2022 Half Year Results and Interim Dividend Declaration
20 September 2022—Singapore: Jadestone Energy plc (AIM:JSE) (“Jadestone” or the “Company”), an independent oil and gas production company and its subsidiaries (the “Group”), focused on the Asia Pacific region, reports today its unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements, as at and for the six-month period ended 30 June 2022 (the “financial statements”).
Management will host a conference call today at 9:00 a.m. UK time, details of which can be found in the release below.
Paul Blakeley, President and CEO commented:
“Jadestone delivered record financial results in the first half of 2022, with production increasing by c.50% compared to the first half of 2021, driven by a full period contribution from the Malaysian assets acquired in August 2021 and the impact of the Montara drilling programme in the second half of 2021, albeit offset by an unplanned shutdown at Montara early in 2022 due to a compressor engine failure. Revenues and adjusted EBITDAX increased by 63% and 113% respectively, due to the increase in production volumes and higher realised oil prices. As a result, we ended the period with a net cash balance of US$161.6 million, an increase of almost 40% compared to year-end 2021. Jadestone remains debt free.
Despite all this, recent operational performance at Montara has been disappointing, especially given the substantial upgrade and repair work done to date. As previously announced, the field is currently shut-in as we progress a remediation plan for the Montara Venture FPSO following defects identified earlier this year. The plan involves emptying, cleaning, inspecting and, where necessary, resolving any defects in the tanks and hull of the FPSO. In particular, we are moving ahead with the permanent repair of 2C crude oil cargo tank and 4S ballast tank whilst prioritising entry and activity in other tanks in preparation for operational readiness. As we focus on safety and integrity, this activity will continue until we can ensure a safe and reliable restart of the FPSO. In parallel, we are making good progress in the appointment of, and work scope for, the independent reviewer, who will work with us to provide final assurance to Jadestone and the regulator on our remediation plans and operational readiness prior to the restart of production operations. While we understand that the lack of a firm restart date is frustrating for many of our stakeholders, our focus is on the remediation plan and its successful execution which, in turn, will restore confidence in the significant remaining value we see at Montara.
We have also initiated a fundamental review of our hull and tank inspection and repair regime, which will include our maintenance approach, operating systems and organisational structure. As a near-term action to assist management, Jadestone’s Board of Directors has established a special subcommittee, which will work closely with Company’s executive and senior operations leadership, providing both additional support and challenge, while the Montara FPSO hull and tank remediation work is in progress. This will include weekly progress updates and reports.
The balance sheet strength we have built in recent years, and the confidence in our existing asset portfolio and its planned growth, means we are well-positioned to weather the Montara shut-in without any anticipated impact on our investment programmes, inorganic growth, or near-term shareholder returns. We expect capital expenditures for the year to be in line with guidance of US$90.0 – 105.0 million. We have also taken the decision to increase the interim dividend by 10% to US$3.0 million and, subject to market conditions, we intend to complete the US$25.0 million share buyback programme launched in August and which has so far returned an incremental US$4.9 million to shareholders. The next phase of the shareholder returns strategy announced in June will be determined by the timing of production restart at Montara, our portfolio’s operational performance, realised oil prices, and the timing and scale of incremental inorganic growth opportunities.
The Company continues to deliver on its growth strategy. In June, we took a final investment decision on the Akatara gas development on the Lemang PSC in Indonesia, with activity at the site now well underway. Separately, the acquisition of the outstanding 10% stake in the Lemang PSC is expected to complete soon. In July, we announced the acquisition of a non-operated interest in the producing Northwest Shelf (“NWS”) oil project offshore Australia, and are making good progress towards closing this transaction in Q4 2022.
Our strong balance sheet underlines the success of our business model, supporting our planned investments for growth, and while the recent Montara asset incident is unfortunate, we are determined to fix it and deliver the original value proposition vindicating our strategy in the Asia Pacific region.”
