Orca Exploration announces its results for the three months ended 31 March
2010
TSX-V: ORC.A, ORC.B
TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, May 28 /CNW/ - Orca Exploration Group Inc ("Orca Exploration" or the "Company") announces its results for the three months ended 31 March 2010.
Highlights - Increased profit before taxation by 916% to US$3.3 million (Q1 2009: US$0.3 million). - Increased funds flow from operating activities by 194% to US$4.3 million (Q1 2009: US$1.5 million). - Increased Q1 2010 sales of Additional Gas to Dar es Salaam industrial customers by 35% to 485 MMcf or 5.4 MMcfd (Q1 2009: 360 MMcf or 4.0 MMcfd). The majority of the increase is a result of increased sales to the Wazo Hill cement plant. - Increased working capital by 24% during the quarter to US$20.9 million (US$16.8 million at 31 December 2009). - Increased Q1 2010 sales of Additional Gas to the power sector by 69% to 2,656 MMcf or 29.5 MMcfd (Q1 2009: 1,570 MMcf or 17.4 MMcfd). - Commenced work on connecting the SS-10 well to the gas processing plant. - Undertook extensive evaluation of several new projects culminating in the signing of a Production Sharing Contract that is pending ratification. Financial and Operating Highlights ------------------------------ Three months ended or as at ------------------------------ 31-Mar 31-Mar 2010 2009 Change ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Financial (US$'000 except where otherwise stated) Revenue 8,259 4,443 86% Profit before taxation 3,273 322 916% Operating netback (US$/mcf) 2.19 2.18 - Cash and cash equivalents 15,517 9,710 60% Working capital 20,891 9,154 128% Shareholders' equity 70,955 64,684 10% Profit/(loss) per share - basic (US$) 0.07 (0.01) n/a Profit/(loss) per share - diluted (US$) 0.06 (0.01) n/a Funds flow from operating activities 4,289 1,458 194% Funds flow per share from operating activities - basic (US$) 0.15 0.05 200% Funds flow per share from operating activities - diluted (US$) 0.14 0.05 180% Net cash flows from operating activities 1,467 1,904 (23%) Net cash flows per share from operating activities - basic (US$) 0.05 0.06 (17%) Net cash flows per share from operating activities - diluted (US$) 0.05 0.06 (17%) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding Shares ('000) Class A shares 1,751 1,751 0% Class B shares 27,743 27,788 0% Options 2,797 2,797 0% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating Additional Gas sold (MMcf) - industrial 485 360 35% Additional Gas sold (MMcf) - power 2,656 1,570 69% Additional Gas sold (MMcfd) - industrial 5.4 4.0 35% Additional Gas sold (MMcfd) - power 29.5 17.4 69% Average price per mcf (US$) - industrial 9.32 7.91 18% Average price per mcf (US$) - power 2.56 2.39 7% -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chairman & CEO's Letter to Shareholders
During the first quarter of 2010, Orca Exploration's gas production and marketing efforts in Tanzania generated funds flow from operating activities of US$4.3 million, a 194% increase compared with the same period in 2009. To build on this level of performance and earnings Orca Exploration is vigorously pursuing two strategies.
First, Orca will work with all stakeholders and other interested parties to accelerate the development of Tanzania's gas production, infrastructure and markets. Second, the Company has put an immediate priority on the acquisition of two new high potential oil prospects that can be drilled within two years.
We have identified the challenges that stand in the way of achieving these goals and are committed to address them through a combination of internal and external actions. At the same time we have initiated a strategic review to find ways to accelerate the monetisation of Tanzania's gas reserves. Orca intends to pursue this goal in a spirit of partnership and respect for the interests of Tanzania, our partners, our shareholders and employees.
Monetising gas reserves in Tanzania
Orca's initial monetising objective is to further develop and increase the natural gas processing and transportation infrastructure in Tanzania. This will give Orca greater access to Additional Gas and help monetise existing Songo Songo 2P gross reserves of 490 Bcf. This is sufficient to supply a daily average of 100 to 120 MMcfd of Additional Gas (140 - 160 MMcfd including Protected Gas) on an annual basis. The Songo Songo infrastructure capacity is currently constrained by a gas processing limit of 90 MMcfd.
During Q1 2010, Orca continued infrastructure expansion discussions with Songas Limited, the owner of the Songo Songo gas processing plant and EWURA, Tanzania's energy regulator. The objective is to implement a long term infrastructure expansion (the "Expansion Project") that will increase the infrastructure capacity to 144 MMcfd. Talks are currently on track for the Expansion Project to achieve financial closure by Q1 2011 to enable it to be in place by the end of 2012. The majority of the increased gas throughput is expected to be consumed by Tanzania's growing power sector.
Work has also commenced to identify alternative options to accelerate the commercialisation of the Songo Songo West exploration prospect. Assuming commercial success, Songo Songo West is projected to have unrisked P50 resources of 450 Bcf. The Company plans to drill the first well during the second half of 2011.
Gas sales and financial results
The Company's natural gas production and marketing operations in Tanzania continue to provide Orca with a solid financial and operating foundation. Gas sales to the power sector increased again following the commissioning of the new Dar es Salaam located 45 MW gas fired unit in Q4 2009.
