------------------------------------
2014 Gross average production
16,451 bopd
-----------------------------------------------------
Work programme
Production and development
-----------------------------------------------------
* Working interest post cost recovery.
** Source NSAI, reserves remaining as at 31 December
2014.
-----------------------------------------------------
Optimising production and maximising oil recovery
Production operations continue to run smoothly at the Okoro
field. Total gross production at the Okoro field in 2014 was 6
mmbbls of oil, representing a gross average daily rate of 16,451
bopd, and a process uptime of over 97%. The year-on-year decrease
of circa 9% was in line with expectation, incorporating planned
downtime associated with the riser re-termination work carried out
in Q1 2014.
Since the start of production in 2008, the Okoro field has
continued to perform ahead of expectations, delivering aggregate
gross production volumes to the end of December 2014 of c.39.4
mmbbls, significantly above the original 2P scenario of 26.2
mmbbls, a remarkable achievement for our first greenfield
development project.
During the year, in order to optimise production at the Okoro
main field, the Adriatic 1 rig was moved to the Okoro Main Well
Head Platform (WHP) where one producer, Okoro-15, and one side
track, Okoro-12 ST1, were brought on stream and are currently
producing at rates of approximately 2,000 bopd in line with
expectations. In Q3 2014, the Partners sanctioned the Final
Investment Decision (FID) for the Okoro Further Field Development
(Okoro FFD).
The rig for the Mobile Offshore Platform Unit (MOPU) was
procured and arrived in the construction yard in Singapore in
Q4 2014. In February 2015, Amni and Afren began discussions on
how best to manage the Okoro FFD in light of deteriorating oil
prices with a view to re-engineering the forward work programme at
Okoro.
Outlook
The re-engineered Okoro FFD may utilise the existing
infrastructure at the field, and will incorporate the development
of the Okoro FFD discovery over two phases from the Okoro Main WHP.
The forward drilling schedule will enable production decline from
the main field to be offset with new wells coming on stream from
the Okoro FFD.
Nigeria Ebok
-----------------------------------------------------------
Working interest
50%*
-----------------------------------------------------------
JV Partner
Oriental Energy Resources Ltd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Gross 2P certified reserves
83.3 mmbbls**
-----------------------------------------------------------
2014 Gross production
27,767 bopd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Work programme
Production and development
-----------------------------------------------------------
* Afren's net production in 2014 included its 50% working
interest plus additional barrels to recover costs of
capital investment funded by Afren. It includes any
volumes provided to Partners to settle net profit interest
liabilities.
** Source NSAI, reserves remaining as at 31 December
2014.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Continued strong production performance at the Ebok field
In 2014, the Ebok field produced 10.1 mmbbls of oil,
representing a gross average daily rate of 27,767 bopd and a
process uptime of over 97%.
The year-on-year fall in gross production at Ebok was
principally due to the lack of new production from the delayed
Central Fault Block (CFB) extension, which was planned to offset
the natural decline from existing wells. During the year Afren and
its Partner, Oriental, successfully concluded the drilling campaign
from the North Fault Block (NFB) by bringing three additional wells
on stream - two injectors and one producer, delivering on average
7,000 bopd. While these new wells were unable to make up for the
lack of CFB production, they did help the Partners reach an exit
rate for 2014 at 32,123 bopd.
2015 outlook
In 2015, the Partners intend to undertake further field
development at Ebok, finalising the CFB extension platform and West
Fault Block upgrades and debottlenecking. Having completed the
installation of the CFB extension wellhead jacket in late Q4 2014,
the Partners completed the top-side installation of the bridge and
decks in March 2015 and are targeting hook-up and commissioning of
the facilities by mid Q3 2015. The Central Fault Block extension
platform is a 12-slot (24-well) wellhead platform designed to
support 15 wells initially (10 production and five injectors),
additional slots for future wells, power generation and space for
installation of an additional gas compressor.
Nigeria Okwok
-----------------------------------------------------------
Working interest
70%/56%*
-----------------------------------------------------------
JV Partner
Oriental Energy Resources Ltd, Addax Petroleum (Nigeria
Offshore) Ltd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Gross 2P certified reserves
46.7 mmbbls**
-----------------------------------------------------------
Work programme
Production and development
-----------------------------------------------------------
* 70% pre cost recovery effective working interest,
56% post cost recovery effective working interest (subject
to gross volumes lifted). Once hurdle point is achieved,
Afren's effective working interest becomes 35%. Hurdle
point is achieved when post royalty value lifted by
the parties outside any cost recovery period is greater
than US$1.2 billion.
** Source NSAI, reserves remaining as at 31 December
2014.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Overview
Okwok is an undeveloped oil field in OML 67, 50 km offshore in
132 ft of water and close to the Afren/Oriental owned Ebok
development.
Field Development Plan approved
In January 2014, the Partners received approval for the FDP for
Okwok from the Nigerian authorities. Consequently, Okwok was
reclassified as a Development asset, a strong endorsement of the
successful appraisal work undertaken by the Partners since its
acquisition.
The development plan for Okwok comprises the installation of a
separate dedicated production processing facility and Well Head
Platform (WHP) with an export pipeline for stabilised crude oil
tied back to, and sharing, the Ebok FSO located approximately 13km
to the west.
During 2014, the Partners successfully completed the fabrication
and installation of the wellhead jacket.
2015 outlook
Afren, together with its joint venture partners Oriental and
Addax Petroleum, have completed and flow tested their first
development well, Okwok 13. The well was drilled and completed in
April 2015 from the Okwok jacket, which had been previously
installed in Q4 2014. Drilled to a total measured depth of 9,212ft,
the well completed in the LD-1B Lower reservoir in over 1500ft of
horizontal section and was successfully flow tested at a rate of
5,400 bopd (24.5 deg API oil) on a 36/64" choke with a producing
GOR of 355scf/bbl and a flowing wellhead pressure of 1,248psi. The
well has been suspended in readiness for the planned installation
of a Mobile Offshore Production Unit and the Okwok crude oil sales
export pipeline.
Following the completion of the well and in light of the current
low oil prices, Afren and its Partner, Oriental, are currently
reviewing the optimal development plan for Okwok.
Nigeria OML 115
----------------------------------------------------
Working interest
100%/50%*
----------------------------------------------------
JV Partner
Oriental Energy Resources Ltd
----------------------------------------------------
Work programme
Exploration drilling
----------------------------------------------------
* 100% pre cost recovery effective working interest;
50% post cost recovery effective working interest.
----------------------------------------------------
Overview
OML 115 surrounds the Ebok and Okwok development area, where
Afren is also partnered with Oriental, and is close to the giant
Zafiro Complex in Equatorial Guinea. The block offers an attractive
opportunity to further capitalise on our extensive knowledge of the
area, exploring the same reservoirs that have already proved
oil-bearing and productive at Ebok and Okwok. The southern portion
of the Okwok structure (Okwok South) extends into OML 115 and
additional prospectivity has already been defined within the deeper
Qua Iboe, Biafra and Isongo formations. With production processing,
storage and export infrastructure in place at the Ebok field, we
have a readily available export route for any potential future
development in the area. At the same time, we expect to benefit
from cost synergies, lowering the economic threshold for potential
new barrels.
2014 exploration drilling and 2015 outlook
Following the completion of Ocean Bottom Cable 3D Seismic over
the whole Ebok/Okwok/OML 115 area, Afren and its Partner, Oriental,
spudded the Ameena East prospect in November 2014 using the Shelf
Adriatic 1 drilling rig. The prospect was targeting 65 mmbbls of
gross unrisked resources in zones in the Biafra/Isongo intervals
that are productive north of the acreage, with secondary objectives
in the shallower Qua Iboe reservoirs.
The Ameena-2 well was drilled to the planned total depth of
8,200 ft. Although the secondary Qua Iboe reservoirs were found to
be water-bearing in the shallow portion of the hole, light
hydrocarbons were encountered in a net interval of 38 ft with an
average porosity of 16%, as indicated by wireline logs. No further
testing was undertaken. The well has been temporarily abandoned and
made available for potential re-entry at a future time.
Nigeria OML 26
--------------------------------------------------------
Working interest
45%*
--------------------------------------------------------
JV Partner
NPDC
--------------------------------------------------------
Gross 2P certified reserves
124.1 mmbbls**
--------------------------------------------------------
Gross contingent resources
68 mmbbls
--------------------------------------------------------
2014 gross production
3,342 bopd***
--------------------------------------------------------
Work programme
Production and development
--------------------------------------------------------
* Held through First Hydrocarbon Nigeria Company Limited
(FHN), a subsidiary of Afren plc with a 78% beneficial
holding.
** Source NSAI, reserves remaining as at 31 December
2014.
*** Subject to final stock reconciliation.
--------------------------------------------------------
Overview
OML 26 is located onshore Nigeria in Delta State and covers 480
km2. The block has two producing fields - the Ogini and
Isoko fields - both of which offer large scale upside through
implementing a phased development programme. The block also
contains three discovered but as yet undeveloped fields (Aboh, Ovo
and Ozoro). Significant additional exploration potential has also
been defined on OML 26, with 615 mmboe gross unrisked prospective
resources across multiple prospects that will continue to be worked
up in parallel to and integrated with development plans.
During the year, gross average production from the Ogini and
Isoko fields was 3,342 bopd. In June 2014, Partners received
approval from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) for the
initial phase of the Ogini FDP, comprising five wells out of the 37
redevelopment wells proposed in the FDP. Following this, the
Partners successfully spudded, drilled and completed two of these
initial five new wells, Ogini-22 and Ogini-23, during the second
half of the year. The third producer, Ogini-24, was spudded in
December 2014 and completed in February 2015 and the fourth,
Ogini-25 completed, in March 2015. Drilling on the fifth producer,
Ogini-26, is currently in progress. All five wells are being
drilled from the same location cluster. The full production
potential of the completed wells is yet to be fully realised due to
the fact that gaslifting cannot be introduced due to safety reasons
associated with gas operations while the rig is still on location.
Two of the wells tested in excess of 2,000 bopd and a third about
1,000 bopd during post completion well tests without the
gaslift.
2015 Outlook
The Partners expect to drill and complete the remaining of the
initial five approved wells during H1 2015. Results and data
obtained from these wells will be incorporated into field-wide data
to facilitate an update of the existing FDP and enable the asset to
seek approvals for further wells to be drilled. Submission of the
OML 26 field development plan to Nigerian authorities for Isoko is
expected in the second quarter of 2015.
The LACT unit at the Eriemu pigging manifold has undergone the
Site Acceptance Test (SAT) and has been duly commissioned.
Estimated volumes delivered to the Forcados Oil Terminal (FOT)
during 2013 and 2014 prior to SAT and commissioning of the LACT
unit are subject to reconciliation and agreement with Shell.
Nigeria OPL 310
-----------------------------------------------------------
Working interest
40%*
-----------------------------------------------------------
Operator
Optimum Petroleum Development Ltd
-----------------------------------------------------------
JV Partner
Lekoil Ltd
Note: Lekoil Ltd's assignment under farm-in still pending
Government approval.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Work programme
Seismic acquisition, interpretation and appraisal drilling
-----------------------------------------------------------
* 40% effective economic interest post cost recovery.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Overview
OPL 310 is located in the Upper Cretaceous fairway that runs
along the West African Transform Margin. Extending from the shallow
water continental shelf to deep water, the block lies in an
under-explored basin with a proven working hydrocarbon system. It
is also in close proximity to the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP)
which allows gas discoveries to be readily developed. A well was
drilled as a straight line hole in August 2013 followed by a side
track to access the syn-rift.
3D Seismic acquisition and 2015 outlook
Following the Ogo discovery in 2014, the Partners commenced an
extensive 2,716 km(2) marine 3D seismic programme across OPL 310
and the neighbouring OML 113 licence in March 2014 to complement
existing coverage on the two licences. Processing of 3D seismic
data is ongoing. The fast track post-stack time migration was
delivered in August 2014 and the final production pre-stack time
migration was delivered in late Q4 2014. The pre-stack depth
migration is due in H1 2015. The interpretation of these data sets
will be used to finalise a well location. Various funding options
are being investigated for appraisal drilling. Post period end,
Afren has instructed NSAI to commence the preparation of a
Competent Person's Report for OPL 310 incorporating the new block
wide seismic data, once the processing has been completed.
Nigeria OML 113
--------------------------------------------------------------
Working interest
16.875%*
--------------------------------------------------------------
Operator
Yinka Folawiyo
--------------------------------------------------------------
Gross 2P reserves
23.4 mmboe**
--------------------------------------------------------------
Gross contingent resources
179 mmboe**
--------------------------------------------------------------
Work programme
Seismic acquisition, appraisal drilling and development
* Effective economic interest, held through FHN, a subsidiary
of Afren plc.
** Source: AGR - TRACS International Limited
--------------------------------------------------------------
Overview
OML 113 is located in the Dahomey-Benin Basin, offshore Nigeria,
and is contiguous to the OPL 310 block.
Background to the Aje discovery
The Aje oil and gas field was discovered in 1996 and is 24
kilometres offshore Nigeria on block OML 113 in water depths up to
1,476 ft. Pending ongoing exploration and appraisal work at OPL
310, the field is estimated to be one of the largest oil fields in
Nigeria outside the Niger Delta basin.
Three (Aje-1, Aje-2 and Aje-4) of the four wells drilled on the
field have encountered oil and gas in various intervals across the
Turonian, Cenomanian and Albian sands, and two (Aje-1 and Aje-2) of
the wells have comprehensively tested at commercial rates.
The JV Partners estimate the mean contingent resources to be 179
mmboe, principally related to the Aje field, with an additional 205
mmboe of mean prospective resources on the block.
