EARNINGS / American Leduc reports 1st 3 months & 1997 Annual Results
CALGARY, Feb. 02 /CNW/ - American Leduc Petroleums Limited today released its first quarter results for the period ended November 30, 1997. At the same time, the Company reported the results for the year ended August 31, 1997.
First quarter - ended November 30, 1997 ---------------------------------------
First quarter results include one-time restructuring and contract settlement expenses of $350,300 related to the change in management on the retirement of the President and other senior officers in October 1997. At the time of the change, the Edmonton corporate office was closed and consolidated into the exploration and production office facility in Calgary. Mr. Victor Stobbe, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Leduc said ''having one office will streamline our operations as well as reduce costs''.
Revenue, net of royalties, for the quarter ended November 30, 1997 was $662,664, down from $734,947 last year due to lower production levels. Oil production declined 9% to 268 barrels per day from 295 per day in the same quarter of the prior year. Wet weather in Alberta in September and October hindered the trucking of oil and emulsions at the Company's major oil property. In November, production levels climbed to 360 barrels per day. Natural gas production was 454 mcf per day for the quarter ended November 30, 1997, compared to 604 for the prior year.
Cash flow from operations was $340,729 ($0.023 per share), excluding the $350,300 one-time charge for the reorganization. Including this charge, a cash flow deficiency of $9,571 ($0.001 per share) was reported compared to cash flow of $298,966 (0.021 per share) in the first quarter of the prior year.
A loss of $204,423 ($0.014 per share) was recorded for the three months to November 30, 1997 compared to net earnings of $42,919 ($0.003 per share) in the prior year. The one-time restructuring charge contributed a loss of $0.034 per share to this year's results, eliminating the $0.010 per share in net earnings from operating activity.
Subsequent to the first quarter, two wells were drilled on the Company's Little Horse oil property. Preliminary results indicate that these wells could increase production from the area by up to 20%. In addition, at least three wells are planned on American Leduc's land in the Gift area and are expected to be completed before the 1998 spring breakup.
Year ended August 31, 1997 -------------------------- Revenue, net of royalties, for 1997 was $2,953,868, an increase of 21% from $2,439,894 in 1996. Daily oil production was 310 barrels compared to 281 barrels in 1996. Natural Gas production was basically unchanged at 580 mcf per day.
Cash flow from operations almost tripled to $1,123,818 ($0.080 per share) in 1997 from $387,636 ($0.028 per share) in 1996.
Net earnings for 1997 were $205,364 ($0.015 per share) compared to a loss of $1,948,800 ($0.139 per share) in 1996. The 1996 loss included a $1,260,000 writedown of oil and gas assets under that year's ceiling test.
<< Summary -------
1) Three Months ended November 30: 1997 1996 ---------------------------------- ---- ----
Production per day Oil (bbls) 268 295 Natural gas (mcf) 454 604
Revenue, net of royalties $ 662,664 $734,947 Cash flow (deficiency) from operations $ (9571) (1) $298,966 Per share $ (0.001) $ 0.021 Net earnings (loss) $(204,423) (1) $ 42,919 Per share $ (0.014) $ 0.003
Note: (1) The first quarter results to November 30, 1997 include a one-time reorganization charge of $350,300.
2) Year ended August 31: 1997 1996 ------------------------ ---- ----
Production per day Oil (barrels) 310 281 Natural gas (mcf) 580 573
Revenue, net of royalties $ 2,953,868 $ 2,439,894 Cash flow from operation $ 1,123,818 $ 387,636 Per share $ 0.080 $ 0.028 Net earnings (loss) $ 205,364 $(1,948,800) Per share $ 0.015 $ (0.139) >> |