CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - April 25, 2016) -
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE U.S.
Antrim Energy Inc. ("Antrim" or "the Company") (TSX VENTURE:AEN)(AIM:AEY), an international oil and gas exploration company, today reported its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2015.
All financial figures are unaudited and in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Strong cash position, no debt, substantially lower G&A costs and limited financial commitments moving forward
- Obtain 100% interest in the highly prospective Skellig Block, Ireland (subject to finalization and government approval)
- Successful completion of four well abandonment program in United Kingdom Central North Sea
- Realization of significant abandonment cost reductions ($1.9 million) and collection of amounts due from partners
- Continue to evaluate M&A opportunities
Corporate
Antrim, with its current cash resources, no debt and no decommissioning obligations, continues to maintain a strong financial position. Working capital at December 31, 2015 was US$9.6 million (CAD $0.07 per share), including cash of US$9.9 million.
Antrim continues to search for M&A opportunities, using a structured approach in its evaluation. Key criteria include strategic fit, focus on near term appraisal / development, use of funds, transformative potential with upside potential for Antrim shareholders and current or near term cash flow. In a period of significant commodity price volatility, ensuring that the opportunity remains viable in a low oil and gas price environment is a key component in the evaluation.
In Ireland, the Company has a 100% working interest in Frontier Exploration Licence ("FEL") 1/13, subject to finalization and government approval of the transfer of Kosmos Energy Ireland's ("Kosmos") interest to Antrim. Antrim was one of the first companies to realize the oil and gas potential in the southern Porcupine Basin. The Porcupine Basin is the conjugate basin to the eastern Canadian Orphan Basin/Flemish Pass area, where several significant oil discoveries have recently been made. Studies of these conjugate margins have demonstrated many similarities in terms of source rock, maturation, hydrocarbon migration, reservoir characteristics and trap formation.
The Company has identified two highly prospective Jurassic fault blocks and one Cretaceous submarine fan system in the FEL 1/13 licence, as well as numerous other leads. To move exploration of FEL 1/13 forward, Antrim is seeking to extend the first exploration phase of the licence as well as farm-out a portion of its interest in the licence to a new operator. In February 2016 the first round results of the Ireland 2015 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round were announced. In total, 14 new licensing options were awarded with successful participants including Eni, ExxonMobil, Statoil and BP, confirming very strong industry interest in this frontier exploration play. A second announcement of results from the licensing round is expected in May 2016.
Ireland
Frontier Exploration Licence ("FEL") 1/13, Antrim 100%
In 2013, Kosmos farmed-in to Antrim's Licencing Option over the Skellig Block and acquired 75% interest in and operatorship of FEL 1/13 in exchange for carrying the full costs of a 3-D seismic programme and re-imbursement of a portion of Antrim's past exploration costs. Results from the subsequent 3-D seismic reinforced Antrim's interpretation based on 2-D seismic and strongly indicated the presence of Lower Cretaceous slope fan and channel deposits similar in geometry and seismic character to many of the recent Cretaceous oil discoveries offshore West Africa. The licence prospect inventory includes two tilted Jurassic fault blocks and a Cretaceous submarine fan, as well as several other leads.
In September 2015, Antrim was advised by Kosmos of its intention to withdraw from all of its licence interests in Ireland to focus on other recent discoveries in their African portfolio. The Company has applied for and anticipates obtaining at no further cost a 100% working interest in and operatorship of the licence, subject to finalization and government approval of the transfer of Kosmos interest in FEL 1/13 to Antrim.
FEL 1/13 has a 15 year term, with an initial three-year term followed by three four-year terms. The initial three-year term expires in early July 2016 and Antrim has submitted a request to extend the first exploration term by an additional two years pending government approval and agreement on an additional technical work program. The Company is also currently seeking a new farm-in partner and operator to complete any additional technical work necessary during the extension period with the ultimate goal that a well commitment could be made at the end of the revised first exploration phase. In the current commodity price environment the cost of drilling an exploration well on the licence has decreased considerably from when the licence was first awarded in 2013. As part of a farm-out transaction Antrim would seek a carry on the first exploration well.
Fyne Licence
P077 Block 21/28a - Fyne, Antrim 100%
United Kingdom (UK) Seaward Licences require licensees to permanently abandon all suspended wells prior to licence expiry. In the third quarter of 2015 the Company successfully permanently plugged and abandoned three suspended wells on the Fyne Licence and one suspended well on the Erne Licence in the UK Central North Sea. The well abandonment campaign was completed as part of a larger abandonment programme allowing Antrim to share certain common costs offering significant cost savings.
The Company is in discussion with the UK Oil and Gas Authority (OGA), formerly DECC, with respect to relinquishment and possible reapplication for the licence. The carrying value of the Fyne Licence at December 31, 2015 is $nil (December 31, 2014 - $nil).
