Interim Results

RNS Number : 0875O
G3 Exploration Limited
30 September 2019
 

 

30 Sep 2019

    G3 Exploration LTD.

 

                       ("G3E", "G3 Exploration" or the "Company")

 

                 Interim Results for the Six Months Ended 30 June 2019

 

Financial and Operational highlights

 

2019H1 HIGHLIGHTS

Disposition plan concluded and being implemented on the Producing assets to focus on Exploration.

 Progress Overall Development Plan work program for GDG-GCZ asset.

 

2019H1 RESULTS

Financial: Continued stable EBITDA generation from Producing Green Dragon Gas Assets

 Reported revenue includes assets held for sale within Green Dragon Gas (GDG).

 Revenue of US$11.0m (2018: US$13.7m).

 EBITDA of GDG of US$7.2m (2018: US$8.7m) at a constant 65% margin.

Cash generated from group total operating activities during the period of US$0.5m (2018: cash used US$0.2m).

Net loss for the period of US$7.0m (2018: net loss of US$6.3m), primarily due to interest charges.

 

2019 OUTLOOK

Recapitalize balance sheet and drive development Program

G3 Exploration

Conclude evolution to exploration and development business.

GDG divesture and dividend in specie.

Repay two bond creditors from the GDG proceeds.

Progress ODP plan for GDG-GSS asset.

Deliver first gas in Guizhou Block (GGZ).

 



 

 

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

 

 

While our challenges continue, I am pleased to report continued operational progress across our two producing commercial blocks in Shanxi as well as our six exploration blocks in Anhui, Guizhou, Jiangxi and Shanxi. 

 

Our focus as a Group continues to be on resurrecting the balance sheet through the sale of the producing assets through a dividend in specie of our wholly owned subsidiary Green Dragon Gas ("GDG"). The trade sale processes led by Citibank and Credit Suisse during the period concluded with a viable alternative on selling one of the fields but with an unknown timing to close due to conditions beyond the potential buyers control.

 

GDG has engaged an experienced bank and advisors to conclude a Reserve Based Loan ("RBL") of up to $250m, which has become a viable option to it following the approval of the Overall Development Plan ("ODP"). The proceeds from the RBL are expected to be sufficient to pay the intergroup loan to G3E enabling the dividend in specie to be concluded. Once independent, GDG maintains its plan to proceed onto a public listing.

 

Upon receipt of loan repayment proceeds from GDG, the Company expects to have successfully restructured its balance sheet, should be debt free and can proceed onto its exploration focused business plan. G3 Exploration shall in turn use these receipts to settle its outstanding debt, including to its Nordic Bond holders and Convertible Bond holders.

 

G3E has invested approximately $270m in its exploration portfolio which has a 2P value of over $816m. We are eager to focus on this portfolio and systematically migrate this portfolio into commercial production and thereafter farm-outs or sales. Each of these transactions should provide the shareholders a dividend. Our current portfolio in China provides a solid five year backlog of projects. The most advanced of these, the Guizhou exploration block (GGZ), is expected to commence test gas sales before the end of this year.

 

GDG Jincheng, Shanxi based team has worked closely with CNPC-PetroChina on progressing the GCZ production block to further development. The block continued its commercial gas sales while the collaborative Joint Operating Team concluded its Overall Development Plan. The plan approved by the Chinese government, permits the drilling of 147 wells by yearend 2020, of which 32 wells have been completed. We are pleased to see 99 wells now selling gas with the most recent daily gas production of 5.88 MMCF or 2.15 BCFPY. The implementation of the ODP has successfully reversed the filed decline as anticipated.

 

The GSS block met its objective of increasing gas sales from the 588 gas sales wells. The CNOOC-CUBCM team increased with gas sales well from 354 to 482 of the total 1,128 wells drilled which resulted in an exit gas sales rate of 2.98 BCFPY. This was complemented by our own operated wells which maintained a 1.49 BCFPY exit gas sales rate. This provides for GSS attaining a gas sales rate of 4.47 BCFPY. Cumulative gas sales in the first half year is 1.72 BCF and we expect gas sales to continue increasing as the balance of the drilled wells are placed on line and from the resulting de-watering of the basin which will assist gas flow.

 

In addition to the GSS producing block, the CNOOC/CUCBM partnership spreads across five exploration blocks namely; GSN, GFC, GPX, GQY-A and GQY-B. Our exploration team has been in advanced discussions with our partner on the next two year exploration plan for each of the blocks. We expect the parties to conclude such plan and begin implementation before yearend.

 

On 25 September 2019, the Nordic Bond Trustee called a Bond Holders informational conference on 30 September 2019. The Bond Trustee intends to provide Bondholders with information on the current status of the Bond and to allow its recently appointed receivers to the Company's subsidiary Greka Gas China Ltd., to provide an update on the restructuring options currently being considered with the Company.

 

We look forward to a full repayment of all our bonds in the near future which has been an operational distraction for almost two years. Once completed, we can get back on track with our long-term objectives. Thereafter, I look forward to monetizing the value which we have developed over the past two decades in our producing assets, developing our exploration assets and committing to incremental geographies where our deep knowledge in CBM is of accretive value to our shareholders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Randeep S. Grewal

Founder & Chairman



 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income         

Six months ended 30 June 2019



 

Six months ended 30 June 2019

 

Six months ended 30 June 2018

 

Year ended

31 December 2018


Notes

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000



Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited

Continuing operations





Revenue

3

-

-

-

Cost of sales

3

-

-

-

Gross profit


-

-

-

Other income

4

-

7

19

Selling and distribution costs


-

-

-

Administrative expenses

3

(1,106)

(1,649)

(2,446)

Profit from operations


(1,106)

(1,642)

(2,427)

Finance income

4

11

1,618

1,189

Finance costs

13, 14

(10,063)

(10,822)

(19,759)

Profit (loss) before income tax


(11,158)

(10,846)

(20,997)

Income tax /credit


-

24

48

 (Loss) for the period from continuing operations


(11,158)

 

(10,822)

 

(20,949)

Discontinued operations





Gain/(loss) for the period from discontinued operations

5

 

4,152

 

4,484

 

10,248

Gain from Disposal


-

-

1,545

Profit/(loss) for the period attributable to owners of the company


 

(7,006)

 

(6,338)

 

(9,156)

Other comprehensive expense, net of tax:





Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:





Exchange gains arising on translation of discontinued foreign operations

Loss for the year from continuing operations

Items that will or may be reclassified to profit or loss:


 

-

 

-

 

67

(7,006)

(6,338)

(9,089)

Exchange differences arising on

translating foreign operations


 

(6,494)

 

(13,795)

 

(27,844)

Total comprehensive income/(expense)

for the period attributable to owners of the company


 

(13,500)

 

(20,133)

 

(36,933)

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share from continuing operations (US$)

 

6

(0.072)

(0.069)

(0.134)

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share from discontinued operations (US$)

 

6

0.027 

0.029

0.076

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share (US$)

6

(0.045)

(0.040)

(0.058)

 

 



Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

At 30 June 2019




 

As at

30 June 2019

 

As at

31 December 2018


Notes


US$'000

US$'000




Unaudited

Audited

Assets





Non-current assets





Property, plant and equipment

8


23

23

Gas exploration and appraisal assets

9


575,935

579,112

Deferred tax asset

17


347

348




576,305

579,483






Current assets





Trade and other receivables

10


10,094

10,387

Restricted cash



-

1,000

Cash and cash equivalents

11


91

305




10,185

11,692

Assets of disposal group classified as held-for-sale

5


391,763

 

389,506




401,948

401,198






Total assets



978,253

980,681








 




 

As at

 30 June 2019

 

As at

31 December 2018


Notes


US$'000

US$'000




Unaudited

Audited

Liabilities





Current liabilities





Trade and other payables

12


7,984

7,783

Convertible notes

13


61,547

58,739

Bonds

14


117,155

110,083

Current tax liabilities



-

-




186,686

176,605

Liabilities of disposal group classified

as held-for-sale

5


 

49,497

 

48,308




236,183

224,913

Non-current liabilities





Deferred tax liability

17


118,409

118,641

Share buyback option liability

13


2,314

2,280




120,723

120,921






Total liabilities



356,906

345,834

Total net assets



621,347

634,847






Capital and reserves





Share capital

16


16

16

Share premium

16


808,981

808,981

Share redemption reserve

16


(8,255)

