Interim Results

Tullow Oil PLC 06 September 2006 Record 2006 Interim Results 6 September 2006 - Tullow Oil plc (Tullow), the independent oil and gas, exploration and production Group, announces its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2006. These results have been prepared in accordance with the Group's policies under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). 2006 Interim Results Tullow had a strong first half of 2006. Trading and production reached new highs and combined with continuing favourable oil and gas pricing led to record profits and cash flow from operations. 1H2006 1H2005 % Change £ millions £ millions Sales Revenue 310.7 201.4 Up 54% Operating Profit 161.0 104.4 Up 54% Profit After Tax 95.4 63.1 Up 51% Operating Cash Flow before Working Capital 236.4 116.4 Up 103% Stg p Stg p Basic Earnings per Share 14.72 9.82 Up 50% Interim Dividend per Share 2.00 1.00 Up 100% • 10% increase in average half year working interest production to 62,800 boepd • Current production is c.70,000 boepd and is expected to reach 75,000 boepd by year end • Prospective acreage acquired in Ghana, Angola, Congo (DRC) and Madagascar • Exploration success: three oil discoveries in Uganda, three UK gas discoveries • Uganda: Encouraging well results leading to basinwide exploration campaign • First oil delivered from West Espoir, Okume project on track Commenting today, Aidan Heavey, Chief Executive, said: 'Today's record results demonstrate the quality of Tullow's portfolio and continued growth of its business. While competition for resources, talent and quality acreage is intense, our strategy, based on key skills and well understood regions, has proven effective. In the short term, we remain on track to achieve our production target of 75,000 boepd by the end of the year, while recent exploration results in Uganda and the programmes planned in India and Namibia provide outstanding opportunities for growth. The outlook for Tullow remains very positive.' Presentation, Webcast and Conference Calls In conjunction with these results Tullow will conduct a presentation in London and a number of events for the financial community. Details are available on page 17 of this announcement and in the 2006 Interim Results Centre on the Group's website at www.tullowoil.com. Production and Development Review The first half of 2006 has been a period of intense activity and significant success for Tullow. The Group's strategy to develop a balanced long term oil and gas business is showing excellent progress in each of our core areas, while our business development efforts have added seven new licences to our portfolio, with further additions anticipated over the remainder of the year. Tullow has a strong track record of performance and innovation in our operations, exploration and commercial activities, supported by strong EHS performance. We have assembled a professional team with the skills and experience to build on this foundation. In the short term, we remain on track to achieve our objective of 75,000 boepd of production by year end, while recent exploration results in Uganda and programmes planned for India and Namibia represent outstanding opportunities for growth. NW EUROPE: Continued Exploration and Development Success in the SNS Tullow has steadily expanded its UK business through a combination of acquisitions, organic developments, exploration and participation in licensing rounds. The Group has developed a reputation as a technically innovative and commercially astute operator and has positioned itself to take advantage of a very favourable UK gas market. Thames-Hewett Area Production from the Thames-Hewett Area averaged 12,400 boepd (74 mmscfd) in the first half of 2006. The strategy for these mature assets has been to focus on the control of unit operating costs through management of fixed costs and maximisation of production, thereby extending field and infrastructure lives. This strategy has been very effective, increasing uptime of the Tullow-operated Hewett-Bacton assets to 98% for the period and significantly enhancing production through the restoration of the Delilah field in March. In addition, Tullow increased its interest in this asset to 51.68% by acquiring a further 12.87% from Centrica in July. In the Thames area, the development of the Thurne satellite field is progressing well and will add approximately 30 mmscfd to Thames throughput from late 2007. Additional satellite development opportunities are currently under review to take full advantage of our extensive infrastructure. In May, as winter/summer gas price differentials reached unprecedented levels, Tullow took the decision to shut in the Horne & Wren fields for the summer months to permit maximum production from these fields during the winter period, when gas demand and prices are high. CMS Area Production from the CMS Area averaged 15,600 boepd (94 mmscfd) in the first half of 2006. In this less mature region of the Southern North Sea (SNS) our focus has been on exploration, exploitation of near-field development opportunities, redevelopment of the Schooner and Ketch fields and third party business. In the first half of 2006 production from the area was 35% higher than for the same period in 2005 through strong performance from the Murdoch D10 and McAdam infill wells and the success of the programme of production optimisation and redevelopment on Schooner and Ketch. Elsewhere in the CMS area, plans are well advanced for the development of the K3 (Kelvin) discovery, made in September 2005. The Kelvin infrastructure will be an important new hub for Tullow equity gas in the CMS area and, following the substantial K4 discovery in June 2006, this region will be targeted with at least two further exploration wells