TIDMGKP

RNS Number : 4691K

Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd.

02 September 2021

2 September 2021

Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd. (LSE: GKP)

("Gulf Keystone", "GKP", "the Group" or "the Company")

2021 Half Year Results Announcement

Gulf Keystone, a leading independent operator and producer in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, today announces its results for the half year ended 30 June 2021.

Jon Harris, Gulf Keystone's Chief Executive Officer, said:

"I am pleased to report strong operational and financial performance in the first half of 2021, despite the continuing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our leverage to the recovery in oil prices, combined with safe and reliable production towards the top end of our guidance range and a continued sharp focus on costs, has resulted in significant cash flow generation. With continued strong production performance from the Shaikan Field, we are tightening the 2021 production guidance range to 42,000 - 44,000 bopd.

We continue to deliver against our commitment to balance investment in growth and returns to shareholders. Today, we are pleased to declare an interim dividend for 2021 of $50 million, bringing total dividends this year to $100 million.

The early restart of the drilling campaign in June enables us to maintain production growth momentum and to drill an additional well, SH-G, in 2021 after completion of SH-14, the final well in the 55,000 bopd investment programme. SH-14 is expected to come onstream in Q4 2021, while we expect SH-G to come onstream in Q1 2022.

We continue to work closely with the MNR and our partner on the preparation of the Shaikan FDP and expect to submit the FDP to the MNR in Q4 2021 for approval."

Highlights to 30 June 2021 and post reporting period

Operational

-- Remain focused on safe and reliable operations with No Lost Time Incident ("LTI") recorded for over 600 days and no recordable incidents for around 550 days

-- Continuing to manage the challenges presented by COVID-19 to protect the health of staff and contractors

-- Strong average gross 2021 production to 31 August 2021 of c.42,900 bopd, up 18% from the corresponding period in 2020 and towards the top end of 2021 guidance; gross production on 31 August 2021 was 42,842 bopd

-- Drilling activities progressing well following early restart in June; SH-13 expected to come onstream imminently ; drilling of SH-14 underway with completion and hook-up expected in Q4 2021

-- Capitalising on early restart of drilling and opportunity to maintain a continuous drilling programme, planning to spud SH-G in Q4 2021, after completion of SH-14. SH-G is expected to commence production in Q1 2022

-- SH-G, the first well after the 55,000 bopd expansion programme, is an opportunity to maintain growth and momentum while we prepare the Shaikan Field Development Plan ("FDP")

-- Completed debottlenecking of PF-2, increasing total field processing capacity to c.57,500 bopd

Financial

-- H1 2021 revenue up 162% to $130.7 million (H1 2020: $49.9m) contributing to a return to profit after tax of $64.8 million (H1 2020: $33.1 million loss)

-- Adjusted H1 2021 EBITDA of $93.8 million, more than triple $27.5 million in H1 2020, driven by the Company's strong leverage to the recovery in oil prices, increase in production and low-cost base:

o Realised price up 129% to $43.7/bbl (H1 2020: $19.1/bbl)

o H1 2021 gross average production up 17% to 43,516 bopd (H1 2020: 37,159 bopd)

o H1 2021 gross Opex per barrel of $2.4/bbl, below 2021 guidance range of $2.5-$2.9/bbl

-- Net Capex of $14.1 million (H1 2020: $38.5 million), with the restart of the 55,000 bopd expansion programme

-- Total dividends of $50 million paid to date, including an annual dividend of $25 million and a special dividend of $25 million

   --      Robust cash balance of $177.4 million at 1 September 2021 

Outlook

-- Tightening 2021 average gross production guidance range from 40,000 - 44,000 bopd to 42,000 - 44,000 bopd

   --      Maintaining 2021 gross Opex per barrel guidance of $2.5 to $2.9/bbl 

-- The addition of SH-G increases 2021 net Capex guidance from $55-$65 million to $75-$85 million

-- With continued constructive engagement with the Ministry of Natural Resources ("MNR") and the Company's partner Kalegran B.V. (a subsidiary of MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas plc) ("MOL"), Gulf Keystone is expecting to submit an FDP in Q4 2021 to the MNR for approval

o The FDP includes the continued ramp-up of Jurassic oil production, appraisal of the Triassic reservoir and a Gas Management Plan

o We continue to optimise the scope, schedule and cost of the FDP

-- Developing Gulf Keystone's sustainability strategy, with the primary environmental focus on more than halving CO(2) per barrel by 2025 by eliminating flaring

-- In line with the Company's strategy of balancing investment in growth and returns to shareholders, Gulf Keystone is pleased to declare an interim dividend for 2021. The 2021 interim dividend is $50 million to be paid on 8 October 2021 based on a record date of 24 September 2021

-- Following payment of the interim dividend, the Company will have distributed $100 million of dividends in 2021

-- With continuing strong oil prices and cash flow generation, there may be opportunities to consider further distributions to shareholders and to optimise the capital structure

Investor & analyst presentation

Gulf Keystone's management team will be presenting the Company's 2021 Half Year Results at 10:00am (BST) today via live audio webcast:

https://webcasting.brrmedia.co.uk/broadcast/60e86de51ba1724bfa9a0d87

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of the UK Market Abuse Regime.

Enquiries:

 
 Gulf Keystone:                             +44 (0) 20 7514 1400 
 Aaron Clark, Head of Investor Relations    aclark@gulfkeystone.com 
 
 Celicourt Communications:                  + 44 (0) 20 8434 2754 
 Mark Antelme                               GKP@Celicourt.uk 
  Jimmy Lea 
 

or visit: www.gulfkeystone.com

Notes to Editors:

Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd. (LSE: GKP) is a leading independent operator and producer in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Further information on Gulf Keystone is available on its website www.gulfkeystone.com

Disclaimer

This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements that are subject to the risks and uncertainties associated with the oil & gas exploration and production business. These statements are made by the Company and its Directors in good faith based on the information available to them up to the time of their approval of this announcement but such statements should be treated with caution due to inherent risks and uncertainties, including both economic and business factors and/or factors beyond the Company's control or within the Company's control where, for example, the Company decides on a change of plan or strategy. This announcement has been prepared solely to provide additional information to shareholders to assess the Group's strategies and the potential for those strategies to succeed. This announcement should not be relied on by any other party or for any other purpose.

CEO Statement

The first half of 2021 has been characterised by a significant recovery in spot and forward oil prices as economies around the world have begun the early stage of their recoveries, even while the course and eventual conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic remains uncertain. Against this more favourable economic backdrop, Gulf Keystone has delivered strong operational and financial performance, and demonstrated our commitment of balancing shareholder returns with investment in growth.

The foundation of our performance remains our strong health, safety, security and environment ("HSSE") culture. Our focus on HSSE has been more critical than ever with the restart of expansion activities. I'm pleased to report today that we have now had over 600 LTI free days. That said, we are not being complacent, and all of Gulf Keystone's people are continuing to live and breathe the target of zero personal and process safety incidents.

We continue to implement measures to protect our workforce and operations from COVID-19. While we still face challenges on the ground because of the pandemic, we continue to manage them well, and we have limited the impact of COVID-19 on our operations to date.

Year-to-date to 31 August 2021, we have delivered safe and reliable production towards the upper end of our 2021 guidance, with gross average production of c.42,900 bopd, up 18% from the corresponding period in 2020. Gross production on 31 August 2021 was 42,842 bopd. To date, we have produced around 92 million stock tank barrels ("MMstb") from the Shaikan Field and have c.500 million barrels of gross 2P reserves yet to produce.

In June, we were able to successfully restart drilling activities, two months ahead of schedule, and have made good progress since then executing the programme. Following the completion of SH-13, the drilling rig was moved on the same well pad to drill SH-I (now SH-14). We expect SH-13 to come onstream imminently and expect completion and hook-up of SH-14 to take place in Q4 this year. We continue to expect gross production to increase towards 55,000 bopd in Q4 2021.

The early restart of drilling enables us to drill an additional well in 2021 after completion of SH-14, the final well in the 55,000 bopd investment programme. We expect the new well, SH-G, to spud later this year and come online in Q1 2022. SH-G is an excellent opportunity to maintain growth and momentum in developing our world-class resource base while we finalise the FDP.

