SBM Offshore Dividend Returns in 2015
Financial Highlights
* Directional revenue in line with expectations at US$2.6 billion
* Underlying Directional1 EBIT of US$348 million and underlying EPS of $0.85 per share
* Proportional net debt at the end of December stood at US$3,147 million
* US$245 million provision for settlement in Brazil
* Project financing totaling US$2.35 billion secured
* Reinstatement of cash dividend of US$0.21 per share
SBM Offshore has reported revenue and net debt reduction in line with expectations. Although industry challenges have led to continued postponement of client investment decisions, the Company's predominant activity of leasing, operating and maintaining FPSOs is generating positive cash flows. Consequently, following a five year hiatus, a cash dividend payment of US$0.21 per share is being proposed. Additionally, discussions with Brazilian authorities have progressed to the point of making a compliance settlement provision.
Bruno Chabas, CEO of SBM Offshore, commented, "Looking back, much was accomplished over the last year. Complex projects progressed according to client schedule, safety performance continued to improve, the lease fleet continued its strong record of reliability, project financing was obtained at attractive prices and net debt targets were surpassed. In-line with developments in the industry, Turnkey backlog continues to decrease providing lower visibility in the short-term. Meanwhile, the Lease and Operate segment is generating positive income, turning SBM Offshore's Free Cash Flow positive in 2016. The reorganization of the Company continued in 2015 with the intention to reduce costs while retaining the core competencies that are the bedrock to recovery in a market upturn. It is critical that we protect our future and have the ability and the people to be well placed to benefit from the expected recovery."
2015 COMPANY OVERVIEW
Corporate Social Responsibility
The Company has continued to achieve improved safety performance in 2015 with the lowest frequencies of recordable injuries and lost time injuries since 2007. Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) remained flat year-on-year at 0.22, while the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) improved by 40% to 0.03 in 2015 from 0.05 at the end of 2014.
The volume of gas flared was 26% better than target, however GHG emissions per unit of production increased 38% compared to 2014 mainly due to the absence of gas export infrastructure in Angola. Offshore energy consumption and oil discharged from produced water improved compared to last year and stood 64% better than the industry benchmark.
For the sixth consecutive year running, SBM Offshore has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index with an overall improved position. This is credit to efforts to incorporate all Environmental, Social and Governance elements in the Company's day-to-day business and how it deals with all its stakeholders.
In addition, the Company received notification in December 2015 of its inclusion in the Euronext Vigeo Benelux 20 Index, which includes the 20 most advanced companies in the Benelux region in terms of Environmental, Social and Governance performances.
Compliance
Over the course of 2015 discussions with Brazilian authorities and Petrobras have progressed to the point where the Company is providing US$245 million for a possible settlement. While discussions are at an advanced stage, timing of a settlement announcement as well as the size of any potential final settlement amount remain to be confirmed.
On December 17, 2015 the Brazilian Public Prosecutor's Office made allegations regarding several people in Brazil and abroad, including a number of current and former employees of the Company, of whom one is a U.S. citizen.
On January 15, 2016, the Company was informed that the judge in Brazil referred the above allegations with regard to the Company's CEO and a member of its Supervisory Board back to the Public Prosecutor to propose an out-of-court settlement, on a no admission of guilt basis, as is common for misdemeanors of the kind alleged.
On January 25, 2016, the Company announced the settlement of the allegations made regarding the Company's CEO and a member of its Supervisory Board. This settlement is still subject to approval by the court.
Subsequently, the United States Department of Justice has informed SBM Offshore that it has re-opened its past inquiry of the Company and has made information requests in connection with that inquiry. The Company is seeking further clarification about the scope of the inquiry. The Company remains committed to close-out discussions on this legacy issue which the Company self-reported to the authorities in 2012 and for which it reached a settlement with the Dutch Public Prosecutor in 2014.
