Q2 2012 Results

RNS Number : 8312J
Serica Energy plc
13 August 2012
 



Serica Energy plc

("Serica" or the "Company")

 

Q2 2012 Results

 

London, 13 August 2012 - Serica Energy plc (TSX & AIM: SQZ) announces its financial results for the three and six months ending 30 June 2012. The results and associated Management Discussion and Analysis are included below and copies are available at www.serica-energy.com and www.sedar.com.

 

 

Highlights:

Serica has made very good progress in all its operations throughout the first half of 2012.

 

The Company:

 

·      ended the quarter with no debt and US$23.3 million unrestricted cash balance, 40% up over the quarter and 16.7% up on the balance held at the start of the year

 

·      submitted an application on schedule to the Department of Energy and Climate Change ("DECC") for the grant of project sanction for development of the Columbus field

 

·      reached agreement, subject to contract and a further announcement, to farm-out its 100% interest in UK North Sea Block 22/19c

 

·      reached agreement, subject to contract and a further announcement, to farm-out its interests in the Moroccan offshore blocks Foum Draa and Sidi Moussa with potential for drilling two wells in 2013

 

·      commenced the farm out process for its blocks in the Irish Rockall Basin containing the large Muckish, Midleton and West Midleton prospects

 

·      commenced preparations for drilling the Spaniards appraisal well due to spud at the start of October

 

·      by early August completed 60% of the target for the Luderitz Basin 3D seismic survey in Namibia - one of the largest surveys to-date offshore Namibia

 

Forward prospects:

Serica has valuable properties in the UK, Norway, offshore Ireland and offshore West Africa and, in the current depressed market conditions, has received a number of proposals relating to these assets.  Whilst Serica's focus is on building and realising the full potential of its business for the benefit of shareholders, the Company is carefully and objectively in line with its previously stated strategy and in the normal course of business evaluating all proposals which might provide a means of accelerating the value of the Company's assets and enhancing shareholder value whilst also preserving the unrealised upside for future growth.

 

 

Tony Craven Walker, Chairman and Interim CEO of Serica of Serica commented:

 

"Serica is very well placed to expand on the clear potential of its properties and we remain totally committed to demonstrating the value of our assets.  In the North Sea, application has been made to DECC for development sanction of the Columbus field, which Serica operates.  The Company looks forward to bringing this project onto production whilst also keeping under review ways of bringing forward the full value of the project for the benefit of shareholders.  In Namibia we are making good progress with the large 3D survey which we operate and we are also reaping rewards from our farm-out efforts in the UK and Morocco which we hope to announce shortly.

 

We continue to seek ways to unlock value in our portfolio. Market conditions remain depressed but the potential of the Company's assets has attracted a number of proposals, all of which could provide opportunities for the Company to realise or accelerate values and improve shareholder return.  The Company is evaluating these proposals in line with its previously stated strategy to determine the best means of enhancing asset values for shareholders whilst also preserving the unrealised upside for future growth.

 

Throughout the first half of 2012 Serica has made extremely good progress across all aspects of its business and we intend to continue this good progress.  We end the second quarter with no debt, increased cash resources, a development project in hand, drilling commencing shortly in the UK and, overseas, an expanding position in new Atlantic Margin plays offshore Europe and Africa which show great potential and are attracting industry attention.

 

The Company has a very active forward programme with a very clear strategic objective and, as such, the second half of the year promises to be a busy, but exciting time for Serica as we continue to progress our work programmes and add significant value to the Company."

 

 

 

Enquiries:

 

Serica Energy plc



Tony Craven Walker,

Chairman & Interim CEO

tony.cravenwalker@serica-energy.com

+44 (0)20 7487 7300

Mitch Flegg, COO

mitch.flegg@serica-energy.com

+44 (0)20 7487 7300

Chris Hearne, CFO

chris.hearne@serica-energy.com

+44 (0)20 7487 7300




J.P.Morgan Cazenove



Michael Wentworth-Stanley

michael.wentworthstanley@jpmorgancazenove.com

+44 (0)20 7588 2828




RBC Capital Markets



Matthew Coakes

matthew.coakes@rbccm.com

+44 (0)20 7653 4000

Jeremy Low

jeremy.low@rbccm.com

+44 (0)20 7653 4000




College Hill



Nick Elwes

nick.elwes@collegehill.com

+44 (0)20 7457 2020

Catherine Wickman

catherine.wickman@collegehill.com

+44 (0)20 7457 2020

Alexandra Roper

alexandra.roper@collegehill.com

+44 (0)20 7457 2020

 

 

The technical information contained in the announcement has been reviewed and approved by Peter Sadler, Business Development Director of Serica Energy plc. Peter Sadler is a qualified Petroleum Engineer (MSc Imperial College, London, 1982) and has been a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers since 1981.

 

NOTES TO EDITORS

Serica Energy was formed in 2004 and, since then, has drilled 19 wells in locations as diverse as the UK Offshore, the Atlantic margin offshore Ireland, offshore Indonesia (North West Sumatra, East Kalimantan and Java) and offshore Vietnam.  Seventeen of these wells were drilled by the Company as Operator, fourteen of the wells encountered oil or gas and six of these were commercial.  The first of the commercial discoveries, the Kambuna field in North West Sumatra, was developed by the Company.  The second, the Columbus field in the UK North Sea, is now in the development stage. The Company also has a residual economic interest in the Bream oil field offshore Norway, which will be crystallised when the field is developed, and licence interests offshore Ireland, Morocco and Namibia.

 

The Company is listed on both the Toronto Stock Exchange and the London AIM under the ticker SQZ. 

 

To receive Company news releases via email, please contact nick.elwes@collegehill.com and specify "Serica press releases" in the subject line.

 

 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This disclosure contains certain forward looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Serica Energy plc's control, including: geological, geophysical and technical risk, the impact of general economic conditions where Serica Energy plc operates, industry conditions, changes in laws and regulations including the adoption of new environmental laws and regulations and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced, increased competition, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, fluctuations in foreign exchange or interest rates, stock market volatility and market valuations of companies with respect to announced transactions and the final valuations thereof, and obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities. Serica Energy plc's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward looking statements and, accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits, including the amount of proceeds, that Serica Energy plc will derive therefrom.



MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

                                                                                                            

The following management discussion and analysis ("MD&A") of the financial and operational results of Serica Energy plc ("Serica") and its subsidiaries (together the "Group") contains information up to and including 10 August 2012 and should be read in conjunction with the attached unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the period ended 30 June 2012, which have been prepared by and are the responsibility of the Company's management and have not been reviewed by the Company's independent auditors.

 

References to the "Company" include Serica and its subsidiaries where relevant. All figures are reported in US dollars ("US$") unless otherwise stated.

 

The results of Serica's operations detailed below in this MD&A, and in the financial statements, are presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS").

 

OVERVIEW - QUARTER ENDED 30 JUNE 2012

 

Serica has made very good progress in all its operations throughout the first half of 2012 and ends the second quarter with increased cash resources.

 

Financial

 

The Company has strengthened its financial position during the quarter

 

·      The Company received a US$5 million back cost contribution following the farm-out in Namibia and ended the quarter with an unrestricted cash balance of US$23.3 million, 40% up over the quarter and 16.7% up on the balance held at the start of the year.

 

·      This improved cash position underpins the Company's planned exploration programmes in the UK, Namibia, Morocco and Ireland where material prospectivity has been identified.

 

·      The exploration programmes are expected to be accelerated following completion of current farm-out negotiations.

 

·      The Company has no debt and an undrawn US$50 million facility. Discussions are taking place with a number of debt providers to supplement this facility to fund the development of Columbus following project sanction being granted by the Department of Energy and Climate Change ("DECC").

 

·      During the first half the Kambuna field contributed sales revenue of US$8.5 million to Serica's net interest (US$4.4 million in the second quarter).

 

Operations

 

The Company is involved in projects with substantial upside potential all of which are progressing well

 

·      The Columbus field development project has been agreed amongst all partners and application has been made to the Department of Energy and Climate Change ("DECC"), on schedule, for the grant of project sanction enabling discussions on project financing to be completed.  The operator for the infrastructure required for the export of gas and condensate production from Columbus, BG, has confirmed plans for this infrastructure to be in place for Columbus production to commence in the first half of 2015, slightly later than the anticipated end 2014.

 

·      In Namibia, the 3D seismic operation in the Luderitz Basin commenced in May with 60% of the target survey completed in early August.  Data quality is excellent and processing, which has commenced, will be running in parallel with the ongoing survey.

 

·      In Morocco, the Company is in the final stage of negotiations to farm out its interests in the Foum Draa and Sidi Moussa blocks and application is being made to enter the second period of both licences with a commitment to drill two wells, one in each block.

 

·      In Ireland the focus is on accelerating the exploration programme in both the Rockall Basin and Slyne Basin areas where the Company has extensive holdings including the large, high potential Muckish prospect and nearby Midleton and West Midleton prospects.  A farm-out process commenced at the end of the second quarter covering the Rockall basin blocks and is expected to continue throughout the third quarter with plans for pre-drilling site survey work to take place in 2013.

 

·      In the UK, the Company has agreed to farm down its 100% interest in Block 22/19c.  Active farm-out discussions are ongoing in respect of certain other blocks.  In the East Irish Sea, Doyle awaits the completion of the 27th Licensing Round before drilling and, in the southern North Sea, the operator of the York area blocks has deferred the seismic operation to 2013.  Discussions continue with interested parties on the farm-out of the Company's interest in the South Otter blocks in the northern North Sea.

 

·      The Bream field in Norway, in which Serica has a significant economic interest, saw development plans progress in the first half.  The field operator announced plans in the second quarter for the drilling of up to seven development wells to commence in the fourth quarter of 2013 and last for about 13 months.  Contracts are under tender for the facilities and wells ahead of formal project sanction which is expected in the second half of 2012 with first oil targeted for late 2015.  The Company is due a substantial payment on commencement of production.

 

FORWARD PROGRAMME

 

The Company has a very active forward programme and a very clear strategic objective.

 

Operations

 

·      In Namibia, weather conditions have extended the survey schedule but data quality is good and the survey is expected to complete towards the end of the third quarter.  This will be followed by a period of data processing and interpretation.  The existing 2D seismic data has already demonstrated the presence of material, high impact drilling prospects and the 3D data is expected to enhance the potential.

 

·      In Morocco, completion of the farmouts, expected to be announced shortly, will allow the Foum Draa and Sidi Moussa blocks to be extended into the next exploration stage with the strong likelihood of an early drilling campaign, possibly as early as 2013.

 

·      In the North Sea, drilling operations will commence with the WilPhoenix rig contracted to drill an appraisal of the Spaniards discovery well 15/21a-38z.  The well is expected to commence drilling at the beginning of October and take approximately 40 days to drill.  Serica has a 21% interest in the prospect and will be contributing 30% to the drilling cost.

 

·      In the East Irish Sea, drilling plans are progressing to drill the Doyle prospect following completion of the current 27th Licensing Round whilst, in the North Sea, drilling of the South Otter block remains subject to an ongoing farm-out programme.  An approach has been received for a farm-out of the Doyle prospect.

 

Forward Prospects

 

Serica is very well placed to expand on the clear potential of its portfolio of properties and prospects in emerging Atlantic margin basins and will continue to seek ways to unlock value and build on this position.  In the North Sea, project sanction is expected to be received shortly for the Columbus field development, which Serica operates, and the Company looks forward to bringing this project onto production whilst also keeping under review ways of bringing forward the full value of this project for the benefit of shareholders.

 

Serica has valuable properties in the UK, Norway, offshore Ireland and offshore West Africa and, in the current depressed market conditions, has received a number of proposals relating to these assets.  Whilst Serica's focus is on building and realising the full potential of its business for the benefit of shareholders, the Company is carefully and objectively in line with its previously stated strategy and in the normal course of business evaluating all proposals which might provide a means of accelerating the value of the Company's assets and enhancing shareholder value whilst also preserving the unrealised upside for future growth.



DETAILED OPERATIONS OVERVIEW

 

Serica is an oil and gas company with exploration and development activities based in the UK, Ireland, Namibia and Morocco, together with a production interest in the Kambuna field in Indonesia.

 

The Company operates a large proportion of its licences.  In the UK it is the Development Operator of the Columbus field.  It operates all of its East Irish Sea licences and Northern North Sea Blocks 210/19a and 210/20a.  In Namibia it is Operator for its Luderitz Basin Blocks where it is now conducting one of the largest 3D offshore seismic surveys in Namibia to-date.  In Morocco it is Technical Operator for the Foum Draa and Sidi Moussa Blocks.  In Ireland it operates twelve blocks in the Rockall Basin and three in the Slyne Basin.  This places Serica in a very strong position to unlock the value in its properties.

 

During the second quarter of 2012 the Company continued to make major steps to demonstrate the value of its oil and gas and exploration licences.  Its business activities are now focussed in two separate hubs - the UK Offshore area, including an economic interest in the Bream field in Norway, and a substantial portfolio of properties in four distinct Atlantic margin basins.  The Company retains an interest in the producing Kambuna field in Indonesia.

 

Serica is positioned as a Company with no debt, a development project and near term drilling in the UK and overseas, an expanding position in new Atlantic Margin plays offshore Europe and Africa which hold great potential and ongoing production in Indonesia.

 

SUMMARY OF LICENCE HOLDINGS

 

The following summary gives further detailed information on Serica's licence interests in which activities took place during, and subsequent to, the end of the second quarter.

 

United Kingdom

 

Central North Sea: Block 23/16f - Columbus Field Development

 

The Columbus field, containing gas rich in condensates, extends from Block 23/16f to the south into Block 23/21 operated by BG International Limited ("BG"), which includes the Lomond platform and the producing Lomond field.

 

During the first quarter of 2012 all participants of the Columbus field reached agreement on the cost and production sharing arrangements and the detailed terms to provide access for the Columbus field production through the Lomond platform and the CATS and Forties pipeline systems.  Under the cost sharing arrangements the participants in the Columbus field (other than BG) will be responsible for the drilling of two production wells, the installation of sub-sea manifolds and the laying of a pipeline to take the two-phase gas and gas-condensate stream to a new Bridge Linked Platform ("BLP") to be constructed by BG adjacent to the Lomond platform.  BG will be responsible for the construction and operation of the BLP and provide access for the Columbus field production through the BLP and Lomond facilities.  The tariff and cost sharing terms for the BLP and Lomond facilities reflect these cost sharing arrangements.  Serica will be the Operator for the Columbus field facilities with an interest of 33.2%.

 

These agreements enable the Columbus project to proceed to project sanction.  Application has been made to DECC on schedule for the grant of project sanction which will enable discussions on project financing to be completed.  Field development is planned to be completed by the end of 2014 with field production in the first half of 2015 following installation of the BLP, slightly later than originally expected, and subsequent hook-up to the Columbus sub-sea system.

 

Independent consultant Netherland, Sewell & Associates ("NSAI") carried out a reserves report on the Columbus field for the end of 2011.  This report estimated that the gross Proved plus Probable Reserves of the field are 70.6 bcf of gas and 4.9 mm bbl of liquids, a total of 16.7 mmboe. Serica holds a 50% interest in those Columbus reserves lying in Block 23/16f. After providing for reserves lying in the adjacent Block, NSAI estimates the Company's share of proved and probable reserves in the field to be 23.6 bcf of sales gas and 1.6 mmbbl of liquids, a net 5.6 mmboe to Serica.

 

Central North Sea: Block 15/21g and 15/21a (part) - Spaniards Appraisal

 

Block 15/21g, in which Serica was initially awarded a 30% interest, lies immediately west of the Scott oil field and is believed to contain a potentially significant extension to the oil discovery in Block 15/21a made by well 15/21-38z in good quality Jurassic-aged Upper Claymore sand.  An agreement was finalised in January 2012 with the participants of Block 15/21a to combine the two blocks. Serica now has a 21% interest in the amalgamated area.

 

The Operator has contracted the semisubmersible rig WilPhoenix to drill a well to appraise the discovery.  The well is expected to commence at the beginning of October following release from its current contract.  Serica will be contributing a 30% share of the drilling cost of the first well and a 17.14% share of the cost of drilling a follow-up well if a second well is drilled.

 

Northern North Sea: Blocks 210/19a and 210/20a - South Otter Prospects

 

These blocks, in which Serica has a 100% interest, are a contiguous block and part block lying immediately south of the producing Otter oilfield. A number of oil prospects have been provisionally identified at Jurassic Brent Group and Home Sand levels. Two of the Brent Group prospects are down-faulted traps and the other is a conventional Brent fault block. The fourth prospect is in a Jurassic reservoir known as the Home Sand.  Drilling of the South Otter blocks remains subject to an ongoing farm-out programme.

 

East Irish Sea: Blocks 113/26b and 113/27c - Doyle Prospect

 

Serica has a 65% interest in these blocks.  A gas prospect lying in the north of Block 113/27c, the Doyle prospect, has been fully matured as the result of work done in 2011 and is ready to drill. Plans are in hand for the well to be drilled but, in view of adjacent open acreage, are held pending the outcome of the UK 27th Licensing Round, expected later this year.

 

East Irish Sea: Block 110/8b

 

In December 2011, Serica was awarded a 100% interest and the operatorship of Block 110/8b. The work commitment comprises a 3D seismic reprocessing programme, planned to delineate the Darwen North gas prospect which has been identified in the block.  The block also contains a small undeveloped oil discovery which will be re-evaluated.

 

Southern North Sea: Blocks 47/2b (Split), 47/3g (Split), 47/7 (Split) & 47/8d (Part)

 

In December 2011, Blocks 47/2b (Split), 47/3g (Split), 47/7 (Split) & 47/8d (Part) in the Southern North Sea were offered under a single licence to a group in which Serica has a 37.5% interest. Centrica is the Operator for the group. These blocks are contiguous part blocks immediately adjacent to the York field, also operated by Centrica.

 

A number of gas prospects, including a possible extension to North York, have been identified on the blocks at both the Leman (Permian) and Namurian (Carboniferous) levels. The work obligation comprises a 3D seismic acquisition survey and reprocessing of existing seismic data.  A 3D seismic survey is planned to be undertaken by the partnership in 2013.

 

Norway

 

Serica holds a significant economic interest in the Bream field in Norway as the result of the sale, in 2008, of its original 20% interest in the field for a deferred consideration payable upon commencement of production from the field.  The field operator announced plans in the second quarter for the drilling of up to seven development wells to commence in the fourth quarter of 2013 and last for about 13 months.  It has also been announced that contracts are under tender for the facilities and wells ahead of formal project sanction which is expected in the second half of 2012 with first oil targeted for late 2015.

 

Ireland

 

Rockall Basin: Blocks 5/17, 5/18, 5/22, 5/23, 5/27, and 5/28 - Muckish Prospects

and Blocks 11/5, 11/10, 11/15, 12/1, 12/6 and 12/11(part) - Midleton and West Midleton Prospects

 

Serica holds a 100% working interest in two licences covering twelve blocks and part blocks over an area totalling 2,220 square kilometres in the north-eastern part of the Rockall Basin in the Atlantic margin off the west coast of Ireland. The presence of a hydrocarbon system in the Basin has been proven by the Dooish gas-condensate discovery.

 

A large exploration prospect, Muckish, has been mapped in Blocks 5/22 and 5/23.  Further evaluation of 3D seismic data coverage and the Dooish gas-condensate discovery lying nearby to the south east, gives confidence in the potential of the prospect which covers an area of approximately 30 square kilometres with over 600 metres of vertical closure in a water depth of 1,450 metres.  Blocks 11/10 and 12/6 contain two further pre-Cretaceous fault block prospects, Midleton and West Midleton, identified from existing 3D seismic data.  Like Muckish these are analogous to the nearby gas-condensate bearing Dooish discovery.  Serica is undertaking 2D and 3D seismic reprocessing work and other geological studies to firm up these two additional prospects.

 

At the end of the second quarter the Company commenced a farm-out programme in preparation for drilling the large, high potential Muckish prospect.

