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FY2005 Annual Report · Borgestad
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COMPANY NO. 5147938

BORDERS & SOUTHERN PETROLEUM PLC

ANNUAL REPORT AND

AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED

30 JUNE 2005

Borders & Southern Petroleum plc

Borders & Southern Petroleum plc (or ‘‘the Company’’) is a UK based
Company engaged in the exploration of hydrocarbons. The Company’s
shares are listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London
Stock Exchange (AIM).

Highlights

• Company incorporated June 2004

• Awarded first exploration licences in the Falkland Islands with an

effective date of 1 November 2004

• Listed on AIM May 2005, raising £10 million (gross)

• Successfully completed first operated seismic programme June 2005

Contents

Chairman’s Statement

Operational Review

Financial Review

Board of Directors

Directors’ Report

Audit Committee Report

Remuneration Committee Report

Independent Auditors’ Report

Profit and Loss Account

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Notes Forming Part of the Financial Statements

Corporate Directory

page

1

2 – 3

4

5 – 6

7 – 9

10

10 – 11

12 – 13

14

15

16

17 – 24

25

Chairman’s Statement

Borders & Southern Petroleum has experienced an exciting 12 months. The Company has made

significant advances from its incorporation in June 2004, ending the financial year with the

completion of its first operated seismic campaign. During this period we have put in place a

strong Board of Directors with a good blend of commercial and technical oil industry experience.

In October 2004 the Company was awarded its first exploration acreage, an area of nearly

20,000 sq km in the South Falkland Basin. In particular, we wanted to test the fold belt trend

located some 150 km to the south of the Falkland Islands. This east-west oriented belt contains

numerous large simple structures that could form effective traps for hydrocarbons. The 2D seismic

acquired in June 2005 was focused on defining these structures and assessing their prospectivity.

In May 2005 the Company listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock

Exchange and raised £10 million (gross). This was in order to fund its initial work programme in

the Falkland Islands and the screening of new projects.

Within the next couple of months we anticipate that the interpretation of the Falkland Islands 2D

seismic will be completed, giving us a better understanding of the hydrocarbon potential of the

basin and in particular the fold belt. An operational update will be released before the end of the

year together with an outline of our future work programme.

We currently have a strong balance sheet with enough cash reserves to cover further seismic

acquisitions in the Falkland Islands should it be needed. Over the next 12 months we will also be

looking to develop our exploration portfolio by adding new projects in countries and basins that

meet our strategy and investment criteria.

Borders & Southern Petroleum has made great progress over the last 12 months and we look

forward to further developments in the coming year.

Harry Dobson

Non-Executive Chairman

1

Operational Review

Licence award

In June 2004, having screened the legacy offshore seismic database in the Falkland Islands, we

applied for exploration acreage in the South Falkland Basin, and were subsequently awarded five

production licences with an effective date of 1 November 2004. The licences cover an area of

19,598 sq km and occur in water depths of between 200 to 3,000 metres. Very little seismic data

had previously been acquired in this area, but the few lines that did exist showed evidence of a

fold belt trend, oriented east-west, extending from Argentina in the west into international waters

in the east. Globally, many fold belts form prolific hydrocarbon provinces and our aim was to

investigate the potential of this one. There have been no wells drilled in the South Falkland Basin

to date.

The Production Licences were awarded with a work programme obligation that comprised

seismic reprocessing and play fairway mapping in the first twelve months, the acquisition of

2,500 km of 2D seismic within three years, and the drilling of one well in years four to six.

Optional exit points were placed after twelve months and three years, to mitigate the situation

where the prospectivity could not be confirmed.

Country

Licence

Blocks

Area

Interest

Falkland Islands

PL 018

Q61, blocks 16 to 30

3,668 sq km

100% Operator

Falkland Islands

PL 019

Q62, blocks 16 to 30

3,668 sq km

100% Operator

Falkland Islands

PL 020

Q63, blocks 16 to 30

3,668 sq km

100% Operator

Falkland Islands

PL 021

Q64, blocks 1 to 30

7,381 sq km

100% Operator

Falkland Islands

PL 022

Q73, blocks 1 to 5

1,213 sq km

100% Operator

Regional evaluation

The evaluation of the basin commenced in November 2004 with regional play fairway mapping

and petroleum system analysis, utilising all the existing seismic and well data. This regional

analysis was undertaken to provide insight into our own acreage, particularly the distribution of

source rocks, reservoirs and seals. The evaluation included the Magallanes and Malvinas Basins

located to the west of the Falkland Islands, the Falkland Plateau Basin to the east, and the

Bredasdorp Basin off the south coast of South Africa. The completed regional study demonstrated

that the geology is similar across all these basins and that hydrocarbon discoveries have been

made in all the basins that have been tested by exploration wells. This provides great

encouragement to our efforts in the untested South Falkland Basin.