Funds flow are expected to continue to grow in the second half of 2010 with forecast funds flow from operating activities for the year of between US$15 million and US$20 million. During the second quarter of 2010 seasonal reductions in natural gas demand are expected due to TANESCO's ability to utilise a higher proportion of hydro electricity during the rainy season.
Ongoing control of Orca's expenditure levels has resulted in a 10% reduction of G&A expenses to US$2.7 million in Q1 2010. This was achieved at the same time as sales volumes increased 63%. These G&A costs are primarily incurred on our operations in Tanzania. G&A costs for the balance of 2010 are projected to be somewhat higher as a result of internal reorganisation, the increased focus on new business activities and a greater concentration on monetising Orca's reserves in Tanzania.
Step change planning
As we move towards a step change in the growth of the Company, Orca is taking a number of actions to increase the strength of our Board and our management team. Three new, independent non-executive directors will be nominated as additions to the Board at our Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 23 June 2010. We will continue to add key employees whose skills, local knowledge and experience are appropriate to our growth plans.
Positive growth
Orca is poised to take the Company to a new level of activity, growth and performance over the course of 2010 and 2011. The Company intends to build on its strong, long life cash flows in Tanzania, fully utilising the skills of our tested and experienced employee team. We anticipate that this will involve an expansion of gas production, processing and transportation infrastructure and the drilling of a relatively low risk exploration well. Our Board and management are committed to deliver on this growth agenda.
In economic times that still carry a measure of uncertainty we are mindful of the need to carefully balance our growth plans with sensitivity to external realities. However, we are fortunate to be focused on finding, developing and marketing energy sources that are in great demand.
An increasing range of opportunities for growth is available to us. We are pursuing those that have substantial potential to build greater value for our loyal shareholders. We look forward to reporting on the implementation of our strategies and the results that are achieved over the course of 2010 and beyond.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) ORCA EXPLORATION GROUP INC. -------------------- Three months ended -------------------- 31-Mar 31-Mar (thousands of US dollars except per share amounts) 2010 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue 8,259 4,443 Cost of sales Production and distribution expenses (1,087) (305) Depletion expense (979) (753) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6,193 3,385 Administrative expenses (2,733) (3,045) Net financing (charges) (187) (18) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Profit before taxation 3,273 322 Taxation (1,333) (490) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Profit/(loss) and comprehensive income/(loss) 1,940 (168) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Profit/(loss) per share ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic (US$) 0.07 (0.01) Diluted (US$) 0.06 (0.01) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (unaudited) ORCA EXPLORATION GROUP INC ----------------- 31-Mar 31-Dec (thousands of US dollars) 2010 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 15,517 14,543 Trade and other receivables 13,759 9,181 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29,276 23,724 Non current assets Exploration and evaluation asset 763 760 Property, plant and equipment 60,993 61,793 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 61,756 62,553 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 91,032 86,277 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- EQUITY AND LIABILITIES Current liabilities Trade and other payables 8,385 6,889 Non current liabilities Deferred income taxes 10,055 9,068 Deferred additional profits tax 1,637 1,460 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20,077 17,417 Equity attributable to owners Capital stock 66,267 66,267 Other components of equity 4,964 4,809 Accumulated loss (276) (2,216) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 70,955 68,860 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 91,032 86,277 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited) ORCA EXPLORATION GROUP INC -------------------- Three months ended -------------------- 31-Mar 31-Mar (thousands of US dollars) 2010 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Profit/(loss) after taxation 1,940 (168) Adjustment for: Depletion and depreciation 1,031 777 Stock-based compensation 155 296 Deferred income taxes 987 490 Deferred additional profits tax 177 79 Interest income (1) (16) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4,289 1,458 (Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables (4,578) 4,877 Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 1,756 (4,431) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash flows from operating activities 1,467 1,904 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES Exploration and evaluation asset expenditures (3) (39) Property, plant and equipment expenditures (231) (1,852) Interest income 1 16 Decrease in trade and other payables (260) (749) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash used in investing activities (493) (2,624) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES Normal course issuer bid - (156) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash flow used in financing activities - (156) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 974 (876) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 14,543 10,586 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 15,517 9,710 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (unaudited) ORCA EXPLORATION GROUP INC ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Capital components Accumulated (thousands of US dollars) stock of equity loss Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance as at 1 January 2009 66,537 3,715 (5,540) 64,712 Stock-based compensation - 296 - 296 Normal course issuer bid (168) 12 - (156) Total comprehensive loss for the period - - (168) (168) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance as at 31 March 2009 66,369 4,023 (5,708) 64,684 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Capital components Accumulated (thousands of US dollars) stock of equity loss Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance as at 1 January 2010 66,267 4,809 (2,216) 68,860 Stock-based compensation - 155 - 155 Total comprehensive income for the period - - 1,940 1,940 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance as at 31 March 2010 66,267 4,964 (276) 70,955 -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For further information: For further information: W. David Lyons, Chairman and CEO, +44-7717-100-200, [email protected]; Nigel A. Friend, CFO, +255 (0)22 2138737, [email protected]
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