 

Slyne Basin: Blocks 27/4, 27/5 (west) and 27/9 - Liffey & Boyne Prospects

 

These blocks cover an area of 611 square kilometres in the Slyne Basin off the west coast of Ireland.  The Company holds a 50% interest in the blocks and operates the Licence.

 

In 2009, Serica drilled the Bandon exploration well 27/4-1 and made a shallow Jurassic oil discovery.  The early drilling of this well met the licence obligations for both the first and second exploration periods. Although the discovery was not commercial the well was important as it proved the presence of oil in the Jurassic.  Deeper Jurassic oil prospects of potentially commercial size, where the oil would be of much higher quality, have subsequently been identified including two prospects, Liffey and Boyne which also overlay separate, deeper gas prospects in the Triassic Sherwood sandstone.  The Company has acquired site survey data in preparation for a drilling programme to test these prospects.



Namibia

 

Luderitz Basin: Blocks 2512A, 2513A, 2513B and 2612A (part)

 

In late December 2011, Serica was awarded an 85% interest in a Petroleum Agreement covering Blocks 2512A, 2513A, 2513B and 2612A (part) in the Luderitz Basin, offshore Namibia in partnership with The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Pty) Limited ("NAMCOR") and Indigenous Energy (Pty) Limited.  The blocks lie in the centre of the basin and cover a total area of approximately 17,400 square kilometres.   

 

Upon signature, the Company agreed to make the following payments to NAMCOR in respect of the award:

 

       US$1 million cash payment

       US$2 million through an allotment of 6 million ordinary shares of Serica (which represents approximately 3.28% of the enlarged issued share capital of Serica).  To the extent that the value of 6 million ordinary shares is more than US$2 million on the day of allotment, then the Company may reduce the number of shares allotted; alternatively, if the value is less than US$2 million, the Company may either increase the number of shares allotted or pay the cash equivalent of the difference to NAMCOR.

 

The cash payment was made to NAMCOR in January 2012.  The share allotment is subject to a regulatory consent required from the Ministry of Finance.  The consent had not been received by the end of the second quarter.  If this consent is not received, the payment will be paid in cash.

 

The blocks contain a number of very large structures which are evident from existing 2D seismic data.  During the second quarter the Company commenced a major survey with a target acquisition of up to 4,150 square kilometres of 3D seismic data to fully delineate prospects identified in the south east of the blocks.  60% of the target survey was completed in early August, more than meeting in full the obligations for seismic acquisition under the terms of the licence.  Weather conditions have extended the survey schedule but data quality is good and the survey is expected to complete towards the end of the third quarter.  Processing of the data has commenced and will continue in parallel with continuing data acquisition.

 

During the second quarter, Serica completed a farm-out to BP under which Serica reduced its interest in the licence to 55% in return for a payment to recover past costs and the full cost of the survey being met by BP.   Serica has also granted an option for BP to increase its interest in the licence by meeting the full cost of drilling and testing a deep-water exploration well to the Barremian level before the end of the first four year exploration period.  In the event that this option is exercised by BP, the Company's interest in the licence will be 17.5% carried through drilling and testing the first well.  Serica will continue to be the Operator of the licence during the initial seismic period with BP taking over as Operator if it exercises its option to drill and test a well.

 

Morocco

 

Sidi Moussa and Foum Draa Petroleum Agreements

 

Serica holds licence interests in the Sidi Moussa and adjacent Foum Draa Petroleum Agreements offshore Morocco.  The blocks cover a total area of approximately 12,700 square kilometres in the sparsely explored Tarfaya-Ifni Basin and extend from the Moroccan coastline into water depths reaching a maximum of 2,000 metres.  Under the terms of the licence agreements the participants are required to carry the state oil company ONHYM for a 25% interest through the exploration and appraisal phase.

 

The Tarfaya-Ifni Basin is geologically analogous to the oil producing salt basins of West Africa and exhibits significant potential.  Sidi Moussa and Foum Draa are covered by over 5,200 square kilometres of modern 3D seismic data and over 7,000 kilometres of 2D seismic data.  Serica has completed the evaluation of this data which demonstrates the presence of a large number of salt diapir related prospects, stratigraphic traps and tilted fault block plays.

 

During the second quarter, Serica, in conjunction with its partners, conducted a farm-out exercise in respect of both blocks.  This generated considerable industry interest and resulted in the receipt of farm-in proposals for the two blocks.  The Company is now in the final stage of negotiations to farm out its interests in the blocks with completion of the negotiations expected shortly.  Applications are being made to enter the second period of both licences with a commitment to drill two deep water wells, one on each licence. The farm-in terms will be announced once the agreements have been finalised.

 

Indonesia

 

Glagah Kambuna TAC  - Kambuna Field, Offshore North Sumatra, Indonesia

 

Serica's sole remaining interest in Indonesia is its 25% interest in the Glagah Kambuna Technical Assistance Contract ("TAC") offshore North Sumatra which contains the producing Kambuna gas field. Whilst the Company continues to benefit from the cash flow it receives from this field, it does not consider the asset to be core to its forward strategy.

 

The Kambuna field has commenced its natural decline and production rates are expected to fall in line with reservoir pressure depletion. Compression facilities to arrest this production decline were successfully installed in February 2012 and were fully functional in May following a period of commissioning and facilities de-bottlenecking. The partnership is reviewing areas where cost cutting can prolong the economic life of the field but, under current projections, the field is expected to reach the end of its economic life during 2013.

 

During the second quarter the field produced at an average rate of 19 mmscfd (Q2 2011: 40 mmscfd, Q1 2012: 16 mmscfd) with approximately 1,072 barrels per day of condensate (Q2 2011: 2,699 bpd, Q1 2012 1,000 bpd). Average prices realised during the quarter for gas and condensate sales respectively were US$6.5 per mcf (Q2 2011: US$6.2 per mcf, Q1 2012: US$6.4 per mcf) and US$123.6 per barrel (Q2 2011: US$120.2 per barrel, Q1 2012: US$125.0 per barrel). The highest price achieved during 2012 is US$130 per barrel, achieved in March.

 

Serica commissioned an independent reserves audit on the Kambuna field for its 2011 annual reserves filings. This reserves report, carried out by RPS Energy, the same consultants as used by the Operator, estimates that at 31 December 2011 the gross Proved plus Probable Reserves of the field are 17.5 bcf of sales gas and 1.1 mm bbl of condensate, a total of 4.7 mmboe. In view of the anticipated near term depletion of the field, which is expected to occur in 2013, the Company bases its financial planning and reporting for the Kambuna field on Proved reserves only, which RPS Energy estimated to be, at 31 December 2011, 11.2 bcf of sales gas and 0.6 mm bbl of liquids, a total of 2.9 mmboe.



FINANCIAL REVIEW

 

A detailed review of the Q2 2012 results of operations and other financial information is set out below.

 

Results of Operations

 

The results of Serica's operations detailed below in this MD&A, and in the financial statements, are presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS").

 

The continuing operations comprise the core business hubs of the UK Offshore and Atlantic Margin basin interests, together with the Kambuna field interest in Indonesia. Discontinued operations comprise the Indonesian exploration business disposal group that was sold in October 2011.

 

The financial results of the Kambuna field interest had previously been disclosed in the Q2 2011 and Q3 2011 reports to shareholders as part of discontinued operations but are now disclosed within continuing operations together with the results of the retained core business segments. The three and six month ended 30 June 2011 financial results detailed below have therefore been restated to only disclose the Indonesian exploration business disposal group as 'discontinued'.

 


Three months ended


Six months ended


30 June


30 June



Restated*



Restated*


2012

2011


2012

2011


US$000

US$000


US$000

US$000

Continuing operations






Sales revenue

4,417

6,613


8,455

15,190







Cost of sales

(4,915)

(5,452)


(9,176)

(12,465)







Gross (loss)/profit

(498)

1,161


(721)

2,725







Expenses:






 Pre-licence costs

(134)

(641)


(245)

(869)

 E&E and other asset write offs

(136)

-


(136)

-

 Administrative expenses

(1,340)

(1,550)


(2,755)

(3,001)

 Foreign exchange gain

59

22


106

89

 Share-based payments

(145)

(194)


(320)

(466)

 Depreciation

(85)

(86)


(169)

(175)

Operating loss before net finance revenue and taxation

 

(2,279)

 

(1,288)

 

 

 

(4,240)

 

(1,697)







 Gain on disposal

-

-


1,023

-

 Finance revenue

1

2


4

10

 Finance costs

(168)

(210)


(340)

(1,032)







Loss before taxation

(2,446)

(1,496)


(3,553)

(2,719)







 Taxation credit/(charge)

284

(243)


-

(909)







Loss for the period

(2,162)

(1,739)


(3,553)

(3,628)

from continuing operations












Discontinued operations






Loss for the period from






discontinued operations

-

(4,636)


-

(5,212)







Loss for the period

(2,162)

(6,375)


(3,553)

(8,840)













Earnings per share (EPS)

US$

US$


US$

US$

Basic and diluted EPS on loss from continuing operations

 

(0.01)

 

(0.01)

 

 

 

(0.02)

 

(0.02)







Basic and diluted EPS on loss for the period

(0.01)

(0.04)


(0.02)

(0.05)

 

 

* Restated for discontinued operations

 

Continuing operations 

 

Serica generated a gross loss of US$0.5 million for the three months ended 30 June 2012 ("Q2 2012") from its retained 25% interest in the Kambuna Field (Q2 2011: gross profit of US$1.2 million).

 

Sales revenues

 

The Company currently generates all its sales revenue from the Kambuna field in Indonesia. Revenue is recognised on an entitlement basis for the Company's net working field interest. Entitlement revenues are higher in those periods where the full capped amount of cost recovery entitlement is eligible to be claimed out of gross revenue. In the 2011 periods, the cycle of eligible cost recovery was such that the full capped amount of cost recovery could not be claimed by the contractors, therefore giving lower contractor entitlement revenues and an increased government share of gross revenue. Unclaimed cost recovery amounts are carried forward to future periods.

