Final Results

Cairn Energy PLC 17 March 2003 EMBARGOED UNTIL 0700 17 March 2003 CAIRN ENERGY PLC PRELIMINARY RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT HIGHLIGHTS Financial • Average production 22,057 boepd (2001: 20,115 boepd) - currently 30,000 boepd • Average price received per boe $21.05 (2001: $21.05) • Turnover before exceptional items £114.2m (2001: £107.4m) • Profit after tax before exceptional items £27.9m (2001: £29.8m) • Operating cash flow £72.1m (2001: £64.9m) Operational • Lakshmi gas development successfully completed and on production • Oil discovery at Lakshmi tested 10,500 bopd - appraisal programme currently underway • Equity interest in Rajasthan block increased to 100% and subsequent Raageshwari oil discovery • Successful step-out well completed on Raageshwari discovery • Extensive exploration and appraisal drilling campaign commenced in Western India Bill Gammell, Chief Executive, commented: 'Completion of the Lakshmi gas development was a key milestone for Cairn during 2002 and has significantly increased the Group's production base. An extensive exploration and appraisal drilling campaign is now underway in Western India and has been rewarded with early success in both Gujarat and Rajasthan. Cairn's unique strategic position and competitive edge in South Asia means that we continue to be ideally placed to maximise the value of our exploration success.' Enquiries to: Cairn Energy PLC: Bill Gammell, Chief Executive Tel: 07785 557 310 Mike Watts, Exploration Director Tel: 07768 631 328 Kevin Hart, Finance Director Tel: 07771 934 974 Brunswick Group Limited: Patrick Handley, Mark Antelme, Catherine Bertwistle Tel: 0207 404 5959 CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT In 2002 the Group witnessed another strong financial performance as well as the successful development of the Lakshmi gas field offshore Gujarat. As a result of this development, Cairn's production has risen to current levels of approximately 30,000 boepd against a 2002 average of 22,057 boepd. The primary source of value creation for Cairn remains successful exploration in its key focus area of South Asia. Whilst each of the Cairn's four core areas in South Asia has significant growth potential, the current focus of our operational activity is offshore Gujarat and onshore Rajasthan, where an extensive phase of exploration and appraisal drilling is underway. Continued success in this drilling campaign has the potential to substantially increase the Group's oil and gas reserves. Cairn's strategy of focusing on high equity positions in large licence areas with significant exploration potential has been rewarded by a series of discoveries in recent years. As a result of its exploration success, the Group has now identified a large number of additional prospects around its initial discoveries. This has lowered the risk previously associated with drilling while still providing the same potential for value enhancement. Results Average daily production increased 10% year on year to 22,057 boepd (2001: 20,115 boepd). The average price achieved per boe was $21.05 (2001: $21.05 per boe). Group turnover before exceptional items increased 6% year on year to £114.2m (2001: £107.4m). Operating profit before exceptional items and operating cash flow were £48.9m and £72.1m respectively (2001: £51.4m and £64.9m). Profit after tax before exceptional items was down 6% year on year to £27.9m (2001: £29.8m). The exceptional items in the results relate to the commencement of arbitration in respect of the Ravva PSC and an adjustment pursuant to FRS 11, further details of which are contained in the Financial Review. Profit after tax and exceptional items was £26.5m (2001: £29.8m). India The majority of the Group's operational activity during 2002 has focused on various projects in Western India. We have also significantly progressed our technical understanding of our deep water acreage offshore Eastern India. Gujarat The Lakshmi gas field commenced production on 1 November 2002. Gas sales for the four month period from commencement of production to the end of February 2003 averaged 94 mmscfd. A Lakshmi oil appraisal programme commenced earlier this year to determine the commerciality of the oil bearing reservoirs beneath the gas field. The initial oil discovery well drilled in April 2002 flowed at a combined rate of 10,500 bopd and was followed by a successful step-out well in May 2002. The first two appraisal wells drilled this year (CB-A-5 and CB-A-4) have further delineated the field. The Group