Seismic acquisition

To further assess the potential of our acreage Geophysical Services Incorporated (GSI) were

contracted to acquire new 2D seismic data.

Specifically, our objective was to define and map structural closures and assess their prospectivity.

The completion of the seismic survey in June 2005 has significantly accelerated our work

programme. After only seven months of the initial three year licence term, we had completed our

2D seismic obligation. A total of 2,862 km of new data was acquired, which exceeded our

2

Operational Review continued

minimum work programme obligation of 2,500 km. The survey, acquired by the GSI Admiral

vessel, was conducted without major health, safety or environmental incidents.

Seismic interpretation

The 2D seismic data has recently been processed by GSI in Calgary and the interpretation is

underway. An operational update will be given once the interpretation has been completed.

However, a preliminary review of the high quality seismic data has confirmed the presence of a

major fold and thrust belt with its associated foreland basin within the Company’s acreage. These

seismic lines reveal considerably more structures than originally anticipated and include

numerous large anticlines, tilted fault blocks and sub-thrust structures capable of trapping

significant volume of hydrocarbons. The data also reveals seismic amplitude anomalies associated

with many of the structures.

Building the portfolio

The Company’s strategy is to build a portfolio of exploration acreage in different basins and

countries. We are targeting large acreage positions that have the potential to contain multiple

high value prospects and where the geological risks can be constrained by rigorous technical

work.

Industry outlook

Whilst there may be some softening over the next 12 months, oil prices are anticipated to remain

at relatively high levels. This is likely to cause an increase in exploration activity throughout the

industry, creating increased demand for seismic vessels and drilling rigs, which will be reflected

in higher prices for these services. Additionally, greater competition for acreage is likely to occur.

We will take time to build the portfolio, ensuring any new project meets our stringent investment

criteria, and is of similar high quality to the South Falkland Basin acreage.

Howard Obee
Chief Executive

3

Financial Review

During the year, the Company raised a total of £11.84 million (after costs) through a combination

of private and public capital raisings, the main part of which (£9.5 million after costs) was raised

at the time of the AIM listing. The capital raised to date has been applied as follows:

Capital Raised (after costs)
Less:
Purchase of 2D Seismic and office equipment
Overheads and working capital (net of interest)
Cash at 30 June 20005

£million
£11.84

£1.35
£0.07
£10.42

The cash at 30 June 2005 was held in pounds sterling in either current accounts or short term

cash deposits. It is the Company’s intention to continue to hold this cash on current or short

term deposits until required. Post balance date, the Company converted around £3.75 million

into US$6.57 million in order to provide for any future costs payable in US$.

The Company has sufficient funds to finance current exploration expenditure commitments and

to cover general overheads for at least the next financial year.

Peter Fleming
Finance Director

4

Board of Directors

David Harry Williamson Dobson (Non-Executive Chairman) age 57

Harry Dobson is a former investment banker and senior partner of Yorkton Securities. He

currently engages in various private equity and venture capital activities in North America and

Europe, and has acted as Chairman of a number of resource companies (including American

Pacific Mining Company Inc. and Lytton Minerals Limited). He is currently the Chairman of

Kirkland Lake Gold Inc. (a Toronto Stock Exchange and AIM quoted Company) and Rambler

Metals and Mining plc (an AIM quoted Company). He is experienced in the organisation and

funding of resource projects, including those located in inaccessible locations.

Howard Kevin Obee (Chief Executive) age 45

Howard Obee was appointed Chief Executive when the Company was incorporated in June 2004.

