First Calgary Petroleums Ltd. Reports Third Quarter Results

 

    TSX: FCP   LSE: FPL     

 

    CALGARY, Nov. 10 /CNW/ - First Calgary Petroleums Ltd. is pleased to

report financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

 

    Report to Shareholders

 

    First Calgary Petroleums Ltd. (FCP or the Company) is an independent oil

and gas company actively engaged in exploration and development activities in

Algeria. FCP holds 100% of the foreign company interest in Blocks 405b and

406a situated in the Berkine Basinin the Sahara Desert. The Company's common

shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol FCP and on the AIM

market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol FPL.

    In June of this year, FCP concluded a review of strategic options to

maximize the value of the Company. Based upon a number of considerations

articulated in the Company's second quarter report to shareholders, it was

decided the long term value of the Company's assets would be maximized by FCP

continuing on a stand alone basis to further explore, appraise and develop its

Algerian holdings. Accordingly, the third quarter marked the beginning of a

new phase for the Company with its focus locked on two principal initiatives:

 

        -  Generating production and cash flow; and

        -  Increasing the proved and probable oil and gas reserves.

 

    To generate production and cash flow, the Company is working with

Sonatrach, Algeria's national oil company and FCP's partner, to commercialize

and develop Ledjmet Block 405b. FCP's current plan is to develop the Block in

stages once each discovery is appraised, with first production from the MLE

field targeted for 2008.

    The Company is actively finalizing the MLE appraisal and reserves

information and evaluating a number of possible development scenarios which

will be reviewed with Sonatrach. Based on this review, the actual development

and engineering plan will be formulated. Once the MLE development plan has

been agreed to, FCP and Sonatrach will jointly seek markets for the planned

production.

    Algeriahas export capacity of approximately 67 billion cubic metres

(BCM) per year of natural gas and plans to increase this capacity to 85 BCM

per year by 2010. Accordingly, the staged development of Block 405b coincides

with Algeria's export goals.

    Along with the Block 405b commercialization initiative, FCP plans to

increase its proved and probable reserves over the next 12 months through

drilling and completions activities. Current plans include drilling up to

seven wells to offset and extend existing discoveries to the west of the MLE

field. In addition, the Company's remaining exploration commitment well,  

ZER-1, will be drilled on the north west part of the Block. Drilling locations

have been selected and site preparations are nearing completion for the next

three wells: LES-3, MZLN-2 and ZER-1. To accelerate the drilling activity, FCP

has contracted a second drilling rig and is negotiating for a third, which, if

contracted, will give the Company three drilling rigs operational in the first

quarter of 2006.

    FCP's second block in Algeria's Berkine Basin is Yacoub Block 406a. With

the five year exploration period for this Block ending on November 10th of

this year, much of the Company's focus and attention during the third quarter

was on drilling exploration prospects and completing the drilling commitments

pursuant to the Block 406a contract.

    During the third quarter, the RTN-1 exploration well was drilled on an

independent structure north of the ZCH-1 discovery well. The RTN-1 wireline

logs indicated limited hydrocarbons and the well was abandoned, as announced

on September 8, 2005.

    Following RTN-1, FCP drilled the ZCH-2 appraisal well which has been

logged and cased as a potential oil and gas well. The Company has been granted

a three month extension beyond the end of the exploration period to complete

its appraisal and delineation of the ZCH reserves and to submit a development

plan. Given the complexity of the ZCH reservoirs as they are currently

understood, the three month extension may not allow sufficient time to fully

appraise the discovery and assess its commercial viability. Accordingly, FCP

will request additional time to complete the ZCH assessment. In the event

additional time is not granted, the Company may decide to cease further

activity on the ZCH discovery and focus its resources entirely on Block 405b.

    Going forward, the commercialization and development of Block 405b is a

major undertaking that will transform FCP into an exploration and production

company. FCP is excited to pursue the MLE development as the initial stage in

this transformation and the value it will create for shareholders.

