Interim Results

Cairn Energy PLC 02 September 2002 EMBARGOED UNTIL 0700 2 September 2002 CAIRN ENERGY PLC INTERIM RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT HIGHLIGHTS Financial • Average production 21,272 boepd (H1 2001: 19,962 boepd) • Average price received per boe $20.01 (H1 2001: $22.54 per boe) • Turnover £53.7m (H1 2001: £56.8m) • Profit after tax £15.6m (H1 2001: £22.8m) • Operating cash flow £39.8m (H1 2001: £40.2m) Operational • Acquisition of remaining 50% interest in Block RJ-ON-90/1 onshore Rajasthan • Lakshmi gas development progressed - first gas Q3/Q4 2002 • Oil discovery at Lakshmi on Block CB/OS-2 offshore Gujarat in Western India • Gauri gas field on Block CB/OS-2 declared commercial • Significant progress made in technical analysis of Krishna-Godavari Basin deep water potential offshore Andhra Pradesh in Eastern India Bill Gammell, Chief Executive, commented: 'The first half of 2002 was characterised by strong financial results and an intensive programme to develop the commercial potential of our recent exploration successes. During the second half we intend to concentrate operational activities on our acreage in Western India and are planning a multi-well drilling programme both offshore Gujarat and onshore Rajasthan. I am also pleased to announce today Cairn's acquisition of Shell India's 50% interest in Rajasthan Block RJ-ON-90/1. We anticipate significant additional hydrocarbon potential in this area and with a 100% interest, will now be accelerating exploration and appraisal drilling on the block.' Enquiries to: Cairn Energy PLC: Bill Gammell, Chief Executive Tel: 07785 557 310 Kevin Hart, Finance Director Tel: 07771 934 974 Dr Mike Watts, Exploration Director Tel: 07768 631 328 Brunswick Group Limited: Patrick Handley, Catherine Bertwistle, Mark Antelme Tel: 0207 404 5959 CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT OVERVIEW Cairn has consistently sought to add and realise value for its shareholders through exploration success. This focus on exploration has been further defined by concentrating on a single geographic region - the Indian subcontinent. Amongst the international oil companies, Cairn has developed a pre-eminent industry position in this region. The Group has material exploration and production interests in Bangladesh and both the west and east coasts of India. Demand for energy in India remains unfulfilled; the Group's interests in India and Bangladesh are strategically placed to assist in the supply of this large and growing energy market. Cairn's strategy of seeking to add shareholder value through exploration was successfully rewarded during 2001 and the first half of 2002 by the Group making ten hydrocarbon discoveries. Of these, four (Gauri, Ambe, Parvati and Lakshmi oil) were made offshore in the shallow water depths of Gujarat Block CB/OS-2 and one (Saraswati) was made onshore in Rajasthan Block RJ-ON-90/1. The other five discoveries were all made in deep water offshore Andhra Pradesh in the Krishna-Godavari Basin Block KG-DWN-98/2. The discoveries have the potential to add significantly to the Group's existing proved plus probable booked reserves. A subsequent technical and commercial evaluation to rank the Group's discoveries has prioritised Saraswati, Lakshmi oil and Gauri gas, all located in Western India, as the projects closest to commerciality in the near term. Further technical evaluation of the discoveries in Eastern India is required prior to additional drilling in the Krishna-Godavari Basin deep water. I am pleased to announce that the Group has agreed to acquire Shell India's 50% interest in Block RJ-ON-90/1 onshore Rajasthan. Cairn has also secured a three year extension to the exploration term of the block, on which there have been two previous oil discoveries (including the potentially commercial Saraswati discovery). This key acquisition reflects Cairn's view that significant additional hydrocarbon potential exists on the block. As a consequence of this transaction Cairn is now able to focus on an accelerated exploration and appraisal drilling programme on the block. This initial programme is due to commence in Q4 2002 and will comprise appraisal drilling on Saraswati, an exploration well in the Greater Saraswati area and an additional exploration well on the central basin high. The Lakshmi gas field on Block CB/OS-2 offshore Western India is under development, with first gas expected Q3/Q4 2002. In addition, Cairn has received formal Government approval of the commerciality of the Gauri gas field and intends to proceed to further delineate and develop Gauri gas. Development wells on Gauri will be deepened to appraise the oil reservoirs. Oil zones beneath Lakshmi were discovered in April 2002 and flowed at a cumulative rate of 10,446 bopd on test. A three well appraisal drilling campaign to determine the commerciality of Lakshmi oil is scheduled for Q4 2002/Q1 2003. If successful, this campaign is expected to lead to