during 2007. Maintenance and integrity work on Schooner and Ketch has resulted in consistently high uptime, averaging 98% over the period. The Schooner SA-10 development well came on stream in May and combined with strong operational performance and the ongoing well optimisation programme, field production potential has stabilised at approximately 65mmscfd. The second development well, Ketch KA-7, is currently being completed and is expected to commence production in early October. Two further wells will now be drilled on the Ketch field before the rig returns to Schooner in the second quarter of 2007. The NW Schooner appraisal well, targeting an extension of the main Schooner field is currently drilling through the reservoir. If this well encounters commercial gas, it will be brought on stream within 12 months as a one well subsea tie-back to the Schooner platform. Africa: Developments delivering Production Growth In Africa, Tullow has established production and development interests in Gabon, Cote d'Ivoire, Congo (Brazzaville), Equatorial Guinea and Namibia. In 2006, the Group has added new projects in Angola and Ghana, each with near-term development potential. In line with its strategy, Tullow continues to expand its African portfolio, building a truly pan-African business. In 2006, the Group announced the signature of seven new licences in Congo (DRC), Angola, Ghana and Madagascar and expects to announce participation in further new exploration and development licences in West Africa in the coming months. Gabon Production from the fields in Gabon has been maintained at levels close to 16,000 bopd through a combination of effective reservoir performance and ongoing well optimisation programmes. Following the extensive development and appraisal programme undertaken at Niungo in 2005, a new programme of at least eight wells commenced in early September. The drilling programme will continue into 2007 and additional wells will be added subject to success. Tchatamba production has been maintained at higher than anticipated levels, despite periodic mechanical and electrical problems at the facilities. A thorough review of well productivity has resulted in a well optimisation programme, which is now under way. In the Etame licence area, gross field production is stable at over 18,000 bopd. The development of the adjacent Avouma field is in progress with first oil scheduled for the end of 2006, while development of the Ebouri satellite field awaits Government approval. The Azobe licence, where Tullow has increased its interest from 35% (non-operated) to 60% as operator, contains a number of prospects and undeveloped discoveries in close proximity to Gabon's Cap Lopez export terminal. A well to appraise the Assala discovery is planned for 2007. Congo (Brazzaville) The four-rig development drilling programme on the M'Boundi field continues, with over 60 wells drilled in the field to date. Average gross field production exceeded 60,000 bopd at times during the first quarter of 2006 and production for the full year is expected to average 55,000 bopd. The development focus has switched to water injection to stabilise production and improve oil recovery. Three water injection wells have been drilled and the water injection facilities for the pilot project are expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2006. Since the beginning of 2006, the crude oil has been blended with the higher quality N'Kossa blend, reducing the M'Boundi crude discount to Brent to approximately $1-2/bbl during the period. Equatorial Guinea During the first half of 2006, two infill production wells and two injection wells were drilled on the Ceiba field and gross field production averaged 36,600 bopd with a full year forecast average of 38 to 40,000 bopd. Infill drilling will continue in order to maintain production levels throughout 2007. The development of the Okume Complex remains on budget and on schedule for first oil in late December 2006. Two Tension Leg Platforms were installed on the deepwater fields Okume, Ebano and Oveng in April along with four jackets and two topsides on the Elon field. The next phase of facilities installation is imminent and will include pipelines, tie backs and the central processing facilities, while development drilling activity has commenced on the Elon field with a shallow water jack-up rig and on the Okume field with a tender assisted drilling unit. Initial production from Okume is expected to reach 30,000 bopd in early 2007 building to a plateau of 60,000 bopd by the end of 2007. Oil will be blended with Ceiba production and exported via the Ceiba FPSO, leading to greater operating and production efficiency. Cote d'Ivoire 2006 has seen record gross production of 39,000 boepd from East Espoir, due to a very positive reservoir response to the pressure support and the infill drilling programme initiated during 2005. The first West Espoir production well, WP-1, was brought on stream in late July, however, due to downhole mechanical problems it is currently flowing at an impaired rate and remedial action will follow. The second West Espoir well, WP-2, has just been completed and is currently flowing at over 5,000 bopd. A further two to three wells, of the anticipated 10 well programme, are scheduled to be drilled during the remainder of the year. Gross forecast production is expected to average 31,000 boepd for the year. Additional potential in the Espoir Area is currently under review. A further step in the appraisal of this potential will involve the WP-3 well which, in addition to its primary development objective, will test a significant exploration objective below the main West Espoir reservoir known as 'level zero'. Namibia The Kudu gas-to-power generation project remains the key