(8,255)

Convertible note equity reserve

16


2,851

2,851

Foreign exchange reserve

16


4,043

10,537

Retained deficit

16


(186,289)

(179,283)

Total equity attributable to owners of the parent



621,347

634,847

Total equity



621,347

634,847


Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Six months ended 30 June 2019


Share capital

Share premium

Share redemption reserve

Convertible note equity reserve

Share based

payment

 reserve

Foreign exchange reserve

Retained deficit

Equity attributable to owners of the parent


US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000










At 1 January 2018

16

808,981

(8,255)

2,851

-

38,381

(170,194)

671,780

Loss for the period

-

-

-

-

-

-

(6,338)

(6,338)

Exchange differences on

  translating foreign

  operations

 

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(13,795)

 

 

-

 

 

(13,795)

Total comprehensive

  income for the period

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(13,795)

 

(6,338)

 

(20,133)

Transfer to retained deficit

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-










At 30 June 2018

  (unaudited)

16

808,981

(8,255)

2,851

-

24,586

(176,532)

651,647










At 1 January 2019

16

808,981

(8,255)

2,851

-

          10,537

        (179,283)

           634,847

Loss for the period

-

-

-

-

-

 -

            (7,006)

             (7,006)

Exchange differences on

  translating foreign

  operations

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

              

          

 

(6,494)

  

 

 

          

 

(6,494)






 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive

  income for the period

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

               -

           

(6,494)

          

(7,006)

          

(13,500)

Transfer to retained deficit

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-










At 30 June 2019

  (unaudited)

16

808,981

(8,255)

2,851

               -

            4,043

        (186,289)

           621,347



 


Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Six months ended 30 June 2019

 



Six months ended 30 June 2019

Six months ended 30 June 2018

 

Year ended

31 December 2018



US$'000

US$'000

US$'000


Notes

Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited

Cash flows used in continuing operating activities





(Loss)/profit after tax

3

(11,158)

(10,822)

(20,949)     

Adjustments for:





Depreciation


-

11

10

Other income and finance income

4

(11)

(1,618)

(1,189)

Finance costs

13, 14

10,063

10,822

19,759

Accelerated finance charge


-

-

-

Taxation


-

(24)

(48)

Cash used in from operating

  activities before changes in

  working capital


 

 

(1,106)

 

 

(1,631)

(2,417)

Movement in inventory


-

-

                           -

Movement in trade and other receivables


(2,904)

(197)

(2,221)

Movement in trade and other payables


201

(709)

(2,412)

Net cash generated from operations


(3,809)

(2,537)

(7,050)

Income tax


-

-

-

Net cash used in

  continuing operating activities


 

(3,809)

 

(2,537)

(7,050)

Net cash used in

  discontinued operating activities

 

5

 

4,268

 

2,307

10,426

Net cash used in

  operating activities


 

459

 

(230)

3,376



 

 

 



 



Six months ended 30 June 2019

Six months ended

30 June 2018

Year ended

 31 December 2018

 



US$'000

US$'000

US$'000


Notes

Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited

Investing activities





Payments for purchase of property,

  Plant and equipment

 

8

 

-

 

(273)

 

-

Payments for exploration activities


(230)

-

(2,963)

Interest received


-

-

-

Received refund of deposit


337

-

-






Net cash used in continuing

  investing activities


 

107

 

(273)

(2,963)

Net cash used in discontinued

  investing activities

 

5

 

(771)

 

(1,503)

(3,118)

Net cash used in

  investing activities


 

(664)

 

(1,776)

(6,081)






Financing activities





Interest paid


-

-

-

Repayment received from Investing in
  discontinued operations


 

-

 

2,583

-

Net cash used in continuing

  financing activities


 

-

 

2,583

-

Net cash used in discontinued

  financing activities

5

 

-

 

(2,583)

-

Net cash used in

  financing activities


 

-

 

-

-






Net decrease in cash

  and cash equivalents


 

(205)

 

(2,006)

 

(2,705)

Cash and cash equivalents

  at beginning of period


 

305

 

3,175

3,175



100

1,169

470

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes


21

(33)

21

Cash and cash equivalents

  at the end of period

 

 

 

121

 

1,136

491

Attributable to continuing activities

11

91

1,087

305

Attributable to discontinued activities

5

30

49

186



Notes to Condensed Interim Financial Statements

 

1       GENERAL INFORMATION

 

The condensed financial information for the six months ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 is unaudited and does not constitute a set of statutory financial statements. The consolidated unaudited interim financial information set out in this report represents the consolidated financial statements of G3E Ltd. and its subsidiary companies (together referred to as the 'Group'). The condensed consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ("IFRS"). The comparative financial information for the full year ended 31 December 2018 presented here is not the Group's full annual accounts for that period but has been derived from the annual financial statements for that period.  The auditors' report on those accounts was unqualified and includes reference to a matter to which the auditors drew attention by way of material uncertainty related to going concern paragraph on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern without qualifying their report. The condensed consolidated financial information has not been audited or reviewed by the Company's auditors.

 

2       ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

All accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Group's annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018, except as described below.

 

None of the new standards or amendments to standards and interpretations applicable during the period has had a material impact on the financial position or performance of the Group. The Group has not early adopted any standard, interpretation or amendment that was issued but is not yet effective.

 

In preparing these condensed consolidated financial statements, the Group has adopted all the applicable extant accounting standards issued by the IASB and all the applicable extant interpretations issued by the IFRIC and adopted by the EU up to 30 June 2019.

 

The following accounting standards, amendments and interpretations, which had no significant impact on these condensed consolidated financial statements, became effective in the current reporting period as adopted by the EU through the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group ('EFRAG'):

 

Leases

 

On 1 January 2019, the Group adopted IFRS 16 'Leases' using the 'modified retrospective approach', which did not result in a classification or measurement adjustment to retained earnings on transition or a restatement of comparative information. The standard changes the identification of leases and how they will be recognised, measured and disclosed by lessees, requiring the recognition of a right-of-use asset and liability for the future lease payments on the balance sheet. The standard requires the right-of-use asset to be depreciated over the duration of the lease term and shown within operating profit in the income statement, with the interest cost associated with the financing of the asset included within interest expense. In applying the transition requirements and provisions of the new standard, the Group reviewed its lease contracts, which mainly relate to leased office buildings, and the right-of-use asset and related liability was found to be immaterial. The standard does not apply to leases to explore for or use natural resources, such as mining licences and rights.

 

The Group has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases which have low value, or short-term leases with a duration of 12 months or less. The payments associated with such leases are charged directly to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

In assessing the application of IFRS 16, the Group considered the following practical expedients:

The previous determination of whether a contract is, or contains, a lease pursuant to IAS 17 'Leases' and IFRIC 4 'Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease' has been maintained for existing contracts;

•  Right-of-use assets or lease liabilities for leases where the lease term ends within 12 months of the date of initial application have not been recognised;

•  Initial direct costs from right-of-use assets have been excluded; and

•  Hindsight was used when assessing the lease term.

 



 

2.1     Basis of preparation and going concern

 

The Company has a convertible loan note liability of $61.5 million, which is due for repayment on 31 December 2020. On 14 November 2018 an extension to the one-time early redemption option was agreed with the note holder such that it is now exercisable at any time up to 20 November 2019, and would require early repayment of the whole amount due no earlier than 20 November 2019. The option to require early repayment is at the note holder's sole discretion, which has been exercised due to the Nordic Bondholder Trustee's recent action. Further details of the terms of the instrument are included in note 13.

 

The Company has a bond liability of $117.2 million, which was due for repayment in November 2017. The bond has not been repaid, and the due date has passed. The Bond Trustee representing a majority of the outstanding bond, are in ongoing discussions with the Company regarding amongst other things negotiating the repayment of the outstanding bond amount. As announced by the Company on 25 September 2019, the Bond Trustee has called a Bond Holders informational conference on 30 September 2019. The bond Trustee intends to provide Bondholders with information on the current status of the Bond and to allow its recently appointed receivers to the Company's subsidiary Greka Gas China Ltd., to provide an update on the restructuring options currently being considered with the Company. Further details of the terms of the instrument are included in note 14.

 

The Company also has other payables due to third parties of approximately $13.0 million (2018: $12.9 million), due immediately. The Company is managing these payables through continuing negotiation with suppliers.