 

The field has now commenced its anticipated natural decline and production rates began to fall during 2011 in line with reservoir pressure depletion. In addition, production rates in January and February 2012 were reduced during compression facility work, designed to enhance the production capacity of the field after the first quarter of 2012. In Q2 2012, gross Kambuna field gas production averaged 18.8 mmscf per day (Q2 2011 39.7 mmscf per day) together with average condensate production of 1,072 barrels per day (Q2 2011 2,699 barrels per day). The Q2 2012 gas production was sold at prices averaging US$6.46 per mscf (Q2 2011 US$6.20 per mscf) and generated US$2.5 million (Q2 2011 US$3.9 million) of revenue net to Serica. Condensate production is stored and sold when lifted at a price referenced to the Indonesia Attaka official monthly crude oil price. Liftings in the period earned US$2.0 million (Q2 2011 US$2.7 million) of revenue net to Serica at an average price of US$123.6 per barrel (Q2 2011 US$120.2 per barrel).

 

Cost of sales and depletion charges

 

Cost of sales were driven by production from the Kambuna field and totalled US$4.9 million in Q2 2012 (Q2 2011: US$5.5 million). The charge comprised direct operating costs of US$2.0 million (Q2 2011 US$1.5 million), non cash depletion of US$3.0 million (Q2 2011 US$3.8 million) offset by an increase in condensate inventory of US$0.1 million (Q2 2011 US$0.2 million decrease).

 

Operating costs per boe increased significantly in the Q1 and Q2 2012 periods as reducedproduction levels were not offset by corresponding reductions in production costs. Depletion charges per boe have also increased for the Q2 2012 period against Q2 2011 as the Company revised its accounting estimate of entitlement reserves for depletion purposes from 'proved and probable' to 'proved', with effect from 1 July 2011. This reduction in entitlement reserve base generated further increases in the depletion charge per boe for the second half of 2011 onwards.

 

Other expenses and income

 

The Company generated a loss before tax from continuing operations of US$2.4 million for Q2 2012 compared to a loss before tax of US$1.5 million for Q2 2011.

 

Pre-licence costs include direct cost and allocated general administrative cost incurred on oil and gas interests prior to the award of licences, concessions or exploration rights. The expense of US$0.1 million incurred in Q2 2012 is not significant. More material pre-licence work was performed in Q2 2011 and later 2011 quarters, culminating in the following awards; Block 110/8b in the East Irish Sea, four blocks in the Southern North Sea, a further six blocks in the Rockall Basin in Ireland, and four large blocks and part blocks in the Luderitz Basin in Namibia.

 

There were no significant asset write offs in continuing operations in Q2 2012 (Q2 2011: US$nil).

 

Administrative expenses of US$1.3 million for Q2 2012 decreased from US$1.6 million for the same period last year. The Company continues to reduce overheads and expects savings to give further benefit in 2012.

 

The impact of foreign exchange was not significant in Q2 2012 or Q2 2011.

 

Share-based payment costs of US$0.1 million in Q2 2012 reflected share options granted and compare with US$0.2 million for Q2 2011.

 

Negligible depreciation charges in all periods represent office equipment and fixtures and fittings. The depletion and amortisation charge for Kambuna field development costs is recorded within 'Cost of Sales'.

 

In March 2012 the Company announced that it had agreed to farm-out an interest in its Namibian licence to BP. Under the transaction, BP paid to Serica a sum of US$5.0 million covering Serica's past costs and is to earn a 30% interest in the licence by meeting the full cost of an extensive 3D seismic survey. As a result of the farm-out, Serica's interest in the licence following completion of the seismic survey will be 55%. The accounting gain of US$1.0 million on disposal recorded in Q1 2012 and disclosed in the six months ended 30 June 2012 income statement relates to the recognition of recovery for those past costs incurred that had been expensed as pre-licence costs in previous periods. The re-imbursement of those past costs capitalised as E&E assets on the award of the licence in December 2011 or capitalised as incurred in Q1 2012, are treated as a reduction from the book cost of the asset. Completion of the farm-out transaction occurred in June 2012 following the consent of the Ministry of Mines and Energy in Namibia.

 

Finance revenue comprising bank deposit interest income has been negligible in both periods.

 

Finance costs consist of interest payable, arrangement costs spread over the term of the bank loan facility and other fees. All outstanding liabilities were fully repaid in February 2011 causing a reduction in expense to US$0.2 million in Q2 2011 and Q2 2012. All facility arrangement costs have been amortised and no interest is currently payable. The only ongoing cost related to other minor fees.

 

The Q2 2012 current taxation credit of US$0.3 million arose from Kambuna field operations. The Q2 2011 charge of US$0.2 million also arose from Kambuna and comprised a current tax charge of US$1.6 million and a deferred tax credit of US$1.4 million. Current tax is typically charged on the profit oil or gas element of sales revenue rather than the cost recovery component.

 

The net loss per share from continuing operations of US$0.01 for Q2 2012 compares to a net loss per share of US$0.01 for Q2 2011.

 



 

 

Summary of Quarterly Results

 








2012

2012

2011

2011

2011

2011

2010

2010

Quarter ended:

30 June

31 Mar

31 Dec

30 Sep

30 Jun

31 Mar

31 Dec

30 Sep


US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000



















Sales revenue  

4,417

4,038

5,342

6,579

6,613

8,577

9,413

10,018

(Loss)/profit for the quarter

 

(2,162)

 

(1,391)

 

(4,101)

 

(7,429)

 

(6,375)

 

(2,465)

 

(40,112)

 

281

Basic and diluted loss per share US$

 

(0.01)

 

(0.01)

 

(0.02)

 

(0.04)

 

(0.04)

 

(0.01)

 

(0.22)

 

-

Basic and diluted earnings per share US$

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

0.002










 

The fourth quarter 2011 loss includes an impairment charge of US$2.3 million against the Kambuna production asset.

 

The second quarter 2011 loss includes a charge of US$3.7 million recognised on the re-measurement to fair value of the Indonesian exploration disposal group.

 

The fourth quarter 2010 loss includes asset write offs of US$29.5 million attributed to the Kutai and Oates E&E assets and an impairment charge of US$11.8 million against the Kambuna production asset.

 



Discontinued operations

 

The results of discontinued operations below are those generated from Serica's South East Asia exploration business which was disposed of in October 2011.

 

At 30 June 2011, as a result of the Board's strategic decision to exit Indonesia, the Group's interests in the region were classified as a disposal group held for sale and therefore included as discontinued operations. In October 2011, the Group completed the disposal of its operated exploration portfolio; however the Group's 25% interest in Kambuna has not been sold. The directors concluded that as at 31 December 2011, 31 March 2012 and 30 June 2012, whilst still available for sale, Serica's interest in Kambuna no longer meets the IFRS 5 criteria to be classified as an asset held for sale, because an active marketing program is no longer in place, and therefore the results of this part of the disposal group are disclosed within continuing operations together with the results of the retained core business segments.

 


Three months ended


Six months ended


30 June


30 June



*Restated



*Restated


2012

2011


2012

2011


US$000

US$000


US$000

US$000

Discontinued operations












Expenses:






 Pre-licence costs

-

(133)


-

(143)

 E&E and other asset write offs

-

(170)


-

(509)

 Administrative expenses

-

(220)


-

(418)

 Foreign exchange gain

-

-


-

1

 Share-based payments

-

(30)


-

(60)

 

Operating loss

 

-

 

(553)

 

 

 

-

 

(1,129)







 Other

-

(363)


-

(363)

 Loss recognised on






 remeasurement to fair value

-

(3,720)


-

(3,720)

 Finance costs

-

-


-

-







Loss before taxation

-

(4,636)


-

(5,212)







 Taxation charge

-

-


-

-







Loss for the period

-

(4,636)


-

(5,212)



















Earnings per share (EPS)

US$

US$


US$

US$

Basic and diluted EPS on loss for the period from discontinued operations

 

-

 

 

(0.03)

 

 

 

 

-

 

(0.03)

 

* Restated for discontinued operations

 

Asset write-offs in Q1 and Q2 2011 were in respect of E&E and other expenses from the Kutai PSC in Indonesia, which was sold in October 2011. 2011 expenditure on the asset was expensed as incurred.

 

In October 2011 the Company completed the disposal of its portfolio of operated exploration interests in South East Asia to Kris Energy Limited for base consideration of US$3.4 million and a further contingent payment of US$1.0 million received in December 2011. The transaction generated a loss of US$3.6 million (chiefly comprising a loss recognised on re-measurement to fair value of US$3.7 million as at 30 June 2011) after deducting booked asset costs and other transaction costs and fees.



Working Capital, Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Current Assets and Liabilities

 

An extract of the balance sheet detailing current assets and liabilities is provided below:

 



30 June 2012

31 March 2012

31 December

2011



US$000

US$000

US$000

Current assets:





   Inventories


1,802

1,672

1,572

   Trade and other receivables


10,576

15,521

9,338

   Financial assets


1,410

669

647

   Cash and cash equivalents


23,277

16,640

19,946

Total Current assets


37,065

34,502

31,503






Less Current liabilities:





   Trade and other payables


(11,082)

(9,274)

(10,267)

   Income tax payable


-

(284)

(302)

Total Current liabilities


(11,082)

(9,558)

(10,569)






Net Current assets


25,983

24,944

20,934

 

At 30 June 2012, the Company had net current assets of US$26.0 million which comprised current assets of US$37.1 million less current liabilities of US$11.1 million, giving an overall increase in working capital of US$1.1 million in the three month period.

 

Inventories increased from US$1.7 million to US$1.8 million over the Q2 2012 period.

 

Trade and other receivables at 30 June 2012 totalled US$10.6 million. The decrease in amounts receivable from the Q1 2012 balance of US$15.5 million is largely caused by the receipt of Namibian asset back cost contributions of US$5.0 million from BP in June. These amounts were settled when the formal approvals for the farm-out transaction were obtained from the relevant authorities. The balance as at 30 June 2012 includes; US$4.7 million of trade debtors from gas and condensate sales from the Kambuna field, advance payments on ongoing operations, short-term Indonesian VAT receivables, recoverable amounts from partners in joint venture operations in the UK, Morocco and Indonesia, sundry UK and Kambuna asset working capital balances, and prepayments.

 

Financial assets at 30 June 2012 represented US$1.4 million of restricted cash deposits.

