TIDMVGAS
RNS Number : 0090S
Volga Gas PLC
28 September 2017
28 September 2017
Volga Gas plc
('Volga Gas' or 'the Company' or 'the Group')
INTERIM RESULTS
Volga Gas, the oil and gas exploration and production group
operating in the Volga region of Russia, announces its interim
results for the six months ended 30 June 2017.
HIGHLIGHTS
OIL, GAS AND CONDENSATE PRODUCTION
-- Group production averaged 6,182 boepd in H1 2017 (H1 2016: 5,933), a 4% increase.
-- Gas and condensate production in H1 2017 were 25.3 mmcf/d,
and 1,438 bpd, respectively (H1 2016: 23.6 mmcf/d, a 7% increase
and 1,569 bpd, a 8% decrease), with production in May and June 2017
being reduced significantly during final testing and implementation
of Redox-based sweetening at the gas plant.
-- Oil production averaged 524 bopd in H1 2017 (H1 2016: 432 bopd), a 22% increase.
-- Management expects short term production to rise from the
level of 2,698 boepd reported for August to average over 4,300
boepd for the remainder of 2017, giving an average of approximately
5,000 boepd for the full year 2017.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
-- Higher production volumes, stronger oil prices and a recovery
in the Ruble exchange rate led to 45% increase in revenues to
US$23.1 million (H1 2016: $15.9 million).
-- EBITDA increased 93% to US$7.4 million in H1 2017 (H1 2016: US$3.8 million)
-- Profit before tax increased 157% to US$3.8 million (H1 2016: US$1.5 million).
-- Cash used in capital expenditure of US$4.3 million in H1 2017 (H1 2016: US$1.7 million)
-- Cash flow from operations of US$ 7.2 million (H1 2016: US$3.9
million) before working capital outflow of US$4.1 million (H1 2015:
inflow of $3.1 million). The net cash outflow from working capital
was primarily from payments for capital expenditure incurred in
2016.
-- Cash balance of US$13.8 million as at 30 June 2017 (US$19.7
million as at 31 December 2016) after payment of US$5.0 million of
dividends (H1 2016: nil).
-- Total borrowings of US$4.1 million (31 December 2016: US$4.0
million), the increase arising from exchange rate movements.
DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY
-- Successful introduction of Redox based gas sweetening process
at the Dobrinskoye gas plant to increase profitability and reduce
waste.
-- Average processing throughput currently 0.35 million cubic
metres per day of gas set to rise to 0.5 million cubic metres per
day of gas net of increased downtime by the end of 2017..
-- Construction of LPG unit is on budget and is expected to
complete in October 2017, with plant to be commissioned in Q4 2017
and to commence commercial production in Q1 2018
-- Drilling the Uzen 101 horizontal production was concluded on
28 July 2017 and production testing is continuing on the well. The
results will be announced as soon as the tests have completed.
Andrey Zozulya, Chief Executive Officer of Volga Gas, said:
"We are very pleased to have delivered these solid financial
results. Volga Gas is implementing a series of important changes to
the Group's operations which will have a significant beneficial
impact on the long term profitability. These include the
implementation of Redox processing and construction of a LPG unit
at the Dobrinskoye gas plant. Together with the successful
horizontal well development at the Uzen field, management looks
forward to delivering maximum production from the existing assets
and to building opportunities for further growth in shareholder
value."
For further information, please contact:
Volga Gas plc
Andrey Zozulya, Chief Executive Officer +7 903 385 9889
Vadim Son, Chief Financial Officer +7 905 381 4377
Tony Alves, Investor Relations +44 7824 884 342
FTI Consulting +44 (0)20 3727 1000
Edward Westropp, Alex Beagley
S.P. Angel Corporate Finance LLP +44 (0)20 3470 0470
Richard Redmayne, Richard Morrison,
Richard Hail
Editors' notes:
Volga Gas is an independent oil and gas exploration and
production company operating in the Volga region of Russia. The
company has 100% interests in its four licence areas.
The information contained in this announcement has been reviewed
and verified by Mr. Andrey Zozulya, Director and Chief Executive
Officer of Volga Gas plc, for the purposes of the Guidance Note for
Mining, Oil and Gas companies issued by the London Stock Exchange
in June 2009. Mr. Andrey Zozulya has a degree in Geophysics and
Engineering from the Groznensky Oil & Gas Institute and is a
member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
This announcement contains inside information as defined in EU
Regulation No. 596/2014 and is in accordance with the Company's
obligations under Article 17 of that Regulation.