 

The Company also has certain capital expenditure requirements in some of its exploration blocks during the exploration period. Further details are included in note 19.

 

In considering the appropriateness of the going concern basis, the Board gave consideration to the following:

 

On 29 March 2019, the Company has announced its intention to declare a dividend in-specie for its discontinued upstream operation, Green Dragon Gas (GDG). G3E shareholders on the register as of the effective date 29 March 2019 will receive a direct interest in GDG.

 

GDG has engaged an experienced bank and advisors to conclude a Reserve Based Loan ("RBL") of up to $250m, which has become a viable option to it following the approval of the Overall Development Plan ("ODP"). The proceeds from the RBL are expected to be sufficient to pay the intergroup loan to G3E enabling the dividend in specie to be concluded. Once independent, GDG maintains its plan to proceed onto a public listing.

 

Upon receipt of loan repayment proceeds from GDG, the Company expects to have successfully restructured its balance sheet, should be debt free and can proceed onto its exploration focused business plan. G3 Exploration shall in turn use these receipts to settle its outstanding debt, including to its Nordic Bond holders and Convertible Bond holders.

 

The Company notes that discussions continue with the Bondholders and Note Holder. The receivers appointed by the Nordic Bondholder Trustee will provide an update on the restructuring options currently being considered with the Company.

 

The Company expects to use the proceeds from the repayment of intergroup loan to G3E to repay all of the Company's debts. Based on the above, the Company expects to be able to meet its liabilities as they fall due for a period not less than one year.

 

However, as at the date of this report, there can be no certainty that the RBL of GDG will be successful, there can also be no certainty on the course of action to be taken by the Bondholders and Note Holder.

 

Notwithstanding the discussions regarding the GDG RBL, the Directors, in accordance with Financial Reporting Council guidance in this area, conclude that at this time there is material uncertainty that such finance can be procured and failure to do so might cast significant doubt upon the Group's ability to continue as a going concern and that the Group may therefore be unable to realise their assets and discharge their liabilities in the normal course of business. These Financial Statements do not include the adjustments that would result if the Group was unable to continue as a going concern.

 

 

3       REVENUE AND SEGMENTAL INFORMATION

 

The Group's reportable segments are as set out below. The operating results of each of these segments are regularly reviewed by the Group's chief operating decision-makers in order to make decisions about the allocation of resources and assess their performance.

 

During the period, the revenue of US$11.0 million (30 June 2018: US$13.7 million) was recognised by the upstream discontinued business. The average RMB/USD exchange rate for the period is 1.3% lower compared to the equivalent period in the prior year. The average RMB/USD exchange rate for the period ended 30 June 2019, and used for translating income statement RMB transactions for the purposes of this financial information was 6.7714 as compared to 6.8610 in the equivalent period of the prior year.

 

 

For the period ended 30 June 2019 (unaudited)

 

Upstream continuing operations

Upstream discontinued operations

Downstream discontinued operation

Corporate

Sub-total

Eliminations

Consolidated

 

(G3E)

US$'000

(GDG)

US$'000

(GGD)

US$'000

(G3E)

US$'000

 

US$'000

 

US$'000

 

US$'000

Segment revenue:



-





Sales to external customers

-

10,988

-

-

10,988

(10,988)

-

Inter-segment sales

-

-

-

-

-

-

-


-

10,988

-

-

10,988

(10,988)

-









Depreciation

-

(3,048)

-

-

(3,048)

3,048

-

Amortisation

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Impairment

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Profit/(loss) from operation

-

4,151

-

(1,106)

3,045

(4,151)

(1,106)

Finance income

-

1

-

11

12

(1)

11

Finance cost

-

-

-

(10,063)

(10,063)


(10,063)

Income tax

-

-

-

-

-


-

Profit/(Loss) for the period

-

4,152

-

(11,158)

(7,006)

(4,152)

(11,158)









Assets

 126,269

 391,763

-

 460,221

978,253

 (391,763)

 586,490

Liabilities

 163,624

 49,497

-

 143,785

 356,906

 (49,497)

 307,409

PPE additions

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Gas exploration additions

1,585

7,251

-

-

8,836

(7,251)

1,585

 

 

For the period ended 30 June 2018 (unaudited)

 

Upstream continuing operations

Upstream discontinued operations

Downstream discontinued operation

Corporate

Sub-total

Eliminations

Consolidated

 

(G3E)

US$'000

(GDG)

US$'000

(GGD)

US$'000

(G3E)

US$'000

 

US$'000

 

US$'000

 

US$'000

Segment revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales to external customers

-

13,727

1,525

-

15,252

(15,252)

-

Inter-segment sales

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

-

13,727

1,525

-

15,252

(15,252)

-









Depreciation

-

(3,353)

(158)

(11)

(3,522)

3,511

(11)

Amortisation

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Impairment

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Profit/(loss) from operation

-

5,327

(715)

(1,642)

2,970

(4,612)

(1,642)

Finance income

-

1

-

1,618

1,619

(1)

1,618

Finance cost

-

-

(129)

(10,822)

(10,951)

129

(10,822)

Income tax

24

-

-

-

24

-

24

Profit/(Loss) for the period

24

5,328

(844)

(10,846)

(6,338)

(4,484)

(10,822)









Assets

 121,360

 369,416

 2,613

 503,494

996,883

 (372,029)

 624,854

Liabilities

 135,360

 47,391

 2,613

 159,872

 345,236

 (50,004)

 295,232

PPE additions

273

156

-

-

429

(156)

273

Gas exploration additions

-

1,503

-

-

1,503

(1,503)

-

 

For the year ended 31 December 2018 (audited)

 

 

Upstream continuing operations

Upstream discontinued operations

Downstream discontinued operation

Corporate

Sub-total

Eliminations

Consolidated

 

(G3E)

US$'000

(GDG)

US$'000

(GGD)

US$'000

(G3E)

US$'000

 

US$'000

 

US$'000

 

US$'000

Segment revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales to external customers

-

25,508

3,108

-

28,616

(28,616)

-

Inter-segment sales

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

-

25,508

3,108

-

28,616

(28,616)

-

Depreciation

-

(6,513)

(330)

(10)

(6,853)

6,843

(10)

Amortisation

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Impairment

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Profit/(loss) from operation

-

9,799

(1,178)

(2,427)

6,194

(8,621)

(2,427)

Finance income

-

-  

1

1,189

1,190

(1)

1,189

Finance cost

-

2

4

(19,759)

(19,753)

(6)

(19,759)

Income tax

48

1,627

(7)

-  

1,668

(1,620)

48

Profit/(Loss) for the year

48

11,428

(1,180)

(20,997)

(10,701)

(10,248)

(20,949)









Assets

109,985

389,506

-

481,190

980,681

(389,506)

591,175

Liabilities

118,846

48,308

-

178,680

345,834

(48,308)

297,526

PPE additions

-

-  

-  

-  

-  

-

-

Gas exploration additions

1,650

10,525

-  

 -

12,175

(10,525)

1,650

 

 

4       OTHER INCOME AND FINANCE INCOME



Six months ended 30

June 2019

Six months ended 30

June 2018

 

Year ended

31 December 2018



US$'000

US$'000

US$'000



Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited

Revaluation of share buyback option


-

1,618

1,189

Others


11

7

-

 

 


 

11

 

1,625

 

1,189

 

 



 

5       NON-CURRENT ASSETS HELD-FOR-SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATION

 

The assets and liabilities relating to the carve-out of the producing blocks (GSS & GCZ) of Greka Energy (International) B.V., a 100% wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, have been presented as held for sale following the board decision to monetise GDG with a declaration of dividend in-specie. Management expects GSS & GCZ blocks to be sold within the next 12 months.