an initial development with one or two horizontal wells before proceeding with a full development. The oil zones discovered beneath the gas reservoirs at Gauri could also potentially form another separate development. Further exploration and appraisal drilling will be required to evaluate the overall oil and gas potential on Block CB/OS-2. The Directors believe that significant oil potential could exist not only beneath Lakshmi and Gauri, but on the block as a whole. Particular emphasis will be placed on exploring the eastern portion of the block, where thicker reservoirs are known to occur. A seismic survey is planned over this area in Q1 2003 with the expectation that this will form the basis for a multi-well onshore exploration programme in 2003 and 2004. In the Krishna-Godavari Basin offshore Eastern India the Group made five hydrocarbon discoveries in 2001. A detailed technical evaluation of these discoveries has been ongoing in the first half of 2002 to assess the potential for commercial volumes and to highlight additional potential in nearby prospects. An exploration and appraisal drilling programme is planned for 2003/ 2004 on Blocks KG-DWN-98/2 and KG-OS/6, subject to the results of the technical evaluation. Cairn's strategy is to add to its Indian portfolio by acquiring promising exploration acreage on attractive terms. The Group has bid for further exploration acreage in the third round of India's New Exploration Licensing Policy, which closed on 28 August 2002. The results of the bid round are expected to be announced by the end of 2002. Annual offtake from the Sangu gas field in Bangladesh has risen steadily since it commenced production in 1998. However, offtake continues to be below the field's production capacity, indicating a saturated domestic market. This year has seen a stabilisation in payments for Sangu gas and a long term contractual dispute has been settled via an expert procedure in the joint venture's favour. Export of gas from Bangladesh continues to be discussed at the political level and a Government decision is awaited. RESULTS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE Near record levels of production and a sustained strong product price environment have enabled Cairn to progress the Lakshmi gas development without compromising the Group's robust financial position. % Increase/ Key Statistics H1 2002 H1 2001 (Decrease) Production (boepd) 21,272 19,962 7 Average price per boe ($) 20.01 22.54 (11) Turnover (£m) 53.7 56.8 (5) Average production costs per boe (£) 3.70 3.80 (3) Profit before tax (£m) 20.6 32.7 (37) Profit after tax (£m) 15.6 22.8 (32) Operating cashflow (£m) 39.8 40.2 (1) Average daily production was 21,272 boepd representing a 7% increase year on year (H1 2001: 19,962). The average oil price realised for the first half of 2002 was $20.01 per boe compared with $22.54 per boe for the equivalent period in 2001. As a result of the lower average oil price realised, turnover decreased by 5% year on year to £53.7m (H1 2001: £56.8m). The Group generated a profit before tax of £20.6m (H1 2001: £32.7m). Average production costs for the period were £3.70 per boe (H1 2001: £3.80 per boe). Payments for Sangu gas remain six months in arrears. The net amount currently overdue to Cairn is £26.4m. Average cost of sales were £6.58 per boe, up 18% on the same period last year (H1 2001: £5.60 per boe) due largely to an increased depletion charge as a consequence of booking Lakshmi reserves. Administrative expenses for the period were £6.1m (H1 2001: £5.3m). Net interest payable was £1.2m (H1 2001: net receivable £1.3m), including a foreign currency exchange loss of £0.1m (H1 2001: gain of £0.4m). The results include an exceptional write-down of £0.8m relating to the reversal of a prior conditional transfer of the Group's interest in Papua New Guinea. A tax charge of £5.0m (H1 2001: £9.9m) arises on profits in India and the UK. The tax charge includes a credit of £5.1m resulting from a reduction in the effective rate of tax in India from 48% to 42%. The tax charge also includes a £1.8m charge for H1 2002 and a prior year adjustment of £9.5m as a result of the move to full provisioning pursuant to FRS 19 Deferred Taxation. Profit after tax and exceptional items for the period was £15.6m (H1 2001: £22.8m). The Group's operating cash flow remained strong over the period at £39.8m (H1 2001: £40.2m). Cash outflow from capital expenditure during the first half totalled £54.7m (H1 2001: £56.3m), the majority of which was development spend in respect of the Lakshmi gas field. As a consequence of the capital expenditure undertaken, the Group had drawn $88.6m under its existing facilities as at 30 June 2002, resulting in Group net debt of £49.4m at the half year (H1 2001: net cash £4.3m). This represents gearing of 15%. OPERATIONS INDIA Eastern India - Krishna-Godavari ('KG') Basin Production Ravva (Cairn 22.5% and operator) Average gross daily production from Ravva for the first