 

 

    Management's Discussion and Analysis

 

    Management's discussion and analysis (MD&A) should be read in conjunction

with the unaudited interim financial statements for the three and nine month

periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 and the audited financial statements

and MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2004. In this discussion and analysis

$ refers to the U.S. dollar and C$ refers to the Canadian dollar. Additional

information is available on FCP's website at www.fcpl.ca or on SEDAR's website

at www.sedar.com.

    FCP operates in Algeria where it has rights to explore and appraise two

acreage blocks, Ledjmet Block 405b and Yacoub Block 406a. The Company's rights

and obligations are set out in hydrocarbon agreements with Sonatrach, the

national oil company of Algeria, which represents the interest of the state.

 

    Hydrocarbon Agreements

 

    The agreements with Sonatrach govern the exploration, appraisal and

exploitation of hydrocarbons for each Block. The exploration period of the

agreements extend for five years and require FCP to conduct certain drilling

and seismic activities. In return, FCP will earn an interest in commercial

discoveries. Each discovery is subject to an appraisal work programme that may

extend beyond the exploration period of the agreements. Following the

appraisal of each discovery, the Company and Sonatrach will obtain

exploitation permits for any reserves determined to be commercial and all

lands not subject to an exploitation permit will be returned to the

government.

 

    Ledjmet Block 405b

 

    On Block 405b, FCP is party to a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with

Sonatrach. The Company is in the fourth year of the exploration period of the

PSC. The remaining work commitment is to drill one exploration well (ZER-1)

prior to December 2006, estimated to cost $9 million. If the Company fails to

satisfy this work obligation, the rights, other than for which an exploitation

permit has been granted or requested, will be returned and the Company will be

liable to pay Sonatrach a penalty of $6.25 million.

    During the exploitation period, the PSC allocates hydrocarbon production

between FCP and Sonatrach in accordance with a sliding scale formula based on

such factors as production levels, product prices and project investment.

Pursuant to the formula, the Company's annual share of production may range

from 27.72 to 8.16 percent. All Algerian state royalties and income taxes are

paid by Sonatrach from its share of hydrocarbon production. Exploitation

periods for each commercial oil and natural gas discovery are 25 and 30 years,

respectively.

 

    Yacoub Block 406a

 

    On Block 406a, FCP is party to a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with

Sonatrach. The five year exploration period ended on November 10, 2005 at

which time all of the Block acreage, excluding the acreage surrounding the ZCH

discovery, was returned to the Algerian government. All of the exploration

work commitments on this Block have been satisfied. The Company has been

granted a three month extension beyond the end of the exploration period to

complete its appraisal and delineation of the ZCH reserves and to submit a

development plan (see Business Risks and Uncertainties).

    Pursuant to the JVA, exploitation periods for each commercial oil and

natural gas discovery are 15 and 20 years, respectively, plus a five year

extension option. During the exploitation period, the JVA allocates 49 percent

of the hydrocarbon production or equivalent volume thereof to the Company. FCP

is responsible for paying Algerian state royalties and income taxes on its

share of production. A portion of the total recoverable natural gas reserves

above a certain threshold will be considered strategic reserves and excluded

by Algerian law from the JVA.

 

    Capital Expenditures

 

    Capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 totaled

$36.4 million compared to $69.1 million in the first nine months of 2004. Of

the 2005 expenditures:

 

        -  $30.4 million related to completion and production testing the

           LES-2 well, drilling the MLE-6, ZCHW-1, RTN-1, and ZCH-2 wells and

           site preparation costs for future drilling locations;

 

        -  $1.2 million was spent completing the 2004 Block 406a 3D seismic

           programme and other geological interpretation activities;

 

        -  $0.3 million was spent on MLE field development activities;

 

        -  $0.3 million was paid to Sonatrach for annual training bonuses;

           and

 

        -  $4.2 million related to administrative and support services for

           the Algerian operations.