FDP approved, FID sanctioned and 2015 outlook
In January 2014, JV Partners submitted the FDP for the Aje field
to the Nigerian DPR. The FDP was approved in March 2014 and
is primarily focused on the development of the Cenomanian oil
reservoir. The first phase of development includes two subsea
production wells, tied back to a leased FPSO. These wells will most
likely comprise the recompletion of the existing Aje-4 well, and a
new well drilled close to the Aje-2 subsurface location. The FDP
envisages first oil commencing in late 2015 with mid-case reserves
of 32.4 mmbbls.
On 7 October 2014, the JV Partners on OML 113 sanctioned the FID
for the first phase of the Cenomanian development in the Aje field
that will include two subsea production wells tied back to a leased
FPSO.
Afren has completed an extensive 2,716 km(2) 3D seismic across
OPL 310 and OPL 113 licence areas to better define prospectivity in
both licences and in particular the full extent of the syn-rift
structure encountered at the Ogo discovery. The seismic programme
will also assist in the future development of OML 113.
In respect of our commitments this year, Afren will continue to
review its work programme in light of its funding position and the
impact of low oil prices, at the same time as seeking alignment
with host governments and JV Partners on the timing of work
programmes.
Côte d'Ivoire CI-523
-------------------------
Business activity
-------------------------
Working interest
20%
-------------------------
JV Partner
Taleveras 70%
Petroci 10%
-------------------------
Work programme
Seismic acquisition and
processing
-------------------------
Côte d'Ivoire CI-525
-----------------------------
Business activity
-----------------------------
Working interest
51.75%
-----------------------------
JV Partner
Taleveras 38.25%
Petroci 10%
-----------------------------
Work programme
Seismic acquisition and
processing
-----------------------------
* Afren's working interest
in the Eland and Kudu fields
within CI-525 is 61.875%.
-----------------------------
Reallocation of Block CI-01 into CI-523 and CI-525
In 2013, Afren reached an agreement with the Côte d'Ivoire
Government regarding the reallocation of the CI-01 Block in which
Afren previously held a 65% interest.
The agreement resulted in the CI-01 Block (gross area of 1,208
km(2) ) being divided into two new larger blocks, CI-523 (gross
area of 1,494 km(2) ) and CI-525 (gross area of 1,221 km(2) ). The
CI-523 Block included the legacy CI-523 acreage as well as the
southern portion of the legacy CI-01 Block, thereby extending our
acreage to the south. The CI-525 Block included the legacy CI-505
Block and the northern portion of the legacy CI-01 Block, thereby
extending our acreage to the north. The operator on the CI-523
Block is Taleveras Group whilst the operator on the CI-525 Block is
Afren.
Located along a proven petroleum system along the prolific West
African Transform Margin adjacent to the borders of Ghana in the
Tano-Ivorian basin, the CI-523 and CI-525 blocks significantly
increase Afren's existing exploration acreage and upside potential
in the region.
2015 outlook
Afren completed a 1,896km(2) 3D seismic survey on CI-523 and
CI-525 in Q4 2014. The data acquired will be processed in 2015.
Due to the Group's liquidity constraints resulting in a
curtailment of budgeted expenditure for this asset, despite Afren
retaining its interest in the asset a full impairment was
recognised at the end of 2014 in order to meet with the
requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards.
In respect of our commitments this year, Afren will continue to
review its work programme in the light of its funding position and
the impact of low oil prices at the same time as seeking alignment
with host governments on the timing of work programmes and
potential opportunities for strategic divestments.
Ghana Keta Block
----------------
Working interest
35%
----------------
Operator
Eni
----------------
Work programme
Under review
----------------
Overview
The Keta Block is in the Volta River Basin in Eastern Ghana,
next to the maritime border with Togo. The block has both Tertiary
and Cretaceous prospectivity, with the principal exploration focus
being the Cretaceous Albian to Campanian sections. The block offers
multiple prospects and leads, with a variety of trapping and
depositional settings. A number of these show potential for
significant stratigraphic trapping and giant fields.
2015 outlook
Following an economic evaluation in 2014, Afren fully impaired
its holding in the Keta block (US$35.5 million).
Congo Brazzaville La Noumbi
---------------------------
Working interest
22.22%
---------------------------
Operator
Maurel et Prom
---------------------------
Work programme
Under review
---------------------------
Overview
The La Noumbi permit is located onshore Congo Brazzaville, to
the north and on trend with the large producing M'Boundi oilfield.
The Partners have entered the next exploration phase of the
block.
2015 outlook
Following completion of drilling operations at Kola-1 and Kola-2
in 2013, the partnership has agreed to a 50% relinquishment of the
block and is discussing a possible forward work programme.
Due to the Group's liquidity constraints resulting in a
curtailment of budgeted expenditure for this asset, despite Afren
retaining its interest in the asset a full impairment was
recognised at the end of 2014 in order to meet with the
requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards.
In respect of our commitments this year, Afren will continue to
review its work programme in the light of its funding position and
the impact of low oil prices at the same time as seeking alignment
with the host government and its Partner on the timing of work
programmes and potential opportunities for strategic
divestments.
South Africa Block 2B
----------------------------
Working interest
25%*
----------------------------
Operator
Thombo
----------------------------
Work programme
Seismic acquisition and
interpretation
----------------------------
* Working interest increases
to 50% and operatorship
transferred to Afren if
Afren exercises its option
to drill an exploration
well.
----------------------------
Overview
Block 2B is in the Orange River Basin, an offshore shallow water
area lying between the Ibhubesi gas field and the Namaqualand
coast. The block covers an area of approximately 5,000 km(2) , with
water depths ranging from shore line to 820 ft. The main reservoir
objectives are the fluvial and lacustrine sands of Lower Cretaceous
age, which occur in three sequences. The A-J1 exploration well,
drilled in 1989, successfully encountered oil in these sequences
and tested good quality 36 API oil. Reprocessing of 2D seismic data
has since defined several other Lower Cretaceous rift graben
prospects, analogous to the prolific Lake Albert play in Uganda.
Further prospectivity has also been identified within a fractured
basement (analogous to Yemen), which could form a secondary
exploration play on the acreage.
2015 outlook
In 2013, we acquired 686 km(2) of broadband 3D seismic data
which has now been processed. The interpretation of this data
is currently being finalised.
A two-year licence renewal was granted on Block 2B by the
regulatory authorities on 26 January 2015. The effective date of
this two-year renewal period is 13 March 2015. The work programme
over this period will involve geological modelling of the A-J
graben sediments.
Due to the Group's liquidity constraints resulting in a
curtailment of budgeted expenditure for this asset, despite Afren
retaining its interest in the asset a full impairment was
recognised at the end of 2014 in order to meet with the
requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards.
In respect of our commitments this year, Afren will continue to
review its work programme in the light of its funding position and
the impact of low oil prices at the same time as seeking alignment
with the host government and its Partner on the timing of work
programmes and potential opportunities for strategic
divestments.
Our operations: East Africa
Our portfolio of East African assets covers an extensive area of
over 68,000 km(2) located in basins of proved working hydrocarbon
systems. We focus on onshore Karoo aged rift basins and
Cretaceous/Tertiary plays in the offshore, which are geological
settings that have yielded significant discoveries in Uganda,
Sudan, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mozambique and most recently in
Kenya.
Since our entry into the region, we have acquired extensive
seismic data which has enhanced our understanding of the basins and
resulted in a significant upgrade to our prospective net resource
base from 1,233 mmboe to 3,275 mmboe of risked mean recoverable
resources.
Kenya Block 1
------------------------------------------------
Working interest
80%
------------------------------------------------
Operator
Afren EAX*
------------------------------------------------
Work programme
Seismic acquisition and exploration drilling
------------------------------------------------
* EAX is a wholly owned subsidiary of Afren plc.
------------------------------------------------
Overview
Block 1 is on the western margin of the Mandera-Lugh Basin in
north-eastern Kenya, bordering both Somalia and Ethiopia, where it
is connected to the Ogaden Basin. The Upper Triassic and Jurassic
formations that have been identified are considered to be the
primary zones of oil prospectivity. An oil seep discovered by the
Tarbaj well in the south-west corner of the block confirms the
presence of hydrocarbons. Analogous data with the Ogaden Basin also
suggests there may be other potential source rocks and reservoirs.
The Bur Mayo and the Kalicha-Seir formations in the Mandera-Lugh
basin appear comparable to the Lower and Upper Hamanlei (Jurassic)
formations in the Ogaden Basin. If analogous, these formations
should have high total organic content source rocks and good
quality reservoirs.
In 2013, we concluded the interpretation of 1,900 km of 2D
seismic, which identified leads and prospects and a number of new
play concepts. Many of these prospects have successful analogues in
the Ethiopian sector of the basin immediately north of Block 1. The
data set has also enhanced our view of the oil prospectivity in the
south of this large frontier block. A large surface anticline in
the east of the acreage is also considered highly prospective for
oil and further seismic acquisition was planned for Q4 2014 in
order to locate an exploration well on the feature.
2015 outlook
Seismic operations were suspended on Block 1 during December
2014 as a result of regional security issues. We continue to
monitor the security issues closely and will only resume operations
when it is safe and prudent to do so. Due to the Group's liquidity
constraints resulting in a curtailment of budgeted expenditure for
this asset, despite Afren retaining its interest in the asset a
full impairment was recognised at the end of 2014 in order to meet
with the requirements of International Financial Reporting
Standards.
In respect of our commitments this year, Afren will continue to
review its work programme in the light of its funding position and
the impact of low oil prices at the same time as seeking alignment
with host government and its Partner on the timing of work
programmes and potential opportunities for strategic
divestments.
Kenya Blocks L17 & L18
------------------------------------------------
Working interest
100%
------------------------------------------------
Operator
Afren EAX*
------------------------------------------------
Work programme
Seismic acquisition and exploration drilling
------------------------------------------------
* EAX is a wholly owned subsidiary of Afren plc.
------------------------------------------------
Overview
Blocks L17 and L18 are in the Lamu Coastal Basin, south-east
Kenya, covering an area of approximately 4,881 km(2) . There is an
onshore component and in the offshore water depths vary from a few
feet along the shoreline to up to around 2,625 ft in the Pemba
Channel.
There are several potential source rocks for Tertiary and
Cretaceous plays in the southern areas of the basin including the
Permo-Triassic Karoo interval, the Middle Jurassic and high total
organic carbon is recorded within the Eocene section in the Pemba-5
well. There are oil seeps in the Lamu Basin and on Pemba Island
linked to Eocene and Jurassic source rocks which imply that the
structures in Blocks L17 and L18 are most likely oil bearing. The
hydrocarbons are expected to have been generated in the deep Pemba
trough south of Block L18 and in the Tembo Trough to the east. Oil
and gas was discovered outboard of L18 by BG in Q1 2014 (the
Sunbird-1 discovery).
In January 2012, Afren completed the acquisition of 1,207 km of
2D seismic data targeting the deeper water portion of the blocks.
Interpretation of the data identified four new highly encouraging
prospects, in addition to the previously mapped prospects in the
shallow water. These prospects represent a major new play and
together have increased net mean prospective resources on the
blocks, to 668 mmboe. Afren completed the acquisition of 1,006
km(2) of 3D seismic data during December 2012, in lieu of a well
commitment, to better understand the deep water prospectivity. In
addition, we commissioned an onshore 2D seismic survey of 120 km in
September 2012 to simultaneously continue maturation of the shallow
water/onshore play. This survey was completed in December 2012. The
onshore seismic data highlighted an expansive shallow-water/onshore
trend called the Mombasa High. An airborne gravity and magnetic
survey was acquired over the Mombasa High structure in Q2 2014 to
allow the optimal positioning of a 250 line km 2D seismic survey
which commenced acquisition in Q4 2014.
2015 outlook
The 250 line kilometre onshore 2D seismic survey was completed
in January 2015, the results of which will be used to locate
targets for exploration drilling.
Due to the Group's liquidity constraints resulting in a
curtailment of budgeted expenditure for this asset, despite Afren
retaining its interest in the asset a full impairment was
recognised at the end of 2014 in order to meet with the
requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards.
In respect of our commitments this year, Afren will continue to
review its work programme in the light of its funding position and
the impact of low oil prices at the same time as seeking alignment
with the host government on the timing of work programmes and
potential opportunities for strategic divestments.
Tanzania Tanga Block
---------------------
Working interest
74%
---------------------
Operator
Afren
---------------------
Work programme
Exploration drilling
---------------------
Overview
The Tanga Block is located offshore in north-east Tanzania. The
block lies south of, and is contiguous with, Afren's 100% owned and
operated Blocks L17 and L18 in Kenya. It contains the southerly
extension of the same coastal high and basin trough plays, allowing
us to use our regional expertise and knowledge.
In July 2013, Afren initiated seismic interpretation of a 620
km(2) 3D seismic survey. Afren and its Partners have been
simultaneously working up both a shallow-water (Chungwa-1,
previously Orpheus) and deeper water prospect (Mkonge-1, previously
Calliope). EIA surveys and drilling prognosis have been completed
for both the Chungwa-1 and Mkonge-1 wells, which are both ready to
drill. In addition, the 3D has led to the recognition of an
additional deepwater prospect named Nanasi that sits between
Chungwa and Mkonge. Further interpretation work has elevated the
Nanasi prospect to the forefront of drilling opportunities in the
deepwater of the Tanga block and work is ongoing to raise the
shallow water prospects to ready-to-drill status. This will
potentially involve the acquisition of a shallow water 3D seismic
survey of around 400 km2.
2015 outlook
The Partners plan the acquisition of a shallow water 3D seismic
survey of around 400 km(2) subject to regulatory approval and
availability of funding in 2015.
Due to the Group's liquidity constraints resulting in a
curtailment of budgeted expenditure for this asset, a full
impairment was recognised at the end of 2014 in order to meet with
the requirements of International Financial Reporting
Standards.
In respect of our commitments this year, Afren will continue to
review its work programme in the light of its funding position and
the impact of low oil prices at the same time as seeking alignment
with the host government and its Partner on the timing of work
programmes and potential opportunities for strategic
divestments.
Seychelles Areas A & B
------------------------------------------------
Working interest
75%
------------------------------------------------
Operator
Afren EAX*
------------------------------------------------
Work programme
Seismic acquisition and interpretation
------------------------------------------------
* EAX is a wholly owned subsidiary of Afren plc.
------------------------------------------------
Overview
Areas A and B are in the Seychelles micro-continent, in shallow
to deep water in the northern half of the Seychelles plateau
and cover a combined area of approximately 14,319 km2.
The main exploration targets are the Permo-Triassic Karoo
interval, which comprises non-marine sands inter-bedded with
shales, and a Cretaceous marine rift basin underlain by Jurassic
source rocks. The Karoo formation contains both a source rock and
the reservoir. Between 1980 and 1981, three exploration wells were
drilled, all of which encountered oil shows and confirmed the
presence of a working hydrocarbon system.
Seismic data previously acquired by the Partners revealed the
presence of several large-scale structures in the two licence
areas that are located in shallow to deep water in the northern
half of the Seychelles plateau. A major new 2D survey in
Q4 2011 (3,733 km) focused on these areas to better define their
prospectivity.
In 2013, Afren completed a major 3D seismic programme, the first
3D surveys to be conducted in the Seychelles, of two surveys in
Afren's licence areas. The first 3D survey was in the southern
portion of the licence over the Bonit prospect and covered 600
km(2) . The second survey was in the northern section of the
licence area and covered an area of 2,775 km2.Interpretation of
this new 3D seismic has been completed. Early results have
confirmed pre-3D prospectivity in the southern deep water portion
of Area A.
2015 outlook
A 1,200 square kilometre 3D seismic survey is in the planning
stage to cover shallow water leads in Area A.
Due to the Group's liquidity constraints resulting in a
curtailment of budgeted expenditure for this asset, despite Afren
retaining its interest in the asset a full impairment was
recognised at the end of 2014 in order to meet with the
requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards.
In respect of our commitments this year, Afren will continue to
review its work programme in the light of its funding position and
the impact of low oil prices at the same time as seeking alignment
with the host government and its Partner on the timing of work
programmes and potential opportunities for strategic
divestments.
Madagascar Block 1101
------------------------------------------------
Working interest
90%
------------------------------------------------
Operator
Afren EAX*
------------------------------------------------
Work programme
Seismic acquisition and interpretation
------------------------------------------------
* EAX is a wholly owned subsidiary of Afren plc.
------------------------------------------------
Overview
Block 1101 is on the eastern flank of the Ambilobe Basin,
onshore northern Madagascar. The block encompasses an
area of approximately 11,175 km2. The main exploration targets
are sands of the Isalo formation. There are proven heavy oil
accumulations in the Isalo formation in Central Madagascar such as
Bemolanga and Tsimiroro. In June 2013, Afren ran a successful field
trip across the block with OMNIS, the state oil and gas company,
viewing exposures of the probable reservoir targets.
Successful shallow borehole coring programme
In late Q4 2014, Afren completed a multi-location shallow
borehole coring programme which included the re-drill of
a previously reported oil discovery. A total of four strategic
locations on Block 1101, which measured around 11,200 km(2) (2.8
million acres), were successfully drilled and cored to an aggregate
depth of 6,500 ft with approximately 5,720 ft of core samples
recovered. Drilling at each of the locations successfully completed
the respective technical objectives to assess specific aspects of
the Block's petroleum systems.
Two core holes were drilled to depths of 2,112 ft and 1,625 ft
adjacent to the 1902 coal borehole (Ankaramy-1) which had
reportedly encountered "hydrocarbon shows". Cores recovered from
both locations indicated the presence of hydrocarbons
and potentially good reservoir quality over multiple zones.
Early indications provide further evidence of at least three
different source rocks working across the Block in the Triassic,
Jurassic and Cretaceous.
2015 outlook
Further detailed analysis of the cores will be undertaken in Q2
2015 to confirm the nature and extent of the hydrocarbons.
Net risked mean prospective resources on the block are estimated
at 205 mmboe.
Due to the Group's liquidity constraints resulting in a
curtailment of budgeted expenditure for this asset, despite Afren
retaining its interest in the asset a full impairment was
recognised at the end of 2014 in order to meet with the
requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards.
In respect of our commitments this year, Afren will continue to
review its work programme in the light of its funding position and
the impact of low oil prices at the same time as seeking alignment
with the host government and its Partner on the timing of work
programmes and potential opportunities for strategic
divestments.
Ethiopia Block 8
--------------------------
Working interest
43%
--------------------------
Operator
New Age
--------------------------
Work programme
Commercialisation studies
--------------------------
Overview
Block 8 is located in the Ogaden Basin covering an area of
11,062 km2. Exploration in Ethiopia began in the 1970s with Tenneco
discovering the Calub and Hilal gas fields and continued throughout
the 1980s. Three wells, El Kuran-1, El Kuran-2 and Bodle-1, have
been drilled on the blocks. Both of the El Kuran wells encountered
hydrocarbons and oil was recovered from the Jurassic Hamanlei
formation. The main potential reservoirs in the basin are
carbonates in the Jurassic Hamanlei formation and clastic sediments
of the Triassic age Adigrat formation and Carboniferous age Calub
formation. In addition, some permeable Jurassic carbonate rocks in
the Hamanlei formation can be considered potential reservoirs. The
El Kuran-3 well was spudded on 13 October 2013 using the Sakson 501
drilling rig and reached a total depth of 11,575 ft. Oil and gas
was penetrated in several intervals and commerciality studies have
commenced in order to assess the optimal way of developing these
reservoirs. The Ethiopian ministry has granted the Joint Venture an
18 month period to carry out these studies.
2015 outlook
Studies will be completed on the optimal way of developing and
exporting the oil and gas contained in the El Kuran discovery.
Due to the Group's liquidity constraints resulting in a
curtailment of budgeted expenditure for this asset, despite Afren
retaining its interest in the asset a full impairment was
recognised at the end of 2014 in order to meet with the
requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards.
In respect of our commitments this year, Afren will continue to
review its work programme in the light of its funding position and
the impact of low oil prices at the same time as seeking alignment
with the host government and its Partner on the timing of work
programmes and potential opportunities for strategic
divestments.
Our operations: Kurdistan region of Iraq
Barda Rash
------------------------------------------------------
Working interest
60%
------------------------------------------------------
Operator
Afren
------------------------------------------------------
Gross 2P certified reserves
0 mmbbls*
------------------------------------------------------
Gross contingent resources
247 mmbbls*
------------------------------------------------------
2014 Gross average production
330 bopd
------------------------------------------------------
Work programme
Production and development
------------------------------------------------------
* Source: RPS Energy. Reserves and Resources remaining
as at 31 December 2014.
------------------------------------------------------
Overview
The Barda Rash PSC is 55 km north-west of Erbil. The field is
defined as an elongated anticline with surface expression of 20 km
length and up to 7 km width. The reservoirs are fractured
carbonates of various depositional settings.
Strategic options being evaluated
On 12 January 2015, Afren announced that an updated Competent
Person's Report (CPR) of Barda Rash, carried out
as part of the Company's annual reserves review, was expected to
show a material reduction to previously published estimates of
reserves and resources, essentially eliminating gross 2P reserves
of 190 mmbbls and revising gross 2C resources from 1,243 mmbbls to
around 250 mmbbls. The final RPS report confirmed the results of
the announcement.
The decrease in 2P and 2C reserves and resources followed the
2014 reprocessing of 3D seismic shot in 2012 alongside results from
the Company's drilling campaign. Overall, the reservoirs have not
performed according to previous expectations of the Company, RPS
and the approved FDP. The wells have produced higher water cuts
than expected and the Company has encountered operational
challenges associated with the drilling of difficult complex
fractured reservoirs. Production from these reservoirs could
potentially be achieved with the implementation of recovery schemes
requiring significant capital expenditure, which may well be
appropriate for a company with a different strategic focus.
Furthermore, while recent results at the field have indicated the
presence of light oil accumulations from the deeper Triassic Kurra
Chine reservoirs, these have a high level of associated Hydrogen
Sulfide (H2S), which would require significant capital expenditure
to develop. In light of the above, the Company is in discussions
with the MNR regarding potential divestment opportunity options for
the field and has taken the decision to fully impair the Barda Rash
project.
Ain Sifni
-------------------------------
Working interest
20%
-------------------------------
Operator
Hunt Oil Middle East Ltd
-------------------------------
Gross contingent resources
157 mmbbls*
-------------------------------
Work programme
Development
-------------------------------
* Source: RPS Energy. Resources
remaining as at 31 December
2014.
-------------------------------
Overview
The Ain Sifni PSC is located 70 km north-west of Erbil, and is
operated by Hunt Oil Middle East Limited. Drilled on the crest of
the Simrit anticline in 2010, the JS-1 discovery well logged
continuous oil from 3,642 ft to 10,072 ft in Cretaceous and
Jurassic reservoirs. Triassic reservoir targets were not penetrated
by the well and no oil water contact was established.
On 17 April 2012, the Group announced that the Simrit-2
exploration well had successfully encountered an estimated 1,342 ft
of net oil in Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic age reservoirs. The
well was initially drilled to its prognosed total measured depth of
12,139 ft but was subsequently deepened to a revised total depth of
12,467 ft to test additional zones of prospectivity. The Partners
completed drilling on the Simrit-2 exploration well in July 2012.
The objective of the well was to test the western extent of the
Simrit anticline, a large-scale east to west trending structure
located on the northern part of the Ain Sifni PSC. Analysis of data
collected over the deepened section of the well indicated the
continual presence of light oil shows, and extended the estimated
oil shows encountered by the well to 1,509 ft throughout
Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic age reservoirs.
Following the conclusion of drilling operations at Simrit-2, a
comprehensive well test programme was undertaken. Operator Hunt Oil
completed the Simrit-2 Extended Well Test (EWT) programme during
the second half of 2013. Produced crude was trucked to local
markets. The Simrit-3 well, exploring the eastern extent of the
large scale Simrit anticline, tested a cumulative rate of 6,293
bopd. The well has been configured as a produced water disposal
well.
Field operations at the Ain Sifni block recommenced in September
2014 following a temporary suspension in August due to the regional
security issues. The Simrit-4 well that was spudded in early 2014
has reached Target Depth (TD) in the Jurassic and Triassic
reservoirs. The Simrit/Betnar Field Development Plan was approved
by the Ministry of Mineral Resources on 27 November 2014. Simrit-4
testing is ongoing with one drill stem test (DST) completed in the
Sargelu, one in the Naokelekan and two drill stem tests completed
in the Kurra Chine in 2014. One DST in the Kurra Chine and one DST
in the Mus/Adaiyah are scheduled for 2015. The DST in the Sargelu
flowed up to 6,089 bopd with a maximum of 1% water cut on 28/64"
choke and 893 psi well head pressure. The DST in the Naokelekan
flowed up to 5,743 bopd with no water on 128/64" choke and 434 psi
well head pressure. The DST in Kurra Chine C flowed up to 941 bopd
with 80% water cut on 1" choke and 762 psi well head pressure,
whilst the DST in Kurra Chine B flowed up to 2,630 bopd with 40%
water cut on 76/64" choke and 397 psi well head pressure.
2015 outlook
Negotiations are ongoing with the MNR to determine the future
work programme for Maqlub which includes completing the DST on
Maqlub-1. The Partners' plan for Simrit is to recomplete one well
and put two wells on production through an Early Production
Facility in 2015.
An independent Competent Person's Report estimates Afren net
Contingent Resources, including Maqlub, at 31.4 mmboe for Ain
Sifni. Although there is an approved Field Development Plan, the
project is uneconomic at current oil prices. Given the uncertainty
surrounding a sustainable oil export mechanism, low oil price, and
re-focused efforts toward our Nigerian assets, Management have
decided to fully impair the Ain Sifni asset and are evaluating
their options with respect to future capital commitments.
Financial review
Restatement of 2013 financial statements
During 2014, an independent review was performed by Willkie Farr
& Gallagher (UK) LLP around the potential need for disclosure
to the market of certain previous transactions. In light of
additional information that was brought to light as a result of the
independent review, the Company has undertaken an extensive review
of the accounting for these three transactions. Management have
reassessed certain accounting judgements made in the prior year and
have concluded that it is appropriate to restate the financial
statements at 31 December 2013 in relation to one of these
transactions in order to reflect subsequent changes in judgements.
No material adjustments were identified at 31 December 2012. As a
result of the restatement, in 2013 cost of sales increased by
US$178 million to US$1,179 million and the income tax credit for
the year increased by US$178 million to US$335 million. Profit
before tax fell by $178 million, however there was no change to
profit after tax or net assets (refer to note 12 of the attached
financial statements for further details).
1. Result for the year
Revenue
Revenue for 2014 was US$946 million (2013: US$1,644 million).
The 42% year-on-year decrease reflects reductions in both sales'
volumes and the average realised oil price.
Total working interest production from continuing operations in
2014 decreased by 32% to 31,819 excluding Barda Rash (2013:
47,112). This was primarily due to a reduced share of production
and liftings from the Ebok field following the achievement of cost
recovery of the initial development costs at the start of 2014.
The Group realised an average oil price of US$97/bbl (2013:
US$106/bbl) before all royalties. The average Brent price for the
year was US$97/bbl (2013: US$108/bbl).
Revenue excludes liftings of Ebok production by the holders of a
net profit interest in the Ebok field which commenced in late 2014,
however, barrels to satisfy this interest are included within
production.