is also proceeding toward development of the neighbouring Gauri gas field as a satellite to Lakshmi. It is intended that some of the gas development wells planned on the Gauri gas field will be deepened in order to appraise underlying oil zones. An onshore seismic programme to identify future exploration drilling locations is currently underway and the offshore 'K' prospect is planned to be drilled in the first half of 2003. Rajasthan A key milestone for Cairn during 2002 was the acquisition of Shell India's 50% interest in onshore Block RJ-ON-90/1. The resultant increase to a 100% equity interest, coupled with a three year extension of the final exploration phase of the block, has allowed Cairn to accelerate its drilling activity on an area which is almost an entire basin where only six wells have been drilled to date. Whilst we are at the early stage of exploration and appraisal, we are delighted to be fast-tracking our operations in a proven hydrocarbon generative basin with significant exploration prospectivity. A multi-well exploration drilling campaign on the block commenced in Q4 2002 and has already resulted in a shallow oil discovery (subsequently named Raageshwari) with the RJ-E-1 exploration well. Cairn announces today that it has subsequently completed a successful step-out well (RJ-E-1ST) on the Raageshwari discovery. As a result of these two Raageshwari wells we are also very encouraged by the potential of the shallow horizons on the rest of the block, which provide the opportunity for low cost development schemes. Cairn is currently sourcing an additional drilling rig in anticipation of a multi-well programme on these horizons. In addition, appraisal drilling on the existing Saraswati oil discovery is scheduled to commence very shortly. KG Basin During 2002, Cairn completed the detailed subsurface technical review required pursuant to its successful 2001 exploration programme in the KG Basin. Work is now underway on cost analysis, engineering and conceptual development studies with a view to seeking a value adding partner to optimise forward appraisal and potential development programmes. Bangladesh Whilst the ability to sell substantial additional volumes of gas depends principally on a decision by the Government of Bangladesh to allow the export of gas to India, the demand for gas in the domestic market continues to rise. This is reflected by increased year on year Sangu gas sales from an average daily offtake of 138 mmscfd in 2001 to 142 mmscfd in 2002, with Q4 2002 having averaged 160 mmscfd. Scheme of Arrangement The scheme of arrangement to introduce a new holding company to the Group became effective on 19 February 2003. The new holding company was originally called New Cairn Energy PLC and was renamed Cairn Energy PLC when the scheme became effective. The former Cairn Energy PLC was renamed Cairn Energy Bangladesh PLC at the same time. Employees Cairn's achievements have only been made possible by the expertise and hard work of all of its employees. I would therefore like to record the Board's appreciation of each individual's contribution and continued commitment during 2002 and to date. The entire Board visited India during 2002 which allowed the opportunity for non-executive directors to familiarise themselves further with the Group's overseas operations and management team. In addition, Cairn hosted a site visit to Blocks CB/OS-2 and RJ-ON-90/1 for analysts and investors in February 2003. These visits have clearly demonstrated not only the enthusiasm and abilities of Cairn's employees, but also the breadth of opportunities available in a relatively under-explored country with significant indigenous reserve potential and an extremely large and growing energy market. Outlook Cairn's focus in 2003 will continue to be the commercialisation of its exploration success in Western India. In addition to the progression of the Gauri gas development project, key objectives during the year will be the appraisal of the oil potential on Block CB-OS/2 and of the existing discoveries on Block RJ-ON-90/1, together with further exploration wells on both blocks. In Eastern India, Cairn's primary objective during 2003 will be to bring in a value adding partner to optimise forward appraisal and development plans for the Group's deep water acreage. Financially, Cairn continues to perform well against a backdrop of strong product prices and current production levels of approximately 30,000 boepd. These factors, together with low levels of gearing combine to provide the Group with