 

    Capital expenditures for the three months ended September 30, 2005

totaled $13.3 million compared to $30.6 million in 2004. Of the third quarter

2005 expenditures, $11.8 million related to drilling, completion and testing

activities, $0.1 million was spent on MLE field development activities,

$0.1 million was spent on seismic and $1.3 million related to administrative

and support services for the Algerian operations.

 

    Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

    FCP continues to rely on equity to fund its operations and capital

programmes. In June 2005, FCP raised $104.6 million, net of issue costs, from

the sale of 16,925,000 common shares through an equity financing (10,577,100

shares at C$8.10 and 6,347,900 shares at pnds stlg 3.59). During the nine

months ended September 30, 2005 the Company received $1.5 million for the

issuance of 1,842,253 common shares from the exercise of stock options and

warrants (three months ended September 30, 2005 - $0.8 million in proceeds

from the issuance of 1,143,468 common shares).

    The fully-diluted number of shares outstanding at the following dates

were:

 

    

                                          November    September     December

    FULLY-DILUTED SHARES OUTSTANDING      10, 2005     30, 2005     31, 2004

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Common shares                      201,986,928  201,853,928  183,086,675

    Employee stock options               6,478,033    6,664,366    7,629,501

    Common share purchase warrants               -            -       68,785

    Non-employee stock options                   -            -      900,000

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Fully-diluted shares outstanding   208,464,961  208,518,294  191,684,961

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

    The Company had working capital of $120.1 million at September 30, 2005

compared to $52.1 million at December 31, 2004. Changes in the Company's

working capital are primarily a function of the timing and magnitude of its

equity financings and capital expenditures. The net increase in working

capital during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was attributed to

$104.6 million in net proceeds from the June public offering, $36.4 million

used to fund capital expenditures, $1.5 million in proceeds from the exercise

of options and warrants, $1.4 million used to fund operations and a foreign

currency loss of $0.3 million.

    During the three months ended September 30, 2005, the $10.4 million net

decrease in the Company's working capital was attributed to $13.3 million used

to fund capital expenditures, $0.8 million in proceeds from the exercise of

options and warrants, $0.1 million to fund operations and a foreign currency

gain of $2.2 million.

    The Company has sufficient working capital at September 30, 2005 to fund

its planned 2006 capital programme and remaining work commitment. Beyond the

current planned expenditures and obligations, the Company will require

additional capital to fund future operations and capital spending.

    In addition, the development of the Company's reserves through to

commercial production will require significant funding that is expected to be

in the form of debt, equity, joint ventures or some combination thereof. FCP

is currently evaluating several development scenarios for the MLE field. The

gross development costs of the various scenarios range up to $800 million

(FCP net $600 million). To develop the Block 405b total proved, probable and

possible reserves, the gross development costs could reach $2 billion (FCP net

$1.5 billion). FCP is obligated to finance 75 percent of the development

expenditures assuming Sonatrach will exercise its right to participate in the

development.

 

    Operating Results and Selected Quarterly Information

 

                                                   2005                  2004

 

    (000's of U.S. dollars)              Q3         Q2         Q1         Q4

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Interest Income                $  1,039   $    428   $    659   $    386

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Expenses

      General and administrative      1,001      1,414      1,139      1,165

      Stock-based compensation          373        503        746      1,442

      Foreign exchange loss (gain)   (2,181)       932      1,527       (820)

      Write-off Yemen investment          -          -          -          -

      Other expenses (recovery)          49         46        (33)      (102)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       (758)     2,895      3,379      1,685

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Income (loss)                     1,797     (2,467)    (2,720)    (1,299)

    Income (loss) per share            0.01      (0.01)     (0.01)     (0.01)

 

    Share capital                   483,852    482,991    377,857    377,288

 

    Working capital (deficiency)    120,145    130,467     38,016     52,115

    Capital assets                  346,438    333,157    322,572    310,053

    Other liabilities                  (405)      (398)      (370)      (339)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Shareholders' equity           $466,178   $463,226   $360,218   $361,829

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

                                                   2004                  2003

 

    (000's of U.S. dollars)              Q3         Q2         Q1         Q4

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Interest Income                $    251   $    238   $    415   $    315