area of focus for commercialisation of the giant Kudu gas field offshore Namibia. While technical and operational progress in recent months has been positive, concluding the chain of commercial agreements from the Gas Sales through to the Power Purchase Agreements to allow the project to progress to the construction phase is becoming the most significant challenge to the project schedule. Tullow is committed to proving and commercialising the potentially significant additional reserves within the greater Kudu area. Integrated geological and seismic studies of the Kudu gas plays have led to a refined subsurface model that provides Tullow with a deeper understanding of the upside potential of the area and has allowed the selection of two appraisal well locations for drilling in 2007. The first well is planned for the Kudu East area, and if successful will open up a multi-tcf play that will be further appraised with the second well. Each well is expected to take approximately 70 days to drill and the programme is scheduled to commence in March 2007. SOUTH ASIA: Continuing to renew the South Asia Business Tullow's production in South Asia has increased significantly in 2006 with the start-up of gas production from the Bangora field in Bangladesh. We have made significant progress on our Asia exploration portfolio with a number of important regional high impact drilling programmes scheduled to commence in 2007. Bangladesh Tullow has been very active on Block 9 in 2006. The appraisal of the Bangora-Lalmai discoveries started with a 610 sq km 3D survey over the entire structure to assist in the selection of appraisal drilling locations. The first appraisal well (Bangora-2) successfully encountered the predicted extension of the reservoir discovered at Bangora-1. The second appraisal well, Bangora-3, was spudded in July and is currently being logged, having successfully encountered a gas bearing reservoir. A production facility has been constructed and Bangora-1 was brought on production at rates of up to 50 mmscfd, and is currently stable at 35 mmscfd. Production potential will be significantly enhanced when Bangora-2 is tied in during September 2006. Pakistan Good progress has been made on the development of the Chachar gas field. All development wells have been drilled and completed and construction of the production facilities is in progress. First gas production is expected in the first quarter of 2007. Exploration Review Exploration Strategy The current global oil and gas environment creates both challenges and opportunities for an experienced independent operator such as Tullow. While competition for resources, talent and acreage is intense, application of a focused niche strategy based on key skills, well understood regions and core play types has consistently proven effective. Tullow is firmly focused on growth through exploration as a key component of a balanced group strategy and in 2006 will spend £80 million on its worldwide exploration activities. Exploration Programme Tullow has undertaken an active exploration programme in 2006, with 11 wells drilled across its core areas. In addition, over 1,800 km of 2D seismic and 1,600 sq km of 3D seismic have been acquired and seven new licences have been secured. Three near infrastructure gas discoveries have been made in the CMS Area in the Southern North Sea and three important high impact oil discoveries have been made in Uganda. Tullow expects to participate in another four exploration wells in 2006, and a further six wells in the first half of 2007. Of these, half will be near infrastructure wells in the North Sea and Gabon and the other half will be potentially high impact wells in Africa and India. NW Europe Since acquiring the CMS Area assets in 2001, Tullow has expanded its acreage portfolio and developed its exploration expertise and understanding of this region. The success of this strategy has been demonstrated by seven consecutive discoveries, three in the first half of this year (Humphrey, Cygnus and K4) for which potential commerciality and pre-development studies are already in progress. Two further exploration wells are scheduled for this area during 2007. In addition to its Southern North Sea acreage, Tullow has established a position in two oil prospects scheduled for drilling later this year. Tullow has agreed to farm into the Peveril prospect in block 39/2c with a 30% interest. This well is scheduled for November to target an Upper Jurassic Fife Sandstone objective. Tullow has a 6.25% interest in the Acer exploration well in Block 16/18b which will spud in October and will target an Upper Jurassic reservoir on trend with the Miller Field. In Romania, the Costisa-1 well was plugged and abandoned as a dry hole, and the EPI-3 and EPI-8 licences were relinquished. Uganda and Congo (DRC) Since the beginning of the year Tullow has made significant progress in proving up a substantial new hydrocarbon province in the Albertine Basin with three oil discoveries and two very encouraging sets of well tests in Uganda Block 2. Tullow holds 50% working interests in Uganda Blocks 1, 2 and 3A and has recently significantly enhanced its position in the region by acquiring interests in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Congo (DRC)) covering the entire western portion of Lake Albert. Block 2 The Mputa-1 well was spudded in late 2005 and encountered oil in sandstone reservoirs of very good quality. The Waraga-1 well was spudded in mid February 2006 and discovered oil in sandstone reservoirs of very good porosity. The Mputa-2 well was spudded in early May, down-dip from the Mputa-1 oil discovery, to prove up reserves and establish connectivity in the basin. All three pay zones of the Waraga-1 well performed beyond expectation