the financial strength and flexibility to aggressively pursue the exploration and development opportunities within its portfolio. Although we are reporting results at a time of considerable geo-political uncertainty, the fundamental strengths of our business and Cairn's forward exploration and appraisal programme continue to present shareholders with a robust investment case. Norman Murray Chairman, 17 March 2003 OPERATIONAL REVIEW WESTERN INDIA Production Lakshmi Development Area, Block CB/OS-2 (Cairn 50% and operator) The Lakshmi gas field was discovered in May 2000 and successfully appraised by the CB-A-2 well in December 2000. Two GSCs were signed by the CB/OS-2 joint venture in May 2001 with GPEC and GTCL respectively, for the sale of gas from Lakshmi into the industrialised Gujarat market. Gas from the field is contracted to be sold under a combination of oil-indexed (with a contractual floor and ceiling) and fixed pricing. First gas sales commenced from Lakshmi on 1 November 2002. Average sales from commencement of production to the end of February 2003 were 94 mmscfd. Gauri Development Area, Block CB/OS-2 (Cairn 50% and operator) The Gauri gas field was discovered in January 2001 and declared commercial in June 2002, pursuant to which ONGC exercised its 30% back-in right in August 2002. The Gauri jacket is scheduled to be installed on location in Q2 2003 and full development of the field is subject to final approval by the Indian Government. Development drilling is planned to commence later this year. Oil has also been discovered beneath the gas reservoirs at Gauri, for which further appraisal will be required to evaluate the oil potential. It is currently intended that this will be achieved as part of the planned development drilling programme. Exploration Block CB/OS-2 (Cairn 75% and operator) Exploration drilling by the joint venture on the block has resulted in several hydrocarbon discoveries since 2000 - Lakshmi (gas and oil), Gauri (gas and oil), Ambe (gas and oil) and Parvati (oil). The Lakshmi oil discovery was made in April 2002 and flowed at a cumulative rate of 10,500 bopd on test. This was followed by a successful step-out well (CB-A-3) in May 2002. A number of appraisal wells are required on Lakshmi to determine the extent of the oil bearing reservoirs, prior to establishing commerciality. The two appraisal wells drilled so far this year (CB-A-5 and CB-A-4) have delineated the north-east and western margins of the field. Further appraisal drilling will be undertaken throughout 2003. A seismic survey in the shallow water and onshore eastern part of the block commenced in February 2003 and Cairn anticipates further exploration drilling in both the east and west of the block during 2003 and 2004 in order to evaluate its overall oil and gas potential. Block RJ-ON-90/1 (Cairn 100% and operator) During the first half of 2002, the Group acquired Shell India's 50% equity interest in the block and simultaneously secured a three year extension to the final exploration phase from the Indian Government. In addition to the Guda-2 and Saraswati oil discoveries previously made by Cairn and Shell India, the recent RJ-E-1 exploration well successfully tested hydrocarbons from three separate intervals in February 2003, resulting in the Raageshwari oil and gas discovery. Cairn has subsequently completed a successful step-out well (RJ-E-1ST) on the new discovery. This step-out well was drilled from the same surface location as RJ-E-1 to penetrate a separate fault block. Additional technical data which could not be obtained from the initial well was acquired and RJ-E-1ST encountered oil and gas bearing reservoirs in the same shallow stratigraphic interval. No oil water contact was encountered and the ODT in RJ-E-1 was extended by 34 metres. Preliminary OIIP estimates for this shallow interval are now 37-386 mmbbls with a small gas cap, and mean OIIP of 176 mmbbls. Encouraged by the oil potential of the shallow horizons, which provide the opportunity for low cost development schemes on the block, Cairn is currently sourcing an additional rig(s) for a multi-well drilling programme with a view to conducting a series of stratigraphic bore hole tests. Conceptual cost engineering work envisaging potential developments is also underway. In addition, appraisal drilling is about to commence on the Saraswati oil discovery, for which current OIIP estimates are 250 mmbbls with estimated mean recoverable reserves of 34 mmbbls. EASTERN INDIA Production Ravva (Cairn 22.5% and operator) Ravva remains