He has a PhD in structural geology from Imperial College, and has spent 20 years in the oil

industry, initially with BP (1985-1992), and subsequently with BHP Billiton (1992-2004). He

trained as an exploration geologist, but has been appointed to various technical and commercial

roles, incorporating exploration, new ventures, strategic planning, and business development. His

most recent roles for BHP Billiton were West Africa Asset Team Leader, and Exploration Manager,

London. He has experience of executing seismic and drilling programmes in frontier basins,

including those in deep water.

Peter William Fleming (Finance Director) age 43

Peter Fleming has over 12 years of upstream oil and gas experience, the majority of which was

gained at BHP Billiton both in London and Melbourne. Whilst at BHP Billiton, Peter held senior

positions in exploration and business development, investment evaluation, acquisitions and

disposals and strategic planning. Prior to joining BHP Billiton, he worked for Bridge Oil and

Banque Indosuez. He holds Masters degrees in Business Administration and Finance.

Stephen James Douglas Posford (Non-Executive Director) age 58

Stephen Posford was a partner of stockbrokers W.Greenwell & Co. In 1986, he became Managing

Director of Greenwell Montagu Gilt Edged, and in 1989 moved to Salomon Brothers to head up

their proprietary trading department in London. He then became Salomon Brothers European CEO

before retiring in 1996.

Christopher Nigel Hurst-Brown (Non-Executive Director) age 53

Since qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, Nigel Hurst-Brown has pursued a career in fund

management. From 1986-1990 he was Chairman of Lloyd’s Investment Managers. In 1990 he

moved to Mercury Asset Management as a main board Director and following Mercury’s

acquisition by Merrill Lynch in 1997 became a Managing Director of Merrill Lynch Investment

Managers. Currently he is Chief Executive of Hotchkis and Wiley (UK) Limited and a member of

the Executive Committee of its US parent Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management LLC.

5

Board of Directors continued

Number of Board Meetings

Attendance:
Harry Dobson
Howard Obee
Peter Fleming*
Steven Posford
Nigel Hurst-Brown*

8

6
8
4
7
2

* Peter Fleming and Nigel Hurst-Brown joined the board on 5 April 2005.

6

Directors’ Report
For the Period Ended 30 June 2005

The Directors are pleased to present the report and the audited financial statements of the

Company for the period from 8 June 2004 to 30 June 2005.

Principal activities

The Company was incorporated on 8 June 2004 and received its certificate to commence trading

on 2 July 2004. The principal activity in the period was the exploration for oil and gas.

Shares held by the Directors

The beneficial and other interests of the Directors and their families in the shares of the Company

as at the date of their appointment to the Board and 30 June 2005, were as follows:

David Harry Williamson Dobson
Stephen James Douglas Posford
Howard Kevin Obee
Christopher Nigel Hurst - Brown
Peter William Fleming

appointed 8 Jun 2004
appointed 8 Jun 2004
appointed 28 Jun 2004
appointed 5 Apr 2005
appointed 5 Apr 2005

At 30 Jun
2005
25,000,000
25,000,000
10,000,000
1,000,000
2,200,000

At date
of appointment
—
—
—
1,000,000
2,000,000

William Tester and Howard Thomas were both appointed directors of the Company on 8 June

2004 and both resigned on 8 June 2004.

No right to subscribe for shares in or debentures of the Company was granted or exercised in the

period.

The ordinary shares in which Mr D H W Dobson is interested in are held by the Zila

Corporation, a Company owned by the Whitmill Trust Company Limited, as trustee of The Lotus

Trust of which he is a beneficiary.

All directors who are shareholders have undertaken not to dispose of any ordinary shares and

have each undertaken to procure that any person who is connected with that Director will not

dispose of any ordinary shares, except in certain limited circumstances, during the 12 month

following the Company’s admission to the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock

Exchange on 24 May 2005.

In the period between 30 June 2005 and 9 November 2005 there was no change in these

holdings.

Directors Responsibility for the Financial Statements

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial period

which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of

the Company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Directors are required

to:

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

7

Directors’ Report
For the Period Ended 30 June 2005 continued

• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material

departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to

presume that the Company will continue in business.

• the Directors are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records, for safeguarding the

assets of the Company and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of

fraud and other irregularities.

Business review

A review on the operations of the Company is contained in the Operational Review on

pages 2 – 3.