Since the appointment of the new Minister of Natural Resources at the beginning of 2021, GKP and MOL have been meeting frequently with the MNR to progress the preparation of the FDP. Engagement has been constructive, and we are expecting to submit the FDP in Q4 2021 to the MNR for approval.

Gulf Keystone's leverage to the recovery in oil price, combined with safe and reliable production towards the upper end of the 2021 guidance range and our low-cost structure, has enabled us to more than triple Adjusted EBITDA year-on-year to $93.8 million. We continue to balance investment in growth and returns to shareholders, with total dividends of $100 million to be distributed this year following the declaration of a $50 million interim dividend for 2021, announced today. With continuing strong oil prices and cash flow generation, there may be opportunities to consider further distributions to shareholders and to optimise the capital structure.

Looking ahead to the remainder of the year, we are tightening our 2021 average gross production guidance range to between 42,000 - 44,000 bopd. We are maintaining our gross Opex per barrel guidance of $2.5 to $2.9/bbl, while we are increasing our net Capex guidance from $55-$65 million to $75-$85 million to reflect the addition of SH-G.

After almost eight months in the CEO role, I'm delighted with the performance of the Company and the energy and commitment of our people. It is thanks to their passion and resilience that Gulf Keystone has hit the ground running in 2021 following the challenges of 2020 created by the COVID-19 pandemic and the oil price crash. I am excited about finalising the FDP to provide visibility around the significant potential of the Shaikan Field and I am confident that by executing our strategy and striving for the highest operational and financial delivery in a sustainable way we will create significant value for all our stakeholders.

Jon Harris

Chief Executive Officer

Operational Review

Gulf Keystone's strong operational performance has continued into the first half of 2021. We have maintained safe and reliable production towards the upper end of 2021 guidance, successfully restarted the 55,000 bopd investment programme ahead of schedule, maintained momentum by approving the drilling of SH-G, and advanced the preparation of the FDP, with expected submission to the MNR later this year.

All of our operational activity is underpinned by our rigorous focus on safety. We have had over 600 LTI free days and around 550 recordable incident free days. We have taken extra precautions as drilling activities have restarted by ensuring all drilling and operational staff on site received appropriate training and safety refresher courses at the beginning of the campaign. The emphasis remains on steady, careful progress.

Similarly, we have continued to manage the impact of COVID-19 on our operations. As in other countries, the COVID-19 pandemic remains a challenge in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and we continue to take measures, such as testing and quarantine, to protect our staff and contractors across our field operations and offices.

In the period to 31 August 2021, gross average production was c.42,900 bopd, up 18% from the corresponding period in 2020. Gross production on 31 August 2021 was 42,842 bopd. Average year-to-date production is towards the top end of guidance, with record monthly production in January of more than 44,400 bopd. As a result, we are tightening our 2021 average gross production guidance from 40,000 to 44,000 bopd to between 42,000 to 44,000 bopd.

Following a hiatus due to the sharp decline in oil prices and COVID-19 pandemic, we successfully restarted drilling activities in June 2021, two months ahead of schedule. Following the restart, SH-13 was completed as planned, and the well is expected to come onstream imminently. SH-14, which is adjacent to SH-13 on the same well pad, is expected to be completed and hooked up in Q4 2021. The installation of two electric submersible pumps in two existing wells is currently expected to follow.

The early restart of drilling activities has given us the opportunity to complete the 55,000 bopd programme and then immediately drill the next well in the sequence, SH-G. SH-G will be located around 2 km to the east of SH-7 and will be tied into PF-1. SH-G is currently expected to come on-stream in Q1 2022.

In addition to the drilling campaign, we have just completed the debottlenecking of PF-2, increasing the total processing capacity of PF-1 and PF-2 to c.57,500 bopd. SH-13 and SH-14 will be tied into PF-2.

Our strong operational performance has been accompanied by progress in preparing the FDP, as we seek to develop and produce Shaikan Field's significant reserves and resources. With continuing constructive engagement with the MNR and our partner MOL, we expect to submit the FDP in Q4 2021 to the MNR for approval. The FDP currently includes the continued ramp-up of Jurassic oil production, appraisal of the Triassic reservoir and a Gas Management Plan. Gulf Keystone is targeting to more than halve Scope 1 and 2 CO(2) emissions per barrel by eliminating flaring. We are continuing to work with the MNR to optimise scope, schedule and cost.

Finally, we continue to progress the development of Gulf Keystone's sustainability strategy. This work will build on our high environmental, social and governance ("ESG") standards by defining a corporate strategy, aligned to internationally recognised frameworks, to drive further improvements in performance, underpinned by targets and transparent disclosure.

Stuart Catterall

Chief Operating Officer

Financial Review

Key financial highlights

 
                                               Six months   Six months 
                                                    ended        ended     Year ended 
                                                  30 June      30 June    31 December 
                                                     2021         2020           2020 
 
 Gross average production(1)           bopd        43,516       37,159         36,625 
----------------------------------  --------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Realised price(1)                    $/bbl          43.7         19.1           20.9 
----------------------------------  --------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Revenue                                $m          130.7         49.9          108.4 
----------------------------------  --------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 
     *    Oil sales                    $m           133.4         49.9          108.4 
----------------------------------  --------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 
     *    Hedging costs                $m           (2.7)            -              - 
----------------------------------  --------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Operating costs                        $m         (15.0)       (14.2)         (27.4) 
----------------------------------  --------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Gross operating costs per 
  barrel(1)                           $/bbl         (2.4)        (2.6)          (2.6) 
----------------------------------  --------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Share option (expense)/credit         $m           (6.5)          0.1          (1.2) 
----------------------------------  --------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Other general and administrative 
  expenses                              $m          (5.4)        (5.5)         (12.3) 
----------------------------------  --------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
   - Incurred in relation 
    to Shaikan Field                    $m          (2.1)        (2.8)          (5.0) 
----------------------------------  --------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
   - Corporate G&A                      $m          (3.3)        (2.7)          (7.3) 
----------------------------------  --------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Adjusted EBITDA(1)                     $m           93.8         27.5           56.7 
----------------------------------  --------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Profit/(loss) after tax                $m           64.8       (33.1)         (47.3) 
----------------------------------  --------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Basic earnings/(loss) per 
  share                               cents         30.52      (15.64)        (22.45) 
----------------------------------  --------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Revenue receipts(1,2)                  $m          106.4         52.1          101.1 
----------------------------------  --------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Net capital expenditure(1)            $m            14.1         38.5           45.9 
----------------------------------  --------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Net cash(1)                           $m            85.1         39.2           43.4 
----------------------------------  --------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 Net increase/(decrease) 
  in cash and cash equivalents         $m            41.7       (47.2)         (43.0) 
----------------------------------  --------  -----------  -----------  ------------- 
 

(1.) Gross average production, realised price, gross operating costs per barrel, Adjusted EBITDA, net capital expenditure, revenue receipts and net cash are either non-financial or non-IFRS measures and, where necessary, are explained in the Non-IFRS measures section.

(2.) Revenue receipts include the recovery of overdue November 2019 - February 2020 invoices.

Gulf Keystone continues to maintain a sharp focus on capital discipline. In H1 2021, with the benefit of all-time high Adjusted EBITDA resulting from leverage to strengthening oil prices, increased oil production and cost reductions, GKP reinstated an annual dividend of at least $25.0 million and declared a special dividend of $25.0 million. The dividends were paid in July and August, respectively. The Company is pleased today to announce an interim dividend of $50.0 million for 2021. The Company continues to progress its drilling activities and the preparation of the FDP and remains committed to striking a balance between investments in growth and distributions to shareholders.

Adjusted EBITDA

In H1 2021, Adjusted EBITDA increased significantly to $93.8 million (H1 2020: $27.5 million).

Average production in H1 2020 was 43,516 bopd, up 17% from H1 2020 and the highest half-yearly rate from the Shaikan Field to date. With GKP's leverage to the strengthening of Brent oil prices from an average of $40.1/bbl in H1 2020 to $64.8/bbl in H1 2021, the realised price per barrel more than doubled in the period to $43.7/bbl resulting in an increase in revenue from $49.9 million in H1 2020 to $130.7 million in H1 2021.

