DNO ASA: Interim Results - Third Quarter and Year To Date 2004

 

6 million bbls reserve increase from successful drilling campaign on Block 43 in Yemen, possible first-oil in the 2nd quarter 2005 based on revised development plan

Successful drilling of new production wells contributed to higher production on both the Tasour and Sharyoof fields in Yemen in the third quarter

A new production well on the Glitne field was put on stream during the third quarter, but the lock-out situation contributed to lower production from the field in the quarter

Revenues from sale of petroleum products increased from last quarter, partly offset by an increase in oil price hedging losses

Further reduction in lifting cost per bbl, mainly contributed by higher production in the quarter

Higher tax expense from Yemen activities mainly contributed by higher production / revenues

NOK 212 mill. in cash dividends were paid to the company's shareholders in the third quarter. Additional dividends of NOK 63 million were distributed to the shareholders as treasury shares.

 

          

- This quarter's result reflects our company's higher focus on exploration in all geographical areas. Year to date we have succeeded in doubling our reserves compared to year-end 2003 at low cost. We are pleased to have achieved increased production during the third quarter and we expect further growth in the fourth quarter, says Managing Director of DNO ASA, Helge Eide.

 

DNO had operating revenues of NOK 314,8 million (NOK 466,6 million) in the third quarter 2004. For the first nine months in 2004 the operating revenues amounted to NOK 1 272,1 (NOK 1 523,9 million). Sale of producing assets is the main reason for the decrease in operating revenues.

 

DNO achieved an operating profit (EBIT) of NOK 121,0 million (NOK 127,6 million) in the third quarter 2004. For the period ending September 30 2004, the operating profit was NOK 664,5 million (NOK 614,6 million). Included in the operating profit the first nine months is a sales gain of NOK 309,5 million from the sale of assets to Lundin Petroleum AB.

 

In the third quarter DNO incurred a loss after tax of NOK -96,7 million ( NOK -41,8 million). In the first nine months DNO had a net profit of NOK 187,3 million (NOK 121,8 million).

 

A full interim report and investor presentation is accessible at DNO's website: www.dno.no

 

For further information, please contact:

 

23 23 84 80 or 55 22 47 00

 

23 23 84 80