Final Results

Regal Petroleum PLC 06 April 2004 For Immediate Release 6 April 2004 Regal Petroleum plc Preliminary Results for the twelve months to 31st December 2003 Regal Petroleum plc ('Regal', 'the Company or 'the Group') is pleased to announce today its results for the twelve months ended 31st December 2003. Highlights include: • Turnover increases to US$10,194,000 (2002: $583,000) • Losses reduced to $2,908,780 (2002: $4,492,000) • Production commenced from MEX3, GOL2 and GOL1 in the Ukraine, with all gas and condensate production sold locally at an average of $54 per thousand cubic metres and $186 per metric tonne respectively • Completion of gas plant with 1MMm3 of gas per day capacity and 13.2km pipeline connecting Regal's gas plant in Ukraine to the international export trunk line to Western Europe • Acquisition of 57.69% interest in Kavala Oil S.A. ('Kavala') in October 2003 • Awarding of first and second exclusive exploration, development and production licenses in Romania, making Regal the largest and most prospective oil and gas concession in Romania with a total license area in excess of 10,000km2 Commenting on the preliminary results, Frank Timis, Executive Chairman, said: 'Regal is rapidly developing into a sizeable oil and gas exploration company with a broad portfolio of quality assets. The Company has made considerable progress during 2003 and we anticipate that our strategy of exploiting our existing assets, coupled with pursuing other exciting projects, will underpin the future growth of Regal'. For further information please contact: Regal Petroleum plc Tel : 020 7647 6622 Frank Timis, Executive Chairman Stephen West, Company Secretary Buchanan Communications Tel : 020 7466 5000 Bobby Morse / Catherine Miles Attached: Chairman's Statement Financial Review Consolidated profit and loss account Consolidated balance sheet Consolidated cash flow statement Regal Petroleum plc Chairman's Statement for the year ended 31 December 2003 Dear Shareholder The past year has been critical in building a substantial platform for the growth of Petroleum by focusing on production and exploration of quality oil and gas assets. Through the development of our existing asset base, as well as seeking other quality opportunities, Regal is poised for delivering considerable shareholder value during the course of the next few years. Kavala Acquisition In October 2003 the Company completed the acquisition of an indirect 57.69 per cent. interest in Kavala Oil S.A. ('Kavala') through the issuance of 4,788,200 shares at 75p per share. Kavala is a Greek oil and gas production company with proven and probable recoverable reserves of 80MMbbls in the Prinos, Prinos North and Epsilon fields and expected recoverable reserves of up to 240MMbbls in the Kallirachi oil discovery. The potential of Kavala, with its proximity to excellent local and international markets, will be realised during the course of the next few years as production from producing assets is increased. In addition, the discovery of the exciting Kallirachi prospect since the year end, Regal's first pure exploration project, has provided considerable upside to the potential of Regal becoming a leading hydrocarbon producer in the region. Romania Licence Areas In January 2003 Regal was awarded an exclusive exploration, development and production license for a 4,103km2 area, the Suceava Block in the North East of Romania, by the National Agency for Mineral Resources of Romania ('NAMR'). In December 2003 Regal was awarded a further exclusive exploration, development and production license by NAMR for a 6,285km2 area, the Barlad Block, which is an eastward extension of the Suceava Block. Regal now has the largest and most prospective oil and gas concession of any foreign company in Romania, with a total license area in excess of 10,000km2 of the geological oil and gas structures. Five large gas structures have been identified and it is Regal's intention to commence exploration drilling in the second half of 2004. Ukraine Operations A total of six wells have been drilled or worked-over in the Golotovschinska, Mekhediviska and Svyrydivske license areas in Ukraine. Three of these wells are currently producing at approximately 260,000 m3 of gas or equivalent per day. MEX102 has been downhole tested at 645,000 m3 equivalent per day. The well is connected up to the processing plant and, after cleaning up, it will go into production through the plant. During 2003 the construction of a gas plant was commenced and completed with the plant being fully operational by July 2003 with a capacity to process 1 million m3 of gas per day. In December 2003 a 13.2km high capacity export pipeline connecting Regal's gas plant to the international export trunk line to Western Europe was completed and connected on time and within budget. Completion of the plant and pipeline is a major achievement for Regal as it ensures control of the infrastructure as well as providing significant cost savings for the anticipated increase in gas production. The required documentation for the Production Licence application was submitted in December 2003 and it is expected that the Production Licence will be granted during 2004. Regal Petroleum plc Chairman's Statement for the year ended 31 December 2003 Placement of Shares On 20 October 2003 Regal raised £24.15 million (net of expenses) through an institutional placing of 35,086,667 new ordinary shares at a price of 75 pence per share. This fund raising was completed in conjunction with the acquisition of our interest in Kavala and has provided the working capital required for the further development of our existing oil and gas assets and the drilling of a successful exploration well at the Kallirachi oil discovery in Kavala, which was completed in February 2004, with very positive results. Further delineation of the Kallirachi oil discovery has continued as well as the anticipated infill drilling in Prinos and Prinos North, and the drilling of the Epsilon field is due to commence this year. Board Appointments Guenter Nolte, previously Managing Director of Halliburton Europe, was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Regal in March 2003 and has been critical in implementing Regal's strategy. Lord Anthony St John of Bletso, a Crossbench Member of the House of Lords and a Member of the House of Lords European Union Sub-committee A on Trade Finance and Foreign Affairs, and Nikolaos Loutsigkas, the President and Managing Director of Kavala Oil S.A., have joined as non-executive directors in September 2003 and November 2003 respectively. Strategy and Outlook for 2004 Our strategy of exploiting existing assets to drive cashflow as well as identifying assets with considerable potential will allow Regal to deliver a year of profitable growth in 2004. To further develop our assets in Greece and Romania during 2004 and 2005 a placement of 13,333,334 new ordinary shares in March 2004 raised an additional £37.5 million (net of expenses). 2003 has been a year of considerable growth for Regal, with the broadening of our asset base to include both assets producing strong cashflow as well as exploration licenses which will further consolidate the Company's growth plans for many years to come. The success of the Company would not have been possible without the considerable hard work of its employees and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff and my fellow members of the Board for their effort and commitment during the year. I would also like to thank our shareholders for your continued support in what has become a significant oil and gas exploration and production company over the past year. V. Frank Timis Executive Chairman Regal Petroleum plc Financial Review for the year ended 31 December 2003 Results Summary The financial results for the year ended 31 December 2003 reflect the Group's increased production in Ukraine, the acquisition of its interest in Kavala Oil S.A in Greece and the successful fund raising through an institutional placing in October 2003. Institutional Placing and Greek Acquisition On 26 October 2003, Regal successfully raised £24.15 million net of expenses through an institutional placing of 35,086,667 shares at 75 pence. Part of these funds were applied against construction of infrastructure in the gas field in Ukraine and drilling of an exploration well in the Kallirachi oil prospect. Following the institutional placement, the Company had a total of 100,541,534 shares on issue at 31 December 2003. The Greek acquisition comprised the purchase of 86.11 per cent. of Eurotech Services S.A., a private company incorporated in Greece. Eurotech owns 67 per cent. of the entire issued capital of Kavala which is a private Greek company holding exclusive rights to develop, exploit and operate oil fields in the North Aegean Sea. Regal indirectly owns 57.69 per cent. of the entire issue capital of Kavala. Turnover Turnover for the year was $10,194,000 generated from the sale of gas and condensate production from wells MEX3, GOL2 and GOL1 in Ukraine and the sale of oil, electricity and sulphur production from Kavala in Greece. The Ukraine production wells GOL2 and GOL1 commenced production in January 2003 and July 2003 respectively. All gas and condensate production in Ukraine was sold locally at an average price of $54 per thousand cubic metres of gas and $186 per metric tonne of condensate. All sales are paid for in advance. Kavala sells its oil at a price approximately equal to the prevailing IPE Brent price less a discount of US$3 per barrel. Electricity and sulphur, being bi-products of the oil production, are sold locally at market prices. Operating Loss The operating loss for the year was $4,341,000 which includes minority interests of $1,309,000. Loss Before and After Tax and after Minority Interest The loss before and after tax and after minority interests of $2,908,780 included an interest charge of $129,000 and interest earned of $254,000 for the year. The interest charge represents interest paid on funds loaned to the Group prior to the fund raising in October 2003. As at 31 December 2003, the Group had no long term borrowings. The interest earned reflects the Group's management of cash reserves. The results include a foreign exchange gain of $1,807,000. Regal Petroleum plc Financial Review for the year ended 31 December 2003 Cash Flow Net cash outflow from operating activities was $1,060,000. The capital expenditure outflow of $16,766,000 represented the construction of infrastructure in Ukraine including a gas processing plant, purchase of plant and equipment and drilling of the Kallirachi exploration well in Greece. As at 31 December 2003, the Group had total cash balances of $28,539,000. Financial Risk The main risks Regal is exposed to are resource price, exchange rate, counterparty and liquidity risks in its Group operations. Wherever possible the Group attempts to minimise the impact of such risks. Resource risk and counterparty risk is minimised through short-term forward sale contracts. Longer term contracts will be negotiated once production levels have increased. To minimise exchange rate risks, Regal attempts to match currency receipts and payments wherever possible. Regal also seeks to retain sufficient liquidity, either in the form of cash or maturing deposits to manage the Group's ongoing programmes. International Accounting Standards International Accounting Standards (IAS) will replace UK GAAP for Group consolidated reporting for the year ended 31 December 2005. We are currently assessing the impact on our accounting and systems requirements. Summary The financial results