Results and dividends

The Company’s results for the period ended 30 June 2005 are set out on page 14.

The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend for the period.

Substantial shareholders

At 9 November 2005 the following had notified the company of disclosable interests in 3% or

more of the nominal value of the Company’s shares carrying voting rights:

Name
Zila Corporation
Stephen James Douglas Posford
BNY (OCS) Nominees Limited
Morstan Nominees Limited
Howard Kevin Obee
Merrill Lynch International
LBPB Nominees Limited
HSBC Global Custody Nominee (UK) Limited

Number of
Ordinary shares
25,000,000
25,000,000
12,922,500
11,856,250
10,000,000
7,589,816
6,210,089
5,772,980

% of
share capital
19.58
19.58
10.12
9.29
7.83
5.94
4.86
4.52

5,000,000 of the Ordinary Shares held by Zila Corporation are registered in the name of Valerie

Huxley, who holds such shares as nominee for the Zila Corporation.

Health, safety & environment

Borders & Southern Petroleum has an overriding commitment to health, safety and environmental

responsibility. The Company works closely with host governments and communities in the

countries in which it operates, together with its contractors and partners, to ensure internationally

recognised standards are implemented and maintained along with compliance to local

legislation.

8

Directors’ Report
For the Period Ended 30 June 2005 continued

The Company’s exploration activities in the Falkland Islands are subject to the relevant

environmental protection acts. The Company closely monitors its activities to ensure to the best of

its knowledge there is no potential for the breach of such regulations. There have been no

convictions in relation to breaches of these Acts recorded against the Company during the

reporting period.

Payment policy and practice

It is the Company’s policy to settle the terms of payment with suppliers when agreeing the terms

of the transaction, to ensure that suppliers are aware of these terms and to abide by them. Trade

creditors at the period end amount to 66 days of average supplies for the period.

Political and charitable donations

There were no political or charitable contributions made by the Company during the period

ended 30 June 2005.

Post balance sheet events

There has not been any matter or circumstance that has arisen since the balance sheet date which

has significantly affected, or may significantly affect, the operations of the Company.

Auditors

In accordance with Section 385 of the Companies Act 1985, a resolution proposing that BDO

Stoy Hayward LLP be reappointed as auditors of the Company and the Directors be authorised to

fix their remuneration will be put to the next Annual General Meeting.

By order of the Board

H K Obee

Chief Executive

9

Corporate Governance

Audit committee report

The Board has established an Audit Committee comprising Mr. Hurst-Brown (Chairman), Mr.

Dobson and Mr. Posford, all independent, non-executive Directors.

The Audit Committee meets at least biannually and is responsible for:

• The integrity of the financial statements of the Company and related disclosures, based on

adequate books, records and internal controls and selection and consistent application of

appropriate accounting policies;

• The appropriateness of the Company’s internal financial controls;

• The independent auditors’ qualifications, independence, and performance; and

• The compliance by the Company with legal and regulatory requirements.

Remuneration committee

The Board has established a Remuneration Committee comprising Mr. Hurst-Brown (Chairman),

Mr. Dobson and Mr. Posford, all independent non-executive Directors.

The Remuneration Committee meets at least annually and is responsible for:

• Reviewing the performance of the CEO and other Executive Directors and senior

management of the Company and determines their remuneration and the basis of their

service agreements with due regard to the interests of Shareholders;

• The payment of any bonuses to the CEO, other Executive Directors and senior management;

and

• Making recommendations to the Board with respect to equity-based incentive plans and to

act as a preparatory body for the Board of Directors in the management of any Company

award and option plans.

10

Corporate Governance continued

Directors’ remuneration and service contracts

On 18 May 2005, all the Company’s Directors each entered into a service agreement with the

Company.

The remuneration of the Directors for the period ended 30 June 2005 was as follows:

David Harry Williamson Dobson

Peter William Fleming

Christopher Nigel Hurst – Brown

Howard Kevin Obee

Stephen James Douglas Posford

Pensions

The Company does not operate a pension scheme for its Directors or employees.

Basic salary
£

—

5,000

—

30,000

—

35,000

11

Independent Auditors’ Report to the Shareholders of
Borders & Southern Petroleum plc

We have audited the financial statements of Borders and Southern Petroleum Plc for the period

ended 30 June 2005 on pages 15 to 24 which have been prepared under the accounting policies

set out on pages 17 to 18.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors

The directors’ responsibilities for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in

accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards are set out in the

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities.

Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with relevant legal and

regulatory requirements and United Kingdom Auditing Standards.

We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view and

whether the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies

Act 1985. We also report to you if, in our opinion, the Report of the Directors is not consistent

with the financial statements, if the Company has not kept proper accounting records, if we have

not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit, or if information

specified by law regarding directors’ remuneration and transactions with the Company is not

disclosed.

We read other information contained in the annual report and consider whether it is consistent

with the audited financial statements. This other information comprises only the Report of the

Directors and the Chairman’s Statement. We consider the implications for our report if we

become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial

statements. Our responsibilities do not extend to any other information.

Our report has been prepared pursuant to the requirements of the Companies Act 1985 and for

no other purpose. No person is entitled to rely on this report unless such a person is a person

entitled to rely upon this report by virtue of and for the purpose of the Companies Act 1985 or

has been expressly authorised to do so by our prior written consent. Save as above, we do not

accept responsibility for this report to any other person or for any other purpose and we hereby

expressly disclaim any and all such liability.

Basis of audit opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with United Kingdom Auditing Standards issued by the

Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to

the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the

significant estimates and judgements made by the directors in the preparation of the financial

statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Company’s

circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which

we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable

assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by

12

Independent Auditors’ Report to the Shareholders of
Borders & Southern Petroleum plc continued

fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy

of the presentation of information in the financial statements.

Opinion

In our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the

Company at 30 June 2005 and of the loss for the period then ended, and have been properly

prepared in accordance with Companies Act 1985.

BDO STOY HAYWARD LLP

Chartered Accountants

and Registered Auditors

London

14 November 2005

13

Profit and Loss Account

From 8 June 2004 to 30 June 2005

Notes

£

Administrative expenses

OPERATING LOSS

Interest receivable

LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAXATION

Taxation

LOSS RETAINED FOR THE PERIOD

Loss per share – basic and diluted

All amounts above amounts are in respect of continuing activities.

(204,785)

(204,785)

63,539

(141,246)

–

(141,246)

(0.26p)

4

7

8

15

2

All recognised gains and losses in the current period are included in the profit and loss account.

The accompanying notes on pages 17 to 24 form an integral part of these financial statements

14

Balance Sheet

At 30 June 2005

FIXED ASSETS
Intangible Assets
Tangible assets

CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
Cash at bank and demand deposits

Notes

£

£

9
10

11

142,790
10,416,100

10,558,890

1,497,668
14,965

1,512,633

10,227,344

11,739,977

(42,955)

11,697,022

1,276,875
10,561,393
(141,246)

11,697,022

CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year

12

(331,546)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

Provision for liabilities and charges

NET ASSETS

CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Profit and loss account (deficit)

EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS

13

14
15

16

The accounts were approved by the board on 28 October 2005

H K Obee
Chief Executive

P W Fleming
Finance Director

The accompanying notes on pages 17 to 24 form an integral part of these financial statements

15

Cash Flow Statement

For the Period from 8 June 2004 to 30 June 2005

NET CASH OUTFLOW FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES

RETURN ON INVESTMENTS AND SERVICING OF
FINANCE
Interest received

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND FINANCIAL
INVESTMENT
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Exploration and evaluation expenditure

Notes

17

£

£

(140,147)

63,539

(18,685)
(1,326,875)

CASH INFLOW BEFORE USE OF LIQUID
RESOURCES AND FINANCING

MANAGEMENT OF LIQUID RESOURCES
Deposit on demand

FINANCING
Share capital issued, net of issue costs

INCREASE IN CASH

19

(1,345,560)

(1,422,168)

(10,000,000)

11,838,268

416,100

The accompanying notes on pages 17 to 24 form an integral part of these financial statements

16

Notes Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the
Period Ended 30 June 2005

1. Accounting Policies

Basis of preparation and going concern

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention and in

accordance with the applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended

Practice ‘‘Accounting for Oil and Gas Exploration, Development, Production and

Decommissioning Activities’’.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The Company’s

ability to continue as a going concern is contingent upon its ability to raise sufficient funds

to cover future exploration and development commitments.