 

(a)   Assets of disposal group classified as held-for-sale

 


Note

As at

30 June 2019

As at

30 June 2019

As at

30 June 2019



Upstream group

Downstream group

Subtotal



US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

Property, plant and equipment

8

134,298

-

134,298

Gas exploration and appraisal assets

9

237,700

-

237,700

Deferred tax asset

17

5,739

-

5,739

Trade and other receivables


13,996

-

13,996

Cash and cash equivalents

 

30

-

30



391,763

-

391,763

 


Note

As at

31 December 2018

As at

31 December 2018

As at

31 December 2018



Upstream group

Downstream group

Subtotal



US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

Property, plant and equipment

8

132,947

-

132,947

Gas exploration and appraisal assets

9

236,601

-

236,601

Deferred tax asset

17

5,742

-

5,742

Trade and other receivables


14,030

-

14,030

Cash and cash equivalents

 

186

-

186



389,506

-

389,506

 

(b)   Liabilities of disposal group classified as held-for-sale

 


Note

As at

30 June 2019

As at

30 June 2019

As at

30 June 2019



Upstream group

Downstream group

Subtotal



US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

Trade and other payables


20,377

-

20,377

Deferred tax liabilities

17

29,120

-

29,120

Current tax liabilities


-

-

-



49,497

-

49,497

 


Note

As at

31 December 2018

As at

31 December 2018

As at

31 December 2018



Upstream group

Downstream group

Subtotal



US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

Trade and other payables


19,188

-

19,188

Deferred tax liabilities

17

29,120

-

29,120

Current tax liabilities

 

-

-

-



48,308

-

48,308



 

 

(c)    Analysis of the results of discontinued operations is as follows:

 



As at

30 June 2019

As at

30 June 2019

As at

30 June 2019


Note

Upstream group

Downstream group

Subtotal



US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

Revenue:

3

10,988

-

10,988

Profit/(loss) from operation

3

4,151

-

4,151

Finance income

3

1

-

1

Finance cost

3

-

-

-

Income tax

3

-

-

-

Gain/(Loss)after tax of discontinued operations attributable to owners of the company


4,152

-

4,152

 



As at

30 June 2018

As at

30 June 2018

As at

30 June 2018


Note

Upstream group

Downstream group

Subtotal



US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

Revenue:

3

13,727

1,525

15,252

Profit/(loss) from operation

3

5,327

(715)

4,612

Finance income

3

1

-

1

Finance cost

3

-

(129)

(129)

Income tax

3

-

-

-

Gain/(Loss)after tax of discontinued operations attributable to owners of the company


5,328

(844)

4,484






 

(d)   Cash flow from/(used in) discontinued operations:



As at

30 June 2019

As at

30 June 2019  

As at

30 June 2019  



US$'000

US$'000

US$'000



Upstream group

Downstream group

Subtotal

Net cash used in operating activities


4,268

-

4,268

Net cash generated from investing activities


(771)

-

(771)

Net cash generated from financing activities



-

-

Net cash inflow/(outflow)


3,497

-

3,497

 

 



As at

30 June 2018

As at

30 June 2018

As at

30 June 2018



US$'000

US$'000

US$'000



Upstream group

Downstream group

Subtotal

Net cash used in operating activities


2,879

(572)

2,307

Net cash generated from investing activities


(1,503)

-

(1,503)

Net cash generated from financing activities


(2,583)

-

(2,583)

Net cash inflow/(outflow)


(1,207)

(572)

(1,779)

 



 

6       EARNINGS AND (LOSS) PER SHARE

 

The calculation of basic and diluted profit/(loss) per share attributable to the owners of the Company is based on the following data:

 


Six months ended

 30 June 2019

Six months ended

 30 June 2018

Year ended

 31 December 2018


US$'000

US$'000

US$'000


Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited





Loss for the period attributable to the owners of the
  Company used in basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per
  share from:

Continuing operations

(11,158)

(10,822)

(20,949)

 

Discontinued operations

4,152

4,484

11,793

 

Continuing and discontinued operations

(7,006)

(6,338)

(9,089)





Weighted average number of ordinary shares

  for the basic and diluted loss/earnings per share

156,072,289

156,072,289

156,072,289

 

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share from
  continuing operations (US$)


(0.072)

(0.069)

(0.134)

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share from
  discontinued operations (US$)


0.027

0.029

0.076

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share (US$)


(0.045)

(0.040)

(0.058)

 

Profit/(loss) per share is based on the loss attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company of divided by the weighted average of ordinary shares in issue during the corresponding period.

 

No separate calculation of diluted profit/(loss) per share has been presented as, at the date of this financial information, no options, warrants or other instruments that could have a dilutive effect on the share capital of the Company were outstanding.

 

 

7       DIVIDENDS

 

The directors do not recommend the payment of an interim dividend during the period ended 30 June 2019 and year ended 31 December 2018.



 

8       PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 


 

 

Gas assets

 

Building and structures

 

Construction in progress

 

Motor vehicles

Fixtures, fittings and equipment

 

 

Total


US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

Cost







At 1 January 2018

-

-

-

-

603

603

Additions

-

-

-

-

-

-

Disposals

-

-

-

-

-

-

Transferred to disposal group
  classified as held for sale (note 5)

-

-

-

-

-

-

Exchange differences

-

-

-

-

(30)

(30)

Balance as at 31 December 2018

-

-

-

-

573

573

Additions







Exchange differences

-

-

-

-

-

-

At 30 June 2019

-

-

-

-

573

573








Depreciation







At 1 January 2018

-

-

-

-

570

570

Provided for the year

-

-

-

-

10

10

Impairments loss

-

-

-

-

-

-

Transferred to disposal group
  classified as held for sale (note 5)

-

-

-

-

-

-

Exchange differences

-

-

-

-

(30)

(30)

Balance as at 31 December 2018

-

-

-

-

550

550

Provided for the period

-

-

-

-

-

-

Exchange differences

-

-

-

-

-

-

At 30 June 2019

-

-

-

-

550

550








Net book value







At 30 June 2019 (unaudited)

-

-

-

-

23

23

 

At 31 December 2018 (audited)

-

-

-

-

23

23

 

 

9        GAS EXPLORATION AND APPRAISAL ASSETS

         

Cost


US$'000




At 1 January 2018


617,900

Additions


1,650

Capitalisation of internal costs


2,446

Classified as held for sale (note 5)


-

Exchange differences


(42,884)

 

At 31 December 2018 (audited)


 

579,112

Additions


1,585

Capitalisation of internal costs


826

Exchange differences


(5,588)

 

At 30 June 2019 (unaudited)


 

575,935

                           



 

10     TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES



As at

 30 June

 2019

As at

 31 December

2018



US$'000

US$'000



Unaudited

Audited

Trade receivables


-

-

Prepayments


-

-

Other receivables


2,865

3,163

Amount due from related parties


7,229

7,224



10,094

10,387

 

 

11     CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

An analysis of the balances of cash and cash equivalents is as follows:

             


As at

 30 June

 2019

As at

 31 December

2018



US$'000

US$'000



Unaudited

Audited

Cash and bank balances


91

305





 

 

12     TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

 



As at

 30 June

 2019

As at

 31 December

2018



US$'000

US$'000



Unaudited

Audited

Trade payables


7,028

7,273

Amounts due to related parties


956

510



7,984

7,783

 

 

13      CONVERTIBLE NOTES



As at

 30 June

 2019

As at

 31 December

2018



US$'000

US$'000



Unaudited

Audited

Brought forward from prior year

58,739

53,132

Accrued interest

2,808

5,607



61,547

58,739

 

As at 30 June 2019, the Company had one (31 December 2018: one) convertible note in issue repayable within 1 year.

 

Convertible note issued 2014

US$50 million 7% coupon convertible note due 2017

On 2 June 2014, the Company issued a three-year convertible note having a face value of US$50,000,000 with a maturity date of 1 June 2017. The note bears interest at 7% per annum, payable on a semi-annual basis. At the Maturity Date, the total sum of 100% of the outstanding principal amount of the convertible note and the accrued interest shall become payable, unless previously converted or redeemed.

 

The convertible note can be converted into Ordinary Shares of the Company at the note holder's option at any time prior to the Maturity Date at US$9.34 per share.

 



 

Convertible note amendment

US$50 million 10% coupon convertible note due 2020

In December 2016, the Company reached agreement with the note holder to extend the maturity of the US$50 million convertible note entered into in June 2014. Under the agreement, the note remains unsecured, has a revised coupon of 10% and a maturity date extended to 31 December 2020. The Company issued an option for the note holder to require (one-time) early repayment on the original maturity date, the option being exercisable at the discretion of the note holder by 28 April 2017. The conversion price of the note was amended to US$2.83 per share representing a 25% premium over the 13 December 2016 closing price.

 

During the year ended 31 December 2017, the company reached agreement with the note holder to extend the period during which the put option is exercisable to 20 November 2018. On 14 November 2018, the company reached another agreement with the note holder to extend the period during which the put option is exercisable to 20 November 2019.