Cost of sales
Cost of sales for the year decreased by 47% to US$626 million
(2013 restated: US$1,179 million). Reduced costs arising from lower
net working interest production were more than offset by higher
depreciation cost per barrel (driven by investment in the Group's
producing fields to progress their development).
2013 cost of sales was restated and increased by US$178 million
to reflect a change in judgement as to how the consideration of
US$300 million paid in a prior year transaction with a field
Partner should be split between tax and oil entitlement benefits
acquired. The corresponding increase in the 2013 income tax credit
is discussed in the Tax section below.
The Group achieved a normalised operating cost of US$18.1/boe
(2013: US$14.0/boe). The increase from 2013 was mainly
a consequence of lower production at Ebok which restricted
opportunities for generating operational efficiencies. Normalised
cost per barrel excludes costs and production from the Barda Rash
field, one-off expenses and depreciation, depletion and
amortisation. All other field-related costs are included on an
annualised basis.
Impairments and operating result
The operating result for 2014 was severely impacted by
impairments to property, plant and equipment (US$1,206 million;
2013: US$ nil), intangible exploration and evaluation assets
(US$839 million; 2013: US$61 million) and goodwill (US$115 million;
2013: US$ nil).
The impairment of property, plant and equipment relates
primarily to Barda Rash in the Kurdistan region of Iraq of US$933
million.
An updated reserves report has been received which, on the basis
of extended well testing and greater knowledge surrounding well
performance compared to the previous report received in 2011,
indicated Barda Rash only has contingent resources and, as such, a
negative net present value. As these contingent resources are
considered to require more capital to develop than aligns with the
Group's priorities, it is not expected that the Company will
undertake the development as previously planned. Given the current
market environment there are significant uncertainties around any
estimated sales value and a full impairment has been recognised. In
addition, an impairment of US$273 million has been recognised in
relation to Ebok in Nigeria as a result of the sharp decline in oil
price towards the end of 2014.
Impairments to intangible exploration and evaluation assets
includes full impairments of assets in the Kurdistan region of Iraq
(US$265 million) following receipt of reserve reports and Ghana
(US$39 million) following an economic evaluation. In addition, in
line with the requirements of IFRS 6 'Exploration for and
evaluation of mineral resources', following a review of licence
requirements in conjunction with funding availability, full
impairments have been recorded against a number of assets in Cote
d'Ivoire, East Africa and South Africa. A partial impairment was
also recognised against an asset in Nigeria (US$43 million)
relating to unsuccessful well costs. With the sharp fall in the
market oil price in the last quarter of 2014 and the continued low
price environment, market prices for E&E assets are very
difficult to determine hence, in order to comply with accounting
standards, it was necessary for full impairments to be recognised.
Despite this, the Group believes that upside potential remains
in respect of the exploration and evaluation portfolio and is
optimistic of making recoveries on some of the assets that have
been fully impaired through either development or sale.
In addition, the goodwill balance relating to OML 26 in Nigeria
has been fully written off following an impairment review.
Finance charges and financial instruments
Finance costs for 2014 were US$67 million (2013: US$157
million). Afren benefited throughout 2014 from lower interest costs
following its refinancing exercise in December 2013. The 2013
figure also included US$49 million of costs relating to the partial
repurchase of the 2016 Bonds and 2019 Bonds. The Group capitalised
US$66 million (2013: US$42 million) of finance charges in the year,
largely relating to the development of the Barda Rash field which
was financed using part of the Group's Bond proceeds. The
subsequent write-off of these capitalised finance costs is included
in the Barda Rash impairment charge.
For 2014, the Group recognised a loss from derivative financial
instruments of US$9 million (2013: US$47 million). The US$38
million favourable change arose largely because of the fall in the
market oil price during the last quarter of 2014.
Within other comprehensive income is a gain of US$88 million
(2013: US$ nil) resulting from the settlement in December 2014
of all oil price derivative contracts that had been entered into
for 1 January 2015 onwards. Given the prevailing oil price and the
Group's cash requirements, it was considered the optimum time to
realise these gains. Accordingly, as at 31 December 2014, the Group
did not have any oil price hedges in place. The US$88 million gain
will be recognised in net profit in 2015 over the original life of
the hedges.
Result before tax
The Group recorded a loss before tax from continuing operations
for the year ended 31 December 2014 of US$1,955 million (2013
restated: profit of US$140 million). Normalised profit before tax
was US$163 million (2013 restated: US$305 million). Normalised
profit before tax is reconciled to the statutory loss/profit before
tax in note 9 of the attached financial statements.
Tax
An income tax credit for 2014 of US$304 million (2013 restated:
US$335 million) was recognised. This includes a deferred tax credit
in relation to the Group's Ebok asset of US$251 million (2013
restated: US$625 million) reflecting the five-year tax holiday and
the impact of the impairment review. The 2013 tax credit in respect
of Ebok included a reversal of previous tax charges following the
award of a five-year tax holiday period during 2013 which began in
May 2011.
The 2013 tax credit, as restated, now also includes a gain of
US$178 million arising from Ebok capital allowances acquired in
2013 which were previously assumed to have been paid for in full
(refer to note 5 of the attached financial statements for further
details).
The Group pays various other taxes locally in the areas in which
it operates, in the form of royalties, withholding taxes and
non-recoverable VAT. In 2014, these amounted to US$453 million
(2013: US$419 million).
There are uncertainties surrounding the taxation treatment of
marginal fields (see note 10: Contingent liabilities) and Pioneer
status (see note 13: Post balance sheet events).
2. Financing and capital structure
Operating cash flow
Operating cash flow before movements in working capital
decreased from the previous year by US$229 million to US$598
million (2013 restated: US$827 million). Reduced operating profit,
for which the key factors are outlined above in the Revenue and
Cost of Sales sections, was the key driver behind this
decrease.
After movements in working capital, net cash generated by
operating activities was US$539 million (2013 restated: US$1,038
million). This cash flow contributed towards the Group's US$769
million (2013: US$716 million) investment in its production,
development, exploration and appraisal activities.
Financing
Gross debt at 31 December 2014 was US$1,304 million (2013:
US$1,129 million). The main components of the US$175 million
increase were an additional US$90 million drawdown on an existing
Ebok facility, US$160 million drawdown on new facilities and US$80
million repayment in respect of a maturing facility.
The Group initiated a further refinancing project during the
middle of 2014 which had to be postponed following the suspension
of two Directors on 31 July 2014. When the Group was in a position
to recommence the refinancing project it was severely impeded by a
significantly higher risk premium and a declining oil price
environment.
3. Our commitments
The Group had operating and capital commitments as at 31
December 2014 of US$644 million (2013: US$778 million), largely in
respect of rig and field equipment leases and the Group's ongoing
exploration and evaluation programmes.
4. Outlook
As described in note 1 of the attached financial statements,
following the significant decline in oil prices prior to year end
and their continued low level, in the absence of satisfactory
completion of the Group's current refinancing plans the Group has
insufficient funding to satisfy working capital requirements and
forecast debt repayments as they fall due. The Group has reached an
agreement with certain of its lenders and providers of debt
regarding the injection of $200m of net Interim Funding to provide
immediate liquidity to the Group and provide time to implement the
required steps towards the completion of the wider recapitalisation
to raise an additional US$55 million to US$105 million, as
announced on 30 April 2015. As a result, the financial statements
have been prepared on the basis the Group is a going concern,
although the auditor has emphasised a material uncertainty
regarding going concern, which is further described in the note 1
to the attached financial statements.
The Group is working with its various stakeholders in order to
secure the necessary funding and complete a financial and capital
restructuring to overcome short-term liquidity problems and return
to a stable financial platform. Through a strategy focused around
its core producing assets, the Group intends to generate a reliable
and durable profit stream.
Group statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 31 December 2014
Restated(1)
2014 2013
Notes US$m US$m
------------------------------------------- ------ --------- -----------
Revenue 945.8 1,644.3
Cost of sales (626.2) (1,179.4)
------------------------------------------- ------ --------- -----------
Gross profit 319.6 464.9
Administrative expenses (48.9) (44.8)
Other operating losses
- derivative financial instruments (8.9) (46.6)
- impairment of property, plant
and equipment 7 (1,205.6) -
- impairment of exploration and
evaluation assets 6 (839.1) (60.5)
- impairment of goodwill (115.2) -
------------------------------------------- ------ --------- -----------
Operating (loss)/profit (1,898.1) 313.0
Finance income 2.3 3.9
Finance costs (66.9) (157.3)
Other gains
- foreign currency gains 8.7 3.6
- fair value gain on financial liabilities
and financial assets 0.7 3.5
Share of joint venture loss (1.7) (26.6)
------------------------------------------- ------ --------- -----------
(Loss)/profit before tax from continuing
operations (1,955.0) 140.1
Income tax credit 5 303.9 334.7
------------------------------------------- ------ --------- -----------
(Loss)/profit from continuing operations
after tax (1,651.1) 474.8
------------------------------------------- ------ --------- -----------
Discontinued operations
Profit for the year from discontinued
operations attributable to equity
holders of Afren plc - 38.1
------------------------------------------- ------ --------- -----------
(Loss)/profit for the year (1,651.1) 512.9
------------------------------------------- ------ --------- -----------
Attributable to:
Equity holders of Afren plc (1,623.2) 516.4
Non-controlling interests (27.9) (3.5)
------------------------------------------- ------ --------- -----------
(1,651.1) 512.9
------------------------------------------- ------ --------- -----------
(1) Refer to note 12
Restated(1)
2014 2013
Notes US$m US$m
------------------------------------------ ----- ------------ ---------------
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified to
profit or loss in subsequent periods:
(Loss)/gain on revaluation of available
for sale investment (1.4) 0.4
Gain on derivative financial instruments
arising during the year 98.8 -
Reclassification adjustment for
gains recycled to profit and loss (11.3) -
------ -------
87.5 -
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ ---- ------- ------
Other comprehensive income for the
year 86.1 0.4
------------------------------------------ ----- ------------ ---------------
Total comprehensive (expense)/income
for the year (1,565.0) 513.3
------------------------------------------ ----- ------------ ---------------
Attributable to:
Equity holders of Afren plc (1,537.1) 516.8
Non-controlling interests (27.9) (3.5)
------------------------------------------ ----- ------------ ---------------
(1,565.0) 513.3
------------------------------------------ ----- ------------ ---------------
(Loss)/earnings per share from continuing
activities
Basic 2 (147.2)c 43.8c
------------------------------------------ ----- ------------ ---------------
Diluted 2 (147.2)c 42.1c
------------------------------------------ ----- ------------ ---------------
(Loss)/earnings per share from all
activities
Basic 2 (147.2)c 47.3c
------------------------------------------ ----- ------------ ---------------
Diluted 2 (147.2)c 45.5c
------------------------------------------ ----- ------------ ---------------
(1) Refer to note 12
Group balance sheet
For the year ended 31 December 2014
Notes 2014US$m 2013US$m
--------------------------------------- ------- ---------- ----------
Assets
Non-current assets
Intangible oil and gas assets 6 219.6 1,090.2
Property, plant and equipment 7 1,379.9 2,052.2
Goodwill - 115.2
Deferred tax assets 348.2 97.5
Available for sale investments - 1.3
Investment in joint ventures - 1.7
--------------------------------------- ------- ---------- ----------
1,947.7 3,358.1
--------------------------------------- ------- ---------- ----------
Current assets
Inventories 164.7 80.9
Trade and other receivables 221.8 209.6
Prepayments and advances to Partners 64.0 99.3
Derivative financial instruments - 0.1
Cash and cash equivalents 236.5 389.9
--------------------------------------- ------- ---------- ----------
687.0 779.8
--------------------------------------- ------- ---------- ----------
Total assets 2,634.7 4,137.9
--------------------------------------- ------- ---------- ----------
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (735.3) (717.2)
Provisions (21.0) -
Borrowings (268.4) (77.3)
Current tax liabilities (15.7) (72.3)
Deferred consideration on acquisitions (21.0) (22.0)
Obligations under finance lease (21.8) (22.1)
Derivative over own equity (57.5) -
Derivative financial instruments (4.8) (28.2)
--------------------------------------- ------- ---------- ----------
(1,145.5) (939.1)
--------------------------------------- ------- ---------- ----------
Net current liabilities (458.5) (159.3)
--------------------------------------- ------- ---------- ----------
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities (96.0) (146.3)
Provisions (44.0) (30.1)
Borrowings (1,035.6) (1,051.7)
Obligations under finance leases (56.0) (77.7)
Deferred consideration on acquisitions - (18.1)
Derivative over own equity - (52.3)
Derivative financial instruments (8.4) (17.1)
--------------------------------------- ------- ---------- ----------
(1,240.0) (1,393.3)
--------------------------------------- ------- ---------- ----------
Total liabilities (2,385.5) (2,332.4)
--------------------------------------- ------- ---------- ----------
Net assets 249.2 1,805.5
--------------------------------------- ------- ---------- ----------
Equity
Share capital 8 19.2 19.1
Share premium 8 929.3 926.8
Merger reserve 8 - 179.4
Other reserves 118.0 27.5
Accumulated (loss)/profit (800.1) 642.0
--------------------------------------- ------- ---------- ----------
Total equity attributable to
parent company 266.4 1,794.8
--------------------------------------- ------- ---------- ----------
Non-controlling interest (17.2) 10.7
--------------------------------------- ------- ---------- ----------
Total equity 249.2 1,805.5
--------------------------------------- ------- ---------- ----------
(1) Refer to note 12
Group cash flow statement
For the year ended 31 December 2014
Restated(1)
2014 2013
Notes US$m US$m
----------------------------------------- ------- --------- -----------
Operating (loss)/profit for the
year from continuing operations (1,898.1) 313.0
Operating profit for the year
from discontinued operations - 14.7
Depreciation, depletion and amortisation 370.4 408.7
Unrealised (gains)/losses on
derivative financial instruments (32.2) 4.2
Impairment charge on property,
plant and equipment 7 1,205.6 -
Impairment charge on exploration
and evaluation assets 6 839.1 60.5
Impairment charge on goodwill 115.2 -
Share-based payments (credit)/charge (2.3) 25.6
----------------------------------------- ------- --------- -----------
Operating cash flows before movements
in working capital 597.7 826.7
Decrease in trade and other operating
receivables 36.4 91.7
(Decrease)/increase in trade
and other operating payables (84.4) 163.8
(Increase)/decrease in inventory
of crude oil (37.3) 14.4
Current tax paid (53.6) (58.4)
Sale of derivative financial
instruments 79.9 -
----------------------------------------- ------- --------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating
activities 538.7 1,038.2
----------------------------------------- ------- --------- -----------
Purchases of property, plant
and equipment (561.9) (468.0)
Exploration and evaluation expenditure (89.3) (307.1)
Acquisition of additional licence
rights and tax benefits - (120.0)
Cash received on disposal of
discontinued operations - 17.5
Increase in inventories - drilling
spare parts and materials (61.4) (5.5)
Investment inflow 0.5 3.9
----------------------------------------- ------- --------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities (712.1) (879.2)
----------------------------------------- ------- --------- -----------
Issue of ordinary share capital
- share-based plan exercises 2.6 6.7
Purchase of own shares (3.1) -
Investment in subsidiary - additional
shares purchased from third parties - (109.3)
Proceeds from borrowings - net
of issue costs 245.6 450.6
Repayment of borrowings and finance
leases (102.1) (541.3)
Deferred consideration paid (22.0) -
Interest and financing fees paid (101.0) (174.7)
----------------------------------------- ------- --------- -----------
Net cash provided by/(used in)
financing activities 20.0 (368.0)
----------------------------------------- ------- --------- -----------
Net decrease in cash and cash
equivalents (153.4) (209.0)
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year 389.9 598.7
Effect of foreign exchange rate
changes - 0.2
----------------------------------------- ------- --------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of year 236.5 389.9
----------------------------------------- ------- --------- -----------
(1) Refer to note 12
During the year the Group has settled a portion of its liability
to net profit interest holders "in kind" through the provision of
oil for an amount totalling US$45 million, which is not reflected
in the Group cash flow statement.