The Company continues to maintain strict control over its cost base. Gross operating costs per barrel decreased by 8% from $2.6 in the same period last year to $2.4, which is just under the 2021 guidance range of $2.5 to $2.9/bbl. Operating costs were $0.8 million higher in the period primarily due to the execution of deferred maintenance activity and costs associated with the increased production.

H1 2021 Other G&A expenses were in line with the same period last year. Share option expense in the period increased by $6.6 million principally due to tax settlements being made in cash, instead of selling additional shares, on the exercise of the Value Creation Plan share options by former Directors.

Cash flow

Cash increased during the first half of 2021 by $41.7 million, from $147.8 million to $189.5 million. The Company has Notes outstanding with a principal balance of $100.0 million (FY20: $100.0 million) that mature in July 2023 resulting in net cash of $85.1 million at 30 June 2021.

During H1 2021, the Company generated cash from operating activities of $77.8 million up from $24.2 million in H1 2020 due principally to the increase in Adjusted EBITDA.

The Company continued to receive regular payments for its oil sales in the period, although the Kurdistan Regional Government ("KRG") advised IOCs that the monthly payment terms would increase from 30 to 60 days starting with payments related to March 2021. During the period, the KRG commenced repayment of the net $73.3 million outstanding for November 2019 - February 2020 oil sales. A total of $14.5 million was received in respect of overdue invoices in the reporting period and a further $4.0 million was received up to the date of this report, resulting in a current outstanding amount of net $54.8 million. The repayments related to January and February were calculated based on 50% of the difference between average monthly dated Brent price and $50/bbl multiplied by the gross Shaikan crude sold in a month. The KRG advised IOCs that since the dated Brent price had remained consistently well above $50/bbl, the 50% difference would be changed to 20% from March 2021 and onwards. The Company continues to engage with the KRG regarding its proposed amendment to payment terms.

With the improvement in oil prices and continuous payments from the KRG, GKP restarted its 55,000 bopd expansion programme. During the period, GKP invested net capital expenditures of $14.1 million (H1 2020: $38.5 million; FY 2020: $45.9 million) with most of the work programme investment planned for H2 2021. Capital was invested in completing the SH-13 well, facilities debottlenecking activities, flowlines and studies.

During the period, the Company reinstated the annual dividend policy of at least $25.0 million, declared a $25.0 million ordinary dividend for 2020 and also declared a $25.0 million special dividend. Towards the end of period, the Company transferred $25.0 million to the share registrar to pay the ordinary dividend on 2 July 2021. The special dividend was paid on 6 August. Today, we are pleased to declare an interim dividend of 50.0 million for 2021, which is to be paid on 8 October 2021, based on a record date of 24 September 2021, in line with our strategy of balancing investment in growth and returns to shareholders.

The Group performed a cash flow and liquidity analysis based on which the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue to operate for the foreseeable future. Thus, the going concern basis of accounting is used to prepare the financial statements.

Profit after tax

Profit after tax increased to $64.8 million (H1 2020: $33.1 million loss). The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was the main contributor together with lower depreciation, depletion and amortisation ("DD&A") expense of $28.2 million (H1 2020: $41.8 million) and trade receivables impairment reversal of $5.0 million (H1 2020: $12.8 million charge).

In 2021, the Company issued a revised Competent Person's Report from its reserves auditor, ERC Equipoise Limited, with updated Shaikan 2P reserves estimates at 31 December 2020. The use of the report's updated 2P reserves, entitlement production and future development costs resulted in a decrease in the DD&A per barrel rate, which was applied prospectively from 1 January 2021.

The trade receivables impairment reversal represents a reduction in the expected credit losses ("ECL") provision related to past due trade receivables from the KRG for November 2019 to February 2020 invoices (30 June 2021: $3.2 million; 30 June 2020: $14.2 million; 31 December 2020: $8.2 million). The reduction in the provision is driven by the decrease in the past due receivables balance and the acceleration of the expected recovery of the remaining balance due to improvements in forward Brent oil prices.

Outlook

Given strong production performance, we are pleased to tighten the 2021 average gross production guidance range from 40,000 - 44,000 bopd to 42,000 - 44,000 bopd. We maintain our gross Opex per barrel target at $2.50 - $2.90 as an increase in operating costs is expected in H2 2021 due to additional maintenance activities and costs associated with the ramp up of production.

Given the drilling programme restarted earlier than expected, after the completion of drilling SH-14, the final well in the 55,000 bopd expansion programme, the Company plans to drill SH-G to maintain production growth momentum. As a result of the addition of SH-G, net Capex for the year is expected to increase from $55-65 million to $75-85 million.

The Company has a strong balance sheet with cash and cash equivalents of $177.4 million at 1 September 2021. We are pleased to have declared an aggregate of $100.0 million of dividends this year, a clear testament to the cash generating potential of the Shaikan Field and in keeping with our commitment to continue to balance investment in growth and distributions to shareholders.

Ian Weatherdon

Chief Financial Officer

Non-IFRS measures

The Group uses certain measures to assess the financial performance of its business. Some of these measures are termed "non-IFRS measures" because they exclude amounts that are included in, or include amounts that are excluded from, the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS, or are calculated using financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with IFRS. These non-IFRS measures include financial measures such as operating costs and non-financial measures such as gross average production.

The Group uses such measures to measure and monitor operating performance and liquidity, in presentations to the Board and as a basis for strategic planning and forecasting. The directors believe that these and similar measures are used widely by certain investors, securities analysts and other interested parties as supplemental measures of performance and liquidity.

The non-IFRS measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies and have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Group's operating results as reported under IFRS. An explanation of the relevance of each of the financial non-IFRS measures and a description of how they are calculated is set out below. Additionally, a reconciliation of the financial non-IFRS measures to the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS and a discussion of their limitations is set out below, where applicable. The Group does not regard these non-IFRS measures as a substitute for, or superior to, the equivalent measures calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS or those calculated using financial measures that are calculated in accordance with IFRS.

Gross operating costs per barrel

Gross operating costs are divided by gross production to arrive at gross operating costs per bbl.

 
                                          Six months     Six months    Year ended 
                                               ended          ended   31 December 
                                        30 June 2021   30 June 2020          2020 
                                               $'000          $'000         $'000 
-------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
Gross production (MMbbls)                        7.9            6.8          13.4 
Gross operating costs ($ million)(1)            19.1           17.7          34.2 
-------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Gross operating costs per barrel 
 ($ per bbl)                                     2.4            2.6           2.6 
=====================================  =============  =============  ============ 
 

(1) Gross operating costs equate to operating costs (see note 5) adjusted for the Group's 80% working interest in the Shaikan Field.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is a useful indicator of the Group's profitability, which excludes the impact of costs attributable to income tax (expense)/credit, finance costs, finance revenue, depreciation and amortisation and impairment of receivables.

 
                                         Six months     Six months    Year ended 
                                              ended          ended   31 December 
                                       30 June 2021   30 June 2020          2020 
                                              $'000          $'000         $'000 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
Profit/(loss) after tax                        64.8         (33.1)        (47.3) 
Finance costs                                   5.7            5.7          14.1 
Finance revenue                               (0.4)          (1.0)         (1.3) 
Tax expense                                   (0.0)            0.5           0.3 
Depreciation of oil & gas assets               28.2           41.8          82.8 
Other depreciation and amortisation             0.5            0.8           1.3 
Impairment of receivables                     (5.0)           12.8           6.8 
Adjusted EBITDA                                93.8           27.5          56.7 
====================================  =============  =============  ============ 
 

Net capital expenditure

Net capital expenditure is the value of the Group's additions to oil and gas assets excluding any movements in decommissioning assets.

 
                                         Six months     Six months    Year ended 
                                              ended          ended   31 December 
                                       30 June 2021   30 June 2020          2020 
                                              $'000          $'000         $'000 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
Additions to oil & gas assets (note 
 11)                                           14.1           38.5          45.9 
Net capital expenditure                        14.1           38.5          45.9 
====================================  =============  =============  ============ 
 

Net cash

Net Cash is a useful indicator of the Group's indebtedness and financial flexibility because it indicates the level of cash and cash equivalents less cash borrowings within the Group's business. Net cash is defined as cash and cash equivalents less current and non-current borrowings and non-cash adjustments. Non-cash adjustments include unamortised arrangement fees and other adjustments.