 

At final maturity of the note, the note holder has the right to require the Company to purchase all of its shareholdings up to a maximum limit of 10,775,578 shares or 6.69% of the entire issued share capital of the Company at a price based on the 90 day VWAP calculated as of 31 December 2020 and to be settled prior to 30 April 2021. See the share buyback option liability below.

 

*Share buyback option liability



As at

 30 June

 2019

As at

 31 December

2018



US$'000

US$'000



Unaudited

Audited

Brought forward from prior year


2,280

3,469

Revaluation of share buyback option


34

(1,189)



2,314

2,280

 

(a)   Accounting for convertible notes

 

On initial recognition, the fair value of the liability component of the convertible loan note was determined using the prevailing market interest rate of similar debts without conversion option and early redemption options. For the note issued during 2014, the rate considered to be comparable was 10%. The loan note is subsequently carried at amortised cost.

 

The equity element arising from the conversion option of their convertible notes, being the residual value at initial recognition, is presented in the equity heading "convertible note equity reserve", as disclosed in note 16 to the financial statements.

 

On the amendment of the convertible note, the original financial liability was extinguished and the convertible reserve was transferred to retained earnings through reserves. The fair value of the liability component of the amended convertible loan was determined using the prevailing market interest rate of similar debts without conversion option and early redemption options. the rate considered to be comparable was 12%. The loan note is subsequently carried at amortised cost.

 

The equity element arising from the conversion option of the convertible notes, being the residual value at initial recognition, is presented in the equity heading "convertible note equity reserve", as disclosed in note 16 to the financial statements.

 

The terms of the convertible note include a clause whereby if another loan held by the Company becomes in default then the convertible note would also be in default. Subsequent to the balance sheet date, the Bond Trustee of the Company's public corporate bond (note 14) has called a Bond Holders informational conference on 30 September 2019. As a result, the convertible note is now due.

 



 

14      BONDS AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT


On 8 December 2014, G3 Exploration issued a public corporate bond (the "Bond") in the amount of US$88,000,000. The bond was issued at a discount of 2.5% and is senior secured three-year paper due on 20 November 2017. The Bond carries a 10% coupon payable semi-annually and also carries a redemption premium of 2% at maturity. In the event that any amount due under this Bond Agreement or any Finance Document is not made on the relevant due date, the unpaid amount shall bear a further penalty interest from the due date at an interest rate equivalent 5% per annum. The Bond is secured by a pledge over the shares of Greka Gas China, a wholly-owned subsidiary of G3 Exploration. The bond was initially recorded at fair value and is subsequently carried at amortised cost. Issue fees of US$1,893,000 were offset against the principal amount of the bond and will be amortised as part of the effective interest rate charge to the maturity date. The redemption premium is amortised as part of the effective interest rate charge to the maturity date. The following table summarises the movements in the bond:

 



As at

 30 June

 2019

As at

 31 December

2018



US$'000

US$'000



Unaudited

Audited

Brought forward from prior year


110,083

95,932

Accrued interest


7,072

14,151

Interest payment


-

-



117,155

110,083

 

The bond was disclosed as a current liability at the year end of 2018 as it was due on November 2017 and was therefore overdue.

As announced by the Company on 25 September 2019, the Bond Trustee has called a Bond Holders informational conference on 30 September 2019. The Bond Trustee intends to provide Bondholders with information on the current status of the Bond and to allow its recently appointed receivers to the Company's subsidiary Greka Gas China Ltd., to provide an update on the restructuring options currently being considered with the Company.

 

15     PROVISIONS

 

The cost recovery provision accounted for in upstream discontinued operations (note 5) also includes US$13,000,000 (2018: US$13,000,000) in respect of exploration costs incurred by CUCBM prior to the PSC period. The Group has an option to increase its participating interest in the GSS Block from its current 60% to 70% by investing two installments of US$6,500,000, one prior to 31 December 2017, and the second prior to 31 December 2018. The amount is unsecured and does not bear interest. Discounting is considered to be immaterial. See note 19 for more information.



 

16     SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES

 


Authorised

Issued and fully paid


Number


Number



of shares

US$

of shares

US$

At 1 January 2018, 31 December 2018 and 30 June 2019 ordinary shares of US$0.0001 each

500,000,000

50,000

156,072,289

15,607

 

Nature and purpose of reserves

 

(i)          Share premium

The amount relates to subscription for or issue of shares in excess of nominal value. The application of the share premium account is governed by the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands.

 

(ii)         Share redemption reserve

The amount represents the initial value of the liability in respect of the option the company has granted to buy back shares.

 

(iii)        Convertible note equity reserve

The amount represents the value of the unexercised equity component of the convertible note issued by the Company recognised in accordance with the Group's accounting policy.

 

(iv)         Share based payment reserve

The amount relates to the fair value of the share options that have been expensed through the income statement less amounts, if any, that have been transferred to the retained earnings/deficit upon exercise.

 

(v)          Foreign exchange reserve

The amount represents gains/losses arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign operation the functional currency of which is different from the presentation currency of the Group.

 

(vi)         Retained deficit

The amount represents cumulative net gains and losses recognised in consolidated profit or loss less any amounts reflected directly in other reserves.

 

 

17     DEFERRED TAXATION

 

(a) Deferred tax assets



US$'000




At 1 January 2018


317

Additions


48

Exchange differences


(17)

Classified as held for sale (note 5)


-

At 31 December 2018 - audited


348

Movement in classified as held for sale (note 5)


-

Exchange differences


(1)

At 30 June 2019 (unaudited)


347

 

(b) Deferred tax liabilities



US$'000




At 1 January 2018


124,137

Reversal of temporary difference



Exchange differences


(5,496)

Classified as held for sale (note 5)


-

At 31 December 2018 - audited


118,641

Movement in classified as held for sale (note 5)


-

Reversal of temporary difference


-

Exchange differences


(232)

At 30 June 2019 (unaudited)


118,409

 


 

 

 

As at

30 June

2019

US$'000

As at

31 December 2018

US$'000



Unaudited

Audited

Recognised deferred tax (liabilities) and assets at PRC rate of 25%




Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:




Fair value adjustments in exploration and evaluation assets


118,409

118,641





Tax losses - overseas


347

348





Unrecognised deferred tax assets




Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following:




Tax losses - overseas


-

-

Potential unrecognised tax benefit at PRC rate of 25%


-

-

 

The deductible temporary timing differences do not expire under current tax legislation. PRC tax losses expire after five years. Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the full value of these items because at this point in the Groups development it is not virtually certain that future taxable profits will be available against which the Group companies can utilise the benefits of these tax losses in the near future. The Group has not offset deferred tax assets and liabilities across different jurisdictions.

 

 

18     SUBSIDIARIES

 

The principal subsidiaries of the Company, all of which have been included in these consolidated financial statements, are as follows:




As at 30 June 2019
Percentage of ownership
interest held

As at 31 December 2018
Percentage of ownership
interest held

Name

Place of incorporation

Principal activities

Directly

Indirectly

Directly

Indirectly








Greka Gas China Limited

Cayman Islands

Investment holding

100%

-

100%

-

Greka Energy (International) B.V.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Exploration, development and production of coal bed methane

-

100%

-

100%

GDGF Ltd.

British Virgin Islands

Investment holding

-

100%

-

-

Greka GSN Ltd.

British Virgin Islands

Exploration, development and production of coal bed methane

-

100%

-

100%

Greka Integrated Products Ltd.

British Virgin Islands

Investment holding

-

100%

-

100%

Greka GFC Ltd.

British Virgin Islands

Exploration, development and production of coal bed methane

-

100%

-

100%

Greka GQY Ltd.

British Virgin Islands

Exploration, development and production of coal bed methane

-

100%

-

100%

Greka Exploration and Production Ltd.

Cayman Islands

Investment holding

-

100%

-

100%

Greka GPX Ltd.

British Virgin Islands

Exploration, development and production of coal bed methane

-

100%

-

100%

Greka Guizhou E&P Ltd.

British Virgin Islands

Exploration, development and production of coal bed methane

-

100%

-

100%

 



 

19     JOINT ARRANGEMENTS

 

The Group currently operates under six (2018: six) production sharing contracts ("PSCs") for the exploration and development of CBM gas in the PRC.