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Expenses

      General and administrative        904      1,048        910        962

      Stock-based compensation          975      1,375      1,389      3,579

      Foreign exchange loss (gain)   (2,151)     1,137        292       (283)

      Write-off Yemen investment          -          -          -      1,035

      Other expenses (recovery)         109         92         90        253

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       (163)     3,652      2,681      5,546

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Income (loss)                       414     (3,414)    (2,266)    (5,231)

    Income (loss) per share            0.00      (0.02)     (0.01)     (0.03)

 

    Share capital                   172,895    172,376    171,897    165,181

 

    Working capital (deficiency)     19,858     48,664     74,659     83,111

    Capital assets                  137,911    107,267     82,886     68,708

    Other liabilities                  (239)      (174)      (151)      (124)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Shareholders' equity           $157,530   $155,757   $157,394   $151,695

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

    The Company's interest income for the three and nine month periods ended

September 30, 2005, was higher compared with the 2004 comparable periods as a

result of higher average cash and term-deposit balances during 2005 and higher

interest rates.

    General and administrative expenses were $3.6 million for the nine months

ended September 30, 2005 compared with $2.9 million in the comparable 2004

period. For the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, the general

and administrative expenses were $1.0 and $0.9 million, respectively. The

increased expense during 2005 was mainly attributed to the corporate strategic

review process and higher employee levels.

    Stock-based compensation expense was $1.6 million for the nine months

ended September 30, 2005 compared with $3.7 million in the comparable 2004

period. For the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, the stock-

based compensation expense was $0.4 and $1.0 million, respectively. The

decrease in expense was primarily attributed to the complete amortization of

certain prior stock option grants and fewer options granted in 2004 and 2005

compared to prior years.

    The Company recorded a foreign exchange loss of $0.3 million for the nine

months ended September 30, 2005 primarily due to a strengthening U.S. dollar

against British pound deposits. During the third quarter, FCP recorded a

$2.2 million foreign exchange gain primarily due to gains realized on the

conversion of foreign currency cash balances to U.S. dollars and a weakening

U.S. dollar against Canadian dollar deposits.

 

    Business Risks and Uncertainties

 

    The MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2004 includes an overview of

certain of the business risks and uncertainties facing the Company. Those

risks remain in effect as at September 30, 2005.

    The exploration period on Block 406a ended on November 10, 2005 and the

Company has been granted a three month extension to complete its appraisal and

delineation of the ZCH reserves and to submit a development plan. Given the

complexity of the ZCH reservoirs as they are currently understood, the three

month extension may not allow sufficient time to fully appraise the discovery

and assess its commercial viability. Accordingly, FCP will request additional

time to complete the ZCH assessment. In the event additional time is not

granted, the Company may decide to cease further activity on the ZCH discovery

and focus its resources entirely on Block 405b. Based upon the Company's

independent reserves report prepared as at December 31, 2004, the estimated

future net revenue attributed to the Block 406a estimated reserves was

approximately 10 percent of the Company's total estimated future net revenue.

 

    Outlook

 

    The Company's primary objectives going forward are to generate production

and cash flow as expeditiously as possible and increase the proved and

probable oil and gas reserves.

    FCP's activities on Block 405b will focus on commercializing the Block

with a staged development plan that targets the MLE field being on stream in

2008, increasing the proved and probable reserves through appraisal drilling

and completions activities and completing its remaining exploration drilling

commitment.

 

    Advisory Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

    Certain information with respect to the Company contained in this report

contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are

based on assumptions and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some

of which are beyond FCP's control, including the impact of general economic

conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, currency

exchange rate fluctuations, reserve estimates, environmental risks,

competition from other explorers, stock market volatility and the ability to

access sufficient capital. FCP's actual results, performance or achievement

could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-

looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any events

anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur.

 

    November 10, 2005

 

 

 

    FIRST CALGARY PETROLEUMS LTD.

    Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

    (Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                        September   December

                                                          30 2005    31 2004

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                       (Unaudited)  (Audited)

    Assets

 

    Current assets:

      Cash and short-term deposits (note 2)             $ 131,050  $  81,874

      Accounts receivable                                     258        357

      Deposits and prepaid expenses                           357        758

      -----------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                          131,665     82,989

 

    Property, plant and equipment                         346,438    310,053

 

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                        $ 478,103  $ 393,042

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

    Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

 

    Current liabilities:

      Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

       (note 3)                                         $  11,520  $  30,874

 

    Asset retirement obligations                              405        339

 

    Shareholders' equity:

      Capital stock (note 4)                              483,852    377,288

      Contributed surplus (note 4)                         10,616      9,441

      Cumulative translation adjustment                     6,502      6,502

      Deficit                                             (34,792)   (31,402)

      -----------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                          466,178    361,829

 

    Operations and commitments (note 1)

 

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                        $ 478,103  $ 393,042

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

    See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

    FIRST CALGARY PETROLEUMS LTD.

    Consolidated Statements of Operations and Deficit

 

    (Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)

    (Unaudited)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    Three months ended     Nine months ended

                                          September 30          September 30

                                       2005       2004       2005       2004

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

    Revenue:

      Interest                    $   1,039  $     251  $   2,126  $     904

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

    Expenses:

      General and administrative      1,001        904      3,554      2,862

      Foreign exchange loss (gain)   (2,181)    (2,151)       278       (722)

      Stock-based compensation

       (note 4)                         373        975      1,622      3,739

      Capital taxes (recovery)           28         89         (1)       232

      Depreciation and accretion         21         20         63         59

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       (758)      (163)     5,516      6,170

 

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Income (loss) for the period      1,797        414     (3,390)    (5,266)

 

    Deficit, beginning of period    (36,589)   (30,517)   (31,402)   (24,837)

 

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Deficit, end of period        $ (34,792) $ (30,103) $ (34,792) $ (30,103)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

    Income (loss) per share

     (note 4)                     $    0.01  $    0.00  $   (0.02) $   (0.03)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

    See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

    FIRST CALGARY PETROLEUMS LTD.

    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

    (Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)

    (Unaudited)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    Three months ended     Nine months ended

                                          September 30          September 30

                                       2005       2004       2005       2004

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

    Operating activities:

      Income (loss) for the

       period                     $   1,797  $     414  $  (3,390) $  (5,266)

      Items not involving cash:

        Stock-based compensation        373        975      1,622      3,739

        Unrealized foreign exchange

         loss (gain)                    273     (2,110)       521       (770)

        Depreciation and accretion       21         20         63         59

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      2,464       (701)    (1,184)    (2,238)

      Change in non-cash working

       capital                       (3,239)        33     (2,231)      (160)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       (775)      (668)    (3,415)    (2,398)

 

    Financing activities:

      Proceeds from issuance

       of shares                          -          -    110,502          -

      Proceeds from exercise

       of options and warrants          806        384      1,505      7,376

      Issue costs                       (26)         -     (5,890)       (14)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                        780        384    106,117      7,362

 

    Investing activities:

      Capital expenditures          (13,295)   (30,599)   (36,382)   (69,147)

      Change in non-cash working

       capital                          576      8,940    (16,847)     9,876

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    (12,719)   (21,659)   (53,229)   (59,271)

 

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Increase (decrease) in

     cash and short-term deposits   (12,714)   (21,943)    49,473    (54,307)

 

    Effect of exchange rate

     fluctuations on cash

     and short-term deposits          2,166      2,110       (297)       770

 

    Cash and short-term deposits,

     beginning of period            141,598     61,481     81,874     95,185

 

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Cash and short-term deposits,

     end of period                $ 131,050  $  41,648  $ 131,050  $  41,648

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

    See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

    FIRST CALGARY PETROLEUMS LTD.

    Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 

    Nine months ended September 30, 2005 (unaudited)

    (Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

        The interim consolidated financial statements of First Calgary

        Petroleums Ltd. (FCP or the Company) have been prepared by

        management in accordance with accounting principles generally

        accepted in Canada following the same accounting policies as the

        consolidated financial statements for the year ended

        December 31, 2004. The disclosures included below are incremental to

        those included with the annual consolidated financial statements. The

        interim consolidated financial statements should be read in

        conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes

        thereto for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

    1.  Operations and commitments:

 

        The Company's operations are in Algeria where it has the rights to

        explore and appraise two blocks, Yacoub Block 406a
        (Block 406a) and Ledjmet Block 405b (Block 405b). The Company's

        rights and obligations in each Block are set out in agreements with

        Sonatrach, the national oil company of Algeria. These agreements

        govern the exploration, appraisal and exploitation of hydrocarbons

        for each Block. The exploration period of the agreements extend for

        five years and require FCP to conduct certain drilling and seismic

        activities over periods of time. In return, FCP will earn an

        interest in commercial discoveries. Each discovery is subject to an

        appraisal work programme that may extend beyond the exploration

        period of the agreements. Following the appraisal of each discovery,

        the Company and Sonatrach will obtain exploitation permits for any

        reserves determined to be commercial and all lands not subject to an

        exploitation permit will be returned to the government.

 

        (a) Block 406a:

 

            In 2000 the Company entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA)

            with Sonatrach to explore Block 406a in the Berkine Basin. The

            five year exploration period ended on November 10, 2005 at which

            time all of the Block acreage, excluding the acreage surrounding

            the ZCH discovery, was returned to the Algerian government. All

            of the exploration work commitments on this Block have been

            satisfied. The Company has been granted a three month extension

            beyond the end of the exploration period to complete its

            appraisal and delineation of the ZCH reserves and to submit a

            development plan. Given the complexity of the ZCH reservoirs as

            they are currently understood, the three month extension may not

            allow sufficient time to fully appraise the discovery and assess

            its commercial viability. Accordingly, FCP will request

            additional time to complete the ZCH assessment. In the event

            additional time is not granted, the Company may decide to cease

            further activity on the ZCH discovery.

 

            Pursuant to the JVA, exploitation periods for each commercial oil

            and natural gas discovery are 15 and 20 years, respectively, plus

            a five year extension option. During the exploitation period, the

            JVA allocates 49 percent of the hydrocarbon production or

            equivalent volume thereof to the Company. FCP is responsible for

            paying Algerian state royalties and income taxes on its share of

            production. A portion of the total recoverable natural gas

            reserves above a certain threshold will be considered strategic

            reserves and excluded by Algerian law from the JVA. In addition,

            the Company is obligated to pay an annual training bonus in the

            amount of $150 for the duration of the contract, including

            exploitation periods.

 

        (b) Block 405b:

 

            In 2001 the Company entered into a Production Sharing Contract

            (PSC) with Sonatrach to explore and appraise Block 405b in the

            Berkine Basin. The Company is in the fourth year of the

            exploration period of the PSC. The remaining work commitment is

            to drill one exploration well (ZER-1) prior to December 2006,

            estimated to cost $9 million. If the Company fails to satisfy

            this work obligation, the rights, other than for which an

            exploitation permit has been granted or requested, will be

            returned and the Company will be liable to pay Sonatrach a

            penalty of $6.25 million.

 

            During the exploitation period, the PSC allocates hydrocarbon

            production between FCP and Sonatrach in accordance with a sliding

            scale formula based on such factors as production levels, product

            prices and project investment. Pursuant to the formula, the

            Company's annual share of production may range from 27.72 to

            8.16 percent. All Algerian state royalties and income taxes are

            paid by Sonatrach from its share of hydrocarbon production.

            Exploitation periods for each commercial oil and natural gas

            discovery are 25 and 30 years, respectively. In addition, the

            Company is obligated to pay an annual training bonus in the

            amount of $150 for the duration of the contract, including

            exploitation periods.

