BHP Billiton Expects To Take $4.9 Bln Writedown On U.S. Shale Assets

(RTTNews) - Mining giant BHP Billiton (BHP.AX, BLT.L, BBL, BHP) said that it expects to recognise an impairment charge of about US$4.9 billion on the value of its U.S. shale assets due to the fall in oil prices. The impairment will reduce Onshore US net operating assets to about US$16 billion.

BHP Billiton Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Mackenzie, said "Oil and gas markets have been significantly weaker than the industry expected...While we have made significant progress, the dramatic fall in prices has led to the disappointing write down announced today. However, we remain confident in the long-term outlook and the quality of our acreage. We are well positioned to respond to a recovery."

The Group said it will reduce the number of operated rigs in its Onshore US business from seven to five in the March 2016 quarter. This will comprise three rigs in the Black Hawk and two rigs in the Permian. Beyond this, investment and development plans for the remainder of the 2016 financial year are under review, with a focus on preserving cash flow.

The company expects to recognise an impairment charge of about US$4.9 billion post-tax or approximately US$7.2 billion pre-tax against the carrying value of its Onshore US assets. The charge will be recognised as an exceptional item in the financial results for the half year ended 31 December 2015.

The impairment follows the bi-annual review of the Company's asset values and reflects changes to price assumptions, discount rates and development plans which have more than offset substantial productivity improvements.

The oil and gas industry has recently experienced significant volatility and much weaker prices.

The US gas price remains low as industry-wide productivity improvements have resulted in higher than expected supply at lower cost. BHP Billiton has previously suspended development of its dry gas acreage. The Company has now also reduced its medium and long-term gas price assumptions.

In addition, the oil price has fallen by more than 30 per cent over the last three months following the disruption of OPEC and stronger than anticipated non-OPEC production.

Although it expects prices to improve from their current lows, the company said it has reduced its oil price assumptions for the short to medium term. Our long-term price assumptions continue to reflect the market's attractive supply and demand fundamentals.

The increased volatility in prices has also increased the discount rates applied by BHP Billiton, which has a significant flow through impact on the Company's assessment of its Onshore US asset value.

The company noted that the broader carrying value assessment of the Group's assets will be finalised in conjunction with the interim financial results to be released on 23 February 2016.