 

Cash and cash equivalents increased from US$16.6 million to US$23.3 million in the quarter chiefly due to the receipt of US$5.0 million of Namibian back-cost contributions in June. During Q2 2012 the Company also benefitted from US$3.4 million of cash receipts from Kambuna field revenues and recoveries of Indonesian VAT. Cash outflows were incurred on Kambuna field operating costs, ongoing exploration work in Morocco and on the Columbus field development. Other costs included exploration work across the portfolio in the UK and Ireland together with new venture costs, ongoing administrative costs and corporate activity.

 

Trade and other payables of US$11.1 million at 30 June 2012 include US$2.0 million of signature payment liabilities arising on the award of the Namibian licences in December, US$1.7 million payable to a JV partner in Namibia, and trade creditors and accruals from the Kambuna and Columbus operations. Other items include sundry creditors and accruals from the ongoing exploration programmes in the UK and Ireland, payables for administrative expenses and other corporate costs.

 

The current tax payable arises in respect of the Kambuna field in Indonesia. First cash tax payments from Kambuna field revenues were made in April 2011 although the field is not currently in a cash tax paying position.

 

Long-Term Assets and Liabilities

 

An extract of the balance sheet detailing long-term assets and liabilities is provided below:

 



30 June 2012

31 March 2012

31 December 2011



US$000

US$000

US$000






 

Exploration & evaluation assets

 

 

 

67,114

66,442

 

69,083

Property, plant and equipment


13,945

16,496

18,719

Financial assets


-

274

394

Long-term other receivables


2,535

3,377

3,613

Provisions


 (2,040)

(2,035)

(2,029)

Deferred income tax liabilities


-

-

-






 

During Q2 2012, total investments in petroleum and natural gas properties represented by exploration and evaluation assets ("E&E assets") increased from US$66.4 million to US$67.1 million. These amounts exclude the Kambuna development costs which are classified as property, plant and equipment.

 

The net US$0.7 million increase in Q2 2012 consists of additions on continuing operations incurred on ongoing exploration work in Morocco, Ireland and the UK, on the Columbus FDP, and G&A. Expenditure on the ongoing 3D seismic survey on the Luderitz basin licence interests in Namibia is being carried by BP. The Q1 2012 decrease in E&E assets of US$2.6 million consists of US$1.4 million of additions less US$4.0 million of back cost contributions recognised in Q1 2012 following the Company's farm-out of Namibia licence interests to BP.

 

Property, plant and equipment chiefly comprise the net book amount of the capital expenditure on the Company's interest in the Kambuna development. During Q2 2012, the Company's investment decreased from US$16.1 million to US$13.7 million. This US$2.4 million decrease comprised depletion charges of US$3.0 million arising from the production of gas and condensate, partially offset by US$0.6 million of capex additions in the period. The property, plant and equipment also included balances of US$0.3 million (31 December 2011: US$0.5 million) for office fixtures and fittings and computer equipment.

 

All financial assets at 30 June 2012 are classified as short-term.

 

Long-term other receivables of US$2.5 million are represented by value added tax ("VAT") on Indonesian capital spend which is expected to be recovered from the Indonesian authorities.

 

Provisions of US$2.0 million at 30 June 2012 (31 December 2011: US$2.0 million) are in respect of Kambuna field decommissioning payments in Indonesia.

 

There is no deferred income tax liability recorded as at 30 June 2012.

 



Shareholders' Equity

 

An extract of the balance sheet detailing shareholders' equity is provided below:

 



30 June 2012

31 March

2012

31 December

2011



US$000

US$000

US$000






Total share capital


207,758

207,702

207,702

Other reserves


19,795

19,650

19,475

Accumulated deficit


(120,016)

(117,854)

(116,463)

 

Total share capital includes the total net proceeds, both nominal value and any premium, on the issue of equity capital.

 

Other reserves mainly include amounts in respect of cumulative share-based payment charges. The increase from US$19.7 million to US$19.8 million in Q2 2012 reflects proportional charges in the period for options issued in 2012 and prior years.

 

Asset values and Impairment

 

At 30 June 2012 Serica's market capitalisation stood at US$72.6 million (£46.5 million), based upon a share price of £0.263, which was exceeded by the net asset value at that date of US$107.3 million. By 10 August 2012 the Company's market capitalisation had decreased to US$71.5 million. Management conducted a thorough review of the carrying value of its assets and determined that no further write-downs were required beyond those already disclosed above.

 

Capital Resources

 

Available financing resources and debt facility

 

Serica's prime focus has been to deliver value through exploration success. To-date this has given rise to the Kambuna gas field development in Indonesia and the Columbus gas field in the UK North Sea, for which development plans are being formulated.

 

Typically exploration activities are equity financed whilst field development costs are principally debt financed. In the current business environment, access to new equity and debt remains uncertain. Consequently, the Company has given priority to the careful management of existing financial resources.

 

The Company's current facility was arranged in November 2009 for a three-year period with J.P.Morgan plc, Bank of Scotland plc and Natixis as Mandated Lead Arrangers. The facility initially covered US$100 million and was principally set up to refinance the Company's outstanding borrowings on the Kambuna field. It was also put in place to finance the appraisal and development of the Columbus field and for general corporate purposes.

 

Following the debt repayments in 2010, management reduced its debt facility to US$50 million total capacity so as to restrict ongoing facility costs. The ability to draw under the facility for development is determined both by the achievement of milestones on the relevant project and also by the availability calculated under a projection model. The outstanding amount under the Company's debt facility was fully repaid in February 2011.

 

At 30 June 2012, the Company held cash and cash equivalents of US$23.3 million and US$1.4 million of short-term restricted cash in continuing operations. Overall, the current cash balances held, the revenues from the retained 25% Kambuna interest, and the control that the Company can exert over the timing and cost of its exploration programmes both through operatorship and through farm-outs leave it well placed to manage its commitments.

 

Summary of contractual obligations

 

The following table summarises the Company's contractual obligations as at 30 June 2012;






Total

<1 year

1-3 years

>3 years

Contractual Obligations

US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000






Long-term debt

-

-

-

-

Operating leases

409

409

-

-

Other long term obligations

1,805

500

1,305

-






Total contractual obligations

2,214

909

1,305

-

 

Other long-term obligations relate to decommissioning payments in Indonesia.

 

Lease commitments

 

At 30 June 2012, Serica had no capital lease obligations. At that date, the Company had commitments to future minimum payments under operating leases in respect of rental office premises and office equipment for each of the following period/years as follows:

 


US$000

31 December 2012

269

31 December 2013

140

 

Capital expenditure commitments, obligations and plans

 

As at 30 June 2012, there were no material outstanding capital acquisition costs expected on the Kambuna project.

 

The Company also typically has obligations to carry out defined work programmes on its oil and gas properties, under the terms of the award of rights to these properties. The Company is not obliged to meet other joint venture partner shares of these programmes.

 

Following the finalisation of the amalgamation agreement to combine the Central North Sea Blocks 15/21g and 15/21a in January 2012, the venture partners will be drilling an appraisal well in 2H 2012. Serica's estimated 30% share of costs is approximately US$7.0 million.

 

The most significant other obligations were in respect of the Company's recently awarded Namibian licence. Under the terms of the Company's Namibian licence awarded in December 2011, the Company has a minimum obligation expenditure on exploration work of US$15.0 million covering the entire initial four year period of the licence, ending in December 2015. Following the Q1 2012 farm-out transaction with BP noted in the operations review, the Company's work programme obligation will be carried by a third party. As at 30 June 2012, the value of work done on the ongoing 3D Seismic acquisition programme had exceeded the minimum obligation expenditure on the licence.

 

Other less material minimum obligations include G&G, seismic work and ongoing licence fees in the UK and Ireland.

 



Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company has not entered into any off-balance sheet transactions or arrangements.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

The Company's significant accounting policies are detailed in note 2 to the attached interim financial statements. International Financial Reporting Standards have been adopted. The costs of exploring for and developing petroleum and natural gas reserves are capitalised. The capitalisation and any write off of E&E assets, or depletion of producing assets, necessarily involve certain judgments with regard to whether the asset will ultimately prove to be recoverable. Key sources of estimation uncertainty that impact the Company relate to assessment of commercial reserves and the impairment of the Company's assets. Oil and gas properties are subject to periodic review for impairment, whilst goodwill is reviewed at least annually. Impairment considerations necessarily involve certain judgements as to whether E&E assets will lead to commercial discoveries and whether future field revenues will be sufficient to cover capitalised costs. Recoverable amounts can be determined based upon risked potential, or where relevant, discovered oil and gas reserves. In each case, recoverable amount calculations are based upon estimations and management assumptions about future outcomes, product prices and performance. Management is required to assess the level of the Group's commercial reserves together with the future expenditures to access those reserves, which are utilised in determining the amortisation and depletion charge for the period and assessing whether any impairment charge is required. 

 

Financial Instruments

 

The Group's financial instruments comprise cash and cash equivalents, bank loans and borrowings, accounts payable and accounts receivable. It is management's opinion that the Group is not exposed to significant interest or credit or currency risks arising from its financial instruments other than as discussed below:

 

Serica has exposure to interest rate fluctuations on its cash deposits and its bank loans; given the level of expenditure plans over 2012/13 this is managed in the short-term through selecting treasury deposit periods of one to three months. Treasury counterparty credit risks are mitigated through spreading the placement of funds over a range of institutions each carrying acceptable published credit ratings to minimise counterparty risk.

 

Where Serica operates joint ventures on behalf of partners it seeks to recover the appropriate share of costs from these third parties. The majority of partners in these ventures are well established oil and gas companies. In the event of non payment, operating agreements typically provide recourse through increased venture shares.

 

Serica retains certain cash holdings and other financial instruments relating to its operations, limited to the levels necessary to support those operations. The US$ reporting currency value of these may fluctuate from time to time causing reported foreign exchange gains and losses. Serica maintains a broad strategy of matching the currency of funds held on deposit with the expected expenditures in those currencies. Management believes that this mitigates much of any actual potential currency risk from financial instruments. Loan funding is available in US Dollars and Pounds Sterling.

 

It is management's opinion that the fair value of its financial instruments approximate to their carrying values, unless otherwise noted.