Glossary
Bopd Barrels of oil per day
Boepd Barrels of oil equivalent per day, in which 6,000 cubic
feet of natural gas is equated to one barrel of oil
Bpd Barrels per day
mcf thousands of standard cubic feet
mcm thousands of standard cubic metres
mcm/d thousands of standard cubic metres per day
m(3) standard cubic metre
mmcf/d millions of standard cubic feet per day
mmcm/d millions of standard cubic metres per day
RUR Russian Rouble
Interim Management Report
Volga Gas and its subsidiaries (together, the "Group") are
involved in the production of and exploration for oil and gas in
four licence areas in the Volga Region of Russia.
During H1 2017 Volga Gas achieved its highest monthly production
rate of 8,176 boepd in January. While this was not sustained
throughout the period, mainly as a result of testing and
implementation of the new Redox-based gas sweetening process at the
gas plant, the overall production volume in H1 2017 was
nevertheless 4% above that of H1 2016.
In contrast to H1 2016, international oil prices were generally
stable at approximately $50 per barrel during H1 2017. As a
consequence, net realisation for Volga Gas' oil and condensate
sales increased by 58% to US$37.64 per barrel (H1 2016: US$23.84
per barrel). Domestic sales prices have generally been slightly
higher than would be achieved from exports after taking into
account export taxes and transportation costs. Consequently export
volumes of oil and condensate in H1 2017 were 23% of the total
sales of liquids (H1 2016: 35%).
The Russian Ruble has staged a similar recovery to that of the
oil price. This, combined with an 8% increase in netback RUR gas
prices led to an average gas sales price in H1 2017 of US$2.04 per
mcf (H1 2016: US$1.44/mcf).
Consequently, net revenues for H1 2017 were 49% above those
reported in H1 2016, after taking into account transport costs and
taxes paid on exports. In addition the Group is pleased to report a
95% increase in EBITDA, a 153% increase in pre-tax profit compared
to H1 2016 as well as strong net cash balances after paying US$5.0
million of dividends in May 2017.
Production Operations
Gas and condensate production - Dobrinskoye and VM fields
The Dobrinskoye and VM fields are managed as a single business
unit. Production from the fields is processed at the gas plant
located next to the Dobrinskoye field, extracting the condensate
and processing the gas to pipeline standards before input into
Gazprom's regional pipeline system via an inlet located at the
plant. During H2 2016, throughput at the plant increased to the
designed capacity of 1 million m(3) per day (35.3 mmcf/d). Between
September 2016 and mid-March 2017, the plant was operated at full
capacity. However, between mid-March 2017 and June 2017, a
proportion of the capacity was diverted to conduct final testing of
the Redox gas sweetening process and, during June 2017, production
was further reduced while the switch to Redox processing was
implemented.
Consequently, average production of gas and condensate for H1
2017 were 25.3 mmcf/d and 1,438 bpd respectively (H1 2016: 23.6
mmcf/d and 1,569 bpd). The slight reduction in the condensate ratio
is principally due to the switch to production entirely from the VM
field, pending a workover on the Dobrinskoye well. While the
Dobrinskoye field well remains productive, the VM field has more
than sufficient productive capacity to meet present
requirements.
At the end of 2016, the gas sales arrangements were changed,
with sales being made directly to Gazprom's distribution system.
This led to improved netback sales prices in Ruble terms to
approximately RUR 3,846 per thousand cubic metres excluding VAT
(2016: RUR 3,559). Combined with the recovery of the Ruble, the
average selling price for gas for H1 2017 was the equivalent of
US$2.04 per mcf (H1 2016: US$1.44/mcf).
During H1 2017, 23% of condensate sales were exports (H1 2016:
53%), with the rest being sold in the domestic market at the plant
gate. The average domestic condensate sales price was US$34.01 per
barrel (H1 2016: US$23.30 per barrel). The average export sale
price was $48.94 in H1 2017 (H1 2016: $28.61). After paying export
taxes and transportation costs, the average net realization for
exports was less than for domestic sales. However, the export
channels which have been used since December 2015, enable
production to be maintained uninterrupted through periods of
disruption to the domestic market which occur from time to
time.
Unit production costs on the gas-condensate fields were
approximately US$6.06 per boe (H1 2016: US$3.90). This reflects
overall higher costs but the main influence was the significant
recovery in the Ruble exchange rate. The successful implementation
of Redox sweetening will materially reduce the costs of consumables
which have been a major component of operating costs.
MET formula rates applying to gas and condensate production were
broadly unchanged at 25.5% of revenue during H1 2017 (H1 2016:
26.9%) as the formula rates of MET were matched by increases in
sales prices.
Oil production - Uzenskoye fields
During H1 2017, oil production averaged 524 bopd (H1 2016: 432
bopd). During April 2017, thaw made the field roads to Uzen
impassable to oil trucks for long periods and production was
significantly impeded. Nevertheless, the effect was less than in
the previous year. The existing production is now from mature wells
which are being managed to sustain production for maximum overall
extraction.
Sales prices realised from crude oil averaged US$37.73/bbl net
of VAT in H1 2017 (H1 2016: US$25.68/bbl). Production costs
increased to $5.85/bbl (H1 2016: $4.46/bbl) largely as a result of
exchange rate movements. MET formula rates applying to oil
production increased in line with international oil prices. As a
result, the MET expense in H1 2017 increased to 46% of revenues (H1
2016: 43%).
Development
VM Field
The upstream development of the VM field was effectively
concluded by early 2016 and, other than routine maintenance
operations on the production wells and minor upgrades to the
surface based production control systems, there was little
development activity on the VM field required during H1 2017.
Management believes that with the existing well stock the field
can be effectively produced with a production plateau of one
million m(3) /day (35.3 mmcf/d) of gas plus associated
condensate.
Gas plant
Since August 2016, the gas plant as then configured was
sustainably operated at its full capacity of one million m(3) /day
(35.3 mmcf/d). However, the operations required the use of
expensive and non-regenerable reagents for gas sweetening, which
led to high production costs and the need to dispose of waste
material.
During 2016, a number of alternatives were tested and by the end
of 2016, management decided that a switch to a Redox-based
sweetening process would be optimal and requiring only minor
modifications to the existing plant equipment. Between April and
June 2017, industrial scale testing of the Redox process was
undertaken while the modifications were carried out. In June the
plant was switched over entirely to Redox-based processing.
During the initial months of the new process, the plant
throughput is expected to be kept at relatively low levels as the
process management is optimised. Throughput is expected to be
increased gradually and to reach management's short term throughput
target of 500,000 m(3) /day by the end of 2017.
LPG plant
The other key development at the gas plant is the construction
of cryogenic separation of liquid petroleum gases ("LPG"), which is
currently either flared as part of the condensate stabilization
process or included with the sales gas. By July,2017, the majority
of long lead items of equipment had been delivered and construction
is currently at an advanced stage. The LPG project is expected to
be put on test production in during Q4 2017 and commercial
production of LPG to commence in Q1 2018. The LPG project will
provide an additional product stream which is expected to increase
total sales volumes by approximately 10% and to enhance
profitability. The project is expected to be completed within the
budgeted capital cost of US$4.3 million.
Uzen oil field
The main field development activity of H1 2017 was on the
producing oil field, Uzenskoye. Drilling of the new horizontal well
#101 commenced as planned on 27 April 2017. Although mainly being
drilled to develop the proved but currently undeveloped Albian
reservoir in the Uzen field, the well was initially sidetracked to
investigate potential unproven structures. While one possible
target was dry, a second small oil accumulation was encountered.
Initial estimates put the potential additional reserves at between
0.2 and 0.5 mbbls of recoverable oil. While positive, this would be
only a minor increment to Group reserves.
Drilling operations on the horizontal section of well #101 were
concluded as anticipated on 28 July 2017 having completed a
horizontal section of total length of 627 metres. Logging while
drilling indicated a total productive zone in the well of 506
metres, exhibiting average porosity of 32% and oil saturation of
68%. The horizontal section of the well was lined and the
productive zones have had water-swell packers installed to maximise
the well stability.
As a result of the extra sidetracks drilled and additional
precautions taken to deliver a stable and secure production well,
the costs of drilling well #101 increased to approximately US$7.3
million compared to a budget cost of US$3.8 million.