Erne Licence
P1875 Block 21/29d - Erne, Antrim 100%
Previous discoveries on the Erne Licence are not commercial on their own, but may be economic to develop as tie-backs to an adjacent production facility if such a facility were available. Antrim's interest in the Erne licence increased to 100% after its partner withdrew from the licence following completion of the Erne well abandonment. The carrying value of the Erne Licence at December 31, 2015 is $nil (December 31, 2014 - $nil).
| Financial Discussion of Continuing Operations |
| |
| |
|
Three Months Ended |
|
Twelve Months Ended |
| |
|
December 31 |
|
December 31 |
| ($000's except per share amounts) |
|
2015 |
|
2014 |
|
2015 |
|
2014 |
| Financial Results |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Cash flow used in operations (1) |
|
(164 |
) |
|
(815 |
) |
|
(2,990 |
) |
|
(4,613 |
) |
| Cash flow used in operations per share (1) |
|
(0.00 |
) |
|
(0.00 |
) |
|
(0.02 |
) |
|
(0.02 |
) |
| Net income (loss) - continuing operations |
|
(169 |
) |
|
(751 |
) |
|
1,840 |
|
|
(6,497 |
) |
| Net income (loss) per share - basic, continuing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| operations |
|
(0.00 |
) |
|
(0.00 |
) |
|
0.01 |
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
| Net income (loss) |
|
(169 |
) |
|
(903 |
) |
|
1,840 |
|
|
(10,115 |
) |
| Net income (loss) per share - basic |
|
(0.00 |
) |
|
(0.00 |
) |
|
0.01 |
|
|
(0.05 |
) |
| Total assets |
|
11,376 |
|
|
17,101 |
|
|
11,376 |
|
|
17,101 |
|
| Working capital |
|
9,617 |
|
|
15,064 |
|
|
9,617 |
|
|
15,064 |
|
| Capital expenditures - continuing operations |
|
17 |
|
|
47 |
|
|
159 |
|
|
320 |
|
| |
|
| Common shares outstanding |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| End of period |
|
184,731 |
|
|
184,731 |
|
|
184,731 |
|
|
184,731 |
|
| Weighted average - basic |
|
184,731 |
|
|
184,731 |
|
|
184,731 |
|
|
184,731 |
|
| Weighted average - diluted |
|
184,731 |
|
|
184,731 |
|
|
184,731 |
|
|
184,731 |
|
| 1. Cash flow used in operations and cash flow used in operations per share are Non-IFRS Measures. Refer to "Non-IFRS Measures" in Management's Discussion and Analysis. |
Cash Flow and Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
In 2015, cash flow used in operations was $3.0 million compared to cash flow used in operations of $4.6 million in 2014. Cash flow used in operations decreased due to lower G&A costs and a $2.2 million foreign exchange gain in 2015 as a result of a significant decline year to date in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar, partially offset by actual decommissioning costs incurred in 2015. Excluding foreign exchange gains and losses, cash flows used in operations in 2015 decreased to $5.2 million compared to $5.5 million in 2014 due to a $3.2 million decrease in G&A costs partially offset by $3.0 million in actual decommissioning costs incurred in 2015.
In 2015, Antrim had net income from continuing operations of $1.8 million compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $6.5 million in 2014. Net income increased due to lower decommissioning obligations, foreign exchange gains and lower general and administrative costs.
Financial Resources and Liquidity
Antrim had a working capital surplus at December 31, 2015 of $9.6 million compared to a working capital surplus of $15.1 million as at December 31, 2014. Working capital decreased due to $2.3 million in general and administrative expenses and $3.0 million net to Antrim in actual decommissioning costs incurred in the year.
Outlook
The Company has been examining various strategic alternatives, including potential business combinations, to maximize shareholder value. The Company has also been actively engaged in reviewing various options that could lead to future development of its remaining appraised, but undeveloped UK oil and gas assets. Those assets were subject to material well abandonment obligations and created an obstacle in determining the Company's contribution toward a transaction. In September 2015, the Company eliminated uncertainty surrounding the abandonment liability by successfully completing the well abandonments at significant cost savings to previous estimates.
From the start of the strategic review process, the Company established a clear set of objectives to avoid value destruction and maximize shareholder value. These criteria included but were not limited to:
- broadening Antrim's portfolio with good strategic fit
- focus on near term appraisal / development
- clear use of funds
- transformative with upside potential for Antrim shareholders
- financially responsible going concern
- ability to adjust scale / timing
- current or near term cash flow
To identify and evaluate opportunities the Company has been using its own internal resources as well as Carlingford, a division of GFI, as international financial advisers. Through this process, the Company has had contact with over 100 international oil and gas companies resulting in consideration of numerous opportunities and a further, more in-depth evaluation of over 15 possible transactions. Many companies in the junior oil and gas sector are enduring tough trading conditions with limited access to fresh equity or other sources of financing, which has only been exacerbated by the significant volatility and decline in oil prices.