on plateau production and averaged 51,514 bopd and 68.8 mmscfd during 2002 (2001: 47,725 bopd and 34.4 mmscfd). Ravva cumulative oil production at 31 December 2002 was in excess of 100 mmbbls. The Ravva joint venture drilled one exploration well on the block during 2002, which was plugged and abandoned following an unsuccessful drill stem test. Cairn's 3D seismic interpretation over the block has since identified a large number of leads and prospects. Exploration Block KG-OS/6 (Cairn 50% and operator) & Block KG-DWN-98/2 (Cairn 100% and operator) The 2001 exploration drilling campaign on these deep water blocks resulted in several discoveries, all of which are located on Block KG-DWN-98/2. During 2002, the Group completed a detailed subsurface technical review of both blocks pursuant to the successful 2001 exploration programme. Work is now underway on cost analysis, engineering and conceptual development studies with a view to seeking a value adding partner to optimise forward appraisal and potential development programmes. BANGLADESH Production Sangu Development Area (Shell Bangladesh operator, Cairn 37.5%) Cairn has experienced an improvement in domestic market conditions and a related improvement in Sangu production volumes during the year. During 2002, gross daily offtake from the Sangu gas field averaged 142 mmscfd (2001: 138 mmscfd). Sangu cumulative production at 31 December 2002 was 197 bcf. The average realised gas price for Sangu during 2002 was $2.917/mcf (2001: $2.909/mcf). Exploration Block 16 (Shell Bangladesh operator, Cairn 50.0%) Block 15 (Shell Bangladesh operator, Cairn 50.0%) Blocks 5 and 10 (Shell Bangladesh operator, Cairn 45.0%) Future investment in exploration in Bangladesh depends on a market for gas which, with limited domestic demand, requires an export market. Gas export continues to be discussed at a political level and a decision is awaited from the Government of Bangladesh. Cairn's forward exploration and appraisal plans will be conducted in a measured manner in line with market development. NORTH SEA Cairn continues to hold small non-operated interests in the Gryphon field in the UK North Sea and several producing fields in the Dutch North Sea. Average net daily production for these two areas during 2002 was 2,819 boepd (2001: 3,064 boepd). During the first half of 2002, the Gryphon co-venturers reached agreement with the operators of the Maclure and Tullich fields to route production from both fields via a tieback to the Gryphon A floating production, storage and offloading facility. Third party production through Gryphon from Maclure and Tullich commenced in Q3 2002. The routing of this third party production has resulted in additional tariff income for the Gryphon co-venturers. RESERVES The table below shows reserves information on an entitlement basis for the Group. Reserves as at Reserves as at 31 December 2002 31 December 2001 mmboe mmboe North Sea 3.8 5.2 South Asia 83.2 96.7 Total 87.0 101.9 On a direct working interest basis, reserves as at 31 December 2002 totalled 126.3 mmboe (2001: 136.7 mmboe). FINANCIAL REVIEW The Group's solid financial position provides an ideal foundation for future value creation. % Increase/ Key Statistics 2002 2001 (Decrease) Production (boepd) 22,057 20,115 10 Average price per boe ($) 21.05 21.05 0 Turnover before exceptionals (£m) 114.2 107.4 6 Average production costs per boe ($) 5.27 4.93 7 Operating profit before exceptionals (£m) 48.9 51.4 (5) Profit after tax before exceptionals (£m) 27.9 29.8 (6) Operating cashflow (£m) 72.1 64.9 11 Strong product prices and increasing production coupled with low levels of gearing continue to ensure that the Group has the financial strength and flexibility to aggressively pursue exploration and development opportunities in its key focus area of South Asia. PROFIT AND LOSS Turnover Total production for the year increased to 8.1 mmboe (2001: 7.3 mmboe), predominantly as a result of commencement of production from the Lakshmi gas field. The average price realised by the Group remained unchanged year on year at $21.05 per boe (2001: $21.05 per boe). Turnover before exceptionals increased by 6% year on year to £114.2m (2001: £107.4m). Operating Profit The Group generated an operating profit before exceptional items of £48.9m (2001: £51.4m). Total cost of sales for the year was £53.4m (2001: £45.6m). Cost of sales per barrel were £6.63 ($9.98) (2001: £6.22 ($9.24)). The majority of the increase is in respect of depletion and decommissioning following the transfer of certain historic