Turnover

At the end of the period the Company had not commenced commercial production from its

exploration sites and therefore has no turnover in the period.

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are stated at historical costs less accumulated depreciation.

Depreciation is calculated on a straight line method to write off the cost of the assets less

their estimated residual values over their expected useful lives. The annual rates used are:

• Computer equipment – 331⁄3%.

Assets are depreciated from the date of acquisition.

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

The Company has adopted the full cost accounting policy for expenditure on oil and gas

projects. All costs associated with oil exploration are capitalised on a project-by-project

basis, pending determination of feasibility of the project. Costs incurred include appropriate

technical and administrative expenses but not general overheads. If an exploration project is

successful, the related expenditures will be transferred to tangible fixed assets and amortised

over the estimated life of the commercial reserves. Where a licence is relinquished, a

project is abandoned, or is considered to be of no further value to the Company the related

costs are written off. All capitalised costs are reviewed annually against the underlying value

of oil and gas reserves, unless the expenditure relates to an area where it is too early to

make a decision about the value of the assets.

Impairment tests

When there is an indication that the value of an assets may be impaired, the net amount at

which the asset is recorded is assessed for recoverability against the discounted future

estimated net cash flows expected to be generated from the estimated remaining

commercial reserves. The assessment is made on the basis of future oil prices, exchange rate

and cost levels as forecast at the balance sheet sate. A provision is made by way of an

additional depreciation charge, where the carrying value of the asset exceeds the discounted

future net cash flows to be derived from its estimated remaining commercial reserves.

17

Notes Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the
Period Ended 30 June 2005 continued

1. Accounting Policies continued

Leasing and hire purchase commitments

Assets obtained under hire purchase contracts and finance leases are capitalised as tangible

assets and depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives. Obligations

under such agreements are included in creditors net of the finance charge allocated to

future periods. The finance element of the rental payment is charged to the profit and loss

account so as to produce a constant periodic rate of charge on the net obligation

outstanding in each period. All other leases are regarded as operating leases and the

payments made under them are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line

basis over the lease term.

Foreign currency

Foreign currency transactions are translated at the rates ruling when they occurred. Foreign

currency monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the

balance sheet date. Any differences are taken to the profit and loss account.

Financial instruments

In relation to the disclosures made in Note 25:

• Short term debtors and creditors are not treated as financial assets or financial liabilities

except for currency disclosures;

• The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading

purposes; and

• Forward exchange contracts are used to fix the exchange rate of committed and

anticipated foreign currency transactions. Gains and losses arising on such hedges are

not recognised until the transaction occurs.

The Company has not made use of any derivative financial instruments in the period.

Deferred taxation

Deferred tax balances are recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated

but not reversed by the balance sheet date except that the recognition of deferred tax assets

is limited to the extent that the Company anticipates making sufficient taxable profits in the

future to absorb the reversal of the underlying timing differences.

Deferred tax balances are not discounted.

Liquid resources

For the purpose of the cash flow statement, liquid resources are defined as current asset

investments and short term deposits.

18

Notes Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the
Period Ended 30 June 2005 continued

2.

Earnings/(Loss) per Share

The calculation of the basic earnings per share is based on the loss attributable to ordinary

shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period.

The loss for the financial period is £141,246 and the average number of shares in issue for

the year was 55,413,437.

The Company has no outstanding warrants or options at the balance sheet date and

accordingly there are no potentially dilutive shares in issue at the period end.

3.

Segmental Analysis

For the purpose of segmental information the operations of the Company consist of one

class of business, the exploration for hydrocarbon liquids and gas.

During the period the Company’s exploration and evaluation activities took place solely in

the Falkland Islands. These costs are capitalised in accordance with the accounting policies

as set out in note 1 above, and do not affect the operating loss of the Company. The

operating loss for the period as shown in the Profit and Loss account has been incurred

wholly in the United Kingdom.

Net assets as analysed as follows:

United kingdom
Falkland Islands

4. Operating Loss

Operating loss is stated after charging:
Depreciation of tangible assets
Auditors’ remuneration

£
10,363,420
1,333,582

11,697,022

£

3,720
12,500

Fees paid to the auditors of £33,055 for services relating to the Company’s admission to the

Alternative investment Market of the London Stock Exchange have been set off against the

share premium account.