 



Share Options

 

As at 30 June 2012, the following director and employee share options were outstanding:

 

 

In January 2012, 859,690 share options were granted to two executive directors and 1,285,270 share options were granted to certain employees other than directors with an exercise cost of £0.21375 and an expiry date of 10 January 2022.

 

In April 2012, 110,000 share options were exercised by employees other than directors at a price of £0.32.

 

In April 2012, 1,902,500 share options were cancelled.

 

In August 2012, 1,200,000 share options expired.

 

Outstanding Share Capital

 

As at 10 August 2012, the Company had 176,770,311 ordinary shares issued and outstanding.

 



Business Risk and Uncertainties

 

Serica, like all companies in the oil and gas industry, operates in an environment subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. The Board regularly considers the principal risks to which the company is exposed and monitors any agreed mitigating actions. The overall strategy for the protection of shareholder value against these risks is to retain a broad portfolio of assets with varied risk/reward profiles, to apply prudent industry practice in all operations, to carry insurance where available and cost effective, and to retain adequate working capital.

 

The principal risks currently recognised and the mitigating actions taken by the management are as follows:

 

Investment Returns: Management seeks to raise funds and then to generate shareholder returns though investment in a portfolio of exploration acreage leading to the drilling of wells and discovery of commercial reserves. Delivery of this business model carries a number of key risks.

Risk

Mitigation

Market support may be eroded  obstructing fundraising and lowering the share price

·      Management regularly communicates its strategy to shareholders

·      Focus is placed  on building an asset portfolio capable of delivering regular news flow and offering continuing prospectivity

General market conditions may fluctuate hindering delivery of the company's business plan

·      Management aims to retain adequate working capital to ride out downturns should they arise

Management's decisions on capital allocation may not deliver the expected successful outcomes

·      Rigorous analysis is conducted of all investment proposals

·      Operations are spread over a range of areas and risk profiles

Each asset carries its own risk profile and no outcome can be certain

·      Management aims to avoid over-exposure to individual assets and to identify the associated risks objectively

 

 

Operations: Operations may not go according to plan leading to damage, pollution, cost overruns and poor outcomes.

Risk

Mitigation

Individual wells may not deliver recoverable oil and gas reserves

·      Thorough pre-drill evaluations are conducted to identify the risk/reward balance

·      Exposure is selectively mitigated through farm-out

Wells may blow out or equipment may fail causing environmental damage and delays

·      The Group retains fully trained and experienced personnel

·      The planning process involves risk identification and establishment of mitigation measures

·      Emphasis is placed on engaging experienced contractors

·      Appropriate insurances are retained

Production may be interrupted generating significant revenue loss

·      Serica's only producing field, Kambuna, is in the later stages of production and insurance is not considered cost-effective

Operations may take far longer or cost more  than expected

·      Management applies rigorous budget control

·      Adequate working capital is retained to cover reasonable eventualities

Resource estimates may be misleading curtailing actual production and reducing reserves estimates

·      The Group deploys qualified personnel

·      Ongoing performance is monitored

·      Regular third-party reports are commissioned

 

 

Personnel: The company relies upon a pool of experienced and motivated personnel to identify and execute successful investment strategies

Risks

Mitigation

Key personnel may be lost to other companies

·      The Remuneration Committee regularly evaluates total compensation to ensure the Company remains competitive

Personal safety may be at risk in demanding operating environments, typically offshore

·      A culture of safety is encouraged throughout the organisation

·      Responsible personnel are designated at all appropriate levels

·      The Group maintains up-to-date emergency response resources and procedures

·      Insurance cover is carried in accordance with industry best practice

Staff and representatives may find themselves exposed to bribery and corrupt practices

·      Company policies and procedures are communicated to personnel regularly

·      Management reviews all significant contracts and relationships with agents and governments

 

 

Commercial environment: World and regional markets continue to be volatile with fluctuations  and access issues that might hinder the company's business success

 Risk

Mitigation

Volatile commodity prices mean that the company cannot be certain of the future sales value of its products

·      Kambuna gas is sold under long-term contracts and similar arrangements will be considered for Columbus production

·      Such contracts can be supplemented by price hedging although none is currently in place for Kambuna condensate

·      Budget planning considers a range of commodity pricing

The company may not be able to get access, at reasonable cost, to infrastructure and product markets when required

·      A range of different off-take options have been considered for Columbus and field partners are currently in advanced negotiation

Credit to support field development programmes may not be available at reasonable cost

·      Serica's existing facility was designed to fund part of Columbus capital costs

·      Funding requirements for Kambuna were significantly mitigated through part disposal

Fiscal regimes may vary, increasing effective tax rates and reducing the expected value of reserves

·      Operations are currently spread over a range of different fiscal regimes in Indonesia, Western Europe and Africa

·      Before committing to a significant investment the likelihood of fiscal term changes is considered when evaluating the risk/reward balance

 

In addition to the principal risks and uncertainties described herein, the Company is subject to a number of other risk factors generally, a description of which is set out in our latest Annual Information Form available on www.sedar.com.

 

Nature and Continuance of Operations

 

The principal activity of the Company is to identify, acquire and subsequently exploit oil and gas reserves. Its activities are located in the UK, Ireland, Namibia and Morocco, together with a currently retained interest in the Kambuna Field in Indonesia.

 

The Company's financial statements have been prepared with the assumption that the Company will be able to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business rather than through a process of forced liquidation. During the three month period ended 30 June 2012 the Company generated a loss of US$2.2 million from continuing operations. At 30 June 2012 the Company had US$23.3 million of net cash.

 

The Company intends to utilise its existing cash balances and future operating cash inflows to fund the immediate needs of its investment programme and ongoing operations. Further details of the Company's financial resources and debt facility are given above in the Financial Review in this MD&A.

 

Key Performance Indicators ("KPIs")

 

The Company's main business is the acquisition of interests in prospective exploration acreage, the discovery of hydrocarbons in commercial quantities and the crystallisation of value whether through production or disposal of reserves. The Company tracks its non-financial performance through the accumulation of licence interests in proven and prospective hydrocarbon producing regions, the level of success in encountering hydrocarbons and the development of production facilities. In parallel, the Company tracks its financial performance through management of expenditures within resources available, the cost-effective exploitation of reserves and the crystallisation of value at the optimum point.

 

Additional Information

 

Additional information relating to Serica, including the Company's annual information form, can be found on the Company's website at www.serica-energy.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com

 

Approved on Behalf of the Board

 

(Signed) "Antony Craven Walker"                               (Signed) "Christopher Hearne"

 

13 August 2012



Forward Looking Statements

This disclosure contains certain forward looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Serica Energy plc's control, including: the impact of general economic conditions where Serica Energy plc operates, industry conditions, changes in laws and regulations including the adoption of new environmental laws and regulations and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced, increased competition, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, fluctuations in foreign exchange or interest rates, stock market volatility and market valuations of companies with respect to announced transactions and the final valuations thereof, and obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities. Serica Energy plc's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward looking statements and, accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits, including the amount of proceeds, that Serica Energy plc will derive therefrom.

 

 


 GLOSSARY

 

bbl

barrel of 42 US gallons

bcf

billion standard cubic feet

boe

barrels of oil equivalent (barrels of oil, condensate and LPG plus the heating equivalent of gas converted into barrels at a rate of 4,800 standard cubic feet per barrel for Kambuna, which has a relatively high calorific value, and 6,000 standard cubic feet per barrel for Columbus)

boepd

barrels of oil equivalent per day

bopd or bpd

barrels of oil or condensate per day

FPSO

Floating Production, Storage and Offtake vessel (often a converted oil tanker)

LNG

Liquefied Natural Gas (mainly methane and ethane)

LPG

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (mainly butane and propane)

mcf

thousand cubic feet

mmbbl

million barrels

mmboe

million barrels of oil equivalent

mmBtu

million British Thermal Units

mmscfd

million standard cubic feet per day

PSC

Production Sharing Contract

Proved Reserves

Proved reserves are those Reserves that can be estimated with a high degree of certainty to be recoverable. It is likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the estimated proved reserves.

Probable Reserves

Probable reserves are those additional Reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves. It is equally likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the sum of the estimated proved + probable reserves.

Possible Reserves

Possible reserves are those additional Reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. It is unlikely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the sum of the estimated proved + probable + possible reserves

Reserves

Estimates of discovered recoverable commercial hydrocarbon reserves calculated in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 51‑101 

Contingent Resources

Estimates of discovered recoverable hydrocarbon resources for which commercial production is not yet assured, calculated in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 51‑101

Prospective Resources

Estimates of the potential recoverable hydrocarbon resources attributable to undrilled prospects, calculated in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 51‑101

TAC

Technical Assistance Contract

tcf

trillion standard cubic feet



Serica Energy plc

Group Income Statement

For the period ended 30 June

Unaudited


Three

Three

Six

Six



months

months

months

months



ended

ended

ended

ended



30 June

30 June

30 June

30 June


Notes

2012

2011

2012

2011



*Restated


*Restated

Continuing operations

US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000






Sales revenue

4

4,417

6,613

8,455

15,190







Cost of sales

 

5

(4,915)

(5,452)

(9,176)

(12,465)







Gross (loss)/profit


(498)

1,161

(721)

2,725







Pre-licence costs


(134)

(641)

(245)

(869)

E&E and other asset write offs


(136)

-

(136)

-

Administrative expenses


(1,340)

(1,550)

(2,755)

(3,001)

Foreign exchange gain


59

22

106

89

Share-based payments


(145)

(194)

(320)

(466)

Depreciation


(85)

(86)

(169)

(175)







Operating loss from continuing





operations


(2,279)

(1,288)

(4,240)

(1,697)







Gain on disposal

7

-

-

1,023

-

Finance revenue


1

2

4

10

Finance costs


(168)

(210)

(340)

(1,032)







Loss before taxation


(2,446)

(1,496)

(3,553)

(2,719)







Taxation credit/(charge) for the period

11

284

(243)

-

(909)







Loss for the period from






continuing operations


(2,162)

(1,739)

(3,553)

(3,628)







Discontinued operations






Loss for the period from






discontinued operations

6

-

(4,636)

-

(5,212)







Loss for the period


(2,162)

(6,375)

(3,553)

(8,840)







Loss per ordinary share (EPS)






Loss on continuing operations




Basic and diluted EPS (US$)


(0.01)

(0.01)

(0.02)

(0.02)

Loss for the period






Basic and diluted EPS (US$)


(0.01)

(0.04)

(0.02)

(0.05)







* Restated for discontinued operations - see note 6

 

Total Statement of Comprehensive Income

There are no other comprehensive income items other than those passing through the income statement.