exploration costs to the depletable cost pool and the revision of North Sea reserves and costs. Profit for the Year Administrative expenses for the year were £11.9m (2001: £10.4m). This includes a charge of £1.6m (2001: £1.9m) in respect of the amortisation of Cairn's LTIP. Net interest payable was £1.9m (2001: net receivable £0.6m), including a foreign currency exchange gain of £0.4m (2001: loss £0.1m). The majority of the £19.1m tax charge before exceptionals (2001: £22.3m) arises on profits in India and includes a credit of £4.9m resulting from a reduction in the effective rate of tax in India from 48% to 42%. Both the current and prior year tax charge now reflect full provisioning for deferred tax pursuant to the implementation of FRS 19. Profit after tax and before exceptional items was £27.9m (2001: £29.8m). Profit after tax and exceptional items was £26.5m (2001: £29.8m). Exceptional Items The results include two exceptional items. The first is a net provision of £2.5m comprising a £4.3m exceptional provision against turnover and an associated £1.8m exceptional deferred tax credit. This relates to the commencement of arbitration with the Indian Government in respect of the calculation of its share of profit petroleum under the Ravva PSC. Prior to commencement of arbitration this issue had been disclosed as a contingent liability. The second item is a £1.1m exceptional write-back of oil and gas assets. This comprises two elements, the first of which is a £1.9m write-back of the Group's North Sea cost pool under FRS 11 arising from a revision in the Group's underlying long term real oil price assumption from $12/bbl to $15/bbl. This is offset by a write-down of £0.8m relating to the reversal of a prior conditional transfer of Cairn's interest in Papua New Guinea. BALANCE SHEET Capital Expenditure Capital expenditure during 2002 was £58.4m (2001: £125.6m), comprising £36.7m on development activities, £20.6m on exploration activities and £1.1m on other fixed assets. The majority of the development expenditure was in respect of the Lakshmi gas field. Net Debt and Net Assets Group net debt at 31 December 2002 was £34.8m (2001: net debt £33.8m). Net assets at 31 December 2002 were £326.8m (2001: £326.4m). Payments for Sangu Gas I am pleased to report that payments for Sangu gas improved considerably during the year with a total of 14 payments received by the Sangu joint venture. As at 31 December 2002, payments were four months in arrears (2001: six months in arrears), equating to a net amount overdue to Cairn of £22.0m (2001: £22.7m). Accounting Policies During 2002 the Group implemented FRS 19, which requires full provisioning to be made for deferred taxation. This change in accounting policy has resulted in a prior year adjustment to reserves of £9.5m and the restatement of 2001 comparative figures. In addition, the Group is fully compliant with the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice 'Accounting for Oil and Gas Exploration, Development, Production and Decommissioning Activities'. CASH FLOW Net Cash Inflow, Tax and Interest Group net cash inflow from operations was £72.1m (2001: £64.9m). Tax payments during 2002 were £4.5m (2001: net receipt of £1.7m). Net interest paid was £1.4m (2001: net received £1.1m). Capital Expenditure/Financial Investment Cash outflow from capital expenditure and financial investment during 2002 was £73.4m comprising £28.8m exploration expenditure, £40.0m development expenditure and £4.6m other expenditure (2001: £116.1m - £77.3m exploration, £37.7m development and £1.1m other). The Group had a net cash outflow before financing of £7.2m during 2002 (2001: net outflow £48.3m). Financing The Group had a net cash inflow after financing of £6.4m (2001: £2.6m). The Group has negotiated new $150m facilities to replace the previous $100m facility which expired in 2002. The new facilities comprise $96.7m three year and $53.3m 364 day multicurrency revolving credit facilities. As at 31 December 2002, the Group had drawn $77.5m of its available $150m. Kevin Hart Finance Director, 17 March 2003 GLOSSARY OF TERMS The following are the main terms and abbreviations used in this announcement:- Corporate Cairn the Company and/or its subsidiaries as appropriate GPEC Gujarat Powergen Energy Corporation Limited GTCL Gujarat Gas Trading Company Limited ONGC Oil & Natural Gas Company Ltd. Shell Bangladesh Shell Bangladesh Exploration and Development B.V. Shell India Shell India Production and Development B.V. The Board the Board of Directors of Cairn Energy