half of 2002 was 51,391 bopd and 66 mmscfd (H1 2001: 46,600 bopd and 25 mmscfd). In May 2002 the Ravva joint venture completed an exploration well (RX-7) in the extreme north-east of the block. The well encountered oil shows in the early Miocene section and a drill stem test was conducted, however no flow of formation fluids was established and the well was plugged and abandoned. The results of the well have been integrated into the 3D seismic interpretation over the entire block. This interpretation has identified a large number of leads and prospects of which 18 have been high graded for further evaluation. Further exploration drilling is anticipated in 2003/2004. Exploration Block KG-DWN-98/2 (Cairn 100% and operator) During 2001, Cairn completed a very successful initial exploration programme on this deep water block, achieving five hydrocarbon discoveries from five exploration wells drilled in the Plio-Pleistocene age turbidite reservoirs. These comprised the 'N' and 'R' (Annapurna) gas discoveries and the 'P' (Kanaka Durga), 'M' (Padmavati) and 'Q' oil and gas discoveries. The 'Q' well encountered only a thin oil and gas column but extended the occurrence of known oil further into the offshore basin. Cairn's technical team is reviewing and evaluating the data acquired in last year's successful drilling programme and, subject to the results of the technical review, it is anticipated that further exploration/appraisal wells will be drilled in the KG Basin during 2003/2004. Block KG-OS/6 (Cairn 50% and operator) The Government of India has approved a one year extension to the current exploration phase of the block, effective from 30 June 2002. Following this approval, the Group plans to conduct further exploration drilling during 2003/ 2004, subject to the results of the technical review. Western India Block CB/OS-2, Cambay Basin Cairn holds a 75% exploration interest and is operator for the CB/OS-2 joint venture, which includes TATA (15%) and ONGC (10%). ONGC has a right to increase its stake by 30% in the event of a commercial discovery on the block and has exercised this right in respect of the ring-fenced Lakshmi development area. The equity holdings for the Lakshmi development area are therefore Cairn 50%, TATA 10% and ONGC 40%. Exploration (Cairn 75% and operator) Exploration drilling by the joint venture on this block has resulted in five hydrocarbon discoveries since 2000 - Lakshmi gas, Lakshmi oil, Gauri (gas and oil), Ambe (gas and oil) and Parvati (oil). The Lakshmi oil discovery was made in April 2002 and flowed at a cumulative rate of 10,446 bopd on test. Current oil in place estimates for Lakshmi oil are between 100 and 300 mmbbls, with estimated mean recoverable reserves of approximately 66 mmbbls. Further appraisal drilling to delineate the potential oil development area beneath the Lakshmi gas field is planned to commence in Q4 2002, with a possible view to implementing an early oil production system. The Gauri gas field was declared commercial July 2002 and ONGC has subsequently exercised its 30% back-in right in respect of Gauri. It is considered that some of the Gauri reservoirs are in communication with the adjacent producing Hazira field, operated by Niko. Current recoverable reserve estimates for Gauri gas are in the 60 to 200 bcf range. Development plan options, anticipating an initial 40 mmscfd plateau are under consideration by the joint venture. Oil has also been discovered beneath the gas reservoirs at Gauri, for which further appraisal will be required to evaluate the potential. This can be achieved as part of the gas development drilling programme planned for 2003. A seismic survey is planned in the east of Block CB/OS-2 early in 2003. Further exploration drilling in the east and west of the block will also be required to evaluate the overall oil and gas potential. Lakshmi Development Area and GSCs (Cairn 50% and operator) The development of the Lakshmi gas field is nearing completion, with first gas expected in Q3/Q4 2002. Two GSCs were signed by the CB/OS-2 joint venture in May 2001 with GPEC and GGCL respectively, for the sale of gas from Lakshmi into the industrialised Gujarat market. The Lakshmi facilities will initially have a maximum processing capacity of 150 mmscfd of sales gas. The two GSCs are specific to Lakshmi and exclude the other gas discoveries on the block, namely Gauri and Ambe. Cairn anticipates additional gas sales arrangements being entered into in due course in respect of these other discoveries. Block RJ-ON-90/1, Rajasthan Basin (Cairn 100% and operator) Cairn has reached agreement with Shell India to acquire its 50% working interest in Rajasthan, thereby increasing Cairn's interest to 100%, subject to required approvals. The RJ-H-1 exploration well drilled near the basin flank in November 2001 flowed at a cumulative rate of 2,020 bopd from two separate intervals. Initial estimates for the discovery, named Saraswati, put mean recoverable reserves