Paul Blakeley
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
2022 FIRST HALF RESULTS SUMMARY
| USD’000 except where indicated | H1 2022 | H1 2021 | FY 2021 |
| Production, boe/day | 15,008 | 9,934 | 12,545 |
| Realised oil price per barrel of oil equivalent (US$/boe)1 | 109.52 | 67.70 | 74.34 |
| Realised gas price per million standard cubic feet (US$/mmscf) | 2.03 | – | 1.61 |
| Revenue | 225,639 | 138,158 | 340,194 |
| Operating costs per barrel of oil equivalent (US$/boe)2 | 25.71 | 28.16 | 26.22 |
| Adjusted EBITDAX2 | 138,608 | 65,179 | 157,948 |
| Profit/(Loss) after tax | 49,486 | 2,495 | (13,742) |
| Earnings/(Loss) per ordinary share: basic (US$) | 0.11 | 0.01 | (0.03) |
| Earnings/(Loss) per ordinary share: diluted (US$) | 0.10 | 0.01 | (0.03) |
| Dividend per ordinary share (USȼ)3 | 0.65 | 0.59 | 1.93 |
| Operating cash flows before movement in working capital | 126,481 | 54,376 | 96,622 |
| Capital expenditure | 13,621 | 16,221 | 55,996 |
| Net cash2 | 161,628 | 48,291 | 117,865 |
Operational and financial summary
- Production increased 51% during H1 2022 to 15,008 bbls/d (H1 2021: 9,934 bbl/d). Production benefitted from a full period of the PenMal Assets acquired in August 2021 and the Montara activity programme in H2 2021, offset by unscheduled downtime at Montara early in 2022, a planned maintenance shutdown at Stag in May, and the shut-in of the non-operated PenMal Assets in February 2022 due to FPSO class suspension;
- Average realised oil price1 in H1 2022 was US$109.52/bbl, 62% higher than H1 2021. The realised price includes a weighted average premium across the assets of US$6.99/bbl (H1 2021: US$3.12/bbl);
- Revenue of US$225.6 million in H1 2022, up 63% from H1 2021 at US$138.2 million, due to higher production and higher average realised prices;
- Closing crude stocks as at 30 June 2022 totalled 417,216 bbls, which were subsequently sold in the second half of 2022, generating provisional receipts of US$45.3 million, from a provisional weighted average realised price of US$108.97/bbl;
- As at 30 June 2022, there was an underlift production entitlement carried forward of 130,359 bbls at the PenMal Assets, resulting in a receivable of US$16.8 million, calculated based on the average June 2022 Dated Brent price plus latest realised premium;
- Unit operating costs4 of US$25.71/boe, down 9% from US$28.16/bbl in H1 2021 due to inclusion of the PenMal Assets, which have a lower opex/boe compared to the Australian producing assets;
- Adjusted EBITDAX improved 113% to US$138.6 million compared to US$65.2 million in H1 2021, predominately due to increased production, higher oil prices and lower one-off project expenditures in Other Expenses;
- Net profit after tax in H1 2022 of US$49.5 million compared to US$2.5 million in H1 2021;
- Operating cash flows before movements in working capital in H1 2022 of US$126.5 million, up 133% compared to H1 2021;
- Capital expenditure in H1 2022 of US$13.6 million, down 16% compared to H1 2021 due to the phasing of expenditure in H2 2022;
- Cash balances of US$161.6 million as at 30 June 2022 (H1 2021: US$48.3 million), with no debt outstanding; and
- Recommended interim dividend for FY2022 of US¢0.65/share3 (H1 2021: US¢59/share), equivalent to a total distribution of US$3.0 million (H1 2021: US$2.8 million). On 2 August 2022, the Company announced the launch of a share buyback programme with a maximum amount of US$25.0 million. As at 16 September 2022, 4.7 million of shares had been acquired at an accumulated cost of US$4.9 million.