 

Background

On 8 January 2003, the Group entered into four PSCs with CUCBM to explore, develop and produce coal bed methane in five blocks comprising Shizhuang South ("GSS"), Chengzhuang ("GCZ"), Shizhuang North ("GSN"), Qinyuan ("GQY") and Panxie East ("GPX"). GSS, GCZ, GSN and GQY are located in Shanxi Province with Panxie East located in Anhui Province.

In 2003, the Group also obtained the rights as foreign contractor related to the Fengcheng ("GFC") PSC. This PSC, dated 13 August 1999, was originally entered between Saba Petroleum Inc. as foreign contractor and CUCBM. Saba Petroleum Inc. was a related company of the Group by way of the common controlling shareholder, Mr. Randeep S. Grewal. The GFC block is located in Jiangxi Province.

Under the terms of these five PSCs the Group, as operator, agreed to provide funds and apply its technology and managerial experience and to cooperate with CUCBM to explore, develop and produce coal bed methane from the licence areas. CUCBM as a state-owned enterprise is eligible to apply for the exclusive rights for the exploitation of coal bed methane in the areas as defined in the contracts.

The PSCs provide that all costs incurred in the exploration stage shall be borne by the Group. The terms of the PSCs require the Group to cooperate with the state partner to submit the Overall Development Plan to the relevant authorities. Upon approval of the ODP by the Chinese authorities, the PSC operations are determined to have entered the development stage. However, as detailed in note 3 in circumstances when the approval of ODP is delayed other factors, including the substantive nature of operations and cash generation, may be considered to determine whether the development stage has been reached regardless of formal ODP approval.

Where it is determined that an asset is in the development stage based on facts and circumstances then the associated investment balance is reclassified from the exploration and appraisal category to the property, plant and equipment category of fixed assets. The responsibility for procuring approval of the ODP lies with the State partner. Once formally in the development stage the cost sharing mechanisms within the PSCs become effective and development and operating costs are borne by the partners in accordance with their respective equity interests in the relevant PSCs. Once production commences the cost recovery mechanism within the PSCs provides that the proceeds of production output (after deduction of value-added tax and any royalty payable to the Chinese tax authority) are allocated as follows:

•            firstly towards operating costs recovery in the proportion above mentioned (the "Sharing Proportion");

•            secondly to exploration cost recovery solely by the Group; and

•            thirdly to development cost recovery (including deemed interest as appropriate).

Any unallocated revenue after cost recovery is allocated to the partners in accordance with their equity participation in the PSC after calculating a final royalty payable to the Chinese Authorities. The final royalty is based on a sliding scale from 0% to the maximum payable of 15% and calculated over total block production.

The five PSCs each have a term of 30 years, with a production period of not more than 20 consecutive years commencing on a date determined by the Joint Management Committee but aligned with the approval date of ODP. The JMC is established in accordance with the PSC between the Group and CUCBM to oversee the operations in the contracted area. Currently five of the six blocks covered by these five production sharing contracts are formally in the exploration stage based on the Chinese requirement for ODP approval before transition to development. In 2015, the assets associated with area 4 within the GSS block were reclassified as property, plant and equipment due to the substantive nature of the production operations and associated cash generation from this area.

 

 

PSCs held with PetroChina (CNPC)

 

Chengzhuang block ("GCZ")

In August 2014, the Group finalised and signed the Cooperation Agreement with PetroChina in respect of the GCZ block in accordance with a memorandum of understanding previously entered in December 2013. GZC lies within the GSS licence area and prior to the Cooperation agreement was governed by the GSS PSC. The Cooperation Agreement reaffirms the rights of the Group contained in the PSC over the GCZ block. The Cooperation agreement confirms the Group's 47% participating interest in the block and defines the term of the agreement as running from March 2010 to March 2033.

The Cooperation Agreement confirmed the Group's contribution to cumulative capital expenditure and its share of net revenue. The Cooperation Agreement also confirmed the Group's entitlement to its share of the downstream infrastructure assets in place, including the gas gathering station, together with the Group's funding obligation for those assets. The Group recorded US$10,900,000 within property, plant and equipment in respect of its 47% share in these assets in 2014 based on the final agreement of the costs associated with the downstream infrastructure. The Group also elected to settle its obligation for all historic amounts due to PetroChina through its share of future production.

In 2015 PetroChina achieved cost recovery in respect of its historic investment in the GCZ block. Following cost recovery by PetroChina the Group is receiving its proportion of revenue in cash each month. As a result, the billing arrangements for GCZ have moved to a full joint operations basis where the Group receives its share of revenue on the conclusion of each month and is separately cash-called for its share of opex and capex on a month-ahead basis. Cash calls are reconciled to actual expenditure quarterly.

On 7th of September 2018, NDRC has approved the ODP, consistent with its policy to accelerate CBM development in China, boost green energy supply, and improve coal mine safety production and to reduce CO2 emissions. This final NDRC approval facilitates the permits for the Company and its partner to further develop the acreage.

 

The following table summarises the Group's share of the capital expenditure and net revenues arising from the GCZ block for the current period and prior year.

 


 

 

 

30 June

2019

US$'000

Unaudited

31 December

2018

US$'000

Audited





Capital expenditure


1,199

-

 

Revenue and other income


4,123

 

10,566

Total operational costs and expenses


(2,329)

(4,958)

 

Net Profit


1,794

5,608





Amount due from/(to) PetroChina




Opening balance


4,150

3,935

Capital expenditure for GCZ block


1,199

-

Share of profit for GCZ block


1,173

7,341

Cash received


(2,900)

(7,126)

 

Closing balance


3,622

4,150

 

The balance due from PetroChina is included within trade and other receivables, is unsecured and interest free.

 

PetroChina is a subsidiary of state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), headquartered in Dongcheng District, Beijing.

 

PSCs held with CUCBM (CNOOC)

 

On 31 March 2014, and following the identification of unauthorised drilling activities across several of the Group's blocks by CUCBM, the Group entered a Framework Agreement CUCBM the purpose of which was to amend and clarify the rights of both the Group and CUCBM in relation to the PSCs jointly held between the parties. Under the terms of the Framework agreement, the Group's percentage share in the relevant blocks were updated and confirmed as follows:

PSC                             G3E share   CUCBM share

Shizhuang South                60%                   40%     G3E share increasing to 70% on payment of US$13,000,000 to CUCBM

Shizhuang North                50%                   50%

Quinyuan Area A                10%                   90%

Quinyuan Area B                60%                   40%

Fengcheng                         49%*                   51%

Panxie East                       60%*                   40%

*           Unchanged.

 

The Framework Agreement reaffirmed the status of the PSC's. Notwithstanding the terms of the PSC, CUCBM undertook significant unauthorised exploration work within the licence area incurring gross expenditure of US$611,300,000 related to the drilling of wells and the establishment of certain infrastructure across the PSC blocks.

In prior year a provision for a potential liability to CUCBM was recognised on the basis of there being a dispute over the historic wells drilled by CUCBM. The provision represented the best estimate of the Group's obligation to settle its share of the costs of the disputed wells.

Upon finalisation of the Supplemental Agreements in 2017, the original dispute that arose is now settled, and the outcome is that CUCBM will recover its historic costs through potential future production. As described in the accounting policies, the Group's oil and gas assets are accounted for as joint operations and the Group therefore accounts for its share of income and expenditure. As such, it is no longer appropriate for the Group to recognise CUCBM's historic costs. As the disputed wells are no longer subject to a settlement obligation, it is deemed appropriate to reduce the provision to $nil. The original recognition of the provision had no impact on the income statement and therefore the reversal of the provision also has no impact on the income statement, and is recognised as a reduction to the Group's exploration assets. The change in provision represents a change in accounting estimate as a result of the Supplemental Agreements executed in 2017.

$13 million has been reclassified to payables due to management's intention to exercise the option to obtain a higher share rate.

 

Shizhuang South PSC

During the year, CUCBM has invested an additional $6.9 million in the block.

 

Shizhuang North PSC

Under the terms of the Framework Agreement, the Group agreed to reduce its interest in the GSN Block by 10% in return for CUCBM providing the Group with a carried interest of US$100,000,000 related to exploration and development expenditure across the block. The terms are confirmed by the parties in the supplementary agreements signed in September 2017. No gain in respect of the committed future expenditure as compared to the 10% interest in the Group's existing assets has been recognised under the Group's accounting policy.