 

            The contract provides the Company with the right to appraise and

            develop the MLE reserves discovered with the MLE-1 well. As

            compensation for the right to access the MLE discovery, the

            Company is committed to pay Sonatrach a reserve-based access fee

            of $0.25 per barrel of oil equivalent calculated on the total

            estimated recoverable MLE reserves. The access fee will be

            determined at the time the MLE reserves are declared commercial

            by Sonatrach and will be payable as a deduction from Sonatrach's

            share of the MLE development expenditures.

 

        While the Company currently has sufficient resources to meet its

        remaining work commitment, these resources may be directed to other,

        optional capital programmes depending on the success of expenditures

        and other opportunities which become available to the Company. In

        addition, the development of the Company's reserves through to

        commercial production will require significant funding in the form of

        debt, equity, joint ventures or some combination thereof. FCP is

        currently evaluating several development scenarios for the MLE field.

        The gross development costs of the various scenarios range up to

        $800 million (FCP net $600 million). To develop the Block 405b total

        proved, probable and possible reserves, gross development costs could

        reach $2 billion (FCP net $1.5 billion). FCP is obligated to finance

        75 percent of the development expenditures assuming Sonatrach will

        exercise its right to participate in the development.

 

    2.  Cash and short-term deposits:

 

        The Company considers deposits in banks, certificates of deposit and

        short-term investments with original maturities of three months or

        less as cash and short-term deposits. The components of cash and

        short-term deposits are as follows:

 

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                        September   December

                                                          30 2005    31 2004

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

        Cash on deposit:

          U.S. dollars                                  $   4,966  $   1,833

          Algerian dinars                                   1,314        577

          Canadian dollars                                    468        482

          British pounds                                      270      1,574

 

        Bank term deposits:

          U.S. dollars                                    114,131        506

          British pounds                                    5,288     54,823

          Canadian dollars                                  4,613     22,079

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                        $ 131,050  $  81,874

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

 

        As at September 30, 2005, $1.8 million was restricted until

        January 2006 for an inventory purchase.

 

    3.  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:

 

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                        September   December

                                                          30 2005    31 2004

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

        Trade payables:

          U.S. dollars                                  $   4,661  $  13,004

          Algerian dinars                                   1,958      3,746

          Canadian dollars                                    276      2,151

          British pounds                                       75        423

 

        Capital accrual:

          U.S. dollars                                      4,550     11,550

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                        $  11,520  $  30,874

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

 

    4.  Capital stock:

 

        (a) Issued share capital:

 

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                        Number of

                                                           Shares     Amount

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

        Common shares:

          Balance, December 31, 2004                  183,086,675  $ 377,288

            Issued on public offering(i)               16,925,000    110,502

            Issued on exercise of share purchase

             warrants                                      68,785        177

            Issued on exercise of employee stock

             options                                      873,468        810

            Issued on exercise of non-employee

             stock options(ii)                            900,000        518

            Transfer from contributed surplus on

             exercise of stock options and warrants             -        447

            Share issue costs                                   -     (5,890)

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

          Balance, September 30, 2005                 201,853,928  $ 483,852

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

 

            (i)  In June 2005 the Company closed a financing arrangement by

                 issuing 16,925,000 common shares for gross proceeds of

                 $110.5 million (10,577,100 common shares at C$8.10 per share

                 and 6,347,900 common shares at pnds stlg 3.59 per share).

                 The issue costs were $5.9 million.

 

            (ii) Relate to stock options granted to consultants in 2002.

 

        (b) Employee stock options:

 

            Pursuant to the Stock Option Plan, the Company has 11,302,762

            common shares reserved for issuance. Stock options granted

            under the plan have a term of five years and vesting terms are

            determined at the discretion of the Board, ranging between two

            and three years. The exercise price of each option is equal to

            the market price of the shares on the date preceding the date

            of the grant. The following table summarizes the changes in

            stock options outstanding at September 30, 2005:

 

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                    Weighted

                                                                     Average

                                                        Number of   Exercise

                                                          Options      Price

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

        Outstanding, December 31, 2004                  7,629,501  C$   3.47

          Exercised                                      (873,468)      1.13

          Cancelled                                       (91,667)     11.15

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

        Outstanding, September 30, 2005                 6,664,366  C$   3.67

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

 