 
                                 Six months     Six months    Year ended 
                                      ended          ended   31 December 
                               30 June 2021   30 June 2020          2020 
                                      $'000          $'000         $'000 
----------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
Cash and cash equivalents             189.5          143.6         147.8 
Outstanding Notes (note 14)          (98.9)         (98.4)        (98.6) 
Unamortised issue costs               (1.1)          (1.6)         (1.4) 
Accrued interest (note 13)            (4.4)          (4.4)         (4.4) 
Net cash                               85.1           39.2          43.4 
============================  =============  =============  ============ 
 

Principal risks and uncertainties

The Board determines and reviews the key risks for the Group on a regular basis. The principal risks, and how the Group seeks to mitigate them, for the second half of the year are consistent with those detailed in the management of principal risks and uncertainties section of the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts. The principal risks are listed below:

 
 Strategic                   Operational                Financial 
 Political, social           Health, Safety, Security   Liquidity and funding 
  and economic instability    and Environment risks      capability 
                            -------------------------  ---------------------- 
 Disputes regarding          Gas flaring                Oil revenue payment 
  title or exploration                                   mechanism 
  and production rights 
                            -------------------------  ---------------------- 
 Business conduct and        Security                   Commodity prices 
  anti-corruption 
                            -------------------------  ---------------------- 
 Export route availability   Field delivery risk 
                            -------------------------  ---------------------- 
 Stakeholder misalignment    Reserves 
                            -------------------------  ---------------------- 
 Climate change and 
  sustainability 
                            -------------------------  ---------------------- 
 Global pandemic (e.g. 
  COVID-19) 
                            -------------------------  ---------------------- 
 Cyber security 
                            -------------------------  ---------------------- 
 

The Board continues to actively monitor the effect of COVID-19 on the macro environment and the Group's operations. The primary risks associated with COVID-19 are considered separately and are also embedded within the existing principal risks, including HSSE, Field delivery risk, Liquidity and funding capability and Commodity prices.

Responsibility statement

The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

a) the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting';

b) the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R (indication of important events and their impact during the first six months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and

c) the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties' transactions and changes therein).

By order of the Board

Jon Harris

Chief Executive Officer

1 September 2021

Independent review report to Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd

We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2021 which comprises the condensed consolidated income statement, condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the condensed consolidated balance sheet, the condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity, the condensed consolidated cash flow statement and related notes 1 to 17. We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

Directors' responsibilities

The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

As disclosed in note 2, the annual financial statements of the group are prepared in accordance with United Kingdom adopted International Financial Reporting Standards. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with United Kingdom adopted International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting".

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Financial Reporting Council for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2021 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with United Kingdom adopted International Accounting Standard 34 and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the company in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Financial Reporting Council. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we are required to state to it in an independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company, for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

Deloitte LLP

Statutory Auditor

London, United Kingdom

1 September 2021

Condensed consolidated income statement

For the six months ended 30 June 2021

 
                                               Six months 
                                                    ended     Six months    Year ended 
                                                  30 June          ended   31 December 
                                                     2021   30 June 2020          2020 
                                        Notes   Unaudited      Unaudited       Audited 
                                                    $'000          $'000         $'000 
--------------------------------------  -----  ----------  -------------  ------------ 
 
Revenue                                   4       130,713         49,878       108,449 
Cost of sales                             5      (53,516)       (60,245)     (121,507) 
Impairment reversal/(charge) 
 on trade receivables                    12         5,034       (12,791)       (6,776) 
Gross profit/(loss)                                82,231       (23,158)      (19,834) 
 
Share option related (expense)/credit     6       (6,533)            100       (1,235) 
Other general and administrative 
 expenses                                         (5,411)        (5,528)      (12,312) 
Profit/(loss) from operations                      70,287       (28,586)      (33,381) 
 
Finance revenue                                       400            997         1,278 
Finance costs                                     (5,674)        (5,707)      (14,087) 
Foreign exchange (losses)/gains                     (235)            697         (841) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ----------  -------------  ------------ 
Profit/(loss) before tax                           64,778       (32,599)      (47,031) 
 
Tax credit/(expense)                      7          (24)          (538)         (311) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ----------  -------------  ------------ 
Profit/(loss) after tax                            64,754       (33,137)      (47,342) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ----------  -------------  ------------ 
 
Profit/(loss) per share (cents) 
Basic                                     8         30.52        (15.64)       (22.45) 
Diluted                                   8         28.87        (15.64)       (22.45) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ----------  -------------  ------------ 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the six months ended 30 June 2021

 
                                           Six months     Six months    Year ended 
                                                ended          ended   31 December 
                                         30 June 2021   30 June 2020          2020 
                                            Unaudited      Unaudited       Audited 
                                                $'000          $'000         $'000 
-------------------------------------   -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
Profit/(loss) for the period                   64,754       (33,137)      (47,342) 
Items that may be reclassified 
 subsequently to profit or loss: 
-------------------------------------   -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Fair value losses arising in 
 the period                                   (2,013)              -       (1,732) 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Cumulative losses arising on 
 hedging instruments reclassified 
 to revenue                                     2,710              -             - 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Exchange differences on translation 
 of foreign operations                            279        (1,099)           707 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Total comprehensive income/(expense) 
 for the period                                65,730       (34,236)      (48,367) 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 

Condensed consolidated balance sheet

As at 30 June 2021

 
                                               30 June     30 June  31 December 
                                                  2021        2020         2020 
                                     Notes   Unaudited   Unaudited      Audited 
                                                 $'000       $'000        $'000 
---------------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  ----------- 
Non-current assets 
Intangible assets                    10          2,234         462          933 
Property, plant and equipment        11        362,914     406,747      374,702 
Trade receivables                    12         12,641      72,213       59,096 
Deferred tax asset                                 500         345          617 
---------------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  ----------- 
                                               378,289     479,767      435,348 
---------------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  ----------- 
 
Current assets 
Inventories                                     35,547      34,768       36,527 
Trade and other receivables          12        111,628      13,322       37,832 
Derivative financial instruments                     8           -          977 
Cash and cash equivalents                      189,543     143,579      147,826 
                                               336,726     191,669      223,162 
---------------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  ----------- 
Total assets                                   715,015     671,436      658,510 
---------------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  ----------- 
 
 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables             13       (81,518)    (72,553)     (69,123) 
Dividends payable                             (25,000)           -            - 
                                             (106,518)    (72,553)     (69,123) 
---------------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  ----------- 
 
Non-current liabilities 
Trade and other payables             13        (1,022)     (2,096)      (1,058) 
Other borrowings                     14       (98,872)    (98,407)     (98,633) 
Provisions                                    (38,839)    (31,668)     (35,671) 
                                             (138,733)   (132,171)    (135,362) 
---------------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  ----------- 
Total liabilities                            (245,251)   (204,724)    (204,485) 
---------------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  ----------- 
 
Net assets                                     469,764     466,712      454,025 
---------------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  ----------- 
 
Equity 
Share capital                        15        213,731     229,430      211,371 
Share premium account                15        792,914     871,675      842,914 
Treasury Shares                                      -    (49,812)      (2,592) 
Cost of hedging reserve                        (1,035)           -      (1,732) 
Exchange translation reserve                   (2,235)     (4,320)      (2,514) 
Accumulated losses                           (533,611)   (580,261)    (593,422) 
---------------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  ----------- 
Total equity                                   469,764     466,712      454,025 
---------------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  ----------- 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the six months ended 30 June 2021

 
                                       Share             Cost of      Exchange 
                             Share   premium  Treasury   hedging   translation  Accumulated     Total 
                           capital   account    shares   reserve       reserve       losses    equity 
                             $'000     $'000     $'000     $'000         $'000        $'000     $'000 
------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
Balance at 1 January 
 2020 (audited)            229,430   871,675  (29,749)         -       (3,221)    (548,216)   519,919 
------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
 
Net loss for the period          -         -         -         -             -     (33,137)  (33,137) 
Other comprehensive 
 loss for the period             -         -         -         -       (1,099)            -   (1,099) 
------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
Total comprehensive 
 loss for the period             -         -         -         -       (1,099)     (33,137)  (34,236) 
 