 

Fengcheng PSC

According to the Supplementary Agreement signed between the Group and CNOOC-CUCBM in September 2017, the Group had to undertake $8.9 million of capital expenditure by certain dates specified in the Supplementary Agreement.

 

Panxie PSC

According to the Supplementary Agreement signed between the Group and CNOOC-CUCBM in September 2017, the Group had to undertake $4.2 million of capital expenditure by certain dates specified in the Supplementary Agreement.

 

Qinyuan PSC

According to the Supplementary Agreement signed between the Group and CNOOC-CUCBM in September 2017, the Group had to undertake $11.7 million of capital expenditure by certain dates specified in the Supplementary Agreement.

 

In accordance with the terms of the Supplementary Agreements, if the Group does not complete the capital expenditure before the due dates then the Group may be required to do the following:

-       Make certain payment to CNOOC-CUCBM for any unfulfilled balance of the capital expenditure and

-       relinquish a proportion of the relevant Block to CNOOC-CUCBM.

 

The Group awaits CNOOC-CUCBM to conclude the assignments pursuant to the internal restructuring of the exploration Blocks into separate wholly owned entities. The planned exploration expenditures under the Fengcheng PSC, Panxie PSC, and Qinyuan PSC supplementary agreements with CNOOC-CUCBM have not been completed. Following the completion of such assignments, the separate entities of each PSC plan to commence and complete the planned exploration program and related capital expenditures.

 

Management is confident that CNOOC-CUCBM will conclude the assignments and extend the due dates to enable the Group to complete the capital expenditures. Therefore, Management expects that none of the Group's exploration Blocks will be relinquished and no material cash will be payable by the Group.

 

CUCBM is wholly-owned by China National Offshore Oil Corp and is headquartered in Dongcheng District, Beijing.

Baotian-Qingshan block ('GGZ')

 

In addition, Greka Guizhou E&P Ltd, a subsidiary of the Company, is party to a PSC with PetroChina to explore for and develop coal bed methane resources in Guizhou Province. The Group is entitled to earn a 60% interest in GGZ by funding up to US$8,000,000 in respect of an exploration pilot programme and has provided a performance bond against this commitment in the amount of US$ nil (31 December 2018: US$1,000,000). At 30 June 2019, the cumulative net investment made by the Group in GGZ was US$36,649,000 (31 December 2018: US$36,566,000), of which US$83,000 was invested in the six months ended 30 June 2019.

 

PetroChina is a subsidiary of state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), headquartered in Dongcheng District, Beijing.

 

20          RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Save as disclosed in notes 10, 12 and 18, there were no other related party transactions that are required to be disclosed. Transactions between the company and its subsidiary undertakings, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. The related party transactions of the Group during the period include the following:

 

As at 30 June 2019, the Group had the following balances due to/from its related parties under common control:

•            Net prepayment to the Greka Drilling Limited group of US$6,865,000 (2018: US$6,860,000).

•            Net payable to the Greka Engineering and Technology group of US$956,000 (2018: US$510,000).

•            Net receivable from Gremex Ltd. of $364,000 (2018: $364,000).

During the period, the Group has incurred drilling and related services costs of US$520,000 (2018: US$560,000) on services provided by wholly-owned subsidiaries of Greka Drilling Limited. The Group has also incurred infrastructure services costs of US$3,230,000 (2018: US$3,470,000) from wholly-owned subsidiaries of Greka Engineering and Technology Limited. During the period, the Group has sold gas of US$6,865,051 (2018: US$6,390,000) to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Greka Engineering and Technology Limited for Pipeline Gas.

The Group has entered a master service contract with Greka Drilling Ltd, a company under common management and control, regarding the provision of drilling services to the Group. There is no minimum expenditure committed in the contract within the next 12 months.

Subsidiary companies

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties of the Company, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. Details of transactions between the Group and other related parties are described above.

Ultimate controlling party

·      The ultimate controlling party is Mr. Randeep S. Grewal.

 

21     OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

 

At the reporting dates, the Group had commitments, as lessee, for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating lease in respect of land and buildings which fall due as follows:

 



As at

30 June 2019

Year ended

31 December 2018



USD'000

Unaudited

USD'000

Audited

No Later than 1 year


283

324

Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years


453

262



736

586

 

 



 

22     CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

 



As at

30 June 2019

Year ended

31 December 2018



USD'000

Unaudited

USD'000

Audited

Capital expenditure contracted but not provided for in respect of

-additions to exploration costs and appraisal assets


 

18,747

 

18,747

-acquisition of property, plant and equipment


24,427

25,626



43,174

44,373

 

The Group is required to undertake certain discretionary capital expenditures upon signing supplementary agreements with CUCBM on certain blocks, details of which are disclosed in note 19.

 

For disclosure of discretionary commitments under the CUCBM supplementary agreement, see note 19.

 

 

23          FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

Financial Assets


As at

30 June 2019

Year ended

31 December 2018


USD'000

Unaudited

USD'000

Audited

Loans and receivable:




Trade and other receivables


10,094

10,387

Restricted Cash


-

1,000

Cash and cash equivalents


91

305

Total financial assets


10,185

11,692

 

Financial Liabilities


As at

30 June 2019

Year ended

31 December 2018


USD'000

Unaudited

USD'000

Audited

At amortised cost:




Trade and other payables


7,984

7,783

Convertible notes


61,547

58,739

Bonds


117,155

110,083

Share buyback option liabilities


2,314

2,280

Total financial liabilities


189,000

178,885

 

The carrying value of the financial asset and liabilities is approximately equal to their fair value at 30 June 2019 and 31 December 2018.

 

Interest rate risk

The Group's income and operating cash flows are substantially independent of changes in market interest rates. The Group's bond and convertible loan note bear fixed interest. The Group has not entered into any cash flow interest rate hedging contracts or any other derivative financial instruments for hedging purposes. However, the management closely monitors its exposure to future cash flow as a result of changes in market interest rates, and will consider hedging such changes should the need arise.

 



 

The interest rate profile of the Group's financial assets at each year end was as follows:



As at

30 June 2019

Year ended

31 December 2018


USD'000

Unaudited

USD'000

Audited

Cash and cash equivalents



USD

Non-interest bearing

2

133

USD

Floating rate

31

148

GBP

Non-interest bearing

1

7

GBP

Floating rate

3

3

CAD

Floating rate

1

-

RMB

Non-interest bearing

52

-

RMB

Floating rate

6

186

HKD

Non-interest bearing

24

13

HKD

Floating rate

1

1

 

Other financial assets



USD

Non-interest bearing

3,146

404

RMB

Non-interest bearing

6,423

10,133

HKD

Non-interest bearing

494

654

GBP

Non-interest bearing

1

10



10,185

11,692

 

The weighted average interest rate earned during the year was 0.15% (2018: 0.20%) on floating rate US dollar cash balances, 0.03% (2018: 0.05%) on floating rate GBP balances and 0.45% (2018: 0.52%) on floating rate RMB balances. At the year end, the Group had cash on short-term deposit for periods of between over-night and one week.

 

The interest rate profile of the Group's financial liabilities at each year end was as follows:



As at

30 June 2019

Year ended

31 December 2018


USD'000

Unaudited

USD'000

Audited

Loans and borrowings, convertible notes and bonds financial liability



USD

Fixed rate

178,702

168,822

Other financial liabilities



USD

Non-interest bearing

3,745

1,063

RMB

Non-interest bearing

6,494

7,960

GBP

Non-interest bearing

49

974

HKD

Non-interest bearing

10

23

EOR

Non-interest bearing


2

NOK

Non-interest bearing


40



10,298

10,062

 

The interest rates payable during the year was 10% (2018: 9%) on US dollars convertible notes and 12% (2018: 10%) on US dollars bonds. If all interest rates had been 50 basis points higher/lower, with all other variables held constant, post-tax profit would have been US$nil (2018: US$nil) higher/lower and there will be no impact on other components of equity.

 

Foreign currency risk

While the Group continually monitors its exposure to movements in currency rates, it does not utilise hedging instruments to protect against currency risks. The main currency exposure risk to the Group has been in relation to the trade payable and other payables denominated in RMB. The Directors consider the foreign currency exposure to be limited. Receivables are generated in RMB, operational cash balances are held in RMB, revenues and future revenues from certain subsidiary operations will be generated in RMB.