Group statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 31 December 2014
Attributable
Share to equity
Share premium Merger Other Accumulated holders Non-controlling Total
capital account reserve reserves (loss)/profit of parent Interest equity
US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m
------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------------- ------------ --------------- ---------
At 1 January 2013 18.9 920.3 179.4 6.9 265.4 1,390.9 31.6 1,422.5
Issue of share
capital 0.2 6.5 - - - 6.7 0.3 7.0
Share-based
payments - - - 20.7 - 20.7 4.7 25.4
Transfer to
accumulated
(loss)/profit - - - (1.5) 1.5 - - -
Exercised and
expired
put option - - - 43.5 - 43.5 - 43.5
Change in equity
ownership of
subsidiary - - - 10.6 (139.0) (128.4) (20.8) (149.2)
Redemption of
convertible
loan notes - - - (3.3) (2.3) (5.6) (1.6) (7.2)
Put option over own
equity - - - (49.8) - (49.8) - (49.8)
Net profit for the
year - - - - 516.4 516.4 (3.5) 512.9
Other comprehensive
income for the
year - - - 0.4 - 0.4 - 0.4
------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------------- ------------ --------------- ---------
Balance at 31
December
2013 19.1 926.8 179.4 27.5 642.0 1,794.8 10.7 1,805.5
------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------------- ------------ --------------- ---------
Issue of share
capital 0.1 2.5 - - - 2.6 - 2.6
Share-based
payments - - - 9.2 - 9.2 - 9.2
Transfer to
accumulated
(loss)/profit - - (179.4) (1.5) 180.9 - - -
Exercise and lapse
of warrants
designated
as financial
liabilities - - - (0.2) 0.2 - - -
Purchase of own
shares - - - (3.1) - (3.1) - (3.1)
Net loss for the
year - - - - (1,623.2) (1,623.2) (27.9) (1,651.1)
Other comprehensive
income for the
year - - - 86.1 - 86.1 - 86.1
------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------------- ------------ --------------- ---------
Balance at 31
December
2014 19.2 929.3 - 118.0 (800.1) 266.4 (17.2) 249.2
------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------------- ------------ --------------- ---------
1. Basis of accounting
Whilst the financial statements in this announcement have been
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS) and International Financial Reporting
Interpretation Committee (IFRIC) interpretations adopted for use by
the European Union, with those parts of the Companies Act 2006
applicable to companies reporting under IFRS and with the
requirements of the United Kingdom Listing Authority (UKLA) Listing
Rules, this announcement does not contain sufficient information to
comply with IFRS. The Group will publish full financial statements
that comply with IFRS on 30 April 2015.
The financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2014 do
not constitute statutory accounts as defined in sections 435 (1)
and (2) of the Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts for the year
ended 31 December 2013 have been delivered to the Registrar of
Companies and those for 2014 will be delivered following the
Company's Annual General Meeting. The auditor has reported on those
accounts and their report was unqualified, and did not contain
statements under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
The auditors have drawn attention to the going concern disclosure
in note 1 of the 2014 financial statements by way of emphasis
without qualifying the accounts. The prior year comparatives with
the 2014 financial statements have been restated as discussed in
note 12.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
IFRS as adopted by the European Union and therefore the Group
financial statements comply with Article 4 of the EU IAS
Regulation. The financial statements have been prepared on the
historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of certain
financial instruments and oil inventory which is subject to certain
commodity swap arrangements that have been measured at fair
value.
Going concern
The Group's business activities, together with the factors
likely to affect its future development, performance and position
are set out in the Operations review. The financial position of the
Group at the year end, its cash flows, liquidity position and
borrowing facilities are described in the Financial review.
Events following the dismissal of the Group's former CEO and COO
have placed significant pressure on the Group's liquidity position,
resulting in the Group having net current liabilities of US$459
million as at 31 December 2014.
The Company's inability to execute the planned refinancing in
the middle of 2014, followed by the sharp decline in market oil
prices, led the Directors to initiate an urgent review of the
Group's capital structure, liquidity and funding requirements as
announced on 20 January 2015. On 30 January 2015, the Group
announced it had obtained from the lenders of the US$300 million
Ebok debt facility a deferral of the US$50 million amortisation
payment due on 31 January 2015. On 4 March 2015, the Group
announced that the Board had decided at the expiration of a 30 day
grace period not to pay US$15 million of interest which was due on
1 February 2015 under its 2016 Senior Notes.
On 13 March 2015, the Group announced a preliminary agreement
for the receipt of Interim Funding and the Recapitalisation of the
business. The agreement entered into by Afren together with certain
noteholders under its 2016 Notes, 2019 Notes and 2020 Notes
(Noteholders) and a majority of the lenders under the Group's
existing US$300 million Ebok credit facility, is intended to result
in the provision of US$255-US$305 million of net total funding
before the end of July 2015. On 30 April 2015, the Company entered
into definitive agreements with certain Noteholders and issued
US$212 million of private placement notes (PPN), providing US$200
million in net cash to the Group. In conjunction with such
agreement, the lenders under the Group's existing US$300 million
Ebok credit facility agreed to the deferral of the US$50 million
amortisation payments due on 31 January 2015 and 30 April 2015
until the completion of the implementation of the Recapitalisation
(at which point it is expected that the amortisation payments will
be further deferred until after the repayment of the New High Yield
Notes - see below).
In connection with the Recapitalisation, on 30 April 2015 the
Group also entered into a conditional agreement to raise US$55
million in additional net proceeds (after the repayment of the PPN)
from the issuance of new High Yield Notes due in 2017 (New HY
Notes). This amount may be increased to up to US$105 million in
total additional net proceeds. In addition, as part of the
Recapitalisation (i) 25% of the 2016 Notes, 2019 Notes and 2020
Notes (Existing Notes) will be converted to new equity in the
Company; (ii) the remaining 75% of the Existing Notes will be
extended to mature as to US$350 million in each of December 2019
and December 2020; (iii) the existing Ebok credit facility will be
extended to 2019; (iv) new shares will be issued to subscribers to
the New HY Notes and the PPN; and (v) the Company will undertake an
equity offering of up to US$75 million to shareholders. The Group
has also reached agreement with the lender of its Okwok/OML 113
facility to restructure and defer this facility until 2018.
The US$200 million net cash proceeds from the issuance of the
PPN will be deposited in escrow, to be drawn down by the Group over
the coming months. Withdrawals from escrow are required to be
applied broadly in accordance with agreed financial forecasts, and
are subject to an agreed drawdown schedule and the Group's
continuing compliance with certain default conditions. The PPN
would be repayable by April 2016 if not refinanced through the
Recapitalisation.
In order for the Recapitalisation to be implemented there are
other conditions that need to be fulfilled, including obtaining (i)
the approval of requisite majorities of holders of the Existing
Notes in connection with a scheme of arrangement of such Existing
Notes; (ii) approval from the relevant courts in the UK and the US
as to such scheme of arrangement; and (iii) agreement from the
Group's remaining lenders. The Company will also seek the approval
of shareholders in general meeting to the terms of the
Recapitalisation, which is required in order to issue the new
ordinary shares in connection with the Recapitalisation. If
shareholder approval is not received, the Recapitalisation will
still proceed, but on amended terms for the New HY Notes (see
below).
As at 30 April 2015 Afren is in default under the terms of its
2016 Notes due to the non-payment of interest. The Company has
received assurances from the ad hoc committee of Noteholders (which
members hold in aggregate approximately 63% of the principal face
amount of the 2016 Notes and approximately 50% of the total
principal face amount of the Existing Notes) (Ad Hoc Committee)
that the Ad Hoc Committee has no current intention to take
enforcement action with respect to the 2016 Notes held by its
members as a result of the failure to make payment of interest due
under the 2016 Notes, on the basis that agreement has been reached
with the Company and its key stakeholders on the terms of a
consensual (but conditional) restructuring.
On 9 April 2015, the Group announced that the Board is taking
advantage of a 30 day grace period not to pay US$12.8 million of
interest which was due on 8 April 2015 under its 2019 Senior Notes.
Accordingly, as at 30 April, Afren is not in default under the
terms of its 2019 Notes due to the non-payment of interest, but the
30 day grace period expires on 8 May 2015. The Company has received
assurances from the Ad Hoc Committee that it has no current
intention to take enforcement action with respect to the 2019 Notes
held by its members should the Company fail to make payment of
interest due under the 2019 Notes.
There is a risk that one or more of these steps, may not be
completed or satisfied and the Recapitalisation may not occur. If
additional funds are not available to be drawn under the New HY
Notes, and the Recapitalisation does not proceed, the Directors are
of the opinion that the Group would become insolvent, absent an
alternative proposal being received by the Company that is capable
of being implemented.
If shareholder approval of the Recapitalisation is not received,
the Ad Hoc Committee and the lenders under the Group's existing
US$300 million Ebok credit facility have agreed to an alternative
restructuring plan, whereby the economic terms of the New HY Notes
will be amended, and the amendment and restatement of the Existing
Notes will be revised (so that no new shares are issued). In
addition, the New HY Notes will include a requirement for the
Company to initiate a sale of the Group's business by the end of
2016, which together will mean that existing shareholders would be
unlikely to see any return on their current investment.
On the basis that the Recapitalisation is successfully achieved
as outlined above, the Group's financial footing and ability to
continue in operation would be significantly strengthened. The
Group's financial forecasts and projections for the next twelve
months indicate that the Group would then be able to meet its
obligations as they fall due, however, this assessment is sensitive
to a number of downside risks such as any further significant
deterioration in the outlook for oil prices, any significant
disruption to the Group's production revenue stream due to
operational or other factors, and the crystallisation of other
risks such as those described in notes 10 and 13 to the financial
statements, particularly if such downside risks were to materialise
in combination. Therefore, the Group expects that it will still
need to seek industry partnerships, strategic divestments and other
fundraising transactions as necessary to build resilience against,
or respond to, downside risks, capture the opportunity in the
Group's portfolio and secure the Group's future.
The Directors recognise that the combination of the
circumstances described above represents a material uncertainty
that may cast significant doubt as to the Group's ability to
continue as a going concern and that it may be unable to realise
its assets in the normal course of business. Accordingly the
auditors have included an emphasis of this matter in their report.
Nevertheless, the Directors expect that the Recapitalisation will
obtain all of the necessary approvals and consents as set out above
and the Directors therefore have a reasonable expectation that the
Group will be able to successfully navigate the present
uncertainties and continue in operation. Accordingly the financial
statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and no break
up adjustments have been made.
2. (Loss)/earnings per ordinary share
(Loss)/earnings per share (EPS) is the amount of post-tax loss
or profit attributable to each share. Where a profit or loss in the
period from a discontinued operation has occurred, this profit or
loss is factored into the EPS calculation in order to present a
Group result from continuing operations.
Basic EPS from continuing operations is calculated on the
Group's loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders of
US$1,623.2 million (2013: US$478.3 million profit attributable to
equity shareholders) divided by 1,102.8 million (2013: 1,090.8
million) being the weighted average number of shares in issue
during the year.
Diluted EPS takes into account the dilutive effect of all share
options and warrants being exercised. Potentially dilutive
securities have been excluded from the current year's computation
as they would serve to decrease the loss per share.
