Interim Results

20th Apr 2009 07:00



For Immediate Release

20 April 2009

Portland Gas plc

("Portland Gas", "PG" or "the Company")

PRESS RELEASE

Interim results for the six months ended 31 January 2009

Portland Gas plc (AIM: PTG), the independent sub-surface gas storage company, today announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 January 2009.

Overview and highlights

For further information please contact:

Portland Gas plc Andrew Hindle, Chief Executive Officer Craig Gouws, Chief Financial Officer	020 8332 1200
PR - Watershed Sara Hudston	01308 420785
Investor Relations - Buchanan Communications  Ben Willey	020 7466 5000
Nominated Advisor and Broker - Seymour Pierce Jonathan Wright Sarah Jacobs, Richard Redmayne	020 7107 8000

  Chairman and CEO's Statement

Portland Gas' strategy is to identify and develop sites for the underground storage of gas in sub-surface salt caverns. Extremely challenging market conditions prevailed during the first six months of this financial year and this has had an understandable impact upon the Company's ability to progress its joint venture funding process in support of the Portland project. The first joint venture funding process was halted in the midst of the "credit crunch" as previously reported in November 2008 and the arrangement with NM Rothschild & Sons was brought to a close. Since that time expenditure on the Portland project has been maintained but kept to a minimum commensurate with planning compliance and the preservation of commercial value. A new funding process is expected to commence in May 2009. 

The Group has recorded a loss for the six month period ended 31 January 2009 of £736,197. The loss for the period, together with the balance of £1,960,345 brought forward, leaves a retained loss of £2,696,542 to be carried forward. During the period £3.7 million was capitalised in respect of the Portland project bringing the carrying value of our investment in this project to £18.8 million at 31 January 2009 (31 July 2008 - £15.1 million). Further capitalised expenditures of £0.3 million in respect of the Larne Lough project have brought the investment value in that project to £1.6 million (31 July 2008 - £1.3 million). The Group's cash and net asset positions are £4.8 million (31 July 2008 - £9.3 million) and £22.0 million (31 July 2008 - £22.7 million).

The Portland Project

During the period since halting the previous funding process, efforts have been concentrated upon evaluating all options to secure shareholder value.

A strategic review of the project has highlighted the possibility of a phased approach to construction that can offer flexibility in both capacity and injection/withdrawal capability. Advantages have also arisen from the fall in commodity prices that has enabled the Company to redetermine the development cost at a significant discount to 2008 estimates. 

The Company has continued to engage in bi-lateral discussions with a range of parties to review potential partnerships and funding structures. This led in March 2009 to the re-opening of a data-room for potential investors containing over 3,000 documents spanning the development of the project over the past five years. 

Access to the data-room has been initially given to five utilities/oil and gas companies on an informal basis as a result of the bi-lateral discussions and more are expected to join the process. With the help of newly appointed advisors, BNP Paribas, the Company intends to seek project finance for the project company, Portland Gas Holdings Limited ("PGHL"). The timing and structure of the new process will be agreed with interested parties prior to the formal launch of the process, expected in May 2009. Following a period of due-diligence by parties who have expressed an interest in the project, PG expects to conduct a sale of equity in the project, by way of auction if appropriate, later in 2009. Although such a process will involve 100% of the equity in PGHL being available for purchase, it is probable that the proceeds from the sale of equity will be used by PG to fund an appropriate retained equity interest in the project company. Under the proposed structure, equity partners, including PG, will each have long-term capacity agreements with the project company which will be offered as security against project finance in addition to partners providing financial guarantees as required. It is anticipated that the full funding process will be significantly advanced by the end of 2009 after due-diligence, project finance negotiations and completion of legal documentation. The Company has entered into preliminary discussions with the European Investment Bank ("EIB") concerning project finance to support the joint venture funding. The financing of large-scale energy projects which promote the security and diversification of energy supply is a priority objective within the EIB's lending strategy and PG hope that the Portland project will be eligible for funding within its portfolio of investments.

All remaining pre-start of construction planning conditions for the Portland project were discharged during February 2009. In a separate work stream, to meet the target of first gas storage operations in April 2013, the Company is negotiating financial arrangements to commence construction of the well-pad in July 2009 on the Portland site. In addition PG will need to order materials so that the pipelines across Weymouth Bay can be constructed in the summer of 2010 ahead of Olympic Games related sailing activities in 2011 and 2012. 