Share buy-back                   -         -  (20,165)         -             -            -  (20,165) 
Employee share schemes           -         -         -         -             -        1,194     1,194 
Share options exercised          -         -       102         -             -        (102)         - 
Balance at 30 June 
 2020 (unaudited)          229,430   871,675  (49,812)         -       (4,320)    (580,261)   466,712 
------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
 
Net loss for the period          -         -         -         -             -     (14,205)  (14,205) 
Cash flow hedge - 
 fair value movements            -         -         -   (1,732)             -            -   (1,732) 
Exchange difference 
 of translation of 
 foreign operations              -         -         -         -         1,806            -     1,806 
Total comprehensive 
 (loss)/income for 
 the period                      -         -         -   (1,732)         1,806     (14,205)  (14,131) 
 
Share cancellation        (18,059)  (28,761)    46,820         -             -            -         - 
Employee share schemes           -         -         -         -             -        1,443     1,443 
Share options exercised          -         -       400         -             -        (399)         1 
Balance at 31 December 
 2020 (audited)            211,371   842,914   (2,592)   (1,732)       (2,514)    (593,422)   454,025 
------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
 
Net profit for the 
 period                          -         -         -         -             -       64,754    64,754 
Cash flow hedge - 
 fair value movements            -         -         -       697             -            -       697 
Exchange difference 
 of translation of 
 foreign operations              -         -         -         -           279            -       279 
Total comprehensive 
 (loss)/income for 
 the period                      -         -         -       697           279       64,754    65,730 
 
Dividends                        -  (50,000)         -         -             -            -  (50,000) 
Share issues                 2,360         -         -         -             -      (2,360)         - 
Employee share schemes           -         -         -         -             -            9         9 
Share options exercised          -         -     2,592         -             -      (2,592)         - 
------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
Balance at 30 June 
 2021 (unaudited)          213,731   792,914         -   (1,035)       (2,235)    (533,611)   469,764 
------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
 

Condensed consolidated cash flow statement

for the six months ended 30 June 2021

 
                                               Six months  Six months 
                                                    ended       ended    Year ended 
                                                  30 June     30 June   31 December 
                                                     2021        2020          2020 
                                         Note   Unaudited   Unaudited       Audited 
                                                    $'000       $'000         $'000 
---------------------------------------  ----  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
Operating activities 
Cash generated in operations              9        83,487      28,082        50,873 
Interest received                                     400       1,288         1,278 
Interest paid                                     (5,000)     (5,121)      (10,000) 
Payment of put option premium                     (1,043)           -       (5,371) 
Net cash generated in operating 
 activities                                        77,844      24,249        36,780 
---------------------------------------  ----  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 
Investing activities 
Purchase of intangible assets                     (1,245)         (7)         (458) 
Purchase of property, plant and 
 equipment                                        (9,454)    (50,109)      (57,899) 
Net cash used in investing activities            (10,699)    (50,116)      (58,357) 
---------------------------------------  ----  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 
Financing activities 
Payment of dividends                             (25,000)           -             - 
Share buy-back                                          -    (20,165)      (20,164) 
Payment in lieu of options exercised                    -       (330)             - 
Payment of leases                                   (431)       (718)       (1,317) 
Net cash used in financing activities            (25,431)    (21,213)      (21,481) 
---------------------------------------  ----  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 
Net increase/(decrease) in cash 
 and cash equivalents                              41,714    (47,080)      (43,058) 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
 of period                                        147,826     190,762       190,762 
Effect of foreign exchange rate 
 changes                                                3       (103)           122 
---------------------------------------  ----  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
Cash and cash equivalents at end 
 of the period being bank balances 
 and cash on hand                                 189,543     143,579       147,826 
---------------------------------------  ----  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 

1. General information

The Company is incorporated in Bermuda (registered address: Cedar House, 3rd Floor, 41 Cedar Avenue, Hamilton 12, Bermuda). The Company's common shares are listed on the Official List of the United Kingdom Listing Authority and are traded on the London Stock Exchange's Main Market for listed securities. The Company serves as the holding company for the Group, which is engaged in oil and gas exploration, development and production, operating in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

The Annual Report and Accounts of the Group are prepared in accordance with United Kingdom adopted International Financial Reporting Standards. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half yearly financial report have been prepared in accordance with United Kingdom adopted International Accounting Standard 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTR) of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom as applicable to interim financial reporting.

The condensed set of financial statements included in this half yearly financial report have been prepared on a going concern basis as the Directors consider that the Group has adequate resources to continue operating for the foreseeable future.

The accounting policies adopted in the 2021 half-yearly financial report are the same as those adopted in the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts, other than the implementation of new IFRS reporting standards.

The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2020 does not constitute the Group's financial statements for that year but is derived from those Accounts. The auditor's report on these Accounts was unqualified and did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis of matter.

Adoption of new and revised accounting standards

As of 1 January 2021, a number of accounting standard amendments and interpretations became effective, as noted in the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts (pages 114 and 115). The adoption of these amendments and interpretations has not had a material impact on the financial statements of the Group for the six months ended 30 June 2021.

Going concern

The Group's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the CEO Statement, Operational Review and Financial Review, which includes the financial position of the Group at the period end and its cash flows and liquidity position.

As at 1 September 2021, the Group had $177.4 million of cash. The Group continues to closely monitor and manage its liquidity. Cash forecasts are regularly produced, and sensitivities run for different scenarios including, but not limited to, the impact of COVID-19, commodity prices, different production rates from the Shaikan block, cost contingencies, disruptions to revenue receipts, etc. The Group's forecasts, taking into account the applicable risks and the stress test scenarios, show that it has sufficient financial resources for the 12 months from the date of approval of the 2021 half year financial statements.

Based on the analysis performed, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue to operate for the foreseeable future. Thus, the going concern basis of accounting is used to prepare the 2021 half year financial statements.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the Group's accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty remain consistent with those disclosed in the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts.

Critical accounting judgement

Revenue

The recognition of revenue is considered to be a key accounting judgement. The Group began commercial production from the Shaikan Field in July 2013 and historically made sales to both the domestic and export markets. However, as the payment mechanism for sales to the export market continues to develop within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the Group considers revenue can only be reliably measured when the cash receipt is assured. The assessment of whether cash receipts are assured is based on management's evaluation of the reliability of the Ministry of Natural Resources' (the "MNR") payments to the IOCs operating in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The Group also recognised payables to the MNR that were offset against amounts receivable from the MNR for previously unrecognised revenue in line with the terms of the Shaikan Production Sharing Contract (the "PSC").

The judgement is not to recognise revenue in excess of the sum of the cash receipt that is assured and the amount of payables to the MNR that can be offset against amounts due for previously unrecognised revenue in line with the terms of the Shaikan PSC, even though the Group may be entitled to additional revenue under the terms of the Shaikan PSC. Any future agreements between the Company and the Kurdistan Regional Government ("KRG") might change the amounts of revenue recognised.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty

The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty that may have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, are discussed below.

Carrying value of producing assets

In line with the Group's accounting policy on impairment, management performs an impairment review of the Group's oil and gas assets at least annually with reference to indicators as set out in IAS 36. The Group assesses its group of assets, called a cash-generating unit ("CGU"), for impairment, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Where indicators are present, management calculates the recoverable amount using key estimates such as future oil prices, estimated production volumes, the cost of development and production, post-tax discount rates that reflect the current market assessment of the time value of money and risks specific to the asset, commercial reserves and inflation. The key assumptions are subject to change based on market trends and economic conditions. Where the CGU's recoverable amount is lower than the carrying amount, the CGU is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. The Group's sole CGU at 30 June 2021 was the Shaikan Field with a carrying value of $360.5 million.

The Group performed a full impairment indicator evaluation for the H1 2021 and concluded that no impairment indicators arose.