on production test, and yielded a maximum combined flow rate of 12,000 bopd. The Mputa-1 well has also been tested and yielded a combined maximum flow rate of 1,100 bopd from two shallower, lower pressure intervals. The forward programme will include a 3D seismic survey in the Kaiso-Tonya area, the region in which the Mputa and Waraga discoveries are located, to identify optimal locations for further appraisal and infill drilling. The next well in the 2006 programme will be the drilling of the Nzizi appraisal well adjacent to the Mputa discovery in late November. The Joint Venture also plans to continue its extensive exploration programme in other parts of Block 2. In particular, following the recent completion of aeromagnetic and gravity surveys in the Butiaba area, to the northeast of Waraga and Mputa, a 2D seismic survey is planned in order to identify additional leads and prospects for future drilling. In addition, we will initiate concept studies and a selection process to determine the most effective manner in which to drill fast-track onshore wells and offshore prospects by the end of 2007. Following the success of the 2006 programme, opportunities to provide early production and supply power to Ugandan domestic market are currently under investigation. The first steps of any such development could include production and processing facilities to fuel a local power station and/or a mini-refinery. Block 3A An exploration well to test the large Kingfisher structure was spudded on 15 August and is expected to take approximately three months to drill. This high-risk prospect lies largely under Lake Albert, but can be drilled from an onshore location. The subsequent programme for Block 3A will be determined by the results of Kingfisher, however a number of prospects have been identified. Congo (DRC) In Congo (DRC), Tullow, as operator, has signed a Production Sharing Agreement with the government to gain a 48.5% operated interest in Blocks I and II covering both onshore and offshore acreage, immediately adjacent to Tullow's Ugandan acreage. We expect to commence work on these blocks in 2006 with a number of technical studies in preparation for the acquisition of 400 km of 2D seismic data in 2007. This seismic campaign will target potential extensions to the geological play types already identified in the region. Madagascar In April, Tullow was awarded Block 3109 in the Morondava Rift Basin of Madagascar as operator with a 50% interest. The work programme includes a 6,700 km reconnaissance aerogravity survey to aid the design of a seismic acquisition programme Gulf of Guinea In Cote d'Ivoire, 750 sq km of 3D seismic data will be acquired over Blocks CI 107 and CI 108, commencing in September. The survey will target structures analogous to the nearby Baobab and Espoir oil fields, and should suitable prospects be identified, drilling would commence during 2008. In Ghana, Tullow has been awarded two highly prospective offshore licences, with an 85.5% operated interest in the Shallow Water Tano block and a 49.95% operated interest in the Deepwater Tano block. The Group has also concluded a farm-in agreement to take a 22.9% interest in the adjacent West Cape Three Points offshore licence. The Deepwater Tano and West Cape Three Points blocks offer significant high impact exploration potential in both the Albian and Upper Cretaceous geological intervals. The Shallow Water Tano block contains three undeveloped oil and gas fields and Tullow's initial aim will be to evaluate the potential to commercialise these accumulations. In Cameroon, approximately 200 sq km of 3D data have been acquired in the Ngosso permit in the Rio del Rey Basin, targeting prospects in the range of 10 to 20 mmbo. Subject to rig availability, up to two exploration wells are proposed for 2007. Pre-spud re-evaluation of the Banyan prospect in Equatorial Guinea Block L led to Tullow successfully diluting for a full carry before the negative result and no further work is planned on this licence. Lower Congo Basin In Angola, Tullow was awarded a 50% operated interest in offshore Block 1/06 in July 2006. Proven plays in the block provide exploration upside, and plays of possibly higher impact are now under review. The initial focus of work on the Block will be the potential development of the existing Pitangueira and Bananeira discoveries, located close to regional infrastructure. In Gabon, Tullow participated in three offshore exploration wells in the first half of 2006 without commercial success. This led to a thorough review of exploration opportunities in Gabon, and a renewed effort to acquire interests in a number of plays of potentially significant impact for the Group. An exploration well is planned for mid 2007 on the Sanidine prospect in the Kiarsseny licence, while two wells will be drilled in the Nziembou licence as part of the wider Niungo programme. South Asia In India, work has commenced on Block CB-ON/1 and a 1,500 km seismic programme is nearing completion. We anticipate that data processing and interpretation will be completed in time to commence drilling operations in mid 2007. This block is considered highly prospective given recent large discoveries in the area. In Bangladesh, Tullow conducted a shallow water seismic survey in offshore Blocks 17 & 18 in April. A farmout of a 60% working interest has been agreed with Total and is currently pending approval by the Government of Bangladesh. Joint Venture partners have applied for an extension to allow for the acquisition of a follow-up deeper water seismic survey during the next acquisition season. In Pakistan, in the Kohat Block, a seismic survey was completed in April. Processing of data is under way and it is anticipated that the first well will be spudded in the second half of 2007. A well drilled on the Nawabshah block was dry and Tullow has decided to relinquish the licence. 