2014 2013
--------------------------------- -------- -----
From continuing and discontinued
operations
--------------------------------- -------- -----
Basic (147.2)c 47.3c
---------------------------------- -------- -----
Diluted (147.2)c 45.5c
---------------------------------- -------- -----
From continuing operations
--------------------------------- -------- -----
Basic (147.2)c 43.8c
---------------------------------- -------- -----
Diluted (147.2)c 42.1c
---------------------------------- -------- -----
The (loss)/profit and weighted average number of ordinary shares
used in the calculation of the earnings per share are as
follows:
(Loss)/profit for the year used in
the calculation of the basic and diluted
earnings per share from continuing
and discontinued operations attributable
to equity holders of Afren plc (US$m) (1,623.2) 516.4
------------------------------------------- --------- -----
Result for the year from discontinued
operations (US$m) - 38.1
------------------------------------------- --------- -----
(Loss)/profit used in the calculation
of the basic and diluted earnings per
share from continuing operations (US$m) (1,623.2) 478.3
------------------------------------------- --------- -----
The weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes
of diluted (loss)/earnings per share reconciles to the weighted
average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of basic
(loss)/earnings per share as follows:
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares used in the calculation of
basic earnings per share 1,102,780,685 1,090,802,823
------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Effect of dilutive potential
ordinary shares:
------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Share-based payments scheme - 45,264,971
------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Warrants - 59,855
------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares used in the calculation of
diluted earnings per share 1,102,780,685 1,136,127,649
------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
The number of potentially dilutive securities which have been
excluded from the current year's computation includes 9,600,082
relating to the share-based payments scheme and 36,535 relating to
warrants.
3. Segmental reporting
(a) Geographical segments
The Group operates in three geographical markets which form the
basis of the information evaluated by the Group: Nigeria and other
West Africa, East Africa and the Kurdistan region of Iraq. This is
the basis on which the Group records its primary segment
information. Unallocated operating expenses, assets and liabilities
relate to the general management, financing and administration of
the Group.
Assets in Cote d'Ivoire which were sold during 2013 are included
in the Nigeria and other West Africa segment for management
purposes but have been deducted in a separate column in the
analysis below to enable a reconciliation to the income statement.
The results of these assets are disclosed as discontinued
operations in the 2013 income statement.
Nigeria
and
other Kurdistan
West East region
Africa Africa of Iraq Unallocated Consolidated
2014 US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m
--------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------- ------------ -------------
Sales revenue by
origin 945.8 - - - 945.8
Operating loss
before derivative
financial instruments (329.5) (327.0) (1,218.0) (14.7) (1,889.2)
Derivative financial
instruments losses 1.9 - - (10.8) (8.9)
--------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------- ------------ -------------
Segment result (327.6) (327.0) (1,218.0) (25.5) (1,898.1)
Finance costs (66.9)
Other gains and
losses:
- fair value of
financial assets
and
liabilities 0.7
- share of joint
venture loss (1.7) (1.7)
- forex and finance
income 11.0
--------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------- ------------ -------------
Loss from operations
before tax (1,955.0)
--------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------- ------------ -------------
Income tax credit 303.9
--------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------- ------------ -------------
Loss for the year (1,651.1)
--------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------- ------------ -------------
Segment assets
- non-current 1,944.5 0.7 0.5 2.0 1,947.7
Segment assets
- current* 529.0 0.3 6.1 151.6 687.0
Segment liabilities (1,365.6) (8.2) (45.8) (965.9) (2,385.5)
Capital additions
- oil and gas assets 547.8 - 145.9 - 693.7
Capital additions
- exploration and
evaluation 83.4 32.1 27.9 - 143.4
Capital additions
- other 2.1 - - 2.8 4.9
Depletion, depreciation
and amortisation (365.4) (0.2) (0.6) (4.2) (370.4)
Impairment of property,
plant and equipment (273.0) - (932.6) - (1,205.6)
Impairment of exploration
and evaluation
assets (198.9) (360.7) (265.2) (14.3) (839.1)
Impairment of goodwill (115.2) - - - (115.2)
Share of joint
venture loss (1.7) - - - (1.7)
--------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------- ------------ -------------
* The majority of the unallocated current segment assets relate
to cash and cash equivalents in 2014.
Nigeria
and
other Kurdistan
West East region Discontinued
Africa Africa of Iraq Unallocated operations Consolidated
2013 restated(1) US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m
-------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Sales revenue by
origin 1,666.1 - - - (21.8) 1,644.3
Operating profit/(loss)
before derivative
financial instruments 446.2 (23.6) (3.0) (44.0) (16.0) 359.6
Derivative financial
instruments losses (30.9) - - (15.7) - (46.6)
-------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Segment result 415.3 (23.6) (3.0) (59.7) (16.0) 313.0
Finance costs (157.3)
Other gains and
losses:
- fair value of
financial assets
and
liabilities 3.5
- share of joint
venture loss (26.6) (26.6)
- forex and finance
income 7.5
-------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Profit from continuing
operations before
tax 140.1
-------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Income tax credit 334.7
-------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Profit from continuing
operations after
tax 474.8
-------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Profit from discontinued
operations 38.1
-------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Profit for the
year 512.9
-------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Segment assets
- non-current 2,003.9 329.4 1,003.9 20.9 - 3,358.1
Segment assets
- current* 601.3 7.3 23.4 147.8 - 779.8
Segment liabilities (1,252.3) (45.9) (57.2) (977.0) - (2,332.4)
Capital additions
- oil and gas assets 386.1 - 224.1 - - 610.2
Capital additions
- exploration and
evaluation 190.4 52.3 43.7 13.0 - 299.4
Capital additions
- other 3.2 1.1 0.4 4.9 - 9.6
Depletion, depreciation
and amortisation (406.0) (0.2) (0.7) (1.8) - (408.7)
Exploration costs
write-off (36.6) (23.9) - - - (60.5)
Share of joint
venture loss (26.6) - - - - (26.6)
-------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------- ------------ ------------- -------------
The majority of the unallocated current segment assets relate to
an amount receivable from a Partner in 2013.
(1) Refer to note 12.
Non-current assets in the following segments include:
Non-current assets 2014 2013
by origin US$m US$m
-------------------- --------- ---------
Nigeria 1,944.5 1,863.6
Cote d'Ivoire - 107.8
Ghana - 32.5
-------------------- --------- ---------
Total Nigeria
and other West
Africa 1,944.5 2,003.9
-------------------- --------- ---------
Kenya* 0.7 119.0
Ethiopia - 72.5
Madagascar - 46.8
Seychelles - 59.4
Tanzania - 31.7
-------------------- --------- ---------
Total East Africa 0.7 329.4
-------------------- --------- ---------
Kurdistan region
of Iraq* 0.5 1,003.9
-------------------- --------- ---------
Total Kurdistan
region of Iraq 0.5 1,003.9
-------------------- --------- ---------
Unallocated 2.0 20.9
-------------------- --------- ---------
Total unallocated 2.0 20.9
-------------------- --------- ---------
Total non-current
assets 1,947.7 3,358.1
-------------------- --------- ---------
* Relates to non-current assets within the regional offices.
Revenues were generated in Nigeria of US$945.8 million (2013:
US$1,644.3 million), which includes US$11.3 million recycled from
the hedging reserve as explained in note 4. All sales are to
external customers. Included in revenues arising from Nigeria for
the year ended 31 December 2014 are amounts of US$299.4 million,
US$244.5 million, US$224.4 million and US$70.1 million (2013:
US$252.0 million, US$251.8 million, US$211.3 million and US$183.3
million) relating to the Group's largest customers. As the sale of
oil is made on global markets, the Group does not place reliance on
the largest customers mentioned above.
(b) Business segments
The operations of the Group comprise one class of business,
being oil and gas exploration, development and production.
4. Hedging
During the year, in relation to the commodity deferred put
options, the Group received a minimum amount if the market price of
crude oil fell. These instruments were classified as cash flow
hedges, with the portion of the gains and losses on the instruments
that are determined to be an effective hedge taken to equity and
subsequently recycled as the hedged transaction occurs and the
ineffective portion, as well as any change in time value,
recognised directly in the income statement for each period. During
the year, a loss of US$7.0 million (2013: US$30.8 million) was
reflected directly in the income statement in relation to these
instruments and a further gain of US$98.8 million was taken to
equity in the year, of which US$11.3 million was recycled in
relation to hedged sales in 2014 with the balance of US$87.5
million to be recycled in future years. The Group had no open oil
price derivative contracts as at 31 December 2014.
5. Taxation
The Group is subject to various forms of taxation in the
countries in which it operates. These include income tax on
profits, royalties on production, sales taxes on revenues
generated, and payroll taxes on benefits to employees.
(a) Income tax credit
The income tax credit represents the sum of tax currently
payable and deferred tax. The 2013 amount includes a credit in
respect of the reversal of prior period taxes no longer expected to
be payable, and recognition of deferred tax assets described
further below. The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit
for the year. The Group's liability for current tax is calculated
using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by
the balance sheet date.
Restated(1)
2014 2013
US$m US$m
----------------------- ---- --------- --------------
Current tax
UK Corporation - -
tax
Overseas corporation
tax 24.7 239.2
Effect of initial
recognition of
tax holiday - (254.3)
Adjustment in respect
of prior years (27.6) (10.5)
------------------------ ---- -------- ------------
(2.9) (25.6)
------------------------ ---- -------- ------------
Deferred tax
Deferred tax (301.0) 61.6
Effect of initial
recognition of
tax holiday - (370.7)
------------------------ ---- -------- ------------
(301.0) (309.1)
------------------------ ---- -------- ------------
Total income tax
credit (303.9) (334.7)
------------------------ ---- -------- ------------
(1) Refer to note 12.
The income tax credit is different from the expected income tax
expense for the following reasons:
Restated(1)
2014 2013
US$m US$m
--------------------------------- --- ---------- ------------
(Loss)/profit for the
year (1,955.0) 140.1
Tax at the UK corporation
tax rate of 21.5% (2013:
23.25%) (420.3) 32.6
Tax effect of items which
are not deductible for
tax 130.5 32.7
Items not subject to
tax (4.0) (4.3)
Effect of tax rates in
foreign jurisdictions 92.6 (195.0)
Adjustments in respect
of prior periods (27.1) (9.4)
Change in temporary differences (81.4) -
deductible after the
end of the tax holiday
Loss not recognised 5.8 31.8
Effect of initial recognition
of tax holiday - (223.1)
-------------------------------------- ---------- ------------
Total income tax credit (303.9) (334.7)
-------------------------------------- ---------- ------------
(1) Refer to note 12.
During 2014, the Group continued to apply the benefits of a tax
holiday in respect of its Ebok asset in Nigeria. Afren Resources
Limited, the subsidiary which holds Afren's interest in the Ebok
asset, received a certificate in 2013 awarding a five-year tax
holiday which is effective from 1 June 2011 until May 2016. As a
result, no income tax is payable in respect of the 2011-2016
period.
The adjustment in respect of prior years relates to the release
of a provision following the conclusion of a tax audit within Afren
Energy Resources Limited.
On 26 January 2015, Afren Resources Limited received a letter
from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission informing that
the initial tax holiday period had been reduced from five to three
years. If enforced, the tax holiday would have effectively ceased
on 31 May 2014, although two further annual periods of extension
can be applied for in order to restore the full five-year term.
Afren intends to contest the reduction and apply for the two annual
extensions as necessary. If it is the case that neither of these
actions are successful, the income tax credit would decrease by
US$87.1 million (a sum of additional current income tax and a
reduction in the deferred tax credit) from US$303.9 million to
US$216.8 million, with a corresponding US$3.6 million increase in
current income tax payable from US$15.7 million to US$19.3 million
as at 31 December 2014, and a decrease in deferred tax asset from
US$348.2 million to US$264.7 million as at 31 December 2014.
(b) Deferred taxation
(i) Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities
The Group's deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable
to the following:
Analysis of movement during At 31 December Credit/(charge)
the year - 2014 2013 for 2014 At 31 December
US$m US$m 2014 US$m
---------------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------
Assets
Property, plant and equipment
Decommissioning provision
Other temporary differences 88.3 240.4 328.7
----------------------------------
9.2 8.4 17.6
- 1.9 1.9
-------------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------
Deferred
tax asset 97.5 250.7 348.2
---------------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------
Liabilities
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible oil and gas assets
Decommissioning provision
Trade and other receivables
Inventory
Tax losses
Other temporary differences (138.9) 20.1 (118.8)
----------------------------------
(39.8) 39.8 -
2.3 3.6 5.9
- (38.9) (38.9)
(7.3) (2.8) (10.1)
24.0 44.7 68.7
13.4 (16.2) (2.8)
-------------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------
Deferred tax liability
Net deferred tax
(liability)/asset (146.3) 50.3 (96.0)
--------------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------
(48.8) 301.0 252.2
-------------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------
Analysis of movement during the year - 2013 Restated(1)
Credit/(charge) Effect
At 1 January for the of tax Tax allowances At 31 December
2013 year holiday secured 2013
US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m
----------------- ------------- ---------------- --------- --------------- ---------------
Assets
Property, plant
and equipment - - - 88.3 88.3
Decommissioning
provision - - - 9.2 9.2
----------------- ------------- ---------------- --------- --------------- ---------------
Deferred tax
asset - - - 97.5 97.5
----------------- ------------- ---------------- --------- --------------- ---------------
Liabilities
Property, plant
and equipment (470.6) (69.5) 379.0 22.2 (138.9)
Intangible oil
and gas assets (39.8) - - - (39.8)
Decommissioning
provision 14.7 (1.7) (10.7) - 2.3
Inventory (4.0) (3.3) - - (7.3)
Tax losses 6.7 17.3 - - 24.0
Other temporary
differences 15.4 (4.4) 2.4 - 13.4
----------------- ------------- ---------------- --------- --------------- ---------------
Deferred tax
liability (477.6) (61.6) 370.7 22.2 (146.3)
----------------- ------------- ---------------- --------- --------------- ---------------
Net deferred
tax liability (477.6) (61.6) 370.7 119.7 (48.8)
----------------- ------------- ---------------- --------- --------------- ---------------
(1) Refer to note 12. Table also restated to provide meaningful
comparatives to 2014 balances.