The key areas of estimation in assessing the potential impairment indicators are as follows:

- Commodity prices are based on latest internal forecasts, benchmarked with external sources of information to ensure they are within the range of available market and analyst forecasts;

 
 $/bbl - real                 2021   2022 onwards 
 30 June 2021 - base 
  case                        $69        $55 
                             -----  ------------- 
 30 June 2021 - stress 
  case                        $45        $50 
                             -----  ------------- 
 31 December 2020 - base 
  case                        $50        $55 
                             -----  ------------- 
 31 December 2020 - stress 
  case                        $45        $50 
                             -----  ------------- 
 

- discount rates that are adjusted to reflect risks specific to the Shaikan Field and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The post-tax nominal discount rate was estimated to be 15%, unchanged from 31 December 2020;

- operating costs and capital expenditure that are based on financial budgets and internal management forecasts. Costs assumptions incorporate management experience and expectations, as well as the nature and location of the operation and the risks associated therewith. There were no indicators that costs will increase in comparison to 31 December 2020 impairment assessment;

   -     no adverse changes were noted for commercial reserves and production profiles; and 

- timing of revenue receipts changed from 30 to 60 days following the month of sale, however, this is a minor change and is not considered to be an indicator of impairment.

3. Geographical information

The Group's non-current assets excluding deferred tax assets and other financial assets by geographical location are detailed below:

 
                    Six months     Six months    Year ended 
                         ended          ended   31 December 
                  30 June 2021   30 June 2020          2020 
                     Unaudited      Unaudited       Audited 
                         $'000          $'000         $'000 
---------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Kurdistan              361,921        407,017       369,761 
United Kingdom           3,227            192         1,910 
                 -------------  -------------  ------------ 
                       365,148        407,209       371,671 
                 =============  =============  ============ 
 

The Chief Operating Decision Maker, as per the definition in IFRS 8, is considered to be the Board of Directors. The Group operates in a single segment, that of oil and gas explorations, appraisal and production, in a single geographical location, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As a result, the financial information of the single segment is the same as set out in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the condensed consolidated balance sheet, the condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity, the condensed consolidated cash flow statement and the related notes.

Information about major customers

Included in oil sales are $133.4 million, which arose from sales to the KRG (H1 2020: $49.9 million; FY 2020: $108.4 million).

4. Revenue

 
                                            Six months     Six months    Year ended 
                                                 ended          ended   31 December 
                                          30 June 2021   30 June 2020          2020 
                                             Unaudited      Unaudited       Audited 
                                                 $'000          $'000         $'000 
---------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Oil sales                                      133,423         49,878       108,449 
Put option hedging losses reclassified 
 to revenue                                    (2,710)              -             - 
                                               130,713         49,878       108,449 
                                         =============  =============  ============ 
 

The Group accounting policy for revenue recognition is set out in its 2020 Annual Report, with revenue recognised on a cash-assured basis.

During the six months period ended 30 June 2021, the cash-assured values recognised as oil sales was $133.4 million (H1 2020: $49.9 million; FY 2020: $108.4 million). The oil sales price was calculated using the monthly dated Brent price less an average discount of $21.2 (H1 2020: $21.1; FY 2020: $21.1) per barrel for quality and pipeline tariffs.

In November 2020, the Company purchased put options effectively establishing a floor price of $35/bbl on approximately 60% of its H1 2021 production. The cost of the put option was $2.7 million and it expired on 30 June 2021. The put option was designated as an accounting hedge for the period prior to expiry, at which point the associated hedging losses that had previously been deferred within the hedging reserve were reclassified to revenue.

In February 2021 the Company purchased a put option establishing a floor price of $40/bbl on approximately 60% of its Q3 2021 production. This put option has also been designated as an accounting hedge with the hedging losses incurred as of 30 June 2021 of $1.0 million deferred within the hedging reserve. The cost of the option will be reclassified to revenue in 2H 2021 upon the expiry of the option.

5. Cost of Sales

 
                                        Six months     Six months    Year ended 
                                             ended          ended   31 December 
                                      30 June 2021   30 June 2020          2020 
                                         Unaudited      Unaudited       Audited 
                                             $'000          $'000         $'000 
-----------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Operating costs                             15,033         14,215        27,401 
Capacity building payments                  10,288          3,846         8,362 
Changes in inventory valuation and 
 other write-offs                             (52)            411         2,923 
Depreciation of oil and gas assets          28,223         41,773        82,797 
Depreciation of operational assets              24              -            24 
                                     -------------  -------------  ------------ 
                                            53,516         60,245       121,507 
                                     =============  =============  ============ 
 

A unit-of-production method has been used to calculate the depreciation, depletion and amortisation ("DD&A") charge for oil and gas assets. This is based on full entitlement production, commercial reserves and capital costs for Shaikan. Commercial reserves are proven and probable ("2P") reserves, estimated using standard recognised evaluation techniques. In 2021, the Group received a Competent Person's Report from ERC Equipoise Limited with 2P reserves estimates at 31 December 2020. The use of the report's entitlement production, commercial reserves and capital costs for Shaikan resulted in a significant decrease in the DD&A per barrel rate, which was applied prospectively from 1 January 2021.

6. Share option related expense/(credit)

 
                                           Six months     Six months    Year ended 
                                                ended          ended   31 December 
                                         30 June 2021   30 June 2020          2020 
                                            Unaudited      Unaudited       Audited 
                                                $'000          $'000         $'000 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Share-based payment expense                       902          1,098         2,440 
Payments related to share options 
 exercised                                      4,060              -             - 
Share-based payment related provision 
 for taxes                                      1,571        (1,198)       (1,205) 
                                                6,533          (100)         1,235 
                                        =============  =============  ============ 
 

On the exercise of the Value Creation Plan share options by former Directors, tax settlements were made in cash instead of selling additional shares. This and payment of dividends accumulated during the vesting period are the main components of the payments related to share options exercised.

7. Taxation

 
                                      Six months     Six months    Year ended 
                                           ended          ended   31 December 
                                    30 June 2021   30 June 2020          2020 
                                       Unaudited      Unaudited       Audited 
                                           $'000          $'000         $'000 
---------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
Corporation tax credit/(expense)             103           (90)          (90) 
Deferred tax credit/(expense)              (127)          (448)         (221) 
                                            (24)          (538)         (311) 
                                   =============  =============  ============ 
 

8. Profit/(loss) per share

The calculation of the basic and diluted profit/(loss) per share is based on the following data:

 
                                           Six months  Six months 
                                                ended       ended    Year ended 
                                              30 June     30 June   31 December 
                                                 2021        2020          2020 
                                            Unaudited   Unaudited       Audited 
Profit/(loss) after tax for the purposes 
 of basic and diluted loss per share 
 ($'000)                                       64,754    (33,137)      (47,342) 
-----------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 
 
Number of shares ('000s): 
Basic weighted average number of 
 ordinary shares                   212,138  211,934  210,893 
---------------------------------  -------  -------  ------- 
Basic EPS (cents)                    30.52  (15.64)  (22.45) 
---------------------------------  -------  -------  ------- 
 

The Group followed the steps specified by IAS 33 in determining whether outstanding share options are dilutive or anti-dilutive.

8. Profit/(loss) per share (continued)

Reconciliation of dilutive shares:

 
                                        Six months  Six months 
                                             ended       ended    Year ended 
                                           30 June     30 June   31 December 
                                              2021        2020          2020 
                                         Unaudited   Unaudited       Audited 
Number of shares ('000s): 
Basic weighted average number of 
 ordinary shares                           212,138     211,934       210,893 
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary 
 shares                                     12,119           -             - 
--------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
Diluted number of ordinary shares 
 outstanding                               224,257     211,934       210,893 
Diluted EPS (cents)                          28.87     (15.64)       (22.45) 
--------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares excludes shares held by Employee Benefit Trustee ("EBT") and the Exit Event Trustee of 0.1 million (H1 2020: 0.1 million; FY 2020: 0.1 million). On 30 June 2020 and 31 December 2020, weighted average number of shares also excluded shares held in treasury (H1 2021: nil, H1 2020: 19.1 million, FY 2020: 1.0 million).

The dilutive number of ordinary shares relates to outstanding share options and is calculated on the assumption of conversion of all potentially dilutive ordinary shares. As the company reported a loss for the six months ending 30 June 2020 and for the year ended 31 December 2020, the exercise of the outstanding share options would have reduced the reported loss per share and, therefore, these share options were anti-dilutive.