Financial Review
Results of Operations
For the six months ended 30 June 2017, Group revenue increased
45% to US$23.1 million (H1 2016: US$15.9 million) reflecting, as
previously stated, significantly higher production volumes, higher
oil prices and a recovery in the Russian Ruble. With more modest
increases in production costs and Mineral Extraction Taxes, the
Group achieved a 71% increase in gross profit to US$9.5 million (H1
2016: US$5.5 million) for the period.
With a lower proportion of exports, selling expenses (comprising
export taxes and transportation costs) were US$1.9 million in H1
2017 (H1 2016: US$1.7 million). With no exploration expenses (H1
2016: US$0.2 million) and administrative expenses of US$3.2 million
(H1 2016: US$1.8 million), the Group recorded a 143% rise in
operating profit to US$4.4 million (H1 2016: loss of US$1.8
million).
After interest income of US$152,000 (H1 2016: income of $41,000)
and other expenses including foreign exchange of US$0.7 million (H1
2016 net losses of US$0.4million), the Group reported a 157% rise
in profit before tax to US$3.8 million (H1 2016: US$1.5 million).
As the bank loan was drawn specifically for the construction of the
LPG project, interest during construction has been capitalised. For
the period, there was a tax provision of US$0.6 million (H1 2016:
US$0.6 million), leading to a net profit after tax of $3.2 million
for H1 2016 (H1 2016: $0.9 million).
EBITDA, calculated as operating profit before exploration
expenses, depletion and depreciation was 94% higher at US$7.4
million (H1 2016: US$3.8 million).
During H1 2017 23% of condensate sales volumes (H1 2016: 53%)
and 23.4% of oil export volumes (H1 2016: nil) were exports.
Consequently, during H1 2017 selling expenses of US$1.1 million (H1
2016: US$1.7 million), comprising export taxes and transportation
costs, were incurred on oil and condensate export sales.
Average realizations for the six months to 30 June 2017 were
US$34.87 per barrel for domestic sales of oil and condensate (H1
2016: US$23.84 per barrel). Condensate export sales were at an
average price of US$48.94 per barrel (H1 2016: US$28.86). Gas sales
during H1 2017 amounted to US$9.2 million (H1 2016: US$6.1 million)
reflecting higher sales volumes and an 8% increase in the Ruble
sales price and strengthening in the US$:Ruble exchange rate. The
US dollar equivalent average gas price was US$2.05/mcf in H1 2016
(H1 2016 US$1.44/mcf).
For the six months to 30 June 2017, Mineral Extraction Tax
accounted for 25.57% of revenues (H1 2016: 26.9%).
Production costs in H1 2017 were 20.7% of revenues (H1 2016:
27.2%) reflecting the benefits of higher
production. The Depletion and Depreciation charge was 12.9% of revenues (H1 2016: 11.0%).
Cash flow from operating activities before working capital
movements in H1 2017 was US$7.2 million (H1 2016: US$3.9 million),
in line with EBITDA. After negative working capital movements of
US$4.1 million (H1 2016: positive US$3.1 million), net cash inflow
from operations was US$3.2 million (H1 2016: inflow of US$7.0
million).
Capital Expenditure
For the six months ended 30 June 2017, the Group incurred
capital expenditures of US$7.4 million (H1 2016: US$0.7 million)
the majority of which was on drilling on the Uzen oil field. With
settlements of accounts payable for capital expenditure due in H2
2017, cash used in the purchase of PP&E during H1 2017 was
US$4.2 million (H1 2016: US$1.7 million), while US$0.1 million was
used to purchase intangible assets being mainly geological
studies.
Cash Position and Balance Sheet
The Group had cash balances at 30 June 2017 of US$13.8 million
(31 December 2016: US$19.7 million), and borrowings of US$4.1
million (31 December 2016: $4.0).
Dividends
On 26 May 2017, the Company paid US$5.0 million in dividends to
its shareholders (H1 2016: nil).
Outlook
After the successful implementation of Redox sweetening at the
Dobrinskoye gas plant, throughput will gradually be brought back to
the planned average rate of 650 mcm/d (23 mmcfd), although for the
remainder of the year it is likely to remain between 400 and 500
mcm/d (15-18 mmcf/d). Together with associated condensate and the
oil produced from the existing wells at Uzen, management expects
production for the period September to December 2017 to average
4,300 boepd. With overall production in H2 2017 lower than in H1
2017, the full year average production rate is expected to be
approximately 5,000 boepd..
Pending successful flow testing on the Uzen 101 well and
commissioning of the LPG plant there could be further additions to
production early in 2018. Management will report on these matters
at the appropriate time.
Realised prices for oil and condensate are expected to continue
tracking international oil prices as adjusted for export tax and
transportation. Exports of condensate are currently suspended while
the gas and condensate throughputs are being rebuilt as the
domestic market provides both higher netbacks and has sufficient
demand. The contract gas price increased by 3.9% Ruble terms from 1
July 2017.
With the lower production in H2 2017 as outlined above, revenues
for the full year 2017 are expected to be broadly similar to the
levels achieved in 2016.
Production costs for gas and condensate are expected to reduce
by at least US$2.0 million annually from savings on the costs of
chemical reagents and elimination of the costs of disposing of
waste materials, when the Redox processing is fully operational in
2018. Meanwhile with lower throughput, the fixed operating costs
are likely to keep unit cost numbers in H2 2017 at a similar level
to H1 2017.
Capital expenditure during H2 2017 required to complete existing
projects is expected to be US$7.0 million, taking the total capital
expenditure for the year to US$14.4 million.
The continuing operational focus of management is on managing
the existing asset base, seeking further operational and cost
efficiencies where possible, to maximize the production and cash
generation capabilities so as to lay a foundation for future
growth.
Principle Risks and Uncertainties
The risks described on pages 13-14 and in Note 3 - Financial
Risk Management on pages 34-36 of the 2016 Annual Report, a copy of
which can be obtained from www.volgagas.com, remain extant.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this interim report are forward-looking.
Although the Group believes that the expectations reflected in
these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no
assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct.
Because these statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual
results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by
these forward-looking statements.
VOLGA GAS plc
IFRS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(UNAUDITED)
AS OF AND FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2017
Group Interim Income Statement (Unaudited)
(presented in US$000, except for profit per ordinary share and
number of shares)
Six months ended 30 June Notes 2017 2016
----------------------------------------------- ------ -------------------- -----------------
Revenue 23,118 15,912
Cost of sales 4 (13,658) (10,364)
----------------------------------------------- ------
Gross profit 9,460 5,548
Selling Expenses (1,923) (1,725)
Asset impairment expense - (243)
General and administrative expenses 5 (3,172) (1,774)
----------------------------------------------- ------
Operating profit/(loss) 4,365 1,806
Interest income 152 41
Other net expenses 6 (689) (356)
----------------------------------------------- ------
Profit before tax 3,829 1,491
Taxation (617) (603)
----------------------------------------------- ------
Profitattributable to equity holders 3,212 888
Basic and diluted profit) per ordinary share
(in US dollars) 0.040 0.011
Weighted average number of shares outstanding 81,017,800 81,017,800
Group Interim Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
(presented in US$000)
Six months ended 30 June Notes 2017 2016
------------------------------------ ------- -------------------- --------------------
Profit/(loss) for the Period 3,212 888
Other comprehensive income - -
Currency translation differences 1,752 6,964
---------------------------------------------
Total comprehensive income for the
period 4,964 7,852
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this condensed
consolidated interim financial information.
Group Balance Sheet (Unaudited)
(presented in US$000)
30 June 31 December
Notes 2017 2016
------------------------------------ ------ ----------------------- ---------------------
Assets
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 7 3,660 3,460
Property, plant and equipment 7 61,485 55,908
Other non-current assets - 4
Deferred tax assets 1,577 1,536
------------------------------------ ------
Total non-current assets 66,722 60,908
Current assets
Cash, cash equivalents and bank deposits 13.838 19,718
Inventories 725 981
Other receivables 1,479 3,007
------------------------------------ ------
Total current assets 16,042 23,706
Total assets 82,764 84,614
------------------------------------ ------ ----------------------- ---------------------
Equity and liabilities
Equity
Share capital 1,485 1,485
Currency translation and other reserves (73,870) (75,622)
Accumulated profit 139,436 141,224
------------------------------------ ------ ----------------------- ---------------------
Total equity 67,051 67,087
Long term liabilities
Asset retirement obligation 180 175
Deferred tax liabilities 3,788 3,429
Bank loan 2,927 3,802
------------------------------------ ------ ----------------------- ---------------------
Total long term liabilities 6,895 7,406
Current liabilities
Bank loan 1,137 158
Accounts payable 8 7,681 9,963
------------------------------------ ------
Total current liabilities 8,817 10,121
Total equity and liabilities 82,764 84,614
------------------------------------ ------ ----------------------- ---------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this condensed
consolidated interim financial information.