Larne Lough Project

Further progress has been made in Northern Ireland on the Larne Lough project with partner Moyle Energy Investments Limited. The Environmental Impact Assessment is now well underway and a full project cost estimation exercise has been completed by consultants, CB&I UK Limited, on behalf of the project company, Portland Gas NI Limited ("PGNI"). Following bi-lateral discussions with potential investment partners in the project we have decided to postpone drilling of the planned borehole at Ballylumford until the Front End Engineering Design work commences in 2010. This will enable the ongoing Common Arrangements for Gas ("CAG") process managed by the gas regulators in Northern Ireland and Ireland to set the framework for gas storage tariffs within a proposed "all-island" gas market to be completed. The commercial certainty that would be added through finalisation of the CAG tariff process makes it sensible to delay commitment of funds to drill and evaluate salt cores adjacent to the site of the proposed caverns below Larne Lough, until after this process has been completed. The CAG process is important for the development of commercial gas storage on the island which can be accessed by shippers and suppliers in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain. 

Discussions with potential investment partners to date have reinforced our view that the technical risk in the project is low since a very good definition of the salt sequence was derived from the 3D seismic programme acquired by PGNI in 2007. To ensure that there is no delay to the project, with a target of first gas operations in 2014, PGNI proposes to submit the planning application during Q4 2009. This will follow further consultation with stakeholders, including a public exhibition of proposals being scheduled for June 2009 on Islandmagee.

Other Projects

Elsewhere the Company is looking to a future flow of projects in mainland Europe. A review of the geology and infrastructure has been completed in Germany and The Netherlands with a local partner. This work has resulted in the identification of an area of focus in North-West Germany and further evaluation work is ongoing. The next step will be the acquisition of mining rights for the salt prior to undertaking a technical programme, likely to include drilling and seismic acquisition to confirm the suitability of the area. Portland Gas has an 80% interest in the joint venture. 

Following an evaluation of salt sequences and the gas market in Spain, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Portland Gas ESP, S.L., has submitted an application for a gas storage 'exploration' licence and is awaiting advice from authorities on the status of the application.

 

Given the ongoing restrictions in the equity markets the Directors are continuing to limit spending of cash resources until investment is in place from industry partners and project finance for the Portland project. The Board fully recognise the importance of progressing this project and every effort is being made to adhere to the original construction timetable as both a corporate and national priority. In the meantime, efforts continue in parallel to advance the remaining projects without undue strain upon the Company's financial resources.

The Board of Directors was strengthened in December 2008 with the appointment of Jonathan Davie who brings a wealth of City experience. Our small team of dedicated staff has worked very hard and effectively in very challenging conditions and we would like to take this opportunity to thank them and our shareholders for their continued support. The Company is optimistic for the future of the gas storage business with an ever-increasing requirement for gas storage facilities over the coming decades based on a growing reliance on gas in Europe, particularly for power generation. 

 

Ken Ratcliff - Non-executive Chairman

Andrew Hindle - Chief Executive Officer

20 April 2009 

  CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT for the six months ended 31 January 2009

	Notes		Six months ended 31 January 2009 Unaudited		Six months ended 31 January 2008 Unaudited		Year ended 31 July  2008 Audited
			£		£		£
Continuing operations
Revenue			-		-		-
Cost of sales			-		-		-
Gross profit/(loss)			-		-		-
Administrative expenses			(894,115)		(927,433)		(1,767,017)
Operating loss			(894,115)		(927,433)		(1,767,017)
Investment revenues			157,918		129,263		197,396
Loss before taxation			(736,197)		(798,170)		(1,569,621)
Taxation			-		-		-
Loss for the period			(736,197)		(798,170)		(1,569,621)
Basic and diluted loss per share	3		1.05p		1.19p		2.33p

 

  CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET as at 31 January 2009 

	Notes		31 January 2009 Unaudited		31 January 2008 Unaudited		31 July  2008 Audited
			£		£		£
Non-current assets
Plant and equipment			18,807,090		54,617		15,195,167
Intangible assets			1,599,167		11,605,687		1,263,659
Total non-current assets			20,406,257		11,660,304		16,458,826
Current assets
Trade and other receivables			167,995		430,250		305,520
Available for sale assets			12,500		12,500		12,500
Cash and cash equivalents			4,799,588		3,650,735		9,276,964
Total current assets			4,980,083		4,093,485		9,594,984
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables			(982,389)		(1,174,387)		(1,408,848)
Net current assets			3,997,694		2,919,098		8,186,136
Non-current liabilities
Obligations under contractual and lease agreements due after one year	4		(2,366,297)		-		(1,963,519)
Net assets			22,037,654		14,579,402		22,681,443
Shareholders' funds
Share capital			7,038,473		6,780,184		7,038,473
Share premium			8,576,705		-		8,576,705
Merger reserve			8,988,112		8,988,112		8,988,112
Share based payment reserve			130,906		-		38,498
Retained earnings			(2,696,542)		(1,188,894)		(1,960,345)
			22,037,654		14,579,402		22,681,443

  CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the six months ended 31 January 2009

	Notes		Six months ended 31 January 2009 Unaudited		Six months ended 31 January 2008 Unaudited		Year ended 31 July 2008 Audited
			£		£		£
Net cash (used in) operating activities	5		(1,317,489)		(1,668,339)		(1,275,246)
Investing activities
Investment revenues			157,918		129,263		197,396
Purchases of intangible assets			(335,508)		(2,175,794)		(5,645,493)
Purchase of plant and equipment			(2,982,297)		(58,590)		(63,887)
Purchase of financial assets			-		(12,500)		(12,500)
Net cash (used in) investing activities			(3,159,887)		(2,117,621)		(5,524,484)
Financing activities
Proceeds on issue of ordinary shares			-		4,000,000		12,639,999
Net cash generated from financing activities			-		4,000,000		12,639,999
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents			(4,477,376)		214,040		5,840,269
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			9,276,964		3,436,695		3,436,695
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period			4,799,588		3,650,735		9,276,964

   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY for the six months ended 31 January 2009

	Share Capital	Share premium	Merger reserve	Share based payment reserve	Retained earnings	Total equity
	£	£	£	£	£	£
Balance at 31 July 2007	117,782	-	11,650,514	-	(390,724)	11,377,572
Loss for the period	-	-	-	-	(798,170)	(798,170)
Total recognised income and expenses for the period	-	-	-	-	(798,170)	(798,170)
Issue of equity share capital	40,000	-	3,960,000	-	-	4,000,000
Portland Gas plc capitalisation	6,622,402	-	(6,622,402)	-	-	-
Balance at 31 January 2008	6,780,184	-	8,988,112	-	(1,188,894)	14,579,402
Loss for the period	-	-	-	-	(771,451)	(771,451)
Total recognised income and expenses for the period	-	-	-	-	(771,451)	(771,451)
Issue of equity share capital	258,289	8,576,705	-	-	-	8,834,994
Share based payments	-	-	-	38,498	-	38,498
Balance at 31 July 2008	7,038,473	8,576,705	8,988,112	38,498	(1,960,345)	22,681,443
Loss for the period	-	-	-	-	(736,197)	(736,197)
Total recognised income and expenses for the period	-	-	-	-	(736,197)	(736,197)
Share based payments	-	-	-	92,408	-	92,408
Balance at 31 January 2009	7,038,473	8,576,705	8,988,112	130,906	(2,696,542)	22,037,654

  

NOTES TO THE INTERIM RESULTS for the six months ended 31 January 2009 

 

1. Basis of preparation 

The condensed financial statements have been prepared using accounting policies consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards and in accordance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34 Interim Financial Reporting.

Non-statutory accounts

The unaudited results contained in this document do not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 399 of the Companies Act 2006. A copy of the statutory accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 July 2008 has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The audit report on these accounts is unqualified, did not include references to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their reports and did not contain a statement under Sections 237(2)-237(3) of the Companies Act 1985. 

Accounting policies

The condensed financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the inclusion of financial instruments at fair value.

The same accounting policies, presentation and methods of computation are followed in these condensed financial statements as were applied in preparation of the Group's financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2008. 