Business development
- On 16 November 2019, the Group executed a sale and purchase agreement with OMV New Zealand Limited (“OMV”), to acquire an operated 69% interest in the Maari project, subject to customary conditions, including government approvals. Following legislative changes to New Zealand’s upstream regulatory framework at the end of 2021, Jadestone has continually engaged with OMV and the New Zealand Government to seek clarity on the processes, terms and associated timeline required to complete the Maari transaction. Despite these efforts, it remains unclear under what circumstances and in what timeframe completion of the transaction and transfer of operatorship can occur;
- On 6 June 2022, the Group announced that a final investment decision had been taken on the Akatara gas field development onshore Indonesia, following the receipt of necessary consent from the Indonesian upstream regulator. The project is now in the development phase with first gas anticipated in the first half of 2024;
- On 24 November 2021, the Group executed a settlement and transfer agreement with PT Hexindo Gemilang Jaya to acquire the remaining 10% interest in the Lemang PSC for US$0.5 million and a waiver of unpaid amounts related to the PSC. Indonesian government approval is anticipated in Q4 2022; and
- On 28 July 2022, the Group announced the execution of a sale and purchase agreement with BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd (“BP”) to acquire BP’s non-operated 16.67% working interest in the Cossack, Wanaea, Lambert and Hermes oil fields development offshore Western Australia, for a total initial headline cash consideration of US$20.0 million, and certain subsequent contingent and decommissioning security payments.
Significant events
- On 7 February 2022, the Bunga Kertas FPSO, deployed at the non-operated PenMal Assets, had its class suspended, resulting in the non-operated PenMal Assets being shut-in and production suspended. Production is expected to remain shut-in for the remainder of 2022. The estimated adjustment to the production guidance provided in August 2022 to arrive at the current production guidance for full year 2022 is a reduction of c.720 boe/d;
- As previously announced, on 17 June 2022, between three to five cubic metres of crude oil was released to sea during a routine oil transfer between tanks on the Montara Venture FPSO. The facility was immediately shut-in as a precaution and the relevant authorities notified. Following a temporary repair and isolation of the 2C cargo tank where the leak originated, production was restarted on 4 July 2022 while a permanent repair was being developed;
- On 12 August 2022, an additional defect was identified in a ballast water tank on the Montara Venture FPSO during preparation work for a permanent repair to the 2C cargo tank. The Group took the decision to temporarily shut-in production at Montara to prioritise the permanent repairs, removing a number of production operations personnel in order to provide accommodation for additional inspection and repair crews due to an inability to simultaneously accommodate both; and
- On 15 September 2022, Jadestone’s Board of Directors established a temporary special sub-committee to assist management during the ongoing Montara FPSO hull and tank workstreams. It will receive weekly progress reports on the Montara FPSO remediation activities, and interact directly with the Group’s senior operations leadership to review actions and progress towards the remediation plan’s objectives, including the restart of production.
2022 Guidance
- Production: 11,000 – 13,000 boe/d (as announced on 12 September 2022, the production forecast was decreased due to the shut-in of production from the Montara fields);
- Unit opex: US$31.00 – 37.00/boe (increased from previous guidance at US$23.00 – US$28.00 primarily due to incorporating the lower production forecast above) ; and
- Capex: US$90.0 – 105.0 million (unchanged).
1 Realised oil price represents the actual selling price inclusive of premiums.
2 Operating costs per boe, adjusted EBITDAX and net cash are non-IFRS measures and are explained in further detail below.
3 Dividend per ordinary share calculated based on outstanding number of shares at period/year end. The actual dividend per share will reflect any changes in the shares outstanding between the period/year end and the associated record date including the shares buyback.
4 Unit operating costs per boe before workovers and movement in inventories but including net lease payments and certain other adjustments (see non-IFRS measures below).