Group Interim Cash Flow Statement (Unaudited)
(presented in US$000)
Six months ended
30 June
Notes 2017 2016
------------------------------------------- ------ -------------------- --------------------
Profit for the period before tax 3,829 1,491
Less adjustments for:
Exploration and evaluation expenses - 245
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 3,013 1,744
Foreign exchange differences 400 412
------------------------------------------- ------
Total effect of adjustments 3,413 2,401
Net cash flow before working capital
movements 7,242 3,892
Working capital changes
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other
receivables 8 1,637 (316)
(Decrease)/increase in payables 9 (5,993) 3,242
Decrease in inventory 289 143
Increase/(decrease) in other non-current -
assets
------------------------------------------- ------ -------------------- --------------------
Net cash from operating activities 3,175 6,961
------------------------------------------- ------ -------------------- --------------------
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of intangible assets (111) -
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (4,181) (1,653)
Net cash used in investing activities (6,413) (1,653)
------------------------------------------- ------ -------------------- --------------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid (5,000) -
Net cash provided/(used) by financing -
activities (5,000)
------------------------------------------- ------ -------------------- --------------------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
and cash equivalents 237 415
---------------------------------------------------
Net (decrease)/ increase in cash and
cash equivalents (5,880) 5,723
------------------------------------------- ------ -------------------- --------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of the period 19,718 6,769
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
the period 13,838 12,492
------------------------------------------- ------ -------------------- --------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this condensed
consolidated interim financial information.
Group Interim Statement of Changes in Equity (Unaudited)
(presented in US$000)
Share Currency Share Accumulated Total
Capital Translation Grant Profit Equity
Reserves Reserves
---------------------- ------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------------------ ------------
Opening equity at 1
January 2017 1,485 (80,855) 5,233 141,224 67,087
Profit for the period - - - 3,212 3,212
Dividends paid (5,000) (5,000)
Currency translation
differences - 1,752 - - 1,752
Closing equity at 30
June 2017 1,485 (79,103) 5,233 139,436 67,051
---------------------- ------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------------------ ------------
Opening equity at 1
January 2016 1,485 (91,350) 5,233 140,037 55,405
Profit for the period - - - 888 888
Currency translation
differences - 6,967 - - 6,967
Closing equity at 30
June 2016 1,485 (84,383) 5,233 140,925 63,260
---------------------- ------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------------------ ------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this condensed
consolidated interim financial information.
Notes to the IFRS Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial
Statements (Unaudited)
(presented in US$000 unless otherwise stated)
1. General information
Volga Gas plc (hereinafter referred to as "Company" or "Volga")
is a public liability company registered in England and Wales with
registered number 05886534 and quoted on the AIM market of London
Stock Exchange plc. The principal activities of the Company and its
subsidiaries (hereinafter jointly referred to as the "Group") are
the acquisition, exploration and development of hydrocarbon assets
and production of hydrocarbons in the Volga Region of the Russian
Federation. The Company's registered office is at 40 Dukes Place,
London EC3A 7NH. This condensed consolidated interim financial
information was approved for issue on 27 September 2017.
2. Basis of presentation
This condensed consolidated interim financial information for
the half-year ended 30 June 2017 has been prepared in accordance
with IAS 34, 'Interim financial reporting'. The condensed
consolidated interim financial information should be read in
conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended
31 December 2015, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs
as adopted by the European Union.
Selected explanatory notes are included to explain events and
transactions that are significant to an understanding of the
changes in the Financial Position and performance of the group
since the last annual consolidated financial statements.
This condensed consolidated interim financial information does
not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434
of the Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31
December 2016 were approved by the board of directors on 31 March
2017 and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the
auditor on those accounts was unqualified, did not contain an
emphasis of matter paragraph and did not contain any statement
under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.
Except as described below, the accounting policies applied are
consistent with those of the annual financial statements for the
year ended 31 December 2016, as described in those annual financial
statements.
Going-concern basis The group meets its day-to-day working
capital requirements through its cash resources. After making
enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the
Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence
for the foreseeable future. The Group therefore continues to adopt
the going concern basis in preparing its consolidated interim
financial statements.
Exchange rates. The official rate of exchange of the Russian
ruble to the US dollar ("USD") at 30 June 2017 and 31 December 2016
was 59.0855 and 60.6569 Russian Rubles to USD 1.00, respectively.