2. Segment information

The Group has only one material reportable business segment, which is the development of gas storage facilities in the United Kingdom which is not a seasonal or cyclical business. All operations are classified as continuing. 

3.	Loss per share		Six months ended 31 January 2009 Unaudited		Six months ended 31 January 2008 Unaudited		Year ended 31 July  2008
			p		p		p
	Basic loss per share		1.05		1.19		2.33

The calculation of basic loss per share is based upon a loss of £0.7m (January 2008: £0.8m, July 2008: £1.6m) divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue of 70,384,727 (January 2008: 67,089,549, July 2008: 67,381,698). 

In accordance with IAS 33, diluted earnings per share calculations are not presented as assumed conversion of outstanding share options would be anti-dilutive.

4. Obligations under contractual and lease agreements due after one year

The obligation under a lease agreement is to be settled over a period of 13.5 years while £500,000 of the other contractual arrangements will be settled within a period of 2 years, the balance will be settled on a straight line basis over a period of 20 years.  The increase in the lease agreement liability during the period is £402,778. 

  NOTES TO THE INTERIM RESULTS for the six months ended 31 January 2009 (continued)

5.	Cash (used in) operations		Six months ended 31 January 2009 Unaudited		Six months ended 31 January 2008 Unaudited		Year ended 31 July  2008
			£		£		£
	Operating loss for the year		(894,115)		(927,433)		(1,767,017)
	Depreciation		11,044		8,373		19,342
	Decrease /(increase) in trade and other receivables		137,525		(101,914)		22,816
	(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables		(664,351)		(647,365)		216,121
	Share option expense		92,408		-		38,498
	Shares issued in lieu of bonus		-		-		194,994
	Cash (used in) operations		(1,317,489)		(1,668,339)		(1,275,246)

6. Dividend 

The Directors do not recommend payment of a dividend. 

7. Publication of the interim report

This interim report is available on the Company's website www.portland-gas.com.

  Notes to Editors:

Background on Portland Gas plc

Portland Gas' business is focused on the development of two gas storage projects in the United Kingdom at  Portland and Larne Lough. The two projects could between them provide over 10% of the total UK and Ireland peak daily demand in the latter part of the next decade. The Company is also developing a pipeline of new projects in mainland Europe initially focussing on potential projects in Germany and Spain. The Company is one of only a few in Europe focused specifically on gas storage development, a sector with significant growth potential in  Europe over the coming decades.

Portland Project

At 1000 million cubic metres ("mcm") or 35 billion cubic feet ("bcf") of working gas, it will be the largest onshore gas storage facility in the UK. Planning permission was granted by Dorset County Council in May 2008 and Pipeline Construction Authorisation was granted by the BERR (now known as the Department of Energy and Climate Change) in July 2008. The gas storage facility is designed to inject or withdraw gas at 20mcm per day. On peak demand days the withdrawal rate could be boosted to 30mcm per day. The latest cost estimate for the project is £456m, including £19m of development costs to date. The project will use brine compensation technology and will not require cushion gas. The project is owned 100% by Portland Gas plc, through wholly owned subsidiary, Portland Gas A Limited. The project company, Portland Gas Holdings Limited ("PGHL") is itself a wholly owned subsidiary of Portland Gas A Limited ("PGA"). Portland Gas Storage Limited and Portland Gas Transportation Limited are wholly owned subsidiaries of PGHL.

Larne Lough

The proposed 500mcm (18bcf) facility will be the largest on the island of Ireland and make a significant contribution to the security of gas supplies. Portland Gas plc has a 65% interest in the Larne Lough project. Its partner in the project is a subsidiary of Northern Ireland Energy Holdings Limited, the owner of the Scotland to Northern Ireland gas pipeline. The facility is being designed to inject gas at 12mcm and withdraw gas at 22mcm per day. The cost of construction has been estimated at £229m, including cushion gas. The project company is Portland Gas NI Limited, a subsidiary of PGA.

Further information is available on the Company's website www.portland-gas.com. To provide more information to shareholders and the market, copies of independent competent person reports are posted on the website.

ENDIR UBVVRKWRSAAR

---

Related Shares:

INFA.L