Enquiries
| Jadestone Energy plc. | |
| Paul Blakeley, President and CEO | +65 6324 0359 (Singapore) |
| Bert-Jaap Dijkstra, CFO | |
| Phil Corbett, Investor Relations Manager | +44 7713 687 467 (UK) |
| ir@jadestone-energy.com | |
| Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited (Nomad, Joint Broker) | +44 (0) 20 7710 7600 (UK) |
| Callum Stewart / Jason Grossman / Ashton Clanfield | |
| Jefferies International Limited (Joint Broker) | +44 (0) 20 7029 8000 (UK) |
| Tony White / Will Soutar | |
| Camarco (Public Relations Advisor) | +44 (0) 203 757 4980 (UK) |
| Billy Clegg / Georgia Edmonds / James Crothers | jadestone@camarco.co.uk |
Conference call and webcast
The management team will host an investor and analyst conference call at 9:00 a.m. (London)/4:00 p.m. (Singapore) today, Tuesday, 20 September 2022, including a question-and-answer session.
The live webcast of the presentation will be available at the below webcast link. Dial-in details are provided below. Please register approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of the call.
The results for the financial period ended 30 June 2022 will be available on the Company’s website at: www.jadestone-energy.com/investor-relations/
Webcast link: https://app.webinar.net/VXGleQG4RWA
Event title: Jadestone Energy plc first-half 2022 results
Time: 9:00 a.m. (UK time) / 4:00 p.m. (Singapore time)
Date: Tuesday, 20 September 2022
Conference ID: 65496332
Dial-in number details:
| Country | Dial-In Numbers |
| United Kingdom | 08006522435 |
| Australia | 1800076068 |
| Canada (Toll free) | 888-390-0546 |
| France | 0800916834 |
| Germany | 08007240293 |
| Hong Kong | 800962712 |
| Indonesia | 0078030208221 |
| Japan | 006633812569 |
| Malaysia | 1800817426 |
| Netherlands | 08000227908 |
| New Zealand | 0800453421 |
| Singapore | 8001013217 |
| Spain | 900834776 |
| Sweden | 0200899189 |
| Switzerland | 0800312635 |
| United States (Toll free) | 888-390-0546 |
DIVIDEND DECLARATION AND SHARE BUYBACK PROGRAMME PROGRESS
On 20 September 2022, the Directors declared a 2022 interim dividend of 0.65 US cents/share, equivalent to a total distribution of US$3.0 million. The timetable for the dividend payment is as follows:
- Ex-dividend date: 29 September 2022
- Record date: 30 September 2022
- Payment date: 14 October 2022
The Group’s growth-orientated strategy remains unchanged, with the objective of establishing a leading Asia-Pacific upstream company through acquiring and maximising the value of producing fields and development assets. The Group prioritises organic reinvestment, and maintains a conservative capital structure in order to capitalise on inorganic growth opportunities as they arise. Notwithstanding this, the Group believes that its production and development led business model is fundamentally pre-disposed to provide meaningful shareholder returns, particularly during times of higher oil prices. The Company targets a sustainable base dividend, with a targeted split one-third to an interim dividend and two-thirds to a final dividend, growing over time in line with underlying cash flow generation. The base dividend may be augmented over time by additional shareholder returns (in the form of share buybacks, special dividends and/or tender offers) if deemed appropriate by the Company.
The Company does not offer a dividend reinvestment plan and does not offer dividends in the form of ordinary shares.
On 2 August 2022, the Company announced the launch of a share buyback programme (the “Programme”) in accordance with the authority granted by the shareholders at the Company’s annual general meeting on 30 June 2022. The maximum amount of the Programme is US$25.0 million, and the Programme will not exceed 46,574,528 ordinary shares. There is no certainty on the volume of shares that may be acquired, nor any certainty on the pace and quantum of acquisitions.
As at 16 September 2022, the Company had acquired 4.7 million shares at a weighted average cost of £0.89 per share, resulting in an accumulated total of US$4.9 million.