Serica Energy plc

Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

 



30 June

31 March

31 Dec



2012

2012

2011



US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000


Note

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

(Unaudited)

Non-current assets






Exploration & evaluation assets

7

67,114

66,442

69,083

64,967

Property, plant and equipment

8

13,945

16,496

18,719

623

Financial assets


-

274

394

677

Other receivables


2,535

3,377

3,613

-



83,594

86,589

91,809

66,267

Current assets






Inventories


1,802

1,672

1,572

1,622

Trade and other receivables


10,576

15,521

9,338

3,743

Financial assets


1,410

669

647

537

Cash and cash equivalents


23,277

16,640

19,946

15,395



37,065

34,502

31,503

21,297







Assets held for sale

6

-

-

-

39,289







TOTAL ASSETS


120,659

121,091

123,312

126,853







Current liabilities






Trade and other payables


(11,082)

(9,274)

(10,267)

(4,251)

Income taxation payable


-

(284)

(302)

-







Non-current liabilities






Provisions


(2,040)

(2,035)

(2,029)

-

Deferred income tax liabilities


-

-

-

-







Liabilities associated with assets

6

-

-

-

(5,846)

held for sale












TOTAL LIABILITIES


(13,122)

(11,593)

(12,598)

(10,097)







NET ASSETS


107,537

109,498

110,714

116,756













Share capital

9

207,758

207,702

207,702

207,702

Other reserves


19,795

19,650

19,475

18,954

Accumulated deficit


(120,016)

(117,854)

(116,463)

(109,900)







TOTAL EQUITY


107,537

109,498

110,714

116,756

 

 

 






 



Serica Energy plc

Statement of Changes in Equity

 

For the year ended 31 December 2011 and period ended 30 June 2012

 

Group


Share capital

Other reserves

Deficit

Total



US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000







At 1 January 2011 (audited)


207,657

18,428

(96,093)

129,992







Loss for the year


-

-

(20,370)

(20,370)

Total comprehensive income


-

-

(20,370)

(20,370)







Share-based payments


-

1,047

-

1,047

Proceeds on exercise of options


45

-

-

45







At 31 December 2011 (audited)


207,702

19,475

(116,463)

110,714







Loss for the period


-

-

(1,391)

(1,391)

Total comprehensive income


-

-

(1,391)

(1,391)







Share-based payments


-

175

-

175







At 31 March 2012 (unaudited)


207,702

19,650

(117,854)

109,498







Loss for the period


-

-

(2,162)

(2,162)

Total comprehensive income


-

-

(2,162)

(2,162)







Issue of shares


56

-

-

56

Share-based payments


-

145

-

145







At 30 June 2012 (unaudited)


207,758

19,795

(120,016)

107,537













 



Serica Energy plc

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

For the period ended 30 June

 

Unaudited

Three

Three

Six

Six


months

months

months

months


ended

ended

ended

ended


30 June

30 June

30 June

30 June


2012

2011

2012

2011



*Restated


*Restated


US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000

Cash flows from operating activities:





Loss for the period

(2,162)

(6,375)

(3,553)

(8,840)

Adjustments to reconcile loss for the period





to net cash flow from operating activities





Taxation

(284)

243

-

909

Net finance costs

165

208

336

1,022

Gain on disposal

-

-

1,023

-

Depreciation

85

86

169

175

Depletion and amortisation

3,038

3,777

5,691

9,063

Asset write offs

136

170

136

509

Loss on re-measurement to fair value

-

3,720

-

3,720

Share-based payments

145

224

320

526

Decrease/(increase) in receivables

280

2,545

(2,650)

4,222

(Increase)/decrease in inventories

(130)

77

(230)

22

Increase/(decrease) in payables

1,807

(5,949)

815

(6,224)

Cash generated from operations

3,080

(1,274)

2,057

5,104






Taxation paid

-

(3,134)

(302)

(3,134)






Net cash flow from operations

3,080

(4,408)

1,755

1,970






Cash flows from investing activities:





Purchase of property, plant & equipment

(572)

(616)

(1,086)

(839)

Purchase of E&E assets

(799)

(941)

(2,135)

(3,085)

Proceeds from disposals

5,000

-

5,000

-

Interest received

1

2

4

10

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing

3,630

(1,555)

1,783

(3,914)






Cash proceeds from financing activities:





Repayments of loans and borrowings

-

-

-

(11,800)

Proceeds on exercise of options

56

-

56

45

Finance costs paid

(163)

(201)

(329)

(464)

Net cash from financing activities

(107)

(201)

(273)

(12,219)






Cash and cash equivalents





Net increase/(decrease) in period

6,603

(6,164)

3,265

(14,163)

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

34

(2)

66

36

Amount at start of period

16,640

22,041

19,946

30,002






Amount at end of period

23,277

15,875

23,277

15,875

 

*Restated for discontinued operations - see note 6

Serica Energy plc                                                                                   

 

Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

1.   Corporate information

 

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Group for the three months ended 30 June 2012 were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the directors on 10 August 2012.

 

Serica Energy plc is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in England & Wales. The Company's ordinary shares are traded on AIM and the TSX Exchange. The principal activity of the Company is to identify, acquire and exploit oil and gas reserves.

 

2. Basis of preparation and accounting policies

 

Basis of Preparation

 

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2012 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting.

 

These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards following the same accounting policies and methods of computation as the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2011. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements do not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for annual financial statements and therefore should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto in the Serica Energy plc annual report for the year ended 31 December 2011.

 

Going Concern

 

The financial position of the Group, its cash flows and available debt facilities are described in the Financial Review in the Q2 2012 Management's Discussion and Analysis. As at 30 June 2012, the Group had US$23.3 million of net cash.

 

The Directors are required to consider the availability of resources to meet the Group and Company's liabilities for the forseeable future.

 

After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the interim condensed financial statements.

 

Significant accounting policies

 

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2011.

 

The Group financial statements are presented in US dollars and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand dollars (US$000) except when otherwise indicated.

 

Basis of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Serica Holdings UK Limited, Serica Energy Holdings B.V., Serica Energy Corporation, Asia Petroleum Development Limited, Petroleum Development Associates (Asia) Limited, Serica Energia Iberica S.L., Serica Energy (UK) Limited, PDA Lematang Limited, APD (Asahan) Limited, APD (Biliton) Limited, Serica Glagah Kambuna B.V., Serica Foum Draa B.V., Serica Sidi Moussa B.V., Serica Energy Rockall B.V., Serica Energy Slyne B.V. and Serica Energy Namibia B.V.. Together, these comprise the "Group".

 

All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.

 

3.         Segmental Information

 

The Group's business is that of oil & gas exploration, development and production. The Group's reportable and geographical segments are based on the locations of the Group's assets.

 

The following tables present profit information on the Group's geographical segments for the six months ended 30 June 2012 and 2011 and certain asset and liability information as at 30 June 2012. Costs associated with the UK corporate centre are included in the UK & Ireland reportable segment. Reportable information in respect of the Group's interest in the producing Kambuna field in Indonesia is disclosed as a separate segment.

 

Six months ended 30 June 2012 (unaudited)


UK & Ireland

US$000

Africa

 

US$000

Kambuna

 

US$000

Total

 

US$000






Continuing





Revenue

-

-

8,455

8,455






(Loss)/profit  for the period

(3,790)

992

(755)

(3,553)






Other segmental information





Segmental assets

89,300

1,382

24,977

115,659

Unallocated assets




5,000

Total assets




120,659






Segmental liabilities

(5,800)

(2,075)

(5,247)

(13,122)

Unallocated liabilities




-

Total liabilities




(13,122)






 

Six months ended 30 June 2011 (unaudited)






*Restated


UK & Ireland

US$000

Africa

 

US$000

Kambuna

 

US$000

Total

 

US$000

Discontinued

 

US$000

Continuing






Revenue

-

-

15,190

15,190

-







(Loss)/profit for the period

(4,787)

(596)

1,755

(3,628)

(5,212)













 

*Restated for discontinued operations - see note 6



4. Sales Revenue

 






Six months ended 30 June:


2012

2011



US$000

US$000





Gas sales


4,568

8,854

Condensate sales


3,887

6,336







8,455

15,190





 

5. Cost of sales

 






Six months ended 30 June:


2012

2011



US$000

US$000





Operating costs


3,732

3,297

Depletion


5,691

9,063

Movement in inventories of oil


(247)

105







9,176

12,465







6. Discontinued operations

 

The results of discontinued operations below are those generated from Serica's South East Asia operations which were disposed of in October 2011.

 

At 30 June 2011, as a result of the Board's strategic decision to exit Indonesia, the Group's interests in the region were classified as a disposal group held for sale and therefore included as discontinued operations. In October 2011, the Group completed the disposal of its operated exploration portfolio; however the Group's 25% non-operated interest in Kambuna has not been sold. The directors concluded that as at 31 December 2011, 31 March 2012 and 30 June 2012, whilst still available for sale, Serica's interest in Kambuna no longer meets the IFRS 5 criteria to be classified as an asset held for sale, because an active marketing program is no longer in place, and therefore the results of this part of the disposal group are disclosed within continuing operations together with the results of the retained core business segments.

