Interim Results

Tullow Oil PLC 4 September 2001 4 September 2001 Tullow Oil plc Unaudited Interim Results for the six months to 30 June 2001 Tullow Oil plc ('Tullow') the independent oil and gas exploration, development and production company, announces record Interim Results for the six months to 30 June 2001. Tullow has interests in the North Sea, Onshore UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Cote d'Ivoire, Romania, Egypt and Algeria. Interim Results Financial Position Strengthens * Turnover Increases by c.490% to Stg£27.1 million (2000 - Stg£4.6 m) including a significant contribution from recently acquired Southern North Sea ('SNS') Assets. * Operating Profitability before exploration costs increases to Stg£11.2 m (2000 - Stg£1.2 m). * Cash Flow from Operating Activities of Stg£16.7 m (2000 - Stg£1.4 m). Transforming Acquisition Completed * All elements of BP ARCO Acquisition now completed. Proven and Probable Reserves increased by over 30%, production increased to c.25,000 boepd. * Tullow becomes an offshore field operator for the first time. * Murdoch K well exploration success the catalyst for CMS III development; DTI approval recently granted. * Further scope for low-risk development of SNS reserves. Significant International Developments * Bangladesh Block 9 PSC award finalised April 2001; seismic planning now well advanced. * First oil from Espoir project in Ivory Coast confirmed for 15 January 2002; seven well development drilling programme progressing. * Government approval received for tie in of Chachar field in Pakistan; production expected to commence in 2002. * Launch of Level 1 American Depository Receipt (ADR) programme through JP Morgan. * Active Exploration ongoing in SNS and internationally. Commenting on the Interim Results, Aidan Heavey, Managing Director, Tullow Oil plc, said: 'These results demonstrate the huge advances Tullow has made in the first half of 2001, both in the UK and Internationally. The turnover and profitability of the group have been transformed by the SNS acquisition where a great deal of potential remains to be exploited. The long-awaited award of Block 9 gives Tullow an extremely valuable position in a highly prospective region while elsewhere, the Espoir field in the Cote d'Ivoire continues to develop into a first class project. 'The Board looks forward to a very positive outcome to 2001 and further success in 2002' For Further Information please contact: Aidan Heavey, Peter Binns/Emma Judith Parry/ Simon Managing Director McCaffrey/Simon Ellis Rothschild Tom Hickey, Binns & Co PR Ltd Millham Communications Financial Director John Lander, Director Tel: 020 7786 9600 Tel: 0113 242 1171/ Tel: 020 7389 0300 Tel: 020 7256 5756 Chairman's Statement Having re-registered in the United Kingdom last December 2000, this is the first occasion on which Tullow has reported its results in Sterling and I am delighted to announce significant increases in turnover and profitability for the first half of 2001. The principal reason for this is the progressive completion of the BP ARCO Southern North Sea acquisition, which has caused turnover to increase by approximately 490% to Stg£27.1 million (2000 - Stg£4.6 million) while operating profitability before Exploration Costs showed an increase of over 800% to Stg£11.2 million (2000 - Stg£1.2 million). UK Offshore -Acquisition of BP Amoco Arco Assets Since the beginning of the year we have completed the acquisition of the Murdoch-Boulton and Thames-Hewett packages in the United Kingdom Southern North Sea, the final stage being the completion of the Orwell field on 28th August. During the first half of the year, the acquired assets performed ahead of expectations, recording total Revenues of some Stg£68 million of which Stg£23.4 million was booked as Turnover following staged completions on the assets. The completion of Orwell brings with it Tullow's first offshore production operatorship, a major milestone in the development of any exploration and production Company. We have been delighted with the performance of the assets to date and in particular with the success of the Murdoch K exploration well which forms the cornerstone of the CMS III development of five fields in the Caister and Murdoch Areas. Interests in the five reservoirs have been unitised, with