2006 Second Half Exploration Activity Country Licence Prospect Interest Spud Date Uganda Block 3A Kingfisher 50% Ongoing UK 16/13c Acer 6.25% October 2006 Cote d'Ivoire CI-26 ND-L0 21.33% October 2006 UK 39/2c Peveril 30% November 2006 Uganda Block 2 Nzizi 50% December 2006 Finance Review Tullow had a strong first half of 2006. Trading and production reached new highs and, combined with continuing favourable oil and gas pricing, and a reduction in oil price discount led to record profits and cash flow from operations. Key Performance Indicators The Group's financial performance has enabled strong results across key performance indicators. 1H 2006 1H2005 % Change Production (boepd, working interest basis) 62,800 57,350 Up 10% Operating Cash flow before Working Capital per boe (£) 20.79 11.30 Up 84% Cash Operating Costs per boe (£)1 4.85 4.38 Up 11% Gearing (%)2 17% 38% Down 21% Realised Oil Price per bbl ($) 54.42 41.73 Up 30% Realised Gas Price (pence per therm) 53.33 28.82 Up 85% 1Cash operating costs are cost of sales excluding depletion, depreciation and amortisation and under/over lift movements 2Gearing is net debt divided by net assets Operating Performance Working interest production averaged 62,800 boepd, while sales volumes averaged 55,400 boepd. These production figures are 10% ahead of the corresponding period in 2005 and 7% ahead of 2005 full year production rates. Average prices realised during the year were significantly higher than in 2005, particularly on UK gas. The realised oil price was US$54.42/bbl (1H2005: US$41.73/bbl) and the realised UK gas price was 53.33p/therm (1H2005: 28.82p/ therm). Tullow's oil production sold at an average discount of 4 to 5% to Brent during the period and this level of discount is expected to continue for the remainder of 2006. The Group also received tariff income of £8.3 million (1H2005: £6.2 million) from use of its UK infrastructure. The combination of the higher prices and increased volumes meant that revenue increased 54% to £310.7 million (1H2005: £201.4 million). Revenue analysed by Core Area Oil Gas Total % of Total £ millions £ millions £ millions NW Europe (UK) - 168.4 168.4 54% Africa 141.3 - 141.3 46% South Asia - 1.0 1.0 - Total 141.3 169.4 310.7 % of Total 46% 54% Operating Profit before Exploration Activities amounted to £178.5 million (1H2005: £108.4 million), up 65%, reflecting the growth in Group production and significant increase in realised oil and gas prices. Underlying cash operating costs, which exclude depletion, depreciation and amortisation and movements on under/over lift, amounted to £55.1 million (£4.85/ boe). Reported Cost of Sales before depletion, depreciation and amortisation for the period of £59.6 million (1H2005: £65.0 million) include an adjustment of £4.5 million (at market value) associated with overlifted volumes at 30 June 2006 and stock movements during the period. Depletion, depreciation and amortisation for the period amounted to £64.3 million (£5.66/boe) (1H2005: £5.82/boe). Administrative expenses include an amount of £1.5 million (1H2005: £0.4 million) associated with share based payments under IFRS 2. Exploration Write-off Exploration costs written off were £17.6 million (1H2005: £4.0 million), in accordance with the Group's 'successful efforts' accounting policy, which requires that all costs associated with unsuccessful exploration are written off to the Income Statement. This write-off is principally associated with activities in Gabon, Pakistan and Angola and new ventures during the period. The Group drilled 11 wells in the first half of 2006, achieving six discoveries. 10 wells are planned in the next 12 months. Hedging reflected in Income Statement (IAS 39) At 30 June 2006 the Group's derivative instruments had a negative mark to market value of £140.8 million, of which a large portion relates to contracts acquired as part of the acquisition of Energy Africa in 2004. While all of the Group's derivative instruments currently qualify for hedge accounting, a charge of £1.7 million (credit of £0.7 million after taxation) has been recognised in the income statement for the first half of 2006. Cumulative hedge ineffectiveness decreased materially during the period, reflecting the improving correlation of Tullow's hedged production, cash flows and realisations with the hedge instruments. Hedge Position The Group's hedge position as at 29 August 2006 can be summarised as follows: 2H2006 2007 2008 Oil Volume - bopd 11,717 9,500 7,500 Current Price Hedge - US$/bbl 46.37 55.10 49.93 Gas Hedges Volume - mmscfd 69.58 31.25 20.60 Current Price Hedge - p/therm 43.99 56.63 49.45 Interest The net interest charge for the period was £6.2 million (1H2005: £7.4 million). The decrease reflects lower debt levels following the Group's $850 million refinancing in 2005 combined with repayment of over £50 million of debt during the period. Gearing remains modest and the Group has access to substantial unused facilities. Taxation The tax charge of £57.7 million (1H2005: £28.3 million) relates to the Group's North Sea, Equatorial Guinea and Gabonese activities and represents 38% of the Group's profit before tax (1H2005: 31%). After adjusting for exploration costs and non-recurring items associated with over lift, the Group's underlying effective tax rate for the period is 33% (1H2005: 38%). The underlying effective tax rate for the period has been favourably impacted by amendments to the fiscal regime associated with certain of Tullow's African interests, which have the effect of reducing Tullow's effective tax rate. These changes are also retrospectively effective in respect of 2005 and thus give