Oando Plc has reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of N60.3 billion in its audited financials for the year ended December 31, 2023.
City Business News online reports that within the period, the company recorded a 43 per cent increase in revenue, reaching N2.9 trillion compared to N1.9 trillion in 2022.
From a loss in 2022 to a profit-after-tax of N60.3 billion in 2023, a 961 per cent increase in its operating profits despite the 24 per cent reduction in the realised oil price ($83.15/bbl in 2023 compared to $109.55/bbl in 2022).
According to a statement issued by the company, “This reduction was consistent in gas prices as the value fell from $14.74/bbl in 2022 to $12.19/bbl in 2023; and in NGL prices with a similar decline from $6.23/boe in 2022 to $4.87/boe in 2023. “Additionally, the company reduced its upstream borrowings by 23%, from US$635.6 million in 2022 to US$488.9 million in 2023”
Commenting on the results, Wale Tinubu CON, Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC, said: “Despite the operational hurdles occasioned by security breaches and persistent pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, we achieved a profit after tax of N60 billion, bolstered by the strength of our global trading alliances, a 12% increase in total production, and favourable exchange gains from our foreign currency denominated assets.”
“Our recently completed transformational acquisition of NAOC Ltd is a pivotal moment for the Company due to the expansive reserves and vast infrastructure network.
“Following our 2014 acquisition of ConocoPhillips’s Nigerian unit, this transaction was the next phase in our long-term strategy to increase our reserves and production capacity by leveraging the exit of the International Oil Companies whilst securing operational control of the assets. Our immediate focus now shifts to a seamless integration and execution of initiatives towards achieving a marked increase in production. “We are confident about the opportunities this platform provides and are committed to delivering sustainable value to all stakeholders” he added.
Despite persistent operational security challenges in the Niger Delta, Oando achieved a 12% increase in total production, reaching 23,258 boepd in 2023 compared to 20,703 boepd in 2022. Expanding on the performance of its production portfolio, Oando averaged a daily production of 6,211 bbls/day, making a 26% increase to its 4,939 bbls/day in 2022. Consistent with the improved performance, it averaged 16,808 boe/day of natural gas, 10% better than 15,292 boe/day of natural gas in 2022.
The company cited improved operations and repairs of shut-in wells offset by persistent sabotage activities as a reason for the production increase.
According to Reuters, the decline in global oil prices in 2023 was because of a tumultuous year of trading marked by geopolitical turmoil and concerns about the oil output levels of major global producers.
As stated in the statement published on the company’s website, the operating profits increase was “driven by the increase in revenue and a significant increase in other operating income, largely due to foreign exchange gains on the group’s US dollar-denominated monetary assets.
“This was despite an increase in administrative expenses primarily from exchange losses from the impact of the Naira devaluation on our foreign currency-denominated liabilities.”