Tullow's interest fixed at 14.1%. On 25th June government consent was received to develop CMS III project and it is expected that the Stg£207million project will achieve first production of natural gas in the fourth quarter of 2002. The project combines the latest subsea technology with existing infrastructure to minimise costs and environmental impact. The Boulton F well is currently at an advanced stage of drilling, while further wells are being planned in the Thames-Hewett area over the coming months. Following completion of the acquisition Tullow now controls a valuable portfolio of Southern North Sea assets which is managed by an experienced team and we are actively seeking to complement these assets with other suitable acquisitions. Onshore Onshore United Kingdom, the Marishes-2 appraisal/exploration well in the North Yorkshire gas field complex was completed in February. The well flowed on test at a rate of 11 mmscfd from the Kirkham Abbey Formation and 2.5 mmscfd from the Brotherton formation. The well has been tied in to the North Yorkshire infrastructure as feedstock for the Knapton Power Station, where production for the period averaged 4 mmscfd. We believe the discovery of new reserves in North Yorkshire enhances the prospectivity of the area and will ensure consistent production for many years to come. International Ivory Coast Drilling on the Espoir field offshore Cote d'Ivoire commenced in May following the installation of the east wellhead tower and the laying of a gas pipeline to shore. Seven deviated wells are being drilled from the tower in the initial phase and first production is expected in January 2002. The Floating Production Storage and Offtake vessel (FPSO) is in the final stages of being fitted out in Singapore and will reach Cote d'Ivoire in October. On the Exploration front, a recent programme of 3D seismic has identified a very significant potential extension to the Espoir field. This prospect, known as Acajou, will be drilled in early 2002. Bangladesh In April 2001, Tullow and its partners, Chevron, Texaco and Bapex, signed the Production Sharing Contract in respect of Block 9 onshore Bangladesh with Tullow holding a 30% interest and the operatorship. Tullow, in conjunction with partners is currently planning an extensive programme of 3D seismic over the most prospective areas of the block with first drilling planned for the second quarter of 2002. Negotiations in relation to the similarly prospective Block 11 are continuing, however no outcome is anticipated before the forthcoming elections in Bangladesh. Pakistan In Pakistan production continued from the Sara and Suri fields at an average of 35 mmscfd and plans are being made for the Suri-2 development well to spud in October. In May Tullow received a request from WAPDA, the existing purchasers of gas from Sara and Suri, to initiate development of the pipeline and related facilities required to bring the Chachar field into production at a rate of 30 mmscfd. The Chachar field was discovered by Tullow in 1995 and Tullow holds a 75% stake. India In India various government approvals are being advanced to allow final ratification of the Reliance farm-in to 5 of Tullow's operated blocks. On the GK-OSJ-5 licence a total of 594 km 2D seismic was acquired and is currently being processed. Design and planning work is under way for an a well in in GK-OSJ-1 to appraise an existing gas accumulation. Romania A 350 km 2D survey and a 670 sq.km. geochemical survey are being conducted in Blocks EPI-3 and EPI-8 in Romania with the first well planned for 2002. Egypt farmout agreement was completed with Soekor for 50% of the North Abu Rudeis licence in Egypt. A two well exploration programme on this licence has now been agreed and drilling will start shortly. Algeria In March Tullow executed an Agreement with AGIP Algeria Exploration B.V. to acquire a 30% participating interest in Block 222b, in the prolific Illizi basin onshore Algeria. It is the first time that Tullow has undertaken a project in Algeria. The agreement remains subject to an official approval by the State Company Sonatrach and the relevant Algerian Authorities. A 1,000 km seismic infill programme and a geochemical survey have recently been completed with encouraging results and the first well on this licence is