PLC The Company Cairn Energy PLC The Group the Company and/or its subsidiaries as appropriate Technical 3D three dimensional bcf billion cubic feet of gas /boe per barrel of oil equivalent boepd barrels of oil equivalent per day bopd barrels of oil per day FRS 11 Financial Reporting Standard 'Impairment of Fixed Assets and Goodwill' FRS 19 Financial Reporting Standard 'Deferred Tax' GSC(s) Gas Sales Contract(s) km kilometres km2 square kilometres LTIP long term incentive plan mmbbls million barrels of oil mmboe million barrels of oil equivalent /mcf per thousand cubic feet of gas mmscf million standard cubic feet of gas mmscfd million standard cubic feet of gas per day ODT oil down to OIIP oil initially in place PSC Production Sharing Contract Note: This press release contains forward looking statements that reflect Cairn's expectations regarding future events. Forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events could differ materially from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors including the uncertainties relating to oil and gas exploration and production and sale of oil and gas. Group Profit and Loss Account (Unaudited) For the year ended 31 December 2002 Continuing operations Total Continuing exceptional Total 2001 operations items 2002 (Restated) £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Turnover 114,226 (4,348) 109,878 107,427 Cost of sales Production costs (28,285) - (28,285) (24,708) Depletion (24,215) - (24,215) (20,704) Decommissioning charge (917) - (917) (225) Gross profit 60,809 (4,348) 56,461 61,790 Exceptional write-back of oil and gas assets - 1,146 1,146 - Administrative expenses (11,930) - (11,930) (10,406) Operating profit 48,879 (3,202) 45,677 51,384 Interest receivable and similar income 1,110 - 1,110 1,835 Interest payable and similar charges (2,983) - (2,983) (1,193) Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before 47,006 (3,202) 43,804 52,026 taxation Taxation on profit on ordinary activities - current (4,459) - (4,459) (3,601) - deferred (14,688) 1,827 (12,861) (18,675) (19,147) 1,827 (17,320) (22,276) Profit for the year 27,859 (1,375) 26,484 29,750 Earnings per ordinary share - basic 18.25p 20.62p Earnings per ordinary share - diluted 18.16p 20.44p Group Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses For the year ended 31 December 2002 2001 2002 (Restated) £'000 £'000 Profit for the year 26,484 29,750 Unrealised foreign exchange differences (26,994) 3,924 Total recognised gains and losses for the year (510) 33,674 Prior year adjustment (9,465) Total recognised gains and losses recognised since last annual report (9,975) Reconciliation of Movements in Shareholders' Funds For the year ended 31 December 2002 2001 2002 (Restated) £'000 £'000 Total recognised gains and losses for the year (510) 33,674 New shares issued in respect of employee share options 902 1,044 Net additions to shareholders' funds 392 34,718 Opening shareholders' funds (after prior year adjustment) 326,390 291,672 Closing shareholders' funds 326,782 326,390 The prior year adjustment reflects the change in accounting policy arising from the implementation of FRS 19. The opening shareholders' funds at 1 January 2002, before deducting the prior year adjustment of £9,465,000 (2001: £5,605,000) were £335,855,000 (2001: £297,277,000). Balance Sheets As at 31 December 2002 Group Company Group 2001 Company 2001 2002 (Restated) 2002 (Restated) £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Fixed assets Exploration assets 207,106 212,262 25,187 29,451 Development/producing assets 193,554 186,365 43,464 44,411 Other fixed assets 1,915 2,167 783 737 Investments 5,229 3,473 197,375 181,704 407,804 404,267 266,809 256,303 Current assets Debtors 60,503 73,646 26,582 44,861 Cash at bank 13,494 5,927 4,999 14 73,997 79,573 31,581 44,875 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 43,199 96,403 22,652 42,588 Net current assets/(liabilities) 30,798 (16,830) 8,929 2,287 Total assets less current liabilities 438,602 387,437 275,738 258,590 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 35,848 - 11,222 - Provisions for liabilities and charges 17,481 12,159 - - Deferred taxation 58,491 48,888 13,965 9,465 Net assets 326,782 326,390 250,551 249,125 Capital and reserves - equity interests Called-up share capital 14,891 14,817 14,891 14,817 Share premium 74,381 73,553 74,381 73,553 Capital reserves - non distributable 50,487 50,487 27,025 27,025 Capital reserves - distributable 35,254 35,254 35,254 35,254 Profit and loss account 151,769 