9. Reconciliation of profit from operations to net cash generated in operating activities

 
                                             Six months  Six months 
                                                  ended       ended    Year ended 
                                                30 June     30 June   31 December 
                                                   2021        2020          2020 
                                              Unaudited   Unaudited       Audited 
                                                  $'000       $'000         $'000 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 
Profit/(loss) from operations                    70,287    (28,586)      (33,381) 
 
Adjustments for: 
Depreciation of property, plant and 
 equipment (including right of use 
 assets)                                         28,737      42,570        84,119 
Amortisation of intangible assets                     1           6             3 
Share-based payment expense                           9       1,098         2,440 
Lease modification                                  154           -          (97) 
(Credit)/expense due to change in 
 impairment of receivables provision            (5,034)      12,791         6,776 
Put option hedging losses reclassified 
 to revenue                                       2,710           -             - 
Decrease/(increase) in inventories                  980     (3,728)       (5,487) 
Decrease/(increase) in receivables             (22,260)       2,574         (523) 
(Decrease)/increase in payables                   7,903       1,357       (2,977) 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
Net cash generated in operating activities       83,487      28,082        50,873 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 

10. Intangible assets

 
                                           Computer software 
                                                       $'000 
-----------------------------------------  ----------------- 
Period ended 30 June 2020 
Opening net book value                                   454 
Additions                                                 15 
Amortisation charge                                      (1) 
Foreign currency translation differences                 (6) 
                                           ----------------- 
Net book value at 30 June 2020                           462 
                                           ----------------- 
 
Cost                                                   1,351 
Accumulated depreciation                               (889) 
                                           ----------------- 
Net book value at 30 June 2020                           462 
                                           ----------------- 
 
Period ended 31 December 2020 
Additions                                                451 
Amortisation charge                                      (3) 
Foreign currency translation differences                  23 
Net book value at 31 December 2020                       933 
                                           ================= 
 
Cost                                                   1,980 
Accumulated depreciation                             (1,047) 
                                           ----------------- 
Net book value at 31 December 2020                       933 
                                           ----------------- 
 
Period ended 30 June 2021 
Opening net book value                                   933 
Additions                                              1,292 
Amortisation charge                                      (1) 
Foreign currency translation differences                  10 
                                           ----------------- 
Net book value at 30 June 2021                         2,234 
                                           ================= 
 
Cost                                                   3,282 
Accumulated depreciation                             (1,048) 
                                           ----------------- 
Net book value at 30 June 2021                         2,234 
                                           ================= 
 
 

The amortisation charge for computer software has been included in general and administrative expenses.

11. Property, plant and equipment

 
                                Oil and Gas    Fixtures  Right of 
                                     Assets         and       use      Total 
                                      $'000   Equipment    Assets      $'000 
                                                  $'000     $'000 
------------------------------  -----------  ----------  --------  --------- 
Period ended 30 June 2020 
Opening net book value              403,696       1,310     2,596    407,602 
Additions                            38,541          56     1,640     40,237 
Disposals at cost                         -       (492)         -      (492) 
Revisions to decommissioning 
 asset                                1,491           -         -      1,491 
Depreciation charge                (41,773)       (112)     (685)   (42,570) 
Depreciation on disposals                 -         492         -        492 
Foreign currency translation 
 differences                              -        (13)         -       (13) 
                                -----------  ----------  --------  --------- 
Net book value at 30 June 
 2020                               401,955       1,241     3,551    406,747 
 
Cost                                736,640       6,442     5,132    748,214 
Accumulated depreciation          (334,685)     (5,201)   (1,581)  (341,467) 
                                -----------  ----------  --------  --------- 
Net book value at 30 June 
 2020                               401,955       1,241     3,551    406,747 
                                ===========  ==========  ========  ========= 
 
Period ended 31 December 
 2020 
Additions                             7,313          99        81      7,493 
Revisions to decommissioning 
 asset                                3,609           -         -      3,609 
Lease modifications                       -           -   (1,623)    (1,623) 
Depreciation charge                (41,024)       (166)     (359)   (41,549) 
Foreign currency translation 
 differences                              -          13        12         25 
Net book value at 31 December 
 2020                               371,853       1,187     1,662    374,702 
                                ===========  ==========  ========  ========= 
 
Cost                                747,562       7,160     3,602    758,324 
Accumulated depreciation          (375,709)     (5,973)   (1,940)  (383,622) 
                                -----------  ----------  --------  --------- 
Net book value at 31 December 
 2020                               371,853       1,187     1,662    374,702 
                                ===========  ==========  ========  ========= 
 
 
Period ended 30 June 2021 
Opening net book value           371,853    1,187    1,662    374,702 
Additions                         14,084      139        -     14,223 
Disposals at cost                      -        -  (1,064)    (1,064) 
Revision to decommissioning 
 asset                             2,814        -        -      2,814 
Lease modification                     -        -    (107)      (107) 
Depreciation charge             (28,223)    (168)    (346)   (28,737) 
Depreciation on disposals              -        -    1,064      1,064 
Foreign currency translation 
 differences                           -        -       19         19 
Closing net book value           360,528    1,158    1,228    362,914 
                               =========  =======  =======  ========= 
 
At 30 June 2021 
Cost                             764,460    7,299    2,450    774,209 
Accumulated depreciation       (403,932)  (6,141)  (1,222)  (411,295) 
                               ---------  -------  -------  --------- 
Net book value                   360,528    1,158    1,228    362,914 
                               =========  =======  =======  ========= 
 

The additions to the Shaikan asset amounting to $14.1 million during the period include the costs of completing SH-13, facilities debottlenecking activities, flowlines and studies. The increase in the decommissioning asset represents further decommissioning obligations that arose on capital projects.

12. Trade and other receivables

Non-current receivables

 
                                       30 June      30 June   31 December 
                                          2021         2020          2020 
                                     Unaudited    Unaudited       Audited 
                                         $'000        $'000         $'000 
---------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
 Trade receivables - non-current        12,641       72,213        59,096 
 

Current receivables

 
                                      30 June      30 June   31 December 
                                         2021         2020          2020 
                                    Unaudited    Unaudited       Audited 
                                        $'000        $'000         $'000 
--------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
 Trade receivables - current          106,788        7,961        34,021 
 Other receivables                      4,036        4,725         2,963 
 Prepayments and accrued income           804          636           848 
                                  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
                                      111,628       13,322        37,832 
                                  ===========  ===========  ============ 
 

Reconciliation of trade receivables

 
                                      30 June      30 June   31 December 
                                         2021         2020          2020 
                                    Unaudited    Unaudited       Audited 
                                        $'000        $'000         $'000 
--------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
 Gross carrying amount                122,580       94,375       101,302 
 Less: impairment allowance           (3,151)     (14,200)       (8,185) 
 Carrying value at 30 June 2021       119,429       80,175        93,117 
                                  ===========  ===========  ============ 
 

Trade receivables comprise invoiced amounts due from the KRG for crude oil sales totalling $113.5 million (H1 2020: $85.3 million; FY 2020: $92.2 million) and a share of Shaikan revenue arrears the Group purchased from MOL in 2018 amounting to $9.1 million (H1 2020: $9.1 million; FY 2020: $9.1 million). The amount due from the KRG includes past due trade receivables of $62.2 million(1) (H1 2020: $77.3 million; FY 2020: $77.3 million) related to November 2019 to February 2020 invoices. While the Group expects to recover the full nominal value of the outstanding invoices and MOL receivable, the ECL on the overdue receivable balance of $3.2 million was provided against the receivables balance in line with the requirements of IFRS 9 resulting in a credit to income of $5.0 million in the reporting period (H1 2020: $12.8 million expense; FY 2020: $6.8 million expense).

In May 2021, the Company received a letter from the KRG proposing an amendment to the 30-day payment terms, starting with the March 2021 production invoice. The KRG stated that payment will be 60 days after submission of each invoice. The KRG also stated that from March 2021 the monthly repayment mechanism of past due trade receivables will change from the previously agreed 50% to 20% of the difference between average dated Brent price and $50/bbl, multiplied by the gross Shaikan crude oil volumes sold. The Company continues to engage with the KRG regarding its proposed amendment to payment terms.