5.

Employees (Including Directors)

Staff costs consist of:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs

£

36,744
3,216

39,960

The average number of employees (including Directors) during the period was 4.

19

Notes Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the
Period Ended 30 June 2005 continued

6. Director’s Emoluments

Emoluments

£
35,000

The emolument relating to the highest paid director during the period was £30,000.

7.

Interest Receivable

Bank interest

8.

Taxation

Current tax
Deferred tax

Tax on loss on ordinary activities

£
63,539

£
—
—

—

At 30 June 2005, the Company has unrelieved tax losses of £114,833 that are available for

offset against future taxable trading profits.

Factors affecting tax charge for period:

Loss on ordinary activities before tax

Loss on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate
of corporation tax in the UK of 30%
Effect of:
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Capital allowances for the period in excess of
depreciation
Trading losses carried forward

Current tax charge for period

9.

Intangible Fixed Assets

Cost
Additions during the period

At 30 June 2005

£
(141,246)

(42,374)

9,050

(1,126)
34,450

—

Unevaluated
oil & gas
properties
£

1,497,668

1,497,668

Exploration costs have been incurred wholly in the Falkland Islands.

Included within the above expenditure is an amount of £86,933 relating to costs capitalised

in respect of decommissioning activities.

20

Notes Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the
Period Ended 30 June 2005 continued

10. Tangible Fixed Aseets

Cost
Additions during the period

At 30 June 2005

Depreciation
Charge for the period

At 30 June 2005

Net book value
At 30 June 2005

11. Debtors

Other debtors
Prepayments

12. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals

13. Provision for Liabilities and Charges

Demobilisation costs – charged in the period and

balance carried forward

Computer
equipment
£

18,685

18,685

3,720

3,720

14,965

£
121,512
21,278

142,790

£
167,735
10,198
29,830
123,783

331,546

£

42,955

The Company is obliged under the terms of its licence to pay for demobilisation costs to a

pre-agreed sum set out within the licence.

14. Share Capital

Authorised
750,000,000 Ordinary shares of £0.01 each

Allotted, called up and fully paid
127,687,500 Ordinary shares of £0.01 each

£

7,500,000

1,276,875

21

Notes Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the
Period Ended 30 June 2005 continued

14. Share Capital continued

The Company was incorporated with an authorised share capital of £7.5 million divided

into 750 million ordinary shares of £0.01 each. On incorporation, 2 ordinary shares of

£0.01 each were issued at par. Subsequently, the Company has issued the following shares:

Date of issue
of shares
22 June 2004
29 September 2004
11 February 2005
5 May 2005
18 May 2005

Number of
shares
issued

Shares issued
9,999,998 Ordinary shares £0.01 each
53,250,000 Ordinary shares £0.01 each
2,000,000 Ordinary shares £0.01 each
12,437,500 Ordinary shares £0.01 each
50,000,000 Ordinary shares £0.01 each

£100,000
£532,500
£20,000
£1,990,000
£10,000,000

Consideration

At par
At par
At par
(£0.16 per share)
(£0.20 per share)

15. Reserves

Loss for the period
Premium on issue of ordinary shares
Share issue costs

At 30 June 2005

Profit and
loss account
£
(141,246)
—
—

(141,246)

16. Reconciliation of Movements in Shareholders’ Funds

Loss for the period
New share capital issued
Share issue costs

Net addition to shareholders’ funds

Closing shareholders’ funds

17. Net Cash Outflow from Operating Activities

Operating loss
Depreciation
Increase in debtors
Increase in creditors

Net cash outflow from operating activities

Share
premium
account
£
−
11,365,625
(804,232)

10,561,393

£
(141,246)
12,642,500
(804,232)

11,697,022

11,697,022

£
(204,785)
3,720
(142,790)
203,708

(140,147)

22

Notes Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the
Period Ended 30 June 2005 continued

18. Analysis of Changes in Net Funds

Cash at bank

Short term deposit

Total

At 8 June
2004
£
—

Cash flows
£
416,100

At 30 June
2005
£
416,100

—
416,100
— 10,000,000

416,100
10,000,000

— 10,416,100

10,416,100

19. Reconciliation of Net Cash Flow to Movement in Net Funds

Increase in cash
Increase in short term deposits

Net funds are 30 June 2005

20. Related Party Disclosures

At 30 June
2005
£
416,100
10,000,00

10,416,100

There are no transactions with Directors or other related parties disclosable under FRS 8.