rise to a partial reversal of prior period tax charges. The underlying effective tax rate has however been adversely affected by the UK Government's decision to raise the supplemental corporation tax rate for the industry to 20% from 10% with effect from 1 January 2006. Progressive Dividend Policy In line with the Group's progressive dividend policy, and reflecting the cash generated by the business and the capital investment and acquisition opportunities available, the Board recommends an interim dividend of 2.0 pence per share (1H2005: 1.0 pence per share). The dividend will be paid on 7 November 2006 to shareholders on the register at 29 September 2006. Reinvestment and Capital Management The strong pricing environment, allied to increasing production and effective control of operating costs, led to record Operating Cash Flows before Working Capital Movements of £236.4 million, 103% ahead of 1H2005. This cash flow enabled the Group to invest over £150 million in exploration and development activities, to repay over £50 million of bank loans and to double our dividend in respect of the period. The majority of Group capital expenditure continues to be associated with ongoing development and production enhancement projects in the UK, Gabon, Congo (Brazzaville), Equatorial Guinea and Cote d'Ivoire. Investment obligations in respect of these assets will be significantly reduced in 2007 as they will all be contributing to cashflows, however, the Group is actively pursuing new development opportunities, particularly in West Africa. While activity levels remain high, the cost environment, and the rig market in particular, remain challenging and the cost and timing of capital programmes, most notably in respect of offshore assets, are being adversely affected by market conditions. Tullow currently anticipates a total 2006 capital expenditure of £330 million across all assets, driving group production to a target of over 75,000 boepd by year end. Balance Sheet Net assets at 30 June 2006 amounted to £440.8 million (31 December 2005: £389.0 million), the increase principally reflecting retained profits for the period of £95.4 million. Net assets were reduced by £2.0 million in the period due to the movement of the hedge reserve in accordance with IAS 39. A decrease in net assets (foreign currency translation reserve) of £25.5 million resulted from the strengthening of Sterling against the US Dollar from US$1.72 to US$1.82 in the period. 2006 Outlook Today's record results demonstrate the quality of Tullow's portfolio and continued growth of its business. While competition for resources, talent and quality acreage is intense, our strategy, based on key skills and well understood regions, has proven effective. In the short term, we remain on track to achieve our production target of 75,000 boepd by the end of the year, while recent exploration results in Uganda and the programmes planned in India and Namibia provide outstanding opportunities for growth. The outlook for Tullow remains very positive. Ends For further information contact Tullow Oil plc Citigate Dewe Rogerson Murray Consultants + 44 20 8996 1000 +44 20 7638 9571 +353 1 498 0300 Aidan Heavey, CEO Martin Jackson Joe Murray Tom Hickey, CFO Chris Perry, IRO Disclaimer This statement contains certain forward-looking statements that are subject to the usual risk factors and uncertainties associated with the oil and gas exploration and production business. Whilst the Group believes the expectations reflected herein to be reasonable in light of the information available to them at this time, the actual outcome may be materially different owing to factors beyond the Group's control or within the Group's control where, for example, the Group decides on a change of plan or strategy. Accordingly no reliance may be placed on the figures contained in such forward-looking statements. Independent Review Report To the Shareholders of Tullow Oil plc Introduction We have been instructed by the Company to review the financial information for the six months ended 30 June 2006 which comprise the Group income statement, Group statement of recognised income and expense, Group balance sheet, Group cash flow statement and related notes 1 to 5. We have read the other information contained in the interim report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial information. This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with Bulletin 1999/4 issued by the Auditing Practices Board. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company those matters we are required to state to them in an independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company, for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed. Directors' responsibilities The interim report, including the financial information contained therein, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the interim report in accordance with the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority which require that the accounting policies and presentation applied to the interim figures are consistent with those applied in preparing the preceding annual accounts except where any changes, and the reasons for them, are disclosed. Review work performed We conducted our review in accordance with the guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4 issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review consists principally of making enquiries of group management and applying analytical procedures to the financial information and underlying financial data and, based thereon, assessing whether the accounting policies and presentation have been consistently applied unless otherwise disclosed. A review excludes audit procedures such as tests of controls and verification