 

In NOK

In CAD

In USD

In RMB

In GBP

IN HKD

Total in USD

 

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

 








 

Trade and other receivables

-

-

793

6,370

1,337

1,594

10,094

 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

Cash and cash equivalents

-

-

-

53

13

25

91

 


-

-

793

6,423

1,350

1,619

10,185

 


Financial Liabilities








Financial Assets








Trade and other payables

-

-

3,536

4,438

-

10

7,984

Convertible notes and bonds

-

-

178,702

-

-

-

178,702

Derivative financial liabilities

-

-

2,314

-

-

-

2,314


-

-

184,552

4,438

-

10

189,000

 

As at 31 December 2018 (Audited)

In NOK

In CAD

In USD

In RMB

In GBP

IN HKD

Total in USD

 


US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

 

Financial Assets








 

Trade and other receivables

-

-

3,527

6,860

-

-

10,387

 

Restricted cash

-

-

1,000

-

-

-

1,000

 

Cash and cash equivalents

-

-

261

17

-

27

305

 


-

-

4,788

6,877

-

27

11,692

 


Financial Liabilities








Trade and other payables

49

-

1,538

510

5,686

-

7,783

Convertible notes and bonds

-

-

168,822

-

-

-

168,822

Derivative financial liabilities

-

-

2,280

-

-

-

2,280


49


172,640

510

5,686

-

178,885

             

The above RMB cash, trade and other receivables, trade and other payables and other financial liabilities balances are denominated in a currency other than US dollars. A 3% decrease in the US dollar/RMB exchange rate would result in reported profits for the year ended 30 June 2019 being US$223,000 (31 December 2018: 265,000) higher or lower respectively.

 

Liquidity risk

The liquidity risk of each group entity is managed centrally by the group treasury function. The investment budgets and work plans are set by the operating teams in the PRC and agreed by the Board annually in advance, enabling the Group's cash requirements to be anticipated. Where facilities of group entities need to be increased, approval must be sought from the Board. Further disclosures on liquidity risk and going concern are included in note 2.

 

All surplus cash is held centrally to maximise the returns on deposits through economies of scale while required cash will be remitted to the PRC based on monthly cash-call basis.

 

The maturity profile of the Group's financial liabilities at the reporting dates based on contractual undiscounted payments are summarised below:

 


Six months or less

Six months to one year

Within one to five years

Over five years

Undiscounted payments

Adjustments

Carrying balance


US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

At 30 June 2019 (unaudited)








Trade and other payables

7,984

-

-

-

7,984


7,984

Convertible notes and bonds

9,822

168,880

-

-

178,702


178,702

Share buyback option liabilities

-

-

4,400

-

4,400

(2,086)

2,314


17,806

168,880

4,400

-

191,086

(2,086)

189,000

 


Six months or less

Six months to one year

Within one to five years

Over five years

Undiscounted payments

Adjustments

Carrying balance


US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

US$'000

At 31 December 2018 (Audited)








Trade and other payables

7,783

-

-

-

7,783

-

7,783

Convertible notes and bonds

-

188,580

-

-

188,580

(19,758)

168,822

Share buyback option liabilities

-

-

2,732

-

2,732

(452)

2,280


7,783

188,580

2,732

-

199,095

(20,210)

178,885

 

Notes:

(i)  Undiscounted payments are drawn up based on the earliest date on which the Group can be required to pay. They include both principal and interest cash outflows.

(ii) In the period ended 30 June 2019 and 31 December 2018, the adjustment to the convertible notes and bonds represents the impact of the unamortised transaction costs and future interest.

(iii)       Carrying balance represents the balance per consolidated statement of financial position at the end of each reporting period.

 

Credit risk

 

The Group's maximum exposure to credit risk by class of individual financial instrument is shown below:

 



30 June 2019 (Unaudited)

31 December 2018 (Audited)



Carrying value

Maximum

Carrying value

Maximum



value

exposure

value

exposure

Current asset

USD$'000

USD$'000

USD$'000

USD$'000

Trade and other receivables

10,094

10,094

10,387

10,387

Restricted cash

-

-

1,000

1,000

Cash and cash equivalents

91

91

305

305


10,185

10,185

11,692

11,692

 



 

None of trade and other receivables, including the amount due from related parties, had been impaired. Trade and other receivables are predominantly non-interest bearing. The Group does not hold any collateral as security and the Group does not hold any significant provision in the impairment account for trade and other receivables as they mainly relate to customers with no default history. The Group has current receivables of due from related parties of US$7,229,000 (2018: US$7,224,000), the recovery of which is dependent on the future profits of the related parties. The Group expects to fully recover its receivable based on the profit forecasts of the related parties.

 

Capital risk management

 

The Group's objectives when managing capital are to ensure the ability of the entities in the Group to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for equity holders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. In order to maintain the capital structure, the Group considers the macro economic conditions, prevailing borrowing rates in the market and adequacy of cash flows generated from operations and may adjust the amount of dividends paid or payable to equity holders, raise funding through capital market, adjust the amount of other borrowings as necessary. No changes were made to the objectives or policies during the year/period.

 

The Group monitors capital on the basis of the debt-to-equity ratio. This ratio is calculated as net debts divided by equity attributable to the Company's equity holders. Net debt includes current and non-current liabilities less cash and cash equivalents, as shown in the consolidated statements of financial position. Equity includes equity attributable to equity holders of the Company. Debt-to-equity ratios at 30 June 2019 and 31 December 2018 are as follows:

 



Period ended
30 June 2019

Year ended 31 December 2018



USD'000

Unaudited

USD'000

Audited

Current liabilities


186,686

176,605

Non-current liabilities


120,723

120,921

Cash and cash equivalents


(91)

(305)

Net debt


307,318

297,221

Equity


621,347

634,847

Debt-to-equity ratio


0.49

0.47

 

Fair Value

The carrying amounts of significant financial assets and liabilities approximate their respective fair values as at 30 June 2019 and 31 December 2018.

The carrying values of cash and bank balances, trade and other receivables, and trade and other payables approximate their respective fair values because of their short maturities. The carrying amounts of other liabilities approximate their fair value as the effect of discounting is immaterial. The carrying amounts of loan and borrowings and convertible notes approximate their fair values because the effective interest rates of the debts are approximate to the prevailing market interest rates at the reporting dates for similar borrowings available to the Group.

 

24     EVENTS AFTER REPORTING DATE

 

As announced by the Company on 25 September 2019, the Bond Trustee (note 14) has called a Bond Holders informational conference on 30 September 2019. See note 14 for more information.

There is no other subsequent event after the balance sheet date which requires disclosure in the financial statements.



 

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

 

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

 

(a) the Condensed Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, as adopted by the European Union, and give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the Group; and

 

(b) The Interim Management Report includes a fair review of the information required by FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (DTR 4.2.7 R and 4.2.8 R).

 

On behalf of the Board

 

 

 

 

 

Randeep S. Grewal

Founder & Chairman

 

30 September 2019



 

DIRECTORS, COMPANY SECRETARY AND ADVISORS

 

DIRECTORS

 

Randeep S. Grewal

Executive Director, Chairman and CEO

 

Bryan Smart

Non-Executive Director

 

Wayne Roberts

Non-Executive Director

 

Zhao Li Guo

Non-Executive Director

 

Gong Da Bing

Non-Executive Director

 

 

LEGAL ADVISORS

 

As to Chinese Law

 

Guantao Law Firm

17/F, Tower 2,

YingtaiCenter, NO. 28,

Finance Street, Xicheng District,

Beijing 100140, P R China

 

As to Cayman Islands & BVI Law

 

OGIER

89 Nexus Way

Camana Bay

Grand Cayman, KY1-9009

Cayman Islands

 

As to English Law

 

Memery Crystal LLP

44 Southampton Buildings

London WC2A 1AP

 



REGISTERED OFFICE

 

PO Box 2681

Cricket Square

Hutchins Drive

Grand Cayman KY1 -1111

Cayman Islands

 

 

COMPANY SECRETARY

 

International Corporation Services Ltd.

 

 

AUDITORS

 

BDO LLP

55 Baker Street

London W1U 7EU

 

 

INVESTOR RELATIONS

 

VSA Capital Limited

New Liverpool House,

15-17 Eldon Street,

London EC2M 7LD

 


This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
 
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