(ii) Unrecognised deferred tax assets
At the balance sheet date, the Group also had tax losses
(primarily arising in the UK) of US$533.7 million (2013: US$297.5
million) in respect of which a deferred tax asset has not been
recognised as there is insufficient evidence of future taxable
profits against which these tax losses could be recovered. Such
losses can be carried forward indefinitely.
The Group had temporary differences of US$31.3 million (2013:
US$23.3 million) in respect of share-based payments, property,
plant and equipment and pensions in respect of which deferred tax
assets have not been recognised as there is insufficient evidence
of future taxable profits against which these tax losses could be
recovered.
Deferred tax has not been recognised on undistributed earnings
of subsidiaries as the largest proportion of dividends would be
from subsidiaries where no additional tax would be applied on
dividend income.
6. Intangible exploration and evaluation assets
US$m
----------------------- --------
At 1 January 2013 851.3
Additions 299.4
Amounts written off (60.5)
------------------------ --------
At 1 January 2014 1,090.2
Additions 143.4
Transfer to property,
plant and equipment (174.9)
Amounts written off (839.1)
------------------------ --------
At 31 December 2014 219.6
------------------------ --------
Prospects deemed to be commercially viable, and transferred to
property, plant and equipment during the current year, relate
to
Okwok and OML 113 in Nigeria.
Amounts written off in 2014 include the write down of
exploration and evaluation assets in the Kurdistan region of Iraq
(US$265.2
million) following receipt of an updated third party reserve
report and Ghana (US$39.0 million) following an economic
evaluation. In addition, following a review of licence requirements
in conjunction with the constraints affecting funding availability,
full impairments
have been recorded against assets in Cote d'Ivoire (US$115.4
million), Kenya (US$129.5 million), Tanzania (US$36.3 million),
Madagascar (US$51.8 million), Seychelles (US$61.0 million),
Ethiopia (US$82.1 million), Congo Brazzaville (US$1.6 million) and
South Africa (US$14.3 million). A partial impairment was also
recognised against OML 115 in Nigeria (US$42.9 million) relating
to
unsuccessful well costs incurred on a specific prospect.
7. Property, plant and equipment
Other
Total property,
oil & plant
Development Production Gas plant gas assets & equipment Total
US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m
------------------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ------------- --------
Cost
At 1 January
2013 570.3 2,056.9 28.2 2,655.4 26.1 2,681.5
Additions 227.8 382.4 - 610.2 9.6 619.8
Effect of
changes to
decommissioning
estimates - (2.4) - (2.4) - (2.4)
Disposal - (55.7) (28.2) (83.9) - (83.9)
------------------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ------------- --------
At 1 January
2014 798.1 2,381.2 - 3,179.3 35.7 3,215.0
Additions 244.2 449.5 - 693.7 4.9 698.6
Transfer from
intangible
exploration
and evaluation
assets 174.9 - - 174.9 - 174.9
Effect of
changes to
decommissioning
estimates 21.3 8.9 - 30.2 - 30.2
At 31 December
2014 1,238.5 2,839.6 - 4,078.1 40.6 4,118.7
------------------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ------------- --------
Depreciation,
depletion
and amortisation
At 1 January
2013 6.0 787.0 18.8 811.8 16.7 828.5
Charge for
the year - 401.2 3.0 404.2 4.5 408.7
Disposal - (52.6) (21.8) (74.4) - (74.4)
------------------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ------------- --------
At 1 January
2014 6.0 1,135.6 - 1,141.6 21.2 1,162.8
Charge for
the year - 363.5 - 363.5 6.9 370.4
Impairment
loss 932.6 273.0 - 1,205.6 - 1,205.6
------------------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ------------- --------
At 31 December
2014 938.6 1,772.1 - 2,710.7 28.1 2,738.8
------------------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ------------- --------
Carrying amount
At 31 December
2013 792.1 1,245.6 - 2,037.7 14.5 2,052.2
------------------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ------------- --------
At 31 December
2014 299.9 1,067.5 - 1,367.4 12.5 1,379.9
------------------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ------------- --------
The impairment of property, plant and equipment relates to Barda
Rash in the Kurdistan region of Iraq (US$932.6 million) and Ebok in
Nigeria (US$273.0 million).
An updated reserves report has been received which, on the basis
of extended well testing and greater knowledge surrounding well
performance compared to the previous report received in 2011,
indicated Barda Rash only has contingent resources. As these
contingent resources are considered to require more capital to
develop than aligns with the Group's priorities, it is not expected
that
the Company will undertake the development previously planned.
Given the current market environment, there are significant
uncertainties around any estimated sale value and the asset has
been impaired in full.
Following the sharp decline in forecast oil prices, an
impairment test has been performed in respect of Ebok, which has
resulted
in a reduction in the estimated recoverable value of the asset
to US$683.4 million and the recognition of a US$273.0 million
impairment charge.
8. Share capital, share premium and merger reserve
This note explains material movements recorded in shareholders'
equity that are not explained elsewhere in the financial
statements. The movements in equity and the balance sheet at 31
December 2014 are presented in the Group statement of changes in
equity.
2014 2013
US$m US$m
-------------------------------- ------ ------------------------------
Authorised
-------------------------------- ------ ------------------------------
1,200 million ordinary
shares of 1p each (equivalent
to approx US$1.59 cents)
(2013: 1,200 million) 19.2 19.1
-------------------------------- ------ ----------------------------
Equity Share capital Share premium Merger
share capital reserve(1)
allotted
and fully
paid
----------------- --------------- -------------- -------------- ------------
Number US$m US$m US$m
----------------- --------------- -------------- -------------- ------------
Allotted
equity share
capital
and share
premium
----------------- --------------- -------------- -------------- ------------
As at 1
January
2014 1,097,911,906 19.1 926.8 179.4
----------------- --------------- -------------- -------------- ------------
Issued during
the year
for cash 9,649,618 0.1 2.5 -
Transfer
to accumulated
loss - - - (179.4)
----------------- --------------- -------------- -------------- ------------
As at 31
December
2014 1,107,561,524 19.2 929.3 -
----------------- --------------- -------------- -------------- ------------
(1) In 2011, the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating
to Merger relief (s612 and s613) were applied to the equity raising
through a cash box structure, resulting in the creation of a merger
reserve, after deducting the cost of share issue of US$3.4 million.
The so called "cash box" method of effecting an issue of shares for
cash is commonplace and enabled the Company to issue shares without
giving rise to any share premium. Following the impairment of
underlying assets, during the current year, the merger reserve was
transferred to accumulated losses.
9. Reconciliation of (loss)/profit before tax to normalised
profit before tax
Normalised profit before tax is a non-IFRS measure of financial
performance of the Group, which in management's view provides a
better understanding of the Group's underlying financial
performance. This may not be comparable to similarly titled
measures reported by other companies.
The table below reconciles the IFRS profit before tax from
continuing operations to the normalised profit before tax:
Restated(1)
2014 2013
US$m US$m
----------------------------- ---------- ------------
(Loss)/profit before
tax from continuing
operations (1,955.0) 140.1
Unrealised (gains)/losses
on derivative financial
instruments (32.2) 4.2
Finance costs on settlement
of borrowings - 54.6
Share-based payment
(credit)/charge (2.3) 25.6
Foreign exchange gains (8.7) (3.6)
Fair value gains on
financial liabilities
and financial assets (0.7) (3.5)
Share of joint venture
loss 1.7 26.6
Impairment of property, 1,205.6 -
plant and equipment
Impairment of exploration
and evaluation assets 839.1 60.5
Impairment of goodwill 115.2 -
----------------------------- ---------- ------------
Normalised profit
before tax 162.7 304.5
----------------------------- ---------- ------------
10. Contingent liabilities
As at 31 December
--------------------------------
2014 2013
US$m US$m
-------------------------------- ------------------- --------------- -----------------------
Standby letter of credit
in respect of contractual
agreements of the Okoro
FPSO, Ebok MOPU/FSO, Kenya
L17/L18 (i) 22.0 12.0
Bank guarantee in relation
to Partner (ii) 70.0 70.0
Performance bond issued
by a bank in respect of
exploration activities (iii) 12.0 38.1
Revision to fiscal terms (iv) 25.4 -
on marginal fields in Nigeria
Lion Petroleum arbitration (v) 10.0 -
case against EAX
Earl Act option (vi) 45.7 -
Guarantee in respect of
FHN hedges - 11.0
FHN letter of credit in
respect of OML 26 - 10.0
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------ -------------------------
185.1 141.1
--------------------------- ------ -------------------------
Notes:
(i) Standby letter of credit in respect of Okoro FPSO of US$6.0
million expires in July 2015, Ebok MOPU/FSO of US$6.0 million
expires in August 2015 and Kenya L17/L18 activities of US$10.0
million expire in October 2015.
(ii) Bank guarantee in relation to a loan facility held by a
Partner, expiring in December 2015.
(iii) Parent company guarantee due to expire within the year
relating to minimum licence spend commitments.
(iv) During 2014, the Group received a letter from the
Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Nigeria stating that, as
from 4 July 2014, marginal fields would be subject to revised
fiscal
terms. The impact of this for the Group in 2014 is estimated to
be US$25.4 million although the overall economic impact is
estimated to be lower at US$20.5 million due to Partner
recoveries.
The Directors intend to appeal this revision and believe, on the
basis of legal advice received, that the outcome will be in the
Group's favour.
(v) Arbitration proceedings by Lion Petroleum in respect of
Block 1, Kenya. See note 13 for more details.
(vi) As described in note 13 Afren was notified that Earl Act
expected the put and call option over FHN shares to also cover an
additional tranche of 13,780,008 FHN shares currently held
by an affiliate of Earl Act, which would have amounted to an
additional US$45.7 million in excess of the liability recorded for
the put and call option. As described in note 14 post period
end
Afren has reached an agreement to purchase these shares at a
price of US$2.80 per share and the resulting consideration of
US$38.6 million will be payable in 10 equal instalments
commencing
30 June 2017.
As announced on 13 October 2014, as a result of an independent
investigation by WFG, the Company notified the UKLA of two
breaches of its Listing Rules obligations in respect of two
transactions which occurred in 2012 and 2013. In addition, as
announced
on 20 March 2015, Afren has notified the Serious Fraud Office of
preliminary concerns regarding certain matters of potential
noncompliance with laws and regulations. Regulatory bodies have the
power to levy fines and penalties for non-compliance with laws and
regulations. However, to date, no fines or penalties, nor any other
potential censure, have been communicated to the Company in
relation to these matters, and the Directors conclude it is
impossible to quantify any potential exposure in respect of such
matters.
The Directors have undertaken an assessment of existing
guarantees and commitments which relate to the Group's exploration
and evaluation licences, and in particular those that have been
impaired, and are satisfied that the risk of any further liability
is remote. This assessment included additional guarantees and
commitments which are not listed above.
11. Related party transactions
The transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which
are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation.
Trading transactions
During the year, Group companies entered into the following
transactions with related parties:
Sale of goods/services Purchase of goods/services
----------------------- --------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Year Year ended Year ended Year ended
ended 2013 2014 2013
2014 US$m US$m US$m
US$m
----------------------- ------------- ------------------ ----------------- ----------------
St. John Advisors Ltd - - 0.2 0.3
STJ Advisors LLP - - - 0.2
Other related parties - - 0.3 0.3
----------------------- ------------- ------------------ ----------------- ----------------
St. John Advisors Ltd and STJ Advisors LLP are the contractor
companies for the consulting services of John St. John, a
Non-Executive Director of Afren, for which they receive fees,
including contingent completion and success fees, from the Group.
St. John Advisors also received a monthly retainer of GBP15,000
under a contract which started from 27 June 2008. The contract was
terminated in May 2014.
Other related parties include two individuals who served on
Afren's Board of Directors during the year who each had a close
family member employed by the Group. These individuals were
employed at market rates and received compensation totalling US$0.1
million and US$0.1 million (2013: US$0.2 million and US$ nil) under
the terms of their contracts of employment. In addition, a close
family member of a member of key management personnel was employed
by the Group during the year at market rates and received
compensation totalling US$0.1 million (2013: US$0.1 million) under
the terms of their contract of employment.
On 13 October 2014, the Company announced the results of an
independent review undertaken by Willkie, Farr and Gallagher into
disclosure around previous transactions and unauthorised payments.
Within this announcement it was explained that evidence had emerged
to suggest that, in relation to a US$100.0 million settlement paid
by the Group to Amni International Petroleum Development Company
Limited (Amni) in December 2013, Osman Shahenshah and Shahid Ullah
(both of whom were Directors of Afren plc at the time of the
payment) intended to obtain a personal benefit from the
transaction. The personal benefit was considered most likely to
take the form of the acquisition of equity in the company which was
incorporated to acquire Amni as part of a management buy-out. Both
Osman Shahenshah and Shahid Ullah denied that they obtained any
benefit from this transaction and no conclusive evidence has
emerged that would indicate they had ownership of any Amni shares.
Amni is therefore not considered to be a related party and has not
been disclosed as such.
Tzell Travel Group (Tzell) has been utilised by Afren for some
of its travel needs, an employee of which is a close family member
of Osman Shahenshah. The Company does not believe Tzell should be
considered a related party. Afren uses several travel agents as
there is a significant travel element to its operations.
Transactions totalling US$0.1 million (2013: US$0.4 million) were
entered into with Tzell during the year, upon which commission of
approximately US$40 per transaction was paid by Afren to Tzell, the
balance being direct costs for air fares and hotel accommodation.
As at 31 December 2014, no amounts were outstanding (2013: US$
nil). No further transactions are expected with Tzell.