of assets, liabilities and transactions. It is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and therefore provides a lower level of assurance than an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion on the financial information. Review conclusion On the basis of our review we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial information as presented for the six months ended 30 June 2006. Deloitte & Touche LLP Chartered Accountants London 5 September 2006 Group Income Statement Six months ended 30 June 2006 6 months 6 months Year ended ended ended 30.06.06 30.06.05 31.12.05 Unaudited Unaudited Audited £'000 £'000 £'000 Sales Revenue 310,720 201,434 445,232 Cost of Sales (123,880) (125,425) (243,149) Gross Profit 186,840 76,009 202,083 Administrative Expenses (8,331) (7,176) (13,793) Disposal of Subsidiaries - 33,918 30,537 Profit on Sale of Oil and Gas Assets - 5,653 5,524 Exploration Costs Written Off (17,551) (4,019) (25,783) Operating Profit 160,958 104,385 198,568 Loss on Hedging Instruments (1,678) (5,592) (159) Finance Revenue 3,228 2,046 4,367 Finance Costs (9,397) (9,462) (24,197) Profit from Continuing Activities before Tax 153,111 91,377 178,579 Income Tax Expense (57,667) (28,291) (65,443) Profit for the Period from Continuing Activities 95,444 63,086 113,136 Earnings per Ordinary Share Stg p Stg p Stg p - Basic 14.72 9.82 17.50 - Diluted 14.42 9.69 17.15 Group Statement of Recognised Income and Expense Six Months ended 30 June 2006 6 months 6 months Year ended ended ended 30.06.06 30.06.05 31.12.05 Unaudited Unaudited Audited £'000 £'000 £'000 Profit for the Financial Period 95,444 63,086 113,136 Currency Translation Adjustments (29,876) 17,314 32,447 Hedge Movement (2,048) (81,246) (120,449) Total Recognised Income and Expense for the Period 63,520 (846) 25,134 Group Balance Sheet As at 30 June 2006 30.06.06 30.06.05 31.12.05 Unaudited Unaudited Audited £'000 £'000 £'000 ASSETS Non-Current Assets Intangible Exploration and Evaluation Assets 186,945 136,806 160,543 Property, Plant and Equipment 768,600 693,749 736,563 Investments 496 496 496 Total Non-Current Assets 956,041 831,051 897,602 Current Assets Inventories 12,473 2,445 5,141 Trade Receivables 51,667 39,145 66,441 Other Current Assets 21,777 24,072 26,851 Assets Held for Resale - 42,804 - Cash and Cash Equivalents 67,808 122,913 65,386 Total Current Assets 153,725 231,379 163,819 Total Assets 1,109,766 1,062,430 1,061,421 LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Trade and Other Payables (147,104) (90,883) (139,415) Other Financial Liabilities (2,447) (23,140) - Income Tax Payable (28,292) (23,183) (25,038) Liabilities Held for Resale - (6,476) - Derivative Financial Instruments (59,593) (56,733) (70,639) Total Current Liabilities (237,436) (200,415) (235,092) Non-Current Liabilities Trade and Other Payables (11,576) (23,245) (19,118) Other Financial Liabilities (138,476) (298,587) (198,372) Deferred Tax Liabilities (97,951) (27,236) (51,473) Provisions (102,344) (82,450) (91,139) Derivative Financial Instruments (81,220) (83,915) (77,208) Total Non-Current Liabilities (431,567) (515,433) (437,310) Total Liabilities (669,003) (715,848) (672,402) Net Assets 440,763 346,582 389,019 EQUITY Equity attributable to Equity Holders of the Parent Called up Share Capital 64,989 64,654 64,744 Share Premium 124,547 122,385 123,019 Other Reserves 33,083 55,774 60,589 Retained Earnings 218,144 103,769 140,667 Total Equity 440,763 346,582 389,019 Group Cash Flow Statement Six Months ended 30 June 2006 Note 6 months 6 months Year ended ended ended 30.06.06 30.06.05 31.12.05 Unaudited Unaudited Audited £'000 £'000 £'000 Cash Flows from Operating Activities Cash Generated from Operations 5 257,648 114,698 273,840 Income Taxes Paid (23,185) (25,381) (25,360) Net Cash from Operating Activities 234,463 89,317 248,480 Cash Flows from Investing Activities Disposal of Subsidiary - 58,487 57,227 Disposal of Oil and Gas Assets 727 - 31,769 Purchase of Intangible Exploration & Evaluation (40,734) (14,356) (69,766) Assets Purchase of Property, Plant and Equipment (111,651) (253,061) (298,320) Interest Received 3,229 2,081 4,359 Net Cash used in Investing Activities (148,429) (206,849) (274,731) Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Proceeds from Issue of Share Capital 1,772 847 1,570 Debt Arrangement Fees (1,734) (2,095) (10,481) Repayment of Bank Loans (56,844) (26,750) (351,637) Drawdown of Bank Loan 5,506 191,476 390,515 Interest Paid (9,526) (8,649) (21,483) Dividends Paid (19,505) - (14,555) Net Cash Used in Financing Activities (80,331) 154,829 (6,071) Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents 5,703 37,297 (32,322) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period 65,386 85,070 85,070 Translation Difference (3,281) 546 12,638 Cash and Cash Equivalents at end of Period 67,808 122,913 65,386 Notes to the Interim Financial Statements Six Months ended 30 June 2006 1. Basis of Accounting and Presentation of Financial Information These June 2006 interim consolidated financial statements are for the six months ended 30 June 2006. The interim financial report has been prepared using accounting policies consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the accounting policies and methods of computation used in the interim financial statements are consistent with those used in the Group 2005 annual report. The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2005 does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. A copy of the statutory accounts for that year has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors' report on those accounts was not qualified and did not contain statements under section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. 