ShaMaran Petroleum Corp. (“ShaMaran” or the “Company”) (TSXV: SNM) (Nasdaq First North: SNM) today released its financial and operating results and related management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Garrett Soden, President and CEO of ShaMaran, commented: “This is another strong quarter for ShaMaran, with the benefits of the TAQA/HKN transaction starting to show through our higher share of production and local sales at Atrush. We remain focused on minimizing our cost base and deleveraging the Company while reviewing further consolidation opportunities in Kurdistan. Long-term, we look forward to a commercial solution for the restart of exports through the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline.”
Corporate Highlights:
- On August 6, 2024, the Company closed the acquisition of TAQA Atrush B.V. and the subsequent sale of an indirect interest in the Atrush Block to HKN Energy IV, Ltd. announced on January 22, 2024. The two-step transaction increased the Company’s indirect 27.6% stake in the Atrush Block to a 50% working interest (66.67% paying interest) following the sale of an indirect 25% working interest (33.33% paying interest) to HKN Energy IV, Ltd. An affiliate of HKN Energy is now operator of Atrush, and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s 25% working interest in the block has been converted to a carried interest;
- On July 1, 2024, the Company’s amended bond terms became effective, including a two-year extension of the maturity date to July 2027;
- The closure of the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline (“ITP”) since March 25, 2023, continues to have a material impact on ShaMaran’s operations and financial results. The Company is actively engaging with the relevant parties to resume pipeline exports;
- In Q3 2024, average gross daily oil production from Atrush and Sarsang combined was 59,300 bopd, 114% higher than Q3 2023 (27,700 bopd from Sarsang only as Atrush was shut-in after the ITP closure) due to local sales achieved from both blocks; and
- Revenue in Q3 2024 was $29.4 million, 133% higher than Q3 2023 ($12.6 million) due to local oil sales, the restart of Atrush production in Q4 2023 and an increased working interest in the Atrush Block since August 7, 2024.
Financial Highlights:
- The Company generated $29.1 million in operating cash flow during Q3 2024 from local sales, 122% higher than Q3 2023 ($13.1 million);
- ShaMaran generated $21.6 million of free cash flow before debt service1 in Q3 2024 due to the strength of local sales and proactive cost-cutting, 112% higher than Q3 2023 ($10.2 million);
- EBITDAX2 has consistently increased since the ITP shutdown, with Q3 2024 EBITDAX at $21.5 million, 270% higher than Q3 2023 ($5.8 million);
- Q3 2024 oil sales to the Kurdistan local market averaged a net oil price of $35.65/bbl from the two blocks, 10% lower than Q3 2023 ($39.41/bbl from Sarsang only);
- At September 30, 2024, the Company had cash of $46.8 million and gross debt of $217.7 million (including the $202.1 million bond and $15.6 million related-party loan). Net debt3 was $170.9 million; and
- At November 7, 2024, the Company had cash of $56.9 million and gross debt of $215.5 million (including the $199.9 million bond and $15.6 million related-party loan). Net debt³ was $158.6 million.
Operational Highlights:
- Atrush had average production in Q3 2024 of 26.8 Mbopd, including an increase in production beyond 30 Mbopd in September 2024 under the new operator; and
- At Sarsang, despite maintenance and facility downtime, average production in Q3 2024 was 32.5 Mbopd. Sarsang is expected to have higher production in Q4 2024 with ongoing drilling and completion operations, as well as improved facility uptime.
Subsequent Events:
- The Company announced on October 28, 2024, the market purchase and cancellation of $2.1 million of the Company’s bond. The total outstanding amount of the Company’s bond as of the date of this press release is $199.9 million; and
- Mr. Alex Lengyel, Chief Commercial Officer and Corporate Secretary, will be leaving the Company at the end of 2024. Mr. Elvis Pellumbi, Chief Financial Officer, will take over the corporate secretarial responsibilities effective today.