planned for 2002. Corporate Developments The London office is in the process of moving to a new location at Old Burlington Street following the formation of a team to manage the North Sea Assets while the first UK based AGM was held in London in May. In recognition of the increasing importance of the North Sea Assets to Tullow, John Lander was appointed to the Board on 21 March 2001. In addition, in recent weeks Tullow has completed arrangements to establish a Level 1 ADR programme to facilitate US Investors. This programme will today be formally launched and declared effective. This follows upon a most encouraging introductory US Investor Relations programme early in 2001. We believe that the US has the potential to become a very important shareholder constituency for Tullow in the coming years and we may extend this programme to include a formal listing on NASDAQ or the New York Stock Exchange in the future. Outlook The first half of 2001 has been a period of remarkable advances for Tullow. The Southern North Sea assets retain very significant upside, only a fraction of which has been realized to date and these, combined with the outstanding potential of the International portfolio, provide the opportunity for continued growth over the coming years I look forward to a very positive outcome to 2001 and further success in 2002. Pat Plunkett Chairman 4 September 2001 Consolidated Profit and Loss Account Six Months Ended 30th June 2001 6 Months 6 Months 12 Months 30.06.01 30.06.00 31.12.00 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Stg£'000 Stg£'000 Stg£'000 Turnover Existing Operations 3,652 4,577 7,782 Acquisition 23,420 - - Turnover - Continuing Operations 27,072 4,577 7,782 Cost of Sales Operating Costs (6,501) (1,596) (2,811) Depletion and Amortisation (7,946) (1,253) (2,444) (14,447) (2,849) (5,255) Administrative Expenses (1,424) (464) (1,163) Depreciation (31) (24) (42) (1,455) (488) (1,205) Operating Profit Before Exploration 11,170 1,240 1,322 Costs Exploration Costs Written Off (2,383) (270) (687) Operating Profit/(Loss) Existing Operations (1,724) 970 635 Acquisition 10,511 - - Operating Profit - Continuing Operations 8,787 970 635 Group Re-organisation Costs - - (338) Profit on Ordinary Activities Before 8,787 970 297 Interest Interest Receivable & Similar Income 562 268 968 Interest Payable (2,733) (250) (472) Profit on Ordinary Activities before 6,616 988 793 Taxation Taxation On Ordinary Activities (1,955) - - Net Profit 4,661 988 793 Stg p Stg p Stg p Earnings Per Share (Note 2) - Basic 1.32 0.36 0.26 - Diluted 1.30 0.36 0.25 Consolidated Balance Sheet As at 30th June 2001 6 Months 6 Months 12 Months 30.06.01 30.06.00 31.12.00 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Stg£'000 Stg£'000 Stg£'000 FIXED ASSETS Investments 250 - - Intangible 29,552 17,934 18,896 Tangible 147,615 25,532 35,952 177,417 43,466 54,848 CURRENT ASSETS Stock 773 - - Debtors 18,203 3,963 8,165 Cash at Bank and in Hand 37,109 8,681 35,485 56,085 12,644 43,650 CREDITORS - Amounts falling due within one year Bank Loans and Overdrafts 20,382 1,671 1,299 Trade and Other Creditors 37,059 5,812 8,288 57,441 7,483 9,587 NET CURRENT (LIABILITIES)/ASSETS (1,356) 5,161 34,063 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 176,061 48,627 88,911 CREDITORS - Amounts falling due after one year Bank Loans (57,351) (9,804) (9,424) Provisions for Liabilities and Charges Decommissioning Costs (30,159) (306) (348) NET ASSETS 88,551 38,517 79,139 CAPITAL AND RESERVES Equity Share Capital 35,782 27,075 35,248 Share Premium 1,651 - - Merger Reserve 69,212 36,158 69,212 Profit and Loss Account (18,094) (24,716) (25,321) EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS 88,551 38,517 79,139 Group Cash Flow Statement Six Months Ended 30th June 2001 6 Months 6 Months 12 Months 30.06.01 30.06.00 31.12.00 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Stg£'000 Stg£'000 Stg£'000 Net Cash Inflow from Operating Activities Operating Profit for the Period 8,787 970 635 Depletion and Amortisation 7,946 1,253 2,444 Depreciation of Other Fixed Assets 31 24 42 Exploration Costs 2,383 270 687 Increase in Operating Debtors (3,924) (1,106) (474) Increase in Operating Creditors 2,264 - 1,137 Increase in Stocks (773) - - Group Re-Organisation Costs - - (338) 16,714 