ECL sensitivities

No material changes to the Group's profit before tax arise when considering reasonably possible changes to the estimates which are used to calculate the ECL impairment allowance.

(1) The past due trade receivables amount excludes the associated capacity building payments due to the KRG which reduce the net amount due to GKP to $58.9 million.

12. Trade and other receivables (continued)

Other receivables

Included within Other receivables is an amount of $0.5 million (H1 2020: $0.4 million; FY 2020 $0.4 million) being the deposits for leased assets which are receivable after more than one year. There are no receivables from related parties as at 30 June 2021 (H1 2020: nil; FY 2020: nil). No impairments of other receivables have been recognised during the first half of the year (H1 2020: nil; FY 2020: nil).

13. Trade and other payables

Current liabilities

 
                            30 June 2021  30 June 2020  31 December 
                               Unaudited     Unaudited         2020 
                                   $'000         $'000      Audited 
                                              Restated        $'000 
--------------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
Trade payables                     1,448         5,218        2,212 
Accrued expenditures              19,828        14,857       14,481 
Other payables                    59,854        50,827       51,612 
Finance lease obligations            388         1,561          718 
Taxation payable                       -            90          100 
                                  81,518        72,553       69,123 
                            ============  ============  =========== 
 

The Group changed the presentation of current liabilities in 2020 and the H1 2020 balances have been restated accordingly.

Accrued expenditures include $4.4 million interest payable as at 30 June 2021 (H1 2020: $4.4 million, FY 2020: $4.4 million) (note 14).

Other payables include $51.0 million (H1 2020: $44.7 million, FY 2020: $46.5 million) of amounts payable to the KRG that are expected to be offset against revenue due from the KRG related to pre-October 2017 oil sales, which have not yet been recognised in the financial statements.

Non-current liabilities

 
                                                                  31 December 
                                      30 June 2021  30 June 2020         2020 
                                         Unaudited     Unaudited      Audited 
                                             $'000         $'000        $'000 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
Non-current finance lease liability          1,022         2,096        1,058 
 

14. Long-term borrowings

In July 2018, the Company completed the private placement of a 5-year senior unsecured $100 million bond (the "Notes"). The unsecured Notes are guaranteed by Gulf Keystone Petroleum International Limited and Gulf Keystone Petroleum (UK) Limited, two of the Company's subsidiaries, and the key terms are summarised as follows:

   -       maturity date is 25 July 2023; 

- at any time prior to maturity, the New Notes are redeemable in part, or full, with a prepayment penalty;

   -       the interest rate is 10% per annum with semi-annual payment dates; and 

- the Company is permitted to raise up to $200 million of additional indebtedness at any time on market terms to fund capital and operating expenditure, subject to certain requirements.

The liabilities associated with Notes are presented in the following tables:

 
                                              30 June     30 June  31 December 
                                                 2021        2020         2020 
                                            Unaudited   Unaudited      Audited 
                                                $'000       $'000        $'000 
-----------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------- 
Liability at the beginning of the period      102,993     102,553      102,553 
Interest charged during the period              5,238       5,215       10,440 
Interest paid during the period               (5,000)     (5,000)     (10,000) 
Liability at the end of period                103,231     102,768      102,993 
                                           ==========  ==========  =========== 
 

Liability component reporting in:

 
                                   30 June     30 June  31 December 
                                      2021        2020         2020 
                                 Unaudited   Unaudited      Audited 
                                     $'000       $'000        $'000 
------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------- 
Current liabilities (note 13)        4,359       4,361        4,360 
Non-current liabilities             98,872      98,407       98,633 
                                   103,231     102,768      102,993 
                                ==========  ==========  =========== 
 

The Notes are traded on the Norwegian Stock Exchange and the fair value at the prevailing market price as at the close of business on the reporting date was:

 
          Market price   30 June 
                            2021 
                           $'000 
 Notes          104.38   104,375 
 

As of 30 June 2021, the Group's remaining contractual liability comprising principal and interest based on undiscounted cash flows at the maturity date of the Notes is as follows:

 
                              30 June     30 June  31 December 
                                 2021        2020         2020 
                            Unaudited   Unaudited      Audited 
                                $'000       $'000        $'000 
-------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------- 
Within one year                10,000      10,000       10,000 
Within two to five years      110,639     120,639      115,639 
                              120,639     130,639      125,639 
                           ==========  ==========  =========== 
 

15. Share capital

 
                                                        Common shares 
                                                                           Share     Share 
                                   No. of shares     Amount              capital   premium 
                                             000      $'000                $'000     $'000 
---------------------------------  -------------  ---------  -------------------  -------- 
Issued and fully paid 
Balance 1 January 2021 (audited)         211,371  1,054,285              211,371   842,914 
Share issue                                2,360      2,360                2,360 
Dividend                                                                          (50,000) 
                                   -------------  ---------  -------------------  -------- 
Balance 30 June 2021 (unaudited)         213,731  1,056,645              213,731   792,914 
                                   -------------  ---------  -------------------  -------- 
 

The dividend of $50.0 million consists of an ordinary dividend of $25.0 million and a special dividend of $25.0 million, as approved at the June 2021 Annual General Meeting. The ordinary dividend was remitted for distribution as at the balance sheet date and the special dividend was paid to shareholders on 6 August 2021.

16. Contingent liabilities

The Group has a contingent liability of $27.3 million (H1 2020 and FY 2020: $27.3 million) in relation to the proceeds from the sale of test production in the period prior to the approval of the Shaikan Field Development Plan ("FDP") in July 2013. The Shaikan PSC does not appear to address expressly any party's rights to this pre-FDP petroleum. The sales were made based on sales contracts with domestic offtakers which were approved by the KRG. The Group believes that the receipts from these sales of pre-FDP petroleum are for the account of the Contractor (GKP and MOL), rather than the KRG, and, accordingly, recorded them as test revenue in prior years. However, the KRG has requested a repayment of these amounts and the Group is currently involved in negotiations to resolve this matter. The Group has received external legal advice and does not consider that a probable material payment is payable to the KRG. This contingent liability forms part of the ongoing Shaikan PSC amendment negotiations and it is likely that it will be settled as part of those negotiations.

17. Subsequent events

The Company has declared an interim dividend of $50.0 million to be paid on 8 October 2021 based on a record date of 24 September 2021.

GLOSSARY (See also the glossary in the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts)

 
 2P                          proved plus probable reserves 
 bbl                         barrel 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 bopd                        barrels of oil per day 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 CGU                         cash-generating unit 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 COVID-19                    Coronavirus 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 Crude Oil Sales Agreement   the Shaikan crude oil export sales agreement 
                              valid between 1 January 2019 and 30 June 
                              2021 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 DD&A                        depreciation, depletion and amortisation 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 EBT                         employee benefit trust 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 ECL                         expected credit losses 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 ESG                         environmental, social and governance 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 FDP                         Field Development Plan 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 G&A                         general and administrative 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 GKP                         Gulf Keystone Petroleum Limited 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 Group                       Gulf Keystone Petroleum Limited and its 
                              subsidiaries 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 HSSE                        health, safety, security and environment 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 IAS                         International Accounting Standards 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 IFRS                        International Financial Reporting Standards 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 IOC                         International oil companies 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 KRG                         Kurdistan Regional Government 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 LTI                         lost time incident 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 MMstb                       million stock tank barrels 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 MNR                         Ministry of Natural Resources of the Kurdistan 
                              Regional Government 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 MOL                         Kalegran B.V. (a subsidiary of MOL Hungarian 
                              Oil & Gas plc) 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 Notes                       the $100 million unsecured, guaranteed 
                              notes issued on 25 July 2018 by GKP with 
                              a maturity date of 25 July 2023 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 PF-1                        Production Facility 1 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 PF-2                        Production Facility 2 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 PSC                         production sharing contract 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 Shaikan PSC                 the Production Sharing Contract for the 
                              Shaikan block between the Kurdistan Regional 
                              Government of Iraq and Gulf Keystone Petroleum 
                              International Limited and Texas Keystone 
                              Inc. and Kalegran Limited (a subsidiary 
                              of MOL) signed on 6 November 2007 as amended 
                              by subsequent agreements 
                            ------------------------------------------------ 
 

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