2. Earnings per Share The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the profit for the period after taxation of £95,444,025 (1H2005 - £63,086,455) and a weighted average number of shares in issue of 648,423,888 (1H2005 - 642,685,021). The calculation of diluted earnings per share is based on the profit for the period after taxation as for basic earnings per share. The number of shares outstanding, however, is adjusted to show the potential dilution if employee share options are converted into ordinary shares. The weighted average number of ordinary shares is increased by 13,525,872 (1H2005: 8,550,377) in respect of employee share options, resulting in a diluted weighted average number of shares of 661,949,760 (1H2005: 651,235,398). 3. Dividends The Company's shareholders approved a final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2005 of 3.0p per share at the Annual General Meeting on 31 May 2006. This amount was paid on 7 June 2006 to shareholders on the register of members of the Company on 12 May 2006. The Board has recommended an interim 2006 dividend of 2.0p per share in the half year to 30 June 2006 to be paid on 7 November 2006 to shareholders on the register on 29 September 2006 (1H2005: 1.0p per share) 4. Approval of Accounts These interim accounts (Unaudited) were approved by the Board of Directors on 5 September 2006. 5. Cash Flows from Operating Activities 6 months 6 months Year ended ended ended 30.06.06 30.06.05 31.12.05 Unaudited Unaudited Audited £'000 £'000 £'000 Profit before taxation 153,111 91,377 178,579 Adjustments for: Depletion, Depreciation and Amortisation 64,254 60,811 119,697 Foreign Exchange Loss/(Profit) 1,446 (242) 72 Exploration Costs 17,551 4,019 25,783 Disposal of Subsidiaries - (33,918) (30,537) Profit on Disposal of Oil and Gas Assets - (5,653) (5,524) Operating Cash Flow before Working Capital Movements 236,362 116,394 288,070 Increase/(Decrease) in Trade and Other Receivables 22,589 (32,798) (38,538) (Increase)/Decrease in Inventories (7,332) 947 (1,749) (Decrease)/Increase in Trade Payables (3,355) 16,777 4,665 Share Based Payment Charge 1,537 370 1,403 Hedge Ineffectiveness 1,678 5,592 159 Interest Receivable (3,228) (2,046) (4,367) Finance Costs Payable 9,397 9,462 24,197 Cash Generated from Operations 257,648 114,698 273,840 6. Proven and Probable Reserves Summary (Working Interest Basis) (Not reviewed by Auditors) NW EUROPE AFRICA SOUTH ASIA TOTAL Oil Gas Oil Gas Oil Gas Oil Gas Petroleum mmbbl bcf mmbbl bcf mmbbl bcf mmbbl bcf mmboe Commercial 1 Jan 2006 - 356.18 112.96 23.80 - 95.26 112.96 475.24 192.15 Revisions - 35.90 (0.01) 0.53 - 1.06 (0.01) 37.49 6.25 Acquisitions - 4.17 - - - - - 4.17 0.70 Production - (29.48) (6.06) (0.31) - (1.12) (6.06) (30.91) (11.22) 30 June 2006 - 366.77 106.89 24.02 - 95.20 106.89 485.99 187.88 Contingent 1 Jan 2006 - 191.40 0.70 781.20 - 16.20 0.70 988.80 165.50 Revisions - (14.65) 2.70 1.00 - - 2.70 (13.65) 0.43 30 June 2006 - 176.75 3.40 782.20 - 16.20 3.40 975.15 165.93 Total 30 June 2006 - 543.52 110.29 806.22 - 111.40 110.29 1,461.14 353.81 Proven and Probable Commercial Reserves are based on a Group reserves report produced by an independent engineer. Proven and Probable Contingent Reserves are based on both Tullow's estimates and the Group reserves report produced by an independent engineer. The Group provides for depletion, depreciation and amortisation of tangible fixed assets on a net entitlements basis, which reflects the terms of the Production Sharing Contracts related to each field. Total net entitlement reserves were 159.1 mmboe at 30 June 2006 (31 December 2005: 162.2 mmboe), calculated at $40/bbl (2005: $40/bbl). Contingent Reserves relate to reserves in respect of which development plans are in the course of preparation or further evaluation is under way with a view to development within the foreseeable future. About Tullow Oil plc Tullow Oil plc is a leading independent oil and gas, exploration and production group and is quoted on the London and Irish Stock Exchanges (symbol: TLW.L). The Group has interests in over 90 production and exploration licences in 17 countries and focuses on three core areas: North West Europe, Africa and South Asia. For further information please consult the Group's website www.tullowoil.com. Events on Results Day In conjunction with these results Tullow is conducting a London Presentation and a number of events for the financial community. All times are BST. 09.00 UK/European Conference Call (and simultaneous Webcast) To access the call please dial the appropriate number below shortly before the call and ask for the Tullow Oil plc conference call. A replay facility will be available from approximately noon on 6 September until 13 September. The telephone numbers and access codes are: Live Event Replay Facility available from Noon UK Participants 020 7138 0827 UK Participants 020 7806 1970 Irish Participants 01 655 0485 Irish Participants 01 659 8321 Other Participants +44 20 7138 0827 Other Participants +44 20 7806 1970 Access Code 8251545# To join into the live webcast, or play the on-demand version, you will need to have either Real Player or Windows Media Player installed on your computer. 15.00 US Conference Call To access the call please dial the appropriate number below shortly before the call and ask for the Tullow Oil plc conference call. A replay facility will be available from approximately 18.00 on 6 September until 13 September. The telephone numbers and access codes are: Live Event Replay Facility available from 18.00 Domestic Toll Free 480 629 9562 Domestic Toll Free 303 590 3030 Toll 020 7190 1596 Toll 020 8515 2499 Access Code 3593556 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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