Any re-measurement of Russian Ruble amounts to US dollars or any
other currency should not be construed as a representation that
such Russian Ruble amounts have been, could be, or will in the
future be converted into other currencies at these exchange
rates.
Taxation. Taxes on income in the interim periods are accrued
using the tax rate that would be applicable to expected total
annual earnings.
Segmental reporting follows the Group's internal reporting
structure. No geographic segmental information is presented as all
of the Group's operating activities are based in the Russian
Federation.
Management has determined therefore that the operations of the
Group comprise one class of business, being oil and gas
exploration, development and production and the Group operates in
only one geographic area - the Russian Federation.
3. Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies and methods of computation
followed by the Group are consistent with those disclosed in the
consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December
2016.
4. COST OF SALES
Cost of sales is analysed as follows:
2017 2016
Six months ended 30 June US$ 000 US$ 000
------------------------------------------ -------- --------
Production expenses 4,788 4,336
Mineral extraction taxes 5,892 4,273
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 2,978 1,755
------------------------------------------
13,658 10,364
------------------------------------------ -------- --------
5. GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
General and administrative expenses are analysed as follows:
2017 2016
Six months ended 30 June US$ 000 US$ 000
---------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Salaries 2,196 951
Taxes other than payroll and MET 24 19
Audit fees 209 71
Legal and Consultancy 182 120
Other 563 613
----------------------------------
Total general and administrative
expenses 3,172 1,774
---------------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
6. OTHER GAINS AND LOSSES, NET
Six months ended 30 June
2017 2016
US$ 000 US$ 000
-------------------------- -------- ---------------------
Foreign exchange loss ( 400) ( 412)
Other (expenses)/income ( 289) 56
--------------------------
Total other net expenses (689) (356)
-------------------------- -------- ---------------------
7. PROPERTY PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Property, Intangible
plant and assets
equipment
As at 1 January 2017 55,908 3,460
Additions 7,265 111
Depreciation and amortisation (3,013) -
Write offs (73) -
Exchange adjustment 1,398 89
------------------------------------
At 30 June 2017 61,485 3,660
------------------------------------ ------------------------- -------------------------
As at 1 January 2016 48,290 2,867
Additions 493 235
Depreciation and amortisation (1,749) -
Transfers to inventories (218) -
Exploration and evaluation expense - (243)
Exchange adjustment 6,339 383
------------------------------------
At 30 June 2016 53,155 3,242
------------------------------------ ------------------------- -------------------------
8. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
30 June 31 December
2017 2016
US$ 000 US$ 000
VAT recoverable 326 154
Prepayments 454 725
Trade receivables 496 2,067
Other 203 61
---------------------------
Total accounts receivable 1,479 3,007
--------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
9. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
30 June 31 December
2017 2016
US$ 000 US$ 000
Trade payables 4,690 4,861
Taxes other than profit tax 1,361 2,266
Customer advances 1,232 2,836
Other 398 -
-----------------------------
Total accounts payable 7,681 9,963
----------------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
10. CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS
The Group has fulfilled all exploration commitments on existing
licences. As at 30 June 2017, the Group had contracted to spend
US$6.7 million on its remaining capital expenditure programme for
2017. It has no material commitments to further capital
expenditures during the year ending 31 December 2017.
11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Group is controlled by Baring Vostok Private Equity Fund
III, Baring Vostok Private Equity Fund IV and Baring Vostok
Investments PCI, which own 64.6% of the Company's shares as at 30
June 2017.
Related party transactions are disclosed in Note 23 to the
accounts for the year ended 31 December 2016. There were no
material related party transactions in the six months to 30 June
2017 nor in the six months to 30 June 2016.
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES
The directors confirm that this consolidated interim financial
information has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted
by the European Union and that the interim management report
includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R
and DTR 4.2.8R, namely:
-- an indication of important events that have occurred during
the first six months and their impact on the set of financial
statements, and a description of the principal risks and
uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year;
and
-- material related-party transactions in the first six months and any material changes in the related-party transactions described in the last annual report.
The directors of Volga Gas plc are as listed in the Volga Gas
plc Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2016.
By order of the Board
Andrey Zozulya Vadim Son
Chief Executive Chief Financial
Officer Officer
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR PGUGUBUPMGAM
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
September 28, 2017 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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