The Company continues to actively evaluate M&A opportunities using the criteria set out above. No assurance can be provided that a satisfactory opportunity will be identified and if one is identified, that a transaction could be closed on terms acceptable to the Company.
The Company has submitted an application to extend the first exploration term of its Ireland licence by an additional two years, pending government approval and agreement on an additional technical work program. The Company is also seeking a new farm-in partner and operator to complete any additional technical work necessary during the extension period to further de-risk the identified leads and prospects on the licence. No assurance can be provided that an extension or farm-out of the Ireland licence can be concluded in a timely manner on terms acceptable to the Company.
The Company will continue to manage its general and administrative expenses, and where possible, further cost reductions will be made to preserve the Company's resources.
About Antrim
Antrim Energy Inc. is a Canadian, Calgary based junior oil and gas exploration company with assets in the UK North Sea and Ireland. Antrim is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (AEN) and on the London AIM market (AEY). Antrim's 2015 annual report (including management's discussion and analysis and consolidated financial statements), is available on SEDAR and our website. Visit www.antrimenergy.com for more information.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information which are based on Antrim's internal reasonable expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs as at the date of such statements or information. Forward-looking statements often, but not always, are identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "targeting", "forecast", "achieve" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements and information. Antrim believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements and information are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements and information included in this press release should not be unduly relied upon. Such forward-looking statements and information speak only as of the date of this press release and Antrim does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by applicable laws.
This press release may contain specific forward-looking statements and information pertaining to Antrim's plans for exploring and developing its licences, including exploration of the Skellig block, the anticipated increase of Antrim's working interest in the Skellig block to 100%, potential transactions, commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, capital expenditure programs and other expenditures, supply and demand for oil, NGLs and natural gas, expectations regarding Antrim's ability to raise capital or pursue farm-out opportunities, to continually add to reserves through acquisitions and development, the schedules and timing of certain projects, Antrim's strategy for growth, Antrim's future operating and financial results, treatment under governmental and other regulatory regimes and tax, environmental and other laws.
With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Antrim has made assumptions regarding: Antrim's ability to obtain additional drilling rigs and other equipment in a timely manner, obtain regulatory approvals (including for the Skellig block), the consideration received in Antrim's sale of its Causeway asset will not change materially as a result of post-closing adjustments, the level of future capital expenditure required to exploit and develop resources and Antrim's reliance on industry partners for the development of some of its properties, the general stability of the economic and political environment in which Antrim operates and the future of oil and natural gas pricing. In respect to these assumptions, the reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such information may prove to be incorrect.
Antrim's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements and information as a result of assumptions proving inaccurate and of both known and unknown risks, including risks associated with the exploration for and development of oil and natural gas reserves such as the risk that drilling operations may not be successful, unanticipated delays with respect to the development of Antrim's properties, operational risks and liabilities that are not covered by insurance, volatility in market prices for oil, NGLs and natural gas, changes or fluctuations in oil, NGLs and natural gas production levels, changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, the ability of Antrim to fund its capital requirements, Antrim's reliance on industry partners for the development of some of its properties, risks associated with ensuring title to the Company's properties, liabilities and unexpected events inherent in oil and gas operations, including geological, technical, drilling and processing problems, the risk that the consideration from the ARNIL Sale is reduced as a result of post-closing adjustments and the accuracy of oil and gas resource estimates as they are affected by the Antrim's exploration and development drilling. Additional risks include the ability to effectively compete for, among other things, capital, acquisitions of reserves, undeveloped lands and skilled personnel, incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions, Antrim's success at acquisition, exploitation and development of reserves, changes in general economic, market and business conditions in Canada, North America, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe and worldwide, actions by governmental or regulatory authorities including changes in income tax laws or changes in tax laws, royalty rates and incentive programs relating to the oil and gas industry and more specifically, changes in environmental or other legislation applicable to Antrim's operations, and Antrim's ability to comply with current and future environmental and other laws, adverse regulatory rulings, order and decisions and risks associated with the nature of the Common Shares.
Many of these risk factors, other specific risks, uncertainties and material assumptions are discussed in further detail in Antrim's MD&A and in Antrim's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2015. Readers are specifically referred to the risk factors described in Antrim's MD&A under "Risks and Uncertainties" and in other documents Antrim files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities. Copies of these documents are available without charge from Antrim or electronically on the internet on Antrim's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.
In accordance with AIM guidelines, Mr. Murray Chancellor, C. Eng., MICE and Managing Director, United Kingdom for Antrim, is the qualified person that has reviewed the technical information contained in this press release. Mr. Chancellor has over 26 years operating experience in the upstream oil and gas industry.