21. Leasing Commitments

At 30 June 2005 the Company had commitments under operating leases expiring as follows:

In one year or less

22. Exploration Expenditure Commitments

Land and
buildings
£
21,810

Under production licences acquired by the Company, annual licence payments of £33,256

are payable for the next two years.

At 30 June 2005, the Company is obliged to reprocess seismic data, construct structural

modeling, to prepare a regional interpretation of play fairways and provide analysis to the

Falkland Island Government. The directors estimate this cost to be £55,426.

23. Contingent Liabilities

The Company had no contingent liabilities as at 30 June 2005.

24. Controlling Parties

So far as the Directors are not aware there are not any persons who, directly or indirectly

could exercise control over the Company.

23

Notes Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the
Period Ended 30 June 2005 continued

25. Financial Instruments

This note provides the narrative and numerical disclosures required by FRS 13 ‘‘Derivatives

and Other Financial Instruments: Disclosures’’. As permitted by FRS 13, short term debtors

and creditors have been excluded from the disclosures, other than where they relate to

currency disclosures.

The main risks arising from the Company’s operations are interest rate risk and foreign

currency translation risk. The Company monitors risk on a regular basis and takes

appropriate measures to ensure risks are managed in a controlled manner.

a)

Interest rate risk

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities accrue interest at prevailing floating rates in

the United Kingdom or at pre-arranged fixed rates, as described further below. The

Company does not currently use derivative instruments to manage its interest rate risk.

b)

Foreign currency translation risk

The functional currency of the oil and gas exploration and evaluation activities of the

Company is USD$, services and treasury functions is £ sterling. Balances are held in £

sterling and USD$ are purchased when required and used to meet exploration and

evaluation needs. At the balance sheet date there were monetary liabilities of £180,753

denominated in USD$.

Subsequent to the Balance Sheet date the Company entered into a forward exchange

contract to sell £3.75 million for US$6.57 million as a means of managing its foreign

currency translation and transaction risk.

Interest rate risk profile of financial assets:

Pounds sterling

At 30 June 2005

£
10,416,100

10,416,100

At 30 June 2005 the Company held cash at bank and in demand deposits under its control

of £10,416,100, which forms the majority of its working capital. A balance of £416,100

relates to deposits placed with banking institutions that are available on demand which

carry interest at prevailing United Kingdom deposit floating rates. In addition, the Company

has restricted deposits of £10,000,000 with weighted average fixed interest rate of 4.743%

for three months.

Fair values

The fair values of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities at 30 June 2005 are

materially equivalent to their carrying value as disclosed in the Balance Sheet and related

notes.

24

Corporate Directory

Company Number

5147938

Directors

David Harry Williamson Dobson (Non-Executive
Chairman)
Howard Kevin Obee (Chief Executive)
Peter William Fleming (Finance Director)
Christopher Nigel Hurst-Brown (Non – Executive)
Stephen James Douglas Posford (Non – Executive)

Company Secretary

William John Walton Slack

Registered Office

Nominated Advisor

Solicitors to the Company
as to English Law

Solicitors to the Company
as to Falkland Islands Law

Stockbroker

Registrars

Bankers

Independent auditors

3 Copthall Avenue
London EC2R 7BH

Insinger de Beaufort
131 Finsbury Pavement
London EC2A 1NT

Denton Wilde Sapte
1 Fleet Place
London EC4M 7WS

Ledingham Chalmers
56 John Street
Stanley
Falkland Islands

Ocean Equities Limited
3 Copthall Avenue
London EC2R 7BH

Capita Registrars
Northern House
Woodsome Park
Fenay Bridge
Huddersfield HD8 0LA

Lloyds TSB Bank plc
19 – 21 The Quadrant
Richmond
Surrey PW9 1BP

BDO Stoy Hayward LLP
8 Baker Street
London W1U 3LL

25