Home :: Sitemap :: Contact

Northern Petroleum Plc

Northern Petroleum Plc is an EU oil company that acquires low entry cost exploration, production and development assets and is committed to adding high value to shareholders from production and asset sales.

Condensed Interim Results for the Six Months Ended

30.09.09

30 September 2009
Condensed Interim Results for the Six Months Ended 30 June 2009

Financial Highlights

 

Six months ended
30 June 2009
EUR ’000

(Unaudited)

Six months ended
30 June 2009
EUR ’000
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Revenue

2,801

2,856

(Loss) / profit before tax

(531)

1,680

(Loss) / profit for the period

(73)

1,474

 

 

 

Basic (loss) / earnings per share on (loss) / profit for the period

(0.1) cents

2.1 cents

Diluted (loss) / earnings per share on (loss) / profit for the period

(0.1) cents

1.9 cents

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

27,942

31,401

Other working capital

12,275

9,117

Net assets

75,602

56,400

Total distributable reserves

32,950

23,337

 

 

 

Production (million boe)

0.061

0.065

 

 

 

Average    
Gas 42.63 €40.66

Oil

$48.07

$103.94

     
Net Commercial Oil & Gas Reserve Quantities    

Proven and Probable reserves (million boe)

102.99

76.48

Highlights:

  • Strong balance sheet – cash and working capital of €41.2 million;
  • Completion of ATI Oil Plc (ATI) acquisition;
  • 35% increase in Proven & Probable reserves to 103 million barrels of oil equivalence;
  • Strong share price performance; and
  • Northern entered the FTSE AIM UK 50 Index;

Operations:

  • Hydraulic reservoir fracturing programme success. Wells flow tested at rates greatly in excess of previous predictions;
  • Grolloo and Geesbrug fields are scheduled for production before year end;
  • Tiendeveen well, close to the Geesbrug gas field, currently drilling. (67 to 98 bcf gas prospect, Northern 22.5%);
  • Offshore Sicily 2D seismic surveys completed over seven licences, six in partnership with Shell Italia E&P S.p.A.; and
  • Preliminary award of five new Italian offshore licences. Licensed area now totals over 15,000km².

Outlook:

  • Grolloo, Geesbrug, Brakel and Wijk en Aalburg gas fields all scheduled for production by early 2010, with the Ottoland and Papekop oil fields to follow;
  • 2013 production forecast of 6,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day net to Northern; and
  • Strong exploration and appraisal drilling programmes in The Netherlands, Italy, UK and Guyane.

Commenting on the results, Richard Latham, Chairman said:

“I believe that I can justly ask you to join me in looking to our Company’s future with optimism. In a year which started with recession Northern benefited from a strong financial position to continue unchecked towards placing its Netherlands fields on production. The fracturing programme has been a remarkable success. The ATI financing issues have been eliminated and the great potential of the position in Italy is demonstratively emerging. I am confident that our thrust belt venture with Shell Italia will continue further. We now report 2P reserves of 103 million barrels of oil equivalence whilst continuing to maintain a very strong financial position. The achievement of significant levels of production is imminent and the oil price seems to be settling at a satisfactory level as are the European gas prices.

I foresee us entering 2010 as a much stronger company, forecasting significant cash from production. In a world in which political and economic uncertainties may be predicted, we are very well positioned for growth with security.”

In accordance with the AIM Rules – Guidance for Mining and Oil & Gas Companies, the information contained in this announcement has been reviewed and signed off by the Exploration and Technical Director of Northern Petroleum Plc, Mr Graham Heard CGeol FGS, who has over 35 years experience as a petroleum geologist.

Download the Interim Results (PDF)

For further information please contact:

Northern Petroleum Plc
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7469 2900/61
Derek Musgrove, Managing Director
Chris Foss, Finance Director
Graham Heard, Exploration & Technical Director
Sophie Hull, Head of Corporate Communications

Jefferies International
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7029 8000
Chris Snoxall / Schuyler Evans

Astaire Securities
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7448 4400
Jerry Keen / Toby Gibbs

Bishopsgate Communications (Press)
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7562 3350
Nick Rome / Michael Kinirons

Buchanan Communications (Analysts)
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7466 5000
Tim Thompson / Ben Romney

Download pdf

Register for email updates: