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Investing.com -- Serica Energy shares gained 7% Tuesday after the U.K. North Sea oil and gas producer reaffirmed its plan to restore output above 50,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, despite posting a first-half net loss of $43 million, driven by a higher-than-expected tax charge.
The loss, which missed Jefferies’ estimate of a $3 million deficit, followed a $143 million profit and loss tax charge.
First-half production averaged 24,700 boe/d, below Jefferies’ 26,000 boe/d estimate and down 7% from the 26,500 boe/d year-to-date level reported through April.
Revenue came in at $305 million, missing the $343 million forecast. EBITDAX fell 26% to $118 million, compared with expectations of $160 million.
The company cited lower production volumes and slightly weaker realized prices for oil and gas.
Net debt stood at $57 million at June 30, better than the $87 million forecast, supported by a $71 million tax rebate received in June.
Serica completed a redetermination of its reserve-based lending facility that month, with the borrowing base revised to $490 million from $525 million, and $231 million currently drawn.
Serica declared an interim dividend of 6 pence per share, down from 9 pence a year earlier.
Total dividends scheduled for 2025 are 16 pence per share, or $83 million, including the final 2024 dividend of 10 pence per share paid in July.
The company maintained its expectation for steady-state production across the Triton FPSO in August, which it said would enable total production to exceed 50,000 boe/d once all associated fields are online.
Annual production guidance was revised to 33,000–35,000 boe/d from 33,000–37,000 boe/d.
Full-year capital expenditure is forecast at the top end of the $220 million–$250 million range. Operating expenditure is projected at $330 million.
Serica said its planned move from London’s Alternative Investment Market to the Main Market is progressing, with the transition expected in early fourth quarter.
The company is also advancing the redevelopment of the Kyle field, where procurement of subsea equipment is underway.
A final investment decision is expected in the first half of 2026, with potential first oil in 2028. The Buchan Horst development remains subject to future regulatory and fiscal conditions.
Serica has identified more than 20 potential infill targets near the Bruce hub. It said its current portfolio could support production above 50,000 boe/d and sustain levels over 40,000 boe/d into the next decade, depending on external conditions.