1,411 4,133 Returns on Investments and Servicing of (328) (216) 13 Finance Capital Expenditure and Financial (83,014) (12,023) (27,054) Investment Net Cash Outflow before Use of Liquid Resources and Financing (66,628) (10,828) (22,908) Management of Liquid Resources - Term 2,642 9,904 (1,878) Deposits Financing 54,813 26 38,973 (Decrease)/Increase in Cash (9,173) (898) 14,187 Reconciliation of Net Cash Flow to Movement in Net Funds/(Debt) (Decrease)/Increase in Cash for Period (9,173) (898) 14,187 Cash (Inflow)/Outflow from (Increase)/Decrease in Debt (66,348) 961 1,445 Cash (Outflows)/Inflows from (Decrease)/Increase in Liquid Resources (2,642) (9,904) 1,878 Change in Net Cash arising from (78,163) (9,841) 17,510 Cashflows Translation Difference (325) 722 907 Net Funds at Beginning of Period 24,742 6,325 6,325 Net (Debt)/Funds at End of Period (53,746) (2,794) 24,742 Group Cash Flow Statement (contd) Six Months Ended 30th June 2001 Analysis of Changes in Net Funds/(Debt) 01.01.01 CashFlow Exchange 30.06.01 Stg£'000 Stg£'000 Stg£'000 Stg£'000 Cash at Bank and in Hand 17,581 (6,535) 93 11,139 Overdrafts (353) (2,638) 12 (2,979) 17,228 (9,173) 105 8,160 Debt Due Within one Year (966) (16,437) - (17,403) Debt Due After One Year (9,424) (49,911) (638) (59,973) (10,390) (66,348) (638) (77,376) Term Deposits 17,904 (2,642) 208 15,470 Net Funds/(Debt) 24,742 (78,163) (325) (53,746) Cash at Bank and in Hand at 30th June 2001 per the Group Balance Sheet includes £11,138,965 of Cash at Bank and in Hand, £15,470,014 of Term Deposits and £10,500,000 on Fixed Deposit in support of future decommissioning costs. Long Term Loans are stated in the Group Balance Sheet net of related arrangement fees. Notes to the Interim Financial Statements 1. Accounting Policies and Presentation of Financial Information The financial information presented above does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The financial information for the year ended 31st December 2000 has been derived from the statutory accounts for that year. The statutory accounts, upon which the auditors issued an unqualified opinion, were delivered to the Registrar of Companies. There are no changes to the accounting policies as set out on pages 41 and 42 of the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2000. The accounts are presented in Pounds Sterling following a decision to adopt the currency for reporting purposes. Comparative amounts, previously reported in euro, have been translated at the rates of exchange ruling at 30th June 2000 and 31st December 2000 respectively. 2. Earnings per Ordinary Share The Calculation of basic earnings per ordinary share is based on the Profit for the Period after Taxation of £4,661,274 (first half 2000 - £987,700) and a weighted average number of shares in issue of 354,378,682 (first half 2000 - 275,200,537). 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 is adjusted to show the potential dilution if employee and other share options are converted into ordinary shares. The weighted average number of shares in issue is increased to 359,138,284 (first half 2000 - 275,575,390). 3. Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses 6 Months 6 Months 12 Months 30.06.01 30.06.00 31.12.00 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Stg£'000 Stg£'000 Stg£'000 Profit for period 4,661 988 793 Currency translation adjustment on foreign currency net investments 2,566 (1,170) (1,580) Total Recognised Gains/(Losses) 7,227 (182) (787) 4. Proven and Probable Reserves Summary EUROPE AFRICA ASIA TOTAL Oil Gas Oil Gas Oil Gas Oil Gas Petroleum MMBO BCF MMBO BCF MMBO BCF MMBO BCF MMBOE At 1st 0.18 17.23 33.01 40.74 - 183.51 33.19 241.48 73.44 January 2001 Revisions - - - - - - - - - Acquisitions/ - 226.80 - - - - - 226.80 37.80 Disposals Production (0.01) (9.64) - - - (2.40) (0.01) (12.04) (2.02) At 30th 0.17 234.39 33.01 40.74 - 181.11 33.18 456.24 109.22 June 2001 5. Dividends No dividend was declared in the half year to 30th June 2001 nor in 2000. 6. Auditors' Review The interim accounts (unaudited) have been reviewed by the Group's joint auditors, Arthur Andersen and Robert J Kidney & Co. 7. Approval of accounts These interim accounts (unaudited) were approved by the board of Directors on 3rd September 2001.

Companies

Tullow Oil (TLW)
UK 100