            The following table summarizes information about the options

            outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2005:

 

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  Options Outstanding    Options Exercisable

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

                                   Weighted

                                    Average   Weighted              Weighted

                                  Remaining    Average               Average

        Range of                Contractual   Exercise              Exercise

        Exercise price  Options        Life      Price    Options      Price

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

        C$0.50-0.95   1,621,700   1.0 years   C$  0.63  1,621,700   C$  0.63

        C$1.25-1.90     755,000   1.7 years       1.25    755,000       1.25

        C$2.36-2.95     900,000   2.3 years       2.60    900,000       2.60

        C$4.72-4.72   2,502,333   3.1 years       4.72  1,659,000       4.72

        C$7.45-7.81     501,333   3.3 years       7.66    343,000       7.67

        C$10.95-15.77   384,000   3.9 years      11.63    244,000      11.40

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

                      6,664,366   2.4 years   C$  3.67  5,522,700   C$  3.18

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

 

        (c) Common share purchase warrants:

 

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                    Weighted

                                                                     Average

                                                        Number of   Exercise

                                                         Warrants      Price

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

        Outstanding, December 31, 2004                     68,785  C$   3.15

          Exercised                                       (68,785)      3.15

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

        Outstanding, September 30, 2005                         -          -

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

 

        (d) Stock-based compensation expense:

 

            For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, the Company

            recorded $1.6 million (2004 - $3.7 million) of stock-based

            compensation expense with a corresponding increase in

            contributed surplus (three months ended September 30, 2005 -

            $0.4 million; 2004 - $1.0 million). There were no options granted

            during the first nine months of 2005. The fair value of the

            options granted in the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was

            estimated to be C$5.20 per option and was determined using the

            Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following

            assumptions: expected volatility of 81 percent, risk-free

            interest rate of 3.8 percent and expected lives of 3 years.

 

        (e) Contributed surplus:

 

            The changes in the contributed surplus balance are as follows:

 

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

        Balance, December 31, 2004                                 $   9,441

          Amortization of expense for options previously granted       1,622

          Options and warrants exercised, transfer to share capital     (447)

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

        Balance, September 30, 2005                                $  10,616

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

 

        (f) Per share amounts:

 

            The loss per share is based on the weighted average shares

            outstanding for the period. The weighted average shares

            outstanding for the three and nine month periods ended

            September 30, 2005 were 201,487,820 and 189,675,069 respectively,

            (2004 - 165,527,237 and 164,892,695).

 

    5.  Segmented information:

 

        The Company's activities are conducted in two geographic segments:

        Canada and Algeria. All activities relate to exploration and

        development of petroleum and natural gas in Algeria.

 

        Three months ended September 30         Canada    Algeria      Total

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

          2005

            Capital expenditures             $       2  $  13,293  $  13,295

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

          2004

            Capital expenditures             $      10  $  30,589  $  30,599

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

 

        Nine months ended September 30          Canada    Algeria      Total

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

          2005

            Capital expenditures             $      19  $  36,363  $  36,382

            Assets                             131,802    346,301    478,103

        ----------------------------------------------------------------------

          2004

            Capital expenditures             $      16  $  69,131  $  69,147

            Assets                              40,889    139,023    179,912

        ---------------------------------------------------------------------

 

   

    For further information: Richard G. Anderson, President & Chief

Executive Officer, FIRST CALGARY PETROLEUMS LTD., Suite 900,       

520 - 5 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB, T2P 3R7, tel: (403) 264-6697,             

fax: (403) 264-3955, email: info(at)fcpl.ca, web site: www.fcpl.ca;

European contacts: James Henderson, PELHAM PUBLIC RELATIONS,

Tel: +44 (0) 207 743 6673; Carina Corbett, 4C - BURVALE LIMITED,

Tel: +44 (0) 207 907 4761

    (FPL)

 

 

 

 

 



END



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