for the year to 31 December 2003 are in line with the Company's expectations. With an institutional placing completed subsequent to year end in March 2004, Regal is in a strong financial position to fund the continued development and growth of its projects in Ukraine, Greece and Romania. Glenn Featherby Finance Director Regal Petroleum plc Consolidated profit and loss account for the year ended 31 December 2003 Continuing operations Acquisitions Total Total Note 2003 2003 2003 2002 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 Turnover 1 2,844 7,350 10,194 583 Cost of sales (887) (8,085) (8,972) (92) Gross profit 1,957 (735) 1,221 491 Other operating income 1,566 1,400 2,966 - Administrative expenses (4,788) (3,740) (8,528) (4,663) Operating loss (1,265) (3,075) (4,341) (4,172) Interest receivable 254 110 Interest payable and similar charges (129) (430) (4,217) (4,492) Loss on ordinary activities before and after taxation Minority interest 1,309 - Loss for the financial year (2,908) (4,492) Loss per ordinary share (cents) Basic 2 4.5c 10.1c Diluted 2 4.5c 10.1c All amounts for 2002 relate to continuing activities. The notes form part of these financial statements. Regal Petroleum plc Consolidated balance sheet at 31 December 2003 Note 2003 2003 2002 2002 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 Fixed assets Intangible assets 2,350 - Tangible assets 36,188 5,873 Investments 203 54 38,741 5,927 Current assets Stocks 3,626 - Debtors 10,169 1,652 Investments 3,770 - Cash at bank and in hand 28,539 8,974 46,104 10,626 Creditors: amounts falling due (15,441) (1,044) within one year Net current assets 30,663 9,582 Total assets less current liabilities 69,404 15,509 Provision for liabilities and charges (1,253) (100) Minority Interest (3,948) - Net assets 64,203 15,409 Capital and reserves Called up share capital 3 8,212 4,613 Share premium 62,369 14,754 Merger reserve (3,204) (3,204) Capital contributions 7,477 7,477 Profit and loss account deficit (10,651) (8,231) Shareholders' funds - equity 64,203 15,409 The financial statements were approved by the Board on 5 April 2004. G R Featherby Director The notes form part of these financial statements. Regal Petroleum plc Consolidated cash flow statement for the year ended 31 December 2003 Note 2003 2003 2002 2002 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 Net cash outflow from operating (1,060) (5,281) activities Returns on investments and servicing of finance Interest received 280 110 Interest paid (130) (430) Net cash outflow from returns 150 (320) on investments and servicing of finance Capital expenditure and financial investment Purchase of tangible fixed assets (16,766) (3,207) Acquisitions and disposals (1,547) - Cash outflow before use of liquid resources and financing (19,223) (8,808) Management of liquid resources Purchase of current asset investments (3,168) - Financing Proceeds from borrowings - 186 Repayment of borrowings (185) (1,337) Capital contributions received - 2,741 Issues of ordinary share capital 44,626 16,094 Payment of expenses and commissions on issue of ordinary shares (2,601) - 41,840 17,684 Increase in cash 19,449 8,876 The notes form part of these financial statements. Regal Petroleum plc Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2003 1 Turnover and net assets 2003 2002 $'000 $'000 Analysis of turnover by activity: Oil sales 7,121 - Gas sales 2,545 550 Condensate sales 299 26 Sulphur sales 221 - Other 8 7 10,194 583 2003 2002 $'000 $'000 Analysis of turnover by geographical market: Greece 7,350 - Ukraine 2,844 583 10,194 583 Turnover was wholly attributable to the group's primary activities. 2003 2002 $'000 $'000 Analysis of operating profit (loss) by geographical market: Greece (3,076) - United Kingdom (1,411) (2,459) Ukraine 158 (1,713) Romania (12) - (4,341) (4,172) 2003 2002 $'000 $'000 Analysis of net assets by geographical origin: Greece 13,091 - United Kingdom 32,243 9,204 Ukraine 18,540 6,205 Romania 329 - 64,203 15,409 Regal Petroleum plc Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2003 (Continued) 2 Earnings per share Earnings per share has been calculated on the basis of losses after taxation of $2,908,780 (2002 - $4,492,000) and 64,654,847 5p ordinary shares (2002 - 44,383,562 5p ordinary shares on a proforma basis), being the average number of shares in issue during the year to 31 December 2003. The effect of all potential ordinary shares is anti-dilutive. 3 Share capital Authorised 2003 2002 2003 2002 Number Number $'000 $'000 Ordinary shares of 5p each 200,000,000 80,000,000 6,440 6,440 (Approximately 8c each) Allotted, called up and fully paid 2003 2002 2003 2002 Number Number $'000 $'000 Ordinary shares of 5p each 100,541,534 57,316,667 8,212 4,613 (Approximately 8c each) 4 Basis of preparation The preliminary financial information set out above incorporates the audited results of Regal Petroleum plc and all its subsidiary undertakings for the year ended 31 December 2003. The financial information set out in the announcement does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2003 or 2002. The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2002 is derived from the statutory accounts for that year which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors reported on those accounts; their report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under s237(2) or (3) Companies Act 1985. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2003 will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the Company's annual general meeting. Furthermore, the preliminary financial information has been prepared on a basis consistent with the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2002. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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