Details are provided in note 13 of an additional tranche of FHN
shares disposed of by current and former members of the Afren plc
Board and senior management in 2013 and a put option and call
option over FHN shares between Afren and Earl Act. The Directors
are of the opinion that at the time of their disposal and at 31
December 2014, there was no arrangement between Afren, Earl Act,
the affiliate of Earl Act or the current and previous members of
the Afren plc Board as to any obligation to acquire such shares at
a future date. As such, Afren believes there was no related party
transaction to be disclosed in respect of this additional tranche
of FHN shares.
12. Correction of prior period error
As discussed in the Financial review, the financial performance
and position of the Group has been restated for the year ended 31
December 2013. There has been no change to reported net assets or
profit after tax.
Adjustments to the consolidated income statement
Year ended
31 December
2013 31 December
as previously 2013
stated Effect of adjustment as restated
US$m US$m US$m
------------------- --------------- --------------------- -------------
Cost of sales (1,001.4) (178.0) (1,179.4)
Profit before tax
from continuing
operations 318.1 (178.0) 140.1
Income tax credit 156.7 178.0 334.7
------------------- --------------- --------------------- -------------
Profit for the
year 512.9 - 512.9
------------------- --------------- --------------------- -------------
Adjustments to the consolidated cash flow statement
Year
ended
31 December
2013 31 December
as previously 2013
stated Effect of adjustment as restated
US$m US$m US$m
--------------------------- --------------- --------------------- -------------
Operating profit for
the year from continuing
operations 491.0 (178.0) 313.0
Purchases of property,
plant and equipment (466.0) (2.0) (468.0)
Acquisition of additional
licence rights and
tax benefits (300.0) 180.0 (120.0)
--------------------------- --------------- --------------------- -------------
13. Post balance sheet events
On 12 January 2015, Afren plc announced an update in relation to
Barda Rash, a field in the Kurdistan region of Iraq in which it
owns a 60% working interest via a wholly owned subsidiary. The
announcement stated that an updated Competent Person's Report was
expected to show a material reduction to previously published
estimates of reserves and resources which would essentially
eliminate gross proven and probable reserves of 190 mmbbls. This
has been fully reflected within the financial statements for the
year ended 31 December 2014. A divestment of these assets is
expected to be completed within the next 12 months.
On 26 January 2015, Afren Resources Limited, an indirect wholly
owned subsidiary of Afren plc, received a letter from the Nigerian
Investment Promotion Commission informing that the initial tax
holiday in relation to the Ebok field had been reduced from five to
three years. If enforced, the tax holiday would have effectively
ceased on 31 May 2014 although two further annual periods of
extension can be applied for. Afren intends to contest the
reduction and apply for the two-year extension as necessary. If it
is the case that neither of these actions is successful, the income
tax credit would decrease by US$87.1 million (a sum of additional
current income tax and a reduction in deferred tax) from US$303.9
million to US$216.8 million with a corresponding US$3.6 million
increase in current income tax payable from US$15.7 million to
US$19.3 million as at 31 December 2014, and a decrease in deferred
tax asset from US$348.2 million to US$264.7 million as at 31
December 2014.
On 20 February 2015, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) released
a circular TED/FEM/FPC/GEN/01/006 restricting access to funds in
Export Proceeds Domiciliary Accounts. In compliance with the
directive, Afren's operational practices including cash management,
vendor payments, and fulfilment of other statutory/financial
obligations have been adversely affected. Several trade and
industry groups are actively engaging the CBN and it is anticipated
that a resolution may be achieved in the upcoming months.
On 13 March 2015, Afren plc announced an agreement in principle
to address its short and longer-term funding needs and recapitalise
its capital structure. More details are provided below and in note
1 to the financial statements.
Since the announcement of the review of the Group's capital
structure and funding requirements, Afren has received a number of
claims for breaches of contract for non-payment of amounts due for
services provided and/or the termination of services contracts.
These claims have arisen in part due to the liquidity constraints
facing the Group, as well as actions taken to reduce costs in line
with the revised focus on the Group's core producing assets. Such
claims include:
-- Notices of claim for US$10.25 million and US$93.89 million by
West African Ventures against Afren Exploration and Production
Nigeria Alpha Limited and Afren Energy Resources Limited,
respectively, for termination and cancellation fees, costs, losses
and expenses allegedly due following the termination of oil
services contracts with WAV relating to Okwok and Okoro;
-- An alleged default notice and purported termination notice
served by Amni in respect of the PSTSA arising in respect of the
termination of the WAV contract for Okoro. The PSTSA is the primary
legal agreement through which the Group derives its entitlement
benefits and reserves of the Okoro field;
-- Arbitration proceedings by Lion Petroleum for US$10.0 million
in damages in respect of alleged breaches of the Joint Operating
Agreement signed between East African Exploration (Kenya) Limited
and Lion Petroleum in respect of Block 1, Kenya.
The Company disputes and/or has rejected such claims and is in
discussions with the relevant claimants regarding potential
settlements and/or withdrawal of such claims. A contingent
liability has been disclosed in note 11 in respect of the Lion
Petroleum claim, no other provisions or contingent liabilities have
been recorded in the 2014 financial statements.
On 15 April 2015 the Group signed an agreement with Earl-Act
Global Investments Limited (EAG) and CSL Trustees Limited (CSL), an
affiliate of EAG to acquire the 22% of shares in First Hydrocarbon
Nigeria Company Limited (FHN) that the Group does not currently
own. Afren has amended the terms of the put/call option with EAG
announced on 5 July 2013 in respect of 18,299,993 shares in FHN to
be acquired at US$3.32 per share and has also agreed to purchase
the 13,780,008 FHN shares owned by CSL at US$2.80 per share. In
each case such shares will now be acquired and the purchase price
will be payable in equal quarterly instalments from 30 June 2017 to
30 September 2019 (together with annual interest of LIBOR + 6.5%
payable in cash and 2.5% payable in kind payable in respect of the
purchase price).
The Group has also successfully re-scheduled the payment terms
in respect of 11,322,111 shares in FHN acquired from Capital
Alliance Energy Nigeria Limited (as previously announced on 5 July
2013) such that the outstanding purchase price of US$22.3 million
will now be payable in instalments between July and December 2015
(rather than in full in July 2015).
On 30 April 2015, Afren Resources Limited (ARL) and its Partner
on the Ebok field, Oriental, signed a settlement agreement in
respect of Ebok and Okwok. As part of these arrangements, Afren has
agreed to transfer to Oriental amounts recovered (excluding those
which compensate for legal fees Afren has incurred) from former
Directors and officers of the Company in relation to the
unauthorised payments issue. A liability for these amounts has been
recorded or disclosed in the 2014 financial statements. Afren has
also agreed with our Partner, Oriental, that they will fund their
share of Capex in Ebok. Going forward this will result in a lower
share of production following the end of all cost recovery. In
addition Afren has agreed with Oriental that in order to retain its
participation in the Okwok licence it will decide by the end of
June 2015 on the further development plan and commit to the funding
of the field, following completion of the recent development well
and a review of the optimum development plan. The carrying value of
Okwok at 31 December 2014 is US$200.2 million. Similarly the Group
has agreed that in order to retain its participation in the OML 115
licence, it will decide by the end of 2015 to commit to a
development plan. The carrying value of OML 115 at 31 December 2014
is US$82.4 million.
The Okwok licence expired in March 2015, however, the partners
expect that the licence will be renewed on the basis that they have
made sufficient progress in the development of the asset. In
respect of the Ebok licence, the Group is entitled to an extension
for the lifespan of the field, which is in progress following
expiry of the current term in March 2015.
On 30 April 2015, following the satisfaction of the conditions
precedent, Afren and certain holders of its Existing Notes entered
into a note purchase agreement in respect of the issue of the PPNs
to provide US$200 million in net interim funding. As announced on
13 March 2015, Afren has also agreed in principle the terms of a
financial and capital restructuring which is expected to be
completed by the end of July 2015 providing a furtherUS$55 million
to US$105 million. In relation to the interim funding, Afren will
receive US$200 million from the issue of US$212 million Private
Placement Notes (PPNs) at a discount of 5.5%. The PPNs will have an
annual interest rate of 15% (payable in kind) and will mature no
later than April 2016 The proposed restructuring plan includes the
issuance of high yield notes, a debt-for-equity swap, an open offer
of new shares to all shareholders and an amendment to the Ebok loan
facility. If the Company's shareholders approve the restructuring
plan, on completion US$206.6 million of the PPNs will be redeemed
in cash at par plus accrued interest and US$5 million of the PPNs
will be converted into ordinary shares representing 5% of the fully
diluted share capital of the Company post Recapitalisation. If the
Company's shareholders reject the restructuring proposals, the PPNs
will be repaid at par plus accrued interest on the completion of an
alternative restructuring plan or the maturity date.
14. 2014 Annual Report and Accounts
The Annual Report and Accounts will be mailed by no later than
15 May 2015 only to those shareholders who have elected to receive
it. Otherwise, shareholders will be notified that the Annual Report
and Accounts is available on the website (www.afren.com). Copies of
the Annual Report and Accounts will also be available from the
Company's registered office at 3rd Floor, Kinnaird House, 1 Pall
Mall East, London, SW1Y 5AU.
The Annual General Meeting is due to be held at the offices of
White & Case LLP, 5 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1DW on
Thursday, 25 June 2015 at 11.00 am.
Oil and gas reserves (not audited)
Kurdistan
Côte region of
Nigeria d'Ivoire Iraq Total Group
---------------------- --------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------
Oil Gas Oil Gas Oil Gas Oil Gas
(mmbbl) (bcf) mmboe (mmbbl) (bcf) mmboe (mmbbl) (bcf) mmboe (mmbbl) (bcf) mmboe
------------- ------- ----- ------ ------- ----- ----- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------ -------
Group Proved and
Probable Reserves
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At 31
December
2013 172.1 - 172.1 - - - 113.9 - 113.9 286.0 - 286.0
------------- ------- ----- ------ ------- ----- ----- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------ -------
Revisions
of previous
estimates (3.4) - (3.4) - - - (113.8) - (113.8) (117.2) - (117.2)
------------- ------- ----- ------ ------- ----- ----- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------ -------
Discoveries
and
extensions 4.4 - 4.4 - - - - - - 4.4 - 4.4
------------- ------- ----- ------ ------- ----- ----- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------ -------
Acquisitions - - - - - - - - - - - -
------------- ------- ----- ------ ------- ----- ----- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------ -------
Divestments - - - - - - - - - - - -
------------- ------- ----- ------ ------- ----- ----- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------ -------
Production (11.7) - (11.7) - - - (0.1) - (0.1) (11.8) - (11.8)
------------- ------- ----- ------ ------- ----- ----- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------ -------
At 31
December
2014 161.4 - 161.4 - - - 0.0 - 0.0 161.4 - 161.4
------------- ------- ----- ------ ------- ----- ----- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------ -------
Notes:
- Reserves and resources above are stated on a working interest
basis (i.e. for the Nigerian contracts our net effective ultimate
working interest based on working interest to payback (50% to 100%)
and WI post payback (50%), excluding any amounts provided to
Partners to settle net profit interest obligations, on which no
revenue is generated).
- Proved plus Probable (2P) reserves have been prepared in
accordance with the definitions and guidelines set forth in the
2007 PRMS approved by the SPE.
- Contingent resources are those quantities of petroleum that
are estimated to be potentially recoverable from known
accumulations but for which the projects are not yet considered
mature enough for commercial development due to one or more
contingencies.
- Quantities of oil equivalent are calculated using a gas-to-oil
conversion factor of 5,800 scf of gas per barrel of oil
equivalent.
- The oil price used by NSAI and RPS Energy for their
independent reserve and resource assessments at 31 December 2014
was 2015: US$50/bbl, 2016: US$60/bbl, 2017: US$70/bbl, 2018:
US$80/bbl, 2019+: US$90/bbl flat.
- The oil price used by AGR TRACS for their independent reserve
and resource assessments at 31 July 2014 was US$80/bbl flat.
- The Group provides for depletion and amortisation of tangible
fixed assets on a net entitlement basis, which reflects the terms
of the licenses and agreements relating to each field.
Total net entitlement reserves were 161.4 mmboe at 31 December
2014.
Company Secretary and Registered Office
Elekwachi Ukwu
Afren plc
Kinnaird House
1 Pall Mall East
London SW1Y 5AU
Joint Broker
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
2 King Edward Street
London EC1A 1HQ
www.ml.com
Joint Broker
Morgan Stanley
20 Bank Street
London E14 4AD
www.morganstanley.com
Auditors
Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors
2 New Street Square
London EC4A 3BZ
www.deloitte.com
Financial PR Advisors
Bell Pottinger
Holborn Gate
330 High Holborn
London
WC1V 7QD
www.bell-pottinger.co.uk
Registrars
Computershare Investor Services PLC
PO Box 82, The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol BS99 7NH
www-uk.computershare.com
Legal Advisers
White & Case LLP
5 Old Broad Street
London EC2N 1DW
www.whitecase.com
Afren plc
Kinnaird House
1 Pall Mall East
London SW1Y 5AU
England
T: +44 (0)20 7864 3700
F: +44 (0)20 7864 3701
Email: info@afren.com
Afren Nigeria
1st Floor, The Octagon
13A, A.J. Marinho Drive
Victoria Island Annexe
Lagos
Nigeria
T: +234 (0) 1279 6000
Afren Resources USA, Inc
10001 Woodloch Forest Drive
Suite 600
The Woodlands
Texas 77380
USA
T: +1 281 297 2500
F: +1 281 297 2999
Afren East African Exploration (Kenya) Limited
Delta Corner, Tower B, 8(th) Floor
Waiyaki Way, Westlands
PO Box 61 - 00623
Nairobi
Kenya
Afren MENA Ltd
Erbil Branch
Building C2
Second Floor
Empire Business Complex
Erbil
Kurdistan region of Iraq
T: +964 (0) 6626 41462
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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