of oil at approximately 34 mmbbls. Appraisal drilling on the Saraswati structure is planned for Q4 2002. In addition, a number of leads and prospects have been identified in the basin and Cairn plans to commence exploration drilling in Q4 2002. ONGC has a right to a 30% equity interest in the event of a commercial discovery on the block, which if exercised would mean that Cairn's interest in any development area would reduce from 100% to 70%. New Exploration Licensing Policy - Third Bid Round (NELP-III) Cairn has submitted bids for further exploration acreage pursuant to the third round of India's New Exploration Licensing Policy, which closed on 28 August 2002. There were 27 acreage blocks on offer in NELP-III and awards of these blocks are expected to be made by the end of 2002. BANGLADESH Production Sangu Development Area (Shell Bangladesh operator, Cairn 37.5%) During the first half of 2002, gross daily offtake from the Sangu gas field averaged 135 mmscfd (H1 2001: 144 mmscfd). The realised gas price for the period was $2.92/mcf (H1 2001: $2.91/mcf). Notwithstanding the lower average for H1 2002, annual production from the field has risen steadily since its inception in 1998 and this trend is expected to continue. Sangu has the capacity to supply 250 mmscfd although production is constrained by local demand. As a consequence, daily offtake fluctuates significantly as the field is being used by Petrobangla as a swing producer to balance supply shortfalls elsewhere in the Bangladeshi system. Exploration Block 16 (Shell Bangladesh operator, Cairn 50%) The operator is continuing discussions with Petrobangla and the Government of Bangladesh regarding an extension of the final exploration period which expired in May 2001. Block 15 (Shell Bangladesh operator, Cairn 50%) The operator is continuing discussions with Petrobangla and the Government of Bangladesh regarding entering the final extension of the exploration period which expired in December 2000. Blocks 5 and 10 (Shell Bangladesh operator, Cairn 45%) Cairn and Shell Bangladesh signed PSCs for Blocks 5 and 10 in July 2001 and each hold a 45% interest in these blocks, the remaining 10% being held by Bapex. It has been agreed with the Government of Bangladesh that, for the first five years following signature, commitment exploration wells will not have to be drilled on the blocks until the joint venture opines that there is a demonstrable market for any gas that may be discovered. NORTH SEA The Group holds small non-operated producing interests in the Gryphon field in the UK North Sea and several producing interests in the Netherlands North Sea. Average net production for these two areas during the first half of 2002 was 3,117 boepd (H1 2001: 2,987 boepd). Value continues to be added to these interests through a combination of incremental developments and third party tariff agreements. The Gryphon co-venturers have reached agreement with the operators of the Maclure and Tullich fields to route production from both fields via a tieback to the Gryphon floating production, storage and offloading facility. Third party production through Gryphon from Maclure commenced in July and Tullich in August. In the Netherlands North Sea the P/6-D satellite gas field commenced production from a single development well in October 2001, with gas being evacuated to the P/6 main platform. In addition, the Markham gas field derives third party tariff income from the neighbouring Windermere, KG/4a-D and KG/1a fields. RESERVES The Group's proved plus probable booked reserves at 30 June 2002 were 97 mmboe on a net entitlement basis (equivalent to 132 mmboe on a working interest basis), with 95% of these reserves located in the Indian subcontinent. In comparison, proved plus probable booked reserves at 30 June 2001 were 89 mmboe on a net entitlement basis and 124 mmboe on a working interest basis. OUTLOOK The outlook for the second half of 2002 is positive from both an operational and financial perspective. The Group will continue to focus on opportunities which the Directors believe have the potential for material shareholder value addition and will prioritise further exploration, appraisal and development activity accordingly. With the Lakshmi gas field due onstream later this year, the Group will also benefit from additional production and the resulting revenues. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Norman Lessels CBE retired as Chairman and as a Non-Executive Director at the Annual General Meeting on 1 May 2002. Mr Lessels had been a Director of Cairn for 13 years and Chairman for 10 years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him on behalf of all of the Directors for his excellent guidance and significant contribution to the Board during his tenure. Norman Murray Chairman 2 September 2002 GLOSSARY OF TERMS The following are the main terms and abbreviations used in the Chairman's Statement:- Corporate Bapex Bangladesh Exploration Petroleum Co. Ltd. Cairn the Company and/or its subsidiaries as appropriate GGCL Gujarat Gas Company Limited GPEC Gujarat Powergen Energy Corporation Limited Niko Niko Resources Ltd. ONGC Oil & Natural Gas Company Ltd. (Indian state oil and gas company) Petrobangla Bangladesh Oil, Gas & Mineral Corporation (Bangladesh state oil and gas company) Shell Bangladesh Shell Bangladesh Exploration and Development B.V. Shell India Shell India Production and Development B.V. TATA TATA Petrodyne Limited The Board the Board of Directors of Cairn Energy PLC The Company Cairn Energy PLC The Group the Company and its subsidiaries Technical 2D two dimensional 3D three dimensional bcf billion cubic feet boe barrels of oil equivalent boepd barrels of oil equivalent per day bopd barrels of oil per day GSC Gas Sales Contract km kilometres km2 square kilometres /mcf per thousand cubic feet of gas mmbbls million barrels of oil mmscf million standard cubic feet of gas mmscfd million standard cubic feet of gas per day PSC Production Sharing Contract Note: This announcement contains forward looking statements that reflect Cairn's expectations regarding future events. Forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events could differ materially from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors including the uncertainties relating to oil and gas exploration and production and sale of oil and gas. Consolidated Profit and Loss Account (Unaudited) For the six months to 30 June 2002 Six months Six months Year ended to 30 June to 30 June 31 December 2002 2001 2001 Notes £'000 £'000 £'000 Turnover 53,669 56,788 107,427 Cost of sales Production costs (13,956) (13,616) (24,708) Depletion (10,848) (6,317) (20,704) Decommissioning charge (233) (201) (225) Gross profit 28,632 36,654 61,790 Administrative expenses (6,062) (5,290) (10,406) Operating profit 22,570 31,364 51,384 Exceptional write-down of oil and gas assets (787) - - Profit on ordinary activities before interest 21,783 31,364 51,384 Interest receivable and similar income 366 1,786 1,835 Interest payable and similar charges (1,573) (465) (1,193) Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 20,576 32,685 52,026 Taxation on profit on ordinary activities - current (1,527) 1,874 (3,601) - deferred (3,447) (11,766) (14,815) (4,974) (9,892) (18,416) Profit for the period 15,602 22,793 33,610 Earnings per ordinary share - basic 1 10.79p 15.82p 23.29p Earnings per ordinary share - diluted 2 10.72p 15.68p 23.10p Notes: 1. The basic earnings per ordinary share is calculated on a profit of £15,602,000 (H1 2001: £22,793,000) on a weighted average of 144,625,284 (H1 2001: 144,066,040) ordinary shares. 2. The diluted earnings per ordinary share is calculated on a profit of £15,602,000 (H1 2001: £22,793,000) on 145,481,560 (H1 2001: 145,360,613) ordinary shares, being the basic weighted average of 144,625,284 (H1 2001: 144,066,040) ordinary shares and the dilutive potential ordinary shares of 856,276 (H1 2001: 1,294,573) ordinary shares relating to share options. 3. No dividend has been declared. Consolidated Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses (Unaudited) For the six months to 30 June 2002 Six months Six months Year ended to 30 June to 30 June 31 December 2002 2001 2001 £'000 £'000 £'000 Profit for the period 15,602 22,793 33,610 Unrealised foreign exchange differences (12,573) 10,406 3,924 Total recognised gains and losses relating to the period 3,029 33,199 37,534 Prior year adjustment 1 (9,465) Total gains and losses recognised since last Annual Report (6,436) Reconciliation of Movements in Shareholders' Funds (Unaudited) For the six months to 30 June 2002 Six months Six months Year ended to 30 June to 30 June 31 December 2002 2001 2001 £'000 £'000 £'000 Total recognised gains and losses relating to the period 3,029 33,199 37,534 New shares issued in respect of employee share options 806 596 1,044 Total movements during the period 3,835 33,795 38,578 Opening shareholders' funds 2 326,390 297,277 297,277 Closing shareholders' funds 330,225 331,072 335,855 Note: 1. Prior year adjustment relates to the change in accounting policy arising from the implementation of FRS19 Deferred Taxation. 2. The opening shareholders' funds at 1 January 2002, before deducting the prior year adjustment of £9,465,000, were £335,855,000. The opening shareholders' funds at 1 January 2001, before deducting the prior year adjustment of £5,605,000 were £297,277,000. Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited) As at 30 June 2002 As at As at As at 30 June 30 June 31 December 2002 2001 2001 £'000 £'000 £'000 Fixed assets Exploration assets 217,233 227,809 212,262 Development/producing assets 200,459 125,683 186,365 Other fixed assets 1,949 2,322 2,167 Investments 5,582 4,061 3,473 425,223 359,875 404,267 Current assets Debtors 35,053 55,462 73,646 Cash at bank 9,380 11,375 5,927 44,433 66,837 79,573 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 37,130 51,871 96,403 Net current assets/(liabilities) 7,303 14,966 (16,830) Total assets less current liabilities 432,526 374,841 387,437 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 39,764 - - Provisions for liabilities and charges 12,510 8,224 12,159 Deferred taxation 50,027 35,545 39,423 Net assets 330,225 331,072 335,855 Capital and reserves - equity interests Called-up share capital 14,882 14,780 14,817 Share premium 74,294 73,142 73,553 Capital reserves - non distributable 50,487 50,487 50,487 Capital reserves - distributable 35,254 35,254 35,254 Profit and loss account 155,308 157,409 161,744 Shareholders' funds 330,225 331,072 335,855 Note: 1. The disclosed figures are not statutory accounts in terms of section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2001, on which the auditors gave an unqualified report, have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) For the six months to 30 June 2002 Six months Six months Year ended to 30 June to 30 June 31 December 2002 2001 2001 £'000 £'000 £'000 Net cash inflow from operating activities 39,782 40,172 64,883 Returns on investments and servicing of finance Interest received 366 1,394 1,844 Interest paid (1,051) (279) (700) (685) 1,115 1,144 Taxation (1,718) 5,012 1,711 Capital expenditure and financial investment Purchase of exploration assets (17,297) (41,704) (77,310) Purchase of development/producing assets (33,455) (14,121) (37,722) Purchase of other fixed assets (461) (489) (1,139) Purchase of fixed asset investments (3,439) - - Sale of fixed asset investments - - 102 Sale of other fixed assets - 29 29 (54,652) (56,285) (116,040) Equity dividends paid - - - Net cash outflow before use of liquid resources and (17,273) (9,986) (48,302) financing Management of liquid resources1 Cash on short term deposit (2,135) 4,631 9,932 Financing Issue of shares 806 596 1,044 Debt draw-downs 19,952 7,112 39,962 20,758 7,708 41,006 Increase in cash in the period 1,350 2,353 2,636 Note: 1. Short term deposits of less than one year are disclosed as liquid resources. Reconciliation of Operating Profit to Operating Cashflows (Unaudited) For the six months to 30 June 2002 Six months Six months Year ended to 30 June to 30 June 31 December 2002 2001 2001 £'000 £'000 £'000 Operating profit 22,570 31,364 51,384 Depletion and depreciation 11,359 6,911 21,985 Decommissioning charge 230 201 225 Amortisation of long term incentive plan 1,280 1,309 1,948 Exceptional write-down of oil and gas assets (787) - - Working capital movement 5,792 (2,076) (9,119) Other provisions 404 791 (1,128) Gain on sale of other fixed assets - (6) (5) Foreign exchange differences (1,066) 1,678 (407) Net cash inflow from operating activities 39,782 40,172 64,883 INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO CAIRN ENERGY PLC Introduction We have been instructed by the Company to review the financial information for the six months ended 30 June 2002 which comprises Consolidated Profit and Loss Account, Consolidated Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses, Reconciliation of Movements in Shareholders' Funds, Consolidated Balance Sheet, and Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. We have read the other information contained in the Interim Report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial information. Directors' responsibilities The Interim Report, including the financial information contained therein is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the Interim Report in accordance with the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority which require that the accounting policies and presentation applied to the interim figures should be consistent with those applied in preparing the preceding annual accounts except where any changes, and the reasons for them, are disclosed. Review work performed We conducted our review in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4 'Review of interim financial information', issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review consists principally of making enquiries of group management and applying analytical procedures to the financial information and underlying financial data and based thereon, assessing whether the accounting policies and presentation have been consistently applied unless otherwise disclosed. A review excludes audit procedures such as tests of controls and verification of assets, liabilities and transactions. It is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with United Kingdom Auditing Standards and therefore provides a lower level of assurance than an audit. Accordingly we do not express an audit opinion on the financial information. Review conclusion On the basis of our review we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial information as presented for the six months ended 30 June 2002. Ernst & Young LLP Edinburgh 2 September 2002 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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