 

The results of the discontinued operations are presented below:

 

Unaudited


Three

Three

Six

Six



months

months

months

months



ended

ended

ended

ended



30 June

30 June

30 June

30 June



2012

2011

2012

2011


US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000



*Restated


*Restated







Expenses:






Pre-licence costs


-

(133)

-

(143)

E&E and other asset write offs


-

(170)

-

(509)

Administrative expenses


-

(220)

-

(418)

Foreign exchange gain


-

-

-

1

Share based payments


-

(30)

-

(60)







Operating loss

-

(553)

-

(1,129)







Other costs


-

(363)

-

(363)

Loss recognised on remeasurement






to fair value


-

(3,720)

-

(3,720)

Finance revenue


-

-

-

-

Finance costs


-

-

-

-







Loss before taxation


-

(4,636)

-

(5,212)







Taxation charge for the period


-

-

-

-













Loss for the period


-

(4,636)

-

(5,212)







Loss per ordinary share (EPS)


US$

US$

US$

US$

Basic and diluted EPS on result in period


-

(0.03)

-

(0.03)







 

*Restated for discontinued operations

 

Asset write offs in Q1 and Q2 2011 were in respect of E&E and other expenses from the Kutai PSC in Indonesia, which was sold in October 2011. 2011 expenditure on the asset was expensed as incurred.

 

In October 2011 the Company completed the disposal of its portfolio of operated exploration interests in South East Asia to Kris Energy Limited for base consideration of US$3.4 million and a further contingent payment of US$1.0 million received in December 2011. The transaction generated a loss of US$3.6 million (chiefly comprising a loss recognised on re-measurement to fair value of US$3.7 million as at 30 June 2011) after deducting booked asset costs and other transaction costs and fees.

 

The net cash flows attributable to the disposal group in discontinued operations are as follows:

 






Six months ended 30 June:


2012

2011



US$000

US$000





Operating cash outflows


-

(3,027)

Investing cash outflows


-

(892)

Financing cash outflows (1)


-

-





Net cash outflow


-

(3,919)





(1)  Repayments of loans and borrowings are classified as corporate cash outflows and excluded from discontinued operations analysis.

 

Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2011 - 'Assets held for sale and associated liabilities'

 

The assets and liabilities recorded as at 30 June 2011 in respect of all South East Asia interests were classified as part of a disposal group held for sale. These amounts stated in the balance sheet as at 30 June 2011 were written down to the estimated fair value less costs to sell of the disposal group. These Balance Sheet classifications as at 30 June 2011, now shown as comparatives to the 30 June 2012 Balance Sheet, have not been restated.

 

The financial results of the Kambuna field interest had previously been disclosed in the Q2 2011 and Q3 2011 reports to shareholders as part of discontinued operations but are now disclosed within continuing operations together with the results of the retained core business segments. The three and six month ended 30 June 2011 income and cash flow statement financial results have therefore been restated to only disclose the Indonesian exploration business disposal group as 'discontinued'.



7. Exploration and Evaluation Assets

 


Total


US$000

Net book amount:


At 1 January 2012 (audited)

69,083



Additions

2,135

Asset write-offs

(127)

Disposals

(3,977)



At 30 June 2012 (unaudited)

67,114





 

Disposals in E&E assets arose in the first quarter from the farm-out of an interest in the Company's Namibian licence to BP announced in March 2012. Receipt of the aggregate US$5.0 million in respect of back cost contributions occurred on completion of the farm-out transaction in June following the consent of the Ministry of Mines and Energy in Namibia.

 

The re-imbursement due for the past Namibia costs capitalised as E&E assets is treated as a reduction from the book cost of the asset and noted above.

 

The accounting gain of US$1.0 million on disposal recorded in the Q1 2012 income statement relates to the recognition of recovery for those past costs incurred that had been expensed as pre-licence costs in previous periods.

 

 

8. Property Plant and Equipment

 


Oil and gas

properties

Computer / IT equipment

Fixtures, fittings and equipment

Total


US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000

Cost:





At 1 January 2012 (audited)

62,598

189

901

63,688

Additions

1,086

-

-

1,086






At 30 June 2012 (unaudited)

63,684

189

901

64,774






Depreciation and depletion:





At 1 January 2012 (audited)

44,329

149

491

44,969

Charge for the period

5,691

16

153

5,860






At 30 June 2012 (unaudited)

50,020

165

644

50,829






Net book amount





At 30 June 2012

13,664

24

257

13,945











At 1 January 2012 (audited)

18,269

40

410

18,719











 



9.  Equity Share Capital

 

The concept of authorised share capital was abolished under the Companies Act 2006 and shareholders approved the adoption of new Articles of Association at the 2010 Annual General Meeting which do not contain any reference to authorised share capital.

 

The share capital of the Company comprises one "A" share of £50,000 and 176,770,310 ordinary shares of US$0.10 each. The "A" share has no special rights.

 

The balance classified as total share capital includes the total net proceeds (both nominal value and share premium) on issue of the Group and Company's equity share capital, comprising US$0.10 ordinary shares and one 'A' share.

 

Allotted, issued and fully paid:


 Share

Share

Total



capital

premium

Share capital

Group

Number

US$000

US$000

US$000











At 1 January 2011

176,570,311

17,747

189,910

207,657






Options exercised (i)

90,000

9

36

45






At 31 December 2011

176,660,311

17,756

189,946

207,702

and 31 March 2012










Options exercised (ii)

110,000

11

45

56






At 30 June 2012

176,770,311

17,767

189,991

207,758











 

i)          In January 2011, 90,000 share options were converted to ordinary shares at a price of £0.32.

ii)         In April 2012, 110,000 share options were converted to ordinary shares at a price of £0.32.

 

As at 10 August 2012 the issued voting share capital of the Company is 176,770,311 ordinary shares.



10.  Share-Based Payments

 

Share Option Plans

 

Following a reorganisation (the "Reorganisation") in 2005, the Company established an option plan (the "Serica 2005 Option Plan") to replace the Serica Energy Corporation Share Option Plan (the "Serica BVI Option Plan"). 

 

Serica Energy Corporation ("Serica BVI") was previously the holding company of the Group but, following the Reorganisation, is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Prior to the Reorganisation, Serica BVI issued options under the Serica BVI Option Plan and, following the Reorganisation, the Company has agreed to issue ordinary shares to holders of Serica BVI Options already awarded upon exercise of such options in place of the shares in Serica BVI to which they would be entitled. There are currently options outstanding under the Serica BVI Option Plan entitling holders to acquire up to an aggregate of 1,900,000 ordinary shares of the Company. No further options will be granted under the Serica BVI Option Plan.

 

The Serica 2005 Option Plan is comprised of two parts, the basic share option plan and a part which constitutes an Enterprise Management Incentive Plan ("EMI Plan") under rules set out by the H.M. Revenue & Customs in the United Kingdom. Options granted under the Serica 2005 Option Plan can be granted, at the discretion of the Board, under one or other of the two parts but, apart from certain tax benefits which can accrue to the Company and its UK employees if options are granted under the part relating to the EMI Plan meeting the conditions of that part of the Serica 2005 Option Plan, all other terms under which options can be awarded under either part are substantially identical. The Serica 2005 Option Plan will govern all future grants of options by the Company to Directors, officers, key employees and certain consultants of the Group.

 

The Directors intend that the maximum number of ordinary shares which may be utilised pursuant to the Serica 2005 Option Plan will not exceed 10 per cent. of the issued ordinary shares of the Company from time to time, in line with the recommendations of the Association of British Insurers.

 

As at 30 June 2012, the Company has granted 16,532,460 options under the Serica 2005 Option Plan, 10,315,460 of which were outstanding. 6,351,690 of the 10,315,460 options outstanding at 30 June 2012 under the Serica 2005 Option Plan are exercisable only if certain performance targets being met. 1,902,500 options under the Serica 2005 Option Plan were cancelled in April 2012.

 

The Company calculates the value of share-based compensation using a Black-Scholes option pricing model (or other appropriate model for those Directors' options subject to certain market conditions) to estimate the fair value of share options at the date of grant. The estimated fair value of options is amortised to expense over the options' vesting period. US$145,000 has been charged to the income statement in continuing operations in the three month period ended 30 June 2012 (three month period ended 30 June 2011: US$194,000) and a similar amount credited to other reserves. US$30,000 has been charged to the income statement in discontinued operations for the three month period ended 30 June 2011.

 

The options granted in 2011 and 2012 were consistently valued in line with the Company's valuation policy, assumptions made included a weighted average risk-free interest rate of 3%, no dividend yield, and a volatility factor of 50%.

 

The following table illustrates the number and weighted average exercise prices (WAEP) of, and movements in, share options during the period:



 

 

 

 

Serica BVI Option Plan



Number

WAEP Cdn$






Outstanding at 1 January 2011



1,900,000

1.46






Expired during the year



-

-






Outstanding at 31 December 2011

1,900,000

1.46






Expired during the period



-

-






Outstanding as at 30 June 2012



1,900,000

1.46






Serica 2005 Option Plan




£






Outstanding at 1 January 2011



12,864,500

0.78






Granted during the year



450,000

0.31

Exercised during the year



(90,000)

0.32

Cancelled during the year



(3,041,500)

0.81






Outstanding at 31 December 2011



10,183,000

0.75






Granted during the period



2,144,960

0.21






Outstanding at 31 March 2012



12,327,960

0.66






Exercised during the period



(110,000)

0.32

Cancelled during the period



(1,902,500)

0.86






Outstanding at 30 June 2012



10,315,460

0.63






 

 

In January 2012, 859,690 share options were granted to two executive directors and 1,285,270 share options were granted to certain employees other than directors with an exercise cost of £0.21375 and an expiry date of 10 January 2022.

 

In April 2012, 110,000 share options were exercised by employees other than directors at a price of £0.32.

 

In April 2012, 1,902,500 share options under the Serica 2005 Option Plan were cancelled.

 

In August 2012, 1,200,000 share options under the Serica 2005 Option plan expired.



11. Taxation

 

The major components of income tax in the consolidated income statement are:

 





Six months ended 30 June:


2012

2011



US$000

US$000





Current income tax charge


-

2,248

Deferred income tax credit


-

(1,339)





Total tax charge


-

909





 

12. Publication of Non-Statutory Accounts

 

The financial information contained in this interim statement does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for the full preceding year is based on the statutory accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2011. Those accounts, upon which the auditors issued and unqualified opinion, are available at the Company's registered office at 52 George Street, London W1U 7EA and on its website at www.serica-energy.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

 

This interim statement will be made available at the Company's registered office at 52 George Street, London W1U 7EA and on its website at www.serica-energy.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

 

 


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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