152,279 99,000 98,476 Shareholders' funds 326,782 326,390 250,551 249,125 N L Murray, Chairman W B B Gammell, Chief Executive 17 March 2003 Group Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended 31 December 2002 2002 2001 £'000 £'000 Net cash inflow from operating activities 72,097 64,883 Returns on investments and servicing of finance Interest received 745 1,844 Interest paid (2,163) (700) (1,418) 1,144 Taxation (4,488) 1,711 Capital expenditure and financial investment Expenditure on exploration assets (28,814) (77,310) Expenditure on development/producing assets (40,016) (37,722) Purchase of other fixed assets (1,127) (1,139) Purchase of fixed asset investments (3,439) - Sale of fixed asset investments - 102 Sale of other fixed assets 36 29 (73,360) (116,040) Equity dividends paid - - Net cash (outflow) before use of liquid resources and financing (7,169) (48,302) Management of liquid resources* Cash on short term deposit (1,806) 9,932 Financing Issue of shares 902 1,044 Debt drawdowns 67,172 39,962 Repayment of debt (52,724) - 15,350 41,006 Increase in cash in the year 6,375 2,636 * Short term deposits of less than one year are disclosed as liquid resources. Reconciliation of Operating Profit to Operating Cash Flows For the year ended 31 December 2002 2002 2001 £'000 £'000 Operating profit 45,677 51,384 Depletion and depreciation 25,368 21,985 Decommissioning charge 917 225 Amortisation / provision against investments (including LTIP) 1,678 1,948 Exceptional write-back of oil and gas assets (1,146) - Debtors movement (4,527) (10,029) Creditors movement 1,939 910 Other provisions 4,693 (1,128) Gain on sale of other fixed assets (12) (5) Foreign exchange differences (2,490) (407) Net cash inflow from operating activities 72,097 64,883 NOTES: 1. No dividend has been declared (2001: nil). 2. The earnings per ordinary share is calculated on a profit of £26,484,000 (2001: £29,750,000 restated) and on a weighted average of 145,105,444 ordinary shares (2001: 144,310,214). The weighted average of ordinary shares excludes shares held under the LTIP - the shares are held by the Cairn Energy PLC Employees' Share Trust as the Company cannot hold its own shares. The diluted earnings per ordinary share is calculated on a profit of £26,484,000 (2001: £29,750,000 restated) and on 145,869,939 ordinary shares (2001: 145,520,492) being the basic weighted average of 145,105,444 ordinary shares (2001: 144,310,214) and the dilutive potential ordinary shares of 764,495 ordinary shares (2001: 1,210,278) relating to share options. 3. Cairn follows the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas assets. Under this method, all expenditure incurred in connection with and directly attributable to the acquisition, exploration, appraisal and development of oil and gas assets is capitalised in two geographical cost pools: North Sea and South Asia. This includes interest payable and exchange differences incurred on borrowings directly attributable to development projects. 4. The financial information contained in this announcement does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The comparative financial information is based on the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2001, restated for FRS19. Those accounts, upon which the auditors issued an unqualified opinion, have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The statutory accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2002 will be delivered to the Registrar. 5. The scheme of arrangement to introduce a new holding company to the Group became effective on 19 February 2003. The new holding company was originally called New Cairn Energy PLC and was renamed Cairn Energy PLC when the scheme became effective. The former Cairn Energy PLC was renamed Cairn Energy Bangladesh PLC at the same time. As shareholders are now members of this new holding company rather than the former Cairn Energy PLC it is necessary for legal reasons to provide shareholders with the annual accounts of the new holding company for the period to 31 December 2002. Full accounts are due to be posted to shareholders on 4 April 2003 and will be available at the Company's registered office, 50 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9BY, from that date. 6. The Annual General Meeting is due to be held in the Glamis Room at the Caledonian Hilton Hotel, Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2AB on 7 May 2003 at 1200. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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